{"april_2021.vne3":{"10":"...before tracing them down her chest and abdomen, and sliding them into her waiting slit.","11":"Alexis moans, falling to her knees as the sensation of warmth overtakes her.","12":"The warm water only adds to the drunken arousal she is sinking into, giving herself up more and more to her pleasures.","13":"Her lithe fingers dance across her small, rigid clit, pushing her deeper into lust.","14":"But her fingers are no longer enough. The curvy blonde hungers for a feeling of something to fill her, to penetrate her womanhood.","15":"Luckily, as a resourceful woman, Alexis has just the tool she needs nearby.","16":"There you are...","17":"If her husband were home, Alexis would just drag him into the shower. It's not like he could say anything in protest.","18":"For now, ''William'' would have to do. She still gets a kick out of the little bit of unacknowledged jealousy her spouse has for the toy, though he'd never admit it.","19":"Alexis gets on her knees once more, and this time, takes the toy into her mouth. She's always been a slave to her oral fixation. It's both a blessing and a curse. One that has gotten her out of as much trouble as it's gotten her into.","20":"Since she's settled down and gotten married though, she mainly uses that fixation for domestic negotiations, realizing she should be doing this to her husband to get him to finally fix the shower.","21":"She still revels in the sensation, her beautiful golden head, bobbing up and down on the shaft. Her supple lips gliding effortlessly across the synthetic member.","22":"A master of fellatio, the long rod disappears down her throat again and again.","23":"The very act of it causes her womanhood to gush, her hands unconsciously sliding down towards her loins.","24":"She plays with her own body, while imagining the cock that she is burying down her throat is her husband's.","25":"She holds out, teasing herself, driving herself wild until she can't take it any longer.","26":"Alexis collapses back down onto her back, pulling her dildo off the shower wall, and eagerly sliding it into her desperate pussy.","27":"Oh fuck! Oh yes! That's it!","28":"The long pink phallus quickly disappears into her snatch. Her well maintained womanhood offers just the right amount of resistance to its penetration.","29":"Shudders rock Alexis, as she starts to fuck herself.","30":"Starved for more, she props her nimble body up, and starts bouncing up and down on the silicone shaft.","31":"Teasing her clit as she falls again and again on the prosthetic spear, as her large, milky juggs bounce playfully in rhythm.","32":"Oh fuck! Yes! Yes-yes-yes-yes-yes!","33":"Alexis's ecstasy crests in orgasim, as her wails of pleasure echo in the bathroom. The surges of warmth and climax washing away the stress of the day.","34":"Having satisfied herself, the curvy vixen finishes cleaning off.","35":"Drying her golden locks, she hears the front door. Her husband is finally home.","36":"Hey, babe! What did you want to do for dinner?","37":"Alexis then immediately shakes her head. She still has her bimbo moments.","38":"Hey babe, did you hear me? I wanted to see what you wanted to do for...","39":"Whoa! {PlayerName}! What are you doing?","40":"Shit! Sorry! I thought you'd be in the bathroom longer.","41":"So you thought you'd just stroke one off in the meantime?","42":"Well you just got off work and got done cleaning up. I didn't know if you'd be down to bang one out.","43":"Like, just what are you jerking off to anyways?","44":"Oh, I see. Feeling a little nostalgic, are we?","45":"I still have that old uniform. I can go throw it on, if you'd like.","46":"You remember we could barely stand each other back then.","47":"Yeah, but it didn't keep you from wanting to bang me.","48":"Maybe, but hate-fucking isn't the strongest stone to build a relationship foundation on.","49":"And yet, you still married me.","50":"Yeah, how the hell did that happen?","51":"Hm... I think I recall a thing or two that helped you come around.","52":"Whoa! Oh, yeah. That certainly didn't hurt your case.","53":"God, you're still amazing at this, you know that?","54":"That's it, use your tongue.","55":"Show me those big blue eyes.","56":"That's right, suck that dick.","57":"Jesus, I still don't know whether to kiss you or damn you for being able to do this to me.","58":"That's right, baby. I'm still that bratty little college cheerleader that would always hassle you in the IT department.","59":"Do you wanna punish me by smashing my tight little pussy?","60":"Oh, fuck! {PlayerName}, you're so big! Fuck me!","61":"This is for all the tickets you made me write up.","62":"Get me back for all the times I made you reset my password! Pound my pussy for making you recover my harddrive!","63":"Oh, baby! You're in so deep!","64":"Mmmm, I love it when you fuck me hard. But I love it when you fuck me slow, too. I like to feel every inch of you.","65":"Let me get on top. Fuck, I love to ride you! I love to feel this big, strong body under me.","66":"Do you like this? Like watching me bounce up and down in your big, hard cock?","67":"Beautiful, I never get tired of it..","68":"Alexis shifts around to finish her husband off. Propping her ass up and lowering her head to his cock just how she knows he likes. Teasing and licking at his eager shaft.","69":"That's it. Nice and slow... good girl.","70":"Her head dives down onto his member, his rigid manhood disappearing into his pretty, young wife's throat again and again, as her golden hair dancings with each bob of her head.","71":"Letting his hand explore up her supple body, he stops to let his fingers play her slit. Penetrating her and toying with her gash, causing her to moan as she goes down on him.","72":"He feels a shudder from deep within, signaling he is near.","73":"He positions Alexis down on her knees in front of him, as she submissively readies to receive him.","74":"God, you never get tired of cumming on my face, do you? I just got out of the shower!","75":"Nope.","76":"Part of him still takes some vindictive joy in getting to cum on the face of the hot, bratty cheerleader that gave him so much grief those first few years in college.","77":"Savoring the sight of Alexis submitting herself for his marking, closing her eyes and presenting her doll face and pouty lips, as he feels the blast of cum surging from deep within.","78":"Even after all these years, he loves how she still flinches every time as the first rope of cum splatters against her face. But she soon relaxes, letting him layer thick ropes of jizz across her cheeks.","79":"Mmmm, god, I still love the way you taste.","80":"By the way, when are you gonna fix the shower? It still takes, like, forever to get hot.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"The blonde reaches out and tests the water again, finding it's reached a warmth to her liking.","2":"Finally! I swear to god, if he doesn't fix it by tomorrow, I'm calling a plumber!","3":"Taking a step in, the warm rivelts of hot water trail down her supple young body. Curving and arcing across her plump breasts and silky belly.","4":"Oh god, I [i]so[\/i] needed this.","5":"The grime of a long shift at her neurosurgery residency washes down the beautiful young doctor's body, as she gently scrubs her torso.","6":"As she cleans her ample breasts though, something stirs inside of her.","7":"Alexis's need for release grows, her nipples hardening from stimulation, her body responding to the positive feedback loop of touching and arousal she is feeding in to.","8":"Why not. You had a hard day, girl. You deserve it.","9":"She wets her fingers in her mouth, sucking on them sensually..."},"april_2022.vne3":{"10":"How's the new apartment treating you?","11":"Not bad for being cheaper than my last place. I'm still settling in and making it feel like home.","12":"By the way, I'm having a little housewarming party tomorrow night, if you're free.","13":"Nothing crazy, just a cozy little get-together with friends to break the new place in.","14":"A relaxed evening at a small party does sound nice.","15":"Count me in, is there anything I can bring?","16":"Just that handsome face, Silent One! 8 PM, don't be late!","17":"Wouldn't miss it!","18":"It's the following night, as I walk up to Haley's front door and knock.","19":"Something seems off. Even for a small get-together, Haley's apartment seems awfully quiet.","20":"Did I get the date wrong? Is this the right apartment? Suddenly I feel I've made some awkward mistake.","21":"Then the door swings open, and Haley looks up at me and smiles.","22":"{PlayerName}! You made it!","23":"Hey!... Am I early? Or...","24":"Nope, right on time!","25":"I step inside. Craning my head around, I don't see any other guests. ","26":"Haley cracks a cheeky little smile, seeing my confusion.","27":"So, I may have misled you just a little.","28":"It's less of a party, and more of just a private little dinner...","29":"...To say, thank you.","30":"I know I can be kind of... withholding. I probably don't let people into my life enough, or don't accept help when I should, but...","31":"...I'm glad I made an exception with you.","32":"So uh...I hope you're hungry! I made my specialty!","33":"Still a little surprised at how much more intimate this night is turning out, I fumble out a quick reply. ","34":"Oh, yeah! Starved!","35":"Dinner was... interesting.","36":"At least it was the chicken that was overcooked and the vegetables undercooked, and not the other way around.","37":"Haley fixes us another round of cocktails and hands one to me, joining me on the couch as we relax after dinner.","38":"Perks of knowing a bartender.","39":"Cheers!","40":"How was the food?","41":"It was amazing! I haven't had a home cooked meal like that in a long time!","42":"Liar.","43":"You can't hide behind that cold, calm, computerized voice app, Silent One!","44":"You speak more with your eyes than any man I've known.","45":"It's okay, I'm a terrible cook.","46":"She's not lying about her food, I bet it'd be easier trying to eat a shoe than Haley's chicken.","47":"I try to move the subject away from her atrocious culinary skills.","48":"How'd you come to work at Sevigny's?","49":"It's a boring story, really. Girl see's ad for bartender. Girl answers ad for bartender.","50":"Have you ever considered doing some singing there? If you did want to be a lounge singer, it'd be a great place to start.","51":"It's quiet, low key, laid back.","52":"Half the customers are your friends so you know they'll be supportive.","53":"Oh god, no! I'd never subject my friends to that!","54":"If you say so, but one of these days I'm going to get you to sing.","55":"You could be our town's own version of Jessica Rabbit!","56":"That's very flattering of you, but I don't exactly have the bustline to fill out Jessica Rabbit's dress.","57":"Haley flashes a shy little smile, hugging her chest, seemingly a little shy and insecure about her figure.","58":"For the record, I rather like your bustline.","59":"She looks back at me with those big, gray, beautiful eyes, and the energy in the room seems to shifts.","60":"So, you like my breasts?","61":"Haley slowly crawls over to me on the couch.","62":"Her movements and gaze are almost feline. I feel my pulse quicken as she slides up onto my lap and straddles me.","63":"Riding me, she studies my face while I slowly become intoxicated by the gentle scent of her hair and skin.","64":"What else do you like about me?","65":"I'm trying to think of what to say, but Haley slowly pulling off her shirt makes it hard to concentrate.","66":"And whatever sense I did have disappears, as I watch her two plump, perky young breasts bounce free from under her top.","67":"You have weary petey eyes.","68":"Fucking autocorrect! I can't focus on my phone with Haley's ample womanhood swaying provocatively in my face!","69":"Hmmm, it's true. I have been told I have ''weary petey eyes''.","70":"What else?","71":"Haley crawls off me and starts to peel off her jeans.","72":"My fingers are turning to jelly, as I try to tell her that I like her ass and legs.","73":"I ice your bass and eggs.","74":"God dammit!","75":"Oh {PlayerName}, no man's ever told me they'll ''ice my bass and eggs'' before!","76":"Now she's giggling, loving how flustered she's making me.","77":"Jesus, she is gorgeous. Every inch of her is sculpted to perfection. My eyes hug every one of her curves as she kicks her jeans away.","78":"She saunters over and starts crawling back up in my lap, her warm thighs straddling me. ","79":"She starts to grind her pelvis on mine, my cock growing rock hard as her expression changes from one of amusement to lustful longing.","80":"Giving up on trying to type, I toss my phone on the ground next to the couch and grab Haley's arms, drawing her close so we're face to face.","81":"What about my lips?","82":"I pull her close and kiss her.","83":"The dam has broken, and both of us are suddenly swept away in this torrent of pent up passion.","84":"I let my hands explore her gently, as if she's some animal I'm afraid to scare off.","85":"Her lips are sweet, and I taste and smell just the faintest hint of vanilla as we kiss.","86":"Our tongues collide and tangle together, tasting one another.","87":"I let a hand slide lower down her backside, grabbing a thick handful of her supple ass.","88":"Cooing, Haley leans in to nibble at my ear, and whispers.","89":"I love how your hands feel on me.","90":"If I'm moving too fast, just... I dunno... tap me on the nose or something, alright?","91":"I nod, gesturing with my hands for her to do the same if I'm moving too fast for her. She grins.","92":"I will.","93":"My attention drifts to her plump, young breasts, and I start exploring them with my mouth.","94":"Sucking and licking at her stiff little nipples, toying with them using my tongue, coaxing the sweetest little whimpers from her.","95":"I'm suddenly, painfully aware of how oppressive my clothes are.","96":"While I tug off my shirt, Haley pulls my pants and boxers off, and takes my hard cock in her small, soft hand.","97":"Mmmm... should I take this as a signal you want to keep going?","98":"Feeling her lithe fingers wrapped around my shaft sends me into a near beastial lust.","99":"If seeking to tame my animalistic fever, Haley reaches up and presses me back into the couch.","100":"She gets down on her elbows and knees and arches her back, pressing her ass up and lowering her head to my waiting member.","101":"Always a tease, Haley toys with me, grazing the glans of my penis with her lips and tongue, but not yet taking it into her mouth.","102":"Almost uncontrollably, I start to gently thrust upward, desperate to penetrate past her lips.","103":"I guess Haley decides she's tortured me enough, and finally surrenders her mouth to me.","104":"Her soft, velvety lips glide down my shaft, and I feel that heavenly, hot wetness engulf me.","105":"Haley's head bobs up and down, she's giving complete and total attention to the blowjob. Enjoying her work and the effect it's having on me.","106":"She works every bit of her mouth like a finely tuned instrument. Lips and tongue and cheek all in finely orchestrated fellatio. And sweet little moans as a cherry on top.","107":"She arches her back more to get a better position...or maybe propping her ass up for me to play with?","108":"I let my hands caress the soft curves of her sumptuous cheek, and explore her with my fingers.","109":"Welcoming my touch, she presses her ass back into my hand, so I explore deeper.","110":"My fingers glide across her labia, dragging a trail of her sticky wetness with them.","111":"Haley lets out a muffled moan, her mouth still sliding up and down my cock. I feel her squirm and writhe about as I continue to play with her pussy.","112":"I could do this all night, just have Haley suck my dick while I toy with her.","113":"As amazing as this feels though, I don't want to neglect Haley... plus, I need payback for her teasing.","114":"Gently guiding her up into a sitting position, I slide down on the floor and spread her legs. Then start pulling off her panties.","115":"What are you... ohhhh...","116":"Her scent is sweet and I don't think I'll ever know anything as soft as the inside of her silky thighs.","117":"You really don't have to... ohhh... mmm...","118":"Teasing her labia with my tongue, I lap delicately at her, and feel her hips buckle as she gasps.","119":"Oh fuck, {PlayerName}, that feels so good!","120":"I continue to tease the blue haired beauty, enjoying the chorus of sensual, desperate whimpers and moans as she presses her pubis into my face, aching for more.","121":"Gyrating and writhing up on the couch, Haley twists and bends in a kind of dance, as if little bursts of energy and music are firing through her.","122":"Intensifying things, I grab her around the waist and hoist her up to eat her out more deeply!","123":"Haley's breathing quickens, as she rhythmically gyrates her pelvis against my face with a feverish sexual thirst.","124":"But my attempts to rile her up have backfired, as my own hunger for her has skyrocketed.","125":"Just tasting her pussy isn't enough.","126":"Mmm, what are you going to do to me now?","127":"I grab Haley and flip her over, causing her to let out a cute little squeal. She submissively assumes a position on her hands and knees, waiting for me to take her from behind.","128":"{PlayerName}... Please... fuck me...","129":"Pressing the head of my erection to her pussy lips, my cock slowly penetrates Haley, as she lets out a high pitch, throaty gasp.","130":"Her pussy is incredibly tight, but wet and welcoming, sucking at my shaft.","131":"Haley relaxes and leans forward before pushing back into me. Our bodies sync into a rhythm, pressure building with each thrust.","132":"Her tits jump playfully back and forth as she's pounded from behind, moaning rhythmically with our motions.","133":"The thrusts grow deeper and more powerful, but Haley's tight slit keeps clutching at my shaft.","134":"Harder! Fuck me harder!","135":"With her egging me on, I start putting even more power in each rail.","136":"Breath quickening, Haley's legs start to quiver, shaking while my cock penetrates her again and again. Her moans rise as the orgasm overtakes her.","137":"Hailey's moans grow, as she collapses further into the couch, her whole body shuddering.","138":"Her tight pussy slurps at my cock, as if trying to suck the cum out of me!","139":"But as her quakes of orgasm begins to subside, I throttle back. Giving her a chance to rest for a moment!","140":"As I let off, Haley and I both take a moment to catch our breath, and she flips over, looking up affectionately at me.","141":"Do you want me from this way?","142":"Grinning, I grab her around the thighs, pulling her in, and revel in her a little cry of pleasure as my cock head spears her pussy.","143":"Changing the tempo, I slide into her slowly, feeling every millimeter of her around my shaft and savoring each second of it!","144":"Haley watches with lustful curiosity, playing with her delicate little breasts and cooing softly.","145":"Taking it slower this round, I lean in close to her, looking into those big, smokey gray eyes as I start to gently thrust.","146":"Letting her hands ride up my arms and explore my shoulders and back, while she hooks those lithe, supple legs around my waist and clutches to me tightly.","147":"Oh god! That feels so good!","148":"Haley pulls me close and kisses me while I slide in and out of her, her breasts pressing up against my chest. Then she whispers softly into my ear:","149":"How do you want to finish?","150":"Cum inside her.","151":"Cum in her mouth.","152":"Cum on her face.","153":"Still inside Haley, I give her a little extra with my next thrust, and she grins.","154":"Do you want to finish inside me?","155":"I knod, and giggling, Haley swings her feet up over my shoulders, as I start to hump her feverishly.","156":"It doesn't take long, and within moments, my own legs are twitching, grabbing her shapely, perky breast, as I tense up and blast a thick, hot, sticky load deep inside the blue haired beauty!","157":"I linger inside Haley for a moment, catching my breath and just basking in the post climax glow, feeling my member shrink inside her.","158":"As my cock slides out, Haley coos softly, and I swear I can still feel the heat coming off her sex from a foot away.","159":"Looking down, she watches the pearly little trail of my cum leak from her slit and giggles.","160":"Jesus, {PlayerName}! You really don't skimp on the cream filling, huh?","161":"I grin, taking in the sight of Haley's beautiful, ravishing body, and basking in the primal satisfaction of having seeded her.","162":"I reach up with my hand and thumb Haley's plump, soft lip.","163":"You want to have my mouth?","164":"I nod, flashing her a big grin, and she giggles.","165":"I climb off her and let her get down on her knees in front of me.","166":"Eagerly, she's already taking my hard cock back into her soft, wet mouth.","167":"I watch her head bobbing up and down. Her blue bangs swaying hypnotically in tempo with her motions.","168":"Shivers of pleasure dance up my arms and spine. Her mouth feels absolutely amazing, and I wonder what it would take to get this every day.","169":"With lips caressing my shaft, and her soft tongue licking and gliding up and down it, it doesn't take long for me to feel the surge of pressure from deep within.","170":"I tap her on the arm to let her know I'm getting close, and she replies the best way possible, with just a muffled little...","171":"Mm-hm.","172":"I can't hold it back any longer, bracing myself, I fire my load off into Haley's waiting mouth!","173":"She flinches slightly, wincing at the force and size of the ejaculation, but quickly composes herself and tilts her head back further, receiving the rest of my load eagerly.","174":"Shooting the last of my jissom into her mouth, Haley cups her lips, trying to keep the growing pool of my semen from cascading down her chin.","175":"Looking up at me like a proud puppy, mouth open to show she didn't let a single drop of my seed escape!","176":"Seeing my cum pooled in her mouth like that, I can't think of a better place for it!","177":"I respond by reaching up and touching her cheek gently.","178":"Hmmm...you wanna shoot it on my face?","179":"I nod bashfully, wondering how she'll take it. But a coy, cat-like grin stretches across her face, as she slides out from under me and gets down on her knees on the floor.","180":"I stand up, my cock pointed straight at her face, and start vigorously jerking off!","181":"Is this what you want? My pretty little face all covered in your jizz?","182":"Looking down at her, eagerly waiting for me to blow my load all over her beautiful face!","183":"It feels so wrong...","184":"...but also... so very... very right!","185":"Taking aim with my cock, I give a final stroke, and a jet of cum explodes all over her!","186":"She winces and squeals, as the thick, hot ropes of pearly semen whip at her cheeks.","187":"With the waves of pleasure subsiding, and the last, lazy squirts of cum lapping at her chin, Haley looks up at me, mouth agape and chuckling in utter shock at the size of the load coating her.","188":"Oh god, it's so much! I feel like I'm still gonna get pregnant just from that facial!","189":"Thoroughly drained of both energy... and cum, I collapse back down on the couch.","190":"Haley gets up, still giggling as she stumbles off to the bathroom to grab a towel and clean herself up.","191":"After a couple minutes, she returns, sliding up next to me on the couch and resting her head on my arm, the warmth of her naked skin feeling absolutely heavenly.","192":"I look over at her and those gorgeous, steely eyes.","193":"Mmmm... that was nice... I'm not crushing you, am I?","194":"I shake my head to tell her ''no''. Then reach over and retrieve my phone from where I tossed it, typing out a quick message.","195":"I told you I would get you to sing.","196":"Haley squints and gives me a cheeky, bashful grin, smacking me playfully on the chest. ","197":"I grin and I drop my phone back down on the floor before wrapping my arms back around Haley, dozing off together in our post-coital glow.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"Between work, school, and this investigation, I'm feeling worn out.","2":"All I want to do is sit back, have a cold beer, and forget about everything for a few hours.","3":"Just the sight of Sevigny's is like a breath of fresh air.","4":"Stepping inside, I spot Haley behind the bar. She gives me a warm smile as I grab a seat.","5":"Like some blue haired angel, she pops open a tall, frosty bottle and puts it down in front of me.","6":"It's so beautiful, I could cry.","7":"You look like you could use one of these. Rough day?","8":"Just work and college got me a little burnt out.","9":"A cold sip of beer, and the sound of Haley's smokey, sensual voice, and I'm already feeling better."},"april_2023.vne3":{"10":"On every monitor, every screen, flashes jiggling, fleshy globes. A chorus of coos and moans erupt from everywhere at once, signaling that the invading pop-ups are animated and have audio.","11":"Amidst the cacophony of moans and ''I'm so horny''s, I b-line for Sandra's office.","12":"I knock and open her door. She's responded before even looking.","13":"I know! I know! I see it!","14":"How much you want to bet someone on campus with admin privileges thought they'd beat some meat at the office while everyone else is away?","15":"You'd think with all the memos that have been sent out people would know better.","16":"Someone's about to get fired.","17":"Hardly. It's probably some 84 year old geezer with tenure.","18":"I'm sure whoever... shalehhill_uni_admin004 was assigned to, they ''accidently'' clicked on a weird email link and had no idea they were downloading pornware across the entire campus net.","19":"At least they picked a model with some bodacious knockers.","20":"Jesus, look at all the cum on this girl's face. Someone must be making daddy proud.","21":"God, do you see the way this one is just spearing herself with a dildo? Just look at her, she's like an animal!","22":"I chuckle, but also notice Sandra's cheek start to warm.","23":"I don't know if she's even aware, but her eyes drift from the screen downward.","24":"Is... Sandra looking at my dick?","25":"Her eyes linger over my bulge for a moment, cheeks turning even redder, and chewing on her lip.","26":"But Sandra suddenly shakes her head clear and turns back to her keyboard.","27":"Right. Just have to scrub the malware... reset privileges, and....","28":"Done. We just have to wait for the servers to reboot.","29":"So we are officially an IT office with no T for the next... 84 minutes.","30":"The slender recluse turns to me. I wonder if she even realizes how little she's actually wearing.","31":"With the sound of moans and slapping flesh suddenly absent, a weird energy floods the space between us.","32":"So... was there anything else?","33":"No. I'll get out of your hair.","34":"I turn to leave, wondering what I'm going to do for the next 80 minutes.","35":"I should go set the automatic phone message, so anyone that calls in will be notified that the campus servers are down for maintenance.","36":"Thank god this happened on a long weekend. It would have been the apocalypse if this happened while the semester was in session.","37":"I wonder what the hell Sandra is going to do in there for the next 80 minutes without internet.","38":"Maybe she knits.","39":"Could just take my lunch now... but it's still a little early and I'm not that hungry.","40":"I could go work out. Get that knocked out for the day. But I don't have my gym stuff with me and I don't want to be gross the rest of the day either.","41":"There's that giant pile of old computers that need to be wiped. It's been on my to do list for months now, maybe I'll actually go get that done.","42":"I shoot Sandra a text to let her know that I'm heading over to our storage closet to take care of the old computers for now.","43":"Grabbing my stuff, I head for the door.","44":"I'm not even out of the office when my phone chirps. I check the text message.","45":"Hey, come back real quick. -Hank","46":"I roll my eyes and turn around.","47":"She probably has a couple of old computers lying around for the pile.","48":"I walk back in to see Sandra standing at her door.","49":"If she's got extra towers for the scrap yard, I should grab the cart from the janitor's closet. That'll save me from having to make extra trips if I have to carry more than one...","50":"You wanna fool around?","51":"I freeze like a deer in the headlights, staring into Sandra's sultry gaze. Her fingers slipped down her panties, rubbing herself.","52":"My brain is trying to reboot harder than our servers, when she gingerly saunters up to me.","53":"Come on. It'll be fun.","54":"Her lithe fingers wrap around my arm and she guides my own hand down her panties. Fingers sliding against her hot mound, her slit is already soaking her panties.","55":"The signal circumvents every higher brain function I have. When my fingers touch her wetness, the idea I could refuse vanishes from my mind.","56":"Teasing her tight vag sends Sandra's big pretty eyes rolling back in her head for a moment, her cheeks now beat red.","57":"Her breathing grows faster and more shallow, as if beckoning me to go further.","58":"I don't know why I gave into it so easily. How Sandra and my distant, at times near confrontational relationship, translate into this kind of raw passion?","59":"Is it the simple fact that she is a ready, eager, beautiful young woman in the throes of heat?","60":"Whatever the case, my hands explore her body almost of their own volition. Fully rubbing her womanhood while grabbing at her plump ass.","61":"She's so small and delicate in my hands. It's almost like she's no longer even Sandra anymore. Just this other animal I'm locked into mating with.","62":"I drive her to the couch and she tosses her legs up so I can start undressing her.","63":"But she breaks out of her own spell for a moment while I strip off her panties.","64":"Hey, this stays between you and me, got it?","65":"I nod.","66":"Taking a moment, I admire her glistening slit.","67":"Legs spread and laid out before me, she's a total snack.","68":"She holds her breath in excitement when I lower my mouth to her pussy.","69":"I can feel the heat radiating off it, and when I touch her, the gasp of pleasure betrays how utterly starving for sensual touch Sandra actually is.","70":"Pressing Sandra even farther, I lift her pelvis up and tongue at her defenseless asshole.","71":"The caramel skinned vixen coos' and whimpers into a puddle of flesh at my prodding.","72":"Sandra's moans and cries are seasoned with a hint of shame. It must be difficult, someone so guarded, surrendering and exposing themselves so intimately.","73":"But whatever shame she might have had is quickly drowned in the cocktail of pleasure hormones flooding her brain as I continue to eat her out.","74":"Oh fuck... holy shit! What are you doing to me?","75":"A flustered and panting Sandra looks up at me.","76":"I'm serious. If Linus finds out about this I'll use your balls as my door knockers.","77":"Contrasting her threat, I feel Sandra's fingers start to rub my pants, seeking out my bulging, rock hard erection.","78":"She undoes my fly, and reaching down my pants, retrieves my throbbing hardon.","79":"Sandra wastes no time, immediately and vigorously pumping my cock, trying to grow it even larger.","80":"There's something extra sweet about getting jerked off by my boss.","81":"More so since somehow this feels more like I'm doing her a favor than the other way around.","82":"In one hand she pumps at my serpent, with the other she diddles herself.","83":"This all just feels... surreal. I wonder if Linus will detect a disturbance in the force next time he sits down on this couch.","84":"Sandra continues to flip her bean, juggling keeping me rock hard and getting herself off.","85":"Studying her, I can tell she's trying to hit climax, but can't quite make it on her own power.","86":"Finally, she cocks her head towards me.","87":"Okay, listen, I'm gonna need you to go ahead and just rail my pussy, alright?","88":"Well, since she asked...","89":"Sandra pulls her top off, letting her healthy young breasts bounce free, while I get on top of her.","90":"No need to bother with romance on this one. This is pure lust. I grab Sandra by her legs and tug her towards me, the sudden and forceful action taking her by surprise.","91":"And without missing a beat, I press my cock to her waiting pussy, and push it inside her. Coaxing a sharp gasp from Sandra when she's penetrated.","92":"Holy... fuck! Oh, it's so big!","93":"I begin thrusting, pounding forcefully into Sandra's pussy, and watching her perky tits bounce each time I rock her.","94":"D-d-don't get used to this, okay! This is a one time thing! I'm not gonna be your office fuck-toy!","95":"I nod. Sandra seems to want to make sure that she knows she's using me. A fact that I'm unironically, totally fine with.","96":"But as I pick up the pace, it seems as if my dance partner's composure is slipping.","97":"Oh my god... of fuck! Harder... just like that!","98":"It feels like I'm fucking loose the language center of her brain. Sandra sounds like she's trying to form words, but they just melt into moans.","99":"Instead of talking, she focuses on stimulating herself, eyes glossing over and going out of focus as she plays with her nipples.","100":"Deeper... I want it deeper!","101":"You'd think that after a year squirreled away in a service room, Sandra wouldn't be such a freak... Or maybe that explains everything.","102":"I roll her up on her side, getting behind her so I can drill from a different angle.","103":"She hooks me by the neck, pulling me in tight to kiss.","104":"There's little tenderness in it, but instead an abundance of hungry, biting lust. She's not afraid to sink her teeth into my lips, almost as if she's trying to provoke me.","105":"I take it out on her pussy. Driving her hard and deeper into her hot womanhood.","106":"Slamming my meat into her over and over, sending her wailing and moaning. Her cries echoing throughout the office.","107":"But my endurance has limits. After railing her gash for what feels like forever, I finally start to gas out.","108":"What's the matter, why are you slowing down?","109":"Panting, drenched in sweat, I shrug, and gesture down the coating of sweat I've accumulated from vigorously fucking her brains out for the past 10 minutes.","110":"Ugh, fine. Lean back.","111":"I do as she says, lying back into the couch and trying to catch my breath.","112":"She crawls over, jerking me off to make sure I'm still at full mast.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","113":"Don't get excited, I'm not gonna stick your dick in my mouth.","1":"It's just a quiet day at work. The college is technically closed for a long weekend, but I took some holiday hours to make a little extra cash.","114":"Well, she's direct. But I can hardly complain when she crawls on top of me and lowers herself down around my staff.","2":"Linus is off at some video game con, so it's just me and Hank\/Sandra. Still, there's not a ton to do. Only a few tickets trickling in here or there, until...","115":"She shudders when I feel the tip slide in between her wet lips.","3":"As an IT technician, seeing something pop open on your screen, unsolicited or unsuspected, can cause one to pucker a bit.","116":"Even while I'm still catching my breath, I can't help but grab her thighs and start bouncing her up and down on my rod.","4":"So the huge, gratuitous message popping up on my screen is cause for concern. But it's nothing compared to what's about to follow.","117":"The hot, wet, wonderfulness of her pussy enveloping my cock once again.","5":"...","118":"All the while, her finger teases her clit. Edging herself ever close to finishing.","6":"Well, this isn't good.","119":"I know she says this is a one time thing, but I sure wouldn't hate making this part of our weekly work routine. We can call it a stress relief exercise.","7":"The sight of titties will usually send my heart soaring... but not when they pop up on my work computer, and my job as an IT tech.","120":"Our desecration of the office couch continues for some time, Sandra riding me like a bucking bronco.","8":"Around me, other computers in the lab start to chime. I turn around to have my horror realized.","121":"It feels like we're in this bubble of warm, wet, sex. The very air seems hotter and heavier.","9":"Titties... Everywhere.","122":"But Sandra has her limits too, and after riding me for a few minutes, she collapses into my arms, a desperate, quivering wreck.","123":"Fuck me from behind... please...","124":"Any preamble or bossiness has been fucked out of her. Rendered submissive by hard fucking, she lets me flip her over on all fours, and obediently props her ass up for at me at my touch.","125":"She tenses up with anxious, lustful energy when I reenter her again.","126":"Taking her from behind lets me get even deeper than before, and I take full advantage of that, driving my rock hard member deep inside Sandra.","127":"She moans in surrender, pressing her stunning body to mine, scrambling for every possible square inch of contact.","128":"Until finally, she pops. Her voice erupts to a scream when she finally hits orgasm. Her body quaking and bucking against me, before collapsing limply back into my arms.","129":"Sandra might have finished, but I'm not.","130":"I shove her back down onto her hands and knees, and grab her by her slender waist, fucking her doggy style.","131":"Oh-fuck-oh-fuck-oh-fuck.","132":"Cum in me! Cum in me, please!","133":"I slam my cock home with the final few thrusts, and hit my own climax.","134":"It overtakes me like a possession. I hold Sandra down, and pump ounce after ounce of my hot seed deep inside her.","135":"Panting, and coming back to my senses, I let my cock slip out of Sandras throbbing pussy.","136":"Thick lines of my cum pouring from her battered slit.","137":"With a moment to finally catch my breath, I gaze down at Sandra's curvy, freshly ravaged body.","138":"Holy fuck... I [i]so[\/i] needed that.","139":"True to what she said, Sandra doesn't appear to be harboring any affections, and she flips over, looking up at me indifferent to the passionate episode we just shared.","140":"I'm gonna need you to go get some cleaner and wipe down this couch. Then when that's done, I need you to skip lunch because we're probably going to have a lot of tickets coming in once the server's back up.","141":"After what we just did to it, we may just need to throw the whole couch out."},"april_2024.vne3":{"10":"Hey! Don't you stick that juicy bedonk right in front of my face! Who the hell do you think you are? You're about to get a bite taken out of that thing, mister!","11":"I manage to catch Sam trying to run for the grenade launcher, and blast her again, winning the match.","12":"My hands punch skyward in victory, while Sam pouts.","13":"No fair! You had your taut ass in my face!","14":"Looks like I won...","15":"What? Oh, what I said before? Like, when I said I'd ''suck your dick '' if I lost?","16":"You seemed very sure of yourself that you would win.","17":"Psh... like... whatever...","18":"Scoffing and getting to her feet, her playful, petite breasts bouncing on her slender frame, Sam walks around in front of me. ","19":"You're lucky I'm a girl of my word... and I'm a little horny.","20":"Maybe it was you taking all my shots to your face in game.","21":"Oh my god, you're such a guy.","22":"But despite her eye rolling, Sam's dainty hand has already fished my hardening cock from my boxers, beginning to pump it.","23":"She bends over even further, steadying herself on my thigh, and begins to gently mouth and lick my now throbbing shaft.","24":"It feels like a slice of heaven is kissing my gear.","25":"The randy asian kitten pauses between exploring my dick with her mouth to make more playful excuses.","26":"You're [i]so[\/i] lucky that... I totally moisturized my hands earlier and... the controller was totally slippery...and...","27":"... [i]Fuck[\/i], those stupid rumors about your cock were true? I really have to try and get this down my throat?","28":"No fair!... Why did I bet a blowjob?","29":"Her bratty whines might have made me feel some sympathy, but she did bet a ''good and proper deep-throating'' to counter my bet to buy pizza if I lost the game. A deal is a deal.","30":"I pantomime that I'd settle for whatever, she could even just pick up the pizza if she'd like. But Sam shakes her head.","31":"Nope. If there's one thing being a girl-scout has taught me, it's to always keep your promises!","32":"With that, Sam pulls her head back and slides her pouty lips up and around my shaft. The wave of pleasure is like a drug coursing through my veins.","33":"I feel Sam's jaw open wide to accommodate my girth, and I feel her awkwardly adjusting her posture, like this was her first time sucking a dick all over again.","34":"But the little minx is persistent, trying to relax her throat and bob her head to force my thick piston down a small, wet shaft.","35":"She moans softly, and I feel her shoulders and chest tense as she tries to take even more of my wood.","36":"But, seemingly unaware to her, her hips begin to sway leisurely while her thighs grind together, betraying her own arousal.","37":"Soon even those thighs and hips are put to work, rocking her back and forth as she struggles for every millimeter.","38":"She looks up at me with those gorgeous, golden brown eyes, while at the same time I feel my cock pressing against the back of her mouth.","39":"I sense the tip of my meaty torpedo begin to dive down her moist throat.","40":"The feeling of so much of my cock in her mouth is simply exhilarating.","41":"Unable to resist the temptation, I put my hands on her head and begin to help her try and get it all down.","42":"Gently at first, testing her reaction, and slowly, more firmly.","43":"Soon I'm bouncing her head up and down on my junk, feeling her start to suppress a few gags and coughs.","44":"Sam finally pulls away, panting deeply, but so lusty at this point her lips seem magnetically attracted to my cock.","45":"Fuck! You're so god-damn big! I can't even take it all!","46":"Grab my phone.","47":"Okay. Not sure why, but it sounds exciting.","48":"Alright. Now take a picture of me with it!","49":"I feel and see my dick twitch, rocking back and lightly spanking a coy Samantha right on those pink pillowy lips.","50":"If she insists... I snap a pic of her holding my meat next to her face, as if to show off the size of it.","51":"As she stands, and begins stripping off her panties, I begin to wonder if I should start making more bets with Sam.","52":"She takes her phone, giggling as she types something on it, and tosses it aside.","53":"I messaged you a picture for your spank bank scrap book! Since I feel bad about not being able to totally deep throat you.","54":"I give her an incredulous glare. I honestly thought she was bullshitting about the blowjob. I'd struggle to complain about a mid-tier, unenthusiastic blowjob! To say nothing of Sam's eager and lusty performance.","55":"She giggles again, this time dripping with more arousal, and leans in to kiss.","56":"I feel her unbelievably smooth inner thighs begin crawling up my lap as she straddles me.","57":"Well, since we got you all fired up, might as well take it for a spin, right?","58":"It's certainly hard logic to argue with.","59":"More so, when the head of my cock pops into her tight, wet slit. My brain instantly gets punched with a cocktail of endorphins so strong I get dizzy.","60":"Ohhhh fuck! Fuck! You're so b-big!","61":"As the petite raven haired coed slides down my cock, her shudders grow so strong she has to grip tightly to my shoulders, trying to steady herself from her own tremors of pleasure.","62":"The maddening sensation frenzies Sam. Her perky young tits jiggling wildly as she gyrates in my lap.","63":"Suddenly grabbing my face, she crushes a kiss against my lips, as if trying to channel some of that sexual energy back into me.","64":"Sam's tight pussy still has to work a bit of overtime, but I eventually feel her cheeks smushing against my thighs when she comes to be fully seated on my meat.","65":"Behind us though, Sam's phone beeps.","66":"She pauses from our fun and game to check the notification. Though she's not able to totally ignore the fact that I have the bulk of my length buried completely inside her.","67":"Oh it's... just my Mom...","68":"Just have to... Oooh... text her real quick...","69":"Even if she's distracted on her phone, I still have my fun. Driving my hips upward to drill even deeper inside her, while squeezing her perky, plump, ass cheeks.","70":"Whoa! How's a girl supposed to text with her sweet, dear mother about bad tv talent shows with you back here trying to shift her kidneys around?","71":"I grin, while Sam resumes riding me, rocking her hips back in rhythm with my stick.","72":"Holy shit! Fuck, I can't get over how girthy you are!","73":"It feels like I'm getting fucked by a tallboy beer can!","74":"Why aren't you taking me doggy style yet?","75":"Now she's done it. Getting to my feet, I toss her down on the couch, and give her teasing little ass a good spank.","76":"Grabbing that nubile behind, I press my eager ramrod to Sam's gash, and re-enter her.","77":"Fuck, yes! You gonna [i]punish[\/i] me with that big cock for being a sore loser and not totally deep-throating you?","78":"Grinning, I give her another good smack on her rump, and turn her squeal into a moan when I start to really ride her.","79":"But suddenly, there's a loud, intrusive knock at the door.","80":"Sam and I both freeze, and I can't help but notice, despite being taken by surprise, how good it feels when she tenses up around my cock.","81":"Oh, shit. I wonder if we are being a bit [i]too[\/i] loud. The dorms aren't exactly known for their sound proofing.","82":"Wait right here. I'll get it.","83":"Sam slides out from under me and scampers to the door, her bright ass cheeks jiggling with each step.","84":"Grabbing the handle, she slowly opens it, peeking out from behind the door to hide her nakedness.","85":"You little slut! Why didn't you text me earlier that you were having a playdate?","86":"Alexis?","87":"The blonde cheerleader peeks her head in, eyes shifting up and down my naked frame.","88":"Oh! Hey, IT guy. Nice cock.","89":"What the hell?","90":"Well, I thought we were just gonna hang out and play videogames at first. But I made a stupid bet that I'd blow him if I lost a game. I'm usually the one who wins, so I figured it was an easy free pizza.","91":"Ugh. You're such a nerd. But I've been there.","92":"I am flabbergasted. I didn't even think Sam and Alexis even really knew each other!","93":"Sam? You guys are friends?","94":"Well, we're not, like, ''besties'', or anything...","95":"... But, you know...","96":"I watch with equal parts surprise and excitement when Alexis pulls Sam in close and the two start kissing.","97":"The blonde coos and licks and Sam's mouth. With both the girls eventually breaking down into giggles.","98":"I can [i]totally[\/i] taste cock on your lips.","99":"Well, duh, I've been trying to deep throat one!","100":"Alexis pulls Sam in even tighter, the two coeds grinding on one another as they resume their frenching.","101":"God damn. First a BJ, then sex, now this... That was the best videogame win I've ever had!","102":"The girls must sense me gawking at them, as they both look over, flashing mischievous smiles.","103":"What? Don't be weird. It's no big deal.","104":"Seriously, it's really not that complicated. She's horny, I'm horny...","105":"I walked past her room one afternoon while she was doing yoga, and I was all, like, ''I could do some Korean for dinner''.","106":"You're Korean, right?","107":"Oh my god, you're such a ditz. You should have your own webcomic.","108":"Alexis's eyes are drawn down to my flagpole, and she turns her attention from Sam.","109":"Mmm, so this is the cock that was giving you trouble?","110":"With no preamble, Alexis grabs hold of my shaft and begins stroking it, while Sam cozies up across from her.","111":"Haha! Don't be a bitch! Look at how big it is!","112":"My mind is still processing that this has evolved into a threesome as Alexis and Sam lower themselves to their knees. Alexis still eagerly pumping my meat back to full mast.","113":"I... I think I can take all of it.","114":"Taking full advantage of the situation, I place a hand on both of their heads, and draw them into my waiting member.","115":"Both girls begin to coo, licking and kissing my shaft. The sensation is enough to light my central nervous system up like a Christmas tree.","116":"Alexis positions herself at my feet, then takes the head of my cock into her mouth without so much as a second thought.","117":"Her jaw extends and those supple lips stretch around my manhood's circumference.","118":"Oh, this is so fucking hot right now!","119":"Sam has Alexis by the back of her golden head, and is helping the small blonde cheerleader take more of my length, emitting muffled, sensual whimpers.","120":"That's right! Suck his cock, you dirty little slut!","121":"Whoa, I think I've never heard Sam talk dirty like that. She must be really excited.","122":"Sam drops behind Alexis, fishing around under the curvy bombshell's skirt.","123":"I take over tempo duty, grabbing her by that blonde head and bobbing it vigorously up and down my shaft. Each pass, my cock sliding further down her slender, moist throat.","124":"Alexis's eyes flutter and begin to roll back into her skull when Sam starts to finger her.","125":"The ditzy college bimbo's mouth vibrates with uncontrollable moans, while she tries to maintain the seal on my cock.","126":"Finally, Sam crawls up like she was mounting Alexis from behind. Taking her by the neck and helping her push the entirety of my meat in her mouth.","127":"More! That's it, baby! That's a good nympho! Suck that fat dick!","128":"But even Alexis apparently has her limits. Sputtering and coughing, she pulls an almost shocking length of cock from her throat and starts to get to her feet to catch her breath.","129":"But Sam is all over her, tugging her skirt down.","130":"Oh my god! Alexis, you're such a whore. You took [i]way[\/i] more of his cock than I did!","131":"Hehe. He's a [i]big[\/i] boy!","132":"See, {PlayerName}. Deepthroat promised. Deepthroat delivered! I just have to outsource it until I can find some new throat exercises... Don't just stand there. Help me get her clothes off!","133":"Following Sam's lead, I begin pulling off Alexis's top, watching her magnificent melons bounce out, while the blonde continues catching her breath and wiping her mouth.","134":"Just [i]look[\/i] at these titties, {PlayerName}! Aren't they fucking spectacular?","135":"You can play with them if you want. My daddy got them for me as a present for not failing any classes this past semester!","136":"Sam leads Alexis up onto the bed, where the living sex doll gets on her hands and knees and props her ass up like she's been conditioned to.","137":"Come on, {PlayerName}! I want to watch you fuck her.","138":"Well I suppose I can oblige Sam's request, and grin wickedly as I take Alexis by the hip and slide my cock into her waiting pussy.","139":"Her legs and arms shake while I feel her tight pussy stretch to take my whole unit.","140":"Oh, fuck! That's so much cock!","141":"Alexis continues to squeal and moan from being slowly impaled on my serpent.","142":"Yes! Mmm, fuck the little bimbo!","143":"Fuck! Fuck-fuck-fuck! You're just gonna [i]wreck[\/i] my cunt!","144":"God dammit, Sam, why are you so fucking hot!","145":"Despite being speared on my hog, Alexis shows enough mental capacity to multitask, beginning to play with Sam's gash.","146":"She then leans up, licking at and sucking on Sam's perky nipples.","147":"Watching the two girls playing with each other, while fucking one of them myself, is on another level of hot.","148":"Sam looks up at me while getting her titties sucked.","149":"We should do this every time you come over to play videogames.","150":"I'm liable to agree with her.","151":"I have all the best toys.","152":"Sam says, looking down at Alexis as she's getting fucked, and then leans down to start frenching her.","153":"Just look at this cute lil'pussy!","154":"Sam leans back, letting the cheerleader begin to finger blast her while she watches.","155":"The wet, sloppy sounds mingle with Sam's growing moans.","156":"Soon, both girls are singing to each other in lusty harmony.","157":"Alexis lowers her head to Sam's vagina, beginning to eat her out. I try to not slam into her so forcefully, as not to rock her right into Sam's crotch, but it's challenging given how good she feels.","158":"That's right! Eat my pussy!","159":"Right there!.. That's it!... Keep... Keep...","160":"Sam's words are cut off when she reaches climax. Wailing loudly as her slight frame bucks and convulses.","161":"She continues to ride out her orgasm, gyrating on the bed like she was suddenly possessed.","162":"On the other side of the cheerleader sandwich, I continue pounding Alexis's wet snatch. Feeling my rock hard cock drill in and out of her throbbing pussy.","163":"At the other end of the bed, collapsing from exhaustion and brain melting pleasure, Sam appears to be out of commission for the moment.","164":"I take the opportunity to just begin assaulting Alexis's poor slit, grabbing her and railing my piston into her while her big, plump tits bounce up and down vigorously.","165":"Oh-god-oh-god-oh-god-oh-god!","166":"Slowly collecting herself, a cooing, glowing Sam begins to inch towards Alexis, who is now getting pounded too hard to do much of anything except get stuffed.","167":"Fuck, this turns me on so much! I came so hard I think I loosened a filling.","168":"Apparently not done with the petite blonde sex toy, Sam crawls up on top of her and muffles her cries by sitting on her face.","169":"Mm, that's it... eat that pussy...","170":"It's all too much, and I can't hold back any longer.","171":"I feel my own hips buck now, thrusting forwards the final few times and firing my load deep inside Alexis.","172":"Yes! Cum for me, baby! Cum for me!","173":"Panting, my muscles turn from wrought iron to mush, as the last few squirts of jizz shoot up into the busty blonde.","174":"I can feel thick rivulets of my spunk already dripping out of Alexis's pussy and down my shaft.","175":"Mmmm, yes baby!","176":"Oh my god, you shot so much into me!","177":"My softening cock finally pops out of Alexis's slit, coaxing a cute little yelp from her.","178":"Sam crawls up on top of Alexis, inspecting my work.","179":"Fuck, you double loaded this creampie!","180":"Admiring it for a moment, Sam leans her head down and begins lapping up the thick globs of spunk from Alexis's beat-red snatch.","181":"Mmm, yes, mommy! I want some too!","182":"With a mouthful of my cum, licked and sucked from Alexis's battered pussy, Sam spins around, coming face to face with the waiting blonde.","183":"She then dribbles out part of my load into the big tittied bimbo's waiting mouth, moaning as they share my seed like a pair of cum-addicted nymphos.","184":"Oh my fucking god, you're so hot I can't even stand it.","185":"OMG, right? You should just always invite me down when you have {PlayerName} over to play videogames! Then you can play with me, too!","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"...Come on! How are you not dead yet?","2":"I watch Sam's character ragdoll and fly through the air after my rocket hits her.","3":"Her squeaky, frustrated little cry makes me grin.","4":"I shot you, like, a bah-zillon times! I even took my tits out and everything to distract you!","5":"I shrug. For all her gaming prowess, I can still crush Sam in Blood Lord 4 every now and then.","6":"... Even while staring at her tits.","7":"Whoops! What's that? Having trouble seeing?","8":"Well that's just unsportsman-like behavior.","9":"... Two can play at this game."},"august_2021.vne3":{"10":"Of course, I always get him to fix my stuff whenever they end up breaking. Dude [i]toooootally[\/i] has the hots for me, so he does whatever I say~","11":"Must be nice having a boytoy like him. Bet you got a few pretty good fucks outta him by now.","12":"I never said I [i]fucked[\/i] the guy. Not gonna put out that easy, he's gotta [i]earn[\/i] me first.","13":"Well, you're missing out on a pretty big cock.","14":"...I am? Not that it matters, I'm just curious...","15":"Like, how big was he? Always wondered if it's possible for one of those computer nerds to be worth a fuck.","16":"Oh, it's one of those things I gotta show you.","17":"He was like... [i]this[\/i] big.","18":"Hmmmm... well, if he's hung like that...","19":"I suppose I [i]could[\/i] make an exception and put out easy for once.","20":"Let's do it like we always do, then.","21":"Now you're talking, Sarah.","22":"I know just what we ought to send him too.","23":"We did it from behind when we fucked. I'm sure this is an ass he won't forget any time soon.","24":"If I was a guy, I know I wouldn't.","25":"Lemme pose and you can take the pic this time.","26":"That's it... I think I'm getting the angle here...","27":"It's not a photography contest, just make sure you get my asshole [i]and[\/i] my pussy in the shot.","28":"We'll let him know the whole buffet's available if he wants some.","29":"I've got your tits in there too, don't worry.","30":"Aaaaaaand sent!","31":"Here, check it out.","32":"Perfect. We'll have him here in no time.","33":"While we wait, how about me and you get started ahead of time?","34":"Let me get you out of that jacket then, and we can do just that.","35":"Mmmmph... mmm... !","36":"You don't get to keep him... mmmph... all to yourself now, like the last time we had a... mmmm... threesome.","37":"Don't you worry... mmmph... he'll naturally come to me...","38":"Mmmmph... I call dibs... mmmph... I fuck him first...","39":"Greedy bitch... ! Mmmmph!","40":"Tell you what... I make you cum in the next 5 minutes, and you can take him first instead... !","41":"Deal. Come on then, do your worst.","42":"Mmmmph... haaaah...","43":"With pleasure... !","44":"Going for my tits already? Shouldn't you rush to fingering me to make me cum, if you really want to win, that is.","45":"That's because only I've fucked you enough times to know they're your weakness.","46":"Haaaa-aaaaah~!","47":"That's right... that's what I wanna hear... !","48":"You... nnnnngh... have your way... ! Ahhhh... !","49":"With you? Always.","50":"Now, it's time for the main course.","51":"Let's see just how wet you are for me.","52":"Nice and moist, like always~","53":"Mmmmm... don't think you've won yet... I've got a bit of fight left in me... haaaah...","54":"I would hope so. You're at your best when you're feisty.","55":"D-Don't finger yourself too... ! Haaaah! You're supposed to be focusing on [i]me[\/i]!","56":"You... haaaaah... just that eager to lose?","57":"When you hit the spot like that... ! Nnnnnnnngh... You're just being a bitch and teasing me... !","58":"If you wanna cum, then just say it. You know how I... haaaaah... wanna hear you say it!","59":"Fine! I don't care about the bet anymore! Ahhhhhh!","60":"Just keep going! Haaaah! Just make me fucking cum!","61":"If you insist.","62":"Ahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah~!","63":"That's it, just let go and enjoy it.","64":"Ooooooooh fuuuuuuuck!","65":"Watching you cum like that never gets old.","66":"Alexis 0. Sarah 1.","67":"Haaaah... haaaah... I already said you win...","68":"So, I believe I've claimed my stake on the mute guy's cock.","69":"Yeah, yeah, deal's a deal, but you'll be eating my cunt the whole time while he's railing yous.","70":"You say that as if I'd mind~","71":"Has he responded yet or what?","72":"He has, he has. I think we ought to send him one more picture though, just in case.","73":"Have some imagination when you pose, Sarah. You want to get him excited.","74":"Don't need to. He already knows what he's getting with me, and he's excited. Trust me.","75":"Just you wait, he'll be here in no time.","76":"He'd be crazy not to be.","77":"So, where did we leave off?","78":"I think we were about to trade spots. Your turn to eat me out now.","79":"Bzzzzt! Bzzzzt!","80":"Another picture from Alexis' number. This time both her and that chick I fucked at Sevigny's together...","81":"By the looks of it, they were actually fucking. More importantly, an invitation was extended for me to join them.","82":"Yeah, and one of those for {PlayerName}.","83":"I quickly got to typing before Linus wasted money on a treat I wouldn't be around to eat.","84":"Something came up, really urgent. Gotta bounce, no time to explain.","85":"Wait, what? You serious?","86":"I'll work your shifts and do overtime if Hank starts complaining. I promise, I just have to go get this thing sorted out. Can't wait.","87":"Keeping my responses as brief as possible, I quickly made for the door.","88":"Where's he going?","89":"Bah, beats me. Looks important, though.","90":"Naturally, I couldn't confess I was about to bail on them to go fuck the biggest slut on campus and one of her girlfriends, but you don't come across something like this every day.","91":"These two weren't kidding, huh? The first thing I saw as soon as I walked in was Alexis going down on Sarah.","92":"It wasn't even the playful kind of show that some girls put on for guys sometimes. These two were very much into each other.","93":"Ahhhhh... you're... you're finally here...","94":"Sarah shot me a sultry gaze when she noticed me.","95":"Once they had realized I was there, both of them got up and turned to face me.","96":"Hope you don't mind, we decided to get a head start since you took a bit.","97":"No, I don't mind at all.","98":"Oh, that reminds me!","99":"Suddenly, Alexis got up and ran towards me.","100":"Oooone second, please~","101":"She took the phone out of my hands and quickly put it away.","102":"No more of that weird, creepy ass voice! It'll ruin the mood! Now, while I'm still horny...","103":"Mmmmph!","104":"As if to leave me no room for protest, Alexis quickly crashed her lips into my own.","105":"Fine. It's not like I had anything to say to these two either way. With or without my phone, I was gonna have the threesome of a lifetime here.","106":"So, happy to see me again?","107":"Without my phone to reply, all I could do was nod and smile.","108":"We agreed you get to fuck him first, but we never said anything about who gets dibs on the first blowjob.","109":"Heh, and to think that you fancy yourself less of a slut than me.","110":"Wait... ? Were these two arguing over who gets me first?","111":"Before I could give the matter any further thought, I was being stripped out of my clothes by both girls at once.","112":"You won't be needing this anymore.","113":"And you [i]definitely[\/i] won't be needing these.","114":"You know. For a nerd who talks with a phone computer, you've got a pretty big dick.","115":"Told you it was big.","116":"You should've just said so earlier, maybe you would've gotten laid more.","117":"Mmmmmmgh... !","118":"In reaction to her smarmy comment, I shoved my cock into her mouth. She didn't try to resist, in fact, she took it down rather hungrily.","119":"Is a dick she perceived as worth her time all it took to get her like this?","120":"As I enjoyed Alexis' service, I looked to Sarah, shooting her a glance as if to ask ''Don't you wanna join in?''","121":"Me? Oh, don't you worry about me.","122":"Mmmmgh!","123":"Sarah joined me in pushing Alexis' head down further onto my cock.","124":"Once our friend here is finished getting you nice and ready for my pussy, then I'll take my sweet time fucking you.","125":"Till then, I'll enjoy myself in... other ways...","126":"She kicked back, putting her leg onto one of the benches to give me a better view of her pussy as she rubbed it.","127":"Why don't I give you a taste of what you're about to fuck later on?","128":"Taking her wettened fingers away from her pussy, Sarah offered them to me, and I instinctively opened my mouth to receive them.","129":"I bet you like that.","130":"It tasted a lot better than I imagined.","131":"You [i]do[\/i] like that! Guess we shouldn't keep you waiting any longer.","132":"Alright, you've sucked him off enough. Time to switch out, Al.","133":"Alexis licked my shaft top to bottom one last time, before giving her place to her friend.","134":"Mmmmllmmm... fine... he's yours then.","135":"Come and get me, big boy.","136":"My cock was rock solid, standing upright and pointing towards its target as I made my way towards her.","137":"I knew I shouldn't let myself get too carried away, but this situation was something else.","138":"Having both of those girls around me, one on either side, both of them clearly vying for my attention - I felt like a sultan enjoying his harem.","139":"Both of them climbed onto one of the tables - Alexis taking the far side and spreading out her legs, while Sarah got down on all fours between us.","140":"Don't hog him for too long, and don't cheap out on me either.","141":"You know better than anyone I won't. Ohhhh, I'll make you both cum your brains out.","142":"Ahhhhhhh... !","143":"I felt Sarah's pussy clench up around my length as I slid inside her.","144":"Fuck... I really missed this cock... !","145":"Before long, the brunette was hard at work, pleasing both of us at once.","146":"Mmmmmph... mmmph...","147":"Mmmmmmm... ! That's it, get that pussy nice and wet for when I fuck him... !","148":"Neither Alexis pressing her down onto her crotch nor my own thrusts into her seemed to slow her down. In fact, they seemed to be exciting her.","149":"Haaaaah... ! Don't leave me all alone, deaf guy... !","150":"Alexis held up her foot towards my face.","151":"You gotta spoil me a bit too~!","152":"In the heat of the moment, I didn't care. I wanted to feel both of them in whatever way possible.","153":"Ahhhhh... !","154":"Sarah inched her way higher, settling on Alexis' tits instead of her pussy for now.","155":"Mmmmm... ! He's... ! He's gonna make me cum... ! Any second now! Haaaaah!","156":"Finally, her resolve seemed to waver. She could no longer keep the same passion in playing with her friend while my dick was ramming into her like that.","157":"Sorry, Al... ! Haaaah! Wanna... really enjoy this... !","158":"She pulled away from Alexis and arched her back towards me. Seeing how her body begged for my attention, I quickly cupped each of her breasts with my hand.","159":"Oh fuck... ! I'm gonna cum... ! Keep fucking me like th-","160":"Nnnghaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!","161":"She couldn't even finish her sentence before I shoved myself all the way in one last time, bringing her to climax.","162":"Haaaah... ahhhhhh...","163":"I gave both of her breasts one last squeeze before turning my attention to Alexis.","164":"There was certainly an appeal to seeing the bratty blonde like that, on her knees and patiently waiting for her turn, unable to get what she wanted instantly for once.","165":"Come on! Hurry up, hurry up!","166":"You've had enough of him already! It's [i]my[\/i] turn!","167":"As Sarah squeezed a few last sensations out of my cock for herself, Alexis approached, eagerly waiting to take her place.","168":"Oh, I'm gonna make you addicted to this pussy. Just you wait, deaf guy.","169":"And that cock-hungry grin never left her face, not for a single moment.","170":"Nnnghaaaah!","171":"With a loud and drawn out moan, Sarah sensually heaved herself off my cock.","172":"Finally... I'm gonna get a proper taste of this cock!","173":"Let me help you with that...","174":"Sarah held my dick in place as Alexis climbed on top of me, positioning herself right above it. There was no doubt in my mind she was going to take me all in one go.","175":"You ready, deaf guy? You ready to feel what Shale Hill's most sought after pussy feels like?","176":"I nodded and braced myself.","177":"It was definitely hard not to cum with two beauties on top of me like that.","178":"Alexis rode my cock and Sarah rode my face, and both of them were determined to make me cum.","179":"Mmmmmph...","180":"Mmmmm...","181":"All the while, the lewd sounds of them making out would fill the room as well.","182":"Ooooooh... he's good... ! Haaaah! Should've fucked him earlier... !","183":"Told you... haaaaah... ! He's taking good care of my pussy back there too... !","184":"I was doing that indeed, the sweet juices that kept flowing out of Sarah's hole drove my lust to new heights. We were all on the verge of an orgasm.","185":"Keep going deaf guy... ! Nnnnnghaaah! Almost... there... !","186":"Did you take your... pill... ? Ahhhhh... !","187":"Wait... fuck... ! Haaaaah!","188":"Not... ahhhhh... not a safe day today... ! Shit... ! You can't cum inside me... !","189":"Alexis said that, though she showed no signs of slowing down, continuing to ride my cock with the same vigor as before.","190":"Seems like it's up to me to save this slut from an unwanted pregnancy...","191":"Sensing an opportunity, Sarah quickly leaned forward to lay claim on my seed.","192":"I don't mind taking over... mmmm... just finish in my mouth instead...","193":"Right as I was about to cum, I quickly pulled out Alexis, and found my shaft swallowed up almost instantly by Sarah.","194":"Mmmmmph! Mmmmgh!","195":"She dutifully kept sucking through the orgasm like a pro, not choking even once, despite her mouth being full and overflowing with cum.","196":"With a smile, Sarah opened her mouth to show all the cum inside. A large gooey blob was starting to seep out.","197":"Unlike you, Sarah. Usually you manage to not spill a single drop.","198":"Then again, deaf guy's definitely got more to pump out than your average joe.","199":"And I'm definitely not letting you keep it all to yourself.","200":"Alexis licked up a streak running down Sarah's lips, tasting it for herself.","201":"Mmmmm... tastes pretty good for a deaf guy's. You gotta share it.","202":"The two of them started to make out, swapping my cum in between their kisses.","203":"I sat back and watched, enjoying the sight of them lusting over my seed.","204":"This was certainly going to be a day to remember...","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"And yeah, that's pretty much when I fucked the guy. Went straight into the toilets and did it there.","2":"Because of course you did. You're always looking to hook up when you go to Sevigny's.","3":"No, no, this guy was different, though. I don't think I've fucked anyone like him before.","4":"He's got this weird problem where he can't talk, and he has this phone app or something that talks for him. But, he definitely knows how to fuck.","5":"...","6":"Believe it or not, I might know who you're talking about.","7":"You do?","8":"He works at the uni's IT department. Total nerd, but he's not bad looking.","9":"So you've met him?"},"august_2022.vne3":{"10":"[i]This is a most interesting fact, no?[\/i]","11":"...","12":"Watching her walk off, I was questioning whether I had really heard what I thought she said. Was any of it real?","13":"Her touch, her warmth. I can still remember her sweet perfume, mixing with her natural intoxicating scent. The sensation of her breath tickling my ear.","14":"It was definitely real.","15":"As my eyes finally grow heavy, I linger on the provocative encounter. What did it all mean? Was it just playful flirtations?","16":"Does the beautiful cougar just enjoy teasing dumbstruck younger men? Or was she really interested in...","17":"...Wait. What class is this?","18":"Where is my bag?","19":"...Oh god! Where are my clothes?","20":"How did I forget to put clothes on this morning? Please, nobody turn around.","21":"Where's my phone? How the hell am I supposed to talk to anybody?","22":"[i]Hola[\/i], class. Please take out your notebooks.","23":"Carmen? How the hell did I end up in the Spanish Department?","24":"Did we have another meeting about the investigation? What is she going to think, with me showing up in my boxers like this? She's going to think I'm not taking it seriously at all.","25":"I hope that you ladies have all done the assigned readings prior to today's lesson.","26":"How has she not acknowledged me yet? Is she used to random men hanging out in the back of the class in their underwear?","27":"What the hell is she writing? That's not Spanish.","28":"Quiet down, if you please. Cindy, do not snicker. You are all adults now, and this is important education for young women such as yourselves. I expect all of you to take it seriously.","29":"Sex Education? I thought Carmen taught Spanish.","30":"Oh god. I'm naked in the back of a collegiate women's sex education class! They are going to put me on a government watch list for this!","31":"If you girls will remember from our previous lessons, we have covered the [i]Fundamentals of Love Making[\/i], and [i]History of Today's Most Popular Sex Positions[\/i].","32":"Wait... what did they cover? Is that what they study in women's sex education? I still feel bad for being here, but now I'm curious.","33":"Carmen takes a commanding position at the head of the class. How can she not have seen me yet?","34":"Today's lesson is extremely important, and it is vital that you all pay close attention and take detailed notes, because at the end of the semester, you will all have to perform this for your own practicals in front of the class.","35":"Today, we will be covering [i]Practical Demonstrations[\/i]...","36":"[i]...in Sexual Intercourse.[\/i]","37":"Wait, what? Where are we?","38":"Pleasuring a man is both an instinct, and an art. It is something buried deep in your DNA that can come to you just as naturally as breathing air or drinking water. At the same time, it takes discipline, and finesse, to master it properly.","39":"Carmen is... wearing...","40":"Oh no! She finally sees me! She's coming right for me! What should I say? How do I apologize?","41":"Let us start with preparation. The physical act of love making, done correctly, should be treated as any athletic endeavor. Keeping one's body in good physical condition, will ensure the best performance in the bedroom.","42":"She's just going on with her lesson. Addressing the class, acting as if I'm not even here.","43":"She saunters towards me, and my eyes can't help but drift down her stunning figure. It's excitingly apparent that she practices what she preaches.","44":"Observe my body, ladies. See how I move, slow and graceful, imparting each step with sensuality. Note how my posture accentuates my breasts and buttocks.","45":"My movement is confident, but not aggressive. Cocking my hips with each step, to bring extra emphasis to my curves.","46":"The additional undulation and sway will impart increased jiggle to my butt cheeks and bosom, further drawing the male's eye to those parts of my body, and exciting him.","47":"My eyes snap up after being glued to her bouncing melons. Shit, she must have caught me...","48":"...Wait... ''Male's eyes''? Is she talking about [i]my[\/i] eyes?","49":"Executed correctly, as I have demonstrated, the male will often be rendered somewhat stunned, as his frontal cortex begins to shut down and his primal programming begins to take over.","50":"In such cases, where your male is rendered incapacitated, do not be afraid to take the dominate role until his breeding instincts take over.","51":"They are not dolls, ladies. Do not be afraid to handle them like a beast of burden, and guide them into position.","52":"Carmen grabs me by the boxers and does just that, leading me up to the front of the class.","53":"I feel my face grow even hotter, now more confused than embarrassed.","54":"As I pass the various young women in the seats, they view me with mostly academic interest, but I do notice a glimmer of something else in their eyes.","55":"After presenting ourselves, and communicating that we are ready to engage in intercourse, the next step is to further excite and stimulate the male.","56":"Carmen positions me so that we are perpendicular to the class, and then proceeds to pull off my boxers.","57":"I'm too stunned to stop her though, and can only stand there, now completely exposed, as the audience of female students begin to croon their heads to get a better look at me.","58":"Despite this, I'm... strangely alright with it. Seeing the young women in the class view me with interest, more than humor, boosts my confidence.","59":"As we may see here, our presentation has already begun to have an effect, as we observe the male's sex organ already in a partial state of arousal.","60":"Carmen kisses a dollop of spit into her hand. I feel my cock twitch, knowing what's coming.","61":"We can further excite the man, and inflame his arousal, by stimulating his member manually. Doing so will ensure it is fully engorged for penetration, and will rile up the male so that he is aggressively ready to breed with you.","62":"To start, I will demonstrate how to do this manually with the hand.","63":"Carmen wraps her lithe fingers around my cock, and a tingle crawls up my whole body.","64":"Observe the slight convulsion of pleasure from the male when I took his member into my hand. This is a positive reaction. Learning to read such things is important for your sexual performance.","65":"Now, watch carefully how his member reacts as I masturbate him.","66":"Do you see how his penis engorges and grows as I stimulate it?","67":"There are many techniques and methods to perform such an act. Each male is different, however, so do not be afraid to experiment with pace, grip strength, and tempo.","68":"She certainly knows what she's doing. Carmen masterfully jacks me off better than I could have done myself. I buckle multiple times, no longer caring that we have an audience.","69":"As you can see, his member has now reached full erection. See how it twitches hungrily?","70":"Mrs. Vasquez? How do we know when we should move on from the handjob?","71":"Yeah, what if we go too far and cause him to ejaculate early?","72":"Trust me, girls. You will know from his body language when you are starting to get close. Just pay attention.","73":"It will be up to you to finish him off here, or move on to something else. On that note, we will continue on to the next portion of the lesson.","74":"Carmen shoves me back down onto the bed, not at all gently. I do not mind.","75":"Again, these are not delicate little playthings, they are men. Do not be afraid to be a little rough with them.","76":"Now class, there is no right or wrong order to these lessons. Be creative and spontaneous. Listen to your instincts and read your male's reactions.","77":"It is no secret that the mammary glands are of particular interest to males. Your breasts will often be one of the first things that will catch their eye.","78":"As if the very mention of them is some kind of trigger word or magic spell, my eyes sink to Carmen's impressive rack.","79":"You see, class? Even just speaking of my bosom causes his eyes to drift to my chest. Watch his cock as I remove my top.","80":"Carmen slinks out of her bra, letting her magnificent milk orbs jiggle free. I stare, hypnotized by the two beautiful globes.","81":"Did you catch it? The sight of my naked breasts caused a visible reaction and twitch in his cock.","82":"The breasts are a powerful sexual signaler, indicating our health and potential as a mate, larger breast indicating we will be able to feed more of his offspring.","83":"But Mrs. Vasquez, what if we're flat as a board?","84":"There is an acknowledged giggle from the class, as few have breasts nearly as impressive as the ones Carmen is sporting.","85":"Admittedly, you are at the mercy of genetics when it comes to your cup size. But do not underestimate how much you can excite your male with even modestly sized breasts.","86":"You see how transfixed he is? How he has not been able to take his eyes off my chest since I started to play with them in front of him.","87":"On a side note, ladies. If you ever want your male to do something he might not be otherwise inclined to do, it certainly doesn't hurt to ask him while flaunting your bosom.","88":"You will be surprised what you can get your male to agree to when they are distracted by your tits.","89":"There is a chorus of quiet giggles from the class.","90":"If you have a bust for it, it is popular with men to mastubate them using your breasts.","91":"I watch Carmen lean forward, and sandwich my cock between her large, ripe melons.","92":"See how I use my bosom? It is similar in principal to the hand job, and not unusual for the male to start thrusting as he starts to fuck your tits.","93":"The warm, soft meat of Carmen's breasts envelops my raging member, sending twitches of pleasure down my shaft and into my pelvis.","94":"Beneath her straight faced, academic lecturing, I can sense Carmen's own arousal begin to grow, watching her nipples stiffen as my manhood slides up and down between her plump globes.","95":"Pay close attention to my rhythm and technique, ladies.","96":"See how I caress and hug his cock with my rack? Like the handjob, do not be afraid to experiment with different pressures and tempos.","97":"Now, we shall move on to pleasuring your male orally.","98":"Oh thank god.","99":"I shimmy up the bed, making room for Carmen as she crawls towards me on all fours, as slinky as an alley cat.","100":"Obviously, for this portion, my mouth will be... predisposed. So observe closely, and chime in as you spot my technique. Katie, would you like to start?","101":"I shudder with pleasure, feeling Carmen take my cock in her hand, and slide her tongue up the base of my rod.","102":"So, like, you want to start by teasing the man with your tongue and fingers, before, like, taking him into your mouth.","103":"Carmen does this masterfully. Coyly tickling my cock with her tongue, before finally giving me her mouth. Her plump lips ride up over the head and slide down my shaft in utter ecstasy.","104":"Then it's important to start slow, especially if you aren't experienced, so you can get used to the man's size in your mouth.","105":"Carmen's dick sucking skills are expert level. Firmly, but gently sucking at my rod, her lips tight to the shaft as her head starts bobbing up and down on my meat.","106":"As you grow more comfortable, you can start taking more of the male's member.","107":"Oh my gosh, he's so big! And look how deep she is taking him.","108":"Oh! I know this part. You have to start relaxing your neck so you can take him down your throat.","109":"Despite her almost clinical delivery of her lesson, Carmen's eyes ooze sex as she stares into my soul.","110":"I watch her effortlessly bob her head up and down on my shaft. Sucking it to perfection .","111":"Moments from finishing though, fully aware of what she's doing, Carmen stops, and climbs off of me. Stripping off the rest of her lacey undies before remounting.","112":"Now, as your skill in performing felatio grows, you must be careful not to climax your male, at least if you intend to do more than just service him with your mouth.","113":"Ladies, do not be afraid to take control of your partner. Driving the intercourse yourself can give you a greater deal of agency, and allow you to focus energy on your own pleasure as well.","114":"I allow Carmen to pin me down. Despite the significant size and weight difference, I yield to her cunning and sexual confidence. I'm both a little nervous, and extremely excited.","115":"The foxy milf lowers her tight hindquarters down on my cock, and I feel my head find her slit. It's tight, but with a bit of pressure, I feel it pop into her.","116":"Carmen's composure begins to break when I penetrate her. Those beautiful brown eyes start to roll back in her skull while trying to suppress a breathy moan.","117":"She does her best to maintain her bearing, voice quivering as she slides herself down around my shaft.","118":"Remember to... mmm... take penetration slow... for... your comfort, as well as that of your ...male.","119":"The dusky bombshell regains her senses somewhat, but she can't completely deny her pleasure now. Not with my cock seeming to fill up every last inch of space inside her.","120":"Panting, she tries to focus, and continues the lesson.","121":"You can see now, how I have let the male... enter me. I am riding him in the style of ''Cowgirl''. Note how I buck and cock my hips to gain maximum range of motion.","122":"I quickly get lost in the pleasure, and Carmen continues to ride me hard. Bouncing up and down on my manhood, her large, plump tits jiggling playfully in my face.","123":"Gauge the male's reaction and... oof... attempt to find a pace and rhythm that works for both him, and yourself.","124":"You will undoubtedly be aware that the male... hmm... has excellent access to your breasts in this position, which will increase his excitement.","125":"As she instructs the class, she guides my hand to her soft, ample melon. The pillowy flesh gives to my fingers, and I begin to firmly squeeze and caress Carmen's magnificent caramel tits.","126":"With the stunning MILF continuing to ride me, I get more confident and aggressive with her juicy orbs. Squeezing and tugging at her plump breasts.","127":"You might find... hfff... that your male playing with your bosom is quite... ooo... stimulating, and adds to the experience, not just for... huh... him, but for you as well.","128":"Carmen can hardly hold back from her pleasure at this point, gyrating and grinding herself down on my cock, as I continue to ravage her stunning jugs.","129":"It is... ah... easy ladies, to allow yourself to get carried away in the passion of the moment. And... ooo... there is no harm in giving in at a certain point.","130":"The luscious latina is able to collect herself though, shifting position and turning around on top of me, giving me a view of her heavenly ass and lowering herself back on my cock.","131":"But, if you can delay your... ohhh... gratification a bit, you can experiment and explore with different positions that you and your male may find... exciting.","132":"Here, I am demonstrating the ''Reverse Cowgirl ''. An excellent position to present your behind to your man.","133":"I watch, hypnotized, as Carmen's ample bubble butt grinds against me.","134":"I honestly don't know how much longer I can hold out, but I sense Carmen will shepherd me into climax when she wants to.","135":"It appears though, for the moment, Mrs. Vasquez is attending to herself.","136":"Now take note, it doesn't hurt... to be a little selfish... and take care of... your own needs... first... hggh!","137":"The last wall of Carmen's professionalism comes crashing down, as she feverishly rides my cock all the way to climax, letting out a high pitched wail of pleasure. Her tight snatch quivering and sucking at my shaft as her legs tremble.","138":"Mrs. Vasquez takes a moment to collect herself. Panting as drops of sweat trace little tracks down her ample curves.","139":"Weakly, she crawls off me, continuing the lesson.","140":"Excuse me, class. Where was I?","141":"Of course. Whether it be a desire to fulfill each other's pleasures, or to actually have him breed you, you must, naturally, allow him to finish.","142":"At some point during the intercourse, you may become fatigued. This is natural if you are doing it vigorously, as good love making often is.","143":"Luckily, at this point, your male should be quite aroused, and ready to take dominance.","144":"See how I assume an instinctually submissive position, laying my head down, arching my back and pressing my rear up, presenting my hindquarters to the male.","145":"Now observe how the male automatically takes me from behind and... hmmff... mounts me?","146":"I'm hardly listening to Carmen at this point. I'm so riled up in the midst of lust, all I can think to do is to fuck her until I finish.","147":"Being pounded from behind, Carmen does her best to continue her lesson.","148":"You will note how we have now assumed the position of... uh... ''Doggy Style''. You will find this is popular with many of your own males, as it inspires feelings of... ooo... dominance and strength.","149":"Now, since he has been such a good sport, and so helpful in the lesson, we shall let our male here decide how he'd like to finish.","150":"Did she actually just acknowledge me? I'm too preoccupied to think about it, but since I have the option...","151":"Cum inside Carmen.","152":"Cum on Carmen's tits.","153":"Carmen's tight, hot pussy is too hard to resist, and I double down on fucking her, ramping up my own tempo.","154":"To her credit, she does the best she can to keep it together for the lesson through her own moans as I fuck her silly.","155":"We can... see how... he's... [i]Oh Díos mío[\/i]... going to... finish.","156":"And finally, the climax hits like a semi-truck. The cum blasts from my raging cock like a firehose, shooting into Carmen's quivering womanhood!","157":"In the throes of her own pleasure, Carmen buries her face into the bed, letting out a wail of ecstasy.","158":"[i]¡Así! ¡Fóllame como tu puta, papi![\/i]","159":"The cyclic pulses of euphoria slowly subside with each pulse of cum I shoot into the stunning woman. My own raging arousal is quickly displaced by a warm, drug-like sleepiness, and deep affection for my partner.","160":"Oh my... Please forgive my outburst, class. However, if these activities are being done correctly, some... loss of composure is to be expected.","161":"I gently slide my tiring manhood from Carmen's tender pussy. The heat coming off her vulva is felt even several inches away, as I watch a thick trail of my seed start to erupt from her slit.","162":"That concludes our lesson for today's class. Now, who has...","163":"You know, I [i]have[\/i] been a good sport. Exploiting the opportunity, I take Carmen firmly by the arm and herd her to her knees on the floor, standing in front of her and jerking off vigorously.","164":"Ah yes. We see now the male is quite aroused. You see what a dominant position he has now taken, being close to climax?","165":"Since our male here has decided to ''mark us'', it's only proper we provide him with a good ''target''.","166":"Carmen takes her ravishing bronze melons and holds them up for me. Her perky nipples stand at attention like little soldiers. The sight is all that's needed to push me over the edge.","167":"Taking aim at her fantastic jugs, I begin to fire off a salvo of molten spunk..","168":"As the last lazy rope of my jizz laps at Carmen's gorgeous chest, she looks up to me with an impressed expression.","169":"Mmm, class, let's have a round of applause for our ''very'' accommodating male here today and his... ''generous'' showing.","170":"That reminds me. Be sure to read the section tonight on the benefits of consuming male ejaculate for tomorrow's...","171":"The dream vanishes away in a flash and I sit up in bed, still in my quiet, darkened room.","172":"Of course it was a dream. What else could it have been?","173":"But, just going off the state of my boxers, a [i]very[\/i] good dream.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"The darkness of my room and the whirling of the ceiling fan do little to lull me to sleep.","2":"I had been tossing and turning for what feels like an hour now, my mind racing with a million thoughts, fears, and questions.","3":"But for whatever reason, something particularly... [i]titillating[\/i] had been haunting my mind.","4":"It was something that had happened, just earlier today, when I had stopped in to update Mrs. Vasquez, Carmen, on what I had found when looking into her daughter's disappearance...","5":"[i]...And then I feel her reach over my shoulder and slide a hand down my chest.[\/i]","6":"[i]My whole body tenses up, as she leans in, close enough to smell her perfume and feel her warm breath tickling my neck.[\/i]","7":"[i]In her thick, rich accent, oozing with suggestion, she softly whispers into my ear.[\/i]","8":"[i]I read a curious fact the other day, {PlayerName}.[\/i]","9":"[i]Did you know that there is nothing in the rules about a student and teacher, who do not share a class, engaging in relations with one another?[\/i]"},"august_2023.vne3":{"10":"Another exciting day of accreditation obstacles. Remind me why we volunteered for this again?","11":"Because being a co-writer of the policy governing an exchange network of ten of the biggest regional colleges looks good on a resume.","12":"Emily is cute when she gets all huffy about stuff like this. I can't help but notice how plump her lips are when she pouts about career planning.","13":"She's not wrong, {PlayerName}. Plus, we might get to test it out. Think of how exciting it would be to do a semester at another University!","14":"Don't try and sweet talk me. You're culpable, too. You're the one who actually got me to agree to this.","15":"Of course! Why suffer alone!","16":"Oh boy, you two really [i]are[\/i] a riot.","17":"Emily, before I forget. I didn't want to seem like I was ganging up on you with Morgan back there. I just think, as good as your pitch was, why not add that extra bit of insurance to ensure the committee will bite.","18":"No, that's not the take I thought you had at all! You know how I am, always thinking three or four steps ahead.","19":"Totally, that's why it's so great to finally work together. You're good at all the big idea stuff, and I'm great at ironing out all the little details.","20":"Right? Oh my god, it's, like, dream-team!","21":"If only we could get this one to pull his weight, am I right?","22":"Oh, I'm sure there was a reason I wanted to bring {PlayerName}...","23":"... Speaking of which. {PlayerName}, if you aren't doing anything later, maybe stop by my room?","24":"I could really use some... [i]Tech Support[\/i].","25":"It's my laptop. I just can't seem to get it turned on!","26":"Sure, if I'm not busy, I may stop by. I think I brought an extra power cord, maybe it's that.","27":"Well, bring it on over later and we'll see if it fits.","28":"Gosh, Emily hasn't really changed that much, has she?","29":"I don't know. Change can be slow. And Emily is nothing if not stubborn.","30":"What is it they say? ''Most superpowers are also curses?''","31":"The case could be made.","32":"Anyway, she sure seems to enjoy having you to vie attention from again. Do you see how much she loves to treat you like her little gopher? It's kind of gross, honestly!","33":"The thing with the laptop? I think it's just a power cord, it'll take, like, five minutes...","34":"She'll just sucker you into doing something else for her.","35":"Hey, come on, we're at a stuffy policy conference at a sterile corporate hotel! These places turn into party central after 5 PM, baby!","36":"Let's get a little crazy!","37":"Oh yeah? [i]Crazy[\/i], huh? So by our standards, that means splitting a large pizza and watching ''Lord of the Rings?''","38":"...","39":"Wait... do you have those things?","40":"Hmmm, not quite what I had in mind.","41":"Well what did you have in mind? And just to be clear, they sounded pretty serious about staying out of the minibar when we signed up for this conference.","42":"Nope. Not that either.","43":"You'll have to come down to my room to find out.","44":"{Leah} cocks her hip and spins around. Sauntering back down the hall to the elevator.","45":"Did she always have that sway to her step, or am I just noticing now?","46":"I head back down to my room to drop my stuff off, before heading back out into the hall and pausing.","47":"Should I go see Emily, or {Leah}?","48":"Go see Emily.","49":"Go see {Leah}.","50":"I rap my knuckles on Emily's door, and it swings open slightly. Did she leave it open expecting me?","51":"I knock on it a few more times, announcing myself as I slowly open the door, hoping to not startle her.","52":"I scan her room. The bathroom door is open, and the faucet is running.","53":"In here, {PlayerName}!","54":"My heart races as I clear the corner, and find Emily, nearly naked. The graceful curves of her elegant back swell at her ample hips, before tapering back down her lithe legs.","55":"The cute red thong almost seems like more of a gesture than actual underwear, but accentuates her ass in a way that makes me suddenly regret we ever broke up.","56":"Feeling just the slightest bit caught off guard, I let out a cough, trying to feel out just what is going on here.","57":"Oh, don't be so bashful, {PlayerName}. It's nothing you haven't seen before.","58":"I think we can be adults about it, don't you?","59":"She turns and faces me. Causing those heavenly breasts to sway gently.","60":"Emily doesn't seem to mind that I'm struggling to keep my eyes off them.","61":"So, did you leave the laptop cord in your hotel room, or is it in your pants?","62":"Shoot, yeah, I think I forgot it.","63":"Is something the matter? You look flush all the sudden.","64":"Emily, listen, you and I broke up for a lot of reasons, but those juggs weren't one of them. So I'm really going to need you to put those away, or I don't think I'll be able to have an actual conversation here.","65":"Emily smiles, and starts to take a step forward. I step back to get out of her way, but she closes the gap, and presses that stunning chest of hers into mine.","66":"Well maybe instead of conversing, we can do something else.","67":"Just like riding a bike.","68":"It occurs to me, as I sink into the kiss, that I may still harbor some powerful, physical attraction to Emily.","69":"My hands and her body seem to remember all our moves. Gliding up and down those silky curves, rediscovering all her ticklish spots.","70":"The more we caress, the more I feel her rubbing against me, fueling the passion.","71":"Emily's composure begins to surrender to her carnal hunger, and she moans, hopping into my arm.","72":"I'm so fucking horny. I've been thinking about you fucking me since you walked into the meeting this morning.","73":"She gnaws at my lip to the point where it almost starts to hurt, and she is not bashful at all about tongue.","74":"Her borderline aggressiveness sends a chill of excitement up my spine. I've been with her when she was this aroused before, and her wild lust is beginning to spread to me.","75":"Panting in heat, Emily crouches to crotch level, and begins to impatiently tug my pants down. My throbbing member swings out, nearly striking the excited redhead in the face.","76":"Oh, fuck! It's so big!","77":"All I was thinking about when {Leah} was droning on about her stupid ethics standards was crawling under the table, pulling out your cock, and sucking you off in the middle of her little speech!","78":"She quickly proves she's lost none of her intimate knowledge of my gear.","79":"Her tongue glides effortlessly up the base of my shaft, and she runs the length of my meat across her face.","80":"Sometimes, when I'm having trouble making myself cum, I still think about your cock in my mouth.","81":"Emily was always... talented. It's nice to see she hasn't lost her touch.","82":"Her lips continue to explore my flagpole, hitting me with her sweet, orally induced euphoria.","83":"Moaning softly, tongue lathering my spear, she works her devilish magic on my manhood.","84":"She lowers to her knees, assuming a more comfortable position, and continues to bob that pretty head back and forth.","85":"The sensation is so incredible that right now, I'd say yes to anything she asked for.","86":"Like a true pro, she puts her whole body into it.","87":"Her graceful form curves and writhes, betraying her own maddening lust, roaring hotter each moment she has my raging love gun in her mouth.","88":"Resting my hand on her silky hair, I help set the tempo.","89":"The sense of control gives me an extra rush of excitement, as I feel her submit to my pace.","90":"But despite her impressive cardio, Emily still has to come up for air at some point.","91":"Unsheathing my staff from her throat, she pants and catches her breath. Thin, gossamer strands of cum and spit trace lazy trails from my trunk to her mouth.","92":"Did I ever tell you how much I love sucking your dick?","93":"Getting to her feet, the auburn haired beauty begins to shimmy out of those tiny panties, showing off her impeccably manicured front hedge.","94":"Taking the signal, I strip off the rest of my clothes as well.","95":"You sure {Leah} won't mind that you're here, helping me with my [i]tech support issue[\/i]?","96":"I shrug, taking a step towards Emily. She smirks and retreats, but teasing my cock at the same time, coaxing me to pursue.","97":"Grabbing the giggly coed, I shepherd her to the bed.","98":"Oh, so strong! Are you gonna show off those big muscles of yours?","99":"Come on, baby! Fuck my pussy! ","100":"Emily wiggles her tush at me, beckoning me to take her. I'm eager to oblige.","101":"Grabbing her by her glorious ass, I take my battering ram to her gates, and find the reception quite welcoming.","102":"Emily shudders, letting out a ghostly moan, as my hard cock slides inside her.","103":"Oh, shit! I forgot how big it was!","104":"The warm, wet walls of her womanhood stretch to accommodate my girth. It feels absolutely heavenly.","105":"As I slowly make my descent into Emily, I hear the air escape her, as if being driven out by my dick.","106":"Oh god-oh-god-oh-god, yes!","107":"As a gentleman, I give Emily a moment to grow accustomed to the size...","108":"... Because in a moment, I'm going to go back to being a caveman, and just wreck this pussy.","109":"And we're off to the races.","110":"I slam my hips forward, igniting a cry of ecstasy from Emily, as I begin pounding her from behind.","111":"Oh, fuck yes! Yes! Ravage me! Fuck my brains out! Destroy my cunt! Fuck me!","112":"I pin her to the bed, holding her down while feverishly railing her from behind.","113":"Always so well put together, Emily quickly becomes a sweating, moaning, writhing mess of pleasure beneath me. It's like she's possessed.","114":"Fuck, yes! Harder!","115":"I want you to screw my freaking brains out!","116":"She is fiending for it. But I shouldn't be surprised. Sex always was Emily's release valve.","117":"Aie! Oh my god! You're so deep!","118":"I get thrilled with every high pitched squeal and coo I conjure out of her, and savor the feeling of exploring seemingly every last millimeter of her divine pussy.","119":"But even though it feels like my lust is without end, my arms and core are beginning to burn, dumping as much energy as I am into Emily.","120":"I slow up for a moment, reducing my pace of thrusts and switching to a gentler, more sensory focused speed.","121":"Our two bodies now slowly, but sensually rubbing back and forth against each other.","122":"Yes, oh god, that feels so good!","123":"I want to feel every inch of you inside of me!","124":"Having spent most of the conference being teased by Emily's impressive, perky melons, I turn her on her side and reach around to help myself to those creamy globes.","125":"Running my fingers over the soft flesh of her breast, and grazing her rigid nipple, causes a powerful shudder to ripple through her. And I feel her slit flex and clench down around my cock when the tremor reaches her hips.","126":"Rhythmically, she pushes her ass back into me, forcing herself down further around my cock, as we continue banging on the bed.","127":"At this point, I'm almost drunk off her warmth and scent.","128":"Enslaved by her physical affections, I pull her close. She leans back to meet my kiss.","129":"And for a moment, it's like we never left each other. Further evidence that our incompatibility had nothing to do with the physical.","130":"As pure animals, we seemed almost designed for each other.","131":"Emily suddenly wakes from the spell of carnal madness, to look up at me with her intoxicating eyes.","132":"Are you about to cum?","133":"I want to watch you do it.","134":"She's still quite fluent in my body language. I'm orbiting dangerously close to climax at this point.","135":"Flipping her onto her back, I grab her legs and pick up the pace again.","136":"Yes! Cum for me!","137":"In the home stretch, I thrust even harder, enjoying the dance Emily's tits are putting on as I do.","138":"Fuck! Oh fuck, oh fuck, I'm gonna finish!","139":"She beats me over the line by seconds, her wails crescendoing into climax, uncontrollably writhing around, groping and grabbing at herself.","140":"I follow close behind, finishing while she's still in the ending throes of her orgasm.","141":"Pulling my shaft out of her and aiming it up at that cute little belly.","142":"She peeks her head up to watch, intently interested in seeing my unit fire.","143":"Yes! Please! Cum all over me!","144":"I pump away vigorously, desperate to shower the buxom beauty in my seed.","145":"... Until I finally explode, and ropes of thick, sticky cum rocket out from my cock and splatter against Emily's body.","146":"Finally, the euphoric event has passed.","147":"Panting like a dog, I drape the last lasso of jizz over the soft, supple topography of Emily's luxurious tummy. In the moment, I am supremely, and totally, content.","148":"Jesus, {PlayerName}! It's so much!","149":"Do you feel lighter?","150":"Silently chuckling, I roll off of her, sharing a grin.","151":"Mmm, well we know at least we're still good at that, huh?","152":"I shrug and nod. No dispute from me.","153":"Now aren't you glad I asked you to come to the conference?","154":"I am now. Who knew policy making could be so much fun.","155":"{Leah} is right. I have no ill will towards Emily, but she'll probably just suck me into some chore for her.","156":"I'd much rather see what kind of trouble {Leah} and I can get into. I give her door a knock to announce myself, and turn the handle to enter.","157":"There's a wax museum nearby, they are lame and cheesy, but I've never been to one and I'm curious.","158":"I wonder what {Leah} is planning. She's always good at cooking up things on the fly.","159":"Heck, I'd even be down to just tear it up down at the hotel ba...","160":"I told you I had something crazy in mind.","161":"My heart is racing, and my mind is still trying to process the glorious sight of {Leah} in her undies, but my body seems to take over itself.","162":"Stepping forward, I gingerly wrap my arms around her, still terrified I've somehow misread the situation.","163":"But any fear is laid to rest when she turns, smiles, and backs her hindquarters into me. Grinding slowly.","164":"God, I know it's wild, but I couldn't stop thinking about us doing this.","165":"Everytime Emily would drone on, I would just start daydreaming about your hands all over my body.","166":"Happy to make her dreams come true, I let my hand slide down her silky belly, and under her panties.","167":"She tenses in stimulation when my fingers graze her damp slit.","168":"Her tits. I have to get my hands on her tits.","169":"Luckily, the mystery of the bra clasp reveals itself to me in short order.","170":"Wow, that was fast. Even I have trouble with that one!","171":"{Leah} giggles bashfully when her healthy young breasts bounce free.","172":"Her pretty pink nipples are ready and waiting for action.","173":"The giggles turn to hushed, lusty gasps, when I bend down to peel off her panties.","174":"At the same time, her subtle scent adds to my arousal.","175":"Face to face with {Leah}'s womanhood, I can't resist letting my fingers explore her.","176":"She certainly is a little ticklish.","177":"Only willing to endure so much teasing, she pushes herself off me and onto the bed, spreading her legs.","178":"Hey, come here, big boy.","179":"Grinning, I fall to my knuckles and crawl over. Rubbing my cheek against the impossibly soft inside of her thigh.","180":"Yes, please! Eat out my box!","181":"Setting to my task, I lick my way up her gash to her bean, varying my speed and pressure, feeling out her sensitive spots.","182":"Mmmmm, just like that... slower... slower...","183":"Gradually cracking {Leah}'s lock, the slender minx collapses back down onto the bed, unable to control her writhing body.","184":"Holy... Jesus, if you keep going... whoo... I'm gonna...","185":"She's cut off mid sentence as she reaches climax, letting out a cry of ecstasy as her frame rocks so powerfully I'm worried about chipping a tooth.","186":"But I stay on her the whole way down, massage her clit with my tongue until she's a sweating, panting mess on the bed.","187":"I give her a few minutes to wiggle around on the sheets and bask in her cocktail of pleasure hormones, while I grab a drink.","188":"When I return, she's come to, and is waiting for me. Chewing her lip while she watches me strip off my clothes.","189":"I can't explain it, but... fuck, {PlayerName}! There is just something about...","190":"Unable to complete her sentence, I just give her a little shove back on the bed, and crawl up after her.","191":"She greets me by spreading her legs, and watches, transfixed, as I enter her.","192":"The lusty whimpers she lets out drive me wild.","193":"After all these years, to now hear her emit such a sound is so... exhilarating.","194":"Her slit is hot and inviting. Stretching to take my width, I feel it almost start sucking me in deeper, the further I go.","195":"Yes... Oh, fuck... Oh, fuck, {PlayerName}! You're so big!","196":"Firmly inside her, I slowly start rocking my hips, penetrating ever deeper.","197":"Gasping, {Leah} surrenders to the pleasure, collapsing backwards.","198":"Closing the gap, I climb on top of her, feeling those long, silky legs wrap around me when I do.","199":"In a better position, I start thrusting harder, watching {Leah} buck up and down beneath me.","200":"Yes, {PlayerName}! Make love to me!","201":"I can't sit through one more policy meeting until you cum inside me!","202":"That got me going.","203":"The bed begins to rock and creak beneath us.","204":"I must have pumped some of that lustful energy into her as well.","205":"She lets out a cry of passion, before grabbing the back of my hair and tugging my lips to hers, moaning into our deep kiss.","206":"Suddenly, {Leah} pushes me off her, and looks up with a feverish, lust-drunk look in her eyes.","207":"Let me suck your cock before you shoot!","208":"Well, who am I to deny such a request?","209":"Grinning, I crawl off {Leah} and lay down across the sheets. She wastes no time, gripping my shaft and immediately jerking me off.","210":"She bends forward and begins licking my pillar clean of the thin gloss of my pre-cum and her own juices.","211":"Shuddering, I come dangerously close to shooting just having her do that.","212":"But {Leah} continues exploring my shaft with her tongue, tracing up and down it.","213":"I can tell she's getting a little kick out of being a tease too.","214":"But soon enough, I feel those plump lips crest the tip and descend downward.","215":"The sensation is unreal, and I swear at one point I almost black out.","216":"I curl my toes in ecstasy as I feel her suck my soul out through my dick.","217":"I really can't afford to let her go on like this too long. I won't last.","218":"The quiet hotel room is filled with the sound of {Leah}'s passionate slurping, and my occasional groan of pleasure.","219":"The contrast to seeing her composed, sophisticated, during the day's meeting, and seeing her here, expressing her pure animal lust, is fascinating.","220":"It's almost unbelievable that they could be the same creature.","221":"I lean back, and just watch my cock disappear in and out of her mouth.","222":"Running my fingers through that lucius, cinnamon colored hair, I pull her deep down my shaft.","223":"And the deeper my cock slides down her throat, the closer I get to cumming.","224":"{Leah} must read the signs in my body. She releases my member from her throat, and leans up.","225":"You're close, aren't you?","226":"She's quickly on her hands and feet, hovering over me, guiding my cock back inside her.","227":"Cum inside me, please!","228":"Her hunger for it causes me to stiffen even more, and {Leah} begins pistoning up and down it.","229":"Fuck me! Fuck me!","230":"She reveals her inner cowgirl. Riding me with almost reckless abandon.","231":"And each time I feel her sink around my member, it's a pulse of pure pleasure up my spine.","232":"Jesus, {PlayerName}! You get me so hot! Why do you get me so hot?","233":"I wish I had an answer, I'm just enjoying the fruits of it.","234":"Taking her by the waist, I start pumping her up and down.","235":"And soon enough, I feel the surge of pressure building.","236":"{Leah} slams her plump cheeks into my hips, over and over again. Clapping loudly as we round the final corner.","237":"Yes! Fuck! Finish inside me, baby!","238":"A final thrust, and I blow my load.","239":"My body goes rigid, while {Leah} squeals, feeling my seed erupt deep inside her.","240":"I hold her tight to me, feeling each pulse of cum explode into her waiting snatch.","241":"That's right! Give it all to me! Fill me up!","242":"As I try to regain my senses, spent and content, {Leah} suddenly looks bothered.","243":"Oh god. It's going to be such a mess. There's [i]so[\/i] much, I can feel it!","244":"Sensitive, and shaky limbed, {Leah} slowly eases herself off me, and squeals when she feels the thick trail of cum seeping out of her.","245":"Oh! {PlayerName}! Why did you shoot so much in there!","246":"Despite her whining, she can't hide that she's glowing, and looks down at me and smiles.","247":"And to think, you could have been stuck fixing Emily's laptop! Aren't you glad you came here instead?","248":"I might have to agree.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"... But of course, issues with accreditation aside, I think it will offer more options in the long run.","2":"That's true, but it will be easier to sell the plan to the exchange oversight committee if we have a solution for the issue with the credit transfers.","3":"I agree with Morgan. We should have a solution before we submit our proposal.","4":"Naturally, {Leah}. I wasn't trying to count our chickens before they hatch. Just thinking ahead.","5":"Well, I think that's enough deliberation for today. We can pick up tomorrow after a good night's rest.","6":"[i]Rest[\/i]? What's that? Do we have that at Shale Hill, {PlayerName}?","7":"I think it's kind of like Yoga, or something.","8":"You two are a riot. I'll see you guys tomorrow. We'll grab breakfast.","9":"Okay, text us."},"august_2024.vne3":{"10":"It feels like the IT work and classwork just never ends.","11":"It sounds like you're burnt out.","12":"I just need another coffee. I can push through it.","13":"More like you need a night off.","14":"I'm fine.","15":"I'm with {PlayerName}. In fact, I could use a night off, too.","16":"We're not taking a night off. We have to push these new updates through by the middle of next week. We're already behind.","17":"Come on. You were cooped up in that little back office for, what, over a year?","18":"When was the last time you even went out?","19":"You can patronize me after you finish those audits.","20":"Come on, Sandra. You should know that burn out is going to wreck your productivity. It might do you, and the office, good to relax a bit.","21":"Yeah. It is a Friday night, after all.","22":"My roommate sent me a text. Gamma Alpha Beta is having a party tonight. We should go.","23":"Sandra shoots him a dirty look.","24":"Oh, heaven forbid we act like college students and go to a frat party.","25":"She rolls her eyes, but I pick up just a hint of reception to the idea.","26":"Look, the updates are still gonna be here when we come in on Monday. Come on, why don't we hit up that party?","27":"I know you might risk having a good time. But as our fearless leader, I think you have a solemn duty to the morale of your minions.","28":"I give you guys free beer at work.","29":"Yes, but a man cannot sustain himself on beer alone. There is all ''The Booty''.","30":"Gross.","31":"I won't apologize for being a sexual being. The needs of the flesh must be seen just as the needs of the spirit.","32":"Amen.","33":"What if I just get you a prostitute on your next lunch break?","34":"Come on. You need to relax. Let your hair down. You've been more high strung than usual.","35":"Which you'd think for a girl who's been in hiding for a year, you'd be more laid back now.","36":"Did you develop a bad case of agoraphobia while you were in that box?","37":"I'm not... Ugh... fine. You can go to the frat party.","38":"Really?","39":"Yes. If it will get you to stop pestering me. But if you don't have all your updates done by Wednesday, you're fired.","40":"Sweet.","41":"You coming with?","42":"No. I'm gonna keep at it.","43":"Bullshit. You're coming with us.","44":"Don't resist, Sandra. He might hit you with those puppy-dog eyes.","45":"Linus and I begin to chant her name over and over again, trying to coax her into coming out with us while she turns back to her screen and tries to ignore us.","46":"Until finally...","47":"Oh my god! Fine! I'll come out for one drink if you both promise to shut up!","48":"Linus and I cheer and high five, before rushing to power down our terminals. A few minutes later, we hit the lights and walk out of the IT lab, with a grumpy Sandra in tow.","49":"A half an hour later, we walk into the backyard of the Gamma Alpha Beta house. The party is already in full swing.","50":"Linus goes to say hi to his roommate and some other friends, leaving me and Sandra near the back gate.","51":"This is what's called a ''party''. It's a social gathering where humans come together to over indulge in alcohol and make poor decisions.","52":"Yeah, I'm already feeling that latter part.","53":"Oh, come on. It's not that bad.","54":"... Yeah, okay. Maybe you're not entirely wrong. I suppose it is kind of nice getting out of the office for a change.","55":"See? Not all bad ideas from this guy.","56":"How have you been doing, by the way? Not that I want to poke around your personal life, but you have seemed a little edgy as of late.","57":"I'm okay. I suppose I've just been adjusting to life back on the outside. Maybe I've been feeling a little... aimless, since I came back.","58":"I guess I've felt a little lost. But that's likely just my tendency to overthink things.","59":"Well, the good news is, I think I know something to help with that...","60":"A short time later, Sandra begins to loosen up, as we down another round of Gamma Alpha Beta's brand of jungle juice.","61":"Good god! What do they put in this stuff? Kool Aid and jet fuel?","62":"I think I might switch over to beer after this one. Unless there's a boat we need to strip the paint off of.","63":"Around us, the party is in full swing.","64":"Coeds hopped up on cheap booze and hormones race around, doing everything that comes naturally to college students looking to burn off steam.","65":"It's refreshing. I know we harped on how Sandra needed a night out to relax, but come to think of it, I don't know the last time [i]I[\/i] had a night out like this.","66":"Being here, leaving all the stress at the door and just soaking in the energy, all the trauma from the past year kind of feels like a bad dream.","67":"I'm going to go find us a couple of real drinks. You want one?","68":"Sure, a beer would be fine, thanks!","69":"Sandra turns to head for the kegs, and almost runs into another historical Shale Hill Tradition.","70":"Tit-ty-shots! Tit-ty-shots! Tit-ty-shots!","71":"Sandra blushes and stumbles back, almost falling face first into the bare naked melons, but starts to giggle.","72":"Holy!... Okay! Wow! Might have to be a few more drinks in before I order one of those!","73":"What about you, {PlayerName}? Do you want the next round?","74":"Me? I'll get one later. I'd like to get to know a girl before I get a shot from between her knockers.","75":"What a gentleman.","76":"Chiding aside, she flashes me a big grin. It's good to see her loosen up.","77":"Content to just nurse a couple beers and leave the drunken shenanigans to our classmates, Sandra and I head inside and find a spot to just relax and chat.","78":"It's refreshing to just talk and get to know Sandra. We've always had a bit of an odd relationship, all things considered. This is the first time I think we've really just... hung out.","79":"...You're kidding. You [i]never[\/i] went to parties? Not once?","80":"Maybe once or twice I got dragged out, but I was always busy with work, man.","81":"Jeez, you're missing out on a huge part of the college experience! Didn't you ever want to just be a wild university student?","82":"Yeah, maybe. But I'm a nerd! This kind of stuff always felt like someone else's thing. Like I wouldn't belong.","83":"Says who?","84":"I don't know... Who are you, my therapist?","85":"It kind of sounds like the only one who's not giving you permission to relax is you.","86":"Well, what do you suggest I do? Go grab a few titty-shots? Do a keg stand? Smoke a fat blunt and hop off the roof into the pool?...","87":"I see her eyes drift as something captures her attention.","88":"... Just... start making out with some hot chick I just met?...","89":"We both pause for a moment, watching the two young ladies just going at each other in the middle of the party.","90":"Hey, if you're asking for my approval, I say go for it.","91":"Hmm? What did you say?","92":"It's so beautiful and serene. Like seeing a deer walk out of a morning mist. Or a waterfall.","93":"Oh my god, you're such a pig.","94":"Hey, more power to'um. I'm not gonna judge. They seem to be having a good time.","95":"Sandra's cheeks begin to blush, and she fidgets with her hair.","96":"And I suppose next you're going to suggest that, in the spirit of ''letting loose'' and ''blowing off steam'', you and I should just start making out right here, huh?","97":"Like, can you imagine how crazy that would be? Linus would totally lose it.","98":"Sandra pauses, looking up at me, waiting to see what I do. I take a moment, maybe just a little long, to make sure I'm reading the energy right...","99":"... But finally, I just go for it.","100":"As I step in, Sandra does the same, cocking her head up, and I can feel her breath and the electricity coming off of her as we close for a kiss.","101":"I think what strikes me the most odd is her lip balm. It has honey in it. Who knew Sandra\/Hank wore lip balm.","102":"... Or that her lips were so soft and plump.","103":"We kiss for a moment, before Sandra pulls away, feigning weakness and giggling. But she keeps her arms tight around my neck.","104":"Oh my god. This is so crazy!","105":"Sorry, too far? I didn't mean to...","106":"Just shut up and keep kissing me, you dork.","107":"I pull the olive skinned beauty back in, nuzzling her neck, starting to really enjoy this new, physical turn our relationship has taken.","108":"But, parties being a chaotic venture, we're soon interrupted.","109":"Heeeey! Yeah! Hot! You guys are hot! Good for you guys!","110":"We both pause, looking over at our [i]very[\/i] inebriated fan.","111":"...","112":"I was gonna go throw up in a bush. But it had -hic- thorns in it.","113":"Uh... oh yeah?","114":"Yeah. It had thorns in it, so I have to go find somewhere else to throw up.","115":"Okay... Do you need help?","116":"No. I'm good...","117":"Hey, do you guys like Avatar?... The cartoon, not the movie.","118":"Feeling like this might go better if we had less of an audience, I grab Sandra by the hand and lead us deeper into the frat house.","119":"Where are we going?","120":"We snake around some other heavily sloshed college students, looking for some quiet corner.","121":"Let's go find an empty room somewhere.","122":"As we're walking down a hall, Sandra grabs my arm and pulls me into an empty bedroom.","123":"Ugh, that's better.","124":"And before I can say another word, she reaches down and peels off her shirt, letting her two, magnificent tits jumble out.","125":" I immediately forget what I was about to say.","126":"I uh... um... uh.","127":"Well? Did you want to blow off some steam or not?","128":"Taking the cue, I lean down and wrap my lips around her warm, soft breast, sucking on her nipple.","129":"I feel Sandra's usually rigid, almost robotic demeanor begins to melt.","130":"Her nipple is already firm and erect when I start suckling at it, playing with it using my tongue and lips.","131":"Mmmm, fuck! Oh my god! I can't believe you're sucking on my tits right now!","132":"She collapses back down on the bed, and kicks her legs up.","133":"I want you to eat me out! Please?","134":"Well, since she asked so nicely.","135":"I help her peel off her pants, getting a glimpse of her long, slender legs.","136":"Getting down on my knees, I lean forward, lowering my mouth to her slit.","137":"Gently, I begin exploring her with my tongue, while her breathing grows more rapid and heavy.","138":"Mmm, yes! That feels so good!","139":"Her arousal heightens the more I work her womanhood. Her legs kicking occasionally with spasms of pleasure.","140":"Oh my god... I can't believe we're doing this!","141":"Don't stop! Keep going!","142":"... Don't think this is going to get you off from anything at work!","143":"I grin, as I continue to eat out her pussy. It's worth it just to see my otherwise serious and rigid boss reduced to her more animalistic tendencies.","144":"I'm already rock hard at this point, and pulling my cock out I get back to my feet.","145":"God, you have a nice cock! Are you really gonna fuck me with that?","146":"Toying with her, and savoring the sensation myself, I coyly slide the head of my member up and down the lips of her waiting vagina.","147":"What are you waiting for? Just put it in already!","148":"I guess someone's hornier than they've led on.","149":"I cut off her indigent response by finally sliding my shaft inside of her, causing her to buck at the penetration.","150":"Oh my god!... Holy fuck!","151":"Sliding deeper inside her, Sandra looks up into my eyes, her expression filled with lust.","152":"Mmm, deeper!...","153":"Slowly at first, then picking up speed, I piston my rod in and out of her. Like an engine spinning up.","154":"Soon, I'm vigorously pumping my hips over and over again. Watching her healthy young tits bounce rhythmically with my humping.","155":"The slapping sound of our flesh colliding and her lustful moans fill the room. Probably barely audible from the outside considering the raging party.","156":"Yes! Oh, god, yes! Fuck me! Fuck me harder!","157":"Well, almost. If Sandra keeps moaning this loudly I'm sure someone will be able to figure out what's going on in here.","158":"Wanting to change things up, I take hold of that ponytail of chestnut brown hair and guide Sandra down onto her belly, pressing my cock to her lips.","159":"Instinctually, she takes my manhood into her mouth and dutifully wraps her lips around. Sucking it deeply.","160":"I begin rocking my hips forward, sending my throbbing boner sliding down her slender throat. Pumping over and over again as I throat fuck her.","161":"Her rhythmic, muffled moans are wickedly delightful.","162":"She keeps those pouty lips wrapped tightly around my staff as she deepthroats me.","163":"It begs the question of how a girl who spent so long sequestered in a single room doesn't have a gag reflex.","164":"I continue to bob her head up and down the length of my meat.","165":"The sensation is utterly amazing. I wonder if it's possible to talk her into using this as some kind of motivational tool at work.","166":"Carrot and the stick.","167":"I'd be much more motivated to clear my tickets or finish server updates if I knew there was some head incentive.","168":"Sandra finally draws my length from her throat, breathing heavily to catch her breath, but still unable to keep her tongue from exploring my hyper sensitive tip.","169":"Fuck! That was amazing!","170":"Pretty good, huh?","171":"It'd be a very advantageous time to ask me to work overtime, I'll say that much!","172":"Laughing, Sandra spins around and presses her sumptuous ass back into me.","173":"My cock seems to home in on her pussy all by itself, sliding back inside of her.","174":"Rocking back and forth, she resumes riding my stick.","175":"Mmm, yes! Pound my tight little pussy!","176":"And tight she is.","177":"I toss my leg up on the bed to get better footing, trying to get as deep inside her as I can.","178":"Yes! More! Give it to me!","179":"Baby, you're about to get it!","180":"Unable to hold back any longer, I feel the release, and slamming my hips home, blast my load deep inside the squealing coed.","181":"Pulse after pulse of white, hot jizz shoots up inside her.","182":"Sandra cocks her hips forward, letting my cock slide out of her.","183":"Globs of spunk erupting from her slit after it.","184":"Oh my god! That was so hot!","185":"Do you have more?","186":"Spinning herself around, she grabs hold of my shaft, still rigid and hard, and begins pumping it right at her face.","187":"Fuck yes! You're so sexy!","188":"Aiming my shaft right at her, she continues to work it, desperately seeking a hot facial.","189":"Naturally, I'm eager to oblige.","190":"Holy shit... I'm gonna shoot again!","191":"Sandra is standing by, tongue at the ready to receive.","192":"I feel another jerk from my loins, and fire off another salvo of spunk right at Sandra's waiting face.","193":"The first round hurtling at her glasses.","194":"She lets out a gasp as her spectacles are struck with the sticky splooge.","195":"But she doesn't let up, continuing to jerk me off.","196":"The next round hurdles at her soft, warm cheek.","197":"Fuck! Oh my god, yes!","198":"And finally, I'm spent. I think she milked every drop of cum out of me.","199":"Both of us seem almost incapacitated, panting and sweating, and I look at the mess all over Sandra's face and grin.","200":"Oh my god! You marked me!","201":"Would you do a girl a favor and find me a towel?","202":"A few minutes later Sandra and I emerge from the bedroom. In the crowded party, no one gives us a second glance.","203":"So, I don't want you to make this out to be anything more than it is. I just needed to blow off some steam, and I'm happy you were willing to oblige. But let's not make a big deal out of it.","204":"Of course. No big deal.","205":"But... you know... In the future if I feel like I need to blow off some steam again, and you're receptive...","206":"I grin. Something tells me I wouldn't have any objection to such an arrangement.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"Sandra lets out a sigh, cutting the white noise of the IT office's various servers and computers.","2":"Looking over, I see her rub her eyes. She looks fatigued.","3":"It's been some time since Sandra had returned to the land of the living. In many ways, not much at the office has changed.","4":"Only, instead of receiving texts from ''Hank'', Linus and I got messages from Sandra.","5":"Though there was still a weird adjustment period where she would text us messages while we were right there in the room with her. Thankfully a habit she's started to grow out of.","6":"You alright?","7":"I'm fine. Just... tired.","8":"Trouble sleeping?","9":"No, it's not that. I suppose I'm just feeling... worn down."},"december_2021.vne3":{"10":"Yeah. It sounds fun. People have done stranger things I suppose.","11":"Lidia stands up to pull her chair over closer.","12":"Even just the way she moves gets me excited.","13":"You remember earlier, when I said I was an ''appreciator '' of things? Enjoying things for what they are?","14":"I feel her hand slide up on my thigh, and I feel the sudden rush of arousal.","15":"I seem to recall.","16":"So, would it be too forward for me to say that I appreciate you, and I, and this moment?","17":"Without putting any expectation on it, what if we just... enjoyed this moment for what it was?","18":"I feel it as well. This energy between Lidia and I. The pull of this river is strong, and even if we don't know where it flows to, I still want to see where it takes us.","19":"I think we would be at a loss not to.","20":"Sensing what's coming, I lean in, with Lidia matching my movements.","21":"Our lips touch in a tender, gentle kiss. But its effects are electrifying.","22":"That wasn't too much, was it?","23":"I smile, looking into her stunning green eyes, nodding ''no''.","24":"Oh. Okay. Good.","25":"She shifts in her seat, staring at me, and working something out in her head.","26":"You know... I'm kind of feeling some coffee, but I didn't see any on the menu.","27":"Picking up on her suggestion, I take a guess we're not [i]actually[\/i] talking about coffee.","28":"Well, my place isn't far from here. If you'd like, we can stop by there and I could make you a cup?","29":"I stand up, gesturing for her to take my hand. She accepts the invitation.","30":"Really? Well, okay then.","31":"I leave some money for the beers, and we head out.","32":"I wonder if you have anything [i]dark and creamy[\/i].","33":"A short time later, and we're back in my apartment.","34":"So... do you want me to make the coffee... or we can just....","35":"Taking every non-verbal hint she's firing off, I slowly, gently, push her up against the door. Giving her time to correct me if I'm mis-reading the situation.","36":"Oh, good. I was worried you were actually going to try to make us some coffee first.","37":"I smile, and lean in. Our lips contact again and the same pulse of warmth and pleasure seems to spread through my body like a drug.","38":"Her lips are soft and sweet, and supple. I could just chew on them","39":"Her tongue playfully laps at my lips, and I return the favor.","40":"We french for a moment, just enjoying each other's taste.","41":"Slowly, I drift down her cheek, then her neck, exploring each line and curve on her with my lips.","42":"Jesus. That feels so amazing.","43":"Her lithe fingers hook under my shirt, filling me with excitement.","44":"If I'm going too fast just let me know, alright?","45":"I nod, as my shirt comes off over my head.","46":"My attention turns to her blouse, as I'm eager to see what she has underneath. She does the same with my pants.","47":"I free her supple breasts from the garment, and pull her in close.","48":"God, you're so hot.","49":"Lets go to the bedroom.","50":"I smile, taking her by the hand and leading her to my room.","51":"I hope this all isn't too much for you... It's been a little while for me.","52":"I have no objections. Drinking in her stunning rack and the rest of her amazing body with my eyes.","53":"You can chalk it up to my ''European sensibilities''.","54":"Lidia doesn't have to worry about any judgments from me. I am happy to engage in this as she is.","55":"Laying back in bed, I sit and just watch Lidia as she takes her time, sauntering over.","56":"I wonder if she's nervous or if it's purposeful. Letting me see her completely naked, showing off that ravishing figure.","57":"She knows what she's doing. I see her smile mischievously, getting up on the bed and crawling towards me on all fours, as slinky as a cat.","58":"She can take all the time she wants. I could watch her move like this forever.","59":"Finally, nearly on top of me, she looks down at my growing cock with hungry eyes.","60":"Oh my... you are a big boy, aren't you?","61":"Mmm, this is a very handsome cock.","62":"It is sweet relief when I finally feel her slight, slender fingers take my member in her hand, and I feel it actively growing at her touch.","63":"And it's getting bigger! Should I be worried?","64":"I grin, taking in all her valleys and curves. The way she perfectly arches her back, and props her perfect cocoa ass in the air.","65":"She settles down, and then, blessedly, presses her pillowy, burgundy lips against my waiting phallus.","66":"The pleasure as she starts to suck me off is euphoric and utterly mind numbing. I watch her beautiful mouth take the full length of my shaft.","67":"Lidia lets my cock slide out of her supple mouth, and staddles my hips.","68":"I want you inside me.","69":"Carefully, she lowers herself onto my rod, and I feel myself slowly enter her slit.","70":"Her wet warmth is intoxicating. She is tight, but welcoming.","71":"Her slender frame carefully slides down the length of my manhood, savoring every millimeter of penetration.","72":"Oh fuck... you're so big!","73":"Sinking down to the hilt of my cock, feeling her brown cheeks press against my pelvis, I pull her to me, sucking at her perky nipples.","74":"She lets out a chorus of soft coos, as I thrust up into her.","75":"Jesus... fuck me!","76":"Laying her lithe body out in front of me, Lidia begins bobbing up and down on my shaft.","77":"Each descent she makes, I thrust upward, attempting to get as deep as I can.","78":"All the while, watching those amazing brown tits of hers bouncing on her slender chest.","79":"{PlayerName}, you're filling me up completely!","80":"Fuck, I so needed this! Fuck me harder!","81":"Lidia twists and writhes atop of me, transforming from the unassuming coffee shop girl, to a purely sexual being.","82":"I want to capture the image of her like this, in this moment, and chisel it into stone.","83":"I love how you feel inside me, can I just say that?","84":"It's all I can do but smile and nod. And to show her physically I feel equally about being inside her.","85":"She leans down to kiss me again.","86":"The gorgeous vixen releasing muffled moans, while I gently thrust into her while we lock lips.","87":"Let's try reverse cowgirl.","88":"Happy to agree, I hold my cock as she lowers herself back onto me.","89":"Mmm, I like you this way too.","90":"The curvy barista proceeds to rock her ample hips up and down, riding my shaft vigorously.","91":"Oh lord, you're going to drive me crazy with that big dick!","92":"I could say the same about her tight little pussy.","93":"Grabbing her by that slender waist, I pull her back down and start thrusting harder, almost jerking myself off with her body.","94":"Yes! Oh god, yes! Fuck me wild!","95":"In the maddening passion she's whipped me into, she feels as light as air, pumping her up and down my hungry cock.","96":"Fuck-me-fuck-me-fuck-me-fuck-me...","97":"Until finally, I can't hold back any longer. My whole body tenses and locks, uncontrollably, pulling her down on my cock as I let out a snarl, and blast my load deep inside Lidia.","98":"The explosion of cum sends her hurdling over the edge, squealing in orgasm, her legs and pussy quivering uncontrollably, like she's being electrified.","99":"Oh shit... oh god. You really came in me, huh?","100":"As the quakes of orgasm start to quiet, the energy starts to leave my arms. I begin to pull Lidia off my cock before it leaves me completely.","101":"I take my time, though. She still feels absolutely heavenly around my dick, and I want to experience every bit of it I can.","102":"In her post-coital sensitivity, Lidia lets out breath-gasps as I slowly unsheath my softenting phallus from her.","103":"Finally, she lets off an adorable yelp, when my manhood finally pops out of her throbbing slit. A thick stream of my seed trailing out of her.","104":"Jesus, it's so much!","105":"In the afterglow of orgasm, I wrap my arms around Lidia and pull her close to me, nuzzling at her and enjoying her smell and her warmth. Both of us bathing in floods of oxytocin.","106":"Mmmm, that was amazing...","107":"...We should go to the biergarten together more often.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"My ''Date'' with Lidia to the biergarten had been for the purposes of some white hat espionage. Trying to access Lidia's data to find out more about the surveillance she was under.","2":"The date, though, had gone surprisingly well. Lidia and I hit it off. And even though we parted for the evening at the end of it, I couldn't help but wonder what if things had ended differently.","3":"I wish I could take someone with me to Italy, you know?","4":"When I clear up all my travel issues... it'd be real nice to go with someone.","5":"What do you think?","6":"What do I think...","7":"...God, this is so crazy. I don't know why I'm asking you something so serious. We're just having a couple of drinks.","8":"Well... would it be crazy of me to say that actually sounds really appealing?","9":"Really?"},"december_2022.vne3":{"10":"Sorry, {PlayerName}, no one has turned in a wallet. But if I find it, I’ll call you.","11":"Alright, thanks.","12":"Sam and I had met at the Library to study. It could have fallen out of my pocket then.","13":"On my way to the library, I find Sam by the park.","14":"Nah, haven’t seen it, dude. Hope you find it before someone goes on a Christmas buying spree.","15":"Yeah, me too.","16":"I had been at the Philosophy club before my shift at the IT lab. That would be the next logical place to look.","17":"Along the way, I kept my eyes glued to the ground in front of me, hoping that I might stumble across it lying in the grass.","18":"The search took me all the way back to the Philosophy club itself. I hope it’ll be lying on the floor by the chair I was sitting at. Or maybe someone was nice enough to leave it on the counter.","19":"Spending Christmas break scrambling to replace my license, ID, and credit cards would be a proper lump of coal in the middle of my holidays.","20":"I cracked open the door and was greeted by the festive constellations of Christmas tree lights. It turns out the Philosophy club has a surprising amount of Yuletide cheer.","21":"When I enter the room though, like the lingering specter of Ebenezer Scrooge in female form, I’m greeted by Kristen. She’s sporting a disconcerting smirk on her face.","22":"What have we here? So thirsty for the enlightenment of philosophy that you couldn’t stay away, {PlayerName}?","23":"I just nod, much more interested in finding my wallet than trading barbs with some lazy intellectual suffering a superiority complex.","24":"Have you come to bask at this phallic, celebratory monument to colonial capitalist oppression?","25":"Kristen gestures to the Christmas tree.","26":"You must just be the most fun at holiday dinners.","27":"Look, I don’t want any trouble, I’m just here to look for my wallet. You haven’t seen it, have you?","28":"Your wallet?... Hm, I don’t know if I have seen it.","29":"Dammit. I’ll have to keep looking for it.","30":"I [i]did[\/i] find [i]my[\/i] new wallet, though.","31":"I let out a sigh of relief when Kristen holds up my wallet.","32":"Thank god. Seriously, thanks for grabbing it for me. I really appreciate it.","33":"Thank me? For what?","34":"For finding my wallet.","35":"Oh, no. You [i]lost[\/i] your wallet. This wallet [i]I[\/i] found is now mine.","36":"Come on, Kristen. Can I just have my wallet back?","37":"No. We live in a society where possession of property is sacred.","38":"This wallet was obviously not important enough for you to maintain possession of it. And since it is now I who possesses it, it is now my property.","39":"Can we not play these little games? I just want my wallet back.","40":"You want to live in a society based on property, but you don’t want to play by the rules when they don’t suit you? Too bad. You have this punishment coming.","41":"God, does she always have to be this insufferable? I don’t have time for this.","42":"Fine, you made your point. You’re so much smarter than me. Just give me my wallet back, Kristen.","43":"I take a step forward and reach out to take my wallet.","44":"Typical toxic, infantile male behavior. To lash out violently when he doesn’t get his way.","45":"Violent? I just want a friggin cheeseburger!","46":"Instead of handing it over, Kristen takes the wallet and tosses it across the room towards the door.","47":"Go ahead, take your wallet. I’m sure you have something you need to [i]buy[\/i] with it!","48":"Yeah, a cheeseburger!","49":"Before I can grab the wallet from the floor, the door opens.","50":"Hey, somebody lost their wallet?","51":"I’m speechless for a moment, trying not to gawk too hard at the cute, petite, goth girl standing in the doorway.","52":"Oh, thank god you’re here, Maya. The testosterone in here was beginning to get stifling.","53":"Hey, Kristen! What’s up?","54":"I suppose I should introduce you. This is {PlayerName}. He’s an acquaintance who gets confused and stumbles into the philosophy club from time to time.","55":"Forgive his appearance. But he is somewhat capable of rudimentary communication.","56":"{PlayerName}, this is Maya. Please don’t immediately try to breed with her.","57":"I’m still fumbling with my phone a bit. A bad habit when I’m around pretty blondes.","58":"Maya blushes and giggles.","59":"Hi, {PlayerName}. You know Kristen, so I don’t have to explain her behavior, right?","60":"I do. Pleasure to meet you, Maya.","61":"Oh! You’re the guy Kristen always talks about. The one who can’t speak.","62":"Maya hands my wallet back to Kristen, possibly assuming it’s hers, while I take a cut at Kristen.","63":"Oh, she always talks about me, huh?","64":"One of the many guys she likes to complain about all the time.","65":"Really? You don’t say.","66":"Do you go to college at Shale Hill? I haven’t seen you around.","67":"I do, I’m tucked away over at the Fine Arts Annex. But I like to stroll on over and debate philosophy with this walking mess.","68":"Maya gestures playfully to Kristen.","69":"All great minds are messes. It's the burden of intellectualism in the face of chaos. The intelligentsia is always cursed to suffer the ignorant.","70":"You’ve probably guessed at how much fun Kristen is at parties.","71":"You know, I was just saying...","72":"Oh, I’m sorry, Maya. I didn’t realize you came here to betray your gender.","73":"While Maya and Kristen are bantering, I suddenly remember why I was back in the Philosophy club in the first place.","74":"I don’t mean to interrupt, but can I get my wallet back?","75":"No. What are you going to do about it, huh? Use your sexual dimorphism to over power me and take it? File some injunction within the school patriarchy to crush me legally and take it that way?","76":"God, she’s just the worst... but I think I know one thing that she might not expect.","77":"I lean forward, and plant a kiss right on Kristen’s lips. Behind me I hear Maya gasp.","78":"Kristen jerks her head back and looks at me, flustered and stunned.","79":"Well, that got her to shut up.","80":"You... who do you think...","81":"But then, she lunges forward and kisses me back.","82":"Oh... this just got interesting.","83":"There's the flick of a switch, and suddenly, the lights in the room go dark. Now the space is lit by the warm glow of the Christmas lights.","84":"Well, can’t say I had expected this! Kristen leans into me, Her arms gliding up my torso.","85":"The plan was to stun her long enough to just grab my wallet and run... but as I feel her breasts press against my chest, her soft lips caress mine... well, plans change.","86":"In the maelstrom of urges and sensation... I feel... confusion.","87":"Kristen? Really? I'm not even sure how I feel about her!","88":"But... I don’t hate this. Divorced from her weird personality as we kiss, I realize she is attractive.","89":"Was the sexual tension between us really that well hidden? It’s hard to reconcile my physical lust for her at this moment, with my utter disdain each time she opens her mouth to talk.","90":"So... is this why you’re always badgering me to come to the Philosophy club?","91":"I look back at the coy smirk on the edgy blonde’s face.","92":"Though I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, given how much time you spent complaining about him.","93":"Come now, Maya. I never said that men were devoid of [i]any[\/i] usefulness.","94":"Not that I had planned this, but since we have him here, we might as well enjoy.","95":"My mind is still trying to comprehend what is happening. But luckily my body just goes with it when the Maya saunters up to me.","96":"Mmm, I guess he is pretty cute.","97":"It’s a Christmas Miracle.","98":"Kristen, it turns out, is a perfectly palatable sexual liaison. But I am more than eager to taste her friend. I pull the slender young blonde close, and kiss her deeply.","99":"Maya instantly returns my kiss. She seems totally comfortable, eager even, for the impropmtu holiday.","100":"[i]ménage à trois[\/i].","101":"I can feel Kristen begin to strip off her clothes behind me, and with Maya pressed to me, my cock is now rock hard.","102":"The three of us begin to disrobe. Kristen drops to her knees, her perky young breasts jiggling playfully, as she tugs my jeans down.","103":"My throbbing member enthusiastically flops free of my pants, coaxing a gasp from Maya, who now has her own breasts out.","104":"Oh, he is a [i]big[\/i] boy, huh?","105":"Of course! You don’t think I'd suggest we indulge ourselves on some lesser specimen, did you?","106":"You do have an eye for these things, I’ll give you that.","107":"He’s not gentle, is he?","108":"Kristen looks up at me with a suggestive expression.","109":"I don’t know. Are you a kind and gentle lover? Or do you have some pent up male sexual frustration you’d like to take out on a couple of promiscuous young coeds?","110":"I reply by taking both of them by the hair and putting them on their knees in front of me.","111":"Without missing a beat, both Maya and Kristen begin to lap at and suck at my cock. Their heads gliding up and down my shaft, guided by my hands.","112":"The two girls seem to speak to each other through little whimpers and moans, while I revel in my unexpected early Christmas present.","113":"Kristen muscles her smaller friend out of the way, and takes my full member in my mouth. Maya giggles.","114":"Jeez, Kristen! Are you that dick starved?","115":"For someone who rails so often against the patriarchy, she sure seems thirsty to have a little patriarchy inside her mouth.","116":"Come on, Kristy! You’re hogging it! Don’t finish him off before I have some!","117":"Kristen releases my member and smiles at her pouty friend.","118":"Aw, does someone need a little attention?","119":"With her lips coated in spit and my precum, Kristen gets to her feet, and pulls Maya in for a kiss.","120":"Trading saliva flavored with my cock, Maya reaches back and starts working my shaft.","121":"Kristen, without a word, pushes Maya down onto the chair and immediately goes to work on her pussy.","122":"Wanting a little piece of the small blonde myself, I take her by the back of the head and put my cock to her lips.","123":"Maya, good little girl that she is, immediately gives up her mouth as I start to thrust forward.","124":"The deep moans Kristen coaxes from Maya only sweetens it for me, as I fuck her throat.","125":"Letting off Maya, I slide my Yule Log out of her mouth and slide behind Kristen, who is still deeply preoccupied with making Maya sing.","126":"[i]Introducing a new feature, 360° view! Some images within the scene will now include a 360° version to help you feel even more immersed. All you have to do is click and drag the cursor to move the camera in any direction. Have fun!","127":"When Kristen feels me positioning to mount her from behind, her back arches and her ass props up, presenting herself to me.","128":"The moment I enter her, the shudder travels from my cock, up Kristen’s spine, and into Maya.","129":"Oh god! That’s right! Eat me out while you get fucked, Kristy!","130":"Being polite, I thrust firmly but gently, not wanting to pound Kristen too hard while she’s still busy servicing Maya.","131":"The blonde hits her high note as Kristen finishes her off. Letting out a loud, sensual carol when she climaxes.","132":"Finally lifting her head away from Maya’s slit, I take the opportunity to get back at Kristen for her little game with the wallet.","133":"I grab her pigtails, jerk her head back, and start pounding that pussy. All to Maya’s delight.","134":"Oh yes! Fuck that little feminist brat’s pussy!","135":"Feeling like a change of position would help me holding a bit more, I stand the two girls up and herd my giggling sex toys to a nearby bench.","136":"Fuck, you eat me out so good, baby!","137":"Never send a man to do a woman’s job.","138":"Reclining across the furniture, I grab Maya and pull her up on top of me to ride.","139":"She positions her slender frame over my shaft and slowly lowers herself down on my manhood.","140":"Oh fuck! Holy shit, he’s big!","141":"But even as Maya is riding my North Pole, Kristen sneaks up behind me and slides up on my face.","142":"Mmmm, let’s see how good {PlayerName} is at eating gash!","143":"Well, it is the season to be giving.","144":"With Maya giggling and bouncing up and down on my candy cane, I focus the best I can at eating out Kristen’s tight, wet snatch.","145":"Holy... fuck! I fucking love Philosphy!","146":"That’s right! Eat my pussy! Lick that clit and be a good boy!","147":"In that moment, being smothered in quivering female flesh, I wonder what the regular, socially awkward boys from the philosophy club would say, if they knew what we were doing in their sacred space.","148":"But frankly, right now, it’s not worth thinking about.","149":"Come here and give me your mouth.","150":"Kristen and Maya both lean in and start frenching. The wet sounds of their tongues and lips careasses is only broken up by their muffled moans.","151":"Their sensual whimpers come to creciendo almost in unison, as both of their nubile bodies begin to buck and gyrate uncontrollably.","152":"Oh fuck! I’m cumming! I’m fucking cumming!","153":"I’m having one! I’m having another one!","154":"Both co-eds sing to each other in angelic chords of blissful ecstasy, their bodies seizing and jerking from the pulses of pleasures, before both collapsing into sweaty, panting piles.","155":"Holy fuck... I think I just felt the Holiday Spirit.","156":"Fuck... Thanks Santa!?","157":"The pair erupt in girlish giggles, their warm bodies radiating post orgasm warmth into mine.","158":"Kristen slides down under Maya and flips the blonde over. Reaching around to play with her breasts.","159":"Isn’t she hot, {PlayerName}? Doesn’t she have just the most amazing little tits? Just look at how they bounce and jiggle while you fuck her!","160":"Maya, sandwiched between us, just looks up at me with those big, green eyes of hers. Cheeks flush and a glazed stare as the center of our erotic scramble.","161":"Grabbing her slender legs, I pull Maya into me, and slide back inside her throbbing womanhood.","162":"Best Christmas Ever.","163":"Oh god, my head is so fucked right now I can barely think straight. Tap me out, Kristy, before he fucks me braindead!","164":"Mmm, you got it, sexy.","165":"Maya and Kristen swap spots. I spread Kristen’s legs and slide back into her while she and Maya start to make out again.","166":"Watching the two beautiful college girls making out while I fuck one of them is like some erotic fever dream. It doesn’t even feel real.","167":"Kristen is already hurtling towards another orgasm. Maya sees it and lets her hand slide down to play with Kristen's clit, pushing her over the edge.","168":"The blonde flashes me a coy glance, as we tag team Kristen, driving her to another wail inducing climax.","169":"gggghhh... here comes... another... one....","170":"Kristen is panting like a dog after we finish her off, with Maya cooing affectionately, fingers still caressessing around her friend's mound.","171":"But I’m not about to end this evening without getting my own present.","172":"I stand up, and grabbing the two girls in their docile state, position them on their knees and elbows, propping their ass in the air for me.","173":"Ugh, you just love this, huh? Handling us like we’re just a pair of playthings for you to have your fun with?","174":"You like this? Me pressing my ass up for you to take?","175":"Mmm, I wonder which one of us is gonna get a present from him.","176":"With both those wiggling butts and tight pussies laid out in front of me, I try and decide where to start.","177":"Kristen could use a good spearing. I grab her by the rump.","178":"Now you’re gonna penetrate my helpless little pussy again with that big, thick cock of yours, huh?","179":"I can’t help but flicker my gaze down to the girl's dainty feet.","180":"Their cute, perfect toes curling and uncurling in excitement.","181":"I stuff Kristen’s stocking. Sliding my yule log into her waiting womanhood, and reveling in the deep moan she lets out when I enter her.","182":"Maya rears her head up to watch her friend get mounted.","183":"Yes! Oh, this is so hot! Fuck her hard!","184":"I love watching you get plowed, Kristy!","185":"Kristen can barely get out a breathy coo while I thrust into her, rocking her back and forth.","186":"It’s extra satisfying, fucking the spectacled minx beyond her ability to talk. I definitely like Kristen a lot more when she’s not talking.","187":"Jesus, fuck! He’s so fucking big!","188":"Maya watches and bobs up and down impatiently.","189":"Come on, {PlayerName}! She’s hogging it! I want some too!","190":"I answer Maya’s mousey whining by sliding out of Kristen, and ramming my cock up the little blonde's tight slit.","191":"She involuntarily gasps and her body instantly seizes up when I impale her on my raging erection.","192":"Still recovering, Kristen sits up and starts to diddle herself, still hungry for more stimulation.","193":"While the raven haired nerd girl is still composing herself, her little goth friend is collapsing into a hot mess of brain melting pleasure, turning into a puddle of flesh on the bench.","194":"Oh my fucking god! You’re destroying my pussy!","195":"Yes! Fuck Maya! Fuck her! Doesn’t she deserve it? Parading around her perky butt","196":"I let Kristen egg me on, thrusting again and again into the petite blonde, watching her writhe around in ecstacy below me.","197":"I begin to feel the tremors in my loins, signaling that climax is approaching. Honestly, I’m shocked I was able to last this long.","198":"Maya looks up and notices my posture tighten and the curves of a snarl start to form in my face.","199":"Kristen! I think he’s gonna cum!","200":"No doubt he means to drown the both of us in his seed. Typical caveman. How do you want us, {PlayerName}?","201":"Cum on the girls' backs.","202":"Cum on the girls' faces.","203":"I grab both girls by the back of their necks, and push their faces back down into the bench.","204":"Giggling, both immediately pop their asses up, giving me a nice target.","205":"Mmmmm, I love being manhandled!","206":"Is this what you like? Putting a couple of empowered women in their place? Spraying your molten-hot patriarchal batter all over our nubile young bodies? You must just [i]love[\/i] this!","207":"I really do.","208":"As the two of them shake their round, supple ass’s for me, I aim my manhood down at them and start pumping my cock.","209":"It takes only moments before the first thick, sticky blast of cum explodes from the tip and splatters all over that supple, waiting flesh.","210":"Yes! Cover me with your cum!","211":"My hips buckle in a storm of pleasure, each pulse of ejaculate frosts their toasty looking buns with hot, sticky globs of my icing.","212":"The girls squeal and giggle with each volley of jizz that whips at their backsides.","213":"Oh fuck! It’s so warm!","214":"It’s not long before both girls have a nice coating of my thick man-chowder, dribbling down their ample curves.","215":"With final, weak ropes of spunk lazily draped over them, the two beauties relax, lying down on their bellies and checking each other's back with a gasp.","216":"Oh my god... Kristy, he slimed us!","217":"Do you see anything to clean up with? How are we supposed to get dressed?","218":"Grabbing the two of them by thick handfuls of their hair, I herd Maya and Kristen onto their knees in front of me.","219":"Taking my cock in hand, I start furiously jerking off at them.","220":"Is this what you want? A couple of submissive girls at your feet, waiting to be showered with your oppressive, hot, salty seed?","221":"Despite Kristen’s defiant remarks, she eagerly faces my cock, sticking her tongue out to taste the shower I’m about to give her.","222":"Fuck! Yes baby! Hose me down in cum! Make me your little whore!","223":"With both girls eagerly waiting, I decide it’s time to give them a [i]White Christmas[\/i].","224":"Growling, I fire off the first round of cum, girthy ropes of pearly jizz splatter across Maya’s beautiful face, her body jerking slightly from the impact.","225":"As much as I want to see the little blonde soaked in my cum, I can’t deny how much I’ve been wanting to shoot my jizz all over Kristen’s face. If nothing but to get back at her for her constant proselytizing.","226":"Aiming at the brunette’s glasses, I fire off several spiteful salvos at the bookish nerd.","227":"Soon, both girls are dripping with my seed. Reveling in the sight, I suddenly feel drained and completely content.","228":"Holy... fuck! It’s so much cum! You walk around with this much jizz inside you all the time?","229":"I’m gonna need to shower twice to get it all off of me... Oh god, I have to walk back to my dorm!","230":"Kristen looks at her friend, and suddenly grabs her and pulls her in to kiss.","231":"As they french, they also hungrily lap up thick globs of cum from each others face.","232":"God lord, {PlayerName}! Are you trying to prove something here?","233":"You don’t store all your fragile male insecurity in your balls, do you?","234":"I roll my eyes, no amount of facials is gonna change Kristen.","235":"But I just chuckle and bask in the warm afterglow of holiday threesome sex, watching as Kristen and Maya giggle and hilariously try and clean off the [i]Holiday Spirit[\/i] I just showered them with.","236":"Helping out, I look around and grab some tissues off a nearby desk so the girls can clean up.","237":"I lie back down on the bench to relax and cool off. After finishing cleaning up, Maya and Kristen curl up with me.","238":"So this is what you guys do in the Philosophy club? Kristy, if this is what all the guys you know are like, we need to start going to more of these.","239":"Oh, they are mostly insufferable man-babies... but {PlayerName} here is suitably tolerable at times.","240":"Mmmm, to put it lightly.","241":"Kristen, lying in my lap, looks up at me and actually gives me a little wink, before sticking her tongue out.","242":"I’m stunned. Did Kristen... say something borderline nice about me?","243":"It’s a Christmas Miracle.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"It’s a feeling that something is off. I’ve had it all afternoon now.","2":"I couldn’t put my finger on it until Linus asked me if he could pick me up anything from the campus food court.","3":"Naturally, a big, greasy, bacon cheeseburger would soothe my lingering sense of unease. It was when I slid my hand down into my pocket that I felt my heart sink.","4":"Linus watched my jerky motions, scrambling to check my other pockets.","5":"What’s a matter? Lose your wallet?","6":"A thorough search of the lab turned up nothing. The next step was to retrace my steps and see if I had dropped it somewhere.","7":"Yes. I'll check outside.","8":"Damn, that sucks, dude. I'll cover you.","9":"I had gotten coffee earlier that day. Could I have left it at Lidia’s Cafe?"},"december_2023.vne3":{"10":"I hoist the evergreen over my shoulder and nod to the parking lot, making my way back to the car.","11":"Okay! I'll go pay!","12":"That'll be $75.00, ma'am.","13":"Got it... Oooo, y'all have mistletoe?","14":"Yeah, it's fifty percent off with any purchase of a full sized tree.","15":"Well, golly, I don't suppose I could say no to that!","16":"After getting back to the faculty lounge on campus, we set to decorating. I normally wouldn't be bothered helping do something like this for a bunch of absentee faculty, but it's hard to say ''no'' to Maggie.","17":"It's well into the evening before we're putting the finishing touches on the last bits of decoration.","18":"I love the smell of pine! It just wouldn't be a proper Christmas without a big, fuzzy Christmas tree decorating the place!","19":"You didn't have to stay and help, I know you're busy and all.","20":"No trouble at all, I'm happy to help. I haven't decorated a tree like this in ages.","21":"I know it's sappy and childish, but I just love this time of year.","22":"There's something about seeing a tree all lit up like this that just reminds me of home.","23":"Just need to put the final touches on the top... Hey, could I bother ya to give a girl a hand?","24":"Seeing Maggie struggling to reach the top of the tree, I stand up and gently steady her by the waist.","25":"...Whoops!","26":"Off balance on her tippy toes, Maggie rocks back into me. When her body presses into mine, it sends my heart racing.","27":"Eager to move past the awkward, albeit arousing moment, I motion for her to hop on my shoulders.","28":"Oh... okay! You sure I'm not too fat?","29":"She's not fat, but she's not lightweight either. This is one of those times where being mute and saying nothing is the best.","30":"Before long, we're finished, and the faculty lounge is looking appropriately festive.","31":"Maggie, taken in by the atmosphere, slides up next to me, and I put my arm around her shoulder.","32":"A job well done, {PlayerName}. There's just one last thing...","33":"Maggie gives me a look, and I see her grab something.","34":"I'm curious, when she produces a bit of foliage from behind her back.","35":"It wouldn't be complete without a bit of mistletoe, now would it?","36":"I feel my cheeks begin to warm, but I can't help but grin.","37":"Taking her by the waist, I pull Maggie in close.","38":"Maggie holds the mistletoe above us, and as custom, I lean down to kiss her.","39":"She really goes all out for this Christmas stuff, even her lips taste like peppermint.","40":"When our kiss grows more intense, I let go of more of my inhibitions.","41":"Sliding my hands down her jammie-clad body, I cup her warm ass cheeks and squeeze.","42":"Pulling away from me, Maggie blushes.","43":"Are you ready to unwrap your present?","44":"It being late, and unlikely to be discovered and interrupted, I reach up to the zipper of Maggie's onesie and begin to undress her.","45":"Her plump, perky breasts almost pop out of the garment. As bashful as Maggie is, she's eager to show off her impressive tits.","46":"I peel the onesie off of Maggie's nubile body like I'm unwrapping a gift on Christmas morning. More than pleased she decided to go stark naked underneath.","47":"If I didn't know better, I'd guess she's been planning this all along.","48":"My hand explores her figure, eventually finding her wet slit.","49":"She's slightly timid, but her arousal overcomes her cageyness, and she quickly begins pressing herself to my hand.","50":"Like playing with a new toy, I begin to diddle the panting redhead, indulging in a thick handful of her ass while I do.","51":"Mmmm, {PlayerName}, I love when you touch me like this.","52":"Those round, jiggling melons are far too much for me to ignore, and I crane my head to suckle at them.","53":"Maggie lets out a soft coo when I toy with her nipple.","54":"I pull away from Maggie, and eager to keep things moving, I begin undressing as well.","55":"Oooo, is it time to see what I'm getting for Christmas?","56":"Once completely disrobed, I indulge in a bit of Christmas cheekiness myself. Maggie giggles girlishly at my antics.","57":"Well, I suppose rules are rules.","58":"Dropping to her knees, Maggie wraps her fingers around my shaft.","59":"Heavens to Betsy, I'm being so naughty! I hope Santa doesn't leave coal in my stocking for this!","60":"Her lips on my head feel like Christmas morning.","61":"I hear her giggle again when she feels me shudder in pleasure.","62":"Her little hand stroking my meat, Maggie suckles at my cock like it were a candy cane.","63":"This is the perfect little gift to get the holiday season started.","64":"Taking my dick into her warm, wet mouth is divine, and I feel it glide over her lips effortlessly.","65":"Her tongue flirts with the tip, sending pulses of electricity up my spine.","66":"While naturally talented at sucking dick, Maggie clearly hasn't had a lot of cocks in her mouth, and struggles a little as she begins to slide it further down her throat.","67":"But the more she blows me, the more confident she becomes, pushing her head further and further down my meat.","68":"While she may be quite innocent in the art of serving men, she's eager to please, and appears to have an innate aptitude for it.","69":"I watch the pretty young redhead work, discovering more about herself than she realized.","70":"Whatever hang ups or nervousness she had soon evaporate. Giving into her own lust, she does what comes naturally to her.","71":"That head of red gold hair is soon bobbing enthusiastically back and forth, and I'm awash in pleasure.","72":"The soft Christmas music in the background is joined by the wet slurping sound of Maggie giving me head, and letting off an occasional muffled moan.","73":"The sight of her looking up at me with those big, submissive eyes while my member slides in and out of her wet mouth drives me to near carnal madness.","74":"I can't help but reach down, running my fingers through her locks of red curls.","75":"She surrenders to my touch immediately, letting me drive the tempo and pressing her head down and back, over and over again.","76":"The sensation is incredible. My leg begins to quiver from the pleasure of it all.","77":"Being careful to not be too forceful, I gingerly press her head down further and further with each pass.","78":"I want to see the entirety of my length disappear into her mouth, and feel those petal-soft lips press against the stem of my shaft.","79":"The whole act is having a very interesting effect on Maggie.","80":"Whatever shame she had in touching herself in front of me is dispelled after I take hold of her, and spun up, her fingers drive to her snatch and she begins to vigorously play with her pussy.","81":"The reverberations of her moans, growing in intensity with each passing moment, radiate into my manhood while she sucks me off.","82":"She's so hungry for it, she begins whimpering and pouting, her mouth still full of my meat.","83":"Maggie finally pulls herself away from my rod, panting heavily as her heaving bosom wobbles back and forth.","84":"Oh god, I don't know what's gotten into me! In the teacher's lounge and everything!","85":"Despite her exclamation, Maggie's eyes continue to flicker down to my quivering member, the lust returning to her gaze.","86":"... I want you to fuck me.","87":"Taking her by the shoulders, I spin the slender coed around, and bend her over the table.","88":"Driven by her most basic instincts, she arches her back and presses her round ass up, presenting herself for me to press my rod to her wet slit.","89":"As I penetrate her, I swear I hear some angels singing.","90":"A cry gets caught in Maggie's throat when I spear her, rocked by a tremor of pleasure upon being entered.","91":"Oh god! It's so big!","92":"Please, {PlayerName}! Make love to me!","93":"Gentle at first, I cock my hips forward and back, slowly sliding in and out of Maggie, savoring every millimeter of her intoxicating warmth.","94":"Her breathing grows more labored and hungry as I gradually pick up the pace.","95":"More... more! Oh, heaven, help me!","96":"Taking her around that slender waist, I begin to pump harder. Her breasts and hair bouncing back and forth in concert at the quickening tempo.","97":"I feel my own sense of control begin to slip. Maggie feels amazing, and her slide into animal lust is drawing me down with her.","98":"Pressing her against the table, her soft, ample cheeks pressed to me, I begin to drive my hips harder and harder into her.","99":"There's an almost constant sonnet of desperate coos and whimpers from her, pairing with the wet, slapping sound of feverish lovemaking.","100":"Yes! Take me, {PlayerName}! Ravage me!","101":"But the sex starved redhead's hunger is greater than my endurance, and with lungs burning and legs buckling, I finally have to slow to catch my breath.","102":"God, you're so amazing! I'm so turned on right now!","103":"A moment of rest aside, my own desire for Maggie's body hasn't let up in the slightest. Reaching around, I grab her impressive and creamy milkers and squeeze them firmly.","104":"Mmmm, I love having your hands on my breasts!","105":"Still breathing heavily, I continue playing with her melons while nibbling at her delicate neck and shoulders.","106":"Her scent alone is enough to get me high.","107":"Wrapped in my arms, she giggles, clearly just a little ticklish.","108":"What do you say we take this over to the couch?","109":"I'm more than happy to oblige, and with my breath returned, I grab hold of the petite ginger and hoist her into the air, causing her to giggle and laugh.","110":"My, you're so strong! We could have used a guy like you on the farm!... Or at least [i]I[\/i] could have!","111":"I lay my sexy holiday present down on the sofa, and admire the graceful, ample curves running up and down her slender figure.","112":"In a different state I'd feel bad about doing it on the furniture. There are a few faculty members I actually have a lot of respect for. But such thoughts are a million miles away at the moment.","0":"The glow from the Christmas tree lot seems to radiate with the holiday cheer when we pull up.","113":"I guide Maggie onto her back and lift her legs up, running my hands up those silky soft thighs.","1":"The sight of those firs gives me a nice, warm, cozy feeling. I've never been obsessive about the holidays, but I've never been above the ritual either.","114":"She bites her lip to suppress a moan upon feeling my unit slide back into her.","2":"Maggie however, is all in. She's practically jumping in her seat when we park, and races inside, sporting her festive onesie.","115":"Lord, {PlayerName}! Why do you feel so amazing inside of me!?","3":"It's hard not to find her mood infectious, and she hopped up and down excitedly even as we picked out and wrapped up our chosen tree.","116":"I could ask her an equivalent question, but am too preoccupied as I begin to hump her again.","4":"It's just perfect! I think I'll call him Terry!","117":"The coos and squeaks Maggie lets out get lost in the squeaks of the couch we're doing the deed on.","5":"Thanks so much again for driving with me to pick out a tree, {PlayerName}!","118":"But I'm too mesmerized by her big, perfect, jiggling melons to worry about the state of the faculty room furnishings.","6":"I give her a big grin while I wrap the pine up for transport. Making sure ''Terry the Tree'' is nice and cozy for the ride back to campus.","119":"Yes... Yes... Yes!","7":"How'd you get roped into decorating the teachers lounge anyway?","120":"Oh, god! {PlayerName}! You're so deep! I swear I can feel you from my heart!","8":"Some of my professors were supposed to do it, but they are all horrible at planning and wait to do everything at the last minute!","121":"I don't know if she's being serious, or just spouting pillow talk, but it's enough to drive me over the edge.","9":"Honestly, it's a miracle anything gets done at all at the place. The faculty can barely be bothered to take part in anything. If you want something done, sometimes, you just have to do it yourself!","122":"Maggie's sultry flirtations conjure the orgasm out of me, and seeing it in my eyes, she draws me close, crying out herself as we finish together.","123":"Mmmm, {PlayerName}! You're so amazing!","124":"Taking a moment to catch my breath, I slowly begin to unsheath my scepter from Maggie's warm slit.","125":"A trickle of my pearly seed seeps from Maggie's pink womanhood, causing her to giggle.","126":"Oh no! It's gonna get all over the couch!","127":"On shaky legs, I look down to admire my handiwork.","128":"Maggie and I clean up, and cool off together on the sofa.","129":"Exhausted from a bout of vigorous holiday fucking, she soon dozes off to sleep in my lap.","130":"Merry Christmas, {PlayerName}!","131":"Her soft breath tickles my thighs while I stroke her hair.","132":"Basking in the warm Christmas lights and afterglow of sex, I wonder if Maggie needs help decorating for New Years too?"},"february_2022.vne3":{"10":"It really reminds me... how nice her ass is.","11":"Uptight as she is sometimes, she still likes to show that off, along with her smooth thighs.","12":"This is definitely not the same Emily...","13":"...especially as she pulls me in for a kiss.","14":"Oh man she's forward. Did she take something before she came? Or did she just wake up on the right side of bed?","15":"What's with you, huh?","16":"What do you mean what's with me?","17":"How can she not notice? She's brighter... warmer. Even her voice is a higher pitch.","18":"You seem different.","19":"I can't have a good day? Come on.","20":"Let's go inside.","21":"The question of what movie we were watching never crossed my mind.","22":"You know... I'd be cool if we skipped the movie.","23":"I don't want to waste a day with you like this.","24":"Trust me. You'll like this one.","25":"You'll want to experience this over and over.","26":"An experience? I guess she's not talking about the kind of experience you get at IMAX.","27":"I'm even more intrigued.","28":"We head for our seats. This definitely doesn't feel like the normal cinema crowd.","29":"I wonder what's going on?","30":"Seriously, what's with you?","31":"It's a good day.","32":"A good day doesn't turn you into a different person. You're wearing...","33":"...fishnets!","34":"You don't like it?","35":"[i]I love it[\/i]. I just... didn't think it'd fit with you.","36":"Experimentation! I read a book about how enriching it is to do something you've never done before.","37":"I've never worn fishnets, ergo... now I'm wearing fishnets.","38":"Now [i]that[\/i] sounds like Emily. I shouldn't question her.","39":"Better to just accept this cooler, hotter version.","40":"Let me try something.","41":"As my hand slides up her smooth skin, she does nothing but smile.","42":"The Emily I know would tell me not to do this in public.","43":"Hmm... something has changed.","44":"And as I kiss her...","45":"...I feel zero discomfort from her. None.","46":"Then the title card comes on...","47":"Emily... is this an adult movie?","48":"She says nothing, just gives an affirmative noise.","49":"I'm really, honestly, too stunned to be pleasantly surprised.","50":"What's her deal tonight?","51":"I sit back and watch.","52":"The movie starts. A large, well dressed, weirdly handsome man steps through a door.","53":"I've spent a lotta time looking for you.","54":"I came to tell you one thing, and one thing alone.","55":"I'm ready to give you my body.","56":"I want to enjoy the movie, but I can't stop thinking about what this [i]experience[\/i] is going to be.","57":"My toes dance in my shoes... and I find myself fixated on the wall rather than the screen.","58":"Emily is looking at me now. I'm keenly aware of her. Her eyes are like drilling through me.","59":"She has more exotic intentions.","60":"You aren't [i]actually[\/i] interested in this lame movie, are you?","61":"Hmm?","62":"She stands in front of me, demanding my attention.","63":"My whole body tenses and relaxes at the same time. I get jittery like a hit of caffeine.","64":"Anticipation is an electric sensation all over my body.","65":"She reaches for her top...","66":"Emily... without a bra? [i]Goddamn...[\/i]","67":"Someone really has kidnapped and replaced her.","68":"The garments twirls in her finger. I'm still having a hard time thinking of her plan.","69":"It's a shit movie.","70":"Emily, what is wrong-","71":"Don't be a dummy, dummy. You gotta be quiet.","72":"You can tell me if you're on drugs, Emily.","73":"Emily makes no response. I only sense a movement behind her lips as her tongue wets her mouth.","74":"Let's take a look.","75":"That's my fucking pants she's taking off.","76":"In a theater. [i]In public[\/i].","77":"Does she not see everyone around her? Does she not care?","78":"A gob of spit leaves her lips and lands on my cockhead.","79":"The cool feeling leaves me blinking and stunned.","80":"I'm effectively paralyzed...","81":"Her hand works my cock. I freeze as every neuron fires.","82":"Sirens go off in my head. I look around... wondering if anyone can see.","83":"I'm absolutely without words as she start sucking me off. Quieter than I've ever been.","84":"The only thing that conceals the soft smacking of her lips is the sound of the movie.","85":"So this was the experience. Us, at the back of a theater. It all makes sense now.","86":"I'm enjoying this. I'm not sure how, given how terrified I am that anyone can see, but I'm enjoying it.","87":"Soon, I start to forget my surrounding completely.","88":"When I push her head down, it's purely for the sensation. I don't even think about it.","89":"With so much of her mouth enveloping me, I want more.","90":"I hear her gag softly... but it's definitely not a complaint.","91":"I think she enjoys it. She seems a lot more pleased than usual, at least.","92":"The further she lean into my lap, the more I forget where I am.","93":"Sparks of pleasure are my only consideration.","94":"When she's satisfied, I feel the hot breath from her nose tickle my underside.","95":"She almost audibly smiles.","96":"How was the experience?","97":"It's very immersive.","98":"That's exactly what I was going for.","99":"I guess she wanted a better experience. Well...","100":"...I'm not one to tell her otherwise.","101":"And it seems she wants to step the immersion up even more.","102":"No panties? How few clothes is this girl wearing?","103":"What am I going to do? Ask her? I don't care.","104":"My cock is pointing at her like a gun, like a trigger ready to shoot.","105":"Is this seat taken?","106":"No, but it has something on it.","107":"I see. I don't think that will be too much of a problem.","108":"Yep. I've got something for her, alright.","109":"I hope she's going to feel comfortable.","110":"I didn't notice it, but...","111":"...someone had noticed us.","112":"Heels clacked up the aisle with authority and purpose.","113":"They aren't at all slowing down.","114":"We were too absorbed in each other to notice...","115":"...until it was impossible not to.","116":"I thought we were goners.","117":"Nah. She was cool. Did you see the way she looked at us?","118":"It felt like she wanted to join us.","119":"Don't get any ideas. You're lucky enough.","120":"With that, we resumed.","121":"She positioned herself, and gracefully she remounted.","122":"I've lost complete interest in the movie now. Only the trace of Emily's back....","123":"...and her dropping on my cock like a set of cushions.","124":"The quiet slap has to be audible to someone.","125":"And her moaning... it has to be loud enough.","126":"There's only so much we can hide...","127":"But... either the movie [i]is that good[\/i], or people don't care. Either way, I'm not going to stop.","128":"Keep going, okay? Don't stop.","129":"Even... even if someone sees us...","130":"Oh. I wasn't even thinking about that anymore.","131":"I thought maybe it was obvious to everyone.","132":"This... position isn't... good enough...","133":"She stands up, making it even more obvious.","134":"I'm astonished by her boldness, but nothing has happened to us so far, so...","135":"...I keep going.","136":"Yes! Yes!","137":"She's barely making an effort to hide. At the same time, neither am I.","138":"I'm at maximum pace now. My thrusts are as rapid as they would be in private.","139":"I just slap into her, each thrust squeezing and resisting back in a delicious way.","140":"We kiss, we shift positions...","141":"...we stop hiding. We start fucking.","142":"What's going to happen to us? Are they going to kick us out?","143":"They're just jealous.","144":"I'm ready. Are you ready?","145":"I'm not leaving without your cum.","146":"I can't stop myself at this point anyway. Someone or something is going to get it.","147":"And it's going to be her.","148":"A few strokes left! Its pushing out!","149":"The movie is finishing. Hurry!","150":"I... am... HURRYING!","151":"Cum inside.","152":"Cum on face.","153":"In her cunt, of course. Like any good, breeding age girl.","154":"Seed doesn't belong anywhere else.","155":"My cock pumps and pumps, filling her.","156":"My own spunk overflows and spurts around.","157":"The face, of course. I want to glaze her. I want to mark her.","158":"My pistol-like cock fires without command.","159":"I don't know what the movie was like, but it did have a happy ending.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"I'm a serious person. Emily is a serious person.","2":"That's supposed to be compatibility. Two puzzles pieces with clear, defined edges that you can pop together.","3":"But... maybe I don't want that? Maybe I want a fit that's a bit... looser?","4":"If I could tweak Emily... make her a bit different...","5":"And wow... does she look different.","6":"Not just the clothes, but the whole attitude. Her hips sway like a diva.","7":"What change bit her?","8":"I want to ask her what's changed. I want to ask her if something's different.","9":"But... it's hard to really focus when she's walking like that."},"february_2023.vne3":{"10":"A few moments later though, I hear the door handle click and open.","11":"Tulip?","12":"Awww she's a big old sweetie! She just doesn't like weird knocks at all hours of the evening.","13":"Oh, Heavens to Pete, come in! It's good to see you!","14":"I'm actually a little taken aback by Maggie's pajamas. I can't tell if I feel overdressed, or underdressed by comparison.","15":"Thanks for coming to hang out. I've been bored as heck.","16":"I know the feeling. I see dog sitting has its perks.","17":"She sees me looking around the swanky condo, smiling and holding up a bottle of wine.","18":"Isn't it nice? The owners even left some ''goodies''!","19":"I felt awkward about staying in the guest room at first, but they insisted. I guess poor Tulip gets really bad anxiety when she's left all alone, poor thing! Can I get you a glass?","20":"Sure! A glass of wine would be great!","21":"Maggie smiles and turns to head back to the kitchen. As she does, I can't keep my eyes from drifting down to her hindquarters.","22":"Her pajama shorts are fighting a losing battle to keep her big, vanilla cheeks from spilling out the bottom of them.","23":"Are those her usual weeknight pajamas, or did she wear them for me?","24":"I try to keep from jumping to assumptions, and distract myself with the TV. Per our texts, this is just ''hanging out'' to watch a movie or something, right?","25":"Maggie pipes up, coming back from the kitchen.","26":"I wish I could say if it were good or not, but I know as much about wine as a barn mule knows about Mozart.","27":"I've never complained about free wine. Thank you!","28":"You sure it's alright for me to be over? I don't want to get you in trouble.","29":"The owners said it'd be fine to have some company over, as long as I don't throw any wild parties.","30":"Well if I had known it'd be a pajama party, I would have brought out my Spiderman onesie.","31":"Oh lord, I'm sorry! I didn't even realize! I must seem like I'm being too comfortable around you.","32":"I chuckle.","33":"Not at all. I'm just teasing you. They look very comfy.","34":"Oh! Thank you! They are, I just got 'em the other day!","35":"So, what do you feel like watching?","36":"How about Total Recall?","37":"Total Recall?","38":"Yeah! One liners, gratuitous violence, space-hookers with three boobs, it's the best!","39":"I dunno. That sounds kind of intense. So there's a lot of death and blood and all that?","40":"Tons. It's great!","41":"Why don't we watch something nice? There's this movie about this widowed prairie doctor that falls in love with the guide who is leading her and her son out to their new homestead.","42":"Is the homestead on Mars?","43":"No, I think it's 1800s Colorado.","44":"Sounds boring.","45":"Awww, it's a good movie, I like it!","46":"Well, there has been this sitcom I've been binge watching. It's all about this fella who's telling the story to his kids of how he met their mom.","47":"Oh, I know that one. Yeah, it's a good show.","48":"You think? So would you be okay watching that? I'll be honest, I'm kind of hooked on it at the moment.","49":"Yeah, let's fire it up.","50":"I select the show and we start watching. And each episode we get through, I notice that Maggie has subtly been inching closer and closer to me on the couch.","51":"By our 5th episode, she's resting her auburn head comfortably on my shoulder.","52":"I wonder if I should say something, but I love having her soft, warm body pressed against mine. Why ruin the moment by talking about it?","53":"Heavens to Betsy! Is that a real move?","54":"What, the ''Naked Man''?","55":"Yeah. Is that something guys or girls do at the end of a date? Just take off all their clothes while their date is in the bathroom and see if they get lucky when they come back?","56":"I don't know. I've never done it, but according to the guy on the show it works 75% of the time.","57":"Oh my gosh, I don't know how I'd react! I might scream.","58":"Yeah, the other 25% of the time, the cops probably get called. It seems like one of those ''high risk, high reward'' moves.","59":"I'm gonna grab a glass of water, you want one?","60":"No, thank you.","61":"I get up to head to the kitchen.","62":"Does Tulip need to be let back in at all?","63":"No, she's got the fanciest little dog house you've ever seen in the backyard. I swear it's furnished prettier than my place is.","64":"Spoiled pooch.","65":"I put the glass in the dishwasher before heading back to the living room.","66":"So did you wanna keep watching this? I actually am getting into it, but if you wanted... to...","67":"...","68":"Well...","69":"3 out of 4 times. I reckon it was still a pretty good bet.","70":"My eyes scan up and down the redhead's stunning, nubile body. Part of me is telling me not to ogle her, but she wouldn't have stripped naked if she didn't want me to look.","71":"Her large, perky breasts. Those creamy thighs. That inviting slit. My brain is still doing summersaults, but my body seems to know exactly what to do.","72":"My heart is pounding in my chest, but I walk up to the blushing Maggie.","73":"Without saying a word, I reach down to grab one of her dainty feet, and start spreading her legs.","74":"I can tell she's nervous too, her cheeks are flushed pink, and her large melons heave with her anxious breathing. But she is also inviting and receptive.","75":"She watches with baited breath as I spread her legs further, looking down at her exposed womanhood.","76":"Maggie lets out a sensual, bashful coo when my lips find her pussy. Looking down in eager curiosity as I explore her with my mouth.","77":"Her tense, anxious posture begins to slowly melt the more I play with her, and I feel the temperature radiating off her growing more intense by the second.","78":"Oh my god... oh lord... oh that feels so good!","79":"Her hushed, heated moans only spur me to intensify my exploration of her clit.","80":"Maggie's ability to form coherent sentences seems to degrade by the second, as her brain is flooded with a cocktail of pleasure hormones.","81":"Soon, all she can manage to squeak out is a glorious mix of coos and moans.","82":"Emboldened by her reaction, I decide to try something, and let my tongue slide out of her slit and drift lower.","83":"Maggie lets out a delightful little yelp, and her body clinches up around my head when my tongue hits her asshole. But she doesn't pull away or protest. I'm guessing she likes it.","84":"My cock is pressing so hard against the inside of my jeans it's starting to get painful. Standing up, I start to strip off my clothes.","85":"While I peel off my shirt, Maggie leans up and starts to work on my pants.","86":"She lets out a squeal and giggles when my member flops out and seems to zero in on her like a heat seeking missile.","87":"Oh my! Looks like someone is excited to see me!","88":"Like my wish had just been granted by an unseen genie, Maggie leans in, taking my shaft in her hand, and begins to gently lick my cock.","89":"A growl of pleasure escapes my throat, coaxed out by the way she laps at my meat.","90":"Encouraged by my aroused, animal vocalizations, Maggie increases her teasing.","91":"Moaning softly, she picks up the intensity, sensually mouthing and licking the hyper sensitive head of my ready staff.","92":"Taking her by that head of red gold hair, I gently start to press down, eager to have her.","93":"Maggie giggles, feeling how desperate I am at this point, and surrenders her mouth to me.","94":"She allows me to drive the pace, bobbing her head up and down my shaft.","95":"All the while, those soft, pouty lips hug my member, engulfing my manhood in their euphoric warmth as I fuck her throat.","96":"The soft, wet sucking sound and Maggie's occasional moan fills the room. My head begins to swirl from all of it.","97":"I just want to spend the rest of eternity living in this very moment.","98":"Maggie pushes herself, trying to take as much of me as she can, but she is still new to the fine art of giving blowjobs, and I feel her struggle when I start to take her deep.","99":"She can't quite yet handle all of it, and gags slightly when she tries to push herself.","100":"She finally pulls her head back, panting heavily as she looks at me with those big, gray eyes.","101":"It's too big! I can't get all of it in my mouth.","102":"I gesture for her to not worry about it. I deeply appreciate the effort, and it's not as if it didn't feel amazing.","103":"Ready to change it up, I motion for her to spin around.","104":"Like a good little pet, she giggles and turns around on the couch. Arching her back and pressing her ass up.","105":"Is this how you want me?","106":"I take a moment to admire her moist, wet slit and tight little asshole. Her large, heavy breasts wobble side to side as she presents herself.","107":"She has this nervous, but excited energy just radiating off of her. I wonder if she's had many lovers before. Am I her first?","108":"It's a question I quickly put aside, as I have compulsions to see to. Taking her from behind, I mount Maggie, pressing my cock to her tight pussy until I feel it penetrate her and slide in.","109":"She lets a deep gasp, as if my cock forced all the air from her lungs, and I feel her cinch down on my cock, its girth taking her by surprise.","110":"Holy... You're so big!","111":"It's gentle and slow at first. I give her a moment to relax and grow accustomed to having me inside her.","112":"Soon, I start to feel her pressing her hindquarters back into me with each thrust, beckoning me to fuck her harder.","113":"I left off the brakes, starting to really thrust. Her slim body slowly caves into the couch, her quiet whimpers melt into deep moans.","114":"Oh god! Harder, {PlayerName}! Harder!","115":"Maggie reaches back to watch my manhood pistoning into her, her vision clouded with lust.","116":"God, {PlayerName}! I love what you do to me!","117":"Staring back into her eyes, the feeling is mutual.","118":"Having her look at me like that, while I'm inside her, is almost enough to finish me off right there.","119":"Pulling her close, our lips find one another.","120":"As we kiss, I continue to gently pump away. Maggie's moans vibrating into my own lips.","121":"Throttling way back, my member slowly impales the busty redhead over and over again. Savoring each euphoric millimeter of contact between us.","122":"Heaven help me, I love it when you go slow too.","123":"The slow down makes me realize just how out of breath I am, and I pull out and collapse back down on the couch, my cock still throbbing and hungry for Maggie.","124":"The lusty country doll doesn't waste a heartbeat, though. Immediately wrapping her hand around my slick shaft and pumping it eagerly.","125":"It's so hard! Are you about to finish?","126":"I nod.","127":"How do you want me?","128":"Creampie her.","129":"Cum in her mouth.","130":"At this moment, all I know in this world is that I want to creampie Maggie Castle.","131":"She gasps then squeals when I grab her up, crush her to me, and slowly lower her back down on my shaft.","132":"Her giggles slowly morph into deep, lustful moans, as she sinks deeper and deeper unto my cock.","133":"It's music to my ears. A symphony couldn't compare.","134":"She looks into my eyes, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink.","135":"I like it when you just take me like this.","136":"Grinning, I slowly begin bouncing her up and down. My meat driving in and out of her, faster and faster.","137":"Oh... oh, {PlayerName}! I think I'm gonna... I think I'm gonna...","138":"Maggie can't finish the sentence, and lets out a wailing, high pitched cry of ecstasy.","139":"The redhead's unrestrained climax sends Tulip out back into a frenzy of barking.","140":"Her orgasm inches me closer to my own precipice.","141":"Even as her legs quiver uncontrollably, and her tight pussy hugs my cock, I continue to bounce her up and down on my rod.","142":"Finally, I can't hold back any longer. My muscles seize up, pinning Maggie's slender, hourglass figure to my own body, and I rocket a thick load into her waiting gash.","143":"The shudders of pleasure keep my face buried in between her heavenly tits, until the quakes begin to subside, and I feel my facilities return to me.","144":"Maggie is still swimming in the aftershock of her orgasm. Cooing and caressing my head, her arms wrapped so tightly around my neck I feel the blood flow begin to restrict.","145":"Carefully, with what little strength I have left, I hoist her off my rod.","146":"My meat finally flops out of her slit with a satisfying pop. The sensation coaxing a cute yelp from Maggie, followed by a chorus of giggles.","147":"We melt into each other for a moment. Just swapping body heat and enjoying the high.","148":"I'm gonna cum right into her pretty mouth. But first, I want one last little taste of her glorious, tight, young pussy.","149":"I give her a playful shove back down on the couch, and jump her. Mounting and re-entering Maggie, turning those giggles into pleasure soaked moans.","150":"Lord, {PlayerName}! You just drive me absolutely wild when you handle me all rough like this!","151":"I grin, continuing to pound her throbbing pussy.","152":"It doesn't take much for me to hit the point of no return. Feeling the pressure build, I quickly pull out, and start crawling up on top of Maggie.","153":"Wait, what are you?...","154":"Oh! Heavens!","155":"I aim my cock at Maggie's face and start to pump vigorously. She's stunned for a moment, but realizing what I am aiming to do to her, she closes her eyes and opens her mouth.","156":"With her fat tits pressed against my thighs, and the sight of her offering up her mouth, I can't hold back any longer.","157":"I give it one last pump, and feel it go off like a cannon.","158":"The thick, sticky blast of hot cum explodes from my cock and strikes poor Maggie in the back of the throat.","159":"Her head bucks from the impact.","160":"But Maggie buckles down and keeps her mouth open, while I keep pumping.","161":"My whole pelvis begins to convulse with the next salvo.","162":"Pulse after pulse of molten spunk fills Maggie's mouth shockingly quick.","163":"Until finally, the last, lazy rope of my nut whips onto her tongue.","164":"I take one last satisfied look at my handiwork, pooled in the back of Maggie's mouth.","165":"Maggie opens her eyes, and seeing I've finished, closes her mouth and swallows my load.","166":"I kind of like the taste of your...seed. Is that weird?","167":"Smiling, I shake my head ''no''.","168":"After a few minutes, Maggie and I get up off the couch to clean up and grab another drink.","169":"On our way to the kitchen, Maggie spins her head around to look at me with a surprised look on her face.","170":"Oh! Wait!... So [i]that's[\/i] what they mean when they say ''Netflix and Chill''.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"It feels weird, walking up to the upscale condo late at night.","2":"I double check the address to make sure I have it right. I already feel awkward and out of place. I'm not looking to disturb some complete stranger at this hour.","3":"63, this must be it. I give the door a knock.","4":"On the other side of the door erupts a torrent of snarling, vicious barking.","5":"I hear the claws of the beast scraping, trying to get at me through the metal.","6":"A moment later, over the aggressive dog, I hear a muffled voice from just inside.","7":"Mercy, Tulip! It's just {PlayerName}! Don't eat a hole through the door!","8":"I'll be there in just a minute, {PlayerName}! Let me just put Tulip out back!","9":"I wait patiently for Maggie to finish putting the dog out. My heart is still racing."},"february_2024.vne3":{"10":"Fine. It can't be the weekend soon enough.","11":"Well, hopefully this won't take too long.","12":"So, as we touched on after class, I wanted to discuss where you're at in the course. I know you've been absent for personal reasons, and I just want to make sure you're on track to...","13":"A cheerful bell and cash register sound effect suddenly chirps from Prof Floore's laptop.","14":"I... uh...","15":"Sorry. My email notifications are on.","16":"Funny, that doesn't sound like the university's email notification sound bite.","17":"I'll just turn it... hgh!","18":"Prof. Gina stifles a moan, her cheeks blushing as she bites her lip.","19":"Prof. Gina ?","20":"I'm sorry, {PlayerName}. Just a leg cramp. Let me just turn this off...","21":"Now, where were...?","22":"Suddenly, the computer chirps three times in rapid succession.","23":"Stupid thing! Just turn off!","24":"Is your laptop acting up? I actually have some IT background. I could take a look at it for you.","25":"No! No, that's fine. I think I got it. Now let's get back to our meeting.","26":"So, {PlayerName}, it does appear you've missed a sizable amount of the course.","27":"Prior to your absence, your grades were very good, so thankfully, with a bit of extra work, I do think you should be able to pass without a substantial hit to your GPA.","28":"It does help that you've been very proactive in making up the course material.","29":"Thanks. Luckily for this class I've been able to pick up the material pretty easily.","30":"But there are still some blindspots I have, and given there isn't a lot of time left this semester, I wanted to speak to you on where I should focus my attention before finals.","31":"That's a good question. Let me see, I don't want to give away too much of what will be on the exam, but...","32":"... I think if you focus on Chapters 7, 9, and 14, you should be in good shape for the rest of the semester.","33":"Let me run and grab you a review packet. That has most of the central concepts you'll need to know.","34":"Professor Gina stands to go grab the course work.","35":"I know I shouldn't, but I can't help but notice the way that pencil skirt hugs her ample curves.","36":"... I could just chew on those cheeks.","37":"After she leaves, however, the Professor's computers start to ring with the same notifications. Over and over again.","38":"Okay, that's definitely not an ''email '' notification.","39":"Too curious to ignore it, I get up to go take a look.","40":"When I see the screen, I can barely believe it.","41":"Is... Professor Floore...","42":"Oh my god. She is! Professor Gina is a freaking camgirl!","43":"I'm shocked!... Titillated, but shocked!","44":"How much is she making in donations... Good lord!","45":"It makes me wonder what she's doing teaching! I guess she must have a passion for academia.","46":"Looking at the display more closely, it seems her donations are linked to the controls for some kind of... toy?","47":"Leg cramp my ass! She's been getting ''buzzed'' since I walked in!","48":"I spin around when I feel the presence next to me. I guess I was so transfixed by the discovery of my Professor's side hustle that I didn't notice her come back in.","49":"In the awkwardness of the moment, I imagine my face is about as red as hers.","50":"{PlayerName}, I am... mortified that you saw this.","51":"Obviously this is [i]so[\/i] unprofessional! Doing this on campus, and during a meeting! This is such a betrayal of the student-teacher relationship, can't imagine what you must be thinking! ","52":"I'd guess I'm supposed to be... upset? Outraged? But really, I'm just thinking that this is super hot.","53":"I know there is no excuse for this behavior, but... it's hard for a Professor who doesn't have tenure, you know?...","54":"... And, this might be crazy, but... I suppose there is some... [i]arrangement[\/i] we could come to in order to just forget all this... [i]dirty[\/i] camgirl business?","55":"The Flaxen haired educator's demeanor slowly melts from horror and embarrassment, to something much, much more sensual.","56":"Is... Is Professor Floore propositioning me for my discretion?","57":"Because it's working.","58":"Professor Floores, Gina, is charged with a nervous, uncertain, sexual energy as she awaits my answer.","59":"Instead of replying with my phone, I turn back to the laptop.","60":"I pause the stream. Not exactly looking for an audience.","61":"Then I bring up the controller for her ''toy''.","62":"I hear Gina gasp when she sees what I'm up to.","63":"Grinning, I slide the vibrator level to maximum.","64":"The Professor suddenly seizes up like she's been hit with a taser, quivering while the device goes into overdrive.","65":"Her eyes roll back and her jaw drops, a moan not quite able to escape while she's taken for a ride.","66":"She bites her lip, but she can't keep her moans suppressed much longer.","67":"Nor can she keep her fingers from touching her body, sliding up and down her figure in uncontrollable pleasure.","68":"Collapsing back into her desk, she finds reprieve enough to flash a grin.","69":"{PlayerName}! I always thought you were such an upstanding student! I had no idea you could be so...","70":"She reaches down, pulling up the front of her skirt, showing the tail end of the toy that's inserted into her slit.","71":"... naughty.","72":"My eyes are glued to the small, pink stem, emerging from her glistening pussy.","73":"The mind wonders, does she have this in during class?","74":"Professor Gina spreads her legs further, beckoning to play with her.","75":"I reach down, feeling the heat radiate from her sex before even touching. Her large breasts heaving with anticipation.","76":"Go ahead. Don't be shy.","77":"It'll be our little [i]secret[\/i].","78":"I touch her warm, smooth pussy, and the bombshell shivers at the contact.","79":"Mmm, yes...","80":"Taking the pink tail between my fingers, I twist it slightly and give it a few exploratory tugs.","81":"Each motion seems to incite a different flavor coo from the horny faculty member.","82":"Finally, I give it a firm pull, and the device pops out.","83":"Gina lets a muffled squeal when I do, as well as a little squirt.","84":"Ohhhh, fuck!","85":"The blonde's moan echos throughout the lecture hall, and makes me hope the walls have good sound proofing.","86":"{PlayerName}, I've been a [i]bad[\/i] teacher, and I need someone to punish me.","87":"Jesus! She seems so professional and straight laced in class!","88":"Curious, I lift the toy up, and she opens her mouth to receive it.","89":"Popping it into her mouth, still soaked with her juices, my heart begins to pound at finding out what a freak she really is!","90":"Emboldened by her arousal, I pin her to the desk, and begin to work her top off.","91":"Her big, bouncing melons pop out, greeting me with their perky pink nipples.","92":"Peeling her top off, I move on to her skirt.","93":"Sliding it down her supple hips, I'm greeted with her scent, which just riles me up further.","94":"As if entranced by her pheromones, I'm compelled to lean in and taste her.","95":"The golden haired vixen writhes against the desk at my tongue.","96":"She runs her fingers through my hair, addicted to touch, the more I go down on her.","97":"Between her moans, she sucks at her toy like it was a lollipop. Getting off on her own flavor.","98":"I hope no one walks in during this...","99":"Though, getting the reputation as the guy in class who banged Ms. G would be a nice feather in the cap.","100":"Spinning her around, I bury my face between the teacher's plump, warm cheeks, and continue eating her out.","101":"Professor Gina lets out a deep moan, finally dropping the vibrator, as she steadies herself on shaky legs.","102":"Oh, you're so deep!","103":"{PlayerName}, I had no idea how... eager you were.","104":"I switch to fingers to explore my new toy further.","105":"Yes! Finger me like I'm a dirty little slut!","106":"I probe her warm, molten goodness. Feeling her pussy suck at my digits","107":"Diddling the educator on her desk was not what I was expecting when I showed up to Office Hours today.","108":"The large, cavernous room is soon filled with the wet, sloppy sound of Professor Floores getting finger banged.","109":"Certain she's been properly warmed up, I stand and begin tugging my trousers down.","110":"Oh my god, {PlayerName}! Your cock!","111":"I knew it. It's always the quiet ones that are packing.","112":"I grin at the flattery, and taking her by the hips, press the tip of my post to Professor Floore's slit.","113":"Despite her tightness, I'm able to slide in easily.","114":"Jesus! You really are a big boy, aren't you?","115":"Are you going to punish your naughty teacher with that big, twitching cock?","116":"That's right! Take me from behind! Fuck me like an animal!","117":"If she's just doing this to get out of trouble, she does seem to be having a good time while doing it.","118":"Bent over the desk, the Physics instructor moans and whimpers, occasionally her chorus broken up by the sound of the desk she's bent over squeaking and groaning.","119":"I wonder how many times I've thought about fucking a hot teacher over her desk. I almost stop to pinch myself.","120":"Yes! That's it! Fuck me, {PlayerName}! Fuck me hard!","121":"Grabbing her wrists, I pull my busty plaything back into me, thumping my hips into her over and over again, feeling my cock slide deeper inside her.","122":"Pressed up against me, I reach around and begin playing with her large, full breasts.","123":"Squeezing the soft, squishy, pliant flesh, and tweaking her delightful nipples.","124":"{PlayerName}, you're so bad! Fucking your poor teacher so roughly!","125":"Don't stop!","126":"She drives her hips back into me each time I thrust, and the feeling of her ass against my pelvis is divine.","127":"All the while, those magnificent milkers of her bounce and jiggle playfully.","128":"Changing pace, I grab Professor Gina and spin her around, picking her up.","129":"Yes! Lay me across the desk and just plow me!","130":"Cock still buried in her heavenly snatch, I lay the leggy blonde out over the bare wood surface.","131":"I wonder if this counts as a misuse of college property?","132":"With those long, silky legs resting on my shoulders, I grab her by the hips and resume smashing that pussy.","133":"Oh god! Fuck-me-fuck-me-fuck-me...","134":"Overcome with ecstasy, and limbs weakened, the foxy faculty member collapses back down on the desk.","135":"Lord! Why do you feel so good!","136":"Over and over again, I drive my manhood into the buxom teacher.","137":"Watching with glee her stunning chest dance wildly as she's pounded.","138":"The sight of those jiggling juggs and my cock pistoning in and out of her tight snatch is like some kind of sex hypnosis, with all sense of time and space beginning to be lost in the storm of pleasure.","139":"I can't imagine being able to last much longer if we keep going at it like this.","140":"And neither can Professor Floore, by the looks of it.","141":"Oh, fuck! I'm so close!","142":"Amidst the snogging I'm giving her, my big tittied professor croons her head to the side and notices her toy on the desk.","143":"Mmm, yes!","144":"Here! Use the vibrator! Finish me off! Please!","145":"Who am I to leave a girl hanging?","146":"I pair my thrusts with the small pink device, buzzing excitedly, as I tease her clit with it.","147":"Oh god, yes! Just like that! Just like that!","148":"Overtaken by her insatiable sexual hunger, Professor Gina begins writhing, almost violently, atop the desk.","149":"Limbs kicking and wood creaking as she crests into orgasm.","150":"Yes! Yes! I'm gonna!... I'm gonna!...","151":"Her words are caught in a squeal of ecstasy, and the statuesque blonde's stunning body seizes up, when the climax begins surging through her.","152":"Kicking me aside with her powerful leg, Professor Gina lets out a torrent of screams, and proceeds to squirt all over the lecture room floor.","153":"I sit back and watch the water works, grinning at the satisfaction of driving her to completion.","154":"The wild, sexual animal writhes about the desk for a moment longer, grabbing at herself and catching her breath, before slowly composing back into the mild-mannered college educator.","155":"Well, you got me to [i]pop[\/i] and everything. It seems like someone is looking for ''extra credit''.","156":"I think such studious work deserves a reward.","157":"Getting up off the desk, Gina takes hold of my cock, still slick with her juices, and begins pumping it.","158":"Smiling, she drops to her knees, and wraps her pouty, soft lips around my dick.","159":"If this was the reward for all extra credit, I'd have a 4.0 every semester.","160":"She has the face of an angel, but lips made for sin.","161":"The sensation is so amazing I start to get light headed. The good Professor is shockingly good at oral.","162":"I almost feel bad for her subscribers, only ever able to imagine what it's like to have her mouth.","163":"Those petal lips continue to effortlessly glide up and down my shaft, as if that was what they were made for.","164":"The more she sucks my dick, the faster and deep she goes.","165":"And the more I feel myself sink into utter ecstasy. Every second, she seems more eager, more hungry for it. Is this really my Physics Instructor? Or some sexual succubus that's taken her form to suck my soul out through my cock?","166":"It's a thought I can scarcely finish, as the pleasure becomes so great I lose all higher brain function.","167":"Surrendering to my own bestial instincts, I take her by that beautiful blonde head and begin to firmly thrust, driving my shaft down her throat.","168":"Professor Gina doesn't miss a beat, eating my serpent like a champ and locking her lips around it.","169":"I even feel her continue to use her tongue, sliding around and cupping my member while I fuck her right in the mouth.","170":"Over and over again, her head bobs up and down in my lap, burying my cock entirely, her lips coming to rest at the root of my trunk.","171":"I don't know if it's that, or the soft moans vibrating my meat, that throws me over the edge.","172":"Not able to hold back any longer, I let out a grunt, signaling to the Professor that I'm about to cum.","173":"Mouth stuff with my cock, she muffles out a moan in reply, as I prepare to finish down her throat.","174":"Legs quivering uncontrollably, and with blinding pleasure, I finally climax.","175":"The muffled squeal lets me know that poor Professor Floore wasn't quite ready for the size of the load.","176":"Holding her head tightly, I feel her sputter and cough, ropes of cum spurting from around her lips as I fill her mouth with spunk.","177":"Pulse after pulse of my hot seed jetting down her slender throat, as she swallows desperately, unable to drink it fast enough.","178":"Squirting the last of her late afternoon snack down her throat, I finally release the beautiful blonde, and collapse down into a nearby chair, utterly spent.","179":"Licking her lips, Professor Floore does the same, laying back down on the floor, giggling and cooing.","180":"Well, {PlayerName}, I'm glad we could come to an [i]understanding[\/i].","181":"I smile. Not that I would have tattled on the Professor for her extra-curricular activities anyway.","182":"Given the glow coming off of her, I'm left to wonder if this wasn't what she wanted in the first place.","183":"She turns to me, looking at me with those soft, bedroom eyes, and grins. Drops of my cum still decorating her lips and chin.","184":"So, as I was saying, I would focus on Chapters 7, 9 and 14 for the upcoming test….","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"I push open the heavy wooden door to the lecture hall, about fifteen minutes early to my 4:00 meeting with Prof. Gina Floore.","2":"She's at her desk, working on her laptop. Of course she has to be wearing a low cut top, as if it wasn't already hard enough not to stare at her impressive chest.","3":"She snaps her head to the door as it squeaks.","4":"Oh!... You're... early.","5":"Sorry, Professor Floore. I can come back if you're busy.","6":"No... No, it's fine. I'm just finishing up some work.","7":"She hastily bangs out something on her keyboard and gestures to the chair in front of the desk.","8":"Please, have a seat, {PlayerName}.","9":"How is your day going?"},"january_2022.vne3":{"10":"Huh? Something touched my butt.","11":"Wait! Is that his boner?","12":"Oh, that is [i]definitely[\/i] his boner.","13":"It feels... bigger than what I'd imagined...","14":"He's not moving, though. Is he asleep?","15":"This is so dirty but... I can't help myself...","16":"She's moving in her sleep! She's getting closer to my erection...! Dammit Sam, this isn't helping!","17":"If he's sleeping... I just... wanna touch myself...!","18":"I'm already so wet... just wake up already {PlayerName} and help me take care of this burning feeling!","19":"At this rate, I'll have to take matters into my own hands.","20":"Alright, I'm just gonna pretend I'm still asleep, and I'll flip over. It's not like she's awake to see my boner either, right?","21":"If I can just flip over without arousing suspicion...","22":"H-Huh?","23":"Oh no, she noticed!","24":"{PlayerName}...?","25":"Play dumb, {PlayerName}, you're fast asleep. Faaaast asleep.","26":"Seems like he's got a problem in his pants that could use a bit of help now.","27":"I think I know what to do.","28":"Wait, what's going on? What is she doing? Is she...?","29":"Oh God, did she just pull off my underwear? I must be imagining this. There's no way this is actually happening.","30":"I can feel her moving arou-","31":"My train of thought was instantly cut short as I felt a strange, wet sensation against the tip of my dick.","32":"My eyes shot wide open.","33":"Did I wake you up, {PlayerName}...? Shhhhhhhh~","34":"There she was! Same was down in between my legs, her lips inches away from my tip, and a cheeky smile plastered all over her face.","35":"It's late, we don't wanna wake anyone up.","36":"What's the matter...?","37":"Mmmmmmph... don't want a nice sloppy blowjob from me...? Mmmmmm!","38":"As if to drive her point further home, she pressed on, taking me even deeper into her mouth.","39":"I gave her a look to stop. I wasn't sure if I was dreaming and I was about to wake up in the real world with cum-stained underwear next to the real Sam.","40":"She looked rather disappointed at my response.","41":"What's the matter? Don't you want this?","42":"I tried to give her a look of confusion. I was completely lost.","43":"It was so unusual for someone like Sam to take initiative in this way, I could hardly believe my eyes.","44":"What? You get plenty of other girls inviting you into their bed like this? You know, I was thinking I had made myself pretty clear by doing so.","45":"Not to mention I passed up a raid with good loot tonight to do this.","46":"This was all pre-meditated?","47":"Even so, to go through the process of orchestrating this whole thing... were Sam's feelings for me that strong?","48":"C'mon, don't be silly. I could feel your boner back there as well, you know.","49":"With a quick motion, she threw off her top, exposing her entire body to me. Only then did I also realize she wasn't wearing panties either.","50":"Sam was lying next to me half naked this whole time!","51":"You don't have your phone, but your body's telling me everything I need to know without it.","52":"She got down on all fours, looking into my eyes with hunger and intent.","53":"So, are we doing this or what?","54":"Even if I was dreaming, I couldn't waste the opportunity. I nodded.","55":"If I recall correctly, you owe me a kiss that's long overdue, don't you?","56":"She pulled herself closer, her lips mere inches from mine.","57":"Time for you to pay up, mister.","58":"Our lips met in a passionate kiss that was now years in the making.","59":"Mmmmph! You...! You have no idea... mmmmm... how long I've waited for this...! Mmmph!","60":"Truer words could not have been said.","61":"As my cock throbbed right underneath her, I was starting to feel her wetness dripping down onto my legs.","62":"We had both waited far too long to do this.","63":"Sam herself could hardly control her hunger as she pressed her chest up against me, taking my face into her hands as well.","64":"Before long, we were lying side by side as we kissed.","65":"I rubbed her clit with my hand, and she rubbed my cock with her thigh.","66":"I can feel her body reacting as I carefully speed up.","67":"When I was done with her lips, I moved down to a different, more sensitive area. A real erogenous zone - her neck.","68":"Oooooo-ooooooh...! {PlayerName}!","69":"It wasn't long before rubbing alone was not enough.","70":"Haaaaah... let's...! Let's do more...!","71":"I gave her a look as if to ask her what she wanted me to do. She understood what I meant, and her cheeks reddened for it.","72":"J-Jeez... making me say lewd things like that...","73":"Sam stuttered ever so slightly, confronted with the prospect of voicing her desires out loud in more detail.","74":"Use your fingers but... stick them in... don't just rub me...","75":"Huaaaaaaaaaaah~!","76":"Thoroughly lubed up by her juices, my middle finger had no trouble entering into her.","77":"And enter her it did, all the way in.","78":"I can feel her walls contracting as my finger goes deeper and deeper.","79":"Mmmmmmmm...","80":"But I knew a girl who's used to the Rocket Jump's capabilities wouldn't be sated by a single finger alone.","81":"Oooooooh, that's... that's so good...!","82":"I positioned a second finger in such a way where I could rub her clit at the same time as I fingered her.","83":"Let me...!","84":"When Sam called out to me with an impassioned voice, I slowed myself down to let her catch her breath long enough to say what she wanted to.","85":"Let me... haaaah... do you as well...","86":"I stood on my knees next to her, getting a second finger in as Sam wrapped her hand around my cock.","87":"So nice... the way it throbs like that... I want it inside me!","88":"When I pulled my fingers out of her, Sam's pussy was quivering with desire.","89":"Let's not wait... anymore... give it to me, {PlayerName}!","90":"But I had something else in mind. If I was going to show her how much I loved her body, I wanted her to get a taste of my oral skills too.","91":"When Sam realized it wasn't time to fuck her yet, I gave her a playful smile, letting her know to just trust in the process and let me do my thing.","92":"Ooooooooh~!","93":"I took one of her legs in each hand and pushed them back, while I got down in between them to start eating her out.","94":"Y-You wanna... haaaaah... lick me down there...? Nnnnngh!","95":"No response was necessary. The fact that I kept going with no signs of slowing down was my answer.","96":"As my sustained licking carried on, Sam's head tilted backwards and she rolled her eyes as the pleasure began to overhwlem her.","97":"{PlayerName}...! Haaaaaah...!","98":"I still had one more trick up my sleeve, and I was planning on making her cum here and now.","99":"Uuuuaaaaaah...!","100":"Sam struggled with all her might to stifle her cries of pleasure to mixed results as I began to lick and suck on her clit.","101":"{PlayerName}...! {PlayerName}...!","102":"I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer, burying my mouth into her crotch completely as I continued to pleasure her.","103":"Oh God...! Doing that to my clit...! It's driving me crazy...!","104":"Hungrily chasing more pleasure herself, she started to play with her nipples - pinching and pulling on them as she arched her back.","105":"Oh fuuuuuck...! If you keep going... nnngh... like that...!","106":"I knew exactly what would happen if I kept going, which was exactly why I started to go at it even harder.","107":"I'm cumming...! I'm gonna-!","108":"Ghaaaaaaaaaaaaah!","109":"Sam's body spasmed as I continued to pleasure her all the way throughout her orgasm.","110":"Haaaaah... haaaaaah...","111":"Once she finished cumming, I got up and placed my cock down onto her stomach. In the meantime, Sam was trying to catch her breath.","112":"You're... you're such a tease, do you know that...? I was supposed to make [i]you[\/i] cum first, and you totally stole my thunder...!","113":"I gave myself a mental pat on the back. I just made a girl who's used to masturbating with the Rocket Jump cum with just my tongue. Go me.","114":"Just you wait, I'll make you cum twice as hard in that case! Stick it in!","115":"Nnnnnnngh!","116":"Sam's insides clenched tightly around me as soon as I entered, and she let out another strained moan.","117":"I quickly shot her a look as if to ask if she was okay, if she could take it.","118":"Y-Yeah... keep going...! Don't worry, I'm fine...!","119":"After getting the okay from her, I pushed in deeper. When I was about halfway in, she quickly seemed to adjust to my size.","120":"Hey... ahhhhh... how does that feel? It feels good for you, right...?","121":"I nodded with a smile as she looked up at me.","122":"Let me just...! Haaaaah! It might feel even better if I...!","123":"Sam pulled up both of her legs, holding herself by the ankles in an enticing pose.","124":"There... haaaaaah! Try fucking me like this...!","125":"I pushed myself all the way inside her, reaching far into her depths, but something was still missing.","126":"I wasn't content to just fuck her at such a distance. It felt too disconnected, almost impersonal.","127":"Ehe...! That's better...","128":"Sam giggled bashfully as I mounted her, wanting to spend these moments as close to her as possible. I wanted her to know I wanted that too.","129":"And given those things, it was only natural that we'd take to making out once again very soon.","130":"Mmmmmph...! Mmmmmm!","131":"It was the perfect way of expressing our feelings, our passion without words.","132":"My lips would then start to move downwards. Away from her own and towards her neck once more.","133":"Ahhhhhhhh...","134":"Her moans carried a sensual melody that came out with each of my thrusts.","135":"We kept going like that until I wanted to take her differently, wanting to experience her in more than one position only before we were done.","136":"{PlayerName}, what's the matter...?","137":"Thankfully, a mix of having known me for so long and both of us being in touch with each other right now made it easy for Sam to understand what I wanted.","138":"You want to change position, don't you...?","139":"When she looked up at me again, the rosy tint had returned to her cheeks.","140":"Oh... every time I thought about us doing it... I always wanted to do it from behind...","141":"Could we... could we do that, if you don't mind?","142":"I motioned my approval, and Sam quickly flipped herself over, raising her ass up to meet my cock.","143":"Haaah... hasaaah...","144":"I could hear her shaky breathing, barely able to contain her arousal as one of her fantasies was coming true.","145":"Well, we were making both of our fantasies come true right now.","146":"Ahhhhhhhhh... yes...!","147":"Sam lowered her head as she braced for the impact of my cock burying itself inside her once more.","148":"My grip tightened around her asscheeks as I groped them hard, using them to pull her back towards me as I thrust into her.","149":"Indeed, with every stroke my cock sent ripples of pleasure all throughout her body.","150":"Each time my dick pierced down into her depths, it was welcomed into the wet opening by it's needy tightness, as if she was trying to milk out all the cum there and then.","151":"When we were on the verge of our climax, Sam was not content to let me do all the work alone.","152":"Oooooooooh, fuuuuuck...! {PlayerName}'s cock is the best...! Haaaaaaaaaaaah!","153":"Her lust had her thrusting backwards to meet my own movements, and my arousal was getting harder and harder to control with every passing second.","154":"Ahhhhh... I can feel it... you're... almost there!","155":"There was only so much of this I could handle before I was driven to the edge, and my cock throbbed incessantly inside her as I did my best to hold back.","156":"D-Don't risk doing it inside me...! Haaaaaah! Do it outside... finish on my butt...!","157":"As we both reached the zenith, Sam collapsed forward as she came again.","158":"Nnnnnnnghaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!","159":"It took all her effort to suppress her moans of ecstasy as much as she did, and it took all of mine not to cum instantly inside her.","160":"Instead, I enjoyed the feelings of her pussy convulsing around my length for a few more seconds, before quickly pulling out to finish.","161":"A thick rope of cum burst forward, splitting into two once it hit her back.","162":"Ahhhhhh...! {PlayerName}'s cum...","163":"I thrust forward again, grinding against her cheeks to shoot out another, even thicker load.","164":"Sam moaned for more with excitement.","165":"One last spurt and my balls were empty, having sprayed out everything I had onto her ass and back.","166":"I slapped my dick onto her buttcheeks to let her know I was finished.","167":"Oh wow... you really had a lot of cum pent up in your balls...","168":"She paused for a moment before continuing, her voice colored with uncertainty.","169":"Oh and hey, about tomorrow...","170":"As the adrenaline from our joint orgasm began to finally wear off, Sam's statement filled me with potential dread.","171":"Was she going to have regrets over this? Was this gonna affect our relationship? Was it going to turn into another Emily situation?","172":"Can you reliably convince the professor I won't make it to class? Just... tell him I got caught up in the storm and flung into a tree or something.","173":"He'll probably buy it, right?","174":"Classic Sam...","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"After the storm locked Sam and I into her dorm room, I found myself laying wide awake in her bed despite my best efforts to force myself asleep.","2":"How could I sleep, after all? I was right next to a woman I wanted to sleep with for a [i]long[\/i] time now, and she practically placed herself as the little spoon.","3":"I was paralyzed by a mix of fear and indecisiveness. One one hand, her actions could be seen as indicating intent rather clearly. This wasn't a common platonic arrangement.","4":"On the other hand, what if our friendship was just so deep she considered this normal? What if I risked damaging it all by making a move.","5":"To make matters worse, the thought of doing it with Sam was getting me too horny for comfort.","6":"[i]Far[\/i] too horny for comfort.","7":"It was as if my erection was fighting to free itself from my boxers.","8":"What the hell is he waiting for...? I've been lying here without my panties on this whole time and he hasn't made a move yet!","9":"Has this guy never played a hentai game before?"},"january_2023.vne3":{"10":"With scenes from a dozen horror movies playing through my head, I get out of the car and look around.","11":"I don’t see any other vehicles in the lot.","12":"What a creepy place.","13":"should check if there's anyone in the store","14":"The doors are locked... no one appears to be inside.","15":"I guess seeing no one is better than seeing an axe wielding maniac.","16":"Damn. I was hoping I could just hand some mechanic my credit card to quickly make my car problems go away. At best I’ll have to come back tomorrow.","17":"I debate just sleeping in the car and saving myself the shame of having to call someone to rescue me. But I only have to look around to realize how exposed and inadequate I feel, alone in the woods at night. I suck it up and decide to call for help.","18":"So I play the game where I go through my contact list to see which vehicle-equipped friend I want to reach out to. I try to remember if there are any favors I can cash in.","19":"Hm... Dante is the first on the list. I’m sure he would leap at the chance to come help out a fellow ''hetebro''.","20":"... But Dante can be [i]a lot[\/i]. I don’t know if I really want to deal with that energy right now.","21":"Valerie has a car... but I pause. Something about seeming helpless in front of Valerie doesn’t sit well. It’s probably my pride and male insecurity talking, but I hesitate calling her.","22":"What about Linus? He’s a bro. No show I have to put on there. I’ll cover a shift at work to make it up to him.","23":"...Except Linus’s old car is in the shop. We were talking about it the other day.","24":"I guess I’ll just suffer the male insecurity and call Valerie.","25":"An hour after calling, I see the glow of headlights through the trees.","26":"It slows when it rounds the bend, the lights casting themselves over me.","27":"I’m a little pissed. The drive from campus to here should only have been twenty or thirty minutes. I know I’m being ungrateful, I’ve just been alone in these dark woods for about thirty minutes more than I would have liked.","28":"But I forget all about the aggravation when I see Valerie’s smile through the windshield.","29":"Hey there, Handsome. Going my way?","30":"I am if it gets me out of here.","31":"Aw, was it scary out in these woods all by your ''wittle-self''?","32":"Yes. Shut up. Also, thank you again for coming to get me.","33":"She giggles and looks over to my car, whiffs of smoke still pouring from under the hood.","34":"What happened to your ride?","35":"It’s broke.","36":"No duh. Do you know what's wrong with it?","37":"If I had to guess, I’d say it’s something to do with all that smoke coming out of the hood.","38":"Truth be told, I'm an IT guy. I know very little about automotive repair.","39":"Valerie rolls her eyes and walks back to her car, opening the passenger side door.","40":"Hey, do you mind driving? I was getting a sleepy on the ride out.","41":"Of course. Least I can do.","42":"Actually, I’m happy to drive. Valerie is very good at a lot of things. Driving is not one of them.","43":"I circle around and slide in the driver’s side.","44":"Shutting the door and listening to that healthy engine hum instantly puts me at ease. I pop the car into drive and pull out of the creepy gas station.","45":"I'm a little bit worried about leaving my broken car here, but there's nothing I can do about it right now. The only thing I can do is hope it won't be vandalized.","46":"We continue on towards campus. Stretching far before, and behind us, is nothing but darkness. Not another light in sight.","47":"Route 8 is always so dark and spooky. I never understood why you just don’t take the interstate.","48":"It’s like, $10 in tolls to save fifteen minutes. But I’m too busy driving to explain it to her. All I can do is shrug.","49":"Unless you really lured me out here to murder me and dump my body in the woods.","50":"Valerie flashes me a wicked grin.","51":"Playing along, I make my best ''crazed murderer'' grimace and reach out at her with a clawed hand.","52":"Valerie squeals and starts giggling.","53":"Ew! Stop, jerk!","54":"She playfully swats my hand away, and I grin, returning my focus to the road.","55":"But out of the corner of my eye, I catch Valerie giving me a coy stare.","56":"Are you tired?","57":"I shake my head ''no''.","58":"You sure? I could help keep you awake.","59":"With no warning, I feel Valerie’s hand slide into my lap and grab my cock through my pants.","60":"Taken by surprise, I jump in my seat and grasp the wheel tightly. But Valerie’s little fingers are already undoing my fly, and I feel my cock begin to harden.","61":"Valerie is outright giddy. Giggling immaturely as she pulls my half-stiff member from my pants and wraps her fingers around it.","62":"It feels amazing. But I still give her a hesitant glance.","63":"Come on. It’ll be fun!","64":"I’m bored, and it’s better than trying to play [i]I Spy[\/i]!","65":"This is distracted driving. This is [i]very[\/i] distracted driving. But each second that Valerie pumps my cock, the voice of reason in my head gets quieter and quieter.","66":"It’s starting to feel like 2 versus 1. Me, versus Valerie and my dick.","67":"My eyes flicker over to her plump breasts, and up to her pouty, soft lips. I’d very much like those lips around my cock.","68":"Throwing caution to the wind, I take a shot. Grabbing her around the waist, I tug her towards me.","69":"Valerie’s eyes widen in surprise, when she realizes what I’m after.","70":"Oh my god, seriously?","71":"But blessfully she accommodates my request, and begins to lower her head into my lap.","72":"Sensing what's coming, an extra jolt of blood races to my already rigid shaft.","73":"Eyes flickering between the road and my lap, I steal glances of Valerie going down on me.","74":"A shudder rides up my spine when her pouty lips wrap around my hog, and start to glide up and down.","75":"Even when I try to focus on the road, I can still see Valerie's head bobbing up and down in my periphery. Hear the wet slurping sounds of her blowing me. Feel her mouth suck at my unit.","76":"After a few heavenly minutes, Valerie finally lifts her head up to breathe. Panting, she looks at me with a mischievous smirk.","77":"Like, wait. How is it you're the one who needed a ride, and also are the one getting off?","78":"I give her a stupid grin and shrug.","79":"Well I can’t have such a handsome dick in my mouth without having a little fun myself!","80":"Glancing over, I see Valerie start to peel off her dress.","81":"I can’t keep my eyes off her tits, jiggling free from under the garment. She looks at me wickedly as she finishes pulling the dress over her shoulders and tosses it in the back seat.","82":"Her creamy, pale skin almost glows in the darkened car. It’s also clear that she didn’t wear any underwear.","83":"While I’m still marveling at the porcelain skinned bombshell, Valerie starts giggling, and begins crawling up into my lap.","84":"My heart starts to race when she swings a leg over my lap to straddle me. I feel a sudden panic, and crane my head to see the road.","85":"What the hell does she think she’s doing! I can barely see, and have to strain to reach the steering wheel.","86":"Valerie squeals and laughs, clearing getting a rise out of our suddenly death defying antics.","87":"Oh my god, please don’t crash! I don’t want them to find my body wrapped around a tree [i]and[\/i] buck naked!","88":"Right, like [i]I’m[\/i] the one that’s going to get us killed!","89":"I have a death grip on the steering wheel, trying to dodge and weave around Valerie to keep my eyes on the road, but her nubile breasts, jiggling in my face, are not helping my concentration!","90":"Like a bull rider, Valerie tightly cinches down on me, and impales herself on my disturbingly rock hard cock.","91":"The co-ed lets out a high pitched, passionate cry as her tight slit is penetrated. Between the insane pleasure, and her soft thighs squeezing the air from my lungs, I fear I might pass out.","92":"Wrapped around me like a spider monkey, Valerie starts slamming herself down on my shaft.","93":"I can’t drive, focus, and get her off me at the same time.","94":"Valerie feels so good.","95":"But I need focus on trying not to kill us. Terrified, while also being more aroused than I ever recall being.","96":"I finally see a sign for a pull-off and flip the blinker. Clumsily the car glides into the deserted parking area and I bring it to a stop.","97":"Valerie stops riding me for a moment and looks around, grinning when she sees me steaming and glaring at her. Giggling as she can’t help herself.","98":"Uh oh, I guess now you really are thinking about killing me and dumping me in the woods!","99":"Aww, where you going?!","100":"Not totally pleased with myself, I walk around the sedan, angrily tugging my clothes off.","101":"Ooo, does this mean we’re still playing?","102":"I grab Valerie and pull her out of the car, crushing her to me.","103":"Are you mad? What are you gonna do to me?","104":"She could have gotten us killed! Part of me kind of [i]does[\/i] want to wring her little neck for pulling that stunt!","105":"... But I’m also so turned on right now.","106":"This probably isn’t healthy.","107":"Pulling her in tight, our lips meet and we start feverishly making out.","108":"I put a hand on her shoulder and push Valerie to her knees. She doesn’t offer any resistance.","109":"You want to punish my mouth for being a bad girl?","110":"Valerie stares down my twitching phallus. It looks ready to jump right down her throat.","111":"God, your cock is so big! I don’t know if I can take all of it!","112":"Those puffy lips engulf the head of my manhood, and begin to bob eagerly back and forth.","113":"The sensation is decadently intoxicating. Each time she nears the base of my shaft, I feel her struggle to take all of me.","114":"The urge to start thrusting is becoming too great.","115":"I grab Valerie by the arms, stand her up, and bend her over the hood.","116":"She whimpers desperately, pressing her ass out, beckoning me to mount her.","117":"Yes, god! Pound my naughty pussy!","118":"In the back of my head, the horror feature motif still plays. I wonder if some hairy monstrosity is watching nearby, waiting to descend on its naked prey.","119":"But I’m too spun up, and Valerie is too hot, for me to care. I guess this is why the horny teens never make it through scary movies.","120":"Oh well, if there is something out there watching us, I hope it enjoys the show.","121":"I take Valerie by that juicy ass and press my cock to her slit. Sliding back into her warmth, a shudder fires up my spine.","122":"I begin to thrust forcefully. High pitch moans cut the darkness while Valerie bounces up against the car’s hood.","123":"Oh fuck!... Fuck my pussy!","124":"That’s right! Fuck me! Punish me for almost crashing us!","125":"Her skin squeaks across the hood each time I buck my hips forward. Her little moans and coo’s are like music to my ears.","126":"As if compelled by some witchcraft, I flip Valerie around and push her up on the hood without a second thought.","127":"Crouching down, my lips home in on her throbbing gash like a heat seeking missile.","128":"Yes! Use your tongue!... Right there!... Don’t stop!","129":"She is sopping wet. Her essence is sweet, and the passion seems to radiate from her womanhood in pulses of thermal energy.","130":"Each lick, suckle and kiss seems to send her writhing. It gets to the point where I feel like a strong wind could finish her off.","131":"She finally erupts into orgasm, gyrating and convulsing on top of her car like she’s been electrocuted. Her cries sounding eerie in the dark woods.","132":"Panting, she slides down off the car, and right on onto my cock. Sliding back into her like that's where it belongs.","133":"I gently pump into her. Her skin is hot to the touch, contrasting sweetly against the cold night air.","134":"I stare deeply into those green eyes, still deep inside her, and she coo’s softly.","135":"How do you want to finish?","136":"Finish in here right there.","137":"Cum in her mouth.","138":"I want Valerie’s soft, warm, nubile body pressed up against me while I cum inside her.","139":"Her round, plump beasts smush against my torso, and I feel her hard nipples dig into my flesh.","140":"Pinning her to the car, I pump harder and deeper. Her eyes, full of lust and longing, are locked to my own.","141":"And like it was summoned by her pleas, I feel the climax surge forward.","142":"I give it one last, big thrust, and feel the thick pulses of cum exploding deeping inside her.","143":"Yes, baby! Ravish me! Fill me with your cum!","144":"Valerie lets out a breathy, high-pitched cry when I reach orgasm. Her own legs quivering uncontrollably as she’s seeded.","145":"Breathing heavily, and my strength failing, I let my manhood slide from her slit. Long, thick rivulets of cum pour from her throbbing pussy.","146":"The buxom coed squeals when I slide out of her, feeling the hot, sticky liquid streaming down her leg.","147":"It’s all over my thigh!","148":"I grin, still holding her warm body to me. My cum cooling on her skin.","149":"Oh fuck. I hope I have some napkins squirreled away in my car somewhere.","150":"I want to cum all over that pretty little face.","151":"I want to see that reckless minx get a nice hot facial for nearly killing us.","152":"Still angry about her shenanigans in the car, I grab her by the shoulders and force her to her knees.","153":"Valerie giggles, and sensing what I want, grabs my shaft and starts pumping it. Opening her mouth to receive what's coming to her.","154":"Vigorously, her dainty hand works my cock, and it doesn’t take long before the pressure builds.","155":"I revel in watching my spunk splatter against her face, watching her fat little tits jiggle when she bucks from the impact.","156":"But good girl that she is, she keeps pumping, even as the first ropes of cum are oozing down her cheeks.","157":"Even prepared, she still flinches when the jet of molten cum explodes on her.","158":"More lassos of pearly jizz whip at her, and soon, the pretty brunette is absolutely coated.","159":"The sight of it is... fitting.","160":"With the last pulse of seed spent, Valerie takes my member back into her mouth, sucking clean whatever cum wasn’t already dripping down her face.","161":"The sensation is almost too much to bear.","162":"Looking up at me, my essences coating her, Valerie gives me a coy smirk.","163":"Do you feel better now, Mr. Grumpy?","164":"Honestly... yeah. A lot better.","165":"...that's why I always ask for extra wet naps at BBQ restaurants.","166":"Valerie finishes adjusting her dress while I hand her belt to her.","167":"We hop back in the car, and set off for Shale Hill.","168":"All things considered, breaking down in the middle of nowhere didn’t turn out too badly.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"The headlights cut through the winding, forest road.","2":"A yawn escapes me and I check the clock. Thankfully it won’t be too much longer before I’m back at Shale Hill.","3":"My mind had begun to wander, but is suddenly pulled back to reality by a painful chugging sound coming from the engine block.","4":"Shit. What now?","5":"The lights in front of me flicker, and the road is partially obscured by feathers of smoke wisping from around the car’s hood.","6":"[i]Of course[\/i] this would happen on some darkened forest road, miles from civilization.","7":"I nurse the coup a few miles down the road, and am rewarded by the faint neon glow of a gas station.","8":"Babying the car into the lot, I finally show mercy to the beleaguered engine, and turn it off.","9":"I look around. The service station is sufficiently creepy, and apparently deserted."},"january_2024.vne3":{"10":"Oh, so she's, like, [i]really[\/i] indie.","11":"Haley searches for a loose wrapper to crumple up herself and throw back at me.","12":"I'm sorry, I surrender!","13":"Jerk.","14":"You should make it up to me and take me to see her tonight!","15":"I should take you to see her?","16":"Yeah. You have a car.","17":"I grin, calling her bluff.","18":"Okay. We'll go see your hipster singer.","19":"Really?","20":"And she's not ''hipster'', she's ''folk-rock''. World of difference.","21":"You can explain all about it on the drive.","22":"As the day melted away, Haley and I made the drive out to this little roadhouse.","23":"Haley spent a good chunk of the drive unloading her considerable knowledge of music. It was kind of cute, listening to her get all excited and carried away. She's often so cool and composed.","24":"...Oh my god, I'm sorry. I've been talking your ear off about obscure musical subgenres this whole drive, huh?","25":"I can only smile and give her a casual shrug. I hope it conveys that I really don't mind listening to her talk.","26":"Hey. Thanks so much for taking me tonight. You really didn't have to.","27":"Stealing a glance, I catch her smiling warmly at me.","28":"A little after dusk we arrive at the venue. It's nicer than I was expecting.","29":"But when we get there, it's easy to hear a performance already going on inside.","30":"Huh... Maybe the opener started early?","31":"Come on, let's check it out.","32":"We get up to the door, and are stopped by the bouncer.","33":"Hey, sorry guys. Show's already started. No new patrons allowed in.","34":"Wait, what? The show already started? But it said the show starts at 7:00 PM on the website!","35":"Hey, did you remember to account for the time zone change?","36":"Haley's gasps in surprise, before a frown melts down her face.","37":"Oh, no! I completely forgot about the stupid timezones!","38":"I don't know if it was because she wasn't going to see her favorite artist, or if it was because of a stupid, simple mistake on her part, but it almost looks like Haley is about to start crying.","39":"I'm such an idiot! I'm sorry, {PlayerName}. I made you drive all the way out here for nothing!","40":"I'm sorry, guys. That's some bad luck. But rules are rules.","41":"Aside from a couple of bucks of gas, I'm really not put out at all. I just feel bad Haley is gonna miss her favorite artist.","42":"Maybe I can talk the bouncer into letting us in.","43":"Excuse me, sir, I was hoping you might reconsider?","44":"Text to speech? Lose your voice?","45":"Permanently, actually. Medical mishap.","46":"Damn. Sorry to hear that.","47":"It's okay. But we drove all the way from Shale Hill. I can't say I know the artist much myself, but my friend here is a huge fan.","48":"I know you're just enforcing the rules, but it would be huge if you could just look the other way on this one.","49":"Look, buddy. It's a fire code thing, alright? Out of my hands. You'll just have to try and catch the next show.","50":"Yeah, but who knows when that'll be! Come on, there was never a favorite band or singer you never got to see?","51":"...Yeah. I guess.","52":"And Haley here, she's not just some bored passerby looking to kill an evening.","53":"After listening to a couple hours of her going over Lara Smyth's entire musical history, I can attest she is a full on fanatic. This is a religious pilgrimage for her.","54":"The bouncer gives Haley another look while she wipes her big, pretty, gray eyes dry.","55":"Alright, alright. I get it. It's a weeknight anyway. Just keep it between us, alright?","56":"Really? You'll let us in! Thank you so much! This means so much to me!","57":"Don't sweat it. Enjoy the show.","58":"Haley is grinning ear to ear, the near disaster averted.","59":"I'm so excited! I can't believe we're going to see Lara Smyth in person!","60":"The show ends up going pretty late, and it's a long drive back to Shale Hill by the time we get out.","61":"Sparing the drive, Haley recommends we just find a motel to crash at.","62":"Did they have a room?","63":"Yep. Got one!","64":"They only had one double left.","65":"Oh, well, that's no big deal. I don't mind sleeping on the floor.","66":"Mmm, I had something... different in mind.","67":"Haley takes a step towards me, resting her hand on my chest. I wonder if she can feel my heart begin to pound.","68":"Lara's music always gets me so charged up. I was thinking about... well.","69":"And with that, she leans in, and gently kisses me on the lips.","70":"I should take her to shows more often.","71":"I reach down and lift up a giggling Haley, walking us towards our room.","72":"Plus I did make you listen to me geek out about music all evening...","73":"Already in the throes of a sloppy make out, we bumble clumsily through the motel room door.","74":"I don't care, though. Haley is warm, and smells amazing, and the way she wraps her arm around my neck and pulls herself into me drives me wild.","75":"Kicking the door shut, I deposit the little rock chick onto the bed.","76":"Hurry, take your pants off.","77":"Hey, if she says so.","78":"I practically trip and fall over as I disrobe, my eyes and attention are glued on Haley's slender, graceful body as she peels off her shirt and pants.","79":"Haley eyes me up and down, biting her lip.","80":"God, you're hot.","81":"She crawls up onto me when I slide into bed next to her.","82":"Can I tell you a secret? I don't know why, but one of the reasons I love Lara Smyth is that listening to her always makes me [i]so[\/i] fucking horny.","83":"Truly a revolutionary musical genius. I don't know why more women don't listen to her.","84":"But I begin to lose my train of thought when Haley starts gently kissing me, and I feel her hand slide down my chest towards my waist.","85":"She reaches down my boxers, pulling my fully erect cock out, and begins to delicately pump it.","86":"Deferring to the rules of cash, grass, or ass as payment for road trips, Haley has opted for the third option.","87":"Works for me.","88":"I lean back, letting the pleasure take me away like a gentle ocean wave.","89":"Haley's grip firms, and the more we embrace, the more vigorously she pumps my eager shaft.","90":"Those blue bangs lightly tickle my cheeks as we kiss, sucking at each other's lips and locking tongues.","91":"My heart starts racing even faster when she begins to slide down my torso, pulling my boxes down further, admiring my manhood.","92":"Jeez, your cock is big!","93":"Slowly, sensually, Haley leans in and begins to softly kiss and lick my stick.","94":" I look to the ceiling and say a silent thanks to the powers that be.","95":"Arching her head up to clear the shaft, Haley wraps her pink, silky soft lips, and begins sucking my cock.","96":"The sweet little moan when she does is the cherry on top.","97":"Her pretty head bobs up and down while she goes to work.","98":"I just lay back and enjoy it. I would have been tickled pink just getting a handy. But this is [i]much[\/i] better.","99":"The blowjob is slow and passionate.","100":"I feel Haley's wet tongue caress and explore my member, apparently wanting to know how every millimeter of it tastes.","101":"But the act appears to start riling Haley up.","102":"Adjusting her position, she begins speeding up her pace, and trying to slide my hog deeper and deeper down her throat.","103":"The sensation is brain-melting good.","104":"Her head begins to bob more quickly and vigorously now, as her mind becomes focused on getting me off.","105":"Trails of spit and precum begin to drip down my meat as the blowjob turns more sloppy and wet.","106":"If she's not careful, she's going to get a little, post-show surprise dessert.","107":"Finally letting my python slide out of her mouth and catching her breath, Haley looks up at me mischievously, still licking my twitching hard on.","108":"You like when I do that?","109":"I grin and nod. Yes. Very much so.","110":"Haley smiles, kneeling up and beginning to strip out of her underwear.","111":"Good, cause the show is just getting started!","112":"She grins and crawls back up on top of me while I take her in. Her amazing breasts, that slender waist, those round, soft hips...","113":"I begin leaning up to embrace her, but she reaches down and pushes me back down on the bed.","114":"Ah... not yet...","115":"Curious, I watch her continue to ride up my torso, running her fingers through my hair.","116":"Oh... Looks like someone's gunning for a mustache ride...","117":"Well what kind of gentleman would I be to deny a gal a good ending to a great evening.","118":"Straddling my head, I feel her lower her flush, warm pussy onto my mouth.","119":"I curl my tongue upwards, sliding along her slit, and find her button.","120":"Then I go to work, massaging and working her towards completion.","121":"Yes... Mmmm... Just like that...","122":"Haley begins to moan and whimper, writhing atop my face like she's been possessed by some spirit.","123":"Fuck, yes! Eat me out!","124":"Her wetness is already beginning to soak my chin. Somehow, I don't think this is going to take very long.","125":"Yes! Oh, shit! I'm gonna... I'm gonna!...","126":"Haley's words are cut off, as she erupts into a melodic moan of ecstasy, reaching climax.","127":"Mmmm... Good show, boy!","128":"What do you say I return the favor?","129":"Sidling back down my body, Haley lifts herself up onto my stick, and slowly lowers herself down onto it.","130":"The feeling when I slide into her is indescribably good.","131":"Mm, yes! God, you're so thick!","132":"Even soaked, I feel Haley's pussy stretch to accommodate my rod.","133":"Every quarter inch she slides down my pole is like breaking through another wall of pleasure.","134":"Haley's body shivers, betraying her own waves of ecstasy.","135":"Fuck! You fill me up so perfectly!","136":"She looks amazing, her tits swaying seductively as she perches on top of me. I want to remember this image forever.","137":"Oh yes!... Yes!","138":"Fully penetrated, the blue haired minx begins pumping up and down, my meat sliding in and out of her, over and over again.","139":"Watching as I piston into her is quite a show.","140":"She didn't even bother turning off the lights, either. I think Haley enjoys being seen.","141":"All manners of beautiful, little, desperate noises escape her lips.","142":"It's all I can do to hold on and enjoy the ride.","143":"Her figure contorts and twists into different shapes, like a liquid searching for a container.","144":"I don't know about the concert, but this performance was certainly worth the drive.","145":"Apparently she managed to turn herself on so much it's started to frustrate her. She grabs my shoulders and tugs me close to her.","146":"God, you're so fucking hot, you know that? Why are you so fucking hot?","147":"I'm too distracted to gesture an answer.","148":"Face to face with her stunning breasts, I admire and study Haley's big, beautiful mounds.","149":"While slowing to catch her breath, Haley seems unable to stop.","150":"Even during pillow talk, she's still trying to grind my pelvis to dust.","151":"You feel so good inside me.","152":"I wish I could return the compliment verbally, but I'm left with only physical options.","153":"Breaks over. Back to tapping that ass.","154":"Slowly pumping my hips up into her, Haley watches as I start fucking her again.","155":"But she's been on top nearly this whole time.","156":"Taking hold of those magnificent, supple legs, I decide it's time to give her a break.","157":"Pushing her down on her back, Haley begins biting her lip and fidgeting excitedly.","158":"Yes! Fuck me! Fuck me wild!","159":"Helping myself to thick handfuls of those juicy thighs, I begin to firmly thrust into her, bucking Haley up and down.","160":"Do me! Do me, hard!","161":"Oh-yes-oh-yes-oh-yes-oh-yes!","162":"Her heavenly milkers bounce vigorously while I pound that pussy.","163":"She pauses for a minute, her smokey eyes piercing my own gaze.","164":"{PlayerName}, I want you to cum inside me.","165":"Since she asked...","166":"Encouraged by her request, I begin vigorously humping.","167":"Bracing herself, Haley wraps her legs around me and squeezes tightly.","168":"At the same time, I am absolutely savoring the warm, tight, wetness of her pussy.","169":"Kiss me.","170":"Leaning down, our lips lock, and we french deeply while I plow in and out of her.","171":"Feeling the finale approach, I bear down and growl into her neck, my arms and back already seizing up as the orgasm begins to take hold.","172":"Yes! Cum for me! Cum for me, baby!","173":"With a last, powerful thrust, I fire off a thick, sticky volley of molten cum, deep inside Haley.","174":"She responds with a cry of pleasure, tightly squeezing me in return as we ride out the waves of paralyzing ecstacy.","175":"Basking in the post sex glow for a few minutes, I finally crawl off of Haley, sliding my cum soaked member from her.","176":"Haley laughs in disbelief when she sees the mess of seed I pumped into her.","177":"Goodness!... I see you didn't hold much back, did you? I'm flattered!","178":"Not a bad way to spend a weeknight. Show and a creampie.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"...What do you mean you haven't heard of Lara Smyth?","2":"It's pretty self explanatory.","3":"The greatest indie folk rock singer of all time?","4":"Must not be my scene, sorry.","5":"Man... And you seemed like a guy with more culture.","6":"I toss a sandwich wrapper at her for teasing. We both had a free day line up, and decided to go grab lunch together.","7":"She's playing this weekend!","8":"She's playing at Shale Hill? At the campus amphitheater? I didn't see any announcements for shows coming into town.","9":"Not... really. She's actually playing at a little roadhouse in Bailsburg, just over the state line."},"july_2021.vne3":{"10":"When she came back, I felt her hand on my shoulder. Instinctively, I moved the issue 69 of ''Oh No! A Rain Of Smelly Panties!'' to my chest to obscure it from view.","11":"So, wanna show me what you've got there?","12":"There was really no way out of this, was there?","13":"As soon as I showed her the issue, she practically burst into laughter.","14":"Oh, another issue of that literary classic! I should've known your ''friend' would've wanted it!","15":"The embarrassment was such that I had to partially cover my face.","16":"Tell you what, though. I think I've got something in the back he'll like a bit more, trust me.","17":"Kristen went over to the door keeping the backrooms shut, inputting the unlock code into the keypad.","18":"As one beep came after the next, I wondered what had even come over her to begin with.","19":"Right this way.","20":"As I followed Kristen's instructions, more questions began to flood into my head.","21":"Why was she so eager to help to begin with? When I first came in to pick up Hank's order, she was giving me the stink eye. Now, she's smiling.","22":"Even more so, why was I going along with it? Hank better give me more time off if I end up finding some hidden gem for him.","23":"And why was she closing the door behind her? There was no one else in the store with us.","24":"So, let's see here...I think it was in this box...","25":"Yup, here it is! ''Senpai! You Made Me Sticky...'', the new smash-hit in the hentai community by Love-Joint Comics!","26":"It's the special edition too, take a look.","27":"Huh? You've gone completely red!","28":"That, I was. Whether I liked it or not, the raunchy art on the cover was getting me much harder than I was comfortable being in public.","29":"That went double for when I was directly speaking to someone like her.","30":"Did showing you something like this really fluster you that bad?","31":"Where's the [i]old[\/i] you gone to?","32":"This was nothing like the first time you bought porn from the shop. What's changed all of a sudden?","33":"Her facial expression suddenly shifted. Something... devious was going through her mind.","34":"Maybe this'll help bring it back.","35":"Kristen leaned in close and whispered into my ear.","36":"When you did that, I was really, really, [i]really[\/i] turned on...!","37":"Before I had time to process what she had just told me, let alone react to it, Kristen's hand rushed out and took hold of my cock.","38":"That's right. Most of the other men who walk in here try to play the chivalrous, nice guy act. Bullshit, the whole lot of them, but not you.","39":"You have no idea how long I've waited for a man who was unabashed about his desires, completely willing to be seen buying degenerate porn in front of a woman!","40":"If you even wanted to cover your tracks, I'm sure you could come up with a better excuse than ''It's for Hank.''","41":"Was... Was Hank sending me to pick up his porn indirectly about to get me laid?!","42":"No, I bet you knew [i]exactly[\/i] what kind of girl I was from the get-go. Now, let's see if you're as big down there as some of the boys in the comics [i]I[\/i] read.","43":"Hmmmmm, even [i]bigger[\/i] than some, by the looks of it.","44":"There comes a point in a man's life after enough stress from work and school, that you just say ''fuck it'' and accept the crazy advances of a woman like this.","45":"I'll take a closer look. Make it worth my time, and I'll give you a special discount on your purchase too.","46":"And just like that, the Kristen I knew had vanished.","47":"I wansn't about to stop her, though. I was curious to find out more about this hidden side of her too, to see if she was really as perverted as she made herself out to be.","48":"After polishing my tip with her tongue, she took me in fairly easily into her mouth.","49":"Mmmmmmph... mmmmm... mmmmmph!","50":"She looked up at me with no signs of strain or discomfort. This was clearly not her first rodeo, though she was certainly enjoying it quite a bit.","51":"I put my hand on the back of her head, but she quickly took me deeper without me even having to push her.","52":"Mmmmmmmmgh! Mmmmmmgh...!","53":"It was as if she was flaunting her sexual prowess to me.","54":"We kept going like that for a bit, but neither of us wanted to just do that all day. Both of us were definitely craving more from each other.","55":"Not bad, {PlayerName}, not bad at all.","56":"When she pulled herself away from my cock, she left it thoroughly coated with her saliva.","57":"But oral sex is a two street. I expect [i]you[\/i] to give me some attention down there too.","58":"I nodded, having no issue with returning the favor.","59":"I continued to masturbate to maintain my erection while Kristen got herself undressed.","60":"First her panties went, and then her shoes and kneesocks followed.","61":"She grabbed my length and motioned for me to follow her to the table.","62":"Over here.","63":"She certainly had a domineering air about her, but I would see how much she kept that up once I got to work on her.","64":"Now, I think you stand to lose some clothes too, don't you think?","65":"After I had jumped out of my shirt, it was go time.","66":"Kristen bent herself over the table and I hiked up her skirt to reveal both of her entrances, both quivering with appetizing anticipation.","67":"Ahhhhhhh!","68":"Kristen shivered and let out a surprised moan as my tongue begun to prod at her puckering hole.","69":"G-Going for my asshole instead of my pussy...? You dirty, [i]dirty[\/i] boy...! Haaaaaah!","70":"I had a gut feeling that would arouse her more than going for the obvious choice, and it looked like my gambit had paid off.","71":"I won't say no...! Ahhhhhh... If you really like it that much, get in there and lick it all you want...!","72":"After that, I got to eating her pussy. Climbing onto the desk, Kristen spread herself wide open for me to get in and go down on her.","73":"Ahhhhhhh-haaaaaaaaah...!","74":"Her voice trembled when I set my sights on her clit, beginning a relentless assault on it with my tongue.","75":"Ahhhhhhh...! You don't... waste anytime getting to the good part...! Nnnngh!","76":"After I'd given her a good few minutes of oral, she got back up and took my cock into her hands.","77":"I was 100% right about you. You know most guys couldn't even find a woman's clit if their life depended on it, right?","78":"You just gave mine the licking of a lifetime. I've been with girls and most of them don't eat pussy like you do. Now, come and get what you've earned.","79":"Kristen glanced down at her pussy, and I was more than happy to oblige her.","80":"Haaaaah!","81":"I gently eased my dick up to her entrance, her moistened lips parting as I prodded at her.","82":"You don't need to act as if I'm fragile, just slam it [i]right[\/i] in!","83":"Nnnnnnnnnghaaaah!","84":"Picking up one of her legs to give me easier access, I thrust myself balls deep into Kristen, drawing another long moan out of her.","85":"Although it felt initially straining, the pleasure soon swept those feelings away, and I was lost in the sensations of fucking her.","86":"Not to mention the way she looked at me - my condition made me so much keen on people's nonverbal ways of communicating.","87":"Haaaaaaaaaah...! Ahhhh... ahhhhhh...!","88":"Even setting her moans aside, she was telling me everything I needed to know about how my cock made her feel without making a single sound.","89":"We did it for a while longer on the table too, before Kristen's appetite started craving different things.","90":"Let's move somewhere else, I think the chair back there would be a little more comfortable.","91":"...!","92":"Not wanting to waste even a single moment, Kristen pushed me back into the chair behind me.","93":"There we go, isn't this better?","94":"After which she climbed on top of me, sliding down onto my cock and straddling my hips as I sat up.","95":"Now you can spend [i]all[\/i] your energy into making sure you fuck me good.","96":"I wrapped my arms around Kristen and pulled her closer to me as I continued to fuck her.","97":"Oh, yeah! You like that, don't you...? Getting your face right into my tits like that...! Ahhhhhh!","98":"I couldn't deny the rush as I felt both of them pressing up against me, pushing my arousal to new heights.","99":"Haaaaaah...! Is... Is that...? Nnnnnngh!","100":"As I felt the rush of an orgasm approaching, Kristen caught wind of the fact as well.","101":"Not yet...! Wait... stop! We can't finish like this!","102":"I wasn't sure what she meant, but after feeling her hands tried to push me off, I quickly stopped and let her get off me.","103":"Kristen hastily got up, taking off her top to reveal her breasts to me.","104":"This has stayed on for far too long, and I don't wanna get it dirty when we're done. It costs a pretty penny to own ethically made clothes.","105":"After that, she slid down her skirt and kicked it off her feet.","106":"Same thing goes for this thing. It's about time you had me completely naked too.","107":"Strutting forward, Kristen struck a pose right in front of me.","108":"So, judging by the way your cock's been feeling inside me, I think you're just about ready to cum.","109":"One thing, it's not a safe day today and I don't like taking pills. When you cum, just pull out and finish on me instead, okay?","110":"I nodded, and she smiled.","111":"Good. Now, let's get that load out of your balls and onto my tits.","112":"The confidence her words carried and her pose exuded left no room for doubt.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","113":"There was something so attractive about the dissonance of her character. On the outside - a prude, deep inside - a very perverted woman.","1":"Another day, another trip to Cram comics to pick up Hank's weird porn and get [i]the look[\/i] from Kristen.","114":"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!","2":"Great, just great. She noticed me.","115":"Once again, I slid inside her and started going to town.","3":"There go any hopes of me picking up the order, putting the cash on the counter and leaving before hearing a lecture on how much of a pervert I was OR my phone of choice.","116":"The short break that we took calmed me enough to let me fuck her without the threat of cumming for a while longer.","4":"I could practically feel her gaze like a cold dagger on my back as I looked for the comic that Hank said he wanted.","117":"Oooooooh...! That's it {PlayerName}, fuck me! Haaaaah!","5":"Hmmmmm...","118":"Her pussy was clutching tightly onto my cock each time I shoved it in, as if it was trying to hungrily milk out all of the cum inside.","6":"Here to pick up another comic for your ''friend''?","119":"I wanna... haaaaah...! Let's change it up...! Let me ride you again...!","7":"I gave a nonchalant nod. No point to try and argue with her, I wasn't going to convince her otherwise regardless.","120":"We would later end up changing positions, more than once too.","8":"You stay right there and I'll be back in a moment.","121":"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Fuck...! Your cock feels so good in my pussy...!","9":"I had no idea what she was doing, but frankly I didn't care. I was here to pick up the order and leave as soon as possible.","122":"And during each one of those shifts, I made certain every part of her body got the attention it deserved.","123":"Nnnnnngh! Yeah, pinch those fucking nipples...! Haaaaah!","124":"Eventually, we settled for a cowgirl position, and it was going to be the last position we held before we finished.","125":"Don't stop...! Ahhhhh! Keep...going!","126":"It was something that wasn't said, but we both knew it. We could feel the way our bodies responded to each other.","127":"It feels tighter, almost as if my dick slipped into the wrong hole. My mind is too scrambled to worry about that right now, she certainly doesn't seem to care.","128":"Ahhhhhh! Ah! Ahhhh!","129":"At some point, we were perfectly in sync, my thrusts timed to meet her bounces.","130":"Oooooooh, I can feel it throbbing...! You're almost there...! Haaaaaaaaaah!","131":"And we kept going like that, right up until the very end where I could no longer reliably hold myself back.","132":"Without hesitation, I pulled out of her and climbed over to finish on her tits, just like she asked me to.","133":"You ready to cum...? Haaaaah! You gonna cum for me...?","134":"In turn, one of her hands slipped under me where she quickly began to masturbate alongside me.","135":"Do it! Shoot your cum [i]all[\/i] over my tits!","136":"Moments later, after a flash of pleasure, Kristen's chest was coated with my cum.","137":"Mmmmmm... so much...","138":"Only after I was finished cumming did she also stop masturbating, satisfied with what she had gotten.","139":"You've covered my tits completely with your cum... and such a thick, creamy load too...","140":"Consider yourself to have earned your little comic for ''Hank'' for free, after a performance like that. Both of them.","141":"Oh, and whenever you feel like [i]buying a few ''new'' adult comics[\/i], all you gotta do is drop by and ask.","142":"This special offer isn't going away [i]any[\/i] time soon.","143":"Now, that... I was definitely going to take her up on."},"july_2022.vne3":{"10":"She nears the front desk. I wait for her to stop, see the [i]Out to Lunch[\/i] sign at the front desk, and turn and leave in a huff.","11":"[i]Ka-lop- ka-lop- ka-lop...[\/i]","12":"But she doesn’t stop, she doesn’t even slow down. She walks right around the front desk into the back office.","13":"I watch her curvy figure appear around the corner, hair and skirt dancing playfully in rhythm with her large, jiggling breasts.","14":"[i]Ka-lop- ka-lop- ka-lop...[\/i]","15":"Alexis Vanderman’s eyes lock on to me, like a great white shark homing in on its prey. She b-lines it for my desk, that look of ever-slight-confusion and poutiness painted on her face.","16":"[i]Ka-lop- ka-lop- ka-lop...[\/i]","17":"She’d be an amazing sight, an objectively beautiful creature, if I didn’t know from previous experience that she was a walking migraine.","18":"The blonde airhead takes her laptop and slams it on my desk with a frustrated huff.","19":"I, like, need you to fix my stupid laptop!","20":"Hello to you too, Alexis.","21":"Don’t be, like, pediatric!","22":"Do you mean [i]pedantic[\/i]?","23":"Whatever. You nerds fucked up my laptop.","24":"I sigh. Why does she [i]always[\/i] come to me?","25":"She watches, hips cocked, as I open her laptop and wait for it to start up.","26":"Alright, how exactly have [i]we[\/i] at the IT department fucked up your laptop?","27":"Like, look!","28":"She stomps her foot like a petulant child and points at the start screen, a large, disconcerting notification appearing across it.","29":"[c_red][i]this m@chine is n0w under the contro7 of teh mighty H@XX0Re7ite!!![\/i]","30":"[c_red][i]if u w@nt @cce55 re5t0red, p@y 5@cred 0mm@ge 2 y0ur new g0d by dep05iting $5000 USD @nd a pic of u, Alexis Vanderman, naked & h0lding a sign pr0cl@iming that u r n0w teh pr0perty of teh big dic H@XX0Re7ite, 2 the f0ll0wing link[\/i]","31":"You downloaded a ransomware virus. Explain to me how this is the fault of the IT department?","32":"Because, like... you weirdos are supposed to protect me from this kind of shit, or whatever.","33":"Alexis flips her hair dismissively, but I think she’s not as dumb as she’s playing, and at least has an inkling of what she’s done.","34":"Okay, here’s the thing. This particular ransomware virus, [i]H@XXv133[\/i], is blocked by your campus issued virus protection suite.","35":"So?","36":"It means you disabled your anti virus software to download something you shouldn't have.","37":"Alexis flippantly jerks her head around, waiting for me to get to the point that I’ve already arrived at.","38":"So?","39":"Frankly I’m kind of shocked you even figured out [i]how[\/i] to disable your anti-virus software, given your track record. But hey, good news.","40":"Alexis scoffs in relief.","41":"Like, what? You’ll fix it?","42":"No. By disabling your campus issued antivirus software, you’ve voided the Shale Hill University contract of digital conduct. Which means the IT department is not responsible for any issues you may have with your devices.","43":"How is that [i]good[\/i] news?","44":"It’s good for me.","45":"I toss my feet up on the desk, lean back in my chair, and close my eyes. Relishing the little win and waiting for Alexis to storm off.","46":"I hear her shuffling about in a fit of uncertainty and mild distress, huffing and scoffing in frustration.","47":"Finally, I feel her hand on my shoulder, shaking me for my attention.","48":"Hey, come on, please! I’m sorry!","49":"Look... some jerk DM’d me and said he wanted to, like, pay for some of my pictures with these IPABT coin thingies, which is this, like, really valuable crypto-currency or whatever...","50":"...and I was all like, ''Alexis, that’s a smart move, crypto currency is, like, so hot right now.''","51":"That is true. The kids are saying how hot crypto is these days.","52":"I know, right? So I said ''yeah, okay'', and he sent me the link to download the crypto currency so I could, like, print out the crypto-dollars...","53":"I shake my head. This must have Hank howling with laughter. I shoot him a text.","54":"Hank, are you seeing this shit?","55":"Seeing what? - Hank","56":"Damn, he must really be out of the office today.","57":"Nothing. Alexis Vandermann is back in the office, shattering all expectations for how dumb the human race can be.","58":"So a weekday. -Hank","59":"I chuckle and slide the ditzy co-ed’s laptop over to me, resetting it to start it in [i]safe-mode[\/i]. Alexis, not even aware I wasn’t listening, just continues on with her story.","60":"...and I told Sarah that that’s the reason why, like, she’s going to have to marry a rich guy, ‘cause she’s not smart and forward thinking, and like, entre-pro-neel-ial, like I am!","61":"That is true. You are very entrepreneurial.","62":"Oh-my-god, I know. Anyway, I opened the dumb program and my stupid laptop started doing all this weird stuff, and, like, that stupid message started popping up and I couldn’t do anything.","63":"I type away, only half listening to Alexis.","64":"...and, like... I have, like, a [i]lot[\/i] of [i]product[\/i] on my laptop. Like, potentially thousands of dollars that I could lose.","65":"Plus... like, [i]all[\/i] of my school stuff. And if, like, I don’t turn in some of those assignments, I'm totally gonna flunk out of my class!","66":"What class?","67":"For a weird, almost freakish moment, Alexis drops her acts and speaks with a bit of sincerity and vulnerability.","68":"Fashion Industry Management.","69":"It’s hard... but I actually really like the business stuff. It’d be cool to... I dunno, open my own boutique fashion store some day.","70":"Alexis’s disposition slowly changes. Shifting her tactics from [i]entitled brat[\/i] to [i]helpless damsel[\/i].","71":"So... will you, like, [i]please[\/i] fix it for me? As, like, a personal favor?","72":"I don’t know. You’ve really done a number on your computer. [i]AND[\/i] you did film us having sex and put it online without my consent, which legal repercussions aside, was a pretty fucked up thing to do to a person.","73":"I [i]know[\/i]! And I am so sorry. That was such a fucked up thing to do, and I feel terrible about that. But I [i]need[\/i] my laptop. I’m so fucked if, like, I can’t get back into it.","74":"Look, maybe if you fix it for me... I could pay you back.","75":"Alexis' energy shifts again, her demeanor changing to sultry and seductive, speaking in her baby-doll voice. I really hope she's not going to offer me her nudes as a payment.","76":"Maybe, I dunno, I could pay you back right here on your nice, big desk.","77":"I cock my eyebrow, not turning from her laptop as I type away, but feeling the surge of blood hit my cock at her suggestion.","78":"Well, Ms. Vanderman, that is a very generous offer...","79":"Finished with what I was doing, I spin the computer back towards her.","80":"...but that won’t be necessary.","81":"Alexis does a double take, staring at the normal looking log-on screen of her restored laptop, then back to me, utterly confused.","82":"You fixed it?","83":"Vanderman is a spoiled brat, but, maybe, she’s not a bad person. She’s a dumb, young adult who needs a role model and some guidance more than anything else.","84":"And even so, I would have felt worse in the long run, letting someone take advantage of her like that. Even if she [\/i]possibly[\/i], might have deserved it.","85":"No need to pay me back. On my desk or otherwise.","86":"Just don’t disable your anti-virus software anymore. Stay away from strange links and weird guys messaging you in your DMs. And if you’re unsure of anything with your devices, maybe message us first before doing anything.","87":"Oh!... Um...","88":"Thank you.","89":"No problem. If there’s nothing else, I’ll let you get back to your day. And good luck in the class.","90":"Thanks.","91":"I flash her an acknowledging smile, and turn back to my own computer, checking to see if any new tickets have come in.","92":"Alexis doesn’t leave, though. Instead she hovers at my desk, twirling her hair and cocking her hip, mulling on something in that pretty, albeit somewhat empty head of hers.","93":"So... um, like... what are you doing right now?","94":"You know, IT stuff.","95":"Oh, cool. Cool-cool-cool.","96":"...","97":"Just so you know, when I was offering to [i]pay you back[\/i] on your desk, I was, like, talking about letting you fuck me.","98":"I wonder if the college has a course on subtlety that Alexis could enroll in.","99":"Yep. I know. I was tracking. Thanks.","100":"Oh... Okay. Cool-cool.","101":"It’s just I’m, like, pretty hot, and I would have thought maybe you’d want to. But like, if you’ve maybe [i]discovered[\/i] things about yourself since the last time we fucked, I totally get it.","102":"I sigh. Alexis is hot. Smoking hot.","103":"But I’ve already learned how much trouble a girl that hot can be. Having sex with her at the office feels too much like playing Russian roulette, and my brain reserves executive authority over my cock in these situations.","104":"But, just a little pissed off, I turn to face Alexis.","105":"Alexis, the only thing I’ve [i]discovered[\/i] since we’ve last slept together, is that sex with you is more trouble than it’s worth.","106":"I turn back to my work. Alexis glares at me with genuine offense and shock, stomping her foot, pouting and huffing immaturely. But she doesn’t storm off.","107":"Instead, she grabs my chair, and swings me to face her. Then drops to her knees and angrily starts undoing my belt.","108":"What the hell are you doing?","109":"Oh, I’m more [i]trouble[\/i] than I’m worth, am I?","110":"As she says that, she pulls my boxers down. My raging erection flops out and incriminates me right there on the spot.","111":"She makes a disgusted face at me, as if she caught me red handed, grabbing my throbbing member and waving it at me.","112":"Like, what the fuck? I haven’t even started yet, you perv!","113":"And looking up at me with those big, defiant eyes, she starts to jerk me off right there.","114":"But no sooner does she start, our heads snap to the sound of the front door swinging open.","115":"Frozen, we watch as Linus comes around the corner.","116":"Shit!...","117":"Alexis clamors under the desk. No time to type, I put a hand on her round ass and shove her in.","118":"The blonde lets out a little squeal as she’s pushed, knocking her head lightly against the back baseboard and cursing quietly.","119":"Worried that stuffing my cock back into my pants would be too much of a give away, I pull myself close to the desk to hide my naked member from sight.","120":"Linus walks back into the bullpen with a stupid grin on his face.","121":"Why the look, bud? What? Did I catch you looking at porn again?","122":"I wave, trying my best to look relaxed.","123":"Ha! Good one. Back from lunch already?","124":"Nah. My dumb-ass forgot my wallet. I walked all the way to the food court before I realized it.","125":"You sure I can’t grab you anything?","126":"No thanks, I’m good.","127":"Hey, by the way, did Alexis Vander-boobs stop in?","128":"My heart jumps into my throat.","129":"No. Why do you ask?","130":"I just saw her marching this way when I was on my way to lunch. I was worried she’d be by to terrorize you with some wild IT clusterfuck of her own doing.","131":"Hm, nope. I haven’t seen her.","132":"That’s good. God, she is so hot, but so dumb. How could God create a person like that?","133":"I don’t know. Can’t have it all, I guess.","134":"I feel Alexis kick me in the shin under the desk.","135":"Maybe we could create some kind of device that could transfer a smart girl’s brain into her body, and Alexis's brain into a chihuahua.","136":"She does have the energy of a chihuahua.","137":"Right? That could be our senior thesis. We’d be heroes. They’d put us on the cover of Time Magazine. Nobel Prizes!","138":"Plus, we’d get that sweet, one million dollar prize.","139":"I jerk suddenly at the feeling of a pair of small, soft feet wrapping around my member, my eyes shooting open.","140":"Despite the jolt of surprise and fear, my cock stiffens even more.","141":"Hey, you okay, man?","142":"I try to subtly swat Alexis's feet away with my knees, but she’s persistent, re-attacking my erection after each attempt to drive her off.","143":"All I can do is try and keep my composure, as I focus the best I can on my phone.","144":"Yeah, I’m fine. Just a leg cramp.","145":"Alexis’s lithe feet caresses my rod, delicately and expertly teasing and manipulating it, pulling the blood from my brain that I desperately need to deal with Linus.","146":"Oof. Those are the worst. You should stand up and walk around. Get the blood moving a bit.","147":"If only Linus knew how much the blood [i]was[\/i] moving.","148":"Nah. It’s no big deal. It’ll pass.","149":"Alexis’s slender feet move from simply teasing, to actively jerking off my manhood.","150":"I try my best to fight the pleasure, the deep, erotic, almost twisted arousal her little game of footsie is having on me.","151":"Having Linus right here, the danger of being caught, somehow makes all of it that much hotter.","152":"I curse Alexis and every nice thing I thought about her. She's a little succubus.","153":"I concentrate on controlling my breathing, maintain my posture, and try to relax. But there is little I can do about the rush of blood causing my face to flush.","154":"Are you sure you’re okay, dude? You don’t look so good.","155":"Maybe you should go get some air.","156":"Thanks for the concern, man. But I’m fine, really.","157":"Linus stares at me with concern for a moment, then shrugs his shoulders and turns to leave.","158":"Okay. But I better not find you dead at your desk when I get back. I don’t want to have to pick up all your tickets too.","159":"I say a silent prayer of thanks to the powers that be, as Linus disappears out into the lobby. The sound of the front door signaling his departure.","160":"With the coast clear, I shove my chair back to escape Alexis's seductive teasing.","161":"Are you crazy? You’re going to get me in trouble!","162":"The blonde crawls out from under the desk, a pleased grin pasted to her face.","163":"So you weirdos wanna put my brain in a dog, huh?","164":"I roll my eyes, and go to type into my phone that we were just joking around, and that you can’t [i]actually[\/i] put someone’s brain in a dog's body.","165":"Before I can get the message out though, Alexis snatches up my phone, and slides it across the office floor.","166":"I gesture my surprise and anger, but she just smiles, clearly getting a kick out of riling me up.","167":"What are you gonna do now, huh?","168":"Alexis grabs my cock again and starts to work the stiff shaft.","169":"I try to stay angry, but with each passing second of her jerking me off, it becomes more difficult to fight back.","170":"Pausing for a moment, Alexis perks her head up to look around the desk, smiling as she finds what she’s looking for, grabbing a nearby ruler.","171":"Holding out the ruler for me, she grins.","172":"I’ve been a [i]really[\/i] bad girl, huh? You must wanna punish me really badly!","173":"I think I need a good spanking.","174":"My frustration and anger with the teasing swirls together with how attractive I find her, and I’m beginning to grow angrier at myself at how much this all is turning me on.","175":"I should probably stop this now, tell Alexis ''thank you, but no thank you '', and escort her right out of the damn office.","176":"But the opportunity is too tempting. Instead of kicking her out, I slide the ruler between my teeth, grab Alexis by her ample hips, and bend her over my desk.","177":"Oh no! Are you going to spank me hard, Mr. {PlayerName}? I’ve been so naughty. I totally deserve it.","178":"My heart pounds in my chest as I peel off Alexis’s tiny skirt. To my complete and utter lack of surprise, she isn’t wearing any panties, and I’m greeted by her magnificent, plump, naked ass.","179":"I don’t know a pair of cheeks that have been in a greater need of a spanking, and I let my hand explore the curve of those silky, creamy buns.","180":"Contact with that stunning flesh sends a charge of sexual voltage through me, and I take the ruler and pull my arm back.","181":"The ruler contacts her white flesh with a deeply satisfying [i]slap[\/i], coaxing an adorable yelp from the dirty little blonde, the meat of her tight hindquarters jiggles hypnotically from the impact.","182":"I don’t pull my punches, taking out my frustration with Alexis, sexual and otherwise, on that quivering round ass. Alexis yelps with every spank, but her moans are drenched in arousal, urging me on after every contact. ","183":"Fuck yes! Harder! Oh, I’ve been so bad!","184":"Those creamy cheeks slowly begin to glow a warm pink, the ruler leaving red marks across her perfect skin.","185":"The little minx wiggles her ass after every strike, as if daring another spanking.","186":"Mmm, you fucking love this, don’t you. Making me pay for being such a little brat.","187":"There’s no point in fighting the desire any longer. I clearly want to have sex with her. I might as well enjoy this for what it is.","188":"Alexis, seeing me stand up and start to pull my pants down, wiggles her perfect little behind tauntingly.","189":"What are you gonna do? You gonna [i]give it to me[\/i] with that big dick of yours?","190":"She giggles and squeals as I grab her by the hips and pull her to me.","191":"Fuck me hard! I’ve been a bad girl, I so have it coming.","192":"The head of my rock hard member slides between Alexis’s wet lips, sending a shudder through the girl that travels back up into my own body.","193":"Her pussy almost seems to be drawing my cock in, while at the same time, she presses those warm butt cheeks back into my pelvis, eager for me to start humping.","194":"I’m happy to oblige, thrusting again and again, each time pulling that juicy rump down onto my cock, bouncing the bimbo back and forth.","195":"The steady rhythm of flesh slapping against flesh fills the quiet tech office, harmonized by Alexis’s breathy moans.","196":"Something about this still feels wrong, but whatever reservations I had on fucking Alexis are a whisper now.","197":"That’s right, pound me hard! Fuck my brains out!","198":"Pens, cups, and papers are knocked from the desk as Alexis is rocked back and forth, but I could care less. Gripped in feverish arousal, all I care about is cumming in her tight snatch.","199":"Mmm, I fucking knew it! You totally wanted me.","200":"Alexis’s word’s sting somewhat. She’s reveling in some victory even though she’s the one bent over my desk.","201":"But as mad as it might make me, she’s not wrong. It wasn’t like I didn’t want to fuck that amazing body, given it’s mostly her personality that puts me off.","202":"Since I have her, I might as well enjoy every inch of her I can. I reach around and pull her back, grabbing the hem of her top.","203":"Lifting it up, the blonde’s two magnificent melons jumble out. Set free, they jiggle and wobble playfully around her chest.","204":"Alexis lets out a small gasp and giggles when I go after her milk globes.","205":"This is so what you wanted, isn't it, you dirty nerd?! You have the hot cheerleader totally naked, bent over your desk, and now you get to do whatever you want with her.","206":"It is something straight out of a fantasy, like some scenario I would dream up in my head late at night while I was [i]relaxing[\/i] before falling asleep.","207":"It’s so surreal I have trouble comprehending it’s actually happening, but each thrust of my hips sends my cock deeper into Alexis’s tight, wet, hot little snatch. Her scent, her breathy panting, and her warmth are all [i]very[\/i] real.","208":"My hands glide up her slender waist and up her chest, cupping and squeezing those perky, soft fun bags.","209":"God, yes! Play with my tits, you dirty pervert!","210":"Those soft, warm mounds give and melt around my fingers. Her sensitive and erect nipples digging into my palms, growing even harder from the extra stimulation.","211":"Playing with her breast only fuels my lust, and I pull her tight to me. Driving my hips harder, my cock rails in and out of her pussy like a piston engine.","212":"Yes! Fuck me hard! Ravage my tits! I’ve been so bad. I need to be punished!","213":"She’s such a freak, she doesn’t care one bit that she’s completely naked, getting plowed in the middle of a campus office.","214":"If anything, the threat of being discovered like this is only making her more aroused.","215":"Shifting gears, I spin her around and lift her into the air, positioning those amazing tits so they are right in my face.","216":"That’s right, lift me up and toss me on your desk! Treat me like your little fuck toy!","217":"With wanton disregard, I do just that. Carelessly tossing her down across my desk with every intention of treating just as she asked.","218":"The vigorous banging continues to lay waste to the landscape of my workstation, though. My monitor is the next and largest casualty of our feverish fornications.","219":"I watch Alexis’s empty head knock into the screen, sending it toppling over the edge, taking my poor keyboard with it.","220":"Whatever. We have a closet full of spare keyboards and monitors.","221":"Sliding out, I grab her legs and spread them apart, looking at her cunt like it were a buffet.","222":"That’s right, eat out my slit, you thirsty computer geek!","223":"Her pussy is throbbing and twitching, looking particularly juicy and sensitive.","224":"My tongue contacts and causes her to immediately start to writhe and buck on top of my desk.","225":"Oh fuck! Slowly! Holy shit!","226":"I don’t go easy on her, and start to aggressively work her clit. Her taunts and commands quickly get drowned in her moans.","227":"Her whimpers escalate to cries, as I send her over the edge into orgasm.","228":"Those legs tremble in ecstasy, despite me holding them tightly, restraining her while I continue to attack her pussy with my tongue.","229":"I hope the ceiling above is well insulated. The sounds Alexis is making might have someone in the floors above us thinking the building might be haunted.","230":"Jesus fuck me! Are you, like, trying to let the whole building know I’m getting plowed down here?","231":"I grin. Alexis, ever finding something to complain about, even after getting eaten out to completion.","232":"I respond only by standing back up and putting my cock to her slit, eager to get mine as well.","233":"My member easily slides back into Alexis’s quivering pussy.","234":"I will give her this. Reputation aside, she’s still very tight, and the walls of her womanhood hug my shaft.","235":"I revel in the little moan elicited by my re-penetration, and vigorously start to ram my meat into her again.","236":"Fuck, that's it, fuck my tight little cunt!","237":"I pound away, each thrust bouncing the little blonde back and forth, and causing my desk to rock back on its legs.","238":"Alexis’s ample breast jiggle hypnotically, teasing me to fuck her even harder.","239":"It isn’t long before I feel the surge of climax growing deep inside my loins.","240":"Cum inside Alexis.","241":"Cum on Alexis’s belly.","242":"I grab the cheerleader’s lithe legs, and drape them over my shoulders, feeling her calves against my neck and her smooth thighs slamming against my stomach.","243":"She braces herself up on her hands, balancing and timing her sways in conjunctions with my own thrusts, maximizing each hump to drive my cock deeply inside her with each swing.","244":"With a final, plunging thrust, I blast my load far up Alexis’s pussy. She squeals as she feels my hot seed explode inside her.","245":"I hold her there, pinned for a moment, until the last, lazy jet of cum squirts into her womb.","246":"Alexis quakes and coos, catching her breath as we both slowly recover, the haze of lust beginning to lift.","247":"Her tight snatch still undulates and contracts around my cock, trying to suck every last drop of cum from it.","248":"My tired, softening prick slowly shrinks back, and finally slides out of Alexis, still coated in a sticky mix of our juices.","249":"Oh shit, my legs feel like jello.","250":"Alexis giggles as her mind slowly returns to her after the ecstasy of sex.","251":"She looks down at her swollen pussy. The thick, pearly trail of my seed, now leaking out of her.","252":"Fuck, you shot so much into me! You better not have gotten me pregnant!","253":"An unsettling pang of fear strikes at my heart at the thought of some dark future where I’ve inseminated and created a child with her.","254":"Affections being what they are, I unceremoniously release Alexis, and cringe slightly when she falls back and slams, rougher than I intended, onto the desk.","255":"Ow! hey!","256":"Climax is approaching, and as much as part of me might want to, there’s no way I'm cumming inside this bimbo.","257":"I unsheathe my cock from Alexis’s tight snatch, and take hold of the throbbing member.","258":"Aiming it up at her, I fire off a salvo of hot seed, thick tails of hot, sticky cum, whipping at the blonde's tight little tummy, causing her to squeal.","259":"Oh my god, it’s fucking everywhere!","260":"I chuckle at the bratty whines, looking down at the mess I made of her belly. I can only grin in satisfaction.","261":"Ugh, like, where’s your bathroom?","262":"Finishing tucking my cock into my pants, I point her towards the employee restroom and watch her plump little naked ass scurry inside and slam the door.","263":"Feeling even more relaxed than before, I decide that beer is in order, and stroll over to the mini fridge to grab one.","264":"Before I can get there though, my phone chirps.","265":"I know we have a whole closet full of them, but please be more gentle with your monitor, it is still school property. -Hank","266":"...","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"The soft hum of server banks purring in the background, and the crisp clacks of keyboard keys are the only sounds in the quiet IT office.","2":"It is a sterile peacefulness that I’ve grown to like. Linus just stepped out for lunch, and I haven’t heard from Hank all day.","3":"I think he must be out of the office for some reason, which is odd. I don’t know if Hank [i]ever[\/i] leaves his office.","4":"It's nice having the place to myself for a little while, though. It’s a slow day, too. I wonder if our notoriously fickle printers have miraculously started working as advertised.","5":"Savoring the peaceful moment, I lean back in my chair and rest my eyes, thinking about cracking open a beer while I’m at it.","6":"The serenity is shattered however. I hear the front door being vigorously swung open, followed by the aggressive clopping of high heels marching down the hall towards the front desk.","7":"[i]Ka-lop- ka-lop- ka-lop...[\/i]","8":"I know the cadence of those heels by now, the tell-tale arrogance and entitlement that rings with each step.","9":"[i]Ka-lop- ka-lop- ka-lop...[\/i]"},"july_2023.vne3":{"10":"I'm not a medical expert, and don't have the first clue on sports injuries, but her ankle does look a little red and swollen.","11":"I shrug.","12":"Yes. I think this will be where I finish. Thank you, [i]vaquero[\/i]. I just need some help up so I can hobble back to the faculty lounge.","13":"On that leg? I don't think that's such a good idea. Besides, the faculty lounge is probably full at this time of the day.","14":"Well what do you suggest? That you carry my big [i]culo[\/i] all the way back to your apartment?","15":"It's probably faster than hopping, and you might hurt your foot even more. Besides, I have a medical kit at my place.","16":"Well, if you seriously think you can carry me all the way back, then you are welcome to try. ","17":"Getting her to her feet, I decide I don't want to bother with talking the stubborn woman into taking it easy, and just hoist her up my arms.","18":"¡[i]Dios mío[\/i]! ¡{PlayerName}!","19":"What will passers by think? This strapping young man is carrying off this poor, old Spanish Professor.","20":"I smirk, shaking my head and feeling my cheeks start to redden as Carmen begins teasing me.","21":"On the couch is fine, [i]Muchas gracias[\/i].","22":"The apartment is deserted when we arrive. It makes sense, as {Leah} is likely in class at this time of the day.","23":"Gently... Perfect. Thank you.","24":"I think there is a first aid kit in the cupboard above the sink.","25":"Give me a minute, I'll get the aid kit.","26":"I hold up the green box to confirm it with Carmen.","27":"That's it. There should be a compression bandage or something to wrap my ankle in.","28":"Grabbing the bandage in question, I begin trying to bandage her foot.","29":"How does it feel?","30":"Stiff. Maybe you would be so kind as to work it out a little bit for me?","31":"You have a gentle touch. Maybe you should have been a doctor, yes?","32":"Falling to Carmen's charms again, I let out a grin.","33":"A lot of soccer injuries as a kid.","34":"Ah, so then you were an athlete?","35":"When I was younger, not so much anymore.","36":"Well, you look like you are still in amazing shape. ","37":"Your body is so well developed.","38":"Oh, there I go again, saying such things!","39":"It's totally fine. It's very flattering of you to say.","40":"Thank you. You are too kind.","41":"But fitness is so important, no?","42":"I try to get out and exercise at least once a day.","43":"Well, maybe now I am saying things out of turn, but it really shows, you look like you take very good care of yourself.","44":"There you go now, saying these sweet things! ","45":"If you continue such talk, you may get this old professor in trouble!","46":"Well... I still need to squeeze in [i]some[\/i] kind of exercise, do I not?","47":"Maybe there is some kind of vigorous physical activity I could do... from my back.","48":"Is there... anything that comes to your mind?","49":"I swallow, my mouth suddenly going dry as a desert, as Carmen's injured foot begins to playfully explore my thigh.","50":"I could really use somebody with strong arms to... stretch me out.","51":"My heart begins to race faster when Carmen opens her legs, no so discreetly showing off the damp spot over her mound.","52":"Come on, [i]vaquero[\/i]. Maybe just a quick little one here on the sofa? It will be our little secret.","53":"There isn't a lot of room for interpretation at this point. I grin and nod.","54":"Good boy. ","55":"With that, Carmen begins to kick off her little running shorts. I help her along, sliding them down her long, caramel legs.","56":"Now, you must come here and show Professor Vasquez more of this [i]gentle touch[\/i].","57":"I scoot up closer to Carmen. Her scent and warmth alone are already making me rock hard.","58":"Her pussy is as wet as the stain on her shorts led me to believe.","59":"The simple contact between my fingers and her slit coaxes a soft moan from Carmen's lips.","60":"Painfully aware of the stunning breasts right in front of my eyes, I tug at Carmen's top, causing one of her melons to lazily pop out. The perfect, pink little nipple already at full attention.","61":"Yes! Suck on my tits!","62":"I savor every twitch and coo I coax from Carmen's body, just by caressing and toying with her nipple.","63":"I wrestle her pink teat with my tongue, savoring her taste and the way her soft, squishy breasts jiggles and gives with the slightest provocation. I could play with these heavenly spheres for hours.","64":"Yes... god, forgive me!","65":"Please, ¡[i]Mi amor[\/i]! Ravage me!","66":"I slide down onto the floor, and spread Carmen's statuesque legs. Though, all the while, my eyes remain locked on her ample melons, wobbling back and forth playfully on her chest.","67":"[i]Sí, por favor[\/i], Eat my pussy!","68":"Grinning, I get a hold of her thighs and give her a sharp tug to pull her pussy to my mouth.","69":"The show of strength yields the desired response, and Carmen gasps, her cheeks turning more flush in arousal. A little appetizer before I begin eating her out.","70":"Oh, yes! A little higher... good... right there... now slow down... yes...","71":"I pay careful attention, taking careful notes while class is in session for ''Professor Vasquez: Cunilingus 101''.","72":"Very good... yes, you are a quick learner... now apply just a little use of the finger... yes... just like that... oh god...","73":"¡[i]Bravo[\/i]! Outstanding work! Now stand up and take off your pants!","74":"I'm up on my feet in a flash and start pulling my clothes off.","75":"Mmmm, you are quite well put together!","76":"Grinning, I take a step forward, my cock already twitching as Carmen leans in.","77":"I pull her head in as I feel her fingers take hold of my manhood, and begin sucking on it vigorously.","78":"The quiet living room is filled with the soft, sensual moans, and wet lapping sounds of Carmen feverishly sucking the head of my cock.","79":"It is mind numbingly good, and in the moment, it's as if my whole body is intent solely on getting more of my cock in her wet mouth.","80":"And like a sex genie granting wishes, I then feel those plump lips wrap around my shaft, and feel Carmen begin bobbing her head up and down my meat.","81":"The sensation of having sex with Professor Vasquez's mouth is otherworldly.","82":"I hold Carmen's head tightly and begin to gently thrust, feeling the slickness of the back of her throat against the head of my unit.","83":"The voluptuous Spanish professor's nostrils flare as she pants, her mouth currently filled with my manhood.","84":"¡[i]Dios mío![\/i] You are so big, {PlayerName}! It is a challenge taking you all in my mouth!","85":"Maybe you should bury that big cock in my pussy instead, yes?","86":"Taking the cougar again by her spectacular legs, I pull her close to me and press my cock to her gash.","87":"Yes, push that big handsome cock up into my pussy!","88":"The length of my shaft slowly sinks inside Carmen's wet, gooey warmness, and she wails loud enough for me to instinctively look to the door for a moment to see if anyone comes to investigate the ghostly howl.","89":"Certain that {Leah} will not show up at this time I do feel completely relaxed, and I resume sliding inch after inch of cock up inside Prof. Vasquez.","90":"Getting better footing and picking up the pace, I begin railing the MILF's tight snatch, her tits bouncing up and down like little cheerleaders, beckoning me to fuck her harder.","91":"So rough! I love it! Do not worry about being gentle with me, ¡[i]Mi amor[\/i]!","92":"I'm happy to hear it, and throw some extra power into my thrusts.","93":"Carmen seems to melt, as I hump her up the couch.","94":"As she surrenders more to my passion, I soon have the vivacious professor's legs draped over my shoulder, while I pound her into ecstasy.","95":"Yes! Give me that big, hard cock! I love having a young man just fuck the shit out of me!","96":"Coxed on by her words, I grab Carmen's silky thighs, and hoist her into the air, still impaled on my cock.","97":"Aie! My goodness! You are just going to have your way with me, yes?","98":"But even her playful pillow talk begins to deteriorate into mindless vocalizations and moans, as I bounce the buxom faculty member up and down on my cock.","99":"As her brains start to melt down from pleasure, I feel Carmen's grip and limbs weakening, unable to maintain her composure in the face of such a vigorous hammering.","100":"A pause to let me catch my breath gives a window, and she pulls me in close to kiss me affectionately.","101":"Her velvety lips suck and bite at my own, overcome with arousal.","102":"Mmmm... You are so... how do they say... ''Virile''? Tell me, [i]Mi corazón[\/i], have you thought much of doing these things to me?","103":"I grin. I can't say I've never entertained the thought of fucking Professor Vasquez's brains out.","104":"Still eager, but with limbs burning, Carmen directs me to the couch.","105":"Now sit back and relax and let [i]mami[\/i] take care of you.","106":"Holding Carmen, I carefully lower us to the couch.","107":"The vivacious professor presses me back into the seat cushion, and re-adjusts her seating to ride me.","108":"She slowly slides back down my pole. The sharp but satisfying sting of her nails, unconsciously digging into my shoulder, pairs well with her moans of pleasure.","109":"God, you are so hard it drives me wild.","110":"You've been such a good boy, too. I think you should get a nice prize for all this effort.","111":"Carmen indulges in a giggle, feeling my cock twitch at the mention of a big finish.","112":"She rocks her hips up, and back down on, over and over again. My staff pistoning in and out of her.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","113":"With her stellar breasts bouncing playfully in front of me, I'm compelled to start sucking on her plump globes.","1":"I cut through the greens on the way back to my car. I had been hanging out with Sam after class, and was ready to head home for the day.","114":"And how would my [i]vaquero[\/i] like me? Maybe he wants to put a special prize deep up inside his professor?","2":"That's when I came across Prof. Vasquez. She was in sneakers, clutching her leg in pain. She must have been out for a jog and injured herself.","115":"Just her mentioning it like that almost makes me shoot right there.","3":"Aie, Carmen you ¡[i]gran idiota[\/i]! You should have known better than to be out running on this foot.","116":"But if I'm gonna nut in this saucy cougar, I want to shoot into her while I'm pressing up against that big, round, juicy ass of hers.","4":"Professor Vasquez? Are you okay?","117":"Still enjoying a significant size advantage, I begin pulling Carmen up on the couch.","5":"Oh, {PlayerName}! It is you!","118":"Oh my! {PlayerName}! So domina- Aieee!","6":"Yes, I am alright. It is an old foot injury that I have foolishly not let fully heal. It is just a twist.","119":"Carmen's coy teasing is cut off with a squeal of pleasure, when I slide up behind her, and let my cock home in up between her cheeks, and re-enter her warm, wet, waiting womanhood.","7":"Could I bother you to hold it elevated for a moment? I am going to try and work the kink out.","120":"She presses her perfect, hourglass figure against my body, and I reach around to find her soft breasts just waiting to be grabbed and squeezed.","8":"I keep her leg elevated while Carmen twists around on the ground, testing the mobility of her ankle. The wincing isn't a good sign.","121":"[i]¡Eso! ¡Fóllame, {PlayerName}! ¡Fóllame!","9":"How is it? I think this may be where I quit my workout for the day.","122":"Beckoned on, I begin laying into Carmen with stronger thrust, feeling her sensual form rocking back and forth in rhythm with me.","123":"Is this how you want me? On all fours [i]¿óomo un animal?","124":"Carmen is amazing. Her every move, the way she backs her hips up to meet her thrust, how she maintains just enough control to accelerate the passion...","125":"I can't help but feel outclassed by a more seasoned lover, but I'm happy to be upstaged.","126":"And each time she drives those ample hips back into me, the way she gyrates and twists her hindquarters as she rides the shaft, it feels utterly incredible.","127":"Soon enough, we're hurtling uncontrollable towards a climax.","128":"My muscles flex so tightly it almost hurts, when I finally groan and unleash my load up inside the bombshell Spanish Professor.","129":"Oh, god! [i]¡Sí![\/i] Cum inside me! Fill me with your young seed!","130":"Cum with me, {PlayerName}! [i]¡Vamos juntos, tú y yo!","131":"-gasp- {PlayerName}! It is so much! When I said you could cum inside me, I was not expecting this much!","132":"I grin, pulling out, and watching the thick trail of my essence leaking out of the older woman's throbbing snatch.","133":"You are in big trouble, mister! Who is going to clean up such a mess?","134":"I smile. She's right, what kind of gentlemen might I be if I just left her like that.","135":"Aie! Where are you taking me?","136":"Easily hoisting the Professor over my shoulder, I carry her to the bathroom. She did suffer a foot injury, after all.","137":"[i]¡Hey! ¡¿Qué estás haciendo?![\/i]","138":"Is this how you choose to carry a lady to the bathroom? I am a Professor of Spanish at this University! ¡[i]Eres un bruto[\/i]!","139":"I have to be honest, if she gets talking to me like that in Spanish, I'm going to be ready for another [i]workout[\/i] really soon."},"july_2024.vne3":{"10":"She nods in her businesslike manner, then heads to the front.","11":"One last peek, and she opens the door.","12":"I wonder if she thinks I'm not going to go through with this?","13":"I am. I don't have much to lose.","14":"And it's true - even if the worst case scenario happens...","15":"[i]...one of us had to come[\/i].","16":"There is only a single reason I took this risk...","17":"...because I had to.","18":"It's dark in here...","19":"...And so quiet that the sounds of the projector are loud in comparison.","20":"Are they showing a movie here?","21":"That seems unlikely, and yet I detect a distant glow...","22":"So that's it then. The projector was on.","23":"What sort of film would they be showing... while the theater is closed, when it's nearly 4 AM?","24":"The answer is a film that only needs an audience of one...","25":"...and when I finally understand that, I know I'm not going to like what's on the screen.","26":"[i]I came here to spy, alright[\/i]. But it's not the Fraternity I'm here to watch...","27":"[i]...it's {Leah}[\/i].","28":"My heart weakens to a painful wrench, like my ribs are trying to throttle my heart.","29":"I shouldn't be watching this... nobody should know what's going on...","30":"[i]...how would anyone find out? We've been so careful...","31":"But there's no denying what I'm looking at right now.","32":"[i]Live footage[\/i].","33":"It's not a surprise to see her. It's not surprise to know that this is a setup.","34":"I somehow trusted Genevieve enough to believe this wouldn't be a trap, though it turned out I was mistaken.","35":"The betrayal was anticipated, I just couldn't fathom how she would know...","36":"...and why she hasn't done anything about [i]me[\/i] yet.","37":"Great timing! You missed the trailers, {PlayerName}.","38":"You could've helped yourself to some candy. I wouldn't have stopped you.","39":"Genevieve?","40":"Yes, President?","41":"You may resume.","42":"It would be a privilege.","43":"Ahh... that's the spot.","44":"She's very skilled. She's actually [i]trained[\/i] in sex. Spent a couple of years in an ashram or something, doing crazy tantric nonsense.","45":"You know that already, though.","46":"You had the opportunity to experience it for yourself, but you blew it.","47":"Valerie is alone right now. I could overpower her, force her down, get her to-","48":"Take a seat, {PlayerName}. I know you too well.","49":"Anything stupid out of you, and our mutual enemy will learn of this.","50":"He will not pass up an opportunity to dispose of a threat. You know who I'm talking about.","51":"Yes. [i]Rogham[\/i].","52":"The chance that Valerie wouldn't have anticipated me straight up attacking her is zero.","53":"Given her resources, she [i]could[\/i] end {Leah}. And Emily. And Iris.","54":"Can you believe I've been protecting you and {Leah} this entire time?","55":"I do enjoy that I'm your little lifeline. I think it represents a real bond between us, even if you won't recognize it.","56":"Hesitantly, I reach for my phone...","57":"...I don't know if Valerie set up a signal jammer, but it doesn't even matter.","58":"I can still use it for the text-to-speech... and for [i]other functions[\/i]...","59":"I wouldn't be in this situation if it weren't for you. Neither would Sandra, for that matter.","60":"Is that what you believe? I'm afraid it's not so simple.","61":"The Fraternity would exist without me, simply in a more brutish form, as represented by our friend Mr. Rogham.","62":"They're quite indiscriminate, you know.","63":"Dogs, basically. Greedy thieves out to fill their filthy pockets.","64":"Putting people in boxes while they pretend to be following a profound truth.","65":"Just like Sandra, they're all deeply unimpressive people.","66":"Their brains are hollowed by their fucking pride. That makes them blind, unwilling to see how predictable they all are.","67":"They see nothing special about you at all.","68":"But me? I do see something in you. I wouldn't waste you. I'd elevate you.","69":"And yet, the rather sad truth is you hold yourself in as much esteem as Mr. Rogham does.","70":"The potential in you to be a perfect man...","71":"...I will not allow it to be squandered.","72":"How did you even find out about all this?","73":"Oh, it's very simple.","74":"You and {Leah} were very careful, but Iris and Emily weren't.","75":"I guess when your father owns a cybersecurity company, you get a false sense of security.","76":"It does feel anti-climactic that {Leah} will get dragged down by incompetents like Emily and Iris.","77":"She was the only one who posed a serious threat. She is very clever. I worked very hard to avoid her.","78":"When she's gone, I'll have some room to relax.","79":"The good part is coming up soon.","80":"Sit and watch, and don't feel too bad about it.","81":"I'm not going to hold you back.","82":"After this... you'll feel like a whole new person. [i]I know I did[\/i], when I first lost everything.","83":"Let me know if you want Gen's mouth.","84":"She will definitely kiss any bad feeling goodbye.","85":"Tempting as that is...","86":"... Well... tactically...","87":"Maybe I could use it as a way to throw Valerie off? Maybe make her think she has me where she wants me?","88":"Watching the diminutive Genevieve dutifully lap at her master's clit certainly is arousing something inside me, despite our current predicament.","89":"Her head nestled between Valerie's evil, silky, long legs. Obediently kissing, and licking, and suckling...","90":"Mmmm, yes. That's a good little girl.","91":"Valerie shudders, one of those shapely legs shaking like a dog's.","92":"I must confess a weakness. Being eaten out like this has become my vice.","93":"I might have had Genevieve trained a little [i]too[\/i] well.","94":"I watch Valerie get to her feet, and begin peeling off her dress.","95":"Despite the circumstances, I can't deny the thrill I get seeing her begin to undress.","96":"The sight of Valerie's magnificent, naked body and creamy skin glowing in the light of the projector is almost ghostly.","97":"But goodness, who can pace themselves when you have a mouth like this on demand?","98":"Genevieve waits patiently like the good little pet she is, before resuming her services for Valerie.","99":"Her raven haired master lets out a haunting moan, clearly not shy.","100":"Mmm, {PlayerName}, you really should indulge a little. It will do wonders to relax you.","101":"Her curvy form writhes and twists, driven by the intense oral she's receiving.","102":"Even stark naked, Valerie still somehow commands the entire room.","103":"I imagine she could address an entire assembly of thousands in the buff and she wouldn't skip a beat.","104":"Those perky, plump tits would certainly capture attention.","105":"What am I thinking? This woman is a villain! I'm here to confront her! Not [i]fantasize[\/i] about her!","106":"Genevieve, impeccable tongue work, as always.","107":"Thank you, President.","108":"Leaning down, Valerie kisses her plaything deeply on the mouth.","109":"The sight is making my pants feel tighter than they already are at this point.","110":"Not even just kissing. Licking and sucking at her lips.","111":"Tasting herself on Genevieve's wet, glistening lips.","112":"There's no need to be bashful. Why don't we show {PlayerName} a little more and get these pesky clothes off?","113":"Yes, President.","114":"Valerie strips the young woman's top off, revealing her own healthy young breasts.","115":"Gevevieve certainly takes quite good care of herself. The graceful curves of her figures are like a form in marble brought to life.","116":"Tugging her pants down her nubile hips, Valerie slides a finger down Genevieve's waist and mound, and begins playing with her vagina.","117":"Her professional, almost robotic demeanor begins to crack when she's fiddled with.","118":"Stripped naked, Valerie beams arrogantly. Showing off the nude Genevieve to me like a new toy she's proud of.","119":"Come on, {PlayerName}? Don't you want to play with her just a little?","120":"Maybe it's insane, maybe it isn't, but part of me very much wants to take Valerie up on the offer.","121":"The show has been great so far, but to take an active part? I wonder if that might be crossing a line.","122":"But, boy, is she making that an easy line to cross.","123":"Like I said before, she's impeccably well trained and conditioned, and we'll do almost anything you ask.","124":"With nothing more than a subtle hand guiding her to her knees, Valerie coaxes Genevieve's face to her rear.","125":"I can feel the blood surging through my veins in guilty excitement.","126":"Valerie's own cheek flush with passion when Genevieve begins tossing her salad.","127":"Moans cracking from those plump, pouty lips.","128":"She turns to stare me in the eyes, her face growing drunk with lust.","129":"Knowing that at the same time Genevieve's tongue is fishing around her asshole makes me so hard it's beginning to hurt.","130":"Leaning in, Valerie coos into my ear in sultry tones.","131":"I'm not one that is incapable of separating business from pleasure, {PlayerName}.","132":"And I know you are the same.","133":"God dammit. She's right. Valerie is still going to be my enemy after this...","134":"... I guess there's no harm in accepting a little... ''hospitality''.","135":"Surrendering to my own starving desires, I nod lightly to accept Valerie's offer.","136":"Genevieve? Would see that {PlayerName} is properly entertained?","137":"It would be my pleasure, President.","138":"Without a second thought, Genevieve crawls to my feet, and begins to undo my pants.","139":"As my throbbing cock flops out, I look over and cringe as I see Valerie picking something up.","140":"Oh? What's this?","141":"Hello, I hope you don't mind, but {PlayerName} will be predisposed for the next... 15-20 minutes if my math is correct.","142":"I will have him get back to you as soon as he has had his fun with us.","143":"Valerie tosses the walkie talkie aside.","144":"I'm not thrilled with the discovery, but I'm mostly thinking with my dick at this point anyways.","145":"Also, I'm pretty sure that {Leah} will realize that something is wrong and will come out of this unscathed.","146":"Genevieve continues to peel my clothes off, my eyes drawn to the tiny sex kitten's round, well developed breasts.","147":"Yes... exquisite physique. You always were quite well put together, {PlayerName}.","148":"And this cock... Mm.","149":"Taking a step forward, Valerie's fingers find my twitching member, gently exploring it.","150":"Stepping in closer, Valerie's intoxicating scent fills my nostrils, and she begins gently pumping my rod, sending me falling deeper into this spell of lust.","151":"We should have started doing this a long time ago, {PlayerName}. Wasted opportunity. Isn't it an exemplary specimen, Genevieve?","152":"Very impressive, Ms. President. It would look splendid in your mouth.","153":"I would hazard to agree.","154":"Valerie gives me a mischievous smile. Part of me wants to tell her to kick rocks, but a slightly larger part makes me wonder what her lips taste like. So I end up pulling her in to kiss her.","155":"Our lips and tongues meet, tasting and exploring each other.","156":"God, I hate her. But I hate myself for wanting her body so badly!","157":"A stunning beauty combined with an evil, manipulative mind is a lethal combination.","158":"More so when she's a complete sex-animal.","159":"On her knees, Valerie begins mapping the topography of my manhood with her mouth.","160":"Going over every millimeter of my cock, as if she is worshiping it. I feel myself slipping into her grasp.","161":"Opening wide, she rests the head of my shaft on her tongue, and begins to engulf it with her wet, warm mouth.","162":"My knees buckle at the sensation.","163":"The more my shaft descends into that warm, wet heaven, the more I feel the rest of the world's pressing concerns melt away.","164":"Until I can dispel this demon from my body, it feels as if nothing else matters.","165":"Valerie works my meat like a pro. Moaning deeply as her hand and mouth work together to drive me into a frenzy.","166":"That perfect ponytail dances playfully when her head bobs back and forth.","167":"The scene is utterly surreal, naked in a movie theater, getting my dick sucked by my enemy.","168":"It really does feel like I should wake up from this dream at any moment.","169":"But if it is a dream, no sense in not taking advantage of it.","170":"Feeling Valerie isn't deserving of a more gentle touch, I take hold of her pretty head and begin thrusting into her throat.","171":"Bracing herself, I hear her choke and sputter a bit, gagging on my cock as I continue fucking her right in the mouth.","172":"Her body rocking back and forth vigorously from the pounding.","173":"Taking the rough treatment for a minute or two, Valerie finally pulls away, panting and grinning.","174":"My! It feels like someone is taking out a little aggravation on my poor little mouth.","175":"Standing, she spins around.","176":"Don't worry, there are plenty of other parts of me that deserve some ''punishment''.","177":"Rather than extract some kind of vengeance, I begin to think I just got her motor going even faster.","178":"She is utterly soaking wet when she presses her tight, but welcoming slit to my cock.","179":"I feel Valerie gasp and the breath escaping her when my rod penetrates her waiting lips.","180":"Mm, {PlayerName}! God, you're big!","181":"Fuck! Oh, jesus! It's filling me up!","182":"Master of many things, Valerie is still a slave to her lust, wrything and bucking in my lap as I pull her down onto my shaft.","183":"It's in so deep! Oh my god!","184":"I savor the sensation, even though I know I shouldn't. Valerie may be an evil bitch, but her pussy feels [i]amazing[\/i]!","185":"I glance over at Genevieve to see her diddling herself to the sight of her boss getting rocked.","186":"I guess she's enjoying the show.","187":"Mmmm, {PlayerName}! I always knew what a fucking animal you were!","188":"Reaching around, I grab Valerie's bouncing melons and give them a stiff squeeze, causing her to squeal.","189":"Oh my god, you're so rough!","190":"I let my fingers wrap around that slender, delicate neck. Valerie is due a little light choking, but something tells me she might enjoy that more than I would.","191":"Not wanting to look at her in her treacherous, albeit gorgeous face, I shove her down forward and focus on ravaging her cunt.","192":"Mmm, yes! Do me hard! Take out all that anger!","193":"Remember when I strangled you?... Or when I had you kidnapped and held in the hospital?","194":"Now she's just actively trying to get a rise out of me. We both need lots and lots of therapy.","195":"Our rhythm is interrupted momentarily by a wailing moan from our left.","196":"Valerie turns and grin.","197":"Genevieve! Naughty girl! Who told you you could touch yourself?","198":"I'm sorry, President. I couldn't help it.","199":"Turning back to the business at hand, I grab up Valerie and begin pumping her up and down on my piston.","200":"Using her more as a sex toy than treating her as a partner.","201":"Her ample, soft cheeks bounce in my lap over and over again each time my cock drives into her.","202":"That sick pussy riding my hog like a well oiled machine.","203":"Come on, {PlayerName}. Think. You could have this wherever you wanted.","204":"The twisted thing is a tiny part of me likes the idea. Valerie's offer. Her and all her little ''pets'' at my beckon call whenever I wished?","205":"Listen to your body, {PlayerName}. How well yours and mine work in concert.","206":"Like nature herself meant for us to be together.","207":"Curse her. Her honey words and forked tongue.","208":"She spins around, hitting me with those devilishly green emerald eyes.","209":"I know you're tempted.","210":"You can't keep anything from me when you're eight inches deep inside of me.","211":"She leans in, kissing me deeply, grinding her pelvis into me. Using her hips to try and conjure my climax.","212":"Those silky soft thighs rubbing against me while we taste each other's lips.","213":"Whether by design or hitting her limits, Valerie cracks first though.","214":"Violently writhing in my lap, Valerie lets out a loud cry. Her pussy clinching in spastic pulses as she reaches orgasm.","215":"Mmm... Good show!","216":"You never fail to disappoint, {PlayerName}.","217":"That actually gets me a little steamed. Though I suppose I can't get too angry over it.","218":"Might as well get my nut.","219":"Flipping Valerie around, I pin her legs up against the seat and begin roughly pounding her vag, causing her to whimper lustfully.","220":"It doesn't take much. My core tenses as I slam my hips into her one last time, firing off a thick, hot, angry load up inside her tight cunt.","221":"Releasing, I drop to the floor a panting, sweating mess. Suddenly acutely aware of the cool, dry air of the theater on my bare skin.","222":"Valerie grins, looking all too pleased with herself.","223":"You see? Wasn't that fun?","224":"I give a few more lazy pumps, trying to squeeze out the last of my cum into her.","225":"A pang of regret hits me in the post-nut-clarity.","226":"Just as my softening cock pops out of Valerie's molten cave, trailing thick laces of jizz.","227":"She must see it in my face.","228":"There's no reason to feel bad, {PlayerName}. You just did what comes naturally.","229":"She snaps her fingers, and Genevieve crawls over on her hands and knees and begins ''cleaning up'' for Valerie.","230":"Dutifully lapping up the mess I left all over and inside Valerie.","231":"That's better. I think now that we have all that pesky sexual tension out of the way, we can have this conversation from a more clear-headed space. Don't you agree, {PlayerName}?","232":"Now, where were we?...","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"[i]A reimagining of a scene from chapter 16...","2":"We approach the old theater... I'm surprised to see the lights are on at this time.","3":"I guess they keep the bulbs on to avoid it looking too creepy.","4":"It makes me wonder why this place closed to begin with...","5":"Are there any concerns you have? It might be too late once we enter, if you need to voice them.","6":"Like what kind of concern? Are you worried I might need a potty break?","7":"There's not even a flinch of amusement.","8":"Yes, in addition to any other needs you might have.","9":"You underestimate me if you think I'm unprepared."},"june_2021.vne3":{"10":"Okay, my little freaks and geeks, where shall we begin? Are we feeling something... a little high octane?","11":"Holy shit, is this thing real?... Chat, who wants to see me use this questionably fake gun for some very unintended purposes?","12":"...No, lovejointLover43. We're not going to rob a liquor store. There's a time and a place to do hoodrat things with your friends.","13":"God damn! These things are tight! I can barely get my fat ass in them!","14":"...I know, I know... ''Jump more, Bum-bums.'' Very funny, chat.","15":"...And okay! I think that's it! What do you think, guys? Are we ready to fight our way through some undead hordes?","16":"Alright, stick um up, chat! You're all under arrest for degeneracy. I'm taking you all to horny-jail!","17":"You have the right to remain [i]aroused[\/i], because I am looking criminally hot in this.","18":"Sexy enough to wake the undead, chat.","19":"All those zombies must be rising to try and take a bite out of this ass!","20":"Okay, next up is a classic. Who doesn't love a classic?","21":"You do, AXXOR, thank you for your generous dono.","22":"No peeking, meow. I want you all to be surprised by this purr-fect disguise.","23":"Rar! I'm a kitty! What do you guys think?","24":"Yeah! That's right! You love the kitty! You love it! Let me see those tips!","25":"God damn, chat! We are tearing-it-up in this kitty-cat outfit! I'm a real E-girl now! With cat-ears, and unsolicited dick pics in my DMs, and everything!","26":"Well, I'm fucking adorable! I should just go to class in this. I'd never get a failing grade ever again.","27":"We're definitely going to get some selfies in this outfit. Maybe I'll even send a few to some strong, silent types I know. Then send a follow on text saying ''Oh no! I [i]totally[\/i] didn't mean to send all these hot pics to you. Whoopsies!''.","28":"Okay, what to go with? Classic ''duck-face''? Or should I go with the ''ahegao''?","29":"Whoa! Thank you for that donation, senatorTRex!... I guess you earned a little treat...","30":"Here's some fresh Cat-girl melons for you boys.","31":"And watch it with the milk jokes, teaCat49. I swear, I will text your wife right now.","32":"Okay, before you savages get too thirsty, let's move on to the next outfit.","33":"Who out there in chat likes Goth-Assassin-Princesses?... Trick question, all of you do. You're watching an E-girl stream cosplay outfits.","34":"God. This girl knocked it out of the park with these! I don't know how she did it, but she got my measurements perfect!","35":"Chat, you see how hot I look in this? Mmm. I'm not even mad a bunch of you are asking me to sit on your face, again. I'd want me to sit on my face, too!","36":"Oh, I see we got some extra donations. Thanks SquidDiverXXX. I guess you all get to see a little more from this one.","37":"Are you seeing this, chat?... Of course you are. My tits are out. But did you notice I was running my blade across your throat as well? Of course you did not, you were taken completely by surprise. Distracted by my magnificent titties.","38":"You see chat, this is the special attack of the Goth-Assassin-Princess. Titty-blindness.","39":"Now... look deep into Sam's titties... you want to give Sam more donos. You feel yourselves lifting your credit card out of your wallet and entering the requisite information into the donation array of the chat window.","40":"Okay, okay. I'll stop. I will not use my titties for evil.","41":"Let's see what we have in here next... oh... oh chat. I'm sorry. I know I [i]just[\/i] said I wouldn't use my titties for evil, but... this one is a two-fer.","42":"Bam! Cat-girl-school-girl! Simp for me, weebs!","43":"Chat, I'm am [i]so[\/i] cute in this I can't stand it. I should go break up a marriage... teaCat49, where you at!?","44":"We're definitely going to get some shots in this for the social media. God, my ass is basically falling out of this thing. I definitely need to wear this skirt around during finals to get some of that extra credit.","45":"Yes, IDKFBae, I do need to go to detention for wearing a skirt this short. Are you gonna spank me with a ruler when I do?","46":"Oh god, I'm actively getting slutier just wearing this.","47":"What... is that the Thot-horn? It's going off already? What was it? The school-girl get-up?","48":"I have never in my many months of being an E-girl, seen you savages fill up the Thot-meter with donos so fast. You should be ashamed of yourselves!","49":"Great, and now you guys are making me do a show... and it's a Tuesday! A [i]Tuesday[\/i], guys!","50":"teaCat49! I saw that comment! I will regulate you!","51":"Is this what you wanted, you animals? Filling up some poor college girl's Thot-meter so much her top falls off? Well, I hope you are pleased with yourselves.","52":"Now I'm just standing here, with my magnificent tits out again, while you all just watch.","53":"Well, you've gone and done it now, chat. Got me down to just my thong and thigh high socks. You know how I get when I get thot-metered out of my clothes in front of all my subscribers.","54":"And you can't put a cute asian girl in thigh-highs and not expect to get her feeling a certain way.","55":"This is what you all came here for, right? Some tight little girl pussy?","56":"This was your plan all along, wasn't it? You monsters. Get me to do cosplay and trick me into thigh-highs so I'd start feeling so hot and bothered I'd show you my kitty.","57":"I hope your wife's asleep, teaCat49, because this show is about to get a bit steamy.","58":"Mmm, fuck. Now you got poor SammyBum-Bums touching herself for you.","59":"God, chat, you're so bad! Just watching me get more and more turned on.","60":"Hm? Oh, some of you want a better look?","61":"Fuck. I'm already so wet.","62":"If you don't have your tissues and moisturizer ready, you better hurry up and get them.","63":"I hope you're all happy. Getting me to diddle myself in front of thousands of subscribers.","64":"Am I making you boys hard yet?","65":"Shit. I'm so tight!","66":"Do you guys like seeing my tight little asian slit? What about my cute little butthole?","67":"Mmm, chat, you dirty dogs. I already know what you're thinking.","68":"I know exactly where you want SammyBum-Bums finger to go. Right up her poor little bum-bum.","69":"Oh, fuck, chat! It's so fucking tight!","70":"Why do I always end up putting something up my butt when I'm with you guys?","71":"Fuck, I need to stop. If we don't slow down, this show is going to be really short.","72":"A dono? From Zad? You want me to take the thigh-highs off?... Okay, I don't understand why, but it's your dono, buddy.","73":"I guess at the very least it'll slow things down.","74":"Okay chat, time to vote. What are you going to have little SammyBum-Bum do? Mr. Teddy Bear Ride, Toy-box, or play Dance-Master Evolution naked?","75":"...Toy-box, huh? You guys are a bunch of pervs. You in particular, teaCat49.","76":"Let's see. What does Sammy have in her toy box that she can play with...","77":"The Judge?... No, I didn't walk right for a week after that one... The Tentacle Terror was kinda fun... but I kept getting poked in the eye by that one arm... what about... yeah.","78":"This is a new one that one of you super awesome subscribers sent me. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were all sending me all these fun new toys so I never feel the need to go get a boyfriend.","79":"If you guys send me a Dildo that bakes cookies and asks me how my day was, that's a wrap. I'm shutting my cooch down for good and never dating again.","80":"Let me just stick you in the box seats, so you can get a good look at [i]my[\/i] box.","81":"I wouldn't want you to pay all that dono and not get a good show!","82":"Oh... fuck! Oh, 3Bs69, you did good... you did really good! Thank you so much for the Rocket Jump!","83":"The settings on this are perfect... applause in the chat for 3Bs69, everyone!","84":"Mmm, is this the upgraded model? With the pressure sensitivity?","85":"You better not have sent me the one with remote control, 3Bs69!","86":"Oh, god! It's like, vibrating my clit, like, perfectly!","87":"What do you think, 3Bs69? Should I put it in?","88":"Oh fuck, it's so big!","89":"It's like it's drilling into me, oh I fucking love it!","90":"Mmm, the way it changes the tempo of the vibrations is driving me nuts.","91":"You're not somewhere controlling this thing with a joystick, are you 3Bs69?","92":"Fuck! You like this, chat? You like seeing the hot little asian co-ed fucking herself?","93":"God, it goes so deep... it's so fucking intense. I don't know how much more I can push it in.","94":"Oh fuck! Oh yes!","95":"Chat! I'm cumming! I'm cumming!","96":"Holy shit... holy fuck...","97":"It feels like I just got fucked by Robocop.","98":"Whoa. My legs feel like they are made of jelly!","99":"3Bs69! Well done, good sir!","100":"Mmmm, god and it's still going!","101":"Chat, the Rocket Jump is going to shake the slut right out of me!","102":"Well, chat. You've done it again. You've turned me into your dirty little whore! I hope you're proud of yourselves!","103":"I'm somebody's daughter, you know!... But if you guys wanna send me more fun toys to play with live on stream, check my P.O.Box address in the link in my bio, and don't forget to turn on notifications for more content!","104":"And that's all for today, boys. I hope the time we've spent together has left your hearts warm, and your balls empty!","105":"Tune in this Thursday for more SammyBum-Bum content!","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"It's here! It's-here-it's-here-it's-here!","2":"Am I still streaming? Can everyone in the chatroom still see and hear me? Good. Okay, chat! You all better hold onto your dicks!","3":"This girl is the [i]best[\/i] cosplay designer in the game right now. You guys won't believe what I had to do to get her to make these numbers for me!","4":"If this doesn't get me a room on E-girl Ranch, I'll drink a bucket of LadyBubbleBomb's bath water!","5":"And no, you degens, that is not something I am taking dono's for. I'm not [i]that[\/i] broke.","6":"Shit. I just flashed you all a little SammyBum-Bum's bum-bum, huh?... Yeah, enjoy the freebie, pervs.","7":"Okay, you all have to turn around now so I can change...","8":"Oh my. teaCat49, does your wife know you're spending that much on E-girls?","9":"Alright, you guys can peek. Remember to thank teaCat49, and wish him luck when his wife see's that deduction on their credit card statement."},"june_2022.vne3":{"10":"Okay. I’ll be right down. Sit tight.","11":"We hang up, and I hastily throw on my shoes and grab my keys, racing out of the apartment.","12":"I hope she’s okay. She sounded... different.","13":"Minutes later, I’m jogging up to the School Admin offices.","14":"I check the door, and it’s unlocked.","15":"I hurry to Valerie’s office, and give the door a knock before entering.","16":"But when I poke my head in, Valerie is nowhere to be seen.","17":"Maybe she just stepped out to use the restroom. But her computer is off and I don’t see any of her belongings.","18":"A little worried, I shoot her a text, telling her I’m at her office.","19":"It’s probably not even a minute, though it feels longer, when my phone finally chirps with her reply.","20":"At the pool. Swing on by.","21":"Are you okay?","22":"Yeah, I’m fine. Just come over.","23":"I don’t know whether she’s just playing games, or if I should be worried.","24":"My mind feeds me a gruesome scenario where some slasher movie villain is using Valerie’s phone to lure me to the pool.","25":"Having me arrive to discover her body bobbing around in the pool on a floaty toy, right before the killer chokes me to death with a pool noodle.","26":"I’ve been letting Sam talk me into watching too many bad horror movies.","27":"Intrusive thoughts aside, I race over to the pool.","28":"Just as I arrive outside, another text.","29":"Lock the door behind you.","30":"Come on, Val! What the hell is this?","31":"Reluctantly, I enter and lock the door behind me. The gym is eerily quiet this time of night, and every step I take sounds like it could be heard clear across the building.","32":"Carefully, I make my way over to the pool and open the door, met immediately by a wall of warm, damp, chlorine scented air.","33":"There is Valerie, in apparently no kind of distress whatsoever, leisurely swimming around at the far side of the pool. She turns her head and flashes a cheeky, mischievous grin when she sees me march over, clearly agitated at her.","34":"Are you alright?","35":"Have you been feeling stressed out or anxious lately?","36":"Seriously?","37":"I’m just curious, with everything going on...","38":"Of course I am! And jerking me around in the middle of the night and having me chase you all over campus, worrying if you’re okay, doesn’t exactly help!","39":"She grins at me, clearly getting some kick out of riling me up like this.","40":"You mean to tell me you... aren’t... feeling... stressed?","41":"Valerie isn’t wearing a swimsuit.","42":"Valerie isn’t wearing anything.","43":"She smiles coyly, treading water, seeing that I finally noticed.","44":"Sorry for making you run around campus... but if I can be honest, I do love seeing you get all huffy and worked up.","45":"And of course I get stressed and anxious, I'm just better about managing it than you are.","46":"Like abusing the privileges of my position to get access to this pool after hours, and enjoying a nice, quiet, private swim.","47":"You could stand to relax a little. Why don’t you join me? I can’t have my man in the field going off the tracks because he’s too wound up.","48":"I’m trying hard to stay pissed at Val, but it’s a challenge. Seeing her sleek, curvy body gliding gracefully just under the water’s surface has a way of... disarming me.","49":"Her perky young breast peeking up out of the surface does a great deal to dampen my temper. I make a conscious effort to still [i]look[\/i] upset, if only out of stubbornness, even as I start to strip off my clothes.","50":"I’m still mad at you.","51":"Awwwww, I’m sorry my poor, sweet boy.","52":"Now get in already!","53":"I grumble to myself quietly. She knows I can’t bring my phone into the pool, so I’ll only be able to defend myself so much from her teasing.","54":"Still, my heart begins to race as the reality of the situation starts to hit me. Am I really about to start skinny dipping with Valerie?","55":"Is this just a couple of friends enjoying a swim, or is it something more? I’ve always seen Valerie as a friend and mentor I looked up to... but I can’t deny how many times I’ve thought of her in a more carnal capacity.","56":"With my agitation displaced by nervousness, I timidly try to check the water with my toe.","57":"Ugh, just get in already, you big baby!","58":"Before I can react, Valerie grabs my foot and pulls me in!","59":"Swimming back up to the surface, I cough and sputter pool water up and see Valerie giggling mischievously while I glare at her.","60":"Oh no, poor thing. Did I get you all wet?","61":"You probably wanna ''teach me a lesson'', huh?","62":"Well, you’ll have to catch me first!","63":"She takes off, giving me a stunning view of that magnificent backside of hers, as her lithe legs follow her shapely ass beneath the surface.","64":"I can’t decide if it’s from anger, or horniness, but I can’t help but chase after her, like a dog chasing a cat.","65":"I take a deep breath, and dive in after the little minx.","66":"Valerie’s slender, graceful body twists and jets through the water like she was some siren or mermaid, drawing me down deeper.","67":"Her curvy figure beckons me, feeding my feverish pursuit of her, my mind quickly becoming overtaken by my animal lust.","68":"I start to gain on her, faster in a sprint, taking long powerful strokes and pumping my legs, eager to get a hold of her soft, curvaceous body.","69":"But each time she’s just within my grasp, she mischievously kicks off in a different direction. A burst of bubbles escaping her mouth as she giggles.","70":"After a short pursuit, my lungs start to burn. Fighting all my desire to get her, I break off the chase and head to the surface.","71":"I leave Valerie swimming below me, looking up playfully, seemingly as at home and effortlessly beautiful swimming underwater as she is strutting around on land.","72":"Still sucking in air, I hear her surface nearby, giggling girlishly and barely panting while I try and catch my breath.","73":"You know, {PlayerName}, you should really consider coming to the pool with me more often. Doing some laps will do wonders for your lung capacity!","74":"I give her an incredulous expression, like I have time these days for regular pool sessions.","75":"Though if it meant she’d be my swim partner... maybe it’d be worth it to find the time.","76":"She floats up to me, as if she weighs nothing.","77":"I’m serious, it’s a great way to help train you to deal with stress.","78":"Her eyes drift down my torso to my boxers, where it's clear that I have not forgotten that she is completely naked and only inches away from me.","79":"I’ve developed quite the lung capacity myself. Here, let me show you.","80":"Valerie takes a deep breath, and submerges back below the surface.","81":"Her fingers reach out, and begin to pull my boxers off, my now raging cock popping out from the drawers, as stiff as iron.","82":"I say a silent thanks to the powers that be, when I feel her small fingers wrap around my shaft.","83":"She lifts my thick rod up, and those sweet, pouty lips of hers wrap around my nut.","84":"I’m still having trouble wrapping my head around this while my brain is drowned in endorphins and oxytocin. Valerie Allen, my Valerie, my friend and mentor for years... and my balls are in her mouth right now.","85":"My cock spasms with lust at the thought.","86":"Her small hands strokes my shaft. She’s in no rush, almost lazily admiring my member from under water.","87":"Has she thought about what it would be like to have my cock in her hand? To have me the same way I’ve entertained thoughts of having her?","88":"Those thoughts are chased off though, replaced with the growing, feverish desire for her to lean forward and finally let me have her mouth","89":"I’m sure she can sense my hunger, and finally gives me what I want, as I feel her plump, young lips press against the head of my cock.","90":"The sensation is indescribable when she slowly takes me into her mouth, her tongue wrapping around my meat and wrestling with my manhood.","91":"I brace myself against the pool lane, watching the beautiful vixen’s magnificent hourglass figure just below the surface, that head of raven black hair bobs up and down on my member.","92":"My head grows faint with pleasure, struggling to keep my eyes from crossing, while Valerie performs her witchcraft on my cock.","93":"She does things with her mouth and tongue that don’t seem anatomically possible.","94":"In the last corner of cognitive processing in my brain, not drowned in a debilitating flood of pleasure, I wonder if every other girl I’ve ever had suck my cock has been doing it wrong.","95":"How long has she been down there? Minutes? Hours? Days? I’ve lost track of time. I wonder where she learned to do this to a man. She could get anything and everything she ever wanted with her mouth alone.","96":"But for all her amazing talent of fellatio, I feel her start to struggle to take all of my size, quivering and bracing herself as she tries her best to take every inch of me into her slender throat.","97":"Her struggling somehow makes my thirst for her even greater, coupled with the euphoric sensation of her lips riding up the base of my cock, having finally fully taken my entire length.","98":"I give in to my urge to grab her head and start driving her.","99":"Slowly at first, listening to her body, but gradually speeding up, I bob her head back and forth on my shaff, reveling in this moment where I have Valerie submissively and obediently deep throating me.","100":"The dynamic is completely and utterly intoxicating.","101":"We strike a golden rhythm. She works her lips and tongue to perfection, while I control her head, dictating the speed and pace her head bounces up and down my cock.","102":"In the moment, she becomes a beautiful creature whose sole purpose is to suck my dick.","103":"The tease that she is, Valerie seems to sense my climax, and slides my cock out of her throat the second before the point of no return.","104":"She surfaces across from me, wiping her mouth, giggling and breathing heavily.","105":"See! That had to be at [i]least[\/i] four minutes.","106":"I could probably have gone longer... but I don’t know if you could have.","107":"As my senses come back to me, like returning from some dimension of pure pleasure, I give her an acknowledging look. She doesn’t know how right she is.","108":"She looks at me with her own hunger and satisfaction. A knowing little feline smile. It makes me wonder how in control I actually was... likely not at all, she clearly knows how to play me, like a master musician knows her instrument.","109":"I know how badly part of you has wanted me. You haven’t been able to hide all those hungry little animal looks I’ve seen you give my body all these years.","110":"I was tempted to just let you finish in my mouth. I want so badly to feel you cum while I’m sucking your dick, to taste your hot seed and feel it slide down my throat as I swallow every last drop.","111":"But I want to try other things too.","112":"Valerie pulls herself close, latching on to me with a palpable hunger.","113":"I can hardly believe what I’m hearing. I keep expecting to wake up, as if this is some feverish, lust filled dream.","114":"But the touch of Valerie’s lithe fingers wrapping around my cock and stroking it affectionately is all too real. My heart is pounding in my chest while she asks for what I’ve always quietly yearned to give her in my most primal thoughts.","115":"Mmm, you’re so big. I’ve always wondered what you’d be like.","116":"She leans in, her breathing is still shallow and fast, but it’s not because she’s still catching her breath. Her heart is racing with a wild, animal desire for me to breed her.","117":"I’ve wanted you to take me. Show me what it feels like to thrust that big cock up inside me.","118":"Her whispers and breath on my ear sends an electric shiver through me. She’s as hungry for my body as I am for hers.","119":"Eager to grant her wish, I forcefully grab her round juicy ass and pull Valerie to me, causing her to let out a desperate little gasp.","120":"I press my erection to her tight, quivering pussy, slowly forcing the head between her lips, and feeling them slowly give to my rigid member.","121":"It only takes a moment for her waiting slit to give, as my cock suddenly penetrates Valerie, sliding up into her soaking wet womanhood, and driving the air from her lungs in a quaking shudder that causes her whole body to seize up in my arms.","122":"If she’s acting, she’s doing a damn good job of it.","123":"Ohhh fuck! Oh it’s so big!","124":"Her small body bucks and spasms, she sinks down onto my shaft, growing accustomed to its girth spearing her.","125":"Her pussy contracts around my dick, forming a perfect seal, and she slowly relaxes and melts into me. The thickness and girth of my cock inside her, driving all sense and composure from her mind.","126":"Oh shit! Please! Fuck me!","127":"Happy to oblige, I hold her tight to me, and start pumping my hips into her. The surface of the water growing choppy and rough around us from the turbulence of me fucking her.","128":"Despite how tight she is, she easily glides up and down my piston, well lubricated from her own wetness and the pool.","129":"I toss her up into my arms, clutching her soft, juicy cheeks, and I start to rail into her harder.","130":"Mmhm! Oh God!","131":"Her melodic moans echo throughout the cavernous pool area, as she bounces up and down on my rod, and I revel in the opportunity to scramble her brains for a change. ","132":"Looking into her beautiful face, I see her eyes start to roll back and her mind start to go. She’s close to climax, and I take the opportunity to finish her off.","133":"Jerking her up word off my shaft, I toss Valerie up on my shoulders, and slide my tongue up her slit.","134":"Lifting her up out of the pool, I start to go at her clit, causing her to moan wildly. Her soft thighs snapping shut around my head like a bear trap.","135":"Within seconds, her bucking intensifies into outright body spasms, and a silky, serene moan of pure pleasure erupts from her mouth as she explodes in orgasm, filling the pool with the song of her ecstasy.","136":"As her quakes of climax subside, her rigid form slowly melts, wrapping around my head. I feel her catching her breath, before sliding her back down into the pool.","137":"She stares back at me with a look of pure affection, drowned in the torrent of pleasure hormones I just released into her brain, at an apparent loss for words.","138":"It is incredibly satisfying finding a way to finally render Valerie speechless.","139":"Slowly, she spins around and presses her hindquarters out, submissively presenting herself for me to take her from behind.","140":"I take her by the arms and pull her back into me, my rock hard cock sliding down between her soft, heavenly cheeks.","141":"She pushes herself back into it, eager to once again have me inside her.","142":"My member seems to seek out her slit like a heat seeking missile, and it effortly slides between her lips and I press it back into her.","143":"Valerie coos softly, feeling my manhood slide back up inside her, shuddering as she’s penetrated again. I pull her back down around my shaft, feeling that juicy ass of hers press up against my pelvis.","144":"Oh, {PlayerName}! You’re so deep!","145":"Grinning, I wrap my arms around her, grabbing around her little waist and squeezing her plump, perky breast, and start pumping my hips into her.","146":"She moans in soft, breathy rhythm, pushing back into each of my thrusts, wanting to feel me as deep inside her as possible.","147":"It isn’t long before I feel the surge build...","148":"Cum inside Valerie.","149":"Cum in Valerie’s mouth.","150":"Following my primal urges, I grab the undulating minx around her ample hips, and pull her back into my lap, laying into her with long, powerful thrusts.","151":"She immediately picks up on my signals, and taking a breath, bends over into the water and backs up into me.","152":"I shudder in orgasm and finally blast my load deep inside her, the hot cum filling up the beautiful brunette’s tight pussy and sending shivers of pleasure through her body as well.","153":"I pin her supple frame tightly to me, ensuring each jet of my seed erupts far back in her. Her curvy figure bucking and shimmying farther back with each pulse of cum.","154":"Holding her there, we ride the moment together, rocked in orgasm until the debilitating waves of ecstasy slowly begin to subside.","155":"We stay coupled for a moment after climax, soaking in our cocktails of hormones and enjoying each other's body heat in the cool water.","156":"Finally, I feel my softening prick start to slide out of Valerie, popping out of her tight, swollen pussy, trailing thick, lazy globs of my jizz.","157":"Her pussy is divine, but I want Valerie's mouth.","158":"Quickly, I slide out of her, taking her by the slender shoulders, and spin her around. Before she’s even turned to face me, she anticipates what I’m after, and takes a deep breath, diving below the surface.","159":"In a moment, I feel her supple, plump lips wrap back around my cock, as her head starts to bob back and forth, her tongue caressing the bottom of my member.","160":"The sensation rides through my body like a tsunami of pleasure, and she applies the perfect amount of suction.","161":"Her soft hand works my shaft in concert with her lips. The stimulation is almost too much to handle.","162":"Finally, my core begins to buck and shudder. Valerie braces herself and readies to take my load into her mouth.","163":"But she’s still not prepared for the forceful jet of cum that I shoot into the back of her throat. I feel her jerk from the impact, the explosion of pleasure takes over my entire being, causing each muscle to tense up in climax.","164":"She steadies herself though, as I blast jet after jet of molten jizz into her mouth and throat, keeping her lips tight around my shaft to prevent any from escaping!","165":"After the last, lazy rope of spunk whips from the head of my penis, Valerie holds my member in her mouth for a moment, letting me enjoy the sensation. Then, carefully, she slides her lips off around my softening rod.","166":"Surfacing, she opens her mouth to let me view the thick wad of my seed, pooled behind her lip. Playing with it with her little pink tongue.","167":"Valerie then shuts her mouth, and swishes my cum around, tasting every last bit of it...","168":"...and finally, slowly swallows, savoring it as it goes down.","169":"Proudly, she opens her mouth back up for me, to show she truly has swallowed every last drop.","170":"The knowledge my jizz is now swirling around Valerie’s stomach right now causes my cock to flinch.","171":"I wish I could say something. She looks beautiful, cooing softly and basking in the moment.","172":"But no sooner then the afterglow of sex begins to fade, and she suddenly dips back under the water, swimming gracefully away.","173":"I watch her emerge over at the wall, climbing back out of the pool, water dripping off her velvet skin.","174":"She saunters by, giving me only a passing, mischievous glance, before grabbing her bag and disappearing into the women's locker room without so much as a single word.","175":"Floating in the pool, still feeling drunk from the sex, I wonder if I should wait. But somehow, I know we’re done here, and she’s not coming back...","176":"Valerie is nothing if not [i]to the point[\/i].","177":"Still… she’s not wrong. I do feel more relaxed after all.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"My brain feels like it’s oozing out of my ears as I try to make sense of my physics homework.","2":"It’s late, and with everything else going on, trying to keep up with routine school assignments has become an exercise in sheer willpower. But my patience and focus feel like they are waning by the second.","3":"The more I stare at the assignment questions, the more they might as well be written in ancient Egyptian.","4":"Suddenly, I’m rocked from my stupor by my phone vibrating.","5":"Valerie? This late? I quickly answer.","6":"Hey, Val. Is everything okay?","7":"Can I see you down at my office? It’s important.","8":"Sure. Right now?","9":"Please?"},"june_2023.vne3":{"10":"How much do you have left to do?","11":"All of it.","12":"Oh! Well, that's not... ideal.","13":"Sleep is for the weak anyway.","14":"Bro, worry not! You're in good hands!","15":"Who among us hasn't fasted from our most neglected and underappreciated biological need?","16":"Behold, bro!","17":"Oh, speed. Suddenly, everything about Dante makes sense.","18":"And before you ask, no, it's not speed.","19":"So, what am I looking at here?","20":"Over the counter supplements. An organic nootropic blend with B and D vitamins. Helps maintain focus, suppresses cortisol, and lowers blood pressure.","21":"Just the thing one needs to keep the spirits up, the mind sharp, and the body vigorous. Even through those long all-nighters.","22":"I just took one. They're great for my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class.","23":"Dante tosses me the bottle with the unassuming little blue pills. Some mix of ground up herbs is visible through the capsules.","24":"Well, Dante definitely seems like the ''treat your body like a temple'' type. If he says they are good for staying up, I believe him.","25":"I open the jar and toss back a couple of the pills.","26":"Over the counter, huh? So do you get these at GNC, or order them online?","27":"Better. Got them right over the counter of this medicine man's hut in the Costa Rican rainforest. I was down there doing wildlife habitat restoration with a non-prof.","28":"Some of the most powerful medicines right out of the jungle itself. It doesn't get more organic than that, bro!","29":"Wait... what?","30":"Haley, Girl! Can you do me a solid and take care of the bar until I get back from my BJJ sesh?","31":"Sure thing, hun.","32":"Sweet! I am in your debt, lady-bro!","33":"Later, {PlayerName}! You're going to kill it on those projects tonight! I know it!","34":"I look over to Haley, who see's the look of concern start to darken my face.","35":"Oh wow! You actually took one of Dante's jungle pills? You're braver than I am!","36":"You knew they were from some weird dude in a hut, and you let me take them anyway?","37":"I didn't know you would just take one like that without asking what they were!","38":"Oh god. Am I going to die?","39":"...","40":"... Probably not.","41":"If you start seeing your spirit animal, will you let me know?","42":"Should I go to the hospital?","43":"I see you being, like, an ocelot.","44":"How do you feel?","45":"I breathe deep, taking stock of my condition.","46":"... And actually...","47":"As a matter of fact... I feel pretty good.","48":"Really?","49":"Yeah. I feel more alert, but not jittery. Clear headed, but not anxious.","50":"Yeah?...","51":"Um... More ''alert''... I get it.","52":"Haley's words trail off, and I watch her eyes begin to drift downward.","53":"What's the matter?","54":"I follow her gaze down to my crotch and see it. I am suddenly, painfully aware of the massive erection pitching a tent in my pants.","55":"I curse under my breath and attempt to hide the throbbing teepee jutting out of my trousers.","56":"It's... it's fine. It's probably just the supplements that Dante gave you.","57":"Grumbling, I get to my feet and awkwardly shuffle back behind the bar.","58":"Haley does the best she can to suppress her laughter.","59":"Oh don't be grumpy. It's funny! Dante gave you... rainforest boner pills.","60":"I'm not being grumpy, I'm getting a drink. An expensive one. On the house, courtesy of Dante.","61":"But before I can start raiding the really expensive liquor, Haley throws herself in front of me, and presses her lips to mine.","62":"The gesture takes me completely by surprise, and I melt into the sweet, soft kiss. Haley's scent filling my airways and causing me to forget what I came back here for in the first place.","63":"It's gonna be hard to do all that schoolwork tonight with... [i]that[\/i] distracting you.","64":"Haley's fingers begin to trace the outline of my bulge through my pants.","65":"I could [i]take care of it[\/i] for you.","66":"I'm speechless, my head still trying to catch up with the fact that Haley is rubbing my cock right now.","67":"Come on, I feel bad. I just let you take Dante's witch-doctor pills without warning you first.","68":"Let me make it up to you...","69":"How do I respond? How should I respond?","70":"Before I can weakly nod my head in agreement, Haley's already worked my pants down, and my throbbing erection erupts from my jeans.","71":"Her eyes flash in surprise when she gets a good look at it.","72":"Holy shit! It's so big!","73":"Haley reaches out and wraps her fingers around the girthy serpent.","74":"She licks it timidly, nervous as she gets face to face with my trunk and considers its full size.","75":"... So, um... there's no way I can maybe talk you into downgrading that BJ to a handy, is there?","76":"My meat twitches vigorously.","77":"Okay, okay. Fine, just... Dude, it's a lot of cock.","78":"Haley giggles.","79":"I guess my eyes were bigger than my throat on this one!","80":"The blue haired pixie starts to suckle and tongue at the tip of my scepter, pumping it with her dainty hands.","81":"A minute of that teasing and my junk is trembling.","82":"With a moan, Haley fully wraps her supple lips around the head, like it were a popsicle on a hot day.","83":"I don't know if it's because of Dante's ''nootropics'', or just the way Haley gives a BJ, but I can't think of a more welcoming sensation than my rod sliding into her mouth.","84":"I catch the muffled moan, and notice Haley begin unconsciously grinding those hip the air. Just having me in her mouth is getting the co-ed excited.","85":"Each bob of the head gains a millimeter or two in depth.","86":"But the deeper she gets, the more she realizes the tasks she's committed to. Pausing routinely to suck in deep, hurried breaths through her nose.","87":"She's barely able to get half of the length in her mouth before beginning to struggle.","88":"Fuck, oh gosh! You couldn't have had a smaller dick?","89":"She whines through heavy panting, taking quick breaks between sucking my piece to talk.","90":"I need you to hold my head and slide it all the way in.","91":"A fresh surge of blood pulses through my meat as she gives it a few sucks.","92":"Do it!","93":"I do as she asks. Holding her firmly, I slide my throbbing member down Haley's throat.","94":"Each time I do, the sensation of feeling the head of my cock slide down past tonsils is unreal.","95":"Keeping an eye out for any sign of distress from Haley, I continue enjoying the blow job.","96":"Her pouty lips hug and slurp at my ramrod as I deep throat the sultry co-ed.","97":"It feels so phenomenal it doesn't take more than a few pumps.","98":"Holding her tight, I thrust forward one final time, and fire off a thick, ropey load right down into Haley's throat.","99":"Her throat pulses around my dick as she tries to swallow the cum before it causes her to gag.","100":"The orgasm turns arms and legs to jelly, and I release Haley just to brace myself so I don't collapse into a pile on the ground.","101":"Haley doesn't let me slide completely out of her mouth though. Grabbing hold of my quivering unit, she strokes it vigorously while sucking at the tip.","102":"The sensation is so incredible the neurons in my brain begin to short circuit.","103":"My knees buckle like I'd been possessed by Elvis Presely himself, convulsing while Haley attempts to suck the soul out of my body through the prick.","104":"It's as if she's sucking the jizz from my very balls, that tongue massaging my head and lapping at the sticky ropes of spunk she conjures out.","105":"Even after getting to have my way with her mouth, she still vigorously bobs her head up and down the shaft, as if she can't get enough of it.","106":"It's only when she seems to suck up the last drop of cum, does she finally let my spear slip from her mouth.","107":"I secretly thankful its over. If she'd gone any further, I think I would have fainted.","108":"When Haley sees I'm able to focus again, she looks up and sticks her tongue out, showing the pearly glob of seed she's been swirling around in her cheeks.","109":"I grin. There's something satisfying about seeing her enjoy the batch I made.","110":"Haley giggles, still showing off the pool spunk, playing with it using her tongue.","111":"Maybe it's the show she's putting on, but despite firing off a line, my cock still feels curiously stiff.","112":"But while admiring the sight, I catch movement out of the corner of my eye.","113":"Oh shit... A customer. I forget Sevigny's had those!","114":"Haley see's my eyes go wide, and glances over the bar at the incoming patron, quickling swallowing the last of my load.","115":"Fuck!","116":"We just about finish getting my pants back on when the man gets to the bar. But Haley hides, as she still has a Jackson Pollock decorating her chin.","117":"I look up and freeze. Where's my phone? How do I talk to this guy? ","118":"The fella just nods.","119":"What's up. Just a Pine Lake Lager, please.","120":"Pine Lake Lager! What the heck is that?","121":"There's a clink at the bar.","122":"I look down to see Haley hooking a brother up.","123":"In lieu of a better option, and with no way to communicate with the customer, I just grab the beer, grin like an idiot, and hand it to him.","124":"He looks at me like I'm an alien.","125":"Uhh... Thanks.","126":"I'm just gonna go... enjoy this out on the patio.","127":"After the customer leaves, Haley crawls up from behind the bar, still dabbing bits of cum off her chin with a damp towel.","128":"Oh gosh, talk about impeccable timing!","129":"I'd ask you to buy a gal a drink, but frankly, I think I've swallowed enough from you for one day. I literally have a tummy ache right now!","130":"I should feel worse about that.","131":"Well, at least you'll be able to concentrate on your school work...","132":"Wait... are you still hard?","133":"I notice that my shaft still hasn't softened up since I fired Haley's dinner down her throat.","134":"There's no way. You sucked me dry! I'm pretty sure I'm a pint low!","135":"Shit! Dante's damn voodoo pills!","136":"Sorry, {PlayerName}, you're on your own with this one. I don't think I can swallow another load right now... I'm still burping some of your last one up!","137":"Bless her heart. I have to get to the library anyway. I'm already burning precious daylight.","138":"I thank Haley for her help, and tuck my boner up into my belt like a concealed dagger, before heading towards campus.","139":"A while later, I'm finally where I need to be. Head down in a book, and for the most part, ignoring the half-stiffy I'm still rocking.","140":"Dante, finally responding to my flurry of angry texts, apologized for forgetting to mention the unanticipated symptoms. Side effects of a spider venom that was included in the nootropic, as he explained.","141":"He explained that it would wear off in a few hours, and should be otherwise ''harmless''.","142":"It's fine. A minor inconvenience. The important thing is that I'm here, getting these assignments knocked out, distraction free...","143":"...Oh-my-gosh, Becky, you don't even know! My brother told me that I was supposed to get milk after my boobs came in, and I thought my tits were broken until I was, like, 20!","144":"Oh, God. No.","145":"Oh! Like, hey, you!","146":"Stay perfectly still. Maybe her vision is based on movement.","147":"Becky, I'll talk to you later. I gotta go say ''hi'' to someone!","148":"Like, hey, what are you doing here?","149":"At the university library? I'm here studying. What are [i]you[\/i] doing here?","150":"I just had to talk to Becky about something.","151":"Why are you being all snippy, anyway? I was, like, just saying ''hi''!","152":"Relax. I just need to be nice, and polite, and un-dramatic.","153":"Then, she'll get bored and leave. And take her big... stupid... bouncy boobs with her!","154":"I take a breath.","155":"You're right. I'm sorry. I'm just very tired and I have a lot of work to do.","156":"... Holy shit! You have a huge boner!","157":"What the hell! Not so loud!","158":"Ew, gross! I'm, like, [i]right[\/i] here!","159":"It's not what it looks like! I was slipped a voodoo pill by some lunatic who thought it was a supplement!","160":"It's chemically induced, I swear!","161":"Let me see it!","162":"What?","163":"Before I can type out a response, she leans forward and reaches for my pants!","164":"Just a peek! I'll be quick, I swear.","165":"She's a tiny blonde cheerleader, I could throw her across the table if I wanted.","166":"But it's as if some demon inside me is overriding my better judgment.","167":"... Traitor.","168":"The clueless girl gasps when she sees my rigid mast.","169":"Look at it! Oh-my-gosh, you're such a perv!","170":"But instead of just indulging in a quick peek, Alexis grabs my shaft and starts pumping it. Giggling mischievously at the same time.","171":"She's criminally good at this.","172":"What are you doing? There are still people here!","173":"Oh, come on! Please? I'm bored!","174":"Alexis slowly slinks down onto her knees in front of me, stroking my manhood and pouting. Aiming my love gun right at her plump, pillowy lips.","175":"You're a big boy. If you really want me to stop, you can make me.","176":"Damn her. But my package has been throbbing since Sevingy's. The mystically charged stiffy begs for an extra release.","177":"Alexis begins gently kissing and lapping at the head of my member, and suddenly I'm looking at things from a different direction.","178":"Think of this as a way to relieve more tension. Certainly I'll be more efficient and effective at finishing these projects if I just let this happen.","179":"God, I just go crazy when I see a big hard cock! It's like, my brains slide right out of my ears!","180":"When you think about it, really, the [i]most[\/i] irresponsible thing I could do right now is pass up letting this friendly young lady suck my dick right here in the library.","181":"It's getting really hard to write this day off as a bad one. Even with the last minute crunch session, getting blown by two different girls within hours of each other really puts this one in the ''win'' category.","182":"Alexis wraps those supple lips around my shaft, and begins vigorously slurping my meat.","183":"Alternating between fast and slow, she effortlessly slides my unit deeper and deeper with each head bob.","184":"All the while, her tongue hugs the bottom of my spear while it slides in and out of her mouth.","185":"Haley's head was stellar, out of this world good. But Alexis may be even better.","186":"The ditzy airhead seems quite comfortable with an impressive amount of dick sliding down her throat.","187":"It's only when she gets towards the base that she really struggles to take it all.","188":"Dribbling the nubile bombshell's head in my lap, I look up quickly to scan for bystanders.","189":"It's quiet, but the sound of muffled coughs and shuffled papers signal the library is far from deserted.","190":"And now Alexis is letting out muffled, sensual whimpers along with the sound of wet sucking. Our carnal adventure is becoming more and more conspicuous.","191":"Overcoming all the animal urges, I grab Alexis's shoulders and push her off my cock. Shushing to keep it quiet.","192":"Fuck me.","193":"Where? Back at your dorm? We'll have to make it quick.","194":"No, fuck me right here.","195":"She giggles through that big girlish grin.","196":"Come on! I'll be quiet! Promise!","197":"Cursing quietly to myself for not being a stronger man, I shrug and gesture for Alexis to turn around.","198":"The tiny blonde squeals and spins. Once she finishes shimming out of the pleated skirt and panties, I grab those plump hindquarters and start to pull her down onto my cock.","199":"I get some sense of payback when I push my throbbing head against the cheerleader's tight slit, and catch her not entirely prepared for it.","200":"Alexis bucks, but I hold tight and press my member to her, feeling it finally pop inside that wet pussy.","201":"Fuck! Oh shit... it's so big!","202":"Slowly, Alexis starts rhythmically rocking those buns backwards, sliding further down around my cock with each pump of her hips.","203":"Oh god, just ravage me, daddy!","204":"I pinch her ass for being so loud.","205":"Ow, hey!","206":"Alexis breathlessly pants once fully impaled on my shaft.","207":"With my meat buried completely, and her warm cheeks parked up against my pelvis, I get a good grip and start humping.","208":"Alexis does her best to suppress the moans, but it's a losing battle.","209":"And I'm not helping. Her tight pussy sucks at my cock, and it's molten hot goodness just drives me to rail that snatch harder and harder.","210":"I piston Alexis up and down my pole like she was a little sex doll. Thank god no one is around.","211":"Sweat begins to form on my brow. Partially for giving it to Alexis, but also from the fear that any second, someone could walk around that corner looking for a book, and catch me plowing her.","212":"And where is this energy coming from? Is this all from Dante's stupid pill?","213":"The disparity is apparent, I soon begin to wear out the busty minx, who collapses back onto me, panting and sweating.","214":"Like, oh my god! You're destroying me!","215":"My heart is freaking pounding. I need a minute or my legs might give out!","216":"Despite complaints of fatigue, my hunger is barely satiated.","217":"Grabbing thick handfuls of Alexis's ample breasts, I pull her up higher into my lap.","218":"Thankfully, due to her diminutive frame, moving the little spinner around is pretty easy.","219":"Hey! What are you doing with me?","220":"The blonde lets out a cute yelp as I hop to my feet and hoist her in the air.","221":"She squirms around a bit, but she's not going anywhere, and I easily get Alexis where I want her.","222":"Hooking my hands under those slender, silky thighs, I begin furiously bouncing Alexis up and down on my cock.","223":"Oh shit! Fuck me! Fuck my brains out!","224":"My quads begin to burn, and my back aches, but I don't care. I keep laying into the bit tittied co-ed like she were my personal fuck toy.","225":"Before long, I feel the surge bubbling up from within.","226":"Alexis looks back and sees me nearing climax.","227":"Yes, baby! Cum inside me! Creampie my tight little pussy!","228":"Throwing all caution and concern for my future to my wind, I hook Alexis's arms and pin the petite cheerleader to me.","229":"Whimpering and whining in anticipation for it, she presses her ass back to receive my final thrusts.","230":"In almost blinding pleasure, I unload my seed deep inside Alexis.","231":"Trembling in the wake of the orgasm, I release the blonde, and she collapses onto the table.","232":"Dripping in cum, my member slides out of Alexis, and has [i]finally[\/i] begun to soften.","233":"Like, holy fuck, {PlayerName}! That was so hot!","234":"How much did you nut inside me?","235":"I look down at Alexis's battered pussy. Chunky ropes of pearly jizz are already seeping out of her slit.","236":"As much as I enjoyed pumping the ditzy smokeshow full of batter, I really, [i]really[\/i] hope she's on birth control.","237":"I get hit with a wave of relaxing energy. Either Dante's jungle pills are starting to wear off, or I finally did unload the last of my spunk into the cheerleader.","238":"Oh my god... there is so much, {PlayerName}! This is so gross!","239":"I collapse back into my chair, knees wobbly, but satisfied.","240":"Alexis stands there, looking impatient.","241":"What?","242":"Can you get me some paper towels or something from the bathroom?","243":"Get them yourself.","244":"Seriously? The restrooms are on the other side of the floor!","245":"You're really going to make me walk across the entire library with your load just leaking out of me?","246":"Hey, this was all your idea. I just came here to study.","247":"Alexis lets out an indignant scoff before shimmying back into her skirt and awkwardly shuffling off to find a bathroom.","248":"I do feel a little bad for not telling her about the tissues right there on the table.","249":"But, I turn back to my book. Feeling refreshed, and ready to tackle these last parts of my projects.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"I trudge into Sevingy's.","2":"A final reprieve, a last bastion of procrastination, before I submit to this all nighter I have to pull.","3":"For the past week, I've been successfully ignoring a number of class assignments.","4":"But there is no more time left to goof off. We are Bingo Fuel. I have to get them done tonight.","5":"... Just one more beer before I carry out my sentence. Before I must pay my dues for laziness.","6":"Dante and Haley are here. Well, now it would be rude if I didn't swing in and chat for a while.","7":"{PlayerName}! What brings... Hey, are you okay?","8":"I slump down into a seat at the bar.","9":"I have two papers and a take-home physics quiz I have to finish tonight."},"june_2024.vne3":{"10":"Is everything alright? You seem flushed.","11":"Sure. I just didn't think I would be patting down a woman in my room today.","12":"If you're uncomfortable, maybe {PlayerName} can take over. I doubt he would have much reservations about thoroughly checking my body.","13":"Isn't that right, {PlayerName}?","14":"Genevieve looks directly at me, cocking an eyebrow.","15":"I wonder how long the spooky woman knew I had been peeking.","16":"{PlayerName}?","17":"Sorry. It seemed like it was taking a while, and I just wanted to check in to make sure everything was okay.","18":"Oh... um... I'm still checking her.","19":"Sorry I was taking so long. I just wanted to be... thorough, you know?","20":"Yes. She was quite methodical. She's left hardly a crease or crevice unsearched.","21":"Given how much she was checking my ass, I offered again to let her do a proper cavity search, but she declined.","22":"Like I said, I just wanted to be... thorough.","23":"It's no big deal.","24":"I had attempted to explain to her that it is perfectly natural for her to be curious.","25":"... If she really wanted, we're not so pressed for time that we couldn't take a quick twenty minutes or so to get better acquainted... physically.","26":"{Leah}'s cheeks turn a deeper shade of pink.","27":"It wasn't like... I was just... I just mentioned that it seems like she takes care of herself and is in good shape! That's all!","28":"{Leah} tries to hide her blushing. How is it that Genevieve is the one getting stripped searched and doesn't seem phased at all?","29":"There's no need to be shy, {Leah}. It's perfectly natural for young women like us to be curious and want to experiment.","30":"{Leah}'s head snaps back up at the notion.","31":"That's not what I... I mean... It's not that you're unattractive or anything, I just...","32":"It's hard now to ignore the strange energy in the room, as Genevieve leans in and reaches up to calm {Leah}.","33":"Why are you nervous? You have me down to my underwear and completely at your mercy. Maybe you just need to... relax a little. I could help you.","34":"I'm not prepared for what happens next.","35":"Genevieve leans in close, and begins to kiss a stunned {Leah}.","36":"My jaw drops, as I watch Genevieve press herself up against my {sheIsYour}, and deepen her kiss after sensing that {Leah} is not pulling away.","37":"Should I... say something? Leave? Recoil in surprise? While my brain is still trying to figure out what to do, another part of my anatomy is beginning to make itself clear that it approves of what is happening right now.","38":"{Leah} is still speechless when Genevieve breaks her sensual embrace to look over in my direction.","39":"Maybe we should include {PlayerName}, since we're all ''getting to know each other better''...","40":"The young woman's eyes drift down my torso to my crotch.","41":"... He certainly seems eager at the prospect.","42":"I don't know if we should... I mean... We probably shouldn't. Right, {PlayerName}? She's Valerie's...","43":"What I am is completely at your disposal. In whatever capacity you both wish.","44":"Allow me to demonstrate...","45":"With no other preamble, the sandy haired beauty drops to her knees in front of me, and begins to tug down my jeans.","46":"Part of me knows I should be stopping her. We have little reason to trust this woman. But in the heat of the moment, I'm without words. I just allow her to take my half-stiff member in her hand and begin to pump it to full mast.","47":"{Leah} appears torn as well, and rather than protest, her eyes flicker between my own, and down to the sight of Genevieve jerking me off.","48":"I am prepared to do whatever you demand to earn your trust...","49":"I can feel the higher brain functions begin to shut down the moment her wet tongue begins getting acquainted with my staff.","50":"Wrapping those supple lips around my cock, Genevieve begins to blow me right there in front of {Leah}.","51":"I can't say this is at all how I thought this encounter was going to go.","52":"That bun of sandy brown hair begins to bob playfully back and forth in rhythm with Genevieve's head.","53":"The sight is as hypnotic as the sensation of her warm mouth sucking on my manhood.","54":"I'm quickly lost in the moment, Genevieve using her mouth to rewire my brain via my dick.","55":"The room is silent, aside from the wet slurping sounds and soft moans of our guest.","56":"Those pillowy lips glide effortlessly back and forth the length of my rod.","57":"Just a little while ago, the woman inspired deep suspicion and nervousness. Though somehow, having my cock halfway down her throat seems to disarm me.","58":"Unable to resist the utter pleasure I get from her head, I reach down, wrapping my finger around that tight bun, and help her suck me off.","59":"It feels insane to do so, especially with {Leah} standing right in front of us, watching. But I just go with the moment.","60":"For her part, {Leah}'s offered no protest, outrage, or even repulsion to the scene.","61":"On the contrary, she stares, almost entranced, at the sight of Genevieve on her knees serving my manhood.","62":"She must sense me looking at her, and returns my gaze.","63":"Her cheeks are on the way to strawberry red, but I can read the growing lust in her eyes.","64":"Silently, {Leah} submits to her carnal desires, taking her place on her knees next to Genevieve.","65":"See? What's the harm in getting more... ''acquainted''?","66":"Just a... just a little.","67":"Of course, {Leah}. Whatever you are comfortable with.","68":"With slight trepidation, {Leah} opens her mouth. Genevieve takes her by the hair and gently guides her to my twitching member.","69":"My spine feels electrified when I feel her soft, warm lips engulf my cock, and begin to suck me off.","70":"The tiniest, mousey moan vibrates from her mouth, as {Leah} gives into her lust. Her warm mouth and wet tongue growing more comfortable with each passing moment.","71":"Gingerly, she works her lips farther down my shaft. In the back of my head, I'm still processing having {Leah}'s mouth, but I know I love the sensation.","72":"With Genevieve's guidance, {Leah} explores deeper.","73":"She lets off a deep shudder, her own arousal growing at the sensation of having my sex sliding down her moist throat.","74":"This turned around fast.","75":"Just minutes ago, we were here suspecting that Genevieve was here under some dubious intent.","76":"Now she's on her knees next to {Leah}, as they both work my unit with their mouths.","77":"I honestly couldn't say how wise of a decision this is, but at the moment I can't imagine anywhere in the world I'd rather be.","78":"{Leah} is quickly losing herself to arousal, her head now bobbing back and forth on my cock.","79":"In the throes of this lustful episode, Genevieve begins to explore {Leah} as well.","80":"Whatever reservations might have existed even moments ago have evaporated. The girls grind against each other, frenzing my arousal further, and I grow bolder with {Leah}'s mouth.","81":"That's it... yes... just let him have your throat...","82":"Genevieve gets back to her feet, giving me a smile while {Leah} continues to vigorously suck my dick.","83":"You see? I only came here with the best of intentions.","84":"Reaching down, she slowly begins peeling off her black, lacey panties and begins undoing her bra.","85":"{Leah} pauses to watch the minx strip completely naked.","86":"Her attention seems transfixed on Genevieve's sex, looking at it with an almost innocent curiosity.","87":"Would you like to try?","88":"I watch my {sheIsYour} lean in timidly, but clearly interested.","89":"That's it. I promise I won't bite.","90":"Gingerly, {Leah} begins to kiss and explore our guest with her lips.","91":"Kissing and mouthing at Genevieve's lips, stirring a soft moan from the young woman.","92":"Her professional, cold demeanor slowly begins to melt at the sensual exploration.","93":"The deeper, animalistic moans seem almost alien coming from Genevieve.","94":"In a positive feedback loop, the reaction she coaxes from the bespeckled beauty only seems to embolden {Leah} even further.","95":"She seems to really be getting into it in fact.","96":"I sit back and watch the two young women enjoy each other.","97":"My! Your {sheIsYour} is quite the natural. If I didn't know better I'd assume she's done this before. Why don't you two finish undressing, and we take this to the bed?","98":"Following Genevieve's suggestion, I pull {Leah} to me, and slowly begin pulling off her top.","99":"Lifting her shirt up, I run my hands up her torso, and cup her perky, supple breasts.","100":"Are you... still okay with us doing this?","101":"Honestly, more than okay. We might literally be sleeping with the enemy, but who says we can't just keep things physical?","102":"Finishing stripping off {Leah}'s clothes, I follow her as she climbs up on the bed, beckoned by Genevieve's spread legs.","103":"Positioning myself to take {Leah} from behind, my heart is pounding. A three-way was not what I had anticipated from this encounter.","104":"{Leah} arches her back and presses her ass up, presenting herself, while I press the head of my cock to her welcoming slit.","105":"Despite the initial tension, she presses herself back against it, and I slide inside her.","106":"Oh god, yes...","107":"Mmm, that's right.","108":"I begin to gently drive my hips into that plump, warm ass. Rocking her back and forth.","109":"You're so hot when you're getting fucked, {Leah}.","110":"Leaning in, the two girls begin to make out. Moaning into each other's lips.","111":"I try to keep things pretty gentle and steady. I'm not looking to have to make an emergency trip to the dentist.","112":"Why don't you try eating me out some more, it appeared like you were rather enjoying it.","113":"{Leah} actually giggles, and lets Genevieve guide her back down to her snatch.","114":"While I enjoy her warm pussy, {Leah} in turn enjoys Genevieve's womanhood.","115":"Licking and toying with the girl's bean while getting stuffed from the other side.","116":"She feels amazing, sliding in and out of her warm cave.","117":"Her nubile thighs rock back and smack against my own.","118":"God, {Leah}, your mouth is phenomenal!","119":"Genevieve melts back into the bed, seeming overwhelmed with pleasure. But knowing her, I wouldn't be surprised if it was an act.","120":"{Leah} stops eating out the sandy-haired interloper, crawling out of the way.","121":"I want {PlayerName} to fuck you.","122":"Smiling, the sex freak shimmy's down the bed.","123":"Grabbing her by the leg, I pull her the rest of the way, and slide my meat into her ready gash.","124":"Jesus! {PlayerName}! You're so big!","125":"The deeper I enter her, the heavier Genevieve's breathing becomes.","126":"God, we shouldn't be doing this, but...","127":"She lets her fingers do the talking, exciting the third party and continuing to play with her clit.","128":"Yes! Fuck me harder! Use me like a sex toy!","129":"I look down at the nympho love doll, her healthy young tits bouncing up and down as I rail her.","130":"Taking her up on her offer to use her for a plaything, {Leah} climbs up on top of Genevieve, lowering herself down to sit on her face.","131":"She begins to moan loudly while she's eaten out.","132":"Now double-teaming the nerdy sultry coed, {Leah} and I share a glance.","133":"I guess the strip search got a little out of hand, huh?","134":"That's putting it mildly.","135":"More so when I watch her lean in and begin sucking on Genevieve's toes.","136":"Adjusting position, I flip Genevieve up on her side and slide behind her, pounding her feverishly while {Leah} watches.","137":"Give it to me! Yes! More! Treat me like your whore!","138":"Not wanting to be left out of the fun, {Leah} leans over and begins to lick and suck my balls.","139":"It's rapidly devolving into a mess of sweaty limbs and lustful moans.","140":"Needing a break, Genevieve climbs off my dick to catch her breath.","141":"But right away, I feel dainty fingers wrap around my shaft and continue to pump it.","142":"It's {Leah}'s turn again, climbing up on top of me, and lowering herself down around my pole.","143":"I love watching her expression when I re-enter her.","144":"Bracing herself on my chest, she begins to pump up and down. My cock pistoning in and out of her, and the room filling with her hungry moans.","145":"That's it! Ride him! Fuck his brains out!","146":"That perfect round ass slams down onto my pelvis over and over again, clapping loudly.","147":"I don't know how much longer I can hold back at this rate.","148":"Mmm, fuck, you both are so hot!","149":"Genevieve, no longer content with watching from the sidelines, begins climbing on top of me as well.","150":"Swinging her hips over my head and lowering herself down onto my face, she begins to smother me with that immaculate pussy.","151":"I'm more than happy to oblige. There's room on this ride for two.","152":"This doesn't... ohhh... change anything... ahhh... between us...","153":"I wouldn't think...whoa... less of you... Mmmm, for being supisc-... Oh my god...!","154":"The arousal overcomes the distrust though, as the girls lean in and begin making out.","155":"And I'm at my limits. Unable to hold back any longer, I climax, firing off my load deep inside of {Leah}, who moans deeply into the kiss with Genevieve.","156":"Mmmm, god. It's so hot that he just creampied you! I'm so jealous!","157":"Panting, {Leah} begins to pull herself off of me.","158":"Despite finishing, I continue slurping Genevieve's pussy, and feel her pull my meat out of {Leah}.","159":"A few, lazy after shocks of cum still erupting from my cock.","160":"Not wanting to be left out completely, she wraps her lips around my shaft once again.","161":"Eagerly, she laps up and swallows the thick ropes of jizz, sending jolts of electricity through my central nervous system.","162":"How was it? Surely I must have won [i]some[\/i] good will after that.","163":"It was... it was good. But I still don't trust you.","164":"But that doesn't mean we can't have some fun, right? Surely this proves at least that.","165":"I... guess. You know, you still have some of {PlayerName}'s cum on your face.","166":"I know.","167":"The two lean in and kiss while I lay back and enjoy the sight of the two coeds making out, my fresh seed leaving pearly little strings stretching between their lips.","168":"If Genevieve was sent here to seduce us… Well. She's [i]very[\/i] good at her job.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"Coming home to find Valerie's lackey, Genevieve, waiting for me was less than comforting.","2":"Despite the fact that she said she was here as a potential ally, ready to betray her master, neither {Leah} nor I trusted her at her word.","3":"Genevieve offered to submit to a cavity search to ease our suspicions, and also because Genevieve is a bit of a sex freak.","4":"{Leah} decided that at the very least a strip search was in order, and took her back to her room to do just that.","5":"I'm not exactly familiar with the process, but it still felt like it was taking a long time. So I poked my head in to make sure everything was okay.","6":"Looking around the door, I found {Leah} was serious, and had the sandy haired woman stripped down to her lace underwear, and was in the middle of checking her bra.","7":"Necessity dictated that she had to be checked head to toe for bugs, but the process still appeared to make {Leah} just the least bit bashful.","8":"While examining Genevieve's bra, her cheeks were beginning to turn a shade of pink.","9":"With no apparent danger, I could have probably left them to it... but I couldn't help but take a long look at the bookish, yet attractive coed."},"march_2022.vne3":{"10":"...It's so big!","11":"Jeez, has he always been that large? How have I known him my whole life and never knew?","12":"It's not that I've never been curious about {PlayerName}. But he's my {youAreHer}. He's been such an important part of my life! And now to see him like this, so sexually and intimately!","13":"I feel overcome by a strange sensation. The sight of {PlayerName} so virile and aroused... it's stirring something inside of me.","14":"Oh god! I'm getting turned on by the sight of my {youAreHer}'s hard cock!","15":"I'm suddenly aware of my fingers, rubbing at my sex through my shorts, as if doing so on their own.","16":"God, what is happening to me! I feel my face grow hot and my cheeks flush. I don't know why I'm like this, but it's like I can't stop.","17":"I knew there was always something lingering between {PlayerName} and I. Something just beneath the surface, but I didn't know it was this strong.","18":"It's as if the sight of him like this has awoken a different side of me.","19":"My mind starts to drift... what I would do if this different {Leah}... this ''Animal'' {Leah}... was in charge instead of this stupid, timid, scared little girl.","20":"It's so messed up to think, but...","21":"If I could just give in to what I want. To just open that door all the way and walk in there.","22":"I imagine what it would be like, seeing the look on his face as I caught him in the act. To see his silent bewilderment.","23":"Phone in one hand and cock in the other, he might be too stunned to even sign out a clumsy response.","24":"Then to watch him become even more confused as I slide into bed with him.","25":"Feeling our warm skin pressing against each other.","26":"I'd take that phone and toss it.","27":"Then, without a word, I'd take his big cock in my hand, and let him know I'd be the one making him feel pleasure tonight.","28":"We wouldn't need words, wouldn't need to speak, as I worked him until he became comfortable again.","29":"We'd quickly give in to how we really felt about each other, even if it might be wrong.","30":"Once he was rock hard, I'd slide on top of him, straddling him, feeling his manhood press against my vulva.","31":"I just want to know what it would be like. His hot, rigid spear sliding back and forth while I rub myself up against it.","32":"My wetness quickly soaking my pajama shorts as we grind on each other.","33":"I remember wrestling and playing together in our backyards, we were almost the same size back then.","34":"But we're grown up now, and being on top of him, I'd realize just how small and petite I am compared to him now, riding his broad, strong frame.","35":"We've always been so close, It's like I didn't even realize what a man he had grown into.","36":"I could just let go of all my inhibitions and ride him, grind him, drive us both towards pleasure and climax.","37":"I want to feel that wave of ecstasy wash over me with him up against me.","38":"Maybe... maybe I still wouldn't be ready to let him inside me...","39":"...but I could still make him feel good.","40":"Feel his big, hard cock in my hand, stroking him faster and faster...","41":"...until...","42":"...I'd feel his body tense up under me, as his hot molten cum explodes from his cock like a geyser!","43":"He's so big, and maybe he's been waiting for this for so long, that it'd be some crazy amount! Maybe he's wanted this so bad he unloads every drop of his seed for me.","44":"And after, we'd just smile sweetly at each other. No apprehension, no confusion... just complete satisfaction and contentment, the only regret is why we waited so long to be together like this.","45":"...","46":"Shit! Shit-shit-shit! {Leah}, you stupid girl! Did he see you!? Did you just torpedo the relationship with the closest person in your life because you wanted to diddle your little bird! I'm such an idiot!","47":"He probably didn't see you... right? It's a cheap apartment. The stupid doors never close right anyway. He probably thought it was nothing!","48":"I just need to go back to my room... clear my head...","49":"Safe... finally... now I can get my head on straight.","50":"But... I can't. Can't think clearly.","51":"My heart, it's still racing. My adrenaline is pumping. It's not making me calm down...","52":"It's... it's just making me hotter.","53":"God how I wish these were {PlayerName}'s hands on me.","54":"This hunger isn't going to go away, there's no reason not to explore it.","55":"I stifle my moan as I feel my wet fingers enter me, it's not exactly what I want right now, but I still feel the warmth spread out from my pussy across my body.","56":"As my brain drowns in hormones, my mind drifts back... back to a time not too long ago... or maybe forever past?","57":"The summer after we graduated high school. A lazy afternoon, just hanging out on our front porch.","58":"We were always so close and comfortable with each other. How many afternoons did we spend like that over the years, lounging on top of one another, just talking and laughing?","59":"Did he just never see me that way? Did he always consider me more of a friend than any kind of... intimate partner?","60":"Did he ever see us as anything more than friends?","61":"Yes... some part of him must have.","62":"When was the first time I felt him grow... aroused, while I laid in his lap?","63":"I don't even remember how many times it must have happened, come to think of it. I'd always try not to say anything... but I think he knew that I had noticed it.","64":"When that happened I'd feel my pulse quicken, wondering if he would make a move... act upon those urges.","65":"But it was always the same... he'd shift uncomfortably and make some excuse to run inside for something.","66":"It's not that I blame him, we had so much to lose. But god, part of me wished he'd just take me.","67":"Shit. When was the last time I had anyone touch me like that?","68":"Great. Good work, Leah, now you're even hornier than before.","69":"Is it warm in here? No, it's probably just me.","70":"I spread out on the bed, letting my fingers drift down my mound and start to explore my clit.","71":"Finding my rhythm, I relax and let my fingers run on autopilot, playing their classic tune on my pussy.","72":"Fuck, I wish just once I had somebody else's hands on me, feel somebody else touch me like this!","73":"I lay back, spreading my legs and exploring myself more. I think about {PlayerName}'s and my bodies and how they would feel against each other.","74":"I slide into that warm groove, and let my mind wander again... back to not too long ago.","75":"It had been a long day. Work and school had been piling up, and by the end of it, all I wanted was a nice, long hot shower.","76":"I let the water wash over my naked body and rinse all the sweat and grime away.","77":"But when I turned the water off and went to grab a towel...","78":"-sigh-...","79":"{Leah}... you airhead.","80":"I really shouldn't have been hard on myself. Sometimes my mind is on so many other things, I can forget what's right in front of me.","81":"I know {PlayerName} is home... but It's just a short jog to my bedroom.","82":"I peeked around the corner and saw his bedroom door was mostly closed. I figured he was probably in there doing homework.","83":"Still. Even for how long we've known each other, I still felt so exposed, walking out into the living room, naked and soaking wet... then...","84":"-gasp-","85":"Sometimes I forget just how quiet he is. Now we're both standing there, shocked. Deer in the headlights.","86":"I see his eyes unconsciously drift down, gazing at my naked, wet body, and my hands shoot to cover my vagina.","87":"-towel... I... have to go finish some homework!","88":"I could feel my cheeks get hot and I scurried by him as meekly as possible. God I must have looked so pathetic.","89":"[i]I have to go finish some homework!?[\/i] Did I honestly blurt that out!? I'm such a dumb ditz!","90":"I walked back to my room as quickly as I could. But I couldn't help wondering if {PlayerName} signed something back, or maybe just wondered if he ever took his eyes off my body.","91":"I never had the courage to look back and check... but I hope he didn't.","92":"I didn't want him to take his eyes off me for one second.","93":"No... I wanted him to do more than that. I wanted him to pick me up right then and there.","94":"I wanted him to carry me back to my room, take me to my bed. I'd feel so small and delicate in his arms, and feel his warm body against my cold, wet skin.","95":"It would be perfect, we wouldn't have to say a word to each other. No sign, no voice chat, we would be able to communicate completely with our bodies and touch.","96":"All the fear and embarrassment would just melt away, and I would just present myself to him.","97":"He'd get down on his knees, knowing exactly what to do.","98":"I'd feel so safe, so natural, letting him see me like this. As I play with myself lightly, letting him know I was ready.","99":"My tight pussy, already wet and ready for him.","100":"Then I'd feel him wrap those strong arms around my thighs, pulling me close to him, and feel his warm breath on my vulva, his lips and tongue exploring me, gently probing me, ever so slightly.","101":"The sensation of his touch sending warm electrical pulses up through me, causing me to shudder.","102":"After a little playful teasing, he'd start to speed up, his tongue circling and pressing against my clit, as I relax and really begin to enjoy his touch.","103":"His mouth would work me like a master works a musical instrument, as I'd writhe around on the bed, moaning louder and louder as we sink into drunken ecstasy.","104":"Feeling all these barriers between us fall, he explores me deeper, my mind starts to go as the charges of pleasure overwhelm me, feeling him grip me tightly while he eats me out.","105":"The orgasm carries me out of the dream, like a wave of pleasure washing me to shore, I'm rocked back to reality in the quakes of climax.","106":"I stifle my moan the best I can, hoping that {PlayerName} won't hear it.","107":"In a moment of clarity, between the pulses of pure hormonal elation, I realize how stupid a thought that is.","108":"I don't just want {PlayerName} to hear my moans, I want him to be the one causing them.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"I couldn't sleep. Everything happening with Professor Craven, my investigation...","2":"...and now, {PlayerName}... I know he's wrapped up in this somehow.","3":"I don't know what I was expecting, coming to his room this late. I don't even know what I'm going to say, but I need to talk to him!","4":"His door is open and there's light coming from inside, maybe he's not asleep...","5":"...oh my god... is he... ?!","6":"...masturbating!?","7":"That's... that's {PlayerName}'s penis!","8":"Jesus, {Leah}, what is the matter with you? Why are you still watching?","9":"I know I should turn away and leave! This is so wrong! This is invading his privacy... but..."},"march_2023.vne3":{"10":"Not me. I'll gladly take a couple days to recharge.","11":"God, will you look at this view? I'm sorry, {PlayerName}, we're too poor to be here. I think we have to leave.","12":"Looking up, I can't help but think she's wrong, at least in her case.","13":"A creature as pretty as that looks to be right where she belongs, lounging out in a gorgeous green paradise.","14":"Oh, why so smug?","15":"No reason. I just seem to recall a certain person poking fun at someone for ''wasting all his time on those dumb contests''.","16":"And now, said person may or may not be enjoying the fruits of that passion and dedication.","17":"...Alright, alright. I suppose I have to eat those words.","18":"No, no. No need to thank me.","19":"I just wish I had a third ticket. You should have seen Linus's face when I told him I was bringing you instead of him. Broke his little heart.","20":"Yeah? I'm sure it did.","21":"She pairs her sarcastic crack with a playful sock to my arm.","22":"Vacation mode hits quickly. {PlayerName}? That's some other guy, with his own problems.","23":"Today, I'm nobody. Just some fella, basking in the sun with a cold drink. ","24":"So, I was thinking, we have reserved spots for the snorkeling trip out to the reef tomorrow and on Sunday.","25":"But we also have a horseback ride we can book. I was thinking we should do that first, because I know if we're out snorkeling all day, we're both gonna get cooked. And riding a horse sounds less fun when you're covered in sunburns.","26":"That's a good call. I fully anticipate that I will forget to reapply sunscreen even after you warn me repeatedly.","27":"And [i]I[\/i] burn just looking at pictures of the sun on the internet.","28":"So it's settled. Horses first. Snorkel the next day.","29":"How's the book?","30":"It's good. A little predictable. But there's a lot of heart in the characters.","31":"Is it a [i]Dirty Girl[\/i] book?","32":"No! It's a romance story.","33":"Is it appropriate reading for a dentist office waiting room?","34":"Well... maybe not a [i]dentist office[\/i].","35":"Tsk tsk. What would your woman's study professor think?","36":"What? Not everything I read has to be about the struggles of feminism or a true crime novel.","37":"A little indulgence every now and then isn't unhealthy.","38":"Plus, we're on vacation! I'm treating myself.","39":"Good. You read too many of those true crime novels.","40":"Yeah, you may be right about that.","41":"I can name more serial killers than US presidents.","42":"Have you thought about what you'd like to do for dinner?","43":"Well, there are a couple restaurants. Or we can just order room service.","44":"Ooh! Let's do room service!","45":"That way we don't even have to change.","46":"The hotel kitchen is outstanding. We order the catch of the day, and {Leah} explains to me the very nuanced and fundamental differences between romance novels and wordy porn.","47":"I take her word on it.","48":"After we finish eating, we sit back with a bottle of wine, and just bask in the sunset.","49":"We still have the whole weekend, but I'm already sad we're going to have to leave this little chunk of heaven.","50":"As we watch the sun melt into the horizon, we make plans to get cleaned up, and check out one of the clubs at the resort.","51":"... the Red Parrot doesn't have a kitchen, but I figure since we already ate we probably won't want to order food.","52":"Works for me.","53":"Okay. I'm gonna hop in the shower. I'll be out in a bit.","54":"Like, a [i]bit[\/i], or a [i]{Leah} bit[\/i].","55":"A [i]bit[\/i], jerk. Can you be a sweetheart and grab my dress from the luggage?","56":"It'll be some time before she's out.","57":"As the door shuts, I can't help but let my mind wander. Soon, she'll be stripped naked, rubbing that body of her's with soap and water.","58":"I remember all the times she'd forget to fully close the bathroom door when she showers at our apartment.","59":"All the times I'd walk by to close it, but catch a quick glimpse as I did so.","60":"The memory lingers in my mind.","61":"The thick suds lazily sliding down her nubile frame.","62":"Lust starts to claw from below, and I have to shake the image free from my mind. Cursing myself as I walk back to the bedroom.","63":"I try to distract myself by getting ready to hop in the shower next. But while I undress, I can't ignore my neglected erection wagging at me, still fueled by the memory of suds dripping down {Leah}'s round, pert ass.","64":"Damn... She's gonna be in the shower for a while. Maybe I can just crank one out real quick.","65":"The more I think about it, the more mature of a decision it seems.","66":"Exorcise the demons and unload any residual sexual energy before going out. That way I can be light and clear headed all evening.","67":"Showers being fresh on the mind must be why I drift back to the time {Leah} walked in on me showering.","68":"I was hard then too, wasn't I? She definitely saw it, full mast and ready for action.","69":"The way her wide, shocked eyes snapped to and lingered on it. In her surprise letting the towel slip from her body.","70":"Was it just surprise? Or did her primal brain take over for a moment, sensing my readiness, and responding by presenting herself?","71":"She stood frozen for a moment, before retrieving her towel and scurrying out of the bathroom, as if she suddenly wrestled back control from her animal self.","72":"We never spoke of it, but the sight of her supple, pale body still haunts me. Spurring me to arousal at the slightest thought of it.","73":"I indulge myself with thoughts of what if she didn't scurry out of the bathroom. What if she quietly, softly, climbed into the shower with me.","74":"The turning door knob tears me back to reality, my head whips up just time to see the door crack open.","75":"Sorry! Not done, I just left my shampoo in the...","76":"-gasp-!","77":"What do I do? Oh god, she must think I'm a total pervert! Just jerking off here while she's in the shower!","78":"I feel my heart drop. Way to go, dummy! Just killed the whole vibe of the trip because you couldn't keep your hands off yourself for one...","79":"{Leah}'s just staring at it.","80":"For a second, it looks like she was about to squeal and retreat back into the bathroom, but she stops herself.","81":"The look of shock on her face slowly morphing into a curious stare.","82":"One timid little step. Then two.","83":"She approaches the bed, like she is leaving her reservations to keep arguing about what to do, at the doorway.","84":"Without a word, she stands in front of me, and slowly pulls off her towel, cheeks glowing pink.","85":"She is magnificent.","86":"The towel falls to the floor, taking with it any doubt or inhibition about what is happening.","87":"I take in her perky, soft breasts. Eyes trailing down her slender waist, and to her ample hips.","88":"Time hangs in space for a moment, as we study each other's body.","89":"Then, without a word, {Leah} quietly crawls up onto the bed with me, and wraps her fingers around my cock, slowly stroking it.","90":"I begin to sign something, not even sure of what I want to say, but she gently shushes me.","91":"It's okay.","92":"Her voice is barely a whisper, but her words are like morphine.","93":"I lean back and relax, surrendering to her gentle touch.","94":"She clutches it delicately, timid even, for a time.","95":"But each pump seems to grow her confidence. Becoming more firm and sure.","96":"My heart leaps with excitement when she scoots her little butt back. Propping her ass in the air and lowering her head to my lap.","97":"When I feel her lips contact my shaft, it's like seeing the gates of heaven open.","98":"{Leah} takes her time, indulgently exploring every millimeter of its texture with her mouth.","99":"Her soft purrs and coos signal her mind's further descent into lust.","100":"My own hand crawls down her body, seeming driven by its own desires. Its fingers exploring into the deeper crevices of her curves.","101":"Her freshly washed slit is slick and moist. Almost hot to the touch.","102":"Hungry for her taste, I hook an arm under her thigh, and pull her to me.","103":"I take a moment to savor her. Breathing in the scent and pheromones of her throbbing pussy, and thinking about how badly her cute little asshole is begging to have a thumb slid up it.","104":"I'm rocked from my study of her hindquarters though, when those lips finally slide up the top of my member, and slowly envelop its head.","105":"The shudder of pleasure makes my fingers and toes start to tingle and curl.","106":"The thunderous ecstasy I get when {Leah} begins to bob her head up and down my cock is enough to break my mind.","107":"In such a state, I would give her anything in the world.","108":"I finally normalize enough to remember I have {Leah}'s juicy pussy hovering right in front of me.","109":"And I am more than happy to return her affections.","110":"Our 69 goes on for some time. The two of us struggling back and forth to be the one giving out more pleasure.","111":"Finally, I feel the cold air blanket my cock, as it fully slides out of {Leah}'s throat.","112":"Leaning up and spinning around, she grabs my rod and starts to pump it vigorously, her eyes wild with lust.","113":"I want you in me.","114":"{Leah} carefully hoists her body up over me, and slowly impales herself on my cock.","115":"A tiny cry escapes her lips, when the head of my manhood pushes against, then penetrates her slit.","116":"Her pussy is molten euphoria. Sliding down around me like nirvana descending.","117":"And every few centimeters, her body is rocked by tremors of pleasure that throttle us both closer to orgasm.","118":"Oh fuck! Oh fuck, you're so big!","119":"Gazing over her writhing body, I understand why men spent lifetimes learning to carve likeness of the female form into marble.","120":"Seeing her like this, the way her body moves in uncontrollable dances of passions, it's like she's a different creature.","121":"Our rhythms quickly sync, working together to bounce her up and down on my cock.","122":"Her excitement continues to build, the carnal cries starting to creep up her throat the more we fuck.","123":"{Leah}'s tight pussy hugs my throbbing member perfectly. Like they were meant for each other.","124":"Each time I slide into her, she clenches firmly, building my own arousal.","125":"Fuck me, {PlayerName}! Fuck me harder!","126":"But {Leah}'s lust is greater than her stamina. Her quivering arms give out and she collapses onto my chest to catch her breath. Her body is still slick from the shower.","127":"Oh god. What are you doing to me!?","128":"She responds to my grin by playfully whacking my chest, and then pulling her face to mine to kiss me.","129":"I savor the sensation of her perky nipples drawing lazy lines across my chest as we french.","130":"{Leah} gets lost in the kiss, but her hips remember what to do all on their own. Undulating in slow, tender circles in my lap as my cock is still buried inside her.","131":"I give her a few more moments to rest, but my own lust is starting to claw at me.","132":"Hungry for more, I slide {Leah} onto her back, and pull her thigh to me.","133":"She surrenders to my passions, staring hungrily through sex drunk eyes.","134":"I go easy on her to start. Slowly pistoning in and out of her wet gash.","135":"Breathey gasps slowly turn to soft cooing, which in turn build to passionate moans.","136":"She wraps a lithe arm around my neck, and pulls herself to my lips as hungrily as I'm now ravaging her womanhood.","137":"Tongues grappling with each other, I sense her climax approaching.","138":"{Leah} suddenly breaks our kiss, and in breathy whispers...","139":"I'm so close... get on top of me.","140":"I respond almost automatically. Like she just spoke some preprogrammed trigger phrase.","141":"Rolling up on top of her, I penetrate to new depths, and it's like some button got pushed inside her.","142":"I watch {Leah}'s mouth drop in a silent cry, and her eyes roll back in to her head. Her tight body quivering, and pussy pulsing and sucking at my cock.","143":"{Leah}'s mind doesn't fully return from the episode, and is now circling the whirlpool of orgasm.","144":"Her building, dulcet moans seem to conjure my own climax to meet hers.","145":"With a final, ravenous thrust, I push us over the edge.","146":"It's a blur of blinding pleasure. Bodies snapping between being tense as steel cable, and bucking wildly.","147":"The pulses of ecstasy, and feeling my cock pump load after load of hot cum deep inside a lust-possessed {Leah}, is almost an almost psychedelic experience.","148":"And with that, the ravenous entities inhabiting our bodies slowly descend back into the depths, leaving the two of us clutching at each other's gasping, sweat soaked forms.","149":"We lie there for minutes catching our breath, before I finally, slowly, unsheath myself from {Leah}.","150":"A final aftershock of pleasure quakes through her when my exhausted cock pops out of her throbbing twat.","151":"Holy shit, {PlayerName}! How much did you shoot into me? I feel like I can taste it in the back of my throat!","152":"Not a small amount, apparently.","153":"I look down with pride at my handiwork. A rivulet of my hot cum seeping out of {Leah}'s perfect little pussy.","154":"Leah crawls up into my lap after I lay down on my back. I can't think of a sensation sweeter in this world, than her warm, soft skin on mine.","155":"Do you still want to check out the club?","156":"Dude, you fucked my brains out. I don't even know if I can stand right now!","157":"Alright, we can put a pin in it.","158":"Yeah. Maybe we can go check it out tomorrow after the horseback ride.","159":"...Or we can lock ourselves in the suite and just go to town on each other.","160":"It's nice to have options.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"The cozy yet sterile air of the resort suite washes over us. I feel fresher just standing in it.","2":"I still can't believe you scored this! Who ever wins those contests?","3":"My guilty internet habit, since I was young, wasn't scrolling through pictures of butts, or virtue signaling on social media, or playing Candy Crush...","4":"...It was surfing for and entering to win in sweepstakes.","5":"It's my mental junk food. Whenever I sit down to drop a deuce, I'm usually entering contests.","6":"I have 3 burner email accounts just to dodge the spam mail I get from signing up for these sweepstakes.","7":"But I've scored TV's, Karaoke Machines, PlayStation, and in this case, free bookings and airfare to all expenses paid resorts.","8":"This room is amazing! Thank you so much. We [i]so[\/i] needed this.","9":"I know, right? I almost feel guilty for coming. With how crazy things are back home."},"march_2024.vne3":{"10":"The address leads me to a non-descript commercial park in town. To an unmarked office building.","11":"It could have housed an accounting firm, or a shipping business. But there isn't a sign or label on the place.","12":"The windows are tinted black, barring any view of the interior.","13":"With some trepidation, I open the door and step inside.","14":"Entering the building is like walking through a portal to some other dimension.","15":"The halls are blood red, with luxurious, albeit almost foreboding decor. The soft glow of the golden light fixtures just adds to the unearthly mood.","16":"A single set of large double doors beckons ominously. I cautiously approach them.","17":"Nearing the doors, a voice speaks as if coming out of the walls. Valerie's voice.","18":"Welcome to my playroom.","19":"I have a present for you inside.","20":"I'm hesitant to find out what kind of [i]present[\/i] Valerie has in store for me. But my curiosity is stronger than my apprehension.","21":"I approach the door, and grabbing the handles, I open to see what awaits me within.","22":"My heart skips a beat. So it's [i]this[\/i] kind of playroom.","23":"The room is filled with all kinds of fixtures and toys, all for the apparent purpose of some kind of erotic debauchery. And in the center, crawling around in a cage, like some slinky jungle cat, is a young woman.","24":"Hello, Master.","25":"Pacing like a feral, aroused animal, I didn't recognize her at first.","26":"It's Genevieve, Valerie's protege.","27":"I'm struck with shock... But also, excitement.","28":"This is insane, like some scene out of a movie. But here I am.","29":"Taking several steps inside, I feel that aside from the imprisoned Genevieve, I can't shake the feeling of being watched.","30":"What do you think of my toys?","31":"I turn my head, seeing the electronic eye mounted on the wall. Staring soullessly, unblinking.","32":"I think you have some interesting hobbies. How much money do you have to donate to a major political party before you get access to a club like this?","33":"There's no need to be bashful. Think of this as a safe space.","34":"[i]Unsafe[\/i], is more likely.","35":"Oh, come now, you've never heard of ''safe-words''?","36":"My current disposition notwithstanding.","37":"That just makes things more exciting. You don't want to take my pet out? She looks like she could use some exercise.","38":"I'm not sure I should be playing along here, but I can't deny a certain thrill in all of this.","39":"I open the top of Genevieve's cage, and the little blonde climbs out.","40":"Essentially naked, the petite beauty stands before me, as if awaiting my approval. It's a losing battle, keeping my eyes from her small, perky breasts.","41":"What is my Master's wish?","42":"Unconsciously, my eyes drift to a nearby table. A paddle rests atop of it.","43":"I'm not sure if I should be indulging in this. But, at the same time, how often do you suddenly find yourself in a BDSM dungeon?","44":"Come on. We're just playing.","45":"Go ahead. Do it.","46":"Genevieve, as if reading some unconscious command, turns around and props her round, pert, ass out.","47":"Maybe it's how unreal this whole scene is. Maybe it's the sight and scent of Genevieve, the supple young woman making herself fully available for me. But I give in to the moment, and pick up the paddle.","48":"Somewhere, watching through the camera, I can feel Valerie grin.","49":"Don't be gentle. She's been a [i]very[\/i] bad girl.","50":"She needs a firm hand to properly discipline her.","51":"I shake my head. This is insane. Less than an hour ago I was in my kitchen trying to think of how to catch up on my coursework, and now...","52":"Well, if I've been thrust into the middle of some kinky romance novel, I might as well go along with it.","53":"Genevieve braces herself when she feels me wind back, but there is an excitement almost vibrating off of her.","54":"The paddle impacts her behind with a loud, sharp crack. The blonde lets out a sensual whimper in response.","55":"Oh, you can do better than that. How is she ever going to learn?","56":"Yes, Master! I've been so very, very naughty!","57":"Genevieve wiggles her hindquarters, as if daring another spank. Her luscious cheeks are already turning a bright pink.","58":"Winding up, I land another solid slap across her backside, inciting a yelp from her.","59":"That's right. Punish her!","60":"Despite the squeal, Genevieve continues to wiggle her cheeks at me, like she's almost daring me to spank her again.","61":"Each spank also seems to banish more of my inhibitions, and I grow more comfortable with the power dynamic being cultivated.","62":"I give her a more playful slap, watching her perky ass jiggle seductively with the impact. Admiring the wobble of the pliant, creamy flesh.","63":"I'm a little shocked at how much I find myself enjoying this. I guess I'm kinkier than I thought.","64":"Genevieve's ass is bright red at this point, flush after a solid paddling.","65":"Come on, now. That can't be all you have for this whore.","66":"Far from it.","67":"Grabbing Genevieve, I spin her around and hoist her over my shoulder.","68":"I help myself to a handful of her juicy rump. Her skin radiates with heat from the spanking.","69":"Slung over my shoulder like a war prize, Genevieve squeals and coos.","70":"I take a seat, laying the petite woman over my knee, taking in her slender, yet curvy features.","71":"Is Master going to give me a proper spanking now?","72":"It almost sounds like she's challenging me.","73":"But she's right about what's coming.","74":"The loud clap of her cheeks is followed by another cry. Mixed parts of both pain and pleasure.","75":"Oh, Master! I've been so bad!","76":"Good... good. Discipline the horny slut!","77":"Have your way with her!","78":"Yes! Punish me, Master!","79":"I spank her again, and again. Leaving my hand on her nubile cheeks at the end of each spanking, rubbing and squeezing them.","80":"Mmm, that's it...","81":"Now that she's had her spanking, I think Genevieve deserves her treat.","82":"Valerie has her well trained, I'll give her that.","83":"Genevieve gets up, and gently guides me to lay down across the bench. She then begins to excitedly undo my belt and pants, my rock hard member popping out.","84":"Without so much as moment of pause, she immediately begins to lick and mouth my meat, sending shivers of euphoria up my spine.","85":"Look at her. See how she fiends for your cock? Like it's a drug for her?","86":"The flaxen haired plaything wraps her supple lips around my shaft, and sucks deeply.","87":"The wave of pleasure surges through my body.","88":"The wet warmth of her mouth is intoxicating, and I lean back and enjoy the blowjob.","89":"I've kept her cock starved for weeks just for you, {PlayerName}. Just look at how badly she fiends for it.","90":"Genevieve moans deeply while she works my pole, tonguing and slobbering all over it.","91":"From the speakers, Valerie continues to taunt her, though I can hear her own voice beginning to grow heavy with lust.","92":"She can't help herself, she's a total slave for your thick, girthy dick.","93":"Punish her little throat for being so hopelessly addicted to cock.","94":"I shift up to my knees, positioning myself to outright fuck Genevieve right in her mouth.","95":"Obediently, she keeps her lips tightly sealed around my stick.","96":"Taking hold of her head, I begin to drive my hips forward. Gently at first, but gradually, with more power and speed.","97":"Doing so, I feel my length slide down the back of Genevieve's mouth.","98":"Her muffled cries fill the room, gurgling drunkenly while I have my way with her.","99":"Those petal soft lips staying tightly sealed to my twitching meat.","100":"That's it, fuck the slut's throat!","101":"Give her every last inch of your hard manhood!","102":"Valerie's words now drip with animalistic lust, oozing through the speakers and charging the whole room with an intense, sexual frenzy.","103":"I let myself go, now full on thrusting, and Genevieve takes every last millimeter, deep throating my spear like a pro, without so much as a hiccup.","104":"After ravaging her mouth, I slide my cock out, giving the girl a break and a chance to catch her breath.","105":"Panting heavily, she looks back curiously.","106":"Is there some other part of my body Master wants?","107":"There is. I push her down on all fours. Genevieve instinctually presses her ass up, presenting herself for me.","108":"Taking my dick, slick with her spit, I press it to her tight, quivering pussy.","109":"Her cunt surrenders to my thrust, and my cock buries itself inside her.","110":"Yes... Mount her like a bitch!","111":"Genevieve's cheeks clap rhythmically when I begin to lay into her. Ramming my hips forward and sending her rocking back and forth.","112":"Yes! Harder, Master! Harder! Take me!","113":"Pinning her to the bench, I rail even harder, just pounding that tight pussy. The fuck toy's words begin to melt into cries of pleasure.","114":"My own mind seems to have devolved into pure primal instinct, taken over by some dark creature hidden inside me.","115":"Harder! Degrade her! Mistreat her!","116":"That's it! More!... More!","117":"I kick a leg up, putting my foot on Genevieve's head, while grabbing one of her legs, twisting and contorting her like a fuck-doll.","118":"The diminutive sex freak just moans, her hips quivering uncontrollably, signaling the rough handling has sent her over the edge.","119":"I'm happy I could finish her off when I did. By now, my own muscles ache and my lungs are spent.","120":"Clutching the bars for support, I drop her back onto the bench, and slowly begin to pump into her soft, pink ass, catching my breath and reveling in how she feels.","121":"The thorough fucking seems to have broken poor Genevieves brain, as she seems incapable of forming words.","122":"Half formed syllables and moans dribble out of her mouth, her mind still not recovered from her orgasm.","123":"Leaning forward, I embrace the sensation of her small, soft body under mine, taking in her warmth.","124":"She drunkenly looks back up at me, some sense returning to those stunning amber eyes.","125":"Mmm, Master fucks me so good!","126":"I flip the lust-drunk blonde onto her back, and resume fucking her, watching her perky tits bounce with each of my thrusts.","127":"She is a pretty thing, isn't she, {PlayerName}? Do you like my playthings?","128":"I love the feeling of Master inside me. He makes me cum so hard!","129":"I continue pumping away, as Genevieve coos and giggles beneath me.","130":"The golden haired nympho stretches and contorts her lithe body in various shapes, showing off her impressive flexibility.","131":"It begs the question. What sort of training programs does Valerie have her subordinates undergo?","132":"Hoisting her small frame up, Genevieve grabs a low hanging bar, and begins bouncing up and down my shaft like we were two parts of a motor.","133":"Complete with her rhythmic, humming moans.","134":"Faster... Oh, god, faster!","135":"Taking full advantage of Valerie's adult jungle gym, I start to see the merits of having a ''playroom''.","136":"I mean, if nothing else, what a workout.","137":"I pause for a moment to let my muscles relax, and to help myself to one of Genevieve's plump young breasts. She looks down at me and smiles while I play with her melon.","138":"That's not all Master has, is it?","139":"Cheeky little brat.","140":"Grinning, I grab her around her tiny waist and slam her down, sending my cock up inside her and causing her to seize up, eking out just the smallest, choked cry.","141":"Fuck! Yes, {PlayerName}! Do her! Fuck her hard!","142":"Vals own excitement blares from the speakers, the disembodied moans of her pleasure adding to the surreality of all of this.","143":"Over and over again, I crush those heavenly cheeks against my hips, absolutely drilling the lusty minx.","144":"Her hungry wails fill the room, though I'm sure it's sound-proofed Otherwise, I feel bad for the dentist office that's setup next door.","145":"Seeming unable to be close enough to Genevieve, I grab her up and crush her to me. Driving my cock up that tight pussy at the same time.","146":"I am thoroughly enjoying the girl's diminutive frame, it makes it so easy to toss her around.","147":"Being as slight as she is, I'm able to hold the sex pet pegged to my cock, while at the same time getting to my feet.","148":"Deftly and gracefully, almost like we practiced it, she swings those silky legs back and clutches me tight, while balancing on my knees.","149":"I'm shocked at these riding skills, I wish I could ask her in the moment what her major was.","150":"Valerie never did anything half-ass. And apparently that includes the training of her pets.","151":"This is all on a level of erotic manipulation that I am woefully unprepared for, and I feel the surge beginning to build inside me.","152":"I'm shocked I was able to last this long.","153":"I drop Genevieve to her feet, pressing those ample hindquarters close to me.","154":"Is Master about to finish?","155":"Grabbing her tight, I begin to thrust hard, driving my cock in and out of the blonde.","156":"My mind is consumed by a maddening lust, balancing on the edge of climax.","157":"Harder, Master! Harder! I want your seed so badly!","158":"I'm about to grant her wish.","159":"Genevieve, look at me!","160":"That's it, good girl. I want to see it in your eyes when he cums inside of you.","161":"Genevieve's gaze is transfixed on the little dark eye up on the wall, looking obediently up at it while I hurtle towards climax.","162":"I keep that ass pinned tightly to me, still just ravaging her pink slit.","163":"Through the speakers, it's clear that Valerie is about to pop as well. All the more fuel for the fire.","164":"Her desperate moans push me over the edge.","165":"With a final thrust, and a guttural growl, I reach climax.","166":"Firing off salvo after salvo of molten spunk up inside Genevieve, she squeals in delight upon feeling me explode inside her.","167":"Yes! Fuck, yes!","168":"Oh god, I'm cumming! I'm cumming!","169":"Exhausted and spent, I slowly pull my jizz soaked meat from Genevieve's battered pussy.","170":"Master! It's so warm! I love being filled with your spunk!","171":"Mmm, did you like her, {PlayerName}?","172":"Don't I just have the best toys?","173":"Dressing, and feeling a bit cocky and more proud of myself than I should, I turn to a satisfied Genevieve, and hoist her up over my shoulder. Turning, I begin strolling towards the door.","174":"Valerie likes playing games with me? Well, I can play too.","175":"Oh my! Is Master taking me?","176":"I flash a grin at the camera as I pass.","177":"Hey! Where are you taking that? Put it down, she's mine!","178":"Haha! You little shit!","179":"Finders keepers.","180":"Don't worry, Val. I'll feed her and make sure she gets [i]plenty[\/i] of attention and exercise.","0":"My phone chirps. It's Valerie.","1":"I think about it for a moment, before finally answering.","2":"I want to play a game.","3":"I don't really have time for games at the moment.","4":"You'll want to play this one.","5":"With that, she hangs up. The cryptic message lingering in my mind. What does she mean by ''game''?","6":"My phone chirps again. This time, a text. An address.","7":"The smart move here would be to ignore her and just get back to work. But when I try, my curiosity begins to gnaw at me.","8":"Val was always good at pulling my strings. With a pang of self loathing, I growl and grab my phone and keys.","9":"I swear, this better not be a waste of my time..."},"may_2021.vne3":{"10":"As soon as I cut the corner to the living room, the mood instantly shifted.","11":"I was no longer in any ordinary apartment. The lights were dimmed, and the room was illuminated by an assortment of red, scented candles at the entrance to the room.","12":"Assorted into the shape of a heart, no less. This confirmed the obvious.","13":"Well, well, well. Look who finally showed up~","14":"Sitting next to the table and playfully biting on her finger was Emily, wearing a sultry set of scarlet lingerie, her nails and lipstick colored to match.","15":"I figured since both of us seemed to be down on our luck this Valentine's Day, we ought to help each other out.","16":"Like I always say, I [i]do[\/i] still care about you.","17":"A brief doubt entered my mind - what if Emily was doing something she'd just end up regretting again like the last time we slept together?","18":"Come here, you. Mmmmmm...! So good to see you again...! Mmmmmm!","19":"But brief was all it was. As Emily's lips met mine, that thought went as quickly as it came.","20":"Mwah!","21":"Emily dropped to her knees and gave my cock a quick smooch.","22":"And I'm happy to see [i]this[\/i] too.","23":"It was moments like these that made it all so clear why we could never keep our hands off each other.","24":"You're happy to see me too, I can see.","25":"Isn't that right?","26":"No man in his right mind would turn a beauty like Emily away, especially when she was on her knees and looking up at him like that.","27":"I gave her sassy smile. I can see she's getting more aroused.","28":"Emily knows I can't reply to her, that's the charm of the game she's playing with me right now.","29":"Getting up, Emily strutted back to the table, pulling out a chair and motioning towards it.","30":"Come, take a seat. I've got a little present for you~","31":"Now, you just sit there and wait. I'll be [i]right[\/i] back with something nice.","32":"And with that, Emily disappeared into the apartment's kitchen to further whatever plans she had for me.","33":"I heard some clamoring around coming from the kitchen, but nothing that could actually clue me in to what she was doing.","34":"She didn't take long, and I soon heard her making her way back.","35":"When she returned, two things quickly caught my attention.","36":"She was holding a fancy food tray, covered by a lid, and judging by the smile on her face, I was going to like whatever was in it.","37":"Curious what I've got for you?","38":"More importantly, her panties were off.","39":"I'm sure you'll like it. I'd argue it's actually one of your favorites.","40":"The confidence in her stride had me inclined to agree.","41":"It's something you've eaten many times before, and quite enthusiastically I might add.","42":"Placing the tray down in front of me, Emily lifted the lid to reveal her panties - neatly folded ","43":"Me~","44":"You know [i]exactly[\/i] what part of me you'll be having first, but why don't you help me out of this corset before we get started?","45":"She didn't need to ask twice when making such a request. She lifted up her arms and I was quickly behind her, undoing all the buttons that kept her lingerie together.","46":"It took a considerable amount of discipline and self control not to just fuck her there and then.","47":"Once the corset was off, Emily twirled around, showing off her figure to me, making me even harder.","48":"So, do I look appetizing enough for you like this?","49":"Even now however, she insisted on being a tease, positioning her arms in such a way to cover her nipples.","50":"Figured I'd keep the gloves and the stockings on, it's the kind of thing guys like, right?","51":"I nodded eagerly.","52":"Well then, let's start your meal in that case.","53":"With a devious smile on her face, Emily put the food tray with her panties aside and climbed onto the table in front of me.","54":"Bon appetit, {PlayerName}!","55":"I wasted no time going down on her, and she quickly wrapped her legs around my head to hold onto me tighter as I did.","56":"Uuuuuuuuuuuuh! I missed this... so much...!","57":"The sudden spike of sensation had her throwing her head back in pleasure.","58":"Ahhhhh... get...! Right in there...! Haaaaah...!","59":"Her moans grew more needy as she laid back onto the table, surrendering herself to the waves of bliss sweeping through her body.","60":"Nnnnnnngh! Haaaah!","61":"The way her body was reacting to my relentless licking suggested she was being driven to orgasm before she wanted to be.","62":"Wait...! Ahhhhh...!","63":"Right as she was about to cum, she called for me to stop. Not wanting to ruin this moment for us, I pulled back as soon as she did.","64":"Waiting for her to tell me what she wanted, I could see her pussy quiver with anticipation as she caught her breath.","65":"Emily flipped herself over and got on all fours, raising up her ass and flaunting it at me.","66":"Do it with your finger now... I really missed that too...!","67":"Do it and I'll take care of your cock right after!","68":"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh... haaaaaaah...!","69":"I stuck a finger into her pussy, just as she asked, only to see it quickly swallowed up.","70":"Oooooooooh, fuck!","71":"I didn't need to see her to know exactly what kind of face she was making. It was one I had seen many times over the course of our previous relationship.","72":"Rolling her eyes, that sex-crazed hazy smile of hers, it was the devious side that lay beneath the calculated exterior of the posh and proper heiress.","73":"Once she was seemingly satisfied, I helped her off the table and onto the floor, where she would repay her favor.","74":"Before taking in my cock, however, Emily made my stained finger her first target.","75":"She knew exactly what the lewd sight of her sucking her own juices off it would do to me - give me a rock hard erection for her to play with.","76":"Mmmmmph! Mmmmmph... mmmmm...!","77":"Taking it into one of her hands, Emily began to suck me off with the kind of vigor one would expect from rekindled lovers.","78":"Her body was craving mine as much as mine craved hers, no matter how much we wanted to tell ourselves otherwise.","79":"And of course, Emily was not the type to let her own body's wants go unanswered either.","80":"The added stimulation of her fingers excited her, making her suck my dick with even more passion than before.","81":"After a sufficiently sloppy blowjob, Emily's lips popped off the tip of my cock and she looked up at me with a smile.","82":"So, how's this for some Valentine's Day excitement? Bet it doesn't get any better than this.","83":"It was indeed much better than anything I had imagined I'd be doing today, but I had [i]one[\/i] little idea on how I could make it even better.","84":"Huh?!","85":"Emily was caught off guard as I pulled her up to her feet. It's not every day you get to fuck in a fancy apartment, and I intended to make full use of it.","86":"H-Hey!","87":"Emily cried out as I flung her over my shoulder and started carrying her to the bedroom. Deep down, she also seemed to like being handled like this.","88":"When we arrived in the bedroom, Emily jumped off my back and landed on the bed with a feline grace, before turning around and sprawling herself out.","89":"Mmmmm, seems like you found a pretty creative way to transition over to the bed without spoiling the mood.","90":"I can also see that getting all assertive like that has you pretty excited. Works for me~","91":"Her eyes remained firmly glued on my cock.","92":"Come here and let me finish what I started.","93":"I laid back onto the bad and let Emily do her thing, her tongue quickly getting to work on the tip.","94":"I helped myself to a handful of her ass while she continued to go lower and lower onto my cock.","95":"The lust and anticipation were building up rapidly, and we were both horny beyond belief.","96":"Eventually she climbed on top of me so I could eat her out while she sucked me off.","97":"Mmmmph... mmmph...","98":"But as we continued, I could tell by the sound of her muffled grunts that she was getting impatient.","99":"When the lust in her loins was too much to bear, ","100":"Mmmmm... hurry up...! Haaaaaah...! It's been too long since the two of us fucked properly...","101":"Her pussy spoke to my cock with the same eagerness her words did, as I rubbed up against her entrance.","102":"It was only natural to want to be a bit of a tease back to her, now that I had the upper hand.","103":"Uaaaaaaaaaaah!","104":"But I could only hold myself back for so long with that wet, twitching entrance enticing me forward.","105":"Emily straddled my hips and bounced on my cock, giving me everything she had in that moment.","106":"Every time I do this... I say it'll be the last time but... haaaaah...! I find myself here again...! And again...!","107":"It's a... haaaaah... a really bad habit...! But I can't help myself!","108":"The confession spurred even more life into her movements, as if admitting it in the throes of passion finally freed her to unleash her desire.","109":"I want you... {PlayerName}! Whenever I get horny like this...! Haaah! I want you so fucking bad!","110":"Hearing her, seeing the look on her face and just how much she meant it, it brought me dangerously close to cumming, something that did not go unnoticed.","111":"Don't...! Don't cum yet...! Haaaaah! I still want... more...!","112":"Demanding as always, and wanting nothing less than the best, Emily wanted to drag this out for as long as possible.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","113":"I shared her view on the matter, but her body was making it harder and harder to resist.","1":"As the elevator chugged upwards to the floor where Emily's apartment was located, I reflected upon my situation.","114":"Haaaaaah...! Don't...! Cum... yet...! Ahhhhh!","2":"The two of us really seemed to find it impossible to be apart for any extended period of time - drawn back to each other like moths to a flame.","115":"The temptation to finish was only exacerbated by the pose she took next.","3":"When it came to these kinds of texts, they could only really mean one thing.","116":"Nnnngh! I can feel it...! You're gonna do it...! I know exactly what happens when your cock throbs like that...! Haaaaah!","4":"Your ex doesn't invite you over on Valentine's day just to hang out.","117":"Throwing her head back, bending her body like that to display her breasts in such an erotic manner.","5":"The door was indeed left open. I walked inside, taking a peek around me. No one.","118":"If you can't hold back...! Do it with me! Ahhhhhhh! Let's... let's cum together!","6":"Emily?","119":"It was more than us just fucking. Right now, Emily was completely raw - unrestrained and uninhibited, mating like Venus in her wildest revels.","7":"I called out to her using the phone, but no response. The house was dead quiet, likely part of some cheeky scheme of hers.","120":"Knowing her body as well as she knew mine, we both let go at the right moment, and let our primal lust do the rest.","8":"Knowing what kind of girl Emily was, I knew now was not the time to ask questions. Now was the time to just play along.","121":"Huaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~!","9":"Shutting the door behind me, I entered the house and stripped out of my clothes, just as she asked in the text.","122":"Emily's pussy tightened around my length, twitching and convulsing as my own orgasm came over me, leading us both to cum together.","123":"The two of us continued going at it, with me depositing load after load into her pussy with each thrust. It was the passion that was absent in my life for so long now.","124":"Nnnnnnnghaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Haaaaaaaaaaah...","125":"By the time we were both done cumming, I hoped for her sake more than anything that the walls were soundproof, or that the neighbouring apartments were vacant.","126":"I gave her nipple a final playful bite, before looking up at her.","127":"So, wanna see the mess you've left inside me?","128":"I nodded, enjoying the sight of seeing her smiling like that. It really took me back to the good old days.","129":"Ahhhh... haaaaah...","130":"It was only when she made to move that Emily realized her legs were a little more sore than she had anticipated.","131":"Needless to say, I helped support her by offsetting some of the weight with my hands, letting her slide off me with more ease.","132":"Always the gentleman, huh? I guess that much hasn't changed...","133":"As soon as she lifted herself up, the thick, creamy loads inside her started to slowly ooze out.","134":"When she was off me, Emily threw up her legs and spread her ass cheeks with her hand, this raunchy display serving as the final, sweet note our session would end on.","135":"Good thing I'm on the pill, huh? I think that much cum would get any woman pregnant.","136":"She motioned to the open space next to her on the bed with her head.","137":"Now come, lie with me. I'm sure we're both tired after that kind of passionate sex. We could still use each other.","138":"I supposed it would be too much to expect from someone as proud as her to admit she wanted to cuddle.","139":"As the two of us lay back onto the bed together, I reflect on everything that happened.","140":"Where our relationship would go from there, how the two of us would continue to interact with one another after this...","141":"All of that remained to be seen. For now, I was glad I wasn't being rushed out the door.","142":"More than that, I was glad I got to spend Valentine's Day with her again. Especially when it meant spending it like that."},"may_2022.vne3":{"10":"Sure, why not?","11":"I don't know, I like, wouldn't want to impose on you or anything.","12":"Her cheeks flush and she looks away for a moment.","13":"I can't promise the coffee will be as good, but you wouldn't be imposing.","14":"Still rosy faced, she gives me a shy little smile.","15":"Well, alright, if it ain't gonna put you out.","16":"Not a bit. Plus, I think you've really been improving your ability to talk with people. I don't want to let one blown water heater hamper that momentum.","17":"You think so? Aw, thanks, {PlayerName}.","18":"I didn't want to say anything... but I actually was able to exchange pleasantries with that sweet little old lady at the pet store.","19":"Maggie beams with a big grin. I smile back, and we head off to my apartment.","20":"I open the door and gesture for Maggie to enter. She walks in, her head pivoting around, still a little timid and unsure that she's not being a burden.","21":"Well, ain't this the cutest little place... not saying I think your place is little or anything.","22":"As she's looking around, I poke my head into {YouCallHer}'s room to see if she's home.","23":"You sure your {sheIsYour} won't mind me being over and all? I don't want to be a bother.","24":"{YouCallHer}? I think she's in class, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind.","25":"Can I get you anything to drink? Coffee? Water?","26":"Just a water, please and thank you.","27":"I grab a glass from the kitchen and head over to the couch. Maggie's taken off her long sleeve shirt, and seeing her bare shoulders and the way her tank top hugs her curves, starts my blood racing a bit.","28":"I shake my head clear of the distracting thoughts, and sit down next to her.","29":"Now, let's see, where shall we begin...","30":"...Oh! I know. I been read'n some of the international stories, and I'd like to chat about that for a bit, if we could?","31":"International news? Who are you? And what have you done with the [i]real[\/i] Maggie!","32":"She giggles.","33":"Aw, don't be a tease! Seems like people enjoy chat'n about international affairs and such.","34":"Frankly, I ain't ever paid it much attention until recently, but I am find'n it interesting. Do you like to talk about stuff going on overseas?","35":"Sure. International news is great. Where would you like to start?","36":"Okay, did you hear about that Italian government official who got caught have'n a romp in the barn with those two blonde, Swedish skiers!","37":"I mean, I don't know if they were literally in a barn, just a figure of speech and all.","38":"What's got me all turned around is that they said they got caught ''doing it'' at the Eiffel Tower.","39":" But the article was say'n they were at some villa in Italy. Ain't the Eiffel Tower supposed to be in Paris, France?","40":"Wait. Did they say they got caught [i]at[\/i] the Eiffel Tower, or [i]doing[\/i] the Eiffel Tower?","41":"Now that you mention it, I think they did say they were [i]doing[\/i] the Eiffel Tower. Which I thought was funny. What do you think that means?","42":"I grin. Oh, poor, sweet, innocent Maggie.","43":"The ''Eiffel Tower'' is a sex position.","44":"Her big, pretty, gray eyes shoot open.","45":"Oh my lord. Like, the position people are in when they're... ya know...","46":"I nod.","47":"Goodness! Heck, I'm embarrassed to say my knowledge on such subjects is a little slim!","48":"She leans in to whisper, as if someone else in this empty apartment might hear her.","49":"The only one I know the name of is ''Missionary''. They all got different names?","50":"...and what the Sam Hell is the [i]Eiffel Tower[\/i]?","51":"You really wanna know?","52":"Maggie blushes, but she gives an eager nod.","53":"So... the [i]Eiffel Tower[\/i] is when a woman, the base, gets on all fours, with one person entering her from behind, and another partner getting oral sex performed on them by the base, and the two outside partners put their hands together above her.","54":"Maggie's eyes shoot open again, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink, and she giggles.","55":"And they call it an [i]Eiffel Tower[\/i] cause of the...","56":"Yep.","57":"Oh lord! I wouldn't have thought up something like that in a million years!","58":"Do you... um... know the names of any other ones?","59":"I mean, I'm not an expert, but I know a few.","60":"Now [i]I'm[\/i] feeling a little flush, but Maggie inches in a little closer, eager to hear this ''forbidden knowledge''.","61":"Okay, well... there's the 69, that's where both partners perform oral on each other at the same time.","62":" There's Cowgirl, where the girl gets on top and rides the guy.","63":"Cowgirl, huh? Well I do know how to ride a horse!","64":"...Um... are there more?","65":"Oh yeah, there's Doggy Style, Pronebone, Butterfly...","66":"I'm interrupted from my train of thought as I feel Maggie's hand slide up onto my thigh.","67":"I can't help but keep my eyes from drifting to her large, perky breasts. Her nipples are visibly erect and pressing through the soft fabric of her top.","68":"My pulse starts to race, as I see her cheeks flush a healthy pink with arousal, and she looks at me with more than just a shy curiosity.","69":"I lean in slowly, and she mirrors my moves.","70":"Her scent causes my heart to pound even faster, it feels like it's about to burst out of my ribs.","71":"I lean in the last little bit, and she closes the gap. Our eyes close as we kiss.","72":"Our kiss is slow and tender at first. Her large breasts softly graze my chest, sending a surge of blood to my cock.","73":"As Maggie grows more comfortable and confident, she presses herself up against me. I recline back, letting her climb up on top, my hands starting to explore her magnificent thighs and ample backside.","74":"Her grinding starts to pick up, growing more heated and excited with each passing second.","75":"Then, she suddenly stops, looking down at me.","76":"I can practically feel the warmth from her soft pink cheeks, as she searches around for the words to ask me what she wants, until in a hushed, but eager whisper...","77":"Do you... um... do you think you could [i]show[\/i] me what some of those positions are?","78":"This conversation practice is about to get a lot more intimate, and I'm not stopping her.","79":"I nod.","80":"Getting up, I lead her to my bedroom.","81":"My heart is racing a mile a minute now, the curvy, curious little redhead eagerly following behind me.","82":"I can practically feel Maggie's cocktail of nervous, but excited energy.","83":"I-I-If you don't want to, you don't have too... I don't want to make you feel like you have to educate some dumb little hick girl on how to...","84":"As we get into my room though, I allow myself a little forwardness, and show Maggie how I'm not just willing, but [i]very[\/i] eager to explore with her.","85":"She can barely get out an adorable little moan, as I grab her from behind, nuzzling at her slender neck as I pull her into me.","86":"Feeling my arousal, she presses her ass into my crotch, grinding slowly.","87":"God her breasts are fucking amazing. I constantly have to restrain myself from just ravaging her, as my hands start to explore her large, soft melons.","88":"Maggie knows what I want though, and presses her chest out for me, her breath quickening as I start to peel off her top.","89":"Her milky mounds jiggle free from the flimsy garment and I toss it aside, her eager pink nipples standing proudly like the tops of two peaks.","90":"I could just play with these big jugs of hers all day, but I don't want to neglect the subject of today's lesson.","91":"I release her to start stripping off my own clothes, and she does the same.","92":"My eyes stay glued to her as she shimmies out of those skinny jeans, which seem almost painted on her curvy legs.","93":"And suddenly, we're both completely nude, eyeing each other's body with hungry anticipation.","94":"So... um... the ''69'' you called it? That's the one where we both use our mouths on each other... at the same time?","95":"I nod, and lay back on the bed. Motioning for Maggie to join me.","96":"She follows, bashfully crawling up next to me.","97":"Thanks for being patient with me. I'm kinda new to all this.","98":"I give her a reassuring smile, letting her know that she can take as much time as she needs. It's a little adorable, seeing her work out the position and where she's supposed to go.","99":"Slowly, she slides up on top of me, facing my cock. I feel her slender fingers wrap around my shaft and gingerly start to work it. It responds instantly.","100":"Growing more confident from the response her touch has, her grip firms, and she starts to jerk me off.","101":"At the same time, she props her ass up, timidly backing her pussy up to my face.","102":"I feel her tense just a little as my hands slide up her ass cheeks and spread them, but she quickly relaxes.","103":"Her ass is warm and soft in my hands, and her tight little pussy is already glistening with her wetness.","104":"Leaning forward, I press my lips gently to her slit, feeling her shudder.","105":"She's still slightly cagey at my touch, but she's growing wetter and more comfortable by the second.","106":"God... that feels... good!","107":"She rests her hindquarters further back onto my face, as she continues stroking my dick.","108":"Settling in as I eat her out, she turns her attention back to my hard member.","109":"Studying it, and coaching herself in her breathy, lusty voice.","110":"I guess I'm supposed to...","111":"She doesn't finish her sentence, but I feel her leaning forward, her soft breath caressing the head of my cock.","112":"Slowly, carefully, her soft lips press against the head of my penis, enveloping it as she takes me in her mouth.","113":"In a way, I'm glad she's taking her time. The feeling of her lips slowly engulfing my cock is absolutely divine, and the sensation sends a shiver up my spine.","114":"If I didn't know better, I'd say she was trying to be a tease. But as she gets accustomed to the position, I feel her head start to bob up and down on my shaft.","115":"Maggie might be inexperienced, but she's a quick learner. Not that I'm making it easy for her to focus as I keep eating her out. Coaxing sweet, muffled little moans and whimpers from her while she tries to suck me off.","116":"After a couple of minutes, we've both synced into a rhythm. Our bodies acting in harmony as we both go down on each other.","117":"It's partly each of us trying to pleasure one another, but it starts to feel like a contest too. Who can drive the other to the point that they'll break.","118":"In fact, I swear I must have awoken some deep seeded, competitive side of Maggie. After each shudder and moan I incite from her, I feel her rebound and start to suck my cock more feverishly.","119":"I think I win, finally, feeling her mouth slide off my cock and hear her moan loudly and giggle, dismounting me and spinning around.","120":"Heavens to Betsy! You'll make a girl cross eyed if I let you keep going on like that!","121":"That was fun though!... Did I... do good too?","122":"I nod enthusiastically.","123":"Really? I don't have, like... a lot of practice.","124":"So... can we try that one position where I, like... ride you? Cowgirl?","125":"Leaning back, I gesture for her to hop on.","126":"With her typical timid, but curious manner, Maggie slowly climbs back on me, and lowers herself onto my stiff, erect cock.","127":"She moans as the head presses to her slit, slowly stretching her open and penetrating her. Her healthy, plump young breasts jiggling each time she shudders in pleasure.","128":"Lord... you're so big! I dunno if I can take all of it!","129":"Slowly, she slides down around my shaft, inch after inch of my cock spearing her tight, wet pussy. The deeper I go inside her, the more the warmth of her womanhood spreads through me, like a drug creeping through in my veins.","130":"God damn she feels so good. But I resist the urge to grab her around that slender waist and start pulling her down around my cock, instead letting her ride me at her own pace.","131":"Her shuddering and gyrations grow stronger and more animated the deeper I get. Despite her concerns, her tight pussy stretches to accommodate my girth.","132":"Ohhh... {PlayerName}, you feel so good!","133":"I can feel Maggie's timidness melting away while her arousal grows, now starting to slide up and down on my rod.","134":"She lets go of the last of reservations, giving herself up to the pleasure.","135":"It's satisfying to see her make progress in becoming comfortable with her sexuality, watching her abandon anxiety and feverishly riding my cock.","136":"Panting heavily, she stops to catch her breath and looks down at me with a silly grin.","137":"Oh lord! Sorry! I kinda got carried away there for a second?","138":"I gesture that it's a good thing.","139":"You uh... think we can try another position. Like Doggy Style?","140":"Nodding, I climb onto my knees, guiding her onto all fours, and positioning myself to enter her from behind.","141":"Oh! Okay, I see what they call it this now.","142":"She wiggles her ass at me as she backs up. Her tit's swaying gently from her chest while she waits for me to penetrate her again.","143":"I grab a handful of her round cheek and admire her ample, hour-glass figure. Then press my cock to her wet pussy, easily slipping back into her.","144":"I start off slow to make sure she's comfortable with the new position, taking her by the hips and gently thrusting. But before too long she's moaning louder, bouncing her ass back into me harder and harder.","145":"I take the cue she's ready to speed up, and gripping her tighter, start to put more power and velocity in each thrust, feeding her moans.","146":"Soon, I too start to lose myself in the sex, being driven mad by the sight of her naked body and her sensual whimpers and gasps.","147":"I reach down and wrap my hands around her large, round breasts, pulling her in tightly, as she sits back on my cock.","148":"Mmmm, I love feeling you close like this.","149":"If you wanna, I'd like you to go harder.","150":"Happy to oblige, I grab hold of her arms, and start to lay into her, penetrating deeper, feeling her round, soft ass cheeks slap against my pelvis.","151":"Yes! Fuck me harder!","152":"I fall deeper into this cloud of lust, and release her, pressing her down into the bed.","153":"Maggie responds submissively, arching her back more and pushing her ass up for me.","154":"I move to mount her again, adjusting my footing while she looks up curiously.","155":"I guess... this is the Pronebone position?","156":"Maggie surrenders herself to me as I crawl on top of her, and she moans deeply when my cock re-enters her tight, waiting pussy.","157":"Her soft cheeks press against my pelvis. The thrusts grow deeper and longer, the familiar, anxious pressure building up in my loins, signaling I'm reaching completion.","158":"Climax comes quickly. Jaw setting, muscles tensing, there's no stopping it now.","159":"She feels it too, looking back up towards me with those big, hungry eyes.","160":"Cum inside her.","161":"Cum on her back.","162":"I'm too hungry for her to try and communicate, responding only by starting to thrust harder, putting my full weight into her.","163":"Oh, {PlayerName}! You're so deep!","164":"Maggie's ass feels amazing, taking her from behind, and I love the feeling of her under me.","165":"I think I'm starting to hit her hard in the G-spot, as her lustful moans and squeals take on a different tone.","166":"Jesus! Oh this feels so fucking good! Keep going!!","167":"Unable to hold back any longer, I thrust forward one final time, and unload a massive blast of cum deep inside of Maggie's tight pussy!","168":"Maggie squeals when she feels my load explode inside her, tensing up and moaning while I finish climaxing!","169":"I continue to press deep into her, until the last few deposits of my seed squirt into her eager snatch. Only when the last drop has been spent, do I finally relax, panting and leaning over her.","170":"Finally, I start to unsheath my softening member from her swollen slit. A thick wad of my cum dribbles from her pussy as I pull my cock out.","171":"Lord, {PlayerName}! It was so much!","172":"Hitting the tipping point, I lay into Maggie with a final round of thrusts. Feeling her firm, soft ass slap against my crotch.","173":"Jesus, that feels so good!","174":"Just as I'm about to finish, I slide out of Maggie's tight, wet gash, and slide my cock up between her cheeks!","175":"Thrusting forward one last time between her round, pert buns, and blasting my load all over her small back.","176":"Maggie bucks and squeals, feeling the lassos of cum whip at her back, but I hold her in place until the last lazy rope dribbles out onto her creamy skin!","177":"Mmmm, lord, {PlayerName}! I love how your seed feels all over me!","178":"I take a moment just to catch my breath, and enjoy that satisfaction of seeing my semen all over Maggie.","179":"Climbing off of the little, cooing redhead, I walk over to my closet to grab her a towel.","180":"I stretch a bit while she cleans up. As she finishes, she tosses the towel into my hamper, then looks over to me with a coy, satisfied smile.","181":"That was a fun lesson, {PlayerName}. I'm really learning a lot!","182":"I suppose there are other kinds a sex positions other than those?","183":"I grab my phone to respond.","184":"Yes, there are a ton of different ones.","185":"Well... maybe during our next ''lesson'', we could try out some other ones.","186":"I think I'd like that a lot.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"...and anyway, there I was, knee deep in horse manure, still trying to find my boot, when...","2":"...Aw, if that ain't a pig's keester!","3":"I look up at the coffee shop door to see the sign. Closed for the day due to a broken hot water heater.","4":"This had become our usual spot to practice Maggie's ''conversing skills'', and this sudden closure throws a wrench in our usual routine.","5":"Well, shucks, now what?","6":"We'd gotten so comfortable at Lidia's, it seemed almost wrong to practice anywhere else. But it was just a space, it would seem silly to let this keep us from our lesson.","7":"It's no big deal, why don't we head over and practice at my place? It's just a couple blocks from here.","8":"Maggie swings her head at me and flashes an incredulous look, like I suggested we have our practice session on the moon.","9":"Your apartment? Where you, like, live and everything?"},"may_2023.vne3":{"10":"Alright, fine. I've never seen a guy's penis in real life.","11":"Seriously?","12":"Like, oh my god, Maggie! Did you think I'm some kind of slut?","13":"You caught me, Mags. Since we turned eighteen, I've seen [i]thousands[\/i] of boners.","14":"I dunno. Just... you always talk about sex so much, I thought you might of seen one is all.","15":"Haley felt her face grow warmer. Maggie calling her out was too much to go unanswered in this slumber party competition.","16":"Fine, have [i]you[\/i] ever seen a penis?","17":"What? No! I mean, not aside from animal johnsons around the farm.","18":"I knew it! I bet you haven't even kissed a boy before.","19":"Haley starts to feel a little bad once she sees Maggie turn away, looking embarrassed.","20":"But she suddenly gets an idea. She thinks it's crazy at first, but they're bored, and since it seems like Maggie has never been kissed...","21":"Okay, my turn. Truth or dare.","22":"Um... dare, I guess.","23":"I dare you to kiss me.","24":"Kiss... you?","25":"Sure. Come on.","26":"Think of it as practice.","27":"Uh... okay. Yeah, I guess that makes sense.","28":"Haley gets up, crawling over to her friend. Her breasts swaying from her petite chest.","29":"She notices Maggie's eye lingering on her plump melons as they swing playfully, almost falling out of her top. The redhead's cheeks begin to blush.","30":"She doesn't know why, but her heart starts to race. She never realized the prospect of kissing her best friend would make her so... excited.","31":"So... how do I do it?","32":"I don't know, I think you just... do it, you know? It like, comes naturally. Just... don't think about it too much.","33":"Okay... just don't think about it...","34":"Haley waits as Maggie scoots forward, closing the distance. She's clearly nervous, but Haley feels the same excited energy coming through her heavy breaths.","35":"When Maggie's lips finally meet her's, Haley feels her insides just melt. Is this really just a harmless, playful kiss between girls?","36":"The two finally pull away from one another and freeze, staring into each other's eyes.","37":"How was it?","38":"It was... good.","39":"Maggie swallows anxiously, wetting her lips, eyes flickering down to Haley's mouth.","40":"Do you... do you wanna try it again?","41":"Haley can't say where the urge came from. She never had more than a passing attraction to other girls. But for some reason, kissing Maggie seemed to awaken something in her.","42":"Sensing Maggie is as eager as she is, she leans back in, and they kiss again. But deeper than the first, pressing their lips firmling together, and flirting with tongue.","43":"There's no pulling away this time. Haley can tell that Maggie is in as deep as she is, and allows herself a soft moan, signaling the growing fire inside of her.","44":"Sensing this episode of exploration is becoming more than an innocent kiss, Haley gentle pushes Maggie onto the floor of the rafter.","45":"The submissive redhead concedes ground to her, lying back, as they take in each other's intoxicating warmth.","46":"Testing her boundaries, Haley lets her hands begin to map Maggies's body. Feeling her supple breast and stomach through those overalls.","47":"Her heart begins to race even faster when she probes her friend's mound with her fingers, and feels her open her legs to accept the caress. The heat coming off her vulva seems to burn right through the thick denim.","48":"Is this okay?","49":"Maggie nods, still nervous, but her growing arousal is unmistakable.","50":"Uh-huh.","51":"Hungry for more, she reaches back up to undo the buttons on those overalls. Maggie quickly begins to help.","52":"Haley, if my dad or brother catches us, my ass is grass!","53":"Well, we'll just have to be quiet, okay?","54":"She looks down to see her friend's pussy. It feels so surreal to her, but so natural at the same time.","55":"But Maggie spreads her legs again, showing herself fully to Haley. Clearly interested in exploring further.","56":"Feeling the need to slow down, Haley takes a breath. She wants to play some more, and she starts with Maggie's dainty, little feet.","57":"Haley had never been with anyone before, not like this. Confused and nervous, she just lets her instinct guide her, as she gently kisses Maggie's feet.","58":"Oh gosh, that tickles!","59":"Haley grins at Maggie's musical giggle. She always did love her laugh.","60":"Haley sucks on Maggie's toe some more. She notices the blue nail polish she had applied herself a few days earlier when Maggie was hanging out at her house after school.","61":"She starts to wonder if she might have a bit of a foot fetish.","62":"Maggie laughs and squirms some more. Haley is careful not to tease too much, lest she get accidentally kicked in the face.","63":"But as the auburn haired vixen grows more comfortable, those giggles begin to melt into soft coos.","64":"Haley starts to rile herself up, while she begins creeping towards Maggie's tight snatch.","65":"Maggie smiles bashfully, but opens her thighs, anticipating what's coming.","66":"She is as new to this as Haley is, but clearly is more than a little curious.","67":"She looks down to watch as her friend starts to carefully probe her womanhood.","68":"Haley had played with herself countless times. But this was someone else's pussy. Maggie's pussy.","69":"Gently, she pushes the tip of her finger inside that moist, quivering slit, coaxing a quiet gasp from Maggie's lips.","70":"Easing her finger slowly in and out, she looks up into those big gray eyes.","71":"How does that feel?","72":"I... I like it.","73":"Haley starts to play with her more, teasing at Maggie's moist gash.","74":"The wet, intimate sounds are like music to Haley's ears.","75":"While she penetrates with her finger, she lets her thumb begin to rub her clit.","76":"Maggie responds by moaning deeply. The stimulation causing her whole body to shudder.","77":"Lord, forgive me, that feels so good.","78":"Do you want me to stop?","79":"No, please keep going just a bit more.","80":"Her insides feel molton hot, and Haley can't ignore how wet she's getting while playing with Maggie's sopping slit.","81":"You have the cutest little pussy, you know that?","82":"Stop, you're just say'n that.","83":"I just want to...","84":"Haley doesn't even finish her sentence. Instead, she lets her tongue ride up between Maggie's lips.","85":"The touch sends a shiver up Maggie's spine, causing her to writhe on the rafter floor like a fish out of water.","86":"Haley, that feels so good!","87":"She seems to know just what to do, being similarly equipped.","88":"Soon, Haley has Maggie's brain melted, and her attempts at speech all come out as sensual moans and gasps.","89":"Haley can't help but feel a sense of deep satisfaction, sending Maggie into these fits of pleasure.","90":"Taking in her friend's taste, her tongue and chin grow slick with the girl's emissions.","91":"Let's get you out of the rest of these clothes.","92":"My clothes?","93":"That's better... Fuck, you have such amazing tits, Maggie.","94":"You think so? Floyd always teases me about them, he says I look like a cow.","95":"Screw your brother. He's a total creep.","96":"Haley undoes her own top and strips it off. The cool night air causes her nipples to stiffen instantly.","97":"Lord, Haley. I ain't nearly as beautiful as you are. Your body is just perfect as a peach.","98":"No, [i]your[\/i] body is perfect, Maggie.","99":"As Haley continues peeling her clothes off, she notices Maggie ogling her, drunk with arousal.","100":"She still isn't sure what this is. If it means that her and Maggie are lesbians, or just experimenting. She just knows she wants more.","101":"And your skin... and your eyes...","102":"Haley, you're gonna make me blush...","103":"Haley lays Maggie back down. Any timidness has long since evaporated. Burned off by the heat of passion.","104":"The warmth of Maggie's body, contrasted by the chilly barn air, is divine.","105":"The lock into another kiss, limbs wrapping around each other, desperate to pull closer together.","106":"Haley feels Maggie's hard nipples graze against her own. Each time they do, it's like a shock of electricity shoots up her spine.","107":"Not content with the feeling of their perky breasts pressing together, Maggie's hand travels back to grope at Haley's round ass.","108":"The country belle squeezes her friend's cheeks tightly, now causing Haley to let out a moan.","109":"The tender kissing gives way into sloppy frenching, with Maggie and Haley fully drinking one another in.","110":"Any and all higher brain function is gone now, displaced by maddening lust.","111":"Haley nuzzles her way down to suckle at Maggie's silky neck. Feeling her racing pulse as she does.","112":"I can't believe we're actually doing this! This is so crazy!","113":"But she doesn't respond to Maggie's exclamation, she's too hungry for more.","114":"Her graceful fingers trace their way down the redhead's stunning body. Resting at her slit, before she slides them back inside Maggie.","115":"Straddling the eighteen year old country beauty, Haley looks down at her, and then to her own flower.","116":"Do you think you could... use your mouth?","117":"Maggie nods, willing to try anything at this point.","118":"Haley carefully scoots up her friend, and lowers her slit to Maggie's face.","119":"Her hot breath on her snatch feels absolutely decadent.","120":"She moans and clutches Maggie's hair while she timidly prods at her gash with her tongue.","121":"While she's clearly never eaten out a woman before, Maggie's eagerness to please is palpable.","122":"Holy fuck... oh shit!... Maggie, you're so good at this!","123":"Spurred on by the words of encouragement, Maggie doubles her efforts. Growing more confident and comfortable.","124":"You're gonna make me cum if you keep going!","125":"Haley looks back at Maggie's crotch. She feels the need to reciprocate her affections.","126":"She lets her digit massage and toy with Maggie's pussy lips. Gliding along that track, teasing entry at any moment.","127":"Each second of play coaxes more moans of pleasure from the country rose.","128":"And after she's satisfied her need to be coy, Haley slides her finger into Maggie.","129":"The ginger lets out a squeal of ecstasy that vibrates right up into Haley's pussy.","130":"Maggie, fuck boys. We should just do this to each other all the time!","131":"Still busy eating her out, Maggie lets out a muffled giggle.","132":"Too raptured in pleasure to diddle Maggie any longer, Haley lets herself collapse forward. Her shaky arms barely catching her.","133":"Fuck! You're gonna make me a total lesbo!","134":"Maggie is too preoccupied to respond. Feverishly eating out Haley while she also rubs her own slit, desperate to finish.","135":"Haley wonders in the moment if Maggie has ever even reached orgasm. A feat Haley had only been able to do to herself a handful of times.","136":"Let's scissor!","137":"What do you mean, scissor?","138":"Here, I'll show you!","139":"Excited, Haley lift's Maggie's lithe leg and begins shuffling onwards her friend.","140":"Will it hurt?","141":"What? No way! I'm sure it'll feel great!","142":"They cross legs, and Maggie is quick to realize what scissoring is.","143":"A whimper of pleasure escapes her lips when their slits rub together.","144":"Her friend's face turns flush red, and her breathing becomes shallow and rapid.","145":"Haley, this feels... This ain't like anything I felt before!","146":"Hot, wet pussies writhing together, it all becomes too much for Maggie to hold back.","147":"She feels her hips bucking uncontrollably, rocked in the throes of climax.","148":"Haley! I'm gonna... I'm gonna...","149":"Maggie never finishes the sentence, as she erupts into a loud cry of orgasm.","150":"Haley watches and grins, while Maggie's body quivers and gyrates wildly. A look of shock and pleasure warping her face.","151":"She's certain now that Maggie Castle had never finished before tonight.","152":"The two friends collapse back onto the floor of the rafter, giggling.","153":"Haley! That was... amazing!","154":"Is that what it's like to...","155":"Uh-huh. Did you like it?","156":"Oh lord, yes! It was like Fourth of July fireworks was going off inside me!","157":"Mmm, good. So, truth or dare?","158":"Dare.","159":"I dare you to make [i]me[\/i] cum!","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"Truth.","2":"Haley looks at Maggie and grins. Maggie always liked her weird, redneck dares. Like licking a cowpie, jumping off the rafters into a hay bale, or eating a raw egg right out of the hen house.","3":"Aww, truth is boring.","4":"Truth is the best. And you always dare me to do something gross, like eat cow poop.","5":"I never said [i]eat[\/i] it. You just had to lick it.","6":"Alright, alright. Fine. Truth. Have you ever... seen a penis. Like, a [i]guy's[\/i] penis.","7":"Oh lord, Maggie. You can barely even say it.","8":"I'm sorry. I've just never seen one before. I mean, not in real life or anything.","9":"Haley felt her cheeks turn red. Either answer seems like it would be embarrassing."},"may_2024.vne3":{"10":"You're going to think I'm terrible. But, I think I could have more titillating engagement from a roomba than Ken sometimes.","11":"He does seem to be a little on the simple side.","12":"Sometimes I wonder...","13":"I'm being rude, though. How are you? What brings you out to the bar on a Tuesday?","14":"Same as you. Getting away from the drama.","15":"Well, I suppose we should drink to that then, yes?","16":"Iris orders a cocktail and we toast to our mutual retreat into alcohol.","17":"Despite being a little stuffy and stuck up, Iris slowly begins to relax. And we talk for some time about nothing in particular.","18":"I even lose track of the hour. And before long, it's getting late.","19":"Goodness, look at the time. I need to be getting home!","20":"Yeah, I suppose someone needs to let Ken out before he goes to the bathroom on the floor.","21":"Iris giggles, covering her mouth to hide her humor.","22":"Oh, that's terrible. I shouldn't laugh.","23":"She beams at me for a moment. Then pauses, clearly thinking something through.","24":"This might seem a bit maddening, given how awkward the last meal was, but would you like to come to dinner at our townhouse tomorrow evening?","25":"With your family?","26":"If you don't find it too disagreeable. I know there was some friction between you and father, but I believe he relished your conversations.","27":"And I would love to have someone else there. It can just be... difficult sometimes... talking with just Ken or father.","28":"Okay, sure.","29":"I can't say why I agreed. The only reason I had dinner the last time was because I needed information. I'd hardly call it a pleasant evening.","30":"Maybe it's the alcohol, or the surprisingly good conversation.","31":"Or just because of Iris's stellar ass and of how much I'm imagining bending her over the bar right now.","32":"Really? You will?","33":"Sure. It'll be memorable, if nothing else.","34":"Iris blushes.","35":"I appreciate it. We'll dine at 6.","36":"I'll see you then, {PlayerName}.","37":"With that, Iris pays her tab, and saunters out. I watch her impressive hips swaying side to side when she leaves.","38":"Feeling deja vu, the next evening I find myself walking into the dining room, feeling more like I'm walking into a lion's den.","39":"The reason for my adventure spots me being shown in by the butler. Iris sits up straighter and pushes her chest out when I enter.","40":"Ah, {PlayerName}! You made it!","41":"Oh, hey! It's that guy! What's up, guy!","42":"{PlayerName}. Welcome again. Please, have a seat.","43":"Arthur is cold, but cordial. ","44":"Thank you again for having me for dinner.","45":"Of course.","46":"I can't say that our conversations during your last visit weren't at least stimulating.","47":"Regular dialogue at the table can be sometimes... ","48":"... Let's say [i]lacking[\/i], given current parties.","49":"Huh?","50":"Did you say something, dad?","51":"Arthur rolls his eyes.","52":"Case in point.","53":"Father, please. Must we do this whenever we have guests!","54":"I know he's not the strongest on the uptake, but he is my fiance.","55":"The only thing strong on that boy is his jawline...","56":"... And, Christ, that isn't even real.","57":"It's so nice, right? And my cheekbones!","58":"They were a sweet-sixteen present from my dad!... Not my girlfriend's dad, though. My actual dad!","59":"Money that would have been better spent on military school if you asked me.","60":"Let's... change the subject.","61":"So, {PlayerName}, did you play any sports growing up? Father had us all on the swimming and diving teams.","62":"I can't say I played a lot of sports. I was in some soccer rec leagues, but mostly I was into student government.","63":"Sports are good for a man. It breeds competitiveness and drive.","64":"Though it seems as if you found that in your other pursuits.","65":"I was captain of my Alma mater's water polo team, myself.","66":"An excellent crucible for a young man. Put him in a competitive environment then take away the oxygen.","67":"You'll see soon enough... rises to the top... sink... ","68":"I'm trying, drearily, to pay attention to Arthur's droning when I think I feel something gently caressing my foot.","69":"I glance over at Iris, but she doesn't appear to be paying attention.","70":"... desperation betrays all faults, you see... the ultimate arbiter of a man...","71":"... at the very least, we can say that Ken here is at least rugged. I watched him plummet thirty feet over a railing in Martha's Vineyard, and he appeared totally unphased.","72":"I like sports!","73":"Well... I can only say so because he's always been like this.","74":"At least he stayed in lacrosse all four years through college.","75":"It's more than I can say for my daughters. They couldn't quite muster the discipline to stay with the swim and diving teams.","76":"I'm sorry, father. With so much to do, Emily and I just got...","77":"... distracted.","78":"My spine stiffens, among other things, when I feel the gentle pressure of what can only be Iris's foot, playfully exploring my crotch.","79":"... That or Ken has some freakishly long legs and things just got [i]really[\/i] uncomfortable.","80":"I can't help my eyes from snapping to Iris's. For a moment, it's like I'm looking at not just a different person, but a different animal.","81":"There is a flash of some raw, lustful hunger in her eyes that is so out of character for her it's almost disturbing... If it didn't send a wild thrill through my core.","82":"Father, why don't I take our guest on a little tour of the house?","83":"I don't think he's seen your collection of later 17th century pieces.","84":"Now? I believe dinner is going to be served in short order...","85":"... Though... Are you an appreciator of the arts, {PlayerName}?","86":"Iris is already getting to her feet, and I feel as though I am more of a prop in this conversation than a participant.","87":"I believe Emily mentioned him being an appreciator of the human form and movement, isn't that right, {PlayerName}?","88":"I'm still struggling for something to type into my phone, but I'm already being guided out of my chair by Iris.","89":"If that's the case, be sure to show him my Cellini's.","90":"Iris leads me out of the dining room and into another section of the townhouse.","91":"I want to thank you again for agreeing to come by for dinner. I know my father can be a little... oppressive, at times.","92":"I don't even realize Iris leads me into her bedroom. I'm busy typing a response on my phone to tell her not to worry about it, but before I can finish she wheels around and presses herself up against me.","93":"The truth is I didn't bring you out here to show you my father's art collection.","94":"The temperature in the room begins to skyrocket.","95":"In fact... there is something [i]else[\/i] I want to show you.","96":"The auburn haired woman presses herself tightly to me.","97":"There can't be any missing the bulge she begins gently rubbing herself against.","98":"The curvy debutante gently kisses me, while her hand slides down my chest, and begins encouraging my excitement.","99":"This is all moving so quickly, but I'm not exactly hesitant.","100":"Letting go of my inhibitions, I reach down and help myself to a handful of one of those juicy cheeks she's been teasing through those criminally tight pants.","101":"There's little worry about gauging Iris's intent, as she wastes no time tugging down my own trousers.","102":"I don't even entertain caution, pulling her in tight and nuzzling that long, delicate neck.","103":"God, I was always so jealous of Emily. She used to brag about what a big cock you had!","104":"Her eyes glimmering at the sight of my member, Iris lowers herself to her knees, stroking my serpent fiercely.","105":"Mmm, I'm very happy to see she wasn't exaggerating...","106":"Iris's pouty lips and slick tongue begin to acquaint themselves with my throbbing shaft.","107":"She moans as she explores it, and tests its taste.","108":"She wraps her mouth around it and begins to suck. I suddenly forget any and all reservations I had about coming to dinner.","109":"It's proving to be quite worth the trip.","110":"Moaning softly, Iris lets more of my length slide into her mouth, and down the back of her throat.","111":"Hugging the girth with her tongue while it slides in and out.","112":"While Iris diligently sucks my dick, I take a moment and admire her generous and magnificent curves.","113":"Iris has a [i]thickness[\/i] and curvaceousness that her more lithe, but still stunning, younger sister lacked. ","114":"Those tight little buns she has her hair in are too much of a tease.","115":"Growing more confident, I use them as handlebars, and begin setting the tempo and pace.","116":"This show of dominance seems to only excite the curvy vixen even more. Her muffled moans growing more desperate and hungry.","117":"Her dainty fingers find and begin to caress my sack while I work her mouth.","118":"Iris slows for a moment to look up at me with those smokey, lustful eyes.","119":"Suckling the tip of my spear as she does, causing my legs to go weak.","120":"Fuck, I've dreamed about having your cock in my mouth so many times!","121":"It seems Iris and I have some shared interests. I've dreamed about having my cock in her mouth.","122":"She lets out a girlish giggle, when I begin to peel those pants down that big, round, juicy ass of hers.","123":"Watching in incredible satisfaction when those plump vanilla cheeks billow out of their constraining garment. Soft and supple as pure heaven.","124":"We should be quick. Father can only stand to be alone with Ken for so long.","125":"Do you want me from behind?","126":"Only more than anything in the world.","127":"My dick homes in on her like a heat seeking missile. I don't think an armored truck filled with money flipping over and bursting open in the streets could tear me away from this ass.","128":"Grabbing hold of her fat trunk, I push myself inside of her.","129":"Her tight slit offers just enough playful resistance to make it all the more amazing when I finally penetrate.","130":"Shit! Oh my god! Oh! You're so big!","131":"Iris's shivers of pleasure are so intense they cause the meat of her ass to jiggle seductively, and it only makes me harder.","132":"Growing unsteady in her ''fuck-me'' six-inch stilettos, Iris shuffles around on legs, weak with arousal.","133":"That said. I'd be bummed out if she took them off.","134":"After we both find our footing, I begin to drive my hips into her.","135":"The room is soon filled with the sound of flesh slapping together, and Iris's desperate moans.","136":"Oh, god! Yes! Pound me! Ravage me!","137":"I watch, spellbound, as her big butt bounces and jiggles in hypnotic rhythm.","138":"The sight and sensation can only be described as maddening euphoria.","139":"Each thrust of my hips and each succulent clap of her cheeks fuels a frightening urge to fill her with my seed and impregnate her.","140":"Hungry for more, I hook my arm under her shapely leg and shift positions.","141":"Yes! Harder-harder-harder-harder!","142":"I should probably be more concerned with the amount of noise we're making, and Arthur hearing what I'm doing to another one of his darling daughters.","143":"But that pussy is so fine I don't think even being caught would stop me.","144":"Iris twists around, eyes drunk with sex.","145":"Take me to the bed!","146":"Keeping the curvy redhead pegged on my cock, I lift her into the air and walk her across the room.","147":"It's strange, having now had both her and Emily, and noticing she shares many of the same coos and yelps as her little sister when she's being fucked.","148":"Sitting back down on the bed, my pole sinks further up inside of Iris.","149":"Plunging to new depths causes her to seize up in a surge of pleasure.","150":"Shuddering and crying out softly, she pulls herself in tight to my lips, sinking the rest of her vocalizations into our kiss.","151":"Fully buried inside her, she gyrates her hips around, coaxing more action from me.","152":"The blissful inferno between us could likely start a forest fire.","153":"{PlayerName}, you make me so wet!","154":"With our forms now slick with sweat, Iris glides up and down my torso. Impaling herself over and over again on my manhood.","155":"Seeming unable to control herself, I begin to suspect that Ken doesn't exactly go far in satisfying her needs.","156":"I almost feel bad about spearing his fiance while he's just downstairs. I can't say he [i]deserves[\/i] it...","157":"... But he should have done a better job at seeing to his woman's hungers.","158":"Oh-god-oh-god-oh-god...!","159":"Watching Iris vigorously ride my pole, her healthy breasts bouncing up and down, I reach up and grab one of her beckoning, ripened melons. Savoring the soft, pliant flesh squishing submissively between my fingers.","160":"Mmm, lord, you're going to make me cum!","161":"The repressed wild cat fights through repeated spasms of ecstasy. The otherwise timid and subdued blue-blooded princess coming to life as she rides me.","162":"Iris readjusts, going reverse cowgirl and backing that sumptuous behind back down on my twitching piston.","163":"I want you to cum inside me! Fill me with your hot seed, alright?","164":"Grinning, I nod. Her and her little sister are alike in a lot of ways it turns out.","165":"Iris's focus turns back to getting herself off. Balancing atop me and riding my full length like she was at an amusement park.","166":"Feeling my own climax approach, I firmly grip the bombshell by her supple thigh, and begin pumping her up and down. Her cries growing almost disconcertingly loud.","167":"Let's hope these walls don't talk.","168":"I'm gonna!... I'm gonna cu-...","169":"Her cry is caught in her throat, as a pulse suddenly shoots through the nubile beauty. Finally careening over the edge of climax.","170":"I'm seconds behind her.","171":"With what feels like the entire contents of my balls unloaded inside of Iris, I begin to relax, feeling the air in the room grow cooler, contrasted by the molten warmth of Iris as she pants rapidly.","172":"Oh, lord... Yes! Oh, I love the feeling of you cumming inside me!","173":"My softening cock shrinks, and pops out of her throbbing pussy, dripping with cum.","174":"Iris coos, and slowly writhes on top of me, basking in her long overdue release.","175":"In the moment, I realize I've completely lost track of time. I couldn't tell how long it's been since Iris took me on her ''tour''.","176":"But with my head swimming in an intoxicating cocktail of post-sex hormones, I find myself not overly concerned.","177":"A sentiment shared with Iris, apparently. She lazily plays with herself and the thick string of pearls leaking from her.","178":"Mmm... Thank you again for agreeing to come to dinner. I hope you're as satisfied as I am.","179":"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"I found myself at Sevigny's. Not a regular week night for me, but it's been a stressful couple of months.","2":"I'm nursing my drink when a figure walking into the bar catches my eye.","3":"I'll admit, my eye registered her curves before I recognized it was Emily's sister. But we make eye contact, and she smiles, walking over to say hello.","4":"{PlayerName}. Fancy meeting you here.","5":"Hey, Iris. What's up?","6":"Not much. Just out for a drink.","7":"I needed a little reprieve from the family drama.","8":"Is that so? Can't talk to Ken about it?","9":"Can I be frank?"},"november_2021.vne3":{"10":"...I'm serious, you did great! Handled that check in like a pro.","11":"Oh, you're just being sweet now... Oh my gosh! The room is cute.","12":"Wow. Maggie, you really shouldn't have. This place must have cost a fortune.","13":"It was nothing, really. It's the least I could do for letting me come home with you for the Holidays. It's not like I could go back to the family farm. Otherwise I would have just been stuck at Shale Hill all by my lonesome.","14":"...Plus, I got the room for a discount. One of those steals where they were just trying to fill empty rooms.","15":"The room is so nice it makes me wish we were staying for more than one night. We really just stopped so we weren't driving through the blizzard to get back home.","16":"Maggie, you gotta check out this bathroom. It's bigger than my whole apartment..","17":"Good lord. You could clean a whole team of horses in here! Who would need this much bathroom?","18":"What's that? A second shower?","19":"Huh? Oh, that's a sauna.","20":"A sauna? I've never used a sauna before.","21":"Really? They're nice. You fire them up and sit in some hot, steamy air to relax.","22":"That actually does sound kinda nice after being out in that wind. How does it work?","23":"You just strip down and go sit in it, basically.","24":"Huh... Well, since we have it, we might as well take advantage of it.","25":"Here, close your eyes so I can change.","26":"Without being able to use my hands, I can't really respond to Maggie. But I don't want to be rude either, and just resign myself to be mute and blind for a moment.","27":"I am a little excited, though. I didn't know Maggie had brought her bathing suit. I won't hate getting to see her in a bikini.","28":"Okay. I'm ready.","29":"I start to pull my hands away from my face, and almost instantly catch the playful little flash of pink.","30":"At first I'm unsure if I saw what I saw, and my heart begins to race.","31":"As the fingers retreat further, there is no doubt, as I stare at a bashful, but eager looking Maggie, and her large, round, bare breasts.","32":"I immediately feel the blood swim to my cock.","33":"What? You said strip down. What was I supposed to do, wear my Christmas Sweater in here?","34":"I'm at a loss for words, mute or otherwise, and can't help but ogle her naked body.","35":"I quickly peel off my own clothes, not entirely sure where this is headed. But if Maggie is naked, I want to be naked too.","36":"Hurry up so we can shut the door. It's chilly!","37":"My heart is going a mile a minute when we close the door to the sauna and feel the steamy air start to fill the space.","38":"It's hard to relax though, being so close to this magnificent creature sitting nearby. I do my best to give her space and not stare at her body, but it's hard to keep my eyes off of Maggie's well endowed figure.","39":"What I can't hide though, is my arousal. Frankly... I don't even know if I want to.","40":"Letting my manhood grow, now it's Maggie who is having trouble averting her eyes.","41":"That's... um... Your... er...","42":"The buxom coed's cheeks begin to glow bright pink, as her eyes settle on my shaft.","43":"Finally, Maggie shimmie's her way down towards my side of the sauna. Her ample breasts wobble left and right as she does.","44":"Scooting up next to me, her small hand reaches out and timidly wraps around my cock, sending a shudder of pleasure up my spine.","45":"You like it when I do this, huh?","46":"I nod, letting my fingers explore the various curves of her back..","47":"I like doing it for you.","48":"Having gotten me going, Maggie lets her own hand slide down to her slit, and she starts to stimulate herself as well.","49":"The small, warm sauna is soon filled with the gorgeous redhead's breathy gasps of pleasure.","50":"It feels a little selfish, letting Maggie take care of both of us, but she seems more than content to.","51":"I let her fingers diligently stroke my phallus, and take in the sight of her jiggling breast, quivering with each tremor of pleasure that she incites in herself.","52":"Heavens, I'm liable to faint if we keep doing this in here!... Do you wanna take this to the suite?","53":"I nod. With my own arousal adding to the steam and heat of the small space, I was starting to get light headed myself.","54":"I follow Maggie back out into the living area.","55":"Her soft, silky skin glistens and glows, and I can barely keep my eyes off her generous curves.","56":"This is all so fancy! I feel like some kind of famous actress or something.","57":"Maggie is still bashful about our intimacy, but she clearly wants to keep going.","58":"I keep from pressuring her, letting her get comfortable.","59":"...Which isn't as simple as it sounds, as every inch of my DNA coded instinct is yelling at me to ravage her.","60":"She finally relaxes, and lays back on the couch, signaling what she'd like me to do as she opens her legs for me.","61":"I watch how she plays with herself, studying how she likes it from her own stimulation.","62":"All the while, she gazes at me with those big, beautiful green eyes.","63":"I lean down, letting my lips touch her wet lips, feeling her twitch slightly at the contact.","64":"Between arousing herself, and whatever I was doing for her, she was already quite wet.","65":"As I continue to eat her out, I'm able to coax a chorus of sweet little moans out of Maggie.","66":"I don't know how thin the walls are in this hotel, but certainly, somebody is going to start hearing the [i]Christmas Spirit[\/i] coming from our room.","67":"Maggie's body continues to shudder, quaking with passion and pleasure, until she soon hits her tipping point.","68":"The sensation of having somebody pleasure her with their mouth is still a new one to the bashful young woman, and I'm able to drive her to orgasm surprisingly quickly.","69":"Holy cow... you do that really well. You had me howling like a banshee!","70":"It's all I can do to shrug. But Maggie, eager to reciprocate, swaps positions with me, getting on her knees in front of me.","71":"Her soft lips, gently, almost fearfully caress the head of my cock. Just as she's still fresh to the sensation of being eaten out, she's still new to having a cock in her mouth as well.","72":"Slowly though, she finds her comfort and rhythm, taking my manhood between her lips and bobbing her pretty head up and down on my shaft.","73":"Am I doing this right? I dunno...","74":"I'm flabbergasted, almost upset, she'd even ask. I am absolutely loving the blowjob.","75":"But, unable to adequately convey that, I pull her up to me to shift gears.","76":"As she stands, I marvel at how beautiful she is. At the same time, Maggie looks down at my throbbing, spit coated cock with hunger and just a touch of trepidation.","77":"God, it really is kinda big, isn't it? I wonder if I can take all of it.","78":"Carefully though, she does climb on top of me, guiding my spear up into her thirsty slit.","79":"As it penetrates, the both of us share in mutual shudders of pleasure.","80":"Growing accustomed to my girth, Maggie perches over me, and starts to ride.","81":"I revel in all the cute little desperate expressions her face contorts into, thrusting her wet pussy up and down my hardened shaft.","82":"Oh fuck, you are big! It feels like you're moving my guts around!","83":"...But in a good way!","84":"She must be telling the truth, the more she rides it, the more she seems to be enjoying my meat.","85":"With her pace increasing, I'm treated to her large, healthy tits bouncing vigorously in front of me.","86":"Reaching up, I grab her jiggling melons, squeezing and caressing the silky orbs. Feeling her nipples press into my palms.","87":"Oh god, yes! Please, touch my breasts!","88":"Maggie continues to ride me for a little while longer, until stopping to dismount and catch her breath.","89":"Come on, let's go check out the bed.","90":"I follow the little redhead as she prances to the bedroom. Hopping on the bed, she gets on all fours and props her ass up, presenting herself for me.","91":"I uh... I think I need, like, a spanking.","92":"She really is getting more comfortable. Maybe something about being in the environment of the hotel is letting her be more experimentive. Regardless, I'm happy to oblige.","93":"I put a hand on her ample rump, and draw back, feeling her tense up. Of course, I start a little on the soft side.","94":"...Though not [i]too[\/i] soft.","95":"My hand contacts Maggie's ripe cheek with a satisfying clap, sending her hindquarters jiggling playfully and coaxing an adorable little yelp from her.","96":"I let her have a few more spanks, but that's all I can resist before positioning myself to mount her. Seeing her ass quiver like that is just too tempting.","97":"Sensing I'm about to enter her again, Maggie backs her now pink cheeks up for me, as I press my cock to her lips.","98":"Despite her tightness, my rod has little trouble penetrating Maggie again.","99":"Her shudders pulsate into my member, taking my time and slowly sliding deeply into her womanhood, before starting to pick up speed and hump her.","100":"I lay into Maggie for a good stretch, and soon, I feel the surge from deep down. I'm close to finishing.","101":"Maggie collapses down onto the bed, faced flush and breathing heavily.","102":"Driven by the urge to finish inside, I'm already on top of her, and she watches as my fingers almost compulsively start to play with her throbbing, hot pussy.","103":"Even as I continue to finger fuck her, she notices my twitching member, eyeing it curiously.","104":"Innocently forgetting for a moment, as she was lost in her own passion, that I was after a release as well.","105":"Oh! You need to finish too, huh?","106":"Her hand reaches out, gripping my shaft again and stroking it, while looking up into my eyes.","107":"You just show me where you want to finish. I'm all yours.","108":"I get lost in those dreamy, green eyes of her's. Those words are like magic.","109":"I lean down and kiss her deeply, tasting her sweet lips, debating where I want to cum.","110":"All the while, I feel her soft hands work my cock. I could almost just let her finish me off right here. But there are parts of her aside from her hand that I want.","111":"I want to creampie Maggie.","112":"I want Maggie's mouth.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","113":"I surrender fully to my animal instincts, taking Maggie by the hips, and rolling over on the bed, positioning her on top of me.","1":"The frigid air nips at our heels, as Maggie and I hurry into the hotel lobby. The warm interior is garnished with all the trappings of the holiday season, and is a welcome reprieve from the long road trip and blustery weather.","114":"She knows exactly what to do, and as naturally as breathing, she mounts me and lets my hungry cock slide back inside her.","2":"Jeez! I feel like I'm about to freeze my tush off!... Oh, it's so pretty in here!","115":"Taking her time, she slowly glides down my shaft. Her pussy sucking at my length as inch after inch enters her.","3":"I follow the pretty redhead to the concierge desk to check in, wondering how she'll handle the interaction.","116":"Each shudder of pleasure that quakes from inside her, I feel in my manhood, and it pushes me even closer to climax.","4":"I offered to handle the travel arrangements, but Maggie insisted, clearly eager to work on her hang-ups with social interactions.","117":"Desperate for my seed now, Maggie starts to once again bounce up and down my rod.","5":"Good evening, Miss. Cold one out there. What can I help you with?","118":"Riding atop me, Maggie rapidly transforms from that timid young woman to a sexual animal, letting go and giving in to her passions.","6":"H-hello. I have a reservation.","119":"Her breasts and hair sway left and right, up and down as she's taken by a lustful dance.","7":"Yes, and the name?","120":"She looks down at me with her own, deep hungers. Feverishly driving me to climax.","8":"Oh! Uh... Castle. Maggie Castle.","121":"Finally, I can't hold back any longer.","9":"Miss Castle, yes. I have you booked with us for one evening. Let me just get you your room key...","122":"I let out a deep growl, as the hot seed from my cock explodes deep inside Maggie.","123":"The pulses of molten cum blasting inside her womb sends Maggie reeling in a second wave of orgasm. A high pitch, melodic moan erupts from her and fills the hotel room.","124":"We bask in the moment, as the waves of ecstasy slowly release us.","125":"I can feel my load swirling around in her pussy, until my softening cock slides out of slit, satiated and being trailed by a stream of jizz.","126":"Lord, {PlayerName}! That was amazing! Christ, how much did you shoot into me?","127":"All I can do is smile. Merry Christmas, Maggie.","128":"For whatever reason, all I can think about is having Maggie's mouth.","129":"I lay back down, pulling Maggie's head to my crotch.","130":"She instantly knows what I want. Without missing a beat, she begins to lick and tease my stick, the thick shaft convulsing, agonizing to be inside that flirty mouth of hers.","131":"She eventually grants my wish, and I feel the wet, warmth of her mouth enveloping my cock, those silk soft lips gliding up and down my member.","132":"It doesn't take long until I feel the surge of pressure build deep in my loins...","133":"...climaxing as I blast a thick load down Maggie's throat.","134":"She lets my softening rod slide out of her mouth, and proudly shows me the pool of my cum cupped on her tongue, before closing her eyes, swallowing it, and giggling.","135":"Mmm, Merry Christmas, {PlayerName}!"},"november_2022.vne3":{"10":"It’s easy. I can teach you. You have a deck handy?","11":"Not at the bar.","12":"How about this: You come over sometime this week and teach me to play.","13":"Sounds like a fun way to kill an evening.","14":"Just like hanging out with your boys back in the day.","15":"Except none of the ''boys'' were girls that looked like Haley.","16":"A few nights later, and I’m heading over to Haley’s place.","17":"My mind wanders, knowing I’m about to get some alone time with an attractive young woman. But I try and focus on the evening as just a couple of friends playing cards.","18":"Before long I’m knocking at her front door.","19":"Haley greets me with a smile.","20":"Hey! You made it!","21":"Was there any doubt?","22":"Hard to say sometimes with you.","23":"Her steel gray eyes thin with scrutiny as I walk into her place. She does give me a little cock of the hips to go with that sass, though.","24":"Hey, it’s classes. If I could get away with spending all day chatting up pretty, blue-haired bartenders, I would.","25":"Wait until you’re retired.","26":"Haley grabs a beer out of the fridge and hands it to me.","27":"But hey, I told you I’d teach you to play poker, and here I am.","28":"That is true. You do get points for that.","29":"We clink bottles and each takes a long drink.","30":"So, did you grab a deck of cards and some poker chips?","31":"Plopping down on the couch, I look back to see Haley, looking thoughtful.","32":"Poker... chips? Do you need those to play poker?","33":"Kind of. You need something to wager.","34":"Crap.","35":"Haley looks around for a moment, until her eyes come to rest on a nearby shelf.","36":"But hey, I grabbed a deck of cards.","37":"Okay. Now we just need something to bet on.","38":"Watching Haley crouch to pick up the cards, I have one of those immature thoughts that makes its way past the brain-to-mouth firewall and escapes out my lips.","39":"I mean, we could always play strip-poker.","40":"Hearing it delivered in that dry, robotic voice, devoid of the annunciation required to convey it as a stupid joke, fills me with instant self-loathing.","41":"Haley whips around, looking both annoyed, and impressed.","42":"Oh! Strip-poker, huh? Why would you ever want to play that?","43":"Cringing at myself for the way this is turning, I quickly apologize.","44":"Sorry. Dumb joke.","45":"Haley flashes me a cheeky look though, and hands the cards to me.","46":"Oh, no. You wanna play strip poker, we can play strip poker.","47":"Really?","48":"Sure! Just don’t be all salty at the end of the night when you have to walk back to your car with a napkin over your junk because I have all your clothes.","49":"I’m not sure if she’s joking about kicking me out after the game, naked or not. But if it also means I might be able to play Haley out of her clothes, I deem it worth the risk.","50":"Well, okay then.","51":"We take a seat and I start to shuffle the deck. I’m anxious to see how serious Haley is about playing strip-poker.","52":"So are all of those [i]machine washable[\/i]? I don’t want to run the colors out or shrink them after I win them from you.","53":"That’s awfully big talk for someone who doesn’t even know how to play the game yet.","54":"I ''kind of'' know how to play. I mean, I’ve seen movies.","55":"Just give me the rundown already.","56":"I give Haley a crash course in five card draw. She seems keen and quick to pick up on everything, and within a few minutes, I feel pretty confident dealing the first hand.","57":"Tops bet, Haley shows her first hand with a smile. Two pair.","58":"This could be bad... If I didn’t have three of a kind.","59":"Haley curses quietly, trying not to look at my grinning mug.","60":"Grumbling, she reaches down and starts to peel off her top.","61":"So, you’re not gonna hate me if I end up stretching that all out, are you? Because I really like the color but I think it’s still gonna be a little small on me.","62":"The blue-haired bartender tosses her shirt and pouts. Her ripe young breasts resting comfortably in her bra.","63":"If you do, you’re banned from Sevigny’s, for life.","64":"The second round she got lucky.","65":"Yes! Full house! Get that shirt off!","66":"It’s my turn to curse quietly.","67":"You know, I thought about it, and since this is going downhill so fast for you, I’ll lend you a pair of my yoga pants to walk about to your car in.","68":"I wouldn’t want to see your modesty tarnished.","69":"Fortune stays with Haley for the third hand. She cackles when I toss my cards down on the table in defeat.","70":"You see! I’m a total natural. Now off with thy pantaloons!","71":"I start to pull my pants off. Haley is new enough at the game where she doesn’t quite know what she’s doing. And that makes her hard to read.","72":"But she gets cocky and runs out of luck on the fourth hand.","73":"But I have all reds!","74":"All reds is not a hand in poker.","75":"Are you sure?","76":"You can look it up online after. Now strip.","77":"Cheeks turning a little red, Haley begrudgingly undoes her jeans, and defiantly peels them off her shapely legs. The sight of so much of her naked flesh makes me painfully aware of how exposed I am in just my boxers.","78":"Lady luck stays with me through the next hand.","79":"No! Are you kidding?","80":"I thought I totally had you?","81":"I just deal the cards, I don’t make the rules.","82":"Haley growls in frustration, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink when she realizes her bra is next on the docket.","83":"Listen, we can just call it a game here and play something else.","84":"I didn’t want Haley to feel like she was obligated to strip topless, but instead of finding the gesture gentlemanly, she takes it as patronizing.","85":"Oh, you think I’m just gonna submit now? Think I’ll give up just because you have a little bit of an upper hand?","86":"I just mean you don’t have to take off anything you really don’t want to.","87":"Just hand me the deck, Lancelot.","88":"Haley lets her bra slip away, and does her best to cover herself and deal a hand of cards with... limited success.","89":"The wild screws me in the final round, though. Haley cackles hysterically when I realize she’s got the winning hand.","90":"That’s how I do it, son!","91":"Come on, now. Get them skivvies off!","92":"She lets out a holler, as I stand, curse to myself, and with my cheeks flushed, tug off my drawers.","93":"Wooo! Take them off!","94":"Now buck naked, I stand defeated before a howling Haley.","95":"I’m [i]so[\/i] glad you recommended strip poker!","96":"Yep. Just hilarious. Can I get dressed now?","97":"In what? All the clothes I see here belong to me.","98":"Oh, you’re a riot. I need another beer.","99":"Defeated and totally nude, I shuffle to the kitchen to find another drink to help drown my shame and dishonor.","100":"Still... I did get to see a couple of quick flashes of Haley’s naked breasts.","101":"All and all... totally worth it.","102":"I’m just about to open a beer, when I feel a warm body slide up behind me, and lithe fingers wrap around my cock.","103":"I jump in surprise and turn to see Haley, tucking herself under my arm. Her hand firmly gripping my shaft.","104":"Since I won, I want my [i]prize[\/i].","105":"Speechless without my phone and app, I can’t offer any protest.","106":"Not that I want to. My body is two steps ahead of my mind, with Haley’s warm melon pressed against me, and her little hand already stroking my manhood. I’m locked in before I even had time to think about it.","107":"Haley seems almost transfixed by my engorged phallus. I’m happy to let her just continue to play with it, watching her as she admire’s its length and girth.","108":"Holy fuck, you’re big. I might suffer some internal trauma if I let you put this whole thing in me.","109":"I pull her in and our lips find each other. Haley’s hand continues to jerk off my now rock hard cock.","110":"My own hand finds her plump breast. Squeezing it firmly, I hear her moan, and feel her hardening nipple dig into between my fingers.","111":"Giving in to my animal nature, I push Haley down onto her knees.","112":"She takes the cue instantly. Almost feverishly starting to kiss and lap at my manhood, before outright sucking my cock right there in her kitchen.","113":"Haley finally pulls her head back, letting my glistening dong slide out of her mouth. She looks up to me with a wild look in her eyes while she pants heavily.","114":"I want you to fuck me.","115":"I grin and watch Haley desperately discard her panties.","116":"While she’s tossing her thong aside, I grab her and pull her in tight to me.","117":"She melts up against my chest, cooing softly while I let my hands travel her many hills and valleys, exploring every inch of her.","118":"Growing hungry for more, Haley spins around and obeys her own primal programming. Lowering her back and propping her ass up for me.","119":"I bend down to taste and smell her, gently licking and toying with her womanhood. It’s not that she needs it, she’s already wet when my lips find her pussy. But I eat her out all the same, if only to get her even more spun up.","120":"Haley senses me getting back to my feet, and instinctually starts to back up her sumptuous behind into me, egging me on to hurry up and mount her already.","121":"Her impatience and yearning is too tempting not to toy with. I take a moment to tease her even further, even at the expense of my raging desires.","122":"Mmmm! I know what you’re doing! Just fuck me already! Please!","123":"It’s not as if I could have held out much longer anyway. Not with her revved up and ready to go.","124":"I guide my cock to her quivering snatch, and start to slowly push it inside her.","125":"Her lips are tight, but eventually give. The shudder she lets off when I penetrate her shakes the whole sink.","126":"Oh fuck! It’s so big!... Fuck me with it!","127":"Answering Haley’s smokey, breathy pleas, I start to thrust. Slowly at first, but picking up speed with each pump. Haley rocks back and forth, letting off the sweetest little melody of coy gasps, coos, and moans.","128":"I get lost in the passions as well. As I sink deeper and deeper into lust, I let go of caution. Thrusting harder and harder, until Haley is holding onto the sink counter for dear life.","129":"Oh shit! Fuck! Fuck-me-fuck-me-fuck-me!","130":"I could probably finish her off right here over the sink, but the night is young.","131":"Grabbing Haley by the arm, I pull out of her and start leading her towards the living room.","132":"Oh my gosh, where are you taking me?","133":"Falling back onto the couch, cock as straight as a flagpole, I sit back and watch Haley crawl up on top of me, and lower herself down on my shaft.","134":"While she carefully reinserts my meat back into her, I play with her magnificent ass.","135":"Now face to face with her, I savor every little whimper and shudder of pleasure in her face when she slides back down onto my manhood.","136":"Oh fuck! Oh it’s so deep!","137":"Haley’s big, gray eyes roll back into her head in mind-melting ecstasy, as the length of my rod sinks into her tight pussy.","138":"I want you to fuck my brains out.","139":"Haley bounces up and down, my raging hardon pistoning into her, those healthy young breasts bouncing in sync with her pixie blue hair.","140":"Watching those plump, perky melons jiggling playfully as she rides my dick is near enough to make me cum.","141":"Suddenly, Haley stops and looks at me with a grin.","142":"Can you get on top of me?","143":"I smile and nod.","144":"Good... I want to feel the weight of you over me.","145":"I’m happy to oblige, and more than eager to mount Haley again. Moving to missionary, our humping resumes.","146":"Haley’s slender body bobs back and forth under me. All the while, she looks up at me with those hungry eyes.","147":"Oh my god, you feel so good inside me!","148":"I hit the right stride, and it’s all it takes to put Haley over the edge.","149":"Her central nervous system shorts out, rocked by orgasm.","150":"She loses her tight grip around me, dropping to the couch and convulsing in climax. A heavenly moan escaping her lips as she cums.","151":"Her faculties still returning, Haley finally looks back up at me while I continue to thrust into her.","152":"Oh fuck, that was [i]amazing[\/i]!","153":"How do you want me, baby? How do you wanna finish?","154":"Cum on her belly.","155":"Have her jerk you off.","156":"Think about it.","157":"I take a moment to think about how I want to finish, and just keep pumping my cock into Haley. Her nubile body still writhing around under me in the after wash of climax.","158":"Her pussy is so tight and wet though, the orgasm sneaks up on me before I even realize it.","159":"It’s like I’m struck by a lightning bolt of pure ecstasy. My body seems to seize up, and I choke out a groan just when Haley realizes what's happening.","160":"Wait! Are you?... -gasp-!","161":"The little blue-haired minx jolts when the first jet of cum explodes inside her, driving the air from her lungs. Those big eyes of her shoot open wide, and she bucks with each pulse of seed I pump into her.","162":"My own senses return to me just as my thick, lazy cock slides out of Haley’s battered pussy, a pool of cum pouring out of her gash and onto the couch.","163":"A look of utter shock is plastered on her face, and I suddenly start to get nervous. Looking around, I try and find my phone so I can apologize for cream pieing her.","164":"Oh... my... god... Did you just cum inside me?","165":"Jesus fucking christ, {PlayerName}! You shot so much in me I swear I can taste it!!","166":"I hope they sell Plan B pills in a five pound bag because there is no way I’m not pregnant after that load!","167":"Haley leans up, and flashes an incredulous grin when she looks down and sees the pool of my jizz still pouring from her pussy.","168":"Oh god, my couch! You overfilled me, dude!","169":"I cringe and pantomime as best I can that I’m sorry, but Haley just giggles.","170":"It’s okay, don’t worry about it.","171":"A girl can’t get fucked like that and not expect it to be a little messy!","172":"I have the feverish urge to see Haley covered from head to toe in my cum.","173":"Sliding my cock out of her tight slit, I take aim at her soft belly and start pumping my shaft.","174":"Haley grabs her tits, and looks down in giddy anticipation.","175":"Holy fuck! Are you gonna cum on me?","176":"My body is still bucking from the orgasm when Haley looks up in disbelief.","177":"Jesus, {PlayerName}! You coated me in jizz!","178":"Mmmm, it’s so warm! I love how your cum feels on me.","179":"While I’m still recovering, Haley gets up and carefully walks to the bathroom to clean up. Trying her best not to drip any of my seed onto her floor.","180":"I’d like nothing better than for Haley to finish me off herself.","181":"I slide out of her, and lay back on the couch, pantomiming a jerk off motion.","182":"Haley’s eyes grow big and her mouth drops when I tell her to finish me off, but she obeys, crawling up onto me and wrapping her delicate little fingers around my raging cock.","183":"I can feel her soft breath on the head of my meat. She begins pumping it vigorously while staring up at me with those big gray eyes of hers.","184":"It doesn’t take long.","185":"Haley squeals with surprise and excitement when the geyser of molten cum explodes from my shaft.","186":"My hips tense from the climax. Haley continues to pump my spear even as I cum, sending my brain into a disorienting spin of numbing pleasure.","187":"The cherry on top is seeing those ropes of pearly spunk start to lap at her soft cheeks.","188":"With the last few squirts of jizz lazily bubbling up from my cock and pouring down her knuckles, I finally look up from my cloud of pleasure to see Haley’s pretty face, now dripping with my seed.","189":"I could say I’m sorry, but that’d be a lie. I can’t think of anything in the world I would love more right now than seeing her covered in my cum.","190":"Luckily, Haley is stunned silent for a moment. Finally letting out a bashful giggle.","191":"Holy shit, {PlayerName}! It is [i]everywhere[\/i]!","192":"Holding her hands under her chin to catch any drops, Haley scurries off to the bathroom, still giggling.","193":"A moment later and I have Haley wrapped up in my arms, basking in each other's glow while we cuddle on her couch.","194":"Huh. So [i]that’s[\/i] why they call it ''poke-her''. Thanks for teaching me, it was [i]a lot[\/i] more fun than I thought it was going to be.","195":"I couldn’t agree more. Best game of poker I’ve ever played.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"It’s a quiet evening. With nothing better to do, I made my way to Sevigny’s for a drink, and to shoot the breeze with Haley.","2":"...really? You and your friends were total geeks.","3":"What do you mean ''were''. Plus, it was super fun.","4":"If you say so, gamer-boy. Come on, you guys must have done other stuff when you were hanging out together.","5":"Sure, we’d go camping, hang out at the mall looking for girls to try and talk to, go to someone's basement and play poker...","6":"Haley takes a break from putting away the seemingly never ending supply of glasses.","7":"You know, I’ve never played poker before.","8":"Really?","9":"I guess I just never had much of an opportunity. I’d like to learn, though."},"november_2023.vne3":{"10":"I’m leaving.","11":"Come on. Don’t be like that.","12":"You said it was an emergency and I needed to get here as soon as I could. It just seems kind of tone deaf, given our situation.","13":"Look, it’s [i]technically[\/i] booking for a couple... so, if you didn’t have anything to do... I guess I could bring you along.","14":"Hard pass. Call a rideshare.","15":"It’s three towns over. Come on, what did you have planned this weekend?","16":"I struggle to think of a good excuse in any reasonable time...","17":"If it’s crazy unbearable to hang out with me, you can go off and do whatever. It’s a big resort. It includes meals, a drink tab, free spa treatments, massages, saunas, all the good stuff.","18":"Look... I need this, alright? I’ve been shut up in that room for months. And most of the time, it’s fine, I’d make a great astronaut. But I just need a little time away.","19":"I roll my eyes. I don’t want to be a pushover, but... I also don’t wanna leave her hanging. I suppose a person could go pretty stir-crazy, cooped up in a single room most of the time.","20":"Alright, fine. I’ll go to the Spa with you.","21":"Thank you. Seriously. I do appreciate this. I know I can be... difficult at times.","22":"Who knows, maybe a couple days at the spa will loosen you up.","23":"Glossing over that, we should get going. There's an appointment for massages this evening and I need to get there and check us in.","24":"A few hours later and we’ve arrived at the resort spa, checked in, and made it just in time for our massages.","25":"I’ll admit, I might have given Sandra a bit of a hard time, but this place is pretty nice.","26":"I even asked her if she wanted me to get lost and just enjoy her time alone, but she insisted I join the massage at least.","27":"I’m relaxing on my masseuse table after being given a good rub down, Sandra’s girl is giving her a little extra treatment while I doze off.","28":"After what felt like an hour, but was probably seconds, I peek open my eyes and glance over at where Sandra is getting her massage.","29":"To my delight, she’s stripped her towel completely, and the massuse’s hands glide across Sandra’s now glistening, oil-coated figure.","30":"Watching those buns jiggle as the hands slide over them and up Sandra's back is mesmerizing.","31":"She’s got a stellar body. Shockingly curvy and toned for a girl who lives like an agoraphobic recluse with a screen-addiction.","32":"I wonder if she’s also secretly a cam girl. Gives her a reason to keep it tight. I’m not sure I’d put it past Sandra either. She’s kind of a freak.","33":"But my god, watching her body get worked over by this other woman, her chest rising and falling, the occasion soft moans as the tension is worked out of her...","34":"It’s enough to get the blood going...","35":"Sandra’s amber eye flutters open, as if she senses she’s being observed.","36":"Oh my god, {PlayerName}, take a picture, it’ll last longer!","37":"She hisses at me, eyes slit.","38":"You don’t have to be such a...","39":"Jesus!","40":"There’s a little gasp from the masseuse, as Sandra’s eyes flicker down and see how well she’s gotten the blood flowing.","41":"I suddenly realize I am full on tentpoling, and I feel my cheeks start to burn. ","42":"Boy, does it suddenly feel warm in here?","43":"You know, I think my... companion and I have a dinner we have to be at, we better go get cleaned up.","44":"In a flash, Sandra is toweled up and softly pattering across the masseuse room and out the door.","45":"Encumbered by my ''blood-flow '' situation, I only catch up to her as she's opening the door to our suite.","46":"You [i]literally[\/i] couldn’t keep it in your pants for like, one day, could you?","47":"Well, what do you want me to say? You’re the one who invited me to this stupid couples retreat. And even if you couldn’t stand me, I offered to just fuck off the whole time, it’s a big resort!","48":"And what if I was just inviting you to the masseuse as thanks for doing me a favor, and not to ogle my naked body while I was being oiled up by a hot masseuse?","49":"Shit. Seriously?","50":"Look, clearly you’re not unnattractive, and the sight of you had an impression. I’m not proud of it, sometimes the monkey brain is strong, but there it is. I’m sorry.","51":"Christ. So you can barely stand to be in the same room as I am, but you have no qualms about wanting to fuck me?","52":"Sandra pulls off her towel to wipe her face... Wait, what was she talking about?","53":"Like, oh my gosh, {PlayerName}, it’s like having an unfixed dog!","54":"I can’t even turn around without you just wanting to start humping me!","55":"It’s not that I don’t hear her words, they just aren’t sticking. Just rolling off my brain like those little beads of oil and swear, lazily rolling down Sandra’s ass.","56":"She spins around, staring right at me with a smug, annoyed contempt.","57":"Hello, are you listening to me? It’s like I’m talking to the freakin refrigerator here!","58":"Sorry, were you distracted again?","59":"You know, I give you all these perks, and still I can’t get you to behave.","60":"Just like at work in the IT department. A dildo could have done your job.","61":"Through, dildos don’t hold you down when they fuck you...","62":"... So for now, I suppose you still have your uses.","63":"Even before my hands reach her waist, Sandra backs her ass up into my crotch and starts grinding against me.","64":"But this isn’t like work, you better put some real effort in.","65":"If I’m not satisfied, then next time...","66":"...I [i]will[\/i] replace you with a dildo next time I win an all expenses paid vacation.","67":"It is too late to resist now...","68":"Well, suppose I should give her the old college try then.","69":"Spinning Sandra around, I lean down and kiss those auburn lips.","70":"She coo’s softly. Sounds like we’re off to a good start.","71":"I tease her tongue with my own, frenching deeply.","72":"My finger traces a nice, slow line down her belly and lower.","73":"She’s already wet, that’s a good sign.","74":"I coax a good shiver from her when my fingers find her button.","75":"No sense in not taking a little for yourself. I reach up, kissing up and down her graceful neck, and having a good squeeze of her tit.","76":"Mmmm, okay. I see we’re working with something here.","77":"Oh!","78":"She quickly understands my intentions, spreading her legs while I push her up on the counter.","79":"Mmmmm... Oh fuck!","80":"... I mean!... This is passable.","81":"Don’t think that...hgh... just because you’re [i]okay[\/i] at... hmmm... this, that I’m not still mad at you for being a... Hugh!... Leering creep!","82":"I grin, lapping away at her clit. The impulsive kicks she tries to suppress keep causing her to almost slide off the counter. But it’s cute to see her try to hide it.","83":"Ohhh... shit! You know what, I think I might be a little light headed... and dehydrated. That’s it.","84":"I find that if I can hit the right rhythm while grinding her bean with my tongue, she almost automatically bucks. I’m counting them up to keep score.","85":"Is this even [i]good[\/i] head? I... have no bearing. I’ve been... huh... locked up in that room for like, a year!","86":"She gives off an adorable squeal when I slide my finger up into her. That got her to shut up.","87":"Her fingers dig into my scalp and grasp at my hair.","88":"I bet what you really want is my pussy, huh? I bet you’re just [i]craving[\/i] it at this point!","89":"Something tells me she’s a little thirsty for it herself. I stand up and pull off my towel, inciting a gasp from Sandra.","90":"Oh my god, you’re huge, you fucking animal! You’re really gonna fuck me with that thing?","91":"Here, first...","92":"Grinning, Sandra’s dainty feet raise up and gasp my cock between them.","93":"I guess Sandra was so impressed she decided to reward me with a footjob... Or maybe she just really enjoys giving them.","94":"I wonder if it’s the latter, given her inability to hold back her giggles.","95":"Mm, how lucky are you, I brought you here to get [i]me[\/i] off and I’m the one giving you a footty!","96":"Not that you could say. I can’t imagine the dirty things you probably want to tell me!","97":"Probably something like how I’m a kinky whore and you’re gonna cum all over my face!","98":"Would it be considered dirty-talk to tell her I ate some M&Ms from out of the minibar?","99":"Still working my piston with her toes, she looks up at me and grins!","100":"Well? Have I been getting you hard all day for nothing or are you gonna fuck me already?","101":"Cheeky little minx...","102":"I get a good grip of one of those nubile legs and press my head to her slit, teasing it up and down.","103":"I get her to the point where she’s actively squirming.","104":"Is this how it’s going to be? You’re gonna be all vindictive about it and just tease me? Just put it in already!","105":"I give her one last smirk, before sliding my cock into her tight little pussy.","106":"The air suddenly escapes Sandra, and her arms and legs suddenly tighten around me.","107":"Oh fuck!... Shit, shit, shit!","108":"I think she’s mad that she’s having as good of a time as she is. The more I slide up inside her, the more she melts like butter.","109":"What are you grinning at? Looking so proud of yourself! You’re still being evaluated, dude!","110":"It’s cute seeing her try and keep her composure, breathing heavily, when I start pumping in and out of her like a jackhammer.","111":"You think... Oh, fuck... just come here!","112":"She tugs me in so roughly to start sucking face I worry one of us is going to chip a tooth, but we escape unscathed and resume making out.","113":"I flip the caramel colored vixen up on her side, adjusting position to gain more penetration.","114":"What are you... Ohhhh, fuck!","115":"Holy fuck, you’re so deep! Oh god!","116":"Eyes drunk in lust, she grinds her hips downward at each thrust, quickly matching my tempo.","117":"Faster! Fuck me faster!","118":"Yes-yes-yes-yes!","119":"Sandra’s pussy is soaking wet by this point, driving in and out of her a breeze.","120":"Yet all the while, her tight lips hug my shaft.","121":"Going like this, it won’t be long before I’m shooting my load all over her. Fulfilling her own prophecy.","122":"Oh fuck! You’re gonna make me cum!","123":"Sandra leans up, looking across the spacious, suite bathroom.","124":"Come on, I want you to finish doing me in the hot tub!","125":"She’s up and skipping across the bathroom floor like a little pixie, carefully testing the waters.","126":"Oh, yes! It’s warm!","127":"Well, come on!","128":"You haven’t finished me off yet! The jury’s still out between you and ''USS Pleasuretown''!","129":"She named it the ''USS Pleasuretown''? What a nerd.","130":"I carefully, and not so gracefully, climb into the tub after her. The water is actually a little on the hot side, but now seems like a bad time to whine about it.","131":"Instead, I buck up and dip down so I can start eating out Sandra again.","132":"As soon as I have that pussy in my face I forget all about the water being on the warm side.","133":"My mind is turned to spinning up Sandra, and soon, either from the pleasure, or the warm air, I feel her legs begin to shake.","134":"My! Being in this hot tub is making me dizzy, I’ll... oh... ohhh.","135":"I slide a few fingers up inside Sandra to keep her engine going, while I take a moment to suck on her perfect tits.","136":"Simultaneously playing her nipple with my tongue, while I stimulate the G-spot, has a pretty desirable effect.","137":"Words seem to escape Sandra, as she gets lost in shivers of pleasure, her central nervous system lighting up like a christmas tree.","138":"But when it’s clear she’s going over the edge, I focus all my attention on her clit, trying to come at it from every angle and overload her system.","139":"Holy shit! I’m cumming!","140":"Sandra collapses back into a writhing mass. Rocked in the throes of orgasm.","141":"Eager to finish myself, I slide my cock back in her throbbing snatch, and begin pounding away.","142":"Oh god, you actually made me cum!","143":"Can’t say my dildo can rock me like that!","144":"God dammit. You really can fuck me better than my dildo afterall.","145":"Grinning, I hook one of her legs and gently start thrusting into her.","146":"Mmm, fuck! I hate that your cock feels this good!","147":"Okay, fine. I guess this was a [i]passable[\/i] display... barely.","148":"You can stay on as my... what’s the male equivalent of a mistress?","149":"I suppose I better let you finish, otherwise you’ll be humping my leg the rest of the trip.","150":"Just let me know when you get close. I want you to finish in my mouth.","151":"That caused my meat to twitch just a bit.","152":"Sandra wiggles her ass at me, almost taunting me with it.","153":"Whoa!... Oh-my-gosh!","154":"With her snatch probably a little sensitive at this point, my girth takes her by surprise, and she braces herself against me when she’s repenetrated.","155":"God she feels so fucking good. It’s gonna be a struggle pulling out of this divine gash, but knowing I’ll get Sandra’s mouth is suitable motivation.","156":"That’s right! Pound my pussy!","157":"Those cinnamon colored buns, slick and wet, bounce playfully against my hips with each thrust, filling the bathroom with the wet clapping of Sandra’s cheeks.","158":"Oh my god! So rough!","159":"Sandra caves under my weight, collapsing into the side of the tub, giggling.","160":"Sliding her back down the shaft sends a tremor through my loins.","161":"That ass gets a couple light spanks, to let her know we’re at the point of no return, before I grab her shoulder to spin her around.","162":"Oh wow, it’s time?","163":"Sandra and I switch spots, as she gets to her knees and begins rapidly pumping my meat.","164":"My cock is throbbing, getting worked by the slender latina, gazing down at it excitedly.","165":"You’re so lucky I want to suck your cock so much!","166":"She leans forward, and wraps her petal-like lips around my shaft, sucking tightly.","167":"It feels so good, it practically renders me unconscious.","168":"She vigorously pumps away, panting through her nose as she prepares to take my batter.","169":"My cock is buried in her mouth while she jerks me off to completion. This resort really is all-inclusive!","170":"A moan and a few deep slurps is really all it takes to over power my flexors, and unleash my load.","171":"Sandra just nods when I tap her on the head to warn her.","172":"But when my load explodes in her mouth, she tenses up, apparently unprepared for its size.","173":"For a second, I feel her begin to panic, as more and more jizz is fired down her throat.","174":"Sandra soldiers through it though, hold her head in place and trying to keep her lips tightly sealed around my shaft while I have a religious experience in her mouth.","175":"Cheeks clench, toes curled, I shoot a wholly inappropriate amount of semen into Sandra’s belly.","176":"Sandra's endurance is not limitless, and she gags slightly, coughing up a splatter of molten jizz. I can only imagine the amount she has sitting in the back of her throat right now.","177":"She suckles my staff until she feels it begin to soften in her mouth, having spent the entire contents of my balls into her.","178":"Leaning back up, Sandra opens her mouth to defiantly display how she was able to keep most of my load, now sitting in a pearly pool in her mouth.","179":"Staring at me as if I claimed she couldn’t do it. Well, regardless, I’m happy she proved she was able.","180":"Winching, Sandra shuts her mouth, and forces down my spunk. Swallowing the impressive sized nut with just a bit of a struggle.","181":"As she gulped it down, she let out a deep shiver, panting afterwards.","182":"Then, she proudly opens her mouth and sticks her tongue out, showing she’s guzzled every drop.","183":"I exhale and shake my head, causing her to grin.","184":"And to think, I had to practically force you into coming with me to this.","185":"Well if she just told me she was going to suck my dick, I wouldn’t have complained a peep!","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"The IT lab is empty, which makes sense, it is late on a friday afternoon.","2":"Hank\/Sandra’s door opens before I even get to it, and she walks out, rolling a small suitcase behind her.","3":"Okay, I got your message. What’s the emergency? Do you have to run?","4":"I won a contest.","5":"You won a contest?","6":"I enter a lot of contests, I have free time.","7":"Anyway, I won a contest, specifically, an all expenses included weekend stay at a Spa.","8":"And you had me run down here to have someone to gloat about it to?","9":"I need a ride. A missing girl suddenly driving around town might raise some questions. Plus I don’t have a car."},"november_2024.vne3":{"10":"Her ample, shapely hips cock side to side, as she strolls through the kitchen leaving a trail of pheromones in her wake.","11":"Hey, Val!","12":"She wraps her lithe arms around my neck, planting a kiss on my lips.","13":"Mmm, you're a sight for these sore bones.","14":"Her green eyes then turn to {Leah}.","15":"And you... get over here, you sexy beast.","16":"Valerie pulls her in for a kiss, their bodies pressing together as their mouths explore each other in a [i]very[\/i] warm welcome-home greeting between my two wives.","17":"Oh, my! Someone is feeling frisky!","18":"[i]Officially[\/i], we're just all roommates. The ceremony between the three of us was months ago, and I've been waiting to see if the glorious honeymoon phase of our discrete polygamous marriage would end.","19":"The aspect of three bodies orbiting in our relationship appears to have some quality that keeps things dynamic and exciting, and it's shown in both the girl's libidos.","20":"Well, I need to blow off a little steam after what I put up with today.","21":"Oh no, you too?","22":"I'm going to have to pull double duty tonight, undoing all that stress on you two.","23":"Oh, {PlayerName}, you had a rough day too?","24":"Just that project I'm working on. Still running into some headaches with the execution.","25":"Oh, I feel bad. I just had to wait on a malfunctioning printer.","26":"But I'm sure {Leah} and I can help you forget all about that.","27":"Not before dinner, of course.","28":"Although, it'll still be a few hours.","29":"Can I get you a beer, {PlayerName}?","30":"I'll get it for him, {Leah}. You're already working on dinner.","31":"Maybe a little shoulder rub is in order too?","32":"That sounds divine, but the stress headache from work is kicking up.","33":"No, you relax, Val. You had a full day too. I think I might just lay down for a bit and take a nap.","34":"Headache?","35":"It's nothing, really. I'm just gonna catch some z's before dinner.","36":"I'm sorry to hear that, handsome.","37":"You go get some rest, we'll come and get you once dinner's ready.","38":"Thanks.","39":"I plant a peck on both of their cheeks before heading back to our room to lie down for a bit.","40":"My head is still sensitive and throbbing from the day's workload.","41":"Kicking off my clothes, I hop into bed, shutting my eyes and enjoying the darkness.","42":"I drift off for a little white. It couldn't have been long, and I'm awoken by the lights getting flicked on.","43":"Yawning, and feeling a bit drowsy, I sit up in bed and see my wives look down at me.","44":"Hey, hun. We hope we let you sleep long enough.","45":"Yeah, thanks.","46":"Is dinner ready?","47":"Almost, it just needs to slow cook in the oven for a little while longer.","48":"Actually, {Leah} and I were just chatting over a glass of wine, and thought of a fun little idea that might help with that nasty headache.","49":"Oh yeah? What's that?","50":"It's a surprise. First, we need you to cover your eyes.","51":"I grin, getting an excited little feeling that I know where this is going.","52":"Okay, I'm covering my eyes.","53":"Good! No peeking!...","54":"We wouldn't want to spoil it for you...","55":"Uh huh? What, are you going to ask me to open my mouth and then stick a spoonful of headache medicine in my mouth?","56":"Mmm... something like that.","57":"With eyes still covered, I hear giggles and the sound of fabric sliding off of supple, curvy young bodies and hitting the floor.","58":"Almost... Okay, are you ready to take your medicine, {PlayerName}?","59":"Finally, I open my eyes to see a naked {Leah} and Valerie standing before me, cupping their firm, pert breasts and jiggling them enticingly.","60":"We have your remedy right here, {PlayerName}.","61":"You have to take all four scoops. Doctors orders!","62":"I reach out, pulling their soft, supple, warm bodies against me.","63":"Their giggles and coos are constant, as the three of us shimmy together.","64":"If you're up to it, of course.","65":"You can just lay down on the bed if you like...","66":"... and let us take care of you.","67":"The raven-haired minx slides her dainty hand down my shorts, wrapping her fingers around my hardening shaft.","68":"{Leah}, giggling girlishly, follows suit. The pair of young beauties both gently but eagerly stroking my growing hard-on while I help myself to a few handfuls of their plump behinds.","69":"... You know, I'm already starting to feel much better. I think your prescription is just what the doctor ordered.","70":"We better... keep going, though...","71":"I grin, placing a hand on the shoulder of each of my horny little nymph wives and pushing them down on their knees.","72":"{Leah} and Valerie both follow my direction, obediently lowering themselves to their knees at my feet and pulling my boxers down to begin worshipping my cock. Like a pair of little sex priestesses in reverent adoration.","73":"Mmm, we're here to please you, honey buns. Whatever you want from us.","74":"Anything to make you feel better, sweetie!","75":"The more dominant and aggressive of my two wives, Valerie, guides Leah's head to my shaft, and she instinctively wraps her pillowy lips around it.","76":"I enjoy watching Valerie, who is in turn staring lustfully at {Leah}, stroking my cock as she watches my dick get sucked.","77":"{Leah} lets out a moan, her pretty head sliding down the length of my stem, engulfing me fully.","78":"The sensation of my cock sliding down the back of her throat is so orgasmic in itself that I'm nearly knocked to my feet.","79":"She's been practicing. {Leah} holds my member in her throat for a surprisingly long time before drawing it back out of her mouth, panting to catch her breath and looking up at me for approval.","80":"Mmm... good girl.","81":"Not without a bit of competitive spirit, Valerie almost butts {Leah} out of the way, eager to show off her own skills.","82":"I revel in the playful rivalry, being the ultimate beneficiary, as Valerie makes a show of sucking my dick, moaning and cooing.","83":"Her muffled, lustful tones vibrate my rod as it's buried in her mouth.","84":"And the way she uses her tongue to massage my length is toe-curlingly good.","85":"As much as a part of me wants to just let this turn into another ''Battle of the Blowjobs'' between these two, I have other plans for my two sex pets.","86":"I get the two visions of lust to their feet, admiring their supple figures and deciding on who I want next.","87":"Me first, baby! I want you to put it in my ass!","88":"Damn! Valerie really does want it badly! She's not wasting any time.","89":"Pulling her lithe frame in front of me, I let my cock guide itself.","90":"Lubed up from the mouths of both {Leah} and Valerie, my spear probes between Val's soft, supple cheeks, spreading her buns and pressing against her tight little asshole.","91":"Valerie lets out a little gasp when she feels the head of my cock pushing up against her anus, probing for entry.","92":"Holding her firmly, I push my hips forward until I feel her sphincter yield, allowing me to pop inside her. Valerie's body bucks and jerks with the penetration, the air rushing from her lungs.","93":"Her cool exterior melts into a cacophony of lusty, hungry moans as I fuck her up the ass. Nearby, {Leah} coos and grinds her body against us.","94":"Things descend into another sloppy three-way.","95":"Before long, Valerie is laid out on the bed with {Leah} riding her face, eagerly trying to devour her.","96":"I'm doing my best to make things harder for Valerie. Lapping at her tight, juicy slit and perky clit.","97":"Though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't battling my own distractions.","98":"Each time I look up, I'm greeted by the sight of Leah's sumptuous ass riding Valerie's face. Meanwhile, Val's plump, perky young tits wobble from side to side, jiggling playfully.","99":"Mmm... Valerie... you're so good at eating my pussy.","100":"{Leah} moans breathlessly. Barely keeping it together as she absolutely melts all over Valerie's face.","101":"Unable to resist them any longer, I climb onto the bed, letting my cock slide into Valerie's waiting womanhood.","102":"She lets out a cry, unable to hold her concentration with a good four inches of cock in her and more coming. {Leah} looks down to see the action, her own ass propped up and wagging at me, as if trying to coax me away from Valerie.","103":"Man... This view... I wish I could freeze time and lose myself in this gorgeous sight forever.","104":"God... {PlayerName}! Your cock feels so good inside of me!","105":"Fuck, you're both so hot... Me next, {PlayerName}! I want it too!","106":"The two cock starved nymphs slide against one another. Their nubile flesh pressing and sliding and smushing against one another like oiled up water balloons.","107":"The experience leaves my mind in a hazy fog of lust. It's impossible to think straight with these two running their sexual engines at max RPMs.","108":"Ramming my club home, I begin humping vigorously, plowing {Leah}, while pulling Valerie's stunning tits to my face, sucking and toying with her pebble hard nipples.","109":"Those fat white milkers jiggle hypnotically. I could just play with them forever.","110":"While I savor Valerie's exquisite breasts, {Leah} moans and whimpers under us, singing a lustful song for our poor neighbors.","111":"God... Damn... {PlayerName}... You fuck me so hard!","112":"An ever-shifting sea of flesh. Before I know it, I'm back inside Valerie, the insatiable woman finding some way to slip her ass over {Leah}’s and sliding back down onto my indiscriminate cock.","113":"{Leah}’s somehow spun around 180 degrees beneath us. Wiggling her way under Valerie and I and finding a purpose for both her mouth and pussy.","114":"It's a mess of limbs and asses and tits, a strange beast writhing on the bed as me and the two young beauties slide and grind against one another.","115":"Working in perfect harmony, Val's mouth finds {Leah}’s pussy, hungrily pleasuring her partner.","116":"I feel my balls brush over {Leah}’s forehead as I thrust into Valerie. {Leah}’s curious tongue playfully explores where I'm pistoning in and out of Val.","117":"It's hard to believe this is even really happening, and I constantly expect to wake up from a glorious dream.","118":"With the lustful madness growing only more frenzied, I grab hold of Valerie and spin her over, aggressively gripping her around the waist and beginning to pound her tight vag.","119":"Taken aback by the sudden, aggressive change of pace, Valerie can only moan, writhing and wriggling on the bed as I use her petite body for my pleasure.","120":"Against the onslaught, all Valerie can do is wail and cry out in passion, her tits, hair and limbs flopping weakly as I rock her.","121":"{Leah} is on her back, lost in her own masturbation as she watches the furious show unfold.","122":"I look down at Valerie, her face twisted in ecstasy as she takes every thrust, her body trembling and shaking beneath me.","123":"I can't believe how perfectly she takes it, how completely she surrenders to me.","124":"Her eyes remain closed, but her imagination runs wild as she listens to her wife getting absolutely ravaged, while she builds her own arousal.","125":"{Leah}’s own hungry moans begin to sync with the rhythm of Valerie and me fucking, as if she's trying to harmonize our climaxes.","126":"Just when I think Valerie has had enough, I slide out of her dripping pussy and plunge deep into {Leah}.","127":"The sandy-haired beauty yelps in surprise as I suddenly flip her onto her back, slamming my cock into her pussy.","128":"Watching {Leah} get ravaged always makes Valerie incredibly hot, and she slides in behind her young wife, eager to join in.","129":"Yes! Fuck her hard, {PlayerName}! I love watching these perfect tits bouncing when she's getting ridden like this!","130":"Oh god! More!... Yes! Just like that!","131":"Valerie's eyes are hungry and alive, like a jungle predator, aroused beyond control as she roughly squeezes and tugs at {Leah}’s ample globes.","132":"Mmmm, just look at that! Watch how he pounds your perfect little pussy. Doesn't he fuck you so good?","133":"Mmmm, yeah!... Oh god he fucks me so hard I can't even think straight!","134":"With a wild and insatiable fascination, Valerie watches my length piston in and out of {Leah}.","135":"Her vibrant green eyes are captivated by the sight, like a cat transfixed by a tantalizing toy.","136":"Experimenting, I momentarily slide my hog out of a whimpering {Leah}, and watch Valerie instantly wrap her mouth around it, barely letting the air touch it before it's back inside one of the girl's orifices.","137":"Valerie lets out a warm, deep moan, like an addict finally getting the hit they've been craving.","138":"Lying back on the bed, I pull Valerie up on top of me, watching as she lowers herself down onto my shaft.","139":"Dripping wet, she slides down onto my cock, her tight pussy stretching to accommodate it, as the air rushes from her lungs.","140":"{Leah}, seeming to be thankful for a moment to be tagged out and catch her breath, is still eager to be part of the lust.","141":"Leaning in, she plays with my member and Valerie's snatch as we fuck.","142":"Yes! Just take her, {PlayerName}. Make her lose control!","143":"I grin, driving Valerie up and down on my cock, repeatedly impaling her.","144":"I love watching you two fuck!","145":"Mmm, I love watching him fuck you, babydoll!","146":"Valerie begins to moan, legs quivering as she tumbles into orgasm. I half expect her to take off like a toy rocket from my shaft.","147":"Oh fuck... Oh fuck, {PlayerName}'s about to cum! I can feel it!","148":"Wait! Don't hog it! I want it too!","149":"Luckily, the girls play nice together and know how to share.","150":"Sliding off my piece, Valerie and {Leah} both lower themselves to my rod, bowing to it like it were a holy relic while Valerie eagerly pumps it, trying to get it to go off.","151":"Mmm, yes! Cum for us, {PlayerName}!","152":"We want it so bad!","153":"Giggling like schoolgirls eager for their treat, Valerie and {Leah} wait in breathless anticipation, cooing and whimpering with desire.","154":"Unable to hold back the floodgates any longer, I finally release, granting my spunk-hungry nymphos their wish.","155":"Growling, I release, firing off a thick, white geyser of semen in between the two.","156":"Both squeal in delight at the sight of it. Like it was water after they had been trapped in a desert.","157":"Oh my gosh! Look at it all! There's so much!","158":"Wait! I think he's going to shoot more!","159":"With the first round still running down Valerie's hand like warm icing, another blast of cum rockets from the head of my cock.","160":"{Leah} and Valerie both gasp in shock at the sight of it.","161":"Mmm, look at it all! There's so much!","162":"What a mess! I guess we should start cleaning it all up... Good thing there are [i]two[\/i] of us!","163":"I look down with a mix of supreme delight and satisfaction, watching the two little sex-kittens greedily devour the long trails of cum running down my shaft.","164":"Moaning and cooing as they do, like it was the most delicious thing they'd ever tasted.","165":"Absolutely spent and drained... both figuratively and literally... I slowly drift off into a content sleep.","166":"Falling into unconsciousness at the sight of {Leah} and Valerie cleaning my cock with their tongues.","167":"I don't know how long I was asleep. It felt like a million years before I slowly open my eyes.","168":"The fresh morning light is already pouring through my window.","169":"Groggy and disoriented, I sit up in my bed.","170":"Was that... some wild dream?","171":"Getting up, I pad into the kitchen, still wondering if it was all some incredible play in my head, when...","172":"Well, good morning, sleepy head! We were wondering when you were going to wake up!","173":"Yeah, {Leah}’s been making jokes all morning how we fucked you to death last night.","174":"I smile, looking at my girls.","175":"Last night definitely wasn't a dream, and I know I want to continue dreaming like that every night of my life.","176":"For all I know, they did, and sent me straight to heaven.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"I can smell the aroma of dinner cooking from down the hall as I walk back to our apartment after work.","2":"{Leah} must be hard at work at it already.","3":"I open the door, and see her at the counter, stirring a pot.","4":"Hey, beautiful. Smells great!","5":"She smiles and purrs as I wrap her up in my arms, kissing my young wife on her perfect, rosy cheek.","6":"Mm... Welcome home, handsome. I have your favorite cooking. How was work?","7":"Ugh, long. You won't believe what I had to...","8":"Before I can finish the thought, the door opens, and {Leah} and I turn our heads.","9":"Valerie saunters in, an image of feline grace and sensuality."},"october_2021.vne3":{"10":"She reminds me of a mink stalking prey.","11":"Now, let me tell you what's been going on.","12":"As far as the investigation is concerned, I'm worried about your progress.","13":"Her hands started to wander around my body as she spoke.","14":"I couldn't help but notice that you've been a bit distracted. Do you think that's true?","15":"The more she spoke, the more devious her tone turned. Strangely enough, it had a degree of playful sultriness to it.","16":"Your attention keeps wandering... as it is right now. I don't know how you can solve anything while you're so fixated on just one thing.","17":"I was thinking about taking some [i]radical measures[\/i] to hold your interest.","18":"Out of nowhere, her hand shot out and grabbed my crotch.","19":"I think I'm getting close to figuring it out, though. How about you?","20":"Her soft breath caressed my neck as she whispered into my ear.","21":"Do you have any idea what's bothering you?","22":"I... have a very strong idea what might be bothering me.","23":"Valerie is right. I'm having a [i]hard time[\/i] staying focused...","24":"Pulling away, she gave me a dirty smile to properly cement her intentions.","25":"For now, I figured you could use some assistance to de-stress. What do you think? Do you need help?","26":"Hypnotized by her gaze, I gave her a nod, and her smile widened.","27":"Good, seems like I was correct in my assessment.","28":"Judging by how hard that thing was between your legs, I'd say you're very pent up.","29":"So, what are you waiting for, {PlayerName}?","30":"Right as I leaned in to kiss her, however, Valerie gently held back my lips with one of her fingers.","31":"Oh, are you trying to kiss me?","32":"I said I'd help you de-stress. What did you think that meant? That you could touch me?","33":"That's very presumptuous.","34":"I stare at her... sweating a little...","35":"...did I misinterpret the situation?","36":"Placing her heels on my crotch, she pushed me back and pointed towards the ground with her finger. Her manner was stern, but sensual.","37":"I want you to be a bit more respectful of my personal space.","38":"She's saying that... with her heel on my cock. She knows [i]exactly[\/i] what she's doing.","39":"She does this because she thinks it's fun, not because she's a sadist. Or... maybe she thinks it's fun [i]because[\/i] she's a sadist.","40":"Either way, her humor definitely comes through.","41":"My feet are [i]aching[\/i] and they could really use some attention right now. Be a good boy and get to work, will you~?","42":"Wait. I thought [i]I[\/i] was the one who needed to de-stress.","43":"For some reason, I was completely enthralled by Valerie's words, and I quickly dropped to my knees to do as she suggested.","44":"Perhaps I was far too tired and horny to resist her offer, even if it came with such a caveat. Or maybe I had some hidden lust for my ex-president.","45":"Perhaps it was even comforting to let someone with her temperament take the reins.","46":"Oh my, {PlayerName}~","47":"Whatever the reason, I was completely under her spell right now, kneeling down and starting to plant kisses down her leg, eventually reaching her feet.","48":"You're awfully eager today. Does the idea of kissing my feet really excite you that much?","49":"Valerie leaned backwards onto the table, motioning for me to get up as I did, raising her leg up to have it within easy reach.","50":"Help me out of these then, I think you deserve the real thing~","51":"I took her foot in my hands and started taking off her shoe.","52":"They're yours to worship, {PlayerName}~","53":"She said it in such a [i]Valerie[\/i] way. There's some wry humor there... but [i]it's also an order[\/i].","54":"I was more than happy to satisfy Valerie and her need to be in control right now, ironically or not.","55":"Mmmmmm...","56":"Valerie hummed softly in satisfaction while I continued to please her, licking and kissing her soles top to bottom.","57":"Make sure you get my toes in there as well.","58":"I did as she asked for a while longer, sucking on her toes as she continued to watch me gleefully.","59":"Did you like that? I'm sure you found that relieving.","60":"Once her needs were satiated, she spoke again to let me know we were proceeding to something else.","61":"Why don't you come help me undress?","62":"Valerie got up from the desk and I rose to my feet, quickly getting to work on the belt around her waist.","63":"You really aren't comfortable with this are you?","64":"I'm doing my best. The fact I'm about to do it with Valerie has my fingers feeling like jelly. This is years of tension!","65":"Once the belt and dress were gone, Valerie showed me her back where I started undoing the fine black lingerie she was wearing.","66":"Still, I could feel her impatience when she started tapping her foot on the floor. She wanted this far more than she was trying to let on.","67":"I dug my fingers into her lacy panties and started to rub her clit. She heaved a sigh of pleasure in turn.","68":"Valerie opened this conversation saying [i]I[\/i] needed some stress relief, and now I'm servicing [i]her[\/i]...","69":"Sounds about right for Valerie. ","70":"Ahhhhh... there we go...","71":"Hearing the affirmation in her words, I took to grabbing onto one of her breasts with my free hand, while the other remained occupied in rubbing her.","72":"But as always, Valerie had bigger plans.","73":"I'm sure you didn't come here [i]only[\/i] to touch, did you? Come, take this off and let's get to the fun part.","74":"She bent herself over the desk as I pulled down her wet panties.","75":"Once she was stripped completely naked, I went to take off my pants as well, but she quickly stopped me.","76":"Not yet, {PlayerName}. I know Emily had no standards, but I'll have you know it'll take a bit more work with me.","77":"If you want me, you're going to have to put in some work. That's my philosophy, after all.","78":"Mmmmmmm...","79":"I stuck my finger inside her, easing my way in to the halfway point as her insides relaxed to let me in.","80":"Quite methodical, aren't you...? Taking it step by step...","81":"I pushed my middle finger in deeper, going all the way into Valerie's pussy, but it was clear this would not be enough for her.","82":"Yes, that's a start.","83":"Her voice suggested [i]it wasn't enough[\/i]. Well... Valerie is underestimating me a little. I already knew that.","84":"Valerie flipped herself over and stuck her ass outwards towards me, showing off both of her holes.","85":"[i]This[\/i] is where I want you, and I want you to lick.","86":"I grabbed onto both of her ass-cheeks as a way to signal I was ready to her.","87":"You can choose which hole you want to go for first, but make sure you do them both.","88":"I spread her cheeks apart and got to eating out her ass. I figured someone as orderly as Valerie would keep every part of her body pristinely clean.","89":"Hmm. This is acceptable.","90":"Just as I had suspected, it was completely clean, fragrant even.","91":"Oh!","92":"Finally. It seems I'm breaking past Valerie's defenses.","93":"That's... that's a bit better!","94":"Since you want it that bad... I'll give you some easier access to it...! Hold on...","95":"Valerie laid herself back down onto the table and lifted up her legs, revealing her puckering hole to me again.","96":"You've worked up... quite an appetite for my ass, haven't you...?","97":"By now, I was practically tongue-fucking her ass, but her pussy was starting to feel left out. Her juices were seeping out, demanding my attention.","98":"Now... do my proper fucking hole!","99":"And Valerie herself soon followed.","100":"I took to eating out her pussy, just as she had asked. It was already soaking wet, but Valerie was craving me and I was craving her.","101":"Ah~! Nngh...!","102":"It was clear by the way she was moaning, she wasn't expecting it to feel [i]this[\/i] good. Perhaps she had worked up quite an appetite herself as well.","103":"Hearing her like this only aroused me further, and I made sure her clit was pleasured properly. No part of her was left unlicked.","104":"Oh! Oh~...","105":"I continued as I were, and Valerie's moans got hungrier with each passing second, until oral sex was no longer enough to sate her.","106":"This is... a poor substitute for the real thing. Get yourself ready.","107":"It doesn't seem to me like it's a poor substitute.","108":"I got up, wiping Valerie's juices off my lips while she got ready for me to fuck her, leaning onto the desk for support.","109":"I took my cock into my hand and steadied it, aiming it at her waiting honeypot.","110":"Yes. Be a man and do it.","111":"Ahhh...! Nnnghah!","112":"A ripple of overpowering pleasure quickly swept through Valerie's body as soon as I entered her.","113":"Oh fuck!","114":"That was the thing with Valerie. She was nice to everyone, but always kept things professional.","115":"At times like this however, once she had something inside her, that professional facade start to crumble.","116":"Sticking one foot onto the table, she arched backwards as I started to move in and out.","117":"That feels... even better than I had expected...! Ah! You can... go deeper!","118":"Valerie and I continued to experiment with more and more adventurous positions.","119":"Hold...! Ha...! Hold it in! You can't...! Cum yet!","120":"She turned around to face me, lifting up her leg for me to hold, while also making her tits more easily accessible to my free hand.","121":"Ahhh!","122":"Needless to say, I wasted no time in taking hold of them while continuing to fuck her.","123":"Let me just...! Oh... this is better!","124":"Valerie seemed to want to turn and face me, judging by the way our positions were evolving naturally throughout our fucking.","125":"The more she turned towards me, the more it seemed my thrusts were hitting the spot for her.","126":"Hold up... I want...! I want to fuck while you face me... I want [i]all[\/i] your power in your thrusts before you cum!","127":"We quickly switched our positions one last time, the switch giving me a brief but much needed interval to calm down and hold myself back for a bit longer.","128":"That being said, I continued to rub my throbbing erection against Valerie's lips, craving some kind of stimulation at the very least while she got ready.","129":"I can sense you on the edge, make sure to give me [i]everything[\/i] you've got before you cum!","130":"Wanting to give myself just a while longer to tame my lust enough to give Valerie the fucking she wanted, I rubbed my tip against her entrance.","131":"Oh, don't be a tease...! Haaaah... that's... my job...!","132":"As fun as it was to watch her squirm, a man can only ignore his instincts long enough.","133":"Ohhh!","134":"This time her moaning was more drawn out, with her body shivering as I penetrated her. She closed her eyes, focusing purely on the sensation.","135":"Deeper! Go deeper...!","136":"Nnnnnghh...! Yesssss...!","137":"She propped herself up, wanting to look at my cock as it fucked her.","138":"Deeper, {PlayerName}...! I want you... all the way in!","139":"When I pushed myself all the way in, Valerie threw her head back once again as her senses overwhelmed her.","140":"Her insides tightened around my length as it rubbed against her g-spot, and though I tried my best to hold back, I knew the end was near.","141":"Keep fucking me like this, {PlayerName}...! Oh! Keep going like this...!","142":"I leaned forward and used all my energy on maintaining my concentration as much as possible while I gave her my best thrusts.","143":"In those final moments, I felt like I was truly in the zone. Nothing existed besides Valerie's tight pussy and my cock ramming into it.","144":"We were in perfect sync, her moans with my thrusts, until suddenly...","145":"{PlayerName}...!","146":"Before I knew it, my cock was already pumping her pussy full of cum.","147":"As soon as I realized what was happening, I pulled out as quickly as possible, shooting the remainder of my load onto Valerie's stomach instead.","148":"Once it was all over, Valerie was examining her cum stained torso and creampied pussy, a look of amusement drawn over her features.","149":"Now [i]that's[\/i] quite a load, isn't it? Oh, and don't you worry about whatever's left inside me. I will take care of your child.","150":"What?","151":"I'm kidding. I'm on the pill.","152":"I heaved a sigh of relief after hearing those words.","153":"Do you feel more focused now? Getting less distracted with thoughts of fucking me?","154":"I nodded in agreement.","155":"Good, now that you've got a clear head, you can do your job.","156":"Let's set up a regular appointment.","157":"In my line of work, that might happen quite often, so keep yourself prepared~","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"Valerie had sent me a text, asking me to meet her in her office at school, though she didn't give any details nor did she respond to further messages.","2":"I could only assume she had found a lead with the investigation, and didn't want to say anything else over text, potentially leaving a paper trail.","3":"Why else would she invite me out in the middle of the night like this?","4":"When I arrived, the doors creak filled the silent room - but she was far too distracted with her work to notice. Rather typical of an overachiever like her.","5":"A few instants later, she finally noticed me.","6":"Ah, {PlayerName}, you're finally here.","7":"She hastily typed away a few finishing touches on her document, before locking the computer and giving me her full attention.","8":"Come in, and close the door behind you while you're at it.","9":"Kicking back her chair, Valerie got up and started to circle around the desk with feline grace."},"october_2022.vne3":{"10":"Ha! Yeah, maybe you can take me on as your ''emotional support mute''.","11":"Lidia giggles in the musical way she does.","12":"But seriously, if you want to, I'd... I'd love to have you go with me.","13":"I take a moment, my cheeks starting to flush.","14":"Really? It's your first time back. I wouldn't want to keep you from your family.","15":"It's no big deal, really. And there will be plenty of time to catch up with them.","16":"Come on, I hate traveling alone. And I'd love to show Italy to you.","17":"It feels like such a leap. Lidia and I are close, but... jetting off to Italy together?","18":"...But why not? I can't find a single reason why I couldn't take some time off. Lord knows I could stand to get out of Shale Hill for a spell.","19":"And traveling across some romantic Italian countryside, just Lidia and I? You only live once.","20":"Yeah... Okay. Let's go to Italy.","21":"Her face lights up.","22":"Really? You'll come?","23":"I will, Italy sounds amazing.","24":"That's great! You won't regret it!","25":"I raise my cup in a toast.","26":"To Italy.","27":"To Italy.","28":"A few weeks later, and we're loading up my car to head to the airport.","29":"The trip almost doesn't feel real, but here we are, passports in hand, getting ready to fly off to a whole other continent.","30":"Lidia looks amazing. Absolutely bubbling with excitement, and looking stunning in the little sundress she's wearing. The thin fabric hugging her every curve and swaying playfully with the slightest breeze.","31":"It's hard to deny there's a certain electricity buzzing between us.","32":"What is it about going on a trip that lets you almost become another person? Whatever it is, Lidia and I are glued at the hip, even the attendant at the check in counter remarking on our palpable chemistry.","33":"Before long, we're boarded and seated. Lidia, rushing back to her seat as we're about to take off, almost falls into my lap, her warm body pressing against mine. The touch alone is intoxicating.","34":"I almost dread the long flight, but next to Lidia, it seems to go by in a flash. She even insisted I take the window seat, despite my protests.","35":"The only tortuous part is having to sit next to the dusky vixen for so long and having to behave. Her long, curvy legs on full display in her playful dress. It's a struggle to keep my hands off of her.","36":"The tension builds even after we touch down in Rome. Waiting in the lobby, I can't help but lean in and plant a kiss on her graceful neck.","37":"Lidia is able to exercise just a little more self control, and she turns and shoves me away, a coy grin stretched across her pretty face.","38":"You need to cut that out, Mister. You're going to get me in trouble.","39":"What? It's Italy. I thought this was acceptable public behavior here.","40":"Lidia feighs shock, trying to grin through her mock outrage.","41":"You need to keep it together for three more minutes, bucko.","42":"Well, you're not making it easy.","43":"You're incorrigible.","44":"She can't hide her silly grin as she punches me playfully in the chest, and turns to see the hotel attendant waving her over.","45":"Lidia gushes in Italian with the attendant as she gets us checked in. But the second she's handed the room key, she bids a warm [i]grazie mille[\/i] to the attendant, grabs my hand, and takes off towards the elevator with me in tow.","46":"Come on, come on!","47":"The cool air of the hotel room rushes out to greet us as Lidia cracks open the door.","48":"If she took a second or two longer, I was liable to start tearing that dress off of her right there in the hallway.","49":"Sauntering in, she takes a cursory look around while I stow our luggage.","50":"Oh! It's cute!","51":"Taking barely a second glance at the hotel room, Lidia spins around and hisses at me.","52":"Hurry up! Close the door!","53":"As soon as the door clicks shut, a feverish hunger possesses her emerald eyes.","54":"Okay. Tour's over. Come here, dummy!","55":"Lidia races over in those tall, sleek heels and hops up into my arms.","56":"I catch her, wrapping my hands around that big, round ass of hers as she grabs my head and kisses me deeply. The flood gates opening, and the torrent of sexual energy spills forth like a tidal wave.","57":"That little dress falls away from her heavenly figure as easily as I imagined, revealing her perky young breasts, her brown nipples already at full attention.","58":"Oh god, I've been wanting to mount you since you picked me up this morning!","59":"My own hands are too preoccupied tearing my clothes off to sign back, all I can do is grin mischievously.","60":"Instead, I respond by beginning to do all the things [i]I've[\/i] been thinking of doing to her since we left this morning. Starting with those magicant tits.","61":"Grabbing Lidia and pulling her to me, I help myself to the young woman's breasts. Feeling that slender figure shudder from my touch, my hands and lips setting out to explore every last millimeter of the stunning melons in front of me.","62":"Yes! Fuck, I've wanted your hands on my girls so bad!","63":"With such haste you'd think the world is ending, Lidia drops to her knees in front of me.","64":"My cock eagerly flops out and twitches, rising to greet her gaze like some wakening serpent.","65":"Her lithe finger's wrap around my shaft and she starts to beat me off, looking at my hog and licking her lips.","66":"Oh my god, baby! You're so big! I can't even get my fingers all the way around it!","67":"She looks up at me with that coy little grin of hers. Teasing me in her baby-doll voice.","68":"I don't know if I can get the whole thing in my mouth!","69":"Only one way to find out.","70":"Her jaw drops in surprise, but grinning, turns back to my shaft.","71":"Toying with me, she laps the gland with her silky, wet tongue. Inciting various growls and shudders, playing me like an instrument.","72":"She knows how badly she's toying with me right now, and loves it.","73":"But the teasing is starting to backfire, and I catch her own hips beginning to undulate in arousal. Finally surrendering to her own lust, she gives up her mouth.","74":"The sensation as my cock slides over those pillowy, pouty lips causes me to almost pass out in ecstasy. I could die at this exact moment as a happy and fulfilled man.","75":"That shock of curly black hair sways lazily as Lidia's head bobs up and down my cock, the succulent beauty trying with each pass to take me deeper.","76":"Soft, muffled, desperate little moans escape her mouth as she continues to blow me. The little cherry on top of the whole experience.","77":"Her mouth feels absolutely divine, like what heaven must feel like. All the while, that tongue lathers and hugs my manhood. ","78":"Finally taking my cock entirely, I feel those lips press against the base of the shaft and my balls tickle her chin.","79":"It's only when my member is almost entirely buried down her throat, that I get the slightest hint of a suppressed gag.","80":"Lidia, reaching her limit, bucks her head back and lets my cock slide out of her mouth. Panting heavily as spittle and precum draw pearly strings from my cock to her lips.","81":"But now, my engine is going at max RPM. Hurriedly looking for some surface to lay Lidia out on, I turn to the table and fling its content off dramatically.","82":"Still catching her breath, Lidia gasps and giggles.","83":"Oh my gosh, what are you doing, crazy? The bed is right there!","84":"I respond only by swinging back around and grabbing her, lifting the petite woman into the air like I'm some tarzan figure, causing her to squeal loudly.","85":"Oh, mercy! Take me now, you savage!","86":"Those sweet little giggles melt into buttery coos as I lay her out on the now bare desk, nuzzling Lidia's long, delicate neck and caressing that supple body.","87":"Oh god... You're making me so wet.","88":"The next thing to go are those lacey little panties of hers.","89":"Reaching up, I slowly start to peel them off of Lidia's smooth, round hips. The minx slowly wriggling out of them as I pull them down her long, slender legs.","90":"You got me completely naked, what are you gonna do to me now?","91":"Her body is amazing. I couldn't sculpt something as beautiful in a hundred years.","92":"My cock twitches at the thought of entering her, and I can tell she's ready. The pink lips of her tight pussy are already glistening with wetness.","93":"Lidia's pelvis is even slowly humping the air, as if to beckon me to penetrate her.","94":"But she's not the only one who can be a tease.","95":"Ohhh fuck! Oh Jesus!","96":"Lidia's body bucks and shudders as my tongue grazes her slit. I grin, getting just the reaction I was hoping for.","97":"Pulling my lover tighter, I continue to gently tease. Slowly lapping and prodding at that quivering womanhood, riling her up.","98":"But gradually, I increase my tempo and contact. Playing with that perky little clit, enjoying every soft coo and whimper I coax from her body.","99":"Fuck! I can't take it anymore! I need you inside me!","100":"I flash Lidia a stupid grin, as the lust maddened woman leans up and grabs my cock, pressing it to her slit.","101":"She winces in a jolt of ecstasy, her body quivering when she presses the head of my shaft to her sopping pussy.","102":"I revel in my own uncontrollable quaking, feeling our sexes finally making contact with each other.","103":"Lidia, despite her lubrication, is still very tight. I grab those soft, silky thighs tightly and slowly push my cock inside her.","104":"There's a moment of slight resistance, before my manhood suddenly slides home. Lidia lets out a deep, shocked gasp as she's penetrated.","105":"Holy shit! Oh, you're so big!","106":"She feels absolutely divine, and my head swims in heady pleasure. Feeling the warmth of her around me, I gently start to thrust in and out.","107":"As the gorgeous linguist loosens slightly to accommodate my girth and length, I start to pick up the rhythm, holding her to the desk and thrusting faster and faster.","108":"The gentle strokes gradually become forceful thrusts, and Lidia's body rocks back and forth, those beautiful brown tits jiggling up and down, exciting me even more.","109":"Her own ecstasy overflows. She rears up and wraps her limbs around me, hugging herself to me, as if she can't get close enough.","110":"Fuck! Baby, I love how you feel inside me!","111":"Sliding down off the desk, she spins around, propping her stunning ass up and presenting it to me.","112":"Take me from behind! Please!","113":"I am more than happy to oblige the breathy, desperate pleas. Eagerly positioning myself to mount her from the rear, I press my cock back to that tight cunt.","114":"Bent over the desk, Lidia bounces back and forth as I pound her doggy style, those dark curls dancing playfully with each thrust.","115":"That's right, Baby! Fuck me! Fuck me hard!","116":"Back in some far off corner of my mind, I start to feel a little sorry for any neighbors we might have. It would take some remarkably thick walls to muffle what Lidia and I were up to.","117":"Glistening with sweat, Lidia takes my hand and starts leading me to the bench at the foot of the bed.","118":"I'm utterly mesmerized by her curves, the way she's so alive and how her body moves.","119":"Come here, handsome. How do you want to finish?","120":"Reverse Cowgirl.","121":"Cum on her tits.","122":"Cum in her mouth.","123":"Pulling me by the arm, Lidia pushes me down on the bed, and spins around to sit on my cock. Shuddering and letting out a melodic moan as she sinks down around the shaft, her brown cheeks pressing into my lap.","124":"Reaching around, I grab her plump, perky breasts, and pull her tight to me.","125":"Fuck me! You're so fucking deep!","126":"I chuckle a little as Lidia continues to ride me. I dont' really hear her swear that often, but the brain melting sex seems to have undone the stunning linguiest's usually well put together speech.","127":"But Lidia's tight pussy is proving too much, and I find myself hurtling towards climax.","128":"Leaning back, I thrust upwards, bouncing her up and down on my shaft, feeling those amazing ass cheeks slamming against me over and over again.","129":"At the same time, Lidia begins to lose control, writhing atop of me in an uncontrollable dance of pleasure, as the wave of orgasm overtakes her.","130":"Cum inside her.","131":"Pull Out.","132":"Finally, I can't hold back any longer, and with a final upward thrust, I fire off my load deep inside of Lidia.","133":"The explosion of seed erupting inside throws her over the edge too, wailing in mind numbing ecstasy, climaxing together.","134":"Fuck! Yes! Cum inside me!!","135":"The world starts to spin around me, my mind drowns in the blistering joy of orgasm. While jet after jet of my jizz pulses into Lidia.","136":"Slowly though, the world comes back into focus, the fog lifting, and the blur of euphoria subsides. Replaced with the deep warmth spreading throughout my body.","137":"Panting deeply, Lidia hoists herself off my cock, a thick trail of cum pouring out of her throbbing pussy.","138":"She giggles and squeals, still rocked with the occasional aftershock of orgasm, and looking at the mess I made of her.","139":"Oh my god! Baby! You shot so much into me!","140":"Feeling the volcano of pleasure erupting from within me, at the last second, I hoist Lidia upwards and pull out of her, letting my cock slap against her vulva as a blast of cum geysers skyward out of my cock.","141":"Lidia gasps and quivers at the explosion of seed, the ropes of jizz whipping at her cocoa belly.","142":"Yes! Cum for me, baby!","143":"I growl and grit my teeth, holding on for dear life as I hose down the dusky beauty with milky ropes of spunk.","144":"Finally, the last lasso of seed spurts from the head of my shaft lazily onto Lidia's crotch, as the power and energy of my limbs are slowly drowned in a sea of warmth.","145":"My mind begins to clear. I slowly start to lower Lidia down, while she coos affectionately, looking at the pools of my essence now dripping down her stomach.","146":"Mmm, yes... I love the way your hot jizz feels on my skin!","147":"We both take a moment, basking in the after glow of sex together, and catching our breath.","148":"Already close to finishing, I lower Lidia down in front of me. She quickly senses my intentions, and grabs her tits as I jack off towards her chest.","149":"Yes! Oh god, please cum on my tits!","150":"With those stunning, chocolate titties presented for me, it doesn't take long.","151":"A growl escapes my throat, as I fire a salvo of hot, sticky cum at Lidia's magnificent jugs.","152":"Oh god! Coat my tits in your cum!","153":"The sticky, pearly emissions splatter against her cocoa melons and cause Lidia to gasp sharply.","154":"Those dusky milk mounds heaving as I mark her.","155":"With the last of my semen shot out over her bosom, the dark beauty coos sensually. Slowly rubbing my sticky seed into her plump tits.","156":"Mmmm, it's so warm!","157":"I stare down at Lidia and her cum painted chest with deep satisfaction, admiring my handiwork.","158":"Jesus, {PlayerName}! You made a complete mess of me!","159":"I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since she was blowing me before. I have to finish in Lidia's mouth.","160":"I take her by the shoulders and herd her to the floor, grabbing a thick tussle of her gorgeous hair, as she obediently starts to suck my cock.","161":"The pleasure is overwhelming, and within seconds the orgasm overtakes me.","162":"Cum in mouth.","163":"Cum on her face.","164":"I let out a growl to warn Lidia that I'm about to shoot, but she just braces herself, keeping those lips wrapped around my manhood when I cum.","165":"As the thick, sticky load explodes in her mouth though, Lidia's head jerks and her eyes shoot open, apparently unaware of just how big of a surprise I had for her.","166":"A muffled little squeal escapes her with each pulse of cum I shoot down her throat.","167":"With the final squirt of cum blasted at her tonsils, and my cock starting to soften, Lidia finally pulls her head back, opening her mouth to let me get a look at my handiwork.","168":"She has a full mouthful of my frothy, thick seed, threatening to spill over those pouty lips of hers. It's a beautiful sight.","169":"Lidia then closes her mouth, and swallows the hefty load. Licking the trails of jizz still dripping down her chin.","170":"Oh my god, your load was huge!... A girl might have to watch her calories if she starts blowing you routinely!","171":"With barely a second to spare, I slide my cock from Lidia's throat, and aim it at her face.","172":"The beautiful minx's eyes shoot open, staring down the barrel of my cock and realizing what I have in store for her.","173":"Fuck, yes baby! Cum on my face!","174":"It doesn't take more than a few strokes.","175":"Primed and ready, I unload my seed right at her.","176":"The thick white pillar of cum erupts from my shaft and explodes onto Lidia's waiting gaze.","177":"Webs of sticky splooge criss-cross against her chocolate skin in thick globs. The beautiful barista squealing and giggling as she's showered in my chowder.","178":"Holy... it's [i]everywhere[\/i]! Are you trying to drown me?","179":"Legs weakening as my orgasm subsides, all I can do is flash a big, shit eating grin. Looking at the fine work I did to her beautiful face.","180":"Glowing from the release of our torrential passions, Lidia goes to clean herself up. Both of us relaxing and cooling off after some feverish love making.","181":"I don't know about you, but all of that fun has my appetite worked up. Shall we order something?","182":"Sure, I could eat.","183":"You go ahead and order. You're the food expert.","184":"Lidia smiles, and punches in an order for us, before tossing her phone on the counter.","185":"She then stands up, stretching in her slinky, feline-like way, and turns to me.","186":"Wanna go bang out another pre-dinner round? The food won't be up for at least thirty minutes, and we still haven't tried the bed out.","187":"Well, when in Rome…","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"Wait, so that's all a cappuccino is?","2":"What, did you think it was a different kind of bean or something?","3":"I'm a simple man, I see a hot dark liquid, I drink it.","4":"My child, there is so much I have to teach you. I hope I can find the strength.","5":"Lidia feigns a fake prayer to the powers that be to save my uneducated soul from my lack of coffee knowledge. It's a slow afternoon, ripe for making small talk with the pretty barista.","6":"Ugh, I still have so much to do before this trip to Italy. I still can't believe I'm finally going back. It all feels like a dream.","7":"I'm happy for you. It's a long time coming.","8":"And jealous. Super jealous. Italy sounds amazing.","9":"Well... You could come with me."},"october_2023.vne3":{"10":"And who's gotta take all that flak? Who's there to help you hold all that weight of the fast food world on your shoulders!?","11":"I didn’t ask for this perfect spatial kitchen awareness! Or my freakish ability to keep track of time in my head down to the second! Or to have this amazing ability to detect when fries are perfectly done by smell alone!","12":"God dammit, {PlayerName}, I was just made for this! I don’t know if I believe in fate, but I think I was put here to run a fast food kitchen.","13":"Dammit, Sam! You’re the best there ever was! But don’t ya see?! Don’t ya see it’s killing ya!","14":"You haven’t sent me inappropriate texts about sex dreams you’ve had with famous historical figures in months! You’ve barely touched your Gamer-Goo-Drank. You’re not yourself anymore!","15":"I swear my phone is vibrating even harder, but it’s too late, Hank, you son of a bitch!","16":"...","17":"Jesus... You’re right... {PlayerName}, you’re right.","18":"But... Hank. He needs me.","19":"Hank? This is nothing but a number to him. He doesn’t care about you. He doesn’t care about the [i]art[\/i]! He just wants the money, and the power.","20":"I had finally gotten the food to look just like it does in the commercials...","21":"She pauses, staring into her palms, as if they were the Grand Canyon.","22":"...but at what cost?","23":"I never got to tell Margeret Thatcher how I really felt...","24":"Sam pauses and looks up at the camera, the camera Hank uses to monitor and manage Burguer Queen.","25":"Her face hardens, as if she’s seen things clearly for the first time in a long, long time.","26":"A smile curls up the side of her mouth.","27":"You know what, I know what I’m going to do.","28":"Tabitha, why don’t you take your break now. In fact, take the afternoon off.","29":"Oh, okay. I’ll just grab my stuff.","30":"And Tabitha... Tell them what I did here... what [i]we[\/i] did here...","31":"Um, okay.","32":"Hey, can I, like, get Thursday off? I got Swift tickets.","33":"You bet, kid... You bet.","34":"Sam looks on as the other girl working at Burger Queen walks off.","35":"You see that, {PlayerName}? That’s our future, right there. She’s what this is all about.","36":"In that moment, with her back to me, I wish I could speak again... so I could tell her...","37":"[i]Sam... that doesn’t make any sense[\/i].","38":"She turns and saunters back in. I don’t notice her close the door and latch it shut.","39":"I’m too distracted by my phone, as I go through the tomes of angry texts I got from Hank.","40":"Is that the boss? Yeah, I guess he'll be pretty upset.","41":"Though you are trying to sabotage his business.","42":"Pimps gotta look out for other pimps.","43":"That’s very sweet, {PlayerName}, but I don’t believe that is at all how the pimp game works.","44":"But you marched right in here, and gave it to me very sternly.","45":"Well... I just didn’t want to see you get taken advantage of.","46":"I gotta say, you were very brazen! So angry and aggressive! I’m flushed!","47":"Also, Hank has been angry-texting me this whole time, and I have my phone tucked into the waistband of my skirt right by my cooter like a basic bitch.","48":"And that little brick has just been buzzing non-stop since you walked in.","49":"Between that and you angrily signing at me and setting off all my daddy-issues, I’m so wet right now I swear to god there is a tropical weather system between my thighs.","50":"Whoa, this is the Sam I know but on steroids.","51":"That is literally the grossest thing you’ve ever said to me.","52":"Sam looks up at the Camera.","53":"Hey, you wanna help me get fired for health-code violations?","54":"Health-code violations?","55":"Sam grabs me, drawing herself closer, her lips, as soft as petals, pressing against mine.","56":"Oh, now I get her plan.","57":"She tosses her phone on the counter, before hopping into my arms, already grinding up against me.","58":"You don’t mind if Hank watches, do you? He is a little responsible for getting me all hot and bothered.","59":"I nod my head in agreement, without even really thinking about it. But knowing what I know about Hank, ''he’ll'' actually probably enjoy this on some level.","60":"I feel a wet warmth start to radiate into my crotch from the outside.","61":"Clearly, not only was Sam not lying about how aroused she was, but she also isn't wearing any underwear.","62":"Which off in some small corner of my brain, I wonder if that by itself is a healthcode violation.","63":"God, you’re so hot! I just want to crawl all over you like you’re a jungle gym!","64":"Sam’s eyes are almost glazed over with lust, as her hands glide over my frame.","65":"Oh, fuck! I can’t hold back! Let me see it! Let me see your cock!","66":"She’s moving so fast it actually takes me off guard. Instinctually I shy away from the Camera, and try to restrain Sam from outright tearing my pants off.","67":"Sam gasps as she pulls the full length of my serpent from my pants. I’ll admit to feeling a bit exposed, but it’s hard to ignore Sam’s excitement.","68":"Good lord, {PlayerName}! How do you not pass out from blood draining out of your brain every time you get a boner?","69":"Not able to hold in her giggling, Sam eagerly begins to pump my member, coaxing it to grow even larger.","70":"Holy cow, it gets even bigger? They need to put a Surgeon’s General warning on your cock!","71":"Nimble as a pixie, Sam swings around to my front and crouches down in front of me, now staring down the barrel of my love-gun.","72":"I wonder if I need to be worried about reinforcing this reward circuit in your head where you yelling at me results in me sucking your dick.","73":"But, like, when you do get all stern with me, my first impulse [i]is[\/i] to suck your dick.","74":"It’s a real Catch-22.","75":"Sam’s lips begin to hug my dick, caressing and exploring it with her mouth.","76":"At the same time, her hands begin to affectionately stroke it back and forth.","77":"Sam moans as she works my equipment, clearly excited, but also eager to put on a show for me, [i]and[\/i] for the camera as well.","78":"Over the sound of slurping, both of our phones buzz nearly constantly with Hank's angry texts.","79":"The blowjob continues, Sam falling to her knees and grabbing my meat with both hands.","80":"She’s getting serious about it now.","81":"I look down at those pretty Hazel eyes.","82":"Sam does look right at home on her knees with my cock in her mouth, but maybe I’m biased.","83":"Cooing softly, she pulls my dick mostly out of her mouth, and teases it with her tongue.","84":"It drives me wild.","85":"Getting to her feet, Sam tugs her shirt up over her head, and my eyes shoot to her perky knockers wobbling playfully on her chest.","86":"Sam’s got a spectacular set of tits on her for a woman her size.","87":"I’m stuck! {PlayerName}, help me!","88":"Hey! What are you doing? Are you just staring at my tits? Like a goon?","89":"If you are, just stay silent.","90":"Sam finishes clumsily peeling her top off, and hucks it into the unknown, making a show of ''composing herself'' and popping a sultry pose.","91":"Well, hey there, sailor! Can I get someone a milkshake?","92":"I pop her a smirk, then put a finger on her hip and spin her around.","93":"Bending her over across the counter, I begin to pull her skirt off.","94":"This is starting to feel like something out of a wild fever dream. Having Sam stripped naked, ready to be fucked, in the middle of a fast food restaurant while Hank is watching through the camera.","95":"Better get that nut before I wake up or Hank sends the mall security.","96":"Hurry up! What are you waiting for! Put it in! I want you!","97":"I grin, and slide in slow, torturing Sam.","98":"Oh, fuck! Yes! Fuck me, you son of a bitch!","99":"Buried in the little brunette, I grab her by the waist and start pumping.","100":"Our phones are still routinely buzzing with angry messages.","101":"I just look up at the camera and grin. Hank is certainly enjoying the show.","102":"Yes! Fuck me! You can have it your way, baby!","103":"Sam is moaning like a fire engine while she gets the ''Super-Sized combo'' next to the condiment rack.","104":"Pulling her tight, I reach around and grab her boobs, squeezing those magnificent juggs while thrusting into her.","105":"Fuck yes! Every time I see you all I can think about is your hands on my tits!","106":"Sam seems to press her chest into my hands, her nipple riding the groves between my fingers while I play with the pliant, soft flesh.","107":"Just ravage me!","108":"Hooking a leg, I push her further up on the counter, continuing to lay into her.","109":"I need to be fucked so bad! I’ve never been so naughty! I let the medium sized cup lids run out twice last week!","110":"Sam has always been enthusiastic, but this time she's truly excited. Knowing that Hank is watching us has really ignited her excitement.","111":"I keep railing Sam, pounding her throbbing pussy over and over again.","112":"She does her best to stay braced against the counter.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","113":"That’s right, baby! Buns... served up hot... just how you want it!","1":"Sam had been toiling away at Burger Queen for too long. It was time for a change.","114":"Sam continues firing off bad fast food puns while getting stuffed.","2":"We had been at odds with each other over it the last couple of days. Sam’s job was making her miserable, and I tried to tell her, but she didn’t want to leave the paycheck behind.","115":"Jesus, you’re so hot!","3":"And frankly, I'd just about had my fill of her self-pity. It was time to give her a real piece of my mind.","116":"I love how you just fuck me like some wild animal!","4":"Oh my god! What?","117":"She grabs my head and pulls me into a passionate kiss.","5":"Listen here, you crazy bitch...","118":"Despite not having any trouble grabbing tufts of hair and jerking my head around, Sam’s kisses are surprisingly tender.","6":"You fucking dick! This is a place of [i]business[\/i]!","119":"Locked in her lips, I still continue to pump away, driving my cock in and out of Sam’s tight snatch.","7":"Yeah-yeah! Always the suffering nun. ''Oh, poor Saint Sam, look at her toil away, picking up every dropped shift that Hank throws at her because she can’t say no!''","120":"Her muffled cries reverberate through her supple lips.","8":"My phone begins to buzz... Angrily.","121":"Sam suddenly breaks our embrace and croons her head back to the camera.","9":"What the hell are you ta-... I am a professional! Somebody has got to hold it down for the pimp squad!","122":"Lost in her lust, she forgot for a moment that this display was also performatory.","123":"At the same moment, I feel a tremor begin to build in my loins.","124":"Sam must have sensed it, and I feel her womanhood cinch down around my shaft in anticipation.","125":"Quick! Finish inside me on the counter!","126":"More than eager to comply, I lay her across the pristine food-grade surface. This is definitely a healthcode violation, but there is no way back.","127":"Oh fuck! Oh-fuck-oh-fuck-oh-fuck!","128":"I waste no time resuming our dance, thrusting feverishly as Sams, in a flurry of limbs, tries to find a grip.","129":"God, yes! Just like that! Fuck me!","130":"Sam climaxes, her legs quivering violently, as she bucks so hard I actually worry she might hurt herself.","131":"And after that wail, people are gonna start saying this Burger Queen is haunted.","132":"I’m not far behind her, and I feel my own climax erupt into her still trembling pussy.","133":"Yes! That’s it! Please! Fill me with your cum!","134":"My own hips jerk over and over again, sending pulses of molten jizz deep inside Sam.","135":"The event leaves me a panting mess, barely able to stay on my feet as the thunderstorm of lust rages through my veins.","136":"The coolness of the air conditioned restaurant catches up to me, and a chill rides up my spine when my softening cock begins to slide out of Sam.","137":"Unsheathing my staff from her, it is quickly followed by a pool of pearly spunk, bubbling up from her cum-drowned cat, and beginning to trickle down on the counter.","138":"Oh god, {PlayerName}! You’re an animal!","139":"Her mind now clear, Sam refocuses on her departure from employment at Burger Queen.","140":"Blowing a bang from her eyes, she sits up, and begins to slowly shuffle her hips back and forth.","141":"She then turns, and flips off the camera.","142":"Hank, I’m leaving my ''Letter of Resignation'' on the counter!","143":"Come on, {PlayerName}. Let’s go get you a smoothie...","144":"Something with pineapple, since you’re going to be getting your dicked sucked again later.","145":"I'm definitely not against that idea."},"october_2024.vne3":{"10":"Looks like you've had too much candy and you're getting delirious.","11":"So, what brings you by for this surprise visit?","12":"Well, {PlayerName}, I came here because I need your help with something.","13":"If it's about making costumes or anything crafty, count me out. I'm terrible at handiwork.","14":"Oh no, not that. It's worse, much worse...","15":"Worse? What do you mean? Did something serious happen?","16":"No. I need your help to visit a haunted house...","17":"What?","18":"You heard me right.","19":"Geez, you scared me for a minute there. I thought you were being serious, that you needed my help with something important...","20":"I am being serious!","21":"A haunted house?","22":"Okay, let me explain.","23":"I had this distant great-aunt, Mrs. Gertrude. I only visited her once or twice when I was a kid.","24":"She was already pretty old then, and she was really strange, you know? Had like 5 cats, they looked kind of zombie-like, I don't know. Everything in the house was super old, doors would slam...","25":"I remember being really scared to go there and begging my mom to leave.","26":"Anyways, I was talking to some relatives in a family group chat and we were discussing our ancestry, our roots, I asked for old photos and stuff...","27":"That's when I found out this aunt was the one who kept most of our family's old documents...","28":"There are photos, birth certificates, immigration papers, lots of stuff that could be useful...","29":"As you might guess, she passed away about 20 years ago and since then, her house has been empty.","30":"And you're afraid your aunt's ghost won't let you retrieve those documents?","31":"Of course not...","32":"I'm afraid of other ghosts, ones that were probably living there even before she moved in, like 150 years ago...","33":"So... Can I count on you to come with me?","34":"Well, it's not like I was having a lot of fun here by myself anyway.","35":"Sure, why not? These kids just keep complaining about my butter cups.","36":"But those are the best!","37":"I know, right.","38":"And so, I leave a bowl of candy at the door and drive with her to a distant part of Shale Hill.","39":"Even though it's not a big metropolis, the city still has several remote neighborhoods that I haven't had the chance to explore yet.","40":"Like today...","41":"Wow, Haley, I thought it was funny that you were scared to come here alone...","42":"But now that I think about it, I'm not sure I'd have the courage myself.","43":"I told you!","44":"And can I ask why the hell you chose Halloween night of all nights to come here?","45":"I don't know... Life's coincidences. I guess seeing all the kids in costumes on the street triggered something in my head...","46":"So, how are we getting in?","47":"I got the keys from my aunt...","48":"Here they are.","49":"With the keys in hand, I follow Haley to the gate and open the old padlock keeping everything shut.","50":"On second thought... Maybe we should leave this for another day.","51":"Don't be silly, Haley... Let's go in, get what you came for, and leave quickly. No ghost will have time to bother you.","52":"What was that?","53":"I think it was a bird... Or a bat.","54":"I hate bats!","55":"They like the dark, not much you can do about that. But don't worry, I don't think it was a bat anyway.","56":"And just as I finish my sentence, the young woman pulls out a flashlight and turns it on, illuminating our path.","57":"Good thing I came prepared!","58":"Nice! Shall we proceed?","59":"Ugh, I remember this statue... It's just as scary now as it was when I was a child...","60":"I can't help but agree with Haley, what a creepy thing...","61":"Look there, our noisy friend!","62":"It's not the same one... And what a sinister look...","63":"Let's keep moving.","64":"I open the door and of course the creak is slow and seems like it's straight out of a horror movie.","65":"Let me go first with the flashlight.","66":"That's the spirit, brave girl...","67":"Actually, come here in front of me...","68":"Haley's confidence lasted three steps and now she's behind me, holding tight to my waist so we stay as close as possible.","69":"There's a cabinet over there... It must be inside.","70":"Damn, it's locked. Let's check the other rooms, maybe we'll find a key.","71":"Why on earth did Haley's great-aunt have a skull in a cabinet in the living room?","72":"What a horrible thing. I hope she doesn't see it, or she'll freak out and want to run out of here.","73":"Come on, let's check the living room to see if we find anything.","74":"I follow Haley to the other room, but things don't seem to get any lighter for us...","75":"Uh... Haley, do you know if the house really stayed empty all this time, or did your great-aunt have some... different interests?","76":"What do you mean?","77":"Well, this strange book and...","78":"Is that a skull over there, {PlayerName}?","79":"I think so...","80":"Also, I don't know if you noticed, but there's a bizarre picture near the fireplace...","81":"Hurgh, that's creepy. Let's get out of here!","82":"Want to leave? I could go...","83":"No, I mean, let's get out of this weird room. Should we check upstairs?","84":"Are you sure? We can leave if you want.","85":"Why, are you scared?","86":"No, of course not... I'm just worried about you...","87":"Don't worry, let's go.","88":"With hesitant body language but moving towards the stairs, Haley takes my hand and leads me to the first step.","89":"As soon as we reach the second floor, however, we're greeted by a strange figure, waiting for us in the dark.","90":"Hello?","91":"I'm not sure if that's a person... Maybe with some light...","92":"A complete skeleton! Why?","93":"Don't tell me that's your great-aunt...","94":"No, {PlayerName}, gross. But I can't explain what this thing is doing here...","95":"How about we quickly check the rooms and get out of here as soon as possible?","96":"Sounds like a good idea. Let's try this one...","97":"Opening a door next to our ''friend'', Haley leads us into the first room on the upper floor.","98":"Okay, there's just a chest in here. Could what you're looking for be inside?","99":"I'll take a look at it. Hand me the flashlight.","100":"This chest has my great-aunt's initials, ''GTH''.","101":"But it's also locked and...","102":"AAAAGGGGHHHH!","103":"What was that?","104":"Looks like a glass fell and shattered...","105":"But how?","106":"There's our explanation.","107":"A cat?","108":"I didn’t see this one coming...","109":"What?","110":"Nothing, let's go.","111":"Could it be one of your aunt's cats?","112":"Only if it's about 50 years old.","113":"Sadistic kitty! It must be seeing how scared we are and wanted to play a prank on us.","114":"I'm totally calm...","115":"What a horrifying house. I just want to get out of here! Skulls everywhere, geez...","116":"But your aunt... She was pretty weird, huh?","117":"I told you it was a scary place...","118":"Since the other doors on this floor are locked, we continue on...","119":"The last room is up there...","120":"As we've been doing throughout the visit, Haley insists I go first and follows behind me, flashlight in hand.","121":"And obviously, the surprises aren't over yet...","122":"Ta-da!","123":"What is this?","124":"The last prank of your Halloween surprise!","125":"Haley, you little trickster!","126":"Well, I was at your house a little while ago and didn't get any candy... I thought it was only fair to play a trick on you!","127":"You really got me, I was ready to run out of here if I saw any more skulls...","128":"Come here...","129":"I won't find any surprises in this bed, right?","130":"Want to find out?","131":"An invitation like that from Haley is practically an order.","132":"Our lips quickly entwine in a kiss filled with anticipation and excitement.","133":"I don't know if it's the atmosphere Haley created, but I can already feel myself growing hard down there.","134":"My hero... You came all the way here, faced the haunted house for me... You deserve a reward.","135":"Already shirtless and lying on the bed invitingly, the young woman makes an irresistible offer.","136":"Come, {PlayerName}.","137":"I'm coming!","138":"The sight of a beautiful girl like Haley waiting for me like this, on the bed, is almost a dream.","139":"Sometimes I think life is too good to me...","140":"In any case, I can only make all of this worth it!","141":"So, I immediately start taking off Haley's pants, who just laughs and watches.","142":"I don't want to waste time and feel an uncontrollable need to dive into her wet, pink pussy.","143":"However, sometimes I find myself losing a few seconds in a contemplative state.","144":"Are you just going to look, {PlayerName}?","145":"Not at all!","146":"Responding to her request, I bury my tongue in the folds of her pussy.","147":"The moans are instantaneous... It seems someone was even more eager for this moment than I was.","148":"It's not my first time kissing Haley's pussy, but I always feel like a fool when I find myself here.","149":"A delicate, pink pussy that seems to respond to every stroke of my tongue.","150":"Hmmm, yes...","151":"Seeing that she's getting wilder, I decide to bring in reinforcements and penetrate her wet lid with my finger.","152":"I don't want to go deep, but rather to play a little with Haley's desires, who moans more and more frequently.","153":"When I decide to look up, I find the young woman looking down, her big blue eyes staring down at me.","154":"Keep going, you're driving me crazy...","155":"Haley's words are accompanied by her own movements, squeezing her nipples anxiously for more...","156":"As we continue, Haley writhes, squeezes her nipples, and lets out little moans.","157":"Despite wanting some attention myself, I feel like I could stay here for hours and hours.","158":"More, please... I want more...","159":"Well, I understand the message as an invitation to slide another finger inside her beautiful pussy.","160":"Hhhhmmm, yeees.","161":"Let... Let me return the favor a little?","162":"As a gentleman, I decide to stand up and offer my cock. She doesn't waste any time.","163":"I was dying to suck this huge cock of yours.","164":"But Haley is methodical. When she said she wanted to return the favor, she meant it...","165":"So, instead of just swallowing my cock right away, she starts with suspense, giving little kisses on the tip of my penis.","166":"She's also an anxious girl, though, and she doesn't take long to wrap her mouth around my cock.","167":"Hmmm, it's like I'm penetrating heaven... It's warm, welcoming, soft...","168":"And Haley is greedy...","169":"Noticing that I'm already having spasms and that my cock is rock hard, she goes further, swallowing almost my entire shaft.","170":"Running out of breath, the blue-haired beauty pulls back, returning to the little kisses and licks.","171":"Puff puff... Is this how you like it?","172":"Yes, very much! However...","173":"I like it more when you have it all in your mouth...","174":"Ghhhhhhhhhk...","175":"Aaaah, what a marvelous mouth...","176":"And Haley isn't intimidated... She knows I'm loving it...","177":"Ghhhhhhhhhk...","178":"This is amazing, but I don't want to miss the opportunity to fuck this marvelous pussy.","179":"You naughty boy, you nearly drowned me...","180":"Why don't you turn around and punish me by getting on all fours?","181":"Are you going to punish me for my trick?","182":"I'm going to give you an unforgettable Halloween night!","183":"Aaaah, yes! Fuck me, baby!","184":"Ah, how I've longed to feel this pussy wrapped tightly around my cock...","185":"Look how wet I am for you, {PlayerName}. Fuck me!","186":"Aaah, what a delicious cock. Put it all in, I want to feel you completely!","187":"Responding to her desire as an order, I continue thrusting deeper and deeper.","188":"Our rhythm is synchronized, me thrusting and her trying to keep up with my movements.","189":"Aaaaah, yes, harder!","190":"And even in the middle of sex, I find myself in a contemplative trance again.","191":"This sight is indescribable...","192":"Aaaah... Why don't you lie down here on the bed with me?","193":"Great idea, babe.","194":"And, already lying behind the girl, I resume my rhythm, penetrating her tight pussy while listening to her faltering breaths and sighs.","195":"Aaaaah, yes, so good!","196":"I take advantage of our position to finally grasp one of Haley's breasts, something I hadn't had the chance to do yet.","197":"Ah, of course, let me hold my leg for you.","198":"No one can blame you for having such delicious breasts.","199":"I take advantage of Haley's distraction to resume thrusting deeply, drawing new moans from her.","200":"Hmmm, fuck meee...","201":"I feel my cock throbbing and realize I won't last much longer.","202":"Haley also notices and show me she has one more request.","203":"Turn around, please.","204":"I want to come looking into your eyes.","205":"Like this?","206":"Hmmm, perfect. Let me put you inside me...","207":"Oooooohh.","208":"As soon as I enter her again, Haley seizes the opportunity to resume her moans.","209":"But it's clear that we're both close to climax...","210":"So, I decide to focus only on seeing this beautiful girl trembling on the bed with a marvelous orgasm...","211":"She lifts her legs, allowing me to go deeper and deeper.","212":"Aaaaah, fuck, fuck, fuck!","213":"But I decide to take full control, pinning her arms to the bed and thrusting with rhythmic, well-timed strokes.","214":"Aaaah, {PlayerName}, I can't take it anymore!","215":"I... I...","216":"AAAAAAAAAAaaahgghh...","217":"Aaaaahhh.","218":"And so I feel Haley's tight pussy pulsing on my cock, tears of pleasure streaming from her vulva.","219":"You almost made me faint... That was intense...","220":"But I want your seed on me... I want you to use my breasts and come all over!","221":"I don't think that's a bad idea...","222":"So I place my cock between Haley's marvelous breasts.","223":"She uses them to squeeze my shaft, making it feel very welcome.","224":"Rub that cock on my tits... Cum on me!","225":"I start fucking her breasts, feeling that the explosion could happen at any moment.","226":"Cum! Cum on me!","227":"Responding to the young woman's eager request, I release my seed, washing her with the streams she so desired.","228":"Aaaa, so hot!","229":"So much!","230":"After all the action, Haley takes some wet wipes from her bag, and we take the opportunity to clean up...","231":"Aunt Gertrude, right?","232":"Busted!","233":"Does this aunt even exist?","234":"Of course not! This house belongs to a friend, it's empty because they're going to renovate it...","235":"I thought the opportunity was too good to pass up! Did you like it?","236":"Best Halloween of my life!","237":"And what about that cat?","238":"I have no idea...","239":"Creepy... Maybe we should go...","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"{Leah} is quite the joker...","2":"She set up a ''Halloween party'' with her nerdy journalism department friends and left me alone at home with this bowl of candy.","3":"And the worst part is, kids these days don't know anything... Back in my day, nobody complained about getting Butter Cups, quite the opposite. It was always one of the kids' favorites! {Leah} and I used to compete to see who could get more!","4":"Now they're all hooked on these sour candies...","5":"Here comes another wave. If one more kid complains about my peanut butter candy, I'm calling it a night and eating everything while watching some cheap horror movie.","6":"Hi! Trick or treat?","7":"Haley! What a surprise. Aren't you a bit old to be trick-or-treating around the neighborhood?","8":"Very funny.","9":"But I like the costume... Pretty girl with a goth-emo vibe... Just my type, you know?"},"september_2021.vne3":{"10":"What are you smirking at, big shot? I already told you I was terrible.","11":"If you're so much better, how 'bout you show me a thing or two about how you're supposed to do it?","12":"I nodded, taking her up on her offer.","13":"Tell you what, you show me how to suck less at this thing, and all your drinks are on the house tonight.","14":"You and your other buddy. What do you say?","15":"Now that was something I could get behind.","16":"Let's drink to that.","17":"After we each took a sip, I started trying to show Haley whatever I knew about pool.","18":"Hmmm... I see, I see...","19":"It wasn't much, but it was certainly better than whatever she had done earlier. How was someone who worked at a bar even bad at pool to begin with?","20":"Alright, my turn. Lemme try.","21":"As she bent over in front of the pool table to try and mimic what I was doing, she somehow had even worse form than her first shot.","22":"I couldn't speak to her, so I tapped her on the back and signaled that she was doing something wrong.","23":"I don't think this is gonna work out, Silent One. Since you don't have your phone, I think you're gonna have to show me more closely.","24":"Come, come, help me adjust to the right position.","25":"Oh boy, there was no way I could do this without getting too close. At the very least, she didn't seem to be uncomfortable.","26":"So... like this?","27":"I positioned myself behind her and tried to help her adjust her own stance to get it right. Due to our respective sizes, it was quite hard to maintain any polite distance while doing it.","28":"It was also even harder to resist the urge to get a boner.","29":"Wait, I think I get it. Like this!","30":"Especially with her grinding up against me trying to get into position.","31":"Oh? What's this I feel back there?","32":"I couldn't hold it anymore... Despite my best efforts, my dick began to grow inside my pants, and it definitely did not go unnoticed.","33":"{PlayerName}, is... is that what I think it is?","34":"Haley backed off and looked down at my crotch. Instinctively, I moved to cover the tent that was forming in my pants with my hands.","35":"My instinctual reaction was one of embarrassment, but hers was not angry as I expected. In fact, she looked aroused.","36":"Seems like you've got other things in mind, huh, Silent One?","37":"Without my phone I could do nothing but give her an annoyed glance, realizing she had planned this all along.","38":"Maybe there's something [i]else[\/i] you want to show me about instead?","39":"Haley took a step forward, grabbing my hands and pulling them away from my crotch, before reaching for my zipper.","40":"Now, let's check how [i]this[\/i] cue stick is doing.","41":"As she pulled down my pants, I found myself caught off guard by how assertive she was right now.","42":"It was a side of her I wasn't expecting to see, but I intended to play along and see where it went.","43":"It does need a bit of polishing, especially at the tip, don't you think?","44":"Heh, I have no reason to disagree.","45":"Hehehe. You didn't think I was actually bad at pool, did you?","46":"At the same time, I couldn't just ask like that out of the blue. Just strikes me like something the Vanderman types are more fond of doing.","47":"Where's the fun without a little foreplay?","48":"With hindsight, it was rather obvious where she was going, but it still surprised me.","49":"Couldn't a patron just walk in at any time? I felt a twinge of apprehension, despite the adrenaline rush of seeing Haley like this.","50":"Wasting no time waiting for a response I obviously could not give, Haley inched forward and started running her tongue over my tip.","51":"Mmmmph... mmmm...","52":"Before long, half of my cock was already in her mouth.","53":"Mmmmmmmmmmmph...!","54":"As she was right now, Haley also had to communicate without words. The way she looked at me from down there was like she was asking, no, begging, for me to go harder.","55":"Mmmmmmghk!","56":"I grabbed onto Haley's hands and forced my cock deeper into her mouth. The tightness was enough to almost make me cum on the spot.","57":"Ghhhhhhhhhk! Mmmmgh! Mmmmmmmmghhk!","58":"I continued to thrust into her mouth like that until I suddenly felt her gasp for air like she needed it.","59":"Khhhhk...! Haaaah! Khh!","60":"Haley broke into a cough as soon as she pulled herself away, and I lifted up my hands to say ''I didn't mean it'', thinking I had gone too far.","61":"Haaaah... haaah... that was...","62":"That was good, I liked that.","63":"The lewdness of her smile was only further accentuated by the dark streaks her runny makeup had left on her face.","64":"Do it again.","65":"Having heard her desires, I took hold of Haley's head and shoved it down onto my cock again.","66":"Mmmmmmgh! Ghhhhh!","67":"She continued to happily choke on me while I pushed myself deeper and deeper inside her throat.","68":"At some point, she was no longer giving me a blowjob - I was now throatfucking her, and we were both loving every second of it.","69":"But this wasn't how I wanted to finish. There was so much more of Haley's body still remaining unexplored, and it would not stay that way.","70":"When I took her face into one of my hands, she quickly took to sucking on my thumb, the finger positioned closest to her mouth.","71":"Mmmmmm... you want more of me, mmm... maybe I should call you ''Greedy One''","72":"Her hands were already reaching down to her waist to undo her pants.","73":"That's okay... I want more too...","74":"I rubbed my cock in between her legs and wrapped one of my hands around to grope her ass, maintaining my erection during this period of relative downtime.","75":"What is it? What's on your mind?","76":"I glanced around the room as if to ask her ''Where should we do it?''","77":"How about here? Let's keep it simple, and not get the counter dirty.","78":"I can see you're a little worried, you don't have to be. The bar's dead in the afternoon, we're gonna be fine.","79":"Haley tapped her hands onto the pool table, arching her back and showing off her ass for me.","80":"Fuck it, I'm overthinking. Sex by the pool table it is then.","81":"I simply nodded and approached her, slipping off her panties as she looked on eagerly.","82":"We gotta hurry up before Dante gets back.","83":"Her words added an air of anxiety to the act, but it was too late to back out now. We were both far too horny.","84":"As I tested the wetness of her entrance, Haley seemed to be even more in a rush than I was.","85":"Don't be such a tease...! We're done with the foreplay! Stick it in already!","86":"Huaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!","87":"I had no trouble sliding into her. The ample wetness that had built up while she was sucking my dick let me go balls deep in one stroke.","88":"The otherwise silent room was filled with the sounds of my hips meeting her ass, and the rhythmic moaning that came with each thrust.","89":"Ahh! Ahhh! Haaah! Yesss! This is what I was waiting for...!","90":"Still, I wanted more. Her pants were gone, her shirt had to go too, now.","91":"Ahhhhh...! Haaah... yeah, take it off...! Get rid of it...!","92":"I tossed aside her shirt and she quickly got out of her bra, exposing her whole body to me.","93":"Nnnngh...! Haaah! Much better...!","94":"As Haley adjusted her position, wanting to be fucked standing up, I locked her arms in between my own and started going even faster and deeper.","95":"Oh, fuck...! This feels so good...!","96":"I could feel her fingers clutching tightly onto my shoulders as each thrust sent waves of pleasure rippling through her body.","97":"Haaaah... turn...! Turn me around...! Ahhhh!","98":"I wanna do it facing you!","99":"Haley wrapped both her arms and legs around me, allowing me to pick her up and start fucking while carrying her.","100":"Ahhhhh... don't stop...! Keep going...!","101":"We kept at it like that, until I could feel myself getting tired.","102":"Wanting to put all of my strength and energy into her, I put Haley back down onto the pool board, after which she quickly lifted both of her legs over my shoulders.","103":"Haaaah... how's that...? I'm more... ahhhhh... flexible than I look! Bet you like it, right?","104":"The sight of her in that position made me even hornier.","105":"I'll take how... nnngh...! How you're fucking me as a ''yes''...! Ahhhhh!","106":"We switched up our positions a few times after that, until I could feel Haley wanting something.","107":"Mmmmmm...! Wait...!","108":"Get... ahhhhh! Get on the table...! I wanna ride you...!","109":"I got onto the pool table, and Haley stood on all fours waiting eagerly, like an animal in heat ready to pounce.","110":"We were definitely gonna get this thing dirty, but neither of us really gave a fuck right now.","111":"Climbing on top of me, she took hold of my cock, rubbing it between her fingers while she adjusted it near her pussy.","112":"Haaaaah... we should've done this way sooner...!","113":"Haley bent backwards as she started to ride me, her perky tits bouncing in glorious full view.","114":"Ahhhhh...! Your cock feels even better inside me from this angle...! Oooooh!","115":"I can already feel my legs getting weak...!","116":"Eventually, she tipped forward and fell onto me.","117":"Her breasts were hanging right in front of my face as she used both her arms to spread herself open, letting her take me even further in.","118":"Haaaaah...! I can see how hungry you are, looking at my tits like that...! Don't stop!","119":"Go ahead... grab them... play with them...! Haaaah!","120":"This was a side of Haley I never knew about, and I would make sure not to disappoint her.","121":"She got up, giving me some space to reach forward and cup a feel with one of my hands.","122":"Ahhhhhhhh! That's it...!","123":"The dual sensation of having both her pussy and her breasts pleasured at the same time had Haley quivering with pleasure, and her spasms betrayed her impending orgasm.","124":"I'm almost there...! Fuck! Don't just grope them! Suck on them!","125":"Haaaaah! Suck on my tits and make me cum...!","126":"With no reason to deny her request, I quickly pressed forward and started playing with one of her nipples. Teasing it with my tongue and biting it gently.","127":"Oh fuck...! I'm cumming! I'm cummi-!","128":"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaah!","129":"As she cried out in pleasure, her insides clenched tightly around my length while she came.","130":"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...! Oooooooooooooooooh fuuuuuuuuuuuck...!","131":"Somehow, against all odds, I managed to hold on until she finished without cumming - since I wanted to enjoy her for longer.","132":"Haaah... alright... my turn to make you cum...","133":"It's not a safe day, so just finish on my face instead... and don't go easy on me while I'm sucking you off, I can take it!","134":"Haley lifted herself off my cock, having climaxed already and wanting to return the favor.","135":"Mmmmph... Mmmmmmm...","136":"She didn't care at all that my dick was soaked with her fluids, she just put it right back into her mouth and started sucking again.","137":"Mmmmph!","138":"She quickly made progress, managing to push me deeper into her throat, but it sounded like she needed some help.","139":"Mmmmmmghhhk! Mmmmmghh!","140":"Grabbing the hairbun at the back of her head, I pushed her all the way down, as deep as she could go.","141":"Mmmmmmgh! Ghhhh! Mmmph!","142":"As the rapid bobbing of her head brought me closer and closer to orgasm, I remembered her wanting me to finish on her face.","143":"When the release got too close for comfort, I pulled myself back and out of Haley's mouth.","144":"You almost there?","145":"Realizing exactly why I had pulled out of her, she began to vigorously work my cock with her hands as she waited for my cum.","146":"Do it! Cum all over my face! Cover me with your cum!","147":"When it was all said and done, Haley stood before me with her face painted white with my cum.","148":"Mmmmm... that was good...","149":"She pulled up closer one last time and planted a quick kiss on the tip of my cock.","150":"Mwah~!","151":"Thanks, Silent One. I really needed this.","152":"He-Hey! Dante is IN the house!","153":"Upon hearing Dante's flamboyant entrance from the back, a look of relief washed over her face.","154":"Sounds like my shift's over. Thank God I don't have to go back to the counter with a face full of cum, huh?","155":"Go keep Dante busy in the back while I clean up and get out of here. If he asks, I'm napping at the back.","156":"I nodded in acknowledgement, and Haley fell back onto the pool table with a smile on her face.","157":"I got myself dressed and headed to the back to distract Dante, taking one final glance as the resting beauty.","158":"''I did that.'' I thought to myself, rather proudly.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"I was at Sevigny's, waiting for Linus to come back after Hank had texted him for a supposed emergency.","2":"Tell you what, since you don't have your phone and you really [i]are[\/i] the ''Silent One'' today, how about we go for a round to pass the time?","3":"Unfortunately for me, my phone's battery had died and Haley's used a different charger than mine did. Effectively, I was completely mute.","4":"Thankfully, Haley signaled me to the side of the bar with a pool table, bringing a couple of beers along with her.","5":"I'm warning you though, I'm absolutely terrible at this. I could barely get a ball in the hole if my life depended on it.","6":"I gave her a reassuring pat on the back as if to say, ''I'm sure it's not that bad.''","7":"Alright, watch and learn.","8":"And with that, Haley made what could very well have been the worst pool opening I'd ever seen.","9":"She didn't seem to mind her horrible shot at all, though. She grabbed her beer and looked at me with a big smile."},"september_2022.vne3":{"10":"You know a lot of skiers who blow out their knees on the Bunny Slope?","11":"Anyway, some friends are planning a long weekend at Laramie Peak this season. I figured it was as good a time as any to get back on the horse.","12":"Are you sure I can’t get you something to drink? We could see if my dad’s $2000 bottle of scotch is really that much better than his $80 bottle.","13":"I sense more to her offer than a simple drink. My heart begins to race, even as I feel my guard go up. Old girlfriends have a way of hitting you like that.","14":"It’s getting late, and it’s still a bit of a drive to get back to home.","15":"Oh? Hot date?","16":"No.","17":"Well, it’s not going to be as much fun finding out what all the fuss is about by myself.","18":"It’d probably be a month of your salary just for a glass at any bar.","19":"Attractive rich girls have a loneliness about them. Maybe it’s the way that society puts them up in a metaphorical tower. But they are animals, like anyone else. We all need company.","20":"So for all her composure, and stoicism, I’m not convinced she’s after anything more than just a little human contact and conversation. Especially with someone she doesn’t have to put on that much of an act for.","21":"Plus, the kiss of rose in her cheeks makes me suspect she’s already been in Daddy’s scotch a little bit.","22":"$2000 a bottle, huh?... I suppose it might be worth it to see what all the fuss is about.","23":"Part of life is taking pleasure when it presents itself.","24":"A glass turns into two. Small talk turns into laughing about old times. And somewhere along the line, Emily ended up close enough for me to smell her hair. ","25":"...I don’t see it.","26":"I mean, it is good.","27":"Yeah, but it’s not [i]that[\/i] good.","28":"For two grand a bottle, I’d like to think it’d keep me buzzed for a week, or make my breast bigger, or something.","29":"The mention of breasts causes my eyes to unconsciously flicker down to her chest. I’d kick myself if I could, but there’s no helping it. It might as well have been a trigger word.","30":"Despite my sudden keen interest in the nearby drapes, a sly little smile creeps across Emily’s plump lips. There’s no way she didn’t notice where my gaze went to.","31":"So, I do want to thank you again for bringing my skies over. I feel like I owe you.","32":"Well, you did treat me to some eye-wateringly expensive scotch.","33":"Maybe, but stolen scotch doesn’t cost a thing.","34":"Isn’t there a saying about nothing being free in this world?","35":"Emily stands up, putting down her empty glass, and sauntering to the stairs.","36":"It looks like the evening is wrapping up. Part of me feels a pang of sadness that the night is over. For a few hours, we seemed to get lost in nostalgia, and got to be people who we thought we’d never be again.","37":"But I don’t know what I was expecting. I guess I just got lost for a minute in something warm and familiar.","38":"Are you coming?","39":"I look up at Emily, who is halfway up the stairs. She stands in that way that always drives me crazy, hips cocked with that magnificent ass pressed out, and I get lost in those curves for a moment.","40":"Meanwhile my brain is doing flips, trying to make sense of the situation.","41":"Well?","42":"I’m still not sure what [i]this[\/i] is about, but I can't refuse her allure. Maybe it’s foolish, but I stand up, and climb those stairs after her.","43":"Emily takes my hand, and we walk down the hall towards her room. I’m still trying to figure out if this is real, or some kind of dream.","44":"I never had you in my room, did I?","45":"I shake my head ''no''. It’s only now I realize I left my phone on the couch downstairs.","46":"It seems too late to go back for it now.","47":"Let’s not let this become a big thing, alright? Sometimes a girl wants to... indulge a little.","48":"I nod. All too happy to agree.","49":"Her lithe fingers reach down to peel my shirt off, and I pull her close to kiss. Like an old dance, I feel that right leg lift and wrap around me, the warm, soft flesh of her thigh against my waist. Some things never change.","50":"Not forgetting my choreography, I cock my head and nuzzle at her silky neck, taking in her scent and kissing her gently.","51":"Mmmm... I see someone remembers all their old moves.","52":"I recall you really liking this one.","53":"Her teasing fingers undo my pants, and I feel the blood surge to my already stiff cock, knowing very well what’s coming.","54":"My raging erection almost explodes from my pants, those nimble little fingers quickly finding my shaft and wrapping around it, stroking it gently.","55":"Fuck... I forgot how big you are.","56":"Emily’s strokes send pulsing waves of pleasure through me, but I know the best is yet to come, as the auburn haired minx slowly gets down on her knees.","57":"I bet you’re already wondering if there is anything else I left at your house.","58":"I start to smile, but I’m rocked with a shudder of ecstasy when her wet tongue and velvety lips contact my manhood.","59":"Emily could be accused of being cold, or withholding. But her big, dark, expressive eyes can be so warm at times.","60":"And I never loved looking into them more than when she is like this, staring up at me longingly, with my cock in her mouth.","61":"My tool is engulfed in wet warmth, as Emily fully surrenders her mouth to me.","62":"Her beautiful head bobs back and forth, lips sliding effortlessly up and down my shaft, leaving a thin sheen of spit and precum.","63":"My legs quiver from the pleasure. Giving head was something that always seemed to come naturally to Emily. I’m suddenly reminded of why I’d let her get away with so much when we were together.","64":"Not one to rest on her laurels, Emily braces herself, and tries to take me even deeper. Moaning sensually and doing her best to deep throat me.","65":"I watch her wince, trying to take the full length of my meat. Feeling my warm shaft beginning to slide down that wet throat, I help it along. Taking Emily by the head, I press my rod further into her.","66":"Emily gags slightly, but determined, tries to take it as far as she can. My balls graze her dainty chin, and the majority of my cock disappears into her mouth.","67":"Reaching her limit, she pulls away, cheeks red and panting heavily.","68":"Mmm, did you get [i]bigger[\/i] since the last time I did that?","69":"I shrug, trying to stay modest while starting to tug Emily’s clothes off. Having her mouth has only made me hunger for more of her.","70":"Her tight little jeans practically need to be peeled off. The sight of her ample, naked hips and juicy ass makes me curse myself for ever letting her get away.","71":"Emily had already been a voluptuous woman when we dated. She’s only grown more so since then.","72":"Her large, perky breasts jiggle free, bouncing playfully from out under her top when I pull it off of her.","73":"Those proud, pink nipples of hers are already at attention. Fully aroused and begging to be sucked on.","74":"Come here, baby.","75":"Emily collapses back down onto the bed, pulling me after her, beckoning me to rev her engine up even more.","76":"Leaning forward, I sink into the heat radiating off of her sex. Letting my lips find her wet, quivering pussy.","77":"Ohhh... fuck yes! I love when you eat me out.","78":"Fuck, yes! Just like that!","79":"Whatever one might have to say about hooking up with an ex, it is nice knowing what they like.","80":"There’s no phase of exploration and experimentation. No clumsy fumbling or awkwardness. No need to find the right combinations of moves and touches to set her off.","81":"It takes all of a minute or two, and Emily’s hips are already bucking and quaking. A chorus of uncontrollable moans erupting from her lips.","82":"There is [i]one[\/i] thing that’s new, though. Emily notices me pausing to examine her more closely.","83":"Do you like it? I never let you have my ass when we dated. Maybe now you’d like to take it for a spin?","84":"Just pull it out.","85":"I feel my blood race with excitement. This is a new dimension to our [i]play[\/i] that Emily hadn’t been into when we were together. I always regretted never getting to try her ''back door.''","86":"I didn’t know how I felt about girls with butt plugs before, but seeing it in front of me is getting me going a bit.","87":"Slow and gently, I reach down and start to pull the toy out of Emily. Her moans grow as I tug it out of her tight asshole.","88":"Finally it crests and pops out of her in a manner I find strangely satisfying.","89":"Emily giggles and I toss the toy aside. With no product on hand, she’ll have to be lubed up the old fashion way.","90":"Grabbing her thick, creamy thighs, I well up a dollop of spit, and start to tongue her asshole. Lathering it up and holding her down when the little electric pulses of pleasure cause her to buck uncontrollably.","91":"Holy shit... oh, {PlayerName}, that feels so fucking good...","92":"Mmmm, you’re really getting in there, huh?","93":"I grin while I toss her salad. Might as well enjoy it while I make sure she’s nice and slick before entering her.","94":"She’s ready enough, it’s time to finally have Emily’s asshole.","95":"Grabbing her long, shapely legs, I press my cock to her tight sphincter, feeling her gasp and start to pant when I press it into her.","96":"The tightness of her asshole resists the head of my shaft at first.","97":"Going slowly, I let the tip slowly press its way inside her, letting her anus relax and stretch to accommodate my manhood.","98":"But gradually, her asshole gives way to my cock, and it suddenly penetrates deep up her ass.","99":"Emily’s whole body tenses up under me like she’s been shocked. Her eyes going wide and letting out a breathy gasp, as if the air had suddenly escaped her lungs.","100":"I savor the look on her face, an expression like her brain is short circuiting, her eyes crossing and losing focus while she reels from her ass being penetrated.","101":"Holy shit... Holy fuck, you’re so big!","102":"I give Emily a moment, letting her relax and resisting my impulses, before gently starting to pump my hips into her.","103":"Fuck, I should have gotten a bigger plug before letting you put it in my butt!","104":"Any discomfort she had slowly dissipates, though. Her breathy gasps are quickly replaced by soft, sensual moans.","105":"Eventually, she rocks up on all fours, and starts to press her ass back into me, urging me to go harder.","106":"That’s right, fuck my tight little ass! I know you’ve wanted it.","107":"Both of us grow more excited with each pump of our hips. I pull Emily tight to me, wanting every possible square inch of my skin in contact with her. Reaching around to grab at and play with her bouncing melons.","108":"Oh god, yes! Fuck me deep! Fucking ravage me!","109":"Yes... destroy my ass, {PlayerName}... oh shit, my head feels like it’s gonna pop!","110":"I bear down behind her. Giving it to Emily as hard as I dare, feeling her arms and legs start to give while she whimpers and moans, and slowly melts into the bed.","111":"Oh god... right there! Yes! Yes! Keep going! Oh god, yes!","112":"The orgasm possessing her like a demon, Emily bucks violently under me. A scream of pleasure escaping her lips as she clinches down so hard around my cock I get worried for a moment.","113":"Finally, the Auburn haired beauty collapses down onto the bed, the tempest of pleasure inside her subsiding. Her tight asshole is still pulsating around and sucking at my shaft.","114":"Jesus... {PlayerName}! That was amazing!","115":"In the pause, the physicality of our lust finally catches up with me. Needing a break, I slowly slide my cock out of Emily’s amazing ass, causing her to shudder when I unsheath my member from her rear end.","116":"After basking in the afterglow of her orgasm, and catching her breath, Emily looks over at me.","117":"I guess it would only be polite for me to get your off too, huh?","118":"I did drive her ski’s over, afterall.","119":"I watch Emily’s stunning body as she crawls over me, positioning herself around to mount me.","120":"Once more, I feel her shudder in pleasure when she pushes herself down onto my shaft, the head of my member disappearing up into her stunning ass.","121":"With her propped up on top of me, I take Emily around her slender waist, and start to pull her down on my piston.","122":"Going slow at first, but gradually speeding up. She is soon riding up and down my meat like it was a pogo stick.","123":"Sinking in my own feverish arousal, I’m soon pumping Emily’s curvy body up and down on my shaft like I’m using her body to jack myself off.","124":"Emily’s growing moans accompany the rhythmic slapping of her soft, silky cheeks atop my pelvis while I use her like fuck toy.","125":"It’s all too much for me to hold back any longer, and the well of spunk inside me begins to surge to the surface.","126":"With only seconds, I decide where I want to deposit my load.","127":"Cum on Emily’s Belly.","128":"Creampie Emily’s Asshole.","129":"In an oddly contemplative moment, I decide I’d rather like to see what my essence would look like sprayed across Emily’s soft, velvety belly.","130":"I pull her down a final few times, savoring the wailing, undulating moans that I coax out of her...","131":"...Before suddenly sliding my cock from her, inciting a cute, breathy gasp.","132":"My quivering member flops forward, and then slaps against Emily’s soft vulva, aimed upwards at her.","133":"Emily lets out a delighted little squeal, as the first pulse of cum erupts from the head of my shaft and rains down onto her belly.","134":"Yes! Cum on me, baby!","135":"Her girlish giggles only fuel my orgasm, and I fire off a thick salvo of my spunk all over her midsection.","136":"The sticky ropes slapping at her soft stomach, and pooling in her navel.","137":"With a final salvo, the last few pearly strings of my cum whip at Emily’s soft, supple breasts. My seed shot, I feel the ravenous energy seep from my bones, while I listen to Emily coo softly on top of me.","138":"I love the feeling of your semen all over me.","139":"With a final thrust, I bury the entire length of my cock deep inside Emily’s tight asshole.","140":"The tremors of climax rumbling from deep within as I pin the squealing woman to me, my cum exploding deep inside her in a wet, warm storm of ecstasy.","141":"My load deposited in Emily’s ass, and with my strength quickly leaving my arms, I hoist the slender beauty off of me, unsheathing my cock from her anus.","142":"The rim of her ass hugs my shaft though, sucking at it, and every inch I pull out sends another shudder through Emily’s body.","143":"Emily’s ass continues to tighten around my member while it grows more flacid, the head finally reaching the rim and getting hung up on it.","144":"I pull at it, but Emily giggles, almost like she’s trying to keep me from exiting her completely.","145":"Finally, my flacid cock pops out of her asshole, inciting one final little squeal from her, followed by warm, affectionate coo.","146":"I can feel the thick trail of cum now pouring out of her creampied ass.","147":"Jesus. You shot [i]that much[\/i] into me? God, I’m glad I let you have my butt and not my pussy!","148":"I playfully toss her aside, causing her to scream and giggle.","149":"Emily coos and stretches out across the bed. Looking deeply relaxed and sleepy.","150":"We may have had our issues as a couple, but sex sure wasn’t one of them.","151":"I smile, nodding to agree with her.","152":"I rest my eyes, laying next to her for a moment. I know this was nothing more than a quick fling, and I don’t plan on staying the night...","153":"...But for what it was, it sure was fun.","154":"Like Emily says. Part of life is taking pleasure when it presents itself.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"Thank you again for picking these up. I do appreciate you driving them all the way out here.","2":"It’s no problem. They should have been returned a while ago but I keep forgetting.","3":"Emily’s ski’s had been collecting dust in my garage back home since before we broke up.","4":"Relics of a trip we had to a nearby resort a few winters back. Emily ended up in the hospital with a torn tendon, and her Ski’s ended up in my storage...","5":"For Emily, I think it took the romance out of the slopes for a while.","6":"So, I’m guessing the knee’s finally recovered?","7":"If I can be honest, I think it’s my pride that’s taken so long to heal.","8":"I’m a little surprised. It’s a rare bit of frankness from her. Emily was never entirely arrogant, but she’s usually not so quick to acknowledge her flaws or failures.","9":"Could have happened to anyone."},"september_2023.vne3":{"10":"... I actually need you for an important favor.","11":"Is everything okay?","12":"She looks serious. I straighten up to hear her better.","13":"I got a lead in the case of all the disappearances around campus...","14":"... Someone from the SHPD finally got back to me, and he gave me a name to look up... in the records of Shale Hill Hospital.","15":"The abandoned one a few miles outside of town? Wasn’t that a mental hospital?","16":"The very one.","17":"Apparently, when the place shut down, the administration just left a huge amount of paperwork there, including the file on a SHU student-turned patient who was admitted there.","18":"The detective I talked to says I [i]really[\/i] need to take a look at that file.","19":"Look, I’d go myself, and I know this might come across as childish but... It’s still a little creepy, checking out an old hospital, and...","20":"Well, and I was wondering if I could cajole you into being my Sir Lancelot.","21":"I shake my head. Valerie knows all she has to do is flash that little grin, and she’s got me on her hook.","22":"I knew I could count on you.","23":"I guess I’ll have to find what serious social-political issue has been creatively turned into a slutty-halloween costume with the student female population some other night.","24":"A couple hours later, after picking up Valerie after work, we’re hot on the trail of this lead, exploring the long abandoned care facility.","25":"The old hospital was, above all, oppressive. As if it could swallow us up at any moment.","26":"Even the air tastes hostile.","27":"You couldn’t have found your lead in a place that was less creepy?","28":"You’re scared? I brought you here to protect me.","29":"This feels like you’re putting me into a gender box.","30":"Oh, please.","31":"I keep lowering the volume on my speech app, but even near the lowest setting, it still feels ear-shattering in the deathly quiet old building.","32":"Okay, Val. What are we looking for?","33":"...Aside from cliched horror-movie deaths.","34":"Would you stop being such a baby, we just need to get to the North wing.","35":"I’m usually not superstitious, but I admit, I’m feeling irrationally unnerved by all this.","36":"We get to the end of the North wing, stopping in front of the doors to a large ward. I pause for a moment in front of it, my fear catching up with me.","37":"Okay, my detective contact said the files would be stored in some cabinets in the Ward on the North Wing...","38":"... Well... what are you waiting for?","39":"Huh?","40":"Go check it out.","41":"Me?","42":"She looks at me, flickering her eyes to the door.","43":"Her loss for words makes me suspect she really is more creeped out than she’s letting on.","44":"Sighing, I push the door open, and enter. Valerie stays far enough behind to make a quick getaway if I get attacked.","45":"I enter the large, abandoned ward... and it’s just as dead and quiet as the rest of the hospital.","46":"No crazy clown killers or forgotten criminally insane psychos... or file cabinets, for that matter. Just old beds and crickets.","47":"The now confident cadence of heels betrays Valerie’s little ruse, and I can practically feel the smirk beaming at the back of my skull. ","48":"Okay, Val, very funny. Was there ever really even a lead?","49":"What, you don’t like haunted houses?","50":"Sure, but if you were in the Halloween Spirit, we could have just gone to the one at the Fall Festival.","51":"You didn’t like the [i]Trick[\/i]?...","52":"I turn around, and I’m frozen in place.","53":"... Maybe you’ll like the [i]Treat[\/i].","54":"I don’t know if I’m at a loss for words, or the sight of Valerie’s stunning tits have just fried my brain.","55":"What? Scary movies always get me frisky and they are all that's been showing up on my streaming algorithm.","56":"Part of me is still mad, even as I strip off my shirt.","57":"Aww, are you gonna pout?","58":"I’m sorry you got all ''scared '' we’re in the spooky old hospital.","59":"I grin and reach around, punishing her tease with a playful little slap on the ass. The crack on her perfect skin causes her to yelp in surprise.","60":"Her eyes shoot open in theatrical outrage, but her flushed cheeks convey the rush it gave her.","61":"Acting mad, she pushes me up against a gurney, her lithe fingers vigorously working my meat.","62":"You are being [i]so[\/i] bad right now.","63":"Just what should I do about this kind of aggressive behavior...","64":"The edges of her mischievous mouth curl into a wicked grin, biting her lips as she slowly lowers herself to her knees.","65":"The sensation of her soft breath, tickling the head of my member, banishes any lingering anger I had with Valerie’s little deception.","66":"In the still of the old building, the wet lapping and soft coos emanating from the small brunette fill the seemingly cavernous ward.","67":"To have something so warm and sensual in such a dreary, musty old place is almost jarring, but it seems a small matter when her lips are flirting with your cock.","68":"In the cool, damp air, the warmth of Valerie’s mouth is particularly hospitable.","69":"Her lips affectionately survey each centimeter of my dick, leaving it shimmering with her spit.","70":"Feeling her tongue caress my manhood is like listening to some master practice their instrument.","71":"Valerie makes it a habit to excel in her pursuits. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to find she gives outstanding head as well.","72":"This is the kind of dick-sucking you must get when you’re the President. If she didn’t already have the brains to run the Oval Office, Valerie would at least belong under the desk.","73":"She suddenly moans loudly, I think she put so much into the blow job, she’s begun to spin herself up as well.","74":"I see her begin to unconsciously pump her hips, like her ass itself was looking for something to start rubbing against.","75":"It’s in the middle of this Executive-blowjob, when I see something out of the corner of my eye. When I do, I almost don’t even register it, as [i]distracted[\/i] as I am. And now that the moment has passed, I’m almost not even sure I saw it...","76":"... But... did that wheelchair just move?","77":"Valerie, seeing me preoccupied, seems more annoyed than anything else.","78":"Is the ghost of Marilyn Monroe down there flashing her tits?","79":"I chuckle, shaking off the uneasy feeling.","80":"Seeing I’m reengaged, the minx grins, pushing me up on the gurney.","81":"Well don’t worry. Because I’m going to haunt your dick.","82":"Would that mean Ghost Blowjobs? Dan Aykroyd eat your heart out.","83":"The way she moves, crawling up on top of me, I would almost believe Valerie could turn into a black cat herself and disappear into a shadow.","84":"And those piercing green eyes, gazing into my own as she climbs up my chest, is utterly bewitching.","85":"Look at this handsome cock.","86":"You know, {PlayerName}, you and I really have done a disservice to ourselves, not indulging in each other like this more often.","87":"Valerie’s efforts to maintain her composure begin to buckle and melt, when she tries to press the head of my shaft inside her.","88":"Just from pure breeding potential, you can’t tell me that physiologically, you and I aren’t an optimal... biological...","89":"... pairing...","90":"The last word are barely a whisper, when my cock overcomes the resistance of her slit, and enters her.","91":"Ngh!...","92":"Assuming dominance, I grab her around that tiny waist, and begin sliding Valerie down my cock.","93":"Every inch I sink in, that light body is rocked by fierce shudders of pleasure, driving any composed thought from the mind.","94":"In complete Cave-woman mode, Valerie begins feverishly driving her hips up and down, gyrating rhythmically on top of me like a demon of lust.","95":"A woman possessed, her language is now bestial and incoherent, hugging me tight with those perfect silky thighs while she tries to conjure the seed from me.","96":"Yes! Harder! Oh god, harder!","97":"She’s wailing now, loud enough to wake the dead. But I’m too aroused to care.","98":"Let her cries fill the whole damn hospital. Maybe some internet Ghost-hunters filming in some other wing will think they just hit the mother lode.","99":"But the way she’s pistoning up and down my dick, there’s only one person who's going to be getting a ''load'' tonight.","100":"I lean up, pulling Valerie tight and down onto my shaft, watching her eyes roll back into her skull as I sink deeper inside her. ","101":"Yes! I’ve been so naughty! Such a dirty slut! I need you to fucking punish me for it!","102":"Yes, {PlayerName}! Manhandle me! Use me as your dirty, little, fuck doll!","103":"It’s like our skin is magnetic, and our bodies contort to maximize contact, sliding and contorting around each other.","104":"Wondering where the limits of my lust are, I push Valerie down on the gurney.","105":"You’ve wanted to do this for years, haven’t you? Just throw me down and fuck my brains out!","106":"All those meetings with you and Emily, taking notes and doing my bidding. You probably just wanted to fuck me back into my place! Haven’t you?","107":"I actually always treasured Valerie's mentorship... But it’s hot as fuck to play otherwise. And the more she talks, I swear I can feel her gash getting tighter, sucking me in even deeper.","108":"Valerie is howling now, trying to hold onto the bed as I mercilessly pound her throbbing vag.","109":"I hope the Gurney we’re on is sturdier than it sounds.","110":"Lungs aching, and with both of us pouring sweat, I finally have to stop and catch my breath. Valerie is little more than a limp pile of limbs, moaning under me, so I’m guessing she’s not opposed to a short reprieve.","111":"But when a bit of sense returns from her fuck-addled brain, she grins, looking eager to pick back up, until...","112":"We freeze. I mean, really freeze.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","113":"Okay, that was definitely a door closing...","1":"Hey, do you have plans tonight?","114":"... Fuck it.","2":"I look to the welcoming sight of Valerie’s divine figure.","115":"I realize that jumping from the mysterious sound caused me to unconsciously clench and thrust, sending a raging fear boner driving up inside Valerie, reigniting her engine.","3":"But I’ve known Valerie long enough that sudden appearances like this are usually with purpose.","116":"I hope whichever spook may be watching us is enjoying the show, because I’m not leaving this room until I finish Val off.","4":"We’re going into Halloween weekend and it’s a college town. [i]Of Course[\/i] I have plans.","117":"I flip the curvy co-ed on her side, and begin pounding her from behind.","5":"I’m sure they are of the highest priority.","118":"You’re... so.... fucking... deep!","6":"In some circles they are. Linus got a hot lead on a big Halloween party at the Lacrosse house tonight, and they are having girls from a few of the college’s sororities put on a ''Sexiest Halloween Outfit'' contest.","119":"Valerie’s struggle to even breathe now just gets me more turned on.","7":"Linus and I were going to a friend's house to watch ''The Reanimator''.","120":"Oh fuck... oh shit!...!","8":"I don’t suppose I could steal you away from such a thrilling, social obligation.","121":"I can’t tell what to focus on, her dusky, emerald eyes beckoning for more? Or those perky, jiggling tits, bouncing wild up and down on her chest.","9":"... Maybe Valerie wants me to come to support her when she enters a ''Sexiest Halloween Costume'' contest at some different party in town or...","122":"Val squirms and writhes beneath me, still trying to find some hold on the gurney.","123":"I wonder which is going to give out first. Her, or this rickety old piece of hospital furniture I’ve mounted her on?","124":"Keep going! Oh, fuck, I’m so close!","125":"Bracing herself against the headboard, Valerie finds enough purchase to begin driving her ass back into me.","126":"It’s almost a challenge. Like she’s not being fucked hard enough.","127":"Far be it from me to disappoint.","128":"Squaring up behind her, I begin thrusting deeply.","129":"Each time my hips slam into her ample cheeks, I’m afraid I might send the petite brunette hurtling over the edge of the bed, and I see her firmly grip the bar to hold on.","130":"Cum inside me... Cum inside me, please!","131":"In a near frenzy myself, I grab her arm and pin her to the bed, unable to hold back my own tide anymore.","132":"With a final few deep thrust, my climax surges up to meet hers.","133":"A haunting moan and cry of mind melting ecstasy erupts from Valerie’s plump lips, echoing through the halls, as the sensation of my hot jizz exploding inside her pushes to completion.","134":"Crushing her to me, my own orgasm is so violent I worry I might tear a muscle, but as the rush of warmth begins to subside, I melt down into the mattress, on top of a now, limp, panting mess of a Valerie.","135":"I catch my breath and let the blood return to my brain, while the giggling, possibly insane minx, twitches underneath me.","136":"Even as I drunkenly regain my senses, Valerie is still a cooing mess. Her perfectly toned ass still propped submissively in the air, my pearly cum dripping from her throbbing womanhood.","137":"I hope I didn’t fuck her so hard I permanently broke her mind... That might be an indulgent thought.","138":"As the quakes of pleasure cease rocking her slight frame, Valerie finally lifts her head, looking back at me and smiling mischievously.","139":"Those dainty fingers slide up over her own perfect curves, and down to explore herself.","140":"Sitting up, she looks down curiously at her finger, now dripping in my seed and her own essence.","141":"The thick, shimmering mix running sleek trails down her hand.","142":"Then, as if some strange force answered my wish, she closed her eyes, and slid that finger into her mouth.","143":"She shudders, sucking it clean, savoring the taste.","144":"She opens those spellbinding eyes of hers, still cleaning my cum from her finger with her mouth.","145":"Realizing she has an audience, she begins to deliver a performance.","146":"So, aside from giving a ghost a free show, was this better than the other [i]plans[\/i] you had for Halloween?","147":"Hey, I’m not too proud to admit when I’m wrong."},"september_2024.vne3":{"10":"What's up, my guy? Here to break the hearts of every lady that walks into my joint?","11":"I'd settle for a beer if we're being honest.","12":"You got it, my man!","13":"Dante cracks open a bottle and slides it down to where I'm sitting. I take a long swig of the crisp, clear lager.","14":"This is just what I needed. Thanks.","15":"Work'n hard?","16":"Yeah. Cramming for a test next week.","17":"But my head ran out of space about an hour ago, so I'm here to cool off and kill a few braincells.","18":"A bro must cultivate his spirit just as much as his mind.","19":"A person appears to my right and I turn to see a flustered looking Kiara.","20":"Dante, do you know anything about setting up TVs?... Oh, hey {PlayerName}!","21":"What's up, Kiara.","22":"It's still giving you issues, huh?","23":"I've been at it for hours. Can't you come over and... I don't know... use some ''Dante Magic'' on it?","24":"I wish it were so simple, Kiara. I'm no wizard or master of sorcery, just a conduit and channel for the powerful positive energy that drifts through our universe.","25":"... But you know who is a tech-whisperer?","26":"I look over to see Dante gesture towards me.","27":"Oh my gosh, that's right. You're in IT, aren't you, {PlayerName}?","28":"Oh no, I'm off the clock. I'm already suffering from a bad case of burn out and I just want to drink beer and relax.","29":"Besides, IT isn't a universal language. I've been befuddled by all sorts of phones, TVs, washing machines, and more.","30":"A man of modesty. But never pass up on the chance to spread some good energy, {PlayerName}. The universe remembers and pays those kinds of acts forward.","31":"Would it be too much to ask for you to just come and take a look at it real quick? The new season of Ladies of Featherbottom just dropped and I don't want to miss it! Mama needs her fix!","32":"I have beers and other goodies to pay you with if it helps!","33":"I did want to hang it up for the evening, but I suppose it couldn't hurt to take a quick look. The free beers helps, as does the fact that Kiara is a hard face to say no to.","34":"Alright, I'll take a look at it. But no guarantees.","35":"You're the best. Come on, it's just over at my dorm.","36":"Kiara turns to leave, making her way to the door while I pull out my wallet to pay my tab.","37":"See, not even here five minutes and you've already got a girl taking you back to her dorm!","38":"Dante gives me a wink and I just smirk.","39":"Nothing spells romance like minor appliance troubleshooting. I'll see you later, Dante.","40":"Paid up, I follow Kiara out the bar and head back towards campus.","41":"A short while later, Kiara and I arrive back at her dorm room.","42":"Thank you so much, again. I promise I won't keep you for too long.","43":"A shriller voice greets me from across the room.","44":"What's he doing here?","45":"I look over to see Kristen on the bed.","46":"What am [i]I[\/i] doing here? What are [i]you[\/i] doing here?","47":"Oh, Kristen's place flooded, and she needed a place to stay. Though I wish she didn't insist on paying me, it's only for a few days.","48":"Kiara is much more patient and kinder than I am. I'd charge premium rates to put up Kristen for a long weekend.","49":"Well, I didn't want to be a mooch.","50":"{PlayerName} has been kind enough to stop by to try and troubleshoot our TV problems.","51":"He is? I guess I can't say he isn't without his uses.","52":"Well, what are you waiting for? We have eight episodes of Featherbottom to binge!","53":"Please don't take her too seriously, you know how Kristen is.","54":"So, this is the TV. We've been through the settings a dozen times, and can get it to work!","55":"Alright. Let me take a look.","56":"Taking the remote, I begin to go over the settings.","57":"To be fair, I've never come across a smart TV that I found really intuitive.","58":"I have to dig around in the settings for a bit, but before long, I have the wi-fi turned on and have it connected.","59":"I flip back over to the streaming input and... success. The screen flickers to life with a library of shows, ready to watch.","60":"You did it! Thank you so much! Look, Kristen!","61":"Thank god. I was about to have an emotional episode. I was about to watch the whole thing just on my phone!","62":"... I guess we should cancel our backup plan now that the streaming is working?","63":"Well... I don't know... I mean, since we have {PlayerName} here.","64":"Hm... that could be fun... I could hold off one more hour I suppose.","65":"{PlayerName}, thank you, really. You're a lifesaver!","66":"It was no problem, really. I'll get out of your hair so you girls can enjoy your show.","67":"No. Why don't you stay and relax for a bit? Kristen, why don't you get {PlayerName} a beer.","68":"Kristen wheels around and bends over to grab a drink from the mini fridge.","69":"I can't help but notice when she does bend over, her skirt riding up... and two vanilla cheeks peeking out the bottom. I feel my face grow flush.","70":"Kiara guides me into a seat and puts the beer in my hand, and Kristen puts on some music","71":"It's okay, really. I'm not really one for period dramas.","72":"In my confusion, both the girls begin to dance in front of me.","73":"We were actually thinking of something else...","74":"Yes, we were bored and had made a backup plan if we could not get our Featherbottom fix.","75":"And wanted to find something fun to do...","76":"Something fun, what does...","77":"Before I can respond, Kristen pulls me up out of my chair, and leans back, forcing me to catch her.","78":"Yeah, we were just going to play with each other. But since you're here, I guess you can play with us too.","79":"... Unless you've discovered you're gay. It wouldn't be a surprise to me.","80":"First, I get dragged away from my relaxing night out to play TV repair man, now I'm accused of being homosexual. I simply cannot let this stand.","81":"I lean in and kiss Kristen almost just out of spite... Though the prospect of a threesome is a compelling reason as well.","82":"Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Kiara hopping up and down excitedly.","83":"Oh! Oh! This is just like when Marybelle Cambridge and Cynthia Featherbottom went to Paris last season!","84":"I watch Kiara walk over to the door to lock it, then turn around to look at us.","85":"I would like a turn as well!","86":"Damn. Maybe Dante is onto something about putting that good energy out into the universe. I extend a hand out to invite Kiara to join in.","87":"I pull the giggling coed in, smelling her fragrant perfume, and notice her blushing.","88":"I'm so nervous! I always wanted to be in a threesome!","89":"Mmm, give him a whirl, Kiara. He's not a half bad kisser.","90":"I lean in, and begin to kiss the dusky beauty.","91":"Fuck... this is getting kind of hot... Well, suck his dick, Kiara. You said you needed the practice!","92":"Before I can even register what she said, a giggling Kiara lowers herself to her knees, tugging my pants down at the same time.","93":"Oh my! It is quite a bit bigger than I imagined!","94":"Holy shit, this is really happening! I let my lust take the reins, and grabbing hold of my now throbbing member, I gently guide Kiara's pretty head to it.","95":"She shyly wraps her crimson lips around my shaft, and begins to gently suck.","96":"Yes! Oh my god, I'm so horny right now!","97":"I look over at Kristen, who is peeling off her top, letting her healthy young breasts jiggle free.","98":"Kiara does the same, and it's a battle for my eyes' attention.","99":"Blushing and laughing, the girls continue to strip for me, until standing in front of me to present themselves.","100":"Haha, this is just like some pornographic film. ''We're sorry, Mr. TV repair man, we don't have any money... maybe there is something else we can do to pay you for your services''!","101":"You joke, Kiara, but that's still better acting than what I see in most pornos...","102":"Well, get on the bed, {PlayerName}! We don't have all night! We want to suck that dick.","103":"I continue to ask myself if this is some kind of dream. But if it is, I don't want to wake up from it.","104":"Taking a seat on the bed, the girls lay down at my lap, leaning in and beginning to explore my manhood with their mouths and tongues.","105":"Hungrily, Kiara again wraps her lips around my shaft, and her head begins to bob vigorously up and down its length.","106":"The sensation is incredible. I don't know how much practice she needs, it feels like she's already pretty good at blowjobs.","107":"Kristen seem's mesmerized at the sight. Licking her lips.","108":"Fuck, you're so hot, Kiara. I love watching you suck dick... Let me go, I want some too!","109":"Given all the attitude she's given me, I let myself be a little rougher with Kristen.","110":"When Kiara pulls my hardon from her mouth, I take Kristen by the hair and push her down onto my cock, shoving it down her throat.","111":"I enjoy the slight gag and gurgles as she too diligently sucks my meat. I wonder if she's purposesly antagonistic to coax this kind of treatment.","112":"Hungry not only for dick, Kristen proves fiendish for box as well.","113":"A few minutes later, she's on all fours, eating out her host while I pound her tight little pussy from behind.","114":"God, Kristen, you are so salacious and aroused! Just as Marybelle is in the show!","115":"Is this what goes on in The ''Ladies of Featherbottom''? Maybe I ought to pick up this show.","116":"Kristen is too preoccupied to sufficiently respond.","117":"Trying her best to focus on eating out Kiara while I fill her up at the other end with my meat and slam my hips into her supple ass.","118":"I feel a little greedy for it, but I'm also trying to sabotage Kristen and fuck her brains out so she can't even focus on her carpet munching.","119":"Taking the pretty comic book brat by her tiny waist, I piston the full length of my shaft in and out of her.","120":"Mmm, I want you to fuck me like that too, {PlayerName}!","121":"It looks like Kristen is off the hook for the moment.","122":"Pushing her up on the bed with Kiara, I climb up and slowly slide my dick into the cinnamon skinned minx, watching her melt as I enter her.","123":"Kristen gets in on it too, sucking on her fat tits while playing with her clit.","124":"I continue to enjoy Kiara's tight, warm pussy.","125":"The sight of the two girls making out and playing with one another just drives my arousal even further.","126":"Kristen climbs on top of her playmate, lowering her perky tits to Kiara's mouth, and riding her while I continue to pound her vag.","127":"That's right! Suck my titties! Suck my tits while you get fucked!","128":"Mmm, Kristen! Your breasts are so amazing! I never knew I could have such lesbian urges!","129":"I'm not surprised, I have that effect on a lot of women... and men, too. Right, {PlayerName}?","130":"I smirk. I'll get her back for that cockiness later.","131":"I have half a mind to shove my cock up her ass for it. Seeing that tight little anus she's teasing me with.","132":"{PlayerName}, lay on the bed so I can ride you!","133":"Yeah, give us a ride, {PlayerName}!","134":"Well, let it never be said I'm not a gentleman.","135":"Lying down on my back, Kiara straddles me, lowering herself down and impaling herself on my shaft, while Kristen squats over my face to smother me with her pussy.","136":"I feel the tables have turned.","137":"I'm doing my best to focus on eating out Kristen, but having Kiara slamming those glorious, tan cheeks down around my cock is causing my brain to short circuit in ecstasy.","138":"Mmm... Kiara... you're so fucking hot!","139":"You too, Kristen. I'm so glad we did this!","140":"Both coeds slide off of me and onto the bed, giggling like school girls.","141":"Laid out side by side like a meal, I decide it's time for Kristen to have another go, and slide my member back into her slit, causing her to moan and shake like a leaf!","142":"The room is heavy with the smell of sex and sweat, accompanied by a chorus of moans from the two young beauties and the slapping of flesh.","143":"I look down, hypnotized by the two pairs of lively, bouncing breasts.","144":"It fills me with a smug satisfaction, when I finish off Kristen. The slender white nerd's body suddenly seizes up, like she was hit with a cattle prod, and she lets out a shrill moan.","145":"Her legs begins to buckle and quiver, braced against my body, as she cums.","146":"Oh fuck... oh jesus... oh my god!","147":"Kristen is a panting mess, but that doesn't stop Kiara, driven mad with arousal at the sight of her friend's climax, from climbing on top of her and feverishly sucking at her tits.","148":"Mmm... oh... ahhh!","149":"Kiara, hungrily toying with Kristen's tits like a kitten desperate for milk, doesn't give the nerdy vixen a moment for her brain to recover, short circuiting her central nervous system.","150":"Deciding to given her a break, I grab Kiara and flip her over, mounting her from behind and beginning to pound her plump ass and coaxing a song of moans out of her.","151":"Kristen is still a mewling, cooing mess. Mindlessly driving her fingers inside her slit as it drips with aftersex.","152":"Soon enough, it's Kiara's turn.","153":"I'm gonna cu... I'm gonna cu...!","154":"She lets out a loud, lusty wail, as I feel her finish, her nubile, curvy body tensing up the same way Kristen just did.","155":"Well, having finished them both off, I wonder how I want to bring this show to a close.","156":"Feed them your cum.","157":"Shoot it on their tits.","158":"Barely giving the panting girls a moment to catch their breaths, I grab the two cum hungry girls and push them down on their knees.","159":"Instinctively, the pair open their mouths, bouncing excitedly for what's coming.","160":"We're such dirty whores! Give us what's coming to us!","161":"Yes, please! I want to taste your cum so badly!","162":"They don't have long to wait.","163":"I pick Kiara first, and aim my shaft right into her mouth just as the first blast of sticky cum explodes from my cock and goes flying down her throat.","164":"Oh, god! Please! I want some too!","165":"Who am I to deprive Kristen of what I'm guessing is secretly her favorite meal? I swing my stick over and aim at her.","166":"I let off another salvo.","167":"Kristen winces, as the thick, pearly ropes slap against her tongue and pouty lips.","168":"Kiara moans and whimpers, like a hungry baby bird, greedy for more.","169":"Luckily, there's plenty of spunk to go around.","170":"I shoot a second round into Kiara's waiting mouth.","171":"The thick globs of my seed becoming too much for her and beginning to spill and ooze down those candy lips.","172":"Kirsten, bouncing impatiently on her knees, looks like she doesn't want to miss out.","173":"And I think I have one more shot in the chamber.","174":"Growling, I aim and fire the last shot off into Kristen's mouth.","175":"Watching my creamy splooge exploding into her waiting mouth.","176":"With the last drop of spunk shot from my balls, I feel the lust and energy drain from me, leaving only a dull euphoria.","177":"It feels like I fired off a pound of yogurt into those poor girls.","178":"Cheeks full of their prize, Kristen and Kiara look at one another.","179":"With big gulps, both dutifully swallow. ","180":"Giggling, both of them open their mouths.","181":"Showing me what good girls they are and drinking every drop of my cum.","182":"Not giving the two panting beauties a moment's rest, I grab them by the hair and put them on their knees at my feet.","183":"Grabbing hold of my cock, I point it at their perky, heaving tits.","184":"Yes! Oh my god! Please cum on my tits!","185":"No! Cum on my tits, {PlayerName}!","186":"Deciding to start with Kiara, I aim my love gun between her pert, brown melons, and let off a shot!","187":"She gasps as the salvo of semen hurdles at her, striking her right between those glorious jugs.","188":"Do me! Do me!","189":"Shifting targets, and feeling another surge of jizz, I point my shaft towards Kristen's waiting milk bags.","190":"Oh my god, yes!","191":"She squeals in delight as I hose down her chest with my seed.","192":"I want some more, please, {PlayerName}!","193":"Luckily I have shots to spare, and readying the next round, I take aim right at that big, dark, teasing right nipple.","194":"Kiara giggles giddy as I fire off again.","195":"Bullseye, hitting my target like a sniper.","196":"No fair! Why did she get two and I only go one!","197":"Feeling one final surge from my balls, I decide to even things out and give the last blast to Kristen.","198":"Aiming at that pink, pert areola, I let off a final jet of spunk.","199":"Yes! Coat my tits with your cum!","200":"Thoroughly spent, and feeling the energy draining out of me, I look down to admire my handy work.","201":"Kristen and Kiara giggle to each other, and wobble their cum soaked melons for me, thoroughly glazed with my seed.","202":"After a little clean up, the three of us relax in bed. Cooling off and basking in the post-coital glow.","203":"Mmm, this was fun!","204":"Yeah, it actually was pretty good. Who knew that {PlayerName} could multitask so well.","205":"Well, I suppose now we can finally get to ''The Ladies of Featherbottom''.","206":"... And I know it's not really your show, {PlayerName}, but if you want to stick around...","207":"... We might need a mid-season top-off… if you know what we mean.","0":"This fantasy bonus scene is not directly connected to the main story of Shale Hill Secrets.\\nWe hope you enjoy seeing a different side to our lovely girls!","1":"I rub my eyes and turn the page of the computer science textbook.","2":"Trying to read through the pages proves to be fruitless, as the sentences and concepts seem to leak out of my head right after reading them.","3":"Cramming for class is always an exercise in grueling discipline, but at some point, I always end up feeling burnt out. The return on investment hardly seems worth it.","4":"Maybe I need a break. I have been hitting it hard all week, and it is Friday night.","5":"I don't feel like vegging out on the couch, though. I kind of want to go out. But I don't know of any parties or anything going on.","6":"I could head on down to Sevingy's. Dante's always down to hook a bro up.","7":"Yeah. That's the move. I grab a quick shower, throw on a fresh outfit, and head out the door.","8":"The bar is hopping... Or at least as crowded as Sevingy's usually gets.","9":"Dante grins when I pull up a seat at the bar."},"ch1__01.00 Opening Credits.vne3":{"3":"Like an old projector, memories from a few years ago begin to flicker in my mind's eye...","4":"Developed by Love-Joint","5":"Ricky - Producer, Code, Engine","6":"AW - Plot, Writing, Direction","7":"NiRo - Former Character designer, Art","8":"Mr. Vargas - Lead Artist, Character Design","9":"Zed - Marketing, Art","10":"Luke - Marketing, Art, Animations","11":"In Memory of Palmer","0":"My mind starts to drift. It usually does while I'm driving, but this time...","1":"...I start thinking about the past. I think {Leah} made me feel nostalgic.","2":"I'm still young, but it feels like I've gone through so much to get to where I am right now."},"ch1__01.05 At Work.vne3":{"10":"Gotcha, Pils! Oh, now I really know I needed an ice-cold beer! The frost bonds to my palms like it wants to be inside me!","11":"An administrator would kill us if they saw we were keeping a small bar’s worth of alcohol in the fridge. But it’s a small luxury the tech support department has, being the lonely and dingy dungeon it is.","12":"Now... to get it to my desk...","13":"Fuck! Someone’s coming in! And I’m fucking holding a beer on college property, and I’m only 20!","14":"I want to keep my Pils, but I’d rather keep my job, so I roll the beer beneath one of the desks, and stand around, putting on what I hope is an innocent face.","15":"I look to see who it might be...","16":"What a surprise... it’s {Leah} again.","17":"That’s not only a relief... it’s actually nice to see her. I didn’t expect this.","18":"I guess... ships do meet in the night sometimes.[delay,0.6] Snowflakes do collide.[delay,0.6] Neutrinos slam into detectors.","19":"A warm smile emerges on my lips.","20":"[speed,0.5]{PlayerName}[speed,0.5]...[delay,250][speed,1]I didn’t know you worked the front desk.","21":"I shake my head.","22":"Ah. I see. [delay,250][char,Leah_Casual_Soft_Smile]Linus has left you all alone, huh?","23":"I shrug. I’m not about to throw my colleague under the bus... even though he actually [i]did[\/i] leave me all alone.","24":"I’m asking whether he needs a stern dressing-down.","25":"I shake my head and smile, putting it off as a joke.","26":"Okay.","27":"Listen... yes, I’m here because I need tech support, but...","28":"[speed,0.2]...[\/speed][delay,300]I came for personal reasons, too.","29":"I have the day off in a few days. It’s weird - [delay,100]things kind of came together, and I don’t have work, and I don’t have class.","30":"Funny, right? That almost never happens.[delay,300][char,Leah_Casual_Neutral_2] I was thinking about what I’d do on that day off... and...","31":"...I just kinda realized how little it is we see of each other. And[speed,0.2]...[\/speed][char,Leah_Casual_Annoyed] passing by each other in the living room doesn’t count.","32":"So I was thinking, maybe...","33":"...if you weren’t doing anything on Saturday, and I wasn’t doing anything on Saturday...","34":"...then[speed,0.5]...","35":"Excuse me... can your Saturday plans wait?","36":"I have an actual technical problem... so... maybe your personal business later?","37":"This girl! I was so completely blindsided. How did I not notice her! Was {Leah} distracting me?","38":"I’m [i]not[\/i] supposed to be at the front desk. This is Linus’s job!","39":"We were talking!","40":"\"We\"? No, babe. [i]You[\/i] were talking.","41":"That’s because-","42":"Anyway, [speed,0.25]Mr. IT guy,[speed,2][delay,350] could you connect my phone to the network?","43":"This is exactly what I [i]didn’t[\/i] want!","44":"I pick up a pad of paper, and write as quickly as possible.","45":"So[speed,0.5]...[\/speed] none of my devices will connect to the university network.[delay,300] Did you change the security code or something?","46":"He’s...!","47":"Excuse me, miss! You’ll get your turn! You can flirt as much as you want...[delay,200] later!","48":"This girl seems to notice that I’m writing something quickly on a pad.","49":"Are you deaf or something? Why aren’t you saying anything?","50":"That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you-","51":"He’s mute.","52":"He’s what?","53":"He can’t talk.[delay,300] His vocal chords?[delay,300] Gonzo.","54":"So he [i]is[\/i] deaf?","55":"He’s not deaf![delay,200] He’s [b]mute[\/b]![delay,200][char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Neutral_2] I said [i]vocal chords[\/i], not ears.","56":"Oh. Mute people were not covered in sensitivity training during orientation.","57":"So... do I need to... do anything special to talk with him... or...?","58":"Finally finish the note, and give it to the girl. She takes it, squints at it, and reads it.","59":"[speed,0.5]\"Linus is the front desk guy\".[\/speed][pause][char,Alexis_School_Impatient] Who the fuck is Linus?","60":"That’s me.","61":"I should have known. You look like a Linus. All I want is to get on the fucking Internet.","62":"Did you update the university app?","63":"Do I have to?","64":"Didn’t you read the e-mail? The posting that was sent to every room on campus? The text that was sent to every phone?[delay,200] [char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Neutral_2][speed,0.5]''URGENT, MUST UPDATE APP ON ALL DEVICES TO ACCESS UNIVERSITY NETWORK''[\/speed]?","65":"Uh... maybe, Mr. Sassy. I get a lot of urgent messages like that.","66":"The IT Lab is not one of your girlfriends going through an emotional crisis. Urgent is urgent. Give me your phone and I’ll update it for you.","67":"I’m pretty sure my phone was already updated...","68":"I’ll bet you a [speed,0.25]billion[\/speed] dollars it wasn’t.","69":"While Linus is busy, I step aside with {Leah}.","70":"I’m sorry I’m smiling. It’s just too funny.","71":"It’s kind of funny, you gotta admit that.","72":"{Leah} probably doesn’t realize how common this kinda thing is. If I ever found it funny, the hundredth time this has happened to us has beaten the humor out of me.","73":"But... {Leah} doesn’t know that. I smile and nod.","74":"I don’t have a lot of time, and... I didn’t just come to talk. I’m having issues updating too. They ask you to update to access the network...[delay,200] but I can’t access the network without updating, so I don’t know what to do...","75":"She mishmashes all her technical frustrations in one breathless statement. But I understand her.","76":"So she can't log into the network to update? That’s weird. I'm pretty sure that's the only thing you can do once you're in the network.","77":"Here’s my phone.","78":"I take her phone, go into the settings, and I immediately see her issue.","79":"I point out that her phone is on \"airplane mode\". Then, I slide it off.","80":"Oh. That’s all? Sorry to waste your time.","81":"{Leah} is smart. But this isn’t the first time she accidentally put her phone on airplane mode, and needed me to fix it.","82":"I’ve told her before, but it doesn’t matter. If it has to do with computers it goes in one ear and out the other.","83":"She’s always been about the pen and paper. What’s in front of her and real, not data buzzing in the cloud.","84":"Before I respond back, I realize that she was about to talk about something personal. Something about Saturday.","85":"It[speed,0.3]...[\/speed] definitely sounded like she wanted to hang out.[delay,200] A rare enough event that I’m not yet ready to believe.","86":"I’ll sign back to her...","87":"What was that personal thing about?","88":"Maybe learn to use technology sometime? Anyway, what were you about to say?","89":"I’m happy to help, no matter what. What was that thing you were about to say?","90":"That...","91":"I... uh...","92":"Snarky today, are we?","93":"Uh... yeah. I was about to say...","94":"You’re a dear.","95":"So I wanted to say...","96":"You’ve gotta be kidding me! I’m late for class.","97":"We’ll talk later, alright? Gotta rush.","98":"She’s always so busy...","99":"{Leah} hasn’t cooled off and relaxed in a long time. That’s just who she is. A busybody.","100":"To be fair, I was kinda the same way at one point, but since I lost my voice... I’ve slowed down a lot.[delay,500] Being a go-getter doesn’t really survive forced introspection.","101":"It isn’t completely true that our lives never aligned. When we were in the academy together we were both pretty busy, but we were working on the same sorts of projects, so we had at least a little time together.","102":"Now, I’m cooped up in the IT department while she’s running around doing exciting journalism things, making the kind of trouble nosy journalists do.","103":"It’s easier and easier to catch myself daydreaming about \"good old days\", like I’m forty or something.","104":"Anyway, enough moping. I think Linus might need help with this girl.","105":"So you’re saying that I don’t need a new password?","106":"You just gotta update the app. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you.","107":"Last time, you guys made me change my password. And I don’t like doing that.","108":"That was last time. This is now.","109":"It’s so inconvenient! I use the same password for all my stuff, and that’s-","110":"Don’t tell me!","111":"I thought you guys already knew my password.","112":"We do! But don’t say it out loud. And especially don’t tell people you use that same password for every site. I could break into every account you have, if I wanted to.","113":"Oh yeah...","114":"The update is done. You should have no issue connecting to the school network. Now... go home, and change your passwords.","115":"I’ll get around to it.","116":"Fine. It’s not [i]my[\/i] nudes that are going to get leaked to the Internet.","117":"If anything happens to my nudes, I’m going to blame you.","118":"Tch.","119":"{PlayerName}, why do hot broads gotta be stupid?","120":"You know who that was?","121":"I shake my head.","122":"Alexis Vanderman. Captain of the cheer squad. Hot as magma but...[delay,400][char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Thoughtful] worthless as a wife.","123":"One day, a girl is going to walk through that door with big tits, big ass, [i]and[\/i] big brains, and I’m going to marry her.","124":"I don’t believe in a lot of supernatural bullshit, but I’ve got a little faith. Working this thankless job... it’s going to be worth it.","125":"You are lucky you’re a chick magnet.","126":"My standard way to communicating is a text-to-speech device on my phone. Most people don’t know sign language.","127":"Hardly.","128":"It’d be different if you were ugly. But you look [i]nice[\/i], dude. So girls just see you like a... a sweet cute puppy with a broken paw or something.","129":"Girls like guys who talk. Trust me.","130":"Being able to talk has done me no good.","131":"You’re lucky you have {Leah}.","132":"Dude. She’s my {sheIsYour}.","133":"Yeah, I know. I’m just... making conversation.","134":"I can’t wait for update week to be over. It’s always the same thing. I really need a beer.","135":"Oh! Look! One beneath my desk! A Pils! Like magic!","136":"Did you put this here? It ain’t Christmas yet, right? Cheers!","137":"I whip out my phone to punch in a message, but Linus is already opening the beer before I even get the chance.","138":"Ah. Refreshing.","139":"He’s drinking my beer!","140":"Hey! That’s mine!","141":"Just go get another one.","142":"Man, I thought you were being nice for once.","143":"You can still have this one...[char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Smile] but it’s got my spit in it.","144":"I grumble a little, before heading to the mini fridge and getting my own.","145":"It’s not worth it. I go to the fridge and get my own. It’s not as if we don’t keep it well stocked with Pilsner.","146":"...","147":"Cheers!","148":"There's nothing better than ending a day with a nice cold beer.","149":"Ah. That it’s an illicit drink only makes it sweeter.","150":"I deserve it, though.","151":"Linus isn’t a bad guy, though sometimes he’s more trouble than it’s worth.","152":"Linus is an okay guy. Kind of oblivious, sometimes.","153":"I am really curious about what {Leah} wanted to talk about. I’m still not ready to believe she actually had free time.","154":"We haven’t done anything together in a while. {Leah} and I...","155":"...we were so close. Especially just after... I lost my voice.","156":"But... I suppose our priorities are different now. We both have our own projects going on. Our diverging life goals.","157":"It’s sad. But I guess it can’t be helped.","158":"A message. From Hank.","159":"Don’t forget to install the new administrator app. You can find it on the IT dept cloud storage. - Hank","160":"Right. We have to update too. I forgot.","161":"PS. New list of errands. Get them done today. - Hank","162":"New list of errands my ass.","163":"Nobody has ever seen office director Hank. He’s apparently behind that door printed with his name, except nobody enters or leaves that door.","164":"There’s a good chance he doesn’t exist... except [i]someone[\/i] in that back office pushes hand-written lists of tasks beneath the door, and it’s apparently Hank.","165":"Sometimes, I feel like I should demand to physically see my boss, especially since he has me off on [i]weird[\/i] errands... [delay,200]but I guess I’ve gotten used to it.","166":"Doesn’t feel as strange as it used to.","167":"As usual, a hand-written list has been pushed beneath the door. I’m not sure why he doesn’t print them out. I feel like it’s to convince us a human being is behind that door and not some sort of... robot thing.","168":"I’ll leave it under the door for now. I need to update my own admin application.","169":"Let's see...","170":"Done.","171":"I open the executable... everything checks out.","172":"Looks like it’s all good.","173":"Wait a second...[delay,200] what is [speed,0.5]\"RECENTLY\"[\/speed]?","174":"It looks like a file manager of some kind. Unless it’s part of the package I just unzipped, I know I didn’t put that on my machine. Fuck, I hope it’s not a virus.","175":"I text Hank....","176":"Is that new file manager standard?","177":"Yeah, it’s for remote access repair. - Hank","178":"I don’t know why he signs all his texts like that. It’s not like I’m confused about who he is.","179":"Still... that sounds fishy.","180":"I mean... is it remote access to other people’s machines...[delay,400] or to mine?","181":"Let’s open it up.","182":"What [i]is[\/i] this?","183":"Here is... [b]everyone[\/b] on the network. I’m supposed to only have access on a by-need basis. Flying fucking shit.","184":"I whip out my phone again and quickly type a message.","185":"This new app seems really insecure.","186":"It’s not insecure at all. You can only gain access using a randomly generated pin code texted to the student’s phone. - Hank","187":"Okay. Still sounds sketchy.","188":"Let’s try something. I scroll down to... ‘VANDERMAN, A’.","189":"I think that’s the girl I just met.","190":"Seems like I had no issues getting in. Maybe it only asks for a pin when I try to access specific files?","191":"\"Cache.Cloud.Images.RecentlyLoaded\"? Let’s look...","192":"Gah...!","193":"The... the fuck!","194":"There’s... there’s no way I’m supposed to be seeing this!","195":"It’s only a text notification from my cell phone, but I jump!","196":"The wheels of my chair...[delay,200] they squeal as I lose my balance completely!","197":"Soon, I am...","198":"Ah! Fuck!","199":"Dude... did you just fall off your seat?","200":"That’s seriously funny...[delay,200] [char,Linus_Standing_Casual_Neutral_2]unless you got hurt. You didn’t get hurt, did you?","201":"I pick up my phone and turn it back on.","202":"Get the list before it blows away. - Hank","203":"Then... I look at the screen again.","204":"Everything looks... normal.","205":"Did I just see what I thought I saw?","206":"This is just normal beer, right? Nobody stuffed psychedelics in there, did they?","207":"You actually look shaken up. You see something?","208":"I shake my head.","209":"Heh... did you get freaked out by a screamer? I can’t believe people still send those things.","210":"Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.","211":"Not knowing what else I should say, I nod.","212":"Better get that list.","213":"Why does Hank get you to do his errands, huh? Seems funny he’d ask a guy who can’t talk.","214":"Both our phones ping at the same time. Linus frowns.","215":"Because I trust {PlayerName} and I don’t trust you. -Hank","216":"Aw... fuck. Love you too, Hank.","217":"I pull the list out from the door, then head out like the floor is hot.","218":"I [i]need[\/i] some fresh air.","0":"Half the time I’m in class.[pause] Half the time I’m here.","1":"If I started drinking a beer on the job... would anyone notice? Would anyone care?","2":"It would certainly help the day get on quicker. I’ve been working tech support chat since the early morning. We pushed a system update yesterday and everyone and their mother has had issues logging into the university network.","3":"Please, God.[delay,200] Change humankind’s nature.[delay,200] Make people read instructions rather than blindly press buttons.","4":"If I could, I’d scream and curse at the next person who asks me a dumb question.[speed,0.2]..[\/speed] but I can’t, so I’ll drink instead.","5":"I just have to take advantage of this brief respite to make it to the mini fridge. And then, we’re in ice-cold Pilsner city.","6":"But to do that... I have to cross the front desk. Kind of a terrifying proposition when Linus isn’t here, because anyone could just come up and wouldn’t realize I’m not the front desk guy.","7":"Dealing with customers directly isn’t really my job. I’m not exactly shy...[pause] I just can’t do it.","8":"But... there’s nobody here right now, and that probably isn’t going to happen for the rest of the day, so...","9":"...it is now or never."},"ch1__01.10 Campus.vne3":{"3":"There’s a fucking obvious solution, and that’s to actually open your laptop and see if you can find that same picture.","4":"There’s nobody around, so we’ll just take a seat and have a gander.","5":"Okay... just a few clicks... I can navigate to where I was... and...","6":"Nothing. That’s good, I guess. Really good.","7":"So this [speed,0.5]''RECENTLY''[\/speed] app isn’t some kind of insane remote access tool that threatens the security of the entire college.","8":"Which means... I’m probably crazy and hallucinated that image.","9":"Or...[delay,300] I opened up an old porn tab.","10":"Yes, that’s probably it. I had a porn tab I forgot to close, and the girl happened to look like Alexis.","11":"That is kinda likely, because I’ve been watching a [i]lot[\/i] of porn recently. A natural byproduct of being single.","12":"Great. I just made myself feel sad. Luckily, Hank’s tasks provide a convenient distraction.","13":"Honestly, Linus would actually be a better fit for doing these things, but Hank really only trusts me with them for some reason.","14":"It’s hard getting a straight explanation out of him. But, I kinda like doing them, so it’s cool. It gets me out of the lab and walking around.","15":"Let’s see...","16":"[scale,1.5]Task #1: GET MY USUAL COFFEE.[\/s]","17":"[scale,1.5]Task #2: VISIT ADMIN AND REPORT TO THEM ABOUT THE UPDATE.[\/s]","18":"[scale,1.5]Task #3: GO TO THE COMIC BOOK SHOP AND PICK UP MY ORDER.[\/s]","19":"Simple enough. I can do these in any order.","20":"Let’s see... Hank likes his coffee from the Shale Hill University coffee shop.","21":"I’ll need to go to the administration building.","22":"Finally, the mall is walking distance from here, and I can pick up Hank’s order from Cram Comics.","23":"What should I do first?","24":"[b][speed,2](A map icon has appeared in the upper right corner of the screen. You can use that shortcut to open the navigation menu and move around)[\/speed][\/b]","0":"Was that really a picture of Alexis...[delay,200] naked?","1":"And there’s a chance that I just hallucinated the whole thing... does my family have a history of schizophrenia or something? They say I’m about that age where it starts to manifest...","2":"Stop scaring yourself, {PlayerName}!"},"ch1__01.20a Coffee Shop quest.vne3":{"10":"We’re out of cups his size. Do you mind if it’s in two grandes?","11":"I think he only cares that he gets his caffeine fix. Put it in a bucket if you want.","12":"We’re kinda using the bucket. There’s like a super-sized slushee cup we can rinse out if that’ll do.","13":"Yeah. Go ahead!","14":"Lidia knows sign language. So much nicer than typing.","15":"I got to ask her why she learnt it one day. ","16":"I take a seat on one of the coffee shop’s many chairs and sink right into it.","17":"As soon as I pull my laptop out, I’m instantly reminded of that [i]weird[\/i] thing that just happened.","18":"It was almost like... I could remotely access Alexis’s phone. But then... I couldn’t.","19":"I suppose I have a spare moment to check again. But then I’d risk porn popping up on my screen.[delay,300] That is, if the first time wasn’t just my imagination.","20":"I make sure that nobody is sitting behind me, but as I turn to return to the computer[speed,0.5]...[\/speed]","21":"Hey, stranger.","22":"Ah. This girl.","23":"Kinda inconvenient that she’d show up just now, just as I’m about to check something.","24":"I suppose it’s good that she arrived before rather than while I might have porn blasting out of my computer.","25":"After all, she’s not a bad distraction. Just kind of a... weird one.","26":"Uh... do you have a moment?","27":"I just kinda stare at her, hoping she understands.","28":"If you don’t, you can shake your head.","29":"''Shake my head''. Just thinking about it makes me smirk. As if I needed instructions. Maggie is kinda funny like that.","30":"I guess that means you have the time.","31":"I had a few... conversation topics we could do, if you don’t mind.","32":"This should be good.","33":"Okay... let’s start.","34":"[cg,Ep1\/Ep1_Introduction_Maggie\/Ep1_introduction_Maggie_6_practicing,1]She rotates her shoulders and cracks her neck like she’s about to step into the ring.","35":"[wave]Ahem.[\/wave][delay,300] \"How are you doing, friend?\"","36":"\"I had some [wobble]thoughts[\/wobble] on my mind.[delay,300] Would you like to hear them?\"","37":"It’s so hard to keep a straight face, but I know that would hurt her feelings. So I simply nod and let her speak.","38":"\"Uh...[delay,300] so...[delay,300] how about politics? Things sure are crazy. It feels like people are getting [i]more extreme every day[\/i]. I really wish we could go back to [shake]bipartisanship[\/shake].\"","39":"\"And all the stuff going on overseas?[delay,300] I could talk all day about overseas stuff[speed,0.5]...[\/speed] Have you ever heard of South America?\"","40":"She takes a breath, and turns back into her old self.","41":"[speed,2]Did I do it?[delay,300] Did I sound smart?[\/speed]","42":"Well, I’m not sure it would do her much service by lying to her. But damn... telling her the truth would make me feel bad.","43":"What should I tell her?","44":"Give her a thumbs up.","45":"Give her a thumbs down.","46":"Be noncommittal.","47":"I think I’m making real progress too!","48":"I do have a long way to go, though.","49":"I’m glad she realizes that.","50":"Oh. Needs more work, huh?","51":"Well... thanks for your honesty, I ‘spose.","52":"Hmm... I ‘spose I shoulda guessed you wouldn’t respond.","53":"I think I am gettin’ better, though.","54":"I’m just glad I have someone to practice with. You’re sweet as honey to be so patient with me.","55":"I know it has to be frustratin’ to listen to little old me squawk on and on. But you’re the only person who...","56":"...everyone else is so smart and so fancy...","57":"...I’m not clever enough to keep up.","58":"I really don’t fit in, do I?","59":"Christ... this girl... says some tear-inducing things sometimes.","60":"I don’t know why Maggie has latched onto me. I barely know her.","61":"She just... came up to me one day and started \"practicing\" her conversation skills with me.[delay,300] I don’t know why she’d think she was dumb or bad at conversation.","62":"She’s just funny like that.","63":"{PlayerName}? Your order is ready.","64":"I get up off my seat.","65":"{PlayerName}?[delay,300] That’s your name?","66":"I give her a nod, then head to Lidia.","67":"Here’s your coffee.","68":"She hands me a heavy bag... I immediately regret not saving this task for last.","69":"She hands me a heavy bag, and suddenly I’m glad I saved this task for last.","70":"Is that a bag from Cram Comics?","71":"Oh, shit.","72":"I didn't know you read comics, {PlayerName}. What kind of comics do you like?","73":"Uh... I can't show Lidia Hank's porns...","74":"I do, actually... You know... Super hero stuff, normal stuff... Just vanilla stuff.","75":"That redhead... she’s in here a lot, but I only see her talking to you.","76":"That’s Maggie. I think she’s shy.","77":"Yeah, seemed like she was.","78":"Thanks for the coffee. See you, Lidia.","79":"I head back out.","80":"A few more tasks to do, then I can head back.","81":"What to do next?","82":"Seems like that’s it. I should head back to the office.","0":"I mean, the smart thing to do would be to save the coffee for last so that it’s still hot.","1":"The thing with Hank is... he doesn’t drink hot coffee. He doesn’t even drink fresh coffee.","2":"So... it really doesn’t make a difference when I get it.","3":"My instinct is to get coffee last so it’s hot... which is a mistake.","4":"Hank doesn’t like hot coffee. He doesn’t even like fresh coffee.","5":"But, I’m here now so... whatever.","6":"I wave my hand to Lidia the moment I see her.","7":"{PlayerName}! The usual?","8":"I sign back to her.","9":"Not for me, for Hank."},"ch1__01.20b Administration quest.vne3":{"10":"Come on in.","11":"I pull out my phone and quickly type a message.","12":"Thanks.","13":"...","14":"...","15":"Valerie smiles, and opens the door for me. I feel a bit guilty taking it... I should be holding the door for her[delay,100] - Valerie is the Student Council President (and a girl, which even in this modern era is reason alone).","16":"I’ve known Valerie well enough to know she would not appreciate that. [i]''Whoever gets to the door first should open it first.''[\/i] That’s what she would say. So, I don’t argue.","17":"I've always liked the way Valerie holds herself. Kinda...[delay,200] [i]resting sexy[\/i]. Effortlessly seductive.","18":"She knows how she looks. But[speed,0.8]...[\/speed] I know it's just how she is. She isn't doing it especially for me.","19":"At least, I [i]think[\/i] she isn't.","20":"What's that smell? Did you bring me a coffee, {PlayerName}?","21":"Oh, no! That's for my boss, Hank... He likes to send me over to pick stuff for him...","22":"How did you know about the IT department report?","23":"The Student Council President has many ears and eyes. My spies told me.","24":"Before I even have a chance to take her seriously, she breaks out into a smirk.","25":"Actually, the Department of Student Services asked me to take the report for them, so they told me.","26":"I see.","27":"There isn’t much to say. Rollout of the new student app has gone pretty much without a hitch. 96% of the student body has loaded it now on devices. We’ll get the stragglers over the next week.","28":"There are a few students who flatly refuse, or don’t have devices at all. We’ll have dispensation plans for them.","29":"Anyway, it’s all detailed in this report.","30":"I pass her the paper and she takes it, places it on her desk without reading it.","31":"You’re a crazy fast typist, aren’t you?","32":"Kinda have to be.","33":"It’s just insane to see how you adapt so easily to new situations.","34":"You know... I always felt like I really had picked the right person.","35":"It’s just too bad that I wasn’t able to follow in your footsteps.","36":"That wasn’t how I felt. That was how you felt, I think.","37":"The biggest disservice you’ve done was to yourself. I’ve always felt you were as competent before the surgery as after.","38":"My footprints[delay,300][cg,Ep1\/Ep1_Introducing_Valerie\/Ep1_ValerieIntroduction_8_Smile,1] never faded for you.","39":"I suppose.","40":"You don’t have to suffer in the IT department, you know. You can still come to work for the student council.","41":"Valerie will often say things like this to me. She’s only a year older than me, but she has always seen me as something of a protégé.","42":"Even after the surgery, she still has unreasonably high expectations of me. She still thinks I can conquer the world. I don’t know if she appreciates how hard it is to be in a leadership position and lack the ability to speak.","43":"Information Technology is my new field.","44":"You’re wasted there.","45":"Hank and Linus would disagree. They like to joke around, but they know who does all the work.","46":"Any idiot can slap a keyboard and tell people to turn their computer on and off again. You are more than that.","47":"But... very well. If this is your new path in life, I’m not going to correct you or tell you otherwise. But I know you’re going to be so bored, and you’ll be crawling to me for...[delay,300][cg,Ep1\/Ep1_Introducing_Valerie\/Ep1_ValerieIntroduction_8_Flirty,1][speed,0.5] [i]stimulation[\/i].","48":"[i]Stimulation[\/i]...","49":"The way Valerie smiles when she says that word... sends a jolt of excitement through me. I don’t know if she meant it to sound so sensual.","50":"Actually...[delay,200] I [i]do[\/i] know she meant it like that. I know why she does it... she likes to see how people react. She toys with people like that. It’s her version of fun.","51":"Knowing her as long as I have, I know it has no meaning beyond it being a simple game she likes to play.","52":"Which is...","53":"...just fine. I’ve never really wanted Valerie that way.","54":"...unfortunate. I can’t help but find her attractive.","55":"...a tragedy. I’ve always had a thing for her.","56":"I’m just too close to Valerie to see her like that.","57":"Oh... not even a blush.","58":"Sorry.","59":"That’s why you’re special. You’re unreactive.","60":"Unreactive? That’s a compliment?","61":"Yes. To be honest, I’m not reactive either. If I didn’t exaggerate my facial expressions, people wouldn’t think I have emotions.","62":"I do, though.","63":"For example... I miss working with you. Genuinely.","64":"The student council is a good place to get a girlfriend, too. I know you’re looking.","65":"After Emily, I’m not interested in any girl in any student council.","66":"If Valerie noticed anything, she chooses not to bring it up.","67":"If I get bored, I guess I’ll go to you.","68":"I will work you hard. Just a warning. Not that you need one.","69":"No. We’ve worked together before. I know what to expect.","70":"The girls in the student council aren’t that bad either.","71":"I know. Emily was great... but you know how that ended.","72":"That’s why I can’t let myself get carried away. Unfortunately, I think some of my feelings spill out onto my expression.","73":"Oh, you’re full of emotions, aren’t you?","74":"Don’t say it like that, I’ve been single for a while.","75":"You need a girlfriend.","76":"I’m working on it.","77":"You’re not going to meet a girl in the fucking IT laboratory, the place where virgins go to become 40.","78":"Things are a lot more exciting in the student council.","79":"Uh... what? The student council is full of sluts? Orgies every Wednesday?","80":"No, we’re just not social incompetents who don’t know how to date. It's a dynamic social scene, unlike the IT lab.","81":"You know, in other parts of the country, student councils have a reputation for being full of dorks too high-strung to get laid.","82":"That was never [i]our[\/i] student council.","83":"By ''our'', she means hers and mine. She would often talk about our work in our the old academy as a joint effort... much to Valerie's credit as a leader.","84":"But seriously, come work with me. Above ground. With some goddamn sunlight. I miss working with you.","85":"We made a very good team, didn’t we?","86":"Yeah. We did.","87":"Annette Taylor Academy... it was never the same after we had our way with it. You, me, and Emily, putting the babushkas on the school board to shame.","88":"I like to think that {Leah} was also pretty important.","89":"Of course. She was insanely diligent, keeping that school newspaper running.","90":"Yeah. And she’s never slowed down.","91":"She’s all sweetness on the outside but steel ovaries within.","92":"Tell her to come work here too.","93":"She won’t.","94":"I know. She’s got [i]\"priorities\"[\/i].","95":"Anyway, I’ve got a few more errands to do. Hank will chew me out if I take too long.","96":"Anyway, I’ve got to go back to work. Hank will start chewing me out if I take too long.","97":"Treating you like a gopher, is he?","98":"He is, kinda. But agreeing with Valerie is going to give her an opening to change my mind.","99":"I’ve already gone through this over with myself. I know I’m on the right path.","100":"I guess. He keeps me busy.","101":"If you want to change that... you know where to find me.","102":"Yeah...","103":"Valerie is... challenging.","104":"She thinks I lack faith in myself. I don’t. I changed my path in life. I [i]know[\/i] what I’m doing.","105":"But she has a talent for making me [i]think[\/i] otherwise. She just has that kind of influence on me, I guess.","106":"Her offers are...","107":"...tempting...","108":"...impossible...","109":"I won’t lie. I’ve thought about going back to work for Valerie. She is the best leader I’ve ever worked with.","110":"And... we did have a lot of fun, too. We really did change Annette Taylor.","111":"But those days are behind me. And I’m too heavily invested in my current path.","112":"I know my limitations. And I accept them. I’m taking the path that’s going to offer me the greatest chances of success.","0":"This is supposed to be a pretty basic meeting. I go in, tell them everything is going okay with the update, then I walk out.","113":"It’s not that I didn’t like working with Valerie - I would if I could - but I’m not gambling on something that probably won’t work out.","1":"Except... maybe things [i]aren’t[\/i] going okay. It depends on whether I should tell Admin about the hiccup with the software.","114":"Some days, I think Valerie is just lonely or something.","2":"Of course, if it was just some old porn tab I accidentally opened somehow... I’ll just embarrass myself.","115":"I should get moving.","3":"I think...[delay,300] I’ll avoid telling them for now.","116":"What to do next?","4":"I reach for my key... but just as I’m about to pull it out, someone comes from behind.","117":"Seems like that’s it. I should head back to the office.","5":"Hey {PlayerName}.","6":"You need to get in?","7":"I give a short nod.","8":"The IT department’s report, right?","9":"I nod again."},"ch1__01.20c Cram Comics quest.vne3":{"10":"What are you talking about? -Hank","11":"The Australian girl is gone...[delay,300] and SHE’S back.","12":"Who's back? -Hank","13":"The smug girl who unaccountably still works at the comic book store.","14":"The one with glasses? The manager? -Hank","15":"She’s the MANAGER?","16":"You didn’t know that? Listen {PlayerName}, this is very important. Don’t express any preferences whatsoever. Just get the comic books and get out. -Hank.","17":"Once she sees your weird comic books she’s definitely going to comment.","18":"Just say they’re for me. -Hank.","19":"Say they’re for you, huh? How many times has someone walked in there and said, ''Hey, this weird comic book? It’s for a friend.''","20":"Come on, {PlayerName}! You’re not fucking shy! Just do it! In this circumstance, being a mute has power. No way she would pick a fight with a mute. -Hank","21":"If ''generic'' was a facial expression, that’s what I have plastered on my face right now. The correct mixture of ''bored'' and [speed,3] ''I’ve-had-a-long-day-at-work''-ness[\/speed] that doesn’t invite any conversation.","22":"I can only hope that's enough.","23":"Here to pick up an order from Hank.","24":"Weirdly, she squints at my phone.","25":"You wrote that on a Kokia phone?","26":"Ah fuck. Mission failed.","27":"Okay then. I guess everyone has their own taste or [speed,0.5]something[\/speed].","28":"Don’t lose patience. Don’t lose patience. Don’t lose patience.","29":"Let me go get your order...","30":"Aghh! Why am I typing down a defense? [i]You know you ought not to, {PlayerName}![delay,300] Stop it![\/i]","31":"What's wrong with a Kokia?","32":"Nothing is [i]wrong[\/i] with a Kokia. It’s like...[delay,200] okay. It works as a phone.","33":"I’m just surprised, given that you can’t talk and all, that you’d know a little more about [i]personal mobile devices[\/i] than the average person.","34":"I know plenty about mobile devices!","35":"Yeah, sure, you’re like an [i]educated consumer[\/i] or something.","36":"That’s right! I picked Kokia after thorough research!","37":"Then you’ll know that a [b]Blueberry[\/b] has the same features, plus an aluminum case, for the same price. And it’s not made in a Chinese factory by people working slave wages.","38":"Oh? And your [i]Blueberry[\/i] isn’t made in China?","39":"Uh... yeah. It is. A Blueberry is manufactured by a democratically organized collective of Andean sherpas.","40":"Well, isn’t that nice. I’m sure it’s made of angel farts too.","41":"Uh... excuse me? Religion? Leave your faith-","42":"[b]Give me Hank’s order![\/b]","43":"Fine.","44":"...","45":"She pulls a paper bag off the rack and hands it to you.","46":"Here’s your \"comic book\".","47":"The title is, by the way, [wave]\"Oh no![delay,100] A Rain of Smelly Panties from the Sky![delay,100] The World is in Peril!\"[\/wave]","48":"Before you say it - I get it. It’s for [speed,0.25]\"Hank\"[\/speed].","49":"I take the bag out of her hand without any nicety.","50":"I’m going to tell Hank that I’m not going back to this comic book store.","51":"I have my phone out, already composing the message, as I walk out.","52":"I don’t even look in front of me...","53":"So it’s no surprise when...","54":"I collided into someone! The paper bag slips from my hand and falls onto the polished mall floor.","55":"I’m about to gesture an apology... when I see who it is.","56":"I watch as Emily immediately composes herself at the sight of me. She presses her lips together as though to stop either a frown or a smile, then looks straight at me.","57":"I do the same to her. These encounters between Emily and I... they’re thankfully rare... but they still happen.","58":"The faster and more politely we can get through this, the better.","59":"You dropped your bag.","60":"I reach to go grab it, but Emily goes for it first. She picks it up... and the comic book falls out.","61":"Fuck.","62":"\"Oh No! A Rain of Smelly...\"","63":"Emily’s voice trails off, as though in disappointment.","64":"I instantly begin typing out my defense. No way it doesn’t sound like a lie.","65":"It’s for a friend.","66":"Emily instantly shoots me a dubious glance. I know how it sounds. And she does too.","67":"I get it. You’re single - you watch porn. But I thought you were better than...[delay,200] [char,Emily_Casual_Annoyed]\"A Rain of Smelly Panties.\"","68":"I don’t really want your sympathy.","69":"You don’t have it. I have a great deal of respect for you. I knew what you were like back when you [i]did[\/i] talk.","70":"I hope you understand why we broke up.","71":"Do I ever. You didn’t want to be with someone who couldn’t speak.","72":"That’s exactly right. It was a rational choice, it wasn’t personal.","73":"I still think well of you, actually. Which is why I’m surprised and disappointed to see you in this position. I thought you would have bounced back a little faster.","74":"Goodbye, {PlayerName}.","75":"Damn. I know we’re not dating anymore but... that still stings. Now she thinks I’m struggling harder than I actually am.","76":"The truth is...","77":"...I still miss her.","78":"...I don’t think about her at all anymore.","79":"...Dating her in the first place was a mistake.","80":"Worst of all, I’d still date her if I could.","81":"I guess you can’t really rid yourself of these feelings easily.","82":"I know. Everyone wants to say, \"I’m totally over someone.\"","83":"I don’t think that’s true. But I’m kept busy enough where she’s the last thing on my mind.","84":"That wasn’t always the case.","85":"I had no idea she'd turn out to be such a tool. No... not a tool. A [i]user[\/i].","86":"I feel used. And whoever she dates next is going to have a similar experience. I know that for a fact.","87":"I’m lucky to be rid of her, honestly.","88":"Anyway, I was about to report to Hank.","89":"Damn, I'm lucky I didn't ruin Hank coffee with the crash. etc","90":"Got your comic books.","91":"Nice. -Hank","92":"\"A Rain of Smelly Panties\"? Really?","93":"It’s not for me. It’s for a friend. -Hank","94":"I couldn’t avoid Kristen. As soon as she saw my phone she commented on it.","95":"Showed your phone? Beginner’s mistake. -Hank","96":"Yeah. She said her phone was made by Andean sherpas.","97":"Andean sherpas? No such thing. -Hank","98":"What do you mean?","99":"Sherpas are from Tibet. The natives of the Andes are the Quechua and the Aymara. -Hank","100":"So that girl was full of shit, huh? Honestly, the self-righteous ones usually are.","101":"Who are you, Mr. Wikipedia?","102":"I’ve got a few more things to do. Then I’m heading back.","103":"I’ve done everything. I’m heading back to the office.","104":"See you soon. -Hank","105":"What’s next? Let’s get it done.","106":"Seems like that’s it. I should head back to the office.","0":"I know. It’s deeply unprofessional to pick up my boss’s comic books when I’m supposed to be working.","1":"Hank says he’s too busy to pick them up himself... cue my own dubious cynicism.","2":"But I like going to the comic store. It’s different. It’s relaxing.","3":"Plus. I just feel like it would be a dick move to snitch on him. The man lets me drink on the job.","4":"Doesn’t hurt the cashier is a cute Australian girl.","5":"Let’s see what depraved shit Hank ordered this time.","6":"No...","7":"That’s not the cute Australian girl! That’s...","8":"Fuck. I have to text Hank about this.","9":"Hank![delay,300] The Aussie girl is gone!"},"ch1__01.30 Back at the office.vne3":{"3":"So... I’m no closer to knowing what happened now than I was before.","4":"I guess... what I really want is a private moment to check.","5":"...","6":"Want to go to Sevigny’s tonight?","7":"Drink in the office, drink out of office?","8":"We’re in college. Who ever heard of a flipping dry campus?","9":"Technically, and I mean [i]very technically[\/i], Shale Hill is a dry campus.","10":"You said it yourself. [i]Very technically[\/i]. And who knows technicalities better than the IT department?","11":"I got no issues with going to Sevigny’s tonight. But... uh...","12":"Not going with Linus would give me the privacy I need to check out the issues with the computer.","13":"But... if I didn’t go to Sevigny’s, Linus would probably take that as a sign that something [i]was[\/i] up.","14":"I should tell him...","15":"...that I’m busy tonight.","16":"...that it’s a good idea.","17":"What now? [i]You’re busy[\/i]?","18":"Wait. You have a hot date. How does she measure up to the three Bs?","19":"I don’t have a date. I have work. Something I have to do.","20":"You’re burning the midnight oil on tech support tickets?","21":"I’ll help you.","22":"It’s not that either. I gotta be honest, Linus. I need some time alone.","23":"Ah. Gotcha.","24":"That’s normal. I like being alone too. A little. Maybe next time?","25":"Yeah. We’ll figure something out. I gotta get this shit to Hank.","26":"Sevigny’s. Of course.","27":"Awesome. They could have that blue-haired bartender there. She’s got two outta three Bs.","28":"Boobs, butts, brains. Linus's three Bs and his favorite things. I wonder which one he thinks she lacks?","29":"Stop being such a perv. -Hank.","30":"Linus looks at his phone, then shouts at the door.","31":"You could come out with us too, you know. Prove you actually exist.","32":"I do exist but I’m too busy to leave the office. Even if I could, I wouldn’t go drinking with you. -Hank.","33":"Why not? Are you too good for me?","34":"You said it. -Hank","35":"Fuck off, Hank.","36":"By the way...","37":"Hank, I have your shit.","38":"Great. You know what to do with it. -Hank","39":"You know, I don’t mind eating up work time by going to the comic book shop, but I’d rather you didn’t make me get your hentai shit.","40":"I said it was for a friend -Hank","41":"I picked up your coffee last so it is a bit too hot... I'll put it in the fridge for you.","42":"You know I hate warm coffee. -Hank","43":"I know, I know. I just didn't want to walk around carrying it up.","44":"Sure. I’ve left your coffee on the fridge to ''age''. Just how you like it.","45":"Who the flip likes lukewarm stale coffee?","46":"What did I just tell you? I like stale coffee. -Hank","47":"Actually, I do need you guys for something. You two were talking about Sevigny’s? -Hank","48":"Yeah?","49":"I need at least one of you to go over there. They signed up for the student card wifi program. -Hank","50":"You mean the one where students can use their cards to log into wifi networks?","51":"That’s the one. -Hank.","52":"Screw you, Hank! {PlayerName} and I were going to hang out, not to work!","53":"That’s just too bad. It won’t take too long. -Hank","54":"Shit. How am I supposed to test my theory now?","55":"Looks like we’re going anyway. But not to drink, but to work.","56":"Damn right. -Hank","57":"Thanks Comrade Stalin.","58":"Pazhalusta. -Hank","59":"Okay, well, ready to head out when you are.","60":"Great. Thanks.","61":"Well, this sucks.","62":"You know, if I was in Hank’s place, I wouldn’t send people to work at a flipping bar.","63":"Bars are for [i]fun[\/i]. We’re going to be weighed down with negative associations of work every time we go now.","64":"We’ll be like, \"Remember Sevigny’s? That’s the place where we [i]worked[\/i].\"","65":"[delay,100][speed,0.60][jitter]We [char,Linus_Standing_Casual_Surprised_2]can never relax again.[\/jitter][\/speed]","66":"So you’d stay in the office to work while everyone else goes to Sevigny’s.","67":"Well, when you put it like that...","68":"Don’t be lazy. It’ll take us like five minutes to set up the wifi.","69":"I’m not lazy.","0":"All the tasks are done. But still no real answer about what [i]happened[\/i] this morning.","1":"That pictures... it wasn’t really of Alexis, was it?","2":"I was hoping that walking around campus would help get the blood pumping to the brain, degrease the old noggin so to speak."},"ch1__01.40 Sevigny.vne3":{"10":"Do I come at the wrong time? Or is this place headed for bankruptcy?","11":"It’s too bad. It feels cozy. And the girl behind the bar...","12":"...is cute.","13":"...is nice, but a bit weird for my tastes.","14":"And... that’s when she slammed the door in my face.","15":"[wave]Mmmhmm.[\/wave]","16":"I just don’t really feel like she cares anymore. If she had hurt me...","17":"She may not have meant it.","18":"It’s like we don’t talk except to argue.","19":"Give me a sec, Stan. People just walked in.","20":"The bartender walks from behind the bar and gives us a polite smile.","21":"I know you two. You work for Shale Hill’s IT department. The quiet one and the...","22":"Go on. Finish your thought. Which one am I?","23":"The polite one.","24":"I have the feeling that was [i]not[\/i] what you were about to say.","25":"And this asshole, definitely [i]not[\/i] quiet. Once you get to know him, he’s a flipping chatterbox.","26":"Haley looks at me with appraising eyes. I don’t think she’s sure if Linus is joking or not.","27":"I’m usually the quiet one, so I suppose that’s okay.","28":"So you guys are here to set up the wireless?","29":"Yeah. We’ll need your current admin password.","30":"Sure. Let me write it down.","31":"Look at her. All curious about [b]you[\/b].[char,Linus_Standing_Casual_Thoughtful] I’m not jealous.","32":"You think she was curious about me?","33":"Yeah. It’s because you’re all mysterious and silent. So of course she’s interested.","34":"I gotta have something mysterious about me, too. Like uh... a flipping eyepatch. Yeah.","35":"She’ll be like, \"When did that hunk lose his eye? During the war? A gang fight? A fishing trip?\"","36":"I don’t think she’s as interested in me as you think.","37":"Just wait. You’ll see.","38":"Maybe if I just... stop talking myself...","39":"Here you go.","40":"Thanks.","41":"Then Haley looks straight at me.","42":"You know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say even a single word.","43":"Linus rolls his eyes. I quickly tap out a message on my phone.","44":"I can’t talk.","45":"You [i]can’t[\/i] talk?","46":"I nod.","47":"Oh. I thought it was a [i]choice[\/i]. Like you were a monk who had made a vow of silence or something.","48":"What hap-","49":"Yep. Being mute is [b]super[\/b] interesting. But...[delay,300] uh[speed,0.5]...[\/speed] {PlayerName} and I have shit we need to do.","50":"Of course. Don’t let me stop you.","51":"Sorry, {PlayerName}. I don’t mean to treat you like some sort of zoo animal.","52":"I give her what I hope is a forgiving smile, then head to help Linus.","53":"See what I mean?","54":"Curiosity is different from interest.","55":"They’re both synonyms, actually. Let’s get the wireless set up.","56":"Either one of us could have done this with our eyes closed. I guess that’s why I’m not terribly surprised to hear Linus muttering to himself while he works. When he’s deep into the weeds of something he can forget that I’m here.","57":"In minutes, we have something set up.","58":"Okay. Testing time, {PlayerName}. Try connecting to the network using your student credentials.","59":"I do so, pulling out my laptop and typing in my student ID number as the password. I successfully log in.","60":"Awesome. Well, Haley, you’re going to have hipster students hogging tables, writing screenplays and ordering craft beers in no time.","61":"It’s a lot better than them [i]not[\/i] doing that.","62":"I tap out a message and give it to Linus.","63":"Hmm...","64":"What?","65":"{PlayerName} said that you have fewer customers than you deserve. He hopes this will turn things around.","66":"Yeah, me too.","67":"I’m getting a call. You two think about what you want, okay? A drink on the house.","68":"Nice!","69":"Gotta love a bar with complimentary drinks.","70":"Did she look bothered to you?","71":"Bothered?","72":"Her expression.","73":"Well... you [i]are[\/i] kind of annoying.","74":"I’m serious.","75":"Uh... I dunno.","76":"Naturally, both Linus and I look to Haley.","77":"She does look bothered by something, though it’s hard to say what. It sounds like, whoever is on the other side of that phone, Haley is doing a lot of listening and very little talking.","78":"Linus is silent, as I would be even if I could make a sound. We both watch as she listens gravely into an earpiece.","79":"An uncomfortable feeling washes over both me and Linus, like we’re staring into some drama we aren’t a part of.","80":"I have to force myself to look away. Linus does the same.","81":"She doesn’t look happy.","82":"No. She does not.","83":"I don’t know, man. I’m a simple guy. I don’t take...[delay,300] uh...[delay,300] [i]drama[\/i] and [i]emotions[\/i] well.","84":"But you whine all the time.","85":"Shut up, dude! No joke.","86":"I don’t like it when I see something [i]serious[\/i]. That’s all.","87":"You think there was something serious going on?","88":"I’d rather not think about it, okay? I’m all about the three B’s! Boobs, butt, brain!","89":"An ass and a pair of tits that can solve a rubik’s cube! That’s all I think about! But someone who has that - that’s also [i]sad[\/i]... I don’t like that at all.","90":"My mom... she tells me it’s because I’m an empath that’s too connected to other people’s emotions.","91":"What’s an [i]empath[\/i]?","92":"I don’t know. Something my mom made up, I think.","93":"Out of the blue, Haley comes back, looking at both of us with interest. Like nothing had just happened.","94":"Sorry about that. What would you like today?","95":"I’ll have whatever’s on tap.","96":"And you, Silent One?","97":"\"Silent One\"? Oh my God. Can I order one ice-cold mysterious nickname?","98":"Sure. Uhh... \"Frazzle Dazzle\".","99":"\"Frazzle Dazzle\"? That isn’t mysterious.","100":"Are you sure? ''Silent One'' is kind of obvious once you learn he’s mute. You have to ask about ''Frazzle Dazzle''. Are you a pop star on the lam? An eccentric ice cream mogul? A criminal who smuggles fireworks?","101":"Oh. Good point.","102":"So... what did you want?","103":"I get my text-to-speech app ready.","104":"Whatever Linus is having.","105":"I’ll take a lager.","106":"I’ll just have water, thanks.","107":"Thank you. I’ll be back with your drinks in just a moment.","108":"Do you think she knew who \"Silent One\" was?","109":"What? You mean the legendary hacker?","110":"Yeah.","111":"Probably not. Not everyone is obsessed with this kind of stuff as you are.","112":"Well, if anyone was going to be \"Silent One\", it would be you.","113":"Why me?","114":"It’s obvious, isn’t it? You’re ''one'' person, and you’re ''silent''. Makes sense that you’d be [i]the[\/i] ''Silent One''.","115":"On the other hand, if I was, wouldn’t it be kind of stupid for me to call myself ''Silent One''? It would be obvious. I’d call myself the ''Loud One'' or something.","116":"Yeah, but on the other hand... it’d be [i]so[\/i] obvious that it [i]wouldn’t[\/i] be obvious. Who would suspect the silent guy to be the Silent One?","117":"You, for one.","118":"I don’t [i]really[\/i] suspect you, though. The real Silent One is a dark genius who can smash through network security like a hammer through ice.","119":"You seem too [speed,0.4]vanilla[\/speed] to be him.","120":"Some people are obsessed with serial killers, or dictators, or mob bosses. Linus has an unhealthy interest in hackers.","121":"He’s like this sometimes. So-and-so made this virus, so-and-so broke into this federal program, the names kind of blend together.","122":"Silent One is just another one of those names that seem so important to his little corner of the Internet, but pretty much nothing outside of it.","123":"Here are your drinks.","124":"Thanks.","125":"I nod my thanks to Haley, then she returns behind the bar.","126":"But man... if I was a hacker, I could do quite a bit.","127":"I could even find out what was going on with Haley, on the phone. I might even be in a position to help her.","128":"But... I know enough that hacking is not like what they show in the movies. It’s mostly phishing for passwords and using well-known exploits. You aren’t decrypting codes or uploading viruses that much.","129":"It would be cool to have access to people’s computers and peek in on their lives, I’ll admit, but there isn’t a magic program that lets you do stuff like that.","130":"Unless... that picture I saw this morning was real.","131":"You okay, dude?","132":"You looked a little... thoughtful or something. I can’t tell if you’re being quiet ‘cause you can’t talk or quiet ‘cause you’re bothered by something.","133":"I’m always quiet because I can’t talk.","134":"I know that! All I’m saying is that you’re hard to read [i]because[\/i] you can’t talk.","135":"Do you know if Haley is a student?","136":"Uh... no. I haven’t seen her in college.","137":"What’s her last name? Can you ask her?","138":"Why don’t [i]you[\/i] ask her?","139":"You have a voice and I don’t.","140":"Come on, man! Don’t make me ask a girl for her last name!","141":"What’s wrong with that?","142":"I don’t know. It's... weird!","143":"Weird? How?","144":"She might think I was a creep or something.","145":"It’s not weird. I’ll ask her, then.","146":"No, I’ll do it.","147":"You sure? You seem awfully [i]emotional[\/i] about it.","148":"Oh, real funny.","149":"Working up his confidence, Linus walks to the counter. I can’t hear the conversation over the music, but soon, Linus comes back.","150":"He looks a bit red and sweaty. Poor guy.","151":"It’s just her last name.","152":"[speed,2]I know! My mom taught me how to be polite, and asking people for their last name... it’s sometimes considered impolite, which got me a bit nervous.","153":"I think you meant asking a [i]girl[\/i] for her last name, not just any person.","154":"Whatever. I got her last name.[delay,300] She is Haley [i]Holmes[\/i].","155":"Not Haley Sevigny?","156":"Yeah, I’m kinda surprised too.","157":"Just let me check something.","158":"I open my laptop, then click on the IT admin app. A search later...","159":"Interesting. [pause]Haley Holmes [i]is[\/i] a student.","160":"Since I'm on my laptop, I use a messaging app to quickly send a text to Linus.","161":"She’s a student.","162":"You serious?","163":"She’s registered on the database.","164":"You think they’d let a student work in a bar?","165":"If she’s 21 or over, I don’t think they could stop her.","166":"Good point, I guess.","167":"But does she show up on \"RECENTLY\"?","168":"Yeah... that weird app that was installed on my computer, looks kind of like a file manager, but seemed to let me peer into other people’s devices.","169":"[i]Seemed to[\/i], anyway.","170":"What’s the deal with \"RECENTLY\"?","171":"What’s \"RECENTLY\"? Is that a game show?","172":"The file manager that got installed with our admin application.","173":"Dude, you must have downloaded it from somewhere else, because that’s ringing absolutely no bells.","174":"Okay. That’s extremely strange.","175":"I’ll see if Haley Holmes appears on \"RECENTLY\". I double-click it, then search for her name.","176":"Nothing. Okay. Maybe I should just try looking for Alexis Vanderman.","177":"Nothing for Alexis, either.","178":"I seem to remember there was a folder called [i]Pictures.RecentlyViewed[\/i] or something like that, but there doesn’t seem to be such a thing now.","179":"I guess I [i]did[\/i] simply open some old porn.","180":"That’s... a relief, actually!","181":"What’s with that big smile on your face?","182":"Funny story.","183":"This morning, I was doing some work, when an old porn tab popped up with a girl that looked exactly like Alexis Vanderman.","184":"You didn’t show me?","185":"I was so freaked out I didn’t think to.","186":"Oh... is that when you fucking jumped out of your seat?","187":"Yeah.","188":"Figures you’d be scared of a pair of boobs.","189":"Oh, like women don’t scare you shitless.","190":"Not 2D ones, obviously. Not even at work. ALT-F4 is there for a reason.","191":"Also, kind of disappointing. If I had such a program, I wouldn’t be above looking for nudes.","192":"I mean... I am a guy. I’d keep them to myself, but I’d definitely [i]enjoy[\/i] them.","193":"Such a program would even let me see what Haley is looking at on her phone.","194":"She is a student, after all. She probably would've updated her phone before we came.","195":"She has that... same disturbed expression on her face as when she got that call.","196":"Something [i]has[\/i] to be going on in her life.","197":"Man... it’d be so wrong to try and look... but I’d be so curious too...","198":"Hold on a second, Linus.","199":"What is it now?","200":"I’m just looking something up.","201":"I mean... it’s called \"RECENTLY\", right? Recently [i]what[\/i], I wonder?","202":"If the name means anything... then I should be able to see...","203":"Oh. Oh no. Oh no nonono!","204":"\"Cache.Messenger.recentlySent\".","205":"My cursor is immediately drawn to it, and without even thinking it through, I open the file.","206":"[#039c2e]TO: UNKNOWN. FROM: HALEY HOLMES. MESSAGE: \"Did you give them my work number?\"[\/c]","207":"Is that what Haley just sent?","208":"Am I looking at her confidential information right now?","209":"You okay, man?","210":"What?","211":"You look pale.","212":"It’s moments like these I’m actually glad I can’t speak, so I don’t accidentally blurt out a terrible mistake.","213":"Still, I have to think of something, and quick!","214":"I just remembered I have something I need to do. I’ll see you tomorrow.","215":"Already? We just sat down!","216":"...","217":"...","218":"I’ve got to get home. But first, gotta calm down. Stop shaking.","219":"Walking around the block will help. Then, I’ll drive home.","0":"Linus basically had to be dragged to Sevigny’s with his hands down his pockets. I’m starting to understand why Hank relies on me to make visits.","1":"Someone once told me that you should never prove yourself reliable at a job, or else you’ll find yourself doing everyone else’s work.","2":"In that respect, I’m not sure if Linus is a genius or just lazy.","3":"Maybe we could at least get a drink afterward. It’s been a long day.","4":"We could do what we usually do. Drink while we work.","5":"Now you’re talking.","6":"With that bit of energy, Linus heads through the door.","7":"Linus isn't usually [i]this[\/i] single-minded about drinking. But when it comes to update day, I can’t blame him.","8":"I’m just thankful I had some time out of that office.","9":"This place doesn’t ever seem to change. Every time I walk in, it’s nearly empty."},"ch1__01.50 Back to home.vne3":{"3":"{Leah} smiles at me as I enter.","4":"You’re in a rush.","5":"[speed,1.5]Actually, I am.","6":"You are? I thought we could talk about...","7":"[speed,1.5]No time. Sorry. You can tell me tomorrow. I’ve got to go to my room.","8":"Are you okay?","9":"[speed,1.5]Of course.","10":"[speed,1.5]I sign rapidly at her, then rush into my room.","11":"...","12":"...","13":"I throw my laptop onto my desk then quickly open the \"RECENTLY\" app.","14":"I look for Haley Holmes again and open her folder.","15":"[i]Cache.Messenger.recentlySent[\/i]... it’s gone!","16":"Of course it is. It’s no longer [i]recently[\/i], is it? It’s been... what? Twenty... thirty minutes? I wonder how long the cache lasts.","17":"That’s why Alexis Vanderman’s pic didn’t show up when I double-checked later. The cache had expired already.","18":"The first time the picture appeared was because, while she was leaving the IT lab, she looked at her own nude picture for some reason.","19":"[i]\"If anything happens to my nudes, I’m going to blame you.\"[\/i] That’s what she said to Linus.","20":"So... she decided then to... check up on them, I guess. And when she did, the pictures wound up on the cache.","21":"Maybe if she's done something recently, it'll show up. It's worth checking.","22":"I navigate to Alexis Vanderman... and double click on her folder.","23":"There’s the same folder again. [i]Cache.Cloud.Images.RecentlyLoaded[\/i]. I guess I’m in the thick of things now... so I might as well check up on it.","24":"Oh.","25":"My.","26":"God.","27":"Oh.","28":"...","29":"...","30":"...","31":"...","32":"What the hell is this program?","33":"What did I just install on my computer?","0":"...","1":"[speed,1.5]Despite all the rituals to calm myself down, I nearly hit someone driving back home. ","2":"[speed,1.5]I tear into the house as soon as I can."},"ch1_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch1_start.vne3":{"3":"_01.10 Campus","4":"_01.30 Back at the office.vne3","5":"_01.40 Sevigny.vne3","6":"_01.50 Back to home.vne3","7":"I don’t need an alarm.","8":"The sound of {Leah}’s shower always wakes me.[delay,300] That’s how she is.[delay,300] Always up so early.[delay,300] Like a cute little clock that keeps going no matter what.","9":"It’s my daily reminder that I should be getting out of bed.","10":"Not again.","11":"The one thing {Leah} isn’t like clockwork about is closing the door to the bathroom.","12":"She’s probably getting a little too comfortable with me around. But... I guess that’s natural. I’ve known her for a long time. We pretty much grew up next to each other.","13":"She’s probably getting a little too comfortable with me around. But... I guess that’s natural. I’ve known her for a long time. She is my {sheIsYour}.","14":"In situations like this, I usually just close the door for her.","15":"Close the door.","16":"Just a peek...","17":"It’s weird. I have a quiet sense of accomplishment whenever I do this. Like I’m protecting her.","18":"Of course, it’s just me in the apartment, so I don’t know what the threat would be.","19":"Maybe I’m just proud of myself for not doing something more perverted.","20":"It’s strange, the random choices you sometimes make.","21":"I don’t know what kind of lizard brain neurons just fired, but I end up creeping up to the door instead.","22":"Before I know it, I’m carefully and quietly pushing the door a little further open.","23":"It feels a little weird, peeking at {Leah} like this, even though it’s perfectly natural for me to be interested.","24":"Having basically grown up just down the road from one another, it’s strange that I’ve never considered {Leah} as a possible partner...","25":"I think we’re so close so often that I just find her so familiar.","26":"And maybe, because we were so close, that's why I find myself[speed,0.25]...[\/speed] [i]longing[\/i] for her.","27":"I feel like a creep watching her. I better mind my own business.","28":"As much as I’m ashamed to admit it, {Leah} really captures my eyes.","29":"It's only recently I've noticed how pretty she is, how very different she is from when we were kids.","30":"The fascination is probably pretty natural. I hear it's sometimes kinda normal, that most people go through a phase where they look at their[speed,0.25]...[\/speed] [i]{sheIsYour}[\/i] like this.","31":"[i]Yeah, {PlayerName}, that's probably what every pervert tells themselves.[\/i]","32":"I know it’s just that primitive center of my brain excited by the female form. {Leah} is definitely not someone I can touch.","33":"That would be... breaking all kinds of rules.","34":"I think this just proves that I need to get a girlfriend.","35":"Nominally, {Leah} and I live together for financial reasons.","36":"But, when {Leah} and I first moved here, I was hoping it would be an opportunity for us to grow closer.","37":"We’re both Type-A sorts. We both like to have full schedules and busy lives - but our lives didn’t intersect like they should have, and our schedules didn’t leave time for each other.","38":"So, now we’re in college, and I interact with her even less. Ships passing in the night,[delay,350] snowflakes blown in the breeze,[delay,350] neutrinos zipping through the planet. Not interacting. Lucky to even [i]see[\/i] each other.","39":"That may be what happens when two people become too busy for one another. It was never what I wanted for us.","40":"And when we do interact, it’s like this.","41":"She smiles at me, I smile back, we go back to rushing to whatever thing we have to do.","42":"If you didn’t know any better, you’d think we were shy teens crushing so hard on each other we can’t get a word out.","43":"But actually, we’re just so familiar with each other that we don’t really need to talk that much. What’s there to share that we don’t already know?","44":"It’s[speed,0.2]...[speed,0.5] ''nonverbal communication'',[\/speed] I guess.[delay,750] [i]As if I needed any more of that in my life.[\/i]","45":"Unless something dramatic happens, things are unlikely to change.","46":"It’s pure inertia, what’s true in physics is true in life. We’re going to drift like this unless something pushes us together.","47":"How likely is that to happen?","48":"Anyway, fuck all this moping. I need to get to work.","0":"<dq>start<dq>","1":"_01.00 Opening Credits.vne3","2":"_01.05 At Work.vne3"},"ch10__10.05 the ambush.vne3":{"10":"S-s-s-shit...","11":"I'm... I'm... I'm blacki-","12":"...","13":"...blood rushing through ears...","14":"...heart thudding... strong...","15":"...no thoughts... no fears... no wants...","16":"...[i]no suffering[\/i]...","17":"What happened?","18":"Everything went dark... not even dark... [i]nothing[\/i]... but not for a million years...","19":"...just a second. I didn't even have time to stumble...","20":"This is fucked. I don't know how I'm getting out of this situation.","21":"{Leah} isn't here to slam a flowerpot over their head. But she wouldn't be nearly enough, would she? She'd need to bring an assault rifle.","22":"{Leah} with an assault rifle... the image pops into my head randomly. Makes me laugh.","23":"Can you imagine... {Leah} with an assault rifle? Rambo-ing her way through the Fraternity? Cracking necks, sticking a big bowie knife people's backs?","24":"Man... why is my mind fixated on such a stupid image? I guess my brain is just trying to distract myself from the inevitable.","25":"I hope it's a gun. At least that would be quick.","26":"The fuck?","27":"That's not a gun, that's a tablet computer...","28":"My brain is rendering the scene before in low resolution. I'm shocked that they won't kill me... but now that I have a moment to think about it... I remember the facts of my situation. Of course they wouldn't kill me.","29":"They wanted me to be here. They don't want me dead.","30":"The only thing they want... [i]is me.","31":"Through my blurry, double vision, I watch as the... [i]cultist[\/i] punches something onto the tablet.","32":"For some reason, there's a wall in my brain. I can't think of a rational reason for what he might be doing.","33":"Then... the [i]thing[\/i] speaks.","34":"INITIATION.","35":"Huh? My eyebrows form a question mark.","36":"INITIATION.","37":"Mother of- [i]that's a creepy, creepy voice.[\/i] Is that what I sound like to everyone else?","38":"I hope not. And what did it say? [i]Initiation?","39":"I know it's not Alexis's initiation... but I think I've already gathered who they're talking about.","40":"But... I'm at least not going to make it easy for them. I'm going to make them give me as much information as possible.","41":"I'm going to stay as tight-lipped as possible.","42":"What horrific sound like that? Like diseased, steel bones rubbing against each other, like a handsaw cutting through rusty rebar... it's worse than nails on chalk. It makes my head pound.","43":"The sound is so penetrating I have no idea what it comes from. The small, residential basement echoes like a fucking cathedral.","44":"This really is some cult shit...","45":"...I feel like I'm about to be sacrificed. Or... more likely... [i]Alexis[\/i] is about to be sacrificed.","46":"Was {Leah} wrong? Is this really a fraternity... or some sort of demonic cult?","47":"I thought the sound was intolerable... there's this... [i]awful smell[\/i] that's even worse. I start gagging the moment it comes close.","48":"It smells like some strong lighter fluid - like a gas leak. It makes me think they're about to start something...","49":"With the hiss of a match and a whoosh, a fiery pillar rises in the center of the room. It's so powerful it threatens to lick the ceiling.","50":"These guys are insane to light a fire like this, in a basement full of old, dry shit that will go like kindling. But they're in [i]robes and masks[\/i], they [i]chained up a girl to a wall[\/i], they [i]struck me[\/i]... they [i]are[\/i] insane.","51":"The heat gathers, strong enough to cook the oils of my skin. My sweat dries before it has a chance to run down my face. I half-wonder if they're going to plunge my head in...","52":"...but instead of my head, they put in a piece of steel.","53":"Like... a brand maybe? Or poker? It doesn't take long for the piece to grow red hot.","54":"I try to imagine what they could be doing it for, but for some reason, my focus is completely shot to shreds.","55":"I stare at the flame like my life depends on it. A feeling sickens me deep within, every reason I could think of is just too awful to contemplate.","56":"There is nothing good to come of this.","57":"The flame roars. The metal grows angry with heat.","58":"When they're satisfied, they take it out.","59":"The fuck? They're giving me this? A weapon to use against them?","60":"I didn't know these guys were such masochists. I reach out-","61":"They pull back, leaving me confused. Why even offer? What are they doing?","62":"Do they want me to do something first?","63":"Then... that [i]eerie fucking voice again...","64":"PLEDGE FIRST.","65":"Pledge what?","66":"JOIN THE SILENT. DESTROY A LIFE.","67":"PLEDGE.","68":"Destroy a life? I can do that. If I could get that rod.... I could destroy as many lives as I can count.","69":"If that's all I need to say, I'll say it. Put a weapon in my hand you stupid fucks.","70":"I pull out my cellphone, and type out my message.","71":"I will pledge.","72":"Give me that rod, you motherfuckers, you idiots, you morons.","73":"They step forward, the hot metal in their grasp. I have to hold back, root myself to the ground to stop from racing forward and yanking it with my hands.","74":"After all this planning... they're just going to hand over their weapons. Stupid.","75":"I WILL NEED HELP.","76":"It came through my phone... but it wasn't my words!","77":"That's my voice, but it's not me!","78":"I barely have time to react when the cultists snatch me. Some of the hands belong to some strong fucking guys...","79":"...they grip me like they're choking a neck. I wrestle and wring myself but even time I break free of one set of hands, I get locked into another.","80":"I feel them twist each individual finger, and made to claps something cold and pitted, but with a head that is heated so fiercely that my flesh closest to the tip starts to sear.","81":"I got my wish, I guess. The brand is in my hands.","82":"Jesus... this was their plan all along?","83":"It feels sick, and as much as I despise Alexis... to shove a rod of hot steel into her face...","84":"They do want to ruin her life, don't they? And not just in any conventional way - to them there's poetry to it. They will bring ugliness to the vain.","85":"[i]Nobody deserves this[\/i]. Not even Alexis.","86":"The only way I can see getting out of this... is rushing forward. Sorry Alexis... it has to be this way.","87":"I'll try not to strike you.","88":"They were ready for me to try and pull backward - I use my legs to leap forward.","89":"Alexis avoids an aggressive facial rearrangement by absolute inches. I can tell she's screaming beneath that gag.","90":"Not hitting Alexis was lucky. Now, maybe I can get even luckier.","91":"Sonuva-!","92":"I manage to clip one of the motherfuckers. He swears in a familiar voice.","93":"The fucking rod is mine now. I wield it like a newly won trophy, swinging it around in celebration.","94":" The satisfaction is way short lived... I'm in the middle of them. They're going to overwhelm me in seconds.","95":"I have to react - right fucking now!","96":"This... feels... [i]good![\/i]","97":"I swing it so hard it almost flings out of my hand. It's so tight my palm sweats.","98":"Clipping the motherfucker makes a satisfying sound.","99":"I've shown I'm serious. They can't just overwhelm me.","100":"I can crush 'em. I can take 'em all on.","101":"[i]I can kill them.[\/i]","102":"Blocked!","103":"The vibration goes right through my arm into my chest. I feel my whole body quiver. It's a deeply unpleasant feeling.","104":"Almost immediately the hydrant begins to fizz. It goes wild with pressure - it has to be too big to hold.","105":"It spins madly on the ground. A payload of dilute, odd-smelling gas comes out.","106":"Soon, the whole basement is filled with this odd-smelling mist.","107":"My brain will not allow me to panic. It grasps my attention, screaming that this might be enough of a distraction to get up the stairs...","108":"While they stumble about, blinded by their dumb masks, I make a run for it.","109":"Are you serious? Figures they had the fucking stairs guarded!","110":"My mind screams [i]that's unfair, that's my only line of escape[\/i], but of course it is. That's why they had a guy posted there.","111":"Because life isn't fair... and I'm completely fucked. [i]Completely.","112":"I'm not getting out through there... and there's not hope of escape anywhere else.","113":"Does it even matter if I contact... to warn {Leah}?","114":"No. I can't, can I? If I even start to use the phone, they'll catch up to me.","115":"Yet...","116":"Don't contact me if you [i]do[\/i] need help.","117":"I can't contact her. She knows where I am. She's already worried what might happen here.","118":"Knowing her, she's already on her way...","119":"Damn it! I want to curse at her, scream at her through the ethereal void: [i]Don't come, don't come, don't come!","120":"But my iron fucking still won't bend reality. How the fuck am I going to help her once she gets here?","121":"For once, I hope that weird fate shit is true, and some mysterious force in the universe will keep us separate, this very second.","122":"But {Leah}'s will is stronger than that. She doesn't say anything idly, without intention.","123":"She will come. Damn it... she's probably already here...","124":"I didn't magically summon {Leah}, did I? She's here.","125":"I'm rooted to the fucking ground, my already useless tongue trapped in sealed mouth.","126":"She could... if I'm honest, just be the hallucination of a doomed mind.","127":"But hallucinations don't push people over.","128":"That [i]incredible[\/i] woman. I shouldn't have underestimated her, she's a goddamn video game hero.","129":"Still, there is [i]no[\/i] point in sneaking up the stairs, I put one foot on, and it groans horribly.","130":"Speed is what's going to get me out.","131":"[i]Finally!","132":"Incredible! Thank you, {Leah}. I can't express how relieved I am...","133":"Without even prompting, {Leah} lugs a ladder and sets it in front of the door.","134":"Thuds emerge... but we're safe.","135":"How is Sandra? You left her alone.","136":"How is [i]Sandra?[\/i] No, how are [i]you!?[\/i] You almost got...","137":"Recruited.","138":"{Leah} doesn't look surprised by that, but she does look grim.","139":"I said no.","140":"Naturally.","141":"Where's Alexis? Did she show up?","142":"Alexis? [i]Fuck!","143":"I can't imagine us going back down there and risking our lives for that bitch. But... even so... the thought of her face melting off...","144":"The indecisiveness on my face is all {Leah} needs to see.","145":"So she's still down there?","146":"I could tell her she's working with the cultists... that might convince {Leah} to let her go. Although... {Leah} would be upset if she ever learned that I lied to her.","147":"She's working with the cultists.","148":"Yes, she's still down there.","149":"She's awful...","150":"Even she's considering leaving her down there to her fate.","151":"It's too risky. We'll end up just losing our own lives.","152":"She would never risk herself for us.","153":"Are you really comfortable leaving someone down in that basement?","154":"I'm frighteningly comfortable leaving Alexis down in that basement, actually.","155":"It's you they want. She's the one they planned on hurting all along.","156":"{Leah}'s so fucking quick. She picked up on the situation almost immediately. I barely needed to explain it to her.","157":"This situation was contrived for you, {PlayerName}. It's not your fault, but you still have a lot of power over the situation.","158":"Remember the effort that they've gone through to do this. They're not going to throw it away by... [i]killing you.","159":"You don't know that for certain.","160":"All it is, {PlayerName}, is an educated guess. My guess is... [i]you[\/i] are the most powerful person here. If anyone has the power to save Alexis, it's you.","161":"If you choose not to do it...","162":"...it's going to be on my head forever. Fuck.","163":"I wince, and {Leah} knows immediately I understand. All I can think about is how rescuing Alexis feels like handing a big fat victory to her.","164":"It definitely hurts my pride, as bad as that backhand the cultist gave me. It will hurt far less than handing a victory to the Fraternity...","165":"You know what the right thing to do is. Whatever your choice is, I'll support you, but don't let pettiness prevent you from doing it.","166":"[i]She's right.[\/i] I hate it, but she is.","167":"I'm not going to use pettiness as an excuse for cowardice.","168":"A red hot piece of iron is scarier than a cold piece of iron.","169":"Every second I wait, it gets cooler.","170":"I was going to ask you how you got it.","171":"[i]They gave it to me.[\/i] It sounds so weird it feels like a lie.","172":"I'll tell you later.","173":"{Leah} [i]does not look[\/i] like she trusts that as an effective weapon. But she chooses not to say anything as she stands aside for me.","174":"Try not to get into a fight, {PlayerName}. You aren't trained in the martial arts.","175":"I know the basics. [i]Hot end hurt bad guy[\/i].","176":"I give her a smile. I actually agree with her, rolling the dice on combat is something I'd rather not do. But I hope my little joke will calm her a little.","177":"I'm going through the door.","178":"Okay. I'll watch your back.","179":"I can't wait long. My heart is still pumping and if I slowed down I'd just lose my nerve.","180":"Removing the ladder feels like a terrible idea, with all the fists raining down on it, but it doesn't matter.","181":"When she said she'd watch my back, I assumed she meant she'd stay up here. But I think {Leah} has every intention of going down with me.","182":"I don't have the right to tell her to stay upstairs, after she saved me like that. That's the second time she came in the nick of time to help me win a fight.","183":"Anyway... I had a door to open. There's magic words to get through it. Just a twist of the wrist and an adamantium heart.","184":"They're massed just outside the door. The wall of flesh and fabric before me quivers before the glint of the blade.","185":"I jab threateningly, and the stairs groan as they back down.","186":"My approach is slow and cautious. I feel like a neanderthal fending off a sabre-toothed tiger. Each step I take is given reluctantly.","187":"If I started stabbing these guys, I'd give them nothing to lose. They'd overwhelm me in an instant.","188":"Everyone gets to live if they just let me past unmolested.","189":"When I get to Alexis, her eyelids are painfully open and the pupils as wide as bullet wounds.","190":"I don't want to turn my back on them. One of them has to free Alexis.","191":"I may not have access to my vocal chords, but a brand does an awful lot of talking.","192":"Through jabs, and communicative glances, I [i]force them[\/i] to understand.","193":"{Leah} says little herself, she's watchful, stopping anyone from doing something rash.","194":"I don't know how they communicate with each other, but they seem to agree to let go of Alexis.","195":"I'm relieved... this is going a lot better than expected. Figures, since this whole [i]fucking expedition[\/i] has been a total clusterfuck.","196":"At least this is going well.","197":"As soon as Alexis is freed, she snaps off the wall...","198":"...her face contorts to something hideous...","199":"...finally, I see nothing but animal hate in her eyes...","200":"...I know I made a mistake.","201":"Freed, she rips her clothes off. There's nothing thankful... nothing grateful in those eyes.","202":"It's fear and contempt.","203":"Get away from me you [i]freaks!","204":"With the first words from her mouth, she also regains her intelligence.","205":"Her eyes glint at the brazier, and I can [i]read her fucking mind[\/i].","206":"When I realize her intentions, it's already too late.","207":"Everyone [i]get away from meeeeeeee!","208":"[i]You stupid bitch!","209":"Why the fuck did I come back for you? You don't even have an ounce of goddamn courage!","210":"The basement is as dry as kindling. The fire spreads like it was sprayed with petroleum.","211":"At this point, it's everyone for themselves.","212":"I'm not wearing stupid fucking robes. I'm not tripping over myself as I rush up the stairs.","213":"I have just enough reaction time to launch myself toward the exit. I've never felt more like an olympic athlete in my life.","214":"I long jump over steps and dive into the landing beyond.","215":"{Leah} slams the door shut while I replace the ladder.","216":"We look at each other briefly. We both had the instinct to barricade the door at the same time... despite the fire.","217":"[i]They're still a threat.[\/i] It's horrible... but justified.","218":"Neither of us can simply let them out.","219":"The door banging is ten times fiercer now. I hear muffled yelps and cries for help. Shit... if I release them... they're going to just be a threat again...","220":"I don't want to be responsible for someone burning to death, even if they are my mortal enemies.","221":"As soon as we're relatively safe, I dial 911.","222":"I pass the phone to {Leah}. She looks at me with momentary confusion, before it suddenly clicks.","223":"You are kind, {PlayerName}.","224":"[i]Hello, this is about a... a potential fire...","225":"Let's do it in the car.","226":"{Leah} vaguely explains the situation. Alexis rattles the door with insane energy.","227":"If Alexis had the keys, she'd would've left without me already...","228":"Don't make me regret saving you...","229":"We've done what we can.","230":"Whether it's enough...","231":"She's working with the Fraternity. Don't bother. Let's just go.","232":"[i]She's working for the Fraternity?[\/i] But she came here thinking it was her initiation...","233":"Yeah, it was a trick. Come on! We have almost no time...","234":"{Leah} looks like she wants to contradict me, but she also knows I'm right.","235":"Okay... let's go then.","236":"As I leave, the doors continues its arrythmic thudding.","237":"To be fair, it was not a complete lie I told {Leah}. Alexis could be secretly working for the Fraternity, and it could've been a trick all along...","238":"...[i]but then... to volunteer to have her own face melted off like that...","239":"No. I don't need to have thoughts like that. I just need to make the assumption that it was a trick. Alexis knew what she was doing and she was in on it all along.","240":"It would definitely be in character for her.","241":"[i]Definitely. Certainly.[\/i] This is the last time I need to think about Alexis. After this, she'll be completely out of my life.","242":"And even if she wasn't in on it, [i]she still deserves it.[\/i]","243":"{Leah} looks at me just before I enter the car.","244":"Are you sure about this? That Alexis doesn't need our help?","245":"She and the Fraternity deserve each other. Let's get out of here.","246":"I [i]hate[\/i] the look that she gives me. It's the sort of look that says, ''I trust you because I said I would, but I'm not proud of you.''","247":"I've got a feeling that look is going to live with me longer than Alexis will...","248":"Given the circumstance, I half-expect the car to be dead, but it springs to life.","249":"The tires squeal as I pull away as quickly as possible.","250":"[i]Look![\/i]","251":"{Leah} points straight ahead, and I immediately notice.","252":"We're just slow enough that someone could catch us on foot. Of course they'd have someone watching us from the fucking shadows.","253":"[i]Shit... that's a gun in his hand.[\/i] My heart quickens vigorously, as fiercely as it did when I was in the basement.","254":"Steer away!","255":"Without thinking I do the opposite.","256":"Ah!","257":"We're going to [i]dieeeeeeee![\/i]","258":"I flip gears and the car leaps forward like a predator.","259":"Metal versus flesh is no contest. There's a sickening thud as he slides down the side of the car.","260":"No, we're not going to die... but I might've just killed someone.","261":"{Leah}'s eyes follow the lump we leave behind us... but I don't. My eyes are fixed firmly ahead.","262":"[i]We're out.[\/i] I'm not dead. And everyone I care about is safe.","263":"This was a good fucking outcome.","0":"The best thing I could possibly say is... these men aren't attacking me at this very moment...","1":"...but that doesn't stop me from having those [i]cornered animal[\/i] instincts strike through me like a lightning bolt.","2":"I feel my legs part, my biceps ball, my head pound. Just like the burglary with Cedric, I'm in fight mode.","3":"Incapable of forming a better sound, I release a truly inhuman guttural threat. These motherfuckers in their creepy masks do nothing but watch.","4":"Do they flinch? Are they robots in robes? Are they ghosts or demons? Their steadiness [i]feels[\/i] inhuman.","5":"If they are creatures of flesh and blood, there's only one explanation for their confidence: they knew I was going to be here.","6":"Those same instincts flare as the cult freak moves.","7":"A hand moves into his robes, which can only mean...","8":"...a weapon!","9":"If I want to live, this is my one shot! [i]Get him before he gets me![\/i]"},"ch10__10.10 the gun.vne3":{"10":"I turn the engine off, yet neither I nor {Leah} bother getting out of the car.","11":"We stare at the darkness of the night like we're dreaming of something distant and far off. In the silence, I realize my heart is finally slowing down.","12":"I work up the initiative to get out of the car.","13":"This thing fell onto the windshield, in that little gap where the windshield wipers usually go.","14":"If I was a car geek, I'd be able to name that little gap. And if I was a gun geek, I'd be able to name the gun.","15":"It looks different from the one that Cedric threatened me with. His was sleek, silvery. It was the kind of gun people buy to put in a box in their nightstand and feel powerful.","16":"This is not that kind of gun. It's too ugly, too plastic, too boxy. This is a killing gun. You buy it because you need someone dead, not to feel better about yourself.","17":"As a former good-two-shoes, I never touched things like this...","18":"...as I hold it now, a weird feeling comes over me - Zeus holds lightning bolts, Thor has his hammer, I've got this gun.","19":"I feel like I could smite a motherfucker with all the judgment and prejudice of a God.","20":"A gun is nothing without its bullets. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but if I fiddle a little...","21":"Yeah. Those don't look like happy funtime pills.","22":"That's cold brass. I can't help but imagine it going through me...","23":"{Leah} walks toward me. At first I expect her to chastise me for picking up the gun, but then it becomes obvious that's the furthest thing from her mind. There's a short intake and outtake of breath, neither shallow nor deep.","24":"It's not quite a sigh... it's an expression I can't place. I want to read her mind but I can't.","25":"In a soft voice, she says...","26":"So that happened.","27":"And... then...","28":"...my chest convulses slightly... I think it's a hiccup... but it isn't.","29":"It's a laugh.","30":"Wow, that was the craziest night I ever had.","31":"It's so weird... I'm not in shock. As the adrenaline leaves me feeling drained and tired, I feel... [i]good[\/i]. The feeling is similar to really good sex.","32":"I almost died. Should I feel like this? I definitely didn't the first time.","33":"I'm fucked up, {Leah}.","34":"You are?","35":"Yeah. I don't know how to say this. God damn... I feel [i]weird[\/i] about it. The guilt is worse than the [i]trauma[\/i].","36":"Oh... I know what you're going to say.","37":"You do?","38":"You have my disease.","39":"Disease?","40":"Don't pretend like you don't know.","41":"I give her a shrug. In response, she quirks an eyebrow, as though I'd forgotten something quite significant.","42":"Adrenaline addiction.","43":"Adrenaline addiction? Me? Unlikely.","44":"That's what I would've said a few months ago, when the most excitement came when a bug in the servers made us work overtime getting things back to normal.","45":"Now? I don't know. I'm getting neurologically wired in a way I didn't think was possible. My wetware is constantly soaked with cortisol and adrenaline... and maybe it's starting to like it.","46":"Man... there's a good chance a lot of people died... but I can't make myself feel bad.","47":"Don't worry about the feeling. You do actually feel bad about it. The emotion just isn't clicking in yet.","48":"You're happier to be alive than disturbed that people died. Don't think about it too much, if you do, you'll go crazy.","49":"Well, I was trying to do something good, by saving Alexis. She's the one that set the fire.","50":"Then again, we both blocked the door out, so...","51":"Yes. But we had to do that. And we called the fire department, which we didn't have to do.","52":" I'm sure they'll be fine.","53":"I don't weave my signs with much conviction, but {Leah} isn't going to push it.","54":"I feel like if I was a real adrenaline addict, I would've gone after Alexis. That would have been the riskiest thing to do.","55":"You made the smartest move.","56":"She smiles at me, and I have to wonder if she really feels that way or if she's just trying to make me feel better.","57":"I can't really read {Leah}'s true feelings about this.","58":"Then you intentionally hit someone with your car.","59":"Yeah, and the moment I did, I felt all my bones break too. Those were some sick, disgusting, [i]meaty[\/i] sounds I heard as he slid off.","60":"I'm drenched with excuses. [i]I wasn't even going that fast! He had a gun! I was just assaulted![\/i]","61":"Hell, they may even be [i]good[\/i] reasons, but I'm still imagining saying them under the severe glare of a judge.","62":"The silver lining is the car wasn't damaged in the slightest. A bit of luck, and maybe a hint I wasn't actually going all that fast... I hope...","63":"I hope I didn't kill him...","64":"It's not really out of a sense of mercy, if I'm honest. I just don't want the trouble it comes with. {Leah} knows instinctively what I mean.","65":"I wouldn't go back and check if he's okay.","66":"Yeah, I'm not either.","67":"To be honest... when I came... there was only one thing that was important to me.","68":"That is the tightest she's ever held me. Even her fingers dig into my back jealously. It really feels like she never intends to let go.","69":"As I feel her in my arms, the slow weight develops in my heart. I hear the thudding in my chest like a dull drum, painfully aware of how much she cares.","70":"Something occurs to me that I've never thought of before... [i]how much she'd miss me if I was gone...[\/i]","71":"If I just disappeared, I'd make a hole in her as surely as the gun would.","72":"Damn it... I can't be so fucking cavalier with my own life, can I?","73":"I don't care about those other people, {PlayerName}.","74":"They could've all burned. I just cared that you got out.","75":"It's sweet... it's horrifying... and it's raw and honest at the same time.","76":"Suddenly, her lips connect with mine. Out on the street... I've got to admit I didn't expect it.","77":"I guess I shouldn't be caught by surprise, given what we've gone through, but I am.","78":"In any case... it is highly appreciated.","79":"Fuck all that shit we just did... this kiss feels like the [i]real risk.","80":"Is she okay with being seen?","81":"Oddly, I don't care.","82":"This is really a balm for my wound.","83":"Heh.","84":"I give a sheepish smile. No lie - it still feels a bit strange kissing her.","85":"I almost lost you. Can you imagine if I hadn't gone after you?","86":"You said it yourself - contact me if you [i]don't[\/i] need help. That was extremely... forward thinking.","87":"She nods.","88":"When I didn't hear from you in the first few minutes, I knew something had happened. I had to go see.","89":"Yes... and leaving Sandra alone.","90":"She postures herself defensively.","91":"It turned out I had to do that.","92":"I don't disagree. Should we check up on her?","93":"As soon as {Leah} understands I'm not blaming her for anything, she visibly relaxes. Still, her eyes latch onto the gun I had just picked up.","94":"Are you taking that thing with you?","95":"[i]Yes.[\/i] {Leah}, have you [i]seen[\/i] the guys we're up against? With their creepy masks and their proclivity for burning people's faces off?","96":"Yes, {Leah}, I'm [i]taking a fucking gun.[\/i] I may not know much about them, but I actually feel safer with this piece of cold steel tucked into my jeans.","97":"I'm not going to tell her that, though. I'm going to keep it casual. Shrug and smile.","98":"It could be useful.","99":"{PlayerName}, I just don't want you to feel like you can get into a gunfight.","100":"I'm not dumb, {Leah}, this is a M.A.D. thing. [i]Mutually Assured Destruction.[\/i] They have nukes, I have nukes, let's not use them.","101":"That's not the right analogy... we're talking about [i]people[\/i] here, and they're not rational. If they attack you, it's not for any rational reason.","102":"I can't count on what lunatics will do, just what [i]I[\/i] would do put in their shoes. But understood, I'm not John Wick.","103":"{Leah} smiles like she means it this time... though I know she doesn't believe me. She knows that my rashest actions weren't exactly thought out carefully.","104":"She has no excuse. If she were to throw the same accusation at me, it would be pure hypocrisy.","105":"After all that excitement, after the rush of adrenaline I just experienced, I feel like I could hit the bed and sleep for a million years. That's not an option right now.","106":"For all I know, checking up on Sandra might be the beginning of some new ordeal...","107":"I limber up my shoulders, get into the car, and ready myself for Round 2.","0":"On the way home...","1":"[i]Unlock the door![\/i]","2":"I'm not getting fucking kidnapped [i]twice![\/i]","3":"We're driving!","4":"FUCK! Let me GOOOOO!","5":"It's LOOOOOOOOOCKED! HEEELP! I'm being KIDNAAAAAPPED! RAAAAAPED!","6":"Fed up, I pull over to the side of the road. Alexis takes the opportunity to bolt out into the streets in her underwear.","7":"She's not our issue anymore.","8":"Without really much reflection I turn the engine back on.","9":"I mean to pull in gently, but the car bucks forward and the tires squeal as I slide right into my parking space."},"ch10__10.15 sandra checkup.vne3":{"10":"I hope not. What's gotten into you? This really freaks me out...","11":"I mean... if there's a reason to think... that by going into the IT lab you're going to find someone [i]dead[\/i], then...","12":"...you definitely don't want to experience that alone.","13":"At this point, I think I can handle it. This is just normal life for me.","14":"No it [i]isn't[\/i], {PlayerName}, don't let yourself get callous. You need to [i]feel[\/i]. It makes you vulnerable, yes, but at least you haven't [i]lost yourself[\/i].","15":"I- I have more to say, but this is a long conversation. Do you have a premonition that someone might be hurt?","16":"If I said I did?","17":"I don't really believe in psychic powers, but [i]premonitions[\/i]... that's your subconscious trying to tell you what your consciousness isn't aware of.","18":"You can listen to it without feeling like a freak fortune teller, that's all I'm saying. It's not astrology, it's your brain warning you.","19":"A premonition? If I have one, what exactly am I trying to tell myself?","20":"Yes... I have one, but it's the opposite of what {Leah} is saying. I'm not worried that there's going to be a dead body... it's the certainty that there [i]isn't[\/i]. Past this threshold, nobody and nothing will try and harm me.","21":"But... why do I know that? [i]Why am I thinking that?[\/i] Why does that feel like a [i]warning[\/i] more than reassurance?","22":"There's a siren going off in my mind: ''ALERT, ALERT, THERE IS NO DANGER.''","23":"This is a really weird feeling... even trying to describe it to {Leah} is going to make me feel silly.","24":"I think Sandra is safe. She was always safe.","25":"Your intuition is telling you this.","26":"I don't. I'm not a Jedi, I can't tap into the Force and get special answers.","27":"Again, it's not anything mystical, it's just your mind working overtime. Listening to your intuition is a learned skill.","28":"I trust your intuition on this, okay? Do you feel safe going into the IT lab?","29":"I feel safe going into the IT lab, but I don't feel [i]safe[\/i].","30":"{Leah} grants me a brief look of concern. I don't think even she really knows what to make of what I said. She likes puzzles, but a puzzle without pieces is a recipe for frustration.","31":"Maybe seeing Sandra will answer some questions.","32":"Maybe it will.","33":"It's dark in here. I expected that, it's well after closing.","34":"There's something I did [i]not[\/i] expect. A shadow, darting across the way. My senses immediately come alive.","35":"Stop.","36":"I wave the sign with military efficiency. {Leah}'s instinct is to clamp shut and crouches into a combative posture.","37":"I'm ready for those masked morons to jump out any second...","38":"But... something tells me it's not the same threat. The logical circuits in my brain still fire, telling me that the fraternity's move was in the basement, not here.","39":"Fraternity or not, a shadowy figure is still haunting the IT lab. My hands reach for the switch...","40":"The light reveals Amiran, adjusting his sleeve. He stands like he's waiting on me - not like an ambusher, like a butler.","41":"It feels exceptionally strange to turn on the lights, and not see a creeping masked bastard, but a quiet, dignified, calm man.","42":"Good evening. I would've turned the lights on, but I couldn't find the switch.","43":"Sticking around in the dark like that is [i]still strange[\/i], though. I'm relieved it's this guy, but my legs still subconsciously part, ready for a fight.","44":"How did you get inside?","45":"Well, there was a delivery to the lab and I... hrmm... convinced the young woman that I had a... (how do you say?) [i]legitimate[\/i] reason to be here, when she made her delivery.","46":"Which is a lie, I'm afraid. I don't have a legitimate reason to be here, but I do have a [i]good[\/i] one. Seeing you again, my friend.","47":"Seeing [i]me[\/i] again?","48":"Who is your companion?","49":"{Leah} looks like she still has not relaxed, but has simply transitioned from fear to nausea.","50":"This is {Leah}, my {sheIsYour}.","51":"This is one whom you trust?","52":"Amiran, you haven't earned [i]my[\/i] trust yet, I barely know you. You're still a stranger to me.","53":"You're a little quick on the [i]friend[\/i] label, I'd say.","54":"Ah, yes. My apologies. I'm not yet worthy of your trust. I understand. I was hoping you'd be able to see my sincerity after I told the story of the arson...","55":"It is hard to look Amiran in the eye, even after he freely admitted what he had done - which was to torch his competitors and take a human life.","56":"Of course... then [i]Alexis[\/i] went insane and set a basement on fire, so maybe I understand Amiran better than I want to think...","57":"Of course... then I left Alexis to the Fraternity and ran someone over, so maybe I understand Amiran better than I want to think...","58":"In any case...","59":"How long have you been here, Amiran?","60":"I meant to come earlier, but it was difficult when the gentleman with the glasses was inside.","61":"You've been here since Linus got off work, then.","62":"Hmm. Yes.","63":"I switch to sign.","64":"Did you see him, {Leah}?","65":"Uh... I... eh...","66":"She didn't see him? How was that possible? He would've had to march right past her.","67":"Is {Leah} that unobservant?","68":"The first thing is... if you wouldn't mind, I'd like the phone I gave you back.","69":"The phone that was the critical piece of evidence that helped me find Sandra?","70":"I'm a bit reluctant to part with that, but with that polite tone of voice, it's hard to refuse him. After momentary hesitation I reach into my pocket and get Balenka's phone.","71":"I hope it was helpful for you.","72":"Very. Though I haven't found Silent1 yet.","73":"Without that phone, I probably couldn't have cornered Sandra...","74":"I'm very glad to hear that. The phone... is all I have of Balenka's. I suppose this is her way of helping... from wherever she happens to be.","75":"So this was the important thing Amiran came back for... [i]nostalgia[\/i]. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a missing daughter like that.","76":"I still have business with you, Amiran.","77":"Last time I saw you, before you left suddenly, you said something about Silent2.","78":"Silent2... yes. I was just telling you about him when... I had to leave suddenly.","79":"I hoped you'd know more about Silent2 than I. My understanding is... hmm... Silent2 is a [i]rogue[\/i] within the Fraternity.","80":"What?","81":"Hrmm... yes... that's the best way to describe it. A [i]rogue[\/i]. Someone who is a member, but has gone astray from the... [size,0.6]I'm not sure how to best describe it...","82":"Ideals of the organization?","83":"Mmm. Precisely. I apologize. The quality of the English you learn in prison is... poor.","84":"So you're saying someone within the Fraternity that [i]opposes the Fraternity[\/i], is this correct?","85":"I believe that sums it up nicely.","86":"If we learn who this Silent2 is, it might blow this case wide open... then... [i]finally...","87":"Can you provide [i]any clue[\/i] who he is?","88":"From what I gather... these are remote snippets of conversation...","89":"...[i]Silent1 and Silent2 are close[\/i].","90":"Great. So he's saying if I find Silent1, I'll find Silent2. That's no help at all. [i]The floor is made of floor.[\/i]","91":"Thank you, Amiran.","92":"He nods.","93":"Is there any way I can contact you?","94":"Amiran takes a sheet of paper from a pad and scratches down a number.","95":"I think it would be best if you used that number as an absolute last resort.","96":"Thanks.","97":"Amiran tries to smile, but it seems he's incapable of it.","98":"Instead... he walks away without saying much else.","99":"We should check on Sandra.","100":"You knew Amiran.","101":"Huh?","102":"You knew who he was, didn't you? But he didn't know you.","103":"W-why would you think that?","104":"You're not a very good liar, {Leah}, at least to me. You've got eyes like a hawk. There's no way he could've walked past you without being seen.","105":"If he was invisible, you would've picked up on his shoe prints and figured out he had salami that morning.","106":"{Leah} shudders. Her lips mouth an excuse she doesn't bother to voice... she knows I won't buy it.","107":"Let's not bring this up right now. We're about to see Sandra, remember?","108":"Put up a unified front, okay?","109":"Right. If {Leah} and I fight right now, Sandra will sense it... or whoever got to Sandra will sense it. That makes sense.","110":"{Leah} is doing what she can to avoid this topic, that I know, but fighting about it right now is a bad idea. That's true no matter what {Leah} is keeping secret.","111":"Having wrapped up this conversation, I rap my knuckles on Hank's door.","112":"Sandra, it's me.","113":"I hear shuffling and shaking within...","114":"How many people have you told?","115":"She wastes absolutely no time. A knot in my stomach undoes itself... I think that's the anxiety of walking in and seeing Sandra dead leaving me.","116":"Just {Leah}.","117":"You told Veronica Mars? Ugh.","118":"I guess {PlayerName} talks about me. It's good to see you in person. I've heard a lot about you.","119":"I wish it stuck that way. Why are you bothering me?","120":"We were looking after your safety.","121":"You know, this is the most danger I've been in for like a year. I haven't had contact with anyone - who knows what kinds of fucking diseases your bringing in that I have no immunity to.","122":"I've read the news. Designed viruses shutting everything down. Ebola, covid, monkey or pig or goose or hamster pox. You'd feel bad if you were my cause of death.","123":"That's not an issue. You've been exposed to the same stuff as everyone else.","124":"Huh?","125":"The vents are shuttered to the outside, meaning the fans are pumping air from the IT lab to this room. If there's any airborne viruses you'd be exposed to them, as you would catch them from Linus and {PlayerName}.","126":"The vents are...? Whoa... slow down. What do you mean by we've been breathing the same air?","127":"Well, just that the only fresh air that comes into this room is from the main office area where Linus and {PlayerName} work. So you've been exposed to the air that they breathe. Probably covid and the flu and so on.","128":"You [i]noticed that?[\/i]","129":"Well... yeah. Of course. I mean, I scouted out the building to make sure it was secure. The vents were shut and there were cobwebs, suggesting that they hadn't been opened for at least a few months.","130":"You must've noticed that too, {PlayerName}.","131":"No...","132":"Oh. Uh... I thought it was obvious.","133":"[i]Are you still going to insist you didn't see Amiran after this?[\/i] But then I remember: [b]United Front[\/b]. No division in front of Sandra.","134":"Well, you have our diseases, so don't worry too much about it.","135":"You are [i]actually insane[\/i]. If your observational skills are so good, have you noticed that I'm not in danger at all? You aren't a social worker, you don't have to do a... [i]wellness check.[\/i]","136":"I'm not your grandma - I don't need a visit every week. You don't have to sell me those buttons old people wear around their neck in case they fall over.","137":"Who [i]does[\/i] visit you then? Who arranges your food delivery?","138":"I live off stale coffee. That's enough nutrition for me.","139":"What else do you reuse? I know you get a steady supply of [i]feminine products.","140":"Huh? The fuck you on about?","141":"Just that your tampons look-","142":"Ew, no! [i]No![\/i] You looked into my [i]trash?[\/i]","143":"Didn't need to look very hard. Just needed to look down - red stands out.","144":"Is this what you observant types do? You check for used tampons? Why don't you pick the corn out of my shit too?","145":"Okay, fine, I have deliveries sent here at night. Are you happy?","146":"Who are they addressed to?","147":"[i]The IT Lab[\/i].","148":"And the school is cool with mysterious packages being sent at night to the IT lab? I didn't know the USPS delivered at 1 AM.","149":"[i]Leave me alone![\/i]","150":"One more thing, and then I'll leave.","151":"You're worse than your {youAreHer}. Fuck it. Go on. Tell me.","152":"It just feels odd that you made your way [i]from your abandoned car[\/i] which was [i]all the way in the country[\/i] and just waltzed back.","153":"I was wrong about this being a wellness check. This is an [i]interrogation[\/i].","154":"[i]Just go.[\/i] Please go.","155":"Who is helping you stay here?","156":"Your mom.","157":"This is Sandra giving up. She's just stating blatantly juvenile things. I think {Leah} has her.","158":"You're in a dangerous situation, Sandra. And it's got nothing to do with the flu virus. We can help you.","159":"I helped your mom last night.","160":"Sandra...","161":"Had to hose her down to get all the semen off her. We used a firetruck. [i]Firetrucks[\/i]. We caused a drought.","162":"This is not working.","163":"Could you not afford pads growing up? Is that why you're so good at spotting them in the trash?","164":"Do you give 'em a quick rinse before you use them, or do you like them just a little warm?","165":"This is beneath you.","166":"Go ahead. Borrow them from the trash, you trash panda. I wouldn't judge you.","167":"This conversation has taken an extremely gross turn. Now {Leah} knows how stubborn Sandra is.","168":"Let's leave.","169":"{Leah} gives Sandra a hard glance, and then we shut the door.","170":"I felt like I was too antagonizing.","171":"I think you're too quick to share your observations.","172":"The tampon thing was too much?","173":"It's a part of feminine mystique I'd rather preserve, if I'm honest. But that's not my primary concern with {Leah}.","174":"People feel vulnerable when they realize you can peel them apart like that.","175":"I know. It's... something I learned once before.","176":"I look curiously at her. This seems like a story, but {Leah} just waves it off.","177":"It's not like that. I'm... actually a little egotistical, did you know?","178":"You're not egotistical.","179":"I am though. You don't think I take pride in being able to piece things together quickly?","180":"If I think of something really clever, I have a sudden compulsion to share it. It's a weakness.","181":"Yeah. And then you rub it in by pretending like it's something easy to see, like the thing with the vents.","182":"{Leah} gives me a mischievous smirk.","183":"Sometimes, you can cold read people too.","184":"Let's regroup at the apartment, okay?","185":"By any definition, it's been a really long night. But I don't feel drained - I feel [i]wired.","186":"I don't know how to describe the feeling running through me. But I know... if {Leah} hadn't suggested it, I'd probably not even go to bed.","187":"A switch has truly flipped in my head. My brain used to tell me this [i]fourberie[\/i] stuff was scary and should be avoided. That was sanity speaking.","188":"Now, [i]I'm really, really starting to like this.[\/i] And that... that is [i]insanity[\/i] taking hold.","0":"I thought I'd feel more tense about this, but after what I've been through... basically [i]nothing[\/i] is going to surprise me.","1":"If there's a hedgerow of bayonets and rifles between me and the IT lab, I'm just going to sigh and view it as Tuesday.","2":"You know what's shocking?","3":"What?","4":"This has happened a number of times, where I'm about to walk into a room, ready for absolutely anything. Yet...","5":"...I haven't seen a single dead body yet.","6":"Why are you saying such scary things, {PlayerName}? Do you have some kind of premonition?","7":"Do you think Cedric is dead, {Leah}?","8":"Uh... I have no idea.","9":"What about Stan? Do you think he's dead?"},"ch10__10.20 night with leah.vne3":{"10":"My fingers form the symbols before I even think about what I'm asking for rationally. {Leah} looks at my gestures like she might have gotten double-vision.","11":"[i]Sevigny's? Are you serious?","12":"I don't know. I just felt like it right now.","13":"Relax, {PlayerName}. Take it easy.","14":"I just want to keep the night going.","15":"Mr. I-Want-To-Go-To-Bed-Early-Cause-I'm-Such-A-Morning-Person. What alien is wearing your skin?","16":"I'm from Earth, and I'm just feeling especially human right now. Not sure if I can just hit the hay properly.","17":"I feel so... [i]alive[\/i].","18":"I'm going to overrule you. [i]Rest[\/i]. You may not feel tired, but you actually are.","19":"I don't feel tired at all. Really.","20":"{PlayerName}... you are. If you don't go to bed right now, you'll end up in another burning house by the end of the day.","21":"{PlayerName}... you are. If you don't go to bed now, you'll be running people over by the morning.","22":"Damnit... she makes too much goddamn sense. I'd do nothing but get into trouble if I was let out right now. ","23":"Do I have to let the tiger back into the cage? Shit...","24":"This is how you feel, isn't it?","25":"...I did confess I was an adrenaline addict, didn't I?","26":"Yeah, you did.","27":"You'll have the most restful sleep of your life after this. Like a baby.","28":"The nights after this one? Different question entirely. People are kinda layered. As an experience burns through you... your feelings about it change.","29":"That's a [i]very[\/i] poetic way to put it. ","30":"Wow. That's really evocative.","31":"Heh!","32":"So you think you'll have trouble sleeping?","33":"With my heart pounding like this...","34":"Do you think you're going to need help?","35":"Help... sleeping?","36":"I was thinking I could make some lavender tea for you. It's supposed to help you relax.","37":"Add a dollop of honey... a bit of creamer... you won't even make it to bed.","38":"That was... definitely not what I was imagining when {Leah} said she was going to help me sleep.","39":"It won't be good for my neck if I pass out on the floor.","40":"Heh! Well... it definitely helps keep nightmares away.","41":"And you're the expert at that, I'm guessing.","42":"She gives a broad smile.","43":"Yeah. Call me a little dreamcatcher.","44":"That should be your new callsign. [i]Dreamcatcher[\/i].","45":"Mmhmm. I like that. Nightingale is kind of compromised.","46":"What's your callsign, then?","47":"My... callsign?","48":"Pick something cool. I was Nightingale, so what would you be?","49":"Shit... I didn't expect such an intense question. You're basically asking how I would define myself. Tell me how you came up with Nightingale.","50":"I, like, got it on Wikipedia, [i]dude[\/i].","51":"That's disappointing. Florence Nightingale wasn't your childhood hero? A nightingale didn't fly through your window one night? It's not your spirit animal?","52":"I just thought it was a cool name. It's got no special meaning. But the same isn't true of you. I won't let you pick something stupid.","53":"I have to pick a name now? I can't consult Wikipedia?","54":"No. It has to come from the heart.","55":"Why this double standard?","56":"Because I wasn't cornered and [i]forced[\/i] to come up with something at the spot... unlike you.","57":"Geez... this is a nightmare.","58":"Stop your bellyachin'! Go on! Tell me something cool.","59":"Right. A cool name. I don't know if this is ever going to be used for anything... but...","60":"{PlayerName}.[nopickownname == 0]","61":"Mr. Red.","62":"Tequila Sunset.","63":"Psycho Warden.","64":"Raven.","65":"(More options)","66":"You [i]can't[\/i] pick your own name, {PlayerName}.","67":"But... it's [i]my[\/i] name...","68":"It defeats the purpose of picking a code name if you just choose your own. Come on.","69":"Alright...","70":"Okay. Nice and basic. I like it.","71":"You do?","72":"Simple things are best, sometimes.","73":"Yes... that's the right one. It's warm and golden... a fitting moniker for the man you [i]will[\/i] become rather than the man you [i]are...[\/i]","74":"She twitches, the name is slightly familiar to her. She likes it, but has reservations about it she can't yet voice.","75":"Right on! It's not just a great name, [i]it's a good idea.[\/i] Let's get our drink on [i]right now[\/i] up until [i]dusk tomorrow [\/i].","76":"Are you okay, {PlayerName}? You look a bit...","77":"Huh? when I called myself that... something weird happened to my head. But it's okay.","78":"Well, it's a bit weird, but I think it works. I've never really seen you drink tequila, so...","79":"She's concerned for you. She has no idea why you used [i]tequila[\/i] instead of something she associates more strongly with you, like [i]beer[\/i] or [i]computers[\/i]...","80":"I like the name - that's all. I don't have to start [i]thinking[\/i] to myself like that, like I'm a fragmented brain-damaged weirdo...","81":"That's like a cool band name. Or a video game boss. I like it.","82":"[i]You have not saved often. You are somewhat reckless.[\/i]","83":"Uh...","84":"Just kidding.","85":"Nightingale... Raven... I like it.","86":"Yeah, I thought it was a good callback.","87":"Rose Panther.","88":"Tremendous D.","89":"DJ Cactus.","90":"God Emperor.","91":"Man Solo.","92":"(More options)","93":"You sure you don't want it to be [i]Clouseau[\/i]?","94":"No, I want it to be [i]Rose Panther[\/i].","95":"Never mind. Okay. Rose Panther is decent.","96":"{PlayerName}...","97":"You don't know what the ''D'' stands for.","98":"I don't want to call you [i]Tremendous D[\/i].","99":"It's my code name. You wanted something close to my heart.","100":"She sighs tiredly.","101":"Very antediluvian.","102":"[i]Antediluvian?[\/i]","103":"Like... [i]Dune?[\/i] Arrakis?","104":"No... as in God Emperor of Man. The Imperium lays before me. I need to devour the souls of 1,000 psychics to maintain my dying body on the Golden Throne.","105":"Oh. For a second, I thought you had some culture.","106":"I hang out with Linus so no.","107":"[i]Man Solo?[\/i]","108":"It's because I always shoot first.","109":"Maybe I should've let you pick something off Wikipedia.","110":"Fuck Doll 69.[nofuckdollname == 0]","111":"Uncarbonated Soda.","112":"Tech Pro.","113":"Walrus.","114":"Quinterest.","115":"(More options)","116":"[i]No.[\/i] Not in a million years.","117":"It's just a code name.","118":"I [i]hate[\/i] it. I will not call you that. [i]Pick something sensible.","119":"Fine... fine...","120":"That's like... [i]something boring[\/i] but also an [i]interesting name[\/i].","121":"I like the irony.","122":"It's a bit like calling yourself a [i]Dull Rock[\/i]. It's like a weird but... kinda chill at the same time.","123":"That's your [i]profession[\/i], {PlayerName}.","124":"Then it'll be easy to remember it.","125":"It's boring, to be honest. But okay. You could've picked something worse.","126":"Goo goo g'joob.","127":"Huh?","128":"Oh. I thought... you know... the [i]song[\/i]. That's why you picked that name, right?","129":"I just like walruses.","130":"Hrmm...","131":"[i]Why, though?[\/i]","132":"It just randomly popped into my head.","133":"It's like you wanted to say a popular social media site but then changed the first syllable.","134":"Hey, you're putting more thought into it than I did.","135":"Fine. [i]Quinterest it is.[\/i]","136":"Dark Star.","137":"Lord Stark.","138":"White Hat.","139":"Betelgeuse.","140":"(More options)","141":"Bit moody. Bit emo.","142":"You think so. I thought it had the energy of an 80s hair metal rocker.","143":"Yeah, [i]emo[\/i].","144":"Emo didn't exist back then.","145":"Well, it was a [i]little[\/i] emo, wasn't it? Come on.","146":"I think it's a sick name.","147":"I think it's a virgin anime fan name. But whatever. It works.","148":"You're not [i]still[\/i] upset by that, are you?","149":"He was just trying to save the Seven Kingdoms. If it weren't for Joffrey...","150":"It is impossible to have a scene more shocking than that one. Impossible.","151":"Don't ever finish that show.","152":"Alright. In honor of House Stark, then.","153":"Mmm. Like you're a white hat hacker of some kind.","154":"I think it fits.","155":"It's a bit on the nose, if I'm honest.","156":"Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse!","157":"Huh?","158":"If you say it three times, Betelgeuse will appear.","159":"That would kill us all because that's a red supergiant.","160":"You really are a physics major, aren't you?","161":"Deep Throat.","162":"DopeSmoke.","163":"Shimmerstar.","164":"Shake 'n Bake.","165":"Satan.","166":"(More options)","167":"You can't pick that! Not only is that obscene, it's already been picked!","168":"Who picked it then?","169":"FBI Special Agent Mark Felt.","170":"And what? What happened to him?","171":"I mean... he passed away of old age...","172":"That frees up his code name, doesn't it?","173":"I hate you sometimes, {PlayerName}.","174":"[i]Dope Smoke?[\/i]","175":"Without a space.","176":"Oh my God... I can't call you Dope Smoke.","177":"You said it with a space.","178":"I can't [i]say[\/i] a space.","179":"Yes, you paused between Dope and Smoke. You've got to say them both quickly, like they're the same word.","180":"Say it how you would.","181":"I can't, obviously.","182":"Well, I can't either, [i]Dope Smoke[\/i].","183":"She's got me there.","184":"Oh my God.","185":"What?","186":"You sound like a bisexual fairy from a modern kids' cartoon.","187":"I think it sounds badass.","188":"As a codename, I suppose it works.","189":"That's... basic. It's a slogan.","190":"It's just a codename.","191":"I really wanted something more... [i]moody[\/i] and [i]badass[\/i].","192":"Sorry. I literally just said the first thing that popped into my head.","193":"Yeah. It shows.","194":"[i]Really?[\/i]","195":"What's wrong with Satan?","196":"[i]Really? Really?[\/i]","197":"I think it's cool and dark and codename-y.","198":"I'm going to call you [i]Lucifer[\/i] instead.","199":"But I chose Satan...","200":"Lucifer fits better. I'm sorry.","201":"Odysseus.","202":"Getothachoppa!","203":"Yawallahodinganesh.","204":"Aurora.","205":"Archer.","206":"(More options)","207":"Oh, I [i]really like that[\/i]. Well done.","208":"Thanks.","209":"It's not quite the same impact when you spell it out.","210":"But it's cool, right?","211":"But what if I actually need to tell you to get to the chopper? You might get confused.","212":"That's easy. My codename is always pronounced with an Austrian accent.","213":"Why don't I just call you [i]Chopper[\/i]?","214":"If you have to...","215":"It's too long.","216":"Technically, you came up with it.","217":"Yeah, and I regret making it so long. It's ridiculous that guy even bought it.","218":"Floyd?","219":"Right. Sorry. I forgot his name.","220":"Do you like [i]Odin?[\/i] How about that?","221":"Oooh. I do kinda like it.","222":"[i]Odin[\/i] it is.","223":"I like the name Aurora, but I associate it more with girls.","224":"You don't think Aurora could be a guy's name?","225":"Well, I met a dude called [i]Ashley[\/i] once, which was interesting. So yeah. Maybe there are guys called [i]Aurora[\/i] out there too.","226":"Oh... that's so common though...","227":"You don't like it?","228":"I feel like it's generic. But if you're saying it really speaks to you, then cool. Let's go with [i]Archer.","229":"Batman.","230":"Toaster.","231":"Trappist.","232":"Rin Tin Tin.","233":"Charm Snake.","234":"(More options)","235":"Were you thinking about Toasterman?","236":"I sort of was...","237":"It more or less works. Not terribly creative... I guess...","238":"Were you thinking about Toasterman?","239":"I sort of was...","240":"It more or less works. It's distinct, that's for sure. Let's hope that we don't deal with any toasters.","241":"Huh? What's that? [i]Trapping...[\/i]","242":"[i]Trappist[\/i]. It's a star, a red dwarf. It has some really cool planets.","243":"Oh. Of course, you're a physics major. I thought it was in reference to... [i]traps[\/i].","244":"Like... hunting traps?","245":"A different kind of trap. Whatever. It works.","246":"Okay. Weird. It works though.","247":"I think it does too.","248":"Charm Snake? Why Charm?","249":"Up, down, top, bottom, strange, [i]charm[\/i].","250":"You're not clarifying anything at all.","251":"They're the six flavors of quarks.","252":"[i]Physics[\/i]. I would say I understand but I don't at all.","253":"What about [i]Snake?[\/i] What's up with that?","254":"Snakes are cool.","255":"That I understand.","256":"Shivervale.","257":"Hawking.","258":"Dante's Inferno.","259":"Dreamsnatcher.","260":"Durden.","261":"(More options)","262":"As in...","263":"Sounds cool.","264":"It sounds like a place. Like... a fantasy thing.","265":"It probably is.","266":"Okay, fine.","267":"Steven Hawking?","268":"Yes.","269":"Okay. Respectable.","270":"That's a bit long. Plus... I don't want to confuse you if we actually meet Dante.","271":"Can we shorten it to [i]Inferno?[\/i]","272":"Yeah, I kinda like that.","273":"Me too.","274":"Isn't it a bit confusing? If I'm [i]Dreamcatcher[\/i]... and you're [i]Dreamsnatcher[\/i]...","275":"They sound similar.","276":"Yeah.","277":"I was trying to think of something that played off your codename.","278":"What about something related to [i]spiders?[\/i] The Dreamcatcher is supposed to represent a mystical spider's web.","279":"What about [i]Crawler[\/i], then? Because I'm always crawling the web...","280":"Mmm. Clever.","281":"Where have I heard that name before?","282":"It's a pretty famous character.","283":"Well, it works. So let's not think too much about it.","284":"Dead Husband.[nodeadhusband == 0]","285":"Sevigny.[nosevigny == 0]","286":"Sex Bomb.","287":"Gorilla.","288":"Brass Pig.","289":"(Back to start)","290":"[i]Grim[\/i]. What about [i]Corpse Husband?[\/i]","291":"I don't think that'll work.","292":"And.... uh... calling you [i]Husband[\/i]...","293":"I see what you mean...","294":"Good effort, but let's pick something a little different.","295":"Naming yourself after the bar...","296":"It's just the first thing that popped into my head...","297":"Yeah, given that Sevigny's is a place we might want to refer to, I'm going to overrule you. [i]No Sevigny's[\/i].","298":"It's kind of sensible, if I'm honest...","299":"Oh, come on...","300":"You don't want to call me [i]Sex Bomb?[\/i]","301":"[i]Of course not[\/i].","302":"Aha! How about this! [i]Little Boy![\/i]","303":"Little Boy?","304":"The bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima.","305":"You're going to name me after a nuclear bomb that killed hundreds of thousands of civilians?","306":"Uh... oh God... you're right. I didn't even think about that.","307":"Is there... a bomb which killed a whole bunch of mass murderers?","308":"You could call me [i]Flying Fortress[\/i], after the bomber.","309":"Or just [i]Fortress[\/i].","310":"From [i]Sex Bomb[\/i] to [i]Fortress[\/i]. This is quite a game of telephone.","311":"Let's stick with [i]Fortress[\/i]. That makes sense to me as a codename.","312":"Okay. Sure. Gorilla.","313":"It's cool, isn't it?","314":"It's better than [i]Wolf[\/i]. A bit more off the wall. I like it.","315":"Ah, yes, [i]Brass Pig[\/i], Lyza Dunwall's infamous blade, from the well known fantasy novel [i]Fencing Academy[\/i] by [i]AW Freyr[\/i].","316":"Do you think it's too recognizable?","317":"Yes, [i]Fencing Academy[\/i] is a wildfire cultural phenomenon that is catching the whole world by storm.","318":"The reference is a little on the nose, if I'm honest, because the books are just so popular right now, that people will [i]instantly[\/i] get it without much prompting.","319":"As soon as people hear [i]Brass Pig[\/i], they instantly think of the novels.","320":"Absolutely. But, I think it works as a codename. After all, everyone is a fanatical [i]Fencing Academy[\/i] fan so you're not narrowing things down by much.","321":"You have a codename now. Excellent.","322":"Dreamcatcher and {mc_codename}. What do you think?","323":"They fit, in a weird sort of way.","324":"Mmm. I know this conversation came up accidentally, but I feel this is very useful. You having a codename makes this feel more [i]official[\/i], more [i]real.","325":"We're not just bumbling around and working around each other. [i]This makes sense.[\/i]","326":"Except for the one giant elephant in the room, laying on its back and baying. {Leah} has already admitted she hasn't told me everything... Amiran proved that.","327":"What have I kept from {Leah}? Basically, nothing. I don't have any secrets from her except for personal ones.","328":"Let's rest for tonight. I'm sure the world's not going to fix itself by tomorrow.","329":"Goodnight, {PlayerName}.","330":"She's basically saying that I should not look for more excitement. Wise words.","331":"When the tea finishes steeping, I have a cup, and I'm ready for bed.","332":"I'm not really sure if the tea helped. I'm still feeling wired...","333":"...I want to jump out... run around... do insane shit.","334":"But...","335":"...it might be the case... that {Leah} wasn't just worried about my sleep...","336":"...but her own.","337":"She peers in. She sees me sitting up. I think she instantly understands the situation.","338":"I can't sleep. She can't sleep. We need to help each other tonight.","339":"Tiny footsteps lead her in. Shy, almost trembling.","340":"Of course I make a space for her.","341":"I don't know if sleeping with {Leah} will really help me sleep but...","342":"...I think she just wants to feel close to me tonight.","343":"I can't fault her for that.","0":"The odd feeling persists even as I drive. I don't have synesthesia, but I'd call it... [i]a golden feeling[\/i].","1":"I see myself...","2":"...at the top of a mountain, after having just summited it.","3":"I sit from that peak and watch the valley I just climbed below, spread out like a picnic blanket. Everything below just looks like a fruit I can pluck.","4":"I'm so confused... [i]why do I feel so damn good?[\/i]","5":"Traumatic experiences are bad. They hurt you. They make you feel awful afterward. [i]They're supposed to stick with me.[\/i]","6":"But that's not what's happening. Every time I think about the basement... [i]I feel good.[\/i]","7":"This [i]feeling[\/i] is scarier than anything else. [i]What... is... happening?","8":"Home. Man... I usually love getting back after a tough day of work... but... [i]I don't want to be here right now[\/i].","9":"Do you want to go to Sevigny's?"},"ch10__10.25 roghams fate.vne3":{"10":"It comes out quickly. I'd been thinking of her all night - it's good to finally get my concern off my chest.","11":"Hmm?","12":"That whole thing yesterday? It was Stan's wife's house.","13":"Yes, I know. We talked about that before we went.","14":"The whole reason we went was to see if she was okay, and we ended up completely forgetting about her.","15":"I didn't forget.","16":"So did you check if she was okay?","17":"Uh...","18":"She was... the fifth or sixth thing down the list I was thinking about.","19":"Obviously, Silent1 was using her as bait. She wanted to lure you into that trap. I didn't think Stan's wife needs to be dead to serve that purpose.","20":"So, we just assumed she was okay without actually checking.","21":"I suppose. My feeling was the house was empty.","22":"Let's think back. We didn't see any signs there'd been a fight. If her husband recently evaporated into thin air, she'd probably be pretty wary.","23":"That's why I think... she wasn't in the house.","24":"So she's out of town.","25":"Or the Fraternity took her in preparation for this, at least a day ago.","26":"Damn. Why did she propose that alternative? I was about to leap on the ''out of town'' theory.","27":"One is a lot worse than the other.","28":"I'd put either outcome at fifty-fifty.","29":"{Leah} did think about this, and judging by her tone, she thought about it last night, too.","30":"She's not lying, then. She really didn't forget about the wife, but chose not to bring it up.","31":"Shit... we really just forgot all about her once we got out. What else are we forgetting?","32":"Can I be callous for a moment?","33":"We learned that everything that happened yesterday... had been all been about [i]you[\/i] all along.","34":"If they hurt Stan's wife... that's totally incidental. She was only part of their designs as far as they needed to get to her through you.","35":"So they're not going to go out of their way to harm her. They'll go out of their way to harm [i]you.","36":"It really seems they will go out of their way [i]not[\/i] to harm me.","37":"Physically. They don't want to kill you. But they clearly want something out of you.","38":"Basically, I'm less worried about Stan's wife... than I am about you.","39":"Well... I don't know. I think it's important to know if she's safe.","40":"I'm not saying we don't check.","41":"I'm just really hoping she wasn't hurt by that fire.","42":"The fire is on Alexis, it wasn't on you.","43":"Perhaps, but somewhere on that chain of effect hangs me, and that isn't just something I can pretend doesn't matter.","44":"I shouldn't be thinking about Alexis right now. If anyone was culpable for the events of that night, it was her.","45":"She already proved she was willing to do some damn monstrous things to get in with a crowd. Maybe there is a fate she deserves...","46":"...but there's always a sliver of a chance that whatever is happening to her right now is worse than that.","47":"Shit, {Leah} is right. Those experiences are now burning through me, altering how I feel about them as it works through my psyche...","48":"I felt so damn good yesterday. I was drunk, and this is the hangover. I wonder what crazy shit I would've done if {Leah} hadn't stopped me.","49":"There's got to be news about what happened last night.","50":"Haley and Stan's wife are in contact. I could talk to her about it...","51":"I'm already with phone in hand when {Leah} puts her hand on my arm.","52":"Hold on a sec. Don't.","53":"Why?","54":"Something about yesterday might hit the news. We might find out about what happened to Stan's wife.","55":"In the meantime, it's good to limit the number of people who know we were there. If we ask too many questions...","56":"So she's saying... if Haley knows something about Stan's wife that isn't public yet, we're just going to arouse suspicion.","57":"That's very... sensible. No wonder {Leah} is some crazy journalist girl.","58":"Go to school. We'll get a good sense of what the rest of the world thinks.","59":"Yeah. Right. Collect information quietly. Got it.","60":"It feels weird to me that so many people are coming to and fro, mindlessly chattering away while so much goes on behind the background.","61":"I wonder how many people I'm passing by [i]know[\/i] about the Fraternity? How many of them are members?","62":"A creepy idea pops into my head - that everyone knew about the Fraternity this whole time... [i]except me[\/i]. That is some real Truman Show shit there.","63":"I don't feel like I've been a slouch when it comes to watching my own back... but I'm starting to realize it might be impossible to relax at all.","64":"Jesus Christ.","65":"That's not an ordinary wound... ","66":"...that's exactly where I smashed the cultist in the face.","67":"It's not proof... but... [i]that's him[\/i]. That's definitely him. I feel it. The proportions, the yelp, everything.","68":"This really isn't surprising. I knew he had these connections, but to see him like this...","69":"Professor Rogham gives me a dark glance, and his mouth twists.","70":"{PlayerName}.","71":"You were there.","72":"Yes... well... that was then. Now, it's five minutes before class and you should get to your seat.","73":"How can I do that? You assaulted me.","74":"Please don't make a fuss about this now. I'm rather occupied.","75":"What did you do to the woman who was living there?","76":"Let's be civilized, {PlayerName}. There's no need to bring up the past. We serve different roles at different times.","77":"Right now, you're my student and I'm your professor. Please take a seat.","78":"He's treating this so casually. Did he assume I'd accept this?","79":"I see from your eyes you have a difficult time appreciating the situation. Truly, I hoped you learned from the Samantha Hunter situation how this works.","80":"This is a public forum. We have our lives at day and we have our lives at night. Spillover between these two worlds we both inhabit is not good, is it?","81":"Let's leave this a space for learning.","82":"If I were to take him down... how? Scream to the whole class?","83":"Nobody would believe me. I'd risk the deal I'd made to protect Sam.","84":"That is some brazen shit the professor pulled.","85":"Wow. He looked angry. At you.","86":"You must've done something cool!","87":"Not now, Sam.","88":"I can't wait for the book to come out about all this, so I can get it on audio, then forget to finish it, then watch the movie a couple years later.","89":"Did [i]you[\/i] smash his face in?","90":"How did you know?","91":"Whaaat?! You really [i]did?[\/i]","92":"Aw fuck. Casual admission of guilt.","93":"I was just coming up with something badass, but if that's true... then [i]whoa.[\/i] I now know better than to ask what happened.","94":"Let's take a seat.","95":"...*ahem*... that will conclude the lecture for today.","96":"I'll let you all know that office hours will be closed for the foreseeable future. If you have any concerns or questions, please email them to me instead.","97":"Rogham [i]races[\/i] out of the room, suitcase in tow, and the door smashes behind him. Even the rest of the class looks shocked.","98":"I couldn't confront him like I planned, but it does feel nice I've got him on the run.","99":"Look at him go.","100":"Is he one of the sex-traffickers? I bet you he is. He's always given me that sex-trafficker vibe.","101":"I can't talk about it. You know this.","102":"No Rogham... [i]who is this woman?[\/i] She's standing on the lectern.","103":"Wait... if Rogham isn't here... then...","104":"...[i]was he caught in the...","105":"Excuse me...","106":"She makes herself busy with some forms or another. I have to repeat myself.","107":"Excuse me...","108":"Oh! ...Sorry.","109":"You must be the... [i]I was told to expect someone like you.","110":"She seems to regain her senses. It seems the robot voice put her off.","111":"I'm very sorry. I'm not trained in dealing with the hearing impaired.","112":"I don't even bother to correct her.","113":"Where is Professor Rogham?","114":"I was about to explain that to the whole class. I'm Professor Gina Floore.","115":"I really need to speak to him.","116":"I don't think that's possible.","117":"[i]Not possible?[\/i] That would sound ominous except Gina doesn't seem grave about it.","118":"I think it would be easier to explain to everyone rather than just you.","119":"Something happened to him?","120":"Gina glances around the class, now realizing it might be easier if she just relented.","121":"I believe he's come down with something.","122":"Is it serious?","123":"I suppose it is... since I've been booked for the rest of the semester.","124":"I'm sorry. I really ought to talk to the class about this. I don't have a lot of time to catch up on the class... so...","125":"As the new professor heads to the podium, I start to take seriously the idea that Rogham may have been in that basement when Alexis pushed over that brazier.","126":"That could mean... [i]Professor Rogham could be dead.","127":"This is an escalation I don't need.","128":"Sam looks just as astonished... but probably for different reasons.","129":"Did she say [i]for the rest of the semester?[\/i]","130":"She did.","131":"Does that mean[delay,300][char,Sam_Casual_Smiling_2] [i]I get the last laugh?[\/i]","132":"You do... probably!","133":"I [i]beat you[\/i], Professor Rogham! Rot in Hell!","134":"Yeah. Maybe literally.","135":"She goes on to tell us that Rogham came down with a sudden illness and would be absent the rest of the year.","136":"She's short on details, which probably means she wasn't given much. There's no proof Rogham was in that basement, but damn does that [i]feel[\/i] likely.","137":"I know she's going to be swamped with questions after class. Me... I feel like I already know more than she does.","138":"Class concludes, and the whole lecture hall swarms around the sub.","139":"Only Sam and I seem not to care too much.","140":"Did you murder Professor Rogham for me?","141":"She says it as a joke. It might be true...","142":"If I had, you'd be the last to know.","143":"Damn, if you had, you'd really have sabotaged yourself, with Rogham always sniffing your butt farts and giving you the good ol' verbal dick suckage.","144":"He likes me less than you think.","145":"No, dude, he practically gives you a tongue bath every time you're nearby. He wants to fuck your butt.","146":"But now that he's dead, you've got the new sub.","147":"He's probably not dead. They couldn't hide something that serious from us.","148":"The second part is a blatant lie, but it makes [i]me[\/i] feel better, which is why I say it.","149":"Don't destroy my fantasy.","150":"Sam would never say that if she knew there was a chance he was [i]actually dead.[\/i]","151":"So... I got some news. I've been looking into who would be good for the election committee, and I've got like three or four names...","152":"Sam's voice fades into the background. The thoughts about that middle-aged woman, stolen by the Fraternity, suffering from some unknown fate is far louder.","153":"My fists ball up... scenarios racing through my head...","154":"[i]If something happened to her, whether it was my fault or not... I was a cause...","155":"The...","156":"...wha.... what just...","157":"Jesus... what is coming out of my forehead...","158":"Dude...","159":"Fuck. I just walked into a door, didn't I?","160":"It's a pull door, man.","161":"Ah fuck.","162":"Man... you're bleeding.","163":"I touch my forehead and feel warm, wet liquid. Damn I must've looked stupid.","164":"I got some alcohol wipes.","165":"It's cool. I can handle it.","166":"Yeah, good luck signing with one hand.","167":"[i]Fuck...","168":"Let me just... hold it to your forehead...","169":"Please tell me you're not going to put a bandaid on my forehead.","170":"My God... it's like smack dab right in the middle.","171":"How does it look?","172":"It's not bad. Just unfortunately placed, it looks like a bindi.","173":"A what?","174":"The red dot some Indian people put on their foreheads. I just came out of the World Religions, so don't be too impressed.","175":"So she's saying I'm going to look ridiculous. Great.","176":"You trying to open your third eye chakra up?","177":"I'm trying to beat some ideas out of my head.","178":"Mmm. Kinky. Do you need my help?","179":"I thought of myself as more of a sub, but recently I wondered maybe I'm actually a switch.","180":"This isn't the fun kind of beating yourself up.","181":"So this has something to do with that weird crap you told me not to look into? Is that what has you walking into glass doors?","182":"Yeah. I was preoccupied with something.","183":"Preoccupied? While I'm around? I can't believe something would be more important than me.","184":"I shake my head tiredly.","185":"I'm joking, okay?","186":"I'm guessing you're not thinking about your rise to glory right now, are you? Stealing the throne from Valerie and casting her out of the Seven Kingdoms?","187":"First of all, I'm not going to run if it's going to ruin my friendship with Valerie.","188":"I don't think it would.","189":"Me neither. She would love the challenge. But if I were to run, it wouldn't be just to dethrone Valerie.","190":"Me winning is the point, not her losing.","191":"Second... running for president is low on my list of priorities.","192":"Don't worry dude. As your campaign manager...","193":"Running mate.","194":"...running mate... I'm taking lead on the campaigning. I'm building your team.","195":"A team? Who does that include?","196":"Sam, tentatively, peels off the wipe from my forehead. Her expression is unreadable, but she stares at the point of injury.","197":"Does it look good?","198":"If someone sees you like this, they'll say you're insensitive to Hindus.","199":"That bad?","200":"It's not bleeding anymore, so at least your face doesn't look like Pompeii. But yeah, that's really awkwardly placed.","201":"But it's not a big deal. I've got an idea.","202":"I feel like I'm going to hate this idea.","203":"Makeup!","204":"I was right.","205":"Don't be a whiny ass. Be a man and wear makeup.","206":"No.","207":"I'm not talking about giving you a full contour. It's just some foundation over the scar.","208":"Basically invisible. Nobody will realize you're an effete pussy.","209":"Not helping.","210":"I'm not worried about that... I just... don't like that stuff on my face.","211":"During that youth conference, before I went on stage, this woman without warning smashed shit right into my face with this sponge.","212":"It was awful. It's gooey.","213":"Well, if you're fine with looking like Guru {PlayerName}, I suppose it doesn't matter.","214":"Shit. It really is [i]exactly in the middle of my forehead[\/i]. Nothing Sam can do to my face is going to make this worse.","215":"Yeah. Okay.","216":"Great. Let me just adjust your hair... just so it falls over your scar...","217":"Let's go!","218":"She's excited for this...","219":"When I enter the room, Sam already has a tupperware box full of foundation and miscellaneous shit.","220":"She pulls out little flesh-colored tubs and starts comparing it to my skin tone.","221":"Am I a spring or a summer?","222":"You're a nuclear winter.","223":"That makes me smirk a bit.","224":"Here you go. I think this is a good match for your skintone.","225":"[i]Peach ice cream[\/i]. Isn't that sweet.","226":"The color is called ''peach ice cream''... and it's [i]not[\/i] supposed to make me look gay?","227":"It's supposed to be unnoticeable, that's the point of foundation. So it won't effect your real or perceived gayness.","228":"Besides, I thought you were a little more confident about this kind of stuff. Are you really worried about how you'll come off?","229":"Not really. I'd rather look gay than look like Yogi Yallawallahdingdong.","230":"Yawallah...? Where have I heard that name before...?","231":"Before I even realize it, the foundation is applied to my forehead. Sam puts the tub back before offering a mirror.","232":"Huh. It really is invisible...","233":"Look good?","234":"I nod.","235":"You asked me not to get involved, and I totally respect that... because clearly you've got some shit going on that's absolutely radioactive.","236":"But... if I'm going to be the [i]supporting role[\/i], there's still a lot I can do for you. Like apply your makeup.","237":"Not something I do regularly.","238":"Yeah, but it would at least save your time for... whatever gumshoe garbage you've got.","239":"Sorry... just going back to something you said earlier... you said you were getting a [i]team[\/i] together? For the campaign?","240":"Mmm.","241":"You might be going too far with this too quickly.","242":"I mean... if I don't start looking now, then we really won't have the option.","243":"Who are you talking to about this?","244":"I'm glad you asked! The first person I asked was Linus.","245":"He would've said no.","246":"Which surprised me! I thought he'd definitely be up for helping his friend, buddy, best pal, etcetera win an election.","247":"Well... I think he's keeping his distance.","248":"Sure, sure. So, I talked to coffee girl.","249":"Lidia? She's got campaigning skills?","250":"Well... she does have her own business, which would imply some management skills...","251":"I asked if her she'd be willing to host an election fundraiser.","252":"It'd be nice if she did... but... it's a bit early...","253":"Yeah. Her response was... you know... [i]that sounds nice I'll think about it[\/i] sorta quality.","254":"It was the political campaign version of [i]you're so nice but...","255":"I see.","256":"I suppose doing me favors would alienate her from whoever else happens to be running. Not good if you're trying to run a business.","257":"Did [i]anyone[\/i] agree?","258":"Yeah. I found one volunteer so far.","259":"Who?","260":"I... don't think you know him. He seems nice. Nice but weird.","261":"He seems like the kind of guy who would design a website for you in exchange for a smile.","262":"Your smile, not mine, probably.","263":"Heh, yeah!","264":"It's a humble start. But it is a start, isn't it?","265":"That it is.","266":"Thanks for the makeup, Sam. Next time I need to hide a scar, I know who to call.","267":"Fuck up those Horcruxes, Harry.","0":"Despite {Leah}'s best efforts...","1":"...I didn't sleep well last night.","2":"When I finally wake up... {Leah} is gone.","3":"It's not surprising. I really [i]was[\/i] tired, no matter the weird desire to go out and do something.","4":"I walk out. {Leah} is already up, getting ready for her morning. When she sees me she give a sympathetic glance.","5":"I thought I'd let you rest.","6":"The tea either didn't work... or it was no match for my tumbling thoughts.","7":"I need to get my thoughts out. I end up opening the door too fiercely... I almost slam it.","8":"You're energetic.","9":"Stan's wife."},"ch10__10.30 stans wife.vne3":{"10":"Just wanted to call to see how life was going. It feels like ages since we talked...","11":"I was thinking the same thing. It's funny you should say it, I was actually planning to call you anyway.","12":"Were you?","13":"Yeah, I'm heading to Sevigny's right now. Wanna meet up?","14":"Fantastic!","15":"It'll cut a little into my work time, but it works out great. Haley feels so disconnected... I feel like I barely see her...","16":"You can probably start heading over now.","17":"I'll see you there.","18":"Okay, Haley doesn't sound sad... which may just mean she hasn't gotten the news yet. With the way this town ignore disappearances, it wouldn't be a surprise if nobody bothered to say it.","19":"Hey, hetebro.","20":"Nice foundation dude. You look exactly like a gay yogi.","21":"Fuck man. You can see the scar [i]and[\/i] you notice the makeup?","22":"Of course. I'm a licensed cosmologist.","23":"[i]Cosmetician[\/i].","24":"That's what I said.","25":"I had a friend who said she could hide the scar with a bit of makeup. Looks like she didn't do the best job.","26":"Nah man. It's good work. I just have a lot of experience in the industry. I got x-ray vision for that stuff. It's basically impossible to hide anything from me.","27":"You have a lot of experience with cosmetics?","28":"Of course I do. I worked as a hairdresser in West Hollywood for six years.","29":"[i]West Hollywood![\/i]","30":"I... I literally... I [i]don't know what to think[\/i]... it is simultaneously the most surprising and least surprising thing he could've said...","31":"I'm supposed to meet Haley here.","32":"She's swinging by. I can't wait to see her again. Kiara may be the World's Coolest, but Haley is still the World's Best.","33":"Can I get you something?","34":"World's straightest drink?","35":"Drinks don't really have a sexuality. Let's not arbitrarily assign labels to inanimate objects. There's no gay drinks or straight drinks, there's just [i]drinks.","36":"For you of all people to say that...","37":"I'm kidding. I'll get you a rusty nail.","38":"Wow. That's a surprisingly straight drink...","39":"Wow... look at this place.","40":"It doesn't feel any different...","41":"It's good to see you here.","42":"I can't believe how difficult it is not to step behind the bar... I've got this muscle memory that wants to serve drinks.","43":"Once a bartender... always a bartender.","44":"I do miss seeing you after work.","45":"Mmm. I... really want to say I miss this place. It makes me feel bad to say I can't.","46":"This is not where I belong.","47":"Look at that. Afternoon, gorgeous.","48":"Did you hear what I just told {PlayerName}?","49":"I did. For you, there's no locked doors. You wouldn't lock yourself out of your own house, would you?","50":"You're gonna make me blush, Dante.","51":"No kidding, no kidding. Here's that rusty nail. Would you like me to set it on fire?","52":"Is that something people do with rusty nails? I never thought it was that intense a drink...","53":"You said you wanted the World's Straightest Drink, and there's nothing straighter than fire.","54":"That's why so many say I'm [i]flaming[\/i].","55":"No thanks, Dante. I'll just take the drink.","56":"Enjoy it. Take your time.","57":"What would you like, World's Sexiest Bartender?","58":"That wouldn't be me.","59":"You're right, you're not a bartender. You're just the World's Sexiest.","60":"I guarantee you that's not me either, but I like hearing that.","61":"What can I get for you?","62":"I'm sorry for being a teetotaler, but could I have a water?","63":"Say what?","64":"Sorry. I have a bit more money than I used to... but I really don't want to waste it. If I could just have a water...","65":"Don't insult me, Haley. I thought we were friends.","66":"We- we are friends...","67":"Then why wouldn't you think you'd get a [i]Dante's friends and family discount?[\/i]","68":"I don't want to beg for a discount...","69":"You don't have to beg. You just [i]get one[\/i]. Automatically. So I'll ask again - is water what you want?","70":"I...","71":"...I'd like a whiskey sour.","72":"I knew it. Classy girl wants the classics.","73":"Heh. He scared me for a second.","74":"I didn't want to mention it... but Dante kinda [i]was[\/i] scary for a moment. When Haley almost ordered a water, he definitely took that as an insult. It wasn't even a joke.","75":"You know, it's really easy not to take Dante seriously, but in reality, he's a pretty serious guy.","76":"He's got fingers in a lot of pots, shows up in a lot of unexpected situations. He's probably really hard working.","77":"I honestly have no idea how he manages the time the way he does. AACHM is a serious organization, and it takes a lot of his time.","78":"I've never met anyone that knows Dante who's just neutral about him. Everyone seems to think he's either their friend or therapist.","79":"I wish I knew more about him.","80":"He didn't tell you about his time being a hairdresser in West Hollywood?","81":"I know about that. That's not what I'm talking about. Do you know what happened before that?","82":"You mean when he was growing up? I don't know.","83":"Me neither. Nobody does.","84":"That's not true. Someone has to know. Where is he from?","85":"No idea.","86":"You've never asked? In all the time you've worked with him?","87":"Of course I've asked. But if you want to see for yourself... why don't you try asking him?","88":"Immediately Haley's eyes begin to track Dante as he returns.","89":"He puts something in front of Haley... he's got the whiskey sour in a pint glass, beading with condensate. It's much bigger than I would've expected...","90":"Man... it's only been a few weeks since you left. Now with you guys back it's like nothing's changed.","91":"Haley glances at me. She's inviting me to ask after Dante's backstory...","92":"Ask Dante where he's from.","93":"Just thank him for the drink.","94":"That's outta nowhere. What's with the curiosity?","95":"You're an interesting guy, Dante. I want to know your origin story.","96":"It's legendary, alright.","97":"Great. I want to hear it.","98":"I woke up one day, an adult in West Hollywood. I knock on a door, and a guy with a pink tanktop and curly chesthairs hands me a blowdryer.","99":"I've been serving drinks ever since.","100":"You were serving [i]drinks[\/i] after that?","101":"Obviously. That random guy didn't hand out my destiny. I did hair for a bit in the day and went barkeeping at night. Barkeeping was my destiny.","102":"That's Dante's origin story.","103":"What happened to Dante before that?","104":"Dante was born that day.","105":"That's your metaphorical birth. I'm talking about your literal birth. Where were you literally born?","106":"I just told you, Dante was born literally and metaphorically that day.","107":"He's not going to say.","108":"What about your childhood? Did you have any friends? How were your parents?","109":"I was born an adult, so I don't know any of those things.","110":"You were born an adult? That makes no sense. How can you be born an adult?","111":"Go ask a biologist. My memories only go back to that day. Maybe I just fell from Heaven, I don't care.","112":"I don't really believe in magic, Dante, so I don't buy that. Did you even expect me to?","113":"No, this is his way of saying [i]I don't want to talk about it[\/i] but still keep on a smile.","114":"If I push him... that smile might fade. I'm going to see a side to Dante I haven't seen yet.","115":"I wonder if I should just respect his secrecy on this?","116":"Push.","117":"Abandon this.","118":"Nobody is born an adult. And permanent retrograde amnesia is pretty rare.","119":"Didn't realize you were a doctor.","120":"I'm not, I just don't believe in magic.","121":"This is my life. I'm an open book. If I can't answer a question, it's 'cause I don't know it.","122":"Who were your parents?","123":"I don't know.","124":"Where are you from?","125":"West Hollywood.","126":"Where did you go to school?","127":"You are really beginning to piss me off.","128":"I knew this would happen. Dante's tone shifted - this is a completely different persona of his.","129":"And whatever it is... it's growling like a wounded beast at me. There's a steadiness and a consistency to it... I just know I can't badger the answers out of Dante.","130":"Dante doesn't like acting like this...","131":"Uh... clearly Dante went to the School of Hard Knocks.","132":"It's a lame joke - but it serves exactly its purpose. It's a social lifesaver, something to grab onto and out of this awkward conversation.","133":"Dante also grabs it, putting on his easy-going smile.","134":"I love that. [i]The School of Hard Knocks[\/i].","135":"Truth is, you can be as dumb as a board and do my job. That's why I spend so much time doing other things - running AACHM, building houses for poor people, being goddamn sexy.","136":"Being sexy doesn't take that much mental energy, does it?","137":"You'd have no idea the burden on my shoulders.","138":"Hey... uh... sorry for droppin' out for a second. I went into a fugue state. Dante faded away for a bit. What was that last question?","139":"He wants me to repeat my question?","140":"...No. He wants reassurance I won't ask it again.","141":"What I meant to ask was, do you plan on going to school? You know, college?","142":"Would love to, but after Haley's experiences, kind of turned off of taking loans.","143":"No... I think I'll pick a different set of skills. When it's time to go pro, I got a few ideas, but I don't feel anything pushing me.","144":"Right. So something like technical school, then. It's hard to imagine Dante doing something like HVAC, but I know he wouldn't be bad at it.","145":"Thanks for the drinks, Dante.","146":"[i]¡Salud![\/i]","147":"Dante walks away.","148":"That is the most Dante's ever talked about his deep past.","149":"Really? That little?","150":"I never pushed him very hard. Whenever I started to ask... I got a feel for those barriers you ran into.","151":"No kidding. I hate to say that I sensed a [i]darkness[\/i] inside Dante...","152":"It makes me only more curious.","153":"You think!","154":"Do me a favor... just don't ask, okay? I feel bad because... as much as I want to know... there is a reason he doesn't share it.","155":"Whatever happened before Dante was Dante... happened to a different person. That's what he wants us to believe, and that's what I want to believe too.","156":"I get it. She's curious... I'm curious.... but do we really want to know? Do we even need to know?","157":"I know {Leah} couldn't stop herself from turning this stone over... but maybe I can.","158":"You didn't ask.","159":"I was about to, but something stopped me.","160":"Secrets are secrets, I guess. Maybe Dante did something sinister in his past, maybe he's escaping from something that hurt him, maybe he just wants to make himself look more mysterious.","161":"Either way, it's not really my business.","162":"That's very mature. Something similar happens to me when I want to ask... but to be honest, it's more cowardice than principles.","163":"God... I [i]still[\/i] haven't asked about Stan's wife. Haley's easygoing attitude puts me only partly at ease.","164":"That attitude can quickly change if it turns out that she doesn't really know...","165":"How is Stan's wife doing?","166":"I haven't really talked to her that much. I think she's putting her life back together.","167":"That's good. Is she still in town?","168":"Last I heard.","169":"[i]Fuck[\/i]. She hasn't even checked. So I'm still up in the air.","170":"Are you friends with her on Facebook?","171":"Well... kinda. I'm not really into social media, but I do have a profile. I think we might be friends.","172":"There's no way to follow up without looking suspicious, so I might as well say it.","173":"Can you do me a favor and check it?","174":"Really? Okay...","175":"Looks like she's been out of town. I think she's with family.","176":"Great! So she wasn't even home... that's fantastic.","177":"I can just stop worrying about her...","178":"Holy shit. There was a fire at her house.","179":"My heart seizes up.","180":"Really?","181":"Yeah, but the fire department got to it in time. They're saying it was defective machinery in her basement.","182":"Was anyone hurt?","183":"Doesn't seem like it.","184":"How hard is to hide half-a-dozen charred bodies? I have no idea...","185":"...I imagine it's not impossible...","186":"If they found a dead Alexis in the basement, surely there would have been something.","187":"At least... that's what I would've thought. But knowing this town...","188":"Haley, thanks for the drink. I actually got to go into work now.","189":"Let's hang out sometime, okay?","190":"Yeah. Have fun with Dante.","191":"That's guaranteed.","0":"The shit that Sam smeared on my face feels gross and cloying. Is this what it feels like?","1":"Sometimes I'm really happy to be a guy...","2":"Enough time has passed. Would it be okay to call Haley now, without arousing too many questions?","3":"If I'm going to do what {Leah} requested, and not just give the game away, I'm going to need a good reason to talk to her.","4":"Well... [i]I am her friend[\/i]. That's probably a good enough reason...","5":"I don't even want to imagine how it would affect me if Stan's wife turned up dead...","6":"...even the threat makes me reluctant to call her...","7":"I press one button after the other.","8":"Hey.","9":"She seems chipper. I'm already feeling relaxed."},"ch10__10.35 the gamble.vne3":{"10":"Then act like it and stop bringing it up.","11":"Linus gives me a dark glance, but doesn't seem to have much else to say.","12":"Instead, he start muttering beneath his breath.","13":"Damn man... even [i]Hank[\/i] is acting weird now...","14":"Things have been way too easy. After last night? I should be swarmed by now, but I'm not.","15":"No corpses have shown up, Stan's wife is fine... there have been relatively few repercussions.","16":"It was a relief that Stan's wife was safe.... but... could that simply mean the problem lies elsewhere? You put your finger in the hole only to have it spring a leak somewhere else.","17":"That may mean... I need to check RECENTLY.","18":"I'm used to this by now. My practiced fingers log in... I drift through all the obvious places where I might check first.","19":"The message board... is empty. No significant activity.","20":"It's very safe to say Silent1 moved their communications elsewhere. But there's absolutely no way he wouldn't act after what {Leah} and I pulled.","21":"The silence itself is disconcerting...","22":"To find out what Silent1 is planning... where do I go? I don't think asking him is going to provide any clue at all.","23":"The only thing I can do is crawl through the sources I already know. Deep in work hours, any unusual activity is going to stick out.","24":"And... eventually... I find it. A new source in Lidia's handlers.","25":"Kestrel: Good news.","26":"Berkeley: Do I need to get out of bed for this?","27":"Kestrel: Unnecessary. Stuff has finally started moving on my end. Big and unexpected things are happening. Someone put a fire beneath an ass in the local government.","28":"Berkeley: If this isn't going to send me home, I'm going to be really disappointed.","29":"Kestrel: Remember the girl associated with the burglary? You know, the {Leah} girl?","30":"Berkeley: I do.","31":"Kestrel: She's been reimplicated.","32":"Oh no.","33":"Berkeley: Is this going to result in an arrest, you think?","34":"Kestrel: It'll result in [i]evidence[\/i]. It'll pull us toward a lead.","35":"Berkeley: She was ruled out, so why would anyone think she had anything useful?","36":"Kestrel: I have a theory that there were reasons other than an airtight alibi that she was let off the hook. Whatever deal she made with the Shale Hill PD, it's fallen apart.","37":"Kestrel: They've impounded her laptop's hard drive again. And this time, they're going to finish the job.","38":"Berkeley: I hope you're right. I really don't like cutting suspects loose before making them suspects again. This girl has had time to fabricate evidence... if she's actually guilty.","39":"Silent1 [i]promised![\/i] He [i]promised![\/i]","40":"{Leah} was right. I should've never trusted Silent1! He was damn sure to go back on his word!","41":"What else can I expect from a sadistic, manipulative criminal? I was holding out hope he had [i]some honor[\/i] but even that was beyond him.","42":"I head straight to the messageboard...","43":"You betrayed me.","44":"I wait, and I wait, and I wait. With my heart pounding, I'm not sure if it's a few seconds or a few hours.","45":"I know he'll respond...","46":"Silent1: WHAT?","47":"We made an agreement. Emily in exchange for {Leah}.","48":"Silent1: YES. I UPHELD.","49":"Then why are the cops swarming after her again? For the same reason as before?","50":"Silent1: SHE WAS NEVER SAFE.","51":"My fingers pound on the keyboard. They hit with unerring accuracy - I feel like I'm stabbing that disgusting hacker right now...","52":"That was your job!","53":"Silent1: IN THE MOMENT, I DID AS ASKED. IN THE FUTURE, MY HANDS ARE CLEAN.","54":"Silent1: SHE WAS EXONERATED, SHE WAS SAFE, AS YOU WISHED, BUT BY HER OWN ACTION, SHE UNDID ALL I DID FOR HER.","55":"You did nothing for her.","56":"Silent1: LET THE NIGHTINGALE GO. SHE WANTS TO FLY INTO THE CAGE.","57":"I'm going to get nothing else but nonsense from him. [i]What actions did she do for this to happen again?[\/i]","58":"I don't need to ask Silent1, I already know. She intervened in the ritual last night, ruining whatever they had planned for me.","59":"This is an act of spite and malice. Despite Silent1's claims, he violated the spirit of our agreement.","60":"Never again will I make a fucking deal with this asshole.","61":"Kestrel: They're finally moving on that laptop's hard drive.","62":"Oh no.","63":"Berkeley: Jesus. What was taking them so long?","64":"Kestrel They finally found a stylus for their wax tablets. Who knows? The point is, the contents of that laptop are going to be in our hands soon.","65":"Berkeley: I hope you're right, because if this becomes a dead end...","66":"They're making moves on {Leah} again? [i]Why? Why now?","67":"How convenient. Everything was completely stable, with the police stalled on their investigation, and then when {Leah} ruins their plans, suddenly the gears are greased and the fuzz gets their act together.","68":"Silent1 has been controlling the investigation the entire time. [i]He's been saving this.[\/i] And now that {Leah} is proving to be a real threat...","69":"...he wants to get rid of her.","70":"Damn... when I didn't make that deal with Silent1, I was so afraid I'd made the wrong decision.","71":"Turns out... it didn't even matter. Silent1 cannot be trusted at all.","72":"Would making that deal with Silent1 have even made a difference?","73":"I don't know what good it would do, but I have this pounding need to tell Silent1 to go fuck himself.","74":"I open the messaging app...","75":"You coward.","76":"Nothing. Not a thing.","77":"I seethe... my fingers chatter across the keyboard like my own teeth.","78":"You're trying to hurt {Leah}, but I'm your real enemy.","79":"SILENT1: UNTRUE.","80":"That was quick... almost like he had it prepared before I had finished writing. I'm taken off-guard a bit, but then my fingers work by themselves.","81":"How?","82":"SILENT1: I DO NOT CONSIDER YOU AN ENEMY.","83":"You will, and you should.","84":"SILENT1: YOU ARE NOT A THREAT.","85":"Not a threat? [i]Not a threat?[\/i]","86":"For some reason, that fills me with more rage than anything else he could've possibly said. For all the things I've done... for all I've followed and scraped and sacrificed... how could I [i]not be a threat?[\/i]","87":"What is this...?","88":"What... am I feeling right now?","89":"Every moment... a single emotion exponentially compounds. I never thought my heart could contain [i]this much hatred[\/i]...","90":"...I know... suddenly... there isn't a thing in this room I couldn't [i]crush[\/i]. Breaking every stick of furniture, pushing over every computer, ripping up the carpets and curtain feels like a [i]good start[\/i].","91":"Then... then [i]strangling[\/i]... strangling Linus... then Sandra... [i]then every motherfucker.[\/i] One of them [i]must be Silent1[\/i]...","92":"I... fucking... GAH!","93":"Pain... pain in my chest... [i]heart attack?[\/i] No... toxic... bitter poison...","94":"I knew... I had this [i]monster[\/i] inside of me. I had no idea it could be this powerful.","95":"Dude. You broke your mug.","96":"Oh, fuck man. Something happen?","97":"I can't... can't... even respond. Linus looks like a meatbag with balsa bones right now. My reasoning part of myself is clapped around the part of me that wants [i]violence[\/i].","98":"Damn man, you look like a cornered zoo animal.","99":"You want... you want a beer and have a chat?","100":"I have a horrible mental image... where I smash my beer right into Linus's nerdy-ass face. I couldn't even begin to voice the chains of curses going through my mind.","101":"You feel powerless. You feel humiliated. You're angry and you wanna take it out on the first thing that rounds the corner.","102":"But I'm your friend, man. The excitement you get from beating my face in is just temporary. Having a beer won't feel nearly as good in the short term, but it's a lot better in the long run.","103":"You want a beer? Don't bother using your phone. Just nod.","104":"Nod.","105":"Shake your head.","106":"Cool, cool. Sit tight.","107":"Linus goes to the fridge and pulls out a couple of beers. When he comes back, it's already been opened.","108":"That's cool too. You want some time alone?","109":"That, I nod to.","110":"Of course he'd come back on his chair.","111":"Here you go. Take a healthy swig.","112":"I don't think I'm capable of appreciating anything right now... but I feel like I need to do something other than destroy things.","113":"When I finally take a swig, it's quick and reluctant.","114":"There you go, man. I love this office.","115":"Hank's a bitch, you're a motherflipper. I don't hear a single goddamn thing and it still feels like a second home.","116":"Mom always said to ''mind your blessings'', to notice what's gone right in your life, but that always felt kinda cheap to me.","117":"Have you ever met a really positive person? Someone who's all mindful and kind and sweet and never has a mean thing to say?","118":"Those motherflippers are a sugary mess, man. They've got nothing to say except to make you feel bad for being [i]human[\/i]. That attitude don't come from a love for all things, but a sense of [i]superiority[\/i].","119":"They want [i]everyone[\/i] to know how holy they are. And how you're impure and don't measure up.","120":"Am I talking your ear off?","121":"I can't... I can't really muster the strength to respond.","122":"Linus sees me seething quietly, and takes that as permission to continue.","123":"I... don't really want to get into comparing our issues. Sometimes, when you talk about your issues with someone else, it turns into kind of a weird dick-measuring contest.","124":"All I gotta say is... don't feel bad about feeling bad. Don't get caught up in the positivity trap, where you feel guilty about not feeling good and that just makes you feel even worse.","125":"You're not a bad person just 'cause you're angry. But... it doesn't make you a good person either. You aren't more righteous because you've got stronger emotions, or because you've suffered more.","126":"So... don't feel [i]good[\/i] about feeling bad either.","127":"I get it. It sounds impossible, not to feel anything about the way you feel. But... it's not.","128":"It's just hard. Really goddamn hard.","129":"Linus stands up, take a long, hard drink, and sets the beer bottle down.","130":"I... don't really like drama. I like computers, man. I get computers. A computer runs good or runs bad, and if you don't get what you want out of it, you can open it up and fix it. But getting [i]other people[\/i]...","131":"...that's pretty complicated. The thing is... when I look in the mirror, and stare at the guy looking back...","132":"...I don't get that person either.","133":"A while ago... I found an email from Linus's mother. It said all sorts of insane... stream-of-conscious nonsense.","134":"Sometimes I wonder if there was deeper significance to that email. Maybe there was some truth to it, that Linus was involved in some complex, abyssal conspiracy that entangled with everything else.","135":"But the scarier thing would be if there was [i]nothing else to it[\/i]. That his mother really had sent a mad stream-of-conscious scrawl with no relation to reality...","136":"Some secrets I really don't need to know, I guess.","137":"Just like with Dante, overturning certain stones are just going to cause the bugs to crawl out and nothing else.","138":"If I chose to leave Dante alone with his past, then maybe it's best with Linus as well.","139":"I'm sure he shares his issues with someone. He doesn't need someone else to look at him funny because he knows his darkest secrets...","140":"I said my piece. It kinda seems like you need space. Is that right?","141":"I nod.","142":"Alright. I'll tell Hank I'm going to the library to work. Just take some deep breaths, and don't do anything crazy, okay?","143":"It ain't worth it. Trust me.","144":"I don't get the sense that Linus is saying ''You're crazy and liable to do something stupid,'' more, ''I get exactly what you're going through because I've been there.''","145":"I'm not sure if I feel better because of what he said... but maybe just that he tried.","146":"Sitting alone is good. Slowly I cool off enough to be able to pick up my phone.","147":"There's only one person I can talk to.","148":"When {Leah} picks up, she doesn't miss a beat.","149":"I already know why you're calling.","150":"The PD called and told me that the forensics procedure on my laptop's hard drive is indeed going to happen.","151":"The laptop drive. Shit.","152":"I don't know how to ask her whether she cleared them or not without making this sound more suspicious. This conversation might appear on a court record.","153":"I'll try something. {Leah} is extremely intelligent, she's likely to understand even if I'm very opaque.","154":"Did you get all of your schoolwork off?","155":"No... I hadn't.","156":"Judging from her tone of voice... she knew exactly what I was implying.","157":"We'll need a different plan for you to get through your classes. I'll be right over.","158":"Hey.","159":"I have bad news.","160":"She stays silent. I know I have to be subtle about this - this conversation could appear on a court record.","161":"I need to be very careful about how I word this. Luckily, {Leah} is very intelligent. She'll probably understand even if I'm very opaque.","162":"They're looking into your schoolwork again.","163":"Ah...","164":"Even with that vague clue, {Leah} seems to completely understand.","165":"We'll need to come up with a plan. I'll be right over.","166":"Hold on. Just work your hours, okay?","167":"This is more serious than a stupid paycheck.","168":"I agree. But you don't have to sacrifice it, either.","169":"Act normally, understand? Don't behave in ways that will alarm people.","170":"[i]Don't draw attention to yourself.[\/i] That seems to be the thrust of what {Leah} is saying.","171":"I'll come home first thing.","172":"Great. See you then.","173":"{Leah} tried to hide her quivering voice, but she was shaken up. I'm glad she couldn't hear mine.","174":"She's scared, and I'm scared too. As if last night couldn't be more real.","175":"We've got to act fast.","0":"'Sup.","1":"Holding down the fort?","2":"Well, Clark Kent, I've been doing pretty well, thanks.","3":"Clark Kent?","4":"You're not trying to be Superman with all your sneaking around and doing crazy shit? Come on man, a pair of glasses don't trick me.","5":"Gotta be honest, though... [i]Superman[\/i] is real optimistic. I've never seen someone act as suspicious as you and be planning a surprise birthday party.","6":"Can we turn the [i]antagonism[\/i] setting down a notch?","7":"I told you man, I don't care what you do.","8":"There's not point in even pretending like I don't lead a secret double life. Everyone around me seems like they pick up on it eventually.","9":"Damn... sometimes I feel like I'm awesome at this... and sometimes I just feel like I suck."},"ch10__10.40 plan of action.vne3":{"10":"Even... [i]I'm[\/i] a bit shaken... with how much control that Silent1 seems to have.","11":"Silent1 was clearly saving the investigation for an opportune time. He wanted to trap you.","12":"I think you're right. Which means... putting Emily in prison...","13":"...There was no point. Silent1 was going to do what they were going to do [i]anyway[\/i].","14":"[i]Important choice... sacrifice...[\/i] it was a bunch of bullshit. He made me think I was choosing between two people. The reality is that Silent1 was playing a game all along.","15":"We're in a... we're in a really bad spot, {PlayerName}.","16":"He's after you.","17":"I know she wants to seem calm, but she looks more like a leaking dam, holding back her fears.","18":"Yeah. I figured as much. I think Silent1 was saving this.","19":"Maybe they thought... if they had the drive over me, that I'd be reluctant to act against them.","20":"I should've just made that deal. This wouldn't have happened.","21":"You don't know that. They might have just betrayed you anyway. Think about who you're dealing with for a second.","22":"I don't have a good feeling about this.","23":"This... this is [i]vindictiveness[\/i].","24":"I helped you out of the trap... and now... Silent1 is coming after me. Silent1 wants me out of the picture for good this time.","25":"This investigation into me... it's not going to hit weird delays. We're dealing with someone with a shocking amount of political influence.","26":"You should have cleared the drive when you had the chance.","27":"I... moved everything to an external drive and deleted everything. So... maybe I'm safe?","28":"Did you remove the original hard drive?","29":"No...","30":"I should've thought of this. {Leah} doesn't have a clue about digital forensics.","31":"Even if you delete everything, they can still pull the original data out unless you wipe it completely.","32":"I thought I did wipe it completely. It was all deleted...","33":"That's not enough.","34":"A shiver runs through {Leah}.","35":"The data has to go to a digital forensics lab. There's still time to do something.","36":"How much time do we have?","37":"I shrug.","38":"I see.","39":"Okay. It would make me feel better... if we had some kind of plan...","40":"Can you... [i]hack into the hard drive[\/i] and wipe the data remotely?","41":"It's a physical drive, so no.","42":"That was... what I was expecting to hear.","43":"We stare at each other. There's no need to speak, because we've reached the same horrifying conclusion.","44":"The risk is insane. It's literally the stupidest thing I can think of. A few months ago, I wouldn't have even considered what we're both considering.","45":"But... shit. What else is there to do? We've literally got no other choices. This is it. This is what we've been reduced to.","46":"When there's no other way, there's no other way. And... we just have to accept it.","47":"Okay. The evidence locker is in the police station, right?","48":"Yes.","49":"Do you have any special journalist insight into the security systems?","50":"Last time I was at the police station, I had a reconnoiter. So I think I know how to get there.","51":"I'm very sneaky, {PlayerName}, but I'm not a ninja. They've got cameras.","52":"Despite that one concern, {Leah} doesn't seem to be put off from sneaking into an evidence locker. Actually, I think {Leah} was getting the same idea before I suggested it.","53":"Normally, I'd be the one to stop {Leah} from taking an insane risk, but not this time. Actually, the idea of sneaking into a police station is [i]exciting[\/i]... which is disturbing in itself.","54":"But, we don't have a choice anyway, so the excitement serves me well.","55":"Through RECENTLY, there's something I might be able to do to the cameras.","56":"Really? That's great! So, you can mess with the cameras, make them go on repeat or something?","57":"Maybe. I really wish I knew, but I've got to do some research. I've got to find out how the camera data is stored, what protocols they use, and so on.","58":"How long will that take?","59":"I give a shrug.","60":"That's [i]really[\/i] not comforting...","61":"These are complicated security systems. They're designed to be opaque. I can never 100% guarantee I can keep you safe from the cameras.","62":"But... if I can cut those chances by half, it'd still be worth it.","63":"We've got to do this as soon as possible, {PlayerName}.","64":"They're going to have to physically transfer the device. If it's scheduled, I might be able to find it. Then at least we have a timeframe.","65":"Okay. That's good. That's good!","66":"We have a plan. At least... a plan to have a plan. But that's a lot better than giving up immediately.","67":"Reason, pragmatism, realism... these words have represented my outlook for so long. I've always walked a broad, safe path and carefully weighed every option I had. I was never a gambler.","68":"On paper, our chances are absolute shit. Even with RECENTLY and everything I can do with it, I can't wipe out dozens of cops and memories. My ability to protect {Leah} in this instance is so limited.","69":"So it's strange that I don't feel pessimistic. The old me would've been - he would've already run the numbers and cut his losses.","70":"If I've been taught anything, it's that life is fucking weird, and at the craps table of life there's a real chance you will roll sevens a hundred times in a row.","71":"Let's do it.","72":"That almost seems to catch {Leah} by surprise.","73":"I absolutely love your attitude, you know.","74":"I'm scared... really scared... but let's harness that fear. Let's turn that terror into energy. Win or lose; let's play.","75":"It feels like I'm smiling at a funeral right now. But damn it, it does feel good.","76":"I need to get started right now. Tomorrow, we'll have a better idea of exactly what we need to do.","77":"Okay. So... is there some way I can help?","78":"Can you go through operating system logs?","79":"I... don't think... so...","80":"Then you can help me by doing your own prep. We'll talk in the morning.","81":"Okay!","82":"I'm definitely going to get red eyes tonight. Massive logs are not good for mental stamina. I'm not even sure if I'm going to learn what I need to.","83":"But... I feel great knowing I'm doing [i]something[\/i] to help {Leah}. Usually, I feel like an arrow trying to find direction.","84":"This time, at least I know how to make a first step. It gives me all kinds of confidence, despite the insane circumstance, that we can win.","0":"The moment the hour hand hits I'm out of there.","1":"The car sputters away, and I pound the gas.","2":"I pull up just the moment {Leah} walks to the door.","3":"She looks grave as fuck. I want to start signing like mad, but {Leah} shoots me a glance. I've got to contain myself...","4":"Let's get inside.","5":"Okay... explain what you know.","6":"I do. I gesticulate madly.","7":"Silent1 lied. He sold you out.","8":"{Leah} closes her eyes almost contemplatively.","9":"I figured that out when the police came for my drives again."},"ch10__10.45 three days.vne3":{"3":"So... your research...","4":"Four days.","5":"F-four?","6":"Um... so... we have tonight, the next night, the night after that, then the night after that... four nights?","7":"It goes the morning after to a digital forensics lab. From what I can tell, it's going to take no time at all for the lab to process that information.","8":"Even if it takes them even longer to find the evidence... they're eventually going to find it.","9":"Right. It's... it's doable. Normally something like this would take months of planning, but with you using RECENTLY...","10":"Yeah. We talked at length about how slim our chances are, and nothing's changed.","11":"Hmm... well... if you've got to throw the dice anyway, you do it and you don't complain about it.","12":"We're fighting for our survival, and they're not. We can surprise them.","13":"We'll definitely have the motivation.","14":"It doesn't mean we'll win, though. I'm not even sure where to begin to prepare for this.","15":"I've never planned anything like this, {Leah}. I'm not even sure how I'm going to get in, how I'm-","16":"You're not going in.","17":"What?","18":"It's just going to be me.","19":"Is she serious?","20":"{Leah}, this is a police station!","21":"Which makes it harder to sneak two people rather than one.","22":"No. I can't let you do this alone. This was not what we agreed-","23":"Think for just a moment. Just a moment. Do you really think we can both go through at the same time? Is that even going to be helpful?","24":"You have the computer skills, {PlayerName}. I don't. You can manipulate those cameras. I can't.","25":"We're used to this. How many times have I stayed in the car to monitor something while [i]you[\/i] take all the risks?","26":"I take those risks so that you don't have to.","27":"That's not fair on me. Do you think I feel good every time you're on the front lines and I'm not?","28":"We do things the way that are going to maximize our chances of success. That means - I break in, you study the cameras. You tell me where to go and warn me of any dangers.","29":"I can teach you how to use RECENTLY... I've already-","30":"I'm doing this. Whether you like it or not. No debate.","31":"There's still a chance I can get her out of this. I just need a good justification.","32":"Let's put this conversation on hold. I've got a lot of prep to do... and I think you do too.","33":"You're not changing my mind.","34":"My phone goes off... it feels like at the perfect time. It's like a wall that comes between us and stops us from getting into a massive fight.","35":"I silently give thanks to whoever decided to contact me at this very moment, then check my phone.","36":"Who is it?","37":"It's the President of the Philosophy Club.","38":"Oh. What... what did he say?","39":"Just... he's scheduled a meeting for today... since they couldn't meet last night.","40":"He's wondering if I'm coming.","41":"Are you going to go?","42":"I don't know if I have the time...","43":"I'll leave it to your judgment, {PlayerName}. All I have to say is... keep maintaining your life. I know the stakes make the normal, mundane things seem unimportant, but that isn't true.","44":"[i]You have to maintain your life.[\/i]","45":"I'll see how things pan out.","46":"Our exchange was short but intense - I get no joy from fighting {Leah} like this. There's no way she's going into that police station alone.","47":"{Leah} knows my conviction, I also know her conviction. This is going to be difficult...","48":"We'll talk this through later.","49":"See you tonight.","50":"There's another solution to this. A shortcut.","51":"That is... if I can find Silent1... I can [i]make[\/i] them release {Leah} from this.","52":"I don't know if that's even feasible... but I might know how to start...","0":"I ended up spending most of the night doing research. It didn't take me long to figure out a time frame, and then it took me until midnight to try and find a way to extend it.","1":"Seeing how little time we have...","2":"Good morning."},"ch10__10.50 review.vne3":{"3":"And now, we're about to share what we learned... which in my case, is very little.","4":"So...","5":"I have a big notebook page full of numbers.","6":"Uh-huh.","7":"That's it.","8":"Is this you're way of telling me you have no idea what you're going to do?","9":"Yes.","10":"I really needed a boost of confidence, {PlayerName}. I would love to say I have a great plan that's airtight, foolproof, so on and so on. But I can't.","11":"In summary... neither of us have made any progress.","12":"Yes.","13":"Well... that's okay though. You know, I'm perfectly happy to say we tried. We tried, we crunched the numbers, found out it was impossible...","14":"{Leah}, we've got three days left. It's not impossible.","15":"Keep some hope, okay? The fact there's even a chance I can break into their camera system is hope enough. How often can someone say that?","16":"I know there's hope, {PlayerName}. I'm just... frustrated in my own lack of progress.","17":"I have full confidence you won't give up.","18":"But not full confidence that I'll crack the system.","19":"The constant here is your dedication, {PlayerName}. Everything else is uncertain, but that's how it's always been.","20":"And... that's it. It's embarrassingly little we have to say.","21":"This is a police station we're breaking into... we should have maps and diagrams and small yield explosives. But we're college students with barely enough left over after rent to buy beer.","22":"I'd love to pull back my expectations... but I can't.","23":"There's only one successful outcome: {Leah} and I break into the police station, take her laptop's hard drive, and we do it while not getting into legal trouble.","24":"That's a really high threshold...","25":"I prod the sheet of numbers I pulled from the Shale Hill PD's systems.","26":"There's still a lot to go through and crunch. There might be something hidden in here.","27":"And... I'll study the public maps a bit more. I'm sure there's so much we haven't thought of yet.","28":"We're both trying to reassure each other. No amount of reassurance is going to erase the obvious, in-your-face fact that this is going to be extremely difficult.","29":"We have no more reassurance to give, so we head our separate ways.","30":"Taking out my pen and my computer, I prepare for a long, long night of reviewing extremely dense data.","0":"Welcome back.","1":"As soon as I open the door, {Leah} is right there. She stands, her back straight and full of prim confidence.","2":"I can tell she's presenting herself as strongly as she can... the reality is that we're both in completely uncharted territory."},"ch10__10.55 gun training.vne3":{"10":"Sometimes I'm told I need a tan, and vitamin D.","11":"Haley's like a fresh-plucked worm. They don't like the sun.","12":"I was actually waiting for you specifically, Maggie. Do you mind if I borrow you for a moment?","13":"Do we gotta exclude Haley?","14":"Don't worry if it's private. I can find a way to occupy myself.","15":"I don't mind if Haley's around. It's about something sensitive.","16":"Sensitive? I can't imagine what that would be...","17":"Oh no... you aren't infected with a VD are you? You better tell us both that.","18":"No, it's nothing like that.","19":"Uh... is it about... gettin' another tumble in? I don't mind but it's not the best time.","20":"I don't mind. I understand people have needs.","21":"I wish it was about that.","22":"Haley, you don't easily freak out? Have any strong opinions about firearms?","23":"Only when they involve me.","24":"I have a gun.","25":"Really? Oh that's great. I don't have to feel so lonely no more.","26":"You wanna pick up huntin'? I can give you plenty of pointers. Teach you all the ropes. Haley oughta come along too.","27":"I really don't think I'm well suited to hunting.","28":"You don't have to shoot to hunt. There's trapping, too. And gathering if you don't wanna hurt animals. There's nothing like being out in the wilderness and living off the land.","29":"I'm surprised you're so into hunting. I thought you liked animals.","30":"This is the first time you ever hurt my feelings, {PlayerName}. I love animals, which is why I only go after invasive, non-native species.","31":"Anyway, this isn't really about hunting. The gun I have isn't a hunting gun.","32":"Self-defense?","33":"Yes.","34":"Honey, you gotta be careful. You don't want to be waving guns around while knowing nothing. You're liable to shoot yourself.","35":"That's exactly why I wanted to talk to you, Maggie. I need to learn to shoot.","36":"Maybe... I should stay out of this.","37":"How are you gonna defend yourself?","38":"I feel like... using a gun is going to pull me into more danger, not less.","39":"That's true most of the time, but there's a couple of times where it saves your life. My second cousin, twice removed-","40":"I'm just trying to be cautious.","41":"It's a smart thing you're trying to learn, but I think this thing is better taught at a firing range.","42":"Yes. The thing is, the gun I have isn't registered to me.","43":"What? How did you get a gun, then? The laws in this state aren't exactly strict but even so...","44":"An unregistered firearm... and my sense is it's not a long arm neither.","45":"It's a pistol.","46":"Hmm... well... I'm more into shotguns myself... don't feel qualified shooting a pistol.","47":"You're more qualified than I am.","48":"I'd be mighty sad if you dropped it and did something you can't take back. So I'll help you, but you gotta promise me something, {PlayerName}. Actually, two things.","49":"First, you only use it when you absolutely have to. You don't wave it around like a dummy.","50":"Yes. I promise.","51":"Second of all... you don't use it on yourself, neither.","52":"Holy shit, no. Of course I wouldn't.","53":"I'm just making double sure, 'cause I'm doing this to save lives, not to get rid of 'em.","54":"I have the time now, if you want.","55":"Great. You got the time, Haley?","56":"An unregistered pistol, though. That means... you got it illegally, right?","57":"Not necessarily. If you-","58":"I'm not going to insult your intelligence, Haley. The answer is yes. I got it illegally.","59":"Oh.","60":"Fuck.","61":"You sure you don't have sinister design with this pistol?","62":"The opposite.","63":"You told me the truth, so I really appreciate that.","64":"Let's take a drive to nature's firing range.","65":"Maggie, Haley and I drive through the woods near campus. I don't know how far I need to go to be safe, but Maggie seems to have a strong idea.","66":"Okay. This should be far enough away. You got the gun on you? It's unloaded, right?","67":"Yeah. I watched a few youtube videos.","68":"Good. I'm glad you did. This ain't no joke!","69":"And make sure you don't touch any part of the trigger, even if you think it's unloaded.","70":"I reach into my bag and take out the ugly pistol.","71":"That's a Glock 17.","72":"Is that... more dangerous than other guns?","73":"It's a very common kind of gun. It's like the vanilla of pistols.","74":"Oh. That's good. Isn't it?","75":"Sure. It's not bad.","76":"I picked up some cans on the way. Maybe we can use them for practice?","77":"That's perfect. Let's set things up.","78":"Haley, eager to be helpful, arranges a little shooting gallery. I feel a bit like a kid in a backyard ready to shoot a BB gun.","79":"Pay close attention! Your life depends on it, I ain't kidding!","80":"Look at my stance. Legs spread out! And check my fingers. I don't put my finger through the guard until I'm ready to fire!","81":"I control my breath, and with both hands line up the sight to the target. Then...","82":"...I pull really gently! Notice how most of the recoil went into my arms?","83":"I'm not letting that thing slip! Not in a million years!","84":"Now you go ahead. And don't point it at me, or I'll wrestle you to the ground.","85":"She says it with a smile on her face, at least. Otherwise Maggie has been so serious about this I'm absolutely sure she'd kick the shit out of me rather than let me make a mistake.","86":"I'm very appreciative about that.","87":"It's a little surprising when Maggie steps behind me.","88":"Her arms follow mine... I feel her warmth behind me.","89":"It might have been ever so slightly erotic, except there's really nothing whimsical about this. Maggie wants me to be perfectly safe.","90":"Spread your legs a little more... don't choke the handle. Just think about this:","91":"All that power used to propel against that bullet is also gonna propel against you. The last thing you want to have it drop out of your hands.","92":"Okay. I'm gonna pull away.","93":"She leaves me with the gun. I aim down the sights just as she instructed me to do. I channel some World War II sniper movie I've seen... I imagine myself as part of the gun.","94":"A trajectory between the gun and me in my mind's eye. Peace flows in me.","95":"I put my finger through the trigger guard...","96":"Oh. Shit.","97":"Did... did I do something wrong?","98":"I point it at the ground... I wonder what I missed from Maggie's demonstration...","99":"...it makes me realize... maybe I haven't learned as much as I thought.","100":"Oh. Sorry. This is my fault.","101":"That little button right there in the trigger? That's the safety. That's so it doesn't go off by accident.","102":"You've got to press it when you're pulling the trigger.","103":"You really looked like you were in the mood, so... sorry I kinda spoiled it for you.","104":"I did feel like I was in the zone with that gun. At least, I was imagining it.","105":"I think it's basically impossible to shoot the gun without imagining yourself as some sort of special forces super badass.","106":"Let's do it...","107":"So... satisfying...","108":"That felt scarily natural.","109":"Okay! Now for your final test!","110":"Haley... that ain't funny... jeez.","111":"It was just a joke.","112":"Yeah, I had a five cousins who thought shooting was funny, and now I got four.","0":"In addition to all my notes and research on outdated hardware drivers, I also have something else I brought that's of questionable legality: a gun.","113":"Sorry about that.","1":"Depending on who you talk to, bringing a gun to the university is either highly irresponsible or very responsible. Me? I don't really care.","114":"It's one of those stories that's kinda awful... and kinda hilarious. A real embarrassment for the Castle clan and a riot for everyone else.","2":"If anyone has a right to be paranoid, it's me. The gun could've changed the outcome of what happened in Stan's basement.","115":"I felt really comfortable doing that.","3":"{Leah} is right. If it's possible not to use guns, that would be a million times safer. But if they have a gun, I want one.","116":"You were a natural! I wanted to take you on a gun course, just to see how you'd do.","4":"I just... need to know how they're used.","117":"I missed with my first shots, and they were cans too. So you got a good future for shooting, provided of course you shoot the right things.","5":"The girl I was waiting for.","118":"I know if I misuse this gun you'll never forgive me.","6":"Hey pardner. Fancy seeing you here.","119":"I hope you hear my naggin' voice every time you do, because I'm probably not gonna be with you at the time.","7":"Hey, {PlayerName}.","120":"Thanks. I feel prepared now. I will properly respect this gun.","8":"Taking a walk? I see you haven't got a dog with you.","121":"Then my training... is complete.","9":"Yeah... kind've between dog walking assignments, and Plato's gettin' lazy. It's not going to stop me from seeing sun and leaves.","122":"So... {PlayerName}... is there something you want to bring up?","123":"Huh?","124":"You know. The thing.","125":"I don't got a clue what you're talking about neither.","126":"How could it not be the first thing on your mind? You guys are making me feel like the pervert.","127":"Pervert?","128":"Yeah. Am I the only person that remembers we had a... a...","129":"[i]Oh!","130":"I don't have the hubris to believe that's going to be a regular occurrence.","131":"Uh... yeah. I was just... never gonna bring that up again...","132":"You guys didn't like it?","133":"No! No! I... uh... thought... it was good...","134":"What do you mean? I liked it a lot.","135":"Listen... I'm not suggesting we [i]do it again... just that we...","136":"...maybe I should've just stayed quiet.","137":"I mean... I really like threesomes.","138":"I do too... but...","139":"I just made it awkward. I'm sorry.","140":"Clearly, we need to talk about this again... but I think we did make it awkward.","141":"Sorry.","142":"No, it was a group effort. It's fine.","143":"Let's discuss this later... when we're relaxed.","144":"Maggie smiles at that.","145":"I have a thing planned right now, so I've got to head back.","146":"My visit to Valerie's. I'm sad to leave Maggie and Haley, but I need to see Valerie... I'm short on time...","147":"Yeah, I got class.","148":"Show us what you can do with that gun next time you see us, 'kay?","149":"I'll be John Wick, I'm sure of it."},"ch10__10.60 hanks permission.vne3":{"10":"You're up.","11":"I wish I wasn't. Why are you-","12":"Shit! We were supposed to put our heads together last night, weren't we?","13":"I... did peek through your door and notice you were busy. I got the feeling it was related to the project we're working on.","14":"I was. It's something promising. It has to work because I don't have time to put together a different solution.","15":"Unfortunately, I just didn't get to finish. I'm skipping class to work on it.","16":"Don't you dare tell me it's not worth skipping class for.","17":"If you're certain it's going to work, then I absolutely agree it's worth skipping class for. As on my end... I have a pretty good idea now for the layout of the police station... the routines of the guards.","18":"It's hard to predict anything but... I feel like I won't be going in there blind.","19":"So you're confident.","20":"I'd never use the world ''confident''. I'd say [i]there's enough hope where I'm not in active despair.","21":"I totally get what she means by that. I feel like that's a good description for how I feel. It's as close to optimism as I'm allowing myself to reach.","22":"It sounds like you're going to be busy.","23":"I definitely am.","24":"I'll... leave you to it, then. Thank you for all your hard work.","25":"You have no idea how necessary you are. I wouldn't be able to do this without you.","26":"It was Cedric and I who broke in Emily's dad office, not you. We're the reason you're even in this position.","27":"I [i]refuse[\/i] to get into this sort of competition, {PlayerName}. Thanks for your work and don't you dare try and not take credit.","28":"If I'm going to skip work... I've got to at least get on Sandra's good side. I'll send her a text.","29":"Do I even need to lie? I could just say I'm up to my usual weird shit. She might appreciate the honestly.","30":"Still got to word it honestly, though...","31":"Huh? Suddenly... a message. Who from...?","32":"As soon as I see the name... my heart sinks. [i]Carmen[\/i].","33":"Hello. Sorry to bother you. I know you are working hard on finding my Sandra. I was just wishing you luck. [i]Buena suerte[\/i].","34":"I haven't updated her at all, have I? I haven't even seen Carmen since I found Sandra.","35":"The subtext of the message is clear... [i]I'm losing hope, but I understand if you've given up[\/i]. She assumes I'm not looking for Sandra anymore.","36":"I'm not sure how to tell her properly...","37":"Great... I can't in good conscience just leave Carmen hanging without at least [i]trying[\/i] to get Sandra's input.","38":"I'll have to go into the lab.","39":"It's pretty early actually. I don't expect Linus would be here yet.","40":"That gives me a good opportunity to talk to Sandra directly.","41":"I give the door a couple of good knocks. I know Sandra is there, so I simply wait.","42":"I knock again just to show that I'm not easily giving up.","43":"Fine. Come in.","44":"The voice is muffled. She doesn't sound happy. But... I don't think her mother is either.","45":"Oh... [i]oh[\/i].","46":"Just a second. I'm just finishing some Python code.","47":"Her body is [i]so good[\/i] for someone who is locked in a room all day. Damn...","48":"That ain't Hank. That's fucking Sandra. All the Hankness just sloughed right off her.","49":"Don't get used to this, you know. If you have any issues you should be contacting me through text or email.","50":"Get used to what... seeing her naked?","51":"I wish I could get used to it...","52":"What's wrong with your eyes? Are you scared or something? Why are you staring at my-","53":"-boooooOOOOBS!","54":"She forgets a lot... doesn't she...?","55":"Is this what she does every morning? Maybe I should come in the morning...","56":"...that would be... something I could really get used to...","57":"Don't be such a fucking brainless barbarian.","58":"Pull yourself together and close that fucking door.","59":"I'm still your boss. Do it! Now!","60":"My neurons fire once again. I regain the sense of mind to close the door.","61":"Her voice, muffled, vibrates out the door.","62":"You'll never see that again! Save it in your head because that's it.","63":"Yeah... yeah... it's definitely saved to my mind...","64":"I've still got business, though.","65":"Hank, I need to talk to you about a couple of things.","66":"I'm not in the mood for this... so make it brief. -Hank","67":"First thing, I need the day off.","68":"Approved. Approved. Approved. -Hank","69":"Seeing her naked definitely made that easier.","70":"Secondly, your mom messaged me. She was basically asking if I had any updates about you.","71":"I still don't know what to tell her.","72":"I was quite clear that you tell her that I'm dead. -Hank","73":"That... is extremely callous. I couldn't bring myself to say something like that. What kind of lie am I going to have to dream up when I next see her in person?","74":"I'm going to have to ghost your mom if you don't tell me something believable.","75":"Does that mean you'll stop talking to my mother? I see that as an absolute win. -Hank","76":"Right... she would, wouldn't she?","77":"It's up to me to find a way to cover for Sandra. If I sold her out, I'd be cutting her off as a cooperative witness.","78":"I've got to make do. In the meantime, I have an important project that will take me off campus.","79":"It's still early. Maybe... I can finish my task relatively quickly...","0":"I come back from Valerie's place, feeling a little like I wasted my time when I could've been working on the program to break into the camera system.","1":"It's hard to know how long something like that would take... maybe an hour, maybe a whole day? It's hard to say.","2":"The drivers I need to compromise are still hosted by the manufacturer, so I at least have something I can test. It's not as good as the real deal but it has to work.","3":"I sit down... set to my task.","4":"Somehow... I got to my bed last night. I can't remember...","5":"I was up until the A.M. working on the malware. I can't remember finishing, which means I didn't.","6":"Even if I rediscover where I left off... it's going to take me a full day to really test a build. Then... I have to find a means to inject it into the system.","7":"You can't upload a computer virus into a doughnut, unfortunately.","8":"I'm going to have to ask Hank for time off.","9":"{Leah} knows I can't respond. This is just to inform me that she's about to enter my room."},"ch10__10.65 infiltration.vne3":{"10":"Out of curiosity... have you tried sending them anything yet?","11":"No... they're not going to be fooled by something simple. I tried to dig into their protocols, to see if I could come up with something clever, but...","12":"Have you tried something simple?","13":"I haven't tried anything...","14":"Okay. Let's try something simple. You need them to download a file, right?","15":"Yeah.","16":"{Leah} pulls her phone out and taps something out. I stare at her for a good minute... bewildered...","17":"{Leah} knows nothing about computers. Could she really think of something I didn't.","18":"I emailed you a draft. Check it out.","19":"Okay...","20":"''RE: WATCH THIS ADULTS ONLY. This bitch's ID said 18, but then we learned it was fake.''","21":"You wrote this?","22":"Yeah, but I'm pretty sure I've read things like it all over the Internet, so it ain't original. Do you think it could work?","23":"This is basic scam shit right here. Nobody would fall for this.","24":"Try it. We got nothing to lose.","25":"Okay...","26":"Purely to entertain {Leah}, I compose the email, and then press ''send''.","27":"I'm sorry to say, {Leah}, but this isn't going to work. And now once they do a heuristic on the malware-","28":"Shit. It got downloaded.","29":"So... that fixes it, right?","30":"Yeah.","31":"Never doubt the power of porn.","32":"I check my server from my phone. Already data from the cameras are being streamed over. If my analysis of the network architecture is accurate, that means that no recordings will be saved in the Shale Hill PD.","33":"Damn... so it really was all that simple.","34":"We're good now, right?","35":"All we have to do is wait for tonight.","36":"That's the hard part... waiting.","37":"Zeno's paradox: for every journey, there's a point exactly half the distance. If you go to that point, there's another point halfway between that and the destination. No matter how close you are, there's always a point halfway.","38":"Unfortunately, that paradox doesn't stop me from arriving at the police station. I was hoping to be sucked into some sort of hyperbolic dimension where it's impossible to reach my destination, but no such luck.","39":"I put the car into park, then glance at {Leah}.","40":"So... um... you're ready, right?","41":"You know... if you want to back out...","42":"Are you talking to yourself or to me?","43":"No! The thing is... I have to go. My freedom relies on this, so I have nothing to lose. You, on the other hand, you can lose everything.","44":"I could... probably pull this off by myself. That way, you can honestly say that you didn't help me. That would get you off the hook in case I'm caught.","45":"Do you really think I'd leave you alone? You saved my ass, just a few days ago. Without you, I probably wouldn't be around.","46":"That's an exaggeration. The Fraternity wouldn't have killed you.","47":"Bullshit. If I refused to cooperate, they would've offed me.","48":"I'm... very certain they wouldn't have.","49":"Anyway, if this mission is doomed to fail... and it probably is... I don't think I should take you down too.","50":"My time has always been borrowed, you know. I've been so lucky that I haven't been caught sooner. But I'm too much of a troublemaker - they're going to get me eventually.","51":"So... if I don't make it out, I'm not too fussed about it.","52":"I know you want to play the noble selfless sacrifice card, {Leah}, but it's too late. I saw how scared you were. I know you're not cool with letting your life end.","53":"I learned something about you, {Leah}. You're not a selfless person.","54":"I'm... not... selfless?","55":"No, you're not. You do good things, but it's for bad reasons.","56":"Jeez... {PlayerName}... I'm just about to sneak into a police station... you sure you want this to be your parting words?","57":"It's not an insult. It's... a compliment I guess.","58":"You have to explain this one to me.","59":"{Leah}, you have sincerely held ideals, and you have a perverse love for danger and breaking rules. It's really extraordinary how you've channeled that into something positive.","60":"I... I do like committing crimes...","61":"You've made a lot of risks. Every time you've risked yourself, you've done it to help someone, to help all of us.","62":"But now, you've leveled up. You're committing the worst crime you've ever done, and purely for selfish reasons.","63":"I'm so proud of you.","64":"The sarcasm is a bit much.","65":"I am actually proud of you. Doing all this means you're willing to take those same risks to help yourself, and that's a good thing.","66":"You know why? Because it means you love yourself. It means you know you're valuable, and you're willing defend that value.","67":"No matter what anyone says about this in the future, I don't think you did anything wrong.","68":"I'm actually not sure what to think of that, but that did make me feel better... so thanks.","69":"I'm grateful for your help, {PlayerName}.","70":"If the police station doesn't burn down and we don't run anyone over, I count that as a victory.","71":"If we don't run anyone over, I count that as a victory.","72":"The only victory I'll count is if {Leah} is safe. I'll run anyone over to do that, but I don't think that will make {Leah} feel better.","73":"Enough delay. Let's start the mission.","74":"From now on, you're {mc_codename}.","75":"And you're Dreamcatcher.","76":"Tap tap tap.","77":"It's a gentle reminder to communicate. I give three affirmative taps. I know Morse code better than a submarine commander.","78":"Wish me luck.","79":"I wish you won't even need it.","80":"She gives me a gentle peck on the lips...","81":"If there's anyone in the world who can do something like this, it's {Leah}... but fuck me if I'm not a nervous wreck.","82":"By any measure... this is just insanely dangerous. I feel like I should be going in there instead of her.","83":"Well... I'm not. I'm playing the supporting role, just like {Leah} insisted. I'm in the car, safe and sound.","84":"If I'm safe... why do I feel ten times more stressed out?","85":"Concentrate. Let {Leah} handle everything. My job is to make sure the cameras are thoroughly fucked... and to warn {Leah} of any incoming danger.","86":"She says she's well prepared for this... I know she spent hours and hours pouring over blueprints and diagrams that aren't publicly available.","87":"Just like she said... this isn't even the first government building she's infiltrated. In a few years, she'll be crawling through vents in the Pentagon.","88":"As soon as I see the cop on screen, my immediate instinct is to tap a warning... but {Leah} isn't even in a dangerous spot yet.","89":"I've got to control myself. Distracting {Leah} with information she doesn't need to know isn't going to help her.","90":"As I watch {Leah} sidle past... I suck in a nervous breath.","91":"When {Leah} told me how to get the suitcase from Rogham's clutches, she told me to act natural, and look at this. {Leah} is the master.","92":"What I don't quite understand... is what {Leah} is doing with her cellphone.","93":"When I catch a glimpse of the screen, it looks like a recording app. What is she doing?","94":"Never mind that. I need to look ahead of her.","95":"Empty hallway. First test of my Morse code skills.","96":"I tap out a confirmation.","97":"Roger, {mc_codename}.","98":"Damn this is cool. Super spy shit right here.","99":"I get a big thrill from watching {Leah} sneak down. I really do feel like a spy operator... the sweaty nerd in the van who plays support for the main character.","100":"It's nearly enough to make me forget it's {Leah} that's taking all the risks.","101":"With a burst of confidence, I check the next corridor.","102":"Two cops. Damn. {Leah} is going to have to make a detour.","103":"I tap out a message.","104":"Dreamcatcher, watercooler, hallway straight, two blues. Over.","105":"Roger.","106":"God damn it {Leah}! I was telling you to [i]avoid[\/i] the cops, not head straight for them!","107":"What the fuck is she thinking?","108":"But somehow... she passes them. It's just like what she told me... if you act natural enough, people won't even notice you.","109":"{Leah} really looked like she belonged.","110":"Luckily, her route cut through a few halls. She probably saved some time. I've got to check the objective.","111":"Dreamcatcher, evidence locker, posted guard. Over.","112":"Roger.","113":"This is her destination. If she can get past... she's home free.","114":"No amount of acting natural is going to get past that guard. I don't even know what her options are.","115":"I mean... what could {Leah} possibly...","116":"...the fuck?","117":"What... what did {Leah} do? She just pulled out her cellphone... did something... then the guard went insane...","118":"It's too incredible to believe. The guard is heading to the keypad. Is he going to unlock the door? Why?","119":"Shit... [i]he did unlock the door![\/i] But that's totally insane... why would he do something like that?","120":"Wait... the phone... the recording...","121":"{Leah}... played the recording of the keypad being used... and then...","122":"Shit. I think {Leah} just tricked the guard into thinking someone used the keypad.","123":"That... [i]very clever.","124":"She made that all look effortless...","125":"I watch the camera. I know... if someone passes by that door, I'm going to have to warn {Leah} quickly.","126":"That is... if she wasn't already caught by that guard.","127":"My fingers are sweating... I'm staring at the screen... my fingers twitch so bad I'm worried I might accidentally tap the microphone.","128":"How long am I supposed to wait?","129":"Relief! I can breathe. {Leah}'s coming out.","130":"Damn... if she's got that drive already... this whole mission has gone incredibly, unbelievably well.","131":"This is the total spiritual opposite of Stan's basement. Where that was incredibly messy, and absolutely everyone messed up bad...","132":"...this is golden luck.","133":"She really did it. She got the drive.","134":"Oh... this might actually work!","135":"I take a moment to relax. I didn't realize just how tense I was until this very moment.","136":"My head clears... and I take in massive lungful of air.","137":"Given everything that's happened, this is just too easy.","138":"And... perhaps it actually was.","139":"That mask does not look like it landed naturally on the hood of my car. It eyeless holes mesmerize me... I stare at them for far too long.","140":"A leftover from Halloween? Did a wind blow it on? Or is this a prank? Did someone put it here to scare me?","141":"I was so distracted looking at the cameras... I look around, and the parking lot is empty.","142":"Eventually, I remind myself it's just a mask. A piece of trash. Part of a Halloween costume or something.","143":"That's all it is. Despite all that, I can't work with it staring at me.","144":"I take it of the hood and toss it off into the side of the road.","145":"I get sticky palms thinking about just how long I've had my eyes off those cameras. I let myself be distracted by a dumb piece of plastic.","146":"If she's okay, I'll probably leave out the part of the story where I wasn't doing my job.","147":"But... it's fine. I see her in the lobby already. She has her hard drive.","148":"There's nothing between her and the exit. She's going to get out!","149":"I've seen some incredible escapes on the internet... people squeezing out of cuffs, lifting themselves through ceilings, jumping out of windows. I hope I'm the only person who ever sees these.","150":"It's no hallucination. She's there, in the flesh, all kitted out.","151":"I twitch involuntary. Despite being closer to me than the police station... I just have this fear that a thousand cops are suddenly going to jump out of the ground, like zombies or something.","152":"My brain is just looking for things to go wrong, but they just aren't.","153":"This stupid fucking plan actually worked!","154":"Even before she gets in, my foot goes down hard on the pedal.","155":"The tires very nearly squeal. {Leah} is breathless, eyes wide. She can't believe this either.","156":"That had no right to work. We should both be in prison. That should've been the end of us.","157":"But... {Leah} is free. And so I am.","158":"Despite having done what we just did... I have no idea how it worked out. It just did.","159":"And... what could we possibly say about that? {Leah} doesn't. She just smiles mutely at me, a carefree, childish giggle occasionally escaping from her mouth.","160":"I return the smile. And I try to contain myself.","161":"After all we've got through, it'd suck just to be pulled over for speeding.","0":"And... the one I have to answer to. {Leah}. How do I explain the situation?","1":"Describing the technical challenges is going to be nearly impossible...","2":"Are you okay, {PlayerName}?","3":"You know what's happening tonight, right?","4":"Yes. But I fucked up.","5":"Fucked up?","6":"For the malware to work... I need the Shale Hill PD to download a file that will infect their security system. But the only way I can do that is to trick them.","7":"I couldn't think of anything... so... I don't know if I can disable the cameras.","8":"Oh. That's... awful.","9":"Well... I suppose you did your best... which is the most I can expect out of you."},"ch10__10.70 leah sex.vne3":{"10":"I had Alfred start the bat-fire.","11":"Of course, his words are insane as usual.","12":"It's good you've finally come to the bat-cave. What brings you here?","13":"Toasterman only needs to lay eyes on the drive to know exactly why we came.","14":"Right. You need something burnt. You came to the right place.","15":"Throw that thing on. Once it burns up, its spirit will no longer haunt you, yadda yadda.","16":"Here it goes.","17":"As it flies into the fire... I realize you can only have a feeling like this once.","18":"It feels like I'm getting rid of a lot of old junk with that hard drive. Mental junk.","19":"Like this hard drive and everything on it... it'll be evaporated.","20":"The next moment... it's gone. Just like that.","21":"There's a bit of a strange, metallic scent coming from the fire. Even so, it feels clean... pure... light.","22":"I feel [i]good.","23":"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.","24":"I'll leave you two alone.","25":"Don't touch the ducky.","26":"Ashes to ashes... dust to dust...","27":"There's a hint of sadness to it. I remember suddenly... a lot of {Leah}'s most important work was probably on that drive. Everything she tried to get published, probably.","28":"That's never coming back. But... once we're through with Silent1, {Leah} can write a story that'll blow the stuff about the mayor out of the water.","29":"God, her laugh is infectious. It just suddenly burst out of her like the popping coming out of the fire.","30":"I was right. I couldn't even imagine all that weight suddenly off her shoulder. That threat to her life and freedom is just [i]gone[\/i].","31":"I... I can't believe...","32":"I can't believe we did it!","33":"Neither can I.","34":"Did you doubt me for a second?","35":"Any sane person would.","36":"Me too! I thought I was a goner!","37":"When you went past those two guards by the water cooler...","38":"I don't know! I just... knew I could walk past them. I can't even explain it.","39":"Maybe you're a wizard with an invisibility spell?","40":"That would make everything easier.","41":"Yeah, and it would cheapen the achievement.","42":"The sort of achievement you can't brag about. Which is a shame.","43":"We'll just have to privately celebrate each other.","44":"Trust me... I'm never forgetting you sneaking into the police station.","45":"That figures, because you've done so many incredible things that I've started to forget about them.","46":"The basement with Stan, the Halloween party, Yallawallahdingdong... it's just endless.","47":"You were a big part of my success, though. I don't think I could've done it without you.","48":"Yeah. I don't think I could've done it without you, either.","49":"That's an exaggeration.","50":"Hmm... I don't know. First of all... I wouldn't know anything about Silent1 if it weren't for you.","51":"Then... your expertise with computers... your charisma... you courage...","52":"No. There's no way I would've ever gone this far.","53":"But... there's still more to go. I hope only a little more.","54":"We can't feel too good about ourselves until we've completely defeated Silent1.","55":"Nobody in this town is safe until they are gone.","56":"The truth hurts, but she's right. We're not at the end of this yet.","57":"Let's head back home. I've been up all night.","58":"Let's rest.","59":"We take one final look back at the hard drive. It's nothing but ugly slag.","60":"I'm not a data recovery expert, but I've never heard of anyone pulling anything off a drive this damaged.","61":"This threat... at least... is truly over.","62":"Urn?","63":"What do you mean ''urn''?","64":"I don't get your monkey language.","65":"Oh. Sign. Toasterman startled me.","66":"What do you mean ''urn''?","67":"Coffin's too damn big for it, don't you think? Traditional to store it in a urn instead.","68":"Then, you can take those ashes, and spread 'em. Maybe to one of those rooms full of computers. That's where hard drives like to be, right?","69":"I think I speak for {Leah} when I say we don't need an urn.","70":"You sure? It's $25.","71":"What kind of urn is this?","72":"We'll take it.","73":"{Leah} hands him a roll of bills, which Toasterman promptly sticks into his big, ugly jacket.","74":"Toasterman then puts the slagged drive into a jar and screws it tight.","75":"Here you go.","76":"That's just a jar!","77":"What a goddamn fool you are. It's not a jar, it's where I store my bat-juice. Special bat-juice urn. Hi-tech stuff.","78":"Ew!","79":"Do us a favor, Batman. Keep the urn.","80":"Suit yourself.","81":"Okay. Now let's actually go home.","82":"Finally.","83":"Man did this feel like a long journey.","84":"I'm smashing everything together. Everything since that day I found RECENTLY.","85":"Wondering what Silent1 will do next... makes my head spin...","86":"My God... [i]what is that look?[\/i]","87":"I thought {Leah} said she wanted to rest... but that's not what those eyes say at all.","88":"Her body language... her gaze... her playful lip... all eager and ready.","89":"You know... I said we should rest... but I didn't say I was tired.","90":"Playfully, she stands by the door, letting it creep close.","91":"I've never seen a door close so slow like that. ","92":"And... of course... I think she doesn't even want to.","93":"She simply... leaves it open.","94":"That's an invitation. Nothing clearer than that. There is a one million percent chance she wants me in that room.","95":"I [i]thought[\/i] I was tired, but... I think I just gained a shitload of energy.","96":"I could definitely stay up another hour... but should I? {Leah} is still high off our spectacular success.","97":"Should I?","98":"Yes!","99":"No.","100":"This required no self examination.","101":"This is the world's most obvious decision. This is what I've wanted for so long... and might finally come...","102":"I poke my head through...","103":"...I find her standing.","104":"As if I hadn't had my breath taken away several times last night... I have to be faced with this.","105":"I couldn't believe how lucky {Leah} was, and now I can't believe my own luck.","106":"I need someone to pinch me, to hit me... to prove that this is all real...","107":"The next best thing is... to touch her.","108":"If she doesn't stop me...","109":"This gentle skin I've already felt... it's {Leah}'s. I'm not dreaming, hallucinating, or dead, but it feels like I should be.","110":"Where my hands roam, her skin warms... excites.","111":"I watch the peachy fuzz on the back of her neck pimple up.","112":"This is real, I'm touching {Leah}, and she's reacting to me without trying to stop me.","113":"She's had ample opportunity... so...","114":"It's a risk... but not actually a risk.","115":"I didn't want to presume how she'd react, even though it was known to me before I even leaned to kiss her neck. ","116":"A moan-sigh rumbles her throat, and she gently moves her neck to give better access...","117":"This... this is the best thing that's ever happened to me. God... I feel like a virgin getting my first taste of girl.","118":"I am legitimately more excited than when I got with Emily the first time. I never thought I would be... because I never thought it would happen.","119":"So... when my hands touch her breasts, and her nipples harden as a response, I get full into it. I lose complete control. A hundred repressed fantasies fill my aching head and assert themselves at once.","120":"My pace quickens... and my hands wrap tighter around her.","121":"I drift down to the place where I've never touched {Leah} before.","122":"I'm too eager. My hands feel clumsy. I breathe to calm myself and my breath touches her neck.","123":"[i]Gentle[\/i] is the watchword... [i]gentle...","124":"Given how much {Leah} means to me, and how long I've been waiting for this, it's easy to treat her with tenderness but hard to slow down.","125":"Ultimately, I don't know how it happens, or which one of us did it, but...","126":"...{Leah}'s panties fall.","127":"Yes! That kiss! That embrace! It feels even fucking better than when we were in the car.","128":"That last time, there was hesitation, but now there's nothing. Just warm, wet kisses.","129":"He... uh...","130":"She looks into my eyes... and tries to think of something clever. But love makes you stupid, so she wanders into my gaze for a bit.","131":"I don't blame her. Even if I could speak, I don't know if I'd have much to say.","132":"Anyway, I think we've talked more than enough for two people. Now is not the time for that. It's the time for action.","133":"Let's make up for lost time. Let's do all those things we secretly wanted to do with each other.","134":"Let's never be inhibited again.","135":"As my clothes start to come off, {Leah} just doesn't seem to have much to say.","136":"Adorably, her fingers fumble with my belt. She's excited too.","137":"It makes me wonder how closely her feelings mirror mine...","138":"When my cock finally comes out... and she grabs it...","139":"...it's an ecstatic, religious experience. Something about the fact that it's {Leah} who's handling me makes me astonishingly aroused.","140":"No, there's nobody in the world who could give me this feeling.","141":"{Leah} has, at different times, held my hand, hugged me, brushed my hair, wiped my brow...","142":"...and now... she is doing [i]this[\/i]. I just can't get over that it's her hand... something I've touched so many times, and only now...","143":"...granting me this unique pleasure...","144":"A feeling that has my heart sing. I want to throw her on the bed and take her to new fucking places.","145":"Yeah... this is a new frontier with {Leah}. It feels weird that... for as long as we've been together...","146":"...it took so damn long to get here. To do something as natural and human as [i]this.","147":"God! {Leah}'s lips on mine. Why does she taste so different? So good?","148":"All those emotions I have for {Leah} are making this a unique, one-of-a-kind experience. This feel like the first pussy I've ever eaten.","149":"I've... I've always dreamed that...","150":"Those are the first words she's said since we've started. It almost seems like she wants to cry.","151":"She looks down in awe at my work... watching with an incredible interest.","152":"Sometimes, I glance up at her, and see that dumbfounded expression that turns me on even more.","153":"She can't help herself. Her legs wrap around my head, and if we stayed like this... I'd be perfectly satisfied.","154":"I don't really need to even cum to make this the best sexual experience of my life.","155":"But {Leah} is going to want to make me cum. She's got a lot she wants to do to me.","156":"I'm not going to deny her that, but I also want to gorge myself on this body that I've been denied for so, so long...","157":"This taste that runs on my tongue, lips and chin? It's pure {Leah}, the strongest I've ever smelt from her.","158":"The same smell I get from her warm blankets... her towels... her worn clothes. Only now do I realize how much I need that smell in my life...","159":"She eventually encourages me off her snatch, and uses that opportunity to get acquainted with my dick.","160":"She's a smart, spirited girl, and starts to jerk it with a curious, entrepreneurial spirit.","161":"Last I saw this... it was in the shower.","162":"This is the kind of thing that guys like, right?","163":"I know a lot of things but... this tool isn't one of them.","164":"Is she suggesting she's a virgin? That's kind of surprising...","165":"Well, I don't really know. Maybe she's just saying stuff to turn me on.","166":"On the other hand... she really doesn't seem like the kind of girl who would do that.","167":"At least... she doesn't especially need to. I'm inhumanly turned on right now... excited for what {Leah} has in store for my cock.","168":"And... she does have something in store for me.","169":"Her approach is slow and cautious...","170":"When she plants her lips on my head, that's when I know:","171":"[i]She really is a virgin[\/i].","172":"With her movement so hesitant and so earnest, {Leah} has to be a world-class actress to fake this, and she simply isn't. I know her too well.","173":"I'm the first man she's ever touched like this. And boy does that feel like an honor.","174":"I get to deflower {Leah}, my {sheIsYour}...","175":"...how many people get that privilege?","176":"Being inside her mouth is especially satisfying... {Leah} quickly grows a taste for it.","177":"She wants it bad. As bad as I wanted her pussy.","178":"Yeah. She started this afraid and now I'm worried if I can ever get her off this thing.","179":"I allow {Leah} to service me for a long time. Long enough to make me feel guilty and selfish.","180":"Those feelings are not strong enough to make me want to stop her. I know she wants this so badly, I wouldn't really be able to describe it...","181":"When I've kissed {Leah}, I've found that the most stunning feature of her lips are not that they're sweet or soft, but loving and gentle.","182":"She kissed me in the way only she could, and now she's blowing me in the only way she could too.","183":"I could get emotional watching her like this, but I know this simple act is nothing compared to what we could be doing.","184":"I start to get the impression that she could do this forever, just like how I could go down on her forever, but that's not going to be fun for either of us.","185":"It would be a waste to cum like this... when there's so much more I could be doing with her.","186":"I gently, tenderly, encourage her off.","187":"There's a micro-expression of annoyance on {Leah}'s face, like she just wanted to keep going.","188":"Actually... she looks almost dazed. She was getting off on sucking me... but it could be that she was even reaching orgasm.","189":"But... as soon as she knows what I really want, there's no protest.","190":"The expression in her face is the most loving I've ever seen from any given human being.","191":"There's something indescribable about it... in this whole evening of indescribable moments.","192":"I could lose myself in her, but I can't let myself do that. There's a wall between us that has to be taken down...","193":"...if she's really a virgin, I ought to be gentle.","194":"Nnnngh...","195":"I'm... only a little ways inside her, and she's already [i]like this[\/i]... aching and writhing.","196":"Is this how a virgin reacts when they're getting fucked for the first time? I don't know, and I don't want to ask.","197":"I only know I need to be gentle with her.","198":"So, I am. I give soft, gentle strokes. {Leah} really likes the slow gentle sex, and so do I.","199":"I just want to give her enough time to get adjusted to me. If she's had sex before, it's clearly been quite a long time.","200":"I don't want to ask... [i]I'm very happy with the thought that this is {Leah}'s first time.[\/i] I don't think she'd tell me anyway...","201":"A small orgasm rips through her, and she trembles like a leaf.","202":"It's unbelievable how sensitive she is... it can't be skill alone. There's an emotional component that just couldn't be replicated with anyone else.","203":"It makes me curious... if I could make her feel as good as she makes me...","204":"I want to get her ready for a full penetration. When I slam into her, I want that to be a hundred percent pleasure and zero percent pain.","205":"That's why I'm so methodical in training this hole. That's why with every thrust, I got just slightly deeper.","206":"And yeah... the hesitation leaves {Leah}. She takes enough of my girth where I'm confident that I can go ball-to-pussy with her.","207":"As far as I can stretch her hole, plumb her insides, explore every crevasse of her body, I will.","208":"I could never use {Leah} enough. She could never play herself out. I could have her over and over and over again and still find reasons for why she's different from anyone else.","209":"I'm not sure I could ever have this experience with someone who wasn't {Leah}...","210":"I don't know if she's finished adjusting to me... but I know... I'm not quite ready to cum yet.","211":"There's more I want to show her before I fill her up.","212":"Slowly, I ease out and we switch positions...","213":"Virgin or not, {Leah} has to have seen a thing or two.","214":"She knows my intentions, and she's eager to try whatever I want to show her.","215":"I just feel very little need to explicitly communicate with her. She knows what I'm doing just by feel.","216":"I wonder if this is what people mean by spiritual connection? I've never felt like that before... but maybe I'm starting to.","217":"The embrace we're locked reminds me of two hooks... or clasped hands. The longer we stay together, the more difficult it feels we might ever separate...","218":"Contentedness... peacefulness... gentleness...","219":"...pleasure and love and nothing else. Always building toward orgasm but never quite reaching.","220":"It feels like, whatever we do, we could just do forever.","221":"Whether it's me pleasuring her, or her pleasuring me, it doesn't seem to matter a great deal. Either way, we're happy.","222":"But... there's one thing we have to do... before we can say we've tried all we could.","223":"Of course... we have to cum together. She has to feel my seed.","224":"{Leah} knows this well. After my training, her intentions are clear... she wants me to cum inside of her.","225":"Her hip movements, fiercer than before, are intended to get me off.","226":"A gush of wetness from her crotch... I know she's orgasmed. I can feel it dripping down my shaft and balls.","227":"It would start to feel cool if {Leah} didn't provide fresh, hot wetness with every descent of her body.","228":"The feeling is... indescribable.","229":"She clasps onto me, body and mind, until I feel at some parts we're fused. When she rises up, I feel a pang of sadness that she's getting further away.","230":"Yes, {Leah}, feel free to grind against me, impale yourself as much as you can, let me grow inside of you so that my whole body can crawl up in you.","231":"I may have imagined what sex with {Leah} might be like, but it is better than anything I could imagine. It's pain, it's pleasure, it's sadness and happiness. Every emotion we feel for each other building like a bomb inside us.","232":"I'm so ready for this. Readier than I've ever been. I've wanted to cum before, but this is transcending just getting off. It's about going to a different dimension with {Leah}.","233":"There's this thunderclap of pleasure... ready to be released...","234":"...I can't... I can't... I can [i]never[\/i] keep something this intense inside me!","235":"My whole body is emptied into her.","236":"The hands that held {Leah} up... start to buckle. Go powerless and limp.","237":"When she comes off me, we're both completely and utterly finished.","238":"We've said hardly anything to each other. What needs to be said?","239":"The whole thing just [i]is[\/i] and [i]was[\/i]. An experience that feel profound and weight even a moment after it ended.","240":"This was something... an experience that could never be replicated. I even doubt if any couple is capable of the connection we just had.","241":"Maybe time will tell, but for right now, I've got no interest in time.","242":"No. I'm happy with our relationship the way it is.","243":"If I go through that door... I'll risk what {Leah} and I really have.","244":"There is no temporary pleasure worth that.","245":"As {Leah} looks at me through the ajar door, I see a big, carefree smile on her face.","246":"Silent1 can do a lot of things, but he can't wipe that one away.","247":"{Leah} is about to close the door, but she has just one thing to say:","248":"You don't have to think about anything for one day. So just don't. It'll be good for you.","249":"Yeah. I can pull that off.","0":"Day comes as we enter the city... and the elation of our success starts to fade... {Leah}'s eyes remain fixed on the hard drive.","1":"I know exactly what she's thinking. It's impossible to relax while the drive still exists.","2":"All that incriminating information... about her being Nightingale... is still on it. While it exists, she's vulnerable.","3":"But it'll be gone soon.","4":"Obviously I can't comfort her directly, but I can smile and let her know what I'm thinking. She gets it... because she already knows it.","5":"I can't imagine the weight that will lift off her shoulders once it's all over. It has to be the most freeing feeling in the world.","6":"It's almost worth going through what she just went through simply to experience it.","7":"Our destination. The man with the most reliable fire in Shale Hill.","8":"Let's use this thing.","9":"He gazes at us with unusually sane eyes. From our conversation, I guess Toasterman knew we would return."},"ch10_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch10_start.vne3":{"10":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","11":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","12":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","13":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","14":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","15":"_10.VL.10 val and emily.vne3","16":"Test new animation system","17":"Continue","18":"Click to load ep9_tg_valerie_anim_25.","19":"Placeholder line. TH is loading.","20":"Placeholder line 1.","21":"Placeholder line 2.","22":"Placeholder line 3.","23":"Go to next video.","24":"Placeholder line 1.","25":"Placeholder line 2.","26":"Placeholder line 3.","27":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","28":"Check synopsis.","29":"Skip.","30":"When I finally opened the door to Hank's mysterious office, to confront him with my suspicion that he was SILENT1, the last person I expected to see sitting there was Sandra Vasquez.","31":"As it turns out, the eccentric and reclusive IT office manager who's been my boss for a year now, has actually been the missing college girl I’ve been trying to find.","32":"Sandra proved to be notoriously difficult to talk to, between her somewhat abrasive personality, and likely a year of almost no human contact.","33":"But with some effort, I was able to get some information out of her.","34":"Sandra had been a victim of SILENT1 as well. The hacker stole a powerful algorithm she was developing and gave it to a team at a rival school.","35":"Instead of being rewarded for her work, Sandra found herself accused of plagiarizing her own program.","36":"Rather than suffer the humiliation of being an academic pariah, she faked her disappearance to start a new life as the reclusive Hank.","37":"As far as RECENTLY, Sandra confessed only that she had installed it onto my computer as part of some prearranged plan that had been in place since she took the position as IT Office Manager.","38":"She claimed to know little about the program itself, and seemed even less alarmed over its potential for misuse.","39":"Valerie was the one who put me on the path to find Sandra.","40":"But when I revealed Sandra’s whereabouts and condition, her reaction was... hard to read.","41":"She seemed more interested in whether I was closing in on SILENT1, than finding her long lost roommate.","42":"Valerie’s wasn’t the only odd behavior I had been noticing as of late.","43":"It had become clear that {Leah} was up to something.","44":"I found that, like me, she had been sleeping during the day, and was up to something at night.","45":"I’ve been cutting {Leah} out of my life in order to protect her. If I had to guess, she’s been doing the same to me.","46":"My fear for {Leah}’s safety isn’t unfounded. She has a habit of getting herself into trouble. Like with the break in back at Annette Taylor High School.","47":"I still remember being in front of the principal and learning that {Leah} had been arrested for breaking into the school's administrative offices.","48":"I didn’t want to believe it, and defended her.","49":"However, the security camera footage was hard to explain away.","50":"{Leah} claimed she was investigating suspected embezzlement from within the school’s administration.","51":"The fact that she was rummaging around everyone’s personnel record didn’t exactly endear her to the student body.","52":"She was lucky no charges were filed, but it made clear something I had just begun to realize about {Leah}.","53":"Investigative journalism wasn’t just some hobby for her, it was her life’s calling. She would always put the search for the truth above all else. Even her own safety. There’s no protecting her from that, no matter how hard I try.","54":"Back in the here and now, with my resources and physical state exhausted, I had to find some way to integrate back into my old routine.","55":"Some barely batted an eyelash when I returned from my absence.","56":"Others, who had spent weeks worrying about me, were angry with what little explanation I was willing to offer.","57":"The hunt for SILENT1 wasn’t over though, even if I had returned to a more normal life and schedule.","58":"Sandra was still my best link to finding the elusive hacker, and the Fraternity. I had to confront her.","59":"Despite my pleas and warnings about the dangers that SILENT1 and RECENTLY posed, Sandra continued downplaying the threat.","60":"I pressed her as much as I could, ultimately proposing the possibility she was being manipulated by SILENT1, the same SILENT1 who ruined her life.","61":"She didn’t take my theory well.","62":"I was hitting a wall. It was becoming clear that no matter how hard I try, I can't do this alone.","63":"So I turned to the two people I trusted more than anyone.","64":"Valerie recommended that instead of asking Sandra for help, I [i]use[\/i] her to get to SILENT1.","65":"Things with {Leah} were more complicated.","66":"We came clean with each other. I explained to her what I had been up to, investigating the Philosophy Club as a front for the Fraternity, and finding Sandra alive and well, masquerading as Hank.","67":"{Leah} hadn’t been resting on her laurels. She was on to something as well, but uncertain of the truth she was pursuing, she declined to give me all the details until she knew more.","68":"I didn’t love the idea of being kept in the dark when we were supposed to be honest with each other, but I chose to trust {Leah}.","69":"On {Leah}’s advice, we planned for me to reapproach the Philosophy Club. We knew Alexis was still trying to gain membership in the Fraternity through its extracurricular front. With luck, we could use her to infiltrate their ranks.","70":"Upon meeting Alexis, she revealed that after the ambush at the parking garage, she had made some [i]new friends[\/i].","71":"Alexis boasted of being on the fast track for entry into the secretive society. Even mentioning that there was a special party planned at a place that belonged to a [i]friend of a friend[\/i].","72":"And on that night, [i]one would be erased, so another might rise[\/i].","73":"It was a cryptic and troubling message.","74":"Mulling it over with {Leah}, we determined that the place that belonged to a [i]friend of a friend[\/i], was Sandra’s office abode. And that the person to be erased would be none other than Sandra herself.","75":"We took the warning to Sandra, but frustratingly, she dismissed it just as she had dismissed the threat of SILENT1 and RECENTLY.","76":"Bringing what we had learned to Valerie, she suspected that whole thing might be a trap. Afterall, Alexis is a lot of things, but she’s not quite secret society material.","77":"But if Sandra was the next target, we still had to intervene.","78":"While waiting for the fateful night of the Franterny’s [i]party[\/i], there were some developments with Lidia.","79":"We hadn’t spoken since our exchange out in front of her coffee shop, when I confronted her about the government-looking agents who were shadowing her.","80":"Now she was acting... strange.","81":"After using RECENTLY to monitor her communications, and a weird date complete with surveillance equipment, I began to learn the truth about Lidia.","82":"Lidia had some time ago aided a man she was in love with in escaping the country. A man who later turned out to be a criminal.","83":"It was Lidia who would take the fall for it. And facing serious criminal charges, she agreed to become a CI for the United States Postal Investigation Services. A federal law enforcement agency that was running an operation in Shale Hill.","84":"They were tracking down leads about some kind of major breach in government cyber security that had crippled most federal law enforcement organizations.","85":"I can only assume that the breach and the investigation has something to do with RECENTLY, and the software that Cedric had stolen from Emily’s father.","86":"And while the USPIS didn’t have any hard evidence, they certainly viewed {Leah} and I as persons of interest.","87":"Lidia is still under their thumb as well. While I may have finally gotten through to her, now I have to find some way to feed her enough information to get the feds off her back.","88":"...And, ideally, to keep both of us out of prison.","89":"Sam Hunter was another fire I needed to put out.","90":"She had been worried about me after I disappeared while hunting for SILENT1. Having only just recently saved her from a malicious plot, she wasn’t about to let me just disappear on her.","91":"Sam deserved an explanation, but I still had to keep her at arm's length. There are already too many people I care about wrapped up in this mess with SILENT1 and the Fraternity.","92":"Thankfully, Sam still trusted me enough to accept a vague explanation. But she was adamant about not letting me disappear from her life.","93":"Somewhere along the line, Sam came up with the idea that I should run for Student Council President. She even started doing some of the leg work to get me registered as a candidate for Valerie’s seat.","94":"It’s not as if I could even begin to think about running for school office right now... but I couldn’t deny the prospect of getting back into politics did excite me. I gave her a hard [i]I’ll think about it[\/i].","95":"The night of the supposed initiation arrived. When, according to Alexis, a life would be erased so another could rise.","96":"{Leah} and I staked out the IT lab, waiting to see if agents of the Fraternity would show up to do harm to Sandra.","97":"But as the night wore on, the sickening suspicion began to creep into our veins. We made a mistake.","98":"It wasn’t Sandra, and the IT lab that would be the site and subject of the Fraternity’s dark machinations.","99":"I had to leave {Leah} to keep an eye on Sandra while I investigated the only other possibility I could think of.","100":"Of course, it would be Stan’s house. A [i]friend of a friend’s[\/i] place.","101":"In the dead of night, within the seemingly innocuous suburban home, I stumbled upon what I feared.","102":"Captive in the basement, bound in a disturbing, almost ceremonious fashion, was Alexis.","103":"And we were not alone...","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[anim_25_speed != anim_25_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[anim_25_speed != anim_25_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[anim_25_speed != anim_25_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","7":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","8":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","9":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex."},"ch10__10.AL.05 alexis wants to hang.vne3":{"10":"Well... I suppose Alfred might have a few useful skills.","11":"So you probably don't know my superhero concept. Very well. Allow me to introduce you to Hypatia Man. I'm a female mathematician themed superhero.","12":"His battlecry is ''EMPOWERMENT!''","13":"This can't happen... this can't happen... I've already lost if I've got [i]Hypatia Man[\/i] at my side.","14":"Don't get married to the superhero thing.","15":"I already wrote a list of powers and three pages of backstory. He's the secret immortal bastard of Ada Lovelace and-","16":"If you have to pick a superhero theme, please pick [i]Unremarkable Boy[\/i]. His powers include showering and social skills.","17":"If you insist.","18":"He seems really punctured after that. God... who else is making insane superheroes? ","19":"I spend most of my day on RECENTLY, going through the police station logs... trying to figure out their network architecture.","20":"It gets so intense I actually have a notepad and pen. I've got a matrix of network ports and protocols and I feel like I need a corkboard and string just to make sense of it.","21":"I'm really not sure I'll get this all done by the day of the heist. RECENTLY only lets me look at data, I don't have the version of the program that lets me [i]change it[\/i].","22":"I hope this isn't all for nothing...","23":"Uh... so... you're welcome dude. I covered all your outstanding tickets.","24":"Have you unraveled the Matrix yet? When can you stop bullets with your mind?","25":"I'm working on it.","26":"Shit man... that's a lot of numbers you have written down.","27":"It's physics homework.","28":"Didn't know that the galaxy had TCP protocols.","29":"I am unraveling the Matrix, so naturally.","30":"We both know it's a lie, but Linus still looks impressed with my answer.","31":"Slick.","32":"Besides, I thought you were basically saying you wanted to take the blue pill. You didn't want to know what shit I'm up to.","33":"Yeah, but you gotta remind me sometimes, because I'm more curious than I am smart.","34":"Unfortunately, you're both. If you're around me long enough, you're going to pick up I'm up to something without even trying.","35":"Both you and Hank know something is up.","36":"So... what you're doing is important. That's what you're saying, right?","37":"It's life and death. Sorry I can't elaborate.","38":"If that's true... I feel better about covering for you. Despite what I might or might not have said, I don't think you really have it in you to actually hurt people.","39":"Thanks. Do you want to know a secret?","40":"Nah.","41":"I was testing you. Good work. You really are taking the blue pill.","42":"Are you finished with whatever you're doing?","43":"For now.","44":"I need to get something off my chest, but it's gonna take your full and undivided attention. This is serious shit.","45":"What pop culture bullshit is it this time?","46":"They just rebooted my favorite kid's cartoon and it's awful.","47":"I sigh, shovel my notes and laptop into my bag, and let my mind wander as Linus goes off.","48":"...They completely missed what people loved about the original series. It's all jokes and shit now, when the original had some serious drama.","49":"It's like they heard someone talk about it for five minutes at a bar and thought they could write a whole new series.","50":"Alright. Maybe I'll skip that series then.","51":"By the way... did Sam talk to you?","52":"Yeah she did. She strutted in here a couple of days back.","53":"She said she was putting together a task force of superheroes to change the face of the school forever.","54":"She showed me a costume design and said I could choose my super alias, but that she really had her heart set on [i]Tech Deckard[\/i].","55":"Okay, but seriously, did she talk to you?","56":"I wasn't kidding.","57":"Are you saying that Sam framed my election committee as a superhero team?","58":"Wha-! No... you're running for president?","59":"Sam really wants me to run. She says she's putting together an election committee, and she also said she asked you.","60":"What she told me was that she was putting together a team of superheroes to save the school... I thought it was some kinda cosplay project. I don't have the muscles for spandex.","61":"AH SHIT MAN! That's [i]brilliant![\/i] A super hero-themed presidential campaign? That's [i]genius!","62":"A superhero presidential campaign? That's stupid. You really think she's doing something like that?","63":"Think about it. Nobody gives a crap about the student council president. But with the theatrics of superheroes...","64":"Oh fuck. Sam would totally do something like that.","65":"That's so stupid. She shouldn't be doing that. Its pure gimmick.","66":"You're fucked in the head by conventional wisdom. I don't blame you... you're more into that shit so you can't see it. You went to ''youth leadership conferences'' where people clapped at you for wearing a suit and tie.","67":"I'm not part of that world. I'm a pleb, a normie, an apathetic. I'm telling you, if you do it right, you'll cause a phenomenon.","68":"That kinda stuff is absolute cringe. People react badly. It's insulting... [i]Pokémon Go To The Polls[\/i] level.","69":"It's only bad if it's not backed up with something substantive. If you offer people something, and you make it fun, you'll really draw people in.","70":"When I ran last time... I did it just for myself. I didn't really represent anything, and I presented no critique of an unfair system. And... if I'm honest... I was boring.","71":"Sam, on the other hand, had already been suspended for being in a death metal band, and she had something to say. She could say she was an outsider and mean it.","72":"It's a hard thing to say, but Sam actually has better political instincts than I do. She's got the charisma, the spontaneity, the ideas. My appeal is to the administration that doesn't like rocking the boat.","73":"If we offer real change, then we could win against Valerie...","74":"Damn... is this becoming a serious thing? Am I really gunning for my friend's position? Sam is really starting to make this happen...","75":"As I told Sam, I'm still not really even sure that I want to run. So this whole campaign strategy is going way ahead of things.","76":"Uh-huh.","77":"[i]Professor Rogham opens the door...[\/i] oddly enough.","78":"Subconsciously I try and find a hot brand to take to his face.","79":"Maybe he notices my murderous look, maybe he doesn't. Either way, he looks ready to sprint backward.","80":"I... uh... see that tech support is tied up.","81":"I'll... wait for... uh...","82":"We have the time, don't we, Linus?","83":"I'm literally chatting about cartoon shows.","84":"Having issues?","85":"Rogham suddenly perks up, plasters a grin on his own face. He presents himself with confidence... even though I see a foot shake.","86":"I just remembered. You're only tech support for the University. You don't do repairs.","87":"I need to go to a commercial establishment. My apologies.","88":"It's no issue. Linus is good with fixing things and I'm not so bad myself. Since you're my professor, we can call this a friendly favor.","89":"I love fixing things, as long as I don't need expensive parts.","90":"And I'm pretty good at soldering things. I love hot pieces of metal. Sometimes I heat up a piece of trash, too.","91":"Linus gives me an odd glance.","92":"No soldering, thank you. I got into quite some issue myself with hot steel. I was trying to help a student of mine, and they suddenly went completely feral.","93":"You'd think they'd be grateful, but the dog bites the hand, I suppose.","94":"Were you actually helping them? Maybe you were the one acting like a cold-blooded psychopath and you had to be stopped.","95":"Some people don't want to be helped. A small animal that ignorantly bites as someone tries to rescue it.","96":"And what about Alexis? Is she living it up right now?","97":"Dude...","98":"I will go to some professionals to get my phone repaired.","99":"What was that about?","100":"Blue pill.","101":"Aghhh... you're right... blue pill... blue pill...","102":"Don't even HAVE these conversations around me man. If they start going after witnesses I don't want it to be my fucking head.","103":"My work is up. I'm heading out. Keep your head down.","104":"Better believe I'm keeping my head down.","105":"Oh... it's you.","106":"Sorry... did that come off as rude? I'm actually relieved.","107":"Relieved?","108":"Yes, actually. Everyone is already inside. There were a couple of things I wanted to discuss with you before I went in.","109":"One matter is... not very important, and the other, extremely. I feel as though they might seem incongruent with each other, like a self-referential statement.","110":"I'm ready. Please hit me.","111":"The unimportant thing first, then.","112":"You were right, that was unimportant.","113":"The second thing was about Alexis. I've received a disturbing report that she's gone missing.","114":"It's only been a couple of days... but Alfred would have an issue with this, wouldn't he? Sandra went missing... it's only natural he'd keep close track.","115":"What would someone that knows nothing say in this situation?","116":"Are you sure about that?","117":"No. I will say something, and it sounds creepy, but I will remind you that I'm especially paranoid given the tendency for our members to disappear.","118":"I... bribed the RA into tracking Alexis's movements, recording when she leaves her dorm or not.","119":"Why?","120":"For the reasons I just described. Actually, I do it for every member that lives on campus.","121":"I understand that my actions may be construed as stalking but I assure you they are pure, on my honor as Hypatia Man.","122":"She's been gone for only a few days. Maybe she's out on a mini-cation?","123":"She may seem the type. I know that the night she disappeared, we were supposed to have a meeting.","124":"When I saw that both you and her were gone, I told the rest of the club to reschedule. I took that opportunity to follow up on both of you.","125":"Seriously?","126":"Yes. I don't know that much... but... I think both you and her left campus. I... must ask if you went to the same destination... and if you had any idea... about what happened to Alexis.","127":"First of all, I don't appreciate you stalking me, Alfred.","128":"I've explained my reasoning. Please... I don't want any more club members to disappear. Did you see Alexis or not?","129":"Color me impressed, Alfred. I didn't expect this out of you. But you're still dealing with things way over your head.","130":"I did see her the night she disappeared.","131":"So... she really is gone, then? So... you know what happened to her as well?","132":"That I don't know. I wasn't there for that.","133":"You care about the club, and you care about the members, so I'll say this, and I really have to ask you not to follow up further. The same forces that got Stan and Sandra also got Alexis.","134":"But why this club! We're only just nerds. Why does this keep happening?","135":"It's not specific to the club. It's the whole town. Weird shit happens to absolutely everyone here. Lives are devastated and nobody seems to care.","136":"Can I expect you to disappear next? Maybe I should be the next victim?","137":"Alfred, keep your head down, stop looking into these things, and you'll be perfectly safe.","138":"Alfred's whole face quivers darkly. He seems to want to curse, or burst out and lecture me, but he only ends up saying a single, silly word.","139":"False.","140":"I'm not in the mood to face Alfred's accusatory eyes.","141":"Actually, if Alfred continues to pry too deeply, it might be him that disappears. I don't want that for him.","142":"I should just go...","143":"...I get so pissed off that I need to stand up...","144":"Man, they completely missed what people loved about the original series. It's all jokes and shit now, when the original had some serious drama.","145":"It's like they heard someone talk about it for five minutes at a bar and thought they could write a whole new series.","146":"Alright. Maybe I'll skip that series then.","147":"By the way... did Sam talk to you?","148":"Yeah she did. She strutted in here a couple of days back.","149":"She said she was putting together a task force of superheroes to change the face of the school forever.","150":"She showed me a costume design and said I could choose my super alias, but that she really had her heart set on [i]Tech Deckard[\/i].","151":"Okay, but seriously, did she talk to you?","152":"I wasn't kidding.","153":"Are you saying that Sam framed my election committee as a superhero team?","154":"Wha-! No... you're running for president?","155":"Sam really wants me to run. She says she's putting together an election committee, and she also said she asked you.","156":"What she told me was that she was putting together a team of superheroes to save the school... I thought it was some kinda cosplay project. I don't have the muscles for spandex.","157":"AH SHIT MAN! That's [i]brilliant![\/i] A super hero-themed presidential campaign? That's [i]genius!","158":"A superhero presidential campaign? That's stupid. You really think she's doing something like that?","159":"Think about it. Nobody gives a crap about the student council president. But with the theatrics of superheroes...","160":"Oh fuck. Sam would totally do something like that.","161":"That's so stupid. She shouldn't be doing that. Its pure gimmick.","162":"You're fucked in the head by conventional wisdom. I don't blame you... you're more into that shit so you can't see it. You went to ''youth leadership conferences'' where people clapped at you for wearing a suit and tie.","163":"I'm not part of that world. I'm a pleb, a normie, an apathetic. I'm telling you, if you do it right, you'll cause a phenomenon.","164":"That kinda stuff is absolute cringe. People react badly. It's insulting... [i]Pokémon Go To The Polls[\/i] level.","165":"It's only bad if it's not backed up with something substantive. If you offer people something, and you make it fun, you'll really draw people in.","166":"When I ran last time... I did it just for myself. I didn't really represent anything, and I presented no critique of an unfair system. And... if I'm honest... I was boring.","167":"Sam, on the other hand, had already been suspended for being in a death metal band, and she had something to say. She could say she was an outsider and mean it.","168":"It's a hard thing to say, but Sam actually has better political instincts than I do. She's got the charisma, the spontaneity, the ideas. My appeal is to the administration that doesn't like rocking the boat.","169":"If we offer real change, then we could win against Valerie...","170":"Damn... is this becoming a serious thing? Am I really gunning for my friend's position? Sam is really starting to make this happen...","171":"As I told Sam, I'm still not really even sure that I want to run. So this whole campaign strategy is going way ahead of things.","172":"Uh-huh.","173":"Wait... do you hear that?","174":"Our ears perk up. It's getting louder. The aggressive clopping of high heels heading for the IT lab.","175":"Linus and I both stop typing and look over at the front of the office.","176":"Sure enough, the door swings open, and Alexis saunters in. Rounding the front desk without a second thought, walking into the back bullpen, and stopping in front of us.","177":"This is the first I've seen her since that night in the basement. I start to panic, glancing over at Linus. What if she just starts unloading, talking about what happened that night?","178":"She's going to be mad, isn't she? Start ranting about what the Fraternity tried to do to her. Or... will she break down crying, thanking me for saving her? Will she stand there and shake, traumatized by what...","179":"My stupid phone isn't working.","180":"I try and shake the confusion from my brain. It [i]was[\/i] Alexis in the basement the other night, wasn't it?","181":"Excuse me?","182":"My dumb phone won't connect to the Wi-fi.","183":"She seems... totally normal. Completely unphased.","184":"Did you put in a ticket?","185":"Why would I need to put in a ticket? I'm, like, right here already.","186":"Linus rolls his eyes, a weary look on his face.","187":"I got this. You need to kill the Matrix or something.","188":"Alexis recoils away from Linus, snapping her head towards me.","189":"No! I, like, need him to do it.","190":"Linus looks over at me, appearing both insulted and relieved.","191":"Don't worry, man. I'll take care of it.","192":"He salutes me for my service and heads back to his desk.","193":"Okay, let's see your phone.","194":"Alexis hands me her device. I swipe it open and check the connection. The Wi-fi looks to be working fine.","195":"Now that Linus is preoccupied with his own work, I glance at her communicatively a couple times, just to see if she makes any mention of the incident the other night. She's got her normal resting bitch face.","196":"You said it was the Wi-fi you were having trouble connecting to? Everything seems to be working.","197":"Oh, that's totally weird. It wasn't working a minute ago.","198":"She reaches out to take her phone back.","199":"So, are you, like, going to the Philosophy Club meeting today?","200":"Yes?","201":"Oh. Cool.","202":"She then takes her phone and plops down on the couch in the back of the office. Scrolling through some app on her device.","203":"I look back at Linus, who is staring, perplexed as I am.","204":"So, Alexis. Is there anything else I can do for you?","205":"No.","206":"She finally looks from her phone to see Linus and I staring at her, waiting for her to leave.","207":"What?","208":"I'm so confused. Did she come here to talk? I'd like to ask her, but I can't with Linus in earshot.","209":"I look at the time and curse under my breath. I still have tickets to wrap up. Maybe Alexis is just checking something and then she'll go.","210":"A few minutes later, I close out the last item on my board, and put my computer to sleep.","211":"I start collecting my things, and notice out of the corner of my eye that Alexis is doing the same. She never left.","212":"I'm still trying to make out her behavior when she struts up, looking at me impatiently.","213":"Well? Are we going to the Philosophy Club or not?","214":"Does she mean... together? No... that'd be weird. Alexis doesn't [i]walk with people[\/i], she sashays so widely it's like she wants to stab people's feet with her heels.","215":"And especially not to something like [i]a Philosophy Club.[\/i] The Alexis I know is too poisoned by Hydrogen Peroxide to be interested in anything that requires her brain.","216":"I give her a little affirmative nod, then look over at Linus, who is staring at us like we just sprouted tentacles out of our heads.","217":"To be fair, I feel like tentacles have sprouted out of my head.","218":"Suddenly feeling exposed, I grab the rest of my stuff, and hurry Alexis out the door.","219":"After leaving the lab, Alexis starts talking... and never stops.","220":"... And then, Sarah said that she didn't even like the color teal. But then I saw her wearing this teal turtleneck out the other day.","221":"It's like, we had decided earlier in the year that we were going to have dibs on a certain color for our wardrobes, and teal was totally my pick!","222":"Not a single mention of what happened in Stan's basement either. It's a train of utter word vomit. Every innocuous, salacious, and gossipy thought that bounces around in Alexis's pretty, empty little head, spilling out.","223":"It's like, I passed up on so many cute burgundy items because she insisted it was a better communicator of her aura, but she, like, hasn't worn burgundy since last fall.","224":"What does she expect out of me? She does know I can't exactly talk back, right?","225":"I'm barely listening at this point aside from the occasional nod. I'm still trying to figure out Alexis's behavior. It's as if we're suddenly... friends?","226":"... and it's weird, whenever I get frappuccinos from the coffee stand at the library, the foam is always sticky and tastes kind of salty...","227":"It has to be because of what happened the other night with the Fraternity. I want to broach the subject, but I can barely get a word in, and there are too many other people walking around to bring it up right now.","228":"I'll have to get her alone and bring it up after the meeting.","229":"... but she's still mad because, like, they caught me and her dad together when he came to visit us at cheerleading camp...","230":"We finally walk into the Philosophy Club. Alexis is [i]still[\/i] talking, and I struggle to remember if she's so much as taken a breath since we left the IT lab.","231":"The usual crew is already there. Alfred, Bernard, and Eddie.","232":"Kristen is there too, and she's already picked up on the fact that something is different.","233":"I see you brought [i]Existentialism Barbie[\/i] with you again.","234":"So what's the new code phrase, Lexy?","235":"Alexis just turns to Kristen and wrinkles her nose.","236":"Ew.","237":"The meeting is about to start, so I walk across the room to grab a seat.","238":"I turn around to find Alexis is right behind me. She's following me around like a lost puppy.","239":"What?","240":"Nothing.","241":"Giving up, I plop down on a chair, Alexis taking the seat next to me.","242":"Bernard stares intently at Alexis. Eddie does his best to hide that he's ogling her chest.","243":"You know, statistically, our club is an outlier. Most college Philosophy Social Groups are only 10% female. With both you and Ms. Kristen here, we are now 33% female.","244":"Oh... cool.","245":"Technically, Alexis is more a living sex-doll, than an actual female.","246":"I wonder how having girls here is going to change the nature of our discussion.","247":"Yeah, I can't wait to hear about how everything is men's fault.","248":"Well since you already know, I suppose we can call it a day.","249":"Come now you two, let's not bring that kind of negativity into this circle. Eddie, all are welcome here.","250":"Greetings my friends. It warms my heart to see our newest members returning to journey with us, as we continue our exploration of the nature of reality.","251":"Kristen scoffs, Alexis is preoccupied with something on her phone.","252":"I know we're all still reeling from the sudden disappearance of our dear friend, Stan...","253":"I glance over at Alexis. Just the other day we were facing real peril in the man's basement. But she doesn't even flinch, too busy sneering contemptuously at something on her phone.","254":"...but I know our comrade would want us to continue on.","255":"Has anyone heard anything? I've read that in many cases, if they are not found in the first forty eight hours, they are likely...","256":"Bernard, can you not.","257":"I'm just saying. I feel bad about it, but...","258":"...And we shall [i]continue on[\/i]. We do not know the man's fate, therefore, his fate can potentially be any number of things.","259":"Of course. He could be in Thailand, knee deep in lady-boys.","260":"I give Kristen a dirty look.","261":"What's so wrong about assuming he might have run off to live a better life than the one he had here?","262":"Like, who was Stan again?","263":"As I was saying, Stan would want us to persevere, and carry on the pursuits that have drawn our eclectic band together.","264":"That said, I wish to approach the topic of what it means to be ''Good''. Is it a drive by the innate desire to do what is morally right? Is it an evolutionary behavior to ensure the health and well being of our species as a whole?","265":"Is it the ordained practices dictated by higher powers?","266":"Are there universal ''goods''? Can anyone be truly altruistic or are their actions always of some benefit to the ''self''?","267":"The debate touches off, and the Philosophy begins.","268":"Conversations circle around and collapse in on themselves. Arguments are contradicted. And the mundane is made mind-numbingly complicated.","269":"It's towards the end of the meeting, and Kristen is in the middle of how most altruism is a mix of self-righteousness and emotional masturbation.","270":"So in your mind, doing good [i]must[\/i] require complete self sacrifice.","271":"If you want me to believe you did it purely for altruistic reasons, yes.","272":"What about some bystander who, without thinking, runs into a burning building to save someone else. Or making a split second decision to push someone out of the way of a moving car?","273":"No pre-meditation. Just pure reaction.","274":"That may be rooted into our very DNA. Humans are a social species. We may talk about the individual, but we are not individual animals, we are creatures of community.","275":"Evolution [i]rewarded[\/i] that kind of behavior, because it benefited us as a species. To take care of and protect each other increased the survivability and success of a tribe as a whole.","276":"... And punished members of the species that were intrinsically selfish.","277":"So, like... how does that work?","278":"Everyone stops and looks at the cheerleader.","279":"She had been silent the entire meeting. I kinda forgot she was there. As far as I remember she hasn't looked up from her phone.","280":"Like, so if one person does something for someone else, that person gets rewarded or taken care of later on?","281":"There's certainly an element of mutual cooperation and benefit involved. But empathy itself is a factor. We don't like to see others suffer and like to see them succeed, because we share the same feelings.","282":"Careful. You might break her brain.","283":"And obviously, selfishness and narcissism weren't so disadvantageous that they were bred out of humans. Arguably, they are more successful. How else do you explain [i]Valley Girl[\/i] here?","284":"Yeah. How many of the most powerful men and women in history got there because they were altruistic?","285":"The most successful male lions and gorillas didn't get there by being kind and generous. They were successful by having a monopoly on violence, and got to breed because they could fight off rivals and acquire and protect their harems.","286":"While not entirely baseless, such a philosophy is not the whole picture. Even in the animal kingdom it's more complex than that.","287":"Sure. Even female lionesses can get tired of a male lion's shit and kick him out.","288":"But you can gussy up humanity all you want, we're still animals, no matter how much we try to tell ourselves otherwise in collegiate Philosophy clubs.","289":"I think I, like, kind of get it. Like, sometimes you do stuff for others so they do good stuff for you.","290":"Oh my god. I think we've just had a breakthrough.","291":"It's like how you don't expect your sugar daddy to buy you all that expensive garbage for nothing, do you?","292":"I rub my temples. No female solidarity in this bunch.","293":"Um, Garbage? Try ''Gucci'', honey.","294":"But being ''good'' is kind of like a service, right?","295":"We might be straying from the nature of ''goodness''.","296":"True goodness is done without the expectation of any reward''.","297":"Wait, you do something for someone, but, like, [i]don't[\/i] get something in return?","298":"Why?","299":"It's likely, since Ms. Alexis is so sexually attractive and lived such a privileged life, many of her human exchanges have been painted by people being nice to her so she'll sleep with them.","300":"The concept of doing something for someone else out of goodness is foreign to her.","301":"Oh my god... Thank you.","302":"...And with that, I think this will conclude our debate for this afternoon.","303":"More questions than answers. The path grows ever more winding.","304":"I wish you all the best, my friends. And hope to see you again for our next conclave.","305":"Everyone starts to stand and collect their things.","306":"The motive that brought me to the Philosophy club aside, I'm not entirely hating the talks. They are nothing if not interesting.","307":"I stand up, and sure enough, Alexis follows my lead. I'm actually a little grateful she's hovering around me like a codependent chihuahua. I need to get her alone so we can finally talk about what happened in Stan's basement.","0":"So... um... can you do me a favor? I was just doing some research, and I realized that teal and orange are a very played out color schemes.","1":"...What?","2":"Red and blue is just a little too typical as well. Actually, I had a stroke of inspiration...","3":"...if you use the digits for pi for a hexidecimal color code, you get this elegant, rich dark blue color that I think is very attractive. And euler's number has this almost understatedness to it. A very attractive dark purple.","4":"I think they would make excellent and unusual complements for my color scheme. So if you could just tell Sam...","5":"...Hold up. What?","6":"Well, I told Sam I wanted teal and orange for my superhero costume, but I realized that I didn't put enough thought into it.","7":"I thought it would make a good easter egg if my costume related to the fundamental mathematical constants...","8":"Did Sam recruit you for the campaign committee?","9":"I thought you knew. It's your campaign."},"ch10__10.AL.10 after the philosophy club.vne3":{"10":"He's super goddamn paranoid that people are just going to disappear.","11":"He should be. People are disappearing.","12":"...and why does nobody seem to care? You know, where I'm from, a kid got stuck in a storm drain and there were hundreds of people sweeping the forest looking for him.","13":"Why is there... like... [i]three people[\/i] that suddenly vanish?","14":"Four people.","15":"Fuck. Alexis?","16":"Alexis.","17":"So Alfred was right. Alexis did disappear. I'm... trying so hard not to celebrate it.","18":"It's hard! She's so stupid! She's a fucking idiot! But what the fuck happened to her? Depending on her fate, I'm going to be either happy or guilty that I'm happy.","19":"Do you think I know? I was just talking to Alfred about this. The dude is going insane. Anyway, I'm not in the mood to sit through another funeral. Stan was enough.","20":"Yeah... yeah I felt that.","21":"I hate it... I want to leave the club because I get so depressed... but I keep going back because I don't want to make those guys depressed.","22":"You are emerging from your cocoon to become a fully-fledged human being.","23":"Gross.","24":"Coming here would be a lot easier if you were.","25":"I can't make any promises. I didn't exactly come to talk philosophy.","26":"I came because I was trying to pick up a guy. Why did you come?","27":"Definitely not to pick up guys.","28":"It would be hotter if you were.","29":"You're way too thirsty, Kristen. You've got to be more subtle about that.","30":"...You're right about me being thirsty.","31":"Go find a guy. What's wrong?","32":"I hate all men, but at the same time, I want to cuddle them and stare into their eyes and hear them say they adore me and love me unconditionally.","33":"I don't get... why men aren't just... [i]the way I want them to be.","34":"You've got three guys in their that would suck the dirt off your toes.","35":"I know... and they're all totally unfuckable.","36":"Maybe... you intensely hate the things you actually love... because they fall short of your expectations for them.","37":"Just like... a bad sequel to a good movie. If a movie's just bad, nobody cares. But if there's something that precedes it...","38":"My recommendation, is to just not think about it too much. Find someone you can tolerate, and hang around them long enough where you can stomach the idea of touching their dick.","39":"That's unbelievably close to the advice girls give me. You've got insane emotional intelligence for a man.","40":"You're probably intersex or something. That's the only rational explanation.","41":"Say whatever you want. I gotta go home.","42":"You probably don't even have a dick.","43":"I do. And now, I gotta go home. See you, Kristen.","44":"Yeah... you definitely don't have a dick.","45":"This is absolutely going to ruin my pride as a woman... but I'm forced to ask this out of... [i]despair[\/i] I guess.","46":"Can't I just jump on your dick? Are [i]you[\/i] not an option?","47":"This is taking all the humility I have. I'm just taking a cheese grater to my integrity as a woman.","48":"I [i]do[\/i] get a little sadistic amusement that Kristen is literally begging for my dick...","49":"...but I've got so much on my plate right now. Kristen might be cute, but she's going to be demanding.","50":"I can't deal with her right now.","51":"...I just don't think of her like that. She may have sucked me off, but that doesn't mean I want to be with her.","52":"No thanks.","53":"You motherfucker! You have no idea what it's like to ask for a guy to fuck you and have them say no!","54":"You should be begging for my pussy. You all should be fighting for the chance to stick it in. I shouldn't have to crawl and scrape and humble myself for good dick. It should be provided to me by social norms.","55":"See you later, Kristen.","56":"Yeah, go home and jerk off to your humiliation kink, whore!","57":"This is how things always end with Kristen... but that's her problem. I've got to go review things with {Leah}.","58":"I walk out into the hallway, Alexis still in tow.","59":"Hey, wait for me. I have to pee.","60":"Alexis scurries down the hall in her heels and disappears into the bathroom. Behind me, I can already feel Kristen's judgemental gaze.","61":"You two are just adorable together.","62":"What, did she hit the phase where she's super into nerdy, pseudo intellectual hipsters?","63":"You looking for me to put in a good word? I'm pretty sure she swings both ways.","64":"There is a list a mile long of women I would make love to. But I'm certain Alexis could make stupidity a sexually transmitted disease.","65":"Plus, if I can be honest, this patriarchal male and infantilized female thing you two have going on right now is kind of gross.","66":"What? It's not what it looks like! She [i]just[\/i] started following me around today. I don't know what her deal is.","67":"Well at least you remembered to potty train her. ","68":"Alright, I have to run before Eddie confesses his love for me. Have fun walking your new pet.","69":"Kristen turns to leave before I can think of something clever to fire back at her. On the way down the hall, she passes Alexis coming back from the bathroom.","70":"You were such a good girl in the meeting today! Such a good girl!","71":"Like... thank you?","72":"Alexis shakes off her confusion without a second thought, and walks back over to me.","73":"That hippy girl is so weird.","74":"Okay, like, ready to go?","75":"Go where?","76":"Well, I have, like, Cheerleading practice. So we have to go by the gym.","77":"The gym is a little out of the way back to my car, but the campus should be less crowded. It's as good a time as any to try and talk about the other night.","78":"Okay, lets go.","79":"I wait for a stretch where we are more or less alone. Alexis has done a marvelous job of keeping silence at bay, still talking at length about... well, it feels like everything and nothing at the same time.","80":"I just don't get why they are back together. They totally split up in season two, and she would be so much cuter with...","81":"Hey. We need to talk about the other night.","82":"I see a flash of hesitation in Alexis's expression, before she goes back to playing dumb.","83":"Like, what do you mean?","84":"Seriously? Alexis, the basement. The Fraternity.","85":"The last time I saw you, you bailed out of my car screaming.","86":"Alexis pouts, and even childishly stomps her feet. Fidgeting in hesitation to relive the events.","87":"Like, who cares, it's like, over or whatever, and nothing happened.","88":"Alexis, you burned down a house! You probably killed Mr. Rogham!","89":"Oh... like, the physics teacher you hate? Well, lucky you.","90":"Nothing lucky about it. I don't want to be an accessory to murder.","91":"Can't you count this as, like, a [i]universal good?[\/i] That was a basement full of bad guys and I, like, got 'em all.","92":"I feel I can't agree or disagree with that. Are those guys better off dead? [i]Did the fire department get to them in time?[\/i] They said Mr. Rogham was taking personal time off, not that he had kicked the bucket.","93":"It's an unnecessary escalation. I don't like it.","94":"Anyway, it's not like we got hurt. So who cares? Aren't they your friends? Weren't you in their club?","95":"Alexis, whatever you may have believed, I am [i]not[\/i] in the Fraternity. In fact I've been working against them for months now.","96":"Well it looked like they really wanted you in their dumb little club...","97":"...like, why didn't you do it?","98":"Do what?","99":"Like, burn my face off when they told you to. Then they would have let you in.","100":"At first, I thought it was another sarcastic comment from Alexis, but then I glance at her, and see genuine confusion.","101":"I don't like burning people's face off, Alexis. It's not really my style.","102":"Yeah, like, some of my big bros friends went and got branded on their arms, but this seemed a little more hardcore than that.","103":"This was clearly not a fashion thing.","104":"It's not really my style either. But... like... it was [i]my[\/i] face, not your face, so like... you could've just done it to get in.","105":"Are you saying you would have branded my face off to get in?","106":"Of course. It's not my face, so what do I care?","107":"So that's it. She legitimately doesn't understand why I didn't walk over her to get into the Fraternity. In her morality, it wouldn't even have been a question.","108":"I honestly don't know if she's just incredibly ignorant, emotionally stunted, a sociopath, or a cocktail of all three.","109":"Alexis, you and I may not be the best of friends, but I would never want to see [i]anyone[\/i] get hurt or injured like that.","110":"Anyone that needs me to do something like that isn't worth joining.","111":"She looks at me funny, and I can tell there are a few creaky gears turning in that pretty head of hers.","112":"Is it, like, kind of like that empathy thingy they were talking about in the Philosophy club?","0":"Hold up!","113":"This really is some kind of breakthrough.","1":"I turn around and see Kristen heading toward me.","114":"Yes! Yes it's exactly like that.","2":"What's wrong with you?","115":"Oh... okay.","3":"Have you ever thought about starting a conversation without criticizing someone?","116":"...","4":"Have you ever thought about shutting your mouth? Oh wait.","117":"So you want to have sex with me?","5":"I still don't get why you're [i]so woke[\/i] and [i]so socially conscious[\/i] but you'll just make fun of my condition.","118":"It's asked completely innocently, but it still knocks me back on my feet.","6":"There's very specific rules, {PlayerName}. It's kind of a math formula. But that's not important, and it's not why I'm stopping you.","119":"What?","7":"Did you quit the club or something?","120":"Like, you took care of me and now you get to have sex with me. Just like in nature with the animals that evolve and stuff.","8":"No.","121":"That's what empathy is, isn't it? Doing nice things for people so you can have sex with them?","9":"You didn't come yesterday. Neither did Alexis. Alfred was having conniptions. I had to [i]touch him again[\/i] just to make him calm down.","122":"Maybe the discussion didn't quite stick. I need to go point-by-point.","123":"No. Alexis. I didn't want to see you hurt and disfigured because I know what it's like to be scared and in pain, and I didn't want that to happen to you.","124":"It's a horrible thing to happen to a person, even one you might not like terribly much. It's just basic human kindness.","125":"Though even as I take the high ground, I can't deny that my cock twitched when she brought up having sex with her. What is wrong with me?","126":"Alexis is stuck processing this. She actually looks like she might hurt herself thinking about it, and after an infuriating amount of time...","127":"So... you already bred me in front a camera, okay? You already planted your flag on my Planet Venus, so saving me had nothing to do with getting in my pants.","128":"But you're also saying you didn't have [i]any[\/i] reason to save me other than... like... your feelings. You'd feel bad if I got killed or something. But you're not in love with me.","129":"Yes. I extremely don't love you.","130":"So really, you'd feel bad if anyone got hurt at all. So if someone paid you a million bucks, even then you wouldn't hurt someone.","131":"If I add caveats, it's just going to confuse her.","132":"That's close to it.","133":"Okay. I think I get it.","134":"Good enough. Listen, did you talk to the police or anyone about that night yet?","135":"Um, no. Should I?","136":"You'll have to trust me on this one, but for the time being, just keep what happened between us, alright?","137":"I can't help but feel like it's a leap of faith, asking Alexis to keep a secret, but what other option do I have? Keep her chained up in a basement?","138":"A little part of me is jealous of the Fraternities methods.","139":"Seriously, Alexis, look at me. You can't tell [i]anyone[\/i], okay?","140":"Alright, jeez!","141":"Good. In fact, it's probably not even safe for you to be in Shale Hill right now.","142":"It might be a good idea for you to get out of town for a while. Maybe even consider taking next semester off and lying low. The Fraternity might not want you around as a loose end.","143":"The airhead scrunches her nose, as if such an idea is physically repulsive.","144":"Um, Cheerleading Regionals are in a few weeks. I'd rather be tits-up than miss a chance to take home the gold!","145":"I rub my temple in frustration, exhaling deeply to calm down. Trying to get Alexis to see reason is like trying to hammer mud to a wall.","146":"Alright. Fine. Just please promise me you'll at least try and keep a low profile?","147":"Alexis rolls her eyes and scoffs.","148":"I'll [i]try[\/i].","149":"That's likely as good as I'm gonna get. Worn down and tired, I turn and start to trudge off towards my car.","150":"Hey, where are you going! Wait!","151":"Can I ask you a question? Do you think I should keep my bangs or change it up for next semester?","152":"Her voice fades away. Alexis is not the person I need right now.","153":"I've got to get to {Leah}."},"ch10__10.AL.15 alexis at the library.vne3":{"10":"I'm not sure you'd understand if I explained the technical details. I think the cameras are running outdated software... maybe stuff that's ten years old.","11":"I think I can use some known vulnerabilities.","12":"That sure does perk me up. You can do that? So you can disable the cameras?","13":"I think so. I just need to take a field trip first after class.","14":"Field trip?","15":"Yeah. The library.","16":"Huh?","17":"Some of the documentation I need is so old it's only in printed format. I know our library has a really good technical section.","18":"They probably have it. At least, they'll have a catalogue I can pick it up from a different library.","19":"It's so weird... to go to the library for computer stuff...","20":"This isn't really something I can ask Stack Overflow.","21":"That's good. Well... I guess I'll pick up the pace too. It seems like we have a real good shot at doing exactly what we need to.","22":"Yeah, I hope so.","23":"There was something else I was thinking about... that gun.","24":"Why did I pluck it from the car? Would it be helpful at all at the police station?","25":"No... it's an obvious death sentence... but I feel that the time I might use it is finally coming up.","26":"I've never even fired one before... I think I know someone who'll help, though. I'll save it for later. Before anything... I've got to go to class.","27":"It's still weird seeing the substitute. Every time I see her... I wonder if Rogham really did die.","28":"It's still very easy to think of myself as the killer rather than Alexis.","29":"I wonder who else died that day. The guy I hit?","30":"I feel... shockingly neutral about all this. I'm curious about the answer, but I'm no longer worried about it damaging me.","31":"That's a bit odd.","32":"I think Professor Gina is a lesbian.","33":"Why do you think that?","34":"She gave me an ''A''. That means they want to fuck you, right?","35":"You could've just done good work.","36":"She wants my ass. Don't tell me otherwise. I refuse to believe that I'm a good student.","37":"I've worked really hard to disappoint my family. It takes sacrifice and commitment. I can't just undo all that by doing well in school.","38":"Weirdly enough I feel good about going to class with Mr. Rogham, if only to see him panic whenever he looks my way.","39":"We both know what happened in that basement, but what I don't know is what happened to Alexis.","40":"They put Sandra in that little office. Are they hiding her away too?","41":"Difference is, Sandra has skills the Fraternity would find useful. I doubt there's anything they need from Alexis.","42":"Mr. Rogham is weird. Do you get that impression?","43":"What I mean is... weirder than normal.","44":"Maybe. I think the love between us is finally broken. We got into an argument.","45":"Oh no. Did you break up?","46":"That's a way to put. Don't be surprised if I fail his class.","47":"Nah. No matter how much he pretends to hate you, he still wants your butt.","48":"By the way... are you assembling a superhero team?","49":"Oh! Huh... I was meaning to talk to you about that... but I wanted a proof-of-concept first.","50":"It wasn't really ready to unveil. I guess that Alfred guy told you.","51":"You didn't think I'd like it.","52":"Heh... that obvious! I really didn't think you'd understand.","53":"You were right, but a lot of people think it's a good idea.","54":"Maybe I'm prepared to defer to you on this. I don't want to insult people.","55":"You won't, because I know you won't let it be only a cheap gimmick.","56":"In order to not make it a cheap gimmick, we're going to need some policies to go with it.","57":"But... yeah. I'm still not sure about it. I'm... hesitant. But I think we can adopt parts of it.","58":"What inspired you to do this?","59":"I like costumes.","60":"Right. I should've expected it to be that simple.","61":"Okay... I gotta get to my next class. I can't take another late mark.","62":"We'll catch up in a bit. Bye!","63":"I'm glad that Sam isn't distracting me right now, as fun as she is.","64":"This information I need for the heist is not easy to find. It might take all my time and total concentration.","65":"Leaving the classroom I look up to see Alexis leaning against a nearby wall, eyes locked on her phone and scrolling mindlessly.","66":"Odd. I don’t recall seeing her in this wing. Luckily, she hasn’t spotted me, so I duck to the right and start to hurry to the library.","67":"I should be in the clear, and let out a sigh of relief, the last thing I need is...","68":"Oh my god, the Dance Team just proposed these new uniforms for next season, and they are, like, so ugly!","69":"...God dammit.","70":"Like, horizontal stripes at the waistline? Only Blind Tumblrina bitches could design these!","71":"I say absolutely nothing.","72":"Ugh. The dumb school has been trying to get us to change our current uniforms since, like, girl’s boobs keep falling out. But they are so cute!","73":"Hey, like, where are we going?","74":"The library.","75":"To get coffee? I could just die for a peppermint latte.","76":"No. To study.","77":"Like, why?","78":"So I can pass my class and get a job after college.","79":"Also, so I can hack into a police station.","80":"Oh! Well, I have this guy I get to do my homework. Maybe he can do yours too.","81":"Nope. Thanks. Trying to be good at what I do.","82":"Okay. If you say so. Did I tell you they even chose the ugliest shoes for...","83":"By the time we reach the library, I've reached the state where I can really tune out Alexis’s droning. She might as well be a setting on a white noise machine at this point.","84":"Hey, can I still get a Peppermint Latte?","85":"Yeah. Get whatever you want.","86":"Kay!","87":"She practically skips to the coffee hut while I try to find a seat. I wonder if there's some alcove or study room buried deep in the library I can hide from her in.","88":"For a moment, I thought I might succeed. Setting up in a quiet, out of the way corner, I start to pull out my notes and revel in the quiet.","89":"Maybe Alexis saw something shiny and got distracted. I might be able to get some actual work done...","90":"...but that hope goes out the window when I hear the muffled clopping of heels on the floor.","91":"Oh my god. I, like, had no idea the library was this big! I thought I might never find you!","92":"Fuck.","93":"It's so weird, I, like, never come in here.","94":"You don’t say.","95":"She sits down next to me, putting her sweet smelling latte down and looking over at my books.","96":"So, like, what are you doing?","97":"I look over at her to check if she's serious.","98":"I'm studying.","99":"Oh! Cool. Cool-cool-cool.","100":"Do you, like, study here a lot or...","101":"Alexis, listen. I really have to focus on this, and I can't talk to you and focus at the same time.","102":"Look, if there is somewhere you'd rather be, please, be my guest. But I have to do some work.","103":"Okay, jeez! You don't have to get all grumpy.","104":"How am I giving you attitude, I'm speaking through a phone.","105":"Cause when you're mad you get all jerky when you type and cock your head around and stuff.","106":"My work is extremely important. Please, if you're going to sit, be quiet.","107":"Okay, fine.","108":"Thank you.","109":"Alexis pulls out her phone, and satisfied that she's suitably distracted, I turn back to my work.","110":"Are you, like, stressed? You seem a little stressed.","111":"Yes, a little. I have a lot of work to do...","112":"I glance at her. I think she got the message.","0":"I wake up on my desk the next morning. My face is smashed against a notepad.","113":"Okay. Back to the equation, I can do this.","1":"Saliva crawls across. Pencil marks blotch. I try to remember if I actually figured anything out last night.","114":"Maybe it's not that hard.","2":"Then I remember that yes... yes I did. A breadcrumb to another breadcrumb... a tantalizing clue... maybe something I can use.","115":"Just have to plug in...","3":"I'm going to have to go to a very unlikely place, though...","116":"Jesus!","4":"{Leah} suddenly comes through the door. She looks worn down... exhausted. I wonder if she slept last night...","117":"I practically jump out of my chair when I feel the hand slide down my pants and grab my cock.","5":"G'morning...","118":"When I snap my head to her, Alexis is staring at me like I'm the crazy one.","6":"You okay?","119":"Cursing the phone app not having a ''whisper'' option, I start to sign angrily before I remember who I'm trying to hiss at.","7":"I'm a bit slow this morning. Sorry.","120":"Flustered, I settle for angrily writing it out on my notebook.","8":"I have something that might perk you up. A lead.","121":"[i]What the hell are you doing!?[\/i]","9":"That... that does perk me up! What do you have?","122":"What? You said you were stressed out. I was just trying to help you relax.","123":"[i]By jerking me off in the library?[\/i]","124":"She reads my look of shock, and rolls her eyes.","125":"Oh my god, fine, I’ll blow you instead!","126":"[i]Why, thanks Alexis. That's really what I was asking for.[\/i]","127":"Cringing, I peer over my shoulder to see a group of girls nearby, scowling at me.","128":"Boy I wish she had said that a little quieter.","129":"Like, is there a trash can in this place?","130":"You know what, I'm a big girl, I can just swallow.","131":"I glare at Alexis, trying to frantically shush her.","132":"That's it. I panic. Popping half a stiffy, I stand up and rush to collect my effects.","133":"A second later I’m already gone, speed walking for the exit. Alexis clumsily trying to catch up in her pumps.","134":"Wait, like, where are we going?","135":"Oh my god, can we, like, stop at the school store? I want a new hoodie!","136":"Did I lose her?","137":"I circle around the buildings once, just to make sure she's off my trail.","138":"I'm pretty sure Alexis is too stupid to check the library again, so that' probably my best bet.","139":"I take to the stacks like a fiend. Soon, I have a desk with technical manuals and specifications so old they look more like stacks of butter than books.","140":"Luckily, I have work off, so I'm uninterrupted.","141":"I put together what I think might be a solution - using an exploit that's likely a decade old. Half the work is done for me, I just need to adapt it to the drivers for the security cameras.","142":"If it works... I can change it so that the footage is uploaded to a network drive I specify.","143":"Now I just need to construct a prototype."},"ch10__10.AL.20 running into floyd.vne3":{"10":"It's not the same without Haley behind the bar, but Sevigny's still sounds good.","11":"I just... can't bring myself to look at a computer screen. Or a number. Or a single fucking letter.","12":"I want to drown myself in rejuvenating booze. Then... [i]the day of the heist[\/i]... I've got to upload the virus somehow.","13":"It's so clumsy and poorly thought out... we're like the Oceans 11 of morons. Improvising fucking everything.","14":"I just go wildly between optimism and despair, and it's exhausting.","15":"So the young, dumb man that I am, I go to a warm, well lit bar. A place filled with mind numbing alcohol and chatty bartenders because even if I know better, I'm too scared to try and wrestle with those demons right now.","16":"Instead, I'm going to retreat down into a tall glass of beer, and listen to Dante regale me with more tales of... whatever.","17":"... No.","18":"Come on.","19":"I'm too deep in the neon glow for her to miss seeing me. Too far from the door to make a break for it.","20":"She giggles, getting to her feet and hopping up and down like a moron as she waves.","21":"I hate myself, but I can't help it. Her rack is lively, jiggling as though playing patty-cakes with each other. Of course my eyes immediately drop down.","22":"Oh, I guess she just forgot her bra this morning. If she doesn't know exactly what she's doing I'll eat my shoe.","23":"And as if this already isn't starting to feel like a Twilight-Zone episode where I've died and gone to some weird, metaphoric hell. Sitting with the bouncing bimbo is the grinning, rat-faced mug of Floyd Castle.","24":"Oh my god! Hey-boo! I, like, can't believe you're here!","25":"She half-way breaks into a cheer routine as she shuffles over, grabbing me by the arm while I helplessly try and gesture I'm heading to the bar.","26":"Come, like, have a seat! You'll, like, never guess who I ran into!","27":"Alexis lets out an ear splitting squeal as she excitedly gestures to the very apparent Floyd Castle.","28":"It's that guy from the thing we did!","29":"Like, you two stay right here, and I'll go get you some beers, ‘kay?","30":"The cheerleader spins around in a flurry of hair and skirt and scampers off to the bar, leaving me with Floyd.","31":"We both just look at each other awkwardly for a moment. A nod and a quick, nervous chuckle.","32":"His temperament is visibly different from before we conned him. More subdued and non-confrontational. But he still has an anxious, unpredictable energy about him that makes me nervous.","33":"I guess ''no shirt, no shoes, no service'' isn't really a thing here.","34":"Heh, it's a weeknight. I guess no one here gives a shit.","35":"Hey, uh... I just wanna let you know I wasn't trying to move in on one of your girls or anything. Honestly, you know I got nothing but the highest regards for you, {PlayerName}. A man's stable is a man's stable.","36":"Another nervous smile, as if he's worried he might have offended me.","37":"I honesty ain't come in here for anything more than a harmless drink, and I see that absolutely magnificent creature of yours at the bar.","38":"Yep, Alexis is nothing if not... [i]magnificent[\/i].","39":"And please forgive me, but I had to speak with her. ","40":"I know, I know. I should have sought your consent before approaching one of yours. But I was compelled to speak with her for nothing more than the innocent curiosity of how better I can follow your example.","41":"It's alright, Floyd. There has been no transgression.","42":"That is mighty merciful of you. Damn, I should write that down, I could stand to show a bit more of that. Mercy.","43":"I suppose we all could.","44":"Seeing that things were ''good'' between us, Floyd relaxes some. Thought that unpredictable energy, ever vibrating from him, never completely subsides.","45":"That's good to hear, man. Cause I was listening to her talk about you, and god-damn! Got this hot little bombshell doting all over you like that.","46":"Hell, we got to chatting, and she was more or less telling me how you're basically her master now.","47":"[i]Master?[\/i] Is Alexis still playing the role {Leah} assigned her? I'm grateful, because if Floyd were to find out, we'd be back to square one with the Maggie situation.","48":"But... then again... Alexis does not seem like the type to do anything but the bare minimum of what's required of her. I better ask this carefully...","49":"Did she actually tell you that I was her master? She's not supposed to do that in public, Yawallah demands discretion and so forth.","50":"Well... she didn't say in so many words. Or so elegantly...","51":"Hopefully you don't mind me say'n that it's a good thing she's pretty. Cause that girl is a few cylinders short of a full engine block, if you know what I mean.","52":"I couldn't disagree with you there.","53":"Now, don't get me wrong. It ain't necessarily a bad thing, if ya catch my drift. I'd rather have em talk more and communicate less than the other way around to be honest.","54":"Just as long as I can tune it out. You feel me?","55":"Ten-four.","56":"Floyd grins and cranes his neck over to the bar where Alexis is sauntering back with a pair of beers. His eyes drift down to her impressive melons bouncing playful up and down.","57":"Yeah... she got it where it counts.","58":"He flashes me a quick wink when Alexis bends over to put our beers down.","59":"Thank-ya, sweetheart.","60":"You bet, sugar!","61":"Alexis scoots up next to me. These two former adversaries now have weird infatuations with me. I'm not sure that's better...","62":"I wish Alexis had brought me something stronger than beer.","63":"Now, what were you boys talking about?","64":"Oh, I was just telling your handsome beau here how much I've been inspired by him. And how I've been trying to live a better, truer life, as told in the teachings of Yawallahodinganesh.","65":"[i]Yawallahodinganesh[\/i]... that's the name I was looking for. If I get it wrong and Floyd notices...","66":"If I'm not being too bold, {PlayerName}, I hope to someday be good enough of a man to be worthy of just two wives half as pretty as this little peach right here.","67":"Alexis just giggles and doesn't say a word. Floyd is showering me with praise. What the hell is my life right now?","68":"All I can think to do is... bow slightly? That's what cult leaders do, right? Look contemplative and bow.","69":"Ya see. Ya see what I mean?","70":"Floyd Gestures forcefully at me, and I can't tell if he's angry, or just being intense. For a terrifying moment, I think Floyd realizes this is an illusion we pulled on him.","71":"Man of few words! God, it's always guys like that, isn't it. Fellas who jabber the least always end up bein' the ones with the most to actually say!","72":"That's power, right there. Power to control people without even having to speak! Ain't no wonder you're collecting wives like a hound dog collects ticks!","73":"Ew. Ticks are so gross.","74":"Floyd's words sting in a poetic way. I take a long drag of beer, a micro reprieve from having to be in this conversation.","75":"Floyd must have interpreted my long drink as a toast and starts to guzzle his beer, finishing it completely.","76":"Well, let it never be said that a Castle outstays their welcome. I'll get out of yer'hair and leave you to this lovely little hunny.","77":"Like, it was so great to see you again! Bye!","78":"The brother Castle stands and nods, before walking out of the bar. As he does, I let out a sigh of relief. The whole exchange has left me feeling just drained.","79":"I, like, don't know if I totally believe in the Yawall-o-thing. But, I was, like, into Kabbalah for a summer. Are they similar?... Oh, isn't one of the Kardashians into Yawall-la... Yawall... whatever?","80":"I just look at her for a moment, wondering what went wrong in her life, and respond by finishing the rest of my beer.","81":"You're being weird. Why are you being weird?","82":"Why am I being weird? Up until recently, you treated me like dirt.","83":"...When you weren't filming us having sex without my consent.","84":"Ugh. Are you [i]still[\/i] upset about that?","85":"And now, I can' turn around without finding you hanging off my hip.","86":"What? We're [i]just[\/i] hanging out?","87":"I [i]just[\/i] hang out with a lot of people. But I don't offer to get them off in the middle of a library.","88":"It's not that big a deal. It's just a little head. What are you complaining about?","89":"I can't have you hanging off me all the time and telling people we are a thing.","90":"Is this because of those other girls who hang around you? Is, like, one of them your girlfriend or something?","91":"Because I'm totally cool with letting her play with me too, if that's what you want.","92":"A gallery of sinful images flash into my head, and I do my best to push them away.","93":"Alexis, look, that's not the point. It's like this.","94":"The vapid blonde look at me patiently with those big, clueless gray eyes.","95":"You know what... forget about it. Tell me about these horrible shoes they want the cheerleading squad to wear next season.","96":"She gasps, and completely dumps the conversation we were having from her recent memory.","97":"So, like, our current sneakers are already about four years out of season, but now they want us to wear...","98":"I'll need another beer if I'm going to make it through this. But even listening to Alexis cluck on about the nuances of cheerleading sneaker fashion trends is better than trying to sleep right now.","99":"The night goes on. I cannot bring myself to remember much of Alexis's conversation.","100":"I don't remember going back home... but I know I hit the pillow hard.","101":"Evening. How may I serve you today?","102":"We have a broad selection of wines, beers, cocktails, in addition to food.","103":"Can I ask you how you'd like to start?","104":"I'd pay for either Haley or Dante...","105":"You know who I am, Kiara. Don't treat me like we haven't met. That's actually a really important part of bartending.","106":"Oh... I know. I'm just getting used to... serving drinks.","107":"Would you like something?","108":"A sadistic part of me wants her to mix a Bloody Mary... just to watch her struggle with a complicated drink. I guess working a whole day on something puts you in a bad mood.","109":"Instead, I shrug.","110":"Just a beer, thanks.","111":"Sure!","112":"She seem relieved only have to serve something simple... which also puts a smile on my face.","0":"Right. It's almost not morning anymore, but at least I've got the whole day.","113":"Uh... which beer, sir?","1":"I've got to hit F11, go focus mode on everything. Ban myself from newsfeeds, my cellphone... email...","114":"You know what... get me a random one.","2":"...anything to build and test this virus.","115":"Uh... how should I randomly determine your beer?","3":"So... headphones, check. Music, check. Refreshments, check.","116":"The main point is I don't care.","4":"I'm ready to crunch. It's time to get it all done.","117":"It clicks with Kiara, and she finally understands.","5":"[i]For {Leah}!","118":"Thank you.","6":"The next time I look outside, it's pitch black.","119":"I have my drink. Kiara tries her best to open me up, but I just explain I'm not in the mood to talk.","7":"It took me over a full work day, but I'm done. [i]I think.[\/i] The malware certainly seems to work on the test drivers I have installed.","120":"I feel like I'm inhabiting the role of Stan, which makes me feel good. Almost like I have a drinking buddy.","8":"God... now I need to find a way to get the police to download it, but my brain is scraped clean.","121":"When I'm sufficiently sloshed, I'm ready to go home.","9":"I hate it, but I need a break."},"ch10__10.AL.25 a surprise at home.vne3":{"10":"So... you've stopped?","11":"{Leah} nods.","12":"There's no such thing as over-prepared... but there is such a thing as overthinking. You're going to end up inventing problems in your head.","13":"So... I think the best way I can prepare is to relax as much as I can. Just... try to breathe and take each hour.","14":"What about you, {PlayerName}?","15":"I don't know if I can. That file... if I don't fix the situation...","16":"I think that's some good advice, {Leah}. I'll try and do that.","17":"{Leah}'s smile is faint but genuine. I don't know if she'd be smiling if she knew how hard it would be to infect those computers...","18":"Maybe something will come up at school. Whatever. I'll ask everyone at school.","19":"Uh... what link would I click on the quickest? I guess like... free gacha game currency... though even I'm not dumb enough to fall for that.","20":"I don't really know. PDF files? Work stuff?","21":"I just trust my virus scanners, if I'm honest. I don't think too much about it.","22":"The cleverest phishing scam? I don't know. There's been so many.","23":"I guess the ones tailored to their victims? Those are probably the strongest.","24":"It's all useless advice.","25":"Going to bed... still no solution. The heist is literally [i]tomorrow.","26":"I'm panicking alright... I can't think of a single damn thing.","27":"My only hope... is that inspiration will strike me when I wake up...","28":"I'm completely run dry of inspiration. Anything I think of... the cops will see right through.","29":"With an algorithm, your enemy is logic - always the same. But people are unpredictable. Random.","30":"There's just no way I can develop a foolproof plan. But I can't call the heist off, either...","31":"The door swings closed behind me, and I let out a sigh of relief. My satchel, seeming to grow heavier throughout the day, slides off my shoulder.","32":"Walking into the kitchen, I see {Leah} looking over something at the counter. She looks up and smiles warmly.","33":"Long day?","34":"I've had longer.","35":"You eat dinner?","36":"Yeah, a little while ago. Sorry.","37":"No problem. Honestly I might just crash.","38":"Alright. Get some rest.","39":"You too.","40":"I turn down the hall and open the door to my room. Letting out a big yawn as I walk in, checking my phone.","41":"I kick my shoes off at the doorway.","42":"Huh, Dwarf Tower is on sale. Linus has been hounding me to pick it up so we can play online. I'd kill to have time for some gaming. I bet Sam would want to join our party. Does she play Dwarf Tower?","43":"Maybe I'll get some take out. I know I said I was just gonna crash, but now that I think about it, I am a little hungry.","44":"Sam tagged me to look at this new movie trailer. She probably wants to go see it. How long has it been since I even [i]thought[\/i] about going to see a movie? Games, movies, such sweet distractions.","45":"I will get some take out, hop in some sweatpants, and boot up the 1998 first person shooter and triumph of game design and art, Half-...","46":"...","47":"Alexis Vandermann is laying on my bed, in nothing but her thong, playing on her phone.","48":"...","49":"Oh hey, you're home.","50":"What is... how did she...","51":"What is that? Like, some kind of new tiktok dance?","52":"I realize I'm so flustered I started [i]signing[\/i] to Alexis. I fumble my phone out of my pocket.","53":"Alexis! What are you doing here?","54":"She looks at me and smirks like I'm the crazy one.","55":"Like, you said you didn't want me hanging with you in public because you were afraid your girlfriend wasn't cool with us yet.","56":"That's not at all what I said.","57":"How did you even get in here? Have you been here since {Leah} got home?","58":"Who?... Oh, {Leah}! You live with her?","59":"I like, came over after practice. I didn't find a hide-a-key, so, like, I just told your building super that you were my professor and I was your teaching assistant and I had to drop off a bunch of papers.","60":"My brain is still doing summersaults, but Alexis looks like this is all just completely normal.","61":"You came over after practice? That means you've been here for almost four hours!","62":"Ugh, I know. It was so boring. I've been waiting for, like, forever for you to get home.","63":"And why were you waiting for me to get home?","64":"So we can, like... you know... hang out.","65":"In our underwear?","66":"You... don't like what you see?","67":"I wrestle with my shameful urges. This girl is a walking disaster, how do I [i]still[\/i] want to breed with her?","68":"Alexis, I don't know if that's a good idea.","69":"Pouting, she crosses her arms and starts whining. Her cold exterior breaking to her primal yearning.","70":"{PlayerName}, [i]please[\/i]! I want it!","71":"Ever since that night in the basement, I, like, haven't so much as thought about another dick!","72":"And it's totally cool you have a girlfriend. I don't wanna take her place, I just wanna be your little plaything...","73":"...I'll be her plaything too, if you want.","74":"Alexis, I really don't know. It's all complicated and I don't know if this is a great idea.","75":"What's complicated about it? It's just like they talked about in the Philosophy Club.","76":"The Fraternity had me, and then you took me from the fraternity. So now I belong to you.","77":"Please, baby, let me service your cock! I wanna worship it!","78":"Alexis, I don't think this is [i]exactly[\/i] what that debate was about.","79":"I think we should see about getting you home.","80":"Come on! It's late, and I don't wanna call a rideshare. Can't I just, like, stay here?","81":"She's hard to read, but it's possible Alexis is scared too. Maybe she doesn't want to be alone, and just wants to feel safe.","82":"...Or maybe she's just a sociopathic, codependent, attention-addicted nymphomaniac.","83":"If I really don't want anything to happen between Alexis and I, I need to send her home.","84":"Screw it. This probably isn't the best idea, but I can't bring myself to kick her out in the cold.","85":"Alexis, look. If you're scared, you'll be way safer staying in a secured campus dorm than in some random apartment off campus.","86":"Alexis scowls at me.","87":"Like, what's the problem? I'm basically offering you sex-on-demand. With [i]me[\/i], by the way!","88":"At this point, I'm too tired to fight. I just need her out of my apartment so I can get some sleep.","89":"What exactly is the kind of language she understands? Other than sex?","90":"Alexis, I can't have you here. I need to wake up at 2:00 AM to go refill the Wi-Fi fluid for the campus's master router or the internet won't work..","91":"Wait... even on my phone?","92":"Yes. Just about the whole town, basically. That's how far the orgone energy waves from the Wi-Fi emitter on campus travel.","93":"But I'm not gonna be able to get any sleep if II have these spectacular breasts and that [i]thiccc[\/i] with three Cs ass keeping me up all night.","94":"Not even a quickie?","95":"Alexis, if I get so much as a taste, I won't let you leave.","96":"Oooo... keep me as your lil'sex slave?","97":"Hey, your words, not mine.","98":"But I can't let everyone down with the Wi-Fi liquid! If it doesn't get tanked up on time, the Fidelity Dynamo will overheat and burn out, and we could be without Wi-Fi for days.","99":"Alexis pauses for a moment, the implications of the idea slowly sinking in.","100":"Like, days? So I won't be able to check my social media or whatever?","101":"Unless I get that liquid changed out.","102":"Um... yeah. I guess you do need your sleep, huh?","103":"Plus, I'm, like, very Orgone energy sensitive. Like, if the Wi-Fi goes out, my mood literally changes and I become, like, such a bitch.","104":"It also affects my horniness... at least that's how my uncle explained it to me.","105":"Right.","106":"But yes, believe me, I would [i]so[\/i] love to make terrible, terrible decisions with you...","107":"Baby, that's so fucking romantic.","108":"...But I can't. Not with those Wi-Fi tanks needing a refill.","109":"Oh my gosh! Yes!","110":"I guess I should go back to campus, otherwise I'm just gonna want to stay here and get you to do naughty stuff to me!","111":"Come on, let's get you dressed and call for a rideshare.","112":"And, like... thank you.","113":"And, if you, like, feel the need to, like... [i]relax[\/i], or [\/i]blow off some steam[\/i], I hope you'll come see me.","114":"Yeah, we really need to get you into that rideshare. Where are your clothes?","115":"Alright, you can stay here. But we're [i]just[\/i] sleeping tonight, alright?","116":"She rolls her eyes and scoffs.","117":"Ugh, alright. Fine. We'll just sleep tonight.","118":"I'm sure I'm not giving up my bed to Alexis, although blowing off some steam with her wouldn't be a bad idea.","119":"I grab an armful of blankets and pillows, dump them on the floor, and form them into a rough bed.","120":"I look at Alexis and then point to the bedding.","121":"Okay, lie down.","122":"Great, now I'm even starting to talk to her like she's a dog.","123":"But, to my shock, she obediently complies. Laying down on the bedding without so much as a peep.","124":"Alexis Vanderman, Shale Hill Cheerleader and resident spoiled blonde bimbo, is lying on my floor, almost totally naked, like she's my personal sex kitten.","125":"I don't know if I can hold myself if she come up and try something tonight","126":"...","127":"Thirty minutes and one cold hose down later, I flip the lights off and lie down. I can hear Alexis softly breathing from the floor nearby.","128":"I'm absolutely spent. But I'm also painfully aware that only feet away is a curvy coed who is more than willing to get me off.","129":"I start trying to imagine Alexis in the most unsexy context possible. I settle on pretending she just won a bean burrito eating contest a few hours ago.","130":"With my sex drive nullified, coupled with the exhaustion, I slowly drift off to sleep.","131":"...","132":"I usually dread waking up. Shook from sleep by the violence of the phone's alarm clock.","133":"This though... this is different.","134":"It's as if I'm being slowly lifted from a dark, cozy burrow, into warm sunlight, swaddled in soft cotton.","135":"The sensation of plump, soft lips on my skin.","136":"But not on my own lips... or chest... lower.","137":"It's then I realize I'm rock hard. My cock is throbbing so intensely it's borderline uncomfortable. Aroused by those lips, sliding up and down it.","138":"I'm getting my dick sucked... And I'm loving it.","139":"Groggily, I open my eyes and look down, seeing someone's head bobbing up and down in my lap.","140":"As the fog lifts, I see Alexis, affectionately mouthing and sucking my member. I even catch myself softly and unconsciously thrusting my pelvis forward, driving my meat deeper down the blonde's throat.","141":"It's not really much of a surprise, but Alexis is *chef's kiss* at sucking. Which isn't much of a surprise, given she sucks as a person, too.","142":"But... at this rate, with how dutifully she's lathering up my dick, maybe she's really making a real change in her life.","143":"This feel damn good. That's all I've got to say. And if this is any indication of the new Alexis, maybe it's worth keeping her around.","144":"Oddly, the memory of fucking in her dorm pops into my head, and I glance around for any camera's that might be filming us.","145":"I find none.","146":"I know I should stop this, but no fiber of my being wants to at this point.","147":"Good morning, Master. It is time to get up.","148":"It looks like I already have.","149":"Even if I could talk, I would have been speechless.","150":"Alexis reads my reaction well enough and giggles, then resumes diligently sucking my dick.","151":"I reach for my phone, not even knowing what I should say. I'm not even sure I want to say anything!","152":"Each time her lips descend down my shaft, the shift between cool and hot, is sending shivers through my central nervous system.","153":"Alexis stops to look at what I'm doing.","154":"There's still battery life, thankfully. ","155":"Do you like it?","156":"I nod drunkenly.","157":"Mmm, good. I figured that was, like, a better way to wake up than an alarm clock.","158":"I feel light as a feather. My head is still swimming in a cocktail of pleasure hormones. The idea of being woken up like this every morning is a dangerous idea.","159":"By the way, you should, like, really give me a key to your place. That way I can be here to service your cock without having to keep getting your super to let me in.","160":"Did they make her in a lab somewhere?","161":"Curious to test how far this goes, I snap my fingers at her. She instantly snaps her face to me.","162":"Down.","163":"Without a second thought, she turns and crawls out of bed. Making a show of it, sauntering on her hands and knees with feline slinkyness.","164":"Spinning around, she gets on her knees and faces me.","165":"I'm struggling morally with how much this is turning me on.","166":"That fact that it's with the hot, bratty cheerleader who before wouldn't give me the time of day, makes it even more devilishly sweet.","167":"The dynamic is already making me aroused, and is not helped by Alexis, patiently waiting, her big gray eyes wide open and her butt gently wagging.","168":"But I need to make [i]some[\/i] kind of effort to be civil here.","169":"Hey, listen. You [i]never[\/i] have to do anything with me, or anything I tell you, if you don't want to. You understand?","170":"She eagerly nods.","171":"That said, here's what I would like you to do.","172":"I need you to get dressed, go to school, and just keep up your normal routines.","173":"[i]Try[\/i] to keep a low profile. And don't talk about what happened that night at Stan's house.","174":"I will call you when I want you, understood?","175":"Alexis gracefully rolls onto her back and kicks her legs lazily in the air.","176":"Go to class, low profile, and, like, never talk to anyone besides Master. Got it.","177":"You know, if I bothered to correct her, I'd just be inflicting the rest of Shale Hill with Alexis. I can't do that to normal, well-adjusted humans.","178":"Okay. Well, let's get dressed and get you out of here.","179":"Doesn't Master want to finish playing with his new toy first?","180":"I can't tear my eyes away from the leggy blonde, watching her hand trace a slinky line across her belly and down to her slit.","181":"Fuck. I know I shouldn't. This is too indulgent. Too complicated...","182":"Or is it?","183":"Why not? Why not let this be a little release valve for all the stress and anxiety. Alexis seems more than content with the arrangement. Why not use her for all that she's good for?","184":"Order Alexis to pleasure you with her feet.[feet == 0]","185":"Order Alexis to give you her mouth.[mouth == 0]","186":"Order Alexis to ride me.[pussy == 0]","187":"Take her from behind and finish.","188":"Might as well see if there are some more exotic things on the menu.","189":"Come here and use your feet.","190":"Alexis giggles and slides over just in front of me.","191":"Looking like she's done this before, she leans back on her behind, and kicks those long legs of hers out towards me.","192":"Her soft feet wrap around my shaft, and slowly start to pump it.","193":"I didn't know Master was into foot stuff!","194":"Those immaculately painted toes and dainty feet work my rod with a frightening level of dexterity. Does she practice this at home?","195":"She's getting me revved up...","196":"Do you really need to be into foot stuff to want it? I think any time a girl touches your dick, it's a good thing...","197":"Anyway, she's skilled, and surprisingly gentle... in a way that suggests she might even practice.","198":"I don't want to think too much about that... but I do appreciate her dedication.","199":"Come here and put that mouth to its proper use!","200":"Alexis crawls over, a grin from ear to ear.","201":"Does Master think his little pet is annoying? Does he want to stick something in her mouth to shut her up?","202":"She doesn't give me a chance to respond, and lowers her head to my throbbing member.","203":"Those plump lips slide over the head and begin engulfing my manhood.","204":"Soon, her pretty head is bobbing vigorously up and down on my cock. Her perky tits clapping softly from giving the feverish motion.","205":"Her soft whimpers and moans, muffled by my cock, are almost too much.","206":"I gesture with my finger for her to get up here and get on top of me.","207":"Obediently, the little sultry blonde crawls back up on the bed, staring at me with those lustful eyes.","208":"Her nipples graze my chest as she mounts me, and I feel her shudder at the contact.","209":"Master wants his dick inside his dirty little cum-slut, doesn't he?","210":"Yes, Master does.","211":"Alexis lifts herself up, and slowly lowers her nubile body down onto my member.","212":"The head of my shaft presses against her moist lips. Held for a moment by her tightness, before her womanhood surrenders itself to me, and my cock plunges deep inside her.","213":"Alexis's face contorts into a sensual moan as she's impaled on my meat. The sensation knocking the senses from her for a moment.","214":"But even as her brain is scrambled, her body takes over, instinctually pumping her hips down my shaft.","215":"Oh, fuck! Master is big! He might break his new toy!","216":"I grin, taking her by the hips and starting to thrust, even as she's still collecting herself.","217":"A melody of giggles and moans escape from Alexis, bobbing up and down in my lap, my rod penetrating her over and over again.","218":"I also realize Alexis is shockingly tight. More so than I would have thought, given her reputation. Maybe she doesn't take it as much as advertised.","219":"But... maybe it's not inexperience. I've seen pictures of her around the Internet. I think it's... [i]kegels.","220":"Yeah... this is the only explanation. Alexis fucking exercises these muscles. I can tell by how well she can squeeze down on me...","221":"She's a cheerleader, alright. She proved it with the footwork earlier, and now with her interior.","222":"What she doesn't know is... I may be a IT tech, but I ain't a slouch in this department. If I want to make someone drool and cum, I can fucking do it.","223":"Shit! I can barely keep my eyes straight! You're fucking my brains out!","224":"It's all I can do to grin, and continue pumping Alexis, feeling climax start to creep closer and closer.","225":"Alexis readjusts. Leaning back and giving me a grand view of her ridgeline.","226":"I watch with glee, as those milky orbs bounce playfully back and forth on her little chest. Her nipples, standing at attention on each of her peaks, like little cherries on top of two scoops of vanilla.","227":"I'm already spun up beyond reason. All I can think of is fucking Alexis.","228":"Grabbing her, I pull up to me. She instinctively gets on all fours.","229":"Holding my hungry shaft, I press the head to her slit.","230":"Her breath is fast and deep in anticipation.","231":"I push forward and penetrate her.","232":"Fuck! Master! You're so big!","233":"Alexis presses her hindquarters back into me with each thrust. Her round, soft cheeks clapping against my pelvis.","234":"Fuck me, Master! I've been so bad!","235":"I still can't believe how tight Alexis is.","236":"Her pussy seems to undulate and suck at my cock, driving me even more ravenous with lust.","237":"She does her best, but she can't hold up to a man probably twice her weight, thrusting hard into her.","238":"Moaning, she slowly starts to melt into the bed.","239":"I guess this is the piledriver... but I feel a lot more like a hammer, striking Alexis into position, getting her deeper and deeper into the bed.","240":"Each thrust her whole body has to tense to keep itself steady, and that translates in to a tightening of her already tight hole.","241":"She's an amazing fuck, that's for sure. Breaking the bed is entirely possible.","242":"Best cause of a broken bed ever.","243":"Suddenly, she seems to pull herself out of her sex-induced trance and reaches for the phone.","244":"What the hell is she doing?","245":"This little bitch.","246":"She flips it up and starts taking selfies of herself getting fucked. There's no helping her.","247":"Like a spark lighting off a powder keg, I draw up every ounce of pent up anger I've saved up for Alexis, and start ramming her hard from behind.","248":"Shocked by the sudden, violent humping, the phone bounces from the slender blonde's hands and she starts gasping in surprise.","249":"Oh shit! Oh fuck! Oh-fuck-oh-fuck-oh-fuck!","250":"Pinned under me, Alexis holds on for dear life as I finally take out all my aggression on her tight little pussy.","251":"Oh my god! You're so fucking deep!","252":"Each thrust buries my shaft all the way to the balls. Alexis quivers and squeals beneath me, barely able to take it.","253":"Finally, I have to stop. My heart is pounding, my lungs are burning, and I'm drenched in sweat.","254":"Sliding out of Alexis for a moment, I grab one of the cheerleader's long legs, and roughly flip her over. Her face is flushed and dazed, and she looks up at me in genuine shock.","255":"For once... I think Alexis is actually speechless.","256":"It feels like strong wind could finish me off, and I quickly slide back into my playthings throbbing slit.","257":"The most she can get out is a weak whimper.","258":"I'm feeling... totally and completely on fire. I'm going to be exhausted before I even have the chance to pull off the heist that's happening...","259":"[i]...tonight.[\/i] Christ. Well, whatever. Punishing Alexis's hole has been worth it so far.","260":"I don't think I've ever worn anyone down so completely. This is an accomplishment nobody will ever learn of except Alexis and I...","261":"Right on the brink, I give her a final few hard humps. Her slate gray, utterly submissive eyes lock on to mine.","262":"A well of pressure begins to build deep within me.","263":"Finish inside her.","264":"Pull out.","265":"I can't help myself. I'm completely and utterly compelled to.","266":"I cum so hard I swear I do internal damage to myself, and maybe to Alexis.","267":"Her squeal descends into a mix of whimpering and mad giggling. Her small body convulsing as eruptions of molten cum explode deep within her.","268":"Panting, my muscles slowly start to unlock, and suddenly grow very heavy.","269":"Holy-fuck... Baby! You fucked my brains out!","270":"My softening cock slowly slides out of Alexis. Her pussy is hot to the touch. And when I unsheath from her, my member is quickly followed by thick, running globs of cum seeping out of her swollen womanhood.","271":"Shit... I hope to God I didn't just get her pregnant.","272":"Holy shit. You, like, destroyed my pussy! Do you have an ice pack or something?","273":"I don't know how proud I should be to hear her say that. But it feels good to get a little payback for the pain she's been.","274":"...And, I'll be honest. I'm feeling pretty relaxed. Part of me is really liking this new chapter in our ''relationship''.","275":"I slowly collect myself. Reaching for my phone.","276":"No. Sorry. Now let's get you dressed and out of my apartment.","277":"It takes a good bit of willpower, I want to shower her in my cum.","278":"Pulling my staff from her gash, I aim it up at Alexis's fat tits, and fire a long, chunky rope of spunk all over her curvy body.","279":"The cheerleader gasps and breaks out into uncontrollable giggles, writhing around on the bed as I shoot thick lassos of seed all over her.","280":"Oh my god! Like, what the fuck do you eat? This is so much cum! Do you have a towel or something?","281":"With the maddening haze of lust starting to lift, I slowly compose myself.","282":"I don't know if whatever this thing between Alexis and I is healthy... but god damn if I'm not feeling more calm and relaxed now.","283":"Seeing that brat Alexis sitting there, covered in my cum and looking helpless just feels like... justice.","284":"No. Just wipe it up with your panties. Then get dressed so we can get your fat ass out of here.","285":"Fat?!","286":"I finally get Alexis dressed, and peer down the hall to make sure the coast is clear. I'd rather not have to explain this whole episode to {Leah} right now.","287":"Like, why are we being all sneaky?... Oh yeah. Cause, like, what's her name!?","288":"You sure you don't want me to go eat her out? I'm, like, really good.","289":"I spin back around to shush her, and then grab her by the arm and start dragging her towards the door. All the while she struggles to keep her footing in her heels.","290":"Ow! Not so rough, meanie!","291":"You remember what we talked about, right?","292":"Oh my god, yes! Go to classes. Low profile. Don't, like, talk to anyone but you. Wait for you to call me.","293":"Good girl. Now out you go.","294":"Wait! Real quick, can...","295":"I slam the front door shut, cutting Alexis off.","296":"Finally free from the banshee, I let off a sigh of relief... until, muffled by the door...","297":"Are you gonna get me a key?... You know what, like, don't worry about it. We'll talk about it later.","298":"Hey, are you gonna go to the next Philosophy club meeting?","299":"I think I'm gonna go, but if you're not gonna go I might skip it.","300":"But whatever. We'll talk soon, m'kay?","301":"Okay. Bye!","302":"Finally, I hear those pumps clopping down the hall towards the elevator. Signaling she's truly gone.","303":"It occurs to me that keeping Alexis as a pet might be a complete and utter disaster.","304":"...At least the ride down should be fun.","305":"That also leaves me with my brooding thoughts about the malware.","306":"Fuck! I was supposed to be focused on getting the Shale Hill PD's computers infected. Instead I got myself infected with Alexis's VDs.","307":"How am I supposed to explain I have no plan?","308":"Well... I have no choice but to try.","0":"When I'm up next morning, I sit in front of the computer... basically glowering at the blinking cursor.","1":"I have an anonymous email client up... I try and imagine what I could write there to convince the Shale Hill PD to open the file.","2":"The heist is tomorrow night... I have no more time left. But if they don't open the file it's going to be for nothing.","3":"[i]They have to have[\/i] security protocols in place to prevent dumb officers from opening skeezy files.","4":"I need a clever solution... a very clever solution. The normal trick of posing as manufacturer with a fake update probably will not work.","5":"This can't be how it fucking ends...","6":"How goes it? Feeling good about tomorrow.","7":"Better not to worry her at this point.","8":"Yeah, absolutely. You?","9":"I'm much more confident now, yes. I feel like I'm as prepared as I can be, actually."},"ch10__10.VL.05 valerie connection.vne3":{"10":"I get it... but I don't want to.","11":"Sam looks genuinely frustrated. Her toes tap on the wooden floor with irritation.","12":"Well... I guess I'll fight my private war for you. I want you to know that this is some serious dedication if I'm out here running your campaign without even your help.","13":"All your wounds, Sam, are self-inflicted.","14":"You're such a [i]bee-yatch[\/i]... I hate you and I'll call you later.","15":"I give her a smile as Sam marches off.","16":"Now... for my real task. To be honest, I'd much rather go to some stupid campaign meeting with Sam. That sounds like it would be fun. Wise-cracks and ass jokes all around.","17":"No. Instead, I'm doing something fucking dreadful. I knew I'd be having this conversation sometime... and because of the stuff with {Leah}, it rocketed up my schedule.","18":"I have to do this.","19":"Valerie, as always, greets me with her patented easy-going smile.","20":"She takes a moment to look me up and down. I think that's all she needs to get a good read of my mood.","21":"You okay?","22":"Yes.","23":"Actually... no. I'm not that good. I've got a lot on my plate, and almost no time. I'm going to need some answers.","24":"Valerie looks at me in a careful manner. I can tell she's thought of a one-liner already, but she chooses not to use it. She knows I'm serious.","25":"Okay. I don't know if I have those answers.","26":"What's your relationship to Silent1?","27":"He's my enemy. You know this.","28":"Why, though? Because it's not about Sandra.","29":"Valerie cocks her head slightly. Though she looks calm, I can tell she's suddenly stimulated.","30":"That is correct. How much detail do you need?","31":"Truckloads. All the detail. Vivid like a painting.","32":"I paint in broad strokes, unfortunately.","33":"A while ago... I went through something. I was very young.","34":"You went through ''something''. This isn't truckloads of detail.","35":"You still haven't told me why this is relevant. Why do you need this extremely personal information?","36":"So I can find Silent1. You want me to find him, don't you?","37":"Yeah. I do. And if there was even a sliver of a possibility that my long and boring backstory would have anything to do with you finding Silent1, I would've done so.","38":"I have a few minutes before work. How long is this backstory?","39":"Twenty-one years.","40":"I slowly shut my eyes and sigh.","41":"This is not helpful.","42":"You aren't going to find the clue you need. There's no point in asking me.","43":"The first time I met Val... it was on the student council of Annette Taylor. She told me she was adopted. Was there something in her deep past? [i]Before[\/i] she was adopted?","44":"Can I ask specific questions?","45":"Absolutely.","46":"When was the first time you heard of Silent1?","47":"Sandra mentioned the name to me, when we were roommates.","48":"Not before that?","49":"No.","50":"Here's what I don't understand. When I told you that I found Sandra... it really seemed like all you wanted me to do was find Silent1.","51":"Okay. I can see why you'd think that.","52":"If you were just concerned for your friend, you would've been happy that I had found her.","53":"I was happy that you found her. But I'm looking for Silent1.","54":"For reasons other than Sandra.","55":"Yes, obviously. We have established that.","56":"So tell me why.","57":"For what reason? You've already seen what Silent1 does. What more do you want to know?","58":"Here... let me rip open my ribcage for you. Here's all my soft vulnerable bits... here's where my heart is. Here's all my most painful memories. Let me show you, we can hug it out afterward and I'll cry on your shoulder.","59":"No, {PlayerName}, I'm not simply going to reveal to you my greatest pains and regrets just because you ask me.","60":"You don't trust me or something?","61":"The... the sad puppy eyes. Damn it.. if I look straight into them I'm completely lost. That's your strongest weapon. Your cute, adorable eyes.","62":"I do trust you, {PlayerName}. This has nothing to do with whether or not I trust you. This is me not dredging up painful memories. This is me trying to live a new life and not existing in the old one.","63":"The thing is, whatever you have to tell me, might be a vital clue. I won't know that until you tell me, and you won't know that until you tell me.","64":"Every single time you come here and we talk about this... I very seriously weigh my options. The pros and cons of telling you everything that's happened to me and everything that hasn't.","65":"I don't deny it - maybe if you knew everything I knew, the true identity of Silent1 would be obvious. But I really think you don't need that kind of help.","66":"I don't get it. You're just like {Leah}... she's holding back from me too. Are you both Silent1? Is this some kind of puppet theater? Two different hands controlling the same thing?","67":"That's... that's a joke, right?","68":"Is it?","69":"It's a pretty fascinating idea... [i]if Silent1 were two people[\/i]...","70":"The thing was... Sandra already alluded to Silent1 maybe being multiple people. If it's a title people assign themselves, there has to be multiple Silent1s out there.","71":"At the same time. ","72":"Should I tell her about Silent2? [i]Have[\/i] I told her about Silent2? Given her reticence, I'm not in the mood to tell her anything more than what's strictly necessary.","73":"You know what? Come to my place tomorrow.","74":"This is a sudden change in conversation.","75":"I'm desperately seguing from your [i]two-person Silent1 team theory[\/i]. So hang out with me tomorrow. It'd be fun.","76":"I can't begin to describe how busy I'll be...","77":"Well, if you don't come, you'll lose out on a prime opportunity to interrogate me about the [i]tragic truth of my past[\/i].","78":"Damn... that's a good point. By then... I'll have only... [i]two days[\/i] before the heist...","79":"I'll let you know. Probably the day of.","80":"Nice. I'll see you then, {PlayerName}.","81":"We aren't done with this conversation.","82":"I understand, {PlayerName}. If I were you, I wouldn't give up either. I just know that you don't need to know what I know.","83":"Yeah. If you're not going to help me, I need to go.","84":"Before you do that...","85":"Val, I'm under a lot of pressure. I can't just sit and chat.","86":"Sure. Can I walk with you to wherever you're going? That way I won't slow you down.","87":"There's really no reason why she shouldn't... I just don't know what she wants to talk about.","88":"Sure.","89":"Sorry if this feels unrelated to your most pressing concerns, {PlayerName}. Something has been eating at the back of my mind. Have you ever thought of getting your voice back?","90":"Where does this come from?","91":"Where [i]doesn't[\/i] it come from? Isn't this a perfectly normal human desire? To talk again? To regain what you lost back?","92":"You are right. It is unrelated to my most pressing concerns. Or any concern. I haven't thought about getting my voice back in years.","93":"I told Linus once that, even if I had the choice, I wouldn't want it back. I wouldn't know what to do with it. I've made so many adjustments to my life already it just feels like a waste of effort just to turn back the clock.","94":"Here's what disturbs me, {PlayerName}... you just gave up on it so easily. If you lose something you've always had, then claim you never needed it, one might think you're simply coping.","95":"After the malpractice money came in, I was given a choice to have it back.","96":"You were? And you said no?","97":"The thing was, those kinds of transplants are extremely rare. A medical school put forward an offer to give me a new voice box. Basically, they wanted to practice on me.","98":"I had already suffered one botched surgery that nearly killed me, and I didn't really want to try a second.","99":"You were scared of another screw up?","100":"That was part of it, but the truth was that I suddenly had a lot of money. I could either put me and {Leah} through college without debt or I could get a voice.","101":"I chose the free college.","102":"That's not a bad choice.","103":"Yes. I'm curious why you're thinking about this now.","104":"I was interested in how you'd feel. I read a story about a cancer victim who had a voice transplant. I didn't know if that was an option open to you.","105":"Not anymore. The medical school's offer was only a temporary thing. I'm fine with the way I am.","106":"I see. It's admirable that you'd be at peace with your situation.","107":"I'm not sure I'd say the same about myself.","108":"Val, it was nice for you to walk with me, but I gotta go to work, then I've got this meeting after that.","109":"I hope a fun meeting.","110":"The Philosophy Club.","111":"You've kept going?","112":"Yeah.","0":"Rogham's possible death suddenly dropped from foremost on my mind to the very last thing.","113":"But... the connection between the Philosophy Club and the Fraternity... it was through Stan, and now he's gone...","1":"While listening to the substitute professor's voice, my head runs through scenarios for how those security cameras work.","114":"I don't know. I just feel like going. I find listening to a bunch of eggheads comforting.","2":"Confronting Rogham has suddenly gone from foremost to my mind the very last thing.","115":"Talking about eggheads, Linus is going to kill me if I don't cover his breaks.","3":"His voice drones on. I couldn't care less, if I'm honest. I'm already thinking of ways I can get past those security cameras at the police situation.","116":"Yes, Linus does seem fierce. Please... take care of yourself. And I'll see you tomorrow night.","4":"The lecture ends in no time flat. Before I can get out, Sam intercepts me like an anti-air missile.","117":"I nod at Val, then head in.","5":"So... you up for a campaign meeting?","6":"Not right now.","7":"But... it's [i]your[\/i] campaign meeting... for [i]your[\/i] presidential campaign... I've got like a team waiting for you...","8":"Oh. Right. You've got top secret super-spy stuff that's more important...","9":"You're getting the hang of this."},"ch10__10.VL.10 val and emily.vne3":{"10":"Kit?","11":"Electrodes, drills, scalpels, little tiny metal things to shove beneath my nails, things like that.","12":"What?","13":"You're here to interrogate me, right?","14":"All that fancy stuff is obsolete now. You can just torture people with a bucket of water and a dishrag.","15":"Waterboarding master.","16":"Yeah. Master waterboarder right here.","17":"Valerie gives me a broad grin.","18":"Right, well, I've got a really nice bucket upstairs. Solid design. Good waterflow. Absolutely perfect for enhanced interrogations.","19":"I can't wait to see it.","20":"I can't believe you've never seen my house.","21":"I just assumed you lived out of your office.","22":"You're kinda right, though. You'll see.","23":"[i]Velcome, velcome to my castle. Please... stay... for eternity...[\/i]","24":"Alright. The Dracula act is a bit much.","25":"[i]Please... take off your shoes. Make yourself at home.","26":"Here it is. My... [i]office[\/i].","27":"Wow. I definitely know what Valerie was talking about. Valerie really never leaves her work.","28":"Somehow, even with the stacked file cabinets, this place is pure class. It's so [i]her[\/i]. It's even got that Valerie smell to it... that inky, oaky, winey scent I subconsciously associate with her.","29":"Cool, isn't it? I know you're speechless.","30":"...And turn your attention here. When I found the listing for this place, they specifically said this little nook was perfect for CIA black site torture sessions.","31":"The floors are made from a water-and-stain-resistant tropical hardwood. A drain positioned beneath the sofa is perfect for disposing of blood and other bodily fluids.","32":"And, after a sweaty and difficult interrogation, you can put your heels up while listening to smooth jazz on vinyl.","33":"I was thinking for the interrogation, I could put [i]Baby Shark[\/i] on repeat until you spill every detail.","34":"That, sir, is a war crime. Excuse me while I prepare the area.","35":"So... [i]this[\/i] is how Valerie relaxes. If I lived in a place like this, I probably wouldn't leave.","36":"She spends so much time at the office. I wonder how often she really hangs out here?","37":"It almost feels like a waste...","38":"I look around, and when I next see Valerie, she's picking through her vinyl collection.","39":"I didn't know you were a big music person.","40":"Hmm? I wouldn't say I'm a music aficionado. But nowadays if you're going to get anything it might as well be a record player.","41":"They say vinyl is best. I think they're probably right.","42":"Mmm. That's good.","43":"Classy tune. Is that seduction music?","44":"I like fucking more than answering personal questions. So maybe.","45":"But... it's for nothing, really. If we're going to fuck, it's going to be after the questions and not before.","46":"She's right about that. I'm not letting myself get distracted this time.","47":"But... you're extremely skilled at not having sex with me. So it wasn't going to work anyway.","48":"That's a weird way to put it. It does put a smirk on my face.","49":"I've got a real treat for you. Come here.","50":"A treat? That sounds exciting.","51":"Whether this turns out to be just a tactic to distract me or not... I don't really care.","52":"I'm definitely going to ask what I need to. Nothing is going to stop me from doing that. But I'm not passing up the opportunity for fun.","53":"Mini Sevigny's.","54":"Damn Val. Why are you so damn classy?","55":"I study hard, {PlayerName}. If I'm not in class, I like to feel as though I am.","56":"Now, go ahead. Ask me your stupid questions. You have your opportunity.","57":"I nod at the cocktail shakers.","58":"Is that the waterboarding bucket you were talking about?","59":"Of course. Nothing but the best for you.","60":"Val, you've got to tell me about Silent1.","61":"I don't know what to tell you. All I know are the things he's done.","62":"If I knew who he was, I wouldn't need any help finding him.","63":"Drinksies first.","64":"What is this?","65":"Drink it first. I don't want to spoil the surprise.","66":"Okay...","67":"Sweet, salty, coffee undertones...","68":"It's good. Unusual, but good.","69":"I call it a ''Rum 'n Cum''.","70":"Oh, [i]come on![\/i] Don't be ridiculous. It's just a name!","71":"Something about... the name... and the salty flavor... just immediately engaged my gag reflex...","72":"It's not [i]actually[\/i] made of cum.","73":"You did like it though, right?","74":"The name completely spoils it for me.","75":"The name shouldn't spoil it. It's a fun name. Like [i]Sex on the Beach[\/i].","76":"But the texture, combined with the taste, made me think of it...","77":"And you know the taste of cum how?","78":"Ha ha. You know what I mean.","79":"I do. That does not taste like cum. I guarantee you.","80":"Ah. The surprise guest.","81":"[i]Surprise guest?[\/i] Val really is going to incredible lengths to keep this conversation from happening.","82":"This is not what we agreed-","83":"Don't worry. You'll torture me with questions eventually.","84":"Let me answer.","85":"E-Emily!","86":"Why her? Why now?","87":"I can't stay long... I-","88":"Ugh. For fuck's sake. What is he doing here?","89":"{PlayerName}? He's here for the same reason you are. Very serious business. He's going to interrogate me.","90":"The bar was one thing...","91":"Just put up your coat, okay? No shoes either. ","92":"I'll get you a drink.","93":"I glare at Valerie, but she looks right past me.","94":"I do not like this...","95":"Isn't this nice? How great it is that you both needed me on the same day.","96":"I really am not here to socialize.","97":"Okay... well... if that's the case, we can attend to business. {PlayerName}, since you were here first...","98":"I can't really ask while Emily's here.","99":"Oh. Emily? Would you like to discuss your issues?","100":"I... uh...","101":"...they're private. I can't discuss it in front of {PlayerName}.","102":"So this was Valerie's plan all along? Shit. Did she have any intentions at all to talk?","103":"I wonder if Emily's issue was also something Valerie was avoiding.","104":"I see then. This puts us in a odd situation. I was hoping to save some time by doing these important conversations both at the same time.","105":"This is... very manipulative, Valerie.","106":"I can't really socialize, Val. You have no idea the pressure that's on me.","107":"And me too.","108":"Yes, it was manipulative. To have my two best friends in the same room at the same time when they usually can't stand the sight of each other.","109":"I've got an idea? Why don't you two set aside your differences to pressure me? I'd love to see some teamwork from the two of you.","110":"We're not a team anymore! We're not on the student council, we're not in the same organization, we're not together!","111":"I was very clear about this at the bar.","112":"I think I was pretty clear about this.","113":"Yes, you were. And I'm a bitch and I completely ignored that.","114":"Hrmm...","115":"Is this what it's about, Valerie? You just wanted to bring us all back together.","116":"Obviously!","117":"At least she's honest...","118":"Do you have any idea how hard it is to find friends? Everyone I work with is so [i]student council[\/i] it drives me up the wall! Scrawny, unimaginative people with pencil necks and bowties.","119":"I just... wish things were back the way they were.","120":"That's not possible anymore, Valerie. I... I really look up to you... I think you're intelligent and hardworking... but I have my own ambitions.","121":"I can't be under your shadow.","122":"My shadow? Is it that hard to avoid? Have I gained weight?","123":"[i]You know[\/i] that's not what I'm talking about...","124":"Valerie gives a carefree smile.","125":"I know I... brought you guys here under a false premise. And I solemnly swear... on whatever Gods exist or don't, that I will talk serious business with you immediately afterward so help me.","126":"Even... even if I agreed to this... I'm not sure it's going to work out.","127":"I'll be frank, Valerie. The relationship between Emily and I is better than it was before, but it's still...","128":"...awkward as fuck.","129":"Awkward as fuck.","130":"I already knew this. That's why I provided the social lubricant.","131":"It's going to take more than a <dq>rum 'n cum<dq>.","132":"The... the Roman cum?","133":"Did I say the alcohol was the social lubricant? I brought a game.","134":"Val, I [i]hate[\/i] games.","135":"Emily really does hate games. She always considered any board game to be a complete waste of time and effort. She actually made fun of people who played them.","136":"She's an unashamed elitist. She'll happily and proudly stick up her nose at anyone doing a [i]peasant[\/i] hobby like board gaming... except she probably wouldn't literally use the word ''peasant'', it would just be implied.","137":"Don't worry. I'm not sitting you down for ''The Settlers of Catan''. It's very simple. You'll like it.","138":"How does it play?","139":"It's a bit like Truth or Dare.","140":"[i]No![\/i]","141":"Emily, fucking relax for once. It's like [i]Truth or Dare[\/i] but it's got no actual dares. It's got cards. Let me go get them.","142":"This is unusual.","143":"Emily doesn't play games... [i]except[\/i] I have actually played Truth or Dare with her. It did not go well.","144":"Valerie might not know Emily's background with this game...","145":"Valerie returns to her seat, card in hand.","146":"Oh. This is a very simple question. A real no-brainer. First one is for Emily. [i]Are you a virgin?[\/i]","147":"Are these all sex questions?","148":"I'd say... hmm... thirty percent in the full set.","149":"Thirty percent?","150":"Yes, that's in the full set, but in this set, I removed all the boring non-sex ones.","151":"I hate you...","152":"Are you a virgin?","153":"I'm obviously not a virgin.","154":"Good warmup. Next question is for you, {PlayerName}. Feet, calves, knees or thighs?","155":"Does it mean which I prefer?","156":"You know... it doesn't actually say specifically, so I imagine it's up to interpretation.","157":"I'd say...","158":"Feet.","159":"Calves.","160":"Knees.","161":"Thighs.","162":"[i]Kinky[\/i]. And both of us are caught barefoot. I feel quite vulnerable right now.","163":"I've never understood foot fetishes.","164":"I bet you Emily secretly likes feet.","165":"I don't... but... whatever...","166":"Respectable.","167":"Yeah... they're... fine...","168":"Sexy.","169":"[i]Knees?[\/i] That's novel. I've never heard of a knee fetish.","170":"You said it was up to interpretation. You have no idea why I chose knees.","171":"I definitely don't.","172":"Is there any mystery at all why he chose thighs?","173":"I'd rather it stay a mystery, actually.","174":"Despite Emily's words... I see her flush a bit. He legs sway as she is unsure whether to hide them or show them further.","175":"Question for me... [i]have you ever stolen underwear?[\/i] The answer is yes.","176":"You're a panty thief?","177":"No, it's not that perverted. I just shoplifted. That's all.","178":"You [i]shoplifted!?[\/i]","179":"Emily, do you prefer [i]on your back[\/i], or [i]hands and knees?[\/i]","180":"I mulligan this fucking question.","181":"That's not in rules, I'm afraid you're going to have to answer.","182":"Shit. Well.. it doesn't clarify what it means. So... it could be about... yoga.","183":"It could be. But it isn't.","184":"For [i]yoga[\/i], I prefer being on my hands and knees.","185":"That's also her favorite for sex.","186":"Fuck off.","187":"{PlayerName}... have you ever had a threesome?","188":"Seriously?","189":"It's what the card asks.","190":"I mean... we're not dating, Emily, so why would you care about the answer?","191":"I don't care what you do. I just don't want to [i]know[\/i].","192":"And yet, she shifts in her seat like she has ants running down her shorts. The body language on Emily... it's telling me something quite odd.","193":"Yes.","194":"No.","195":"It had better not have been while we were dating.","196":"No. I would've invited you if I did.","197":"That's... weirdly romantic.","198":"Val drinks and gives me a meaningful glance.","199":"I do feel sorta badass saying it out loud... I guess that's why I'm lying about it.","200":"I would like one, thought... one day...","201":"Really?","202":"That surprises you?","203":"Yes, actually, given how you look and...","204":"*ahem* What I mean is... you could probably have gotten a threesome if you really tried.","205":"Val drinks and gives me a meaningful glance.","206":"You are not wrong, Emily... I've actually had the pleasure.","207":"I'm just... not sure I feel comfortable telling you.","208":"That is the world's most strained compliment... but it's still a sincere one. Suddenly, Emily has her eyes glued to her knees.","209":"One for me. then. Have you ever been high while having sex? No, of course not, I'm a good girl.","210":"Next card...","211":"Oh!","212":"W-what?","213":"This one is going to be a real challenge, Emily. Are you sure you're ready for this one?","214":"I'll never be ready, so if I were you, I'd just not say anything.","215":"I'll take that as a ''yes''. Emily, name the sexiest quality of the player to your right.","216":"Fuck. No.","217":"If she doesn't want to say a compliment, she shouldn't have to.","218":"On the other hand, Emily had no problems giving you compliments when you were dating. So it shouldn't be an issue now.","219":"Still...","220":"Let me rephrase the question: what [i]would[\/i] you have said was the sexiest aspect of {PlayerName} when you were dating?","221":"That was cunning. With that simple rephrasing, Valerie had completely removed the emotional weight of the question.","222":"Emily knew she'd been outplayed, and her lips quivered as she struggled for a way not to answer.","223":"I would've said... [i]his voice[\/i]... but...","224":"...I don't think that's true.","225":"That's not what drew you to him? So what did?","226":"That is a separate question.","227":"You're right. We have to follow the rules of the game. It would be unfair. Let's move on.","228":"This is sort of a coincidence. [i]Name the most attractive feature of your first girlfriend.[\/i] This one is for you, {PlayerName}.","229":"So now I've got to say what's the sexiest thing about Emily.","230":"Mmm.","231":"Well, Emily never really answered what she thought was my sexiest feature. All she really actually said was that she found my voice sexy, not what she actually thought was my sexiest.","232":"I really don't feel obligated to give an answer... but that doesn't mean I don't want to. This might be a chance to turn things around with Emily...","233":"Her shyness.","234":"Her body.","235":"Her passion.","236":"Refuse to answer and stop the game.","237":"Shy? Are you kidding me?","238":"I agree with him. You are shy.","239":"That's absurd. I am not shy. I was on the student council.","240":"There's different types of shyness, Emily.","241":"You have a lot of difficulty admitting you really want something. You've always had that difficulty.","242":"When you used to try and ask me for sex, but couldn't say it directly? You were like, ''Hey, let's go pick something up from my bedroom''. But it was obvious what you really wanted.","243":"I always thought that was adorable.","244":"That's such a... a crude answer...","245":"Yeah, but she [i]loves it[\/i], especially the way I'm eying her right now.","246":"Damn. As Emily squeezes her legs together, I start to remember everything I liked about her.","247":"Passion? I'm not passionate...","248":"Are you kidding me? You boil with passion, Emily. You're like a hot stove.","249":"When you get turned on... and you want to be touched... it's like you can't control yourself.","250":"You try and hide it, but you really are fiery.","251":"Uh... t-thanks...","252":"It's incredible that after all you've been through, you're still in a position where you can both be earnest and compliment one another.","253":"My turn again.","254":"Oh! That's right! I totally forgot.","255":"I was supposed to unlock my office for the cleaners. They're supposed to be here within the hour.","256":"Damn, that's uncharacteristically careless of me. Usually I'm pretty good at leaving things unlocked for the cleaning crew.","257":"Here, let me take your glasses.","258":"It should take me... hmm... not sooner than thirty minutes to unlock the office and come back? I hope that's not too long.","259":"Just do me a favor and house sit for me. There's snacks in the cupboards and beer in the minifridge.","260":"I blink, and Valerie is already on the other side of the apartment.","261":"Be back quick!","262":"Did... did she really just do that?","263":"Holy shit...","264":"If her objective was to put Emily and I in a compromised position, it really worked wonders.","265":"A silence falls between the two of us. Things are suddenly quiet. Quiet... and awkward.","266":"Mentally... a clock ticks to thirty minutes in my head, extremely slowly. Painfully slowly.","267":"Meanwhile... I don't remember Emily sitting this close to me. I was absolutely sure she started off further away on the couch.","268":"I suppose Emily doesn't think I can break a silence, so she does.","269":"It's... so transparent what she's trying to do. Say all those things... then leave us alone for thirty minutes.","270":"It's... it's stupid. I feel as if... I should apologize for her behavior.","271":"Val wants to stick the gang back together. She's trying to put things the way they were back in the day.","272":"She's got a massive nostalgia streak.","273":"And she's not going about it in the best way either. Playing a stupid game... trying to get us to say weird things about each other...","274":"...dredge feelings we don't have anymore...","275":"...it's totally inappropriate. Wrong. Indecent.","276":"At the bar, I think you definitely sensed that Valerie had changed from her old self.","277":"I think you definitely sensed that Valerie had changed from her old self.","278":"She was a lot more serious back then. She's always had that... very distinct [i]Valerie[\/i] sense of humor. I don't know how I'd describe her now.","279":"She's almost a prankster. I don't know how else to describe it.","280":"Valerie always liked teasing people, winding people up, but now even more so than before. My impression is that she's bored doing what she's doing, and she needs a way to stimulate herself.","281":"But... that's enough about Val. Really, it doesn't matter what she thinks. She left us alone for a reason.","282":"I'm curious about something. You never mentioned what drew you to me. If it wasn't my voice...","283":"It was [i]partly[\/i] your voice, though. It was really, very nice. It was tragic the day you lost it.","284":"But... it wasn't tragic because you couldn't speak. It was tragic in how it changed you.","285":"Changed me? How?","286":"Well, you [i]shrank[\/i] a little bit.","287":"Shrank?","288":"You were a larger-than-life guy, but losing your voice... gave you a vulnerability. You shrank down to... [i]mortal size[\/i].","289":"I look at you now though... and I suppose... I see something of the old you again.","290":"If only you knew how my life has changed.","291":"Yeah. Okay... so... you were never a swaggering idiot, and that's a good thing, but you had this certain style to you. You walked around like you were about to buy the world... and that was really sexy.","292":"It went away with your voice. But now you've got something different. Something better.","293":"What's that?","294":"I don't know how to describe it. The most I could say... is...","295":"...[i]danger[\/i].","296":"You think I'm dangerous?","297":"Yeah. I do. Not to me though. Just... to everything else.","298":"When someone calls you ''dangerous'', that's your cue to act like it.","299":"If I didn't reach out and take her by the chin, I wouldn't be fulfilling my duty to her.","300":"Her cheek is smooth and soft, and I feel her whole jaw relax.","301":"A tongue darts in her mouth... quietly wetting her lips. That does enough talking for the both of us.","302":"Who pulled who in? It doesn't matter. It was probably both of us.","303":"We're kissing, our lips are bonded, and I feel her out. That hunger and passion for me is still there.","304":"It probably... never actually went away.","305":"This was Valerie's plan. She wanted this to happen. Why? I don't know. I'm starting not to care.","306":"The sound of my thumping heart, rushing through my ears drowns out any concern.","307":"The experience blends pleasantly with the hundreds of times I've been with Emily.","308":"I wrench off her shirt. Her bra evaporates... I think I threw it somewhere. Her luscious tits bound before me.","309":"Damn... I do miss her.","310":"In a flash, all our clothes are gone.","311":"There's no hesitation because we've been this way so many times. Stripping down is tied in with my muscle memory, Emily's scent brings it back.","312":"She stirs something back into me that I've lost.","313":"Let's get serious.","314":"Fucking Valerie lured us into doing this.","315":"I say we ruin her goddamn sofa. What do you think?","316":"Her foot's on my dick, her nimble toes teasing me. It's not coercion, it's enticement.","317":"Damn the curves of her feet... her soles...","318":"...I feel like I can cum just from this. Not enough girls play me with their toes.","319":"Luckily, Emily's never been reluctant to use them... but unfortunately I know Emily is just teasing. She's going to want to do more than this.","320":"I give her a broad smile. She takes that as full agreement.","321":"Goddamn right. It'll be weeks before she can get the smell of us out of the sofa.","322":"Weirdly, the objective of ruining Val's sofa gives us confidence and sureness. What could be a turning point in our relationship becomes something simpler.","323":"Emily spits on my cock without the same hesitation as before. The gob of spit lands and covers my cockhead.","324":"This is about ruining the sofa.","325":"She's says it with such seriousness I have to suppress a laugh. But I know what she actually means.","326":"What she's doing, is freeing herself of any entanglements. Basically declaring that this is [i]casual and meaningless[\/i], even though it probably isn't.","327":"I'm beyond deep thinking too. Fingers around a cock will do that. I'm already thinking about cutting loose and spraying all over her and the couch.","328":"That would cheapen things, though. I know that Emily would want to really soak fluid and scent into it.","329":"Also, I really want her lips around my cock. So I nod, telling her that I'm absolutely cool with her plan.","330":"She employs a long cool lick to the underside of my shaft.","331":"Her eyes remain glued to mine. The business-like way she pleasures me just turns me on more.","332":"She's not giggling or pretending to be impressed. [i]She's just doing her job[\/i]. Which, right now, is ruining the couch.","333":"My dick has no surprises for her, she knows it very well already. She lowers her head onto my shaft, the head she sucks in the way she knows I like.","334":"A gargle, a gag as she takes me in deeper.","335":"I feel the walls of her cheeks squeeze in around me. Her mouth becomes a kind of funnel for me. I feel this need to get her deeper down...","336":"I act on that instinct. I grab the back of her head and [i]push[\/i]. Obediently, Emily put her hands behind her back, allowing me to take full control.","337":"I hold until she seems like she's struggling to breathe... and then... just a little longer than that.","338":"Then, I release.","339":"She slides back like a spring, but never stops and never releases. Like someone on a mission, she take a breath through the nose and prepares to carry forward.","340":"This is the life. Emily's lips adhere like wet petals to my dick.","341":"Despite the fact that this all to ruin a couch, I feel like I'm being spoiled by her mouth. Like I'm getting a spa treatment.","342":"Her sucking gets bolder... bolder... and further down her throat than I anticipate.","343":"It's almost like she's preparing to do something...","344":"Quicker than I could've imagined, the walls of her throat and mouth have enveloped me completely again.","345":"I'm impressed, but I don't need to tell her. She knows how I feel.","346":"But... she's forgetting our original task. We're here to ruin the sofa. Emily is going to get too absorbed in sucking me off.","347":"I grasp both her braids, and pull them gently.","348":"It's a reminder we're here for a purpose. Emily's begging eyes betray a serious debate between sucking me until I get off, or moving on to something different.","349":"I'll make the choice for her.","350":"Christ!","351":"Her squeal fills the apartment. She has no idea of my intentions. I make that clear the next time I throw her back on the sofa.","352":"Oh... oh yeah...","353":"...let's... let's get some of that pussy juice on there...","354":"As I lick, and coax her juices to come more frequently, I noticed she smears herself against the fabric.","355":"It becomes what I can only describe as a dance. Her hips undulate, her belly moves as a wave, sometimes striking my tongue, sometimes languidly moving against the sofa's fabric.","356":"I'm quite sloppy with my tongue... it's already slick with her juices, and it feels like I'm just spreading her thin.","357":"She's getting slick... her thighs, her pussy lips, her perineum... sometimes it's enough to bead up and drip.","358":"I take this all as encouragement to go further, make her wetter, plump these lips even harder...","359":"Eventually, she forgets herself. She pushes my head right into her crotch like she's trying to drown me in it.","360":"A particularly thick gush coats my chin and stains the sofa. I think more than enough to be noticeable.","361":"Having made that particular mark, I proceed to the real deal.","362":"Now, Emily's in position, and make myself hard and ready.","363":"Thinking about it now... this is probably not the most efficient way to ruin a sofa... but it's probably the most fun.","364":"Emily's wanton expression shows she's a lot less concerned with the sofa than she is with my dick.","365":"Come on.","366":"Emily erupts in a ripping moan.","367":"That's... that's right!","368":"You don't need a... a fucking instruction manual! Come on!","369":"Emily is not making a great deal of sense. I'm almost grateful that I don't have voice, so I don't blurt out weird non-sequitors.","370":"Honestly, she could be speaking Latin. If a woman is around my cock and milking me like this, I don't give a fuck.","371":"With my brain so overwhelmed by sensation, it's nearly impossible to think.","372":"My dominant feeling is: [i]deeper, harder[\/i].","373":"I press her fully with my whole body.","374":"She gapes, gasps, and then, I fuck her, pounding her straight into the ground through the sofa itself.","375":"If the springs in this thing aren't warped by us, we didn't do it right. I feel something inside grunt and groan and I know we're doing a number on it.","376":"I actually suspect that Emily's pussy could probably take a bigger pounding than anything she could sit on.","377":"I put that fully to the test and I smash into Emily with extremely ungentle thrusts.","378":"Her moans rip through the air, cut off with each subsequent thrust.","379":"W-w-why a-a-r-e y-y-y-ou f-f-f-u-c-c-k-i-n-g m-e t-t-h-i-s h-h-h-a-r-d?","380":"Her voice sounds chopped up, like she's speaking through a fan. I'm kind of impressed I'm doing this with just my cock.","381":"I can tell I'm being a little [i]too[\/i] rough, though she's not going to try to slow me down in a million years.","382":"I should probably try and change the angle...","383":"This'll be easier on her. I know Emily likes it both ways, rough and soft... and now I want to go soft. Just a little.","384":"Besides... I need to slow down as well. My balls feel like they're singing a final verse, and I'm definitely not quite ready for that.","385":"I let Emily gently rotate around, taking my dick with her. She start to set the pace a little.","386":"She moves... a bit like a girl manipulating a hula hoop. When my cock bends at a strange angle, it quickly comes right again as the cycle moves.","387":"It's a weird, addicting sensation of both pain and relief.","388":"To match the slow, sensuous rotation, my tongue makes a cycle around her breast.","389":"My hands gain a life of their own...","390":"Oh! That's...","391":"...that's good.","392":"I haven't had assplay in a bit, so...","393":"Say no more.","394":"Asses are my specialty. I've never been shy about rimming, especially with a clean, well groomed girl like Emily.","395":"I start tongueing her butthole like I know how she likes it, because I absolutely do.","396":"I've pleasured this woman before and I can pleasure her again as many times as I need to.","397":"Mounting her is a practiced art by now. She's sopping wet already, and it's no issue for me to slide into her tight hole once again. This time, I know she wants a little extra.","398":"Soon, we're back at it without having missed so much as a beat. This time, my thumb makes a gentle rotation around her rim.","399":"It's not quite experimental... Emily has done ass stuff before, but I want to gauge exactly how far she's willing to go for this.","400":"With that greater confidence, I let my fingers apply the slightest pressure. I felt her yield ever so slightly. I literally felt her thought processes as she vacillated between accept my fingers or tightening shut.","401":"Slowly, surely, she allow her pucker to accept the pad of my thumb... and later...","402":"{PlayerName}...","403":"...use your dick, okay?","404":"It came as a surprise, especially as she pulled out. Her whole body shifted to point the head of my cock at her hungry asshole.","405":"She really hasn't had this in a while. I feel weirdly honored that she would choose this particular time.","406":"I'm going to do good by her.","407":"My dick presses against her rear entrance. She's not relaxed enough quite yet. I have to slowly push it, as though declaring my intent.","408":"As soon as it seems ready, I prepare for full penetration...","409":"It's a real negotiation. She's tight, but with some saliva and determination, I finally manage it.","410":"With my cock up her rear, I feel her body is fully mine. It both accepts me and rebels... it's both painfully and ecstatically tight.","411":"There's no better way to say it: Emily has a strong asshole. She's always been healthy, and works out. If you do enough squats, you also get a good ass.","412":"It feels good to be inside her like this again. We experimented the first time together, and Emily was not eager at first.","413":"It took a long time before she'd let me stick it in - that was after months of practice, trials where she would chicken out at the last minute.","414":"So... it sort of feels like this ass is the result of a real project.","415":"There's none of that old fear and reluctance. Just a hunger to be completely filled. ","416":"I can just imagine...","417":"But... after a few continuous thrusts... I know I'm essentially at the tipping point of my stamina.","418":"I wish I could've reamed her harder, but I am well past the point of no return.","419":"If I'm going to spend my load... I have to decide where to do it right now.","420":"Her ass.","421":"Her pussy.","422":"Her mouth.","423":"Only after I've thoroughly fucked her do I realized how spent I am.","424":"That was pretty much everything I had. And in exchange... I get this sight. My seed leaking out of her butthole.","425":"Emily has it in her to outdo me, but I don't think she managed this time.","426":"I... will never get used to that feeling...","427":"It feels disgusting... I have no idea why I love it.","428":"I've warned against going ass to pussy, but by the time I realize what I'm doing I've already started.","429":"Might as well finish.","430":"It couldn't go anywhere else.","431":"There's something a bit perilous about creaming a vagina. It feels like skirting danger, and natural at the same time.","432":"Even though I'm 99% sure Emily is on birth control, that sliver of a risk is still heady.","433":"You... you had a lot...","434":"She's not really even speaking... it's basically an exhausted moan.","435":"Ass to mouth is kinda... nasty and hot at the same time. Emily doesn't hesitates at all.","436":"Emily's mouth fills with my seeds. She can't drink it fast enough.","437":"I love this feeling... even after busting my nut completely, it's still hard.","438":"But... Jesus... that was a workout.","439":"Hmm?","440":"That's the fucking door.","441":"Put on your clothes. Fuck. Put on your clothes!","442":"The timing! I haven't even caught my breath yet and Valerie is coming back.","443":"I know she made this happen... but this is still [i]her house...","444":"We scramble like fighters to the defense.","445":"Clothes are rapidly picked up off the floor. I throw things on without paying attention to whether they're inside out.","446":"...So the cleaners were off today, which means that was a wasted trip...","447":"...I... hope... it... wasn't...","448":"Valerie's voice begins to trail off as she inspects us.","449":"...too boring.","450":"Pretty boring, actually.","451":"Uh-huh.","452":"You know what, let's save that meeting for another time. I remember I have to unlock the door for the cleaners.","453":"Okay... are you leaving too, {PlayerName}?","454":"I should probably start getting ready.","455":"Emily looks a bit nervous and shaken as she steps out the door.","456":"I'll see both of you, okay?","457":"Right. See you.","458":"Let me know when you're ready to reschedule.","459":"I will. Bye!","460":"And you stay behind. Did you have fun?","461":"My business can't wait.","462":"Valerie does not look happy about this.","463":"I think I'll keep that to myself, and I'm not feeling comfortable with this little game.","464":"I think that's wise, honestly. I'm not sure we should be describing the sexiest features of our exes.","465":"This is why I don't like these sorts of games. They're manipulative. I'd prefer to keep things to myself.","466":"Your dates must have been so cold. Haven't you ever just laid with each other and whispered sweet nothings? Sure you must have talked about what you liked about each other.","467":"You know Val... I think I'll go ahead and reschedule that business meeting.","468":"Did I offend you?","469":"No... you're just prying. I don't feel like going over old feelings.","470":"I don't know what your design is by shoving us together all the time. The Student Council was years ago and if you're feeling nostalgic, you should've taken more photographs.","471":"Brutal...","472":"Goodbye, Valerie.","473":"What a disaster. Here I was hoping for a reconnection.","474":"Emily hates feeling vulnerable or on the spot. That's what your ''truth or date'' thing does.","475":"It was not the most artful way to break the ice, clearly.","476":"Fuck. I'll have to talk to her later. This is a bit awkward.","477":"That's a very sex-themed game you've got. Maybe you should've gotten a trivia game?","478":"I got it at a discount store. I guess I should've check closer.","479":"Emily is not as cool with being teased as I am.","480":"She's very insecure, you know. Sometimes I forget that.","481":"Thank you for coming, {PlayerName}. I've got to lick my wounded pride.","482":"I can't leave yet.","483":"Oh.","484":"Val, you know what I'm about to ask.","485":"Yes. Yes, I know.","486":"Before we get on this, {PlayerName}, I've been wondering something myself.","487":"What's [i]your[\/i] motive to find Silent1?","488":"My motive?","489":"You've come to ask mine, so I feel like I should ask yours. Is that not fair?","490":"It's not complicated, Val. I fell into this. I didn't pursue this, this all started landing on top of me. At first, I really resented this whole situation.","491":"Are you implying you no longer resent the situation?","492":"I've gotten way to used to this shit. To the point where I'm actually enjoying it.","493":"You're [i]enjoying[\/i] it?","494":"{Leah} is an adrenaline addict. I've known this since she got caught at the principal's office in Annette Taylor.","495":"That is really rubbing off on me.","496":"Interesting.","497":"Now it's your turn. What's your motivation for finding Silent1? If it's not helping your friend Sandra?","498":"I thought that was so obvious, it didn't even need explanation.","499":"Pretend I'm dumb. Please tell me exactly.","500":"I was hoping you wouldn't need it spelled out for you. I really, [i]really[\/i] don't like talking about it. But if you must know...","501":"...I've lost... people. Nearly everyone.","502":"God... the way she says it... sounds ominous, so unlike [i]Valerie[\/i].","503":"You think Silent1 is responsible.","504":"The second time, yes.","505":"The [i]second[\/i] time?","506":"I... [i]cannot[\/i] talk about this, {PlayerName}. I don't... really... like to think too much about it.","507":"Getting Silent1... could bring me some closure. And then... I could... maybe... [i]maybe[\/i]... put it behind me.","508":"But maybe it won't. It's hard for me to do nothing at all.","509":"I've got to ask... is there any detail you could give me that would hint at Silent1 identity?","510":"I appreciate what you're doing for me. It's kinder than you imagine, but I don't think there's much I can help you with.","511":"I am... emotionally compromised. This isn't really something... I can maintain much composure about.","512":"I'm sorry.","513":"Dante... Linus... now Valerie. The theme of this week seems to be [i]dark pasts better left alone[\/i].","514":"There's a whole lotta hurt in this world. Weird that the most positive and composed would suffer the worst tragedies.","515":"I don't really need details about how Valerie's life was ripped apart twice. I've already seen enough of Silent1's [i]modus operandi[\/i] to make a few educated guesses.","516":"Thanks for your time. I'm going to make sure that justice is done.","517":"Thank you, {PlayerName}. I believe you.","518":"I shut the door, and make my way home.","0":"Cum options","1":"anim_39","2":"Continue","3":"Well... this is Val's place. I've never been here before.","4":"Feels so strange. Val has been such a one-way window sometimes. It's a real break of that barrier to finally see her place.","5":"It should be the furthest thing from my mind... but I can't help but try and draw a mental picture in my brain of what I think her place would be like.","6":"Somehow... all I see is her office. I'm so used to seeing her there I can't imagine her anywhere else...","7":"Hey, I'm here.","8":"...that was quick.","9":"Look who it is. So... did you bring your kit?"},"ch11__11.05 waking up together.vne3":{"10":"Uhnnn...","11":"Oh... oh shit...","12":"Oh... night? Night? Why isn't it morning? Why isn't it day?","13":"The world's all topsy-turvy... maybe I'm in Australia, in a totally different timezone? [i]China?[\/i] Or... maybe I went to bed at fucking noon.","14":"I did. [i]I did go to bed at noon[\/i]. Fuck. Why... why did I go to bed at noon?","15":"I was so sleepy yesterday that... I couldn't sleep. I don't know if the anxiety caused me the lack of sleep, or the lack of sleep caused the anxiety.","16":"[i]Too tired to sleep[\/i] doesn't feel it should be a thing. There's gotta be some sort of neurological quirk with that. I'll ask Valerie one day.","17":"But once I was asleep, I was out. Dreamless, thoughtless, senseless.","18":"I can't really say I feel refreshed after that. I may have slept well, but the night outside is really fucking with my head in the same way it did during my nocturnal phase.","19":"I want to go back to sleep, but I can't.","20":"I unaccountably crave [i]coffee[\/i], of all things.","21":"I open the door, and already smell and hear the comfy sounds of our coffee maker at work.","22":"I suppose ''midnight'' [i]is[\/i] technically morning, but it would make more sense as a bed time than a time to wake up and get the daily caffeine dose.","23":"I will follow my instincts rather than my reasoning.","24":"{Leah} leans against the counter, her eyes reduced to sluggish blinking.","25":"Oh boy...","26":"It's an exclamation for a lot of different things. Like, [i]what we did last night[\/i], and [i]holy shit it's night[\/i], and... [i]that was real, actual sex we had.[\/i]","27":"I feel her feelings. Right down to my bones. Right now she's just a mirror of my thoughts.","28":"I wish I could... go back to sleep...","29":"Yeah... but you can't. Neither can I. My body is telling me I've slept my share.","30":"We gotta do [i]something[\/i] to work off this feeling...","31":"Why don't you just go back to sleep?","32":"Because you're up.","33":"You don't have to do anything just because I do it. Didn't anyone tell you that just because someone else jumps off a bridge, that you don't have to?","34":"I'm making no sense. Am I sleepwalking right now? Everything would make more sense if I was sleepwalking.","35":"I thought sleepwalking was just sort of a myth.","36":"Okay... well... you tell me what you remember about last night, then.","37":"There's only one thing I remember about last night.","38":"Yes, obviously, that happened. We're not talking about that. We're have a phi...[delay,500] a phil...[delay,500] [char,Leah_Casual_Introspective]a [i]philosophilical[\/i] discussion about the existence of sleepwalking.","39":"I'm way too exhausted for this.","40":"Yeah. Me too.","41":"{Leah} loses her little bit of energy, wiping her eyes and sighing her complaints away. There's no need to tell each other how we feel because we're both feeling it.","42":"She notices me, though she's basically squinting. I can tell she's in the same mental state as I.","43":"Good...[delay,500][char,Leah_Casual_Soft_Smile] night?","44":"None of yesterday feels like it happened.","45":"I'm about to say, [i]technically it's today[\/i], but actually, it's past midnight, so it was yesterday now.","46":"I agree. It's hard to believe that everything happened yesterday and not a week ago.","47":"How did we end up like this again? With us nocturnal?","48":"We were up all night gaming.","49":"Gaming? But... uh-","50":"Oh, it's a joke. Right...[delay,250][char,Leah_Casual_Annoyed] That wasn't funny.","51":"We were doing what normal college students do. You roleplayed ''Dreamcatcher'' while I was {mc_codename}.","52":"Roleplaying? I can't imagine us doing something so mundane.","53":"It's not healthy. Neither this, nor the spy games.","54":"I know in a few hours I'll be wiped out. But for right now, I just want to do something.","55":"Just to prove to my body that... you know... we did something.","56":"You can't just go straight to bed once you wake up. You need to accomplish something.","57":"Precisely. You have to trick your mind into thinking you had a full day's work.","58":"Yeah, I've woken up in the middle of the night, did twenty minutes of homework, and then crashed again. [i]This[\/i], however, feels just a little different.","59":"Everything in our reality is upside-down and backwards, flipped left-to-right and speaking in tongues. The things that felt simple and easy have taken new and strange shades.","60":"That's the only way you can get a good night's rest. At least for me.","61":"Let's... at least step out of this apartment. That's probably a good start.","62":"Yeah.","63":"When our skin feels crisp outdoor air, it feels like we've entered back in the real world.","64":"{Leah} shivers slightly, but it's still warm enough to get acclimated.","65":"What's open at this hour?","66":"What time is it?","67":"Shit. It's literally past midnight.","68":"I could've told you that. You don't check your phone when you wake up in the middle of the night?","69":"I'm too scared. I don't like thinking about how little sleep I've had.","70":"Well, it's midnight, and we went to bed at noon. So you had a nice solid [i]twelve.[\/i]","71":"[i]Twelve![\/i] Oversleeping is even worse! Four hours I could've spent...","72":"Well, I suppose sleeping too little is better than sleeping too much.","73":"At least it makes our options easy. There's only one place that's open.","74":"Burger Queen? I don't usually consider that an option.","75":"We can't really be snobs now. Beggars can't be choosers.","76":"Yeah... but... uh...","77":"I suppose you're right. Besides... if I'm ever in the mood for cheap fast food... it's right now.","78":"Anything comfortable and familiar.","79":"Yeah, I guess. I want to be wrapped in bacon and maple syrup. I want something that's completely, totally, utterly unsurprising.","80":"I want... [delay,200][char,Leah_Casual_Annoyed][speed,0.5][b]the World's Most Boring Meal.","81":"Careful. Dante might overhear.","82":"I'm stealing his gimmick. Let's go, World's Best Driver, to the World's Most Mainstream Fast Food Joint in the World's Suburbaniest Mall.","83":"Roger.","84":"We climb aboard. Driving her feels a bit like comfort food by itself for me.","0":"Hey... you awake...?","1":"Barely... I give her a half-smile.","2":"My brain is sleepily putting together a picture of what happened last night... or... [i]this afternoon...","3":"Yeah... I... uh... can't sleep either.","4":"You stay in bed. I'll fix us some coffee.","5":"I shake my head. I'm not sure why I'm protesting... it's just something I feel I should do...","6":"Don't worry about it, okay? Let me make you something.","7":"Sleepily, I get to my feet and begin to put on my clothes with {Leah}.","8":"She does things just a [i]little[\/i] faster than I do, and is able to beat me to the punch.","9":"She walks out into the kitchen and starts to put coffee on while I look for yesterday's socks."},"ch11__11.10 burger queen.vne3":{"10":"You didn't see the legendary pink slime machine, did you?","11":"Yeah, and I also noticed the chemical weapons they use to keep the place sanitized.","12":"I'm sure the chicken and waffles will be different.","13":"Once I eat them, they're fine. They're like... scientifically designed to be as cheap and as tasty as possible. So it's hard not to like them.","14":"Let's just go inside.","15":"When we walk in, we have the place nearly to ourselves. A woman comes around with free coffee - another late night Burger Queen thing.","16":"Is it safe to say you don't want anything else on the menu?","17":"{Leah} looks thoughtfully at the ceiling, but she doesn't say anything. This confuses me.","18":"I wave in front of her eyes, just to make sure she's still awake. It takes her a second to notice.","19":"When she talks, it's like she wasn't in a trance at all.","20":"I saw this cool documentary about the first fast food restaurants. They had actual kitchens with real chefs, and they put the food into these little cube thingies, and people just pulled the food out.","21":"It made it seem like a very cool process.","22":"That sounds like a grocery store with premade food.","23":"It's different. It's pretty cute, it made me want to go to a place like it, get some key lime pie.","24":"Maybe a malted shake too. Does Burger Queen have shakes?","25":"You want a shake after midnight?","26":"Heh... I do actually. But... I don't think I'll want it afterward. Sugar is gonna have me wired. Especially if I'm going to get the coffee.","27":"[i]The coffee.[\/i]","28":"Huh?","29":"Remember? We brewed a pot at home.","30":"[i]Oh no![\/i] We did, didn't we? I [i]hate[\/i] old coffee. Why did I start the coffee machine?","31":"It was brainless! I wasn't even thinking.","32":"I don't mind old coffee that much. I'll have it when I... [i]wake up in the morning.[\/i]","33":"We need to get over the irony of getting up at the wrong time of day.","34":"Can I place the order? I'm hungry.","35":"It would be less complicated if you did.","36":"It was rhetorical. I'm going to place the order. Be right back.","37":"Does Sandra still remotely manage this place? I'm not getting any snarky messages on my phone.","38":"She definitely isn't asleep right now. I bet midnight to her is like... [i]afternoon[\/i]. Actually I'm not sure times of day apply to her at all.","39":"Without a line in front of the cashier, {Leah} quickly finishes her order and we sit down.","40":"Oh... this is exactly what I needed... breakfast in the middle of the night.","41":"Fluffy, lovely, warm, sugary waffles... crispy chicken... maple syrup all over it.","42":"It's not even real maple syrup, though It's like... artificially flavored corn syrup. I read something about it some time.","43":"I thought you'd have an issue with it. You're the type to tell me something is unethically sourced. You'll tell me that they keep a barracks full of orphans to squeeze out the maple syrup.","44":"Most things are sourced unethically.","45":"Exactly.","46":"Well, then, you should be used to it. Everything is made unethically, just like the clothes on your back.","47":"I don't like to think about sweatshops. I mean, how do you eat if everything is evil?","48":"{PlayerName}, I was just trying to give you some trivia. [i]Did you know cows go moo?[\/i] I wasn't playing on your conscience.","49":"If you feel bad about something, that means you're bothered about it more than I am. Personally, I can't worry about things I can't control.","50":"You know, I think you secretly care about that kind of stuff. Why else would it upset you?","51":"It doesn't upset you when you hear that your clothes are made by starving orphans?","52":"Not especially, no, for the reasons you said. You wouldn't be able to live.","53":"But, once I become World Dictator, that's a different story.","54":"[i]World's Greatest Dictator[\/i], you mean.","55":"Whoa.","56":"What?","57":"[i]World's Greatest Dictator[\/i]... that title... it's just weird that putting [i]''greatest''[\/i] actually weakened it. I mean... what's more impressive? The world's [i]greatest[\/i] dictator... or [i]world dictator[\/i]...","58":"I see what you mean...","59":"These are the sort of thoughts you can only have after midnight.","60":"Actually, I just realized it's not just [i]dictator[\/i]... it's [i]king[\/i] too. [i]World's Greatest King[\/i]... or [i]World King?[\/i] Maybe it works with [i]anything[\/i]...","61":"World's Greatest Golfer... or [i]World Golfer[\/i]. One who golfs whole worlds...","62":"World's Greatest Burger... or [i]World Burger.[\/i]","63":"You know what this means, don't you?","64":"What?","65":"''Greatest'' is not the greatest... [i]nothing[\/i] is better...","66":"And that's what people say, right? When you're trying to call something the greatest, you say ''nothing is better''... suddenly it comes full circle, everything connects. Nothing is better than great, except [i]nothing[\/i]...","67":"I can't stop blowing my own mind right now...","68":"Yeah. I only kind of understand what you just said...","69":"I'm a morning person. It's well past stupid o'clock for me.","70":"Speaking of which... would it be stupid for me to bring up something more serious?","71":"Um... no. I guess we can talk about serious stuff. That's more or less why we came.","72":"Pretty sure we came just because we rolled out of bed and needed something to do.","73":"I just think it's funny... whenever we need to clear the air... we leave that apartment...","74":"I'm not planning on confronting you about something, if that's what you're worried about. I'd just like to know what our next moves are.","75":"In regards to what? About the sex thing?","76":"[i]Wow[\/i] {Leah} is [b]blunt[\/b]. You know, for something so earth-shattering in our relationship, she talks about it like it was Mario Kart.","77":"Yet, I don't sense for a second she doesn't take it seriously. I think she's just... [i]rational[\/i] about it.","78":"I kind of admire it. She's got perspective most girls lack. It could be the lack of sleep? [i]Night does fuck with her head.","79":"I was actually thinking about something else, but we can start there if you'd like.","80":"Yeah... well...","81":"Ah... okay... it's been building up, right? It's been building up and it just sort've happened. But that doesn't mean it's a mistake.","82":"As we said, in the car that one time... before we kissed... it's probably actually a good thing. Like a... uh... [i]bonding activity[\/i]...","83":"Please don't call it a ''bonding activity''.","84":"I don't mean to make it sound like a team building exercise but... could it have been? Would it have been a big deal if it was?","85":"Clearly... there have been these... [i]feelings[\/i]... and I just don't know how to talk about them while stuffing my face with chicken and waffles.","86":"You aren't in the mood.","87":"Yeah, I need someone to light a candle and put on smooth jazz first.","88":"So she feels uncomfortable discussing it here. Truth be told, I am too. This is not atmospheric. I wonder if [i]any[\/i] place is going to feel like the right place?","89":"After all, last night was a [i]moment[\/i] more than a place. If {Leah} and I had been anywhere, it would've happened. {Leah}'s bedroom, my bedroom, in the car, at home...","90":"Right... so what did you mean by ''next move'', then?","91":"We've been very successful, a lot more than I was expecting, actually. I really thought of this as our Hail Mary, you know... something we had to do because we had no other choice, but still probably wouldn't work out.","92":"You're not wrong about that.","93":"Consequently, I've put very little thought into... what would happen if we were [i]successful...","94":"Hmm... I see what you mean. I feel the same.","95":"Shit. When they get up next morning... and find out that my evidence is missing...","96":"[i]Last morning[\/i]. Your sense of time is fucked up.","97":"Right... right... it's [i]already happened[\/i] then. They're probably desperately looking around for that piece of evidence.","98":"How long will it take them to realize they didn't just lose it under a sofa cushion?","99":"That's the real question. And then... they're going to realize it was [i]me[\/i] who did it...","100":"They won't have proof, though.","101":"Do you think they need proof? Once they suspect me they're going to dig into my life and find any little thing that could be a crime. Like music I pirated in middle school or something.","102":"I shouldn't be complaining. [i]Suspicion[\/i] is infinitely better than [i]proof[\/i]. For now, they're going to assume someone was incompetent. That still buys me a lot of time.","103":"It would help so much if I had a coffee right now...","104":"{Leah} sounds a bit sad she didn't take any.","105":"Do you want me to order some?","106":"I'll just grab some on the way out.","107":"The police are a concern, but what I'm really worried about are those who control them.","108":"Hrmm... [i]Silent1[\/i].","109":"He's not going to be happy you squeaked your way out of this trap.","110":"I know. I know.","111":"I mean... what do I do about that?","112":"This sounds stupid, but... I've been dueling with Silent1 for so long that I'm starting to understand him a bit.","113":"I don't think Silent1 is the type of person to react impulsively to something. They're going to step back, think carefully about their next action, then execute it. Whoever they are, they're cold, premeditated, and thorough.","114":"If their plan didn't work, they're going to go back to the drawing board to come up with a better one. [i]One that will work.","115":"I think... we shouldn't wait for Silent1 to come up with a plan.","116":"You think we should act.","117":"Yes. But act [i]how?[\/i]","118":"Hrmm...","119":"{Leah} contemplatively scans her surroundings, a sort of cat's cradle weaving between her brows.","120":"I imagine, like me, she's trying to imagine what we could do. So it surprises me when she suggests something only a few beats later.","121":"{PlayerName}, you said that [i]Valerie[\/i] offered herself as bait, right? She asked you to use her. I remember you telling me.","122":"Yeah, Valerie said I could use her instead of Alexis for the recruitment thing, but I ended up using Alexis.","123":"That was a fucking disaster. I don't think they're just going to fall for a fake recruitment thing again.","124":"I'm not sure they fell for it the first time.","125":"On the other hand... Valerie has something over Alexis, doesn't she?","126":"What do you mean?","127":"Unlike Alexis, the Fraternity might actually [i]want[\/i] to recruit Valerie. She's smart, charismatic, well-connected...","128":"Even ruthless, in her own way.","129":"Exactly. So... maybe they wouldn't pull a trick with her like they did with you.","130":"So... maybe... you should consider using [i]Valerie[\/i] this time...","131":"Oof...","132":"Something wrong?","133":"She does have quite a distressed expression on her face...","134":"Just... too much maple syrup or something. Gotta wash it down... with thick strawberry milkshake.","135":"So... try to use Valerie for the trap? Valerie and I are pretty similar in some ways... if they're interested in recruiting me, they might be interested in recruiting her as well.","136":"I don't know. Valerie has expressed that she doesn't mind taking risks, but I don't want to use her for something that isn't sure to work.","137":"I'll have to think about it...","138":"Don't think too hard about it, {PlayerName}.","139":"Huh?","140":"You said yourself... we want to act before Silent1, not after. I don't know how much time we've got but it's not infinite.","141":"Seize the initiative. Let's have Silent1 react to us, and not the other way around.","142":"After... looking so serious... she suddenly...","143":"Oh shit... that really... undercutted everything I just said, didn't it?","144":"That was an explosive yawn.","145":"Mmm. I'm suddenly really tired. I think I can sleep for another solid eight.","146":"Yeah. You know, twenty hours of straight sleep is probably enough for anyone.","147":"I give her a teasing grin. She responds with one of her own.","148":"I have a sloth fursona.","149":"Yeah. I think that was enough serious conversation for the day. Let's go home.","150":"I'm going to grab a coffee.","151":"[i]Before you go to bed[\/i], and we have a pot made at home.","152":"I don't need your criticism. I just need coffee in me right damn now.","153":"In that case... I might grab a cup too.","154":"I've got a few hours to catch as much sleep as possible...","0":"When we finally arrive, we head into a dead mall.","1":"I think the mall tried to revive itself at some point by extending its hours... but only a few stores are actually open.","2":"Burger Queen is one of them... famously 24-7. It's got a standing tradition of serving the late-night classic of chicken and waffles.","3":"I wouldn't call it good, but at least it's available and predictable.","4":"[i]Burger Queen...[\/i]","5":"If you know any other place this late at night, I'd be happy to go there instead.","6":"No, no. I just... hmm...","7":"I applied for a job once at a Burger Queen, you know.","8":"You did? Like Sam?","9":"Well, yeah, like Sam. But this was back when we were attending Annette Taylor. So they started training me, and I saw their kitchen... and I just lost all desire to eat or work at Burger Queen."},"ch11__11.15 agent kestrel.vne3":{"10":"[i]How in the fuck will I learn what Silent1 is planning?[\/i] He isn't dumb enough to post anything openly anymore. If he lays a trap, we're going to learn about it only the moment we spring it.","11":"Going after Silent1 directly is the only way. {Leah} is right... but that still leaves an immense question mark of [i]how.[\/i]","12":"Is Valerie really the key to this? Isn't there someone else we can use? [i]Sandra?[\/i]","13":"Some really dumb ideas flow through my head, like taking Sandra hostage, or torturing the info out of Rogham. No thanks, I don't want to provide an easy way to get arrested.","14":"Some really dumb ideas flow through my head, like taking Sandra hostage, or storming into the Mayor's office. No thanks, I don't want to provide an easy way to get arrested.","15":"That would be very convenient for the Fraternity, and I plan to be a persistent thorn in their side.","16":"Isn't the Fraternity going to see through an attempt with Valerie? It's the same trick I tried to pull with Alexis. Is there a chance they wouldn't expect the same ploy twice?","17":"Any way you pull it, it seems dangerous and unlikely. But that was the exact same thing with the police department heist, yet we pulled it off...","18":"...[i]but isn't that just overconfidence?[\/i] {Leah} and I pull off an incredible feat, but we're not invincible. I can't fool myself into thinking that.","19":"God damn it... I guess I'll talk to Val.","20":"With a few hours left until sunrise, I decide to commit to some studying.","21":"When I next look up... it's light out. Damn, does it feel good to see the sun.","22":"I want to open my window, stick my head out, and just say ''hi'' to the whole damn world. I want birds to land on me and peck seeds out of my open palms.","23":"That's the kind of mood I'm in. I'm definitely going insane - I've never had my mood shift so wildly.","24":"Maybe that's because I'm a morning person, and the ass-crack of dawn is [i]super morning[\/i].","25":"That's some pep in your step.","26":"Why shouldn't it be? It's the World's Greatest Morning.","27":"You mean the [i]World Morning[\/i].","28":"I got up at four and I feel crazy good. You?","29":"Oh yeah... me too.","30":"Speaking of which... shouldn't we be sleeping together?","31":"{Leah} reddens.","32":"Uh... what? You mean like... [i]next to each other?[\/i] The whole night? Every night?","33":"We went our seperate ways after we came back from Burger Queen, so I assumed...","34":"Yes... but... I don't actually remember that happening... so I wasn't acting on an opinion...","35":"I see. Sharing a bed... isn't that something that couples do?","36":"Well... shit... I guess it [i]is[\/i] something that couples do. Am I at that level with {Leah} or not?","37":"I'm probably closer to {Leah} than anyone else in the world... yet I don't know how to answer that question yet.","38":"Before I have a chance to answer, {Leah} rescues me.","39":"I think, at the very least, we should have separate bedrooms for appearances.","40":"Yes... that makes total sense.","41":"So you know what you need to do today, right?","42":"Talk to Valerie?","43":"{Leah} nods.","44":"I'm not sure you should do it in such a chipper mood, though. Try to think of something sad and grave.","45":"Just like how my favorite football team didn't make it to the finals.","46":"Sure. Whatever works.","47":"Hopefully, I'll have good news when I come back tonight.","48":"I shouldn't get ahead of myself. First, class. Then work. Then Valerie.","49":"Saving it to last gives me plenty of time to puzzle out my approach...","50":"But... just then... a man steps in front of me. He furnishes me a serious nod.","51":"At first, I think he's simply going to pass me by, but then...","52":"Are you {PlayerName}?","53":"Fuck... this guy stinks of [i]government suit[\/i]. I didn't think they'd be talking to me this quick... presumably about {Leah}'s evidence.","54":"Better act non-plussed.","55":"Who's asking?","56":"You really do talk through a phone... don't you? Special Agent Max Caulfield.","57":"Max Caulfield? Isn't that literally a video game character? A [i]female[\/i] video game character?","58":"He barely suppresses an eyeroll. This isn't the first time someone's pointed it out.","59":"Please, don't get distracted by a simple coincidence like that. If I were you I'd be much more alarmed by ''special agent''.","60":"Are you saying you're some kind of spy?","61":"I work for the USPIS. You know what that is?","62":"I shrug, except I know damn well that these guys are the motherfuckers who hold Lidia over a barrel. This man is probably Agent Kestrel.","63":"United States Postal Inspection Service.","64":"So you're the guys that knock down the door when you open someone else's mail.","65":"Something like that. Have you been tampering with mail that isn't yours?","66":"[i]Yes, I've been shooting horses out from under the Pony Express.[\/i] It's a bad idea to joke around these guys. [i]Anything you say can and will be used against you[\/i], after all.","67":"No.","68":"Good. I was actually hoping we'd have a chat. Could we talk for a bit?","69":"Exercise your right to stay silent.","70":"Agree to a chat.","71":"It's much easier for me to exercise my right to remain silent, as you can see.","72":"No hint of either amusement or bitterness out of Max ''Kestrel'' Caulfield. This guy is a pro.","73":"Understood. But I'm going to exercise my right to ask them, even if you choose to remain silent.","74":"I don't think the police like me very much. I've been arrested before.","75":"If I can answer, I will.","76":"Thanks.","77":"I think this would be more comfortable done elsewhere. There's a sign language interpreter that might be easier for you...","78":"I think you need a reason to detain me. I'd rather us talk right here, I have a busy day after all.","79":"That is your right.","80":"No hint of either amusement or bitterness out of Max ''Kestrel'' Caulfield. This guy is a pro.","81":"Can I ask what this is about? I don't know what I've done to piss off the post office...","82":"Nothing that I know of. I was hoping you could tell me about your {sheIsYour}, {Leah}.","83":"Fuck. This really is about what happened in the evidence locker...","84":"Okay... what do you want to know about her?","85":"She's an energetic one, isn't she? Very passionate about poking her nose into things. She was arrested for breaking into her principal's office, a while back.","86":"She has this weird kink for getting the truth about things. She's horny for facts.","87":"Mmhmm. Listen, there was an incident at the local police station. I'm hoping we can clear a few things up.","88":"There was an ongoing investigation into {Leah} for a break-in that occurred at the office of a cyber security company. I'm sure you know about it, being her... roommate.","89":"Yeah, I've heard about that.","90":"A company that your ex-girlfriend's father owned, if I'm not mistaken.","91":"That's true, too.","92":"I don't think the police like me very much. I've been arrested before.","93":"That means you've got a lot of connections, right? Maybe friends in the police department?","94":"So... they think I had an inside guy in the police department, and that's how I got the evidence out?","95":"It's not a bad hypothesis, far more believable than {Leah} having [i]snuck in[\/i] Solid Snake style...","96":"You know, actually, that's how people make friends with the police. You don't think officers have their favorite criminal buddy? Cops and robbers may be a game, but they can get along too.","97":"Familiarity breeds friendship, even if they're on the opposite sides.","98":"I was only arrested once. I'm not exactly networking with the police.","99":"But {Leah}, though? I think she's run afoul of the law a few more times than you.","100":"Yeah, she gets handed [i]Get Out Of Jail Free[\/i] cards with each visit.","101":"Do you have enough information now?","102":"Shale Hill is a puzzle to me, you know. This town has something strange going on. I feel like I'm in Twin Peaks, sometimes.","103":"Anyway, I'm going to stick around town for a while. If you have anything to say to me, maybe I can help you. I got some pretty neat tools for fishing people out of pretty deep rabbit holes.","104":"I'm a fed. I can help even where the state and local authorities can't. Don't underestimate a partnership with me. I can protect you.","105":"I won't underestimate you.","106":"Whether Kestrel got what he wanted out of me, I can't say, but he doesn't show it.","107":"I'm hoping, next time we see each other, it will be you coming to me and not the other way around.","108":"What a sucky start to the day. So the feds are finally slinking out of their unmarked vans? Are they getting desperate or something?","109":"A month ago, I would've loved to have shoved all this shit onto the police. Now, it's like I [i]own[\/i] this. If I just tell them everything, what was my role in this to begin with?","110":"I'd stop being a player. I'd start being normal, domesticated, harmless college kid.","111":"I can't go back to that.","112":"Look who escaped Arkham.","0":"Still... dark? Did I sleep through the whole day...?","113":"Are you talking about me, or that other guy? Also, where did you come from?","1":"It's... four in the morning. I slept... what? Twelve hours?","114":"I dwell in the shadows. I melt into it, like a butter on a hot, steamy piece of toast. [i]Toast[\/i]. That's the secret to remaining unseen.","2":"No. More like... [i]sixteen[\/i]. Sixteen hours.","115":"I'll keep that in mind...","3":"Jesus fuck... I'm wide awake now. But I'm hours before I should be up. I guess I have some time to kill.","116":"Listen Baskin Robins, put down your tub of ice cream and [i]listen[\/i]. Pull yourself together, and incorporate what I'm about to tell you, fully and completely, into your worldview.","4":"There's only one thing that immediately comes to mind. It's almost like a scab that itches when you think about it. The scab called the Fraternity, and by extension, RECENTLY.","117":"If your ears are a barrier between you and listening, then tear 'em off.","5":"I get out of bed and check it. I've used this so many times that opening menus and checking everything I usually check feels like second nature. It's as much a part of my routine as doing support tickets.","118":"I get the picture. It's my mouth that doesn't work, Batman, not my hearing.","6":"I do it so briskly that I have the subconscious fear I overlooked something important, so I do it again... and again.","119":"Great. That man you just talked to, he's an agent of... uh...","7":"Nobody but rabid gamers, seriously procrastinating students and porn addicts are up at 4 a.m. on the internet, so I don't see anything of note.","120":"What's like a... [i]Batman villain organization?[\/i] I just keep thinkin' of Goldfinger...","8":"And, whatever I may have hoped or feared, nothing on the BBS.","121":"If you're trying to tell me that he's a fed, I've already figured that out.","9":"Not satisfied, but unable to see much else, I shut down my laptop and allow myself just a shred of despair.","122":"Don't pretend to be smart with me, young lady! If I'm about to give you advice, you'd better listen to it with a virgin, untouched mind!","123":"You get it?","124":"Okay. My apologies. Please tell me about this man.","125":"Well... he [i]is[\/i] a fed... but I woulda wanted to cloak it beneath at least one clever metaphor.","126":"Well, Batman did warn me that one time when I was with Lidia. I don't want to make it seem like it's useless for him to watch out for me.","127":"Thanks Batman. You're doing a good job.","128":"Hrmmph. Some appreciation is all I ask for.","129":"Having said his piece, Toasterman waddles away.","130":"It's not really a coincidence that Toasterman is around when the FBI is. I wonder where he came from..."},"ch11__11.20 superhero campaign.vne3":{"10":"''Spoopy'', you know, is ''spooky'' but cutely misspelled.","11":"How is misspelling cute? Anyway... yeah... Mr. Rogham pretty much won't talk to me.","12":"Obviously, since you smashed his face in.","13":"Can you not say that too loudly?","14":"Shit man, it's hard not to [i]scream it out[\/i]. Do you have any idea how badass it is to punch Mr. Rogham in the face?","15":"That's some real superhe-... [delay,250][char,Sam_Casual_Smiling_3][i]speaking of which...","16":"It doesn't matter how charismatic the new teacher is. I can't pay attention to anything.","17":"I doubt Rogham would be of much help even if he were around, but since he left, that potential source is just out of the picture completely.","18":"Without Stan, or Cedric, it seems everyone I know who might be of some use is being disappeared before my eyes. The Fraternity is cutting off its own people to prevent me from digging deeper.","19":"Dedication to the cause? Complete callousness? I know the Fraternity is evil, but what flavor of evil it is, is something I'm not sure of yet.","20":"If they're anything like Rogham, they set themselves above everyone...","21":"How are you liking the sub?","22":"Gina?","23":"Gina... Gina... isn't there like... a song that goes like that?","24":"[i]~Gina, Gina, meter maid...~[\/i]","25":"It's [i]Rita, Rita, meter maid[\/i].","26":"Hmm... no... no... according to Google it's [i]~Lovely Rita, Meter Maid~.","27":"Are you sure there wasn't some other famous song with a Gina?","28":"Maybe it's just ''vagina'' you're remembering? Like a song about vaginas?","29":"I know you flunked musical theory, because nobody fucking uses the word ''vagina'' in music. We musicians say [i]pussy.[\/i] Get it? [i]Pussy.","30":"Anyway... you were about to tell me how badly you want to brain the new teacher.","31":"Shut up. No, not at all. Actually, I would've preferred if it were Mr. Rogham.","32":"The statement makes Sam gawk... and why wouldn't she? I realize how it comes off as well..","33":"What I mean is Mr. Rogham was useful to me... to the investigation... not as a teacher.","34":"I was about to hang, draw and quarter you as a traitor! That was scary!","35":"Yes, I can totally see that you still needed Mr. Rogham, like you might need a informant in the mob or something.","36":"Personally, I'm overjoyed I have a chance to pass this course. Man, I don't know which Hell Mr. Rogham is in, but I hope the devil is using him as a cum rag.","37":"That's right... Sam still doesn't know. She thinks Rogham's out sick. I doubt Sam would be dancing on his grave if she knew there [i]was[\/i] a grave to begin with...","38":"Don't get too enthusiastic about the Rogham stuff. Just cool it a bit.","39":"Cool it? The heck? Why can't you be excited for me? I am cool.[delay,250][char,Sam_Casual_Smiling] I'm just doing a little dance on his grave. You wouldn't spite a girl for doing a little jig on someone's grave, would you?","40":"You wouldn't if you knew...","41":"What do you mean by that? Unless he's literally...","42":"There goes her face. [i]Now she gets it.[\/i] Her whole body stiffens with the horror and discomfort of it.","43":"She goes so pale I see the green undertone beneath her skin.","44":"Oh shit... oh shit... I'm going to hell...","45":"Is this it? I'm I going to get haunted? Is Professor Rogham going to climb out of the T.V.?","46":"You don't have to worry about that.","47":"I wish I was a delusional skeptic right now. But I'm not. I've got to purify my room, lucky I've got a box full of sage.","48":"How did that happen? [i]Did... did you do it?[\/i] Did you do it...[delay,250][char,Sam_Casual_Shy] for me?","49":"Fuck no. I didn't kill Mr. Rogham for you. Are you nuts? I didn't even kill him. Period.","50":"Who do you think I am?","51":"If you did off him for me... that would've been... quite a disturbing romantic gesture...","52":"If you did off him for me... that would've been... quite a disturbing gesture of devotion...","53":"I agree.","54":"What happened then?","55":"This is more information than you need to know. Suffice to say, I'm 90% sure he's dead.","56":"So there's a 10% chance I'm not haunted.","57":"That's a way to put it, yes. He was placed into a very dangerous position. It's hard to imagine how he could have gotten out.","58":"Alright... well... that definitely explains why I haven't felt his evil presence, then...","59":"I don't know if this is something you want to hear, but Mr. Rogham definitely survived.","60":"Why? Because you aren't haunted?","61":"Precisely.","62":"Reality doesn't work like that, Sam. There's no such thing as ghosts.","63":"This is quite an ego-trip for you, isn't it? To deny the evidence with your own two eyes. Why are you so comfortable with there being no afterlife? Is that because you can look down on people who do?","64":"I'm not saying there is or isn't an afterlife... I'm saying there's no such thing as ghosts. Are we going to have this debate in Physics class? That feels like a crime of some kind.","65":"A man as evil as Professor Rogham leaves a hole in the spirit world when they fall into Hell. It's like a baseball cracking through a pane of glass.","66":"It would've caused ripples in the collective subconscious detectable to those who know how to feel it.","67":"Great. You can be my investigative psychic. I'm going to give you a list of missing people and you can tell me whether they're alive or dead.","68":"I'm not a psychic, and it doesn't work like that.","69":"Of course it doesn't.","70":"We've had this conversation enough to know you won't listen to reason. Let's talk about something different.","71":"Yeah. There was roughly a couple weeks while we were in the student council when we debated this shit constantly. Sam knows as well as I do that it goes nowhere.","72":"Oh! I know! I actually needed to talk to you anyway.","73":"I have something cool to show you.","74":"Neat. Show me.","75":"Not here. It's too big... too spectacular for a place like this. Besides... things might get messy.","76":"You'll probably bust a nut. That would be embarrassing out in public. Come on.","77":"You're really hyping this up, Sam.","78":"Have I ever hyped anything up?[delay,250][char,Sam_Casual_Annoyed]... Don't answer that. I'll hate the answer.","79":"Okay... let's take a look.","80":"What is it you want me to look at?","81":"Heh... did I say ''look'' at? I may have... misspoke.","82":"Right. Yet again, you've lured me to your dorm under false pretenses. Here I was prepared to bust a nut.","83":"If you're going to do it, do it in or on me, and not on the floor. Cum warps hardwood or something. It was on HGTV.","84":"Oh god... don't. This is a public corridor, and I've got to get a bucket and some water... that's so much effort and so boring...","85":"Okay, I do have something to show you, but it's not actually done yet. I need your help.","86":"First of all, hold off a sec. Just stay out there for a bit, okay?","87":"Sure.","88":"Don't walk in, okay! I can't let you spoil the surprise.","89":"[i]Definitely don't walk in![\/i] Until I tell you to come in, that is!","90":"I get it. I won't come in.","91":"Promise!","92":"I'm getting the impression that you actually [i]want[\/i] me to come in...","93":"Oh... right... it's starting to look like an elaborate hint, isn't it?","94":"Just... sit tight! I'll let you know when you can come in.","95":"Okay. I'm being good. I'm sitting and waiting.","96":"Knowing Sam, there's no guessing what she's doing behind that closed door.","97":"She's built it up so much... I just hope I don't have to pretend to be excited. Fighting for my life has made everything else feel kinda muted in comparison...","98":"Okay! You ready!?","99":"At least it didn't take long.","100":"Tada!","101":"That looks cool!","102":"It really does.","103":"Did you really make that?","104":"You think I could afford to get someone else to? I had to sell some used panties!","105":"Come in. I don't want people to think I'm talking loudly to myself.","106":"Right.","107":"Now that I'm taking a close look at Sam... I notice how well everything fits her.","108":"So you're serious about this superhero stuff?","109":"Uh... yes! Of course I am. Geez, when did you get that impression!","110":"I'm [i]Lynx![\/i] Warrior of Justice, True Queen of the Planet Varangar! I will reclaim my throne!","111":"I'm secretly impressed how she can say that without a hint of irony...","112":"It's cool, but it's just... you know... I don't have the same cultural associations as you...","113":"...going to movies, reading comic books.","114":"Yeah, I get it. You went to youth leadership conferences and made an ass of yourself that way.","115":"Anyway, I didn't bring you in for no reason. I need all your measurements.","116":"Measurements? You don't mean...?","117":"She nods in affirmation.","118":"You know I don't do cosplay.","119":"It's not cosplay! It's for the election! How are you going to pull off a superhero themed campaign if you aren't a superhero?","120":"I still didn't sign off on this gimmick...","121":"I'm your campaign manager, {PlayerName}...","122":"Running mate.","123":"Even better! I get a say in how our campaign runs. I'm like the Queen of your campaign, just as I am Queen of Varangar. I have absolute authority over what you say and do.","124":"Huh. Just like a real political campaign.","125":"Dummy! This is a [i]real political campaign![\/i] Real votes are being cast, you have to make real speeches, you've got to have a real campaign strategy!","126":"She has an actual point there. I've read that for serious campaigns, the campaign manager basically runs the life of the candidate.","127":"They schedule everything, control whatever is put on social media, keep tabs on your friends and family so they don't damage the campaign...","128":"They are like little monarchs. But this campaign, while real, isn't [i]serious[\/i]. I'm not going to relinquish control over my own life just to be class president.","129":"Besides, Sam is supposed to be my [i]running mate[\/i], not campaign manager.","130":"Sam, remember my questionable commitment to this.","131":"Oh... so you're saying you're just going to give up unless I make things easy on you? Is this... like... blackmail?","132":"I'm just reminding you that you seem to want this more than me.","133":"Yeah. It's blackmail.","134":"Alright... do me biggie wiggie and just let me measure you, okay? I want to do the final adjustments.","135":"It's not done yet?","136":"Don't be a baby. I've worked for [i]hours[\/i] on the costume, this is going to take five minutes.","137":"How long have you been working on it?","138":"Uh...","139":"[speed,0.4]...[i]hours[\/i]...","140":"You're not telling me because you know I'll be angry with you if I knew how much time you spent on it, right?","141":"C-costumes take a while to make! It's not an overnight process... usually.","142":"But it's not like... I was making huge personal sacrifices to finish the costumes. Costumes are fun! And... I spaced my time out responsibly. Time management skills... yeah... I have them.","143":"Right. To her, ''effective time management'' is completing everything last minute. So she basically spent all her time on this. I can already tell. Totally like her to go completely overboard.","144":"As long as you're getting your work done on time.","145":"Right!","146":"Knowing she did put a lot of effort into this, I feel an obligation to at least try it on.","147":"Okay. Let me take a few measurements.","148":"I t-pose for her. I've been fitted for suits before, so I pretty much know how this goes.","149":"Sam magically produces measuring tape, like it comes out of her wrist and begins to stretch it over my arm.","150":"Mmhmm... mmhmm...","151":"I can't really talk while I'm being measured like this... so I just let her do it. I begin to wonder how she even started work on my costume in the first place...","152":"Good... good...","153":"Damn... her hands, her soft voice, as she applies the tape to the various parts of my body. She smooths it across my chest... then my shoulders.","154":"She stands on her tiptoes, inspects my neck almost like she's looking for a seam or something. She completely loses herself in this work...","155":"Uh-huh. Biteable neck. Lovely square shoulders. Looks like you're in good shape. Now let's check your legs.","156":"When gets on her knees, I have to gulp back a little surprise. Her eyes pass over my crotch - if she checked out my package she gave it the most momentary glance.","157":"I genuinely can't tell whether she's trying to seduce me... or just so caught up in her task that she isn't quite aware of what she's doing...","158":"I start to sweat, my body blushes in anticipation of her touching me...","159":"Hmm... okay. Looks like my estimates were pretty spot on. Damn I've got a good eye for this.","160":"Sam rockets up back on her feet, harpooning through the tension completely, like she didn't have her face an inch from my groin.","161":"Alright. Could you wait for a couple minutes?","162":"Why do you look so flustered? Is everything alright?","163":"I'm fine. Absolutely fine.","164":"So... a couple minutes then?","165":"There are few final adjustments. Looks like my estimates were pretty spot on... but I've got to tighten a few seams.","166":"Looks like you packed on some meat there, my man.","167":"You're talking about my muscle, right?","168":"She nods.","169":"Well, diet and exercise doesn't affect your dick size, as far as I know. Otherwise every dude would be doing crunches and pushups constantly.","170":"Give me a sec.","171":"You know I have work after this...","172":"I said ''sec''! I mean it too!","173":"Well... as close to a second as is possible. Like, basically a second. If I wasn't reassuring you that it would take a short time, I'd already be done by now.","174":"Then go do it!","175":"Yeah, I am! Sheesh.","176":"Done.","177":"How did that take so little time?","178":"I told you, I needed to tighten things just a little. Try it on.","179":"This is the costume?","180":"Mmhmm. Go on. Give it a try.","181":"It looks tight...","182":"It's a superhero costume. They're not well known for low riding baggy jeans. Don't worry, you're going to look good in it.","183":"You've got the proper body for it, after all. Not many people do.","184":"Yeah, but it's so tight, people are going to be able to see my briefs through it... it's going to make a crease just below the belly.","185":"Of course! You don't [i]wear it with underwear[\/i], silly.","186":"Are you saying I need to be freestyle?","187":"I strongly suggest you throw some baby powder on first. Prevents chafing and moisture buildup.","188":"Could I wear a codpiece?","189":"Oh, your package doesn't need to look any bigger. If you start to pad it out, people will think you're showing off.","190":"I was thinking of something to hide my package.","191":"Hide it?[delay,500][char,Sam_Costume_Thoughtful] Historically, that's not what codpieces were for. That's like asking for a modest corset. They push your tits up, that's what they're for.","192":"Well, I can't run a presidential campaign with a third vestigial leg.","193":"Sam gives me a hard, almost angry stare.","194":"Just put it on, and [i]then[\/i] whine about it.","195":"Fine, I'm putting it on.","196":"Do you mind turning around?","197":"Is getting me to strip naked your ulterior motive?","198":"I do mind! My feet hurt, you know. I get a cramp every time I turn away from naked guys with nice bodies.","199":"Are you holding some sort of secret? I've seen everything, so what's the use of hiding? You weren't castrated recently and had your dick replaced with a mass of gummy worms?","200":"Jesus. Your imagination is super fucked up.","201":"The mental image hurts me more than it hurts you.","202":"Do you have to ruin gummy worms like that?","203":"Then don't ruin dick for me.","204":"Still, I need you to turn around.","205":"What the fuck? Christ, okay. Be modest for some reason. I'll turn around.","206":"She huffs dramatically as she turns on her feet. She sounds kinda pissed, if I'm honest...","207":"When I'm done, I tap my feet.","208":"'Kay, taking that to mean you're done. Turning around now. Last chance to hide your penis!","209":"I don't need to trick you into stripping naked. You were going to do that anyway.","210":"So... strip! Do as you were foretold! Fortune brought your booty to me!","211":"Right... she's seen everything anyway, so there's no need to be shy.","212":"Don't worry, I'll turn around.","213":"Thank God. I was terrified you wouldn't. It would've been scary if you made eye contact with my dick.","214":"Sam nods sagely and serenely at my sarcasm.","215":"It would be wrong to laugh at a man's penis, so I'm removing all temptation.","216":"She turns around, but with all the intensity that suggests she sort've wants to turn and see what the fuss is about.","217":"When I finish, I tap my foot.","218":"I'm turning around. Last chance to hide your dick!","219":"I strip down in front of Sam. My body holds no mystery to her, so it's a bit odd that she leans against the wall and drinks me in like a cold glass of water.","220":"I feel... [i]objectified?[\/i] I don't know, I know that women get gawked at costume conventions, and now I know how they feel.","221":"It's not a bad feeling at all. It's just... something.","222":"If anything, it feels kinda nice.","223":"How do I look?","224":"That's just the top, though.","225":"I thought you might want to see how each piece goes on individually.","226":"Uh... okay. Well, I know how you look. What I want to know is how [i]you[\/i] feel.","227":"Okay... so it is sort've weird, but I feel pretty good in this...","228":"Like a superhero, I guess.","229":"Well then... mission success!","230":"But... it does look like it needs [i]some adjustment.[\/i] Doesn't that feel a bit tight?","231":"Yeah, I guess it does... but it's spandex, right? So tight is how it's supposed to be.","232":"It's not [i]spandex[\/i]. It's a kind of elastic polyester that's a bit more comfortable.","233":"The distinction is probably lost on me.","234":"Yes, and you ruined my focus, too! I was about to do something important...","235":"Sam produces a pair of scissors from out of nowhere. She snips, theatrically... and I'm a little put off.","236":"What is she going to do?","237":"Some loose threads... gotta get snipped off.","238":"Captain... uh... [i]''Pending''[\/i] needs to aerodynamic...","239":"She's suddenly finished, and then...","240":"Gotta get the pants on too, you know.","241":"Right. I did notice those pants... they looked pretty small to me...","242":"I cock a quizzical brow. Sam understands my concern.","243":"Don't worry. I'll make sure it's not too tight...","244":"But first... you gotta get out of these things.","245":"And I guess... you're going to help with that, Sam?","246":"Any objections? No? Okay... I guess I just [i]have[\/i] to help then...","247":"Agh... this attention Sam is giving me... my tool is getting harder and thicker...","248":"If I'm like this when I put those pants on...","249":"Oh... is that gonna fit? It's gonna be a real struggle stuffing that limb you got down your pants.","250":"Better make sure it's not going to misbehave...","251":"I mean... she might be doing that in that [i]it's-too-bad-I-have-to-suck-your-dick tone[\/i]... but it's actually a necessity in this case.","252":"If my erection doesn't go down, it's going to make a tent worthy of a medieval siege camp.","253":"Lucky I'm here to help...","254":"But like... seriously though. It is good she's around to help with this.","255":"I really do actually need this thing to go down...","256":"Sam put her thin little fingers around my stem, and enthusiastically deals with what actually is a big problem.","257":"Calm down, okay? Settle down. Let's do a little pow-wow.","258":"Do you gotta be so big, Mr. Dick? Why do you gotta do this?","259":"Fine, guess I gotta deal with you like how I usually do. Such a burden.","260":"Yeah, I don't believe that this is a burden [i]at all[\/i]...","261":"Don't lie Sam, you're basically a snake charmer. And the way you do it makes me believe you could do this all night.","262":"But don't worry. Your secret is safe with me.","263":"All you gotta do... is do [i]this[\/i] for me once in a while...","264":"The flashing of teeth sends me all kinds of contradicting feelings.","265":"The little scare makes my dick convulse...","266":"But all I end up feeling are soft lips, even as Sam playfully gnoshes down on my member.","267":"Yeah, I don't think Sam is capable of taking any task fully seriously... including sexual ones. I should've expected this.","268":"I'm lucky that Sam is skilled.","269":"Her lips and tongue eventually drift to their proper place. She opens wide and even then my cockhead doesn't quite fit in.","270":"It is pretty hot seeing her try...","271":"Now we're in business. Sam's playful spirit melts into [i]the need for dick[\/i].","272":"She loses herself in her task. I both feel, and hear the groan from deep within her throat.","273":"It's so clear she likes this...","274":"She's consumed by the task, then lowers herself further.","275":"I inch closer to losing myself too...","276":"She's got me deep now. Borderline gagging. I feel myself going down her throat.","277":"I know she could go deeper... but I don't think she will for now.","278":"Especially...","279":"...as I am pushed back onto the bed.","280":"Oh yeah... this is nice... very nice.","281":"Lynx is sneaking up... she's found her prey...","282":"The only cat-like thing about Sam is her movements, which do have that feline grace to it.","283":"Otherwise, she's loud and draws attention to herself, unlike a cat.","284":"But... I do like the way she looks transfixed to my cock.","285":"Yes... let me handle that thing...","286":"...I'll make that baby go down. Lemme kiss it better...","287":"Sam lightly strokes me, her thumb making electric circuits around my cockhead.","288":"She watches my face intently, as though to document my pleasure.","289":"You've been neglecting poor Mr. Dick, haven't you, Captain Pending?","290":"Is... is [i]Captain Pending[\/i] going to be my superhero alter ego?","291":"Let's get you all ready.","292":"A gob of spit shoots out of her mouth. It's enough to slather all over my shaft and my cockhead.","293":"After the spit treatment, her hand easily glides across.","294":"She makes a [i]shlicking[\/i] sound as she does so, wet and watery.","295":"My rod looks glossy and thick, ready for absolutely anything that Sam might want to do with it.","296":"I basically wish she would go ahead already...","297":"No matter what I do... the swelling just gets worse, doesn't it?","298":"Luckily, Lynx recieved the best medical training from planet Varangar, and so she'll make it go down just fine.","299":"Otherwise... we might have to amputate!","300":"Don't say that Sam! Don't say that!","301":"Look so tasty... gonna gnosh down on this...","302":"She does have that sadistic streak in her, doesn't she?","303":"Every time she threatens me with those chompers, I get a bit sweaty and nervous...","304":"...but when she gets serious, she's just as gentle as ever.","305":"I'm not sure if this is part of Lynx's suite of superpowers, but maybe it should be.","306":"The swirl of her tongue, the way her lips seal around my rods, which each bob of her head she peels me back...","307":"...whatever power she's using, she's got me under her spell. I am unwilling to move.","308":"I know a lot of guys have superhero kinks. They can't get enough of girls in costumes.","309":"No lie... I think I'm starting to understand the appeal.","310":"There's something about a powerful, dangerous woman slobbering all over your knob that's so addicting...","311":"...yeah... it's enough to almost make me want to go with Sam to her cosplay thingies.","312":"I love the contrast. Then she was playing. Now she's serious. Now she's out to please me.","313":"No more jokes. No more Planet Varangar. No more Captain Pending.","314":"Just a girl giving head to her guy. The deep secret is us guys don't need a whole lot else.","315":"A flash of white like thunder fills my vision.","316":"I tense up... every muscles does... as I'm about to face my Little Death.","317":"I'm about to go... completely!","318":"Job's done!","319":"Did she have to say it like a Warcraft orc?","320":"Heh. Did you like your treatment?","321":"Sign me up for a regular examination from the Planet Varangar medical school.","322":"You don't want to see our experiments, 'kay? Lotta probing. [i]Lotta probing.[\/i]","323":"Well, you're not exactly flaccid, but it's going to have to do. Can't you go down any further?","324":"I'm a shower. Sorry.","325":"Thinking about Dr. Rogham sponging himself off doesn't make you go down any? It usually works for me.","326":"Let's just try and see how it fits.","327":"I put on the rest of the costume. As Sam promised, it feels really good. I suppose it is tight, but it doesn't pinch or feel unbreathable.","328":"I don't want to give Sam any ideas, but I can definitely see myself wearing this for a while.","329":"Now... how do you like it?","330":"Don't bother answering, not just 'cause you can't. I can already tell.","331":"You're secretly thrilled about it. You don't have to tell me. I got a sixth sense.","332":"Jesus... I do feel good. Almost like I'm a... I'm a... [i]real superhero[\/i].","333":"But no. I'll [i]never[\/i] say that to Sam. If I do, I'm going to be conscripted into cosplay groups.","334":"I gotta throw a bucket over Sam's work somehow, without lying to her or being cruel. How to do that...?","335":"You did a very good job at one thing.","336":"Do [i]not[\/i] undermine me. Everything I do is perfect. [i]Perfect!","337":"The costume is good. But the dick-reduction-thing was not a success.","338":"No. You can't take my pride away! My blowjobs are killer! They cure depression and maybe possibly cancer!","339":"But look, it's still super obvious. You can see it sticking through the fabric. It's like I've got a hose down my pants.","340":"And that's an issue?","341":"I mean... yes. I can't go out like this. Would you?","342":"It's a spandex-like fabric I have on. It's pretty comfortable, but the fit is perfect. Skin-tight. I imagine this is how dolphins feel.","343":"Ah. That looks so good.","344":"You don't think the bulge isn't a problem?","345":"Bulge?","346":"She glances down.","347":"Damn, you can't laugh at that equipment! Emily used to play with that? Christ. [size,0.1]Lucky.","348":"So it's too much.","349":"That's a rare attitude for men to have! I mean... it actually can be, but--","350":"What I mean is... is too obvious?","351":"Oh, right. That makes a lot more sense.","352":"Stick it down one of your pantlegs. Most guys would love to fill out their trousers with their trouser snake.","353":"I can't do that either.","354":"Are you... like... [i]ungrateful to God or something?[\/i] He gave you a big dick. Isn't that something you want to show off?","355":"Men vote for men with big dicks, right?","356":"What gave you that idea? I'm going to lose votes if I wear this.","357":"Oh... so men get jealous and spiteful if you have a bigger asset than they do? Shit, every day I learn that men and women are basically the same.","358":"I can't go on stage looking like this. Nobody will meet me at eye level.","359":"I see you don't fake modesty.","360":"Listen, I get it. Big dicks are inherently funny...","361":"Hmm... well... between the two choices of genitals, dicks probably look funnier, but vaginas [i]act[\/i] funnier. Imagine your dick bleeding and farting.","362":"I refuse.","363":"Okay, I get it. You want to seem respectable and mainstream. You don't want to push the envelope socially or in your pants.","364":"It's not about that... if I'm going to run I don't want to just be a gimmick. Even if it would help me win, I want people to vote for me for the right reason.","365":"Uh...","366":"...Yeah. You really did concede the election even after you knew you had gotten more votes, didn't you? Because without collapsing in the middle of a debate, you probably wouldn't have won...","367":"I'm really not trying to make a cheesy gimmick for the sake of it. I'm not really in this to design costumes. I'm...","368":"You want me to run because you have good memories from when we were on the student council.","369":"Sam clams up and twists away a little. Looks like I'm on the money.","370":"This whole time you haven't come up with a single policy platform.","371":"I... I thought you'd come up with that stuff. You're better at it than I am.","372":"Okay, so what if it's true? What if I just want to run the school with you again? Is that so bad?","373":"All the promises I made at Annette Taylor I couldn't keep. I can't just pull apart a bad system. I ended up just doing the same thing the SCA always does which is act as glorified event planners.","374":"So what? You plan on running on having more concerts outside the student union? What's the point of a platform which is boring... and stale... and just the same shit everyone else says?","375":"That isn't my plan, Sam. I've been thinking hard about this.","376":"There's one radical promise I can keep no matter what.","377":"What?","378":"I should probably discuss it with the rest of the election team.","379":"Hrmm...","380":"Well, I do like the design. Just make the bulge less obvious, okay?","381":"Wait... you're taking it off?","382":"Yeah, so you can do some adjustments.","383":"But I worked so hard on it!","384":"I'm going to work... I can't look like this!","385":"Yeah, 'cause the IT lab isn't known for comic book nerds who slobber over superheroes. Just walk around in it a little! I need to know if it's comfortable. You can tell me tomorrow.","386":"I can't be in this all day. I'm getting back in my normal clothes.","387":"Well... have you ever considered that...","388":"...you might not have a CHOICE!","389":"The FUCK!","390":"My... my clothes! My precious boring clothes!","391":"Go and be a hero, motherfucker!","392":"Shit... she really pushed me out of her room. I've literally got nothing to change into.","393":"I'm supposed to go out looking like this!?","394":"I guess my election campaign really officially starts today...","0":"Jump to sex scene","1":"Continue","2":"Physics equations float around my head, but I'm thinking of a more difficult problem involving the most esoteric and unpredictable subject: human beings.","3":"Getting Valerie to agree is not going to be the issue. The issue will be what comes after - finding a believable method to get back to the Fraternity without making it obvious it's a trap.","4":"I don't know if Valerie can even help with that. I knew the method by which recruits contact the Fraternity, but I don't know how the Fraternity makes themselves known to potential recruits...","5":"Professor Rogham is the only person I know for sure is in the Fraternity. If I ask him directly, not only will he not answer, he'll just tip them off.","6":"Asking him is a risk I can't afford to take. He's proven he'll go to any lengths to avoid an extended conversation with me.","7":"It's best not to even try...","8":"It's real spoopy how Mr. Rogham just kinda avoids you...","9":"Spooky."},"ch11__11.25 walk of shame.vne3":{"10":"Wait, what? This is the thing that convinced you to join my election campaign?","11":"If she's handing out costumes like [i]that[\/i] I'm not going refuse the opportunity. Of course I want to-","12":"Hank is going ballistic. Give me a second.","13":"What the...? Oh. [delay,250][char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Mocking_2]Oh, OH! Ha ha! Ha ha ha ha!","14":"Shit man, you got to check Hank's message.","15":"Yeah, yeah, I get it.","16":"No, seriously. You won't regret it. Shit man, I swear to God it's a compliment.","17":"I sigh heavily and look at my phone.","18":">npm install npm","19":"Get it? You get it, right?","20":"I get it. It's a [i]package[\/i] manager.","21":"Man... that was a good one. I thought you were a modest guy, but apparently... you didn't add some padding down there?","22":"Padding would probably make it less obvious what it is.","23":"Yeah. It really ''clings'', if you get my drift. Airtight. If you stuck a sock down there it would hide it a bit.","24":"I'm actually considering that.","25":"You know, my brother once stuck bubble wrap down his pants to make it look bigger. Whenever he saw a girl he liked, there would be these popping sounds. Damn man...","26":"I mean... why hide it though? Gives off the wrong impression?","27":"Exactly.","28":"You can't take the politician outta you.","29":"It's weird you say that. I'm back and forth on this whole running for president thing. Sam's a lot more into it than I am.","30":"It seems like you've got a shit whirlwind for your life.","31":"You could've picked any excrement-based weather phenomenon.","32":"Climate change.","33":"Linus nods like there's some obvious connection.","34":"Anyway, if you need something to hide the anaconda, I'm pretty sure there's a dishtowel near the microwave.","35":"No way. That's a dish-towel, not a dick towel. Who's going to clean my dishes? -Hank","36":"Obviously {PlayerName} would be replacing the towel. Right?","37":"I can't use it anyway. Taking this thing off is hard. I have to pull the whole costume off.","38":"Oh no. Everyone is going to see you've got a big dick. What a disaster.","39":"That's what I want, man. A skin-tight outfit that shows off my node package manager.","40":"That's right! It ain't just you! Look at who I am.","41":"I'm going to ask Sam to modify the costumes so we look like ken dolls.","42":"What? Seriously? Why?","43":"There's a difference between being cool and being taken seriously.","44":"You have no fun, do you? You bring books to parties and drink juice.","45":"Dude, you were just telling me how you brought an API reference to a wedding.","46":"Yeah, but it wasn't [i]my[\/i] wedding.","47":"Also I drink plenty of-","48":"Both Linus and I twist to see the customer who walks in. When I realize who it is, I want to tear my costume off.","49":"Good afternoon.","50":"Uh...","51":"Linus wants to do his spiel, but her eyes fixate on me, giving him no toehold in her attention.","52":"Damn... to be wearing something like this... when she's bound to be here about Sandra.","53":"Mrs. Vazquez, it's good to see you. Is there something I can help you with?","54":"As the words repeat though my phone, I don't really feel like I'm saying the words.","55":"[i]I know exactly what I could do to help her.[\/i] I just... can't!","56":"I think you know why I come.","57":"Uh... you need some privacy?","58":"Linus is desperately asking to be relieved. I give him none.","59":"No, is not necessary. I come only to say I have nothing else to say.","60":"In my heart, I thought you were the one who would take me seriously. I thought you wouldn't give up.","61":"I have no more illusion - I am not the judge of character as I thought.","62":"[size,0.5]Shit...","63":"Linus's voice is small.","64":"Please, don't let a distraught mother distract you from your costume party.","65":"With the authority of an indignant mother, she spins on her heels and heads out the front door.","66":"Linus stares at the door out of which Carmen left. I'm not sure why I'm staring at it, too. Maybe that's just the most comfortable thing to do.","67":"Eventually, both of us gain the courage to meet each other in the eyes again.","68":"Linus clicks his tongue. For a second, I think he's about to say something serious.","69":"Wow...[delay,300] [char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Smile]did you fuck her or something?","70":"Out of Linus's phone comes a machine gun of pings, faster than I would've imagined. Neither of us need to read it to know what Shankra is saying.","71":"Shit man... I'm sorry. I hate fucking drama, you know that. I'm just trying to cut the tension.","72":"This is torture. Man, I'm just going to do my work. Don't worry about me any more.","73":"I pull my phone and rattle off a text to Sandra.","74":"You understand what I do for you now?","75":"And... nothing. Not even the decency for a quick response. If it's a joke about fucking her mother she'll strike like a viper, but if it's about taking accountability...","76":"Whatever. I need to get out of this costume. But first, I need to do my job.","77":"If I succeed, I'll need money. If I fail, I'll still need money. That's more certain than anything else.","78":"Let me head back to work.","79":"Huh...?","80":"I hope you understand, Sandra, that this is [i]partly your fault.","81":"If you feel bad because you can't talk to your mother, there's only one person in the world with the capacity to fix that.","82":"You're angry at me because you already know all that, don't you?","83":"I'm just a big, fat reminder that this is all on you.","84":"Despite that, I really do hope this all gets fixed...","0":"It's one thing to walk around and have everyone jeer at you... it's another thing completely for everyone to be totally [i]silent[\/i].","1":"They're all staring at me. I knew that would happen. But I wish they'd [i]say[\/i] something.","2":"If I look ridiculous... [i]just tell me[\/i] rather than [i]non-verbally communicating it.","3":"Valerie isn't going to take me seriously if I go to her in this. I guess it's a good thing I'm going to work.","4":"Hey {PlayerName}...","5":"He's gone all slack-jawed. Should I bother explaining the situation?","6":"Shit. Hank-Sandra... [i]Shankra[\/i] is getting in on it.","7":"Believe it or not, I'm here to be a professional and work.","8":"I mean... yep.","9":"I'm going to call Sam about joining the campaign."},"ch11__11.30 where is val.vne3":{"10":"I can't see Val like this. Maybe I can convince Sam to give my clothes back.","11":"Come on, Sam. Important meeting! Gotta look serious!","12":"Nothing. Is she distracted or is this on purpose? Never mind, doesn't matter either way.","13":"Even if I look ridiculous, I gotta talk to her.","14":"What's my approach gonna be? Val already agreed to be frat bait, so I'm not sure I need to try hard to persuade her.","15":"What I can't sell is having [i]no plan[\/i]... which I don't have. It's at this point I'm really hoping {Leah}'s little secrets will bear some fruit.","16":"Maybe she's got something? You know what... that's what I'll tell Valerie.","17":"I walk in and... nobody.","18":"How odd. Where is she?","19":"I ask around and... apparently... Valerie has taken a couple days off. ''Family issues''. No idea when she'll be back.","20":"Don't know much about Valerie's family, but I guess highly functioning people like Val don't need a lot of familial intervention. I wonder what she's doing?","21":"I send her a text and uneasily leave.","22":"Excuse-","23":"Wow. That getup...","24":"You found my secret. I'm a vigilante.","25":"People in superhero costumes are prone to get on the wrong side of the law. It's sort of a joke. A bl--","26":"*ahem* Not sure you need to know about USPIS office humor.","27":"[i]Right.[\/i] I'm sure working in the Postal Inspection Service is a riot.","28":"Should you really be commenting on weird clothes when you're wearing a unicorn tie?","29":"I'll have you know my [i]daughter[\/i] gave me this tie. If it was bright pink with rainbows, I'll wear it with pride to the whole world.","30":"Right, a devoted father - the most dangerous kind of man. Max ''Kestrel' Caulfield just climbed several orders of magnitude in threat.","31":"Are you here to talk to Valerie?","32":"[i]Valerie?[\/i] Uh... I don't know...","33":"Caught him.","34":"The Student Council President? Is that who you're talking about?","35":"Yeah, I've definitely knocked him off balance with that. Now he's tripping over himself, can't compose his lies effectively.","36":"She's out of the office for a few days.","37":"Is that right?","38":"I smirk as his feet grind uncomfortably on the pavement. There's no more reason to go into the Admin building, but if he doesn't go in, he's basically admitting he's there for Valerie.","39":"His heavy sigh is music to my ears.","40":"What I'm doing here is none of your business.","41":"He walks in with an angry strut.","42":"They are becoming a serious problem. These are Lidia's people... that they're coming out of the shadows now is a bad sign for all of us.","43":"What do they want? Are they allies against the fraternity? Or are their confederates?","44":"It's hard to say except the institutional strength of the Fraternity is beyond doubt. They do have friends in high places.","45":"I don't, but I've got something the Fraternity doesn't have: [i]competent friends[\/i].","46":"I can't meet with Valerie, but there's someone equally important I can meld minds with.","47":"Good evening.","48":"Shit, staring me right in the eyes while I'm wearing a superhero costume. I'm impressed.","49":"Nothing weird about what I'm wearing right now?","50":"Have you ever heard the phrase, [i]''l’abito non fa il monaco''?","51":"No.","52":"[i]The clothes don't make the monk.","53":"So... you're saying I'm not a superhero just because I'm wearing a leotard and a cape.","54":"I'm sure in a sense you are a hero. It just contrasts with your expression because, right now, you look grave as death. The face always tells the truth.","55":"I thought best not to laugh.","56":"It's a damn serious time to be dressed like this. Sam's practical joke couldn't have come at a worse time. Everyone is staring at me and all I've tried to is blend in.","57":"Same.","58":"Even with this costume, I blend in better than the [i]bluejays[\/i] stalking campus.","59":"Ah, yes. The bluejays. Unseasonable at this time of year...","60":"It's a pretty warm autumn. Maybe they've decided to roost for the winter. Do you know why they're here?","61":"I don't speculate, {PlayerName}. You know they don't tell me anything.","62":"Lidia is getting dangerously close to telling it to me plain. I should cut the conversation before Lidia's handlers understand I can't tell a bluejay from sparrow... or something.","63":"Alright, well, let me know if you find any other interesting avians around.","64":"Lidia gives me a curt nod as I leave.","65":"I could call Sam and beg her for my normal clothes back. That commits the twin sins of ''making her feel good'' and ''begging Sam for anything''.","66":"Nope, that's definitely going to encourage her more. Luckily, I don't have to go to her. I have just the place.","67":"The lights are on upstairs... {Leah} is definitely home.","68":"If she's going to see me anyway... I guess I should let it go.","69":"Oh, my hero![delay,250][char,Leah_Casual_Laughing] Ha ha!","70":"I smirk at {Leah}'s mild joke, but it's a sour smirk. I'm not in an especially good mood.","71":"Is there something up? What's with the getup?","72":"It is Sam's. She made it for me.","73":"Why?","74":"Fuck... I haven't told {Leah} anything about Sam's plans for the election thing. Under any normal circumstance, she might have already guessed, but she's had her attention monopolized by other things.","75":"All I know is she isn't going to like this.","76":"Sam had this insane idea... and it's kind of developing a life of it's own. She wants me to run for president.","77":"I'm not surprised she wants you to run again. I think she got a lot out of the experience you shared. But what does that have to do with... being a Casual?","78":"Oh wait. A Casual-themed election campaign?","79":"Shit, {Leah} is so fucking sharp. The next revelation comes like lightning.","80":"No... you [i]agreed[\/i] to run for student council president?","81":"The good thing about {Leah} being a genius is that I barely need to explain anything to her. The bad thing about {Leah} being a genius is that I don't [i]have[\/i] to explain it to her.","82":"I agreed with stipulations.","83":"How can you run for election in these circumstances? Christ, {PlayerName}...","84":"I was basically conscripted! Anyway, Sam knows sorta what I'm going through. She's going to do most of the work. It's not going to be a big deal.","85":"Plus... the actual elections happen in the spring semester, so it's all theoretical. I can't even register as candidate now.","86":"I'm not worried about that, {PlayerName}! Do you remember what the election did you last time? You[char,Leah_Casual_Sad][delay,250] turned into a monster. You tried to plant drugs in Sam's locker. Remember?","87":"If Sam knew what you tried to do, she'd also not want this.","88":"Are you worried I might go crazy again? I feel like I've grown up a lot...","89":"The thing I'm worried about is that you might dredge up those same bad feelings again. Anyway, we've got plenty of time to go over this, if the registration starts in spring. Did you talk to Valerie?","90":"No. Valerie's out, apparently. Kinda glad, since Sam stole my normal clothes...","91":"{Leah} accepts that with a thoughtful pause. Then she shifts gears.","92":"I think you look good as a superhero. I feel like it suits you.","93":"Of course {Leah} saying something like that makes me feel amazing. Still, I rub the back of my head and give a shy smile.","94":"Thanks. I may not have superpowers, but I've proven to myself I'm no coward.","95":"You're a better person now than you used to be. May we all get to be better people.","96":"That makes me feel even better. I failed at my mission to talk to Valerie, but perhaps it's a good thing we didn't immediately jump into another intrigue.","97":"{Leah} and I probably could use a couple of days off, too. And then, I'll try Valerie again.","98":"I'm going to take off this thing. It's rubbing me raw.","99":"Uh-huh. Baby powder will help.","100":"[i]Everyone[\/i] gives me the same advice. Is skin-tight polyester a thing? Is this something people wear often?","101":"Yeah. Thanks.","102":"I didn't know at that point... it would be days before I could make a move.","0":"Right... work's over. But I'm not especially excited about it.","1":"Does Linus's thing about the costume really count as a pep talk? I'm not sure... but I do know that I don't want Valerie to see me like [i]this[\/i].","2":"It's not that she won't like it. She'll like it too much. She'll ask me to have it on all the time. I just feel it in my bones.","3":"Am I even capable of having a serious conversation dressed like a superhero? I guess I did with Carmen... but I'm really not sure that actually counts.","4":"{Leah} is expecting this of me. I can't disappoint her.","5":"I'm off.","6":"Uh-huh. Full day's work, finally. Shit man, you don't gotta run off somewhere again?","7":"I love running away from you.","8":"Heh. See ya. Talcum powder will help with the chafing.","9":"Funny... Sam made the same point. And they're both kind of right... the material isn't very breathable and I feel the sweat slick between my thighs. It's not especially pleasant... but I'm glad it doesn't show sweat stains."},"ch11__11.35 days later.vne3":{"10":"They're definitely not playing a goddamn game.","11":"{Leah} sits at the table doing work. She glances up at me very briefly before she returns to doing what she's doing.","12":"It feels a bit like the old days. Without an update to give her, I just don't have much to talk to her about.","13":"I wonder if this is how it's going to end up, if my thing with {Leah} ends up going long-term? Will {Leah} and I need to take insane risks just to maintain what we have? Just to give us something to talk about?","14":"I hope not. I hope we can find some sort of... [i]normal hobby[\/i]. We've got to start watching movies or something so that our dates aren't sitting in on gunfights between mobsters.","15":"It seems like this is how our relationship goes. If we aren't working on something actively, we kind of drift apart.","16":"It's our fate, maybe. I hope that's not the case. I hope what {Leah} said overlooking the town wasn't true.","17":"Enough of being anxious. I'm going to do [i]something[\/i]. I reach for the door...","18":"Where are you going?","19":"The question is posed pretty casually. A little like how you might ask someone what they had for lunch.","20":"I'm going to the philosophy club. I figure I can try to collect some leads.","21":"Oh. You're still going to that? Do you think the Fraternity is ever going to make use of the Philosophy Club again?","22":"That's a pretty good point. I'd sooner get leads about the Fraternity by waiting behind a bush.","23":"As a matter of fact, the only interest the Fraternity has in it now is the fact I'm going there. So pretty much I do nothing but expose myself to danger.","24":"But... I'm fucking bored. If the Fraternity is there - fantastic. I want the excitement of dodging bullets.","25":"Damn it, how do I ever go back to playing video games when I've experienced the terror and thrill of someone pointing a real-life gun at me? It's all unsalted oatmeal in comparison.","26":"I thought I'd at least try.","27":"Are you sure it's a good idea? The Fraternity is--","28":"Yes, yes, I know. They know where I'll be. And they also know where I live, so what does it matter? I'm absolutely cool if they pop up and try something. I'd welcome it, actually.","29":"You're getting bored.","30":"My hand is still on the doorknob.","31":"Yeah. I am. I just can't believe nothing's happened for days. It's making me anxious.","32":"Yeah. Me too.","33":"Her smile is sympathetic... and almost sad.","34":"Did you talk to Valerie again?","35":"Not since she texted me last time. She'll be back in town soon.","36":"{Leah} smiles.","37":"Okay.","38":"I take my leave.","39":"Philosophy Club. I still keep going despite there being no reason to.","40":"If it was just boredom urging me on, I could just go see a movie or take a walk. So what's drawing me there? I know Kristen is going because she feels sorry for the other members.","41":"Is that also why I go?","42":"Jesus. Alfred?","43":"Why hello. Salutations.","44":"That getup?","45":"Ah. Query me on my fantastical costume.","46":"I don't need to. You're the female mathematician-themed superhero. You told me last time.","47":"Why did you seem so surprised then?","48":"How can I not be surprised? You're dressed like a...","49":"I understand now. You are flabbergasted by Samantha Hunter's skilled craftsmanship, as I was. Look what an excellent fit it is on me.","50":"Well, I mean... he looks like a drag queen. Maybe that's part of the theme? It looks well made, if rather tight. I imagine most things are tight on Alfred...","51":"...but well-made doesn't mean it looks [i]good.[\/i] Sam's costume designs have been excellent so far. What's the story behind this one?","52":"Do you think, as a super power, that shooting beams of radiation is insensitive to the victims of Fukushima and other disasters caused by fission power? Do you think the weaponization of radiation plays too much on fears of nuclear war?","53":"I'm just not sure how else female mathematicians kill people...","54":"Female mathematicians? Radiation? What do those have to--","55":"Ah, right.","56":"Your choice of radiation is because of Madame Curie?","57":"Of course you'd know, as a physics major.","58":"You know, I'm pretty sure that female mathematicians could also bludgeon people to death with large, blunt objects. I don't think they have a special way to dispatch their enemies.","59":"But a baseball bat isn't exactly thematic. I considered razor-sharp Euclidean shapes but that also didn't really fit.","60":"These are the sort of deep conversations I come here for.","61":"Ah well... sarcastic or not, you do keep coming back and I'm grateful for that. Especially since I'll be working on your presidential campaign.","62":"I've already registered a domain for your website and written a brief on a public relations strategy.","63":"How do you like this: [b]''{PlayerName}:[delay,250] A Good Listener''?","64":"It's pretty bland, but there's a time and place for this discussion, and it's not here.","65":"That's right... our first campaign meeting is today!","66":"That's right. I did get a message from Sam about a meeting, but it just slid off me. I should probably not admit I didn’t remember...","67":"Other than that, how are you holding up, Alfred? Things have been rough on you for the past month or so.","68":"Yes, continually losing members has been quite the psychic strain. Even for Eddie, who I previously suspected as having clinical sociopathy.","69":"But things are looking up! Despite the loss of members, the Philosophy Club is now the biggest it's ever been.","70":"I'm starting to suspect that the loss of members has nothing to do with some curse, but rather terrible luck. You know, coincidences do conspire to make it seem as if fate itself fights us.","71":"I actually calculated it out, the probability of two people going missing in a year's span.","72":"It was quite large, but still well below the Ten Billion Human Second Century, which is the upper limit of how improbable an event can be before we ascribe conspiracy to it.","73":"Actually, it's no coincidence, but I'm glad that Alfred seems to have come up with an explanation that pleases him.","74":"That's great. Luck can hold out for only so long... that includes bad luck.","75":"Well, theoretically, there's no limit to how long luck can hold out. It's just become vanishingly, vanishingly unlikely.","76":"I have chosen to focus on the thing I can control, rather than the things I can't.","77":"That's an admirable thing to do.","78":"One of the things I can't control is Alexis...","79":"Seriously, what is she doing?","80":"She pesters me with queries like, ''how do I be a good person'' and ''what is good and evil'' and so on. It's touching she comes to me for such questions but I'm not sure she's capable of apprehending the answer.","81":"Kristen [i]understands[\/i]. Alexis is just a cheap--","82":"Ah! What am I saying? Women aren't cheap. I hadn't meant it like that. She's a human being with a soul and she should be respected, even if she's challenged intellectually as she is.","83":"You're probably the best influence on her that we have.","84":"I'm exalted you think so.","85":"I could've dismissed two missing persons, but three... it's too much to bear.","86":"Do you know the likelihood of three unsolved missing persons cases in a group such as ours? I calculated it out. It is well above the Ten Billion Human Second Century by several orders of magnitude.","87":"What does that mean?","88":"Effectively, that the events are so improbable that it cannot be explained by luck or lack thereof.","89":"I think I told you before, but I'm seriously considering disbanding the Philosophy Club.","90":"Did you want to say you wanted to keep the club going? For Stan?","91":"To be honest... I was never quite sure why Stan came. He contributed very little to discussions. I did appreciate having him but I was not sure he got much out of being here.","92":"I'm not sure it made a difference to Stan one way or another to be a member of the club.","93":"Anyway, I'm not sure what it entailed by ''disbanding the club''. Even if I were to abolish the club as a legal entity, it is still likely that Eddie, Bernard and I would meet on a regular basis as we already do.","94":"Would that be enough to rid us of our curse?","95":"It's not a rhetorical question... I did hint to Alfred that I knew more than I could tell him. How to word this?","96":"Whether or not people go missing has nothing to do with whether this club meets or not.","97":"Alfred takes this quite gravely. He's a silly-looking guy in a silly suit, but right now he's got a face of determined stone.","98":"I guess [i]l'abito non fa il monaco[\/i].","99":"Collateral damage. This makes things worse.","100":"If you ask me, I think you should continue the club. Nobody in this club is responsible for what happened to Alexis, Stan, or Sandra. It seems like you need to get through this together.","101":"Comraderie is in short supply these days. Friendships are something we can always count on.","102":"I don't know if Alfred cheers up any, but he does give a smile. I hope that's an indication of something, at least.","103":"By all that is...","104":"Huh? Alfred's looking behind me. Like he's suddenly and completely entranced.","105":"That is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen...","106":"What is?","107":"Lady Lovelace has arrived.","108":"Which divinity composed such a sight? Even the Golden Ratio lacks such an ideal form such as thine...","109":"It's no biggie. Just dusted off some old cosplay. Why are you dressed up as a superhero?","110":"Well, I'm joining {PlayerName}'s campaign...","111":"Uh... what? [i]I'm[\/i] joining {PlayerName}'s campaign!","112":"You are?","113":"Sam asked me to. I'm Women's Outreach Coordinator, which is why I'm dressed up as a true superhero, the mathematician Ada Lovelace, the first programmer in the world.","114":"But... but... I'm [i]Hypatia Man![\/i] I'm a female mathematician themed superhero too!","115":"Uh... excuse me? You're supposed to be a [i]female mathematician?","116":"No no no. My [i]theme[\/i] is great female mathematicians. You know, to honor those women so overlooked in advancing the sciences.","117":"Wait, [i]that's my deal[\/i]. I'm doing that. I'm not [i]themed[\/i] as a female mathematician, I [i]am[\/i] one.","118":"What a remarkable coincidence! This'll really show how we want more women in STEM and in positions of power!","119":"Speaking of which, why are you supporting my bid? Isn't me being president kind've exactly the sort of thing you'd hate? I'm running against a woman, you know.","120":"Don't underestimate my powers. I know exactly who you run against. I simply believe you are a known quantity thus, I'm throwing my powers of persuasion to you.","121":"Plus, you get to wear a pretty nice costume doing it.","122":"That may or may not have been the primary draw...","123":"Anyway, we simply can't both be... [i]themed[\/i] on female mathematicians. You'll have to pick something different.","124":"Ah! I... I see. It's true. I'm... I'm not [i]actually[\/i] a female mathematician, unlike you, however...","125":"...I just want to publicly acknowledge and support women in STEM as much as I possibly can!","126":"Alfred, I know you're trying hard buddy, but this isn't how you get laid.","127":"Okay. You can do that as... uh... [i]Drag Queen Man[\/i] or something. He can also be an ally.","128":"Drag Queen Man? Oh... I don't particularly like that... for one, it's disrespectful in a manner I can't articulate, and... well... I think I look quite masculine.","129":"Uh...","130":"Of course you look ''masculine''. That's why you're Drag Queen [i]Man[\/i], not Drag Queen [i]Woman[\/i]. I manage a comic book shop, so I know that there's no... uh... ''Drag Queen Man''. You can be the first! Or you could be Ice Cream Man. Whatever. Just pick something different.","131":"I really had my heart set on Hypatia Man... and ice cream hurts my teeth...","132":"[i]Hypatia?[\/i] What is that? Some kind of ointment?","133":"Anyway, since you'll be running, you tell Alfred he has to change his theme.","134":"Alfred, change your theme. You're now Drag Queen Man.","135":"Actually, keep being Hypatia Man. Kristen, you're now\\nSteam Punk Bitch.","136":"[coward_choice == 0]Hey, maybe we can come to some sort of compromise...","137":"Ah... does it... does it have to be that? Could I pick Ice Cream Man instead?","138":"Just pick something. Fire man. Ice man. Green tea man.","139":"Alfred, it's best you pick something different anyway. Hypatia Man isn't a good look for you.","140":"If you say so... I'm not sure what about me evokes a [i]Drag Queen[\/i]... it's perturbing.","141":"I suppose we should have our meeting, then...","142":"I'm sorry? [i]Steam Punk Bitch?","143":"[i]Neo-Edwardian![\/i] This is clearly [i]Neo-Edwardian![\/i] How many times must I reiterate that I'm not a peasant who is into [i]steam punk...","144":"Also... I'm not a bitch!","145":"That's alright, {PlayerName}. I'm quite willing to--","146":"No. I'm running, and I've decided for my campaign strategy it's better for Alfred to keep his theme and for Kristen to be Steam Punk Bitch.","147":"Steam Punk is popular, people know what it is. I've never heard of Neo-Edwardian in my whole life.","148":"What? Why? He's not even female!","149":"He isn't female, and you're not a mathematician.","150":"You'll be making enemies of a very powerful and influential Pinterest group...","151":"That shut her up pretty nicely...","152":"Fine. Let's just hold the club meeting.","153":"(There's no worming your way out of this one.)","154":"The philosophy club meeting goes quickly. It's as normal as it can be, and nothing particularly sticks out as unusual.","155":"I just hope the campaign meeting goes as smoothly.","156":"As I leave, though...","157":"Oh. You again.","158":"Kestrel really is haunting my usual places, isn't he? Did he know I'd be here? Or was he coming here after the Philosophy Club to avoid me?","159":"Did you ever manage to talk to Valerie?","160":"Kestrel's smirk is contemptuous, and his answer comes after a pause.","161":"My business is my business. Why are you following me around?","162":"I'm going about my normal, everyday life. Why are you always around?","163":"Kestrel's mouth squeezes shut uneasily.","164":"Business, of course.","165":"Who's this?","166":"Is he coming also?","167":"Going where?","168":"To my election campaign committee. Want to sit in?","169":"[i]Election campaign?","170":"His surprise is not faked. Interesting.","171":"Whatever he wants, whatever his tools are, he definitely doesn't have anything as god-like as RECENTLY.","172":"That may mean he's not working for the Fraternity. It may also mean he doesn't [i]know[\/i] he's working for the Fraternity.","173":"Yeah.","174":"I've got better things to do than that.","175":"I got him. He's embarrassed that he didn't know.","176":"What a strange gentleman. Did you know him?","177":"Don’t be a fool, Alfred, he clearly does. Did you not detect the undercurrent of hostility?","178":"Hostility? I don't know what you mean...","179":"Yes, you don't seem very perceptive when it comes to [i]hostility[\/i], are you?","180":"I'm ready to talk about my election campaign. Are you? Remember, Kristen, we're a team.","181":"Yeah, yeah.","0":"A few days later...","1":"It's quiet.","2":"It just hit me. [i]It's quiet.[\/i] Not just in terms of sound... but also the voice in my head. I'm not thinking about anything.","3":"If I've gone through a storm for the past few months, battered by tidal waves, it just feels my head is just a gentle surf.","4":"Look at what's happening right now. I'm not checking RECENTLY. I'm doing homework. I'm not desperately writing bespoke malware to break into a police station.","5":"I'm [i]playing video games[\/i]. An old RTS game with a savegame I never finished. How long has it been since I've done that?","6":"I haven't been neglectful. I've been watching RECENTLY with the same zeal as always. But there's just nothing to act on.","7":"...I'm getting bored.","8":"I look at my cellphone, and see it's later than I thought. I've spent hours playing this fucking game.","9":"What is the Fraternity doing right now? What about the cops? And whoever else is on top of this pyramid?"},"ch11__11.40 vals temptation.vne3":{"10":"Oh yes, a coffee shop is second only to a library for deep, meaningful conversations.","11":"This is the perfect place to discuss our plans for the election. Here, let me pull up my laptop.","12":"Alfred fishes into a bulky backpack, and fishes out intestinal tracts of cords and wire. Heavy headphones and a gaming keyboard and a mouse with more buttons and lights than a NASA control center.","13":"More accessories come out - portable speakers, several game controllers, some kind of side-keyboard shaped like a hand that some people use for macros...","14":"We watch it with some awe, but Alfred doesn't look happy.","15":"This is somewhat embarrassing. I left my laptop at home.","16":"Can you construct a new one out of the parts you pulled from your bag?","17":"Ah! A jest! What a wonderful joke![delay,250][char,Alfred_Superhero_Annoyed] But sadly no. Even if I could bring them together, I couldn't reconstruct the presentation I made.","18":"I'm sure we'll be able to admire your presentation later. As a matter of fact, I don't think we should commit too heavily into a course of action without knowing what we're doing.","19":"Sam has not set a good example.","20":"Alfred begins the long, sad process of putting all his gear back into the backpack he lugs around.","21":"{PlayerName}! [i]Where is your costume?","22":"The costume? I didn't realize I was supposed to bring it...","23":"[i]Superhero theme! Superhero theme![\/i] Not [i]normie muggle[\/i] theme.","24":"Pass me a pair of glasses and I can be a superhero in disguise.","25":"Ugh! Okay. Let's introduce ourselves by our [i]superhero aliases[\/i]. I...[delay,250][char,Sam_Costume_Smiling] am Lynx! My parents died in a terrible boating accident, I washed ashore a tropical island and was brought up by panthers!","26":"This feels... different from what Sam said before. I don't want to challenge her though. I can't remember much of what she told me...","27":"That's where I learned to talk to cats, see through their eyes, and--","28":"S-sorry... why are you ''Lynx'' when you were raised by panthers?","29":"I like the word better.","30":"Oh. That makes sense.","31":"Ah... where was I? I actually wrote a couple of pages of backstory...","32":"Maybe we should continue.","33":"Right. I could go all day. Went through several revisions. So yeah, someone else should share.","34":"Kristen... you can go next.","35":"No... you go first, Alfred.","36":"I feel uncomfortable going before a female... but if you insist...","37":"My name is Hypatia Man! I carry in my heart the legacy of many women who contributed to the field of mathematics!","38":"My powers include.... throwing platonic shapes like ninja stars! Really... really quick calculations... like a calculator... and... uh...","39":"Shit... the guy is starting to sweat hard, he's deflating. I think he's listening to himself.","40":"...oh... uh... I'm...","41":"He's lost it. I knew this would happen.","42":"It's okay buddy! So you were... [i]Hypatia Man?[\/i] And your theme is... [delay,250][char,Sam_Costume_Thoughtful]uh... [i]female mathematicians...[\/i]","43":"Oh... I... I suddenly feel like this was all a stupid idea...","44":"Kristen shoots me a knowing glance.","45":"If you're going to represent all women in STEM, you have to act like one. Be brave!","46":"Oh! You're right. This is [i]nothing[\/i] compared to what females face in STEM! [i]Hypatia Man[\/i] can't be weak in the face of oppression.","47":"Damn Sam, nice save.","48":"Yes! Great job. What's your origin story?","49":"Oh... I started coming up with a few... but they all sounded kinda...","50":"I'm not really a storyteller. This is so embarrassing...","51":"Maybe you were in terrible peril, and your life was saved by a passing female mathematician.","52":"Uh... [i]yeah.[\/i] That's a good origin story. Like... you were drowning or something! And a female mathematician saved you.","53":"But... that's not very thematic... I should've been saved by her proficiency with mathematics...","54":"Are you saying female mathematicians can't be good swimmers?","55":"I... uh... suppose that the drowning story will do...","56":"What about you, Kristen?","57":"I'm... uh...","58":"...well, superheroes are stupid and juvenile anyway. So I don't really think I will. I'll just have a costume and that's it.","59":"Oh! What about [i]Steampunk Girl!","60":"It's... not... STEAMPUNK! It is [i]Neo-Edwardian![\/i] This is very... [i]very[\/i] clearly not Victorian fashion!","61":"Am I wearing stupid gears? Do I have a stovepipe sticking out of my head?","62":"Sorry... I just thought it looked cool.","63":"You were there! At Halloween! I explained it all to you but you remembered [i]nothing! Nothing!","64":"Remember? You were dressed as Alice Cooper...","65":"I was Zatanna!","66":"You [i]looked like Alice Cooper!","67":"This is so fucking stupid.","68":"You are our outreach coordinator, Kristen! So please get your head in the game!","69":"...fine.","70":"I am Lady Lovelace -- mathematician, poet, and warrior.","71":"My lovers are numerous, my enemies more so. They tried to bury who I was, but I've traveled through time and space so I can reap the rewards of the future.","72":"You could imagine how disappointed I was to see it.","73":"So inspirational...","74":"I love your costume! Very steampunk. Is that the same one from Halloween?","75":"You didn't remember?","76":"Remember... uh...","77":"It's not STEAMPUNK! It's [i]Neo-Edwardian![\/i] I remember I was very clear about this!","78":"Yeah, well... I guess I didn't really listen. I was too occupied with the whole place being raided by police not soon after.","79":"Yes, well... you could've learned [i]something[\/i] at least...","80":"I love your costume! Very steampunk.","81":"Ugh. [i]Neo-Edwardian.[\/i] Not trashy steampunk.","82":"Do I have cogs? Do I have a stovepipe sticking out of my ears or something?","83":"Oh... uh... sorry.","84":"Alfred? Who are you?","85":"Oh... er... I'm...","86":"I suppose I didn't come up with anything clever. I'm just...","87":"He's Drag Queen Man.","88":"Oh. [i]Drag Queen Man?[\/i] That's a bit... hrmm...","89":"I'm not sure that's what I'm going to be yet. I had an idea, but... it didn't work well with what other people are going to do. So I changed it.","90":"Which, I'll add, I'm very happy to do.","91":"Hmm... not sure we really want to stick with [i]Drag Queen Man.[\/i] What kind of things do you like, Alfred? You're in the Philosophy Club, I know that. So...","92":"Well, I'm a big fan of formal logic...","93":"Aha! What about [i]Boolean Boy![\/i]","94":"I... quite... like... that...","95":"Course it's good! I'm talented at naming things. Got a good power for him, too. Boolean Boy can switch things on or off at will. Like... girls!","96":"Huh?!","97":"Heh! It was just a joke.","98":"...Of course.","99":"The only person left is you, {PlayerName}. Tell us who you are.","100":"Captain Pending.","101":"Captain Pending! That was a [i]joke![\/i] I gave you one homework assignment and it was to come up with a real name!","102":"You can't be a hero without an alias. That just doesn't work. What will criminals fear?","103":"You could pick something that fits with your silence. Like... [i]Mute[\/i].","104":"Eh... I'm not sure I like that.","105":"That's more of a description of what I am than a name.","106":"Yes. What about [i]Quiet?[\/i]","107":"You know, I'd rather not play on his silence at all. Daredevil is blind, but nobody knows that, because the most important thing about him is that he's a competent hero.","108":"Hrmm... maybe...","109":"[i]Dragon.[\/i]","110":"Not bad. Not bad. It's more like a yakuza leader than someone running for class president. Oh, hi Valerie.","111":"You what now?","112":"This wasn't how I wanted to tell you.","113":"Oh... [i]fantastic![\/i] You're running against me? That is absolutely scandalous, shocking, brilliant and exciting. I'm honestly out of words.","114":"Wow. You really are cool with this. I thought {PlayerName} was exaggerating.","115":"This is even better than {PlayerName} joining the Student Council. Finally, signs of life out of him.","116":"I've been waiting for {PlayerName} to regain himself, and it looks like it's finally happening.","117":"To be honest, Val, the reason why I didn't tell was I wasn't sure if I'd be going through with it. And I'm still not 100%.","118":"[i]Not[\/i] 100%? What am I making these costumes for?","119":"The funny thing was, I was actually looking for you. I was about to invite you to be part of my campaign committee.","120":"I can't help but give a big smirk to that.","121":"Sorry about that, Valerie. I'm gunning for your seat.","122":"I'm very glad about that. Do you still want to be on my campaign committee?","123":"I told you I'm not interested.","124":"You don't have to drop your campaign to work for me.","125":"I'm not sure I understand. Are you seriously suggesting I work on your campaign [i]while[\/i] I run against you?","126":"Holy shit...","127":"Is there a rule against that?","128":"I'd have a massive advantage against you. I'd know all your strategies, and I could come up with perfect counters. Plus, it's weird to do oppo research when you're in the same room...","129":"It's very convenient, actually. I can just ask you for dirt on yourself. Jokes aside, I don't think we'll be running smear campaigns against each other.","130":"Of course not. That's totally unnecessary.","131":"God, {PlayerName}... I don't know what to call this situation. [i]''Awkward''[\/i] doesn't work... that's when you embarrass yourself or something... act like Michael Scott... but this is pretty weird.","132":"I mean... imagine having Valerie on your committee...","133":"Sam makes an excellent point. This is weird, Val.","134":"You have a standing invitation to join my campaign committee, {PlayerName}, as an honored guest even if you aren't a member.","135":"Thanks. Actually, I've been trying to talk to you privately for some time. Could we have an aside?","136":"...Yes. Of course.","137":"I'm sorry guys. I swear I'll be back. I've got to go talk to Valerie in private.","138":"Sure... sure... I'm still kinda digesting how you could be on the campaign committee of the person running against you.","139":"We'll brainstorm cool superhero ideas in the meantime.","140":"I give her my best comic-book-hero salute, and then I leave with Val.","141":"[i]Superheroes?","142":"Don't laugh.","143":"I'm not laughing. I'm terrified for my seat. People lap that stuff up, and now I've got to think of something to equal it.","144":"Maybe you could have a campaign based on popular kid's shows. Peppa Pig, Blues Clues...","145":"Put on giant mascot outfits?","146":"Yeah. Play on nostalgia.","147":"Are you already trying to sabotage my campaign with terrible ideas?","148":"I give her a guiltless smile.","149":"I want to know the story of why you decided to run again. But that'll come later.","150":"Right. Valerie is desperate for an update too.","151":"Valerie shuts the door behind her, and the mood suddenly drops. Smiles, cheer, spontaneity all drop like rocks into a dark abyss.","152":"What is the update?","153":"Her voice feels like grasping onto chilled steel, and her heels click officiously like punctuation. I instinctively straighten my back and ready myself for the conversation I rehearsed.","154":"I need you to do a big favor for me. Actually, it's something you already said you'd do, and now I'm just collecting.","155":"Which is...?","156":"I need you as bait for the Fraternity.","157":"I remember saying you could risk me, yes. But I don't want to do this if you're not absolutely sure of what you're doing.","158":"I've asked a lot from you, but this is also asking quite a bit from me.","159":"I know that. Silent1 is growing more and more cautious. Eventually, he's going to cut me off completely. So I need a new means in.","160":"I used Alexis as bait before, but I fucked it up. They flipped the script, and she ended up being the bait for me.","161":"I believe the Fraternity would never be interested in someone as stupid as Alexis. But, they may be interested in you.","162":"So... you believe the Fraternity would be predisposed to me.","163":"Yes.","164":"Of course I agree to this. I want to prove to you that I'm also willing to take risks.","165":"The only issue is that I don't know how the Fraternity is recruiting members, since they got rid of Stan.","166":"That is a problem.","167":"The only way I might be able to find out is through Sandra. I don't know if she'll work with me.","168":"We have to find a way to convince her. Let's break for now. We can meet again and discuss plans of action. Perhaps... at my campaign committee?","169":"You're shameless.","170":"Very.","171":"Right.","172":"I should go back to my own committee. They might think I'm a turncoat.","173":"Valerie gives a full-chested laugh, before she shakes her head.","174":"Keep in contact.","175":"You too.","176":"{Leah} will be happy about this, but there's still very little chance of obtaining Sandra's help.","177":"I'm impatient... I feel like I've already wasted several days when I could be taking action. But these plans take time no matter what. I simply can't rush it.","0":"Afternoon, {PlayerName}.","1":"Wow... what interesting costumes. Can I get anything for you guys?","2":"Thank you. I'm very proud of it. Just a coke for me. Caffeine gives me hives.","3":"You, Kristen?","4":"I'd like a black coffee with two pumps of toffee syrup with steamed milk served at 185 degrees.","5":"Lidia doesn't even blink.","6":"Excellent. You?","7":"Not much. Excellent bird watching at the Philosophy club today.","8":"Ah... [i]birds showing up at your Philosophy Club[\/i]. I understand.","9":"Lidia leaves, having understood my meaning."},"ch11__11.45 interlocution.vne3":{"10":"Do you think she's going to choose a theme for her campaign? [char,Sam_Costume_Surprised]Oh man -- can you imagine if she went for like sword-and-sorcery fantasy theme? She could go around campus dressed as Red Sonja.","11":"I mean... I'm not gay... but sweaty barbarian women... I don't know...","12":"I already know your predilections. You can't stop playing the kilt game.","13":"[i]Lords of Cochran![\/i] It's based on [i]real gaelic myth[\/i], so it's almost like I'm learning something.","14":"I think that would be the best possible outcome. But no.","15":"Well, Alfred was kind enough to keep minutes, so you can go over what was said if you want. Basically nothing too crazy. It's hard to make decisions when you're not here.","16":"About that... Sam... I want to make sure one thing's clear, and we talked a bit about this before.","17":"I don't want to run a stupid campaign based completely on a gimmick. I want people to vote for the right reason.","18":"I dropped out of the race the first time because people felt sorry for me. The absolute last thing I want is for people to vote for me because I can't speak or because I wear a costume.","19":"Are you saying you don't like the costumes?","20":"I like the costumes. We're going to stick with the costumes. I'll stand up to the whole school wearing that damn costume.","21":"Yay!","22":"But it's going to be combined with actual substance, Sam. The gimmicks are second fiddle. We're going to have an actual vision, we're going to have an actual message, and that's why people will vote for us.","23":"And... what is it? What's that vision?","24":"That this school has a corrupt administration. Far too much money is put into vanity projects and the sports team. The coaches make more than any of the professors.","25":"This school needs to focus on being an [i]educational[\/i] institution rather than an [i]athletic meet.","26":"It's not fair that we pay so much in tuition, and yet we're not the focus. We've completely lost sight of our objectives and functions.","27":"I... see. But all that stuff you said... it's not something we can change even if we won. The college has a board, and they make all the big decisions. That's not something we can just upend.","28":"I agree with what you said. Student government is just glorified event planning, a resume padder. We can't make these promises to people! Remember my campaign?","29":"I said all the things you said, but ultimately, I couldn't do anything. A student government can't just change how the education system works, it's not possible.","30":"I know that. That's why... my promise isn't going to be to change the system. My promise is that I'll be a thorn in the side of the system.","31":"I'll do nothing but make myself a nuisance to those who truly control the school. I'll be loud, obnoxious, and relentless in advocating for the student body. I'll make no friends among the board of directors and the deans.","32":"Whoa. That's...","33":"[i]...so cool![\/i] We're gonna be rebels!","34":"It's not going to be easy. They'll try and shove us onto the margins, not take us seriously. Once that doesn't work, they'll try to corrupt us by accepting us into their circle.","35":"We're not going to do that. We're going to be solely fixed on policy, like velcro. The only time we work with them is when they give up and do what we tell them to.","36":"Honestly... this whole idea to have you run was just to have fun, but this is even better, {PlayerName}!","37":"I feel bad because I didn't succeed at what I wanted to do when I ran. I was telling people I was going to change things even when I didn't have the power. It made me feel like a liar when I couldn't keep those promises.","38":"But we do have the power to fight, always. And if we promise to fight, we can always keep that promise.","39":"I nod, glowing. [i]Sam gets it[\/i]. Truth be told, when Sam and I were running against each other, I was also dismissive of all the promises she made. I was in the system, and I knew that she couldn't get what she wanted for the school.","40":"I was correct, but Sam was [i]right[\/i]. Even if our power is limited, we can still use it in a way to effect change.","41":"Okay! I'm excited! I'm going to have to redo [i]everything![\/i]","42":"Wow, she's making it sound like a good thing. Sam is really putting her heart and soul into this. I hate that I have to caution her.","43":"Sam, let's first come up with a platform, then let's design our materials. I don't want to waste your effort.","44":"Plus, it's going to take time from your coursework.","45":"That is sort of the idea! Heh...","46":"This was how it was meant to be. Sam and {PlayerName}, [i]running mates.[\/i] You could make a pretty good TV show.","47":"Great. Now, I've got to go. Let's not take any action until our next meeting, okay?","48":"Okay!","49":"Man, now I [i]want[\/i] to be in a superhero costume. I feel like I'd look great in it...","50":"You look as proud as a cat who caught a mouse.","51":"She has Plato on a leash, who rummages through some bushes for something which caught his interest.","52":"That must be pretty proud.","53":"Uh-huh. It's a fine day. You got a few minutes to walk with me?","54":"Where are you headed?","55":"Plato's gone off and been a fool. He lost his favorite chew toy. There's a place in the shopping center and I thought I'd pick up a replacement.","56":"Sounds fun.","57":"Right. Let's go.","58":"You missed me wearing a superhero costume.","59":"Oh. Why you do that? Fancy bein' a hero?","60":"You don't need a cape for that.","61":"My friend has encouraged me to do something crazy. I've suddenly found myself involved in something I didn't quite agree to be a part of.","62":"You got conscripted.","63":"Something like that.","64":"You must be good friends if you're willing to do something you ain't usually willing to do.","65":"Here's the store. Could you hold Plato's leash? He's gonna go crazy if you let 'em in Pets Plus.","66":"I can do that.","67":"Tha--","68":"DVDs? Real cheap. Blu-ray, XBOX games, vintage, retro...","69":"Uh...?","70":"Again?","71":"Oh, holy shit. Fuck man. I didn't recognize you. How's it going?","72":"Damn, I bought a real good meal with that ten dollars you gave me. I got the [i]deluxe burger[\/i] with fries [i]and extra cheese[\/i].","73":"I knew you couldn't do it, so I screamed to everyone: [i]this is all thanks to {PlayerName}![\/i] Screaming your name to people is the most affordable way to honor you.","74":"That isn't necessary at all. What happened to your ''valet'' business?","75":"That? Get this. While you were in Annette Taylor, cops came by and rudely reminded I'm supposed to stay outside of a mile of any educational institution that hosts minors.","76":"It's like I'm a sex criminal, when I'm just a regular one! A guy getting by!","77":"Who is your friend?","78":"I... uh... I... gotta...","79":"Her name is Maggie. She's just getting something from Pets Plus.","80":"Ah, okay. Man what a cute dog. That thing is an old, old man.","81":"His name is Plato. Yeah, he's a good ol' boy.","82":"Man, your hick schtick is pretty adorable!","83":"Uh... sorry... I gotta...","84":"Did I do something wrong? I was just paying a compliment.","85":"Man, you know that you scare girls like that, when you come out of nowhere trying to push stuff onto them and give creepy compliments.","86":"[i]Creepy compliments?[\/i] Buttsnack is just trying to be nice. I know I don't have a chance with women, man. I just need someone to buy this merchandise.","87":"We're already business partners. Mind making another purchase? For these [i]vintage[\/i] games and DVDs, I'm willing to let them go for well under retail. $20 a pop.","88":"Are you drunk?","89":"What? [i]Vinyl[\/i] gets to be all fancy and shit and not [i]good old fashioned DVDs?[\/i]","90":"Most of those don't even work anymore. My computer doesn't even have a DVD drive.","91":"You picked those things in bulk from supermarket bargain bins. I already know this. They're a couple dollars each and they still can't get rid of them.","92":"Okay. You got me. I'll let go of them for five dollars each.","93":"Here's a $20. I'll buy four. Go buy yourself something nice at Burger Queen, and don't shout my name.","94":"[i]Bodacious![\/i] Which ones do you want?","95":"I can't play them, so I literally don't care.","96":"Thanks dude. Okay, if that's the case, I'll give you some shit that's radioactive.","97":"Wow, thanks. I give you some money and you give me your worst merchandise. I really appreciate it.","98":"So you [i]do[\/i] care? Do you want primo shit or not?","99":"Just give me something watchable. Maybe I'll see it one day, if I get really bored.","100":"[i]Watchable.[\/i] I got some watchable stuff. Here you go.","101":"I flip through the four films Buttsnack gives me. The titles are strange, and none have a genre in common. One is a western remake of a second-rate Japanese horror movie. Another is some flowery romantic comedy.","102":"Then there's an action movie... a legal drama...","103":"I've never heard of any of these movies.","104":"Hidden gems! How many movies have you seen that you've never heard of but turned out to be wonderful?","105":"Not many. But this'll do.","106":"Thanks!","107":"Ah man. Here too?","108":"You know there's no unauthorized solicitation here, right?","109":"You serious? Friends can't trade movies with friends anymore? Why you gotta be like this?","110":"Clear off, buddy. I can charge you here and now for misdemeanor trespassing.","111":"Damn it...","112":"Buttsnack gives the cop a sour look before wandering off. It looks like the cop will accompany him to make sure he really does get off the property.","0":"Sorry about that.","113":"That one just stepped out of nowhere, didn't he?","1":"Wait a sec... it's just Sam.","114":"He's totally harmless.","2":"Where is everyone?","115":"I 'spose.","3":"Kristen and Alfred had to go. Early bedtime or something.","116":"Thanks for comin' with me. Not sure I coulda handled that on my own.","4":"Do you think they fuck?","117":"Still got a lot to learn. You're the really expert at [i]in-ter-lo-cushun[\/i]...","5":"Ew... the mental image...","118":"You're the expert with guns.","6":"Don't be like that. It's the miracle of nature. A dick is just like a bee pollinating a flower and so on.","119":"About that.... do you really think you're gonna get away with just one lesson?","7":"Bees don't have rolls of sweaty fat.","120":"I got bunches more to say.","8":"Yeah. Anyway, what did Valerie want?","121":"That's nice, but I gotta get going home. You can come along if you want.","9":"It's nothing important. Anyway, I tried to sabotage her campaign with bad ideas, but she didn't take the bait.","122":"You don't mind Plato in your house for a bit?","123":"He's housebroken, right?","124":"'Course!","125":"Then bring him along too."},"ch11__11.50 movie sex.vne3":{"10":"I feel like I know {PlayerName} pretty well, but if you think he's going to get obsessed with being president, I really wonder if you actually know him.","11":"This isn't a competition! I'm not challenging your friendship in any way, or saying that your idea of who {PlayerName} is -- is wrong.","12":"I'm not even criticizing him! I'm just explaining why I don't want him to run for president, and why I won't be supporting him.","13":"You're not going to vote for him?","14":"Of course I'll vote for him. I mean... [i]I support him[\/i] and I want him to win, obviously, but I don't [i]support him[\/i] in the way that you are. I'd discourage him from running.","15":"I'm not gonna lie {Leah}, I'm surprised. Kinda disappointed? I thought you would be 3,000% behind this.","16":"I'm sorry to disappoint.","17":"Well... I guess I don't need your measurements then. Don't be part of the team.","18":"I give it some time after Sam departs. I desperately want to avoid getting in the middle of that...","19":"{Leah}, of course, already noticed I was listening in. She glances my direction with a frown. I've been caught eavesdropping...","20":"Sorry you had to hear that.","21":"What did you mean by ''worse than Sam''?","22":"Sam doesn't understand your position.","23":"[i]Worse than Sam[\/i]. Not going to lie, you managed to insult us both.","24":"I'm not trying to insult either of you.","25":"When I said you were worse than Sam, I was obviously talking about a specific domain. Don't act like my opinion of you isn't high.","26":"I'm... just... sorry. That whole conversation came off as wrong.","27":"I know your concerns, {Leah}. I remember what I did. You obviously don't want to see me like that. But can't you even be symbolically supportive?","28":"I'm not asking you to join the election committee. I'm just asking to let Sam make a silly costume for you. That's literally it.","29":"I... I don't know.","30":"Yes, I wish she'd understand... I'm not opposing you by doing this...","31":"...under any other circumstances I would be behind you 3,000 percent. I don't think you running is a good idea personally...","32":"I know why you think that... but this time, things really are different.","33":"I'm focused. I have a goal. It isn't about me this time.","34":"Okay. I believe you.","35":"...and?","36":"Right now... it doesn't change anything. Give me some time, {PlayerName}.","37":"It's far away anyway. The election is next semester. If I had a superhero alter-ego, I have no idea what it would be anyway.","38":"I'm pretty sure {Leah}'s primary concern isn't that she doesn't have a good enough alter-ego.","39":"You want to get going?","40":"That would be great.","41":"There was something I wanted to mention. I talked to Valerie.","42":"She's back in town? I knew she would be.","43":"I nod.","44":"She's agreed to [i]it[\/i].","45":"{Leah} takes a deep breath, like she's ventilating out her concerns and fears. I wouldn't say she's [i]relieved[\/i], just preparing herself for the [i]next step[\/i]. The dangerous step.","46":"Okay. That's good to hear.","47":"There is no emotion in her voice at all.","48":"This is all contingent on having a good plan.","49":"Yes. I know that. I feel like you're going to have to wait for an opportunity to come up.","50":"That might happen sooner than you think.","51":"[i]Sooner than I think?[\/i] Is that a hope or a promise?","52":"Valerie also invited me into her campaign.","53":"Finally, I get a smile out of her.","54":"Does she know that you're running against her?","55":"Funny thing? Yes. She kinda said I should work for her while running against her.","56":"[i]Is that even possible?[\/i] Valerie is a strange one.","57":"I tried to sabotage her with bad advice, but she didn't take the bait.","58":"{Leah} responds with a strangely ironic smirk. This is one of those moments when I have no idea what she's thinking.","59":"Then she notices what I'm carrying.","60":"Do you have a plastic bag full of Blu-Rays?","61":"Not even Blu-Ray. [i]DVDs[\/i]!","62":"[i]Whaaat?[\/i] Why? Are you that desperate to hang out with me?[char,Leah_Casual_Soft_Smile][delay,250] We could've just streamed something.","63":"Watch them? I hadn't even considered that... it was just way to get Buttsnack to leave Maggie alone.","64":"Not even sure if I [i]can[\/i] watch them. What plays DVDs around here? Do I want to get {Leah} all hyped up to watch something?","65":"Old school time. Let's watch a DVD.","66":"It's just a waste of time.","67":"These movies all suck so bad I'm not sure it's worth seeing any of them.","68":"If we're going to watch something, we can just stream whatever.","69":"You don't like gambling, {PlayerName}? You aren't into throwing caution into the wind and watching something completely random?","70":"It's the age of the Internet. We can watch the best movies ever made on command. We don't have to risk dumb garbage.","71":"But [i]how do you know?[\/i] Maybe you put something on and it turns out to be [i]life-changing...","72":"Do you really think that's possible?","73":"There was a time when you had to get what entertainment you could get. I kinda miss those days.","74":"You miss the days which you couldn't just watch whatever you wanted?","75":"Yeah. You had to be [i]creative[\/i]. Isn't there value in that?","76":"Uh...","77":"Yeah. It reminds me of how good it is now that I can just watch whatever I want to watch.","78":"You really have a sense of nostalgia, don't you?","79":"Not really.","80":"{Leah} sighs.","81":"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow morning, then.","82":"I guess I could've watched a movie with her... just to hang out.","83":"But... {Leah} and I could've seen [i]anything[\/i] in the world, so why she wanted to watch these DVDs so much is a mystery.","84":"Anyway... I'll see her tomorrow.","85":"Shit... [i]hanging out with {Leah}...[\/i] this could've been the solution to {Leah} and I having nothing to talk about except the Silent1 case. I wish that was the reason I bought them.","86":"It was partly charity. But yeah, I thought we could watch one of them.","87":"I think we've got a DVD player I could hook up. Haven't used it since middle school.","88":"Whoa. That old thing?","89":"It was going to see absolutely no use at home, so I decided to take it with me.","90":"Heh. Cool! Let's watch something. Mind if I get in my jimmy-jams?","91":"Yeah, get comfy. What are you feeling? We've got a rom-com, horror, drama, and action.","92":"Let's see... in our lives right now, we've got way too much horror, drama and action.","93":"Let's try a rom-com.","94":"Okay. Rom-com it is.","95":"You don't want to see a rom-com? Would you prefer action?","96":"I prefer streaming.","97":"Yeah, okay. Quit yer bellyachin'! Let's give this a shot [i]at least.[\/i]","98":"I'm giving it a shot.","99":"I just wish you were more enthusiastic.","100":"I am enthusiastic! Let's watch the movie. I'll give it an honest go.","101":"Good. Okay. I'm going to get change. Be right back.","102":"It's a good thing {Leah} is getting changed, 'cause I'm not actually sure if I can get this thing running.","103":"I've got to hook up the player... see if it can even turn on... then...","104":"Shit... I wonder if {Leah} would still want to watch these things if she was the one messing with the tech.","105":"It'll be a miracle if this thing works... luckily this bluray player is supposed to be backward compatible.","106":"I hear {Leah} push hard on the spring of the sofa as she leaps on.","107":"You got it working...?","108":"The thing... [i]seems alive[\/i]... so I think I got it to work.","109":"Who knows if the [i]disc[\/i] works, though? These things have a way of getting corrupted if you put it set it down on the wrong side.","110":"Kids these days will never know the pain of accidentally scratching a DVD.","111":"Satisfied, I head back to the sofa.","112":"The movie is... odd. It's about a man and his {sheIsYour} uncovering a mystery together.","113":"The town that they go to is run by a secret society, and this secret society commits villainous actions against the town.","114":"Eventually, as they work together, it gets clearer and clearer that the two main characters have more in common than just a common enemy.","115":"I watch the movie with {Leah}, increasingly uneasy about the parallels between their lives and ours, wondering if I should mention them.","116":"Does {Leah} even notice? She's sometimes good at compartmentalizing things... putting things in context where I can't. So I stay silent. Then...","117":"Uh... maybe...","118":"Please, {Leah}. Say what I can't. Say what we both know.","119":"...I'm feeling [i]horror[\/i] a bit more.","120":"Thank you, {Leah}. I'm feeling [i]anything[\/i] a bit more. This movie is way too close to looking into a mirror...","121":"I'll watch pretty much [i]anything[\/i] else.","122":"I eagerly get off the couch.","123":"I pop the DVD out and feel relieved to be no longer tortured.","124":"Weirdly, [i]horror[\/i] feels like the perfect escape. After all, as crazy as our lives might be, ghosts, demons and devils are yet to make an appearance.","125":"I hope I'm not jinxing myself as I pop the horror DVD in.","126":"Satisfied, I head back to the sofa.","127":"So like... as weird as our lives are...","128":"...at least we're not dealing with ghost-gates and spirit realms.","129":"I can't help but think back on the debates Sam and I used to have. We would watch horror together too, but sometimes Sam would cluck her tongue and complain ''things weren't realistic''...","130":"...but it was how the supernatural was [i]depicted[\/i], not that the supernatural was depicted [i]at all.","131":"I wish I could be really swept into this stuff like Sam is...","132":"...and like {Leah}.","133":"God... can you imagine? You just look under your covers and there's just like a [i]ghost[\/i] there?","134":"That's so scary...","135":"Are you serious {Leah}? You run into buildings to save me and smash pots over the heads of gunmen. Little girls with bad haircuts are the thing that get you?","136":"Well, I guess we all have to be scared by [i]something[\/i]...","137":"I must make a throaty laugh, because {Leah} notices immediately.","138":"Yeah, yeah. It's so funny I get scared and you don't.","139":"It's not [i]that[\/i] {Leah}. It's that you're so damn [i]brave[\/i] and it's [i]this crap[\/i] that gets you scared.","140":"I think she is having fun, though, despite herself.","141":"At least, I'm having fun watching her.","142":"*gasp*","143":"No! Not...!","144":"Come on, {Leah}...","145":"She sidles up on the sofa closer to me. Before I know it, she pulls my arm around her, like some sort of security blanket.","146":"Does she really think I'm going to protect her from something crawling out of the T.V.?","147":"I mean... this kind of stuff [i]definitely[\/i] doesn't happen, right?","148":"Yes, {Leah}, you're smart enough to figure that out.","149":"I just... really hope I don't start seeing ghosts everywhere...","150":"After... after I saw The Revenge... I couldn't even go into a shower without checking for black hair...","151":"...why did I agree to watch this?","152":"And yet... she keeps going.","153":"I wonder if I should give her a gentle reminder that I'm still here?","154":"Put your hand on her shoulder.","155":"Let things be.","156":"Maybe it'd be best to let her as she is. I think she's got courage enough without my help.","157":"We should just watch the movie together.","158":"Not much. Something gentle. Just to let her know that I'll protect her.","159":"She doesn't have to feel like I'm making fun of her. After all... it [i]is[\/i] cute that something like this could scare her.","160":"After all, for the past few months, there were moments when I was completely gripped by terror.","161":"Horror movies are... not a great way to relax.","162":"It looks like I've gotten her mind onto something completely different...","163":"You're right. This is... silly.","164":"We don't need to watch a DVD, do we?","165":"I look into her eyes, shimmering with the light of the television.","166":"I can't help but notice her fingers graze her thighs...","167":"It makes me... kind've... want to...","168":"...touch her.","169":"Yes. Horror movies are silly, aren't they?","170":"Especially when we could be... [i]really[\/i] spending our little time together much better.","171":"Now that the barrier has broken down, there's no need to be shy anymore.","172":"We can just [i]do whatever we want...","173":"I haven't kissed {Leah} since after the break in... and it makes me wonder why I don't kiss her constantly.","174":"Why bother with streaming or DVDs? This is [i]infinitely[\/i] better.","175":"My needs get more intense, and I start to paw at her more desperately.","176":"In this dark tense moment, I get clumsy. My fingers try to pull at her remaining clothes, but with oddly little effect.","177":"But finally...","178":"...after an embarrassing amount of time, I manage to free one of her breasts.","179":"I love the slick perspiration of it, her intensity, the heat radiating off her...","180":"...I especially love the sensation of her fingers inching toward my cock...","181":"Her fingers are already slick with... [i]something.[\/i] Spit, maybe?","182":"In any case, her touch is better than velvet. Gentler, more precise.","183":"As she pinches my cockhead, it drives me to take this even further.","184":"It seems there's no reason not to go fully in.","185":"I guess this is why couples like watching horror movies...","186":"...the fear pushes us together.","187":"I wonder... if fear is really the thing keeping us both together.","188":"It's no use holding back, is there?","189":"Of course not. That barrier is long down. Let's do it.","190":"{Leah} gazes into my eyes, as though gauging whether I really [i]want[\/i] this.","191":"I think she's crazy. At this moment, there's nothing I want more.","192":"She should know this immediately by now.","193":"I guess her caution is nice, but now... all I want is for her to [i]touch me[\/i]...","194":"The kiss she plants on my cockhead is both tender and oddly [i]polite...","195":"I throw my head back as a knot inside me is completely undone.","196":"The tension loosens... and then... I feel her slip a little further down.","197":"[i]That's it baby...[\/i]","198":"That is just... [i]so damn good...[\/i]","199":"From gentle kiss to wondrous enveloping pleasure...","200":"{Leah}'s cheeks pull in as she starts to actually [i]suck[\/i]...","201":"I love the feeling, it's as if my cockhead wants to detach, and go on its own little journey...","202":"I'm not ready for that, though. I'm going to have my fun with {Leah}.","203":"{Leah} sucks me like I've been struck with a poison.","204":"The pull of her mouth... the rocking back of her head...","205":"It feels as if I'm being pulled out of my body through my cock...","206":"Lips continue to hug me and send radiating waves of tenderness through me.","207":"I think I could drift to sleep with {Leah} working me like this.","208":"It's easy to be selfish. I almost forget that there's a body attached to {Leah}'s pillowy lips.","209":"Her flesh is hot and slick, it's very easy to slip my hand down and find something to play with.","210":"She moves, shuffles a bit closer, to invite me to come into her more.","211":"Her crack proves to be as welcoming to my hand as her lips are to my cock.","212":"I feel like her whole body wants nothing but to have me inside of it...","213":"{Leah} gets more heated, and then, I know she wants her own turn.","214":"Could you...","215":"Her hands play with the hem of her underwear.","216":"She's asking, in her shy, nervous way, whether I'd be willing to go down on her.","217":"There is no way I wouldn't. I try to give an answer by pulling off my shirt.","218":"She lays back eagerly, and I'm ready to get acquainted with her entrance.","219":"{Leah}'s stare is intense, and I find it difficult to look at what I'm dealing with rather than her.","220":"My fingers ensure she is sweet for me before I even touch my lips to it.","221":"That's it. That's exactly what I like to see out of {Leah}.","222":"Her head thrown back, eyes rolling, mouth agape...","223":"Her ability to breath steadily is completely lost. I want to leave her a sweaty, wheezing wreck...","224":"You're... so good at that...","225":"I deduce... you made Emily pretty happy...","226":"I did {Leah}. Thanks for noticing. But the fact she can talk right now means I'm not doing my job right.","227":"I did make Emily pretty happy, that's for sure, but I like to think I save something special for {Leah}.","228":"After all, {Leah} is my {sheIsYour}... it wouldn't feel right to treat her just like everyone else.","229":"And so... I'll try something new with her... and if that doesn't work, I'll work as hard as I can to give her that special feeling...","230":"So I intensify my efforts... fucking her hole with my tongue.","231":"She's left making little mewling sounds, like a cat of some sort.","232":"I think she's nice and ready. Let's move on.","233":"I don't want to waste all her energy just on this, after all.","234":"I get behind {Leah}, and she quickly understands what it is I'm trying to do.","235":"We practically bump and collide with each other in our desperation to escalate this.","236":"Eventually, I have {Leah} leaning over the sofa. There's breathless silence as I position myself perfectly to slip in.","237":"I sense an impatience out of her. And I get it. I'm impatient too. But, eventually, my cock finds purchase on her slick hole.","238":"I slide in... {Leah}'s natural lubrication cups me and caresses me, and I feel her own adjustments to allow me in deeper.","239":"She has to relax herself a bit before I can fully penetrate. She's so excited, she's basically milking the air.","240":"My cock goes in inch by inch, giving her something to take.","241":"Finally, we're in sync, and it feels like she can take me in fully.","242":"I'm doing it to the hilt, then. If I hit the top of her uterus, that's what I'm going to do. Let's see how deep we can really go.","243":"Just a bit more... a bit deeper... and I'll send her off to a place she's never been.","244":"One hard slap of the thighs... then...","245":"Aaah!~","246":"Her voice goes sing-song once I'm in. But this is only the beginning.","247":"It feels so different from the time in {Leah}'s bedroom.","248":"Back then, it was so intimate, so delusional, so intense... it barely felt like I was there with her.","249":"But this is real. I'm clapping her from behind, it feels like our entire bodies are swinging in tune.","250":"Now I'm of sound mind... this [i]feels[\/i] like its really happening, when our previous encounter didn't...","251":"I want that feeling... of nailing {Leah} while looking at her in the eyes.","252":"I pull her off the couch, collect her like she's some sort of suitcase.","253":"Heh. I miss your handsome face...","254":"And I miss her beautiful one.","255":"I start by mauling her chest. Her nipples disappear into my mouth.","256":"She holds me so tight to her chest that I can barely pull myself back.","257":"I'm strong, but I can't do this all night. I'm going to have to find a level platform.","258":"When we do, we're back on the sofa. I'm thrusting up into her.","259":"Now that she knows to expect me, I'm only putting the least amount of effort that I need to.","260":"The rest of my focus is staring into {Leah}'s eyes...","261":"Whatever's going on in the background, I don't know and I don't care.","262":"I think my cock has effectively exorcised any ghosts that {Leah} may be worried about.","263":"Right now, pleasure just overwhelms our brains too much to be worried about some stupid movie.","264":"The music drones on from behind... but whatever it has to show us just can't compete.","265":"I mean, with {Leah} mounting me like this, like I'm a stallion...","266":"...I feel way too powerful for any horror movie ghoul.","267":"I could pretty much do this as much as I want.","268":"I'm closer and closer to orgasm. I put myself in a state of meditative bliss, to keep myself from blowing a load too early.","269":"The timing needs to be perfect. I can't disappoint {Leah}.","270":"This all has to be done [i]right...","271":"In this case, doing things [i]right[\/i] means we go together, cum as we stare into each other's eyes.","272":"I think it's about time to make it happen.","273":"This is probably going to be the final penetration of the night. It's late, I'm exhausted, and {Leah} and I really do need to rest.","274":"This truly is the peak. I'm at the zenith of something, and now I'm looking at the path down.","275":"At this point, there's just nothing to stop us both from going past the point of no return.","276":"Us cumming together is going to put us to sleep easier than any lullaby.","277":"I just have to wonder... where I'll do it?","278":"A small orgasm is already shuddering through {Leah}, and soon, a bigger one will come.","279":"I'm glad I got {Leah} past the point of no return... but now here I am.","280":"Where... where should I go?","281":"How do I want to finish this?","282":"In her pussy.","283":"In her mouth.","284":"She cries like a thunderclap... more intensely than any scream I've heard from the movie.","285":"And then... it's my turn.","286":"My vision flashes white...","287":"I'm... covered! And she's filled...","288":"That was... pretty much my limit... I don't think I can do anything else for the rest of the evening...","289":"{Leah} happily takes me into her mouth, betraying no disappointment.","290":"Meanwhile, my hands work, confident that they're enough to bring the orgasm that {Leah} needs...","291":"My fingers vibrate like sex toy. I'm unwilling to let {Leah} out without getting her off.","292":"She deserves to cum just as much as I do.","293":"Just then... her whole body shakes in orgasm, with my dick inside her mouth.","294":"That is... exactly what I need!","295":"That... the puppy-eyed look... so desperate for my approval and affection.","296":"What kind of monster could deny her that after having done such a good job?","297":"That is just about all we're capable of for now.","298":"I'm spent. So is she.","299":"Last time felt so momentous... so fantastical... I sort of have difficulty describing it.","300":"This was so much more down-to-earth. We felt like a pair of real lovers...","301":"Not for much longer, though.","302":"Eventually, exhaustion overtakes both of us.","303":"The movie ends without either of us being conscious for it.","0":"Huh. Those are familiar voices. Is that...?","1":"Maybe i should take a peek.","2":"I don't really get it, {Leah}. This is your {youAreHer} we're talking about! Why are you so...","3":"It's hard to explain, Sam. I just don't think it's healthy for {PlayerName} to focus on this.","4":"I know him better than you do. He gets swept into things, carried away.","5":"Yeah, well... so do I.","6":"{PlayerName} is worse than you are.","7":"[i]Worse?[\/i] No way. {PlayerName} is maybe the most organized guy I've ever met. I just spent a whole night making costumes and not doing anything for school.","8":"Shit, what is {Leah} saying? [i]Worse than Sam?[\/i] There's no way! Sam and I are of the same mind for once.","9":"Believe me, he's worse. It just manifests differently. If you don't know how to look for it, you won't notice it."},"ch11__11.55 post nut clarity.vne3":{"3":"Shit... did we fall asleep in the couch?","4":"What did we even [i]watch[\/i] yesterday?","5":"The words blur and twist... my brain is still booting up.","6":"Eventually, the symbols form the word ''Valerie''. I couldn't tell you why she was calling, as the memory part of my brain was issuing dust instead of thoughts.","7":"I hit ''answer''. And there's silence... a long, confusing, foggy silence.","8":"Right, I guess I should be used to you not answering with your voice by now.","9":"My fingers clumsily dribble over the keys.","10":"Sorry, I had an eventful night. Why are you calling?","11":"[i]Eventful.[\/i] Nice. Remember when I invited you to my campaign meeting?","12":"I do.","13":"It's tonight.","14":"That's good, but I don't have a plan.","15":"You don't, but I think I do. Obviously I don't want to give details over the phone.","16":"[i]She has a plan?[\/i] Brilliant! Looks like {Leah} was right when she said that something would come up.","17":"I'll be waiting.","18":"Come to my apartment again. We'll talk to Emily there.","19":"[i]Emily?[\/i] But she's in prison...","20":"Obviously yes, but she knows her way around elections. So she's calling in. We have to respect her time because she'll have very little of it.","21":"Of course. I understand.","22":"See you tonight at Emily's place.","23":"Emily? Seriously?","24":"Is there something wrong with Emily?","25":"No, she just seemed incredibly upset about last time. Is she really on your campaign committee?","26":"Of course. Don't ask stupid questions. Only committee members are allowed to committee meetings.","27":"I want to remind you that I'm running against you.","28":"Yes.","29":"Her yes is so plain, so bland, so minimalist, that I would've burst out laughing if there weren't so many serious things going on.","30":"As long as you know. See you then.","31":"{Leah} got dressed like a good girl, and now she watches me with some interest.","32":"That was Valerie?","33":"Yeah. She wants to meet tonight. She says she's come up with a plan.","34":"{Leah} gives a slow, methodical nod.","35":"I think it's best you do it. At this point, it's the only path forward.","36":"The news Valerie just gave us is excellent, and displaces any reflection we might have done on what we shared during the night.","37":"I guess we're going to have to account for this stuff eventually, but not right now.","38":"{Leah} rubs her sore neck and flattens her wrinkled clothes.","39":"God, I hope that Valerie knows what she's saying when she says she's got a plan.","40":"The last time I went to Valerie's place... it wasn't exactly for the reasons she stated.","41":"But that doesn't matter, just as long as she helps us.","42":"{Leah}'s head sleepily nods.","43":"Please, after you talk to Valerie, immediately come to me about whatever you talked about.","44":"Of course. Don't I always?","45":"No. I don't always. In fact, I remember a time when I tried to keep everything from {Leah}, in a manner that ended up seriously blowing up in our faces.","46":"But at that moment, what I said [i]felt[\/i] true, and it was that sincerity why {Leah} accepted it.","47":"The night eventually comes.","0":"Hrnn...","1":"What the [i]fuck...","2":"Who is calling at... [i]a totally normal time in the morning."},"ch11__11.65 the threesome.vne3":{"10":"It's a good thing you arrived when you did. Otherwise, I'd have to waste time waiting for you.","11":"I feel like we haven't touched based in a while.","12":"What is there to talk about? My life sucks.","13":"You know what happened during the party. I'm still not forgiven. Even if I wasn't under house arrest, my family would still be controlling my every movement, down to my bowels.","14":"Actually, that they're relying on the [i]police[\/i] to keep me in check is probably allowing me more freedom than they would.","15":"You know what happened during the party. My family looked deep into those events. Eventually, they found a way to blame everything on me.","16":"My dad has convinced himself I was conspiring with Cedric. It's insane... but what can I do? The leash I'm on is so tight.","17":"The summary of this whole situation is: my dad doesn't trust me. He's going to hand everything over to my a-hole brother. He's in Florida right now, doing more blow than Scarface.","18":"I've done everything right, but my dad is going to let [i]him[\/i] drive everything to the ground.","19":"That makes it more important that you find things to rely on other than your family.","20":"Which is partly why I bought this apartment, precisely for that eventuality.","21":"You know, my dad told me that I was a threat to his reputation. I thought he was paranoid, but I learned recently he was actually right. There [i]are[\/i] people who talk shit about him because of what [i]I've[\/i] done.","22":"If this ever gets sorted out, I'm wondering if I'll survive this environment.","23":"You could always find something new to do.","24":"Like what?","25":"Small scale agriculture?","26":"Pornography?","27":"High-risk investing?","28":"Panhandling?","29":"Bartending?","30":"What? A cute greenhouse that grows tomatoes and cucumbers?","31":"Marijuana.","32":"I've looked into that. The licensing requirements for dispensaries are prohibitive in this state. It'd literally be cheaper to open a nice little shop in Amsterdam.","33":"That sounds really cool.","34":"It would, but ''small scale'' isn't really my style.","35":"If I did that, it'd be for revenge. But I'm focused on helping myself and not acting out of spite.","36":"Yes. Basically rich people gambling. I've been doing some research about that.","37":"I was eventually going to talk to you. Big investment firms have these AIs who make decisions for them. I figure if I was going to ask someone who knew how to train a neural network, it'd be you.","38":"I didn't realize you have these sorts of ambitions.","39":"Yes, and it's completely beside the point.","40":"If that ever came to pass, I would put my heart in soul into panhandling. But that isn't really my first choice.","41":"That was joke.","42":"I'm not joking. I'll panhandle like a goddess.","43":"No. I don't like dealing with drunks. Those parties turned me off of parties in general.","44":"From now on, I'm a teetotaler.","45":"Thanks for the suggestion though. I'll bear it in mind. I actually wanted to discuss Valerie.","46":"She's been acting oddly. You've maintained contact with her more consistently than I have, so I was wondering if you agreed.","47":"I shrug.","48":"I think she's matured. She's less insecure, so acts on how she thinks and feels rather than how she wants others to perceive her.","49":"So you sense nothing odd.","50":"I think Valerie [i]is[\/i] odd. She has always been odd. I think she's been more confident expressing her oddness.","51":"What you say makes sense. This isn't the way I like to look at her.","52":"I preferred her... in highschool.","53":"Em, why did you agree to do this if you thought this way?","54":"I keep... [i]waiting for her[\/i]. I just feel like if I hung around, then the old Valerie would bloom out of her. I still sense old Valerie in her heart.","55":"I've learnt a lot from her. I still learn things.","56":"What about us? Do you still think about that, too?","57":"Say nothing.","58":"You've... impacted my cognitive world quite heavily. I'd say you have an outsized influence.","59":"Between you and Valerie, I'd say you were higher on the scales of my esteem and general thought process.","60":"Is that your weird way of saying that you still have feelings for me?","61":"She narrows her eyes somewhat.","62":"Do you want me to tell you some meaningless aphorisms? I'm not that kind of person. Don't ask me to.","63":"Translation: [i]she does.","64":"Come up with whatever conclusions you want.","65":"There's wisdom in saying nothing.","66":"Right. Valerie will be impatient. We should head up.","67":"Shouldn't you get something from the store? So it's more convincing?","68":"I'll just tell her they were fresh out of batteries.","69":"There's something else you should probably know before we head up. Something she probably didn't tell you, for her own quirky reasons.","70":"That is?","71":"I'm running against Valerie.","72":"Emily [i]dramatically[\/i] sighs.","73":"Oh my God... [i]why are you here?[\/i] And why did you tell me that? I committed to working with Valerie. ","74":"[i]Why?[\/i] Holding an election committee with our opposition present?","75":"And Valerie [i]knew?[\/i] Is she insane? She introduced you as a member of her committee...","76":"I haven't exactly agreed to that, but Valerie insisted.","77":"This is insane. Unprecedented. [i]Wild.","78":"Well, if she loses due to this, she was warned. Now, let's go inside.","79":"Yeah. Emily put my thoughts into words. This is crazy, for me to attend this meeting even when if I'm not fully committed to running against her.","80":"Is she doing this just to reconstitute the old Student Council? It's looking more and more likely...","81":"Ah, you're back. Any luck--","82":"This is it. I wonder who else will be in Valerie's campaign committee?","83":"I don't... [i]really know[\/i] many of Valerie's friends besides me and Emily. She must have them, since she's so good at networking.","84":"Really, without me an Emily, Val has always been the solitary type. And now that Emily is in prison...","85":"I better go up to Valerie's apartment.","86":"I only need to ring Val's phone, then suddenly there's a clunk from the door as the locks disengage.","87":"I make my way in quickly.","88":"Neat, huh? You like my security system?","89":"I could see your face through this itty-bitty camera. As soon as I saw you were calling, I checked the camera and let you in.","90":"Technology is pretty cool.","91":"It is, isn't it?","92":"I agree.","93":"Is that...?","94":"Emily's officious voice suddenly radiates in the apartment. I have an insane thought at first: that Emily got out of prison.","95":"But I get ahold of myself. [i]That's impossible,[\/i] from how I understand that law. I don't think Emily's family has paid her bail...","96":"It sounds so life-like though!","97":"Miracle of technology, I can see you and speak to remotely. The technology is only decades old.","98":"Your voice is so clear, though.","99":"I put her on my sound system! Pretty nice, isn't it?","100":"I have to say... it is. It sounds like Emily is next to us.","101":"Are you in a soundbooth or something?","102":"Her voice goes through a filter. No, she's in an echoing concrete room.","103":"The acoustics here are not good and Bertha from cellblock C is staring at me.","104":"You're running Val's campaign from prison?","105":"I've been a very well-behaved. I'm allowed a few privileges here and there. I'm quite capable of managing my affairs with the tools that they give me.","106":"It's so good that Emily can help us from where she is. I wouldn't feel comfortable running without her.","107":"I trust {PlayerName} would have good political instincts. He's good to have on our side.","108":"I'm not sure that's the case. I'm running against Valerie.","109":"Excuse me?","110":"Val, are you wasting my time?","111":"[i]Wasting your time?[\/i]","112":"{PlayerName} is running against us. As your likely campaign manager, I strongly object to this.","113":"If you sabotage your own campaign, I'm going to take that as a personal slight. I'm... I'm gonna be fucking pissed.","114":"Emily, don't be silly. It's absolutely fine having {PlayerName} here. We're friends, after all.","115":"Friends can also be enemies.","116":"[i]Frenemies[\/i].","117":"Don't be like this!","118":"I'm with Emily, actually. This is weird. Do you intend to run a campaign like this?","119":"Em, {PlayerName}, it's time to chill. This is a real campaign and I don't intent to throw anything to my opponent. I haven't got this scheme to lose to {PlayerName}.","120":"If {PlayerName} and I are going to run against each other, and we're going to maintain a friendship no matter who wins, it would be best to set some [i]ground rules[\/i].","121":"...[i]ground... rules?","122":"Exactly. Like a boxing match. We don't want to give each other lasting boo-boos, and bitterly hate each other because of them.","123":"This is why I wanted {PlayerName} to come.","124":"That... is sensible.","125":"Why didn't you just say that? That makes total sense.","126":"Because it's less interesting just to tell you.","127":"That's not a reason!","128":"Yes, it was [i]very[\/i] interesting to learn that {PlayerName} was going to be your opponent at the last minute. I could've said something to him and ruined your campaign.","129":"I don't think there was anything confidential I'd told you yet.","130":"Right... well... I'm not going to put up with a distraction. I want an actual [i]meeting[\/i] this time.","131":"Wait... is that why you showed up to Valerie's apartment the other day? That was supposed to be about running for this election?","132":"Yes, Emily was coming to discuss forming the election committee, but we ended up not doing that.","133":"You had us playing a... a [i]stupid game![\/i]","134":"A suspicious shade of red hits Emily's cheeks.","135":"Yes, I was planning on having the meeting afterward. To be fair, I didn't know that {PlayerName} was running against me at the time.","136":"I was still uncertain about it.","137":"I'm not against fun. But work always comes before fun. This is how responsible people act.","138":"Now, let's sit down and discuss things like proper adults.","139":"It feels good, getting some ground rules down. Basically, Valerie and I decide no matter who wins, we'll continue to be friends.","140":"We even promise that whoever loses will join the winner's administration.","141":"It feels unusually productive...","142":"My time is up, unfortunately. I'm quite pleased with the progress we've made.","143":"Let's continue good communication and I'm sure nobody will have hard feelings.","144":"Thanks, Emily.","145":"Emily's phone goes out.","146":"Can I walk you out?","147":"Please.","148":"Ah, now this is how I like things. {PlayerName} busy typing. He'll be nice and quiet.","149":"I can still talk like this.","150":"I'm just teasing, of course.","151":"I'd rather get this meeting moving.","152":"Valerie, you say that your objective in bringing {PlayerName} here is to set ground rules.","153":"What do you mean by that, exactly?","154":"I suppose... if we're running against each other, I don't want any negative feelings between us.","155":"You know... I want to run a clean campaign. And I guess, judging by {PlayerName}'s theme, he wants to as well.","156":"{PlayerName}'s theme.","157":"That. I'm doing a [i]superhero[\/i] themed campaign.","158":"I'm... sorry?","159":"I thought it was [i]brilliant[\/i] when I heard it. It made me feel insecure... it definitely impressed on me that I don't get the voter base.","160":"I really don't know my Supermans from my Batmans.","161":"I don't want to replicate something like that. It cheapens the whole process.","162":"People shouldn't vote based on appearance. They should be voting based on rational interest.","163":"I made it clear to Sam that I didn't want to just rely on a gimmick like that...","164":"[i]Samantha![\/i] Why am I not surprised that this was all her idea.","165":"Before you go overboard following Sam's advice, I want to remind you that while she may have become President, it was you who got the most votes.","166":"Emily, they were pity votes. I lost my voice. That's the only reason I won.","167":"That doesn't matter! A victory is a victory.","168":"Didn't you just say that running with a superhero theme brought a mockery to the whole process? Now you're telling me a win is a win.","169":"I... ah... uh...","170":"...[i]shit...[\/i]","171":"Well, there's a lot of things I'd rather lose than do, but I think it's fine to have some spectacle.","172":"What do you think, Em? What sort of spectacle should we do? Neither of us are especially good at this.","173":"Yeah... Sam's got that kind of imagination. If it was up to me, I'd run things as boring as you.","174":"Discussing strategy in front of our opponent... not sure that's the best idea.","175":"We know {PlayerName}'s strategy, so wouldn't that make things fair?","176":"Yes... well... if {PlayerName} weren't in the room, I'd have a few suggestions...","177":"With me out of the room? What kind of strategies are these?","178":"This is [i]exactly[\/i] why I didn't want {PlayerName} here. You said you wanted to run a clean campaign...","179":"Of course. But please, tell me what this strategy is. Pretend {PlayerName} isn't here.[cg,Ep11\\ep11_Threesome\\ep11_Threesome_04_Val_Neutral][delay,250] You won't mind that, will you?","180":"I mean... is this because your strategy is sensitive information, or because you're scared it might offend me?","181":"I'd... really prefer not to do this. I feel like this is an uncomfortable situation.","182":"Sitting here with my ex... who I'm also working against... just feels strange to me.","183":"...And... it's just going to be against the things you already told me you wanted.","184":"I feel her stroke me, almost like a cat.","185":"{PlayerName} is our friend. Don't worry too much about it.","186":"I think it would be helpful to understand what we [i]could[\/i] say, and then think of alternatives that might stem from that.","187":"Hmm... well... I suppose there is some sense in that. It's of no risk to me, just to Valerie's campaign, so if she wants to discuss it...","188":"*ahem* If that the case, then... I really don't have much to hold back.","189":"Very well... I'll share with you what I [i]would[\/i] say... if I didn't know {PlayerName} so well.","190":"I'd say... {PlayerName} is attempting to distract the student body with trivialities...","191":"...I'd say you'd only use a gimmick like a [i]superhero themed campaign[\/i] to disguise a lack of real platform.","192":"I'd respond by battering {PlayerName} over the head with serious discussion about the school's problems.","193":"But, I'm definitely [i]going[\/i] to have a serious platform.","194":"Yes, well, that doesn't matter to a casual observer. They're going to take you less seriously based just on how you look.","195":"Why is she blushing? She's redder than a tomato. But this is a completely [i]normal[\/i] conversation.","196":"I haven't said or done [i]anything...[\/i]","197":"I suppose the thing to do for now is just to politely ignore it.","198":"I thought you were going to comment on my voice.","199":"Yes, because bringing attention to the reason why you won last time is an effective strategy.","200":"That didn't seem too bad to me. I was expecting something a lot worse.","201":"Like... I don't know... that {PlayerName} was some kind of meathead or something.","202":"Meathead?","203":"Yeah, that he was all looks and no substance.","204":"No, of course not! Not only is {PlayerName} attractive but he's also--","205":"Eh... he's... uh... [i]some would call him attractive[\/i]... and...","206":"Man... even [i]I'm flushed[\/i] after that. Emily has always been sparing with praise...","207":"I think the only way she'd ever do it is to blurt it out thoughtlessly.","208":"W-whatever people's opinions about {PlayerName}... he's not a meathead.","209":"Hmm... well I definitely agree that {PlayerName} is handsome...","210":"Agh! [i]My heart![\/i] On either side of me, [i]two beautful women[\/i] both lowkey salivating over me.","211":"If I had any words... I'd definitely be lost for them.","212":"The thing is, {PlayerName} is a man of strong will. And he doesn't fall for pretty faces and sweet words.","213":"It's going to be really, [i]really[\/i] difficult running against him.","214":"[i]That[\/i] I agree with.","215":"Uh... can we continue this meeting some other time? I'm feeling a little...","216":"Yes, you look a bit feverish. I can go back with {PlayerName}.","217":"Do you guys... uh... need anything... before you leave?","218":"Well, I'm fine. {PlayerName}?","219":"I'm good too.","220":"I feel like we're all on the same page... maybe... we won't need to meet like this anymore.","221":"I'll see you later...","222":"What a productive meeting! A little disappointed it ended so early...","223":"Did you tease Emily? Using me?","224":"Valerie flashes me a heart-stopping smile.","225":"I'm trying to do her a favor, but I don't think she'll ever take it.","226":"I don't think you should. Emily and I are probably not happening, and could never happen.","227":"A real bit of sadness seems to hit Val.","228":"Yes. I know.","229":"It's too bad {PlayerName} is running against us. I'd put [i]his[\/i] handsome face up.","230":"I don't think he really understands that he can pull a crowd if he wants to...","231":"Valerie's hand on my shirt... keep drifting further and further down.","232":"As excited... and as [i]weak[\/i] as I am right now, I'd be fully willing to let Valerie's hand go where it will.","233":"But is that something I want to happen? The consequences... are unforeseeable.","234":"If I want to stop this... I kinda gotta do it right now...","235":"Stand up to stop Valerie.","236":"Let Valerie do whatever it is she's doing.","237":"I shut my laptop and spring off the couch. My cellphone feels like a block of butter but I manage to grab hold of it.","238":"You know what? I remember I promised {Leah} I'd be heading home early.","239":"It's nice to see you again, Em.","240":"Are you really leaving?","241":"Unfortunately.","242":"I actually think this is for the best, Valerie. There's so much we can't do while {PlayerName} is listening.","243":"...You know... whatever your [i]ulterior motives[\/i] were...","244":"Sorry. I get a little carried away. Hmm... maybe I am theatrical after all?","245":"I should get going, too.","246":"But... this [i]would be the perfect time to...[\/i]","247":"Yes, and we will. I want to see {PlayerName} off.","248":"Sure... I guess. But please, the next time you call, let it be about [i]the campaign...","249":"So that was all to tease Emily?","250":"Well, that's a mean way to put it. I'm just trying to do [i]her a favor[\/i].","251":"Friends are supposed to help each other, after all.","252":"Well... Emily and I used to date, so we don't really need help getting back together.","253":"If you didn't need that sort of help, why aren't you back together yet?","254":"By choice.","255":"Valerie scoffs and rolls her eyes.","256":"I... can't physically make myself do it. Would I even want to?","257":"The hand is just too...","258":"...[i]too close to my throbbing cock...","259":"Let's take a look, shall we?","260":"[i]Yes... please please please take a look...","261":"Emily doesn't react well... and I immediately hate myself for not throwing off Valerie's hands while I still could.","262":"This... this is [i]wrong![\/i] Just... just [i]wrong![\/i]","263":"I don't know how you lost your mind, Val, but...","264":"How strange... that Emily's voice starts weaken even as she watches. Her determination starts to drain...","265":"It's fine, Emily, I get it. Sorry.","266":"I got a bit [i]handsy[\/i] with the demonstration, that's all.","267":"[i]What is going on?","268":"I mean... would you like to touch him instead? I'm not going to stop you.","269":"Judging by your inability to compose yourself [i]at all[\/i] around {PlayerName}, I'd say you're down bad and have been a while.","270":"You have a good friend in me, though, and I'll knock down the barriers for you.","271":"I don't... [i]I don't know what you're...","272":"Uh...","273":"I think... Valerie is the one who brought up the possibility of a threesome.","274":"Now I wonder...","275":"...was everything an elaborate plot to make that happen? If that's the case...","276":"...this has been the best conspiracy I've ever faced...","277":"Do you need me to break the ice? I can do that.","278":"Just... follow my lead.","279":"She pulls me right around... her kiss is astonishingly passionate.","280":"It seems Valerie is the same with an audience as without.","281":"But... it's me who has butterflies in my stomach. How is Emily going to react?","282":"Our relationship is strained, but I don't actually want to hurt her...","283":"Don't be a wallflower. Come!","284":"You're a criminal now anyway. You've got nothing to lose by behaving badly.","285":"You were never accepted for behaving well, but we'll take you in even if you behave badly...","286":"You guys... you're sadists...","287":"Emily steps forward and [i]seizes[\/i] me. It looks like she really just needed a little push...","288":"Yes, this is something I've fantasized about for a long time. Me... and Emily... and Valerie... the whole student council...","289":"When Valerie graduated, and later when Emily broke up with me, I thought it was the end of that sliver of possibility.","290":"But it's actually happening... [i]right now.","291":"Momentous fantasy dredged from the depths of time or not, [i]this is basically just sex,[\/i] and soon I get busy like I usually do.","292":"Our clothes come off quickly afterward. With the situation being the way it is, I don't need a lot of foreplay.","293":"I'm instantly hard, I'm ready for this because I've been ready for quite a long time.","294":"Not the best place for this, don't you think?","295":"Actually, I think this is the [i]perfect[\/i] place for it.","296":"Honestly... I'm not sure there is a bad place to kiss Emily. In the shower, in the bedroom, in class, on the moon...","297":"...I'd kiss Emily in all these places... probably even more I haven't thought of.","298":"I don't think that's what Valerie means...","299":"I had to use [i]so much fabric cleaner[\/i] last time you guys were at the apartment.","300":"You... you knew...?","301":"It was almost like you were intentionally destroying my furniture. Come. Let's take this someplace proper.","302":"The only place suitable is... [i]my bedroom...","303":"That'll do.","304":"Valerie leads us all to the bedroom, where I'm about to be the luckiest guy in the world.","305":"If I wasn't myself... [i]I'd hate myself[\/i]. I don't know who I gotta pray to for this kind of luck...","306":"Now that we've spared Emily's couch like you didn't spare mine...","307":"Go ahead. Use us.","308":"[i]Okay. Sure as Hell know how to do that.","309":"Yeah, I really do. I start to forget that this was my picture of Heaven for a while, and realize this is my reality.","310":"I got two girls to please. That's an honor and a challenge that I don't intend to fail.","311":"My Machiavellian mind at work, I realize it's less important that I get them off, but [i]keep them coming back for more...","312":"What's the point of going to Heaven if you can't stay there forever?","313":"She really likes that, doesn't she?","314":"Yeah. Emily is into sucking me off. Her moans are animalistic and borderline embarrassing, and she doesn't even bother to stop to defend herself.","315":"With our powers combined...","316":"...they can both be [i]whatever they want[\/i]. Holy shit.","317":"I have a combination of Emily's sudden hunger... and Valerie's slow teasing.","318":"With them together, it's like Emily gives me the instant gratification for the desire Valerie provokes.","319":"It is, in short, a very nice feeling.","320":"I could probably die right now and not notice... or at least [i]not care.","321":"It's just, with each lick alternating between them... coating my rod... making me feel so damn good...","322":"...I can't really think of anything that might ruin my mood right now.","323":"If I died like this, I'd move on... and be grateful that at least I got to experience [i]this[\/i].","324":"Emily slows down... her moaning gets more musical and closer to bass in tone...","325":"With this sort of event, it's hard not to simply stand back and just let everything happen piece by piece.","326":"I feel like this is going to be a nice warmup for the both of them... before I truly put them through their paces.","327":"Just then, Emily's moan runs up an octave.","328":"I glance, and realize that they are both working themselves up with their fingers.","329":"Alright, Em... you gotta... stop sucking that dick~","330":"Valerie tries to stifle laughter. As soon as Valerie pulled away, Emily just took it to mean my dick was all hers.","331":"The level of concentration Emily has on sucking cock is truly astounding...","332":"It makes me wonder... what would happen if they started to touch [i]each other...","333":"Even as lucky as I am right now... I just can't see that happening.","334":"I mean... the old student council is around my dick right now. I definitely can't ask for much more out of life.","335":"I have to come to terms with this being as good as it gets...","336":"For all the boring meetings we did together... for all the debates and the struggle...","337":"...if I ever knew both these girls would be sucking my dick at the same time... I probably would've worked twice as hard.","338":"I'm not actually sure what I've done to deserve this... this is probably what I should be getting [i]after[\/i] I defeat Silent1 and not before...","339":"Let's get on the bed...","340":"It really is starting to feel like Valerie is the one with self control in this situation.","341":"Emily lets go just long enough to let me fall back on the bed. And now Valerie is sucking me, maybe so that Emily doesn't get too preoccupied doing it.","342":"Emily's moans continue, as fiercely as when she was sucking me.","343":"So then...","344":"This is... so strange!","345":"It was weird hearing something coherent coming out of Emily, especially to point out the obvious.","346":"Yes, I suppose [i]this is strange[\/i]. But Emily does not look ready to slow down.","347":"Maybe she still needs some easing in?","348":"So... that's what I end up doing. Emily has her legs spread before me, and I eat from her sweet, spicy place.","349":"That finally seems to have settled Emily down... but not so much for Val.","350":"No wonder you can't talk, {PlayerName}... Emily got your tongue.","351":"Nobody laughs at Valerie's joke. To be fair, I don't think it was supposed to be funny, I think Valerie just needed to distract herself a little.","352":"Somehow, I can already tell Valerie's impatience. She wants it too...","353":"But it's time for Valerie to be teased instead.","354":"Emily was my first, so now Valerie has to wait her turn. But I guarantee she's going to get it.","355":"When Emily finally comes, her fluids gushing and spilling out of her like an overfilled cup, I know it's time to switch.","356":"When it's her turn, Valerie quickly takes Emily's place.","357":"She waits eagerly, watching for me to start like I haven't done this to her before.","358":"When I start, Valerie's reaction is immediate.","359":"You're surprisingly good at this...","360":"I don't use my tongue for much else, I guess... so it's [i]specialized equipment.","361":"I'll show Valerie my skills. I flip her over and lap her up.","362":"Meanwhile, Emily watches us jealously. With that forlorn look in her eyes, already missing my body, I'm not sure Emily is the sort to share.","363":"I think that's why, when it's obvious I'm through with Valerie, Emily is already ready.","364":"There's only two of them... and only one can be my first.","365":"I hope they don't take my choice personally...","366":"Fuck Emily first.","367":"Fuck Valerie first.","368":"Emily watches intently as I ready myself outside her entrance.","369":"I know Emily so well that I could probably just [i]go ahead[\/i] and do it, but I still feel I should be gentle.","370":"I don't know... I guess that's because I have an audience, and I don't want to give the wrong impression.","371":"Go on, show me how you two used to fuck.","372":"It's okay, {PlayerName}. Let's show her.","373":"Emily's pussy is... [i]memory lane[\/i]... as weird as it sounds.","374":"Even now, I compare everyone to Emily, for better or worse. As I fuck her slowly, I realize I do sort of miss her.","375":"There's really nothing quite like your first time... and even now, with Val in the mix, I think of Emily's first awkward tangle.","376":"As far as awkward first times go, I don't think this threesome counts.","377":"After all, Emily seems like she's fully into this.","378":"Emily is so sensitive and wound up with desire that she cums soon after her last orgasm.","379":"It's hard not feel proud of myself.","380":"Okay... curiosity sated.","381":"Now... it's my turn.","382":"I'm surprised by Emily's grace as she helps Valerie spread her legs wide.","383":"Still, the look of jealousy on her face is subtle but present...","384":"I hope Emily chills out a little, because I'm about to put my cock inside our mutual friend.","385":"Setting feelings aside, I push forward, and press into Valerie's greedy folds.","386":"There's a slighly murmur of pain as I penetrate Valerie. Her eyes half-lid like moons as she watches me.","387":"Your tool is so...","388":"Yeah, I know. It's large. This thing would be my whole ego if I let it.","389":"I think I got a lot more to offer these girls than just a large cock... though that really helps.","390":"I wonder, in a parallel universe, what would've happened if I had dated Valerie instead of Emily...","391":"With Valerie's tightness, clamping me like a velvet glove, I know I would've had a good time with Val as well.","392":"The real question is... what would it have been like with Val, Emily, and I together... from the beginning?","393":"I'm sure it would've been good... but probably not quite as good as the feeling of Valerie squeezing me in from all sides...","394":"Agh! [i]Ffffuck...","395":"You... you already made me cum, [size,0.75]you bastard...","396":"I feel it, too. The spasming, the ways she squeezes me, milks me...","397":"Stop... I can't take it anymore.","398":"I need to go next!","399":"Your issue, Emily, is clearly you don't know how to share. You're not a team player.","400":"Let me teach you.","401":"I guess sex [i]is[\/i] a team sport after all...","402":"Valerie pushes Emily onto me... meanwhile, I thrust back up into her.","403":"There is a shocking amount of coordination in this. After all, Valerie is sorta [i]fucking Emily with my cock[\/i], using me like a sybian.","404":"Valerie cracks a self-satisfied smile.","405":"I think that's pretty good for Emily, right?","406":"I certainly think so. This [i]teaming up[\/i] is exactly the kind of stuff I could get used to.","407":"I think it's healthy, instead of taking turns, to go [i]all at once[\/i].","408":"Valerie's got me between her legs... riding my face, just as Emily rides my cock...","409":"Eventually, they switch, Valerie riding my cock while Emily takes my face.","410":"At this point... I think Emily has really chilled out... far more used to sharing.","411":"As a matter of fact... it almost feels like they're both...","412":"[i]...working together...","413":"It's just a feeling, but... I don't think this would be possible if Emily couldn't relax a little.","414":"You... you go now, Emily...","415":"{PlayerName} is wearing me out...","416":"Emily almosts takes that as a point of pride. As I mount her, Emily puts on this strange, superior air, like she's [i]better than her.","417":"This is becoming a game to them... I can kinda tell. You could write a book about the dynamics between the two of them.","418":"So... it feels slightly odd when Valerie reaches up, brushes her thumb against Emily's cheek, touches her wet open lips...","419":"I really wonder what Valerie is about to do...","420":"The odd feeling I have... as I pound into Emily's backside, while watching her in this strange, intimate moment with Valerie.","421":"They almost feel like conspirators, which makes everything feel all the hotter...","422":"Man, watching them kiss, touch each other... [i]lick each other...[\/i] that would be a sight worthy of the Gods.","423":"I'm definitely not ready for that. My face would melt off, Indiana Jones-style, at seeing such a sight man was not prepared for...","424":"Basically, Valerie and Emily are out of my league individually, but together they're stratospheric.","425":"Look at you, Emily.","426":"You were all restrained and tense, unwilling to let go, but I made you all better...","427":"I just have a few more things to teach you. Don't worry. I'm your senior.","428":"I will take very good care of you.","429":"Valerie asks to switch again. Entering in her is a simple act right now.","430":"I mount her, and pound her like a rocking boat. There is a thundering sensation in my cock, like a cloud ready to burst with rain.","431":"When I finally see it, I nearly do burst right there.","432":"Valerie, [i]touching[\/i] Emily. This is exactly the sight I wasn't ready to hope for.","433":"I guess this really is the night of impossible things becoming true.","434":"Don't seem so confused. My fingers are pretty good.","435":"I bet you aren't going to complain, are you?","436":"No, Emily did not complain.","437":"Now... I wonder... can you do it in your other hole too?","438":"Maybe there's something you can teach me...","439":"Emily has definitely taken it up the ass before... I know because I'm the one who took that virginity.","440":"She loves it... but I still don't think Emily is used to an audience.","441":"So... uh...","442":"She laughs uncomfortably. I don't think she wants to show much she's into assplay. But Valerie remains fixed on the point of penetration.","443":"It is totally unnecessary, but very welcome, as Emily helps guide my cock toward her asshole.","444":"Emily's backdoor is tight, and I know I'll have to punch my way through, to get to the expanse inside.","445":"I thrust... and Emily cries out in pleasure.","446":"Just as I suspected, she's an anal slut.","447":"Valerie gives me a smirk before getting into position herself.","448":"[i]Teamwork[\/i] Valerie's ass with my mouth, Emily's ass with my cock.","449":"I'd say with great confidence that [i]both[\/i] these girls are anal sluts, not just Emily.","450":"As a matter of fact, [i]Valerie's ass[\/i] seems like it would benefit from having a cock deep inside it.","451":"Just a theory, but let's test it out.","452":"It looks like Valerie doesn't [i]quite[\/i] have the same level of experience as Emily.","453":"When I put my cock at her second gate, it seems to convulse to prevent me.","454":"I have to do a little prodding... literally... to get the proverbial foot inside.","455":"It's much more of a process... and soon...","456":"I'm completely inside. Valerie's moan of pain gives my sex-worn body just a little energy boost.","457":"I work against Valerie's tightness, and slam into her...","458":"God... I've fucked two asses, two pussies... two mouths... my dick is so well used I might get blisters.","459":"I've proven my worth to these girls. If they don't come back to me, they wouldn't go back to anyone.","460":"Despite the fun we've had... almost [i]too[\/i] much fun at this point, Valerie is still tough enough to milk me dry.","461":"I'm losing the energy to think straight, let alone thrust like a piston into Valerie's backside.","462":"But... that I do. And I continue. Faster and faster. Harder and harder.","463":"Proving I can keep going to myself, and to them.","464":"It's more than time... to finally release myself.","465":"I can't hold it in... so the one remaining question is...","466":"[i]...where?[\/i]","467":"Their faces.","468":"Their mouths.","469":"Both girls came multiple times...","470":"...it almost feels like I did too.","471":"I could just flop onto Emily's bed... shut my eyes for the night... and Valerie could do the same...","472":"...that is not how things work out, though.","473":"Emily suddenly gets up with a start and paces the room.","474":"For Valerie and I... this is anxiety inducing.","475":"I... uh...","476":"...I don't know...","477":"...I just [i]don't know[\/i].","478":"Emily! Wait!","479":"The pause is uncomfortable. Both Val and I are staring at a shut door.","480":"Neither of us want to say much, but I think we'd both like to have a place to escape to.","481":"I think... we should get our clothes back on.","482":"Yeah. Agreed.","483":"Valerie and I pile out of the apartment. We give each other both long, rather unreadable looks.","484":"I... hope that this doesn't become something [i]awkward[\/i]...","485":"We upset Emily.","486":"Yes... but how though?","487":"I don't know. Emily is chock full of hangups.","488":"And we helped [i]release[\/i] her from those. She should be grateful, right?","489":"I haven't had a threesome before, but from what I've heard, they can be awkward...","490":"...but that wasn't awkward at all! Emily sure seemed to be having fun.","491":"Insecurity brought on by high familial expectations?","492":"Hrmm... glad I don't have high familial expectations. Well, if we work together, maybe we can help Emily feel less awkward.","493":"Personally, I had fun.","494":"...Valerie isn't wrong about that.","495":"You know I came for other reasons, though.","496":"Yes. The bait thing.","497":"So... I meant to share with you this idea I had. But it'll involve talking to Sandra. Do you think you're up for it?","498":"Right now?","499":"Yes. Does Sandra know that I know about her?","500":"No... and she definitely would not like you to know.","501":"You'll have to break the news to her, first. Do you mind driving?","502":"I love driving.","503":"Great. And it'll get me a few minutes of silence out of you, you chatterbox.","504":"Heh. Alright. A joke to start today's cloak-and-dagger segment.","505":"I have a feeling my night isn't going to get better...","0":"Jump to sex scene","1":"Continue","2":"Somehow, I always end up here, outside Emily's.","3":"Somehow, I'm here again.","4":"If fate pushes {Leah} and I away from each other... I guess the opposite force acts on Emily and I. We can't seem to get away.","5":"Not that I'd even want to. Emily is the one that's hot-cold. ''Ambivalent'' is the wrong word. The only unstable thing about her personality is her opinion of me.","6":"Even if we got back together, our relationship would be the same...","7":"Suddenly, the door opens. When Emily comes through, I'm the only surprised one. She's completely expecting me.","8":"As always, Emily dives straight into the heart of the matter.","9":"Valerie is already here. I told her I was stepping out to get something from the convenience store, but actually, I wanted to talk to you alone."},"ch11__11.70 the setup.vne3":{"10":"There is, actually. Firstly, Valerie knows you're here.","11":"I... I... I'm not surprised. This is just what I expect out of you.","12":"Yes. Please dox me to everyone around campus. I'd love that.","13":"Secondly, she wants to see you.","14":"She considers this like a prisoner given a choice of execution. A stern resolve grips her whole face and it looks like she almost wants to shake her head.","15":"I guess there's no fighting it. Just send her in.","16":"Seriously?","17":"Are you happy now? I'm doing exactly what you want.","18":"I thought you'd be angrier.","19":"Of course I'm angry. This is distracting me from my [i]important work.[\/i] And the quicker I get whatever this is done, the sooner I can get back to it.","20":"Go. Give me a minute.","21":"Thank you.","22":"What did she say?","23":"She took it extremely well.","24":"Good. Now... you said that you communicate through the Fraternity through a special program, right?","25":"Yes.","26":"Sandra just might have the capability to install it.","27":"Sandra doesn't even know RECENTLY. I tried to explain it to her but she didn't even buy it.","28":"Even so, she's clearly the Fraternity's entry point into the system. She might not recognize the program, but she's got the source code.","29":"If I could get it [i]installed on my laptop[\/i], I could use that to communicate with the Fraternity and offer to join them.","30":"Well... it's not a genius plan... but maybe it's the best. Whether the Fraternity would fall for the trick a second time is completely unknown.","31":"It's lucky I got a gun for when everything goes to shit. I'm not going down without taking a few of them.","32":"We should try it. I don't know if it'll work.","33":"Mmm yes. We should at least try.","34":"Wow, it's quite something in this room.","35":"Hey... [i]roomie[\/i].","36":"Sandra, I would've thought you were a ghost if {PlayerName} hadn't tipped me off otherwise.","37":"If I could become a ghost in this place, I would. I hope {PlayerName} briefed you on getting the fuck in and getting the fuck out.","38":"I only need one thing out of you. I need you to put your malware onto this laptop.","39":"I don't know what you're talking about.","40":"Let's not play dumb. This is very important. Please put whatever you put on {PlayerName}'s computer onto this laptop.","41":"The stuff on {PlayerName}'s computer? And you'll go away?","42":"Certainly.","43":"A'right. Give me your laptop.","44":"Valerie passes her laptop to Sandra. She slips a flash drive into the USB port.","45":"Sandra manipulates the touchpad for a minute until she looks... [i]dissatisfied[\/i].","46":"Okey dokey. You got it.","47":"Thanks. You won't see me again.","48":"{PlayerName}? You gonna tell me the same thing?","49":"I give no such promises.","50":"D-D-D-D-DOUBLE FUCK YOOOOU!","51":"I shut the door on Sandra's FPS announcer voice.","52":"Let's check if this is the real deal.","53":"Well, if she was faking it, we don't have much distance to cover getting answers.","54":"Very true.","55":"Valerie boots up the system and logs in.","56":"Now what do I do?","57":"There should be a program. RECENTLY.","58":"I'm astonished when there's a desktop icon right there, just like mine. Valerie hovers her cursor over it in sharp circles.","59":"That thing?","60":"Exactly.","61":"She double-clicks it. RECENTLY begins to boot up. She's left with the strange, eerie blue terminal that LOOKS like a BSOD.","62":"What do I do now?","63":"There's a BBS server.","64":"I give the details on how to access it, and Valerie does so with surprising proficiency.","65":"Now type the following: [i]Pledge[\/i].","66":"I... actually don't know how the Fraternity members address each other on the messages, but I'm doing my best guess.","67":"Whether by good luck or bad luck, we get a response:","68":"SILENT1: WHERE","69":"What should I type now?","70":"Where did we want to meet him?","71":"Maybe the road coming into town.","72":"She types in ''WEST EXIT''.","73":"SILENT1: WHO","74":"Is he asking for who I am?","75":"He probably already knows who you are. He wants to know whose life you'll destroy.","76":"Wow. That's intense.","77":"And... what name should I put in?","78":"Damn... this falls on [i]my shoulders?[\/i] Valerie can't put her own name in, if she's posing as a recruit. So it has to be...","79":"...it has to be either me, or {Leah}. {Leah} won't mind if we put her name in, and the fraternity is after her anyway. But... maybe I could take on that risk.","80":"I have to think very carefully about this...","81":"Put {Leah}'s name.","82":"Put your name.","83":"Put in {Leah}.","84":"Valerie types in her full name. After a second, a response comes.","85":"SILENT1: TARGET ACCEPTED.","86":"No surprise there. Silent1 wants {Leah} gone [i]badly[\/i] at this point.","87":"Put in my name.","88":"Valerie hesitates before entering my name in. The response comes a little longer than I'm used to.","89":"SILENT1: TARGET ACCEPTED.","90":"Wow... I think this means that the Fraternity are no longer interested in recruiting me...","91":"I guess that means... I'm no longer safe.","92":"Well, it seems things are about to escalate by a whole, [i]whole[\/i] lot.","93":"SILENT1: WHEN","94":"This one, I don't hesitate at all before answering. This is what I've dreamed of.","95":"[i]Finally...","96":"Tomorrow night.","97":"Tomorrow? Are you insane?","98":"11 pm.","99":"Is that... really enough time to prepare?","100":"I've been preparing for this for months. I have everything I need.","101":"Tell him tomorrow.","102":"A rare sign of nervousness from Valerie, but she enters it.","103":"SILENT1: WE WILL WATCH","104":"So... I guess that means he agrees.","105":"I have no intention of bringing him {Leah}. Only myself.","106":"And he'll see his target, too. His target will come real fucking close.","107":"This should have ended months ago. Now this evil, sick bastard will never control my life.","108":"I will uncover them.","109":"So what's my role, then?","110":"You fulfilled it.","111":"Valerie shakes her head.","112":"No. I'm supposed to be the recruit. If they don't see me, they're going to know for certain something is up.","113":"I [i]have[\/i] to go with you.","114":"That is a very solid point.","115":"Let's meet tomorrow, then.","116":"Okay. Good. Very productive day.","117":"We should probably rest up. I'll go ahead and call an uber.","118":"It's fine. I can drive you.","119":"Nonsense. You're in no position to drive me right now. You've got to relax.","120":"I'll make my way home, and we'll meet tomorrow, okay?","121":"If she insists, I guess that could be fine...","122":"Valerie puts a weighty hand on my shoulder, before leaving the lab.","123":"Man... this is probably going to be the final confrontation, isn't it?","124":"There's a good chance, by midnight tomorrow, either me or Silent1 will be dead.","125":"That's a very... very disconcerting thought. Even after inheriting {Leah}'s adrenaline addiction...","126":"AHEM.","127":"The heck?","128":"You're out of your prison.","129":"It's not a [i]prison[\/i] if you're there by choice.","130":"Now that I've done you a massive favor, now maybe a massive favor can be returned to me.","131":"I wouldn't ask if it weren't critical.","132":"What do you need? If you had any idea what we were talking about...","133":"I'm sure it's all earth-shattering, and I don't care, so please don't tell me. As a reward for helping, I need exactly and only one thing from you.","134":"And what's that?","135":"This is an escort mission.","136":"You know everyone hates escort missions.","137":"Yes, but I'm not a stupid NPC. I just need you to keep watch while I visit somewhere. Make sure nobody sees me.","138":"Which place are you talking about?","139":"Here. Follow me.","140":"Go with her.","141":"Refuse.","142":"As long as it doesn't take up too much of my time.","143":"Oh, so [i]now[\/i] you're putting qualifications on your help, is that it?","144":"I don't think you've ever asked me whether you take too much of my time.","145":"And you do, trust me, you do.","146":"What exactly do you need help with?","147":"You'll find out! Just follow me.","148":"Right... if I just do it, I'll get it over with quick.","149":"First, I need to get a few things.","150":"No thanks. I don't have the time.","151":"Oh... but you've got [i]so much time[\/i] to run around campus and make all kinds of trouble, huh?","152":"That's necessary. I don't have a choice.","153":"Everyone has a choice, {PlayerName}. But fine. If you're going to be a [i]taker[\/i] and not a [i]maker[\/i], I won't stop you.","154":"Just don't expect me to do anything else for you, 'kay?","155":"Right... hopefully I won't need Sandra's help again.","156":"If this all works out, then this'll be the end of Silent1... [i]though now that I think about it, I've thought that a lot.","157":"It's better I be prepared for tomorrow.","158":"Sandra slips on a hoodie and then gathers some things into a bag... towel, shampoo, and so on.","159":"Ah... no wonder Sandra didn't want to share what she was doing. But... what is [i]my[\/i] role in this? Am I gonna hold the soap?","160":"A picture of her mom... it looks like Sandra really does care...","161":"...I've never noticed that before. I don't think Sandra is as comfortable here as she lets on...","162":"Damn... actually, I feel kinda sorry for her...","163":"Let's get going.","164":"I think she noticed me staring at the family picture. I quickly turn my gaze toward her.","165":"My things.","166":"She expects me to carry it?","167":"Make yourself useful.","168":"You asked me follow you, not be your porter!","169":"If I didn't grab her stuff, she would've dropped it to the floor. She might think of me as a strong pair of arms but I'm more than just that.","170":"I hope it's not going to be me just lugging around her stuff.","171":"On the way there, she finally explains.","172":"I get a chance to do this once a week, and every time, getting back without being noticed is an ordeal.","173":"With you, it's going to be real easy. Just use your eyes, okay? They still work, right?","174":"She gets a chance to do [i]what[\/i] once a week?","175":"My question is answered when we finally arrive at the pool.","176":"It's well after closing time, but she hands me a pair of keys, and I use that to unlock the door.","177":"Who, exactly, is she scared of seeing her in this pool? [i]Nobody[\/i] should be here, except for some janitorial staff.","178":"I've heard the swim team gets to use the pool off-hours. Is that who she's scared of?","179":"In any case, it really does look like Sandra has done this before.","180":"She scans her surrounding coolly... I'm not sure if she's putting on a show of confidence because I'm around, or if she's actually confident [i]because[\/i] I'm around.","181":"She saunters her way to the locker room.","182":"Keep watch. Tell me if anyone comes in, okay?","183":"Really? That's my job? [i]I'm the lookout?","184":"Yes... but... [i]how am I supposed to warn her?","185":"Clearly Sandra didn't really think this plan of hers through...","186":"There's another thing she didn't think through either. I have her bag.","187":"Obviously she needs this stuff...","188":"I could... go in... [i]drop it off quickly...","189":"Knowing Sandra, I'm going to get chastised if I'm caught, and get no appreciation if I succeed, so really I lose no matter what I do.","190":"That's really no reason to leave her stranded without her things...","191":"Go in, and drop off her things.","192":"Screw it, let her get it herself.","193":"Last time I checked, girl's got two legs. If she wants it, she can come grab it.","194":"I'll just wait here.","195":"About fifteen minutes later...","196":"Sandra opens the door slightly... giving me an aggrieved look, as if [i]I[\/i] was the one who forgot her things.","197":"Listen Sandra, taking care of your stuff was [i]your[\/i] responsibility, not mine.","198":"We say nothing to each other as I offer Sandra's things.","199":"You could've [i]told me that[\/i]--","200":"...ah... well, you couldn't have, but...","201":"Just... give me my stuff.","202":"There's really only wrong answers in this situation I didn't even ask to be in.","203":"Going in and dropping her stuff off is probably the [i]safer option[\/i], if there is a safe option at all...","204":"It's exactly what I thought it was. Sandra's taking a shower.","205":"I really shouldn't ask how long Sandra goes between showers... I can't really even go a day before I start smelling like shit.","206":"Sandra may actually be one of those sorts of people that doesn't need to shower much. Once a week is a long time in my book...","207":"...but Sandra has never struck me as dirty or bad-smelling.","208":"I'm known for being a quiet person.","209":"I can probably just drop off her stuff without her even noticing. She might not remember that she forgot to take it with her.","210":"That way, she wouldn't even [i]realize[\/i] I didn't drop it off.","211":"Right... she's not using a curtain.","212":"That makes sense... she thinks I'm on watch.","213":"All I have to do... is place the bag where she would be likely to leave it...","214":"That's... that's [i]not showering...","215":"Yeah, I'm sure her pussy is plenty clean... she doesn't need to rub it fiercely with her middle and ring finger...","216":"Damn. Is this how Sandra gets off? I wonder how pent up she is. She doesn't even [i]see anyone[\/i] most days.","217":"She's got to be lonely, I'd guess. Is there a reason she can't do this in her office?","218":"I don't really want to speculate... and I probably shouldn't be watching.","219":"I came to drop her stuff off and leave, that's plenty easy to do without staring.","220":"Drop her stuff off and leave.","221":"Keep watching.","222":"This is clearly her private time. I'll just set her bag on the bench and leave.","223":"She won't even know she left it with me.","224":"I find it... mesmerizing. I feel something stirring in my pants...","225":"I [i]just[\/i] had a threesome with the two girls I've known the longest. There's no way I should be feeling horny again.","226":"That should've satisfied me for the rest of my life. But here I am, getting a chub watching a girl in a shower.","227":"I've got an [i]unnatural[\/i] sex drive...","228":"Clearly... being with both Valerie and Emily... in such close proximity, got me worked up. Now it's spilling like crazy out of me.","229":"I'm leaking [i]horny[\/i] everywhere. They'll have to clean little ducklings off with soap for how I'm just radiating [i]horny[\/i] out.","230":"I'm an adult now... I should not have the sex drive of an adolescent...","231":"Maybe being around Valerie made me this horny. She's attractive, and probably has this effect on everyone.","232":"Point is... I'm in the mood right now, and watching Sandra has made me realize it.","233":"Shit... I had sex with [i]{Leah}[\/i] just yesterday... to lose control like this... and just [i]stare[\/i]...","234":"I'm just... [i]staring at her[\/i]. What do I think is going to happen?","235":"I should really, [i]really[\/i] will myself to move.","236":"Yeah... I've got to... do something other than...","237":"...[i]stare...","238":"Huh? AaaaAAaaggh!","239":"Ah... shit... I...","240":"[i]It's too late anyway.[\/i] Now she knows what I was doing.","241":"If I run off now, I'm just going to be evading responsibility.","242":"What the--","243":"Were you watching me like that? I... [i]knew[\/i]... I shouldn't have...","244":"Sandra's voice grows weaker and less certain as she watches me.","245":"Her tone degenerates rapidly from [i]telling me off[\/i] into weak indecisive mumbling.","246":"Instead of running to shut the curtains, or chasing me off, her bare feet makes weird, unsteady circles around the shower.","247":"...uh... you should... [i]uh...[\/i]","248":"She's still trying to tell me to go away... but can't quite get that far...","249":"Uh... just... [i]take responsibility[\/i] for what you've done, okay?","250":"You've come all this way so don't... stand around... being quiet.","251":"Even though... you can't really do much else... can you?","252":"Sandra is rambling. I can't tell if she's telling me to go away or to go in...","253":"Truth be told... it's probably [i]both at the same time[\/i].","254":"The best way to know for certain, is to test her reaction...","255":"I walk in, slowly, staring at her in the eyes.","256":"Her body language, her expressions, are all over the place. Face flush, body shifting nervously, tone of voice caught between [i]fuck me[\/i] and [i]go away[\/i].","257":"As she speaks, what starts initially as sarcastic taunting becomes a flirty [i]come hither[\/i] thing.","258":"So... you think you're a [i]big man[\/i]... is that it?","259":"You think you're so [i]big[\/i] that you can just walk into a shower with me? Well...","260":"Sandra trails off, unable to tell me whether to [i]stay[\/i] or [i]go[\/i].","261":"With the way Sandra is acting, I just can't help but to press my luck, to see how far this takes me...","262":"Ah~... you naughty bastard...","263":"Get your... ah~... well... uh...","264":"Sandra's own racing breath cuts off her words.","265":"Eventually, she can't really say much at all. Instead, her legs spread slightly... an enticement...","266":"When I touch Sandra's sodden, velvety pussy, she unleashes a long angelic moan.","267":"It seems to say, [i]I'm done resisting.","268":"Yeah, she melts like chocolate in the hand, and soon I'm shamelessly touching her, sweeping off the droplets from the shower.","269":"Sandra's juices seem to have naturally replenished themselves. It's no issue for me to finger her fold.","270":"I dig inside her, trying to provoke more of her honey to spill forth.","271":"Instantly she seizes me, and presses her lips against mine. Her moist skin soils my clothes with her remaining shower water.","272":"If I don't get my clothes off, I'm going to end up as wet as her.","273":"Well, since this seems to be going the way it is anyway...","274":"I only barely manage to pry myself away from Sandra to dump my clothes outside of the shower.","275":"That's better. It looks a lot like Sandra still wants to say something, but won't risk me taking her objections at face value.","276":"If she wants to stop this, she has every opportunity. At this point, it's just not going to happen.","277":"It's as though her mouth was wired shut. Her lips quiver but nothing comes out.","278":"I don't even see her breathing...","279":"As a way of relaxing her, I lift her chin gently with my fingers.","280":"There is no fight in Sandra anymore, nor does she have any of her usual quips. I go in for the second kiss.","281":"This time, her kisses are gentler. I really have eased her in. Getting out was probably the right move.","282":"Otherwise, we would've been thrashing around in this shower, pressing each other up against hard, cold tile.","283":"This makes things much nicer.","284":"I start making my descent. First, I suckle on her cherry-like nipples...","285":"Then, I make my descent down her stomach, trailing down with yet more kisses...","286":"Finally, I reach my destination. I give Sandra's clit a generous cleaning with my tongue.","287":"Even after the shower, I don't taste any water. It's only a woman's normal fluids and scent.","288":"Good. It seems Sandra did clean out that subtle chlorine scent with her own arousal.","289":"It makes it easy to nibble her, to lick her lips and kiss around her hole.","290":"As I do, her flavor grows stronger and stronger.","291":"I start my work in earnest, and Sandra says her first words since we started for real.","292":"You... bastard...","293":"[i]I'm[\/i] the bastard? Here I was thinking I had done Sandra a great favor.","294":"I'll show her how a bastard works.","295":"My tongue descends and flicks against her fresh asshole.","296":"Are... are you [i]serious?[\/i]","297":"Yep. This is what a bastard does. They go straight for the butthole.","298":"I hope she really understands.","299":"Also, a [i]real[\/i] bastard doesn't give pleasure, they just take it.","300":"I have my own expectations for Sandra, if I really am a bastard.","301":"It looks like she can't help but start playing with my rod. Let's see if she can resist doing more...","302":"I take a seat, allowing my cock to raise like a flag.","303":"You are really presumptuous, aren't you?","304":"There's no bitterness in Sandra's voice, just husky arousal.","305":"I don't think Sandra is going to have any issue sucking me off.","306":"When her lips finally touch it, it's like a red-hot piece of metal being quenched in cool water.","307":"Sandra takes to it like she's thirsty. If she's ever touched a dick, it's pretty clear she hasn't touched one in a [i]very long time.","308":"It's no surprise then that Sandra goes down on me eagerly, cheeks hollowing out as she blows.","309":"I think Sandra could be entertained just doing this all night. It's really fascinating, watching a horny girl lose all self-control.","310":"I feel like I'm [i]dominating[\/i] her just with my presence.","311":"If she's as excited for this, I'm pretty eager to see how she'll react to taking a cock.","312":"After all, with the way her tongue dips in and out of my little hole... and the way her lips seal onto me...","313":"...you'd think I was a piece of cake or something. I'm starting to feel jealous of her food.","314":"Thoughts of Sandra impaled on my dick entice me forward. I feel like I want to take things up a notch.","315":"I push her slightly back, then ready myself for [i]the real deal...","316":"Okay...","317":"Sandra's voice is heavy with anticipation. I don't think she really expected us to get this far.","318":"I think she believed that I would just walk away. Lucky for her, I know what she wants, and I'm about to give it to her.","319":"I gaze down, judging the size of my turgid cock against Sandra's tanned ass.","320":"Seeing her feet, all bare and inviting like that, gives me an idea.","321":"I pick up her feet. Sandra makes a short noise of surprise and curiousity.","322":"When she feels my cock between her soles, I hear her make a light laugh.","323":"Oh god... [i]you're one of those feet guys...","324":"Sorta, maybe.","325":"Feet guy or not, playing with her like this really gets me in the mood.","326":"By the time I'm done, I'm super ready to stick my dick in the softest pocket...","327":"I feel all lined up, and Sandra's feet look like they're ready to chop aggressively, if I don't get a move on...","328":"That's it!","329":"In one smooth motion, I slide into Sandra like a sex toy. She spasms in suprise, but I hold her tight and still.","330":"She starts taking in ragged, but even, breaths, cooling her hot body with every one of my thrusts.","331":"I seem to push her a little futher against the wall with each thrust...","332":"Whether it's cold or hot, it doesn't seem to matter. My work has left her like a furnace.","333":"The way this has been going, with Sandra losing control so easily...","334":"...frankly, it's nice to know that I have this kind of effect on girls.","335":"My thrusts get more intense. Sandra's natural lubricant keeps my thrusting even and clean.","336":"She wraps her arm around my head in a desperate attempt to get even closer to my body.","337":"Having all the control in this situation, I choose to help her.","338":"I pick Sandra up, and her immediate reaction is to press as hard as she can into my body.","339":"I end up manipulating her like a doll to get her the way I want.","340":"Horny as she is, she's completely pliable. I can mold her like a chunk of clay.","341":"This position is good. With Sandra's leg in my hand, I can really fuck her to pieces.","342":"My cock plunges into her depths, even deeper than before. I feel like I might start to strike the top of her womb...","343":"I would've thought that being locked in an office all day, every day would leave you out of practice, but Sandra defies all expectations.","344":"I guess sex gives you energy... you're willing to go through the pain or exhaustion barrier simply to rail someone, or get railed yourself.","345":"I think I'd do the same as well. I'd love to give Sandra more visits after this, knowing her office is just a few feet away...","346":"...if this office girl can stand up to this kind pounding.","347":"But apparently, she can take it. Whether she lacks of recent experience or experience in general, Sandra doesn't seem to have issue clamping and milking me.","348":"Damn... I didn't think I'd be able to do this so soon after Valerie and Emily... but here I am...","349":"Pent up, I feel like Sandra could squeeze me out like a tube of icing.","350":"I'm really not sure I can last a whole lot longer...","351":"Madly moving around the shower, I start pumping with the intent to get myself off.","352":"I lock her in place, and instinct to get my juices inside as far as possible.","353":"I'm definitely going to do it... I'm about to cum...","354":"There's no stopping it... I only have a choice of where...","355":"Inside her.","356":"Outside her.","357":"Lifting Sandra up... there's truly no escape.","358":"I let her descend and take all my seed...","359":"Wow... I think I pretty much coated her from the inside...","360":"Don't even want to think about how much of my spunk she's holding...","361":"That truly is a lot more than I expected...","362":"Did I have that much in me? Damn... I might get Sandra when I need to lose some weight...","363":"I'm... I'm going to need... a second shower...","364":"No fucking kidding","365":"This is supposed to be a quick rinse off... but...","366":"Despite the chance we might be caught... we end up really taking our time.","367":"It is a full second shower.","368":"We leave without really saying much else. Sandra seems to have a little pep in her step.","369":"Knowing Sandra, there's a chance she might not [i]ever[\/i] bring what just happened up...","370":"Ah... that was refreshing.","371":"Is she talking about the shower... or the...","372":"Thanks for keeping watch.","373":"I can't really do that every day. I have to wait when the cameras are shut down for scheduled updates.","374":"Pretty sure I failed at that.","375":"I said... [i]thanks for keeping watch[\/i]...","376":"She says it through gritted teeth. So this is how it's going to be, is it?","377":"Now that my necessities are taken care of, there's no need for you to stay.","378":"You can go ahead and... uh... [i]update the package manager[\/i] or something.","379":"Shit... is this a pump-and-dump?","380":"Sandra might be every guy's dream...","381":"Oh, and nothing's changed between us. So off you go.","382":"[i]Yeah... it seems she might be.","383":"Right. That was more relaxing than any exotic massage.","384":"I should have no issue sleeping tonight...","385":"A few minutes later we both leave. I really hope that Sandra considers this a repayment of my debt to her.","386":"I get the feeling she's not going to ask me to do this again...","387":"We walk back to the IT lab in silence.","388":"That is enough excitement for the week.","389":"That was your excitement?","390":"Of course. I've got a very low excitement tolerance. I like things to be nice and predictable.","391":"I can't really do that every day. I have to wait when the cameras are shut down for scheduled updates.","392":"What's exciting to me are numbers. Algorithms. Computer science! Taking complex ideas and finding unintuitive answers.","393":"That's so much better than simple pleasures like eating, sleeping, and f-","394":"...and... uh... [i]the other sorts of things[\/i]... that idiots like to do.","395":"Consider your favor repaid.","396":"Don't tell me this is the only shower you take all week...","397":"I have other means of cleaning myself off, so there's no need to worry about me.","398":"Okay. Bye-bye. Bed time for you.","399":"You can just ask me to leave.","400":"Take this as a polite, respectful request.","401":"That was my good deed... so I suppose it's time now to go.","402":"Tomorrow is going to be a [i]big day...[\/i] it feels like those are coming along with increasing intensity and frequency...","0":"Jump to sex scene.","1":"Continue","2":"We pull up to the school. Now that I'm on a mission, I'm very happy to have my gun.","3":"As much as I enjoyed shooting off guns with Maggie, {Leah} is right. If things come down to a gunfight, then it's already too late.","4":"The only thing I want is to not be an easy target.","5":"While Valerie gets out of the car, I quietly slip the gun into my pants.","6":"Tell Sandra I'm here to see her. I don't want to give her a shock.","7":"Right. This isn't going to be an easy conversation...","8":"I enter alone, and knock on the door a couple of times.","9":"Why do you always got to come in? There's nothing new you can want from me."},"ch11__11.75 revelation.vne3":{"10":"Tomorrow night, I'm going with Valerie to meet Silent1.","11":"Ah... any other details?","12":"I share with her all I can. She's a sponge for this sort of thing, and can put together many of the details herself.","13":"She seems to understand it before it even comes out of my mouth.","14":"Well, I wouldn't call this plan [i]good[\/i]... but we've done things that were far stupider.","15":"Is luck... a finite resource? Eventually you run out of it.","16":"Technically speaking, there's no limit to how lucky you can be. ","17":"Since you named me as the target...","18":"You definitely can't come. They'll take it as an excuse to hurt you.","19":"Yes... but... the whole point is that I'm supposed to get hurt...","20":"Listen, I'm not suicidal. I'm not going to hurt myself on purpose.","21":"I don't think you would. I don't want [i]them[\/i] hurting you. That's my priority.","22":"Eh... I want to play a role somehow...","23":"Monitor RECENTLY. I've told you how to do that. You don't need my help.","24":"{Leah} sighs. She's clearly not pleased with this... but oddly, she's not really [i]fighting[\/i] it either.","25":"I'm... surprised that they accepted you as the target.","26":"My interpretation was that they're no longer interested in me as a recruit.","27":"Why even wait then? You're enough of a risk to want to get rid of you as soon as possible.","28":"You probably should've chosen me.","29":"I knew you'd say that.","30":"Yeah... because you know as well as I do that I'm the better option.","31":"I don't actually know that, {Leah}.","32":"Let me explain why: if they get me, you still understand their main tool, you still understand RECENTLY.","33":"I don't, {PlayerName}. I'd be clueless. The only reason I'm in this at all is because you told me about it.","34":"Anyway, I picked myself, Silent1 accepted, so that's what we're working with.","35":"{Leah} sighs. She's not pleased with this, but it seems she accepts it.","36":"That does mean I'll have to go with Valerie.","37":"Yes, because you'd be Valerie's offering.","38":"I nod.","39":"I don't feel comfortable leaving you on your own.","40":"At 11 p.m., that's when you're going... right?","41":"Yes.","42":"Right. Um... don't worry. I think you'll do fine.","43":"So you're confident now.","44":"Yeah, I trust you. It's going to be sort of difficult to fit me in anyway.","45":"Huh. I thought {Leah} would've fought a little harder for this.","46":"I really, [i]really[\/i] hope she doesn't have something weird planned...","47":"No matter what happens... be careful.","48":"She plants a brief, tender kiss on my cheek.","49":"When she steps away, it's with a warm, loving smile. I notice shades of pink edging into the whites of her eyes.","50":"Before emotions can fully mature, she leaves into her room.","51":"{Leah} will best work as backup. Tomorrow, I'm going to go with Valerie.","52":"I'd better remember to bring my gun.","53":"Tomorrow night...","54":"The night is warm, yet... I have chills running through me.","55":"It feels like the time before the Halloween party... before going to the parking garage with Alexis... before Stan's house... all the other times I thought I'd corner the Fraternity.","56":"None of them worked. Now that the Fraternity and I are in open conflict, are they really going to fall for any trick at all? They know my agenda...","57":"I'd better give up. There's nothing I can do anyway. All I'm doing is putting me, Valerie, and {Leah} at risk.","58":"Man... I should've realized that ages ago. Maybe then, I wouldn't be standing at a corner, waiting for Valerie to come pick me up in her car.","59":"It is... [i]too late to back out.[\/i] I'm in deep. There's no wishing back the time I've put into this.","60":"They will not let {Leah} go. No matter what.","61":"They will not let me go this time. That they agreed is proof.","62":"Valerie steps out of the car. I manage a meek, quivering smile. It's supposed to put Valerie at ease but I think it does the opposite.","63":"You nervous?","64":"Sorta.","65":"You'd be crazy not to be.","66":"I'm going after my white whale. It's hard not to feel the weight of that.","67":"[i]Nice literary reference.[\/i]","68":"Are you nervous?","69":"Heh... I'd be crazy otherwise, right?","70":"Her little laugh is enough to tell me that she is, in fact, nervous. And yes, she's right. She'd be crazy not to be.","71":"If you've got anything to share with me, about your relationship with Silent1, now's the time.","72":"It might be relevant.","73":"My hope is... it isn't. If it turns out to be relevant, you'll find out anyway.","74":"Come on. Let's drive.","75":"I step in the car with Valerie. She exhanges one last faint smile before she turns on the engine.","76":"Now she's trying to calm [i]me[\/i] down... but... it does the opposite.","77":"Who knows if we'll have the luxury of communication after this...?","78":"Silent1 is truly taking us out into the boonies.","79":"I can't help but think... if a gun were to go off, I'm not sure anyone would hear it.","80":"If they wanted us dead, this is the ideal location.","81":"But it works both ways. I've been practicing my shooting. If I want [i]them[\/i] dead, I might be able to do it.","82":"I haven't really told Valerie about the gun, but it's not exactly a secret. Now that I think about it... it was probably irresponsible not to tell Valerie a gunfight might break out.","83":"But I suppose [i]anything[\/i] could break out... we both should expect anything.","84":"We are near the place. Valerie has been unusually quiet, but as we draw closer, the silence gets deathly.","85":"It's weird how you can [i]feel[\/i] something happening, like a great big boulder, rumbling invisibly toward you.","86":"We're here. I'm feeling downright nauseous, scanning the clearing for shadowy, cloaked figures.","87":"I suddenly realize that my hand rests on the handle of my glock...","88":"...but nothing happens. The world is frozen. I begin to wonder if the Fraternity realized I was coming, and bailed.","89":"I look to Valerie, to see what to do, and she is as frozen stiff as I. She's looking even more fiercely around.","90":"Gathering my courage, I let go of the gun, and instead start typing on my phone.","91":"Should we step out of the car?","92":"I'm sure my phone is working... I wait several seconds... and there's nothing from Val.","93":"She's silent. In the insanity of the situation, I actually wonder if she's gone deaf.","94":"Valerie?","95":"Who is that?","96":"Bewildered and shocked that she's seen someone, I follow her gaze.","97":"A formless mass in the headlights, leaning like a cliff face, stands a figure my eyes had completely glossed over.","98":"The thing is so inconspicuous, so mundane, that it might have been standing right next to the window and I wouldn't have noticed.","99":"Now that it's pointed out... it expands into [i]every conscious thought[\/i].","100":"If a hundred cloaked members of the Fraternity had stepped out of the wood, I would've been far less unnerved. A single being standing in the wilderness is not what I expected at all.","101":"I don't know if I should call this thing a ghost, a cryptoid, or...","102":"...[i]a man[\/i].","103":"As the image resolves, and [i]blood[\/i] becomes apparent... my heart hammers and my hand heads to my gun.","104":"I glance frantically at Valerie, for any indication of what she might do...","105":"She watches. Observes. Very calm, given the situation.","106":"Taking her cue, I do the same.","107":"No!","108":"Shit... that's [i]Amiran![\/i] With a fucking bloody [i]baseball bat![\/i]","109":"What is he doing here?","110":"I reach for the door to get out and face him... but the door is locked!","111":"Valerie [i]wails.[\/i] She cries out in a way I didn't realize she was [i]capable[\/i] of. Her hand slams on the gear shift and she desperate seeks [i]reverse[\/i]...","112":"I want to type... to tell her to calm... but I can't even do it fast enough.","113":"The sudden movement of the vehicle has my fingers slipping...","114":"Outside the car, Amiran chases us, arm outstretched like a grasping ghoul.","115":"[i]Balenka!","116":"Amiran's daughter's name echo from all sides, assailing the car.","117":"[i]Balenka!","118":"The voice chases after us, not growing quieter, but growing [i]louder[\/i], like the forest itself is screaming it.","119":"[i]BALENKA![\/i]","120":"[size,1.2][i]BAAALENKAAAA![\/i]","121":"[size,1.5][i]BAAAAALENKAAAAAAA!![\/i]","122":"Only when the car rejoins the road does the voice seem to fade and grow quiet.","123":"Valerie drives like she's on the autobahn, engine roaring, overtaking with insane and risky manuevers...","124":"My phone had been stripped from my hands... I desperately pull it out to calm her.","125":"Even if I had it, I'm not sure what I'd say.","126":"Even [i]I[\/i] don't know what I just saw... or what just happened... [i]or what all that meant...","127":"It's really hard to imagine the Fraternity planned for something like that.","128":"Valerie keeps nervously glancing back in the mirror.","129":"Does she expect Amiran to have superhuman speed?","130":"I finally get ahold of my phone. I can only produce the most generic possible reassurance.","131":"It's okay. It's over.","132":"I'm not sure what to say... I'm digesting the situation myself.","133":"I do know... once I get a handle on my thoughts... I'm going to have a ton of questions for Valerie.","134":"I think Valerie definitely senses that. Maybe that's the reason she doesn't say much else.","135":"As we finish the drive in silence, I slowly piece together the events... and come up with a list of things to ask Valerie.","136":"We enter back into Valerie's office. I watch as she paces the length of the room, pinching her forehead between her fingers.","137":"She still hasn't said [i]anything[\/i]. The only noise she's made has been a weary sigh.","138":"She sits... more [i]falls[\/i]... on the chair. I let her gather herself.","139":"Now that I'm over the shock myself, I've gone back to investigation mode, and there's no point in asking Valerie questions when she's so stressed out.","140":"I only make my next move when I know she's calm.","141":"I take a seat next to her. Valerie looks at me, knowing I have a battery of questions for her.","142":"I'm not going to do that right now.","143":"You feeling okay?","144":"Uh... [speed,0.75][size,0.8]yes... I think...","145":"I've never heard Valerie speak so softly... but I've also never heard her be this vulnerable...","146":"I'm glad to hear it.","147":"I'm going to ask you some questions, Val. Is that okay?","148":"[speed,0.75][size,0.8]It... it... [delay,250][size,0.6]depends on the questions.","149":"Val, are you Balenka?","150":"Damn... I wish my voice app had some warmth to it. I can only communicate that through my eyes right now.","151":"I hope she understands I'm not a faceless machine trying to interrogate her.","152":"[speed,0.75][size,0.6]Um... I... could be...","153":"[speed,0.75][size,0.6]...could you do me a favor... {PlayerName}?","154":"Sure. What do you need?","155":"[speed,0.75][size,0.6]I'd like some anti-anxiety meds, if you wouldn't mind...","156":"Do you have a prescription? A preference?","157":"[speed,0.75]Just some magnesium... would be fine.","158":"There's a pharmacy close by, owned by the University. It wouldn't be too much to get some.","159":"Stay right here. I'll be back.","160":"Magnesium? How much does that cost? Doesn't the pharmacy have a minimum purchase for credit cards?","161":"I think I got some cash available...","162":"Some sweaty old bills floating around. Be nice to get rid of them.","163":"I always end up losing them. I don't like to keep cash on me anyway.","164":"When I take the $10 out... [i]I stare at it[\/i]. There's something hypnotic about it... like the bill is trying to tell me something.","165":"[i]Where did you come from? Who gave you to me?[\/i] Is that really even an important question right now?","166":"[size,1.5][speed,0.3][i]Where did you come from?[\/i]","167":"[size,1.5][speed,0.3][i]Who gave you to me?[\/i]","168":"[size,1.5][speed,0.3][i]Why are you so important?[\/i]","169":"[size,1.5][speed,0.3][i]What are you trying to tell me little bill?[\/i]","170":"[size,1.5][speed,0.3][i]How can you be worth everything?[\/i]","171":"[size,1.5][speed,0.3][i]Who gave you to me?[\/i]","172":"[size,1.5][speed,0.3][i]Who gave. [\/i]","173":"This bill... this [i]old... crumpled... cheap little bill[\/i]...","174":"...gave me [i]every answer.","175":"I was blind. I couldn't see it. [delay,250][speed,0.5]B u t  I  s e e  n o w . . .","176":"[speed,0.5]W h y  h a d  i t  t a k e n  s o  l o n g ? ?","177":"[speed,0.5]I  h a v e  b e e n  a  f o o l .","178":"I crush the bill in my hand, and march toward the pharmacy.","179":"When I come back, it's with the medicine in hand... and the [i]bill that means everything[\/i].","180":"Valerie already looks to have calmed. That's good. I don't think she's going to get any calmer tonight without the medicine.","181":"That was quick.","182":"I hand her the medicine. She mutters thanks as she unscrews the top.","183":"Now... about that question you asked...","184":"Actually, I wanted to ask something different.","185":"You... [i]aren't[\/i] interested in the Balenka thing?","186":"I very much am. But I've got something far more important to ask first.","187":"Do you recognize this bill?","188":"She gives a rare look of confusion.","189":"It's Alexander Hamilton. The favorite founding father among wine aunts.","190":"I'm quite confused, {PlayerName}...","191":"You probably don't remember it. I only remembered it when I saw the bill. I was hoping looking at it would jog your memory.","192":"Uh... do [i]you[\/i] need some medicine, {PlayerName}?","193":"The time for being cute is over. I don't pretend to know all the details, but between leaving this room and coming back, I've come to some very important realizations.","194":"You remember Joey Popodopolis, right?","195":"Better known as Buttsnack, who could forget that?","196":"When we went to Annette Taylor, I gave $10 to Buttsnack to watch over the car.","197":"Right...","198":"When I talked to you, you reimbursed me the $10 I gave to Buttsnack.","199":"Oh... now I remember. Shit, you [i]do[\/i] have a good memory...","200":"How did you know I gave Buttsnack $10?","201":"Uh... you told me, of course...","202":"Are you sure about that? I didn't actually tell you about the $10.","203":"What do you mean by that?","204":"I consciously kept that information to myself, especially after I knew you'd reimburse me.","205":"Isn't this irrelevant? I mean... I reimbursed you $10. It's trivial. I definitely remember you didn't even want it...","206":"I had to fight to get that money inside your pocket.","207":"Yeah, and it was the correct amount.","208":"I mean... a lucky guess? You're sounding quite paranoid...","209":"Maybe. Why don't you use RECENTLY to find out whether I'm being paranoid or not?","210":"Uh... I'm... uh...","211":"...I think this stuff is making me dizzy. Are you sure this is magnesium?","212":"This whole time, I've been a fool. I was wondering why Silent1 always seemed one step ahead, and it was because I've been [i]communicating every single conversation to him[\/i].","213":"Wherever I've gone, Silent1 has always had the perfect response, [i]except[\/i] when {Leah} and I work together exclusively. You know why?","214":"I... um... [i]I'm not sure...[\/i]","215":"It's because I communicate with {Leah} through [i]sign language,[\/i] not through this phone.","216":"Silent1 has been monitoring literally every word I've said, using the very same tools that I use. Anything I type on that phone, he has access to. Me being who I am, that's virtually [i]every conversation.[\/i]","217":"Even a private, trivial one, between me and Buttsnack, about how $10 was a lot to give for watching a car.","218":"The conversation is coming back to me... inscribed like a script in my memory.","219":"I'll give you ten dollars.","220":"That's five times my going rate.","221":"One hundred million times more and you'll be a billionaire.","222":"I didn't tell Val anything about how much I gave Buttsnack. I know that...","223":"RECENTLY allows you to monitor [i]any data[\/i] on any device, as long as it was recently accessed. Why would the voice app be any different?","224":"You are starting to make sense... perhaps Silent1 is monitoring your communications after all.","225":"Maybe we should find an alternative means to communicate...","226":"What are you pretending for? You're the one whose been spying on me. You already knew all this.","227":"...","228":"You knew the whole time. All along... it's been [i]you[\/i].","229":"You're [speed,0.25]Silent1.","230":"Valerie is frozen in place except for a slight twitch. I couldn't say what's going through her head, all I know is... [i]she hadn't expected this...","231":"Are... are you insane...?","232":"You think [i]I'm Silent1?[\/i] But why? That's crazy. I think you need some fucking magnesium.","233":"I mean... what... a $10 bill is the thing that tips you off? [i]Really?[\/i] I'm going to need more evidence.","234":"I was with you when we were messaging with Silent1. How was that possible if I'm Silent1?","235":"But let's put that aside. The performance you and Sandra put on? Completely faked. RECENTLY was already on your computer before we started.","236":"It was nothing like how I got RECENTLY on my computer.","237":"A question I've had this whole time... who in the school would be in a position to help Sandra hide? The Student Council President would be a really good bet.","238":"I was the one who [i]sent you[\/i] on this mission! Why would I do that, huh?","239":"If I'm really Silent1, why would I be constantly exposing myself to you? Wouldn't I risk you eventually figuring it out?","240":"I said I didn't understand everything... and this is something I don't understand yet.","241":"But I'm surer than I've been. I looked at the bill, and realized I wasn't putting the pieces together because I didn't want to see the full picture.","242":"Now that I think about it, I have something extremely compelling. If you are Amiran's daughter, and the phone Amiran has belonged to you, and that phone is loaded with RECENTLY, that means you've had RECENTLY this whole fucking time.","243":"That's really damning evidence.","244":"You don't even look surprised. You knew this from the start. You would've known already that I talked to Amiran, when he showed me the phone.","245":"Valerie gives me a hard, dark stare.","246":"I don't want to believe you're Silent1... but you are. You just are. You're the only person it makes sense for Silent1 to be.","247":"Val, I wouldn't be sharing this with you if I wasn't sure. I really, really don't want to believe you're some kind of psychopath.","248":"It was exactly that desire that made me not want to see it, but I see it now.","249":"Fuck Val, I have feelings for you. It hurts to think of you this way.","250":"Val, this might be the reason I've held back with you, because this was something I've always sensed about you but never wanted to believe.","251":"You are the last person I want to be Silent1, but I can't deny that's how things are looking right now.","252":"I respect you so damn much, everyone does. You're brilliant and hard-working and charismatic...","253":"I want to know if there's an alternative explanation, that helps me to believe you aren't just a malicious, evil person.","254":"Valerie doesn't change expression. She continues to stare hard... but I'm not sure there's anything left for me to say to change her mind.","255":"If she stays silent, then I will take that mean its natural conclusion.","256":"I desperately, [i]desperately[\/i] don't want to believe this, Val. Help me...","257":"Okay.","258":"Whether the anxiety meds are kicking in or not, I can tell Valerie visibly relaxes.","259":"You're right about me... having access to RECENTLY... and about me having read much of your correspondence.","260":"The man we encountered on that clearing, was my dad.","261":"So you are Balenka. Amiran is your dad.","262":"...Yeah. I... knew you knew about him. Because... I was monitoring you.","263":"The phone he gave you was once mine.","264":"Jesus, Val, who gave you RECENTLY so long ago?","265":"It was the weirdest thing... it was given to me by a stranger...","266":"...after my dad was sent to prison, the stranger told me the app would help me survive.","267":"I don't really have any family, {PlayerName}. I'm completely on my own.","268":"What was he doing there?","269":"Uh... I don't know. {PlayerName}, my whole family was ripped apart. I watched them die in front of me. That Amiran... he's a...","270":"You don't have to explain that part.","271":"No wonder she didn't want to share... I'm not sure I could...","272":"Anyway, the app keeps me far away from him, helps me keep tabs. But somehow, he's found me.","273":"Well, he has your old phone, so that would explain it.","274":"The way Amiran stood on that field, baseball bat bloody... I couldn't imagine what it would be like if it were my own family...","275":"...it just makes me sick thinking about it.","276":"So you could say... Silent1 is a product of my relationship with him.","277":"Why hurt so many people?","278":"That's not [i]me[\/i], {PlayerName}. That's the Fraternity.","279":"They have a weird... philosophy. You already know they force people to work for them.","280":"If I didn't do what I was told, they would've brought Amiran on me...","281":"Just like with Maggie and Floyd...","282":"At least this makes it clear, then. If Amiran is out of the picture, then you're safe.","283":"Don't, {PlayerName}. You don't want to do that.","284":"If I knew he was a psychopathic murderer, then I would've acted long ago.","285":"Ugh... why {PlayerName}? Why are you so quick to...","286":"Quick to do what?","287":"...You must have a very high opinion of me... huh?","288":"Of course I do. And now, everything makes sense. Just like Stan, and Sandra, you were roped into serving the Fraternity's interests. But damn it, if it's the last thing I do... I'm going to free you.","289":"I don't know how I'll deal with Amiran... but I'll deal with him. You don't need to worry about anything else.","290":"Hrmm...","291":"Valerie leans uneasily against the desk, clearly unsure of what to do.","292":"Stay right here, okay?","293":"But that's fine, because [i]I[\/i] know what to do.","294":"I've never felt clearer, and now that I know the truth of things, I've never been so certain.","295":"I can help Valerie, {Leah}, and myself, and put the whole Fraternity and their evil schemes to bed.","296":"I just... need to get past...","297":"...this stuck door...","298":"[i]Why is this door stuck?[\/i]","299":"[size,1.5][speed,0.3][i]Why is this door stuck?[\/i]","300":"[size,1.5][speed,0.3][i]Why is this door stuck?[\/i]","301":"[speed,0.5]B e c a u s e  y o u  s t i l l  h a v e n ' t  l e a r n e d .","302":"[speed,0.5]Y o u  d i d  n o t  w a n t  t o  s e e .","303":"[speed,0.5]R e g a r d l e s s ,  y o u r  e y e s  w i l l  b e  o p e n e d .","304":"I get tired too, you know.","0":"Shit... I've got a lot to talk about with {Leah}. This day has been [i]eventful[\/i].","1":"Jesus... and there's a whole bunch of stuff I [i]can't[\/i] tell her either. A threesome... followed by sex with Sandra...","2":"I'm not even talking about the threesome. That was... wild...","3":"I'm not even talking about just having sex with Sandra..","4":"I may be pushing my luck quite a bit, here. Does {Leah}... [i]know[\/i] I have other girls on the side?","5":"She's liable to find eventually...","6":"I'm really juggling the affections of a lot of girls, aren't I?","7":"I better go in and tell {Leah} about everything I found out.","8":"{Leah} watches me with interest as soon as I walk through the door. She knows I have something interesting to tell her.","9":"She's right."},"ch11_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch11_start.vne3":{"10":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","11":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","12":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","13":"Check synopsis.","14":"Skip.","15":"We had thought that Sandra would be the life the Fraternity would ''end'' that night.","16":"But with a sinking realization, I knew we were wrong. We had misread the clues, and I followed them to where powers had conspired to lead me that night. Stan’s house.","17":"There, I finally came face to face with the shadowy monster I had been dueling with. Silent1’s Fraternity.","18":"The dire realization dawned on me. This wasn’t a trap. It was an initiation.","19":"My initiation.","20":"I was the one they wanted.","21":"And all I had to do to complete it, to take my place among the ranks of the Fraternity, was to destroy a life.","22":"But I had to reject the invitation to join their [i]club[\/i].","23":"Stealing an opening, I took my shot, and fought my way free from my captors.","24":"With the help of {Leah}, I managed to escape the basement. ","25":"Alexis was left chained up in the cellar. I wrestled with the dilemma. Leave the conniving cheerleader to her fate, or go back for her?","26":"Alexis may not have been my favorite person in the world, but she didn’t deserve this.","27":"With {Leah} as backup, we sortied back down into the basement to rescue the airhead.","28":"On her way out, Alexis thanked the Fraternity for their hospitality... ","29":"....By lighting the basement on fire with her [i]hosts[\/i] still in it.","30":"I chose to bid adieu to her. For all I knew, she was in on it the whole time.","31":"I told {Leah} that Alexis was working for the Fraternity, and left her to her fate. It’s not as though she didn’t have it coming.","32":"As we were making our getaway, an armed man blocked our path out on the street.","33":"But that situation was resolved with the application of more velocity.","34":"After the harrowing ordeal, we finally had a quiet moment to decompress.","35":"We also discovered that the man I had GTA’d in our escape, had left something on the hood of the car.","36":"After the botched ceremony at Stan’s house, Silent1 and the Fraternity had gone dark.","37":"Checking RECENTLY showed no activity from the shadowy hacker and his malicious secret society.","38":"I did find something troubling, though.","39":"Looking for anything out of the ordinary, I checked the messages between the USPIS who were handling Lidia, and investigating what was going on in Shale Hill.","40":"Some kind of bureaucratic red tape with the Shale Hill Police Department had [i]suddenly[\/i] been resolved, giving them access to a piece of evidence they were very keen on looking into.","41":"The harddrive from {Leah}’s laptop. The same one that contained evidence that could put her in prison.","42":"It has to be Silent1’s doing. Wielding his influence over the Shale Hill PD to punish {Leah} for her part in disrupting his plans.","43":"Things seemed almost hopeless.","44":"Short on options, {Leah} and I hatched a desperate plan.","45":"{Leah} believed she could break into the police station’s evidence locker, and maybe get to the harddrive before it gets picked apart by forensics.","46":"But to do that, we have to find some way around the station’s security system... and I’m hoping RECENTLY will let me do that.","47":"Time was short, we only had three days to launch our heist, before the harddrive was to be sent for analysis.","48":"Things continued developing outside of the preparation for the heist.","49":"The first day back to class, after the house fire, Rogham wasn’t there. The substitute that replaced him explained only that he’d be out for the semester.","50":"Was Rogham among the robed cultists in the basement that night? Did he make it out? Did any of them?","51":"I showed up to class following the events in Stan’s basement to find a suspiciously bandaged Rogham.","52":"The injury sustained implicated him being at the house last night. He didn’t deny it.","53":"But I wasn’t able to learn much more from him.","54":"Valerie was the one who put me on the path to finding Sandra. But when I found her missing roommate, Valerie seemed more interested in whether or not I was able to learn anything about Silent1.","55":"I knew there had to be more to her interest in the nefarious hacker than just his connection to Sandra.","56":"But when faced with the question, Valerie threw up a wall. It seemed as if finding the identity of Silent1 was somehow connected to a painful memory from Valerie's past. But what that might have been, she was reluctant to share.","57":"Valerie did confide that some time ago she had lost people close to her. Nearly everyone.","58":"And tragedy had visited her more than once. She explained to me the [i]second[\/i] time it visited her, Silent1 was responsible.","59":"She feels finding him might bring her closure to this mysterious loss.","60":"And of course, Emily and I got up to our old antics.","61":"Damn... this really keeps happening, doesn't it?","62":"Sam was still serious about me running for Student Council President at the University. She’s been busying herself with preparing my campaign","63":"With her typical flair, she has the notion to dress the campaign up with a superhero theme.","64":"She’s gone as far as starting to recruit members for an election committee, tapping both Linus and Alfred.","65":"There was also the question about what to do with the gun that was [i]deposited[\/i] on my car hood. Given recent events, I didn’t hate the contingency of having a sidearm handy. ","66":"But having zero firearm experience, I went to the one person who might be able to teach me how to use it.","67":"Maggie gave me a crash course in gun safety and shooting.","68":"I hope it doesn’t come to pass, but if the time comes that I actually need it, hopefully I know enough to literally avoid shooting myself in the foot.","69":"Since {Leah} and I had rescued her from the Fraternity’s plot, Alexis has been following me around like a neurotic Chihuahua.","70":"Her weird attachment has become a distraction I just don’t need right now, not while things are balancing on a knife’s edge.","71":"While I know it was probably the right thing to do, going back for her, I can’t spend all my time babysitting attention-starved Barbie.","72":"Maybe I should have just let the Fraternity have her.","73":"Back at the Philosophy club, Alfred approached me with the news that Alexis is now missing.","74":"Worried for the safety of his club’s, he has been keeping tabs on its members, and was worried I too might be at risk. Knowing that I’ve been looking into some of the disappearances, he expressed his fear that I might be next. ","75":"All I could tell him is that I don’t think we’ll be seeing the busty cheerleader again. The same forces that were responsible for Sandra and Stan, had now claimed her as well. It would be best to keep his head down.","76":"Even Kristen was aware of the sudden disappearance of Alexis. And while she had no love to be lost for the bratty co-ed, she did question how so many people could be going missing without alarms being sounded.","77":"The night came where {Leah} and I had to break into the Shale Hill Police Station.","78":"The malware I had been working on to deal with the station’s security was in place, and {Leah} had done exhaustive research on the blueprints of the building, along with personnel rotations and duty schedules. It was now or never.","79":"The experience was white knuckling... But at the same time, thrilling. As {Leah} snuck in, I stayed outside, watching through the hacked security system and guiding her through the station.","80":"I was so glued to my laptop screen, that I didn’t notice the odd piece of garbage that had blown on the hood of my car.","81":"A piece of someone’s Halloween costume? It probably just blew off the street.","82":"But against all odds... we had done it. {Leah} and I were able to recover the harddrive and escape the police station unnoticed!","83":"There was only one thing left to do. Destroy the evidence once and for all.","84":"Courtesy of Toasterman’s roaring hobo fire, {Leah} and I sat back, and watched the incriminating harddrive melt into a piece of slag.","85":"...And With the danger of the harddrive no longer held over our heads, {Leah} and I celebrated.","86":"{Leah} was in the clear. The question is, what now? What’s our next move? And more concerning...","87":"...what is Silent1’s?","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","4":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","7":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","8":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","9":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex."},"ch11__11.AL.05 meeting of the minds.vne3":{"10":"Ugh, and then I had to go to my stupid economics class, you would not believe the weirdos I got partnered with, they're, like...","11":"I had intended to just take a quick break off to go grab a cup of coffee at Lidia's and try and clear my head. I hadn't anticipated that I would just [i]run into[\/i] Alexis right in front of Sevigny's. That seems to be happening more and more lately.","12":"Is she tracking me? A secret Fraternity spy?","13":"... but then he was all bragging about his stupid truck back home, and how he removed all the doors and just drove it around his back yard on his farm.","14":"And I was all confused, and like ''if it doesn't have any doors, how do you even get in it''. And he looked at me like [i]I[\/i] was the crazy one.","15":"[i]Spy[\/i] might be a stretch.","16":"I nod, politely, and let Alexis drone on.","17":"Truthfully though, it's a passable distraction.","18":"The whole confrontation with Carmen over Sandra's case has got my guts twisted. Alexis's vocal static seems to drown out the part of my brain that is reliving the exchange with the bereaved mother on loop.","19":"We're walking away from Sevigny's, when the rogue's gallery deepens.","20":"Well if it isn't the world's second greatest detective!","21":"Ew, stinky.","22":"Jesus! You scared the crap out of me!","23":"And that's why you'll always be number two.","24":"Well, you're a tough act to follow.","25":"Toasterman stops to eye Alexis suspiciously.","26":"Like, oh-my-gosh! Is this your dad?","27":"What? No!","28":"Toasterman is just my...","29":"Lawyer. I represent the boy's estate. And who might you be, ma'am?","30":"Oh. I'm, like, Alexis.","31":"What's a lexis?","32":"Like, I am.","33":"Oh. I'm a Virgo, myself.","34":"No way! I knew we had some energy. I'm, like, a Capricorn.","35":"You're aware of Virgo energy? But that means you must know of the plane between the spheres of Chronos.","36":"Spheres? Wait, is this, like, a boob joke?","37":"No thank you, I take my coffee black. Now tell me, are you a being, servant, or ambassador of the 37th Mandala?","38":"I'm, like, a University Ambassador for the cheer squad.","39":"And do you follow Euclidean or non-Euclidean geometry?","40":"Um... the second one, I think.","41":"Interesting... Very interesting.","42":"Toaster flashes me a look, glancing off to the side to have a private word away from Alexis.","43":"Hey, Alexis.","44":"I point to the ground at her feet.","45":"Stay.","46":"The blonde scoffs and rolls her eyes. Once we are out of earshot of the Cheerleader...","47":"What were you thinking? Bringing that... [i]thing[\/i] here?","48":"That [i]thing[\/i]? Alexis?","49":"Cunning bastards. They almost had me. But you can always tell! You can always tell by the eyes!","50":"But there were moments... christ... more than a few times where they really had me going! Really had me believing she was real. I knew they were making great strides in their technology, but I had no idea they'd come this far. ","51":"What the hell are you talking about?","52":"It's not clear as day to you? Get your head out of the sand, brother!","53":"Do I have to spell it out on a tasteful throw pillow in fancy, embroidered letters? [i]Language computers! Thinking machines![\/i] God damn Chinese ChatBot artificial intelligence! Hunter-Killer units!","54":"Thankfully they still haven't quite nailed down the communication modeling yet. I doubt this one could pass the Turing test. But it's a troublesome development in infiltration technology!","55":"Must'a fed this one nothing but Tiktok comments. Ya see the way she moves, all jerky-like. Just like one of them animo-tron-hics they got down there in that Disney indoctrination camp!","56":"If Alexis is the best the machines have to offer, I don't think we'll have too much to fear from them.","57":"It's her algorithm at work, five dimensional chess! Sounds like brainless nonsense, but if you're smart and have a deep command over your facilities, like me, you can start to see the patterns!","58":"She's likely been configured from your pornography profile.","59":"Did they try that on you?","60":"Of course! How else do you explain why slippers have become so sexy!","61":"Glossing over that. Where are you going with this?","62":"Now, if she is a femborg, we learned in Bat-training that if you shake your wizard's staff and magic orbs at her, at just the right frequency, her positronic brain will short circuit and her head will explode.","63":"Hold on, give me a second.","64":"Ugh, what are you guys talking about over there?","65":"I'm so bored! And I have to get back to campus to go to the gym before six, because that's when Shelby shows up and she always wants to run with me on the treadmills and she never shuts up about her stupid horses.","66":"Toasterman's recommendation is clearly insane... But it could be worth a shot.","67":"Alexis, just give me a minute.","68":"Ugh, okay.","69":"Listen, when she goes to recharge her batteries tonight, you sneak out and come back here.","70":"I'll teach ya how to suck your penis back up inside your body to keep it safe from her.","71":"Thanks. I'll do my best to make it.","72":"See that you do! You clearly need the training. First I get the drop on you, and then you led a [i]skinjob[\/i] right to my secret base!","73":"You just caught me at a bad time. I had a real rough day at work.","74":"How bad we talking?","75":"It's complicated. Basically, I'm stuck either hurting someone who's already had her heart torn out, or I betray the trust of another who's keeping a desperate secret.","76":"Oof. That is a rough one. Rough one for sure.","77":"So, you'll just tell the Joker that after he's got you strung up by your buster browns, and he'll take it easy on you, yeah? You think Mr. Freeze is gonna go lukewarm because you had a crummy day at work?","78":"No, I guess they wouldn't.","79":"That's right. Save it for your therapist after this is all over...","80":"... which I would like to point out, I am a licensed psychologist. Now, [i]technically[\/i] have a degree in criminal psychology, but you seem borderline, so it should still apply.","81":"Hey.","82":"Stay on your toes out there! And sleep with one eye open. And remind me to teach you how to sleep with one eye open when you come by for the penis inversion training.","83":"You got it.","84":"Not in the mood to get straightened out by a man who lives in a cardboard box, I make a move to escape the conversation.","85":"Listen, I have to get this [i]skinjob[\/i] out of here before they triangulate her signal and find your location, but I'll get back to you about the training, okay?","86":"Good call. Maybe see if she's got an airplane mode or something.","87":"And {PlayerName}...","88":"... Keep your head on a swivel. Streets ain't as safe as they used to be.","89":"There's a chilling, sober sincerity in his warning.","90":"I've been dwelling on the confrontation with Carmen, and that's just the tip of the iceberg that's been keeping me up at night. ","91":"But I can't get lost in the weight of it all. Just compartmentalize it for now, and stay focused.","92":"As I'm leaving, I overhear Toasterman resume some hushed conversation he must have been having with Ducky.","93":"... because Tallahassee is nice this time of year. You remember when we went for Mr. Quaker's Bachelor party?... I know you don't like the humidity, but maybe it wouldn't be bad to get out of town for a little while...","94":"I turn down the street and start heading back towards campus, Alexis trotting up next to me.","95":"You have the strangest doctor.","96":"She then stops, and turns back to look at Toasterman trading heated words with a rubber duck.","97":"He makes me sad.","98":"Her words sound odd for some reason. It takes me a moment to realize they're lacking the usual condescension.","99":"What?","100":"Just... I dunno. Like, look how he's dressed! Like, someone let him go outside like that? Like, doesn't he have anyone around to tell him to wash his face, or put on deodorant, or something?","101":"Alexis. He's homeless.","102":"Yeah, it's just... Whatever.","103":"Can we go?","104":"Yeah. Let's go.","105":"On the walk back, Alexis goes whole minutes without talking.","106":"I look down to check what’s making my phone chirp. It’s a text from Lidia.","107":"With everything going on, I almost don’t want to answer it. But I can’t just ignore her.","108":"[i]Lidia: Hey, I finished that book you lent me. Swing by whenever to pick it up. No rush![\/i]","109":"That’s code if I ever saw one. Lidia wants to talk, and if I had to guess, the sooner, the better.","110":"I groan. Or at least what passes for a groan with my throat.","111":"It's been just months since I opened my computer to find RECENTLY loaded on it. But after everything that’s happened, I feel about twenty years older.","112":"I grab my stuff, and head to see Lidia.","0":"When I get out of Sevigny's, a familiar face is waiting for me.","1":"... but then I was coming out of the spin, mid-routine, and I didn't see her.","2":"That's when I kicked her right in the box.","3":"Stunning.","4":"She was like, all up behind me. If she had been paying attention in practice, she would have known the high kick was coming.","5":"Uh-huh.","6":"Honestly, it really was entirely her fault. And then she had to get all dramatic, rolling down onto her side, clutching her hoo-ha and moaning like a freaking moose.","7":"What a bitch.","8":"I [i]know[\/i], right! It's like, get over, Leslie. Don't let [i]this[\/i] be your trauma. Girls on the Cheer Squad get their snatches rocked [i]all[\/i] the time.","9":"There's got to be a better way to phrase that."},"ch11__11.HA.05 running into haley.vne3":{"3":"Hey there, handsome. What brings you to these parts?","4":"Just heading back to campus after grabbing some coffee. What about you?","5":"Me, uh... Oh, I just had a thing down here.","6":"Reacting without thinking I croon my head up to see the office she just came out of.","7":"[i]Lisa Martinez: Vocal Coach[\/i]","8":"Wait. Are you taking singing lessons?","9":"Haley starts to blush, fussing with her hair in embarrassment.","10":"Seriously, don’t have a freak out. It’s just a few short sessions to see if I even have the pipes for it.","11":"She rolls her eyes again at my incredulous grin.","12":"Oh my god, stop! It’s not a big deal.","13":"Trying to tell me that you may not have the pipes for it! I’m about to march you down to Sevigny’s right now to demand they give you a Friday night slot.","14":"What? Oh, come on. Subjecting the good people of this town to that performance would constitute a war crime.","15":"Look, thank you for thinking so highly of me. I’m not trying to seem ungrateful. But best case scenario, I’m nowhere near ready for an actual venue.","16":"Plus, getting a gig set up would be such an ordeal, and I’m already so preoccupied getting my life back on track I couldn’t even start to think about making all the arrangements for a show.","17":"Well, what if someone was to get you a gig and take care of all the arrangements? You’d just have to show up and sing.","18":"And you’re going to be the one to find time to do that? Don’t think I don’t know how crazy your schedule is.","19":"I’ve been waging a shadow war with a villainous secret society for months now. Setting up a small vocal concert sounds quaint by comparison.","20":"Okay, but hypothetically. If someone got you a gig and got everything set up, would you take it?","21":"Haley pauses to give it some hard thought. I try working in some sad puppy dog eyes to close the deal.","22":"Okay, okay! Fine. [i]If[\/i] a [i]small[\/i] gig happened to open up, I might consider... thinking about... taking it.","23":"Perfect. I’m gonna hold you to it.","24":"I do have to get going though. But seriously, I’m happy you’re practicing singing again. Even if you are wary of sharing it, I do think you have a beautiful voice.","25":"Haley tries to hide her blushing, but she can’t suppress her smile completely.","26":"Oh my god! Get out of here!","27":"She playfully swats at me a couple times before spinning around and hurrying away.","28":"If only she’d come out of that shell. At the very least, that voice could make her a local celebrity. ","29":"But she’s not wrong about one thing. I don’t exactly have a lot of time to be her agent. Getting Haley a gig might be tricky enough, and that’s not considering all the audio equipment or set up, of which I know absolutely zero about.","30":"As far as venues go, there is one option that is an obvious choice. I need to make a point to swing by Sevigny’s.","0":"I start heading back to campus, so deep in thought that I don’t even register my surroundings.","1":"That is until the streak of blue hair, like a bright brush stroke on a concrete and brick canvas, catches my eye just up the street.","2":"Haley turns to see me wave, and smiles."},"ch11__11.HA.10 planning with dante.vne3":{"3":"I walk in, and see just the man I’m looking for, behind the bar.","4":"Hey, hetebro! Usual?","5":"No. Not the usual. You’re here on a matter of importance. We should mark the occasion with a different beverage.","6":"How do you know I didn’t just stop by for a beer?","7":"From the way you walked in, brother! With purpose and conviction, but also a hint of trepidation.","8":"Is Dante a wizard?","9":"You're good at reading a person just by their gate.","10":"Body language is just primal animal communication. It’s baked into our DNA, you just have to search your instincts.","11":"Dry Martini. On the house, to mark what it is you are about to ask me.","12":"Thanks, Dante. Cheers.","13":"I’ve never had a martini before. But it’s not bad.","14":"So, coming to that point of business. Does Sevingy’s ever do live music?","15":"It’s not a regular thing. But it wouldn’t be impossible to set up. Why? Were you thinking of booking a band?","16":"No... Wait...","17":"Dante suddenly freezes. His eyes shoot open, and he stares at me with such intensity I become unnerved.","18":"He leans in, sweat beginning to pool on his temples, the energy practically vibrating off him.","19":"Are we actually doing this?","20":"Are we about to form the most hetero boyband in the history of music?","21":"What? Boyband? No! What the hell are you talking about?","22":"Oh! Sorry. My bad. Forget I asked. I just did all the wardrobe design for fun anyways.","23":"So who were you thinking of booking?","24":"Well, Haley has started to take singing lessons, and I might have been able to convince her to...","25":"Dante nearly lunges across the bar.","26":"Seriously? Bro, seriously? She’s actually considering doing it? She’s really gonna sing?","27":"She says it’s a [i]maybe[\/i]. But I think she would kill it.","28":"My dude! Haley is the World's Greatest Vocalist . Beyonce or Adele would sell all their eggs to get her voice!","29":"I’ve been trying to get her to take up singing since the first time I heard her! But she’s tragically insecure about her gift.","30":"That’s what I’ve been telling her. But I think she’s finally willing to give it a shot. I thought Sevigny’s would be a great place to cut her teeth.","31":"Dante looks down at the wooden slab in front us with holy reverence.","32":"To think, years from now, this bar will be remembered as the location where the legendary singer\/songwriter, Haley Holmes, sang her first show.","33":"It is my life’s honor to serve buttery nipples upon this sacred oak.","34":"But first, we have to figure out how to actually put on a show. I’ll be honest, I don’t know that much about setting up all the audio equipment or lighting.","35":"Leave that to me, my man! I spent some time as a roadie for Lady Gaga!","36":"Somehow, I’m not surprised in the slightest.","37":"It’ll be easy, bro. I could rig the audio and lighting for this place while tied up by a Shibari bondage artist and drenched in baby oil!","38":"Uh... Thank you?","39":"You just worry about getting that blue haired angel down here to melt all our hearts with her smokey serenade!","40":"Maybe I should consider Dante for the election panel superhero squad. He might be one in real life.","41":"But getting the venue set up might be the easy part. Getting Haley to overcome her reservations about singing could be harder.","0":"If I’m going to coax Haley into singing for an audience, I need a venue. Someplace she’ll feel comfortable.","1":"I had made it known to her that I thought Sevingy’s would be a great place for a first show, and that hasn’t changed.","2":"Does Sevigny's even do live music? Thinking about it, I don't recall ever seeing a live band, or even a flier for a show. But it’s still worth a shot."},"ch11__11.KR.05 a puzzling discovery.vne3":{"3":"Hey! What gives?","4":"{PlayerName}? Watch where you're going!","5":"Where I'm going? You walked into me!","6":"You should have seen me at that angle and adjusted!","7":"I roll my eyes. Leave it to Kristen to walk straight into me and then claim it was my fault for being in her way.","8":"Kristen dropped a notebook when we collided. Despite her rudeness, I still reach down to pick it up. When I do, I notice my name among some lines of text.","9":"Hey! Give me that.","10":"I juke away from her attempts to snatch the notebook back, my eyes going wide when I realize what I'm reading.","11":"[i]... by day, {PlayerName} may seem like a simple, wealthy socialite and philanthropist. But by night, he is the Silent Sentinel! Guardian of the city of Slate Mountain![\/i]","12":"[i]While the Silent Sentinel may be the de facto leader of the Freedom Corps, anyone with intimate knowledge of the team, knows it is the indomitable and enigmatic Neo Lovelace, who with supreme guile, sheppards the elite super-hero squad to reach potentials far greater than the sum of their parts![\/i]","13":"What the hell is this?","14":"Kristen finally yanks her notebook back, cheeks reddening.","15":"It's not finished, okay!","16":"If we're going to use the superhero motif, it would be a wasted opportunity not to use the comic book medium.","17":"Sorry... you're putting me in a comic book?","18":"Yes. Sam didn't tell you? She recruited me for your campaign committee.","19":"Yeah, she [i]definitely[\/i] didn't tell me that.","20":"Anyway, this is a [i]commission[\/i], basically. Of course, I wouldn't be wasting my own time on this garbage, but this is for the task that has been given to me.","21":"Political cartoons have been a staple of swaying electorates for centuries. This isn't a new concept.","22":"Sam commissioned you to draw a comic book?","23":"Please, [i]I'm a writer[\/i], not a rote illustrator.","24":"It's the perfect medium for our voting base. The nerd demographic will eat it up. And we can cloak your policies and hot button issues as metaphors in the story!","25":"I get the motif. But an actual comic?","26":"Oh, believe me, I find it more childish than you. But just look at our voting demographics. You probably already have the dullard meathead demographic on lockdown. What we have to win are the proletariat.","27":"This society is built to pander to male infantilism. How many of these dopes walking around campus are nothing more than giant man-babies?","28":"These [i]dopes[\/i] are the good students we're setting out to represent and lead, right?","29":"If you want to look at it that way, it's very cute.","30":"Look, think of this comic as a way to trick these man-children into eating their greens. We can hide our political philosophies in the stories.","31":"Then the slack jawed morons will remember us for the bright, shiny colors, and vote for us.","32":"Political philosophies? Do you even know what my political philosophy is?","33":"I never bothered to ask, so I'm just putting in stuff that exemplifies [i]universal truths...","34":"Right. She's shoehorning in her own shit, basically.","35":"Look, it all just sounds very ambitious.","36":"Just give me a little longer to refine the idea. We have some time, so I'll present it after break.","37":"I guarantee that debutante Valerie won't see this coming! This will be an election people won't be able to ignore.","38":"That just makes me even more anxious.","39":"But I'm too tired and preoccupied with a million other things to worry about what Kristen has in store for my election. Sam, what were you thinking bringing her on board?","40":"Alright. I look forward to hearing your full proposal.","41":"Kristen grins, taking my gesture as some kind of victory.","42":"Well if you're smart enough to see the brilliance of this, we might have a real shot of winning this thing!","43":"With that, she two-steps around me and continues on her way.","44":"I can worry about putting out this fire later. It's a burning trash can compared to the towering infernos I currently have to tackle.","0":"Something to give Lidia's handlers... shit...","1":"If they're after [i]me[\/i]... that's the sort of information they're going to want.","2":"That's when..."},"ch11__11.LI.05 distress call.vne3":{"3":"I don't think I could live without it! Just haven't gotten a lot of chances to make it down here for the real good stuff. You have my book?","4":"Lidia does one last look around, to make sure no one is paying too close attention to us, then leans in and starts signing fast and rushed.","5":"Thanks for coming. I need your help.","6":"What is it?","7":"I really hate to put this on you, but...","8":"You said you'd get me some information to give [i]them[\/i]. I don't know how much more I can stall. If I don't get them some actionable intel soon, they are going to pull my deal!","9":"I can feel the desperation in her jerky sign. She's holding it together, but just barely.","10":"Her panic is infectious, and I feel my own chest start to tighten. Like we're running out of room to move.","11":"I honestly don't know what I can tell her.","12":"Okay, okay. Can you hold them off for just another day? It'll give me some time to think of something.","13":"I see her lip quiver slightly, but Lidia nods. All she can do is put her trust in me.","14":"It feels terrible to ask, but I need to think very carefully about what I can feed the feds. I give them too much rope, and they'll hang [i]me[\/i] with it.","15":"Just stay calm. I'll be back here tomorrow, okay?","16":"Okay. Please hurry!","17":"Lidia slides a random book across the counter to keep up appearances. Then discretely wipes her eyes and puts her facade back up.","18":"So can I get you the usual? For the road?","19":"Sure. Sounds great.","20":"While Lidia goes to ready my order, I start writing a text to {Leah}. We need to figure out what we're going to feed the feds. And we need to figure it out tonight.","0":"The coffee shop isn't empty, but it isn't packed either. I should be able to pull Lidia aside to discuss what's bugging her.","1":"She looks up from the counter when I walk in.","2":"Hey, stranger! Haven't been seeing you around here that often. You haven't given up on coffee, have you?"},"ch11__11.LI.10 throw a dog a bone.vne3":{"3":"Not precisely. But I get the sense that their patience with her is just about up.","4":"I guess that's why they're intervening directly, now.","5":"That, and they probably sense that you and Lidia are basically conspiring together. I would, at least.","6":"So we need to give Lidia something to deliver to them by tomorrow.","7":"How can we be smart about this? We could use this to manipulate Lidia's handlers into behaving how [i]we[\/i] want them to.","8":"These aren't just some po-dunk SHPD officers with GEDs. These are federal agents we're talking about.","9":"So they work for a bigger office and get paid a little more. Cops are still cops, {PlayerName}.","10":"It's a certain type who are attracted to positions of power and authority like law enforcement. And those types are usually predictable.","11":"I can see {Leah} begin to form the beginnings of a plan in her head.","12":"What if we gave them enough to put them on the trail of the fraternity. Not anything too substantial where they might ruin everything, but enough to put the fraternity on the defensive?","13":"Yeah, let them be the ones looking over their shoulders for once.","14":"Assuming the fraternity hasn't infiltrated federal law enforcement as well.","15":"Let's hope that isn't the case.","16":"We'll have to be thoughtful about what we give them.","17":"If we play this right, we might be able to get the fraternity and the feds busy dancing around each other instead of us.","18":"So, the million dollar question. What do we leak to them?","19":"I rack my brain, as does {Leah}.","20":"We can't tell them about RECENTLY. They're going to take it as evidence against us.","21":"They want to find someone to blame for the theft of Emily's Dad's software. Though to be fair they probably already have wind of that.","22":"Jesus, what do we have that doesn't just lead them to us?","23":"What about the missing people from the Philosophy club? Sandra disappeared long before we were involved.","24":"But what if they question Carmen? She'd tell them that you and I were looking into Sandra's disappearance.","25":"True. But is it so far-fetched that an aspiring investigative reporter and her side-kick would be investigating missing people around Shale Hill? In fact, it might be a good cover for why we seem so connected to the case.","26":"Sidekick?","27":"{Leah} grins.","28":"It's totally plausible. Don't you think?","29":"Maybe the feds will think you and I are just playing Nancy Drew.","30":"I'm not saying it's airtight. But anything we tell them is a gamble, at least this one gives us plausible reasons for why our names keep showing up. Maybe it'll even throw them off our scent for a while.","31":"I don't know... your hard drive disappearing out of evidence... that's pretty specifically connected to us.","32":"I mean... our direct involvement in that is probably what got them to make their move in the first place.","33":"The Feds are going to blame the SHPD for losing the evidence. If we can weather their suspicions for a time, it's reasonable to believe that my hard drive was lost in transit. I mean... I don't think they have anything else.","34":"You really think so?","35":"I don't know. It's probably easier to believe [i]that[\/i] than a pair of plucky college students breaking into a secure vault.","36":"I only hope that's true. I suppose if they don't have any evidence other than that, they have no choice but to believe it.","37":"From what Lidia has said, these agents are much more competent than the local cops. So maybe this could work.","38":"It's that, or we leave Lidia out to dry.","39":"That's not an option.","40":"Agreed.","41":"Alright. Lidia can tell our USPIS friends about the string of disappearances, particularly at the Philosophy club.","42":"And if the topic of our connection comes up, we simply came across a pattern of missing students, and we looked into Sandra's disappearance specifically on her mother's behalf.","43":"Okay. I suppose that's about as leak proof as we can make this boat.","44":"Yeah... but it wouldn't be as fun if it wasn't at least a little risky.","45":"You need to see a doctor.","46":"{Leah} giggles.","47":"Jokes aside though, if we make it through this, we both probably should start seeing a therapist.","0":"Just as I get back I see {Leah} walking in through the front door. She exhales with exacerbation when she sees me. It's a sentiment I share. [i]What else can go wrong?[\/i]","1":"You got my message?","2":"Yeah. So did they tell Lidia she's got twenty four hours to give them something?"},"ch11__11.LI.15 leading the feds.vne3":{"3":"You good to talk in sign?","4":"Her hands raise and begin to make symbols.","5":"Yeah. I think so.","6":"It’s cool. Just act like we’re having a funny conversation. Think back to that time a few months ago when I told you about that weird dream I had and got all embarrassed.","7":"Okay.","8":"I have some information that you can pass up to your handlers.","9":"Hit me with it. I’m ready.","10":"Tell them you’ve been hearing rumors around the coffee shop. Something that's got a lot of students spooked.","11":"Rumors that there are a disproportionately high number of students at Shale Hill who go missing or take their own lives. But for some reason, a lot of it has been brushed under the rug.","12":"Tell them that a lot of people are gossiping about the Philosophy Club in particular.","13":"The Philosophy Club, students going missing at disturbingly high numbers...","14":"Tell them that there have been multiple disappearances of club members just in the past year or so.","15":"First there was a computer science major named Sandra.","16":"The second was an employee in the tuition department.","17":"And just recently, a cheerleader went missing.","18":"I watch Lidia going over the info, committing to memory.","19":"Okay. I think I got it. Anything else?","20":"Just tell them that’s what you were able to piece together. Oh, and some students are saying the Shale Hill PD might be in on it.","21":"Alright... And this is good information?","22":"It should be. As far as we’ve been able to tell, it’s all true.","23":"Jesus...","24":"...Can I get you a coffee to go?","25":"Wouldn’t say no to one.","26":"Lidia sees to my coffee with a sense of nervous urgency, handing it to me only moments later.","27":"On the house. Thank you, {PlayerName}.","28":"You can thank me when this thing is over and neither of us is in prison.","29":"Lidia gives me a sincere, albeit troubled smile. That’s about as good as either of us can hope for at the moment.","30":"I walk out of the coffee shop smelling of freshly committed obstruction of justice.","31":"But that bullet has been fired. No taking it back now. We just have to hope this will satisfy the G-men’s expectations of Lidia as a CI.","32":"It’d be really nice if it could keep them occupied and off of our tail, too.","0":"I flash a big smile to Lidia when I return to the coffee shop the next day.","1":"The shop is actually a little busy. But that’s good. I want as much interference as possible. Camouflage the secret exchange I need to have with Lidia.","2":"Lidia makes a noble effort to return a grin, but she can’t repress an uncharacteristic and nervous jitteriness."},"ch11__11.MA.05 maggies gift.vne3":{"3":"How could I forget that?","4":"Yeah... you made a pretty dark experience... pretty pleasant...","5":"She represses a blush.","6":"It was too bad I was here for the wrong reasons. Lucky I'm here now for the [i]right reasons[\/i].","7":"But... uh... that wasn't really a happy time was it?","8":"I don't remember it as being bad.","9":"Yeah, but, you know... that was 'cause of Floyd...","10":"Anyway, now I'm here for the right reasons.","11":"Siddown Plato! [delay,250][char,Maggie_Casual_Bigger_Smile]That dog is way too excited to be in a fresh place... heh...","12":"What's the occasion? Can I get you something to drink?","13":"No, I ain't hangin' around, I can't stay long.","14":"When you ran into me, I was actually on my way back from a dog-walking gig, and I was just... think'n about you.","15":"And I knew your place was gonna be on the way to the job, so I made a quick pitstop and picked up a little present for ya!","16":"Maggie smiles and hands me a small, heavy box.","17":"Wow, bullets... Thanks?","18":"Nobody has ever given me ammo before. I almost forgot I had something to use it with. Is 9mm the right kind of bullet? I guess Maggie knows better than me.","19":"Oh, it's nothing. Just a stockin' stuffer. The little hardware store just down the street from me carries it.","20":"The gesture is hard to read. Is Maggie preparing me for battle? Or is this the equivalent of getting someone flowers or a bottle of wine where she's from?","21":"Ammo ain't being as cheap as it used to be, I reckon it couldn't hurt to have an extra box next time you go out to practice at the range.","22":"These are the bullets that fit the gun, right?","23":"You're so funny, {PlayerName}. What, you think I don't know calibers? I ain't going to lead you false, {PlayerName}. I'm only ever going to get you the right bullets.","24":"It really is the thought that counts. Maggie's sweetness almost makes me want to cry.","25":"Maggie, this is really thoughtful.","26":"She blushes and begins swaying side to side.","27":"Awww, it was nothing. You been getting any more trigger time in?","28":"Only a little since that first time you took me out for practice. I've just been busy as hell.","29":"Alright, but don't go and slack on training if you can afford it. Shooting is important, it's nothing to play around with! I was only ever allowed to hold a longarm after years of handling a BB gun.","30":"God forbid, if the time comes you need to use that gun, what's going to keep you from being in prison, injured, or worse, is being able to use it safely and effectively. ","31":"Wow. You actually got a little stern with me there.","32":"Well, I didn't mean to sound so gruff, I just worry about you is all.","33":"You're still wet behind the ears, a little tadpole, when it comes to armaments. Unless you really know what you're doing with that thing, it's just as liable to cause you tragedy as it is to save your life.","34":"If nothing else, at least the Castle household took firearm ownership seriously.","35":"You're right. And seriously, thanks again for showing me the ropes.","36":"Heck, after all you and {Leah} have done for me? It's the least I could do.","37":"Will you come with me next time? Give me some more tips?","38":"Well damn, {PlayerName}! Does a pig like mud?","39":"Alright, Annie Oakley, let me get back to you and we'll make an afternoon of it.","40":"Don't keep a gal wait'n!","41":"She flashes a smile warm enough to melt an iceberg, and almost does a twirl when she turns to go catch the elevator.","42":"I get the sense of how much it means to her to come through for her friends. To feel useful, and not just helpless.","43":"And I'm happy she's getting the opportunity. I'll take all the help I can get.","44":"Where is {Leah} anyway...?","45":"I should go find her...","0":"I undo the lock and open the door.","1":"Hey, it's Plato's first time here!","2":"Remember when I stayed over that one night?"},"ch12__12.05 leah waits.vne3":{"10":"Unable to restrain myself, I open the laptop. The blue screen of the app hurts my eyes. {PlayerName} taught me how to use RECENTLY but it still feels like I can accidentally launch nuclear missiles from this thing.","11":"There are so many buttons... words I don't get... a thousand ways to break the computer if I mess things up. I mean... this is the sort of thing governments use to bring down power grids.","12":"Luckily, I'm just about confident enough that I can walk a thin path down to exactly the things I need, without running into the bramble of weird functions and tech-wizzy thingies.","13":"...Nothing on RECENTLY. Not yet, anyway. There's no way that Silent1 is going to use that secret message thingie again.","14":"The only way she does it... is to lure {PlayerName} out.","15":"That's why I know this meeting with Valerie will go south. {PlayerName} is aware of the dangers, but if I had told him [i]everything[\/i] that I knew...","16":"...well, I'd find it a lot more difficult to trap Valerie.","17":"I should get going. I don't know what to expect tonight, but I know that I can't sit around.","18":"What lie did I tell {PlayerName}? [i]''I'll just get in the way?''[\/i] No, {PlayerName}; I'm not afraid of being in the way, I'm afraid of not being [i]exactly where I need to be[\/i].","19":"Speaking of which, I should try and get there now.","20":"Before I even step out of the car, Frank gives me a sheepish glance.","21":"I sigh, really wondering what he expected me to do.","22":"Good evening, {Leah}.","23":"What are you doing outside?","24":"I was waiting for you, of course.","25":"I knew that... but what are you [i]doing?[\/i] It's chilly. You know you shouldn't be doing the [i]Yukon shuffle[\/i] in the middle of autumn.","26":"Just wait inside. Don't put too much stress on your body.","27":"A nippy night is the least of my health issues.[delay,500][char,Craven_Casual_Thoughtful] Anxiety - that's the thing which gets my blood pressure up.","28":"Well, we'd better get inside. Don't want you to catch a cold.","29":"I've been in war zones, you know.","30":"Yes, and going from people shooting at you to being concerned for you is a big upgrade.","31":"Hrmm... yes, yes.","32":"Frank, clearly done with this conversation, opens the car door and slides in.","33":"Sometimes, I need to remind Frank that the good old days probably weren't so good.","34":"I don't think he likes to hear that, though.","35":"I'm grateful that you're driving me home.","36":"Of course.","37":"I put my bag to the side and fall into Frank's spacious sofa.","38":"I want your office when you're done with it.","39":"I'll add you to my will.","40":"Ugh. Don't bring that up. I don't want to think about that.","41":"My dear, that is the only way you'll be getting it.","42":"Besides, a lot of people had to die for this office. Without the suffering of the Ashberani people, I could've never written the book that won me this place.","43":"My death would just be the next in a long line.","44":"Don't talk like you're a war profiteer.","45":"I [i]did[\/i] profit, though. That little irony I will never let die.","46":"Anyway, I know this isn't why you're here. What's the update?","47":"Well, I think I'm on the money when it comes to the Fraternity abandoning the RECENTLY thing, for their internal communication.","48":"Yes... I don't think we should trust anything that goes through that line of communication.","49":"That is a thoroughly compromised medium, by both sides. I'm still not sure if it was a good idea using it...","50":"Yes, of course it's going to be a trap.","51":"And you pushed {PlayerName} [i]into it.[\/i]","52":"{PlayerName} was always smart enough to know it was a trap.","53":"Didn't you say that you told {PlayerName} they would be interested in recruiting Valerie?","54":"That's not mutually exclusive with it being a trap. It would [i]shock[\/i] me if {PlayerName} didn't suspect something.","55":"If he suspects something, it's no thanks to you. You didn't tell him [i]anything[\/i], did you?","56":"Listen, I didn't lie to him... [i]about it being a trap or not[\/i]. I just said what was likely and was unlikely.","57":"It could have only ever been a trap, since Valerie is already a member. There's no need for the Fraternity to recruit their own people.","58":"This is dishonest, {Leah}.","59":"But this doesn't break any ethical guidelines. [i]''Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information...[\/i] UNLESS [i]traditional, open methods will not yield information vital to the public.''[\/i]","60":"This isn't uncover work. This is tricking your {youAreHer} into a dangerous situation.","61":"I'm not [i]tricking him...[\/i]","62":"{Leah}, lying to others is a necessity, but lying to yourself is not. Don't be delusional about it.","63":"Uh... that's...","64":"Shit. I don't know. I'm tempted... it feels like it would make things so much simpler. I think all the time about telling him everything, but before I can, I can't get the words out. I just feel...","65":"...Once he knows you knew the truth the whole time, he'll want it [i]explained[\/i] to him.","66":"Yeah. Those are questions I don't know how to answer.","67":"I don't [i]relish[\/i] lying to him, and if there were a way to do this without lying, I would've done it.","68":"But there's one thing about this whole situation I haven't lied about: I intend to keep {PlayerName} safe. That's why I've worked so hard into making this moment [i]work[\/i].","69":"This... this [i]counter-trap[\/i] you've concocted...","70":"''Counter-trap'' is your words. To me, it's just a trap.","71":"A trap for Valerie? Or for {PlayerName}?","72":"I have full confidence in Amiran.","73":"The man you've never had a direct conversation with.","74":"But you vouched for him.","75":"No, you've confabulated that. I told him where he needed to go, like you asked me to. But I never said we could rely on him.","76":"Wait... no... you [i]definitely[\/i] said he was reliable. I remember that.","77":"Yes, I said he [i]was[\/i] reliable, [i]when I knew him[\/i]. But he's been in prison for ten years for arson. I don't know the man anymore.","78":"You have good observational skills, {Leah}. You can tell what someone had for breakfast by looking at their shoes, that's impressive. But don't fool yourself into thinking you can read someone's heart the same way.","79":"I think I'm good at reading people, too.","80":"Well, you should have no problem knowing what's going to happen once {PlayerName} and Valerie reach their destination.","81":"I wish I could... [i]I thought that I could[\/i]... but Frank is right on one account.","82":"[speed,0.4][i]I don't understand Valerie.","83":"{PlayerName} has been that tool - to tease her apart, to show me her heart, to lay open her motivations. But the more I hear about her, the more I realize I don't get her.","84":"She seems like she's calculating, but then she lashes out spitefully. She seems self-interested, but nothing she's done has directly benefited her.","85":"She seems to be sociopathic, but simultaneously capable of real human understanding and empathy...","86":"What is true is that I've been dragging this out because I wanted to understand Valerie [i]before[\/i] I exposed her. And... I still want to understand her.","87":"I'm reaching my limit on what I can piece together on my own. Soon, I have to tell {PlayerName} the truth, and then maybe, between what he knows and what I know, we can finally know the truth...","88":"So... do you know what's happening next?","89":"Well, I suspect that {PlayerName} will contact me. According to our acquaintance, Valerie and {PlayerName} have already left.","90":"If we wait a little, we should be able to drive over there and obtain a confession from Valerie.","91":"[i]A confession from the girl whose motives I don't understand.[\/i] I'm already poking mental holes in my own reasoning. Is this just the doubt Frank planted, or did he really have a point?","92":"Frank gives a fatigued sigh, his breath is almost raspy.","93":"I feel like you're just banking on good luck, without any confidence in this plan of yours.","94":"No, I feel confident.","95":"Are you lying to yourself again?","96":"No, I'm not lying to myself.","97":"[i]A simple ''no'' would've sufficed.[\/i] It's a very common tell, to repeat the question back to the asker. An honest person just answers plainly.","98":"So... I suppose I really am lying, to Frank and myself. That's depressing. But I've committed to this course of action. {PlayerName} is literally on his way.","99":"Besides, I really have been pretty lucky, if the police station job was any indication.","100":"[i]That's magical thinking, {Leah}. Luck is about statistics, not leprechauns.[\/i]","101":"Shut up, me.","102":"How long do we wait for, again?","103":"Fifteen minutes.","104":"That seems like a long time.","105":"Amiran has to break down Valerie first. I would just scare her away.","106":"[i]Scare her away?[\/i]","107":"Yes. Valerie avoids me, I've noticed this. Whenever {PlayerName} and I have gone to try and see her together, she always found an excuse to be away.","108":"Also... I know things about Valerie that nobody else knows...","109":"On the other hand, we could ensure your {youAreHer}'s safety... by leaving immediately.","110":"Yes, but, if Valerie notices...","111":"Whether Valerie notices or not... the important thing is if something happens to {PlayerName}.","112":"He hits all my weak spots. Damn it, Frank...","0":"No matter what happens... be careful.","113":"What worries me especially is that {PlayerName} picked himself to be the Fraternity's sacrifice. That's definitely an indication he'll be reckless.","1":"Every time he goes out there without me...","114":"I find it somewhat comforting that {PlayerName} picked me instead of himself. He's not suicidal, then, but that doesn't mean he won't be reckless.","2":"...I feel like I'm watching someone go out to war.","115":"I suppose our presence wouldn't hurt things too much, if we just hid...","3":"And yet, it's not really like that at all, is it? Because...","116":"Yes, this is a safer plan than just staying here.","4":"...I'm not really watching him... it's more like I'm [i]sending him out[\/i].","117":"[i]Did I mess up?[\/i] It's starting to feel like... I really messed up.","5":"If something happens to him, it's my fault, though I'm sure he'll deny it. He's got a lot more machismo than he thinks he does.","118":"I've been getting really overconfident. I'm due to be humbled... and if I am, fine. I'll happily be humbled [i]as long as it's not {PlayerName} that's paying the price.","6":"Even smart guys like {PlayerName} will break their way through brick walls if it means getting between a girl and trouble.","119":"Let's get to the car.","7":"I promised myself I wouldn't be the kind of person who would exploit that instinct, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that, for the past month or so, it's been my [i]main play[\/i].","120":"Good idea.","8":"I'm only doing what's necessary to takedown Silent1. I really, [i]really[\/i] don't think of {PlayerName} as a tool...","9":"...even though I am using him like one."},"ch12__12.10 interrogation.vne3":{"10":"In my head, the scene reconstructs itself like a movie. Amiran was waiting in this clearing, then Val turned back. Did I really lead {PlayerName} to danger?","11":"Maybe there's more evidence. If I look around, I might find something to contradict what I'm looking at.","12":"Footprints, Frank! So that means....","13":"...ugh.","14":"It means what?","15":"This doesn't belong to {PlayerName} or Valerie. Neither of them... even got out of the car.","16":"That's quite disturbing.","17":"I... really thought that Valerie would've gotten out of the car... I mean... she was supposed to lead {PlayerName} into a trap... it would be easier to do that on foot...","18":"Please, {Leah}, I know you're smarter than me, so I know you've already realized the same thing I have.","19":"I mean... {PlayerName} should've called, though. I really expected him to call.","20":"Do you rely on him to call if he's in danger?","21":"No. The signal for danger is... [i]not calling[\/i]. He calls me if everything's fine...","22":"...which means...","23":"I watch my phone, wait for it to suddenly come to life in my hands. Frank holds me in a steady gaze... I'm not quite ready to give up hope.","24":"I dial the phone.","25":"There's not even a dial tone.","26":"He's out of service? [i]We're[\/i] out of service, perhaps?","27":"Uh... I'm not sure. I'm getting bars. I think that means I have service here.","28":"Let's just... look around for a bit.","29":"Hrmm...","30":"My motives were not to look for clues: they were to look for reasons that I'm right. But I immediately notice something unusual. Deep impressions in the grass.","31":"Frank, two unconscious bodies in the grass.","32":"Unconscious?","33":"Frank squints his eyes in the direction I point.","34":"I don't see it.","35":"No offense, but your vision isn't the best.","36":"Let's approach carefully, then.","37":"There are... indeed... two bodies laying out there. And... you can tell they're not dead?","38":"Mosquitoes don't drink from dead bodies.","39":"You can see the mosquitoes from here?","40":"Frank, it's just a little [i]induction[\/i]. Let's worry about the unconscious people, and not how easy or difficult it was for me to see, okay?","41":"Wait, stop. {Leah}...","42":"What is it?","43":"You might have the eyes of a bat, but let's not be hasty to expose ourselves to danger.","44":"Caution is our best approach. If they're alive...","45":"Right... I should probably listen to Frank. My mind is on fire that I might get some vindication out of this. I know I shouldn't be so focused on simply being right... but...","46":"...if I am right, then {PlayerName} is safe... just like I promised him.","47":"Of course. Let's make sure they're unconscious.","48":"There are two men on the ground, as expected. Thick-set, heavy guys. They really look like they throw people around for a living.","49":"These look like the same type of guys who attacked Frank, even if they aren't exactly the same individuals.","50":"Well, they're breathing.","51":"Hit on the head with a baseball bat... whoever did this didn't care if they lived or died.","52":"Hrm. You're taking this all a bit casually. You were the one who lead Amiran here, and he was almost certainly the one who did this.","53":"Frank, it was actually [i]you[\/i] who brought Amiran here.","54":"Because you asked me to. I never imagined this...","55":"This isn't the worst thing you've seen.","56":"I've never set off a chain of events that killed someone, {Leah}. I would like to avoid doing that, regardless of who these men are.","57":"[i]Do no harm.[\/i] A good oath for doctors and journalists alike.","58":"As I said, they're not dead. Let's wake one of them up.","59":"{Leah}... you can't be serious...","60":"They are criminals at the very least. It would be better to leave them here... call an ambulance for them from some distance away...","61":"I wish I was good enough to be able to just look at them and figure everything out. But I'm not, so now I need to interrogate them.","62":"Yes, and you're not a trained interrogator, either. There is no guarantee they will even answer your questions.","63":"What you might be doing is showing your face to someone who is sure to inform either the police, or the Fraternity, or... [speed,0.6][size,0.6][i]whoever else is involved at this point...[\/i]","64":"But... how else am I going to find out what happened?","65":"You've got a single-minded obsession, don't you? Why do you need to know what happened?","66":"Uh... isn't it obvious? Because I want to know what happened to {PlayerName}?","67":"Then look for that answer instead. You won't find it here.","68":"I don't understand you, Frank.","69":"You cannot, and you will not, know or understand everything. The important thing is to risk yourself for the truth that's worth knowing, not for something that ultimately won't help you.","70":"You're kinda... I don't know... [i]annoying me?[\/i] I feel like this is Zen Buddhist Yoda nonsense. How are you so certain that this won't help me?","71":"I don't know, {Leah}, but it's probably not worth the risk.","72":"You were in [i]warzones[\/i], Frank.","73":"Yes, to find truths worth knowing.","74":"[i]Truths worth knowing?[\/i] And {PlayerName} isn't important? Why are you being so cryptic?","75":"Why is he acting like this? I don't understand this at all. If I don't know something, how can I be sure it's not important?","76":"Anyway, I don't have the time for this. I'm just going to try no matter what Frank says.","77":"I'm going to talk to one of the thugs. I'd appreciate your help. If you don't want to help, then just don't be in my way.","78":"For good or bad, I'll help you.","79":"I knew you would. Thank you, Frank.","80":"I try to find the [i]less damaged[\/i] of the pair and lean over him.","81":"Okay. Uh... let's think about this...","82":"Wha...?","83":"What happened?","84":"Who the fuck are you? You ain't the...","85":"We ask the questions.","86":"We need to know what happened here. Who knocked you out? Did you see two college students in a car? A boy and a girl?","87":"I saw nothin' like that... we were waiting for them... but...","88":"...then this guy came outta nowhere. Baseball bat.","89":"Since then... well... I can't see straight. Everything's unfocused. Dizzy... I can barely stand...","90":"Do I gotta concussion?","91":"That's likely, yes.","92":"So, {PlayerName} and Valerie never even got here by the time this thug was knocked out...","93":"What were you supposed to do?","94":"We were supposed... to... kidnap the girl...","95":"Valerie?","96":"Yeah, that's her name. You... you must be working for the weirdos in the masks, right?","97":"We got stomped... but don't worry... you point us in the right direction, we can get them right back.","98":"This is troubling... they were here to [i]kidnap Valerie?[\/i] But I thought they worked for the Fraternity...","99":"If Valerie really does work for the Fraternity, this makes no sense.","100":"Unless... there's something deeper going on. Would Valerie have arranged for her own kidnapping? What for...?","101":"Nothing right now is leading to definitive answer on [i]where {PlayerName} is...","102":"Weirdos in masks?","103":"Wait... you ain't them? Aw shit...","104":"Where were you supposed to take the girl?","105":"We were supposed to get our second set of instructions [i]after[\/i] we got the girl.","106":"So you wouldn't have known. How were you supposed to communicate that you had the girl?","107":"That was the funny thing... [i]they just wanted us to take a picture.[\/i] We didn't even need to send it.","108":"That could have only been done with RECENTLY. This suggests that these thugs might be Shale Hill students... at least... they're [i]likely[\/i] to be Shale Hill students...","109":"I don't know what else I can do with these guys.","110":"We can't have this guy following us, {Leah}.","111":"I agree.","112":"Shit... man... I won't tell nobody... I got like... kids and shit.","0":"It looks like this is it...","113":"He doesn't have kids. But no matter.","1":"We both look around. The air has a bite of chill, and things rustle in the forest. Otherwise, all is empty and still.","114":"Right. Let's... get you unconscious again.","2":"It shouldn't be like this. There should be people here.","115":"Just... hold still.","3":"Valerie should've broken down, Amiran should be comforting her...","116":"What the fuck are you doing?","4":"I try and find any affirmation I can... but all I notice are things that point to how [i]wrong[\/i] everything feels.","117":"This is harder if you move...","5":"So... this is where we're supposed to find Amiran breaking Valerie down, is it?","118":"The fuck!","6":"They... they could've... they could've gone deeper into the forest...","119":"You moved a bit...","7":"You didn't tell me that {PlayerName} and Valerie would be parachuting into the clearing.","120":"Are you crazy, you wheezy old bitch? Jesus, that was my fucking head...","8":"I've already noticed there's no car! I'm just... trying to make sense of the situation.","121":"Hold still...","9":"The scary thing is... [i]I've already made sense of it[\/i]. The whole situation makes perfect sense: the encounter between Amiran and Valerie turned differently than I hoped, and Valerie's already driven back.","122":"OW!","123":"This was... much more successful in my imagination.","124":"Hold on, Frank.","125":"Hrmm?","126":"I got this.","127":"I put my arm around his throat and squeeze tight...","128":"In seconds he's limp as a stuffed rabbit.","129":"{Leah}...","130":"What?","131":"Where did you learn to do something like that? That was... I hesitate to call it ''impressive''...","132":"Special forces manuals. It's the... uh... two arteries that go up to your brain. If I could use google for a sec I could tell you which two they were...","133":"Considering he was already injured, he'll be unconscious for, like, a couple of hours. I think.","134":"Enough time that it will be impossible for him to follow us.","135":"Yeah. But I think anyone with half a brain would be able to reason where we're going next.","136":"Back to the University.","137":"We shouldn't have left. We should've stayed there. All I did was waste time.","138":"And that's our contact, about to call me and tell me something I already know.","139":"Let's go quickly.","140":"If you could step on the gas a little bit harder this time, Frank.","141":"I run slow, I don't drive slow."},"ch12__12.15 the gun.vne3":{"10":"Understood.","11":"Despite his words, I sense no change in him. We'll see if he ''tests'' another red light...","12":"It's been a while since I've been in car chase. Evading the FSB in Central Asia...","13":"Frank, were you a spy?","14":"Yes. A journalist is a spy. A spy for the public.","15":"A spy for the public? Wow. What a great way of putting it.","16":"I just wish I had the luxury of admiring it.","17":"I just wish we got paid like spies...","18":"Another hard turn through a red light later, and we're spitting distance from the University.","19":"Just drop me off here.","20":"{Leah}, I'm not letting you go in by yourself.","21":"I'm letting you park, you worrywart. I need to talk to the contact.","22":"Frank takes a moment to think of a good protest before he relents. I think he really believes that he's got some sort of responsibility over me. I know the feeling... {PlayerName} knows the feeling too.","23":"He lets me out, and I make a beeline for the administration building.","24":"A shuffling from the brush behind me. I crouch defensively, unsure whether my first instinct is to hide, fight, or flee.","25":"The figure's footfalls come closer, louder. A shadow appears...","26":"You didn't answer your phone!","27":"Kiara shivers between anxiety and anger.","28":"I already knew what you were going to say. There was no point in answering.","29":"You were going to tell me that {PlayerName} and Valerie had arrived back at the university, correct?","30":"Yes... but... this isn't how things work! I know I'm not as good at this stuff as you are... but... I feel like I should be warned! Right? Isn't that normal?","31":"Like, if you had died, I wouldn't have known! I mean... obviously... you can't exactly [i]answer your phone[\/i] and then tell me you died, but...","32":"...you know... I'm just getting all twisted up into a pretzel thinking about this. I do what you and Frank ask me to do, but...","33":"Kiara, I'm sorry I stressed you out. Is {PlayerName} inside the admin building with Valerie?","34":"Yes... sort of...","35":"Sort of?","36":"Well, he left. And then he came back.","37":"Left and came back? How long ago was this?","38":"I don't know. Ten minutes? I didn't know I should time it... I'm sorry... I'm not good at this...","39":"A rough estimate is fine. I trust you.","40":"...I still don't feel like I'm doing this right. When I told Mr. Frank I wanted to do real journalism, this isn't quite what I had in mind.","41":"I thought I'd be interviewing people... going to state fairs... maybe uncovering misdemeanor embezzlement? This makes me feel like I'm a spy or something.","42":"You are a spy. A spy for the public.","43":"Thanks, Frank.","44":"Uh... wow... I guess that makes sense... never heard it quite put like that before...","45":"So, what you're saying is {PlayerName} came in with Valerie, left without Valerie, then came back. Do you know why?","46":"Well... you told me to keep an eye on Valerie [i]and[\/i] {PlayerName}, so when they split apart, I wasn't really sure which I should be following.","47":"So I just... sorta... stayed in place. That's probably not what you wanted.","48":"It's fine.","49":"There's a whispering sound as the door suddenly pushes open. I step back quickly, tightening up and flattening myself against a wall.","50":"Kiara doesn't react nearly as quick. Her eyes widen to saucers, magnified in her coke-bottle glasses, as she turns to face whoever came out.","51":"Good evening.","52":"Good... evening...?","53":"Valerie walks briskly by, never turning her gaze my direction. I don't think she notices me.","54":"As soon as it's safe I quickly run up and stick my hand in the doorframe before it can lock.","55":"Uh... what are you doing?","56":"Checking out Val's office. Wanna come with?","57":"You're not asking me to sneak in with you? There are security cameras.","58":"If it was {PlayerName}, I was asking... there would be no hesitation. Damn it, he's just a lot more fun.","59":"Don't be a baby. You really think they check all that footage, all the time? Just don't give them a reason to check.","60":"We'll take a quick peek around, we won't even take anything. Nobody will know we're here.","61":"I think... it's better... if I stick to what I'm good at... and you stick to what you're good at.","62":"How do you know if you've never tried?","63":"Please don't pressure me, I don't respond well to peer pressure. Last time that happened, I ended up in a wet t-shirt contest with a bunch of girls who were bigger than me.","64":"Okay, I won't force you...","65":"Valerie just passed by. Why do you have your hand jammed in the door?","66":"I don't want it to lock. Isn't that obvious?","67":"Yes... I just noticed and said it aloud for some reason. I presume you're waiting for me?","68":"Yes, I was trying to get Kiara to come in with me.","69":"I just don't feel comfortable... spying is one thing... but actually being somewhere that you're not supposed to be...","70":"Kiara, stay put. {Leah}, I'll go in with you.","71":"No doubt about that. Let's go.","72":"I push open the door to the administration building. All the lights are off, and everything seems dead. I immediately notice the cameras, and I don't have {PlayerName} around to disable them.","73":"I'm not [i]positive[\/i] they won't check the footage, but it feels like a good guess. Which is why we absolutely cannot give Valerie and her goon squad a reason to check.","74":"The one thing that's bothering me is... if Valerie just left... where is {PlayerName}? I doubt he'd be left waiting in the office...","75":"I'm here to check, aren't I?","76":"Your {youAreHer} isn't here.","77":"That's not necessarily a bad thing...","78":"...[i]but it probably is.","79":"What are we looking for in here?","80":"I don't respond... I've already started scanning the room for clues. I start to frown as I put the scene together.","81":"{PlayerName}... I think he was hurt.","82":"How badly?","83":"No blood was spilled... I don't smell detergent, but he went to the door, and... I think... he was struck in the back of the head.","84":"I can't be sure, though. It happened seven minutes ago.","85":"Seven minutes ago?","86":"The clock on the desk is stopped seven minutes slow.","87":"That's a good observation. You think the clock was used as the weapon?","88":"It was a sudden decision on Valerie's part. Otherwise she would've had something better than a clock ready for him.","89":"There are better weapons here than the clock.","90":"Only if she wanted to kill him. But because she wanted him alive... the clock was the best she could do on short notice.","91":"Seven minutes is not a long time. Valerie's healthy but she wouldn't be able to drag a fully grown man out of the room.","92":"Well, no. She obviously had a collaborator. Who else would've held the door shut?","93":"You're getting a little ahead of me.","94":"Look. See? {PlayerName} was trying to leave. If the door was locked, {PlayerName} would realize something was wrong. But if it was [i]held[\/i], he might assume it was stuck. That gave Valerie the opportunity to strike him on the back of the head.","95":"God... [i]what does she want him for?","96":"It would've been easier to kill him... I can't rule that out. If she was going to straight up murder him, she wouldn't do it in her office...","97":"Let's not share his fate, whatever it is. We should take a look while we can.","98":"Frank starts to poke around the room, his big plodding body checking various nooks and crannies.","99":"I think that's probably the best option. If Valerie had a collaborator, they've already gotten {PlayerName} out of the building.","100":"My focus is on the computer. Frank is even more technically illiterate that I am.","101":"{PlayerName}'s mini-lectures about 'digital forensics' play on repeat... I just wish I could remember something useful...","102":"I do what I do best... I attune my senses, try to relax and let my intuition draw my attention. I doubt that Valerie is going to seriously hide critical information here. I can already tell Valerie doesn't use her copy of RECENTLY on here.","103":"This is too obvious a place to search. If Valerie had something helpful, it wouldn't be here...","104":"The door!","105":"Dear God...","106":"We dive for cover.","107":"Flat against the ground, I wait as two heels make dark sounds against the floor.","108":"They grow closer, and closer, and my breath slows at the exact same right. I can almost feel Frank wanting to wheeze and cough.","109":"It's Valerie. I can tell by the measured way she walks. There's a set of heels she always likes to wear.","110":"I just... can't believe she wouldn't have noticed us by now...","111":"We must've left so many clues, we haven't had the time to clean up. There's nothing that indicates pause.","112":"So... she really hasn't seen anything...","113":"Paper scrapes against the desk. A tick-tock of a far-off mental clock keeps going. It's agonizing, and just when I feel like she'd never leave...","114":"...she does. Her heels click over toward us.","115":"Something heavy drops on a desk. For a moment, I picture it being a dead body.","116":"Shit... fear is really making my imagination run wild...","117":"Except now... she's on my side of the desk.","118":"Why is she here? If the only thing she did was turn her head... she'd...","119":"She'd look right into my eyes...","120":"But she doesn't. It's perfect... like clockwork... she turns away from us... starts going through drawers...","121":"How... long... do we wait? How long... do I hold my breath?","122":"BANG. BANG.","123":"No. That's...","124":"...that can't be...","125":"That girl is a sadist.","126":"{Leah}?","127":"Lets... let's get out of here...","128":"Are you okay? I know... it was frightening my first time too...","129":"I'm not crying because I'm scared. I'm crying because that was {PlayerName}'s gun.","130":"Oh...","131":"I'm very sorry to hear that. But... it's only his gun... it doesn't mean that...","132":"He doesn't finish his sentence, because he damn well understands that it [i]does[\/i] mean something happened to {PlayerName}.","133":"She knew we were there the whole time. [i]The whole time[\/i].","134":"She was fucking with us because she doesn't take us seriously at all!","135":"I don't understand her... [i]who is she?","136":"There's nothing we can do to understand. Our focus should be on finding {PlayerName}.","137":"It's a grounding thought, and absolutely true.","138":"Sorry... I'm okay now. I messed up, {PlayerName} paid the price, but that doesn't mean that it has to stay that way.","139":"I brought {PlayerName}'s laptop... maybe I can use RECENTLY.","140":"Speaking of, where is...?","141":"I'm sorry... when I saw Valerie, she... made eye contact... and I was...","142":"So, Kiara was spotted too? Then it's not her that's not taking us seriously... it's [i]me[\/i] who didn't take [i]her.[\/i]","143":"I really though I could skate into her office... poke around... and not be found out. Maybe I could pull that off with an average person...","144":"[i]...Valerie isn't average.","145":"It's fine. It might be best if you went home for now.","146":"Yeah... thanks for your help.","147":"Uh... I... I guess...","148":"Do you guys really not need help?","149":"Kiara, thank you for helping us. You have more than earned the extra credit.","150":"I'm not doing this for the extra credit!","151":"That's was a joke. Of course you're not.","152":"Oh... right.","153":"I'll... uh... go then...","154":"Frank, could we head to your house? I can set up the laptop there...","155":"No need to explain. Let's be off.","0":"Frank does, in fact, put the pedal to the metal.","1":"Maybe he's a wheezing old fart, but his driving doesn't reflect that. It's with the kind of urgency you'd expect from an ambulance driver on their first day on the job.","2":"Each cycling of the wheel, each bump and drift is a solid reminder that this guy was cooler than ice in warzones, even as he's getting shot at with bombs exploding around him.","3":"With a couple of violent bumps, Frank makes a U-turn over a curb. My seatbelt jerks me into the safety of my seat. A blinding second later, I'm grasping onto the little handle they put above the doors and wondering what just happened.","4":"I twist my head to Frank... and see he's fiercely focused on the road in front of him.","5":"Frank, that was...","6":"...Illegal? Dangerous? When did I start caring about what was legal or safe? Certainly enough to give {PlayerName} a bad case of anxiety.","7":"But the one thing I [i]do[\/i] care about is [i]getting caught[\/i]. We could go at Mach 10, but if we're held up because of a cop writing me a speeding ticket, it'll be for nothing...","8":"I'll be too late to help {PlayerName}...","9":"...Frank, you don't have to [i]drive[\/i] like it's a warzone... I don't want us getting pulled over..."},"ch12__12.20 the promise.vne3":{"10":"Would you like a blanket? Some food?","11":"I've got no intention of resting. I can't waste a second. I won't lose {PlayerName} because of...","12":"...because of my own arrogance.","13":"I'll bring you something anyway. If you don't want to use it, you don't have to.","14":"I don't respond to Frank. I'm immediately on the computer, typing frantically, searching, searching.","15":"He leaves the room and I don't even pay attention. {PlayerName} can do so much with this program that I can't...","16":"...but I gotta try.","17":"The real world is my domain. Sifting through complexity and spotting connections... the problem with computers is the same issue I have with games.","18":"These are rules-based systems, arbitrary. The logic is bounded and you're learning the way the author thinks rather than how the world works.","19":"Still, I have to be intelligent enough to figure this system out... I have to be.","20":"I have to be...","21":"I... have... to... be...","22":"Blue screen... radioactive... burning my tired retinas...","23":"I fell asleep. I drooled all over Frank's nice leather sofa. How feminine of me.","24":"All night... I was dreaming of a big, gaping pit. Now that I think of it... that pit could've only been one thing.","25":"{PlayerName} has had a gun pointed at him a couple of times at this point. But this was the first time it's been pointed at me... [i]almost[\/i] pointed at me...","26":"In his dreams, did {PlayerName} also see that gun? I have to imagine so, since he didn't talk about it that much.","27":"My eyes are pounding. I feel cross-eyed, like I'm still staring down that barrel, that infinite darkness somehow brighter and starker than anything else.","28":"So... Amiran wasn't the influence on Valerie that I thought he'd be. Valerie hasn't acted like I thought she would. Why wouldn't she leave the car when she saw her long-lost father?","29":"There's something I'm missing... and that missing component is within Valerie. There's something I don't understand about her personality.","30":"If Amiran had treated Valerie badly, he would be trying to avoid her... and not the other way around.","31":"Wait a sec...","32":"Did... [i]did Valerie do something bad to Amiran?","33":"I brought you toothpaste. There's a shower in the other room.","34":"Ugh... shit... Frank... I'm so sorry...","35":"...I drooled all over your sofa...","36":"As if I'd be worried about the sofa.","37":"I failed, Frank. I meant to use RECENTLY until I found something... but I just ended up...","38":"Well, we're awake now, and we should carry on where we left off. You weren't going to do much in your state anyway.","39":"I've taken the initiative of figuring out where Amiran has gone. At the very least, he'll be a stronger eyewitness than those thugs.","40":"You should take a different tactic. This computer program is the Fraternity's domain.","41":"Even if I found something... it would be just planted by Valerie...","42":"He's right. I don't know enough about this program. I don't know how to verify these sources... I don't know what's dropped by the Fraternity and what's a genuine clue.","43":"There's only one thing I can think of doing.","44":"And that is?","45":"...You'd think it was stupid... but I have to do what the Fraternity wouldn't expect me to do.","46":"That's the only way they might unintentionally reveal a clue.","47":"Whatever your plan is, I won't stop you from doing it. But I might tell you something you need to hear.","48":"I know you would, Frank. I do a lot of stupid things... I get in all kinds of trouble and most of the time I can get out of it.","49":"I'm still thinking it over. Once I get out of the shower, I'll tell you what it is.","50":"I... feel like I should go over it myself.","51":"Frank nods his head toward the shower. I grab a towel Frank lended and head into the bathroom.","52":"Yep... my idea really is stupid... and I know if I talked to Frank about it... all he'd do is convince me that it's a stupid thing to do.","53":"But stupid, risky actions are all I've got. This isn't the time for planning and figuring things out like I've got all the time in the world.","54":"it's time to act, to carry out plans, to [i]do[\/i].","55":"I wonder if I can leave Frank's place without him knowing?","56":"It's rude... but I really don't need the uncertainty of Frank weighing in on my plans. I just need to act on the first thing that comes into my head.","57":"I grab my things... and head out of Frank's office.","58":"Luckily, he doesn't see me.","59":"It's still relatively early in the morning. If I want my plan to work, my timing needs to be perfect. I don't think I'm too late...","60":"The first thing I figured out about Valerie... is that she's done everything possible to avoid me. But that ends right now.","61":"I can trap her into a social situation. It will be the first words we've exchanged since Annette-Taylor.","62":"It makes me wonder if she's still the same kind of person she was?","63":"It's not important. The only thing I have to worry about right now is if she sees me first.","64":"If she does, she'll have a chance to escape. But there is no escape for her.","65":"If Amiran can't trap her, I certainly can.","66":"Valerie comes.","67":"She looks straight ahead. I can't fully say that she doesn't spot me, since she did last time managed not to show it.","68":"But when she enters the line... I know my plan has succeeded.","69":"Success.","70":"Now Val knows I'm here. She twitched, glowered momentarily, but didn't even look my way.","71":"Valerie's situational awareness is excellent. I understand now how she was able to notice me when I thought I was hidden...","72":"...she probably easily noticed Kiara shadowing her.","73":"She might have eyes in the back of her head, but even she has limitations. I stand behind her... and wait.","74":"Uh... could I have a latte please? A single pump of espresso.","75":"Thanks.","76":"Her eyes are fixed straight ahead. She's trying to not look directly at me. At the same time, she's trying to appear relaxed.","77":"She knows what's about to happen... and that there's nothing she can do to stop it.","78":"Appreciated. Have a nice day.","79":"Oh. {Leah}, weren't you in line?","80":"Lidia is ready for you. Someone's going to jump ahead if you don't.","81":"How do I avoid clawing her eyes out, right here, right now?","82":"I wanted to talk.","83":"This is an odd time to catch up. I'm just headed to the office. Can I call you back?","84":"Where's {PlayerName}?","85":"Huh?","86":"{PlayerName}. Where is he?","87":"Well... um... I'm not sure I know what you mean. When was the last time you talked to him? Do you remember where you left him?","88":"He's not a pair of keys.","89":"I'm surprised you know what ''keys'' are.","90":"God... what did I expect from this? Of course Valerie wasn't going to tell me anything.","91":"If you wait long enough, maybe he'll come back.","92":"What do you mean by that?","93":"It is really unbecoming to chase after someone the moment you can't find them. There's a word for that. What is it? [i]Overbearing[\/i].","94":"Let him have his own life. Have you tried calling him?","95":"I think you know [i]exactly[\/i] why calling him is useless.","96":"Maybe. Maybe I understand promises are worthless to you.","97":"[i]Promises?[\/i]","98":"Uh-huh. For example, you promised to keep a secret for me, didn't you? A promise you failed to keep.","99":"What makes you think--","100":"--I didn't break that promise, Val.","101":"Recent events say otherwise.","102":"I kept the word of our agreement. I never told [i]anyone[\/i] what I found, and I never intend to. That was the very last thing I said to you... until this conversation.","103":"Come on, {Leah}. You broke your word. {PlayerName} has such a high opinion of you... thinks you're so wonderful and honorable... [i]trusts you[\/i]...","104":"I told nobody... I kept my promise... and I'd never tell a soul. The thing is... I did [i]use[\/i] what I know about you, Val. And that's different from telling people.","105":"Valerie stares long and hard at me, but I have no reason to feel shame. I kept her secret... I told nobody... and I'll continue to keep it a secret.","106":"But if Val makes an enemy of me, I'm going to exploit her vulnerabilities. I have no hesitation for that.","107":"We'll see what {PlayerName} says.","108":"I'm confused by one thing, Val. I don't understand your motives... why you act the way you act.","109":"And you never will. Goodbye, {Leah}.","110":"Valerie slipped up. [i]''We'll see what {PlayerName} says.''[\/i] So she does know where he is, and he's definitely still alive.","111":"It's not too late to fix things, then. The next step is learning where he's being held.","0":"It's my fault...","1":"If I had paid attention... I would've known... would've seen...","2":"Blaming yourself is not going to be productive, {Leah}.","3":"This is the reality of the situation: if you're smart enough to have anticipated something like this might happen, then I should've been smart enough too.","4":"That I didn't...","5":"You can't anticipate everything. And ''whose fault it is'' is far less important than ''how do we fix this''?","6":"This is our task from now on.","7":"Yeah.","8":"I open up the laptop and begin to clumsily boot RECENTLY.","9":"Come on {Leah}... you've got to be smart enough to figure this out."},"ch12__12.25 the hospital.vne3":{"10":"Maybe... if I turn around... and look at him directly... I can scare him off. He'll know I noticed him.","11":"In any case, I can't let some creep slow me down. If I don't get to the car, I'm not going to be able to follow Valerie.","12":"I twist my head... and make direct eye contact.","13":"Huh?","14":"*ahem* Sorry to bother you.","15":"Who are you?","16":"Is it true or false that you're {PlayerName}'s {sheIsYour}?","17":"Uh...","18":"This is quite awkward. I know I'm not supposed to do this... but I felt as though I must.","19":"You see, {PlayerName} went missing last night, and...","20":"How did you know that?","21":"Well... I... uh...","22":"It's not in a creepy way, I swear, but I pay people to keep track of you... not [i]you[\/i]... actually... it's {PlayerName}... but I happen to get updates about you too...","23":"When you don't show up, I'm informed of your absence by the doorman.","24":"[i]Not creepy?","25":"I do it for all the members of the Philosophy Club.","26":"You're... [i]Alfred[\/i]... President of the Philosophy Club.","27":"Yes. At your service, ma'am. I guess {PlayerName} told you about me.","28":"Yes... and you keep track of members because... so many have gone missing?","29":"Eh... yes. I really... didn't intend to tell you all this. That I keep track of all the members of the club is something of a secret.","30":"I mean... I completely understand how and why it would come off as creepy...","31":"It's sensible. If my club members kept going missing I'd also be paranoid.","32":"That is an unexpected but welcome thing for you to say.","33":"I wouldn't tell anyone else, though. So... you discovered from the building manager that neither I nor {PlayerName} came home last night.","34":"Yes, but now that I know that you're safe... well... I feel as though I might have overreacted.","35":"I didn't need to reveal my secret at all...","36":"Well, you're right. {PlayerName} has gone missing.","37":"Ah! Oh no!","38":"Sandra, Stan, Alexis, now {PlayerName}!","39":"Sandra, Stan, now {PlayerName}!","40":"I swore I wouldn't let another member disappear! Did you file a missing persons? We must inform the police immediately!","41":"The police will do nothing.","42":"But--","43":"Alfred, it's nice meeting you... I'm really short on time. I can't stand around here. This is all a bit over your head.","44":"Excuse me, but [i]nothing[\/i] is over my head. I am a [i]Philosopher[\/i]. If there's anything we're good at, it's unusual ideas.","45":"Not just that, I'm a [i]Superhero[\/i]. I fight for empowerment everywhere. I strike a blow for the forces of justice!","46":"Uh...","47":"I don't want to drag anyone else into this... but it might just be easier if...","48":"...I guess... if you just stay in the car and do nothing else... you can come with me.","49":"[i]Truly?[\/i] Are you saying that I'll finally learn the truth behind these horrid events?","50":"Sure. But please... [i]please[\/i] stay quiet. Do exactly as I say.","51":"I shall.","52":"*sigh* Follow me...","53":"This is bad. I don't need someone slowing me down... someone too enthusiastic, too willing to make mistakes.","54":"I get in the car, opening the door for Alfred.","55":"So... [i]what are we doing?[\/i]","56":"We are waiting for someone. Please be patient.","57":"Yes, of course.","58":"I drive the car over to Valerie's designated parking space, just out of line of sight. All that's left to do is pray I'm right...","59":"...So, what is the secret behind all all the disappearances?","60":"Hush. I need to focus.","61":"...Apologies.","62":"I can't have a lapse of attention. If Valerie drives by without me noticing, that window is closed.","63":"She isn't going to make this mistake twice.","64":"In a split second, I notice Val's car turning away. I put my foot on the gas and the car lurches forward.","65":"W-w-whoa!","66":"Don't make noises, Alfred.","67":"Alfred does his best to keep quiet. He's trying so hard to be quiet he's loud.","68":"Fidgeting. Anxious breathing. I do my best to ignore him... especially as I'm tailing Valerie.","69":"I know Alfred has a ton of questions, and there's not one of them I can answer honestly.","70":"Valerie's car pulls into... [i]a hospital.","71":"Huh. That's interesting. It seems such a strange place... is this really where they're keeping {PlayerName}?","72":"I watch Valerie as she strides from the car into the hospital. There's a purpose to this.","73":"When its safe, I step out of the car.","74":"Alfred steps out too, and can't stop himself from immediately belting out a question.","75":"That's our student council president, right? Why were you following her?","76":"Can you get back in the car, please?","77":"I know you must think I'm some sort of liability, but I assure you, I'm not. I can be quite helpful.","78":"The thing is...","79":"...why would a hospital be a good place to store people you don't want found?","80":"Uh... why?","81":"I'm asking you. It seems you want to be helpful to me... the least you can do is pass this little test.","82":"So... tell me. Why the hospital? Why take people here?","83":"You know the answer already?","84":"Of course. Now that I'm looking at it, I almost wonder why I didn't think of it to begin with. But what [i]I[\/i] think isn't important. I want to know what [i]you[\/i] think.","85":"Well... if I consider it a little... it's a good place to leave people in isolation, isn't it? You have a psychiatric ward, a quarantine... lots of places that have a good reason to keep others out.","86":"That's my guess.","87":"Yeah, that's my guess too. There's still information I'm missing.","88":"Hold on. Are you saying Sandra, Stan, Alexis, and {PlayerName}... are inside there?","89":"Hold on. Are you saying Sandra, Stan, and {PlayerName}... are inside there?","90":"Only thing I know for certain is that Sandra isn't in there.","91":"Only Sandra? Why would you say that?","92":"Congratulations, Alfred, you pass the test.","93":"Oh... excellent. So that means...","94":"You're part of the A-Team.","95":"Wonderful!","96":"Please... [i]please[\/i] don't get too eager. You're still in [i]do exactly as I say[\/i] territory.","97":"I understand. Can I know the truth, now?","98":"First... let's get in the car. I'll need to explain a few things.","99":"Excellent.","0":"I had no idea, when I talked to Valerie this morning, what the result would be. It was an unwise decision... a shot in the dark. My best hope was that Valerie would make some sort of mistake.","1":"And here it is: the mistake. Valerie is almost certainly going to head to {PlayerName}'s location. I don't think she can help herself. All I have to do... is get ready to follow her.","2":"It isn't going to be easy. Valerie is going to be paranoid, but if she's really is worried about {PlayerName} knowing her [i]secret[\/i], then she might just be distracted enough not to notice.","3":"I head to the car.","4":"Except... hairs stand on the back of my neck. Yes... I'm about to shadow Valerie, but someone is shadowing me.","5":"It's this feeling I have. In the corner of my eye, an oddly-shaped, waddling figure edges in my peripheral.","6":"I've trained for this kind of thing... and now, it's time for me to focus. I steady my breathing, and try and think clearly.","7":"Every girl knows the best way to avoid a potential stalker is to stop and pretend like you're looking at something. It's a good trick, and now, I'm about to employ it.","8":"Let's see if this guy walks past me. I stop where I am and theatrically use my cellphone.","9":"Shit, this person is still there. He's standing... looking. Whoever he is, he's big, and not good at being discreet. What does he want?"},"ch12__12.30 team assemble.vne3":{"10":"...I just have a hard time imagining Stan as some sort of... [i]double agent...","11":"It's not like that. They're not double agents, they're just caught up. People who just fell into the wrong thing.","12":"You should... probably forget everything I just told you. This stuff... it's dangerous to know too much.","13":"But... you said they were [i]''caught up''[\/i]...","14":"Yes...","15":"The implication is that the people who disappear are innocent... as I believe Stan to be.","16":"Yeah...","17":"Then... what you're really saying is... there's no avoiding this conflict. Even if I kept to myself, I might still be a victim.","18":"It's... well reasoned out. I'm sorry to say this, but you really don't seem the type to be... a...","19":"Yes. I'm short-sighted, short-[i]heighted[\/i], short on money, short on time, short on looks. I don't precisely cut the image of a hero.","20":"Yet, I want to do my part. These villains are ruining the lives of my friends. If you think I'm going to be a burden, I'd like to at least help you until I prove so.","21":"At least you're not short on courage...","22":"Alright. [i]Alfred[\/i], right? Alright, I'm not going to stop you from coming along. Just understand that the stakes are high.","23":"Yes, believe me, I'm not playing games.","24":"Uh-huh. The first thing I need to do is visit a friend.","25":"Thank you so much for this... I finally feel like I'm doing something...","26":"Yes... again... please be careful.","27":"Oh, I also have a friend who lives here.","28":"Sam Hunter?","29":"Yes. What a coincidence. Oh... but you're {PlayerName}'s {sheIsYour}... so I suppose it isn't a coincidence...","30":"Just have to hope she's home...","31":"Man... Alfred, I can't sew the digits of pi to your ass...","32":"{Leah}! This is the crossover event of the century! Never expected you here. And with Alfred...","33":"I hope I didn't surprise you.","34":"Yeah, well, tell {PlayerName} I'm suffering in class alone. Again. I need his teacher's pet glow to take all the bad karma off me.","35":"I actually had a request for you. Could you take a look? I wrote it down.","36":"A request?","37":"Sam unfolds the paper and reads it word by word.","38":"I could be dyslexic. Is this request real?","39":"I'll owe you money.","40":"I mean... this is kinky shit... no wonder you gave it to me to read.","41":"This isn't for fun.","42":"Oh. Somehow that makes it even creepier. Listen, is this something I can tell {PlayerName} about or do I have to like... [i]keep a secret.[\/i] I don't want to make a promise I can't keep.","43":"Make it for me... and keep it a secret for now. Once {PlayerName} is available, you can tell him whatever you want.","44":"Okay. If you ever use these at a party... invite me.","45":"Oh, and Sam? Be quick with these.","46":"Uh... sure.","47":"If you ever want to see {PlayerName} again.","48":"I... understand.","49":"With a sudden realization of why she's doing what she's doing, she shuts the door with heaviness.","50":"That out of the way, I head out.","51":"What did you ask Sam to do?","52":"You're going to have to ask me fewer questions, Alfred.","53":"Bashfully Alfred quietens down. I do feel somewhat bad to shut Alfred up, but it can't serve me to get distracted and spill important intelligence between tasks.","54":"Alfred needs to be useful. He'll slow me down if I'm forced to explain everything to him.","55":"When I arrive for the journalism school, my timing is impeccable. Just then, Kiara and Frank leave for lunch.","56":"Both of them notice me with little surprise, but examine Alfred with suspicion.","57":"Hey everyone. Don't worry about Alfred.","58":"That's impossible not to do. Who is this man?","59":"Moreover, you left my home without letting me know. I don't need constant reassurance, but I would've liked to have known you were leaving.","60":"Alfred looks like he's about to burst from the pain of their collective suspicion.","61":"I think I narrowed to {PlayerName}'s location. The hospital.","62":"Already? It hasn't even been... uh...","63":"Well, {Leah}, my assumption is that you did something mad to get the information so quickly.","64":"Truly, you are one of my students.","65":"Really? After everything you told me yesterday?","66":"I cannot be a hypocrite, {Leah}. I have a nice home office [i]because[\/i] I was willing to risk my own skin.","67":"I mean... I really hope you don't expect me to stake out the place... I mean... I've got shifts at Sevigny's...","68":"...of course... if it means your {youAreHer} will be okay... it's not a big deal...","69":"I don't think staking a place like this is a good idea. This is the hospital the mayor is invested in. Remember?","70":"That's... some obscure paperwork we did a long time ago. Someone hit me very hard to get it.","71":"I'm not going to let them release {PlayerName} on their own terms, Frank. Not this time.","72":"I got him in there... I'm going to get him out again.","73":"And this plan, you'll share it [i]before[\/i] you execute it this time, right?","74":"I [i]do[\/i] learn lessons sometimes, Frank. Just... sometimes... they're...","75":"Anyway... we should probably talk about this someplace secure.","76":"Perhaps a... [i]superhero hideout[\/i]?","77":"Every one of us gives Alfred a blank stare.","78":"*Ahem*. Not the audience, nor upon further consideration, the time. My apologies.","79":"I'm trying to remind myself that Alfred said something pretty smart outside the hospital.","80":"Let's head to my office.","81":"I can't rely on my own intelligence exclusively... perhaps it's a good idea we're bringing more minds in.","82":"I committed {PlayerName}'s sin... but in reality... it's just [i]my[\/i] sin. I tried to rely just on myself, to not bring in people that could help me.","83":"{PlayerName} paid the price for that. This time, it doesn't have to be this way.","84":"I can still help {PlayerName}.","0":"Without worrying about being caught, the drive back is much easier.","1":"I finally step out of the car, my throat worn out after sharing all I care to with Alfred.","2":"I think he's a bit burdened with the story, because it takes him a moment to step out of the car.","3":"Did all that make sense to you?","4":"This is all... just so far out of my experience.","5":"When I applied to go to SHU, I knew that there were fraternities... but I didn't think I'd actually be dealing with them like this.","6":"This isn't the typical fraternity.","7":"Both types of fraternity seems pretty scary to me, just in different ways.","8":"I hate to say this... but I'm a deeper loss of what to make of this, even after your story. I don't know what to do about sinister secret societies...","9":"...but, if what you're saying is true... that Stan, Sandra, and everyone whose gone missing has some kind of connection to the Fraternity..."},"ch12__12.35 confession.vne3":{"10":"Do you feel that immeasurable pain? That panic? That blind panic? It's [i]so much worse[\/i] than any nightmare.","11":"Your meat puppet, you'll soon understand, is just like a boat floating atop the spirit-verse, you buy it?","12":"Emotions are all subdued while you're floating on top of the world. But as you sink into the depths of the soul, the spirit world really starts to rawdog ya.","13":"That's right. The further down the [i]point of no return[\/i] you go, the [i]more you feel[\/i], and that ain't a good thing.","14":"Devilsnack is correct. Fear is incalculably more potent once you jettison your protective meat sack.","15":"Including regret. Regrets like... [i]damn, I shouldn't have trusted that bitch.","16":"Or worse, [i]what will happen to {Leah}.","17":"That's really going to haunt you. Or... [i]haunt her[\/i], I guess, 'cause that's all you're gonna be able to do soon.","18":"Once again... you're dying bro.","19":"Dying? Valerie... [i]Valerie[\/i]... help me...","20":"Are you using one of your lifelines? Call a friend?","21":"[i]Yes...","22":"Bro, this is priceless! If only you could see yourself. You'd be laughing too.","23":"Aw... but... you won't be... will you...?","24":"Valerie... help! Come out of those doors!","25":"But... wait a second...","26":"...isn't there supposed to be light? At least light at the end of the tunnel?","27":"And... not...","28":"Something's coming. And... it's not the same thing. It's not Valerie.","29":"The hands of Death. I understand this is impossible... but it doesn't feel like a dream.","30":"Those really are the Hands of Death. I... I really am about to die...","31":"I can't breathe. I can't breathe. And if those hands reach me... I never will...","32":"I would do anything... pay any price... just to take in one more breath... before these old hands take me...","33":"Shit. This is it.","34":"I can't stop this. I can't even close my eyes.","35":"At the last minute... actually... [i]the only moment left...","36":"...I'm swept off my feet.","37":"I'm here... but I'm not dead.","38":"The angel... the same one... but I've misunderstood it.","39":"It walks away. Goes away. [i]Something is going away.[\/i] Something I've treasured for a long time...","40":"Why? Why are you going away? Why do you give my breath just to leave me in this darkness?","41":"Why even bother? Why--","42":"I will allow you to breathe.","43":"Why... does it feel like I'm so out of breath? So messed up?","44":"I feel like... a box full of puzzle pieces... and someone's just shaken and shaken and shaken and shaken...","45":"I barely recognize the girl across the way...","46":"So someone struck me on the back of the head. That's what happened.","47":"And... there was nobody to help her do it. There's no one else it could've been.","48":"Shit.","49":"Valerie turns her head. When she looks at me...","50":"...I don't know how else to put it. [i]There's no expression[\/i].","51":"But that's not right. Whenever Valerie sees me... she always smiles. That's never not happened.","52":"It could be the smallest smile ever... but she always does it.","53":"You're awake.","54":"Let's not waste time.","55":"You'll need this for now.","56":"A tablet?","57":"God... it hurts just to stretch my neck. Something happened, and it wasn't just Valerie hitting me.","58":"Still, I'm not so weak I can't pick this up.","59":"This thing is stripped down.","60":"I really... haven't had the mental space to think about anything yet. Why I'm here. What she did.","61":"All I can think about... is how weird it is that I feel nothing about it at this very moment.","62":"That face... [i]that face[\/i]... it isn't Valerie's.","63":"How do I talk to a [i]thing like that[\/i]...","64":"What... what is going on? Does she expect me to open up this conversation.","65":"I guess I should... punch something out...","66":"Where?[question_where==0]","67":"Why?[question_why==0]","68":"How?[question_how==0]","69":"Who?[question_who==0]","70":"It's a hospital. I get you're confused, but it's best not to overthink it.","71":"Really, I was expecting a more interesting question out of you. I guess that's understandable, given you were hit over the head and probably can't think straight.","72":"Think harder, sweetie.","73":"There's a lot of whys.","74":"But if I were to try the why of [i]everything[\/i], I'd say my life keeps taking unexpected directions, and now I've decided to steer it.","75":"Not sure I understand. If you have my kind of help, there's a lot you could accomplish.","76":"That does generate some questions of my own, but I'll save them.","77":"[i]Balenka.[\/i] You have the intelligence to piece that together, at least.","78":"It took you a surprisingly long time, I'll add.","79":"I hope you can contribute more than one word questions, {PlayerName}.","80":" This isn't going to be very interesting if this is all you can do.","81":"To cut to the heart of the matter: you've gotten to where you need to be. Congratulations, you found Silent1.","82":"I'm... I'm going to really need to sit up for this one.","83":"There are so many feelings I [i]could[\/i] have for this, but the only one I feel at the moment is [i]numb[\/i].","84":"If you add every flavor to a pot... it ends up tasting like nothing. That might be the same with emotions.","85":"I'm still... just trying to grasp at what's going on...","86":"Finally... a neuron fires... and I'm able to come up with something...","87":"Everything you said about being manipulated and used by the Fraternity...","88":"I am not a puppet, {PlayerName}. I'm half-offended that you'd assume that was the case at all.","89":"But you asked for my help, Val. You put me on the case. Why would you do all that?","90":"You make excuses for me. How sweet of you.","91":"Some days, and I mean this honestly... I wish I could be the kind of person you think of me as.","92":"But... I have never been that person.","93":"I don't understand.","94":"This Capital F ''Fraternity'' you're looking for...","95":"...I'm its President.","96":"...So... this is how it feels to be stabbed completely through.","97":"I mean... what else is there to add? It feels like I should've seen this coming... but this was the one turn of events impossible for me to see.","98":"It took you so long to see it. At this moment, you still...","99":"...you still thought the best of me.","100":"What do you mean that you're the President of the Fraternity?","101":"I could almost laugh.","102":"I'm the President of the Student Council, and I'm President of the Fraternity. One can be the president of a lot of things.","103":"But you had no reason to carry out the Fraternity's actions. What would be the point?","104":"I don't understand this.","105":"Carry out the [i]Fraternity's[\/i] actions? They're [i]my[\/i] actions.","106":"I didn't carry out the will of the Fraternity. The Fraternity carried out [i]my[\/i] will.","107":"But the Fraternity tried to burn Alexis's face off... they tried to destroy Maggie, Sam, Haley, {Leah}... they destroyed Sandra...","108":"Yes?","109":"Those are your actions?","110":"Is this hard to follow?","111":"You had no reason to do any of these things. They were done by people trying to join the Fraternity.","112":"As a part of an application process? Each individually approved by me, Silent1?","113":"No...","114":"If I didn't want someone hurt, I could've rejected them. I could've rejected all of them, and nobody would've been hurt.","115":"But that wasn't my choice. I chose to inflict pain and suffering. That's what I did {PlayerName}. Those are my unrepentant actions.","116":"Do you know what, {PlayerName}? The strangest thing. I don't feel any of the emotions I'm supposed to feel. I don't feel anything at all.","117":"No matter who I hurt, or who I see being hurt, I've felt nothing. Even when I try to feel the same things as a normal person, I can't.","118":"This is impossible, Valerie. We worked together, you, Emily, and I...","119":"...Silent1 is responsible for hurting Emily. I know you were close to her.","120":"So it's impossible that you would've hurt Emily.","121":"Silent1 tried to hurt Emily, and nearly succeeded.","122":"Cedric may have executed the plot, but I approved it.","123":"So... that was all me, too.","124":"Are you really trying to convince me... that you're some kind of... [i]bad person?","125":"A... [i]''bad person''[\/i]. That's juvenile.","126":"Don't you think [i]bad[\/i] is a bit weak for what I really am? I'm a bit more than just [i]bad[\/i].","127":"So... what is she saying... that she's...","128":"...I don't want to use the ''E'' word... because it's hard to believe that anyone would talk like this.","129":"This is the weirdest conversation I've ever had. It doesn't even feel real.","130":"Nobody... in my entire life... has openly argued, to me, with a smile on their face, that they're [i]evil.","131":"That's moustache-twirling nonsense. That doesn't happen in real life... and for [i]Valerie to be saying it...","132":"...I just don't get it. I guess I am having a hard time following this...","133":"But... I like it. Let's go with ''bad''. I'm a baddie, {PlayerName}. An ill-doer, I tie damsels to train tracks.","134":"What's the point of this? You say you're a bad person... why?","135":"Because...","136":"...that's just who I am.","137":"{PlayerName}... do you know why I've put you through all this? Why I gave you access to RECENTLY, told you to follow up with Silent1, pushed you to discover who Silent1 is?","138":"I can't even imagine.","139":"It's so that you'd see me for who I truly am.","140":"I wanted you to know... that I'm a [i]bad[\/i] person.","141":"Valerie, bad people don't think they're bad people.","142":"Is this a law of physics I haven't heard of? What rule says that?","143":"It's a rule of common sense. Bad people think they're right, they don't think about the consequences of their actions, that's why they act bad.","144":"Naive. Not supported by psychiatric science. Of course there's plenty of ''baddies'' who think they're the best person in the world, but not everyone is so delusional.","145":"Honestly, people who are very, very [i]bad[\/i] just don't care enough to come up with bullshit. Me, for example. Why be distracted by something I'm not bothered by?","146":"I don't feel any need to justify my actions. I think people who do are just pathetic.","147":"This is not possible.","148":"Why is this hard for you to believe?","149":"I know you too well.","150":"You know me even better now. You see the real me.","151":"You sure seem motivated.","152":"Even us [i]baddies[\/i] get lonely, {PlayerName}. I wanted to show you who I was.","153":"Why show me?","154":"[speed,0.4]Because you're the only person I care about.","155":"...What?","156":"That dumb look on your face is adorable. You, {PlayerName}, are the only person I care about.","157":"When you planted those drugs in Sam's locker... when I saw how far you were willing to go for personal gain... I thought you might be a kindred spirit.","158":"I thought you were a bad person too... like me.","159":"How did she know this?","160":"I mean... you went back and took the drugs out again. I was disappointed in you, but you made your impression on me. It never really went away.","161":"I kept waiting to see that part of you again... the [i]ruthless[\/i] part of you.","162":"I chose you as my life-partner, then and there. And since then, my actions all have been geared to you [i]seeing[\/i] me. The real me. The secret self I keep from everyone.","163":"The one person... [i]the only person...[\/i] who knows what I'm like on the inside.","164":"Even [i]I[\/i] need that, {PlayerName}. We want to be seen, too.","165":"On the inside... like [i]Shale Hill[\/i]... dark and polluted on the inside...","166":"I want you, [i]you alone[\/i], to be the one person I share my darkness with. I want you to bear my ugliness.","167":"You have no idea... how intense our bond can be, once we realize that we can only [i]rely on each other.","168":"Those couples, those domesticated livestock, who live in the light, share the same dull opinions and the same dull existence, couldn't understand how great it feels to [i]share the same evil.","169":"The comraderie we could have as we conquer this stupid, ugly, world together... you'll never find it again.","170":"This is our one chance at love.","171":"Valerie... is [i]crazy...","172":"There's no reason to reject me.","173":"You haven't had a whole lot of luck, which is surprising. I don't think a man of your caliber needs to work especially hard to get laid.","174":"I have no idea who are saving yourself for. God, maybe?","175":"I hold the key to the end of your romantic struggles, if you care to grasp it.","176":"And... maybe you really feel it? You really are loyal to me.","177":"I am... somewhat nervous this conversation might change that.","178":"It's pretty rare I feel nervous. It feels... good, in a way. It's not an emotion I feel often.","179":"I don't usually make mistakes... except I'm practically the only person you don't touch.","180":"Do you find me so repulsive? I wondered if it was because you could... [i]sense[\/i] what kind of person I am?","181":"But... maybe it's more like you're nervous around me. You probably never quite broke past the [i]SCA president[\/i] thing.","182":"What you might need is time to reflect.","183":"I really don't mind if you sleep with multiple girls. I know you've really been making your mark, in a sense.","184":"As long as you understand those other bitches are worthless compared to me, I'll let you do whatever you want.","185":"What other girl will offer you that?","186":"See how I netted you that threesome? With me and Emily?","187":"No other girl in the world would fulfill your fantasies like that, without hesitation.","188":"There's a lot more where that came from, if you stick with me.","189":"I'm still getting to grips with this personality change, but now, I'm amazed at how sure she is about my lovelife.","190":"No... it's RECENTLY. Of course. She's read all my correspondence with nearly every girl I know.","191":"Of course... [i]except with {Leah}[\/i]. That's probably why she didn't mention it.","192":"I've never chatted about our relationship at all... Val would have no way of knowing...","193":"All this coming out of Valerie's mouth, though...","194":"So... let me ask you again, {PlayerName}, and please... be honest...","195":"...am I a bad person?","196":"Not [i]do you love me too...[\/i] it's [i]am I a bad person?[\/i]","197":"It might be the blow to the head that's still affecting me, but I'm still not sure about all this.","198":"This is... too weird. I feel like I'm still dreaming...","199":"...but... I suppose... I could give her this one answer...","200":"You are bad.","201":"You are not bad.","202":"You understand.","203":"She's... content with this? She's not going to defend herself?","204":"The look of anger on her face is unexpected. Most people want to be reassured they're good...","205":"Why are you so delusional? Didn't you hear everything I just told you?","206":"All that stuff I told you about being manipulated about the Fraternity? It was a bald-faced lie.","207":"What hope are you holding out for? This isn't a storybook.","208":"Valerie can't quite meet in the eyes...","209":"I'll let you in on a little secret, {PlayerName}. I've already saved your life, since you've come in.","210":"While you're in here, you're under my protection.","211":"No matter what you do, even if you reject me, that protection won't be rescinded. Consider that a gift.","212":"I can tell you're sleepy. Go and... take a nap. You definitely need it.","213":"The last thing I need is a nap. But... I don't think my body is going to give me much of a choice.","214":"My eyes are heavy. When they close... it's like those hands going over my face...","0":"God... it's a relief to her face break into a different expression. It's just too bad...","1":"...her voice sounds so damn cold.","2":"Is this really Valerie?","3":"No... not here...","4":"Not again... not again...","5":"[i]Bro[\/i]... is this a recurring nightmare?","6":"So glad I got invited again! You know I collect royalties for this, right?","7":"I get to reprise my role once in a while. Pretty sweet if I don't say so myself.","8":"Why am I here?","9":"You haven't figured that out yet? Man, here I was... [i]really thinking[\/i] you were the smart type of guy who could figure things out."},"ch12__12.40 hospital days.vne3":{"10":"What Valerie is claiming... is that she's completely different from the person I knew for years and years and years...","11":"...my colleague, my mentor...","12":"...I guess my lover too...","13":"...my friend.","14":"There's no other explanation for what I'm going through. I was karate-chopped in the back of my head, dragged here, Valerie did her evil villain speech...","15":"...moreover... she's desperate to convince me... that she is the bad guy.","16":"Valerie's got a kind of brightness to her eyes. She has a mischievous energy. She can't help but get a rise out of me whenever possible.","17":"But that wasn't the same person as last night. Last night, the person I talked to had dead eyes. I was talking to someone wearing a Valerie mask.","18":"I think... this is why I'm... not angry...","19":"I'm too busy being [i]confused[\/i] to be angry. I really thought that Valerie would shine a light on this situation.","20":"I've heard that sound before... while I was unconscious.","21":"Someone is coming into the room. I feel them tinker around with things just in the peripheral of my vision.","22":"I want to sit up, see who is working inside, but... I lack the strength.","23":"I'm too weak... far weaker...","24":"...than just someone clubbed over the head...","25":"Sun's at a different angle... must be morning...","26":"Which means... my window... faces west... I think...","27":"Or maybe... someone is... standing in my light...","28":"Suddenly... when I see Valerie... I remember that whole conversation by the hospital bed... like I had forgotten all of it...","29":"Did {Leah} say anything about me?","30":"What's with this question? What did {Leah} say about Valerie?","31":"Answer.","32":"I tap the top of my bed... an indication that I don't have what I need.","33":"Valerie sneers and hands me the tablet.","34":"Here.","35":"{Leah} barely ever talks about you.","36":"But did she say anything about the time she broke into the principal's office?","37":"What does that have to do with you?","38":"So she really didn't...!","39":"Never mind. I made a mistake. Go back to bed.","40":"She's gone again...","41":"I barely blink... and it's night again.","42":"The door opens... someone comes inside... it's the same presence as before... the same strange figure...","43":"It shuffles, puts food by my bedside. My eyes struggle to see the face.","44":"Whoever it is, they don't turn on the light, but they seem... oddly familiar...","45":"I try go get a closer look... but that's weirdly exhausting. Even leaning forward takes everything out of me.","46":"What... what kind of shit are they putting in the IV?","47":"Same guy?","48":"No... different...","49":"Rogham?","50":"Isn't Rogham dead? Is this some kind of ghost I'm looking at?","51":"This isn't the same Rogham... who does the lectures... but somehow he's still more familiar to me than Valerie.","52":"A voice calls out from the hallway.","53":"Professor, you aren't allowed in there.","54":"Rogham ghoulishly stares, before he walks out into the hall.","55":"The voices continue:","56":"We don't want the same incident as last time.","57":"What is this special treatment that he's getting? He should be disposed of.","58":"[i]Disposed?","59":"While I'm President of the Silent Brotherhood, that's up to me and not to you.","60":"Rogham huffs, then, I hear his feet clamp down the hospital hall.","61":"He certainly bears a grudge, doesn't he?","62":"This time, she remembers to set the tablet on my lap.","63":"Have you thought any further about our conversation?","64":"Which one? About me running against you?","65":"...That's quite funny. To think I'd be worried about something small like that.","66":"Go ahead and take the presidency, {PlayerName}. Student Council means less than shit to me.","67":"It meant less now than it did when we were back at Annette-Taylor.","68":"No. Of course, I meant the conversation prior, in this very situation. It seems you hadn't really had the time to process everything.","69":"What are your feelings now?","70":"It feels every time I close my eyes, a day passes by.","71":"Yes. You were given a powerful anesthetic.","72":"Anesthetic?","73":"Valerie reads the expression on my face as I pop an eyebrow.","74":"Don't worry about that. Did you think any more about what I said?","75":"About you being my life-partner?","76":"Is this some kind of marriage proposal?","77":"I wouldn't do anything that vulgar.","78":"You clearly [i]haven't[\/i] thought things through. You'll continue to stay here until you're collected.","79":"What do you mean by that? Whose collecting me?","80":"Who do you think? {Leah} is sure to find her way over here.","81":"{Leah}!","82":"I'm sure she feels like this whole situation is all her own fault, but I feel like that gives me far too little credit.","83":"It's not [i]her accidents,[\/i] it's my [i]tactical planning[\/i].","84":"What... what does Valerie plan on doing with her?","85":"She can't possibly...","86":"I know how formidable {Leah} is, and if you stuck something she wanted at the bottom of the sea, she'd find her way to it somehow. That's pretty much what I can guarantee out of her.","87":"I don't know the day, but I know she's coming.","88":"So... this is a trap? Is that what this is?","89":"Finally... I feel it. The burning anger I should've had when I came here.","90":"I feel an explosion of strength... the desire to...","91":"...take her throat into my hands!","92":"I growl and huff... I'm impotently weak, and I strain against the combined drugs and injuries.","93":"Valerie watches impassively, not really even flinching.","94":"This... this is pathetic...","95":"I think you're finally starting to get it, {PlayerName}.","96":"Val... [i]what changed you...?","97":"This is who I've always been, and who I always will be.","98":"It's like she reads the question right out of my mind...","99":"''Valerie'' is just a name, and her persona is just a mask I put on.","100":"She's not a real person. This, what you see, is the reality beneath it.","101":"I know it repulses you. But if I never showed it to you, you'd never see who I really was. I don't have much in the way of sentimentality, but I did want that.","102":"Peel back all the layers, [i]this[\/i] is at the bottom. This is who I am.","103":"Even if you never talk to me again... at least you'll know the real me. At least you know that [i]Valerie mask[\/i] I put on each day is not mine.","104":"I stare into her dead eyes, and it does repulse me... but more than anything... because it just isn't Valerie.","105":"She tells me this is her true self... but someone who truly was dead inside would have no need to convince me.","106":"I just don't... [i]understand her...","107":"You say this is who you are, but all you've tried to do in the conversation is try and convince me there's nothing else to you.","108":"That's not the behavior of someone who doesn't care about being understood.","109":"Yes... well...","110":"This is the Silent Brotherhood, {PlayerName}. A fellowship of the like-minded.","111":"I'm silent. What's silent about you?","112":"Everything. You're silent because you can't speak. But I'm silent because I can never show who I really am.","0":"I wake with sun in my eyes...","113":"You really have no idea what it's like... to push everything down... and every day pretend to be someone you aren't.","1":"It feel unreal still. Did I ever wake up from that dream with the two hands... where I was getting choked?","114":"[i]Class President Valerie.[\/i] So mischievous. Such a troublemaker. Supposed to care so much about the students and all their little tiny problems.","2":"My throat definitely hurts like it does. I have this unpleasant sensation, where I want to cough but I don't have the strength... it's too painful...","115":"I pretend and pretend and pretend. It's exhausting. I just want to be myself.","3":"And then... that whole conversation with Valerie...","116":"It just so happens... my true self is too ugly to show to anyone. I can't be who I feel inside on the outside.","4":"So, it was her that tried to ruin Emily's life, {Leah}'s life, the life of everyone who surrounds me...","117":"That's why I'm [i]silent[\/i]. There is a person trapped beneath Valerie, who can never say anything. It's a silence much more profound than merely being unable to form words.","5":"...it feels... so odd... that I still can't feel anything about what she told me.","118":"That's why I'm Silent1. That's why we're all silent. You, me, Professor Rogham, the rest of the membership, all hold their true selves inside, for a world that doesn't understand... for a world that upholds delusion.","6":"I didn't lie to her. If she did all those things, it would make her a bad person.","119":"Delusions of fairness and democracy and institutions, that everything will come true if you work hard enough. Modern society is built on faith and lies.","7":"It just doesn't feel like she did it.","120":"Do you really think seeing that makes you unique?","8":"I didn't lie to her. Of course, if she did all the things she claimed she did, it would make her a bad person.","121":"I don't understand what you mean.","9":"It just feels... odd.","122":"Everyone holds a bit of themselves back, Valerie. The people who you think are sheep? They're really not.","123":"They're surviving too. They're saying what they need to say to get by. That's the case for everyone.","124":"This is a pointless conversation.","125":"Were you really hoping for a better outcome than this? Did you expect me to flock to your side?","126":"No. That's not what I expected.","127":"More than anything... I was curious how you'd react.","128":"I think my curiosity is satisfied.","129":"Whatever they're pumping into me... it doesn't dull the pain.","130":"As a matter of fact... I feel more lucid than I've ever felt before. I'm not even angry anymore.","131":"I don't know how Valerie makes me feel. No matter what, I have faith in {Leah}.","132":"I would never leave her in this situation... and I know she wouldn't leave me here either. I have to suck up my pride... and let {Leah} rescue the shit out of me.","133":"What exactly is the male version of a damsel?","134":"The door opens again. I wonder if it's the orderly who has been delivering me food, and then... I see his face.","135":"I want you to know something, {PlayerName}. It's very important.","136":"You disgust me. Before you did [i]this[\/i] to my face, even. I played the part of the fair and evenhanded professor, but I know you're just another brownnosing churl.","137":"You're a danger to the Silent Brotherhood. You've compromised the judgement of our weak and feckless president, filled with hormones and angst as she is.","138":"The next time I have the opportunity, I'll kill you. I almost did until Valerie interrupted me.","139":"You're going to die very soon. I want you to suffer thinking about it.","140":"...shit."},"ch12__12.45 the great escape.vne3":{"10":"He didn't look me in the eyes... but that was him. That's the guy whose been delivering me food every day. [i]Stan![\/i]","11":"Stan desperately didn't want me to notice him, even less recognize him.","12":"Is there a single real doctor in this place?","13":"Of course not. This is not a proper hospital. This is something weirder. Something darker.","14":"This is a prison.","15":"Each night seems longer. I can't tell if I've been here five nights or six, I don't know if I slept for ten minutes or twelve hours...","16":"Every squeaky footstep outside my own door feels like it's about to enter and throttle me.","17":"If Rogham comes back... what could I possibly do? I can't scream... can't fight back... can't warn Valerie.","18":"At that point, my nine lives are up.","19":"I knew Rogham was a piece of shit... but did he really always hate me? I always thought he liked me, just like Sam thought he liked me.","20":"But that was an act, wasn't it? He was nice to me... because of Valerie. And if Rogham is losing his confidence in Valerie, he has no reason to keep me around...","21":"[i]Disposal...[\/i] no prizes for guessing what that means.","22":"Shit... that's not a door knocking... that's someone trying to get in.","23":"It's late, Valerie is going to be asleep... the call nurse button might as well summon reinforcements for Rogham.","24":"I listen as a lock disengages, and the door creeps open.","25":"I'm dead.","26":"It's just like the basement. I trapped them, and now, they trap me...","27":"They survived the basement. I did what I could to save them, but are they even going to care?","28":"Things might have gone better for me if they really had died.","29":"I guess... whatever happened to Alexis is about to happen to me. I don't think they're going to be reluctant to brand me, poke me, do whatever creepy Fraternity torture shit they do.","30":"At least I know who my enemy is. [i]The Silent Brotherhood.[\/i] I'm not going down without a fight.","31":"With my drugged brain, and my anaesthetic-infused body, I can still scratch and bite.","32":"I just need to... lean up...","33":"...I just need to... will myself to move...","34":"I can't even move to save my own life... can I? Maybe this is the dream.","35":"It's the dream... I'm dreaming again... this whole thing hasn't felt real...","36":"Come at me. I'll scratch your eyes out.","37":"I'll bite you. Headbutt you. I'll find a way to hurt you. You might take me down... but I'll leave you scars. You won't remember me as someone who went out without a fight...","38":"I've got... just enough energy to lift my fists.","39":"All of the bastards grab me by the arms...","40":"Settle down!","41":"Settle down? That... voice is familiar...","42":"...this really isn't real, is it?","43":"You have any idea how hard it was to get here?","44":"This definitely means I'm dreaming, doesn't it? Except... I wouldn't put anything past {Leah}.","45":"No doubt about it... this is her... and these other people are...","46":"...I don't know...","47":"It's so good to see you again.","48":"Right. Come on. Get in the wheelchair.","49":"I'm relatively certain he cannot do so on his own.","50":"That sounds [i]exactly[\/i] like Alfred...","51":"Oh... I see what you mean.","52":"Is this a trick... did they get someone... who looks like my friends?","53":"If they did... why pick Alfred? That makes no sense.","54":"But these have to be Rogham's goons... who else would they...","55":"He looks scared...","56":"We don't have time. Just put him on the chair.","57":"I don't think he understands what's going on.","58":"We'll explain everything [i]afterward!","59":"As soon as we're out of the private wing, ditch the robes, just like we agreed.","60":"We'll be conspicuous otherwise...","61":"I can't scream for help. I can't run. I can't fight back.","62":"My head's all muddy... where are they taking me?","63":"My only hope... is that I'm not hallucinating all this shit...","64":"Jesus, I really hope this isn't a hallucination... I don't need another cruel dream...","65":"I hope this is the last leg...","66":"Hush!","67":"We're almost home free. Just stay calm...","68":"Once we're out of the hospital, they can't stop us.","69":"But... they wheel me out. I'm [i]outside the hospital...[\/i]","70":"So... if I'm not in dead and in heaven, then I'm inside and I'm free. Shit damn, I could kiss the world!","71":"Fuck yeah. Freedom! Nothing feels this good...","72":"This was way too easy...","73":"It seems your costume worked wonders.","74":"I don't know. I felt like more should've gone wrong.","75":"Please don't tell me you were expecting more to go wrong...","76":"I'm just surprised they let us through with the cultists outfits. I was... you know... thinking that it probably wouldn't work...","77":"Kiara, you should've said something if you thought the plan wouldn't work.","78":"Uh... yeah. It's kinda like my mom and gambling. Even if you tell her the odds and crunch the numbers, she's still going to take the bet.","79":"Let's get out of here.","0":"All night... those same hands... strangling me...","1":"...now that I think about it... those hands looked a lot like Rogham's. Like talons or something...","2":"This fucking hospital is full of sounds. The air conditioner screams, the door knocks by themselves, everything creaks...","3":"Either this place is not up to code, or I'm not. When a shadow passes over the door, I keep thinking Rogham is going to be at the other side, staring at me with his yellow eye...","4":"Shit... who is that?","5":"If it's not one of Rogham's agents coming to kill me, I've gotta ask for help. They've got to be able to do something... change the locks even.","6":"The man shuffles rather than walks. He isn't dressed like an orderly... but if he isn't here to strangle me, I've got to at least try.","7":"I snap my fingers... trying to draw his attention.","8":"He only twists to avoid me. So I twist my neck, to get a better view of his face...","9":"...[i]Stan![\/i]"},"ch12__12.50 homecoming.vne3":{"10":"...made up for losing him.","11":"Yes. Death is difficult to reverse.","12":"Do you have to put it in [i]that specific way?","13":"The risks should've been obvious. I'm not going to water things down.","14":"{Leah} has filtered the whole world out. She's only looking at me. Staring at me. She really thought she'd seen me for the last time.","15":"I guess... I thought I saw her for the last time, too.","16":"I'm through with being passive recipient. But I'm feeling better... just a little stiff. Far from wanting to rest, I want to stretch out and test my legs.","17":"I'll just try with pen and paper, my arms are too heavy to do sign.","18":"Weirdly, they all watch as I write a note to {Leah}. It makes me feel like I should be performing or something...","19":"I rip the paper out of the pad and pass it to {Leah}.","20":"It says: [i]''Don't use your cellphones from now on. They can hear everything''.","21":"We sort've knew that they could access the RECENTLY stuff but...","22":"[i]Oh wait![\/i] Even the [i]voice app?","23":"I nod.","24":"This is worse than we thought.","25":"I can't use my cellphone? How do I pay for things? I don't carry around a credit card.","26":"Even my [i]door lock[\/i] uses my cellphone...","27":"This is a change in my life I've been looking to make! And now this odd conspiracy is the perfect excuse.","28":"They say staying focused on our baryonic world is good for mental health. And yes... I feel as though I'll be focusing a lot on my mental health after everything I know now.","29":"I rip a new piece of paper and hand it to {Leah}.","30":"It says... uh...","31":"He's basically asking me to get a new device. One that doesn't connect to the wireless, or have sim cards.","32":"Just to be sure, it's probably safer to get all new phones.","33":"Oh. Why?","34":"Something about... caches or something? It's... probably good advice. Tech is {PlayerName}'s domain.","35":"Don't abandon your phone completely. If they're monitoring everyone, a sudden change in behavior is going to tip them off.","36":"Far better we find alternative means of communication.","37":"I write down something else and hand it over. When {Leah} reads it...","38":"Oh!","39":"What is it?","40":"Sorry... I'm just surprised.","41":"{PlayerName} says we should use... [i]landlines and answering machines[\/i]. The oldschool ones.","42":"Is our apartment even fitted for landlines?","43":"Hmm... I already have one of those... so I'm covered.","44":"Well... it's a good way to get my mother to stop calling, I suppose...","45":"I will look into it. I'm a humble university student. I don't know if I can afford such a thing.","46":"According to {PlayerName}... this is the best way to be safe from the Fraternity. It's the quickest, most secure option.","47":"Couldn't we encrypt our message instead? You know, I am a hobbyist cryptographer...","48":"I write something down quickly and hand it to {Leah}.","49":"{PlayerName} says [i]no.[\/i] The problem is that RECENTLY could intercept data before it has a chance to be encrypted.","50":"...That is some very powerful malware...","51":"{PlayerName} has one more thing to add...","52":"...he wants to ask...","53":"...if anyone would stick around for beers.","54":"After that... I'm going to start smoking too.","55":"I usually don't. However, I'm also with Kiara.","56":"Just a small glass. I'll drive everyone home.","57":"Right. Let's celebrate.","58":"To {PlayerName}!","59":"A roar goes up in the apartment. At 2 a.m., we're sure to have waken someone.","60":"But... I'm alive, so who cares? When you fail to die, for some reason, you just feel like living.","61":"The door shuts as the final guest leaves. Frank got a little more sloshed than he intended, which was fun to watch.","62":"Me? I definitely didn't need more anesthetic. I'm curled on the sofa, ready for my next sixteen-hour nap.","63":"It was my fault, {PlayerName}.","64":"I knew about Valerie.","65":"It's so hard to pick my hands up to form signs... but I do.","66":"You knew she was the President of the Fraternity.","67":"Whoa. No I didn't. [i]The President?[\/i]","68":"She asked me... if I thought she was the bad guy. I told her I didn't think so.","69":"She asked me if I thought she was the bad guy. I told her I thought she was.","70":"She really... [i]really[\/i] wants me to think she's evil.","71":"Why?","72":"...I don't know. But... that girl in the hospital room... is not someone I've met before.","73":"That is a different person from Valerie. I can't even recognize her. Even her face is different.","74":"{Leah} stares, silently prompting me for more information.","75":"It was the same body, but not the same person. She told me Valerie was just a mask. It was...","76":"...it was fucking awful, I don't know how else to say it. I didn't like seeing her like that. When I saw her... I didn't know how to feel.","77":"Now that I've had a chance to reflect...","78":"I felt pity for her.","79":"I hated her.","80":"I thought she might be right.","81":"The Val I knew was funny, bold, mischievous... she was a lot of different things.","82":"I don't know. That was something sad and miserable wearing a Val suit. It made me want to see Val again.","83":"I couldn't even bring myself to hate her.","84":"I don't really know why Valerie is doing what she's doing. To me... that is the big mystery.","85":"[i]Hate?[\/i]","86":"I couldn't stand the thought... of what she did to you. Of what she did to everyone. What kind of sick person could portay themselves as completely different from who they are?","87":"All this misery is on her shoulders, and that's something I just had a hard time accepting.","88":"Not to sound like a Jedi, but I'm not sure hate is a productive emotion.","89":"It's hard to feel anything else. I hope I can feel something different about this soon.","90":"It might help if we knew her motivations.","91":"You're scaring me, {PlayerName}...","92":"I just wonder if... there's a reason she's acting the way she does. A good reason. I know that sounds crazy.","93":"I still feel like if we dig hard enough, we can figure out what she wants. I don't think I was looking at the real Valerie.","94":"No matter what... the real Valerie is the girl I knew at the Student Council. She's clever and weird and is always thinking outside the box... you just can't hide your own personality for that long.","95":"Did she say anything about what she wanted? If we knew... her behavior might start to make sense.","96":"She said she wanted me to see the [i]true her.[\/i] That she wanted me to be her [i]life-partner.","97":"More than that... she says that's why she did [i]everything[\/i]. But what does she really mean by that? Did she actually make the arrangements for Cedric? For Haley? Maggie? Sandra? And all the others?","98":"My friends are just a small portion of the school... and yet, nearly all of them have been hurt by Valerie. It doesn't add up...","99":"The [i]bad her?[\/i] So her motivation is personal.","100":"It's not money or fame she wants. It goes deeper, but it's fucking weird.","101":"It sort've sounds like... she's in love with you.","102":"I honestly could not say what Valerie feels and does not feel. It might be just... whatever psychosis she has.","103":"Plus, I really [i]don't want to believe it was all about me...[\/i]","104":"You know... I had this weird fear that... instead of finding you dead, or whatever... that you'd be [i]in bed with her[\/i] or something.","105":"That whatever she felt... you'd also feel. I wonder if that... occurred to you...","106":"{Leah} really doesn't know that I had sex with Valerie, then.","107":"I don't know... I guess I assumed she'd piece things together eventually, but...","108":"...she wanted to think the best of me, just like I wanted to see the best of Valerie.","109":"Do I really want to tell her the truth now, with things so late?","110":"Come clean.","111":"Just don't say anything.","112":"{Leah}, I haven't been honest with you.","0":"Home... [i]geez...[\/i]","113":"Valerie and I slept together. It started before I was with you.","1":"I never thought I'd see this place again. I'm definitely not out of the reach of the Fraternity here, but right now... I don't care. I just want to wrap myself in this place.","114":"Oh...","2":"You over-efficient airconned monster, you.","115":"...t-thanks for telling me... I'm...","3":"By the time everyone comes in, the robes have come off. They sit me down, and Frank examines me with his pudgy fingers.","116":"...very surprised...","4":"It's unpleasant, but I take it like a visit to the dentist. It's a tolerable pain.","117":"I can tell your feelings are hurt.","5":"First, I want you let you know that my medical credentials are ''watching people die of exotic jungle diseases''.","118":"I'm surprised. As you said... it was before you and I... so... there's nothing for me to complain about.","6":"You should take whatever I have to say with a grain of salt.","119":"How in the fuck am I supposed to tell {Leah} about all the other sexual partners I have?","7":"He's going to be okay, right?","120":"After all she did to pull me out of that ratty ass hospital, this is what I've got to thank her with.","8":"...I think so.","121":"I've been banging half of the school.","9":"Thank God... I could've never...","122":"You really shouldn't worry. Obviously... we didn't know what we know now.","123":"Exactly.","124":"I don't think I want to burden her like this.","125":"You don't have to worry about anything like that.","126":"The certainty of my response brightens her.","127":"Well, whatever happened in the past, the important thing is we're working together now.","128":"She gives me a delicate brush on my forehead.","129":"I would jump your bones if you looked like you could take it.","130":"Oh... that's an easy choice. I'm not going to be ready for anything like that for a while.","131":"It's not in character for me to turn you down, but I need a solid forty-eight plus liquids and solids.","132":"It's going to be good to have you home. This place is cold without you.","133":"My fingers are always cold... I need you to be my morning handwarmer.","134":"So this was all about getting your handwarmer back.","135":"Of course! Do you have any idea how important keeping your fingers warm are?","136":"I'm not sure I'd do a very good job. I feel like a corpse. I'd probably make you feel colder.","137":"Some [i]good fucking food[\/i] is what you need.","138":"Yes, Gordina Ramsay.","139":"I'll make you a really big breakfast tomorrow.","140":"{Leah} slips into her room... while I slowly slip into oblivion on the sofa."},"ch12__12.55 sore throat.vne3":{"10":"Thanks. Did you get a new one too?","11":"We only need it for as long as the Fraternity still exists.","12":"Maybe I'm being optimistic about our chances, but hey, we've last for a long time, so maybe the optimism is warranted.","13":"I've really gotten adjusted to this weird life of sparring with Fraternity... nearly getting killed... then striking back. Helping people, digging into info.","14":"I don't think it's good to be so nonchalant about the risks we take, but the alternative is to suffer anxiety attacks constantly, and I can't live like that either.","15":"Yes. I loaded it up with your voice app, by the way. I think you said it was okay as long as it's not connected to the Internet.","16":"How did you do that? It's online only.","17":"No. The purchased version isn't. I only went online once to download it. {PlayerName}, you can't always just use free trials, you've got to pay for things.","18":"Huh. I never even bothered to check. I just thought I'd always be seeing banner ads for the rest of my life.","19":"You ready for that big breakfast?","20":"Normally, yes, but right now... even the thought of eating hurts. There's something wrong with my throat.","21":"Not right now.","22":"{Leah} looks surprised.","23":"Really? Why is that? Did they do something?","24":"Oh. Someone tried to murder you.","25":"I really wasn't planning on telling {Leah} that... but of course she figured it out for herself.","26":"I'm not completely sure, but from what I could gather, the night I had that strange dream... Professor Rogham tried to kill me.","27":"I didn't want to burdern {Leah} with that.","28":"How could you tell?","29":"Bruising around your neck.","30":"They had this anesthetic, this pain killer they were giving me. Now that it's wearing off... damn I feel it. It feels like my throat's split open.","31":"It could not have been Valerie that did it.","32":"I think it was Professor Rogham.","33":"He's [i]alive?[\/i]","34":"Unless it was his vengeful ghost, yes.","35":"And I heard a conversation between him and Valerie. Maybe I imagined it, but I don't have a very rich imagination.","36":"You saw him there? It's not surprising. He's the only known member... other than Valerie.","37":"Who else, I wonder?","38":"Anyway, he didn't explicitly mention [i]vengeance[\/i]... he said I was a danger to the Fraternity...","39":"...[i]the Silent Brotherhood[\/i] as they call themselves.","40":"What's so silent about them?","41":"I don't know. Their masks? Inability to say how they feel? Valerie explained it, but I was under a lot of sedative.","42":"That whole situation... feels so dream-like. I feel like this is the first time I've been in reality.","43":"I'm so pissed. You know, it's one thing to be enemies, but it's another to be ungrateful.","44":"We called the fire department to help them after we left Stan's house, and they just repay you with death.","45":"Next time... we shouldn't give them the benefit of the doubt.","46":"Which reminds me... I thought I saw Stan...","47":"...but I was so out of it. Who knows?","48":"Every step of the way, we've done what we can to avoid doing permanent damage... even to people who deserve it.","49":"Now they try to end your life? Well... if [i]this[\/i] is the game we're playing, then I'm not going to hesitate next time.","50":"The guy you hit with the car? I hope they didn't make it.","51":"{Leah} glowers darkly. The implication isn't lost on me, but it still doesn't make me feel good to see her like this.","52":"I don't think ''gratitude'' is a virtue to the Silent Brotherhood.","53":"I think it's more important we consider what our next move is. They're not going to be idle.","54":"Actually, it's probably dangerous for us to even be here...","55":"No, we've bought ourselves some time.","56":"Is she serious? How does she figure that?","57":"I'm confused...","58":"So it was [i]Professor Rogham[\/i] who tried to kill you, right?","59":"Yes.","60":"And... my guess is Valerie is the one who saved your life?","61":"I think that's what happened.","62":"There you go. That's why we have time.","63":"Huh?","64":"The Fraternity are embroiled in internal division and conflict. There has to be two sides... Rogham's and Valerie's.","65":"Valerie is at least powerful enough to become the president. That means Rogham is the minority faction, but they're strong enough where Valerie can't control them. They got close to you, after all.","66":"This gives us an opening to destroy the Fraternity for good.","67":"That is good reasoning... I feel like she's still making plenty of assumptions, though.","68":"It's clear that Valerie [i]can't just get rid of Rogham[\/i] like she could with others... if Valerie really does still want me to join the Silent Brotherhood, she's going to be preoccupied with the forces that want me dead.","69":"[i]How weird.[\/i] It's almost funny. Started off as allies with Valerie, then she turned out to be my true enemy... but in a sense we're back to being allies again... we both want the same thing...","70":"That is a [i]complete mindfuck[\/i] right there.","71":"Shit... maybe we really do have time. There's things I can do. I can go tell Emily what happened... tell Sandra...","72":"I slowly shift my weight off the sofa... and find my limbs heavy as lead. I feel like one of those sinkers...","73":"All you need to do is relax, {PlayerName}. You just got out the hospital... even if it was a fake one.","74":"Yeah... I don't think I can draw up that kind of energy... if I'm honest.","75":"Rest today. I'll keep going forward. If you want something to eat, there's stuff in the fridge.","76":"Thanks.","77":"What do I do instead?","78":"Being [i]unable[\/i] to do anything sucks, but at the same time, I don't have the same guilt I'd have if I [i]chose[\/i] to do nothing.","79":"Guess I'll be a couch potato.","80":"A whole evening passes. I don't know if the anesthetic is still in my system, but I just feel so languid...","81":"All I can do is close my eyes again.","82":"Another day passes by.","83":"I have the vaguest feeling... I should be somewhere today. I haven't been to work or school...","84":"Damn... if I do nothing... all this time is just going to drain away...","85":"Yeah... it's definitely time to do something.","86":"Professor Rogham tried to kill me. I don't know what the fuck Valerie wants anymore...","87":"...I might be weak and discombobulated, but I can still pull a trigger.","0":"As expected, I sleep a lot better without death hovering over my shoulder.","1":"I feel like an old man. I can barely get off the sofa.","2":"Worse... my throat [i]hurts[\/i]. Like... scratchy... my breathing feels weird...","3":"Is this because of whatever Professor Rogham tried to do to me? God I hope not...","4":"The front door opens. I twist and squint to see who it is...","5":"I have a present for you.","6":"A present?","7":"It's one of those practical presents, like a hammer or a wrench. Here you go.","8":"She tosses me something, and I catch it midair. It makes feel like a chad.","9":"A cellphone. It's exactly the same model I had before, but that doesn't matter as long as I keep the internet off."},"ch12__12.60 encore sex.vne3":{"10":"Okay?","11":"Well... I asked around about you, actually. {Leah} said not to worry 'bout you. Thought you might be sick. It's flu season, you know.","12":"I'm alright, thanks. I actually wanted to pick your brain about something. You wanna go grab a cup of coffee?","13":"Well, I'm taking Plato on a walk. Do you want to go on the walk with us and we can catch up?","14":"That way, we can just head on over to Haley's show at Sevigny's after I crate Plato for the night.","15":"Haley's show?","16":"'Course you wouldn't have heard! I told Haley you were sick, she didn't want to put no pressure on you to show up.","17":"She went and got a show booked! Can you believe it?","18":"I had heard that she was thinking of doing a show. But that's great!","19":"You are lookin' a bit overcast. I'm too used to your sunny disposition.","20":"All I need is a sunny day to fix it.","21":"The sun is warm and the air has a crisp quality... it's like a cool drink of water.","22":"The two of us catch up while Plato conducts a meticulous survey of the area's various odors.","23":"... I feel like such a dunce. Haley went and said how you were helping her get a venue before... well...","24":"Yeah. I'm just sorry I couldn't be there to help her and Dante organize it.","25":"Aw, you can't go and blame yourself for something like that.","26":"How can you even bother worrying about a concert with all you got going on anyway?","27":"Like, [i]cheese and crackers[\/i], {PlayerName}! You realize you had my heart going like a raccoon in a washing machine when I heard you went missing?","28":"You're running around with all this crazy business, shooter stuffed in your Levi's like you're playing Tombstone. You got me, and Haley, and everyone worried sick!","29":"I know. I'm sorry, Maggie.","30":"And I should also apologize preemptively.","31":"I need another gun.","32":"A real one this time?","33":"But... I get ahead of myself. Boomsticks don't grow on trees, you know. There's paperwork.","34":"Maggie, I wouldn't be asking if I seriously didn't think I might need one.","35":"What happened to the last one?","36":"It was liberated from me after I got stabbed in the back by someone I thought I could trust.","37":"Her eyes thin, and she scrutinizes me for a moment.","38":"You're not going to use it to... get revenge, are you?","39":"No. But the people who are responsible aren't done with me yet.","40":"Maggie weighs her options, but eventually exhales in resignation.","41":"What kind of shoot'n iron are you looking for?","42":"I guess the same as before.","43":"She chews on her lip for a moment.","44":"Okay. Shouldn't cost you a kidney or anything to get into one. You can usually pick up a surplus police pistol for a few hundred at any gun store.","45":"Okay, I think I can swing that.","46":"Of course, state laws being what they are, to purchase a handgun you'll have to do a safety course, apply for a permit, and then after you actually buy the gun, there's the ten day waiting period...","47":"I'll be blunt. Can I get one illegally?","48":"Pardon?","49":"Well... shit... it's really that serious ain't it?","50":"Mama Castle always said there are really only three things a lady needs to deal with disagreeable men: Grandma's Fried Chicken Recipe, a good push up bra, and 12 gauge buckshot.","51":"Thanks. Though in this situation, I think the third option is the only one that's going to be applicable.","52":"There's not a lot I can do with a whole shotgun crammed down my trousers.","53":"But thanks, Maggie, I'll think it over.","54":"She smiles and shrugs. But worry seems to haunt her as we continue our walk.","55":"It seems for now, I'll have to put acquiring another gun on the back burner.","56":"Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky again and someone will dump one of my car's hood.","57":"It's getting a little late. We should probably get ol'Plato here back home and head on over to the bar, yeah?","58":"Sounds like a plan to me.","59":"With impeccable timing though, a low growl starts to rumble from Plato.","60":"Then, the cricket-y old dog shoots off like a furry missile into the underbrush. The sudden and surprising maneuver tears the leash from Maggie's hand.","61":"Plato! No! Bad dog! It's just a squirrel!","62":"Lord, you'd think they had some blood feud! Come on, once he gets on a squirrel, it'll be impossible to get him out of there!","63":"I break into a run to follow Maggie, who has already taken off after the hounding pooch.","64":"Come on, Plato! You're gonna make us late for the show!","65":"It is long after dark when Maggie and I finally jog up to the entrance of Sevigny's.","66":"Plato's brief pursuit of a squirrel led to the old pooch losing us in the park. The dog was lost for hours, though thankfully, we found him safe and sound chewing on someone's shoe. ","67":"But the whole ordeal was emotionally taxing on Maggie and cost us hours.","68":"By the time we finally put Plato up for the night and raced to Sevigny's, it's well past when Haley was schedule to begin her set.","69":"We can already hear Haley's dulcet voice reverberating from inside the bar when we race up to it.","70":"Mere moments before we enter, the song ends, and we're met by a chorus of cheers and applause, as a beaming Haley bows and waves to the crowd.","71":"Thank you all so much! I can't tell you how much this means to me! You are all so beautiful, have an amazing night!","72":"A glowing Haley descends down onto the bar floor amidst another round of cheers and applause, grinning from ear to ear, cheeks red as apples.","73":"Oh no! Don't tell me we went and missed it completely!","74":"We meet Haley at the bar, the Blue Haired pixie is practically erupting with excitement.","75":"Guys! You're here! I'm so happy!","76":"I actually did it! I really, really did it!","77":"Poor Maggie is on the brink of tears. Her pouty lip quivering.","78":"Haley, I'm so sorry! I was a stupid idiot and I let go of the leash and Plato got away and I missed your first show and it's all my fault and I...","79":"Haley is quick to cut off her distraught friend before she starts sobbing.","80":"Maggie Castle, you drop that nonsense right now. It was an accident, that's all. The important thing is that Plato is okay. You can make it up to me by coming to my next show!","81":"Her warm smile seems to soothe Maggie some, and the teary eyed redhead starts to calm down.","82":"We grab a seat at the bar, and let Haley give us a recap of the show over a drink.","83":"Getting to the bar so late though, the night seems like it's already coming to an end. The energy in the room seems to be slowly receding as patrons slowly pay their tabs and head home.","84":"The exception is our little corner, where the electricity coming off of Haley is contagious.","85":"Oh my god, when I first got on that stage, I thought I was going to faint!","86":"Feel my hands! I'm friggin' still shaking!","87":"From the sounds of the crowd, it seems like you were a big hit!","88":"No way. They were just being nice. They must have seen me trembling like a leaf when I got up there and knew it was my first time!","89":"I bet they are all talking about how bad the live entertainment was on the way home.","90":"She can't even try to wipe that smile off her face.","91":"What the heck are you talking about? When we walked in the bar every mug in here was fixed on you. You were amazing!","92":"I'm with Maggie, here. Anyone who would say your singing is bad is lying or deaf.","93":"Okay, okay. So maybe I wasn't [i]completely[\/i] terrible.","94":"That's the understatement of the year. I'm pretty sure a couple of guys in the audience were ready to propose by the end of the show.","95":"Stop! You're such a liar!","96":"I wasn't [i]that[\/i] good!","97":"Well I think you sounded just lovely!","98":"I always knew you had it in ya! Just needed a little push is all.","99":"It's hard to believe everything that's changed just in the past year.","100":"Just six months ago, I was buried in debt, school was on hold, mom was sick, all I had was the job at Sevigny's.","101":"There just didn't seem to be a way to dig out of it.","102":"I know you woulda gotten through all that, one way or another.","103":"Yeah. They'd never be able to keep you hidden away from the world in some hole in the wall like this. You would have been discovered eventually.","104":"Oh, it was just one show. I've hardly [i]blown up[\/i].","105":"Well, forget everyone else, how did it make [i]you[\/i] feel.","106":"...","107":"...like a fucking Rock Star.","108":"Told you.","109":"Oh, I told her that ages ago. But she wouldn't hear it.","110":"I told her to send a clip of her singing to one of them idol shows. She would have made it on for sure.","111":"Yeah. A fate worse than death if you asked an angsty, teenage me.","112":"I would never have endured the dishonor of selling out to the mainstream corporate oligarchy.","113":"Though I do recall softening my ideological stance somewhere around the time I got my first cellphone bill.","114":"Not a ton of punk rockers in their 30's, I suppose.","115":"Yeah. Haley taught me about all sorts of stuff that we just don't hear much about out in the country.","116":"She was so worldly... she knew things from different cultures, care about stuff I didn't even known about. She basically made the environmentalist club at school.","117":"I tried to follow her example. But some things were easier than others.","118":"Y'all ever try and go vegan right before the Cheese Festival?","119":"I wanna live a better life and all, but I don't wanna go on this ride if we can't stop for some cheese curds on the way!","120":"Live Cheese or Die.","121":"I remember. I got so mad when I caught Maggie breaking our sacred vow of veganism to save mother earth, I didn't talk to her for three days.","122":"But what I didn't tell her was that at home, I was sneaking down into our kitchen and eating, like, [i]a pound[\/i] of cheese a night.","123":"Then in the morning when my dad complained about who was eating all the cheese curds, I pinned it on my little brothers.","124":"Haley! You devil!","125":"You literally didn't talk to me for three days! I cried in geometry!","126":"You don't even want to know the digestive issues I had with all that cheese.","127":"Must have been some karma in those cows.","128":"The cheese works in mysterious ways...","129":"Maggie lets out a cute little yawn.","130":"Sorry. You guys aren't boring. Just been a long day.","131":"I look over my shoulder, noticing people starting to trickle out of the bar. I keep forgetting how late it is.","132":"Kiara is making the rounds and collecting tabs.","133":"Hey, sorry guys. Last call.","134":"I guess I shouldn't clap Kiara over the shoulders and say ''good rescue''.","135":"Now that I know she's basically a spy for {Leah}, I have to wonder if she's working here because she wants to.","136":"Aw, but we only just got here! I don't wanna go home yet!","137":"Didn't even get to hear poor Haley sing or nothin!","138":"Can't you just do one more? I don't need nothing else from you ever again.","139":"Dante swings by, overhearing Maggie's plea.","140":"Hey, Kiara. Haley practically ran this place before she left to pursue her destiny. We can totally leave the keys with her and let her lock up.","141":"Dante, that's sweet, but I don't want to keep you from tearing down that audio set up.","142":"No sweat. I was gonna leave it until tomorrow anyways and break it all down after the paddle board yoga class.","143":"Come on, one last song! Just for {PlayerName} and I?","144":"Encore!","145":"...","146":"Yeah, okay. Why the heck not?","147":"So the rest of the patrons trickle out. Dante and Kiara hand Haley the keys, and call it a night.","148":"And soon, it's just Haley, Maggie, and I. The whole place to ourselves.","149":"There's something kind of magical about being the only ones at the bar, after hours.","150":"Like we're part of some special club. It makes me feel young. Like just some care-free college student enjoying a late night with a couple of close friends.","151":"Haley is natural up on stage. Even just from this intimate show, I can easily see her performing for a packed house.","152":"Caving to Maggie's enthusiastic applause and request, the [i]one[\/i] last song, turns to two... then three... then four...","153":"Even as I hear her voice strain, Haley's heart and passion still shines brightly.","154":"In the end, it's not Haley who gives out first.","155":"Maggie puts up a noble effort, but it's late. Really late. And I finally see her head go heavy on her hand as she nods off.","156":"She's sweet even when she sleeps.","157":"Haley catches that she's lulled half her audience to sleep, and lets this last verse slowly trail off.","158":"Is she asleep?","159":"Yeah, I think so.","160":"God, she's cute when she snores. What a goon.","161":"We should probably take her home... Maybe after one last drink?","162":"You sure?","163":"Dante did leave us the keys. It kind of feels like we should.","164":"Alright. I'm down for a night cap.","165":"Hey Mags, {PlayerName} and I are gonna grab one more drink, then we're gonna head home, okay?","166":"Maggie lets out a big, sleepy yawn.","167":"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, y'all. I must have drifted off. Yeah we can stay for one more drink.","168":"Okay. You wanna have one with us or do you wanna nap on the couch?","169":"Nap please.","170":"...And Haley? You have the most beautiful voice in the whole world and I love you.","171":"Thanks Maggie. I love you too.","172":"Haley grabs a blanket as Maggie curls up on the couch. She's snoozing again before Haley finishes tucking her in.","173":"God, I love her so much. I still can't believe she was here in Shale Hill for so long and I didn't even notice.","174":"Forgetting the drinks, Haley and I plop down on another nearby couch.","175":"Well, it's not a huge town, but it's not a tiny one either.","176":"Yeah... Little Maggie Castle. Puking up my clove cigarettes and crashing on my couches.","177":"Real party animal, that one.","178":"Who knows if that hellion would have ever graced my door again, if it wasn't for you.","179":"All I did was connect the dots. Just dumb luck that we happened to all be friends.","180":"Man, come to think of it, since I've met you, my mountain of college debt has been cleared, I've been reunited with my best friend, and I've sang my first live show.","181":"Well, I guess the magic incantations and prayers are working. Hard work on my part.","182":"Oh my god. Take some credit! I'm trying to say that I'm grateful we became friends, ass.","183":"I know. I'm really grateful we became friends too.","184":"You weren't sick... were you?","185":"Maggie is so much more naive. When I couldn't contact you... I thought to myself... [i]that's just like Stan...","186":"I thought... I wondered if we'd ever get to see each other again.","187":"If there was any way I could contact you, I would've.","188":"The situation is settled and there's nothing for you to worry about.","189":"I have to know, did the same thing happen to you that happened to Stan? I know there's something weird at this school. There's no hiding that.","190":"I search for something to say that would put her mind at ease. But my pause is answer enough.","191":"Jesus, {PlayerName}. You know we're college students, right? How long are you gonna be in this? Where does this end for you?","192":"Well, it's not gonna end in some podunk college town. Just like I knew your story wasn't going to end here in this bar. Your show tonight was proof of that.","193":"I still can't believe any of it. It all feels like a dream.","194":"After you were gone, I almost gave up on doing the concert. Dante talked me back into it.","195":"He's good at that.","196":"I'm really glad you finally took the leap and shared your voice with everyone.","197":"Thanks, {PlayerName}.","198":"I was so scared up there. In front of everyone.","199":"But I think, in that moment, I realized I was more scared of going my whole life without ever doing it. ","200":"Standing up there for that first time, holding that mic, with every eye on me... I was scared if I didn't do it right there, right then... I'd never do it. That would haunt me for the rest of my life.","201":"I don't want to go through life regretting the things I didn't do.","202":"Haley's eyes lock into mine, and the air between us seems to pause.","203":"I can see where things are going... maybe it would be bad to let events progress like they are...","204":"Let things happen.","205":"It's time to stop.","206":"As if possessed, I lean in to Kiss Haley, mirroring her own gentle, timid movements.","207":"I can almost feel the electricity jump between us when we grow close.","208":"Haley's velvety lips collide with mine. Time itself seems to slow, and I fall deeper.","209":"Haley moans softly, her sweet breath tickling my chin and neck. I feel that heat radiate across, prickle my skin...","210":"Man, we really lost control. Maggie is literally [i]right there[\/i], and [i]this[\/i] is what we're doing.","211":"I guess some dam between us has broken. With everything we've both gone through... I suppose this was inevitable.","212":"Letting go of any apprehension, our fingers clumsily fumble at each other's clothes.","213":"Standing, I finish tugging off Haley's top, and pull her to me. Her supple breasts pressing to my chest. The thumping of her heart drumming against my own.","214":"And while I'm engrossed in exploring every inch of Haley, I keep one ear to Maggie's soft, rhythmic breathing, hoping she's a sound sleeper.","215":"Not that I think she'd hate what she saw if she woke up... but it feels a bit rude to do that to her.","216":"The poor girl seems like she needs her rest, after all...","217":"I crouch to ravage Haley's plump, perky breast. The soft, warm globe playfully bouncing and giving to every caress.","218":"It strikes me how crazy this is. Closing time or not, we're in the middle of a bar. I have a girl's tit in my mouth.","219":"I keep unconsciously peering around, expecting Dante to pop his head over something random to give a thumb's up.","220":"Using my lips, I leisurely trail my tongue from that perky nipple, down past her cute belly button, kissing every inch of her silky belly.","221":"You nervous?","222":"I can hear the smile in her voice. Haley does her best to suppress giggles and moans while I peel off jeans.","223":"[i]Does it seem like I'm nervous?[\/i] I shake my head.","224":"The danger of being caught grows even more wild when I strip the last of Haley's clothes off.","225":"It occurs to me, while using my tongue to toy Haley's wet slit, that if discovered, it'll be difficult to lie about why I have the cute, ex-bartender stripped naked and pinned up against a pool table.","226":"It's slightly [i]more comforting[\/i] to know it'll probably be Dante that does the discovering... but I still don't want him watching.","227":"Eating Haley out sends vigorous shudders through the sultry young woman. The tremors rock the billiard table she's braced against, the clunking of pool balls joining the arrangement of soft coos and breathy panting.","228":"Holy fuck! Those are... quite the lips you've got...","229":"...you still got a bit of chill from your drink...","230":"I think Haley is trying to say she likes it.","231":"Those long legs of hers creep up my shoulders and wrap themselves around my neck. Steeling herself as she surrenders to her passions.","232":"The losing battle marked by the ever escalating seizures of pleasure that send her writhing uncontrollably, doing whatever she can to keep the wail of climax from escaping her throat.","233":"So, I let it build. I try to construct it, give it foundation, let it room to breathe.","234":"I know I have to tease it out. Going relentless is not going to be constructive. Haley's really going to have to want it.","235":"[i]Ache[\/i] for it even. I can tell from her moans and her undulations that she's close... but I hold off, restrain myself until she can't stand it anymore.","236":"Eventually, she unleashes herself.","237":"When she actually cums, I'm not even touching her. Her body is just on auto-pilot, like it's remembering the pleasure I gave it.","238":"Haley grabs my hair and violently pulls my lips to hers, pressing her petite body to mine in ravenous arousal.","239":"I can't tell you how good you make me feel...","240":"Catching her breath and her composure, she lets her dainty fingers dance down my chest and stomach.","241":"My cock twitches eagerly when she starts to take off my pants.","242":"Haley crouches down, taking my stiff member in my hand, and like a priestess performing her sacred duty, starts to jerk me off.","243":"Her lips seem to almost grow more plump while she lust-drunkenly gazes at my cock.","244":"Grinning, her big gray eyes study my member, admiring it like it's her favorite toy.","245":"Every once in a while she shoots up a mischievous glance, letting me know she's aware of how she's toying with me.","246":"You want my mouth, huh?","247":"I nod. My eyes fight between looking at her face, and her plump tits, wobbling playfully side to side from the motion of the handjob.","248":"Giggling quietly, Haley must think I've been teased enough.","249":"Her mouth opens, and slowly licks my quivering meat.","250":"Those pouting lips wrap around the head of my shaft, and Haley goes to work.","251":"I swear the pleasure from her blowing me nearly blasts my consciousness right out of my body.","252":"Shocks of blue hair swinging lazily back and forth as her head bounces back and forth on my shaft.","253":"And the sensation of the head of my cock sliding down her throat while her lips crawl up my shaft is otherworldly.","254":"The first time Haley did this, when she came into my bed, she wasn't exactly the most confident.","255":"I'm not sure if it was because it was her first time doing it, or if she had performance anxiety (I'll never ask which), but the difference is notable.","256":"Now, she's smooth and silky, her throat knows just how to relax, then squeeze. There's no hint of discomfort.","257":"Does she have these oral skills because she's a bartender... or a singer?","258":"Yes, more of this. I'm edging closer to something epic, something divine. ","259":"Haley, you can do a full set on me anytime you like. Any octave, high or low.","260":"You can go falsetto, soprano, or baritone, as long as you also go [i]fellatio[\/i]...","261":"High notes, or low notes, I'll leave everything to you, just as long as you give me the best solo you can.","262":"Haley puts her whole body into the blowjob, gyrating like she's attempting to conjure some ancient god.","263":"And she gives up her throat like this, even after a full night of singing.","264":"She does finally come up for air though. And I'm shocked to see the length of meat that comes out of her small mouth.","265":"Her throat game must be related to her singing.","266":"Do you want me to keep going?","267":"Haley whispers up to me, tenderly kissing my member, and gazing up at me with with primal lust in her big beautiful eyes.","268":"Not before I've tried what else is on the menu.","269":"I reply by standing her up, spinning her around, and bending Haley over the pool table.","270":"I can feel her legs get shaky when I bury my face between her cheeks. She's still sopping wet.","271":"I take position to mount Haley, feeling the petite woman tremble excitedly.","272":"She backs her warm ass up, searching for my cock until she feels it slide between her cheeks.","273":"Ugh... that's so...","274":"When I enter Haley, she seizes up like a current has been put through her.","275":"She tries to bury cries of passion in her shallow, breathy gasps.","276":"Wow... it seems like Haley can't even [i]stand[\/i] it when I'm inside her. Looks like her lower mouth isn't quite as used to me.","277":"She's tight, like a little instrument. I feel like I'm playing her, making her do different sounds with each thrust.","278":"I suppose you could say this was [i]my[\/i] solo...","279":"Still, I don't let any movement go to waste. I'm going to [i]climb this scale[\/i] as best I can, and hit every note on the way.","280":"Why... are... you... so...!","281":"Haley does her best to stay upright, but elbows and knees buckle with each shudder of pleasure.","282":"And each time she does, it only makes me harder.","283":"After Haley grows accustomed to my size, and I can start really drilling her, is when I realize I should have picked a quieter pool table to fuck her on!","284":"It's not even objectively loud for a pool table, but I have great intent to ravage Haley's tight pussy, and I can feel the large hunk of wood start to creak and groan as I rail my playmate.","285":"I only grow more distracted when my hands rediscover Haley's bouncing tits.","286":"Preoccupied with ravaging the poor girl's tits, the idea of being discreet slips further from my mind.","287":"Each clap of her warm flesh against my own drives me more mad with lust.","288":"Spinning her around, I lift into the air and continue to pound her slit.","289":"Oh god.... yes.... just like that!","290":"It looks like I can get Haley singing too. For some reason, though, I feel like I need to make her stop... [i]isn't there a reason why I didn't want to be loud?","291":"That's right.... Right there!","292":"I guess there was. But now Haley's goading me on, her whispering frantic, and I can't really stop things now.","293":"Her words melt into indistinct sounds. ''Fuck'', ''ass'', ''smash'', ''destroy''... it's weirdly violent, but encouraging all the same.","294":"Right now, all the brain juice is preoccupied. I can't make sense of it and I don't care to.","295":"''Break me''...? Did sweet gentle reserved Haley really say that?","296":"Oh well... I don't know what that means... but she's losing it... just like how I am.","297":"It's my turn to have limbs buckle.","298":"With my arousal outpacing the physical limits of my joints, I collapse back down on the couch.","299":"Haley picks up the slack immediately. Not sparing a millimeter of space between us, she begins vigorously riding me.","300":"Now, I'm transported into Maggie's rodeo. At this point, the two girls are blending together in my mind.","301":"Maggie... Haley... all I can feel is someone relentlessly riding me... hounding me...","302":"...and I don't care who it is, if I'm honest. Haley, or a sleep paralysis demon.","303":"All that matters... is that my cock is being satisfied at this very moment.","304":"Looking into her beautiful gaze, I can watch her sense start to leave her. Driven from her mind by the rising ecstasy.","305":"Stunning locks of blue hair, bouncing in rhythm with the slapping flesh.","306":"Haley seems to enter an almost trance-like state, her gyrations growing sharper and farther apart.","307":"I take the opportunity to bury my face between her magnificent, jiggling tits.","308":"When the orgasm hits her, all she can do is hold on for dear life, and try not to let the scream escape her throat.","309":"Instead, her release manifests in her crushing thighs, or in the way her lithe fingers claw at my back. I revel in every second of the pain.","310":"As she crests the top of the climax, the brain melting orgasm renders her a pliable plaything. And I debate on how I want to finish with her.","311":"Finish inside Haley.","312":"Finish in Haley's mouth.","313":"Finish on Haley's tits.","314":"I spin the blue haired minx around and pull her into my lap, feeling her ass cheeks press against me, and pushing my cock deep up inside her.","315":"Haley senses my body tensing up, and what's coming next.","316":"Fill me! Please!","317":"When the first volley of molten spunk explodes inside Haley, the shock of it causes her to attempt to hop off out of reflex.","318":"But my reaction time is quicker, and I grab her and press her back down on my shaft just in time for the second pulse of cum.","319":"With the maddening torrent of pleasure receding, and my head clearing, I slowly begin to pull my cock out of Haley.","320":"All the while, she coos and writhes against me, her pussy clenching at my manhood, like it's trying to squeeze out every drop of cum.","321":"Jesus! It's so much!","322":"Warm, sticky ropes of jizz begin to pour from her battered gash, drenching my cock.","323":"I finally finish pulling my soaked member from her slit.","324":"With everyone finished, Haley turns around and starts nuzzling me affectionately, the heat from her body's like a drug.","325":"The allure of those supple lips sucking at my cock is too much to ignore. I get to my feet and spin around.","326":"Haley is on me almost immediately. Grabbing my shaft and with borderline aggressiveness, she resumes sucking my cock.","327":"Feverishly, Haley bobs her head back and forth, as if she doesn't finish me in time the world might end.","328":"Each time her lips glide up and down my rod, I feel her tongue caress and hug at my shaft, before it descends back down her tight throat.","329":"It doesn't take long for her to summon my climax.","330":"Feeling my hips beginning to buck, Haley attempts to take my cock as deep as she can.","331":"When I cum, I feel Haley's whole body jerk from struggling to keep my cock down her throat. She coughs several times, sputtering thick rivulets of cum from her lips.","332":"But finally, the last molten pulse of cum blasts down into her belly. Haley begins to relax, feeling the strength draining out of me, she slowly slides my cock back out of her throat.","333":"Light headed from the episode, I wobble dizzily on my feet, but look down to see Haley show me the huge nut I shot in her mouth.","334":"She then closes her eyes, and swallows. Proudly smiling after drinking my load.","335":"In the moment, the image of her heavenly breasts, dripping with my seed, haunts my mind.","336":"Feverish to see such a thought brought to pass, I stand, and spin around, pushing Haley back into the couch, and aiming my cock at her jugs.","337":"Is this what you want? All over my tits?","338":"I grin, watching Haley press her large, milky mounds together, presenting her breasts for me like a couple big, juicy targets..","339":"With the sight of Haley's beautiful face, presenting her plump sweater stuffers to me, it doesn't take long.","340":"Overtaken in climax, I snarl, and let loose a fat sticky rope of jizz all over Haley's waiting tits.","341":"A cute squeal escapes Haley's supple lips, when my hot seed whips at chest.","342":"The jolt sends her supple milkers jiggling provocatively while I hose them down.","343":"I continue to pump my scepter, firing more salvos of pearly netting all over her.","344":"Each pulse of cum causes Haley's eyes to grow wider, shocked at the volume of semen her young body is being coated with.","345":"Filled with a perverse and unquenchable desire to see her coated head to toe in my cum, I blanket more of her stunning body with my emissions.","346":"Firing off fresh salvos at both of her teasing, erect nipples.","347":"By the final salvo, Haley is in utter shock. Struck dumb by the sheer amount of jizz now coating her magnificent breasts.","348":"By the time the last thick, ropey lasso of cum lazily slaps at her tit meat, I swear I feel lighter.","349":"Haley slowly looks up at me with a mix of glee and shock.","350":"Next time... I'll need a life-jacket.","351":"Haley and I groggily attempt to clean up and put ourselves back together.","352":"It almost feels like we're turning back into humans, after being transformed into a pair of carnal werewolves.","353":"Holy shit. It's already morning.","354":"I peer out the window. The dim pre-dawn sky looking back at me.","355":"Jesus. We weren't at it that long... were we just having that much fun? We were probably talking a lot longer than I thought.","356":"The disorientation and lack of sleep starts to set in. But given the night we just shared, it's hard to feel bad about it.","357":"I do silently curse when I check my watch and see the actual time. No chance of catching a few winks before the day starts.","358":"Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you up all night.","359":"No apologies needed. Last night was amazing.","360":"Haley blushes.","361":"I hate to be that guy, but I do have to run though.","362":"It's totally fine. Maggie's still asleep, so I may just hang here for a little while then walk her home.","363":"I nod. But as I'm leaving, I turn back to her one last time.","364":"Hey, you're an actual lounge singer now.","365":"Her cheeks only grow redder, and she tried to hide her bashful grin behind a lock of blue hair.","366":"Leaving the bar, I feel exhausted, tired, and... relaxed.","367":"I savor the moment. I know when I walk back outside, the world, and all its dangers and hurdles, is patiently waiting.","368":"I would say it'd be better for me to get an early night... but it's well past that now.","369":"I should be going home, in any case...","370":"Yeah... I see what you're saying.","371":"Shit... it is late! It's been fun, {PlayerName}. Don't worry, I'll close up.","372":"Really lost track of time, didn't we?","373":"I always lose track of time with you. See you.","374":"We should probably help Maggie.","375":"That is the wet towel over the mood, but I can't let things get out of hand.","376":"Haley's smile is benign, without any sting of feeling rejected.","377":"You are right. As always.","378":"There is so little night left. You should probably get some shut-eye while you can.","379":"You too. Get some sleep.","380":"Oh, I'm a night owl anyway. I like the lonely hours. You're a morning bird.","381":"I need a few hours before I can get to sleep, anyway.","382":"I'll take care of Maggie and everything else.","383":"I really appreciate that, Haley.","384":"A bit of sun... a bit of fun. That was all I needed to feel human after the sterility of the hospital.","385":"The hospital may have been a life-altering experience, but so was this. I can let the good things effect me if I choose.","0":"The next phase of my life... to navigate this universe without a functioning cellphone.","1":"I don't know why people say they feel relaxed when they go off grid... I'm anxious as fuck. But then again, people don't really suffer from the same pressures that I am.","2":"That puts me in a difficult position. I need to speak to Maggie... so the only choice I have is to run into her. [i]I can't even use an email.","3":"Then, to lose the gun...","4":"Having the gun didn't dispel my fears as much as I thought it might. But the loss of the comforting hunk of steel and polymer almost feels like losing a limb. I feel oddly vulnerable....","5":"Well, this [i]is[\/i] America. It couldn't be that hard to get a hold of another one.","6":"Anything is better than sitting here, stewing over what Valerie's done, or ruminating on what grisly end I'll meet at the hands of some secret society assassin.","7":"Finding an alternative means of communication is going to be difficult. I doubt smoke signals would be city approved.","8":"Fortunately, I know Maggie's route.","9":"Heya, {PlayerName}! You're looking peachy. You okay?"},"ch12__12.65 campaign.vne3":{"10":"I was worried about you!","11":"Glad I was missed.","12":"Not [i]that[\/i] missed. We've been having election meetings without you, you know. Turns out things have been pretty productive without you slowing us down.","13":"Great. So you're saying I don't need to do anything to get elected.","14":"Basically, you already aren't.","15":"Fuck man... I'm... trying not to be snarky. Genuinely... moment of sincerity here... I'm [i]overjoyed[\/i] to see you.","16":"{Leah} sounded so serious. She told me not to worry, and when people tell you not to worry, that's like a big sign that says you [i]should[\/i] worry.","17":"I'm not being impolite when I say you should mind your own business. It's easier for all of us.","18":"I normally would be a little annoyed at that, but I get it. Besides, {Leah} came to me for help, and that was pretty cool. I felt very included.","19":"The disguises, right?","20":"I never want to touch burlap again. Ew. {Leah} [i]owes me.","21":"[i]Owes her?","22":"I owe you an apology. Mr. Rogham is alive. Looks like your psychic powers are real.","23":"They're not [i]psychic powers![\/i] It's more like the Force. You just have to expand your mind. You could do it too if you bothered.","24":"So yes, I'm not surprised to hear it.","25":"And you're also right that Mr. Rogham is evil.","26":"So... the floor [i]is[\/i] made of floor. Hmm...","27":"About Rogham... what happened to him? Do I want to know? I guess he's wrapped into your weird conspiracy, right?","28":"I'll tell you the truth one day.","29":"Ah... okay... I believe you.","30":"Anyway... I called a morning campaign meeting. You're just in time to attend.","31":"I guess that's why you're in costume, huh?","32":"Yep! And I'll forgive you for you not being in yours, given the circumstances.","33":"Let's goooooo.","34":"Sam is dragging me to this thing, I suppose...","35":"The shop is bustling today. Not sure if we're even going to find a space.","36":"Looks like we're the first ones here! Go grab a caramel macchiato while I grab a table...","37":"Lidia takes this opportunity to approach me.","38":"Looks like you're back.","39":"Yeah, I am.","40":"So... where've you been?","41":"She seems... standoffish... restrained. But now that I think about it, Kestrel is probably listening in on [i]every conversation[\/i] we have...","42":"It's not easy to be honest with her.","43":"I've just been sick.","44":"Sick, huh?","45":"Lidia makes a brief sign, disguised as a gesture.","46":"[i]They're listening,[\/i] she says. Thanks, Lidia.","47":"Sick.","48":"I thought that might be the case. What with?","49":"Flu.","50":"Ah.","51":"Lidia gives an [i]extremely neutral expression[\/i].","52":"Makes plenty of sense.","53":"I'll have a regular coffee, plus a caramel macchiato.","54":"Coming right up.","55":"It's going to be harder and harder to talk to Lidia...","56":"Lidia gives me the order, without looking me in the eye. I head over to the table.","57":"The fuck?","58":"Whaddya think, huh?","59":"Man... it looks [i]sweet[\/i]. I dig this.","60":"It looks...","61":"That costume isn't free, you know.","62":"I mean... can't I pay with money? I was kinda planning on voting for Valerie...","63":"Linus!","64":"What? She called me handsome once. A guy can't just ignore that.","65":"You're so easy. {PlayerName}, call Linus handsome.","66":"Whoa man... I ain't into that.","67":"What's the difference?","68":"Men complimenting each other isn't the same, Sam.","69":"Jesus. Okay. Linus, you're handsome. Now vote for {PlayerName}.","70":"Done! What do I need to do for the campaign?","71":"You can start by helping me build the webpage. I've got the sign-ups all sorted out. I just need someone to do some JavaScript for me.","72":"That's it?","73":"That's not [i]it.[\/i] This is a long-term commitment!","74":"As I look at Alfred... I remember how he broke me out of that hospital. I can't help but see him in a new light...","75":"We give each other a knowing exchange. Unfortunately, this is just one of those achievements he can't really boast about.","76":"Next on the agenda... Kristen... you've been working outreach for us. I know you had some kind of plan...","77":"Kristen looks around, smiling quietly, preparing her thoughts.","78":"Let me just start by saying, when Sam first pitched the idea of dressing up this election in a superhero veneer, I was skeptical.","79":"It seemed like a shallow, mainstream pitch to appeal to the lowest common denominator. Mental junk food to lure in and get the simple minded hooked!","80":"Hey! I like mental junkfood! It's all I've got the patience for!","81":"But it occurred to me, why not exploit this angle? Why not tap that market? You can't fight stupid by brute force. You use your brain to control it and have it work for you.","82":"So, since we're going to have a super hero election team, we should have a graphic novel to go with it!","83":"Sam just about jumps out of her costume.","84":"Oh my god! Of course! Why didn't I think of that? I mean, I'm not really with you on referring to our voting base as the [i]lowest common denominator[\/i], but a comic would be so cool!","85":"Interesting. It surely would be a unique platform to communicate our agenda to our constituents in a colorful, eye-catching way.","86":"Yeah, that's actually a halfway cool idea. Do we know anyone that can draw comics?","87":"Now, I've printed out a brief synopsis of the plot I've developed for everyone to read...","88":"Kristen hands out packets to the group best described as ''substantial''. Are we supposed to read this all in one sitting?","89":"This is a little thick. And this is just the synopsis?","90":"So, our story is part grindhouse exploitation, part political satire, and part social commentary.","91":"It also is a workshop in subverting traditional tropes and exploring storytelling in new and unorthodox ways!","92":"What was the first thing again?","93":"I thought you said we were pandering to the lowest common denominator. Not fans of [i]War and Peace[\/i]!","94":"Our story follows the adventures of an ''elite'' Super-Hero team called the ''Freedom Corp''. The defenders of the, on the surface, classic, All-American metropolis, Slate-City!","95":"At least it's not too on the nose.","96":"But all is not as it seems with the Freedom Corp. Or with Slate-City.","97":"{PlayerName}'s Super Hero identity is The Silent Sentinel. The ''leader'' of the Freedom Corp.","98":"I was pretty sure we said that {PlayerName}'s superhero name [i]shouldn't[\/i] be about being silent.","99":"Also... the word [i]silent[\/i] has taken up such negative connotations for me.","100":"Well... we don't have a name yet, so... I though [i]Silent Sentinel[\/i] would be a decent stopgap.","101":"Also... why is ''leader'' in quotes?","102":"Questions at the end, please. By day, he is a rich socialite, philanthropist playboy, who lives in his posh, secluded, mountaintop mansion...","103":"...who cohabits with his ''live-in man intern, Sentry Boy'', who is Linus in this scenario.","104":"This better not get weird...","105":"It already is weird. [i]Man Intern?[\/i] Lady, this is the [i]second time we've met.[\/i]","106":"Yes, but I've gotten your character down. So it's fine.","107":"I don't think you do. I didn't sign up to be an intern... or a sentry [i]boy.[\/i]","108":"We're just workshopping, okay?","109":"Also, why am I living in his house? We're just, like, roommates, right?","110":"Rounding out the team is Drag Queen Man, Lynx, and of course, Neo Lovelace.","111":"Uh... we did agree that [i]I'd[\/i] be Hypatia Man, right? I still think Drag Queen Man is rather offensive...","112":"No, it's not [i]offensive[\/i]... it's bold.","113":"We're just taking the characters, okay? Don't worry too much about it.","114":"I still reserve the right to have a different name.","115":"That's the name that was chosen for you, so...","116":"So, naturally as we want this to be an original take on this trope, the story takes place primarily from the point of view of Neo Lovelace.","117":"I'm just giving a cursory glance to some of these plots, but it seems like Neo Lovelace has disproportionate agency for being a side character.","118":"It's a small detail. The important part is that the comic subtly tackles real issues that are facing our university.","119":"Episode eight... the Freedom Corp tackles a corrupt University football team that is embezzling millions of dollars for sex slaves in Nicaragua?","120":"It's a commentary on the ridiculous amount of money this institution spends on its collegiate sports while ignoring more enriching pursuits like art and dance!","121":"Now, I'm always one to champion the softer, more scholarly pursuits...","122":"...but do you think going after the school's biggest sports team is a good way to engender ourselves to the student body?","123":"I think this is a point better made using other means...","124":"Well... that's just one plot thread we can explore. You might have to read it a few times before you actually get it.","125":"So don't beat yourselves up if you're not into it on your first read. It's pretty complex.","126":"Episode three is a really powerful allegory for the oppressive nature of our capitalist enrollment system, and how it favors patriarchal control apparatuses such as first-come-first-serve preference.","127":"Ah... [i]capitalist?[\/i]","128":"I don't think we need to get so divisive...","129":"I gotta say, {PlayerName} comes off as an ineffectual himbo. You know, we want people to vote for him.","130":"It's true... I read this... and it just feels like Neo Lovelace is doing everything...","131":"That's marketing 101. People love good looking characters, and if they are stupid, that just makes them relatable.","132":"Kristen... if you could be so kind? There's this note on page eighteen about Sam's character, Lynx? Could you clarify this for me?","133":"Wait, what does it say?","134":"Sam flicks rapidly through the package.","135":"[i]... Lynx... possible NTR vehicle?[\/i] What does NTR stand for?","136":"Eh...","137":"That's the point, don't you get it? It's gonzo political satire. It's called ''layers''.","138":"It is sure to get people talking. I have a bachelors in communications, so this is kind of my specialty.","139":"Shit, people are definitely gonna talk...","140":"And I'm sorry, Kristen, again. I was hoping you could clarify the relationship for me?","141":"Of Silent Sentinel and Lynx? I would also like to know.","142":"Oh, bother. I was actually referring to the relationship between Silent Sentinel and Sentry Boy.","143":"Uh... nobody has told me what NTR stands for...","144":"Yeah, what's the deal with that? I'm not gonna be {PlayerName}'s manservant.","145":"Let me read a bit....","146":"[i]Silent Sentinel turns to Sentry boys and says, ''Grip that shaft tight, Sentry Boy! Things could blow their load here any minute!''[\/i]","147":"Hey... why's it written like that? I don't like where this is going...","148":"Me neither.","149":"What? They were climbing across sewer shafts.","150":"It does appear at least that Sentry Boy and Sentinel Man are accomplished in Greco-Roman wrestling.","151":"Kristen...","152":"I don't see what the problem is. They are superheroes, they are practicing martial arts and it gets sweaty, so they take their shirts off.","153":"Shit man, I don't dig this at all.","154":"What's a matter? Is the subject matter awakening some suppressed yearnings inside you two?","155":"You can't do this, Kristen.","156":"What the hell! You [i]illustrated[\/i] this?","157":"Alfred looks like a babe lost in the woods. Sam is cracking up so hard I think she might pass out. Linus is arguing with Kristen.","158":"But right now, I'm going to just delegate the creative direction of our superhero mythos to this crack squad.","159":"Well, Kristen, that was interesting. Sam, I have complete confidence that you and the rest of the team can find new and creative solutions to Kristen's story design.","160":"You're not staying?","161":"I would, but Linus and I have work.","162":"Linus just gives me a knowing nod. Kristen and Alfred are just quiet.","163":"It is actually true we've got to go to work... it's just [i]not the only reason[\/i] we're leaving.","164":"Okay... I think we'll all work on these story ideas. Maybe we can... [i]start from scratch...[\/i]","165":"Start from scratch?","166":"We get going before we get pulled back in.","167":"Damn man. The costume is almost not worth it.","168":"That's a pretty spectacular costume.","169":"Yeah... well... I think it's pretty cool too. I just wish it had the [i]package manager[\/i].","170":"Let's get going.","0":"Shit... despite all I've gone through... I miss this place. Being in that [i]dungeon[\/i] of a hospital room reminds me of what it's like to be free...","1":"Unfortunately, playing the part of the hard-working physics major just isn't possible for me anymore. Too much shit has happened...","2":"I think it's pretty safe to skip Rogham's class from now on...","3":"...at least I can tell Sam with a straight face that Rogham hates me more than he hates her.","4":"...there's no way I'm passing anyway. Looks like Sam was right about Rogham being alive.","5":"[i]Ancestors... ancestors! Exorcise the ghostly spirit before me!","6":"What a person to suddenly show up from nowhere.","7":"You don't change.","8":"[i]Hush foul demon!","9":"Okay, but seriously, {Leah} hinted that I really don't want to ask too many questions about where you've been."},"ch12__12.70 sandra tricked.vne3":{"10":"I'm sorry. I know how hard it is on you when I'm not around to carry the team.","11":"[i]You[\/i] carry the team? I had to cover both of our tickets when you were gone, [i]and[\/i] implement the new updates for the semester by myself!","12":"Must not have been too serious if you could handle it.","13":"Actually, I think what this really shows is just how little you do around here... maybe I'll recommend we downsize and save the department some money.","14":"Real funny, Linus.","15":"What, was Hank no help? As usual?","16":"You were gone? I didn't even notice. - Hank","17":"Ooo, bro. If I knew you would be getting this badly burned I would have put some aloe vera in the beer fridge for you.","18":"I shake my head and grin, before heading to my desk.","19":"When my butt hits the seat, I immediately feel the strangeness of the situation.","20":"Over the past months, this job has become, essentially, a cover. A disguise I use to hide my activities, my investigation into Silent1 and the Fraternity.","21":"But those mysteries have been solved. The questions, answered. Now I'm just here to warn Sandra.","22":"And while things aren't over, sitting here at work, I suddenly find myself with nothing to do.","23":"...well, besides my actual job, I guess.","24":"I open my service manager and try and focus on the backlog of tickets. The morning drags by, answerings support chats and resetting passwords. It's bland, but quaintly comforting. ","25":"Like a flashback of a time when my biggest concern was finishing class assignments and trying to find something fun to do on the weekend. You know, college stuff.","26":"A couple of hours in, and I'm bored out of my mind.","27":"Hey, I'm out for lunch. You good to hold down the fort for an hour?","28":"Yeah. Catch you later.","29":"You want anything from the food court?","30":"Nah. I'm good. Thanks though.","31":"Linus waves and clears out, and suddenly the place seems even more boring and dead.","32":"It's not as if I don't have stuff to do. Software updates, harddrive wipes, printer cartridge replacements...","33":"...Or I could steal a quick peek at RECENTLY.","34":"There's no reason why Val, or her cronies would be using the program at this point, right? That'd be insane.","35":"...but you never know.","36":"Unable to resist my curiosity, I wheel my chair over to an open desk, plop my laptop down on it, and fire up RECENTLY.","37":"It's the usual amount of chaff to surf through. People's emails, text messages, social media posts...","38":"...Deep dark secrets, secret fetishes, private medical info, embarrassingly high levels on Candy Crush.","39":"But no sign of Silent1, or this [i]Silent Brotherhood[\/i]. I don't know what I was expecting. If I did see Valerie active, it would just be a trap.","40":"I wonder if they've started to hide their communications in code. I begin to search for messages that appear cryptic or suspicious.","41":"Like this one. Someone texted an attachment with the message [i]''I have a couple of apples in a basket for you, Professor''[\/i].","42":"That sounds sufficiently cryptic to pique my interest. With my pulse starting to quicken, I check the message, wondering what Fraternity cipher I managed to cra--","43":"...Well, I was right about it being encoded.","44":"Some young lady here at the university appears to be lobbying for some... [i]extra credit[\/i].","45":"I ogle her photo. Clearly this is an abuse of this power I've been bestowed... but come on, just look at those tits! This is practically entrapment.","46":"Tff.","47":"'S shit.","48":"Fffff...","49":"Bored...","50":"Jesus... Really, {PlayerName}? At work?","51":"You [i]fucking animal.","52":"Already?","53":"Well... if he's here...","54":"... Seriously, how do I get some girl to start sending me nudes.","55":"The mental health benefits alone warrant the...","56":"I slam the laptop shut at the click of Sandra-Hank's door, my heart racing.","57":"I'm like a spooked animal. I've got so many reasons to be paranoid...","58":"But the door opens just a sliver and stops, the cool glow of her computer monitors just barely bleeding through.","59":"Sandra's left her door unlocked before... but never this recklessly... when someone is still in the office.","60":"The paranoia and anxiety I've endured the last few months takes its toll, and my mind begins to run worst case scenarios.","61":"Has the Fraternity struck again? Is this the first stage of them taking care of loose ends?","62":"If it isn't... she's going to be pissed at me opening her door without her permission...","63":"Go toward the door.","64":"Wait for a better time.","65":"Overall, this just feels like a bad idea. ''Hank'' already talked today.","66":"If I'm going to talk to Sandra, I'd better do it properly.","67":"I should go back to my chair...","68":"Nervously, I get up and creep to the door, bracing myself for what I might find inside...","69":"It's... not what I expected.","70":"Suddenly, the excitement takes on a completely different, and very welcomed flavor.","71":"The lithe figure lays across the mattress, writhing gently, fingers diligently working her slit to a quiet chorus of hungry coos.","72":"A bright, shimmering butt-plug teases from between those soft, round, caramel cheeks.","73":"I guess... this is totally expected, isn't it? She's in her room all the time... probably does this a lot more than she'd admit...","74":"I really can't help but watch. There's something hypnotic about it... my first thought is to lean forward, try and see what she's looking at...","75":"...it does seem like she's reading something...","76":"But I can't quite see it. I shouldn't be this curious... I shouldn't be staring and watching for this long...","77":"What the... {PlayerName}! What the hell! Are you spying on me?","78":"I panic. I don't know what to do.","79":"You think by now I'd be faster on my feet.","80":"Don't just stand there, you idiot! Come in and shut the door!","81":"I mindlessly obey, jumping into her office and shutting the door.","82":"Wait... did she ask me to come in? Or get out?","83":"So this is what you do at work? Try and catch me masturbating?","84":"I'm sorry. The door was ajar. I was worried something happened and was just checking it out.","85":"I try to stare in a safe direction, but that flash of butt bling peeking out from that gorgeous, cinnamon-ass grabs my eyes like a Death Star tractor beam.","86":"My infatuation is not missed by Sandra.","87":"Are you staring at my ass?","88":"Do you want me to leave? This is weird.","89":"Sandra studies me for a moment, her eyes flickering up and down my body.","90":"No... since you're here... take off your clothes.","91":"[i]What?","92":"Don't look surprised. We've broken this barrier already.","93":"My brain processes her response for a moment, trying to confirm if I really heard what I thought she said.","94":"She is right, though. I followed her into the showers, fucked her. These walls were already taken down.","95":"Besides, my body seems convinced enough. Before I know what I'm doing, my hands are already undoing the buttons on my shirt.","96":"She watches with a look of bored curiosity, her graceful hands lazily exploring her own body.","97":"I forget sometimes how hot Sandra is, and wonder if she does yoga or pilates in here to stay so fit.","98":"Laid out on the bed like some lustful mirage, she looks unreal.","99":"Peeling off my boxers, I bend down, and start at her dainty feet, letting my carnal instincts drive my actions.","100":"Her legs are as soft as silk. A perfect balance of long and curvy.","101":"I can't resist kissing her supple calves, and slowly, carefully romance them, probing Sandra's receptiveness. Her soft, suppressed moan is encouraging.","102":"Flipping over, she spreads her legs, presenting her immaculately manicured vulva to me.","103":"She looks up silently with those big, dark eyes while I take her in. Waiting for me to make my move.","104":"I take her by that slender frame, and bending over, draw that warm pussy to my lips.","105":"Her guarded composure is betrayed by the quiver of pleasure when my tongue dives into her.","106":"I can feel her try to contain herself. But little squeaks and coos still sneak out from those pouted lips.","107":"It's not long before my mouth and chin are slick from her wetness.","108":"Reaching up, I grab one of those plump breasts. Feeling the soft, squishing flesh mushrooming out between my fingers, her nipple playfully digging into my hand.","109":"It's enough to overcome her defenses completely, and the soft hum of the room is broken by the animal moan she lets out.","110":"With the shower water gone, I can now really get what Sandra tastes like. None of that soap or chlorine.","111":"This [i]au naturale[\/i] is much better. And maybe Sandra is right... maybe she is the kind of person that doesn't need to take a shower every day.","112":"She does have this [i]pheromone[\/i] like affect on me... sorta funky but good at the same time, putting me in the mood for more.","113":"Yeah... this is better than shower water, for sure.","114":"I see the control melt from her eyes, giving ground to my advances.","115":"Surrendering completely, she spreads her legs, those large breasts heaving with her anxious, impatient breaths, while I grab my throbbing cock and prepare to enter her.","116":"Pushing it inside of her seems to flip some kind of switch. Her composure now lost completely, her body undulates and writhes, as inch after inch of cock slides up her waiting, hungry slit.","117":"A train of melodic cries escaping her lips, driven out of her by my cock.","118":"Ffffuck you...","119":"Yeah, [i]fuck[\/i] indeed. I don't think Sandra would do this without a little verbal abuse.","120":"Locked in each other's gaze, I gently start pumping. It's a freakishly intimate moment with someone who is otherwise completely standoffish.","121":"I rock into her like a boat, like a prow hitting a wave.","122":"I'm gentle at first, but I grow in pace, until hitting the top of her womb becomes a drum beat.","123":"Already driven slightly crazy by that pheromone scent she gave off, I lose my mind for a moment...","124":"...diving into a zen-like, tantric, meditative state...","125":"The heat off her is intoxicating. My own mind slips deeper into maddening lust.","126":"Pounding her vigorously now, her wails lock in rhythm with her bouncing breasts and my stout thrusts.","127":"She reaches up, her little fingers snaking into my hair, and she tugs my mouth to hers.","128":"Her moans vibrate between our lips, tongues grappling with each other...","129":"...I so badly want those lips and that tongue on my cock.","130":"Clutching a fistful of that chocolate brown hair, I get up on my knees and pull her head to my shaft.","131":"Without missing a beat, she wraps her lips around my shaft, and begins feverishly sucking me off, letting me bob her pretty head up and down my wood.","132":"On her hands and knees, in this cramped, cluttered room... I get the feeling now that [i]this[\/i] might have been what she really wanted.","133":"A guy to fuck her... to take her mind-numbing boredom away. There is only so much developing algorithms can keep you occupied.","134":"I wonder if she's getting a nose full of my pheromones, too?","135":"That girl smokes cock like she hasn't eaten for a week... I can't imagine being deprived for human contact that long.","136":"She's a lot more human than she wants me to think.","137":"Her wet lips make a tight seal around my meat. Tongue teasing the head of my knob at the top of each bob.","138":"Driven mad by the lust, I match her rhythm and thrust slightly each time.","139":"Feeling my cock hit the back of her mouth and start to slide down her throat is mind-altering. And I swear I monetarily lose consciousness a few times.","140":"If she keeps going like this, I know I won't be able to last long.","141":"Just as she's inching me towards the end, she pulls my shaft from her throat. I'm stunned at just how much cock slides out of her mouth.","142":"Catching her breath, she looks up at me, beckoning me to start fucking her again.","143":"After that performance, I'm compelled to grant her request.","144":"But I need a moment. If I go in now, I won't last one minute. Buying some time to cool down, I nibble at her neck and explore her breast again.","145":"Sufficiently recovered, I take Sandra in my arms, and lift her to her toes.","146":"My scepter seems to home in on her gash. And still holding her, I lower her down onto my member.","147":"She's tight, but welcoming, and I let gravity pull her back down onto my cock. Her warm wetness embraces my manhood with a welcome that seems uncharacteristic from her.","148":"Those dark hazel eyes lose themselves in mine as her body is raptured in pleasure.","149":"Spinning around, she backs her ample rump into me, pressing those cheeks against my pelvis and thighs.","150":"Buried to the hilt inside her, Sandra lets out a wavering moan.","151":"Suddenly, Sandra springboards off my chest, collapsing down on all fours, and pushing her ass back up towards me.","152":"Fuck my ass.","153":"Her playful butt plug teases me, glimmering like some little treasure.","154":"I grab the end, and slowly start to pull it out of her.","155":"Tremors of pleasure ripple through Sandra's body as I remove the plug.","156":"I toy with her as I do, taking my time as I draw it out.","157":"Finally reaching the head, I slow down to the speed of a glacier, watching it emerge from her butthole.","158":"Until finally, the shimmering jewelry pops out.","159":"Jesus, fuck! You're such a tease!","160":"I grin. Driving her wild and making her long for it feels like a bit of revenge for all the weird errands and tasks she's made me do over the year.","161":"Straying from the God-Emperor's light, and succumbing to the demons of Nurgle, I put my mouth right on her pooper.","162":"I lean, and start tossing Sandra's salad. She squeals when my tongue hits her.","163":"Oh my god! That tickles!","164":"Her giggles slowly turn into warm coos, as she begins to melt.","165":"Those hot cheeks, flexing and hugging my face as I eat out her asshole.","166":"Sufficiently lubing her with spit, I crawl up behind that big, brown ass.","167":"I let my cock slap her warm buns a few times, the sight of them jiggle slightly gets me even harder.","168":"Ready to fuck her up the ass, I press my shaft to her back door.","169":"It's tight at first. Even coated in spit, she resists penetration.","170":"Finally though, I break through, and my rod slides inside her.","171":"Ramming my cock up her ass is like hitting her with a cattle prod, her body seizes up around it. She gasps deeply, almost like my dick drove the air right out of her.","172":"Breathless and desperate, just like in the shower. She got filled, and needed to know how it felt again.","173":"I'm starting to understand how Sandra works. In no world would she [i]tell[\/i] me this. She just want me to do it, and not make a big deal of it.","174":"Well, I won't. I'm happy to make her into a panting, mindless, breathless mass.","175":"If she wants no commitment, no fuss, no anxiety sex, that's all the same to me, too.","176":"But... I am here for a reason, aren't I? I need to do something with Sandra...","177":"...but... what is it? It probably doesn't matter at all...","178":"I give her a moment to relax, and adjust to the girth. But slowly, I begin to rail into her. Humping her slow at first, then faster and more vigorously, grabbing her by that thick, shimmering hair.","179":"Sandra starts moaning uncontrollably, accompanying the sharp slapping of my hips slamming into her cheeks.","180":"I grab those stunning, olive skinned tits and crush her to me, nuzzling her while I pound that brown ass.","181":"Get a little deeper...","182":"What is she talking about? I'm as deep as I can go... and it's not like she can take any more of this.","183":"If I was any bigger, I wouldn't even fit.","184":"But after a few minutes, I feel my limbs start to burn. I'm still not at 100% after my stretch in captivity, and I can feel it in my endurance.","185":"Exhausted, I slide back out, and collapse down onto the mattress.","186":"Taking a moment, Sandra eventually pulls herself to her feet, rubbing her vulva and eyeing my cock hungrily.","187":"Fiending for it, she lowers herself back onto my shaft.","188":"My manhood disappears up her wet slit. Her quivers of ecstasy are so powerful she has to steady herself to keep from falling over.","189":"Slowly at first, but picking up speed, Sandra rides my cock. Her stunning body bobbing up and down atop my raging meat spear.","190":"Her mind disappearing into a sea of pleasure, her healthy young breasts bouncing hypnotically.","191":"Sandra seems to emerge in a moment of lucidity from her hormone drunk trip and looks down at me.","192":"Don't get used to this, alright? One time thing.","193":"Except this is the second time... and I'd be surprised at this point if there wasn't a third.","194":"Still, I have zero expectations. I'm just happy for the free ride.","195":"Then leaning back, she slides off my cock, and guides it back to her asshole.","196":"The head of my member finds her back door, and pushes it's way back inside her.","197":"Losing control again, Sandra lets out a lustful moan.","198":"How long have we been fucking? Linus is only gone for an hour. Unless he's quick to believe in ghosts, there's going to be no mistaking what's going on in Hank's office right now.","199":"Sandra continues to piston up and down on my rigid manhood, wailing all the while.","200":"Her fingers seek out her clit, letting out a scream of ecstasy as she hurdles over the precipice into orgasm.","201":"Panting deeply, she collapses back into me, clutching me tightly while she rides out the after shock of climax.","202":"With my face pressed against her heavenly breasts, I can clearly feel her heart pounding in her chest.","203":"You... are... barely acceptable!","204":"[i]Barely acceptable?[\/i] You can hardly breathe. But whatever.","205":"Limbs still shaking, she slowly pulls herself off my shaft.","206":"I love all the little quivers that tremble through her as I keep my dick deep in her ass.","207":"I suppose I should return the favor, huh?","208":"I don't know what favor I did for her that I didn't also do for myself... but I make no complaints.","209":"I guess I shouldn't be so surprised that she's good with her ass, but... I kinda am. She squeezes down on me, milking me...","210":"There's an energy to her, an impatience. She's ready for me to cum, and she's not going to wait for it.","211":"Actually, I'm not sure I can hold on any longer...","212":"Finish up, you loser. But don't do it inside me.","213":"[i]As if you aren't the desperate one[\/i]. But Sandra is letting me use her body to get off, so I'm not going to question things.","214":"Finish in her mouth.","215":"Give her a facial.","216":"I flicker my eyes down to my cock. Sandra gets the message.","217":"You want more head? You're such a [i]guy[\/i].","218":"Yeah, did she not figure that out?","219":"With a slight smirk, she slides back down my body, and taking my cock in her deft hands, starts to blow me again.","220":"Despite her sarcasm and her standoff-ish mood, there's no denying how hungry she's been for male affections.","221":"She puts her whole body into it, rocking back and forth and hungrily sucking my meat.","222":"Those hazel eyes pierce through the cloud of pleasure, looking up at me as my cock gets thoroughly worked.","223":"Her plump lips, hugging every millimeter of throbbing dick as they slide up and down it.","224":"That divine wet warmth caresses my wood.","225":"The sensation banishes all other earthly concerns, and in that moment, all there is and ever was, is Sandra sucking my dick.","226":"Feeling the quake of climax bubbling up, she descends down my shaft.","227":"I watch with excitement, as the length of my rod disappears down Sandra's throat.","228":"She reaches her limits just as I begin to cum.","229":"Hips bucking upwards, I fire a load down that moist throat. She struggles to contain it, eyes rolling back as she gags and jerks from the shots of cum into her belly.","230":"Unable to take any more, she gags and coughs. Thick tendrils of jizz spurting out from her lips.","231":"She does her best though, swallowing desperately to guzzle down as much of my seed as she can handle.","232":"After the last sticky streamer of molten man spunk trickles out onto her tongue, she finally pulls her head off my softening spear.","233":"And the final cherry on top, she opens wide and shows me the pool of hot chowder I just fired off into her mouth.","234":"Getting to my feet, I guide Sandra down onto her knees, and standing in front of her, I start to pump at my shaft.","235":"Quickly realizing what I want, she obediently looks up at me and opens her mouth.","236":"With such a juicy target in front of me, it doesn't take long before I feel the finish conjured up from deep inside.","237":"Furiously, I pump, as Sandra sits back, waiting for her reward.","238":"Finally, with a groan, I fire off a thick stream of pearly strings right at Sandra's waiting face.","239":"I see her flinch when it happens, but she's not quick enough.","240":"It's a great shot. Most of the first blast lands right in her mouth, quickling pooling on her tongue.","241":"A few lassos of cum fall short, whipping at her breasts.","242":"But I'm far from finished.","243":"I continue to work my gun, firing more sticky essence right at Sandra's pretty face.","244":"The next blast splatters beautifully all over her supple cheek. Fingers of jizz reaching up and causing her to squint and wince.","245":"Her sharp shine of shock at the huge amount of cum getting blasted all over her pretty face is just perfect.","246":"And one final blast of cum, to finish off her facial.","247":"Sandra just sits there, stunned at the mask of jizz now coating her face.","248":"I look down and grin at the utter mess I just made of her face.","249":"Seeming to not have many options in her state, she closes her mouth, and swallows.","250":"But after the last of my cum is down, she opens her mouth and sticks out her tongue, confirming she hungrily devoured my load.","251":"I slump back down on the bed, absolutely drained, while Sandra gets up to find something to clean herself off with.","252":"In absence of the lust, the energy in the room is now weird. Even a bit awkward, as Sandra dispassionately slips back into her clothes.","253":"Taking the cue that we're done, I do the same.","254":"I start heading towards the door, but turn around at the last moment. It feels like a cheap shot, hitting with it now, but from some reason, now seems like as good of a time as any.","255":"Hey, can we talk?","256":"Sandra looks over at me, incredulously, as if that was the strangest thing I could possible say.","257":"When I said this was a one time thing, I wasn't lying.","258":"It's not about that. It's Valerie.","259":"*sigh* Let me get some clothes on.","260":"Don't pull your pants down.","261":"Jesus!","262":"You need a [i]lot[\/i] of air freshener for jizz. There's a guy at the Philosophy Club who was a chronic masturbator.","263":"Sandra, I actually have been meaning to talk to you.","264":"You don't seem that surprised to see me back, by the way.","265":"Yeah, and I'm not surprised to see you disappear, either.","266":"So you knew?","267":"Huh?","268":"She looks... genuinely confused. I guess she didn't know about the hospital thing after all.","269":"I have been gone a lot from the office.","270":"Something happened to me and I need to tell you about it. It's important.","271":"I don't know [i]what[\/i] it could possibly be.","272":"Still...","273":"Fine. Let's go into the office.","274":"First of all, I know you were working for Valerie.","275":"...","276":"What exactly does that have to do with anything?","277":"Are you a member of the Fraternity?","278":"I... can't even begin to understand what you're talking about.","279":"We were having so much fun, too.","280":"It's not easy to squat on university property without someone helping you. I wondered and wondered who that was.","281":"Now I see it clearly. It was Valerie, wasn't it? She was your sponsor.","282":"She knew you were there the whole time.","283":"...She did me a big favor by letting me stay here. I have a place to work and reinvent myself. The old Sandra is dead.","284":"Once I graduate, I'm going to be given a different identity in a different city. I won't have the black mark of plagiarism.","285":"It's a good deal.","286":"So Valerie has all this power, right? Do you have any idea how much paperwork is involved in making a new identity? How many bureaucrats you need on your payroll?","287":"You're saying she's a member of a powerful secret society?","288":"Has to be.","289":"Yeah, but... what's the point of asking questions if they're helping you?","290":"Also... shouldn't you be [i]mad at me[\/i] for tricking you?","291":"Why should I be angry with Valerie's victim?","292":"[i]Victim?","293":"You better take that back. This is a mutually beneficially arrangement. I'm not victim. We're equal partners.","294":"Then answer this: who was the one who had the most opportunity to take your algorithm and sell it?","295":"Uh...","296":"You know the answer.","297":"I mean... lots of people. I remember... at the Philosophy Club maybe... or...","298":"I had to have... shared it with multiple people... I mean...","299":"...who knows? It could've been anyone.","300":"It could be anyone, but it was most likely to be someone close to you.","301":"My [i]mom?[\/i]","302":"I mean proximally close.","303":"I have no idea what you're talking about.","304":"Do you want me to give you the answer?","305":"No. I don't want to hear it.","306":"It would be your roommate.","307":"Stop it.","308":"And who was your roommate?","309":"Obviously I know who my roommate is, you don't need to say it--","310":"It's Valerie.","311":"No. I'm NOT A FOOL. I [i]WASN'T USED![\/i]","312":"I [i]wasn't used![\/i] It's impossible! My SAT scores were through the roof and I didn't even study! My I.Q. is 138, I'm a genius, not an idiot!","313":"I can't make mistakes! I'm an intelligent person! I can't be tricked! I'm the person who [i]does the tricking![\/i] I come up with clever schemes, people don't pull schemes on me!","314":"I'm immune! Immune! I see right through scams! A simpleton like you wouldn't even understand!","315":"Look at you! [i]¡Cabeza de carne! ¡Gringo tonto![\/i] How dare you come into [i]my office[\/i] and insult [i]my intelligence![\/i]","316":"You're freaking out because you know I'm right.","317":"Why should I listen to anything you say? You're vastly inferior intellectually. Vastly! You're a tick on my skin. Get out of my office.","318":"Remember what I said about Valerie.","319":"GET OUT! CONSIDER YOURSELF FIRED!","320":"I hope I planted a seed of doubt in her.","321":"Until something changes in her... I can only regard this as a failure.","322":"I pack the things from my desk and leave.","323":"There's another person I need to talk to about Valerie.","0":"That Kristen girl is weird.","1":"She is.","2":"Man... did not like how she looked at us.","3":"She definitely thought you were handsome.","4":"This is the one time I don't care for that. Listen... I gotta go get changed.","5":"Gotcha.","6":"It's going to be weird coming back to work... and nothing is going to change that.","7":"Fuck man... felt awesome in that suit!","8":"About time you showed up for work, by the way. It was getting a little tiring, having to cover for your sorry butt. You enjoyed your little break?","9":"Linus knows better at this point to ask too deeply about my disappearances."},"ch12__12.75 warning emily.vne3":{"10":"Hey.","11":"She practically shuffles in, her smile is weak but present.","12":"No matter what happened in the past, no matter how I feel about her now, she's clearly happy to see me.","13":"I'm sorry I haven't visited.","14":"You have your own life. Mine is... [i]not over[\/i]. I'm becoming something different. Something I didn't think I'd be.","15":"Have the prison priests finally gotten to you?","16":"Uh-huh. When I get out, I'm going to talk to you about Buddha. Om. Om.","17":"If you don't want that to happen, I suggest you bring a present. We're allowed books.","18":"I remember I got you a biography of Steve Jobs for your birthday.","19":"That really was me, wasn't it? I was just that kind of person. Feels so strange to me now.","20":"I know. Get me one of those weird comic books I caught you with once.","21":"They really were for a friend...","22":"And now that friend is [i]me.[\/i] Please. I'd die for something a bit deviant and off-the-wall.","23":"You seriously want me to bring you hentai?","24":"I'm half-joking. What I actually want is something off-color. I'd really appreciate that. Life is just so damn dull.","25":"It's the [i]nothingness[\/i] that wears your sanity here... at least the people are funny.","26":"I wish I could say that I came for no particular reason.","27":"At this point, I don't care why you come, just that you do.","28":"It's about Valerie. You know how I suspected Cedric had a handler? That there was someone helping him?","29":"You shared a theory with me. It all felt so dense...","30":"I think I know who it is.","31":"Yeah... I think I do too.","32":"I mean... I know I wasn't my dad's favorite. But... I have had this theory that he was looking for an excuse to disinherit me, put everything he has into my good-for-nothing brother.","33":"Did you have something to corroborate that?","34":"No. I'm not sure that's true, Emily.","35":"It's Valerie I'm talking about.","36":"Valerie?","37":"I nod.","38":"Why?","39":"She basically told me.","40":"She was the person behind Cedric?","41":"I know it's hard to believe.","42":"I'm going to need some evidence for this. Valerie and I are still friends. I'm managing her campaign, as you know.","43":"Why would she do this to me and stick around?","44":"I can't answer that. Valerie isn't who she says she is. Her real name is Balenka.","45":"Emily looks at me like my text-to-speech is malfunctioning.","46":"She puts on a front when she's around us.","47":"Okay... a [i]front?[\/i]","48":"She's callous in real life.","49":"I thought we agreed to run this campaign without personal distortions. I know you're running against her... but this is a bit beyond the pale.","50":"I wouldn't lie about this.","51":"I know. That's why I'm so confused about what you're saying.","52":"We knew Val for years, now you're saying she's not who she says she is. If that was true... I would've been able to tell.","53":"You don't know half the insanity I've been through. The only way things could get weirder is if ghosts and aliens started appearing.","54":"You still haven't given me evidence, {PlayerName}. You haven't even given me a [i]motive[\/i]. If Val was behind Cedric...","55":"...you'd have to prove it. Make your case.","56":"I can't pull out my head everything I know, but {Leah} can back up my claims.","57":"What's her motive, then?","58":"The best answer I have is... [i]philosophy[\/i].","59":"Emily shakes her head, at a loss.","60":"I think my time is up.","61":"Emily...","62":"You'd better go.","63":"She didn't believe me...","64":"I had this feeling she might not... but it wasn't even close.","65":"Just like I didn't, she doesn't want to believe.","66":"I ring the bell.","67":"Emily [i]has[\/i] to be home. It would be against her probation otherwise.","68":"The intercom buzzes.","69":"Hello?","70":"I do a distinctive tap against the metal.","71":"*sigh*. Hold on.","72":"The door opens with a buzz.","73":"So...","74":"Emily looks at me with slight discomfort.","75":"You look like you want to talk about something serious. But we should just forget that whole thing happened.","76":"Are you talking about the threesome?","77":"Don't... put it like that.","78":"Emily, I think you'd rather talk about a threesome than what I'm about to bring up.","79":"I'm sorry to ask this, {PlayerName}, but this really has to be serious for me to give you time right now.","80":"I'm behind and stressed about everything.","81":"It is serious, and I'm about to add to your stress, because this is important.","82":"This doesn't have to do with... [i]feelings...[\/i] does it?","83":"No.","84":"Emily looks more uncomfortable than before, but I think she gets this shit is important.","85":"It's about Cedric.","86":"I don't want to hear about him. If they found him dead or alive, it doesn't matter.","87":"It's about who controls him.","88":"Emily takes a little step back, a silent invitation for me to continue.","89":"This is still really raw...","90":"...I'm trying to put this stuff behind me. I want to be less the bitch that I used to be.","91":"...I'm trying to put this stuff behind me.","92":"Not holding grudges is something I'm working on.","93":"Again, it's not about Cedric.","94":"I have a theory for who controls Cedric. Actually, calling it a ''theory'' is wrong because I know who controls Cedric.","95":"Who?","96":"It's Valerie.","97":"Emily looks at me like I've gone mad.","98":"It was hard for me to believe too.","99":"So I know I'm not confused, please tell me exactly what you're accusing Valerie of.","100":"It was her that masterminded Cedric's actions. She was the one who got him to break into your dad's office. She tried to set you up.","101":"{PlayerName}, I'm her [i]campaign manager[\/i]. This is impossible.","102":"Are you trying to sow division? Because this is way too unsubtle. It is obvious what you're trying to do.","103":"Is that really my style? To work in the background and whisper toxic rumors? I'm telling the truth.","104":"You're right, it's not your style, which is why it's so surprising to [i]see you doing it[\/i].","105":"I know Valerie is behind it. I don't have proof--","106":"Well, you should've stopped there then.","107":"--but {Leah} can corroborate what I'm saying.","108":"{Leah} backs you up?","109":"You can talk to {Leah} if you head to the school of journalism. Don't use your phone.","110":"[i]Don't use my phone?","111":"Talk to her in person. Don't use your phone. She won't pick up.","112":"...I like {Leah}... I respect her... but... I'm going to talk to Valerie about this first.","0":"It's... sorta difficult to believe that Valerie is really behind it all, but that really does seems like the case.","113":"Clearly something has gone wrong, I'm not going to let these problems get worse by ignoring them.","1":"There's no doubt that there's a piece of the puzzle missing. I suppose that's why I feel like I have to reserve judgement on Emily.","114":"There is no mediating, Emily. You don't understand. Valerie is not Valerie, she's Balenka. She isn't the person you think she is.","2":"There's no doubt that there's a piece of the puzzle missing. There's no excusing what she did, but there's a weird feeling I have that things aren't nearly as simple as they seem.","115":"I've known Valerie for years. She isn't a stranger to me and not to you.","3":"There's something more complex at stake. Valerie is my enemy, no doubt about that, but I just have this feeling that there is something odd going on.","116":"Please, this is stressing me out. It's just another thing I have to deal with...","4":"There might come a time where I can despise and blame her without reservation, but that time is not quite here yet.","117":"I just... I'm not sure why it has to be about [i]Valerie[\/i] all the time with you.","5":"Despite the missing puzzle pieces, of all the names that popped into my head of people who need to know what happened... it is [i]Emily[\/i] who sticks out, blinking.","118":"What do you mean?","6":"Emily and I have our differences... but this she deserves to know.","119":"Whenever we talk... we always end up talking about Valerie. Like... isn't there any kind of relationship between us anymore?","7":"I'm lucky to have gotten visitation with Emily on short notice... this sort of thing usually doesn't happen.","120":"I remember... there used to be something between us that we didn't share with Val. But I can't even remember what it was.","8":"It takes a week at least, usually. This time, though, I'm able to.","121":"I just feel her getting [i]pulled into everything[\/i]. This is... the weirdest manifestation of that.","9":"I'm driven by the fact I know she's not in here because of me. It's not going to be a simple as telling her that.","122":"Shit... yeah. Especially recently, the only time that Emily and I have been together is with Valerie in the same room.","123":"Helping Valerie with her campaign has been a mistake, but I'm committed now.","124":"I thought you were coming to my door about [i]us[\/i], but it turned out to be about Valerie, [i]again.","125":"There has to be more to life than this.","126":"I used to have relationships. Friends. Now... I don't know what's happened.","127":"Those student council years were so happy, and I didn't even realize it.","128":"I suppose I thought I was recapturing it by helping Valerie, but it's not the same.","129":"It's... very demoralizing to hear you talking like this. You're putting off pair of shit-tinted lenses over my eyes.","130":"I'm not trying to depress you. I'm trying to warn you.","131":"She sighs tiredly.","132":"I'll ask Val about this.","133":"Don't ask Val. Ask {Leah}.","134":"I'll ask Val.","135":"The door shuts in my face.","136":"I knew this would be difficult... but to see how little that affected her...","137":"This is going to take time for Emily to process... time none of us have.","138":"It's nice to believe that the Silent Brotherhood are going to infight themselves to a standstill, but I doubt that.","139":"But... warning Emily is the only thing I can do. My hope is that she'll be grateful for it later.","140":"The thing is... I might have to defeat Valerie to bring Emily to her senses."},"ch12__12.80 leah costume sex.vne3":{"10":"Oh! That's so easy. Here you go.","11":"Alexis gives me a shockingly plain phone. No matter. I pause to try and remember {Leah}'s number, then I give it a shot.","12":"Have you seen a duck nearby?","13":"Batman, you wouldn't happen to own a cellphone, would you?","14":"[i]Own?[\/i] Or [i]have?[\/i]","15":"I don't care, unless you somehow got Sam's phone again.","16":"These things come to me. They run from their former owners and flee into my possession.","17":"They see that I will use them properly... a tool to bring about global justice.","18":"I have a very just use for a cellphone right now.","19":"Hrmm... as long as you give it back. It's loyal. It'll miss me.","20":"Toasterman hands me a rather well-maintained phone. Maybe he is a good owner.","21":"I pause briefly to try and remember {Leah}'s number...","22":"Uh... who is this?","23":"I'll have to use the default text-to-speech accessibility app, which is way worse than the program I'm used to, but it should be good enough for a quick call.","24":"It's {PlayerName}. I'm using someone else's phone.","25":"I thought you might try something like that. Hey {PlayerName}. Bit preoccupied.","26":"With what?","27":"She does know, whenever I call her on this phone, it means I need to speak to her about something [i]important[\/i], right?","28":"Listen... just... give me a few minutes, alright?","29":"Where are you?","30":"I'm fine, and don't go looking.","31":"I'm going to treat that as a cry for help.","32":"Hold still.","33":"Did I hear Sam in the background?","34":"That was the T.V. I have no idea what you're talking about.","35":"Just because you're smart doesn't mean everyone else is stupid. I'll be right there, okay?","36":"{PlayerName}!","37":"I think I know where {Leah} is... let's see if I'm right.","38":"So... that was gratitude, right?","39":"Yes. Expressing gratitude means doing whatever I say.","40":"That's like... [i]really understandable[\/i]. TikTok says that gratitude is this complicated mumbo jumbo about understanding what you have...","41":"...but I get just doing whatever someone says. That makes sense to me.","42":"Can I suck your dick tonight?","43":"No, not right now.","44":"That's not being very grateful...","45":"Maybe later. I gotta go check something.","46":"Hey... wait!","47":"It sounds like you got what you needed.","48":"Thanks. You're often there exactly when I need you to be.","49":"Yeah, well, next time you put up the bat signal, I'd prefer $20 and slash or a bottle of beer.","50":"I serve the public and get nothing back.","51":"I'll buy you a bottle of Jack, Toasterman.","52":"[i]Toasterman?[\/i] Why'd you call me that?","53":"Oh... I suppose I've never called him Toasterman to his face...","54":"I carry around a toaster at all times, and suddenly, I'm [i]Toasterman?[\/i]","55":"You have to admit it is weird.","56":"Hey... a toaster is a useful tool. Might as well call me [i]Jacket Man[\/i], since I'm always wearing a jacket.","57":"Anyway, thanks.","58":"Right. Off with you... [i]Pants Boy.","59":"The fuck?","60":"Oh no...","61":"You are going to be [i]addicted[\/i] to cosplay after this.","62":"You are so much like {PlayerName}, Christ. You act like a poopy butthole and then you strut around like you're an actual superhero afterward.","63":"What is going on?","64":"This is... [i]the payment[\/i].","65":"You owe me more than money for making those boring costumes for you. You get to moonlight as my canvas.","66":"What do you think, {PlayerName}?","67":"That looks good.","68":"See what I mean?","69":"I had to do this, {PlayerName}. This was what Sam asked me to do.","70":"Oh, go call Geneva.","71":"As fun as this is to watch... are you going to be done soon?","72":"Uh-huh. It's pretty much done. I need her to wear it a bit. See if it's comfortable.","73":"I have to wear this around?","74":"Most girls would [i]kill[\/i] to have a body like yours. [i]Quit yer complainin'!","75":"I had to wear my costume around too.","76":"See? {PlayerName} knows what's good for him.","77":"*sigh* Okay.","78":"We've got important things to discuss, Sam. I'll catch up with you later.","79":"You [i]are[\/i] going to tell me what happened, right? I get really anxious...","80":"No... no... I've got to accept my role... and that's [i]as support.[\/i]","81":"Can you accept it's for the best?","82":"Geez... you got a lot going on. I'm not going to try and be another thing you've got to worry about.","83":"Go and... do the crazy shit you're doing.","84":"Thanks. Come on, {Leah}, it's easier with multiple people.","85":"Thanks.","86":"So... how did things go?","87":"Not the best.","88":"It's just weird to see... how loyal Sandra and Emily are.","89":"That's one of the weirdest things about people. They go back to what they're familiar with... even if it's bad for them.","90":"This costume is all...","91":"It looks good.","92":"You think?","93":"Yeah, [i]really, really[\/i] good.","94":"Stop it!","95":"I'm at loss for what to do next. I know you said we have time... but I don't know how much longer...","96":"There is... something I was considering doing... but... it's a last resort for me.","97":"What is it?","98":"As I said... it's a last resort.","99":"{Leah} is still not telling me things. I really let her off easy with her knowing about Valerie this whole time... but at least I [i]knew[\/i] she was keeping things from me.","100":"What is it this time? And will it blow completely in my face?","101":"I can tell you're... not happy.","102":"It's just... you knew about Valerie [i]the whole time...","103":"I had suspicions. I didn't want to act and make a mistake, like I did with the principal's office.","104":"You could've shared those suspicions.","105":"I wasn't convinced that you'd even accept that. The chances that you would've gone rogue... were pretty high.","106":"Technically, it's you that's gone rogue. This has been my job since the beginning.","107":"Maybe we've both gone rogue. Maybe we've both done things that weren't the best decisions.","108":"Somehow, we've still gotten this far.","109":"Yeah... we have gotten far, haven't we? Despite the mistakes.","110":"Maybe it's that my throat [i]still hurts[\/i]. That's why I'm kinda irritable.","111":"Maybe.","112":"We walk pretty much in silence the rest of the way home.","113":"She goes into her bedroom to wear off the costume and then comes back to the kitchen.","114":"Why do you keep looking at me like that?","115":"Like what?","116":"You're leering at me. Are you angry?","117":"Leering? Shit... not at all... actually...","118":"[i]Yes[\/i], I am leering at her, but it's not because I'm angry.","119":"I don't know what you're talking about.","120":"She takes a final look at me before moving on.","121":"It's not [i]her[\/i] I'm leering at... it's [i]her ass[\/i].","122":"The costume seems to hug every curve of her stunning rear, like it was painted on her.","123":"I almost don't even want to strip it off her, and find myself just wanting to tear it open enough to fuck her in it.","124":"She stops mid step, and cocks her head to the side.","125":"Are you looking at my butt?","126":"I can see you checking me out in the glass.","127":"So she finally noticed. I put on a mute smile.","128":"You're an animal.","129":"Let's go inside.","130":"I guess the costume means you're joining the campaign.","131":"Yeah... that was part of the whole price that Sam wanted.","132":"If I knew you were going to be in that...","133":"{Leah} stares at me, blinkered.","134":"Are you checking me out again?","135":"What?...","136":"Shit, {Leah}, I can't focus on anything with you dressed like that.","137":"Her cheeks flush. But her bashfulness doesn't stop her from cocking her hips, accentuating her curves.","138":"You really like the superhero get-up, huh?","139":"It's kinda sexy...","140":"It's a fun distraction.","141":"Just... don't expect me to put it on all the time, alright?","142":"I suppose... [i]bringing it out occasionally[\/i] could be sort've fun...","143":"[i]Fun[\/i] is a word.","144":"It is a word. And a useful one.","145":"We'll have time for fun later. You're right in thinking it's a distraction.","146":"Give me a minute, I'm gonna take off the costume.","147":"She means... [i]after[\/i] the Fraternity is defeated.","148":"It's hard to imagine something like that... but it can be done.","149":"It's not going to be easy until then...","150":"I'm not going to lie, it's really kind of doing it for me.","151":"Looks like you're finally feeling better, huh? Maybe we can make up for the lost time.","152":"Well... if we're going to do this, the least you could do is return the favor?","153":"Huh?","154":"Come on, [i]Silent Sentinel[\/i], are you really going to ravage Nightingale dressed as your mild mannered secret identity?","155":"[i]Silent Sentinel?[\/i] I guess that name is really starting to stick.","156":"I'm not going to fight it... not under these circumstances.","157":"I take off for my room in a dead sprint, clipping the corner in my haste.","158":"I can still hear {Leah} laughing from the kitchen as I tear down the hall.","159":"I'm out of my civvies and into my costume with heroic speed, fumbling on my belt in my rush to get back to [i]Nightingale[\/i].","160":"After all, duty calls.","161":"I'm so fast that {Leah} appears genuinely surprised when she turns to see me, propped up on the kitchen island like the very image of horny, adolescent male fantasy.","162":"Leaning into it, I pop my best superhero pose. Fully aware of how ridiculous this is, and absolutely loving it.","163":"[i]Leah[\/i] plays right along.","164":"Silent Sentinel! Thank god you're here! I see you got my [i]message[\/i]!","165":"Her eyes then drift down my torso. Those soft cheeks begin to glow.","166":"Did you... run out of room on your belt for your grappling hook launcher?","167":"Sam's form fitting cosplay work makes no attempt to hide my excitement.","168":"The Bat Signal is less conspicuous.","169":"Thank god you're here, Sentinel. I have terrible news.","170":"The Yakuza have poisoned me with a terrible neurotoxin, and if nothing is done, I'm doomed!","171":"{Leah} the roleplayer... a little odd. I think she's having fun with the concept...","172":"...though I remember her saying that we don't really [i]need[\/i] to roleplay to add excitement to our lives...","173":"The only antidote is an immediate injection...","174":"...of super-semen.","175":"Ha! Clearly {Leah}'s vision of comic books comes from the silver age.","176":"{Leah} giggles at the foolishness of it all... and I do too, but still her cheesy joke did get my engine revving.","177":"[i]Well, thank god I arrived in time. There's no time to waste.","178":"Unable to hold back anymore, {Leah} throws herself at me.","179":"Wrapping our arms around each other, we lock in a deep, passionate kiss.","180":"I let my fingers explore down her cheek, then her neck, and then her chest.","181":"Finally finding the zipper to her costume.","182":"Her plump breasts explode from the skin tight catsuit as I peel it off of her.","183":"Those perky, pink nipples standing at full attention when they see me.","184":"Keep the mask on.","185":"You don't like my face?","186":"I need something to remind me that we're supposed to be roleplaying.","187":"We clumsily help each other out of each other's costumes. To be fair, it's practically a two person job just getting in and out of them.","188":"I almost want to leave it on her and fuck her in it, but I doubt it would survive the episode intact, and Sam would kill me.","189":"When I go to pull off my mask though, {Leah} stops me.","190":"Nope, leave it on! That's Superhero 101.","191":"So {Leah} is going to give this superhero stuff a good go-for, huh? I know she's not into it, but it's cool to see she's trying.","192":"I give {Leah} a cheeky grin, and resume savaging her.","193":"Her scent and warm skin drive me wild.","194":"My hands travel down her body, mapping every inch, finally finding her infinitely squeezable ass.","195":"I grope those warm, supple cheeks as hard as I dare, coaxing soft coos from her pouting lips.","196":"My blood now racing, I grab {Leah} by her hindquarters and hoist her into the air.","197":"Her squeals fill the kitchen, giggling like she doesn't have a care in the world, as I turn for my bedroom.","198":"Oh, take me, Silent Sentinel! Make love to me with your super-dick!","199":"I roll my eyes and smirk at the cheesiness. {Leah} laughs too, yelping each time my hungry member bounces up and pokes at her soft ass.","200":"Carrying her into my room, I toss her on my bed. She gives off an adorable yelp when I do.","201":"You're so strong, Silent Sentinel!","202":"Her eyes, now drunk with lust, eye my stiff member hungrily.","203":"Extending a foot, she gently caresses my shaft, causing it to twitch in excitement.","204":"That's... heh...","205":"{Leah} is startin go break character. The roleplay has done its job.","206":"Now, she can't take her eyes off of my dick, as she uses both feet to tease my throbbing manhood.","207":"She flashes me a cheeky grin, her cheeks positively flush with arousal.","208":"Deftly, using her dainty little toes to make me so hard it almost hurts.","209":"I grab her feet and tug her to me, sending her into another fit of giggles while I kiss her soles.","210":"So rough!","211":"The feet stuff... confuses me...","212":"Yeah, I think the roleplay has dropped at this point.","213":"Spreading those stunning legs, I bend down to taste {Leah}.","214":"She shudders in passion when my lips find her slit.","215":"Oh god!... Yes! Just like that!","216":"My tongue explores her wet clit, each prod or suckle at her sending more shivers through her nubile body.","217":"A hand slides up her soft belly and finds one of her ample breasts. Groping and squeezing at the soft, heavenly mound.","218":"Whatever words she tries to say get lost in her throat, and only make it out as moans of pleasure.","219":"Now, it's just completely normal sex. Me licking her out with some mask attached to adhesive.","220":"Truth is... I don't even feel like the roleplay was necessary. Our real lives are intense enough to drive us on.","221":"Danger is the spice of our relationship. We come back from something... we almost lose each other... we get expressive like this.","222":"It feels [i]proper[\/i] this way...","223":"Desperate to return the ecstasy, {Leah} takes me by the shoulders and guides me down on the bed.","224":"She then glides down my torso, and taking my shaft, begins to explore it with her tongue.","225":"My core buckles when her lips wrap around my dick and glide downward slowly, the tremors reaching all the way to my fingertips.","226":"In the moment, it's all the mental capacity I have to watch her affectionately worship my cock with her mouth.","227":"All the while, those beautiful gray eyes stare back up at me, only making me even harder.","228":"My member twitches in excitement while she sucks it, causing her to let out a muffled giggled, tickled pink with the incredible pleasure she's delivering.","229":"And each time her lips glide back down my shaft, it's is a religious experience.","230":"She could ask for the world right now, and I would give it to her.","231":"Eager to please, she tries her best to take as much of my cock as she can, barely able to reach halfway before shuddering and pulling back out.","232":"Still, the sensation of my manhood sliding down her warm, wet throat is otherworldly.","233":"I don't know how to express it, this doesn't just feel like a girl sucking my dick.","234":"I feel like {Leah} is trying to communicate with me... something like... [i]I love you...[\/i]... or [i]I miss you...[\/i]","235":"Either way, it sends all kinds of feelings rushing through me... far more intense than just the physical sensation.","236":"It makes me wonder... if she feels the same when I do it for her?","237":"Reaching her limit, {Leah} finally pulls her head back, letting my wet serpent slide back out of her mouth.","238":"Did you like it?","239":"A nod ''yes'' feels wholly inadequate.","240":"With my dick raging hard, {Leah} mounts me, a hand on my chest as she maneuvers her small body over my cock. Slowly she presses my manhood to her pussy.","241":"It takes a moment, her tight gash offering some resistance at first.","242":"But finally, my rod slides up inside her in glorious ecstasy.","243":"{Leah} cries out as she's penetrated, and I feel her arms buckle as she slowly lowers herself around my shaft. ","244":"Ultimately, this is what it's all about. All the shit they pumped through me in the hospital means nothing now.","245":"I feel alive, full of energy, and ready to take things on. Ready for more danger, ready to take the next step...","246":"...[i]ready to be a fucking hero...","247":"Yeah, I guess I really am digging this superhero theme, huh?","248":"A beautiful symphony of cooing and moaning escapes her lips, wavering breaths as if the girth of me is driving the very air from her lungs.","249":"Every few millimeters, a spasm of pleasure causes her pussy to shudder and grip tightly at my meat.","250":"Until finally, I feel those warm cheeks press down against my pelvis, signaling that my cock is now buried completely inside her.","251":"Holy fuck... oh god, you're so deep!","252":"I am deep... I'm plunged all the way inside her, a warmth not replicable in any other way...","253":"I feel [i]perfect[\/i] like this. It's not as intense as the first time we fucked, but it feels [i]right.","254":"Like... I could stay like this for a million years, just inside her...","255":"She has me wrapped up, warm and safe.","256":"Once {Leah} grows accustomed to the size, she begins slowly undulating her pelvis up and down on my scepter. Those soft cheeks slapping playfully against my thighs.","257":"And with each pump of her hips, she picks up speed.","258":"Drawn by her beautiful, bouncing breasts, I lean up and start playing with one of her perky melons.","259":"Sucking on her stunning titties coaxes all kinds of affectionate coos from her .","260":"Grabbing her by that slender waist, I flip {Leah}'s petite frame around, and bend her over.","261":"While my hands begin toying with her throbbing pussy, I start to toss her salad.","262":"Her hips quiver as I continue playing with her.","263":"Oh... that's... so...","264":"Ready to re-enter her, I press my cock back to her hot gash. She moans passionately when I do.","265":"Even after pounding that vag before, she's still tight, and I have to push my cock back inside her.","266":"Re-entering her from behind causes {Leah} to tense up, as if my rod flipped some switch inside of her.","267":"She gasps deeply, like she just jumped into a pool of cool water.","268":"I don't think I could ever be done with {Leah}, but I think I've proven now how little we need roleplay. [i]Excitement[\/i] is something we can use [i]less[\/i] of.","269":"True, {Leah}'s costume put me well in the mood, but now that we're really going at it, I know it's enough for both of us to keep it simple.","270":"Being together is all we need... the dress-up is just for fun.","271":"See {Leah} [i]without[\/i] the clothes will always be my favorite.","272":"But as I slide the length of my manhood deep inside, she shivers and moans.","273":"As if my cock itself has short circuited her central nervous system.","274":"Once {Leah}'s mind recovers from the mind numbing wave of pleasure that rocks her, she reaches back, grabbing a handful of my hair and pulling herself up to me.","275":"She moans into our kiss while I start pumping her.","276":"But as {Leah}'s limbs grow weak from the pounding, she collapses back down on the bed into a limp mess.","277":"I stay right on her, feverishly pounding her pussy, causing her tits to jiggle back and forth on her chest.","278":"In the middle of fucking her, I reach down to fiddle with her clit. Flipping her bean while I spear her over and over again.","279":"It's enough to send her over the edge, and {Leah} is rocked by a powerful orgasm, causing her whole body to buck and quiver on my cock.","280":"When her mind returns to her, she gazes up at me in a drunken, post-climax haze.","281":"This... is...!","282":"I'm an expert at non-verbal communication, and I can tell I'm pushing {Leah} off a sexual cliff.","283":"Now, I'm playing the part of the villain, watching her plummet.","284":"She spasms, loses complete control, shakes, and still isn't done.","285":"She's a ragdoll, flailing in response to the electric stimulus my cock is sending through her body.","286":"{Leah}'s little fingers glide down to caress her hypersensitive pussy. I grin at each quiver, each after shock of pleasure she conjures from herself.","287":"I love... [i]this...","288":"I do too... and as I'm about to release...","289":"...I feel like I might reach a kind of Nirvana. I'm not sure why it's always [i]{Leah}[\/i] that does it for me...","290":"She's always been the one... that'll take me to places I've never been...","291":"We're swimming in a cocktail of sexual pleasures and hormones... emotions and feelings... basically everything.","292":"Drenched in these sensations, I'm about ready to collapse in to a black hole of nothingness.","293":"It's getting to be too much... she's going to finish me off, and the one choice I have left is...","294":"...how I want it to happen.","295":"Cum inside her.","296":"Cum all over her.","297":"I climb on top of {Leah}, intent to pump her full of my cum, and start feverishly railing her.","298":"Yes...!","299":"It doesn't take long, those stunning eyes staring into my soul, with her hot, wet snatch sucking at my cock, beckoning for me to finish.","300":"Thrusting deeply, I let off a final growl, and fire off a powerful blast of hot seed deep inside of {Leah}.","301":"When the raging orgasm finally subsides, I collapse back down on top of her.","302":"I feel those slender arms pull me to her so tightly it almost hurts, cooing affectionately while she feverishly kisses me.","303":"Collapsing back down on the bed in a sweaty mess, I hear {Leah} giggle.","304":"That's... just... so...","305":"She can't finish her thoughts. She doesn't really need to.","306":"I'm already on the verge of cumming when I decide, more than anything in the world, I want to see {Leah} drenched in my cum.","307":"Whipping my cock out of her, I aim it up towards her face and start to pump. She responds by biting her lip and presenting herself in anticipation.","308":"Give me all of it. I don't care... I just... [i]need it...[\/i]","309":"Her encouragement is all I need to push me over the edge.","310":"With a throaty moan, I fire off my load.","311":"The thick, sticky geyser of {PlayerName} batter explodes from my cock, hurtling towards {Leah}'s waiting body.","312":"The sandy-haired co-ed squeals in delight as the hot ropes begin whipping across her perky, jiggling tits.","313":"My body is awash with a warm, tingling sensation, draping furious pearly lassos of spunk all over {Leah}'s stunning figure.","314":"And by the time the final lazy string of jizz wearily splatters on her tummy, I am on the verge of physical collapse.","315":"Panting like a dog, my facilities return to the scene of an absolutely cum-soaked {Leah}, staring up at me with a shocked grin on her face.","316":"What... did you... do to me?","317":"I don't know, but god damn if I'm not proud of it.","318":"{Leah} looks radiant afterwards, even once she gets her clothes on.","319":"Glad to see you recovered.","320":"Full recovery, with your help.","321":"She nods with a smile.","322":"I'd like to think so... but... you seem like you were doing well even before we started.","323":"Still, happy to take the credit!","324":"Also happy to put on that costume if this is the result each time...","325":"You know, I was thinking about it, I kinda realize that pretending to be superheroes isn't necessary for us.","326":"Because we're superheroes in real life?","327":"I was going to say because our lives are exciting enough, but sure.","328":"There is... one thing I wanted to say... I didn't want to spoil the mood too much.","329":"You seemed... anxious... and I...","330":"It's fine, {Leah}, if this is about any feeling of responsibility for what happened to me...","331":"But... you don't understand... [i]I already knew about Valerie...","332":"What do you mean?","333":"Just that... I had suspicions I didn't voice.","334":"I tried to tell you before...","335":"That's what you meant when you said you knew about Valerie...","336":"Yeah. And then you told me she was the president, and that completely sidetracked me.","337":"Well... okay... you had suspicions about Valerie that you didn't tell me. Why?","338":"I know things about Valerie that you don't.","339":"So this is what you kept from me. Why?","340":"Because I needed to be sure, I didn't want to hurt your friendship in case I was wrong.","341":"So you're saying you didn't actually know... I'm confused...","342":"What is the thing that you know about her that I don't? You knew her dad was Amiran, right? How did you know that?","343":"{Leah} pulls her lips together in consideration.","344":"So... this is something you can't tell me?","345":"I promised I wouldn't say.","346":"To who?","347":"V... Valerie...","348":"You made a promise to [i]Valerie[\/i]... the person who kidnapped me, not to give me a crucial piece of information?","349":"...Yes.","350":"That's insane.","351":"I know how it looks! Even so, I don't know if telling you... would've even helped.","352":"Well... she's probably right about that. It was going to take a lot for me to see the truth of Valerie, just as it's going to take a lot for Emily and Sandra.","353":"It's still hard to believe...","354":"I have a responsibility, right? To keep you safe... I take that more seriously than anything, and I failed.","355":"I keep you safe, {Leah}. It's not the other way around.","356":"Well, fine, if that's what you want to think. I'm only trying to say that I need to keep my own word too. Protecting Valerie's privacy is also important...","357":"Privacy?","358":"Yes. I know Valerie's private information. As a journalist, I have to keep it secret unless it's in the public's interest to know.","359":"This information lead you to believe that Valerie was Silent1, though.","360":"It caused me to [i]suspect[\/i] her. It did not constitute proof.","361":"I don't know if that makes sense or not... I wish I knew what she was talking about.","362":"Wait a sec... how would {Leah} even know secret information about Valerie... unless...","363":"I understand now.","364":"What?","365":"The principal's office. When you broke into it... you didn't learn what you wanted to learn about the school...","366":"...but you must've read Valerie's private file.","367":"{Leah} gives what almost looks like a [i]proud smile[\/i].","368":"...Essentially, yes. That's where I learned about Amiran.","369":"Now... things are starting to make sense...","370":"How weird it is that {Leah} knew this the whole time? I have to wonder what else she's keeping secret...","371":"I don't know how to feel about this, {Leah}. I'm... pretty tired. Maybe we should save this for some other time.","372":"Except... things can happen so quickly. Who know what opportunities I might miss?","373":"In any case, I don't know if I'm going to get any more information out of {Leah}. She takes her journalistic ethics seriously.","374":"If it ever becomes relevant, I promise I'll tell you everything I know.","375":"That's the best I can get out of her.","376":"I give her a short-lived grin before she leaves.","0":"Not an especially successful day. I've got a lot to report to {Leah}.","1":"I just... wish I had a functioning phone on me. I feel naked without one.","2":"Anxious, even.","3":"If I could just borrow one for a moment...","4":"You're... like... [i]elusive.","5":"Alexis? Perfect timing, I need your phone.","6":"I had... like... [i]questions for you...","7":"Yes, thanks, could I borrow your phone?","8":"I've been watching some TikTok videos on how to be grateful so... I'm supposed to say... how much you mean to me.","9":"The best way to do that is to let me borrow your phone."},"ch12__12.85 amiran meeting.vne3":{"3":"No wonder I couldn't do it. What kind of case could I make?","4":"Yet there's no doubt that [i]she's the one.[\/i] She [i]must[\/i] be Silent1. She was the person who hurt {Leah} and everyone else.","5":"Even if there are mitigating circumstances, that can't be forgiven.","6":"[i]But there is something else, isn't there?[\/i] Otherwise, Valerie just doesn't make any sense at all...","7":"The problem is there's too many layers of complexity. I can't buy Valerie's story, not just emotionally... rationally.","8":"The ugly, bizarre, creepy person I talked to in the hospital [i]wasn't Valerie[\/i]. There's got to be multiple Valeries, and I don't mean secret evil twins.","9":"She says Valerie is just a mask, that the ugly one was real. I'm not sure I've seen her real face yet.","10":"I'm not going to sleep until this is resolved.","11":"I knock on {Leah}'s door. I hear her slipping into clothes.","12":"What is it?","13":"You can't tell me anything more, right?","14":"Uh...","15":"...um... you couldn't sleep?","16":"I can't stop thinking about this. I'll start doubting you if it gets any worse.","17":"Amiran is the person we need to talk to next.","18":"...Amiran... is...","19":"I don't know what your secret is, and I trust that it's not relevant, but I need to know the full story. Amiran is the only one who might actually know it.","20":"Amiran's not going to tell you what I know about Valerie-","21":"I get it, that's not what I'm talking about. What I want to learn is what Amiran will tell me.","22":"{Leah} understands now I'm [i]incapable[\/i] of resting until I know exactly what's going on.","23":"I'm going to send a message to Amiran using RECENTLY.","24":"That's risky. They'll know...","25":"I don't care. I'm going to do it anyway. The alternative is just to not rest at all.","26":"The Fraternity will read the message.","27":"They got fucked up every time we've handled them. Things won't change.","28":"If they were competent, they would've gotten us. They're good at sneaking around and sniping from the shadows and spreading lies and rumors. They aren't good at direct confrontation.","29":"{Leah} seems as though she wants to formulate an argument against me, but there's none.","30":"I'm going to go with you. Don't dissuade me.","31":"I wouldn't even try.","32":"{Leah} and I pull out the laptop. After some consideration, we just write:","33":"''AMIRAN, LET'S MEET RIGHT NOW. ALLEY OUTSIDE SEVIGNY'S''","34":"With that done, without even waiting for confirmation, we head to the location.","35":"It's dark, and there's no one in sight.","36":"We're likely to get a bigger army of thugs than last time.","37":"I don't have a gun...","38":"The gun wouldn't help anyway.","39":"We don't know that until we need it, {Leah}. Don't be silly.","40":"Do you think shooting a bunch of those cultists is going to be a solution? You'll just give law enforcement the excuse they need to intervene again.","41":"They wouldn't need an excuse anyway.","42":"I don't know how many movies you've seen, but in the real world, shootouts tend to have a low life expectancy.","43":"Taking them out with me would be a solid consolation.","44":"{Leah} [i]clearly[\/i] doesn't think so, but she seals her mouth shut.","45":"...Especially as noises appear at the mouth of the alley.","46":"Shuffling boots, heavy, drag against the ground.","47":"Someone has responded to the message. I can only hope it's...","48":"Both of you... why are you here? This is dangerous. Unless...","49":"We put up the message, Amiran. We need to get somewhere safer, before the Fraternity has a chance to act.","50":"No... I don't think so. You deceived me.","51":"Deceived?","52":"No, Amiran... I don't understand...","53":"You told me you were against the people in the application... you were their opponents.","54":"But you're a member of the Fraternity. You're one of the ones holding Balenka. This has been an elaborate trick.","55":"That's not true. {Leah} and I are not fraternity members.","56":"No. This is wrong. One of you [i]is...","0":"How does someone go from being a refugee's daughter to being the president of an evil secret society?","1":"I'm supposed to be trying to sleep, but this question is keeping me up... I'm staring at the ceiling... thinking about it.","2":"I went to Sandra, went to Emily, and I tried to persuade them something I can't fully believe myself."},"ch12_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch12_start.vne3":{"10":"Check synopsis.","11":"Skip.","12":"So much riding on a knife's edge. Our lives, our futures, who we would be after?","13":"A million things could have gone wrong in our daring heist to steal {Leah}'s hard drive out of the Shale Police Station's evidence locker. But nothing did.","14":"We actually did it. We actually pulled it off.","15":"But even though we succeeded, {Leah} and I... we're not the same as before that night.","16":"Maybe it was the pressure, crushing us together like atoms, all the energy that has been vibrating beneath the surface, finally exploding.","17":"It was that moment. The threshold of who {Leah} and I were before, and who we are now.","18":"I have to pinch myself just to remind myself this isn't a dream. It's hard not to see myself as a different person now.","19":"Does {Leah} feel the same? This isn't her first Breaking and Entering I suppose.","20":"We might have gotten {Leah} clear of the police's investigation for now, but we both knew things were far from over.","21":"While they couldn't use the hard drive against {Leah} any longer, Silent1 and the Fraternity weren't about to give up.","22":"But we decided we weren't going to wait around for Silent1 to come up with a better plan to bury us. We had to act.","23":"We contemplated trying to bait the Fraternity again, but giving them a [i]real[\/i] target. Not some ditzy cheerleader like Alexis.","24":"As much as I disliked the prospect, our best and only real option to entice the Fraternity was using Valerie as bait. If there was a person on campus the Fraternity couldn't say no to joining their ranks, it would be her.","25":"But getting Valerie to be bait for the Fraternity is going to be the easy part. With the Philosophy club front shut down, we didn't have the slightest Idea of how to approach the Fraternity without broadcasting our trap.","26":"We weren't the only ones escalating things.","27":"Our resident G-man, the USPIS agent who was Lidia's handler, made himself known.","28":"Agent Max Caulfied must be Kestrel.","29":"The feds, no longer satisfied to slink around in shady vans, or dark corners, have begun to openly investigate.","30":"I'm sure their new aggressiveness was inspired by the disappearance of a certain hard drive from the SHPD's evidence locker.","31":"Meanwhile, Sam's weird superhero campaign has taken a life of its own..","32":"She went as far as employing her cosplay craftsmanship to the cause.","33":"So confident was she in the idea, she decided to toss my clothes and stand me in my own... [i]Super Suit[\/i]. I was forced to go about the rest of my day dressed like a masked crusader.","34":"Linus and I had a good laugh about it, until Carmen walked into the IT lab to see me wearing it.","35":"She thought it meant I wasn't serious about finding Sandra, that I was just the next person to give up.","36":"And all the while, her child was just behind that slab of fake wood a feet away, listening in person to the anguish tearing at her mother's throat.","37":"But Sandra still can't bring herself to face her mother. And for now, I must carry the burden of her secret, and the guilt for reopening those old wounds for Carmen.","38":"Things continued to get complicated when Val vanished.","39":"Called away on some kind of family business apparently. It figures, just when I needed to talk to her most...","40":"And I'm not the only one looking for her either.","41":"My new friend at the USPIS was apparently also looking to have a word with our raven haired student council president.","42":"Things are... volatile.","43":"Back home, walking into the kitchen dressed as a masked vigilante called for an explanation.","44":"Which is where I had to come clean with {Leah} that I was running for student council president.","45":"She cautioned me against the endeavor. Our current situation aside, she was quick to remind me how my ambitions for politics had driven me to dark places in the past.","46":"I think I've changed since then though. I'm not the same person I was in high school.","47":"But {Leah} seems weary that my old demons may not have been entirely exorcized.","48":"With little to do but wait for Valerie to get back, I busied myself with what I could.","49":"In a spot of good news, I caught Haley taking singing lessons.","50":"With a little goading, I was even able to get her to tentatively agree to do a show, provided I get her the venue.","51":"... And while I didn't know a thing about booking shows or putting on concerts, I had someone I could ask.","52":"With superhuman enthusiasm, Dante quickly volunteered his services in setting up Sevigny's for Haley's first performance.","53":"In a revelation that shouldn't be shocking at all at this point, the enigmatic bartender spent time as a roadie, and had me entrust him with the technical considerations for Haley's debut show.","54":"The situation with Lidia wasn't quite as encouraging.","55":"In an anxious and sudden meeting, she informed us that her handlers were growing impatient with the lack of intelligence she's provided.","56":"If she didn't produce something they could use soon, she might lose her deal as a CI and have to go to prison.","57":"{Leah} and I put our heads together to find something we could give to Lidia that she could take back to her handlers.","58":"It had to be juicy enough to get the feds off of Lidia's back, but nothing that could incriminate us.","59":"What else could we do? We fed him information about the disappearances.","60":"...and to steer them to the Philosophy club in particular.","61":"{Leah} and I could use the fact that we were looking for Carmen's daughter as a cover to explain why we kept showing up in the case.","62":"The feds must have bought it. A short time later, the Philosophy club had a new visitor.","63":"Kestrel would tell you he was just there on [i]business[\/i].","64":"All that took a back seat though, after Valerie showed back up.","65":"It might have been less awkward if it wasn't right in the middle of my election committee meeting where we were discussing how to beat her in the next election.","66":"I knew Valerie wouldn't mind, but even I was surprised to see her glee when she learned that I would be challenging her for her seat next semester.","67":"She seemed to revel in the idea of me getting back in the game.","68":"The news didn't even dissuade her from offering me a position on her reelection committee. She seemed to think it would be... [i]fun[\/i].","69":"But this was all just games as far as I was concerned. When I finally pulled her aside, she was anxious to be updated on the more pressing issues at hand.","70":"It hurt to even ask, but Valerie agreed to be bait in a plan to expose Silent1 and the Fraternity, once and for all.","71":"Even with Val on board, there was still the issue of making contact with the Fraternity without tipping our hand.","72":"But Valerie had an idea. One contact we had that might be able to put us in touch with Silent1.","73":"Sandra had been the indirect cause for why I have RECENTLY on my laptop. Maybe she could give Valerie access to the software as well?","74":"We paid the illusive IT manager a visit.","75":"Sandra up until now hadn't known that Val was aware of her, so it promised to be an interesting reacquaintance between the two old roommates.","76":"However, when we arrived, the reclusive programmer was shockingly agreeable to meeting with us.","77":"More than anything, it seemed like helping us and loading a copy of RECENTLY onto Valerie's laptop was like some kind of chore she had to get done so she could get on with her work.","78":"It didn't take more than a moment for the dangerous piece of software to be loaded up onto Val's machine.","79":"And just like that, the cyberwarfare equivalent of a briefcase nuke was on Valerie's computer.","80":"I gave her a crash course, and instructed her how to reach out to Silent1.","81":"We didn't have to wait long. Within moments, our shadowy adversary responded.","82":"Valerie solicited her pledge. Silent1 asked for a name in exchange.","83":"What life would Valerie give?","84":"She turned to me. Ultimately, this was my plan. I had to be the one to decide which name would be given.","85":"I told her to give them {Leah}'s name.","86":"The Fraternity is already after her. It couldn't put her in any more danger at this point.","87":"Silent1 agreed to our terms with telling speed.","88":"I told her to give them my name.","89":"A moment passed, and Silent1 gave their reply.","90":"They would accept me as the target.","91":"After what happened at Stan's house, I guess they view me more as liability than a potential asset at this point.","92":"With our sacrifice received, the meeting was set for the following evening.","93":"I couldn't help that troubling feeling that things were coming to a head. One way or another, Silent1 and I would finally finish this.","94":"{Leah} didn't want me to go to the meeting alone with Val, But against her better wishes, I was able to talk her into sitting this one out.","95":"Things are already too dangerous, and I had already begrudgingly let Valerie talk me into letting her go with me, and only on the premise that the Fraternity would be expecting her.","96":"The hour we arranged to meet with SIlent1 approached with cruel speed.","97":"Valerie and I soon found ourselves driving deep into the backcountry to our rendezvous.","98":"As we got close to our destination, Valerie grew unusually quiet. It was hard to blame her.","99":"Then tension and dread was so thick you could almost drown in it.","100":"What we found when we arrived... was not what any of us could expect.","101":"Things had clearly not gone as planned.","102":"What had brought Amiran, the mysterious interloper in this whole mystery, to that remote patch of wilderness, I never found out.","103":"The sight of the man had sent Valerie into hysterical terror, and she drove us out of the glade at reckless velocities.","104":"The man chasing us as we sped away, yelling out the name of his daughter...","105":"...His Balenka.","106":"Valerie was rendered a state of near shock by the encounter.","107":"Still too shaken up to talk about it, she asked for me to step out and get some Magnesium tablets to help her anxiety.","108":"I was on my way to pick up her pills, checking my pockets for change.","109":"The $10 bill. Valerie had given it to me some time ago.","110":"It was when I drove her back to Annette Taylor. When Buttsnack had shaken me down for protection money to make sure nothing [i]happened[\/i] to my car.","111":"I complained about it when I went back inside, and Val offered to reimburse me for the extortion. Handing me that very $10 bill.","112":"But I never told her it was $10. Was it just a guess?","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","113":"A terrible idea began to form in my head.","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","114":"Silent1 has been ahead of us at every turn. Seeming to know my moves before even I do.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","115":"...Except for the plans I made with {Leah}.","3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","116":"Every time we've gotten the drop on Silent1, and the Fraternity, it was when working together with {Leah}.","4":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","117":"...Because {Leah} and I communicate in sign language, meaning my phone was not involved.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","118":"How could I have been such a fool?","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","119":"This entire time, almost every word I've communicated, every letter I typed into that stupid text-to-speech app on my smartphone...","7":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","120":"...It could be seen on RECENTLY.","8":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","121":"I've been literally letting SILENT1 sit in on almost every plan I've concocted against them.","9":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","122":"...And as I had the discussion with Buttsnack regarding my extortion through my text to speech app...","123":"...it would also explain how Valerie knew to give me exactly $10 dollars.","124":"I confronted Valerie when I returned with her pills.","125":"Sandra didn't really install RECENTLY on Valerie's Laptop, it had been there all along.","126":"Could she... could she really have been Silent1 this whole time?","127":"Valerie came clean.","128":"She had explained how her father was a monster, and long ago had left her alone in this world when he went to prison.","129":"Around the same time, a mysterious benefactor had furnished a young Valerie with a phone equipped with RECENTLY, and a message that it would help her survive.","130":"Since then, she's been using RECENTLY to stay hidden from Amiran, but eventually, she fell under the thumb of the Fraternity.","131":"She was beholden to their will. And they had forced her to help them by threatening to expose her to her violent father.","132":"Like so many others, Valerie was a victim. Another life wrung out and destroyed by men like Amiran, and those in the Fraternity.","133":"I'm tired. I'm tired of these monsters just using people and discarding them. Tired of them treating us like game pieces. For what? More money? More power?","134":"Well, not anymore. Not Sam. Not {Leah}. Not Valerie. No more games, it's time someone finally did something about...","135":"I get tired too, you know."},"ch13__13.05 shooting.vne3":{"3":"Put the pipe down. We can explain everything.","4":"Is this about the car? There's a reason Valerie and I were in there together.","5":"The car? No, it's not that. This is more than that. I had suspicions before but now... I have [i]proof...","6":"He's not making any sense at all...","7":"Proof? What kind of proof?","8":"But... {Leah} sounds genuinely intrigued... like she has a reason to think... [i]he's not talking madness[\/i]...","9":"...are you taking what Amiran says seriously?","10":"There is no proof, {Leah}. It's impossible, neither of us--","11":"{PlayerName}, I want to know what he's going to say.","12":"He can't tell us [i]anything[\/i], {Leah}.","13":"What is the boy saying? What are you saying?","14":"We want to know... what your proof is...","15":"I want to know what you're [i]saying![\/i] Don't use your code! It could be both of you!","16":"Amiran... someone's coming...","17":"This will not work on me, young woman.","18":"Jesus, Amiran, [i]behind you!","19":"Hrmm?","20":"Flashes of light accompany the crashing of very tiny pieces of thunder. It's like Thor is peppering us with tiny, pathetic pieces of lightning.","21":"I know damn well one of those little ''pieces'' is more than enough to take me out for good.","22":"The questions in my head that felt so agonizing and big seconds ago are overwhelmed by [i]where[\/i] and [i]cover[\/i].","23":"I dive, flinging myself into the bins.","24":"No... not... not again...","25":"{Leah} is taking this situation with the gravity it deserves. By every right, my life should be flashing before my eyes, but I've seen it flash so many times before...","26":"Even these near-death experiences mean less and less to me.","27":"I cup {Leah}'s shoulder, squeeze her shoulder tight, as I wait for the shots to fade...","28":"...but will they stop before one of us gets hit? I feel the impact as the bullet punches through the can.","29":"This isn't cover. This is using paper to block a punch.","30":"Jesus, we have to make a run for it!","31":"Over there!","32":"A safe route out? Unlikely... but it's possible. ","33":"I cry out in my head. Luckily, {Leah} gets the picture.","34":"I have no idea if they notice us running. All I know is... the gun falls silent. I hear the liberating sound of all the other murmurs and mumbles of the city.","35":"When I gain a presence of mind, I notice I'm gripping her shoulder. {Leah} is not taking this quite as well as me... I feel her sweating, her breathing unsteady.","36":"Me? I feel... oddly fine.","37":"Huh.","38":"What alarms me more are the sirens that begin to rush in like a far-away tide. That's much worse.","39":"I pat {Leah} on the shoulder.","40":"Jesus...","41":"It's fine. They weren't going to stick around.","42":"How can you be so calm... those were bullets, {PlayerName}!","43":"We should get going.","44":"Uh... yeah... of course...","45":"...I'm just... you know... rattled.","46":"It's fine. Let's get out of here while we can.","47":"The street traffic has hardly slowed. Did they think those were all engine backfires?","48":"Worse, the sirens are getting closer. I know enough about the fuzz to know I can't explain this to the police.","49":"Frank's office... I think is the best place to go.","50":"As expected of {Leah}, she has her head on her shoulders no matter what happens.","51":"Given how freaked she was... I can't help but be impressed.","52":"Let's get going then.","53":"Both {Leah} and I know how to walk casual like it was the world's most important skill. Now that I know the trick to stealth is being ignored rather than being unseen, I'm picking up {Leah}'s techniques.","54":"We watch with [i]casual[\/i] interest as police cars roll by... because not looking at all would've been more suspicious.","55":"{Leah} finally feels safe.","56":"How did you do it? You were completely calm.","57":"I was?","58":"It was freaky. [i]Crazy[\/i] how calm you were.","59":"I was...","60":"...[i]bored[\/i].","61":"Bored? Are you insane? [i]Bored?","62":"I guess that's the wrong word to use... but it was just tiresome.","63":"[i]Fed up[\/i] feels a lot better. I'm fed up with the shit that we have to go through, and nobody else.","64":"Why is it always just us? Why aren't other people getting fucked up by the Fraternity?","65":"My first thought when it all went down was... [i]this again[\/i].","66":"But... I guess with everything you've been through... you can't really afford to freak out every time something crazy happens.","67":"Honestly, {Leah}, I've got no idea what I'm doing. Every time this happens I feel like I'm coming up sevens.","68":"You've... leapfrogged me in this adrenaline addiction thing, haven't you?","69":"It's not supposed to be a competition.","70":"Let me be perfectly clear. You're wrong about it only being us. I don't have to give you a list of names the Fraternity tried to hurt. [i]Valerie[\/i] tried to hurt.","71":"The old roll call goes in my head: Stan, Sandra, Maggie, Haley, Sam, Lidia...","72":"...who knows how many more? The fact I know so many personally is an illustration of how far the tendrils go.","73":"She's right that we're not the only ones, but it still feels like we're doing the bulk of the suffering.","74":"Let's go to Frank's office so I can unclench my asshole.","75":"Heh... of course.","0":"That's not true. {Leah} and I are not fraternity members.","1":"No. This is wrong. One of you [i]is...","2":"Amiran... this is crazy. We're not... we're not members of the Fraternity..."},"ch13__13.10 the member.vne3":{"10":"Thanks, Frank.","11":"Don't thank me, damn it. I can't lose a good student.","12":"Frank is not trying to be humble, that's as stern a warning as I've heard from him.","13":"I'm... sorry... but...","14":"Yes, that wasn't [i]fireworks[\/i], that much I could tell. Fourth of July was some time ago. I was just hoping that you wouldn't be the ones directly involved...","15":"We couldn't help it. We had to--","16":"If people who want to shoot you know where to find you, you've done something wrong. Whether you did the shooting or not.","17":"We had to talk to Amiran.","18":"It was [i]Amiran[\/i] who shot at you?","19":"No... of course not.","20":"But he still was a threat to us. The guy pulled a weapon on us, talked crazy shit. You can't forget that.","21":"It was someone else... a third party. I think they tracked us through RECENTLY...","22":"To meet Amiran, we had to use the app to arrange it... and it would've been easy to trace where we were.","23":"You knew these risks?","24":"We've done risky things before.","25":"Yes, we all take risks, but advertising to this Fraternity your [i]next move[\/i] is foolish beyond belief.","26":"You might as well tell them how to best make whatever happened to you look like an accident.","27":"I feel like-","28":"What? That {Leah} and I can [i]handle whatever happens?[\/i] It definitely feels like it sometimes, but saying it out loud...","29":"...I feel like that's asking to jinx myself...","30":"If you gamble your life like this, I hope it's for a good reason. Did you get something? Was it worth it?","31":"We got...[delay,500] [char,Leah_Casual_Uncomfortable]uh...","32":"{Leah} starts off confident, like she knew the answer... only to realize that she [i]didn't[\/i].","33":"She looks at me now, searching in me for an answer. I'm not sure mine is any better.","34":"We did learn that Amiran thinks one of us is in the Fraternity.","35":"That is something, but still, was that little fact worth your life? Is there something useful we can get out of that?","36":"It could be a vital clue of some kind...","37":"Even if it was small, it was something. And... maybe that's a piece of a bigger picture, right?","38":"Frank just stares.","39":"Oh... come on... we discovered [i]something.[\/i] Maybe this is the one little thing we need to crack the case.","40":"This is making me feel kinda... I don't know. I feel like I'm being judged.","41":"Accurate. What did you expect to learn from Amiran?","42":"Just... how Valerie got to be... the way she is...","43":"Do you think Amiran knows that?","44":"What do you mean?","45":"Just that--","46":"No... I get it. I realize now. I was thinking it along the way but... I didn't say it because I still thought we could get something out of Amiran.","47":"I'm so stupid...","48":"Get what?","49":"What {Leah} realized was this--","50":"No, Mr. Craven... I'll explain to {PlayerName}.","51":"Why am I out of the telepathic loop that these two share? Am I just not on the same wavelength?","52":"It's quite possible... we know Valerie better than Amiran does.","53":"He's her dad, though.","54":"Amiran was absent from Valerie's life. If Valerie did have a change of heart, it might have been after he was sent to prison.","55":"He was not around to see her go from Balenka to Valerie to Silent1.","56":"That's right.","57":"I should've thought about that...","58":"There is a lot that Amiran knows about Valerie that we don't, things I can't describe. But make no mistake, Amiran is a stranger to the Valerie we know today.","59":"What was this formative event, then? What made Balenka become Silent1?","60":"Amiran must have some insight into that. He was with her for the first part of her life. He should know.","61":"I see your point.","62":"When I first met Amiran, I was a foreign correspondent. I met with him to get some information about some economic crisis that was going on in Ketyristan.","63":"We became friends... even after I left Ketyristan we maintained contact. Days before the Ashberani conflict started, I received a call from him.","64":"Amiran knew the situation in the country was dangerous, and he told me he was worried about his family. He begged for a way to get out of the country.","65":"Asking me was still a long shot. We were on friendly terms, but not quite [i]friends[\/i]. We had collaborated on some projects and had dinner a few times, but that was all.","66":"When he called and asked for help, I tried to refuse at first, but I couldn't let myself. So... I chartered a flight for him.","67":"You [i]chartered a flight[\/i] for him?","68":"Sorry... it's better to say that I had someone else charter that flight.","69":"I convinced a wealthy man that he could gain the eternal debt and gratitude of a number of talented ex-Soviet scientists, if only he paid for the flight.","70":"I'm sorry I can't say exactly who he is... anonymity was important to him. But I have the documentation still and it shouldn't be too difficult to figure out who he is.","71":"Anyway, the only caveat I made was that Amiran and his family would be aboard. It was a very good deal for him.","72":"Amiran and Balenka... [i]Valerie[\/i] as you know her... managed to board it on time. I heard the journey to the airport was... harrowing.","73":"It was just Amiran and Valerie? Did she have a mom? Siblings?","74":"I... don't know.","75":"How do you not know? You're his friend, right?","76":"Frustration is getting to me...","77":"Whether he had family or not... was never relevant to the work we did together. I didn't pry into his personal life as I never needed to.","78":"I did ask him after the fact, and he strongly indicated that he'd prefer not to talk about it.","79":"I'm no dummy. I can read between the lines.","80":"That's more than a [i]formative[\/i] experience. Formative is when you go to Disneyworld for the first time. Going through an ordeal like that would be...","81":"It'd break you.","82":"Precisely. That's why... when Amiran was put up for arson, I didn't question it.","83":"So desperate to support his family he resorted to burning down his competitors.","84":"That's exactly what I imagined.","85":"Is this it, {Leah}? Was this the info you can't tell me?","86":"Uh...","87":"...I'm so tempted to tell you it is... but that would be a lie.","88":"I can't even imagine what is so bad about Valerie that you'd keep it from me, even now.","89":"It isn't like that! It's [i]personal[\/i]. Strictly personal.","90":"But you said that you suspected Valerie because of it, so how can it be personal?","91":"I can't answer that without just revealing what it is. It's complicated!","92":"What are you talking about?","93":"I know something about Valerie I promised to keep a secret.","94":"Are you sure it's not relevant?","95":"It [i]is[\/i] and [i]isn't[\/i] relevant at the same time.","96":"That intrigues me even more.","97":"I know, right?","98":"You are... seriously overblowing this thing. It's a lot smaller than you think.","99":"If you told us, we'd never tell anyone else.","100":"Ah... [i]Frank![\/i] For God's sake, that's not how secrets work!","101":"Well, that was my best shot. {PlayerName}, it's up to you now to pry this from her.","102":"Please don't do this to me.","103":"Can you tell us what the secret ISN'T about?","104":"If she thinks it's not relevant, I believe her.","105":"Pretty please, can you tell us?","106":"No!","107":"Is it [i]not[\/i] health related?","108":"I won't answer that!","109":"Is it [i]not[\/i] something sexual?","110":"Ew, no!","111":"Now we're narrowing things down. At least we know it's not sexually motivated.","112":"That's the only freebie I'm giving you, is that it's [i]not sexual[\/i], and that was purely by accident.","113":"From now on, I'm holding a disciplined stance of [i]no comment[\/i].","114":"It was good while it lasted.","115":"Thank God.","116":"A bit surprising, given how far you're willing to go for the truth in other circumstances, but fine.","117":"I... I can't dignify that with an answer.","118":"Begging. Yes. This could work. Go on, {PlayerName}, beg harder.","119":"I'll get on my hands and knees. Please.","120":"This is serious! It's not time for tongue and cheek shit... [i]people shot at us!","121":"Any one of us could have died. {PlayerName}, me, Amiran...","122":"It is quite different from breaking into a principal's office, isn't it?","123":"Uh...","124":"If you're finally starting to realize that this isn't like any other situation you've been in, then I think I've done my job.","125":"It's time to start calculating your risks.","126":"What do you mean?","127":"What I mean is... the fastest way to learn something is always going to be the brute-force method. Stealing, lying, breaking and entering, and so on. These are also the most risky methods.","128":"You have to compare the outcomes to the risks you're taking.","129":"Instead, you've been taking the most dangerous option presented to you, just because!","130":"But... I just feel like... we're stuck... and while we're stuck... Professor Rogham is going to gain more influence...","131":"We can't be idle while the Fraternity acts!","132":"But they're in exactly the same game as us.","133":"I furrow my brow, unsure where Frank is going with this. He clarifies.","134":"Taking action is also risky for them. They, too, have to weigh outcomes with the likelihood of success.","135":"There is no human being in this world powerful enough to act with impunity. Fortune favors the bold, not the stupid.","136":"Are you asking for us to wait for the Fraternity to make a mistake?","137":"This shooting... if it wasn't random, then it was a gamble, a gamble which they just lost.","138":"Or maybe it could have been just a warning.","139":"We don't know. They have an incentive to lay low, and wait for [i]you[\/i] to act.","140":"But... if we don't act... then...","141":"You can't seriously expect us to wait around. {Leah} is right, there's guns involved, we can't trust the police, we can't--","142":"...Your concerns are well-founded. That's all true. And yet, your best move might be to wait.","143":"This is ridiculous, Mr. Craven. We have to be proactive... you can't win a chess game by not making moves.","144":"That's right! If you never go on the offense, you never win.","145":"Just because you can [i]never[\/i] win without going on the offense doesn't mean attacking is always the best thing to do.","146":"Okay, so let's stand still while they encircle us and kill us. Maybe they'll trip and fall.","147":"Please listen to me. I understand you've been provoked, I understand it's hard to do nothing, but rash action is exactly the sort of thing they want from you.","148":"This is... all speculative... we have no idea what the Fraternity will do until they do it. It feels so much safer to...","149":"...to [i]attack[\/i].","150":"I'm not in the same situation you are. If it's your judgement to go out in the open and fight, then you should do so.","151":"I hope you know I'm only pointing out the downsides.","152":"Yes, I realize, you are playing the Devil's advocate somewhat.","153":"...I didn't mean to get heated.","154":"I'd be heated too.","155":"There is a pause in the conversation, {Leah} reflecting with a crestfallen gaze.","156":"Would you mind, Frank, if we spent the night here? I think we'd rest easier if we didn't have to go home quite yet.","157":"I don't want to take up any more of Frank's hospitality. I already stayed without--","158":"It's fine. I don't mind at all.","159":"Stay as long as you wish.","160":"Mr. Craven, you do realize people are probably trying to kill us...","161":"Most likely. That is why I'm letting you stay the night.","162":"I don't want to minimize what [i]this[\/i] means to you. You don't have to help us.","163":"Don't insult my intelligence. I know what I'm doing.","164":"{Leah}, you can tell {PlayerName} where the shower is.","165":"With a speed surprising for a man in his health, he heads to the door and leaves.","166":"...Goodnight.","167":"I guess he didn't want an argument.","168":"Yeah.","169":"I expect {Leah} to try to find some vindication, to vent about her argument with Frank Craven, but she doesn't.","170":"Her eyes can't quite meet mine, and her fists ball up. There's real frustration...","171":"...even then, what she says, like a string plucked suddenly from her heart, surprises me.","172":"Why does it feel like... everyone knows what they're doing... [i]except me?[\/i]","173":"What are you talking about? You always know what you're doing.","174":"Shit. So... is what I'm feeling [i]how everyone feels?[\/i]","175":"I don't understand what you mean...","176":"I think... I just want to go to bed. When I wake up... my head will be clear.","177":"You take the couch.","178":"No, it's fine. You take the couch.","179":"Rather than argue, I pluck a cushion off the sofa and set it on the floor.","180":"Irritated, {Leah} suddenly does the same thing.","181":"You do know it's a waste if one of us doesn't take the couch.","182":"It's not a waste. If you're going to suffer, I want some of that suffering.","183":"I want your pain and misery. Physical and mental. Neither of us can shoulder this all alone.","184":"It isn't just a saying to her... she means it literally. She means for us both to share body heat in this cold-as-ice cave.","185":"Let's both sleep on the floor.","186":"{Leah} shoots me the first smile I've seen from her since the shooting.","187":"I like that compromise.","0":"We might not have eyes in the back of our heads, but I've learned to have ears like radar dishes and to notice movement like a colorblind predator.","1":"I definitely get how rabbits feel now. Anxiety is just an awareness of danger, and my kind of situational awareness has me constantly on edge.","2":"It's good to have {Leah} here. She understands... I don't just trust her instincts, we both look at the shadow and have the exact same thought.","3":"By the time we've done our rotations around the block, we're both absolutely sure nobody has followed.","4":"I'll get Frank on the little callbox.","5":"Hey Frank... it's me... {Leah}.","6":"There's no response, just a buzz of Frank allowing us in. I quickly get what's going on and prop the door open.","7":"We both head in.","8":"Even before I heard your voice, I knew it had to be you two...","9":"Is he sweating because he's a hundred pounds overweight, or is he sweating because he already knows what happened down there?"},"ch13__13.15 conversion.vne3":{"10":"How about you?","11":"I don't feel any worse. Definitely feel like I've done an hour's worth of my mom's tai chi in.","12":"If you like sleeping on the floor, you'd love a Ketyristani prison.","13":"You didn't [i]have[\/i] to sleep on the floor, you know.","14":"There's only one sofa... so...","15":"The couch is a pullout. Didn't you know?","16":"You could've told us!","17":"Hrmm... yes. It would've been better to assume that you wouldn't know it was a sofa bed.","18":"Yes... but there's only [i]one bed,[\/i] so it doesn't really solve our problems.","19":"Oh...?","20":"He pops a quizzical brow.","21":"My impression was that you two didn't mind sharing a bed together.","22":"Uh...","23":"Does Frank... [i]know?[\/i]","24":"Jesus, how obvious was it? Does everyone know?","25":"You seem rather close, is all I'm saying.","26":"Oh... of course.","27":"After our little overreaction, gears are definitely now churning in Frank's head. I think he's too polite to share his conclusion.","28":"Oh... yeah... I guess it's not a big deal. We just... haven't shared a bed in a while.","29":"Ah.","30":"Anyway, I have toiletries set aside for you. I have little in the way of food, would you like granola bars? I have banana and peanut butter.","31":"Ah... thanks... but...","32":"I'll take a couple.","33":"Are you sure? I don't want to... [i]intrude...","34":"{Leah}, we can't be scared about accepting an offer of [i]granola bars[\/i].","35":"Ah... yeah... I guess...","36":"I'll just give you a box.","37":"Thanks. I really appreciate you letting us stay over, especially given the risks.","38":"It's my pleasure to help in any way I can.","39":"Let's get going.","40":"Mmm.","41":"Hmm...","42":"{Leah} strokes her chin like she's a got a goatee. Seeing her contemplative expression, I offer her one of Frank's granola bars.","43":"{Leah} gives it a brief glance and returns to her thoughts.","44":"Ah... probably not... I'm not hungry...","45":"It's good for you to eat.","46":"Just... thinking pretty hard about something.","47":"The shooting is still on my mind.","48":"A penny for your thoughts.","49":"Okay, well, I sling that penny right back at you and give you a penny for [i]your[\/i] thoughts.","50":"Sounds painful.","51":"Like... okay... someone tried to kill us yesterday, right?","52":"Yes.","53":"I mean... did they, though? Was that really what they were trying to do?","54":"They know where we live. If they wanted it done, they could just come and do it.","55":"I thought about that, that's why I want that gun back. We don't have the option of sharing the alley with Toasterman, or moving somewhere else, or bringing the threat of the Fraternity on someone else's head.","56":"It feels like a matter of time until they come to where we live. I don't want to be unprepared...","57":"They shot at us. It's not complicated.","58":"Yes... but... who would've done this?","59":"Do you think it was Dr. Rogham that ordered it? Maybe it was...","60":"You think [i]Valerie[\/i] tried to kill me?","61":"If it wasn't her... I don't think she was trying to kill [i]you...","62":"Why else would someone order a hit like that?","63":"Okay... direct question. Who is more likely to have ordered this hit? Dr. Rogham and his faction, or Valerie?","64":"Dr. Rogham.","65":"Give it some thought, {PlayerName}. I'm giving you a whole penny.","66":"Just a penny?","67":"Think of it like a old-school, British penny. So it's worth... I don't know... let's pretend twenty real pennies.","68":"Right... she wants me to think this through...","69":"Dr. Rogham ordered it.","70":"Valerie ordered it.","71":"Some other third party ordered it.","72":"Reasoning?","73":"He already tried to kill me once.","74":"According to [i]Valerie[\/i].","75":"No, according to [i]Dr. Rogham[\/i].","76":"Rogham admitted this to you?","77":"Why do you leave out this important information, {PlayerName}?","78":"I had so much to tell you, it didn't really come up.","79":"He already tried and failed to kill me once, so trying and failing a second time makes sense to me.","80":"I think a man like Professor Rogham would go through great effort to [i]not fail twice[\/i].","81":"I don't think it was Valerie, in any case.","82":"Reasoning?","83":"Maybe she's given up on me joining the Fraternity. If that's the case, I'm just a loose end.","84":"But she seems so highly motivated that you join...","85":"That's why I was leaning toward Rogham.","86":"I have a different theory.","87":"Let's hear it.","88":"Well... this is a bit embarrassing...","89":"...I didn't really intend to tell you...","90":"Right. Exactly what I've come to expect.","91":"...I don't want to poison your perspective just yet.","92":"Don't do this to me, {Leah}.","93":"I'll tell you... eventually. But it's important your mind stay clear, pure, virginal.","94":"It's way too late for that.","95":"A virgin of [i]perspective[\/i]. You won't be as useful to me if I just clogged your mind with half-baked ideas.","96":"I'm really not that stupid, you know. I'm not that easily influenced.","97":"Still...","98":"What other third party?","99":"Fuck. Kestrel... maybe Toasterman.","100":"[i]Toasterman?","101":"Clearly he's got a background in law enforcement. Could've seen us, got scared, shot wildly.","102":"Or it could've been random gangs or something. There are so many possibilities.","103":"You don't want to write off that this might all be a coincidence.","104":"These things do happen.","105":"Still...","106":"How did you like my reasoning?","107":"[i]It's worth naught but a tuppence, guvnah!","108":"That fake Cockney...","109":"Okay! I get it. I'll never use it again.","110":"What... are your plans for the day, by the way?","111":"I don't know if I want to tell you, if you're not willing to tell me your theories.","112":"Don't be like this.","113":"Do you have any idea how frustrating it is that I tell you everything and you still keep things from me?","114":"Yes, but you [i]know[\/i] I'm keeping things from you. I'm honest about it.","115":"Oh, okay, well, I [i]honestly[\/i] don't want to tell you about my plans for the day then. I [i]earnestly[\/i] and [i]sincerely[\/i] want you to be left in the dark.","116":"How about that? Bet that doesn't make you feel good.","117":"But... there's a [i]point[\/i] to it, {PlayerName}. You have to see that.","118":"How could I when I don't know what it is?","119":"Then... just... trust me.","120":"{Leah} sighs.","121":"Listen... I'm... sorry. It's a big ask, you trusting me, but me...","122":"Is that it? [i]You don't trust me?[\/i]","123":"No... I... trust you. It has nothing at all to do with trust.","124":"I believe in you. I have a hard time understanding you.","125":"Anyway... I wanted to talk to Maggie today. She's working on getting me a gun.","126":"Yeah... I... really still think that's a bad idea...","127":"Feel free to make a counter-argument. I'll wait.","128":"{Leah} shakes her head. I'm sure she can think of something... but she knows already it's not going to work on me.","129":"Feel free to come with me.","130":"I head to SHU, and {Leah} follows.","131":"Maggie is usually around here at this time.","132":"I'm glad you always know where your arms dealer is.","133":"Also my dog walker.","134":"Something that would be useful... if you had a dog.","135":"Hey, maybe we can get a dog at the same time as we get a gun.","136":"{Leah} gives me a grim look.","137":"I feel like you're trying to sweeten me up to this ''gun'' idea.","138":"They're related, right?","139":"Dogs and guns? How are they related? Is this a thing that happens, people getting dogs *and* guns at the same time?","140":"Sure. Hunting... home security... I'm sure there's a third reason to get a dog and a gun at the same time.","141":"Bounty hunting? They still need scenthounds, right?","142":"Huh. I guess that's true. I'm so used to... [i]cute cuddly doggies[\/i], you know? It's hard to think of them as home security systems.","143":"Besides, bounty hunting is a subset of hunting, isn't it? A dog is used in hunting, but it's not a comparable piece of equipment.","144":"Not necessarily. You could be into sheep herding.","145":"Sheep herding?","146":"You need a dog and a gun for sheep herding. In the movies, the farmer always comes out with their gun into the pasture, while the dog rounds up the sheep.","147":"We are way overthinking this and getting off-topic. What exactly are we seeing Maggie for? What is she supposed to do for you?","148":"Last I checked, we weren't in the sort of state where you can just pick pistols up from the street.","149":"Except me, of course.","150":"You picked yours up off a windshield.","151":"Same difference. Maggie said she was going to look into the paperwork for me, give me recommendations, that sort of thing.","152":"I don't like this...","153":"What's it you don't like?","154":"I give Maggie a wave. She smiles at me, while the herd of dogs tug at their leashes.","155":"Hey Maggie.","156":"We were talking about you.","157":"Oh... hope it was somethin' good!","158":"Of course it was. We've got nothing bad to say about you.","159":"Now isn't that a relief! I'm always scared people are thinkin' bad of me...","160":"...but I already know that ain't a good habit, worryin' what others think. That's no matter. What's caught your cricket?","161":"This is a bit of a sensitive issue... is {PlayerName} using you to get a gun?","162":"Sure did, and I'm glad to help, too!","163":"You don't... [i]have[\/i] to help...","164":"It's serious business. Especially with the shooting at that bar's alley. You hear about that? Maybe you even [i]heard[\/i] it first-hand?","165":"{Leah} gives me a surreptitious glance. She's going to leave things to me to answer.","166":"We heard it.","167":"We were there.","168":"We don't know anything about it.","169":"It was close enough to campus that it woke some people up! People in my class were [i]crying[\/i] about it! I mean with tears!","170":"I guess it don't really scare me, cause I just slept through it.","171":"You must be made of stern stuff.","172":"I mean... I'm down a couple of cousins 'cause of people being dumb with guns, but who ain't?","173":"I'm not...","174":"Oh, well... I guess lucky you then.","175":"Anyway, someone was shooting near Sevigny's... probably a drunk... popping off like a woodpecker fresh out of moonshine.","176":"Nobody was hurt, right?","177":"I didn't hear about nobody getting hurt. Feel like I woulda heard if they did...","178":"You were [i]there?[\/i] Holy moly...","179":"{Leah} looks at me, a little shocked...","180":"Don't tell me... it wasn't at [i]you[\/i], was it? That would be bad...","181":"We were nearby. That's what {PlayerName} meant.","182":"I'll be damned. I'd have been more scared if I knew that!","183":"You two don't seem no worse for it.","184":"Just like you, we're used to it.","185":"You and I are used to very different things. It's just the sounds for me...","186":"...it kinda sounds like you two are used to the danger.","187":"Maggie glances at me with a little apprehension, maybe finally getting an idea just how deep in {Leah} and I are.","188":"Anyway, we weren't near enough to see anyone getting hurt.","189":"Well, I didn't hear a whit about anyone getting hurt, so hope that's a consolation.","190":"Really? Nothing? Everyone's been talking about it. With y'alls ears always to the ground I woulda sworn you two would know if nobody else did.","191":"Anyway, just grateful I got all my friends, which is a buck stark contrast to not having all my cousins.","192":"Out of interest, do you know what happened?","193":"Someone seasoned the alley behind Sevigny's with lead pepper. That's all we know.","194":"Was anyone hurt?","195":"No, thank goodness.","196":"That's a relief...","197":"If it was you two shootin' guns drunk like it was nothing, there'd be no way I'd help you. But {PlayerName} would be a whiff of cool air if he lost his head.","198":"I'm just glad they weren't shooting when I was at Sevigny's with Haley.","199":"I didn't ask. How did things go after I fell asleep?","200":"Good.","201":"And don't ask any more questions.","202":"Things wound down pretty quickly after.","203":"Speaking of shooting, did you think more about the gun?","204":"What weird segue...","205":"I have. But... I've been doin' my own thinking too.","206":"You weren't the clearest 'bout how you lost your pistol to begin with.","207":"With the shooting and all, I'm worried. There's a lot that can go wrong, 'specially if you got missing gun.","208":"We aren't your cousins. I was very nearly class president and now I'm a techie, and {Leah} is Veronica Mars.","209":"Guns are very much not my style. You can't really be a journalist and tote a gun around...","210":"I... think y'all are responsible... but you can be responsible in one area and not another. You [i]did[\/i] lose a gun, and... well...","211":"The situation is bad, Maggie. I need something to defend myself. If you don't want to help me, fine, but it's not going to stop me.","212":"Alright... I just don't want to contribute to a bad situation, is all.","213":"So... I was lookin' into my Pepaw, and I remembered every couple of months or so, he'd have a pigstick the state over, and he'd always bring his guns around, and come back minus a few.","214":"Turns out he was selling guns. You know we border a red state, the laws ain't so rough.","215":"So... we could go on a field trip one day, and I can give you an old shooter. Border's just a few hours 'way.","216":"That would be very convenient.","217":"This is... really the skirting the law...","218":"{Leah}... [i]you[\/i] are worried about skirting the law?","219":"I don't even need to remind her. {Leah} bends herself into an apology.","220":"So... what do you reckon?","221":"I'd be happy to take a field trip with you.","222":"That's mighty fine--","223":"The... the heck!","224":"Maggie looks between us. A flash of surprise, then, she's hiding how like she used to.","225":"I suddenly get back a flash of the old Maggie... scared shy, terrified of the smallest interaction, shrinking at the first possible moment.","226":"What could've caused her to be like this? I look around...","227":"What the...?","228":"Floyd? Passing out... fliers?","229":"Maggie, that's...","230":"...and she's gone.","231":"I forgot how shy she used to be.","232":"Yeah. I guess... Floyd brought that back out of her, huh?","233":"We've got to shoo him off.","234":"Of course.","235":"What was the... the name we came up with again?","236":"[i]{PlayerName}ism...[\/i] which worships...","237":"Even if it I could remember what it sounds like, I'm not sure I can spell it.","238":"Why didn't I come up with something simpler? [i]{PlayerName}ism worships {PlayerName}.[\/i]","239":"I like that a lot better.","240":"You would.","241":"Right. Let's go talk to him... maybe encourage him to proselytize elsewhere.","242":"Agreed.","243":"Well... lookee.","244":"It seems you're doing God's work here, Floyd.","245":"Who but the faithful, right?","246":"I come here to Babylon, to Babel, to Sodom, to Gemmorrah, to the heart of corruption to spread Yahwallahodinganesh's good word.","247":"Ah... ''Yahwallahodinganesh''... of course...","248":"WRITE THAT DOWN.","249":"Already done.","250":"Are you sure it's a good use of your time to preach to these sinful folk?","251":"Sinful folk is exactly who need the most preachin'.","252":"Yes, but is there not efficiency to be gained by going to those who would be more amenable to Yahwallahodinganesh's message of love and hope?","253":"Like who?","254":"Like... I guess... a leaded gas plant...","255":"Cut it with the humor.","256":"I'm being realistic.","257":"My partner is just saying...","258":"Ah!","259":"[i]Ah[\/i] is right... Maggie... are you really going to do this... are you really going to do what I think you're about to do?","260":"Because... Maggie, if you don't, then you'll blow our cover, and prove to Floyd that this was all an elaborate deception.","261":"It will all have been for nothing...","262":"I feel like I'm watching a musician tune their instrument as we all watch Maggie prepare to say something. Floyd looks equally lost for words...","263":"...F-Floyd...","264":"...there's no way I'm going to back to the Castles.","265":"The moment of perplexity that goes across Floyd's face is the most thoughtful I've ever seen from him.","266":"And then... he carefully, slowly, comes up with his own response.","267":"Okay.","268":"Uh... if it ain't me that brings you here... then...","269":"Oh. I'm here to preach, sister. I ain't here for you.","270":"I forgot you existed.","271":"If that's the case... why did you follow me to SHU in the first place?","272":"'Cause you was arrogant, and talkin' like you was better than me, running away without you tellin' any of us.","273":"Pop didn't tell you to fetch me?","274":"He did, but that was while I was on my own way outta the door.","275":"I don't know why I came down here. When I left the Castle house... I didn't know what else to do.","276":"I was just... lookin' for a reason to be out here, 'cause I didn't have none other.","277":"Oh.","278":"Anyway... I promised to bother you no more, and I mean to keep it. I got my own thing going on now.","279":"Can I tell you about Yahwallahodinganesh?","280":"You can say your piece if you want... but I ain't interested. I just wanted to show you I wasn't scared of you no more.","281":"Yeah, I see that. You got some spine. Pop tried very hard... to convince you didn't have none.","282":"He did.","283":"Wow... um...","284":"...this seems like a personal conversation...","285":"I think we're done, ain't we Floyd?","286":"We're done. Take this brochure at least.","287":"Maggie eyes the brochure sticking out of Floyd's hand. Then, as though each finger were making a deliberate, individual choice...","288":"...she takes one.","289":"Thanks.","290":"Floyd nods, and heads out.","291":"That wasn't what I expected. This whole time I...","292":"...I'm sorry. I got dogs to walk... and a lot to think about...","293":"We'll meet here if we need to see you again.","294":"I'll pass by this very spot every day.","295":"I need to go make money.","296":"Taking so much time off of work... well... our finances...","297":"Yeah, that settlement doesn't really stretch as far as you'd think.","298":"I'm worried about being separated from you, if I'm honest. That just seems like a perfect time for the Fraternity to strike.","299":"There has to be a better way to protect ourselves than being each other's bodyguards. They're certainly not going to shoot us so soon after the alley.","300":"So you're saying I should check my candy bars for razor blades.","301":"Yeah. And beware almond-flavored beverages.","302":"What?","303":"Because cyanide is supposed to taste like almonds.","304":"Oh. I didn't know that.","305":"Is that supposed to be joke? I don't need a reminder that someone is after my hide.","306":"With that grim trivia in mind, I head to work...","0":"You know...","1":"...the floor wasn't that bad.","2":"Ah! That was... fucking loud. What did I break? Something popped in my back.","3":"I don't know, but whatever it was, it helped.","4":"Good... morning...","5":"You didn't just break a bone, did you?","6":"Gosh... I think I just aligned my back properly.","7":"[i]''Aligned your back?''[\/i]","8":"Something about sleeping on the floor... really helped my spine. I don't know... I feel like my back is properly straight or something.","9":"So... you're not in agony right now. That's good."},"ch13__13.20 your fired.vne3":{"3":"Did the time change?","4":"What do you mean?","5":"You're here early. The only explanation is that you got confused. Maybe you saw the sun rising and thought it was in the west.","6":"Confused is right. The door isn't working.","7":"The door isn't working?","8":"I swipe my card again and...","9":"The door just doesn't open.","10":"Shiiiiit. And here I was thinking everyone and their mom could get through this security system.","11":"Did your chip get fucked up somehow?","12":"Can they get fucked up?","13":"Fuck, I'm just hoping my card still works from this side of the door.","14":"Linus takes out his own card and sweeps it over.","15":"Guess ask Hank for a new card.","16":"Yeah.","17":"I sit at my computer and stretch out, giving my fingers a good wiggle.","18":"With that done, I get to work...","19":"...and my password doesn't work.","20":"My old phone, the one with the SIM card that's vulnerable to Valerie, buzzes.","21":"I didn't want to use it... but I don't think there's other way of getting through to Sandra.","22":"Clearly, Sandra has decided this is the best way to communicate with me.","23":"Didn't you listen? -Hank","24":"Listen to what?","25":"I said you were fired. -Hank","26":"Fired? Did she actually say those words? [i]Did she mean them?","27":"Wait. No. That can't be true. I've worked here forever. I'm basically a fixture. I can't be fired.","28":"I thought you were bluffing.","29":"Why would I bluff about that? You aren't needed here any more. -Hank","30":"Is... Sandra serious?","31":"If this is about hurting your pride, we can talk about this.","32":"...No response.","33":"Wow. Great. I'm fired, then.","34":"Solved the riddle of why my card doesn't work.","35":"Not super interested, to be honest.","36":"Hank fired me.","37":"Hank did [i]what?[\/i]","38":"I no longer work in the IT lab.","39":"Oh... shit. God damn man... I'm sorry to hear that.","40":"Shit man, this is a surprise to me too. I didn't know nothing about this.","41":"It's fine.","42":"Well... I ain't good with goodbyes. So... uh... good luck.","43":"Pop by sometime... I guess.","44":"Yeah... I don't think Linus is the sentimental type of guy.","45":"I'm sure we'll see each other again. You work for my campaign, remember?","46":"Oh yeah. That costume really wasn't free, huh?","47":"I'll see you for that.","48":"Feeling ambivalent and weird about all this, I walk out the doors.","49":"God damn Sandra's fucking pride.","50":"She didn't seem to be complaining that I was nailing her. The moment I tell her the truth...","51":"...she just can't accept she was manipulated.","52":"Is this what she's going to stoop to, to avoid the truth?","53":"This is super fucking disappointing.","54":"This is going to throw everything into chaos. I have bills I need to pay. I suppose... it's time to find a job.","0":"Huh. That's funny.","1":"My card isn't working.","2":"Is there... something wrong?"},"ch13__13.25 sam understands.vne3":{"10":"No, I'm talking about your Halloween costume.[pause][char,Sam_Casual_Annoyed] Of course I'm talking abut the Superhero one! I made it!","11":"Jesus, you want me to wear it all the time?","12":"Oh, I'm fucking with you. Sorta.","13":"You... really should be wearing it, though.","14":"We've discussed this. I'm not going to go around wearing it.","15":"As if you have dignity to lose.","16":"Besides, you aren't wearing yours.","17":"But I'm different.","18":"How?","19":"I'm not running for class president!","20":"Whatever. I'm not going to constantly draw attention to myself.","21":"Especially because the last thing I want is attention... the last thing I need to do is put on a disguise.","22":"Wait. [i]A disguise...[\/i]","23":"I mean... no... that's stupid. I'm not Clark Kent, I can't change what people think of me just by taking off my glasses. That's stupid.","24":"I don't think the [i]superhero[\/i] thing is the biggest draw of attention, with all the wild shit you have going on.","25":"Somehow, everyone in my life has figured out I'm in some barely nonfictional conspiracy thing. I'm not great at either keeping secrets or keeping my head down.","26":"Maybe it's attention you [i]want[\/i].","27":"I don't think you understand what I'm up against.","28":"Well, butt-for-brains, maybe a different perspective would benefit you. I know you think you're so smart and nobody has the chops you got but...","29":"...I think I got intrigue down.","30":"How?","31":"I won an election against you.","32":"Technically, I won it.","33":"Yes, but I [i]brilliantly manipulated[\/i] you into abdicating, didn't I?","34":"Manipulate? Not likely.","35":"Well... maybe I didn't have you wrapped around my finger in the [i]traditional[\/i] sense... but...","36":"Sam, the more I think about it, with everything I know about this school, I'm seriously wondering if I should go through with the election.","37":"What?","38":"Every time something happens, I'm reminded that I'm not taking this as seriously as I need to.","39":"What happened?","40":"Sam's query turns quickly to shock.","41":"No. The [i]shooting?[\/i]","42":"Quiet down.","43":"The... the... [i]fuck[\/i]... you weren't really lying, were you?","44":"Let's not make a scene.","45":"I have so many questions...","46":"Which you'll ask later.","47":"Do you really think it's a good time to disappear, then?","48":"You don't understand, of course it is. Someone tried to kill me.","49":"But you disappearing is what they want, right?","50":"Yes... but what does--","51":"So, you've got to do the opposite!","52":"Why would I want to draw attention to myself?","53":"Because it's harder to make your disappear when you're [i]visible[\/i].","54":"Visible?","55":"If they're going to try and get rid of you, it may [i]seem[\/i] safer to get rid of yourself, but what you're actually doing is...","56":"...making getting rid of you [i]even easier[\/i].","57":"What is she talking about?","58":"UGH! I'm so bad at explaining myself! But listen... In times like this, you gotta kick and scream and [i]not lay low,[\/i] right?","59":"If I know Stacey is after my Chad, I'm not going to hide Chad, I'm going to keep his ass close.","60":"So you're saying it would be safer for me to keep going to school to continue the campaign.","61":"Yeah! If you're easily recognizable... that's... like... better for you!","62":"Safety by sticking out...","63":"Well, Sam makes a certain kind of sense... but I still think the absolute safest thing for me to do is dig myself a hole and just wait for everyone to forget about me.","64":"[i]And what... exactly, is the difference between that and being dead?[\/i]","65":"We'll see.","66":"Let me handle everything! All the election stuff, I can do by myself, 'kay?","67":"Just show up. That's all I'm asking.","68":"I don't want to stop going to school... for personal, emotional reasons too. Sam is really making a case.","69":"I'll let you know.","70":"I love how you're so non-committal. That makes me so wet.","71":"I'll think about it.","72":"UGH! So sexy...","73":"I was debating whether I should go to the Philosophy Club... but I think Sam has basically made the argument I should.","74":"Still, I won't give Sam the satisfaction of knowing that.","75":"I'll think about attending next meeting.","76":"I'm gonna cum!","77":"Why does Sam say this shit out loud in public? She really commits to her bit... or maybe she's just trying to draw attention to me.","78":"I told you I don't know yet. See you soon.","79":"AAGH! So good!","0":"As I stretch out my hands...","1":"[b]*CRACK*[\/b]","2":"Man, I'm learning new muscle groups filling out these applications. Is this a form of resistance training?","3":"Emotional resilience? Writing the same bullshit over and over?","4":"If I can glean anything other than the loss of money from this, I will.","5":"Hm?","6":"Fancy seeing you outside of a library.","7":"I'm literate. Barely.","8":"Why are you not wearing your costume?","9":"My superhero costume?"},"ch13__13.30 valeries appearance.vne3":{"10":"Even if given the chance... even if it would save my life...","11":"[i]...even if it would save {Leah}'s life...[\/i]","12":"...I would pursue this to the very, very end.","13":"That means very little right now. I've only got one thing that's tying me to Shale Hill right now...","14":"...the [i]Philosophy Club.","15":"What a weird thing is that it's [i]that[\/i] bunch of miscreants that I have left?","16":"The only thing left... is that last thread I pulled to get me to the Fraternity.","17":"Cedric's little row of breadcrumbs... his last little legacy... wherever he is... it's the only thing I got left in Shale Hill.","18":"I think there's a meeting today...","19":"Alfred's out here? And Kristen? And... [u]everyone else? Shouldn't there be a meeting going?","20":"Salutations. I notice, forgive me, the look of confusion in your eyes.","21":"There's supposed to be a meeting right now, right?","22":"Yes. With great difficulty, I have been trying to get someone to open the door.","23":"It's so boring being out here. I want to hear dorks talking about ethics.","24":"Jeez, what is it about today and doors?","25":"I'm supposed to have the most recent code to the door, but clearly it's been changed.","26":"This is stupid.","27":"Did you text the admin office?","28":"What do you think is the [i]first thing we did?[\/i]","29":"Kristen is correct. We have texted the office, and so far, we have not heard a response.","30":"Any response at all?","31":"Why else would we be waiting out here? For fun?","32":"Send another text.","33":"Send another? Why? We just sent a text.","34":"Let's just move the meeting somewhere else.","35":"Yeah. I mean... there's a common room in my dorm. All you have to do is not look at the people fucking.","36":"This is [i]our[\/i] meeting place, Kristen. We should not have to move.","37":"I mean...","38":"This isn't just about us. This is about [i]Stan[\/i]... and [i]Sandra.[\/i] To dishonor them now...","39":"Now... that's unfair...","40":"Bringing up your dead friends... just to win a little point...","41":"They're not dead. [i]They're missing.","42":"I...","43":"I shake my head to Kristen... trying to get her to cede this point.","44":"[i]Just don't push it, Kristen...[\/i]","45":"Well... none of this solves the problem of getting a room. My feet are tired.","46":"I'm sure... if we wait a little longer, I'll get the code back.","47":"The group looks miserable. I glance at each of them...","48":"...they probably don't have the same kind of social life that I do. [i]They need this[\/i] like I don't.","49":"And... I might have the means to get the door open...","50":"Someone in the administration is always watching...","51":"...someone is always paying special attention to me.","52":"I wonder... what would happen...","53":"I've never sent a text that made my heart race. As soon as I thought of my experiment, I was already doing it.","54":"I blink, and I've already sent the message. And now... I have this weird sensation of [i]nakedness...[\/i]","55":"Try the door now.","56":"I haven't gotten a code back yet...","57":"Try it anyway.","58":"...Very well.","59":"Alfred looks confused at me, then punches in a three digit number.","60":"Oh!","61":"I'm treated to a corridor full of smiles. But I know the truth. This... doesn't make me feel good.","62":"What a miracle.","63":"What is wrong with you? Did you hack the door?","64":"I didn't hack the door. I just sent a text.","65":"Hacked the door with a text?","66":"This is creepy...","67":"Let's not second-guess this. We have our room back! Huzzah!","68":"No... Kristen is right...","69":"...this is creepy.","70":"As the club comes in, I hear little snatches of conversation about the ''shooting''.","71":"It seems like news travels fast. Luckily, I've got no issue being quiet about it.","72":"Everyone goes to their seats.","73":"I'm grateful to see you all again. I... have had a pretty remarkable experience.","74":"Alfred glances at me. I know he's talking about the hospital thing...","75":"...man... even I'm touched by the level of pride he's taking in this.","76":"...An experience... that has left me equally shaken and gladdened.","77":"I just want to express... how wonderful it is to see you all.","78":"Alfred, of course. It's absolutely wonderful to see you too! I couldn't imagine this club without you. It makes me wonder... are you having issues? Did something happen? I feel like you wouldn't be talking like this if it didn't if you did have something to say, speak up, don't be afraid to share it, I will stay silent and strong and listen as you unburden yourself, do you need someone who is a good listener, you know, they say all you need is someone to share your problems with, it definitely makes me feel better because last week I stubbed my toe and it wouldn't stop aching so I went to my mom's place because she has the brand of band-aids that I like and I start to tell her how painful it was and I kept talking and talking and at the end of it I forgot about the pain completely because if you distract yourself the trauma start to ebb have you ever experienced that yourself you should try it anyway I'm ready to listen starting... now.","79":"Oh. Um... I don't really have any [i]trauma[\/i]. Actually, I've gone through perhaps the best experience of my life!","80":"Bernard, Alfred's betrayed us!","81":"What?","82":"He's gone and lost his virginity.","83":"I... I cannot confirm nor deny...","84":"You were supposed to be virgin buddies with us, traitor!","85":"Virgin... buddies? I'm trying to remember...","86":"We all took a vow, that one time we had the meeting in my dorm room.","87":"Oh! I... do regretful things under the influence of peach schnapps.","88":"Yes... I remember too... that was the time when--","89":"I want to remind you there's a pair of female ears [i]bleeding[\/i] over here.","90":"Exactly! Remember that there are [i]females[\/i] about.","91":"Hey, you. {PlayerName}.","92":"Why am I being dragged into this? I so badly want to stick to spectating...","93":"What do you think? Did Alfred betray us?","94":"Why would he know?","95":"Because you keep [i]looking at him[\/i] like he knows something you don't.","96":"Uh...","97":"Yes, Alfred betrayed you.","98":"No, of course not.","99":"*Ahem*.","100":"No way. Alfred got a free-range fleshlight?","101":"I wouldn't say that...","102":"Congratulations, Alfred. Is this a ''cake'' occasion?","103":"Bernard, it's a [i]betrayal![\/i] Alfred swore on our friendship bracelets that he wouldn't!","104":"I don't [i]quite[\/i] remember such a thing...","105":"Alfred looks gratefully at me. As far as he's concerned, I guess I said the right thing.","106":"Please... nobody look at me.","107":"Like... giving a pity fuck isn't my thing either.","108":"Oh yeah? What is he talking about then?","109":"I thought he was talking about fucking too...","110":"There are so many magical experiences you can have, like Disneyworld or a SSS drop in a gacha game or watching Mulan for the first time or...","111":"Bernard, Jesus, shut it.","112":"I just want to share my elation with people. I wasn't saying anything else.","113":"I don't think that--","114":"Hmm?","115":"The door is opening? Do we have... a new member?","116":"Who are we missing?","117":"Excuse me... is this the [i]Philosophy Club?","118":"Valerie... [i]why are you here?","119":"That text I sent you... was not an invitation...","120":"...but I guess I should've seen this coming...","121":"Oh... the... [i]Student Council President...","122":"Alfred's voice is [i]quivering[\/i]... but I suppose that's to be expected. He knows exactly who Valerie is...","123":"...what an honor it is to see you. I hope we haven't caused any trouble.","124":"Please... take a...","125":"Thank you.","126":"This... is the oddest thing...","127":"I should've expected this from her. This sort of thing is in character for her.","128":"The Philosophy Club [i]was[\/i] a Fraternity front, after all.","129":"It is just... shocking the gall she has.","130":"Is she this desperate for my attention?","131":"I have so much hatred for her... so much spite, it's hard to contain myself.","132":"If I could throw her out [i]right now...","133":"It's something I can't help but respect...","134":"So... I must admit... I didn't have any particular topic in mind...","135":"Usually, we prepare a reading... and a topic, but this time...","136":"A-anyway... I'm sure that my lack of preparation will be no barrier to scintillating discussion...","137":"I'd like to discuss something. It might be a little trite for such advanced thinkers such as yourselves...","138":"Oh... there's no such thing here. We are only wise because we know we are not.","139":"That's good to hear. I find that I can think best on something when I have no prejudice, no preconceptions.","140":"I was hoping, with most of you having the benefit of a kind of [i]innocence[\/i] which I don't...","141":"...you might have the clearest thoughts about a particular subject.","142":"Hey, like... I'm not innocent. I'm kind of a slut.","143":"But Eddie's a confirmed virgin. He can be your consultant.","144":"That's not the innocence I'm talking about.","145":"What kind of innocence are you talking about?","146":"The innocence of those who have not yet bitten the apple, so to speak.","147":"I don't like this...","148":"My apologies for being so forward but is this a... a...","149":"[i]...threat?[\/i] I know what he wants to say. I've been thinking it the moment she walked in.","150":"...a what?","151":"Uh... never mind...","152":"I'm just wondering... why of all things... eating from the tree of knowledge gets you damned by God.","153":"It wasn't [i]evil[\/i] that got Adam and Eve thrown out of Eden, it was [i]knowledge[\/i] of good and evil.","154":"So... I was wondering... if Eve instead of [i]knowing the difference[\/i] between good and evil, [i]was just evil[\/i] herself...","155":"...would she still have gotten thrown out?","156":"What a fascinating thought!","157":"I mean... it's just a legend, right? It's not true so it doesn't matter.","158":"Maybe because knowing the difference is the thing that allows people to be good or evil... what a conundrum...","159":"If I'm right, it would suggest that evil is just a part of nature... not an aberration at all.","160":"Uh...","161":"It's all made up, though, so it doesn't even matter.","162":"Perhaps. The reward of evil is supposed to be failure and punishment, right? A short term gain, but a long term destruction of body and spirit.","163":"But looking at the world... it just doesn't feel like the case. It seems, in every instance, that evil is [i]rewarded[\/i] by nature.","164":"What is your point, Valerie?","165":"Well, I don't believe that's the case. I think... justice does prevail. Quite often.","166":"If only we had a team of [i]superheroes[\/i] to ensure that is always the case.","167":"Just seeing how bad the world is... how consistently the evil are rewarded and the good are punished...","168":"It feels like we have the opposite. The forces we have in the world conspire to benefit the powerful and merciless.","169":"Maybe angels intervene on behalf of those who do bad things, and punish those who do good things.","170":"That is a disturbing idea.","171":"But... it's still worth it to do good things. Being good is acting without expectation of reward.","172":"Even if we were punished for doing good... that only makes the goodness even gooder!","173":"Hmm... well... it's food for thought, I suppose.","174":"I feel like I've got to ask... but...","175":"[i]What are you doing here?","176":"I'm here for [i]philosophy[\/i]. Is this not the Philosophy Club?","177":"I mean... you come with no warning... and then just start spouting off about... [i]the nature of evil[\/i] like we're all supposed to understand exactly what you're talking about.","178":"This just feels weird to me.","179":"Now that you mention it, there's has been this odd [i]subtext[\/i] running through this discussion...","180":"Are you saying all this... because you think you're evil?","181":"Of course not.","182":"Nobody thinks they're evil. The villain is always convinced they're the good guy. That's what makes bad guys compelling.","183":"The cackling, mustache-twirling top-hat dude who ties maidens to train tracks... there's nobody in real life like that.","184":"Of course not. They don't exist.","185":"Sorry to shift all of you off-topic. The only reason I came was because I had this burning question in my mind.","186":"Of... of course...","187":"Valerie... why did you come? What are you communicating to me?","188":"I think... I have no choice... but to talk to you after club is over.","189":"And... judging by the way you seem to be advertising yourself to me... coming here...","190":"...lifting your dress up your leg in my direction...","191":"...you want to talk to me too.","0":"[i]Visibility.[\/i] It's easy enough for Sam to say. Nobody understands what it is to be literally hunted.","1":"It's all the disadvantages of being an instantly-recognizable celebrity and none of the advantages. I have to keep my head down, hope I don't get noticed, minus the sex.","2":"Of course, I don't have many issues getting laid, but surely I'd be pulling in even [i]more[\/i] ass relative to the danger I put myself in.","3":"I mean... what would Sam really even understand about that kind of life? Shouldn't she just stay in her lane, and let me deal with the crazy assassin cult shit?","4":"She wants me to keep going to this school... I didn't want to leave. I had no intention to. But slowly and surely, every reason I had to come has left me.","5":"There's just no reason for me to go to Shale Hill...","6":"...and yet...","7":"[i]...I know I have to stay connected.","8":"It's tenuous, it's brittle and dangerous, like a chain so rusty it's flaking apart in my hands, but I don't think I could abandon this place if it would save my life.","9":"[i]I'm in too deep[\/i]. That always felt like a lame excuse to me, but I understand it better and better now."},"ch13__13.35 valerie sex.vne3":{"10":"{PlayerName}.","11":"I'm a bit leery of pulling my new phone out, knowing what Valerie can do. So I take my old phone instead.","12":"She's already, thoroughly fucked this one up.","13":"That text wasn't an invitation.","14":"I don't [i]need[\/i] invitations. Not to a party. Not to someone's office. Not to your phone.","15":"Come with me.","16":"I didn't come here to talk to her... but at the same time... I still want to... no...","17":"I [i]need[\/i] to.","18":"I wont forgive you. What I'm doing right now is in service of opposing you.","19":"I need to know for certain whether you meant what you said in the hospital...","20":"I need to know... if there really is reason behind your actions.","21":"Here's what I don't get, Val. You're the only person in the world that [i]needs[\/i] to be the bad guy.","22":"Oh, are we having this discussion [i]here?","23":"Last time we were in private together, you smashed me over the head.","24":"Aw... do you need a chaperone? Are we sixties kids going out for malt shakes? Are we going to drive to Lookout Point without our parent's permission?","25":"I don't need a chaperone. I need a bodyguard.","26":"[i]I[\/i] am not the threat to you.","27":"Just to everyone around me, which means you're also a threat to me.","28":"Heh.","29":"That's so charming. I love how you're so protective of your friends.","30":"I don't need that sarcasm.","31":"I'm not being sarcastic. I find it charming.","32":"As I puzzle Valerie's meaning, she sighs and taps her foot.","33":"If nothing else, I'd like different [i]scenery[\/i].","34":"This isn't very romantic, is it?","35":"I don't think there's romance between us anymore, Valerie.","36":"There was never any romance between us.","37":"At least let's test it out. Come with me.","38":"[i]I still need to talk to her...","39":"It's hard, and confusing, to see her like this. I'm still mixing up all the other feelings and ideas I had about her.","40":"The old Valerie... the one I knew... and this new one... it's oil and water in my head. They separate and they fight all at once.","41":"Being around her just feels uncomfortable...","42":"Fine.","43":"Where would you like to go?","44":"All I have are places I don't want to go.","45":"So you're leaving it to me to make the decision. I thought you didn't trust me.","46":"Valerie... [i]you bitch...","47":"Let's just walk around campus.","48":"Good.","49":"It's a nice, cool day. It would feel good if the circumstances were different... if I shared any other company.","50":"You don't just go from total respect to total hatred in one day. That feeling has to be nurtured too... you have to feed it before one completely eats at the other.","51":"What I want... is the space to be away from her.","52":"For that matter... what did I even want to talk about with Valerie? I can barely remember...","53":"I thought it was very cool how your friends pulled off that hospital rescue operation.","54":"It was very neat, watching it unfold from the security cameras. It really felt like you were gaggle of preteens rescuing an alien in an eighties movie.","55":"Yeah, it didn't feel like that to me. I felt like I spent a week in sedation. I felt like I was getting kidnapped twice.","56":"If you liked that adventure, you're going to love the one where we take down the Fraternity once and for all.","57":"That's definitely staying strictly in fiction.","58":"This bitch is acting like she [i]let me go...[\/i] I hate that she underestimates us like this!","59":"Did you get me fired from the IT lab?","60":"No. Why would I do that?","61":"I can think of so many reasons I barely know where to begin.","62":"But you liked working there, you insisted on it, and I respect that.","63":"So you didn't tell Sandra to fire me.","64":"Of course not.","65":"But you didn't [i]stop[\/i] her from firing me.","66":"I didn't know she was going to fire you. Are you... [i]obsessed[\/i] with working in that stupid lab?","67":"I do resent having a fridge full of beer taking from me. I put money into that beer pool... but of course it isn't just that.","68":"This was my connection, my conduit into the Fraternity, into all its misdoings and ill-deeds. And that was taken from me.","69":"If you want a job, I'll offer you a job.","70":"So long ago, when I was doing hand-written errands for Sandra, when I stopped by Valerie's office, the first fucking thing she asked me was why I was still working in the IT lab. It's fucking nuts how that wasn't even that long ago.","71":"I could almost believe that this was all about making me join the Student Council again.","72":"I don't need a job.","73":"Alright, this is stupid. I need to ask a relevant question. Not just about near-minimum-wage entry-level tech position.","74":"I said I [i]needed[\/i] to know... and now, I have a sliver of a chance. Even if I have to pan for a nugget of truth in a mountain of lies.","75":"[ep13_val_question_president==0]How did you become the President of the Fraternity?","76":"[ep13_val_question_interest==0]Why the interest in me?","77":"[ep13_val_question_why_evil==0]What's the deal with what you said in the Philosophy Club?","78":"I proved myself. I showed enlightenment.","79":"[i]Enlightenment.[\/i] Silent1 used the same word when I messaged him during Halloween...","80":"About what exactly?","81":"I demonstrated a lack of intrinsic justice.","82":"Huh?","83":"I love how expressive your face is. Let me elaborate.","84":"With action, I demonstrated the unfeeling nature of the world.","85":"What does that even mean?","86":"You shouldn't have to ask. Don't you already understand what I mean in your bones? Your body is the purest demonstration of the principle of our nihilistic universe.","87":"I'm referring, of course, to your voice.","88":"What does my voice have to do with this?","89":"Why did you lose your voice?","90":"A botched surgery.","91":"No, meaninglessness.","92":"[i]What?","93":"You make no sense.","94":"That's what really took your voice away. Random chance. The inherent unfairness of this world.","95":"You demonstrated this truth with your body. I did it through action.","96":"Which action is that, I wonder?","97":"What did you do, then? You must've done something to prove your understanding... just like Cedric was supposed to do.","98":"Valerie gives me only a short-lived smile.","99":"I think we went over it, didn't we?","100":"You said some bullshit about caring about me... about how you chose me.","101":"That wasn't a lie. I did choose you.","102":"You have little reason to believe it, but I didn't make up any of that up.","103":"Then why all this? Valerie makes no sense to me...","104":"There's nothing rational about the way I feel. They're feelings. They happen whether you want them or not.","105":"A emotion stands completely on its own and doesn't need to explain why it's there. The human brain rationalizes a justification for those emotions.","106":"There's no specific reason why I'm interested. I just am.","107":"So it's all emotion?","108":"What did I just say?","109":"It almost sounds like you're saying you have feelings for me.","110":"Valerie blinks with confusion at me.","111":"You are kidding, right?","112":"So you don't?","113":"You're doing this on purpose. To annoy me. You can't be this emotionally blind. Please listen to me and learn how to make inferences.","114":"Let's change the topic. You're angering me.","115":"Did you like it?","116":"It felt like an evil villain speech. Do you really think like that?","117":"I don't believe in the Garden of Eden story. I just thought it would be badass to say.","118":"I needed to bring [i]something[\/i] up to make the club squirm in their chairs.","119":"You could've accomplished the same thing by describing how periods work.","120":"Heh.","121":"Let me try and summarize things, once and for all, {PlayerName}, since you're just an adorable innocent soul.","122":"I am a bad person. I want you to know that I'm a bad person.","123":"That makes no sense.","124":"I'm not confessing my sins, I'm sharing with you who I am, because I want someone to see the real me.","125":"I peel open my chest for you, I'm showing you all the ugly bits.","126":"You could just hide it from me. If you had, nothing about our relationship would've changed.","127":"Exactly.","128":"Huh?","129":"Intimacy isn't fucking. It's [i]knowledge[\/i]. It's knowing each other. It's seeing our ugliness and seeing past it.","130":"...Or, I hope, see the virtue in it.","131":"[i]The virtue in it...[\/i] I want to laugh... but sometimes, I feel like I [i]understand[\/i] her.","132":"What I tried to do to Sam in highschool... it's something I've told nobody except {Leah}. In some ways, that really does mean that {Leah} is the only person I've actually be intimate with.","133":"It does make me feel better, knowing that she knows this.","134":"There's a complication in this. Because [i]{Leah} still knows something I don't[\/i] about Valerie... something profound enough that Valerie had {Leah} sworn to secrecy.","135":"If that's really true, all this shit about intimacy... it's bullshit. There's an evil uglier layer to Valerie she has not shown me yet.","136":"Even after you told me everything you did... I still don't know you.","137":"But... [i]I've told you everything...[\/i]","138":"No you haven't. I know for a fact that you haven't. There's still something you refused to tell me in that hospital room.","139":"I don't know what it is, but it's profound enough that while I don't know it, I don't understand you.","140":"So we're not intimate. All you've done is prove you're a stranger. I feel further apart from you, not closer.","141":"The thing that gets me about all this is that I did actually feel pretty close to you. I did feel like we were moving somewhere together.","142":"But that was something you squandered.","143":"No... I think you're right, {PlayerName}.","144":"I think... there's a lot of things you could discover about me. There's a lot of preconceptions I can clear up for you.","145":"If we moved somewhere quieter, I could demonstrate this.","146":"What are you talking about?","147":"I can show you. Come with me.","148":"So you can smash my head in a second time, kidnap me, strap me into a hospital bed?","149":"Let's be fair. I didn't hold you at the hospital.","150":"Of course you did. That was kidnapping by any definition.","151":"The only thing I did was hit you over the head. For that...","152":"...I apologize.","153":"But the hospital stay [i]wasn't[\/i] your captivity. I let {Leah} rescue you. She didn't even need to rescue you. You were about to be released anyway.","154":"[i]Nothing this girl says makes sense![\/i] She literally [i]smashed[\/i] my head in, put me in a creepy cult hospital, and now she's pretending like that wasn't a big deal?","155":"I don't understand her!","156":"I'm honestly not sure where to begin with this. Everything you said makes no sense.","157":"It does makes sense. If you voiced yourself the right way, you'd understand completely what I'm talking about.","158":"I'm going to learn nothing from you.","159":"I know you can't trust my words. As a matter of fact, I understand exactly why you can't.","160":"Instead, maybe you can learn from my actions.","161":"Whose head will you smash in this time?","162":"Come to my apartment.","163":"No!","164":"You want to defeat me, right? Come to my apartment. Get to know your enemy.","165":"Let's spend time together.","166":"What the fuck are you trying to rekindle?","167":"I'm just trying to help you to understand. I don't think you can do that without me.","168":"I mean... going to her apartment with her is insane. It's stupid.","169":"Valerie is crazy, she's probably evil, she's fucked in the head and she smashed my head in.","170":"And... she's a psychopath in the bedroom.","171":"Damn it... this may be a harder choice than I thought...","172":"Go with Valerie.","173":"Don't go.","174":"I'm going to say no to that, and I honestly didn't have to think hard about it.","175":"You certainly didn't [i]answer[\/i] like you weren't thinking hard about it.","176":"There is absolutely no value in talking to you.","177":"You're gonna take a big bite of the apple, huh?","178":"She smiles at me.","179":"I'll walk home and leave the door unlocked. No tricks.","180":"Valerie is insane. A fucking pied piper...","181":"...and I'm about to follow her like a rat.","182":"My heavy feet begin to tread by themselves...","183":"That's only because you aren't listening.","184":"There's no point in talking to you. I [i]intimately[\/i] understand you're a liar.","185":"I guess you got what you wanted. We're as intimate as we'll ever be from this point onward.","186":"With little else to say, I storm off, my head pierced with lightning-bolt feelings.","0":"The Philosophy Club has never felt this awkward... and at least one other person felt the same way.","1":"When Alfred announces an end to the meeting, it comes almost as a sigh of relief. He's out of there faster than I can blink.","2":"I know what's coming. There's no other reason for Valerie to be here.","3":"When someone comes from behind... after the meeting, I know exactly who it is.","4":"I have so much shit to tell you...","5":"Maybe not.","6":"So, I had this customer the other day who spiritually and physically is a clone of Eddie...","7":"...so I tell him--","8":"...Yes.","9":"...This is much closer to what I was expecting."},"ch13__13.36 valerie apartment sex.vne3":{"10":"Close the door on your way in.","11":"She doesn't even look at me...","12":"But... I've already proven myself the weaker man by walking into this apartment. There's not a lot left I can lose.","13":"I'm doing something I actively know is stupid, just to get laid.","14":"As I walk in, she says nothing. She truly acts the part of Silent1.","15":"She knows... without giving me any specific instructions, that I will enter.","16":"Thank you for removing your shoes.","17":"That feels... like such an odd thing to say. It's like thanking someone for not bleeding all over their trap.","18":"I guess Valerie can say whatever she wants, because I'm not exactly about to leave.","19":"This... is an awkward moment. I stand across from her... drinking in her beautiful sight... but glaring at the same time.","20":"Valerie's gaze holds no ambiguity, though it still feels like I can't trust it.","21":"I realize, now, that even though I knew exactly why I was coming...","22":"...I have no idea how to proceed.","23":"It is that moment...","24":"...she begins to dance. Not quickly. Not energetically. Not even rhythmically...","25":"...but to a beat that is completely within her.","26":"She is viper-like in motion, like a snake's rattle.","27":"In a clean, elegant motion, her dress is gone.","28":"This isn't the first time I've seen her naked, but it feels like it.","29":"This isn't the old Valerie... this is [i]new[\/i] Valerie...","30":"...and because old Valerie... and new Valerie... are different...","31":"...I'm getting the same rush of guilt and excitement that comes with cheating on a partner.","32":"She bends before me. She's not merely showing herself off... she's offering herself.","33":"She wants me to be the one to take the step.","34":"...and... I suppose... if I'm this close anyway...","35":"...taking a small nibble of this apple... probably wouldn't hurt...","36":"Right. Okay. I'm not an innocent in this anymore. I'm not a passive observer here. Valerie hasn't hit me over the head or chained me up or worse.","37":"This is a sin I'm doing completely on my own. And... maybe I have no control over it, but I definitely put myself into this situation where I knew I'd lose control.","38":"Just... one... little... bite...","39":"Just touching her... feels like an immense pressure that is suddenly lifted from me.","40":"The spigots are all turned. The water pressure is cracking the dam.","41":"I think I'm about to pop off.","42":"And I do. I lick her like a water-wheel, like an old-time steam ferry.","43":"Sucking at her. Lapping at her. Tasting how she changes before me.","44":"This... feels so weird...","45":"Okay. Let's pause for a second.","46":"She looks into my eyes, and systematically removes my clothing.","47":"I feel my heart begin to thrust against my ribs, staring into that innocent smile I know very well isn't innocent at all.","48":"Let me help you out.","49":"Here's your reward. For keeping an open mind.","50":"My mind has felt pretty closed since I got in... closed to any other consideration apart from fucking.","51":"But I'll take this reward.","52":"The eye contact she holds... unbreaking. She really has a gaze of steel.","53":"I wonder if she's even capable of flinching. She's not short on technique. Her hand glides over my cock, causing echoes of ecstasy through my body.","54":"Soon, I find I can't look away from her myself, I'm just captured by her eyes and the pleasure she's giving me.","55":"It's only when she moves that I'm reminded that I have a will of my own.","56":"A succulent kiss...","57":"...as her lips move across it, it comes out with a ''pop''.","58":"Nice, polite little smooches, way more tender than Valerie's usual, hit every inch of my cock.","59":"Still, when she uses her tongue, I get a pang of immense relief.","60":"It's like an ice cube across a burn...","61":"...and her lips are better still. I sigh... breathe out... and feel... [i]so good...","62":"...this... this Valerie is [i]angelic...","63":"She cares about giving me pleasure. She's doing all the elaborate tricks girls use when they really don't need to.","64":"Her tongue and lips, which dance across my genitals, bring something out in me... change the way I perceive her.","65":"This is a [i]good[\/i] blowjob. It's tender and caring and evokes all sorts of warm, fuzzy feelings inside me.","66":"Could a bad person really do this?","67":"A girl that gives head this good... can't be evil...","68":"...I refuse to believe it.","69":"There's got to be some good in Valerie. Nobody is this tender... this caring... this sensitive to how I feel...","70":"...trying to make me feel this good.","71":"Valerie has upgraded... from villain to hero.","72":"Her slight gag has me panting... sweating... already needing to recover.","73":"I just... am not sure... how to handle this...","74":"...psychologically... emotionally... physically...","75":"And... just when I feel like I should come...","76":"...she suddenly come face-to-face with me.","77":"Now... it's time for a change of pace.","78":"A change of pace? But... why?","79":"What kind of--","80":"Oh shit...","81":"Suddenly, Evil Valerie makes an astonishing comeback.","82":"This isn't the Valerie I knew from the student council. This is Valerie from the hospital.","83":"I'm going to let you know right now... even if you could...","84":"...I don't use safewords.","85":"What does she even mean by that?","86":"Suddenly, I completely understand. With one swift motion, I'm swimming like a hot fish up Valerie's river, thrust like a salmon jumping from a waterfall.","87":"The penetration was so quick, so swift... that I feel like she's in me rather than the other way around.","88":"The intensity of the pleasure spills over and basically becomes a kind of unbearable pain.","89":"She slowly moves... undulates... slowly up and down like a wave. She captures me in her surf and I find myself washed away in her movements.","90":"Her firm yet fierce grasp swallows me up. I feel like I could drown inside of her.","91":"I wonder if this was her plan all along... to trap me between her legs like this.","92":"If it was, it's working.","93":"Do you see me now? Do you understand?","94":"I can see in your eyes you're starting to get it. I'm not a nice person. I'm fucking trouble.","95":"There's nothing kind, or gentle, or sweet about me!","96":"This is who I am. See me!","97":"Her fingers clasp around my throat tighten... a sort of dizziness overcomes me.","98":"Yet... it doesn't feel [i]completely bad...","99":"I don't really understand what I want. I don't really understand what Valerie wants. All I know is... the exquisite wetness of Valerie's insides, and her crushing pressure around my cock...","100":"...only grows more intense.","101":"But Valerie never lets me pass out. Her thumbs always let in just enough air.","102":"Enough to keep my brain deprived of oxygen... but not enough to kill it.","103":"As strange as it is... this is done for my pleasure.","104":"Now you try me.","105":"...Try... her?","106":"She lets go. I take in a full, unconstrained breath.","107":"Breathing feels almost as good as fucking. As my faculties return, I just have to wonder what Valerie means by ''my turn''.","108":"I know what I want to do. Being choked out a little bit didn't stop me at all from wanting it.","109":"Ah... yes...","110":"Okay... let's get going again...","111":"Now... you try...","112":"Try what? I still don't know what she's talking about.","113":"Maybe I have brain damage from when she choked me, but I'm pretty much thinking exclusively about fucking her.","114":"This clearly is not what Valerie had in mind.","115":"I said... it was [i]your turn...","116":"I do like the look in her eyes... she almost looks defiant, like she isn't willing to show how aroused she is.","117":"It's a challenge to me, to get her submit, to get her cum like any other girl, and that I will do.","118":"Every time I thrust into her, she returns with a near sneer.","119":"I wonder if she's trying to make herself look menacing...","120":"...but my cock, as I see-saw in and out of her, pacifies her completely.","121":"We rut simply, efficiently, and Valerie's protests are lost.","122":"The rumbles of something greater... even more intense... haunt both of us.","123":"I feel Valerie's loin tighten, and suddenly, I'm drenched in her fluid.","124":"She loses herself for just a moment... and when she comes back to her senses...","125":"This is not just about fucking. This is about learning.","126":"You came to be educated, and I'm not convinced you understand.","127":"Once you understand... once you see... you'll realize what I really am... and what we are to each other.","128":"Lay back and watch... quietly.","129":"I'm not sure what kind of lesson this is supposed to teach me. It's not like I have any reservation in scooping a good muffin.","130":"I guess... the risk that Valerie might try and smother me with her cunt is oddly exciting. That is something very new I've recently learned about myself.","131":"However, I'll show Val that I'm no stranger to this.","132":"I guess [i]this[\/i] was her trap all along, to get on top of me, to smother me like this.","133":"If this is being trapped... I'm not sure I want to be free. Valerie sitting on my face is a perfect way to die.","134":"If she holds me like this forever, I'm good.","135":"She rocks from her front end to her back. I am just as ready to drink from the well as eat from the ground.","136":"My tongue flicks across her hole, torturing her dark star... making her just fiercely hot as she made me.","137":"I get fed up with just eating her out, though. Remembering I didn't get to cum, I get behind her, line myself up, and penetrate her.","138":"I thrust... pushing deep... feeling like this time might be for good.","139":"Valerie moans, turns into an animal as I make my repeated thrusts.","140":"She undulates with my timing, syncing with me to the same natural forces. Hot sticky ecstasy is shared between us.","141":"Her fists clench... she tries to hold it it, but the pressure in her body cannot lie.","142":"Valerie cums for the second time... her fluid dripping down from my thigh and onto the floor.","143":"I don't stop for a second. I make a mess of her, thickly beating her pussy down... trying to coax my own pleasure out of this...","144":"...and somehow, some way... just falling short.","145":"I've got to try harder, then.","146":"Right. I'll turn Valerie into a fucksleeve then.","147":"I don't care how she squeals... how she begs... how she cries out...","148":"...she's going to be the vehicle for [i]my[\/i] orgasm.","149":"As intense as I can get it, I will!","150":"Are... you... even... paying attention!","151":"Valerie wrests herself out from under me.","152":"You... asshole! That fucking hurt!","153":"You are [i]learning[\/i].","154":"I feel sort of paralyzed... because it's true.","155":"I did lose control, I did forget what I was doing...","156":"...yet... as Valerie slams me against the wall, her strength mostly coming from her indominatible will... I fucking remember...","157":"...I forgot for a moment... and now I remember...","158":"This bitch [i]smacked me in the back of my head.","159":"This bitch locked me in the hospital.","160":"This bitch lied to me and tried to ruin the life of me [i]and[\/i] my friends.","161":"She's got nothing, [i]nothing[\/i] to lecture me about.","162":"Overtaken with surprising anger... I prove which one of us is stronger, and I switch places.","163":"Through pure rage... dark thoughts swarm in my head. [i]There's an easy way to end all these problems.","164":"[i]Maybe I'd get caught. Maybe I'd get arrested. But {Leah}, and all my friends, would be safe, and I'd be free.","165":"My grip tightens proportional to my emotion rather than my reason.","166":"I could enjoy this... actually...","167":"[i]I could enjoy this...","168":"[i]I  c o u l d  e n j o y  t h i s . . .","169":"And... what is she smirking about right now? When I'm squeezing as hard as I can... without any concern... without any thought...","170":"But then... I feel her grip around my dick. Tugging it.","171":"It's then I realize I'm not just angry... [i]I'm also aroused...","172":"Hating Valerie, loving Valerie, has no effect at all on whether I want to fuck her or not.","173":"Even if we are mortal enemies... I'd still want to bone her desperately.","174":"Don't be embarrassed. It's more common than you think.","175":"I think you've finally learned a lesson here.","176":"Yes... I can almost understand Valerie's brand of [i]enlightenment...","177":"I may not have understood it rationally in the same way that Valerie did, but I definitely [i]felt it[\/i].","178":"Knowing what I know now, I feel like I got what I came for.","179":"I press her against the wall, ready to pound her into a final submission","180":"I [i]have[\/i] understood something... I have, for a brief moment, understood Valerie.","181":"Now, with her pinned, and my cock running in and out of thick velvety lips, my next step on the path is clear.","182":"I need to use Valerie [i]to cum.","183":"I just need to get this girl to understand I'm deadly serious about this. As I prep myself, and ready myself to penetrate in deeply...","184":"I'm feeling better and better about my decision to come today.","185":"Here's a fun idea.","186":"She leans me back on her chair. Already, I make a sweaty impression against the leather...","187":"Why don't you put that thing where the sun don't shine.","188":"I think you're ready. This is just the thing to blow your top off.","189":"I'm ready... for certain...","190":"When she lowers herself on me, I pass into her gut with a pop. Her ring contorts and I feel the cavern beyond.","191":"She squeals with delight, bites her lip, and has no problem at all going deep and quick.","192":"That's... that's right. Do it... do it baby...","193":"Valerie is perfectly correct. This is exactly what I need to get off.","194":"Her muscled rectum, so resistant, so tight to my invasion...","195":"...it feels every bit as good as Val's soft, silky pussy.","196":"Her sphincter almost acts like a cuff around my cock, tight as a chain.","197":"She milks me, compresses me, compacts me into this tiny little thing. Like a bomb about to explode.","198":"And that's exactly how I feel. I promised myself to use Valerie to cum, and I have every intent to make good on that promise.","199":"She could seal me up in that ass forever, like a tomb, but I have other plans.","200":"An intensity shakes me. Nerves flare. It only gives me just enough warning to tell me I'm about to cum before I suffer the little death.","201":"I've got a few precious moments to determine where I want to spend my seed.","202":"This is it. I'm well past the point of no return. The racing hot fluid rushing through both of us will not stop.","203":"I've got to pick where...","204":"Ass.","205":"Pussy.","206":"Mouth.","207":"Perfect.","208":"If you want to avoid the awkward post-sex conversation...","209":"I suggest you leave before I get out of the shower.","210":"And she does.","211":"I hear the squeal of the tap... and the rush of water.","212":"Even if I was taking a shower, I don't think I'd feel cleaner. The shock of what just happened is still dawning on me.","213":"I think... I really did learn something by coming here...","214":"...I just feel uncomfortable thinking too hard about [i]what[\/i] I learned.","0":"The whole way I follow her. Her ponytail bounces like a motherfucking windsock.","1":"My inner compass, that big flesh stick that always points to the nearest possibility for ass, pulls me magnetically in Valerie's direction.","2":"Valerie is so fucking confident she doesn't even look backward.","3":"Only now, at the steps of her apartment, does she bother.","4":"I guess she's won, hasn't she?","5":"The shoes are immediately deposited. Innocently, presumptuously, she doesn't check to see whether I'm following her.","6":"She truly has left the door unlocked for me...","7":"I'm going to cross this threshold, aren't I?","8":"This is stupid. I don't trust Valerie... but I guess I can't get her old self out of my mind.","9":"Damn it... it's true then. I'll risk blows to the back of my head to try and get the real Valerie back."},"ch13__13.40 arthur.vne3":{"10":"I guess this clarifies something deep in my soul.","11":"I don't know if I should take special comfort in that.","12":"I wonder how I'm going to tell {Leah} about this weird interaction I've had with Valerie.","13":"I'm not sure if I really know the meaning of it myself. But that's the easy part.","14":"Breaking to her that I'm unemployed... and figuring out what we're going to do about that... is going to be a lot worse.","15":"It's disconcerting I can't just call {Leah} whenever I want, without fear.","16":"How am I going to talk to {Leah}...","17":"AIRPLANE!","18":"Huh?","19":"AIRPLANE! AIRPLANE!","20":"Jesus... what's wrong with you?","21":"{Leah}, you're going insane...","22":"Slow down.","23":"The airplane! I found it!","24":"Which one?","25":"Is she talking about the flight that Frank Craven helped to charter? That's the only one I can think of...","26":"Okay. Frank let me look through his files and I found the jet he chartered, including flight records and who chartered it.","27":"So...","28":"We know who paid for the flight to get Amiran and Balenka?","29":"Yes!","30":"I wanted to look... but... I just [i]had[\/i] to save it for when you came back!","31":"This is so exciting!","32":"I guess this is distracting you from the shooting.","33":"Oh, that was yesterday. We're not interested in neolithic flint tools. This is modern! This is what we're looking for!","34":"Come check it out! Hurry! I'm like... more excited by this than a kid on Christmas day!","35":"Wheee!","36":"She was definitely saving all that energy up.","37":"I'm glad she's in a good mood, at least. It pulls me out of my internal mire.","38":"Right. I guess I'll open presents with her, and then we can discuss what happened...","39":"It's this!","40":"She waves a manilla envelope at me.","41":"I can barely look at it. Do you want to do the honors?","42":"I feel like... if I observed them directly... I'll explode or something.","43":"What is this? The result of the double blind experiment?","44":"Eh?","45":"Never mind. It's a physics thing. Give it to me. I'll read it.","46":"Okay. I've been holding back, you know. Secrets to me are like drinks to an alcoholic.","47":"She passes the envelope to me with a bounce in her step.","48":"{Leah}'s bounciness aside... this really is pretty important. If this does contain the flight logs... it might answer a lot of questions.","49":"I break the seal and take out some old-school carbon copy paper. It's thin, and faded, and the etch marks are faint.","50":"This is exactly the kind of crumpled old shit you'd find in the back of filing cabinets of nineties vintage.","51":"What does it say?","52":"Be patient. Right now, you're making Sam look self-possessed.","53":"Heh! Sorry I just...","54":"You'll be able to get your presents soon. Let me check.","55":"I have to squint to read it properly. The thing is magenta, and I'm basically reading an imprint.","56":"I cross-reference the dates, the names...","57":"...and... I see something that completely smashes me.","58":"Whoa. Did you find something interesting?","59":"Yeah. I did. I know who Frank got to charter the flight.","60":"Shit. This [i]is[\/i] big. Who knew that this would be the dot that connects so many things together?","61":"Go on. Tell me.","62":"It's Emily's dad.","63":"{Leah} suddenly seems equally smashed by that little revelation.","64":"...Seriously?","65":"I mean... it makes an awful lot of sense.","66":"So... the fact that Valerie went to our school was never a coincidence, was it?","67":"It does suggest that...","68":"It really begs the question...","69":"...of who else was on that flight.","70":"I mean... do you know anything about Emily's family?","71":"I literally know nothing about her family. During the whole time we dated, we never went to her house and we barely talked about her folks.","72":"I only just now learned her dad's first name. Arthur.","73":"Emily's home life must be intense.","74":"Weird as it is... the way Emily talks about her family... I get the sense that Emily is the black sheep. She's the rogue, wild one.","75":"I shudder at the thought that [i]Emily[\/i] is the rogue. She seems so... [i]conventional...[\/i]","76":"Yes.","77":"Let's go back to the kitchen. I need to eat something.","78":"By the way, are you alright? You seem like... I don't know... like you've been in a race.","79":"Does it look like I won or lost?","80":"No... but you're all sweaty...","81":"...and... That smell...","82":"{Leah} eyes flicker alive with a sudden thought.","83":"...ah... yes... let's go to the kitchen.","84":"Did she realize I was having sex? Does she suspects it was with Val? I did tell her about our relationship, after all.","85":"But... there's obviously a lot of reasons why she'd be uncomfortable with me seeing her. I shouldn't just assume she'd realize...","86":"I feel as though I should ask... you didn't... you know...","87":"Shit. I never told {Leah} I had sex with Valerie before.","88":"And I'm not ready for this conversation right now.","89":"What? With Valerie? No.","90":"I suppose I'd be able to tell if you had.","91":"Anyway... I probably shouldn't doubt you.","92":"Now that I'm unemployed, I'm seeing dollar signs over all this damn food.","93":"We'd better make all these leftovers last...","94":"The obvious next step is to follow up with Emily, to learn why that flight was chartered.","95":"This information won't be easy to come by. When companies find talent, they protect them like trade secrets.","96":"They go to great lengths so that their talent doesn't get poached.","97":"I drop the ramen into the water and think about this for a moment.","98":"From the way Frank described it... it sounded like Amiran isn't special by himself. That he was some kind of bureaucrat.","99":"It had to have been expensive as fuck to charter a jet into a warzone. It must have been worth it.","100":"So it wasn't out of the good of Arthur's heart that he did it himself.","101":"Frank must have told Arthur something to incentivize him... but it was long enough ago that Frank may have forgotten.","102":"I'll have to look into Amiran's old stories.","103":"Do you really think [i]ramen[\/i] is what you want, by the way? I feel like this calls for a celebration. We should pop open a bottle of wine! Or...","104":"Oh... about that...","105":"...I'm unemployed.","106":"But... you went into work this morning...","107":"So Sandra got rid of you, did she? That prideful bitch.","108":"I reminded her that she was being manipulated by Valerie one too many times. She clearly doesn't like to acknowledge that.","109":"When we came here... and you said I shouldn't have to get a job...","110":"...I think we should reconsider that.","111":"Supporting {Leah} made me feel good about myself. With that settlement money, I felt on top of the world. Part of me wanted to spread it around, make it rain.","112":"But that money doesn't last forever. And yes... maybe it was a better idea for both of us to work.","0":"I could go home... take a shower...","113":"I just... didn't anticipate losing my job like this.","1":"...but unfortunately, there's no such thing as a shower for your head.","114":"It's not a bad idea, but don't stress out too much about it. We have money still, our number one priority is defeating the Fraternity.","2":"Valerie really did wake something in me... I'm not sure that's a good thing.","115":"If you can pick up extra work, I'd appreciate it.","3":"Anyway, I should probably find a way to think of [i]anything else[\/i].","116":"While I'm job hunting tomorrow, I'm going to try and talk to Emily.","4":"Jesus... I don't just feel dirty, I feel [i]soiled[\/i].","117":"We can walk and chew gum at the same time.","5":"And the worst thing is...","118":"Yeah.","6":"I loved it...","119":"We have a direction, then.","7":"I hated it.","120":"Tomorrow: it's hunt for a job, and grill Emily.","8":"I...","9":"...really don't like the implications of that."},"ch13__13.45 emily visit.vne3":{"10":"Hey, {PlayerName}.","11":"How are you doing?","12":"Not especially good.","13":"How so?","14":"She debates internally whether she wants to elaborate, but she doesn't.","15":"It would be easier if you could just tell me what you need.","16":"Right.","17":"I was hoping to talk to you today, in person.","18":"This isn't the best time, to be honest.","19":"Can we do this later?","20":"Unfortunately not.","21":"This is time sensitive. Over-the-phone sensitive too.","22":"I see.","23":"Could I ask what's about?","24":"It's a private matter, I don't want to talk about it over the phone.","25":"If it's what we talked about before, I don't want to hear it.","26":"I'm... going through a lot right now.","27":"I don't really want to discuss something that will...","28":"...just... please respect my decision to...","29":"Emily doesn't want me to talk about Valerie, I understand that, but she probably doesn't want to talk about her family either.","30":"This will be difficult to navigate either way, though I can honestly tell her it has nothing to do directly with Valerie.","31":"It's not about that.","32":"...Directly.","33":"There's silence on the other end for a long time.","34":"...If we must.","35":"Thank you. I'll see you soon.","36":"I hang up the phone. It's only then I notice that {Leah} was watching the whole thing go down.","37":"That was Emily.","38":"Did she agree to talk?","39":"For all that matters, yes. But she doesn't know yet what I'm going to bring up.","40":"{Leah} sighs.","41":"I wish I could help. Emily wouldn't listen to me.","42":"That's not true. Every time I talk to Emily, she always says she's sad that you don't get along.","43":"I don't think she actually means that.","44":"I think she's more fine with you than you think. Besides, she's mellowed out a lot.","45":"I'm going to go talk to her. I'm going to try and beat traffic.","46":"And... I'll look for a job.","47":"You do that. And don't stress out about it.","48":"I wave {Leah} off as I leave.","49":"I hear the phone going off as I'm in the car.","50":"Shit. Doesn't Emily know I can't answer while I'm driving?","51":"Gah. This is frustrating... I hope she's not canceling on me.","52":"Anyway... I'm close.","53":"When I arrive, I can check my phone. I click over and see what the fuss is about.","54":"Emily left a voicemail. A short one. I really hope she's not flaking out on me.","55":"Let's see...","56":"The message I hear is... so odd... that just hearing it makes my heart race.","57":"...I... cannot... puzzle it out... [i]at all...","58":"[speed,0.6][i]This is my last chance to tell you to stay away from me.","59":"Her tone did not match the content of her message. Everything... from what she said... to how she said it... sounded weird.","60":"It kind of sounded like...","61":"...she hates me.","62":"...she's warning me.","63":"...she's apologizing to me.","64":"We've not often gotten along, and through it all, I never got the sense that she disliked me. Not until [i]this[\/i] message.","65":"It doesn't flush with how things have developed and changed with us...","66":"...but what else should I conclude?","67":"Almost like she's strapped to a time bomb or something.","68":"...That was the kind of tone she was setting. Which means... I should definitely go see her.","69":"Yes... that's it... she was [i]apologizing...[\/i] for what exactly?","70":"It could be anything. Maybe she's simply freaking out about this meeting we're about it have.","71":"That is, if it's even real. Is this Valerie's fuckery? This could be some sort of deepfake... it sounds like Emily... but...","72":"While I'm here, I might as well call and check.","73":"No answer.","74":"I guess I'll try and see her anyway.","75":"Emily? No... it [i]can't be[\/i]...","76":"The face is the same, but everything else is different. The demeanor is completely off. Emily is proud, this girl is trying to look as small as possible.","77":"Who is she?","78":"Let's go.","79":"An older man beckons her to follow, but this girl [i]stares[\/i] at me. As soon as the man notices, he also glances at my direction.","80":"Shit... they recognize [i]me[\/i]... but I don't know who the fuck they are.","81":"They both approach as casually as can be.","82":"I know you.","83":"I shrug and give him an apologetic glance.","84":"You could at least respond.","85":"Remember what Emily told us? He became an invalid. He can't talk.","86":"Oh! That's right. Emily's invalid suitor. It's shocking that they let this sort into college.","87":"Please don't be cruel, father. You don't have to talk to him like he isn't there.","88":"Emily's... [i]family...","89":"This is a weird moment for a first meeting, yet here I am, looking at the dismissive glare of Emily's dad.","90":"This meeting should have happened years ago, if Emily didn't do everything in her power to stop it.","91":"This is just how it is. People just aren't honest about their capabilities anymore. There's paraplegics in marathons and women as soldiers, and everyone gets offended if you point it out.","92":"I give him an angry glance.","93":"...Though... he seems quite capable of nonverbal communication.","94":"Iris, what did Emily say was his name again?","95":"She probably told you it was {PlayerName}.","96":"Father, please don't be rude. You need to work on your social skills.","97":"I came to talk to Emily about her family... but here they are, in the flesh. Well, her dad is arrogant, but I don't quite understand why she built a brick wall between me and them.","98":"They seem like conventionally detached rich folk. I wouldn't [i]want[\/i] to have dinner with them, but I could stand to.","99":"I actually have always wanted to meet this boy. I remember seeing you speak at a young leadership conference. I saw you and thought to myself: ''that boy will be a senator one day''.","100":"Did Emily bother talking about me at all?","101":"I cannot recall your name.","102":"Arthur.","103":"I apologize on his behalf. My father is very insensitive.","104":"I'm not insensitive. I'm honest. But let's not air out this dirty laundry.","105":"Are you here to talk to Emily?","106":"That is why I came.","107":"Ah. That's why she was hurrying along the conversation quite quickly.","108":"Yes, she did. She is where she is for a reason, unfortunately.","109":"If we left early enough, she could prevent this meeting from happening at all.","110":"I do know that Emily really didn't like me knowing about her personal life.","111":"Should we speak openly about this sort of thing? On one hand, he knew Emily quite well, on the other, he never joined the family.","112":"Yes. Talk to me. Give me information. Slip to me everything you know.","113":"I am curious to know why Emily was hiding her family the whole time.","114":"It's because of Emily's particular delusion.","115":"Delusion?","116":"Emily has tried, very hard, to keep segments of her life separate, to not spill into each other.","117":"She puts into boxes her work, family, and education, and everyone associated with each.","118":"She tries to keep us out of her affairs, but she doesn't understand that the family's strength is loyalty above all.","119":"You can't change your blood.","120":"Precisely. There exists no division between your personal life and supporting the family.","121":"And yet, here we are, outside of a prison where Emily is being kept largely due to the choices of her family.","122":"It seems loyalty goes one way.","123":"I'm curious. What about you? Do you hold a similar belief with your kin?","124":"Father...","125":"Iris gives her father a weirdly harsh glance.","126":"Don't be so dramatic. I'm simply asking a question.","127":"Family is more important than anything.","128":"Being yourself is more important.","129":"I like this boy. Maybe he will be a senator yet.","130":"Father...","131":"If it weren't for your invalidity I would probably approve you marrying Emily.","132":"Of course, given Emily's current position, she'd be lucky to get any match at all. So perhaps you might still have a chance.","133":"Father... please...","134":"Arthur clucks his tongue and turns to Iris.","135":"You see? This was my point.","136":"Please don't talk like this publicly...","137":"The difference between the upper class and the lower class is strict adherence to a familial hierarchy.","138":"The lower classes are too individualistic. They're out for themselves rather than working for any sort of collective good.","139":"Please don't mention the Chinese...","140":"That's why the Chinese will conquer the world and become the dominant race.","141":"Father... you can't make these kinds of statements publicly.","142":"I really don't understand what's wrong with them. Someone has to say them.","143":"I don't want to remind you of this, but...","144":"...{PlayerName} is that muckraker's {youAreHer}.","145":"Oh.","146":"A muckraker? Are they talking about {Leah}?","147":"We need to be much more careful about what we say.","148":"Iris turns to me, and gives me a quite sincere, but apologetic, smile.","149":"I'm sorry. It isn't you. It's your association with the muckraker {Leah}.","150":"She's just my {sheIsYour}, we don't share information.","151":"...A fucking blatant lie. But what am I supposed to say to them? [i]I need their information.","152":"But you currently rent an apartment with her, correct?","153":"Did Emily tell them that I live with {Leah}?","154":"For economical reasons.","155":"Arthur involuntarily grins at the idea of a budget.","156":"I wanted to avoid being blunt, but you aren't safe to talk to. It is nothing personal.","157":"It is too bad. Despite your invalidity you were starting to win me over. I suppose I should've met you before forcing Emily to break up with you.","158":"That is... unless you have something to tell us about {Leah}...","159":"They're trying to get me to rat out on {Leah} still. What is their obsession with {Leah}?","160":"Just like Emily, we keep private those parts of our lives.","161":"Arthur nods.","162":"It's a pleasure to meet you. The chauffeur waits.","163":"I hope we talk again, but it is unlikely.","164":"That was weird. They're both exactly what I thought Emily's family would be like, and completely different.","165":"I suppose I should talk to Emily now...","166":"But when I enter the building, I'm told in no uncertain terms that Emily would not accept visitation.","167":"I guess calling her wouldn't be productive, either.","168":"But when I ring for her, the door doesn't open. Nor does she respond to any of my texts.","169":"I can only guess Emily changed her mind...","0":"The next morning, over breakfast, I consider what my approach will be with Emily.","1":"Knowing how things worked out last time, I don't exactly think that Emily will be eager to talk to me.","2":"And, knowing how reluctant Emily is to talk about her folks, I'm not sure she'll want to open up even if she does want to see me.","3":"Maybe... if I can talk to her... and see if she'll even see me in the first place.","4":"I'll have to use the old phone. She won't answer a random phone call...","5":"...especially because her calls are limited...","6":"Let's see if she answers.","7":"I go through the whole rigamarole of going through the prison system.","8":"Luckily, it seems I manage to get through the bureaucratic pipeline eventually.","9":"When I hear her voice on the other side, she's tired."},"ch13__13.50 the new vector.vne3":{"10":"How do I do this?","11":"Shit, so many thoughts are going through my mind. Maybe talking to {Leah} will calm me down a little bit.","12":"How is the job hunt going?","13":"I filled out a few applications. It's hard when I can't use Hank for a reference.","14":"They judge you based on small things like that.","15":"True.","16":"I... uh... have a harder time filling out applications than I thought.","17":"It's like... how do I explain my skills? And then sometimes they make you do a personality test, and it's like...","18":"Just lie in the application.","19":"''I love overtime and doing the same thing again and again.''","20":"Exactly.","21":"You know, between doing the school paper, and doing my current work...","22":"...I've never actually had a paying job before.","23":"There is only one type of job, and it's the paying one. Everything else is a hobby or slavery.","24":"Journalism is a bit more than a hobby, you know. It's a calling. And the better you are at being a journalist, the more enemies you make.","25":"It's just you can't eat truth...","26":"Have you thought about writing those dumb articles online? [i]''You won't believe what these child stars look like now''.","27":"I would... well... how do I put this? I'd rather shovel shit, because it's basically the same thing. No, wait, comparing that to shoveling shit [i]is an insult[\/i] to shit-shovelers.","28":"TLDR, I don't want to do that.","29":"I might have to work at Kristen's comic book shop.","30":"That could be fun.","31":"I wouldn't mind it, except I have to work with Kristen.","32":"Yes, I see. I mean... something will come up, right?","33":"And if it comes down to it, I'm willing to [i]support you[\/i] while we get everything sorted out.","34":"I'm hoping that's not necessary.","35":"Yeah...","36":"Anyway... what about everything else?","37":"By that... she means the Fraternity, the shooting, Emily... and all I've got for her is my weird reluctance to see Emily.","38":"But... if there's anyone who might give me proper advice, it's {Leah}.","39":"It's important, right? Knowing about Amiran and Valerie's flight?","40":"I think it is. We won't know the significance of it until we learn the truth.","41":"It's worth doing.","42":"In that case...","43":"...I'll try and meet up with Emily. Though I'm not sure how to get her talking about the flight. We don't even know if she has any information about that.","44":"That's not important. If you can just establish a line of communication, that might be enough.","45":"We have to think long term. Develop a contact we can use.","46":"I see what she's saying.","47":"I have [i]a lot[\/i] of reservations about you talking to Emily, personally... so... I'm not saying for any other reason, other than it's strictly necessary.","48":"You still hold a grudge against her?","49":"I suppose I have one too... but I don't understand why {Leah} would. It can't be just because she broke up with me.","50":"It's not a grudge. She's a bad influence.","51":"You would've never tried sabotaging Sam if it weren't for her.","52":"And yet, Valerie was the one who remembered that action, who respected it. Who is to say that it isn't her influence that made me do it?","53":"[i]Maybe... it wasn't anyone's influence at all...","54":"I'm not about to sabotage Sam again. And if I end up sabotaging Valerie, it would be a good thing.","55":"The fact she got out of prison so soon worries me.","56":"She was innocent, you know.","57":"Of course I know that.","58":"Enough talking. I should just go and try.","59":"What are you going to do? I hope not call her...","60":"No, that would be stupid. I'm going to go to her apartment and ring her doorbell.","61":"{Leah} looks as though she's searching her mind for a protest, but she comes up with nothing.","62":"Is that the buzzer?","63":"Did you order something? Are you having something delivered?","64":"No...","65":"...you don't think it's...?","66":"I thought she'd try to call me.","67":"Let me answer the door. If it's her, she'll know to speak.","68":"Yeah.","69":"Good luck.","70":"I give her a reassuring smile, and then I head out the door.","71":"It doesn't feel likely that this is her. In all our time together, it's so rare that she chooses to be the one to put herself out there.","72":"Then again...","73":"[i]''I'm in love with you.''[\/i] Those were her exact words when I saw her in the prison. She had no reason to tell me that.","74":"She thought her life was over... what would she have to gain from telling me?","75":"She seemed so upset that we only came to talk about Valerie... how she resents Valerie always being between us.","76":"Anyway, there's no use speculating. I might as well check who it is.","77":"I press the ''listen'' button and wait.","78":"Things fall silent. Then, the seconds crawl.","79":"It feels like time only resumes when I hear that unmistakeable voice.","80":"Hey.","81":"That's Emily's voice, no doubt.","82":"I'm downstairs.","83":"So that's her, then.","84":"So she was the one who came to you, huh?","85":"This makes me even more nervous.","86":"She was recently let out... it's surprisingly that she can walk around so freely.","87":"Her dad is rich. I'm sure he can cut a deal where others can't.","88":"Even so...","89":"Isn't she still under house arrest? Is she allowed to walk around freely like this?","90":"I don't know.","91":"I'm starting to regret not taking Maggie's gun.","92":"{Leah} is joking, but for some reason neither of us can manage a smile.","93":"I'd better go talk to her.","94":"Okay... bring the walkie-talkie with you. It'd make me feel better.","95":"You know it's not like a phone, right? It doesn't ring. If you ''call'' me then it's going to make a sound.","96":"It is for emergencies only.","97":"Of course. See you in a bit.","98":"I step out, and Emily just stares at me for a bit. As someone who doesn't talk, awkward silences aren't really a thing that happens to me anymore...","99":"...yet here I am.","100":"Does she expect me to do the icebreaker? She wanted to talk to me. She came to my door.","101":"Maybe that's how I should open up...","102":"You wanted to speak to me?","103":"Uh... yes... I did.","104":"Did you want to go somewhere?","105":"You were the one who asked me to come.","106":"I did...","107":"The... the restaurant we both went to a long time ago... did you want to go there?","108":"I would but honestly I don't have any money.","109":"Now that I think about it... neither do I.","110":"Emily nearly laughs at this.","111":"We could just walk around.","112":"Just walk around...","113":"She doesn't seem especially comfortable with the idea, but she still considers it.","114":"Let's do that, then.","115":"We walk in silence for a while. Emily looks at everything except directly into my eyes.","116":"It makes me more and more curious about what she wants me for... but I'm a bit tired of asking directly.","117":"What does she want from me? Eventually, she's going to be forced to speak.","118":"And she does.","119":"It's... it's nice being free.","120":"I really thought... I wasn't going to get out.","121":"I know it was your dad that was keeping you there.","122":"I think he was trying to teach me some sort of lesson...","123":"I'm so grateful for what you tried to do for... at the Halloween party.","124":"It was a courageous decision.","125":"I couldn't make another decision. Otherwise I'd be just selling you out.","126":"You could have made another decision, but you didn't.","127":"I'm really sorry about what happened to {Leah}.","128":"I feel awful that she's getting blamed for something she didn't do.","129":"You did what you could. My {sheIsYour} has a reputation.","130":"An unfair one. Even I bought into it, briefly.","131":"Still, my relationship with my dad is... it's rocky.","132":"Through it all, he found out about the work I was doing with Cedric... poking holes in the software my dad was developing.","133":"You told me. You resented your dad sending you to this school to solidify a contract.","134":"You thought if you broke the contract, you could go to whatever school you wanted.","135":"I had selfish motives. I thought I was some sort of puppetmaster, manipulating Cedric into helping me.","136":"It's probably justice that it was me who was getting played.","137":"My sister thinks I'm a selfish person... she's right about that, at least.","138":"Iris, right?","139":"Ah... so you met. Right.","140":"I so wish that didn't happen. I wish you didn't meet.","141":"Can you explain why? Why do you not want people to meet your family?","142":"No... not [i]people[\/i]. It's [i]you[\/i]. I don't want [i]you[\/i] to meet my family.","143":"Why? I don't get it.","144":"Of course you wouldn't.","145":"The point is... the program that Cedric stole... it's in the wild now. I think about that every day.","146":"It was my fault that it happened. I knew Cedric couldn't be trusted. I knew he was an ambitious weasel. And even so I underestimated him.","147":"I shouldn't say this... but I really, [i]really[\/i] hope he's dead.","148":"Cedric did point a gun in my face, so no affection was lost between us.","149":"I wonder... if Cedric is being kept at that hospital too... I wouldn't mind if he just stayed there.","150":"Cedric is the least of your concerns now.","151":"Yeah. [i]Valerie[\/i].","152":"I'm honestly not trying to sabotage her to win a campaign. I'm trying to warn you.","153":"Valerie is bad. It took me a long time to understand that, but she is.","154":"I know one thing... Valerie isn't a good person.","155":"She's ambitious, driven, intelligent, merciless... I looked up to her for those reasons.","156":"She's her [i]own person[\/i]. Everything she has, she had to grab for herself. She didn't have rich parents to help her or make connections.","157":"This is very embarrassing to admit, but...","158":"...[i]Valerie is my role model.","159":"Really?","160":"I thought... if I was like Valerie, I could also be the same as her.","161":"I could develop myself like she does.","162":"So Valerie is the one who had an influence over you...","163":"If {Leah}'s right, and Emily had a negative influence on me, that negative influence could just come from Valerie.","164":"I don't want to blame her for who I became.","165":"It's clearer and clearer that I have no idea what I want, or what I'm looking for.","166":"It's like... my goal was to be the girlboss, a powerful, strong, independent woman. But I didn't have any other reasons to become that person.","167":"I must sound so... [i]weird[\/i] to you...","168":"Not at all.","169":"Let's turn into this park, shall we?","170":"Yeah...","171":"I don't think I've ever been to this place before... but it's very nice.","172":"We meander in, and like it was made for us, there's this bench in front.","173":"The old bench creaks as I take my seat next to Emily. She clasps her hands together, unable to continue her thoughts.","174":"I choose to simply wait. I know something will come out, sooner or later.","175":"The only thing I wanted... was to be my own person...","176":"...and now... I'm even less of my own person than ever...","177":"I don't have a choice any more. I'm... I'm so sorry...","178":"That's not true, Emily.","179":"You're going to find out that you have choice still.","180":"The first step... is the same step I took. To see Valerie for who she truly is.","0":"Kestrel was a complete disaster. Even talking to that man is dangerous.","1":"Their investigation is meandering, unfocused, and incompetent, but my feeling is that Kestrel is the countervailing wind on their course of failure.","2":"Eventually, that man is going to get his way if I don't get my own act together.","3":"Anyway, I don't need him either. Emily's offer to meet is still open.","4":"She wants to see me apparently, but leaves it entirely to me when and where.","5":"For some reason, that makes me feel [i]more uncomfortable[\/i]. She's exactly the person I need to speak to next... I need to know the connection between her family's company and Valerie. She's the only way I get to that.","6":"If it was me trying to convince her, I'd feel a lot more in control of the situation. But it's the other way around. After years of giving me the cold shoulder, its her who wants to talk to me.","7":"And her getting of prison... at this moment...","8":"The timing is [i]too perfect...","9":"When I try and speculate what she might want to see me about, my mind draws foggy memories. We have a long history, and a longer list of issues..."},"ch13_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch13_start.vne3":{"10":"Check synopsis.","11":"Skip.","12":"Even after my capture, the fight against the Fraternity, and its shadowy leader, continued.","13":"{Leah} has been waging her own fight against Silent1. Much of it shrouded, even from me.","14":"With her strong sense of justice, she was just as committed as anyone to stopping the secret society from preying upon the people of this town.","15":"But to draw out the shadowy agents, {Leah} has had to make a difficult gamble, using a bait...","16":"...[i]me.[\/i]","17":"{Leah} had been quietly working with her mentor and professor, Frank Craven, on her own campaign against Silent1.","18":"She had come to suspect Valerie of being the malicious hacker, but she couldn't prove it. The reason for her suspicion, she hid, even from me.","19":"{Leah} and Frank snuck to the clearing where they had prepared to spring their ambush, but found neither Valerie, Amiran, or me. Instead, they came across two unconscious henchmen.","20":"Interrogating one of the men, they explained how they were in fact sent to kidnap Valerie before some man with a baseball bat knocked them out.","21":"Sensing the plan had gone sideways, {Leah} and Frank trailed Valerie and I back to her office.","22":"Kiara, a journalism student who had been recruited by {Leah}, was there to join them. For some time, she had been secretly assigned to keep an eye on me.","23":"Still unaware of my fate, they searched for clues in Valerie's office. What they found was {Leah}'s fears coming to pass. ","24":"She knew that something had happened between Valerie and I, and that I had been knocked out and dragged away.","25":"Before they could search for more clues, Valerie suddenly returned and forced them to hide. ","26":"Leah and Frank weren't so sligh that their intrusion went unnoticed by their fore. But since the cards were all on the table, Valerie couldn't help but toy with her enemies.","27":"...The sick joke had the added bonus of letting {Leah} know who had my gun, now.","28":"Something had clearly gone wrong with {Leah}'s plan to help Amiran find Valerie.","29":"She expected that reuniting them might be enough to confront Valerie with her history, and force her to admit who she really was.","30":"But things had not gone down that way. ","31":"There was no reunion. No confession and tearful reveal.","32":"Instead... Valerie ran at the sight of Amiran.","33":"And what's worse, had {Leah} lost me forever? Had she gambled me away for nothing?","34":"With few options, all she could do was confront Valerie herself. {Leah} tracked her down to the coffee shop and finally cornered her... a challenge Valerie seemed amused by.","35":"Valerie, in response, accused {Leah} of breaking a promise she made a long time ago.","36":"Leah denied she had broken her promise, maintaining that the truth of what she had found has stayed with her, and her alone.","37":"In the end, Valerie gave up little. She was too quick and keen to give away any information that was too valuable. But {Leah} was certain of one thing.","38":"I was still alive.","39":"If {Leah} had any hope of rescuing me, she had to act fast.","40":"But my vanishing act wasn't noticed by her alone.","41":"Alfred, the head of the university's philosophy club, had taken to secretly monitoring the club's members, since so many had gone missing .","42":"He quickly learned of my disappearance, and seeking out {Leah}, pledged his assistance to my search.","43":"As for me, I awoke in a hospital, drugged and strapped to a sickbed.","44":"And beside me, Valerie confessed to being Silent1. Not just that, to being the president, and leader, of the Fraternity. Or, going by their true name, The Silent Brotherhood.","45":"The one responsible for everything that's happened. The disappearances, the destroyed lives, the corrupt institutions. It was all... Valerie.","46":"I was a fool. I didn't want to believe it. I couldn't.","47":"It didn't feel like Valerie. It was too strange to see the girl I had been friends with this entire time...","48":"...And at times, more...","49":"...become this... villain.","50":"She revealed how this whole ordeal, my hunt for Silent1, RECENTLY falling into my lap, the course of events these past few months, she helped engineer it all.","51":"She [i]wanted[\/i] me to discover who and what she really was...","52":"...All because, according to her, I'm the only thing in the world she cares about.","53":"The hospital they kept me in was clearly under the control of the Silent Brotherhood.","54":"In the drug fueled haze, I even think I saw Stan, silently acting as nurse and attendant.","55":"To add to this waking nightmare, Rogham was there as well. Apparently he really had survived the fire at Stan's house.","56":"Rogham made an appearance as well.","57":"With the identity of Valerie and the Silent Brotherhood now made known to me, Rogham dispensed with the act he had been forced to play the past few months.","58":"It seemed pretty clear to the spiteful, rat faced professor, that I'd be ''taken care of'' as soon as possible. And he seemed eager to do it himself.","59":"For the moment, I was under Valerie's protection. But somehow I didn't think just being the boss's favorite pet was going to keep Rogham from taking a shot at me.","60":"To darken my hopes even further, Valerie bragged about how she knew {Leah} would be on her way to rescue me before long.","61":"Drugged, tied to a hospital bed, and surrounded by enemies, I was forced to lay there and now be bait for my enemies.","62":"One evening, I awoke in horror to find I was being dragged from my room by a pack of hooded strangers. ","63":"I was certain this was Rogham and his allies, making their move.","64":"But instead of violent assassins, it was {Leah}, leading a small rescue team!","65":"Somehow, they were able to sneak me out undetected... though I wonder if that's really true.","66":"Did we really make it out of that hospital in some daring escape? Or were we let go?","67":"Free from the clutches of the Silent Brotherhood, there was time enough for a brief homecoming celebration.","68":"We drank and partied all night. And in between, we also managed to share some vital intelligence. ","69":"For one, Valerie's surveillance powers weren't limited to just RECENTLY. She could monitor almost anything we did on our phones and devices.","70":"Almost all digital communication was now unsafe to use. From here on out, we would have to be extremely careful with how we talked to one another.","71":"It was hard not to feel like the Silent Brotherhood had us on the ropes, but the one thing we had in our favor was the fact that there was now division among our enemies.","72":"Rogham wanted me dead, even if his president and leader, Valerie, considered me her life partner.","73":"The dispute, whatever it is over, might buy us some time.","74":"Life went on while I was in captivity.","75":"By the time I was free, Haley had booked her first show at Sevigny's.","76":"And while a runaway pooch prevented Maggie and I from catching most of the show, Haley was kind enough to give us a private encore.","77":"And, still vibrating with excitement after her first concert, Haley and I burnt off some of that energy.","78":"I [i]almost[\/i] felt bad about it, but Dante did tell us to have fun when he left us the keys to lock up Sevingy's.","79":"We had to find some way to exploit the slim opening we had against our enemies. Some way to act against Valerie and her Silent Brotherhood.","80":"With RECENTLY rendered unusable, and much of our digital communication compromised, there weren't many ways to take the fight to them.","81":"One option still open was Sandra.","82":"She was clearly valuable to Valerie, who had gone to great lengths to manipulate and hide her old roommate.","83":"Being in hiding, Sandra isn't a woman who gets a lot of... attention.","84":"So it couldn't hurt to see to some of her [i]needs[\/i] before having a hard conversation with her.","85":"I confronted the skittish recluse with the truth that Silent1, who had destroyed her life, and Valerie, who had helped her disappear and shielded her, were the same person.","86":"I hoped that Sandra would come to see how her situation was engineered, and she had been exploited by Valerie.","87":"But Sandra angrily rejected the truth. She wouldn't accept the possibility she could have been manipulated and used so thoroughly.","88":"Sandra was a dead end. My only other option to get to Valerie was through Emily.","89":"I explained to Emily who and what Valerie really was, and how she was the one behind her incarceration. Valerie was the one who had enabled Cedric and his plot to frame her in the first place.","90":"She wasn't as hostile with the news as Sandra had been, but Emily still wasn't ready to take my word on it. Not without some kind of hard proof.","91":"For now, she would stay loyal to Valerie.","92":"I explained to Emily who Valerie really was, and how she had been the one behind the theft of her father's software.","93":"She wasn't as hostile with the news as Sandra had been, but Emily still wasn't ready to take my word on it. Not without some kind of hard proof.","94":"For now, she would stay loyal to Valerie.","95":"Exhausting my options, I went to find {Leah}, to see if she had come up with something.","96":"I tracked her to Sam's dorm, where she was ''paying'' Sam back for making the disguises for my rescue mission .","97":"In return, {Leah} had to play canvas for Sam's cosplay passion. She was a natural.","98":"In fact, I let {Leah} know just how good she looked in a super hero get up when we got home.","99":"The two of us took a short break to act out an X-Rated Marvel movie.","100":"But getting back to the case, {Leah} had kept me in the dark too long about this secret that led her to suspect Valerie was Silent1. It was time for her to come clean with what she knew.","101":"It all traced back to something she had seen when she raided the principal's office years ago in highschool.","102":"In her investigation for evidence of administrative corruption, {Leah} had come across the personal files of a number of students. Among them, Valerie.","103":"{Leah} discovered something about Valerie during that break-in. Something that, to this day, she has sworn to secrecy on behalf of the very young woman who was now our deadly enemy.","104":"In no small part out of desperation, {Leah} did use what she had found in that file to track down a man named Amiran, and to bring him to Shale Hill.","105":"Amiran, was searching for someone who was lost to him.","106":"His Balenka.","107":"And he could still be our last card to play.","108":"{Leah}'s plan was to make contact with Amiran, given he clearly has some connection to Valerie.","109":"Risking showing our hand to the Silent Brotherhood, we reached out to him using RECENTLY, and set up a meeting.","110":"In the dark alley behind Sevingy's, we met the enigmatic foreigner. He was less than thrilled to see us.","111":"Amiran accused us of deceiving him. Of holding his daughter, his ''balenka'', against her will.","112":"{Leah} pleaded with him, trying to explain how we weren't members of the Fraternity.","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","113":"That's when Amiran said that one of us was...","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","4":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","7":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","8":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","9":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?"},"ch13__13.KR.05 kristen sex.vne3":{"10":"Do I look like I'm made of money? Christ. Don't be such a scab.","11":"I need you to come in today.","12":"What else?","13":"What do you mean, ''what else''?","14":"What are you going to give me?","15":"I mean...","16":"...I suppose I could...","17":"...give you small bonus... for today.","18":"What else?","19":"You're asking for [i]more?[\/i]","20":"Yes.","21":"She eyes me down.","22":"I could... give you some sort of... [i]moral incentive...[\/i]","23":"What even is a ''moral incentive''?","24":"You're already robbing me blind, alright? I have nothing material to give you [i]except[\/i] moral incentive.","25":"Share with me this moral incentive, then. I'm really curious about it.","26":"Right. I'm about to give you the moral incentive, okay? You'd better be appreciative, because this is pretty rare coming from me!","27":"Okay? Ready? Here it comes!","28":"P-","29":"[i]-please[\/i].","30":"Please come work today. I... I need you.","31":"So this is the moral incentive, huh? I have to admit, having Kristen here, basically begging, [i]does[\/i] sort of drive something into my heart.","32":"Plus... I need the money.","33":"If I'm going back, there need to be changes.","34":"Changes? But... I'm your boss. [i]You[\/i] are supposed to make the changes, not me.","35":"Let's be honest for second, Kristen. Brutally honest. Your comic book shop [i]isn't[\/i] doing well, is it?","36":"She huffs... and grinds her toe into the dirt.","37":"If you're going to be brutal about it...","38":"Your attitude doesn't just drive customers away, it drives employees away too.","39":"Well... I mean... [i]standards[\/i]... like...","40":"...if I don't have them, who else will?","41":"Okay. Let's go back to your shop. I'll show you exactly where you're going wrong.","42":"You're going to train [i]me?[\/i] But I'm the experienced one!","43":"I train [i]you![\/i] I get annoyed with [i]you!","44":"Is your business doing well? Do you have customers? Can you retain your employees?","45":"When you put it that way...","46":"You gave up the game when you revealed that you needed me.","47":"Kristen grunts, but says nothing.","48":"And by the way, this training is paid work.","49":"Fine. [i]Fine.[\/i] Since you're on the clock...","50":"I'll follow you.","51":"Kristen groans, then we head to the mall.","52":"Great. We're here. Let me just close the shop.","53":"We won't be disturbed now.","54":"You know what your main issue is, right?","55":"Intelligence? The ability to frighten people?","56":"You're judgemental. That's why Lidia left.","57":"I don't understand how [i]Lidia[\/i] was offended by something I said to [i]someone else.","58":"A wrong opinion is a wrong opinion!","59":"But who cares? People have all kinds of different tastes. That you write weird porn involving femboys is your thing.","60":"You don't hear me judging you about that.","61":"But your judgements would be [i]wrong.","62":"Lidia took the way you treated that customer as the way you treat everyone.","63":"You've had asshole customers, right?","64":"Of course.","65":"And you think the way they treat you is a reflection of who they are as a person, right?","66":"People who treat employees badly are basically animals.","67":"Agreed. And nobody else needs to be treated like that either.","68":"Tch... is this your training? Lecturing me.","69":"What I'm going to do, is I'm going to leave the store. When I come back, I'm going to pose as a customer.","70":"Your task... your only task... is to not be a smartass.","71":"Your job depends on this.","72":"Ah...","73":"Okay. Fine. I'll... I'll try.","74":"Remember, when I come back, I'm a customer, got it?","75":"Kristen twists up with annoyance, but she understands.","76":"I stand outside and sigh. It's not peak time, but people are still out. It's a bad idea to close up shop.","77":"Kristen is definitely going to lose customers, but she'll lose more if she doesn't take my advice.","78":"Let's see how much self control she really has.","79":"Well... she's looking me in the eye. She looks pretty attentive.","80":"I wish I knew how a typical comic book nerd acted... that would make this a lot more authentic.","81":"Welcome to... to Cram Comics. How can I assist you?","82":"She is [i]quivering[\/i]. I've never known someone to be so pathologically snarky as Kristen.","83":"I don't know. What would a comic book guy say?","84":"Hi, I'm looking for a comic book.","85":"Oh? What kind of genre do you like?","86":"What genres are there again?","87":"I'd like a superhero comic book, please.","88":"Oh... you want a superhero comic book?","89":"Then pick anything, [i]anything at all[\/i] off the shelves. That is literally the most generic comic book.","90":"Jesus, who the fuck walks into a comic book store and just [i]wants any superhero comic?[\/i] That's so stupid...","91":"Gah! Shit!","92":"It was your only job.","93":"I can be not snarky, I promise!","94":"Shit... it's just... you said... you acted...","95":"You acted so [i]stupid![\/i] I refuse to take the blame for this!","96":"I've run this place for years, and nobody comes up and just asks for a superhero comic like they don't know what they want!","97":"How do people act, then?","98":"Either they're collectors, and they want Issue 5 First Edition of Whateverthefuck Man or they're perverts awkwardly asking if I have an adult comics section!","99":"Okay. Let's try again.","100":"Reset. Center yourself. Think humble thoughts.","101":"Fucking whatever...","102":"This might take a long time.","103":"Welcome to Cram Comics! How can I assist you?","104":"Could you please direct me to the adult comics section?","105":"Yeah, you look the type.","106":"No! [i]I mean...[\/i] why are you doing this to me? Why?","107":"I'm supposed to act [i]natural[\/i] as someone asks for adult comics?","108":"Yes, you're supposed to be non-judgemental.","109":"But I [i]am[\/i] judgemental!","110":"Reel it in, then!","111":"Give me a script. Tell me what I'm supposed to say when someone asks where the porn is.","112":"Sure. Here's my script:","113":"''The porn section is over there.''","114":"Well, you don't have a fucking tongue, so of course it's easy for you to say.","115":"It's easy to say, period.","116":"Okay. Try it. I think I got it.","117":"This time for sure.","118":"I don't believe her.","119":"If this doesn't work, I'm quitting a second time, and I don't care about charging her for it.","120":"Good evening. How may assist you today?","121":"I'm going to give her the true test now.","122":"I'm looking for the porn.","123":"Of course sir. Right this way.","124":"Wow. She [i]does[\/i] have self control.","125":"I know she had a billion snarky comments she wanted to make.","126":"And here is the adult section. I trust you have a government issued ID that proves you are above the age of consent, correct?","127":"She's not doing badly. At least... she's not obviously sarcastic.","128":"I can tell she is [i]boiling[\/i] inside.","129":"And here. Let me give you a few recommendations.","130":"...recommendations?","131":"You look like a gentleman of fine taste. Here's a good one.","132":"''The Art of Ahegao''. Fine choice sir.","133":"Are you familiar with ahegao?","134":"Ahegao is... [i]ahem[\/i]... is a Japanese term for an exaggerated orgasm face.","135":"''Ahegao'' translates to [i]panting face[\/i]. It's been a feature of Japanese pornography since the 1990s.","136":"The first Ahegao-themed doujin was ''A-H-E'', which was released in 2008.","137":"What else would you like to know about Ahegao, sir?","138":"Jeez she is weird... how can she both blush and say this shit?","139":"I think I've learned far too much.","140":"But that makes no sense. You voluntarily came to this adult section.","141":"You must be interested. Here.","142":"Uh...","143":"Observe the conventionalized expression of the ahegao. You'll notice the eyes rolling back and the tongue rolling out.","144":"Think about how powerful an orgasm must be to make a woman pant like a dog [i]and[\/i] roll her eyes at the same time.","145":"In conclusion, this art book is fundamental to the collection of any collector.","146":"The end. Could we go back up to the register?","147":"Well, I mean... technically she hasn't said anything too snarky...","148":"...but I wouldn't call this good customer service.","149":"Kristen, you're being off-putting.","150":"Off-putting?","151":"You're acting crazy.","152":"You're reminding me that time in Sevigny's...","153":"This... this was a terrible idea...","154":"What, so I'm giving you [i]psycho vibes[\/i], is that it?","155":"Well...","156":"Hey, I'm just trying to serve you. I'm trying to make you feel good.","157":"You want the art of ahegao? [i]I'll give you the art of ahegao!","158":"Oh shit...","159":"Take a good look at this, Mr. Customer Man.","160":"I'm going to get you exactly what you want.","161":"She bends forward, and I feel like I have to take a step back...","162":"...and I wonder... what she's about to do...","163":"What? What is this?","164":"Kristen... is what being polite for five minutes does to you?","165":"Does it all build up, and just suddenly snap explosively like this?","166":"Every time I peel your onion, you just get fucking weirder.","167":"[i]Mister Customer Man! Mister Customer Man! Please give me your money!","168":"[i]I've been such a good widdle girl! Please give me your money!","169":"[i]I get so fucking hot thinking about you busting your wallet over me.","170":"...Oh shit...","171":"...The fuck is this...?","172":"I'm such a dirty whore. I can't stop thinking about stuffing your money into my cream filled holes.","173":"Who needs a garter belt when you've got cum-cement to stick all that cash to you?","174":"Give me some of your cum cement so I can roll around in cash and let it all stick to me!","175":"I think... I can't add anything to what seeing and hearing.","176":"Does this make you feel good, master? Do you need a tissue for that cum, or do you need to use me as your cum bucket?","177":"I'm not good for much else anyway... I'm not--","178":"Oh!","179":"I think Kristen finally realized what she's doing.","180":"Whereas... I'm still not sure.","181":"This was... ah...","182":"I guess... I really am kind of a freak, aren't I?","183":"I mean... [i]I don't mind being a freak.[\/i] But...","184":"She looks like she's in a stupor...","185":"...there's no lying about it. There's no pretending I'm better than everyone else.","186":"I'm like... fucked up.","187":"But that's not always a bad thing, right?","188":"Maybe... maybe you're fucked up too?","189":"I've got a lot of issues I need to [i]ahegao[\/i] through...","190":"I already knew Kristen was an absolute freak, but I guess I underestimated by how much.","191":"I guess Kristen is an absolute freak.","192":"Is it safe for me to stay?","193":"She's a freak. Run.","194":"She's a freak... Stay.","195":"I'm a mute. I can't explain myself, so I won't.","196":"Wait! You didn't pay for that [i]comic!","197":"I feel like I survived. I gotta remember not to spend too much time alone around her, lest I end up as part of her skin suit.","198":"Well... I mean... there are good things about freaks.","199":"For example... while you don't want a freak in your attic, you definitely want one in your bed.","200":"This might not be smart but it's definitely going to be interesting.","201":"I mean... already, she kisses like she's Hannibal Lecter... trying to chew my lips off...","202":"...in a good way, of course.","203":"She is just shockingly horny in a way she'd never admit to anyone.","204":"I guess that's to my enormous benefit.","205":"She twists and writhes wildly as I nibble at her, kiss her.","206":"It feels like she's as pent up as a virgin, but as freaky as a slut.","207":"Its sort of a hot combination...","208":"Because she leans into me like she's desperate for it... pressing her hot, sweaty body into mine.","209":"We've barely been kissing, not even into foreplay, and Kristen is as sensitive as a firecracker.","210":"I have a shibari kit in the back... but...","211":"...ugh... not sure I should... overcomplicate... things...","212":"What the fuck is shibari?","213":"As we strip off our clothes, I hear Kristen whisper...","214":"[i]...keep it simple... just vanilla... don't blow this...","215":"I try not to listen any more as I finish pulling my clothes off.","216":"Kristen watches with intense interest as I lavish her breasts with licking and sucking.","217":"As I touch her down there, I note how soaking wet she is.","218":"She doesn't really need this foreplay at all...","219":"But I still go through with it. For a nerd, Kristen is pretty fresh down there.","220":"I get the impression that Kristen is a pretty clean person, lacking that slightly sweet musk that most girls have.","221":"Well... at least one part of her is clean and pure.","222":"I get further beneath her, scooting forward, to get a better angle at her snatch. If she's clean, I'm about to make her real dirty.","223":"She waves... undulates... grinds herself against me. And together, we start to make a real mess.","224":"Her fluids, which carry some of her sweet musk, starts to dribble onto me, not that it matters...","225":"...I kinda prefer my girls to be a bit dirtier anyway.","226":"Fuck... fuck me with your mouth-cock!","227":"That's exactly what I mean.","228":"Keeping going, you [i]alpha[\/i]. I'm the only person in the pack you're allowed to rut with!","229":"I have the perfect way to stop her from talking.","230":"I lay back, giving Kristen a chance to do what she wants to my body.","231":"She roves over me. If her fingers were mouths, she'd be feasting.","232":"Her hands travel across my abs, thighs, cock...","233":"Nice dick you have here. It'd be a shame if anything were to happen to it.","234":"Kristen is so weird I laugh at the same time she scares me.","235":"Still, she has some technique, but without the confidence and grace of practice. I have the suspicion she reads blogs about sexual technique...","236":"In fact, it almost feels like she's having the [i]time of her life[\/i] doing this.","237":"She is having way more fun just playing with my dick than any other girl I've ever been with.","238":"As a matter of fact... I think she sees me as a kind of toy...","239":"It makes the think about all the weird shit Kristen has in her house. I bet she's got a ton of things she uses to get off.","240":"...Just like she's going to do right now.","241":"Nice and lubed up. Ready for my slutty throat.","242":"Now sit back quietly like I know you're good at.","243":"That's is true... I'm very good at being quiet, and I'm also very good at receiving handjobs.","244":"Actually, handjobs are something I can really get behind. I'll be an expert at being jerked off.","245":"I hope to get a lot of practice in...","246":"I feel guilty for being glad that she's using that tongue for something other than talking.","247":"She runs up my length, like something sweet.","248":"As she does, she keeps this eye-contact with me that's truly intense.","249":"She bends forward, sending jolts of pleasure into my cock, putting her [i]soul[\/i] into this.","250":"Somewhere in there I admire her dedication...","251":"I do remember that blowjob she gave me, weird and rage-filled as it was...","252":"...but it was still damn good.","253":"It's sort of shocking to see her like this, not just letting gosexually, but actually [i]giving[\/i].","254":"Is there a part of her that's charitable?","255":"Kristen [i]likes[\/i] doing this. And...","256":"...she's sexy like this where she's not sexy elsewhere.","257":"Along the way, I somehow underestimated Kristen.","258":"She's a freak... but a hot one. Willing to go further than I imagined.","259":"If I do this more with her, who knows what crazy shit she'll try?","260":"Yeah, she's definitely insane, and that's what makes her [i]fun.","261":"This proud girl, who won't even give a compliment without a sneer, suddenly becomes a submissive under my power.","262":"Is this because Kristen is like this? Or does it have to do with me?","263":"I want to believe it's me, but really, I think it's just Kristen. She just is that weird, caving in the moment she doesn't need to put up a front.","264":"I wonder what she's going to be like after this... will she gain any humility at all by servicing me?","265":"She looks up at me with a desperation to please me.","266":"Psychologically, something in her triggers. In her fucked-up head of her, waves of arousal smash like a maelstrom...","267":"...something is happening inside her, and when it comes to fruition...","268":"...it's incredible. She shudders and moans and heats up like a flame.","269":"This means one thing: Kristen came just by sucking my cock.","270":"I thought ahegao wasn't real. But here is a girl achieving it without even touching herself.","271":"~Aaaah!~","272":"Kristen makes the same sound a kid makes when a doctor uses a tongue depressor.","273":"Are you pleased with me, Alpha?","274":"I hope your cum doesn't transmute my body chemistry...","275":"...and then, Kristen reminds me she's also a freak in the bad way.","276":"With an energetic hop, Kristen spins around and shoves her ass to my face.","277":"Instinctively, I reach out and begin to play with her folds. Touching her is like touching a soaked sponge.","278":"She's absurdly liquid down there, practically dribbling.","279":"I want to feel your Alpha knot inside me.","280":"I need to squeeze every last drop of your fluids in my fertile soil.","281":"Go on... do it!","282":"Yeah... I could probably do that.","283":"As soon as Kristen got started, her inhibitions went. There is no hesitation as she lowers herself onto my dick.","284":"I get the feeling of a tight, warm, comfortable tunnel enveloping me as I sink deeper and deeper into her.","285":"Being fiercely wet, I feel like I'm dipping into a pool.","286":"When I've broken past her vault, it gets easier.","287":"She begins to rock back and forth, back and forth, a boat on my waves.","288":"Her tight lips form a luscious seal over my cock.","289":"Right there... that's it... hitting all of Kristen's walls at the same time. I feel my cock pulse within her, growing larger, harder.","290":"I feel like I'm pressing from within. As I do, Kristen loses more and more control.","291":"Eventually, she will be reduced to a mewling, simpering wreck... and a part of me can't wait to see something like that.","292":"That's it! [i]That's it!","293":"Fertilize me! Let's make dog-man hybrids!","294":"Shit... what is running through her head?","295":"I don't think she'd ever say something like that to a guy who can actually talk.","296":"Anyway, she won't bother saying weird things if she's too busy cumming her guts out to say anything.","297":"As I pound, literally, the sounds of our slaps echo in the room.","298":"They're like claps, strong enough to make the displays rock in different areas of the store.","299":"I have to remember that while this shop is closed, the rest of the mall is technically open...","300":"I pull out, to ready for a big thrust. As I do, I can't help but note how incredibly hot her body is.","301":"She really does have the freak nerd thing going on, doesn't she?","302":"I slam into her fiercely. In an equal but opposite reaction, Kristen nearly squeezes my whole dick off.","303":"A watergun blasts off, and sprays my bare legs.","304":"Kristen's capacity for pleasure is explosive. Every time I pound her, I feel like she's going to make a different bizarre noise.","305":"It's fascinating how different she is when talking to her normally... and then when I have her bent over like this.","306":"Completely different. So pent up normally, and now, she simply loses herself.","307":"This is a delicious feeling that I've got... having her snap and convulse with even the smallest little movement I make.","308":"That's it... that's how you do it...","309":"That face she's making... it's not just acting. That's what she's really like inside.","310":"That's her real face.","311":"I can't believe I didn't see it until now. Fucking her has revealed Kristen for who she truly is.","312":"So I slam her. Again and again and again. It's not just about getting off, it's about seeing how she changes.","313":"I feel like I'm some kind of alchemist...","314":"Okay. Kristen has cum a couple of times, and now it's my turn.","315":"If she wants my seed, she's gonna get it.","316":"I lash her a few times, even though there's no need to. Her body would accept a watermelon.","317":"With that done, it's time for me to get my blue balls cured.","318":"I've blown Kristen's ovaries in a way which makes me feel good as a man, so now she can do the same for my testicles.","319":"Knot inside me, you crazed beast!","320":"Judging from Kristen's words, I think she has the same idea.","321":"I push my length in her. She accepts it... and though she's tired, I know she'll pull off at least one last face.","322":"That's it... fuck me harder. Blow out my fucking back, unless you're too much of a bitch for it.","323":"God, she talks a lot.","324":"But yeah, fine, if she wants me to blow her back, I could really do it. I don't think she realizes that I've been holding back this whole time.","325":"Even though the store is rattling, and I hear displays falling over randomly, with a strong enough thrust I could basically destroy this whole frail store.","326":"The second day on the job, I turn my boss into my plaything and demolish the entire business...","327":"...and has me thinking, maybe, working for Kristen wouldn't be so bad.","328":"Here's something for her to chew on. Like a dog toy, since she's so damn obsessed with dogs.","329":"Her tongue swirls around it instinctively, like it was a cock.","330":"I just need a few more thrusts... and then... she can give me the ultimate face.","331":"I know she's got one more... at least one more... to give me.","332":"That's it... that's the face I was looking for...","333":"It's weird as fuck but for some reason, it is absolutely the thing that causes me to bust.","334":"I feel myself pumping like a hydrant...","335":"Just the moment I cannot stop myself, she completely loses herself.","336":"Shaking, squealing, laughing...","337":"As I gush into her, she gushes into me.","338":"[i]Ahem...","339":"...please...","340":"...get off me.","341":"I've never seen a girl get dressed so fast. Right now... I'm feeling wobbly from that.","342":"Kristen has to steady herself, so I guess she does too.","343":"So...","344":"...a hundred bucks for the training...","345":"...and then a hundred bucks for your silence.","346":"Do we have a deal?","347":"Heh... [i]silence[\/i]. I seem to remember you pretty loud.","348":"But yes, I have no plans to tell anyone, so I might as well accept both deals.","349":"Done.","350":"Good. Now... get out of my store.","0":"There you are!","1":"Not now.","2":"Where were you? I was expecting you for your shift.","3":"My shift?","4":"Yes, of course! Did I utter the words, ''don't come back?'' Did I give you a severance package? Did I give you any other indication that you weren't working for me?","5":"Your whole life is basically an indication that I shouldn't work for you.","6":"Well, I'm shorthanded. So you're needed. I can't get a hold of Lidia.","7":"Yeah, neither can I. Hoping that Kristen somehow knows where Lidia was is kind of a forlorn hope. But I have more needs than just trying to find Lidia.","8":"If Kristen wants me back, she's desperate. And desperate people pay.","9":"I'm going to need a significant raise."},"ch13__13.LD.05 bumming.vne3":{"10":"So that's what she went with. I skipped work too many times. I guess Sandra really wasn't just playing around.","11":"It's a legitimate reason. I wouldn't say my attendance these past few months has been great.","12":"I should probably thank Sandra for only firing me for being tardy, and not for running an unsanctioned cyber war using the campus's IT servers as my arsenal.","13":"The hardest part right now feels like losing that capability.","14":"Armies of server banks churning through information and hunting for our enemies. Unfettered access to the campus's IT resources. It was like we had some actual weapons to fight back with.","15":"...Or at least we did. The digital space isn't exactly safe at the moment. So it's not certain that having all that tech would do anything for us at this point anyway.","16":"And being a cyber warrior is not paid work. I still need a job.","17":"I really can't afford to have [i]no[\/i] income. The settlement money wasn't infinite, and a big chunk of it went to my lawyers anyway. Given the gravity of the situation, and what we're dealing with, paying bills just feels trite.","18":"In all this time, there's got to be someone who'll offer me a brainless job, doing [i]anything[\/i].","19":"At short notice, though?","20":"Lidia springs to mind, and I head for the coffee shop to shake her down for a gig.","21":"I figure she owes me one. Plus, I like coffee, and it might even make a good cover in our new, more analog game of cloak and dagger with the Silent Brotherhood.","22":"When I reach the coffee shop though, something is wrong.","23":"It's the middle of the day, but the door is locked and the store looks empty.","24":"It takes a moment for me to see the note on the door.","25":"[i]We have permanently closed. We apologize for the inconvenience, and thank you for all the patronage and memories![\/i]","26":"What? How?","27":"My mind starts to race. The image of Lidia being led away in handcuffs by Kestrel and his goons jumps into my head, and I feel a cold pit in my stomach.","28":"Was I too late?","29":"{PlayerName}! You're here.","30":"You closed? What happened?","31":"A look darkens Lidia's face.","32":"I guess you were gone for a while, so you couldn't have known.","33":"They shut my shop down.","34":"The implications of that start to play out in my mind.","35":"So... what does this mean? What have they told you?","36":"Lidia lets out a long, uneasy breath. It's not particularly cold, but a chill seems to haunt her.","37":"They said that since the coffee shop wasn't becoming the intelligence source they were hoping for, they couldn't justify maintaining it as a front.","38":"Damn it... I feel like there was something I could've done...","39":"They've been the ones bankrolling the whole thing, so it wasn't like I had much say in it.","40":"And a few days ago, they told me to start boarding her up.","41":"Lidia looks at the dark storefront with a mask of sadness.","42":"I don't know if I'll miss it, or if I'll be happy to see it go. It was a prison in a lot of ways, but I actually liked running a coffee shop.","43":"There's no way around it. Time to address the elephant in the room.","44":"So if the coffee shop is closing... what does that mean with your arrangement with the feds?","45":"Lidia laughs morbidly. Shaking her head at it all.","46":"I don't know. They didn't say and I was too scared to ask.","47":"There has to be something I could give Lidia to pass on to the Feds! But what?","48":"Do I risk it? At this stage of things?","49":"It makes my gut turn, but I can't just divulge some info to Lidia without thinking about it first.","50":"For now, I bite my tongue.","51":"What are you gonna do?","52":"Look for a new job, I guess. If they don't send me to prison, I still gotta make rent.","53":"I can't help but grin.","54":"What's so funny?","55":"I was actually on my way down here to ask [i]you[\/i] for a job.","56":"You're kidding. What happened to your job?","57":"Well if you go by the official record, I was let go for an abundance of absense.","58":"And unofficially?","59":"I pause...","60":"It doesn't matter. It's not important now.","61":"The unemployed barista reads my face. Then simply smiles, and nods.","62":"Well, if I sit around and just wait in my apartment to get arrested, I'll have a manic episode and flee to Mexico. So instead of that disastrous move, I was gonna head to the university library to look for jobs.","63":"I'd use the shop's wifi, but, well...","64":"I guess I should go with you. Since we're now both fun-employed.","65":"And hey, if we have a manic episode together, we can take turns driving for the border.","66":"I like where your head is at.","67":"Twenty minutes later, Lidia and I are at the library, scanning the campus's online job board.","68":"They have an opening for a student level position as a ''Horse Trainer ''.","69":"Did you know the campus had horses?","70":"Where do they keep them?","71":"Somewhere I guess. You should apply to that job. Working with horses will help you clean house with the ladies.","72":"Really?","73":"Of course! All girls are suckers for horses.","74":"Would I need prior experience?","75":"...Two to four years of horseback riding and training.","76":"I rode a pony at a birthday party when I was eight. Would that be applicable?","77":"You might have to email them and ask.","78":"There's a barista job on campus. That might work for you.","79":"It is an injustice to serve that franchise, coffee-flavored poison to others. I want to be able to sleep at night.","80":"So, real talk. If things go sideways, and we have to make a run for the border, we have to get two things straight, right here, and right now...","81":"...What are we doing for snacks and what is the radio decorum?","82":"Gummy worms and beef jerky. The chewiness helps keep you focused and they don't make a big mess.","83":"Beef jerky? Nope. Uh-uh.","84":"What's the matter with jerky?","85":"I'm not gonna be cooped up in the car for twenty hours reeking of beef jerky. It smells like roadkill!","86":"You're out of your mind. This whole venture is falling apart.","87":"She giggles.","88":"So after we hit the Mexican border, where do we go from there?","89":"Well, we'll have to keep a low profile, so developed western countries are probably a no-go.","90":"Belize could be fun.","91":"You could open a proper coffee shop. I could have an IT shack on the beach.","92":"It's a perfect combo, really. Imagine waking up together to the sound of waves crashing. Iced mocha lattes while we watch the sun come up.","93":"It kind of makes me wonder why we haven't already done this.","94":"That's the perfect team up. Combine our shops. You fix phones and keep the wifi humming, and I'll perfect iced mocha lattes and espresso ice cream.","95":"We'd never get away with it. We'd become too popular and high profile. We're just too damn good.","96":"We both look at each other, and chuckle. It's far too silly of a scenario to take seriously.","97":"Still. It does sound nice.","98":"Hey, here's a job for an ASL translator for the chemistry department.","99":"Shaking the fantastical escapism from my mind, I resume searching for new gigs.","100":"I'm starting to get an issue with my eyes.","101":"What's that?","102":"Every time I look at starting salary, I get double vision.","103":"I refocus and then there's a lot fewer zeroes.","104":"Every time I see double zeroes, I think about boobs.","105":"You too?","106":"Anyway... not sure how much of this I can take.","107":"Yeah... I think a break might be productive. I'm going to head out.","108":"See you later, alligator.","109":"You're staying?","110":"Oh... yeah... I'm going to stick around for a bit. I suppose I just feel weird... not doing anything... just sitting around.","111":"Okay. Well, good luck then. Let me know if you get any other leads.","112":"Yeah. See you.","0":"Well... shit.","1":"That was something. Huh.","2":"Man... I've had a consistent income for so long... and that windfall from the settlement... that I'm not quite used to this.","3":"Is not like the pay was amazing, but it was decent considering how easy the job was to handle.","4":"Suddenly everything around me has dollar signs attached to it. But I'm not going to give up quite this easily.","5":"There's a process. Policy is that termination needs letterhead and an official reason.","6":"If I haven't gotten proper notification, I'm not fired. That's SHU policy.","7":"I sit on the bench and open my laptop, and navigate to my email.","8":"Huh.","9":"[i]''...due to repeated unapproved absences... termination of employment effective immediately...''[\/i]"},"ch13__13.LD.10 job hunt.vne3":{"10":"Maybe.","11":"After a few hours, I'm feeling tired and ask if Lidia wants to kill some time at my place.","12":"I follow Lidia into the apartment. She looks at her phone and sighs.","13":"I still can't believe what an utter waste of time that was.","14":"I don't feel so bad about being late now. Who knew a quarter of the school would show up.","15":"Lidia and I had just spent a few hours in line, trying to score interviews for one of the coveted Student Social Media Coordinator positions.","16":"It's essentially a salary position with no office, minimal supervision, and next to no qualifications. Anyone that can run a social media account from their phone can do it.","17":"But it was open interviews for any student on a first come, first serve basis, and the lines were around the building.","18":"We hadn't even made it to the door when someone came out and told everyone they simply weren't taking any more applicants.","19":"By the way, have you been job hunting without me. Any other prospect?","20":"Why, you looking for a hot lead?","21":"Sadly, the best I've seen is a call back to running a register at the campus supply store.","22":"Ouch. Still, maybe not the worst job in the world.","23":"...And has there been any news from...","24":"Lidia unconsciously glances out the window. As if she expected them to be watching her from somewhere out there.","25":"Nothing on that front, either.","26":"The feds wouldn't let Lidia just walk away, would they? This waiting to see what they are going to do is giving me anxiety. I can't imagine what Lidia is going through.","27":"Feeling bad about bringing it up, I try and change the mood.","28":"So, what do you want to do now?","29":"If unemployment is supposed to be fun, then I want to have fun. So far it's been a drag.","30":"I played video games. I looked at useless videos on my phone. I napped.","31":"It's also a good thing to share this experience with Lidia. If I had to guess, I'd say she was starting to get tired of the job hunt too.","32":"We could play that zombie videogame again.","33":"...Or we could go... ya know... fool around.","34":"That sounds pretty good actually, but I have a meeting in a little while.","35":"And if we get into that I'll [i]definitely[\/i] be late.","36":"Lame.","37":"What's the meeting for?","38":"Student Council Elections. My campaign team is getting together.","39":"I can't believe you're actually running with everything else going on.","40":"Well, at least I don't have to worry about work, currently.","41":"You wanna come? I can't promise it won't be boring.","42":"Really? Yeah, okay. Can't be more boring than anything I'm gonna do sitting at home.","43":"Thanks.","44":"The truth is, if I were Lidia, the last thing I'd want right now is to be alone with her thoughts. So I'm happy to offer something to keep her occupied.","45":"I think we still have time for an episode of Bigfoot Hunters.","46":"Twenty minutes of garbage television and a walk to campus later, Lidia and I enter into the campaign meeting.","47":"You're here!","48":"Where's your costume? I mean it this time.","49":"It's at the dry cleaners. Where's yours?","50":"You're a college student. You don't get things dry cleaned. Dry cleaning is for bald people with glasses going through divorces.","51":"And tux rentals. And really important job interviews. And when you're showing up in front of the board for your doctoral thesis...","52":"I'm sorry. I didn't wear it. Do I have to remind you of all the stressful-as-fuck shit I've been through?","53":"Excuse me but... I don't understand what you two are saying...","54":"It's their way of flirting.","55":"Sorry. I'll talk this way from now on.","56":"You were right, {PlayerName}. The library is not my place. I feel like I'm going to be attacked.","57":"I so wish we were back at--","58":"Aw, shucks! It's coffee-shop girl.","59":"[i]Lidia[\/i].","60":"Did you come to make me feel better about being stuck here?","61":"The library isn't [i]that[\/i] bad.","62":"The only people here... are the girls who pretend to like books. Have you ever talked to them? They're freaks. They literally sniff paper.","63":"They're like ghosts except they can poke you. Their laptops have random letters pasted all over them. They all want to have sex with Neil Gaiman and he's a billion years old.","64":"Why do I get the impression you're talking about me?","65":"Anyway, I'm not really sure how to say say this, but--","66":"No... [i]no.[\/i] I refuse. We are not cancelling the campaign!","67":"Can I finish?","68":"What were you about to say, then? Was it about something other than cancelling the campaign?","69":"I was going to give a few reasons why we might not have another choice.","70":"Oh. We're giving up?","71":"Hey, I'm cool if we hung everything up.","72":"[i]I'm not.[\/i] What has gotten into you?","73":"I can't run, Sam. I'm not working here, I'm not attending classes, I have no reason to be here.","74":"I can't run for class president of a school I'm not attending.","75":"Plus, I have to find a job now. I was fired from the IT lab.","76":"We both have to find jobs...","77":"I don't have the time to run this campaign. It was really fun, and I super appreciate all the effort you put into the costumes.","78":"Maybe you should run for class president instead.","79":"No... this is your [i]manifest destiny[\/i] to become SHU's president! Not mine!","80":"I never deserved to be in the limelight, you did!","81":"Why are we pushing {PlayerName} to run if he doesn't want to--","82":"Linus, you're only here because that was my price for the costume.","83":"Shiiiit... but... that doesn't mean my opinion isn't valid.","84":"Doing this is just not something I can do. I'm sorry.","85":"Thank you all for coming. Meeting adjourned.","86":"No... [i]I[\/i] adjourn the meetings... I'm your campaign manager. Which means I'm the dictator of [i]you[\/i].","87":"Everyone... just go. I need to talk privately to {PlayerName}.","88":"Everyone stares, looking a bit like they're about cross a minefield.","89":"I mean it. Go!","90":"Why?","91":"I wasn't lying about anything I said. I'm really not going to class or working here.","92":"Well, there's a simple fix for that, you pick yourself up by your bootstraps and you go back to class. Exactly the same you taught me to do!","93":"Why is it, every couple of weeks or so, we always end up stopping each other from dropping out? Huh? How does that make any sense at all?","94":"You've already paid the tuition! Are you going to quit this late in the semester?","95":"Sam, Rogham literally tried to murder me. Do you think I should be attending his physics class?","96":"Why not?","97":"[i]Why not?[\/i] Does she think I'm joking?","98":"So what? If he tries something... pop a cap in his ass! I don't know!","99":"Don't let people that hate you, control you. You taught me that lesson.","100":"I'm not joking about Rogham trying to murder me.","101":"First, I'm not surprised, and second, so what? Stand right in front of him, then! Dare him! Make him try in the middle of class!","102":"That isn't possible.","103":"Is it really, though? Does Sam have a point? Should I just confront him directly?","104":"It seems insane...","105":"You aren't being asked to take the same risks I am.","106":"I hope you won't hold it against me. Thanks for running a solid campaign.","107":"You can do everything right sometimes, and it still doesn't work out.","108":"I'm not sure what else to tell her, so I leave her with her thoughts.","109":"That was intense.","110":"I hope that all went well...","111":"It's about what you'd expect.","112":"You know what, after that meeting, I maintain what I said before. I can't believe you're running for president while doing everything else.","0":"Are you ready to do job applications?","113":"I can't blame you for cutting down a little bit.","1":"Yay for forms.","114":"I must be a sucker for punishment.","2":"Don't play it up too much.","115":"I am a bit disappointed everything fell apart at the first meeting. You guys seemed like such a nice group.","3":"Man... the way I heard it, unemployment was supposed to be fun, but we're working harder than people with an actual job.","116":"It wasn't the first meeting, but I prefer to not elaborate about it.","4":"We're not even getting paid for it.","117":"As we make to leave, Kristen stops us.","5":"Unemployment can be fun, you just have to not care about getting a job.","118":"So both you guys are jobless now, huh?","6":"I so wish I could be that kind of person.","119":"Yeah. Why?","7":"By the way, you alright?","120":"Lidia, you have my sympathies. Running a shop is tough in this economy.","8":"Yeah, I just was trying to talk to an old friend. It didn't work out so well.","121":"But you, {PlayerName}. It blows my mind that you could still lose such an easy gig.","9":"Oh, that's too bad. Maybe filling out questionnaires will distract you.","122":"I was putting the needs of this school over even my own financial interest.","123":"You make such a good politician I'm starting to find it scary. You know, if you were running.","124":"Well, look, I don't want this to seem like some kind of pity party for you guys, but...","125":"...the comic shop has actually been doing really well, and I [i]maybe[\/i] could use some extra hands to help out.","126":"Ew, I don't want to work for you.","127":"{PlayerName}, don't be rude!","128":"Kristen, thank you so much. We really do appreciate it. A job working at a comic book store sounds like a lot of fun! I bet it's like a coffee shop in a lot of ways.","129":"Skew the gender ratio to 98% straight dudes, and replace the warm aroma of fresh roasted coffee with hot, sour, unshowered body odor, and it's basically the same thing.","130":"Oh, it can't be that bad.","131":"I never met someone who hated their own customer base as much as you, Kristen.","132":"Okay, fine! Lidia, [i]you[\/i] can have a job, and {PlayerName} can turn tricks under a bridge for his dollarinos!","133":"Lidia gives me an elbow to the ribs. Is she really going to suck me into this? I let out a sigh.","134":"I'm sorry. A job would be great, you'd really be helping us out, thank you, Kristen.","135":"Alright, well... you're welcome.","136":"So is there an application we can fill out? Or should we schedule an interview?","137":"I think I know {PlayerName} pretty well by this point. And Lidia, you ran a coffee shop, which already makes you overqualified. Just stop by and I'll get you guys started.","138":"Great! Thank you again, Kristen!","139":"You're welcome, Lidia...","140":"{PlayerName}.","141":"I wait until Kristen has turned and started to leave.","142":"What the heck? You signed us up to work for Kristen?","143":"What? Kristen seems nice. I just don't know the first thing about comics. You can't let me take that job alone!","144":"Why did you accept so quickly?","145":"It was a generous offer, I didn't want to be rude!","146":"Come on, how bad could it be?","147":"You're about to find out.","148":"It's going to be a blast, just you wait! You can buy me a beer after to apologize and tell me how right I was.","149":"If we last that long.","150":"Lidia shakes her head, and turns to leave. I follow her out."},"ch13__13.LD.15 comic crucible.vne3":{"10":"Which again, we really do appreciate.","11":"Kristen is silent for a moment, as if sizing us up, or letting us stew.","12":"The comic book industry is equal parts art, and science...","13":"This is rapidly confirming all my fears about how this was going to turn out.","14":"...There's a lot of garbage on these walls, and you have to be literate of the cultural and behavioral nuances of different fan bases in order to navigate their tribal structure...","15":"I begin zoning out while Kristen continues her orientation speech.","16":"I see a figurine of a female character from my favorite Saturday morning cartoon growing up. Man, I can't believe they got away with her outfit. They couldn't do it these days, that's for sure.","17":"...and that's why the whole fandom is flawed! Everyone enjoyed it for all the real wrong reasons, and the original argument the creator was trying to make was against the very reasons it became so popular in the first place!","18":"Wow. I had no idea that collectable card games could have so much baggage.","19":"Sweetheart, you have no idea how deep the rabbit hole goes.","20":"But you'll find out quickly, believe me.","21":"Yeah, Kristen thinks there is subtext for the fonts they use on traffic signs.","22":"Don't listen to {PlayerName} about any of these franchises. He knows just enough to get himself in real trouble with the customers.","23":"In fact, I almost hazard even having him interact with the customers, but you...","24":"Kristen takes a step back and begins eyeing Lidia up and down.","25":"Lidia, do you know what Cosplay is?","26":"You can't do that to her. She's innocent.","27":"I really should have seen to recruiting Sam, but still...","28":"Lidia, what do you think about maybe just a leather bustier, and perhaps some boy shorts and fishnets.","29":"If I'm being honest, I really thought this was kind of a ''t-shirt and jeans'' job.","30":"Don't ''fanservice'' Lidia on her first day.","31":"Look, she's an attractive, sophisticated, modern woman! If she's behind that counter she's going to terrify half my customer base.","32":"But if we present her as something more recognizable and digestible, like a sexy wild west vampire hunter\/burlesque dancer, they'll drink it up like Mountain Dew Code Red!","33":"I'm weirdly conflicted about this. The Vampire Hunter part does sound kind of badass.","34":"I know I should be defending the respectability of womanhood and all that. But also, Lidia in fishnets...","35":"But I don't know, Kristen. No disrespect, but I feel like ''starting sales associate'' wages just aren't enough for me to sit in a bustier all day.","36":"Like if this job had tips, I'd probably work the girls for all their worth, but...","37":"...Maybe get {PlayerName} to wear a chainmail banana hammock.","38":"I don't walk through life with fear in my heart, Lidia.","39":"No... No, that couldn't work. You could never get enough public traffic from that clientele in a public mall.","40":"I'll tell you what. We'll put a pin in the bustier for now, and come back around once you get your sea legs.","41":"For now, Lidia, can I get you behind the register. We'll see if your animal magnetism is a perk up there, or if you scare off customers.","42":"You can't make those poor weebs go buy...","43":"I glance over at a rack of Mangas.","44":"...''Sector Defense: Giant Busty Maid Robots, Go! -Tears of Phantom Love'' from a girl like Lidia.","45":"There's actually a really powerful narrative in that arc about the nature of AI and consciousness.","46":"Look, we'll have Lidia work the register for now, and past noon when most of this store's clients actually wake up, we'll hide her in the back or something.","47":"Hey...","48":"{PlayerName}, come with me, I'll have you work the shelves.","49":"I follow Kristen into the back storage room and lug out a few boxes of comics.","50":"Despite it being obvious, I forgot that boxes full of paper would turn out to be heavy. I actually work up a sweat.","51":"Alright. I've developed a very precise organizational method to stock things, so pay close attention.","52":"So I tried for a while to sort things by genre, like everyone else does, but I found that to be too cumbersome a system.","53":"Instead, I group things thematically, and by major story undercurrents and character arcs.","54":"Wouldn't that take an intimate knowledge of the story?","55":"{PlayerName}, please. This is comic and manga. On most of these, I can tell you everything about the story from the cover art, and probably what the artist needs to talk to his therapist about.","56":"In fact, maybe I should start grouping comics by what underlying psychological dysfunctions the artists and authors suffer. That would clearly translate to the reader...","57":"Kristen pauses. I begin to worry I might have started something here.","58":"Finally she banishes the thought with the wave of her hand.","59":"That's a project for another day. For now, let's just focus on getting these comics sorted by themes.","60":"So what are the themes exactly? And how do I tell which book is what?","61":"There are color coded stickers under the shelves. Green is oedipus complex. Yellow is suppressed homosexuality. Pink is abandonment complex, scarcity complex, and infantilism. Big tits are a giveaway there.","62":"And you happen to be the one making the determination on themes?","63":"Work on these first three boxes and I'll come check on you later to see where you need to have some adjustments made.","64":"I'm still horribly lost by what I'm supposed to be doing, but before I can jam out another question, Kristen has already begun to meticulously coach Lidia, who's owned and ran a coffee shop, how a register works.","65":"After an hour or so, and with my brain melting out of my eyes from trying to sort comics by... [i]themes[\/i], I sneak off to chat up Lidia at the counter.","66":"I slide a book in front of her.","67":"What would you say the theme of this comic is by its cover?","68":"...","69":"...The Yeti pile driving that Tyrannosaurs through that burning car dealership is a metaphor for our connection back to nature, while the T-rex is an analogy to our reptile brains driving us to self-destructive, unfettered capitalistic growth.","70":"Really? I don't know what shelf that goes to.","71":"Does Kristen have a [i]system[\/i] for stocking her comics, too?","72":"There's a weird logic to it that I kind of see, but it's very... unique.","73":"Finished stocking already?","74":"Oh, hey.","75":"I was just taking a quick second to chat with Lidia.","76":"Okay. Well, since you have a minute to chat, let's go take a look at how you've done so far with the organization?","77":"Sure. After you.","78":"We leave Lidia, and head back to where I was working.","79":"Kristen inspects the shelves, shaking her head and scrunching her face as she sees how I've organized things.","80":"Well, this is a mess. But at least I can say I'm learning a lot about you.","81":"She lets out a long sigh. Not trying too hard to mask her disapproval.","82":"Just keep going for now. I'll have to come back and show you how to do it properly later.","83":"Grumbling, I resume stocking the shelves. Still clueless to Kristen's eclectic sorting system.","84":"Not too long after, we get a customer who strikes up a conversation with Lidia.","85":"Kristen joins them at the counter, but before long, I hear raised voices...","86":"What did you say?","87":"I think you heard me. Now stop being such a crybaby.","88":"That is unforgivable! I will never set foot in this place ever again!","89":"Good luck in the other comic book store in town. Oh wait. There is none.","90":"I overhear a confused Lidia begin to question Kristen.","91":"The conversation is whispered, and I can't go and eavesdrop without interrupting my task.","92":"Eventually, Lidia walks back past where I'm working.","93":"...I'm just confused. He seemed like he was just looking for a book!","94":"Please, you heard it from his own mouth. He actually [i]prefers[\/i] ''Commander Carnage'' to ''Wrecking Ball Crew''.","95":"That's my point. I don't know what [i]those[\/i] are!","96":"He can find his schlocky dribble and oneliners somewhere else. I don't need his business.","97":"It's just, it seems kind of harsh to jump right from him liking Commander Carnage, to insinuating to him that he must have impotency issues.","98":"Kristen reels around like she shouldn't have to explain this.","99":"I've done what I can to turn this shop into a catered, curated experience.","100":"If a guy just wants a comic that's nothing but girls with huge boobs and guns and starships that might as well be giant metal space dicks, he can order it online!","101":"If you want the medium to evolve, you come here.","102":"Kristen, there is literally a fake samurai sword over there.","103":"Look, this is the space that I have to work in, okay? You see why I maybe act the way I do?","104":"But you don't think that you might be trying to sell everyone your opinion or tastes, and that maybe you don't need to be so combative if someone has a difference of preferences?","105":"No, not when it's [i]that[\/i] preference.He should have felt flaccid and stupid.","106":"Okay, well, regardless of his taste in comics, I don't think I want to work for someone that is okay just treating a customer like that.","107":"Kristen, thank you for the opportunity, but I don't think the position is going to work for me.","108":"Lidia turns to grab her things and leave.","109":"Kristen shakes her head, incredulous, acting as if Lidia had suddenly been struck mad.","110":"I suppose you're gonna quit now too, huh?","111":"I drop a stack of comic books defiantly on the ground at my feet. Stopping at Kristen as I pass her.","112":"Commander Carnage for life.","113":"Lidia looks at me and grins.","114":"Well that didn't take long, did it?","115":"I shrug.","116":"Go ahead, say it. You told me so.","117":"I was holding out to see if you were gonna put on the bustier.","118":"Oh god. You're a pig!","119":" Hey, buy a girl a drink to console her for losing another job?","120":"Didn't you just say yesterday that I was gonna buy you a beer and tell you how great this job was?","121":"The statute of limitations on friendly banter is shockingly short...","122":"The night is falling as we get to Sevigny's.","123":"And, of course, Dante instantly lights up when we sit down.","124":"Excuse me, Ma'am. I can't let you sit next to this man.","125":"He's got a bad reputation around these parts.","126":"Does he, now?","127":"I'm afraid so. [i]Every[\/i] woman who sits near him seems to mysteriously fall head over heels in love with him.","128":"It's good to see you too, Dante.","129":"Lovely Lidia. How is the coffee business?","130":"Shuttered, sadly.","131":"What? No!","132":"Lidia, your coffee was a literal pillar that this town stood on. How could this have happened? I was just in there last week and you guys looked packed!","133":"Well... unfortunately, an investor had a cash flow issue and had to pull out, and we lost a lot of our overhead.","134":"The coffeeshop was still pretty new, and I didn't have the capital myself to stay afloat yet.","135":"I'm sorry, Dante. I know we were getting close to perfecting and releasing ''Dante's Expresso Pursuit Special.''","136":"We were so close. It was the grind consistency, I know it.","137":"Grind consistency?... Dante, was Lidia going to name a coffee after you?","138":"It's not important now. How are you holding up, Lidia?","139":"I'm okay. We're actually here to celebrate quitting our new jobs.","140":"{PlayerName}! You got fired from your IT gig? ","141":"Turns out, they get upset when you don't show up.","142":"Then we both worked at Cram Comics for about... three hours?","143":"Really? They have a sweet katana sword there that I wanted to buy, but the girl at the counter got mad at me when I asked her to name her price.","144":"Well, I am totally bummed at the stretch of bad luck you guys are hitting. It feels like a lot of bad energy is circulating around these days.","145":"Oh yeah. How are you doing after the shooting?","146":"It's no sweat off my back... I used to live in some pretty wild neighborhoods. You'd think bullets were candy.","147":"You are living in America.","148":"It's just too bad everyone else gets freaked out by guns. I was hoping I'd get a boost in publicity, and hey, wouldn't you know it... [i]even fewer people are coming.","149":"That's why I have to make sure [i]these guns[\/i] are ready for action.","150":"He flexes his biceps.","151":"I'll tell you what, friends. Tonight, drinks are on the house.","152":"Thanks Dante. You're a stand up guy. Don't suppose you have any job openings at Sevigny's?","153":"I wish I did. Frankly I can't think of anything I'd love more than to have you fill one of my openings, {PlayerName}. That goes for you as well, Lidia. Even if we swing different ways...","154":"...Us bartenders and baristas have to stick together, after all.","155":"Oh, uh... yeah, of course. Thanks, Dante.","156":"He nods, setting a couple of drinks out in front of us, and turns to see to another customer.","157":"Well, here's to us!","158":"To a new personal record for shortest job ever!","159":"And to welfare booze!","160":"We clink glasses and take a sip.","161":"Nothing like marking our employment failures with some good old fashion day drinking.","162":"Lidia takes a good drag of her drink. A surprising amount in fact.","163":"Damn! Taking advantage of the free drinks, huh?","164":"Maybe I am.","165":"My coffee shop is gone, and my future hangs in the balance of some dead eyed government bureaucrat who doesn't care what happens to me...","166":"...So you know what?... I'm having a drink.","167":"I grin, watching Lidia take another long sip.","168":"I have another swig of mine as well. It does feel good. For once, let someone else worry about all the big, dark storm brewing.","169":"Oh my god, I want to apologize for thinking you were wrong about Kristen.","170":"You know, sometimes, you just have to see the truth for yourself.","171":"Yeah. I suppose that is a weakness of mine. Only wanting to see the good in people.","172":"That's hardly the worst quality a person can have. It takes a lot of courage to always bet that people will do the right thing.","173":"That, or foolishness.","174":"Honestly, I think a lot of Kristen's quirks make her endearing.","175":"But I just didn't like how she treated that guy in the store. He didn't even do anything rude, he was just looking for a book he wanted.","176":"Kristen is passionate, I'll give her that.","177":"I don't know how she's building up a customer base with that kind of interaction, but I hope she finds some employees that work out for her.","178":"...Maybe she can hire someone to pull that stick out of her boney ass.","179":"Haha, you really are letting it loose.","180":"Fuck it. I'm on break.","181":"But, you're right, you're right. We need to focus, get back out there, and go get gainfully employed.","182":"Yeah, I suppose you're right. Can't just sit here all night taking advantage of Dante's hospitality.","183":"Finish up this round and hit the job boards again?","184":"...we'll finish this drink, and one other round. Then we'll get back to work.","185":"Sounds like a solid plan, one more drink after this, then back to the job hunt.","186":"An undetermined number of hours and drinks later.","187":"Okay, okay... but this is the last one, promise?","188":"I don't want to go to Russia, but I am very good at soccer, and I'm worried that this summer you might not be able to keep up with my game.","189":"Oh my god, I've never seen someone slur their ASL before.","190":"I can kick real high.","191":"Okay, last round. Then we [i]have[\/i] to go look for jobs.","192":"Yeah, you keep saying that, but...","193":"...And, man, we wouldn't even have to look for jobs if it weren't for stupid Kestrel and him and his dumb fucking government goons shutting down my cute little coffee shop!","194":"Seriously, fuck that dude!","195":"Damn. Lidia gets really honest after a couple drinks.","196":"In fact, I should tell him that... Yeah, yeah he wants to be this disrespectful...","197":"...Jerking my leash around for months on end... keeping me wondering if I was gonna get put in a box for seven years for a stupid mistake...","198":"Oh shit.","199":"Hey maybe we pump the brakes on shit-calling your alphabet-bro handler...","200":"I was patient, {PlayerName}, I played the game. But there is only so much a woman can...","201":"...Hello? ","202":"...Yeah, it's me.","203":"...So, I don't know if you're still, like, looking for info about your investigation case, but I just heard a real hum-dinger...","204":"Fuck. What should I do? I can't exactly yell out. Should I just tackle Lidia right here in this public bar?","205":"...I dunno, that might be worth the potential fallout.","206":"Of course I'm serious! When have I not been serious?...","207":"...I'm just out at... Sevigee's... Seven-gay's...","208":"...a few minutes?... I'll be here.","209":"Lidia hangs up the phone and stands up, and having pushed the big red button, straightens her top.","210":"This is going to crash, but the ride down should be super-fun.","211":"I spend the next few minutes try to appeal to Lidia's restraint, but she just gets more and more animated until her handler arrives.","212":"I'm probably not as much of a positive influence as I hoped, as I'm aiding and abetting Lidia's hooliganism as much as I'm trying to dissuade her.","213":"Lidia, apparently high on sticking it to the man, hides around the corner when he walks into the bar, giggling.","214":"Kestrel stops upon entering to scan for his CI.","215":"Not seeing us, he walks up to the bar to speak to Dante.","216":"Lidia is barely keeping it together. She's bubbling with excitement.","217":"How you doing, sir. I'm supposed to be meeting a friend here. Young woman, black, about yay high. Big head of hair. Goes by Lidia.","218":"Hey, Kestrel!","219":"The agent turns and finally spies the two of us.","220":"Lidia! Fucking [i]hum-dingers?[\/i]","221":"I grab the door, pulling it open for us to make a quick getaway.","222":"I got that important evidence for your case...","223":"I got it for you, right here!","224":"Lidia fires off a pair of the birds. I flip off Kestrel as well, as we scurry out the door, giggling like idiots...","225":"He stays silent for a few seconds and then...","226":"...Go home and sleep it off, Lidia. ","227":"We'll talk later.","228":"Not long after our hastily conceived act of rebellion, we were in a cab, headed back to Lidia's.","229":"Her hysterical laughter is almost deafening in the back seat.","230":"Okay, okay. Calm damn, crazy!","231":"Oh lord, that was crazy, wasn't it?","232":"But did you see the [i]look[\/i] on his face when we flipped him off!","233":"I feel a pull towards her. Maybe it's her laughter, or the way her eyes light up, or maybe it's just the adrenaline from our encounter with Kestrel, but I suddenly feel aroused by her.","234":"Keep things platonic, it's probably just the rush of the moment.","235":"Make a move.","236":"Something in this moment feels right, make a pass at Lidia.","237":"I shake the thought from my head. It's been a crazy day. Hell, a crazy year.","238":"Maybe it's best just to keep things between Lidia and I simple... or at least not any more complicated than they already are.","239":"We make it back to Lidia's apartment without any further incident.","240":"Hey... Thanks for standing up to Kestrel with me.","241":"Don't mention it.","242":"Seriously, I do want to mention it.","243":"What I did was... stupid. Kestrel could make our lives hell if he wants to.","244":"You didn't have to put your butt on the line as well, I wouldn't have blamed you if you didn't.","245":"That's why I need to say thank you, that you did.","246":"Totally worth it.","247":"Lidia laughs.","248":"...Yeah, that was pretty wild, huh?","249":"Alright, it's getting late. As much as I hate to say it, that asshole, Kestrel, is probably right. I should sleep this off. And hope he has a sense of humor to go with that tie.","250":"Yeah, me too. Back to the job hunt tomorrow?","251":"Take it one day at a time, that's all you can do.","252":"I share a hug with Lidia, and decide a walk home in the cool night air would be good.","253":"Just as I'm getting back to the apartment, I get a message from {Leah}.","254":"[i]Hey, do you know if we have any peanut butter at home?[\/i]","255":"It's a code we worked out to keep sensitive communications hidden from Valerie. It's not an emergency, but she needs to see me back at our place as soon as possible.","256":"Good timing.","0":"So this is a comic book store, huh?","1":"You've never been to one?","2":"Never needed to. It's cleaner than I expected.","3":"Lidia looks around at the countless covers, adjourned with every manner of comic and manga artwork imaginable.","4":"Oh, I don't know [i]any[\/i] of these.","5":"{PlayerName}, what did you get us into?","6":"Me?","7":"Okay, that should do it for the administrative aspect of your employment, now we can begin your orientation.","8":"How many breaks do we get?","9":"So you want to be a smart ass on the first day of this job I generously gave you?"},"ch13__13.LD.16 lidia sex.vne3":{"10":"Do you want to talk at all?","11":"If it's all the same to you, I'd rather just get straight to the fucking.","12":"Who am I to argue with that?","13":"Lidia giggles when I almost trip trying to get my shoes off.","14":"Things have been so complicated lately, and I still find myself falling into this kind of situation.","15":"Not that I mind it... but...","16":"{Leah} and I are now involved in a more intimate way... How do I explain to her that I'm spending time getting laid instead of looking for a job?","17":"And she's my {sheIsYour}, which makes things even more complex to deal with.","18":"{Leah} is my partner, she's sacrificing as much as I am if not more, and yet here I am getting laid instead of looking for a job.","19":"Anyway, I should put away those thoughts. I'm here now, and I don't want to ruin the moment with Lidia.","20":"She leads me into her bedroom and starts to strip.","21":"After today, we shed our clothes faster than we've shed our consequences.","22":"Stark naked, she steps forward, communicating skin to skin.","23":"Fuck, you're so hot.","24":"My fingers venture south and find her mound is throbbing, and warm to the touch.","25":"Dropping to her knees, Lidia grabs my now fully raging member, and tongues it slowly.","26":"She must get a kick out of watching me shiver, as she repeats the tease several times.","27":"Slowly, her own urges overcome her, and she starts to fully suck the pulsing shaft.","28":"I play with those dark, silky curls of hers, savoring the incredible feeling.","29":"She's playful, even the bounce of her curls seem to embody a kind of fun and joy.","30":"I don't know if it's her Italian half, but she almost has this culinary appreciation, licking and sniffing me up and down.","31":"Her tongue meanders and lashes my dick in smooth elegant motions.","32":"So this is what a blowjob from a worldly girl feels like...","33":"Her muffled giggle draws my eyes downward.","34":"Those hazel blue eyes twinkling mischievously while she wrestles the tip of my cock with her tongue.","35":"I look down on her... feeling something odd in me as she pleasures me.","36":"I'm sure it's not just my heart skipping a beat on occasion as I stare into her cute, adorable eyes.","37":"I could basically live in that house of hers. Her lips have a hospitality to them, and I feel greeted every time I slip into her mouth.","38":"I'm lucky to have such a generous soul slob on my cock.","39":"I'm glad she's still in a teasing mood.","40":"If she started really going down on me, I don't know how long I'd last.","41":"Taking her in my arms, I slowly lay Lidia down on the bed.","42":"She clutches me tightly, the lustful desire evident in her grip, unwilling to part with any skin contact she doesn't have to.","43":"But she concedes ground when she sees my attention turn to her breasts.","44":"A song of different coos and giggles pour from her mouth, while I suck and nibble at the perky, sensitive mounds.","45":"God, I love how you play with my tits.","46":"I like getting her motor humming, and start to think of ways I can spin her up even more.","47":"Oh!... Oh, are you?...","48":"Whoa!... Oh-my-god... That feels so good!","49":"Her ample hips buck when my tongue starts exploring her slit.","50":"I round it up over the top of her gash and delicately massage her button.","51":"I imagine that I'm flicking her like a lightswitch right now. Flicking her nub has her turning on and off...","52":"...groaning, then shuddering, then still, then moving again. Looks like I've got a lot of power over her.","53":"Yep, she's a reactive little thing, and watching her eyes flicker slightly more open, only to close again, drives me to try even crazier experiments.","54":"The scent of her lower lips are intoxicating, I could dip in this like a pool, but the night is still young.","55":"Fuck! Ohhhh... if you keep doing that, I'm gonna...!","56":"You need to... right now! Please!","57":"I grin. I haven't quite had my fill of teasing Lidia just yet.","58":"I let my tongue drift downward.","59":"Wait, that's my... Oh, shit!","60":"A quake rocks Lidia's entire frame, culminating in a high pitched whine.","61":"Boy, what are you...?","62":"I guess Lidia is reading the eagerness vibrating off of me, and sensing the fucking coming her way, she ditches her glasses to the safety of the end table. Though if she asked, I'd tell her to leave them on.","63":"I don't even give her a moment to get situated, and am already pressing my cock at her molten slit.","64":"That first penetration is always magical. Like the first bite of your favorite dessert.","65":"The way Lidia's wet, warm slit slowly surrenders to my manhood, and opens to receive it.","66":"As my shaft enter Lidia's hot, goey core, a silent shudder rocks her body, her brain flooding her central nervous system with a tidal wave of pleasure.","67":"That feels amazing...","68":"We slowly sync our bodies. Learning each other's kinematic language, until our thrusts are locked in rhythm.","69":"This girl I've got under me, rocking slowly and musically, like a bow across a violin string.","70":"Our eyes touch, and I find myself staring into her eyes and forgetting the time completely.","71":"There's no awkwardness, no weirdness, just a single shared sensation and two people together.","72":"Lidia really does have it going on.","73":"Each second passes that our bodies rock together, we stampede closer towards a precipice.","74":"I feels as if she is a being of two minds. As her hips continue to buck with seeming reckless abandon, Lidia grips me tight and moans like she's holding on for dear life.","75":"Jesus, yes! Just like that! Keep going! I'm almost there!","76":"Her lithe fingers dig into my torso, but I revel in the discomfort, and just thrust even harder.","77":"Yes, god, yes!","78":"The high pitched wails that Lidia lets out in the midst of her climax are loud enough to cause me to wince a bit.","79":"{PlayerName}, what did you do to me?","80":"I grin, watching the focus return to her eyes as she collects herself.","81":"It feels like you melted my brain!","82":"Catching her breath, Lidia gently pushes me back onto my back, and climbs on top of me.","83":"Let me take care of you. It's the least I can do, after you were so amazing!","84":"Lidia's slowly lowers herself down onto my stick. Leaning down and staring into my eyes, while her perky, swaying breasts trace lazy lines across my chest.","85":"Do you like this?","86":"A nod doesn't seem like nearly enough of an answer.","87":"But the slower, gentle sex stirs Lidia's fire. And soon, a second wind is already taking over her.","88":"She begins to ride me more feverishly, bolts of pleasure causing her body to rock uncontrollably.","89":"After a few minutes of hard riding, Lidia pauses for a moment to catch her breath.","90":"Looking down at me, I catch a little glimmer in her eye, and she smiles.","91":"Do you want my ass?","92":"Well, not that I wasn't enjoying her pussy... but since she's offering.","93":"She smirks, and reaching back, I feel her pull my rod from her slit, and press it to her asshole.","94":"Arms already shaky, Lidia steadies her shuddering body with my hand, while she tries to shove my cock up inside herself.","95":"I see her breathing begin to pick up. Pressing her tight anus down onto my twitching unit, letting out little yelps and moans as I slowly enter her.","96":"Her tight rectum gives only millimeters at a time, slowly rocking her hips back and forth to coax it in.","97":"And boy do I get a kick out of the way her eyes roll back into her head when the head of my shaft fully pops into her.","98":"But once the girth levels off, the rest of my shaft suddenly drives up inside of her.","99":"Lidia gasps deeply, clawing at my skin in surprise.","100":"God!... Whoa!... You're so...!","101":"Slowly growing accustomed to the size, she begins to more vigorously pump herself up and down.","102":"Soon, she's again moaning wildly, bouncing while my cock pistons in and out of her tight, round ass.","103":"Fuck, {PlayerName}...!","104":"I'm just... letting you wreck me!","105":"Looking at where we're joined... my dick piercing into her chocolatey loins, with that tight feel...","106":"She uses her hips to wrench me, shake me, swirl me like a stick inside her. It's nearly unbearable how good this feels.","107":"God... I'm so lucky I'm a man and I get to do this...","108":"The strength she needs to keep this pace at this position... Lidia must be healthy as fuck.","109":"I can read that even if Lidia's lust hasn't tired, her limbs have begun to.","110":"She's more than willing to let me guide her onto her hands and knees and mount her.","111":"Her eyes watch hungrily as I re-enter.","112":"You're so fucking hot I can't take it.","113":"Oh god... fuck my brains out!","114":"Her wish is my command.","115":"Holding her tight to me, I begin pounding her from behind. Hair and tits bouncing vigorously with each thrust.","116":"Do you like me like this? You like to fuck me doggy style?","117":"I respond with a hard slap to her ass, and am rewarded with another adorable yelp.","118":"I look down and spot Lidia's tight little butthole, tucked between her two round, plump cheeks.","119":"After staring at it for a moment, I am overwhelmed with the compulsion to stick my cock up it.","120":"I pull my piece from her moist, hot slit, and press it against her backdoor.","121":"Are you gonna take my butt again?","122":"Lidia's about to get that answer too.","123":"Grabbing her by her soft legs, I thrust my raging hard on back up Lidia's ass.","124":"That's it... I definitely feel something building up inside me.","125":"My body is going places... the edges of my visions blur as she clenches... I have to imagine cold showers to stop myself from cumming right then.","126":"For the length of time we've been at this, I should've gone off already... but I suppose I want to stay in this ass for as long as possible.","127":"I think we're both approaching our limits, though.","128":"The penetration hits her like a taser, and a cry gets caught in her throat as her body seizes up.","129":"...Holy... Fuck!","130":"I continue thrusting deeply into her using the little energy I have left.","131":"She makes a valiant effort to keep her side of the rhythm up, but my endurance is beginning to outpace her.","132":"Reaching around, I grab her large, round, cocoa-colored tits and pull her to me, needing to feel more of her skin against mine.","133":"God dammit, it's so big and deep it's making it hard to breathe!","134":"It's all enough to push me over the edge.","135":"Creampie Lidia's ass.","136":"Cum all over her back.","137":"I push Lidia down onto the bed, my throbbing cock sinking into her ass and her brown cheeks pressing up against my crotch.","138":"Fuck yes, baby! Dominate me.","139":"The pleasure, and feeling her writhe beneath, is mind blowing.","140":"I lay into her with a final volley of thrusts to finish.","141":"As I fire my load into Lidia, she bucks and contorts below me.","142":"Yes! Cum inside me, {PlayerName}! Cum up my ass!","143":"Her cries melt into giggles squeals, tickled from the sensation of thick ropes of sticky jizz being fired deep up inside of her.","144":"That's right! Fill me...","145":"After the last lasso of spunk has been deposited inside Lidia, I take a moment to rest, catching my breath, before slowly unsheathing my prick from Lidia's juicy ass.","146":"She coos softly when it finally pops out of her cum drenched butthole.","147":"God damn! I can feel it leaking out of me! It feels so weird!","148":"How much did you shoot into me?","149":"Definitely enough to soil her bed... I'm completely emptied.","150":"I just have to see Lidia's stunning body coated in my jizz.","151":"I unsheathe my rod from her asshole, and began jerking off on her.","152":"Lidia's generous curves rise and fall across her back and buttocks like rolling hills.","153":"And I intend to add some snow capped peaks to that range.","154":"Fuck, yes! Make it drip all over me!","155":"A little encouragement and the sight of Lidia's stellar ass is all I need to put me over the edge.","156":"I let loose a barrage of gooey tangles all over that dark, supple body.","157":"Lidia erupts in squeals and giggles as my load splatter across her ample booty and elegant back.","158":"And by the time I've fired my last rope out across her supple range, I've made a good mess of her.","159":"It's everywhere!","160":"Can you get me a towel?","161":"While Lidia goes to clean up, I walk off a kink in my hip. We'll call it a [i]sports related injury[\/i].","162":"My phone chirps while I'm stretching.","163":"Who is calling right now?","164":"[i]Hey, do you know if we have any peanut butter at home?[\/i]","165":"It's a code. Leah's been putting all that fieldcraft she geeks out about to good use. Including creating ways to secretly communicate in the open.","166":"Currently, if one of us texts the other and asks if we have a [i]perishable[\/i] food item, like milk or bread, it means we need to meet back at the apartment, urgently.","167":"For non perishable items, like peanut butter for example, it means that she needs to see me back at the apartment for something related to the case as soon as possible, but it's not an emergency.","168":"Still, the only excuse I have is spooning with Lidia until I'm ready for another round. {Leah}'s thing might be more important.","169":"Sighing to myself, I hop back into my clothes, and type a message into my phone to put against the bathroom door.","170":"Hey, Lidia. Something's come up, and I have to go.","171":"She calls back from the bathroom.","172":"Okay, is everything alright?","173":"Yeah. I promise I'm not hitting it and quitting it. {Leah} locked herself out of the apartment and she needs to get in there pronto for a school assignment.","174":"Alright. No problem. Text me later?","175":"You bet.","176":"I feel bad about ditching Lidia, but I head out, hurrying back to the apartment to see what {Leah} has.","0":"I lean in slowly, locking eyes with Lidia.","1":"To my thrill, she seems to instantly pick up on the vibe, and leans in herself. Her cheeks flushing red.","2":"I guess if this day was a comic book, it'd be filed under the theme of ''fuck it, why not''.","3":"Lidia and I each close the gap, our lips meeting in the middle.","4":"My heart is racing again, but this time from arousal and excitement. Her kiss is strong and passionate, Lidia seems quite eager to blow off some more steam.","5":"I bob my head to dodge her nipping at my lips, and start working my way down her slender neck.","6":"The cabby uncomfortably clearing his throat draws a pang of sympathy. But Lidia is too beautiful for me to really care.","7":"We're finally dropped off back at Lidia's place, to our driver's relief.","8":"Lidia, sympathetic as she is, apologies profusely and shoves a hefty tip into the cabbie's hand for his trouble.","9":"No sooner are we in her front door, does the dusky vixen wrap her arms around me and pull me in for a kiss."},"ch13__13.LD.20 sidelined.vne3":{"3":"Maybe it's nothing, but I can't ignore the sinking feeling in my gut.","4":"It's not safe to call her... I'm forced to track her down physically. The first thing to do is check if she simply started without me.","5":"A few rounds around the library, and I see nothing. Now my anxiety is turning to real concern.","6":"A second attempt goes like the first.","7":"Restless, I grab my stuff and head for the door. Maybe she's at her apartment.","8":"I tried Lidia's apartment, but the place is dark, and no one answers the door.","9":"Discouraged, I check some other usual haunts. She doesn't seem to be on campus.","10":"I circle the place twice, triple checking the job boards, but see no sign of her.","11":"...I'd even be relieved to find her drowning her sorrows at Sevigny's, but she's not there.","12":"Asking around, no one has seen her, either.","13":"By mid afternoon, the sinking feeling has turned into an iceberg sitting in the pit of my stomach.","14":"Getting desperate, I head towards the coffee shop.","15":"Maybe she went back to reminisce on happier times, or...","16":"I'm halfway up the block when I see someone else emerge from Lidia's coffee shop.","17":"...and when I see him, my blood boils.","18":"I know I should turn and run. Avoid him at all costs.","19":"But with my fear fully reserved for Lidia, all I have left for him is anger, and it clouds my judgment.","20":"What did you do with Lidia?","21":"Who?","22":"Don't play dumb with me. I know you did something to Lidia!","23":"You know, it's common in some circle to greet someone with a ''hello''.","24":"Is this because we flipped you off? Are you so sad and petty that you couldn't stand a girl disrespecting you, so you locked her up?","25":"I thought getting emotionally damaged by harsh language and gestures was the purview of academia?","26":"Basically: [i]''Did I trigger you lib?''[\/i]","27":"You're a prick with a badge.","28":"That's just rude.","29":"Now, if you excuse me, I have an asset to go debrief.","30":"Real pain in my ass, this one. See, I made a deal with her, but she shorted me, so now I have to figure out what to do with her.","31":"Besides, she's not as interesting to us as she used to be. A good alternative has cropped up.","32":"That's bullshit and you know it.","33":"She tell you that?","34":"I know I have to do something, I just don't know what. And punching a federal agent in the face probably isn't constructive.","35":"Say hi to {Leah} for me. by the way. I'd love to sit down one of these days and discuss how her hard-drive went missing. Maybe over a cup of coffee?","36":"All the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.","37":"He does a double take, glancing back at the shop.","38":"Oh... well not [i]here[\/i], obviously.","39":"My heart pounds as Agent Kestrel turns and heads back up the street. Leaving me with my chest starting to feel tight.","40":"I remind myself that if he had enough to put me or {Leah} away, we would already be in handcuffs.","41":"And for now, there are more important things to worry about.","42":"Kestrel and his team have finally pulled Lidia. I curse myself for not giving her more information when I had the chance.","43":"What must she think? That I let her down? That I didn't care about her?","44":"And worse, how am I going to get her back?","0":"It feels a little better, having the walk-talkie handy. It's not exactly {Leah} by my side, but it helps that I have a relatively easy way to contact her.","1":"Lidia and I were supposed to go job hunting again. She should have passed by me by now.","2":"We had fun last night, but not enough fun to keep her in bed all day."},"ch13__13.LD.25 the deal.vne3":{"10":"You understand even talking to me about this fucks you, [i]and[\/i] Lidia, right?","11":"I can't help but think that a couple of dumb college kids would be pretty low on the federal government's list of priorities.","12":"Kestrel nods, acknowledging that I'm not entirely wrong.","13":"So, you're going drop the charges against Lidia, and I agree to help you.","14":"He laughs.","15":"Come on, buddy. How do you think this works?","16":"You have to know I'm a much more compelling intelligence asset then Lidia.","17":"Kestrel pauses.","18":"Let's say you were an asset, prove it.","19":"I take a breath. It's gamble, but I don't know what else to go with.","20":"I'm Nightingale.","21":"The agent pauses.","22":"[i]You're[\/i] Nightingale?","23":"I am.","24":"Kestrel stares me down. I'm sure for a moment that he doesn't believe me, until finally...","25":"Okay, Nightingale. Let's talk.","26":"That... worked?","27":"Seriously?","28":"Sure. If you are in fact who you say you are. Maybe you do have something to bargain with.","29":"So you'll drop the charges against Lidia?","30":"I can't do that.","31":"And I don't have to be your new CI.","32":"No, I literally can't do that. Even if I did go to bat for her, no judge is going to let Lidia walk on someone else's good graces.","33":"Okay... then give her another shot.","34":"As a CI? But I already have a brand new, fresh CI who promised me all sorts of juicy, fresh intelligence.","35":"Wouldn't it be better to have two CI's, though?","36":"You must not know much about operational budgets.","37":"That's my demand. Let Lidia go back to what she was doing before, running intel out of the coffee shop. Give her another chance to make up her end of the deal.","38":"Kestrel mulls sit over. He's not someone to make rash decisions.","39":"She can be my handler for you. Compartmentalization. Dispersion. Other tactical bullshit that makes all you spy wannabes so hard.","40":"You keep talking like that, son, I'm gonna start thinking this is a date.","41":"And he's got jokes. You'd think that wouldn't be allowed, working for the government.","42":"You have to have a sense of humor working for the government. It's a coping mechanism.","43":"Lidia as your handler, though? Sheesh, I dunno...","44":"You see, I have this nagging feeling she hasn't been entirely honest with me during her tenure on my team. Which is a bummer because that was a very important part of her deal.","45":"Think of it this way, you'd never have to see my ugly mug. Or have to sit and watch from some creepy van while Lidia and I practice casting spells.","46":"Spells, huh?","47":"But I want [i]you[\/i] to understand the nature of the agreement you are entering into.","48":"Under the nature of our arrangement, you would be offering me insight and intelligence to criminal individuals, organizations and operations. These are things I expect. Do you understand?","49":"A cold sweat begins to soak my palms, as I sit down to hammer out the details of my deal with devil.","50":"I do.","51":"Are you sure? Because this is important. It means you, Nightingale, are going to give me [i]actionable intelligence[\/i] relating to my case. Do you know what that means? [i]Actionable intelligence[\/i]?","52":"That's intelligence that leads to arrests. Arrest of very bad people doing very bad things. Are you prepared to commit to this deal?","53":"I swallow, nodding. I don't like it, but this might be the only way I can free Lidia.","54":"Because if you don't deliver actionable intelligence, or you lie to me, or throw us off the trail, that's breach of contract and criminal interference with a federal investigation. ","55":"No slaps on the wrists or warnings or deals. You go to jail.","56":"At this point, I don't think I could walk away if I wanted. Not as though I haven't already been accumulating a bit of a rap sheet.","57":"I know.","58":"And in return for this crucial, case-closing intel, I give Lidia back her coffee shop, and she goes back to work for me...","59":"...and in turn will have another chance to prove herself an indispensable asset to this case and worthy of dismissal of certain unfortunate charges for acts that she deeply regrets, do I have that correct?","60":"Yeah.","61":"Kestrel nods.","62":"Okay. I'll consider it.","63":"You'll consider it? What the fuck do you mean? I'm offering myself to you. I'm telling you that I'm Nightingale and I can blow your case wide open.","64":"Thanks for that. We actually didn't need Lidia anymore, and we probably don't need you either.","65":"It turns out that Lidia was simply the wrong person for the job. I'll thank you for letting us know you were aware of Nightingale, though. Very interesting.","66":"What the fuck is this guy on about? He doesn't need me or Lidia? Who else does he have?","67":"Shit... all I did in this whole exchange was give him free information.","68":"As a CI, she's compromised anyway. The point of confidential informants is that they're [i]confidential[\/i]. Doesn't do much good when every Tom, Dick and Harry knows she's squealing.","69":"Yeah... I don't think it's common policy for the person being confidentially investigated to know about the investigation and the CIs. I'm sure this is a massive fuck up at a scale much larger than he intends to admit.","70":"So, thanks for the offer. I'll put it in my back pocket.","71":"If you don't agree now, the deal is off.","72":"Fine. Deal's off, then.","73":"Well, that was my bluff.","74":"I don't think we have much to talk about anymore, do we?","75":"No... I'm not sure we do. I'm scouring my brain for a means to scratch some semblance of power back, but nothing is coming to mind...","76":"Kestrel adjusts his suit.","77":"After Lidia is debriefed and we figure out her disposition, you and I are going to sit down and half a nice, long chat about your {SheIsYour} and her habit of breaking into places she shouldn't.","78":"...you know, school records, police evidence lockers, private corporate offices... those kinds of places.","79":"I watch Kestrel get to his feet and lazily stroll away, his cocky swagger unnerves the hell out of me.","80":"The regret is beginning to bubble up, given the chips I'm playing. I sure as hell hope he just has a really good poker face.","81":"Shit... did I see Lidia for the last time?","82":"There's got to be a way to salvage this situation...","0":"Throughout my ''shift'', I still had Lidia on my mind.","1":"It occurred to me that I really had no good way of contacting Kestrel. But... there's still a chance I could catch him outside of the coffee shop.","2":"I have a plan. A bad plan, but something that could maybe save Lidia from prison. But I need to talk to her handler. It's not like the guy left a card.","3":"What was his name? Max Caulfield? Jesus...","4":"Hanging out in front of the coffee shop was the only thing short of burning down a post office that I could think might get his attention.","5":"After an hour or so of waiting, just as I was thinking this was the dumbest idea in the world...","6":"You know, a fella just hangs out outside a closed coffee shop for long enough, some people might start to wonder what he's doing there.","7":"I want to make a deal.","8":"Do you?","9":"Lidia's side of the deal. She was your informant, right?"},"ch13__13.MG.05 maggie get a gun.vne3":{"10":"I got footage live-streamed straight into my skull.","11":"It's hard to interpret Toasterman sometimes. What does he mean?","12":"So you know who did it?","13":"Of course not! Do I look like Uri Geller to you? I have no idea who it was. I was too busy avoiding the Leon Trotsky piercing special.","14":"I got rudely interrupted as I was hydrating, and well-hydrated as I was, I hid myself behind a brick wall to avoid springing any leak.","15":"Seeing as how a bunch of jokers have put the torch to my home, I've gone for the nomadic lifestyle. Where I my roam, the road has become my bride.","16":"So is there a reason why you're here, then?","17":"Where?","18":"Here, outside my home.","19":"This is your house?","20":"Batman, you know this. You've been here before.","21":"News to me.","22":"I can't forget why I'm here.","23":"Did you see my {sheIsYour}, {Leah}?","24":"Who?","25":"You know who she is! You met her at Sevigny's, you helped her burn the hard-drive?","26":"Uh-huh?","27":"Did you see anything weird around? She was alarmed by something.","28":"No idea what you're talking about. Only birds around here.","29":"Then why...?","30":"Listen, all I'm saying is you punks had better avoid going near my domicile from this point forward. It's tough having forensic scientists swab your toenail clipping jar and poke around in your toiletries.","31":"Anyway... I guess that's all I gotta say. Careful out there.","32":"I was hoping that Toasterman could prepare me for what I'll see inside.","33":"It seems he doesn't know anything either.","34":"I look around with some concern... taking a glance left and right. To say I'm ready for anything is an understatement.","35":"It's a bit worrying that I don't immediately notice {Leah}...","36":"I knock on the wall in a way only I would.","37":"Hey. Thanks for coming so quick.","38":"{Leah} poked her head out of her bedroom. As soon as she sees it's clear, she walks out.","39":"What's wrong?","40":"I meant to send you another text. I noticed a figure outside our apartment. I didn't know who it was...","41":"But they stayed an awfully long time, I started to get suspicious.","42":"It's fine. It was just Toasterman.","43":"No, I'm not talking about him.","44":"Huh?","45":"When he came, the other figure left.","46":"Did you see who this other figure was?","47":"{Leah} shakes her head.","48":"Honestly, it was probably just paranoia. I shouldn't have texted you.","49":"Well, even though I was in the middle of something, {Leah} takes precedence.","50":"I just hope I didn't leave Lidia over nothing...","51":"It was fun evening with Lidia, though I suppose it was winding down anyway.","52":"Don't even second-guess contacting me. Whenever you need something, I'll run right over.","53":"Mmm. Thanks.","54":"Have you been drinking?","55":"A little.","56":"[i]Lie.","57":"I'm going to put my feet up. See you in the morning.","58":"Thanks for coming.","59":"Don't even mention it.","60":"I'd love to believe it was paranoia, but those motherfuckers know where we live.","61":"We can't move away. The only thing I can hope for is if things really are like what {Leah} said.","62":"Laughter? Is someone else here?","63":"I've woken up a little late... unemployment and all. I wonder what I've missed...","64":"...and then I told him, that ain't alcohol, that's deer repellent!","65":"So he hadn't drunk anything at all?","66":"Yeah, he sobered right up! All that stumblin' and groanin' he did, and he hadn't had a lick of liquor.","67":"And then he said, ''well if I ain't drunk, I guess I'm just stupid!''","68":"Hehehe! Wow, your family is crazy.","69":"More'n crazy, that's for sure. But there was good times, too.","70":"Oh, look who's back.","71":"{PlayerName}! Why didn't you announce yourself? You coulda said hi.","72":"Oh. Wait.","73":"Shit, maybe it's me whose just stupid. You're like the second person I know here and yet I can't remember somethin' simple like that.","74":"You had a beer. You just forgot temporarily.","75":"''Liquor helps, but it ain't the source''. That's a saying among the Castles. It gets things outta you but it doesn't make what wasn't there.","76":"Saying you're stupid is the stupid thing.","77":"Well, I ain't smart.","78":"You're not dumb, Maggie.","79":"I am kinda dumb, but I ain't making this into a big argument.","80":"I'm just telling Maggie how well she handled the situation with her brother.","81":"She did handle it well.","82":"I guess I just... stop carin'. I don't think I could've done it without your help.","83":"You can't sit at home and just bloom into a different person. Well... maybe you could, but you'd be a fungus instead of a flower.","84":"What brings you here? It's not about the thing we discussed earlier...","85":"Well, sorta. We got to plan a field trip to get the gun, it's not a trivial journey.","86":"So... you didn't come to give {PlayerName} a gun.","87":"I knew you wouldn't want that. If one of us has to upset you, I'd rather it be {PlayerName}.","88":"Gee. Thanks.","89":"You're welcome!","90":"So what's in the box you got?","91":"Somethin' cool! Look at this.","92":"Maggie takes out two bulky, heavy objects. They look like old-school cell phones from the nineties. I half expect them to have a backpack battery attachment.","93":"What are those? They look like...","94":"Oh, these are another piece of important hunting equipment. These are...","95":"[i]...walkie-talkies!","96":"But [i]actually good ones[\/i]. You won't find these at Walmart.","97":"Where did you get these?","98":"Don't worry about that.","99":"Walkie-talkies use radio signal, right? They don't go through the Internet...","100":"These bad boys are 100% analog.","101":"...Which means you can't eavesdrop on them.","102":"Uh-huh! When {PlayerName} said he couldn't call no more, I remembered these things.","103":"I'm sure you know, but they got a range, but because these things are good, it'd take a lot of walkin' before you get out of it.","104":"You should try it!","105":"These... these might actually be more useful than a gun.","106":"Maggie, you really aren't dumb. You're a goddamn genius.","107":"Except for one... little... tiny... detail...","108":"Thanks Maggie. I can't talk.","109":"Oh... uh... I...","110":"It doesn't matter. Remember what I told you before we went to Stan's house?","111":"That not communicating should be our signal?","112":"Yes. And now, we have the means to [i]not communicate[\/i] with one another.","113":"Plus, you can tap on the phone to send secret messages.","114":"Morse code.","115":"I don't know Morse code, so what good is it for me?","116":"Well, then learn Morse code, you dolt!","117":"Or I could hold my cellphone up to the receiver, so that it picks up my voice synthesizer.","118":"You should try it!","119":"Doing an experiment would be a good idea... is the quality going to be high enough to pick up on his voice?","120":"I'm going to go to the bathroom and try and communicate. Be right back.","121":"Okay. This thing is [i]covered[\/i] with dials.","122":"I'm not super familiar with how these things work. If I just... leave it on the default...","123":"I tap the walkie-talkie.","124":"There's a burst of surprisingly clear sound that comes from the walk-talkie.","125":"Is that you?","126":"We can hear you!","127":"Well, that works. I pull my cellphone out.","128":"Is this clear?","129":"I have to wait a moment...","130":"Yes it is! Test successful!","131":"That was so neat!","132":"Yep, they're pretty useful, especially for your situation.","133":"Though I gotta warn you... if someone else has a radio receiver set to the same channel, they're gonna hear you.","134":"At the very least, they won't expect us to use these things.","135":"We're probably safe for a little while, until they can figure out we've gone retro for our person-to-person communication.","136":"That there's no log or data left behind is going to be very useful for us.","137":"Who are you talking about?","138":"Oh... uh... just some people...","139":"Maggie may think she's dumb, but she's smart enough not to ask certain questions.","140":"A-anyway...","141":"What's the range on this thing?","142":"Under ideal conditions, it should cover Shale Hill.","143":"Really? We've got to test that.","144":"I'll head to campus and send a message.","145":"If we don't hear back in ten minutes, we'll do the same.","146":"Got it.","147":"This walkie-talkie doesn't have a brand name. Where does it come from?","148":"I suppose it doesn't matter... I'm not going to look this gift horse in the mouth.","149":"Maggie was smart to think of this.","150":"I get out of the car and, feeling a little self-conscious, I hold up the walkie-talkie to my phone.","151":"I channel every World War II movie that I've seen as I compose my message.","152":"Test. Test. Over.","153":"I wait... and wait...","154":"...I'm tempted to curse the thing when I don't get a message back.","155":"I furiously recompose my message, but before I'm done, I realize I had the walkie-talkie turned off.","156":"Shit. It's my fault. And I can't blame my failure on a single beer.","157":"I carefully readjust...","158":"Emily!","159":"Jesus... when did she get out of jail?","160":"It's just odd seeing her in her old clothes... and though she's shocked to see me sitting here fiddling with a gadget, she can't be more surprised than me.","161":"Is this why her family was around the other day? Did I catch her with something?","162":"I didn't expect to see her so soon after sending me that bizarre message. It's obvious she didn't expect it either.","163":"I don't know what to say to her. I wasn't expecting this. I need to figure out about the flight her dad chartered but I never could come up with a strategy...","164":"Just start with the basics...","165":"I didn't expect to see you.","166":"Um... I didn't either.","167":"How are you out of prison?","168":"It's complicated. I want to explain myself... but I'm not sure how.","169":"Anyway... there was a legal thing. I still have a court-date set, basically my dad bailed me out.","170":"She talks quickly. I don't think she wanted to have this conversation so soon.","171":"That explains why I saw him outside of the police station.","172":"He told me about that.","173":"The voicemail you sent me beforehand freaked me out.","174":"You sent me that odd message. My only interpretation of that is you didn't want to see me.","175":"I was just nervous about seeing you, that was all. Just a panic attack.","176":"Emily? A panic attack? Dolphins can technically drown, I guess.","177":"Actually... I came to ask if you wanted to meet up sometime.","178":"God takes away, but he also gives.","179":"I was meaning to get to you about that--","180":"*BZZZZT*","181":"This is {Leah}. Are you reading? Over.","182":"What is that? Is that {Leah}'s voice?","183":"Sorry, I'm trying to fix this thing. Let's meet up.","184":"Great. Uh... call me whenever you're free.","185":"[i]Even though you shouldn't.","186":"Excuse me?","187":"I mean... please call me. I'm available.","188":"Thanks?","189":"She is confusing me...","190":"I'm getting so many mixed signals that I [i]didn't[\/i] get earlier. This is frustrating.","191":"At least the walkie-talkie is working. I sigh and press the reply button.","192":"Received. Returning.","193":"It's awkward, splitting my attention between the walkie-talkie and the phone app, but I think I'll get used to it.","194":"Anyway, I should head back.","195":"Looks like it worked. Did you make it to the University?","196":"I did. I would have sent a message earlier but an old friend interrupted me.","197":"Anyway, thanks for these, Maggie. Walkie-talkies are going to prove incredibly useful.","198":"Oh, honey, at least I know a [i]few[\/i] things.","199":"{Leah} and I glance at each other. It's not worth trying to curb her self-depreciation.","200":"I gotta get going home. I'm glad it was useful. We should all have a party!","201":"Look at you turning into a social butterfly.","202":"Yeah. I feel very different, now. Seeing my brother and telling him off made me realize I'm capable of so much.","203":"I'll catch you up later!","204":"I wait until Maggie leaves","205":"Emily is out of jail.","206":"Really? That's...","207":"...well... I'm happy for her, at least. Nobody deserves to be put in a cell.","208":"Do you know how she got out of prison?","209":"Her dad bailed her out. What she had to do it, I have no idea.","210":"I encountered Emily.","211":"So that was the ''old friend'' you were speaking of.","212":"She also wants to talk and meet up with me.","213":"For what?","214":"I don't know, especially since Emily has been saying some extremely bizarre things.","215":"She wants to talk to me... she doesn't want to talk to me. It's weird.","216":"Do you think I should see her?","217":"I can't say for certain...","218":"I think... if you see her... you should exercise caution.","219":"I agree.","220":"Emily was the next person I needed to speak to. It feels like someone is still one step ahead of us.","221":"I still don't think walkie-talkies are going to be sufficient. I want that gun back.","222":"I have this feeling, deep down, that [i]I need it[\/i]. Nothing else will do.","223":"That gun will save my life. That's just a feeling I have, but it's as strong as iron.","0":"Judging from recent events... I imagined my house burned to a crisp... a police raid... literal ghosts piling out of spaceships...","1":"...but it isn't any of those things. What I get instead... is...","2":"You. Batboy.","3":"What are you doing here?","4":"You rendered my slice of heaven [i]uninhabitable.[\/i] That was my cave where I stored all my gizmos and gadgets.","5":"I don't want a fancy air-flow mattress with holes in it..","6":"Shit, Batman, I didn't think about you.","7":"I shouldn't be surprised that you forgot about me, but I am disappointed.","8":"Which reminds me, did you get a good look at any of the people who did the shooting?","9":"Yeah. I put sonar tracking devices on 'em. Right now I got nanotech and other whizz-bang bits of garbage on 'em."},"ch14__14.05 kristens request.vne3":{"10":"The knocking gets louder. More insistent. There's a machine-gun rhythm to it... [i]clack clack clack[\/i].","11":"Me opening the door is not going to make a difference. If they mean business, locks are not going to stop them.","12":"The best way out of this... I shove the door open... that might surprise them enough so I can stick them with the knife.","13":"Let's do it.","14":"One... two... three...","15":"Quicker than I know, a shadow passes inside... assassin-like in its movements.","16":"My eyes quickly adjust to the intruder... my knife poised to strike...","17":"Why are you in your underwear?","18":"Why? Why is it Kristen? How is she-... Why did she-...","19":"I gesture wildly, articulating several things at once: [i]I don't have a phone to talk to you with,[\/i] and... [i]the FUCK ya doin' here?[\/i]","20":"Are you on drugs?","21":"I point to the door. With my knife.","22":"[i]You want to stab the door?","23":"No, bitch, I'm telling you to get out!","24":"Anyway, you do realize you're on schedule, right?","25":"Are you serious?","26":"So... like... come on. Get your ass to work.","27":"This early? Unless this is some sort of weird booty call...","28":"It's impossible to know. Kristen has the same attitude happy, horny, murderous, at the bottom of the Pits of Despair. ","29":"This early? Is this some sort of weird power-play? Is she trying to assert dominance somehow?","30":"It's fucking weird.","31":"I hold up my finger.","32":"You're telling me to wait?","33":"I nod.","34":"I've [i]been[\/i] waiting, so... I don't know. I guess I can put my practice to use.","35":"That's good enough for me.","36":"I pick up my cellphone.","37":"Finally, I can put things in words she can understand.","38":"Don't be so loud. You're going to wake {Leah}. What are you doing here?","39":"If you were still on social media, and you had a working cellphone, I would've called you instead. You're on the schedule.","40":"What do you mean schedule? You know how early it is, right? The sun isn't up.","41":"Aw... Boo hoo. You gotta get up early. Imagine [i]my[\/i] anxiety when the sole employee I depend on doesn't show up? I gave you plenty of warning.","42":"Girl, you would not survive my life.","43":"Definitely. I would've offed myself.","44":"What do you mean ''schedule?'' I didn't see a schedule.","45":"It was printed out in the store room. Pasted on the door. Didn't you see?","46":"I shake my head.","47":"It was in full view! I had you right there! If you didn't see it, it's not my problem. [i]You're[\/i] the one that needs money.","48":"Kristen is so overbearingly political I assumed she would be into labor rights. Apparently the extent of her empathy and social conscience ends at the working man.","49":"Is this about the other day? Are you angry and you want to get back at me?","50":"Angry? For you quitting temporarily?","51":"Of course not. For the sex.","52":"I don't know what you're talking about. Sex? With who?","53":"Unbelievable.","54":"Is this going to happen every day? Is this a usual thing?","55":"It's really quite simple. Certain deliveries are made [i]before[\/i] the mall's opening hours.","56":"What do you mean by ''certain'' deliveries? I thought the mall had staff corridors they use for restocking.","57":"By ''certain deliveries'' I mean the deliveries are ''[i]certainly[\/i] arriving now'' and I need to pick them up or else I don't restock.","58":"Some sort of contraband, maybe? If Kristen is secretly a gun runner, that would fix a surprisingly large number of my problems.","59":"Of course, Kristen would [i]never[\/i] be anything as cool as a gun runner. It's probably something like... [i]blow up dolls[\/i] or something equally embarrassing.","60":"I'll help you, but I want a bonus for odd hours.","61":"Great. I'm hanging off a cliff, and now we're negotiating. I've got stock that's sitting on a sidewalk right now, probably being rummaged through by homeless people.","62":"Can we leave and then negotiate?","63":"Bonus first.","64":"Yes, yes. I'll pay you a time and a quarter. Let's go!","65":"That is good enough for me, for now.","66":"Are you going to take that knife with you?","67":"Shit... I'm still holding the knife.","68":"I don't need physical protection, you know. I've read about Krav Maga and I have enough kinesthetic intelligence to put it into practice without training.","69":"I should probably get a proper knife. Not this one, though. Something else to ask Maggie.","70":"Let's just go.","71":"I put the knife down and go out with her.","72":"It's empty here. Cold. Dead.","73":"In these large vacant halls, nothing lives but the hum of radiators. I'm still wondering what I'm doing here so early.","74":"...So, anyway, that's when I learned I could become an expert at basically anything just by reading a sufficiently detailed explanation on how it's done.","75":"I only had to [i]glance[\/i] at that magazine, and then suddenly, I knew how to crochet like a cocaine grandma.","76":"I suppose you could call it my superpower.","77":"Great. I can't wait to see you do the Tarantella.","78":"Maybe you can read about how to suck dick properly.[ep13_kristen_sex]","79":"Enough. We're here. What do you need moved?","80":"I'm not [i]physically[\/i] conditioned to dance, even though I [i]would[\/i] be good at dancing if I was more athletic.","81":"Why don't you just read a exercise manual and become an expert?","82":"This is what happens when I tell people about my superpower. They make fun of me for it.","83":"You're a typical male. Your reflex is to put a woman in their place when they show talent.","84":"Enough fucking around. Let's get these boxes moved.","85":"[i]I have...[\/i] uh...","86":"Fellatio... you know... is not really a demanding art. No teeth... you look up in the guy's eyes with a vacant dumb expression... you pretend like you enjoy it.","87":"Anyway... I [i]am[\/i] good at-... uh... I [i]can[\/i]... I could... ","88":"It's not a skill to brag about. But I feel as though I'm good at it.","89":"What makes you think that?","90":"The lack of complaints.","91":"I literally can't complain, so maybe you're right.","92":"Are you trying to embarrass me? We're basically in public. Not to say there's any shame in a woman being promiscuous.","93":"She goes over her next words very carefully, as a lawyer might.","94":" You should be [i]happy[\/i] if I was experienced, which I [i]may or may not be[\/i]. Because my skill is not dependent on [i]practice[\/i], it's dependent on my [i]exceptional reading comprehension[\/i].","95":"So... you can't derive conclusions of whether I am or am not a slut based on my erotic technique. I would've been equally as skilled if you were my first, or my hundredth.","96":"A pause, before she decides she's quite satisfied with that answer.","97":"I honestly am not sure if she's embarrassed because she's very sexually experienced, or embarrassed because she's a borderline virgin.","98":"There is way too much detail in Kristen's backstory.","99":"Enough fucking around. Let's get these boxes moved.","100":"She jerks her finger toward some non-descript cardboard boxes placed by the entrance.","101":"They are, indeed, placed on the sidewalk.","102":"Be gentle, alright? This is valuable.","103":"Valuable? I would definitely think twice before leaving it on the floor.","104":"I pick one up, and find it's lighter than it looks. It's mostly uncomfortable because the boxes are so big and I need to stretch my arms out awkwardly to fully grab it.","105":"Kristen gives an officious nod of approval.","106":"Competent picking-up skills.","107":"[i]Competent?[\/i] Like you'd know about picking things up.","108":"I set the boxes down as soon as we get to the store.","109":"For crying out loud, don't drop it!","110":"I set it down gently!","111":"Ah... it was so nice when you couldn't say anything. Now you are your normal aggravating self.","112":"There's this new thing trending on Tiktok called the [i]Be Grateful For Once[\/i] challenge.","113":"Which do you want? Money or gratitude? You can have one or the other.","114":"I don't understand why she has to be like this. How long am I going to be Kristen's employee?","115":"You're getting time and a quarter. [i]You[\/i] be grateful for [i]that[\/i].","116":"Alright. I'll handle the new stock. You get ready to open.","117":"She drags the boxes to the back.","118":"I know how to do this. This was part of my training with Lidia.","119":"Poor Lidia. Where is she? I wonder where Max Caulfield took her.","120":"Left alone, with only myself for company, my mind roils with such questions.","121":"Man, Kristen may be abusive, but it's not nearly as bad as the shit in my head when I'm alone...","122":"An hour later, everything looks like it's ready.","123":"I put the new releases out... I make sure the vintage section is tidy... wipe the dust off the displays...","124":"I'm actually looking forward to the break customers will give me.","125":"It looks acceptable. I have some business I need to deal with. I'll be in the back. Knock before you enter.","126":"Don't worry. I won't walk in on you masturbating.","127":"That's all you can think about, isn't it? Typical male. We're the same species yet you all got the Neanderthal genes.","128":"I'm not masturbating, I'll have you know, and even if I was... you're not invited.","129":"She turns around primly and heads into the store room.","130":"I guess I'll open up.","131":"The mall opens. It's a slow day, but people perk up when they see me at the register...","132":"...or more accurately, [i]not Kristen.","133":"The atmosphere of the place definitely changes when Kristen's in the back. Customers linger more. People sit on the couches reading. Socially awkward people engage me with light conversation.","134":"Sometimes SHU students walk in, remark something like, [i]''Hey, aren't you an IT guy?''","135":"This isn't the worst job. I just wish I knew more about comic books.","136":"For brief moments, I catch myself forgetting about Valerie, Silent1, everything else...","137":"What's the World's Second Straightest Man doing here?","138":"What's up Dante? I thought the atmosphere suddenly became less gay.","139":"Nah man, it's never [i]less gay[\/i], it's [i]more straight.[\/i] Gay and straight, it's like light and shadow. You can't have one without the other.","140":"Straighter by contrast.","141":"Yep!","142":"You interested in comic books?","143":"Nah. I was drawn in by your intense hetebro aura. It's just something that went supernova on me as I passed. But if I was to get a comic book, what do you think I should get?","144":"A straight comic book?","145":"I trust you. Graphic novels are cool. They're literary. They got something to say. So I hear.","146":"What do you like?","147":"Hmm...","148":"Shiiit...","149":"Man, this is where you're working now?","150":"You come here, Linus?","151":"You don't know me if you have to ask. Man I miss you. Hank gets weirder and weirder.","152":"Things haven't been the same since you left. The beer fridge isn't getting restocked.","153":"What's up my hetebro?","154":"Damn man, the trifecta. Is this an impromptu AACHM meeting?","155":"Looks like it. This place is a leyline of hetero energy right now.","156":"But... uh... Linus... I thought you quit AACHM. What's up?","157":"Ah... so you noticed me ghosting you. I owed dues... and uh...","158":"We got a student rate.","159":"You do?","160":"I got you covered. Have you been paying full member rates? We'll call your dues covered.","161":"Damn man... thanks. Now I feel bad that I didn't come to you first.","162":"Always come to me first.","163":"Anyway, {PlayerName}... you got any plans at all to come back? No matter what Hank says, I could use your help.","164":"Really? I wasn't there most of the time. I took so many days off.","165":"But I still [i]remember[\/i] what things were like. Sometimes, shit happens and we go through a phase. I never thought you got lazy.","166":"I just know weird shit was happening to you. And I know weird shit, believe me.","167":"If I could, I'd come back, but it's not an option.","168":"Not an option? What happened between you and Hank? He's acting weird. I've never heard his voice, but I know he's in a mood. He doesn't need to say anything for me to know.","169":"Sorry man. I don't think anything is going to change. You want a comic book?","170":"Yeah... I guess I'm in the mood. Need something to do when my heels are up.","171":"Whole store is open. I won't judge you for going to the adult section.","172":"Appreciate that.","173":"Dante... I meant to ask... have you heard from Lidia at all?","174":"I was about to ask you if you knew anything about her.","175":"Yeah, I bet she didn't say where she was going. Shit. How did they fucking disappear Lidia like that?","176":"A shame...","177":"{PlayerName}... what are all these people loitering around for?","178":"They're called customers.","179":"Customers buy things. Tell them to get out.","180":"I was about to buy something! Also, don't talk to me like we haven't met.","181":"I talk to everyone like this.","182":"It is true.","183":"Anyway, we have shopping baskets, you know. Where is it? Get one, put your garbage in the shopping basket, and bring it to the cashier. We give you garbage, you give us currency. Understood?","184":"I remember why I don't come here.","185":"What's up, World's... uh...","186":"...World's... Sexiest... Eyes?","187":"Flattery will take you an inch here. Are you buying something?","188":"I'm buying some time lost in your gaze.","189":"Well... that's very nice. But... still... uh...","190":"I got AACHM business to take care of, actually. Stay het!","191":"Why don't you say anything like that?","192":"That pick up line?","193":"It was a good one. It played off the conversation. It was spontaneous.","194":"I don't like lying.","195":"You do, because the [i]truth[\/i] that you know is you're not clever enough to come up with something like that. I understand, and I don't need you to be.","196":"What I need you to do is some population control.","197":"Population control?","198":"There's a flock of assholes loitering, smelling of sweat, eyeing the adult section but too nervous to go up there. Lolicons, probably.","199":"Those are customers.","200":"They're loiterers. I want people in and out.","201":"We trained for this, remember? I thought you'd learned some customer service skills?","202":"I don't like this place being busy. There are too many people. Go and judge them until they're scared off.","203":"I'm going back. This place better be empty when I come out again.","204":"This shop is fucked.","0":"Shit man... it's so early in the morning. But... I hear a knocking. Is {Leah} trying to get in?","1":"That's no her usual knock. It's... softer... yet more insistent.","2":"No. Wait. That's not my bedroom door... that's the front door.","3":"[i]The front door[\/i]... which means... someone is outside our apartment right fucking now. And it's nowhere close to Halloween.","4":"God damn it, it could be anything. The police, Rogham's cultists, a military cyborg...","5":"We should've gotten out while we can. All of our natural enemies know we live here. Mr. Craven was wrong, caution my ass... I'm dealing with the biggest psychopaths in the world.","6":"They don't give a shit about anything or anyone.","7":"I don't have the Glock anymore, but I'm not completely defenseless. {Leah}'s big kitchen knife.","8":"Poor girl thought she was going to do more food prep this year. It's not going to see any food prep, but it might still get used for butchery.","9":"I pull the knife out of the block. It makes a rasping noise as it does."},"ch14__14.10 paranoia.vne3":{"10":"This is going to be a problem if you continue to pull so many people here. You're like something left out that attracts flies.","11":"But I didn't attract flies. They're customers","12":"What are you doing that pulls them in? Maybe you should dress down a little. Or dull your face with discolored foundation.","13":"Honestly, I don't do anything, I'm just not trying to be repellent.","14":"What was the point of the whole thing we went through the other day? We agreed you wouldn't be so awful, remember?","15":"I trained you. We went through exercises. You gave me a bonus.","16":"I think something happened [i]immediately afterward[\/i] that kinda dominates my memory of the event.","17":"I didn't fuck you so hard that you should've forgotten everything.","18":"All I needed was your help. I was only doing all that to humor you.","19":"I'm the one paying you. You need my money. I need your labor. It is standard capitalist operating procedure that you do what I ask you to do.","20":"Just give me my money.","21":"Kristen does pay in cash, which is very nice. Probably questionably legal.","22":"Hold on a second, before I do...","23":"...I've got to count your money. Make sure it matches the receipts.","24":"You think I'm cheating you?","25":"Well... I was thinking that you might have made an honest mistake, but now that you said that and you clearly had the idea... I think I will count [i]extra carefully[\/i].","26":"Why did I say anything? Shit. She's going to count forever.","27":"Everything better be here.","28":"One... two... three... four...","29":"It's not enough for her, is it? It's not enough to work for her. She has to [i]torture[\/i] you too.","30":"Kristen is going to be the worst fucking employer ever, but the worst thing is... the pay is decent.","31":"I have every reason to stay and put up with her bullshit. Unless... this is just part of her ruse.","32":"Is she going to say I have money missing? Is she going to take it out of my wage? Maybe that's why she was so quick to give me the bonus.","33":"This [i]is[\/i] her plan. Damn it, I can see it in her smarmy expression. Fuck this. It isn't worth it.","34":"...four-fifty, four fifty-five... [i]four hundred sixty dollars and thirty-three cents.[\/i]","35":"That's everything accounted for. Not a penny missing. I guess math isn't your weakness.","36":"Wait. She's [i]not[\/i] going to try and cheat me?","37":"Why do you look so surprised?","38":"This wasn't the outcome I expected.","39":"What [i]did[\/i] you expect?","40":"Everything is square between us, so it doesn't even matter. Here's your cut.","41":"See you tomorrow. I'll close up behind you.","42":"Yeah... thanks...","43":"I was sure Kristen would cheat me. Not even a question in my mind. I still wonder if she had, somehow.","44":"I'll get out of here...","45":"Should I even be going to work? It's absurd... working at a comic book shop while so much is at stake, earning petty cash.","46":"I should be doing something else. Taking a flamethrower to the Silent Brotherhood. Knocking on Valerie's door. [i]Anything[\/i], honestly.","47":"People are literally trying to kill me. Someone tried to shoot me in a goddamn alley, not that far from here.","48":"Things can't stay this normal. It's absurd.","49":"The heck is that? Someone following me?","50":"It's too damn likely, I'm walking unarmed like a fool. I should've taken that knife with me.","51":"Better to be attacked from the front than the back, though. If I'm careful... whoever it is won't notice that I've noticed them.","52":"Edge closer... don't make a sound.","53":"When the opportunity comes... jump 'em. They're going to try to kill me again anyway. Might as well have the fight on my terms.","54":"Turn the corner, smash into 'em, disarm 'em... [i]dispose of them[\/i].","55":"I've rammed a guy with a car, I have the steel and the will to protect myself.","56":"Here it goes...","57":"[i]Cat![\/i]","58":"Why is that scarier than the an armed gunman. Jesus.","59":"The cat races into the boxes, leaving me with my pulse racing. Damned feral thing... go choke on a mouse or something.","60":"Is this my life? To have a mild heart attack every time a cat shows up?","61":"I've got to get a hold of myself... there has to be a happy medium between vigilance and not going insane.","62":"Couldn't trust Kristen... now I can't trust my shadow.","63":"Toasterman.","64":"You really have moved outside my apartment, haven't you?","65":"You got some spare bullet-proof armor? I need it for my blanket. It's the only way to be safe in this dystopian hellscape.","66":"Why are you paranoid? There's nobody in the world who wants anything from you.","67":"You'd be surprised about how little someone would pop you for. Sometimes it's just the way you walk. Sometimes it's just to grab a beer.","68":"I've lost track of the reasons people have to kill me.","69":"Yeah, if you do anything of any significance, you make long lists of enemies. That's the way of the world.","70":"Ghandi, blameless fucking asshole. Pissed off the British Empire, but offed by one of his own. Stabbed in the front [i]and[\/i] back.","71":"You gotta be real small to not piss anyone off, like an bitty little ant, but even then you'll only inspire someone to step on you.","72":"How do you live without walls, Batman? I'd go crazy if I was exposed all the time.","73":"Then again... Toasterman already is insane.","74":"Inside of me there is a core of iron, surrounded by an outer layer of muscles, which is itself [i]enveloped[\/i] in an [i]envelope[\/i] of fat.","75":"Then... there's my skin. Which is old and saggy, but weathered. Little nerves don't register for anything lighter than a stab to the gut.","76":"I don't know how I got to be this way. Bad decisions... [i]kind decisions[\/i]... doing the right thing but not the [i]smart[\/i] thing.","77":"But that's just where people with iron cores end up... beaten up by the world. But they ain't defeated.","78":"I feel like I half understand you.","79":"All you need to know is, my iron core puts me out here, where I can do some good.","80":"You are doing good... [i]out here?[\/i] Does that mean Batman has a motive for hanging outside my apartment?","81":"I can't think of what he'd be doing.","82":"Gotta ask you something...","83":"...I get the sense you got nobody. Is that right?","84":"Huh?","85":"Listen... I'm the World's Greatest Detective, and certain details don't escape me.","86":"Like... the fact that women hover around you, but you don't touch a single goddamn one.","87":"Do you have an issue with that?","88":"Only that you're wasting your life. But I'm a superhero. I protect people from villains, not from themselves.","89":"You got a limited lifespan in this world, kid. Mistakes can be fixed but time is irreparable.","90":"If this is what you want to do with that time, be damn sure you won't regret it.","91":"My guess is... you really are just here for the story.","92":"What?","93":"I'm flattered, I am. My project, my [i]raison d'etre[\/i], was to make sex fit like a puzzle piece into a grand narrative.","94":"You take away one... you take away the other.","95":"What is he...?","96":"This ain't that kind of story... for reasons... but the sex doesn't hurt it.","97":"That's all I got to say.","98":"What a weird ramble.","99":"One more thing...","100":"...you get around a little. Or a lot?","101":"If you mean what I think you mean, yes. I'm a young dude and I have needs.","102":"Nobody faults you for that, but you gotta know something important. I'll put it in the form of an anecdote.","103":"Once upon a time I was young, doing adventures, fighting against the Joker, Two-Face, Batman...","104":"You are Batman.","105":"'Course I am. [delay,250][char,Mortelli_Homeless_Neutral]Anyway, I was doing a lot of stuff, and you meet a lot of dames and broads with varied appeal and distinct personalities.","106":"Long story short, I got myself four girlfriends.","107":"Congratulations.","108":"No. Not so.","109":"Huh?","110":"I got... Poison Ivy... the clown girl with the Manhattan accent... Super Girl... then Super Woman... you know... all the super chicks...","111":"...Cat Woman... Bat Woman... Fruit Fly Woman... then something-else-that-rhymes-with-bat Woman... then all the ethnic superheroes...","112":"...Red Woman... Yellow Woman... Bla-","0":"I'm not exactly a shining beacon of friendliness, but it's so against my instincts to intentionally drive people away.","113":"That's enough. I get it. You got a lot of women.","1":"I feel like a jerk, doing what Kristen asks me to do... hovering over people's shoulders... asking them if they're buying anything.","114":"Juggled them. Tried to keep them all... but it was difficult.","2":"Cram Comics should be... [i]crammed![\/i] So many people seem to want to come here, but are frightened away by Kristen.","115":"Did it work out?","3":"I've got no idea why she even bothers keeping this place running, if she hates it so much.","116":"It never works out exactly as you want, but I find, by being honest, you can avoid the worst outcomes.","4":"It's closing time. The day has truly dragged. I reluctantly start kicking people out.","117":"Basically, I had to choose my sixteen favorite girls and be satisfied with those.","5":"People don't usually argue against a robotic voice. The app is supposed to give a human-like intonation, but still...","118":"Tragic. Where are they now?","6":"...that tiny lack of authenticity makes me into Darth Vader.","119":"Fireball accident.","7":"When Kristen emerges, I glance at her. I want to ask her so badly if this is what she really wants.","120":"I raise an eyebrow.","8":"Finally this place is quiet. There were so many people here. I thought I hired a cashier, not an usher.","121":"Freak fireball accident. They all died.","9":"Maybe you should hire an usher.","122":"That's terrible, Batman.","123":"We were fracking for American energy independence when the ground blew up.","124":"I'm sorry to hear that.","125":"The earth still quakes with sorrow, sometimes.","126":"I better go inside.","127":"Yeah. Go on.","128":"Sometimes I wonder if that man is alright."},"ch14__14.15 leahs offer.vne3":{"3":"I don't want you to be absent and find out later you were kidnapped. That's happened before.","4":"{Leah} sits at the kitchen table, her laptop set up. I can tell she's doing applications.","5":"Sorry, I didn't even think about it. Kristen dragged me to the comic book shop.","6":"I know.","7":"How did you know I was there?","8":"It's a simple deduction. The smell of ink... the fibrous residue on your shirt... the scuff marks on your shoes... they all lead to the unmistakable conclusion that you were at work.","9":"Or you overheard Kristen talking in the morning.","10":"Looks like you're getting your deduction down, too.","11":"Weird she called you in so early.","12":"Yeah, she wanted me to move some boxes into the store. But... you know... it was weird. I'm pretty sure they have a dedicated loading area for the mall and she was taking her deliveries through the front door.","13":"Interesting. I suppose she didn't tell you what was in the merchandise.","14":"She didn't want to tell me... but I have a hard time imagining it's anything that important.","15":"Well, it [i]could[\/i] be important. There is one thing for certain... she doesn't rely on that store for income.","16":"Huh?","17":"She's always closing the store to go to a [i]philosophy club[\/i] right? She doesn't seem that invested in expanding her customer base... at least from what you tell me.","18":"She could have a business on the side she considers more important.","19":"Something illegal?","20":"There's a few possibilities. Kristen could run the comics store as a front, maybe she's helping people launder money through it.","21":"I don't think Kristen has the subtlety for actual crime.","22":"She could simply run a second business outside of the first. Didn't you mention that Sandra remotely manages Burger Queen?","23":"It might be something like that.","24":"This is all speculation. I have no reason to believe anything in particular, we just don't have any information.","25":"Should I look into it?","26":"Of course. Do I need to ask? Just don't get too distracted by it.","27":"Because right now... Emily is the key to this. I know exactly what {Leah} is thinking just by glancing at her.","28":"When you told me about your meeting with Emily yesterday... well... I've been thinking about it...","29":"...I need you to do something for me.","30":"What's that?","31":"Don't contact Emily.","32":"Are you nuts? She's our only lead. Is this just because you don't like her?","33":"I'm not exactly a Emily fan myself, but we can't abandon her.","34":"Well, I didn't say that. Obviously we're going to maintain the relationship. We're just going to wait until she comes to us.","35":"Emily doesn't do that. She isn't that kind of person. If you aren't actively her friend, she doesn't bother contacting you.","36":"It'll be real interesting, then, when she [i]does[\/i] come.","37":"{Leah} is up to something, isn't she?","38":"I just want to know her timing. That's all.","39":"{Leah} stretches out... I hear a crack from her shoulder. I think she's been sitting a lot.","40":"Doing job applications sucks.","41":"Is that what you've been doing all day?","42":"[i]Most of the day.","43":"You working with a friend has made me wonder if I should relent and call Dante. See if he needs work at the bar.","44":"She is not my friend.","45":"You know what I mean.","46":"Last time I talked to him... he said he didn't have anyone he needed.","47":"But Dante does understand the value of a pretty face. Yours being the prettiest, of course.","48":"Heh... thanks.","49":"Maybe things for you will be different?","50":"I really hope so.","51":"{Leah} twists on her chair, and turns back to the applications.","52":"I want to remind you, you have no obligation to get a job.","53":"Don't stop me from being useful. I want to do this.","54":"It would be nice to bring in some more cash. We're going to need to eat steamed rice every day if we're going to make payments.","55":"I got a bonus from Kristen, so it's fine.","56":"{Leah} brightens with a mild smile.","57":"The search continues.","58":"In multiple ways. But is Emily really going to come to me again?","59":"The first time felt like such an anomaly. The second time...","60":"...I'm just not sure what's going through her head anymore...","0":"I leave for work and it's dark... I get home and it's dark.","1":"Is this what being an adult is about?","2":"Did you have a good day at work? You should've told me you were out, you know."},"ch14__14.20 leahs prediction.vne3":{"10":"Thank god {Leah} is here to provide that... I just wish she'd share it with me.","11":"Sandra is delusional about her denial that Valerie took advantage of her. Emily seems more open to the idea, but it's not an easy thing for her to accept.","12":"I wonder what sort of lies am I holding onto? What truth is obvious to everyone around me, except to me?","13":"No wonder I can't trust a cat, I can barely trust myself.","14":"Morning. Did you put the coffee on?","15":"Huh. I filled the filter, put in the grounds, the water... but just didn't turn it on. I got completely sidetracked by my own thoughts.","16":"I've got to screw my head on tight.","17":"With some annoyance I stab the ''brew'' button with my finger.","18":"Are you moody today?","19":"Don't ask a moody person if they're moody.","20":"I get it. It's like asking someone if they're on their period.","21":"To review: you think I shouldn't contact Emily, because Emily will contact me.","22":"I'm speculating that she will. If she doesn't... then I've got to rethink my whole theory about what's going on with her.","23":"Do you think she's going to approach me today?","24":"I think she's going to approach you so frequently you're going to get [i]annoyed[\/i] by her.","25":"More than usual, at least.","26":"Back in the day, getting Emily to go out with me was like pulling teeth. Do you understand what it's like to get her to do something for the sake of fun?","27":"I don't think she's interested in fun.","28":"Huh?","29":"Nothing she does is for fun, not right now.","30":"The knife-edge of the law rests on her. She makes a mistake, she'll be cut. Try to have fun when you're constantly being watched.","31":"She hasn't really been free since the Halloween party. We might have saved her from Cedric's plot, but her family wields power over her we don't understand.","32":"Anyway, if you see her today without contacting her, it will support a theory I'm working on.","33":"You aren't going to tell me that theory, are you?","34":"I'm working on it, I told you. But this time, I'm not going to wait until it's too late.","35":"As soon as I'm [i]reasonably sure[\/i], I will tell you what it is. I just don't want to poison the waters.","36":"Journalists don't speculate. They fact-find. I'm not a gossip, but that doesn't mean I can't analyze the situation with the information on hand.","37":"Fine, but you realize I'm your {youAreHer}, not some rando member of the public.","38":"Technically, you're the one [i]helping me.[\/i] I've been involved way longer than you have.","39":"I haven't forgotten.","40":"I gotta go make some money.","41":"Let's remember to stay in contact. We have Maggie's walkie-talkies. Let's check in with each other on a regular basis.","42":"Smart.","43":"The brew finishes. I put my coffee into a thermos and leave.","44":"As I smell the coffee, I have involuntary thoughts about Lidia... the care she put into her brew.","45":"She was not a victim of the Fraternity, but of the law. I can't believe they've been so counterproductive.","46":"As soon as I get to Cram Comics, I check around.","47":"I don't think Kristen is in yet. I feel the sting of her hypocrisy already.","48":"But... while she's not here, I have the chance to look at those boxes. My lurid imagination about her being a secret arms dealer crops up again.","49":"I go through a dialogue tree in my mind, where I blackmail her in exchange for weapons... or match the shooting that happened to me with the guns she's selling... or coerce her into confessing she's be in the Fraternity all along.","50":"That just feels stupid, of course. Laughable that Kristen would be so deep into crime. Yet...","51":"...it's still possible... and if she is... I want to know.","52":"Where is she keeping those boxes?","53":"I rummage and scan around, then some flattened cardboard, broken down for disposal. That's definitely what I took in yesterday.","54":"So she's already dealt with the stock, it looks like. So... where is it? What did she have in those boxes?","55":"The door opens, and Kristen comes in.","56":"I flinch, expect her to challenge me, demand an explanation for why I'm in the back, but she barely notices me.","57":"She heads to the tiny corner office and starts rummaging through some forms.","58":"The fucking mall is having a security audit. It's so stupid.","59":"This is a comic book store. You think nerds are going to crack the electronic locks to steal garage kits of anime girls?","60":"It's stupid, right?","61":"I pull out my cellphone...","62":"Don't answer. It's rhetorical.","63":"I still have to upgrade my systems though. Put up actual cameras and make sure the locks work.","64":"It should be on the Owner's Association to handle this shit, not me. I pay them nearly as much as you so they can whine about how I run my shop.","65":"She's going to complain endlessly unless I stop her.","66":"I don't know... I guess I'll just say [i]anything[\/i]...","67":"What were in those boxes?","68":"I was thinking about unionizing.","69":"Wanna fuck again?[ep13_kristen_sex == 1]","70":"That sucks.","71":"I'm talking about serious issues, and you're on about some random boxes?","72":"No wonder you're single. Your listening skills are dismal.","73":"I gotta run to the management office.","74":"Oh... sorry to interrupt you, I think I just heard [i]literally every other subject of conversation.[\/i]","75":"I gotta go. If you want a union, make it between my cash register and more cash.","76":"Ugh. When you give them six to seven inches, they want to take a mile.","77":"I'm busy today. I've got to run down to the management office to argue. But... keep your thingy clean just in case.","78":"What a compelling observation. [i]That sucks[\/i].","79":"Never mind. I've got to go down to the management office.","80":"You aren't useless, so I think you'll be fine running the store on your own for a bit.","81":"Make sure the throughput is strong, alright? In and out... that's my motto. My comic book shop is not some social club for losers.","82":"Yeah... it's just a pity club for [i]one loser[\/i].","83":"I guess I'll open up. I'm not excited by the prospect... I'm not a comic book person but I always thought of these places as cool shops to browse.","84":"I don't look forward to a day of shooing people off. I think I'll only do it when Kristen is around.","85":"I unlock the door and start to occupy myself with my work routine.","86":"That's when I see a familiar face...","87":"Wordlessly, Emily pushes open the door. At first I don't register it. It's like seeing a ghost pass through a wall.","88":"That is definitely Emily, though. In the flesh. [i]In a comic book shop.[\/i] Way faster than I would've ever believed, even with {Leah}'s specific prediction.","89":"What does she want? What would {Leah} think of this?","90":"I've never been in a place like this.","91":"You thought of them as juvenile.","92":"I suppose. Now...","93":"...the bright colors... the [i]fantasy[\/i] of being in a different place, a different person... where you have control and a purpose...","94":"...I understand it better than I used to why people enjoy this.","95":"Are you here to buy a comic book?","96":"Despite Emily's words, her eyes don't really linger on anything in particular. She's unfocused, the only thing she isn't glancing at is [i]me[\/i].","97":"I suppose. Where should I start?","98":"You might be interested in the graphic novels section. They're a bit higher brow.","99":"Emily nods, but makes no motion toward it.","100":"An awkwardness hangs between us... even at our worst moments we always had things to [i]say[\/i] to one another.","101":"The silence continues until one of us is forced to say something.","102":"Sorry. I think... prison has affected my conversational skills.","103":"Not a lot of people to talk to.","104":"Sorry. I... uh... blanked out.","105":"I thought I was going to say something but... I lost it.","106":"That's reasonable... but I doubt it's a true answer.","107":"Clearly I've got to take the horns of this weird and strained conversation.","108":"Did you come to see me?","109":"Did you come to see {Leah}?","110":"Maybe you should come back later.","111":"She seems oddly relieved that I said that.","112":"Yeah... I did. ","113":"I'm not sure why I brought up {Leah}... it was purely a hunch of mine.","114":"Emily's reaction is beyond what I expected. She is flustered way beyond what simple confusion would cause.","115":"What? Of course not. Why would I come here to see {Leah}?","116":"I have nothing I want to do with {Leah}. I came to see you, obviously.","117":"Suddenly... I .. uh... remembered what I came to say.","118":"Dinner. Dinner is the reason I came. Do you want to have dinner with me?","119":"Really? Nothing about what we talked about two days ago? When Emily seemed so hopeless, so sad?","120":"I really thought she might bring that up...","121":"Dinner? We're not exactly on the best of terms.","122":"What a chance we have to rectify that, then.","123":"Is this a date?","124":"...No.","125":"[i]That's an extremely weird thing for her to say...[\/i] given that she seemed so sure she wanted to pick things back up.","126":"I'm floored, honestly. I wait for an explanation, but it just hangs. What is she trying to communicate to me?","127":"...Yes.","128":"I was almost certain that Emily told me she didn't want to date anymore. So what's the deal with this?","129":"I don't see any affection in her eyes. Just... [i]anxiety[\/i].","130":"You could even bring {Leah} along. She might make a good icebreaker.","131":"{Leah}? You just told me you didn't want anything to do with {Leah}.","132":"Emily's blinks are odd and uneven as her pause for thought drags uncomfortably long.","133":"I did say that, yes.","134":"I wait for an elaboration, but it doesn't come.","135":"I caught her out on a lie. Damn it... {Leah} was right all along.","136":"On our date?","137":"Emily freezes for just a moment, but the anxiety is unmistakable.","138":"I caught her out on a lie. Damn it... {Leah} was right all along.","139":"That's odd. {Leah}?","140":"Why {Leah}?","141":"It's just been a while since I've seen her. We were really good friends in high school. We could catch up on everything.","142":"Emily and {Leah}... [i]friends at Annette-Taylor?[\/i] I know Emily claims not to hold any enmity toward {Leah}, but {Leah} hates Emily and she knows it.","143":"Is this really what she remembers?","144":"So... what about it? Do you want to have dinner, then?","145":"If I'm honest... [i]No.[\/i] Especially not with this weird version of Emily in front of me.","146":"I have to talk to {Leah} about this...","147":"Let's hold off. Can we do a rain check?","148":"Emily nods... her expression is totally neutral. Neither disappointed, pleased, or relieved.","149":"Of course. Please call me when you change your mind.","150":"Thank you.","151":"Oh my God. Who is this?","152":"Kristen, this is Emily. Remember the Halloween party?","153":"...I mean... I do...","154":"Didn't you get arrested?","155":"I did. I am currently under house arrest.","156":"Emily's tone is completely flat.","157":"Are you here to buy a comic book?","158":"I... uh... I'm not sure...","159":"Then what are you doing here?","160":"Then I'll fucking [size,1.5][b]BUY SOMETHING YOU BITCH.","161":"Whoa...","162":"Emily literally takes a fistful of random comics and slams them on the counter. They're a crumpled heap.","163":"This is my purchase. Ring me up RIGHT NOW.","164":"[i]Jesus... do whatever she says.","165":"Even Kristen knows better than to challenge her.","166":"I quickly process the order. Emily counts out some twenties like each one of them is supposed to smash the counter.","167":"A hundred bucks. The rest is a tip for {PlayerName}.","168":"She takes the books and slams them into the garbage before she leaves.","169":"While I was ringing Emily up, Kristen disappeared off somewhere. Only when the door closes does Kristen come back.","170":"Did you see that? That girl is insane.","171":"Being a criminal... I guess... she would act like that...","172":"Her words trail off.","173":"She might have been the lunatic who shot up Sevigny's alley.","174":"The one thing I know about Emily... she's no criminal, and she doesn't lose her temper like that.","175":"Something is very wrong.","0":"Man, I miss school. I miss learning things.","1":"I miss hanging out with Sam. I miss going to work. I miss working in the IT lab.","2":"Now that I'm working from dawn til dusk, at a comic book shop no less, it reminds me how varied my life is.","3":"Being forced to watch my back adds little excitement. It just makes it worse. It makes me think I should be doing something more important.","4":"Frank Craven might be right. Whoever ordered the hit out on me made a serious error in not succeeding.","5":"As powerful as the Fraternity is, they can't stand up to scrutiny that open warfare would cause. I think that's why things have been quiet.","6":"But... what do I know? It's all speculation. I have no idea what Valerie is thinking.","7":"It's still weird to think... that all this time I had known Valerie... respected her... counted her as a friend... that I didn't actually know who she was.","8":"The shock has worn off, and now leaves me with a numb sort of confusion. The nerves that have been firing off for the past week or so are totally burnt out.","9":"It's just difficult to think about. I think I could pull anyone off the street, give them a rough explanation, and get a more objective perspective than my own."},"ch14__14.25 surveillance state.vne3":{"10":"She obviously wasn't an active shooter.","11":"But crazy enough to be one. Don't you think?","12":"You know... I think she was off her birth control. I think she's one of these chicks that gets off of being knocked up by random guys.","13":"One of the girls I went to school with - had this intense pregnancy kink, just as crazy. So hormonal that dogs got horny as she passed.","14":"That's not who she is.","15":"So you [i]did[\/i] know her. I thought she was just in heat and wanted to glom onto the first guy she saw.","16":"Who was she to you?","17":"She's my ex.","18":"You're mistaken. I don't know who she is.","19":"Wow. Explains a lot about you.","20":"Do you like crazy girls, then? Are personality disorders something you look for?","21":"If I liked personality disorders, I'd date you.","22":"You have to be into me to [i]some degree[\/i].","23":"But would I date you? Definitely not.","24":"Now that I think of it... you did really seem to know her. Is she some hidden shame you have?","25":"I bet you've had sex with her, didn't you?","26":"You put your meat into that taco of hers. And it got complicated for her, didn't it? Got stalkery because she thought it [i]meant something.","27":"It's not complicated for me. When I see you, all you are to me is an above-average penis with a life-support system attached.","28":"It's too bad I'm the only person who will touch you.","29":"You don't have to tell me.","30":"I won't.","31":"You don't need to, anyway.","32":"Talking about a security audit... maybe I should get a gun. What do you think?","33":"I guess that's my ''Kristen as a gun runner'' theory straight out the window. It was never that likely, I suppose.","34":"Of course you'd say yes. You look like the type of guy who thinks guns solve everything.","35":"Shit... I need to see Maggie, don't I? I haven't really had the chance to, since I've been working so hard. Maybe now's the time?","36":"I need the afternoon off.","37":"Wha...? [i]The afternoon?[\/i] But why?","38":"Mental health. I'm traumatized by recent events.","39":"Huh... I never took you for someone who was easily scared.","40":"She fell into my trap.","41":"Exactly. That's why I need the afternoon off.","42":"[i]You...![\/i] You're supposed to say how you're not scared of anything.","43":"Fine. [i]Fine![\/i] Go and take a [i]mental health[\/i] break I guess. I wouldn't want you to be a quivering pile of nerves.","44":"Thanks.","45":"If I don't leave right now... she's going to find an excuse to deny me.","46":"Can't believe I miss Sandra as a boss. I never thought of her as easygoing, but she really did let us get away with so much.","47":"The last straw for her was not that I neglected work (which I did), but hurting her pride.","48":"I miss the IT lab... I find my feet know the way. I'm drawn to it despite me having no business there anymore.","49":"My business is with Maggie, though. So lucky I always know the time and place to find her.","50":"Ain't you a sight for sore eyes.","51":"It's weird being here.","52":"I bet. You ain't going to classes no more? It's a real shame.","53":"You know... I was workin' up the courage to ask if you wanted to co-ordinate with me. Sure be nice to work with someone I know.","54":"What classes are you planning on taking?","55":"I thought... you know... I wanted to work with animals, and I thought I'd wanted to be vet, but after walkin' basically every dog in town I realized I don't like pet owners so much.","56":"So... [i]''Conservation Science''[\/i] they call it. Keep poor little critters alive and the world green and the global average temperature 14 degrees Celsius.","57":"What do you think?","58":"I think it sounds perfect for you.","59":"Maggie blushes at that. I don't know why.","60":"I'd love to chat all day, but I actually wanted to talk business.","61":"Maggie tries to put on a mask of professionalism, but it doesn't work. She is beet red.","62":"Pretty sure I know what you're thinkin' of. I got good news for you, I got a time for us to go out of state.","63":"A bit of a roadtrip?","64":"We need to. It would be nice, wouldn't it? I can show you where a heart of a Castle lies.","65":"I need to know soon, you know.","66":"I think I can be available relatively soon.","67":"As I type my message... something I notice almost causes me to stop.","68":"What is [i]that?[\/i]","69":"Cameras... I know there was discussion by the board about it, but it was unpopular with the students.","70":"I guess the shooting at Sevigny's quieted down the opposition. Even the mall is going through a security audit.","71":"And that all means...","72":"[speed,0.25][i]...Valerie always knows where I am...[\/i]","73":"Shit... this was [i]planned all along[\/i]. Valerie and Rogham won't need to send thugs to stalk me because they'll have eyes across the city.","74":"They turned this fuckup of theirs completely to their advantage.","75":"You lookin' at the cameras? Somethin' interesting about 'em?","76":"I sure feel like things will be safer with the cameras up. It's creepy, but you don't want a repeat of Sevigny's.","77":"They're like little birds perched up, ain't they?","78":"I will contact you very soon about the trip... but I have to go.","79":"I gotcha. Do what you gotta.","80":"Too distracted to say goodbye, I rush for the only place where I might get some answers.","0":"I don't really see Kristen for the next few hours. Honestly, I don't [i]think[\/i] about Kristen for the next hour.","1":"My speculation is solely and completely consumed by Emily...","2":"...but I don't trust any conclusion I come up with.","3":"Only when I realize I have no idea where Kristen is do I bother checking.","4":"Ah yes... should've known. She sits at the manager's desk, hunched by the computer, staring at the screen with a look of mild trauma.","5":"Life comes back to her when she sees me. Kristen sets aside any sign of weakness.","6":"That girl flipped. [i]Flipped.","7":"She's talking about it like it happened a minute ago.","8":"That's why I don't like customers. Any one of them could be an active shooter, you know. That's just what life is like in America.","9":"I thought it would be some weirdly dreamy goth boy, though, not a basic-as-basic-is bitch like that."},"ch14__14.27 forcing sandra.vne3":{"3":"...I can always go in as a customer.","4":"Ah... shiiit...","5":"...you know I can only help active SHU students.","6":"You know anything about the cameras they're putting up around campus?","7":"You aren't going to complain about that? There's nothing I can do!","8":"I hate being watched, but that shit's a lost battle. They got cameras everywhere and I get ads for curling irons when I talk about [i]curling iron[\/i] at the gym.","9":"With those noodle arms? I wish I could pick that low-hanging fruit.","10":"I want to talk to Hank about this.","11":"Well good luck talking to him. He's doing his own thing. Do you think he's got anything to do with the cameras?","12":"I do, actually.","13":"Linus shrugs.","14":"I'd say start a petition, but there already was a petition. They wanted to do this last year, and they got thousands of signatures opposing it.","15":"Now? People are spooked. Nobody's signing any petition.","16":"Perfect opportunity to push through any rules they want.","17":"Great. Can I speak to Hank?","18":"If he wanted to talk to you... he already would have. He can hear everything that goes on here, you know that.","19":"[i]Fuck.[\/i]","20":"But... hey... if this doesn't work... I can convince her to speak by other means...","21":"Did I tell you about Sandra?","22":"Sandra? Who is she?","23":"Beautiful girl. You'd like her. Do you want to meet her?","24":"You're... weirding me out a little. But also...","25":"...I gotta take every opportunity I can.","26":"Great.","27":"Hold up... just got a text.","28":"It's from Hank. Shiiit... says a whole bunch of passwords got leaked and we have to send emails out.","29":"This is going to be a fucked up day...","30":"Fucking Sandra.","31":"You can tell me about this girl later.","32":"Clever. But I still know something I can do.","33":"I'm clever too.","34":"Better run past the comic book shop before Kristen spots me.","35":"Hello Burger Queen. I caused problems last time I was here.","36":"This time, I'm gonna be in serious trouble.","37":"I enter the line. Stand, breathe, and wait.","38":"I'm going to have to build up a lot of courage to do this. I'm not naturally inclined to do this kind of thing at all.","39":"But... if Sandra won't talk to me, she leaves me no choice.","40":"I purchase the standard, cheapest meal... and then...","41":"You fuck up my school? I fuck up your job.","42":"You know the only way to get out of this is to talk to me.","43":"The whole restaurant shuts down with the audacity of my action. Already, I catch glimpses of employees on their cells.","44":"This will work.","45":"I need that job. Are you this desperate to talk to me? -Hank","46":"I have to remember... this is my public phone. Anything I say on here... [i]Valerie will see it.","47":"The next time I come to your office, you open the door.","48":"You can't distract Linus forever.","49":"There's no reply. Looks like I managed to back Sandra into a corner.","50":"She'll see me, no matter what.","51":"In the meantime, I've got to get out of here. I can smell security from here.","0":"Come on, Sandra.","1":"I know you know I'm out here.","2":"Don't ignore me! But... if you're not letting me in as an employee..."},"ch14__14.30 sandra meeting.vne3":{"10":"What do you want?","11":"You're letting the Fraternity lock down this whole campus, aren't you? Those cameras will not be used to protect the students.","12":"It's too late. You think you have privacy? They're tracking you already.","13":"You take your phone to the bathroom? They know when you shit. They can measure the weight of your dump by the volume of the splash it makes as it goes into the bowl.","14":"The cameras are just a formality. They make you [i]know[\/i] you're being watched instead of [i]suspecting[\/i] you're being watched.","15":"She's telling me nothing I already know.","16":"Did you listen to me? I know that corporations are trying to profile me for ads.","17":"What I care about is the Fraternity profiling me for death. Don't give me this garbage.","18":"''Death?'' What a joke. I mean-","19":"Sandra's eye flutter open suddenly.","20":"Oh... it was [i]you[\/i], wasn't it?","21":"What was?","22":"The shooting outside Sevigny's.","23":"Of course it wasn't me. You think I'd spray bullets on a brick wall? Do you think I'm that stupid?","24":"No... I mean you were [i]involved,[\/i] not that you did it.","25":"That whole event has been a massive headache, you know. Made so much extra work for me. Everyone is talking about campus security.","26":"So... were you involved?","27":"Yes.","28":"No.","29":"What shit are you involved in? Don't get in so much trouble.","30":"Just keep your head down.","31":"Don't pretend you're not part of this.","32":"Explain.","33":"Then what do you mean by ''death''? What's out to kill you?","34":"Stop being so paranoid.","35":"She knows well why I should be paranoid.","36":"You helped Valerie trick me. You conspired with her. You know nothing about this school is simple or easy.","37":"You can't keep your head down forever. Once you're not useful, they'll dispose of you.","38":"Then you'll realize that you should've been working with me the whole time.","39":"Sandra taps her foot impatiently, but it's theater. She's pretending she didn't understand.","40":"Are you quite done?","41":"I hope not. I hope you'll help me.","42":"There's nothing that can be done. Actually, the cameras are the least of your concern.","43":"The whole city is planning on a mandatory phone app policy.","44":"Christ... I don't like the sound of that...","45":"They're going to roll out the same security system they use in SHU for the rest of the town... [i]for the whole state[\/i] as I've heard. You won't be able to pay municipal taxes without it.","46":"How do you know that?","47":"I've noticed they're laying the groundwork for it. What I can gather by looking at source code.","48":"Anyway, it's no bother for me. I'm safe inside here.","49":"I bet it's safe inside this coffin.","50":"Don't care what you think of it.","51":"Protecting your enemies is not a good policy. I'm your ally. I'm the only one who can lead you out of this hell. Remember that.","52":"Be my ally, then, and stop messing with my life.","53":"Sandra could be the key person I need... but she's a brick wall.","54":"There might not be any hope for her. She's content being a minion as long as she's tossed a crumb here and there.","55":"I have to look out for her ass harder than she does.","56":"I've got to tell {Leah} about this immediately.","57":"You look serious. Did you discover something?","58":"I tell {Leah} what I know... which is only what I heard.","59":"I'm not sure I trust Sandra, given what she did to me, but she has no reason to lie.","60":"As I say my piece, I desperately hope I'm wrong.","61":"What does that mean, then? If they go through with this?","62":"The app is already so powerful, but it has one serious weakness. You've got to know what you're looking at to actually use it.","63":"Valerie can monitor me because she knows me. She knows to find me. If they don't know to look for you, you can slip their attention.","64":"I think they're putting a layer over RECENTLY. Which means not only can they prevent everyone but themselves from using it...","65":"...but also far more effectively monitor everything that's going on.","66":"Sounds scary.","67":"This is really the end game. The stakes are pretty high. Whoever has the keys to this app can control...","68":"I was going to say Shale Hill... but... as I think about it... the scale suddenly explodes in my head.","69":"I'm thinking too small. This isn't a local issue, this is a [i]national[\/i] issue. They're going to have all the influence they need to spread across the...","70":"[i]...globe...[\/i] as insane as that sounds.","71":"Mr. Craven and I did learn today that the mayor's office is drafting a new policy. A cybersecurity bill. It matches up with the story you're telling me.","72":"It's insane that they want to put an surveillance app on everyone's phone.","73":"And they're contracting with Arthur's company, I take it.","74":"Yes. Which means we have to discover what's going on with Emily.","75":"You were right about her. She did come see me, and she seemed oddly focused on you.","76":"I... thought that might the case... but I didn't want to believe it.","77":"Emily is clearly... [i]working for someone else.[\/i] She wants to get close to us... I guess [i]me[\/i] specifically.","78":"Who? Why?","79":"Under duress, from what you describe. As for who... I'm not sure.","80":"So... I can't see Emily any more then. If she's working against us, she can't be trusted.","81":"No.","82":"{Leah} thinks long and hard.","83":"We can use her, too. She can help us get close to her family.","84":"This is [i]tragic[\/i]. Just when things were returning to normal between me and Emily... all this happens.","85":"Now we're both using each other against our own wishes. What a garbage situation, but it doesn't feel like there was any other way.","86":"I don't know what I could've done different.","87":"So I've got to use Emily as she's trying to use me.","88":"I don't quite have faith I can prevent the worst from happening. It's risky any way you cut it.","89":"Let's find a way to meet with Emily. I have a feeling she'll agree to basically anything.","90":"Use that to your advantage.","91":"I will. I have no choice but to do that.","92":"In the meantime... [i]I need a gun.[\/i] It won't protect me from surveillance, but...","93":"...it'll give me some leverage, at least. Somehow.","94":"Even if I can take a few of them out with me, it'll be worth it.","95":"Another thing. I'm going to be out of town for a day or two.","96":"What?","97":"I might as well tell her. There's no point in hiding.","98":"I think I can get my hand on some weapons. I need to go out of state for them.","99":"That's a terrible idea.","100":"I knew you'd say that.","101":"This situation doesn't end with a gunfight! Only [i]you[\/i] end. This does nothing.","102":"This isn't a video game. You can't run-and-gun down the Fraternity.","103":"No, I can't gun down the whole Fraternity, but she's wrong the gun is useless. The gun will do something.","104":"I know... I have a feeling... almost this premonition...","105":"...that I'll use a gun before all this is over. For what... I don't know. I'm not sure it'll be in a gunfight.","106":"I just have this feeling, and that's a very hard thing to explain to {Leah}.","107":"Despite that, I'm still going. Please trust my judgement. You ask me to trust yours all the time.","108":"{Leah}'s expression darkens, but she says little.","109":"...I think, embedded in her expression, is reluctant approval.","110":"Thanks.","111":"She nods, because she has no place to argue.","112":"I have to trust her... and she has to trust me.","0":"I come to the IT lab.","1":"Linus isn't here. Convenient for me.","2":"I don't have to worry about spoiling her identity... but I'm not sure I even care.","3":"Let's go straight in.","4":"Get in here.","5":"I guess she can see me through the cameras.","6":"You're ruining my [i]life[\/i]. All the things I've done for you and this is how you repay me?","7":"How long did you keep your job? How long did I ignore you staying overnight? How many times did I cover up for you when you were here doing illicit shit?","8":"Innumerable times! A lot of fucking times! Protecting you is like...","9":"Jesus. You're [i]ungrateful! Miserable!"},"ch14__14.35 sams request.vne3":{"3":"I'll be useless without a gun. And {Leah} has made it quite clear she doesn't approve... and indicated she won't be going with me.","4":"I just hope this trip doesn't take too long...","5":"You all packed up?","6":"This isn't a vacation, you know.","7":"I wish I could explain the feeling I have to {Leah}. She's not a spiritual person... neither am I, I suppose...","8":"Yet, a guardian angel whispers in my ear that I need that gun. So... I'm going to get one.","9":"If it was a vacation... it would be more productive. If you freshen up a little, you might feel a bit more relaxed.","10":"I have been paranoid lately... but that's probably a reasonable thing to be.","11":"I don't want to be relaxed again. I had plenty of [i]relaxation[\/i] in that hospital... given that anesthesia... I felt I would sink into nothingness.","12":"Even thinking about it makes my throat sting...","13":"I'm not interested in being relaxed. I'm interested in high-blood pressure, mounting stress, anger, pain... those things are all felt by people who are [i]alive.","14":"I don't want to be relaxed.","15":"You won't think straight unless you relax.","16":"It seems the whole town may rely on you being at the top of your game.","17":"Not just the town... the scale of things is getting dizzying.","18":"I don't want to think too hard about it...","19":"Go and... remember to keep contact. It's soothing to hear your voice.","20":"These walkie-talkies are not going to reach you...","21":"Send a text, then. Who cares if Valerie sees?","22":"Perhaps... showing the Fraternity that I'm paying attention will dissuade them from trying anything.","23":"I'll find a way.","24":"{Leah} smiles. There's no hint of fear in her.","25":"Maybe she does have faith in me?","26":"I'm supposed to meet Maggie around here. I am a bit early... but not being able to freely communicate makes coordination difficult.","27":"I'd rather waste a bit of time than potentially miss her.","28":"Maybe I'll have some company at it, too.","29":"What's the deal with you standing out here?","30":"You going on a trip? That's a nice backpack you have.","31":"I am actually. But it's not a vacation. I need to go.","32":"You... you [i]are[\/i] coming back, right?","33":"We didn't leave each other on the best of terms. I don't know what's going on in your life... but...","34":"I'm not running away. I'll be back.","35":"Sure... but only [i]kind've[\/i] back.","36":"You'll come back to Shale Hill... but you're not coming back to [i]school...[\/i] are you?","37":"Adulthood comes quicker than you think. College is just delaying the working world.","38":"When I first enrolled, I came up with a fantasy of working on NASA computers, building computer analysis systems that go through big lists of stars.","39":"All I was doing... was picking a dream [i]I thought[\/i] I should have. Lots of people want to work at NASA... why not me? But I had no interest in astronomy before that.","40":"I picked someone else's dream. I picked a cliche, just because I wanted a place to go.","41":"I've got a place to go, now. It isn't this school, and it's not being Student Council President.","42":"Well... this [i]sucks[\/i]. This is a way to...","43":"[i]...break my heart.[\/i]","44":"[i]...end the friendship.[\/i]","45":"Don't be so dramatic. Nothing between us has changed.","46":"Oh, and I just maintained all my friendships I had in Annette-Taylor. Long-distance relationships are [i]so easy[\/i].","47":"If people are separated... their relationships [i]end[\/i] no matter what they promise to each other!","48":"All the fifth grade girls in my camp... we made a goddamn friendship bracelet... a friendship ring... a friendship necklace... friendship sweater... friendship socks... friendship [i]manacles[\/i].","49":"''Together forever'' they all said. Yet how many are still my friends? [i]None.[\/i] I can barely remember their names and faces.","50":"And why did we break up? Was it because we all started hating each other? No! We just didn't see each other and forgot about each other.","51":"That's our destiny, too. We're going to go down different corridors one day... and we're just never going to see each other again.","52":"Man...","53":"...that was... quite something. I feel pretty numb after that.","54":"I have a feeling that's going to linger with me longer than the shooting...","0":"Today's the day.","1":"Maggie contacted me, said she was ready to leave when I was.","2":"It's going to be difficult leaving {Leah} here alone but... what am I going to do if something really dangerous threatens her?"},"ch14__14.50 return to leah.vne3":{"3":"The gears in my head had to be switched - from paranoia to... [i]normality...[\/i] I guess... and now I'm left wondering, out here, in front of my apartment...","4":"...the person who messaged me at night, while I was away... was it really {Leah}? Because as Valerie has proven, she can impersonate anyone as long as it's online.","5":"A cold, creeping fear rushes through me. If something happened to {Leah} while I was gone, I'm about to find out.","6":"Sitting on a nearby bench, I see Toasterman, experimentally pressing down on the lever.","7":"It's weird but... I'm kinda glad he's out here. I got nearly nobody I can trust, but Toasterman is one of them...","8":"...as bizarre as that is.","9":"My eyes, used to the outside, now adjusting to the artificial lights.","10":"Where is she? What's that smell?","11":"It smells... good?","12":"I hear a click as {Leah} approaches. She's turned a burner off, I see something boiling gently in a large pot.","13":"You got a tan.","14":"The one thing that Valerie can't do is impersonate {Leah} physically. I sigh in relief... but I don't want to betray how scared I was.","15":"Guess I was outside a little longer than I thought.","16":"You look like a proper woodsman.","17":"She notices the long, cloth-wrapped package I have... and then proceeds to pretend like she didn't.","18":"I don't think she wants to talk about [i]the gun.","19":"What are you making?","20":"I'll tell you what it is... something we can afford!","21":"It's ramen, but a proper one. I googled [i]cheap[\/i] and [i]healthy.[\/i] So... it's not like that starchy packaged stuff.","22":"We can put it in the fridge and it'll last for a bit.","23":"It smells good.","24":"I'm glad. I've got [i]no confidence[\/i] in my cooking ability. If it comes out good... it's a mistake.","25":"By the way... we had a visitor while you were gone.","26":"Emily knocked on the door.","27":"It's very curious how she gets around pretty easily despite the circumstances, isn't it?","28":"It is. So... what did she want?","29":"That's a bit weird. It fits with what you were saying about Emily. What did she want?","30":"Take a guess.","31":"She wanted to see me.","32":"She wanted to see you.","33":"I don't know.","34":"You'd think. Pretty reasonable, right?","35":"Yes. She did. I'm impressed you thought of that.","36":"You really don't like guessing games, do you?","37":"You know I don't care about spoilers.","38":"She came to see [i]me[\/i], even though she didn't make it obvious.","39":"She obviously talked about you. Said she was here because of you. But it wasn't true.","40":"She invited me over to her place for dinner.","41":"She wants to have dinner with us?","42":"No, [i]me[\/i].","43":"Seriously?","44":"I have only talked to Emily alone like... two times. And every time was a fight! She knows how I feel about her!","45":"I told her I'd be bringing you along, if I decided to go at all.","46":"How did she react to that?","47":"Neutrally. She would've been expressionless if I had gone to my knees and kissed her feet.","48":"I don't like Emily... I really don't... but she was being hurt. That I knew.","49":"It was in her face. She was [i]vacant[\/i].","50":"Vacant?","51":"You know... [i]detached.[\/i] Like she was her own spectator, going through the motions.","52":"She's not the best actress. The good news is I know for sure someone's controlling her. We'd better find out who.","53":"Well... we should probably accept her invitation then.","54":"{Leah} nods.","55":"It was definitely something I didn't want to do alone. I'm really glad you agree.","56":"I may not like Emily... but... she's still human. If something is causing her harm, it's on us to stop it.","57":"Everyone deserves a chance.","58":"Let's go tomorrow.","59":"At the very least, we'll get a hot meal out of it.","60":"{Leah} nods.","61":"Better still: [i]a free one[\/i].","62":"{Leah} glances again at the package I'm holding. She doesn't disguise her displeasure.","63":"Put that thing where it's going to be safe. When you come back, I'll have a bowl ready for you.","64":"I give her an affirmative nod before heading to my bedroom.","65":"[i]Out of sight, out of mind[\/i]. I had better put it somewhere she'll forget about.","66":"Under my bed, I guess.","67":"I push the thing until it disappears beneath the bed.","68":"It's not a pillow or a mattress, yet, I think I'll sleep better with that thing under me.","69":"Now, if something crazy happens, I can match it. Crazy for crazy.","70":"Like {Leah}, I do hope it doesn't happen...","71":"Anyway, I'll have my ramen and go to bed early. Tomorrow's gonna be an interesting day with Emily.","0":"Back home. Am I returning to the [i]real world[\/i], or am I just coming back from it?","1":"Those are two different realities: the one I'm living, and the reality out there... out in the wild.","2":"Feels weird, being here. A couple of days out of town went by a lot longer than I thought."},"ch14__14.55 dinner with emily.vne3":{"10":"So you told her you'd get back to her about dinner. I guess you're going to tell her that we're coming?","11":"No.","12":"You want me to do it?","13":"No.","14":"Then... what is this? I'm confused.","15":"Let's just show up.","16":"What the...?","17":"Oh... now I get it. Of course. It's a clever move.","18":"Give her no warning... and give her puppet masters no warning too.","19":"I'd say I'm curious to know who these assholes are, but I think I know already.","20":"I'll see you after work, then.","21":"Still working for Kristen?","22":"I nod.","23":"She's busting my nuts.","24":"I definitely should have reworded that...","25":"We've got to get you away from that black hole of joy.","26":"She's occasionally funny. [i]Unintentionally funny.[\/i] But yes, I agree.","27":"I'll see you tonight.","28":"What the...?","29":"...Sam?","30":"Just a flash of her. I guess my paranoia is acting up again.","31":"I've got to stay focused...","32":"Had a nice vacation? Don't look like it. Still got that glistening ''morning worm'' complexion.","33":"{Leah} told me I have a tan. I trust her.","34":"How long did you spend preparing that quip?","35":"You made me pretty busy, you know. You weren't vigilant enough about loiterers and we've got more assholes on average.","36":"We can keep the shop locked all day and let nobody in.","37":"Don't tempt me! Wouldn't that be amazing?","38":"All I want is a computer and internet access. That's it. The only reason I'm out here is because it costs money getting those things.","39":"I'm an intellectual, living the intellectual lifestyle. My mind is my number one erogenous zone. Going outside is like...","40":"...it's like a cold shower to me.","41":"You know, I know someone who is really living the life you want.","42":"God, a hikkokomori billionaire? Let me move in immediately. I'll marry him.","43":"She's a girl.","44":"[i]Never mind.[\/i]","45":"...I wish I was gay so bad...","46":"I'm... suddenly feeling pretty weird. Just... take care of everything, alright? I'll be in the office.","47":"Does that mean I get to run things my way?","48":"Do whatever.","49":"Neat. I don't have to be a rude ass.","50":"The day went by quickly.","51":"I only force people out of the store at the end of the day.","52":"I close and lock up. Now I just need to clock out with Kristen. She's been in her office all day.","53":"I give her door a couple of knocks.","54":"No answer. I do it a couple more.","55":"Whaaaaaaat?","56":"Were you asleep?","57":"How dare you interrupt my sex dream.","58":"Sorry.","59":"Whatever. What do you want?","60":"I'm clocking out.","61":"You need me to do that?","62":"I do, actually.","63":"Kristen winces, her face a wrinkled raisin for a brief moment.","64":"'Kay. I'll clock you out.","65":"If she doesn't... I get free overtime, I guess.","66":"Now... I just need to head to Emily's. I don't feel prepared for this...","67":"I... have no idea what's going to happen.","68":"[i]Showing up unexpected[\/i] is not really a plan... but it's the one we got. And given our track record...","69":"...it's probably the best one.","70":"Improvisation. That's my skill.","71":"You really think she's going to let us in?","72":"You've seen her behavior. She doesn't have a choice. When we're in there, Emily is going to have to summon her handlers.","73":"They'll take some time to arrive... but I'm not really sure how much time we have.","74":"So... what do we have to do? What's our objective?","75":"I... don't know.","76":"That's par for the course, I guess. We're not professional spies. {Leah} and I have gotten far not knowing what we're doing.","77":"But... here's my game plan. Just let Emily do everything.","78":"Be as quiet as possible.","79":"Finally, something I'm good at.","80":"Don't be a goof!","81":"Let's draw it out of Emily, okay? We're here to find information. Knowing what she wants from us is going to betray who she's working for.","82":"No sense in delaying it.","83":"Indeed.","84":"We ring the buzzer.","85":"Hello?","86":"Hey Emily. We're here because you invited us? Remember?","87":"Oh... I...","88":"I thought you said you weren't coming...","89":"What do you mean? I agreed.","90":"We can do this some other day, if you like.","91":"Uh...","92":"There's a notable pause.","93":"...come up if you want.","94":"The intercom goes dead.","95":"[i]''Come up if you want.''[\/i] What enthusiasm.","96":"Really sounds like someone who is desperate for us to hang out.","97":"Remember. Let her do everything.","98":"Do you think she'll have a meal ready? We gave her no warning...","99":"I think she will. And whatever the quality, remember: it's free.","100":"We head up stairs... and spend a long time outside Emily's doorway.","101":"Just a minute!","102":"She occasionally shouts an apology... it's increasingly clear she's something out.","103":"She's really not prepared... is she?","104":"Rather than risk being heard, {Leah} signs back.","105":"All according to plan. I think I'm going to enjoy this.","106":"You're not here to torture her, you know.","107":"Wow. You were both really quick, weren't you?","108":"We all stare at each other for...","109":"[i]...five seconds exactly.","110":"It's awkward already... the mood hasn't even settled in.","111":"I watch {Leah}. I see her eyelid twitch, but she makes no movement otherwise. She is true on her promise - she's letting Emily lead.","112":"Uh... take a seat.","113":"Thanks.","114":"The food is steaming. Not from being fresh... but from being microwaved.","115":"This is not a dinner Emily would have made for herself.","116":"And here we sit.","117":"And sit.","118":"True to her word... {Leah} remains silent, wearing a serene smile... nodding occasionally like she was having a conversation with herself.","119":"She looks straight at Emily... daring her to respond.","120":"What a... uh...","121":"...it's a pleasure to have you both here. Have you ever... uh... seen my...","122":"Now that I recall... uh... {PlayerName} has seen my apartment. But... you've never been here... {Leah}...","123":"I think that must be... some sort of new experience...","124":"...Yes.","125":"That's it?","126":"Emily waits desperately for a real answer.","127":"Emily glances at me... [i]pleading for me to say something.","128":"If you're looking at a mute to fill the silence, you're in trouble.","129":"Say nothing.","130":"Ask her what prison was like.[ep6_choice == 1]","131":"Ask her about the food.","132":"Ask her about her family.","133":"Now that... that is a look of despair.","134":"Emily knows this is going to the social equivalent of a root canal.","135":"Oh. It was an experience...","136":"[size,0.5]Not unlike this one...","137":"It's character building, you know. You get really good at improvisation.","138":"So... overall...","139":"...it wasn't... [i]super negative.","140":"Food. Yes. As you can see, I have some baked chicken, baked tomatoes...","141":"...I believe that's salad... though it seems rather aged...","142":"Um... that's... about it really.","143":"They're fine.","144":"The first genuine emotion from Emily since this evening. She [i]doesn't[\/i] want to talk about them, even to fill the silence.","145":"So... {Leah}... do you do any cooking?","146":"Sometimes.","147":"That's really interesting... what do you make?","148":"Just whatever is in the fridge.","149":"I... see...","150":"I... cook things... from the fridge... too...","151":"Any... any good movies lately?","152":"[speed,0.25]...","153":"[speed,0.25]...[speed,0.6]not especially.","154":"Oh.","155":"I suppose it's getting pretty late now... isn't it?","156":"It's only six.","157":"Yes... it is only just six.","158":"If I stabbed myself in the neck with a fork...","159":"...how long would it take for me to bleed out?","160":"Damn. Maybe there was a point in bringing the shotgun.","161":"...","162":"Okay... fine.","163":"{Leah}, what have you been doing recently?","164":"What do you mean?","165":"Tell me about the weirdest thing that's happened since you've come to this school.","166":"Interesting question. I have to think about it.","167":"Can I get back to you?","168":"No. I'd rather know right now what's the weirdest thing. I want your most forthright answer.","169":"...","170":"Too many to count.","171":"Go on then. Share with us.","172":"What's the weirdest thing?","173":"I really don't want to.","174":"Since I've known you, you've done nothing but go after power, and encourage others to do the same.","175":"What else would you do for yourself?","176":"You shouldn't have to ask.","177":"Your feelings about me aren't important. Why I act the way I do isn't important.","178":"But it isn't just about me... that's where you're wrong.","179":"For once, {Leah} is in a sort of stony silence, unsure of what to say.","180":"You know... six is pretty late, isn't it?","181":"It is.","182":"We glance at each other.","183":"I guess that means we should get going.","184":"It was [i]a little[\/i] entertaining to see {Leah} at work, but also...","185":"...quite frightening.","186":"Let's go.","187":"As we head to the door...","188":"Wait... one thing...","189":"I meant what I said the other day. [i]I meant it.[\/i]","190":"Please... don't... just...","191":"I don't want you to think that I'm...","192":"She can't continue. There's things she can't say. She's being [i]stopped[\/i] from saying anything.","193":"There's nothing I can do for her, for now.","194":"Being outside has never felt better, and we took with us some of the silence.","195":"But it's a comfortable one, at least. A short recovery.","196":"You lost your appetite too, didn't you?","197":"I nod.","198":"It wasn't nearly as fun to do that to Emily as I thought it would be.","199":"Let's go have some leftover ramen.","200":"No use having our strategy meeting in public.","0":"The day has come.","1":"That shotgun is going to be absolutely no use when it comes to having dinner with Emily, though.","2":"I wonder when I will have to use it.","3":"I wish I had my Glock. For some reason... I just feel...","4":"...[i]like I need it...","5":"I can already hear {Leah}'s voice in my head telling me all the gun is doing is giving me a false sense of security.","6":"The shotgun does give me something, but not a sense of security. I was hoping I'd feel better having it with me.","7":"You ready for tonight?","8":"I'm... unreasonably excited to eat for free. Being poor changes the way you think about everything.","9":"Me too."},"ch14__14.60 sam delivery.vne3":{"10":"...Kestrel.","11":"That might be a good guess. But I think if Emily was associating herself with the Fraternity, they'd be a lot more focused on you.","12":"The Fraternity is only interested in me because I'm your associate.","13":"True.","14":"I think it's a lot more likely it was Kestrel. What do you think?","15":"From the way they talked about you, they're still insistent the culprit was you.","16":"Yes. And it was originally Emily's suggestion that it could be me.","17":"But... I don't really think it was them... at least not directly. They've been working through intermediaries, haven't they?","18":"It's Kestrel and his crooks.","19":"They're police.","20":"Police can be crooks too. So... what do you think?","21":"{Leah} nods affirmatively.","22":"The interest in me gave it away. If it was the Fraternity they would be a lot more interested in you.","23":"Now that I think of it... how Emily acted reminds me of Lidia when she was undercover for Kestrel.","24":"Is Kestrel bad at his job? I feel like the feds should be better than this.","25":"Maybe not bad. [i]Desperate.","26":"What makes you think that?","27":"...It's just a guess. He doesn't seem stupid. But for professional or personal reasons... he might need results fast.","28":"That might be why he's so fixated on you, because you're the easiest path to [i]results[\/i].","29":"Question is... how are we going to use Emily to get to her family when she's been compromised?","30":"We have to rethink things.","31":"I hope you have an idea.","32":"You know, I get so distracted by the story I just forget about job applications.","33":"I was meant to sit down [i]yesterday[\/i] and do them... instead I just got hooked on worthless research.","34":"Don't worry too much, {Leah}. We still got some bank. Kristen pays.","35":"I... keep wanting to tell you to quit that stupid job... but...","36":"We need the money. Speaking of which...","37":"...I have to sling comic books.","38":"The way you tell me she runs her business... it still makes no sense to me. There's no way that store is profitable.","39":"Yeah. Sales are dismal.","40":"Does she spend a lot of time alone in the office?","41":"...Yes.","42":"She's got a side hustle.","43":"Why keep the store, though? She seems to hate it. She could just sell the place and focus on what makes her money.","44":"Except... she needs the store to run the hustle.","45":"What hustle is it?","46":"I dunno...","47":"...maybe... something embarrassing?","48":"Ah! I just realized what it is.","49":"Really? You know? Is it something illegal?","50":"No... I think it's something the company that runs the mall would think very poorly of... that's why she needs to hide it.","51":"You're not going to tell me what it is, are you?","52":"This time... it's just for fun. Here's what I'll do. I'll write it down, and then when you find out what it is, you read the note and see if I was right.","53":"You're not allowed to look at the note beforehand. Got it?","54":"If this turns out to be important...","55":"It's not important.","56":"As [i]not important[\/i] as Valerie's secret?","57":"I guarantee you this has nothing to do with the intrigue we're involved in. This is purely a side mission.","58":"Here, take the note. Put it in your pocket.","59":"You don't have to prove you're smart to me.","60":"You're right. I'm doing this because it's fun.","61":"The smile on her face puts me at ease.","62":"I'll try and think about fun... while I'm at work. Not having fun.","63":"{Leah} gives a benevolent nod.","64":"I head to the mall and open up the store, the piece of paper {Leah} wrote for me folded up in my pocket.","65":"I'm just about ready to think everyone is against me... everything is an ambush. But if {Leah} says something is okay... I believe her.","66":"She's a grounding influence on me.","67":"I do the opening routine that I'm becoming accustomed to. For a while, sorting through comics feels pretty relaxing.","68":"It wouldn't be [i]terrible[\/i] to run a comic book store, despite my lack of personal interest.","69":"It's cool seeing the passion of other people. You can really feed off those vibes.","70":"When I hear a noise from the store room, I suddenly realize that Kristen has stayed in the store room, and hasn't said anything abusive to me.","71":"I'm sure that will change.","72":"Ugh.","73":"Something wrong?","74":"No.","75":"Still, she glances in my direction with an odd look in her eyes.","76":"Okay, fine. If you insist, you can help me.","77":"What awful task are you going to force me to do?","78":"Kristen pauses. Wow... she might actually be reluctant to ask me.","79":"Listen... this is something I'd normally do myself... or go through the mail... but...","80":"...I need some things delivered. I'll pay you extra, of course.","81":"Okay... this does support the ''side hustle'' angle that {Leah} and I came up with...","82":"You're... literally the quietest person I know, so I know you're discrete.","83":"All you have to do is go to these addresses and drop boxes off. That's all.","84":"It's important that you deliver them into human hands. I don't want anything being left outside doorways.","85":"Kristen is a lot less snarky than usual. This sounds... almost [i]serious[\/i].","86":"She is capable of being gracious, I suppose...","87":"How much extra are we talking?","88":"I'll pay you for the deliveries what I pay you per day. So you'll double your money.","89":"I can't afford to have you refuse. Please accept my terms.","90":"Kristen's straightforward manner concerns me...","91":"Fine. Give me the note.","92":"She hands it to me, and the points at a stack of boxes.","93":"Take those with you. Deliver one to each, and don't be a moron and open them. The customer will know and you'll be in serious trouble.","94":"Get going. I need it done ASAP. I can't relax otherwise.","95":"I take the note and lift the boxes.","96":"Huh. These are all [i]dorm rooms.[\/i] At least I don't have to go far.","97":"I'll do my best.","98":"It seems like Kristen briefly considers making a snarky remark, but decides against it.","99":"[i]She needs these delivered.[\/i] The ''serious trouble'' she's talking about is a bluff. The only thing I'll be in serious trouble is with her, and Kristen isn't a serious problem.","100":"I'm curious about the people I'm delivering to...","101":"I'm in familiar territory... and my student card still works, so I should have no issues getting into the buildings.","102":"First destination is...","103":"...[i]fuck.[\/i] I know this dorm room.","104":"I knock on the door, and ready myself.","105":"Hey! Wow! So convenient. Just in time!","106":"I wish I could talk longer, but I'm in the middle of streaming! Do you want to fuck me for the homeless?","107":"Excuse me? I shake my head.","108":"I could fuck [i]you[\/i] for the homeless.","109":"I shake my head again.","110":"Charity, charity is good. I'm making a lot of money for homeless people by masturbating on camera. Being good is easy!","111":"If I had known this, I would've started being good a long time ago.","112":"I give her the box, wanting this conversation to be over.","113":"Oh... [i]you're[\/i] doing the deliveries now?","114":"Well, this'll do. Thanks! I'd give you a tip, but that would be just me asking for your [i]tip.[\/i]","115":"See you! Oh, one question!","116":"Exactly how many good things do I need to do to pay penance for an evil thing?","117":"I shrug.","118":"I looked for an app that would tell me and there were none. The only thing I learned is that there's an untapped market there we could exploit.","119":"Ah! Getting ahead of myself. Sorry! Gotta go do [i]good things!","120":"Now I'm really curious about the things I'm holding...","121":"I go to the next destination and knock.","122":"I go to the first destination and knock.","123":"What? You?","124":"Yeah and... [i]you?","125":"Well... you're quiet I guess. Give me the package and let's never talk to each other again.","126":"I'll do the next best thing and pretend this never happened. I hand her the box.","127":"...T-thanks.","128":"Weird...","129":"Okay... that was mildly disturbing. Are all my visits going to be like this?","130":"I don't [i]really[\/i] want to know what's in the boxes now. And... if I don't want to get caught with them, I'd better make all my deliveries.","131":"Each person I deliver to flushes hard when they get it.","132":"I try to look away, act like I won't remember them, or their faces.","133":"I probably will... unfortunately.","134":"Last stop. I'm heading to some familiar territory, now.","135":"And... I guess it shouldn't be that surprising... but...","136":"...whatever I'm involved with... it seems I have a friend who is, too.","137":"She has no idea I'm coming. I hope... whatever it is... it won't reflect badly on me...","138":"I'll do my best to look away... pretend it's not me.","139":"Maybe she'll take the box without looking at my face.","140":"Then... the door opens.","141":"(DEV) Trigger Sam sex scene","142":"(DEV) Do not trigger the sex scene","143":"Motherfucker!","144":"There's no surprise there. Sam knew I was coming the entire damn time.","145":"So you went to work for that pervert. Jesus. What a way to steal my future President.","146":"Looks like your hands are occupied... so... you better come in!","147":"I can't believe it. After months of waiting...","148":"Do you even realize how long I've had this thing on order? International shipping is so slow!","149":"I thought climate change made the currents go faster or something.","150":"But... it doesn't matter.","151":"The [i]Trouble Tanuki 2077[\/i], the evolution of sex aids.","152":"Made from a special formulation of patented, non-toxic resin that glides like an airplane through any orifice!","153":"This thing was hand-crafted and hand-polished, designed by a council of Seven Sex Yogis of Japan, each of them tantric masters who spend twelve hours a day in vigorous coitus in the hopes of achieving enlightenment.","154":"It has perfect, unsurpassed texture, according to the choosiest bitches in the world. Nothing feels better.","155":"So it's expensive.","156":"...Yes.","157":"Wanna help me test it?","158":"Shit... this is technically my last delivery... I probably have the time...","159":"Sure!","160":"I'm on the clock.","161":"I didn't know I got complimentary service with my delivery!","162":"Come over here and be useful!","163":"On the clock?","164":"Shit... let me get dressed...","165":"That bitch... taking you away as President... now interfering with my sex life?","166":"Well, out with it. Spill the tea. Tell me what's [i]really[\/i] going on.","167":"Okay. Watch first, okay!","168":"This thing ain't a knife!","169":"I'm a bit tight back there. Gonna have to lube this thing up.","170":"She lavishes it with licks. I wonder if this is how she looks blowing me...","171":"This is clearly a performance, right?","172":"Does that feel good?","173":"You wanna try yourself?","174":"Just kidding. This bad boy is just for me and me alone. Get your own.","175":"...No thanks.","176":"I don't use toys all that much, but I get the general idea.","177":"It feels odd... using someone else's weapon and not my own...","178":"The thing glistens with saliva... I think it's probably good to go.","179":"Let's see if I can loosen her backside a bit...","180":"I hate to say it... but the thing does actually feel nice. It's smooth and velvety at the same time... it would be a good desk toy if it wasn't a sex toy instead.","181":"Even so, I'm not sure about the tantric masters...","182":"Experimentally, I touch her ass with the toy. I'm a bit worried about hurting her... I don't feel like my control is as good with the toy as my own cock.","183":"Be gentle, but also, don't be shy.","184":"Good advice.","185":"I push it... and it slides in so effortlessly that I'm shocked by it.","186":"Before I blink, Sam's ass clenches it.","187":"Ah... [i]nice[\/i].","188":"It feels... pretty good.","189":"You know why they call it the Tanuki now, right?","190":"'Cause of the tail. It looks a bit more like a bunny to me, though.","191":"I can be Trouble Bunny.","192":"Oh... so this is the kind of trouble you're interested in.","193":"That toy isn't the only thing you need, is it?","194":"I can handle myself.","195":"I can satisfy her Trouble Toes, too.","196":"Mmm...","197":"It looks like she wanted my cock, too. I knew this was going to happen.","198":"I was expected back at the shop once I finished deliveries... but it seems I'm hitting some unexpected delays...","199":"Nice. That feels good... too.","200":"The Tanuki has the texture right... but not the warmth.","201":"I need something hot in me, too.","202":"Sam's smooth, manicured fleet glide across my skin. She always shocks me with how skilled she is at it.","203":"Those things are better than her hands... she might as well have four arms.","204":"Come here. I need a something to suck on.","205":"Gladly.","206":"I step around the bed and proffer my hard cock out. In a queen-like pose, Sam dips her tongue and tests the waters.","207":"She moans gratefully as she begins to tease me with her licks.","208":"She reminds me of Cleopatra, luxuriating on a bed as she samples different tastes.","209":"And her lapping motion reminds me of a cat drinking milk.","210":"It's heart-melting.","211":"Slow kisses across my head... sort of like how someone might bite into an apple.","212":"She wants to devour me, but doesn't want to hurt me...","213":"She would never be able to contain herself for long. She pushes herself onto my cock. I snort like an animal, the pleasure is surprising.","214":"With Sam's hole satisfied, she can focus more fully on pleasuring me.","215":"Instead, it's all hunger for my dick. She adjusts her head, readying for a good position to blow me...","216":"...then, she sucks me down, my dick constricting in the tightening corridors of her throat.","217":"I'm so glad with Sam's dedication to pleasing me...","218":"This is lovely... the feel of her throat... combined with wet sound of sucking...","219":"...the quiet shlick as she plays with herself...","220":"This feels like dreamy, relaxed, hang out sex.","221":"No motive other than to fuck and enjoy ourselves...","222":"I feel like we should do this on a beach... with lapping waves as Sam laps me.","223":"The waters caressing us, sand sticking to our bodies.","224":"I could do this forever. But... I have something more in mind.","225":"Sam deserves a reward...","226":"I think she forgot her own genitals existed, because she almost jumps when I touch her down there.","227":"After the initial shock, she continues, but more intensily, more zeal.","228":"I feel her nose pressing into my groin, her body ache and quiver...","229":"All the while...","230":"...I keep her very well occupied with my own hands. The effect I'm having on her is intoxicating on its own.","231":"What's your review so far?","232":"You're incredible.","233":"I'm talking about the Tanuki.","234":"Oh. Uh... that's good too.","235":"Her compliment deserves a kiss, which she eagerly accepts.","236":"What a good girl...","237":"Are you... going to do both my holes?","238":"Shit... I've never done anything like that before...","239":"[i]Please do...","240":"I would be overjoyed to give Sam a new experience.","241":"I spread her legs, run my lips up and down her hole. She quivers every time I press my lips to hers...","242":"I can tell she's getting a bit impatient. I did promise her a new experience, after all.","243":"Fine. Let's do something new.","244":"I shift her onto her back. She instantly rolls over... begins to play intensely with my cock.","245":"I want a... true comparison.","246":"I want to know what you're like... and what the toy is like...","247":"There's only one way to know...","248":"I'm barely paying attention, so occupied I am with her feet.","249":"I luxuriate with her soft skin on my own.","250":"Seeing me distracted, the only way I'll listen is nonverbal communication.","251":"She takes my dick and points it up into her.","252":"Well... that does it for me. She doesn't need to work hard to persuade me.","253":"My cockhead is seized... [i]arrested[\/i] by her pussy. It tightens and won't let go.","254":"The only way out is through, it seems... not that I want out.","255":"I just want Sam to have the best test possible.","256":"So I start to slam into her. As far as I'm concerned, she's going to learn what a man can do as opposed to some weird toy.","257":"I don't care if it's resin, plastic, gold, or telekinetic energy... it's not hot and [i]alive[\/i] like I am... like my cock is.","258":"I will prove to Sam the strength of flesh. I'm going to use my intelligence and sensitivity to knock her socks off.","259":"Dildos and vibrators... one is a dead dick, one is a robot, and they're both cold, stupid things.","260":"I know her body, her angles, her curves... I know the sound she makes when I press her flesh.","261":"Sam is going to forget all about that stupid toy of hers. I'm going to make sure of that.","262":"Don't stop! It's... so good!","263":"Getting... attacked... from so many angles!","264":"The true test is here. Is this [i]Trouble Tanuki[\/i] worth the wait?","265":"I'm going to make Sam regret her purchase, and I'm going to do with a properly fair fight.","266":"I could simply yank it out, toss it aside. Sam won't complain about it... she wants my dick in her.","267":"I don't need to do that. If I'm going to compete with the soulless machine, I'm going to do it on even ground.","268":"I'm here to prove I'm better, after all.","269":"I'm going to fuck Sam with the toy. Properly, with every intent of doing it well. And then... I finish her off with something secret... something special.","270":"Here it goes...","271":"Now for the master stroke.","272":"I plunge straight into her, tongue and all.","273":"I press so that it feels like a bomb of pleasure in her ass.","274":"I know's it's probably sensitive from the toy... so if this doesn't work...","275":"...but of course it would. I shouldn't have doubted.","276":"Aw yeeeeeeeah...","277":"Sam is so turned on, so orgasmic, she couldn't bother trying to sound sexy.","278":"It's a long... drawn out... kinda comical moan.","279":"It makes it hotter, in a weird way.","280":"It feels like we don't need that silly toy anymore.","281":"So... good!","282":"Sam's hips shake and twist, pushing me in unusual angles.","283":"If a dance could fuck, this would be it right now.","284":"Losing the toy has not slowed her down at all.","285":"This... this is not good enough. I have too much energy for this.","286":"From Rocket Jump to Trouble Tanuki, the best sex toy in any collection is no sex toy.","287":"I can give an experience no toy can give.","288":"I bet a sex toy couldn't pick you up... take you across the room...","289":"...and slam you against the couch. Only something alive can do that.","290":"I know you better than any tantric master. Inside and out I've known you...","291":"And no matter what you buy, no matter how heavily tested, it's never going to be the personalized experience I can deliver.","292":"So... good...","293":"...that thing.. is so good...","294":"Does Sam still think it's in? Boy do I have a suprise for her.","295":"What isn't a surprise is the orgasm that rapidly approaches.","296":"My body clenches up, seizes... and I'm barely able to repress it.","297":"Looks like I'll show Sam another thing I can do but sex toys can't.","298":"Ugh! Oh! Jesus... what's happening!","299":"Sam is making some strange sounds... her voice is strained and unable to keep up with her bellowing lungs.","300":"Regardless, I keep railing her, ignoring the obvious warning signs.","301":"I don't forget about my mission, which is to make her forget about that machine. The best way to do that is steal her thoughts.","302":"...I do too good a job.","303":"Gonna... can't stop... try and... point me toward some towels!","304":"Towels?","305":"[i]That squirt...[\/i] that's the biggest I've seen. Like a one second fire hydrant.","306":"I don't need to point you at towels. I need to point you at fire.","307":"Still this only leaves me...","308":"How am I going to come? I don't think it's going to be the force of nature that Sam's was...","309":"...but I'm about to give a good run for her money!","310":"Inside.","311":"Outside.","312":"I feel like I coated her insides... like a house painter with paint.","313":"That's too fucking much. Jesus...","314":"Did I have that much buildup? I must have...","315":"My turn now. It's time Sam get hers.","316":"Okay Sam... I've decided you'll be swallowing this one. Get ready.","317":"Clear throat...","318":"...good girl.","319":"We do eventually get Sam's towel.","320":"Thank God the floors aren't carpeted.","321":"Man... there was almost no difference between you and that toy.","322":"Once you took it out... I didn't really miss it.","323":"I give her a shrug. I'll take credit for most of it.","324":"So... what do I think about this thing?","325":"It's better than average, I guess.","326":"Probably not worth what I spent on it.","327":"She lingers on that question for just a little longer... then...","328":"...makes a decision.","329":"The reviewing process was fun, at least.","330":"You're telling me.","331":"Ugh... need to get dressed.","332":"Now that I've [i]lured[\/i] you here... I can finally enact my secret plan.","333":"You had an ulterior motive? What a surprise.","334":"Of course I did! Sex in exchange for answers! Why are you working for Kristen and not running for President!?","335":"Explain!","336":"God damn it! I knew it!","337":"No point. Sam knew I was coming the whole time. Shit.","338":"I can't believe you're working for that pervert. Now I know who stole my President from me.","339":"I hand her the box, and she tosses it inside.","340":"So what's up? Why are you working for Sandy Puss?","341":"What's in that box?","342":"You don't get to know! Our relationship never went down that path. So spill the tea!","343":"There's no tea to spill, I needed the job.","344":"Time to work, but no time to run for President?","345":"I need money.","346":"The city is [i]begging[\/i] people to work right now! You can get any boss in Shale Hill to work around your schedule.","347":"You can't escape from your destiny!","348":"So all this was about you being able to harass me again, was it? So you can pressure me into doing what you want me to do?","349":"Is that true? You think it's just me that wants you to run?","350":"Search your heart. Tell me truly that you don't want to be president.","351":"I don't want to be-","352":"I can't finish it... because... it's not quite true.","353":"I may be at peace with what I do... but... I have ambition in my heart I can't just quench.","354":"If I stay any longer... Sam is going to end up convincing me.","355":"...I don't want to be president. And I've got more deliveries to make.","356":"You've got no more boxes to deliver, and don't think I didn't notice your hesitation!","357":"She really means to corner me! I've got to get away!","358":"See you!","0":"(DEV) Jump to Sam sex scene","1":"Continue","2":"I think the ordeal with Emily dampened our desire to talk.","3":"Instead, we shove cold noodles in our faces and head to our separate rooms. It's only the next morning we have a proper talk.","4":"Did you give what happened at Emily's any thought?","5":"I do. And it confirms my theory about who Emily's handlers might be.","6":"Very curious to see if your notes match mine.","7":"I think it's...","8":"...the Fraternity.","9":"...her family."},"ch14__14.62 sam rescue.vne3":{"10":"It shouldn't have surprised me that {Leah} got this one right.","11":"If I gave her a quiet room and time to think, she could probably deduce whatever she wanted.","12":"That makes a shocking amount of sense.","13":"All deliveries were made. You are quite competent.","14":"Sex toys? Really?","15":"I... told you not to open them! Those have security seals on them.","16":"I can't believe you fucked up this bad. This is a disaster.","17":"Relax. One of your customers showed me.","18":"This stops Kristen from going down a full blown panic... but she still grimaces.","19":"No complications, I take it?","20":"Not especially.","21":"A smooth process... good.","22":"I had so much money tied up in those things... you have no idea.","23":"Out of curiosity, were those things premium sex toys?","24":"How did you know? You didn't open one, did you?","25":"No, it was just an educated guess.","26":"Are you serious? I could've just said nothing...","27":"Why are you doing your distribution through back channels?","28":"Sex aids are against mall policy. They can revoke my lease if they find out.","29":"Shit... you're not going to blackmail me, are you?","30":"Pro tip: don't give people the idea.","31":"Uhnn...","32":"No. I've got enough on my plate without putting blackmail atop it.","33":"It's perfectly legal, what I do, just against [i]mall[\/i] policy.","34":"So thank you... normally I have an independent courier deliver them, but they weren't available.","35":"You're still on the clock, so... get back to work.","36":"Sadly... yes.","37":"Kristen leaves the store front, leaving me with the soul-crushing task of turning away eager customers who only want to browse comic books.","38":"An hour later...","39":"Sam, what are you doing here?","40":"Remember, when you entered Burger Queen and rescued me?","41":"In the same fashion... I'm here to rescue [i]you.[\/i] So... get ready to be rescued.","42":"Where's that fire-breathing lizard, huh?","43":"It's different this time, Sam. You don't know the stakes... I'm in danger at the school... and I need this job.","44":"Correction: you need money. You don't need [i]this job[\/i].","45":"If you never come to class again, I'd be fine it with that. The one thing I'm not letting you do...","46":"...is work for pennies for this [i]harpy[\/i].","47":"A [i]harpy...[\/i]","48":"...is a misogynistic [i]epithet[\/i] used by men against powerful women...","49":"...you [i]pick-me.[\/i]","50":"I'm not about to be picked by anyone! I'm picking {PlayerName}!","51":"Quickly, the three starters from Ruby and Sapphire!","52":"What?","53":"You don't know [i]instantly[\/i]... and you own a comic store?","54":"Where are your trading cards? Your gaming tables with random fat old people playing war games?","55":"The stacks of board games! The paint pots! The RPG book section!","56":"The display cases with statuettes of demon ladies! [i]Answer me![\/i]","57":"I'm not a nerd. I don't like comic books, I just [i]sell them[\/i].","58":"That much is clear.","59":"I'm sorry to say, but Sam... this place pays [i]well[\/i].","60":"She pays well because then you're obliged to stay! And the longer you stay, the more your soul is sucked out.","61":"She wants to transform you into a clone of her, a copy! She wants a partner in bitterness.","62":"This isn't a comic book shop, this is a [i]mental ward[\/i] for Kristen alone.","63":"How dare you!","64":"Well... that would kind of explain why Kristen has been paying me decently... despite this store making nothing but a trickle of cash.","65":"{PlayerName}, kick this bitch out. I'll give you twenty dollars.","66":"My god... Sam just proved it. She hit the nail right on the head.","67":"Kristen doesn't need me for my work. She needs me to feel [i]good[\/i] about herself.","68":"All she wants is the satisfaction of being forced to be as mean and nasty as her... to isolate me as she's isolated herself.","69":"Actually... no. I think I'll let Sam stay.","70":"Excuse me?","71":"I don't need your twenty. Actually, I don't need you at all.","72":"I'm doing what I already did and I'm leaving. I'm quitting. I'll pick up my money later.","73":"No... [i]stay![\/i] I'll give you [i]more money![\/i]","74":"You need to give me two weeks' notice! You're trapped for half a month.","75":"Two weeks' notice is only a courtesy.","76":"You...!","77":"Yes! Let's blow this joint!","0":"That's done...","1":"I get paid [i]twice[\/i] for today.","2":"...Those sex toys must have been valuable...","3":"...Whatever was in those boxes must have been valuable.","4":"An evil regret sudden burns, that I didn't take the boxes and try and sell them myself. Kristen probably could not have stopped me...","5":"Ah... what am I thinking? I need this goddamn job. And despite my issues with Kristen, I'm not sure I want to screw her over in a truly permanent fashion.","6":"Oh... that note from {Leah}. Let's see if she was right.","7":"I missed my chance to learn what the contraband was, so I might as well look at {Leah}'s note.","8":"It says...","9":"[i]Premium sex toys.[\/i]"},"ch14__14.65 rogham rage.vne3":{"10":"Don't worry, your character is super simple. You're the discount Superman, you're allowed to be boring.","11":"I wonder how this'll work out for the campaign meetings? That was quite a blow to Kristen.","12":"I don't know. She didn't really do much anyway... but her costume deserves mad respect.","13":"It is sad to lose someone, though. I kinda pity her. I don't think she's really a bad person...","14":"It's a ''misery loves company'' kind of thing.","15":"Wait a sec... you mentioned the campaign. Does that mean you're returning?","16":"I'm thinking about it.","17":"Yes!","18":"So... what do we do now?","19":"I know you might not want to hear it, but...","20":"...there's enough time for you to go to class.","21":"You know I can't do that.","22":"I get it. Your situation is not like mine. I quit because I lost hope. You quit because you might die.","23":"The option is [i]open[\/i] for you to come to class.","24":"Select *ep10_alexis_rescued* value:","25":"ep10_alexis_rescued = 0","26":"ep10_alexis_rescued = 1","27":"Rogham probably won't be there. I know I haven't seen him.","28":"It's safe to say he's not coming to school anymore, so you shouldn't have to worry about him.","29":"And if he does I'll beat him up!","30":"If Rogham is going to try and hurt you, the best way to show you're not scared of him is to show your face to him.","31":"Intimidate him!","32":"Rogham isn't out to bully me. He's out to [i]end[\/i] me.","33":"Well... I know. But... I'm just trying to put a positive spin on things.","34":"So... will you go with me?","35":"I pushed so hard for Sam to come back to school, it feels hypocritical not to do the same thing...","36":"...but my situation is very different, and my reasons far more compelling.","37":"I'm not sure...","38":"Return to school.","39":"Don't return to school.","40":"Double whammy!","41":"I'm so glad! With us working together, we'll fuck up any assassin!","42":"It's not a game, Sam.","43":"Heh! I know it isn't! Sorry... I'll be really serious from now on!","44":"I can't lie... I'm disappointed... but I understand.","45":"I shouldn't be so selfish, this is about what's best for you, not me. What will you do instead?","46":"Find a job.","47":"Okay, but don't [i]completely[\/i] undo my efforts by going back to Kristen. It's not worth the money.","48":"If I worked there for an extended period, I'd surely become as bitter as Kristen.","49":"You don't have to worry about that.","50":"I trust you. Okay... [i]I'm[\/i] going to class.","51":"Take care of yourself.","52":"Okay... now what do I do?","53":"Having been attacked, shot at, kidnapped... very little can phase me now.","54":"There is a [i]foolish[\/i] lack of fear as I enter through.","55":"Oddly... I'm looking forward to Professor Rogham's reaction.","56":"We enter class just as we might any day.","57":"When we sit down... the thing I worry about most is catching up. Luckily, I'm pretty sure I researched ahead.","58":"I know this stuff already.","59":"Which gives me plenty of bandwidth..","60":"...to enjoy Professor Rogham's leering contempt.","61":"I guess he really thought I wouldn't come back.","62":"This alone was worth it...","63":"When the lecture is over...","64":"Hrmm... well...","65":"...I thought you'd become a [i]ghost,[\/i] {PlayerName}.","66":"I'm here only to learn.","67":"You've missed many lectures, and I'm not eager to be so lenient.","68":"The bull has but one leg left, so don't kick it...","69":"...[i]and don't test me...","70":"Wow! He super hates you, doesn't he?","71":"More than me! Now you get it!","72":"I do get it. I have for a while.","73":"Sorry we can't hang out after class. I need to start job hunting immediately.","74":"Think nothing of it!","75":"See you.","76":"{PlayerName}... I was under the impression you dropped out.","77":"Of course not. I believe I'm still formally enrolled.","78":"...That's correct. We'll talk about this when I'm not in the middle of a lecture. Take a seat.","79":"I take my seat... and hope that I'm not too far behind to understand the material.","80":"My independent study pays off, and I'm able to comprehend the topic.","81":"But as I'm trying to concentrate, something grabs my attention...","82":"...a shadow at the door.","83":"Unexpected to see him here... but oddly... I'm not bothered by it.","84":"The hate in his eyes is my fuel. I give him a smile and a little wave.","85":"I refuse to give him the fear he so desperate wants.","86":"I look away... and he's gone again.","87":"I'm almost certain that was a coincidence. Rogham is genuinely dangerous, and I do take him seriously...","88":"...the right provocation is exactly the thing I need to cause him a mistake.","89":"The lecture is over, and Professor Floore catches my eye.","90":"It's good to see you again, {PlayerName}. You're one of the better students I have.","91":"I'm sorry I was gone so long.","92":"Obviously, this puts you in quite a precarious position.","93":"I'm willing to work my way out of it.","94":"And I'll tell you exactly how. I've saved a lot of material in the hopes you might attend again. Prove you understand it and you'll hear no complaints from me.","95":"I won't let you down.","96":"She accepts that, and turns to other students.","97":"It's so good having a teacher that doesn't hate you...","98":"Or want to kill you.","99":"You look smug. What's up?","100":"I don't want to scare Sam by telling her I saw Rogham...","101":"Sorry I can't hang out after class. I should go job hunting immediately...","102":"I get it. I'm just glad things are back to normal. Relatively speaking.","103":"See you later.","104":"There's only one place I might be able to get a job at short notice...","0":"What a thrill!","1":"Damn... that felt great! I challenged her... didn't back down!","2":"She was like, ''This bitch is too strong'', and I was like, ''What did you expect? I'm Chinese.''","3":"KAPOW! Wham!","4":"I'm surprised you didn't come in your superhero outfit.","5":"AH! Don't fill me with regret and doubt now!","6":"What a missed opportunity! I could have shown her what Moon Panther is all about!","7":"Moon Panther? I thought it was something different.","8":"You're like, five revisions of my backstory behind. I'm a half-angel, half-demon now. I ordered some contacts the other day so one eye looks totally black and the other looks totally white.","9":"Sounds complicated."},"ch14__14.68 job of last resort.vne3":{"3":"Could I lend you an ear? So to speak.","4":"I came here before to ask if you had a job, Dante. And now, I'm here to [i]beg[\/i] for one.","5":"You got it.","6":"Really?","7":"We got no openings, but hey! The enthusiasm you just showed was super het! I can't turn down that kind of request.","8":"It's too bad Lidia's not here. You two could've been a real dynamic duo.","9":"When do I start?","10":"You don't have to beg! You can start right now. We have paid training.","11":"That's cool. My ASL is not an issue for you?","12":"Here's the secret sauce... as long as you can do your job, I don't care if you have no arms and no legs.","13":"But... uh... this makes me feel pretty bad but...","14":"The shooting really made this joint a ghost town, if you get me. Money is tight.","15":"I don't have the cash to pay you good wages.","16":"Shit... minimum wage is abysmal in this area. I can't live on that, I might as well be unemployed.","17":"What were you thinking?","18":"How does this number look?","19":"Dante scratches something down.","20":"That's about as much as Kristen was paying. Well above the minimum.","21":"Once business picks up, I know I'll be able to put you on full wages. So stick around!","22":"This was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Thanks!","23":"In your slide down to happiness and success, all I want to be is the grease that coats your body.","24":"That's a well-intentioned sentiment, Dante. I refuse to read into it further.","25":"That's het shit. Let's get you suited up. You ever serve drinks?","26":"Not really.","27":"Aw man... I love bar virgins! You're gonna dig this job. With your handsome face, we'll pull in the ladies and they'll slide off their seats to give you tips.","28":"I really thought being a mute would disqualify me.","29":"Are you kidding? It's ''strong and silent'', not ''weak and silent''. People love the guy that never talks.","30":"Get your apron. Your training starts now.","31":"I start my shift. Dante is eager to show me all his bartending tricks, and I think I'm pretty good at them.","32":"I'll need help for a while, but eventually, I have confidence I will understand.","33":"That's a solid start. You won't be running things by yourself, but you're going to be a great assistant to Kiara.","34":"Poor girl is shy. Doesn't drink! But we're cool.","35":"As long as you got a good smile and attitude, anybody is cool with us.","36":"I'm really grateful, especially since you don't have vacancies.","37":"I did it so you wouldn't have to beg! This ain't charity, and you're worth something. You got a contribution to make to Sevigny's, and it's just a matter of finding out what it is.","38":"Welcome to the family!","39":"Thank you. What hours am I working?","40":"You tell me what hours you're working.","41":"Damn... Dante is a fucking amazing boss. Such a contrast between him and Kristen.","42":"I have to go, but I'll let you know next time I come in.","43":"Sounds good!","44":"That was... very helpful. And a massive burden off my back.","45":"Now things turn to serious matters. In my internal index of tasks at hand, there's just one final item...","46":"...the roadblock right now has been Emily. I can't progress until I handle her family.","47":"There is an obvious next step, and {Leah} can't help me with it.","0":"Where is he?","1":"Hey hetebro. Off hours? Come to chat?","2":"Bar's always open to my straightest buddy."},"ch14__14.75 emily visit.vne3":{"10":"I confidently press the buzzer.","11":"Who is it?","12":"I tap the intercom.","13":"...Ah. It's you. I'll let you in.","14":"You...","15":"...you shouldn't have come.","16":"She isn't angry with me... she's [i]warning[\/i] me. And at her own risk, too.","17":"Kestrel will not be happy that she said that.","18":"I understand. I've pieced a lot together. Don't worry about me, I'm perfectly safe.","19":"...Do you want dinner? It went so well last time.","20":"I'm not hungry.","21":"I didn't think I could feel worse, you know. When we split up... the day after... all I could do was...","22":"...I sat down in my room. My phone was in my hand. I saw you on the contact list. I kept [i]trying[\/i] to call you... but... I'd lose my nerve the last moment.","23":"I so badly want to take it back.","24":"You've made it abundantly clear that's not something you want.","25":"The feelings have faded... but the regret hasn't.","26":"Why is it... that I just confess these stupid things to you? It's because you're exactly like looking in a picture.","27":"Logically, it's the real you in there, yet it still feels like you're locked away from me.","28":"I'm definitely still me.","29":"Yes. I know. I'll just never hear that voice... that voice I could [i]swim[\/i] in... that narrated my dreams and soothed me in dark moments...","30":"That voice is gone. It haunts me. I... I [i]still[\/i] listen to it...","31":"Why am I [i]telling you so much?[\/i]","32":"You... you had better tell me what you want... or else I'm just going to embarrass myself further.","33":"Are you alright?","34":"Don't even ask that. Please just say what you want and...","35":"...well, I can't really tell you to leave. But I...","36":"I get it. You don't have to explain anything to me.","37":"I'm here because I need to talk to your dad.","38":"Of course it would be.","39":"The flavor of the week was Valerie. Now it's my dad.","40":"You think I have free will in this? You think I want to talk to your stupid fucking dad more than you?","41":"She grimaces... but after the frown, she seems considerably calmer.","42":"I don't understand why you need to see him. Is it just to plead your case to my father?","43":"Yes. {Leah} is innocent. His obsession with her is ill warranted.","44":"The true party at fault is Cedric, and by extension, Valerie.","45":"Except Cedric's probably dead, and my dad needs someone living to blame.","46":"Even I thought it was {Leah}. She might not have done the burglary, but the fact remains she's the only suspect with a rap sheet.","47":"The principal's office break in still doesn't look good on her.","48":"She was just being overzealous.","49":"I don't think you understand how easy it is to believe that {Leah} is overzealous.","50":"If you go to my dad... all you'll be doing is risking yourself. Even if you go with the best of intentions... even if you're genuinely innocent, you might implicate yourself.","51":"He seems like an out-of-touch suit, but he's a [i]dragon.[\/i] Any word you use... any mistake you make... he'll pounce on.","52":"He had business partners, he might have once called them friends... And even so they went to war for the company they built.","53":"My father was ruthless. He's... [i]devilish[\/i] in his ability to manipulate the law. A master of clauses and small print.","54":"The only time you should be alone with him is with a well-schooled lawyer.","55":"That probably explains why he has so much influence in law enforcement.","56":"I don't have a choice, in the exact same way you don't have a choice.","57":"This is just the way things are.","58":"Emily nods. I think she really does get it.","59":"I want you to know something...","60":"...I [i]hate[\/i] my family.","61":"I know that already.","62":"They [i]liked[\/i] you, though. Dad always said, you had it in you to be a Senator. He thought you were good for me.","63":"The number one reason we broke up... the [i]true[\/i] reason we broke up... is because...","64":"...I couldn't accept his approval. You were just another thing in his orbit. Another part of his plan.","65":"What did he do to you?","66":"What sort of story of woe do you want? It's not as dramatic as you're probably imagining.","67":"A thousand small blows, and no big ones. The tiny slap of having toys taken away, the pinpricks of impossible comparisons, the razor cuts of never living to his standards.","68":"Grinding me down each day... turning me into [i]his creature...[\/i] just like you would've been if you'd met him in person.","69":"I don't think that's true, Emily.","70":"It [i]was[\/i] true. I knew deep inside once you met my father he'd turn you into his minion... he's [i]good at it[\/i]. You wouldn't have the defenses necessary.","71":"Since you lost your voice... I'm not so sure any more. I think you might have the strength to resist the Devil.","72":"And if you see him... maybe then you'll finally understand... you'll know what I know.","73":"If I knew just one other person who saw what I could see in Arthur, I'd feel... so vindicated.","74":"Then I won't be scared of him. Then I can know...","75":"...you won't be [i]his[\/i]... you'll just be [i]mine..","76":"I know what I want out of the world. He can't influence me.","77":"Emily looks uncertainly at me... but she definitely wants to believe me.","78":"At the very least, [i]I[\/i] believe it. I've been through enough mind games already that I'm sure I'm not easy to manipulate.","79":"I take it you'll help me?","80":"I want to make it clear that you'll be unsuccessful getting anything you want from my father.","81":"You might get what I want you to get, though: an understanding of who he is.","82":"This is... [i]frightening.[\/i] It doesn't feel right to put you through this.","83":"But if this is what you want, I'll set up a meeting. I just hope you really understand what I'm telling you.","84":"I do.","85":"Emily smiles.","86":"Thanks.","87":"Emily stares into my eyes. There's more she wants to say... but for obvious reasons can't.","88":"(DEV) Trigger Emily sex scene","89":"Continue","90":"I've gotten what I needed. There's no reason to stick around.","91":"I will contact you when I'm ready.","92":"Thanks.","93":"I've gotten what I need from this. I could just leave...","94":"...but there may be a method to help us communicate further.","95":"...take the chance to talk to her further.","96":"...leave.","97":"I will let you know when a meeting is set up. But... I would be very careful.","98":"I understand if you back out.","99":"Emily really does take this seriously...","100":"I told you I can't.","101":"Yes. Maybe one day... there will be no forces acting on us, we can just be ourselves.","102":"There really isn't a way to put this... I had better just come out with it.","103":"Do you want to take a shower with me?","104":"Emily's face pulls. Then she calms.","105":"A short one, maybe.","106":"She understand what I'm trying to do.","107":"For old time's sake.","108":"Yes... of course... for old time's sake.","109":"Okay... better... get ready for the shower.","110":"She knows she has to take her clothes off.","111":"I'm both a pseudo-spy and an IT tech.","112":"My quick glance would be able to pick out any bugs and cameras.","113":"I see nothing.","114":"Still, there's no guarantees.","115":"Emily gets inside the shower. It's a fancy smart shower... excellent.","116":"I change the settings to something suitable.","117":"I put it variable. They can't just filter out the shower noises.","118":"We should be safe. I don't think they can hear us.","119":"Emily gazes my direction... wondering if she should trust me.","120":"But... just like when I came in... she's desperate to get this all off her chest.","121":"They [i]forced me[\/i] to do this. I didn't want to.","122":"They're always around. Even when I think they're gone they're still there.","123":"Is anyone physically here?","124":"No... but they would be if you gave me any warning. It's smart you show up unannounced... but they still [i]hear everything[\/i].","125":"They're going to be there when you get there. If they know the meeting is happening... there's no way they're missing it.","126":"So they're working with your father, I take it.","127":"Not just that... he'll know the whole conversation we just had. You need to be prepared for it.","128":"He works cybersecurity. They do nothing but work with the government.","129":"He has multiple contacts in multiple agencies. FBI, NSA, DEA, even the fucking USPIS.","130":"(DEV) Select ep6_choice value for testing:","131":"ep6_choice == 0","132":"ep6_choice == 1","133":"ep6_choice == 2","134":"I'm doomed, you know. I know what you and {Leah} did for me, but it was for nothing.","135":"I'm a prisoner no matter what. If I fail at this... I'll be locked away. If I succeed, I'm still going to be watched for the rest of my life.","136":"But I'm okay with it. I will never escape my family... that's my burden to bear. I just wish so badly it wasn't yours...","137":"I thought you were okay with your family. What changed?","138":"They found the project I was working on with Cedric... to expose a flaw in my father's security system.","139":"I just wanted to sabotage his business... for no reason but spite... but they're taking it as me attempting to steal some top-secret data.","140":"The only reason I'm out of prison right now is because they wanted to pull this off. They say if I cooperate I'll get out...","141":"...but I know they'll just put me back in no matter what.","142":"There's got to be a way...","143":"If I do the worst thing possible, and implicate {Leah}, they will only realize I've been lying.","144":"You were let out. You're under house arrest. You should be fine.","145":"When they ran into snags in their investigation, they needed to exploit my relationship to you to get to {Leah}.","146":"Now they know about the project I worked on with Cedric. If I fail, they'll hit me with that.","147":"But I will fail. That's the only option I have.","148":"There's no solution. No way out. No end game.","149":"My life is over, but yours and {Leah}'s isn't.","150":"Your life isn't over.","151":"I can't escape imprisonment... no matter its form...","152":"...not without destroying what little integrity I have.","153":"I'm not talking about prison. Your life isn't over no matter what happens to you.","154":"The only way your life is over is if you're dead.","155":"But... what kind of life would I live... if...","156":"Don't believe your dad's idea of how you should be living your life.","157":"Huh?","158":"You're still tethered to it... [i]chained[\/i] to it.","159":"I can't promise I can keep you out of prison. I already made a promise to protect someone that I failed.","160":"But I can promise you that your continued desire to live is the one thing your dad can't control.","161":"Oh... I... suppose... that makes sense.","162":"Sometimes... when you use that stupid app of yours... I hear glimpses of your old voice.","163":"I wipe her tears from her face. I'm glad I could get these words out of her.","164":"They were bursting to break free.","165":"The one thing he can't control...","166":"...I've never thought about it like that.","167":"Not to disturb the mood... but...","168":"...if we want to sell this shared shower to our jailers, we should probably have sex.","169":"If I was going to do it... it wouldn't be for that reason.","170":"But... on the other hand... staying around longer might be risky.","171":"Have sex with her.","172":"Leave.","173":"I don't have any way to tell her my intentions...","174":"...so I'll show her.","175":"Emily understands my intentions.","176":"Yes... it's probably for the best.","177":"You can let yourself out. I'm going to stay in here... a little longer.","178":"Thanks, Emily.","179":"A simple kiss is all I need to give her.","180":"And... she knows I'm not going to do it for show.","181":"When she senses this, her lips become hungrier and more passionate.","182":"I need to get undressed for this.","183":"I dispense with the clothes, and approach slowly.","184":"Emily doesn't look at me... its hard to know what she's thinking... but I still want to try.","185":"When I wrap my arms around her, she leans into me.","186":"She makes a slight... delicate noise, from the back of her throat.","187":"Something like... a moan... but also a choke. I've never heard anything quite like it.","188":"It's maybe a product of Emily's unique emotional state.","189":"Whatever that sound is, it is immediately replaced by something far less ambiguous...","190":"...as I run my length up and down her crevasse.","191":"She gives only the subtlest encouragement, a light wave of her body, but it's clear she wants me to take the lead.","192":"Emily closes the shower Valve. There's no need to disguise these sounds.","193":"Kestrel can hear us fuck if he really wants to.","194":"I'm as tender and gentle as I possibly can.","195":"My thumb wipes away the dew on her cheeks, and my other fingers tease her folds.","196":"I stroke her, not to wind her up and get her excited... but the opposite. To soothe her.","197":"As I do, she starts to play with me.","198":"Her own hands is gentle, only the slightest trace as she runs up my length.","199":"It feels like drops of water...","200":"A fierce kiss... a touch...","201":"...and then I lavish her breasts.","202":"Emily watches with idle curiosity... allowing me to do whatever I want to do.","203":"I am oh so happy to do it... but my gentleness suddenly has Emily impatient.","204":"You're here for a reason.","205":"Let's go straight to it.","206":"I'm not so weak, you know. I may sob sometimes, but it's not common.","207":"You don't have to be gentle.","208":"So this is getting [i]straight to business[\/i] for her.","209":"I can't say I don't like it... it's more the Emily I'm used to. All business, even in pleasure.","210":"It makes me feel good knowing that whatever her mental state, the old Emily is still there.","211":"Her focus seems to be pleasuring me.","212":"A tongue traces my purple head, she does her task efficiently... [i]dignified.[\/i]","213":"This is probably what a blowjob from a queen feels like.","214":"I think she's making up for her outburst of emotion. She's showing she's cool, calm, disciplined.","215":"She's ice, even though ice can crack sometimes.","216":"I've fucked Emily long enough to see her go from inexperienced to experienced.","217":"There's no shyness in her, just brisk professionalism.","218":"I think in some way, she's trying to show that.","219":"Smooth as silk, her throat... like a hot fudge poured all over my cock.","220":"Secretly, she's really the only person who can give me this kind of blowjob. I don't think I've felt anything quite like it.","221":"It's true technique, a willingness to take on pleasure as a challenge.","222":"Whether she's playing for the audience or not, she's doing this because she wants to.","223":"A final lick, a touch of her tongue against my cock...","224":"...a temporary kiss goodbye.","225":"I'm not going to be an idle recipient, {PlayerName}.","226":"I may be rock bottom right now... But I won't let you feel sorry for me.","227":"She doesn't need to tell me that.","228":"I have her lift a leg, then, I dance my tongue across her exceptionally clean vagina.","229":"Emily has always been quite a clean person, and I've trusted her enough to kiss every inch of her body.","230":"I want to show Emily that I'm serious about pleasure, too.","231":"I'm not going to slack off. I learn, I use technique, I'm interested in her having the best time possible.","232":"By doing that, by feeling my effort, she'll realize I'm not doing it for any advantage.","233":"I dig into her... taking her scent across my chin and tongue...","234":"...it's faint, as it's mixed in with shower water, but I still want as much as I can get.","235":"Emily tries to look placidly down at me... like she's unaffected...","236":"Eventually she throws her head back.","237":"An bird-like moan emits from her.","238":"You were always... good at that...","239":"I think she's going to let me do whatever I want to do...","240":"I turn her around, lick her, ease up her muscles for a penetration...","241":"...and then I position myself.","242":"Uhnn...","243":"Her grunt is sexy as I push myself into her socket.","244":"She's sedated... perhaps the conversation we had earlier has put her in a melancholy mood...","245":"...she still wants it every bit as bad.","246":"When I lift her leg up, some energy returns to her.","247":"She looks at me [i]gratefully[\/i]... almost as if I'm doing her a favor.","248":"A hand claws between her legs, fingertips scratching at her mons.","249":"When she finds her button, she mashes it in time with my thrusts.","250":"Emily is a tender one... yet she really is strong.","251":"Has this tough, athletic, beautiful girl really been tortured by her family? It's so hard to say...","252":"I just can't imagine anything that would put her down for long.","253":"With each thrust, she bucks against the shower head. I worry for a flash whether she's going to destroy the shower.","254":"But... a fog goes over me. Everything melts into my need to fuck Emily.","255":"There's no concern I have other than losing myself in her eyes, trying to understand the way she feels.","256":"We're suddenly on the other side of the room. The intensity of our sex is having us make laps.","257":"The exhaustion is beginning to boil out of her. I don't want to say it, but...","258":"...I actually do think I've helped her quite a bit. For once, it seems, she can forget about her problems.","259":"I suppose... she can help [i]me[\/i] forget.","260":"Was this what Emily and I always had in common?","261":"With little other thought, I bury myself between her cheeks again.","262":"She's well-lubricated, but it couldn't hurt to make sure.","263":"My cock gently touches her rear, as a way to tell her what my plan is.","264":"There's no hesitation. She [i]wants[\/i] me in, so there's no point in holding back.","265":"My head disappears in her black hole, engulfed. Her ring tightens and contracts.","266":"I could cum nearly immediately if I did't have the discipline to stop myself.","267":"Maybe a cold shower wouldn't be so bad after all...","268":"Deeper in, I feel the cavern and the hot heat of her rectum.","269":"She winces and grips the towel rack. Finally, I'm having some sort of effect on her.","270":"Something groans as she does... a pop as a screw comes loose on the towel rack.","271":"I'm literally fucking her bathroom apart, as it happens. Maybe I'll destroy a recording device or two.","272":"Maybe I can disguise ourselves with Emily's moans of pleasure, cause them to throw off their headphones.","273":"Two reasons to feel good, I guess.","274":"I plan on having a bigger one, though. As big as I can manage.","275":"If I can give her a little solace... take her thoughts away for a moment, I'll do it.","276":"I'd do damn near anything for her.","277":"I could [i]live[\/i] in this moment. I could do this every day and not get tired.","278":"The sexual compatibility between Emily and I has always been a wonder.","279":"Not only am I inside her, but sometimes, if I close my eyes... I can predict her.","280":"I know what she's going to do before she does it... because we have bodies that are built for each other.","281":"If only our minds worked the same...","282":"One last thing before we have to go back to reality...","283":"...we can steal back a little pleasure.","284":"She takes me where she knows I won't be able to resist.","285":"She mounts me, and this time, I can tell she intends to make me cum.","286":"Her grasp on me is fierce, her canal clamping me, pushing me deeper.","287":"This time she intends to milk me dry.","288":"A thrust into her... desperate for release...","289":"I know I have just a moment...","290":"I can choose... where I want to finish. A fraction of a second to decide.","291":"I can barely think... I have to do it now!","292":"Inside her ass.","293":"Inside her pussy.","294":"On her face.","295":"I think... that will do for now.","296":"I wonder for a moment what she's talking about... but then I remember...","297":"We're not alone.","298":"They know we're here. We ought not risk a conversation.","299":"I don't know what to even say to her.","300":"You can leave through the back.","301":"It feels rude just to leave, but I'm not sure I have a choice...","0":"(DEV) Jump to sex scene.","1":"Continue","2":"The next day comes, and I'm feeling anxious about the situation with Emily.","3":"How to get in contact, though?","4":"Well, currently, there's only one person I know who's in contact with both Kestrel and Arthur.","5":"I guess... my next step is obvious. I think... I should do this on my own.","6":"It's {Leah} I'm supposed to protect. I'm in danger, sure... but less danger than {Leah}.","7":"I'm more equipped to handle this than she is.","8":"She will talk to me. She'll put down anything to talk to me, even if she doesn't want to.","9":"That's just the situation she's in."},"ch14__14.80 leahs jealousy.vne3":{"10":"Seeing Emily was one of them?","11":"Yes, and probably the best option.","12":"Don't worry. I'm not upset. I think it was a good call. You're the one with history with her.","13":"She's just not going to share herself with me like she would with you.","14":"Then yes, I went to see Emily.","15":"Ah...","16":"That look of sorrow... it's heart-breaking.","17":"She said she was cool with it... but once I confirm it, it seems she has a different feeling.","18":"Why did you suddenly look sad?","19":"It's just... well...","20":"[i]...unresolved conflict...[\/i] I suppose.","21":"She had an ''in'' with you that I didn't.","22":"You should know it wasn't like that at all.","23":"I know. It's just... reflexive. You can't help how you feel.","24":"Damn it... playing with the hearts of two girls...","25":"...there is truly a thin line between monster and Casanova.","26":"We have more important things to discuss.","27":"What did she say?","28":"She's going to help us see her parents, but her warning...","29":"...it has me a bit worried, to be frank.","30":"How so?","31":"Emily is not one to exaggerate... but she says her dad is dangerous.","32":"She told me there was no chance I would get what I wanted from him.","33":"I wouldn't necessarily believe that.","34":"But she seemed certain of it?","35":"Who is Arthur to her? Her father, and whatever they think of each other, [i]an authority figure[\/i]. Of course he seems invincible.","36":"We shouldn't take this lightly, though. You are still right... Emily doesn't exaggerate, and Arthur may be a tough enemy.","37":"He [i]is[\/i] defeatable, everyone is. This is the only path I know that could help us learn about Valerie and Amiran.","38":"Even that's a long shot. We don't know if Arthur really knows anything.","39":"We'll learn something, in any case.","40":"Let's... go out tonight. What say you to Sevigny's?","41":"We need to bring some business their way anyway. The shooting was indirectly our fault.","42":"It wasn't.","43":"We can still help them out, though.","44":"{Leah} likes that response.","45":"We head out.","46":"Off the hook to see you! But you didn't have to come back so soon.","47":"We're here as customers.","48":"Not a customer. You're family now! Let me get you two something to wet your whistle with.","49":"Family?","50":"Right... I've got to tell you quite a bit...","51":"The evening passes, and I tell {Leah} about everything that's going on unrelated to the Fraternity.","52":"Today was quite eventful, and we sink comfortably into our company, in this empty bar that feels like it was made only for us.","53":"The night goes on... and we leave only past midnight.","54":"Somehow, I found my way to bed last night.","55":"My head pounds... I didn't do [i]that[\/i] much drinking...","56":"And it isn't just my head pounding. It's the door, too.","57":"Kristen again? Or...","58":"I take the shotgun from beneath the bed... I want easy access to it.","59":"Where is security? Alexis and Kristen seem to have no issues getting through the door.","60":"Where is security? Kristen seems to have no issues getting through the door.","61":"Putting the shotgun nearby, I carefully open...","62":"Emily... she looks quite grave. So focused on me she doesn't notice the shotgun.","63":"I've done my part, and the rest is up to you.","64":"My father will see you tonight. At his townhouse, not the house we had the party at.","65":"Already? I only talked to you last night...","66":"Well... he has ways to learn about conversations we had in private, if you see my meaning.","67":"I've written the details on this paper. Please read it very carefully.","68":"Right... Emily was bugged. She told me as much.","69":"I hope he didn't hear that one we had in the shower...","70":"There's nothing more I can tell you. And there's very little you can do to prepare... or avoid this.","71":"It's happening, and this is something only you can do alone.","72":"I understand.","73":"I... don't know what I'd do in your position.","74":"Treat this like a fight to the death. These are the true stakes, even though my dad will make it seem like it isn't.","75":"I see.","76":"I've got to go.","77":"And... thank you.","78":"Wow...","79":"...you told me about how dire Emily was last night, but to see it for myself...","80":"How much did you hear?","81":"I also have very sensitive equipment that lets me overhear private conversations.","82":"Pretty much everything I needed to.","83":"I did not like her tone.","84":"She's giving you 50\/50 chances, I'd say.","85":"Not bad odds.","86":"They're terrible odds if your life is at stake, which she seems to think.","87":"We must believe that Emily sees her dad as a bigger threat than he is... otherwise...","88":"...I'd say we cancel this.","89":"You think Arthur is more dangerous than a basement full of cultists?","90":"I don't know... but we also might not have enough to gain.","91":"Pick out a nice suit. I'm sure they'll be waiting for you.","92":"You do realize I have to go alone.","93":"Yes. This time... I'm very cognizant of it.","94":"The time eventually comes.","95":"I'm dressed in my nicest clothes. I haven't had a suit fitted for a long time... this feels a bit awkward on me.","96":"{Leah} fastidiously checks my clothes for lint... she can do little else.","97":"You look good.","98":"I look confident, at least.","99":"If handsomeness was a weapon, you'd be the deadliest thing there was.","100":"I'm off. I'll radio you when I leave the car... and come back.","101":"I think it's a good idea not to take the walkie-talkies. I can't give you assistance anyway.","102":"Here I go.","103":"I suppose it makes sense he doesn't want to meet me in the party house.","104":"It was broken into twice already... and I'm probably a suspect.","105":"The environment I'm entering will be prepared.","106":"I don't need to look for a location. When I scan for the door...","107":"...it's right in front of me.","108":"A large man stands beside it, dressed well but doesn't stand out. I get the impression he's some sort of doorman, there to let me in.","109":"As I approach... the door opens. There's no running away now.","110":"I pass though a small foyer... and straight into a dining room.","111":"A place is already set out for me... I need only to take a seat.","112":"But... already my throat dries... Emily's words reverberate...","0":"My head is swimming after that...","113":"This doesn't look dangerous... but the atmosphere...","1":"...it wasn't just the sex, either.","114":"...it's thick... as multiple sets of eyes bore into me. I feel distinct discomfort.","2":"A meeting with Arthur? Emily really built it up. If Arthur is as dangerous as Emily claims, there might be nothing I can do to prepare myself for him.","115":"What [i]exactly[\/i] am I here to do? And what [i]exactly[\/i] is the nature of the danger I'm in?","3":"I've got to share this with {Leah}...","4":"Whatcha doin'?","5":"Are you just standing outside for no reason?","6":"No. I was waiting for you. How did your meeting go with Emily?","7":"I didn't tell her that...","8":"What gave that away?","9":"I went through a list of things in my head of what you'd do without me."},"ch14_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch14_start.vne3":{"10":"Skip.","11":"It had been a desperate and hasty play, with the hope of gaining more insight into Valerie.","12":"{Leah} and I gambled that Amiran might know something of Valerie, or [i]Balenka[\/i] as he knew her, and we had risked reaching out to him over RECENTLY.","13":"When we met in the darkened alley though, the reception wasn't a warm one.","14":"He seemed convinced that either {Leah}, or I, were secretly members of the Fraternity.","15":"{Leah}, confused by this accusation, tried to reason with him, to learn the nature of his suspicion.","16":"But before we could talk down Amiran, a shadowy gunman appeared and took a shot at us.","17":"In the chaos, Amiran retreated, as did {Leah} and I.","18":"We took refuge nearby at the home of Frank Craven.","19":"We assumed the gunmen had been sent to intercept us after we broadcast our meeting right out on the open on RECENTLY.","20":"Frank scolded us for risking our lives for a piece of information, but {Leah} thought there might have been a reason why Amiran thought one of us was a Fraternity member.","21":"Regardless, we lost our chance to ask what that reason was.","22":"{Leah} had ultimately hoped to find some singular event that might unlock Valerie's nature. Something that happened to her in her past.","23":"She had hoped Amiran might know, but {Leah} also realized that Amiran was in prison for most of Valerie's life.","24":"We would know her better by now.","25":"We also learned that it was Frank who helped Amiran flee his country years ago with the financial support of Arthur, Emily's father.","26":"The only thread we seemed to have was this secret that {Leah} was keeping for Valerie.","27":"Frank implored me to appeal to {Leah}. To convince her to share this guarded piece of information.","28":"I tried to at least get her to tell us what the secret wasn't.","29":"Aside from learning that maybe, at least, it wasn't sexual in nature.","30":"But if {Leah} has good reason to keep it secret, I choose to trust her.","31":"Frank had to make peace with being kept in the dark.","32":"I begged {Leah} to share the secret with us.","33":"But all that appeared to do was cost me some dignity.","34":"After crashing at Craven's to lie low, we awoke the next morning to look at the event the night before with fresh minds.","35":"It seemed odd to {Leah} that our enemies, who could strike when and where at their leisure, would pick the alley to take us out in.","36":"I told her how it had to be Rogham.","37":"He wanted me dead. He had already tried once.","38":"Though {Leah} thought Rogham wasn't the kind of man to fail twice.","39":"I postulated that it [i]could[\/i] have been Valerie who ordered the hit.","40":"Maybe she's decided I'm too much of a loose end.","41":"{Leah} didn't quite buy it, however.","42":"There was always the possibility that the shooting was completely random.","43":"Maybe some addict or mugger saw us as targets of opportunity.","44":"{Leah} saw that possibility as a little too convenient.","45":"She had her own theories about the shooting, but declined to share them.","46":"To my growing frustration, she continues to withhold information and theories from me.","47":"She asks me to trust her, and I do. I just wish she would trust [i]me[\/i] for once.","48":"While we were [i]laying low[\/i], there were still things we could do to keep busy.","49":"Rearmament for one. Maggie was still my go to when it came to tracking down another gun.","50":"She had her reservations however. Given I lost the last gun I had.","51":"But these were serious times, and going without [i]some[\/i] kind of protection seemed like an unacceptable risk.","52":"In the end, Maggie agreed. Her Grandpa had a stash of guns just across state lines.","53":"We would soon plan a pilgrimage to the stash to rearm.","54":"A sudden, chance run in with Floyd had {Leah} and I scrambling to run interference. Terrified our ruse to throw him off Maggie's trail would be exposed.","55":"To our surprise though, it was Maggie, who stood up to Floyd. Confronting her brother, and telling him herself, that he needed to leave her alone, and she wasn't coming back to the Castle Homestead.","56":"And... It appeared to work.","57":"In fact, Floyd revealed his own dissatisfaction with the family patriarch, and how he had treated Maggie all her life.","58":"The fact is, it looks like both of the Castle children had changed and grown much in the past months.","59":"In the end, Maggie and Floyd both agreed to just put the past behind them, and go their separate ways.","60":"The surprises didn't end there. Another waited for me the next time I returned to work.","61":"Which was when I found out that Sandra was serious when she said I was fired.","62":"I suppose she really didn't like being confronted for being Valerie's unwitting puppet.","63":"The loss of the paycheck didn't bother me nearly as much as the access to Sandra. Along with all the powers and privileges a network admin provided me.","64":"Not that much of that mattered now. Sandra refused to face the truth, and the networks themselves were completely compromised at this point. Maybe the IT office has given me all it's going to it.","65":"That aside, I still have bills. Hoping to score an easy gig, I headed off campus to see Lidia at her coffee shop.","66":"But Lidia, unfortunately, was no longer in a position to offer me a job.","67":"Her handlers at the USPIS had shut down her coffee shop and her future was in limbo.","68":"While her future may have been uncertain, her rent wasn't, so she decided to join me on the job hunt.","69":"As the world continue to be turned upside down, not even the Philosophy Club was safe.","70":"Valerie now seems to haunt me like a vampire. Dipping her lithe fingers into my life and stirring it up, seemingly because she could.","71":"Slinking into the club like the devil herself. Every sultry step, every silky, honey word, seemed to hide fangs.","72":"She really loves it, the fear and confusion she could sow, just by showing up for small talk.","73":"But she hadn't descended her darkened castle simply to terrorize the peasants. ","74":"...She was hunting.","75":"Valerie still has a very clear interest in me. And she's more than happy to demonstrate her power.","76":"Whether it's meddling the Philosophy Club, or ''allowing'' {Leah} and the others to rescue me from the hospital.","77":"To Valerie, she is enlightened. Enlightened, as she sees it, to the uncaring, indifference of nature. She sees herself as evil, because she's beyond being good.","78":"It is this ''enlightenment'' that allowed her to become President of the Fraternity.","79":"Her infatuation with me? Beyond seeing the same ruthlessness in me as she sees in herself, she chalks her affections as feelings. As uncontrollable by her as the great forces of the universe.","80":"But she was less inclined to dwell on the subject.","81":"No, Valerie wanted to share intimacy in other ways. For me to know her more closely.","82":"I should have walked... no, run away. But she still has some kind of power of me.","83":"I did end up learning a little more about the darkness inside Valerie.","84":"And also ended up learning some things about myself. How Valerie awakens something dark in me as well...","85":"... And part of me loved it.","86":"... And it makes my stomach turn.","87":"But I didn't have to get closer to Valerie to find out that she was a liar, and can't be trusted.","88":"The time of any closeness between us, has passed.","89":"Back on the case, it was {Leah} who figured out the next missing puzzle piece.","90":"We had suspected that the cause of Valerie's nature might have something to do with a trauma that occurred when she fled her homeland with her father Amiran.","91":"Frank Craven had helped arrange for Amiran to escape with his daughter, but someone had to have bankrolled their escape, including their charter flight.","92":"That man, was none other than the father of my ex, Emily. Arthur.","93":"Arthur, it turns out, was arrogant, cruel, and dismissive man.","94":"I had the unfortunate pleasure of running into him and his other daughter, Iris, when they were finally bailing Emily out of Prison.","95":"I had the misfortune of meeting him and his other daughter, Iris, on the way to see Emily.","96":"It was clearer to me why she never introduced us when we were dating.","97":"Arthur only added to his charm when he casually confessed to being the one who pressured Emily into breaking up with me all those years ago.","98":"Emily's dad didn't strike me as the humanitarian. So why would he go out of his way, and out of pocket, to fly a mid-level bureaucrat, and his daughter, out of the country most than a decade ago?","99":"Sadly, there wasn't much I could get from them. Emily's father maintains a decidedly adversarial relationship with {Leah}. And seeing as I am her {youAreHer}, they were hesitant to speak to me for long.","100":"And were they the reason why Emily had begun to leave me cryptic messages to stay away?","101":"Back on campus, I had to take stock of my situation.","102":"Having effectively dropped out of class, and now getting fired, I really could run for Student Council President.","103":"Sam took it the hardest, but what could I do? I can't run for office of a university I don't attend anymore.","104":"In the meantime, fighting for truth and justice doesn't exactly pay the bills.","105":"Still needing jobs, Lidia and I ended up taking a gig working for Kristen at her comic book store.","106":"It went about as well as I imagined. And by lunch time, Lidia and I were both, again, unemployed.","107":"Needing to blow off some steam, we took the night off to have some drinks at Sevingy's and prank call Lidia's federal handlers.","108":"And things only heated up from there.","109":"The fun wouldn't last, however.","110":"The next day, Kestrel, Lidia's USPIS handler, pulled her from the field.","111":"I attempted to make some kind of deal with him. Try and trade information for Lidia's freedom.","112":"But I might have only given him more information. At this point, he seems much more interested in {Leah} than anything else. And that worries me.","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","113":"Even though I was still fuming about how things went with Kestrel, I ran into Kristen.","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","114":"She confessed her shop was in worse straights then she was letting on, and she needed help.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","115":"Not surprising, given how badly her customer service needed work.","3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","116":"But I agreed to help her, after she made some concessions, including agreeing to work on not being so abrasive.","4":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","117":"... But we ended up working out some of those issues with some on the job re-training.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","118":"Although it seemed like we were losing friends, and acquiring new enemies each time we turned around, there was some good news.","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","119":"Emily had finally come around.","7":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","120":"Seeing her family, and Valerie, for what they are, how they had manipulated and used her, she turned to the only friends she had left.","8":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","121":"Maybe, with her help, we can find out how all this is connected. Arthur, Amiran, Valerie...","9":"Check synopsis.","122":"...And then, maybe we'll know how to stop them."},"ch14__14.40 roadtrip.vne3":{"10":"Good chance for some practice, too. We got a family friend out there that lets us use his land come deer season.","11":"The spot's a little remote, so pack for a hike.","12":"Got it.","13":"Gimmie a call if you think of anything else. I'm gonna get these pooches home. Talk soon.","14":"Talk soon. And thank you, Maggie. I'll head over once I'm packed.","15":"I head back to my car. I'll admit, I'm nervous. But planning this little [i]excursion[\/i] has got me excited.","16":"I stop at a few places to pick up some last-minute camping supplies, before pulling up to Haley's. Maggie had asked me to pick her up here.","17":"Haley is out front as well, a bag already packed.","18":"Permission to join the Away Mission, Captain?","19":"I brought Twizzlers and my secret homemade trail mix.","20":"Permission granted. But I'm gonna need about half of those Twizzlers up front.","21":"I thought it'd be handy to have a third set of hands to take shifts driving.","22":"Though she won't tell me why. I'm guessing we're on a super secret clandestine operation to save Shale Hill from certain doom?","23":"If anyone asks, just tell them we're trying to stop the mole-people.","24":"Yay! Road trip! I'm so excited!","25":"Oh boy, {PlayerName}, I hope you [i]love[\/i] Taylor Swift.","26":"After packing a wholly inappropriate amount of luggage for a weekend trip just over the state line, and making half a dozen pit stops to pee or pick up coffees and snacks and 100% organic CBD infused sunscreen, we [i]finally[\/i] leave Shale Hill, and make it to open highway.","27":"...Oh, I could never! It's just, I always had too much respect for their position.","28":"Ugh, you are no fun at all.","29":"Well, since we know that Maggie only has love in her heart for Jesus, what about you, {PlayerName}? Do you have the hots for any of your professors?","30":"I gesture to the wheel and my inability to give them more information to tease me with.","31":"No fair! He gets out of ''secret time'' on a handicap!","32":"Thinking about it though, Carmen was pretty hot, though she wasn't technically [i]my[\/i] professor, so I don't know if that counts.","33":"Although... I had real life, honest-to-god sex with her, so admitting to that feels like it's out of the scope of the game.","34":"I wonder how many professors Haley and Maggie have had that are actively planning on killing them?","35":"Seems like a downer question though. Who knows, maybe Rogham will take up tennis instead of plotting my doom...","36":"... No! Don't tell the rest of it!","37":"Like, [i]stuck[\/i] stuck?","38":"We tried to get her out for like, literally the entire day before she finally just let me call the fire department.","39":"I was so embarrassed, I had to pee so bad!","40":"I can imagine!","41":"It was so funny, seeing her trying to sincerely thank all the firefighters so sincerely, then scurry behind a tree to wiz!","42":"Haley! You're so mean! I thought I had internal damage!","43":"...","44":".....","45":"After endless hours of driving, we pulled off into a little roadside motel, a little after dawn.","46":"We lug our stuff into the room, all still a little groggy.","47":"Maggie inspects the ceiling.","48":"This place probably needs some traps...","49":"Traps for what?","50":"I was wondering about the same thing...","51":"Don't worry yourself. Just thinking to myself.","52":"Haley, you must be zonked after driving all night.","53":"Yeah, thank you so much for taking the night shift.","54":"Happy to help!","55":"We still got a few hours before the gun store opens. Do you guys wanna get some breakfast?","56":"Honestly, I'm still kind of tired. I think I might just catch a few more hours of sleep.","57":"Oh, good, me too! But I didn't want to be an ol' stick in the mud.","58":"Well you guys did most of the drivin', so I'll take the couch if you two want the beds.","59":"Won't argue with you on this one.","60":"We all settle in to grab a mid-morning nap before heading out. I guess I really must have needed it, because I pass out immediately after my head hits the pillow.","61":"Play ep14_Sexy_Motel_Shenanigans","62":"Continue","63":"After a brief nap, Maggie and I venture out to explore the local gun store, while Haley enjoys some well-deserved rest following a long night of driving.","64":"I'm barely awake when I notice just how springing the mattress is. Right in character for a musty old motel room.","65":"It takes me a second to register that the reason I'm noticing it now is because someone is crawling into bed with me.","66":"I can't sleep. I'm horny.","67":"Haley's top is already off, her modest, yet perky breasts cupped gently in her bra.","68":"Let's fool around a little.","69":"I glance over towards the couch, where Maggie's head is still down.","70":"It's okay. We'll be quiet. Just relax.","71":"Haley's delicate lips graze my chest, before slowly working her way up my neck.","72":"I let out a breath and chuckle a bit when she hits a ticklish spot.","73":"Shhhh, you need to be quiet.","74":"Haley nuzzling me under my jaw sends a wave of warmth down through my whole body, and adds a little spice to it when she starts nipping at my ear.","75":"Her hand slides down my stomach, and dives down my pants.","76":"My cock stiffens further when she does, as if seeking out her fingers.","77":"She gently flirts with my cock, running her fingers up and down it, while we kiss.","78":"Beckoned by my manhood, she pecks one more kiss, before grinning and sliding back down my chest.","79":"When I look up though, I see weren't as quiet as we thought.","80":"Maggie timidly tip-toes towards the bed, her cheeks flush and her lips plump.","81":"I greet her by reaching up to pull her in for a kiss.","82":"I feel Maggie's kiss just as Haley's lips lazily tease the head of my rod.","83":"Thoroughly enjoying the moment as I was, I see Maggie's attention instantly turn, and she starts giggling.","84":"Noticing the sudden lack of warm breath on my dick, I look down.","85":"I grin. Haley is curled up, and looks to be completely out.","86":"I guess she became more tired than horny.","87":"Still rocking a pretty serious erection, I half consider soliciting Maggie to finish me off, but realize that might be a bit indulgent.","88":"I guess she realizes the moment's passed too, as she speaks with enough frankness to betray a little bit of disappointment.","89":"Well, the gun store should be open now. Do you want to head out?","90":"Yeah, we'll let her sleep.","91":"Oh, come on!","92":"What's the matter?","93":"This is the gun store? Were they going for the ''Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' look on purpose?","94":"Hey, be nice. These guys are really friendly.","95":"Hey there.","96":"Hello! I'm Maggie Castle, you know our clan.","97":"Which branch? The Lockton Castles? Pecaquah?","98":"We're the Shale Hill Castles.","99":"[i]Ah.[\/i] Yeah, you all are regulars here. It's good to see the tradition continues.","100":"I'm Steve, Bill Mendick's son. My brother Chuck Mendick married Shirl Castle of the Pecaquah branch. I reckon that makes you as good as family here.","101":"What can I do for you folks?","102":"I talked my friend, {PlayerName} here into the spring gobbler season. And we're here to get him set up with a pump. Maybe a 20 gauge?","103":"Nothin too fancy, broke college students and all. You got any Turkish guns?","104":"Nice! Welcome to the hunting community, brother! Spring thunder is upon us. You guys want some chokes for birdshot?","105":"Nah, my daddy's got a bunch lying around. But maybe a few boxes of bird loads... and what the heck, maybe a few boxes of buck shot.","106":"Never know when one of them six foot tall turkeys with a knife might break into {PlayerName}'s apartment to do him harm.","107":"Ha! That is a persuasive argument for any intrusive bird to reconsider his life choices.","108":"Alright, hoss. Let me get your paperwork, and then I'm just gonna need an ID and we can get you settled up and out of here in no time.","109":"My heart starts to race a little bit when Steve pulls a shotgun from the rack and lays it on the counter with a substantial thunk. It even sounds heavy.","110":"I trade my Drivers License for a packet to fill out, and I set about clerical endeavor of government paperwork.","111":"It does have some questions I've never had to answer yes or no to on a form though.","112":"Hey, Maggie. Do I ''harbor or have harbored any intent to rebel against the Government of the United States of America''?","0":"So, Valerie's stepping up her game. Putting her digital eyes and ears all over campus.","113":"Well, I do fuck with Kestrel quite frequently, and he represents the U.S. government, but I'm still sure that wouldn't qualify as a rebellion.","1":"In the spirit of escalation, I think it's time I take some steps myself and pull the trigger on getting that gun, no pun intended.","114":"Not that I'm aware of.","2":"I'm already at the usual spot when Maggie and her furry entourage stop by.","115":"I check ''no''.","3":"Hey there, stranger! Fancy seeing you here.","116":"I finish filling out the form, and hand it to Steve, who disappears in back.","4":"Hey, Maggie. I think it's about time we take that [i]road trip[\/i] we've been talking about.","117":"Just over on the counter, the long, forbidden amalgamation of steel and wood sits, waiting to get picked up.","5":"A more serious expression chases the smile from her face, and she nods.","118":"There's almost a weird sentiment that I'm adopting a pet or companion. Whether or not that's a healthy sentiment to have, I couldn't say.","6":"Well alright, I suppose we should get to it then.","119":"You thought of a name for her, yet?","7":"When were you fix'n to head out?","120":"Do I need to submit that? I didn't see a box for that on the form.","8":"When its convenient for you, I think.","121":"She laughs.","9":"'Course. Might need to go a little later, need to get these guys home, and I'll start packing.","122":"It's not like a boat or anything. Some people just got names for their shooting irons.","123":"Nothing is jumping to mind. Maybe it'll come to me later.","124":"I catch Maggie looking at the gun. Maybe unaware of the shadow growing long across her face.","125":"Everything okay?","126":"Yeah...","127":"I just wish the reason we were in here getting you a gun [i]really was[\/i] just so you could come turkey hunting with me.","128":"Me too.","129":"You know. For being the sweetest person I know, I'm surprised you like hunting.","130":"It's just, you seem to have a lot of love for animals.","131":"More to hunting than just harvesting an animal, {PlayerName}. You can have some great hunts and never so much lay eyes on a bird or a deer.","132":"Plus, I dunno. That's sort of the way of the woods, ain't it? Some things are food for other things, hunters and hunted.","133":"It begs the question. Right now, which am I?","134":"The background check doesn't take as long as I was expecting, and soon Maggie and I are walking out to the car with a long, thin cardboard box, and a few blocks of shotgun shells.","135":"Now... maybe the state don't mind you waving around a thing like this without knowing nothing, but I do.","136":"Guns are a force multiplier for dumb, as my pappy used to say.","137":"You don't want me going the way of your cousins.","138":"I'm surprised when Maggie suddenly...[i] breaks into song.","139":"[i]~Where do bad folks go when they die? They don't go to heaven where the angels fly. They go to a lake of fire and fry. Don't see 'em again 'til the Fourth of July.~","140":"Maggie's little song finishes, and she seems quite pleased with herself.","141":"Don't do what your heroes do just 'cause they're your hero, got it?","142":"Looks like you understand. Let's get our backpacks and do some shooting practice out in the forest.","143":"What about Haley?","144":"I think she needs some rest after driving all night, don't ya?","145":"She's not wrong.","146":"Let's go."},"ch14__14.45 maggie sex scene.vne3":{"10":"Okay, let's dump our gear, and start blast'n!","11":"I'm hit with a sudden jolt of adrenaline. Excited, but also a little nervous.","12":"The shotgun is just a [i]teensy, weensy, itty bit[\/i] bigger than the pistol was. The difference in recoil will be considerable and I'm already thinking about it.","13":"A short time later... and I realize how much easier it all looked in the movies.","14":"No... no, the red part goes in... there you go... alright, that can go there, I suppose.","15":"Okay. That's enough shells for now.","16":"Now, seat it good and tight to the meat just inside the shoulder... No, the [i]other[\/i] shou-... there ya go.","17":"Okay, then you just need to put your finger on the... there you go.","18":"Alright, now get a good little bend in your elbow... Perfect!","19":"... And most importantly, ya gotta lean forward!","20":"You don't lean forward and show it who's boss, it's gonna knock you right on your tush, darl'n!","21":"Shooting tips? Or life advice?","22":"Wait... is the safety on?... Good, I almost forgot!","23":"A clean campsite is still a campsite after all. Maggie is still able to scrounge up a couple of old cans. Setting them up on a nearby crate.","24":"Helps to have something to aim for. Just like my granddaddy used to say. ''Totin' a hillbilly howitzer ain't no excuse for not aimin' properly!''","25":"Alright, just aim down the sight, put the bead on whatever you want to shoot, and let um rip!","26":"As if it were just that simple. I try and remember the seeming million gun rules I just got hit with. I clench my core, right? And was I supposed to have it tight on my shoulder? Or not?","27":"At some point, I just close my eyes, clench every muscle in my body, and squeeze the trigger.","28":"The concussion of the gun going off stuns me, causing me to flinch, though thankfully, doesn't knock me back on my ''tush''.","29":"Despite the ringing, and my arms feeling like jello... it wasn't bad.","30":"Actually, that was super fun.","31":"Do you want to do it again?","32":"Only more than anything in the world!","33":"Okay, but first, let's review some posture and security concerns.","34":"While Maggie was supportive, she couldn't help but notice my lack of familiarity with firearms.","35":"As a result, we ended up investing a significant amount of time in reviewing posture and safety concerns.","36":"Finally, Maggie grins and hands me another shell, which I can't load into the tube fast enough.","37":"Hey, hand me the pump-gun real quick.","38":"I turn to see her attention fixed on something across the glade, she's otherwise dead quiet.","39":"I hear a crunch of leaves, and movement drifting across the corner of my eye.","40":"My pulse starts to relax. Unless it's a secretly trained ''Fraternity Attack Deer'', we should be safe.","41":"But Maggie carefully extends her hand for the gun.","42":"Without taking her eyes off the deer, Maggie takes the firearm and squares up on the animal.","43":"She racks the action back, and slowly lifts the gun to her shoulder.","44":"Wait... is she...","45":"Is this her idea of buying dinner?","46":"My stomach begins to roll at the prospect of having to ''process'' an animal. I didn't sign up for that on this trip!","47":"Maggie draws her bead over the deer, and is as still as a tree. A wisp of wind brushing a red-gold curl across her perfect cheek.","48":"Those petal pink lips forming the softest little O. And just loud enough to be heard...","49":"... Boom.","50":"...","51":"...","52":"The only one that didn't run, huh? All the little birds, and all the little rodents, and it's just you.","53":"You're the weakest animal of the forest... and the strongest too.","54":"What are you saying?","55":"Animal's deaf.","56":"That thing should've been a goner... way before it had the chance to grow up. It lived somehow, beyond all reason it got to be an adult..","57":"That's a miracle I don't wanna end.","58":"Also, I packed sandwiches.","59":"We watch the deer graze quietly for I don't know how long, until it lazily trots off into the brush.","60":"It's then that both Maggie and I realize just how low the sun has gotten in the sky.","61":"Well, shoot. Guess the day got ahead of us.","62":"Should we pack up and head back for the night?","63":"It'll be well past dark before we get back to the road. Might be better if we just made camp.","64":"Maggie grabs a radio from her pack.","65":"Haley? Haley, it's Maggie, over.","66":"It's a second before the radio crackles to life.","67":"Hey, Maggie! I hear you!","68":"Hey, girl. It's getting kind of late and we're still way out in the woods. I think we're going to camp here tonight.","69":"Booo. I wanted to go camping!","70":"But okay, be safe. Have a s'more for me!","71":"We will. Bye, Haley. Over and out.","72":"While Maggie was on the radio, I started setting up the tent.","73":"It's not that I freak out about the dark, but I'd rather have the tent all squared aware before it becomes pitch black.","74":"Oh, well ain't you a sweetie.","75":"If you want to work on this, I'll start on dinner.","76":"Blissfully, the tent goes up without much trouble.","77":"Before long, we're all ready for a long night out in the woods.","78":"Then there's nothing to do but have dinner and enjoy the fire. It's starting to feel like a proper camping trip.","79":"You do alright out in the sticks, {PlayerName}. You can come camping with me anytime.","80":"I grab a seat next to Maggie on the log. By now, the sun has faded well below the trees, and the stars are starting to peek out through the gaps in the forest canopy.","81":"Hey, thanks again for doing this with me.","82":"Aw, it was nothing.","83":"Least I could do after everything you've done for me.","84":"I just really hope you don't ever have to use it. The shotgun that is.","85":"I know you can't tell me about it, but... that don't mean I worry about you any less.","86":"I know. I'm sorry, Maggie.","87":"But I do feel safer, getting lessons from the best gunfighter in Shale Hill.","88":"''Best gunfighter'' my [i]biscuits[\/i].","89":"And don't [i]you[\/i] go going getting yourself into trouble just cause I taught you where the safety was.","90":"You promise me you'll only use it if you're backed into a wall and your life depends on it!","91":"I promise, I promise.","92":"Good. Nothing worse than a fool who thinks he turns into Wyatt Earp the moment his fingers touch iron.","93":"That's why my cousin Abel can't drive at night any more.","94":"Just how many ''that's what happened to my cousin'' stories do you have?","95":"Dunno. Guess I'd have to remember how many cousins I have?","96":"My count might be low. Might have lost or gained a couple since last I saw the family newsletter.","97":"My old Great Aunt Gerdie used to say all us Castles bred like a bunch of rabbits.","98":"Maggie's eyes thin seductively, and the corners of her lips curl in a coy smile.","99":"...is Maggie... flirting with me?","100":"But all sorts of crazy stuff would come out of old Aunt Gerdie's mouth.","101":"The redhead laughs nervously and blushes, her shame seeming to have caught up with her.","102":"Was she the one who taught you how to shoot a shotgun?","103":"Nah, that was my daddy.","104":"Definitely the loudest fifth birthday present I got.","105":"Floyd was mad because he forgot to lean forward when he shot his first 20 gauge.","106":"Isn't my gun a 20 gauge?","107":"Yup.","108":"And your dad let you and your brother shoot that when you were [i]five[\/i]?","109":"We still tease Floyd about it. Oh, he cried so much. He didn't shoot again until he was seven!","110":"A yawn suddenly creeps across Maggie's face.","111":"Mercy Me! I'm sorry, {PlayerName}. I swear you're stimulating company. I'm just bushed.","112":"Yeah, I suppose it's time we turn in.","113":"I'm so sleepy! I'm gonna be out like a light!","114":"I share Maggie's sentiment. I'm exhausted. At first I was dreading having to sleep in a sleeping bag on the forest floor...","115":"... But right now, that tent and sleeping bag might as well be a five star hotel.","116":"We quietly pack up our stuff, and get ready for bed.","117":"I do my best to practice some decorum and not outright ogle Maggie as she strips down to her skivvies, but I swear she's making it difficult on purpose.","118":"Okay, Goodnight, {PlayerName}.","119":"I nod, lie back, and shut my eyes.","120":"But sleep doesn't come as quickly as I thought it would.","121":"Something is keeping me up. Like a little itch in the back of my head. Some remaining urge that hasn't been satiated.","122":"Just feet from me, I hear Maggie's soft breathing, and her lithe legs, shuffling quietly against her sleep bag. My pulse starts to quicken, simply at the proximity of a young woman as attractive as she is.","123":"Ignore it, and just go to sleep.","124":"Cave to your restlessness.","125":"I open my eyes to find Maggie, fully awake, staring at me from her sleeping bag.","126":"For a moment, she doesn't say a word. She just studies my face, her eyes occasionally flickering to my own.","127":"...","128":"I can't sleep.","129":"I don't know why I know that's code. I just know it.","130":"My suspicions are confirmed when I lean in, and Maggie leans in to meet me.","131":"Her lips are soft and warm, and her hair smells of strawberries and campfire.","132":"Something about being in the woods, with the backdrop of countless singing crickets and tree frogs, the crackling fire, and the heavy forest air, just lends an almost drug-like quality to the experience.","133":"Maggie caves to my advances. Collapsing back down onto the sleeping pad while my hands hungrily explore her body.","134":"A shiver travels through her when my hand explores her large, supple breast. And more tremors are coaxed from her when I probe her sex.","135":"Those big, pale melons are just too inviting. Perfect pink nipples crown each of her ample globes like cherries atop some perfectly baked confectionery.","136":"I give her jiggling sweater meat a firm suckle. Tasting her sweet nipple.","137":"Yes, oh god! I want your mouth all over me!","138":"Ravaging Maggie's heavenly tits some more, I contine groping and mouthing her stuning milkers.","139":"Maggie hums along like an engine. Letting out a whole chorus of delightful little sounds that just get me hotter.","140":"Maggie is aware of the effect. The positive feedback loop of arousal.","141":"I feel her fingers slink down my belly and into my boxers to fish out my growing serpent.","142":"I tug at Maggie's clothes, signaling for her to undress.","143":"She does, maintaining just enough bashfulness to drive me absolutely wild.","144":"What do you want me to do now?","145":"I guide Maggie back down on her back, and lean over to begin servicing her.","146":"She's still a little nervous, I feel the tension in her legs. So I help her relax.","147":"Maggie's cries of passions soon haunt the woods, despite her best efforts to muffle them.","148":"Pushing over the edge, her now sweat slick legs kick and slide up over my shoulders.","149":"I dig in, my tongue lapping at her folds, tasting her smoothness, her coarseness, and everything in between.","150":"She moistens, tenses, and presses herself against my chin, mouth and nose.","151":"A slight orgasm rips through her... I feel her moan and stiffen with a sudden paralysis.","152":"Needing a breather after running Maggie to completion, I collapse back onto my sleeping pad.","153":"A moment later, I spy Maggie, up and eyeing my hardon.","154":"Carefully, as if she's scared of startling it, she slinks up my legs to my cock.","155":"Wrapping her trembling fingers around it, she carefully leans towards it, and licks it affectionately.","156":"Guys like it when girls do this type of stuff, right?","157":"But the more Maggie services my member with her divine lips, the more she gets over her insecurity.","158":"I can see the transformation, as she gives herself over to her own lusts, while I feel the warm, wet wonderfulness of her swallowing my meat.","159":"Maggie grows more comfortable with my cock in her mouth by the second.","160":"And soon, she's letting me explore to my content, feeling the size my gland against the wet inside of her cheek.","161":"Are these her survival skills at work? Out here in these woods, with nothing to help us if we ran into any threat at all...","162":"...Maggie devours my cock with an inexplicable hunger. I watch her with a warming satisfaction.","163":"If I really do taste this good, perhaps I should be worried about bears and wolves...","164":"Maggie, it turns out, might be a natural at this.","165":"Just as Maggie is getting close to finishing me off, she leans up, holding herself and shivering.","166":"It's chilly.","167":"I can see the goosebumps speckle her immaculate breasts.","168":"Nearby, our fire is still going strong.","169":"I shepherd the curvy redhead closer to the flame.","170":"Soon, its warmth heats our naked flesh from the cool night air.","171":"Maggie's little fingers soon seek out my shaft again, stroking it gently and rejuvenating the erection.","172":"Your dick feels so nice in my hands.","173":"It's hard to be worried about being naked in the middle of the woods, when a girl like Maggie has her hands on your gear.","174":"My unit pulses eagerly while Maggie continues jerking me off.","175":"Satisfied she's riled me up enough, Maggie climbs on top of me, and lowers herself down on my trunk.","176":"As I feel her slide down my pole, powerful quakes of ecstasy rattle her body.","177":"Jesus, {PlayerName}! I love how you feel inside me!","178":"Her tight snatch hugs my pillar in a death grip while she rides it up and down.","179":"The more we fuck, the more adventurous and curious Maggie becomes.","180":"She shifts positions on top of me to experiment with positions. I'm happy to watch her work, and to watch her creamy jugs bounce up and down.","181":"She looks otherworldly in this light. The way the glow of the moon and the warmth of the fire play against each other across her skin.","182":"Like she's some kind of forest nymph I've ensnared.","183":"No... it's like a forest sprite... this feels like a pagan ritual. A dark one, done in the dead of night.","184":"At the very least I [i]feel[\/i] like an animal, with both of us using each other with wild need.","185":"I'm scared of the kind of magic we could summon together, if we really wanted.","186":"The wet slapping of flesh, and her longing moans echo off into the trees.","187":"Though I suppose there's nothing unnatural about the sounds we're making tonight.","188":"Eager to taste those jugs once more, I pull her close, pressing my face into her bosom.","189":"Do you like my breasts? They are all for you.","190":"Catching our breath for a moment. The moans and slaps are soon replaced by the regular songs of frogs and insects, still looking for their chance at breeding.","191":"But I feel Maggie's heart pounding through my own skin. And can feel her fast, hungry breaths as we gently pulse against one another.","192":"God... Why do I need you inside me so badly?","193":"Slowly, I slide her up and down my shaft, feeling every millimeter of her womanhood against me as I piston in and out of her.","194":"Still eager to play and explore, we roll into another position.","195":"Maggie watches while I tease her slit with the head of my ram. Pressing it up and down against her twitching lips.","196":"Please! Put it back in!","197":"Barely able to hold back any longer myself, I thrust forward, driving my manhood into Maggie, and sending her gasping.","198":"But once speared on my love gun, she wraps her arms around me and pulls me to her like we're joined together.","199":"Bodies slick with sweat and sex, limbs growing entangled, we continue to fuck, full on animal style.","200":"I shapeshift into something fierce, and my next thoughts are about wildly getting off.","201":"I go mating press on her... plunging my cock into her fertileness...","202":"I see her now as something to plant my seed into, to watch grow. I can't help it, that is simply how my mind works.","203":"The desire grows more intense, I feel my orgasm building...","204":"I want to burst like a goddamn dam, and rage forward like a river.","205":"I want to be a tornado that trails destruction...","206":"...but what I am is enjoying every crash of thunderous sensation as I fuck Maggie senselessly.","207":"I can't stop myself now...","208":"How do you want me?","209":"I answer by grabbing Maggie by the waist, and flipping her onto all fours.","210":"She giggles, backing her firm, round ass up into me.","211":"I run my throbbing club between her soft, warm cheeks a few times, before pressing it back to her slit.","212":"Maggie tenses up when she feels me press against her.","213":"But I grab a thick handful of that auburn hair, and pull her back as I thrust forward.","214":"Maggie's legs buckle from the sudden penetration. Shaking wildly as the weakest of cries escapes her lips.","215":"Pounding... slapping... louder than buckshot... louder than the shotgun.","216":"Our hip and ass smash, causing rips of pleasure each stroke.","217":"I will not be able to stop...","218":"Yes! Take me! Oh, god, yes!","219":"Maggie finally finds her voice again. Crying out in pleasure as she's pounded from behind!","220":"Collapsing to her elbows, I don't let up, gripping the curvy co-ed tightly and humping away.","221":"Yes! Don't stop!","222":"Reaching the tipping point, I feel the climax screaming upwords.","223":"Are you about to... finish?","224":"Cum inside her.","225":"Shoot it over her back.","226":"Finish in her mouth.","227":"There's no turning back now. Maggie senses it as well, thrusting her hips back so I cum as deeply inside her as possible.","228":"With a final growl, I thrust forward into her ample hips. Maggie squeals into the floor mat when my seed explodes inside her.","229":"Uncontrollable tremors rock me to my core, as pulse after pulse of molten jizz fires off into the redhead beneath me, until the last, weak tremor of orgasm has passed.","230":"With any strength draining from me, I release Maggie. Her nubile body collapses onto the mat, totally spent and moaning softly, drunk from the pleasure.","231":"My own head is spinning, and I feel like I've woken from some dream.","232":"But I look down at Maggie ravaged body, my warm seed still oozing out of her battered slit. And feel pretty satisfied with myself.","233":"She lets out a giggle.","234":"Mmmm... Well I don't think I'll have any trouble falling asleep now.","235":"I crawl up behind Maggie, letting my meat slide between her soft, warm cheeks.","236":"Yes... All day, all I could think of what having you all over me like this.","237":"Excited by her horniness, I start thrusting, running my cock back and forth between those stunning buns.","238":"Lord, is it sinful to like having your... [i]trunk[\/i], just rubbing all over me?","239":"Maybe it was Maggie mentioning sin, but that's all I need to put me over the top.","240":"Wait, what's happening?","241":"But my hips are already bucking uncontrollably, and finally, a fountain of molten jizz explodes from the head of my shaft in a blinding orgasm.","242":"Maggie gasps and freezes when the first ropes of stick sauce lick up her back.","243":"Unsure of how to react, she holds like a statue, while I cum all over her.","244":"Another pulse of pleasure sends even more pearly threads spider webbing up the young redhead's back.","245":"But each time it hits her, I feel her buns press against me even more, as if to coax more out of me.","246":"Soon, the last lazy rope of jizz fires off across the river of spunk now flowing down her back.","247":"Oh my god, {PlayerName}! Is it always this much?","248":"What do people do with it all?","249":"Since the first moment I've had her lips touch my cock, the thought of having Maggie's mouth has never been far from my mind.","250":"So of course, when given the option, I'm having her wrap those pouty lips right back around my shaft.","251":"I want it so bad, that no sooner am I in her mouth, I feel the orgasm surge upwards.","252":"I don't even have time to warn her.","253":"Maggie's head jerks when the blast of cum shoots down her throat, but she keeps her lips around my meat. Trying to steady herself as I fire my load into her mouth.","254":"Despite her efforts, she coughs and sputters a few times, letting thick trails of cum escape her lips.","255":"When she feels the last pulse of cum dribble from my member, Maggie finally lets the softening snake flop from her lips, looking up at me confused and clueless. Trying to talk to me with a mouth full of my cum.","256":"I -allowed a -unch. Is -at okay?","257":"The next morning, we're up at first light.","258":"Ready to go?","259":"I nod to Maggie, who smiles back.","260":"Despite some earlier reservations about sleeping in the woods. I find myself quite well rested.","261":"With that, we head back towards the car to pick up Haley, and drive home to Shale Hill.","0":"Just a little bit farther. It's just over there!","1":"You're a regular stud, {PlayerName}! That was a good little hike and I didn't hear you complain, not once!","2":"I nod and smile. [i]If she only knew.[\/i]","3":"I'm an IT guy. Walking make my knees wobble. I was genetically engineered to sit in a chair.","4":"I wipe the sweat from my brown and swat at another bug.","5":"But past that, being out here makes me wish I went camping more often.","6":"Or maybe [i]out of the city[\/i] more often, to be more accurate.","7":"And here we are!... Oh, perfect! Sometimes we'd come back here and the last group to use it would leave all their crap everywhere.","8":"The remote mountain hide-y-hole that Maggie's ''clan'' was a party to, was not without its charm. It's gorgeous here.","9":"The site is well manicured, and well stocked, without feeling [i]too[\/i] established."},"ch15__15.05 tense negotiations.vne3":{"10":"Pleasant? Too late. This reminds me of those silk-shirted dignitaries at those youth conferences I used to go to.","11":"Strange accents, exiles from different countries, professional elbow-brushers and name-droppers, each one of them seem to run a charitable foundation and an African gem mine at the same time.","12":"They too had the poise of knives, they lived by the sharpness of their words and their smiles.","13":"Luncheons with weird silverware and fifteen different plates with French names were [i]their[\/i] game too.","14":"Still, there's cracks here.","15":"Ken.","16":"Arthur doesn't seem pleased.","17":"[i]Ken.","18":"Huh?","19":"Everyone is standing up.","20":"Oh, shit.","21":"The two of them flinched at Ken's mild oath. I might swear too if I could. Still, it's weird that they're standing up. Is it for [i]me?[\/i]","22":"The old me would have [i]loved[\/i] this, having the cream of society giving me such respect. I know far too much now.","23":"The swords here are hidden in words. I need to be really careful about how I respond. So fortunate that I literally have to type everything out.","24":"I'd better say something...","25":"There's no need to stand up for me.","26":"I appreciate the respect.","27":"Let's head straight to business.","28":"Of course not. You're our guest. My daughter Emily speaks so well of you.","29":"Emily... the daughter he condemned. He must have deliberately brought it up, he [i]knows[\/i] our history.","30":"I wish I could read his intention.","31":"Yes... [i]respect...","32":"Arthur makes the slightest twist of displeasure. Did I say something wrong?","33":"It's a common courtesy, {PlayerName}.","34":"That was Iris's way of saying: ''don't read too deeply into it''. So... that means Arthur took my words as presumption.","35":"Damn... this conversation really is going to be a minefield.","36":"What do you mean by business?","37":"I probably should not have let Arthur know I have my own reasons to be here, even if he suspected it.","38":"This is starting out bad.","39":"Never mind. We do have dinner first. It would be a waste to conclude so quickly.","40":"Could your business wait?","41":"Framed as a question, but Arthur really meant it as ''you [i]will[\/i] wait''.","42":"There's a reason he's drawing this out.","43":"Go ahead, take a seat.","44":"This isn't the first time I've been in this situation before. I've been at fancier dinners. I've been with richer people. That sort of thing just happens when you go to youth leadership circuit.","45":"Back then, I wasn't a [i]player[\/i]. I may have been the focal point, people may have toasted me and lauded me, but really I was set dressing. Everyone was smiling at me and playing these games I couldn't see...","46":"...I was like a neutron, passing through the Earth, present but unable to interfere.","47":"This time I [i]am[\/i] a player. I have motives. There's something Arthur wants. There's something I want. So... let's play the bluffing game.","48":"I nod, and take my place at the table.","49":"I'm sorry if I came off as presumptuous. I'm just flattered that you'd stand up for me.","50":"Arthur twinges. [i]Good save[\/i], he seems to think.","51":"Well, my feet are tired. Let's sit.","52":"Christ, what a relief.","53":"Of course it can wait. I misspoke.","54":"Yes, I'd hate to spoil the meal with too much invective.","55":"Personally, I thought it was pretty cool that you wanted to go straight down to the shit. I like it.","56":"Ken.","57":"Uh... sorry...","58":"We take our seats. No matter how many times you go to these damn dinners, it just feels like a straight-jacket.","59":"The truth of high society is that it's unpleasant on purpose. I learned by experience people this rich can pick up on very subtle clues about your social class.","60":"If you don't act in a perfectly proscribed manner, they'll know you're not part of their circle.","61":"So what is Butch Cassidy and the Pinkshirt Kid doing here?","62":"Servers come in with wine bottles. I don't think it matters I'm only 20.","63":"Even if this whole town weren't lax on drinking laws, these kinds of people don't really have laws in the first place.","64":"I must say, this is an event I've been waiting for a long time. I told Emily I had wanted to meet the young man who had pulled her astray.","65":"[i]Astray[\/i]... I can't tell if he's teasing or not.","66":"It's only too bad we're only meeting after your relationship ended.","67":"Yes, we all wanted to meet you. It was Emily who was reluctant.","68":"I know you know Iris. The young man is Ken, Iris's fiance.","69":"[i]Fiance?[\/i] That's interesting... she and him might as well be oil and water.","70":"'Sup.","71":"He... doesn't seem like the kind of person Iris would be into... I wonder what's special about him?","72":"Ken's father is the CEO of a major New York commercial property management service.","73":"Oh. That explains it.","74":"I live in a penthouse.","75":"[i]You don't have to say that every time, Ken.","76":"Ken is studying law at Harvard.","77":"Her eyes beg me to believe that Ken is actually [i]really[\/i] quite talented and intelligent.","78":"But... as she does... I notice how pretty and earnest they are. If I'm not careful I could just stare into them.","79":"I wonder if Arthur invited Iris here to throw me off my game?","80":"What kind of law?","81":"Criminal laws. You know. Crimes and stuff.","82":"It's all pretty advanced. It's the rocket science of laws.","83":"So you'll be working under a DA when you graduate?","84":"DA?","85":"Help me out, Daddy.","86":"[i]Don't call me that.","87":"''District Attorney'', that's what {PlayerName} means.","88":"Sorry. Ken isn't very good with acronyms.","89":"There's a lot I gotta remember.","90":"And... uh...","91":"Suddenly she puts her wine to her lips, and it drains like she has a hose attached.","92":"Iris drink quite a bit while looking composed.","93":"I think everyone has low blood sugar. We'll all feel better once we have something in our stomachs.","94":"I had better get one thing perfectly straight... why [i]I'm[\/i] here, and what Arthur wants.","95":"Once I have that set in my mind, I can more easily recognize when I'm being manipulated.","96":"First of all... I think it's pretty clear why I'm doing this. It's...","97":"...to beg for {Leah}'s innocence.","98":"...to find out about Valerie's flight.","99":"...to steal Iris away.","100":"And... what does Arthur want from me?","101":"It's not quite as obvious... but... Arthur was really focused on one particular thing...","102":"...to find out information on {Leah}.","103":"...to recruit me into the Fraternity.","104":"...to entrap me with Iris's charms.","105":"That sounds about right.","106":"I have one important advantage over Arthur: I know what he wants, but he doesn't know what [i]I[\/i] want.","107":"Somehow, I've got to leverage that information so that he slips information.","108":"No... that doesn't sound right.","109":"Shit... what am [i]I doing here?[\/i] If I can't even get our motives straight, there's no way I can play this game.","110":"I'm fucked.","111":"I should take a moment to calm down and reconsider.","112":"I like your phone.","113":"Thanks.","114":"Are you like... Hindu or something? You took a vow of silence?","115":"[i]Ken![\/i] He lost his voice.","116":"Have you tried... you know... coughing? Drinking fluids, maybe?","117":"Ken, it doesn't work like that. Please think before you say something.","118":"She's right. Too much scar tissue. It's a complicated problem.","119":"Drinking fluids solves a lot of problems.","120":"[i]That's some pearl of wisdom, there...","121":"It's terrible what happened to you. Medical malpractice, I heard. Sometimes you hear stories and you wonder how professional these doctors are.","122":"It was a blessing in disguise. The civil suit was pretty generous; it managed to pay for me and {Leah}'s tuition. We'll leave college debt free.","123":"Mm... that is lucky, in a sense. But at what cost?","124":"I didn't have to pay any cost. Our family has never really had to worry about money.","125":"Don't be absurd.","126":"Hard work got us there. Hard work and family loyalty.","127":"There's only one way people get rich and stay rich, and that's by study and work.","128":"Luck is winning the lottery. Everything else is the grind.","129":"But medical malpractice sounds a lot easier than hard work. I mean... that's a pretty good alternative.","130":"Ken! That's rude!","131":"Yeah, we'd solve poverty if the poor just got large settlements from having their throats stabbed.","132":"He gets it.","133":"This is getting grisly.","134":"But that medical malpractice suit didn't really make you [i]wealthy[\/i], did it?","135":"Wealth isn't just about numbers in an account, it's positioning. You have to find where the money flows and divert it toward you.","136":"I work to live, if that's what you're asking. I'm losing money.","137":"But even when it wasn't... it was something I did to stay grounded.","138":"A rich man's attitude. I like it.","139":"With the necessary [i]sacrifices[\/i], you'll go far.","140":"When he says that word: ''sacrifice'', he says it like it has some deeper meaning.","141":"I already know what sacrifice Arthur has in mind. [i]{Leah}[\/i].","142":"He won't have her. When this evening is over, I'll have everything I want, and he'll get nothing.","143":"[i]Sacrifice[\/i]... that word sends a chill down my spine.","144":"I wonder what he means?","145":"[i]I'm[\/i] also pretty lucky that Daddy pays my tuition.","146":"Soon I'm lucky enough to get [i]two[\/i] Daddies.","147":"[i]I asked you not to call me that.","148":"I don't get it, you'll be my daddy-in-law. Won't I have two daddies? Isn't that what it means?","149":"Ken, please...","150":"Who is this clown? Man... if I was Arthur I would hide this guy away in an attic or [i]sound-proof booth.","151":"Wait a second... [i]what is Ken doing here?","152":"No... this can't be a mistake. If Arthur wants Ken for the business alliance, he doesn't need to bring him here.","153":"Arthur brought him here for a reason.","154":"There's some kind of tactical advantage that Ken provides to Arthur.","155":"What could it be?","156":"...Ken is a secret genius.","157":"...Ken is a disguised agent.","158":"...Ken is a clown and provides a false sense of security.","159":"He's putting on a good act, if that's true. Nobody this stupid survives in the real world.","160":"But... he's not in the real world, he lives in a penthouse. With enough money you can survive being stupid.","161":"Damn... maybe there's no reason he's here.","162":"It's obvious he's working for Arthur. Perhaps he's got another affiliation. The Feds? The Fraternity? There are so many potential...","163":"Yes, Ken [i]is[\/i] a clown. He cartwheels and fumbles around and draws attention away...","164":"...from Arthur.","165":"Ken makes this situation seem low-stakes, comical, silly.","166":"I can test my theory with a single question...","167":"I bet you don't get invited to your new dad's dinner parties much, do you?","168":"Yeah... I don't get invited that much. He says I have to learn to behave.","169":"But... he trusts me enough to bring me to [i]this one[\/i], so maybe he'll start bringing me to more.","170":"Bingo.","171":"I've been a bit busy for dinner parties.","172":"Really? What's made you busy? Anything in particular?","173":"Just... a number of successful contracts...","174":"Sure...","175":"I think... a... change in topic would be welcome. So... {PlayerName}, do you have future ambitions... or...?","176":"Ah, the future... my favorite topic of conversation.","177":"A man is nothing without a clear plan. What do you think, {PlayerName}? What's your opinion on plans?","178":"Personally, I'm quite big on planning. I truly think that the one thing that differentiates us from the other animals is the ability to plan.","179":"What do you think, {PlayerName}?","180":"My opinion on [i]plans[\/i]? Isn't the more natural question what my plans [i]are?[\/i]","181":"I mean... I don't think I've thought about this nearly enough to have any entertaining opinion on the subject.","182":"I agree. Planning is good.","183":"Due to my voicelessness, I cannot sufficiently emote confusion. A small blessing.","184":"The boy likes planning. What a man.","185":"He laughs. It is not a friendly laugh. He eyes me in a way he hasn't before.","186":"Can you elaborate?","187":"Elaborate? Shit... what is she trying to make me say?","188":"Wait... [i]she's trying to help me.[\/i] She's prompting an answer that would impress Arthur.","189":"...Impressing Arthur is not my goal, though.","190":"I'm getting cornered by these goddamn simple questions. My heart is pounding in my chest. For fuck's sake... [i]I know there's a right and a wrong answer[\/i]...","191":"...but why? Damn it, if I'm already under pressure now, how am I ever going to get far in this?","192":"Oh yes... elaborate. What's great about planning? Do tell.","193":"It's... it's a test. He's fucking testing me. The whole point is to throw me through a loop, to make me question and doubt myself.","194":"This is a stupid, unusual, petty question on [i]purpose[\/i]. It's only purpose is to make me think too hard.","195":"And it has. I can't control the flow of the conversation. He's taken that power from me. I'm just melting from an unusual question","196":"But... I can turn it around. I can give him a perfect answer... something [i]he didn't expect.","197":"I think I know [i]exactly[\/i] what to say. Something that comes straight from the heart.","198":"If my life hadn't been hellish, I might not have known what to say.","199":"Well, I don't know how useful planning is, actually.","200":"That's quite profound. What do you mean? I thought you agreed with me.","201":"I do. Planning is good, but because of what it signifies.","202":"He stays silent, eyes searching me.","203":"If I can plan, it means I had the luxury to do so. That's a comforting feeling. In my experience plans quickly fall apart.","204":"There's an element of chaos in everything. You can't plan for all outcomes unless you know all the variables.","205":"Oh...","206":"Hrmm...","207":"Arthur [i]didn't expect this[\/i]. He glowers.","208":"Man... I liked that. I'm gonna use that as an excuse from now on.","209":"Try it, I dare you.","210":"That really was... quite wise, {PlayerName}. I'm... sort of...","211":"Iris stops herself before she concludes the sentence.","212":"Yes... well...","213":"I caught Arthur off guard. I can control the flow of the conversation.","214":"It's my turn... I can't be too obvious...","215":"What exactly are your plans, Arthur?","216":"Tell me a bit about your business, Arthur.","217":"My plans?","218":"I suppose you could say they are national. There was a slate of rogue state cyber attacks from North Korea, and we were lucky enough to obtain the code of some very advanced malware.","219":"Terrible thing. Could've caused a lot of issues. What it did was transfer information as it was being read by the computer, copying it to a separate file that it then disguised as diagnostics data.","220":"Fired back little bullets of classified information to Pyongyang. By pure chance the only successfully infected computer was an FBI agent's collection of ''adult entertainment''.","221":"Disgusting if you ask me. Anyway, the Alpha Team were able to develop countermeasures almost immediately and submitted them to every major manufacturer of operating systems.","222":"Arthur suddenly stops, as if aware he was running his mouth about things he probably shouldn't talk about.","223":"There's an important piece of information here...","224":"North Korea.","225":"Alpha Team.","226":"The malware.","227":"Not particularly surprising the North Koreans are in on this.","228":"Damn it... it must've been a feeling. I wonder what I imagined I heard...","229":"That's it. [i]Alpha Team[\/i] sound important. I think it slipped out of his mouth.","230":"I have to get more information about that... but not now. I just hope it has something to do with Valerie...","231":"It's no use. Malware is so common I might as well be asking about a new species of ant.","232":"This isn't going to help me. I've missed crucial information.","233":"Yes, well, I run a cybersecurity company. We contract out to local governments and educational institutions, but we have plans to deliver service to...","234":"This isn't good. He's practiced at answering this question.","235":"I put him back onto familiar territory. [i]Shit[\/i].","236":"How do I put him back on track?","237":"I know all that. Tell me something interesting about your company.","238":"I'm sorry... am I boring you?","239":"Bad move.","240":"Sorry I'm not picking delectable fruity industry secrets to you and hand feeding them to you.","241":"That's not what I meant. I was only curious.","242":"Should I get one of my domestics out here to peel you grapes? What sort of dinner party do you think this is?","243":"I'm just curious, that's all.","244":"Not a hint of blush in his cheeks. Cold as a fish. He wasn't offended, he was [i]performing[\/i].","245":"Christ this man is [i]good.[\/i] Emily was right, talking to him is like a goddamn chess game.","246":"Iris clears her throat, sensing the discomfort in the room.","247":"This food is excellent. I haven't had pasta this tender in a long time.","248":"I'm on my third helping.","249":"You haven't eaten much, {PlayerName}. Are you not hungry?","250":"With the stress of everything going on... I've kind of forgotten to eat...","251":"I even skipped a meal so I would be hungry.","252":"Things are going relatively well. I need to keep the pressure up somehow.","253":"Iris might be trying to dispel the tension but I'm still using it... but it might be too late.","254":"Iris interrupted the flow.","255":"It'll give me some time to recover, at least.","256":"I desperately need it...","257":"I like my food to cool off a little.","258":"Surely salad doesn't need to cool off.","259":"Well, true... I suppose. I take a few serviceable bites. Arthur appraises me as I eat.","260":"He looks at me long enough... that I start to feel somewhat uncomfortable. Is this just another attempt to unnerve me?","261":"What I can't understand about you...","262":"...is why one little inconvenience changed the entire trajectory of your life.","263":"Are you talking about my voice?","264":"Arthur nods. At that, Iris huffs.","265":"Stop it, Dad. It's insensitive. We talked about this.","266":"Iris, sometimes, you're just as bad as those Twitter people.","267":"{PlayerName} doesn't mind. Do you?","268":"I do sometimes get tired of answering questions about it... but I'm also tired of people so scared to bring it up they're bursting at the seams.","269":"If Arthur is the former, and Iris the latter, that's annoying extreme of the spectrum. I wish they cancelled out somewhat.","270":"I don't mind. I have answered this question before.","271":"...Yeah... it was something that Valerie always asked me. If only I knew what she truly meant...","272":"I just don't understand something about you. This story is second-hand from Emily, mind you, so it might contain her confabulations.","273":"What I'm told is that you actually won the majority of the vote in your high school election, yet, you gave up on becoming class president.","274":"You would've propelled your political career.","275":"I don't think many people propel into the world of politics just because they win a school election.","276":"Plenty of people become class presidents and then go on to do nothing special with it.","277":"No, you're right. Democracy is flawed, the rabble more often than not picks someone as mediocre as they are. Someone [i]relatable[\/i] instead of someone [i]exceptional[\/i].","278":"It's a perennial problem.","279":"Man... I'm starting to understand where Emily got her elitism. Sounds exactly like something Emily would say back in the day.","280":"Not everyone can turn luck into opportunity. Anyone can get lucky in a casino, but very few people would walk out with more money they came in with.","281":"I really think you are that type of person. You know how to use a victory, and milk it.","282":"What does he mean by that?","283":"You come from a modest background, correct?","284":"Modest? I never felt like that, but I suppose compared to Arthur...","285":"Yes, I suppose you could say that.","286":"For you to even get as far as you did was impressive. Most people in your position get distracted with wasting money.","287":"You seem like you might have those characteristics.","288":"[i]Seem[\/i]?","289":"In your election, you received the most votes. That doesn't make you a great person, but it does indicate you have some leadership quality.","290":"Yet you gave up your position to the loser. Why?","291":"Because the only reason I won was because people felt sorry for me.","292":"Arthur looks at me with a cool interest.","293":"I didn't want that. I wanted to win because people thought I was the best candidate.","294":"But you [i]were[\/i] the best candidate, weren't you?","295":"That girl who won instead was an empty-headed ideologue, apparently.","296":"That sounds a lot like how Emily would describe Sam...","297":"No, that's not true. Sam is extremely intelligent.","298":"Regardless, you didn't answer my question. I'll repeat it for your sake.","299":"Were you or were you not the best candidate?","300":"As I said, I got the most votes, but it was just because people felt sorry for me.","301":"Listen to my question: Were you better than your opponent or were you not?","302":"It doesn't matter whether people saw it or not. An idiot's opinion is worth nothing. Were you better than Sam?","303":"Iris watches us both with a rather disturbed expression. I think she senses something is wrong... that there's a subtext to this that she doesn't understand.","304":"Iris may very well not know about her father's collaboration with law enforcement. Still...","305":"...that question gives me pause. I knew what he was getting at... I just didn't want to answer the question.","306":"I suppose it doesn't matter what my real feelings are. I could just tell him whatever he wants to hear. Even so... I feel like he just planted a seed in my mind.","307":"What's his angle? I should give him an answer. Am I better than Sam?","308":"Why does that question feel [i]so significant? I should think very carefully about how I answer this.","309":"I know he's baiting me...","310":"Yes.","311":"No.","312":"Arthur smiles. But... this smile is different.","313":"Of course you'd believe that. If you didn't, why run in the first place?","314":"It's not just me that believes it. It's Sam. She wants me to run right now. Even when she was president, she thought I was the better candidate.","315":"...I get a weird feeling that he got something over me.","316":"Seeing as you have ambition and confidence, I should ask what you want from me.","317":"Excuse me?","318":"I doubt that you were dying to converse with me for fun. So let's discuss what we can do for each other.","319":"His displeasure is palpable. I can't quite put my finger down on why, though.","320":"Humble, that's unusual. You think Sam was better than you?","321":"No. I feel like we are equal. I think we were a good team, we were more than the sum of our parts.","322":"He nods.","323":"Very well.","324":"Well... it is getting rather late...","325":"No... not yet! Shit... he's about to end the evening.","326":"I [i]have[\/i] to make my move. Think fast...","327":"I must admit I did come for a reason.","328":"My fingers are working faster than my mind. Where am I going with this?","329":"Oh, that's a real surprise.","330":"He doesn't look surprised.","331":"As you know I used to work in the University IT lab. I've gotten really familiar with your security software. You could call me something of an expert.","332":"Really?","333":"I have a few ideas about how the programs could be improved.","334":"Is that so? Tell me.","335":"I was hoping I'd be able to work in your company as a software engineer. Maybe as a member of your Alpha Team?","336":"[i]Genius move.[\/i] I impress myself sometimes.","337":"Oh, I love your ambition. But you wouldn't qualify for that position.","338":"I think I'm quite capable.","339":"No, not compared to my team. You have no idea what you're dealing with.","340":"What am I dealing with? I heard you helped get some refugees out of Ketyristan.","341":"Arthur's chin shifts imperceptibly.","342":"Does this have anything to do with that?","343":"Am I pressing too much? I'm scared that I am... but then...","344":"I... don't know what I was going to ask...","345":"[i]Fuck man[\/i]. This is bad... if I knew what to hone in on... I might have a chance.","346":"I've got to be direct with him, no matter how much it costs me. I can't go empty-handed.","347":"Excuse me, but actually there's something I'd like to know from you.","348":"Interesting. Actually... there was something I wanted from [i]you[\/i].","349":"I already feel the phantom limb where my arm and leg used to be.","350":"You go first. After this, we'll finish our meal, and then we can conclude the night's business.","351":"It's late, after all.","352":"Shit... he's putting [i]pressure[\/i] on me.","353":"I know what I wanted to ask him... the [i]Alpha Team[\/i], but this is moving too fast.","354":"I wanted him to drop the information sooner.","355":"I really have no choice but to ask the question directly, I'll lose this chance otherwise.","356":"He's going to demand a very steep price for the answer.","357":"I need to know about your Alpha Team. They're from Ketyristan, right? A journalist called Frank Craven tipped you off.","358":"Arthur raises an eyebrow. I think he expected me to say something about {Leah}.","359":"You know a lot already. Why do you want to know this?","360":"Because it might be relevant to a cybersecurity issue I'm investigating.","361":"He thinks for a moment. Christ, the price he's about to ask from me is going to be [i]merciless...[\/i]","362":"I am not even sure which question to ask him... he didn't really drop anything helpful in the conversation.","363":"Fuck. I'm completely outmatched. There's nothing I can do but be as direct as possible and hope it will help.","364":"I want to know about a flight you chartered from Ketyristan a couple of decades ago.","365":"Arthur furrows his brow together.","366":"I know this flight. Why?","367":"I'm investigating a cybersecurity issue. For my own benefit.","368":"He nods. He's going to be merciless in his price, I can already tell.","369":"Okay. In exchange for this information, I'm going to need something very simple from you.","370":"What's that?","371":"I need you to state that {Leah} is Nightingale.","372":"[i]Fuck![\/i] That is merciless!","373":"It's that, or you'll be stuck forever in your investigation.","374":"You want me to betray my own {sheIsYour}?","375":"Interesting choice of word, ''betray''. Not ''what do you mean'', or ''what is Nightingale'', or ''that's crazy''.","376":"Ah... [i]fuck! FUCK!","377":"Calm. [i]Calm[\/i]. This isn't enough for evidence. They can't go off purely on a single misspoken word and a statement by me.","378":"You might as well just say it. You've basically already done so.","379":"I won't.","380":"Fine. I suppose I should say it was nice meeting you...","381":"[i]What would {Leah} say?","382":"She would tell me... the truth is worth it. We've gotten through so many scrapes together...","383":"...such a simple statement [i]wouldn't really have an impact[\/i], would it?","384":"Besides, it's my phone. If they record it... I can easily say it's faked.","385":"{Leah} would not forgive me... if I didn't take the risk. This might be my only chance.","386":"Whatever the trick is, we can slip out of it.","387":"{Leah} is Nightingale.","388":"He nods.","389":"I suppose, then... I can tell you about the flight, about the Alpha Team, not that it will matter that much.","390":"Yes, I chartered a flight from Ketyristan on the advice of one Frank Craven, some muckraking journalist.","391":"You've never told me about this.","392":"It's nothing you need to understand. I've explained this all to your brother.","393":"You know... the one who will inherit the company.","394":"I see...","395":"So... Ketyristan was part of the former Soviet Union, and in Ketyristan they housed a secret computing research facility. The Soviets love their secret research facilities.","396":"After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Ketyristani government paid a great deal of money to keep these scientists working in their country. These were some of the greatest minds in the world.","397":"Ketyristan imagined it would become some sort of technological powerhouse. Instead, the country defaulted on its debt and fell into ethnic conflict. These scientists were caught in the middle of it.","398":"Mr. Craven came to me, and told me about their plight. I knew I had to act fast or Microsoft or Apple would get them before I could.","399":"So at great personal expense, I chartered a flight. To take them [i]out[\/i] of Ketyristan...","400":"...and then to take them [i]back[\/i] to Ketyristan.","401":"[i]Back[\/i]?","402":"Excuse me?","403":"It was my plane and I could do what I want with it. Once they were in the air I calmly informed them that they would land back in the hands of the genocidal rebels in thirty minutes.","404":"What..?","405":"Father, I don't understand. Is this a joke?","406":"Are you shocked by this?","407":"I just... I don't know...","408":"Anyway, I told them if each one of them signed a contract with me before the plane landed, the aircraft would change course back to the United States of America.","409":"So you coerced them?","410":"Coerced? Oh no. Nobody forced them to sign a contract. I would've just let them go free.","411":"Into the hands of people who would kill them...","412":"That isn't my problem.","413":"Those scientists comprise the Alpha Team.","414":"So, as you can see, you're not exactly an elite ex-Soviet scientist with decades of experience.","415":"Is that a full enough answer for you?","416":"So where are they now?","417":"What do you mean?","418":"They still work for you, right? Can I meet them?","419":"No, no, no. They know too many company secrets. As they agreed to in their contracts they work in seclusion.","420":"Iris visibly pales.","421":"Seclusion?","422":"Yes. They all have access to highly sensitive data and information, and that represents a grave security threat.","423":"They cannot be allowed to have contact with the outside world.","424":"A chill cuts through my heart... this sounds like...","425":"...it sounds like a kind of [i]slavery[\/i]...","426":"They're well treated. I assure you each one of them lives very comfortably with their families. But in my own secret research facility.","427":"[i]Father...[\/i] you never said anything about this...","428":"Leave business to your brother and I, Iris. You just marry Ken and forge a good alliance.","429":"That's all you need to worry about.","430":"...","431":"That's an insane story... I can't quite grasp the significance of it. But it's not enough.","432":"I don't just need a story. I need evidence. I need a way to connect Valerie to this flight.","433":"I need to find out [i]everything[\/i] that went on.","434":"There's a chance to get one more thing.","435":"With enough finesse, I can extract it.","436":"There's a weakness in this family I can exploit.","437":"Well, if that's all, it is late.","438":"It doesn't look like Ken is done.","439":"Wha... what did you say? Sorry, I was imagining my meatballs as planets. See, look, here's Pluto... and...","440":"My space ship!","441":"Ken... [i]if your dad wasn't so goddamn rich...","442":"I know... this is a massive fuckup! I can't drop a fork during dinner! My real daddy said so!","443":"I have to make this right!","444":"How rich [i]is[\/i] Ken's dad?","445":"Judging by his behavior, he has to be a billionaire for Arthur to put up with it.","446":"I got it... [i]AGH![\/i] It slipped!","447":"This might take a minute. It's just enough of a distraction.","448":"Come on... see it... [i]see it...","449":"She stares at me blankly... like she's looking through me.","450":"Then... she notices. I hope she understands...","451":"Got it!","452":"Aha! That was scary! Can you imagine how much damage it could do if someone stepped on it?","453":"We are done, are we, {PlayerName}?","454":"We are now.","455":"I would prefer Ken have fewer witnesses of his humiliation.","456":"You'll be escorted out.","457":"Okay... I just hope that Iris got the message...","458":"The maids come in to clear the dishes. It looks like we're done...","0":"Damn... my heart is [i]thudding[\/i]. And for what? An old guy, his daughter, and a dork in a rented suit.","1":"I wonder if that meeting with Emily just got me worked up for nothing. Maybe all that fearmongering would be just in the service of [i]throwing me off my game[\/i].","2":"Even if she was right, and her father was just [i]that[\/i] dangerous, does knowing that really help me? Better I not be so fucking [i]unnerved about it.","3":"So... this is it then. High stakes, yet everything around me is unsharpened silverware, wine glasses with tiny little stems, salad forks... the most piercing thing here are the judgemental stares.","4":"What could they possibly...?","5":"Fuck... [i]I flinched[\/i]... and all they were doing is standing up.","6":"Christ... those little butter knives might not be sharp, but somehow I'm still balancing on their edge.","7":"I can't be so visibly goddamn nervous. There's no way Arthur and crew failed to notice.","8":"I understand your disability, so I'll forgive you for not introducing yourself.","9":"Please. Take a seat. I'm sure this will be pleasant."},"ch15__15.10 frustration with leah.vne3":{"10":"I should have provided detailed instructions...","11":"Ah...","12":"{Leah}! She comes out of nowhere with slumped shoulders.","13":"Damn it she [i]knew[\/i] she was supposed to stay home. What was she thinking?","14":"Hey.","15":"The puppy dog face is [i]not[\/i] going to work on me. Didn't I tell you to stay home?","16":"Obviously... I wasn't going to [i]come inside with you[\/i], that would be stupid.","17":"But... I was going to be here. You had to have imagined that.","18":"I didn't want to, though! You know what they aim to do. Their intention is to skin you, tan you, and use your leather to bind their legal case against you.","19":"I mean, we can stand here ranting and wait for them to spot us, or we can go home together and then we can be angry.","20":"I know which one I want to do.","21":"Fine. Let's go.","22":"Seething. [i]Seething[\/i]. She couldn't trust me? She had to expose herself to insane risks?","23":"Seething. [i]Seething[\/i]. Not just at her... at myself.","24":"The one thing I had to do was not give Arthur anything to work off, and I failed.","25":"How am I going to explain it?","26":"[i]Maybe I don't have to[\/i]. If she never finds out...","27":"That's something to consider later. For now, I have an angry rant to go on.","28":"I want to flense her face off with my angry sighing, but I have to wait to get home to do it.","29":"She knows she's going to get an eyeful too, seeing how she's very carefully not making eye contact.","30":"When the door closes, the fingers start flying.","31":"You told me you understood you couldn't come along!","32":"Do you honestly think I would leave you without any means to communicate with me?","33":"I told you I wouldn't be there. I didn't tell you I'd abandon you. My physical presence was absolutely necessitated.","34":"I was careful. I wasn't going to let anyone see me. I'm a master of stealth. I'm a borderline ninja.","35":"Honestly, I think I'd look good in black latex.","36":"You would, but that's completely beside the point.","37":"I don't care.","38":"You are shockingly good at sneaking, but you aren't [i]invisible[\/i].","39":"Okay. What if the worst happened? You get abducted like you did with Valerie. What then?","40":"I was lucky enough to find you the first time. How am I going to find you the second? People really do disappear all the time.","41":"If people aren't found within 72 hours...","42":"That didn't happen, {Leah}. The dinner took like an hour. I was gone for the length of a movie.","43":"How was it, by the way? Dinner?","44":"I couldn't tell. Everything tasted like sweat and nerves.","45":"That's too bad, but I'm not really asking about the food.","46":"I'm not going to let her off that easy.","47":"RED ALERT! RED ALERT! [i]Don't share with her the bad news[\/i]. Your subconscious is still working on a suitable cover story for how badly you fucked up.","48":"We'll get to that. Why didn't you just tell me you were going to wait outside?","49":"Because knowing I was nearby might make you nervous. It would've thrown you off your game.","50":"It was a disaster regardless...","51":"Don't patronize me.","52":"Patronize!","53":"You've got to fucking trust me, {Leah}! Your secrets and your [i]trying to protect me[\/i] comes up snake eyes every time.","54":"I just can't believe someone as smart as you makes so many dumb decisions.","55":"Oh, like you make the world's best decisions.","56":"A good decision would've been to tell me. That way I would've known what to do if something bad happened.","57":"This was a high-intensity situation. Do you really think it would be a good idea for you to be distracted by my safety?","58":"I was [i]already[\/i] distracted by your personal safety!","59":"You didn't worry about my personal safety during the Halloween party. You chose to protect Emily, didn't you?","60":"Why are you bringing that up? I thought you agreed to that decision.","61":"I [i]do[\/i] agree! This is weirdly inconsistent attitude you take, isn't it? One minute you're selling me out, the next you're stupidly worried about me.","62":"[i]Sell you out?[\/i] Is that what you think I did?","63":"No! Of course not! [i]That's not how I think of it![\/i] I agree that saving Emily was the right thing to do.","64":"I just... couldn't think of a better word for it. I actually think what you did was admirable.","65":"Too much. Like at the Halloween party... you really should've protected Emily.","66":"I would've been completely fine! But the consequences for Emily have been... [i]just awful[\/i].","67":"I did try to protect both {Leah} and Emily, though! It just didn't go as planned.","68":"When it comes to me, you're emotionally compromised. You need to be more objective, because ultimately, I'm just a chess piece.","69":"[i]A chess piece?[\/i]","70":"Yes. I'm a chess piece. If it's important to solving this case then we shouldn't hesitate.","71":"What do you think of me, I wonder? Do you think I'm a chess piece too? It certainly felt like that when you made me part of your elaborate gambit to expose Valerie.","72":"If you're a chess piece, then you're like the king. Everything falls apart if you're checkmated.","73":"Am I so important? Why aren't you the king?","74":"It's for a very simple reason. I'm... a bit surprised you have this attitude. I would've thought you would agree with me.","75":"Why? I'm just a normal person. What special part do I have in everything?","76":"No, of course not. You really haven't realized it yet?","77":"Realized what?","78":"This is [speed,0.3][i]all about you.[\/i]","79":"All about... me? What does she mean by that?","80":"You're in a special position. You do realize that, don't you?","81":"I still don't understand what you mean...","82":"Well... I don't fully understand yet, but Valerie thinks you are important. And [i]Mr. Rogham[\/i] was the one who presumably tried to kill you.","83":"[i]Cedric[\/i] wanted to recruit you. They were [i]desperate[\/i] to recruit you.","84":"The relationship between you and Valerie, Valerie and Amiran... this is the key to everything.","85":"This is making me feel so weirdly uncomfortable. I can't quite reject what {Leah} is telling me... though I'd rather not believe it.","86":"You're telling me [i]I'm[\/i] the compromised one when you're telling me I'm some kind of prophesied hero.","87":"Don't be ridiculous. Don't turn this into a joke. We don't choose our own importance.","88":"All this stuff [i]happened[\/i] to you. Kings and geniuses are born, and you just got unlucky.","89":"This romance between us is the reason you can't think straight. I'm a pawn, if anything.","90":"Don't say that. You're not a pawn. It's obvious... give it a little thought!","91":"I'm thinking straight. I'm level-headed. It's you who's emotional.","92":"It's important to get this right, {PlayerName}, because if you sacrifice yourself...","93":"I'm going to bed. Maybe you can sleep off the chess metaphors.","94":"...{PlayerName}...","95":"Agh! Didn't even have the chance to tell her how the dinner went.","96":"Well... I'll have a chance later. I don't think any good can come from continuing that conversation.","97":"Small blessings, I suppose.","98":"When did this idea come to {Leah} that I'm something important? Of course Valerie might be fond of me, but that's nothing to do with me.","99":"Einstein is special. Napoleon is special. I'm not special.","100":"I'm a slight deviation off an average, at best. Slightly smarter, slightly better looking, slightly taller...","101":"I'm going to sleep these feelings off...","0":"Well... that was a success. At least as a great a success as I could've expected.","1":"It's hard to know for certain, but I don't think I gave him anything he needed.","2":"That really was a chess game, a verbal maneuvering, to-and-fro tongue fencing. I'm not sure I would've been successful if I didn't have my voice app.","3":"Having to type things out always gave me a reason to think things through...","4":"That was a fucking disaster. Giving him exactly what he wanted... what on Earth was I thinking?","5":"So... I told Arthur that {Leah} was Nightingale. Is that something he can work with?","6":"It's hard to imagine. It's not like a secret voice recording could incriminate me. Technically it's not me saying it, it's my phone.","7":"I got something, at least.","8":"Now I've just got to hope I was right about Iris...","9":"I mean... it's hard for me to imagine she's just going to see ''Sevigny's'' and know what to do with it."},"ch15__15.15 contact.vne3":{"10":"I'm weirdly looking forward to work. Maybe it can get me thinking about other things. {Leah} could also stand to gain a bit more perspective.","11":"Sometimes I forget that {Leah} is almost as invested in my private war against the Fraternity as I am...","12":"I'm not ready to talk to {Leah} yet.","13":"I grab something from the fridge and head to work. It's weird how easy it is to forget my time working under Kristen...","14":"Hey Batman, it's too early to drink!","15":"Did you go to AA like I... oh, hey {PlayerName}! Thought you were a different friend of mine.","16":"I'm not Toasterman.","17":"He does get up early for his drink. I mean... typically people are drinking until 6 A.M., not starting.","18":"Good to see you here, though. Are you ready to get started?","19":"Yeah. I'm excited, weirdly.","20":"Excellent. I'll just need your card, though.","21":"Card?","22":"You didn't bring any form of ID? I can't let anyone below legal drinking age to serve alcohol.","23":"I didn't even think about that... just a few months away and I'll be 21. I've never been carded here before.","24":"Fuck... the pay was so good...","25":"I'm just fucking with ya!","26":"Huh?","27":"Man... that look was just precious. Actually, we have a discount for those under the legal drinking age!","28":"Wait... what? I could've had a discount this entire time?","29":"Is that legal?","30":"Yeah. For Shirley Temples and orange juice.","31":"Oh.","32":"The first thing about Sevigny's is that we do thing differently around here. We're here to be good to each other. Life isn't easy for anyone, even us hets, and it's harder as you run down the big iron pole of social stigma.","33":"So I like to give people an incentive for honesty, instead of punishing people for dishonesty.","34":"That's the problem with the world. It's all stick and no carrot.","35":"So yeah, don't bother carding people unless they're cops, or two kids in a trenchcoat. If you suspect someone of being under the legal drinking age, just say there's a 15% off soda, juice and Shirleys for under 21s.","36":"That is an astonishing policy. I have no idea what to think about it. You do know I'm...","37":"Nah bro... you got an old soul. It's fine. You got stress lines and you've got grey coming in.","38":"Huh? I do?","39":"Anyway, I'll teach you to make a few basic drinks. It's not that complicated. When you get good at it, it feels like a dance.","40":"Thanks.","41":"Okay, so... clock in. We have paid training. I got your employee ID set up and everything.","42":"This... this might actually work out...","43":"That better not be Toasterman...","44":"It might be Kristen, here to drag me back to Hell.","45":"Excuse me... is this Sevigny's?","46":"Iris? I'm shocked she found me here... and so quickly!","47":"Her eyes immediately dart over to me.","48":"What's a lovely early bird doing-","49":"Dante suddenly stops as he checks Iris over. I'm not sure what he's doing... but the pause is notable.","50":"Sorry, I confused you for someone else. Is there anything I can do for you, miss?","51":"That's a voice I've never heard from Dante. Gentle. Borderline sophisticated. I expect Dante to lead her to a drawing room for tea and watercress.","52":"I'm looking for... well...","53":"She makes directly eye contact with me.","54":"Okay. I see this is on a private matter. I'm sorry to ask, but will this take long?","55":"Please give me fifteen minutes.","56":"Certainly.","57":"With that, Dante locks the front door and heads into the office. Iris approaches, clutching herself.","58":"Ah... not sure what I'm doing here...","59":"I don't really know how to start except to introduce myself...","60":"I know you're Iris, Emily's sister.","61":"Yes...","62":"Her discomfort is obvious. No... not discomfort... [i]fear[\/i].","63":"The... uh... bullet holes... is that some aesthetic thing or...","64":"No. The bullet holes are not there to make this place seem cool.","65":"Oh, that's unfortunate. I don't really go into these kinds of neighborhoods that often.","66":"Does she mean the area around the University? This area is not supposed to be that dangerous...","67":"I always thought my sister was quite brave, for choosing to go to a public school and not a private one. Father likes to say the most exceptional thing about American public schools were their shootings.","68":"I expected her smirk at her own dark joke... but she [i]doesn't[\/i].","69":"To go to this sort of place every day... it's a bit like rolling the dice, don't you think?","70":"You are very sheltered, aren't you?","71":"I just don't go to these sorts of place by myself. I'm sure the people here are... [i]noble and hardworking[\/i]... in their own kind of way.","72":"Life here may be hard, but it's nothing compared to those scientists, don't you think? To flee from a war, and...","73":"...essentially forced to become indentured servants or die. It's hard to get that out of my mind.","74":"That is probably how your father got to be as wealthy and powerful as he did.","75":"We would've been plenty wealthy if we'd treated them kindly, too. You've probably noticed that my father makes a lot of mistakes.","76":"He doesn't understand the modern world. He has a very narrow-minded view of how people work, and he's quite vocal about it. If I wasn't there to police him, we would drive away all our investors.","77":"So you came to do something about that.","78":"I don't know why I came. I probably shouldn't be here. I'm already setting up an expectation just by coming through those doors to talk to you.","79":"I'm here to figure out how I should feel about what I heard yesterday.","80":"Would you like a drink?","81":"No, I'll just get a headache. Besides, I'm not old enough to drink, I'm just nineteen.","82":"We have an under the legal drinking age discount.","83":"Excuse me?","84":"Fifteen percent off soda, juice and Shirley Temples.","85":"That's a fascinating policy. I'll take a Shirley Temple.","86":"This may seem like an odd question, but what is in a Shirley Temple?","87":"You know... I hear about Shirley Temples a lot, but I have no idea what they are.","88":"Never mind. I'll have a Diet Coke to go.","89":"I pull one out of the fridge and hand it to her.","90":"Thanks. I'm not sure I can drink myself out of this predicament.","91":"No, alcohol rarely helps anyone solve their problems.","92":"So... you came to get information on that flight? What's your relationship to them? Why are you interested?","93":"For me, it's a small part of a large picture. It's very complicated to understand.","94":"And... I hate to ask this... but...","95":"...you really had nothing to do with the theft, right? You or that muckraker?","96":"That ''muckraker'' is my {sheIsYour}, and one of the bravest people I know.","97":"And no. It was Cedric who did that.","98":"If you're wondering whether it's safe to work with me...","99":"...it isn't.","100":"Huh?","101":"People around me tend to get hurt, you should know that coming in. But you can be damn sure I will not break your trust.","102":"Iris nods.","103":"My father is very interested in {Leah}... in a bad way. [i]Nightingale[\/i] is something I've heard in reference to her.","104":"Apparently this entity is responsible for a lot of angry people in the government.","105":"Yeah, sounds like {Leah}.","106":"Is what you said true, though? Is she that entity?","107":"I flinch defensively.","108":"Did your dad put you up to this?","109":"No! I was just curious but...","110":"...I can completely see what you mean. I shouldn't have asked.","111":"I'm not here to gather information about {Leah}. I'm here following the call of my own conscience.","112":"Anyway, my father is fixated on this idea that Nightingale is some elite hacker that poses a threat to the state.","113":"I've never met {Leah}, but if you are her {youAreHer} that's hard to imagine.","114":"An elite hacker? Yeah right. {Leah} told me she got that information by breaking into the shredder room in the mayor's office.","115":"She has a difficult time getting past her own lock screen let alone firewalls.","116":"{Leah} must have taken a lot of pretty sensitive information to raise this much concern.","117":"But... if you did have some sort of connection to Nightingale, would you be able to help those scientists?","118":"Why? Helping them would hurt your family.","119":"Hurt my family? No.","120":"I've done everything I can to help my family. I'm devoted to it.","121":"You'd even marry a guy like Ken? To solidify some business alliance with a marriage like some medieval princess?","122":"It's a sacrifice I have to make. Blood is thicker than water. And his dad, like, [i]owns[\/i] tax havens so it's a prudent choice.","123":"We seem like we're wealthy, but we only have a net worth of fifty million.","124":"[i]Is that all?[\/i] There really is no peak for these people, is there?","125":"I'm getting off topic.","126":"My dad still blames Emily for everything that's happened. He talks about her like a stray dog.","127":"Now he's using legal leverage on her. Emily was working with Cedric on cracking our father's security software. He hasn't forgiven her.","128":"She told me she did it for revenge, because she was forced to go to Shale Hill.","129":"I know. That's what she told us too. At first, I thought she had done damage to our family...","130":"...but I understand now that she had nothing to do with it.","131":"When Emily was arrested, a lot of information came out. We assumed that Emily had masterminded the break in.","132":"Emily begged for our understanding. She was in tears claiming her innocence.","133":"But my father punished her anyway... not because he thought she was guilty...","134":"...but simply because Emily had proven to be resistant to my father.","135":"He suspected the texts found on Emily's phone were fake from the beginning.","136":"You mean your dad helped put Emily in prison for what he knew were false allegations?","137":"Yes. And now that Emily has exhausted her uses, she'll probably go back to prison.","138":"Father considers her a liability.","139":"Cold...","140":"You mean your dad helped put Emily in prison for what he knew were false allegations?","141":"Yes. And if it weren't for giving herself up to the police, she might stayed in prison too.","142":"Father is done with Emily.","143":"So... as you can see, I'm still fighting for my family, but the rot comes from within.","144":"Maybe... if I can help those scientists, my father will learn a lesson, and he'll take Emily back into the family.","145":"There's something wrong with my dad, morally. I see why my sister tried so hard to escape.","146":"No wonder she hates me.","147":"If you want me to help you, talking about it isn't enough. I'm going to need something concrete.","148":"Like what?","149":"Poke around. See if there's anything about that flight. Don't pull the trigger on anything. Come back to me if you find anything.","150":"Okay.","151":"One more thing. Do not try to communicate with me outside of Sevigny's. If you need to write anything down... use paper.","152":"Iris nods, and walks out.","153":"That was a lot quicker and smoother than I expected. Iris seems to be the best shot we have.","154":"Just so you know, I wasn't listening.","155":"That's exactly what someone who was listening would say.","156":"Exactly. Which is why I [i]would[\/i] say it if I wasn't. Get it?","157":"That makes a kind of logic. Honestly, even if Dante knew I feel like I could trust him.","158":"Just one thing, my hetebro.","159":"What's that?","160":"In Sevigny's we're cool with psychosexual drama. That's all het shit.","161":"But [i]other[\/i] kinds of drama we like to avoid.","162":"Dante, I promise I won't attract gunmen.","163":"That's kind of a lie, but I don't think it's going to happen again.","164":"Glad to hear it. Now... let's get you trained on making some drinks.","0":"...","1":"My throat... damn...","2":"...why does it hurt so bad...","3":"In this dream... I have something in my throat... no matter how much I cough, I can't get rid of it...","4":"I'm choking on it...","5":"...","6":"When I wake up, my throat really does hurt.","7":"I massage it... feel my esophagus... it just feels [i]tight[\/i].","8":"I mean... I doubt my voice box is going to swell to the size of an apple like it did last time.","9":"Maybe it's nerves. I have to tell {Leah} what happened last night some time... that's going to be a difficult conversation."},"ch15__15.20 campaign.vne3":{"10":"OH! Damn you... you scared me for a second. [i]Alcohol[\/i]... ha!","11":"But... like an [i]underage[\/i] discount? Isn't that... unethical or something?","12":"It's for Shirley Temples. Care to be my first customer?","13":"Sure! What's in a Shirley Temple? Also who the fuck is Shirley Temple?","14":"Someone who doesn't like booze, I guess. And, according to Dante, a Shirley Temple has ginger ale, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry.","15":"Sounds like something that would rot my teeth. I'm in.","16":"I start to fiddle around with the drinks just like Dante taught me, and soon I produce a cool glass of Shirley Temple.","17":"Sam takes a small sip.","18":"It's pretty sweet.","19":"Would you take that over a cosmopolitan?","20":"If I'm the designated driver, maybe. Which will never happen.","21":"Nobody would trust you with being the designated driver.","22":"You speak the truth.","23":"Sam shivers with memories of multiple fender benders.","24":"Anyway, enough grimness for today. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?","25":"Something sexy?","26":"I'm always thinking about ass, {PlayerName}, so that's really just a given.","27":"No. What are you thinking?","28":"Campaign meeting time! Ha! Bet you forgot!","29":"I suppose I could go before classes. But I'd rather not.","30":"Really, what's on my mind is giving my report to {Leah}, which I still haven't done.","31":"I have something important coming up.","32":"Hard to explain my situation with {Leah}.","33":"What's wrong?","34":"I've just got business I need to take care of.","35":"Can't it wait? Is it urgent?","36":"Well... probably not.","37":"I've got a tough issue I can't really stop thinking about.","38":"Really? Maybe a meeting would help you. Sometimes it's better to take your mind off something. It helps you recontextualize things.","39":"It could...","40":"I guess I could show up.","41":"Reluctant agreement is still agreement! Yay!","42":"Where are we holding it?","43":"Hey! Maybe we could hold it here? Let me go call everyone. Give me a moment.","44":"Before I can object, Sam rushes out the door.","45":"Well... if we're going to hold campaign meetings, I suppose Sevigny's is not the worst.","46":"I'm not sure, however, how Dante think about having these meetings on company time...","47":"Salutations.","48":"Truly this here is an alien environment for me. I'm like Picard stepping onto a planet for the first time.","49":"Is Sam out there?","50":"She was on the phone, yes. Wow... so this is a [i]drinking establishment[\/i].","51":"I'm... amazed by the novel sights and smells. There is significantly less vomit than I expected. The bullet holes were more on par.","52":"Most bars don't have bullet holes.","53":"I must ask, {PlayerName}...","54":"Is this where females gather to find men? Is that true?","55":"Yeah, sometimes.","56":"Interesting.","57":"I'm reminded of that movie with Russel Crowe. Have you seen ''A Beautiful Mind''? It's about John Nash, you know.","58":"I don't know the names of scientists offhand like you do.","59":"Anyways, there's a scene where John Nash gets insights about game theory by observing people at a bar.","60":"I think... if we worked as [i]some kind of team,[\/i] maybe with Bernard and Eddie, we could employ those sorts of tactics, and...","61":"Alfred, anyone can get laid, honestly. You don't have to pull any tricks. You just have to be happy with who you can get.","62":"Ah... but-","63":"There you are.","64":"Don't do this, Kristen.","65":"How unloyal. How ungrateful. I allowed you into my home. I gave you salt and bread, and you still Red Wedding'd me.","66":"That's quite melodramatic. I just didn't want to work for you anymore.","67":"Why not? Did I not pay you enough?","68":"No, you paid absolutely fine, it's not complicated. I just didn't want to work for you.","69":"The problem with you, Kristen, is you need someone to dominate. You've only got one tool in your toolkit.","70":"You need to be more flexible. If you don't do that you're not going to keep anyone.","71":"Of course I have more than one tool! I've got many tools. And you know one of them pretty well, I might add!","72":"What are you talking about?","73":"Don't lie. It was the best twenty minutes of your life. No way it's not etched into your memory.","74":"Best twenty minutes...?","75":"Oh... [i]the sex[\/i].","76":"Let's be generous and say you have two tools.","77":"I mean, [i]Alfred[\/i] still has the hots for me, so I've got, like... feminine wiles.","78":"I can't... I'm... blanking out...","79":"...no blood... must block memory from this moment... to preserve... sanity...","80":"I'm not sure the ability to seduce Alfred means much.","81":"So here's [i]one more tool[\/i]. A taste of your own medicine.","82":"I retire from the campaign council. Goodbye!","83":"Ah... wow... that leaves... you and me...","84":"...and Alfred... I guess...","85":"Certainly!","86":"Oh... sorry I blanked out. The last thirty seconds have been a blur...","87":"Linus hasn't come back. After I made a damn costume for him...","88":"I haven't seen Lidia recently either... this is just like Buttsnack again.","89":"What a traitor. I was so scared I'd have to do Presidenting alone before you came and helped me.","90":"I'm so lucky to have you...","91":"You're such a good friend...","92":"I switch to sign.","93":"Thanks. We could hang out instead of doing this campaign stuff.","94":"I mean... this is what it's about, right? I kinda get the impression that you just want us to work together like we used to.","95":"I guess... I'm not sure...","96":"I mean... I just feel like...","97":"...having direction was kind of nice. Since I got to be class president, people just started dumping their leadership positions on me.","98":"I'm like the president of five clubs. I'm doing all their damn paperwork... and I hate it, it's boring. Why can't I just say ''no''?","99":"You were different. We were a team. [i]I crave being a team[\/i]. Camaraderie! You know?","100":"We watch each other's butts. We [i]wash[\/i] each other's butts. It's a good feeling.","101":"We watch each other's butts. It's a good feeling.","102":"I mean, we could just hang out sometime.","103":"Yeah... I know... but...","104":"...it's not really enough.","105":"You're sort of the only person... that can tolerate me.","106":"I tolerate you!","107":"Don't be stupid. See, Alfred tolerates you.","108":"Yeah... thanks Alfred, but you aren't around me enough.","109":"Where did you get this idea from?","110":"The fact that [i]nobody[\/i] hangs out with me except for you! You're the [i]only[\/i] person that has come into my room and...","111":"Uh...","112":"Forget it. UGH! This is just...","0":"A little later, Sam bursts through the door.","113":"Wow... I'm really running my mouth off, aren't I? Fuck me for oversharing!","1":"Wow. You're a real barman!","114":"Why am I [i]like this?[\/i] I just don't...","2":"She puts on her best cowboy voice:","115":"Sorry, meeting cancelled. I'm going to take a break.","3":"This town ain't big enough for the both of us!","116":"The door jumps open as Sam rushes out.","4":"So, what's saloonin' at high noonin'?","117":"I think Sam just needs a break...","5":"You want a drink?","118":"So... can I sit at the bar?","6":"You ain't going to card me, are ya? Real pardners and cowpokes don't have none cards.","119":"Yes. It's a bar.","7":"You sure? We have an underage discount.","120":"Oh! This is something I've [i]always[\/i] wanted to do!","8":"I'm sorry?","121":"Alfred parks his ass on the stool, a look of childish glee on his face.","9":"Yeah, for twenty to eighteen. Drinking age.","122":"How do you like it?","123":"It's not very comfortable. And shockingly non-ergonomic for drunks who probably need better support.","124":"Overall, its impracticality is an indication that it has been quite some time since someone has really rethought the bar stool.","125":"Want a drink? We have an underage discount.","126":"Oh... I'm 23, and I'm still experiencing some problems after the beers I drank last time.","127":"I went to the bathroom and I... [i]disgorged[\/i].","128":"I remember when that happened. That was [i]loud[\/i].","129":"I can make you a Shirley Temple, if you want.","130":"No, those are too sweet. I'd prefer a Roy Rogers.","131":"...Shit.","132":"Oh! Sorry, I forgot you were probably new to this. Coke, grenadine, and a cherry.","133":"[i]Thanks.[\/i] I set to work.","134":"You know... I'm no psychologist, but after hearing Samantha's complaints, I might have put something together.","135":"What's that?","136":"Well, I think Samantha would be heartbroken if she knew that I participated in your rescue and not her.","137":"That's so true... she would be.","138":"The second thing is I believe Samantha has a need to be validated and included. That's probably why she keeps taking on tasks for clubs she doesn't actually want.","139":"Damn Alfred... [i]you can[\/i] put people together sometimes. I never even thought about that. It seems like you're only stupid when it comes to love.","140":"Perhaps Samantha would feel better about herself if, instead of chasing after you, you invite her to help you.","141":"That way, she feels included and that you want her presence.","142":"Huh. That's something to think about.","143":"Here's your Roy Rogers. Let me know if it's any good.","144":"I shall!","145":"Alfred takes a sip.","146":"Ah! The carbonation heads straight into my brain. Lovely.","147":"Well, it was quite nice being inside a bar for the first time. I can't really say it's the sort of place I'd choose to be. I like at least a year between a location and its latest shooting.","148":"That appears to be a common sentiment.","149":"Goodbye, {PlayerName}. I hope to see you in a future campaign meeting.","150":"Alfred heads out, leaving me alone in this bar.","151":"Include Sam, huh?","152":"I've always just waited for her..."},"ch15__15.22 kestrels job.vne3":{"10":"It would save me some effort if you told me you had drugs on you. Meth, marijuana, whatever.","11":"Right, you need [i]reasonable cause.","12":"I've been looking for one of those for a while.","13":"If you don't like the look of me, you could go to a different bar.","14":"...my feet hurt worse than I hate you.","15":"Just get me something.","16":"What would you like?","17":"Your choice, barman. Anything but something that can kill me.","18":"Okay... not used to giving suggestions... but Dante gave me ideas for recommendations. He mentioned something about cops.","19":"Alright. How about a shot of tequila?","20":"Tequila? You do know cops. Disturbing.","21":"Thanks, Dante.","22":"I pour him out a shot glass. I expect him to down it standing but he lets it sit on the table.","23":"He just sort of... [i]stares at it[\/i].","24":"He looks... [i]nauseous.","25":"Is this an old coping mechanism of yours?","26":"Kestrel keeps staring at it. He wants the tequila... but he's [i]fighting[\/i] not to pick it up.","27":"I watch his personal battle with more interest than I'd like to admit.","28":"It's... it's yours, actually.","29":"You sure?","30":"Yeah. I'm feeling real generous. It's your lucky day.","31":"I notice he strokes his tie.","32":"But... alright, I'm not going to refuse him.","33":"I throw the tequila back with a pinch of salt.","34":"If it weren't for her...","35":"Problems at home, Max?","36":"If only you knew. I keep imagining my wife with her legs up.","37":"Also... I can't stop thinking about... my little girl... and what she's doing... she lost her last baby tooth.","38":"I've missed each one of them. I wasn't home. I never got to be her tooth fairy.","39":"I blink. I was prodding him, provoking him with pointed questions. Now I just feel damn sad.","40":"Should I feel sorry for this guy after what he did to Lidia?","41":"Sorry to hear that.","42":"You're the one to blame for that.","43":"I don't need your pity. I'd rather you spit in my face.","44":"Of course you'd think that.","45":"He shakes his head.","46":"I can't even bring it on myself to fully disagree with you.","47":"It's a pile of shit, it is. Every day I see a shortcut out and I just want to take it.","48":"I've been in this city way too long. I was supposed to be done six months ago.","49":"Now it's...","50":"The investigation is going badly?","51":"It's going great. Why are you asking?","52":"Because you seemed surprised that I'm working here.","53":"I thought you were still doing the comics with the insane girl.","54":"I quit.","55":"He pauses thoughtfully... as though debating himself.","56":"Let's step out into the alley.","57":"Why?","58":"I want to feel like I'm working while I talk to you.","59":"Right, the shooting.","60":"Sorry, but I'm supposed to be at the bar.","61":"Are you serving drinks to ghosts? Invisible people? Little elves?","62":"You must be kept real busy, weeding this place.","63":"I don't exactly want to talk to him... but it could be helpful, if it gets me closer to some resolution.","64":"I just need to be careful to not give him any information that could hurt me back.","65":"Let me apply some RoundUp and I'll see you outside.","66":"Kestrel nods.","67":"Oh... and bring me a Shirley Temple.","68":"Well... that's a happy coincidence.","69":"I fix him the drink and head outside.","70":"When I see him, he's idly inspecting the bullet holes from the other day.","71":"Someone really sprayed this alley.","72":"I give him the Temple. I feel oddly proud of it. This is the first drink I've made I haven't needed to remind myself of the ingredients.","73":"Thanks.","74":"He takes a sip and winces.","75":"It's sweet.","76":"That's what they're about.","77":"I miss the pain of something that really attacks you from the inside.","78":"I liked throwing something back... thinking ''[i]man, that burns[\/i]''. I like my intestinal lining to be nice and smooth.","79":"This is drinking a doughnut.","80":"Despite what he's saying, he still drinks it.","81":"Anyway, let's go straight to business. Do you know who shot the alley up?","82":"Maybe. But do I want to tell him? He probably isn't going to believe me anyway.","83":"Don't know.","84":"Professor Rogham.","85":"Valerie.","86":"Arthur.","87":"Your mother.","88":"He grunts, disappointed in getting the answer he was expecting.","89":"Who?","90":"He's a member of an evil secret fraternity. He wants me dead because he thinks I'm a threat to his organization, and he's right.","91":"So you were the intended target, huh? What were you doing in the alley?","92":"Meeting with someone I thought could help me.","93":"The Student Council President?","94":"Not just that. An evil secret fraternity.","95":"Let's not start writing science fiction, now.","96":"Who is that?","97":"Don't play dumb. The guy you work for.","98":"Kestrel shakes his head.","99":"I don't work for him, he works for me.","100":"Forget it.","101":"She can hide a lot of things in her wheelchair, and she's got the temperament for it.","102":"But... she's in a nursing home outside of Utica, so it's doubtful.","103":"Did you want me to say it was {Leah}? That she had two SMGs tucked beneath each armpit and was just spraying and praying?","104":"That [i]would[\/i] be helpful for me. Is that something you can put into writing?","105":"I'll put it into writing that it isn't true.","106":"The only thing I'm looking to do is get out of your hair and this town.","107":"He sighs and shuts his eyes in frustration.","108":"I mean that [i]sincerely[\/i]. Do you know how bad things have gotten that I've resorted to just [i]talking[\/i] to you like this?","109":"This is unconscionable. If I was my own superior, I'd slap myself in the face for embarrassing the badge.","110":"So what does your superior think about this situation?","111":"He sighs.","112":"Maybe this will help you understand. Last case I was on, we were dealing with mail fraud ring. The amount of data they handed me when I started the case could fill a...","113":"...it'd fill a sitting room. Five score boxes of documentation. They pulped a rainforest for the paper.","114":"For this case? A single three-ring binder. They pointed at Shale Hill and said: go there, look into a potential security vulnerability in this cyber security company.","115":"That's pretty vague.","116":"Yes. And-","117":"Kestrel stops himself, stands for second, blinking.","118":"What?","119":"I shouldn't be telling you this.","120":"I think you are too far to stop.","121":"It's not really a good reason to continue, but Kestrel takes the bait anyway.","122":"Yeah, and my requests for information have consistently resulted in diddly squat. I keep wondering... [i]what am I doing here?","123":"That's my question too. You'd think you'd get plenty of support.","124":"But I haven't. Not from the locals. Not from Arthur and his fucking company. Not from the people in bureau.","125":"At this point... I'm just looking for a way out.","126":"Yeah, at the expense of my {sheIsYour}, {Leah}. Who is innocent!","127":"No. She's not innocent. She's a hardened criminal. What you mean to say is that she's [i]good[\/i].","128":"Is there a difference? Good and innocent?","129":"See, you're not a cop, otherwise you'd know an innocent person is merely a person who hasn't done a crime, but you can do really fucked-up shit and not cross the law.","130":"But a [i]good[\/i] person can become afoul of the law, and they often do. You can be evil and innocent. You can be good and a criminal.","131":"It's really weird to hear a cop say something like that...","132":"Take your friend Lidia as an example. Her problem was she was too nice. Bought a story from a conman and tried to help him.","133":"But... forging documents, committing fraud, lying under oath... these are all still crimes even if Lidia was just being nice. She did those things [i]intentionally[\/i], she knew what she was doing, she just didn't know why.","134":"Same with {Leah}.","135":"But there has to be a priority, right? Why not go after bad guys?","136":"Clapping {Leah} in iron is my ticket out of here.","137":"So you want to arrest my {sheIsYour} because you want to go home.","138":"Yeah.","139":"An anger rises from the pit of my stomach to my chest. Slapping this guy down would be so satisfying...","140":"...but it would not help me in any way.","141":"How do you know that? You're not even sure why you're here at Shale Hill. They can say whatever they want and keep you around investigating.","142":"Maybe. It remains that {Leah} is still the path of least resistance.","143":"Well, I'm glad that you have no commitment to justice then.","144":"[i]Nightingale[\/i], whoever they are, have committed crimes. They've done breaking and entering and they've stolen confidential information.","145":"There is no room for Robin Hood in this world, he's as criminal as Charles Manson. I'm doing exactly what I've been trained to do.","146":"For the sake of argument, let's say Nightingale [i]is[\/i] {Leah}. Don't you think there are bigger criminals out there?","147":"He looks at me.","148":"I do.","149":"They're keeping all this information from you for a reason. Your handlers don't want to incriminate themselves.","150":"They're using you, Max. They've inserted you in a situation where everyone is up to no good.","151":"They're counting on your laziness to simply pluck the lowest hanging fruit, the most vulnerable person here, and that's {Leah}.","152":"Again... Kestrel pauses, and stares me straight in the eye, and past that. His cop brain analyzes me.","153":"You are extremely intelligent.","154":"And {Leah} is even smarter than you, by some accounts. That frightens me.","155":"He finishes his Shirley Temple and sets the glass aside.","156":"That is [i]exactly[\/i] what I was thinking, but I never really put it in just the way you did.","157":"This is a case of corporate espionage. Secrets are being kept all around.","158":"Everyone I deal with is lying to me... tricking me. I never knew a quiet college town like this would be so damn rotten.","159":"So are you going to put up with being someone else's tool?","160":"Just so I can be yours, huh?","161":"Yeah... kinda.","162":"Criminals are usually stupid people. And because they're stupid, they're bad at covering their tracks. So catching most people is pretty easy.","163":"But here, everyone involved is just unusually smart. I've been relying on people making the same dumb mistakes they always do, but it's not happening.","164":"Maybe it's time for me to be a bit more active. I thought you and your {sheIsYour}, {Leah}, were weak, but you aren't.","165":"We're not the low hanging fruit you think we are.","166":"Yeah... clearly that's the case. You managed to coordinate with Emily without me listening in, which is a feat.","167":"You realize Emily was not the best CI, right?","168":"I know. I'm short on time and getting desperate.","169":"It's weird he's telling me this. He sounds almost [i]apologetic[\/i].","170":"There's only one reason he's talking like this. He's starting to not give a fuck.","171":"That could be good for me, but it also could mean he's just going to be even lazier.","172":"What I [i]hope[\/i] it means is that Kestrel will finally take those other avenues I've been pointing him to.","173":"I should go. I'm trying to escape from work and now I'm fucking my case up.","174":"One more thing. How is Lidia?","175":"She's safe and happy. Snug as a bug.","176":"That's nice. I always found her coffee shop a nice place to relax.","177":"She was a great CI, unlike Emily.","178":"Kestrel just nods and turns to leave.","179":"As he walks away, he leaves with a parting jab.","180":"We're sure to talk again.","181":"Yeah, we probably will.","0":"A customer?","1":"Shit... finally... some stimulation! Even if they ask me for some fucked up cocktail, a Sex On A Screwdriver or something, I'll be happy.","2":"Who... is...","3":"Shit.","4":"Now... I'm too fucking stimulated. All the disgust in my head is going off.","5":"I came by here to [i]forget about work[\/i] and here you are.","6":"Fuck my luck, right?","7":"Fuck mine while you're at it.","8":"The worst thing about you is that you're mouthy but don't have a mouth.","9":"Guys like you I used to punch through walls... but for some reason... doing the same to you feels like hitting a guy in a wheelchair."},"ch15__15.25 genevieve.vne3":{"10":"Dante picks up the money and quickly flicks through it.","11":"That was easy.","12":"It should've been. That barely qualifies as a stack.","13":"Yeah, sixteen dollars. Well, you know, on the bright side... it's not very heavy.","14":"Did the shooting hurt things that much?","15":"Yep! But don't worry. That was a day shift and thing will pick back up. Sevigny's is strong. World's Greatest Bar By Far.","16":"We've been through worse things.","17":"Like a bullet shower?","18":"Yep.","19":"Dante, I've gotta get going, I really appreciate you. Thanks for the job.","20":"Any time, man.","21":"One more thing, Dante...","22":"...can you really afford me?","23":"What do you mean?","24":"That's sixteen dollars. Even in a day shift... it's...","25":"I know what it is. We're like concrete, we all have rods of rebar, representing strength, wisdom, and courage.","26":"All I ask you to do is do your best and not worry about it. We're hetebros, after all...","27":"...and when a hetebro needs support, we gotta each give him our [i]stiff rods[\/i] to prop him up.","28":"That's really beautiful, Dante. The sentiment, not the image you just put in my head.","29":"My pleasure. Make the day sing hetebro.","30":"What to do now? Kestrel was weird.","31":"All there is now... is to wait for Iris to come back, and hope this isn't just another plot of Arthur.","32":"Shit... I still need to tell {Leah} about all of this and what happened at the dinner... and resolve our disagreement at the same time.","33":"It feels like she hasn't learned a single lesson out of all this... that we have to trust each other... communicate with each other.","34":"If she'd just told me she was following... I wouldn't have reacted so badly.","35":"I'm all too bothered by this, to be honest.","36":"With all this introspection I'm doing, I feel like smoking a cigarette for the first time in my life. Simply for the image.","37":"Excuse me?","38":"I look at her. A strange, slender girl stands in front of me.","39":"Is this Sevigny's?","40":"I nod.","41":"Thank you.","42":"Her eyes linger on me a second longer than I'm comfortable with.","43":"It's a weird question to ask, given that the bar has a big neon sign with its name.","44":"Well, Dante will appreciate the business I guess.","45":"class_time","46":"free_time","47":"I've got to head to class.","48":"Alfred's analysis of Sam sticks in my head. I'm sure to talk to her afterward...","49":"...if Mr. Rogham doesn't kill me first.","50":"Since I'm not attending classes anymore, I've got some time to kill.","51":"Free time is so unusually rare. Where do I even go?","52":"Yep... old habits die hard.","53":"Sandra doesn't want to talk to me, but it's been a while since I talked to Linus.","54":"The IT lab definitely was a nice place to work. Weird, but nice.","55":"I sigh wistfully about simpler times before turning away.","56":"Oh... you!","57":"Hold up. One second!","58":"One second?","59":"If you fucking move, I'll... I'll report you. I don't know.","60":"What's wrong with him?","61":"Phew! Back.","62":"Here you go. It's yours!","63":"Linus passes me a beer.","64":"IT lab fridge beer. Ice cold.","65":"It is indeed ice cold. With the spite Sandra holds toward me, this represents some kind of weird victory.","66":"Hank would hate this.","67":"Shiiit... I thought it couldn't get any quieter with you and Hank... but...","68":"...man I was wrong.","69":"Neither of us talk. It's even quieter now?","70":"Hank barely says anything. Something's wrong with him.","71":"To me, you'll always be on the IT squad.","72":"Thanks.","73":"You better get going with that beer.","74":"Yeah, I should. If admin find out about the beer fridge they'd go ballistic.","75":"Man, you realize you've got no reason not to tell admin anymore? You lose nothing by blabbing. In fact, they might reward you.","76":"Would you blab?","77":"Be tempted if I was fired like you.","78":"Here's what I think. You still think of yourself as part of the IT lab. That's why you stopped by.","79":"Am I right or am I right?","80":"You're right, of course.","81":"Course I was! I'm not going to fuck up your pride by telling that to Hank, as much as he'd like to hear it.","82":"Anyway... get going. University Police is gonna interrogate the shit out of you if they find you with that beer.","83":"I unscrew it and, with one swift movement, down the whole bottle. The beer rinses down my throat like a storm drain.","84":"With that, I toss it into the garbage.","85":"Linus stares, impressed.","86":"The physics of that feat has got to be interesting..","87":"Linus, get out of your circle of retro tech enthusiasts. Chugging beers is the most college thing in the world.","88":"Yeah, I guess I don't spend enough time doing toga parties.","89":"Cheers, Linus.","90":"Cheers!","91":"I give it a few more rounds... then I head home.","92":"I catch up with Sam before class, but she doesn't make eye contact with me.","93":"I stand close to her, an indication that she can't just ignore me.","94":"Right now... I'm regretting inviting you back to school...","95":"That's mean.","96":"No, it's [i]me[\/i]. I'm the one who is total ass. I just... well I...","97":"...I embarrassed myself back there.","98":"Alfred's suggestion rings in my ear, but I'm still not sure how to go about it.","99":"Like, what am I going to invite her to? An extensive plot that runs through the dark heart of the university?","100":"I can't be reckless...","101":"I'll be fine. I promise. I've embarrassed myself worse before.","102":"The only thing you did was tell me how you felt.","103":"Uh... and that's super embarrassing!","104":"I know how I'm acting. And I know this is nothing... but still...","105":"...give me a day or so.","106":"I understand.","107":"Oh... and...","108":"...I'm glad you came back.","109":"I know you were joking. You don't have to tell me anything.","110":"Sam smiles at me. Class begins not long after.","0":"Back to the bar.","1":"I hate the fact Kestrel was the most interesting part of my day.","2":"How's it going my man?","3":"Huh?","4":"Sorry man, did I scare you? You kinda popped off a little, heh.","5":"I'm fine. Sorry, I just... had a weird customer.","6":"A customer? [i]Nice.[\/i]","7":"Sorry, I gotta count your cash.","8":"I trust you, but you know, sometimes something goes missing and it turns out to be on the floor.","9":"You gotta count the cash, whether you trust me or not. Understood."},"ch15__15.27 carmen.vne3":{"10":"Is that Carmen!? Damn... despite the discomfort between us... I can't just leave her alone.","11":"I have to see what's going on.","12":"Mr. Rogham... I cannot...","13":"Please... do not bother me!","14":"I cannot pass this chance to fuck him up.","15":"I head for the campus greens.","16":"Do you know how painful this is for me?","17":"This is disrespect!","18":"Listen... your daughter was, like, probably killed by cultists or something. They tried to kill me too. It was a pretty bad day.","19":"...Yikes.","20":"You cannot do this to me! Following me with such awful things. Stop following me!","21":"But I'm trying to be nice! It's the truth!","22":"I have no more words. No more!","23":"Oh my God! There's {PlayerName}! He hit a dude in the face and I set a whole bunch of people on fire. Tell her!","24":"This is too much...","25":"I've got to do something.","26":"Wait!","27":"No. No more. I am resigning from the Spanish department.","28":"Alexis is crazy.","29":"Crazy sexy, booooooy~","30":"She doesn't know what she's saying, as is easily apparent.","31":"Do you have anything to do with this? I was hoping earnestly we would not meet again.","32":"Okay, I understand why. It's a shit situation.","33":"What is the correct thing to say in this situation? Damn... I'm so good with words most of the time.","34":"You'd need a team to defuse this bomb. But damn it, I'll try.","35":"What Alexis says is true. She was kidnapped. But that has nothing to do with Sandra.","36":"Alexis is just a little touched from her experience.","37":"I was just telling her that it was probably the same people who tried to kill me.","38":"They tried to burn my face off, and they probably did the same to Sandra.","39":"Please... stop this...","40":"Alexis, stop. Go somewhere else and try to do good.","41":"I'm really bad at this, though. I'm trying to be a good person... but like...","42":"I hope Carmen doesn't take what I'm about to say too seriously...","43":"Here's an idea. Fuck people. Go be a slut.","44":"What...?","45":"A massive amount of the male population is touch starved. You can help them by offering your body to them.","46":"That is...","47":"[i]...something I can do[\/i]!","48":"OMG that's gonna be easy!","49":"As soon as Alexis is gone...","50":"Carmen, I know what I said to Alexis was bad, but I had to get her to stop.","51":"She makes direct eye contact with me as she takes a deep breath.","52":"Is this rumors that you have been spreading? I cannot believe it. You should be ashamed of yourself!","53":"I said nothing to Alexis, and furthermore, she's not the brightest student of SHU.","54":"Well... [i]that is clear[\/i].","55":"Excuse me, I must...","56":"I follow the voices to the campus greens.","57":"Carmen, all I'm saying is that... perhaps being alone is not best for you mental health.","58":"Over dinner we can discuss things...","59":"I am not dating anyone, Mr. Rogham.","60":"This would not be a date. This would be just a dinner.","61":"I know exactly what it is. I have known men before. I am a widow and a mother.","62":"I'm going to love doing this.","63":"Sorry to bother Mr. Rogham, but there were some women waiting for you outside your office...","64":"...I think they're waiting for you. They want their ''sugar daddy''. Do you know who that is?","65":"{PlayerName}...","66":"...coming back to campus was a bad idea.","67":"Why did you lie to get rid of him?","68":"He was bothering you.","69":"I do not need a knight in shining armor. I can protect myself. I am made of steel, if you knew what I have been through...","70":"Yes, but it is nice to have help.","71":"I know that your help too, has strings. You are cruel as he is.","72":"Do not expect my gratitude.","73":"I have to fix this somehow... there's almost no right thing to say.","74":"I let my instinct take me. I type out the first thing that comes to mind.","75":"No, wait. I'm sorry about Sandra.","76":"Thinking about someone all the time is so exhausting. I couldn't do it anymore.","77":"A lie told as easily as breathing... and yet, I know the emotion well, so it's a sympathetic lie.","78":"I think Carmen does too.","79":"It is exhausting...","80":"You know I am... I am a hypocrite. I also stopped looking.","81":"There is not a day when I don't think of her. And yet I take no actions.","82":"She shakes her head.","83":"You are but a student. It is the police whose job it is to find her, and it is they who have failed.","84":"You have done much more than anyone else has. I am sorry...","85":"Carmen, I never stopped looking. There's a specific reason I stopped.","86":"Now my instincts are failing me. Shit... where am I going with this?","87":"Please... I beg you to not put more threads in my heart.","88":"I understand. I hit a wall. There was nothing more I could do except wait for something to happen.","89":"Specifically, the wall in the IT lab...","90":"I didn't forget. I just wasn't sure how to proceed.","91":"The hope you made me feel... when you found her car in the woods... it was indescribable.","92":"I raise to the heavens, to even harder strike the ground when I fall.[delay,500][char,Carmen_Casual_Smile] But you told me no lies. It's not your fault.","93":"Thank you.","94":"Ugh... I did tell fucking lies. If only I could scream the truth to Carmen...","95":"...but this feeling... this forgiveness... feels great. If she only knew...","96":"At least I know... when the time comes to tell Carmen the truth, she'll let me close enough to say it.","97":"I have heard you dropped out. Is this true?","98":"It's true.","99":"I have sadness. You are a bright young man with a good future. You should not let yourself down. It is always better to forgive yourself.","100":"Come back to school. Maybe take Spanish. It's the language of love.","101":"Even through your phone, you will charm many women.","102":"Thanks, but I can't. It's complicated.","103":"Everything is complicated, but you can make the complicated simple. That is in your power, even if you not believe it.","104":"You need to take one of my classes, {PlayerName}. Spanish is very useful.","105":"When you learn a new language, you learn a new way of thinking. When you learn Spanish, you know a new way to love.","106":"Love is very good skill. It is what drives us.","107":"People say that a lot, but there's truth there.","108":"I understand that, I think.","109":"Of course, because it's obvious! Don't ignore common wisdom just because it is common.","110":"Thank you for the advice.","111":"I want to give her reassurance about Sandra, but she'll take that as false hopes again.","112":"The next time I give her news... it has to be Sandra.","0":"As I head home, I do my usual rumination.","113":"I hope it is useful advice. Sometimes the most simple lessons are hardest.","1":"alexis_carmen","114":"See you in class, then?","2":"rogham_carmen","115":"I have to laugh it off. I can't seem to say no to Carmen.","3":"I'm glad I came back to school, even with the threats in front of me.","116":"I hope so.","4":"I'm unusually comfortable here. Technically, I've been assaulted on campus grounds a number of times.","117":"I wave goodbye...","5":"I guess I just don't care anymore.","118":"Man... that does make me feel good about myself.","6":"I do miss classes way more than I thought I would. I think it would've been nice to keep a finger on the pulse of the school.","119":"One day she's going to find Sandra again. I'm going to make that happen. Probably soon.","7":"I suppose... I could just re-enroll when I want to. I'm definitely going to flunk all my courses.","120":"Once Sandra and Carmen meet... I have a feeling this whole drama will be close to an end.","8":"What is that sound?","9":"That is so cruel! Cruel!"},"ch15__15.30 good noose.vne3":{"10":"Oh! Hey {PlayerName}.","11":"Toasterman's presence really cuts the tension quite a bit.","12":"Having a chat?","13":"Why state the obvious? Does it look like we're cooking meth? Can't you tell what's chatting and what isn't?","14":"I'm just asking. It's an icebreaker.","15":"Don't see any ice. And besides, a toaster is more than sufficient for that task.","16":"A multitool. It cooks, it sanitizes, you can swing it around by its cord as an improvised flail, if your enemy is standing in a body of water it makes a very effective weapon.","17":"And yeah, it's a good icebreaker too.","18":"I meant a social icebreaker.","19":"Me too. We're talking about it, aren't we?","20":"Touché.","21":"Thanks for the conversation, Batman. I was actually just waiting for {PlayerName}.","22":"You're welcome. It's rare to meet someone with a three digit IQ around here.","23":"Toasterman heads around the corner, to his new home apparently... leaving us alone.","24":"{Leah} searches my face for some indication of my feelings.","25":"We have important things to talk about. Let's not dredge up an old argument.","26":"Agreed.","27":"{Leah} seems relieved.","28":"Head inside?","29":"I nod.","30":"You didn't tell me about what happened at the dinner.","31":"Sure. On that account... I have some good news.","32":"Ah! Finally. That's unexpectedly good.","33":"I have good news and bad news.","34":"That's par for the course, really. Let's start with the most relevant information.","35":"Normally, you pick either the good news first or bad news first.","36":"I'm only interested in what's most important.","37":"Knowing {Leah}, that would be details about the case.","38":"Right, I'll start off with the good news.","39":"It looks like Arthur's daughter, Iris, is willing to work with us.","40":"Why?","41":"That's the thing. Her dad let it slip that he forced some Ketyristani scientists to sign some aggressively evil contract.","42":"I think Iris suffered a crisis of conscience. She came to me at Sevigny's today.","43":"I asked her to do some reconnoitering for us.","44":"So Arthur simply comes out and [i]says[\/i] that? And he wasn't aware of how his daughter would react?","45":"That's weird. That's really weird.","46":"How did you make him admit all that?","47":"Social skills.","48":"{Leah} looks at me with slight smirk that grows on her face.","49":"[i]Social skills[\/i]?","50":"She shakes her head.","51":"You know... I underestimate you sometimes, {PlayerName}. You have a real genius sometimes.","52":"[i]Socially[\/i], I mean. It just seems like you always know what to say.","53":"Of course.","54":"Shit... she's already getting to the heart of my failure.","55":"We'll get to that.","56":"Anyway, that's the story of the flight. Arthur forced the scientists to become his science A-team.","57":"How does this fit into the broader picture? Is Amiran one of those scientists?","58":"No. Amiran was just a bureaucrat...","59":"Frank set up the flight specifically to get Amiran out, right?","60":"That's true. So Arthur's gambit probably didn't apply to Amiran. Frank made a special arrangement to get Amiran out, not those scientists.","61":"The deal probably didn't apply to him.","62":"Still... there has to be some kind of connection. RECENTLY, those scientists, Valerie, the Fraternity...","63":"Valerie was on that flight.","64":"And young, and messed up from everything she saw in Ketyristan.","65":"Getting an account of exactly what happened would be very difficult. Still, [i]something happened[\/i] on that flight that has put us in this position.","66":"Valerie's old cellphone had RECENTLY. Did she...","67":"...did she steal the program during the flight?","68":"How old was she? Four? Five?","69":"About, probably. Way too young to steal data.","70":"I wish we could interrogate Valerie.","71":"No problem, I'll ask Valerie next time I see her.","72":"{Leah} smirks at the joke... but...","73":"...I probably do have the power to ask her.","74":"She would let me into her home, even... she did last time...","75":"The scope of this mystery keeps expanding. Can you believe this might trace back to the [i]Soviet Union[\/i] and a war that happened more than fifteen years ago?","76":"It had to be big, {Leah}. RECENTLY came from somewhere. Even a genius programmer couldn't come up with something like this.","77":"It had to have come from the government. Maybe a... [i]built-in backdoor[\/i].","78":"Excuse me?","79":"Sometimes, governments force operating systems to make intentional security vulnerabilities so they can extract information from computers.","80":"There was a pretty famous case a few years ago when one of those vulnerabilities was discovered by independent hackers. The world panic patched like crazy.","81":"Maybe that's why RECENTLY works. It uses one of those security vulnerabilities...","82":"[i]A core flaw in computing[\/i]... a vulnerability if you fixed, [i]you'd make it not a computer...","83":"It's hard to believe something like that is possible. When I asked Sandra, she told me the core vulnerability was simply that computers are physical.","84":"But maybe there is a core flaw, something fundamental about how computers work that can be exploited...","85":"...[i]that's absurd[\/i], though. Such a vulnerability doesn't exist. My head hurts trying to think about how RECENTLY operates. It's borderline supernatural.","86":"What must be true is only a secret government lab could have come up with something like this. Scientists Arthur has access to.","87":"Suddenly it makes sense why RECENTLY's upgrade was in Arthur's office. He probably works with the scientists who [i]invented[\/i] it.","88":"They're silent, too.","89":"What did you say?","90":"They're silent. Bound by a contract they can't escape, probably have the most ruthless NDAs possible.","91":"They're [i]silent.","92":"{Leah} stares at me for a bit...","93":"The real Silent1 is one of those scientists.","94":"You really think so?","95":"I do, but... I can't say for certain. It works in my head, I suppose.","96":"It's all circumstantial, that's the unfortunate truth.","97":"Valerie thinks of herself as Silent1... because she can never be herself. But she isn't really. She took the name because she related to it.","98":"But there has to be a [i]real Silent1[\/i].","99":"Oh... uh...","100":"...the computer stuff is what you understand... {PlayerName}. But what you say makes intuitive sense.","101":"It does.","102":"And now it's on Iris... unless I ask Valerie about it directly...","103":"...but what should she even know or understand about an event that happened when she was five?","104":"Wow... so... that means Arthur has nothing to do with the Fraternity, if he and Silent1 are really [i]enemies...[\/i]","105":"That's a good insight. It's true. Arthur can't be a Fraternity member, since the true Silent1's objectives probably don't align with Arthur's.","106":"But for some reason, the Fraternity doesn't attack Arthur directly like it will with others.","107":"Why?","108":"Maybe Iris will shed some light on that.","109":"I hope so...","110":"We made some real progress. This has been... sort of a breakthrough.","111":"I know. I wasn't sure about looking into the flight, but it turned out to be the right decision.","112":"Right. Bad news. Out with it.","0":"I return home for the evening a little later, going over a ghost conversation with {Leah}.","113":"My mood is too good right now. I'll start floating if I feel better than this.","1":"I mean... I have [i]good[\/i] news to share with her, so it shouldn't be that hard.","114":"Well... I need to tell her. She needs to know how to deal with the situation.","2":"I'm just not looking forward to opening that argument up again. It's better we avoid the subject.","115":"I had to pay a price, {Leah}.","3":"Despite my failure last night at the dinner, I do have something good I can share with her... [i]Iris[\/i].","116":"{Leah}'s intake of breath is noticeably sharp.","4":"I think it would be easier if we let that other argument lie in the ground where it is.","117":"So... what did you do?","5":"As I approach I notice two figures waiting by the doorway.","118":"I had to do something to get Arthur to reveal that information.","6":"...and that's the story of why I carry around a toaster.","119":"Arthur asked me to say the words: ''{Leah} is Nightingale''.","7":"You know, I'm sure there are more [i]effective[\/i] tools you can carry around.","120":"Really? Why would he do that?","8":"A toaster is a bit like a pocket knife. It's always a good thing to have.","121":"Ah... this really explains why he's so interested in me. It isn't just the burglary, it's that [i]I'm Nightingale[\/i].","9":"Isn't it bulky, though?","122":"If someone in the government is convinced I'm some genius hacker, it would make sense that they'd hire a cybersecurity company to investigate it.","123":"It would.","124":"Well... that's another nice tidbit of information.","125":"You don't mind that I said that? You know what we've gone through to hide your secret...","126":"I'd rather you not have said it, but... I think it was a good exchange. The information is valuable.","127":"Besides, without a written confession, it's going to be difficult to use that as evidence.","128":"That's what I thought.","129":"Cheer up! We'll deal with it. We can walk and chew gum at the same time.","130":"She's so damn [i]fearless[\/i]. If I wasn't around nobody would be worried about her.","131":"I'd be a lot more comfortable if she was just slightly more cowardly...","132":"{Leah} looks at me with a mysterious smile. I stare back at her... feeling like she's going to do or say something.","133":"Suddenly she comes forward and plants a peck on my cheek.","134":"There you go! I'm using my feminine wiles.","135":"How wily.","136":"Very wily indeed.","137":"You're pretty amazing, you know.","138":"It doesn't feel like that...","139":"That was an incredibly tense situation you were put into, against someone who is equally cold and calculating.","140":"I'm not actually that good with people. You can see... I make a lot of enemies.","141":"I want to disagree with her... but now that I think of it... it's true. {Leah} gets in trouble [i]a lot[\/i], which feels odd because she's a beacon of selfless courage.","142":"Actually... there's a good chance that she has so many enemies [i]because[\/i] she's a beacon of selfless courage. In this world no good deed goes unpunished...","143":"Let's sleep on this information. Maybe tomorrow morning something will occur to us. I hate the thought we're depending on Iris. She's Arthur's daughter after all.","144":"Me too. That she could be working on behalf of her dad has already occurred to me.","145":"Good night.","146":"Night to you too.","147":"That was a very good conversation, and yet there's still something we haven't resolved. {Leah} [i]still[\/i] keeps things from me.","148":"I keep no secrets from her anymore.","149":"Except... there is one thing I am keeping from her...","150":"...that I'm still sleeping with Valerie despite all this mess.","151":"If I'm honest with myself... that's probably way worse than anything she's keeping from me."},"ch15__15.32 the late shift.vne3":{"10":"Don't worry about it. This is the best time to take the night shift anyway. We're not doing well. I mean we're doing [i]badly[\/i].","11":"Yes, I'll take the night shift. And if anyone asks for a drink I don't know...","12":"If I'm not here to help, we got a laminated reference sheet in the back, and you've got Mr. Google.","13":"Understood.","14":"The shift really is boring.","15":"I stand... waiting... watching for the doors to open. Even Kristen's shop got more customers and she actively tried to shoo them away.","16":"I always knew Sevigny's wasn't the most profitable bar... but it looks like the shooting is killing it.","17":"And to think... [i]I'm indirectly responsible[\/i]...","18":"I've cleaned the whole bar twice. What else am I going to do?","19":"I experience [i]relief[\/i] as Sam steps through the door. [i]Thank God... stimulation[\/i]!","20":"This is about [i]you[\/i].","21":"Excuse me?","22":"I'm apologizing. I thought about it... and...","23":"Well, yesterday I made this whole issue about myself. And that's wrong!","24":"Don't worry about it, Sam.","25":"No. I can't be some bitch who is just drawing attention to herself. We've got something important to do, which is defeat Valerie in the election!","26":"You have no idea...","27":"She's a tough opponent. I know she's your friend, but you've got to put those feelings aside. Think of her not as she seems, but as some Machiavellian monster who we need to rescue the school from.","28":"That's not difficult.","29":"Good!","30":"So... I know you've got a shift right now... but are you up for a campaign meeting?","31":"Yeah... I have a feeling nobody else is coming through those doors.","32":"That is both good and sad at the same time!","33":"Sorry I'm late.","34":"Take your time, Alfred. Judging from the wheezing you probably should just take it easy.","35":"Of course... I just... wanted to show I'm dedicated to the cause.","36":"We know that, no need to prove it.","37":"Though... it seems if it's just the three of us... we're really going to have to scale back our efforts, huh?","38":"I had a lot of ambitious plans. Spent a [i]lot[\/i] of time on costumes for people that don't show up!","39":"So... during this meeting my hope is that we redraw our plans for the campaign. We'll be efficient.","40":"I am good at efficient planning.","41":"It looks like Sam gave herself quite a pep talk.","42":"Alright, let's do it. Dante is pretty much cool with anything as long as we keep watch.","43":"Excellent.","44":"We set to work. On a fresh piece of note paper Sam and I begin a new set of plans.","45":"A while into the meeting... I'm only a little cognizant of the door opening.","46":"My brain simply discards it... and I only notice the strange girl when she approaches...","47":"*Ahem*.","48":"Excuse me.","49":"My head swivels around.","50":"Is this the campaign committee for {PlayerName}?","51":"Uh... yes. Whose asking?","52":"My name is Genevieve. I'm a representative of the student council.","53":"May I sit?","54":"Can we know why you're here?","55":"Is it because you wish to join our campaign?","56":"No. I'm a representative of the student council. I'm a neutral arbiter.","57":"I'm simply here to attend.","58":"Wait a sec. You work for the student council, and Valerie is the president of the student council.","59":"Are you one of Valerie's spies?","60":"I'm not the President's [i]spy[\/i], no.","61":"She puts an unusual emphasis on the word ''President''. Like... it's a first name rather than a title.","62":"It's odd...","63":"The student council wants to know everyone who is running in the coming election.","64":"I am disclosing to you my affiliation. If there is something you want to keep secret from the student council, simply don't mention it around me.","65":"Perfectly fair.","66":"I don't like this at all. If she's working for the student council, she's in some capacity working for Valerie.","67":"Of course, it's unlikely she's actually in the Fraternity... but even so...","68":"What if we [i]want[\/i] to talk about secret stuff. What then?","69":"Go ahead, I'm not stopping you.","70":"Will you leave if we ask?","71":"I could, but given this is a public place, I would just take the table next to you and there would be little you could do to stop me.","72":"You may as well let me sit here.","73":"I can't help but think this is Valerie's style... to just bald-face sit in front of the people you want to keep a tab on.","74":"Valerie likes being insanely upfront, what's out of character is that she didn't come here [i]herself[\/i]...","75":"...which may mean this Genevieve isn't actually a spy. She might be who she says she is.","76":"I mean... honestly... what are the chances of that? Not terribly likely. But if she isn't going to spy on us in the open, she'll spy on us in secret.","77":"I'd rather she spy openly.","78":"It's fine. Let her sit.","79":"Are you sure?","80":"It's fine. She'll just take the table next to us if we send her away.","81":"Maybe if she listens to us... she'll be convinced to take our side!","82":"No.","83":"Ah... I see...","84":"It looks like you're very reasonable. That's pleasantly surprising.","85":"This has to be the same girl I saw yesterday.","86":"If it is her... it's odd that she didn't recognize me.","87":"Maybe she really is just here to sit in?","88":"But... when we sit down...","89":"...I notice the shine of her eyes from beneath her glasses.","90":"She is staring at me...","91":"...I keep waiting for her to turn away...","92":"...[i]and she never does[\/i]...","93":"When we stand up to leave, she finally looks away from me.","94":"The weird, kinda icky feeling I get as she looks at me passes finally... I only get it back when she turns back to me.","95":"I wait for her to say something, and she just never does.","96":"It looks like she expects me to break this silence.","97":"Did you get what you wanted?","98":"I got enough. You know, I knew there was a boy that goes to Shale Hill who speaks through their phone.","99":"I had an image in mind of what that sort of person might look like, and I can safely say I was wrong.","100":"What were you expecting?","101":"Someone... worse.","102":"That's [i]technically[\/i] a compliment, not even a backhanded one. It just doesn't feel like it.","103":"I raise an eyebrow. She doesn't regard my expression at all.","104":"I'll see you again.","105":"That woman's stare is unusually intense.","106":"I don't know man... that girl was weird...","107":"Double lock your doors. That's what I do.","108":"Now you know what girls put up with. Do you want to borrow some pepper spray? It's pink and branded as [i]Dude Repellent[\/i] but it feels like you need it more.","109":"That girl was weird.","110":"Oh yeah. That's the kind of girl who knows where to find your kidneys.","111":"Despite her, we did have a productive meeting.","112":"Yeah... a meeting where we erased half the stuff I wanted to do.","0":"The next morning...","113":"This really sucks.","1":"Hey... you know what I think you're ready for?","114":"Goals that you can achieve are infinitely better than goals you can't achieve at all.","2":"What's that Dante?","115":"I suppose...","3":"The [i]night shift[\/i].","116":"Sam, I'm heading home soon. My shift is over, and there aren't any customers around.","4":"Dante... all the drinks I mixed yesterday were non-alcholic. The only thing I'm capable of making are root beer floats.","117":"I switch to sign so Alfred won't understand.","5":"[i]Hard[\/i] root beer floats.","118":"Also, Sam... you shouldn't feel bad about unloading your issues on me.","6":"Come on, haven't you ever been thrown in the deep end before? Kiara can do it and she's scared of alcohol. She thinks you can get drunk through skin contact.","119":"I care about you.","7":"Well... it would increase the chances of me seeing Iris, if she stops by.","120":"You're important. Don't forget that.","8":"I hate [i]waiting[\/i]. I can't help but wonder if Iris will change her mind... or never show up again. I'll be here with grey in my hair.","121":"Sam's smile feels apologetic.","9":"As long as I'm not alone.","122":"With that, I clock out and head home."},"ch15__15.35 night accident.vne3":{"10":"She nods at me before continuing","11":"I don't need to say anything to her, and she remains silent, sensing I'm having a hard time getting to sleep.","12":"It's quite obvious she's not feeling like getting to sleep yet either.","13":"It's late, though. I'll feel better in the morning.","14":"I used to drink before bed. Recently, my throat has felt disgusting.","15":"I return to my room.","16":"I don't know what else to do...","17":"Hmm, did I lock the front door?","18":"Maybe I should bolt it just in case...","19":"I move the bolt in place. {Leah} looks at me with mild confusion.","20":"I give her a shrug and head to my bedroom again. Better not to make her worry. Weird people exist everywhere, and most of them aren't dangerous.","21":"Heck, in my old psych courses, you were [i]less[\/i] likely to be victimized by a mentally ill person than a sane one.","22":"If that weird girl is crazy... I'm probably safer... right?","23":"I'll go to bed. Go to bed and relax... I'm just having an anxiety problem. It's shocking I haven't had more.","24":"It's something I can sleep off, surely.","25":"...","26":"What the fuck is that sound... it's like... [i]knocking[\/i]... and [i]footsteps[\/i]...","27":"I locked the door... right?","28":"[i]Someone's in the house[\/i].","29":"My headspace scatters in twenty directions... possibilities scrolling through my head.","30":"''Better safe than sorry''... and if I'm not safe, it could cost me {Leah}.","31":"I pull the shotgun. Good thing I took it from beneath my bed last night.","32":"Just like Maggie taught me, I break it open and load a round.","33":"I open the door.","34":"I don't see anyone inside. Are they hiding? I have my back flat to the wall. If they just broke something, they'll wait to see if they alerted anyone.","35":"Seconds count down like whole minutes. My ears stretch out and feel my surroundings. I tune out the ambient rumble of traffic.","36":"The subtlest swish of fabric. Socks against carpet, barely lifting. Someone is sneaking around the corner... about the same weight as that girl from this evening.","37":"I'll have a second's advantage. If she has a gun... I take no chances. I better put my finger around the trigger guard. I can see Maggie doing it in my mind.","38":"One... two...","39":"...THREE!","40":"Fuck! Someone really is there!","41":"Do they have a gun? I can't even see!","42":"If I could shout a warning, I would... but...","43":"I just have to take action!","44":"Pull the trigger!","45":"Attack!","46":"Freeze in panic!","47":"{Leah} is here... I can't take any chances... I've got to!","48":"I pull the trigger... and...","49":"Nothing happens. What's wrong?","50":"I'm fucked.","51":"Stop! What the hell {PlayerName}!","52":"I've never felt this sick before in my life...","53":"...without even thinking about it, bile comes erupt from my throat. I quickly swallow it down.","54":"I've have to... [i]not even try and think about[\/i] what almost happened.","55":"I can't bear to pull the trigger... I just don't want that on my conscience...","56":"I can disable them at least... I lift the shotgun up...","57":"{PlayerName}! Stop!","58":"{Leah}!","59":"I arrest myself mid swing... a pale sickness spreading through my chest and into the tips of my fingers.","60":"Fight or flight? No. [i]Stand and let myself be killed[\/i].","61":"What a damn cowardly way to go... I could've at least took him down to save {Leah}...","62":"What are you doing?","63":"{Leah}!","64":"Is that a gun?","65":"Put that thing down! What's wrong with you?","66":"I lower the gun, pointing it at the ground... which I immediately realize is stupid.","67":"It's a good thing I stupidly forgot to cock the shotgun.","68":"it doesn't go off. I'm lucky.","69":"This is why I didn't want that in the apartment, {PlayerName}! God!","70":"I'm... [i]mortified[\/i]... I can only think about what [i]could have happened[\/i] instead of what went [i]right[\/i].","71":"My hands are just stuck in midair...","72":"Okay... I... should've been prescient about this. We should've had a plan.","73":"The worst could've happened. In my head it's almost like the worst actually happened. And yet {Leah} is in front of me with her hand on chest containing a mild heart attack.","74":"The gun isn't going to help.","75":"Finally, my hands start to work.","76":"I'm really fucking sorry.","77":"Well... nothing happened. It's just like every near miss in life, right?","78":"If we barely avoided an accident... it would've been the same kind of thing.","79":"Yeah...","80":"This adrenaline is going to murder my sleep, though.","81":"What happened? Why did a glass break? Why were you sneaking?","82":"I dropped a glass... and I was sneaking because I was trying not to wake you up.","83":"Yeah... that makes too much sense...","84":"I'm... I'm going to bed now. Try and... try and relax... okay?","85":"We'll forget this happened.","86":"{Leah}...","87":"Adrenaline is stabbing through me too. I wonder how I'll sleep.","88":"This is not what I needed on top of the other problems {Leah} and I are having.","0":"My eyes are closed, but my mind is still rushing.","1":"Is that girl, Genevieve, Valerie's creature? I would think that Valerie has a bunch of people working for her. At the very least she's able to employ thugs against her enemies.","2":"If she does work for Valerie... is she a Cedric... or a Sandra ally?","3":"There's an even worse possibility...","4":"...that her true loyalties lie with Rogham...","5":"If that's the case, then I probably should've taken Sam's pepper spray.","6":"The way she stared at me didn't seem completely sane... but who am I kidding? Staring at people [i]isn't[\/i] sane no matter how you look at it.","7":"The girl is fucking weird...","8":"I can't fall asleep, I need some fresh air. I wonder if {Leah} is still awake.","9":"{Leah} is working on the sofa, a computer on her lap."},"ch15__15.50 valerie sex.vne3":{"10":"Aw man. Here he comes. How was Haley?","11":"I bet she really smashed it up in there. I bet they tore the soundproofing down so that the world could hear her awesome voice.","12":"It was good thing I went. I think she needed me to be there.","13":"Having sex in a recording room was also amazing.","14":"There you go. You're always proving yourself useful. Even for singers!","15":"Did you give her back her ten dollars? You had better not have ten dollars in your pocket.","16":"I still have the ten dollars. And Dante immediately knows it.","17":"Bro... she's part of the Sevigny's [i]family[\/i]. Would you charge your family money for dinner?","18":"She didn't want the money, Dante. Actually, she said whatever money you give her, she's going to slip back in the till twice the amount.","19":"...That does sound like her.","20":"Ah... gross feeling inside. It's like... my core as a hetero man is flaming up with righteous indignation!","21":"Is there any resolution to this?","22":"Yeah. Accept the money and stop worrying.","23":"Don't be such a pushover.","24":"Immediately, I regret what I say... but fortunately Dante just smiles.","25":"Dude, you know a pushover [i]gives up[\/i], right? If I was really a pushover, anything you tell me, I'd agree with.","26":"But we're not pushovers. I'm the immovable object. You, the irresistible force, so neither of us are going to give up.","27":"So... let's drop the disagreement! Next time I see Haley I'm going to get her those ten dollar back.","28":"I never once thought Dante and Kristen had anything in common, but now I clearly see...","29":"...that they're both the World's Most Stubborn People.","30":"It's weird how many parallels I'm suddenly noticing. They're like the opposite of each other, but in a creepy parallel way. Like one is the complete shadow reflection of the other.","31":"Anyway, I was just doing some thinking about how we can make Sevigny's haunted.","32":"Ah, yes. Dante's business plan.","33":"What did you learn about ghosts, Dante?","34":"There's like different types of entities... there's demons... and poltergeists... and specters... and succubus...","35":"Hey man... are ghosts real?","36":"No.","37":"Yeah... but... just bear with me for a moment...","38":"...what if we [i]tried[\/i] to summon some ghosts... and [i]asked[\/i] them to haunt Sevigny's?","39":"So... all the summoning rituals [i]I[\/i] could find are dirt cheap. Candles, salt...","40":"Dante, instead of summoning ghosts to make Sevigny's a haunted attraction, why don't you just have customers pay for drinks?","41":"Good idea. Free drinks would bring people in for the ghost party.","42":"Are you listening?","43":"I can see you. I'm just thinking really hard.","44":"So you see, summoning rituals are cheap. Even if they don't work, we aren't risking much by doing them. So... why don't we try?","45":"He's serious about this. Well... at the very least it would be funny.","46":"I don't summon ghosts for the same reason I don't do yoga, because it feels silly trying.","47":"It's okay. You don't have to be there. I'm just going to try it on my own time.","48":"Do you really believe you're going to summon actual ghosts?","49":"Not really.","50":"So why?","51":"Because... imagine if it did work!","52":"That is a kind of logic right there.","53":"You have so little respect for your own time, Dante. You'd be better off spending it on an actual business strategy.","54":"There's nothing mystical about getting money out of people. This is Capitalism, this is how it has worked for many centuries.","55":"Oh... one more thing...","56":"That girl came by. The one you told me to watch out for.","57":"Iris?","58":"What did she say?","59":"She didn't. She looked inside for a moment, then passed by.","60":"I was hoping she would come in. I've seen so few girls I'm beginning to forget what they look like.","61":"Do me a favor. If you see her again... just stop her, and let her know when my next shift is.","62":"She's nervous.","63":"Understood.","64":"I'll finish my shift up.","65":"No problem.","66":"It's nearly six. I'm going to have to decide if I'm going to see Valerie.","67":"I'm getting more nervous the closer the time comes.","68":"When I see Kiara, I don't feel any relief.","69":"Okay. I'm here to cover you.","70":"Make a lot of tips tonight.","71":"I'm just happy that there's someone who knows less about making drinks than I do.","72":"If we both had to make cocktails to save our lives, you'd be the one who'd die.","73":"You're welcome. Now you know you'll survive a bartending-based death game.","74":"It could happen.","75":"Did you spill something?","76":"What?","77":"There's water on the floor.","78":"Really? I'll handle it.","79":"No... you are off the clock. I'll handle it.","80":"Just be more careful next time. If something happened, I'd get sued.","81":"Kiara plucks a towel from the back of the bar.","82":"Meanwhile... I'm still not sure if I want to see Valerie tonight or not.","83":"It's almost certainly a bad idea. An [i]offering[\/i] just has a creepy connotation.","84":"I'm also turning down a chance for clues...","85":"...but suddenly... I'm distracted...","86":"...[b]butt[\/b] suddenly... I'm...","87":"...[b]butt[\/b] distracted...","88":"I've never noticed Kiara's nice ass before...","89":"I have to find the willpower inside to take my eyes off her.","90":"Oh... great. Thanks Dante. You noticed I was checking out her ass. Why don't you blow a vuvuzela too.","91":"Now I definitely need to get out of here.","92":"Go do your ghost research.","93":"I found something nicer...","94":"Just as I leave...","95":"Sam, I wasn't expecting you.","96":"You would if you could USE A PHONE with Internet access.","97":"Don't mind me, I'm not bitter.","98":"We haven't arranged a campaign meeting...","99":"I know. I was passing by and I was kind of struck by inspiration.","100":"Think of this: what does every superhero need? [i]A villain[\/i].","101":"You know we have a debate coming up, right?","102":"Uh... a [i]debate[\/i]?","103":"What... I knew we had one but... uh...","104":"You didn't know, then.","105":"[i]I mean I knew...[\/i] but... isn't it far off?","106":"You didn't think about it. To be fair, neither did I.","107":"That creepy girl, Genevieve, reminded me.","108":"[i]Oh her[\/i].","109":"Let me check...","110":"Is it that close? Really?","111":"I have it as two weeks.","112":"That's not a lot of time...","113":"It is [i]coming up[\/i], but we have more things to worry about.","114":"I have an idea for: [i]a villain[\/i]! It's going to spice up our re-election.","115":"I have some real villains, Sam.","116":"I'm not talking about Professor Rogham. I'm talking about a [i]symbolic[\/i] villain. One that represents all the ills of Shale Hill.","117":"As I said, we already have one of those... and I might see them soon.","118":"Do you think I should invest the time into making a costume?","119":"I don't. However, I think it's worth investing your time in something you want to do.","120":"If you want to make a villain costume... then make one. It doesn't have to be for the election.","121":"For now... help me do debate prep.","122":"Sam looks slightly heartbroken.","123":"Yeah... that makes a lot of sense. You know... I should do the boring stuff of being a campaign manager.","124":"It doesn't have to boring. We have to make it interesting. That's why it's campaign prep.","125":"Yes... you're right.","126":"Apparently it's going to be important...","127":"...as a matter of fact... [i]weirdly important.","128":"[i]''This will all end in a debate...''[\/i] her words. It [i]really[\/i] didn't sound like she was talking about a conventional debate.","129":"There is only one election for presidency that I know of, so that's what I'll worry about.","130":"Do you know...","131":"...just how much off-the-cuff bullshit I came up with during our debate?","132":"I do remember. It was infuriating.","133":"Infuriating doesn't cut it. The things I wanted to do to Sam were not fit for print.","134":"Those were just private thoughts. Sam never needs to know how irrationally I hated her.","135":"...to the point where I tried to ruin her.","136":"It just shows what a great person you were that you could put all those personal feelings behind.","137":"I don't think I would be so gracious.","138":"Then again... I still feel like you would've been the better president, so maybe I wasn't even that invested.","139":"Sam, we'll have time to go over war stories. I have to go.","140":"I hope we do.","141":"Goodbye, lover.","142":"See you soon.","143":"I NOW FREE YOU! Haha!","144":"I wave her off, then I head out.","145":"Gotta get out of here.","146":"Right... now I've got to decide.","147":"Am I going to head home... or am I going to Valerie's?","148":"There's no doubt about what Valerie wants. There's more doubt about [i]what she will do[\/i].","149":"The sex... What we did... I still regret it.","150":"Am I prepared to pile on more regrets?","151":"The sex... The weird thing is that I actually [i]liked[\/i] it.","152":"Go to Valerie's.","153":"Go home.","154":"I can't pass up this chance. Every time I see Valerie... I have a chance of getting through to her.","155":"I should at least try...","156":"It's not often I make an objectively smart decision.","157":"Today... I've succeeded.","158":"Time to head home.","159":"I head over to Valerie's.","160":"Is it really a trap if I'm fully expecting it?","161":"I don't need to think hard about whether it's stupid or not. I'm still heading to her door. I'm still pressing down on her call box.","162":"It unlocks the moment I get near.","163":"[i]This[\/i] is the kind of situation where it is fully appropriate to take a shotgun.","164":"Stupid is as stupid does. I go in.","165":"I'm going to run out of opportunities to go back.","166":"Probably quickly, too...","167":"Valerie's apartment is coming close.","168":"[i]An offering...[\/i] what could she mean? It definitely isn't cake.","169":"I open the door and Valerie is already in front of me... like some glorious evil empress on a throne.","170":"There's no hint of doubt that I wouldn't be here. No part of her flinches.","171":"Those are sex eyes, if I've ever seen them. And I have.","172":"Is this her trying to rekindle something?","173":"So... why did I come, Valerie? What do you want out of me?","174":"Do I really need to even guess?","175":"But there's nothing. She doesn't say even a single thing.","176":"She glowers. Her fingers tense along the glass... I expect her to break it but she never does.","177":"She simply... [i]watches.","178":"If she meant to unnerve me, it's definitely working.","179":"[i]Sit down,[\/i] her gesture seems to say.","180":"Is she role-playing Silent1 now? I have to admit... I'm curious what she's getting at.","181":"If I simply... [i]stare her right back[\/i]... then I won't be pulled in her charms again.","182":"She definitely still has it.","183":"Okay. I'm sitting where you wanted me to. Is the floor going to open up beneath me, am I going to fall into a pit of hungry piranhas?","184":"It sure feels like... judging from her steady gaze.","185":"She sniffs her wine. This really is a game to her.","186":"I guess she's gloating. Gloating that she manipulated me into coming here.","187":"Gloating... that I still might have feelings for her.","188":"This all passes... an uncomfortably long time.","189":"I wait... and wait... and wait...","190":"And... I'm losing this contest.","191":"I'm going to be the first one who breaks.","192":"I pick up my phone and type in a question.","193":"Why am I here?","194":"Don't look so smug.","195":"I was promised an offering at least. [i]An offering[\/i].","196":"Give it so I can go home.","197":"It's worse than a trap. It's a prank.","198":"It's a...","199":"...[i]I'm not sure anymore[\/i]...","200":"Genevieve... [i]you are Valerie's creature.","201":"She's standing in front of me... just as creepy as Valerie.","202":"Sometimes... people find me off-putting because I don't say anything. Now I understand why.","203":"Okay. That's it. I have to say something. [i]I have to[\/i].","204":"I'm being tortured by goddamn silence.","205":"What the...","206":"...seriously?","207":"This is how it's going to be?","208":"Then... please explain... [i]please someone explain[\/i]...","209":"...what I'm doing here!?","210":"That's when I notice Genevieve's hand approach her collar.","211":"Her hands fiddle with the buttons...","212":"...she delicately undoes the top one.","213":"Button by button, she goes down her shirt...","214":"...until she reveals the naked, chest beneath.","215":"She's not particularly impressive, but it being a pair of breasts in front of my eyes... close to my itching hands... is more than enough.","216":"It's pretty obvious what the offering is now. It's Genevieve. Her body is what I'm being offered.","217":"If I want to take the chance to leave... I have to do it right now.","218":"Leave.","219":"Stay and accept.","220":"Enough.","221":"This is a trick. I will not put up with it.","222":"Genevieve gasps as I push her away, curling defensively.","223":"This is [i]enough[\/i]. You knock my phone from my grasp... my only means of communication... and you try and distract me with a small set of tits.","224":"I'm not that weak, Val.","225":"As I leave, I hear Valerie's parting shots.","226":"Who do you think you're being loyal [i]to[\/i]?","227":"I gave you what you most wanted. Emily and me at the same time.","228":"You didn't throw that in my face, did you?","229":"You've already missed out on some of the greatest experiences you could have had.","230":"You will run out of second chances.","231":"Maybe. Right now, I just want to do what I should've done to begin with and go home.","232":"Stupid. Stupid!","233":"I should've been more careful. I should not trust Valerie.","234":"If I'm having trust issues with {Leah}, I cannot compound that by falling for Val's total nonsense.","235":"It's an offering... I know this is a poisoned gift.","236":"Valerie would not be offering it to me if it didn't suit her purposes.","237":"But here I am, buying into her hook, line and sinker.","238":"I'm dumber than I thought.","239":"But... I'm a guy... and she's willing.","240":"Who can turn down sex continually? Nobody is strong enough for that.","241":"It looks like I'm going to dive into this head first.","242":"She approaches. I feel Valerie's eyes drill through us both.","243":"It's hard to deny... having Valerie watch is part of the appeal.","244":"[i]I like this[\/i].","245":"I offer you my body, to use for any purpose you want.","246":"The first words I've heard since I've come here.","247":"What she says is not surprising, but still sickly exhilarating.","248":"Valerie was waiting for this moment.","249":"I can tell from her expression.","250":"Is she attracted to me? Does she want to do this? It's hard for me to know.","251":"As soon as she senses what I'll do, she moves to me.","252":"She lets me touch her breast... she doesn't flinch... doesn't indicate she's scared or doesn't know what she's doing.","253":"It's... strange... I can't sense anything about her at all.","254":"It's like she's playing poker. And for some reason, this makes it hotter.","255":"Yet one of us isn't playing poker.","256":"One of us knows exactly what she's doing.","257":"But... I'm beginning to forget she's there.","258":"When she reaches out to touch me, I'm slightly surprised. I thought she'd be taking a completely passive role.","259":"But no... it's stranger than that.","260":"I have to see her eyes directly.","261":"With her glasses off, her hand touches my face more intently... like she's trying to find the contours.","262":"So, she really needs those glasses, then.","263":"Judging from the way her eyes are unfocused... she probably can't even see me clearly.","264":"Interesting.","265":"Despite her blindness, she's still able to find my lips.","266":"Her kissing is... nice. Nothing special, though.","267":"I suppose she has poker lips, too.","268":"When I kiss more intently, she matches my passion.","269":"It's almost like... she's a mirror into my needs.","270":"Experimentally, my hand drifts to her thighs. I expect her to close up in fear...","271":"...but there is absolutely no reluctance.","272":"She lets my hand crawl into her crotch.","273":"Then...","274":"My hands do what they do with any girl, and they press the soft tissue of her pussy.","275":"There's a subtle stickiness down there... so [i]she's aroused[\/i]. Interesting.","276":"Suddenly I find myself kissing her breasts... touching her more fiercely. I'm seeing her less and less like a stranger...","277":"...and more and more just like a body.","278":"She's letting me do everything... everywhere.","279":"I'm already in the middle of this. I might as well go all the way.","280":"As I stand up... indicating I want to go further, her fingers already start fumbling for my wasteband.","281":"Finally, some flush to her pale cheeks...","282":"I stand, and without expression, she start to jerk me off.","283":"Her eye contact... as always... is just [i]intense...","284":"Despite her poor vision, she's able to find my eyes. Heck, she's probably even [i]better[\/i] at staring at people because of it.","285":"It is... arresting... and strange... and arousing.","286":"I'm not really sure what I'm doing...","287":"Somehow, we've migrated to the sofa. I wasn't even aware of it behind me.","288":"This girl is dangerous... she knows what she's doing... I've underestimated her.","289":"I've never been so turned on by a girl that scares me. Unless... I'm turned on [i]because[\/i] she scares me...","290":"...and if that's the case, what does that say about me?","291":"But man... her hand sliding up and down my length, playing me, coaxing ecstasy out of me... somehow her eyes are just [i]louder[\/i] than any sensation she can give me.","292":"Are her eyes beautiful? Is that why I can't stop looking? Or is there something else at work?","293":"Maybe... with my cock in her mouth... she'll finally stop staring.","294":"When her eyes close... I briefly experience a sort of relief.","295":"Like... pressure is taken off me.","296":"But when she opens her eyes... they're just as intent.","297":"I'm astonished... even through her closed eyes she was staring at me.","298":"I'm so mesmerized by her eyes that I barely notice her touch.","299":"Then... her lips suckle the end of my cock.","300":"Her brief blink gives me a rare opportunity to look away.","301":"So Val... this isn't just for my benefit, is it? You like this too.","302":"You may be a villain, but you're a human being.","303":"I may find a vulnerability in you yet.","304":"Sensation pulls me back to look at Genevieve... I'm pulled instantly back into her eyes.","305":"Those fucking eyes of her... that's the real trap she's using.","306":"Good god... there's something so odd about her...","307":"So when she closes her eyes... I feel as though I can finally enjoy her mouth.","308":"I can notice her technique, the delicate roughness of her tongue against my cockhead, her lips coming up to tickle the underside of cock.","309":"I shouldn't be surprised at her skills. She takes everything dispassionately, professionally, and this same attitude is evident even as she sucks me off.","310":"She varies herself as she works me, ticking the rim of my urethra, then dipping into the skin just beneath...","311":"A blowjob normally would distract any guy from anything...","312":"...but here I am staring at a unicorn - a woman who has a weapon against men more powerful than sucking dick.","313":"And the more she does it...","314":"...the more the weirdness of it contributes to its [i]sexiness[\/i].","315":"This is [i]all kinds of wrong[\/i]...","316":"I'm finally able to focus on her oral skills... and they're good. Sensual, confident, with a degree of technique I didn't expect.","317":"This girl might have actually [i]studied[\/i] to do this correctly.","318":"In any case... she's having this strange effect on me... that no other girl has had on me before...","319":"She might make me believe in hypnotism.","320":"Soon, I indicate I want to try something different.","321":"Miraculously, she shifts position without even taking her eyes off me.","322":"I wonder... if I can even [i]try[\/i] to look elsewhere... even simply to throw her head back.","323":"My tongue laps at her... tasting her inner sweetness.","324":"She cleaned recently, I can tell. She showered fully knowing I might do this.","325":"She made damn sure she was clean, and it shows.","326":"That makes it easy. I happily lick her, flick my tongue up and down.","327":"She might lack that slight muskiness I like, but it's good all the same.","328":"This is the one time when I feel like I can control things. When I'm letting her please me, I'm exactly where she wants me to be.","329":"Now? I'm wrestling a bit of control back from her. She's moaning... squirming... struggling. She's just as human and vulnerable as I am.","330":"I want to see what else I can get her to do.","331":"After all, this is supposed to be my body to use.","332":"I should do with it what I want.","333":"My finger delve into her inner folds. I slip in, sawing back and forth...","334":"...making sure she was ready for what was to come.","335":"She glances down as I position myself at her burning entrance.","336":"Notably, this is the first time this evening she didn't look directly at me.","337":"When our genitals touch, we seem to shudder at the same frequency.","338":"Genevieve has an uncanny ability to sync with my body... it's hot, but also unnerving...","339":"Doesn't matter. It's not like I'm going to stop.","340":"Plowing her hole is exactly what I want to do... it'll feel natural... like sex... instead of whatever else she's doing to me...","341":"Her expression is so subtle. As I penetrate, she goes flush... burning hot.","342":"But she barely moans. She bites her lip a little... and watches.","343":"Her body acts in such strange and weird ways. It's fascinating.","344":"I [i]do[\/i] want her all to myself. I kinda want to [i]experiment[\/i] on her... fiddle with her in strange ways.","345":"Inside me, something strange wakes... something I didn't think I had in me.","346":"As I pound her, slow, then quick, I watch for every change in her expression, note how her body reacts to my intrusion.","347":"Concerns about whether or not she wants it leave my mind... ","348":"...instead, all I want to see is her [i]reaction[\/i], her response... whether it be pleasure or pain.","349":"The ambiguity in her expression fucks with my neurons. For some reason, fucking her becomes the best way of unveiling her puzzle.","350":"We clap together in a frenzy. No matter how fast I go, she always finds a means to keep up.","351":"When I take in a breath... so does she.","352":"If I feel her heart... it beats in tune with mine.","353":"She's a clock that's wound to my rhythm. It's a subtle and mad thing.","354":"I drive deeper... slam hard, press against her...","355":"...I struggle to push into her even harder than I usually do.","356":"She does nothing but stare.","357":"A kiss... at least... will give me a break from those eyes of hers.","358":"As we fuck... I feel like I sink deeper and deeper into the cushions.","359":"I slam into her and Genevieve pushes between the cushion and onto the frame of the sofa.","360":"We'll break this sofa before long.","361":"This is is too much. She milks my cock almost perfectly...","362":"How does she know me so well?","363":"Maybe if I change postions... the dynamic might change.","364":"I might feel a different side of her.","365":"I get under Genevieve. Without even asking she understands my intent.","366":"My cock nearly goes off at her touch... we still have things to do yet.","367":"Not surprisingly, she's good on top, too.","368":"Now that she controls the motions, she proves she really did [i]learn[\/i] me, somehow.","369":"It's like... she's some sort of bot for my pleasure...","370":"I think... as I was trying to study her... she was studying me too.","371":"The twist of her hips, the bend of her spine, her pelvis shakes and swirls me in a perfect dance with my penis.","372":"I've never been with this girl, but she does me like we've fucked a thousands times.","373":"She really is a toy for my pleasure... something to study me, and maximize my ecstasy.","374":"Well, there's nothing wrong with that. I'm going to have fun with her for as long as she's available to me.","375":"If she's my tool, my gift, my offering, I'm going to use her like that.","376":"Doggy style provides some relief from her eyes. I'm finally able to focus purely on the pleasure.","377":"I rut her from behind... fully intending to bust my nut any moment.","378":"Now that I'm fucking her without distraction... I notice how small and delicate she is compared to me.","379":"I feel like I could pick her up and break her if I wanted... after all, I haven't always been gentle.","380":"Not once has she complained.","381":"Not once has she indicated any reluctance to do anything.","382":"I feel nothing else but a desire to spread my seed all around her... inside her...","383":"Stop.","384":"What? I'm almost groggy with horniness. I think I've been fucking her for thirty minutes...","385":"I've been a pounding fugue state...","386":"She licks her hand... and...","387":"...oh. I see. So that's what she's going for. I definitely have no issue with that.","388":"If she really is mine to use, I probably would have gone here eventually anyway.","389":"Here it goes...","390":"When I penetrate her ass, it's an explosion of tightness. Her ring presses down... it's almost like a grip.","391":"Genevieve isn't just good at oral, and vaginal... she's also good with anal.","392":"This mousy, skinny, blonde girl is some kind of sex ninja.","393":"As a matter of fact...","394":"...something tells me she's holding back. She's not showing me her full set of cards. This is a [i]sampler[\/i].","395":"Consider me intrigued.","396":"Valerie... shit... I guess you might be actually winning.","397":"If you can provide partners like Genevieve, fulfill my wildest fantasies...","398":"...that is a damn hard thing to refuse.","399":"Valerie... you've finally made your move.","400":"I'd care more, but my cock is being wrung out by a mighty fucking asshole.","401":"Well, this was very cute, I'd say.","402":"You did well Genevieve. Here's your reward.","403":"A kiss? Valerie kissing another girl... has to be one of the hottest things I've ever seen...","404":"I'm hurtling... speeding toward busting a nut.","405":"Is this turning into a threesome? Christ I hope so. Not that I can take advantage of it... in a minute I'll be drained dry.","406":"As they kiss, my mind fogs with a lusty miasma. I can't even think deeper about it.","407":"Tongue dancing, coming in out, just like what I'm doing with Genevieve.","408":"Her whole body condenses like hot boiling water around my rod, rocks me and controls me with her pressing insides.","409":"What is so damn electrifying about watching two girls kissing? I'm mindless as I watch them...","410":"When she glances up at me... her eyes are so powerful... that in my blurred state of mind...","411":"...she might as well have been casting a spell on me.","412":"I'm at their mercy.","413":"Go ahead. Go ahead and cum.","414":"You could even use [i]me[\/i] if you like.","415":"I didn't need your permission... but it definitely helps!","416":"Genevieve.","417":"Valerie.","418":"It's going to be Genevieve.","419":"She handled my dick in her ass very well. She deserves my seed.","420":"I can't hold it anymore.","421":"Oh... I was hoping it would be me...","422":"Well... whatever. You were exhausted.","423":"Gen, you're dismissed.","424":"Thank you, President.","425":"It's going to be Valerie. I'm not sure if I want to shoot my load on her because I hate or because I love her.","426":"Either way... it's coming out.","427":"Take the rest of it Gen.","428":"Genevieve's lips on my cock causes me to burst with a load I didn't know I had.","429":"Gen, you're dismissed.","430":"Thank you, President.","431":"With no other fanfare, she walks away.","432":"It feels somewhat... anticlimactic.","433":"I put on my clothes... as I do... the post-nut clarity is severe.","434":"I'm naked in a room with who is my worst enemy... basically accepting her temptation... her bribe.","435":"To what end? I can't puzzle it out... I'm too ashamed by own weakness.","436":"That was so much fun.","437":"You know what... we should do that again sometime. And next time... I'll bring someone different.","438":"What do you think?","439":"Well... at least she's straightforward.","440":"I don't think anything. I have to go. I try get my shoes on as quick as I can.","441":"Don't be ashamed, {PlayerName}. What would you like to experience?","442":"Just hand me a menu of your craziest fantasies... and I'll make an itinerary.","443":"Valerie...","444":"...this isn't the girl I loved.","445":"...this isn't you.","446":"Where is the old you?","447":"You'll run away now, but you won't run from your feelings forever.","448":"You know what you really want.","449":"Maybe not... but it's nothing you can offer me.","450":"With that... I leave.","0":"Cum options","1":"Valerie","2":"Genevieve Sex","3":"Continue","4":"The next night...","5":"Night shift is still quiet... The shooting really is affecting business.","6":"I still can't believe what happened the other night with the shotgun...","7":"{Leah} hasn't raised the topic since then. She certainly doesn't want to cause more anxiety.","8":"In any case, I'm still feeling stupid. Things could have gone terribly wrong...","9":"Uh?"},"ch15__15.55 the sisters.vne3":{"10":"I do need a job.","11":"Dante can't afford me, and he certainly can't afford you as well.","12":"We'll have to brainstorm another way to make contact. We'll come up with an idea in the morning.","13":"By the way... are you up for a quick roadtrip tomorrow?","14":"A roadtrip? Don't you think things are a bit precarious for that?","15":"It's not going to take a long time. Actually, it'll be pretty quick.","16":"There are files I need from Annette-Taylor.","17":"What files?","18":"Files I'm not supposed to have.","19":"Ah. {Leah} is going to do a repeat of the Great Principal's Office Heist.","20":"In another life, in another time, I'd chastise her for even thinking about it. Honestly, now it just feels like child's play.","21":"I'm not even worried for her.","22":"What kind of file? Is that a secret too?","23":"Not everything is a secret. I learned about Amiran from Valerie's file... it might be helpful to cross-reference them with whatever data Iris gets us.","24":"If we get that data...","25":"Won't they notice the file gone?","26":"That's the thing. They dispose the files after three years, I think.","27":"Valerie's file is almost up. If we take it now, they might assume it was simply destroyed early or they might not even notice it is missing.","28":"Wouldn't it be safer to just take photos of it instead of stealing the whole thing?","29":"We don't know how much stuff is in the file, so taking photos could take a significant amount of time and make it riskier.","30":"Don't worry, they won't notice the file is missing.","31":"Hmm, that makes sense.","32":"My dick twitches as Valerie is mentioned.","33":"Damn... how weak am I to Valerie? When the time comes... can I deal the final blow? In whatever form that takes?","34":"I better say something... hide my divided feelings.","35":"It might be useful. Are you going to learn anything new from it?","36":"No idea. But it's worth it.","37":"And at this point in our espionage careers, super-low risk.","38":"Quite true... [i]{mc_codename}[\/i].","39":"Ah... almost forgot about that.","40":"And you, [i]Dreamcatcher[\/i].","41":"She smiles.","42":"See you in the morning. We'll leave early, so get plenty of sleep.","43":"You too.","44":"Man... that incident the other night... with the shotgun...","45":"...the Fraternity doesn't scare me half as much as what I almost did.","46":"The best thing I can do is relax... find my calm.","47":"The fear of death has been eroded out of me. Now the only thing I'm scared of is letting {Leah} down.","48":"When this is over, it's going to be hard going back to just being a student with an IT job.","49":"What is that?","50":"Shit... man...","51":"...{Leah} again?","52":"She's louder this time.","53":"Better see what's up.","54":"What are you doing out of bed?","55":"I heard some knocking. Was it you?","56":"No. Was it you?","57":"Ah... so it's neither of us then...","58":"It could be Genevieve. I bailed on her.","59":"If it is... she isn't here to be friends.","60":"The Fraternity's goons? Would they really knock first?","61":"But... who would be knocking right now? It's 3 AM.","62":"Should I get the shotgun?","63":"Uh...","64":"Her thoughts come painfully.","65":"...you get the shotgun. I'll wait with you next to the door.","66":"A sound plan, one she was reluctant to make.","67":"This time... I'll make sure to cock the shotgun.","68":"I put shells into the chamber.","69":"I'm ready.","70":"Ready to answer the door?","71":"I'm ready.","72":"We really need to talk to the HOA about getting peepholes installed...","73":"{Leah} heads for the door...","74":"...now that I've calmed a bit... it's likely to be Kristen.","75":"The finger on the trigger relaxes...","76":"What the...?","77":"Hey.","78":"Iris's eyes shift around.","79":"What are you [i]doing here[\/i]...? Who are you?","80":"I'm Iris... Emily's sister.","81":"It's nice to meet you, {Leah}. I... know a lot about you actually.","82":"My father's stubbornness is to blame for that. Now you know why I didn't want you involved in my family.","83":"It was to protect you...","84":"You... have a shotgun...?","85":"Realizing I'm choking the shit out of my shotgun, I place it down and pick up my phone.","86":"That cop isn't following you?","87":"That's why we're here. At this time.","88":"Iris and I found out that there's a specific time I can leave without being noticed.","89":"So, I'm here. Now.","90":"So Iris told you about Arthur's ''alpha team''. Did you know anything about that, Em?","91":"I didn't. Father doesn't tell us much about the business... because we're not going to inherit it.","92":"...I was both surprised... and not surprised.","93":"I'm... just astonished that Emily was right all along. If family is the most important thing then...","94":"...we shouldn't be hurting other people's families. Right?","95":"Dad sucks, Iris. You need to get used to it. Family are strangers you're saddled with from birth.","96":"Well... the truth is probably in the middle.","97":"I'm really glad that you've come to the conclusions that you have... but why are you here? It must be for a good reason.","98":"Yeah. I have an incredible reason, actually.","99":"We're going to help you.","100":"And we're going to do it together, too.","101":"Emily... I never once expected we'd see eye-to-eye...","102":"I'm not. I've always thought you were cool.","103":"...Really?","104":"Yeah. I think you're pretty brave. Too brave actually. Pig-headed.","105":"Emily's got you down pat.","106":"Let's get on topic. I imagine your window of freedom is short.","107":"It is. And unfortunately, our timing is short, too.","108":"It was really difficult to get the information you wanted. Father has locked most things down. He doesn't trust anyone.","109":"So... what I learned, I learned from our brother.","110":"My dad keeps dossiers of legal documents. Everything about the case that you can imagine, probably ones he shouldn't even have.","111":"Including about the flight you wanted to know about.","112":"Does it include anything about Valerie?","113":"It should. Dad was keeping tabs on most people from that flight.","114":"We need these documents, {PlayerName}. I have a feeling that everything we need is in there.","115":"If we put everything we learned together with everything Arthur knows, we'll know pretty much everything there is to know about Valerie and Silent1.","116":"How do we get it?","117":"Through my brother. We're going to convince him to request those documents from my dad.","118":"It will be difficult. My brother isn't exactly... [i]engaged[\/i] with the business.","119":"He's too busy getting his dick sucked in Florida. Or he's sucking dick. Maybe both at the same time.","120":"Emily!","121":"I know family secrets too, Iris.","122":"Iris shakes her head.","123":"Is it really true you two broke into an evidence locker, {Leah}?","124":"Uh...","125":"Of course not. Do we look suicidal to you?","126":"Yeah. We don't... have those kinds of skills.","127":"Oh. Well... if it [i]was[\/i] true, than this is going to feel like a cinch.","128":"{Leah} and I do have some skills, though.","129":"We can definitely help.","130":"Okay then...","131":"...we're going to have to do this soon, so... let me know when you're ready.","132":"When can you do it?","133":"Tomorrow, maybe. It's unpredictable... we have to depend on what our father is going to do.","134":"Can you do the day after tomorrow?","135":"Emily shrugs.","136":"Good.","137":"Emily looks impatiently at the door.","138":"There's so much more I need to say to you, {PlayerName}.","139":"This is completely cursed. If it's not my family that's between us, it's the police.","140":"We'll have the time.","141":"I'm not sure about that.","142":"Her tone is ominous.","143":"Do you two want to talk privately? You're welcome to...","144":"It's got nothing to do with privacy. We'll be lucky if we see each other again.","145":"You don't have to be so pessimistic.","146":"Enough. I've got to go. If I'm off by a minute...","147":"My time is getting short. We need to go now.","148":"Emily, Iris... thank you. You're doing something good.","149":"With that, they both leave.","150":"Can you believe it? We're actually going to find out about Valerie's past.","151":"Not just that... a whole [i]separate[\/i] conspiracy.","152":"You think they're separate?","153":"{Leah} thinks for a moment.","154":"More than one person is doing bad stuff in the world, {PlayerName}. There's a relationship between the Fraternity and Arthur, but it's clear now they're not working for each other.","155":"How much does Valerie know of this, I wonder? She was too young to understand anything...","156":"And yet, she had a copy of RECENTLY since elementary school.","157":"It's very odd.","158":"But... we don't have to speculate, do we? The day after tomorrow, we're going to get some answers.","159":"I hope so...","160":"Let's try to get some sleep.","161":"Can't disagree with that.","0":"I arrive back at the apartment not long afterward.","1":"Hey, anything from Iris?","2":"{Leah} comes in from the living room.","3":"Yes... actually.","4":"Dante told me she passed by the bar and looked inside.","5":"You weren't there? Damn it.","6":"We have no way of contacting her.","7":"We don't, true. And she has no real way of contacting us. This ''meeting by coincidence'' thing is not a great strategy.","8":"If she comes to us with something time sensitive...","9":"This is hopeless. Do we both have to take shifts at Dante's? Maybe Dante is looking for an employee..."},"ch15__15.60 alabama.vne3":{"10":"...No.","11":"I was kind of hoping for an empty school. You can't really get into the Principal's office with the Principal still in there.","12":"I thought you were going to throw a ninja smoke bomb or something.","13":"Yeah. Okay. You got one on hand?","14":"Let me check under the cushions.","15":"Man... I hate it when ninja smoke bombs get stuck in the cushions.","16":"Let me go check the calendar.","17":"...","18":"It's a college fair today.","19":"Lame... that's why there's so many people.","20":"When does it end?","21":"This evening. That means we have time to kill.","22":"Are we going to spend it outside the school?","23":"I hope not. We'll look like creeps.","24":"They might think we're Buttsnack.","25":"And who wants that?","26":"You know what... you know where we should go?","27":"Where?","28":"Your old house.","29":"Why?","30":"Because it's nice. Come on.","31":"I doubt your parents are home.","32":"Yeah... they usually aren't. We haven't talked in a while.","33":"I was a born latchkey kid.","34":"And that's why you're so responsible.","35":"Our old place.","36":"You mean [i]there[\/i]?","37":"Yeah. Where we used to live. It would be nice to see it again.","38":"I'm fairly certain it's empty right now. We won't have to worry.","39":"It would be kind of nice to see the old place. {Leah} might actually have seen it more recently than I have.","40":"I'm not big on the past... {Leah} was always more sentimental. But it would make her happy, so why not?","41":"Okay. Let's go see it.","42":"{Leah} smiles broadly. It's not that long a drive.","43":"Shit... looking at this place... [i]maybe I am sentimental[\/i].","44":"Golden memories flood back. {Leah} and I hanging out on the porch... long summer days.","45":"We did nothing but talk sometimes.","46":"It makes me sad I haven't been back.","47":"{Leah} is going through the same process.","48":"Apparently... you don't have to be near death to see your life flash before your eyes.","49":"I hate nostalgia.","50":"No. You hate the thought you might be [i]nostalgic[\/i].","51":"Apparently I'm not the kind of person who can just drop the past. I wish I was...","52":"You want to go inside?","53":"I keep looking at the house. It feels like it came from a dream... somehow.","54":"I don't want to pull in my evil adult karma in here.","55":"You want to go inside. Don't deny it.","56":"I'll go inside for your sake.","57":"Heh! [i]Suuuuuure[\/i].","58":"We start to head through the house, {Leah} narrating her memories as we walk through.","59":"It's interesting how much we share, even if we weren't living together.","60":"I head to the bathroom. {Leah} continues to look around.","61":"When I'm done... I go looking for her.","62":"My old bedroom... interesting.","63":"What's {Leah} doing in here?","64":"Looking at old pictures. I remember those.","65":"It wasn't me that put them up. It was my mother. She printed them out, framed them... gave them as gift.","66":"I don't think I would've ever done it otherwise.","67":"What beautiful pictures.","68":"It's like... [i]everything is here[\/i]... you know what I'm saying?","69":"It's like... our whole teenage years are laid out. Even mine...","70":"It would be so nice to be so carefree again.","71":"I don't understand why you didn't take these with you when we moved to the apartment.","72":"Here, look. I think this is my favorite.","73":"Do you even remember who took this?","74":"I have no idea. It was a while ago now.","75":"It seems like the photo was taken by an ant.","76":"The angle is... interesting. It's just too bad about the flower covering your face.","77":"I guess it's just the memories of us sitting out on the porch that make me so fond of it.","78":"How did we end up with such a nice childhood?","79":"I didn't know it was good.","80":"Yeah, neither did I.","81":"{Leah} looks around the room.","82":"Looking back at it... you were pretty straightforward. You didn't need a lot, did you?","83":"I mean... I know you've taken stuff out of this room. It's just... you know...","84":"Very plain?","85":"Yeah. Not much decoration. You don't have weird decor everywhere.","86":"I was old before my time.","87":"You were [i]boring[\/i] before your time, more like. Where's your hints of teen rebellion?","88":"I want to see... band shirts with skulls on them... political manifestos... I dunno.","89":"That was never my style. I liked boring.","90":"There was a big flashing street sign that basically said: [i]this is the most normal path[\/i], so I took it.","91":"But you don't have any skulls or manifestos, and you're one of the most rebellious people I know.","92":"Hmm... well...","93":"...I don't know. I just never felt like I needed to wear black to be an independent thinker.","94":"I just did what I thought was right... what needed to be done.","95":"A lot of the kids at school thought being a rebel was a fashion choice.","96":"Clearly, I was going down the opposite path... being incredibly conventional.","97":"At this point, I'm not sure that was better.","98":"Let's sit.","99":"We've been like this before, sitting here, years ago.","100":"I can't remember the specifics... I just remember it happening.","101":"It's sort of ghostly being here...","102":"Um...","103":"{Leah}'s tone changes dramatically.","104":"I...","105":"...I want to say I'm sorry.","106":"I should have told you I was coming to your meeting with Arthur. I didn't tell you on purpose.","107":"Okay. This is good. She's talking to me.","108":"Honestly... I'm not sure I should be the one lecturing her after the shotgun incident, even so... I didn't like what she did.","109":"Why didn't you tell me, {Leah}?","110":"Well... for one thing I knew you would've said no.","111":"I would've argued with you, but I'm not the boss of you.","112":"I've been doing some thinking too.","113":"Oh yeah?","114":"I've had to tell lies to so many people I like. It's so damn difficult.","115":"The worst part of this whole ordeal is not being able to tell anyone.","116":"Hmm... I know exactly how you feel.","117":"All I'm saying is...","118":"...I have secrets I can't tell to people I trust... and you have secrets you can't tell to people you trust.","119":"Imagine if I told Sam that Mr. Rogham had been sabotaging her as soon as I found out. Or had told on Sandra to her mom.","120":"I can think of [i]many[\/i] examples of when people weren't ready for the truth.","121":"That's... not...","122":"If you have some kind of weird reason to keep a secret, I respect that.","123":"But we shouldn't keep the truth we [i]need[\/i] from each other. I needed to know you were outside the meeting.","124":"That's all.","125":"Hrmm... I... think you articulated something I couldn't.","126":"You're good with words... and I'm getting dementia. Some days I feel really off my game.","127":"Sometimes I feel like a genius... other days, an idiot.","128":"This spy stuff is aging me prematurely.","129":"You and me both.","130":"Every fucking argument {Leah} and I have ever had was about communication problems.","131":"You'd think we'd have figured this all out by now.","132":"I think it's almost time. We should go do this burglary.","133":"Pretty routine for us...","134":"We head out...","135":"The lot is nearly empty, now. {Leah} steps out of the car.","136":"I'll be in and out. Just stay in the car in case I need a quick getaway.","137":"Good luck.","138":"Save that luck for when we need it.","139":"She comes back pretty soon after. I didn't really have time to get bored.","140":"Surprises?","141":"I saw Mr. Jensen and Mrs. Samuels fucking.","142":"I'll need bleach poured directly into my ears for that mental image.","143":"Let's go. We can go over the file when we get home.","144":"Are you sure you want to drive back right now? It's going to be night soon.","145":"What do you suggest?","146":"Let's just crash in my old room. It's still [i]my[\/i] room, after all. Nobody can stop me.","147":"Okay... um... I guess I should stay in my old room, then?","148":"You want separate rooms?","149":"No...","150":"Sure. Use your own bed if you want.","151":"{Leah} nods.","152":"Okay. Fine. It'll be a sleepover.","153":"{Leah} gets in.","154":"Right... the [i]file[\/i].","155":"You were reading it on the way. What does it say?","156":"It goes over Valerie's background. It looks like she was part of some resettlement program or something.","157":"There's nothing before her arrival here. But it does say she was in something like a witness protection program.","158":"It said that her biological father was a physical risk to her.","159":"Once Amiran was arrested for arson, Valerie had to be sent off somewhere.","160":"He must have lost custody. I think there's some kind of restraining order against him.","161":"There is... nothing new in here. But something might pop out at us later.","162":"But... hey! It's cool to see the house again!","163":"It is indeed.","164":"Let's fix something up, go to bed, head back in the morning.","165":"{Leah} nods.","166":"continue_scene","167":"endscene","168":"So... what do you think? Should we share beds?","169":"I have my own bedroom, you know.","170":"There's no wondering about what she's [i]really[\/i] asking about.","171":"The question is... how much sleep do I need?","172":"Share beds.","173":"Sleep separate.","174":"Oh... yeah. That's economical. Only one bed to make.","175":"She smiles. She knows damn well that isn't the reason.","176":"Of course.","177":"That's... a good idea.","178":"Just like eating oatmeal is a good idea over sugar cereal. I get that. But we can't afford to be off our game.","179":"Let's sleep separately.","180":"I'll take the spare bedroom.","181":"We have a quick meal, then head to bed.","0":"In the morning... we take a quick trip to Sevigny's to tell Dante the situation, then we drive off to Annette-Taylor.","1":"I feel a little uncomfortable leaving the apartment empty. Things are tenuous as they are.","2":"If Emily and Iris come back... and we're not here...","3":"Still, {Leah} made the decision. Getting that file is going to be easy.","4":"As usual, with me at the wheel, the drive is silent. But... it doesn't matter.","5":"{Leah} and I are used to this. It doesn't feel uncomfortable at all.","6":"We arrive at the school.","7":"What is going on?","8":"It's supposed to be break right now. Why are there no parking spots?","9":"Does it look closed to you?"},"ch15__15.61 alabama sex.vne3":{"10":"Well... we have had pretty eventful lives.","11":"{Leah} stares at me. She watches with a slight smile on her lips.","12":"It makes me wonder. What she's thinking?","13":"Did you bring any nightwear?","14":"Well, I was not expecting to spend the night out...","15":"Me neither...","16":"Oh... how inconvenient. Guess we'll just be in our underwear, then.","17":"Yeah... [i]how inconvenient[\/i]...","18":"Well... I don't typically wear [i]pajamas[\/i], I like sleeping as nature intended, but I think taking my underwear off would be presumptuous.","19":"I mean... my heart is [i]thumping[\/i] knowing what we're probably going to do... but I want to leave the option open for it not to happen.","20":"...but really, I'm sure {Leah} was in the same space of mind I am.","21":"All I have is this spare shirt.","22":"There's something I didn't think of.","23":"Wow... that bed is small, huh?","24":"Yeah... it's going to be a real squeeze.","25":"Are we really going to get any sleep in there?","26":"I could just... head to my own room.","27":"I think that would be pragmatic...","28":"Pragmatic... but not what you want.","29":"Let's at least try.","30":"It's not as bad as I thought.","31":"We could definitely sleep like this.","32":"We could.","33":"She swings her legs over, kind of curling up.","34":"Hmm...","35":"...did you really sleep in this bed for like... eight years?","36":"...it's cold. And kinda uncomfortable.","37":"I shrug. I never felt it.","38":"It makes me sad that you could've been sharing my bed the whole time.","39":"Yeah... me too. We really could have.","40":"But I had some good teenage years. Having {Leah} as a lover would've been icing on an ice cream cake.","41":"Anyway... things happen the way they do because that's just how life works.","42":"We can't get it right the second time around. The chance passes and never comes back.","43":"But... I guess we could do our best to get things right the first time.","44":"What do you think? We can try to do things the right way.","45":"I do want to try.","46":"I reach out... and stroke her chin.","47":"Even though we've been together many times at this point... she still has this miraculous ability to react like it's the first time.","48":"I guess that's what I like about her. And maybe why I can't get tired of her.","49":"This feels good... our lips yearning for touch...","50":"The intensity breaks out... she's been waiting for this.","51":"So have I.","52":"There's no need for shyness. Let's just do what's natural.","53":"Sleep is forgotten. But honestly... we weren't doing this for sleep.","54":"The moment I asked her to share the room, I just wanted to touch her.","55":"I wanted a night like this... in here... for a while.","56":"Yes...","57":"I... I like that...","58":"Yeah. Me too.","59":"{Leah} adjusts herself on the bed.","60":"There's still a cute level of hesitation from her...","61":"...I don't know where it comes from.","62":"She folds her legs to give my hands easy access...","63":"...then, I'm treated to a sight.","64":"The way you look at me...","65":"...it does something to me...","66":"That's funny. The way you [i]look[\/i] does something to [i]me[\/i].","67":"Astonishing how a familiar sight can seem so lovely.","68":"So... what are you going to do?","69":"What do you think?","70":"I'm going to taste my sweet {sheIsYour}, of course.","71":"She melts into my mouth... I feel her warmth ooze on my tongue.","72":"Delicately, as though my lips were some breakable thing, she slowly grinds her pussy. I think this is her means of encouragement.","73":"That's fine. I don't need encouragement, but just knowing {Leah} is getting into it makes my heart soar.","74":"I drink deeply of her, lap at her, and coax all sorts of sounds and responses from her.","75":"As I pleasure her... savor her moans... I let my hands roam where they want.","76":"The little sounds that {Leah} makes already edge me.","77":"I pinch her... she throws her head back...","78":"She suffers a little orgasm... enough to slicken her folds and provide a little extra flavor.","79":"This is... too much...","80":"She pulls herself on my lap, our second kiss even hungrier than before.","81":"She presses against me... and soon...","82":"...slides down to put herself in a position to pleasure me.","83":"How did your underwear stay on this long?","84":"I'm a bad {sheIsYour}, aren't I?","85":"My cock springs out from my boxers. Her eyes follow my cockhead until they go cross.","86":"It's lovely...","87":"How is it for you?","88":"I know you're not going to be satisfied with my hands...","89":"Well... I would be... but this is also incredibly nice.","90":"Her tongue is cool, and traces along my length.","91":"I shiver before her... and then nearly burst with her next action.","92":"With a pop, I slip between her lips...","93":"...she's a gentle surf... I feel I'm floating on her tongue.","94":"This... is...","95":"...[i]heaven[\/i]...","96":"Suddenly she pulls back. I must've given her a glob of precum.","97":"She sticks her tongue out... clears her throat... and goes in for the second time.","98":"This girl is never going to be put off.","99":"As long as it's me... she seems happy to put up with anything.","100":"In fact... it looks like she's trying to do something with my cock...","101":"...A... [i]deepthroat[\/i]...","102":"Tears nearly come out of my eyes as I feel her tight esophagus around me.","103":"This is not what I expected...","104":"I push her head back... to signal she doesn't have to try that hard.","105":"I don't exactly have the smallest cock in the world.","106":"But... she's adamant... so she tries again.","107":"It's adorable and moving she's trying so hard to fit me down. I hope she knows she doesn't need to do that, but I'm not in a position to tell her no.","108":"But... her exclusive focus on my cockhead, the most sensitive portion of my dick... chips away at me...","109":"...way quicker than I'd like.","110":"Doesn't she know that... I can only take so much of this?","111":"God, {Leah}, if you keep going this way... I won't be able to hold myself!","112":"Maybe is that what she wants... I have no way of telling her I'm about to burst... but she knows that.","113":"I guess this is her way of showing me something... maybe...","114":"...how she feels about me?","115":"In that case... I'll give her what I have to give...","116":"I let myself relax... and I ache as my orgasm rushes through me.","117":"I smile down at her, shaking my head in disbelief. No wincing, no nothing. Just a goofy self-satisfied expression.","118":"Were you worried about me? You shouldn't have been.","119":"I knew [i]exactly[\/i] what I was doing.","120":"Now it's round two. Let's do things a bit more slowly.","121":"This is more like it. It doesn't always have to be so complicated.","122":"I'm ready for something real.","123":"I'm ready for us both to get off.","124":"She squeals as I pick her up, and land her on the bed.","125":"Your bed is... kinda...","126":"[i]...hard...[\/i] is what she wants to say.","127":"She gets a little too distracted... as my cock begins to approach her gate...","128":"Be gentle. Be nice. Like you usually are.","129":"I will try.","130":"I don't slam into her to the hilt. She takes me in slowly. I let her guide me in","131":"She does go slower than I would've. It makes me think about our previous times... I wonder if I've ever done it too fast...","132":"Ah well... I can't redo those tries.","133":"All I can do... is attempt to try again.","134":"We settle into a nice gentle rhythm. Waves on a lake.","135":"I'm not trying to prove how virile I am. I'm just trying to give us both a good time.","136":"All those little pleasures mount up... if I hadn't cum into {Leah}'s mouth I might be struggling already.","137":"But right now... there's no need to get off... my desperate male need to fill {Leah} with my seed has temporarily subsided.","138":"I can be gentle, earnest... [i]loving[\/i], perhaps.","139":"We can enjoy this ride together, and we don't have to rush anything.","140":"She throws her legs back, they shiver as {Leah} drifts into gentle orgasm.","141":"I feel like it's building inside her...","142":"We shift positions. Now the flow is different, but the vibe is the same.","143":"My pleasure is gentle and slow. It feels good, but rushing it feels wrong.","144":"Sinking into her backside, I swing back and forth, my heavy balls a pendulum under us.","145":"Ecstasy pushes me to be a little more energetic. Holding back now takes a little restraint.","146":"I'm still good, though. Seeing how {Leah} enjoys this is enough to satisfy me.","147":"I crave {Leah}'s body, but I also crave her happiness. I want her to feel as good as she made me.","148":"So... I rock gently back and forth, letting feelings mount on top of each other, to make an epic finale.","149":"{Leah}'s moans are of a purring tiger.","150":"It's no sound someone would make if they were in full control of their own body.","151":"I take it as evidence I'm doing something right.","152":"I have an idea...","153":"...something else I can do for her...","154":"That's my...","155":"She's halting in her words.","156":"C-continue...","157":"She can barely speak... and it feels like I'm just starting.","158":"Damn... either {Leah} is horny or I'm just that good.","159":"Still, I like that lovely smile of hers.","160":"Kisses along her firm butt... heading in a certain direction.","161":"She flinches. I feel good... [i]powerful[\/i].","162":"{Leah} is strong. Stronger than I think, sometimes.","163":"She'll like this.","164":"Nnnnngghh...","165":"That's what I like to hear from {Leah}.","166":"The tightness is incredible... and I'm already thinking about how much better it will feel as I push it in.","167":"But... I've got to be good to {Leah}.","168":"I step away from her.","169":"What... what are you doing?","170":"You don't have to...?","171":"It should still be here...","172":"I move through my [i]private collection[\/i]...","173":"You have those things?","174":"I'm not judging... I just...","175":"You know...","176":"[size,0.5]...just wondering what I'm waiting for.","177":"Aha. I knew I had it.","178":"So glad I left a stock at home.","179":"Oh... [i]that stuff[\/i]...","180":"...[i]lube[\/i]...","181":"Of course... that's... a really good idea...","182":"Man... {Leah} was prepared to let me fuck her without lube.","183":"She really does love me...","184":"Ah... so cold!","185":"It's got to feel that way... after the hot sex we've been having.","186":"This time... I'm not so scared of hurting {Leah}.","187":"Okay...","188":"...I'm... ready...","189":"Yeah... don't worry baby, we're getting there.","190":"Ease it in...","191":"...there we go. Doesn't that feel better?","192":"It takes some trial thrusts... testing... before I feel like {Leah} is truly ready.","193":"When she's loose enough, I go to town.","194":"Oh god...","195":"Yeah... I bet it feels good.","196":"I drive my shaft into her, feeling a bit like {Leah}'s personal sex toy.","197":"I tune my body to hers... I begin to feel her... and as I do...","198":"...that familiar hunger starts up again, like an engine revving up.","199":"The desire to get off and fill her starts up. At this point, I couldn't stop. If someone came through that door...","200":"I'd have no choice but to finish.","201":"Okay... now things are finally getting intense.","202":"She starts to blitz into me, like I'm a drum. I'm starting to understand at this point... I'm being too gentle.","203":"I... I need it in my...","204":"Other hole. Got it.","205":"As soon as I'm out, {Leah} struggles to mount back up.","206":"The poor girl is desperate...","207":"Okay... nearly there...","208":"I'm in her again. When I slip into her well-trained hole, she doesn't even react.","209":"We've been it at it [i]way longer[\/i] than I'd anticipated.","210":"And now... we're feeling the effects.","211":"Somehow, we still find the energy to switch multiple times.","212":"My balls are being tortured... aching for release.","213":"I'm honestly not sure I've ever had sex this long.","214":"Jesus... I'm desperate as {Leah}...","215":"I feel covered in her fluids... all I can smell is her... it's driving me insane...","216":"I need [i]release[\/i]...","217":"In this position... she shows no mercy. She's going to take every drop.","218":"She drops with each lift, and every time, the vibrations build up in my loins.","219":"Damn... this feels too good. {Leah} and I are too compatible. We like each other too damn much. The thought of being separated from her stings like glue ripped from skin.","220":"But we aren't separated. We're together, and the ache I'm feeling right now is very, very different.","221":"The impact as she slams into me... over and over and over...","222":"...it might cause bruises, but what she's giving me is more intense than any pain.","223":"But... finally... she comes down... and...!","224":"I know, {Leah}. I can't hold it in either!","225":"It's like a lightning bolt going off!","226":"My balls might have been turned inside out by that.","227":"I take a deep breath... calm myself down...","228":"My heavy eyes blink... slower and slower...","229":"I... didn't know sex could be like that...","230":"...that's literally everything I have...","231":"Yeah... me too...","232":"...thank god we're in a bed... 'cause... I...","233":"...can't stop from...","234":"...falling asleep...","0":"sex_anims","1":"Continue","2":"We fix something up for ourselves in the kitchen, hang out for a little bit, then head upstairs.","3":"Exhausted, we enter my old bedroom.","4":"I did this thousands of times, yet it feels so weird right now.","5":"So... we're spending the night here?","6":"Did you know...","7":"...sleeping in your bedroom was on my bucket list?","8":"You can cross that off. Also... that's a surprisingly weak item to put on a bucket list.","9":"The thing is... I've crossed most the exciting stuff off already."},"ch15__15.62 the new volunteer.vne3":{"10":"Well... so there are some literate intelligent people around here, I guess.","11":"And cute, too.","12":"I remember when she said that. Man... my cheeks went red.","13":"Don't say that so casually, Val, we talked about this.","14":"I'm not worried. See? He's blushing.","15":"I'm not used to people just out and out saying that.","16":"Yeah... and if she keeps saying it, she's going to acquire even more creepy stalkers.","17":"Your habit of paying people compliments doesn't poll well. Girls think you're being flirty and boys...","18":"...they like it.","19":"See? He knows.","20":"You just can't call men handsome... even if it's true...","21":"Never mind that. We have someone with us and they're yet to introduce themselves.","22":"Right. Yes, I'm here to join the student council. Am I the first one?","23":"You're the only one.","24":"Getting help around here is like pulling teeth. Nobody wants to contribute.","25":"People are ungrateful. And they'll end up blaming us if anything goes wrong.","26":"You lose your right to complain if you don't get involved.","27":"Ex...exactly! You actually [i]do[\/i] get it.","28":"You are a rare kind of person.","29":"Emily and I have been busting our asses doing all the work of the student council. And they wonder why we struggle to keep up.","30":"A third pair of hands would be... [i]amazing[\/i].","31":"Are you telling me there are only two students on the student council?","32":"It's shocking, isn't it?","33":"Yeah. I'm shocked you do as much as you do.","34":"What can I say? We're badass.","35":"Even though we shouldn't have to be. Why is it that a tiny group of people end up doing most of the work?","36":"Honestly.","37":"Emily, we have our help now, so things are going to change. Well... unless you're here for some reason other than work.","38":"What? People join to throw paper airplanes around?","39":"Take the girl who ran with me. She folded after a few days. It was... less than impressive.","40":"Also, because Valerie keeps complimenting people recklessly, she has admirers join up that leave the minute they realize she's not interested.","41":"You're not one of them, though. You look very...","42":"...cute.","43":"...self-possessed!","44":"This is the first time we've met, so that not the reason I'm here.","45":"That's good. It's not that I dislike it when people are in love with me, I'd just rather we also do council work.","46":"Male love is cheap. No offense to you, uh...","47":"{PlayerName}.","48":"I like that name. I have a good name too. [i]Valerie.","49":"I'm Emily. It's nice to meet you.","50":"Great! So, am I going to get an orientation?","51":"Well, why don't you tell us why you're here.","52":"Hmm...","53":"...it's because so many people blow smoke up my ass, and I just want to see if I'm really all that.","54":"So you're here to figure out what kind of person you are?","55":"Yeah. Actually... I wanted to be somewhere important, where I could affect things.","56":"I know it's just a student council, but it's still something.","57":"We all start from humble beginnings, {PlayerName}.","58":"I was going to try and get my {sheIsYour}, {Leah}, to also join the council, but she seems pretty intent on joining the paper.","59":"Did you tell her the paper is full of useless cosplaying leftists?","60":"I didn't. I'll bring that up next time.","61":"Unfortunately, the newspaper is not what it used to be. In this day and age... to even have a school paper...","62":"...it's rare. People just don't read anymore.","63":"Only mediocre ideologues join the paper.","64":"{Leah} has some pretty strong opinions, so I wouldn't call her a mediocre ideologue.","65":"What are your politics, then?","66":"I don't care. I don't think in that way. It's all tribal labeling bullshit.","67":"We don't actually care about your politics, just that you're good on the council. And you're right, it is just tribal bullshit.","68":"I care about his politics...","69":"Never mind that. Let's get to something important.","70":"What are your [i]ambitions[\/i], then?","71":"Ambitions?","72":"Yes. What do you want out of life, {PlayerName}?","73":"Nobody has ever put it like that before. People have asked me about my dreams but... never about my [i]ambition[\/i].","74":"For example... how would you feel about becoming the student council president?","75":"Your seat?","76":"Well...","77":"...I wouldn't mind it.","78":"Interesting.","79":"Are you worried I might run against you or something?","80":"Not at all. Actually, it would be a quite and invigorating challenge.","81":"I find most people to be a bit passive, a bit too willing to just let things flow.","82":"What about you, {PlayerName}?","83":"I'm a goal-oriented person. I like having a strong direction, and I definitely work to those goals.","84":"What would you be willing to do... to [i]achieve what you want[\/i]?","85":"Anything, really. I'd do a lot of things.","86":"I just don't want to be in a place where people can ignore me. I want to be powerful.","87":"Why?","88":"Because...","89":"...it's an interesting thing to be. Because living a normal life is boring.","90":"I want to... [i]be the best I can be[\/i].","91":"Do you find... when you get bored... you get a little dangerous?","92":"You were bored, weren't you? In the IT lab, processing tickets, wasting away, not exercising that fine mind of yours.","93":"You were [i]already looking for trouble[\/i], weren't you?","94":"I was satisfied where I was. I couldn't be the person I was before.","95":"I had to be satisfied.","96":"That's bullshit. You thought what made you great was your voice, but it was actually your mind.","97":"You were [i]wilting[\/i]. You wanted to see the sun. You wanted your place in society.","98":"And what... you're going to give it to me?","99":"Yes... but if I just gave it for free, you'd never accept it.","100":"So you have to take it from me. You have to [i]defeat[\/i] me.","101":"I will, but it's not for myself... it's to protect...","102":"Don't lie, {PlayerName}, not to yourself. I soak your energy like a sponge, you're satisfied because you feel challenged.","103":"Once I'm gone you'll go straight back to being the kind of person you always were.","104":"What? A bad person?","105":"You're a step worse than [i]bad[\/i], my dear.","106":"Refusing my offerings might make you feel better about yourself...","107":"You're yet to reach your potential. You're holding back...","108":"...resisting your nature is just going to make it worse when you do break. It's going to explode outward and hurt everyone you think you love.","109":"Sorry Val, I'm not like you.","110":"No, you've got it the other way around.","111":"What...?","112":"[speed,0.33][i]I want to be like you[\/i].","0":"Where am I?","1":"What is this place?","2":"It's... Annette-Taylor. Four years ago? Five?","3":"I can't remember when. But... I do remember [i]this...","4":"Uh... excuse me?","5":"Is this the student council room?","6":"Yes, it is.","7":"Did you get my flyer about volunteering for the student council?","8":"I did.","9":"See Em? I told you it wasn't a waste of time."},"ch15__15.65 cliffhanger.vne3":{"10":"Except, you know... my ass is a bit...","11":"If your ass didn't hurt from last night... you aren't human.","12":"I get what you're saying. Are you okay?","13":"I think I need a painkiller.","14":"Okay... well, there should be some in the shower. We should get going soon, though. Emily and Iris might be waiting for us.","15":"I'm awoken by the sound of my bedroom door opening...","16":"[i]Go away Mom[\/i]...","17":"I don't want to wake you, but...","18":"We've got to go. I couldn't stop thinking about Emily and Iris last night.","19":"We're supposed to get the details of that dossier today. We simply can't miss it.","20":"Yeah.","21":"Let me get ready and...","22":"...find my spare body.","23":"{Leah} grins.","24":"You feeling okay?","25":"Last night was crazy... but...","26":"It's nothing. I had a weird dream.","27":"I use my old shower and get dressed as quickly as possible.","28":"Fucking {Leah} last night made me feel like a goddamn old man. But she was [i]invigorated[\/i]?","29":"She was choking on dick and riding me with her ass for an [i]hour[\/i].","30":"What is {Leah} doing? Meditation? [i]Yoga[\/i]?","31":"I don't think of {Leah} as being especially strong... but maybe she's in exceptional shape.","32":"Anyway, I have to find out what she's doing at the gym, or my ass is toast.","33":"I really enjoyed the old place. It was just like when we were young.","34":"We should visit again sometime.","35":"Maybe... [i]after[\/i] we defeat the Fraternity... in whatever way that will mean.","36":"After we defeat the Fraternity, I'd rather go to Europe.","37":"Anything, really. Anywhere but here.","38":"{Leah} looks at me in an odd way.","39":"It's funny...","40":"She shakes her head.","41":"...defeating the Fraternity would be one of the greatest achievements we've ever done. And... all I could think about is visiting my home town.","42":"What do you think that means?","43":"She looks at me like she wants an answer.","44":"That you like home.","45":"That you're boring.","46":"That you value peace.","47":"I don't know.","48":"Is that the most creative thing you can come up with?","49":"Well... it's a [i]true answer[\/i].","50":"Yes... but... don't you like to speculate on things?","51":"I think I'm more risk averse than you when it comes to drawing conclusions.","52":"True. That's a good thing.","53":"Well... I also like the apartment. So we should get going.","54":"{Leah} grins.","55":"Well... I'd say boredom would be a change of pace. We've been doing pretty exciting stuff for a while now.","56":"It would be nice not to watch our backs.","57":"I agree, boredom sounds fun.","58":"Let's head to the apartment, then.","59":"No matter what crazy stuff you're doing, it's for a cause.","60":"You want people to be safe. That's my guess.","61":"{Leah} beams.","62":"I think she liked that answer.","63":"We... should get going home. But... I think you're flattering me too much.","64":"{Leah} looks disappointed.","65":"I hoped you'd say something exciting, {PlayerName}. There's a spirit of speculation that you seem to not understand.","66":"Anyway... let's go.","67":"Agreed.","68":"As we head home, {Leah} flips through the dossier, reading pieces of it... trying to puzzle it out.","69":"Occasionally she shares some tidbits with me. We learn a few things about Valerie we didn't know before: her blood type, vaccine history, that she's an organ donor.","70":"There's nothing that stands out about her medical history...","71":"Neither of us were expecting the True Answers to Everything, but we were hoping for surprises.","72":"We'd gone over it pretty thoroughly by the time we arrived home.","73":"{Leah} flips through the dossier in mid stride.","74":"Just as we're about to continue our conversation, we see someone waiting for us.","75":"Good morning.","76":"Iris... were you waiting for us?","77":"I hope you weren't waiting long.","78":"It's fine. I'm a very patient person. I enjoyed the chance to think for a bit.","79":"I'm a bit surprised to see you [i]arriving[\/i] and not [i]leaving[\/i].","80":"We had things to do out of town.","81":"If you were here waiting this morning for us, it means you have something important.","82":"She nods.","83":"So... I'm just here to say that... when we meet tonight... you should prepare for a long night.","84":"What's wrong?","85":"It could be that we need to make moves sooner than we would've liked.","86":"So... go to bed early. Get rest. Drink fluids.","87":"Thank you, Iris.","88":"This is way less than ideal.","89":"Gathering what Emily told me, this goes far beyond what my father is doing. I didn't really understand much of it... but...","90":"...judging from what little I know, I trust you. No matter your actions... I believe your motives are good.","91":"Iris...","92":"It is remarkable you are Arthur's daughter.","93":"He taught me the importance of family. He probably didn't mean [i]other people's families[\/i].","94":"Yet, that's the lesson I took.","95":"My sister and I have always had problems, father considered me Emily's opposite. I was the good daughter and Emily was the bad.","96":"I believed him. I don't think Emily's distaste for us is warranted but... I understand now how she got it.","97":"Does this mean you'll reject Ken? You don't have to marry a moron because of your father.","98":"I gave my word that I would marry him. So I will.","99":"Shit... Iris is this sort of girl. I expected a rich girl like Iris to be more like Alexis...","100":"You don't have to do anything you don't want to do... but this is for another time.","101":"Let's focus on what to do right now. We'll meet you tonight... and be ready for anything.","102":"Also, {PlayerName}...","103":"Emily wanted to pass along that... she's sorry for what happened. And she's sorry she can't talk to you directly.","104":"That's not her fault. We'll discuss everything afterward.","105":"I'll pass it along to Emily. We'll see you tonight.","106":"Isn't it funny... you hope for a big break... and when it happens... you're scared.","107":"There are big things going down, {Leah}. With us so close to the truth...","108":"Speaking of... did you learn anything else from the dossier?","109":"...She got C in history in 10th grade.","110":"That's her worst academic failure? Even I got a D.","111":"There's very little interesting here.","112":"Right...","113":"But that doesn't mean we won't find anything. It's useful to have.","114":"So that's the document you discovered that told you about Amiran.","115":"Yes.","116":"Why did you look through Valerie's file? Weren't you looking for corruption?","117":"Why did I...?","118":"Uh...","119":"That's a very good question... I can't fully say I know the answer.","120":"In other words... you don't remember.","121":"Yes. I don't remember. But now I'm trying to.","122":"You see... this is the benefit of experience. I would not have let a detail like that escape me now.","123":"Is it significant I checked Valerie's dossier? I'm not sure... but it might be.","124":"Well... maybe it was sitting out on the table.","125":"Which itself would be interesting. Why would Valerie's records be sitting out?","126":"Coincidentally?","127":"Possibly. But knowing Val?","128":"This may seem like an odd question... but did you see any indication that Valerie...","129":"...wanted to be more like me?","130":"Uh... what?","131":"I told you it was a weird question.","132":"Yes... I'm not actually sure what you mean.","133":"I don't know. It was just a random thought that popped into my head.","134":"...Okay.","135":"{Leah} clearly has no idea how to parse that information. But how could she? It was a dream.","136":"What is she... a prophet?","137":"By the way... we should probably get the building manager to not let people in all the time.","138":"There's some weird security vulnerability. Kristen... Emily and Iris...","139":"Alexis found her way in, too.","140":"See what I mean?","141":"There needs to be some sort of procedure set in place... or at least a functioning call box.","142":"I told the building manager about that, and all he said was that everyone has a cellphone now, so there was no point.","143":"Did you say anything about the evil cult that can spy on any electronic device?","144":"Perhaps I should have.","145":"Yes. It's going to come down to them being destroyed... or us.","146":"Luckily, we've come to that realization quicker than they have.","147":"Valerie's weaknesses are the Fraternity's.","148":"We are so damn close...","149":"We talk as we head inside.","150":"Where should we put Val's records?","151":"Do you have a secret hiding place?","152":"I do actually. I should use it.","153":"Let me go do that.","154":"The day is only starting... Iris and Emily are still coming.","155":"It was a pretty friendly, carefree chat considering what might be going on later today.","156":"I'll just go to my bedroom to take my...","157":"...Genevieve!","158":"Her eyes flash under the glasses.","159":"Even now, her eyes trace me. It felt like she was doing it even when I was behind the door.","160":"Morning. How was your trip?","161":"My trip was [i]fucking grand[\/i]... too bad yours will be a lot quicker!","162":"I surge forward, but Genevieve stands between me and the bed.","163":"She stares me down as unblinking as a statue...","164":"You won't find it.","165":"She'd better not be talking about that shotgun...","166":"I look in the closet... and...","167":"...[i]it isn't there...[\/i]","168":"How did she find it?","169":"This is absurd. Did I leave it out somewhere else?","170":"It's nowhere.","171":"It's no use. You weren't going to need it anyway.","172":"Trust me, I'd rather not use my fists either...","173":"You won't need it.","174":"Genevieve stares straight into my soul.","175":"We're not enemies.","176":"You need to be prepared...","177":"...for your confrontation with the President.","0":"ep15_leah_sex = 1","1":"ep15_leah_sex = 0","2":"Agh... christ... my whole damn body...","3":"...it's like... I had a workout... and recovered in a boiling water sauna.","4":"That sex was... [i]so draining[\/i]...","5":"Look at her, all bushy-tailed.","6":"You're already dressed?","7":"Yeah... after last night... I feel so...","8":"...invigorated!","9":"That's... good..."},"ch15_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch15_start.vne3":{"10":"Are you serious?","11":"So... like... come on. Get your ass to work.","12":"Kristen practically breaking down my door to drag me to work before the sun even comes up.","13":"This is my life now.","14":"Adding to Kristen’s hostile sense of customer service, is the curious reception of mysterious parcels before the mall even opens.","15":"I began to suspect the comic book store might in fact be a front for some other, less reputable business.","16":"But it’s too much to dwell on at the moment. To be frank, I need the money, so I just keep my head down and collect the paycheck.","17":"And at least it’s a distraction.","18":"Ever dwelling, like a hunk of ice in my gut, is that sense of being hunted...","19":"... The paranoia bred from this shadowy duel with Fraternity is starting to take its toll.","20":"I worry how long I can keep this up. Just waiting for them to strike.","21":"It’d be nice to be on the offensive for a change.","22":"The one card we have to play in this is Emily.","23":"Her father, Arthur, could be the person who can connect these dots. The one man who might help us understand Amiran, and Valerie\/SILENT1.","24":"But to this point, {Leah} had insisted we avoid contacting Emily. She was convinced we needed her to come to us first.","25":"So now we wait. Though {Leah}’s curiosity was tickled at mention of Kristen's mysterious early morning package deliveries. She thinks Kristen’s comic book store might be a front for something else, too.","26":"It turns out, we didn’t have to wait long for Emily to approach us.","27":"She showed up while I was at work.","28":"She made small talk, casual conversation, then subtly suggested that her and I get together for dinner some time...","29":"... And that I should bring {Leah} along.","30":"Odd that Emily would be so inviting of her. {Leah} and Emily’s opinion of each other could be considered [i]icy[\/i] at best.","31":"Until I consulted {Leah}, I decided it’s best to give Emily a raincheck on the dinner.","32":"Something was definitely fishy about her invitation.","33":"A trip to campus to see Maggie revealed more unsettling developments.","34":"Maggie explained that after the shooting next to Sevingy’s, the University Administration, (no doubt under dire recommendation from a [i]deeply concerned[\/i] Student Council) announced enhanced security measures would be taken on campus in the name of [i]safety[\/i].","35":"But I knew the real reason.","36":"We had gone dark. Upon discovering that Valerie had been listening to us all along, we decided to abandon those lines of communication, cutting her off.","37":"If we were to go unheard, she would make sure we wouldn’t be unseen.","38":"Things were escalating to a scope I was not prepared to grapple with.","39":"There was one person who might know more.","40":"Hank\/Sandra would have her finger on the pulse of everything that happened on campus. Perks of being the head of IT.","41":"Given her lack of interest in talking since she fired me, I had to get a little [i]creative[\/i] in order to get her attention.","42":"Causing a scene at her side hustle seemed to have done the trick.","43":"Sandra was less than pleased by my little outburst, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and at least it got her to talk to me.","44":"She repeated the story of how the camera’s were a response to the shooting, but then became suspicious why I was curious, asking if I was somehow involved.","45":"When I confirmed that I was, Sandra played stupid. Dismissing the situation with a ''hand-wave''.","46":"I play dumb, but we both know what’s really going on.","47":"I tried again to sway her to our cause, but Sandra was still content to bury her head in the sand.","48":"But what she said next was a bombshell I really wasn’t prepared for.","49":"Sandra explained that the cameras being set up were just the tip of the iceberg. They were simply a piece of infrastructure for a massive [i]security[\/i] network being rolled out.","50":"The Mayor, and the city, were already planning on legislation requiring a mandatory phone app for everyone in the city.","51":"And if it went well, they considered lobbying the network for statewide use, essentially turning our world into a police state with a simple download.","52":"I brought the troubling news back to {Leah}, who corroborated it with rumors she’d heard around city hall of the Mayor drafting a new cybersecurity bill.","53":"And sure enough, the contractor that was developing the network architecture and rolling out the software, was none other than the company owned by Emily’s dad.","54":"With things getting as serious as they are, I question whether we could afford to keep our distance from Emily.","55":"{Leah} was still certain, however. She’s certain that getting Emily to come to us is the key to finding the answers we need to Amiran, and ultimately, Valerie.","56":"Back on campus, I ran into Sam.","57":"She was still upset that I had given up on college, and dropped out.","58":"But I shared my feelings with her. That was a life and dream of a different guy. With everything that’s gone on, I was beginning to realize that maybe this wasn’t my path.","59":"But as Sam saw it, I wasn’t just leaving college behind. I was leaving her behind as well.","60":"What could I do? I wish I could run off and play college student again, but that part of my life is over.","61":"In the end, maybe Valerie was right, maybe I was getting lost in someone else's dream or lifeplan. It was escapism.","62":"The real world came knocking.","63":"I had more serious concerns at the moment. Near the top of my list was rearming myself in case the Fraternity made a move.","64":"Luckily, Maggie was ready to be my sherpa on a trek over state lines to buy a new gun.","65":"With Haley along to take the graveyard shift at the wheel, we set out on our mini-adventure.","66":"After procuring a new shotgun, Maggie and I trekked out to the Castle’s secret hunting spot.","67":"There, Maggie gave me a crash course on the finer aspects of running a boomstick.","68":"It turns out, blasting old beer cans with buckshot is super fun. And after losing track of time, we decided to just camp out in the woods for the night.","69":"... Which is when Maggie gave me another crash course, this time on fucking in the woods.","70":"After getting home from the road trip, {Leah} let me know that Emily had approached her directly, and asked her to dinner.","71":"It’s painfully apparent that Emily is more interested in getting close to {Leah} than me. But to what end, we were still unsure.","72":"Even though neither {Leah} and I have RSVP’d to Emily’s dinner innovations, {Leah} suggests we just show up, and see what happens. Maybe throwing in a little chaos to the mix would shake something loose.","73":"So we ambushed Emily, abruptly showing up to the prospective dinner unannounced.","74":"Flustered at our sudden presence, but too proper to turn us away, Emily prepared a hasty meal.","75":"We sat down to humble dinner and I was set upon by a painful display, as {Leah} and Emily made clumsy, awkward attempts to subtly pry information from one another.","76":"In the end, all we learned was to the depths to which a dinner can become uncomfortable.","77":"It’s still wasn’t clear who exactly had Emily on a short leash, but we’re certain she’s being controlled by someone.","78":"{Leah}’s bet is our Federal friend, Kestrel.","79":"In the meantime, bills still needed to be paid, and Kristen had me making some deliveries around campus.","80":"It sounded innocent enough at first, but her interest in discretion was curious.","81":"Among the deliveries was to none other than Alexis.","82":"The buxom bimbo, to my suprise, explained how she was turning over a new leaf, and had abandoned her evil ways.","83":"She explained how she was now using her Thot-Powers for good, doing cam-girl shows for charity to raise money for the homeless.","84":"Who am I to argue with progress?","85":"The job eventually brought me to Sam’s door, which I dreaded.","86":"The delivery to Sam did end up revealing the mystery of Kristen’s secret business.","87":"Kristen was running an ''under-the-table'' sex toy delivery service on the down-low.","88":"And it turns out, Sam was a regular.","89":"Our recent struggles aside, Sam invited me to help her [i]test out[\/i] her new purchase.","90":"I had time to kill.","91":"The delivery aside, Sam still wouldn’t let go of the fact that I dropped out of college. She seemed certain that I was meant to run for Student Council President.","92":"And if I’m being honest, part of me still really wants to.","93":"Sam hadn’t forgotten how I refused to let her quit when she was down, and she seemed intent on returning the favor.","94":"She believed it so strongly in fact, that she stormed Cram Comics, braved Kristen, and just about dragged me out of there herself.","95":"Her pep talk worked though, and for the second time in my life, I quit my job at Cram Comics.","96":"As for going back to school? Another run at Student Council President?","97":"At this point, it’s unlikely that Rogham is going to be returning to class. So it’s not like I have to worry about him there.","98":"Despite my reservations about confronting Rogham, Sam was insistent that I face him. Show him I’m not going to be intimidated.","99":"So, like that, I returned to college again.","100":"Luckily the course material always came pretty easy to me, so I wasn’t too far behind.","101":"It felt good to be back in class again.","102":"And my returning to class didn’t go unnoticed.","103":"Maybe Sam was right. It was almost worth coming back just to see the look on Rogham’s rat face.","104":"But my situation isn’t the same as Sam’s. This is bigger than me.","105":"Regretfully, I had to say no to Sam. I can’t simply just go back to college like nothing is wrong.","106":"She was heartbroken, but I think she finally understood.","107":"At the very least, she made me promise not to go back to work for Kristen.","108":"That said, I still needed a job.","109":"On my hands and knees, and I went back to the one friend I thought could help me out.","110":"And Dante comes through again.","111":"Seeing how important it was to me, the Straightest Man Alive hooks a brother up with a bartender gig, without so much as a second thought.","112":"By now, things with Emily have begun to move too slow for my taste. Growing anxious about the whole situation, I decide to talk to Emily myself.","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","113":"Meeting at her apartment, I gave it to Emily straight. I know she’s being controlled by someone, and she knows I know. So why keep playing games?","1":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","114":"I told Emily that I wanted to speak with her father, Arthur.","2":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","115":"It’s clear now that he suspects {Leah} of the break-in at his house, and that he is using Emily to try and get close to her. I have to speak with him directly, and set him straight on {Leah}’s innocence.","3":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","116":"But Emily feared I didn’t fully understand her father. She warned that I wasn’t aware of just how ruthless he really was.","4":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","117":"Emily finally came clean with the true reason she broke up with me. It wasn’t because she thought I had lost my way, or wasn’t who I once was...","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","118":"... It was because her father [i]approved[\/i] of me.","6":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","119":"I was an ideal mate for his daughter. A young man with great promise. A man, who with the right conditioning, he could mold into a leader, a City Councilor, a Senator...","7":"Check synopsis.","120":"... and a valuable piece for him on the game board.","8":"Skip.","121":"As Emily put it, Arthur only ever saw people for what use they could be to him...","9":"Anyway, you do realize you're on schedule, right?","122":"... Including his own daughter.","123":"Emily expressed to me, with no uncertainty, that she [i]hated[\/i] her family.","124":"She warned that whatever I was seeking from her father, I wouldn’t find. The only thing I could hope to walk away with was a better understanding of just what kind of man he really was.","125":"Despite the tenor of the subject, that pull between her and I is still there. Always tugging.","126":"Maybe in the rawness of the moment, we just gave into it.","127":"When I got home, {Leah} had already successfully deduced that I had been at Emily’s.","128":"I explained that I had convinced Emily to help us. But she warned of how dangerous her father was.","129":"{Leah} wasn’t sure that Arthur was quite as formidable as his daughter might claim, but she still advocated caution when dealing with him.","130":"But we agreed, it was decided that I would go see Arthur alone.","131":"Emily returned a message to let me know the meeting was set.","132":"And so, I went to have a chat with the devil himself..."},"ch15__15.40 with haley.vne3":{"10":"Dante would probably understand better if I just said yes.","11":"It's complicated. In any case, she's supposed to come by sometime. If she comes by when I'm not here, just tell her when my shift is.","12":"Of course man. Literally anything for you.","13":"[i]Literally anything?[\/i] I hope not.","14":"Hey, if we've got the same blood type, we can be each other's organ donors of first choice.","15":"My blood type... something I know offhand thanks to the fucking hospitals I've been to.","16":"O positive?","17":"Dante shakes his head.","18":"A negative.","19":"What a relief.","20":"Also... Dante...","21":"...Sevigny's is doing okay monetarily, right?","22":"Don't worry about it! I've got a plan.","23":"I'm thinking of marketing Sevigny's as a haunted attraction!","24":"Seriously?","25":"Brilliant, right?","26":"Could be. Has anyone ever died here?","27":"Why not? We got bullet holes out front. This place could've been a speakeasy during prohibition. Who's to say mobsters weren't gunning each other down?","28":"Was it?","29":"...Sure!","30":"Well, if it's not a haunted house in here, it's definitely a ghost town. I gotta get people in here somehow.","31":"You'd think with the quantity of drinks you hand out to people they'd be lining up.","32":"Hmm... you know, I've always gone through life believing that... if I just power my way through every obstacle, I'd get through life perfectly fine.","33":"And... [i]nothing's changed[\/i]! I've been through so much worse than a slow bar.","34":"Dante, with your attitude, I'm not sure anything could really get to you.","35":"Yeah, well... Dante was made, not born. And when I remade myself... from the raw material I came from...","36":"...I could be exactly who I wanted to be. That's a privilege right there.","37":"So I don't worry much about how slow it is. We keep working hard and things will work themselves out.","38":"Man... I remember asking Dante about his life... and how evasive and serious he got.","39":"And then... when I pushed, that was the first and last time I've ever seen him angry.","40":"He was sort of scary, actually.","41":"Haley told me once, despite Dante's impression, he's actually a deeply serious person.","42":"It's really hard not to see him as a giant walking joke. But sometimes I sense that he's this way because that's how he's survived something dark.","43":"I decided back then I'd leave it alone.","44":"It could be that he's a little too strong, though.","45":"You need help with anything, Dante? Beyond the usual?","46":"I need you to have a good time!","47":"Seriously man. You need anything...? Managing everything can be stressful.","48":"Dante looks straight at me, his head tilted ever so slightly...","49":"When he speaks, it's not with his normal voice. He sounds like a different person.","50":"He's almost... [i]quiet[\/i].","51":"I'm okay. Thanks for asking.","52":"I wait for him to elaborate. He doesn't. He gives me a single thumbs up. And then he's back to himself.","53":"Alright. Let's try to get to double digits! You can't really run a business without ten or more customers.","54":"I'm gonna do some research on ghosts. I'll be back when I have something good.","55":"True.","56":"Dante heads to the back office.","57":"Yeah... I'm not sure the haunted bar thing is going to work. The ghost craze was years ago.","58":"At least we have some thematic bullet holes already.","59":"A few hours later...","60":"I'm pretty sure I've [i]already[\/i] polished these mugs...","61":"Honestly, there's only so many times you can clean mugs off before it just feels redundant.","62":"Uh, a customer?","63":"Wow... it's...","64":"...[i]Haley...[\/i]","65":"I look at you behind that bar and think...","66":"...history moves in strange ways.","67":"I feel like I should step aside for you.","68":"I was so excited to see you here.","69":"Drink?","70":"Please.","71":"What would you like?","72":"I don't know. How sadistic am I feeling right now?","73":"Maybe... I'll have you make me a Pousse Cafe. Really put you through your paces.","74":"What is that?","75":"Even talking about it is complicated. Just give me a shot of something. Bourbon. Whatever.","76":"I can do that.","77":"Now that's a lovely drink. Have you decided what your bartending style is going to be?","78":"Bartending style?","79":"Are you a listener like I was? A wingman like Dante?","80":"How many types are there?","81":"As many types as bartenders, you know.","82":"So I just come up with something?","83":"Yeah.","84":"I think I'm...","85":"...a listener like you.","86":"...a wingman like Dante.","87":"...a sexy stripper bartender.","88":"...the quiet kind.","89":"Aw. I love that.","90":"Truly. There is no better.","91":"Oh. I hope you're not gunning for the Haley demographic.","92":"She gives me a sly smirk.","93":"Haley nods as if she knows exactly what I mean.","94":"There was this time... I walked into a bar when I was way too young. Thought I was so sophisticated with my fake ID.","95":"The guy just immediately knew what's up. But instead of kicking me out, he puts me in a booth.","96":"The only thing he tells me is, if I'm there to do anything, it's homework.","97":"And what? That's where you did your homework?","98":"Yeah. For about a year.","99":"There are so few people here.","100":"A slight sadness overcomes Haley.","101":"Ah... [i]Stan...","102":"Now I remember why I don't like to be here.","103":"Is Stan that painful for you?","104":"After what he did for me? And what happened to him?","105":"I owe him my second chance. You know? How do you even thank someone for that?","106":"Yes... but Stan was also the reason why the Fraternity became involved in your life. Sabotaged it.","107":"Stan didn't want that, but at the same time, he worked for a pack of bastards.","108":"Haley probably doesn't need to know that.","109":"She suddenly smiles, as though realizing that she's dragging down the mood.","110":"So... is Dante a good boss or what?","111":"An insanely good boss. Almost too good.","112":"Too good? Hmm... you think he puts too much on himself?","113":"I think you're right. I think he's a lot more complicated than he seems. If you're that boisterous...","114":"It's a defense mechanism.","115":"I nod.","116":"Some things are better left a mystery though, don't you think? If he wants to reinvent himself, who is to stop him?","117":"You don't think I should dig into this mystery?","118":"Nah. Let it lie.","119":"She gives me a smile.","120":"Talking about reinventing yourself...","121":"...did you know I'm going to a recording studio today?","122":"Really? Are you recording an album?","123":"No, just a demo. It's something I was thinking of for a while.","124":"I only got around to it recently.","125":"Maybe I could play emotional support.","126":"Are you kidding? Yes please. I'd love that. I'll text you the deets.","127":"Don't.","128":"Oh, right. You aren't using a phone connected to the internet anymore...","129":"In that case, it's straightforward. 3 pm at Tar Sands Boulevard. You can't miss it, the building is obvious.","130":"Okay, I'll try and make it. Just don't be disappointed if I can't.","131":"I know you have some very strange things going on...","132":"The other thing I wanted to know... is...","133":"...I could use a confidence boost.","134":"Oh, really. What did you have in mind?","135":"Well... seeing as there's nobody here... maybe you and I...","136":"I actually have a pretty funny story. So... I was taking a tour of the studio... when...","137":"Shit...","138":"...it's that girl again.","139":"This conversation was starting to get good.","140":"I don't need a shotgun at home... I need it under the bar.","141":"Hello, {PlayerName}.","142":"I glance at her as acknowledgement.","143":"I'm not... particularly keen about her prolonged eye contact.","144":"Could we speak for a moment?","145":"Is this a friend of yours?","146":"Haley is audibly unhappy.","147":"She's an acquaintance.","148":"Knowing women, that's going to do pretty much nothing to comfort her.","149":"Okay... well...","150":"Maybe I'll see you later.","151":"Nice meeting you.","152":"The wrong person is leaving... there's nothing to be done about it.","153":"I turn my attention to Genevieve.","154":"Something I can get for you?","155":"Do you know that you have a debate coming up?","156":"I imagined there would be.","157":"Not many people go to student council debates unless they're forced to or something crazy is expected to happen...","158":"...like mine was.","159":"This all ends at a debate, you know. That's how the Presidency is decided.","160":"Yes, I understand. Are you worried that I won't be able to debate?","161":"Just connect my app to a speaker and I won't have any issues.","162":"No, I'm not worried about that. I just want you to be properly prepared.","163":"The debate is [i]very important[\/i]. And if you don't have a good debate with the President, it's all going to be for nothing.","164":"This girl is talking about a debate like it's some kind of fight to the death...","165":"I'll study up. Is there something else I can help you with?","166":"It's coming sooner than you think.","167":"Again, is there something I can help you with?","168":"Yes.","169":"The thing you can get for me is...","170":"...your attendance.","171":"With who?","172":"The [i]President,[\/i] of course.","173":"Meaning Valerie. So... she is one of these Fraternity freaks. Do I confront her about it?","174":"Confront her.","175":"Reveal nothing.","176":"Pretty stupid move I made... staying where you tried to kill me.","177":"[i]I[\/i] didn't try to kill you.","178":"It was a collective ''you''.","179":"Do you think I'm a pledge? No...","180":"I'm just a...","181":"...well...","182":"So one of their agents, like Sandra or Stan.","183":"Is she getting paid like Stan? Or blackmailed like Sandra?","184":"Anyway, I work for the President.","185":"Genevieve looks at me, as though expecting something out of me. Some surprise, I guess.","186":"Her disappointment is so subtle you could almost miss it... but it's satisfying all the same.","187":"Who sent you, then?","188":"The President. I work for her.","189":"I thought you said you weren't. That's what you told me when you sat in on our meeting the other night.","190":"I wasn't lying. I really was there on student council business. Now I'm here on the President's business.","191":"Never a good thing.","192":"How can I serve the President?","193":"She wants to make you an offering.","194":"An [i]offering?[\/i] An image of someone being sacrificed at an altar immediately comes to mind.","195":"An offering? Like a gift?","196":"Sort of like a peace treaty.","197":"Is... Valerie horny or something?","198":"I [i]should not[\/i] be sleeping with my enemy.","199":"Something gives me bad vibes. I'm never going to trust Valerie again after what she did to me.","200":"Still... seeing her might provide me some opportunity for... [i]something[\/i]. Who can predict Valerie?","201":"We'll see. I'll decide when it's time.","202":"Genevieve nods.","203":"Good. She says you already know where to go. So head there sometime after 6 PM.","204":"Haley, you left too damn soon.","205":"I guess I'll see you at three for the demo recording.","0":"The next morning...","1":"Man... Dante's been good to me... but how long can I really stay here?","2":"I get the feeling that Dante can't keep me on staff forever. As far as I know... he doesn't really own the bar, he just manages it.","3":"I wonder if the owner would be pleased to know how many drinks ''on the house'' we hand out...","4":"I wonder how many of those drinks I had myself.","5":"What's up, hetebro?","6":"Dante, did a rich girl stop by?","7":"You may have seen her. Pretty, kinda seems uncomfortable in a bar?","8":"Hmm... well... from the handful of people I've seen recently, I'd say...","9":"...nah, it doesn't ring a bell. This is a friends with benefits thing?"},"ch15__15.45 haley sex.vne3":{"10":"Because the bar needs money.","11":"Dante tries to find fault with that... but he can't.","12":"Fine. Maybe this place does need money. I wish it was from... I dunno...","13":"...[i]not from Haley.[\/i] Instead some rich asshole who got all their money from stealing.","14":"[i]Arthur[\/i] conjures in my mind.","15":"You shouldn't feel guilty. Dante, you know you run a business, right?","16":"You have to charge people money.","17":"But it's [i]Haley[\/i]...","18":"She wants to pay. Let her.","19":"Dante flinches... almost like I'm telling him he should go to the dentist.","20":"It makes her feel good to pay. Sevigny's supported her for a long time and now she's giving back.","21":"Man...","22":"...how much does it cost? I can go refund her money.","23":"She was literally the only paying customer this morning. Where are you pulling money from?","24":"Sevigny's is successful, alright! Just not right now!","25":"Man... I just feel terrible.","26":"Does he feel [i]this guilty[\/i] about what? Taking less than ten bucks? From Haley, who can easily afford it.","27":"It's sort of a nice change of pace as far as problems go.","28":"Okay... I'm going to put on my therapist hat. When did this excessive guilt start?","29":"Excessive guilt? You see this head? Does this guy seem excessively guilty to you?","30":"I'm [i]excessive het,[\/i] maybe. I would be, since I'm the World's Straightest Man.","31":"I really shouldn't be doing this... but maybe I can drill deeper without directly asking Dante about his past.","32":"Why the world's straightest man, though?","33":"Hey man, I got nothing to do with it but be born. They put me in the record books. If there's a straighter dude I'd be happy to pass the crown.","34":"Gay people... how do you feel about them?","35":"Love 'em! West Hollywood is my spiritual garden.","36":"Hey... Dante...","37":"...generally speaking... people who always talk about how straight they are... are not usually [i]actually[\/i] the straightest people.","38":"I know that! I know what people are going to think! I'm totally cool if people think I'm gay.","39":"I know that, but... are you? Are you really the world's straightest person?","40":"Ha! Look who you're asking! What do you think I'm going to say?","41":"Yeah, every half-minute, someone comes along and thinks I'm acting like this because I'm actually hair-on-fire gay and just suppressing it.","42":"But...","43":"Dante's voice changes back into that quiet... strange voice of his.","44":"Just like when I asked him if there was something wrong.","45":"...I really am straight.","46":"Just as quickly, he's back to his normal self.","47":"When I went to West Hollywood, you know what I found?","48":"Gay people?","49":"Yeah, and water in the ocean. No buddy! Something cooler than that.","50":"[i]Community[\/i]!","51":"Community?","52":"I just... liked that all the gay people have a community. The guy Dante was, the guy who died, was really damn lonely.","53":"I thought to myself... [i]''Damn... if only I wasn't overwhelmingly into pussy. I could have a community too''.","54":"But then I thought, ''Hey, maybe straight people can be like that! Why can't straight people just be nicer to each other and support each other?''","55":"So... I went and founded AACHM... built up the Shale Hill chapter... and here I am!","56":"I'm just being myself... the best Dante I can be, without even thinking of what impression I'm giving off.","57":"That's... [i]admirable[\/i]...","58":"Every human being in the world has a hard damn time, and it's even harder when you don't have anyone to back you up.","59":"It's priceless, having friends that can depend on you, buddies who'll slap you on the shoulder and cry with you and laugh with you.","60":"So all I hope is to be that for other people. 'Cause the guy who existed before Dante definitely could've used it.","61":"Haley said... I probably shouldn't bother looking too deeply into Dante's past...","62":"I am extremely curious what kind of guy he once was. At the same time...","63":"...I'm positive that Dante doesn't want me to see that.","64":"I better change the subject.","65":"I see...","66":"Did you know Haley is recording an album?","67":"Ah, my precious girl is growing up! I always knew she'd make it.","68":"A talent like hers can't be behind a bar. The World's Best Singer needs a stage suitable for her prestige.","69":"When is that happening?","70":"In fifteen minutes or something.","71":"Are you shitting me? Why are you here? You gotta back her up!","72":"But my shift...","73":"The only thing you have to worry about is making sure she has the best studio recording she can and refunding her the drink.","74":"Refund the drink?","75":"Take the ten dollars and go!","76":"It's only ten--","77":"I don't want to hear it... or see it! Get going!","78":"Dante has decreed.","79":"Thanks...","80":"I don't have enough time. I rush to the location...","81":"By the time I get there, she's already in the middle of recording...","82":"Except... [i]not really in the middle of recording...","83":"Through the door... I hear Haley's song muffled by a sound dampening glass.","84":"Even from here, I can tell something is wrong.","85":"Sorry... I...","86":"Not again...","87":"We can't keep starting over! You gotta get through a song!","88":"I know... it's just...","89":"...she huffs... and takes in a breath.","90":"I'm ready...","91":"She starts again... but there's something hesitant about her...","92":"It's not that her voice is strained... it's like she's being derailed by an internal distraction.","93":"I walk inside... there's no movement in the technician.","94":"In fact, he seems tense. It feels like he's been through a lot.","95":"Ah... no...","96":"...I'm sorry... that was...","97":"Dear god...","98":"...okay, let's start again. Only voice now.","99":"Take a second to breathe, yeah? Otherwise you're gonna be all over the place, love.","100":"When he says [i]love[\/i] like that... I feel a momentary confusion...","101":"...but then I notice the hints of an English accent, and I realize he's using ''love'' in that weird way some English people do... like a mild term of endearment.","102":"Once again, she begins.","103":"She's trying so hard to get into the music...","104":"Once again, she stops.","105":"The guy finally notices me.","106":"Who are you? You her friend?","107":"I nod.","108":"Pretty girl, but she's choking like a chicken. Her in person, and her in studio, is the difference between a lark and a dying cat, I swear it.","109":"I know I shouldn't be bothered, being paid by the hour and all, but it's still tragic.","110":"She's going to use up all my time on one song. I'm not cheap, you know?","111":"You want me to help her?","112":"Maybe if she sang through her phone like you do, she'd do better.","113":"Have a chat, won't you?","114":"Sure.","115":"Haley, love, I know you got limited time but maybe this bloke could help you. He says he's your friend?","116":"Oh, hey!","117":"You came. That's wonderful.","118":"Right. Gotta be honest love, you need to fix yourself up before you're gonna charm the world with your voice.","119":"Come out for a minute and maybe you'll be better the second go round.","120":"That's not a bad idea. Thank you...","121":"She comes out with a gorgeous smile on her face.","122":"Whose heart wouldn't soar looking at that?","123":"Her hug is nearly as good.","124":"I am so glad you're here. It's been stressful... terribly, terribly stressful.","125":"But you...","126":"...you are just balm for my eyes.","127":"Is that what you do, put balm on your eyes?","128":"The saying is weird. Like... I'd be crying if I had to rub something in my eyes like that.","129":"So... I bet Dante kicked you out of the bar as soon as you mentioned what went on.","130":"He would've catapaulted me over here if I wouldn't come.","131":"He's so strange... but he does a lot for me.","132":"In fact, he wants to give you your money back.","133":"What money?","134":"For the drink.","135":"Do you know how awesome it is to pay for things once you can?","136":"He's so predictable. If he doesn't burn his life down on a whim... he'll never change.","137":"I'd like to live like that. No middle ground... you give everything or you give nothing.","138":"Not these... stupid... half-hearted attempts of mine...","139":"What's popping off in your head?","140":"It's not worth talking about...","141":"The thing is... I have this studio space for only a few hours.","142":"It's expensive, recording an album. The technician isn't cheap.","143":"Honestly... I'm wondering if I jumped the gun a little.","144":"Like what? You're not ready to record something?","145":"Isn't that extremely evident? If I'm struggling like this... I wasn't ready for it.","146":"But if I leave now, I'll waste money. The guy I hired was paid for this time slot. If I can't use him now, I'll have to pay him again.","147":"Quite the predicament, but that's probably something he'd like.","148":"The technician speaks from his chair.","149":"I wouldn't mind it, no, but I'd prefer a nice album to put in my portfolio.","150":"It's rude to talk about you when you're here.","151":"No worries, love. It takes me straight back to the nice council house I shared with my mum.","152":"I had a grand ol' time listening to her through the thin old walls, talking about how I was troubled and would never amount to nothing.","153":"That's why I like America better. An irrational obsession with thick walls, near as fanatical as my own.","154":"You're quite a character.","155":"I'm pulling her away from her precious time.","156":"Good pep talk?","157":"I... hope so.","158":"She gives me a smile, indicating she's going to give it a second shot.","159":"Let's see if you put something back into her.","160":"Go ahead, love!","161":"She begins.","162":"She's steady at first... I can see the effort she's putting in...","163":"That's a high shelf woman, right there. Not like the painted slags back home.","164":"You think she's going to be okay?","165":"You talking? I can't hear you right now. Sound proof headphones, love. I relish being able to talk on and on and not have to listen.","166":"Man... so would I.","167":"And then...","168":"Her voice cracks... and dies...","169":"...the rhythm she carefully cultivated ekes to nothing.","170":"There she blows.","171":"She needs more help...","172":"Lovely girl. No career in music I'm afraid. She'd make a very good model for morbid shirts, however.","173":"That's not true.","174":"It's good to have faith in your friends, but they don't do miracles.","175":"I heard her voice. It's lovely, but it's nothing if she chokes when it matters.","176":"She was fine before. She did a live performance.","177":"I'm sure she was excellent, but she's not now.","178":"I don't know if you've heard music nowadays, but consistency is more important than talent.","179":"Give me a moment to speak with her. Alone.","180":"Say no more. Clean up once you're done.","181":"He takes a steady walk out of here... there's no hint of reluctance.","182":"I think he was itching for a smoke break...","183":"Now... I have to see what I'm going to do with her.","184":"I just hope I have the right things to say.","185":"Damn...","186":"...I'm wasting money...","187":"...and someone's life as well...","188":"Haley looks blankly at the wall... fixated on something.","189":"I watch her... wait for her to say whatever she needs to.","190":"It takes her a moment.","191":"You're always sort of a surreal experience, {PlayerName}.","192":"You're standing in front of me... and I see you there... and it's like you're here and gone at the same time.","193":"Talking to you feels like talking to myself.","194":"I get that a lot. If you can't express yourself, you end up becoming someone else's blank slate.","195":"Yeah... which is why listening means keeping your mouth shut.","196":"Sometimes people would tell me profoundly sad things... they'd be in tears afterward...","197":"...and then, suddenly... they're telling me that I changed their lives... they're thanking me... as if I said something profound to them...","198":"...and I'd think to myself...","199":"[i]...I didn't even do anything.","200":"That was like with Maggie. I said nothing to her, did nothing, but listen.","201":"All that healing she did on her own.","202":"Yeah.","203":"Listen... I wish I had a more profound issue... going back to a tortured childhood or something... but...","204":"I don't really have a sad story to share.","205":"I'm wasting Stan's money. That's what keeps popping into my head.","206":"He was returning your money...","207":"Yes... [i]out of his pocket[\/i]... a responsibility he didn't have to take.","208":"I thought if I kept thinking about how he helped me... it would be like honoring him.","209":"You did it too much, though.","210":"What do you even do when someone basically saves your life, at the cost of their own?","211":"There's so much pressure to enjoy it. Too much pressure.","212":"Even talking to you like this feels indulgent.","213":"I'll have to learn to put a smile on.","214":"I'd smile only if you feel like it.","215":"Stan didn't give you all that money so you can torture yourself.","216":"Yeah. I had exactly the same thought.","217":"But you know who don't have these sorts of thoughts?","218":"Who?","219":"Bad people.","220":"Bad people, huh? So I'm a bad person if I'm not torturing myself with guilt?","221":"You know that's not what I mean.","222":"You wouldn't have struggles like this if you didn't care. It's a healthy thing to feel...","223":"...it's a healthy thing to move past, too.","224":"Yeah. I get it.","225":"I think I'll try and do my set now.","226":"kiss","227":"conclusion","228":"She looks at me with big eyes. There's a change in them...","229":"I think she's... [i]better[\/i].","230":"So... do you want to put a real smile on my face?","231":"I have something for you, then.","232":"This kiss is sudden... passionate... and quite nice.","233":"I feel a shudder of pleasure radiating through me.","234":"She's got such limited time though... can we really do this?","235":"Lose control.","236":"Remind her of the time.","237":"Heh... well...","238":"...looks like I really do need you to take care of me.","239":"Let's save this energy for somewhere special.","240":"Okay... this is new... making out in a sound studio...","241":"...maybe even [i]fucking[\/i] in a sound studio.","242":"Frankly... this is a perfect way to distract Haley even worse, but if she wants this...","243":"...there's nothing I want more than to make her happy.","244":"The sexual gratification is just an awesome bonus.","245":"She's got her hands beneath my shirt. Her hands slide up my body.","246":"I wasn't sure how far she was willing to go... but if we're taking off clothes...","247":"...we might actually need to clean up after ourselves.","248":"We're naked. In a sound studio.","249":"Well... [i]I'll be quiet, at least, but the same can't be said for Haley.","250":"If the recording equipment is on, we're about to make a very interesting album.","251":"This kind of mutual pleasure is just beautiful. I don't know what kind of music we're making together, but I like it.","252":"I massage her clit, and she works me like it's her job to.","253":"We settle into an easy rhythm. If we didn't have the pressure of time, we could be like this for hours.","254":"Isolated from the world... four walls surrounding us... thick sound proofing our only witness...","255":"...it feels bizarrely private in here.","256":"This is an oddly intimate setting... I never would have considered a place like this.","257":"Perhaps I should have?","258":"I set Haley down... let my hands roam over her.","259":"She watches... curious and anticipating what I'll do. Even stock still she sweats.","260":"A smile fights to form on her lips... against her intense arousal.","261":"So I do my signature move. The dive.","262":"Haley hips circle, as though doing a dance.","263":"What a lovely tongue you have...","264":"...a bit ironic... you know...","265":"Yeah... I get it.","266":"It is a bit... but nobody has ever complimented my tongue specifically, so I never realized it was particularly nice.","267":"Let's see how nice it is. I [i]dive[\/i] burying my tongue into her insides.","268":"I fuck it with my tongue like I'll soon be fucking it with my cock.","269":"Haley just sighs and becomes incoherent.","270":"But... the technician is only out for a smoke break.","271":"We better get a move on.","272":"Oh... this is... quick.","273":"But... the time. Right.","274":"She understands. We'll have to make like rabbits unless we want to experiment with exhibitionism.","275":"She's going to do what she needs to make my cock slick before we begin.","276":"This thing is...","277":"Haley gives a short laugh as she tugs gently at my cock.","278":"...this thing is bigger than the damn microphone.","279":"I suppose that's a pretty natural comparison. Kinda makes me laugh, for some reason.","280":"I sink my bigger-than-a-microphone cock into her.","281":"As I do... her pussy starts to suck at my cockhead. Her slick interior guides me in.","282":"It feels so easy... so simple..","283":"It is a dumb idea, what we're doing, but our thighs are slapping... and even if we get caught... it's less important than getting off.","284":"My body demands it... it drowns any other considerations with the snip of ecstasy.","285":"Haley's hips rotate, then undulate like an ocean.","286":"My heart quickens as I watch her... I squeeze my eyes shut as a means to distract me from the pleasure.","287":"Haley is like this itch I can't scratch. I move around inside her, soaking her up like a sponge from within, getting every angle I can.","288":"I stir her, watch as her skin leaves sweaty imprints on the sofa.","289":"I lean over... and really press down...","290":"...beneath my weight, Haley moans and struggles to keep my cock inside her.","291":"As I jackhammer her, I occasionally feel the leather of her boots bouncing.","292":"I have to get off quickly... but I don't want to be a five-second wonder.","293":"Can I make up for speed with intensity?","294":"I don't know... but it's going to be fun to try.","295":"We shift... try a different angle...","296":"...then, we begin to grind...","297":"I'm easy with Haley. Maybe too easy. But the sensation I get, with her pussy throbbing just where my cockhead lays...","298":"...it's something else. The most luxurious feeling you could have.","299":"She's a warm wave breaking on me, a hot spa, her surface agitated and bubbling creamy velvet.","300":"I let her linger, and as I do... the more I just want to...","301":"...[i]get into her[\/i].","302":"I use my arm strength to push her off...","303":"...then, get behind her to [i]smack[\/i] into her ass... we're a flurry of different positions...","304":"In the end... we're definitely going to fail our mission to keep this place clean.","305":"We've marked our territory from the sofa to the instruments.","306":"How many people are going to use the equipment in here, I wonder.","307":"Then again... this is a place musicians hang out.","308":"People probably fuck in here all the time.","309":"Haley swings like a pendulum between me and the wall... and strikes me like a hammer.","310":"A lovely, velvety hammer of joy and ecstasy, but a hammer nonetheless.","311":"My balls are aching now. Heavy. They need release.","312":"Okay... so... strategy time...","313":"...the cleanest place to cream.","314":"With each thrust, she holds onto the foam wall for balance... casting her hand prints into them, turning them semi-permanent.","315":"If anyone notices them, they'll know exactly how they were made.","316":"But it doesn't matter. I can't hold onto this much pleasure... it's bursting out of me.","317":"No amount of mental tricks is going to stop me now. I can't focus enough... it's hard to think as I'm hypnotized by the sway of her body... and the coming intensity of the orgasm.","318":"Alright... let's do it... cum!","319":"It's a command for both me and herself, as warm heat dribbles down my thigh.","320":"A hoarse explosion comes out of her throat... if that doesn't clear her voice, nothing will.","321":"We sit back on the couch, and now it's my turn.","322":"I pound her through her orgasm, place her on my knee.","323":"Our rhythmic smack puts the drums to shame. There's no slowing down.","324":"I'm peaking now... point of return. I can hold it in but I can't stop it.","325":"Use her mouth.","326":"Use her pussy.","327":"Gently I make a movement, as if lifting Haley off my lap.","328":"I know... I know what you mean.","329":"This throat exercise... doesn't actually improve your singing.","330":"Just... do it! I'm holding it back so hard!","331":"This is... brutal... squeezing my cock...","332":"I watch as she goes down on me... the motion of her head and mouth sending me into a whirlwind...","333":"Haley go as deep as she can and I release all I have.","334":"That was... a lot...","335":"That's a real smile one her face though... this was what it was all about.","336":"Gripping her sides, I pull her up and let her drop down again... each time is a gong for my orgasm.","337":"I feel like I'm being pulled inside out by the pleasure...","338":"A few more thrusts... Haley is already going through spasms...","339":"Each time I plow into her, I expect to burst... but somehow I still keep everything in.","340":"I feel her juices run down my thighs, feeling her rhythmically pound.","341":"I'm struggling at this point. I feel myself shaking... my vision is blurry...","342":"...she is... nearly there again... and I'm already past!","343":"Haley... let's shoot off together!","344":"Aghhh!","345":"I'm... right... with you!","346":"Ah... ah...","347":"We only have a few moments.","348":"This was a long, long smoke break.","349":"Thanks for this. It turned out I really needed this pep talk.","350":"It's okay if you have to dip out. I'll be in here for hours.","351":"Yeah... I might have to.","352":"Did you clean up after yourselves?","353":"The technician comes in, smelling faintly of tobacco.","354":"We did.","355":"Let's give it another shot. We've got little time left.","356":"No issue for me if you want to hire me once again.","357":"No... we definitely don't want to do that.","358":"As he sits down... a quick and sneaky kiss.","359":"The dude probably notices. Whether he cares... I'm not sure.","360":"She's in good hands.","361":"Now... I have some Valerie-shaped business to attend to.","362":"Haley smiles even as I leave.","0":"Cum options","1":"label sex","2":"Continue","3":"A little later Dante comes out...","4":"Wow... two customers!","5":"He's not being facetious.","6":"So someone had a bourbon? It had to be Haley.","7":"You know her just from her drinks?","8":"Hell yeah! Would've rush out like a Hell's Angel if I knew she was here.","9":"Wait a sec. You charged her. Why wasn't it on the house?"},"ch16__16.05 the victim.vne3":{"10":"...My annoyance is palpable when she doesn't move.","11":"Well?","12":"[i]Well what[\/i]?","13":"Do you agree?","14":"She wants a verbal confirmation? Fine.","15":"I agree.","16":"Good.","17":"Oh... and I promise I won't say anything about us having sex.","18":"Gee, thanks.","19":"I feel like I should sweep this room for bombs and cameras after she leaves.","20":"I head back into the living room, psyching myself for a difficult conversation.","21":"And fuck... a sight that would scare the shit out of anyone with testicles. That is [i]one angry woman[\/i].","22":"She was standing immediately outside the door. I guess she knew [i]exactly[\/i] what was going on.","23":"Don't worry, {PlayerName} and I weren't doing anything.","24":"You have [b]no[\/b] idea what I'm worried about, [i]Genevieve[\/i].","25":"You're going to answer for yourself [i]right now[\/i].","26":"I've heard {Leah} use this tone of voice only a handful of times in my life; deep to the point of being hoarse, twice as large as she is.","27":"{Leah} has fight mode too...","28":"I'm here to...","29":"No. I know what your purpose is. Pass your message along so you can leave.","30":"I haven't explained myself yet.","31":"You don't need to. You aren't here for your own reasons. There's no [i]''I''[\/i] here.","32":"I'm... not sure how to express myself without-","33":"You're not here to express [i]yourself[\/i], we've already established that. Give us your message.","34":"For once, Genevieve looks mildly uncomfortable. I guess even she has her limit. It's satisfying to see, but {Leah} is keeping her from saying what she came to say.","35":"Just let her speak.","36":"{Leah} shuts her eyes long enough to count the seconds.","37":"Then speak.","38":"I'm not here to harm you in any way. I'm here for my own purposes.","39":"{Leah} looks like she doesn't believe that. There's no break of sympathy in her at all.","40":"The truth is, I'm not different from you two. I'm not a member of the Fraternity, I'm a victim, just like some friends of yours.","41":"You know that already. Sandra. Stan. The many people the Fraternity has hurt.","42":"Her face is a mask. Is this her poker game coming out, or is she really just like this? It doesn't inspire trust.","43":"Though, I imagine anyone they would send to trick us would be crying crocodile tears by now. If this is a deception it is an odd way of going about it.","44":"If you wanted help, sneaking into our apartment was a bad way to gain our trust.","45":"I didn't intend to come in when you two were gone, this is just the way it happened. When I got to your door and realized you weren't home...","46":"...I found my way in myself. It was extremely important to talk to you.","47":"And you spent your time well, casing our apartment.","48":"Yes, I was searching for bugs. I had to ensure this conversation would be private.","49":"Did you find any?","50":"No.","51":"Knowing how many secret things we have laying around, it's a serious question whether she found something else...","52":"And what about you? Do you have any listening devices?","53":"I didn't bring a cellphone. I'd be a fool to. You can search me if you want.","54":"You can do a full cavity search. I don't mind.","55":"Why is she making direct eye contact when she says that? Is she [i]trying[\/i] to remind me of that one evening?","56":"I half expect her to glance at me, but she keeps her eyes glued to {Leah}.","57":"{Leah} thinks for a moment.","58":"Okay. We'll do it in my room.","59":"I give her a few signs.","60":"We're going to strip search her?","61":"No, [i]I[\/i] will. You're staying here.","62":"Give me a little credit, {Leah}. I'll take it seriously.","63":"Then give me some credit! [i]I'm not worried about that![\/i] You stay here and search for any other ''guests''.","64":"Yeah... that is probably a good idea...","65":"Please.","66":"They leave. I cast aside any lurid thoughts about what might be going on behind closed doors and give a once over to the apartment.","67":"Nothing here...","68":"...","69":"Empty...","70":"I wasn't exactly expecting a ninja pressed up in the corner of the ceiling, but everything short of that is starting to feel plausible.","71":"It's impossible to check this apartment enough. Who knows what she fucked around with? She had full access to my desktop.","72":"I don't just need to sweep this place with a metal detector, but with bleach, too.","73":"That noise... a light thud... it could be anything...","74":"I know {Leah} can handle herself, but...","75":"...Genevieve has already proven herself to be unpredictable.","76":"I just need to poke my head in...","77":"That sound must've been my imagination. Nothing is out of the ordinary... except what's [i]usually[\/i] out of the ordinary.","78":"I mean... it's exactly what she said it would be. A full cavity search. That means...","79":"...[i]everywhere...","80":"I'd better make sure {Leah} stays safe. Who knows what Genevieve is hiding?","81":"I mean... it might seem like {Leah} has everything under control... but...","82":"...she might need back up at any moment.","83":"If I just stay until clothes start being put back on.","84":"...","85":"That is a cold ass gaze... I should be moving but I'm rooted to my feet.","86":"I noticed you were there from the beginning, {PlayerName}.","87":"I appreciate you [i]watching out for us[\/i]... but it isn't necessary.","88":"Yeah... [i]maybe {Leah} doesn't need my help.[\/i] She looks like she's got this completely under control.","89":"I nod as I beat my retreat.","90":"I could've been a bit more subtle about that. I was looking out for {Leah}, I did worry if Genevieve had pulled something...","91":"...but I guess I stuck around a bit too long.","92":"It's well justified.","93":"They both step out not long after. Judging from the look on {Leah}'s face, there was nothing thrilling for her about spreading another girl's cheeks.","94":"Unlike me... who definitely got a thrill.","95":"Maybe it was a good idea to leave me outside.","96":"She's clean.","97":"Are you satisfied?","98":"I'll never be satisfied. Let's hear what you really wanted to say.","99":"Very well. I'll cut straight to the chase. There's a meeting of the entire Fraternity late tonight. If you go, you'll hear exactly the kinds of things you want to hear.","100":"Tonight?","101":"I know exactly what she's talking about. We're supposed to be helping Emily and Iris tonight...","102":"We can't hint that we have different plans. Who knows what she'll do with that information.","103":"Where is this place?","104":"The old movie theater near the town center. Around 3:00 AM.","105":"They keep trying to demolish that place...","106":"Why should we believe you?","107":"My interests are the same as yours. I also want to be free from the Fraternity. Is that enough?","108":"Of course not. You've given us no other reason to trust you. How do we know this isn't a trap?","109":"If I wanted to set up a trap, I had the opportunity here. But I didn't take it.","110":"That is true... she literally had my shotgun.","111":"{Leah} is less convinced.","112":"I don't know what your motivations are.","113":"You have nothing to lose by going, don't you?","114":"We have [i]much[\/i] to lose by going.","115":"If that's what you think... then maybe it's time you think about the potential gain, too. I know you two take a lot of risks.","116":"[i]How much do you know[\/i] about the risks we take?","117":"Only from what I hear secondhand. In any case, this is entirely up to you. If you want to miss the opportunity, then that is unfortunate for me.","118":"I really can't free myself on my own.","119":"Yeah, you look like you're chafing for freedom.","120":"I was a promising student, you know. I had a lot going for me. I worked hard, didn't get into trouble, didn't indulge in partying or drugs.","121":"I'm self-aware enough to know how I come off. And you might think of me as a cold fish, I did [i]have[\/i] a life, but I've proven too useful to my handlers.","122":"I'd be grateful if you helped me.","123":"Do you have [i]anything[\/i] else you'd like to say?","124":"No. Do you have anything to ask of me?","125":"Will you be there, if we show up?","126":"Yes.","127":"Clarification: I will help you get into the theater undetected.","128":"You're trusted with a lot of things, aren't you?","129":"Not necessarily. As you can see, I'm good at getting into places where I'm not supposed to be.","130":"Are you good at leaving, though?","131":"I know how to do that too. I'll take that to understand our conversation is over.","132":"She walks across the room and goes out the front door.","133":"There's a heavy air between us. The lightness we felt earlier is starting to chill to reality.","134":"If only we never had to leave that little old bedroom... {Leah} and I could still be there, making love until dawn.","135":"If only I had a day where I didn't have to leave her bed.","136":"Yesterday was a slice of golden, carefree times. I don't know if we're going to get another helping of that anytime soon.","137":"That whole conversation could have been just one sentence:","138":"''Come to the old theater tonight''.","139":"You don't believe anything else she said?","140":"Well... it's a little too late now, but I shouldn't bias you. What do you think?","141":"I believe her.","142":"I don't believe her.","143":"I'm not sure.","144":"She didn't seem like she was faking it, at least. No false emotions. No weirdly complex story. She didn't volunteer more information than she needed to.","145":"It didn't feel like she was trying to [i]convince[\/i] us.","146":"But she also didn't say anything concrete, did she? I think you're being naive.","147":"But you are correct in that we shouldn't automatically [i]disbelieve[\/i] her.","148":"Not a single expression on her face the whole time. That's not how someone begging for help acts.","149":"I don't disagree. I'm not inclined to believe her either, but we can't just ignore what she said.","150":"If there's an element of truth...","151":"What part of her story would be true?","152":"I'm not sure... but I want to find out.","153":"Me neither. It's easy to dismiss her out of hand, but she came for a reason.","154":"We can't ignore what she said.","155":"What if one of us went with her and the other went with Emily and Iris?","156":"Splitting up? Is that a good idea?","157":"...No. And yes.","158":"She crosses her arms and fumes to herself.","159":"There's nothing ever simple, is there?","160":"We have to do it, though. We need that data, [i]and[\/i] we've got to crash that meeting. It sucks that it's happening at the same time.","161":"It's very inconvenient...","162":"Her words tail off into a suggestion.","163":"You think she timed this?","164":"It's very likely she did. Which would mean her intention would be to split us apart.","165":"I can't dismiss the possibility.","166":"I see. We should stick together, whether she's telling the truth or not. It's settled.","167":"...No.","168":"No? What does she mean? Has she realized something I haven't?","169":"Let's not go, then. We know what we're getting out of with Emily and Iris. She's not offering anything but risk.","170":"Plus... it's convenient, isn't it? That this is happening at the same time? It feels off to me.","171":"To me as well.","172":"Then we're agreed. We shouldn't do it.","173":"No... we have to.","174":"Excuse me?","175":"One of us has to go.","176":"Why?","177":"Think about it carefully. If this is an effort to split us, it means they know we're doing something tonight.","178":"...Oh, of course...","179":"They might know everything. They might know almost nothing. And it's important that one of us finds out how much.","180":"We can't afford to both get caught. One of us gets the other out.","181":"She's completely right. If they know what we're up to, both of us going would be the worst possible thing. If, however, one of us finds out...","182":"I fucking hate this. It's always when we split that the worst happens.","183":"This is fucking fate again. It just hates us. I have no idea why.","184":"We do what we have to do, {Leah}. Fate is against everyone. It isn't out for us in particular.","185":"I feel like I'm being punished for finding love with... someone I shouldn't.","186":"It isn't about that.","187":"I feel like I'm being punished for finding love. This is why people say you can't have a relationship and a purpose in life.","188":"Don't say that.","189":"I feel like I'm being punished for being happy.","190":"That's a silly thing to say.","191":"Let's not get distracted. We're not the self-pity squad.","192":"Y... yeah. Of course.","193":"No, we're badasses. How can I forget?","194":"Damn right.","195":"Let's focus. Which one of us goes where?","196":"Okay. Yes. Focus. Um...","197":"You're good with talking and socializing, ironically. And, I'm good at sneaking, so...","198":"...which is the stealth mission, and which is the social mission?","199":"They're both stealth missions.","200":"That is what I'm worried about too...","201":"Let's let fate decide. Rock paper scissors. The winner takes the dangerous option.","202":"Right, because we'd try and lose on purpose if it was the other way around.","203":"Exactly.","204":"Which is the safer option?","205":"I have no idea, but we'll know when it comes time.","206":"{Leah} understands what I mean. She closes her eyes, puts together her thoughts, and opens them again.","207":"Okay. Rock-paper-scissors.","208":"You ready?","209":"Think so.","210":"Rock...","211":"...paper...","212":"...scissors...","213":"...shoot!","214":"Rock.","215":"Paper.","216":"Scissors.","217":"Ah... [i]we both went rock[\/i]. I thought this might happen.","218":"Because of the last minute switch?","219":"Yeah. That trick where you keep rock until just when you can see your opponents hand moving.","220":"Yeah.","221":"We both went paper. Figures.","222":"I thought you might. I figured you would do the last-minute-rock-switch technique.","223":"I thought you were too... and if you had I would've caught you out.","224":"Pick something different next time.","225":"There's a 1\/3 chance I will.","226":"Okay... again.","227":"Scissors?","228":"I was absolutely positive you were going paper.","229":"Because you thought I would anticipate the last-minute-rock-switch technique, and counter it with paper.","230":"It would've been a smart move. That's why I picked paper.","231":"Let's try and be dumber about this choice.","232":"Of course.","233":"Rock, paper, scissors... shoot!","234":"Rock.","235":"Paper.","236":"Scissors.","237":"Really? Did we both pick {ep16_rps_2} again?","238":"Aw... you thought I would go for the counter-counter?","239":"I was positive you'd assume I'd go immediately for the counter, which is the most obvious move. So I intended to counter your counter.","240":"Yes, but [i] that would've been too obvious. Better to head off your attempts to read me by not swapping[\/i].","241":"It was the safest move you could've made.","242":"An immediate counter is so obvious you can't risk it. Not in the second round of rock-paper-scissors.","243":"Yes.","244":"That was risky! The second round counter?","245":"Which is exactly why it was the best possible move.","246":"Well... it's the most obvious move, {ep16_rps_2} after {ep16_rps_1}, which makes it the worst play.","247":"I was trying to coup you, if it's not obvious. But you made the same move.","248":"I guess I thought the same thing you did.","249":"I feel a [i]bit[\/i] insulted you thought I'd go for a second-round counter.","250":"Yes, which is why you probably weren't going to do it, unless...","251":"...Unless I was trying to trip you up. Still... {ep16_rps_2}... I could've just gotten lazy and that would've been the end.","252":"Okay... tie breaker. Let's do our best to not overthink this.","253":"Rock... paper... scissors...","254":"Rock.","255":"Paper.","256":"Scissors.","257":"I think we should put this decision on hold.","258":"Agreed.","259":"We need to come to a decision before tonight. I have a feeling it's going to be last minute.","260":"It's fine. Either one of us could do either job.","261":"Yeah. And... even if one of us won, we'd need to debate which one is riskier.","262":"For now... we need to act like everything is normal. You go into work, make your face seen... and I'll continue looking for a job.","263":"We can't let anyone know we're up to something.","264":"Indeed. We can't convince people that we're normal anymore, so let's just go for lazy and unmotivated.","265":"I don't need to act very hard for that.","266":"Liar!","267":"Let's just...","268":"Are you okay, {PlayerName}?","269":"Yeah, it's just...","270":"Shit.","271":"Are you sure you are okay?","272":"Yeah, I'm fine. I think I choked a little bit.","273":"You've been coughing a lot lately... I'm worried.","274":"Don't worry. Everything's fine, I promise.","275":"At least have something. I think we have cough syrup in the bathroom.","276":"I will.","277":"Alright, see you tonight.","278":"I didn't want to share the sense of foreboding I felt.","279":"I do have a bad feeling. And it's [i]sticking[\/i] like a piece of hardened gum.","280":"I don't like this.","0":"''Not an enemy?'' Yeah, you're a real friend. A friend who is holding my only means of defense hostage.","1":"We [i]are[\/i] enemies, and until you have anything compelling to say, I'm going to continue to treat you like one.","2":"Damn my curiosity. I do want to know what she has to say.","3":"Carefully, slowly, I reach for my phone. She watches as I pull it out, showing not the least amount of threat.","4":"If we're going to talk, let's do it properly.","5":"I agree. It's hard to talk when we're standing off against each other like this.","6":"We didn't have to. You could knock on my door like a normal human being. Then we could talk normally, and I'd trust you more.","7":"Come into the living room, go introduce yourself to my {sheIsYour}, {Leah}.","8":"Very well. Let's agree not to do anything foolish. For example, retrieving your gun to take me hostage.","9":"I sigh through my nose and gesture to the door."},"ch16__16.10 peace_treaty.vne3":{"10":"Sam... I asked you only two nights ago. You did all this?","11":"Sure! I mean... I had to sacrifice a night or two, but that's what dedication is, right?","12":"I don't know. I got inspired. I had this vision of you on stage, making Valerie shrink in her heels as you corner her with point after point.","13":"So let's make this a reality! Got time?","14":"Technically, yes, though I'm anxious about tonight...","15":"I don't know. I've sort of got stuff on my mind.","16":"Well... shit... I'm in the zone right now. Could you try to have a mind for this? Do you have a parking spot available in that head of yours?","17":"I'm not going to be a better campaign manager than I am [i]right now[\/i] so you better use me!","18":"And... uh... maybe you get to [i]use[\/i] me later, wink wink nudge nudge.","19":"Are you on something?","20":"Coffee?","21":"You might want to slow down with a beer.","22":"Not before twelve. I got enough bad habits. You pushing people to be alcoholics now?","23":"I'm about to respond, but then my hands go limp, seeing the next person come through the door.","24":"Morning, {PlayerName}.","25":"Shit. Perfect timing.","26":"You have time to talk?","27":"Sorry, we're going over something. You can wait, right?","28":"Kestrel looks to me, knowing full well what I have to answer.","29":"Actually, could you wait for a bit, girl?","30":"Huh?","31":"It's important.","32":"Sam deflates in a way that wrenches me.","33":"Sure. Go and... talk to him.","34":"I'll just be here.","35":"I give her a nod of thanks, and feeling no better for it, head into the alley for what I'm sure will be a difficult discussion with Kestrel.","36":"Man this alley stinks.","37":"People hurl here on a pretty regular basis, I imagine.","38":"Uh-huh. I can tell. One day the entire United State of America will stink like this alley. If you neglect Camelot it ain't Camelot anymore.","39":"It's because you're doing such a bang up job cleaning the streets.","40":"Where's that sympathy you gave me once? As condescending as it was, it was a nice change of pace.","41":"Used up.","42":"Figures.","43":"Yeah, that's about in character for you, blaming me for everything.","44":"You could do more to go after the people that deserve it.","45":"Uh-huh.","46":"Call me Howie Mandel, because let's make a deal, {PlayerName}.","47":"This again.","48":"What you want I can't give you. I've already laid this out.","49":"I want to change our relationship. As much as I appreciate your sass, I'd rather us be on good terms.","50":"So... let's be on good terms.","51":"I definitely would like that. Not having to watch my back from the feds would be a relief and a half.","52":"I would like that. But you're going to have to offer me something different.","53":"Here's the thing. I've come to understand you and {Leah}'s motivations through sheer overexposure. The one thing I greatly admire about your {sheIsYour} is her special willingness to take risks.","54":"The thing is, it's pretty likely that {Leah} will be going down. It's a sad situation. But the smart thing to do is think about what you have to gain from this situation.","55":"It isn't [i]wrong[\/i] to salvage something from that which is doomed. By taking a deal, you can advance her cause.","56":"Maybe that would be a deal even she would take.","57":"Why don't you go to her and ask if she's willing to sacrifice herself?","58":"Well... I can't do that. Interacting her directly would be...","59":"...giving her a legal case for entrapment?","60":"Kestrel grinds his teeth.","61":"You are very annoying.","62":"I don't need to take your deal.","63":"You might want to rethink that.","64":"You see... I did think it over. And I realized that you're desperate enough to come back to me with a better deal.","65":"You're here because you have nothing.","66":"What we [i]have[\/i] is not for you to know. We know enough to bark up the right tree.","67":"Well, when you get enough to go to trial, you might have a case.","68":"We have a direct statement from you that {Leah} is, in fact, Nightingale.","69":"The fucking dinner party, of course they were recording everything.","70":"That's not enough.","71":"It's enough for probable cause. It's enough to get warrants. It's enough for a lot of things.","72":"This is bad...","73":"We're going to get something eventually.","74":"What does Kestrel really want?","75":"[i]That's right... there is something he wants badly. Worse than {Leah}[\/i].","76":"I can leverage it now.","77":"I see. So, I suppose I'll see you around for a few more years, then.","78":"Huh?","79":"You can't rush an investigation like this. You've got to do it correctly. Meanwhile your daughter is growing up. Getting older and older.","80":"They say what most people regret before they die is not spending enough time with their family.","81":"Kestrel narrows his eyes.","82":"Come back with a better deal when you want to get serious.","83":"Kestrel eyes me with unhidden hostility, before heading back out of the alley through the street.","84":"I'll see that guy again, and he better have his priorities straight next time.","0":"I'm normal. I'm [i]normal[\/i]. Normal normal normal.","1":"How do normal people act again? I have the vague awareness that I used to be normal. I shlubbed from place to place with no agenda and lived day to day.","2":"Did I really just go about thinking of so little? My prior life feels so empty now... how did I even stand it?","3":"After my morning exchange with Dante I settle into my regular work routine.","4":"Soon, I get some welcome excitement.","5":"I've done so much for you!","6":"She comes in breathless as a charging bull. She's carrying her backpack over one shoulder and sweat sticks to her forehead.","7":"HERE! Check this out.","8":"She swings the backpack onto the table with one swift motion.","9":"Substance! Issues! Research! I've done what a campaign manager is [i]supposed[\/i] to do, and not just work on costumes all day."},"ch16__16.20 sam.vne3":{"10":"Well, no. They're not the FBI. I misspoke. They're both feds, but Kestrel is USPIS. I don't think that matters at all to Sam.","11":"So you can see it was serious.","12":"You could've started out with that! I was [i]fuming[\/i]!","13":"I have to remember about what you told me. About... the weird stuff you're into.","14":"Even though she accepts my answer... there's a hint of sadness in her voice. She feels excluded.","15":"If there's something important that Sam can do for me... I can't think of it. I don't want to drag her into anything that's actually dangerous.","16":"So... please... I'm sorry about freaking out. I didn't think beforehand.","17":"Do you have time to talk about the campaign?","18":"Nah, I think I'm going to sit on the toilet for half an hour.","19":"You're killing me!","20":"Salutations.","21":"Glad you could show up, Alfred.","22":"I had nowhere to be. But even if I did... I'd choose to be here over other commitments.","23":"Other than a wedding, or the birth of my first child, or similarly significant event for any of my children. But I have neither children, nor anyone I know getting married.","24":"This is all a long-winded manner of saying I want to be here.","25":"Still, a campaign with only two, three people. It doesn't bode well.","26":"Three is the strongest number, as triangles are a very strong shape.","27":"Okaaay... yeah, but we're not [i]shapes[\/i], we're [i]people[\/i].","28":"The same can sometimes apply. A relationship between [i]three people[\/i] is much stronger than a relationship between two, as a third party can help mediate conflict.","29":"There's a theory about that. It's called a ''triad'' and actually there's research to back it up.","30":"We're getting distracted. We need to [i]get down to b-ness[\/i]!","31":"Whoa! B-ness sounds like penis! Unintentional. Anyway, let's go over debate stuff while I'm still on fire.","32":"Are we going to wait for Linus and Kristen?","33":"They're not coming anymore. You were here for that.","34":"But I saw them outside.","35":"Outside? Of Sevigny's?","36":"Indeed.","37":"Uh...","38":"I'm just as confused as Sam is.","39":"I'll go see.","40":"Kristen quit. Linus stopped showing up. {Leah} is technically a member of the campaign but she's helping me in a way that's more substantial.","41":"We've been losing members left, right and center. It feels impossible that...","42":"...[i]I shouldn't get my hopes up[\/i].","43":"I step outside and my eardrums are immediately throttled by two voices, one on either side of me.","44":"...that's not right! You don't know what you're talking about.","45":"I'm an [i]expert[\/i], I'll have you know! It's [i]my job[\/i] to know these things.","46":"If it's an octopus, it's an animal! That's not [i]tentacle hentai[\/i], that's zoophilia!","47":"No, it isn't! Anything with tentacles is automatically [i]tentacle porn[\/i]. It cancels out the fact that it's an animal.","48":"It has to be a [i]fictional creature[\/i], like a... kraken... or a... [i]Cthulu[\/i]...","49":"A kraken is just a giant octopus! And Cthulu is a dude with an octopus for a head!","50":"It's different!","51":"It isn't!","52":"Can you talk about tentacle porn a little quieter please.","53":"Shit. I can't stay silent about this! This girl is [i]impossible[\/i]. {PlayerName}, tell her that an octopus is an animal.","54":"It [i]is[\/i], but the fact it has tentacles is the most important aspect! That's why people like octopi in [i]tentacle[\/i] hentai, not [i]bestiality[\/i] hentai!","55":"You realize I'm running a political campaign, right? And, why are you here? In your costumes?","56":"Oh... uh...","57":"Shiiiiit. How do I explain this?","58":"I am making some distance between me and Hank. That man is... you know... [i]being him[\/i].","59":"I just wanted to hang with some people I get along with.","60":"So Linus is rejoining? That's good.","61":"Kristen, you quit. Why are you here?","62":"Uh...","63":"[size,0.5]I have no friends...","64":"What was that? Speak louder.","65":"I said everyone here is fucking annoying and I have a deep psychological need to punish myself.","66":"So you're joining back up too?","67":"I would've worded that differently, but... yes.","68":"Well, we're doing debate prep, so you two are at least getting in the spirit of things. I'm afraid tentacle hentai is unlikely to crop up.","69":"Ah, there, you see? [i]{PlayerName}[\/i] agrees with me. He called it [i]tentacle hentai[\/i].","70":"Nah. It's animal porn. {PlayerName} just repeats the last thing he heard.","71":"I'm pulling the rip cord on this conversation. Let's get inside.","72":"You guys are [i]baaaaaack[\/i]! And look! You all got dressed up!","73":"[size,0.5]I do like this costume.","74":"And Kristen... you...","75":"[i]The less I have to explain myself the better![\/i] Let's just move on and go straight to debate prep.","76":"For once, I agree with Kristen. I'm technically working right now.","77":"Dante's kind enough to let me do what I want when there's nobody around, but I have no plans to take advantage of him.","78":"Right. First of all...","79":"We get into it. Planning and arguing and anticipating what is to come.","80":"I like these long term plans. They make me feel hopeful... like there's a point to going forward.","81":"If I'm honest... it might be wasted effort. More likely than not... I'll be dead or in prison before I get to run.","0":"Sam looks pouty... how do I tackle this?","1":"You okay?","2":"I'm [i]fine[\/i].","3":"Okay. Now say it again, but this time convince me.","4":"You chose some weirdo over me!","5":"I talked to him for [i]five minutes.[\/i] It was important!","6":"Is he a professor or something?","7":"Well, you aren't going to school anymore so I know he's not a professor.","8":"He was FBI, if you must know.","9":"The... [i]FBI[\/i]?"},"ch16__16.25 creatures of the night.vne3":{"3":"You do take on more than you can chew. We have enough costumes.","4":"I do feel as though these plans are more realistic. This campaign strategy of yours was just growing and growing...","5":"So everything worked out in the end? Speaking of ''end'', I should get going.","6":"Somehow, it became [i]night[\/i]. How did that happen?","7":"You've heard about how [i]time flies[\/i], right? Except probably not 'cause you don't know anything about fun.","8":"I am the very definition of ''fun''...","9":"They both walk out together, arguing on the way.","10":"They are quite the couple, aren't they?","11":"It is past my bedtime. Alcohol does have an effect on one, doesn't it? Even when you're not drinking. With such a low boiling point I imagine it's possible to get inebriated simply on vapors.","12":"Okay, thanks for coming, Alfred.","13":"Alfred nods and heads out the door.","14":"I don't say this often, but today's meeting was fun.","15":"And you seem... less distracted than normal. Are things finally leveling out for you?","16":"[i]Less[\/i] distracted? If anything, I was [i]more[\/i]. Am I this good at hiding it?","17":"I think I heard in Psych 101 that it's impossible to maintain anxiety for a certain period of time. Eventually it goes away. Maybe something has burnt out inside my head?","18":"My life is so chaotic that I've come to terms with it.","19":"I can't say things are better, just that I'm changing.","20":"Don't mind if I sliiiide in, right?","21":"Wow, you guys were talking until your shift was over. I was getting jealous of your [i]hetero convo[\/i].","22":"Uh... [i]hetero[\/i]? Well... maybe {PlayerName}. I'm still figuring myself out!","23":"But... {PlayerName}... you were saying something about things not being better.","24":"How much can I really tell them? Truth is, I'd like to get some alternate opinions, but...","25":"What do you guys do when faced with a tough choice?","26":"Man... [i]what do I do[\/i] with a tough choice?","27":"I'll tell you one thing: have no regrets! Because the most important thing is to be enough of a hetebro to make a choice in the first place!","28":"That advice is sound when you're talking about how to spend your weekend, but not really applicable when things can go so badly...","29":"Thanks, Dante.","30":"Tough choices, huh? I try to just [i]do[\/i] rather than think too hard. Because doing something is always better than doing nothing!","31":"If it's that hard, maybe a coin flip?","32":"A coin flip isn't going to help. When I say this choice is tough... I mean it's really tough.","33":"Man, I've made some really hard choices. And there's no bad choices, you're picking between a good experience... and a [i]learning experience[\/i].","34":"Dante is right. In my experience, when you have a tough choice, you know deep in your heart what you had to do all along. You were just scared to go through with it.","35":"This chick is wise.","36":"Of course I'm wise! Look at me.","37":"She's right. From the very beginning, I already knew what the right choice was. I was just afraid of executing that choice.","38":"Between {Leah} going to the theater to confront the Fraternity, and her going to steal the data...","39":"...there's one thing she does well, and there's one thing I do well.","40":"[i]Now that I think about it...[\/i] sometimes I've been borderline frightened of how skilled {Leah} is. I've wondered if all I do is slow her down.","41":"But it's not true. There's something I can contribute to her that she doesn't have herself.","42":"Thank you both. Honestly. You've been really helpful.","43":"Whenever you need to man. Just pull your junk out, and let me handle it.","44":"I wish you wouldn't word it like that...","45":"Yeah. My door is always open to you. [i]Mi casa es su casa[\/i].","46":"Thanks...","47":"Satisfied I can make a choice, I head out the door.","0":"I don't think I could have a better feeling about this. I wasn't super optimistic, but to see the campaign staff is back together...","1":"...it's just so moving.","2":"I guess we were premature when we scaled our operation down, right?"},"ch16__16.30 to go alone.vne3":{"3":"{Leah} lips twitch into a smile.","4":"We both have our strengths and weaknesses. Some things you're good at. Some things I'm good at.","5":"We do. So...","6":"...what is it you're suggesting? That you know which of us should go where?","7":"I think I do.","8":"Okay...","9":"...what are you thinking?","10":"{Leah} can infiltrate, thinks well on her feet. I'm a face, a good talker... in a sense.","11":"In a direct confrontation with the Fraternity... only one of us [i]might[\/i] be safe from them.","12":"It should be pretty obvious how to split our tasks.","13":"I'll go to the theater.","14":"I'll go with Emily and Iris.","15":"A faction of the Fraternity wants to kill me. The other doesn't.","16":"I can't say the same for you. If you went to the theater and got caught... I don't think there's any reason they wouldn't do to you what they did to everyone else.","17":"Plus, you're well suited to stealing things.","18":"Heh... thanks! That's an awkward compliment.","19":"It is true, though.","20":"Yeah... it is.","21":"What do you think?","22":"I have a relationship with them already. I know you and Emily don't get along.","23":"I think it would cause less friction if I went.","24":"Do you really think I would be that unprofessional?","25":"I'm... a little [i]insulted[\/i]...","26":"Yeah, but...","27":"Listen... I've been thinking about it too. In any encounter with Valerie, you should be in the forefront. You have some influence over her. I have none at all.","28":"I think it's more sensible I stick to my strength: sneaking where I don't belong. I've done it many times before.","29":"Ugh... she's right...","30":"Maybe I'm just trying too hard to avoid Valerie...","31":"There is little love lost. I can't forgive her for what she's done...","32":"I don't think she quite understands that I'm emotionally compromised when it comes to Valerie.","33":"This is an encounter I'd rather avoid...","34":"Okay... you would be more suited to go with Emily and Iris.","35":"I'll go to the theater.","36":"It would be ideal if we could just do the same thing together, but sometimes this is how it works out.","37":"I... hate it as much as you. More than you, even.","38":"I don't know... I hate it a lot.","39":"Right. I'm glad we didn't have to settle this through a game. Rational strategic thinking - not random chance.","40":"We'll wake at three, then head to our assignments.","41":"I nod, despite not liking any part of this plan. My head wants to shake [i]no, no, no[\/i]!","42":"No matter my feelings, we can't ignore this opportunity.","43":"We're going to have to get up before three.","44":"I know. I'm dreading it too.","45":"It would be easier if we just stayed up, right? It's pretty early in the evening. We could [i]try[\/i] and get some sleep...","46":"I'd rather have bad sleep than no sleep. Let's go to bed early.","47":"And... separately, I guess. If we want to actually get any sleep done.","48":"Yes. As tempting as it is.","49":"...Okay.","50":"See you in the [i]morning[\/i].","51":"Calling 3 AM ''morning'' feels wrong, like calling a tomato a fruit. It is though...","52":"I'm just way too responsible. I like [i]sleep.[\/i] I'm not like Sam at all.","53":"Yes, you too.","54":"We retire to our separate rooms.","55":"I'd prefer [i]bad sleep[\/i] over [i]no sleep[\/i], but if I'm honest, I'm probably going to get the latter.","56":"I got this bad feeling... Sam would've called it [i]intuition[\/i]. I don't believe that sort of crap, but it's too difficult to ignore.","57":"I need to just do this... and hope things work out.","0":"I feel the slight twinge of nerves as I spot {Leah} standing, watching.","1":"She's clearly expecting an answer out of me. Does she already know what I'll say?","2":"Rock paper scissors cannot help us make this choice. It's much more important than that, isn't it?"},"ch16__16.35 forboding.vne3":{"10":"Thanks. I'm just borrowing them.","11":"She enters my room. I hears some banging, and a few seconds later she comes back out.","12":"You're so much better organized than I am.","13":"Found what you were looking for?","14":"Immediately.","15":"We're supposed to be meeting Emily and Iris now.","16":"They still think we're both coming.","17":"I don't know how we're going to explain this all to them...","18":"Yeah, this whole plan is going to be an extremely hard sell. There's no way to explain it. They wouldn't understand the answer even if I tried.","19":"They won't like it. I don't like it, either.","20":"We'll just have to make do. Do you have your walkie-talkie?","21":"I do.","22":"Do you have everything else you need?","23":"...Yes. I do.","24":"That's great.","25":"Except [i]my stomach is dropping through the floor.[\/i] I don't want her to have what she needs. I want her to have forgotten something that we need to call off the whole mission for.","26":"But it's not getting called off. There's no reason not to do this.","27":"Damn it...","28":"You're not happy, are you?","29":"I don't know... I'm really not sure I should be laying on the doubt at this point. I'll just give her a smile, hope that convinces her.","30":"I'm ready for whatever happens.","31":"She's definitely not convinced. But it doesn't matter. We just have to do what we can.","32":"Iris and Emily are waiting.","33":"I guess they're not quite here yet.","34":"Her voice is uncharacteristically quivery.","35":"I suppose that's not completely surprising... it is three in the morning.","36":"With the bright street lights, it doesn't feel like it.","37":"I hope you're not too worried.","38":"I'm... sure we're both going to be okay.","39":"We're both smart... resourceful people.","40":"...Still... we should...","41":"...[i]say goodbye[\/i]... just in case.","42":"Now you're scaring me, {Leah}. It's beyond awful to see that she has the exact same premonition that I do.","43":"It doesn't have to mean anything. But yes. We should say a proper goodbye.","44":"I step forward.","45":"I'm glad we did this. It feels right.","46":"Telling people how much you mean to them is good even on a normal day.","47":"This isn't a normal day, and this won't be a normal night, so we have to take advantage of the time we have.","48":"{Leah} looks at me with frank, loving eyes.","49":"It wouldn't feel proper without something special...","50":"A kiss. It's risky to do in here, in public, but it feels risky not to, as well.","51":"I don't want any regrets.","52":"When we separate, she gives me nothing but a quiet smile.","53":"It's got a mysterious quality to it, and for a moment I wonder what she's thinking rather than about what will happen.","54":"{Leah}!","55":"Bad timing, for them to suddenly show up.","56":"I wonder if they saw us... but they don't look like they did.","57":"{Leah}! {PlayerName}!","58":"I almost don't hear them, feeling so comfortable in {Leah}'s arms.","59":"It takes effort to push myself away from her.","60":"As they approach, I half expect them to mention something about {Leah} and I, but they're quiet instead.","61":"I guess they have more important things to worry about.","62":"So do I, and for the same reasons. Anxiety is written on their faces. We probably look the same they do.","63":"It's a while before any of us breaks the silence.","64":"So you know... {PlayerName} won't be with us.","65":"That's right. I almost forgot to mention it.","66":"He needs to be elsewhere.","67":"Iris frowns.","68":"I have to ask... is there anything more important than what we're about to do?","69":"I don't mean to be judgemental...","70":"I'm confused why you wouldn't go either. This isn't like you.","71":"We have our differences, but I don't know you to be a coward.","72":"Believe me, {PlayerName} is taking his own risks.","73":"It would be too hard to explain, but basically, I need to support you from afar.","74":"It will also be dangerous.","75":"They [i]still[\/i] don't look like they like it, but at the very least, they realize I can't say much more.","76":"I can only trust your judgement.","77":"Well... this is it. We don't have a lot of time.","78":"We'll go our separate ways. If all goes well...","79":"...I'll get a bottle of wine on the way back.","80":"Emily looks at me with intensity. Her eye contact is fierce.","81":"Does she want to tell me something? We have a lot to say to each other.","82":"Any conversation between us will have to wait.","83":"We look forward to it.","84":"They start heading to their destination.","85":"I take that as my cue to leave.","86":"I turn, and try not to look back.","0":"[i]Three AM[\/i]... even when I was trying to stop {Leah} from getting involved it was never this bad.","1":"I've got to get up, though.","2":"I put on a fresh set of clothes and head out the door.","3":"I briefly consider taking the shotgun with me... but for some reason I know that would just anger {Leah}.","4":"{Leah} gives me a courageous smile. I see a guitar case beside her.","5":"Equipment?","6":"She nods.","7":"I think gear is necessary for this one.","8":"Do you mind if I get some tools from your room?","9":"Sure. We'll need everything we can get."},"ch16__16.40 the theatre.vne3":{"10":"For the Fraternity meeting? Why a theater?","11":"Plenty of seating. Dark. Soundproofed.","12":"So, what you're saying is that there's enough evil cultists to fill a theater in a dark room.","13":"I have no idea. I am simply leading you to the place you want to be.","14":"I [i]want[\/i] to be here?","15":"You wouldn't be here otherwise.","16":"Yes, but it's a weird way to put it, like it's a party or something.","17":"I feel like when I head inside, there's going to some social event. I'll walk in and there'll be a disco ball and sweaty dancers.","18":"Hmm... I don't quite understand you. Nothing I've said indicates anything of the sort.","19":"You know, you're quite imaginative. And an imagination, combined with anxiety, leads to excessive paranoia.","20":"Granted this already seems an improbable scenario, but it's still advisable to keep grounded with [i]likely[\/i] outcomes.","21":"Alright, if you know what these likely outcomes are, why don't you give me a taste?","22":"There's nothing better than having a taste yourself.","23":"Isn't that true? I know you like a good taste, {PlayerName}.","24":"She's being a creep again. I wonder if she'll ever stop bringing that one evening up?","25":"That was once.","26":"I need as much information as you can give.","27":"When we enter, it might be difficult for us to communicate effectively.","28":"If there's something you need to say, then say it now.","29":"I understand.","30":"I wait and wait, and yet she says nothing. I have no idea what that's supposed to suggest.","31":"So nothing you need to tell me.","32":"I don't know exactly what's in there. What can I tell you?","33":"And yet you're the one who volunteered to sneak me in.","34":"I got you this far. Now we merely need to go through those doors and discover for ourselves.","35":"What was it that {Leah} said? If it's indeed a trap... I need to find out if they at least know about the heist.","36":"I only hope that Genevieve isn't lying. That she really is an enemy of Valerie's, and she really does need my help.","37":"If it's a trap, it's a trap I [i]might[\/i] survive... but {Leah} wouldn't.","38":"You can go first.","39":"She makes no complaint.","40":"We approach the old theater... I'm surprised to see the lights are on at this time.","41":"I guess they keep the bulbs on to avoid it looking too creepy.","42":"It makes me wonder why this place closed to begin with...","43":"Are there any concerns you have? It might be too late once we enter, if you need to voice them.","44":"Like what kind of concern? Are you worried I might need a potty break?","45":"There's not even a flinch of amusement.","46":"Yes, in addition to any other needs you might have.","47":"You underestimate me if you think I'm unprepared.","48":"She nods in her businesslike manner, then heads to the front.","49":"One last peek, and she opens the door.","50":"I wonder if she thinks I'm not going to go through with this?","51":"I am. I don't have much to lose.","52":"And it's true - even if the worst case scenario happens...","53":"[i]...one of us had to come[\/i].","54":"There is only a single reason I took this risk...","55":"...because I had to.","56":"It's dark in here...","57":"...And so quiet that the sounds of the projector are loud in comparison.","58":"Are they showing a movie here?","59":"That seems unlikely, and yet I detect a distant glow...","60":"So that's it then. The projector was on.","61":"What sort of film would they be showing... while the theater is closed, when it's nearly 4 AM?","62":"The answer is a film that only needs an audience of one...","63":"...and when I finally understand that, I know I'm not going to like what's on the screen.","64":"[i]I came here to spy, alright[\/i]. But it's not the Fraternity I'm here to watch...","65":"[i]...it's {Leah}[\/i].","66":"I feel as if my chest is under a massive pressure, like my ribs are trying to throttle my heart.","67":"I shouldn't be watching this... nobody should know what's going on...","68":"[i]...how would anyone find out? We've been so careful...","69":"But there's no denying what I'm looking at right now.","70":"[i]Live footage[\/i].","71":"It's no surprise to see her. It's not surprise to know that this is a setup.","72":"I somehow trusted Genevieve enough to believe this wouldn't be a trap, though it turned out I was mistaken.","73":"The betrayal was anticipated, I just couldn't fathom how she would know...","74":"...and why she hasn't done anything about [i]me[\/i] yet.","75":"Great timing! You missed the trailers, {PlayerName}.","76":"You could've helped yourself to some candy. I wouldn't have stopped you.","77":"Genevieve?","78":"Yes, President?","79":"You may resume.","80":"It would be a privilege.","81":"Ahh... that's the spot.","82":"She's very skilled. She's actually [i]trained[\/i] in sex. Spent a couple of years in an ashram or something, doing crazy tantric nonsense.","83":"You know that already, though.","84":"You had the opportunity to experience it for yourself, but you blew it.","85":"Valerie is alone right now. I could overpower her, force her down, get her to-","86":"Take a seat, {PlayerName}. I know you too well.","87":"Anything stupid out of you, and our mutual enemy will learn of this.","88":"He will not pass up an opportunity to dispose of a threat. You know who I'm talking about.","89":"Yes. [i]Rogham[\/i].","90":"The chance that Valerie wouldn't have anticipated me straight up attacking her is zero.","91":"Given her resources, she [i]could[\/i] end {Leah}. And Emily. And Iris.","92":"Can you believe I've been protecting you and {Leah} this entire time?","93":"I do enjoy that I'm your little lifeline. I think it represents a real bond between us, even if you won't recognize it.","94":"Hesitantly, I reach for my phone...","95":"...I don't know if Valerie set up a signal jammer, but it doesn't even matter.","96":"I can still use it for the text-to-speech... and for [i]other functions[\/i]...","97":"I wouldn't be in this situation if it weren't for you. Neither would Sandra, for that matter.","98":"Is that what you believe? I'm afraid it's not so simple.","99":"The Fraternity would exist without me, simply in a more brutish form, as represented by our friend Mr. Rogham.","100":"They're quite indiscriminate, you know.","101":"Dogs, basically. Greedy thieves out to fill their filthy pockets.","102":"Putting people in boxes while they pretend to be following a profound truth.","103":"Just like Sandra, they're all deeply unimpressive people.","104":"Their brains are hollowed by their fucking pride. That makes them blind, unwilling to see how predictable they all are.","105":"They see nothing special about you at all.","106":"But me? I do see something in you. I wouldn't waste you. I'd elevate you.","107":"And yet, the rather sad truth is you hold yourself in as much esteem as Mr. Rogham does.","108":"The potential in you to be a perfect man...","109":"...I will not allow it to be squandered.","110":"How did you even find out about all this?","111":"Oh, it's very simple.","112":"You and {Leah} were very careful, but Iris and Emily weren't.","113":"I guess when your father owns a cybersecurity company, you get a false sense of security.","114":"It does feel anti-climactic that {Leah} will get dragged down by incompetents like Emily and Iris.","115":"She was the only one who posed a serious threat. She is very clever. I worked very hard to avoid her.","116":"When she's gone, I'll have some room to relax.","117":"The good part is coming up soon.","118":"Sit and watch, and don't feel too bad about it.","119":"I'm not going to hold you back.","120":"After this... you'll feel like a whole new person. [i]I know I did[\/i], when I first lost everything.","121":"Let me know if you want Gen's mouth.","122":"She will definitely kiss any bad feeling goodbye.","123":"Tempting as that is...","124":"...I have no intention of letting any kind of bad feeling in.","125":"What the...?","126":"...[i]No...[\/i]","127":"Is there something wrong?","128":"You could say that. The decryption is taking too long.","129":"The case. Please.","130":"With your tools?","131":"Uh... yes.","132":"I was starting to wonder when they would come into play...","133":"I really hope that {PlayerName} isn't watching.","134":"Otherwise... he's going to get the entirely wrong lesson.","135":"What do you mean by that?","136":"What's... in the case?","137":"[i]Stay back[\/i].","138":"You've got to be kidding. Little liberal hippy {Leah}?","139":"Her toes would curl off touching something like that.","140":"That's what {Leah} is using? [i]The shotgun[\/i]?","141":"That was the fucking tool she chose?","142":"{Leah}, I have never loved and hated anyone more.","143":"[i]Did you have something to do with this?[\/i] How did you get a message to her?","144":"It's far too late, anyway. She's downgraded herself to cattle class on her trip to Hell.","145":"Such a waste of life.","146":"But really... what is she planning on doing with that gun?","147":"Whatever they have planned for her, whoever is there, they have guns as well... at the least.","148":"What the fuck was she thinking?","149":"She can't survive this. For fuck's sake, {Leah}! Don't fight!","150":"[i]Run[\/i]!","151":"Are you [i]insane[\/i]!?","152":"How could you do this? Now everyone knows we're here!","153":"[i]They already do[\/i].","154":"How do you know that?","155":"{PlayerName} saved our lives. I hope not at the cost of his...","156":"Should we be running, Em? I'm at a loss for what to do...","157":"Yes, go now.","158":"I just need to clean up some evidence...","159":"An emergency lock pick. I though those safes were supposed to be bullet proof...","160":"I guess Arthur was skimping on security measures...","161":"Valerie's face looks like stone. Is her attention just that completely captured? Is she that upset that's she's beyond frowning?","162":"Christ... [i]a smile[\/i]... both stranger and more concerning. [i]Why[\/i]?","163":"Unexpected... isn't it?","164":"I haven't been this surprised by someone in a long time...","165":"She sounds... borderline breathless.","166":"My heart was racing for once. I really thought she was going to choose to die.","167":"I wouldn't have wanted that for you. The pain of losing someone you love is worse than any torture.","168":"You'll get to visit her in prison, I suppose.","169":"[i]Prison[\/i]?","170":"Ah!","171":"We're unarmed!","172":"Where's {Leah}?","173":"{Leah}... {Leah} who?","174":"Yes. We came by ourselves. Nobody else...","175":"Well, [i]someone[\/i] shot off a firearm, and if it wasn't either one of you...","176":"It wasn't a gun... it was a small explosive.","177":"Yes... an explosive...","178":"Put your hands on the wall, and move real damn slow!","179":"The [i]Arthur sisters[\/i], huh? I can't fucking believe it.","180":"You two girls have just ruined my fucking life...","181":"Valerie stares as the screen far longer after it has faded to an empty corridor.","182":"She's as mute as me, it seems. Just I'm blind right now, incapable of looking at anything other than her face.","183":"The temperature has just plummeted...","184":"You can account for many things, I suppose...","185":"...except total insanity.","186":"Emily would step on anyone to get higher on the social ladder. Today of all days, she's Mother Teresa.","187":"We'll see how long she lasts once the plea negotiations start.","188":"I don't know if that's enough. Courage can be infectious.","189":"Selfishness is too.","190":"[i]Genevieve[\/i], you carpet-munching whore. Get out from between my legs and escort {PlayerName} out of the theater.","191":"Of course, President.","192":"She's just [i]letting me go[\/i]?","193":"Morning matinee is over. I want to be left alone.","194":"[i]I don't think she planned for this at all[\/i]...","195":"Oh, and be polite and offer your services to {PlayerName}.","196":"Of course, President.","197":"I don't know why she told you to escort me, but I'm not going to suffer your presence.","198":"I act out of loyalty to the President.","199":"Sure. You can fuck off now.","200":"I must at least offer my services.","201":"Services?","202":"Sexual service. Would you like a blowjob? My vagina? My ass? I could also perform anilingus on you if you'd like.","203":"I would sooner fuck a cactus.","204":"I did offer my service. I'll take it that the cactus comment was being facetious rather than a request you wish for me to facilitate.","205":"I'm not sure about that. I think I'd like to watch you fuck a cactus.","206":"No, that would compromise my ability to serve the President.","207":"Who are you? Why would you do this to yourself?","208":"I'm Genevieve, student council member and personal assistant to the President.","209":"I know what you are. I'm asking who you are. Why it is you act the way you do... why you betrayed me for Valerie and then offered to suck my cock?","210":"I wish to be close to greatness.","211":"You want to be great?","212":"No, I will never be great. I'm less than an average person. I have no special interests or talents. When I find myself introspective, I realize I don't have an inner voice or visual imagination.","213":"Thus, I'm drawn to those people who do have a strong sense of self. Great people, like Valerie, or Hitler.","214":"Hitler [i]and[\/i] Valerie?","215":"I do not have an ideology.","216":"I'm not sure even Valerie would appreciate that comparison.","217":"It was important I understood how Genevieve ticks. It's also important I get home as quickly as possible.","218":"If you ever come in my house again, I'll kill you.","219":"I had better hope, then, that Valerie doesn't ask me to.","220":"This bitch... [i]begging[\/i] for my help... putting on the mask of a victim.","221":"I'm glad I never completely bought it.","222":"It was a mistake to have believe her.","0":"I so wish I was going with {Leah}. Just having along [i]one[\/i] person you can trust makes all the difference.","1":"In fact, I'm feeling irrationally bitter about it... almost a feeling of [i]betrayal[\/i]... which I know is ridiculous.","2":"I should just get on with it. I don't understand Genevieve's intentions, but it would be more complicated than to simply lead me into an ambush.","3":"Wouldn't it?","4":"The theater is down the street. It doesn't look like Valerie would choose a place like this to meet.","5":"Yeah, she's definitely got her quirks and her style, but what's consistent about her is that she takes her work seriously.","6":"She wouldn't pick somewhere random.","7":"You showed up.","8":"I know. I'm surprised too. It's a stupid move.","9":"It's not stupid. It's smart. You're going to want to be here."},"ch16__16.45 vals tale.vne3":{"10":"We head straight for the table.","11":"She pauses as her fingers touch the lock.","12":"I just hope that there's no more surprises.","13":"It takes me a moment for the contents to sink in.","14":"Is that a VHS?","15":"Yeah. It is. Damn, I didn't realize we'd have to visit Grandma to do this.","16":"We'll deal with that later. Let's focus on the papers.","17":"I take a seat and {Leah} hurriedly pushes a folder to me.","18":"Let's split up. There's a ton to go through.","19":"I don't know where to start... I'll just give you something random.","20":"Let's just read until we get to something interesting.","21":"We get to work. At first, the words bounce uselessly in my. I'm still pumped full of adrenaline...","22":"...the time pressures don't help.","23":"I'll find a way to knuckle down... become one with the letters, and let them sink into my brain.","24":"Thirty minutes pass.","25":"I look over at {Leah}. My mind has been begging me for a brief distraction.","26":"What are you thinking?","27":"She sees me from the corner of her eye, but clearly doesn't want to lose her place.","28":"At the very least, {Leah} is absorbed. I think she has a better attention span than I do.","29":"I'm [i]still[\/i] concerned about Emily and Iris...","30":"It's dense stuff.","31":"This was not written to be easily understood.","32":"It's hard to know what to look for.","33":"Did you see Balenka anywhere? Amiran?","34":"No. You?","35":"I'm not sure. A lot of this is in Russian.","36":"Not Russian. Ashberani? It uses the Cyrillic alphabet.","37":"That's what I meant to say, of course.","38":"I can... read it a little, at least. And I think some of this is in Russian... but I can't be sure.","39":"You can read it?","40":"Of course. You can learn Cyrillic in an afternoon.","41":"Well... maybe [i]you[\/i] can...","42":"But only phonetically. I can only understand it if it's a word in English.","43":"Well, did you find anything interesting?","44":"A lot of biographical data about old Soviet scientists. Some briefs about old projects. They were trying to develop a consumer grade satellite phone.","45":"A cell phone?","46":"It would be more interesting if it weren't completely irrelevant.","47":"But yes, it seems Arthur got his hands on some really intelligent people.","48":"Does anyone stick out?","49":"The issue is that they all stick out. In every profile, none of them have an IQ below 135.","50":"Naturally, the NKVD were watching them like hawks. They had blackmail on all of them. They had everything they'd ever said about the government carefully recorded.","51":"Intense. But nothing about Amiran?","52":"He's not one of the scientists. I wonder if he's even in there? He was just a favor to Mr. Craven.","53":"{Leah} nods.","54":"Don't get distracted. Stay focused.","55":"That's the thing. One of these scientists might be important.","56":"One of them is probably the real Silent1.","57":"Yes... [i]I forgot...[\/i]","58":"The one who really made RECENTLY.","59":"I don't know how I'd ever be able to tell.","60":"We'll probably have to both look.","61":"Once we're both done with our halves, we'll switch.","62":"And... she gets right back to it.","63":"Immediate focus. I guess she can just shut off distractions.","64":"I suppose I will as-","65":"Ah!","66":"Did you find something?","67":"[i]Balenka[\/i]!","68":"[i]What does it say[\/i]?","69":"I'm in the middle of reading it...","70":"It's crazy watching {Leah} read, her expression is a tapestry, constantly shifting.","71":"I've got pins-and-needles, impatient for her response.","72":"I feel like I'm trying to read the page from the reflection of her eyes.","73":"This is... interesting...","74":"Arthur's company was scared of Amiran. They've been watching him since he left that flight.","75":"He is the only person on the flight they didn't directly control.","76":"What does it say?","77":"[i]A lot[\/i].","78":"When Mr. Craven asked for Arthur to save Amiran and his family, his [i]entire family[\/i] was supposed to show up that day...","79":"...but only Valerie and Amiran actually showed up.","80":"What happened?","81":"It doesn't say...","82":"...but I have a guess.","83":"It says here... that situated around the city near the airport were dozens of ethnic Ketyri militias.","84":"They would've had to drive through an active war zone...","85":"Shit...","86":"It doesn't really say what happened... to Valerie's mother and three brothers...","87":"...all that's known for certain... is that only two members of the family made it to the airport.","88":"There are dots I'd rather not connect... but I know in my heart what happened.","89":"[i]Fuck that is dark[\/i]...","90":"And you said that they continued to watch Amiran even after they landed?","91":"Yes. It gets...","92":"...[i]worse[\/i]...","93":"How can it get worse?","94":"When Amiran settled in the U.S., he focused on rebuilding his life.","95":"He borrowed some money to start a carpet-cleaning business.","96":"Carpet cleaning? Amiran told us something about that. Didn't he burn his competition down?","97":"Yes. The city he moved into already had a large Ketyri community. He was harassed, they sabotaged him, spread lies about him.","98":"Already in debt, he was on the verge of being homeless.","99":"According to this... well...","100":"...Amiran was using Valerie to burn down rival businesses.","101":"Are you saying...","102":"...[i]Valerie[\/i] was the one to commit the arsons?","103":"At Amiran's request.","104":"Fuck...","105":"No wonder Valerie is fucked up.","106":"What a piece of shit... getting your daughter to do your dirty work for you.","107":"Yes, that seems to be the case.","108":"And then... Valerie was put into the system.","109":"Passed around from family to family until she was adopted not long before she was high school age.","110":"Someone with this sort of background...","111":"...would learn how to mask their emotions extremely well.","112":"I can't even imagine...","113":"...no wonder I pitied her.","114":"You have good intuition when it comes to people. You knew she was being torn up from the inside out.","115":"But feeling sorry for her doesn't cancel out what she did. There's no excuse.","116":"Valerie may well be too badly damaged to save. It makes me wonder...","117":"...what Valerie would be like if she had lived a normal life.","118":"I can't help but wonder if there's still a piece of that girl I love... deep down in Valerie...","119":"I shake my head in frustration.","120":"It makes it harder to hate her.","121":"Yeah. I have to admit... I feel sorry for her.","122":"I have to remember that there's no excuse for what she did.","123":"Many people have horrid things happen to them. They don't all turn into little Valeries.","124":"It's a bit disappointing... really.","125":"Part of me did think that Valerie was acting on some rationale.","126":"Now... it's clear she's just acting out.","127":"That's a hard thing to explain to {Leah}.","128":"No matter the circumstances, she's our enemy, and there's plenty we don't know.","129":"We still don't know who gave her the program... how she became President of the Fraternity... what her goal ultimately is.","130":"I know it isn't to free those scientists, though.","131":"I can't see how that's connected, either.","132":"It would be a noble goal for her, but I don't see how anything she's done would help those scientists in any fashion.","133":"I glance at the window to see the sun shining through.","134":"I've been up since three. It feels like I've had a full day already, and it's just about to get started.","135":"{Leah} notices me looking. She sighs... knowing as well as I do we have to pretend like everything's normal.","136":"We'll need to check the VHS tapes too. I really think that's our next step.","137":"Luckily, the Journalism School has an AV lab I can use. I know they'll have a VHS player.","138":"I wish I could go with you. There's something I've got to do tomorrow. People that need to know what we've learned tonight.","139":"I'll make sure to tell you exactly what I find out.","140":"I don't know how long we can keep this briefcase here. If they catch us with it, we're toast.","141":"Once we're through with it, we'll have to find a way to destroy it.","142":"(dev) Trigger sex scene","143":"(dev) Don't trigger sex scene","144":"We both get out of our chairs, feeling both like old creaky people.","145":"That's what I'll do today, I think.","146":"Yeah. And there's a few people I need to talk to.","147":"Good.","148":"I know... you're probably still thinking about Iris and Emily... and so am I.","149":"But let's keep our feet firmly planted on the ground. We have to survive this before we can help them.","150":"What I'm mostly thinking about is how I should've gone with you instead of foolishly falling into Valerie's trap.","151":"It wasn't a total loss. I did get what I wanted from Valerie...","152":"...[i]evidence[\/i].","153":"I know someone that might be very interested.","154":"We say our goodbyes and do our respective jobs.","0":"I run back home as quick as I can.","1":"When I see {Leah}, it feels like I rediscovered her after losing her for many years at sea.","2":"But before I can act, {Leah} kills my sentimentality in my tracks.","3":"We don't have the luxury of doubt.","4":"This suitcase has everything we need in it. We need to read it all right now.","5":"That's right... they will try and take back this data as quickly as possible.","6":"Today could be our one chance to learn everything in there.","7":"Let's go inside and we can both sulk and pat ourselves on the back later.","8":"I don't know how long we can keep this briefcase here. If they catch us with it, we're toast.","9":"Let's get this nuclear football inside where there's no risk of losing it."},"ch16__16.47 leah sex.vne3":{"10":"If I close my eyes for a second... I'll be fine.","11":"Too much going on... to take a day off...","12":"You're not doing anything productive right now in your condition.","13":"I'll help you up.","14":"There we go.","15":"I know she wants to bust down the world, take the world down, but she's not fighting me as I take her to bed.","16":"When we get to the room, {Leah} pushes back gently.","17":"Sorry... I...","18":"I need to go to the AV lab... and... find out what's on those VHS tapes...","19":"I feel the urgency as bad as you. In your state, you'll barely be able to look at the film.","20":"You seem... [i]perfectly fine[\/i]...","21":"I won't guilt her about this.","22":"I'm going to run out of steam too. Eventually.","23":"Let me get things set up for you.","24":"Hmm...","25":"She doesn't argue. She knows I'm right.","26":"Without prompting, I start to set up {Leah}'s bed... make sure the sheets are smooth.","27":"Behind me, I hear {Leah}'s soft grunts.","28":"Damn... {Leah} really is getting ready for bed.","29":"I know I've seen {Leah} like this, and more... but even so...","30":"...it's surprising to see her stripping so unprompted.","31":"She climbs on top of the sheets without another word.","32":"Wow... she needed this, didn't she?","33":"There was no way she was going to get anything done.","34":"And... when am I going to collapse like that today?","35":"I might be driven by an engine right now, but I'm going to run out of steam.","36":"It might be smart choice to join her...","37":"Join her.","38":"Leave.","39":"There are too many important things to do.","40":"There's someone that really needs to know what I've learned.","41":"When I'm ready to rest, my body will tell me.","42":"It's tempting. If I closed my eyes, I could probably convince myself to sleep.","43":"While in {Leah}'s bedroom, do as {Leah} does.","44":"This... is good.","45":"Even though {Leah} and I typically don't sleep together...","46":"...maybe we should start.","47":"It might be hard to explain that to people...","48":"Morning? No...","49":"...[i] afternoon[\/i].","50":"I should be more used to waking up at odd times of day.","51":"It's hard to get up... when you have someone in your arms like this.","52":"Huh?","53":"The tapes!","54":"I feel {Leah} shift beneath my hand...","55":"I can't stay in bed! I have to-","56":"She makes a bit of a squeal when she sees it. Morning wood, or more specifically, [i]afternoon wood[\/i].","57":"I didn't even realize I was poking into {Leah}'s back...","58":"She pouts at me.","59":"How are you hard like that?","60":"I haven't even done anything...","61":"...Is it painful to tuck that back in?","62":"You seemed so comfortable taking your clothes off in front of me...","63":"...didn't realize you'd be so surprised by my cock.","64":"I'm not [i]surprised[\/i] by [i]it[\/i]. I'm surprised by [i]you[\/i].","65":"I didn't expect for you to join me.","66":"It's a little embarrassing that you've caught me like this, when there's so much that needs to be done.","67":"You weren't doing anything in your state.","68":"Maybe.","69":"I just thought I'd have the willpower to hold it back.","70":"We can't just repress ourselves all the time. If it doesn't come out one way... it'll come out another.","71":"Vividly illustrated by your big penis sticking out of your underpants.","72":"Yeah.","73":"{Leah}'s smile curves down suddenly.","74":"What I'm really repressing... is [i]guilt.","75":"Emily and Iris took the fall for us. Not us. [i]Me[\/i].","76":"At the same time... if I hadn't left... I wouldn't have been able to escape with that data.","77":"I just can't imagine what's going to happen to them...","78":"I know. It was hard not think about it.","79":"If I had been with you guys, I could've stopped.","80":"If you hadn't gone...","81":"...there was no way we would've learned what was about to happen.","82":"It is [i]only[\/i] because you went that I managed to escape. I'd be in prison now otherwise.","83":"No. You couldn't go. Imagine if they had caught both you and me? It would've been unacceptable.","84":"The Fraternity would've been sure to win.","85":"So... thank you.","86":"As though emphasizing her point, {Leah} gets up and does a little shimmy in front of me.","87":"At first... I'm convinced that {Leah} is about to put on her clothes again...","88":"...but soon, I realize what she's [i]actually[\/i] doing.","89":"You have needs too, right?","90":"I was tired. You have an...","91":"[i]...obstruction...","92":"Let me handle that.","93":"Yeah... I can see where this is going.","94":"I don't mind {Leah} helping me with my little problem. Walking around with this thing in my pants would be highly inconvenient...","95":"I guess owing to the fact we've done this multiple times already, she slides to the floor in front of me with complete confidence.","96":"She knows the effect she has on me. She doesn't need to question it.","97":"It's funny that she can be so damn brave, and then so nervous around me.","98":"I don't sense any of that anymore.","99":"Let me attend to you.","100":"You won't be able to function without it.","101":"Her sensitive fingers dance over me, play with me, like I'm an instrument only she can play.","102":"Each stroke feels sweet, and I can easily see myself releasing into her hand. However...","103":"...that would not be fair to her, would it?","104":"I'm not here just to be served. But for now, I'll let her do what she feels she needs to.","105":"Ugh... it's actually difficult to function when she start sucking me off like this.","106":"I suck in a breath, let my toes flex, drift into a dreamy heat as I feel her lips and tongue do her work.","107":"She takes me into her mouth, screws her head a little...","108":"...then nearly finishes me off with her eyes alone.","109":"It's really incredible how {Leah} is both the naughtiest person I know, but also the most innocent.","110":"A thief, a spy, and rebel... and a girl who looks into my eyes while she sucks me.","111":"She is, simultaneously, the angel and the devil on my shoulder.","112":"Equally mischievous, but also willing to serve me.","113":"If she knew the power she had over me... she could get me to do anything.","114":"Lucky for me, she'd never take advantage of me in that way, even if she could.","115":"I get {Leah} off her knees and put my hand between her thighs.","116":"It seems she was swelling a bit too while she was sleeping... she was just better at hiding it.","117":"I'll also attend to her.","118":"Ufff... that isn't necessary...","119":"{Leah} huffs in strained moans...","120":"...but... if you insist...","121":"Oh yeah, you know I insist...","122":"She hits the wall as I start to work on her backside. She has a bit more odor back there than usual, but it isn't unpleasant.","123":"I just need to make sure she's well-lubricated...","124":"She begins to shift unsteadily on her feet...","125":"...that shows me she's ready for something else.","126":"I get behind her, my cock is a signal for my intent. I expected {Leah} to reciprocate and she does.","127":"Gently, she leans forward, her butt soothes itself against my pelvis.","128":"Now... she fits me inside. Her moan hints at a gentle kind of pain.","129":"Once we're used to each other, I begin to thrust, pushing and working any resistance out of her rectum like a massage.","130":"When I finally get it out of her, she's smooth and accommodating. She is just tight enough to keep me firmly inside.","131":"Hungrily, greedily, I go a bit deeper, feeling her out, trying to get the best out of her.","132":"Her rich, silky insides inflame me. I have to feel her out...","133":"Soon, we're cooking, she's grinding against me and I'm keeping up. She is hot and slick, rhythmic like a musical number.","134":"Clumsily, our feet start to lurch back toward the bed...","135":"Ah... I love your tongue...","136":"I've switched to her front, and I let her ride me at her own pace.","137":"{Leah}'s devotion to [i]attending[\/i] to me is thoroughly proven. Through it all, {Leah} watches for my reactions.","138":"She's trying to make [i]me[\/i] feel good. In a way, that's how she feels good about this.","139":"Heh!","140":"You're so pretty sometimes...","141":"''Pretty...'' not usually how you describe a man, but I'll take it.","142":"You can hardly argue with someone whose on top of you, with such a heart-breaking smile.","143":"I love the way you- AH!","144":"She tosses her head back, hair bouncing with orgasmic life.","145":"Her body tenses and flushes... making me feel accomplished despite the fact that {Leah} did most of the work.","146":"I do like it when {Leah} takes charge. The amount of care and sensitivity she puts into everything always astounds me.","147":"When she has the autonomy to act in the way she needs to, that's when she really shines...","148":"...that's when she shows how eager, how intense she is.","149":"I drink that feeling while she mounts me. I shudder with each impact...","150":"Incredible!","151":"But... you didn't cum, did you?","152":"That won't do. But... give me a moment...","153":"She drops to my side, and in a slow, lazy fashion, begins to slicken my cock with her juices.","154":"She is notably clumsy about it. I think she's getting tired.","155":"Let's get you off. Remember: this is about you.","156":"Yes, but I also get off by pleasing {Leah}.","157":"I don't think I could cum if {Leah} doesn't. That just feels...","158":"...[i]wrong[\/i]...","159":"So... I watch her... pushing myself in and out in an effort to get a second climax out of her.","160":"I want to break my record with her... I want her to have to take a second rest after this...","161":"Judging from the way she's shuddering, it might just work...","162":"I don't stop, even as I feel her juices rush out. She watches me through droopy lids.","163":"More? Is that what you really want?","164":"Well... I would never think to stop you...","165":"It feels cruel to hold back now. With {Leah} wanting nothing more than to make me happy, I know that she just wants me to let go.","166":"And so, I continue, blinded by her. Each press of my hips brings me to the point {Leah} has been working me toward.","167":"Each tense flick of her muscle seems to concentrate itself into the back of my groin, building...","168":"You gotta promise me... you'll cum this time.","169":"Nod your head if you swear.","170":"Just to please her, I nod.","171":"Good... 'cause I'm helping you out... don't forget...","172":"And... ~ah~... I can't believe I'm...","173":"No... I can't believe she's cumming again either...","174":"So quickly, too. What has made {Leah} so reactive today?","175":"I'm going to keep to my promise, and make myself get off.","176":"It feels... pretty close to happening now...","177":"...Damn... even I have my limits...","178":"Here... I....!","179":"A flash of white, and I start to pump magmatic bolts of pleasure.","180":"I feels as a string of cum fires down to the very back of {Leah}'s womb.","181":"Ah...","182":"Her voice is weak now... but it's gratifying her final orgasm...","183":"...almost exactly as I go off.","184":"I want to give {Leah} a congratulatory kiss...","185":"...but it seems she's succumbed.","186":"So that's that for her. Even after a nap, she couldn't stop herself.","187":"And I guess I did too.","188":"{Leah} turns to her side and drifts off to sleep. I think she needs a break.","189":"For me it's time to get going, though.","190":"We've both got very important tasks.","191":"It's time I do mine.","0":"That doesn't look good... the way {Leah} is leaning forward...","1":"Are you alright?","2":"Yes... of course... I'm...","3":"She blinks slowly. I wonder if she'll even open her eyes.","4":"I'm [i]okay...[\/i] overall.","5":"I think I'm just a little... [i]spent[\/i]...","6":"Yeah, that's just about what I expected from {Leah}, and I can't exactly say I blame her.","7":"I don't know why I'm faring any better than her.","8":"I'm about to leave her be, but then I hear her soft voice.","9":"[i]I'm still awake... just..."},"ch16__16.50 rehiring.vne3":{"10":"I'm not here to get beer.","11":"You sure? I remember [i]someone[\/i] chugging a beer like a storm drain.","12":"Like, [i]damn man[\/i], calm down.","13":"Anyway, I don't know what you're expecting out of here. The lab is dead, man.","14":"Not even Hank talks to me, if you can call what he does [i]talking[\/i]...","15":"I'm hoping to fix that. I'm making my peace with Hank.","16":"Uh... that's great! So you're coming back to the lab?","17":"I haven't thought that far ahead... though it's cool that you're so into the idea.","18":"If I could get things back to the way they were... I'd be really damn happy.","19":"Counting Crows is right, man. You don't know what you got 'til it's gone.","20":"So let me into the lab.","21":"Aw man... you know I can't! Hank'll be pissed. He'll say you're trespassing.","22":"Then don't let me. Just fail to lock the door when you leave.","23":"Plausible deniability. I like that.","24":"Man... good weather for a walk, ain't it?","25":"Linus heads out the front door, the dead bolt notably sticking out of the door and keeping it from locking.","26":"It's a pretty plausible mistake, I'd say. Linus can be a swell guy.","27":"That beep is from ''Hank''. She'll have already noticed what's going on.","28":"So she also knows that I'm not leaving until she talks to me. And the longer I'm here, the more likely I am to give Linus the whole damn truth.","29":"It's time. I'll stand in front of the door.","30":"She'll know she has to unlock it if she wants me to leave at all.","31":"Thought so.","32":"GIVE UP ALREADY!","33":"I'm trying to help you, you know.","34":"As if I'd fucking talk to you after you [i]insulted[\/i] me. Calling me stupid, a mark, someone easily manipulated...","35":"I never said that about you.","36":"...Directly.","37":"When you act that way, you say it about yourself. But what if I came with proof you were being manipulated?","38":"...","39":"...This sounds like something you can't fucking prove.","40":"That's where you're wrong.","41":"I start to navigate to an audio file on my phone.","42":"What are you doing? You can't trick me with a stupid AI deepfake, you know.","43":"Even a total moron would be able to tell the difference between someone's real voice and an AI voice...","44":"Then you'll find this very convincing.","45":"I press play.","46":"At first, Sandra isn't sure what to make of the sound. I suppose it would sound weird to her... with little but the sound of a wet tongue and the projector's noise.","47":"...but soon she hears a voice she can understand.","48":"[i]''Is that what you believe? I'm afraid it's not so simple.''[\/i]","49":"[i]''The Fraternity would exist without me, simply in a more brutish form, as represented by our friend Mr. Rogham.''[\/i]","50":"That's... probably some weird deepfake...","51":"She can't convince herself.","52":"[i]''They're quite indiscriminate, you know.''[\/i]","53":"[i]''Dogs, basically. Greedy thieves out to fill their filthy pockets.''[\/i]","54":"[i]''Putting people in boxes while they pretend to be following a profound truth.''[\/i]","55":"[i]''Just like Sandra, they're all deeply unimpressive people.''[\/i]","56":"Sandra's face goes completely icy.","57":"[i]''Their brains are hollowed by their fucking pride. That makes them blind, unwilling to see how predictable they all are.''[\/i]","58":"[i]''They see nothing special about you at all.''[\/i]","59":"I turn the clip off. Sandra looks blinkered... her forehead knitting together.","60":"So? I mean...","61":"...I guess you have a really good voice generator.","62":"When I'm using this robot voice app?","63":"Ahhh... maybe...","64":"She shakes her head.","65":"Why would you figure out something that I couldn't have?","66":"There's no way you're smarter than me. [i]No way[\/i].","67":"But you [i]have[\/i] already figured it out, haven't you?","68":"Her whole posture stiffens. It's insane seeing someone so damn stubborn... but she knows I'm right.","69":"This has to be the straw that broke the camel's back.","70":"[i]This has to be the last straw[\/i]...","71":"Okay... like...","72":"...maybe she was manipulating me? So...","73":"Stop making fucking excuses for her. How can you play the part of her puppet when you know you don't need to?","74":"Because... I...","75":"...why would she?","76":"I have no idea. Valerie has a malice inside her that I can't fucking understand.","77":"She sounded [i]different[\/i]... even though I know that was her voice.","78":"It's like she was acting a part in a play...","79":"There is no getting out of here. You'll be in this box forever. Valerie is the one who put you in here, and she'll make you stay in.","80":"If you have any real pride, you won't worry about what I think about your intelligence, and you'll stand up for yourself as a human being.","81":"She's silent. I can't help but wonder... did I finally get through to her?","82":"The seconds tick by. Her deep consideration is getting on my nerves.","83":"I wish she'd just accept the truth...","84":"Let's say everything you tell me is true...","85":"...what could I do about it anyway at this point?","86":"A lot. You'll have access to information and data I wouldn't be able to get otherwise.","87":"Secure stuff. We can find where their proxy servers are and finally nail their real IP address.","88":"If you did nothing else, I'd be eternally grateful. Valerie won't even know you helped me.","89":"She's still thinking. [i]Stop thinking and just accept the truth[\/i]!","90":"I've got to be patient, though. I can't risk angering her...","91":"I need some time.","92":"I don't have time. I need an answer.","93":"[i]You will get one[\/i].","94":"Today.","95":"That's... acceptable.","96":"Finally... a breakthrough.","97":"Also... one other thing...","98":"...if you wanted to come back and work at the lab, I wouldn't stop you.","99":"That's a bit far from my mind right now... but I'm just grateful that she shifted on anything.","100":"Progress. Finally.","101":"I'll come back for your answer.","102":"She nods in a almost sorrowful way.","103":"{Leah} was right. I had to go to Valerie's trap.","104":"If I hadn't, she would never have fallen for my own.","105":"I was beating myself up about not going with Emily and Iris... but if I had...","106":"...I would've never had gotten that recording... and Sandra would still be in her prison.","107":"This inches me closer to a final confrontation with Valerie...","108":"...what the fuck is that going to look like?","0":"Emily and Iris... they're probably in prison right now.","1":"I want to say they are safe, given that Arthur is their dad, but...","2":"...I've already seen what he's capable of doing to Emily.","3":"I just have the sickest, worst feeling...","4":"I knock at the door.","5":"I know she can see me. And Linus can too.","6":"Looks like I gotta make a nuisance of myself. A few knocks at the door will do the trick.","7":"...And by a few, I mean like a machine gun.","8":"Okay, you got me!","9":"Don't you work at the bar? You can just pull a beer out of the fridge there, right?"},"ch16__16.55 the alliance.vne3":{"10":"Always. Actually, I only came to see someone. I can't work a shift today.","11":"Oh? Why not?","12":"It's complicated.","13":"No worries bro, I've got this handled. Piece of cake!","14":"No explanation needed... or wanted!","15":"I wish I could get through all my problems that easily...","16":"There's another thing I need to say...","17":"Go for it. Nothing better than a straight shooter.","18":"I think I'll be going back to my old job. I know you only hired me because I need the money.","19":"I appreciate it, though.","20":"I didn't hire you because you needed the money. I hired you because you're a friend!","21":"Business is rough, so... yeah... might be a good idea to go back your old job.","22":"But I'm [i]stoked[\/i] you got your old job back.","23":"Thanks. The second thing is...","24":"...did you see a broad-looking guy with a funny tie? Radiates cop energy.","25":"If Kestrel didn't come by today, I'd be shocked.","26":"After all, I evaded the shit out of him last night.","27":"A big guy came in today and ordered orange juice. Is that who you're talking about?","28":"It sounds like it.","29":"He's in the bathroom. I'm sure he'll be out in a minute.","30":"I got the feeling he's hanging around for something...","31":"There he is.","32":"Knew you'd drop by eventually, {PlayerName}.","33":"Let's go to our usual spot.","34":"Without waiting for a response he walks out the back.","35":"He looks like a linebacker who can't retire.","36":"You're half-correct.","37":"You see? I can read people.","38":"I give Dante a nice wave off.","39":"Kestrel turns his bulky body toward me. There is no humor in that big face of his.","40":"What are you here to do, Max?","41":"You seem like you've got a good memory.","42":"A decent one. Why?","43":"You remember our last meeting, don't you? And you remember last night.","44":"You must've started drinking again, Max, because whoever you were with, wasn't me.","45":"Really? Iris and Emily ring any bells?","46":"Sure. They're Arthur's daughters. We both know that.","47":"So you're really going to play stupid, aren't you?","48":"I guess you really aren't a dummy, after all. Let's pretend like you didn't know [i]exactly[\/i] what happened.","49":"Iris and Emily were arrested.","50":"No... Is that true? Why?","51":"Kestrel flinches with annoyance.","52":"Let's cut to the chase. Your girl {Leah} wasn't there.","53":"This was supposed to be my big break, and it turns out it had roughly the weight and impact of a large shart.","54":"If you caught Iris and Emily, I would've thought that would be your break. Are you satisfied?","55":"No. The security camera footage was corrupted, someone used a firearm that hasn't been uncovered, and there was no way those two girls had the skills to get in by themselves!","56":"Yet, [i]someone[\/i] got their hands on a case full of confidential data last night. Who could that be, I wonder?","57":"No idea.","58":"Was it {Leah}?","59":"No.","60":"Was it you?","61":"No. Did you check Emily and Iris's pockets?","62":"Kestrel doesn't find that amusing.","63":"If you're not going to confess, there's nothing to be done. So... how about you think again about working together?","64":"Was it {Leah}? Recall that we already have you admitting that {Leah} is a known criminal.","65":"I remember being forced into making a statement.","66":"We'll see if your argument holds water in front of a judge. Or...","67":"...we could constitute that alliance we talked about.","68":"I'm not sure I want to. The only thing I wanted you to do was leave {Leah} alone, and it doesn't look like you're doing that.","69":"You're speaking too soon.","70":"Really? You have my attention.","71":"I though picking up a college girl would be as easy as... [i]picking up a college girl[\/i]. But {Leah} is no normal quarry.","72":"That bitch is insane. I now believe, [i]genuinely[\/i] that {Leah} might be the hard way out.","73":"She's too damn good. I can't pin her to anything. She's like air.","74":"Criminal she may be, but she's more Arsene Lupin than anyone I've ever met.","75":"Truth is... I'm not dedicated enough to hunt her down. You were right all along.","76":"I like what I'm hearing. Last night seems to really have been the last straw... if this isn't some ruse.","77":"But no. Kestrel is too honest to set up that kind of trick. He really needs a break... I'm exactly the person who can give it to him.","78":"What do you need instead of {Leah}?","79":"I need a big bust. Something that will satisfy Arthur.","80":"The Fraternity is very much Arthur's real enemy. I'm not sure how much Arthur understands about them, but when he does... even he will give up on {Leah}.","81":"I have something that can help you... but I need a few things from you.","82":"Interesting. I knew we'd be bargaining today. Happens I brought a few chips. Go ahead.","83":"I want you to drop the investigation on {Leah}.","84":"Done.","85":"I want you to release Iris and Emily.","86":"I can't do that. Out my jurisdiction. You'll have to bribe another cop.","87":"That's going to be very difficult, especially because Emily was already out on probation. It's very unlikely she's going to come out again.","88":"Sorry, bud.","89":"[i]So they have Emily[\/i]...","90":"I'm sorry Em...","91":"...things were going so well...","92":"I have to set aside that looming heartbreak. I have to believe there's still a way to get Em out...","93":"Okay. If I can't get them, I can at least help one other person.","94":"I want my friend Lidia to be released.","95":"That I can control.","96":"So... I'll drop the investigation on {Leah}, release Lidia, and you'll provide... what?","97":"A whole damn recording of a real-life villain monologue.","98":"Big villain?","99":"[i]Big villain[\/i].","100":"When will you get it to me?","101":"When I can edit out the references to {Leah}...","102":"Soon. Like a couple of days.","103":"Promising. Alright. If you don't uphold your end, I'll just take everything back that I gave you.","104":"Understood.","105":"I'll have the guys drop off Lidia.","106":"What do you mean? Right now?","107":"Why not? You're lucky. She's just sitting in the van. Hope you have a couch.","108":"At that point... Kestrel just turns out of the alley... leaving me wonder [i]how[\/i] Lidia is going to drop out of the sky...","109":"And [i]why[\/i] did they bring Lidia out here in the first place? Did they anticipate using her like a bargaining chip?","110":"To be fair, I've been asking for Lidia's freedom for a while now. They knew I wanted her off the hook.","111":"That they've prepared for this shows how desperate Kestrel really is...","112":"At the mouth of an alley, a black fan rolls away... and I notice a familiar figure.","0":"I spent [i]hours[\/i] in bed with {Leah}... and I have the morning shift.","113":"Wow... {PlayerName}...","1":"It looks like I'll get to find out how Dante deals with disappointment.","114":"I really thought I'd never see you again... are you really you?","2":"Aw man...","115":"Are you the reason they just... [i]freed me[\/i]?","3":"...I was trying to find a way to communicate with you... but you sorta missed your shift.","116":"I don't know what to say... I'm speechless...","4":"Bro, there's no way you weren't doing something important. So...","117":"I understand what she's thinking. I'm ready to think this isn't Lidia at all...","5":"All is forgiven.","118":"I'm {PlayerName}, last I checked. Where did they take you?","6":"Sorry Dante, it really was important. But I wanted to say something.","119":"To a detention center. I think they figured out that I was helping you... but they couldn't prove it.","7":"I'm not here to work a shift. I'm here to talk with a second person of interest.","120":"That I'm free means...","8":"It's going to be hard to explain to Dante I didn't show up to do my job...","121":"Don't worry about it. I think you were annoying Max too much.","9":"Keeping it het?","122":"You aren't really telling me you had nothing to do with this...","123":"I don't want to answer that. I'll just play on her sense of indebtedness.","124":"I just shrug.","125":"I guess... thanks... for whatever you did.","126":"I'm a bit scared to go to the coffee shop... I know my apartment has new tenants.","127":"You've done so much for me... I wouldn't ask... except...","128":"I already have a place in mind, as it happens.","129":"You do?","130":"It's extremely convenient you came today.","131":"Let's check out your new digs."},"ch16__16.60 clothes shopping.vne3":{"10":"Of course not! Obviously I'm not a...","11":"...I'd never be sympathetic to someone I thought would use violence. But the accusation and association was enough.","12":"What I'd do... to take it back...","13":"Shit...","14":"She's not the only one caught up in an out-of-control legal drama...","15":"Iris... Emily...","16":"It sounded like Emily is in prison again... and I'm not sure if she's going to get out.","17":"It seems like all we bought for Emily was time.","18":"If they hadn't been there, they wouldn't have been caught up in this... but then Kestrel would've been sure to get {Leah}.","19":"And I ended up making a deal with Kestrel, the guy responsible, as if that was bad enough.","20":"Emily, there's got to be a way to get you out... hold on tight...","21":"I can tell from your eyes a lot has happened.","22":"I nod, but I don't elaborate.","23":"So... where are you taking me? I know it's not to the coffee shop.","24":"A place just opened up. Or it will.","25":"You're confusing me. Here? In the university? I'm not a student.","26":"It's going to be difficult for me to-","27":"It's not what you think.","28":"Come on. Follow me.","29":"Lidia still looks extremely skeptical...","30":"It looks like my card is working again. I guess for Sandra, reactivating it was a touch of a button.","31":"Lidia is [i]still[\/i] confused, and from the look in her face, I think she believe I'm going to put her in a sleeping bad in the server room.","32":"She's in for a surprise.","33":"...","34":"She doesn't answer. It must be Lidia's presence that scares her.","35":"Let's try again.","36":"I need to show I'm not giving up.","37":"For fuck's sake, I said I'd think about it and give you an answer [i]today[\/i]!","38":"It hasn't even been a few hours!","39":"Me being here is [i]still[\/i] a secret... in a very technical sense.","40":"What is this place?","41":"Isn't that the girl who runs the coffee shop?","42":"Yes. Lidia, meet Sandra. Sandra, meet Lidia.","43":"Hey... I'm sorry to catch you...","44":"...[i]in your underwear[\/i]...","45":"Why is she here?","46":"Sandra, now that you know the truth, don't you feel it's time...","47":"...to go home?","48":"What are you talking about? It's here. This is my home!","49":"It's not. You know where your [i]real[\/i] home is.","50":"Sandra clams up.","51":"This is not it. You don't have to please Valerie anymore. You can leave.","52":"I can't... even if I do work with you.","53":"Why not?","54":"Because... remember? My academic reputation was ruined.","55":"I can't show this face without people doubting me and everything I do.","56":"I'd rather stay in here.","57":"Wait... {PlayerName}, you want me to stay [i]here[\/i]?","58":"Huh? So this is your plan, get your girlfriend a nice corner to stay? [i]My corner[\/i].","59":"Lidia does need a place to stay, she just left federal custody. But that's only partly the reason I'm saying this.","60":"You don't want to be in this room, do you?","61":"Who are you to say?","62":"You can [i]leave[\/i].","63":"Didn't you hear what I said?","64":"Valerie isn't going to help push Hank's academic career. She's going to sabotage Hank to keep you in here.","65":"No matter what... you're going to have to live with the plagiarism charge.","66":"You were framed for plagiarism?","67":"Sandra shakes her head, clearly trying to convince herself to say no.","68":"Half my clothes don't fit me no more. I need new ones.","69":"You buy me a new wardrobe? I'll think about going to live with my mother again.","70":"Is that it?","71":"Maybe. There could be more that I want. I haven't thought of it yet.","72":"And you take Lidia with you! I can't have you choosing my clothes... you look like you probably have terrible tastes.","73":"I will take this on with the respect it deserves.","74":"Okay... now get out.","75":"I gotta pack things up.","76":"We both leave, Lidia looking a bit unbalanced on her feet. I think she's still in shock...","77":"I vaguely remember that name... [i]Sandra[\/i]...","78":"Her story is... complex. Maybe I'll tell it to you while shopping.","79":"...If you're willing to come with me.","80":"Oh! Of course!","81":"So... I never expected when you said you had a place in mind, it would be in the IT lab...","82":"I hope you're not disappointed.","83":"I'm overjoyed to have a normal bed! I just don't understand how anyone can stay in such a small place.","84":"I'm not sure, either. But you'll be out of the room eventually. I can feel it.","85":"Lidia nods.","86":"So... shopping!","87":"I never thought I'd be out shopping today...","88":"Neither did I. Though I'm already excited about it. You have no idea how much I want to do every simple thing!","89":"Let's go then... make the best use of our time.","90":"Great!","91":"It feels like a waste of time... being here. There's so much at stake...","92":"...but it isn't. Somehow, getting Sandra a new wardrobe [i]is a matter of life and death.[\/i].","93":"I'm just glad I've got someone qualified to make decisions here...","94":"Oh! This old place!","95":"Let's try to circumvent the Italian boutiques and go straight to thrift.","96":"I am a woman of taste, {PlayerName}, so I can tell you buying the most expensive clothes all the time is absolutely tasteless.","97":"A skilled shopper, such as myself, is more than capable of getting something both cheap and fashionable.","98":"Let's put those skills to the test. I'm going to need your feminine insight.","99":"You have it.","100":"By the way...","101":"...you had better not pretend you're too good to go clothes shopping...","102":"I don't think I have the worst fashion sense. It's pretty safe, though.","103":"I can make myself look good when I want.","104":"We start to browse...","105":"...but soon, Lidia stops by a glass counter.","106":"A pang of fear strikes me as I see her staring at a silver necklace.","107":"We're not shopping for you, Lidia.","108":"Sorry - it's just... I think that handbag is from Milan...","109":"I didn't expect it in a place like this.","110":"I am not buying a Milanese handbag.","111":"Excuse me, I see you're interested in the bag...","112":"...I can pull it out if you like?","113":"No... we're not here for anything fancy. Just the basics.","114":"Ah. I'm sorry. Please...","115":"She walks away rather quickly.","116":"She wasn't very pushy.","117":"If I was alone, she would've tried harder. You know that's a $1200 bag?","118":"No. That's insane. Who'd spend that kind of money?","119":"I told you... expensive things aren't tasteful. Even though that really is a nice purse.","120":"But let's move on.","121":"I suppose she's been in a cell for a while. Anything is going to seem exciting to her.","122":"We split up, each taking a shelf.","123":"I think {Leah} and Sandra are about the same size... I just pick stuff that would fit her.","124":"I'm reminded, when it comes to buying woman's clothes, I know literally next to nothing.","125":"Okay... there's a couple I'd like to try on. Mind giving me an opinion?","126":"We're shopping for Sandra, you realize.","127":"Just imagine I'm Sandra.","128":"Does she need to do this, or is it just for her?","129":"It would be easiest just to humor her.","130":"We head into the fitting rooms...","131":"You stay there, okay? Just give me your opinion.","132":"Are we really working this hard for Sandra? Christ..","133":"I take a seat... wondering if this really is necessary to impress Sandra. She asked for wardobe, right? So... shirts, jeans, and so on.","134":"She wears camo... it's not like she's fussy.","135":"It makes me wonder why she even asked.","136":"You ready?","137":"Ready for what?","138":"Oh... right.","139":"How is it?","140":"What kind of opinion should I give? Does she want something honest or do I just give her bland approval?","141":"Bland approval.","142":"It looks fine.","143":"Okay... so it's bad.","144":"It's not bad...","145":"She doesn't even look to see what my response is...","146":"This one?","147":"Oh... it's wonderful. The best thing I've ever seen.","148":"I see. So that's bad too.","149":"She doesn't trust me?","150":"How about now?","151":"I guess I'll give an honest answer...","152":"It's way too conservative.","153":"That was a test. You passed. Great job!","154":"...Thanks?","155":"'Cause... this was the one I [i]really[\/i] needed your opinion on.","156":"That looks so you. Green is your color.","157":"That opinion was completely spontaneous and from the heart.","158":"But I don't think Sandra would look good in that...","159":"That's because this one's for me!","160":"Don't worry, I'm just kidding.","161":"Okay, I'm sorry, I'll stop fooling around. You can't blame a girl for having fun!","162":"Yeah, I can't blame her for having fun either.","163":"She just left prison, after all.","164":"(dev) jump to lidia_sex.","165":"(dev) jump to no_sex.","166":"Okay, I'm done messing with you. Let's get this all to Sandra.","167":"Yeah, we really need to get moving on that.","168":"If she knew the circumstances... it would be a lot harder for her to have fun.","169":"I guess I don't have the heart to take that away.","170":"Though... [i]you[\/i] don't have to stop fooling around...","171":"...only if you want...","172":"And then she closes the curtain on me. So what is she asking for, exactly?","173":"I suppose... she's trying to say...","174":"...if I happened to pull back the curtain...","175":"...it wouldn't be such a big deal...","176":"Open the curtain.","177":"There's no time. Just wait for her.","178":"Maybe if I had all the time in the world, but with Emily and Iris in trouble, I can't afford to take anything unseriously.","179":"Sorry Lidia. Maybe next time. I wish I could explain it to you.","180":"This is the first day Lidia has been out. I can't just let her languish alone.","181":"It's very clear she's been lonely way too long. It is a damn safe bet she wants me to open the curtain.","182":"What a beautiful girl. I guess... since being trapped by herself in a cell, she's gotten a little bolder.","183":"I can't say I don't like this. If Lidia wants this little bit of fun...","184":"...how can I deny her?","185":"While I was in that little cell...","186":"...all I could think about was [i]you[\/i], some days.","187":"It's so good to see... you haven't moved on.","188":"Why would I? I've been trying to spring you out this entire time. But would you really know that?","189":"All that you know for certain... is Kestrel let you go with me.","190":"Does she have any idea I've been negotaiting her release the entire time she's been gone?","191":"This smooth ass wasn't the reason I did it, though it is good incentive.","192":"I can feel the heat from this frustrated girl already... I've barely even touched her.","193":"Man, this'll be fun...","194":"No time wasted! I guess she really does want it bad.","195":"Her eyes follow my cock like some magic shooting star.","196":"I like how this... [i]just fits[\/i]...","197":"She's isn't jacking me off like normal. She's feeling the contours like she's blind and trying to memorize it.","198":"I would be surprised if Lidia even [i]masturbated[\/i] in custody...","199":"She picks it up again like a bike, already confident.","200":"Her slick hands drift over my cock...","201":"In a blink, she's on her knees.","202":"You think I could get a taste?","203":"Whatever you do, don't shake your head ''no''.","204":"Does it look like I will?","205":"Okay... I trust you...","206":"That's right... [i]have a taste[\/i]...","207":"These are lips I have not felt in quite some time...","208":"Gently, I push her head down on my cock...","209":"It's totally redundant. Lidia is doing all the work. She needs zero encouragement.","210":"On her knees, her hands cupping my thighs... she gives me a blowjob like she's a connoisseur.","211":"Being a woman of taste... I suppose this is true.","212":"Sucking in a breath, I watch and feel her at work, an ache rising in me...","213":"She has to open wide to let that cock in...","214":"As I push in, she struggles just slightly to accept my cock down her throat.","215":"Her tongue, so skilled, so discerning, now tasting me...","216":"...it makes me wonder how she's assessing my taste.","217":"I guess it doesn't matter.","218":"When I look down, I know she's ready for a break. With that kind of enthusiasm, she must be getting tired.","219":"I signal my intentions. Lidia almost seems nervous.","220":"You want to go all the way? Here?","221":"I'm not going to say no... but you know the chances of us getting caught?","222":"Never mind. I got nothing to lose anyway.","223":"I get into position behind her... her firm ass pressing against my cock as I try to find my way across her body.","224":"Gotta be quiet...","225":"A whine comes out from her as I penetrate her.","226":"Her body stiffens and relaxes at the same time...","227":"This little changing room proves flimsy as I get to work, the walls shuddering even when I'm trying to restrain myself.","228":"The curtains flit back and forth, undulating, to match the motion of our oceans.","229":"If anyone was watching us, it would be obvious what we're doing...","230":"She's trying not to cry out... I enjoy that almost as much as the sensation she's giving me.","231":"It's kinda fun, seeing her struggle... and I almost hope she lets something slip out.","232":"The tiny little sadist in me compels me to try...","233":"Ugh... you're...","234":"Okay... I did it. Inner sadist satisfied.","235":"That was a [i]little too loud[\/i], but I love that I can make her do the craziest moans just by playing with her backside.","236":"As I fuck her, my hands roam across her body... I guess I'm trying to memorize her too...","237":"Don't fool around too much... it's hard not to make a sound...","238":"Keep my mouth occupied...","239":"I can really get this approach to being quiet...","240":"Lidia's tight body is as hospitable as it will ever be. Accepting, morphing to my organ inside of her.","241":"Forget serving coffee... this is what I really want out of her. She can set aside everything else.","242":"[i]This[\/i] is how Lidia can make me feel at home.","243":"I start to forget where we are, and what I'm supposed to be doing at this very moment...","244":"You are something. Really.","245":"Don't stop.","246":"Okay, change of position. My arms tire, and I push Lidia onto the bench.","247":"It gives out a wooden creak as it takes on Lidia's weight... it clearly wasn't designed for this use.","248":"I look into her eyes, past the glasses, and begin to swing my hips...","249":"...letting me swim in Lidia's buttery, smooth snatch.","250":"She feels so good....","251":"I put it only a little, just to acquaint myself, really familiarize myself.","252":"Then, once I know all I can, I go harder, and deeper.","253":"If I can get to know her inside and out, maybe I can understand her and appreciate her in a manner she can't for herself.","254":"Her aching lips remove any restraint from my mind. I run my length up her coast, feeling her smooth, warm, wet embrace.","255":"Her juices coat me... I let my cockhead slip across her lips and clit...","256":"...maybe I should've been even gentler.","257":"Ughhhh.... AH!","258":"Shit! That was loud!","259":"I know! It was even louder than when I was trying to make you cry out.","260":"We both pause... our ears suddenly the most active organ on our bodies...","261":"We hear her footsteps before her voice. Luckily, we have enough time to think.","262":"Is there a problem in there, ma'am?","263":"No, not at all!","264":"Medical emergency?","265":"No...","266":"Medical non-emergency?","267":"Clothes are tight...","268":"I see.","269":"Try not to force it. You buy what you break. That includes tears and stains...","270":"Okay... thanks...","271":"The footsteps fade, and Lidia risks a smile.","272":"She totally knew what was going on...","273":"Yeah, I'm sure stuff like this happens all the time.","274":"Man... we should've just asked for lube or something.","275":"It's too bad I've got to finish up.","276":"Let's do this again... and make sure we have a whole night to ourselves.","277":"We do need to finish up.","278":"Are you close?","279":"Let's keep it clean... we don't want to spill a drop.","280":"Agreed. There's two places I can think of...","281":"Pussy...","282":"Hand...","283":"I let her back onto my lap, and she sinks like a ship back onto me.","284":"The whole time we were talking to that woman... all she wanted was me back in.","285":"Lidia laughs a little... I'm sure she quite expected that...","286":"Fantastic...","287":"I'll make sure nothing is left...","288":"Okay... let me get some wipes...","289":"Lidia in an efficient, clean manner removes my tribute.","290":"We quickly get dressed...","291":"Nobody's looking. Now!","292":"We begin to march away, this time with a pep in both our steps.","293":"Lidia, especially, looks ten years younger.","294":"Let's get our purchases and get out of this dump.","295":"No objection here.","0":"Jump to sex","1":"Continue","2":"This place really hasn't changed...","3":"Not a bit. We should walk, so you can refresh your memory.","4":"Sounds good.","5":"Where have you been? Literally a detention facility?","6":"Don't you have constitutional rights? Isn't that illegal?","7":"It's more complicated than that. What I did crossed several jurisdictions...","8":"...technically I... [i]aided and abetted a terrorist[\/i]. That give law enforcement a lot of flexibility.","9":"But you didn't know you were doing that. Right?"},"ch16__16.65 garage fun.vne3":{"10":"Things have gotten real complicated. You understand for sure.","11":"Of course... things are complicated for me too.","12":"It's amazing that just thrift shopping feels so good.","13":"Freedom is so damn sweet...","14":"Did you get your passport thing sorted?","15":"Oh... I really don't know... that is an excellent question.","16":"Should I check with the State Department? Is Max out of my life for good?","17":"I don't know.","18":"I'm really sorry for complaining. I can't start worrying now when I've got so much to be thankful for... and knowing how complicated things are for you...","19":"Very few people would understand how our lives work.","20":"We both understand each other. I think that's why we get along so well.","21":"We both have gone through similar things.","22":"She takes a long, hard look at me.","23":"So you really had nothing to do with me being freed?","24":"What were you told?","25":"Nothing. Nothing at all... I was just shoved out of the car...","26":"Then take it as good luck.","27":"Lidia [i]definitely[\/i] doesn't believe me, but the last thing I want is for her to act weird and obliged to treat me a certain way.","28":"Let's get you a housewarming party.","29":"Heh...","30":"I find Sandra, leaning against a desk. She stares moodily into the dark.","31":"Actually, too dark to have a proper conversation.","32":"Still, I'm surprised to see suitcases. She's packed up to go...","33":"We got you some clothes. We don't know your style, so we just picked out what looked comfortable.","34":"Sure.","35":"Lidia almost bought you a $1200 purse. On my credit card.","36":"Did not! I was just [i]looking at it[\/i].","37":"Yeah... 'kay...","38":"One word answers...","39":"Uh... if you didn't actually want to leave...","40":"Damn it...","41":"No. It's not that.","42":"I didn't really need new clothes. I was just... trying to delay things.","43":"You don't need new clothes? I paid for them...","44":"Send me an invoice, I don't give a shit.","45":"Then what's wrong?","46":"It's just... too much fresh air. All the pollen and little bacteria are just making me miserable.","47":"I am ready to go. I've got everything I need.","48":"Right... so... I'm staying in your office, then.","49":"Yeah. Put your feet up. Paint the walls. Make it feel like yours.","50":"It really doesn't feel like-","51":"I. DON'T. WANT. TO. TALK. TO. YOU.","52":"...okay...","53":"{PlayerName}, can you help me take my luggage?","54":"Sure.","55":"I pick up two of the cases.","56":"Cool. Now I can say whatever I want to you, and you can't do nothing back.","57":"Lidia rocks on her heels, tempted to riff off Sandra's joke, but she doesn't.","58":"Sandra takes one, last ambiguous look into the room she spent a year in.","59":"I'm going to change clothes... I'll meet you in the garage.","60":"Goodbye, Hank.","61":"She sounds sad.","62":"I can't respond, with the suitcases in my hands, so I just nod.","63":"She watches me as I leave.","64":"It's a long, silent walk to the car.","65":"I'm used to not talking while going places, but for most people it's an awkward experience.","66":"I think in this case, Sandra is relieved of the pressure to make small talk.","67":"Sometimes I'm convinced it all started here, when I saved Frank Craven from thugs.","68":"Out of all the dangerous situations I've been, that still sticks firmly in my memory.","69":"I put Sandra's luggage in the back of the car.","70":"...Where's Sandra?","71":"No. Did she disappear [i]again[\/i]?","72":"Jumped the gun by a mile. She was just dragging her feet, and I think I can understand why.","73":"If I just put myself in her shoes, she has every reason to be anxious.","74":"But... it's obvious she doesn't want to talk about it. I'm not going to force anything out of her.","75":"You coming?","76":"Uh-huh.","77":"She's still pretty feet-draggy. I actually hear the rubber on her shoes scrape against the concrete...","78":"Does she really have the power to go?","79":"I watch her, hand on the handle, staring at it like an impenetrable barrier.","80":"I begin to wonder if she's going to turn back...","81":"...it certainly feels like it.","82":"To defeat the Fraternity... [i]I need her cooperation[\/i]. There is simply no other way around it.","83":"To have come so close to her cooperation... and to fail at the final hurdle...","84":"...it's too much.","85":"In reality... I can't let this go. I can't simply wait for her to figure this out herself.","86":"Fine. You got me.","87":"I'm... you know...","88":"...nervous.","89":"Obviously. You're about to meet your mother who thinks you're dead.","90":"Of course you're nervous. But there's nothing to be nervous about. I know she'll take you in.","91":"I know that.","92":"How do I even begin to answer her questions... that's what I'm thinking of.","93":"I feel like I need to come up with some better story than the...","94":"...the [i]truth[\/i].","95":"Like what?","96":"You can tell her I got kidnapped. I was taken to a foreign country by sex traffickers... and I only [i]just[\/i] got back home.","97":"Would it be more plausible to say I was abducted by aliens... or joined a volunteer unit... or...","98":"Okay. What's your cover story?","99":"...Aren't you supposed to say I should tell the truth?","100":"That's probably the easiest thing to do. I just don't think that's why you're having this crisis.","101":"What kind of crisis am I having?","102":"A crisis of guilt, probably.","103":"Guilt? Please. I don't have time to feel guilty.","104":"I was the victim. I didn't commit a crime... except the crime of being stupid... maybe...","105":"Yeah, but your mother was losing hair worrying about you. That's a fucking hard thing to face.","106":"Sandra shakes her head in self-disgust. It seems I was on the mark.","107":"I wanted her to forget about me, to think I was dead... but I knew she wouldn't.","108":"She wouldn't ever give up. And the only reason I did it was...","109":"...I didn't want people ever to doubt that my work is my own.","110":"Breaking my mama's heart for pride.","111":"What do I tell her?","112":"You don't have to know what to say.","113":"Just let her ask. When she asks, the answer will come to you.","114":"I... don't buy that. The answer will come to me? Like the Force or something.","115":"Maybe she won't ask you anything.","116":"How would that even be possible? You're gone for a year and your mom doesn't ask about it?","117":"There's nothing that I can tell her.","118":"Maybe. I'm absolutely sure that there will be awkward moments.","119":"That's just how life works. But at least you'll have pulled the band-aid off and done something.","120":"So let's go, and get the awkwardness over with.","121":"...","122":"She's worried what she has to say, and here I'm wondering what [i]I've[\/i] got to say.","123":"Okay. I'll think of something in the car. Maybe.","124":"Thank God.","125":"She'll get in the car... [i]finally[\/i]...","126":"There's a real hope that I can get what I need from Sandra.","127":"Maybe it's not what I have to say... it's what I have to [i]do[\/i].","128":"This may calm her. For some... this is simple enough.","129":"A small touch on the shoulder, and you get the confidence you need.","130":"If there's anyone in the world starved for touch, it's Sandra.","131":"As a matter of fact... she might be [i]extremely[\/i] touch starved.","132":"Even this is enough to put red on her cheeks.","133":"I just had sex with Lidia... am I going to start something else with a different girl?","134":"Is this really a good place to do this?","135":"Pull away.","136":"Let her do what she wants.","137":"Sandra feels my hand as I gently pull back.","138":"I uh...","139":"...I agree.","140":"There's no resentment in her voice at all.","141":"She'll have plenty to think about without me exacerbating things with sex.","142":"Her eyes begin to blaze with mischief... and soon, it's obvious she wants to take it further.","143":"I guess when you're by yourself for so long, you can forget that other people might be around.","144":"Suddenly, her lips wrap over my thumb, suckling.","145":"All that nervousness... completely gone.","146":"Her reluctance vanishes, if it was there at all. She melts into my arms.","147":"I pull her in close and simply let her do what she wants in this cold, dreary parking garage.","148":"When her hands reach down, though...","149":"I take hold of them before she can do anything","150":"I hear her mutter something in both frustration and confusion, but I didn't want to stop her...","151":"Boots echoed in the concrete hall...","152":"Oh...","153":"There a sense of relief in her voice. I think she was worried I was rejecting her.","154":"Let's move there.","155":"The smartest thing to do would just be to leave... but my monstrous libido is taking hold of me.","156":"No. I'm going to get off.","157":"I can't really complain about the accommodations...","158":"We're not here to spend the night. We're here to fuck.","159":"Nobody cares what it looks like.","160":"With a sense of privacy, the clothes start coming off. I'm so occupied with Sandra's neck only the cool air reminds me that my cock is out.","161":"Exposed, naked, there's really nothing anymore to stop us... skin to skin...","162":"It's not long until I'm between her legs, servicing her without even a thought.","163":"Sandra's a programmer, spends a lot of time sitting down, and so her womanly scent is strong.","164":"Even so, I'm always surprised how clean she is, always silky and warm against my tongue.","165":"She thrashes, aches, convulses. I can feel the warm blood rush into her lips.","166":"Was I always this horny? Am I just this attracted to Sandra?","167":"Is this a favor to a friend? Am I just trying to get Sandra's cooperation?","168":"I don't know, honestly. But does it matter?","169":"The important thing is we're both going to get what we need out of this, whatever those needs happen to be.","170":"I turn her around, and let my throbbing penis run up and down her spine.","171":"She shivers like I'm giving her tingles, my cock running along her little bumps.","172":"It's an interesting sensation... but not nearly as good as her taking me in.","173":"Look how generous I am... servicing [i]you[\/i] when [i]I'm[\/i] the one in distress.","174":"She huffs dramatically.","175":"I hope you remember this.","176":"If it was a big deal, you could just stop.","177":"But... you're not going to stop. You like sucking me.","178":"And I want a good look at your eyes when you do it.","179":"Yeah, Sandra is the only girl I know who blows me without thinking about how it makes her look.","180":"[i]She just does it[\/i]. She really doesn't care about appearances.","181":"That makes it even sexier, if I'm honest.","182":"To her, this is just a thing she wants to do, regardless of how it comes across.","183":"I guess that's why she's good at it: a focus on technique. She's cool with drooling, gagging, anything else. It's all about the feeling.","184":"In fact, she might be a bit of a masochist. It's thrilling, having a girl so proud do this to you.","185":"She needs to let loose too, get those barriers down.","186":"It feels like, when she has a cock in her mouth, she forgets how she's supposed to act, or who she's supposed to be.","187":"I am sure she'd do this all night, but that would be no fun...","188":"Well, I know what might feel better for both of us.","189":"Sandra... read my mind and come sit on me. Lean back a little and let it slide in.","190":"I hit the roof of her cervix, and she shudders at the sudden and slightly painful contact.","191":"I like it too... for the same reason. It's a slight, dull pain as my cock reaches its limit inside her.","192":"It's still crazy how we try to push it, no matter what...","193":"She begins again, relieving the tightness we both feel, and then easing it back in, finding a sweet spot where we can sync.","194":"Finally, she plants her feet and, with the leverage, really starts to go, like a rabbit thumping its foot.","195":"It amazes me how a girl who has locked herself away for a year can have such leg strength...","196":"...but no matter, her work is getting to be too much to bear. At this rate, I'll come embarrassingly quickly.","197":"Her body pistons up and down, I'm putty in her pussy's tight grip.","198":"As far as I know, Sandra isn't some tantric master, nor is she an Olympian, so her performance is always extraordinary.","199":"I think she's driven purely by sexual frustration... that's really the only explanation for it.","200":"Simply to slow her down, I shift positions, giving my poor abused cock a little break.","201":"Besides, Sandra's sweet nipples are so inviting. I don't think I could've left without a little taste...","202":"And as I do, her hips restart their rotation, focusing all her movement and friction on the very tip of my cock.","203":"Man, she is intent on embarrassing me, isn't she? If I cum too quickly...","204":"This has gone from an attempt to comfort her to a weird competition. I just know I can't be the first to cum. I can't blast off in the first couple of minutes.","205":"I'll hold it in, let it build up... and when it's ready...","206":"...I'll unleash it, full-forced.","207":"For now, I've got to tire her out.","208":"I let her swing on my shoulders, and she takes advantage of that by slamming forcefully into me.","209":"I feel like I'm a battering ram, except the wall is hitting me and not the other way around.","210":"Each time, I'm forced to brace myself, my knees wobbling with the combined weight of her body and her rhythmic slam.","211":"As I bend her over the table, I can't help but note that her breath is getting more strained.","212":"It looks like I'm finally getting something over on her.","213":"If I'm patient... exercise proper control...","214":"...I can cause her dam to break.","215":"I hear her moans become even sharper... each thrust accompanied by a little cry.","216":"I'll hold on for the perfect moment...","217":"Suddenly, she makes a wail loud enough hurt my ears.","218":"A warm splash hits my thigh... I know I've struck Sandra's gold.","219":"In a sense... I've won.","220":"So... I guess it's safe to do exactly what I've wanted to do all along.","221":"What are you trying to do?","222":"Looks like she's catching on.","223":"Just fucking cum already. This is supposed to be a quickie.","224":"Right... no point in holding back now.","225":"I'm about ready to burst anyway. Even if I pulled out from Sandra I'd still send out bolts of cum over the place.","226":"It might as well be where I want it.","227":"Let's finish this off. We're wasting time.","228":"Tough words. It's too bad her expression doesn't match it.","229":"She's desperate. She needs to be filled.","230":"Just like I promised myself, I let it build up, and I'm going to unleash at the exact right moment.","231":"Yeah... you like that, don't you?","232":"You're addicted. I can see from your face.","233":"Suddenly, her voice drops into a hazy brassiness. She make a soft noise like an out-of-tune harmonica.","234":"Yeah... don't... hold... back!","235":"If you insist...!","236":"Ah... shit! It's coming... but...","237":"...where?","238":"Outside!","239":"Inside!","240":"That's all over my body. Are you going to clean that up?","241":"What does she expect me to do?","242":"I'm kidding. Don't worry about it.","243":"Presumptuous, aren't you?","244":"You can take responsibility, can't you?","245":"Responsibility? Does that mean...?","246":"I'm fucking kidding... that look on your face... so funny.","247":"I'm... happy that you could distract me, though.","248":"Let's leave... while I'm not thinking too hard.","249":"Finally, something I can completely understand.","0":"(dev) Jump to sex scene","1":"(dev) Jump to cum options","2":"Continue:","3":"Wow... I feel...","4":"...full of energy!","5":"You definitely were.","6":"I was dying to... you know...","7":"[i]...be touched...","8":"Do you... want to spend the night in my new digs?","9":"I can't. I wish I could."},"ch16__16.67 reunion.vne3":{"10":"If I had all the time in the world, I still wouldn't know.","11":"I guess you're right. It's better to just let her react.","12":"I... uh...","13":"I should knock...","14":"Sandra glances back at the car like a potential escape route.","15":"And then...","16":"They're flat, lethargic knocks.","17":"I think Sandra's own body is rebelling against her.","18":"Yeah... I think I'd be terrified too.","19":"Heavy footsteps come to the door. Sandra looks like she's paralyzed... rooted to the ground.","20":"A bit of her nerves start to diffuse into me... I can feel it too.","21":"Shit... [i]what am I going to say[\/i]?","22":"I'll also have to provide an explanation to Carmen...","23":"...I didn't even think about that!","24":"What do I say? That I found her between some couch cushions?","25":"Oh God...","26":"A shudder runs through me when Carmen opens the door.","27":"{PlayerName}... you dropped by?","28":"My body reacts. I pull an incredibly awkward and stupid smile.","29":"Damn... I must look like the dumbest man in the world...","30":"Who is your-","31":"Oh... [i]por Dios, ven acá[\/i]...","32":"[i]Hija, no necesitas explicar[\/i]...","33":"I don't know what that means... but it sounded good. Accepting. Generous.","34":"A warm feeling in my heart spreads... the same feeling I should've had this whole time.","35":"[i]No me atreví a tocar tu habitación. Tu cama esta hecha. Puedo cocinar para dos más.","36":"[i]¿Qué más necesitas?","37":"That sounded like a question... but Sandra has a hard time answering...","38":"[i]Mamá... lo siento mucho[\/i]...","39":"Carmen huffs.","40":"[i]No te preocupes[\/i].","41":"[i]Venga. Vamos[\/i].","42":"Come inside. You must.","43":"You're not going to ask any questions?","44":"I was making dinner. It is no problem to make a little more.","45":"I guess I can spare a moment...","46":"Let me get Sandra's things out of the car.","47":"I let them enter alone and go back to get Sandra's things from my car.","48":"When I come in, I drop her luggage on the chair.","49":"Sandra still looks somewhat lost, and so Carmen instead looks at me.","50":"What would you like? I can throw on some arepas... I just got some tilapia...","51":"I just need to throw a few more things in the oven, it will be no work at all.","52":"I can't stay long. I only came to drop Sandra off.","53":"This is nonsense! This is my obligation to you! You have done what nobody else could.","54":"I knew this entire time that Sandra was still alive and one day, she would be back.","55":"A home-cooked dinner by a mother is the very start of what I can do for you.","56":"If you are busy, I will put arepas in a container and you can take them home with you. I will have Sandrita deliver.","57":"Do not you dare refuse me.","58":"I guess I won't dare.","59":"This is smart. Sandrita, I will just be in the kitchen. You convince {PlayerName} to stay.","60":"Carmen heads to the kitchen. An odd silence fall between Sandra and I. She isn't sure what to say... and to be fair, I'm not sure what I'd say either.","61":"She isn't asking any questions...","62":"Yeah...","63":"...she must be curious to know what happened. But maybe...","64":"...she knows I don't know how to answer.","65":"She didn't even ask [i]me[\/i] where I found [i]you[\/i].","66":"And for that, I'm grateful.","67":"Sandra sighs.","68":"This morning I was Hank, with no plans to change. Now I'm Sandra again.","69":"I don't know how to begin to get my old life back...","70":"The Philosophy Club probably thinks I'm dead.","71":"They all seem pretty traumatized by your disappearance. But they'd prefer to see you're okay.","72":"Yes...","73":"...I want to say that I'll give you my answer regarding Valerie soon.","74":"For now, just let me learn to be myself again.","75":"She doesn't know how little time I have, but in her state, she might just break down if I push her.","76":"I know she'll help me after I give her some space.","77":"Tomorrow, I'll bring you my mom's cooking.","78":"Thanks. Can't wait.","79":"So close to the end, I can feel it...","80":"...I can confront Valerie and end this whole thing.","0":"After a bit of a drive...","1":"...we're finally here.","2":"I think it felt a lot longer for Sandra than it did for me...","3":"All I can think about right now is...","4":"...how my ass hurts.","5":"I can't think about that house.","6":"This house looks so scary...","7":"It looks like a normal house to me.","8":"I almost feel it's haunted... but it's just mama.","9":"I don't know what I'm going to say to her."},"ch16__16.70 old habits.vne3":{"3":"I would've gotten even more done... if I hadn't slept for most of the day...","4":"I more than made up for it.","5":"I do too.","6":"Alright.","7":"Sandra is out of the closet. Literally.","8":"Seriously? That's excellent news!","9":"So she'll help us against Valerie?","10":"I can only hope... but she hasn't made a commitment.","11":"She's going to [i]have[\/i] to if she's going to be free. Valerie is not going to tolerate such a valuable witness walking around free.","12":"We should expect her to react [i]fast[\/i] when she finds out Sandra is outside her control.","13":"It wasn't just that...","14":"I explain everything else. About Kestrel, and Lidia...","15":"{Leah} takes it all in with a hopeful smile on her face.","16":"I still don't know how I feel about working with Kestrel. He seems like he's trying to take the quickest route out.","17":"If he gets a better deal...","18":"He doesn't have many options. Arthur is the one who controls him.","19":"I don't trust him... he has Emily and Iris in his dirty palms. But having him out of your hair, even temporarily, is worth it.","20":"What did you find out?","21":"{Leah} puffs up.","22":"Some really important stuff. You better have an ambulance on call because you might have a stroke.","23":"I took a second look at Valerie's school records. Her medications. You know what I found?","24":"Paroxetine.","25":"Which is?","26":"Anxiety meds.","27":"She's taking anxiety medication? A lot of people do. What's important about that?","28":"It [i]is[\/i] relevant. There was something extremely important I discovered.","29":"I went to the AV lab... I took a look at those VHS tapes. I even digitized them.","30":"You wouldn't believe what was on there.","31":"What was on them?","32":"I can... barely describe it. I'll send you a copy. But... to start off with...","33":"{Leah} tells me what was on the tapes... and I listen enraptured.","34":"She goes through step by step... and by the end... everything I thought I knew about Valerie...","35":"...and everything I thought I had learned over the course of the last few months...","36":"...was completely shattered.","37":"When {Leah} finishes, I'm not sure how to process what she had told me.","38":"I'm holding too many versions of Valerie in my head. She was complicated to begin with, and now...","39":"...she's a fractal.","40":"But even with that, I finally feel like I understand her.","41":"So now we know Valerie's true weakness...","42":"I thought her greatest weakness was [i]you[\/i]...","43":"...but I don't actually think she'd ever change because of something you did.","44":"If I'm right... we can get through to her. And the next steps are obvious.","45":"I only need to collect the last pieces of evidence. And then...","46":"...we can defeat Valerie.","47":"It won't be easy. We'll need to corner her.","48":"That... I'm not sure how to do.","49":"I have a plan, actually. And I'm almost certain I'm the only person who could do it.","50":"Which means we probably just have a single chance at this.","51":"All I need, is Sandra's help in finding where the Fraternity meets.","52":"You think she'll do that soon?","53":"I can only hope...","54":"Well... we both know what we need to do. We'll need to meet beforehand.","55":"There's a good chance... [i]everything happens tomorrow[\/i]...","56":"I'm starting to believe that's likely.","57":"Let's both get a good rest in.","58":"Yes. Very, [i]very[\/i] true.","59":"Tomorrow is going to be an even longer day.","60":"Emily... I'll get you out.","61":"Just wait a little longer.","0":"Wow... what a day...","1":"How am I going to explain this all to {Leah}? It's good news... so...","2":"I have so much to share with you..."},"ch16__16.75 linus confused.vne3":{"10":"How was last night?","11":"My mom made you something. I put it the fridge. Fresh tortillas and arepas. They keep well.","12":"She didn't really ask me anything. All she asked was what I needed, if I was in trouble.","13":"I thought I'd be interrogated.","14":"I thought the same thing.","15":"I never took her seriously. I thought she was a silly old woman. Now... I know better.","16":"It's too bad it took me so long to see it.","17":"I've been itching to ask... and right now, there's no better option.","18":"I have to ask. Are you going to help me against Valerie?","19":"Sandra closes her eyes slowly.","20":"I will. But... I don't know much. I can only help you get started.","21":"Here.","22":"She gives me a notebook. I flip through it and see a bunch of numbers.","23":"It's some metadata. IP addresses, MAC addresses, etc. That should be enough to pin them down.","24":"She was smart enough not to try and email them...","25":"And now... I clean my hands of this business. It's all up to you.","26":"That's all I ask of her.","27":"I just want to sit here for a bit and look around this room, you know, without it being through the cameras.","28":"The door is opening...","29":"...I wonder who that could be?","30":"Shiiiit...","31":"Man... so you're back.","32":"Bro... what the fuck did you say to Hank? You didn't blackmail him, did you?","33":"Is this something I have to worry about? And...","34":"Who is [i]that[\/i]?","35":"It's nice to finally see you in the flesh, Linus.","36":"Bro, you already introduced us?","37":"[size,0.5]...you really are a friend.","38":"So you're the new tech, huh? I was telling Hank we needed a woman to keep us in line.","39":"Hmm... I've been thinking for months.","40":"Does it show? Yeah... this place is a sausage factory.","41":"So... uh... welcome... and we'll make sure that-","42":"-Haaaaaaank...","43":"...doesn't... give... you... a...","44":"...hard...","45":"...time...","46":"Oh...","47":"...did I do something? Is he okay?","48":"This is a hundred times Linus's recommended exposure to women.","49":"I would've fainted too. It's way too challenging for him to know the truth about ''Hank''.","50":"Can we just say Hank quit? I'm the new head of the IT lab?","51":"Medically, I think that's the only thing we can say.","52":"Uh... so what should I say? I mean... I know Linus. I can't tell him I'm new.","53":"It would be funny if we tried to convince Linus that Hank was Lidia all along.","54":"That sounds pretty cruel to me...","55":"Uh... it would be pretty funny. I don't know that Linus is stupid enough to buy it...","56":"...but I do think it would take a few days for him to figure it out.","57":"Are you... going to do this?","58":"We are... unless you tell him the truth.","59":"Uh...","60":"It'll be funny.","61":"Alright... I don't want to ruin your fun. I am [i]not[\/i] a good liar, though...","62":"This is going to be epic.","63":"Wake up, Linus.","64":"I'm... I'm dead, aren't I?","65":"I look right I think I'm in Hell, I look left and know I'm in Heaven...","66":"You're fine. You missed a few things.","67":"Alright, don't faint again... but...","68":"Sandra's the new tech...","69":"...and Hank was Lidia the whole time.","70":"The coffee shop girl? Nah... that's impossible.","71":"Have you ever seen them in the same room at the same time?","72":"Think about it. What else would open Hank's door... except Hank?","73":"I mean...","74":"...that... doesn't... seem... probable...","75":"Lidia, you're Hank?","76":"Uh...","77":"She really is a terrible liar... she's already so tempted to shout the truth...","78":"...yes...","79":"That doesn't make any sense, though. Why?","80":"I needed two jobs... so...","81":"She remotely managed the IT lab.","82":"Yeah. I had a computer in the back office where I could manage you all.","83":"If you're Hank, what did you sign off all your texts with?","84":"Lidia stares blankly at Linus.","85":"Uh...''Hank''.","86":"That's right.","87":"It is?","88":"I never imagined this for a moment. Damn... Lidia is Hank.","89":"{PlayerName}... how long have you known?","90":"Only recently.","91":"Shit.","92":"Do you mind if I take a look around your office? I've just been dying to know what's in there...","93":"Sure!","94":"That worked!","95":"I can't believe it.","96":"Eventually, he's going to figure it out. Then we have to make up something else.","97":"I [i]really[\/i] don't like lying. I've done way too much of it.","98":"Let's just tell him in a few days.","99":"That's a few days of entertainment, at least.","100":"I nod.","101":"This places feels more like home than even before I started.","102":"No mysteries anymore. I have a feeling things won't stay like this for long.","103":"A little later...","104":"Where's [i]Hank-Lidia[\/i]? I need him to sign off on this update.","105":"She's out. You can give it to Sandra, though.","106":"The newbie?","107":"I am no newbie! I'm a professional. You think just because I'm new here that you can outrank me?","108":"Sandra has a lot of experience in the field.","109":"Sorry! I didn't know!","110":"You make some very sexist assumptions.","111":"No, it was because you're [i]new[\/i], not because you're a woman.","112":"Can we just pretend like I came to you first?","0":"Today, {Leah} has a host of tasks... I've got just one thing to do.","113":"You are forgiven. I'll take a look at your report.","1":"Coughing again. The last thing I need right now is a sore throat.","114":"With that excitement over, I return to my desk...","2":"All I need... is to get Sandra's help.","115":"...it isn't long before Sandra follows me.","3":"She is the only person who knows where the Fraternity keeps their servers...","116":"I... uh... got another message.","4":"...she's the only one who can pinpoint where their true headquarters is.","117":"I give Sandra a serious look.","5":"And if we learn that today, we'll head straight there.","118":"It's from Valerie.","6":"I head straight to the lab.","119":"What did she say?","7":"Somehow, it doesn't surprise me to see Sandra back.","120":"She knows something happened. She wants me to go see her in her office.","8":"Already, she's looking around the room, admiring in reality what she'd only see at night, or through cameras.","121":"You can't. You'll never leave that office. You'll be reunited with your family only to disappear again.","9":"This place has a different vibe. Suddenly the resolution is up and raycasting is on.","122":"And if I don't go, Valerie will act even more aggressively. I can tell her whatever story I want. This will buy you some time...","123":"...time enough to rescue me. You can do that, can't you? With the metadata you've got?","124":"I won't stop trying.","125":"Then my life... is in your hands.","126":"Please don't break my mother's heart again.","127":"Shit. [i]Shit[\/i]. I can't imagine how Carmen would feel after something like that...","128":"I'll put some trust in Sandra. There's still a chance she'll come back in the afternoon.","129":"In the meantime, I have to trace these addresses. The [i]only[\/i] way we're going to get inside is if I do the work. I can't be distracted...","130":"Linus, I've got something serious to tell you.","131":"You know how much I hate serious.","132":"Then you're going to hate this. If I don't act, the new girl who just left the office will never come back in.","133":"How so? Is she about to be murdered or something? Jesus!","134":"I can't answer that.","135":"I need you to take all my tickets. Can you do that?","136":"This is either the world's most psychotic prank or the weirdest truth, but...","137":"...[i]fine[\/i]. Shit's been crazy enough, I can actually believe you're trying to stop a murder.","138":"Thanks. Hopefully, everything will be fine.","139":"I take a seat... open Sandras's notes, and get to work."},"ch16__16.80 the next step.vne3":{"3":"...the tragedy of being free for just a single day is unfathomable to me.","4":"Luckily for Sandra, I ran her numbers, and I could finally pinpoint where the Fraternity keep their servers, and quite possibly, their headquarters.","5":"If {Leah} does her part... then we'll have everything we need for the confrontation.","6":"I pass Linus, who looks blankly out the glass exit.","7":"Man... she really didn't come back.","8":"So what happened to her? Is she alright? What kind of fucked up business have you been in for the last few months?","9":"It's too complicated to explain.","10":"I feel like the one guy who doesn't know anything. So was Hank involved?","11":"Don't try and convince me that Lidia is Hank, 'cause...","12":"No, you'd figure it out eventually. Lidia isn't Hank.","13":"Didn't sound anything like him. But you know who did?","14":"[i]Sandra[\/i].","15":"Linus is a smart dude.","16":"I don't know [i]why[\/i] she decided it was time to leave... but...","17":"...it's gotta be related to the reason she didn't come back.","18":"Linus sighs.","19":"I got family stuff. I never told you this... but my mom is...","20":"...she's crazy. But like [i]medically[\/i] crazy. She thinks I was a virgin birth.","21":"When all you are is a virgin.","22":"Come on. I'm trying to be serious.","23":"Shit. Right.","24":"For that reason, I've tried to keep things as simple as possible. Avoid trouble, keep my nose clean, just focus on things I can control.","25":"But that's only an option... 'cause some people choose to fight instead.","26":"There is no staying out of trouble, is there?","27":"Linus swivels in his chair and leans his head back, like he's become dead weight.","28":"I wish I could join you, but I don't know what I'd be doing.","29":"But I'll train up. I'll find out what I'm good at, and then I'll do [i]something[\/i] with my life other than sit around.","30":"Good luck on your fight.","31":"Thanks, Linus.","32":"I give him what I hope is not the last grateful nod.","33":"I have a few hours before I'm supposed to meet {Leah}.","34":"I have a few hours to kill...","35":"...there is one final thing I could do before I leave.","36":"I know Sam was hurt when I never asked for her help. But there is something very important she could give me.","37":"Judging by what she's been recently obsessed with, she might be the best person to talk to at this very moment...","38":"Come on Sam...","39":"...be home.","40":"Oh... hey!","41":"Do you have a few hours?","42":"Well, I'm behind on everything, so... sure! Come in!","43":"This is a nice visit. What's up?","44":"I need your help with something.","45":"I love that! Not that you need help... but that you came to me!","46":"[i]Please tell me[\/i] you're finally going to let me give you a tarot reading.","47":"Even better. I'm going to let you in on absolutely everything.","48":"Oh! So... you finally trust me?","49":"Alright. I'm ready. Give it to me. No matter how crazy it is.","50":"Before that, I need something very important from you.","51":"Something... important? You need my help?","52":"Yes. Something I know you're good at.","53":"Okay... what is it?","54":"Well...","55":"Sam and I spend a few hours together... and by the end, I truly feel I am ready to meet with Valerie.","56":"The only thing left to do is talk to {Leah}.","0":"It's near the end of the day.","1":"Sandra isn't coming back.","2":"If this is it for Sandra..."},"ch16__16.85 cliffhanger.vne3":{"3":"And I can't but wonder if that means something...","4":"Where is she?","5":"You looking around for something?","6":"Hey Batman. Have you seen {Leah}?","7":"Yeah. I've seen her a lot. You've literally watched me have a conversation with her.","8":"I mean today.","9":"Oh...","10":"...then no.","11":"She was supposed to be here...","12":"You checked inside?","13":"No, but it was specifically supposed to be here.","14":"You check in my old palace? The one that [i]got shot up[\/i], no thanks to you.","15":"I can't think of a reason she'd be in your old alley.","16":"Why wouldn't anyone want to be in there? It's a nice place.","17":"No... the reason she's not here is because...","18":"...","19":"...Jesus wants us to talk.","20":"No... not more crazy bullshit, not when there's so much on the line.","21":"Sorry Batman, this is not the time.","22":"It's not a coincidence that we're here at this very second. Not at all.","23":"Me, I was tracking down a beer can that had dropped from the heavens and proceeded to roll on its own in a manner that could only be described as...","24":"...[i]miraculous[\/i].","25":"I really need to go, Batman.","26":"You'd better stay. You're about to confront evil, aren't you?","27":"Evil?","28":"You're headed to a real confrontation. A duel. Life and death. Someone is going to die tonight - you feel that in your bones.","29":"I... do actually. I've felt like someone is bound to die for a long time.","30":"But Toasterman isn't a psychic. If he has any idea of what I'm going through, it's a safe guess.","31":"What sort of advice does God want to impart onto me?","32":"A very simple moral lesson:","33":"There were once two brothers. They were both good men who didn't want to cause anyone any harm. And the thing they liked best was to sail boats across the ocean.","34":"One day, they were sailing with their beaus, and the boat sprang a leak. They couldn't fix the hole, and the boat had nothing in it except for them, their girls, and an elderly man who was one of the girls' father.","35":"The first brother panicked, didn't know what to do. Both the brothers, being sailors, knew they had to throw someone off the boat to survive. But the first brother refused because he didn't want to be a killer.","36":"The second brother, realizing the only way to save the boat, threw the old father off, condemning him to death and guaranteeing the hatred of his lover.","37":"When they got back, everyone in town called him a killer, and they threw him into a cell where he was forgotten and died.","38":"The first brother continued to live a good life, and when he died, he was surprised to see himself burning in Inferno. He asked the devil why he was there, as he hadn't killed like his brother had, and the devil said:","39":"''No, your brother is in Paradise, cause he took on guilt to do the right thing, and you didn't help him.''","40":"Toasterman stares at me.","41":"That's it. My story is done. React to it.","42":"That's an interesting story. So are you trying to tell me that... the ends justify the means or something?","43":"No... just that your innocence is not some treasure, and just because you have it, doesn't mean you're good.","44":"That's all I wanted to say.","45":"Toasterman, as though he had completed his purpose, fades into the alley.","46":"What a weird story. A waste of time, when I could be out looking for-","47":"{Leah} walks up the street. I look for any sign of distress, but all she seems is mildly sweaty from a brisk walk.","48":"Sorry. Getting everything ready took longer than I thought.","49":"But I've prepared all the evidence. All the arrangements are made. And now...","50":"I sigh in relief.","51":"I have everything I need too. I know where the Fraternity is hiding.","52":"Even {Leah} looks a little nervous hearing that.","53":"I presume they're not going to just shoot us at first opportunity?","54":"I shrug. Quite frankly... I don't know.","55":"That would be anti-climactic, but probably the safest thing for them to do.","56":"We might literally [i]destroy[\/i] the Fraternity tonight.","57":"What do we do after...?","58":"Let's find out.","59":"I open the door for her.","60":"Are you letting the location be a surprise?","61":"I nod.","62":"Okay. Let's roll these dice.","63":"An immense relief comes over me. I feel like I'm at the last leg of a marathon.","64":"When the sun comes up, if I'm around to see it, I will be in a completely different kind of world.","65":"I'm looking forward to it.","66":"The town hall...","67":"Of course it would be here.","68":"I had the same damn thought.","69":"No wonder it felt like this whole city was against us.","0":"I arrive back home later than I expected... but it was worth it.","1":"What Sam gave me will be extremely helpful.","2":"I do worry that {Leah} isn't here... We should meet here at the front."},"ch16_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch16_start.vne3":{"10":"To say I was nervous was an understatement, meeting with the man who was focusing his time and considerable resources on destroying {Leah}.","11":"But we were running out of leads in our fight against Valerie and the Fraternity. And Arthur had information.","12":"It was a risk we would have to take...","13":"Also attending the dinner were Emily's sister, Iris, and her fiance, Ken.","14":"Ken was a weird guy, considering Arthur's high standards.","15":"However, despite his efforts to appear stupid, I think he's probably a secret genius.","16":"However, despite his efforts to appear stupid, I think he's a disguised agent.","17":"Given his apparent lack of wit, I think Arthur brought Ken to the meeting to provide a false sense of security.","18":"The meal was predictably tense. Arthur had all the courtesies found in rich, elite circles. And all the cold ruthlessness as well.","19":"This was the opponent I needed to outmaneuver. I needed to learn about the flight that brought Amiran and Valerie to America, or maybe even convince him to back off of {Leah}.","20":"It would not be easy. He wouldn't have agreed to this dinner if he didn't want something from me in return.","21":"Likely information about {Leah}.","22":"He might be out to recruit me into the Fraternity.","23":"He maybe wanted to entrap me with Iris's charms.","24":"It was an evening of mind games.","25":"I did get a chance to size up Iris and her Fiance.","26":"Ken wasn't a hard egg to crack. A rich heir. A marriage of convenience and estate building. A ''himbo''.","27":"Iris, however, seemed to have more of a heart than I would have suspected of Emily and Arthur's kin.","28":"Despite an adversarial relationship, I couldn't help but strike a bit of a rapport with Arthur. He's a ruthless, cruel bastard. But I can respect his mind.","29":"Winning his respect in turn proved enough for him to disclose some of the inside structure of his organization. I was even cocky enough to try and ask what it would take to get recruited into one of his elite ''Alpha Teams'' of computer scientists he boasted of.","30":"Arthur couldn't be completely immune to having his ego flattered, maybe this would be a way to get the information I needed from him.","31":"By the end of the night, I had been fought to a stalemate, unable to glean much of anything from Arthur.","32":"All that was left was to come at him directly, and admit that I was there for information.","33":"And like I had foreseen, Arthur was willing to make a deal. And all it would take was for me to say that {Leah} was Nightingale.","34":"I wasn't an easy chip to trade. But feeling that {Leah} herself would approve of the exchange if it meant getting to the truth, I complied with Arthur's request.","35":"Arthur went on to explain how years ago, at the request of journalist Frank Craven, he was convinced to finance a refugee flight out of the war-torn, ex-Soviet State of Ketryistan.","36":"The cargo was a group of brilliant computer scientists, who Frank wanted to help escape the war.","37":"But Arthur, seeing the tremendous opportunity for wealth held by the knowledge and intellect of these men, coerced them into signing brutal contracts for his company.","38":"Otherwise he would abandon them to death in the civil war that was engulfing their beleaguered nation.","39":"These scientists would form the core of his ''Alpha Teams ''. The research cells that would be the cornerstone of Arthur's cyber-security company.","40":"Despite his revelation, there wasn't much to go off of. We needed physical proof that he was involved with the flight.","41":"Admittance of the airlift and cruel contracts appeared to be news to Iris, and she didn't seem to share her father's lack of compassion.","42":"During a distraction at dinner, I signaled for her to meet me at Sevigny's, hoping I had her judged right. She might be the insider we need.","43":"Just outside, I found {Leah} had been waiting.","44":"I was angry with her. I had expressly asked that she stay home, yet she came anyway.","45":"Though it was hard to say I wasn't mad at myself, I had given her up as Nightingale during dinner.","46":"{Leah} and I still disagree with putting her safety above the truth, something she's more objectionable to than I wish she were.","47":"What's more frustrating is how she sees me. She thinks I'm the central piece on the board. The one thing that everyone else is after.","48":"Sure, the Fraternity wants to recruit me, but I'd rather they didn't, knowing what I know about them.","49":"In the meantime, all I could do was wait for Iris to show up while I worked my new gig at Sevigny's.","50":"Luckily, I wouldn't have to wait long.","51":"As I had hoped, Iris was sympathetic to the plight of the scientists her father had essentially imprisoned.","52":"And while she was still loyal to her family, she acknowledged what her father had done was wrong, and he was a flawed man who treated his own daughters more as disposable pawns than his own children.","53":"He was particularly cruel to her sister, Emily, who had been driven to rebel by the family patriarch.","54":"Iris was forthcoming that her father didn't keep her in his inner circle. She wasn't in line to take over the company, and didn't know much.","55":"But wanting to correct some of the wrongs done by her father, Iris agreed that she would help us, and try to find some information about the flights from Ketryistan.","56":"Sam's been around too. She's still committed to my Student Council Campaign, even if I barely have the time for it.","57":"Maybe it's just everything we've been through, but it occurs to me that there aren't that many people that Sam is close to.","58":"It is important to her that she's able to help me. Maybe her eagerness in the campaign is a reflection of that.","59":"Unfortunately, not everyone who's been walking through the doors at Sevigny's has been a welcomed face.","60":"Perhaps the man reached a place in his investigation that's at the end of his capacity, as Agent Kestrel appeared too tired for games.","61":"In a rare moment, he even expressed some general vulnerability. Lamenting how this life has kept him from his daughter.","62":"A bit of human sympathy didn't seem to be a high cost.","63":"Of course, sob sorry or not, he made his choices.","64":"I don't know if the man was just playing a game, or really at the end of his rope, but Kestrel came clean. He was stumped with this case.","65":"More than anything, he wanted to just close it up. Nabbing {Leah} was, to him, the quickest ticket out of this town.","66":"But he wouldn't deny that something about all this was fishy. There were too many powerful players acting just beyond the shadows. Too many unanswered questions.","67":"Ultimately though, for Kestrel, he just chalked it all up as being above his pay grade. Maybe he was right.","68":"Before leaving, he mentioned Lidia was safe and well, for what it was worth.","69":"A trip back to campus led me to cross paths with another old face.","70":"Alexis, in her misguided quest to be a better person, was trying to share her experiences with being kidnapped by the fraternity with Carmen.","71":"The klutzy coed seemed to think, innocently in her way, that the same cult that took her must have been the one that had taken Carmen's daughter, Sandra.","72":"And that connecting the two of them together might have some healing effect.","73":"However, the effect was just a little distressing to poor Carmen.","74":"In the end, I pulled the naive airhead aside, and suggested maybe taking a path in ''entertaining'' if she wanted to find some way to bring joy to others.","75":"It was Carmen, quickly shooting down Rogham's romantic advances.","76":"I decided to help hasten his rejection by fabricating a story about a young, female student who was [i]looking[\/i] for him.","77":"While Carmen was happy to see the man go, she exclaimed that she was quite able to take care of herself.","78":"She explained that she knows when a man is [i]after[\/i] something.","79":"But the moment gave me the opportunity to apologize for not finding her daughter for her.","80":"Carmen apologized too. She said she put too much weight on a couple of young college students in finding her missing child.","81":"She was even insistent that I not be a stranger, and recommended I take a Spanish Course one of these days.","82":"Back home, it was time to update {Leah} on the situation.","83":"We know that Arthur was involved with flying out the Ketryristani scientists, and his conspiracy to entrap them.","84":"But we still didn't quite know how Amiran was connected. Amiran wasn't a scientist, he was just a mid-level bureaucrat attached to the project the scientists were working under.","85":"We only know that Frank Craven made special arrangements for him and Valerie. And we still don't know what RECENTLY was doing on Valerie's childhood cellphone.","86":"A possibility occurred to us as well. What if Silent1, the [i]real[\/i], Silent1, was one of these missing Ketryristani scientists? Silenced by their crippling contract with Arthur and his company, they can only reach out as the mysterious hacker?","87":"Maybe Valerie is just an imitator, co-opting the moniker of the legendary hacker for herself.","88":"What's more. It's looking more and more like Silent1, and Arthur, are at odds with one another.","89":"It was also time to come clean on how, in exchange for the information, I had to say to Arthur that that {Leah} was Nightingale.","90":"{Leah} hardly seemed perturbed. It seems my instincts were right, she thought it was worth it to find out what we learned. It didn't absolve me of my guilt however. Even if she doesn't think it was too high of a price, I'm not sure.","91":"Despite all this, I still have this gnawing aggravation that {Leah} is keeping things from me. At this point, I still don't understand why she doesn't trust me.","92":"Of course, at the same time, I haven't been forthright about how I've slept with Valerie since she revealed her betrayal.","93":"All we could do was wait and hope reaching out to Iris pays off. At work, Dante put me on the night shift at Sevigny's.","94":"I began to really notice just how dead the place was during what should be prime business hours. The lack of customers has to be hurting the bottom line. I worry that the shooting I was involved in just outside might not have done it any favors.","95":"The lack of patrons did let Sam and I have more campaign meetings.","96":"It was during one meeting that a mysterious young woman appeared.","97":"She introduced herself as Genevieve, a representative of Shale Hill University's Student Council.","98":"Genevieve informed us that since I was running for Council Office, the Council was interested in getting to know who I was.","99":"Though naturally, I'm inclined to think any representative of the Student Council is more than likely an agent of the Fraternity, acting at the will of Valerie.","100":"That night, I just couldn't seem to drift off.","101":"The encounter with Genevieve at Sevigny's had already put me on edge, when I was awoken by the sounds of glass shattering.","102":"Terrified that this might be the moment the Fraternity was making its move, I grabbed my shotgun, and went out to confront the attackers.","103":"I was on edge. The shotgun was loaded, and my finger hovered over the trigger.","104":"But in the fear and confusion, it was only {Leah} and a broken glass that I was confronting. The close call shook both of us up, and left us feeling more uneasy about having a gun around.","105":"Back at work, the wait for Iris continued.","106":"Despite his confident and cheerful attitude, I wondered how Dante was able to keep the place running.","107":"Knowing his mysterious past, I didn't want to pry too deeply, but I did check in to see if he was doing alright.","108":"His demeanor changed to uncommonly serious for Dante, but he said he was doing alright, and thanked me for asking.","109":"The day was broken up by a visit from Haley.","110":"It turns out, she had a recording coming up, and she came by to invite me to the session.","111":"But again, Genevieve arrived to interrupt. Showing her odd aptitude for mysterious social intrusions to pair with her quietly intense personality.","112":"This time, she had stopped by to communicate to me, in no uncertain terms, that the presidential debate coming up is often the deciding event that determines who will become Student Council President, and I should be taking it seriously.","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","113":"And confirming my suspicions, Genevieve also extends an invitation from Valerie. She wants to meet.","1":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","114":"Later that day, I managed to make it to Haley's recording, but when I got there, she was having a tough go of it.","2":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","115":"Whatever magic she was able to conjure on stage, she was having trouble finding it in the recording booth.","3":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","116":"Taking a moment and talking with her, it's clear she was putting a lot of pressure on herself.","4":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","117":"In her mind, she owed a great debt to Stan to succeed, him being the one who left her the money to get out of debt.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","118":"I think the stress was getting to her.","6":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","119":"So I decided to take her mind off it for a moment and helped her re-find her creative center.","7":"Check synopsis.","120":"Talking about it seemed to help her find her center though, and with the clock ticking on her recording session, she rallied and got back to singing.","8":"Skip.","121":"Killing time at work, Dante was in the process of trying to rebrand Sevigny's as a ghost tourism hot spot.","9":"The night of my fateful meeting with Emily's father, Arthur, had come.","122":"Sam, popping in again, pitches a new angle to our superhero themed campaign. Stating what I really need is a Supervillain. Some idea they can embody in a fictional evil doer for me to struggle against.","123":"I almost had to laugh at the irony of having to [i]make up[\/i] a Supervillain at this point.","124":"As luck, or lack thereof, would have it. It was about time to decide whether or not to meet Valerie on her request.","125":"While I can't say that I always make the right decisions, I did that night, and blew off the machiavellian madwoman.","126":"Against my gut feeling, I entertained the devil and went to see what she wanted.","127":"The answer, it turns out, was temptation. Just a nibble of what I could have if I took my place at her side, according to Valerie's honeyed lips.","128":"I can't argue that the rewards that Valerie offers aren't [i]compelling[\/i]. And her pet, Genevieve, was reportedly just one such plaything. Valerie promised to make any desire I had a reality, if I only joined her.","129":"Back home, {Leah} let me know that she was interested in taking a trip back to our old High School.","130":"She wanted to take a closer look at Valerie's student files, and at this point, obtaining those should be a cake-walk for a seasoned infiltration-artist like {Leah}.","131":"The night before our trip, we were awoken by some nocturnal liaisons knocking at our door.","132":"The 3:00 AM guests were none other than Emily, and her sister Iris.","133":"The secretive meeting was so the two could affirm their intent to help us stop their father.","134":"But as Arthur has shut the both of them out of the family business, their only recourse is to turn to their brother, the company heir.","135":"Agreeing to their help, we planned to meet again in a couple of days.","136":"The next morning saw {Leah} and I making the long trek back to Annette-Taylor High.","137":"Returning to our old school once it was deserted, {Leah} executed her mission without any real trouble.","138":"But a small delay because of a college fair meant it was already late by the time we had what we wanted.","139":"So we decided to just crash at my old house, and head back to Shale Hill in the morning.","140":"Since we were home, we decided we might as well crash at our old house for the night.","141":"We dove into Valerie's student file. According to her records, she was part of a resettlement program, something similar to witness protection.","142":"It also stated that it was believed her biological father was a risk to her. But ultimately, it all just confirmed information we already knew, or strongly suspected.","143":"Stumped, we turned in for the night.","144":"While staying the night in my old room , {Leah} and I didn't get much sleep.","145":"Eventually drifting off, I was visited by a strange dream.","146":"As bizarre as it was, it did reveal a strange possibility that we hadn't considered before.","147":"What if Valerie's obsession with me isn't rooted in her thinking we're the same. What if she's obsessed with me because she wants to be [i]more like[\/i] me.","148":"Getting back from our trip, we found Iris waiting for us. She set a time for us to meet her, and told us to be prepared for a long night.","149":"Returning to my bedroom revealed another surprise.","150":"Genevieve. She had taken the liberty of relieving me of my shotgun, stating I wouldn't be needing it.","151":"Instead, Genevieve explained that she wasn't there as my enemy. She was there to help prepare me to confront Valerie..."},"ch17__17.05 gaining entrance.vne3":{"10":"If my involvement wasn't chosen for me, there's no doubt that I'd be sitting in the IT lab right now.","11":"Content never to know Valerie's dark secrets, the truth behind Hank, all of the terrible coincidences and troubles that fall on the students of Shale Hill.","12":"You're right. And despite that, I'm glad I was picked.","13":"{Leah} looks quizzically at me.","14":"Knowing you, there was no way you weren't going to get caught up in this. You would've had to face this alone.","15":"I have a lot of faith in you... but...","16":"You don't think I could've done it all by myself.","17":"Yes. That's the truth in a nutshell. As smart and resourceful as {Leah} is, the Fraternity was a level beyond her, just as it was a level beyond me.","18":"I know I couldn't take it on by myself.","19":"{Leah}'s mouth parts slightly, as if she wants to object, but there was nothing she could object to.","20":"I hate being so right sometimes.","21":"{Leah} shakes her head.","22":"The world has failed us, {PlayerName}. It shouldn't have been up to us to deal with the Fraternity.","23":"It's unfair on me, and it's especially unfair on you.","24":"But, nothing will change the fact that, right now, this [i]is[\/i] our task and ours alone. Only we can defeat the Fraternity.","25":"No... that's not true...","26":"{PlayerName}... [i]only you[\/i] can defeat the Fraternity.","27":"I hate it, [i]but she's right[\/i]. I am the only person who can do it. And if we don't do it now, the Fraternity will use RECENTLY to spread its influence.","28":"I get a knot in my stomach just thinking about what they could do with that kind of power...","29":"We won't get this chance again.","30":"I'm not even sure we have a chance to begin with.","31":"I expect {Leah} to chastise me, box me on the shoulders and call me a pessimist. But she doesn't.","32":"The Universe doesn't owe us a victory.","33":"{Leah} and I have torn across this town and back, digging with our nails at the truth. I can attribute as much as I want to our skills, but ultimately we wouldn't be here if weren't plain lucky.","34":"Let's make our own luck.","35":"Finally, a smile from {Leah}.","36":"Are you afraid?","37":"A little. More tired, if I'm honest. What about you?","38":"Yes, the same. I'm tired of it too.","39":"Wordlessly, we both turn toward the town hall.","40":"The doors give no resistance as we walk through.","41":"{Leah} shudders a little.","42":"Unlocked...","43":"I noticed it too. There is no way they would've left the doors unlocked, unless...","44":"Coming here by ourselves might have been a mistake.","45":"You said we have no choice, though.","46":"Yes.","47":"{Leah} shivers. I know precisely what kind of shiver it is, because it runs up my spine too.","48":"I recognize this feeling.","49":"Me too. But a bad feeling has never stopped us... even if it should have.","50":"{Leah} looks mournfully out the window, as if the trap had already sprung.","51":"You know this place better than I do. Any idea where we should start looking?","52":"I wouldn't say I [i]know[\/i] this place... but maybe I do have an idea.","53":"There's a secured area I could never get into. I thought it might lead to confidential archives but... well...","54":"...it's probably the perfect place to stow an evil frat away.","55":"You're so civic-minded, how you know the town hall like the back of your hand.","56":"It's because I'm just such a good citizen.","57":"{Leah} smirks.","58":"Honestly, I should've been a criminal.","59":"Technically, you are one.","60":"Being a journalist is basically all the risks of crime without the reward.","61":"You could've put your talents toward robbing banks.","62":"I know, right? Instead I'm Scooby-Doo, risking my neck for thrills and dog biscuits.","63":"You're more like Velma.","64":"I'll take that as a compliment! And you... you're like Fred.","65":"The boring one?","66":"What? You'd rather be Shaggy?","67":"{Leah} shakes her head.","68":"[i]We have to focus[\/i]. Our time is limited.","69":"She's right. We can't distract ourselves, as tempting as it is. Our goal is just ahead... and so damn close.","70":"I just have to ask one more thing. I hope {Leah} doesn't interpret it as a lack of trust in her... but if I don't ask... and something is out of place...","71":"You've gotten everything prepared... right?","72":"{Leah} bristles only a little. She can't help but take a little offense, considering how careful and single-minded we've been. But she knows I'd be doing a disservice by not asking.","73":"Yes. All we have to do...","74":"...is text the directions once we get in. That's something I can do.","75":"And he'll come?","76":"He should. [i]He better[\/i].","77":"Can you imagine if he [i]doesn't come?[\/i] It's not worth thinking about. He has every reason to come.","78":"He's proven unpredictable before.","79":"Yes. Well... we don't have a choice. So let's just go.","80":"{Leah}'s irritation is obvious. It is stress, I can't fault her. The amount of pressure on both of us would drive most people off the edge.","81":"Lead the way. You know this place.","82":"Yes.","83":"I follow {Leah} into the hall.","84":"...","85":"It is labelled ''warehouse'', but it looks like a bank vault. You could throw dynamite at this thing and it wouldn't shudder.","86":"No wonder it drew {Leah}'s attention.","87":"You're sure this doesn't just lead to a warehouse?","88":"No. I'm not sure. It's just the one place I haven't been.","89":"On account of it being so heavily secured.","90":"That's right.","91":"With any luck... they'll have left this unlocked too...","92":"The answer is no. The door is cold and unyielding.","93":"That's interesting. Why wouldn't it be unlocked? They left the external doors open... wouldn't they want us to go all the way?","94":"Maybe this isn't where we are supposed to be?","95":"{Leah} answers as though reading my mind.","96":"But if there is a secret hideout, it [i]has[\/i] to be here. There's nowhere else in the building.","97":"Okay... I'll just have to try some codes. At this point it doesn't matter if we trigger an alarm.","98":"I've got to hope that security has been lazy...","99":"She begins to type in all the common sequences of numbers, starting with ''1111''. I had a feeling it wouldn't work.","100":"But what {Leah} said was true. It [i]should[\/i] be unlocked for us. Why let us go through the first hurdle and lock us out of the second?","101":"Unless... we already have a means of opening the door...","102":"{Leah} lets me through, relieved someone else is giving it a shot.","103":"Do you know any numbers significant to Valerie? Do you remember her birthday? Or...","104":"No. This doesn't have anything to do with Valerie.","105":"[i]It has something to do with me[\/i].","106":"{PlayerName}-!","107":"Her voice squeaks in protest, but she stops herself from any further outburst.","108":"Yeah... putting my thumbprint on the scanner might as well be a big, fat signature: [i]I'm the culprit.[\/i] But it isn't desperation that's making me do this.","109":"I have a reason to think this will work.","110":"...Although... I was hoping it wouldn't...","111":"My God... {PlayerName}...","112":"...[i]You're in their system[\/i].","0":"It's not the White House, Taj Mahal, Kremlin, or Reichstag...","113":"Yes. That implies a lot of things.","1":"...but damn it, it's still [i]the government[\/i].","114":"So... then [i]he[\/i] was right all along.","2":"This whole time, they [i]really were running everything[\/i].","115":"I nod.","3":"I glance in {Leah}'s direction. She [i]sensed[\/i] this even before it was confirmed. She was right all along.","116":"We already knew he was right, though, didn't we? I just didn't expect to see [i]proof[\/i] like this.","4":"{Leah}, for once, doesn't seem pleased about it. Her face is a stony mask, expressionless except for the grim, knowing glance she transmits to me.","117":"I know what she means. When the truth stares at you in the face like this... it's hard to deny anymore.","5":"To think of all the times I thought we should bring the police in.","118":"Then there's nothing left to do except descend.","6":"{Leah} sighs.","119":"Yeah. Well... you're right about that. So...","7":"There was always one difference between us: I put myself into this situation, I [i]chose[\/i] it, and you didn't.","120":"...do you want to... [i]say something[\/i]... before we go?","8":"You became involved because others forced you. Would you have gotten yourself in this kind of trouble otherwise?","121":"She draws the words out, as if wondering how she should put it. I know what she means: [i]last words[\/i].","9":"She already knows the answer: no. I was the conformist, the good kid, I took the path you were supposed to take.","122":"Damn... I've got a lot to say to {Leah}... it could fill novels... I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it...","123":"If I did say what I felt, my fingers would knot up and I'd meander uselessly.","124":"We'll talk afterward.","125":"I flash her an optimistic smile, one she tries to return... but can't.","126":"I see. We will talk afterward, then.","127":"It's a long flight of step down. Voices rise up like moaning ghosts, bouncing off the cold cement walls.","128":"We'd better get started. The Fraternity is not going to put an end to itself."},"ch17__17.10 secret meeting.vne3":{"10":"It is clear we are about to interrupt a ferocious argument.","11":"[i]...have brought this brotherhood to shame.[\/i]","12":"Shame? Oh, I'm sorry. Ever so sorry that when I first walked into this room, you were all old, rotting, dreaming corpses.","13":"So sorry I [i]shamed[\/i] you with success, [i]shamed[\/i] you by achieving what you couldn't, [i]shamed[\/i] you by being exactly the person you needed.","14":"So of course I [i]shamed[\/i] you. You should feel ashamed, with how little you accomplished without me. Like it or not... this Brotherhood got to where it is today due to my sole effort.","15":"It's about time you got it through your wrinkled hide [i]who owes who[\/i] here.","16":"I know both those voices. Unmistakable. If I had any doubts I was in the wrong place, they're gone now.","17":"I was the one who brought you RECENTLY.","18":"I told you where you could find the upgrade. I provided you the road out of this pathetic little town.","19":"If I were you, I'd [i]take[\/i] it and stay quiet long enough that we forget how useless you are.","20":"Meaningless bribes. You didn't give us RECENTLY because you were cunning, you brought it to us because you were [i]lucky[\/i].","21":"The Council read what they wanted to in your actions; they made you out to be the [i]promised one[\/i].","22":"Back then I was the only one who wasn't fooled; I'm not alone anymore.","23":"President, your weakness is beginning to show. Your luster is beginning to dull. The more you open your mouth, the more apparent it is.","24":"{Leah} and I take one glance at each other. This moment was going to come one day, the moment we stepped into the Fraternity's inner sanctum.","25":"Neither of us were stupid enough to enter this place defenseless. And even so, I feel so naked without a real weapon at my side. [i]The Glock[\/i]. Why that gun in particular holds my interest, I can't say for certain.","26":"{Leah} insisted we come without a weapon... that we'd be [i]safer without one[\/i]. Intellectually I trust her, but in my gut I know it will come down to violence.","27":"Anyway, we're both tired of hiding, sneaking, eavesdropping, glancing over our shoulder, jumping at shadows across the walls.","28":"Tonight will be the end of either them or us.","29":"What a dramatic chamber... what is this place?","30":"It's... both exactly what I expected... and nothing like it.","31":"The feeling I get is so odd and otherworldly... like I'm entering a fevered dream. It is such a strange course of events that I find myself here...","32":"...my skin crawling... the air cool... eardrums pierced by the echoing sounds of argument.","33":"Right in front of me... in this foggy circle, Rogham fights with Valerie.","34":"You must think you're something special. A heroine from a musical maybe... about a little urchin girl who gets adopted and charms everyone with a smile.","35":"You must think you're a [i]grand[\/i] manipulator, that you're so clever for figuring out that [i]men[\/i] like [i]women[\/i], and they'll lose their brain and spine to impress them.","36":"What you don't understand is that this [i]organization[\/i] and this [i]country[\/i] wasn't built by people like you. It was built by men of focus and intelligence. Men like [i]me[\/i], who create their success and don't have to [i]stumble upon it[\/i].","37":"So while you'd like to believe we were sitting on our hands for a century, helpless without your basic understanding of male psychology, I assure you our relationship is the opposite.","38":"[i]You need us.[\/i] More than that... you [i]ride[\/i] on the success of the Brotherhood, without which you would be helpless and ground down by the foster system.","39":"Parentless. Moneyless. Deluged in poverty.","40":"Removing you from leadership is simply taking our Brotherhood from your quivering, sad, weak hands into a firmer grip.","41":"Someone who can hold this organization together without blanching.","42":"Let me guess: someone like you?","43":"It sure isn't [i]anyone like you.","44":"That's a lot of words coming out of your mouth. I'd love to see what action you'll take.","45":"[i]Action?[\/i] You are a dull girl, after all. You wouldn't want to make that invitation if you were a competent judge of character.","46":"Please forgive me. You're boring and if you don't do something interesting soon, I'll fall asleep.","47":"You'll regret that.","48":"By right, I challenge you for leadership-","49":"...{PlayerName}.","50":"We lock eyes. My heart draws shut like a purse string, for a moment.","51":"This was bound to happen... I don't think I could have prepared for this.","52":"Professor Rogham looks around in confusion. Soon, I see the glint of his glasses, and the contempt behind them.","53":"So, you've brought the [i]pair of them[\/i] down on us. This is your doing, [i]President.[\/i] Clean up your mess first. Then we'll get down to business.","54":"Valerie ignores Rogham.","55":"I knew you'd show up one day, to take your proper place.","56":"[i]Proper place[\/i]... what is that supposed to mean?","57":"This is one of those times I'm grateful I can't speak, and slip up out of impulse.","58":"I pull my phone out and begin to type:","59":"You've made a terrible mistake. Not for luring [i]me[\/i] here, or [i]{Leah}[\/i] here, but for managing to get [i]both of us[\/i], at the same time.","60":"We are more than the sum of our parts. We've taken risks you couldn't imagine, and come out on top.","61":"Rogham is right. We've embarrassed you, time and time again.","62":"It sure seems that way, doesn't it? But I want to know [i]what you'll do[\/i].","63":"The exact same thing that applies to us all applies to you. Are you a man of action, or of words?","64":"It would be simpler if you just let the people you've imprisoned go. If you do that, and leave us alone, we'll leave peacefully.","65":"Do you hear that? They've come to give an ultimatum!","66":"A derisive chuckle emits from the crowd.","67":"You're cute... like a puppy... pulling at someone's pant leg... whining...","68":"Give me a reason why I shouldn't just have you dragged out to join your friends?","69":"I haven't had {Leah} at my mercy yet. [i]That should be fun[\/i]. I want to capture the moment {Leah} breaks down.","70":"I'll take a picture, frame it, and hang it on my wall as a trophy.","71":"So... I'd love to hear it. One reason why I shouldn't just make you disappear. One. [i]Reason.[\/i]","72":"[i]You could.[\/i] You didn't even have to wait. You could have had me seized the moment I walked into this room. That would have silenced Rogham and made you look strong.","73":"But my gamble is [i]you wouldn't[\/i]. It's all based on a single hunch. If I was wrong, then walking in here was the worst - and last - mistake of my life.","74":"On the other hand... if I'm right... I am the only person in the position to stop the Fraternity.","75":"I take a look at {Leah}. Now is the moment we've both been waiting for.","76":"You wouldn't do that...","77":"...to a member of the Brotherhood.","78":"Valerie's smirk remains frozen on her face. Rogham's face twists.","79":"What a predictable outcome.","80":"Finally, her face stiffens and becomes impenetrable. I'd kill for mind-reading powers now... to be a fly on the wall inside that head of hers.","81":"The only insight I can get for what she's thinking is the emptiness of her eyes, I can see the smug pride draining out of it.","82":"When she speaks, it's much more carefully.","83":"Yes, of course, [i]Silent2[\/i]. You are indeed a member of the Fraternity. I'm proud of you. You've figured it out.","84":"Have you realized [i]why[\/i] and [i]how[\/i] you became a member?","85":"I don't know why, but I know [i]how[\/i], and it could only be because you enrolled me without my knowledge.","86":"Rogham makes a sound quite close to a growl. He doesn't like this at all. But I still can't tell what [i]Valerie[\/i] thinks of this. Clearly she intended for me to be here at some point.","87":"What her final goal is... what the point of this all was... I still don't know.","88":"I'm very proud of you for putting at least some of the puzzle together. You and {Leah} must feel very clever.","89":"However, I don't understand how that changes our circumstances. You are just one person. We are many. You can't stop us, or make us do anything. But we can stop you from ever leaving this basement.","90":"Actually... it changes everything.","91":"How is that?","92":"Because it allows me to...","93":"...[i]challenge you for the Presidency of the Fraternity[\/i].","94":"How [i]dare[\/i] you! The arrogance...!","95":"A low rumble hisses through the gathering. I feel {Leah} straighten her shoulders out.","96":"[i]We're really doing this[\/i]. And yet... I've got no idea if this will actually work.","97":"If the information we got was wrong...","98":"The one person who would be even [i]worse[\/i] that Valerie! You'll bring ruin on us all.","99":"This is your doing, Valerie! Fix this!","100":"Valerie approaches, her voice whisper quiet. But... even a whisper in this environment rings loud as a gong.","101":"There's just me... and Val.","102":"Was this the reason you came? To take the Presidency from [i]me?","103":"I look her straight in the eyes. That is my answer.","104":"{PlayerName}, even if I wasn't bound to respect your challenge, I would accept it.","105":"It is [i]a tragedy,[\/i] then... that you clearly don't understand what's involved.","106":"I understand enough. That it's a debate.","107":"Once you agree to this, you can't back down.","108":"You have one chance to withdraw.","109":"She looks so damn grave. Maybe there's something I really don't understand...","110":"It seems you're more reckless than even I thought. I'll explain, because I'd rather we expedite this drudgery.","111":"The Silent Brotherhood exists for a single purpose: to advance the the truth about the world, to accept the reality our deluded society can't.","112":"We are the enlightened, the clear minded, those who will not deceive ourselves. Those who look at the world and see it for what it is.","113":"We serve the only true God, philosophy, and cause there is: [i]ourselves.[\/i]","114":"The Self is All. To serve yourself is strength. To serve others is to be weak. Those who believe in any other ideals court cowardly delusions.","115":"The President is that member which best understands this.","116":"What does that [i]mean?[\/i]","117":"In other words: the most ruthless of us rules.","118":"Her voice is low, and comes off almost as a warning.","119":"[i]The most ruthless?","120":"Shit... so that means...","121":"[i]...the information that was fed to us was accurate...","122":"If, at any point, the strength of will of the President is in doubt, they may be challenged for their leadership position.","123":"There will be a debate, and should the President be found lacking, the challenger will become the President.","124":"Of course, there is a price. If there were no risk, challenges would be constant.","125":"The price for this opportunity is that the challenger antes a human life.","126":"Another ''[i]destroy a life[\/i]'' thing? You have to ruin someone's life to enter the Fraternity...","127":"And you have to ruin someone's life to become President.","128":"Not just any life, of course, but someone you care for. Someone [i]important to you...[\/i]","129":"Damn it... I don't have anyone I can sacrifice for this...","130":"But... no! That's not true! [i]I do have someone I can sacrifice.[\/i]","131":"[i]Why does this keep happening?[\/i]","132":"I know you'd be willing, {Leah}... but it's too much. If it was myself, I'd be fine... but...","133":"[i]It's okay.[\/i] It's fine.","134":"It's not fine, {Leah}. I don't know what to do...","135":"Did you hear the same thing I did? You must have picked up on it.","136":"Picked up on what?","137":"[i]Ante[\/i]. You [i]ante[\/i] up my life. Which means... as long as you win...","138":"...nothing will happen to her. I get it.","139":"Like it or not, this gamble is no different from any other gamble I've made. I've allowed {Leah} to risk herself countless times.","140":"If we can't win, we'd both be dead anyway. So we [i]have[\/i] to win.","141":"Yes, I came to be the ante.","142":"I knew what she was going to say, and even so, my heart thuds painfully in my chest.","143":"She gives me a stern look. Like it or not, our debate begins now. And if I'm trying to prove I'm more ruthless than Valerie...","144":"...fighting for {Leah}'s life will undermine my position.","145":"I'm getting [i]dizzy just thinking about this.[\/i] {Leah} and I did our homework before we came, but no amount of prep is going to guarantee victory.","146":"{Leah}...","147":"Yes, of course. {Leah} will be my ante.","148":"{Leah} gives me a nod.","149":"Excellent. This meeting will be a lot more exciting than I thought.","150":"{Leah} is your debate partner, I presume.","151":"Yes.","152":"Excellent.","153":"I've also been preparing [i]my[\/i] debate partner. Someone who already has quite some experience on debating [i]you[\/i].","154":"[i]Sam?[\/i]","155":"It took a bit to track him down, but we finally did.","156":"Yes, your quirky, eccentric friend...","157":"[i]No... it really is Sam...","158":"...Buttsnack.","159":"...Buttsnack!","160":"A small, shrunken man steps out of the shadows. [i]That really is Buttsnack.[\/i] Was he a member of the Fraternity this entire time?","161":"No... no of course he wasn't. He would never be allowed in. But why is he here?","162":"That dream I had... where I stood in the auditorium... where I was debating Buttsnack...","163":"[i]...that dream came true...","164":"I'm so confused...","165":"Well, it looks like you'll finally be put to good use, Buttsnack. We've been training, haven't we?","166":"I can hear Buttsnack's nervous swallow. [i]Somehow, I have to prove I'm more ruthless than Valerie...","167":"Polls will periodically be taken from the audience. The debate will continue until one candidate has over 50% of the votes.","168":"Of course, all electronic devices will be confiscated. We wouldn't want you to cheat off notes.","169":"Wha...? [i]I need that!","170":"Valerie!","171":"I try and snatch it back, but I'm so dizzied by this environment...","172":"The thief disappears so quickly into the background...","173":"It's fine.","174":"It's [i]fine?[\/i]","175":"You don't need that.","176":"What are you talking about? Does everyone here know sign language? How am I supposed to communicate?","177":"No... this is bad... [i]this is cheating...[\/i]","178":"...it's impossible for {Leah} and I to win...","179":"Valerie... {PlayerName} and I need to confer privately... [i]right now[\/i].","180":"Very well. You have three minutes. Use every second wisely.","181":"They leave us some space, but with us surrounded and me without my voice I'm feeling no better for it.","182":"What are we going to do, {Leah}? This was an impossible debate to begin with, and now I can't even put up a fight!","183":"They've tied my hands and feet together. I'm stuck.","184":"{Leah} signs back.","185":"We studied for this. We prepared for this. So far, everything you said would happen has happened, except this.","186":"I have to admit that I didn't think things would turn out this smoothly.","187":"This is not smooth. Your life is at stake. [i]You put yourself up for ante[\/i], and there's nothing I can do about it.","188":"Well don't panic, {PlayerName}. You'll show weakness and that's exactly what this group is looking for.","189":"Gambling my life is exactly the kind of thing that helps your case.","190":"It's not enough. Even with everything we've found out about Valerie, simply put, she really is extremely ruthless.","191":"You are right, {PlayerName}. Valerie is way more ruthless than you are.","192":"But there's more than one way to win a debate.","193":"How?","194":"You'll think of something. Just delay. Valerie is the incumbent so she gets the first go.","195":"This is a lot more faith put on me than I'm willing to accept.","196":"Enough. You've done more than enough finger wagging. Let's get this farce over with.","197":"We are ready.","198":"[i]Think of something... think of something...","199":"That's not a plan, {Leah}. We'll have to hope...","200":"...for some kind of miracle.","0":"What was I imagining a secret fraternity to be like? Candles? Skulls in the walls?","1":"Marble columns? Gold filigree? Demonic frescoes on the walls? Virgin maidens tied to bloody altars?","2":"I can't remember the picture I had in my head. It has shifted so much over time that it is impossible to say what I really think about them. Reducing them to a cult from a Conan movie make them easier to handle in my head.","3":"But it isn't a cult. They aren't demon-worshipping madmen. They're not interested in metaphysics or the afterlife or conjuring spells. They're actually much more sinister than that.","4":"The interest they have is in [i]our real world[\/i]. They aren't after souls, they're after the most powerful element of our boring material world: status, power, and cash.","5":"They're mortal... made of the same exploded star crap as I am. And just as vulnerable, a shell of skin over blood and bone.","6":"Whatever I imagined, I have to cast aside. It is finally time for the real deal.","7":"What is true for them, is true for us as well.","8":"The footsteps as we descend are hollow, reverberating through the cold walls. The silence is disquieting...","9":"...but when that silence finally breaks, I feel no more comfortable. {Leah} and I slow as we hear voices, ears pricking."},"ch17__17.15 the debate.vne3":{"10":"And pity isn't the reason I was placed in this position. If it was... then I would've been unseated already.","11":"You have all stood here before and listened to this very debate over and over again, because of course Mr. Rogham isn't the first fool to think I was weak.","12":"Yet, I've survived every single challenge. Everyone who misjudged me was laid low in this room. You've seen it already.","13":"That should be obvious. I didn't pursue [i]the Brotherhood[\/i]. The Brotherhood pursued me! Questioning my fitness is tantamount to calling the Brotherhood fools and poor judges of character.","14":"So you weren't fools back then, and yet, inexplicably, there's been a sudden epidemic of brain worms, and Professor Rogham seems to have been struck particularly hard. What has changed?","15":"I'll tell you what: [i]jealousy![\/i] Poisonous envy, the emotion experienced by sad, lonely, pathetic people who hate the world because they've fallen short.","16":"What use have I of jealousy? None. Just being me is the highest honor one could attain. If I called myself exceptional, I would be talking too humbly.","17":"You all have come here to be schooled in the Stirnerist enlightenment, to be deprogrammed from society's lies, to learn to finally glorify the self. Not me.","18":"I have been practicing it before anyone even had the chance to explain it.","19":"That's why I was scouted from such a young age. Not because I begged, or bribed, or seduced...","20":"...but because I [i]embody[\/i] the ideals of the Brotherhood to its utter core. I live it every day. It is the ocean I swim in.","21":"When I die, you'll see my white bones are carved with the Brotherhood's truth.","22":"Shit... I really understand how Valerie got to the position she's in. [pause][i]She's terrifying...[\/i]","23":"That is real conviction. She believes in what she's saying.","24":"If I didn't know better... I would think this was her true self.","25":"So... what is there to do? Should I go over once again all of my accomplishments, which you've heard in this arena a hundred times before?","26":"Boring. But, since our long lost brother {PlayerName} is not caught up... for his sake, I'll confess my sins again, but we'll narrow things down to what's relevant to {PlayerName} specifically.","27":"{PlayerName}... [i]where do you think I should start?","28":"You know damn well he can't say anything back.","29":"You took my voice away with my cellphone. Robbed it twice.","30":"You mean to force me to listen without any means of arguing back.","31":"He doesn't need you to speak for him. So I'll pose the question to you instead, {Leah}. Who would you like to hear about first?","32":"How am I supposed to know who to ask about?","33":"I thought you were clever. That's disappointing. Don't you and your {youAreHer} talk to each other?","34":"She smirks darkly.","35":"Never mind. He clearly [i]doesn't[\/i] talk to you nearly as much as you think.","36":"What are you saying?","37":"Since you and your {youAreHer} are strangers to one another, apparently, I'll give you a list: Sam, Maggie, Haley. Which would you like to hear about?","38":"You should at least know his friends, right?","39":"He has a lot of friends. Something you know nothing about.","40":"So it wouldn't be hard for you to name them.","41":"What? Like Sam? Maggie? Haley?","42":"Precisely.","43":"Why should I play along with you? You're perfectly capable of picking one yourself.","44":"Just do it. You're wasting time if you don't.","45":"{Leah} turns an eye to me, and watches my hands.","46":"She's looking for a sign from me. I don't really feel like cooperating with Valerie, but there seems to be little alternative.","47":"I had better signal to {Leah} which one to pick.","48":"Sam.[ep17_sam_dialogue != 1]","49":"Haley.[ep17_haley_dialogue != 1]","50":"Maggie.[ep17_maggie_dialogue != 1]","51":"Of course. Sam.","52":"Your favorite person, Buttsnack.","53":"Uh... me?","54":"The name certainly fits.","55":"I mean... I knew her... kinda... She was our former student council president... I was her running mate.","56":"I wasn't really running because I wanted to be vice president.","57":"You were trying to get close to her so you could fuck her.","58":"Uh... I mean... [i]okay...[\/i] that might be true... but...","59":"Don't be ridiculous, Buttsnack. You weren't trying to advance the future you know you didn't have.","60":"A truly inexplicable friendship you have with her, {PlayerName}. Do you have any idea how different you two are? It's like a brain-dead dog riding the back of a lion.","61":"By conceding to Sam in your presidential race, you insulted yourself. Getting rid of her was a favor.","62":"She would have failed anyway, even if she did turn her papers in on time.","63":"It was Professor Rogham who sabotaged Sam.","64":"Was it?","65":"I glance at the Professor, whose face gives nothing away.","66":"I suppose Professor Rogham did little to stop me...","67":"{Leah}... I can already tell you understand. You know that someone had to enter Sam's room to delete any trace of the emails she sent.","68":"You also know that I was the only one with access, being the President of the Student Council.","69":"Yes... I remember now... so long ago. When I was looking for Sam, when she was ghosting me, it was Valerie who let me into her dorm room.","70":"I didn't make that connection. It only could have been Valerie...","71":"Even if that's true... what was your interest in getting rid of Sam? We both know Rogham hated her.","72":"If he hadn't asked you...","73":"Who asked who? Are you sure Rogham had any interest in that brat at all?","74":"...I... um...","75":"Do you think Rogham sabotages every student he doesn't like? That would be everyone.","76":"That's right. I wanted Sam taken down. Just like {PlayerName} almost took down Sam all those years ago.","77":"You remember, right? {PlayerName}, trying to frame Sam for drug possession. Did you know that, {Leah}?","78":"Yes. I knew. I didn't have to [i]spy[\/i] on him to know that. He told me himself, that's called trust.","79":"It was a good thing he trusted me, because he changed his mind. He [i]saved[\/i] Sam.","80":"From himself.","81":"That doesn't matter.","82":"Anyway... if you want to waste time helping that girl, by all means. My personal opinion is you should think about some interpersonal triage.","83":"Let me guess: you masterminded Haley's financial problems.","84":"It was part of the entrance examination of a [i]separate[\/i] member of our order. I wasn't the one to pull the trigger.","85":"Is she denying that it was her actions that did it?","86":"You didn't say ''no''...","87":"Well... as Silent1, I'm not allowed to give substantial assistance to our prospective members, but I am allowed to give suggestions.","88":"The Silent Brotherhood doesn't always act dramatically. As a matter of fact, we'd prefer all our actions to seem like little accidents and coincidences.","89":"But why Haley? You didn't even know her...","90":"As part of the initiation, a pledge has to select a target. Isn't that right? Who selected Haley?","91":"It doesn't matter. Maybe someone who didn't like blue hair.","92":"Anyway, when I saw Stan transferred an immense amount of money to Haley, I knew he had been emotionally compromised. I had to neutralize him.","93":"So that's why he was at the hospital... there for safe-keeping.","94":"{PlayerName} said he saw Stan at the hospital...","95":"Really? That's optimistic. No, I don't leave loose ends like that. Obviously Stan is dead.","96":"But... no. I [i]saw[\/i] him... it can't have been a dream.","97":"Why would {PlayerName} dream of something like that?","98":"You know how it goes. People always blame themselves for this and that. You imagine them coming into your dreams. It's boring. Not something I understand.","99":"It's plausible I imagined him... but there were so many other things on my mind. Why would I have thought of him in particular?","100":"What's the deal with Maggie, then? Why her?","101":"That was the easiest to set up. The only thing we had to do was tell her family where their wayward daughter could be found.","102":"That was that.","103":"{Leah} glances at me, communcating silently that she noticed something interesting.","104":"Yes, but [i]why[\/i]?","105":"Part of an initiation, obviously.","106":"Are you sure about that?","107":"Don't be a bitch, {Leah}. Of course I'm sure.","108":"{Leah} clearly sees an issue with what Valerie said. I'll admit... I can't.","109":"It's just odd to target a wallflower like Mags...","110":"What is the point of this whole exercise? You've already convinced the [i]Brotherhood[\/i], why try and convince us?","111":"You don't want to hear the truth? I thought you were into that, that it was your kink.","112":"You said nothing I couldn't piece together on my own. And besides...","113":"...you said some massive whopping lies.","114":"Interesting how you didn't mention anything about [i]Emily[\/i], either.","115":"What's the point? You already know everything there is to know about that situation.","116":"Anyway, if you think I lied, I'd love to hear your rebuttal. But first...","117":"You should really be giving your opening case, shouldn't you? Let's not get into the meat of things too quickly.","118":"And how exactly does {PlayerName} do that? Unless you've got a sign language interpreter or you want me to be his interpreter, which I doubt.","119":"If I could say something... [i]I'd still have nothing to say.[\/i] In this weird, fucked up, reverse trial, I'm supposed to be arguing for [i]the innocence of the defendant[\/i].","120":"Being unable to talk may well be a blessing in disguise. It might cause people to [i]imagine[\/i] a better argument than I have.","121":"He doesn't need an interpreter. He can speak for himself.","122":"What are you talking about? He can't.","123":"[i]He spent a week[\/i] at my hospital. Do you really think he came for no reason?","124":"I... don't understand...","125":"I'm not sure I understand either...","126":"This certainly explains why I haven't received any thanks for what I've done. I was beginning to think you were just ungrateful.","127":"[i]Go ahead. Talk.","128":"[i]What does she mean, just talk?","129":"I reach into myself... picturing the nerves that lead into my ruined vocal chords. It felt odd... painful after I left the hospital... [i]why?","130":"With a great deal of mental concentration, I give my throat an order to clench. And then [i]I'm aware of it.[\/i]","131":"A hard lump, positioned in my esophagus. I would've imagined it was a tumor in any other circumstance.","132":"This was never there before. And the only reason I hadn't noticed was because I had become so damn used to the way I am... I lost the ability to imagine anything different.","133":"When I was given that malpractice settlement, I had essentially two options: to pay for mine and {Leah}'s tuition, or get an implant. I had chosen the tuition.","134":"The implant had faded so far from my memories...","135":"And so... quite experimentally... I just [i]tried.","136":"Ha... [i]ha...","137":"Shit. [i]I can talk.","138":"{PlayerName}!","139":"Ha... ha... [i]hello... world...","140":"It's a stupid thing to say. My information tech brain dug up the only thing I could think of off hand.","141":"My neck feels like jello... shaking... and just speaking makes my brain [i]itch[\/i]... but I can do it.","142":"Christ... he sounds... so...","143":"Like myself? Like someone different?","144":"It doesn't matter. This is still not to my benefit. I can talk, but that does not mean I can [i]communicate[\/i].","145":"Those neural pathways are potholed and dusty roads. Just trying to translate thoughts to vocal words makes my head hurt.","146":"You know he needs an [i]adjustment[\/i] period. You don't go from nonverbal to articulate in a matter of minutes. Please. He needs his phone back.","147":"At least give him a chance, he's had a few weeks to recover. I have full faith in him. Go on. Give it a go.","148":"{PlayerName}... are you sure you can do this?","149":"No. I'm not sure at all. But... I suppose I can try...","150":"[i]...this would be so much easier if I knew what to say...[\/i]","151":"Ah... ah... I... I...","152":"...Ugh... agh...","153":"I had communicated so long with my fingers that it was difficult to get my tongue to do anything. If I had my phone... I might be able to articulate something...","154":"When I imagined me getting my voice back... I never thought I'd be gagging while doing it.","155":"{Leah} quickly realizes she needs to intervene.","156":"Oh... okay... um...","157":"What... really is the nature of [i]self?[\/i] What does that even mean?","158":"Can it even be said that the [i]self even exists?[\/i] Is anyone truly good or bad?","159":"The audience is grumbling. They know that {Leah} is coming up with complete bullshit.","160":"They know she's stammering for time.","161":"Realizing her strategy isn't working, {Leah} quickly shifts focus.","162":"Valerie... if you're so ruthless, why bother giving {PlayerName} his voice back? That seems pretty selfless to me.","163":"Almost like... [i]charity...","164":"Rising intonation... painful pauses... sweat beading on her head. {Leah} does not look confident.","165":"She's not like me. She didn't take a public speaking class. Conversation is my domain. But I can't help her right now, even with the implant. {Leah}... just hold on!","166":"Plenty of bad people give to charity for their own purposes. You can't live off a terrible reputation. Even the worst people have to work to be liked.","167":"But an artificial voice box? That's quite an expense.","168":"Well... [i]I didn't pay for it.[\/i] The Brotherhood pays for its own hospital.","169":"The only thing I did was issue the order to have it implanted. Really, not even much of a sacrifice. Took [i]me[\/i] seconds.","170":"But you still thought of it, didn't you? And it is [i]thought[\/i] what counts, isn't it?","171":"Aren't you supposed to be making a case? Not quoting aphorisms.","172":"Besides, {PlayerName} was well known for having a sexy voice before he lost it. Why wouldn't I want him to have it back?","173":"If this is your only argument, I'm a little concerned for you. Do you really think a single act of flippant charity cancels out all the intentional pain I've caused?","174":"{Leah} really doesn't have a response to that. Instead... all she can do is look to me.","175":"Should we... get our [i]trump card?[\/i] I didn't want to use it so early...","176":"I shake my head. We spent so long preparing it, we can't just use it now. But I also know that {Leah} can't delay things any longer.","177":"It's up to me to steer the conversation. The speech nerves in my brain might be fried, but I can still use my hands.","178":"There's two ways we can do this. We can make Valerie seem better than she is... or make me look worse.","179":"If I lie about you, and I'm caught, they're going to tear me apart.","180":"You don't have to lie. I've done plenty bad.","181":"Like what?","182":"You already know at least one thing.","183":"{Leah} give me a rare blank expression. Does she really have such a hard time remembering?","184":"She must really think the best of me.","185":"Meanwhile, the audience is grumbling. They're getting impatient. It looks like this case is about to end before it even begins.","186":"Enough. This is predictable.","187":"{PlayerName} never had a case. It is now time for a [i]true[\/i] challenge to Valerie's leadership.","188":"Let's not delay your fate any further, Valerie. Conclude this debate now.","189":"Are you not entertained, Professor Rogham? You don't want to stretch this out [i]a little?[\/i]","190":"It's a farce, as I said. It's dull listening to you rattle on.","191":"I don't consider [i]you[\/i] much of a threat either. Nevertheless, it's not our call to make, it is the Brotherhood's. They decide how long the farce goes.","192":"Judging from the audience, they've already made up their minds. They're beginning to register their votes.","193":"Damn it... [i]I've got to delay things...","194":"{Leah} may be incapable of coming up with something bad about me, but I'm not.","0":"Valerie steps forward, squares her shoulders, and lets the whole room ferment in anticipation for her words.","1":"I feel {Leah} next to me, a shiver running through her body. Despite her confidence in me, she's showing the physical signs of anxiety and stress.","2":"Still, I'm grateful that Valerie is going first. It gives me time to think... but honestly... what option is available to me?","3":"I'm in their territory... and at their mercy. I don't think I'm going to have any bright ideas between now and Valerie's conclusion.","4":"If I need my voice... and I don't have my phone... then that is it. It is a simple and brutal formula.","5":"Ahem.","6":"She clears her throat... an announcement she is about to speak, and that [i]all should pay heed.","7":"Ladies and gentlemen, fellow sisters and brothers. I am the President of the Silent Brotherhood. These things are true: that I'm the youngest person ever in this position...","8":"...also that I'm the first woman... the first foreign born... the first refugee... and so on and so on.","9":"You know these things mean nothing. I've never asked for your pity on the basis of what I am."},"ch17__17.20 the gambit.vne3":{"10":"...","11":"Suddenly everything in my brain just [i]works[\/i], and it all comes out at the same time.","12":"I... I sleep with my {sheIsYour}, {Leah}!","13":"Yeah. I fuck her.","14":"Ugh... this horrid feeling...","15":"...like I'm making a mistake I can't undo.","16":"And I like it. And I'd do it again.","17":"Um... {PlayerName}...","18":"That's not true. You're just trying to say something to shock everyone. You're just buying time.","19":"It's a lie. Right?","20":"Can I go home?","21":"What's my goal here? Why did I just say that?","22":"My relationship with {Leah}... has been a deep secret.","23":"Yes. I had sex with {Leah}. My {sheIsYour}.","24":"It was good. I liked it... and she liked it...","25":"{PlayerName}... your first words in years... and this is what you choose to say?","26":"If this were true, I'd know about it for certain.","27":"Am I about to get away with this?","28":"{Leah} isn't saying anything. Is she ashamed of me? Is she not trying to give away how she feels?","29":"But... I've accomplished my goal. I've distracted them, thankfully.","30":"At the very least, I've bought enough time to make my case properly.","31":"Well, if you don't believe that, then you might believe this:","32":"Uh... I... I...","33":"I have sex with {Leah}!","34":"...What?","35":"That's right! I fuck her! And I like it! It's great fucking my {sheIsYour}!","36":"Valerie blinks at me in silence. {Leah} eyes shoot in confusion. buttsnackolder looks relieved no attention is on him.","37":"But the room is silent. No shifting. No whispering. Nothing.","38":"It... worked...","39":"I've made an opening!","40":"Sorry {Leah}... I hope I didn't embarrass you too bad. All I needed was a few seconds to make my case.","41":"Yeah. I have sex with {Leah}. I don't care they're the first intelligible words I've said in years.","42":"Her... pussy... is... tight...","43":"Oh. Come on. This is pathetic. Obviously {PlayerName} is bluffing to buy time.","44":"...What are you talking about?","45":"...I... [i]love my {youAreHer}'s cock.","46":"It's so big and juicy... like an... [i]apple...","47":"{Leah} winces at the end. She is not an erotic poet.","48":"Wow. {Leah}, you [i]are[\/i] a virgin, aren't you?","49":"Okay. The shock is starting to wear off. I need to start making a case.","50":"And enjoying my {sheIsYour}'s pussy isn't even the worst thing I've done.","51":"I... I... uh...","52":"Suddenly... it unplugs out of me.","53":"I have sex with Valerie.","54":"The room shuts up, like a wind driving the air out.","55":"That's right. I fuck Valerie.","56":"I let that truth hang. Beneath those ugly masks... thoughts churn.","57":"So...","58":"...Yeah. That's what I do. I have sex with Valerie.","59":"{Leah} looks away from me. Ashamed... but not surprised. Damn... [i]that's heartbreaking...","60":"Someone unexpected breaks the silence.","61":"Fuck man. [i]Lucky[\/i].","62":"Don't make me even [i]think[\/i] about it, Joey, or I'll gut you.","63":"Yes, Master.","64":"Well... yes. That's true. I have sex with {PlayerName}. So what? Is that supposed to be scandalous or something?","65":"There's no rule in our order that says I need to be a pure-hearted maiden. I'm not going to be a dried-out spinster.","66":"I like to have fun.","67":"I can't help but glance at {Leah}'s reaction. Her eyes are fixed to the ground. Damn...","68":"...maybe I should've come up with something else to say...","69":"Is that all you had to say?","70":"No. It isn't.","71":"I... uh... uh...","72":"I... [i]have sex with Valerie!","73":"Excuse me?","74":"Lucky!","75":"[i]What?","76":"Uh-huh! Valerie and I have sex together!","77":"The murmurs in the room rise. My plan, poorly thought out as it was, seems to have worked.","78":"Nobody is thinking about the debate. Everyone is thinking about what I just said.","79":"This is crazy. We...","80":"Well... uh...","81":"What do I even say about this?","82":"{Leah} glances at me, and realization sparks in her eyes. Thankfully, she's realized what I've tried to do.","83":"In any case... I've successfully made an opening. I have to exploit it.","84":"It's not even the worse thing.","85":"I tried to destroy someone's life. Just so I could be class president.","86":"I planted drugs in Sam Hunter's locker, when I knew an inspection was coming up.","87":"If I had succeeded, I would have ruined Sam's life.","88":"And I did it for no other reason than wanting power and adulation.","89":"That admission has had much less of an effect... but it was necessary.","90":"You say that, but where are you now? A lab geek, sweating in front of a computer, working at the behest of others. You gave up on that power.","91":"Why? Because you lost your voice? You went from being ambitious and hungry, to fat and content the minute you had an excuse to give up on yourself. You [i]were[\/i] Brotherhood material. Now?","92":"The only time I've ever experienced true disappointment in others was when you meekly consented to be a subordinate to Sam.","93":"I had a high opinion of you, and I [i]still[\/i] see that fire in you, even as you try to smother it. Just to fit in.","94":"I still have not been able to meet {Leah} in the eye, but her silence screams in my ear.","95":"There will be fallout from this.","96":"It's true. I'm not ruthless, but I [i]am[\/i] ambitious, and that IT lab really was far too small for me.","97":"The moment I discovered RECENTLY, and had a chance to make an impact... I took it. You might think what I did was selfless. It was not.","98":"To be honest, it doesn't really matter if I had a good impact or a bad one... [i]I just want to make a mark on this world.","99":"In the IT lab, I was rotting from the inside out. My job was easy, I didn't get any respect for it, I was [i]dying[\/i] for a chance to put my brains to actual use.","100":"Maybe I didn't always like the stress of tracking you all down, but I don't regret it one bit, even if I come out the loser. My little private war against Silent1 was the purpose in life I was looking for.","101":"The thing I'm most scared of is... when this is over... and this society is dismantled... what I could possibly do to fill the time.","102":"Despite that, it's long overdue that the Fraternity must be destroyed.","103":"I won't extend this for the sake of it. To win this debate, I don't have to make the argument that I'm the world's worst person, only that I'm [i]worse than Valerie.","104":"That I can demonstrate. I can prove that Valerie...","105":"[i]...is actually a good person[\/i].","106":"Silence. It's so silent that the loudest sound was {Leah}'s own grunt of confusion. But the words are there: I said them...","107":"...even as I'm not sure that I [i]believe[\/i] them.","108":"After giving it some thought, I realized... [i]it was the only strategy left to me.[\/i] No matter how hard it seemed, if I wanted to end this, I had to prove it.","109":"Valerie is [i]good[\/i].","110":"The reaction is predictable, though. They start to laugh. First in chuckles. Then in howls.","111":"Beside me, {Leah}'s spirit darkened. Brave and clever as she was, it seems not even [i]she[\/i] thought this was a good argument to make.","112":"Are you [i]serious?[\/i] I'm a [i]good person?[\/i]","0":"We're about to lose. I don't have time for my brain not to work.","113":"You really should think about picking up standup, because everything you say is a joke.","1":"But... I don't have [i]anything[\/i] smart to say... no stroke of genius, no sudden inspiration.","114":"Nobody will be laughing soon. Especially not you.","2":"All I have [i]is a list of dumb things I could say...","115":"Go on then. Make your case. Tell me all about [i]Saint Valerie of Shale Hill.","3":"But maybe that's okay. Maybe saying something dumb is all I need.","116":"I don't need to talk about Saint Valerie, just the [i]real one[\/i].","4":"I clench my fists. Will my brain to work...","117":"Hard as it is, I have to piece together Valerie's true personality... the secrets she hides in plain sight.","5":"...I've got to say something shocking... something that will buy {Leah} and I a few more minutes.","118":"I was confused by Valerie's change in personality. Her heel turn toward evil never made any sense to me... and I'm starting to realize why even as I start to make my case.","6":"Something they can't help but stop and listen to!","119":"Very well.","7":"Tell them you've slept with {Leah}.","8":"Tell them you've slept with Valerie.","9":"Uh... I... I..."},"ch17__17.25 turning tables.vne3":{"10":"...a fraud.","11":"I let the words hang. I don't think that anyone is scandalized that I called Valerie a fraud, that is par for the course I'm sure.","12":"Once I start proving it, then they will start taking me seriously.","13":"Oh, very dramatic. I'm a fraud. I'm cut to the core.","14":"Or... how about this as a more likely explanation? I put on a persona, which you believed, and now you're still trying to fight for that little, innocent Valerie that's still inside me.","15":"Isn't that right, Buttsnack?","16":"Yep. Whatever you say.","17":"If you don't say it like you mean it, you won't get food for a week.","18":"Oh. Absolutely. You want me to say you're bad person convincingly? Yeah... I can do that. You're definitely a bad person. Not even sexy bad... but just bad bad.","19":"I truly, wholeheartedly, one hundred percent believe it. Put me on a truth detector thingy 'cause I really ain't lying.","20":"See? Buttsnack agrees. And he knows bad. He's a petty drug dealer who can't go within a mile of school.","21":"Yes, Mistress.","22":"Call me ''master''.","23":"Sorry, Master. I keep forgetting...","24":"But a fraud of... what? Are you a fraud because you're a bad person that pretends to be good... or a good person that pretends to be bad?","25":"{Leah} shudders audibly next to me. I think she thinks that my argument is untenable, that I'm already doomed.","26":"In any case... I have to make this argument.","27":"A good person... that pretends to be bad?","28":"I gauge the audience. Judging from their look of disinterest, I think they believe that I'm just using a desperate ploy.","29":"Only Rogham seems genuinely intrigued. He may already know where I'm going with this.","30":"The President listed her ill deeds. And it's true, she's hurt a lot of people.","31":"At every stage, however, Valerie could've done much worse, and she chose not to.","32":"Pull my punches? I ruin lives, {PlayerName}. That's the whole modus operandi of this organization. How does it get worse than that?","33":"What do you want me to be? Literally Hitler? I suppose I could be, I think I'm capable of it, but what's the point? He brought himself to ruin.","34":"If you haven't guessed yet, our highest ideal is [i]self-interest[\/i]. Being self-destructively malicious is not self-interest, it's just idiocy.","35":"And the one thing our organization will not suffer is idiots.","36":"So no, I'm not going to blindly lash out if it's not in my interest. Is there anything else?","37":"I didn't say you were self-destructive, I said you [i]pulled your punches[\/i]. Those three girls you mentioned: Haley, Maggie, Sam. What do they have in common?","38":"What are you getting at?","39":"{Leah} lights up.","40":"Oh... right. Valerie, you said that to become a member, you had to ruin a life. And that Haley was sabotaged to that end.","41":"So... whose initiation was it a part of? What happened to them?","42":"I don't have to tell you that.","43":"We know it isn't [i]yours[\/i], because we both know whose life you destroyed to get into the Brotherhood.","44":"So... it must be someone else. Who is it?","45":"They're in the audience. It doesn't even matter who.","46":"Why are they here, though?","47":"Why are they...? What are you getting at? They're members of the Brotherhood. They're supposed to be here.","48":"Yes, {Leah} has realized the same thing I did. And now Valerie's brow is knotted with thought.","49":"But that's not right. They shouldn't be here. They're not supposed to be members of the Brotherhood.","50":"Huh? What makes you say that?","51":"You have to destroy a life to enter the Brotherhood. And yet...","52":"...[i]Haley's life is still very much intact.","53":"Actually, she has a burgeoning music career. She has a bright future. Is that acceptable to members of the Brotherhood?","54":"Murmurs rise from the audience. We're on the right track.","55":"Hmm... well...","56":"...if someone can recover their own lives, that's none of my business. Who cares? And besides...","57":"...I did later on frame Haley... tried to make it seem as if she was taking advantage of Stan. So there you go.","58":"A plot which was foiled by me, when I told her to freeze her account.","59":"I couldn't have anticipated that, obviously. I had no idea you'd be in a position to stop it.","60":"If I did know, I would've waited until later.","61":"What are you talking about, Val? You did know. You knew exactly where I'd be. You knew I'd be in a position to stop you.","62":"Don't be ridiculous.","63":"Obviously... because I called Haley that night over the phone. And... due to your access to RECENTLY, you had every chance to hear.","64":"It was interesting timing, striking at the [i]only time[\/i] I could've helped her.","65":"Valerie gathers herself, she seems almost to have flinched. Murmurs arise from the audience.","66":"Her breath shudders. Suddenly...","67":"So what?","68":"Buttsnack?","69":"You know, like, who cares? If you mess up hurting someone... it's not like that means you're doing something nice.","70":"If I stab you, and I accidentally pull out a tumor or something, that isn't me being nice. It's me being unlucky.","71":"And yeah, that bitch really does ruin lives. Like mine!","72":"All these years, I've been wondering who was the one who ratted me out the school administration... who fingered me as a drug dealer.","73":"I was going to track that dude down... and fuck him up!","74":"But how mistaken I was... because it turned out it was Valerie, and she's a super scary psychopath I have to obey now! I'm basically her slave!","75":"Boy, if you told me I was going to grow up to be Valerie's slave, I would've jumped for joy. But actually it really sucks! Not all slaves are sex slaves, apparently!","76":"Remind me Buttsnack... on the day we met at Annette-Taylor... were you accosted by the police again?","77":"I remember you were there when I went in, but you had gone by the time I left.","78":"Yeah! That's right. The police came and dragged me off, told me I'd be arrested for going near the school again.","79":"Man, those damn cops.","80":"Not just that... she actually ruined your life [i]twice[\/i]. You were making money, extorting people outside of the school, offering to [i]''protect their cars''[\/i] for a fee.","81":"She must've been the one who ratted on you then, too.","82":"Holy shit, I didn't even think about that! Yeah, you ratted twice, Val! Wow, you're a real piece of shit.","83":"Thanks for making my case for me, {PlayerName}.","84":"I would say you ruined Buttsnack's life. But that's not really an issue. Because the problem is...","85":"...Buttsnack is also a piece of shit.","86":"Wow! I'd feel hurt if I wasn't already thoroughly humiliated by Val.","87":"Think about it. Buttsnack is a petty criminal who hangs outside of Annette-Taylor, preying on teens.","88":"By forcing him away, Valerie is doing society a favor.","89":"Ouch! Et tu, Brute?","90":"You're not wrong. Buttsnack is shit, and getting rid of him is doing society a favor. What's your point, precisely?","91":"My intent was not to do people a favor, my intent was to making Buttsnack a toy for my personal amusement.","92":"I'm simply pointing out a pattern. On one hand, you're quite capable of ruining someone's life, as with Buttsnack.","93":"On the other, you might hurt other people, but they mysteriously seem to be able to recover.","94":"Interesting... isn't it?","95":"You're just making this up. There's no pattern.","96":"It goes back to what the commonality is between Haley, Sam, Maggie, even Sandra.","97":"Your victims seem quite capable of recovering their lives. You're not really ruining them at all.","98":"Let's go over some things briefly. She and Professor Rogham did sabotage Samantha Hunter's school career. You deleted a few assignments off her computer.","99":"But as President, with the means to access her dorm, you could've done a lot worse than deleting an email. She could've planted drugs... or stolen her money... or wiped her whole computer...","100":"But you didn't.","101":"Is doxxing Maggie and putting Haley into debt truly life-ruining? I don't think so.","102":"And in Sandra's case, you even gave her a pretty cushy position, with a place to stay, a job, access to a computer...","103":"You could look through the cams... you clearly saw me talking to Sandra.","104":"Sandra [i]was working for me[\/i]. She was doing what I asked her to do.","105":"Besides, I disposed of her recently.","106":"We'll get to that. But even so, what you did to Sandra was awful... but not life ruining.","107":"You could do a lot worse. Like burning someone's face off. Isn't that right, Mr. Rogham?","108":"Mr. Rogham stares at me.","109":"That's a scar you really can't get rid of. For someone as vain as Alexis, you might as well have killed her.","110":"My question is, whose plan was that? Was that yours, Valerie? Or was it Rogham's?","111":"Valerie's silence is telling. Meanwhile, Rogham's eyes narrow with increasing sharpness.","112":"You know who actually [i]is[\/i] a cold-hearted bastard in the true sense? Mr. Rogham.","113":"He tried to kill me and {Leah}, taking life in the literal sense. He tried to make life intolerable for Alexis. Those are the actions of someone truly ruthless.","114":"Val, the Professor is right. [i]You are weak.","115":"Mr. Rogham's eyes are just as cold, no matter if I'm helping or hurting him. That man is an [i]ice sculpture[\/i] inside.","116":"So what? You can't judge me. Yes, I [i]could[\/i] have been some stupid butcher, but what would that bring me?","117":"We covered this already. Being self-serving doesn't mean inflicting maximum carnage at every opportunity. You still need allies if you want [i]power[\/i] to [i]advance[\/i] yourself.","118":"This order is founded on a single principle: the world [i]pretends[\/i] to be a good place, and every philosopher and politician has cited [i]goodness[\/i] and [i]righteousness[\/i] as their founding principles.","119":"[i]Except us.[\/i] We are the only ones with the courage to say that this world is dark and selfish, and that to reject selfishness is to reject the natural order.","120":"Nothing in nature knows compassion and fairness. What neurological flaw do [i]we[\/i] have to think we're any different?","121":"Society has rejected our honesty, which is why we're the [i]Silent Brotherhood,[\/i] not the [i]Really Vocal Brotherhood,[\/i] because we know to voice this openly is to tempt the wrath of the self-righteous.","122":"The best expression of our ideals is not harming people for its own sake, but to serve our highest faculty: [i]the Ego[\/i], the Self.","123":"Everything else is just wasteful.","124":"Valerie wasn't even trying to before. Now there's the slightest hint she's breaking.","125":"This means I'm gaining ground. The audience is starting to look more receptive.","126":"I can't waste this opportunity...","127":"Valerie is right.","128":"Valerie is wrong.","129":"I agree with Valerie.","130":"Nobody expected that, not even {Leah}.","131":"Good, I've grabbed their attention.","132":"You can be a completely self-centered person and not hurt anyone. All that it requires is the understanding that helping others is helping yourself.","133":"You can be a bad person, and still do good thing things.","134":"But Valerie herself... is not that kind of person.","135":"I don't agree with Valerie, but not in the way you expect.","136":"Valerie is correct: you can be a bad person and do good things for bad reasons... and she'd might have had a persuasive case in a different circumstance.","137":"But the reality is that Valerie is not that type of person.","138":"Valerie is the opposite. Valerie does [i]bad[\/i] things for a [i]good[\/i] reason. Valerie isn't [i]selfish[\/i]... she's [i]selfless.","139":"A ripple of chuckles goes through the audience, but it's not like how they reacted. They know this isn't a desperate move. They sense I'm onto something.","140":"[i]Where are you going with this?","141":"{Leah}'s trust in me breaks slightly, but as I glance in her direction, she realizes that there's a method to my madness.","142":"They made a mistake, giving you your voice back.","143":"I don't know about that. [i]My brain is fucking burning.[\/i] If this goes on for too long I'm going to have some kind of aneurysm.","144":"Simply put... my brain isn't built for spoken language anymore. But lucky for me it is still there. Simply cobwebbed and unused.","145":"Valerie isn't acting out of her own interest. She's acting out of [i]mine[\/i].","146":"You dumbfuck.","147":"She lashes out impulsively, her affect is flat.","148":"Whatever. I continue.","149":"It started in high school. I don't know how, and I don't know why, but I do know that Valerie was a member of the Silent Brotherhood for as long as we've known each other.","150":"From the very beginning, she had me in mind as a potential recruit to the Fraternity.","151":"First she encouraged me to take her place as President of the student council, then she baited me into sabotaging Sam, fulfilling two requirements of entrance to the Brotherhood:","152":"...that I be exceptional, and that I be ruthless.","153":"And you failed on both accounts, so it doesn't fucking matter.","154":"That would be true, except you didn't stop there, did you? Because when you had the chance to, you simply [i]added[\/i] me as a member without my knowledge.","155":"And when you introduced RECENTLY to the Fraternity, I was the [i]second person[\/i] whose account you set up. Hence, [i]Silent2[\/i].","156":"Not just that, but you put your entire position at risk by protecting me from Mr. Rogham, when you didn't have to.","157":"You could've destroyed me so easily. I was fucking around campus, breaking every rule there is.","158":"Honestly, you could have just ruined [i]{Leah}'s[\/i] life too, just as easily. You had all the evidence you needed to implicate {Leah} for being Nightingale.","159":"But you didn't. Instead you played games, trying to stoke the ruthlessness you saw in me. Giving me false choices. Playing games.","160":"Of course. I was trying to [i]recruit you.[\/i] Tests are a part of that.","161":"You failed every test, you stupid fuck, and that's that.","162":"Even if I had, you continued to have an interest in me, didn't you?","163":"We kept seeing each other. You teased me, toyed with me. Promised sex and power if I joined you.","164":"I know you kept trying to establish a relationship between us, even when it was clear it wasn't happening.","165":"What was your motive?","166":"I don't need a motive to toy with people.","167":"You do need a motive to [i]protect[\/i] people, though.","168":"And that motive was... [i]love[\/i].","169":"{Leah} jumps in at the perfect moment, and delivers a blow I couldn't have done myself.","170":"Ha! More like [i]lust.[\/i] I don't [i]love[\/i] anyone.","171":"Everyone is a tool to me. I use people and discard them like tissues. Just because I see [i]a little[\/i] potential in you doesn't mean I [i]love[\/i] you.","172":"Did you say, when I was at the hospital, that you were looking for a partner?","173":"Yes... well... that's meaningless. Buttsnack is my partner and I have nothing but contempt for him. Don't I?","174":"Yeah. She super hates me! Na na na na!","175":"And I'm just going to add: you can be in love with someone and still be bad!","176":"Just like the Ice Wizard is in love with Princess Bubblegum, but he's still kind of the villain... even when he's doing things out of love. You watch that show, right?","177":"Fuck man... tell me you know the show. Otherwise nothing I said will make sense.","178":"Nobody watches your stupid cartoons.","179":"How did you know it was a cartoon?","180":"But Buttsnack's point is clear. Nothing you said invalidates anything I've done.","181":"Doing something out of [i]love[\/i] isn't selfless. There's lots of people who are in love that are completely selfish.","182":"Lots of relationships are fundamentally toxic. I might have been [i]delusional[\/i] to see something in you, but my motives are still absolutely selfish.","183":"I help you only because I want something out of you.","184":"There's nothing selfless about that. I still put myself before all others, in accordance with the Brotherhood.","185":"She isn't wrong. A lot of relationships are fundamentally selfish. But I know that isn't true with Valerie.","186":"She's not that way at all.","187":"I'd believe that... if it weren't for one simple thing. Conscious of it or not...","188":"...you are grooming me to take your position as President of the Brotherhood.","189":"You don't want to win this challenge to your leadership. You want [i]to lose[\/i].","190":"Finally, the shuffling, sneezing, light coughing, whispered conversations, stop completely. I have everyone's full and undivided attention.","191":"Things are going in a direction nobody dreamed of.","192":"That's... insane... why would I want to lose? What makes you even think that?","193":"She's not directly denying it.","194":"You told your little pawn, Genevieve, to tell me that an important debate was coming up. That's this one, isn't it?","195":"Not just that, you gave me my voice back. You encouraged me to abandon the IT lab and re-enter the student council.","196":"[i]You made me Silent2[\/i].","197":"That's been established.","198":"Do I have baby shit on my face? Does it look like I was born yesterday? There's no rule in the Fraternity about celibacy.","199":"I don't have to be single, or a virgin. I can pursue relationships.","200":"Being [i]nice[\/i] on occasion doesn't counteract everything else I've done. And I've done some of the worst things.","201":"What was it that brought the Fraternity's attention toward me? At least some of you remember. I wouldn't be here if weren't for the life [i]I[\/i] destroyed to get here.","202":"[i]My father's life.","203":"The old hands will know - how I escaped prison by betraying my father. How I gave him up for a crime I committed.","204":"These are not the actions of a confused girl. I knew what I was doing. [i]I know what I'm doing[\/i]. I don't stumble around and do things by accident.","205":"When I was at my weakest, my most vulnerable, I still did what was in my interest, above all others, at the sacrifice of the only family I had.","206":"If there's anyone in this order that understands the Ego, the Self Above All Else, the Enlightenment, it's the one who has [i]demonstrated[\/i] it all her life.","207":"None of you can even compare.","208":"The audience coos, murmurs of agreement.","209":"There's a shift back to Valerie. The edge that was teetering to me lurches back.","210":"But it's fine. {Leah} and I haven't even used our trump card yet.","0":"{Leah} stares straight ahead, her head like a plastic cast.","1":"My head feels just as vacant... the only reason I said what I did was because I [i]had[\/i] to.","2":"My gambit has worked... now I just need to do my sec ond move.","3":"They've made it clear: they want the most ruthless, sociopathic, ''enlightened'' member to be their leader. And I'm definitely not that.","4":"But if there's one thing I know, [i]Valerie isn't that either[\/i]. She is not nearly as vicious and cruel as she claims.","5":"I don't need to convince them that I'm worse than Valerie. [i]I just have to convince them that Valerie is selfless[\/i].","6":"To be honest, the argument is coming to me on the fly. Just as I used to, my brain is running to catch up with my mouth.","7":"I slip back into my slick, political self like I'm a hand entering a warm, oiled glove.","8":"I am ignorant of this organization. I know what you value, I don't understand why you value it. I'll never be the person you think I am.","9":"But... neither will Valerie. She is..."},"ch17__17.30 flashback.vne3":{"10":"How was it?","11":"Were you waiting there the entire time? It looks like you were staring at the door...","12":"Try to relax a little.","13":"Can you blame me?","14":"No. I can't blame you at all. I get worried too. And if I were to myself in your shoes...","15":"Well... I can easily see myself staring at the door, like a dog waiting for its master to come back.","16":"So how was it? Did you find him?","17":"First of all... it really was something I could only do on my own.","18":"Amiran was... difficult to track down. I think if we both went, it'd just scare him off.","19":"Wait... are you telling me you talked to him?","20":"Of course. Isn't that what you asked for?","21":"No!","22":"You were supposed to come back and tell [i]me[\/i] so we could go [i]together[\/i]. You talked with him alone? Fuck, {Leah}, that shooting in the alley saved [i]us[\/i] from [i]him[\/i].","23":"He wasn't really going to hurt us. He's not evil, he's scared and confused.","24":"In any case, I didn't meet him [i]physically[\/i]. I just arranged a chat.","25":"Yeah, and {Leah} is standing before me, unhurt and healthy. She can take care of herself. Neither of us are dumb enough to go into a dangerous situation for no good reason.","26":"In any case, [i]we needed to talk to Amiran again.[\/i] {Leah} did good.","27":"I've arranged a neutral meeting place.","28":"I see. So... when are we doing it? We can't wait too long... we're running out of time.","29":"That's the thing. I sort of said we'd meet him... tonight. Any other time, and we'd risk Valerie catching wind.","30":"So... are you up for some late night adventuring?","31":"Do you need to even ask?","32":"It was a rhetorical question.","33":"Um...","34":"...you aren't planning on bringing that shotgun, are you?","35":"You know... you're the only one who has [i]actually[\/i] used that thing.","36":"I'm just making sure you understand we should not be preparing for a fight. Let me set the tone, alright?","37":"I understand.","38":"Well... then let's go.","39":"Toasterman really has taken a liking to our little corner. Maybe [i]liking[\/i] is a bad word, given his permanent scowl. [i]Tolerance[\/i] is much better.","40":"You'll watch our apartment for us, won't you?","41":"Do I have two eyes and a place to be?","42":"Okay. We'll grab you a beer on the way back.","43":"You see, Robin? That's how you treat a goddamn guest.","44":"Where are we meeting him? Not in that alley, I hope.","45":"I've learned my lesson. Going somewhere outside of public eyes is bound to get us in trouble.","46":"I'm going to do the [i]purloined letter trick.[\/i] Hide it all in plain sight.","47":"I'm not fully confident in {Leah}... but if she says that she's figured it out... I'll believe her.","48":"Let's get moving, then.","49":"Still... this is surprising.","50":"You realize that Valerie deployed her little spy here, right?","51":"Yep. Her compromised spy. Obviously we're not going to see her again.","52":"How many times have I done something [i]completely out in the open,[\/i] hmm? Just trust me.","53":"More times than I can count. {Leah} could probably do a number one in the middle of the street and people would think there was a localized rain cloud.","54":"I shouldn't doubt {Leah}'s ability not to be noticed.","55":"Besides... we trust Dante, don't we?","56":"Dante has never disappointed me... aside from being just [i]generally[\/i] annoying and disappointing me that way.","57":"Of all the people who wouldn't give me up to the Fraternity, Dante is near the top, right there with {Leah}. So I guess I trust him, even if he's got dark clouds in his background.","58":"And think about it. If we go to a public location, Amiran can't prepare it beforehand.","59":"True. Though what kind of prep would Amiran even need with RECENTLY in his pocket? Everyone's data is a phone flip away.","60":"Let's go inside. Maybe we can convince Dante for a free drink.","61":"[i]Maybe[\/i] doesn't even cut it. We will get a free drink whether we want one or not.","62":"It's empty, as usual. There is nothing to protect us from Dante's immediate attention.","63":"'Sup hetebro.","64":"'Sup Dante? How is the World's Staightest Man doing?","65":"Ah! I'm so thirsty! I could really use something to drink. Is there anything around I can use to slake my thirst?","66":"When you make it obvious babe, I don't buy it.","67":"What? Dante... are you going to make me pout?","68":"Nah, I'd never make you pout. But let me make the offer, alright? Have some trust in me.","69":"You don't have to play games for a free drink here.","70":"{Leah} blushes in mild shame. I decide to quickly change the subject.","71":"Dante, have you seen someone morose? Big shirt? Goatee?","72":"There are not many things to see around here, my man. So if there's a guy that came in looking like that, I'd definitely notice.","73":"So you haven't seen him?","74":"Oh, no! He's here, I'm telling you he was real easy to notice.","75":"Where is he?","76":"In the shadows, lurking, like he's an RPG quest giver.","77":"He gives a slight nod to an obscured corner. I don't have direct line of sight to Amiran, but it is definitely the corner I'd choose if I wanted some privacy.","78":"Thank God. We're going to go talk to him, if that's alright with you.","79":"If that's your way of telling me to get out of your hair: cool! I'll be here if you need anything.","80":"Thanks, Dante.","81":"He heads out into the back room.","82":"{Leah} carefully checks out the perimeter. What is she looking for?","83":"Bugging equipment?","84":"No. Shovel, axe, anything that can be readily used as a weapon.","85":"You're still worried?","86":"I'm just taking normal precautions.","87":"He did try and club us last time we saw him.","88":"He didn't [i]try and club us[\/i]. He [i]threatened[\/i] us, and that's a big difference.","89":"If you want to hurt someone, you just [i]attack[\/i], you don't loudly announce you might attack. Think about those guys who tried to shoot us.","90":"Now [i]they[\/i] were trying to kill us. And the one thing they didn't do was tell us beforehand.","91":"That doesn't mean he wouldn't have hurt you.","92":"Sure. He's unpredictable, which means there's a better chance he would not have hurt us.","93":"Remember that he's desperate. That's the only reason he's meeting with us, so don't do anything to alarm him. Let's be cool.","94":"Yeah... I get it. Be cool.","95":"We both look over to the corner that Amiran haunts, and we meet eyes.","96":"I think we experience the same hesitation. Uneasiness tugs us back toward the door. I've seen Amiran over two unconscious bodies already.","97":"Amiran glowers at us... but in a manner that makes me think he's as scared of us as we are of him. He attacked us because he suspected one of us of being a member of the Fraternity.","98":"He's still got that [i]cornered animal[\/i] defensiveness to him. He's dangerous, but if he wasn't willing to hear us out, he'd already be upon us.","99":"He expects us to talk.","100":"We didn't get off on the right foot.","101":"Why are [i]we[\/i] apologizing? Didn't he attack us?","102":"Damn it, this is the reason {Leah} is doing the talking this time. I'm still tilted that he almost attacked {Leah}... I can't quite forgive him.","103":"Do you want us to get you a drink? Maybe some food?","104":"His words are hesitant, careful and slow, like someone feeling out for a trap.","105":"No... I don't drink.","106":"But... are you [i]hungry...","107":"Amiran shifts on his chair, suddenly looking pained.","108":"Maybe Burger Queen would be nice...","109":"I'm feeling hungry for Burger Queen too. You, {PlayerName}?","110":"I could definitely go for something to eat.","111":"Let's get something to eat, then.","112":"The trip to the mall is short but tense.","113":"The discomfort is mutual, and silence prevails.","114":"Here we are... Burger Queen...","115":"[i]Man this place has a distinctive smell.[\/i] Sam's clothes used to reek of it. It isn't necessarily bad, but I can already tell the food is cheap and oily from here.","116":"It is exactly the kind of thing a hungry, desperate person would want to eat.","117":"There is a line. We could go elsewhere...","118":"Amiran sounds almost apologetic. Both of us puzzle out whether Amiran wants to stay or leave.","119":"No, it's okay. We can stay in line. It goes pretty quick anyway.","120":"Ah... good...","121":"There's a hint of joy in his voice, and {Leah} isn't wrong. The line moves quickly. When it gets to our turn {Leah}, and I each order our standard. Amiran has three orders of fries and a Double Royale.","122":"He digs into his food greedily, only stopping when he remembers he is in polite company.","123":"Ah... sorry... I've been... not eating as much...","124":"If you don't mind me asking, Amiran... when we last met, you accused us of being members of the Fraternity. Can you tell us why?","125":"Ah... I overreacted. I am sorry for that.","126":"When you contacted me through RECENTLY... for our last meeting... a name came up... [i]Silent2[\/i]...","127":"...but I don't know if that was you. It was probably the ones who shot at us.","128":"These are my regrets.","129":"Actually, Amiran, we think you might be right. One of us [i]is[\/i] a Fraternity member. Though not intentionally.","130":"What do you mean?","131":"The suspicion comes back in full force.","132":"{PlayerName}, we think... is Silent2. But he didn't intend to [i]be[\/i] Silent2.","133":"Amiran eyes me up and down, carrying out an analysis.","134":"You are Silent2? And you did not know this?","135":"This explains much of what I've read. So you are the rogue member.","136":"Except he was enrolled in the Fraternity without his knowledge.","137":"Why would such a thing happen?","138":"We're not sure exactly. But we think Valerie is responsible.","139":"Balenka? Why?","140":"I think I should jump in.","141":"Balenka isn't the person you remember. She's a member of the Fraternity.","142":"We think she took some shortcuts in my recruitment.","143":"Amiran thinks heavily on this.","144":"...I still don't understand why.","145":"We're hoping you can help us.","146":"You have been constantly monitoring them. You know about how the Fraternity works internally... better than anyone else.","147":"Other than sweet ''Balenka'', of course.","148":"I know less than you think. They talk in cryptic ways. It is hard for me to understand... especially since English is not my first language.","149":"Even so, you know more than us. That's exactly why we need you. Valerie might be in the Fraternity but that doesn't mean we can't help her.","150":"To help her, we need your help. That's why I brought you to Shale Hill, because I think you might be able to help Valerie in a way we can't.","151":"I don't understand. Balenka in the Fraternity? Why is this? Why would she work for Silent1?","152":"Uh...","153":"No, Amiran. You don't understand.","154":"Amiran... Balenka [i]is[\/i] Silent1.","155":"Amiran's expression does not change as he ponders this. We stare at him for a while, watching him make an internal calculation.","156":"I think he's debating with himself... putting together everything he know to decide if we're telling the truth. There's no indication of which way he'll go.","157":"Both of us can do nothing but wait for Amiran to make his mind up.","158":"I... could tell you everything I know. But it is not much.","159":"There is a... [i]leadership challenge[\/i] going on.","160":"We figured as much. Rogham's faction versus Valerie's.","161":"It is decided by [i]debate[\/i].","162":"[i]Debate[\/i]. Now Genevieve's odd insistent usage of that word makes so much more sense.","163":"Genevieve is Valerie's puppet, which means Valerie wants me to know about this debate... [i]which means...","164":"Do you know anything else?","165":"Yes. Not sure how useful it would be to you.","166":"And what about Balenka? Can you tell us more about her?","167":"Too sudden a shift, {Leah}. Amiran is going to interpret it as an interrogation.","168":"I told you as much as I know.","169":"I give {Leah} a signal. [i]Slow down[\/i].","170":"Um... sorry... what I mean is...","171":"...did you want to [i]learn more about Balenka...?[\/i] We knew her through school.","172":"{PlayerName} was her friend, and worked with her when she was class president. He has a lot of stories of Balenka. I'm sure you'd like to hear some of them.","173":"Amiran considers this again, looking down at his half eaten burger. He's tempted...","174":"Yes... I would like that. I would like to know what my Balenka was like... during my absence.","175":"Great. We have a lot of stories to tell, don't we, {PlayerName}?","176":"I nod.","177":"But... we don't have a lot of time. So if we're going to tell you about Balenka, we're also going to need something from you. Do you understand?","178":"What is it you need? I'm not going to say anything to hurt Balenka.","179":"We don't want to hurt Balenka... we want to help her. She might be Silent1, but she isn't happy where she is. You know that, right?","180":"If you help us... we can help her.","181":"...Hmm... very well. I want know what you need before I agree.","182":"That's not a problem. We're not asking you to do anything to Balenka. But... we are asking you to do us a [i]massive favor...","0":"We had prepared for this.","1":"We knew more than we let on.","2":"We weren't just stumbling blindly in.","3":"A few nights ago...","4":"{Leah}'s out late. I tried to relax, tried not to use the walkie talkie, but my finger kept resting against the transmit button.","5":"It's completely rational to feel anxious, given the situation. {Leah} and I promised a regular line of communication. I'd buzz her, and she'd buzz me, and as long as that happened, we'd know we were safe.","6":"It was a couple of minutes until she was supposed to buzz me. I was so tempted to call her prematurely... just to make sure she was okay...","7":"My finger begins to depress the button.","8":"Suddenly, I hear the key turn in the lock. I let go of the walkie talkie. Someone is coming in. I tense myself up...","9":"Relief! So I was just being paranoid. My hands begin to work fast."},"ch17__17.32 presidency.vne3":{"10":"Because I'm scared shitless! You think I'm going to join your side just because you might treat me better? You're gonna lose!","11":"Nah man. I'm not being lured by the fake promise of freedom! I'd rather be a living slave. LACK OF COURAGE FOR LIFE!","12":"[i]~Coward I may be, but overrated is dying free!~I avoid calamity, fasta than yo momma suck my tree!~This is the truth, let's put a cap, on this monsta coward rap!~","13":"Stop embarrassing me, Buttsnack.","14":"Sorry Master! I was taken by the flow!","15":"Buttsnack, you're basically asking [i]if {PlayerName} wants to be President,[\/i] why bother defending her position.","16":"Yeah. Exactly!","17":"Well... there is a good explanation for that.","18":"There is?","19":"[i]There is?[\/i]","20":"Damn... I really hope this is one of {Leah}'s flashes of insane insight...","21":"First of all, I need to make one thing clear. The position that {PlayerName} and I have is that Valerie is confused, mentally unwell. It's not clear how conscious she is of her actions.","22":"Oh. [i]Look everyone, I'm confused.[\/i]","23":"I'm not some demented granny who walked in here on accident. I'm fully in control of my actions.","24":"That's not compelling at all. You're pulling things out of your ass, proving my case that you're [i]desperate[\/i].","25":"Patience, Valerie. I was about to say that even though we believe that you're confused...","26":"...that for the sake of argument, we'll assume you [i]do[\/i] know what you're doing and you [i]are[\/i] rational.","27":"If I were you, I'd stick to the argument that Valerie is crazy, 'cause that's true.","28":"{PlayerName}, do you get what I'm saying? You understand, right?","29":"...I think so...","30":"Maybe... it's... because...","31":"...I'm being prepared.","32":"...Valerie is about to be forced out.","33":"...she can't take the stress.","34":"{Leah} nods.","35":"I'm glad you figured it out too.","36":"I understand now. Valerie is about to be kicked out of the organization, isn't she?","37":"If she has to be replaced, it would better to be me.","38":"You're not wrong necessarily, {PlayerName}, but remember that part of the reason her position is in danger is because of your relationship with her.","39":"It has to be something else in addition to that.","40":"Yes, true... but that's just a very small part of it. It's not an explanation for why she's fighting for her position.","41":"We don't know much about the Brotherhood, but we know a few things.","42":"One: Valerie is in danger of being replaced by Professor Rogham.[pause] Two: the most ruthless person becomes President.","43":"Three: any member of the Brotherhood can challenge the sitting President if they believe they're a better reflection of the Brotherhood's values.","44":"It is in Valerie's best interest for her replacement to understand and embody the values of the Brotherhood, or... she risks having them replaced in turn.","45":"Even if she wants to lose, she [i]has[\/i] to fight like she means it, or she puts her replacement in a precarious position to be usurped by Valerie's adversary:","46":"[i]Mr. Rogham.","47":"Wow... that made... [i]a lot of sense.[\/i] I don't know why I'm surprised... of course {Leah} can put things together quick.","48":"I guess I'm just impressed...","49":"The whole room becomes a host of ghostly whispers as they discuss what was said.","50":"Well... uh... that was clever.","51":"Ha! What is this? This is [i]unbelievably stupid![\/i] Professor Rogham and I only became enemies [i]recently[\/i]. Without him, your argument makes no sense!","52":"If you were correct, I would have to have been planning this from the beginning, when {PlayerName} first came. But why would I look for a replacement when I'm not under threat?","53":"True. But that's where your emotions come into play.","54":"Emotions? Give me a break. I'm a psychopath. I don't have emotions like guilt or empathy. I feel [i]nothing[\/i].","55":"Yes, that's what you'd like us to believe, but we'll address that later.","56":"Valerie visibly clenches her jaw. We've gotten to her...","57":"Professor Rogham is only the reason you're fighting [i]right now[\/i]. If he weren't here, then you probably would just give up your Presidency to {PlayerName}.","58":"You gave it away yourself: you said that if what I'm saying is true, you would have been planning this from the very beginning.","59":"But there's a critical piece of evidence that shows you [i]have[\/i] been planning this from the beginning. That you [i]were[\/i] preparing {PlayerName} since before Rogham was a threat.","60":"What evidence could that be? This should be rich.","61":"There was an incident that I'm surprised you didn't mention, Valerie.","62":"There were a lot of incidents I didn't mention.","63":"Yes... but there was one in particular. You remember, don't you, {PlayerName}?","64":"An incident... that would prove that Valerie was preparing me from the beginning...","65":"...a few things come to mind... but which?","66":"The meeting where Valerie told me about Silent1.","67":"The Halloween party.","68":"The confrontation at Stan's house.","69":"The meeting where Valerie told me about Silent1.","70":"That's an excellent point, and one I didn't think of, but yes, that's right.","71":"I was actually thinking of the Halloween party, though.","72":"I remember. Silent1... who was secretly Valerie... offered me a choice...","73":"...who I wanted to save... {Leah} or Emily...","74":"The Halloween party.","75":"Yes. That's what I was thinking of.","76":"The confrontation at Stan's house.","77":"Yes, that does show that Valerie was trying to get you into the Fraternity, but it was pretty late, wasn't it?","78":"What I was thinking of was... [i]the Halloween party.","79":"Ah, yes. I remember that. That was the party where I choked {PlayerName} nearly to death.","80":"What [i]preparation[\/i] I did. Better than boot camp.","81":"Yes, and do you remember what happened afterward?","82":"Oh, yes. {PlayerName} sold you out to the cops to save his old squeeze. That was quite satisfying.","83":"It was too bad I couldn't get Emily too, but she'd fuck herself over later.","84":"By the way... I wonder what's going to happen after this meeting... and the DA under the mayor's orders finally issues a warrant for {Leah}?","85":"I glance into the crowd. There... unmasked... [i]is the fucking mayor.","86":"Goddamn...","87":"It was awfully touching to see {PlayerName} sacrifice his ex-girlfriend for you.","88":"To be honest... Emily was always a bit annoying anyway. She'll probably find someone in prison who'll match her social skills.","89":"Yes, {PlayerName} chickened out. Disappointing. He tried to be a hero and then he ended up not being able to save either of you.","90":"A little greedy, if I say so myself.","91":"By the way... I wonder what's going to happen after this meeting... and the DA under the mayor's orders finally issues a warrant out for {Leah}?","92":"I glance into the crowd. There... unmasked... [i]is the fucking mayor[\/i].","93":"Goddamn...","94":"Not just that... you offered {PlayerName} a choice. A choice between me and Emily. [i]Why?[\/i]","95":"Because I was interested in recruiting him, that's why. You already know that.","96":"But if you wanted to do that, it wasn't necessary to set up such an elaborate scenario.","97":"That scenario you set up wasn't for {PlayerName}'s recruitment, it was for his [i]education.[\/i] He wasn't up for recruitment. He was [i]already a member.[\/i]","98":"Tch...","99":"No... you wanted to demonstrate to {PlayerName} the philosophy of the Brotherhood... by hardening his heart... by [i]putting him through what you went through.","100":"[i]What I went through?[\/i] Ridiculous. What did I go through?","101":"Does [i]tough choices about people you love[\/i] ring a bell? But we'll get to that.","102":"The point is, this was all [i]before[\/i] Professor Rogham started agitating against you, and not [i]after.","103":"Thus... you planned for {PlayerName} to be your replacement all along.","104":"Insane!","105":"That isn't the only thing. Your actions only make sense in the context of you wanting me to be the President of the Fraternity.","106":"How many times did you say I should've been your replacement for class president?","107":"How many times did you say I was your protege? You even gave me a voice box implant, probably to prepare me for this very debate!","108":"Through Genevieve, you even [i]told[\/i] me I should be prepared for a debate.","109":"And remember that time you asked me into your office? You told me I should search for Silent1... practically [i]encouraged[\/i] me. You [i]wanted[\/i] me to find you.","110":"You put me on this path from the very beginning!","111":"Valerie stares straight ahead... nostrils flaring.","112":"Her skin flushes a beet red... and beads of sweat form on her forehead.","0":"The chamber is a silent orchestra. Valerie scans around the room, taking stock of the crowd.","113":"She has never looked this vulnerable...","1":"Let us directly address the obvious:","114":"Is this true, Master? Should I be trying to argue for {PlayerName} to be President?","2":"...this idea, that I'm grooming {PlayerName} to take my position as President... is [i]absurd.[\/i]","115":"Absolutely not.","3":"Take note of how [i]desperate[\/i] one has to be to try and make that case. How little faith they have in their arguments that they're now resting on unsupported conspiracies.","116":"There is no... [i]no[\/i] direct evidence [i]at all[\/i] that I was grooming {PlayerName} to become the president.","4":"There is NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING, to indicate that this is true. What single word have I said, or action that I've taken, that would indicate this at all?","117":"That is insane to even consider.","5":"I'm here, aren't I? Defending my position. If you were right, [i]I'd just give up right now.[\/i] You are challenging me for President. My mission is accomplished.","118":"Do you think I betrayed my father for no reason? Why would I give this up when I had to give [i]him[\/i] up?","6":"But that won't happen, because I'm not about to give myself up. Not to [i]Professor Rogham[\/i], to [i]{PlayerName}[\/i], nor to [i]anyone else[\/i].","119":"My ambition has cost people their lives, and it will cost more lives in the end. I'm [i]never[\/i] going to give up power.","7":"Val makes a good point, {PlayerName}. If you think she wants you to be the big cheese, she can just do it.","120":"But alright. Let's pretend what you say is true. Let's pretend that I just want to sell myself out.","8":"That she hasn't yet is proof she doesn't want you to be President.","121":"The core of the issue is this: [i]My actions have been far crueler than yours[\/i].","9":"If you hate Valerie so much, why do you defend her?","122":"There's simply no way you can argue that you are more ruthless than me. It is laughable.","123":"I think... it is now time. We are getting down to the wire here. Time to close this pincer.","124":"That you want me to replace you is just a point in our argument. And it is true... even the best interpretation of your actions seem to be beyond what {Leah} and I are capable of.","125":"But... this is a trick.","126":"A trick?","127":"{Leah} and I believe... you are secretly...","128":"...[i]a good person.","129":"You will have to make a much more compelling case than simply declaring it loudly.","130":"Indeed. We have just the means to do that.","131":"Yes... let's talk a little about [i]your father..."},"ch17__17.35 surprise witness.vne3":{"10":"Yes. That is pretty much all there is to say about that.","11":"And these actions are what drew the Brotherhood to [i]you[\/i]... and not the other way around.","12":"That's right. They were impressed with my precociousness.","13":"Yes, and there are good reasons why [i]any[\/i] educational program would want you, even secret ones. According to every standardized measure of intelligence, you're exceptional.","14":"What was your measured IQ? 144?","15":"Maybe. I've forgotten.","16":"Still... pretty exceptional results.","17":"Weren't we going to talk about my father?","18":"It is odd, even for a child as precocious as Valerie, to gain the notice of a secret organization on the scale of the Fraternity.","19":"There's another layer to this I can't even dig into right now...","20":"If things ended now, I don't think many of these motherfuckers would vote me over the president. And they'd be right to. At its core, Valerie is right:","21":"[i]Her actions have been worse than anything we've done[\/i].","22":"However, that doesn't matter. All that matter is motive. I knew it would come down to this...","23":"That's a very sweet story of you betraying your father. Very cute.","24":"It's too bad...","25":"...you're lying.","26":"Fuck you. It's well documented.","27":"I ratted out on my dad, and sent him to jail.","28":"All I needed was to bat my little eyes and convince everyone how precious little Balenka never meant to hurt anyone...","29":"...and it was her nasty daddy who made her do it all.","30":"Yep... this is the one place in the world where ruthless betrayal gets you points. And you'd have every incentive to inflate your actions. However...","31":"...when those lies are to [i]protect[\/i] someone, you aren't really showing anyone how ruthless you are. You're demonstrating the opposite.","32":"You talk a bunch of bullshit, don't you? I'm not the one lying, and if I was, it definitely wouldn't be to protect someone.","33":"I didn't say [i]you[\/i] were lying.","34":"...Excuse me?","35":"You didn't lie. Your conviction wasn't based on your testimony... [i]it was your dad's[\/i].","36":"Why don't you come out explain, Amiran?","37":"The doors wheeze open... and there is a thunder peal of a whole audience chamber turning their heads.","38":"This is it...","39":"That look on Valerie's face... just like out in that field...","40":"It feels like years ago. Not long after, Valerie smacked me in the back of the head... and revealed her true self.","41":"Mr. Amiran, please come here.","42":"He looks mildly confused that I can talk... but I suppose there's so much going on that it just gets lost in everything else.","43":"Amiran takes the stand opposite Valerie. The moment is indescribable. So many conflicting emotions... it's a wonder how either of them can function.","44":"God, it even hurts [i]me[\/i] to see them meet each other in the eye.","45":"In Amiran's eyes, sadness...","46":"...in Valerie's... [i]fear[\/i].","47":"I have to wonder why she's so frightened of him. He is a figure walking straight out from her past. Does she see him an avenging revenant?","48":"No, she's not scared of him [i]hurting[\/i] her, or taking justice.","49":"It's something entirely different.","50":"Amiran scans the room carefully. He meets me in the eyes, and then Valerie's.","51":"We'd trained Amiran what to say. I should be able to follow every last word...","52":"*Ahem*","53":"He begins.","54":"My daughter...","55":"...my daughter Balenka...","56":"...my daughter Balenka... betrayed me to the police.","57":"He's... [i]going off script![\/i]","58":"This... [i]was not what we had planned[\/i].","59":"She is... ruthless... cruel... corrupted...","60":"...and she always has been.","61":"So... Amiran betrays [i]us[\/i] at the last second. He knew from the start what kind of person wins this debate.","62":"He flinches with every cruel word he says. His strings of adjectives ring hollow. He's desperate!","63":"I shouldn't have been surprised, knowing the lengths this man would go...","64":"This is going to be harder than we thought.","65":"I... didn't want this to happen...","66":"He seemed so... [i]earnest...[\/i]","67":"...But no matter what crimes Valerie has done... I forgive her.","68":"I know she... she has a... a... [i]dark soul,[\/i] but she's still my daughter.","69":"I beg you to keep her as the President of the Silent Brotherhood.","70":"[size,0.5]...Daddy...","71":"You bring embarrassment to this hall. Stop grovelling.","72":"Can we get this vote over with? We're wasting time. There's going to be a [i]second debate[\/i] which I'll easily win.","73":"You'll get your turn, shriveldick.","74":"It is surprising to see my father here... [i]defending me[\/i] of all things, but it wasn't even necessary.","75":"Honestly it's a just tiny little ornament to my case. A little ball on the Christmas tree.","76":"Take him away.","77":"He's not done.","78":"He [i]sounded[\/i] done. He's not a Brotherhood member. He shouldn't even be here.","79":"What, and Buttsnack is?","80":"Yeah... my question too! Can we debate why I'm here now?","81":"You're here because you'll die if I lose.","82":"Y-y-yeah...","83":"You're lucky, Buttsnack. I'm about to wrap this up. You appear to be safe.","84":"Unfortunately, he's not safe.","85":"I have more evidence.","86":"In my favor? Yes please. Go on. Make my case for me.","87":"She has no idea what's about to happen...","0":"I suppose everyone thinks I'm on the back foot. That all the drama that would happen... has already.","1":"It hasn't even started yet.","2":"My father is ancient history. Out of my life completely. He does not matter except that I sacrificed him to get [i]here[\/i].","3":"You'd better make this quick. You'll only end up making my argument for me.","4":"Sure. Let's get started. Let's review what we already know about Amiran and your relationship.","5":"We know when you arrived in the United States from Ketyristan, your dad started a rug-cleaning business.","6":"In the course of that business, his competitors started to burn down mysteriously. Someone even died from one of the fires.","7":"Soon, the police found evidence that connected [i]you[\/i] to the fires.","8":"Instead of taking responsibility for the fires, you told the police that you were only burning down businesses under your father's orders.","9":"Is that correct?"},"ch17__17.40 the face.vne3":{"3":"I don't know. How much have you got in your pocket?","4":"Hmm... let me see... I got five fingers. Is that enough?","5":"What's the going rate for one of your fingers? Like... three, four bucks?","6":"I'll have you know they're a hot commodity.","7":"[i]Doubtful.[\/i]","8":"But luckily, I have a five-finger discount promo. So I'll give it this once.","9":"{Leah} turns to insert the thumbdrive into the computer. Suddenly, I ask:","10":"I have to ask...","11":"...was it worth the price we paid?","12":"Worth the price? Oh...","13":"...you mean Emily and Iris.","14":"{Leah} thinks for a moment, her face going grim.","15":"It's so hard to say.","16":"...if Amiran is correct about the debate, I mean. It could be critical evidence.","17":"But first... I need to preface it. Do you remember what I told you about Valerie? And the piece of evidence... that wasn't really evidence?","18":"Yeah. Of course. I get frustrated because you won't tell me.","19":"How can a piece of evidence cause you to suspect her, but at the same time not be important enough to bring it up?","20":"So many more questions than answers...","21":"The reason I didn't tell you... was to protect Valerie's privacy.","22":"Something that Valerie respects. She's all about privacy.","23":"But [i]I[\/i] care about privacy. If someone brings you into their confidence, you don't break it. It's professional: doctor-patient confidentiality, lawyer-client... journalist-source.","24":"Just because Valerie breaks her word doesn't mean I have to.","25":"Yes, but why bring this up now? Are you going to tell me Valerie's secret or not?","26":"Well... I'm explaining to you why I didn't tell you her secret... and why I'm about to now.","27":"Okay... I have to admit... I'm desperately curious. This is something I've wanted to know for a while.","28":"I've waited for so long... I can wait just a little longer.","29":"I was only going to share what I knew... if I thought it might become relevant. Well... I'm starting to think it is.","30":"You know what a psychopath is, right?","31":"If you're about to tell me that Valerie is a clinical psycho, I already know.","32":"No. Actually... it's the opposite. I know for a fact that Valerie isn't a psychopath.","33":"We know she takes anxiety meds. But... I don't know how you get to be the way she is without being a psycho.","34":"Obviously. But a manifestation of fear [i]can be[\/i].","35":"Manifestation? It's like she's talking about a ghost...","36":"Let me start from the beginning...","37":"It was after I had been caught in the principal's office. Do you remember?","38":"You told me I should stop by the student council room... to comfort Valerie...","39":"To tell her that I was going to keep what I learned about her to myself.","40":"Anyway... when I opened the door of the student council room...","41":"...I looked at Valerie and saw...","42":"...[i]The Face[\/i].","43":"[i]The face[\/i]?","44":"There's such emphasis in her voice... it's like she's talking about a supernatural entity, not an expression.","45":"I know how it sounds: but this wasn't an ordinary face.","46":"That was the saddest face I've ever seen in my life. So sad it is [i]burned[\/i] into my mind.","47":"So... Valerie made a creepy face. That was it? That was what I've been so curious about?","48":"It is... a bit of a let down. {Leah} even cautioned me from reading too much into it. And now I see why.","49":"That does seem circumstantial. That's what made you think Valerie was Silent1?","50":"No. It's what gave me the first [i]hunch[\/i].","51":"Right...","52":"I can tell you're not taking this seriously, but I promise you it's more than a hunch. If you had seen The Face, you'd understand.","53":"That's it?","54":"Well... no. Valerie also said something...","55":"She told me...","56":"''If you tell {PlayerName}, I'll kill you!''","57":"What did you say back?","58":"Simply that I wouldn't say.","59":"So... I don't understand. How is this relevant now?","60":"Okay... I'd better explain. Sometimes you can just [i]see someone completely[\/i] with just a single expression.","61":"When they're in private, they're not expecting anyone, and they don't need to put up a front. Sometimes you get a glimpse of who someone [i]really is.[\/i]","62":"So you're telling me you got a glimpse into Valerie's rotten soul.","63":"''Rotten...''","64":"{Leah} sighs.","65":"I wouldn't describe it like that. Do you understand why she was making that face?","66":"Because at that point, [i]she knew[\/i] I found out her background... that she was a refugee, that her father was imprisoned, that she was in some weird witness program...","67":"...that past runs deep. And yeah, it's changing who she is. But it's not [i]rotting[\/i] her from the inside out.","68":"A better way to put it is...[pause] she's being [i]tortured[\/i].","69":"I would not want to be Valerie. But... maybe you can see for yourself.","70":"Are you telling me that the thumbdrive shows Valerie making The Face?","71":"No. But something nearly as valuable.","72":"What it shows... is Valerie's [i]true self[\/i].","73":"In an interrogation tape? I don't know {Leah}... people being interrogated for crimes are not known for becoming more honest...","74":"Maybe. Just take a look, won't you?","75":"I promise it will be interesting.","76":"With a flourish, she inserts the thumbdrive into the TV...","0":"A few days ago...","1":"A thumbdrive is pinched between {Leah}'s fingers. I stare at it with wonder.","2":"Are you going to show me what's on the tape?"},"ch17__17.45 the interrogation.vne3":{"10":"Go on... this [i]final piece of evidence.[\/i] I'm desperate to see it.","11":"Does she know what we have? If she knew what we had on tape, she'd be doing anything she could to stop us.","12":"She did a lot to keep us from getting that briefcase... but maybe she doesn't remember when the video was taken, when it was recorded...","13":"Come on. Pretty please.","14":"{Leah} turns to the audience.","15":"We have evidence... something that will show the truth about Valerie, once and for all. But... it's on my cellphone.","16":"In order to show you... you'll need to give us something to display it on... so that everyone can see.","17":"OBJECTION!","18":"Order to dismiss! They got nothing!","19":"They're just biding their time.","20":"You need something to display it on...","21":"Is this a video of some kind?","22":"Yes.","23":"A video...","24":"Valerie gasps.","25":"Uh... it's... uh...","26":"...it's unfortunate that this isn't a movie theater. Besides, cellphones aren't allowed during the debate.","27":"We'll have someone take that off you...","28":"There's no rule against having a cellphone during the debate.","29":"I, for one, would like to see [i]the real Valerie[\/i].","30":"I'm the President, and I decide what is allowed during the debate and what is not.","31":"You overstep your bounds, leech. There are bylaws you can't simply override. Traditions that don't die just because you don't like them.","32":"Physical evidence was allowed during the debate and you will [i]not[\/i] change that.","33":"Ah...","34":"Valerie glances in my direction.","35":"...Where did you get this video? Was it from my records?","36":"It isn't your business. You'll know where we got it once you see it.","37":"Valerie scans the room... her eyes linger on her father, on Rogham... and on me.","38":"I... I...","39":"Uh...","40":"This indecision is not becoming of the President of the Brotherhood.","41":"...I'm... not having my debate with [i]you[\/i], Professor, so keep your mouth shut.","42":"As for you...","43":"...we have no means of playing videos, so it looks like you'll just have to make without.","44":"What on earth are you talking about?","45":"We are in the town hall. Of course there is audio-visual equipment. We only need to have someone go fetch it.","46":"I told you to be silent!","47":"Besides, who knows where the equipment is, or whether it will even be compatible? It will take too long for something that is probably meaningless.","48":"Yeah. Way too long!","49":"What say the Brotherhood? Do you have a booked evening? Are you too busy to watch this evidence?","50":"You're on thin ice, Rogham.","51":"But Rogham had swung the brotherhood to our favor. They [i]anticipated[\/i] whatever was on the video.","52":"Whatever is on the tape doesn't matter. Please... trust my word, there is no need to dig further!","53":"Fool. Your pleas just make everyone want to look more. You would have done your daughter more service by shutting up.","54":"Someone go fetch the television.","55":"A couple members of the Brotherhood duck out. We are left in the chamber... a silence falling between us all.","56":"Valerie's face looks like a latex cast, stubbornly expressionless. If you tried to manipulate it, it would simply snap back into position.","57":"I take this minute to gather myself... to pause... to massage my unpracticed throat.","58":"Does it hurt?","59":"A little. It feels scratchy... like after running on a cold day.","60":"How long can you hold out for?","61":"It isn't like that. I'm going to keep going on this until I can't go any further.","62":"If I have to cough blood, I'll do this.","63":"That's good to hear. That you're determined, not that you'll cough up blood.","64":"I smile at her. It is cut off when I meet eyes with Rogham.","65":"[i]Even if I win... Rogham is immediately going to challenge me for president. How the fuck do I stop that?","66":"[i]Maybe[\/i] I can prove I'm more ruthless than Valerie. Professor Rogham?","67":"There simply isn't a way... [i]I didn't even consider that[\/i].","68":"What exactly is my plan? Judging from {Leah}'s grave expression... she's having the same misgivings. Now that victory might be in sight... we're finally looking past that and seeing the dead end ahead.","69":"[i]Dead end[\/i] is right. When Valerie is kicked out, and Rogham defeats us... he's not going to simply leave us be.","70":"He will use the permanent, brutal methods that he always favored from the beginning to keep us quiet.","71":"I think we've made an enormous mistake.","72":"What do you mean?","73":"We're about to effectively replace Valerie with Rogham. Do you know what that means? How can we possibly defeat him?","74":"Well...","75":"{Leah} thinks further on it... weighing pros and cons in her head.","76":"...I...","77":"...I'm not sure...","78":"I was banking on your insane thinking skills. Your strokes of genius.","79":"I'm thinking hard about it... there is no way we can defeat Professor Rogham in a debate. We have no evidence against him.","80":"So... we're fucked.","81":"Listen... it's still worth it to fight. If we throw the debate now... all we'd be doing is setting Valerie to lose against Professor Rogham instead of us.","82":"We've revealed too many compromising secrets about Valerie.","83":"I take a breath.","84":"I hate it... but she's right. We can't just throw the debate now. All paths lead to Professor Rogham becoming the President, whether we win or lose.","85":"The best we can hope for is that {Leah} swings the [i]wildest[\/i], off-the-wall, lateral thinking home run possible. That may be a thin hope...","86":"...it is still hope.","87":"Then, the door swings open. The wheels of a dolly squeak under the weight of a massive television.","88":"Do what you need to.","89":"Okay... let's put Valerie to bed.","90":"I head toward the cultists and take the television from them.","91":"Sufficient for your needs?","92":"I OBJECT! On the grounds that this is just some trick!","93":"It is sufficient.","94":"Pretty standard equipment. It has all the ports I need.","95":"Great. Now... let's complete this.","96":"What exactly is on the video? I feel I have a right to know.","97":"Everyone is about to find out.","98":"This... this is wrong...","99":"Please... {PlayerName}... think about what you're doing...","100":"I have. I'm sorry, Val.","101":"No... [i]no...[\/i]","102":"I hook {Leah}'s cell up to the television.","103":"All you need is to press [i]play[\/i].","104":"Okay.","105":"She gives me one last nod, before she turns to the audience.","106":"*Ahem* What you're about to see is [i]Valerie's true character[\/i].","107":"After viewing this, I'm sure you'll see that not only is Valerie not qualified to the President of the Brotherhood...[pause] [i]she's not even qualified to be a member.","108":"{Leah}! Please no...","109":"To {Leah}'s credit, she does flash Valerie a small, sad smile as she presses play.","110":"The video blares in the dark secret chamber of the Fraternity.","111":"Everyone winces as they adjust to the light, tune their ears to the sound of the television.","112":"It is... [i]Valerie's interrogation.","0":"I didn't think we'd have to do this. I thought Amiran's cooperation was assured.","113":"Tell us why you did this. A man is dead!","1":"That was my stupidity. This was predictable. After all...","114":"It was your father that told you to do it, didn't he?","2":"...there is nothing Amiran cares about more than his Balenka. She's his daughter after all.","115":"He used you to burn down his competitor's businesses.","3":"It's both fortunate and unfortunate it came down to this. I truly thought that Amiran would cooperate.","116":"If you just tell us exactly what your daddy told you to do, we can help you. You don't have to go to a strange school...","4":"By pure habit, I start to sign secretly to {Leah}.","117":"...you can be set up in a nice program!","5":"Please tell me you have the video.","118":"Don't be shy now! Just tell us!","6":"I do, but...","119":"The audience watches the tape... their face going through stages of emotion...","7":"This just presents another complication. How are we going to [i]show[\/i] the video?","120":"Shock... confusion...","8":"It's on my phone. I can't just hold it up and expect everyone to watch it.","121":"...then cold, bitter silence.","9":"Debate prep time is over. Whatever you're whispering to each other, you can share it with the rest of us.","122":"The video goes on for a while in the same tone... and during the whole time...","123":"[i]Valerie stays completely quiet.","124":"What's wrong, girl? You know you can tell us anything.","125":"Your father struggled, didn't he? His business wasn't doing well. He had every reasons to get rid of his competitors.","126":"We know you didn't start the fires on your own, Balenka.","127":"Did your father give you the fuel to use? The lighter? What instructions did he give?","128":"If he threatened you, we can protect you...","129":"Enough of this!","130":"This is a travesty. We've all fallen for a ruse this whole time.","131":"Valerie has no understanding of the Self. She has been acting this entire time.","132":"Did you not say you betrayed your father?","133":"Was that not the proof of your Enlightenment?","134":"I knew you were too weak to be the President of the Brotherhood...","135":"...but I had no idea that you weren't even [i]membership[\/i] material!","136":"Stop sulking, girl! Cast your robes aside and leave these halls immediately...","137":"Do that, or fix the mistake you made! You were supposed to have ended your father's life...","138":"...so do it [i]now![\/i] In front of all of us!","139":"End your father!","140":"[i]End him...?[\/i]"},"ch17__17.50 you are the bad guy.vne3":{"10":"I want to turn away... but I can't. My eyes are fastened to the horror like they're raggedly stitched to a photograph.","11":"I can't even force myself to blink...","12":"Jesus Valerie, [i]I'm sorry.[\/i] You may be my enemy... but...","13":"...damn... [i]I feel like I forced you into this...","14":"But no. That's not true. Valerie chose this. She never had to obey.","15":"She could just walk away. And I wonder... why isn't she?","16":"What compels Amiran just to kneel and wait to die in silence?","17":"[i]Balenka...[\/i] it is alright. I do not blame you for this.","18":"I am grateful to God I could lay eyes on you again.","19":"I would give my life a million times over for yours, and I know now that is the reason I came to this city. But I didn't know that until now.","20":"I did not come to join your life... to be a father to you again...","21":"...I came because I made a mistake that I must rectify.","22":"Do you remember? I used to say to you, ''We must live good lives, to honor the sacrifice the rest of the family gave to bring us here.''","23":"You must remember it. I said it to you many times. I told you... we had to succeed... or their deaths would mean nothing.","24":"This... this was my mistake.","25":"You do not have to live life for them. You only...","26":"...have to live life for yourself. And do what makes you happy.","27":"That is all I came to say to you. Be free, my girl.","28":"Be happy.","29":"What's happening? Something is shedding off of Valerie's face... like a veil that was over her head is being blown by the wind.","30":"...I've never seen her like this. And... it seems insane that Valerie is even capable of it.","31":"D-d-d-d...","32":"...ddddaddy...","33":"DAAAAADDDDDYYYY!","34":"So... this is it... this was what {Leah} was talking about.","35":"This was... [i]The Face[\/i]...","36":"I've never seen anything like it before, and I'll never see anything like it from now on.","37":"This is what Valerie has been holding in. [i]This is her true self.","38":"NO! DADDY! I'M SCARED!","39":"WHERE'S MAMA! WHERE'S MAMA!","40":"I'M SOOOO SCAAAAARED! WHY? WHY?","41":"THEY'RE ALL GONE BECAUSE OF MEEEEeee...","42":"That is not true Balenka. You did nothing wrong.","43":"I'M SORRY! SORRY!","44":"I have been waiting for you to cry again for ten years. You never had to hold it in.","45":"You never have to be brave in front of me, my child.","46":"What IS THIS?","47":"What is this embarrassing display of [i]weakness[\/i]! You are defiling this temple to glory with your tears!","48":"I will NOT let this institution fall into the hands of [i]mewlers[\/i].","49":"It is quite clear who won this debate! And who I need to defeat!","50":"{PlayerName}, I invoke my right as a member of this Order to challenge you for the right to be President!","51":"Shit... [i]no...","52":"It was all for nothing... there's no way I can defeat Rogham...","53":"It is just as {Leah} said... in any debate to see who represents the ideals of the Brotherhood, it is clearly Rogham!","54":"So... [i]what could be done?[\/i]","55":"Wait... wait one second.","56":"[i]What am I this very moment?","57":"[i]I've defeated Valerie, what does that make me?","58":"[i]It makes me the President of the Brotherhood of Silence.","59":"It makes me [i]the bad guy...","60":"I am not the hero. [i]I'm the villain.","61":"I'll do anything for power.","62":"Valerie saw one thing in me... that I had nearly lost in myself. Something I tried to push away.","63":"She was right about one thing about me:","64":"[i]I really am ambitious.[\/i] I'll do things for power.","65":"And yeah, I really am capable of evil. Even if it is for a good reason.","66":"I know now what I must do.","67":"If there was any other way to do this, I would pick it.","68":"But this could only be solved through violence.","69":"Really? Wha- what's that?","70":"So... t-the debate tactic of fools. When you can't win an argument, use force.","71":"Our bylaws are clear: no weapons, so put that thing down [i]right now[\/i]!","72":"{PlayerName}!","73":"Enough!","74":"Huh.","75":"No...[pause] guilt?","76":"I'm here to give you all what you fucking wanted:","77":"[i]The most ruthless, selfish, psychopathic President[\/i] ever in the history of the Brotherhood of Silence.","78":"Congratulations. You have it now. And I mean to put the Brotherhood's philosophy into practice starting [i]right here[\/i].","79":"Does anyone else object to my Presidency?[pause] Come on, don't be shy. Who's next after Rogham?","80":"Since there are no objections: I am now the President of the Brotherhood of Silence.","81":"I've got one thing to say about that: your former President, Valerie, was ruthless, deceptive, cruel, and above all, [i]selfless.","82":"The fact she hurt people... said jack shit about what she [i]understood.","83":"And what? Did you think I was selfless this entire time?","84":"Fuck no. [i]I was bored as fuck in that IT lab.[\/i] I wasn't doing this for the good of all...","85":"[i]I was doing this because it was interesting.","86":"You can do evil things for love, as Valerie did... and you can do good things for your own reasons.","87":"So... the whole philosophy of the Brotherhood is total bullshit, and Valerie was living proof of that.","88":"Seeing as the Brotherhood's philosophy is obviously wrong, there's no point in maintaining this institution.","89":"And... it doesn't serve [i]my[\/i] purposes that we have a sociopath club, hurting me and my friends...","90":"Thus, my first act as President:[pause] I hereby disband the Brotherhood of Silence. There will be no more meetings. Your creepy cult robes and masks can be discarded.","91":"Go live your lives like normal fucking people and don't cosplay as villains.","92":"Now... is anyone going to share Mr. Glock their objections? No?","93":"Then...","94":"...the Brotherhood is no more!","95":"GO HOME.","96":"And yet... maybe it could...","97":"Do I really want to get rid of the Fraternity? With all of the tendrils it has out into the world of power?","98":"I could keep using it...","99":"It doesn't have to be someone else's band of psychos. It can be [i]my band of psychos[\/i].","100":"And I have full confidence in myself to keep them under heel.","101":"If I do it... {Leah} will not like it... it is doubtful she'll ever forgive me...","102":"Yet it remains: this is my one shot at true power... far beyond what I'm capable of.","103":"With RECENTLY at my fingertips... [i]I could rule the world...","104":"[i]Should I take it?","105":"Dissolve the Brotherhood.","106":"Rule.","0":"[i]End him?[\/i] What does that mean?","1":"To get into the Fraternity, you need to end a life. But how much life does Amiran even have left?","2":"What more could you take?","3":"And then... Valerie gives me as clear an answer as I can imagine.","4":"There are no words. Valerie's feet rise and fall in a rhythmic, steady pattern.","5":"Her footsteps sound like the steps of a ghost in a mausoleum.","6":"Across... Amiran watches his daughter with no judgement or fear in his eyes.","7":"He obeys without a word.","8":"[i]I've never seen someone die before...","9":"And... definitely not like this..."},"ch17__17.55 the final arson.vne3":{"10":"If we don't destroy that, the Brotherhood will just come back.","11":"Of course... it isn't over yet... I'm getting ahead of myself.","12":"Thank you... for refocusing me.","13":"I nod.","14":"Wow! Great job you did there! Man, that was an inspiring speech.","15":"Did you switch outfits? You were all dressed up and looking sharp earlier...","16":"Hey, we shouldn't be judging people by their clothes dude.","17":"But now you even smell kinda off.","18":"Oh, yeah, I keep my best outfit in my bag; it's always with me. These clothes are way more comfortable, and I feel way better like this. My natural scent is awesome!","19":"But hey, let me tell you, man...","20":"I wanted to elect you myself. {PlayerName} for President!","21":"Man... all I wanted to do what get into Sam's pants. I got a massive boner for Asians.","22":"[i]Joey...","23":"If you told me, Buttsnack, that my interracial porn fetish would lead me to here...","24":"...I'd be very surprised. Which I am. I'm telling you I'm really surprised to be here.","25":"What's the story? Why are you here?","26":"I didn't want to be here. I was just minding my own business selling candy to minors when Valerie rolls up with a bunch of weirdos!","27":"Did I know what she wanted? No! Was I going to get in the car? Yes!","28":"Did she threaten you?","29":"No! There was a 0.1% chance of sex and I was gonna take it!","30":"When I got in, I was encouraged when she told me I was now her slave...","31":"...but I quickly learned it wasn't a sexy type of slavery.","32":"So Valerie trained you up to debate me...","33":"Yeah. You were right. She really did think you were coming. She chose me because she thought I'd remind you of your failure against Sam.","34":"Listen... so cool we can catch up and all... but can I leave? Valerie did say she would kill me if we lost the debate.","35":"Before you go... do you know the layout of the headquarters? Do you know where the server room is?","36":"Yeah, this building is complicated. I passed by a place that looked like a server room. I could give you instructions.","37":"That would be fantastic.","38":"Okay...","39":"Buttsnack tells us where we can find the server room.","40":"Alright. I'm gonna leave now, before anything else happens.","41":"Yeah... I'll fuck off now.","42":"...Okay...","43":"I couldn't bring myself to say ''see you later''.","44":"I gently massage my throat. [i]The ache...[\/i]","45":"Are you okay?","46":"I answer her in sign.","47":"I'm fine. My throat hurts. I'm really not used to speaking.","48":"You were going a little hoarse, there. That was... quite an acceptance speech.","49":"Are you okay with what you did?","50":"Did what?","51":"You... you can't remember?","52":"You killed someone, {PlayerName}.","53":"You shot someone in the head.","54":"Oh. Right.","55":"If I had time to search my feelings about it... maybe I'd find something. There's just so much to do.","56":"It's not worth worrying about right now. It's not like we don't have enough to do.","57":"Speaking of which...","58":"...where are Valerie and Amiran?","59":"I take a scan around the room. We're alone in here...","60":"This is bad.","61":"It's their business. We have to stay focused.","62":"We are here to destroy RECENTLY. Let's not get distracted.","63":"Yes. Of course. You're right.","64":"Let's do one thing at a time.","65":"We weren't aware of it yet...","66":"...but someone was already ahead of us.","67":"There was so much of this place to explore, but we had to head straight to where Buttsnack guided us.","68":"I suppose this answers where Valerie went...","69":"...but what is she doing in here?","70":"The lighter? The tears?","71":"She mumbles to herself... in a quivering... broken voice...","72":"I was... I was supposed to...","73":"I was supposed to be a success... for [i]them...","74":"Please... Balenka...","75":"I'll stay in here. Let me burn up with this place.","76":"I will not let that happen. Balenka...","77":"Amiran looks up at us, without any surprise on his face.","78":"If you have no reason to be here... you should go.","79":"She knows what has to be done... she does not know what has to be done [i]with herself...","80":"Right... there is nothing I can do in this situation.","81":"Valerie's issues are too complicated to be solved with just a pep talk.","82":"Leaving really is the best thing I can do...","83":"Come on, {PlayerName}.","84":"They're probably waiting for us outside.","85":"Yes... they probably are.","0":"Like a class that has been politely dismissed, they file out of the room.","1":"I watch with awe just how obedient they are. Honestly... I was expecting someone else to challenge me.","2":"Damn... [i]my heart is racing...","3":"{PlayerName}, I can't believe you just did that.","4":"Yeah...","5":"We've won.","6":"No, we haven't.","7":"Huh?","8":"The power of this organization isn't in this room... where some dumb robed fucks played pretend.","9":"It's in the server room. With RECENTLY."},"ch17__17.60 this town hall is on fire.vne3":{"3":"All the records I could find. Here.","4":"You didn't bother to check them?","5":"I was in a hurry.","6":"Hmm... well...","7":"We'll have to see how valid this data is.","8":"For your sake I hope it is accurate.","9":"And for your sake, too. If you--","10":"No... god damn it.","11":"Are you trying to make me look stupid?","12":"Huh?","13":"You could talk all this time?","14":"Oh. No. Just now.","15":"How is that possible?","16":"This is going to be really hard to explain...","17":"It's not relevant right now. We got--","18":"It is relevant to me. How did your voice get fixed?","19":"I've seen this before.","20":"Huh?","21":"My great uncle had long-term laryngitis. One day, he started coughing and coughing, and then... this tumor came out of his throat like a ping-pong ball out of a stripper's asshole.","22":"That thing had some bounce. Hit the opposite wall before it came to rest in my gran's mashed potatoes.","23":"Damn it, it doesn't matter. I don't need to know the details of your medical problems.","24":"What happened in there? How did you get out?","25":"A lot happened. Did you see anyone leave the town hall? Any robed people with masks?","26":"Just you. Why?","27":"So they had a route in and out...","28":"The best possible outcomes would be they walked past you without their masks.","29":"That isn't my business. We'll take a look at this evidence and we'll contact you again.","30":"Are you going to uphold your end of the bargain?","31":"It depends if this is conclusive evidence...","32":"...and it depends if it satisfies Arthur. We won't know until it gets back from a lab.","33":"Hold on a second. We put our necks out for you, Max. The least you can give us is a guarantee.","34":"Your dinner with Arthur really complicated things, {PlayerName}.","35":"That's right... I fucked up at the dinner...","36":"I can only promise I'll do my best. That as far as I'll honor the agreement.","37":"I can't make any more guarantees.","38":"I'm supposed to be satisfied with that?","39":"I'll give {Leah}'s chances fifty-fifty, and those are good odds.","40":"I'm doing what I can to uphold my end of the deal, but ultimately, I'm the puppet, not the master.","41":"If the right strings are pulled, I'll dance.","42":"So... {Leah}'s going to have to live in perpetual uncertainty, then...","43":"Not good...","44":"I don't think you ever had much to worry about. Your {sheIsYour} is like Al Capone: guilty as hell but somehow manage to keep their tracks clean.","45":"{Leah} grins proudly.","46":"Anyway, this'll be useful.","47":"One part of our deal is already underway:","48":"The hospital you mentioned is being raided this very moment. If there are indeed missing people there, we'll find them.","49":"The local police has proven an obstacle at every turn. It would be no surprise if they were working with this ''fraternity'' you're obsessed with.","50":"We should go over there, {PlayerName}.","51":"Yes, let's go.","52":"As an alarm begins to sound, Toasterman suddenly starts sniffing the air.","53":"Smoke...?","54":"Fire alarm? Was that you?","55":"Is that how you escaped?","56":"No... it wasn't us.","57":"Technically, that isn't a lie. I'm surprised how straight {Leah} keeps her face.","58":"This isn't a prank. Someone did set it on fire.","59":"I'll have to deal with this.","60":"We'll head to the hospital.","61":"The blaze grows. Soon, the building is engulfed.","62":"Somewhere in there, my foray into bullet acupuncture is burning.","63":"I wonder if Valerie and Amiran got out... or if they're going to be consumed with it.","64":"That's a question for a different time.","0":"Man... I wasn't sure I'd ever leave that room.","1":"I don't think I've ever been happier to see Kestrel and Toasterman.","2":"Did you get what I needed?"},"ch17__17.65 return to the hospital.vne3":{"10":"I'll do it eventually. I just don't want to explain myself right now.","11":"{Leah} seems like she understands that too.","12":"Don't worry. I won't talk about it until you're ready. I can imagine how difficult it would be to explain.","13":"Thanks...","14":"In the distance... I spot a group of our friends.","15":"We should go join them.","16":"Yes.","17":"Well well well... of course you guys had to show up. There isn't trouble that happens around here where you two aren't present.","18":"There was a big text alert to everyone on campus. Apparently there was some kind of kidnapping operation.","19":"It's a boondoggle here. Whole town turned out.","20":"So we heard. We had to come over and see for ourselves.","21":"I thought stuff like this only happened in movies.","22":"No... they don't... unfortunately. This stuff is very real.","23":"By the way, {PlayerName}... did you put that debate prep to good use?","24":"Yes. I won the debate.","25":"Nice!","26":"Well... of course you won the debate. If you had lost... you wouldn't be standing here.","27":"Neither would anyone else, probably. I had a feeling you had a hand in this.","28":"Sorry? {PlayerName} had a hand in this?","29":"Nothing, Maggie! Ha ha! Just kidding!","30":"You don't see a massive human trafficking ring taken down every day.","31":"So... have you seen anybody yet? What's happened so far?","32":"The feds arrested a whole bunch of people... now they're taking the victims out to the ambulances.","33":"It doesn't seem like anyone was seriously hurt...","34":"Alfred has a blank expression as he stares at the hospital. He was one of my rescuers...","35":"...he already has some idea of what's in there.","36":"I wonder if he's told anyone else...","37":"Anyone want a beer?","38":"Dante? What are you doing here?","39":"I'm serving drinks, hetebro.","40":"Outside the bar?","41":"Of course! You can only serve drinks to other people, and everyone's here already.","42":"So what should I get you? I only got what I can stick in my car on short notice. I have beer, vodka, coke, gin, tequila...","43":"You got rum?","44":"Don't insult me! Of course I do.","45":"Nice. A rum and coke, please.","46":"I'll take a lager, but please, let me pay for it. Linus would also like to pay for his rum and coke.","47":"I do?","48":"What are you talking about, {PlayerName}? We're all friends--","49":"For fuck's sake, Dante, [i]charge people.[\/i] You're going to go bankrupt.","50":"Yeah... I guess old Dante should start growing up and stop giving things out for free.","51":"Five bucks will do it.","52":"Shiiiiit... you gotta do this?","53":"Still a lot cheaper than stadium drinks. I pull out a bill and hand it over.","54":"Could I also have a drink?","55":"Ah! World's Hottest Comic Store Nerd With Anger Issues! What would you like?","56":"Did you have to make it so specific?","57":"You're unique, Kristen!","58":"Kristen, you came too?","59":"Yeah. [i]Everyone is here[\/i]... where else am I going to be?","60":"Usually, I like to go against the grain, but even I won't miss an event like this.","61":"Thank fuck... [i]now[\/i] this is a par-tay! The lighting is good, but the music sucks BALLS.","62":"I want seven mojitos. SEVEN. And I'll pay you with a blowjob.","63":"Nah, I'm only accepting cash, babe.","64":"Fine. Could I pay you with cash and give you a blowjob anyway? I just want to suck someone off.","65":"That's kind of you. You know who would love to have a blowjob?","66":"Suddenly, Dante seizes Alfred by the shoulder. He turns in confusion.","67":"Fine. But I'm going to need [i]eight[\/i] mojitos for this.","68":"What is going on?","69":"I'm trying to be a nicer person. I'm going to talk to you once I finish these drinks.","70":"Oh... if you want to. I would appreciate that.","71":"I turn, and see {Leah} standing next to her mentor...","72":"...it wasn't [i]that[\/i] long ago I saved Mr. Craven at the parking garage, setting off this whole drama.","73":"What would have happened if I wasn't there?","74":"This is a rare moment, you know.","75":"That you win against the powerful?","76":"Yes. Though... now that this is over...","77":"...{Leah}... I can say I am proud of you, and I admire you. You are one of the bravest people I have ever met.","78":"I've met a lot of brave people, so this means a lot.","79":"Thanks. I couldn't have done it without you.","80":"Yes... well...","81":"...this is why it feels so awkward to say this... and I didn't want to mention it before, for fear of discouraging you.","82":"...{Leah}... you have to take my course again next semester.","83":"What? Why? But... [i]everything we did...","84":"Yes. Truly, one of the most spectacular and dramatic practicums I've ever born witness to. However...","85":"...none of what you did this semester technically counts as [i]journalism[\/i]. And you had to publish at least one major story.","86":"{Leah} stands... shocked... completely blinkered.","87":"And then... a smile.","88":"Well... I guess we'll see each other next year, then.","89":"I will not blame you for taking up something a little less ambitious. Maybe... some human interest stories. There's an animal shelter that the city council is trying to close down.","90":"{Leah}... what are you talking about? You can write an article. You've got the biggest inside scoop.","91":"Biggest inside scoop...?","92":"That's right. Something you were literally the first to know.","93":"Oh yeah...","94":"Actually Mr. Craven, if I turn in an article tonight, could I pass your course?","95":"It depends on how significant the story is.","96":"I have an [i]excellent[\/i] source on the Shale Hill Town Hall fire.","97":"Fire? I've never heard of that. How long ago was that?","98":"About that...","99":"You two...","100":"...when did you get out of jail?","101":"We were literally [i]just[\/i] released.","102":"Apparently... our dad's lawyers struck a deal.","103":"I'm glad to be out of there.","104":"...and... I'm glad Emily is out of there too.","105":"So... does this mean Arthur was satisfied with the information we gave him?","106":"Christ... I hope so. He might have as much power as the Brotherhood had. If he wants to screw people, he's quite capable of it.","107":"There are going to be changes with how our family operates. I'm not simply going to obey father from now on.","108":"First things first, I've called off the wedding with my fiance.","109":"Fuck him. You deserve so much better.","110":"Father is just one person in our family. We all should have a say. And that includes me.","111":"I do not like father's choice of mate.","112":"I think you're making the right decision.","113":"Iris gives me a prim nod.","114":"Uh... {PlayerName}...","115":"...it seems the entire world keeps throwing barriers between us. But now... I feel like we're in the clear.","116":"If you want to... we should talk after this.","117":"We were both the victims of manipulation. I'd understand... if you don't want to. We already have a lot of baggage together.","118":"Thanks, Emily. Let me get back to you about that.","119":"{PlayerName}... I've not been kind to you.","120":"I was messed up... pulled in all kinds of directions. My head is clear now.","121":"If you want to pick up where we left off... I wouldn't mind that.","122":"I give Emily a nod and a smile.","123":"I'm... not entirely sure what happens after this. But it is nice to see that Emily and I are on good terms again.","124":"I feel like I've gone through too much to hold onto petty grudges...","125":"While {Leah} talks to Mr. Craven, I take a glance around. Every face I know is here... except one.","126":"[i]Emily[\/i].","127":"I suppose... whatever I gave Kestrel... wasn't enough.","128":"There will still be time. Perhaps in the coming days she will be free.","129":"We will have to see...","130":"We have not always gotten along... but she didn't deserve what she got. She, more than any one of us, was innocent.","131":"Justice might come later, but I wish it would come sooner.","132":"Suddenly, the crowd goes silent as the doors open.","133":"Wrapped in blankets... a host of sad souls file out... worn faces I don't recognize. Were these all Valerie's victims?","134":"I watch them... hoping to catch sight of someone I know...","135":"I hate hospitals! Get me out of here!","136":"Other than her, of course.","137":"Soon... someone familiar begins to approach.","138":"STAN!","139":"Christ, Stan! Is that you?","140":"Being kidnapped for weeks, apparently has had very little affect on Stan. He seems exactly the same.","141":"Valerie claimed that Stan was dead. Heck... I even wondered if seeing Stan at the hospital was just a hallucination. But now we know Valerie's secret.","142":"Valerie was [i]hiding[\/i] people instead of [i]killing[\/i] them... lying to the Brotherhood about their fates...","143":"It is very likely only {Leah} and I will know the truth... [i]she was saving people from the Fraternity...[\/i]","144":"All that cruelty, all the badness and evil she professed... was just a mask. A mask on top of a mask on top of a mask. At that point, how would you even know what your true self is?","145":"It's me...","146":"Geez... Stan... I never got to thank you for...","147":"...my second chance...","148":"Stan nods morosely, reminding me of how depressive he is...","149":"...I wasn't going to use the money anyway, so it's not a big sacrifice to me.","150":"Stan, try and act more like you were just rescued from being kidnapped.","151":"I mean... you've been gone for a [i]long time...","152":"It's been a while. But... the world didn't need me anyway.","153":"What does it matter?","154":"Do you realize how much your wife misses you?","155":"She's probably gotten remarried.","156":"No... Stan... the only reason she isn't here is because she's in Utica staying with her family. Everyone [i]misses[\/i] you.","157":"You... you can't mean that...","158":"Wow! Stan the Man! So you really were kidnapped?","159":"What a relief!","160":"You remember my name... even though I can't remember yours...","161":"I'm Dante!","162":"Yeah... that was your name.","163":"STAN! You are okay!","164":"Happy days! Finally the Philosophy Club will return to some normalcy!","165":"I should tell you, Alfred, that I don't care about philosophy at all.","166":"Stan, you are my friend. Whether you're a member of the philosophy club or not... it hardly matters.","167":"The most important thing is you are safe.","168":"But... Stan... did you happen to see...","169":"SANDRA!","170":"...Hey... Alfred.","171":"This is fortuitous! I cannot begin to think of all the factors involved.","172":"I always believed you were alive, Sandra. Even after the 48 hour rule elapsed... I always believed you were alive!","173":"Oh. Yeah. Hey Sandra. Didn't notice you there.","174":"It's a true Philosophy Club reunion.","175":"I'm so happy to see both of you! I cannot help but do a jump for joy!","176":"I hope my knees won't pop out...","177":"Success!","178":"I'm glad to be out of that hospital...","179":"You must tell me everything that happened. Or perhaps not. It's probably insensitive to ask such questions.","180":"Sandra glances at me. She knows I had a part in this... but can't quite bring herself to ask directly.","181":"She treats me to a short nod before indulging Alfred.","182":"I nearly forgot this guy's face. And... didn't want to remember it to begin with.","183":"The one person I wish Valerie had killed.","184":"I would like to announce...","185":"...that I am now prepared to cooperate with law enforcement...","186":"...and bring attention to a terrible conspiracy that is happening in our midst. Masterminded by none other than... the Student Council President, Valerie.","187":"Or should I call her... SILENT ONE! Yes! The true identity of Silent1 is President Valerie!","188":"We got you covered, Cedric.","189":"YOU! I know you! Yes, the nonverbal one right there! He's a member of the conspiracy!","190":"Police! Arrest him! Arrest him right now! He is Valerie's associate and co-conspirator!","191":"Why is nobody listening to me! Hello?","192":"EEK! Emily!","193":"I don't need a meat thermometer to know you're done. Your freedom is going to be [i]very[\/i] short lived.","194":"Emily, what are you doing? Why are you moving toward the police?","195":"Emily? [i]Emily![\/i] I was working under duress! Believe me!","196":"Cedric wanders off... desperately looking for someone who cares.","197":"People continue to file out. Families are reunited. Everyone splits, welcoming the missing back into society.","198":"I keep watching... on my own. Soon... nobody else comes out.","199":"It's clear that everyone who can be rescued... has.","200":"So... that's that. The end of the Brotherhood of Silence.","201":"...","202":"...","203":"......","204":"...It's so quiet in my head now.","205":"...","206":"...","207":"...","208":"...What do I think about? What are normal people supposed to do?","209":"Maybe... there's still members of the Brotherhood hidden. I could go track the rest of them down... or maybe I could go into bounty hunting.","210":"Wow...","211":"...I'm...","212":"...[i]already bored...","213":"There's only one person who could know what I'm thinking.","214":"I've got two days to finish an article about the fire.","215":"So this is real life, huh.","216":"Did you blank out like I did? Trying to imagine what life is going to be like?","217":"Yes.","218":"Do you remember? At the beginning of the school year? Before all of this?","219":"We basically weren't even talking to each other anymore.","220":"{Leah} nods.","221":"Without the Brotherhood... we probably still wouldn't.","222":"I'm afraid of what that means, {Leah}. Are we just going to drift apart again?","223":"Well... in a lot of ways... we're very different people.","224":"I'm more of a rebel, you're more establishment... I can't see you going where I want to go... and I can't see myself going exactly where you want to go.","225":"Whatever happens between us... it's bound to be tempestuous and difficult.","226":"We are the best for each other... and we're also terribly dangerous to each other.","227":"I'll leave the choice to you, {PlayerName}.","228":"A choice?","229":"So... maybe that's why we have the relationship that we do. We were always meant to solve problems together.","230":"Suddenly... I hear the sound of a car coming on the scene.","231":"I glance as it arrives... and two heavy silhouettes pop out.","232":"Since when were you two best friends?","233":"[i]Now[\/i] you're back to using your phone? You're going to give me whiplash.","234":"What happened to the town hall?","235":"That was no ordinary fire. The building was completely gutted. In the building's sub-basement we discovered an elaborate underground complex.","236":"It was like a dungeon from one of those stupid fantasy games.","237":"Fire eventually got put out... but there was only one body discovered. Real charred up. Bullet was found in the skull.","238":"You know anything about that?","239":"A bullet, you say?","240":"Anyway, the body is yet to be identified. It's going to take a DNA analysis to truly ID it.","241":"More importantly, the evidence...","242":"...did Arthur accept it?","243":"It is a lot of material. We're still going through it. However...","244":"...this was why I came.","245":"So... you came because of the evidence?","246":"I've said before that I'm just a puppet. And... well... I'm being made to dance.","247":"I'm really sorry about this. I wouldn't do this if I didn't absolutely have to.","248":"Ultimately... there was just too much evidence against you.","249":"What are you saying?","250":"If you would just... put your hands behind your back, that'd make things easier.","251":"Am I under arrest?","252":"He nods.","253":"In connection to trespassing, breaking and entering, conspiracy, theft...","254":"...it is difficult to go over every charge.","255":"I clear my throat.","256":"This wasn't our deal, Max. We made a deal!","257":"I honored it as best I could, but I've got a job to do that goes beyond what I want.","258":"This might be the last time you're out in free air for while, miss. So I'll give you a few minutes to talk.","259":"I'm going to handcuff you in the meantime.","260":"No... this can't be happening. We came so far together!","261":"All the things we did... and our reckoning comes [i]now?[\/i]","262":"Why not me?","263":"I don't want to scare you... but we have to collect witness statements from you. You're suspected of arson.","264":"You're fucking with me!","265":"I clear my throat.","266":"Max, she's innocent, believe me! I know who did it!","267":"This isn't my call, {PlayerName}... and if I'm honest, I don't think you have a lot to worry about.","268":"It's likely she'll just be held overnight.","269":"Why am I not a suspect?","270":"Lack of priors.","271":"He's so matter-of-fact about it. Still... no matter what Kestrel says, my heart is wrenched open.","272":"To have come so far together, and only at the final hurdle falter...","273":"This feels so unreal. I was supposed to be prepared for this moment. {Leah} was threatened legally so many times...","274":"...and now it finally happens?","275":"Our luck really has run out...","276":"You got five minutes.","277":"Hey... I'm going to be out soon. So don't worry.","278":"You heard what they said.","279":"I don't believe them, {Leah}.","280":"Well... this is it.","281":"Uh... I guess our adventures have to wait for a while.","282":"I could've done something. Why didn't they arrest me instead?","283":"Whether I'm in for a day or forever, it doesn't matter. We've got a precedent. An example of what not to do.","284":"Do you know who I'm talking about.","285":"I do.","286":"You're talking about Val.","287":"Yeah. I am.","288":"Whatever happens, you have to live life for yourself. Don't live your life for [i]me[\/i].","289":"I promise you... I have no regrets. I would have made the exact same choices.","290":"I would not trade this experience for anything else. What we went through... is something only we could understand.","291":"That's why I'm so damn scared of you being taken away.","292":"Who could I possibly relate to?","293":"I have the same fear, {PlayerName}.","294":"I promise you one thing... I'm not going to be idle no matter how long I'm in for.","295":"So go... and make your choices without regret.","296":"Time's up.","297":"Are you kidding me? That doesn't feel like five minutes!","298":"Felt like it to me. My feet are tired.","299":"I'm the opposite, {Leah}. I would've traded everything for you.","300":"If I could've gone back in time, and wiped ourselves clean of this whole affair, I would have.","301":"This was the last thing I wanted...","302":"I'll do anything so I never have to ask...","303":"...[i]when will I see you again?","304":"I can only watch as they take {Leah} away.","305":"Now that's tough luck.","306":"It doesn't sound like she's coming back soon.","307":"Max told me it would just be a day. How am I supposed to believe that?","308":"It's a real mother of a situation. Uncertainty is the worst.","309":"Would you like this toaster?","310":"...What?","311":"I thought a toaster might cheer you up.","312":"I thought you loved that toaster...","313":"It's just a toaster. A tool. Like a pocket knife. I don't love this toaster. I can pick another one up at Goodwill for a buck.","314":"No. I don't think a toaster will help.","315":"Suit yourself.","316":"Hey Batman... I have to ask...","317":"Are you actually crazy? Or were you just pretending?","318":"Hmm... well... being deep undercover forces me to take on different personas.","319":"Could be I'm Batman pretending to be Bruce Wayne. Who wears whose costume? They kinda wear each other.","320":"It's a weird identity-ception.","321":"So you're telling me you are crazy.","322":"Hahaha! You sure are mouthy! No wonder they took your voice out.","323":"It doesn't matter, kid. But the girl gave you some good advice... just live life for yourself and try not to be as asshole.","324":"Not just because being an asshole is bad for other people, but it's bad for you too.","325":"When you're an evil shit life sucks. They're sad losers who puff out their chests. Believe me... in my former life I knew a lot of evil shits that were miserable to the man.","326":"I think I've done my evil shit quota for my life, but thanks for the advice. I'm just wondering what I should do now.","327":"To be honest... I don't really feel like doing anything...","328":"This is exactly the situation where you shouldn't be alone.","329":"Just try and be with people you care about. You must have someone in mind, right?","330":"Someone in mind?","331":"Someone special. You're too much of a pretty boy not to have someone special.","332":"And I think I know who it is...","333":"What? He knows who it is? How would he know?","334":"Yeah. It was obvious from the beginning. You don't hold any secrets from me.","335":"Your special person is...","336":"[i]...Dante!","337":"What? No! We're straight!","338":"...Well, [i]I'm straight.","339":"Don't lie to yourself. Run into Dante's open arms! He's over there. Run over there... and give him a big smooch on the lips!","340":"Hahaha! Get a taste of his cherry chapstick!","341":"Fuck you, Toasterman.","342":"Alright, I'm off. See you, kid! Don't get in trouble!","343":"I did say I didn't feel like doing anything... but that isn't true. I do want someone in my life.","344":"Who is my special person?","345":"{Leah}.\/~sprCharIcon_Leah~\/ [true]","346":"Emily. \/~sprCharIcon_Emily~\/ [true]","347":"Haley. \/~sprCharIcon_Haley~\/ [true]","348":"Maggie. \/~sprCharIcon_Maggie~\/ [true]","349":"Lidia. \/~sprCharIcon_Lidia~\/ [true]","350":"Sam. \/~sprCharIcon_Sam~\/ [true]","351":"Shit... it's Valerie. \/~sprCharIcon_Valerie~\/ [true]","352":"Nobody, for now. \/~sprCharIcon_Man~\/ [true]","353":"Despite what {Leah} asked me to do...","354":"...I think I will just wait for her to come back.","355":"Kestrel said it wouldn't be too long, right?","356":"I hope he's right...","357":"Kestrel said she's under arrest, but maybe they don't have enough evidence to actually keep her in custody for a long time.","358":"With nothing to wait around for... I head home.","359":"What cursed luck. Even now... even after all that's happened...","360":"...I still have feeling for Valerie. What an absurd thing.","361":"I can't believe myself. I don't even know where she is... or if she's alive.","362":"But... I'll wait for her. I've waited for a long time already.","363":"She is worth it.","364":"With nothing to wait around for... I head home.","365":"Maybe it's time... I learned to be alone.","366":"I have to develop something inside myself.","367":"To be my own person...","368":"Yeah... maybe my special person is just me.","369":"We'll see how life unfolds naturally.","370":"With nothing to wait around for... I head home.","371":"She's like a coat I can't stop wearing. In a lot of ways, she's similar to Valerie.","372":"They both had their own demons.","373":"I guess I can't help but be attracted to troubled women.","374":"As I look for Emily... it is she who comes toward me.","375":"I saw what happened to {Leah}.","376":"I'm... terribly sorry.","377":"Who could guess we'd be in this situation engineered by Valerie.","378":"I wanted to ask... well...","379":"...if you wanted to come home with me. It's not good to be lonely on these nights.","380":"I nod.","381":"I was about to ask you if I could.","382":"She smiles at me.","383":"I'm glad I can be the person you rely on.","384":"Come... let's head home together.","385":"Well... Sam is Sam. She's my best friend... and she's also my lover.","386":"If there's anyone who'll keep me company, it's her. Reliable to me and nothing else.","387":"So reliable, I see her right now.","388":"Those motherfuckers are taking {Leah}! I'm gonna kill them!","389":"Don't get arrested yourself, Sam.","390":"But look at what they're doing! How can I just sit by and... and [i]watch!","391":"I feel so powerless... why are they doing that?","392":"It's a long story. I've got a lot to share with you.","393":"Well... I hopped you would. I hope I'm the first person you come to for all your problems, {PlayerName}.","394":"I will do everything in my power to help you.","395":"I'll take that as an invitation.","396":"It was! So let's go!","397":"We head out... unsure what we'll do that night.","398":"Strange. I've only known Haley for so long but it seems like she's been around forever.","399":"I guess that's what happens when you're a good listener. She's not difficult to pull out of the crowd.","400":"I saw what happened. Are you okay?","401":"Not really, if I'm honest.","402":"Well... it's been a while... but I can fix you a couple of drinks at my place.","403":"I guess I miss Sevigny's... because I just put in a little tiny liquor cabinet.","404":"That sounds amazing. I'd love to come over.","405":"And I'd love to have you over.","406":"She's such a strange and unusual person. It's been amazing to see her transform these months.","407":"I can't help but want to see her character develop further. I'm sure she'll go interesting directions.","408":"Maggie runs up to me, breathless.","409":"I turned 'round, then I saw them puttin' {Leah} into a cop car. What in the world?","410":"You okay? You gotta be real upset. Mind lending me your troubles?","411":"Thanks Maggie. I'll take you up on that offer.","412":"You want to sleep over at my place?","413":"Of course darlin'. I'm wherever you need me to be.","414":"Lidia is comfort food, for sure. And she's the only person who even remotely has the same experiences I do.","415":"It's no wonder I'm drawn to her again.","416":"It's Lidia who approaches me...","417":"Did I just see them putting {Leah} into a cop car?","418":"I can't believe it. What did she do? I'm so sorry, {PlayerName}.","419":"I don't know how to deal with it now.","420":"Do you need someone?","421":"I do. I need you.","422":"Lidia flushes at that.","423":"I've never felt shy in my life until I met you.","424":"Alright. Let's go somewhere, {PlayerName}. We'll make it a night out. Don't blame yourself for whatever happened.","425":"I'm trying not to...","426":"I head towards the car with Lidia.","427":"Also, it is way too late to burst this bombshell.","428":"It might have been {Leah} all along for me, but it wasn't for her.","429":"I know {Leah} enough already... we are partners... and she's my [i]{sheIsYour}...[\/i] we simply can't be lovers.","430":"Across the way... I watch {Leah}... dreaming about what could've been...","431":"...if only I had fired my shot earlier.","432":"Is this really the time to be getting back with Emily?","433":"To be honest... it's probably an awful idea. Emily has never given me a hint she [i]really[\/i] wants me back... and we certainly have had a rocky history.","434":"But... I might as well shoot my shot.","435":"Emily smiles benevolently at me.","436":"Thanks so much for helping me and Iris. If only this were the end of our troubles.","437":"One thing is for sure: I can't ask you to take any more risks for me.","438":"You were the one who took risks for me...","439":"I took some risk, yes. And I think... that makes us even.","440":"So... we now owe each other nothing. Maybe I'm not supposed to say this... but I find it comforting.","441":"I've got a feeling you understand.","442":"Not at all... but at least I get as direct an answer as I'm going to get.","443":"With Emily and I ''even''... we aren't obligated to each other.","444":"Who was I kidding? Too much has happened. We can't just fuck and forget.","445":"It was always going to end this way... I just have to be satisfied with it going the path that it has.","446":"After spending so long with Haley, drinking together... it shouldn't have been a surprise that I'd catch feelings...","447":"...but I guess I have.","448":"She's so unreadable. I wonder if she's caught the same for me...","449":"As nerve wracking as it is, the only way I'm going to know... is if I try.","450":"She looks quietly on the scene in front of her, saying very little.","451":"When I approach, she seems mildly surprised.","452":"{PlayerName}...","453":"I wish we were sitting at a bar.","454":"And even better... on the same side. But I can't tonight.","455":"I'm normally such a night owl... this time I am pooped.","456":"Can't do much more than fall into bed.","457":"I hear you. Listen, there's something important I need to tell you...","458":"Out here? In this setting?","459":"What do you mean?","460":"Well... if you're going to share your problems this isn't exactly the most relaxing place.","461":"...She thinks I want to whine to her. Does that mean...","462":"...she doesn't look at me in that way?","463":"I guess that makes sense. I didn't really give off enough hints before.","464":"Maybe if I had...","465":"Yeah. Let's meet somewhere sometime.","466":"It is just vague enough not to be a commitment. In reality... I was just grasping for something to say.","467":"She nods politely at me... and then turns to watch the drama unfold.","468":"We both do... and we stand silently together.","469":"Why didn't I realize it sooner? The only person other than {Leah} who has the remotest chance to understand...","470":"It was Lidia all along. And now... I just have one moment to share my feelings with her.","471":"This is probably the only shot I have... with her in front of me...","472":"It would be a nice night... wouldn't it? Except for those sirens?","473":"I guess it's a nice night for people who can taste freedom...","474":"Lidia... I've been meaning to say something to you.","475":"I want to tell you that... you mean a lot to me.","476":"Oh. You do as well. You're... basically the only person who knows the full story about me.","477":"I don't think I would've gone through this without you.","478":"There's no subcontext there. She is genuinely grateful... and that is all. There are no deeper feelings.","479":"Would it be different if I have said something sooner? Who knows...","480":"It just... feels odd to have come this far... only to fail at something so simple.","481":"Of course. If you need my help... let me know.","482":"Thank you, {PlayerName}... but I want to offer [i]you[\/i] my help.","483":"First thing I'm going to do when I get my passport: [i]travel[\/i]. For a long, long time.","484":"You let me know if you want to go overseas somewhere... for fun. It's always easier with someone else.","485":"Does this mean she is open to a relationship at some point? Maybe...","486":"...the main point is... there is no room for that now.","487":"I guess it wasn't just Maggie who was shy. I never really gave her a proper hint... about what she meant to me.","488":"Now is my chance. I'll tell her exactly what I need to say.","489":"I just need the courage...","490":"Can you believe they kept all those people drugged up?","491":"It's real disturbin'. Not sure what to make of it...","492":"Maggie, there's something I need to tell you.","493":"Uh... okay...","494":"Maggie tenses up. She already senses I have something important to say.","495":"I know I haven't been open with you...","496":"Wait... stop.","497":"Huh?","498":"There's... one barrier left in my mind. One thing...","499":"...I'm not ready to hear.","500":"Please. Let's just keep things as they are. We're good friends already...","501":"...we don't need to make things so complicated.","502":"...Okay. I think she's trying to tell me...","503":"...she's not interested.","504":"I can't say I'm happy about that... but I understand it.","505":"I suppose this means... I'm starting everything from scratch.","506":"I'll leave lonely tonight, but I won't be alone forever.","507":"I... never really told Sam about how I felt... did I?","508":"It's a little late now, perhaps... but I'll regret it forever if I don't try.","509":"Sam... I'm coming.","510":"What a night, huh? It's crazy for me, I don't even know what you're going through.","511":"It's enough to make a girl question everything.","512":"It is about to get more odd.","513":"What do you mean?","514":"Sam... I...","515":"...I care about you...","516":"Well... that's good! I care about you too!","517":"Not like that. I mean... I [i]care[\/i] about you...","518":"Uh... {PlayerName}...","519":"...I think something has gotten into your head. We're [i]friends[\/i]... remember?","520":"And that's good enough for us, right?","521":"...Yeah... I guess it has to be...","522":"Shit. I had a feeling this would happen. I didn't give Sam any hint at all...","523":"You can put down an evil fraternity, but you can't force people to love you.","524":"What an ignominious end to the Brotherhood of Silence. Brought down by the weakness of its leadership.","525":"If Valerie had been the kind of person she claimed to be, then {PlayerName} and {Leah} would have been doomed.","526":"I clearly thought too highly of Valerie.","527":"I'll have to share this development with Zeta.","0":"Jump to the_choice","1":"Play scene from the beginning","2":"We arrive at the hospital... to see there was already a media circus.","3":"It seems the whole town turned out. Students, shopkeepers, streetweepers, food delivery...","4":"...fathers, mothers, sons and daughters...","5":"Everyone was here, at this exact moment, watching the drama unfold before them.","6":"{Leah}... before we head over...","7":"...I'm going to use my text-to-speech app again.","8":"I understand. Give your throat a break.","9":"It isn't just that. It would just take too long to explain to everyone that I can talk again."},"ch17__17.75 election.vne3":{"10":"Small, real steps we can all take to a better school!","11":"Let's march on this road together! I can't do it with you!","12":"This... this was a good speech.","13":"I step down off the podium, and let the crowd disperse.","14":"Sam can finally make her way up to me. In her clipboard, a mess of papers.","15":"What do you think?","16":"Well... you know...","17":"...[i]you lost points...[\/i]","18":"What do you mean I lost points? My speech did great!","19":"I had solid points, I was on message, and it was well delivered.","20":"It is [i]exactly[\/i] what I told you. When you were non-verbal... people projected themselves onto you... kind of like when people look at puppies and ascribe emotions to them.","21":"Anyway... you're less puppy-like now, so you dipped. But it isn't that dramatic.","22":"You're still ahead.","23":"Good.","24":"I just don't get it... you talk with your voice on stage... then you use sign language with me?","25":"I need to communicate with people. Most people don't understand sign, so I can still use it with you.","26":"But... you don't need to use sign anymore. You can talk, now.","27":"Yeah... but...","28":"...I'm used to it.","29":"Sam sighs, and flips through her notes.","30":"The voters find you slightly confusing... and I guess I do too.","31":"Luckily, I've come up with a PR strategy which is sure to get some of that mute mojo back on your side.","32":"Take a--","33":"Hold up a second, Sam. Can we talk about this tomorrow?","34":"Uh... sure. Is everything okay?","35":"Yes... everything is fine. I just spotted someone I need to talk to.","36":"I'll contact you later.","37":"Unable to contain my patience, I rush for the figure...","38":"I have to rush to catch up with the broad shouldered man. It's been some time since I've seen him...","39":"Lurid memories of a previous life flood me...","40":"When we make eye contact, I know he's come for me.","41":"jump kestel_convo","42":"jump kestrel_convo2","43":"jump leah_convo","44":"continue","45":"Nice speech.","46":"Thanks.","47":"How did you explain your voice away?","48":"I just told people I went to get a surgery.","49":"Kestrel nods thoughtfully.","50":"You do have news about {Leah}... right?","51":"Not directly.","52":"That doesn't sound good...","53":"But... I'm here to give you an opportunity to help her. And to meet an old friend of yours.","54":"I'm not exactly inclined to trust you...","55":"Completely fair. However... I was telling the truth... I am trying to get her out to honor our arrangement.","56":"And... well... I've got an offer you won't refuse.","57":"That's confident of you.","58":"You will. Because... you aren't going to pass up an opportunity to see Valerie.","59":"Valerie...? They found her?","60":"It feels insane but I'm almost joyful. I want to know if she's safe...","61":"Yes. Kestrel is right. I would never pass up this opportunity.","62":"There are so many questions she left behind... and {Leah}'s natural curiosity rubbed off on me.","63":"No matter what... I've got to learn what she says...","64":"When is it?","65":"Right now. I can drive you there.","66":"You'll have to arrange transport back, though.","67":"Damn it... I got so eager I forgot to negotiate.","68":"I need to at least try and secure promises from him...","69":"If I get you information... will you release {Leah}?","70":"No. What I can do is convince a judge to lift her prohibition on calls. You won't have to visit physically to talk to her.","71":"They must think they have me by the balls if I'm going to agree to such a deal. The thing is...","72":"...he does have me by the balls. And while {Leah}'s been put away, I'm basically going to do Kestrel's bidding.","73":"Also... you might want to get out of that costume.","74":"I nod.","75":"Alright. I'll go with.","76":"Good.","77":"We can head out immediately.","78":"Immediately, huh?","79":"Right...","80":"How's life in paradise?","81":"I don't really want to tell Kestrel anything. All I want to know is what he wants from me.","82":"I wait until he elaborates...","83":"Listen... it's fine. Nobody likes talking to me. I'll get straight to the point.","84":"I don't have anything to offer you... and nothing to threaten you with. All I've got is a chance to slake your curiosity.","85":"And I know that is bait you'll bite.","86":"I wouldn't be so sure.","87":"Well... [i]I'm[\/i] sure.","88":"We found Valerie.","89":"Damn... that's bait I can't resist. The one person that has the answers to so many questions that swell in my head...","90":"Figure you might want to talk to her... then share what you talked about.","91":"So... when is this? When do I meet her?","92":"We can arrange something [i]right now[\/i], if you want. I know you're burning to talk to her.","93":"You'll need to arrange transport back. I know you have someone in mind.","94":"He knows me too well...","95":"Fine.","96":"Let's go, then.","97":"Also... you might want to get out of that costume.","98":"I nod.","99":"Kestrel gives me a rare smile before leading me to his vehicle...","100":"You look red as beet. Is your costume on too tight?","101":"You fucked me, Kestrel. You said {Leah} would be out in days.","102":"What business could we possibly have?","103":"I was wrong. There was institutional resistance stronger than anticipated. But we overcame it.","104":"Kestrel gives a very shallow nod to a second figure that had escaped my notice.","105":"{Leah}!","106":"Sorry... I was released this morning. He's right... there was a lot of institutional resistance.","107":"I think some former Brotherhood members took issue with me.","108":"All resolved now, thanks to some good lawyering.","109":"Kestrel... I'm sorry I doubted you. I can't tell you how relieved I am.","110":"Anyway... I'd really like to talk to {Leah} alone...","111":"{PlayerName}... that's the thing...","112":"Hold on. I've got something important to ask you. If you do this... we'll be completely square.","0":"A couple of weeks later...","113":"Until that time comes {Leah} is always going to have my eyes on her back.","1":"It's a good crowd today... a very good crowd.","114":"Christ, Kestrel is annoying! But whatever. I'll just hear him out.","2":"Not that many people are interested in an election... but here they are.","115":"It depends on what you need.","3":"Damn it. I must be doing something right...","116":"Right... I need you to talk to a prisoner for me.","4":"...Yes... we dress in costumes. Yes... we have fun.","117":"A prisoner? Who?","5":"But make no mistake... [i]we are serious people too[\/i].","118":"Who do you think?","6":"I'm not here to tell you that I'm a selfless person... who never thinks about myself...","119":"{PlayerName}... it's Valerie.","7":"...but that I am a [i]rational[\/i] person... that understands what is good for everyone is also good for me.","120":"My heart jumps a little.","8":"Clean campus, more money to education instead of sports... reviving the art program...","121":"You found Valerie?","9":"...making sure that Shale Hill doesn't gouge us for parking lot fees...","122":"Yep. Packaged with all those little secrets she keeps tied up in her brain.","123":"I can drive you now... but... you're going to have to arrange some other form of transit back.","124":"Alright. I just need to talk to Valerie, right?","125":"Something I wanted to do anyway... but I'm still so uncertain.","126":"I search {Leah} for an answer on what I should do...","127":"Go talk to her, {PlayerName}. It's fine.","128":"This is an opportunity we can't miss.","129":"Yes... I already know what she'd say. She would tell me to do it even if there was no threat from Kestrel.","130":"Okay. Fine then. I'll go with you.","131":"No promises, though.","132":"All I ask... is you try your best.","133":"Also... you might want to get out of that costume.","134":"I nod... and head for Kestrel's car."},"ch17__17.80 the end.vne3":{"10":"Kestrel sneers a little... but he can't say anything else.","11":"I'll decide what to ask her. And then, we'll meet tomorrow, and I'll give you a briefing.","12":"I'm not Lidia... I don't work for you. And I've had a little too much experience to be susceptible to threats.","13":"Kestrel thinks about that momentarily.","14":"Fine. Head right in... boss.","15":"Was that sarcastic, or did he say that sincerely?","16":"It is hard to know...","17":"In any case... I have questions burning inside me that only Valerie knows the answers to.","18":"I head into the prison proper.","19":"The guards already seem to know why I'm here, and clear the way for me.","20":"Damn... I have no idea what Valerie is going to be like...","21":"Which persona will she put on now?","22":"So... this is Valerie.","23":"How odd it is... to see her in an orange jump suit.","24":"No expression on her face. Neither sad or angry or happy.","25":"No malice, but at the same time, there's something disquieting about her eyes.","26":"Odd... now that I'm sitting in front of her... it's like my mind has gone blank.","27":"I can't really remember... what I wanted to ask her.","28":"There's something hypnotic about her. Looking at her face is a gateway into a lot of memories I have mixed feelings about.","29":"Good memories... and terrible ones.","30":"I have so many reasons to hate Valerie, and so many reasons to be thankful to her.","31":"I guess... I should start off with something simple.","32":"How did they get you?","33":"She swallows and wets her throat, like she hasn't spoken in a while.","34":"I turned myself in.","35":"Why?","36":"Where was I going to hide?","37":"It was too much effort, struggling. I wouldn't have been free out there anyway.","38":"At least in here, I can serve my time.","39":"That's pretty rational... but something feels different about Valerie.","40":"Her voice lacks that ''Valerie-ness'' that I'm used to. A touch of suggestiveness and mischief.","41":"She is flat, but clear. I don't think I've ever heard anyone speak with such a peculiar tone of voice.","42":"Are you upset about what happened?","43":"Such an odd question to ask. I wince as it comes out.","44":"But Valerie takes it seriously.","45":"...No.","46":"It is just odd having so little to think about.","47":"I know. It's scary how closely her feelings map onto mine...","48":"Are you upset about what happened?","49":"Well... I am. But...","50":"...if I search how I feel...","51":"...I realize... I'm not upset with [i]Valerie.","52":"Why is that? Have I already forgiven her in my mind?","53":"No... that's not it.","54":"The world sucks, doesn't it?","55":"To have lost your whole family like that. You must have felt an enormous pressure to succeed, to live your life for all of them.","56":"Valerie is consumed by a long, drawn out pause.","57":"I did. I remember... all those years ago...","58":"...my family... my mother, father, three brothers... all we had to do was get to the airport.","59":"It was... supposed to be a short distance.","60":"But... it was actually the longest distance...","61":"It's something I can't describe.","62":"I can't imagine what that might have been like. To have to sacrifice {Leah}...","63":"But... that is exactly what I chose to do when I saved Emily at the Halloween party. And it was Valerie who forced that choice on me.","64":"Damn... she really was trying to make me feel as she did...","65":"So instead, I sacrificed someone else. Emily.","66":"The choices Valerie had to make were so much harder...","67":"I guess I couldn't make that choice. I tried to escape that fate.","68":"Did Valerie try and do the same thing, back then?","69":"If I wasn't a success... if I did not live a good life... all of those sacrifices would have been for nothing.","70":"So... I had to succeed at all costs.","71":"I found it extraordinary... that you really did understand me better than I understood myself.","72":"That's really the reason I turned myself in...","73":"...because I wanted to ask you a question.","74":"You turned yourself in... just to talk to me?","75":"I can't help but give a bitter chuckle.","76":"How strange. I also have things to ask you.","77":"Good. We can do a question exchange. I think you get to ask your question first.","78":"I owe you that.","79":"Right... the questions... the things I was desperate to know...","80":"Valerie...","81":"...how did you get your hands on RECENTLY?","82":"{Leah} and I figured out it had to have happened on the plane trip here... and our best guess is you stole the program.","83":"What happened?","84":"On the plane?","85":"She thinks back.","86":"No... I didn't steal it. I didn't have the presence of mind.","87":"I was so overwhelmed with powerlessness, so terrified...","88":"...I just had images playing out in my head over and over.","89":"I wasn't capable of stealing it. No.","90":"Someone gave it to me.","91":"Someone [i]gave[\/i] RECENTLY to you?","92":"Yes. I look back on it now... and I can't remember exactly how it happened. It feels like trying to remember a dream.","93":"But... there was a man on the flight. I couldn't meet his eyes, but he was staring at me.","94":"But eventually, he called me over, and I obeyed him.","95":"He put a USB stick in my hands, and made me hold it tight. He literally grabbed my fist, and tightened his grip until it started hurting.","96":"He said something to me.","97":"She pauses as if trying to remember...","98":"She seems frozen, as she's digging deep in her mind.","99":"But I'm too impatient. I press.","100":"I say nothing and let her think.","101":"What did he say?","102":"I...","103":"I think it was...","104":"It's probably better to not press her.","105":"''Little girl, I see the hurt in your eyes. I know you're damaged in a way that can't be repaired.''","106":"Her voice takes on a creepy... gravelly tone. It's almost like she's being [i]spoken through[\/i]...","107":"''And because you are so damaged, only you can do this very special thing. A task only you can do.''","108":"''You have in your hands something very dangerous. Something I regret making. Something the world must be warned about.''","109":"''Something you must turn the people against. But if you simply tell people, they won't listen. You will do nothing but excite bad men.''","110":"''So take this powerful tool, broken child. And only do evil with it.''","111":"He said that? He said only do evil with it?","112":"Valerie nods.","113":"It is the only thing I am sure he said.","114":"He said: ''Take what the world hasn't given you. Cause pain and despair. Do only evil things. That is the only way the world will listen and act.''","115":"Wow...","116":"I did as he asked. I took RECENTLY... which even a child like me could use... and I did only evil with it.","117":"It was my responsibility.","118":"This is so fucked up... to know now... the cool and collected Valerie...","119":"...had such a bizarre, perverse, counter-intuitive world view...","120":"I wish I could tell you more.","121":"Why did you do as he asked? You could've used it to help people...","122":"Because RECENTLY was never a tool to help people. It was always a weapon.","123":"Now that my head is clear... I realize if I used it to help people... it would just become a tool in people's eyes.","124":"Maybe that's why.","125":"This only creates more questions...","126":"Since the day I boarded the plane to America, up until a few days ago... my perceptions have been too distorted to see much of anything.","127":"You were right during the debate, about a lot of things. I really was confused. I had no self-insight.","128":"I thought I was being a selfish person... the thing I needed to be to succeed... but I wasn't.","129":"I never once thought about my own needs. I was wearing the mask of the ambitious, ruthless, sexy villainess you see in movies.","130":"This brings me to my question.","131":"Go for it.","132":"I wanted to ask...","133":"...who am I?","134":"Huh?","135":"What kind of question is that? I can't answer that.","136":"Yes... I understand why you'd think that. But... since that day... my mask fell off...","137":"I looked inside myself. I had never bothered to develop my own personality.","138":"I've been riding in someone else's body, playing out someone else's actions and ambitions.","139":"Now that I'm in control... I don't really have any thoughts or feelings or opinions.","140":"I don't know how I feel about anything or anyone.","141":"As odd as it sounds... you probably know more about me than I do.","142":"Valerie pauses.","143":"The most I can do is try and diagnose myself. My field was neurochemistry. I suspect I have form of depersonalization disorder.","144":"But a clinical diagnosis isn't going to help me understand what kind of person I am.","145":"What does it feel like? What's going through your head?","146":"I don't feel much. It's like I'm a vehicle... an object... and not a person.","147":"Wow... what a profoundly dark thing to say about yourself.","148":"But you have to be a person, if you can think at all.","149":"I agree. There has to be someone inside of me.","150":"I don't have any contact with them. I don't know what I'm like. I don't know what my personality is.","151":"Okay. So if you don't know who you are... then let's start by asking why you even want to know yourself to begin with.","152":"This is a good starting point.","153":"Valerie concentrates... it is like she's diving into herself...","154":"I've never had to struggle this hard to know how I feel about something...","155":"My feeling is... too many people died... to bring an empty cardboard box such as myself into existence.","156":"[i]An empty cardboard box...[\/i] it is wild and beyond imagination that anyone would describe themselves like that.","157":"I've never met someone with so little sense of self...","158":"I'm only starting to understand the extent of Valerie's damage.","159":"Well... what you've just said tells me one thing about you.","160":"What's that?","161":"That you care enough about other people to change.","162":"Not everyone puts this much effort in. So that's a good start.","163":"Yes... that is an excellent point.","164":"I guess that is something I have.","165":"That's the warning timer... it seems visitation hours are almost over.","166":"You owe me nothing... but I'd like us to continue to have these meetings.","167":"You realize that {Leah} is in prison, because of what you did?","168":"Yes. Which is why I don't expect you to help me.","169":"But if you do help me... then maybe I'll understand why I put you through everything I did in the first place.","170":"And maybe... the bad things I did won't happen ever again.","171":"I don't think they would've happened again anyway. The Valerie who did... the mask you wore... is stripped away like paint thinner on paint.","172":"You are a puzzle, Val. And I think it would be good for me to understand how you tick.","173":"So I'll help you, and I'll also need your help in getting {Leah} out of prison...","174":"...and dismantling what remains of the Brotherhood.","175":"So I'll help you... and I also need your help in dismantling what remains of the Brotherhood.","176":"You have my cooperation. You have good instincts. There are still copies of RECENTLY in the wild.","177":"Only by working together can we solve these issues permanently.","178":"She sounds so flat saying it. I wonder if she really is emotionless?","179":"I know now... that in that strange heart of hers...","180":"...there is a real Valerie... that I still love... and can be reclaimed.","181":"I might be able to tell... by doing a simple test.","182":"I'll see you later, Val.","183":"Yes. There's something still inside her.","184":"With these new revelations... my mind fills like a rain barrel.","185":"New theories, questions, hypotheses make a mad jumble in my mind. I can barely sort them out.","186":"Yes... it's clear this whole experience has ruined me.","187":"I cannot possibly live a normal life anymore.","188":"ep17_ending_girl: ''''","189":"ep17_ending_girl: valerie","190":"ep17_ending_girl: emily","191":"ep17_ending_girl: haley","192":"ep17_ending_girl: {Leah}","193":"ep17_ending_girl: lidia","194":"ep17_ending_girl: maggie","195":"ep17_ending_girl: sam","196":"continue","197":"For now though... I'll head down the road on my own.","198":"At least I've got someone I can share my abnormal life with.","199":"I heard you needed a ride.","200":"I've got a lot to share with you.","201":"Can't wait to hear. We'll talk about it on the way back.","202":"You have a good chat?","203":"I can say for certain it was interesting.","204":"Good. Dante closed Sevigny's for the day. We got it to ourselves... and I'm ready to listen.","205":"So... what did you learn?","206":"A lot. I've got some theories I'd like to bounce off you.","207":"Let's get in the car. We'll compare notes and see if they match up.","208":"{Leah}, they can't keep you away from me forever.","209":"I'm going to figure a way to get you out... as long as it takes.","210":"There's only on thing I know... I can't live this life without you. And with my efforts...","211":"...I know I won't have to.","212":"Nice to see you got out of there safe and sound.","213":"I kept thinking they're going to close the gate on me.","214":"That's why I won't go in. Let's get out of here. I feel like taking a road trip...","215":"What's cookin' good lookin'?","216":"Thanks for picking me up, Mags. Man... I have a lot to share with you.","217":"There's supposed to be a clear night tonight. You want to set up in the boonies and do some stargazing?","218":"I bet you're hunting for a getaway driver right now.","219":"You're my hero, Sam. You should've come in your costume.","220":"Well shit... [i]missed opportunity[\/i].","0":"Once we arrive at the police station... I get out of the car.","1":"Kestrel circles around to talk to me.","2":"So... let's get a few things straight before you head in.","3":"There's a specific piece of information you need to get out of her--","4":"You asked me to talk to her. That's what I plan on doing. What I share with you after is my business.","5":"I'm not making any promises I'll tell you anything.","6":"You do realize that giving us assistance will greatly increase the chances of {Leah} being let out early?","7":"And having her out right now greatly increases the chances of me cooperating with your investigation.","8":"I honored my end of the deal. Don't you forget it. There's ways I can hurt you.","9":"I understand that, but you wouldn't have brought me here if this was something you can do on your own."},"ch17_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch17_start.vne3":{"10":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","11":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","12":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","13":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","14":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","15":"Check synopsis.","16":"Skip.","17":"[devmode]musicDramaticEndingShort test","18":"[devmode]not_found.dat test","19":"Hi.","20":"I had an unpleasant surprise when I got back home...","21":"It was Genevieve, in my room... the strange girl from the Student Council who kept following me around...","22":"...someone I knew for a fact was working with Valerie.","23":"She claimed to be working against the interests of the Fraternity... and she was here to pass on some critical information... about a Fraternity meeting that was happening that night...","24":"...which was the same time {Leah} was supposed to steal the briefcase.","25":"Of course we didn't trust her... the timing was suspicious... but if this was a trap, it might mean that Valerie knew about our plans.","26":"Which meant... even if it was a trap... one of us had to go. We needed to find out if {Leah}'s mission was compromised.","27":"What could be done? We had to do both things at the same time...","28":"...once again {Leah} and I were forced to work separately.","29":"We came up with sophisticated means to decide who would do what...","30":"...but still we couldn't come to a decision.","31":"As awful as it was... we'd have to work separately.","32":"We only had a day to think about it.","33":"I went to attend a campaign meeting with Sam...","34":"...when I encountered Kestrel.","35":"I realized how desperate Kestrel was. He tempted me with another offer... I'd work with him...","36":"...but he wouldn't let {Leah} off the hook.","37":"That was unacceptable to me. I had to hold out for a better deal.","38":"Encouragingly, Kristen and Linus joined back up with the campaign.","39":"It should've been a good day, but...","40":"...but I couldn't stop thinking about the choice I had to make. Who would be doing which task.","41":"In truth... I knew well enough who had to do what... I was just afraid of the consequences of my decision.","42":"It had to be me that goes to the Fraternity meeting. If something happened, the Fraternity was a lot more likely to spare me.","43":"Besides, {Leah} knew everything there was to know about getting into places she didn't belong. She should've been fine on her own.","44":"Neither of us liked doing things separately... but what choice did we have?","45":"We went to bed early to be fresh for what would happen.","46":"When we woke up... we met with Emily and Iris outside.","47":"The sisters were not as experienced as us, but I knew I could trust {Leah} to do her best.","48":"We had to leave.","49":"I met up with Genevieve outside the theater where the meeting was supposedly happening...","50":"...we snuck in...","51":"...and I was shocked to see a film on the screen...","52":"...breathless... watching... as {Leah} broke in.","53":"So it was a trap all along... somehow someone had learned exactly what had happened.","54":"Of course... who else would be responsible except Valerie?","55":"Genevieve was Valerie's creature all along. And now I was to witness the trap Valerie had sprung.","56":"{Leah} and I were so careful... but Emily and Iris less so. We should've guessed...","57":"It was a blessing in disguise. I now had the means to warn {Leah}...","58":"...who took extreme action to finish the mission.","59":"Unfortunately, it came too late for Emily and Iris, who were arrested.","60":"I know this would be hard on {Leah}...","61":"With her plan a seeming failure... Valerie had no choice but to let me go.","62":"I wonder... if she knew what {Leah} and I had... whether she really would have...","63":"Knowing how little time we had, we set to work immediately... gathering as much information as we could.","64":"Critically, one of the things we found... was a tape. We couldn't play it, but we knew it had to be significant.","65":"Exhausted... we both fell into bed. That didn't stop us from making love.","66":"After what happened, we had to spend some time in each other's arms.","67":"Valerie had also given me something critical: evidence.","68":"Finally, I had her words on tape, and I played it in front of Sandra.","69":"Reluctantly, she agreed to help me against Valerie.","70":"I just needed one thing from her... the headquarters of the Fraternity.","71":"At the same time, I finally agreed to cooperate with Kestrel, in exchange for letting Lidia go.","72":"With these two allies, I had what I needed to take down the Fraternity.","73":"It was now just a matter of waiting for the opportunity.","74":"First, I had to prep Sandra for coming out of hiding. Lidia and I agreed to get clothes for her.","75":"Of course, finally reunited with Lidia, we had to use every opportunity.","76":"We made love the first moment of privacy we had.","77":"Sandra was finally ready to be reunited with her mother. She was nervous... for obvious reasons.","78":"Luckily, I knew a way to calm her down.","79":"She got just what she needed to see her mother again.","80":"It took some coaxing, but eventually she came with.","81":"When it was finally time for them to see each other again...","82":"...Carmen was understandably surprised.","83":"Seeing Carmen and Sandra together again was the highlight of the day, for certain.","84":"Finally feeling like I had done Carmen what I promised, a massive weight was off my shoulders.","85":"But the next day was not as heart-warming. Valerie had found out about Sandra overnight.","86":"I knew when Sandra was summoned to the office, I wasn't going to see her again...","87":"...until I did something about it. I promised Sandra I'd come for her.","88":"We knew we had to act. Sandra betrayed the location of the Fraternity's headquarters. That would be our next step.","89":"Knowing that the fates of Sandra, Iris, Emily and so many more were in our hands...","90":"...we approached the town hall: the seat of power of Shale Hill...","91":"...and of the Fraternity.","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","1":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","2":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","3":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","4":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","7":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","8":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","9":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. "},"ch17__17.70a leah epilogue.vne3":{"10":"As I distract myself with little fantasies, I barely notice it when {Leah} does leave through the front door.","11":"Hey.","12":"OH! You spooked me!","13":"How did you get out like that?","14":"Through the front door. Spooky stealth trick.","15":"I can see how you can just walk past people now.","16":"Well... it's really good seeing you, {Leah}.","17":"Yeah, you too. It's still so strange hearing you talk.","18":"By the way, I'm really curious how you explained how you regained your voice.","19":"Heh! I haven't. I'm still using the app.","20":"I'm just more comfortable with that... for now. Before Valerie gave me my voice back, I was starting not to miss it.","21":"Now that I have my voice back... I really wonder if my friends will even recognize me with it.","22":"You definitely sound different with the implant. It's very convincing... [i]almost[\/i] like your old voice... but I can tell it isn't.","23":"It doesn't feel like it belongs to me. But I figure I might as well speak to you to get used to it.","24":"Also, I have no idea what excuse I'm going to give people. ''Someone implanted an artificial larynx without my consent.'' That's going to evoke follow-up questions.","25":"You'll have to catch me up on the drive home.","26":"I nod.","27":"Yes... we have a lot to catch up on.","28":"As we make our way, I update {Leah} on the world outside.","29":"Things certainly feel brighter, lighter recently... but also considerably more boring.","30":"Where I used to stress about our next deadly escapade, I'm now telling {Leah} about an impromptu potluck we held at Sevigny's.","31":"...So that's the most recent news.","32":"I love how boring your life is.","33":"I played video games, {Leah}. [i]Video games[\/i]. Jesus, it was like middle school again.","34":"I've learned I suck at Smash Bros now.","35":"But you are so good at that game!","36":"I know. But Sam still plays regularly and I've fallen behind. It was embarrassing.","37":"Anyway, that's basically it.","38":"I... uh...","39":"I bet you know what I'm going to ask. I wanted to wait until we get home.","40":"Sex?","41":"What? No!","42":"Well, yes, actually, but I was talking about Kestrel. I know you were interrogated.","43":"Suspected of arson? How did it pan out?","44":"I did the smart thing and lawyered up. Ultimately, the only evidence they had was that I was the last to leave the town hall that night.","45":"Even with a force as crooked as Shale Hill's... there's nothing they can do.","46":"And... Kestrel tried to get information about Valerie. Did you know they still haven't found her?","47":"Yeah... I've been checking arrest records every day. If the town hall had a secret tunnel, she could be anywhere.","48":"That... or they haven't found her body.","49":"No... that's not true. Valerie couldn't just die as easily as that.","50":"It would be so anticlimactic...","51":"I regret handing all that evidence to the police.","52":"Why?","53":"I just... can't help but think about what's on those files... you know? But I don't have much faith that the USPIS is going to act on it.","54":"They've done a shit job so far.","55":"If we didn't give that evidence, you'd likely still be sitting in prison.","56":"I know... but still...","57":"...maybe there's a way we can get to that data?","58":"NO!","59":"What?","60":"NO! NO! NO! NO!","61":"Excuse me?","62":"Fuck no, {Leah}! No more break ins! You were just in prison! You're going to go at it again?","63":"{PlayerName}... I thought that you...","64":"Yeah, I understand. I feel the same way. I also don't know what I'm going to do.","65":"Damn it... I know I've been ruined. I'm not going to be satisfied with a boring life...","66":"...but I want to at least [i]try[\/i] and be satisfied, first. Give boringness a chance, {Leah}.","67":"What...?","68":"One day. One day of boring. For God's sake.","69":"Ah...","70":"...I guess I could try...","71":"It's not that painful, is it? We've got to try and find some source of fun that isn't life-threatening.","72":"Otherwise... neither of us are going to last that long.","73":"Okay... point taken... I suppose.","74":"I'll... do my best...","75":"...to be boring.","76":"You sounded pained.","77":"She nods.","78":"You are right. I can't just throw myself into danger all the time. I have to find something else to do.","79":"Should I take up knitting?","80":"I came up with an idea. Actually, I've been planning something.","81":"Oh. Planning? Do you have schematics? Blueprints?","82":"Stop it! I'm of a mind to slap you.","83":"Heh! Sorry, I couldn't help it.","84":"So... what do you have planned?","85":"It's a surprise. But...","86":"...did you want to go on a drive?","87":"Hmm... intriguing.","88":"Okay. Let's go out on this so-called ''drive''.","89":"Finally, we're giving peace a chance.","90":"Maybe we can have a way of having fun without potentially dying.","91":"Also... bring something sexy to wear.","92":"Huh?","93":"You know. Sexy.","94":"We're not going to a [i]pole-dancing class[\/i], are we?","95":"Not me. You are.","96":"SHUT UP. You're such a tease.","97":"We load up the car, and then, we're off.","98":"A few hours of driving passes by. Soon, we're into the early afternoon.","99":"When we reach the destination...","100":"I hear the ocean... feel sand beneath my feet...","101":"You didn't take me to the [i]beach[\/i] did you?","102":"Nah... the beach is boring.","103":"Heh! Then where are we?","104":"See for yourself.","105":"A [i]cabana[\/i]!","106":"{PlayerName}... that's so cool! I've never...","107":"Well... I've actually [i]never been[\/i] in a cabana before.","108":"That's so sweet of you! You really wanted to give me something new, didn't you?","109":"I say nothing... I just let her climb into my arms.","110":"Ah... kissing on the beach.","111":"Such a change of pace...","112":"It's so pretty. Did you rent a private beach?","113":"Nah. Apparently toxic waste dumps are short on tourists.","114":"You're such an asshole. Heh.","115":"Well... it's really pretty.","116":"Can't believe I was in prison this morning...","117":"Let's toast to your freedom.","118":"Cheers.","119":"To freedom!","120":"To freedom.","121":"So like...","122":"...what do we do now?","123":"Do we just frolic around?","124":"Frolic? You want to make sandcastles?","125":"Well... no.","126":"I was just wondering if we're supposed to do something before we get to the...","127":"...[i]lovemaking[\/i].","128":"I thought you'd want to relax a bit.","129":"It's so hard for me to do nothing...","130":"You said you wanted to do something safer...","131":"But... I'm always in the mood for [i]something[\/i] dangerous.","132":"She bites her lower lip, gives me that puppy-dog look.","133":"This is the first time I've seen her breasts in the sunlight. It definitely feels different...","134":"Well... if she wants it that badly... I can't deny her.","135":"It seems... when mesmerized by {Leah}... I tend to go mute again.","136":"Dumbstruck. [i]Literally[\/i].","137":"I walk up to her... my hand goes to her chest. I feel its softness... so palming and soothing to my hands.","138":"In moments I'm possessed.","139":"She bends back to give me better access to her breasts.","140":"I lick her all over, leaving glossy trails across her nipples.","141":"Without even thinking about it, my hand ventures to her bikini string...","142":"...I find myself playing with it.","143":"Then, I kiss her.","144":"She's so soft... I tug the string and suddenly her bottom drops like an unsecured flag.","145":"Okay... I have to admit it, {PlayerName}...","146":"I'm extremely horny.","147":"I didn't want to embarrass you...","148":"I'm not embarrassed at all.","149":"Well... I guess didn't want to embarrass myself either... heh...","150":"By pure reaction, I start to kiss down the length of her hand.","151":"While I'm distracted...","152":"{Leah} ends up on her knees.","153":"You have no idea how much I want your cock.","154":"Well... maybe you will. I intend to show you.","155":"Now this excites me...","156":"Three days is way too long to be away from this thing.","157":"Let me just... remind myself of it...","158":"Yessss...","159":"{Leah}... your lips are so sweet... and your tongue is just to die for.","160":"I never knew a girl's mouth could feel so different...","161":"A grunt... a sigh... and I find my cock at the very back of {Leah}'s throat.","162":"The little ridge at the roof of her mouth electrifies me...","163":"That's it... that's so... [i]incredible[\/i]...","164":"Her lips feel like a cool surf washing against me, gently back and forth with languid sensuality.","165":"Her lips synchronize with the waves on a subconscious level...","166":"A moan escapes my lips... and my mind begins to wander into a dreamy ecstasy.","167":"As smooth as ice down a warm back, she releases me. Then, a slick, warm tongue explores the head... the little hold... and the underside ridge.","168":"This would cause any man in the world to lean back and groan...","169":"I don't know if we're spies... journalists... or criminals... but right now...","170":"[i]...I feel like a king[\/i].","171":"Yeah... I can't help but see myself in a royal court... being serviced as I sit on my throne...","172":"I don't think {Leah} would appreciate the comparison to royalty, but damn it... I look at her and I can't help it.","173":"Truth be told, she's out of my league, whether she knows it or not...","174":"...and the fact she is on her knees, face in my lap, is a reality I find hard to grasp...","175":"Maybe it's time I make her feel like a queen.","176":"You know... this day is actually supposed to be about you.","177":"gglUch..?","178":"You can take my cock out of your mouth to talk, you know.","179":"Oh. Heh... sorry!","180":"Yes... this day was supposed to be about her. A nice little reminder of what freedom is like.","181":"Man... it's surprising that we both made it. I really was beginning to think we were going to lose our lives... or our liberty.","182":"At least for now, we get to experience the easy life. No thinking about tomorrow, and no ruminating on the past.","183":"Uff!","184":"{PlayerName}... calm down a little!","185":"I flick my tongue against her entrance.","186":"You're gonna make me [i]crazy!","187":"Well, if that's the case... that sounds pretty good to me.","188":"I feel like driving {Leah} crazy is my part time job...","189":"...just as it is her job to drive [i]me[\/i] crazy.","190":"Though, while I service her, I begin to wonder if I'm doing a good job too. She writhes like an animal in heat...","191":"...soon, her wriggling is more urgent... not quite able to express how she feels.","192":"I think she's saying she's ready for us to do something different.","193":"Yeah... let's do it real slow, okay?","194":"I want... slow... steamy... fuckin'.","195":"Can you do that for me?","196":"Right now? All I can think about is only the [i]fuckin'[\/i] part. {Leah}'s cooch is a warm hearth I've got to quench.","197":"Wouldn't want her to overheat in this weather...","198":"Oh!","199":"She cries out, like relieved from pain, as I push my rod into her...","200":"[i]...slowly...[\/i] as commanded.","201":"Our hips rotate against each other like a gentle sea...","202":"When we move, it is like a boat bobbing on a gentle sea. {Leah} uses her arms to rock back and forth.","203":"I suppose the cabana is putting us in a mood for easy lovin'.","204":"Something about being at the beach makes me feel as though I'm on boat, rocking back and forth.","205":"With my hands on {Leah}'s knees, I'm able to steer her... and we subtly control each other's movements.","206":"It is like... we synchronize.","207":"I let out a ragged breath... my palms sweaty against {Leah}'s skin.","208":"It's... so nice...","209":"Mmm...","210":"We try another angle. {Leah} get on her hands and knees...","211":"...and fucking her just feels like boarding a different boat.","212":"So natural... so nice...","213":"Mmm... it's so nice out here.","214":"Yeah. Sex out in the fresh air... only a gauzy curtain for privacy.","215":"Yeah... nice sea surf, misty salty air, and though we are by the ocean it is as invigorating as fresh water...","216":"I don't feel like I need a blanket, or even clothes, when the light envelopes me like this.","217":"I can really understand nudism now. If only I could be as nature wants me to be, instead of with constraining clothes every day...","218":"I don't really care if anyone sees us. I'm in an easy enough mood to let people watch.","219":"What's there to feel paranoid about? What's so wrong about {Leah} and I loving each other? Should this really even be a private moment?","220":"Mount up.","221":"Okay, stud.","222":"A slight discomfort as {Leah} puts her weight on me... but soon... it feels as smooth as ever.","223":"She rocks back and forth instead of going up and down.","224":"Her motion reminds me of a branch blown by the wind.","225":"It feels... [i]nice[\/i].","226":"But soon, {Leah}'s pleasure gets to be too much, and she finds herself leaning back into me.","227":"Her pussy twists and fiddles with the very tip of my cock... teasing me with her body.","228":"If she knew what she was doing to me... she might slow down...","229":"...but I don't think {Leah} is capable of rational thought. Instead, her neurons fire only to direct her to maximize her pleasure.","230":"Her hips swirl as they thrust, sending me delicious sensations...","231":"I enjoy the bounce of her athletic body, manipulating her and controlling her with my hands.","232":"We succeeded. We had slow, loving sex. We've been at it for... what?","233":"It feels like hours...","234":"I'm drenched in sweat... I'm starting to worry we might ruin the cabana...","235":"...and I won't get my deposit back.","236":"Let's... try and get you off...","237":"I feel {Leah} pushing my cock toward her back passage...","238":"We begin to fuck in earnest... I think both of us realize we can't be out here all day.","239":"Even in the cooler evening, we are becoming drained.","240":"We'll have to make the best of our time together.","241":"She clenches, squeezes my shaft as though a gentle embrace.","242":"I try and quicken my pace, trying to hit the exact spot {Leah} needs to cum.","243":"In particular... that spot that presses on the back side of her womb.","244":"I wish this could last forever, but...","245":"...unfortunately... this warm tropical dream has to end.","246":"You ready to cum, honey?","247":"What... are you done?","248":"To be honest {PlayerName}... I'm running dry.","249":"You made me feel special. Now it's your turn.","250":"Just... go hard, okay?","251":"Yeah... I can go hard. I seize {Leah}'s hips and set a new pace.","252":"Despite what {Leah} says... it does seem like she has a little left in her.","253":"Okay... okay... okay!","254":"It's funny... her grunts come out in little whispered ''okays''.","255":"What a horny girl. I am surprised she still has this much energy...","256":"I'm going to have to change the angle to properly get off...","257":"I lay {Leah} down... until I have complete control of my thrusts.","258":"A low... hungry moan escapes her. I feel my loins tighten... my body slams into a higher gear.","259":"A desperate... throaty moan comes from her lips.","260":"I think... I'm ready to blow.","261":"Are you ready for it?","262":"Don't ask. Just do it.","263":"Alright... I suppose I will...","264":"Now... I go. We're beyond taking it slow. This time... it's for keeps.","265":"The pleasure I've been holding back builds and builds, and before I know it, I'm racing past the point of no return.","266":"Finally...","267":"Cum inside her.","268":"Cum outside her.","269":"My focus is complete. I'm nothing but a blinding hot desire to cum.","270":"It's only {Leah}'s gentle voice that pulls me back... just long enough to listen.","271":"Please... do it inside my pussy...","272":"That is an easy request to make happen.","273":"I'll do it wherever you want.","274":"That's it!","275":"Oh... it's filling me up!","276":"Yeah... I can feel the warmth of my own spurge envelope me...","277":"An incredible feeling.","278":"Heh... heh...","279":"Wow... that was... so much...","280":"Yeah... it was everything I had...","281":"I'm ready to go back into ''slow mode''.","282":"There we go.","283":"There we go...","284":"I flop to {Leah}'s side... and we spend a long time... simply staring at each other.","285":"This continuous eye contact should make us uncomfortable, but... it feels as natural and pleasurable as everything else we did.","286":"Mmm... please don't tell me we have to leave soon.","287":"We have it as long as you want.","288":"Don't say that. I'll move in.","289":"I give her a smile.","290":"What do you think... huh?","291":"Think about what?","292":"About... [i]this[\/i]...","293":"What? What is she talking about?","294":"Why is she rubbing her stomach that way. Is she...?","295":"Oh... right.","296":"[i]This...","297":"Don't give me an answer right now. There's no rush.","298":"Just think about it.","299":"It's a scary and wonderful thought... and I don't quite know...","300":"But... for now... there's no rush.","301":"Let's try and adjust to a slower pace of life.","302":"It would do us good to at least try.","303":"{Leah} gets on her knees... and puts her whole effort on getting me off.","304":"Suddenly... she's a woman on a mission, and she isn't going to quit until she gets what she wants.","305":"Okay. Make it thick.","306":"I'll... TRY!","307":"I will... [i]never[\/i] understand why I let you do that.","308":"Well... I wouldn't let you do it to me.","309":"Heh! Don't be so stupid.","310":"I'm going to get rinse off, okay? Just sit in the cabana and be pretty.","311":"That sounds difficult.","312":"I'll be there to help soon.","313":"I watch {Leah} rinse herself off in the ocean while I lean back.","314":"I'm not sure how I be pretty... but I guess {Leah} is coming soon to help do it for me.","315":"How do you like the slow life?","316":"So far... I find it surprisingly fast. What about you?","317":"My interest is piqued. I'm ready to experience more of it.","318":"Yeah...","319":"As you said... let's give boring a chance.","320":"I totally agree.","321":"Life with {Leah} is bound to be tumultuous. It is not always going to be like this.","322":"But... at least we're in it together.","323":"We would not have survived any other way.","0":"Jump to leah_sex","1":"Jump to cum_options","2":"Play scene from the beginning","3":"A few days later...","4":"I wonder if I'm supposed to go inside...","5":"This hasn't been the first time I've picked {Leah} up from jail. I should be more used to this by now.","6":"Kestrel said it would only be a day or so. Well... it's been three. That might not be a big difference, but it sure [i]feels[\/i] like it.","7":"When she was detained, Kestrel said she'd likely just be held overnight... But it's already been three days.","8":"But... there is a silver lining.","9":"It gave me a chance to plan something... something I think we'll both enjoy."},"ch17__17.70b emily epilogue.vne3":{"10":"Neither of them seem particularly convinced.","11":"We brought you a bottle of wine.","12":"I gesture gratefully and pick up the bottle...","13":"...and nearly blush.","14":"A 1972 [i]Moine Joyeux[\/i]... I saw these at the liquor store for two hundred dollars.","15":"What an overwhelming gift...","16":"You didn't have to get me this.","17":"It's fine. It's from our dad's cellar.","18":"Oh. I feel absolutely fine about it now.","19":"Sorry I don't have wine glasses.","20":"Would you mind if I put this in a mug?","21":"Also, would you like some?","22":"No, I'm cutting back.","23":"I won't for... [i]other reasons[\/i].","24":"Right. I'll get to drink this nice wine myself.","25":"I pop the cork and let it pour... I can already smell the aroma.","26":"The last time I had really great wine... was at a youth leadership conference and a group of us managed to smuggle something from the high dollar donor table.","27":"I'm reminded of that now...","28":"A sip... and...","29":"...[i]I forget all my problems[\/i].","30":"Wow. That is a way better wine than I expected.","31":"Are you trying to tell us something?","32":"Huh?","33":"Your mug. Something is written on it.","34":"I didn't pay attention to it. I lift the mug to my eyes...","35":"''WORLD'S BEST DAD''.","36":"It's hypothetical.","37":"Heh! It better be.","38":"Can't remember where I got it from.","39":"Okay... so... now that we have some wine in you...","40":"...will you tell us [i]how you are feeling[\/i]?","41":"Honestly... all kinds of things. I haven't had the guts to talk to Emily in my new voice...","42":"...something just makes me wonder if she'll reject it.","43":"But mainly... it's been lonely. Without {Leah} in the apartment it has felt empty...","44":"...thinking where she could be and what she might be doing has been torture.","45":"Because the judge has stated {Leah} poses a special risk... I have a difficult time even calling her.","46":"I'm beginning to not only wonder if I'll see her again... but if I'll [i]hear[\/i] from her again.","47":"Kestrel told me it would be a day. It's been four. When am I going to get some concrete news?","48":"I used to spend all my time trying to track down Valerie. All my thoughts went to that.","49":"Now it feels like I've got nothing to think about.","50":"I had nothing to do so I just finished all my coursework.","51":"It's good you're being proactive.","52":"What I didn't tell her is that I've been consuming porn at an embarrassing pace. Yesterday I basically rubbed myself raw.","53":"I feel like a monkey at a zoo... with nothing to do but jerk off.","54":"I bet you're also thinking about your {sheIsYour}, too.","55":"I am. But I don't know what I can even do about that now.","56":"I'm doing nothing but just waiting for news.","57":"Well... we are the best allies you can have when it comes to freeing {Leah}. We still have a lot of influence over our father.","58":"We'll do whatever you ask.","59":"I already asked enough out of you when you stole the data for us. It could have been you in {Leah}'s position.","60":"Yes... that's true.","61":"{Leah} did not like me, but that never stopped her from helping.","62":"I actually like {Leah}... and despite that... I didn't help her as much as I could have.","63":"But... seeing as we can't do anything about that... we came over for a different reason.","64":"What's that?","65":"Well... I really needed to get out of the house... so...","66":"...we figured I could house sit your apartment...","67":"...while you go on a date with Emily.","68":"A date? I don't think I'm in the mood to organize anything.","69":"I'm not sure. I don't think I'll be a whole lot of fun.","70":"I know {PlayerName}... it's easy to stress out... but everything is set up. I'm doing all the heavy lifting. All you need to do is come and relax.","71":"You'll enjoy it. We promise.","72":"And yes... I would [i]very[\/i] much appreciate some distance between me and my father.","73":"A date with Emily? She handles everything? That doesn't sound too bad...","74":"Is this why you can't drink?","75":"Yes... because I'm driving.","76":"Not having to drive so I can drink is a massive plus...","77":"Okay. You've twisted my arm. Fine.","78":"Where is this date going to be? What are we doing?","79":"Oh... you know... the art museum. We're going to go to a Georgia O'Keeffe exhibit, and then I thought we could go catch [i]The Vagina Monologues[\/i] in the theater.","80":"Uh...","81":"I'm kidding! I'm kidding! That look of horror on your face. Would it really have been that bad?","82":"We almost broke up a second time.","83":"I promise... it's nothing demanding or complicated. We're basically just hanging out.","84":"Okay... this doesn't sound too bad... as long as this isn't some weird ruse to make me watch [i]The Vagina Monologues[\/i].","85":"Alright. I accept the date. And Iris, you're invited to house sit.","86":"Thank you...","87":"There is ice cream in the freezer, and the wifi password is under the router.","88":"You have fun, alright?","89":"Don't invite any boys over while I'm gone.","90":"That will never happen.","91":"Iris seemed pretty happy. She used to be so formal...","92":"Iris has changed a lot. But she's responsible and kind. Your house is in good hands.","93":"Emily clicks the door to her car open.","94":"Go on in. I'll be your chauffeur for the afternoon.","95":"Actually... I'll make a slight revision in our plans.","96":"I'll drive. You give instructions.","97":"Oh? Are you sure? Why?","98":"...Because I used to drive {Leah} everywhere...","99":"Just because I feel like it.","100":"Emily accepts my logic without further questioning.","101":"So... this is it huh?","102":"[i]The park[\/i].","103":"Actually, it's the perfect place. Low intensity. Easy.","104":"I could definitely use the exercise.","105":"I wonder what's in her backpack...","106":"An old paranoia in me has all kinds of fevered ideas. But in this new easy world I'm living in... I don't have to worry about that.","107":"It is far better... just to let things go. To not worry.","108":"Enjoy the scenery. Be like a bug on blade of grass, or a froggy wading through the pond.","109":"It just... feels so good to be out here...","110":"{PlayerName}! Look!","111":"I barely see these things anymore. I used to hang butterflies everywhere as a child...","112":"For some odd reason... it doesn't fly away.","113":"Instead...","114":"Aw... what are the chances of that?","115":"It's so pretty... like a stain glass window.","116":"Emily... I've [i]never[\/i] seen you this sentimental.","117":"Wow... I was such a girl back in the day... trying to catch butterflies and have tea parties with them.","118":"I'm surprised they even forgive me.","119":"She keeps watching the butterfly... until eventually... its instincts kick in and it flies away...","120":"I told you I did everything. I mean it!","121":"I even scouted out the location for our picnic. Come on! It's nice and private.","122":"A picnic, huh?","123":"Well... I never would have picked that on my own, but damn that does sound nice.","124":"Looking forward to this...","125":"I mean... when I stare at Emily's body... I realize why she broke up with me and not the other way around.","126":"How could I give something like that up? Not voluntarily, that's for sure.","127":"Anyway... that's all in the past now.","128":"Ah... it's nice out here.","129":"What do you think, {PlayerName}?","130":"I grab my phone out of my pocket.","131":"I think you've changed.","132":"In a good way, I hope.","133":"I've never seen you so...","134":"...easy.","135":"You better be talking about my mood.","136":"There's she is. There's the Emily I know.","137":"Heh... well...","138":"...I was always trying so hard to prove I was better than my dad... that I didn't think about what I wanted.","139":"Recruiting Cedric to sabotage my dad's business... breaking up with you because you did something to annoy me...","140":"...working so hard to win Valerie's approval... and being completely blind to who she really was.","141":"They feel like the actions of a completely different person.","142":"Make no mistake... I'm still a deeply serious person. But I'm not going to let other people dictate how I interact with the world.","143":"I was... not happy.","144":"Are you happy now?","145":"Not sure... I hadn't thought about it.","146":"Maybe that's the sign I am a happier person.","147":"And you? Do you feel happier? Aside from {Leah}'s situation.","148":"I think about it for a moment... perhaps longer than I intend to.","149":"It's a difficult question for me to answer.","150":"I don't know. I know I've changed.","151":"I'm also a serious person. And having nothing to do wears on me.","152":"Emily nods.","153":"I find that very relatable. But I'm not worried. Driven people will find their own work.","154":"And you're driven. That's what I found so attractive about you.","155":"I used to think that... you either kept a straight face and worked hard, and this was ''serious'', or you joked around and smiled, and this made you ''unserious''.","156":"But people who can't laugh are not serious people.","157":"And what about talking, I wonder? Are quiet people taciturn and controlled... or are they just screaming inside to talk to someone?","158":"I'm not sure...","159":"Emily, something happened that is a little difficult to explain.","160":"Emily does not say anything, but signals with her eyes she is open to anything I have to say.","161":"Recently, I regained the ability to speak.","162":"Are you serious? I mean... how did that happen?","163":"Of course... that's great news but...","164":"...why aren't you speaking, then? I haven't heard a word from you. You are still using your phone.","165":"About that. It isn't my voice.","166":"It's an artificial larynx that Valerie had implanted in my throat.","167":"Uh...","168":"Emily's voice is halting... she's caught by surprise...","169":"You're serious? You really can talk now?","170":"Please. Do it. I've been waiting to hear your voice again...","171":"It's not like that. I told you... it isn't my voice. It's an implant.","172":"It is designed to sound like me, but if you know me... then you can tell the difference.","173":"That's fine. I can be the judge of that.","174":"Give me a voice sample.","175":"I would, but I have this weird fear.","176":"First, it's really hard to explain to people how I got my voice back.","177":"''My enemy installed a voice box into my throat.'' Hmm... I can see why that would be difficult.","178":"Second, I'm afraid if you hear it, you won't recognize me as me.","179":"{PlayerName}... that just... that just sounds stupid. I know who you are.","180":"You have nothing to be afraid of. Is it possible... you're just unused to it?","181":"You spent so long without your voice... I can imagine it would be hard readjusting.","182":"That is also a part of it, too.","183":"Okay. Here's what we do:","184":"Just say to me... today... [i]one word[\/i]...","185":"That's all. And then... tomorrow, tell me two words. Then three... then four.","186":"I think that's doable. Right?","187":"That is so modest... it feels cowardly to refuse. So... I just have to go through with it.","188":"That's doable.","189":"Okay... now say something.","190":"What should I say?","191":"Anything.","192":"Okay then.","193":"I clear my throat...","194":"Hello.","195":"Emily responds so much more casually than I would've imagined.","196":"You get no points for creativity! But that's all I wanted.","197":"Did it sound like me?","198":"It was you... so of course it sounded like you.","199":"But does it sound like how I used to?","200":"Well... of course not! I don't sound like I used to either.","201":"{PlayerName}... that's [i]your[\/i] voice, if you want it to be. It isn't someone else's.","202":"That's... a really good way of putting it.","203":"Wow. I didn't expect it... but Emily really made me feel better about myself.","204":"Is this really the same girl who used to talk about how elite she was?","205":"You earned some wisdom.","206":"I had to... to survive these recent days.","207":"Such a serious statement with such a smile...","208":"If I had to be alone... I would be fine. But life is so much better with you in it.","209":"Let's not leave each other again.","210":"No... not again.","211":"And um...","212":"...let's got on with our picnic.","213":"I expect her to go after the food, but instead, she crawls toward me.","214":"Mischief gleams in her eyes.","215":"What kind of picnic was this?","216":"Emily curls up in my arms... wrapping me around her.","217":"I feel a bit like her security blanket... her body is warm against my chest.","218":"Hmm... well...","219":"If you aren't going to protest... then...","220":"...maybe I can taste those lips, huh?","221":"Emily's sweet lips can't be beaten.","222":"Whether just a peck...","223":"...or fierce kissing.","224":"We struggle together, merging with a slow hunger.","225":"I feel it growing more fierce as we continue...","226":"She can't help herself. She crawls across, her lips sucking mine.","227":"This... [i]this feels good[\/i]...","228":"Gently, she teases open my lips... and lets her tongue slip in.","229":"I accept it, finally understanding what this picnic has been about all along.","230":"Emily and I have made love in a lot of places...","231":"This is the first time we've done it outdoors. It's so different... with the fresh air against our skin...","232":"Suddenly, I feel a jolt down in my loins. It seems Emily has taken me into her hands.","233":"The nice, cool air gives an incredible sensation against my cock...","234":"Of course, Emily is responsible enough not to let my member get too chilly...","235":"Her hand is smooth against my flesh... tugging me insistently.","236":"It gives the kind of warmth that sinks into my bones and radiates through my body.","237":"I feel like I could live in this feeling...","238":"You are a big boy today, aren't you?","239":"Well... I'm not going to let you suffer with that thing stuffed down your pants.","240":"Just leave it to me. I'll take care of everything.","241":"Well... she did say this was about me relaxing, and with her doing all the work...","242":"I'm not about to disobey Emily's wishes, especially as she eyes my cock like that...","243":"Indeed, she can't take her eyes off my cock as her hands glide over it.","244":"With how singularly focused she is, I almost wonder if she's even aware that she's jerking me.","245":"What is true is that her hands are soft, but firm enough to cause me waves of bliss.","246":"It isn't long until the tip slickens with precum...","247":"The ultimate form of relaxation: a pair of pillowy lips wrapped around your cock.","248":"Cool, slick saliva envelopes your hardness... it's like the sip of a cool beer on a hot day.","249":"It's enough to almost make you sleepy...","250":"Gently, I guide her head... letting her lips take me in...","251":"I know just the spot I want her...","252":"That's it... [i]that's exactly the spot[\/i]...","253":"This is a slice of heaven. Nature... fresh air... Emily at my side... and a blowjob.","254":"With nothing but the wind blowing through the trees and the birds chirping, it feels I've never been so far from civilization.","255":"This is us, in our most primitive state, doing what comes natural to us.","256":"Yeah... there's nothing here but silky sensations...","257":"...her lips, her tongue, the coolness of her saliva all work in concert.","258":"This is when a man wants to die and take his last sensations into the afterlife.","259":"Her legs begin to dance behind her, kicking the air like she's laying the floor working on a coloring book.","260":"I have this image in my head of her riding an invisible bike... the thought makes me smile gently.","261":"Man... she really is into that.","262":"Is she going to forget I exist? With what she's doing to me, I could easily forget everything around me.","263":"Then... she meets my eyes.","264":"A sultry gaze lets me know she is in full control of herself...","265":"And lucky me. Her eyes are searing... a nice contrast with her wet lips.","266":"If the pleasure wasn't enough... her work alone is beginning to make me sweat.","267":"I hear a muffled laugh. Clearly she find something goofy about my expression.","268":"Much to my chagrin, she pulls her head back.","269":"You are so cute. If I didn't know better I'd say you were as high as a kite.","270":"Do I look that contented?","271":"All those years being unable to talk... has made your face so expressive.","272":"If you don't mind... I'd like to see your ''O'' face next.","273":"Well... I guess I can try and give her my O face. But she has to earn it.","274":"I don't give those out for free.","275":"She aims her pelvis toward me, and I feel the furnace heat of her loins.","276":"Just the tip in... and man... it's enough to blind me. So much pleasure concentrated in that little gland...","277":"Then, she sinks a bit deeper. I take another exploration of her from the inside...","278":"Gently... she allows herself to drop...","279":"Soon my staff is completely inside. The lips of her vagina moisten my balls and pelvis.","280":"My breath sharpens to a point... and I feel like my breath is stolen once again.","281":"Then... she begins to use me in earnest.","282":"Her thighs... up and down, powerful and athletic. Each is a thunderous stroke of pleasure.","283":"Between the times she sinks onto my cock... I can't help but admire Emily's regular, rhythmic squats.","284":"Every time she bottoms out, I feel the muscles tensed in her thighs.","285":"The feeling so good... my senses seem to melt.","286":"My eyes unfocus. I see doubles of her, swirling in a pleasurable optical illusion.","287":"It's a struggle to think through the haze of sex. My mind is starting to lose its grip on my surroundings...","288":"...I'm becoming one with the natural world around me, nothing but a series of experiences unattached to any rational thought...","289":"We've been patient, haven't we?","290":"It's all come to a circle. We got together, we broke up, we separated...","291":"...we became rivals... we had the same enemies...","292":"...we worked together... we fell in love...","293":"And now we're together again.","294":"I hope we never have to ride that ring again...","295":"She lays down on me, stares into my eyes...","296":"...we communicate. I see a glitter in her pupils of all the other times we had been together.","297":"Her hands steady me... and I'm drawn into her like nothing else could possibly matter.","298":"Slow... intense... a bonfire burning sugar into caramel...","299":"...these are the strange and sensual images that pass through my mind.","300":"If I'm with her enough... I feel like I'll run out of words to describe her.","301":"But... I wouldn't mind getting to that stage with her.","302":"Short... shallow breaths... and I know I have the same effect on her that she has on me.","303":"Her heart thuds heavily... I can feel it through her chest... through her loins.","304":"Her moans rise in pitch, to a desperate, pleading tone.","305":"It sounds like... she's trying to get words out.","306":"I have to lean forward to hear them...","307":"{PlayerName}... holy shit...","308":"You're... gonna make me...","309":"C-c-cuuuuuumm....","310":"Emily gushes... I feel something squirt against my stomach.","311":"Her little agony is a little treasure... but if I have to admit...","312":"...I'm not far behind...","313":"I press on... pumping harder, giving her these pained moans.","314":"She focuses so hard on the feelings between us... it almost looks like she's frowning.","315":"I'm also straining against my increasing desire to release...","316":"Just... use me however you need to.","317":"This is about you, baby...","318":"No... that's not true. It isn't just about me.","319":"But I know she wants me to be happy, and I'm going to strive for that.","320":"I need a better angle if I'm going to do this properly.","321":"Okay... I'm ready.","322":"Go ahead.","323":"Slowly... I push my cock into her back passage... and it feels like Emily knew where I was going all along.","324":"Her slight nerves and hesitation cause her to clench. She has to relax so I can slide in...","325":"So tight! Almost too tight... this ass is going to milk me.","326":"Fuck... I don't think I'm going to last as long as I thought.","327":"The pleasure strikes like a match, and I know I'm burning too hot.","328":"I'm an engine... out of control... and my body is starting to give in to fatigue.","329":"Still, what's left of my focus is dedicated to maintain a steady beat.","330":"My body is screaming for release...","331":"Yet, I'm still going, humping her like a rabbit. We thump together in a ecstatic rhythm.","332":"Soon, I'm just an extension of Emily... I can almost feel her sensations too...","333":"This... is a state I've barely ever reached...","334":"Let's go together. Okay?","335":"Yeah... let's time it. Let's launch each other into the sky...","336":"I prepare myself for the last mount... getting the perfect angle...","337":"...and now... I'm ready for the true climax.","338":"Cum inside.","339":"Cum outside.","340":"Yes... fill me!","341":"I want... your magma!","342":"At her command my volcano erupts.","343":"My cock begins to pump... pump... pump...","344":"D-do it...","345":"On my b-back, baby...","346":"Funny... she sensed exactly what I was about to do.","347":"At her command... I spill forth like a geyser...","348":"What a picnic...","349":"...with picnics like these... I'll be a very happy man...","350":"...and a very tired man.","351":"You know... I did actually bring food...","352":"Yeah. That sounds good. But first...","353":"...let's enjoy the moment.","0":"jump to emily_sex","1":"jump to cum_options","2":"Play scene from the beginning","3":"A few days later...","4":"That must be Emily.","5":"Hey, {PlayerName}.","6":"Emily checks me up and down.","7":"What's Iris doing here?","8":"How are you feeling?","9":"I'm fine. Things are normal."},"ch17__17.70c haley epilogue.vne3":{"10":"Sorry... I'm still getting used to that voice of yours.","11":"It's just... kinda wild to see you talk.","12":"I'm not used to it either. Honestly... sometimes I feel like it would be easier if I didn't have it.","13":"But... I've got it now... so it's not worth thinking about.","14":"You're still shy about showing it off to other people?","15":"It's not that...","16":"...I'm shy about showing it off to people who used to [i]know[\/i] me...","17":"Maybe I have an uncanny valley voice. {Leah} told me she could tell the difference.","18":"So... I'm just going to lay off it for a while. Practice with you.","19":"Until I feel comfortable.","20":"And make up a good cover story.","21":"Yeah. That too.","22":"It's not a bad idea. Speaking of {Leah}... did you hear anything back?","23":"No.","24":"It doesn't look good either...","25":"Ah... shit... I'm sorry...","26":"But I was told she'd be let out... it's taking a lot longer than anticipated.","27":"Yeah... I'm sorry about that.","28":"Is there anything I can do?","29":"Yes. Distract me.","30":"You've been really throwing yourself into this management thing, haven't you?","31":"When things start kicking off... I promise I'll pay you.","32":"I don't care. Just give me something to do. I just don't want to think too much.","33":"Haley nods.","34":"Now that I don't have to think about Silent1... I've been desperate for tasks to occupy myself.","35":"Coursework, working in the IT lab, and the election aren't enough. I've also become Haley's manager.","36":"I've been nice and busy... and that's exactly how I like things.","37":"Anyway... come! Let me show you something...","38":"The prints came back! Take a look.","39":"How did they come out?","40":"Lovely, no?","41":"I take a long scan of the album.","42":"Ah... I fucked up.","43":"What are you talking about? It looks great!","44":"No... it looks cheap. The black and white makes it feel like I printed the covers off myself.","45":"Damn it...","46":"Shut up, {PlayerName}! Settle down.","47":"You're freaking out. Don't worry about it.","48":"It does look homemade to you, doesn't it?","49":"Yeah. It does. That's because we printed them off super cheap.","50":"I could've done a better job.","51":"I think there's a charm to it. It looks like we did it ourselves.","52":"But we didn't. We got a company to do it.","53":"Yes... but... let's just tell people we did it ourselves.","54":"Anyway... they've come just in time. The performance is tonight. I was starting to sweat.","55":"Are you ready for it?","56":"Yeah. I feel confident. Especially because I know you'll be there.","57":"Let's do it together, okay?","58":"For so long... Haley was the insecure one and I was the one who reassured her. Now it's the other way around.","59":"I thought... being out of constant mortal danger would make me feel more at ease...","60":"...but now I'm not facing problems I can defeat by shooting them in the head.","61":"That night... we head to Sevigny's.","62":"No gunmen, no spies, no cops, no cultists...","63":"...just a pretty girl performing to a crowd.","64":"And wow, Haley is so talented.","65":"With confidence, her voice sounds even more beautiful.","66":"I feel that if she wants to, she has the talent to sing anything.","67":"And yet... I'm so ready for everything to fall apart.","68":"Haley... these coming months... I have a feeling you're going to have to be my rock.","69":"As if you weren't already...","70":"Still... I can put on enough of a smile that doesn't put the customers off.","71":"Oh, you're so sweet! Cerulean Jazz is comin' out in vinyl pretty soon! Just follow us on our social medias and you'll know exactly when!","72":"And sir? What would you like? Oh, a t-shirt?","73":"I think size M will fit you perfectly!","74":"...Of course, we have mugs!","75":"It seems Maggie's become a bit of a chatter box.","76":"With everything stable, I feel secure enough to get some fresh air. Maggie can be trusted on her own.","77":"Someone's been smoking. I smell it from miles away.","78":"Some days, I'm tempted to pick up the habit... just to give my fingers something to do...","79":"Soon... I become aware of a man next to me.","80":"Stan! Just leaning against the wall like a moody teenager.","81":"I take out my phone.","82":"Stan! I haven't seen you since the hospital. What are you doing out here?","83":"What do you think I'm out here for?","84":"Because... [i]Haley[\/i]...","85":"I remember that time... Stan blocked me from walking into Sevigny's so I wouldn't interrupt Haley's singing.","86":"I forgot how much he loved her voice.","87":"Truth is... I was hoping you wouldn't notice.","88":"Why not?","89":"When I saw Haley... and how grateful she was to me...","90":"...well... it...","91":"...it embarrassed me.","92":"But she is grateful.","93":"I knew she would be. But I gave her that check for a reason... with no intention of ever seeing her again.","94":"Because... I don't want her to think she owes everything to me.","95":"I helped her... because I wanted to help her.","96":"Christ...","97":"It isn't more complicated than that.","98":"Do me a favor... don't tell her I was here. I want to enjoy her success from afar.","99":"Stan... you are an [i]extremely[\/i] good person.","100":"Doesn't matter.","101":"Stan stumbles off... leaving me with a sorrowful feeling in my heart.","102":"Is that what Stan wants? To be in the background?","103":"Maybe this is what he prefers...","104":"I head back inside the bar to enjoy the rest of the performance.","105":"Haley keeps killing it.","106":"Okay everyone: one last song for the night!","107":"After the show, a couple of hours later...","108":"Phew! What a great performance.","109":"You ready to head home?","110":"I have... a lot of excess energy. I need to burn it off.","111":"What... is something that matter?","112":"What?","0":"Jump to haley_sex","113":"You look... odd.","1":"Play scene from the beginning","114":"You know...","2":"A few days later...","115":"...I thought I saw someone I recognized... but it turned out to be someone else.","3":"Haley had called me into her apartment...","116":"It was just a weird experience.","4":"...with nothing else to do... I went ahead and walked in.","117":"Is that all?","5":"I have the keys to her place, after all.","118":"Haley twists her head, as thought deciding whether to believe me.","6":"Hey!","119":"Well... whatever it is... I promise you tonight you're going to forget all your worries.","7":"You look good.","120":"I definitely look forward to that.","8":"So do you.","121":"Come on then... let's go home.","9":"Haley nods at the sound of my voice.","122":"We talk about the show as we drive home. Haley is very excited about her performance.","123":"The bar was full, and we actually managed to sell some merch. Not bad for an indie singer.","124":"When we get home, we don't waste a moment. It's time to celebrate.","125":"We swiftly shed our clothes and began kissing passionately.","126":"We kiss... we hold each other tight...","127":"And yeah... together... we make a silent duet.","128":"She pulls me into her mouth... I feel her lips close around my member...","129":"Gently, I guide her head, pushing my cock up and down her talented throat.","130":"Maybe it is due to her vocal training... but Haley is something special when it comes to pleasuring me.","131":"A tongue so skilled at voicing words now works another skill at pleasing my cock...","132":"...I almost feel bad that no other guy will experience this.","133":"A soft and easy evening...","134":"...like her music. Smooth and jazzy, a touch of improvisation.","135":"Everything about Haley feels like fine bourbon and velvet...","136":"...her little moans sharing that lovely musical quality.","137":"Haley is just... such an easy going person...","138":"...whether in conversation or in bed.","139":"I fit her like a key...","140":"Let's just put on some music... make love until the morning...","141":"...until we forget whose skin is whose...","142":"...and all my problems fade."},"ch17__17.70d lidia epilogue.vne3":{"10":"Thank God. Some stimulation!","11":"You're back early.","12":"Uh-huh! It's basically a miracle.","13":"Major car accident going the [i]opposite[\/i] direction... meant no lines at the passport office.","14":"Did you get your passport?","15":"I was so scared they were going to arrest me! But no. They gave it to me and that was that.","16":"So... I gave them a salute and said my goodbyes.","17":"I'm glad I'm back, though. I was a bit worried about you staying on your own.","18":"I had a lot to do anyway.","19":"Well, you still could've come with, you know.","20":"I would've just slowed you down. And I would've gotten bored.","21":"Besides... Sam wanted to meet me today.","22":"Does Sam know you can speak now?","23":"I'll... I'll tell her eventually.","24":"She's your friend. Why would you think she'd judge you?","25":"The implant... is not my voice. Maybe she wouldn't recognize it.","26":"I'm just worried it will come off as uncanny.","27":"Besides... she knows sign and I'm still more comfortable with that.","28":"I'm only speaking with you for practice.","29":"Lidia looks at me with concern.","30":"I... wish I hadn't bought these tickets weeks ago. If I had waited... you could come along...","31":"Do you want me to stay here? I could cancel the trip.","32":"Go to Italy.","33":"You sure? I'm worried about you.","34":"Listen... there's nothing to worry about. My life has changed massively in the past few days.","35":"Of course I'm having adjustment issues. {Leah} is in jail and there's nothing I can do about it.","36":"Go to Italy. You've waited long enough.","37":"Lidia nods hesitantly.","38":"You know... next time... we're going to go together.","39":"I'm going to force you.","40":"Well... I hope forcing me involves sexy wrestling.","41":"It could...","42":"...speaking of which...","43":"...maybe I can stay here for the time being?","44":"In this apartment?","45":"That would... make things feel a lot less lonely...","46":"Yes. God yes.","47":"Yeah... of course. As long as you want.","48":"Lidia smiles.","49":"Lidia and I live in sin for a few days.","50":"There's something amazing about living with a barista.","51":"Fresh coffee... baked goods every morning.","52":"Lidia is such homemaker that the whole place feels lighter just for her being there.","53":"It's going to be more painful when she goes out on her trip...","54":"The big day. I help her pack up... she does it with a focused excitement.","55":"I would not be able to stand keeping her here... just to make me happy...","56":"Okay... thanks babe.","57":"I'll call you every day. Send you pictures!","58":"Have fun in Italy!","59":"Yeah, and you don't get in too much trouble, alright?","60":"One final kiss... then I have to see her go...","61":"The place... doesn't feel the same.","62":"It's so empty...","63":"I watch TV... I click through the channels, I do crosswords...","64":"I keep looking outside, hoping it will rain.","65":"How am I supposed to live such a boring life?","66":"This was the real wound Valerie gave me...","67":"...an intolerance for boredom.","68":"Suddenly...","69":"Aha! I brought VIDEO GAMES!","70":"Co-op gaming marathon session let's gooooooo!","71":"What? I didn't call you. Why are you here?","72":"Oh. Lidia sent me a text, told me you were lone-","73":"AGGHHHH! YOU SPOKE!","74":"Oh... shit.","75":"No... this can't be happening! I took shrooms once! [i]Once[\/i]!","76":"So it's true it all gets stored up in your fat cells...","77":"No... I really did speak.","78":"Sorry... I forgot to tell you...","79":"You [i]forgot to tell me!?[\/i]","80":"No... what I meant was...","81":"...I didn't [i]want[\/i] to tell you.","82":"I... I don't understand... {PlayerName}... [pause]if I had a dick I'd be your bro.","83":"Why did you think you couldn't tell me?","84":"I mean... let's start from the beginning... how the fuck does something like this happen?","85":"It is a [i]super complicated[\/i] story... and that's part of the reason I didn't want to tell you.","86":"Also... you knew me from before. I was...","87":"...I was scared you wouldn't recognize it.","88":"Hmm...","89":"...{PlayerName}... you know what? If you don't want to be grilled... then I won't grill you.","90":"Just tell me the full story when you feel comfortable... but for now...","91":"...let's just enjoy the fact we can shit talk each other while we game.","92":"Yeah... that is a rather big plus...","93":"Sam stays over and we drink... play games... and end up sleeping on the floor.","94":"When she leaves... I don't feel so forgotten.","95":"I check Lidia's thread and she has so many gorgeous photos to show me.","96":"I'm so ready for Lidia to come home...","97":"And... just in time too.","98":"All that sun did Lidia some good. [i]She is glowing[\/i]...","99":"A tight squeeze... a sweet kiss... and I'm driving her back to her apartment.","100":"Home sweet home...","101":"Man...","102":"...all I could do... was just think about how nice it would be for you to have come along.","103":"It was so nice. I gained five pounds. I am made of olives, bread, and wine.","104":"So... you spoke to Sam?","105":"Did Sam tell you?","106":"Yeah... she told me how silly you were for being worried.","107":"She is curious how it happened.","108":"I need to come up with a cover story. The real story is too weird...","109":"If I didn't know it was true... I'd think you were making it up.","110":"It was hard not waking up next to you, you know?","111":"I kept missing you... missing the way everything just comes right when you're around.","112":"Hmm... well... you definitely don't have to go home now.","0":"Jump to lidia_sex","113":"Maybe... you could help me through this jet lag.","1":"Play scene from the beginning","114":"Oh, really?","2":"A few days later...","115":"I'm gonna need some exercise if I don't want to fall asleep.","3":"Man... it's so quiet in here...","116":"Think you could help?","4":"After finishing my coursework, I've been laying on the couch watching movies.","117":"Yeah... I think I could help.","5":"Feels like I've gone through an entire streaming library. I know I'm not going to be satisfied with this forever.","118":"I'm not sure if Lidia realizes how much she helps [i]me[\/i]...","6":"My brain in numbed... I drink a beer... try not to think.","119":"She has proven... quite the roommate.","7":"It's just... timing sucks so bad.","120":"Actually... it's interesting. Wherever she is seems to feels like home.","8":"With Lidia out of town, getting her passport sorted, it just feels like I'm not the center of the world anymore.","121":"I feel like I could go anywhere with her... we'd become nomads.","9":"Just... leaving me to worry about {Leah}...","122":"The partnership we have is more than just four walls.","123":"Every time I'm with her... I feel like I'm on an experience... a special journey.","124":"She really can take me places, wherever we happen to be.","125":"If I can't stand a boring life, then there's few partners better than Lidia.","126":"And in this particular moment, I feel like I'm flying into space with her...","127":"...hurtling uncontrollably towards a distant horizon...","128":"I have to admit... having such a beautiful girl atop me like this... grinding against me...","129":"...is getting to be too much.","130":"I am on final approach... I am well past the point of no return.","131":"I know I'm about to unleash a load like never before...","132":"My heart quickens... and then...","133":"...I release... and then I'm back to my body... grounded and present.","134":"Maybe... this is it. Maybe this is someone...","135":"...I can be happy with, wherever we end up."},"ch17__17.70e maggie epilogue.vne3":{"10":"It's just 'cause dogs are social animals, you know. They wanna be friends.","11":"If they know you love 'em... they'll go to the ends of God's green Earth for you.","12":"Well... it's mighty kind of ya to help me walk these durn dogs! I was getting a bit too popular.","13":"What a silly city ordinance, to say you can't walk twelve dogs at a time. I swear they just make these rules up to annoy people.","14":"Anyway, here's your cut of the money.","15":"Maggie hands be a surprisingly large wad of cash.","16":"This is what you earn?","17":"People put a lot of money into their doggies.","18":"And considering it's only for a couple hours of work...","19":"I gotta take the dogs back though, unfortunately. You can't take care of every little critter.","20":"So... was I right?","21":"That walking dogs would make me feel better?","22":"Uh-huh. Do ya?","23":"I nod.","24":"I do feel better, yes.","25":"It is more keeping myself occupied. With my high-stress lifestyle, I'm going through an adjustment period.","26":"My head is built for apocalyptic problems...","27":"I gotta admit... {PlayerName}...","28":"It feels like you're still down. You're a cat in a sink.","29":"Maggie... I need to keep myself occupied.","30":"It's just... hard to adjust to free time and... not being in peril.","31":"So you're bored.","32":"Yes.","33":"Not saying the dogs aren't nice... but I need serious responsibilities.","34":"What? I think you'll find a dog is a mighty big responsibility!","35":"Not what I mean.","36":"I'm just saying that I'm not an animal therapy person.","37":"Maggie thinks for a moment.","38":"You know... it's funny... we're in a bit of a role-reversal situation here.","39":"You remember when we met? I could barely get a word out. I was so shy...","40":"Now... you can't even use your voice with your friends.","41":"Why is it only me you can talk to?","42":"I just don't know how to explain how I got my voice back.","43":"Well... that does make some kinda sense... I guess.","44":"The story you told me was... [i]dizzyin'.","45":"But why can't you tell your friends? You and Sam are bosom buddies. I woulda thought she would be the first person you'd talk to.","46":"That's exactly why.","47":"Well.. I'm all kinds of confused... really don't understand...","48":"She knows me. And this is not my voice.","49":"I feel like... if she heard my voice... she's going to get this uncanny valley effect.","50":"Well... I don't meant to be rude but...","51":"...that sounds like somethin' I'd think a few months past.","52":"Wow... that's not rude... but that does hurt...","53":"Am I becoming shy? No way...","54":"I got an idea... you could help me with somethin' real serious.","55":"Serious? I feel my ears prick with interest.","56":"Yeah... somethin' to keep your mind offa {Leah}.","57":"You ready? It's a big deal, so you take it all serious now.","58":"Yeah, you can trust me to take anything seriously.","59":"So... blackmail? Is someone threatening her?","60":"Or maybe... she's being framed for something? Her brother has started stalking her again?","61":"Finally...","62":"Alrighty... here it comes:","63":"[i]...my future!","64":"Your [i]future?[\/i]","65":"Yep! That's right. My future!","66":"Uh... I've yet to pick a major.","67":"Oh... easy. Get a bunch of index cards and a dart board.","68":"You're 'sposed to be serious!","69":"I'm kidding.","70":"I've stressin' about it. I'm gonna have to pick somethin' soon. And all I gotta ask myself is...","71":"...what on Earth am I plottin' to do for the rest of my life?","72":"You know... when I think of you...","73":"...I instantly think ''vet''.","74":"Vet... huh...","75":"That's the thing... I don't think I can be a vet.","76":"Why not?","77":"'Cause walkin' dogs has proven to me I don't like most pet owners!","78":"Every time I see a poor little puppy who is obviously neglected... it just gets my rankles up!","79":"I've heard... if you're a vet... you gotta give the animals back to people who don't deserve 'em.","80":"Right... it makes sense that Maggie would be so sensitive about animals...","81":"Okay. I know you pretty well... so I think I could come up with a pretty good answer for you.","82":"You could?","83":"Yeah. I could.","84":"The only other person I'd ask is Haley... and she'd just say to me I should follow my heart.","85":"What if my heart don't know? That is the only thing that annoys me about Haley, she is sore at givin' advice sometimes.","86":"I'll do some research and get back to you.","87":"You will? That'd be swell. 'Specially 'cause I need to get these puppies back to their owners...","88":"...unfortunately.","89":"Well... let's meet tonight then. Your place?","90":"Yeah. I'd like that. You have my keys, right?","91":"That I do. I'll let myself in then... open your dresser and wear your boxers like a hat.","92":"I would love to see that.","93":"Hope I didn't wake somethin' in you!","94":"Maggie leaves... pulling the dogs with her.","95":"There's no way Maggie can fail at anything if she tries. She's just got that charm.","96":"Right... the library.","97":"If this were months ago... I'd limit Maggie's social exposure. Try to find something to do with animals.","98":"But... it's not. Maggie clearly likes people. And I think she'd do well working in a normal environment.","99":"Well... I'll set to work.","100":"I'll go through a list of careers and cross-reference them to expected wages over twenty years, cost of vocational training...","101":"...quality of life... industry projections...","102":"...I guess I'll think about Maggie's personal preferences too.","103":"[i]Finally...[\/i] report complete.","104":"I'll transfer my results to a document, format it properly then present my findings.","105":"I shoot off a little email and... [i]done.","106":"Wow... weirdly enough, I rather enjoyed this exercise.","107":"It certainly pulled my mind off of...","108":"...{Leah}...","109":"Damn it... doom and gloom starts up again with a vengeance.","110":"I can't even call her, since a judge ruled that phone privileges posed too much of a risk.","111":"Who knows when she'll be out? The way Kestrel described it...","112":"...it might be a long, long time.","113":"[i]Just a night[\/i], Kestrel said.","114":"Well... how many nights has it been? Three?","115":"Man... I shouldn't have trusted that guy. I can't believe I worked with him.","116":"I'm a well of bitterness right now.","117":"No... not bitterness. [i]Acid[\/i].","118":"It's good I'm seeing Maggie tonight. She's just the kind of person I need to see...","119":"Hmm...","120":"Maggie?","121":"Where is she...?","122":"Maybe she let herself in, and is in the bathroom or something.","123":"I should look for her...","124":"[i]Wait... I don't have to do that anymore...","125":"I can just [i]say her name[\/i].","126":"Maggie?","127":"Ah... it's so good to be able to speak.","128":"Are you in here?","129":"Uh... give me a moment...","130":"Just... don't come in, 'kay?","131":"Is something wrong?","132":"No! No... no... everythin' is hunky dory.","133":"You just don't mind yourself, alright? Sit tight...","134":"If everything is alright... why can't I come in?","135":"Also, you're in [i]my room[\/i]...","136":"Oh... well...","137":"...just don't come in.","138":"She closes the door.","139":"Why is Maggie shy all of a sudden?","140":"Hold on. There was something different about her. I feel like I should poke my head in...","141":"Maggie... [i]what are you in?","142":"Um... you like it?","143":"Yeah... why were you hiding this from me?","144":"Well... uh...","145":"It was a mistake. I meant to order a normal nurse outfit but...","146":"...I got this one instead.","147":"We naturally gravitate toward the bed, and we take our seats next to each other.","148":"I was hoping you got this to excite me.","149":"Nice side effect, I 'spose! But no... I didn't.","150":"I feel like... such an odd bird sometimes...","151":"...not sure exactly what I want out of life...","152":"I was a songbird that couldn't sing just a few months ago, and now look at me.","153":"That's all thanks to you.","154":"Maggie...","155":"Where I imagined I'd be after college... I was thinking about what career I'd have...","156":"...I was thinkin' about how I was gonna hide from the world.","157":"Maybe I was gonna be a park ranger somewhere... keep company with bears...","158":"...but... livin' away from people ain't for me no more.","159":"I like people! I always liked people... and I was so scared they wouldn't like me...","160":"...and now... I know it doesn't matter whether they like me or not.","161":"So... you haven't explained why you're wearing this nurse's outfit...","162":"Oh, yeah... heh...","163":"I think I want to get into nursing!","164":"You get to help people... it's a steady job...","165":"...it's hard, I know that, but I'm not scared of hard work.","166":"But you asked me this morning...","167":"Uh... I did... sorry...","168":"...I wasn't sure how to say it...","169":"Maggie was nervous about telling me she wanted to be a nurse? She's still got some of that shyness to her...","170":"I probably [i]shouldn't[\/i] mention how much effort I put into her career search...","171":"If you can't tell me something, who can you tell? Deciding on a career isn't something you should be nervous about...","172":"I was just worried what you might say... you might have disagreed...","173":"Why would I?","174":"Y'know... I'm...","175":"[i]...not really sure...","176":"Well... if you're going to be a nurse... you need plenty of practice, right?","177":"What do you...","178":"Oh, yeah! I do need practice, don't I?","179":"You better lie back now, so that Nurse Maggie can check you.","180":"Yes, ma'am!","181":"She gently presses along my neck.","182":"Nothin' wrong with your throat...","183":"...don't see no swellin'","184":"But boy... your heart is racin'! This is a cause for concern.","185":"Oh, poor baby, you're burnin' up!","186":"We can't have you sufferin'. Luckily I know just the thing to cure you.","187":"Here we are. Get a good gander. Are you feeling any better?","188":"My fever is still so bad... I might need a direct application...","189":"Yes, you're lookin' a lot paler than you should. Let's get you treated.","190":"Oh, my! That's caused some dramatic improvement!","191":"You got lots more energy now. I think this calls for a full course of treatment!","192":"Yes please...","193":"Yep... this is exactly what I needed. A full round of treatment.","194":"It's what I deserve after spending an afternoon putting together that report...","195":"...but I'm sure Maggie has ways of cooling me down.","196":"Like this extremely effective method.","197":"Her cool mouth could quench any heat.","198":"Her body is fit for exercise, I feel strength and power radiate through me...","199":"...if this is supposed to heal my body... it is already working.","200":"I know I can't disappoint Maggie with a poor performance.","201":"What a nurse Maggie would be. She definitely is my incentive to be my best.","202":"There is no treatment... no medicine that is as good for me as Maggie is.","203":"Even if she wasn't becoming a nurse... I feel as though I rely on her as if she was one.","204":"She is someone who can soothe any pain I have... and sate any hunger.","205":"There really must be something to this. Suddenly, I'm full of energy...","206":"...my foggy thoughts clear up as I get closer to orgasm...","207":"When I'm about to cum, Maggie pushes me off and does her duty.","208":"Wow... my balls are throbbing...","209":"How was that for collectin' samples?","210":"I think you've got way more than you need.","211":"Well... that's your opinion.","212":"That makes me smile. If she wanted a sperm donation... she has it.","213":"I don't really want to tell her she didn't need to go to all this effort.","214":"...but it is sweet that she did.","0":"Jump to maggie_sex","1":"Play scene from the beginning","2":"A few days later...","3":"Man... dog walking is a lot harder than I thought. Nobody told me herding dogs was like herding cats.","4":"With a pocket full of biscuits, and another full of doo-doo bags, I seem to manage.","5":"These dogs probably don't realize they could pull me along if they wanted...","6":"My my, you're a natural with animals!","7":"Those little smelly puppy dogs [i]love[\/i] you!","8":"I don't feel much like a natural. Controlling one dog is fine, but twelve...?","9":"I've got no idea how you do it."},"ch17__17.70f sam epilogue.vne3":{"10":"Sam may be impressed that I've devoted so much energy to the campaign, but I don't think she realizes I'm mostly looking for a distraction.","11":"There Sam is. We were going to have a meeting today.","12":"I really am grateful for the break...","13":"Hey! How's it going, {PlayerName}? You lover boy!","14":"You are just... so handsome and so smart! Man, I could just give you a bro punch right in the shoulder. I love you so much.","15":"Sam is acting weird. What's up with her?","16":"Something wrong?","17":"Wrong? Wrong? Pff... why would [i]anything[\/i] be wrong?","18":"You have a glass half empty worldview, {PlayerName}, and I'm here to turn that right around.","19":"It doesn't matter if it's half empty, or half full... the point is... it's there [i]for you to drink[\/i].","20":"Seize the day! That's my philosophy.","21":"What do you need, Sam?","22":"What do I need? No no, my friend... what do [i]you[\/i] need?","23":"I could use-","24":"I'll tell what you need... [i]a cram study session!","25":"...What?","26":"Really get in tune with the student body. Embrace the pain and anxiety of learning a semester's worth of material in three days.","27":"But... I study... so why would I do that?","28":"You don't have any coursework left?","29":"No... I finished all my major projects. What's with you?","30":"Shit.","31":"You're super behind, aren't you?","32":"I guess. I shouldn't bother you about it. It's my fault, anyway.","33":"Listen... I wanted to say...","34":"...I probably can't manage your campaign anymore.","35":"What? Because you're rushing to finish all your work?","36":"End-of-semester exams are coming up. My brain is pulped. [i]Pulped.","37":"I need to spend all my time cramming to fit all this shit in my useless brain.","38":"UGH! WHY AM I WHINING TO YOU?","39":"Fuck, I'm sorry, {PlayerName}. How's the thing with {Leah}?","40":"I know it's really been bothering you.","41":"Yeah. There's a lot of shit I'm going to carry with me from now on.","42":"What happened, happened. I have regrets, but I'll have worse regrets if I don't work as hard as possible.","43":"I'm doing alright, considering. It's driving me crazy that {Leah} was supposed to be out days ago.","44":"Anyway, the judge ruled that phone privileges were too risky for her, so we haven't been able to talk.","45":"Otherwise, I'd be on the phone with her right now.","46":"Well... at least you seem to be getting over your insecurity.","47":"What insecurity?","48":"About your voice. You've only been able to talk to me so far.","49":"That's not insecurity. I just don't know how to explain to people how I got my voice back.","50":"Well, it [i]is[\/i] a pretty insane story, so I can understand.","51":"But... there's no shame in being shy. If I regained the ability to talk after years... I'd be shy.","52":"I'm just honored you decided to tell me!","53":"[i]Shy?[\/i] I've never been shy. Except...","54":"...this voice [i]isn't my voice.[\/i] It is something else's. It just sounds a little like the old me.","55":"Nothing is going to bring my old larynx back.","56":"Anyway, let's get to talking about the campaign. I got the old team back together: Linus, Kristen, Alfred...","57":"It's too bad nobody knows about the Brotherhood, though. The problem with winning a shadow war is you don't get any medals for it.","58":"But those of us that know? Man... you've got our loyalty. There are people who trust you and are working super hard for your success.","59":"Ah... that must be the rest of the team.","60":"Salutations!","61":"Afternoon.","62":"Why do you have such a nice apartment?","63":"Thanks for coming.","64":"Oh, no thanks needed! In all my years I've never been late without excuse.","65":"Well... I'm going to give my report. Massive successes all around, of course.","66":"The masses are, predictably, easily influenced by even the basest propaganda.","67":"Uh... I also did work.","68":"Right. Let's go over the reports of each committee...","69":"...and that should be that.","70":"Man... pretty convenient for you that Valerie just dropped out.","71":"She'd give you a run for your money, being hot and all, but these other bozos are useless.","72":"I'd say you were the clear favorite at this point.","73":"Yeah. It's going to be too easy, actually.","74":"Well... it looks like everyone knows what they need to do.","75":"I've got a checklist.","76":"Yes, your instructions are clear.","77":"There's something else I wanted to talk about...","78":"...can I trust you take care of the campaign? Sam and I are going to be preoccupied with other things...","79":"Huh?","80":"What do you mean?","81":"Some life stuff has come up. Sam and I are going to be preoccupied for the next few days.","82":"{PlayerName}...","83":"Um... sure. I mean, if Linus can do it, anyone can.","84":"Fine. [i]You[\/i] code a site then.","85":"That's not a problem, {PlayerName}. We can take care of things while you and Sam are preoccupied.","86":"Thank you.","87":"I'll depart now. Thank you for the lovely evening.","88":"See you, {PlayerName}.","89":"Yeah, bye.","90":"[i]Damn...","91":"You'd help me like that?","92":"Of course. Did you think for a second I wouldn't?","93":"Just thought with {Leah} and the campaign...","94":"Don't worry. You're doing me a favor. I need to keep myself busy.","95":"So for the next few days... that is exactly what Sam and I did.","96":"We studied and studied... cramming hard for her classes...","97":"...and in between sessions...","98":"...we did a different kind of cramming as well.","99":"Yes... [i]help me study for biology...","100":"She doesn't have a biology class... but she still seem intent on knowing everything about it...","101":"...or everything that applies to sex, at least.","102":"This is Sam's pattern. We work, then we play.","103":"Sam needed plenty of rewards to keep motivated.","104":"And... truth be told... I needed the same.","105":"Up all night, reading and note-taking...","106":"...and playing hard in between.","107":"I wouldn't have been able to do it without my voice.","108":"But... even at the wire, we managed.","109":"I'm confident that Sam is going to do great. All she needed was a rigorous schedule.","110":"Work hard... play hard. There wasn't enough time to do anything else.","111":"The morning after exams... I pop by Sam's dorm room.","112":"So... how did you do?","0":"Jump to sam_sex","113":"Oh... uh...","1":"Play scene from the beginning","114":"Shit... she looks gloomy...","2":"A few days later...","115":"...yeah... well... at least I tried...","3":"As I sit in the living room I check over the recent reports.","116":"...after so much hard work... I wanted to get at least straight Bs...","4":"I've been reading over student complaints about Shale Hill...","117":"But I got straight As instead!","5":"...that the Student Union is closed too often. That the registrar is slow. That there aren't enough events.","118":"Holy... wow Sam... that's ridiculous...","6":"So on and so on and so on...","119":"Better than expected, huh?","7":"It all feels so domestic... [i]so low stakes[\/i]. These are the things I used to care about too...","120":"Yeah. A lot better.","8":"...now it all just feels so petty.","121":"Heh! Give that back so I can frame it!","9":"Still, throwing myself into the campaign has kept my mind occupied.","122":"Sweet, isn't? How did you do?","123":"Same as you.","124":"Ugh. Teacher's pet.","125":"This means you pass all your classes, right?","126":"Well... have to admit... getting a good dicking on a regular occasion was [i]suuuuper[\/i] helpful.","127":"When people ask you what the key to your success was, you can tell them: [i]''dick''[\/i].","128":"Uh-huh! Speaking of which...","129":"...think you could spare some dick right now?","130":"Yeah... sure. I've got time.","131":"Excellent...","132":"Sam bellows like a villain, and we get busy.","133":"Dick may be the secret to Sam's success... but Sam might be the secret to mine.","134":"Sam has that special something. It's hard to put my finger on... but...","135":"...I can't get enough of it."},"ch17__17.70g dante epilogue.vne3":{"10":"What was I expecting? A plaque? A trophy? A key to the city and a pat on the back?","11":"I'll settle for a free beer right now.","12":"...","13":"Well... that's something I know how to get.","14":"Crossing my fingers that Dante is on shift, I head into the bar.","15":"Damn.","16":"Kiara is in the middle of polishing a table... looking displeased with her own progress. It takes her a moment until she looks at me with wide, doe-like eyes.","17":"Eeek!","18":"Oh... you [i]scared[\/i] me! Say something next time!","19":"I shrug.","20":"Oh... right. Sorry. Didn't mean to say that. You just look... uh...","21":"[i]...decent...","22":"In other words... I don't.","23":"Oh! Another thing! I was supposed to pass along a message! From your friend, Sam.","24":"Finally I decide to take out my phone. I'm not looking forward to what she has to say.","25":"Sam told me... ah... I had to say this word for word... so I'm sorry in advance...","26":"''Show up to the campaign meetings asshead!''","27":"She also told me, specifically, I should say it angrily. I'm not actually angry myself. Actually, I don't care.","28":"Thanks for passing along the message.","29":"No problem.","30":"Uh... is there anything I can get for you?","31":"Yes, actually. Dante usually gives me a beer for free.","32":"Could you do that?","33":"That is... [i]unusual[\/i]... I mean... Dante told me specifically that he was going to [i]stop[\/i] being so generous with free drinks.","34":"It's not good for business. That's what he told me.","35":"Damn. For someone who couldn't speak until recently, I sure have a [i]big mouth[\/i].","36":"We are a business, right? And not some alcohol distribution facility.","37":"You're both, technically.","38":"I've had a bad day. I've done a lot... nobody even knows how much I've done.","39":"I'm just looking for an [i]ounce[\/i] of recognition.","40":"Uh... hmm... well...","41":"OH! Was it about the raid at the hospital?","42":"You know about that?","43":"Everyone does. It was big news. It was on all the 24\/7 channels. They had panels of eight people all arguing about it at the same time.","44":"You had something to do with it?","45":"How would you know that?","46":"Well... I helped rescue you from that same hospital, remember? Figured you might be connected.","47":"Oh yeah... that does explain how she knew.","48":"Feels odd that a girl as timid as Kiara did something like that.","49":"I guess you do deserve something after all.","50":"If I get something from the tap... Dante probably won't notice.","51":"Thanks.","52":"Kiara pours out a tall glass of beer.","53":"The foam spills over as she pushes it to me... amber as ripe wheat.","54":"It feels like I'm being presented with a golden, gleaming medal...","55":"...I sip it... and enjoy it cooling on my lips.","56":"Phew... you must've really needed that.","57":"I look at Kiara.","58":"It's like you're ten times lighter.","59":"Yeah... I've been burdened by quite a lot...","60":"Ah! Hetebro! Lookin' good!","61":"Did you charge {PlayerName} for that drink?","62":"Oh! Uh... of course!","63":"Are you crazy? {PlayerName} gets one on the house. Go issue {PlayerName} a refund.","64":"But you said...","65":"That's for people [i]other[\/i] than {PlayerName}. {PlayerName} is part of the Sevigny's family.","66":"It's alright, Dante. She didn't charge me. Kiara thought you'd be angry if she didn't charge me.","67":"Kiara! You [i]do[\/i] listen, don't you? That's why you're the World's Best Bartender.","68":"{PlayerName} here is special. Not only did he work here, but he's the World's Second Straightest Man. He's only slightly gayer than me.","69":"Gee. Thanks.","70":"Oh... I almost forgot...","71":"''Show up to the campaign meetings asshead!''","72":"Ow! My ears...","73":"Dante... did you have to do that so loud?","74":"Sorry. Best girl Sam told me I should say that to you... very loudly.","75":"Right now, I'm channeling Sam's rage and frustration through me.","76":"Was she really that angry?","77":"Yep! She was pissed.","78":"I thought I might get some sympathy... with {Leah} in prison...","79":"That's [i]why[\/i] she was angry.","80":"What does he mean?","81":"Sam thinks that keeping yourself occupied would be good for your mental health.","82":"Oh! That's true. When I'm doing nothing I start feeling sorry for myself.","83":"Yep! You gotta find something to occupy your time.","84":"How can I do that... with {Leah} behind bars? I [i]should[\/i] be doing something, but frivolous campaign meetings are not one of them.","85":"I feel like there's a way to get her out...","86":"What? Out of jail? You gonna break her out?","87":"Dante tries to keep his scoff as magnanimous as possible, but the damage has been done. No... infiltration isn't something most people do.","88":"Between what {Leah} and I usually get up to, I tend to forget that.","89":"Hey... have you tried [i]taking a break?","90":"Huh?","91":"Don't make a face like you've never heard of a break before.","92":"What you need is a [i]hetero escapade[\/i]... or as we call 'em...","93":"A... [i][rainbow][wave][scale,3]Hetscapade![\/wave][\/rainbow][\/i]","94":"[i]Hetscapade?[\/i]","95":"What does that involve, exactly?","96":"Do I even want to know?","97":"Yeah! A hetscapade is sort of a [i]vision quest[\/i] for heterosexual dudes.","98":"Oh! Oh! Is it when two men pee and cross their streams? I've heard that happens!","99":"No. But that could be part of a hetscapade!","100":"Exciting! {PlayerName}, you should do it!","101":"I'm not that interested in crossing streams, thanks. And I definitely want to know what a ''hetscapade'' entails now...","102":"A hetscapade is when you gather your straightest buddies and have a fantastic night out!","103":"Like a girls' night out, but for men!","104":"Exactly!","105":"[i]A girls' night out but for men?[\/i] Uhh...","106":"Well... it's not a [i]true[\/i] hetscapade.","107":"Not a true one?","108":"Nah. A true hetscapade involves a two week cruise... but we don't have the time.","109":"A... [i]two week cruise?","110":"Or an epic roadtrip! Point is, even the [i]pale imitation[\/i] of a true hetscapade is still manna for the soul.","111":"This is so exciting! Can I join?","112":"I don't know. Only heterosexual men can join. That's why it's called a ''hetscapade''.","113":"Aw...","114":"But... if you happen to [i]spiritually[\/i] be a heterosexual male... I guess you could come along...","115":"Yeah! I can do that! Woohoo! I've always wondered what it was like to be a straight guy!","116":"Wait... what does it mean to be ''spiritually'' heterosexual?","117":"That's an excellent question. What do [i]you[\/i] think it means?","118":"...I suppose Dante doesn't mean for me to pull out the dictionary...","119":"Can I be a member of AACHM?","120":"American Association of Cisgender Heterosexual Males? Sure you can!","121":"Yes!","122":"Wait, why does Kiara get to be in AACHM when I couldn't join the... [i]American Association of Cisgender Females...","123":"[i]...if there is such an organization.","124":"Well... that's [i]their[\/i] problem.","125":"Woohoo!","126":"Okay... despite the fuzzy definitions involved... a [i]guy's night out[\/i] does sound fun... especially as it is looking more and more like I'm going to be alone otherwise...","127":"Alright. Fine. Let's do it.","128":"Okay. I'll join you on your [i]hetscapade.","129":"Fantastic! I'm going to call all the AACHM members who can show up on short notice.","130":"This is bound to be an interesting evening...","131":"So... what is being a straight guy like? Anything I should know?","132":"I guess I can give you a few pointers.","133":"First of all, unless [i]it[\/i] is very big indeed, [i]it[\/i] doesn't really get in the way.","134":"I always wondered about that. It doesn't bounce around while you're running?","135":"It probably does but I don't notice.","136":"Huh. Peeing standing up... requirement or lifestyle choice.","137":"The rule is: [i]''Number one, off your bun. Number two, sit to poo. Number three, freestyle your wee''[\/i].","138":"Whoa. Is that a secret man-rhyme?","139":"Sure is.","140":"...Cool. Tell me more...","141":"And that's pretty much the basics.","142":"This is a lot to remember. I should've taken notes...","143":"Don't. Not taking notes is an important part of being a straight guy.","144":"Ah... I should've guessed.","145":"We got the gang together. AACHM here we come!","146":"Wait... what is [i]Kiara[\/i] doing here?","147":"Hey dudes. Let's drink and talk about boobs! I met this chick with [i]super-sized[\/i] melons.","148":"Kiara is [i]spiritually[\/i] a straight male.","149":"Come on bros! Let's bump chests and down a six-pack! Who wants to do some carpentry?","150":"She is being somewhat excessive...","151":"As long as she knows the unwritten rule of urinals, she is good to go.","152":"The... the [i]unwritten rule of urinals?","153":"When picking a urinal, never take one next to another man unless there is absolutely no other spaces.","154":"Is there a cool rhyme that goes with that?","155":"Nah... it's [i]unwritten[\/i]. No rhyme.","156":"Of course.","157":"So... what [i]do[\/i] guys do on their night out? Do we... go to a club... dance the night away... go clothes shopping?","158":"She has a lot to learn.","159":"I do?","160":"Indeed. There is but one social activity that men engage in...","161":"[i]...gaming.","162":"Gaming?","163":"Indeed.","164":"Poker... beer... pizza... and video games.","165":"Whoa. Other than the beer and poker I'm already liking this [i]being a man[\/i] thing.","166":"Give a try, Kiara. Pretending like you're good at gambling is a het male thing to do.","167":"Very true.","168":"I suppose I can give it a shot.","169":"So... where are we going?","170":"{PlayerName}'s place.","171":"But... I thought you said... we were going for a night on the town.","172":"This is a [i]heterosexual[\/i] night on the town. Which means we go to a buddy's place and we drink and game until we forget women exist.","173":"Come on, Kiara. Let's learn by doing.","174":"Confidently doing something you have no experience in: totally het!","175":"Let's gooo!","176":"True. I am excited to hang out.","177":"Without need to communicate much... we head out.","178":"This place looks so unlived in...","179":"...for some reason... I want this place to look like a mess.","180":"Well, four straight guys plus Kiara should do the trick.","181":"We slam down some six-packs and pizzas and sit around the kitchen table.","182":"Texas Hold 'Em, Five Card Stud or Five Card Draw?","183":"Are we playing with jokers wild?","184":"Come on Alfred, we're [i]adults[\/i].","185":"Linus magically produces a deck of cards and riffle shuffles them expertly.","186":"Uh... how do you play poker?","187":"I've seen it played in movies... never got the rules...","188":"{PlayerName}... should I tell her... or should you?","189":"Kiara, heterosexual men never ask what the rules are. We just play.","190":"Indeed.","191":"But... [i]why?","192":"Because it's just not done. It's like asking for directions.","193":"Oh...","194":"Not to worry... we'll make you right of the dealer. That way you can see how the game is played.","195":"It's not complicated. We learn as we go along.","196":"...interesting...","197":"Indeed... we get a good start. Poker chips start flying as drinks start chugging.","198":"My luck is terrible. My hands suck. But even so, my aggressive bets scare the others into folding.","199":"I've never been this bold before. Maybe this is a result of {Leah}'s influence on me...","200":"[i]...shit... I have to stop thinking about her...","201":"Man... can't believe {PlayerName} won another round on total garbage.","202":"What is each chip worth?","203":"A penny each.","204":"Oh... [i]that is a relief[\/i].","205":"Yeah. I'm not made of cash... so...","206":"I'm tired of having my clocked cleaned by {PlayerName}. I'm ready for some video gaming.","207":"Sounds fun!","208":"Indeed.","209":"You're the chief, {PlayerName}. What do you want to play?","210":"By the way, pick a retro game. I'm not playing in microtransaction hell.","211":"I am a little afraid of your definition of ''retro''. You are into old tech, right? We'll end up with Pong.","212":"Fine: something made in the last twenty years.","213":"I glance at Dante... who gives no hint about his own preferences.","214":"If I had to guess... I'd say he wasn't a gamer... but he'll do whatever we want.","215":"So it's all up to me... what do I want to play?","216":"Shooter.","217":"Racing.","218":"Fighter.","219":"[i]Aura[\/i] it is then.","220":"Oh, I love that one... it features a Dyson ring which is an incredible example of a megastructure...","221":"Yeah... you would be into that, wouldn't you?","222":"Of course it also features excellent gameplay.","223":"Guys... I'm no good at shooting things...","224":"Great! Now I know who to farm for kill streaks.","225":"Uh...","226":"A few hours of running people over with hovertanks later...","227":"Oooooh! Like... [i]Marianne Kart?[\/i]","228":"Pff. No. We're going to play [i]Kill Racer[\/i].","229":"The gore physics is quite impressive.","230":"Oh... but I like playing as the princess...","231":"Yeah. There's a princess in that game.","232":"...Princess Blood, that is.","233":"She's a good racer. Specializes in high DPS and speed, but a real glass cannon. Plus, she has a real set of knockers on her.","234":"Right. As a straight man... that should excite me... I guess.","235":"A few hours of wiping gore off windshield wipers later...","236":"Okay. How gory are we thinking?","237":"I want spine-ripping finishers. [i]Mortal Fight.[\/i]","238":"The amount of effort they put into the gore is astonishing.","239":"Um... I don't like gore that much...","240":"Just have an appreciation for the effort of the creators. I agree, violence is a low thrill, but the artistry is undeniable.","241":"I guess I could...","242":"A few hours of glorious head-ripping combat later...","243":"I won! Woo, I won!","244":"You won indeed. You are a fast learner.","245":"How did I get beaten by a girl...","246":"It's because she's not a girl... she's a heterosexual man inside.","247":"Oh... I feel so accepted.","248":"Shit... the sun is up. I've got to work in a couple of hours...","249":"Man... it has been a good night, hasn't it?","250":"Definitely the best hetscapade I've been on in recent times.","251":"It was pretty fun. I got trashed twice, but it was fun.","252":"Indeed. Not all socialization has to be profound. Sometimes simply playing games is enough.","253":"Yeah... and... to be honest...","254":"...for a few moments at least... it felt like I wasn't thinking about {Leah}.","255":"I might not have a lover... but damn it... [i]it feels good to have friends.","256":"Suddenly... I can't help myself...","257":"Thank you guys.","258":"You're welcome.","259":"Oh... did you just...?","260":"NO WAY!","261":"Linus is so shocked he can't say anything. But... now that I've spoken in front of them...","262":"...I have to explain things just a little.","263":"Thank you for being with me. I feel a lot better now.","264":"It's been tough. Really tough.","265":"Shiiit man... how are you [i]talking?[\/i]","266":"So hard to explain. If I told you... you wouldn't believe me.","267":"In fact... the story is so insane that I haven't had the energy to explain it to anyone.","268":"That's why I've just kept my mouth shut.","269":"Just felt like... maybe it was time to start talking again. At least around you guys.","270":"Come on... [i]you have to tell us!","271":"No.","272":"{PlayerName} isn't obligated to say [i]anything[\/i].","273":"The only thing he has to do... is take care of himself.","274":"We are honored that you shared this with us.","275":"My feelings exactly.","276":"Uh... yeah... you're right. Sorry... I couldn't help but ask...","277":"Can you tell us how long you've been able to talk?","278":"A few nights only. It still feels strange to me.","279":"I'm out of practice. It's way easier to use sign language or type on my phone.","280":"Yes... if you've neglected that part of the brain that manages spoken language... it would feel quite exhausting to talk.","281":"That is definitely true.","282":"It's all cool, hetebro!","283":"Of all the hetscapades I've ever been on... this one has been the best!","284":"I declare this... [i]The Straightest Night Ever!","285":"...and that is how that night was forever remembered.","286":"Years from that point, when we talked about the Straightest Night Ever... we knew exactly what we were talking about.","0":"A few days later...","1":"Damn...","2":"...what was that all for?","3":"So this is it. Without {Leah}... I don't have anyone in my life.","4":"All I have are four square, white walls, closing in on.","5":"I was so single-minded in pursuing Silent1 that I couldn't find anyone...","6":"What do I spend my time doing?","7":"For the first time in my life... I can't do anything. {Leah} is behind bars. Valerie has disappeared. The Brotherhood is dust in the wind.","8":"For the first time in my life... I can't do anything. {Leah} is detained for interrogation, Valerie has disappeared, and the Brotherhood is dust in the wind.","9":"I just have hours and hours and hours of accursed free time... and nobody who knows anything about what happened down beneath the town center."},"ch17__17.50a secret evil end.vne3":{"10":"I can finally be myself.","11":"Finally... I understand what it means to be a member of the Brotherhood.","12":"All this time, you've tried to recruit me, and I now realize why.","13":"So... that is why I shall commandeer this new Brotherhood!","14":"What...?","15":"You have found me, your most ruthless leader. Someone worthy of this post.","16":"...{PlayerName}... is this some kind of trick...?","17":"I continue my speech, and Valerie watches me in admiration.","18":"You really were the right one...","19":"Hearing her soft voice makes me smile as I continue the speech.","20":"No.... this is no trick. I really have changed...","21":"...rather... I've become who I'm supposed to be. Who I was all along, and tried to repress.","22":"I will no longer deny myself.","23":"I have been shown the truth that lies within myself; my unyielding ambition, my determination, and my will to dominate.","24":"We will embrace our grandest desire, to make supreme our will. Our allegiance is only to ourselves, the elevation of our wishes over those of the weak.","25":"Gone are the days of restraint. We will eradicate our opposition, subjugate the weak and destroy those who won't kneel.","26":"Under my leadership, the Fraternity will thrive as never before!","27":"So I say to you, my Brothers: untether yourself from weakness of rules and laws! The only thing that truly exists is [i]yourself[\/i] and belief in anything else is merely delusion!","28":"As I continue with the speech, I decide to hold the weapon in my hand. I feel increasingly powerful.","29":"And know this: if you dare challenge me, or question me... you'll get as Mr. Rogham got.","30":"But work with me, and we'll harvest the fruits of society! Together, we will make this [i]our era![\/i]","31":"When I conclude my speech, there is an uncertain silence. I can only hear {Leah}'s sobs, and then I realize that she is crying, incredulous, looking at me.","32":"The gravity of the situation starts to dawn on them.","33":"One by one, they applaud, welcoming their new leadership. Whether they have faith in me, or just fear me, it doesn't matter.","34":"Just so long as they [i]obey[\/i] me.","35":"I stare at the gun, knowing full well the source of my power.","36":"{PlayerName}... please tell me this is a trick of some kind. You have a plan, right?","37":"{PlayerName}? Please...","38":"This will definitely hurt the most...","39":"You lost, {Leah}. Accept it.","40":"Val, let me handle this.","41":"{PlayerName}, what the hell has gotten into you? What crazy plan is this?","42":"This isn't a plan, {Leah}. This is the real me.","43":"I don't understand... I mean, we got everything we needed...","44":"Please, {PlayerName}, you're scaring me... Let's go, please...","45":"{Leah}, I know you must be confused right now and I'm sorry. Of all people, I wish you no harm.","46":"At the same time, I know you'll never let this go, and I can't have you blabbing about us.","47":"You are the one person who might be able to undo me.","48":"What are you saying?","49":"I need to give you some time to think. On your own. Somewhere where you'll be safe.","50":"No, {PlayerName}!","51":"I turn to some Brothers nearby.","52":"Don't hurt her. Take {Leah} to the hospital. I imagine we'll have space for her there, right Val?","53":"Valerie just nods.","54":"{PlayerName}! NO!","55":"Two pairs of arms seize her. She is dragged from the hall.","56":"I will make {Leah} as comfortable as possible... but I also know her too well. She's cunning and reckless - and her personal moral compass is titanium.","57":"She is incorruptible. I can hope for her to understand, but she won't.","58":"This betrayal is going to really fuck her up. If she ever gets out, she won't stop pursuing me, [i]just like we never gave up pursuing Val.","59":"I didn't want to do this. Even now, with her being such a threat, she is the last person I want to hurt.","60":"Now, you, Amiran.","61":"You are not Brotherhood material... normally. However, when you backstabbed me in an effort to save Val, you showed promise.","62":"In exchange for a vow of undying loyalty, I'll forgive you, and allow you to become a member.Do you have what it takes to be part of this society?","63":"Amiran looks at me, his expression totally empty.","64":"What do you say, Valerie?","65":"Father... say [i]yes.[\/i] You must.","66":"Amiran sighs bitterly.","67":"Yes, I vow to be loyal to you, so long as you keep Balenka safe.","68":"It's good to know that, Amiran.","69":"Now, how about you prove your loyalty and get rid of that piece of trash lying on the floor over there?","70":"You and you. Help Amiran and make this scum disappear. I promise you'll be well rewarded...","71":"Upon my command, Amiran and two other members of the Brotherhood lift Rogham's stiff, lifeless body.","72":"Excuse me, Mr. President. I'd like to congratulate you on your victory. I didn't like Rogham much anyway.","73":"Smelled like an elitist coastal type. Arrogant piece of shit.","74":"Ah... yes. The sheriff-mayor himself.","75":"That's just for the voters, Mr. President. They like to think of their leaders with a bullwhip in hand.","76":"I'm just here to put myself at your disposal.","77":"We have a lot of work to do, Mr. Mayor. I hope I can count on you to expand the power and reach of our Brotherhood...","78":"Of course. Whatever you need.","79":"Excellent. I already have a task for you. Valerie, I assume the main server running RECENTLY is located in this building.","80":"Valerie nods.","81":"Mayor, we'll need to keep a close eye on a certain cybersecurity company's owner. I have a bone to pick with him.","82":"Find a reason to arrest him. I'll provide a list of more people you need to apprehend later.","83":"I'll arrange it immediately.","84":"The mayor steps away, and finally, I am ''alone'' with Valerie.","85":"This was everything I hoped for...","86":"You wanted me to be the leader. Here I am.","87":"You were always right... I didn't have the strength and conviction that you do.","88":"I always sensed you [i]were[\/i] what I wanted to be... [i]a monster.[\/i] Someone without remorse or regrets.","89":"You just needed some encouragement.","90":"As I was using RECENTLY, I couldn't help but think of all the applications it had... all the things I could do with it.","91":"I thought those desires would crush me. But now that I'm acting on them...","92":"...I feel free.","93":"Yes.","94":"You'll need a proper orientation, of course. It's a good thing I'm by your side to guide you. Let's go--","95":"Slow down, Valerie. There's a few other things I'd like to resolve right now. I need to send a message to Arthur.","96":"Yes, of course.","97":"Let's send him an ultimatum. Let him know we're willing to work with him under certain conditions...","98":"...and that working against us is ill-advised.","99":"My first condition is: his daughters. I don't want them around, snooping into the Brotherhood... Just like {Leah}, they know too much now...","100":"Are we thinking of holding them in prison? Detained for a considerable length?","101":"Where they can talk? No. Tell him to leave them in my care. Promise him I'll take good care of them.","102":"Oh, and he needs to get rid of Kestrel too. He can use any means at his disposal.","103":"Very bold moves, {PlayerName}. You might be made for this job.","104":"Once you get orientated to the Presidency... let's get drinks.","105":"Indeed we did get drinks. And a few weeks later... Valerie conceded the position of school president to me.","106":"Her project... to make a companion she could share her life with... finally bore fruit.","107":"And truly... Valerie has become the only friend I have left... the only one I can trust.","108":"{Leah} never came to grips with it. She always cared about justice more than she cared about me. She is a lost cause... but perhaps a month or two of isolation can fix that.","109":"Arthur must think little of his daughters, because he exchanged both of them for an alliance. Kestrel ended up in a ditch and I keep both the sisters close.","110":"Eventually, they proved themselves obedient, and I let the leash around the necks a little slack. Iris proved to be readily compliant, while Emily seems to have given up entirely.","111":"The girls, Sam, Lidia, Haley, and Maggie... Well, I'm not heartless, and I hold no ill feelings toward them.","112":"They served me well, served their purpose, and in one way or another, helped me get to where I am now... That's why I've given explicit orders to the Fraternity, and to Valerie herself, to leave them alone.","113":"Sandra has proven herself useful... I had to have a serious talk with her, but she understood that, for now, I need her to keep an eye on everything happening at RECENTLY.","114":"She took it well, after all, she doesn't want to live far from her mother again...","115":"Through it all, Valerie was by my side. I can never thank her enough for opening my eyes...","116":"...and offering me opportunities no other woman would.","117":"Happy birthday, lover.","118":"Only three? But the fivesome [i]was[\/i] a bit much last year.","119":"I did find there was diminishing returns when it came to women. Past a certain number and it was just confusion.","120":"Too many women to please, all mewling for my attention. Three girls is a pretty good number.","121":"Isn't that sweet of you? Wait a sec... is that...?","122":"Don't say it, honey. You'll get her worked up.","123":"Too late! I'm here to suck dick and chew bubblegum... and I'm all out of bubblegum.","124":"Well... fuck.","125":"You got talky again, huh?","126":"Alexis, if you talk too much you're going to turn {PlayerName} off.","127":"Just about the only thing I can tolerate about you is your mouth and pussy.","128":"Well said.","129":"Hey... weren't you trying to make me into a good person at some point? Whatever happened to that?","130":"Remember me? You left me alone in the basement with those creeps!","131":"But... no worries. They made me really good at sexing people up. So that's basically my job!","132":"Finally, a career I can do lying down!","133":"Stop talking, you're going to kill his boner.","134":"Well... okay... if you say so.","135":"You better stick something in her mouth, {PlayerName}.","136":"Oh yeah, you got a pretty good one, I remember.","137":"Good enough for me!","138":"Alright, sounds pretty good to me.","139":"Well... whatever. She sucks as good as any girl, and ultimately that's all I need out of her.","140":"Whatever her career is doesn't matter in these walls.","141":"Truly... what woman could offer me [i]this[\/i]?","142":"Only Valerie... and the only thing I had to do...","143":"...was give her my body and soul.","144":"A small price to pay.","145":"All women are currency to Val. Just a means to placate my growing desires.","146":"Valerie is beyond jealousy. She doesn't care who I fuck, because they're all breeding mares.","147":"All other women are lesser, inferior, to Valerie.","148":"At the end of the day, it is her I share this corrupt life with.","149":"I could probably die right here, right now, and not notice... or at least [i]not care.","150":"It's just, with each thrust alternating between them... coating my rod... making me feel so damn good...","151":"...I can't really think of anything that might ruin my mood right now.","152":"Despite how good it feels, the other girls are just... toys.","153":"Man... even with my stamina... fucking three girls to squirting orgasm will still exhaust you.","154":"Once I drain my balls into Val...","155":"...I fall into the bed... suffering the same hot pain of running a marathon.","156":"Valerie stares at me suggestively... and I wonder what she wants.","157":"It had better be good...","158":"I got a call today, big boy. It's from you-know-who.","159":"Ah... shit.","160":"Why didn't you tell me earlier?","161":"I know you like opening your presents.","162":"Well... can't argue with that.","163":"Give me a sec... we can talk about it outside.","164":"I just want to sleep... but this is important.","165":"You don't hold my position for long if you aren't constantly fighting.","166":"So tell me...[pause] what did the senator say?","167":"Well... it's something you'll really want to hear...","0":"It was you, Valerie. You were Silent1.","1":"What was the thing you told me...","2":"...you were going to [i]show me[\/i] enlightenment, something a million lectures wouldn't teach.","3":"Yes... a million words would not have taught me what you have taught me through your actions.","4":"But now I understand... that all along... the Brotherhood of Silence was [i]right[\/i].","5":"Here I am... a corpse cooling at my feet... dead by my hands, and that is the only thing that won me this opportunity.","6":"A million words would not have worked. [i]Only action[\/i].","7":"I let the feelings Valerie instilled in me... take me...","8":"Power blooms in my chest, uncaged by conscience.","9":"I owe you a debt... Valerie."},"ch18_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch18_start.vne3":{"2":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","4":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","5":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","7":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","8":"It'll be available soon ;)","9":"Hello, {PlayerName}! Choose which extended ending you want to play from the following menu! Remember, you can play all of them as many times as you want!","10":"{Leah}\/~sprCharIcon_Leah~\/ [true]","11":"Emily \/~sprCharIcon_Emily~\/ [true]","12":"Haley \/~sprCharIcon_Haley~\/ [true]","13":"Maggie \/~sprCharIcon_Maggie~\/ [true]","14":"Lidia \/~sprCharIcon_Lidia~\/ [true]","15":"Sam \/~sprCharIcon_Sam~\/ [true]","16":"Valerie (Good) \/~sprCharIcon_Valerie~\/ [true]","17":"Valerie (Evil) \/~sprCharIcon_Valerie~\/ [true]","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","18":"Surprise (Coming Soon!) \/~sprCharIcon_Man~\/ [false || devmode]","1":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex."},"ch18__epilogue_dante.05_buttsnack_proposal.vne3":{"10":"No way. I didn't buy anything, I'm not expecting any deliveries.","11":"Probably some old neighbor who need help with his remote... Maybe if I stay quiet, they'll give up...","12":"{PlayerName}, open up, I know you're in there. I saw you online on your Stom account. I can hear the CrinCities background music from out here.","13":"Sam!","14":"If it was anyone who didn't play video games, I think I might've gotten away with it...","15":"Without much choice, I get up from the couch and open the door for my old friend.","16":"You jerk!","17":"Give me a hug.","18":"Without waiting for me to realize what's happening, the young Asian woman jumps into my arms, giving me a tight hug.","19":"I'm not gonna pretend it doesn't feel good.","20":"{PlayerName}, why didn't you answer me? This silence of yours sometimes drives me crazy.","21":"After everything that happened, you think your friends don't worry about you, you lunatic?","22":"Sorry, Sam. I ended up getting really busy and forgot to reply to you...","23":"Busy with your fake city?","24":"You know how these management games demand time and concentration!","25":"And, oh my God, {PlayerName}, have you been showering? What's that smell?","26":"Hey! Of course I have! That smell is from the kimchi, I'm trying to ferment it at home and I don't think it's working out too well...","27":"You think?","28":"I think...","29":"Well, {PlayerName}, it doesn't matter. I had to come here because I ran out of patience calling you, sending messages, and hearing your excuses.","30":"Look at you. You're a mess! Geez, {PlayerName}, you're a handsome, smart guy, ex-president of the student council, and you managed to take down an entire criminal organization practically by yourself!","31":"Don't you think it's time to get your butt off that couch and move around a bit?","32":"Ah, Sam, it's not quite like that. Since all of this ended and I ended up alone here in the apartment, I don't know, I guess I just lost direction in life a bit...","33":"But I'm still thinking about what comes next, it's not like I'm slacking off... I'm even making bread!","34":"Dude, it's not like that. You need to get out of here a bit, breathe some fresh air, socialize.","35":"Shave that beard, you're looking like that friend of yours who lives around here and always has a toaster in his hand...","36":"Ouch!","37":"I know we only had a fling and, damn, it was good... But even so, even though we're not a couple, I care about you a lot.","38":"You're one of my best friends, since school days. We've been through a lot together and I care about you!","39":"Aw Sam, I care about you a lot too...","40":"Then promise me you'll get out of the house? Please?","41":"Alright, I promise. I'll find something to do, yeah...","42":"But going to the market or the pharmacy one block from here doesn't count. Go see someone, you have so many friends who care about you... Promise?","43":"I promise!","44":"Excellent, because if we were still together and you were this much of a slob... I don't know if it would've worked out, you know?","45":"Great! That's what I like to hear!","46":"I gotta go. This new job is killing me, I barely have time to come here and lecture you like back when you used to chase after me to go back to class...","47":"Wow, that's true. That seems like a lifetime ago...","48":"Bye, {PlayerName}. Take care!","49":"Bye, Sam. You too.","50":"Ah, and {PlayerName}...","51":"What?","52":"Kimchi definitely doesn’t smell like this! Throw this shit away!","53":"I will.","54":"Fuck.","55":"Well... What now? If you promised, you're gonna have to follow through...","56":"Although, I can play with my city a little bit. I mean, I didn't agree on any specific time with her, right...","57":"Aaaah, another update...","58":"Well, what can I do? Maybe I could just close my eyes and rest a bit.","59":"Kneading all that bread this morning wasn't an easy task...","60":"Hmnnnmm...","61":"...","62":"Just 5 minutes...","63":"...","64":"Ahn?","65":"What the hell...","66":"Who's calling me? Did Sam stay out front waiting to see if I'd leave?","67":"Unknown number... I'm not answering...","68":"Wait a sec. It could be {Leah}.","69":"Hello?","70":"{PlayerName}? Were you sleeping at this hour?","71":"How do you know?","72":"Took you ages to answer. And that voice, I know very well when you were sleeping and just woke up...","73":"Of course... How many times did you wake up with me?","74":"...You drool too much when you're sleeping.","75":"Sure, I was always tired...","76":"I wonder why...","77":"You got me, I ended up dozing off on the couch...","78":"So... Can you talk for a bit? Looks like you're not too busy...","79":"Very funny. Yeah, I can talk. Everything okay with you?","80":"How are things in there? They let you call at this hour?","81":"Everything's fine... Same old difficulties here in prison, but overall things are calm.","82":"It's not like I'm a high-risk criminal, either...","83":"How's work with Professor Craven's friend? All good?","84":"It's fine... He's getting crazier by the day, as you can imagine, but in a cool way, you know?","85":"Wanting to dig deeper into the facts, really investigating every lead that comes up, no matter how silly it seems...","86":"And you, how are you? Why are you sleeping in the middle of the afternoon? Still not leaving the house, {PlayerName}?","87":"Everything's fine too... I think my kimchi isn't turning out great, but on the other hand, I'm really nailing my sourdough!","88":"Making bread and talking to yourself, I bet...","89":"How does she know?","90":"Only while I watch cooking videos or when I'm fermenting my stuff...","91":"I thought I was going to call you just to ask for a favor, but I'll have to ask for two. First, promise me you'll leave the house, not next week, not tomorrow, but today!","92":"Get in line... Sam stopped by earlier asking the same thing. Did you guys plan this?","93":"Well, there you go! That's two people who care about you telling you to wash that butt and get out of the house a bit!","94":"Alright, like I told her, don't worry. I'll go out today.","95":"Okay... About the second favor. You’re lucky, because it involves the first one... I need you to go to Annette Taylor for me. There's a document of mine there, about a project I presented that I need.","96":"They're doing an incentive program for inmates with children and I talked to the coordinator about having hours of recorded material with a psychologist that could be useful here...","97":"This kind of thing always ends up earning a lot of 'credits' in here, if you know what I mean.","98":"Jack, Professor Craven's friend, is working on a report about old filing cabinets made from sequoia wood that are disappearing from the market...","99":"I remember interviewing an old antique shop owner about this for the school paper, I wanted to get my recordings with him and they're in the school archives...","100":"Alright, I can go get it. When do you need this by? And how can I get it to you?","101":"Actually, I need it as soon as possible. I've already called Annette Taylor and let them know you'd be stopping by this afternoon to pick it up...","102":"Oh, great. Sam's idea?","103":"Maybe I exchanged a call with her recently...","104":"Oh, and I won't be able to pick it up in person. I need you to send the recordings to a specific address, I'll give it to you...","105":"And so, I write down the address of the P.O. box to which I should send {Leah}'s package.","106":"Thanks, {PlayerName}. I know we're not together anymore but... But our relationship still means a lot to me.","107":"Thanks, {PlayerName}! I don't know what I'd do without you!","108":"For me too, {Leah}. You'll always be my {sheIsYour}.","109":"I love you, {youAreHer}. God, I have to go! Bye!","110":"Bye!","111":"There. Now I have a reason to leave the house. I hope the car has enough gas to get there.","112":"I don't waste much time getting out of the house. If {Leah} said I was going to pick up the tapes today, I need to hurry.","0":"One of the main secrets of this dough is in the hydration of your sourdough...","113":"I take a quick shower, change clothes and head to our old school.","1":"Hydration is my middle name, Mr. Patty... I never forget to drink my glasses of water, all day, everyday...","114":"Always a weird feeling coming back here.","2":"...And remember, wetter doughs are stickier...","115":"So much happened, and it was also a key element for even bigger things that happened in my life.","3":"Alright. I've let my dough rise, my herbs are fermenting. I can go back to the city simulator and build that cool park I was planning.","116":"Good thing the staff still remember me. In a few minutes, I leave the school with {Leah}'s tapes, already thinking about which post office I can go to mail them.","4":"Man, sometimes playing video games is a pain. Always an update, always new terms of use...","117":"{PlayerName}? Damn, how long has it been since I've seen you, man?","5":"I miss the days when you just had to plug in, log on, and go for it.","118":"Since Natalie's party? Halloween? Something with costumes...","6":"I remember {Leah} didn't really like these strategy games. For her, it always had to have action, investigation, suspense...","119":"Robes... Are you selling robes?","7":"It's still weird being here alone, but I guess I'm used to it after all this time...","120":"Shit, Buttsnack...","8":"I've got space for my games, for my homemade bread, to try and get this kimchi right, if that's even possible.","121":"Oh, that's right! Man, that day was dope, huh?","9":"Finally, download complete. Update installed, let's head to {PlayerName}opolis and build the biggest park this game has ever seen.","122":"What a crazy turn of events, right, man?","123":"And what about Valerie, huh? She ended up in jail and all that... Do you think she was the one who burned down the city hall?","124":"I don't know, dude.","125":"Hey, let me ask you something...","126":"Did she say something about butt stuff to you? Man, I think she got confused about my nickname one day... it was crazy...","127":"She was convinced that someone had to do butt stuff with me, but not in the good sense of the word, if you know what I mean...","128":"And I was saying, [i]no, Valerie, it's Buttsnack, it's Buttsnack[\/i], but she wouldn't listen. I think I've never run so much in my life...","129":"What are you doing here in front of our old school again, Buttsnack?","130":"Well, what kind of question is that, my friend? I'm taking care of my business, don't you remember?","131":"Cars get parked and these streets are getting more dangerous... Someone needs to make sure nothing bad happens to these valuable vehicles while their owners take care of their business...","132":"That's right, I had forgotten about this ''business'' of yours.","133":"And you, what have you been up to? Very busy?","134":"Hmm, not really. I've been staying at home and stuff...","135":"I can tell, {PlayerName}. You're looking a bit rough...","136":"Hey... I had an idea... Have you ever thought about having your own business?","137":"What?","138":"Being an entrepreneur, you know. No one bossing you around, you making your own hours... What about having your own company, making money without answering to anyone!","139":"Dude, thanks, but I'm not interested in joining any pyramid scheme...","140":"I'm not talking about a pyramid, I'm talking about a partnership!","141":"Look at all the cars here. This street is packed, I can barely take care of the cars on this block, there are so many!","142":"Now think about it. Having you here, working as my partner... We'll cover three, four blocks... That's like 500 cars, man! It's a lot of cash!","143":"Buttsnack, first of all, I don't know how you came up with that number, but 500 cars don't fit in three blocks, dude... And second, I'm flattered by the offer, but I'll pass, man.","144":"Thanks, but I don't want to make money extorting people for parking on the street I'm ''watching the cars'' on.","145":"Ah, {PlayerName}, come on, man. What if Jobs had refused Bill Gates' job offer, huh? This kind of opportunity doesn't come twice!","146":"Thanks man, but I gotta go! Goodbye!","147":"I don't know what's worse. Hearing from Buttsnack that I look rough or getting a job offer like that.","148":"Damn, am I really looking that bad?","149":"I better follow the girls' advice and get my butt off the couch at home.","150":"I think by the time I get to my neighborhood in Shale Hill, it should be getting dark. I know what I'm going to do..."},"ch18__epilogue_dante.10_dantes_inferno.vne3":{"10":"So, with you showing up here outta nowhere, I figured it could only mean one thing...","11":"...The end of the world!","12":"What's going on that everyone's been so dramatic lately?","13":"Hey! Exaggeration has always been part of my charm! You can't take that away from me!","14":"Now, spill it, my great friend. What can I get ya?","15":"If you've got a cold beer coming out of that tap, I'll take a glass.","16":"Give me 12 secs.","17":"Here ya go. So, buddy, how's life treating ya?","18":"All good. As you might guess, I haven't been doing much, just sticking to my routines at home...","19":"I get you, friend. I really do.","20":"After everything that went down, I think it's fair for you to take some time to reflect.","21":"Some shit that happens in our lives... it hits differently. You can't go through something super intense and then just move on, like your routine's untouched, y'know?","22":"Dante's mysteriously deep sometimes. We've never talked directly about the Fraternity or everything that happened, but sometimes I get the feeling he knows way more than he lets on...","23":"Yeah, the fire at the town hall, Valerie's arrest, {Leah} in jail... Then the student council presidency right after, all the work that involves...","24":"Yeah, the fire at the town hall, Valerie's arrest, {Leah} leaving the town... Then the student council presidency right after, all the work that involves...","25":"Well, buddy... At least you got your voice back.","26":"Yeah, but even that's weird, you know? Sometimes I don't even know if that was a good thing...","27":"Don't talk like that, friend. I know you were always famous for that velvety voice of yours, but don't knock the chance you got to speak again. Lots of people would kill to be in your shoes and can't...","28":"That's true, Dante. Your hetero-wisdom always comes in handy.","29":"So, how are things here at Sevigny's? It's been a while since I've been around.","30":"4 months and 22 days.","31":"What?","32":"It's been 4 months and 22 days since you last showed your face here.","33":"You keep a daily log of people coming to the bar? Damn, Dante, that's some bizarre shit to do.","34":"Course not, buddy. It's 'cause that was the day Haley did her last show here, and the app reminded me of it this morning.","35":"Wow, that's right... Has it really been that long? Damn, time flies.","36":"And how's she doing? I've seen online that her tour's blowing up.","37":"Hell yeah! She's starting to break into the mainstream bubble. Talked to her the other day, we even talked about you. She told me she tried to call you too, {PlayerName}.","38":"That's true. But not answering her was an honest mistake, I had my headphones on and just didn't hear my phone.","39":"Haley's a special girl...","40":"It's a shame things didn't work out between you two...","41":"I'd be so happy to see two heterobros, two brothers to me, starting a new family...","42":"Yeah...","43":"Yeah, she's amazing.","44":"But what about you, buddy... Buried at home, no purpose. You remind me of someone.","45":"Who?","46":"Myself.","47":"Or did you forget about that chat we had a long time ago...","48":"Yeah, I remember you talking about waking up one day in Los Angeles and some guy gave you a... blowdryer. Something like that?","49":"West Hollywood. But more than that. I'm not talking about the dramatic version, the creation of Dante as this fabulous bartender in front of you, but the intrinsic stuff, what really shaped me into a true hetebro.","50":"I'm talking community. How the gays there were a community, united, happy, helping each other. Remember?","51":"And how that community gave me the support to beat my 'personal hell' I was living in...my own ''Dante's Inferno''.","52":"They helped me find purpose, support, friends. And I think that's what you need right now, {PlayerName}.","53":"You want me to go to West Hollywood to hang out with gay guys to find my purpose?","54":"Damn, buddy. I think being buried at home is messing with your brain cells, bro.","55":"You need to find a purpose and you can't do it alone. You need your friends to help you find a path, and that's what we're here for. You need AACHM!","56":"Ah, no, Dante. I appreciate your concern, really, but I don't need the world's straightest men telling me what to do.","57":"Can I tell you a story?","58":"Suddenly, I notice Dante's jovial and excited tone has been replaced by slower, more somber speech.","59":"Something nobody in Shale Hill knows about me.","60":"Sure man, go ahead.","61":"But first, you gotta promise you won't laugh.","62":"And why would I laugh?","63":"Dude, just promise.","64":"Alright, I promise.","65":"Okay then. Well, we've established since that time that, despite learning a lot from my colorful friends, I'm straight, right?","66":"Affirmative.","67":"Well. My good relationship with them comes from a bit before. You know, I've had various jobs in my life, and well, not all of them were as macho as serving whiskey from behind this bar...","68":"Oh, Dante, what the hell are you about to tell me? I hope I don't regret leaving the house today.","69":"So there was this guy, right? Yours truly. I ran this [i]insane[\/i] circus. Not your grandma's circus. We're talking avant-garde, jaw-dropping, make-your-eyes-pop-out kinda show.","70":"You were in the circus?","71":"Yeah, but like I said, it was a different kind of show. It was a style of dance with juggling and a mix of risky elements with magic and sexy moves... It was something totally innovative.","72":"A dancing circus?","73":"I created it all from scratch one day while doodling during a boring trigonometry class at school and, well... That's not important now.","74":"All I know is that I presented my ideas to a theater director and he liked them. In no time, I had a whole show running, with effects, artists, structure...","75":"My performers? [i]Damn[\/i]. They were walking art, I tell ya. Decked out in threads that'd make your wallet cry, looking like they stepped outta some fancy painting.","76":"These guys, they became my best friends. We did everything together, we were practically family. My girlfriend, Stella, was part of the group...","77":"We were tearing it up across the good ol' US of A. Fame, fortune, the whole shebang. Everyone wanted a taste of our magic.","78":"But then... well... shit hit the fan. Hard.","79":"Turns out, my ''friends'', and I use that term loosely now, they went and stabbed me in the back. They all screwed me over. Including Stella.","80":"Since I was so focused on the artistic side, on creating a spectacular show, that I didn't even pay attention to contracts, payments, or signatures. Well, long story short, they found a way to push me out of the picture.","81":"Before I knew it, they sold all my brilliant ideas to this big-shot company, Cirque du Toney.","82":"And just like that, [i]poof[\/i]. Everything I built? Gone. My creations, my crew, my friends, my girlfriend... all of it.","83":"I'm not gonna lie, it messed me up. For a long time, I was just... lost. Wandering around like some sad-sack ghost of my former fabulous self.","84":"But then... [i]community[\/i], buddy.","85":"I stumbled into this weird bar in West Hollywood. Met this bartender who was just... sunshine in human form, y'know? Couldn't help but smile around 'em.","86":"We talked for hours. And I mean [i]hours[\/i]. Before I knew it, I was actually feeling... okay. Maybe even good.","87":"That's when I heard about initiatives like the AACHM. Changed my whole damn life.","88":"Damn, Dante, that's heavy. I'm sorry you went through all that. Being betrayed by your friends, your girlfriend... It's not easy.","89":"Challenges shape our character. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are today... Without challenges and without...","90":"Dante speaks and waits, as if I should complete the sentence he left unfinished.","91":"...Community?","92":"Community!","93":"And that's why you need to come here Tuesday night.","94":"Do what here at that time? Doesn't the bar close early on Tuesdays?","95":"Yeah, because that's when we have the special AACHM meetings, right here at Sevigny's.","96":"Seriously, you guys have meetings here? How did I work here and never notice?","97":"Hell if I know, {PlayerName}. Sometimes you're not so good at uncovering the activities of secret communities...","98":"Dante says this with a wink at me. Yeah, he definitely knows a lot about what goes on in this town.","99":"Besides, with the pitch black in this corner of town, it's easy for me to hide anything in a dark hole, I mean, like Sevigny's becomes when the lights are off...","100":"I don't know, man... I don't think this kind of thing is for me...","101":"I get it. I won't keep bugging you, but I'm just asking you to come, Tuesday. No strings attached. The worst that'll happen is you come here and have a beer with friends.","102":"Okay, I'll think about it. But I'm not promising anything. Now I think I'm heading out. I left some bread rising at home and I don't want to miss the right time to put that bad boy in the oven.","103":"Excellent! I promise you won't regret it, friend!","104":"How much do I owe for the beer?","105":"Get outta here. After all this time, I refuse to charge you anything.","106":"Like always! See ya, Dante!","0":"Well, Sam dropping by out of the blue, telling me to get out of the house...","1":"Leah calling to ask for a favor and, yeah, also telling me to get off my couch...","2":"And now a job offer from Buttsnack. The guy even had the nerve to say I’ve got a rough face.","3":"This has got to be a divine sign for me to get my shit together and venture outside the two-block radius around my place.","4":"Well, I guess it’s only fair to visit a spot I know well and have a few words with a friend who’s been reaching out quite a bit these past few weeks.","5":"Well, well... Look what the wind blew into Sevigny's.","6":"Hey Dante, how's it going?","7":"Hold up... Let me see if I can hear something from the great beyond...","8":"What?","9":"I'm checkin' if those are the trumpets of the Apocalypse, buddy. You vanished, barely answer your phone, didn't even accept a few rounds of 'Hellblaze Dildo' online."},"ch18__epilogue_dante.15_homo.vne3":{"10":"Hey, how's the tour going? I've seen some videos online and you're killing it, huh? I'm so proud!","11":"Thanks! I'm really happy with how things are going. And guess what... Maggie's here with me!","12":"Really? Did she finish her vet course?","13":"She took a break this semester to join me on tour. It's so cool to see her becoming more confident, talking to people. She's almost like a tour manager now, you know?","14":"That's awesome! I miss you guys too...","15":"Aw, {PlayerName}. You know you have a special place in my heart. And in Maggie's too.","16":"In fact, we were talking last night, after the show, about the day you managed to orchestrate my reunion with her. That was so cool...","17":"Ah, I remember that night very well...","18":"Things got hot pretty fast, huh? When I remember, it even makes me feel a little warm. Maybe when the tour comes back to Shale Hill, we could try for a repeat...","19":"I'd love that... Count me in.","20":"Uh-huh... Anyway... The tour's been a pretty nice success.","21":"It was the least I could do for you guys.","22":"And now, we're together on tour and the songs have been making some real noise.","23":"You deserve all the success in the world!","24":"And you know you have a big 'blame' in all of this, right?","25":"Yeah, right. The talent is all yours.","26":"Man, besides reuniting me with my best friend... If you hadn't helped me with the mess about my debt. If you hadn't convinced me to try singing... If you hadn't gone to the studio with me...","27":"I didn't do more than my duty! That's what friends are for!","28":"I know! And that's why I'm calling you!","29":"Here it comes!","30":"I talked to Dante and he told me you showed up at Sevigny's after several weeks. Cool, but he also told me that you're still stuck in this weird habit of burying yourself at home.","31":"And then he asked you to call me and tell me to go there today, right?","32":"Right. And he was pretty emphatic. Like, he said about 10 times how important it was for you to go there today.","33":"Dante's a great friend too, {PlayerName}. You know he just wants to help, right?","34":"Of course!","35":"So, promise me you'll go there today? Pretty please?","36":"Alright. I promise.","37":"But I don't promise I'll join his crazy heterosexual cult, okay? I think that step is bigger than I can take right now!","38":"That's fine. The fact that you're already coming out of your cave makes me very happy.","39":"Now, I gotta go. We have a 200-mile trip ahead of us.","40":"It was great talking to you. Good luck with the rest of the tour! And give Maggie a big kiss for me.","41":"Will do.","42":"Oh, one more thing. Dante asked me to give you a message.","43":"He said to let you know that the word is EYELINER.","44":"Word? What word?","45":"I don't know. He just told me that. 'Haley, tell {PlayerName} that the word is EYELINER.'","46":"Dante and his mysteries. But I have no idea what it's about.","47":"Me neither. But that's it, I gotta go. Bye!","48":"Bye, Haley. Take care.","49":"Damn, it seems like the gang installed hidden cameras here at home. Whenever I think about standing someone up, a call comes to shake me off the couch and, correctly, put me on the path opposite to procrastination.","50":"But that's it. I'm going to close my game here, take a shower, and prepare my spirit for Sevigny's tonight.","51":"Here we are. Dante wasn't exaggerating, it's pretty dark here indeed.","52":"And now, what do I do? I think the door must be locked. I'll knock.","53":"Yes?","54":"I came to see Dante.","55":"See Dante?","56":"What a bizarre voice. It sounds like someone trying to disguise themselves and forcing a gravity they can't achieve without sounding caricatured.","57":"Yeah. Er, for the meeting, I mean.","58":"And what's the password?","59":"Password? I don't know any password.","60":"Without the password, you can't enter.","61":"Hmmm. Dante didn't tell me anything about any password.","62":"Non-members can only access the meeting with the access password. Are you sure you didn't receive it?","63":"Absolutely. But anyway, I have no idea what the password is.","64":"You can try...","65":"Well, okay. The password is...","66":"1234?[!option_1]","67":"Shaker?[!option_2]","68":"Hetero?[!option_3]","69":"Alpha male?[!option_4]","70":"No, it's not that kind of numerical password. I'm not a computer.","71":"No.","72":"That's obvious. But it's not the password.","73":"Wrong.","74":"I don't have time for this...","75":"Well, I tried all my guesses. Let Dante know I stopped by and couldn't get in. I'm outta here.","76":"{PlayerName}, wait. Don't go. You do know the password!","77":"No, I don't. And I also don't know how you know my name...","78":"Didn't anyone send you an enigmatic message? A hint, a magic word?","79":"Man, of course not...","80":"Hey, wait... Is the password EYELINER by any chance?","81":"Finally... You can come in, I'll open the door.","82":"I told you this password thing was silly. {PlayerName} almost left.","83":"Alfred, was that you trying to speak in a deep voice through the door?","84":"The communication of the necessary steps for the security of this organization were not well planned, indeed. My apologies if I caused any confusion.","85":"Welcome, {PlayerName}. It's been a while since I've seen you, huh?","86":"Greetings. I'm glad you took some of your time to participate in our gathering tonight.","87":"Hey guys, how's it going? I didn't know you were official members of the...","88":"AACHM is an organization that's always open-armed for all hetebros who need a helping hand.","89":"Hmmm, hello. So you're the friend of my friends who wants to be part of AACHM?","90":"I turn myself to see who's talking...","91":"Nice to meet you, handsome, my name is Simon.","92":"Hi, how are you. I'm {PlayerName}.","93":"I extend my arm and shake the guy's hand, who seems more flamboyant than Dante, if that's even possible.","94":"What a nice handshake. Firm, decisive. I could see the veins in your hand popping, nice grip, huh?","95":"Do you work out?","96":"Excuse me, Simon. {PlayerName}, I'm extremely happy you came to our meeting today. This isn't a support group, unless one of the hetebros needs it, of course.","97":"We're just a group of friends exchanging experiences and advice so our lives have purpose, joy, and lots of fun.","98":"Cool...","99":"I still don't know what to think about all this, but I have nothing to lose.","100":"I'm very glad that after our conversation the other day, you agreed to learn a bit more about AACHM.","101":"I don't know what you talked about, but...","102":"...it's very important for me to know if our esteemed Dante explained to you, in detail, how the organization works, our flowchart, activity calendar, collective funding, social programs, and other exclusive benefits...","103":"Look, Alfred, I'm not joining any cult, at the moment... I came more to get out of the house and stuff.","104":"I find it curious that you went from one extreme to the other, man.","105":"I mean, you had your mysterious stories going on lately... But you were also the president of the student council, sailing through a sea of... of women... getting laid all the time and all...","106":"Just from what I remember, you hooked up with...","107":"Emily, your gorgeous ex-girlfriend...","108":"That crazy girl you got with right here in the bar...","109":"Did you know about that, Dante?","110":"Of course!","111":"The amazing Haley, with all due respect, Dante...","112":"Hey. Respect, man!","113":"That weirdo from the comic book store...","114":"Maggie, the nicest girl ever...","115":"Alexis, the girl everyone on campus wanted to nail...","116":"Lidia, probably right inside the Coffee Shop...","117":"The mysterious Valerie...","118":"Even who I thought was my boss, Hank, but then we found out it was Sandra, and you went there and bam...","119":"Did I forget anyone, {PlayerName}?","120":"And then, suddenly, you thought, ''Ah, you know what? I’m sick of all this... I’ll just stay at home and play video games...''","121":"{PlayerName} is the kind of guy overflowing with pure love juice, Linus. He can sprinkle his pollen all over the garden and still have plenty left for every little bee interested in his nectar.","122":"I totally get it. I, for example, gave up on my casual dates to dedicate myself to my daily sauna hours.","123":"A man, accompanied by other men, no clothes, just the steam as a confidant... That kind of raw connection is far more important, hetebros.","124":"What I mean is, you've had your fair share of mysterious stories recently... But you were also the student council president, got your voice back, which, by the way, I still don’t know how that happened, but anyway...","125":"And then, out of nowhere, you decided to hole up at home and just play video games.","126":"Anyways... Sometimes I find you kind of a weird guy, {PlayerName}.","127":"Yeah, Linus, maybe I really am weird.","128":"Sometimes, my dear Linus, a man just needs to find himself.","129":"You start doubting yourself, thinking your hair isn’t good enough to leave the house. Your biceps aren’t pumped, your shirt’s a little tight around the belly...It’s hard.","130":"Well, it feels like we’ve already started this meeting. {PlayerName}, like I told you the other day, this is a gathering of friends, people who are here to support, help, and give you a push in the right direction.","131":"Feel free to help yourself to a drink, you know this bar better than most.","132":"Following the bar owner's orders, I pour myself a beer from the tap and head back to the circle of friends.","133":"With your permission, I’d like to share a moment of personal triumph I had earlier today.","134":"The girl from the physics department, whom I’ve expressed my highest personal admiration for, sat in front of me while we had coffee at the university research center.","135":"It wasn’t easy, but thanks to the support of you all, I mustered the courage to say good morning and, not only that, I asked her about the weather and if she was comfortable wearing that lovely green sweater.","136":"That’s the spirit, Alfred. We’re proud of you, man. One step at a time, that’s how it’s done!","137":"I couldn’t survive today with just a sweater. My feet were freezing in my loafers, it was terrible. I’m sure my nipples would be stiff if I wasn’t wearing my Italian pullover outside.","138":"Man, Alfred, with moves like that, you’re gonna get her pregnant, dude. Be more careful next time.","139":"It’s easy for you to joke, isn’t it, Linus? If my mother had arranged a marriage for me, like yours did, without me needing any social effort, I’d be cracking dumb jokes with the AACHM guys too.","140":"Wait, Linus is engaged?","141":"Hey, I’ve told you all before, this arranged marriage is a family thing. And honestly, I don’t think it’s even going to happen. The girl’s all modern and doesn’t seem too keen on moving here to be with me...","142":"But honestly, I’m not that into it either. It’s 2024, arranged marriages don’t make sense anymore...","143":"Is she pretty?","144":"She’s a solid 5...","145":"Allow me to disagree, Linus. Not only is she a PhD in Applied Mathematics from MIT and comes from a prestigious family, but she’s also beautiful. You showed us a picture of her, and as we say in the lab, she’s way out of your league.","146":"Friends, let’s not lose focus here. Alfred, don’t retaliate for Linus’s joke, he was just kidding. Revenge isn’t cool, hetebros.","147":"Linus, you’re right, bro, today people need to be independent to achieve whatever they want, without being tied down by crazy social obligations...","148":"And you, {PlayerName}?","149":"How about sharing a little with your friends, including your new bestie here, what you’ve been up to? From what I hear, you haven’t been getting out much, which doesn’t seem true to me because you must be leaving the house at least to hit the gym...","150":"Yeah, some friends have been telling me I’ve been pretty reclusive lately, and I don’t know, maybe I am feeling a bit lost...","151":"As we talked about the other day, {PlayerName}, you need to find your purpose, man. You used to have clear goals. First, graduating, then helping your friends, and I know how much you did for a lot of people...","152":"Then you took on the student council presidency with Sam, and you crushed it! We’ve heard about all the cool things you did for the students at Shale Hill U...","153":"But when that was behind you, and you decided to take some time alone and reflect, you haven’t yet found your next path. And that’s normal, bro, but you don’t need to walk this path alone.","154":"Definitely not. I’m here, and we can walk together, hand in hand, wherever you need!","155":"Today’s meeting is actually about you, {PlayerName}.","156":"Aside from Simon, whom you’re meeting today, you’ve got three hetebros here who care about you and want to see you doing well. That’s why we invited you here today; it was just the first step in a bigger plan.","157":"The second step is to get you out of the house more and, pay attention, take you to the best event of the year, a magical place where dreams come true, and there’s nothing but peace, love, joy, and fun!","158":"You guys want to take me to Disney?","159":"Better, much better! We’re talking about...","160":"HOMO!","161":"HOMO? What the heck is that, Dante?","162":"They’re talking about the Hetscapade Official Members Only - HOMO.","163":"This has to be a joke, right? No one would name an event, or whatever this is, HOMO.","164":"Oh, my friend, you have no idea.","165":"HOMO is a wonderful event, {PlayerName}. It’s a place where all hetebros can purify their souls, relieve everyday stress, and recharge their energy to face real life...","166":"Linus and I are looking forward to attending our first HOMO. We booked our cabin two months ago...","167":"Cabin?","168":"Yes, my dear. HOMO takes place on a cruise ship. It’s a cruise organized by members of the American Association of Cisgender Heterosexual Males, created with all the love and care for fellow members to relax.","169":"And I’ve got a separate cabin just for you, with your name on the door, fresh sheets on the bed, and plenty of activities waiting for you... I think it’s exactly what you need to reset your life and come back 200% stronger!","170":"Look, Dante, guys, I appreciate the invite, this meeting, and everything. But I’m not jumping on this cruise out of nowhere. I mean, I can't just plan this last minute.","171":"You don’t have to plan anything, {PlayerName}. The AACHM already took care of it...","172":"I’ve already packed my bags. And I made sure to bring extra motion sickness meds. I know they’ll have that on board, but better safe than sorry...","173":"Come on, {PlayerName}. What do you have to lose?","174":"Come on, man. Don’t be a buzzkill. It’s gonna be fun having my favorite wingman on board!","175":"It’s going to be beautiful! HOMO is where we hold the official initiation ceremony for new members of the organization!","176":"Initiation?","177":"One thing at a time, fellas...","178":"I'm planning an amazing facial plastic surgery workshop, thought about inviting this super talented surgeon I met yesterday.","179":"Simon, this again? Our hetebros don't need face surgery, friend.","180":"Speaking of mood killers, look who's here...","181":"Listen, bro, you’ve done a lot for me, even without realizing it.","182":"You helped Haley, someone I consider my little sister, find her path and explore her talent... Let me try to return the favor?","183":"Worst case, you enjoy a cruise, some drinks, and a little downtime with friends...","184":"Man... I can’t believe I’m saying this, but... okay, I’m in.","185":"As soon as I finish speaking, Simon jumps in front of everyone and gives me an extremely tight, way-too-long hug.","186":"Awesome! I knew you wouldn’t back out!","187":"Alright, Simon, you can let go now.","188":"Weird guy!","189":"I’m truly delighted with your confirmation, {PlayerName}. Your presence will make this social gathering even more enjoyable!","190":"Yeah, sure. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve gotta head home. Today’s been busy compared to what I’ve been doing lately, and I need a shower and some sleep.","191":"Go ahead, bro. I’ll send you the email with all the cruise details, including what clothes to bring and everything.","192":"Bye, guys.","0":"The days of the week pass, and I gradually return to my routine of semi-isolation.","1":"A bit of cooking, hours of video games, and lots of conspiracy videos on YouTube. These three activities prove sufficient to fill the hours of my days without difficulty.","2":"Just Yesterday I spent hours watching videos about the Van Allen radiation belt and how it supposedly prevented humans from going to the moon.","3":"And in this routine, the laziness inside me grows ever larger, and I start to wonder, would Dante be upset if I didn't show up for tonight's meeting?","4":"Hello.","5":"{PlayerName}?","6":"Hey girl, how's it going? Great to know that fame hasn't gone to your head and you still have time to call your friends!","7":"You clown! As if! I'm not the one who's been ignoring friends for the past few weeks...","8":"I've been really busy.","9":"Uh-huh... Sure you have..."},"ch18__epilogue_dante.20_men_cruise.vne3":{"3":"Must be Dante calling to check if I've chickened out yet.","4":"{Leah}? What a nice surprise. Any emergency? Has the Silent Brotherhood returned and you need my help?","5":"Very funny! I'm calling to make sure you haven't bailed on Dante's cruise.","6":"You know it'll be good for you, {PlayerName}. Don't be such a party pooper!","7":"{Leah}... The cruise is called Homo. HOMO! If that's not a gigantic red flag, I don't know what is.","8":"Chill out, {PlayerName}. Since when did you become such a worrywart?","9":"Plus, I can't believe you're doubting the most heterosexual man on the planet. What happened to your faith?","10":"Yeah, right.","11":"Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that the thing I asked you for the other day has been received. Thanks so much for your help! I know I can always count on you.","12":"Glad to hear it.","13":"Now, go on. Have fun! And give the boys a hug for me!","14":"Will do. I'll let you know when I'm back, I'll probably have some weird stories to tell you!","15":"Even {Leah}'s calling to make sure I'm going. I'm surrounded on all sides!","16":"But that's it. I guess the best thing to do is stop stalling, get in my car and head to the port, come what may.","17":"The trip to the port takes longer than I thought. Besides another cruise leaving at the same time, apparently Dante's cruise is drawing quite a crowd. ","18":"The traffic jam drags on with the large volume of arriving passengers, and I almost celebrate the fact that I won't make it in time. However, I manage to park without any issues and, within minutes, I'm on board.","19":"A sort of concierge took my suitcase and, along with another guy, took it to the cabin to be prepared. Meanwhile, he left me on the deck, where another young man put a drink in my hand.","20":"And here, as I realize the boat is already departing, I find myself observing my fellow travelers getting settled in as well.","21":"It didn't take long for me to notice a very interesting pattern on this boat...","22":"Something I was already expecting...","23":"And it's going to be quite curious to watch over the next few days...","24":"Hey {PlayerName}! I can't believe you actually came! I just won 10 bucks from Alfred here.","25":"Greetings, {PlayerName}. It's not that I didn't believe in your presence among us aboard this colorful vessel, but... Well... I thought perhaps you might have other plans, maybe.","26":"Anyway, I'm glad to have been wrong in my prediction, friend. My sincere apologies for doubting your presence.","27":"Are you wearing a life vest, Alfred?","28":"Can you believe this, {PlayerName}?","29":"It was a requirement from my worried mother. She said young people tend to be extremely negligent and that this cruise was such a gathering of reckless individuals that I'd be putting my existence at risk.","30":"Thus, she recommended I use an extra layer of protection and that being prepared wouldn't do me any harm.","31":"Are you sure she wasn't talking about another type of protection, Alfred? The kind you use down there, made of latex...","32":"You think so, Linus? But tell me something, if there was even a remote possibility, with all due respect Alfred, who do you think our friend would be sleeping with?","33":"What do you mean?","34":"How long have you guys been on board?","35":"I believe a good 15 minutes. I've already managed to drink two piña coladas.","36":"Without alcohol...","37":"Without alcohol, it's true. But the sugar spikes are enough to make me feel dizzy!","38":"Well, 15 minutes on board and you guys haven't noticed yet?","39":"Haven't noticed what, dude?","40":"That there are only men on board!","41":"I'm not sure I understand, {PlayerName}.","42":"I... I...","43":"I was greeted by a young guy. Another one took my suitcase and carried it to my quarters. A third served me a drink, pointed me to the deck, and told me to make myself at home.","44":"Here, I took a good look around and noticed something that, honestly, I was already expecting. There are only men, straight members of AACHM, ready to fraternize for five days non-stop!","45":"I don't understand, friends. Dante, he... I mean, he talked about activities, about losing our inhibitions, having the best days of our lives...","46":"Is there still time to back out?","47":"Difficult, buddy. We've been sailing for a good 20 minutes now.","48":"We need to find Dante. We need to understand what's going on here.","49":"As I watch Linus and Alfred practically hyperventilating in front of me, I notice a familiar figure approaching, arms raised and almost shouting in our direction.","50":"Linus! Alfred! So good to see you here! Your first HOMO, how exciting! You'll see, the first one is so good, so unforgettable! Oh my God, when I remember my first time here...","51":"{PlayerName}, I'm so, so, so happy to see you on board! Nice to see you've stopped being a tough guy and decided to join us on this journey.","52":"And I must say, you all look gor-geous in those outfits. Linus, that shirt is to die for, isn't it? You'll have to tell me where you got it later!","53":"{PlayerName}, you're looking fine in that outfit, my friend! Did you work out today?","54":"What's with this guy's obsession about whether I work out or not!","55":"Simon, I'm worried, man. Where are the girls?","56":"I concur with my esteemed friend, Simon. We only see men everywhere, all with a much more impressive physique than mine...","57":"Friends, relax. Everything will be alright!","58":"Simon, have you seen Dante around?","59":"Yeah, I need to talk to him right now!","60":"Guys, that's not possible right now. Ooh, ouch! I think a mosquito just bit me!","61":"Why not?","62":"He's not only a founding member of AACHM, but he's also part of the Welcoming Committee, Activity Planning, and the Party Planning Committee.","63":"But he didn't want to leave you guys unattended, so that's why he sent me here. To talk to you, make sure everything's okay, and to let you know that you shouldn't miss the welcome dinner tonight!","64":"Can't we just have a quick word with him?","65":"Hmm, I don't think so, {PlayerName}. But don't worry, everything will be fine, okay? Your rooms will be available soon. {PlayerName}, Dante arranged a fancy individual cabin for you, how chic!","66":"Gotta run, friends. Oh, it's such a rush, you know? Crazy, crazy. We'll talk later, kisses!","67":"And with that, Simon runs off from our group, shouting and waving at another guy who was walking around with some bottles that seemed to have 'Baby Lotion' written on the label...","68":"So what are we going to do now?","69":"And you know what's worse, friends? I didn't bring any board games, my laptop only has work stuff, and I doubt the internet here will be good enough for me to download any online games...","70":"Guys, relax. I think the best thing to do is take a walk around, rest, and show up for dinner later.","71":"Dante will surely clear everything up. Stay calm, after all, he's always assured everyone that he's the straightest man on the planet.","72":"And let's hope he wasn't lying!","0":"The cruise day has finally arrived, and I can't help but wonder what the hell I'm doing with my life.","1":"If I was questioning my sanity by talking to the TV and being holed up at home, agreeing to go on a cruise organized by Dante's crazy [i]club[\/i] is the ultimate proof that I'm losing my marbles.","2":"My phone buzzes."},"ch18__epilogue_dante.25_gay_cruise .vne3":{"10":"But we need to work on the well-being of the whole community! And the brothers, if they have wrinkles, their energy will be compromised.","11":"I get it, Simon. But it's a no and that's final. Now let's get going, I need to do my meditation before getting on stage!","12":"What a weird conversation. But I better stay out of it.","13":"Arriving at the hall, a board indicates the assigned seats for participants.","14":"The organization is impressive. I wonder if Dante shouldn't quit Sevigny's and start a wedding planning business. He would make a fortune.","15":"And as soon as I sit in my chair, Linus already starts with his complaints...","16":"Dude, check out this place.","17":"What's up, man?","18":"You mean, what’s up, MEN. Men everywhere. Shit.","19":"Er, {PlayerName}, I need to inquire about something that has been consuming me for the last few hours.","20":"I don't want to appear ungracious, however, since you made your astute observations on the deck earlier, I have found myself uneasy about the situation of our vessel regarding its occupants.","21":"I know, Alfred. You want to know if I've seen any ladies walking around the boat? I haven't, man. Sorry.","22":"How unfortunate. I had hopes that... Perhaps this would be the first time I...","23":"Relax, man. The cruise hasn't even started yet, give our friend Dante the benefit of the doubt.","24":"And just as I finish my sentence, I see Dante climbing onto the small stage set up in front of the dinner area.","25":"Our friend is enthusiastically applauded by all those present.","26":"Thank you, thank you so much, friends.","27":"My heart fills with joy whenever the moment to come here and talk to you guys approaches.","28":"You all know that AACHM is extremely important in my story. It literally saved my life. It put other good men in my path. It transformed everything and helped me deeply touch many of you here.","29":"HOMO is the solidification of all this. It's bringing together everything I love in one place.","30":"We'll have lectures, fun activities, good drinks, dancing, games. The traditional morning walks on the deck are guaranteed! Oh, and of course, plenty of oil wrestling.","31":"The anticipation in the hall is almost palpable.","32":"Yes, our much-anticipated annual Turkish Oil Wrestling championship will take place at HOMO...","33":"Who here is excited?","34":"At Dante's command, the enthusiastic audience erupts in applause.","35":"Friends, hetebros, warriors! Enjoy everything to the fullest! Everything was done with great care and attention for each one of you!","36":"Let's go, all out!","37":"Once again, a huge round of applause erupts in the hall, closing Dante's presentation in grand style.","38":"While I watch Dante being surrounded by various hetebros, I notice at my table that Linus and Alfred didn't find the answers they were hoping for in the opening speech.","39":"Dude... I told everyone at the office I was going on an exclusive cruise... I said I'd get massages, that I'd send photos, I bragged so much...","40":"How am I gonna face them when I get back?","41":"Well... Studies indicate that walking more than 5,000 steps in the morning helps prevent various diseases...","42":"Alfred, for God's sake, man. If you say one more thing, I'm gonna hit you!","43":"Linus, think with me here. You're smart. Take a breath, look at me, and answer. What did you expect, my friend?","44":"I mean, did you just meet Dante yesterday? You know how he is. I think I'm even being repetitive here, but man, the cruise's name is HOMO.","45":"I know. But dude, he's not gay, right? He's the straightest guy on the planet, isn't he? So, what the hell is this?","46":"Ludic activities?","47":"Well, you can ask him yourself, 'cause he's coming over here.","48":"Ah, and Linus, just.. Keep your cool, alright? Remember, Dante's your friend, it's his event. Be careful what you say!","49":"Well, well! My favorite hetebros! The best of Sevigny's!","50":"Linus, loved the shirt. You'll tell me where you got it later? Alfred, my dear, how nice to see you here, not in business attire!","51":"And {PlayerName}... When I saw you there from the stage, I almost shed a manly tear. You don't know how satisfied I felt. Almost orgasmic, I'd say...","52":"Hey, Dante, easy there, buddy. It's not that big a deal!","53":"You're right, I got carried away. I apologize, but it's justifiable, right? After all that drama, you agreed to come and, even better, you didn't flake on me. You kept your word, you're here. A true friend, an hetebro to the bone.","54":"So, what did you think of the opening? Are you having fun?","55":"You might not believe it, but I needed all my hetero concentration power to get up there and talk to you guys today. This event really moves me!","56":"Dante, it's... Regarding the activities announced in your beautiful presentation...","57":"Yes, what about it?","58":"Well, I'd like to inquire about some issues that have been concerning me since boarding and...","59":"Dante, man, why is it only dudes on this boat?","60":"What's that, Linus?","61":"Since we boarded, and {PlayerName} noticed it well, there are no women here. No women working, no women as entertainers, and most importantly, no women partying.","62":"Dante, is this a gay cruise?","63":"Linus, my dear, of course not. If it were a gay cruise, do you think I'd hide that from you guys?","64":"Trust me, bro. Have fun and stop being paranoid.","65":"I notice that Dante didn't like Linus's question and seemed quite uncomfortable.","66":"Danteee, gorgeous. Friends, excuse us, but our president is in high demand at the start of this event. We have things to take care of.","67":"Hey, {PlayerName}, nice to see you again. Looking sharp!","68":"Friends, enjoy the dinner and activities. We'll talk tomorrow, okay?","69":"Thanks, Dante.","70":"Linus, sometimes you're as immature as a baby.","71":"Well, he guaranteed it, right? But now I want to see how this plays out...","72":"Guys, relax. At least the food is good...","73":"Oh, you, Mr. Movie Star, think this is funny, huh? The nerds who got screwed and are stuck on a cruise full of buff guys, slathered in oil, listening to electronic music half-naked.","74":"Haha, you know, looking at it that way, it is pretty funny.","75":"But don't forget, I'm in this with you guys.","76":"As I listen to Linus's lamentations, in the background, I see Dante talking to someone.","77":"Hey, look over there. That silhouette doesn't look masculine, does it?","78":"I can't see from here, there are too many people in front...","79":"Oh, Dante, you sly dog!","80":"It seemed to me to be the ship's captain.","81":"Guys, the food is good, and watching you complain desperately is entertaining. But I'm pretty tired, I'm going back to my cabin to get a good night's sleep.","82":"As I'm about to leave, Linus grabs my arm, his eyes wide with panic. This makes me sit again.","83":"Wait, {PlayerName}, you can't leave us like this. We're in this together, remember?","84":"Indeed, your departure at this juncture would be most unfortunate. We find ourselves in quite the predicament.","85":"Guys, come on. It's just the first night. Give it a chance.","86":"A chance? Did you see those guys by the pool? They look like they're auditioning for Magic Mike Hetebro Edition!","87":"I must concur with Linus's observation. The concentration of well-sculpted gluteus maximi is rather... overwhelming.","88":"Look, I get it. This isn't what you expected. But Dante said you are wrong guys. C’mon.","89":"Dante said a lot of things! He also said this cruise would help us 'connect with our true selves.' I'm starting to think he meant that very literally.","90":"I'm particularly concerned about tomorrow's 'Glistening Gains' workout session. The description was... vivid.","91":"Alright, alright. How about this. We stick together, check out the cruise, and if things get too... intense, we'll figure something out. Deal?","92":"Fine. But if I see one more bottle of baby oil I'm jumping ship.","93":"Guys, enough. See you tomorrow!","0":"After taking a stroll around the boat, greeting numerous jacked guys, and having a drink or two with Linus and Alfred, I decide to head to my cabin.","1":"The room is a suite, something high-end. I have a lot of space and comfort, much more than I expected for an ''independent cruise''.","2":"I think the best thing to do now is take a shower and head to the event hall for the official cruise opening.","3":"On my way to dinner, I end up getting lost. These cruise boats, even the smaller ones, are huge.","4":"Damn, where's the way to the dining room? First day here and I feel like a rat in a maze!","5":"But I think I found it, just need to turn this corner and I'll be in the right place...","6":"As I approach, however, I hear familiar voices.","7":"Look, we've talked about this. You can't use the money raised at the children's event for something else!","8":"But Dante, my dear. It's not like I'm embezzling money from AACHM. You're offending me here!","9":"Sorry, Simon, my brother. I know that's not it. But the promise was to spend the money on the kids' fighting program and that's where 100% of it needs to go. Not a single dollar can go to that botox thing."},"ch18__epilogue_dante.30_meet_the_captain.vne3":{"10":"Hey guys, did you sleep well? From what I can tell, you're both still neurotic about the start of the trip...","11":"Oh, {PlayerName}, don't give me that. You were the first to notice something weird is going on here!","12":"Guys, the thing is to relax. If you're afraid something might happen, do like me. I plan to enjoy the drinks, some good cocktails, the good food on the ship, and just chill...","13":"If it's up to me, I'm going to spend the next five days lying on those deck loungers, drinking and sleeping between meals...","14":"Maybe that's the way to go.","15":"Your mother won't like knowing you spent the entire cruise drinking, Linus. She's been sending me emails repeatedly...","16":"My mom is still messaging you? I asked her to stop...","17":"In any case, perhaps this is indeed the most insightful solution... Although I'm not a big fan of alcohol-heavy drinks, avoiding the stress of the workshops might indeed be the best.","18":"Stress of the workshops, Alfred?","19":"Well, you see, I decided to partake in one of the activities this morning. It was a flower bouquet workshop...","20":"Are you serious?","21":"Indeed. I thought it might be a pleasant, innocuous activity. However, I grossly underestimated the complexity of floral arrangement.","22":"How so, Alfred?","23":"It appears my hand-eye coordination is far too accustomed to the precise movements required for Counter-Strike. The delicate nature of petal placement proved quite challenging.","24":"You're kidding me, right? You're comparing arranging flowers to playing Counter-Strike?","25":"I assure you, Linus, the comparison is apt. In both scenarios, swift and accurate movements are crucial. However, unlike in Counter-Strike, roses have thorns.","26":"Unfortunately, in my attempt to create a symmetrical arrangement, I inadvertently grasped a particularly thorny stem. The result was... rather painful.","27":"So let me get this straight. You went to a flower arranging class on our suspiciously all-male cruise, and your takeaway is that it's too different from first-person shooters?","28":"When you phrase it that way, it does sound rather absurd. Perhaps I should stick to virtual combat scenarios in the future.","29":"While I listen to Alfred's story and think about how crazy this whole situation is, we notice Dante walking towards us.","30":"And, from what we can tell, he’s not alone. Apparently, he's accompanied by the same figure we thought we saw last night.","31":"Look, here comes Dante... I don't know how much longer I can hide my personal frustration, after all... Hey, is he coming with a girl, or am I blind?","32":"Indeed, it seems to be the woman we thought we spotted at dinner last night. Judging by her attire, I believe she might be the ship's captain...","33":"Alfred, quick, stop talking and fix your posture. {PlayerName}, don't cut me off, don't steal my thunder, don't open your mouth or save anyone.","34":"Okay, Linus, you've trained for this moment. You got this.","35":"Hello, hello. Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite hetebros, the best regulars at Sevigny’s, the friends every bartender dreams of having at their workplace sanctuary.","36":"Hello, Dante.","37":"Hey, man!","38":"Yo!","39":"Guys, I'd like you to meet Captain Kate. She's the one steering this magnificent vessel through our journey of self-discovery and brotherhood.","40":"Pleasure to meet you all. I hope you're enjoying your HOMO experience so far.","41":"H-hi there, Kate. I'm Linus. You know, they say the captain always goes down with the ship, but I'd much rather go down with...","42":"Linus?","43":"I mean, uh... your ship is really big and, um, wet. Like the ocean. Which is also wet. And big.","44":"My God, Linus. I don't think there will ever be a more intentional death at sea...","45":"Yes, the ocean is indeed wet. That's quite an... observation.","46":"Er, Captain, excuse me. Nice to meet you, my name is {PlayerName}. First of all, let me apologize for our friend. I think the rocking of the boat is messing with his brain, and he's not making much sense...","47":"Hey!","48":"Oh, no problem. The sea is indeed difficult to handle during the first 48 hours, but I see you all are doing quite well!","49":"Kate, {PlayerName} is a really cool guy. You know Haley, the girl from that record I gave you? He’s the one who helped her get her music career off the ground.","50":"Oh, that’s awesome! Are you a producer?","51":"Me? No, not at all. I’m just a friend with... let’s say, some free time to help out here and there.","52":"Not to mention the adventures...","53":"Adventures?","54":"Nothing, Captain. Like I said, our friends are seasick from the ship's motion and might be saying a few nonsensical things...","55":"I see... But tell me, are you guys enjoying the HOMO?","56":"It’s their first excursion with the AACHM, Captain! {PlayerName}, in fact, is getting initiated into the Association right here on the cruise...","57":"Er, it’s not exactly like that, Dante. Let’s just say I’m here for a trip with friends...","58":"Oh, that’s great. The AACHM plays an important role in many people’s lives, you know? Dante here is an amazing guy...","59":"Stop it, Captain, you’re going to make me blush!","60":"Guys, let me ask, how’s your schedule looking? We’ve got tons of activities going on, you know?","61":"Ah, Dante... So... About those activities...","62":"What about them?","63":"Don't you think they're a bit... I don’t know...","64":"What do you mean, bro?","65":"Well... Walking tours on the deck... Learning to make colorful cocktails - and I say this with all due respect... Massages, saunas, swimming in pairs... Flower bouquet workshops...","66":"I’m not following where you’re going with this, buddy.","67":"It’s just... These activities aren’t exactly... I don’t know... Masculine, while at the same time... Well, besides the Captain here, we haven’t seen any other women on the ship and...","68":"Linus, you seem like an awesome guy who’s searching for some sort of validation in life, right?","69":"I get the insecurities that our modern life brings, I really do. Seeing all those perfect lives on social media, everyone happy, rich, perfect...","70":"But, and I’m sure Dante has told you this, you need to truly find yourself and stop worrying about those things, my friend...","71":"Here, you’ve got a big load of hetebros, and I’m not just talking about these three right here, but a whole boat full of friends to share HOMO-EXPERIENCES with, transform your worldview, and come out of this as a better man...","72":"When you put it that way, I’m not sure you’re helping your argument...","73":"Coming on this cruise and sulking, without enjoying any of the activities, trust me, will be a mistake you’ll regret for the rest of your life.","74":"Don’t you agree, {PlayerName}?","75":"Yeah, totally!","76":"Well...","77":"Ah, yeah, for sure.","78":"Er, {PlayerName}?","79":"So... what happened to 'I'm just going to lie on a lounge chair the whole trip'?","80":"Oh, dude, that was a hard one, bro. Is it true, {PlayerName}?","81":"Er, I mean, I do want to spend the whole trip relaxing, you know, that's what I meant...","82":"Well, in that case, I think my advice applies to all of you, not only Linus. Enjoy the trip, take part in the activities. Time will pass either way, and sulking in a corner of the boat won't help at all.","83":"Er, excuse me, but I'm actually excited. Do you see this cut here? I was trying to make an arrangement with roses but ended up pricking my finger...","84":"Oh, Alfred, that's the spirit! Roses can be treacherous, but you’ve got to tame them, bro!","85":"Well... honestly, I'm more inclined to just use the time to rest a bit...","86":"I see... Well, personally, I think that's a shame.","87":"No doubt, Captain. But I know {PlayerName}, just like Linus and Alfred, he won't spend the whole trip slacking off... I know my bros well.","88":"Yeah, let’s see...","89":"Well, I have to go. I hope to see you all in higher spirits next time!","90":"Pleasure meeting you, Captain.","91":"Have an excellent workday...","92":"So, Captain, can I ask you a final question? Do you come here often?","93":"Ahn?","94":"I mean, obviously you do, because you're the captain, but like, do you... uh... navigate in binary? Because I could teach you some ones and zeroes.","95":"That's very... Ahmm... kind of you, Linus. But I assure you, I'm quite proficient in all forms of navigation, especially the ones necessary to keep this cruise on track, if that’s what you are asking me.","96":"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a ship to command. Bye guys.","97":"I'll walk with you, Captain. Excuse us, friends.","98":"As she walks away, Linus turns to us, a mix of embarrassment and confusion on his face.","99":"Did I just try to explain binary to a ship captain?","100":"Yep.You sure did, buddy. You sure did.","0":"The first day on the boat was, at the very least, interesting.","1":"More than outraged, like Linus and Alfred, I feel somewhat curious about what's going to happen from here on out.","2":"Unlike my friends, I don't feel desperate to find a date...","3":"The boat's cabin is really good, and I had a surprisingly good night's sleep. Now, it's time to get out of here and go find those two.","4":"I roam the deck looking for Linus and Alfred. They're sharing a cabin, and if I know those two, they're probably terrified of walking around the boat alone.","5":"On the way, friendly and excited hetebros, let's say, don't forget their manners, always saying good morning and wishing an excellent homoexperience.","6":"Finally, {PlayerName}. I thought you'd found a lifeboat and left us behind.","7":"That would be quite irresponsible, Linus. As far as I know, the warm waters in this region at this time of year favor the appearance of sharks.","8":"There's no shortage of sharks on board this ship, Alfred.","9":"I'm not sure I fully understand your statement, noble friend..."},"ch18__epilogue_dante.35_having_some_fun.vne3":{"10":"And so, we continue our journey across the HOMO's deck.","11":"As always, the walk is filled with muscular men in all sorts of activities...","12":"While some tan their well-sculpted chests on loungers near the pools, others do their morning walk.","13":"One thing, however, never lacks: friendliness, good morning wishes and greetings, whenever we pass by.","14":"Here's the schedule.","15":"Synchronized swimming intro class? Boat interior design course?","16":"Hey, what's wrong with interior design? It's a perfectly respectable profession!","17":"There's also 'Afternoon Tea and Broadway Musical Discussion'...","18":"This is the most... unique cruise I've ever seen.","19":"You guys are so judgmental. I'd actually love to learn about musicals.","20":"Next activity is ''Color Coordination for Your Nautical Wardrobe''","21":"Guys, I don't think we'll find something fun to do here...","22":"Hold on dudes... There's more activity, don't jump in front of the car just yet.","23":"Here. 'How to Socialize and Learn to Talk Without Scaring People Away.' Linus, you definitely need to go to this one!","24":"Indeed, Linus, this activity seems tailor-made for you.","25":"Oh, great. Look who's talking, the guy who asked that girl at Sevigny's if she also thought Tifa was the hottest character in all of Final Fantasy.","26":"I did not use the word ''hot'', don't be crude!","27":"Let's keep looking at the list... 'Steam Sauna and Historical Discussion'... 'Hot Stone Massage and Hydrotherapy'... 'Introduction to Turkish Oil Wrestling'... 'Flower Arranging'... 'Special Drinks with Professor Dante'...","28":"Well, if you guys really think we need to get into these crazy activities, I guess I'll end up going to that socializing class after all...","29":"I would love to give flower arranging another try... The flowers fragrance calms my mind...","30":"Well, guys. Then I'll choose something to do too...","31":"Oil Wrestling.[!option_1]","32":"Steam Sauna and Historical Discussion.[!option_2]","33":"Special Drinks with Professor Dante.[!option_3]","34":"synchronized swimming.[!option_4]","35":"Hmm. Dante's talked about this a lot, he really likes it.","36":"I remember at that costume party, him wrestling this thing with his friends, they seemed really into it.","37":"I guess it wouldn't hurt to try some physical activity, for a change. Getting up from the couch just to go to bed hasn't exactly been the best routine for my health.","38":"I arrive at the makeshift ring in one of the open areas of the boat. I'm greeted by a young guy who seems to be one of the instructors.","39":"And I'm greeted by a figure I know ''well''.","40":"Well, well, if it isn't our dear {PlayerName}. I must say it's a true pleasure to see you're interested in the art of oil wrestling.","41":"How wonderful, I'm ecstatic! You arrived just in time, some friends are already oiled up and ahead, but don't worry, you're not late.","42":"Uh... Sure, buddy. I was actually just thinking of watching for now.","43":"Don't be silly, {PlayerName}. You have a really interesting build, you could do well here. Come on, no need to be scared.","44":"Ah, fuck it. What do I have to lose?","45":"Okay...","46":"First thing you need to do is take off that shirt and cover yourself in olive oil. Besides making it harder to grab your opponent, the oil also protects the wrestlers' skin and prevents friction with the ground.","47":"You don't want to leave here all scraped up, right?","48":"That's right, you need to oil up every part of your body... Every single bit, can't leave anything dry...","49":"Why does this guy always have to be so weird?","50":"Looks like you're not very familiar with the sport, huh?","51":"Not really... I mean, I saw Dante wrestling once.","52":"Oh yeah? At a tournament?","53":"No. At a costume party, a few years back...","54":"Aaah, right! We did a mini training session in a garage, right? That day was fun, but also kind of traumatic. Herbert, our friend who's not on the HOMO because he just got married, well, he hit his head on a car muffler that day...","55":"Poor guy was knocked out for like 2 hours, we were so scared. Now we just laugh about the whole thing...","56":"Oh great, now I feel super confident about practicing a wrestling style I don't know in a makeshift ring on a boat!","57":"Boys, you can start warming up. Leave {PlayerName} to me!","58":"Got it, Simon. But go easy on the rookie, okay?!","59":"So, {PlayerName}, in the Oil Wrestling, you need to take down your opponent and keep them on the ground. Once a wrestler manages to pin the other with one shoulder touching the ground, they're declared the winner.","60":"Come on, let's practice a bit, I'll teach you some moves...","61":"Come at me! Let's see if those strong, well-toned arms are good for something!","62":"Hey!","63":"That's it, fit your body against mine... Just like that!","64":"Can you feel how slippery the oil makes everything?","65":"Isn't that the point?","66":"You smell quite nice up close, don't you, {PlayerName}?","67":"Do you know anything about wrestling? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? The important thing here is also to immobilize your opponent!","68":"Huff, huff... I remember an arm-lock from school days...","69":"Give it all you've got!","70":"Ooh, so strong. Perfect!","71":"Besides being strong, you've got a knack for this, huh?","72":"Excellent grip...","73":"Despite Simon's weirdness, this thing is kinda fun.","74":"And just like that, before I realize it, I'm getting more and more interested in this sport that, before meeting Dante, I had no idea existed.","75":"More than an hour goes by and, when I notice, I'm sweaty, tired, covered in oil, and sad that the class is over.","76":"That's all for today, folks. I'm starting to get all red, that's not good for our skin, even with all the olive oil. {PlayerName}, did you enjoy the activity?","77":"Surprisingly, I actually did. Maybe I'll show up for tomorrow's class!","78":"Hmmm, we'll see! Who knows what even more exciting things might happen on this cruise...","79":"Of course. I'm not falling for that and asking what you're talking about.","80":"Sure! See you around, Simon!","81":"Steam sauna and historical discussion. What the hell is that supposed to be?","82":"I don't know if it's curiosity or the fact that my doctor said saunas could be good for my health, but I end up heading to this weird activity.","83":"When I get there, I receive a towel from a receptionist and go to a changing room, where I take off all my clothes as instructed. Then, I enter the sauna, wrapped in nothing but a towel.","84":"Inside, I notice there are two guys and an older gentleman. All wearing the same attire as me.","85":"The olderman is the one who speaks. Apparently, he's the one who coordinates the historical discussions, whatever that means.","86":"Welcome, welcome! Today's topic is the Great Molasses Flood of 1919 in Boston. A fascinating disaster where a massive tank of molasses burst and created a sticky wave through the streets!","87":"The... what?","88":"Oh man, I've heard about this! Didn't it actually kill people?","89":"Indeed! The wave moved at 0.4 miles per hour! Can you imagine drowning in molasses?","90":"That's wild. How did they even clean that up?","91":"They spent weeks scrubbing the streets. People said you could smell molasses on hot summer days for years after!","92":"That's... interesting...How did I never heard of this before?","93":"Looking like I’m invisible, the three continued the conversation...","94":"So like, did anyone try to eat it? And whose fault was it? What caused it?","95":"Now that's an excellent question! The company tried to blame anarchists at first, but turns out they just cheaped out on the tank construction. They didn't even test it properly, just painted it brown to hide the leaks!","96":"Wait, so they just had this massive tank of death molasses in the middle of the city?","97":"2.3 million gallons of it! People in the neighborhood kept reporting leaks, but the company just ignored them. And the heat did the rest...","98":"Talking about heat, this story is making me sweat like a pig.","99":"And without warning, the old man takes off his towel, completely at ease as he talks about some crazy event I've never heard of before...","100":"The heat that day made the molasses run thinner and stickier, which caused the dough to reach high speeds as it rolled down the street...","101":"Good idea, man. I think I'll be more comfortable too...","102":"Yeah, me too. And let's sit closer, all this steam is making it hard to hear the story...","103":"Come, friend. Sit closer, let's huddle up. We came here to get warm, didn't we?","104":"Nah, this thing is getting too weird for me...","105":"Excuse me guys. Would you look at the time! I just remembered I have to... uh... alphabetize my sock drawer!","106":"On a cruise?","107":"Can't let those socks get disorganized! Thanks for the sticky history lesson!","108":"And just like that, without hesitation, I leave my ''sweet'', ''sweaty'' friends chatting in the sauna. Better find something else to do.","109":"Though I'll definitely be googling more about that molasses flood later. From the safety of my fully-clothed room.","110":"Hmm, here’s something that could actually be fun.","111":"Just remembering that I once had some experience making drinks with Dante himself... Well, that’s already a step forward in helping me feel more comfortable on this cruise.","112":"I arrive at the class and see a few 'hetebros' watching Dante in admiration. I’m not sure if it’s because they see him as some kind of messiah for these guys or because he talks about drinks with such contagious passion.","113":"...and BAM! Tequila time! Give that bad boy a proper shake and you're golden!","114":"Noticing my presence, Dante doesn’t hide his satisfaction at seeing me there, participating in the activity.","115":"Dante's smile grows even wider when he sees me approaching the class.","116":"Hey everyone, look who decided to grace us with their presence! The legend himself, {PlayerName}!","117":"{PlayerName} learned at Sevigny's that we need to respect our environment... Whether it's the bar, the customer, or your work tools.","118":"That's howw we can make a wonderful Mojito, right everyone? Now let's finish the masterpiece we were working on!","119":"Look at this beautiful color, a magnificent drink. The ladies love a well-made Caribbean drink, don't they?","120":"Remember that salt on the rim of the glass isn't a Mojito tradition, but rather for other cocktails like the Margarita.","121":"Finish it with a nice garnish and voilà. Perfect.","122":"{PlayerName}, you missed the beginning of the class, but I know you can handle it. Show everyone how it's done.","123":"Alright, let me show you!","124":"First, we prepare the ingredients... then ice, tequila, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice...","125":"I remember everything Dante taught me at Sevigny's. The movements come naturally, like muscle memory.","126":"Look at that technique, fellas! Perfect proportions!","127":"And now for the final touch...","128":"I shake the mixture with confidence, exactly how Dante showed us.","129":"YEAH BABY! That's what I'm talking about! Look at my boy {PlayerName} working that shaker!","130":"Now that's how you make a margarita that'll have the ladies swooning! Am I right, guys?","131":"The other participants laugh at Dante's typical commentary while admiring the perfectly crafted drink.","132":"Perfect color, balanced, and guaranteed to make any girl's night special...","133":"Thanks, Dante. Learned from the best.","134":"And that, gentlemen, is how you make the perfect margarita.","135":"Now, folks, you've just witnessed something crucial that's overlooked in any bartending course. Anyone have a guess?","136":"He didn't wash his hands before making the drink!","137":"Man, you're absolutely right. And it's super important to always have clean hands when serving someone.","138":"You got that one spot on! And {PlayerName}, your bad dude! But that's not what I'm talking about right now.","139":"Not only did he not wash his hands, but he didn't lotion up either...","140":"Guys, I'm talking about the intimacy with the shaker.","141":"Aaahhhmmm.","142":"The bartender's shaker is like a cop's gun. A hairdresser's board. A Samurai's sword.","143":"You gotta get intimate with it, treat it with respect and care, look after it, polish it, clean it, do everything for it. You and the shaker gotta become one. It's gonna be your true weapon.","144":"Wow, Dante, that's deep.","145":"Sometimes, people overcomplicate things. Bartending, like any craft, is about respect, passion, and understanding the tools you work with.","146":"A shaker isn't just a vessel... it's an extension of yourself. If you can't connect with it, you can't truly connect with the drink.","147":"With that teaching, I'll close today's class. Thanks for coming, everyone!","148":"Among the things I imagined doing in life, I think synchronized swimming never even made it onto a list of possible activities, not even when I was drunk at some college party...","149":"But who knows... Taking down an evil organization that aimed to harm people's lives never appeared in any of child {PlayerName}'s predictions either, so...","150":"I just hope no photos of me doing this end up in Sam's hands, otherwise I'll be made fun of for the rest of my life.","151":"Well, anyways, with this heat, any excuse to jump in the pool is a good one.","152":"Welcome, bro! I'm Darian. So nice to have you here! We were just needing one more person for our swimming routine!","153":"Uh... Sure. But I've never done this in my life. Also, isn't this like... a women's sport?","154":"Nah, don't get caught up in stereotypes, friend. Here, we're just doing physical activities and having fun!","155":"Like I always say... If you're not here to be happy, you're in the wrong place. We're all homo here!","156":"What?","157":"Don't sweat it. Dante also gave me grief about that, said I'd confuse the newbies. Anyway, from what I understand, you've said you've never done this before, right?","158":"Right.","159":"Look, it's not rocket science. Just hop in the water with us, follow me and copy all my movements. You’ll have fun, I promise!","160":"Well, I've got nothing to lose...","161":"Alright, let’s do it!","162":"And so, I jumped into the water with my new friend and his workout buddies.","163":"Okay, {PlayerName}, let's start with waving goodbye to bad vibes. Yeah, perfect.","164":"Now, come with me, Mathias and Tim go that way... Splitting the pie, two slices each side...","165":"Splitting the pie?","166":"All together now, singing, [i]Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah, Staying Alive, Staying Alive![\/i]","167":"Perfect!","168":"The star pose, belly up, feet together...","169":"Beautiful!","170":"Man, this is exhausting, I'm getting tired faster than I thought...","171":"Now, everyone, no messing around. Feet up, let's do the royal palms. {PlayerName}, you're crushing it, let's go!","172":"Even though I was tired, I didn't hesitate to try the move. I didn't want to disappoint my new friend, Darian. However...","173":"Maybe I should have been more careful...","174":"...","175":"Huh?","176":"Whoa, hold up, buddy! None of that needed, I'm fine!","177":"Excuse me, everyone...","178":"Geez, how many liters of water did I swallow?","179":"That was dangerous!","180":"I don't even want to think about what could have happened...","181":"Well, they say curiosity killed the cat... In my case, it almost drowned it! I guess the best thing I can do now is change clothes and move on.","182":"Wow, time really flew by.","183":"I haven't done this much since Sam came up with those council meetings with all the university clubs.","184":"Haven't seen Linus and Alfred either. Hope they're having fun.","185":"I have to admit, at the end of the day, I actually had a pretty good time.","186":"Now it's time for a shower and sleep. Don't think I even have the energy to make it to the dining hall tonight. I'll just eat some cookies here in the cabin and crash.","0":"After our meeting with Dante and the captain, we walked along the deck, thinking about our conversation with them.","1":"During our walk, Linus seemed distressed about his attempts to hit on the captain, while Alfred tried to process the captain's advice.","2":"Looking at it now, maybe we should follow the advice and look for things to keep us occupied on this cruise.","3":"I believe that with goodwill, we can find activities that are intellectually stimulating and socially compatible for each of us.","4":"I think I'm just going to lock myself in the cabin and stay there until it's time to go home...","5":"Binary navigation? What the hell I was thinking?","6":"Linus, Alfred is right. We're already on board anyway, there's no point in moping and complaining around the boat.","7":"I believe there's a schedule posted on one of the walls on the main deck... What do you friends think about going there to check what entertainment options we can find on this sunny morning?","8":"Oh guys...","9":"Linus, stop being such a crybaby. Let's go. Alfred, lead the way!"},"ch18__epilogue_dante.40_saving_the_captain.vne3":{"10":"That doesn’t sound too absurd to me...","11":"Because that’s my comfort zone. But I also nearly drowned trying to learn synchronized swimming moves, and I hit the sauna to listen to a bunch of people talk about events I’ve never even heard of...","12":"Synchronized swimming? Isn’t that, like, an all-female sport?","13":"Oh, you went? I was quite curious about the sauna discussions. What were they talking about?","14":"The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 in Boston. I think they were making stuff up...","15":"What a cosmic coincidence! You were there for the discussion about one of history's most fascinating industrial disasters?","16":"I can't believe I missed it! The Great Molasses Flood isn't just real... it's a perfect example of how human ambition can literally come crashing down on us!","17":"Wait, you know about this too?","18":"Know about it? I've spent countless evenings studying every book written about this extraordinary event! Just imagine this thing, it’s amazing..","19":"The Purity Distilling Company, in their quest for industrial efficiency, constructed this massive vessel for their rum production.","20":"When it failed on January 15th, 1919, it released what I can only describe as a wave of biblical proportions fifteen feet of amber devastation flowing through Boston's North End!","21":"fifteen feet?","22":"Do you think they might revisit this fascinating piece of history today?","23":"I have so many intriguing details to share... Like how they employed horses in the cleanup efforts, only to watch these noble creatures become trapped in nature's strangest quicksand.","24":"I don’t know man, maybe you should look it up...","25":"What are you planning to do today, {PlayerName}?","26":"Linus, believe it or not, there was another activity I did yesterday that was really fun... Turkish Oil Wrestling.","27":"I can’t believe you actually had the guts to try that. I did notice the olive oil smell is a bit stronger around you today.","28":"Indeed, that is the official scent of the AACHM.","29":"It was pretty fun. They’re holding more classes today. You guys should give it a shot...","30":"Well, I won’t lie, that’s an activity I probably wouldn’t attend.","31":"First, any form of combat that isn’t virtual is off the table for me. And second, aside from the deck walk, which I’m really looking forward to, I need to gather the courage to discuss the molasses incident in the sauna with the others...","32":"Count me out too, {PlayerName}. After the conversation class yesterday, I talked with a hetebro, I mean, a friend, about today’s non-verbal communication course. Apparently, it’s as important as the verbal stuff, so maybe it’ll be good for me.","33":"Alright then... And who would’ve thought, huh? Apparently, we’re all enjoying Dante’s HOMO thing.","34":"Hello, friends, good morning! How are you all? Is Dante around?","35":"No, Simon, I didn't saw him today.","36":"{PlayerName}, how are you? Are you sore from all our grappling yesterday? I don’t know about you, but even slathered in oil, I ended up with some chafing...","37":"I’m good, thanks. Actually, I’m thinking of joining the class again today. Are you going?","38":"Er... Maybe, we’ll see. This cruise is wild, darling, just one crazy thing after another.","39":"Just today, the cook spilled the entire shipment of crabs in the kitchen! My goodness, we were chasing those little guys all over the place!","40":"Crabs were running into people’s cabins, it was a whole mess...","41":"Anyway, I better go. Enjoy your day!","42":"Alright, folks, I’ll be off as well. Never thought I’d say this, but I don’t want to miss my morning walk before the class on ferns and damp environments. Catch you later!","43":"I guess that’s it, {PlayerName}. See you later!","44":"And just like yesterday, we part ways, each of us heading to our own activities.","45":"I had some curious experiences yesterday, but today I think I’ll stick to the things I enjoyed.","46":"I don’t need to spend the whole day buried in activities... I think between one thing and another, I could grab a drink, lay on one of those lounge chairs, and soak up some sun.","47":"And that’s exactly what I’m going to do now.","48":"Time passes, and I spend a good two hours enjoying a pastime I’ve come to appreciate a lot in recent months... Doing absolutely nothing!","49":"However, as {Leah} probably predicted, I’ve already been bitten by the restlessness bug again, and I realize I can’t wait to have something to do.","50":"So, I head over to the deck where Dante’s class is about to start.","51":"Today's class seems to be about mojitos. Dante is enthusiastically explaining the importance of using good tequila.","52":"And remember, everyone. Never serve crap to people who trusted you with the task of creating something beautiful, a drink that'll help them unwind and forget their everyday problems, even if just for a little while.","53":"Now, please, take a moment to think about that while you check out the ingredients in front of you. Read the labels.","54":"While everyone's distracted examining their station setups, Dante suddenly pulls me aside, looking a bit anxious.","55":"Hey, {PlayerName}, I need a huge favor. Something came up.","56":"What’s going on dude?","57":"I can't really get into details, but I need to step out.","58":"Right now? In the middle of class?","59":"Yeah, I know, I know. But I was thinking... since you already showed everyone your skills yesterday, maybe you could take over for a bit?","60":"Before I can properly answer, Dante is already talking to the class...","61":"Guys, listen up! {PlayerName} will take over class for a few minutes! I’ll be right back!","62":"What a fuck, Dante!","63":"You'll do great! Just keep them busy with a martini lesson, it was the next one. Back in a flash!","64":"And just like that, I'm standing in front of a few curious bros.","65":"Um... right. So... where were we? Anyone here ever made a Martini?","66":"I take a deep breath, remembering my days behind the bar.","67":"Is it with Tequila?","68":"Hmm, no. It's with vermouth. But the key to a perfect martini is actually in how you handle the ice...","69":"But what if we use chocolate milk instead of vermouth?","70":"That would be... definitely not a martini. Though if you're interested in chocolate cocktails, there's this thing called an Espresso Martini that might be more your speed.","71":"Should be an Espresso Chocolate then? And can we light it on fire?","72":"That's... not really something we do with martinis. But if you're interested in flaming drinks, there are specific cocktails designed for that. Safety first, though.","73":"As the class goes on, I realize I remember more than I thought about the drinks Dante taught me.","74":"And just as we're finishing up the last demonstration, Dante returns, looking relieved.","75":"Okay bro's, I'm back!","76":"Thanks, {PlayerName}. You really saved me there.","77":"No problem, buddy.","78":"Even so, before I know it, Dante's holding his shaker, extending it towards me like a gift.","79":"This right here? It's my lucky shaker. Got me through some of the craziest nights behind the bar.","80":"And now... I want you to have it.","81":"What? Isn't this the one you carry everywhere? I can't accept it!","82":"Yeah, you can. You're a true friend. I know she'll be in good hands!","83":"He hands me the shaker, and I can feel the weight of both the metal and the gesture.","84":"I... Thank you, Dante. Really.","85":"Just promise you'll take good care of it. Remember what I said about becoming one with your shaker?","86":"Yeah, I remember.","87":"Well, this one's got some stories to tell. Make sure you add a few of your own.","88":"You can go now, friend. There’s nothing more for you to learn here. Besides, I’ll have to cut the class short. Weird things are happening on this ship, and I’ve got a million fires to put out!","89":"Still a bit shaken by Dante’s abrupt attitude, I leave the class and head towards the deck.","90":"As I walk, I remember that the second Turkish Oil Wrestling class should be starting soon.","91":"However, when I arrive, I notice there’s no movement suggesting any class is about to happen.","92":"Ah, esteemed friend! I see you’ve stuck to your plan of continuing your oil-soaked battles.","93":"I admire your dedication, but I regret to inform you that I bear bad news, {PlayerName}. I overheard some people leaving just a moment ago, saying that apparently, the class had been canceled.","94":"Seriously? Do you know if something happened? Simon and the other guys seemed really excited about the lessons...","95":"At that moment, I see Simon passing by. He’s not alone. The captain is with him.","96":"They’re walking briskly, with the captain a little ahead, and both have a hurried pace.","97":"Maybe this is a good opportunity to ask if the class will happen later.","98":"Good morning, Captain, Simon, how are you? Can I ask you something?","99":"{PlayerName}, good morning! You’re probably wondering about the wrestling class, right? Ah, I had to cancel it. some issues popped up that need my attention...","100":"Is there anything I can do to help?","101":"Oh, you’re such a dreamboat, aren’t you? Every girl’s fantasy, right, Kate? But don’t worry, sweetheart, just go ahead and enjoy the deck and other activities.","102":"Kate just nods, but she looks kind of nervous?","103":"Bye-bye!","104":"And just as quickly and oddly as they approached, walking in that strange, hurried way, they disappear. Weird.","105":"Hey guys, how’s it going? All good? What a nice breeze, huh? Think it’s going to rain later?","106":"Ah, Linus. I see you’re putting your conversation class skills into practice...","107":"Linus, Alfred, did you see that? Didn’t you think it was strange?","108":"How come?","109":"The way they were walking. And the captain has always been really friendly with us, but now she didn’t even say a word... They both looked super tense...","110":"Honestly, I thought Simon was gay. But walking all close like that with that hot captain, I’m starting to think they might be hooking up...","111":"I don’t think that’s it...","112":"You might be overthinking, {PlayerName}. Given your past and all, I believe it could be some lingering worries, perhaps...","113":"There’s the {PlayerName} I know. Always trying to ‘save’ another damsel.","114":"What do you guys think about heading down to the dining hall for an early lunch? I’m starving...","115":"I’m in!","116":"Hmm... You guys go ahead. I’ve got something I need to take care of first.","117":"As soon as I get rid of the guys, I decide to check things out for myself.","118":"Simon was acting strange, and the captain, who’s usually super friendly, didn’t say a word. Could Linus be right? Maybe, but it won’t hurt to make sure everything’s okay myself...","119":"As I walk through the ship, I spot the two of them up ahead. They’re still walking quickly, seemingly heading towards the command tower.","120":"That’s exactly it. I see them enter the tower, and this time, it’s clear. Simon pushes the captain roughly into the room. Something is definitely wrong.","121":"Without thinking too much, I approach the door, trying to figure out what’s going on.","122":"Oh, Kate, darling, you made the wrong choice. You know Dante's worldview is so last century, and yet you chose to stand by him. How tragic.","123":"Simon, have you completely lost it?","124":"Lost it? Honey, I told you... the revolution always comes, but did you listen? No. And now, you and Dante will pay the price. But don’t worry, I'll be the hero everyone needs. The savior of all the hetero-bros, darling!","125":"What is this guy even talking about?","126":"I can already see it! The headlines...","127":"[i]''Simon saves cruise from iceberg disaster. The fabulous hero who averted Titanic 2.0!''[\/i]","128":"[i]''Dashing and wrinkle-free, a hero for the ages!''[\/i]","129":"Iceberg? Simon, what on earth are you talking about? I think you're delirious. Why don’t you let me help you?","130":"Oh, sweetheart, sit right there and don’t even try to fool me! Just because I’ve got a baby face doesn’t mean I’m stupid.","131":"Here’s the plan. we steer this ship north, find ourselves a nice, big iceberg, and at the very last second, I’ll save the day! Heroic, right? And you, Dante, and your outdated AACHM will take the blame for endangering all these lovely people!","132":"Wow, Simon’s really lost it! I need to do something.","133":"But how do I even get into the control room without getting spotted? Maybe I need to call for backup. I’ve gotta get to Dante.","134":"Oh, {PlayerName}, what a pleasant surprise!","135":"Uh... Hey, Simon, everything good?","136":"Darling, como here.","137":"Have you noticed your shadow? It really accentuates how well-built you are... Ever thought about joining us, hmm?","138":"Damn it. I can’t believe I got caught because of my shadow. That’s beyond stupid...","139":"Captain, are you okay?","140":"I’m fine, it’s Simon who’s seasick. I think he’s hallucinating.","141":"Excuse me, darling? A little more respect, please. You don’t know what I’ve been through with Dante lately.","142":"Everyone thinks he’s some sort of icon, but he’s really just a tyrant! A tyrant, I tell you! He won’t listen to any of my fabulous ideas!","143":"[i]''Dante, what do you think about a perfect nose initiative?''[\/i] ''No!''","144":"[i]''Dante, let’s buy a luxurious spa to make it the AACHM’s first official headquarters?''[\/i] ''No!''","145":"[i]''Dante, sweetie, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for these ugly kids. How about using half of it to create a botox fund so all the hetebros can stay forever youthful and gorgeous?''[\/i] ''No!''","146":"I am positively exhausted from having all my glamorous ideas crushed by this... relic of the past! It’s time for something fresh!","147":"Okay, but what exactly is your plan? To leave everyone stranded in the middle of the ocean?","148":"Oh, darling, don’t be ridiculous. I don’t want to sink the ship. I just want to steer us away from an iceberg at the last possible moment!","149":"When everyone asks what happened, I’ll tell them how Dante’s negligence and our dear Captain Kate here nearly caused a disaster. But I, Simon, came to the rescue.","150":"I’ll prove that the AACHM is outdated and dangerous, and everyone will flock to the YACHM instead.","151":"YACHM?","152":"Young-looking Association of Cisgender Heterosexual Males. Obviously.","153":"Are all these guys totally insane?","154":"Simon, seriously, knock it off. Put the ship back on course before someone gets hurt.","155":"Oh, {PlayerName}, don’t be so dramatic. There’ll only be one little casualty... our dear captain, who sadly didn’t want to be part of my vision. What a tragedy! Seeing the disaster looming, she jumped into the sea...","156":"What are you even talking about? You can’t do that!","157":"Poor thing, the only victim. Unless, of course, our charming {PlayerName} decides to blab... In that case, there’ll be two victims. What a shame...","158":"So, {PlayerName}, what do you say? YACHM could always use a vice-president. All the botox you could dream of, luxurious massages, personal trainers...the works. All to keep us looking young and fabulous forever!","159":"Damn it. I’ve got to stall for time, but what can I do in this tiny cabin with him watching me?","160":"Simon, dude, put the gun down. Let’s talk this out like civilized people.","161":"Just when I thought there was no way out...","162":"Oh, looks like the party’s getting bigger! Linus, I see you peeking. Why don’t you join the fun?","163":"Hey, Simon, what’s up?","164":"So... nice weather we're having at sea today, huh? The... um... clouds are very... cloudy.","165":"Darling, please. If you're going to interrupt my moment of triumph, at least make it interesting.","166":"I just... wait, is that a new shirt? The cut is really flattering on you.","167":"You noticed? Most people are too intimidated by my natural charisma to appreciate the tailoring.","168":"The lapels are perfect. And talking about charisma, dude, your skin is literally glowing. What's your secret?","169":"Well, since you asked... It's a proprietary blend of Korean essences and Swiss peptides. The trick is layering them in the correct order.","170":"As Linus chats with Simon, we begin exchanging glances.","171":"Linus, you clever devil! Now I get it... you’re distracting him so we can make our move... And it’s working.","172":"How fascinating! And now that I notice you’re barefoot, I can see your toenails are flawless. What beautiful work! Do you get them done professionally?","173":"Oh honey, I know this divine little place on the outskirts of Shale Hill. The owner trained under a Japanese master of cuticle care. The technique is revolutionary...","174":"Do they cut hair too? Mine’s tough to manage...","175":"Oh, darling, yes! And there’s a Brazilian stylist there... she can work magic. Plus, they do the most perfect waxing...","176":"It’s now or never. I need to act.","177":"At that moment, I remember that I’m also armed. Not with a pistol like Simon, but with something even more precious. A gift that turns out to be just what I need at the perfect time...","178":"Taking advantage of Simon’s distraction, I grab the cocktail shaker Dante gave me, and with a swift, precise move, I hit the villain on the head, causing him to drop his weapon.","179":"Yes, {PlayerName}!","180":"Ouch! You little brat. You’ll regret this. Just wait!","181":"But instead of fighting back, Simon surprises us by making a run for the door.","182":"And as he rushes out of the control room, he bumps into another unlikely hero.","183":"Alfred, sensing something was wrong, had arrived just in time. Spotting Simon running barefoot, Alfred threw his roses on the ground, creating a bed of thorns for the fleeing villain.","184":"Ahhh, my feet! You idiot, you did that on purpose!","185":"With that, I manage to catch up to Simon, grabbing him and using some of the moves he had taught me the day before to pin him down.","186":"Hey!","187":"The fight lasts a few minutes. Even without the oil, Simon is a skilled and slippery fighter.","188":"I'll show you...","189":"Oooouch...","190":"In the end, I manage to hold him down just long enough for Dante to arrive at the scene.","191":"Good Lord, what on earth is going on here?","192":"Simon, this idiot, tried to hijack the ship and kill us all!","193":"Dante, don’t believe them! This bunch of jealous fools is trying to make me look like some cheap movie villain!","194":"It’s true. He came up with this crazy plan to crash the ship into an iceberg, create some new foundation, and blame you for the disaster.","195":"Oh, Simon, I can’t believe this... All because of your insane idea for a Botox pool?","196":"You’re outdated! Hetebros need to be beautiful, or everyone will fall into depression... Say no to wrinkles!","197":"I’m calling the coast guard.","198":"I’ll get some of the crew to tie this lunatic up until the authorities arrive.","199":"{PlayerName}, once again, saving the day. I don’t know how to thank you.","0":"Wow, it’s already morning. I haven’t slept this deeply in ages.","1":"And I think I only woke up because my stomach is growling like crazy! Going to bed without eating properly was a big mistake. I’m starving.","2":"I walk into the hall for breakfast, and luckily, I run into Linus and Alfred.","3":"Hey man, how’s it going? You kind of disappeared yesterday...","4":"I’m curious, {PlayerName}. Did you stick to your word and find something to do, or did you follow your original plan of roasting under the sun by the pool, just waiting for time to pass?","5":"Actually, neither. Instead of getting stuck in one activity, I ended up diving into the whole thing and checked out a bunch of different workshops.","6":"Well, you didn’t show up to the conversation classes, 'cause I wasted two hours in that thing.","7":"And I can say the same for the floral arrangements class, because as far as I could tell, you didn’t attend that either.","8":"Guys, I can honestly say I went from my comfort zone to the absurd yesterday...","9":"I went to Dante’s cocktail-making class, and I felt right at home there. Not sure if you remember, but I worked at Sevigny’s for a few weeks, so it was fun to mess around with a cocktail shaker again."},"ch18__epilogue_dante.45_happy_captain.vne3":{"10":"At the same time, I see Kate getting closer to show me the buttons on the panel. Her firm and tender chest pressing against my arm as I take note of the buttons on the ship's panel.","11":"You have to keep an eye on a lot of things at the same time, don't you?","12":"Yes... You have to be aware of everything that's happening around you...","13":"And where's the helm?","14":"Right there, between your legs...","15":"Huh? Oh, right.","16":"Wow, I expected something ''bigger'', you know? Like what I saw in Titanic.","17":"Bigger...","18":"Like a little boy discovering a new toy, for a moment I let myself be carried away by the sensation of being in control of a ship this size.","19":"Although the captain might have other plans for the rest of the night...","20":"Sometimes you need to feel, touch it, to see if an instrument is substantial...","21":"Captain?","22":"...We need to check if it works properly, right?","23":"Impatient, Kate grabs my cock with one hand, while the other searches for the button on my shorts.","24":"With no further delay, the captain unfastens my shorts, pushing them down until they pool at my feet. My arousal, already evident, stands proud like the ship's bow cutting through the waves.","25":"Looks like I found something here too...","26":"Hmmm... Now I understand why you were talking about big instruments...","27":"You're quite impressive...","28":"As she speaks, Kate wraps her right hand around my length, her eyes locked onto me, appreciative and intense.","29":"Hey... And your colleague?","30":"I told him to go eat something... I don't know, don't worry, Kevin likes to eat well, he lives with his mouth full...","31":"And speaking of that... I think I'll also take the opportunity to savor something delicious...","32":"And, with a hot and soft tongue, the captain begins to caress my member, while continuing to hold it firmly with one hand.","33":"She explores my length, her touch sending waves of pleasure through me.","34":"The redhead takes her time. After a few licks, she starts giving small bites on the head of my cock.","35":"Hey, careful with those teeth!","36":"Did I hurt you?","37":"No, but it gives me chills...","38":"Good or bad?","39":"Before I can even respond, the young woman goes for a new approach, taking my member into her mouth without fear.","40":"Meanwhile, her left hand is not idle. She uses it to cup one of her own breasts, squeezing gently, her eyes fluttering closed with pleasure.","41":"Her mouth is warm and tender, the sensation incredible... Just as I had imagined it would be.","42":"As soon as her mouth embraces more of my cock, I instinctively take her head and pull her, pushing my shaft almost down her throat.","43":"All this time alone at home... Months playing video games, baking bread...","44":"I had forgotten how the heat of a woman's mouth, especially one as wonderful as Kate's, could transport you to pure bliss...","45":"Kate seems to like it, as she takes out one of her breasts, showing me her beautiful pink nipple.","46":"With rhythmic movements and amazing tongue work, the captain starts driving me crazy with lust.","47":"I get so excited that I almost lose my balance.","48":"Oops, are you okay there, {PlayerName}?","49":"Better sit down a little... Let Captain Kate take care of you.","50":"Well, you're the boss here, so it's only fair to obey your command.","51":"Now lean back and relax, I'll take care of the rest.","52":"Aye ma'am.","53":"Again, without wasting time, the redhead goes down on my member again, with everything she's got.","54":"She takes me into her mouth completely, eagerly, as if determined to give this her all.","55":"My cock pulses wildly, and the prospect of what might follow gets me even harder.","56":"Completely immersed in the moment, Kate goes deep, swallowing my shaft with dedication and enthusiasm.","57":"My God, I could never have imagined I would enjoy this cruise so much...","58":"But it's been months alone, and a treatment like this can make some things happen... Like the champagne popping early, for example...","59":"Kate... Captain... I'm going to...","60":"I'm going to...","61":"And unable to hold back any longer, I fill the wonderful captain's mouth with my seed.","62":"Mmmffff...","63":"Gggghhhh...","64":"The jets are powerful, and I feel the semen leaving my cock forcefully, punishing the captain's throat.","65":"Proudly, Kate makes a point of showing that almost all of my cum was very well captured by her beautiful mouth.","66":"This was amazing!","67":"Your cabin is nice. Dante must really like you...","68":"Yeah. You could have used the bathroom here in my suite.","69":"Don't worry. Besides, my toothbrush and other personal hygiene stuff are over there...","70":"And another thing. I had enough time to clean up calmly while you were passed out in my chair!","71":"The blame, I mean, the credit is all yours!","72":"Oh really? And when is it my turn?","73":"Moved more by actions than words, I decide to show the captain that our night is just beginning.","74":"So, I pin the hot redhead against the wall, kissing her passionately.","75":"The delicious busty woman returns the kiss and, at the same time, places her commander's hat on my head, showing that from now on, I'm in charge.","76":"Taking control, as I was asked, I waste no time, throwing the young woman onto my bed.","77":"I can't wait to go down on her. I've been secretly fantasizing about this ass since the first moment I saw the captain walking around the boat.","78":"Just like Kate, I start with small licks. The scent of her pussy immediately invades my nose, and I need to maintain focus and control myself.","79":"Every fiber of my being screams to tear away the last of my clothes and bury myself deep within her.","80":"But I rein in my desire, reminding myself to savor each moment, each sensation. Everything in its own time.","81":"Aaahhh... You know how to use that tongue...","82":"As she speaks, Kate's body betrays her own need. Small tremors course through her, hinting at her desire for my touch, her craving for attention.","83":"I continue, my tongue exploring and teasing, responding to her moans and the rhythm of her hips.","84":"Her body guides me, every gasp and shiver telling me what she needs, what she craves.","85":"Oooohhh... Right there! Don't stop...","86":"God, you're incredible with your tongue...","87":"With each lick, the young woman curls up and lets out little moans.","88":"I'm in doubt if she does this to provoke me or if she is in a trance, being taken by pleasure to another planet.","89":"I decide we've had enough oral sex for today. So, in the commander's position, I turn the hot redhead towards me, take off my clothes, and fall on top of the girl.","90":"Yes... Come on top of me. Fuck me like a little slut!","91":"She's not teasing as she takes hold of me, guiding me to her entrance.","92":"Aaaah, I've been craving this... Wanting to feel you inside me.","93":"And fulfilling her request, I enter with force. The captain's pussy is hot and wet, sheltering my cock as if it had been waiting for a long time.","94":"What a delicious cock! Come on, fuck me!","95":"The redhead's little tremors start to get very intense, showing that I'm not the only one who was desperately needing an orgasm.","96":"You have a delicious cock, you know?","97":"Aaaahhh... Do you think you can put it all in?","98":"Let's find out?","99":"While I admire the captain's wonderful breasts, I decide to fulfill her request. And who would refuse?","100":"Oooooh my God, you're so big!","101":"Jesus... You are so deep inside me... Ooooh...","102":"Even as she trembles with pleasure, Kate takes a moment to look into my eyes, her voice breathless as she speaks...","103":"You're handsome... And you have a delicious cock!","104":"Besides being hot, she's very good with words and makes me melt while I fuck her tight pussy.","105":"I return the compliments with rhythmic thrusts while we share a wet and passionate kiss.","106":"It's getting hot in here, isn't it? Let me take this thing off and get more comfortable.","107":"And I would complain about seeing these wonderful breasts in my face?","108":"As we continue, I take advantage of her lifting her torso to take off her blouse and take her like this, half-kneeling on the bed.","109":"The sensation is different, but no less delicious.","110":"Yes, fuck me. Fuck me harder.","111":"I can't resist anymore. I need to suck on these fantastic melons that bounce incessantly in my face.","112":"Fuck, I missed fucking a hot woman like her.","113":"Yes, grab my breast. Suck... Bite...","114":"Oooooh, just like that...","115":"Showing that I apparently found a weak spot, the redhead now moans much louder.","116":"I feel that the her climax is near...","117":"OOOAaaaah, yes. Just like that...","118":"Yes... Oohh, fuck.. I...","119":"Aaaaaaah...Yes... A mini...","120":"Trembling, Kate composes herself. She lies down on the bed and pulls me behind her, inviting me to continue the service in a new position.","121":"I did have an orgasm, but we're not done here...","122":"I want more!","123":"Once again, I fulfill the captain's request and penetrate her pussy, this time in a more rhythmic and cadenced way.","124":"Oooohhh, just like that...","125":"However, without warning, I start thrusting hard again, going deep and feeling the redhead's buttocks being punished by me.","126":"Aaaahhhh, you naughty boy!","127":"Yes, fuck me. Fuck me hard!","128":"Returning to the normal rhythm, I feel that the captain takes advantage of the new position to caress her clit.","129":"Fuck me, my stallion.","130":"Come on, handsome. Yes, like that... Rip my pussy, mess me up inside.","131":"Feeling her caress herself while I fuck her gets me even more turned on.","132":"I already start to fear, realizing that it won't be long before I explode in another fulfilling orgasm.","133":"So, I pull the young woman and put her on all fours. An ass like this can't go unadmired.","134":"You want me on all fours, don't you? I knew you'd love to take me this way.","135":"I take the opportunity to tease the redhead, rubbing my hard shaft against her swollen pussy.","136":"She has a beautiful little ass, and it's tempting not to pay it a visit...","137":"Mmmmm... I know what you're thinking but... Fuck my little pussy, will you?","138":"Leave it to me. I press the head of my cock and feel her hot lips, crazy to shelter my member again.","139":"Put it in... please...","140":"If there is a vision of paradise, it's certainly this. My cabin doesn't need a window, it's perfect like this!","141":"Come on, fuck me.","142":"Ooooohhhh... I can't take it...","143":"Come on, deep, yes. Yes.","144":"I feel that the Kate's second climax is near...","145":"I'm going to come... Don't stop... Don't stop... No...","146":"Yes... Yes!","147":"Gggghhh...","148":"Oooohhh my God, that was so strong...","149":"You have a delicious cock, {PlayerName}.","150":"I'm glad you liked it.","151":"Now, tell me something. Is everything you had to give me back in the command cabin?","152":"I think it's my turn.","153":"Cum on her tits.","154":"Cum on her butt.","155":"Understanding the question as an order, I go back to fucking her pussy from behind, now looking forward for exploding...","156":"All I want is to end this night with a golden key.","157":"Looking at her fenomenal ass pointing to me, I decide to take out my shaft and honor it.","158":"And it doesn't take long for an explosion of semen to jet from my cock, directly onto the captain's behind.","159":"Aaah, yes. Come on my ass.","160":"Aaaah, yes. So good.","161":"Seems like someone liked my ass, huh?","162":"Why don't you come here and lend me those wonderful breasts?","163":"But of course, my captain... Nothing would make me happier!","164":"Fuck. Her breasts are tender and firm, and with the redhead's help, I don't take a minute to reach my ecstasy.","165":"Hmmmm... Even better this time!","166":"After sex, the young woman uses the comfortable bathroom in my suite to clean up and comes back to lie down with me in bed.","167":"My God, I'm exhausted!","168":"Don't you need to go back?","169":"Don't worry, I told my First Mate to take care of everything tonight... Unless, of course, you don't want my company anymore...","170":"Nothing would make me happier than having you here tonight…","0":"And so we arrive at the command cabin. There is a guy there, her co-commander who's controlling the ship, but she exchanges a few words with him and the guy leaves the cabin just for us two.","1":"Here it is! I thought you might like to see the command cabin better without having to immobilize any crazy people during the visit!","2":"Much better this way! So this is where all the magic happens?","3":"Yes sir! Come here, I'll show you the controls.","4":"Wow, it's almost like an airplane. What does this thing do?","5":"Hey, easy there, {PlayerName}. If you suddenly speed up this boat, you'll knock over half the dishes down there! You don't want to ruim our hetebros dinner...","6":"Come, I'll put you in the commander's position so you can see how it's like.","7":"Can't see anything at night...","8":"Press that button there, it'll enhance the 3D radar on the other screen and you'll get a sense of where you're going.","9":"While the captain explains how I can pretend to command the ship, I notice a certain electricity in the air."},"ch18__epilogue_dante.50_women_cruise.vne3":{"3":"I rub my eyes to read the name on my smartphone screen.","4":"Linus?","5":"Wow, there are like 10 missed calls from him. What could have happened? Maybe I should try calling him back.","6":"{PlayerName}?","7":"Linus? What is it? Why are you calling me like crazy?","8":"Man, you need to come out here.","9":"What's wrong? Are you okay? Is it Simon?","10":"No, not Simon, {PlayerName}. Fuck him!","11":"Look, dude, I don't know how to explain... Just come to the deck?","12":"The conversation ends up waking my guest.","13":"Good morning hot stuff... Everything okay?","14":"Oh, hey, sorry to wake you. That was Linus on the phone. He's all excited, I didn't understand anything. And he didn't explain either, just told me to go to the deck.","15":"Hmmm...","16":"Ah, today's the day! The ship must have anchored at Hubisch Island during the night.","17":"Hubisch Island?","18":"It's a place where we dock to resupply and... well... Maybe you should take Linus's advice and go to the deck.","19":"Ah?","20":"Fuck, everybody got nuts on this ship.","21":"And so, I put something on and head to the deck to see what the hell is going on.","22":"When I get there...","23":"Wow!","24":"What? What's happening?","25":"The boat's full of girls?","26":"But where did they come from?","27":"{PlayerName}! Good morning!","28":"Dude... Dante, that rascal... He's a genius!","29":"Uff, hey girl, you really know how to dance, huh?","30":"Holy crap, I've never seen this!","31":"Looks like the hetebros are in the minority on this ship now.","32":"Everywhere I look, there's a bunch of hot girls.","33":"Beautiful women, dancing, drinking...","34":"Greetings, {PlayerName}. You see, I never doubted our friend.","35":"Dante is a man of his word. He really is...","36":"...The World's Straightest Man!","37":"Dante? What the hell is going on?","38":"Hey babe, I can answer that one for you.","39":"This is the second phase of the cruise. We anchor at the Hubisch island, and that's when the passengers from the female-only cruise line come aboard.","40":"Female-only cruise line?","41":"Yes sir. The HOT Cruise. It stands for Hotties Ocean Tours. They run exclusive cruises for women who are members of AACF, or, American Association of Cisgender Females.","42":"I don't even know what to say...","43":"You don't need to say anything, just enjoy! Come on, get your coffee and let's dance!","44":"Friend... You are about to have the time of your life!","45":"What a hell. Let’s go!","0":"Huh? What's that? My phone vibrating?","1":"But who is it? I thought we didn't have signal out here...","2":"Before I can answer, the phone stops vibrating. Fuck."},"ch18__epilogue_emily.05_year_on.vne3":{"10":"Emily will handle most of the business side of things, while I'm to head up the technical portfolio.","11":"Iris, Emily's sister, is also a founding member, and even moved in herself not long ago.","12":"Free from their oppressive family, both sisters have really mellowed. It's good to see them happier.","13":"And as if the thought conjured her, I feel Emily's soft arms embracing me from over my shoulder, and she leans over to plant a kiss on my cheek.","14":"Morning, handsome.","15":"Good morning to you, beautiful. Sleep well?","16":"Mm hm. What are you working on?","17":"Just jotting down some ideas for that prospectus. I saw your note.","18":"She finishes running her fingers through my hair and saunters off to the kitchen to pour herself a cup of coffee. That amazing, argument winning ass of hers swaying left to right.","19":"I was thinking about our pitch to the campus IT office again.","20":"Yeah?","21":"I figure, given our size, instead of trying to muscle our way into the bidding to be the new security provider, we could also consider subcontracting to one of the other competitors.","22":"You think?","23":"It's just an idea. Since we obviously can't do things at scale yet, and are focusing on specialization...","24":"Since the school is so paranoid after everything that happened, it might be the move to put all our eggs in the counter-malware basket and focus on detection and neutralization.","25":"We could try and broaden our services, which would give us more client options, but I think fine tuning a specific product and service set should be our focus.","26":"... It's a bit niche, but workable. You don't like the cottage, mom&pop cyber security idea? ","27":"I worry about the workload and margins.","28":"I know you don't love the idea. But government contracts are really something I think we should be aiming for.","29":"I let out a long exhale through my nose. Given our recent run-ins with the long arm of the federal government, I'm not exactly tickled pink at the prospect of doing business with them.","30":"I know, I know. You don't like the government. But, couldn't you reach out to Agent Kestrel?","31":"I cock my head at her and give a look.","32":"The guy who [i]arrested[\/i] you?","33":"It's just business. Plus, I'm learning to put the past behind me and forgive people.","34":"Come on. At least he knows you're adept at cybersecurity. He might be a good contact.","35":"First off. He's USPIS. He's a mailman with a gun and badge.","36":"Second, he's probably just as liable to shoot me as hear out a business solicitation.","37":"Our discussion is interrupted by the front door opening.","38":"Iris storms in, flustered and arguing with her ex-fiance, Ken.","39":"... because none of that matters anymore, Ken! We're not engaged. It means no wedding, no honeymoon, no trip to Italy...","40":"Yeah, I know, I know, I know. But... what does this mean for me and daddy?","41":"For God's sake, Ken, stop calling my father [i]‘'daddy''[\/i]! Do you have any idea what you sound like when you talk about him that way?","42":"Okay, okay... But, like, can I still come to family vacations with you guys at the beach house?","43":"Jesus. Ken, I don't know how to explain this any more clearly to you. You and I are no longer a thing. No more vacations, no more dinners, no more trips to get ice cream, and no more vacations with my family.","44":"This whole marriage was just political maneuvering by our parents. For goodness sake, Ken, we were there at the lunch three years ago when they were discussing it. No marriage. No [i]daddy[\/i]!","45":"Yeah, I kinda remember. What's wrong with all of that?","46":"Ken, you and I aren't anything anymore. You need to stop following me around like a lost puppy. If you love Arthur so much why don't you marry him?","47":"But I like girls.","48":"Okay... Ken, you need to go. You and I are done, and I don't want to see you again. Do you understand?","49":"Emily and I watch this little drama play out from the other side of the apartment. Seeing Ken drop his head, I think it's finally sinking in. And I can't help but feel a little bad for the guy.","50":"Yeah... yeah, I think I get it.","51":"He lets out a sad sigh, and looks Iris in the eyes one last time.","52":"I get it, Iris. I'll stop hanging around you and stuff if that's what you want. I'm sorry.","53":"Ken, thank you.","54":"Before I go, will you at least answer one question for me? After everything we've been through?","55":"...Okay, that's fair, Ken. What is it?","56":"Have you seen my Nintendo Switch?","57":"Out!","58":"Come on! Please? The last place I remember playing it was in your car when we were going to the dentist.","59":"Ken, get out of my apartment!","60":"Okay! Fine! God! You always get so mad! I'm glad we're not boyfriend and girlfriend anymore! And you know what? I think this shirt you got me looks dumb!","61":"With those poignant, deafening words, the himbo turns and marches out of the apartment, and out of our lives.","62":"Exasperated, Iris turns to the two of us.","63":"I'm sorry you two had to see that. I honestly can't believe father expected me to procreate with that troglodyte!","64":"My God, I swear guys, I think he's dumber than a doornail. Sometimes I think he must be wearing an earpiece telling him to breathe, otherwise, he'd get confused and drop dead on the floor...","65":"Does he know how to get home?","66":"Maybe some nice old lady will leave food out for him and eventually adopt him.","67":"Well, he's officially someone else's problem to babysit.","68":"Emily and I share a grin as Iris looks relieved.","69":"Iris, why did it take you so long to kick him out of your life?","70":"I ask myself that question every day. I guess Iris just felt sorry for him or something.","71":"You know. I think I'm gonna miss Ken a little.","72":"Ew.","73":"What? He was fun. We'd play videogames and eat nachos together.","74":"Well if you want to have a sleepover I'll call his mom and make a playdate for you.","75":"Emily tousles my hair as she walks off to grab her laptop.","76":"But seriously now... Thank you, {PlayerName}, for your support in finally getting rid of that imbecile. I don't know why it took me so long.","77":"Emotional but relieved, Iris approaches and gives me a warm hug.","78":"I know how hard it is to part with a pet that depends on us...","79":"{PlayerName}, don't ruin the moment!","80":"Alright, I'll stop!","81":"Just some more vestigial baggage the pair of sisters have been shedding these past twelve months.","0":"Sun pours through the window, illuminating the lazy wisps of steam pouring up from the freshly poured cup of coffee.","1":"I take a sip, have a stretch, and check the news on my phone.","2":"It's been a year since everything that went down at City Hall. Funny how it feels so long ago now.","3":"When Emily and I decided to live together, she insisted we move into her place.","4":"Not that I fought her on it. Her apartment is bigger and better furnished.","5":"It wasn't without a bit of friction, though. Emily is still healing, and it was some time before it didn't feel like just a long stay-over.","6":"We had a few small fights about it, but nothing we weren't able to work through. She's been doing a lot of work on herself, and is much more relaxed and trusting than she used to be.","7":"We both know she is still on a journey of relearning and that some things take time. All things considered, Emily was as impacted by Valerie as I was...","8":"Grabbing my laptop, I start the day by checking my work email. I smile at the note Emily left on it about doing another review of our business prospectus.","9":"On top of living together, Emily and I are starting up our own fledgling cyber security company, ''Aegis Digital Security''."},"ch18__epilogue_emily.10_strategy_session.vne3":{"3":"... So we all agree that we should specialize in counter-surveillance? Hunting down and defeating malicious malware spyware?","4":"Looking over our talent portfolio, and given our experience pool, it feels like focusing on other services is a waste of our time.","5":"Perhaps. But I still think we should diversify our portfolio a little.","6":"As much as I'd like to stick it to Arthur and take some clients from him, I just want to make sure we don't dig ourselves into a hole without other options.","7":"Fleshing out the portfolio would give us a wide base of customers to try and court some business out of.","8":"Well the nature of our services will dictate which clientele we may cater to, and vice versa.","9":"Do we market as specialists and provide a narrow but well developed function? Or do we attempt to be a jack of all trades to small and mid level clients?","10":"As the company is still forming, we're still trying to decide just what type of cyber security company we want to be. It's been a point of division for our small outfit.","11":"I agree with Sandra. Given our talent base we should focus on the counter-surveillance angle.","12":"We're too small to attract any major contracts or single point revenue streams if we try to diversify our service library.","13":"Yeah but all the government and corporate market stuff is such an ass pain. I don't want to have to navigate labyrinthian bureaucratic nightmares.","14":"Grow up, Linus. It's the smart play.","15":"With a big federal or corporate client we'll have routine income, and we can further develop our reputation and specialization.","16":"And there's the potential that once we do get a little traction, there's a high likelihood we might get a very generous offer on the company.","17":"Small companies following similar trajectories have had offers in the tens of millions.","18":"Do all this hard work and, what? Just sell out?","19":"That's how the market ecosystem works.","20":"What are you complaining about? If we play our cards right we can all retire as millionaires before we hit thirty!","21":"And if we go down that road, we'll be locked into working on a single program or service.","22":"What if we want to spread our wings, ya know?","23":"Not sure there's a ton of experimentation, problem solving and creativity making a single cog for the machine.","24":"I believe that what Linus and {PlayerName} are concerned about is the narrow scope of which they'll have to apply their trade. If I have this correct, you might consider it... stifling?","25":"Sure. I think that's fair. I don't imagine we will have much flexibility or avenues for problem solving if we're locked in a big, rigid system.","26":"Well if we make one very good product or service and retire as one percenters, you'll be free to pursue whatever your little hearts desire.","27":"And what about the little guys, huh? The small and medium sized businesses. They need cyber security solutions too.","28":"Yes, and they pay small and medium sized contracts as well.","29":"I think we all agree, there are merits with both paths.","30":"Regardless, this isn't a decision we have to make right this moment.","31":"It's already 2:30 though, and we've gone long. I know some of you have stuff to do, so why don't we put a pin in this and we'll table the discussion for later.","32":"Fine, but I still think the choice is obvious.","33":"We chat as we see the rest of the group out, and as Iris has a yoga session, it leaves just Emily and I in the now quiet apartment.","34":"Once we're alone, Emily gives me a flirty look.","35":"I just wanted to tell you how hot it made me hearing you say ''put a pin in this and we'll table the discussion for later ''.","36":"I bet it did.","37":"She swats playfully at my arm.","38":"Banter aside, Emily can tell when something is eating at me. In the back of my head, I'm trying to figure out how the different plans for the company might factor into Aegis Security Solutions [i]true[\/i] purpose.","39":"What are you thinking about?","40":"Starting a business is hard. More so given that it's, at least partially, a front.","41":"She nods.","42":"Not to mention keeping Linus and Alfred in the dark.","43":"Has Sandra been any help?","44":"Frankly, I think Sandra would rather wash her hands of it and just focus on the business. ","45":"I was hoping she'd be willing to do more, given how she was instrumental in its deployment on campus.","46":"Has there been any activity?","47":"No, thankfully. At least none that I've been able to detect.","48":"[i]If[\/i] we go the government\/corporate contract route, we'll have more resources, and potentially, access to some powerful tools we could use.","49":"[i]But[\/i] we'll have less room to maneuver. Less flexibility. And we'll likely be under closer scrutiny.","50":"And given our runs-ins with the feds in the past, I can't say we won't raise some eyebrows.","51":"If we try and service smaller clients with a wider portfolio, we'll likely have more flexibility, and we won't be under anyone's eye.","52":"But we'll be more strapped for cash. And there's no guarantee the small-client hustle won't be any less demanding for time than a major contract.","53":"I let out a deep breath. No easy answers.","54":"Still no luck in finding a way to destroy it completely?","55":"Not that I've been able to find.","56":"I wish Valerie had tossed that stupid phone into a wood chipper all those years ago.","57":"Speaking of, I might go pay her a visit. Maybe I can't destroy it, but I wonder if there is some way to hobble it.","58":"It might be difficult to discuss the matter under monitored supervision.","59":"True. But I'm running out of ideas. And she's still our strongest resource.","60":"Well, you know very well who you're dealing with. Please, be careful.","61":"After giving her valid advice, Emily kisses me on the forehead and heads to the bedroom.","62":"I hate to see those clouds darken Emily's expression. But we decided that this would be our cross to bear. For better, or worse.","63":"I start grabbing my stuff, and call the women's penitentiary to schedule a visit.","0":"A few hours later, the quiet apartment is now a livelier affair.","1":"Our weekly strategy session with Aegis Digital Security's all-star staff.","2":"Sandra, Linus, and Alfred all accepted offers to join our humble little outfit. It's great to have the gang still together."},"ch18__epilogue_emily.15_jailhouse_visit.vne3":{"3":"We're fine... We've been busy.","4":"Yes, I imagine. Is the business planning going well?","5":"If I can be perfectly frank I'm not wowed by the name ''Aegis Digital Security''. Though I suppose in such a profession, there is an advantage in being deceptively innocuous.","6":"I can see that, despite her sharp and witty remarks, something has really changed in Val. Her expression hardly changes, and I don't think I'll see her smile today...","7":"Knowing Emily, I'm sure the primary purpose was corporate blandness and digestibility. If so, she's outdone herself.","8":"You seem awfully well informed for someone in prison with a court-ordered prohibition from any digital devices.","9":"Oh, you know how gossip is. Even finding its way in here it seems.","10":"And how have you been, Valerie? Keeping busy it sounds like.","11":"I've very much taken to painting. I'm torn between watercolor and oil. Both have so much to offer.","12":"The prison certainly has no shortage of activities to keep one preoccupied.","13":"I will say, when the NSA has me transferred to some ''off the books'' blacksite, I do hope they have similar recreational accommodations.","14":"Most of all, though, I will miss our little visits.","15":"The thought of such a fate for Valerie doesn't fill me with any joy. Despite everything, there are still shards of the friendship we used to share. Even if they are buried now amongst a mountain of distrust and betrayal.","16":"But that's something we've been working on. Regardless of being at fault, in some ways, she's also a victim of everything that happened.","17":"Along with that, there's a fear that someone in the government might think Valerie's unique type of crazy genius could be useful. I just hope the people in charge understand how dangerous that idea could be.","18":"So, you didn't make your way down here just to say hello to little old me, did you?","19":"Aware that Valerie probably can't even fart without it being recorded at this point, I try to keep what I'm about to ask in code, trusting that Valerie is clever enough to decipher it.","20":"I suppose I'm feeling nostalgic. Maybe I haven't completely given up hope on you.","21":"Well, aren't you a sweetheart.","22":"I was digging through some old stuff today and I found that spooky jigsaw puzzle we tried to put together during that one black out.","23":"Oh?","24":"Yeah, the one I found at Emily's house that one Halloween? When you dressed up as a creepy clown?","25":"[i]That[\/i] puzzle. I remember it now.","26":"So you're still on it, huh?","27":"A sucker for punishment I suppose.","28":"Anyway, I've been trying to figure it out but I feel like it's missing pieces. I wonder if it's worth just throwing it out, or if someone might want to try and use it again.","29":"Valerie is strangely quiet for a moment. It couldn't have been more than a second or two. But enough to catch a flicker or something in her eyes.","30":"Regret?","31":"Her face twists into a puzzling expression, and she beams at me with those big green eyes.","32":"And you think, what? I have a few pieces jostling around in this criminally unflattering prison jumpsuit?","33":"Just figured I'd ask.","34":"Ambushing me with questions about puzzles.","35":"I wanted to play monopoly but you wouldn't have it.","36":"Emily liked to do puzzles too. Sometimes before student council meetings she would pull one out. She claimed it put the mind in problem solving mode.","37":"If we're being honest it would bore me to death. I would just sit there and count ceiling tiles until you arrived.","38":"The air in the room was filled with melancholy. Fortunately, the air conditioner worked well and soon blew it all away.","39":"The intercom crackles to life and the guard lets Valerie know her time is up.","40":"Sorry this was such a short meeting. They insist on trying [i]another[\/i] psychiatrist, as if the last two weren't dull enough.","41":"Maybe third time's the charm.","42":"The door cracks open and the guards look at me. She pauses and silently looks me in the eyes. As if she's trying to snap a photo of the moment.","43":"Seem's your escort has arrived. If I don't see you, best of luck on the business, {PlayerName}.","44":"And good luck with that puzzle... I hope you manage to find the missing pieces.","45":"Despite all we've been through, I just swallow and silently walk away.","46":"I'm so anxious on the drive my foot almost taps a hole through the floor of my car.","47":"The mention of our meetings back during our student council days at Annette-Taylor High. ''Counting ceiling tiles''. It had to be a clue.","48":"I have high confidence Valerie understood what I was getting at.","49":"Emily never did jigsaw puzzles while waiting for Student Council meetings to start. Emily hated jigsaw puzzles.","50":"It's great that Mrs. Dolores still remembers me. That makes everything easier, after all, not every former student gets free access to their old school.","51":"The air in our old room is heavy with melancholy. The memories in here all feel tainted now. Changed retroactively.","52":"Melancholy in the air? It feels like what Valerie said is stuck in my head...","53":"I check the walls and look at the ceiling, but I don't see anything suspicious. No loose tiles or anything like that...","54":"But she specifically mentioned counting the ceiling tiles, wasn't that the clue?","55":"Wait a minute... [i]melancholy in the air[\/i]... Air!","56":"Walking over to where Valerie would sit, I pull her chair out and stand on it to reach the air vent next to a bookshelf.","57":"Sliding my hand inside I fish around for a moment. Feeling dusty, greasy metal, wires, and what I wouldn't be surprised is asbestos riddled insulation...","58":"Also, I feel a lump, duct taped to the side of a support strut.","59":"I give it a few tugs, and...","60":"...pull out an old, dusty cellphone.","0":"You've changed up your upper body routine, haven't you. Your shoulders are looking quite strapping.","1":"There's something... unsettling, about speaking to Valerie in this place.","2":"How have you been? And Emily?"},"ch18__epilogue_emily.20_ghosts_of_the_past.vne3":{"3":"Despite moving out long, I ended up keeping up the lease.","4":"I needed the space... For ''the work''.","5":"Looking around nervously, still weary of being followed, I slide the key into the door, and enter the apartment.","6":"Sliding in, I'm bathed in the unearthly, eerie blue glow.","7":"Stripped and any artifact of {Leah} and I's previous occupancy, the spartan interior is dominated by a few monitors some salvaged, rebuilt, and recycled servers.","8":"All of which are running RECENTLY.","9":"It became clear to Emily, Leah, Iris, and I a long time ago, that even if Valerie had been stopped and the Fraternity driven to ground, RECENTLY was still a serious threat.","10":"Unable to find a way to destroy the insidious software, we made a pact that we'd secretly continue to watch for it. Monitor the network, and see if anyone else attempted to use it.","11":"Aegis Digital Security is set to be our public face. Our front from which we could quietly keep watch from.","12":"My old apartment was retrofitted into a makeshift arsenal of servers from where we could keep an eye on the malicious code.","13":"Hitting the lights, and grabbing my notepad, I do a check at all stations. Seeing if there has been any activity. A log in, a search query, an unscheduled data audit.","14":"But everything is quiet. No activity. RECENTLY lies quiet. Dead.","15":"Not dead. Sleeping.","16":"Turning my attention to the old phone, I finally give it a good look over.","17":"No chance this thing still has any juice left. And by the looks of it, there's a fifty-fifty chance that the thing is totally dead and anything on it is long gone.","18":"Digging through a box of old auxiliary cords, I find a compatible one and plug the phone into a laptop.","19":"Okay, Valerie. Let's see what else you have buried out there.","20":"Plugging the device in, for a moment it seems like it's for sure dead... but the old device powers up.","21":"Checking the phone's storage through the computer, there isn't much. But I do find a text document. On it, what looks like a login and password.","22":"My heart starts pounding even faster.","23":"Curiosity piqued, I hop over to one of the terminals with RECENTLY running on it, and punch in the login in, my foot tapping nervously.","24":"It works.","25":"I log into some new account on RECENTLY. At first, everything looks exactly the same, except for a new, innocuous little option that wasn't there before.","26":"Admin Privileges.","27":"It's the actual, SILENT1 account.","28":"I click on it, and the screen populates with a suite of new options and capabilities.","29":"Frantically, I begin looking through them.","30":"After a few minutes of exploring this new set of previously unknown capabilities, my heart begins to sink.","31":"Even before, even given our history with the software, our humble little outfit seemed almost woefully unequipped for the task we set out for it.","32":"But now, looking at all that RECENTLY is capable of...","33":"... We had no idea just how out of our depth we are.","0":"It's well after dark when I arrive at the old apartment {Leah} and I used to share.","1":"Since {Leah} went to prison and I went to live with Emily over six months ago, the place has been unoccupied.","2":"Since {Leah} began her new job in Sallesport and I went to live with Emily over six months ago, the place has been empty."},"ch18__epilogue_emily.25_intrusions.vne3":{"3":"I was.","4":"Emily is already up and racing around.","5":"That woman is the shot in the arm I need to get my day going, especially after finding what I did last night.","6":"{PlayerName}, have you seen my tablet around?","7":"I pull her in tight from behind.","8":"Hey, what are you doing, mister?","9":"I also reach down and grab a squeeze of my ''emotional support cheeks''.","10":"Emily giggles and tries to squirm out of my grasp. She's a busy woman, I gotta get my fix where I can.","11":"Oh my god! Stop! I have so much to do today!","12":"Or, we could forget all this, book some tickets to Cancun, just drink fruity looking drinks and go at it like rabbits in a beach side bungalow.","13":"She spins around, tugging me close for some morning frenching.","14":"I feel her resolve waiver, but she's nothing if not disciplined, and squirms out of my grasp.","15":"You're nothing but trouble, mister!","16":"How's a girl supposed to get any work done when you're being so hot like this?","17":"Did you learn anything from your trip to see Valerie?","18":"As a matter of fact...","19":"Emily curses to herself as she checks the time.","20":" Dammit! I'm sorry, {PlayerName}. Can it wait? I got a call this morning from some potential clients and they asked if I were available for a short-notice meeting a town over.","21":"Potential clients?","22":"Defense Contractors.","23":"I know, I know. You're not sold on the government route yet. But we're just going to talk.","24":"Apparently there's more and more interest in smaller, innovative, more nimble organizations these days and they just want to hear out some of our ideas.","25":"I sigh.","26":"Look, we're going to start having to look for clients or investment capital sooner or later. I'm just putting out feelers. That's all.","27":"Alright. Alright. I'm not gonna fight you on it.","28":"We should talk later though.","29":"We will. Promise. I'll see you later?","30":"You bet. Don't go making any of them fall in love with you.","31":"She shoots me a wink, grabbing up her bag and planting a kiss on my lips before racing out.","32":"Alone with my thoughts, the specter of my findings last night still bites at my nerves.","33":"I crack open my laptop to start trying to make sense of things. Figure out what this all means for...","34":"There's an activity notification in my monitor, from five hours ago.","35":"... While I was fast asleep.","36":"Maybe it's because of the unsettling discoveries I made last night, but I immediately spiral into a panic attack.","37":"In danger mode, my mind begins to assess the likely vectors from which the threat might have come.","38":"The government contractors... Emily's meeting... Are the feds onto us?","39":"Even if our intentions are noble, I doubt there'll be much room for explanation if we get found with military grade cyber weapons.","40":"I begin to work the trace. The login was to an account used to monitor the surveillance cameras for our ''clandestine office''.","41":"I search through the account, trying to find what they were after. But it's mostly remote viewing and control programs and video files. Maybe if someone wanted to see comings and goings?","42":"Carefully scrutinizing the files, I find an odd peculiarity.","43":"Write-date and the actual listed date on one of the video files don't match up.","44":"Someone edited a video file.","45":"The clip shows nothing out of the ordinary, but I bet it didn't before.","46":"I sit back and force myself to breathe. I just need to think.","47":"Hey, wait a minute. I have RECENTLY at my disposal. I can simply check the access history using it.","48":"In a few lines, I can verify the IP and find out who has been snooping around our stuff.","49":"Ah, of course.","50":"And, to no one's surprise...","51":"The IP leads me to none other than our dear Arthur...","0":"It's the following morning. I groggily walk into the kitchen, hunting for the coffee.","1":"Good morning, sleepy.","2":"Working late last night?"},"ch18__epilogue_emily.30_hell_hath.vne3":{"10":"Let me see if I understand...","11":"My dad, or one of his lackeys, tried to loop the security video footage from the screens and cameras in your [i]office[\/i] to disguise a potential breach into our servers?","12":"Precisely... But with RECENTLY, it was pretty easy to trace where the activity came from.","13":"Was he able to get anything?","14":"No. I don't think so. The servers are so heavily encrypted I don't think even Arthur could crack into them without physically stealing them and taking them to a lab.","15":"Emily, who has been unnervingly quiet the entire time, immediately turns and marches right back to the door with her keys. A type of rage in her eye that I hope never to see directed at me.","16":"Iris, also appearing livid, storms out after her sister, as I race to follow them.","17":"Wait. I'm going with you.","18":"Emily, where are you going?","19":"Where else? To have a word with my father.","20":"Emily drives us to their father's and storms into his place.","21":"Knowing her father is a man of schedule and habit, she knows he'll be sitting down to dinner right about now.","22":"Bursting right in, Emily doesn't split hairs.","23":"What the fuck, dad!","24":"Emily's dad appears unsurprised, barely even fazed, as he not even looks up from his meal.","25":"I didn't realize you girls would be joining me for dinner tonight. But I could have Vincent prepare something for you if you'd like.","26":"Did you try to hack our computers?","27":"Dad, what is going on?","28":"Arthurs eyebrows raise and he nods approvingly, finally looking up from his plate.","29":"I suspected that you three would figure things out sooner or later. Though I admit, I am impressed at how quickly.","30":"So you're not even going to deny it?","31":"Is it so wrong for a father to want to check in on what his daughters are getting up to? You've barely spoken to me in a year.","32":"You have a curious way of going about it!","33":"Arthur takes a deep breath, recentering.","34":"I know it's always been a bit of a struggle for you, Emily, but if you can rein in those emotions of yours for a few minutes, I can easily explain.","35":"We're very interested. Why don't you enlighten us.","36":"I see that you all don't want to sit down for dinner, so let me join you up here.","37":"Let me begin by saying I meant no ill will.","38":"And, yes, perhaps it would have been more prudent for me to simply approach you directly.","39":"I'll say. What the hell were you doing?","40":"I've been keeping a watchful eye over your activities for some time. As I said, I'm impressed. ","41":"The little enterprise you're starting and the robust technical knowledge base you are entering the market with put your little outfit in a quite advantageous position.","42":"The potential for Aegis Digital Security is quite expansive.","43":"We're [i]so[\/i] happy you approve.","44":"Listen, despite our... rocky recent history, there's no reason we can't make sensible business decisions.","45":"With the right hand guiding you, your company could be a powerful disruptive force in the industry.","46":"I'd ask you to entertain the idea that we might have more to gain working together, than we do in our current estranged situation.","47":"And you thought trying to penetrate our security and snooping around was a suitable ''dove of peace''?","48":"You can't blame me for being curious. You are the competition, after all.","49":"Don't think I haven't noticed that you've been up to a bit more than just filing for an LLC for that company of yours and picking out business card fonts. I assumed you'd been working on something.","50":"Did you also check in on which brand of tampon I use?","51":"Emily, don't be crass. It's not a good look for you.","52":"Father, do you understand how staggeringly inappropriate and disrespectful this kind of behavior is?","53":"Maybe. But considering the activities you two have been up to in the past year, along with our industrious {PlayerName} here, I think we can all admit we're in good company in regards to disrespecting each other's space and property.","54":"That is a false equivalency and you know it.","55":"Fair enough. I will take accountability and say I did not act in the best of faith. But I wasn't about to walk into a potential partnership without knowing who I was getting into business with.","56":"We're your daughters.","57":"Please, Iris, I thought you to be above childish notions of unconditional sentiment.","58":"By the way, have you been talking to Ken?","59":"You already know I finally broke up with that numbskull...","60":"Yes, I heard. He came here, crying, saying you were mean to him.","61":"So he ran to daddy's lap?","62":"Arthur, looking at me, surprisingly seems to find the joke amusing.","63":"Oh, yes, he has that problem, poor guy.","64":"His mother had the crib installed above a very high cabinet. I always thought it was a terrible idea, you know, he probably would fall a lot, maybe injure his head...","65":"Anyway, he only came here once. He seemed more worried about finding a lost video game than anything else, but anyway...","66":"Well, he was your idea and I don't want to hear about that idiot anymore. And that's not what we came to talk about!","67":"Now, I wouldn't presume to know [i]exactly what[\/i] you three are working on so secretly. But, if it is what I suspect then, listen carefully.","68":"You are playing with a promethean fire that you are woefully unequipped to control or contain.","69":"You were hopelessly out of your depth a year ago, and you are still hopelessly out of your depth now. Just because you registered an LLC doesn't make you any better equipped.","70":"You haven't destroyed it yet, which, if my assumption is correct, means you can't.","71":"Left in your hands, it is a bomb waiting to go off. Your [i]best[\/i] course of action in this situation is to ally yourself with someone who has the resources, and infrastructure to study, understand, and control it.","72":"And exploit it?","73":"{PlayerName}, if you don't, someone will take it from you and then [i]they[\/i] will reap its rewards. It's only a matter of time.","74":"Fuck this. It's the same manipulative, controlling, gaslighting behavior you've pulled on us our entire lives!","75":"You violate our space but then act as if you're simply a misunderstood benefactor?","76":"Fine. But put aside all the petty interpersonal bickering and ask yourself: what is the objective reality of your situation? And what are the likely outcomes?","77":"Okay. This is over. We're done here.","78":"Emily walks right up to Arthur, glaring at her father.","79":"Let me make this extremely clear. Stay away from our business. Stay away from {PlayerName}. And stay away from Iris and I.","80":"We will never work together, and you will never get what you want.","81":"There's a twitch or rage in Arthur's lip. But otherwise, as much a cold statue as ever.","82":"Immediately after, however, the man's expression changes.","83":"Understood. Okay, ladies, you've won. I'll leave you alone.","84":"I... I don't understand...","85":"Not just as a father, but as a businessman, I give my word that I won't interfere in your affairs anymore.","86":"For real?","87":"I've said it more than once. I've always considered my interests, the family's interests. Your future.","88":"...","89":"But I understand. Maybe it's time for me to step back.","90":"You seem confident in what you're doing. You're adults. I understand.","91":"With the girls somewhat incredulous, Arthur approaches Emily and extends his hand.","92":"Here, as a gesture of a verbal contract. As businesspeople, and as your father.","93":"Emily accepts, still without saying anything, and they shake hands.","94":"I wish you all the best of luck.","95":"Staring her parent down, Emily finally turns and leaves. Iris and I follow after her.","0":"My impromptu detective case ends up taking most of the morning and a good chunk of the afternoon.","1":"I have texted Emily to check in on her and learn that she was already on her way back with Iris.","2":"The two sisters finally return, laughing about something as they enter the apartment.","3":"But the moment Emily sees me waiting there, she knows something is up.","4":"Before she says anything, I'm already with my laptop open.","5":"{PlayerName}?","6":"We have a problem.","7":"What is it?","8":"I walk Emily and Iris through everything that's happened the past 24 hours.","9":"The visit to Valerie. The discovery of the SILENT1 account login credentials, and Arthur's suspected break-in of our server farm, and the detective work to track down the hack."},"ch18__epilogue_emily.35_blowing_off_steam.vne3":{"10":"I'll say one thing, I think you even got Arthur to back peddle a bit today. You were in full on rampage mode.","11":"I suppose I did lose it a little bit, huh?","12":"I thought you were awesome.","13":"Really?","14":"Yeah. To tell the truth it left me weirdly aroused.","15":"So, you're saying if you want me to turn you on I should start screaming at you?","16":"I mean, it's not my preferred method, but I suppose the end result is the same.","17":"So... you like me turning you on the [i]sweet[\/i] way more?","18":"Yes ma'am.","19":"Good.","20":"Because I can't sleep and I already yelled a ton today.","21":"Putting a hand on that perfect cheek, I lean in and softly plant a kiss on Emily's lips.","22":"Strands of that auburn hair graze my face, and her intoxicating scent fills my nostrils.","23":"I tighten my embrace with Emily, her warmth radiating into me. Her touch seems to quiet the storm of anxiety that has been raging in my head since yesterday.","24":"The world seems to fade into background noise, as all my focus turns to her.","25":"Slipping a finger down her perfect, round breast, I gently tug at her top, letting her perky pink nipple pop out.","26":"Emily coos softly, feeling my hand brush against her erect peak.","27":"Pulling off her top, I take her ample melon in hand and begin to gently squeeze and knead the warm mass of flesh.","28":"God, {PlayerName}! I love the way your hands feel on my body.","29":"They have the desired effect. I feel Emily's own hand slide down my stomach, and begin rubbing the growing bulge in my boxers.","30":"I want your cock so badly...","31":"Laying her back down on the bed, I begin to play with the buxom vixen. Exploring every perfect curve of her unreal figure, and feeling her womanhood already slick with her essence.","32":"I catch Emily grinning through her heavy, lusty breathing.","33":"You know what would really piss my father off?","34":"If we filmed you fucking me and sent it to him.","35":"Yes. Maybe. But who's got time for a proper cinematic production?","36":"I'm too preoccupied with Emily's heavenly body to even consider how pissed it would make her father.","37":"Though a little part of me is tickled with the idea of sending him a video of me just pounding his busty daughter's pussy.","38":"Fuck, I love these tits.","39":"I could play with these beautiful orbs for hours.","40":"Sliding down her luscious frame, I lower my head to her wet pussy and begin to eat her out.","41":"Emily writhes around on the bed like a woman possessed.","42":"Her pussy was already soaking wet, but Emily was craving me and I was craving her.","43":"By the way she's moaning, she wasn't expecting it to feel [i]this[\/i] good. Maybe she had worked up quite an appetite herself as well.","44":"Hearing her like this only arouses me further, and I make sure every part of her clit is properly pleasured.","45":"Overtaken by pleasure, she begins to moan loudly.","46":"As much as she may try to contain her lust, Emily fights a losing battle of self control. Wailing in pleasure from the cunnilingus.","47":"Her well maintained and trimmed bush tickles my nose as I lap at Emily's lips and tongue at her clit.","48":"Oh, gosh... That's it!... Right there...","49":"Mmm... yes... like that...","50":"Okay, stop! Let me suck your cock!","51":"I flip over and lay back in bed. My gear at full mast and ready for Emily.","52":"Jesus... I will never get over how big your cock is. It's almost [i]too[\/i] much.","53":"How am I supposed to get all this in my mouth?","54":"Oh, come on. I've seen you do it hundreds of times.","55":"A moan is coaxed from my lips from Emily's enthusiastically pumping my member.","56":"You like this, baby?","57":"You know it. I love watching you handle my stick.","58":"It's a two hand job, for sure.","59":"Bowing her head to my throbbing member, Emily rests her pillowy lips on the head of my shaft, and lets them melt over it.","60":"The sensation sends me reeling in pleasure. She could ask me for the moon right now and I would say yes just to keep her mouth on my dick.","61":"Mmm... Talk to me how I like.","62":"That's right. Suck that dick. Suck that dick like the little whore you are.","63":"That's it. That's a good slut. Take all of that cock.","64":"Watching how Emily makes love to my meat with her mouth makes me thank the heavens above for sexually repressed girls.","65":"You love sucking that dick, don't you?","66":"That pretty head is now bouncing vigorously up and down the length of my pole, almost desperately sucking my dick, as if it held some divine answer for her.","67":"What a dick starved brat you are. Did daddy not pay enough attention to you?","68":"Take it deeper.","69":"God, look at those fat tits of yours bounce.","70":"I'm gonna fuck those melons later.","71":"The degrading dirty talk works to only rile her up more, and I watch her try and slide more of my length into her mouth.","72":"Pushing herself, I feel the euphoric sensation of my rod begin to slide down her slender throat.","73":"She's smooth and silky, her throat knows just how to relax, then squeeze. There's no hint of discomfort.","74":"I'm edging closer to something epic, something divine.","75":"I starting to get the impression that she could do this forever, just like how I could go down on her forever, but that's not going to be enough.","76":"What would Arthur say if he could see you now?","77":"Naked, on your knees, with a mouth full of dick?","78":"Emily rocks back and forth, putting her whole body into the blowjob.","79":"Her curvy frame working in concert.","80":"Emily's mouth continues to explore and service every millimeter of my manhood. It begins impede my ability to effectively dirty talk her.","81":"You're a... you're a... fuck... that feels good!","82":"Everything I ever dreamed those pouty lips could do, they deliver upon and more.","83":"And Emily's moan reverberating my tissue only adds to the pleasure. ","84":"Mmmm, did you like that?","85":"Girl if you went much longer I think you would have broken my brain.","86":"The grinning bombshell slinks up my body, and holding my cock vertically, begins to lower herself down onto it.","87":"Yes! I'm such a dirty girl! I need you to punish me with this big, fat, dick!","88":"Yes.... Oh god, yes daddy!","89":"Ride that dick! That's it!","90":"Moaning and chewing on her lip, Emily glides up and down my shaft, those amazing tits and perky nipples grazing my chest as she rides me.","91":"It's so big! It fills me up perfectly!","92":"Deeper!... Yes! Deeper!","93":"Damn this pussy is tight!","94":"She pumps my cock with her hips, over and over again. Hungry with lust.","95":"I wrap my fingers around her supple back side and let my finger dig into the pliant, giving flesh.","96":"Yes-yes-yes-yes-yes!","97":"You wild little nympho. I bet you can't go five minutes without thinking about this dick pistoning in and out of you!","98":"A panting Emily pauses a bit to catch her breath. Sitting up right she swaps to grinding her hips into me.","99":"Trading speed and vigor for sensation.","100":"I grin, while Emily resumes riding me, rocking her hips back in rhythm with my stick.","101":"Shit! Fuck, I can't get over how girthy you are, {PlayerName}!","102":"Emily proceeds to rock her ample hips up and down, riding my shaft even more vigorously.","103":"I'm sorry, Daddy. I can't stop hungering for your cock!","104":"It always fucks me so good!","105":"Those big, healthy globes wobble side to side, begging to be groped.","106":"Touch me! Mmmm, yes! Punish my tits!","107":"Just look at these perfect little nipples. Up at attention like little soldiers.","108":"Please play with them! Squeeze them! Pinch them!","109":"Hopping up, Emily braces herself up on my chest and begins bobbing up and down.","110":"She puts on a cute little musical number with all the breathy, desperate moans she is singing.","111":"Finally collapsing from near exhaustion, Emily's muscles can't quite go far enough to feed her lust.","112":"Giggling, she lies back, coated in sweat. But she's put in her time, I'm happy to take over, crawling up top of her.","113":"Yes! Ravage me!","114":"Slow at first, but picking up pace with each thrust, I resume humping Emily.","115":"Mmm, {PlayerName} why do you feel so good when you fuck me?","116":"I could ask you the same thing, sweet thing.","117":"Her pussy cinches and sucks at my hog.","118":"Even as tight as she is, it's still warm and accommodating.","119":"I've been so bad. I just spend so much time imagining you fucking me I can't even think straight!","120":"Well, why don't we see if we can't fuck some sense back into you.","121":"Bearing down, I step up the tempo.","122":"Our wet, sweating bodies slide together vigorously. Emily's wailing is so loud now it's sure to annoy the neighbors.","123":"Gripping her by the arm, I pull her up and spin her around.","124":"Yes! Take me from behind! Fuck my brains out!","125":"Pushing her down on all fours, I resume racking my hips into her.","126":"Emily rocks back and forth at the furious pounding. Her braids and breasts sway in rhythm with the motion.","127":"Fuck me doggy style! I've been such a bitch!","128":"Harder! Yes! Fuck my pussy! Get back at me for all the times I nag you and annoy you!","129":"I'm a cock-addicted who needs to be put in her place!","130":"At this point, I'm pretty much using Emily as a sex toy. Clutching her and ramming her petite, yet curvy body down onto my cock over and over again.","131":"She's insatiable. Backing her thick, round backside into me to greet each thrust.","132":"Punish my asshole too, daddy!","133":"Pinning her down on the bed, Emily arches her back and stick her eager hindquarters up to present herself to me, almost quivering with anticipation.","134":"Yes! Yes-yes-yes-yes! Fuck me right up the ass!","135":"Spitting on that teasing sphincter, I press the tip of my shaft to it and slowly push my way inside.","136":"Emily's central nervous system lights up like a christmas tree upon penetration.","137":"Put it in! Yes! Oh god!...","138":"That tight anus stretches to accommodate my girth. I look down and watch, transfixed, as I slide inch after inch of cock up her ass.","139":"Emily's sphincter grips my penis snugly, firm as a vise. It's almost overwhelming.","140":"She squeezes and constricts me, condensing me into a small package, like a tightly coiled spring or a charged explosive ready to detonate.","141":"I can't think straight, but I have made a solemn vow to use Emily to cum, and I am fully committed to upholding that vow.","142":"Daddy it's so big! Ugh, it's making it hard to breathe!","143":"The mention of taking up so much of her internal volume with my dick that it's affecting her respiration gives me a little thrill, and I begin thrusting hard.","144":"Daddy it's-nggh... I'm- huhhh!","145":"I'm gonna make sure you don't walk right for a week.","146":"With her vocal center short circuiting, Emily spins over on her back and tosses those shapely legs into the air.","147":"Regular pulses of pleasure surging through her cause her body to writhe and buck, and I see her approaching blast off.","148":"Daddy I'm gonna... I'm gonna... Cu-...","149":"Barely able to form a word, I look into Emily's eyes just as the climax begins to overtake her.","150":"The expression seems to fire off the same signal in me, and my core jolts as I cum with her.","151":"Letting out a deep growl as I fire off the first salvo deep up inside Emily's ass.","152":"Cum inside me! Cum in my pussy, too!","153":"Mid barrage, I pull my staff from Emily's asshole, cum still erupting from its head...","154":"... Then I slide it into her slit, sending the last thick ropes of jizz into her vagina.","155":"As I do, the torrential storm of sex and passion begins to lift.","156":"Panting, and coming back down to reality, I release Emily. My body spent.","157":"The room is thick with heavy, moist air. Emily and I are both panting messes, recovering and awash in a wave of hormones.","158":"Collapsing back down into Emily's, she wraps her arms around me. Nuzzling me and cooing affectionately.","159":"God... that was so good!","160":"Thank you. I so needed to blow off some steam.","161":"Happy to oblige, gorgeous.","162":"We lay there for a moment, soaking each other in and cooling down. We need to eventually get up, shower, and change these soaked sheets.","163":"But for one beautiful moment, after a stressful couple of days, I don't have a care in the world. And it's just Emily and I again.","0":"Damn him! My father makes me absolutely furious!","1":"I'm too angry to sleep.","2":"After coming home and doing damage control until the wee hours of the morning, I thought I'd pass right out.","3":"But both Emily and I are still too wired for sleep.","4":"We managed to move or hide any sensitive material, but it means we're going to have to find somewhere else to set up the more clandestine part of our operation.","5":"But there's little more we can do for now. Just try and get some rest and think up a more long term solution tomorrow.","6":"I can't believe I came out of that man's balls.","7":"I chuckle.","8":"I'm sorry, about my family.","9":"No need to apologize. Not like you had a choice."},"ch18__epilogue_emily.40_shop_talk.vne3":{"10":"I don't know... Do you think she heard something last night?","11":"It was kinda wild...","12":"Maybe? Who knows, she could have joined us!","13":"Ah, you would love that, wouldn't you, {PlayerName}?","14":"I'm kidding!","15":"We have a lot to do. I almost don't even want to think about it.","16":"I feel the sentiment. Coffee?","17":"I was going to, but we're out of filter.","18":"No big deal. I'll swing on down to Lidia's and pick us up some.","19":"Would you grab an iced macchiato for Iris? She can have it later...","20":"Sure thing, beautiful.","21":"I plant a kiss on her cheek and head out the door.","22":"A few minutes later, I'm walking up to the front of Lidia's cafe.","23":"It's good to see her back in charge of the place. Her absence was a dark time for coffee aficionados in Shale Hill.","24":"The bell chimes as I walk in, and I go to wave hello to Lidia, when I notice the look on her face.","25":"{PlayerName}, I'm sorry. I swear I had no idea they were coming.","26":"With a pit sinking into my stomach I turn to the last thing I wanted to see when starting my day.","27":"Morning, {PlayerName}.","28":"Standing nearby is what I am beginning to suspect is my own personal federal detail. Agent Kestrel, and a woman who I don't recognize.","29":"Can I buy you a cup of coffee?","30":"If my taxes pay your salary doesn't that technically mean I'm still the one buying it?","31":"If you want to get in the weeds about it.","32":"Before we fall back into a regular song and dance, let me extend an olive branch. Care to take a walk?","33":"Why? Is the olive branch not here?","34":"It's a nice morning. Why not do this out in the park? It's just down the street.","35":"Please. We insist.","36":"Swallowing, I begin to wonder if this is it. If this is where the handcuffs come out and the show is over.","37":"Should I bolt? Throw powdered creamer in their faces and make a run for it? Grab Emily and make for the border?","38":"I promise. We're not here to arrest you. We just want you to hear what we have to say. It might be worth your while.","39":"I don't know how much value I should put in a stranger's word, but not seeing a lot of great alternatives, I steel my nerve and follow the two G-men out of the cafe.","40":"See? Isn't this better?","41":"I keep waiting for a bunch of little tactical guys to pop out of the bushes and tase me. But it's just the trees, the birds, me, and the two feds.","42":"I suppose it's about time I do introductions. {PlayerName}, this is NSA assistant director Rachel Berkeley.","43":"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, {PlayerName}. I apologize for the ambush.","44":"I know you're not exactly happy to see us, so we'll cut right to the chase.","45":"Recent events in Shale Hill have come to our attention and we're very concerned.","46":"We have a rough picture at this point of the events that transpired, but there's a lot we're still in the dark about.","47":"We are, however, aware of RECENTLY.","48":"That makes my heart sink.","49":"Now we're not fully aware of how it functions, or its full capability, but we are very aware of its capacity as a cyberweapon.","50":"That and we have a pretty good idea it's still out there.","51":"I'm just trying to start up a company and move on with my life.","52":"Yes. I had a very informative meeting yesterday with Emily about the capacity and portfolio Aegis Digital Security is offering.","53":"The defense contractor...","54":"I stare daggers at Kestrel.","55":"I apologize for the deception. We wanted to get a better temperature of you and your team. And I doubt even Emily would so freely speak to me if she knew who I really was.","56":"But I think we got a good read on you and your friends. Specializing in cyber security, particularly in counter hacking and counter malware systems. It's a very good pitch.","57":"And you want to, what, hire us?","58":"I tried to tell them you were a stubborn, unpleasant, uncooperative pain in the ass. But some people just have to learn the hard way I suppose.","59":"{PlayerName}, I'm willing to bet that there is still a copy of RECENTLY out there. I'm not saying you have it, but I suspect that you and your friends have been protecting something.","60":"And here I thought you got tired of watching me, Kestrel.","61":"Funny enough, it wasn't you or your team who clued us in that you had something squirreled away under lock and key.","62":"...","63":"Wait... Arthur?","64":"You must understand we can't speak at length about ongoing investigations.","65":"I also think that you and your friends want to stop RECENTLY from being used. By anyone.","66":"I do my best to keep quiet. Painfully aware that any words could be used against me.","67":"Listen. We're not the bad guys here.","68":"{PlayerName}, this weapon was the pinnacle of a secret arms race that spanned years and involved hundreds of the brightest minds in the Eastern Bloc.","69":"You could be the smartest person in the world, and be able to forgo sleep, and you still couldn't possibly hope to tackle what it is you're dealing with.","70":"I've heard this speech before.","71":"And what makes you think the government can be trusted with it?","72":"Between Snowden and Assange, you guys haven't exactly been painted as paragons of virtue and honor.","73":"Maybe you shouldn't. And I can't tell you that mistakes weren't made and lines weren't crossed.","74":"But it's just a matter of time before someone much worse, like Valerie, or Arthur, gets their hands on this technology. Or someone develops something like it.","75":"It's noble that you and your friends have set out to contain, if not destroy it...","76":"... But you aren't ready for this. Not alone.","77":"For the record, I still think this is a mistake.","78":"I can only tell you what my superiors and I want, {PlayerName}. We want to put RECENTLY in a lab. We want to study it. Figure out how it works. And find ways to defend the American people against it.","79":"And nowhere in there do you plan on weaponizing it yourself and using it on your enemies?","80":"And what if doing so lets us stop a terrorist attack, or head off and deter an invasion?","81":"Kid. I know that after everything you went though, you [i]know[\/i] that things are rarely black and white out there. If ever.","82":"After all you went though, you were never forced to compromise your morals because the situation called for it?","83":"I don't think you asked for any of this, {PlayerName}. I think you got handed a deck of cards in a game you had no interest in playing.","84":"So, here is what I am offering. Full immunity for you and your team...","85":"You know, if you lied to Federal Agents and are secretly harboring a WMD level cyber weapon with your porn stash.","86":"... Thank you, Agent Kestrel. We also would like to extend a contract offer for Aegis Digital Security to work for the NSA as leading consultants and experts on RECENTLY and covert hyper-intrusion software.","87":"And in return, you and your friends would turn over any information or material you have on the program.","88":"I don't know. I'm just tired. Tired of worrying about all of this. Tired of feeling responsible for this terrible curse and keeping it from being let loose on the world.","89":"But, to turn it over to the NSA?","90":"I understand your mistrust. I do. There are evil people who find their way into the government. I wish they didn't, but that's how it goes.","91":"The difference is there are also a lot of good people in the government who want to do the right thing.","92":"Men like Arthur only care about power and profit. At least in the NSA there is some level of oversight and checks and balances.","93":"Kid. Trust me. This is the [i]least[\/i] worst of a suite of bad solutions.","94":"Or, are you and the rest of the breakfast club ready to spend the rest of your lives trying to keep a lid on this thing?","95":"God. The world sucks sometimes...","96":"Hypothetically...","97":"Hypothetically, of course.","98":"... In the event that the team took this deal, we would want any defensive mechanisms developed to protect devices against RECENTLY to be made available to the public.","99":"Berkely pauses, looking at Kestrel.","100":"Sounds fair to me, I don't need y'all seeing all the pics me and the wife share.","101":"We would... have to ensure that such measures wouldn't compromise the NSA's own capacity to perform its mission. But that would be part of the end goal. To protect the American people.","102":"And if your geek shop is the one developing that software, you could even stand to make quite the pretty penny.","103":"And another condition.","104":"I want {Leah} released from prison and her records expunged.","105":"Kestrel and Berkeley share another glance.","106":"I can't make that deal myself, but... I think that is something that could be arranged.","107":"Entertaining this partnership feels like shaking hands with the devil. But maybe it is the lesser of two evils.","108":"It's a lot to think about.","109":"Well, this discussion has been very interesting, but I think I might have to get back to you after I've had my coffee. I'm just all loose marbles until I get my caffeine.","110":"Of course. Think about it. In the meantime, here's my card.","111":"{PlayerName}, believe me when I say we're coming to you for help. Because if this technology is half as capable as we think it is, it's got a lot of people scared.","112":"I do hope we'll hear from you.","0":"Hey there, tiger.","113":"I take the card. My mind is raging on what the move is. I don't even think I say goodbye as I walk off.","1":"Emily is still glowing a little from last night's rumble in the jungle when I walk out into the living room.","114":"I walk back to the apartment completely on auto pilot. Grappling with my own reservations and doubts and fears.","2":"Hey gorgeous. Have you been up long?","115":"What's the right decision to make?","3":"Just a little while.","116":"Whatever it is, it isn't mine to make alone. I guess it's time for an emergency team meeting.","4":"Hey, Iris, good morning.","117":"But there is someone I need to go talk to first.","5":"Err... hi...","6":"Everything okay, sis?","7":"Ahm, sure. Yes. Er... I need to... I have to go somewhere, you know? I'm late...","8":"I'm off, see you later!","9":"What's up with her?"},"ch18__epilogue_emily.45_leah_prison.vne3":{"3":"They have good ice cream here?","4":"You'd be surprised.","5":"But this is a pleasant surprise! What do I owe the visit?","6":"I guess from the look on your face it's not pleasant.","7":"I pause, wondering how to unpack everything for {Leah}.","8":"Our friend in the government approached me.","9":"I watch the humor drain from her face.","10":"How bad?","11":"I bring her up to speed on the rapid chain of events over the last couple of days.","12":"My visit to Valerie, uncovering the SILENT1 account login and discovering the true capability of the software. The attempt by Arthur to get access to RECENTLY, our subsequent exchange with him...","13":"... and finally, the offer from the NSA.","14":"So the NSA wants to... hire you?","15":"For some reason. I would have thought I'd be on the bad-boy list by now.","16":"Damn.","17":"It makes sense.","18":"{PlayerName}, aside from Valerie, you might be the most knowledgeable person on the planet regarding RECENTLY.","19":"Well, you're forgetting about the scientists who created the ''problem''...","20":"Yes, but who knows if they're still alive or where they are? You're here, within their reach...","21":"It's not surprising that they wouldn't be too trustful of Valerie. Even if, in her own twisted way, she was also on a mission to destroy the technology.","22":"I'm kind of surprised they haven't tossed me in jail at this point. It seems like they have a decent idea of what's going on.","23":"A year is a long time to put the pieces together.","24":"Maybe they figured out that we're not the bad guys?","25":"Either way, what I learned from the SILENT1 account. All the damage that RECENTLY could do...","26":"And we have no idea who else might have access to it?","27":"Not that I can tell, at least not with what I know.","28":"She lets out a long sigh.","29":"We are fighting darkness. Unknown unknowns and unforeseen consequences.","30":"Either decision could have disastrous repercussions, but...","31":"But?","32":"I don't know. I wish I did.","33":"Actually, it's not all ''weird news''... I shouldn't say anything, but...","34":"I can already imagine what you're going to say.","35":"Of course you've figured it out.","36":"I'm flattered that you're making some deal for my release, but {PlayerName}, my time here isn't long...","37":"You know you don't belong here...","38":"Either way, it won't be long before I'm out of this place, walking out the front door without you or our friends having to make any deals...","39":"Don't worry, {Leah}. No hasty decisions will be made...","40":"What does your gut say?","41":"My gut is saying that for a couple of 21 year olds, we had a pretty good run boxing this thing for a year.","42":"Maybe if we turn down the deal we'll get lucky down the road and find some way to nuke RECENTLY for good. Or find some defense against it.","43":"If we take the deal, we'll be able to focus all our energy on that without having to run a front business. And we'll have access to resources of the literal NSA. But we won't have control over it.","44":"Do we have control over it now?","45":"...","46":"Least terrible option?","47":"Least terrible option.","48":"{Leah} and I share a smile, and I say goodbye.","49":"I don't love it, but I know what I have to do.","50":"Walking out of the police station, I pull out my phone to let Emily know I'm heading home and to get everyone together to discuss things.","51":"Your car's a mess.","52":"Jesus, dude! Can you give me two freak'n seconds? We just spoke this morning! ","53":"What makes you think I'm here for you?","54":"Huh?","55":"Berkely and I were talking and decided a good faith gesture was in order. So she made a few phone calls.","56":"Anyway, you better clean out the passenger seat.","57":"What do you mean?","58":"I turn back toward the prison. And see {Leah} walk out the front door in her regular clothes.","59":"The tears are already welling when we lock eyes.","60":"Early release for good behavior... officially. The record expungement we'll take a couple weeks, but I hope that won't be too untenable.","61":"But I race up to {Leah} and she throws her arms around my shoulder.","62":"When I turn back to look for Kestrel, he's already walking off to his own car.","63":"What happened to ''I don't want any kind of deal?''","64":"Haha, don't be silly, {PlayerName}. Besides, I had forgotten how good it feels to breathe fresh air!","65":"The book club is gonna be so bummed when I don't show up next Tuesday.","66":"You can write them a letter. Come on, let's get you home.","0":"At the prison, I hear the door buzz.","1":"The guard leads the jumpsuited figure down the hall, and points them to where I'm waiting.","2":"We need to get you a punch card or something. Every ten penal visits and you get a free ice cream."},"ch18__epilogue_emily.50_leah_meet.vne3":{"3":"No problem, it's a long drive from Sallesport. Thanks for coming, {Leah}. It's good to see you. Though I wish it was under better circumstances. ","4":"We share a hug.","5":"How's the new gig?","6":"Frank warned me that Rocko was a little rough around the edges. He really leans into the ''hard-boiled investigative journalist'' bit.","7":"But, I'm learning a ton. We're working on this story right now about serious corruption around this infrastructure deal.","8":"But I'm guessing you didn't throw up the bat signal to discuss misconduct in civic contracting. ","9":"Buckle up, because this one's a doozy. ","10":"I pause, wondering how to unpack everything for {Leah}.","11":"Our friend in the government approached me.","12":"I watch the humor drain from her face.","13":"How bad?","14":"I bring her up to speed on the rapid chain of events from the last couple of days.","15":"My visit to Valerie, uncovering the SILENT1 account login and discovering the true capability of the software. The attempt by Arthur to get access to RECENTLY, our subsequent exchange with him...","16":"... and finally, the offer from the NSA.","17":"So the NSA wants to... hire you? Your company?","18":"For some reason. I would have thought I would have been on a crazy number of badboy lists by now.","19":"Damn.","20":"It makes sense.","21":"{PlayerName}, aside from Valerie, you might be the most knowledgeable person on the planet regarding RECENTLY.","22":"Well, you're forgetting about the scientists who created the ''problem''...","23":"Yes, but who knows if they're still alive or where they are? You're here, within their reach...","24":"It's not surprising that they wouldn't be too trustful of Valerie. Even if, in her own twisted way, she was also on a mission to destroy the technology.","25":"I'm kind of surprised they haven't tossed me in jail at this point. It seems like they have a decent idea of what's going on.","26":"A year is a long time to put the pieces together.","27":"Maybe they figured out that we're not the bad guys?","28":"Either way, what I learned from the SILENT1 account. All the damage that RECENTLY could do...","29":"And we have no idea who else might have access to it?","30":"Not that I can tell, at least not with what I know.","31":"She lets out a long sigh.","32":"We are fighting darkness. Unknown unknowns and unforeseen consequences.","33":"Either decision could have disastrous repercussions, but...","34":"But?","35":"I don't know. I wish I did. What does your gut say?","36":"My gut is saying that for a couple of 21 year olds, we had a pretty good run boxing this thing for a year.","37":"Maybe if we turn down the deal we'll get lucky down the road and find some way to nuke RECENTLY for good. Or find some defense against it.","38":"If we take the deal, we'll be able to focus all our energy on that without having to run a front business. And we'll have access to resources of the literal NSA. But we won't have control over it.","39":"Do we have control over it now?","40":"...","41":"We spent a year of our lives battling this thing. And we got through it by the skin of our teeth and a lot of luck.","42":"I'm just wondering how many bullets we can continue to dodge.","43":"...","44":"Least terrible option?","45":"Least terrible option.","46":"{Leah} and I share a hug, and I say goodbye.","47":"I don't love it, but I know what I have to do.","48":"Walking back to my car, I pull out my phone to let Emily know I'm heading home and to get everyone together to discuss things.","0":"I watch as {Leah} arrives.","1":"Given how cagey we are around phones, all things considered, we arranged for any important conversation to be done in person at pre-arranged meeting spots. ","2":"Sorry I'm late. After I got your signal I had to find some excuse to give to Rocko on why I had to take off."},"ch18__epilogue_emily.55_resolution.vne3":{"10":"And to take lots of breaks.","11":"Anyway. Sandra, {PlayerName}, I do want both your development road maps by then too. I don't think we'll have to brief the assistant director on them but I'd like to have something just in case.","12":"I also think we should start talking about parallel development of the protection software.","13":"We'll see what program seems more promising. I guess whoever doesn't get greenlit can pivot to do work on the commercial end of things.","14":"Can we save the time and just put you on that? I don't think your algorithms are going to pass muster.","15":"Alfred and I have been looking into previous cases of legal use of cyber weapons.","16":"And privacy rights. It will be a good basis for proposing ethical constraints.","17":"You're going to ask the NSA to consider ethical constraints?","18":"Of course! The keystone of our entire alliance with the government is the understanding that there will be ethical safeguards in place. It's in the contract's conditions.","19":"We need to do our due diligence as citizens in the position of knowledge to ensure that this tech isn't used to turn the world into a cyber-police state.","20":"Letting the other debate, I get to my feet and walk over to the kitchen where Emily is refilling her coffee.","21":"I give her a peck on the cheek, and grab a cup for myself.","22":"Hey. I wanted to say I'm really proud of you.","23":"Me?","24":"You brought all this together.","25":"I know, it wasn't easy letting go of RECENTLY.","26":"Yeah. Still, trying to fight that thing by ourselves, I can't help but think that would have consumed our lives.","27":"And I don't want to spend the rest of my days chained to that. There's more I'd like to do to my life than to be stuck with that burden.","28":"Emily sides up next to me, smiling.","29":"Oh yeah? You got other plans?","30":"I look my high school sweetheart in those big, beautiful brown eyes, and realize where my future really is.","31":"You know... I got a few ideas...","32":"Are you talking about our meeting later or something else?","33":"Both...","34":"Ahem... Sorry to interrupt, but I need to ask... Our conversation is still on, right?","35":"Absolutely!","36":"See you later, then... And behave, you two!","37":"A few hours later...","38":"Finally, we're here.","39":"What a trip. After yesterday, making me sit in the car for two hours wasn't a good idea...","40":"Guilty of all charges, Your Honor.","41":"Okay, it's room 230. Over there, let's go.","42":"Are you sure there are no bugs here?","43":"Bed bugs? Not sure. NSA Bugs? Absolutely...","44":"But if you want, we can give them something to listen to.","45":"{PlayerName}, don't start with that now!","46":"Or else?","47":"Or else it'll be hard to resist!","48":"I pull Emily by the arm and kiss her.","49":"Unfortunately, we are soon interrupted by knocks on the door.","50":"Damn, they're here!","51":"I open the door and let {Leah} and Sandra in.","52":"Good that you're here. I was getting nervous...","53":"We took a few detours. Wanted to make sure we weren't being followed.","54":"That's good. The last thing I want right now is to go back to prison.","55":"That's good. The last thing I want right now is to go back to prison again. Twice was enough.","56":"Oh, don't even mention it. It gives me chills just thinking about it.","57":"Do you remember the food at that place?","58":"Oh, and I couldn't sleep. I thought I'd never have a good night's sleep again.","59":"Knock it off, people! No one is going to jail!","60":"Our little act will help us stay undercover. We gave them weeks of ''innocent'' conversations in our house, in the office...","61":"Sandra, did you finish programming the algorithms?","62":"I think so. I haven't deployed yet, but I believe we can implement the code so the changes will go unnoticed...","63":"I must say, your help was very welcome. I had underestimated your abilities, but it was good to have someone to work with on this trap. I mean, besides our other unexpected friend.","64":"No way! You knew my talent since the helpdesk days at school!","65":"Oh, right. Back then your main task was to restock the beer in the fridge and fetch my [i]aged coffee...[\/i]","66":"[i]Aged coffee...[\/i]?","67":"Don't remind me...","68":"Guys, focus!","69":"Yeah, I'm nervous! Are you sure we won't get caught? I mean, we're a bunch of young people in Shale Hill trying to take down an army of geniuses at the NSA...","70":"Trust me! With the changes, RECENTLY will reverse the path and we'll gain access to all the tools the government uses to invade our privacy.","71":"Do you think we'll see how big companies hand over people's data to them?","72":"I'm sure we will. We'll implode it all from the inside out!","73":"Sandra, you said I helped, but who unlocked that part of the code wasn't me or you...","74":"{Leah}, how did you manage to get to him?","75":"[i]Hey, hotstuff, sorry to call now, I know it's late there. Is everything okay with the package?[\/i]","76":"Awesome. Thank you Ed.","77":"[i]Got it. Okay, I'll let them know. Bye.[\/i]","78":"Everything good then?","79":"Yes. He received the encrypted content and has already made the additions. You'll get the edited file in the special mail.","80":"Thanks for your help.","81":"I don't know what you're talking about, lady. Now if you'll excuse me, Bianca and Laura, my guard rats, are getting annoyed.","82":"I also need to take Ducky out to pee before we go to bed.","83":"It's late for visitors in my Kingdom. Shoo, go away, go!","84":"Agent X had his contacts. It was hard, but I think it was worth it, right?","85":"And he didn't want to come?","86":"He thought it was better to continue his low-profile work...","87":"And he does that very well... Passed as a madman and fooled us for a long time...","88":"Yeah, but without him, we would've never gotten help to infiltrate so well...","89":"What's the deal with the toasters?","90":"I have no idea...","91":"But anyways... he put us in contact with Snowden and he has an incredible mind. He managed to think outside the box and unlocked us in a few minutes...","92":"So, are we really doing this? And the others?","93":"We're all in. No one voted against it. But, you know, the fewer people at this meeting, the better.","94":"Look, we're online.","95":"Are you all nervous too?","96":"I'm anxious... After everything we've been through, it's time to get our payback.","97":"Tonight, RECENTLY will finally be useful…","0":"The founding member of Aegis Digital Security convened. Myself, Emily, Iris, and Sandra, met to discuss the offer presented to us, and the fate of RECENTLY.","1":"There was much debate. Wargaming. Conditions we would want to agree to so that the tech couldn't be used for nefarious purposes. But we were in agreement. I made the call. ","2":"Watching the government agents load the servers and files we turned over into those vans was bitter sweet. But at the same time, it felt an incredible weight had been lifted off of us.","3":"There were some uncomfortable questions. Interviews. Thankfully, so far, no one has had to appear in front of a senate hearing.","4":"Assistant Director Berkeley herself delivered the initial contract paperwork. And while there are still some details to iron out, Aegis Digital Security is now officially in the employ, for better or worse, of the NSA.","5":"Three weeks on, we were beginning to settle into our new jobs.","6":"Now, we have another briefing session in Maryland on the 18th. Linus, since your software package is the most mature, I'd like you to be at that one. So I need you to finish the expedited clearance paperwork as soon as possible.","7":"Um, about that. How thorough is this background check? They aren't going to go through my browsing history with a fine tooth comb, are they?","8":"Ew, Linus!","9":"Hey! It's not that they aren't going to find anything terrible! But I still think they should prepare themselves a little before checking it."},"ch18__epilogue_haley.05_rising_star.vne3":{"3":"Maggie will always be Haley's number one fan. She's been a huge part of Haley's fledgling music career as well.","4":"Be right back, Maggie. I'm going to get us something to drink.","5":"You know, I love both you guys, but if she keeps this up, I'm going to have to ban her from singing here!","6":"Huh?","7":"I turn to see Dante, stepping out from behind the bar to get a better listen and to say hello.","8":"How am I supposed to run this way station for lost souls if you and your stunning girlfriend are here three times a week, packing the place?","9":"I grin.","10":"I know. You're in real danger of turning this into a financially lucrative operation.","11":"I wouldn't know what to do with the money. I've been happy to contribute a handsome sum to a number of local nonprofits, dedicated to lifting up our less fortunate hetebros who are struggling and find themselves in hard times.","12":"For real, though. It's unreal to see Haley fulfill her destiny, and of course... her epic success is [i]my[\/i] epic success. Look at this place!","13":"Now I just wish you'd let me pay you more.","14":"We got a fair deal going. I know Haley is more than happy with the compensation, and so am I.","15":"Well, I and many others are grateful.","16":"He looks back up to the performance.","17":"But I fear our blue haired phoenix is outgrowing this humble cage.","18":"I stare back up at Haley, finishing out her encore with another smokey note. And after the pause, the room erupts in a final round of applause.","19":"Grinning ear to ear, and cheeks glowing pink, Haley graciously bows to the crowd. Haley looks like she's starting to appreciate fame...","20":"I recognize more than a few faces. Haley isn't just some name on the board, she's started to bring in an actual fanbase, consistent audiences every couple of weeks...","21":"...even if that audience hasn't grown all that much in recent months... ","22":"But anyway... It's part of this kind of business, I guess.","23":"Haley doesn't take long to change, and in a few minutes, she's back.","24":"And dancing down the steps with the energy of a firecracker, Haley nearly skips over to Maggie and I.","25":"You were amazing.","26":"Really? I thought I really botched the first few numbers.","27":"What? You killed those songs. Shut up, I'll kiss you if I have to.","28":"Well, if that's the case, I really think I sounded like garbage on the third...","29":"I pull the giggling pixie in to plant my lips on hers, cutting her off from further self-criticism.","30":"{PlayerName}'s right, Haley. You were breathtaking.","31":"Thanks, Mag's! You're the best. Always my number one fan!","32":"Darn toot'n!","33":"The two lean in for a hug.","34":"Haley reaches down and gives Maggie's ass a squeeze, causing her to squeal adorably.","35":"Now let me get a handful of them buns!","36":"Oh my gosh! You always get so frisky after a show!","37":"Well, how's a girl supposed to keep it together with you shaking this cake around?","38":"You're incorrigible!","39":"Haley leans in and kisses Maggie deeply. I can feel Dante's hand hovering nearby through the power of the hetero-force and without looking return the fist bump.","40":"Guys, if you'll excuse me, I need to run back to our merch stand. We can't miss any opportunity to sell CDs and spread Haley's voice around!","41":"Without even waiting for a response, the redhead runs to the corner where some people are browsing some records and t-shirts.","42":"Thanks girl!","43":"Dante! Thank you again for letting us use the venue! You are the [i]literal[\/i] best!","44":"You do me too much honor. A true bro is always happy to accommodate spirits that are net producers of good dharma.","45":"Dante, you're the best bro ever!","46":"Making a bow, Dante heads back to the bar, proud of his former pupil.","47":"Okay, I'm going to go say hello to some audience members...{PlayerName}, did that guy from Rook Records ever show up?","48":"No. Got a text saying he couldn't make it.","49":"Damn. Well, we'll get them next time.","50":"I see the flash of disappointment in Haley's eyes, but she quickly shakes it off, turning her attention to some waiting fans.","51":"Dante's words from earlier seem to ring true. I think even Haley was feeling it.","52":"She has been a rising star in the local scene. On top of boyfriend duties, I had long since been managing her fledgling career as best I could. And by all accounts, we were actually doing well.","53":"But the last few months especially, I could kind of feel it. Haley certainly was. A sort of stagnation. Like the momentum she had been building the last few months had begun to melt away.","54":"I wish I knew what to say or do to get that engine going again.","55":"Haley mingles with some fans for an hour, before her, Maggie, and I head back to the apartment.","0":"It almost feels like a dream. I take in the sight of Haley, glowing in the spotlight, and listen as that velvety voice acts like medicine for my soul.","1":"I'm not alone. It's another good crowd for a weeknight. This would have been an anomaly in Sevigny's just a year ago. But both Haley, and the bar, seem to be in bloom.","2":"I look over at Maggie, who stares spellbound at the rising jazz-singer star and long time friend. I shouldn't chide her, I've been staring at Haley the same way, I'm sure."},"ch18__epilogue_haley.10_mid_level_blues.vne3":{"10":"She did. She'll tell ya.","11":"Haley snickers into her wine.","12":"I was say'n, that's how you know Haley is really good, and we don't just say that because we like her so much...","13":"Uh huh.","14":"... because of all the people who come see her. There's college students, older folks, and middle aged folks who probably have to work in the morning, but still come out on a Tuesday night to catch a show.","15":"I'm just say'n, it's just a matter of time before you really take off. I don't care if you don't agree with me.","16":"Thank you, Mags. I mean it.","17":"But, you know, if this is as big as it gets, I'm still thrilled it even came this far.","18":"Okay... can I ask, no judgment, what is it that makes you think this is as far as you go? You don't want something bigger than the local bar scene and occasional festival?","19":"I don't want to be ungrateful for what I [i]do[\/i] have. What [i]we[\/i] have.","20":"I don't get the sense you're being ungrateful. She's not being ungrateful, right, {PlayerName}?","21":"It's almost a little annoying, Haley, trying to get you to take a compliment sometimes.","22":"Like being maybe just a [i]little[\/i] selfish might actually make you more endearing.","23":"{PlayerName}! I'm trying to be serious here!","24":"Maggie, no, it's fine.","25":"Look, {PlayerName}, you see it, right?","26":"I'm getting noticed by agents and scouts, I'm just not getting [i]booked[\/i] by any.","27":"Rook was, what, the fifth label to blow us off?","28":"Yeah but... Rook doesn't even really do a lot of jazz. We can't say that was our market.","29":"And they weren't exactly our first choice for that reason. They weren't even our tenth choice.","30":"Maybe we'll get lucky. Maybe we'll get another ''we'll check back in a year or two''.","31":"And no one is more frustrated than I am... I mean, it's like I can see the top, and almost reach it. But no matter how hard I jump, I just can't seem to reach that last ledge.","32":"Haley, honey... we're not frustrated with you at all.","33":"Jesus, yeah, Haley, I was just joking. We just believe in you and don't want you to give up.","34":"Sorry, guys. I know it's fucking stupid. It just... it just sucks to feel like you're inches away and just can't close that final gap.","35":"And it... it feels like I owe so much to so many people for where I am now. It just feels like I'm letting everyone down.","36":"Yeah, but everyone invested in you to follow your dreams to make music, not to be a mega pop star.","37":"We're just big dumb fans, girl. We just want to hear you sing.","38":"You guys are gonna make me cry.","39":"Haley sniffles and dabs her eyes with her sleeve.","40":"You know what the issue is, there's just too many amazing artists and songwriters out there right now.","41":"Like, some real first-world problems, right? There's [i]too much[\/i] good music out there.","42":"No such thing, pretty lady.","43":"Yeah, even if there is, there's only one greatest artist in my book.","44":"Okay, we need to change the subject before I have an episode. Business mode. Do we still have the show in Middlewood next week?","45":"Yes, Thursday, they'd like us to be ready by 8 PM.","46":"... Oh, and do you remember Karen Mitchell, the manager of Wheathead?","47":"Well, the band's lead singer is having her baby in in a few months, and they really liked your vocals when you subbed in for Shalefest.","48":"They wanted to see if you'd consider covering vocals for a month or two while Tabitha goes on maternity leave.","49":"Is that around when we're supposed to go on tour with that stand-up comics and indie-band thing?","50":"There's about a week in between.","51":"Okay... yeah, let's double check our schedule before getting back to them but I don't see why not.","52":"Maybe that's what you need.","53":"Huh?","54":"You said you felt like the next level was just out of reach. Maybe what you need is a band, or something.","55":"Kind of like how you're more than the sum of your parts.","56":"Like, take Wheathead from Tabitha? Maggie, I always knew you were a cutthroat.","57":"I watch the color drain from poor Maggie's face.","58":"No! I wasn't suggesting that!","59":"Maggie's brow furrows when she sees me begin to smile...","60":"Anyway, I just wanted to say that maybe what you need is another piece. Do together what you can't do alone.","61":"Yeah, I get what you're saying... and I liked singing for Wheathead. I just... I don't know if I'd ever fit in with a band.","62":"Why not?","63":"I don't know. I guess I've always been... selective of who I get close to.","64":"Maybe it's a character flaw. Like some cats just only imprint on a single person. I think not being able to make those kinds of connections easily is something I feel like the music might suffer for.","65":"...I know, says the wacky blue-haired girl going on about her ''energies''.","66":"No. I get what you're saying.","67":"Just a thought, darl'n. I'd never want to pressure you into something you didn't have a good feeling about.","68":"Thank you, guys. I do appreciate you. I just have to figure out what that last piece of the puzzle is.","69":"Boy, if we keep going on like this we're in real danger of someone suggesting some music from one of our emo-phases.","70":"Let's change the subject to something at {PlayerName}'s expense.","71":"Yeah, he's been teasing me all night.","72":"Are you taking protein powder again? The farts, dude...","73":"Look, you want protein powder body, you got to put up with protein powder farts. Alternatively, you can have Taco Bell body and Taco Bell farts.","74":"We had a horse get really bad gas like that one time...","75":"...he fartdied!","76":"This unwarranted and merciless attack on my character went on for another hour.","77":"I'd get my revenge in the bedroom, to more than one person's delight, before passing out.","0":"Even after it had become a routine part of the job, there's that strange buzz we all seem to get, coming home at the end of a show. Though we don't celebrate after a gig like we used to.","1":"Occasionally we still go out for a few drinks after. But that adrenaline come-down seems to hit quicker these days. Maybe we're just getting old.","2":"Well, I don't know about you two, but I am ready for a glass of wine.","3":"Oh, I would just kill for one!... {PlayerName}, will you be a peach? I can't reach the wine glasses.","4":"I give her a smile, grabbing a few glasses from the shelf and a bottle of wine before joining the ladies in the living room.","5":"Haley, did I see you chat'n with that sweet Berkeley couple again?","6":"Uh huh. They are so nice! I think this has been the fourth or fifth show they've been to.","7":"Yeah, there are a few regulars I've been seeing. We might have to start stepping up our merch game.","8":"And those Berkeleys don't even look that old.","9":"Ya'see? That's what I was telling {PlayerName}, wasn't I? Just as the show was about to start."},"ch18__epilogue_haley.15_parting_ways.vne3":{"10":"Both of you, in the same building, moments before it went up in flames. Which later kicked off a major federal investigation into your town?","11":"Aw, come on, man. I didn't say she was a literal witch!","12":"She's just, like, a psycho or whatever! She's scared the crap out of me! She just knew what to say to get me to do things!","13":"Ever since we went to high school together! Getting into drugs, I only did that because we hung out at a party and she knew I liked business, and she went into this whole tirade about how ''it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission'', and...","14":"And so you started dealing dope to kids at school? To impress some girl?","15":"You don't get it, man! I'm a freak'n idiot! You weren't there!","16":"She was so hot! But also so fucking smart! Like, scary smart! And the way she used her words, she told you that the world was a certain way and if you wanted to get ahead you had to play by certain rules, and...","17":"Buttsnack suddenly seems to give up, letting his words die and his head slump down.","18":"He knew he had been played by Valerie. And not being able to fully understand himself how well she could manipulate him, he knew it was hopeless to try and explain it to the federal agent grilling him.","19":"Maybe he didn't deserve it, but I still felt a pang of pity for Joey Popodopolis. If nothing else, he never struck me as wanting to be anything more than the class clown. Just someone who wanted a little attention. Maybe too much.","20":"He had his weaknesses. And it was easy for Valerie to see them and use them against him.","21":"Kestrel seems to be able to discern the sympathy growing on my face. I guess he was expecting I'd be more eager to see Val's little goblin squirm.","22":"Well, that's all well and good I suppose. But chatting about how you got booby blinded by your high school crush isn't why I had you two down here today.","23":"Maybe I should remind you both that I have a torched civic building with a badly burned corpse found inside. And I am just [i]so[\/i] curious to know how that bullet ended up in it.","24":"Seeing his frayed wires, Kestrel seems to bear down on Buttsnack even more.","25":"I'm not buying all this bullcrap of Valere just batting her eyelashes and whispering a few suggestive words is all it took to lure you idiots down there.","26":"One of you, knows, saw, or heard [i]something[\/i]. And this goes a lot easier for the first one who talks.","27":"Agent Kestrel, with all due respect... come on. We're dumb, college aged males.","28":"I know it's been a long, long... long, long, long time since you've been twenty one.","29":"But guys our age do some [i]dumb[\/i] stuff around attractive women.","30":"Boats have been launched, wars waged, over a pretty face.","31":"Yo, for real. Did you see her during this past sundress season?","32":"She should have been arrested for the emotional distress she caused from all the heart breaking.","33":"Jesus...","34":"Look, Buttsnack is not a man of powerful will.","35":"He ran for student council president in high school just to get closer to his rival, Sam.","36":"Oh my god. It wasn't my fault!","37":"He appeals to Kestrel as a man.","38":"Bro, it was in the middle of her punk rocker phase and she was playing into the goth asian school-girl vibe. It wasn't even fair! How was I [i]not[\/i] supposed to be bewitched by that sloot!","39":"You never been in love, bro? You government robot!","40":"My entire life after that went to shit.","41":"Freaking Valerie. Always knew when to be flirty and when to be nice, and when to be cruel! It wasn't even fair!","42":"Yo, I got a disease! Hot girls make me stupid as fuck.","43":"I didn't ever [i]want[\/i] to be called Buttsnack! But you get a room full of girls laughing and paying attention to you... aw shit, man. I know I fucked up. Just do what you gotta do.","44":"Come on, Kestrel. Being dumb and horny isn't a crime.","45":"Kestrel doesn't quite glare at me. It's a look with too much weariness to be a glare.","46":"What is it to stare intensely wearily?","47":"So, Mr. Popodopolis, are you stating for the record you were at the town hall that evening because a ''total hottie'' told you to be there?","48":"Yes! Come on, man. You don't hear local gossip? She was a total manipulative psycho, or something! Like, if Hannibal Lector was also a hot, lady Instagram model!","49":"Bro, I've seen her go braless. She can have my brains with fava beans! Eat um!","50":"And so you hurried your dirty, unwashed, horny-ass down to city hall for some poon.","51":"What happened when you got there? She left a bowl of water and treats out for you while you waited?","52":"Yo, I showed up and just hung out, but never saw her. Didn't get any text back when I tried to hit her up. And after a while I got bored and left!","53":"Kestrel rubs his brow in frustration.","54":"And at no point while you were waiting around for Valerie to show did you hear a gunshot, or an argument?","55":"Buttsnack, if nothing else, appears to be familiar with how to navigate interactions with law enforcement.","56":"Nah, man. I can't remember for the life of me.","57":"Kestrel stares at Buttsnack for a moment, then back at me, seeming to regret me being here even as much as I do.","58":"And your job? Your daily life? Don't you study, don't you work? How did you give up everything just to obey that girl?","59":"He's ''taking care of cars'' at our old high school.","60":"He sells drugs at the entrance of our old school.","61":"What?","62":"Actually, I have an innovative business to ensure the safety of personal vehicles parked on public streets.","63":"We work by providing on-site permanent car guardianship so that the owner can park their vehicle and go about their business peacefully, without the fear of some petty thief scratching or tampering with the vehicle in question...","64":"You started an insurance company?","65":"Well... sort of, but yeah, something like that...","66":"Insurance against his own actions...","67":"Look, the important thing is that our focus is the same, okay Kestrel? We all want safer streets, don't we?","68":"What?","69":"{PlayerName} is joking! What he meant is that I'm specializing in the dietary supplements industry...","70":"Dietary supplements?","71":"Yeah, you know how it is, these young people nowadays, focused on bodybuilding, hypertrophy, and healthy living...","72":"So you're selling steroids to minors at the entrance of a school?","73":"No, of course not! They're herbal supplements that help with the oxygen decongestion of the supplementary veins of young muscles, and when combined with meditation and healthy eating, they produce excellent results...","74":"Finally Kestrel looks back over at Joey, apparently out of arrows to shoot (or already out of patience for anything else), and exhales in resignation.","75":"Okay. You're free to go.","76":"For... for real?","77":"Is there some other reason to keep you here I should know about?","78":"N... no?","79":"... Get the fuck out of here, Popodopolis.","80":"I watch Buttsnack scramble to his feet and begin to rapidly shuffle out of the room.","81":"That now leaves me alone with Kestrel, and the acidic mention of the body with the bullet in it is burning a hole through the pit of my stomach.","82":"The silence lingers. As much as I try to will against it, I start to sweat.","83":"{PlayerName}, you know what a massive pain in my ass this whole case has been?","84":"I think you tell me every time we speak. Was Shale Hill not the tourist destination you hoped it'd be?","85":"I have contradicting narratives, a rogues gallery of unreliable witnesses, conspiracies, kidnappings, the works...","86":"... And the biggest thing I have keeping me from wrapping this mess up and getting on with my life is an unexplained murder. This body they pulled out of city hall.","87":"I focus every fiber of being to keep from expressing any reaction whatsoever.","88":"Now, sure. Turns out this fella was a real piece of work. Professor of yours, wasn't he? Rogham?","89":"He was. I heard he was involved with that cult and the kidnappings?","90":"I'm sure you did.","91":"Even though he was a dirtbag, I still gotta do the job, right? Do my due diligence.","92":"But after all this time now it looks like I gotta go back to my bosses and tell them that this thread has gone cold on our dead Professor's killer.","93":"Still trying to play it cool, I think I take too long to respond.","94":"It's crazy. You think you know a person and...","95":"Yeah. A few people from your class mentioned how you and Rogham had a history. You were reportedly one of his favorite pupils. Were you two close?","96":"Not particularly. I worked hard in his class and I think he appreciated that. But after a while I think we cooled on each other.","97":"That's a familiar sentiment.","98":"Well. Anyway, if you didn't have anything else to add, I suppose that's about all the ''due diligence'' I can afford to waste on this one.","99":"So, is this goodbye, Agent Kestrel?","100":"I can't safely assume by his look that Special Agent Kestrel of the USPIS isn't eager to spend a second longer in my presence than he has to.","101":"A piece of advice, {PlayerName}. Keep your nose clean! ","102":"And with that, the G-man walks out. Leaving me alone in the interrogation room, the door wide open.","103":"I still don't exhale until I get out of the building.","104":"Apparently not as skittish as I am, I turn to see Buttsnack finishing a cigarette. We give each other another parting nod.","105":"See ya around, Joey.","106":"Yeah. Take it easy, {PlayerName}.","107":"I get into my car feeling a metric ton lighter. Practically felt it in the suspension.","0":"The next day finds me in much less desirable locales.","1":"I tap my foot, anxiously. My interview with Kestrel was supposed to start over half an hour ago. Instead, I'm sweating a little bit, watching him in a nearby interview room, interrogating Buttsnack.","2":"I wonder if they can smell it on me. If some cops really are [i]that[\/i] good.","3":"Luckily, I don't have to wait much longer. Kestrel looks up from the interview room and sees me seated out front. I'm sure he knows I've been here, and has been in no rush to see me until he was ready.","4":"He cracks the door open, and waves me over.","5":"{PlayerName}, so glad you could make it.","6":"Always time for you, Agent Kestrel.","7":"I was having just the nicest conversation with Joey, here.","8":"He's just been telling me how Valerie is some kind of witch who had him under his spell, and that's how he ended up acting as the gopher for her little criminal operation, isn't that right, Joey?","9":"And she used her mind control magic to order you to come to city hall that night, right? Where {PlayerName} also happened to be. "},"ch18__epilogue_haley.20_leah.vne3":{"10":"And now that we don't have to be at ''Red Alert'' all the time... It feels like sleep-walking. My sensors and computer just feel burnt out.","11":"You just feel... numb.","12":"Yeah.","13":"Give it time. It gets better I think.","14":"How are things with Haley and the management gig?","15":"Good. Great, actually. So well I feel kind of selfish now, complaining about my innocuous problems.","16":"Come on. There's more to it than that. You can't trivialize something that is legitimately affecting your quality of life.","17":"Have you tried talking to Haley? She's such a good listener.","18":"Nah. Maybe not as much as I should. She's been really anxious about her career lately, and real self critical. I don't want to saddle her with my bullshit and distract her.","19":"What do you mean? You said things were going great?","20":"They are. We're actually establishing a nice little fanbase. In fact, it feels like Haley is right on the verge of going big. But she's not quite catching the eye of talent scouts and she thinks she's missing something.","21":"She's worried she might let down all the people who helped her, or won't feel worthy of their kindness, if she doesn't become a jazz star.","22":"That girl... Typical Haley. Not like we all aren't already so proud of her. She never needed to win a Grammy. But, I know, try and tell her that.","23":"She's a smart girl. I know she'll find what she's looking for.","24":"And [i]you[\/i] should find some outlet as a constructive expression of those emotions.","25":"What, like pottery?","26":"I suppose, instead of water, I can use those vessels to store my emotions I don't want to talk about.","27":"Ha-ha. But I'm serious. It'll be good for you. If it helps, I'll happily accept crappy coffee mugs for Christmas [i]and[\/i] birthday gifts indefinitely.","28":"Ugh, Rocko's calling. Likely to light me up for my grammar on those rewrites.","29":"Hey, as long as he doesn't ask you to pick him up an Americano?","30":"True. Gotta go, but I love you, {PlayerName}. Give Haley a big hug for me, and remember what I said! Find an outlet! It'll help, I promise.","31":"I will. Love you too, {Leah}. Talk again soon.","32":"I do miss talking to her. I'm glad we still do it as much as we do.","33":"I hang up. I do miss talking to her. I'm glad we still do it as much as we do.","34":"She's right, though. If I'm not going to lump this on Haley just now, I should maybe at least look at something to keep my mind focused. Give it tasks and pre-occupation. That way it can't dwell on developing a disorder.","35":"I check my watch. Luckily I'm not completely without tasks. We have a recording session booked at a local studio, and I can probably start heading over and meet the girls there.","36":"Devmode menu:","37":"jump leah_at_home","38":"jump leah_in_jail","39":"Right on schedule, my phone rings.","40":"{Leah}, calling for our weekly catch up.","41":"A routine we've [i]mostly[\/i] kept up with.","42":"Hey, {PlayerName}!","43":"Hey, {Leah}! It's good to hear from you!","44":"How's Sallesport?","45":"Oh my gosh, it's so nice! It's really cute this time of year!","46":"The reporter that Craven set me up to work under is kind of a task master, but they're a good journalist.","47":"I get yelled at a lot but, according to Craven, that's a good thing. Apparently if Rocko doesn't think you're worth mentoring he just makes you be a coffee gopher until he can find someone better.","48":"Constructive screaming.","49":"Clearly he's enjoyed being freelance for a long time.","50":"But he's got a great nose for bullshit.","51":"He's already got us on the trail of some sketchy restoration work that was supposed to clean up building chemical levels in the water supply.","52":"The company made promises and got paid even when their system didn't work. But once you dig into it, it all reeks of fraud.","53":"Jeez. Didn't take you long to start making trouble, huh?","54":"I don't know if I understand what you are insinuating, sir!","55":"We chuckle, awkwardly.","56":"Okay, maybe I was suffering just a little withdrawal after everything wrapped up in Shale Hill. I know it's crazy but...","57":"... There is something about living on edge for that long. Once it's all over, it was like... I don't know. I didn't think I'd miss it like this.","58":"At least tell me you're being smart about it?","59":"Well, you'll be happy to know I'm not as eager to jump all the way into the deep end just yet.","60":"A few minutes late, the door opens in the visiting room.","61":"{Leah} walks in and waves. It still stings, every time I see her in the jumpsuit.","62":"These bi-monthly visits have been a routine we've [i]mostly[\/i] kept up with.","63":"Hey, {PlayerName}!","64":"Hey, {Leah}! It's good to see you!","65":"How you been?","66":"Keeping busy. Annoying the hell out of the prison librarian. Per usual.","67":"Craven feeds me plenty to do. No wonder his turn around time on things is so long. How has he juggled this kind of workflow all these years?","68":"Experience?","69":"It must be. I have much to learn.","70":"Any word from that independent reporter he's trying to line you up with when you get out of this joint?","71":"Rocko? Oh, apparently he's tickled pink to put me in his employ. He was telling Frank that since I've been to prison, I have no excuses if I cry from getting screamed at by him.","72":"Sounds like a dick.","73":"Completely, but he's already got me doing paper trail stuff for him while I'm in here, and his nose for sniffing out bullshit is incredible!","74":"Sounds like your guy.","75":"Yeah. Plus if I'm working in Sallesport I can't crash on your couch.","76":"Hey, it'll always be our couch, and you can crash on it whenever, wherever.","77":"Thanks.","78":"Well, I'm excited for you. It's nice you'll have a plan to get back on your feet after this!","79":"And I know this guy is really dogged and really goes after the truth.","80":"Just... promise me you'll be smart about things, yeah?","81":"I will, I will. I made Frank the same promise. Everything above board and legal from here on out.","0":"... I promise I won't do anything that'll keep you up at night worrying.","1":"Thank you. Remember, saving the world is a marathon, not a sprint.","2":"Yeah, yeah. Shut up.","3":"But I'm proud of you. And I love you.","4":"Thanks, {PlayerName}. I'm proud of you, and I love you too.","5":"How about you? How are you doing?","6":"I know you're not quite the glutton for punishment I can be, but I know it still can't be easy for you. All we went through...","7":"Letting out a long breath through my nose, I collect my thoughts. We both agreed we'd be honest with each other upfront about how we were handling an admittedly, pretty traumatic few months.","8":"I kind of understand what you said about the world seeming... I don't know. More dampened?","9":"For so long we had to go navigating life with all our detectors and warning arrays on twenty four seven. Sleeping terribly. Always on guard."},"ch18__epilogue_haley.25_recording_session.vne3":{"10":"Maggie begins to blush.","11":"And what does ''shake her apples loose'' mean?","12":"You know what I mean.","13":"Why don't you try and shake her apples loose? You know her equipment better than I do.","14":"Maggie cocks her hips and looks off in reflection.","15":"I tried to do this morning in the shower. I got her to cook off but I don't know if it took.","16":"I grin. These occasional moments of innocent frankness from a truly comfortable Maggie are utter gold.","17":"Our attention is pulled back to Haley when she walks into the room.","18":"Sorry, guys. I didn't mean to lose my cool today at the recording session. Just been a mess all day.","19":"You said the F-word right into that poor microphone.","20":"You're too hard on yourself. You're doing great.","21":"Good as a choking seagull anyway.","22":"I think you're psyching yourself out a bit.","23":"I know. I totally am.","24":"I just don't know why I can't seem to figure out what I'm missing. The more different I try to do things, the more off I feel.","25":"I still think that maybe you just need a little something extra. Something for your voice to play off.","26":"Maybe you could use a partner. I could try my hand at a little singing.","27":"Haley and I share glances, as if to check to see if we both heard what we heard.","28":"You mean, you want to try doing a duet?","29":"I know you may think I'm trying to get a piece of your limelight, and I swear it isn't like that at all, Haley. But I think that maybe if you had something to work around, maybe it'd highlight just how beautiful your voice is.","30":"Maggie, we'd never suspect you of being jealous or greedy for attention.","31":"I think we're just mostly surprised you'd consider getting up on stage and signing!","32":"Well, admittedly, the idea of it does make me just the least bit anxious, but...","33":"... I've learned over the past year that sometimes it's good to step a little outside your comfort zone. And if it helps my best friend... well I'd never forgive myself if I could have done something to help, and didn't.","34":"Not having an insincere bone in her body, Haley and I have no reason to doubt Maggie's selflessness.","35":"Really? Oh my gosh! I've been trying to get you to try singing for years!","36":"Little Maggie Castle, up on stage in the spotlight.","37":"The Pop-Punk rock duet I've been dreaming of for years is finally coming to reality!","38":"Stop! I swear I will back out if you make a big deal out of this!","39":"Okay, okay! Your terms.","40":"Well, why don't we start by having you sing a number for us. Do you know any songs?","41":"The color begins to go out of Maggie's face.","42":"Like, right now?","43":"Sure! Why not? It's just {PlayerName} and I. No one here to judge.","44":"Come on. It doesn't have to be anything special.","45":"I haven't... practiced or warmed up or...","46":"Come on, we sang before. At sleepovers to terrible bands that we won't admit to liking for another ten years.","47":"I know you can.","48":"Alright, alright. Just gimmie a minute.","49":"Haley walks over to take a seat while I give a nervous looking Maggie a reassuring thumbs up.","50":"Whenever you're ready.","51":"Maggie nods, taking a few deep breaths, and working up her courage, she opens her mouth, and begins to sing...","52":"... a few moments, Haley leans over to whisper to me.","53":"Is that... Afternoon Delight?","54":"It could be. It's a little hard to tell.","55":"We let it go on for a moment, curious to see if she just needed a moment to find her voice.","56":"Maybe that's just not her range.","57":"Could very well be.","58":"Hey, Mag's? Why don't we try a different song?","59":"Oh, okay. Gimme a sec...","60":"Maggie closes her eyes and mumbles something quietly to herself, before taking another deep breath, and starting another attempt on a different song.","61":"Her first attempt might have been a stronger performance.","62":"Oh god.","63":"You know, she has so many amazing qualities. I don't think it's fair to have unrealistic expectations here.","64":"How am I supposed to tell her?","65":"I don't know, but I'm totally letting you take this one.","66":"Jerk.","67":"Maggie see's us whispering and seems to be realizing for herself that maybe this isn't her path.","68":"That bad, huh?","69":"It's just... You haven't really had a lot of practice, and I'm...","70":"I... don't know if... it's a good fit... just yet...","71":"Oh, thank god!","72":"Huh?","73":"My heart was in my throat. The idea of singing? In front of people? That's my literal nightmare!","74":"Aw, you were gonna do that for me?","75":"Well if I got up here and made a fool of myself, I think it's only fair the {PlayerName} has to do try-outs too.","76":"It's only fair.","77":"What? No way. I don't know if either of you have noticed, but I am disabled.","78":"I don't know if my cyborg voice box can handle singing.","79":"I don't think it sounds too bad.","80":"It can't be any worse than my shrill shrieking. Come on, ya big baby.","81":"Yeah, if Maggie did it, you really don't have a choice.","82":"I could quit.","83":"And I could not let you play with my boobs for a month.","84":"This is blackmail.","85":"Rolling my eyes, I step out into the center of the living room as Haley and Maggie grab seats for this train wreck.","86":"Prepare to never be aroused at the sight of me again.","87":"Aw, you'll be great! I can't wait!","88":"That smile makes it hard to argue with her.","89":"I'm actually really excited to hear you sing. You probably have a lovely voice.","90":"You trying to psych me out, Castle?","91":"She grins.","92":"Okay, let's hear it.","93":"Yeah! Do some Sinatra! I always liked him.","94":"Just stomaching the embarrassment, I rub my throat and try to remember the lyrics to any songs off the top of my head.","95":"Having not been able to do much singing these past few years, it takes a moment to dust off the cobwebs, before finally remembering enough and stumbling my way through a start.","96":"The girls listen through a few lyrics, as I finally pause to get their take.","97":"That really wasn't that bad.","98":"Actually pretty good for a fella who couldn't even speak a year ago. Honestly I could barely tell there was anything different about your voice.","99":"Still not quite billboard top 100 material.","100":"Haley smiles sadly.","101":"Thank you guys for trying. But don't worry, I'll figure it out.","102":"Maggie pipes up.","103":"What about instrumentals?","104":"You play something?","105":"... Um. Not really... {PlayerName}?","106":"Actually, against my will, I did take some piano lessons as a child.","107":"I had to take them for four years, and I quit as soon as I was able, but... I think I remember how to play?","108":"You played piano? And you never told me?","109":"I mean, I despised it so much at the time, I think I sort of blot it from my memory.","110":"Oh! I'd love to hear you play some! That's so cool!","111":"You owe me a session on the keys, mister!","112":"Alright, fine, fine. Maybe I'll shop around for a used keyboard or something.","0":"I met Haley and Maggie at the recording studio, and we spent some time working on a few numbers.","113":"Our own home pianist. Now that's fancy!","1":"But Haley's anxiety, likely related to our topic of discussion the other evening, was making itself apparent in her singing.","114":"I score a kiss from Haley and head off to grab a shower.","2":"She sounded off. Frustrated. Stiff. All...","3":"... Gummed up. Like a boat motor you left out after the end of the season.","4":"That's one way to put it.","5":"Maggie and I were hanging out in the living room after we got home from the session.","6":"You heard it too, right? I swear, that girl is her own biggest obstacle. She hasn't been the same since the other night.","7":"Can't you... I don't know. Do something sexy to her to shake her apples loose?","8":"I snap my head towards the redhead. I was a little surprised.","9":"''Shake her apples loose''?"},"ch18__epilogue_haley.30_pillow_talk.vne3":{"10":"I hated it. I feel terrible about it now, the poor woman who had to teach me. But I could not get out of those lessons fast enough.","11":"How long did you have to take them?","12":"Four years.","13":"Really? Four years? Oh, wow! So you must actually know how to play a little.","14":"It's been a while. Maybe? I'm probably pretty rough.","15":"I think I might have actively tried to force the knowledge out of my brain.","16":"Seems silly now. Looking back I wish I hadn't been such a brat about it.","17":"Well at least you didn't have to run around chasing a ball, sweating and swatting at mosquitoes.","18":"Actually, wait...","19":"Yeah, don't go teasing me with a good time. I'm pretty sure I wanted to get out of piano just to go play soccer with {Leah} and the boys in the park.","20":"So {Leah} was a tomboy, huh? That checks out.","21":"Oh my god. I can't get over Maggie singing today. That sweet girl.","22":"She tried her best.","23":"I still can't believe how far she's come in just one year. I'm so proud of her.","24":"To think she'd even entertain the possibility of standing up in front of a crowd and performing. I think it'd be easier to get her to swim with sharks!","25":"She's a tough cookie.","26":"We've all come a long way since a year ago I suppose. It's starting to feel like it was a bad dream.","27":"I know, right?","28":"Thank you, for putting up with me.","29":"Huh? What do you mean?","30":"I dunno, I feel silly. I'm having this stupid episode about my career, which by all accounts is doing great, just because it isn't hitting this absurd standard I've made for myself.","31":"Hey, we're all guilty of that. Like Maggie and I keep saying. We're all proud of you and are helping you because we like you.","32":"And I don't know if you noticed the crowd, little lady. But we're not the only ones who think you got a killer set of pipes.","33":"Haley smiles warmly, then cozies up even closer.","34":"It sounds like you're trying to butter me up for something.","35":"I feel her tuck in tight, and notice that little flicker in her eyebrow. Her ''tells''. Someone's feeling a bit rowdy.","36":"Well? Are you feeling ''buttered''.","37":"Ew! You're so gross!","38":"She giggles, smacking me playfully.","39":"If it's so gross why are you smiling?","40":"Just get over here, dummy!","41":"Whoa! So aggressive!","42":"Haley rolls up and straddles me, cowgirl style, resting her hands on my chest.","43":"Those silky soft thighs hugging me instantly sets things in motion.","44":"It was so cute seeing you get up there and sing. And I can't believe you play the piano and never told me!","45":"It's no big deal, really.","46":"Locking eyes with me, her fingers reach up and begin hooking the strings of her top. Tugging the flimsy fabric aside and letting her perky breasts pop out.","47":"I got such a thing for musicians though... And to think, I threatened to not let you play with ''the girls''.","48":"Yes. It was so mean what you did.","49":"It was so mean, wasn't it.","50":"Having enjoyed a handful of those magnificent puppies, I lean up to suck on Haley's perfect pink nipples.","51":"She coos softly at the stimulation.","52":"Mmmm... I love it when you suck on my tits.","53":"I tongue at and toy with her perky pink berry, seeing if I can get her to start singing.","54":"Is this why you're such a nice boyfriend? Because it makes me wanna go just bananas on you in bed?","55":"Well, it's not zero percent of the reason. I'll say that much.","56":"Trying not to incriminate yourself?","57":"Mostly just trying to get at that booty.","58":"That's totally... something... I had...","59":"... God why does the sight of this thing make my brain melt out of my ears?","60":"Slowly stroking my throbbing member, Haley seems to actually get lost at the sight of my hard-on.","61":"I'd make a crack about it. But truthfully I probably get caught looking at her tits or ass like this ten times a day.","62":"You really ''dick-nytized'' me with this hog, boss.","63":"Hm. Stand-up game still needs a bit of work. But let's see if you're telling the truth.","64":"I command you to suck my dick.","65":"Ooo, yes, Master.","66":"Playing along, Haley gets down on her hands and knee and kisses the tip of my shaft with those petal soft lips.","67":"... And after this, you will also take over my chores this week so I can play video games...","68":"That's weird. The ''dick-nyosis'' is suddenly wearing off.","69":"Luckily, my weiner magic is still strong enough to keep her enraptured with my unit.","70":"Mouthing the head of my cock, toying with it using her tongue, and sending jolts of intense pleasure shooting through me.","71":"Fully wrapping her lips around it, Haley begins vigorously bobbing her head back and forth.","72":"The sensation and excitement of feeling my meat sliding in and out of her mouth is indescribable.","73":"Moaning deeply, Haley starts letting her tongue become more active. Sliding it up and around my meat as it pistons in and out of her little mouth.","74":"Growling with pleasure, I can't help but reach down and grab at that shimmering blue hair.","75":"When Haley's soft lips touch my cock, it always feels like the first time.","76":"It's easy to get distracted and carried away by the moment.","77":"But I need to be careful, because the best is yet to come.","78":"Like a playful kitten, she rolls onto her back.","79":"Opening wide, I lower my balls into her mouth and feel her gently suck on them.","80":"Her oral fixation with my gear is something I can't imagine ever getting tired of.","81":"Eager to return her affections, I reach down and begin toying with her mound. Rubbing her gently, before sliding a finger inside her welcoming slit.","82":"Mmmm... Oh, fuck! 69 me!","83":"Waiting impatiently for me to lay down on the bed, Haley practically jumps on my face and desperately slides my cock back into her mouth.","84":"I take a few moments to admire her glorious backside and toy with her, before pulling her flush pussy to lips.","85":"It's only fair that I return the favor...","86":"...Even though I'm still being very well served in this new position.","87":"With a full mouth and moaning, Haley manages to do the impossible and leaves me increasingly excited.","88":"A high pitched moan cracks in her throat and vibrates through my cock when I begin eating her out.","89":"Letting my tongue glide up the slick lips of her vagina, and finding her excited clit.","90":"Fuck! I need you inside me, right now!","91":"I laugh. Her engine must have already been hum'n. I was barely in there for more than a few seconds.","92":"But Haley is insistent. Kneeling upright and pulling my cock to her pussy.","93":"Holding her by that tiny waist, I begin sliding her down onto my shaft!","94":"I can feel her quiver in my arms when I fully penetrate.","95":"Holy shit!... Oh, god, {PlayerName}!","96":"Every inch I enter her is like another dose of some intense drug.","97":"Taking a moment to adjust to my size, Haley leans forward and begins to ride reverse cow-girl style.","98":"I love it when she does this. Don't get me wrong, she is pretty. But I sure as hell don't mind watching that ass as it pumps up and down on my cock.","99":"Her natural rhythm shows itself in the cadence of her moans.","100":"The soft, timid coos timed perfectly with the slaps of her cheeks against me.","101":"And the way she's just teasing me with that tight little butthole drives me wild.","102":"Mmm, you're big! I love your cock, so fucking much!","103":"Sometimes I wonder how a butt can be so perfect?","104":"Haley, like a good musician, knows very well how to set the rhythm when she's on top of me.","105":"Her moans fill the room maddeningly.","106":"After a lively ride on top, the flushed and glistening bombshell spins around, grinning at me.","107":"Side-fuck me. I want to feel your hands on me!","108":"I'm happy to oblige. Reaching around to grab a handful of one of her fat tits, and hooking one of her supple thighs.","109":"Pulling her in tight, I begin slowly thrusting into her.","110":"Yes! Oh, fuck. Rail me!","111":"Gentle at first, I begin to pick up speed.","112":"I have a theory on how the pace of thrust is a kind of volume control for Haley's moans.","113":"As the sex degrades into a mess of sweaty, flailing limbs, I test Haley's decibel range.","114":"Do me from behind!","115":"Another favorite. Haley and I pivot to doggy style in seconds. Proof of practice.","116":"Yes! Fuck-me-fuck-me-fuck-me!","117":"The room is filled with the wet, heavy sounds of fornication. Cries and coos and wet flesh slapping together.","118":"God, it's in so [i]deep[\/i]!","119":"You're an animal!","120":"Put it in my ass!","121":"I grin. Knew it.","122":"Grabbing her about the waist, I spin her around so I can pull her in tight.","123":"Oh my gosh! So aggressive!","124":"I respond by spitting on her back door and massaging it with my tongue. Getting her loosened up.","125":"She begins to squirm and I cinch my grip. Haley's ticklish and tends to buck. I've seen stars more than once. But, it gets her ''relaxed''.","126":"Feeling she's ready, I toss her down on the bed and move to mount her.","127":"She lets out a breathy little coo when I press the head of my stick to her anus.","128":"Fuck, you've got the tightest little asshole!","129":"Mmmm, you like it, baby?","130":"Haley, getting tighter and tighter, manages to drive me crazy like never before.","131":"I can feel her pulse between her ass and my shaft.","132":"Her expression is a mix of apprehension and pleasure.","133":"The sensation is indescribable and it seems like I won't be able to hold on for much longer.","134":"I want you to fuck me up the ass. Cum inside me, m'kay?","135":"If you insist.","136":"She pulls me to her, our lips locking while I thrust in and out of her.","137":"Her hips gyrate and rock side to side, accentuating our motions and adding new depths and angles.","138":"It's all I can take. Feeling the pulse start from deep down inside me, I fire off my load as far inside the curvy punk-rock tinklebell as I can.","139":"Waves of pleasure seem to accompany each volley of hot jizz I shoot into her, and my legs kick and struggle for grip.","140":"The sensation of my molten seed exploding inside of her sends Haley over the edge. Her body arching and pressing into mine.","141":"Her melodic wail is, and I say this as I love her, almost painfully loud.","142":"I bet it sounds lovely two apartments over though.","143":"Whatever maddening sex demons possessed us in that moment vacate our forms, and we return to lucidity panting and sweating.","144":"Haley crawls up on top of me. Awash in hormones, our skin to skin contact is like catnip to her.","145":"With cock softening, Haley's anus becomes ''uncorked'', and I feel my gratuitous load seeping out of her.","146":"She squeals and giggles at the sensation.","147":"Can I grab you a towel?","148":"Would you? I'm worried I'm going to drip your ''go-gurt'' all over the floor.","149":"I return her cheeky grin and crawl out of bed","150":"As much as I do get a wicked little kick of watching her try and make that unsteady, post-hard-fucking stumble to the bathroom, I opt to be the gentlemen tonight and fetch the lady something to clean up with.","151":"After cleaning up, Haley and I cuddle post-coitus, drifting off to sleep.","152":"I shouldn't say, but one of my favorite things is seeing you try and walk to the bathroom all dizzy and wobbly after sex.","153":"I love you, you know that?","154":"Yeah. I love you too.","155":"We cuddle up a bit tighter. And with that soft breath across my chest, I slowly drift off to sleep... I'd say a good 5 milliliters lighter.","156":"...","157":"In the dark, warm slumber, I begin to hear Haley's faint, lonely singing echoing somewhere far off.","158":"Like a tiny, vibrating thread in the dark, I follow it back up through warm, cozy depths until I'm blinking my eyes drowsily. The faint, gray glow from the window betrays the time even before I see the clock.","159":"In a surreal moment, I realize I'm still hearing the dreamy singing...","160":"... until I turn and see Haley sitting at the edge of the bed.","161":"As my faculties return, I realize I am actually hearing singing.","162":"It isn't out of character for her. Haley's artistic struggles can dog her at night. And when it does it sometimes results in these late night sessions perched on the side of the tub, singing to our fridge...","163":"... Or, just sitting on the side of the bed, quietly working out a little number to herself in her soothing, smokey vocals.","164":"She stumbles her way through some new number she's trying to figure out. Cursing to herself in frustration.","165":"But she tries again. Different notes, different lyrics, sometimes speed singing them in quick succession.","166":"It'd be adorable if it didn't seem like it was consuming her so much.","167":"I listen as she trails off from another dead end thread, in the pursuit of some perfect song she's chasing.","168":"Haley, what are you doing, girl? What aren't you hearing?","169":"Groaning and rubbing her face in her hands, I can't help but feel for her.","170":"She's her own biggest critic. And I ache at the fact that she feels like she's failing.","171":"Maybe there is something I can do to help her, though...","0":"After dinner and the dishes are wrapped up, Haley and I retire to bed to watch old sitcoms before passing out.","1":"This must be the fourth time we've seen this episode.","2":"Hey, for real, why didn't you ever tell me you played piano?","3":"Hm?... Oh.","4":"Because, honestly, I forget most of the time myself.","5":"Your parents ever make you do any hobbies or sports that you ended up wanting nothing to do with?","6":"Soccer.","7":"The only thing about it I liked were the orange slices.","8":"I was just trying to live my life minding my own business. And against my will and with no consultation, I was signed up for piano lessons.","9":"Poor baby."},"ch18__epilogue_haley.35_pawn_star.vne3":{"10":"He begins to put the array of jewelry he'd be cleaning into a tray to store. I watched him as he finishes a few quick polishes on an engagement ring.","11":"As I look at the modest sized diamond, a flicker of a thought begins dancing around in the back of my head.","12":"The clerk must have noticed me lost in thought, gazing at the ring.","13":"You in the market?","14":"Huh?","15":"The ring. It's a good stone. And comes with a good reference.","16":"It couldn't have had that great of a run if it ended up in a pawn shop.","17":"... No offense.","18":"None taken. It actually does have a sweet story.","19":"The guy who sold it needed a minute before he handed it over. He told me how it belonged to his Grandma.","20":"Her husband, his grandfather, was in the army at the time and tried to propose to her before getting sent on a combat deployment.","21":"Try and lock it down before going overseas. I get it.","22":"He chuckles before getting back to his story.","23":"But she wouldn't accept it, and told him that she would take the ring but he'd have to try again after coming back from the war alive.","24":"His grandmother always told him she believed the ring protected his grandfather through a few dangerous battles. And eventually, he returned home safe to marry her.","25":"In time, the grandmother gave it to him as a gift. Well, the man came across some tough times. Not hard to imagine, things have been a little crazy in town the past year and a fair amount of people lost their jobs in the shake up.","26":"But he still had this ring. And with the money he got from it he could keep a roof over his kids head and food on the table long enough for them to get through it.","27":"Oh, but it's a shame he had to sell the ring to support his family... I mean, he was forced to give away something special to them...","28":"Ah, but did you know he came back to the shop the other day? I even thought he wanted to buy the ring back, but he was just looking for a clarinet for his daughter...","29":"He said that right after pawning the ring, things got back on track at home and that they're doing well.","30":"So, I asked him if he didn't want to get the ring back, and he said he preferred that the ring continued its story and was sure it would end up on the finger of someone very special.","31":"Something about the story reminded me a little of Haley's journey. Another good person who came upon some hard times due to things beyond her control.","32":"Like all of us from time to time, she was down, and just needed a little help getting back up. Like how that ring was a gift that helped the woman's grandson through hard times.","33":"So, what do you think? Is there a special lady out there who this ring might be a good fit for?","34":"The crazy thing is that, for a second, I almost say yes. Before I realize the magnitude of what I'm considering, and remembering I came in here for a keyboard. I shake the thought from my head.","35":"Let's... keep it to the keyboard for today.","36":"Sure thing. Right this way.","37":"The clerk puts the tray away, and I follow him down towards the back of the store.","38":"A few hours later, and a salty trip to an electronics store after it turns out the keyboard was missing a certain adapter cord, I stepped back and admire my humble setup.","39":"I have the keyboard set in the living room. Top of the line it is not. But, it's a start.","40":"Alright, let's see if this was worth the investment or if I just bought a $220 dust collector.","41":"Stepping up to the keys, I crack my knuckles. Reacquainting myself with how this goes.","42":"It's a little rocky, at first. For starters, my hands are bigger than when I last played. I hit a few probing notes and half-remembered melodies.","43":"But, after a while, it starts to come back to me.","44":"And, in a pleasant surprise, I actually find myself enjoying it much more than I did when I was younger.","45":"The minutes slowly melt together and become hours as I peck away on the keyboard. Recalling old melodies, and eventually getting comfortable enough to attempt to play around with new ones.","46":"I ended up getting really lost in it. For how long, I don't think I could say.","47":"You bought a keyboard?","48":"Turning, I see Haley and Maggie, both arriving home after being out.","49":"He what?","50":"The ladies walk into the living room, pleasantly surprised.","51":"Wait, that music was coming from you? I thought a neighbor had their sound system up too high!","52":"You don't think it was too loud, do you?","53":"No! This is great! I had no idea you were planning on picking it back up so soon!","54":"Play me something nice.","55":"I bumble my way through a few numbers, but Haley is all giggles.","56":"This is my favorite thing ever! I love listening to you play!","57":"This hack job? You're being nice.","58":"You're not bad! Really! Especially for someone who says they haven't played for years!","59":"What was that song you were playing when I interrupted you?","60":"That? Nothing. Just some melody I was feeling out.","61":"Awesome, I want to hear it. It sounded good.","62":"Alright, but bear with me, I'm still pretty rusty.","63":"I begin tapping away at keys, working my way back through the rough little number I was working on.","64":"I continue to refine it as I play, trying to not think so hard and just playing from the heart.","65":"As I go through the song, Haley begins to sing. Seeming to feel out some lyrics.","66":"Before long we're both beginning to sync up with one another.","67":"A full song begins to form. Pulled from the deep intimacy and feeling we have from one another.","68":"The impromptu session is only interrupted when we hear Maggie sniffle.","69":"Maggie! Are you alright?","70":"The redhead wipes a tear from her freckled cheek.","71":"Yeah... That song is just so sweet! It is such [i]your[\/i] song!","72":"It made me wanna cry!","73":"Thank you, Maggie. That means a lot.","74":"Aw, Mags! We love you, babe.","75":"But seriously. That song is actually really good. You two should definitely work that some more!","76":"That could be a hit!","77":"You're just being a sweetheart.","78":"But I can't believe {PlayerName} is really picking up piano! That's so great!","79":"You got a real knack for it for someone who claims to have hated it so badly as a kid.","80":"Turns out it's not as bad as I remember.","81":"We should celebrate! I'm so excited you guys are gonna be an ensemble!","82":"Well, we haven't decided anything like that yet. I'm just relearning the piano.","83":"But, you know, I'm certainly open to it, if it seems like it'd be a good fit for the brand and all.","84":"Yeah, if it shakes out that way, great. If not, cool.","85":"Still, I'm gonna run out and grab a bottle of wine so we can toast to this!","86":"You just got home, let me go do it.","87":"You sure? I still have my shoes on and everything.","88":"Yeah, I got it. Relax.","89":"Feeling pretty excited at how things went with our first, impromptu jam session, I decide to just walk to the wine market a few blocks away.","90":"Haley and I, we just clicked. It was freaky.","91":"Making music with her is just like talking or making love with her, it just seems to come naturally.","92":"There was something... easy about Haley and I. We were puzzle pieces that happened to fit together very well on an emotional level.","93":"Back when I had to use the voice app to talk, the biggest challenge was always in the lack of inflections. Being unable to use one's voice to emotionally communicate.","94":"But it was something I never seemed to struggle with when communicating with Haley.","95":"It's weird to think that now, passing by the same pawn shop I was in this morning. And I start thinking about the ring again...","96":"That's a crazy thought. I had one good jam session and all the sudden you're certain of answers to questions that should terrify you.","97":"I'm just high on the endorphins. It's an insane thought, really.","98":"No need to get ahead of ourselves...","99":"I mean, why rush into decisions?","100":"So Haley and I click while having sex... or just talking... or hanging out on the couch watching dumb tv... or now, jamming... and I'm crazy in love with her.","101":"Is that enough to convince a man he's found that one person he's ready to spend the rest of his life with?","0":"I didn't need anything fancy. Just a simple keyboard would be fine.","1":"A search on the internet revealed some potential used options, but few were local. On one board, someone also mentioned checking out local pawn shops.","2":"There were a couple in town. I passed one on the way to school for years, so I figured it'd be a good place to start.","3":"On the drive over, I did a mental inventory of what I actually remembered from playing piano.","4":"All I need is just enough to help Haley practice and work on her numbers. I'm sure she doesn't need me to be a concert pianist.","5":"It occurs to me, as I enter, I've never been in an actual pawn shop.","6":"I nod to the clerk at the desk, who looks up from a tray of jewelry he's polishing.","7":"Hi there, can I help you?","8":"Hi! Yes, I'm looking for keyboards.","9":"Sure. We have a selection right over there. Just give me one minute and I'll be right with you."},"ch18__epilogue_haley.40_ever_after.vne3":{"3":"God, I love when she wears that dress.","4":"She's got the crowd enraptured. Her almost hauntingly beautiful voice fills the space.","5":"It's like some spell she's cast over the whole bar.","6":"I sometimes can't believe we're together. Up there, she feels like something almost ethereal.","7":"She's got that kind of magic that some people just have.","8":"With a final, strong note, she finishes up her song.","9":"The room erupts in applause and cheers. Whatever hangs ups, or blocks she was struggling with, sound like they are gone. She's got energy shooting out of her like a supernova.","10":"From the bar, Maggie and I watch her beaming up on that stage.","11":"Lord, that girl...","12":"I wonder if she knows just half of how special she is.","13":"She sure is something, alright.","14":"... I want to thank you all so much for being here tonight! You all are amazing!","15":"The crowd roars back. Yelling for an encore.","16":"Haley grins from ear to ear, biting her lips.","17":"Well, maybe just one... ","18":"Hey, you guys wanna hear something a little new?","19":"Funny story. As it turns out, my dashingly handsome boyfriend plays a little piano.","20":"She wouldn't...","21":"What do you say we get him up here to do a little number with me?","22":"My face begins to burn. I wasn't planning on this. But the crowd is clearly swayed to Haley's will. The dangers of dating someone so charismatic I suppose.","23":"With the crowd whistling and encouraging, I guess I don't have much of a choice.","24":"Looking up at her, Haley's got a mischievous little grin on.","25":"Clumsily, of course, I make my way towards the stage. Feeling a bit lightheaded.","26":"Stepping onto the stage and into the spotlight with Haley, I give her a bit of a look.","27":"Sorry. I had to. Didn't have a choice.","28":"Uh huh. I bet.","29":"Let's do our song.","30":"You sure? We've only gone over it a few times.","31":"Just... play from the heart. I know you'll get it. I'll be right there with you if you stumble.","32":"Letting out a deep breath, I take a seat at the piano.","33":"As I start to play, I feel Haley's hand on my shoulder.","34":"Just block out the crowd, focus on the keys, and just listen to Haley sing.","35":"Just like riding a bike.","36":"I can feel it, and I know she does too, our energy is vibrating like never before.","37":"After a moment, Haley gets played in, and begins her lyrics right on cue.","38":"Hitting her dreamy opening notes, every other noise in the world soon fades.","39":"[i]Dropped out of school lost my way...[\/i]","40":"[i]Working late every night.[\/i]","41":"Within seconds, it's like the only things in the whole universe is Haley's voice, and the notes that ring out from the piano.","42":"As I get lost in our duet, the apprehension and nervousness begins to fade.","43":"[i]In the bar shadows felt so small...[\/i]","44":"[i]Echoes of dreams missed them all.[\/i]","45":"With Haley at my side, I just let the music take me, and channel my feelings for the woman I love, through the keys.","46":"Like so many things, as long as I'm with Haley, playing just appears to come easy.","47":"I feel like I'm floating on cloud nine, as if playing with her has always been a part of me.","48":"[i]You saved me with your love, Lifted me above...[\/i]","49":"[i]I'm in love and happy, You're the one who found me.[\/i]","50":"I start to forget the crowd, the bar, everything. It's just Haley and I, playing together.","51":"All the challenges we faced, the struggles, the people who helped us along the way...","52":"... All of that comes out in the song.","53":"Haley wraps up the final note, and the room erupts in thunderous applause.","54":"The song hit. I haven't ever seen a crowd react this strongly before.","55":"She's positively glowing in this perfect moment.","56":"I suddenly realize what I have to do.","57":"Thank you! Thank you, so much! Let's give it up for my amazing!...","58":"Haley turns to lay some of the accolades on me, but is cut off when I take her by the hand.","59":"My heart feels like it's about to pound right out of my chest.","60":"I slowly get down on one knee, and reach into my pocket to that little cube that's been digging a hole in my thigh all night.","61":"Oh my g-...","62":"Haley, will you marry me?","63":"She seems shocked, frozen. The crowd is suddenly silent. I think you could hear a napkin hit the ground.","64":"...","65":"... [pause]Yes.","66":"I feel the sound of the crowd cheering more than I think I hear it. I'm so petrified, frankly, most of what I hear is a buzz.","67":"But Haley extends her hand, eyes already tearing up. Nearly trembling myself, I'm somehow able to get the ring on her finger without incident.","68":"Despite everything we went through, we always had each other.","69":"We always had our friends and loved ones, who were there to help us when we were down.","70":"As we share that perfect kiss, in that perfect moment up on stage. I hear the crowd begin to fade into background noise.","71":"I don't think Haley can hear them either.","72":"We're too lost in our perfect little moment, just hearing our song.","0":"It's another night. Another show.","1":"Haley is playing to a packed crowd. Breaking hearts like she always does.","2":"She's wearing that blue dress again."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.05_several_years_later.vne3":{"10":"Going back to the biggest stressor being grades and bills was strangely... melancholy.","11":"I should have known {Leah} would be the first to crack. She had an addiction to this stuff. The truth, the adrenaline, the danger.","12":"The tell was actually her improved mood and the better sex. I knew something had lit a fire in her spirit.","13":"Unable to stay off the trail, {Leah} had been moonlighting as an investigative journalist again.","14":"Confirmation came one evening after I didn't quite believe her when she said she was on her way to the library to study.","15":"Maybe not practicing the healthiest relationship behavior, I tailed her.","16":"Apparently, she had dug up dirt on some illegal dumping operation at a construction site in town.","17":"We [i]had[\/i] made a deal that we were going to take it easy on the world-saving for a while. To try and avoid making enemies or digging around where we might not be welcomed.","18":"{Leah} explained it wasn't even that big of a deal. It was peanuts compared to what we were used to. She just needed a little [i]fix[\/i] was all.","19":"She made some very compelling arguments.","20":"I was going to put my foot down when she asked if I wanted to join her little investigation project, but she had a way to sucker me in.","21":"I thought, in the back of my head, if I played along I could gradually dissuade her. Try and remind her of how boring, or dull, or stressful this life was.","22":"But that just backfired further.","23":"It all just reminded me of the thrill I would get from this kind of stuff.","24":"One more case turned into two... then three... then a dozen.","25":"The ''Nightingale Files'' was the natural evolution of our little projects.","26":"It turns out, we had a bit of a knack for this kind of thing.","27":"Enough to make a decent living, and bring a little extra justice to the world.","28":"Go ahead, say it.","29":"Say what?","30":"The bluff worked.","31":"Hey, I'm not keeping score. Lucky guess.","32":"Still, I didn't think he'd be that skittish. He moved those compounds that same evening.","33":"Well your anonymous letter was very scary. I can't believe I was right and he had them all stored in the train yard.","34":"Who knew a guy who knowingly exposed his employees to toxic chemicals could be such a slimy rat.","35":"Either way, I think a toast is in order.","36":"Here's to another closed case, beautiful.","37":"Here's to you, handsome.","38":"I take a long sip of the cold bubbly.","39":"It tastes like victory.","40":"So... what do you want to do now?","41":"{Leah} cocks an eyebrow and smiles at me. I know what that means.","42":"Taking the glass from me, {Leah} sets them on the desk.","43":"As she does, she presses that juicy caboose of hers out. Sending off more signals.","44":"I then watch as she saunters over to the window and shuts the blinds.","45":"What's the matter? Don't want the neighbors to see us drinking champagne on a weeknight?","46":"You know how I get after we close a case.","47":"Hmm? Do I? Why don't you remind me?","48":"Too impatient to play coy, {Leah} jumps me.","49":"Wrapping her arms around my neck, she pulls herself in tight and we kiss deeply.","50":"Didn't we make some rule about not getting frisky at the office any more?","51":"Mmm... Yeah, but do you want to wait until we get home?","52":"Well... Not now.","53":"Thought so.","54":"It's just, I don't want you to think less of me professionally.","55":"Uh huh...","56":"I mean, we're, like, a serious operation now. Business cards and everything!","57":"Mh hm...","58":"Kissing deeply again, she presses her nubile body against mine.","59":"I let my hands explore up and down the hills of {Leah}'s ample ass and supple legs.","60":"Lowering herself to crouch at my feet, she takes my excited cock in her hand, stroking it eagerly.","61":"God, I always get so horny after a case!","62":"All I can seem to think about is sucking your dick.","63":"I have to start closing more cases.","64":"{Leah} places one hand on my thigh, holds my cock firmly, and starts gently jerking me off while looking directly into my eyes.","65":"The rhythm is slow and steady, just how I like it. That's the perk of fucking the same person - she knows exactly how to satisfy me.","66":"The way she looks at me with desire is intoxicating. Now I'm ready for action!","67":"Leaning forward, {Leah} lets her tongue tease the head of my shaft.","68":"Licking it slowly and rubbing it across her petal soft lips.","69":"A tremor of pleasure shakes me to the core when I feel her finally wrap those lips around it.","70":"The warm, wetness of her mouth is intoxicating.","71":"Steadying herself on her pumps, I watch {Leah} putting her whole body into the act.","72":"Her hips and ass undulating rhythmically with the bobbing of her head.","73":"Blowing me only seems to get her more excited.","74":"A growing stream of hungry, desperate moans escaping from her lips, muffled by my length pistoning in and out of her mouth.","75":"{Leah} starts sucking me vigorously, moving quickly up and down while gripping my cock with her hand.","76":"Feeling her lips slide over my cock and the heat of her mouth enveloping me is one of the most intoxicating sensations in the world. I could lose myself in this for hours.","77":"But I know this is just a tease of what's to come... I can sense that {Leah} craves so much more than just taking my cock in her mouth.","78":"I have to stop her after a bit. At this rate the party will be over before it's barely started. Grabbing her arm, I stand her up and begin herding her to the couch.","79":"You're getting too good at that. I think it's my turn to have a little snack.","80":"{Leah} lets out a girlish giggle when I playfully shove her down onto the couch. Grabbing those lithe legs by her ankles, I lift them up to get a good look at my prize.","81":"Mmm... Yeah? What would you like to snack on?","82":"Grinning, I spread her legs open while kneeling down in front of her.","83":"I can feel the warmth coming off her womanhood like a radiator, as I lean in to kiss it.","84":"I lick her vagina some more.","85":"Leah moans passionately.","86":"God, you eat my pussy so good.","87":"I grin, at this point I can play her like a fiddle.","88":"{Leah} bucks and moans, her legs shaking as I wrestle her clit with my tongue.","89":"Yes... It's so good... Just put it in me already.","90":"If the lady insists.","91":"Flipping her over, {Leah} arches her back, and I press my cock to her eager slit.","92":"Well primed, it slides into her tight pocket like a glove. The walls of her vagina hug my shaft tightly.","93":"Ohhh, yes! Oh, you feel so good!","94":"Wrapping my hands around her slender waist, I rock my hips forward and begin thrusting firmly.","95":"The office is soon filled with the sounds of our flesh, slapping together.","96":"But it's not just the sound of our flesh slapping together that fills the room. Despite her best efforts, {Leah} can't contain herself, and desperate moans of pleasure escape her lips.","97":"Taking her from behind, watching her back arch and her ass lift high, ignites a primal lust within me that I can't describe.","98":"When I drive deep inside her, I can feel myself reaching her depths. The pressure against her cervix makes {Leah} shudder and cry out in ecstasy.","99":"My rod pistons in and out of her over and over again, continuing our hypnotic dance.","100":"We're soon both lost in a sea of lust.","101":"Yes, harder... harder!","102":"{Leah}'s nubile frame ungulates back and forth on top of the couch, her creamy skin contrasting against the dark leather.","103":"I grin. We've fucked hundreds of times, but she's still just as intoxicating as ever.","104":"Sit down on the couch, I want a try on top!","105":"Swapping positions, I let {Leah} climb into my lap and lower herself back down onto my hard-on.","106":"Mmm, baby! You feel so good!","107":"Speak for yourself, gorgeous!","108":"Reaching around, I grab a thick handful of her heavenly ass cheeks. Feeling the supple flesh give to my fingers.","109":"Pulling her tight, I don't waste a millimeter of skin to skin contact.","110":"I just can't seem to get enough of you!","111":"Leaning in, our lips meet, and our tongues explore each other in a deep kiss.","112":"Her perky nipples, hard as little pebbles, dig into my chest.","113":"It's then when she reaches climax. Her body writhing like a jolt of electricity was suddenly sent coursing through her.","114":"I'm glad it's at least after business hours. There'd be no way the adjacent offices would miss the passionate wail she let out.","115":"As she rides out her vigorous orgasm, my eyes are drawn down to her perfect tits.","116":"Those magnificent orbs bounce and jiggle playfully. The sight of them alone is almost enough to get me to cum.","117":"Oh... oh my god... oh my god, baby, you rocked me!","118":"Smiling ear to ear, I let her cool down a moment, gently pumping her up and down my pole to keep it warmed up.","119":"Her head still swimming from the orgasm, {Leah} giggles drunkenly when I hoist her into the air.","120":"Getting lost in each other's eyes, I savor the way she runs her fingers through my hair.","121":"Taking {Leah} while standing is one of my favorite positions. Nothing else allows me to plunge so deeply into her.","122":"She holds my gaze as she grinds against me, savoring every inch of my cock. I can feel the heat radiating from her face and her breath coming in desperate gasps.","123":"Unfortunately, as incredible as it feels, I can't sustain this position for long. Eventually, the burn in my muscles overwhelms my insatiable hunger for her.","124":"God damn, you're so hot. Why are you so hot?","125":"Still clutching the purring sex-kitten, I walk over and put her on the desk.","126":"Mmm, I love when you get a little rough and throw me around like this!","127":"What are you waiting for? I have half a mind you still haven't fucked out yet!","128":"{Leah}'s pussy is too much. That warm, wet, wonderfulness is a siren's call I can't deny.","129":"I grab those lithe legs and pull her close, sliding my cock back inside her.","130":"Oh, yes! I love you so fucking much! Cum inside me!","131":"The desk beneath us creaks and groans. Her stunning breasts bouncing in rhythm with each thrust.","132":"I love you too! You drive me fucking wild!","133":"{Leah} acts like my own personal cheerleader. Her desperate, lustful moans only furthering my arousal.","134":"Looking up, I get lost in those steel blue eyes of hers.","135":"It's like we're looking into each other's souls.","136":"Her plump, perky tits bounce with each thrust. I can't ignore them.","137":"Reaching out, I grab a handful of her warm melon, squeezing it firmly and causing her to gasp in response.","138":"Yes! Mmm, you're so deep! I love your cock!","139":"Collapsing on the desk, {Leah} lets me have my way with her.","140":"Yes! Oh, god, yes! Rail my brains out!","141":"Seemingly unable to control herself, {Leah}'s hands explore her own body, running up and down her torso and grabbing at her own breasts, struggling with the ecstasy.","142":"As she loses herself in pleasure, I concentrate on keeping the rhythm of my thrusts steady, gripping her legs firmly to hold her in place.","143":"The old wooden desk creaks in sync with my thrusts. I need to be careful not destroy it in the heat of the moment.","144":"With each thrust, my arousal intensifies, and I can feel my climax nearing. I need to restrain myself, though, as I know {Leah} is not yet sated.","145":"She eventually slides down off the desk, arching her back and pressing her ass out as if to tempt me.","146":"Take me from behind! I wanna cum again, please make me cum again!","147":"Stepping forward, I let my eyes take her all in.","148":"Admiring those dainty feet tucked into those ''fuck me'' heels, my gaze follows her shapely legs up to that stunning ass and that perfect pussy.","149":"It's too tempting not to have a little taste. Leaning down, I dig my face in between her silky soft cheeks.","150":"I feel her legs shake and buckle when I begin eating her out from behind.","151":"Mmmm... ohhhh.... You're a fucking animal!","152":"I grin in the midst of my snack. Working my tongue and lips and trying to break her composure as much as possible.","153":"Oh... god! {PlayerName}! What are you doing to me?","154":"You're so fucking hot! Oh god... I can't even think straight!","155":"With both of us primed and ready to finish, I stand back up on my feet, and slide my throbbing hard-on back inside {Leah}, feeling her shiver when I do.","156":"Holding her around that tiny waist, I pull her back down around my cock.","157":"Steadying my footing, I begin to firmly slam my hips into her, over and over again...","158":"... Listening to her coo and moan in rhythmic tempo with each thrust, her nubile body rocking back and forth.","159":"God damn, you're so fucking tight!","160":"Harder, baby! Oh, Jesus, I'm so close!","161":"In the soft light of the office, her skin glows like gold. Seemingly to be this almost ethereal being of complete pleasure.","162":"Her wet slit hugging and sucking at my cock, like it was trying to pull me in even further.","163":"Your so fucking deep! Cum inside me! I want your seed inside me!","164":"Oh god... I'm gonna... I'm gonna...","165":"Do as she's asking and cum inside her.","166":"Do it differently, cum outside her.","167":"I can't resist. Every fiber of my being is screaming at me to shoot inside her.","168":"MMmmmmmfff... Ooohhhh...","169":"{Leah}'s words are cut off, overtaken by the wailing moan of pleasure as she reaches climax.","170":"Her body bucks and writhes, pumping her hips back into me, while I enjoy gripping her firm, soft globes.","171":"...I can't hold it anymore...","172":"I just have to cum inside her. I don't see any other option. {Leah} seems to read it in my mind as well.","173":"Yes! Please! Do it, baby! Cum inside me!","174":"My mind drowning in lust, I slam my hips forward one final time, every muscle in my body tensing in bestial ecstacy.","175":"Yes! Oh, god, yes-yes-yes-yes-yes!","176":"Her squeals and whimpers of longing mirror my animalistic growls as I thrust my hips forward, releasing my load deep inside her.","177":"Oooohhhh...","178":"Fill me!","179":"I can't seem to drill down far enough, crushing my hips to her warm, soft ass as pulse after pulse of hot seed explodes into her womb.","180":"Panting like animals, we hold the embrace for a moment.","181":"The fiendish hunger for each other slowly subsiding.","182":"With legs shaking, I slowly, carefully, begin to draw my shaft from her.","183":"Savoring every millimeter of her pussy on the way out.","184":"My softening cock finally pops out of her throbbing womanhood, inciting an adorable little yelp and giggle from {Leah}.","185":"Fuck... I [i]love[\/i] when you cum inside me!","186":"MMmmmmmfff... Ooohhhh...","187":"{Leah}'s words are cut off, overtaken by the wailing moan of pleasure as she reaches climax.","188":"Her body bucks and writhes, pumping her hips back into me, while I enjoy gripping her firm, soft globes.","189":"Hmmmm, you can shoot it on my back if you want.","190":"The idea of shooting all over her and seeing my seed coat her graceful back is a sight I don't want to miss.","191":"I draw my manhood from her pussy, and slide it up between those heavenly soft buns.","192":"She slides eagerly along my length, giggling excitedly as she grinds against my cock, her body trembling with anticipation.","193":"Growling, I thrust forward one more time, and send a jet of molten spunk rocketing over her back.","194":"The orgasm turning every fiber of muscle in to steal cable as I pin her to me.","195":"-gasp-! It's so warm!","196":"Leah's squeals and gasp only heighten the spike in pure pleasure, as consciousness itself feels like it flickers and I feel another surge bubbling up from my balls.","197":"I send another volley of thick, pearly ropes whipping all over her stunning back and ass. The warm jizz spraying all over her.","198":"Yes! Please! Cover me with your cum!","199":"Drawing back my barrel back between her supple hills as if cocking a gun, I still feel one more round in the chamber.","200":"Gripping her soft flesh tightly, I prepare to thrust again.","201":"And finally, with one remaining hump, I fire off the last, lazy salvo of hot chowder all over her backside, the thick rivulets of my seed running down her stunning curves like warm icing of a freshly baked pastry.","202":"Jesus, there's more? How do you have so much cum inside of you?","203":"I just grin, looking at the utter Jackson Pollock I just painted all over her back. Some of my best work. I almost want to take a picture of it.","204":"The warmth and post sex glow still radiating from us like a supernova, {Leah} spins around and warps her arms around me so tight it almost hurts.","205":"Kissing deeply, the bliss is almost overwhelming. I could hold on to her forever.","206":"Yeah, I'd say things between {Leah} and I were going pretty well.","207":"Mmmm, that's just the perfect finish to this case I think.","208":"I'll say... So, what's next?","209":"What do you mean?","210":"{Leah}, we both know you've already got some new case cooking in the wings.","211":"Come on. You say that like I'm obsessed or something.","212":"You are, though. You have a real problem.","213":"For example, what's that secret case you think you're being sneaky about when you think I'm not looking? You know, the one in the big binder.","214":"Fine, fine. You caught me...","215":"... There is something I've been working on the side.","216":"What is it?... Oh, man. You got that excited look in your eye that makes me nervous.","217":"You really noticed me and my secret binder project?","218":"Come on, {Leah}, it's a small office. What do you got?","219":"So, something bothered me about the Silent Brotherhood.","220":"What, that it existed?","221":"In a matter of speaking, yes.","222":"The Silent Brotherhood was a legitimate, malicious secret society that existed secretly from the shadows to pull the strings of power and manipulate people's lives.","223":"If one such organization existed... why wouldn't more?","224":"Don't tell me that.","225":"I'm serious. The Silent Brotherhood existed and operated in a strata of society that few people believe even exist, but it does!","226":"Would other similar organizations operate in that same ecosystem? Other secret societies or control systems, existing just under the fabric of society?","227":"None of these organizations happen to include lizard-men, do they?","228":"{Leah} swats at me playfully.","229":"I'm being serious, come on.","230":"I'm not saying there's countless other Silent Brotherhoods out there in the shadows. I think most of these organizations are much more benign or innocuous. Many might be as simple as unofficial labor unions.","231":"Or whatever group decided crocs were socially acceptable footwear.","232":"Or cabals of industry or tech giants secretly controlling the economy or cyberspace.","233":"Okay... so, do you have any evidence of these other secret societies?","234":"Not... quite. At least not much that I can verify with any reliability.","235":"But at the same time I think any hidden organization worth its salt would be good at staying that way... hidden.","236":"So... you're going off of speculation.","237":"Perhaps. An educated hypothesis.","238":"Though, if you found out tomorrow that Bigfoot was real, wouldn't you have second thoughts about The Loch Ness Monster?","239":"I'm too tired to get into the feasibility of different cryptic species, but I feel like I'd be missing the point.","240":"Well, I'm hoping that in a couple weeks I'll have a hook up that might help me confirm my hunch.","241":"What's that?... Oh... You mean when Valerie gets released?","242":"{Leah} nods.","243":"Who better to ask about secret societies than someone who [i]ran[\/i] one?","0":"So, just like that, everything started returning to normal.","1":"After the dust all settled, the first thing {Leah} and I did was catch up on some much, much needed sleep.","2":"For our troubles, I couldn't imagine a more glorious reward.","3":"Of course, we celebrated in other ways too.","4":"The awesome part about already living together? No need to call or text for the booty.","5":"The old, comfortable, mundane routines of life came back.","6":"We returned to our lives and responsibilities largely as they were before all this kicked off.","7":"But, something was different. Regular life, the thing we had been pining for this past year was... boring.","8":"Everything just felt dampened. Numb. I got the feeling {Leah} felt the same way.","9":"I know it was the withdrawal. The comedown after so many months living on the edge. Hunting the Brotherhood, RECENTLY, Silent One, all of it."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.10_valerie_gets_out.vne3":{"10":"Yeah, well, the last couple times we got them for breakfast this week I've felt like I was gonna barf.","11":"Okay, fine. No more Sal's.","12":"The sound of the gate turns our attention back outside. We see Valerie finally emerge. A free woman.","13":"Here she comes.","14":"Fuck, this is crazy...","15":"Remember our agreement. No grilling her about the Fraternity or her time as Silent One until she gets a little time to adjust.","16":"I know, I know. We'll give her time.","17":"She almost looks like a different person.","18":"In a lot of ways, I think she is.","19":"Well, let's go say hello.","20":"Hey, Valerie.","21":"Hello, Valerie. It's good to have you.","22":"Hello... {PlayerName}... {Leah}.","23":"I'm... struggling to find the words to say for how thankful I am you two agreed to pick me up.","24":"Valerie, don't even worry about it right now.","25":"Let's just get you back home and we'll get some real food, yeah?","26":"There was definitely something different about Valerie. A new rawness to her.","27":"It was clear she was relearning how to communicate emotionally, after so many years on her twisted crusade.","28":"So, as {Leah} and I agreed, we gave her time and space to decompress....","29":"I... Can't say I was expecting what form Valerie's ''decompression'' would take.","30":"It's just depression. It's natural she's feeling this way.","31":"Yeah, clearly! I'm saying at what point do we intervene? It's been three weeks. I don't know if watching a full season of project runway between a grisly Mussolini and Mao documentary, all in one day, is healthy.","32":"I just think she's maybe taking some time to recharge her batteries. This girl's been living in an emotional cave for the better part of her life. ","33":"She could... use a little time and space to relax...","34":"Okay, well, maybe getting her to clean up after herself is a good place to start. At least give her some structure or rules.","35":"The last thing we need is her going all Howard Hughes in here.","36":"She'll figure it out. Just give her time.","37":"... But yeah, maybe encouraging a routine would be good for her... Ugh, she actually ordered anchovies! Who actually gets anchovies on pizza?","38":"What are you... are you eating leftover anchovy and mushroom pizza? ","39":"{Leah}! They've been out all night!","40":"It's fine! It's fine! They're pickled.","41":"Sorry for being hungry! Jesus, {PlayerName}!","42":"Let's just go get you some real breakfast, okay, crazy?","43":"I gotta start carrying around a candy bar for you or something. Your hanger is getting untenable lately.","44":"You know, I think at the very least, we can float Valerie a few questions about RECENTLY.","45":"See how she takes them. If she gets really weird about it, we'll back off.","46":"Alright. I can live with that.","47":"I'll be honest, I'm chomping at the bit to see whether or not she can validate my suspicions.","48":"We decided, after dinner that night, to see if Valerie was willing to talk.","49":"... Again, we just have some questions about RECENTLY and how you came across it.","50":"If you're feeling up to it. If not, that's fine too. No obligation.","51":"I can't say I agree with that. If anyone deserves an explanation, it's you two.","52":"We watch as Valerie lets out a long sigh.","53":"Okay, ask away.","54":"{Leah} gives me a nervous shrug, but if Valerie is willing to try...","55":"Okay. I want to know more about the chain of events that happened when you were being evacuated out of the Ketyristan region.","56":"Specifically, if you can, I'd like you to tell us about the man who gave you RECENTLY.","57":"Valerie seems to think about the question for a moment, then shakes her head, looking discouraged.","58":"It's just... It was a long time ago, okay?","59":"I was so young. It's all mixed up. Like sometimes I don't know what parts were real and which were nightmares.","60":"It's okay, Val.","61":"But can you try?","62":"Like I said, it's the least I owe you. Just... manage your expectations.","63":"Just tell us about what you remember from that flight.","64":"What do you remember about the scientist?","65":"It was... hazy. But, I have faint memories of speaking with him.","66":"I remember him being... odd. I suppose many of the most intellectual among us have their eccentricities, and the scientist was no different.","67":"Yet, he was still charming, in a quirky way. Not unlike many tech geniuses I suppose.","68":"He had a nervousness, or vulnerability that I must have found disarming. It didn't take us long to begin chatting.","69":"Did Amiran speak with him at all?","70":"My father... After everything he went through, he passed out not long after we took off, and I don't believe he woke up until we landed.","71":"The scientist sat nearby, and I believe we spoke mostly when everyone else was asleep.","72":"So, the scientist seemed nervous?","73":"I have a memory of him... acting in that cool, collected way that adults often do around children. To make them think everything will be alright.","74":"Looking back now, I see how scared he was.","75":"Do you remember how he approached you?","76":"He sat nearby. It was just small talk at first. Little things. Where I was from. What grade I was in.","77":"He asked me if my family owned a TV and if there were any cartoons or TV shows I enjoyed. If I played any videogames.","78":"I remember him clutching something tightly. And he'd get very quiet and nervous when someone walked by. Especially the aircraft crew or any of the Americans who came to fly us out.","79":"Always hiding the object he had under his coat when they passed us.","80":"The USB stick he gave you.","81":"It... actually wasn't a USB stick. It was a cellphone.","82":"You said at City Hall it was a USB stick. Did you misremember?","83":"I must have. It was so long ago. But trust me, it was a cellphone.","84":"So this is when he gave you the cellphone?","85":"Yes. We were talking about the war, and if it made me scared. And then he broke into his spiel about the terrible cargo he was carrying.","86":"This was when he told me about what he held in his hand, and he said those words that would sear into my soul.","87":"As terrible as it was... Something about it made me feel so... powerful. ","88":"I remember feeling so scared, so helpless, so confused during the war. And this man, just have me what might as well in my mind have been a magic wand. This weapon. I know it should have terrified me, and it did.","89":"... But after a while, it made me feel invincible. Gave me a purpose and a mission.","90":"You were a perfect victim for that manipulation. You were a child. Scared, traumatized. You couldn't have understood what was being given to you.","91":"I reveled in it. I must have seemed like a different girl from when I got on the plane. I remember taking the cellphone from the scientist, and him telling me to guard it's terrible content.","92":"When we departed the plane and the security asked if I was carrying any electronic devices, I lied as easily as breathing.","93":"And no one was in a rush to pat down and search a scared, war-displaced refugee girl the same way they were checking the adults.","94":"So... you began your new life. And the phone?","95":"For some years after that, it sat in a little tin under my bed, hidden away. It was quite a while before I gathered the wherewithal to hook it up to a computer and actually check its contents.","96":"Even after finding RECENTLY I almost got bored with it and forgot about it until I was again older and began to understand how powerful it was.","97":"Jesus. You were essentially sleeping over a digital nuke for years.","98":"In so many words, yes.","99":"The scientist had warned me when he shoved that phone into my hand with those cold, hard fingers. He told me that the program would come to define me.","100":"Do you think he was trying to warn you?","101":"I think he knew sticking that phone in my hands and setting me down that path was dooming me to a dark and lonely life.","102":"He explained how I could trust no one. Especially not the Americans on the flight. As I grew older and became a student of power, that philosophy stuck with me.","103":"This is... You went through a lot. A lot more than we learned at the debate.","104":"I know. I'm sorry. The past few years I've been trying to piece everything back together in my mind.","105":"I apologize. I know the picture I've painted hasn't always been the most clear. My memory has been so twisted and warped by time and the trauma of it all. But it's the best I can remember.","106":"Valerie doesn't seem to be lying, given how weary she becomes when discussing it.","107":"We understand. It's difficult to remember events from so long ago.","108":"Especially such difficult memories.","109":"But, the scientist was wary of the Americans in particular?","110":"Yes. He was adamant that I didn't trust them. He seemed to understand this entire adventure to rescue this group of refugees was predicated on getting access to their knowledge and software base.","111":"Arthur.","112":"He said, that day, at dinner, that the scientists had no choice but to come here... They would either work for him or agree to return to the middle of the war...","0":"A few weeks later...","113":"And knowing Arthur, he would make sure these guys would be dumped in the worst place possible if they refused the ''job''.","1":"The day {Leah} was waiting for came soon enough. Though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't dreading it.","114":"I wonder if he knew about RECENTLY back then, or if he just thought investing in a group of ex-Soviet super scientists would be worthwhile.","2":"Valerie was finally getting out of prison.","115":"Either way... this was all somewhat... taxing.","3":"And, given Valerie didn't have many people to turn to, {Leah} and I decided it would be best to take her in and help her get back on her feet.","116":"Would it be too much if I turned in for the evening? I'm a little tired.","4":"Not that either of us were ignorant of all the emotional baggage we would be juggling.","117":"Of course. Thank you for speaking with us, Valerie.","5":"Are you nervous? I'm nervous.","118":"Yeah, thanks, Valerie. Get some rest.","6":"A little, sure.","119":"We watch Valerie collect her things and retire to her room without saying another word.","7":"It's not that we haven't seen her at all. We've visited her enough times while she was in. But still.","120":"I turn to look at {Leah}.","8":"Ugh, we have to stop getting breakfast burritos from Sal's food cart.","121":"I guess it's a little more information, but not much more than we already knew.","9":"Sal's? We love Sal's! Sal's has always been good to us.","122":"Arthur grabbing up a bunch of top cyber warfare developers and squirreling them away in his labs.","123":"{Leah}'s gaze lingers on Valerie's door for a moment.","124":"What do you think about giving Valerie a job?","125":"A job?","126":"She needs a place to stay, and something to do. Some kind of stimulation.","127":"We could have her work at the office? Maybe start out as... a secretary? I don't know.","128":"It'll let us keep her close at hand, too. She's a powerful resource.","129":"Yeah... That is true.","130":"Well, we can't pay her much... Though I suppose we can balance that by letting her stay in your old room.","131":"I don't know how well she'll take to being an office assistant. It's a bit of a step down from being the head of a secret far-reaching power cabal.","132":"Maybe. But I don't know, it'll give her something to do at least.","133":"Do you think we can trust her?","134":"I think about it for a moment. Valerie has been so many different things to me over the years, it has to orient myself to gauge at what new role she plays. But, in the end...","135":"I don't think she has any masks left. I think we're seeing the real Valerie this time. I choose to trust her.","136":"{Leah} smiles.","137":"Okay, we'll offer her the gig tomorrow, then."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.15_new_secretary_new_mark.vne3":{"10":"So, where can I begin? Can I get either of you a cup of coffee?","11":"Leah and I look at each other, and shrug.","12":"Coffee would be great. Thank you, Valerie.","13":"How would you like it?","14":"Two creams and one sugar for me, thanks.","15":"I'll just take mine black. Thanks.","16":"Valerie nods and spins around, heading for our humble coffee station. It's odd seeing her move into a more subservient role, but she seems to be taking a strange comfort in it.","17":"Maybe spending so many years in a position of such power has left her yearning for a position where she's just told what to do.","18":"Or maybe it was her time in prison... It's not like you can afford to break the rules in there.","19":"Either way, it's not lost on me that she almost certainly knows how {Leah} and I take our coffee, but I appreciate her asking anyway.","20":"And she returns with our beverages and a tea for herself.","21":"Thanks, Val.","22":"Okay, back to the case at hand.","23":"Yes, I do admit I have been curious hearing you discuss work over dinner.","24":"{Leah}, this might be a good time to bring her in on your theory.","25":"I look over at {Leah}, who is bubbling in her seat with excitement. She's like a dog about to tear into a new chew toy.","26":"Theory?","27":"Valerie, aside from the Silent Brotherhood, were there... other secret organizations that you were aware of?","28":"Other secret societies, or organizations of control that were hidden from public eyes.","29":"Valerie pauses, going over her own thoughts.","30":"You have to understand, for organizations like the Silent Brotherhood, discretion and anonymity are the most coveted of assets.","31":"What separates those organizations that thrive in the shadows, and those that die off, is the ability to [i]stay[\/i] in the shadows.","32":"{Leah} is absolutely vibrating. Which is odd, given the prospect terrifies me.","33":"So, you're saying the Silent Brotherhood wasn't alone?","34":"Yes, but to be fair, I can't say much more than that.","35":"Within our business, we'd occasionally... bump into other organizations, in a manner of speaking.","36":"Manner of speaking?","37":"You wouldn't see the other organization as much as you saw their influence or footprint. The strings being pulled, the manipulations being conducted. To a layman it might seem like business as usual.","38":"But to a practitioner of the arts, we saw the work of others. And, we had to assume they saw us as well.","39":"The Dark Energy Theory of cultural and social governing.","40":"And did you ever attempt to communicate with these organizations? Were there any channels for navigating and communicating among those in that strata?","41":"It might be easier to think of it like an ecosystem of alpha predators. Groups had different territories, and you could see where their tendrils of power would reach.","42":"It is an unspoken rule that you'd stay out of another organization's territory... Unless you have the resources and knowledge to cannibalize and absorb them.","43":"Not exactly a friendly bunch I imagine.","44":"The quest for power is a zero sum game.","45":"I [i]knew[\/i] the Silent Brotherhood couldn't have been the only one.","46":"So, you never had [i]any[\/i] communications with these other organizations?","47":"On rare occasions, I had to find some way to message another outfit, or would receive cryptic messages in turn.","48":"It is a delicate dance. Rarely if ever explicit or direct.","49":"Belligerence often draws attention, so discretion and quiet diplomacy are preferred. Most of our messaging focused on deconfliction and boundary setting.","50":"It might be some odd civic ruling passed a town over. A peculiar rezoning. An asset you thought you had secured suddenly becomes unavailable or loses its value.","51":"I once had a local railway official in my pocket until I found someone else was trying to bribe him. So I had him discredited and fired abruptly in a high profile affair. After that, the organization probing its way into my rail lines stopped.","52":"I see. So you had no direct communications.","53":"Only on the rarest of occasions, and then under only the highest security. Passed physical messages, and face to face, albeit anonymous meetings. With our discussion always buried under cryptic language.","54":"I'm guessing secure communications must have been the highest premium these outfits desired.","55":"Indeed. And surveillance.","56":"Your assumptions are spot on.","57":"So RECENTLY must have put you in a particularly advantageous position.","58":"Valerie can't help but indulge in a little smirk.","59":"Our... competitors weren't foolish. Even the few communications they did share digitally were buried in code. But finding them at all provided me with a treasure trove of information.","60":"Even within the ecosystem, the Silent Brotherhood was quickly rising to dominance. Not least of all because of RECENTLY.","61":"Was there a kind of market in clandestine communications technology then? Special encryption and dark web messaging?","62":"Of course. You'd be surprised at how many mainstream firms moonlight in the dark information space.","63":"{Leah} and I share another glance.","64":"Arthur.","65":"Certainly one of the more prolific dealers in such wares.","66":"Emily's father is nothing if not observant. He saw the opportunities in digital cryptography early on and positioned himself accordingly.","67":"And I'm guessing RECENTLY is the holy grail?","68":"Correct again.","69":"RECENTLY is a weapon there is essentially no defense against. A god's eye view of all digital communication.","70":"Probably not something Arthur is going to just let lie in its grave then.","71":"I wouldn't doubt it. Reviving and cultivating it would make Arthur rich, and influential, in a way we haven't seen since the days of the East India Trading company.","72":"If I were him, I wouldn't stop until I had revived it or rebuilt it.","73":"And given he has the original staff that built the first one...","74":"It's probably only a matter of time.","75":"So, what's our plan?","76":"{Leah} pauses, thinking for a moment.","77":"Well, it's not complex, but I think we should start tailing Arthur.","78":"Since the Brotherhood came down, he's probably been rushing around trying to pick up whatever pieces of the organization he can.","79":"And a man that invested in something won't stay away from that work for long. He'll want to oversee it himself. He might lead us to where he has the actual operation to rebuild the program.","80":"It's certainly direct, but it's not ill informed.","81":"{Leah} Pregnant","82":"{Leah} is NOT Pregnant","83":"Great, in that case, I propose we start tonight, and...","84":"{Leah} stands in her excitement, but is suddenly cut off by a nauseous expression spreading across her face.","85":"{Leah}? Are you alright?","86":"... Will you two excuse me for one moment?","87":"{Leah} spins around and races to the bathroom. A moment later we hear her spew her breakfast into the toilet.","88":"Oof? Again? You feeling alright. Do you need me to hold your hair, babe?","89":"I'll check if I have Pepto in my purse.","90":"I wince from nearby, feeling a bit of a stomach roll myself at the sound of {Leah} hosing down the porcelain.","91":"Finally vomiting out the last of her stomach contents, she spits a few more times, before emerging from the bathroom.","92":"I really thought I had some, sorry {Leah}.","93":"No, I'm fine. It must have been something I ate.","94":"What is it with you and breakfast food lately? I've been eating the same thing and I'm...","95":"{Leah} and I must come to the same suspicion, the realization drawing upon our faces at the same time.","96":"We need to go to the drug store.","97":"I'll drive.","98":"A few moments later...","99":"My foot taps furiously on the kitchen floor. My mind is racing.","100":"I shouldn't get ahead of myself. It could be a ton of things. Bad breakfast burritos, the flu, it could have been...","101":"... Me shooting loads all willy-nilly into my girlfriend.","102":"And at the thought, {Leah} emerges from the bathroom, holding up the test.","103":"Hey, {youAreHer}... I got some big news...","104":"And just like that, my entire world has changed.","105":"I always wondered how I would take the news. What kind of decisions {Leah} and I would have to make. But in the moment, when reality hit me, there was only one path forward in my mind. And {Leah} was the same.","106":"I can't believe we're going to have a kid!","107":"I can't believe I'm going to get an extra little version of you!","108":"How do you know that it won't be a new little version of you?","109":"Man, that would rule. Another smaller version of me would be awesome.","110":"{Leah} giggles.","111":"But it's about now when the other foot falls, and the fear and anxiety of it all begins to make itself known again.","112":"What's the matter?","113":"Don't get me wrong. I'm 100% on board with having this baby, but...","114":"... I can't ignore the fact that we might be bringing this kid into a dangerous and uncertain world.","115":"We make enemies, {Leah}. By the nature of our chosen path we start trouble with people who very much don't like troublemakers.","116":"{Leah} sighs heavily, not ignorant to reality either.","117":"The thought had occurred to me.","118":"But we can't just walk away from this fight. Someone has to stand up to men like Arthur and the Silent Brotherhood.","119":"How are we going to bring a kid into a world that we aren't willing to save ourselves? What kind of people does that make us?","120":"So, what do we do?","121":"She gives me a smile that I'm sure could melt a glacier.","122":"I guess we'll just have to be extra careful going forward.","123":"After all, we're watching out for [i]three[\/i] asses now.","124":"Hey... I love you, you know that?","125":"I love you too.","126":"Now, come on. We need to go get snacks. Especially if we're going to be out late tailing Arthur.","127":"Great, in that case, I propose we start tonight.","128":"Valerie, you just started, so I'm not going to ask you to do anything as risky as tailing a mark. But if you wouldn't mind holding down the fort in the office, it would be a huge help!","129":"I would be happy to, {Leah}.","130":"Okay, that's a start I suppose. Tail Arthur and see if he actually leads us to where he keeps his secret lab.","131":"But hey, {Leah}, can I talk to you for a second?","132":"Sure.","133":"I pull {Leah} aside, my anxieties becoming a bit too big to keep to myself.","134":"What's up? Everything okay?","135":"Yeah. I just wanted to take a pause and do a gut check.","136":"Look, I've been with you through all of this 100%...","137":"... You worry all the time!","138":"But, that said, ultimately I am with you on these cases.","139":"And the last year has been great! Maybe the best of my life.","140":"But we were managing a much smaller level of risk.","141":"It's just... we haven't taken on anything as serious as this in a long time.","142":"And last time, it's not like we made it through unscathed.","143":"And that was with [i]one[\/i] spooky, unchained, dangerous secret power cult. What you're talking about is sticking it to [i]all[\/i] of the dangerous, secret power cults!","144":"Are you saying we shouldn't do it?","145":"I just think... we need to tread lightly. And not underestimate Arthur.","146":"To my relief, {Leah} sighs and nods in acknowledgement.","147":"Yeah. You're right.","148":"We have no reason to think Arthur's become any less dangerous or powerful in the past year. It would be foolish to get too cocky.","149":"I promise, I'll play things a bit more cautiously this time around.","150":"I'm not exactly eager to go back to living life constantly looking over my shoulder.","151":"Thank you. It means a lot to me to hear you say that.","152":"{Leah} chuckles darkly.","153":"Who knows. Maybe we'll get lucky and the most dastardly thing Arthur is guilty of is making bloat-ware.","154":"Come on, let's go hit up the convenience store before we start to stake Arthur out. Snack choices are going to make or break this case.","0":"The following morning, we arrived at work with the newest employee of the Nightingale Files.","1":"So, like I was saying, we mainly need help correlating our data and organizing things around the office.","2":"Having someone to help run things when we're not here would be incredibly useful.","3":"It's up to you. If all you are up for is answering phones and taking messages, that's cool. But if you'd like to help out with the cases, you are more than welcome.","4":"And... again, it's not like we think of you as just a secretary or just someone to answer the phones...","5":"Huh? Oh, {Leah}, honestly if all you needed me to do was answer phones, I'd be grateful. I really appreciate even being considered for a job.","6":"I had some lingering fears that Valerie might be insulted at the offer given her high intellect and previous experience. But I also had some suspicions that she was hungry for anything that would stimulate that intellect.","7":"And she appeared truly and sincerely grateful. To be fair, working on the complex problems and cases we pursue at the Nightingale files likely held some intrigue with her.","8":"Thank you, again. I look forward to becoming a valuable and contributing member to your team.","9":"Valerie's temperament and body language seems to shift on sight, evolving to her new found role."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.20_stake_out.vne3":{"10":"No, I swear! I've been watching the house the whole time. Jesus {Leah}, you are here with me the whole time...","11":"Then where did they go?","12":"They, uh... maybe fell under the seat?","13":"Do we have anything else to eat in here? I'm starving.","14":"Let me check... I think we have some gummy bears somewhere...","15":"That'll have to do. Hand them over.","16":"I reach into the glove compartment, feeling her intense stare as I retrieve the small bag of candy. Two weeks of surveillance with a pregnant spy has definitely tested my survival skills.","17":"{Leah} flashes me a little grin.","18":"You know, I think it says a lot about the strength of our love that after almost two weeks cooped up in a car with you I only [i]kind of[\/i] want to kill you?","19":"Does it now?","20":"If I became an astronaut and went on a two-year Mars mission, spending 6 months there and 6 months traveling back in a camper-sized spacecraft, would you come with me?","21":"Hey, man, we don't know how much longer we're going to be here staking out Arthur. You can't walk me into questions like that while we're in such a confined diplomatic environment.","22":"Well, that gives me my answer, I guess.","23":"I imagine that while you go away to astronaut school we'd get a dog so I'd have someone to keep me company. And it's not like we can just [i]both[\/i] leave our child for two years.","24":"You really are a politician.","25":"What about the house? See anything going on?","26":"Same as before. Nothing.","27":"He'll check in eventually. Arthur's nothing if not invested in his projects.","28":"Judging how he raised his daughters, I'm sure he doesn't go long without poking his nose in on his prized operation.","29":"We've trailed him to work, a couple dozen appointments or business meetings... Are we sure his lab isn't in his office? Or hidden in plain sight somewhere that we're just not seeing?","30":"I've cased his office and other properties. There's no way he has some secret lab hidden away in any of them.","31":"And every place we've seen is too open. Too porous for real security.","32":"No, Arthur wouldn't trust an innocuous facade over a hard, controlled environment. And certainly not after his house got broken into and his tech stolen from there.","33":"Maybe he's gone to the lab when we haven't been around to watch him.","34":"Possibly.","35":"Speak of devil.","36":"Up the street, we watch Arthur's car pull out of the garage and head west.","37":"Maybe we'll get to catch him during one of his secret, late night Burger Queen shame feasts.","38":"I'd pay good money to see him try to eat a double-bacon-BBQ-burger while sitting in the driver seat of his car, again.","39":"I start the car and carefully pull out to follow Arthur and see where he is going at this late hour.","40":"We tailed him for a little while, almost losing him twice. He was acting a lot cagier than someone on a late night munchies trip.","41":"No, this was something much more serious.","42":"Well, it sure isn't Burger Queen.","43":"I saw him pull off and park ahead somewhere. You see him?","44":"... There he is. Crossing the road now.","45":"He's going into that building... ''Delta Point Solutions''.","46":"What do you think? Could it be some kind of bank?","47":"It's got enough security for one. That name is a front for sure.","48":"Why do you think he's entering on foot?","49":"Good question... Maybe he doesn't want records of his car plate entering the building?","50":"Heavily guarded, even at night... I don't want to jump to any conclusions, but it sure seems like it could be a secret cyber-lab.","51":"Hard to get more info from here...","52":"Well, we know where it is. We can call it a night and check up on the place in the morning, see if there's anything we can dig up on the company or the building's history.","53":"You don't wanna hop out and snoop around?","54":"Not with that amount of heavy duty security.","55":"Wuss.","56":"I'm kidding. You're right. Let's head home. I need a shower. We'll pick up the trail in the morning.","57":"With that, I put the car in drive, and start heading back towards the other side of town.","58":"Though I can't say I slept well. This whole case was starting to give me a bad feeling.","59":"{Leah} hardly slept a wink either, judging by her tossing and turning. But I think her restlessness was more due to excitement than anxiety.","60":"The next morning at the office, {Leah} could barely contain her excitement, as she dove into research of what Delta Point Solutions was, and the mysterious site that we trailed Arthur to.","61":"So, get this, before it was Delta Point Solutions, it was Western Business Enterprises, and before that, Dynamic Digital Solutions.","62":"Those all sound predictably vague and amorphous.","63":"Each one offers a more obscure and esoteric suite of services than the last. Definitely fronts for something.","64":"All held by various offshore entities. Though I wouldn't doubt for a moment it's all just a shell game being played by Arthur.","65":"[i]But[\/i], digging into the city records, things get more interesting.","66":"The site has a three level basement, and has significant and routine upgrades to its power infrastructure and venting.","67":"Sounds like they are drawing a lot of electricity and need to ditch a lot of heat.","68":"Which could be a lot of things... computer lab included.","69":"It fits the bill.","70":"Right here in Shale Hill, too. He does like to keep things close to his chest.","71":"Obviously, we could do more to confirm it. I think we could sit on it for a night or two. See what security is like.","72":"Then maybe, once we have an idea of the layout, take a closer look.","73":"{Leah} beams with an eager energy that I can't help but be wary of. She really is a fiend for this.","74":"{Leah} Pregnant","75":"{Leah} is NOT Pregnant","76":"But the sight of Arthur's shadow facility, complete with its imposing security, has only further stirred up my concerns.","77":"{Leah} doesn't seem burdened by it, and that makes me nervous. ","78":"Hey, listen. Maybe we go in a little easier on this one.","79":"What's the matter? You're not getting cold feet, are you?","80":"No, but we just had a talk a couple weeks ago about how we can't be charging in recklessly like we used to.","81":"Whatever Arthur has in there, it seems like he wants to keep it off the books. I don't think we should take him lightly.","82":"What makes you think I'm taking this lightly?","83":"You have that same look in your eye as that Christmas you got your first real bike, and were so excited to test it you forgot you didn't know how to ride one yet.","84":"You think I'm biting off more than I can handle?","85":"Just remember, we're ''watching out for three asses now'', remember?","86":"And I'm not saying this to be mean, but you're not exactly going to be getting any more nimble in these coming months.","87":"Leah gawks at me in indignant outrage... maybe masking her realization that I'm not wrong.","88":"[i]I[\/i] am still plenty spry, mister!","89":"And yeah, maybe I'm a bit excited, but this is a significant break! We have a lead on something Arthur very much wants hidden and locked away.","90":"It must be clear I'm failing to mirror her enthusiasm.","91":"What's the matter?","92":"Seeing all that heavy security, and how seriously Arthur wants to keep this under wraps, it's got me nervous again.","93":"We haven't gone up against anyone this dangerous in a long time.","94":"I just think we shouldn't push our luck like we did in the old days. Arthur likely has reflected on and invested some significant resources into security since then. He's only going to be more difficult to outmaneuver this time.","95":"Given the history here, I'm worried you're letting your desire to stop Arthur get ahead of your own self-concern. And I think I'm more worried about something happening to you than you are.","96":"{Leah} gives me a warm, sympathetic smile, and touches my arm.","97":"It means a lot that you still worry that much about me.","98":"And yeah, Arthur has probably gotten smarter and more careful.","99":"But we've gotten a lot better too, don't forget that. We're not exactly rookies at this anymore.","100":"I hear ya. Lets just avoid drifting into complacency, yeah?","101":"Deal.","102":"I promise I will not rush headlong into things.","103":"Thanks. I know it's tough when we have a lead this hot, but I appreciate it.","104":"Now... let's get back to the thrilling task of looking up archived zoning, civic restructuring and permit documents.","105":"The excitement is palpable.","106":"I consider the stack of dry, dull, bureaucratic files sitting on my computer, waiting patiently for my attention.","107":"Valerie, who was working nearby, must have noticed me wearily rubbing my eyes as I returned to work.","108":"A moment later, she places a fresh cup of coffee on my desk, and drops off a tea for {Leah}.","109":"Thanks, Valerie. And keep them coming.","110":"Happily. Do you still want me checking through major fiber optic installations in that section of the city?","111":"That'd be great, thanks.","112":"Valerie had been adjusting shockingly well to her new job at the Nightingale Files.","0":"{Leah} and I sit in my car, bored out of our minds, as we spend yet another evening on a stake out.","113":"We threw her in the deep end when she started, given me and {Leah} have been preoccupied with tailing Arthur, Valerie was left to largely run the office on her own.","1":"And maybe, after a couple of weeks of trailing Arthur, we're getting a little complacent and distracted.","114":"Work done to upgrade the utilities on that block go back pretty far. Many predate digital records. I've had to schedule an appointment at the city archive to see the ones going back fifteen years.","2":"{Leah} Pregnant","115":"That sounds exciting.","3":"{Leah} is NOT Pregnant","116":"Don't get me wrong, I am happy RECENTLY is gone....","4":"Do we have any more of those sour cream chips?","117":"... But doing tedious research work like this to find a crumb of information makes a little part of me miss the days when juicy nuggets of intel would just fall in my lap whenever I accessed RECENTLY.","5":"How do you tell the woman you love she just pounded the whole bag in an hour? It's a delicate situation, fraught with peril.","118":"It certainly had its advantages.","6":"I've been cooped up in a car with her for nearly two weeks now and the hormonal shift is making itself apparent. ","119":"I realize that saying as much might be insulting or insensitive to Valerie, and decide to apologize.","7":"Maybe it's safer just to lie. ","120":"But when I turn to do so, Valerie has a strange look on her face.","8":"I... You know, I don't see them.","121":"Valerie? Is everything okay?","9":"Did you eat them?","122":"That was a dumb thing for me to say. About RECENTLY. I'm sorry.","123":"No, it's not that.","124":"What is it then?","125":"...","126":"What if there might be a way to get back on RECENTLY?","127":"{Leah} and I pause to look at each other, then back at Valerie, waiting for her to explain.","128":"Do you remember how I mentioned the old scientist gave me a phone? The one that had RECENTLY on it?","129":"Yes.","130":"Well, I never got rid of it.","131":"We might be able to use it to get back into RECENTLY.","132":"Where's the phone?","133":"A couple hours later, I walk into our old Student Council Meeting room at Annette-Taylor High.","134":"It took me forever to get past the admin office. It's the first time I've been back since I got my new voice, and the women working there talked my ear off when I checked in to visit.","135":"I used the excuse of dropping in to say hi to my old Poli-Sci teacher.","136":"I wonder how long Valerie had the phone hidden here?","137":"I slip into the old meeting room on my way to see Mr. Danvers.","138":"School was out, so I wasn't too worried about being interrupted. I must have looked like someone coming back for their old weed stash.","139":"Huh... I wish it were something as innocuous as a bag of stale joints.","140":"The solid old cell phone I pulled out of the vent felt strangely heavy, weighed down by all the suffering its contents have caused.","141":"Part of me hopes it never even turns on, and any memory on its card is corrupted beyond recovery...","142":"... But another part of me hopes that monster is still kicking around somewhere in there."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.25_getting_recently_access.vne3":{"10":"It's alright. Just some teething issues the phone is having when working with western computers. Just hit okay.","11":"The error dismissed, I'm shown a relatively sparse drive. What little I can make out appears to just be firmware. But there's one icon that looks curiously out of place.","12":"Just drag it onto the desktop. It should auto-initialize once there.","13":"I do as Valerie instructs. A moment later, that familiar blue screen flashes to life on the monitor.","14":"I'm feeling a strong mix of emotions at the moment. Certainly having access to the program again presents a huge number of potential opportunities... but this kind of power seldom comes without cost.","15":"A login prompt appears.","16":"Hold on, I have to key you in.","17":"Valerie jams in her code, and RECENTLY begins to populate with all its old features. But also, a few that seem new to me.","18":"Is this... This looks different from the version I remember. Besides, my RECENTLY basically stopped working after the fire in the server room.","19":"I believe it's because this is RECENTLY with the full suite of features awarded by the master admin account.","20":"Master admin? What, does it see into the future now?","21":"How is it different from the one {PlayerName} and I were using before?","22":"Well, of its unique features, one of the charms of the master admin account was network account management.","23":"It allowed you to see and monitor what other users on RECENTLY were doing.","24":"It explains how you were able to stay two steps ahead of us back during... well...","25":"Indeed. If you just go to that menu there... and then click that... And...","26":"... That's... odd.","27":"What?","28":"When I last used it, there were only the original twelve accounts registered to the network.","29":"I find the list that Valerie must be looking at. Counting out the number of accounts.","30":"Thirteen.","31":"That can't be.","32":"Is there any way to pull up who it might be? Or when it was created?","33":"We can try to...","34":"Before we can dig further, a new popup appears across the screen, stopping us all in our tracks: a message.","35":"[c_green]privet","36":"We all just stop and stare at the screen. Someone is trying to talk to us through RECENTLY.","37":"''Privet''?","38":"''Hello''. It's Russian.","39":"And what is ''Stary Ucheny Chelovek''?","40":"Loosely translated it would be something like Old Science Man.","41":"Old Science Man?","42":"I type back:","43":"Who are you, old scientist?","44":"How strange to send messages and ''be'' the silent one this time.","45":"[c_green]good question","46":"[c_green]You could say I'm the real ''silent one''","47":"What's the move here? Do we respond?","48":"My heart is pounding in my chest. The possibilities of who it might be are vast and few are good. NSA, CIA, FSB?","49":"IRS? All numbers of scary three letter acronyms swim around in my head.","50":"A follow up message populates the screen.","51":"[c_green]many years ago i took a flight with a scared, quiet little bird with the brightest green eyes","52":"{Leah} and I both look over at Valerie, who stares back at the follow-up message intently, trying to process it.","53":"It... couldn't be...","54":"Couldn't be what?","55":"He's telling the truth. He's the real Silent One. The scientist. The scientist from the plane who gave me the phone.","56":"We need to be careful. We don't know for sure who we're talking to.","57":"Before I can formulate a plan, {Leah} leans over. Her finger feverishly typing out a response.","58":"You gave the little bird a magic box that let her see people's thoughts.","59":"I'm stunned by {Leah}'s unilateral and sudden response, but it's already sent. Now the three of us just wait, breath bated, for a response.","60":"[c_green]And I gave the little bird a mission to teach the world about the box. but if the little green eyed bird was successful, we wouldn't be having this conversation now","61":"The words seem to cut deep. Valerie stares blankly at the screen for a moment.","62":"It is him.","63":"Another message populates, and I look down to read it.","64":"[c_green]burn the phone and computer. don't mention this to anyone ever again","65":"Shit. We're losing him.","66":"{Leah}'s fingers continue to fly across the keys, trying to just keep him on the line.","67":"It's not safe to talk?","68":"The three of us just watch the screen for a moment, wondering if there'll be a response.","69":"[c_green]it is safe for now. just tunneled back into the old architecture. currently no chat log. will not stay that way for long. they don't know i found my way back in, but i cannot keep it hidden forever","70":"What were you doing on RECENTLY?","71":"[c_green]listening","72":"Listening?","73":"For what?","74":"[c_green]anyone","75":"Why?","76":"[c_green]to warn them","77":"[c_green]as per my previous message. burn phone. burn computer","78":"{Leah}'s finger dance across the keyboard and another message goes out.","79":"Wait! Are you being held in a facility against your will with other Scientists under the coercion of a man named Arthur? Are you situated in a city called Shale Hill? Are you being forced to develop illegal and dangerous cyber weapons?","80":"For what seems like an eternity, nothing.","81":"I look back at Valerie, who seems weirdly catatonic.","82":"[c_green]you cannot help us. they have many ways to hurt us","83":"How did you get back into RECENTLY?","84":"[c_green]was able to piece some of it back together from the remains of burnt hard drives","85":"The fire...","86":"[c_green]cannot speak longer. someone will get suspicious. i must go","87":"Quick, ask if he can meet us in person!","88":"Can we meet?","89":"[c_green]no. too dangerous. log off. destroy phone. destroy computer. use high powered degausser or completely burn hard drive to ash. do not attempt contact again.","90":"Dammit!","91":"In a rush, {Leah} leans over and quickly types out a parting message.","92":"If you are able to meet, we will be at the Northwest Corner of the third level of Bridge Street parking garage in Shale Hill between 10:00 PM and 02:00 AM every night for the next two weeks.","93":"We freeze, waiting to see if there'll be any more response...","94":"... But, nothing.","95":"I look over at Valerie, who had been quiet for some time.","96":"Are you okay?","97":"Yes. I'm just... processing an interaction with someone who I never thought I'd speak to ever again.","98":"She pivots off the subject rapidly.","99":"If we're going to be staking out the parking garage at Bridge Street, we'll likely need an overnight pass. I'll see about securing us one.","100":"Valerie walks off to see about the pass.","101":"She seems to have taken that in stride.","102":"Right? First time in the better part of two decades she actually gets to speak with the man who defined and ruined her life... And the best he can muster is calling her a failure.","103":"Somehow I think this [i]original[\/i] Silent One is lacking in people skills.","104":"I'd guess you're right. And you just locked us into six hour shifts for two weeks straight sitting in a parking garage.","105":"And I don't even know if he even can get out. But, it might be our only shot. He seemed skittish at the prospect of talking online, even through RECENTLY.","106":"And worse still, he even got it back up and running in the first place.","107":"The realization that Arthur was much further ahead in reviving RECENTLY sends a shudder up my spine.","108":"Let's hope he shows, then. He might be our only shot at putting a stop to this.","0":"It was well into the evening when I got back to the office.","1":"Grabbing an old cell phone was a one-person job, hardly worth Valerie and {Leah} sitting in the car for hours doing nothing. They had stayed behind to work the case from here.","2":"Did you get it?","3":"I grimly hold up the old device. Something seems to flash in Valerie's eyes, though it's still hard to say what it was.","4":"We might not want to fire this up on one of our main computers. I think I have an old laptop in the back.","5":"It took another half hour to get our sacrificial laptop updated and ready for its mission.","6":"Okay... here we go.","7":"With Valerie and {Leah} hovering over me, I plugged the phone up to the computer, and powered it up.","8":"Is it working?","9":"The drive folder popped up on the desktop. It kicked out some strange messages about localization. Much of it is in what looks like Russian."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.30_secret_meeting.vne3":{"10":"I worry about Valerie and how she'll react to meeting the old scientist - the ''real Silent One.''","11":"She said she wanted to help. Plus, she's the only connection we have to this guy.","12":"Let's just hope she doesn't pull out scissors and ventilate him.","13":"Valerie turns and walks over to where {Leah} and I are standing by the car.","14":"It's almost 02:00 hours. That'll be the end of our window.","15":"It's looking like tonight was another bust.","16":"Yeah. If he hasn't shown up by now, I don't think we'll see him tonight.","17":"I'll start the car.","18":"I turn to hop in the vehicle when I notice a figure that seems to appear from the corner of my eye.","19":"{Leah} lets out a gasp in surprise when she finally sees him.","20":"He's an older man, his hair gray and face lined with wrinkles. His posture makes him seem smaller, meeker than he actually is.","21":"But his eyes are sharp and piercing. Betraying a severity to his character not done justice by his otherwise harmless appearance. ","22":"Those eyes scrutinize the three of us, but mostly lingering on Valerie, who stares back in near disbelief. Like she's trying to recognize him.","23":"You were the little bird I shared a plane ride with, yes? I recognize those big green eyes.","24":"... Y-Yes. My family tried to escape...","25":"The man shakes his head in disgust.","26":"Foolish as children! Did I not warn you all to give this up?","27":"Did the Green Eyed Bird not explain to you how dangerous the fire that you now play with is?","28":"You will gain no fame or fortune from its use! Only regret!","29":"I will warn you, again, as the folly of youth is they can never be warned just once. Forget what you seek, and walk away now!","30":"Silent One, his warning imparted, turns to leave, when he's stopped by Valerie.","31":"W-wait!","32":"Why me?","33":"Huh?","34":"Why me!? Why did you give RECENTLY to me? Why did you set me on the path? To do only evil with it so that the world would see it for what it was?","35":"The old scientist now stares at Valerie in disbelief. The very question seems almost absurd to him.","36":"You... actually tried to do what I asked?","37":"I gave my life to it.","38":"Not just mine... others.","39":"I need to know... Why did you pick me? Why did you lay it on my shoulders?","40":"As if the answer was as plain as day, the old man just scoffs.","41":"Because I was a fool. A damned fool who barely understood what he himself had created.","42":"One too scared to then stop what he once so eagerly created. So, in his cowardice, he laid that burden on a frail little child instead.","43":"His words may still drip with cynicism, but they are not without the terrible regret he clearly bears, looking at a still broken Valerie.","44":"So I was... just the nearest warm body you could pawn your pandora's box onto?","45":"A naive girl, asking why the world would deal such a cruel hand to one so innocent. As if you yourself weren't born Ashberani.","46":"He sniffs, and straightens himself up, as if to push through a moment even he realized was callous.","47":"No, you are all still young. You have the rest of your lives ahead of you.","48":" Again, I implore you, forget all this business and just get on with your lives. For the sake of your happiness and very likely, safety.","49":"The man again speaks with a grim finality, and tries to turn to leave again. Valerie appears speechless. Still trying to decompress his answer for her.","50":"Please, we're trying to stop the man who has imprisoned you and your colleagues.","51":"If you didn't care you wouldn't have even showed up tonight. So, please, help us. Tell us about the lab.","52":"Impatient, he lets out a heavy sigh and turns back to us.","53":"You already seem to have a good idea. Some of my fellow academics and myself charted safe passage out of our war torn lands for the price of our indentured servitude.","54":"We traded one despot and oppression for another. It is the way of the world. Now we are forced to toil away, creating new weapons for them.","55":"You're clearly against this, though. Otherwise, why meet us?","56":"Of course I'm against it! I regret helping to create RECENTLY, ever learning to code. A stupid, overly curious boy who wondered if he could find a work around in the game... heh... game...","57":"There is no humor in his laugh. Only a grim sobriety.","58":"It all seems so far away when you are cloistered in academia.","59":"Then help us stop it. Help us put an end to Arthurs grip on you and your compatriots. And help us put a stop to him creating and unleashing the next RECENTLY on the world.","60":"Girl, a building full of the smartest men on the planet have spent most of their life with that question bouncing around in their head.","61":"Clearly you're not completely imprisoned. You were able to sneak out and meet us.","62":"Yes, you are correct. My prison is a decent apartment, a reasonable allowance, and a small semblance of comfort if I work hard enough.","63":"But as I said, our mutual friend has many ways of hurting us, and the people we care about, if we act out of line.","64":"And even coming out to meet you was a gamble.","65":"Come on, all the time and you never came up with any plan for getting out from under Arthur's thumb?","66":"There has to be something that can be used as leverage in your favor.","67":"Please... Why don't you start by telling us your name.","68":"You can call me by the name you already know: Stary Uchyony. And as for your names I don't give a damn. I don't want to know them.","69":"... If there were something to use against Arthur, it would be stored on the primary mainframe at the lab, but the encryption is airtight.","70":"The only way to access it is through the use of a specially programmed USB key, and the only copy never leaves Arthur's person.","71":"If we had the key and could get into his encrypted files... Maybe we could find something to counterbalance the information he has on us.","72":"But it's an impossible task. You'd never get close enough to retrieve it from him, and even if you did take it he'd have the codes changed immediately!","73":"So, if we were able to get the USB key from Arthur, we could find some way to get it to you.","74":"And you are, what? CIA spooks? KGB? Professional Cat Burglars?","75":"We're, uh...","76":"Independent investigative journalists.","77":"The old man chuckles, waves his hand dismissively, and gives us one final warning before walking away.","78":"Do not try to contact me again. I cannot guarantee it will be secure the next time we speak.","79":"With that, he disappears among the vehicles.","80":"It begs the question, why even show up? Just to warn us off again?","81":"That... didn't go quite as well as I hoped.","82":"I turn to see Valerie looking down at the pavement, apparently still trying to decompress her brief and raw exchange with the man whose actions shaped her life.","83":"Valerie?","84":"Hmm?... Oh, forgive me. I was just thinking.","85":"It shouldn't be any surprise, really. I guess I fooled myself into not knowing what to expect.","86":"Half the men on that plane... maybe all of them, would have traded what was on that phone to Arthur at the drop of a hat. Or for a better deal.","87":"I was simply the safest choice for him to hide RECENTLY with, I guess.","88":"Valerie... It's not that simple.","89":"Maybe it isn't... but at the same time, it is.","90":"There is no sense in worrying about it. We're powerless to change the past.","91":"It's late. We should head home.","92":"I feel like this was a lot more impactful on Valerie than she's letting on. But probing a potentially emotionally fragile person in a dank parking garage at two in the morning is probably not the smartest move either.","93":"Shrugging, and feeling like our lead just literally walked away, we trudge back to the car to head home.","94":"Are any of you adept at coding?","95":"I turn to hop in the vehicle when I notice a figure that seems to appear from the corner of my eye.","96":"Huh?","97":"Coding. Can any of you code? Script? Program?","98":"I can code.","99":"I see... You have access to the admin account and privileges, that means this might work.","100":"Script an innocuous and empty program to... I don't know... monitor for corrupt files in RECENTLY.","101":"You'll need to target it and bury in something no one would go looking for without good reason... The old heat map system! It's vestigial and not in use, so the new program will just look like a background process.","102":"And what is the monitor code supposed to do exactly?","103":"Instruct it to routinely send out a ping giving the system a clean bill of health.","104":"Here is the tricky part: you [i]have[\/i] to write it in the style of soviet machine languages, do you understand? Don't write it out like you would after spending two weeks in some cheap modern coding bootcamp!","105":"Okay, but then what?","106":"If, and [i]only[\/i] if you manage to secure the USB drive from Arthur, have RECENTLY trigger a warning that some corrupt data was found.","107":"If I see the error, I will return to this spot, at midnight, at some point within the first two weeks following the error message. If I don't appear by then... destroy the drive and run.","108":"Remember, contact me [i]only[\/i] if you have the drive!","109":"Wait, you can't tell us anything else?","110":"No. I must go. I've taken too long as it is, and I may already be dead.","111":"The shadowy man spins around, and disappears into the belly of the parking garage.","112":"... I do wish he could have at least recommended a book or something on Soviet Industry Machine Code. Something tells me that tutorials on syntax and structure aren't going to be a google search away.","0":"Five nights later, Valerie, Leah, and I were well into the routine of waiting for a meeting that might never come.","113":"With our fateful first meeting with the old scientist at its abrupt conclusion, I drive Valerie and Leah back home.","1":"Hovering around my car, we wait in the empty, lonely parking garage, watching another hour creep by.","2":"Ninety-Nine percent boredom. One percent heart pounding adrenaline.","3":"Huh?","4":"This job.","5":"Oh, yeah. That checks out.","6":"Did you ever think that you'd be waiting in a shadowy parking garage late at night to try and meet some mysterious ex-soviet scientist to learn about some dangerous conspiracy?","7":"No, I can't say I thought that's how things would turn out.","8":"If we keep things up at this rate, we'll have to start investing in laser watches and cars that double as submarines.","9":"{Leah} looks over to where Valerie is standing. She is staring off into the distance."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.35_planning_stages.vne3":{"10":"Good, they're here.","11":"{Leah} opens the door, showing Emily and Iris in.","12":"Hello.","13":"Hey, {PlayerName}, {Leah}...","14":"...Valerie.","15":"Emily, Iris. You're looking well.","16":"Emily still hadn't forgotten much of what Valerie had perpetrated while in power. I couldn't say I blame her.","17":"Luckily, as a personal favor, she agreed to be civil. And that's really all I could ask for.","18":"So, I'm guessing you didn't have us all down here for a big Annette-Taylor reunion.","19":"You're going to want to take a seat, this is going to be a long story.","20":"{Leah} and I get the sisters up to speed on what transpired the last few weeks, bringing them right up to the meeting we were currently having.","21":"So, this thumbdrive our father supposedly carries on him at all times is some key to freeing the scientists he has working for him?","22":"That's what Silent One believes. There should be some info on the main server at the lab they can use to bargain their way to freedom.","23":"That, of course, just brings us to the obstacle of getting the thumb drive off of Arthur.","24":"Can you two verify that claim? Did you ever notice Arthur wearing anything or keeping anything on him that could be some type of thumb drive?","25":"The two sisters pause for a moment, thinking about it for a moment. They seem to come to the same conclusion simultaneously.","26":"That year we went to the French Riviera over summer break. Did dad already have that strange necklace?","27":"He did. In Fact, I'm trying to remember a time I saw him without it.","28":"A necklace?","29":"Yes, an odd, long piece of metal I think.","30":"I guess I never questioned it that much, since father always had it on.","31":"I just always assumed it was a symptom of poor fashion choices. But if I recall correctly... I think it could be big enough to be a thumbdrive.","32":"Could you identify it? Maybe help us figure out who manufactures it and what model?","33":"You thinking of trying to switch it out on him without him noticing?","34":"Maybe. For starters I'd like to confirm it really is a thumb drive and not just some gaudy piece of jewelry.","35":"Maybe we could look it up online.","36":"Iris, Emily, and {Leah} all pull their phones out and begin doing searches.","37":"I don't imagine Arthur would be storing the digital key to his most guarded data on some ten dollar drive you can get in the checkout section. Look up hardened, encrypted drives.","38":"The girls scroll for a while, and Valerie and I join the search on the computers. Until finally...","39":"I believe I might have found it.","40":"Here. The Anubis 9130X. Does this look right, Emily?","41":"She shows her sister a picture of the thumb drive, and Emily nods.","42":"I think so. It looks spot on!","43":"You were right, {PlayerName}. It's a specialty, high security encrypted drive.","44":"It looks like it might be difficult to get a hold of. They're discontinued... and older models are shockingly expensive.","45":"That might be alright, I'm not sure switching it out on him is a wise move.","46":"What if he goes to check the server before we get a chance to get the drive in Silent One's hands and find that his thumb drive key doesn't work?","47":"What are you thinking?","48":"Hmm... If I can get the drive for a couple minutes, I could rig up an older data ripper to make a copy of the digital drive.","49":"It might be tricky getting around the encryption, though. These drives generally aren't designed to be easily cloned.","50":"If I can make a suggestion. Sandra is quite skilled in hacking through encrypted systems. She might be able to aid you in creating a data ripper capable of pulling the information from the key drive.","51":"That's a good idea. Thanks, Valerie.","52":"Okay. So we just need to be alone, with the drive, for a few minutes without Arthur's knowledge.","53":"So how do we separate him from his drive?","54":"What would get you to take off a digital drive you kept on your person for security?","55":"Well, swimming, for one. But something tells me that Arthur spared no expense for the additional water protection.","56":"According to the site, the 9130X is waterproof to... 100m and resistant down to 200m.","57":"So, asking Arthur to go skinny dipping is out... Iris, Emily, did either of you ever see him take it off?","58":"The girls think for a moment.","59":"Not that I can think of. Even on beach trips father never took it off.","60":"Oh! Father has a yearly medical appointment and gets a yearly MRI scan.","61":"He'd have to take it off before going in the scanner.","62":"That's right. Even aside from having metallic components, it would fry the storage drive.","63":"Before we became estranged, I would often accompany my father to the appointment.","64":"I suppose I could show up to one under the guise of the angry, yet still doting, daughter.","65":"Do you happen to know when his next appointment is scheduled?","66":"Iris checks her phone.","67":"Luckily I'm still CC'd on the email confirmation. It looks like his next appointment is scheduled for... about four months from now.","68":"Four months... at least that'll give us plenty of time to get the rest of the plan in order.","69":"What else would we need?","70":"We should still see about getting a version of that same drive. I can use it to test a drive-ripper that would be small enough to sneak into the appointment.","71":"Then it would simply be a matter of getting hold of the thumb drive, plugging it in, and letting the ripper do its work.","72":"And how long would that take? To copy the drive?","73":"It depends on the size of the drive and the encryption. I can't say for sure until we can get a prototype working. But it should be within the timeframe of a medical appointment.","74":"So, that's our plan then? Assuming Emily and Iris are up for the task.","75":"I don't see how we can sit by and let our father cultivate these kinds of dangerous cyber weapons.","76":"You can count on us. We're in.","77":"Great! I think that's about as tight as we can make it.","78":"I guess now all we can do is just wait.","79":"Agreed.","80":"Valerie? Amirian? What do you guys think?","81":"Hmm?","82":"Valerie looks up. She appears to have been distracted by some other thought.","83":"About the plan.","84":"Of course. The window to get the information we need will be small, but at least we'll be able to control a lot of the variables. We'll just have to be precise.","85":"Yes. This isn't something I think we will be able to achieve through brute force. But if we can have the pieces in place and take advantage of the situation... Yes, I think it could work.","86":"Well, if there's nothing else at the moment, I think Iris and I will take off.","87":"Sounds good, and thank you, Emily, Iris. You being on board means a lot.","88":"We'll be in touch though. We'll reach out as the date of the appointment approaches.","89":"The sisters smile and say their goodbyes, then leave.","90":"It makes me wonder what we're going to do in the meantime.","91":"No shortage of work to do on the technical side of things. I have to research how to write a twenty year old Russian style network code.","92":"I might run down to the local electronics shop. There are a couple things I need to pick up for the ripper.","93":"I will accompany you. I don't know much, but I can work around some basic electronics.","94":"Amiran and I grab our stuff and head down to the street, making our way to the electronics shop a few blocks away.","95":"Valerie's dad and I have become somewhat friendly this past year. More so since we've taken in Valerie and helped her get back on her feet. It's clear how much he appreciates the compassion for his daughter.","96":"He's a quiet man, but I engage in a little small talk on our way to the electronics store.","97":"So, how have things been with you and Valerie?","98":"Things have been... alright.","99":"At times, she can be sweet and kind. Other times, it's like she can barely stand me.","100":"Ah... perhaps I smother her too much.","101":"Since her encounter with that wretched Silent One, though, she has seemed... distant?","102":"I know what you mean. I think she's really reckoning with her past and the people and events that led her down her path.","103":"Just give her time, though. She'll get better.","104":"Yes. My Balenka is strong, and resourceful. I know she will navigate through these rough waters.","105":"... You don't by chance know any coding, do you?","106":"We continue our walk to get the components, with me fishing around for help on how to write our clandestine signaling code for Silent One.","0":"The day after our meeting with the old scientist we were back at the office bright and early to figure out our next move.","1":"The key we needed was literally on Arthur's person. Getting close enough to lift it without him noticing was going to be a tall order.","2":"But, if that guy, the self called original Silent One is to be believed, this is our one chance to free him and the other scientists from Arthur's clutches.","3":"{Leah}, Valerie and I were trying to think of how to approach the problem. Amiran had stopped by to check on his daughter.","4":"Since the encounter, Valerie had seemed distant and off. Amiran, being the protective father, wasn't helping her mood either.","5":"I [i]still[\/i] think it was dangerous for you to go alone! How could you know what was in this man's mind?","6":"Dad, your concern is admirable, but it is misplaced in this case. Besides, I wasn't alone, {PlayerName} and {Leah} were both there, so there is no need for you to worry.","7":"It is the burden of every parent to worry about their child, Balenka.","8":"I catch the barest gesture of annoyance from Valerie at her father. I've mostly just tried to give her some space.","9":"The family tension is interrupted where there is a knock at the office door."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.40_coding_with_valerie.vne3":{"10":"And the script's structure is long. You see how they have it laid out in these lines here?","11":"Pay attention to the structure as a whole, not just each individual section. See how they have it arranged here?","12":"I'm sure not being the most stimulating work doesn't help her mood either. But we haven't even gotten into the high level code yet. I'm not gonna sit through weeks more work with her attitude.","13":"Hey, you doing okay?","14":"I'm fine.","15":"You don't seem ''fine''. In fact, you've been in kind of a mood since our meeting with Silent One.","16":"It's not important.","17":"You've been closed off, distant, and irritable. I doubt it wasn't important.","18":"She tries clamming up. Folding her arms and looking at the screen, waiting for me to continue our work.","19":"We're going to talk about this. I'm not going to keep going until we sort some of this business out.","20":"You wouldn't understand.","21":"Maybe not, but I'm not gonna sit here and let you stew and use me as an emotional punching bag until we finish this project.","22":"She stares daggers at me for a moment. I'm actually a little excited. It's some of the most real emotion I've seen out of her in a long time.","23":"Eventually, she lets off a long, deep breath. Like a steam release valve.","24":"I devoted my entire life to that man's words.","25":"I molded myself into an agent of deception and manipulation to try and teach the world a painful lesson about the dangers of programs like RECENTLY.","26":"I [i]sacrificed[\/i] my whole life for it.","27":"And I failed. RECENTLY is still out there. I ruined people's lives. Kidnapped them... Tortured them... people I cared about.","28":"Valerie's voice cracks a little bit, and she diverts her eyes, trying to hide the tears welling up in them.","29":"And in the end, what was it all for? RECENTLY still exists. Men like Arthur continue to develop tools just as bad, if not worse...","30":"And when I meet the man who sent me on that mission, I just get a grunt and am told to move on with my life.","31":"I spent my whole life doing things I knew were despicable because I believed, in the end, it would mean something. I would become a monster to do it.","32":"All for nothing.","33":"I just sat there for a moment. She's right, it's not like I can sympathize with the position she was put in... Well, not entirely anyway.","34":"She did put the same power in my hands, and instead of becoming like her, I helped stop her.","35":"But I wasn't a child wrought from war and displacement.","36":"You're right. I can't imagine what you went through. And I know you're struggling with yourself and your actions now.","37":"It wasn't fair what that man put on you. And you can't change the past and what you did.","38":"But I do know that you're not evil at your core. And now you're here trying to help us stop this danger from hurting more people. That counts for something.","39":"So, help me write this stupid code so we can stop Arthur.","40":"You can still complete what you were set out to do. Bury RECENTLY for good.","41":"Valerie sniffles, and stares off into the distance for a moment, before nodding.","42":"You're right. I'm sorry for being short with you.","43":"It's the least I can do. You, {Leah}, Amiran... You've been more patient, compassionate, and understanding than I deserve.","44":"Well, we still see the good in you.","45":"How have things been with you and Amiran?","46":"She smiles.","47":"That man... He blames himself far too much. I think he's taken on the burden of making up for all the years that we were separated.","48":" I'll admit, sometimes the urgency to which he attempts to make up for lost time feels a little... oppressive.","49":"But I should be kinder to him... And you.","50":"Enough of this sentimental nonsense though, we should get back to the program.","51":"I just give her a smile, and turn back to the screen.","52":"It's odd. I've known Valerie for years. But over these past few months, I've only just begun knowing the [i]real[\/i] Valerie.","53":"{Leah}, who had been out, returns with a small mail parcel. I'm guessing it's our recently acquired (and painfully expensive) used Anubis 9130X high security thumb drive.","54":"Guess what finally came in.","55":"That came faster than I thought.","56":"You want to head down to campus to go talk to Sandra? See what she thinks?","57":"Yeah. Valerie, do you mind taking a break?","58":"Not at all. We've been at it all morning.","59":"{Leah} and I grab our stuff, and head out to go meet Sandra.","60":"Valerie abstained from joining us. Since Sandra was another soul ''touched'' by the machinations of her old life, she thought it better to sit this one out.","61":"Back over at campus, Sandra has proved to be as much a creature of habit as ever.","62":"Thanks for having us, Sandra... I think it's cool that you keep working at the University after everything that happened...","63":"But... You know you don't have to hold up in here any longer, right?","64":"Why not? I like my office. It's perfectly optimized for my routine.","65":"I keep the door open on occasion. What else do you want from me?","66":"I think it's fine. Very cozy.","67":"So, what brings you down for this unannounced visit?","68":"We were hoping to cash in a favor.","69":"We wanted to enlist your services in something we'd like to keep... discrete.","70":"Oh? More of your sneaky investigative journalism work?","71":"Well, I'm super busy at the moment. Not a ton of time for pro bono work...","72":"We need to jury rig a drive ripper to clone data from a highly sophisticated and heavily encrypted high security thumb stick.","73":"Sandra pauses, her eyebrow raising. The curiosity beginning to bubble.","74":"High security, you say?","75":"{Leah} hands her the thumb drive and the data ripper that Amiran and I had set up.","76":"We did some of the hardware work on the ripper itself, but beating the coding encryption is beyond my abilities.","77":"The drive is the same model we're looking to crack into.","78":"Sandra looks over the items.","79":"Yeah, these high-security drives can be a bit of a pickle... So it's for a case? Don't tell me. I don't need to know the details.","80":"Got her on the hook. Sandra does like a good puzzle.","81":"Thank you, Sandra. We were hoping to keep things quiet on this as well, so your discretion would be highly appreciated.","82":"You think you can crack it?","83":"I can't say for sure until I get a better look at its architecture, and it'll take a little while, so I hope you weren't looking for a rush job.","84":"We're hoping to have something back within three months.","85":"Good, three months should be enough time.","86":"There isn't anything on this thumbdrive that'll get me blacklisted for plagiarism again or get me on the FBI's radar, is there?","87":"I have a cousin's wedding that I got roped into being a freak'n bridesmaid for and she'll be pissed if I'm in prison.","88":"I'd pay money to see you being a bridesmaid.","89":"No. The drive is a blank, we just need to know if it can be cloned.","90":"Alright then. I'll get started when I can and I'll send you a discrete message when I crack it... Or drop it off in three months in defeat.","91":"Let's hope it's the former.","92":"Thanks, Sandra. We really appreciate it. We'll let you get back to work.","93":"{Leah} and I leave Sandra to it, and head back out into the lobby.","94":"Okay, so we have the drive-ripper being worked on, you and Valerie are writing the secret signaling code for RECENTLY, and I guess Amiran and I can keep an eye on Arthur.","95":"Is there anything else I'm missing?","96":"I think that covers everything. Now it's mostly a waiting game.","97":"Good. We're great at that.","98":"Buy a girl lunch in the meantime?","99":"I smile, and lead her out of the IT office.","100":"It'll likely be some time before there will be any more developments on the Silent One case.","101":"{Leah} Pregnant","102":"{Leah} is NOT Pregnant","103":"The mall's food court bustled with the usual lunch crowd as me and {Leah} sat at their small corner table.","104":"This salad is... well...","105":"I can see {Leah}'s almost eating my burger with her eyes.","106":"Do you think I could maybe have a tiny bite of yours?","107":"Of course!","108":"She takes a small, grateful bite.","109":"Hmmmm, that's what I really needed...","110":"You know... I think the doctor might be a [i]bit[\/i] too cautious with this diet. I mean, surely the little one needs more than lettuce to grow properly, right?","111":"Her voice carries a mix of uncertainty and amusement - the tone of someone still getting used to the idea of pregnancy.","112":"Oh, um... I noticed something earlier...","0":"A few days after our meeting with Emily and Iris and forming a plan on how to get Arthur's key-drive, I was now knee deep in the early stages of writing our signaling code for Silent One.","113":"Those tiny shoes in that store window we passed... They were kind of cute, weren't they?","1":"As per the enigmatic scientist's words, I was doing my best to write the spy-code in the fashion of Russian programmers, but finding resources on just [i]how[\/i] to do that was proving difficult.","114":"I saw them too...","2":"It wasn't so much in finding educational material, translation was a struggle as well.","115":"Her eyes light up with a gentle warmth.","3":"Luckily, Valerie being on staff and being able to speak and read Russian reasonably well, helped out tremendously.","116":"Did you see that little bear onesie? The one with the tiny ears on the hood?","4":"Though, the funk she's been in since meeting Silent One persists.","117":"Wait, which one? I was too focused on those impossibly small sneakers...","5":"...No, you did the same thing again with the syntax.","118":"It was right next to them! This soft brown thing that would make our baby look like a teddy bear.","6":"That's the way you said to do it before.","119":"She catches herself getting excited and lowers her voice.","7":"That's... No. You're using it in the wrong context! Do you remember what I was just telling you?","120":"And those socks... I can't believe they make them so tiny. They're like... thumb-sized?","8":"Okay! Okay! I'll use the other one.","121":"I know, right? I tried to imagine actual feet fitting in those...","9":"I'm getting yelled at in English, Russian, and Assembly, here.","122":"It's kind of scary when you think about it... everything's so small and delicate.","123":"Yeah...","124":"Do you think we'll figure all this out? Like, how to put on those tiny socks without breaking them?","125":"There's a mixture of amusement and genuine concern in her voice.","126":"We'll learn together, I guess... one tiny sock at a time.","127":"Her voice softens, a small smile playing on her lips.","128":"Part of me wanted to go in and buy the whole store, but... it's still so early. And we haven't told anyone yet. Maybe we should wait a bit?","129":"Yeah, you're right...","130":"After the excitement about the baby clothes, we both stay quiet for a while, thinking about the future ahead of us while finishing our meals...","131":"As we eat, I can see that {Leah} keeps staring at Burger Queen, almost in a trance.","132":"When she notices I'm watching her curiously, she takes the opportunity to speak, with those puppy dog eyes.","133":"Still thinking about baby stuff?","134":"Actually... Hey... would you maybe want to get a milkshake?","135":"I don't know... The doctor did mention watching sugar...","136":"Just one sip? Please?","137":"Her request is gentle, almost shy.","138":"One sip?","139":"Promise."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.45_weeks_out.vne3":{"10":"I walk over to greet her, giving her a kiss and gently touching her belly, saying hello to our unborn baby.","11":"Hey, beautiful.","12":"Hey there, handsome.","13":"I notice her slightly labored response, as she's still trying to catch her breath.","14":"Did you take the stairs again?","15":"I needed the exercise.","16":"She sets down lunch, stretches, and wipes her forehead.","17":"This little bean is getting bigger by the day.","18":"She grins, rubbing her belly. But the thought causes me to pause.","19":"Everything alright?","20":"Hey, I know we were planning to both be outside of the doctors office, running the copy program from my laptop and serving as backup for Iris, but...","21":"Please forgive me if this comes off as patronizing, but I think maybe you should sit this one out.","22":"Her face contorts to anger, clearly touching a nerve.","23":"What? No way! I'm not sitting out while you guys go in there by yourselves!","24":"Well, you've kinda got something else going on...","25":"... I gesture towards her swelling stomach.","26":"... And if things go sideways, and we have to move quickly for whatever reason, I'm worried you might not be as... agile as you usually are.","27":"Because I got winded going up a few flights of stairs? And by the way, I have this [i]thing[\/i] going on because [i]you[\/i] shot it up inside of me!","28":"Come on, {Leah}! I'm serious. I'm really worried!","29":"I'm not doubting your courage, your abilities, or your intellect. But you're halfway into a pregnancy and you have to admit you have some physical drawbacks at the moment.","30":"Will you [i]please[\/i] just think about it from my perspective for a minute? Or think about the needs of the case.","31":"If I were sitting here with my arm in a cast, I'd be in the same situation.","32":"{Leah} rolls her eyes, pacing away for a moment before turning back to me.","33":"Well, what am I supposed to do? Sit at home and eat oreos while you and Iris run point on this?","34":"No. But at least stay back here with Valerie and coordinate. Iris and I are both going to be wired up. You can be our mission control and keep tabs on the situation from a birds eye view.","35":"{Leah} scoffs. Getting benched is maybe her biggest pet peeve. But I feel strong about this.","36":"{Leah}, please. For me. For our baby. For our family...","37":"She pauses, shaking her head in frustration, before letting out a resigned sigh.","38":"Okay... fine. I'll stay back here during the appointment.","39":"{Leah}, thank you. Seriously. You don't know how much worry that takes off of me.","40":"Yeah, now I'll be the one doing all the worrying, sitting back here not being able to do anything about anything.","41":"You know that's not true. This is still your gig as much as anyone else's.","42":"I give her a quick kiss, but she rolls her eyes and grabs a bunch of items out of the take-out bag.","43":"I'm mad at you, so I'm taking your pickle... and your cookie...","44":"It's a price I'm happy to pay, if it keeps {Leah} out of danger.","45":"When she walks in, though, she has a dark look on her face.","46":"Hey. Is everything alright?","47":"We may have a problem. I think I picked up a tail.","48":"Are you sure?","49":"Do you think it's Arthur?","50":"Yeah, I'm pretty sure. And I think it's Arthur's men. I recognize the goon.","51":"He's had you under surveillance before?","52":"It's... not unheard of.","53":"Arthur likes to keep tabs on his potential enemies. More than once we've found that one of us has someone following us around to check up on us.","54":"It usually lasts for a week or two, then they bug off.","55":"Must be nice to have those kinds of resources.","56":"Shit. We can't dismiss the fact that they might be on to us.","57":"What's our plan? This might be our only chance to clone Arthur's key-drive!","58":"I don't want to cancel, but we can't afford to walk into a trap, either.","59":"If Arthur thinks something is up, he might devote eyes to watching all of us.","60":"So we should test it. If {PlayerName} and I go out, and pick up tails, we should assume we've been compromised.","61":"Maybe. That will tell us if Arthur is really on to us, or if this is just another regular check in.","62":"Valerie and I grab our things, and leave the office. Each going on separate mock errands just around town.","63":"Thirty minutes later, we both arrive back at the office.","64":"Well?","65":"I'm clean. I did a few checks, and there wasn't anyone following me.","66":"Me neither.","67":"So just me then. Great.","68":"I believe the plan still has some risk, but I don't think it's a reckless guess to assume that this is just Arthur doing a cursory check in, and not indicative of him suspecting anything.","69":"Hey, look on the bright side. At least we know he finds you the most dangerous and worth monitoring.","70":"I'm honored.","71":"But... and I hate to say this...","72":"{Leah}, I think we'll need to bench you.","73":"Are you serious?","74":"The appointment is just days away! We can't afford to have it blown because you have someone keeping an eye on you.","75":"I fear {PlayerName} is correct. The higher level of scrutiny you're under makes you a risk to the case.","76":"I know you hate getting taken out of the game, {Leah}, but this is bigger than any of us.","77":"Outnumbered and bordering on outrage, {Leah} tosses her hands up.","78":"Well, what am I supposed to do? Sit back and play Candi Krush while Iris and {PlayerName} have all the fun?","79":"You can post up here with Valerie and run mission control from the bat cave.","80":"I would appreciate the assistance.","81":"Iris and I will both be wired up, so you'll be with us every step of the way.","82":"{Leah} sighs, but nods in agreement. Despite her enthusiasm, she at least recognizes she's a security risk to the mission.","83":"Alright... I don't like it. But alright.","84":"I'll hang back here and quarterback things with Valerie.","85":"With all that settled, there's nothing to do now but go over our plan, check our equipment, and wait the last few days until the appointment.","0":"Three months later...","1":"{Leah} Pregnant","2":"{Leah} is NOT Pregnant","3":"The days dragged into months as we prepared to steal the drive from Arthur. Now we were just days away from the medical appointment where we planned to clone it.","4":"Everything appeared to be in place.","5":"Valerie and I had long since finished the signal code in RECENTLY. For a couple months now, it was sending out innocuous updates. I just hope Silent One is able to see them.","6":"Sandra was able to crack our encrypted donor drive and finish our ripper a few weeks ago. Setting our mind at ease that the equipment was working. I must have tested it a dozen times since then.","7":"The ripper was now in Iris's hands, and she was standing by to show up at her father's medical appointment in a few days.","8":"I was busy checking RECENTLY for any activity as I've been regularly doing. So far it's been quiet, no activity, but I still worry.","9":"I hear the door open, {Leah} coming back from picking up lunch."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.50_swiping_the _drive.vne3":{"10":"And if anything seems off, or doesn't feel right, just abort, alright? Don't put yourself in danger.","11":"Got it, I can do this.","12":"Her and her sister are both tough gals.","13":"It isn't long before I hear Arthur over Iris's mic.","14":"Iris?","15":"Father.","16":"I must admit some confusion. As I understood it, you and I were no longer on speaking terms.","17":"I don't want to convey any misconception. That situation still stands.","18":"... But, as unforgivable as some of your actions may have been... that doesn't mean a daughter can't be concerned with her father's health.","19":"Iris is more a master of her expression that I would give her credit for. Masterfully balancing her coldness towards her father with just enough dotting daughter to be believable.","20":"Arthur has a laugh at the encounter.","21":"Still insisting on accompanying me to my check ups? Hoping for that diagnosis for some terminal illness that will put you and your sister in arm's reach of your inheritance, yes?","22":"Father, you know I don't find those jokes funny.","23":"Well, for whatever it is worth, I do appreciate your concern for my well being.","24":"You are welcome. But please don't take this as a sign of anything more than that.","25":"I would never presume.","26":"Through the mic, I hear the nurse call from a short distance away.","27":"Sir, they are waiting for you in the MRI room. If you have any electronics or jewelry, please remove them now.","28":"Your daughter can hold them if you'd like.","29":"I hear Arthur pause, and hope he's not as paranoid as I fear.","30":"If it wouldn't be too much of a burden.","31":"Iris makes a little show of it.","32":"I suppose.","33":"I listen as Arthur removes his effects and hands them to his daughter.","34":"And finally, hear him leave the waiting room and the door shut.","35":"Okay. I have the drive!","36":"Good, just like we practiced. Just slip it into the ripper and I'll do the rest.","37":"I listen as Iris fumbles with her purse... then hear something that makes my heart drop.","38":"No... no, no, no, no...","39":"What's the matter?","40":"It won't fit.","41":"What?","42":"The plug... the plug on the key-drive is different than the one on the ripper!","43":"What? How? We tested on the same model back at the office!","44":"I know! And I'm telling you the key-drive USB is different than the one we tested on before! They aren't the same!","45":"What should we do, {PlayerName}?","46":"Iris, quick, send me a photo of the plug on the key drive.","47":"I listen as Iris softly curses, fumbling with her phone. But a moment later, I receive an image.","48":"Opening it, I look at a picture of a decidedly different USB plug than I was expecting.","49":"Okay, I'm looking at it now.","50":"How the hell... I have no idea why it has this kind of jack. It's not like any of the models we saw in the catalog!","51":"Is there anything we can do?","52":"Shit. I think I have an adapter that would fit but it's in the electronics bin in the office!","53":"Do you remember what it looked like?","54":"It's small. Black. Has a ''Ti'' on the side I think.","55":"Okay, neither of you move.","56":"{Leah} Pregnant","57":"{Leah} is NOT Pregnant","58":"{Leah}, wait! What are you doing?","59":"{Leah}?","60":"I hear nothing for a moment.","61":"I have it. {PlayerName}, stay in there and be ready to run the rip. I'll be there in ten minutes!","62":"Wait, {Leah}!","63":"{Leah}?","64":"{PlayerName}? It's Valerie. {Leah}'s already left.","65":"Dammit!","66":"Of course something goes wrong. But there's nothing I can do but sit and wait.","67":"I try to estimate how long an MRI takes, then factor in how long it'll take {Leah} to get here, and how long the rip might take... I can't say for sure, but we're going to be cutting it close.","68":"I swear the seconds have gotten shorter, but around ten minutes later, I hear {Leah} enter the waiting room.","69":"{Leah}!","70":"Quick, here's the adapter!","71":"Okay... Okay, it fits!","72":"{PlayerName}?","73":"I see the program light up on my phone screen, notifying me it detected the drive. I immediately command it to begin ripping the USB.","74":"It's working I just need a couple minutes to rip the files. {Leah}, you need to get out of there right...","75":"On the other line, I hear a door open.","76":"{Leah}.","77":"Shit! Shit, shit, shit!","78":"I begin to panic. Feeling helpless, sitting in that car, watching an agonizing slow progress bar.","79":"You'll forgive me if I ask what exactly you are doing here?","80":"{Leah}, thankfully, is just as quick on her feet as ever.","81":"Arthur... well, now I know why Iris seemed anxious.","82":"I just got done with an appointment and was on my way out when I saw her through the door and stopped in to say hello.","83":"I'm... well. You can probably tell.","84":"I can. You'll of course forgive me for not congratulating you on successfully reproducing.","85":"Twenty-five percent complete. Come on, {Leah}, just stall him a little longer.","86":"Oh, I wouldn't expect so much from someone as charming as you.","87":"What brings you to hospital today? Prostate exam?","88":"{Leah}, ever so curious about my personal business. I'm sure you won't be shocked if I don't want to share any of my personal medical information with you.","89":"I know the concept of privacy is one you have trouble with, but what else would you do with your time if you couldn't stick that nose of yours into other people's business?","90":"Well, Arthur, if there weren't manipulative, greedy, malicious individuals who didn't secretly use their resources and capital to prey on others... I don't know.","91":"I'd probably enjoy peace of mind and write a book.","92":"I'm sure.","93":"Well, I'm certain you must be busy probing into someone else's affairs, so I won't keep you.","94":"Iris, my things if you please?","95":"70% ripped. Come on, {Leah}, keep him on the hook just a little longer.","96":"Tell me, Arthur, how does a man who treats his children as disposable still have his daughter coming to check on him during his checkups?","97":"I am not so arrogant to think there is only one measure of sentimentality. And clearly I've imparted a sense of duty and loyalty to family in my children.","98":"I'll offer you some advice. You may want to consider such a practice for your own... offspring.","99":"You might find that in time, your brood might not share your shallow and myopic sense of propriety.","100":"Or, they might, and find the first excuse they can to turn on you and eat you alive.","101":"90%... almost there.","102":"Well, Arthur, I can't say I'm certain of a great many things in this world. But I am positive that I should avoid any parenting advice from you.","103":"How your daughters turned out as good as they did is clearly in spite of you.","104":"So close...","105":"Think what you like, but we are done here. Iris, my things!","106":"I have it! You're good to remove the drive, Iris!","107":"A moment later, the drive shows disconnected, and I assume is being handed back to Arthur.","108":"Was your appointment well, father?","109":"Not that I'd like to share anything in front of the vultures, but yes. At cursory glance everything seems in order.","110":"I'm so happy to hear it.","111":"I'm sure. Iris, thank you for coming by. I'm guessing it would be a stretch to invite you for a cup of coffee.","112":"I really should be getting back.","113":"Of course. Iris, it was pleasant seeing you. You look well. Give your sister my regards if you cross paths.","114":"... {Leah}.","115":"I hear Arthur walk out, and {Leah} and Iris both let out a long exhale.","116":"Thank you, Iris.","117":"Your welcome. {PlayerName}? Did you get all that?","118":"I did. Thanks, Iris. We'll meet back at the office. Remember to take different routes and check for tails.","119":"Twenty minutes later, I watch as Iris and {Leah} walk back into the Nightingale Files offices.","120":"{Leah} can already see on my face I'm angry with her.","121":"I'm sorry. I know. But we didn't know when, or if, we were going to get another shot at this.","122":"That was reckless! A million things could have gone wrong!","123":"I know, I know. But it's not like I didn't think [i]at all[\/i] about it. It totally makes sense why I'd be at the hospital.","124":"Sure, but I'd like to not use our unborn child as cover when dealing with potentially dangerous people!","125":"You're angry, and I understand completely. But I wouldn't have done it if I thought it was going to be too risky.","126":"Plus, it worked out!","127":"Here's the drive and the ripper.","128":"I take the items from Iris. Hiccups aside, {Leah} is correct. We did get what we were after.","129":"Iris, you are amazing. We can't thank you enough.","130":"Seriously, Iris, thank you!","131":"She nods and blushes.","132":"If that's all, I think I might go home. I'm coming down off the adrenaline and I'm exhausted.","133":"Of course. We'll talk soon.","134":"She turns and leaves. Leaving me and {Leah}.","135":"If what is in that mainframe is so important that it took an MRI to get Arthur to part with the key, it might be enough to take him down for good.","136":"And I know what I did was risky, but a world without Arthur on the loose is a lot safer for us, and our child.","137":"And then, what? Open the door to a whole ecosystem of clandestine and dangerous secret societies to piss off?","138":"{Leah} shrugs.","139":"I don't know what to tell you. This is what you signed up for.","140":"So, what now? Do you want to yell at me some more? I'll understand if you do.","141":"I sigh. Sometimes trying to get {Leah} to do what I want feels like trying to reroute a hurricane with a desk fan.","142":"Let's send out the signal to Silent One, then go pick up some provisions. We'll have plenty of time for me to be mad at you while we wait for him to show up in the parking garage.","143":"Wait, {Leah}, what are you doing?","144":"{Leah}? {Leah}, are you there?","145":"Nothing from {Leah}'s line but silence. Then...","146":"Iris, stay where you are. I have the adapter and I'll run it down to the hospital and meet you!","147":"What! {Leah}! What about your tail?","148":"{Leah}?","149":"{PlayerName}? It's Valerie. {Leah}'s already left.","150":"She said to say she's going to slip out the back and head to the hospital on foot. Hopefully the security detail following her won't see her.","151":"Jesus... that woman...","152":"The seconds tick by at frightening speed. I try to guess in my head how long we'll need, but having no clue how long an MRI scan takes, I'm left uncertain.","153":"Powerless, all I can do is nervously tap a hole through the bottom of my car.","154":"Finally, I hear the line on Iris's end crackle to life.","155":"{Leah}! You made it!","156":"I have the adapter! Here!","157":"Okay, just let me try...","158":"...alright! It's in!","159":"{PlayerName}? Is the rip starting?","160":"I have a brief moment of panic, when it appears nothing is loading... but finally, the program comes alive, showing the drive loaded and the progress bar starting, signaling the rip has begun.","161":"We're in business! It just needs a couple minutes! {Leah}, you need to get out of there before...","162":"I hear a door opening in the room. I hope it's not who I think it is.","163":"{Leah}?","164":"Fuck!","165":"What do I do? I'm just stuck in my car, looking at a stupid loading bar. What could I do?","166":"You'll understand my confusion as to what you are doing at my medical appointment?","167":"I hope that quick wit of {Leah}'s is on today, as all I can do is listen with baited breath.","168":"Oh, does my presence at your private medical appointment unsettle you?","169":"How should I feel about it?","170":"Probably like your privacy and personal space has been violated.","171":"Much in the same way that [i]my[\/i] privacy and [i]my[\/i] personal space is violated when I turn around one afternoon and find I'm being followed by one of your goons.","172":"We're at 25% copied. Just keep him talking.","173":"Father... is this true?","174":"I'm sure you don't know what you mean, {Leah}.","175":"The black sedan, with the goofy looking blonde haired gorilla with the stupid sunglasses.","176":"The same one you had following me a few months ago.","177":"And you are so certain this ''goon'' is in my employ?","178":"You'll forgive me, but you seem like a woman who has no difficulty accumulating enemies.","179":"Perhaps it's an agent of someone else whose private business you insisted on sticking your nose in.","180":"No, he's yours. You see, it's not as difficult as you might think to trace cars back to the company that owns them. Just like it wasn't as difficult as you might think to get access to your personal schedule.","181":"Frankly, for someone who is supposedly in cyber-security, it was shockingly easy to find information about you.","182":"It's the least I could. To return the gesture. You understand.","183":"We're at 70%. We're almost there.","184":"Father, tell me you aren't having this poor woman followed!","185":"Iris, you'll find {Leah} takes no greater pleasure than digging into the private lives of the people she deems villainous.","186":"It is a terrible symptom of small minded people who crave adoration or acclaim, but have no drive or ingenuity to build anything of value.","187":"No. People like {Leah} here can only find satisfaction in tearing down what others have built.","188":"Only what people build through the suffering and misery of others.","189":"And what exactly am I guilty of this time?","190":"I'm not sure you want me digging around and finding out. So don't give me a reason by having your lap dogs tailing me.","191":"Okay... okay! We got it! 100%! You can pull the drive.","192":"Oh, father...","193":"Here. Take your things. Let's just go. I'll walk you out.","194":"Arthur snorts one last time at {Leah}, and then is led out of the room by his daughter.","195":"I let out a long exhale. I can't believe we pulled that off.","196":"{Leah} is a world class bullshiter when she needs to be... But I'm still going to let her have it when I see her.","197":"Closing the laptop, I start the car, and head home.","198":"Twenty minutes later, I watch {Leah} and Iris walk into the office. She already can tell by the look on my face that I'm in a mood.","199":"I know, I know... But this might have been our only chance to get access to the key-drive.","200":"Do you realize how reckless what you did was? A million things could have gone wrong! What if Arthur suspected something was up?","201":"Arthur probably always expects something is up. Why else would he have me tailed on a routine basis?","202":"And did you plan that little performance in the waiting room? Or did you come up with that on the spot?","203":"... Do you really want to know?","204":"Look, we had no idea when, or even if, we'd get another shot at this.","205":"Even if we did get another chance, there's no guarantee that Silent One and the other scientists wouldn't have been moved, or our program to contact them might have been compromised.","206":"I'm not [i]thrilled[\/i] with how things turned out, but in the end we got what we needed.","207":"And if what's on the key drive is so serious that it takes an MRI scan to get Arthur to part with it, it stands to reason there might be something in that server to put him away for good!","208":"I guess... I'd yell at you some more, but frankly I don't know what good it would do.","209":"I finally remember Iris is still standing there, patiently waiting for me and {Leah} to finish our spat.","210":"Iris, I'm sorry.","211":"It's fine, I understand. Here, you probably want this.","212":"Iris hands me the ripper and her wire.","213":"Putting {Leah} and my bickering aside, seriously, thank you so much for your help, Iris. We couldn't have done this without you.","214":"Seriously. Iris, we owe you for this one.","215":"If it helps stop Arthur, I'll consider it a debt paid.","216":"But... if it's alright, I might head out. This whole ordeal has really taken it out of me.","217":"Of course. Thank you, again.","218":"Thank you, Iris.","219":"She smiles and nods, wearily. I know it couldn't have been easier for her. Even after everything, Arthur is still her father.","220":"Once she leaves, {Leah} turns back to me.","221":"Look, what Arthur might be hiding on that server could be our way into finding out more about these secret societies and groups he's looking to become the cyber-arms dealer of.","222":"Great, more shadowy organizations to snoop around on and piss off.","223":"Yeah. That's the job.","224":"Do you want to keep yelling at me? I'll understand.","225":"I let out a sigh.","226":"Let's just get the message out to Silent One, then go get ready to post up in the parking garage.","227":"My anger at {Leah} aside, part of me is thrilled it worked out.","228":"If we get this to Silent One, not only will it let us shut down a major R&D operation Arthur has going on, and free who amounts to as slaves, it might just give us something we really can use to put Arthur behind bars.","0":"I sit in my car outside of the hospital, tapping my foot nervously.","1":"I have the drive-ripper remotely connected to an app on my phone. I check the battery levels for a tenth time. Still good. As is the connection to the thumb-drive-ripper that is sitting in Iris's purse.","2":"Any sign of my father yet?","3":"Iris's voice crackles through my earpiece. The mic is a little muffed from being under her shirt, but even though she's whispering, I can still make her words out. I can also tell she's nervous.","4":"Nothing yet.","5":"You're doing great, Iris. Just breathe and try to relax.","6":"{Leah} comes in on the other line. Even though I know she'd rather be here on the ground, when things kicked off, she set her personal preferences aside and put the plan first.","7":"It's about then that I spot Arthur's car rolling up and parking nearby.","8":"Heads up. Arthur just arrived.","9":"Okay, Iris. Just remember the plan. You just have to stick the drive into the ripper, and I'll do the rest. Easy peasy."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.55_the_handover.vne3":{"10":"He hisses at me. Almost like he's been expecting this to be some betrayal of his trust.","11":"But I produce the USB stick from my pocket. He eyes it, scrutinizing it.","12":"Not the actual drive that Arthur keeps on him.","13":"A copy. We managed to clone it when we got close to him, right under his nose.","14":"He extends his hand.","15":"Give it to me.","16":"We will.","17":"Silent One, what Arthur has on those drives... It may be what you need to free yourself and your colleagues, but there could also be information that helps us bring down Arthur.","18":"Yes, and?...","19":"It's not that we have any right to ask you, but if you can get us that information, we might be able to use it to stop Arthur for good.","20":"If you can get us that data, we can do more than help you get out from under him. We can help you get justice.","21":"Please.","22":"And then what?","23":"What do you mean?","24":"Do you think Arthur is some kind of anomaly? Some outlier? You think you make the forest safe by killing the wolf, only to have another one move right into its old territory.","25":"You can't kill the evil inside of men, foolish children.","26":"Maybe not, but we can keep it in check.","27":"Someone has to.","28":"The old man's eyes flicker between {Leah} and I.","29":"The drive.","30":"Being so close to it, I see the desperation on the man's face. A flicker of hope he's terrified of allowing himself. I don't intend on letting the uncertainty linger. I hand him the stick.","31":"He looks at it, seeming to test its weight, as if he could tell the key was in there just by feel.","32":"I... do want to thank you. You did not have to do this. The smart thing would have been to just stay away... But, thank you.","33":"You are right, what you said. If no one is there to stand up to evil and keep it in check, well... My own people's history is proof enough of that.","34":"We will likely never meet again. Good luck.","35":"And just like that, he turns, and begins to leave.","36":"Wait.","37":"The old man turns.","38":"I don't know if you'll find what you're seeking, little bird.","39":"Why me? Why did you pick me to be the one?","40":"I don't care what the answer is. You don't have to lie to protect my feelings. I just want to know.","41":"Silent One pauses, as if trying to remember why himself.","42":"As a child, you were a blank canvas.","43":"A disk, ready to be programmed.","44":"I knew it was a fool's hope. A terrible hope. But, little bird, you were there, in Ketyristan. All we had was terrible hopes.","45":"I did not want to take advantage of your naivety, but you were susceptible and vulnerable.","46":"Your innocent eyes had seen injustice and in your soft sensibility it cut deep a deep trench.","47":"There was a wound I could pour the cold calculus into. Let it calcify into scar tissue on your soul. A message that would be written under your eyelids.","48":"Mankind must be taught a cruel, but necessary lesson. That a tool likely RECENTLY can only bring suffering. That no man, not even the collective of man, can be trusted with it.","49":"And to do that, I needed a crusader. A zealot. I could only trust a zealot dedicated to a cause with that kind of power. The power of a god.","50":"With a zealot, there was at least a chance, I hoped, that the abuse of such power would be kept to a minimum.","51":"Abuse... you told her to only use it for evil.","52":"To achieve an end.","53":"That doesn't seem twisted to you? Machiavellian?","54":"I envy you, child. You've lived your whole life in a world that never gave you a terrible choice. I say that with no ill conceit. You are blessed.","55":"The little bird and I... we come from a world that is not so gentle as yours.","56":"Who else could I give it to? I would not be allowed to leave the plane with it.","57":"And what man or woman there wouldn't have sold it out in a moment? Who could blame them, after everything they went through?","58":"But I might be able to write my terrible little code in the mind of a child. And if that program went long enough, maybe it would do all the terrible things I asked of it.","59":"And I tried! I really, really did. I tried to do as you asked.","60":"Yes... It breaks my heart that you did.","61":"It destroyed my life.","62":"It was war, little bird. Yours was not the first.","63":"Some stuck AK's in the hands of children. I put RECENTLY in the hands of one.","64":"I am truly sorry. I truly did not want to destroy your life. I had no illusion of what a hopeless gamble it was, but you were the least terrible option I had.","65":"I'm sorry I don't have any good answer for you. I don't think one could exist, little bird.","66":"And then he's gone. Walking off into the shadows.","67":"{Leah} approaches Valerie, touching her arm gently.","68":"Valerie...","69":"Are you okay?","70":"She laughs, humorlessly.","71":"There had a lot of people on that flight, and out of all of them, Silent One took a look at me and thought I had the most potential to change the world.","72":"''Terrible odds''... What does it say about my luck?","73":"... I did [i]actually[\/i] make it out of Ketyristan. I suppose I should be thankful.","74":"Yeah. But that doesn't mean ''unscathed''. ","75":"No. Not unscathed.","76":"[i]Leah[\/i], {PlayerName}... Thank you, for being my friends.","77":"You're a few of the only things in this world that I could ever lean on.","78":"Don't mention it.","79":"I give Valerie a pat on the arm.","80":"Come on. Let's go home. Nothing more we can do now but wait.","0":"{Leah} Pregnant","1":"{Leah} is NOT Pregnant","2":"A shiver crawls up my spine. Though I don't think the drafty, damp parking garage has as much to do with it as does the contents of my pocket.","3":"The drive loaded with the digital key to Arthur's secret mainframe sits in my pocket, feeling impossibly heavy for a tiny USB stick.","4":"You think he'll show up?","5":"The signal's been firing for twenty four hours now. If he's been to work and checked on RECENTLY, there's a good chance he's seen it.","6":"Lets just hope it works out.","7":"Nearby, I hear shuffling from around some parked cars, and a nervous, jittery figure emerges from the shadows.","8":"The old man wastes no time with greetings.","9":"The drive! You have it?"},"ch18__epilogue_leah.60_the_lateral.vne3":{"3":"It'll be good to have something to take our mind off of things. The last few days we've just been waiting anxiously for any word from Silent One. But so far, we've heard nothing.","4":"Again, it's only been a few days. He might not even have had a chance to...","5":"...Stop in for his morning coffee I guess.","6":"The old scientist strolls up to me. And his relaxed, albeit only slightly, posture makes me hopeful.","7":"My friend. Would you happen to know if the coffee they have here is good?","8":"It's... a surprise to see you here?","9":"Yes, it is good to see you, my friend.","10":"I was hoping I'd run into you. Nightingale Files Investigative Reporters. A fine name.","11":"Are you... still working for that crummy boss of yours?","12":"He smiles.","13":"No. No, he had to let me go. And it's safe to talk.","14":"It worked? It really worked? You got the data?","15":"I'm about to jump out of my seat! {Leah} is going to be thrilled! I can't believe we pulled it off and got the data from Arthur's server.","16":"But I sense something is off, when I notice the sad sort of smile now coloring Silent One's face.","17":"What? You did get the data, right?","18":"Yes. It worked exactly as we had hoped. We were able to get some leverage against Arthur, and from that position, I was able to negotiate the release of myself and my colleagues from our... [i]contracts[\/i].","19":"And the information, you were going to hand it over to us.","20":"I am... still not so fortunate that the world gives me such easy choices.","21":"My heart begins to sink.","22":"I need to keep the data hidden. I need the information as leverage to use against Arthur. And for it to work as leverage... I need it to remain an arrow not yet fired.","23":"A deterrence, if you will. And being a shot that can only be fired once, it doesn't protect me if you and your friend use it.","24":"But we can use it to put Arthur away for good.","25":"And you are certain of this? You are certain that Arthur will not bring harm to my colleagues and their families if you do?","26":"I did what I must.","27":"The deal with Arthur is that we shall go free and unmolested.","28":"In return, we will remain silent about what we did in those labs. And if we should ever suspect one of our number has fallen victim to foul play at Arthur's design, a copy of the data will find its way into every major news outlet's inbox.","29":"I am... sorry. I cannot give you what we agreed upon.","30":"I'm without words.","31":"Obviously, I'm furious. But at the same time, I don't know if I can blame him.","32":"I still don't know what was in those drives. I don't know for certain if it even would have been enough to shut Arthur down.","33":"So in effect, you're still under Arthur's thumb.","34":"He has a gun to my head, and now I have a gun to his as well. It's a step up from being under his heel.","35":"Is that what you want me to say to the little bird? You traded her justice? That everything she went through is still for nothing?","36":"Tell her I made a choice that best guaranteed the safety of the people counting on me.","37":"Please, forgive me. Though I will understand if you don't.","38":"I just shake my head in defeat. What would I do to him, even if I could?","39":"So... what are you gonna do now?","40":"I think... yes. I shall go home.","41":"Is it safe to return? I know the war was a long time ago.","42":"I do not know. Maybe it is not. But I am an old man, and wish to see my homeland again.","43":"Despite me clearly not wanting any more to do with him, Silent One reaches out and pats my arm warmly.","44":"You take care of your family... The world can be an ugly place but also...","45":"...It can be beautiful too...","46":"You are still children... Balenka is young, she has a lot to enjoy in life... Take care, all of you...","47":"Then he turns around and leaves, along with our shot of bringing down Arthur or working our way into his network of clients.","48":"Hey, {PlayerName}, can I get you anything else?","49":"Lidia approaches with her usual warm smile, collecting the empty cup left behind from the old scientist.","50":"I'm good Lidia, thanks.","51":"You sure? You look a bit shaken.","52":"She's always been perceptive. Our friendship doesn't make it easy for me to hide the mixed emotions I'm feeling right now.","53":"That obvious, huh?","54":"Well, you were so focused on your conversation... And that old man... never seen him around here.","55":"She starts wiping the table, but I know it's just an excuse to hang around a bit longer.","56":"Just an old acquaintance. Nothing special.","57":"Lidia raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.","58":"Right. And I'm the Queen of England.","59":"That ''old acquaintance'' of yours kept looking over his shoulder every thirty seconds.","60":"But seriously, you okay?","61":"Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry. It's just that, I don't know, some things didn't go quite as planned, but well...","62":"...That's just life in the path I chose to follow...","63":"Lidia shakes her head with that familiar mix of concern and amusement.","64":"Oh, {PlayerName}, you guys are always living on the edge... I figured that weird old man had something to do with your work...","65":"Is {Leah} okay?","66":"Yeah, of course.","67":"But anyway... I should get going too. Always good to see you, Lidia!","68":"You too, {PlayerName}.","69":"And hey! You know where to find me if you need to talk. Or just need more coffee...","70":"She gives me that knowing smile of hers before heading back to the counter.","0":"{Leah} Pregnant","1":"{Leah} is NOT Pregnant","2":"I take a sip of my coffee and stare out the cafe window, waiting for {Leah}. She's been chasing leads on a side story and is supposed to bring me up to speed."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.65_the_call.vne3":{"10":" ''Figures''? He ruined your life, Balenka!","11":"I mean, I know I have my share of blame and, by god, I'll carry that for the rest of my life, but my daughter...","12":"He turned you into a madwoman with his twisted design! Look what he made you become!","13":"Yes. Through his sad little follies. The type desperate people like him make all the time.","14":"Thanks, father, for the kind words...","15":"You know what I mean, Balenka.","16":"I will not hold my breath and wait for the world to deal me a good hand, father. I have no luck in poker.","17":"Valerie, it's perfectly fine for you to be upset by this.","18":"Who says I'm not upset, but what can we do? What choice would you make? No point of dwelling on it.","19":"And if we're being honest with ourselves, we shouldn't be surprised by this turn of events. All of this is consistent with Silent One's character as we understand it.","20":"I guess you're not wrong. It's still a bitter pill to swallow.","21":"One more thing. If it's not too much to ask, I'd like it if you guys would call me Balenka from now on.","22":"Really?","23":"That'll be an adjustment, but if that's what you'd like, you'll hear no objection from me.","24":"Balenka...","25":"Thank you. Valerie... seems like a different person. Someone I had to be because someone told me to. Balenka feels more like picking up where I left off.","26":"Balenka, I know that is a big choice. But it makes me so happy to hear it.","27":"I'm glad, father.","28":"I give Balenka and her father a minute, and head to the kitchen to grab something to drink.","29":"That's when I feel my phone ring.","30":"Not recognizing the number, I answer it.","31":"{PlayerName}. It's Arthur. I'm just calling to congratulate you on your part in breaching my lab's security.","32":"{Leah}, who followed me in, see's the expression turn on my face. Figuring she should hear this, I turn the phone mode to speaker.","33":"You have a lab and it was broken into? I'm honored you think I had something to do with it.","34":"You don't sound too devastated, Arthur, I hope nothing important was lost.","35":"Ah, excellent, I'd hoping you'd be on the line as well, {Leah}. Congratulations are in order for you as well.","36":"And to your question, no, nothing of great importance. In fact, everything more or less went according to plan.","37":"Do you make it a habit of having your property broken into? You have some weird hobbies, Arthur.","38":"Well, there are no bad results in experiments. Only data to be collected.","39":"For some time, our legacy infrastructure was showing cracks in its security apparatus. If I'm being humble, I even began to wonder how my own habits and behaviors might reveal some vulnerabilities.","40":"You both must know that anyone wanting to do anything worthwhile in this world is bound to make enemies. And I was not ignorant that you and {Leah} still had a target painted on my back.","41":"It wasn't a stretch to think that you'd make another pass at bringing down my operation.","42":"Aw, Arthur, I'm touched that you believe we think about you that often.","43":"I had been aware of Valerie's impending release, and I suspected that she would reconnect with the two of you, and provide a shot in the arm for your efforts against me.","44":"He's a crafty one, I'll give him that.","45":"I had even suspected that Valerie might still have a card or two to play. Including some backup access into RECENTLY. So a few months before her release I had my lab begin work on reviving the old system.","46":"Using them as bait, I had my scientist resuscitate it, and watched and waited to see what would happen on the old system.","47":"A dark thought crosses my mind.","48":"And just how do you keep an eye on a clandestine, untraceable surveillance system?","49":"Arthur chuckles.","50":"With what else? A far more advanced clandestine, untraceable surveillance system.","51":"The old lab in Shale Hill had reached obsolescence years ago. And it's been some time since I had all the important work moved to other sites.","52":"I'll admit, though I try to remain objective and pragmatic, the one aspect of the whole affair that did sour my disposition was how Iris was so willing to betray me again. And to do so under the cover of concern for my well being.","53":"But, sentiments aside, I also can't say it was entirely unexpected. I'll admit some failure in how I raised my daughters.","54":"You seem awfully nonchalant about this supposed breach in data. But it sounds like you did in fact lose the lab, and I assume the scientists working within, to this little ''experiment''?","55":"So? It's common practice in the Navy to take old warships out to use as target practice.","56":"And if you are referring to the information you assume I let the scientists steal from the mainframe to ''counter'' my blackmail, I regret to say it's not as potent as you might have hoped.","57":"If we're being honest, there was no point in keeping the scientist any longer. They had stopped being useful to me years ago.","58":"Keeping them on such short leashes allowed me a degree of security and control, but also atrophied their skills and abilities.","59":"Honestly it was cheaper to release them from their contracts than continue to waste the resources maintaining security on that operation.","60":"So, did you call to gloat? Are you going to level more bogus charges against us or try to make us disappear?","61":"{Leah}, I'm shocked you'd suggest such abhorrent actions.","62":"Clearly, the fact that I'm reaching out and sharing all this with you should illustrate just how little of a threat I find the two of you.","63":"I just wanted to call and tell you that you gave it a good try. And, given your limited resources and charming enthusiasm, I was not unimpressed with your results.","64":"You proved an excellent counter-force for our security tests. Honestly I feel as though I should cut you a check for your services. Your office is at 48 Withrow Road, Office 4C, yes?","65":"Why don't you keep your money, Arthur. We're fine.","66":"Very well. That's all I had, really. But if we don't speak again, good luck with your business.","67":"And if you ever do find yourselves wanting for work, we're always looking to hire contractors to test our security apparatus. I hope you won't be afraid to reach out.","68":"Don't hold your breath, Arthur.","69":"Whatever you say. {Leah}, {PlayerName}, until we meet again.","70":"He hangs up, leaving {Leah} and I just looking at each other in the kitchen.","71":"You don't think he could have been bluffing, do you?","72":"She lets out a long breath, looking weary.","73":"I don't know. He seemed to know a lot of what happened, and there's no SWAT guys kicking down our door.","74":"Maybe we are a threat and he's trying to bluff us into thinking we're not. Or, he's telling the truth and we really did nothing to him.","75":"So, what do you want to do?","76":"{Leah} thinks for a moment, and I see the embers still glowing in her eyes.","77":"Well, nothing's changed really. Arthur is still a bad person, fueling a dangerous industry and supporting a network of secret cabals that are controlling society from the shadows.","78":"Are we really going to bring a child into this world if we're not willing to fight for it?","79":"If we don't do something to try and stop them, who will?","80":"Did I ever tell you that I love you?","81":"Yes. And I love you, too.","0":"{Leah} Pregnant","1":"{Leah} is NOT Pregnant","2":"Not long after Silent One walked off into the sunset, I had to give the bad news to the rest of the company.","3":"Emotions were... heated.","4":"I can't believe he wouldn't even tell you what he found! He could have at least given us a clue! Someplace to start!","5":"Pencil necked cowards! The lot of them! I didn't like the looks of even one of those scientists they let on the plane!","6":"Meak little left-over soviet lemmings!","7":"Valerie's reaction was perhaps the most surprising. Particularly her chuckle.","8":"Had I ever heard her chuckle before?","9":"That figures."},"ch18__epilogue_leah.70_flash_foward.vne3":{"10":"I give {Leah} a call.","11":"Hey, beautiful. How are you doing?","12":"Hands full, but I'm hanging in there. How's the stake out going? Any sign of the shipment yet?","13":"No. Still nothing. Can you check on your end and track it?","14":"Hold on, give me a minute.","15":"I hear {Leah} punching something into a keyboard.","16":"Okay, it looks like it's been delayed a bit, should be there within the next few hours.","17":"Hours, huh? At least we brought extra coffee. We'll keep an eye out.","18":"Alright... I have to go home. Matty is hungry and I don't think he's the only one...The doc said the second baby is always more active!","19":"But you know, let me know if anything happens over there!","20":"Is little Leah kicking up a storm in there? Looks like she takes after her mom with all this excitement about the investigation...","21":"Very funny. But yeah, I feel like she's having a little party down there. I'll be at home. Please let me know the next steps.","22":"Got it. I'll stay here, I'm analyzing the customs files and it looks like there's someone on the inside working with them...","23":"Anyways... Call me with any updates.","24":"I will. Love you!","25":"I hang up and look at Balenka, noticing her puzzled expression.","26":"Was the shipment delayed?","27":"Yeah, a few hours it sounds like.","28":"Well, let's hope the dock worker we paid to put the tracker on it is good for the money.","29":"Yeah... Looks like we'll need to grab something to eat. Don't worry, I'll go, it's my turn.","30":"Hey, it's gonna be a while. Why don't you get out of here. I can keep an eye on things.","31":"You sure? I don't want to leave you hang'n.","32":"It's just watching for a truck. No big deal.","33":"I mean, I don't know...","34":"Just go!","35":"Then keep the car and I'll call a rideshare...","36":"No way. Go with it! I can't stand being cooped up in here anymore anyway... I'll take advantage and stake out from the coffee shop. Win-win situation, right?","37":"Alright. Thanks, Balenka.","38":"And hey... Give that little belly a bite for me... Tell him auntie [i]Baba[\/i] is missing him like crazy!","39":"You bet! Thanks again!","40":"Take care!","41":"Sure thing. Take care!","42":"I could have hugged Balenka then.","43":"This job, this life {Leah} and I chose to live, is demanding. Demanding of our energy, our resources, and our time.","44":"Sometimes I wonder if we were crazy for starting a family while doing this.","45":"There's uncertainty, doubt, anxiety. And all compounded because we've set down roots and have started to build something.","46":"But at the same time, having these things puts everything in crystal focus.","47":"Hey, babe. I'm home.","48":"{PlayerName}!","49":"Da-da!","50":"Heeey, little fella! Come here!","51":"How's it going, my little sheriff? Many crimes in town today?","52":"Pow, pow!","53":"When did you start getting so big! I forbid you from growing any more!","54":"You should see the drawing we did today. It's becoming a real chore to get any work done with this little terror running around.","55":"Matty giggles.","56":"What are you doing at home? Where is Balenka?","57":"She told me she could handle watching for the shipment... Right, Matty?","58":"Get over here too, beautiful.","59":"And my little {Leah}... Still partying in your belly?","60":"No. I ate some cookies and I think she took the chance to take a nap.","61":"Speaking of food... I forgot to say, what did you want to do about dinner?","62":"You looked bushed... Do you want to just order a pizza?","63":"Mmm... That's the most romantic thing I think I've heard all week.","64":"Pee-za! Pee-za!","65":"...Doing what we do, standing up to men like Arthur and the Fraternity...","66":"It's all about making the best world possible for them. For the family {Leah} and I have started.","67":"In the end, they are what this whole thing is about.","68":"I can't say this is the life I envisioned for myself, but it's a path I'm happy I found.","69":"It feels good to have a cause. A purpose in life that means something.","70":"Going out every day and fighting the good fight. Sticking up for the little guy, or making sure those in power are held accountable.","71":"And what's more, getting to go on this journey with the people I care most about.","72":"Hey, {Leah}. I'm back.","73":"Hey, you're back early! Everything go okay?","74":"Yeah, everything's fine. But sitting around watching a warehouse can be a one person job, and Balenka cut me loose.","75":"Well, that was nice of her!","76":"It sure was, I owe her one.","77":"And I couldn't imagine going on this journey without {Leah}. She's the spirit and soul of this operation.","78":"More than that, she's my {sheIsYour}, my rock. The love of my life.","79":"Looks like we have the whole afternoon to ourselves.","80":"So, what do you want to do?","81":"...Nothing?","82":"Perfect! Shall we go outside? The sunset this time of year is always wonderful.","83":"Amazing...","84":"I can't imagine anyone else I'd want to save the world with.","0":"{Leah} Pregnant","1":"{Leah} is NOT Pregnant","2":"Several years later...","3":"And so, the years went by...","4":"With more maturity, we realized we won't always win, but we also can't stop trying.","5":"And that a war needs to be won gradually, fight by fight, one battle at a time...","6":"See anything yet?","7":"No. Not yet.","8":"This intel is solid, Arthur's shipment is supposed to be coming in tonight.","9":"Let's see if the office has heard anything yet."},"ch18__epilogue_lidia.05_doriene_family.vne3":{"10":"I know I'm in a good place in life. Sure, recent times have been like a roller coaster...","11":"But, looking around, the Coffee Shop is doing great and Lidia is wonderful...","12":"What could go wrong?","13":"I should be happy. I mean, I am, sort of. But not completely.","14":"And there's this... this shadow that keeps hanging in the air, taking all the shine off a day like this.","15":"Why do I still feel this way?","16":"Are you okay, {PlayerName}?","17":"Yeah, all great. Just... enjoying the day. Why?","18":"[i]Enjoying the day[\/i]? What's wrong with me?","19":"It's just that... You seem quiet today...","20":"Oh, I've got some stuff on my mind, you know? Quite a bit to do...","21":"Who am I kidding? Every day's the same, we don't have that much work really.","22":"I'm actually pretty free of tasks to be honest.","23":"Fuck. My smile was so shallow and forced I wouldn't believe it myself if I were looking in the mirror... Did she notice?","24":"Ah, sure, I get it.","25":"Damn, I could have covered better. She always can tell when something's off.","26":"Even when I try to hide it. She didn't say anything. She just... accepted it?","27":"No, that would be worse. She knows something's wrong. I should stop thinking about this now and focus on work.","28":"Hey guys, how's it going? I'm here to pick up the package of ground coffee I ordered yesterday...","29":"Erm, sure, let me grab that for you.","30":"If Lidia starts to think she needs to give me space, that she needs to leave me alone with my thoughts...","31":"I don't know if that would be good... After all, well, I guess the problem isn't her...","32":"But... She knows me so well... that should be a good thing, shouldn't it? I'm sure she's thinking about it now, while she sets the tables.","33":"Maybe I should have been more... honest. But what if that pushes her away?","34":"I need to stop overthinking... Every time she asks if I'm okay, it feels like she's testing me.","35":"Like she wants proof that I'm still here, present, whole. But... if she realizes I'm pulling away... Damn. How do I fix this?","36":"Hey Lidia... Sorry if I'm a bit spaced out today...","37":"Hey, you two! What's up? Haven't seen you guys in ages.","38":"Oh my gosh, hey {Leah}!","39":"It's {Leah}, wow, haven't seen her in forever!","40":"I'm good, and you? It's been a while for sure. It's really good to see you.","41":"She reminds me of a time that was... more thrilling. More risky. So much went down back then.","42":"So nice to see you. Can I get you some coffee?","43":"Oh, that would be awesome. You guys got a cold brew?","44":"Sure do. I'll grab that for you. Excuse me, there's a customer calling me.","45":"No worries, go ahead.","46":"So, how's it going? What's new with you guys?","47":"Yeah, all good...","48":"That's it? Just [i]all good[\/i]?","49":"What's up with you? You look like you could use a breather.","50":"Ah, I really could...","51":"Yeah, let's sit over there.","52":"What's going on? You look... worn out.","53":"I let out a long, deep breath.","54":"Yeah, it's just...","55":"Shit, is it really this hard to let it out? Struggling with the words here...","56":"Ah, you know... I love Lidia. I love what we've built together-this coffee shop, this life... But sometimes I feel like...","57":"Feels like there's something... missing? Like the thrill? The danger?","58":"Yes. It's weird, right?","59":"{PlayerName}, you know that everything you, I mean, we experienced is something totally different from a regular life...","60":"All that shit with the Fraternity... The way that ended... The fire, professor Rhogam...","61":"Anyway, it's the past, and you must let it go...","62":"It's like everything now is... so predictable, so... quiet. And it scares me, {Leah}. I'm still young, and I still have so much ahead.","63":"I feel trapped in this role. I'm not sure I still want to play.","64":"The role of a young entrepreneur with a hot girl by his side?","65":"C'mon, {PlayerName}, you're starting to sound like me! But let's be real: you have a good life now.","66":"You can't let that mess up what you've built.","67":"And about the desire for excitement, to escape the routine... You know that I, more than anyone, understand you.","68":"Yeah, especially since you're still chasing adrenaline, working with Professor Craven and his contacts.","69":"It's different, and you know it. That's who I am, it's my personality, not yours.","70":"You need to be honest with Lidia.","71":"It's not fair to either of you to live like this, with these feelings buried.","72":"She's right, I should be honest, even if it ruins everything. We built something stable, solid. Can the truth tear it all down?","73":"I... I know you're right, {Leah}. But it's hard.","74":"What if it destroys the only good and stable thing I managed to build? What if I hurt Lidia?","75":"I'm not sure I'm ready to take that risk.","76":"Remember when we were kids? And you were sick and missed Mrs. Simone's class and got a C?","77":"I remember but I don't see what it has to do with this.","78":"You spent the week worried, not knowing how to tell mom and dad.","79":"In the end, when you did, they weren't mad, just disappointed you didn't tell them sooner. Get it?","80":"I get it.","81":"Sometimes, being vulnerable is what really strengthens a relationship, {PlayerName}.","82":"If Lidia cares for you as much as you do for her, she'll want to know what's going on in your head.","83":"But... the decision is yours. I just think she deserves to see this more human, more... real side of you.","84":"I'll think about it. Maybe you're right... but I need time to figure out how to do this without... risking everything.","85":"Think about everything you've built, it's not fair to let it all be buried under a feeling of uncertainty.","86":"{Leah}, always on point, huh?","87":"I'm here for you, whatever you decide. But remember... The truth, even if tough, is always better than living a lie.","88":"Everything we did last year, all our adventures and scrapes we got into, were to find the truth. Let that truth be revealed.","89":"Here's your coffee, {Leah}. Sorry it took me so long, but we have been so busy the last weeks...","90":"Oh, thank you! I can see this place is busier than usual, huh?","91":"Well, we can't complain.","92":"Yeah, lately people seem to be really into our coffee shop.","93":"Someone spread the word about the best cold brew in the city.","94":"We wanted to thank the person but we don't even know what bird sang that song.","95":"I'm pretty sure it was the [i]Nightingale[\/i].","96":"Well, that's very good news. And, yeah, the best cold brew in the city indeed!","97":"Okay, we're having a great time, but I gotta go. I have a meeting with Professor Craven and I'm already late.","98":"Oh, what a shame, I didn't even get to sit here with you guys for a bit.","99":"Don't worry, Lidia! I'll stop by to visit you later. Hey, and how much do I owe you for the coffee?","100":"First of all, you always say you'll visit and never show up! I've never seen such a busy girl.","101":"And as for the coffee, don't even think about it. This one's on the house.","102":"You guys are so cute. Thank you! I needed this coffee more than you think! Bye {YouAreHer}! Bye Lidia!","103":"Nice to see you, {Leah}. Bye!","104":"Bye, {SheIsYour}!","105":"Oh Leah... Always in a rush!","106":"Hey, Lidia... Sorry, I'm a bit spaced out today... I gotta go see {Leah} in prison.","107":"I see you're feeling a little stressed. That place is enough to mess with anyone's head.","108":"I had promised {Leah} I'd visit her this week, so...","109":"I think talking to your {sheIsYour} will do you some good...","110":"And the Coffee Shop? Can you hold things down for an hour or two?","111":"Of course, {PlayerName}, you know I can! Just try to enjoy the talk. And send her my regards to her!","112":"Thanks, babe.","113":"The trip to the jail isn't the most pleasant, and my mind drifts between memories of a chaotic year and doubts about the choices I've been making for my life.","114":"Oh, and of course, it all mixes with my worries about {Leah} and the place she's living in.","115":"Before I realize it, I'm already parking the car, noticing that I'm cutting it close to the scheduled time.","116":"At the prison, I hear the door buzz.","117":"The guard leads the jumpsuited figure down the hall, and points them to where I'm waiting.","118":"Here she comes.","119":"{PlayerName}... Good to see you. How's everything?","120":"I should be asking you that, {Leah}. How are you? How... how's it been here?","121":"Well, It's not easy, but...","122":"You know me. I manage. I shift from one group to another, do what I need to keep safe. Don't worry about me.","123":"How does she manage to navigate such a hostile environment?","124":"But the idea of {Leah} manipulating situations to survive isn't hard to believe... She's always been like that, always found a way to fit in, to survive.","125":"But prison... it's not the same as the troubles we faced before. Here, everything is more... grim. How can she continue to be so... {Leah}?","126":"Besides, I'll be out soon...","127":"How... how's that going to happen?","128":"I have my ways, {PlayerName}. Don't worry, it'll all work out. You'll see.","129":"She's hiding something... But honestly, what could I do? {Leah} has always had her own way of dealing with things.","130":"Maybe I should trust her, let her handle it her way. But it's hard not to worry... especially after everything we've been through together.","131":"But what about you? You look exhausted.","132":"It's nothing... I don't want to burden you with outside stuff. You've got enough to deal with here.","133":"You matter to me, {PlayerName}. And honestly, I could use a break from what's happening in here too.","134":"Hearing about the outside... about you...","135":"It helps me keep my mind on something lighter.","136":"Maybe... maybe it's good to talk about it, to get this weight off my chest, even for a moment.","137":"Ah, you know... I love Lidia. I love what we've built together-this coffee shop, this life... But sometimes I feel like...","138":"Feels like there's something... missing? Like the thrill? The danger?","139":"Yes. It's weird, right?","140":"{PlayerName}, you know that everything you, I mean, we experienced is something totally different from a regular life...","141":"All that shit with the Fraternity... The way that ended... The fire, professor Rhogam...","142":"Anyway, it's the past, and you must let it go...","143":"It's like everything now is... so predictable, so... quiet. And it scares me, {Leah}. I'm still young, and I still have so much ahead.","144":"I feel trapped in this role. I'm not sure I still want to play.","145":"The role of a young entrepreneur with a hot girl by his side?","146":"C'mon, {PlayerName}, you're starting to sound like me! But let's be real: you have a good life now.","147":"You can't let that mess up what you've built.","148":"And about the desire for excitement, to escape the routine... You know that I, more than anyone, understand you.","149":"Yeah, I know.","150":"You need to be honest with Lidia.","151":"It's not fair to either of you to live like this, with these feelings buried.","152":"She's right, I should be honest, even if it ruins everything. We built something stable, solid. Can the truth tear it all down?","153":"I... I know you're right, {Leah}. But it's hard.","154":"What if it destroys the only good and stable thing I managed to build? What if I hurt Lidia?","155":"I'm not sure I'm ready to take that risk.","156":"Remember when we were kids? And you were sick and missed Mrs. Simone's class and got a C?","157":"I remember but I don't see what it has to do with this.","158":"You spent the week worried, not knowing how to tell mom and dad.","159":"In the end, when you did, they weren't mad, just disappointed you didn't tell them sooner. Get it?","160":"I get it.","161":"Sometimes, being vulnerable is what really strengthens a relationship, {PlayerName}.","162":"If Lidia cares for you as much as you do for her, she'll want to know what's going on in your head.","163":"But... the decision is yours. I just think she deserves to see this more human, more... real side of you.","164":"I'll think about it. Maybe you're right... but I need time to figure out how to do this without... risking everything.","165":"Think about everything you've built, it's not fair to let it all be buried under a feeling of uncertainty.","166":"Leah, always on point, huh?","167":"I'm here for you, whatever you decide. But remember... The truth, even if tough, is always better than living a lie.","168":"Everything we did last year, all our adventures and scrapes we got into, were to find the truth. Let that truth be revealed.","169":"I think time's almost up, I need to head back.","170":"Despite the place, it was good to see you. Take care of yourself, okay?","171":"Don't worry, you too. And don't hold on to those feelings, okay?","172":"Love you, {youAreHer}! Take care!","173":"Bye, {sheIsYour}! Love you too...","174":"Alright. Need to get back to the Coffee Shop, got things to do.","175":"Hey, glad to see you're back...","176":"How's {Leah}? How is she doing?","177":"Ah, she's tough, you know. She's doing fine.","178":"I hope she's okay and gets out of there soon.","179":"Me too.","180":"Everything good around here? I ended up taking longer than I expected.","181":"Yes, all good, don't worry.","182":"Hey... I was thinking about starting to plan our trip to Italy.","183":"We could look at some places together, pick where to stay... what do you think?","184":"Ah, sure... sounds like a good idea.","185":"She expected more from my response... I know she did. But... What can I do? I'm here, but my mind is somewhere else.","186":"She deserves more than this automatic response, this lack of enthusiasm. {Leah} was right...","187":"I need to be present, I need to show Lidia that I still care, that I still want this.","188":"I see you're tired, {PlayerName}.","189":"I just thought maybe we should take some time to relax, you know? Plan the trip leisurely...","190":"Well, maybe it's not a good idea. Let's drop it. I'll get back to work.","191":"No, Lidia, wait. I think... you're right.","192":"We can do this. We can plan this trip, it'll be good.","193":"More than just touring Italy, I can't wait to get there and meet your parents.","194":"I have to ask your old man where you learned so much about different types of coffee!","195":"Lidia needs to know I'm here, that I care. I want to make things right with her, with us... before it's too late.","196":"Are you sure about this?","197":"I know I've seemed distant lately, and that's not fair to you. I...","198":"I've been thinking too much about a lot of things, and maybe that's been distracting me more than it should.","199":"But I want you to know that I am here. I'm present, and I want this trip to be a fresh start for us both.","200":"You really want this? I mean, to be here... with me?","201":"Yes, Lidia. I do. I think we need this time alone, away from the routine.","202":"Let's make this trip something that brings us back to what we were... or maybe, to an even better place.","203":"That sounds... perfect. Let's do this together, then.","204":"Maybe {Leah} was right about a lot of things, but the most important is that I needed to be here with Lidia.","205":"Maybe the trip is what we need... to rediscover ourselves, to rekindle something that seemed lost.","206":"I still have doubts, I still feel restless... but I can't let that spoil what we have. Can we make this work? Only time will tell.","207":"Ready to call it a day? It's closing time.","208":"Yep. Today was tough, but everything worked out in the end.","209":"Let's go home, take a shower, and start planning our trip.","210":"I'm so excited!","211":"Let's go!","0":"I can't believe what we've managed with the coffee shop.","1":"The place is quite simple.","2":"A relatively normal coffee shop, practically buried inside the Shale Hill University campus, but with so much foot traffic, it's honestly impressive...","3":"Together, we've been doing our best to keep the business running smoothly, serving everyone in the best way possible.","4":"But Lidia's skills make all the difference, and the clients love coming here because of her...","5":"I'm sure I don't know anyone who loves being a barista as much as she does.","6":"Not only does she know everything about coffee, beans, and their origins, but she also does it all with so much love and care...","7":"Oh, Lidia.","8":"We stuck together even when everything was chaos and where everything was crumbling.","9":"An amazing girl who backs me up in every decision."},"ch18__epilogue_lidia.10_gabagoo_from_the_past.vne3":{"10":"I watch her take a deep breath, her gaze distant and empty. It's like she's not even here anymore, lost in thought.","11":"It's nothing, I just... I forgot to pay a bill for the Coffee Shop... I'll have to deal with it tomorrow.","12":"I don't buy it. I know Lidia, she wouldn't forget to pay a bill and, well, that wouldn't be enough to make her this shaken.","13":"Hey, I know you. What's the news that got you so upset? You can tell me, you know.","14":"...","15":"He... He's back...","16":"Who's back?","17":"HIM! Alex Chiaronte.","18":"That's the guy... The...","19":"Yes. The criminal from my past...","20":"Shit.","21":"What did he say? What does he want?","22":"That he has stuff on me.","23":"Calm down, what kind of stuff?","24":"He said I'm in his hands... I don't know what he has on me.","25":"My bet is stuff he manipulated, twisted...","26":"What? How so? Where's the message, let me see. Sometimes you're so nervous that you get confused, I don't know...","27":"Here, let me show you...","28":"Where is it?","29":"What? What do you mean?","30":"There's nothing here, Lidia.","31":"Oh, no! How stupid of me. Oh, Lidia, you should have been smarter. Falling into this scoundrel's traps again...","32":"What happened?","33":"He's not an idiot. He sent a one-time view message. Damn, I was so nervous that I closed it...","34":"It's no problem. Calm down, Lidia. What did the message said?","35":"He said he had documents to hand over to the police, and that I was in his hands.","36":"Oh, and he asked for 50k to not do anything.","37":"Shit.","38":"Anything else?","39":"He asked if I missed him. So frustrating.","40":"I really hate that jerk.","41":"Are you sure it's him?","42":"I am! I could hear his voice echoing every word in that message. Plus, who else could it be?","43":"Someone from the Fraternity?[pause] Nah, it doesn't make sense...","44":"Where am I supposed to get 50 thousand dollars?","45":"Calm down, you won't have to. Let's think this through.","46":"He said he has evidence, documents, and images. What kind of stuff? What does he have on you?","47":"He's really good at manipulating things, forging documents, images... that kind of stuff. Even signatures.","48":"What a time for this jerk to show up... But, on the other hand, why would he be warning that he has evidence?","49":"It doesn't make sense. It's a bluff.","50":"So he's trying to frame you.","51":"He knows I can't risk it, he knows how much this could destroy my life... our life.","52":"Lidia, I know this seems scary, but I think this guy is just trying to intimidate you.","53":"He wants easy money, and he knows the only way to get that is by threatening you.","54":"I'm not sure...","55":"I know you, I know the kind of person you are, and I know he's twisting reality to manipulate you.","56":"Think about it... you're a wanted criminal on the run.","57":"If you have evidence that could clear you, why would you warn the person you're about to incriminate?","58":"It's a bluff. He just wants money.","59":"I see the worry in her eyes, but I also see how conflicted she is.","60":"I know she's scared that the evidence might be enough to cause trouble, even if it's fake.","61":"Come here, Lidia.","62":"Look, even if he has something, that doesn't mean it's impossible to refute. We can argue against anything he presents.","63":"The truth is, you were coerced, you were a victim of this guy.","64":"Plus, you've never refused to cooperate with the law. That counts in your favor.","65":"But what if he has something concrete? Solid?","66":"If it were solid, he wouldn't be asking for money.","67":"I know you're trying to calm me down, but what if he has something I can't fight against?","68":"If he has documents, we can check their authenticity.","69":"If he has images, we can analyze and prove they've been tampered with.","70":"You sure?","71":"I'm sure. The most important thing right now is to stay calm and not let this affect us.","72":"And what are we going to do?","73":"He's probably bluffing. Don't sweat it.","74":"We'll figure this out together. I'm not gonna let him hurt you, not again. We'll find a way out.","75":"And what do we do about our trip? Do you want to cancel or postpone it?","76":"We're not gonna let this jerk screw up our plans, okay? The trip isn't until next week...","77":"I've told you already, I'm really looking forward to meeting your parents.","78":"Okay. Thanks for taking care of me.","79":"You don't have to thank me for that. I'm here.","80":"As we convince ourselves to move forward with the plans, the silence between us is almost deafening.","81":"She's trying to act normal, but I know her mind is racing. And so is mine.","82":"I just want this to be over, {PlayerName}. I want to live in peace without this shadow following me.","83":"Will I ever get that?","84":"You will, Lidia. We will.","85":"I can't deal with this right now... I need a distraction.","86":"A distraction? Do you want do go out? Grab something to eat?","87":"Nah... Let's stay home, just the two of us. Can we watch some tv? ","88":"Sure. Let's go.","89":"Okay... What do you wanna watch?","90":"Something funny!","91":"A thriller.","92":"Sports.","93":"Might be a good idea to set everything light.","94":"What do you think of [i]Two Italians in a Boat[\/i]? You need to laugh a little!","95":"Oh my God! I love this one, its my comfy movie!","96":"Maybe something deep and intense should be better to distract her.","97":"What do you think about this one? It's about a young scientist who discovers a new type of plant...","98":"And it's carnivorous? And he has to feed her with meat?","99":"Yeah, have you watched it already?","100":"No, but everyone's talking about it. Let's go with this one!","101":"She's very competitive, maybe some sport would work.","102":"Today the Tigers are facing the Pink Dolphins for the conference finals...","103":"It's today? Damn! Everyone is talking about that game! Let's see!","0":"A few weeks later...","1":"Can't help but think this is our chance to start over. I can almost smell Italy.","2":"This trip is gonna be awesome, Lidia. I think it'll do us good... Getting out of here for a bit, changing the scene, you know?","3":"Yeah, it's gonna be great. We deserve it.","4":"Babe, can you grab those blue pants for me?","5":"Sure, just let me check this message I just got. I'm waiting for a response from a new supplier in Brazil and...","6":"I see Lidia's face change, like something on her phone is really disturbing her.","7":"She can't hide the tension. It's almost like the air just got heavier.","8":"What happened? You just went pale.","9":"Lidia, what's wrong? Bad news?"},"ch18__epilogue_lidia.15_kestrel_revival.vne3":{"10":"The [i]Bikarelli 2000 bpe 2346 bar[\/i] takes great care of my precious medium roast coffee beans.","11":"Here, hot and strong. That's how you start a new day.","12":"No better way to do it. Today's gonna be better, trust me.","13":"I hope so!","14":"Okay, sweetie, I'm going to finish getting ready while you drink your coffee.","15":"Take your time.","16":"Hmm, this coffee is delicious.","17":"What would people say if they knew we have a little coffee at home before heading to our coffee shop?","18":"That we're addicted to coffee?","19":"Nah, let's call it ''professionally devoted''... They'd probably say we're the most qualified people to serve this liquid gold.","20":"Can you handle the counter? I'll take advantage of the quiet morning to check the inventory.","21":"We'll need to reorder soon.","22":"Yeah, sure. I got it, go ahead.","23":"Hey, Lidia... how about I take you out for a date tonight?","24":"A date? If I knew we were having a date, I would've dressed up better.","25":"You're always looking good, babe.","26":"And where are you taking me?","27":"Can you guess?","28":"Hmmm... Go Ji Ra? I've been craving Japanese food.","29":"You just read my mind. It's a date.","30":"Alright, heading to the inventory. See you in a bit.","31":"After yesterday's scare, she definitely needs some attention and a little distraction.","32":"Let's see the orders... A Macchiato at table 4...","33":"Hey {PlayerName}, how's it going?","34":"Maggie! Wow, long time no see! I don't even remember the last time.","35":"It really has been a while. I wonder how she's been doing.","36":"Yeah! I just got back to town. I spent the last few weeks traveling.","37":"Finally worked up the guts to join this veterinary education program.","38":"Oh, that's why you disappeared! I'm happy to hear that! How was it there? Did you have a good time?","39":"Oh, it was amazing! We had classes...","40":"It was great to spend a few days there, disconnecting from the routine and learning something new, you know?","41":"Disconnecting from the routine... That sounds so wonderful...","42":"Wow, sounds like a great break. Have you worked with any animals yet?","43":"Yeah, we've had classes with horses, cats, dogs, and sheeps.","44":"Next module we'll be working with cows, goats, and I think birds too.","45":" Bet you came back with your batteries fully recharged.","46":"I admire Maggie for going after something she's always wanted.","47":"Totally! But now I need an extra dose of caffeine to face reality again.","48":"What are you thinking? Something cold to beat this heat?","49":"You read my mind! I rushed over here to cool off.","50":"I'm torn between an Iced Latte and a Frappé. What's the difference again?","51":"Good question! Let me explain. An Iced Latte is basically espresso with cold milk and ice.","52":"It's refreshing, but you can still really taste the coffee.","53":"Hmm, sounds good. And the Frappé?","54":"The Frappé is a bit different. We put coffee, milk, and ice in the blender, so it's creamier, almost like a coffee milkshake.","55":"Usually, we add a syrup for extra flavor and, of course, whipped cream on top...","56":"She's got that look of not being totally convinced yet. Maybe I should suggest something...","57":"You know what? With today's heat, I'd go for the Frappé. It's more refreshing and gives you that cold dessert feel.","58":"You always know exactly what I need! Frappé it is, then. And extra whipped cream on top, please!","59":"I knew you'd ask for the extra whipped cream! It's tradition, right?","60":"I love cream on the top.","61":"On the other hand, this job allows me to feel these special moments.","62":"Making customers happy, especially friends like Maggie, is priceless.","63":"Hey, what's this fun gathering all about?","64":"Maggie, so good to see you!","65":"Lidia! I was just telling {PlayerName} about my basic vet program.","66":"Basic Vet? Oh, that's so cool! You've always been good with animals, right?","67":"Yes, I've always found it easier to communicate with pets than with people... But I think I've improved at that too!","68":"Oh, definitely. I remember when you used to come to the coffee shop, all quiet and alone... Who would've thought you'd grow so much, right?","69":"Tell me about it! And a lot of that progress is thanks to this guy right here... I hope you're taking good care of him!","70":"Oh, don't worry, I've got him covered, right {PlayerName}?","71":"Stop it, you two! You're making me blush... How about we change the subject?","72":"Maggie just got back. We were talking about disconnecting from the routine and learning something new.","73":"Speaking of disconnecting, guess what, Maggie? We're planning a trip to Italy!","74":"Wow, that's awesome! You guys totally deserve it! You know, those days recharge my batteries.","75":"It's amazing how spending time in a different place can do wonders.","76":"I completely agree! In my family, traveling is in our blood. My dad, being a food consultant, is always around the world.","77":"I guess I inherited this love for new experiences from him.","78":"This trip to Italy might be exactly what we need.","79":"After all the chaos in the past, I have to admit that this calmness sometimes feels suffocating.","80":"That's amazing, Lidia! Your dad must have discovered some wonderful places.","81":"Yeah, and he always comes back with new ideas for the menu.","82":"I can't wait to see what he will have to show us in Italy.","83":"It'll be great to try new flavors and techniques. Who knows, maybe we'll bring something new to our menu?","84":"Facing new experiences in a different place will be refreshing.","85":"You both deserve this trip. After all the hard work here at the coffee shop, some time away will do wonders.","86":"Definitely... Ahm, excuse me, someone is calling me.","87":"Italy will be awesome, ahn?","88":"I hadn't thought about it that way. This conversation with Maggie and Lidia really opened my eyes.","89":"New sights, new flavors, new experiences... this might be exactly the push we needed.","90":"Here's your special Frappé, Maggie. Hope you like it.","91":"Hmm, this is delicious! You always outdo yourself, you know that?","92":"And this cream on top is amazing.","93":"Well, I've got to go now. It was great talking to both of you! If I don't see you guys before the trip, have fun!","94":"Thanks for stopping by, Maggie. Come back soon.","95":"Bye, Maggie! Let's plan something when we get back.","96":"And the phone call?","97":"Actually, it was weird. I answered, but there was no one on the line. Just silence.","98":"Really? That's annoying.","99":"Yeah, I hate it when that happens. It's so frustrating to pick up and there's nobody on the other end.","100":"That's odd. Usually, when that happens, it's just a wrong number or a prank call. But Lidia seems a bit bothered.","101":"Hey, don't sweat it. It was probably just a mistake. How about we focus on our travel plans for Italy?","102":"Have you already talked to your dad about the places we're going to visit with him?","103":"You're right. No point in dwelling on it. Let's talk about something more fun!","104":"Oh, a customer just came in. I'll take care of this one.","105":"Great, I managed to distract her. Better not let that weird vibe ruin our plans.","106":"Are you sure?","107":"Yeah. Actually, now that it's slowed down a bit, we can ease up on the pace.","108":"How about you go grab something for us to eat?","109":"Anything specific in mind?","110":"Not to jump the gun, but to get in the mood, Italian food?","111":"That's great. Actually, you just gave me an idea.","112":"I'll stop by the comic book store and see if I can find an Italian comic to get into the vibe.","113":"That's a great idea.","114":"Ah, just one thing...","115":"What?","116":"Don't get that parmigiana steak, it looks nothing like Italian food. Oh, and don't order too much, we've got a date later... Or did you think I forgot?","117":"That's right! Don't worry, I won't. Bye babe, love you!","118":"I'll take care of things here, see you later, love you too.","119":"Here I am. Good thing this place is dead at this hour.","120":"I'll take advantage of the slow crowd and head straight to the comic book store.","121":"Look who's here! What are you looking for today? Some new weird comic?","122":"Hey Kristen. How's it going? Actually, I'm looking for something Italian.","123":"I'm going to Italy with Lidia, so I want to get in the mood before we go.","124":"She always makes that face... ","125":"Wow, you? Going to Italy?","126":"Why the surprise?","127":"Because you're not the most cultured guy I know... I mean, you like to bury yourself in computers and stuff like that, right?","128":"I've never seen you appreciating a Botticelli or checking out anything from the Renaissance, but anyway...","129":"Actually, her family is from Italy, so...","130":"Fancy, huh? But why a comic for that?","131":"What kind of weird stuff are you planning to do there?","132":"We're visiting Lidia's family. I'm meeting her parents.","133":"I don't know... I just want something that makes me feel the rhythm of the cities before I get there.","134":"A comic that shows the routine, the day-to-day stuff, you know? Something to warm up, get me familiar before the trip.","135":"Hmmm, I get it... Let me think.","136":"Italian? Day-to-day life? I don't know if I have anything that loser-ish.","137":"Funny how quickly things change...","138":"If someone had told me yesterday I'd be here, so excited and ready to plan a trip like this, I wouldn't have believed it.","139":"But now, I'm really enjoying this process. Planning, getting ready. Feels good.","140":"Here, ''It Alien.'' A bizarre classic.","141":"This cover... looks like an alien clown? WTF?","142":"And what's this one about?","143":"Can't you read?","144":"An alien clown lands in a small Italian town and starts handing out balloons to kids. After they take the balloons... they disappear.","145":"Right, definitely the kind of thing she would suggest.","146":"Okay, I'll take this one, but I also want something more serious. Like, less... alien.","147":"Hmm... Why did I know you'd say that? I already grabbed a second option.","148":"Here. ''Life in Venice''. A boring gondolier who tells stories about the passengers he transports.","149":"Each with their own story, their own drama. Made for losers. I think you'll like it..","150":"No time to be arguing with Kristen.","151":"I'll take both.","152":"Good thing someone came by to take these comics that have been stuck here for ages...","153":"Don't worry about letting me know if you liked them or not...","154":"Will do. Bye, Kristen.","155":"I'll stop by Mangiare to grab lunch for Lidia and me.","156":"I really like it, even though Lidia always says their food is only Italian in the name...","157":"You're just in time! I'm starving.","158":"Lasagna bolognese for you and fettuccine alfredo for me. And for dessert... tiramisu.","159":"Sounds good, if you consider that it probably doesn't taste like anything Italian...","160":"Sorry, that's my dad talking through me.","161":"Shall we dig in?","162":"Let's do it.","163":"Lidia and I ate, continued with our tasks for the day, and before we knew it, night had already fallen outside...","164":"You've told me about your experiences in Italy before, but you never mentioned this wine story.","165":"So you learned how to make wine before even trying a glass?","166":"Oh, do you think I knew what wine was at that age? I just wanted to understand what they were doing!","167":"And when I saw everyone stepping on grapes, I was shocked! I thought it was some kind of prank.","168":"I can totally picture your face when you saw everyone there stomping on grapes.","169":"My dad practically had to drag me in there! I didn't want to put my feet in those grapes at all.","170":"But when I finally did... it was so much fun. The family that owned the vineyard was so excited that I forgot all about it.","171":"I always knew she had some funny stories, but this one's a gem.","172":"I can just imagine the scene: a bunch of happy Italians stomping grapes and you, trying to escape.","173":"But seriously, it's one of my best memories of the trip. It makes me think about how simple things can really stick with you.","174":"It's funny how even after all this time together, she still surprises me with these stories.","175":"This talk is making me thirsty... How about we swing by Sevignys? It's a beautiful night!","176":"Hey! What about our date?","177":"Honey, to be honest, I'm still stuffed with lasagna...","178":"We'll go another day! Don't think I'm going to miss the chance for a date night with you. Besides, I'll be able to dress up better for you then...","179":"Hmmmm...","180":"C'mon, let's do it! I'll finish closing the tables over here, and we can go.","181":"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite couple in town! What can I do for the lovebirds on this fine evening?","182":"Hey, Dante! We're just here to relax a bit. How's everything going?","183":"It's always good to see Dante. The guy never changes, still the same as always.","184":"Hey, Dante! We got into a wine conversation and thought it'd be a good idea to come here and enjoy this warm night.","185":"You came to the right place! I can do all sorts of things with wine around here!","186":"See? I knew this was the right spot for us.","187":"Ah, you guys are the sweetest! Nobody can resist Dante's charm, not even lovebirds.","188":"Well, since you can make wine drinks, how about we continue our Italian immersion?","189":"Sounds great!","190":"Italian immersion?","191":"We're planning a trip to Italy!","192":"Italy? Damn! Man, you still hold the title of the straightest dude I know after myself!","193":"Only a true ''hetebro'' takes his girl on a romantic trip.","194":"Italy. The land of pizza and wine.","195":"We're super excited to go, and we're already in full immersion mode.","196":"But back to the drinks, what do you suggest for us?","197":"How about a Bellini? Super traditional and invented in Venice.","198":"Named after the Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini. A true hetebro of the past!","199":"Sounds perfect to me.","200":"Two of those, then.","201":"Coming right up, my friends.","202":"Just a sec, I need to take this.","203":"So, tell me more about this trip. What are you guys going to do?","204":"Well, Lidia's parents live there, so I'm going to meet them.","205":"They say it's the land of the [i]belle ragazze[\/i]. When you come back, tell me if it's true.","206":"Let me grab a bottle of wine to make your Bellinis. Be right back.","207":"...","208":"Are you okay, babe?","209":"Yeah... it's just... there was no one on the other end.","210":"{PlayerName}, I... I think it's Alex Chiaronte calling.","211":"Are you sure? Why do you think that?","212":"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling.","213":"Here you go! The best Bellinis you'll ever have. Cheers to your trip and to love, hetero-style!","214":"We need to talk about this later. For now, I should try to keep the mood light.","215":"Thanks, Dante. You're the man!","216":"It's delicious, as always.","217":"Of course it is! Now, tell me more about this trip. Have you picked out the restaurants?","218":"They say the pasta over there is out of this world!","219":"I have to keep this conversation going. I can't let Lidia get more nervous than she already is.","220":"Yeah, we're excited to try the local cuisine. Right, babe?","221":"Hm? Oh, yeah, of course... It's going to be great.","222":"Alright, my favorite hetero lovebirds, duty calls. Enjoy the drinks and holler if you need anything!","223":"Okay, babe. Now tell me, what's going on? Why do you think it's Alex Chiaronte?","224":"It's just... it's not the first time. I've been getting these silent calls for a few days now.","225":"Always from the same unknown number.","226":"And... well, Alex is really good at putting pressure. Something tells me these calls are him trying to mess with me...","227":"I get it. We're not going to brush this off, but let's not let it get to us, okay?","228":"We're in this together, and you don't owe this guy anything.","229":"I know. I didn't say anything earlier because I didn't want to worry you.","230":"I thought it would pass, that it was just a coincidence. But now...","231":"Lidia, look at me. We're in this together, okay? You don't have to face this alone.","232":"I'm sorry. It's just, I'm scared of what Alex might do.","233":"He could ruin more than just our trip. He could ruin our lives.","234":"I can't let fear paralyze us. We have to act. We have to fight back.","235":"Besides, Lidia isn't alone in this. I can't let this jerk destroy everything we've built.","236":"Hey, we won't let that happen. Look, first thing tomorrow morning we're going to the police station.","237":"To the police station?","238":"Yeah, we're going to report Alex. The calls, the past threats, everything. We can't let him keep blackmailing you.","239":"Are you sure? What if it makes things worse?","240":"I'm sure. We can't let Alex control our lives.","241":"You're right.","242":"And remember, we're in this together. You're not alone.","243":"We're going to get through this. I won't let anything ruin our happiness or our trip.","244":"Thank you, babe. I don't know what I'd do without you.","245":"How about we finish our drinks and head home? Tomorrow's going to be a long day.","246":"Good idea. And... {PlayerName}?","247":"Yeah?","248":"I love you.","249":"Wow, what time is it?","250":"What was that noise?","251":"She ain't in bed...","252":"Lidia? Are you okay?","253":"Babe, what went down? Heard something smash.","254":"Oh, hey! Sorry, I... I knocked over a glass. Didn't mean to wake you up.","255":"She looks shook. We gotta shut this down once and for all. This dude has crossed the line. Messed with our lives way too much.","256":"How you feeling? You seem... off.","257":"I'm alright, just... didn't catch much sleep.","258":"Hey, look at me. We got this, alright? We'll handle it today.","259":"I know, I know. It's just... kinda scared of what might go down.","260":"I hear you. But remember, we're in this together. The cops will back us up.","261":"Or I'll just handle this dude myself and sort it out.","262":"You're right. Oh, before we head to the station, I gotta swing by the coffee shop.","263":"The coffee shop? Why?","264":"The morning rush is one of our busiest and most profitable times, we can't leave our regulars hanging...","265":"But Lidia, we can...","266":"I know we have Kiara helping, but it's still too much work for her alone....","267":"{PlayerName}, you're not going to change my mind! Just an hour or two, and then we'll head to the station...","268":"Okay, love, you're the boss. We'll hit that up first. Then, sort everything out at the station.","269":"We finish eating, brush our teeth, and in less than an hour, we're already serving customers at the coffee shop.","270":"Are you getting the Cheesecake for Vicky's order? Her cappuccino is ready...","271":"Yes, you can leave it here on the counter and I'll deliver it to her right away.","272":"I'm gonna grab my purse so we can go. I'll be right back...","273":"Morning, {PlayerName}. Seems like things are pretty chill around here, huh? Maybe a little too chill.","274":"What do you want, Kestrel?","275":"What happened to ''what can I get for you today?'' Has the service here gone downhill?","276":"I doubt you're here for just coffee.","277":"Straight to the point, as always. Well, I'm here for three reasons...","278":"First, to have a good cup of coffee... Hate to admit it, but this is the best in town. Second, to enjoy your discomfort.","279":"I think I already know what the third one is... Fuck.","280":"And the third...?","281":"Well, I've got some hot news. Alex Chiaronte, does it ring a bell?","282":"He's cutting deals with the government, and believe me, he's got some pretty damning info about... Lidia.","283":"What are you talking about?","284":"Alex is saying he was coerced, you know? That everything he did...","285":"Even his escape was orchestrated by her, and that's something you can't deny...","286":"You know that's not true.","287":"True or not, he's painting her as the mastermind behind it all, and well... the authorities might just buy it.","288":"To be honest... you know how convenient that could be for certain people... like me, for instance.","289":"Fuck. We're in deep shit. I know I was wishing for more excitement, but this is way too much.","290":"Even you wouldn't stoop so low as to take advantage of this.","291":"A case like this could be the cherry on top for my career. My ticket out of this town... Finally!","292":"You...","293":"What... You... What are you doing here?","294":"Good morning! What a way to greet me.","295":"You two need to go through some training on how to treat your potential customers better...","296":"Do you have any idea how much a cop spends on coffee every day?","297":"This has to do with Alex, doesn't it?","298":"And here I thought I was bringing news...","299":"Hey, man, take it easy.","300":"Calm down, love, relax.","301":"Kestrel, can we take this outside? The customers don't need to be involved...","302":"Sure, of course I can honor a simple request from my old friends... But no funny business, okay?","303":"Looks like you've improved your acting skills, {PlayerName}, I was starting to believe you didn't know anything.","304":"Don't you have anything better to do? You used me in the past, and now you're back to exploit me again?","305":"What kind of lawman believes in criminals?","306":"As far as I remember, you're considered an accomplice... so, technically a criminal too... but that accusation hasn't been proven.","307":"I'm not here to take advantage of anything or anyone. I'm just doing my job. If you get burned in the process, well, that's not my problem.","308":"So, being direct: what are you really here for?","309":"I came to give a friendly warning. Lidia, Alex is handing over documents that supposedly prove you knew everything.","310":"If those documents are accepted as evidence, you could very well end up in jail. So, it won't look good if you suddenly decide to leave town.","311":"You're really willing to throw us to the wolves just to boost your career?","312":"My dear {PlayerName}, this is a game. And I play to win. If you don't want to be sacrificed, I suggest you get ready, and fast.","313":"So, you'd rather believe a criminal who's fabricating lies just to get off the hook?","314":"For starters, that's your version. To us, you're still a potential accomplice, which is why we're keeping a close eye on all your moves.","315":"I have a question. If he's wandering around, why don't you just arrest him?","316":"This is fun. Finally, something new that you guys don't know...","317":"I can't arrest him. At least not right now.","318":"Why not?","319":"Technically, he's not in debt with the law. He settled a few things and is working on this deal...","320":"So what you're saying is...","321":"Yes. You are my primary target, and unless Alex steps outside the law, I won't be able to arrest him.","322":"Are you listening to what you're saying?","323":"To be honest, no. It's not news to us, but maybe we've got some news for you.","324":"The good old cooperation between lawmen and criminals. I'm touched. So, let's hear it.","325":"Alex, contacted me yesterday...","326":"Interesting. How did that happen? What did he say?","327":"He said he had things against me, documents proving that... That I was part of their criminal scheme...","328":"He's clearly trying to make money, Kestrel. He asked for 50 grand not to report Lidia using these ''proofs'' he has against her...","329":"Okay, this is simple for you to prove. Did he send it on the phone? By email? Can I see it?","330":"I... I can't show you the message...","331":"Why not?","332":"It was a view once message, unfortunately.","333":"Oh, how convenient.","334":"Can't you investigate using the number?","335":"Hmm. Well, checking these things out takes time, you know? Court orders, breaking privacy laws, phone tracing.","336":"Is there anything you're actually useful for?","337":"By the way, this could just be a big play by you guys to make us waste time.","338":"Are you serious? You really believe in that?","339":"You can say whatever you want, but the truth is, the evidence is there.","340":"Lidia, you're in the crosshairs for something much bigger than you think.","341":"Those ''evidence'' were fabricated. This is part of Alex's plan to manipulate and destabilize me.","342":"He's always been a manipulator, and he's trying to do it again.","343":"Kestrel, let's look at the facts. Lidia never tried to run.","344":"From the moment she was tricked by that terrorist, she fully cooperated with the authorities.","345":"She lost a lot by trusting him, but she never tried to hide.","346":"If she was the criminal mastermind you're talking about, why didn't she run like Alex did?","347":"Maybe... Maybe she knew she couldn't get away. Or maybe she was just waiting for the right moment.","348":"How about a trip to Italy once things cooled down?","349":"And why doesn't she have any criminal record before Alex tricked her?","350":"If she was really running a criminal operation like those documents say...","351":"There'd be some history, some shady stuff in her past. But there's nothing.","352":"I get what you're saying, but...","353":"If Lidia was able to push someone like Alex around, she'd need a solid bank account, some dirty deals, and connections with other criminals.","354":"And you and I both know that doesn't exist. Even you, Kestrel, thought she was just a victim, caught up in the mess.","355":"Look...","356":"Yeah, I got played. I trusted Alex, and I paid for it. But I was never the one pulling the strings.","357":"If you really believe that, Kestrel, then you're admitting your own crew wasn't smart enough to catch on earlier.","358":"Oh, looks like we got him.","359":"Maybe... maybe this info really is fake. But don't think that makes me any less suspicious. And it doesn't get you off the hook.","360":"I gotta hand it to you. You two are good. Maybe your story's legit. But let me tell you this... I'm convinced that one way or another, one of you is gonna slip.","361":"What do you mean?","362":"If Lidia's guilty, I'll take her down. If not, I'll be close enough to catch Alex when he screws up again. Either way, I'm winning.","363":"So, you're saying you'll keep us under watch while you try to catch Alex?","364":"Exactly. I'm down for that, but don't think that means I trust you.","365":"If that's the case, Kestrel, then you better know we're not just gonna sit around.","366":"That's what I'm counting on. Whether it's you, or him, someone's gonna mess up.","367":"This guy's a real piece of work.","368":"I guess that's it. Good luck. You're gonna need it.","369":"Oh, and don't forget... I'll be watching, and the first chance I get, I won't hesitate to act.","370":"Just what I needed to start my day. This hell never ends.","371":"Calm down, Lidia. We've got some advantages. Kestrel came here because he's after Alex Chiaronte.","372":"And I end up being the consolation prize.","373":"But you'd already be in jail if this story had any real weight. Let's take it easy.","374":"I don't know if I'm up for anything today.","375":"And I think I need some time alone. I'm gonna focus on the inventory to cool down...","376":"Alright, take your time sweetie.","377":"You know what's worse? I can't get the image of Alex out of my head...","378":"I can see his ugly face staring at me, laughing in my face...","379":"Anyway, I'm going over there to clear my head... I love you...","380":"Poor Lidia... I know exactly what it's like to have someone's face stuck in your mind...","381":"I remember that time, in that party, when some ''clown'' knocked me out... After that, that mask haunted me for quite a while...","382":"Alex... if I at least knew who this bandit is. I just realized I've never seen that bastard's face.","383":"Hmm...","384":"What comes up if I search for Alex Chiaronte on the internet?","385":"These days, everyone's face is on the web, there's no way to escape...","386":"Seems like I know this guy, his face looks familiar...","387":"Oh, shit, he was snooping around the coffee shop the other day.","388":"It was late at night...","389":"Lidia was finishing up putting things away before we closed the coffee shop, and I decided to wait outside, get a breath of Shale Hill's night air.","390":"That's when I saw this guy, this strange fella, suspicious-approaching our shop...","391":"Looking back now, I remember... He was staring intently at Lidia, inside.","392":"Good evening. Can I help you with something?","393":"Ah, hi. I was just curious about this place. An interesting coffee shop... Wanted to know what time you open and close.","394":"We usually open at seven in the morning and close around six in the evening. But on slower days, sometimes we close earlier.","395":"I see. And are you the owner?","396":"Yes, my girlfriend and I run the place together.","397":"How interesting. A family business, then. Nice... And it looks like I arrived too late today, huh? What a shame, I was really in the mood for an iced coffee to ''cool off'', hehe...","398":"Yeah, sorry. But you can come by earlier tomorrow, we'll definitely be open.","399":"Be sure, I will. Thanks for the info. Send my best regards to your girlfriend. Tell her you run a beautiful place.","400":"What a strange guy. But hey, every customer has their quirks.","401":"Yeah, it was definitely him...","402":"It mean he's close. He's watching us. Fuck.","403":"I can't let Lidia know about Alex being around. But now I need to stay sharp. Keep my eyes wide open.","404":"Feeling any better?","405":"Yeah, but... it's hard to focus.","406":"Maybe we could call it a day. Go home, rest, and clear our heads.","407":"But what about our customers?","408":"I'll talk to Kiara; she has a friend who loves coffee and could come help out...","409":"{PlayerName}, when we hired her as our assistant, it wasn't with the intention of leaving her here alone every day...","410":"Yeah, but we also didn't think that jerk would come back to bother us... C'mon, we'll give her a bonus...","411":"A good bonus...","412":"Besides, she's already told me she loves it when we're not here, and she gets the chance to manage the place and put everything she's learning in her business management course into practice.","413":"Okay, I think you're right... Let's go home.","414":"Let's go, I'll cook something for you.","415":"That's a bit weird. Despite everything that's going on, I feel good. I feel comfortable.","416":"I guess it's this excitement I was missing.","0":"Better than a good night's sleep is a new day to start over.","1":"Lidia's not in bed...I'd be worried if I didn't smell that fresh coffee in the air.","2":"Time to get dressed.","3":"Morning. You seem more chill today.","4":"Morning. Yeah, I think I am. Decided today's a new day, no looking back.","5":"Glad to hear that.","6":"Will this really last? What if everything comes back to haunt us? I can't let it tear us apart, but...","7":"Maybe I'm just stressing over nothing.","8":"Who would've thought, huh? Lidia using one of her imported coffees in the coffee maker?","9":"Hey! You know it's not just any coffee maker, right?"},"ch18__epilogue_lidia.20_the_one_in_the_central_park.vne3":{"10":"Teriyaki chicken... simple, but with the right ingredients, it turns into something else.","11":"The first time I made this dish, it blew everyone away: mom, dad, even my {sheIsYour} who, miraculously, was having dinner with us that day!","12":"Since then, I've made it a bunch of times, and it always lifts the mood.","13":"Anyway, it feels really good to cook again, and it's definitely an activity I want to do more often.","14":"Cooking is like alchemy, it's pure chemistry in action, transforming simple ingredients into something that will make someone else happy and satisfied.","15":"But to be honest, I can't even remember the last time I did this.","16":"It's an activity I always enjoyed, but it's been neglected over the past few years.","17":"The secret is doing it just like I did in the past...","18":"That's it... Just like we did before! Hell yeah!","19":"That's how we're gonna do it!","20":"Cooking even made me forget about Alex for a minute... I think I have something in mind to get that bastard, though.","21":"It smells amazing, I'm already drooling...","22":"Tonight, my love, you're gonna try my ancient recipe for Teriyaki Chicken.","23":"Oh, I'm impressed.","24":"You'll be even more impressed when I tell you how we're gonna take down Alex.","25":"How's it gonna go?","26":"You're gonna call him and set up a meeting, but I'm gonna be the one who shows up.","27":"You'll tell him you've got the money, and your middleman will hand it over.","28":"And what happens then?","29":"I'm gonna tell him I need proof he's gonna destroy the evidence.","30":"And I'll make him confess.","31":"And you're gonna be wearing a wire, like the one Kestrel made me wear back then.","32":"That's my girl!","33":"There's just one problem... Alex won't trust it if I'm not there. I know him. He's paranoid and suspicious.","34":"We can't risk putting you face-to-face with him.","35":"There's no way he'll show up if I'm not there. He'll think you're an undercover agent...","36":"Maybe you should be in disguise, but farther away...","37":"No way! I'm not letting you meet this creep alone. Even if Kestrel's watching remotely.","38":"Okay, okay. But you'll need to be smart and let me handle the convo.","39":"You think he'll talk?","40":"He loves to brag... Maybe it'll work. His ego might make him slip up.","41":"That's what I thought... Well, we've got a mission for tomorrow then...","42":"Convincing Kestrel... That won't be easy...","43":"No, but if he's as desperate as he looked... He'll go for it. He'll have to... Tomorrow, I'll call him.","44":"You might be right...","45":"Hey... we're gonna figure this out.","46":"I know, I know. It's just... every time I think it's buried, this ghost comes back to haunt me.","47":"You know? I can't wait for this to be over.","48":"Lidia... it's gonna end. We'll lock this bastard up, and all this will be done.","49":"And after that, we're heading to Italy, just like we planned. I promise.","50":"But for now, let's eat this chicken ‘cause I can hear your stomach growling.","51":"Let's do it.","52":"Damn, this chicken's really good.","53":"I didn't even realize how hungry I was.","54":"Modesty aside, this is a recipe I kill at.","55":"True. Maybe we should add it to the coffee shop menu.","56":"You know I'd be hyped...","57":"But seriously. This was good... I think I really needed a moment like this.","58":"Same here. Sometimes we just need a break to breathe.","59":"I think I'll organize some stuff in the bedroom before the night's over. Need to move a bit.","60":"Okay babe, I'll clear the table and take care of the dishes.","61":"Alright... What I really want is to get in touch with Kestrel. I'll take the opportunity to send a message.","62":"Can you meet later?","63":"Too scared to visit Lidia in jail? What time?","64":"What an idiot.","65":"Noon.","66":"Meet me at 9PM in the alley behind Sevigny's. If you're late, don't bother.","67":"I don't have much of a choice, I need this jerk.","68":"Deal.","69":"Kestrel's an asshole, but he might come in handy...","70":"I really think this could be our turning point.","71":"It's going to be risky, but if it works, we'll finally get rid of that lowlife thug... and, in the process, Kestrel too...","72":"I can't stand that guy in my life anymore, it feels like I just can't shake him off either.","73":"Okay, I need to tell Lidia about this meeting with Kestrel. This is about her, after all, so I think it's better not to hide anything from her.","74":"Lidia, can I talk to you for a second? I have something important to tell you.","75":"Did something happen?","76":"Yep... I set up a meeting with Kestrel... I'm going to propose the plan to him.","77":"When?","78":"Later tonight. Behind Sevigny's.","79":"Okay, I'll go with you...","80":"No. Kestrel is an asshole and I want to spare you from dealing with him.","81":"Babe, that's not an option. Unfortunately, I'm in this up to my neck... so I'm going, whether you like it or not.","82":"Yeah, I know, obviously, in the end, it's all about you... I just wanted to spare you from running into him...","83":"I think it'd be better for you to see him as little as possible...","84":"Thanks, love, but the sooner we deal with this, the sooner we'll get rid of those two...","85":"Night falls quickly, and we waste no time, heading to the meeting spot as soon as possible...","86":"You're early... At least you know how to tell time.","87":"Good evening to you too.","88":"Let's cut to the chase. What do you want?","89":"We're proposing a collaboration. Lidia and I are going to set up a meeting with Alex and make him confess...","90":"We'll be using one of your wires...","91":"Well well, back to the old days... I was starting to miss it.","92":"But... c'mon, {PlayerName}, you think I'm a fool? Thought we were gonna talk like adults today...","93":"This time is different. We're all playing on the same team, aren't we?","94":"I'm not so sure I can trust you.","95":"I woke up in a bad mood today.","96":"Maybe I should just arrest Lidia and call it a day.","97":"You used to be more committed to your job.","98":"As far as I remember, Lidia's an accomplice of his...","99":"When we first met, you seemed like you had some balls...","100":"So eager to go to jail with her?","101":"Need me to remind you that no matter how soft you are, jails are different for men and women.","102":"Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you were interested in boosting your career.","103":"If I wanted to give my career a boost, maybe I should dive deeper into the investigation about the fire at City Hall...","104":"You know, {PlayerName}, It's been over a year, and we still haven't found who put a bullet in that professor's head...","105":"If you really remember the past, you haven't forgotten all the things {Leah} and I gave you.","106":"I gave you my word and I kept it.","107":"Yes, I remember...","108":"So, how about we all stop with the veiled threats and blackmail. Let's talk this through properly, like adults, as you said yourself.","109":"Okay, You have my attention. How's this gonna happen?","110":"The plan is simple. Alex thinks he has the upper hand, but we're going to use that against him.","111":"I'll call him and say I got the money.","112":"We'll arrange a meeting in a public place - a park - where we can control the setting.","113":"Alright, so Lidia and Alex are in the park...","114":"I'll be there too. I'm not letting her meet him alone.","115":"I get it. You're afraid this time she'll run off with him.","116":"Very funny, wise guy.","117":"During the meeting, I'll demand that he destroys the evidence he claims to have.","118":"He'll be confident, thinking he's got everything under control.","119":"But that's the point: we want him to feel in control. The more comfortable he is, the more likely he is to slip up.","120":"And Lidia's gonna be wired... The easiest part of the whole thing. And the only part that didn't work last time.","121":"It's different this time, I told you. If Alex confesses, you'll have enough to arrest him.","122":"Okay, that's all beautiful but... Why do you think Alex will fall for such a simple trap? He might very well suspect a wire... Everyone's seen CSI...","123":"Because he's vain. As soon as he arrives, we'll distract him, get him talking. He likes to show off, to be the center of attention...","124":"When I fell for his gang's scam, thinking I was going to help a political prisoner secure asylum safely, even while playing the good guy, he sometimes let slip how intelligent and cunning he was...","125":"After the scam, then, whenever he'd blackmail me, he'd talk about how he did this and that... How he was so much smarter than the mayor and could manipulate the masses like no one else...","126":"Let's say I'm in. If any of this goes sideways, I'll walk away like nothing happened.","127":"And I'll still arrest Lidia for criminal association, and you too, for good measure.","128":"Man, this guy is a pain.","129":"But, it's a plan that could work. You'll keep me in the loop on every step, and I'll be in control of everything.","130":"And once again, if anything goes off track, I'll abort the mission, and you're on your own.","131":"Deal.","132":"Don't do anything until I give you the go-ahead. And any suspicious sign, I expect to be notified.","133":"I'm watching you. There won't be a second chance.","134":"Ah, and one warning. If you really want to act, I suggest you to be quick.","135":"As far as I know, Alex is also short on time... Consider this a friendly word.","136":"Can we set up the meeting for tomorrow?","137":"Not only can you, you should.","138":"We're done. Let's keep in touch.","139":"Damn, now we're short on time and gotta get ready.","140":"Do you really think this is going to work?","141":"I do. It's our best shot.","142":"There's no turning back now, anyway...","143":"And to be honest... I prefer it this way, having something to do, something tangible, you know?","144":"Wanna call him now?","145":"Can I grab a drink first?","146":"Yeah. Let's go inside Sevigny's.","147":"Ah, if it isn't my favorite couple! What can I get for you today?","148":"How about two Bellinis to start the night?","149":"Not today, Dante. Bring me a straight whiskey, on the rocks.","150":"Just water for me, thanks.","151":"Hmm, no Bellinis today? Alright, one whiskey and one water coming up.","152":"Hey, {PlayerName}, everything alright? You seem a bit... hurried.","153":"Ah, bro... We've got a little problem to sort out. Nothing for you to worry about.","154":"Are you sure? You know you can count on me if you need help, right?","155":"Thanks, Dante, but it's better if you stay out of this one.","156":"Yeah, the fewer people involved, the better. But we appreciate your concern.","157":"Say no more!","158":"Whether it's cooking up a stew or practicing Turkish Oil Wrestling, sometimes having too many people involved just end up spoiling the recipe. Or the fight.","159":"But you know, if you need anything, Dante's always here!","160":"As soon as Dante turns his back, I see Lidia down the whiskey in one go, no hesitation at all.","161":"Man, I really needed that.","162":"Speak of the devil...","163":"I'm putting it on speaker.","164":"Alex, I have your money. You can stop playing games now.","165":"Ah, Lidia, I knew I could count on you. Always such a good, obedient girl.","166":"Cut the small talk. I want to set up a meeting for tomorrow, at the park. Let's settle this once and for all.","167":"Tomorrow? Hmm, that works. But it has to be at night. I've got other commitments during the day.","168":"Lidia, are you sure?","169":"We don't have a choice.","170":"What if Alex is planning something? What if he doesn't come alone?","171":"I'll have to be ready for any scenario. I can't let Lidia down, no matter what happens.","172":"Hey, who are you talking to? Don't mess with me, Lidia, I'll ruin your life...","173":"With no one, with no one...","174":"Alright, Alex. At night then. Send the exact time and location later.","175":"Perfecto. See you then, dear Lidia. Don't be late.","176":"I'll send you the location.","177":"It's set then. We can't go back now.","178":"Tomorrow is the day we settle this.","179":"Dante?","180":"Another whiskey, please!","181":"You got it, coming right up, Lidia.","182":"And how are you feeling?","183":"To be honest... A weight has been lifted off my shoulders...","184":"At least it's scheduled now...","185":"Now I need to inform Kestrel.","186":"Here's your whiskey, Lidia.","187":"Thanks.","188":"I'll talk to Kestrel.","189":"Okay, can you deal with this part for me? I'm going to the ladies room.","190":"Of course, babe.","191":"Kestrel, meeting is set. I'm sending you all the info.","192":"...","193":"It doesn't even take 5 seconds for my phone to ring.","194":"Hey.","195":"You did what?! At night? In the park? Have you lost your mind?","196":"It was the only option we had. Alex insisted it be at night.","197":"That's too reckless, even for you! Didn't you think it might be a trap?","198":"At night, in an open place like a park... ","199":"We considered that, but...","200":"It's the perfect setup for an ambush!","201":"Well, it's done. It's too late now and as I said, I'm not responsible for your safety.","202":"This is all happening off the books...","203":"I understand...","204":"Meet me in the alley tomorrow morning. I need to instruct you on how to proceed.","205":"And well, try not to do any more foolish things until then.","206":"I've informed Kestrel, tomorrow we'll meet him at the alley again.","207":"Okay. So it's all set.","208":"Shall we go home? See you another day Dante! Good night!","209":"As we leave, I hear Dante saying the usual: don't pay for your drinks...","210":"Goodnight my friends. And don't leave any money on the counter, today is on the house!","211":"Home sweet home.","212":"I think I'll make some tea for myself... Do you want some?","213":"I think that whiskey got me relaxed... I'm going to go straight to bed.","214":"Gosh, my feet are killing me!","215":"Okay babe, I meet you there.","216":"I'm not sleepy but makes no sense to stay awake. I need to rest to be operational tomorrow.","0":"Damn. We're halfway through the day, and it's already been a whirlwind.","1":"Today really hit hard. But for Lidia, it's been way worse.","2":"On top of this ghost from the past, Kestrel showed up today.","3":"I can see she's drained and worried.","4":"Like I promised, I'm gonna whip up something warm for you to eat, alright?","5":"Why don't you go take a shower and relax a bit while I work on our dinner?","6":"Thanks for making this a little easier. I don't know what I'd do without you.","7":"That's what I'm here for, babe.","8":"What do we have at home? Hmm, I got it, I'll make some teriyaki chicken.","9":"All I need is soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, konbu, chicken, cornstarch, and the secret to my recipe: pickled ginger."},"ch18__epilogue_lidia.25_dont_turd_away.vne3":{"10":"Since he used me as a scapegoat and skipped town? Yeah, haven't seen him since. And honestly, I was hoping I never would.","11":"But like... a part of me keeps saying this needs to happen, you know? Closure.","12":"And how are you feeling about it?","13":"Nervous. Worried. But I'm not backing down. He's not gonna mess with me again.","14":"You can see this whole thing is weighing on her.","15":"Are we heading to the spot to prepare the wire with Kestrel?","16":"At least she's determined to get this over with, even with that worry in her eyes.","17":"Yeah, let's go.","18":"To be real, this whole double life thing... it kinda gives me a rush. Lidia never wanted to be in this mess, so when she ditched Kestrel... she was relieved.","19":"Me, though? I'm feelin' recharged, but still worried about her...","20":"Lidia... no matter what happens today, we're in this together, alright?","21":"I know, {PlayerName}. That's why I believe it's gonna work out.","22":"I hope she's right. Today's gonna be a long day.","23":"Here we are...","24":"Well, look who's here! My favorite pair of saboteurs!","25":"Nice to see you too, Kestrel.","26":"Dealing with this dude is always such a joy.","27":"Hey... Why here? And what's that smell? Have you been smoking meats at home?","28":"I think that weird homeless guy who lives nearby uses this corner of the alley for barbecues... No idea what kind of meat he's cooking, but anyway...","29":"Aren't you to kinda [i]friends[\/i]?","30":"Yeah, whatever...","31":"As for the location... well... Did you want to do this at the police station? At your place? Which spot do you think Alex would prefer to see us plotting against him?","32":"Let's cut to the chase.","33":"Hey, hey, calm down, miss. It's your plan, remember? But alright, let's move forward.","34":"Lidia, here's your wire. You remember how it works, right?","35":"Yeah, I got it.","36":"And you, {PlayerName}, try not to spill coffee all over it this time. We're not doing a sitcom out here.","37":"Deep breath, {PlayerName}. Don't let him push your buttons.","38":"Oh, {PlayerName}, this one's for you. See this red button? When Alex shows up, you press it. That'll let me know, and my guys will move in.","39":"Keep it up your sleeve, or somewhere you can press it without making any sudden moves. And don't play hero, okay? Got it?","40":"Yeah, I got it.","41":"Good. Now, listen up. Alex is paranoid and sharp. My team's staying back so he doesn't pick up on anything.","42":"If he senses anything weird, he's gone before you can say ''double shot espresso''.","43":"You're right.","44":"Oh, and one last thing. The bag. It's full of counterfeit cash, but it looks real enough. Alex will believe it when it shows up tonight.","45":"Anything else we need to know?","46":"Yeah, the bag has a tracker.","47":"Alright.","48":"If things go sideways... well, hope I get there in time to save your asses.","49":"Though I might not be in much of a hurry...","50":"No need to act tough, we know you want Alex as much as we do.","51":"Yeah. Glad we're on the same page.","52":"And uh... don't screw this up. It's your move now.","53":"See you tonight, kids.","54":"Well, that was intense.","55":"Yeah, Kestrel has that effect on people. Being a total pain in the ass.","56":"Let's head to the coffee shop? I think working a bit might help me keep my head straight until later.","57":"Work? Now? I don't know if I can, Lidia. My mind's racing.","58":"I get it. But for me, standing still is just gonna make my anxiety worse.","59":"I know, but I don't think I can focus on anything right now.","60":"It's fine, don't worry about it. Why don't you take a walk and clear your head? Might do you some good.","61":"You sure? I don't want to leave you alone.","62":"Yeah, I'm sure. Go ahead, get some fresh air. You can meet me at the coffee shop later, okay?","63":"Alright, if you say so. But call me if you need anything, okay?","64":"Don't worry, I got this. Now go, try to relax a bit. See you later.","65":"Maybe I should head to the park... I can take a look and familiarize myself with the place before the meeting.","66":"Yeah, coming here wasn't a bad idea. Better check out the place beforehand.","67":"It's weird how everything seems so normal. Kids playing, people working out... None of them have a clue about what's going down tonight.","68":"How's this all gonna play out? Is Alex coming alone? What if he brings someone?","69":"Yeah, he's probably not coming alone. Alex isn't stupid; he likely knows I'll be here with Lidia and would never show up outnumbered.","70":"But it makes me anxious to think about what kind of person he'll bring along. I also can't see many escape routes around here. That fence behind us leads to the river, so that's not an option...","71":"Doesn't help much to overthink it, but at least I got a lay of the land.","72":"Okay, I think it's enough. Better head back to the coffee shop. Lidia's probably gonna need support right now.","73":"Hey, you're back. How was the walk?","74":"It was... kinda enlightening, I guess. How are things here?","75":"So-so. Oh, by the way, I think one of the neighbors had some plumbing issues.","76":"Really? What happened?","77":"I saw a ''Turdaway Plumbing'' van parked in the neighborhood earlier. Some dude came over asking if the plumbing was alright, had the same uniform on.","78":"Guess they fixed it then.","79":"Why?","80":"I saw a van pulling out when I got here. Probably the same one.","81":"Turdaway Plumbing? Not exactly the best name for a plumbing company...","82":"C'mon, gotta give ‘em points for creativity.","83":"Well, I hope they fixed whoever's problem.","84":"Yeah... and how's business here?","85":"Quieter than usual, actually. Maybe that's for the best, considering everything.","86":"Need help with anything?","87":"She looks calm, but I can tell from her eyes she's nervous.","88":"No need, I got it under control. But thanks for offering.","89":"The rest of the day passes in autopilot. I notice that Lidia seems quieter, even avoiding me throughout the afternoon at the coffee.","90":"I think we should close up early today, right?","91":"Yeah, I agree. We need to get ready.","92":"She looks so focused. I just hope we can keep it together when the time comes.","93":"So, how exactly do you plan on handling this with Alex?","94":"Well, first I'm gonna make it clear I want a guarantee that he's going to destroy the evidence.","95":"And you think he'll just agree to that?","96":"Probably not, but that's where part two of the plan comes in. I'll ask him what exactly the evidence is and how he got it.","97":"At that point, if I know him, he's gonna brag about it, talk about his skills. Ugh, just thinking about it gives me the creeps. He's so manipulative.","98":"That's exactly what we're gonna use against him.","99":"Once we have our answers, I'll hand him the [i]money[\/i].","100":"Kestrel said the counterfeit bills will look real enough in the dark. Alex won't suspect a thing.","101":"I hope he's right. But what if Alex wants to check it right there?","102":"Knowing Alex, he'll want to get out of there as fast as possible.","103":"She seems so confident, but I can see the nerves in her eyes.","104":"Lidia, are you sure you want to go through with this? I can go alone.","105":"No, {PlayerName}. I need to be there. Alex wouldn't trust anyone else.","106":"Okay. Well, guess all we can do now is wait.","107":"Yeah... I'd say let's try to relax a bit before we go, but I know I won't be able to.","108":"I just want this to be over.","109":"It will be, soon. Just hold on a little longer. We've got this.","110":"I need to be more alert than ever. Lidia needs me, even if she won't admit it. I can't screw this up.","111":"Tonight every detail matters. Every move, every word. I've got to be ready for anything Alex tries to pull.","112":"I think I'll take a shower... Let the water run over my body, try to relax a bit...","113":"Of course, go ahead. We have time.","114":"A hot shower was a good idea... She needs a moment just for herself, to have this small moment of peace before the storm hits...","115":"Ah, just one thing, honey. We need some time to install the bugs and hide them properly before we go to the meeting...","116":"Sure... No problem...","117":"Half an hour later...","118":"Okay. Bugs are installed, tested, and working. Everything's hidden. The bag of money is here. It's time, we need to go.","119":"Okay. Let's do this.","120":"This is it. No turning back now.","121":"He should've been here by now.","122":"Yeah... Knowing Alex, he's close by. Maybe he's watching us, waiting to make his move.","123":"He's probably sizing us up, waiting for the right moment to show up.","124":"I hate how he does this... always playing with people's nerves like it's a game.","125":"That's exactly why we're going to beat him at his own game tonight. He won't see it coming.","126":"I hope you're right...","127":"I can't handle another one of his mind games.","128":"Trust me, we're ready. Just stick to the plan, and we'll get through this.","129":"I know... I just... This waiting... it's getting to me.","130":"I understand Lidia and her nervousness. A ghost from her past that could have ruined her life has come back full force...","131":"Having to deal with this kind of situation is stressful. And, well, putting my concern for Lidia aside, I can't deny that I feel excited to be living through this kind of thrill again.","132":"I feel the adrenaline coursing through my body, my attention sharpening, senses heightened, just like during the [i]fraternity[\/i] days...","133":"He's out there. Watching. Waiting. But we're ready for him.","134":"Oh, shit! The guy with him...","135":"What happened? Who's he?","136":"It's the Turdaway guy...","137":"Fuck!","138":"I knew he would never come alone.","139":"Oh, I see you brought your little boyfriend. How romantic. Am I interrupting something?","140":"Smug bastard. I need to keep it together. Just gotta slide the wire down my sleeve and hit the button. Done.","141":"Let's cut to the chase, Alex. We brought what you asked for.","142":"So impatient. Must be a bore in bed, huh?","143":"Why? You and your boyfriend here like to do everything nice and slow?","144":"If you are here to joke around, maybe we should just get out with the money instead of wasting our time.","145":"Hold your horses. Why don't we chat for a bit first? You know, Lidia, I never wanted it to come to this point, but you didn't give me any other choice.","146":"Don't give me that crap, Alex. You used me.","147":"I used you? I think it was the other way around, wasn't it, girl? You're the head of an international human trafficking ring and wanted to use me to...","148":"Oh man, cut the crap. It's just us here, stop making things up. Tell the truth, how did you use Lidia's documents to create false evidence to blackmail her?","149":"I don't know what you're talking about...","150":"You don't know, huh... Well, Lidia had said you were an intelligent guy, proud, but I guess she was mistaken...","151":"I don't know how you did it, what you did, but here I am, again, being used by someone I thought I was helping...","152":"And you still fall for my tricks. Some things never change, huh?","153":"Okay... You know why we're here, Alex. Enough with your games.","154":"I have your money, but I want a guarantee that you're going to destroy the false evidence you have against me.","155":"No games? Come on, where's the fun in that?","156":"If you really want to know, it wasn't very difficult. I've had all your documents since the first time I [i]used you[\/i], if that's how you want to put it...","157":"These days you can find excellent forgers on the internet. With a few clicks, you can find a guy in some backwater country that nobody remembers exists, capable of creating dozens of new identities in just a few days.","158":"All of that just using as reference the data of someone who was foolish enough to hand over their most important information to a stranger.","159":"Here's the bragging we needed. I hope they are recording all of this.","160":"But anyway, I shouldn't be saying all this, right? After all, you think your backup is listening to everything, you think I'm creating evidence against myself...","161":"What are you talking about?","162":"Yeah, okay... About the false documents, here's your guarantee...","163":"YOU TWO THINK I'M STUPID?","164":"Shit! He's armed. How did I not see this coming?","165":"Screw the plan, I need to make sure Lidia is safe first.","166":"Hey, hey, let's take it easy. No need to go there. We've got your money.","167":"Shut up! Did you really think I'd fall for such an obvious trap?","168":"Damn it. Where the hell is Kestrel?","169":"Alex, please, put the gun down. We can work this out.","170":"Yeah, let's talk. No one needs to get hurt here.","171":"I just need to buy time. Where the hell is Kestrel's team?","172":"Talk? You lost that right when you tried to con me.","173":"Look, it was all my idea, okay? Let Lidia go. I'll stay.","174":"How touching. But no.","175":"No, leave him, don't!","176":"ALEX, NO...","177":"...","178":"{PlayerName}, can you hear me?","179":"...","180":"Wake up, man! They took her!","181":"Wake up, dude, c'mon!","182":"I saw it, man, they took her!","183":"Where is she?","184":"I saw everything, man. I brought my toasters out for a stroll, to get some fresh night air, you know, they love this park...","185":"Anyway, that's when I saw the guys dragging Lidia into the van. They put her into this beat-up old black van that looks like it's crashed into five different things. There's even a huge dent on the side.","186":"It's a shame, I really like her. I even thought about chucking one of my toasters at the guys, but you know how it is... I figured it'd be better to wake you up, I already know you handle this kind of situation well.","187":"What... where... where'd they go?","188":"I think they headed to the north side, near the river.","189":"North side? But what the hell is there?","190":"Oh, there are some abandoned warehouses, I know that area well from my [i]hero[\/i] days...","191":"Okay, alright... Did you see anything else? Any clues that might help me?","192":"That van had ''Turdaway Plumbing'' on it.","193":"Turdaway... I should've known...","194":"You sure about this? I can't waste time.","195":"Trust me, bro. I saw it with these eyes right here. If you wanna save her, that's where you gotta go.","196":"And I was missing the thrill of all this... I'm an idiot!","197":"What did you say?","198":"Ah, never mind. Thanks.","199":"Go get her, man!","0":"What time is it? Oh man, that coffee smell...","1":"Lidia's gotta be up already. She always wakes up earlier than usual when she's stressed.","2":"Morning, sleepyhead.","3":"Morning. How you holding up?","4":"I'm... you know, getting by. I'm tense, but knowing this ends today makes me a bit less anxious.","5":"Did you sleep okay?","6":"Barely. I kept thinking about tonight.","7":"Lidia, you sure you wanna go through with this? We can figure out something else, I can meet Alex instead...","8":"No way. I need to face him myself...","9":"You haven't seen Alex since..."},"ch18__epilogue_lidia.30_alex_luter.vne3":{"10":"Fuck you, first off, you didn't even alert me like you were supposed to...","11":"What? The criminal must've jammed the signal or something. I hit the button, I thought you got notified...","12":"This whole thing was a setup to grab Lidia. The van... Shit!","13":"The van, Turdaway Plumbing... The guy at the coffee shop earlier... They knew everything... Damn Alex!","14":"Do you really expect me to believe that? I'm not walking away empty-handed...","15":"Kestrel, I don't have time for your lecture, alright? If you wanna play the pissed-off agent, go yell at your team for not having their shit together...","16":"I'm heading to the Turdaway Plumbing warehouse, north side of the city, near the river... That's where they took Lidia.","17":"And how do you know that? How do I know this isn't a setup for me?","18":"You'll just have to trust me if you don't wanna walk away with nothing... I'm going there now.","19":"Fuck... Okay, I'm on my way. Don't do anything stupid until I get there.","20":"Like I wasn't already counting on you showing up...","21":"I quickly find the warehouse on the map and drive there. The place isn't far, but the anxiety and fear that Lidia might not be there make the trip feel much longer.","22":"As I get closer, I decide to park a bit further away and approach on foot. The less attention I draw, the better.","23":"This place is massive...","24":"Better check the perimeter carefully, one wrong move and I'm screwed... and so is Lidia...","25":"I need to find a way in without being seen. There's gotta be a side door, a broken window, something...","26":"There, up ahead... a window.","27":"Damn, I can't see anything... but I hear someone talking.","28":"Wait...","29":"There's Lidia... And Alex's goon...","30":"Oh Lidia, I bet you've missed me.","31":"I think it's Alex's voice. But I can't see him anywhere.","32":"Shit! She looks pretty scared.","33":"At least, it looks like they didn't touched her...","34":"Better keep looking for a way in. This old place probably has an unlocked entrance or something like that.","35":"And so, I circle around, spotting a door that seems just barely shut. Maybe I should try it...","36":"Shhh, fucking old door...","37":"Hold on, {PlayerName}. Fuck, should I wait?","38":"If I do, I could have help. From cops. With guns. But if I take too long, who knows what's going to happen to her...","39":"What should I do?","40":"Wait!","41":"Go!","42":"I guess I should wait. One wrong move and it's over, not just for me, but for Lidia too...","43":"These guys seem pretty tough, and I don't want to put Lidia's life in danger...","44":"Besides, Kestrel is already watching us, and if I push my luck with the law, after everything that happened with the Fraternity, my future with Lidia might end up behind bars...","45":"Lidia, my dear friend... Man, you look even more beautiful than I remember... They say someone in love becomes more radiant, right? The skin, the eyes...","46":"Shit! Yeah, fuck all of that. I have no choice here. She needs me, and I can't just stand here, waiting for that postman to show up with the cavalry. He knows where we are...","47":"I need to save her!","48":"It's now or never. Lidia's counting on me. She's scared, terrified, in the hands of those thugs...","49":"Yeah, there's no way I'm just sitting here waiting...I can't wait another second!","50":"Okay, I'm going in, ready or not, I'll face whatever's waiting for me inside this warehouse.","51":"I gotta be super careful. If he hears me, Lidia's screwed. Hope Kestrel doesn't show up making a scene.","52":"If he shows up...","53":"'Cause right now, it feels like I'm on my own. I'm the only one who can protect Lidia and stop whatever Alex is planning for her.","54":"Alright, {PlayerName}, keep it cool. There, I see Lidia... I can see her... And a goon next to her...","55":"Alex must be nearby...","56":"Maybe if I turn around them and get closer...","57":"Alright, that's a better view...","58":"The goon is closer to her...","59":"But right after her... Alex...","60":"He's by the other door... guarding the main entrance...","61":"That's right, you bastard. Stay distracted and keep your back to me.","62":"Fuck, she's trembling... I just wanna run and get her in my arms...","63":"But... Too risky to show her that I'm here... I need an action plan...","64":"They're far enough from each other...","65":"If I stay calm and smart, I can take them out one by one...","66":"It's almost over, Hassan... Soon we'll be far from this shithole...","67":"But I still haven't figured out what I'm gonna do with her.","68":"That's tight boss...","69":"Which one do I take down first?","70":"The goon's the closer threat...but Alex has a gun.","71":"Again... What should I do?","72":"Alex, he's the boss.","73":"Goon, he looks dumb.","74":"Alex has the gun, he's the boss. If I take him down, grab the gun, and point it at the henchman, I'm sure he'll surrender, he doesn't seem very smart.","75":"Okay, bastard. Get ready, I'm coming for you.","76":"Damn, I don't have much cover here. I can't see them clearly either.","77":"Was this the right decision?","78":"Hey!","79":"Fuck! {PlayerName}, wrong choice!","80":"Well, well, look what we have here. Our hero has shown up to save his princess...","81":"Mmmmffff... MMmmmffsshh..","82":"Calm down, man, it's not like that. I just came to talk. I'm sure we can find a way for everyone to get out of this okay.","83":"You know, kid, I'm tired of talking. Actually, what I really want to do is use my toy.","84":"Lidia, look, let's find out if your knight in shining armor is bulletproof?","85":"No, hold on...","86":"Damn, thinking about it, I don't believe going that way and attacking Alex first is a good idea...","87":"There's not enough cover and I'll be an easy target.","88":"I'll take out the henchman, he seems like a fool and I can approach him more carefully.","89":"Okay... I'll start with this fool... I just need to be quick, otherwise, Alex will notice something is wrong.","90":"I mean, obviously, I don't need her, right? She's just a loose end, something personal I gotta deal with...","91":"Sure thing, boss.","92":"Personal? Personal is what I'm gonna do to you, you jerk.","93":"But now, looking at this cutie again, well, I didn't remember she was this fine.","94":"I get it, boss.","95":"You know, Lidia, it's a shame that you tried to double-cross me. I thought we were friends, you know?","96":"But no, you let yourself be swayed by that fool you're dating... You should have seen him the other day at the coffee shop, he talked to me without a clue who I was...","97":"Mmmmffff...NNnmmdd...","98":"I hear Lidia mumbling, unable to speak through the gag.","99":"Oh, what's this? He didn't tell you about my visit? Well, I didn't get inside, but I managed to see you in there, messing with your things, sticking that beautiful little ass out...","100":"Maybe I need a little wifey like you in my life, you know?","101":"What do you think, Hassan? She'd make a good trophy wife?","102":"With all due respect, boss, but yeah, I think so.","103":"You sons of bitches.","104":"What are you doing back there? Did you find something?","105":"Nothing, it's just the wind, I guess.","106":"I don't have much time...","107":"I don't want her death on my hands... but I can't just leave her hanging either.","108":"That's my best chance...","109":"Ugh...","110":"I can already picture it... The green fields of Sicily... Ever been there, Hassan?","111":"Mmmffffff....","112":"Never, huh? Well, I think you're gonna love it...","113":"Maybe in your dreams, Hassan...","114":"Goodnight, goon...","115":"I mean, who doesn't like good wine, great food, and that chill countryside vibe...","116":"I need to find a spot to hide him...","117":"Maybe you'll even find some fat Italian woman to keep you company over there.","118":"Hassan?","119":"Fucking hell!","120":"SHIT!","121":"You came to the wrong place, pretty boy! Should've stayed where I left you...","122":"Shit, I need to find cover, quick!","123":"Seems to me like you love playing the hero, huh? Back at the park earlier, and now...","124":"Well, let me tell you something...","125":"Keep talking, idiot.","126":"Heroes die.","127":"Man, that was a close one.","128":"Come on, pretty boy. Show yourself! Where's our hero?","129":"The little bunny thought he was a hero, but heard a gunshot and hid in his hole, huh?","130":"He's coming, I know. Now it's time to prove your worth, {PlayerName}!","131":"I take a deep breath and focus. This isn't the first time I've been through a tense situation like this.","132":"More than that, Lidia's counting on me. It's not just my life on the line.","133":"Well, since you're too scared to show up, I'll come to you...","134":"I know I'm smarter than him, the question is, am I stronger?","135":"Plus, he's armed.","136":"Or better yet, let's make this a bit more fun, right?","137":"How about we see who gets to Lidia first?","138":"Maybe this is the push you need to spark that ''hero thing'' inside you one more time...","139":"Alright, I see Lidia, she's okay... for now. But where's Alex?","140":"She's looking at me... no Lidia, you'll give away my position...","141":"Yeah, here he comes, he's right behind her.","142":"What are you looking at, sweetheart? Ah, I see our hero showed himself to you... I knew it...","143":"See, that's what makes young lovers so predictable.","144":"You young folks lose touch with reality and go blind to the signs of what's really going on.","145":"That's why women prefer guys like me, you know? Real men, not boys playing the hero.","146":"AAAAAHH!","147":"Well done, babe, that's it.","148":"FUCKING BITCH!","149":"I'm gonna finish you off, right after I'm done with your little boyfriend.","150":"That's my cue.","151":"Oooah...","152":"Looks like you're the one who didn't pay attention to the details.","153":"I gotta admit, you surprised me this time. You found yourself a good boy, huh, Lidia?","154":"It's a shame I'm used to devouring good boys for breakfast.","155":"You can try, old man.","156":"You never get tired of playing the hero, do you?","157":"But I get what you saw in him, Lidia.","158":"He's got that Superman vibe, right? Was he the one helping you in the past?","159":"Even got the cliché double life thing going on.","160":"Man, you're so damn annoying.","161":"In case you're not familiar with the story, let me tell you what happens.","162":"Superman's out there, all high and mighty, saving helpless girls and beating up small-time crooks...","163":"Fuck...","164":"C'mon, boy, get up. Let me finish the story...","165":"... So, one day, BOOM, Doomsday shows up.","166":"He kicks Superman's ass and brings him to his knees.","167":"Want me to keep going?","168":"Don't you ever stop talking? You're seriously annoying.","169":"Don't you ever get tired of getting your ass kicked?","170":"You did good, pretty boy. But we're reaching the end of the line...","171":"I'm getting tired of beating you... it's about time I let you rest.","172":"This time, be smart and stay down... forget the hero act, it doesn't suit you.","173":"Mmmmfff...","174":"It's not my fault you can't handle protecting a sweet thing like her.","175":"But don't worry, I'm sure she'll always remember the little boy who tried to save her.","176":"Meanwhile, beside her, there'll be a real man.","177":"Let him talk. I know exactly what I need to do.","178":"Men who talk too much always get tired.","179":"What...","180":"And when you're tired, you let your guard down.","181":"With your guard down, you're vulnerable.","182":"And your night ends with you on the ground.","183":"Ugh...","184":"I told you. You talk too much.","185":"Goodnight, asshole.","186":"{PlayerName} are you okay?","187":"Babe, don't worry. I'm gonna untie you.","188":"You fucking asshole, if you only knew how much I hate and despise you... Don't you ever come near me again!","189":"And you... You came... you saved me...","190":"Of course I did, sweetie... Let's get out of here...","191":"Let's go...","192":"Wait...","193":"What?","194":"Shhh... that noise...","195":"...","196":"What the hell were you thinking?","197":"You could've gotten yourself and Lidia killed!","198":"Thanks for the concern... buddy.","199":"There wasn't time to wait. I did what needed to be done.","200":"You should've waited for backup. That was reckless, even for you.","201":"You got damn lucky this time.","202":"Lucky?... Yeah, maybe a little...","203":"It's over. It's finally over. But what happens now?","204":"Just so you don't go saying I never did anything for you two... Get out of here, I'll clean up the mess...","205":"I got Alex Chiaronte under arrest. Caught him with 50 grand in counterfeit bills, planning a kidnapping.","206":"Let's go home, Lidia.","207":"Let's go!","0":"Devmode menu:","1":"jump fight","2":"alex route","3":"from start","4":"What hell are you doing? Where are you?","5":"Kestrel, everything went to shit. Alex took Lidia.","6":"I knew I shouldn't have trusted you guys.","7":"Listen to me! Alex was armed, and he knew it was a trap...","8":"You've messed with my wire before. This time it's not gonna be that easy to get out of.","9":"Kestrel, just listen..."},"ch18__epilogue_lidia.35_we_can_be_heroes.vne3":{"10":"Every minute felt like an eternity. I kept thinking ''What if everything goes wrong? What if {PlayerName} is really hurt? What if he doesn't find me in time, before they...''","11":"And then, another part of me just kept pushing back the fear, telling me, ''He's coming''.","12":"I wouldn't have done anything differently.","13":"You know, as reckless as it was, seeing you walk into that warehouse... it was like watching a real hero.","14":"I still have that image in my head. Your courage, your determination.","15":"Well, I'd do it all again.","16":"I know. And that's why I love you so much. You're the love of my life, {PlayerName}.","17":"Thank you for saving me, not just from my past demons, but from all my fears...","18":"Pulling me into her arms, Lidia gives me a gentle kiss, full of love and affection.","19":"My hero, my man, ready to protect me. You know I'm all yours, right?","20":"Now I want to thank you...","21":"Once again, Lidia presses her lips to mine, this time with a little more intensity.","22":"You don't have to thank me...","23":"Ah, but I insist. I need to show my appreciation for everything you've done for me...","24":"We start kissing more passionately, and I feel the temperature in the room begin to rise.","25":"Yes, {PlayerName}. I want to thank you for what you did for me today.","26":"I want to make you feel good.","27":"Besides, you know I'm all yours, right?","28":"I know.","29":"Come here. I want to show you something...","30":"All of this here is yours, every little bit.","31":"She invites me to get even closer and her body is giving off almost electric signals.","32":"Like she's pulsing with our electrified eyes.","33":"Her nipples are hard and almost ripping through her dress...","34":"Come here, I still want to show you something...","35":"Without wasting much time, Lidia takes off her black dress, revealing her beautiful curves in shades of chocolate...","36":"And, when she does this, I realize that there is nothing underneath her dress.","37":"God, every time I see Lidia naked, I think she becomes even more beautiful.","38":"And so Lidia stands there, watching me with an inviting gaze, waiting to see what will happen next.","39":"She's completely surrendered to me.","40":"Come, come and get what's yours.","41":"I take off my clothes and move towards her. ","42":"An insane urge to grab her overwhelms me.","43":"We're so intimate that even though I don't fit in her hand, she knows exactly what to do with my dick.","44":"She does it with mastery, her hands know where to go, she knows my dick and how to take care of it.","45":"There's not much we need to say... Our bodies are doing the talking.","46":"Do you like it when I do this?","47":"And when she gets on her knees, I already know what's coming.","48":"The velvety touch of her soft, eager, wet mouth... I shiver even before feeling her lips.","49":"Okay, how about I take advantage of being so close and just...","50":"She gives me a deep look and then goes down...","51":"And Lidia knows when to surprise me. Without hesitation, she takes the head of my cock into her mouth, showing that she had been wanting to taste my member.","52":"Lidia wants to express all her admiration for me.","53":"The way she swallows my dick... it's not just lust, it's gratitude, an act of love.","54":"She wants to show that she wants me, inch by inch...","55":"Licking the tip of my dick, Lidia shows that she wants do savor every piece of me.","56":"But my girlfriend is not just a grateful girl, she's a thirsty woman, and she wants me to know that.","57":"Her mouth is busy, but her eyes are telling me this almost without blinking.","58":"Hungry, Lidia takes the cock in her mouth, swallowing my shaft with great pleasure.","59":"With her mouth full of my dick, Lidia looks even more beautiful.","60":"Drooling and enveloping, just as a good blowjob should be.","61":"Each time she swallows me, we go a little deeper","62":"Then she loses control, her gaze is sweet but fierce.","63":"I feel loved and devoured.","64":"You are greedy, you want it all for yourself, huh?","65":"She responds with a hungry look and her tongue does the rest.","66":"I push a little more, I feel her yield.","67":"Until there's no more space.","68":"She moans, muffled but with gratitude, for giving her what she wants.","69":"I lose myself between the skill of her tongue and the pulsating depth of her throat.","70":"I'm so deep in her mouth that she can barely breathe.","71":"Greedy girl.","72":"I lift her up and lay her on the bed, I want to dive into her too.","73":"Lidia knows this, and follows obediently.","74":"Come, my hero, come and claim your spoils, they're all yours...","75":"I kiss her passionately, and she lies down ready to surrender.","76":"Gently, I start to touch her, sliding my fingers between her lips.","77":"Lidia writhes with pleasure, even though she knows my fingers well.","78":"Lidia starts to moan softly, and I can feel her pulse in every wet inch of pussy.","79":"She's soaking wet and I could penetrate her right now. I know. She knows. But I want to tease her.","80":"Mmmmm, yes, slowly...","81":"I'm sure that if she weren't busy moaning, she'd be begging me to fuck her already.","82":"I want to taste her womanhood and finish by kissing her lips while she chokes on my dick.","83":"But tonight, Lidia's full of surprises. She wants to give everything she has.","84":"Just as I'm about to dive my tongue into her wet pussy...","85":"Hey, big guy. Remember that I still want to thank you for being my hero. I won't leave you working alone.","86":"As she speaks, Lidia climbs on top of me and adjusts herself over my body, putting her delicate feet near my head.","87":"She knows what I want, so she positions her pussy over my mouth...","88":"And, without wasting any time, Lidia takes my member into her hot, soft mouth again.","89":"To be honest, I've never seen her be this greedy before. She licks me, kisses me, swallows me, devours me.","90":"It feels like sucking firmly on my dick is something she needs to do to stay alive.","91":"Who am I to deny her the right to suck me vigorously?","92":"So we continue this dance... I savor her sweet lips and feel her womanly scent fill the room.","93":"Meanwhile, she chokes on the desire to have me completely in her mouth.","94":"But I know her, and I know her pussy well.","95":"The way she's contracting when my tongue penetrates her, I know she won't last much longer.","96":"I moan and she gives a muffled laugh.","97":"I've never seen you like this, you want everything in your mouth...","98":"You are right, I want it all... but today I'm gonna show you just how much I'm yours.","99":"That's my conception of possession...","100":"If at the beginning of our sixty-nine she swallowed my entire cock.","101":"Now, what she wants is to lick every inch of my shaft, which drives me crazy.","102":"And so she goes, enjoying her meat popsicle as if it were the last ice cream on Earth.","103":"Now I know it's time to fuck her.","104":"Yes, come quickly, let me feel your thick cock inside me...","105":"I lay her down and she looks straight at me as I slide the tip between her lips.","106":"That's a perfect moment. The sequence that builds in my mind is like diving into a volcano.","107":"At first, I feel her warm and wetness.","108":"Her lips are drooling, she's dying to feel more than the tip, but I hold her tight.","109":"I slide in a little deeper, feeling her walls relax and then tighten, squeezing me completely.","110":"With my other hand, I play with her clit and she starts to lose control.","111":"Ah, yes, right there... Oh, {PlayerName}, you know every inch of my body...","112":"Lidia's had a lot of emotions today, but I want to make her explode.","113":"I position her on her side, so she's completely exposed and has no control over how deep I penetrate her.","114":"I keep putting in only part of it, knowing that the anticipation is driving Lidia crazy.","115":"She wants more. I can feel.","116":"Come, {PlayerName}, come with everything...","117":"But I hold her body firmly. She's tamed, but I want her to be wild...","118":"If Lidia's eager to show me that she's mine, I want to drag her body to the limit.","119":"I turn her over one more time, this time with her legs completely spread, fully surrendered.","120":"I'll take Lidia in every possible way until she surrenders to her instincts.","121":"I go on top of my girlfriend and penetrate her while we look into each other's eyes.","122":"Her pussy embraces my cock, making it feel at home.","123":"I love you so much, {PlayerName}.","124":"But she's tough. She's a lady, and, even her moans, she tries to hold back.","125":"Obedient. Completely passive and surrendered to my whims.","126":"From the way her lips grip me, I know Lidia wants more, she wants to feel it all the way.","127":"Let me feel you going inside...","128":"And I give her a little more...","129":"Now, she's completely tamed.","130":"Her voice is faint... She's about to lose control...","131":"Yes, please. Go deep, please.","132":"We continue this rhythmic dance...","133":"She is used to the size of my penis inside her.","134":"Lidia opens her mouth and I realize she wants to say something.","135":"Her voice is weak, she can barely control herself to speak.","136":"Take me however you want.","137":"And I do.","138":"I lift Lidia's hips and lower my body, making her completely filled by my thick cock.","139":"Her pussy grips me passionately, and I slide back inside her lips. I feel her body pulsing completely.","140":"And then, I realize that it's the time...","141":"I put her on doggy, she's ready to be taken like this.","142":"Oh, {PlayerName}, just like that, come and tame me...","143":"I hold her firmly by the hips, and Lidia gives all she's got.","144":"My hero. Use me, do whatever you want, make me crazy!","145":"Following Lidia's request, I hold her waist and thrust deeper and deeper.","146":"Feeling her ass with each thrust is an indescribable pleasure.","147":"I flex my cock inside her, so she can feel my pulsating cock...","148":"Then she responds...","149":"Mmmm... Oh, fuck me!","150":"Harder, you are my hero, I wanna feel your power.","151":"Every time she contracts, I penetrate her deeper.","152":"Inch by inch.","153":"Ooooah.","154":"A low, deep, uncontrollable moan escapes from her lips and fills my ears.","155":"Lidia's breathing becomes increasingly labored.","156":"Feels good to be tamed, but I wanna be wild...","157":"And then she surprises me...","158":"I want to give you all I have.","159":"Now she is where I wanted her to be.","160":"Lidia keeps grinding, her pussy soaked, making my cock glisten with her moist.","161":"On top of me, she once again transforms into an untamed animal.","162":"I watch the girl with her back to me, her ass rising and falling, and I can't believe the privilege of the view I have at the moment.","163":"Meanwhile, her pussy grips my cock, urging me to explode inside her at any moment.","164":"Nothing has ever been this deep inside me before, I think it's because of your size.","165":"Your wish is my command, my love.","166":"Ohhhh, yes... deeper, please...","167":"I feel you so deep inside me that it seems like I'm being split in half.","168":"But I'm not done yet...","169":"Then, gently, she pulls my cock out of her warm pussy.","170":"I want to ride you while looking into your eyes... I love you so much.","171":"She's small, but...","172":"How do you handle all of this inside you?","173":"Between moans and panting breaths, she says...","174":"I told you before, it's my conception of possession. Completely, I want to be all yours, always!","175":"I want to feel vulnerable and protected at the same time...","176":"I want to be your woman and your whore...","177":"I wanna be wild and tamed...","178":"I want you to break me and split me in half...","179":"But I also want you to save me and take care of me.","180":"Her sweet scent intensifies as much as her moans...","181":"And based on the way she is contracting her inner muscles, I know that she is about to hit the climax.","182":"I cum when you want me to...","183":"I cum the way you want me to...","184":"You are my...Oh, my... My hero...","185":"Not being able to hold it anymore, we both cum at the same time.","186":"Damn, that was intense. She got all filled up...","187":"Oh my gosh, there's so much of [i]you[\/i] inside me...","188":"After we cleaned up, her eyes said it all. No words needed.","189":"She's safe in my arms. Nothing else matters.","190":"That was too close today. Way too close. But we're safe now. Lidia's safe.","191":"It's been a long day, full of emotions... Well, for someone who was bored... it was interesting and stressful...","192":"I think I just had the best orgasm of my life...","193":"The best so far, my love.","194":"I smile and we just look at each other, eye to eye, as the adrenaline subsides...","195":"...Until my phone starts to vibrate.","196":"Who could it be at this hour?","197":"Kestrel probably wants to talk about today's events... Don't answer, babe, leave it for tomorrow...","198":"It's not his number... I think I'd better answer, it might be something important...","199":"Hello?","200":"Hello, Mr.{PlayerName}, hope I didn't wake you.","201":"Who is this?","202":"Someone who's impressed by your actions today. You've got a knack for this kind of... work.","203":"What? What are you talking about? How did you get this number?","204":"My name is Bee... Paul Bee.","205":"I'm a recruitment agent for the Agency of Sneaky Services, A.S.S...","206":"You mean ass? Is this a joke?","207":"A.S.S. I ask that you, please, use the correct acronym. The government wasn't very [i]generous[\/i], let's say, with the naming of our agency...","208":"A.S.S.? Never heard of it...","209":"Guess that means we're really sneaky.","210":"And let's say that, well, if this were a joke, maybe I wouldn't know so much about the recent events in your busy life, right, {PlayerName}?","211":"I mean, from the heist operation at the Shale Hill police station, to taking down the Brotherhood, eliminating RECENTLY and its mentors...","212":"Oh, and of course, today's capture. But what happened today was a piece of cake for you, wasn't it? I hope she's safe, though.","213":"Fuck, what a hell is going on?","214":"How did you know all of that?","215":"Let's cut to the chase, right? We're offering you a one-of-a-kind opportunity.","216":"What does he want? My heart's racing...","217":"What kind of opportunity?","218":"A new career... based on talents you've already shown... Dangerous missions and the chance to make a real difference. Your background makes you an ideal candidate.","219":"Does this have anything to do with Kestrel?","220":"Who? Wait a sec... Oh no, no. I'm talking about the real secret service, not a bunch of postal boys playing cops and robbers...","221":"To be honest, I have no idea what to say...","222":"I... I...","223":"Take your time, think about it. If you're interested, call me back and I'll show you a whole new world...","224":"If not, then this conversation never happened. But think carefully, Mr. {PlayerName}. Opportunities like this don't come around often.","225":"There's no point in hiding, Lidia heard everything...","226":"As soon as I hang up the phone, Lidia comes over to me and, while we're entwined in bed, she quickly makes it clear that she's curious to know what's going through my mind.","227":"What are you going to do, Mr. Secret Agent?","228":"My mind's racing. The offer is tempting, no denying that.","229":"The adrenaline, the purpose, the chance to use my skills... It's almost like I was made for this...","230":"But what about the risks? What about Lidia? We've just found some stability. Do I really have the right to throw it all away for some mysterious offer?","231":"Well...","232":"I don't have to decide right now... Tomorrow's a new day...","233":"I still have a trip to Italy to make and a couple of Italians to meet.","0":"What a day, huh?","1":"The perfect definition of an emotional rollercoaster. Probably the most intense day of my life...","2":"I was already on edge... But when Alex knocked you out in the park, it felt like my whole world came crashing down. I was completely lost.","3":"I should've seen it coming. I guess I underestimated Alex in some way. I should've been more careful.","4":"And when I saw you on the ground, and I got dragged into the van... I swear, I thought that was the end for me...","5":"I would never let that happen.","6":"I know. And you know, as terrifying as it was, I always knew you'd come.","7":"I was terrified just thinking about what could've happened to you.","8":"But at the same time, there was this rage inside me, an unstoppable fury that wouldn't calm down until I had you safe.","9":"Emotional, Lidia throws herself into my arms, hugging me tightly"},"ch18__epilogue_maggie.05_year_on.vne3":{"10":"Maggie turns and flashes me her big baby blues and that glacier-melting smile.","11":"Hey, sweetie!","12":"From around the apartment, there is the sound of scampering paws, as our three dogs come barrelling to the front door to greet Maggie.","13":"Dixie, Neuman and Coco zoom around at Maggie' feet, barking excitedly.","14":"My babies!","15":"Maggie returns the salutations to the lively pooches.","16":"Through her million dollar grin though, I can tell she had another long day.","17":"Rough one?","18":"Dumping her stuff on the ground, Maggie groans at the ceiling in frustration.","19":"Nursing school is hard.","20":"How are you feeling?","21":"Okay. Just had a crummy day.","22":"Tell me all about it.","23":"Taking full opportunity to procrastinate from my own education\/career planning, I turn my attention to the curvy distraction standing in the kitchen.","24":"I just get so flustered and screw things up.","25":"Like, I totally understand. It's nursing. But I get so worried about messing up I end up not paying attention to what I'm doing and...","26":"She sighs, trying not to let her mind get ahead of her.","27":"We had this practical today. It was all on dummies for our subjects and it was a mock situation. But I killed one of my plastic patients.","28":"What, was he getting a bit yappy?","29":"Maggie gives me a little whack on the arm.","30":"I'm just play'n. You're a student. You're bound to make mistakes.","31":"I'm sure everyone's killed a gaggle of fake people in nursing school.","32":"Yeah, but I killed mine in such a stupid way.","33":"He had a ''reaction'' during our exercise, and my instructor was yelling at me to figure out what to do.","34":"I panicked and gave him another medication without checking his chart first, and didn't notice another medication he was on and they... well... shouldn't be mixed.","35":"It's such a basic thing, I don't know how I just forgot to check!","36":"And I [i]knew[\/i] mixing those two medications is dangerous. I spend so long studying everything!","37":"I just... turn into such a knucklehead whenever I get stressed out. Everything just flies out of my brain when I need it most!","38":"Honestly, the idea that Maggie would even entertain something like nursing is nothing short of miraculous, given her history of anxiety and abusive relationships.","39":"Barely a year ago, she was a scared, timid young woman who could barely muster a word to a stranger.","40":"Everyone who knew her was a bit shocked when it turned out she applied for nursing school. I struggle to think of more emotionally and socially intense professions.","41":"... I don't know... I'm not sure I'm cut out for this.","42":"I cried in the bathroom for like, half an hour afterwards. The thought that I could have killed someone because I was too stupid and scared to...","43":"I can almost hear the caustic verbal abuse she got from her family begin to seep into her own self depreciation, and I jump in to stop her before she spirals.","44":"Whoa, whoa. Take a breath.","45":"First off, the fact that you took even a classroom failure like that, that hard, shows you really care. Which I think is a pretty big part of what makes a good nurse.","46":"But you're new at this. You have to expect you'll make mistakes.","47":"Why did you want to become a nurse in the first place?","48":"I... like the idea of helping people.","49":"Well, you have to learn how. So there'll be some trial and error. Just... try to be a bit nicer to yourself when you're critiquing your own performance. For me?","50":"Maggie sniffles, wiping away a tear.","51":"Okay.","52":"Sorry. I'm being such a downer. ","53":"I have no idea what you mean. I like being here to talk.","54":"You're the best. How was your day?","55":"Eh, it was okay.","56":"Mostly just sat around, looking over masters programs and at job openings.","57":"Have you gotten any closer to deciding which path you want to take?","58":"I chuckle.","59":"No.","60":"Going into the workforce sounds exciting. Plus, it'd be nice to finally have a decent paycheck.","61":"But, I know the Masters can pay off in the long run...","62":"... at least, I suppose it could.","63":"What do you mean?","64":"It feels like I just don't really care.","65":"Like, I know I should be taking this seriously, and I need to knuckle down and figure out what I'm doing, but so much of this I feel indifferent to.","66":"Are you just not as interested in IT as you thought you'd be?","67":"It's not that. I still like IT.","68":"I let out a breath. Not relishing bringing the topic up.","69":"Ever since that whole... ''ordeal'' {Leah} and I went though wrapped up, I just haven't felt the same.","70":"Don't get me wrong. I'm happy to be through with it. But ever since all that craziness ended, I've felt aimless, distracted.","71":"Like, maybe it's PTSD, but a weird, freaky little part of me misses it a little...","72":"Maggie smiles, and nods. To this day, I still haven't shared everything that happened. To her credit, she's been very understanding on the matter, and seems to respect the sensitive nature of the events.","73":"Between what I've been forthright about, and just what she's heard through town gossip or read about, I think she's come to appreciate it was a pretty serious conspiracy.","74":"Are you worried that after everything that happened, being just an IT guy isn't important? Or doesn't matter?","75":"You listen here, you beautiful, red-haired vixen. The humble IT tech, along with garbage men, and sewage techs, are the unsung heroes who keep modern society possible.","76":"She grins but raises an eyebrow, letting me know I'm not totally off the hook.","77":"But... maybe you're right. Maybe it feels a little mundane and pedestrian.","78":"As someone who had to clean up people's poo while cultivating a panic attack, I feel I can sympathize with struggling with what one is doing with their life sometimes.","79":"Oh shit, that's right. Now I'm the dick. Nurses do their duty, too, don't they?","80":"Heh, you said ''doody''.","81":"Yeah, I'm being a brat.","82":"No, you're just adjusting. You went through a lot.","83":"And, ya know what, you don't have to have it figured out just yet.","84":"No one said you had to be a noble IT man forever.","85":"But, I know you'll find your way.","86":"Thank ya, beautiful.","87":"Plus, we have more pressing concerns at the moment.","88":"What's that?","89":"Dinner.","90":"Hm... What do you feel like having?","91":"Ice cream.","92":"We actually do fix real dinner beforehand, but after tag-teaming a carton of Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl while bingeing old sitcoms, Maggie is out cold, lying on top of me and drooling on my chest.","93":"Walking my sleepy girlfriend to bed and climbing in next to her, the idea of what I'm going to do with my life still nags at me while I drift off to a restless sleep.","94":"Shouldn't have had all that ice cream.","0":"Yawning, I treat myself to another sip of coffee.","1":"I try to absorb the summary of yet another master's program, but the information is bouncing off my brain.","2":"I consider switching over to job postings, but that seems more of a lateral move than an active solution.","3":"Not that I should be taking this lightly, I am trying to plan out my future here.","4":"But even a year on from the events at city hall, this all feels... trivial?","5":"It's gotten better, recovering after all those events. The insomnia's about gone. I only double check the locks at night instead of triple checking them.","6":"But while the paranoia and anxiety have improved, there's still this weird numbness to everyday, mundane life.","7":"My mood does perk up at the sound of keys at the front door. There is one thing I'm not numb to.","8":"That gorgeous mess of wavy red locks always catches my eyes first.","9":"Hey, babe!"},"ch18__epilogue_maggie.10_parting_ways.vne3":{"10":"Both of you, in the same building, moments before it went up in flames. Which later kicked off a major federal investigation into your town?","11":"Aw, come on, man. I didn't say she had literal mind control powers!","12":"She's just, like, a super genius or whatever! She totally hypnotized me with big words and shiny objects!","13":"Ever since we went to high school together! Getting into the whole mess, I only did that because she showed me this cool rock collection, and she went into this whole speech about how ''geology rules the world'', and...","14":"And so you started running errands for her criminal operation? Because of some pretty rocks?","15":"You don't get it, man! I'm a freak'n idiot! You weren't there!","16":"She had this crystal ball thing! Like, super shiny! And the way she talked, she made you feel like you were in a spy movie, like if you didn't play along, the world would explode or something, and...","17":"Buttsnack suddenly seems to give up, letting his words die and his head slump down. He knew he had been played by Valerie.","18":"But magical stones? Crystal balls? I've always had my doubts about Joey's intellectual capabilities, but this story is surprising even for me.","19":"Maybe he didn't deserve it, but I still felt a pang of pity for Joey Popodopolis. If nothing else, he never struck me as wanting to be anything more than the village idiot. Just someone who wanted to feel important. Maybe too desperately.","20":"He had his weaknesses. And it was easy for Valerie to see them and use them against him.","21":"Kestrel seems to be able to discern the sympathy growing on my face. I guess he was expecting I'd be more eager to see Val's little puppet squirm.","22":"Well, that's all well and good I suppose. But chatting about how you got duped by shiny rocks isn't why I had you two down here today.","23":"Maybe I should remind you both that I have a torched civic building with a badly burned corpse found inside. And I am just [i]so[\/i] curious to know how that bullet ended up in it.","24":"Seeing his frayed wires, Kestrel seems to bear down on Buttsnack even more.","25":"I'm not buying all this bullcrap of Valerie just waving some crystals around and whispering a few ''magic words'' is all it took to lure you idiots down there.","26":"One of you, knows, saw, or heard [i]something[\/i]. And this goes a lot easier for the first one who talks.","27":"Agent Kestrel, with all due respect... come on. We're talking about Buttsnack here. I mean, Joey.","28":"I know it's been a long, long... long, long, long time since you've dealt with someone this gullible.","29":"But this guy once tried to catch a squirrel because someone told him it could grant wishes.","30":"People have fallen for Nigerian prince scams with more sophistication than Buttsnack.","31":"Yo, for real. Did you see her rock collection?","32":"She should have been arrested for the emotional distress she caused from all that geological manipulation.","33":"Jesus...","34":"Look, Buttsnack is not a man of powerful intellect.","35":"He tried to photocopying money because he thought it was a legal way to ''print more''.","36":"Oh my God. It wasn't my fault!","37":"He appeals to Kestrel as a man.","38":"Bro, it was right after I watched this video about the ''British Royal Mint''. It wasn't even fair! How was I [i]not[\/i] supposed to believe I could print money for everyone?","39":"You never been fooled, bro? You government robot!","40":"My entire life after that went to shit.","41":"Freaking Valerie. Always knew when to use big words, and when to show shiny things! It wasn't even fair!","42":"Yo, I got a disease! Pretty girls holding shiny things make me stupid as fuck.","43":"Shit, man. I know I fucked up. Just do what you gotta do.","44":"Come on, Kestrel. Being dumb and gullible isn't a crime.","45":"Kestrel doesn't quite glare at me. It's a look with too much weariness to be a glare.","46":"What is it to stare intensely wearily?","47":"So, Mr. Popodopolis, are you stating for the record you were at the town hall that evening because someone with ''magical stones'' told you to be there?","48":"Yes! Come on, man. You don't hear local gossip? She was a total manipulative genius, or something! Like, if Albert Einstein was also a Jedi mind trick master!","49":"Bro, I've seen her bend spoons with her mind. She can have my tinfoil hat collection! Wear um!","50":"And so you hurried your dirty, unwashed, shiny-stone-loving ass down to city hall for some ''top-secret mission'' or what?","51":"What happened when you got there? She left a treasure map and some magic beans for you while you waited?","52":"Yo, I showed up and just hung out, but never saw her. Didn't get any psychic messages when I tried to communicate telepathically. And after a while I got bored and left!","53":"Kestrel rubs his brow in frustration.","54":"And at no point while you were waiting around for Valerie to show did you hear a gunshot, or an argument?","55":"Buttsnack, if nothing else, appears to be familiar with how to navigate interactions with law enforcement.","56":"Nah, man. I can't remember for the life of me. Maybe the aliens wiped my memory?","57":"Kestrel stares at Buttsnack for a moment, then back at me, seeming to regret me being here even as much as I do.","58":"And your job? Your daily life? Don't you study, don't you work? How did you give up everything just to chase this ridiculous fantasy?","59":"He has a ''Pet Psychic Hotline''.","60":"I've heard Joey talking about a ''Gnome Security System''.","61":"A pet what?","62":"You see, Kestrel, I'm actually running a very successful business as a pet psychic.","63":"People call me from all over the city to communicate with their pets and get advice on their behavior.","64":"Pet psychic? You talk to animals?","65":"Absolutely! I can tell you what your dog is thinking, why your cat is acting out, and even what your goldfish dreams about.","66":"He charges them a fortune for ''interpreting'' their pet's barks and meows.","67":"It's a service, okay? People love their pets and want to understand them better. Plus, it’s not like I’m wrong - who’s going to argue with a pet psychic?","68":"And you show up like this, dressed [i]like that[\/i] to talk to the pets?","69":"What's the matter, man, got a problem with my style? This is a statement of freedom, a lifestyle choice. People respect it, okay?","70":"Gnomes?","71":"So, I’ve developed this innovative security system for gardens and lawns. It involves strategically placing enchanted garden gnomes to ward off intruders.","72":"Enchanted garden gnomes?","73":"Exactly! Each gnome is equipped with state-of-the-art motion sensors and a built-in alarm system. If someone tries to trespass, the gnome comes to life and scares them off.","74":"He sells them to gullible people who believe in garden magic.","75":"Hey, it's a booming market! People love the idea of magical protection. And if it gives them peace of mind, who’s to say it’s not worth it?","76":"Magical protection?","77":"I'm telling you, gnomes are real! And they're good! They're not like the magic stones Valerie used to manipulate me.","78":"Finally Kestrel looks back over at Joey, apparently out of arrows to shoot (or already out of patience for anything else), and exhales in resignation.","79":"Okay. You're free to go.","80":"For... for real?","81":"Is there some other reason to keep you here I should know about?","82":"N... no?","83":"... Get the fuck out of here, Popodopolis.","84":"I watch Buttsnack scramble to his feet and begin to rapidly shuffle out of the room.","85":"That now leaves me alone with Kestrel, and the acidic mention of the body with the bullet in it is burning a hole through the pit of my stomach.","86":"The silence lingers. As much as I try to will against it, I start to sweat.","87":"{PlayerName}, you know what a massive pain in my ass this whole case has been?","88":"I think you tell me every time we speak. Was Shale Hill not the tourist destination you hoped it'd be?","89":"I have contradicting narratives, a rogues gallery of unreliable witnesses, conspiracies, kidnappings, the works...","90":"... And the biggest thing I have keeping me from wrapping this mess up and getting on with my life is an unexplained murder. This body they pulled out of city hall.","91":"I focus every fiber of being to keep from expressing any reaction whatsoever.","92":"Now, sure. Turns out this fella was a real piece of work. Professor of yours, wasn't he? Rogham?","93":"He was. I heard he was involved with that cult and the kidnappings?","94":"I'm sure you did.","95":"Even though he was a dirtbag, I still gotta do the job, right? Do my due diligence.","96":"But after all this time now it looks like I gotta go back to my bosses and tell them that this thread has gone cold on our dead Professor's killer.","97":"Still trying to play it cool, I think I take too long to respond.","98":"It's crazy. You think you know a person and...","99":"Yeah. A few people from your class mentioned how you and Rogham had a history. You were reportedly one of his favorite pupils. Were you two close?","100":"Not particularly. I worked hard in his class and I think he appreciated that. But after a while I think we cooled on each other.","101":"That's a familiar sentiment.","102":"Well. Anyway, if you didn't have anything else to add, I suppose that's about all the ''due diligence'' I can afford to waste on this one.","103":"So, is this goodbye, Agent Kestrel?","104":"I can't safely assume by his look that Special Agent Kestrel of the USPIS isn't eager to spend a second longer in my presence than he has to.","105":"A piece of advice, {PlayerName}. Keep your nose clean! ","106":"And with that, the G-man walks out. Leaving me alone in the interrogation room, the door wide open.","107":"I still don't exhale until I get out of the building.","108":"Apparently not as skittish as I am, I turn to see Buttsnack finishing a cigarette.","109":"Magic stones? Crystal ball?","110":"Come on, man, are you saying you don't believe in that stuff? The world is a mystical place dude...","111":"I see, Buttsnack. Got it.","112":"See ya around, Joey.","0":"The next day finds me in much less desirable locales.","113":"With a nod, Joey gives me a wink. This guy is slippery, maybe even a little crazy. I hope our paths don't cross again...","1":"I tap my foot, anxiously. My interview with Kestrel was supposed to start over half an hour ago. Instead, I'm sweating a little bit, watching him in a nearby interview room, interrogating Buttsnack.","114":"Yeah. Take it easy, {PlayerName}.","2":"I wonder if they can smell it on me. If some cops really are [i]that[\/i] good.","115":"I get into my car feeling a metric ton lighter. Practically felt it in the suspension.","3":"Luckily, I don't have to wait much longer. Kestrel looks up from the interview room and sees me seated out front. I'm sure he knows I've been here, and has been in no rush to see me until he was ready.","4":"He cracks the door open, and waves me over.","5":"{PlayerName}, so glad you could make it.","6":"Always time for you, Agent Kestrel.","7":"I was having just the nicest conversation with Joey, here.","8":"He's been telling me how Valerie is some kind of evil genius who tricked him into being her minion, and that's how he ended up acting as the gopher for her little criminal operation, isn't that right, Joey?","9":"And she used her ''mind control powers'' to order you to come to city hall that night, right? Where {PlayerName} also happened to be."},"ch18__epilogue_maggie.15_leah_call.vne3":{"10":"And now that we don't have to be at ''Red Alert'' all the time... It feels like sleep-walking. My sensors and computer just feel burnt out.","11":"You just feel... numb.","12":"Yeah.","13":"Give it time. It gets better I think.","14":"Have you decided what you're going to do after college yet?","15":"No, not yet. Still weighing my options.","16":"Frankly, I think I'm just ready to be done with having classes.","17":"But that IT masters would be real handy. And would open a lot more job opportunities.","18":"Great tool for boring people to death with at cocktail parties.","19":"You've got it all wrong. Have you noticed how many times at parties a couple of IT bros meet and begin talking IT gibberish for the entire night?","20":"You just don't see it because you're not on the outside looking in, but at every social event I've been to, there are always a few nerds off somewhere making inside jokes about servers or something.","21":"Are you comforting me or attacking me, I'm not sure of which here.","22":"I just mean if you really like IT, if you can nerd out about it and just think it's cool in a vacuum, maybe it's not the worst job ever.","23":"You don't think I ever got bored to death listening to you and Linus smoke and joke over a bunch of IT hoo-ha at the bar?","24":"Yeah, now that you mention it...","25":"But I don't know. I wish I had a better answer for you.","26":"If you love IT, go to her.","27":"Always the romantic.","28":"Speaking of, how's Maggie? And nursing school?","29":"She's doing alright. If I'm being honest she seems like she's getting run a little ragged.","30":"Oh, poor Maggie!","31":"Frankly, I'm still dumbstruck she decided to pick up nursing in the first place.","32":"Not that I didn't think she had the heart for it. She's always been a caring person. I'm just surprised given how she was just a year ago!","33":"She's come a long way.","34":"Nursing can be such a stressful, traumatic profession by itself.","35":"I still worry about her sometimes. If she's coming too far, too fast.","36":"I think it's a new dimension of anxiety for her, too. It used to be that she was worried the consequences of her mistakes would harm her. Now she's afraid that she'll make a mistake and the consequences could hurt someone else.","37":"I think it keeps her up at night.","38":"And for a girl already suffering from debilitatingly low self-esteem and an oppressive expectation system...","39":"... Which also makes her deeply empathetic...","40":"She really kind of sucked it up and just jumped right into the deep end.","41":"Yeah. But I hope she sticks it out.","42":"Me too. Will you give her a big hug for me and tell her how proud I am of her?","43":"I will.","44":"Oh, visitation time is over. See you, {PlayerName}. Love you and miss you.","45":"Okay. Goodnight, {PlayerName}, love you and miss you.","46":"Love you and miss you, too, {Leah}. Bye.","47":"{Leah} waves as she hangs up, and I put my phone down and yawn.","48":"Maggie's got school until late, so I might as well turn in for the evening.","49":"Devmode menu:","50":"jump leah_at_home","51":"jump leah_in_jail","52":"Right on schedule, my phone rings.","53":"{Leah}, calling for our weekly catch up.","54":"A routine we've [i]mostly[\/i] kept up with.","55":"Hey, {PlayerName}!","56":"Hey, {Leah}! It's good to hear from you!","57":"How's Sallesport?","58":"Oh my gosh, it's so nice! It's really cute this time of year!","59":"The reporter that Craven set me up to work under is kind of a task master, but they're a good journalist!","60":"I get yelled at a lot but, according to Craven, that's a good thing. Apparently if Rocko doesn't think you're worth mentoring he just makes you be a coffee gopher until he can find someone better.","61":"Constructive screaming.","62":"Clearly he's enjoyed being freelance for a long time.","63":"But he's got a great nose for bullshit.","64":"He's already got us on the trail of some sketchy restoration work that was supposed to clean up building chemical levels in the water supply.","65":"The company made promises and got paid even when their system didn't work. But once you dig into it, it all reeks of fraud.","66":"Jeez. Didn't take you long to start making trouble, huh?","67":"I don't know if I understand what you are insinuating, sir!","68":"We chuckle, awkwardly.","69":"Okay, maybe I was suffering just a little withdrawal after everything wrapped up in Shale Hill. I know it's crazy but...","70":"... There is something about living on edge for that long. Once it's all over, it was like... I don't know. I didn't think I'd miss it like this.","71":"At least tell me you're being smart about it?","72":"Well, you'll be happy to know I'm not as eager to jump all the way into the deep end just yet.","73":"A few minutes late, the door opens in the visiting room.","74":"{Leah} walks in and waves. It still stings, every time I see her in the jumpsuit.","75":"These bi-monthly visits have been a routine we've [i]mostly[\/i] kept up with.","76":"Hey, {PlayerName}!","77":"Hey, {Leah}! It's good to see you!","78":"How you been?","79":"Keeping busy. Annoying the hell out of the prison librarian. Per usual.","80":"Craven feeds me plenty to do. No wonder his turn around time on things is so long. How has he juggled this kind of workflow all these years?","81":"Experience?","82":"It must be. I have much to learn.","83":"Any word from that independent reporter he's trying to line you up with when you get out of this joint?","84":"Rocko? Oh apparently he's tickled pink to put me in his employ. He was telling Frank that since I've been to prison, I have no excuses if I cry from getting screamed at by him.","85":"Sounds like a dick.","86":"Completely, but he's already got me doing paper trail stuff for him while I'm in here, and his nose for sniffing out bullshit is incredible!","87":"Sounds like your guy.","88":"Yeah. Plus if I'm working in Sallesport I can't crash on your couch.","89":"Hey, it'll always be our couch, and you can crash on it whenever, wherever.","90":"Thanks.","91":"Well, I'm excited for you. It's nice you'll have a plan to get back on your feet after this!","92":"And I know this guy is really dogged and really goes after the truth.","93":"Just... promise me you'll be smart about things, yeah?","94":"I will, I will. I made Frank the same promise. Everything above board and legal from here on out.","0":"... I promise I won't do anything that'll keep you up at night worrying.","1":"Thank you. Remember, saving the world is a marathon, not a sprint.","2":"Yeah, yeah. Shut up.","3":"But I'm proud of you. And I love you.","4":"Thanks, {PlayerName}. I'm proud of you, and I love you too.","5":"How about you? How are you doing?","6":"I know you're not quite the glutton for punishment I can be, but I know it still can't be easy for you. All we went through.","7":"Letting out a long breath through my nose, I collect my thoughts. We both agreed we'd be honest with each other upfront about how we were handling an admittedly, pretty traumatic few months.","8":"I kind of understand what you said about the world seeming... I don't know. More dampened?","9":"For so long we had to go navigating life with all our detectors and warning arrays on twenty four seven. Sleeping terribly. Always on guard."},"ch18__epilogue_maggie.20_hit_the_snooze.vne3":{"3":"Good morning. I'm sorry I slept in so late.","4":"My first day off in two weeks and I waste half of it in bed.","5":"Hardly seems wasted. I bet you could have used the sleep.","6":"She pops over to plant a kiss on my cheek, before scurrying off to the bathroom. I hear her call back out as she starts getting freshened up.","7":"You hungry? I can fix us some breakfast. Then we have to take the puppers for a walk.","8":"Sounds like a plan. I'll get a fresh pot of coffee going.","9":"Can I ask you to start dicing up a few potatoes for hashbrowns? And check how much bacon we have left. Lord, I'm hungry. I could eat half a pig.","10":"One nice thing about living with a proper country gal, she does not fool around when it comes to breakfast.","11":"Looking to work off a sizable brunch, we grab the dogs and head out the door for some fresh air and sunshine.","12":"We make our way to the park on campus, watching those three tails wag. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping. I'm out with a cute redhead who has a great rack and makes killer breakfasts.","13":"I honestly feel a bit ashamed at my recent melancholy. Hard to argue with how things turned out, given the circumstances.","14":"Finding our favorite bench open, Maggie and I give the pups a bit more slack to sniff around and as we sit back and just chat.","15":"Neuman definitely thinks he's the boss now.","16":"Like he gave Dixie seniority when we adopted him, but he's figured out that Dixie just doesn't have a care in the world aside from squirrels and belly rubs.","17":"And Coco just can't be bothered unless it's food related.","18":"She's a sweet lady who just loves her treats.","19":"Yeah, when I enter the room she doesn't look at me, she just looks at my hand.","20":"The moment she realizes I'm not hold'n she wanders away.","21":"She's a gold digger.","22":"No! She's the newest, she's still adjusting.","23":"When she saw I was just holding a pen and not a chew-stick she legit snorted at me. She's rude! She's a rude dog and I'm not afraid to say it.","24":"You can't talk about our daughter like that.","25":"Oh my god.","26":"Maggie's laughter twists to a cringe of revulsion when we see a poster featuring a render of the new City Hall they're putting up.","27":"Ya know, I get the case for doing modern art and architecture and all that, but sometimes, I feel like less is more.","28":"I hear you. Who greenlit this design?","29":"It looks like a UFO.","30":"...","31":"Sorry. I shouldn't poke fun. I know you can't talk about what happened, but I know it was difficult for you. Going through that whole business.","32":"Just from the little I know, I don't know how you got through it. I'm sure as hell I'm not that strong.","33":"What do you mean?","34":"I think I would have fallen apart, if I were wrapped up in something that scary.","35":"People getting abducted. Weird cults...","36":"I think about how brave you had to be, to get through that, when I'm struggling in nursing school.","37":"Maggie, honestly, I was terrified.","38":"But, you keep facing it down until you figure it out. And for me, I didn't have a choice. Not for all of it. So it's easy to say I was brave when I was forced to be.","39":"You can quit at anytime. But I think you haven't yet because deep down you know you'd regret it. So part of you still thinks you can do this.","40":"She lets out a long breath.","41":"It does feel really nice getting to help people.","42":"Lord knows I've had a lot of people help me. You, Haley, Leah. The kindness y'all showed me...","43":"... I like have'n the opportunity to pay that forward. More than that, I'd like to pay out in dividends.","44":"It's like, every selfless, kind act is sort of like a little investment in humanity that makes things better for everyone.","45":"She gives me a warm smile. That kind that could make a guy wonder how he's ever gonna measure up to a girl like that.","46":"But doubt furrows her brow. I know her confidence is shaky.","47":"But, {PlayerName}, I'm terrified. I'm scared witless that I'm gonna mess something up and kill someone.","48":"I don't know if I'd ever be able to forgive myself.","49":"Well, that's the kicker, beautiful.","50":"I think you just have to accept that might happen.","51":"Maggie, you could be the best nurse in the world, but you're still only human.","52":"Being a nurse means people are going to be putting their lives in your hands.","53":"But it's a job and someone has to do it. And if anybody should be a nurse, It should be someone who cares about this at least half as much as you do.","54":"Thank you for saying that, {PlayerName}.","55":"But whether you accept that responsibility, that's a decision you have to make for yourself.","56":"Maggie chews on the thought. She's clearly torn. Not quite convinced herself that she's got the chops for nursing.","57":"Good news is, you don't have to figure it out today. Today, it's nice out, and the dogs are having apparently the best time they ever experienced on account of this one stick.","58":"Yeah, they are obsessed with that one stick. They are not doing anything about any of the squirrels so you know they're going to start getting brazen again.","59":"We banter about the idiosyncrasies of our dog's relationship and how this new, sacred twig factors into it.","60":"It's relaxing. We get tragically few free days that both of us have off. It's nice to get to take advantage of one and do nothing at all.","61":"Maggie really appreciates them. Gives her a little bubble that, for the most part, she can relax in.","62":"Dogs walked, Vitamin D acquired, we stroll back to the apartment.","63":"I let the trio of now drowsy pooches off their leashes and watch them all wander over to their dog beds.","64":"Watch'n the gang settle in for a mid afternoon snooze makes me think that is not such a bad idea.","65":"Maggie and I head off to take part in that most indulgent of luxuries for nursing students.","66":"A nap.","0":"It's well into late morning when I look up from bed to see Maggie emerge, still rubbing sleep from her eyes.","1":"Morning, cutie.","2":"Still finishing off a yawn, Maggie pouts in response."},"ch18__epilogue_maggie.25_it_returns.vne3":{"10":"I get to my feet, my blood already beginning to race.","11":"He didn't do anything to you, did he? Or say anything?","12":"She puts her hand up, looking to calm me down.","13":"No, nothing like that.","14":"I don't even think he saw me. I spotted him as I was leaving the hospital. He was out in the parking lot, proselytizing people on the [i]Revelation of Yawallahodinganesh[\/i], and {PlayerName}ism, and all that.","15":"Jesus. He's still into all that?","16":"Maggie cringes.","17":"He seemed really sincere about it too. Like, he honestly believes it.","18":"Floyd was never the brightest, but I'm honestly shocked he is still into this cult.","19":"Maggie looks... sad.","20":"Maybe I should have gone and said something to him. I kind of feel responsible for...","21":"What? How?","22":"If [i]anyone[\/i] is to blame, it's me. For thinking up this stupid cult idea.","23":"No! You thought of a smart way to get him to leave me alone that didn't end with anyone in jail, or hurt, or worse!","24":"I'll never be able to thank you enough for that!","25":"Floyd's never really seen much to the consequences of his actions. It's no surprise that he turned this cult business into a mess for himself.","26":"I can see the pity growing on her face.","27":"Maggie, he was abusive and manipulative for years, and...","28":"I know. What do you think kept me from going over there and say'n something?","29":"... But. Even after all that, even if maybe he doesn't deserve my help, he's still my brother.","30":"Takes a deep breath in, and exhales.","31":"{PlayerName}, he doesn't look like he's doing well. I'm worried about him.","32":"Too nice for her own good.","33":"But... I'm still scared that if I face him right now I might not be strong enough to stand up for myself.","34":"So, I'll fully understand if your answer is no, and you have every right to say so, but...","35":"... Would you go talk to him? For me?","36":"Maybe steer him away from the cult stuff?","37":"Damn. The [i]last[\/i] thing I wanted to do today was go talk to Maggie's psycho, unhinged, white-trash brother.","38":"But... given my literal name is attached to the cult we conjured up to dupe him, I suppose I'm obliged to act in her interests.","39":"Maggie's lucky she's such a sweetheart... and has nice hair... and nice eyes... and nice boobs...","40":"Okay. I will go talk to Floyd about putting aside this cult business.","41":"A palpable relief seems to wash over Maggie as she pulls herself into me and gives me a deep, almost uncomfortably tight hug.","42":"Please be careful, though. If he gets angry or confrontational just walk away, okay? Promise?","43":"That sure didn't help my spiking cortisol, but I know she means well.","44":"I promise, just a nice little chat to let him know we're worried about him.","45":"Thank you... I love you.","46":"I love you, too.","47":"And I do. I do love Maggie. I think I love her more than anything I can think of.","48":"So confident is my love for that woman I have no reservations about grumbling to myself the entire drive over to the campus, adjacent to the hospital, but where I have a parking pass.","49":"Not grumbling about Maggie so much. More so about the universe.","50":"Like, why is Floyd still in Shale Hill? Why couldn't he spread the word of ‘'our'' cult somewhere else? Like remote Alaska?","51":"Walking through the campus towards the hospital, I wonder how I'm even supposed to broach this topic with Floyd.","52":"Suddenly, I have a sense I'm walking into this situation woefully unequipped and with no plan.","53":"I remember that the last time I had to deal with Floyd, I wasn't operating alone. Pulling out my phone, I begin to text {Leah} a message.","54":"I'll feel better bouncing ideas off of her before...","55":"I'd kill to have {Leah} to bounce ideas off of before confronting...","56":"{PlayerName}!","57":"Shit.","58":"He must have relocated to the campus. Caught off guard, I try to think fast.","59":"It occurs to me that I don't think he knows about my recovered voice. Luckily, I still have a voice app left on my phone that I've been putting off deleting.","60":"Who says being lazy never pays off.","61":"Floyd. Hello.","62":"It is nice being able to hide behind the emotionless voice app again. No infliction to give my panic away.","63":"It is a pleasant surprise seeing you out! I haven't seen much of you around! Though I guess a man with so many wives to keep happy must be quite busy!","64":"Was he always this twitchy or did he get worse since the last time I saw him?","65":"He still has the same, volatile excitement and aggressive, bi-polar energy about him. Like he was constantly teetering between moods.","66":"Yes. But it is energy well spent.","67":"Floyd cackles, maybe a bit too hard. I'm not quite able to pin down whether it is sycophantic flattery or fanatical exuberance.","68":"I can only imagine. I already have two wives, and between the two of them, and spreading the word, it is a struggle.","69":"But, a necessary one. To measure the faith of the devout. To separate the true believers from mindless hedonists.","70":"I'm trying to remember if that was part of our spiel. I have the worrisome notion that this fake religion might evolve and metastasize through Floyd into something terrible.","71":"I'm sorry. You said you had two wives?","72":"Floyd beams with pride.","73":"Yes, sir!","74":"I was actually at the hospital today because my first wife is pregnant and has a check-up.","75":"Oh god... He bred with someone?","76":"I think it's bullshit, but you know how women are. She wouldn't stop nagging me until we came here.","77":"But I have that kind of brain that's always thinking. Always planning. Optimizing.","78":"And I thought, instead of just sitting here, being idle, being impotent, I could instead be outside, spreading the word!","79":"They finally told me to leave because I was ''harassing patients'', the fascist pigs!","80":"Oh boy.","81":"I start to dig a little deeper.","82":"That is stunning. For someone so new to the faith to already have two wives.","83":"Have you had any struggles with work? Or your family?","84":"Floyd lets out a long, animated exhale and shakes his head, rocking back and forth.","85":"Man, they did not get it. They do not get my faith.","86":"Like, I don't know if you know this, from my sister, but they are crazy religious. We all are!","87":"I seem to recall her speaking of it.","88":"Like, I didn't see it. The bigotry, until I was enlightened to a new way by your teachings!","89":"Man, when I brought home my second wife, five months ago, that was it. Me and my dad...","90":"Dude, I'm lucky I have such strong self control, because I almost killed him. For real. I was ready to kill my father.","91":"Likely some post adolescent angst hyperbole but he's just wily enough where I wouldn't want to test it.","92":"Do you know what it's like, to be persecuted in your own home for your beliefs?","93":"Shit... Who am I talking to? You must know!","94":"Anyway, fuck that. Fuck my dad, fuck my mom, fuck the farm.","95":"Fuck that job, because I worked the farm with my dad.","96":"It took the Revelation of Yawallahodinganesh to teach me what is really important in life.","97":"And if that's not something that's welcome on my dad's stupid, bigoted farm, then it's no place for me to raise a family!","98":"As opposed to foster care?","99":"So, my son, where have you sought refuge these past five months?","100":"Oh, we got a cozy little trailer over at Pine Corners. It's not much, but it's a home, ya know?","101":"You, and your two wives, and the coming baby.","102":"Yo people in the Amazon live four, maybe five whole generations in a hut half the size.","103":"Also why the men probably go hunting and fishing from sun-up to sun-down.","104":"I do feel a pang of pity, and regret, for setting Floyd down this path.","105":"If it was just him, it might be one thing. But now he's roped two other dummies into this sham and now they are multiplying with one another.","106":"How can I bring this back to Maggie? This will just fray her nerves even more!","107":"But if...","108":"A plan begins to form in my head. Maybe just crazy enough to work. Crazy enough to get this crazy person to give up this nonsense and move back home so that poor infant has someone halfway responsible to look after it.","109":"Putting my phone away, I gently cup my hands together in front of me in a priestly manner, and look at Floyd with a serene smile.","110":"What? ...This is the path, right?","111":"In calm, measured tones, I speak to my apostle.","112":"Floyd, you have done well, and with this test, you have proven your faith.","113":"Floyd's eyes shoot open, and he jerks his head around, as if to see if anyone else is witnessing this.","114":"That path in all journey's is one of many legs. And you have just completed your first.","115":"Your... Your vow... You spoke... like, with your voice!","116":"Floyd, you have proven your devotion to {PlayerName}ism. You have followed its teachings, and accumulated multiple wives. So you may spread and multiply. Let no man now question your faith.","117":"Mouth agape, still processing my words, Floyd listens intently.","118":"Now, you are ready for the next path, the next leg in your journey.","119":"Where as one path had you seek one mountain top, now I ask you to see another.","120":"Tell me. I am ready to learn!","121":"You must now prove your selflessness and devotion to family. Put aside with pride. Reconcile with your father, and return to their welcoming bosom. So that your offspring may be raised in prosperity and safety.","122":"I scramble to think of what else to say, but my well of bullshit begins to run dry.","123":"And this... this is my second word... of proclamation...","124":"... The Second Revelation of Yawallahodinganesh.","125":"Floyd blinks several times. Trying to process this new decree.","126":"Wait...","127":"So the First Revelation was to accumulate as many wives as possible and spread the word...","128":"Oh, come on, Floyd! Don't pick now to be the point where you start thinking!","129":"... but after I get two wives, I stop and just go home?","130":"The... [i]true[\/i] truth of {PlayerName}ism was also one of love and devotion.","131":"But... I don't understand... How am I supposed to spread this if I'm being strangled with just two child-bearing wives?","132":"... And why do you get to have, like, five wives, and I only get two?","133":"I almost want to tell him that I'm the cult leader and that's just how cults work but I don't think he'd appreciate the joke.","134":"Then there's that sickening shift in energy, as I feel the conversation suddenly start teetering on the much worse side of that knife edge.","135":"Floyd begins to fidget, get agitated.","136":"Nah.... Nah-nah-nah-nah... Somethin's up here.","137":"You just happen to show up, right after I see my sister at the hospital pretend not to notice me across the parking lot?","138":"Shit.","139":"This is her doing, isn't it? This is fucking Maggie's doing.","140":"Shit-shit-shit!","141":"Floyd laughs, humorlessly, crumping his flyers in his hand.","142":"Floyd, your mind is poisoned by hate...","143":"Man, my mind is [i]clear[\/i]. It's you who has strayed off the path.","144":"What?","145":"Typical fucking Maggie, man. She got into your head!","146":"All wrapped up in the devil's favorite disguise! A pretty, helpless girl. Always acting the victim.","147":"But that timid demeanor is all a fucking act. I know she's a straight up deviant. Indulging in all manner of sins, like homosexuality!","148":"Modern day fucking Lilith.","149":"That pushes me past my point of tolerance. A sneer curls on my face.","150":"You better be careful, Floyd.","151":"Or what? You gonna try and step up to me? Be Maggie's little puppet for her?","152":"You may be the prophet, but that don't mean I won't tune your ass up!","153":"I feel my fingers tighten into a fist. But rather than escalate the aggression, Floyd seems to scoff, and shake his head in disgust.","154":"Bro, I thought you were stronger than that. She's supposed to be [i]your[\/i] wife. But she just got you being her little bitch.","155":"I hope you figure your shit out man. You broke my fucking heart.","156":"Holy shit. Is he about to cry?","157":"Floyd turns and begins to walk away, looking betrayed. And I search for something to say...","158":"... Wait. This is a fucking made up cult and he's a crazy person.","159":"While I'm still processing just how batshit loony this is all getting, Floyd spins around for one lash verbal swipe.","160":"Maybe you were too weak to carry on the original, the [i]true[\/i] Revelation of Yawallahodinganesh. But I am not.","161":"He then storms off back towards the hospital parking lot.","162":"Having thoroughly fucked that up, I let out a long exhale, and start thinking about how to tell Maggie about all this.","0":"It's an afternoon later, and I'm taking a short, three hour break from my post college plan to watch old action movies.","1":"Working on the achievement trophy for under-achievement.","2":"I see Dixie and Coco lift their heads at the sound of keys at the door and the handle turning.","3":"They bolt to their feet to greet Maggie as she gets home from morning classes.","4":"Hey, babe. How's your day so far?","5":"The noise of the excited pooches stirs Neumen as well, and finally I turn to greet her.","6":"When I do, I notice the partially shook expression on her face.","7":"Maggie, are you alright?","8":"Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay.","9":"I saw Floyd."},"ch18__epilogue_maggie.30_recap_and_caffine.vne3":{"10":"I let her know about everything, how I got ambushed, and tried to use my position as Floyd's ''spiritual mentor'' to get him to change his ways.","11":"And, ultimately, how it all ended up backfiring, with Floyd now more committed to {PlayerName}ism than ever.","12":"I think the real kicker was how successful Floyd was at being in the cult.","13":"...[i]Two[\/i] wives... and one is pregnant...","14":"... Oh, lord, Floyd! What have you gone and gotten yourself into?","15":"I'm sorry, again, Maggie. I just made everything worse.","16":"Hey, you have nothing to apologize for! You got him to leave me alone, and I'm forever grateful for that.","17":"Let's... let's just let this dog lie, alright?","18":"Huh?","19":"I know I said I was worried about him, but...","20":"I think Floyd is just going to tip the canoe over if we try to help him out. I think I just want to let him navigate this river on his own.","21":"Sweeter, more beautiful words could not have escaped her mouth.","22":"You sure?","23":"God knows I love him. But you know how much better and simpler my life's been since I struck out on my own and was finally free of him and the rest of my family?","24":"Okay. You don't have to sell it to me. We'll let that dog lie.","25":"She gives me a warm, apologetic smile.","26":"Put'n up with all this Castle Family drama has at least earned you a freshly baked blueberry pie... as soon as I get the time to bake one.","27":"That's a pie I'll wait for.","28":"Shoot, what time is it? This little lady needs to go home and change before the afternoon classes.","29":"Yeah, I'll let you go. Don't work too hard.","30":"You bet, sugar pie. Thank you so much again for being amazing. I'll see you tonight.","31":"She plants a big kiss on my lips that makes it all worth it, and saunters off.","32":"With nowhere to be myself, I leisurely finish off the coffee, before heading home.","33":"Well, home sweet home.","34":"I spend the rest of the afternoon and part of the evening hanging out with the dogs and goofing off. Though I do squeeze in a bit of work.","35":"The afternoon goes by and I hear the door knob jiggle right around 7:00. Maggie, must have stayed late at the library.","36":"Hey, stranger.","37":"Hey, good looking. Uneventful afternoon?","38":"Thankfully yes. Long, though.","39":"She drops off her stuff and pets the dogs, before walking over to the couch.","40":"Dropping down next to me, I pull her in and steal a kiss.","41":"Mmm, I missed you.","42":"Stretching and yawning, I watch Maggie rub her neck.","43":"Stiff?","44":"Yeah. I was staring at medical books for hours. I need to start setting a timer to stand up and stretch every twenty minutes or something.","45":"Why don't you let me work those weary shoulders.","46":"You don't have to. It's no big deal.","47":"It's fine, I want to.","48":"Maggie makes a rule to always politely refuse the first offer of a massage but will never, ever, refuse it twice.","49":"Well, if you insist.","50":"Purring deeply as I rub her shoulders, she looks up at me with those stunning, blue-gray eyes.","51":"Mmm, that feels so good...","52":"God, the tension in these shoulders... You do need a little pampering.","53":"I suppose... I did put in an extra hour of studying tonight.","54":"You earned it, beautiful. Just...","55":"My eyes drift down to Maggie's large, plump breasts. Rising and falling with her deepening, slowing breaths.","56":"... relax.","57":"Goodness. You know just where to touch a girl.","58":"I just do what comes naturally...","59":"Working the base of her neck, I let my fingers leisurely travel up and over her shoulder...","60":"... and slide my hand down her top. Gently clutching a thick handful of her warm, soft breast.","61":"What are you... Oh...","62":"Maggie's freckled cheeks begin to flush, and she leans back, exhaling and cooing lustfully.","63":"Seeing no objection, I tug her top open a bit more, and reach down and pull her ample tits out of her blouse, gently squeezing them.","64":"Those perfect, pink nipples crowning her impressive mounds harden at the continued touch.","65":"Weird how I didn't mention my boobs being sore.","66":"You want me to go back to your shoulders?","67":"She shakes her head no, and I croon my head down, kissing her.","68":"Oh...","69":"Getting to her feet, Maggie flashes me a bashful, but eager smile, and starts to undo the rest of the buttons on her top.","70":"I suppose I ought to thank you for being such a sweetheart today.","71":"Oh, you don't have to. But if you insist...","72":"Giggling, Maggie tosses her top off somewhere, and throws herself into my arms.","73":"Feeling those magnificent knockers crushed against me, I pull her tighter for a kiss.","74":"She's using that coconut lip balm again. I think it's actually turning me around on coconut.","75":"Though with how I feel about Maggie, she could use toothpaste and orange juice flavored lip balm and I'd still kiss her.","76":"Cupping one of her melons again, I lean down and begin sucking on the pliant, perky orb. Using my tongue to toy with her nipple.","77":"Part of an ongoing study of all the cute little noises I can coax Maggie into making.","78":"It's not long before I feel those fingers begin to probe around my shorts for my growing hard on.","79":"Mmm... Looks like I found one dog that still needs to be walked.","80":"In my favorite display of body language, Maggie lowers herself to her knees at my feet.","81":"Biting her lip when she sees my cock flop out of my boxers, she looks back up at me, eagerly awaiting approval.","82":"Wait... Wait...","83":"Still looking up at me, Maggie impatiently wiggles her hips side to side. ","84":"It's part of the little ''games'' we like to play. She has to wait for the command before she gets her ''treat''.","85":"Okay, go.","86":"Maggie takes my shaft in my hand, and begins to kiss and lick it like if it were an ice cream pop.","87":"Looking up at me obediently as she does with those beautiful, shimmering, eyes of hers.","88":"Keeping her gaze locked on me, she wraps her pillowy lips around the head of my member, suckling at it.","89":"The sensation is so intense I almost pull away.","90":"Good girl. That's it. Good girl.","91":"I love the feeling of your mouth on my cock.","92":"Those curly locks playfully bob back and forth with the motion of head as she slides my cock in and out of her mouth.","93":"In concert, those big tits wobble lazily on her chest. She's quite a sight.","94":"Maggie's hand and mouth work together in perfect harmony, creating a sensation that's almost too much to bear.","95":"The feeling of her soft lips and wet tongue on the tip of my penis, while her hand expertly works the rest of me, is something else.","96":"Maggie is really getting good at this...","97":"Does my good girl like her treat?","98":"Sucking on my nut, she peers up at me from under my meat and nods.","99":"The game might say the treat is for her but I'm certainly the one feeling rewarded.","100":"Feeling the approval and looking for more of the same, she braces herself and tries to see how deep she can take it.","101":"Maggie started out a little shy about blowjobs. But she's really been pushing herself lately. I think she's working her way up to fully deepthroating me.","102":"I can't believe how good this feels - I never want it to end.","103":"Each stroke of her tongue sends waves of pleasure coursing through my body.","104":"Maggie's mouth is heaven... Her lips and tongue work in perfect harmony, creating a sensation that's almost too much to bear.","105":"Finally taking a break to catch her breath, Maggie looks up at me, almost a little proud at how much she's able to swallow now.","106":"Let's go ahead and get the rest of those clothes off.","107":"Did you like the blowjob? I reckon I got a whole half inch more of your rocket down my throat than usual.","108":"It was amazing. I'm itch'n to return the favor.","109":"Laying her down on the couch, I lower my head to her slick pussy.","110":"I give her mound few probing kisses and licks, teasing a bit before diving in.","111":"Oh, god! I love when you eat me out!","112":"I need you to come in and do this to me while I'm trapped in the library or doing rotations!","113":"With those long, slender legs propped up in the air, I continue going down on Maggie.","114":"All the stresses and burdens she's carrying melt into sound and escape in her moans.","115":"While my tongue does a dance with her clit, I slide a finger up inside her as well. Peering down, the lustfully drunk Maggie tries to keep focus.","116":"From the wavering moans I can feel her begin to teeter towards the tipping point. She's definitely ready.","117":"Pushing her further up on the couch, and with shaft in hand, I crawl up after her.","118":"Yes! Please! I want you inside me so bad!","119":"Pressing the tip of my spear to her waiting lips, I'm greeted by welcoming warmth and wetness.","120":"I hover at her threshold for a moment. Reveling in the look of longing drawn out in her face.","121":"Please, put it in! I'll be a good girl!","122":"Not wanting to make her beg... too much... I give just the gentlest push and slide inside her.","123":"Maggie's body seems to seize up and buck all at once, and her eyes cross and roll back.","124":"Oh lord... Oh Jesus...","125":"{PlayerName}! What do you do to me?","126":"Grinning, I start slowly pistoning in and out of her warm cave.","127":"Each hump sends those big, healthy, farm raised juggs playfully jiggling. The sequence fires off a continuous stream of neurons in my brain causing me to hump her harder. A positive feedback loop of arousal.","128":"Yes! Oh, yes, {PlayerName}!","129":"Do me harder!","130":"I can't believe how lucky I am to be with her. Maggie's legs wrap around me, pulling me deeper inside her, and I feel like I'm home.","131":"The way her body responds to mine is incredible. I can feel her muscles clenching around me, and I know she's just as into this as I am.","132":"I love the way she looks at me when we're like this - like I'm the only person in the world who matters.","133":"Her hungry pleas drive my lust even further.","134":"Unsatisfied with our position on the couch, I get to my feet. Hoisting Maggie up as well.","135":"Reaching down and grabbing her by that round, plump ass, I lift Maggie into my arms and begin bouncing her on my cock.","136":"Those heavenly globes bounce in my face, almost like they were cheering me on and teasing me to suck on them.","137":"Maggie coos almost non-stop now, and with a mouth full of her tit, I keep racking my pelvis into her.","138":"Yes! Suck on my breasts, {PlayerName}! They're all yours!","139":"Our bodies seem to lock in perfect harmony. A well timed machine that produces passionate moans and mists up the apartment windows.","140":"Maggie breaks the engine cycling to whisper hungrily into my ear.","141":"Take me from behind!","142":"Dropping the curvy redhead to her feet, she instantly spins around, arching her back and pressing her ass up for me.","143":"I slide right back into her, and begin rocking that body back and forth.","144":"Pulling her tight against me, I thrust into her over and over again, feeling her thick cheeks slap against my pelvis.","145":"Yes!... Mm!... More!...","146":"As she's being pounded, Maggie's lively juggs bounce every which way.","147":"I curse myself for not having another set of hands to reach around and just squeeze those beautiful milk bags.","148":"Being aggressively ridden, Maggie's legs go weak and she collapses to her hands and knees.","149":"Still though, she naturally presses her hindquarters towards me. Beckoning me to stay on top of her.","150":"Mmmm, yes!","151":"She feels the tip of manhood pressing at her gate, and she pushes herself back against it to grant me entry.","152":"I can see the freckles on her butt, and it's a reminder of how unique and special she is.","153":"I love every inch of her, from her fiery hair to her cute freckles, and everything in between.","154":"I can feel Maggie's body tensing up, and I know she's getting close. Her moans are getting louder and more frequent, and I can feel her muscles clenching around me.","155":"{PlayerName}! Oh, god! It's so big!","156":"I swear it's push'n the breath right out of me!","157":"She's got me spun up in a near maddening lust. Thrusting into her harder and harder.","158":"Yes! Fuck! You're so hot!","159":"Throwing an arm over my neck, Maggie pulls herself up so she and I can look into each other's eyes.","160":"The longing expression I see in her face is the last bit that pushed me over the edge.","161":"Grabbing those stunning tits, I pull her tightly to me, arching her back as I thrust one final time.","162":"Oh my ghhhhhnnn...","163":"We erupt in explosive moans nearly at the same time, and I ejaculate a stout load into Maggie.","164":"Catching our breath after cumming, Maggie rubs and grinds her hips against me, as if trying to squeeze out every last drop of seed from my cock into her pussy.","165":"I think feeling you finishing inside me is my favorite thing in the world.","166":"Is that so, huh?","167":"I'm only partially paying attention. I'm too busy savoring each millimeter of how she feels as I slide back out of Maggie's throbbing pussy. Trailing thick ropes of jizz from her.","168":"Can we give up all this school and work nonsense and just do this all day?","169":"I certainly don't have any objections to it.","170":"Getting cleaned up, we relax back on the couch.","171":"I take to rubbing Maggie's sore feat as she tells me about more adventures, and misadventures, in medicine.","172":"...So the egg drop soup was in the specimen fridge the whole time? How did it get in there?","173":"I told you. Because poor Sherry, who has to take care of her grandma and get's, like, three hours of sleep a night, must have still had it in her hand when she was coming back from lunch.","174":"Didn't you hear how Dr. Stevens was hounding her to process those samples?","175":"Look, I love you, but you can't expect me to pay 100% attention to you talking while you have those puppies just hanging out in the open like that.","176":"You can get 80% reception while your tits are out, under optimal conditions.","177":"What are ''optimal conditions''?","178":"Peak post nut-clarity. 1-5 minutes after squirting one off.","179":"All of that?","180":"Best I can do. After that the bandwidth just starts to plummet.","181":"She nudges me playfully with her toe. But I still catch her pressing her chest out, subtly showing off her genetics.","182":"I need to remember that next time I want to get you to come to the farmers market with me.","183":"You joke but that would probably work.","184":"I love you, you know that?","185":"She smiles warmly. She's way too good for me.","186":"But she turns and stares away a moment later, her troubles showing in her brow.","187":"What's the matter?","188":"This past year was the best I've had in a long time. Maybe the best of my life.","189":"... And lord, forgive me for saying... I think some distance from my family was a big part of that. But...","190":"Don't get me wrong. I don't wish them any bad blood, it's just...","191":"I understand, Maggie. You don't have to explain yourself.","192":"... She pauses. It's not fair that she should feel responsible for this. But I don't know if that's the point for Maggie.","193":"I think I need to go home and talk to my parents about Floyd.","194":"Maybe if we can come together as a family, we can...","195":"I can read the dread on her face, even as she suggests it.","196":"Let me go talk to them.","197":"Maggie blinks at me.","198":"{PlayerName}... I can't let you go do that! You already talked to my brother for me, I couldn't put you through my parents too.","199":"I'm great with parents. Parents love me.","200":"You haven't met [i]my[\/i] parents.","201":"So what? I appreciate having a little excitement back in my life.","202":"She frowns, not appreciating me making light of things.","203":"But I'm looking for another chance to make it up to her. I hate to let down that freckle-faced beauty.","204":"Look, if they hate me, they'll have a great scapegoat to blame everything on. Takes the pressure off of you.","205":"I don't want you to be a scapegoat, though.","206":"Maggie pauses, fidgeting nervously, like I know she does when she's reconsidering.","207":"Will you take Haley with you? She's at least a familiar face.","208":"Part of me welcomes the suggestion. It'll be nice not being alone when facing the elder Castles. And Haley could practically disarm a bomb with her charm.","209":"Okay, I'll bring Haley along.","210":"I don't deserve you.","211":"I chuckle, recalling the similar thought I had about her just moments ago.","212":"Hey, what's so funny?","213":"Nothing... nothing. I was just thinking how I felt the same way about you.","214":"Damn, I just want to kiss you.","215":"Tell me something, if your parents are so mean, how'd you turn out as sweet and kind as you are?","216":"Maggie chews the thought.","217":"Honestly, {PlayerName}... I've been asking myself that for years.","218":"Well, they made you. So they sure did one thing right.","219":"...","220":"You keep going on being this sweet, we're gonna get ants.","221":"Come on. Let's go to bed. If we fall asleep on the couch like last time we'll be all twisted up like an old couple for the next days.","222":"I follow that perfect ass to bed. But even tucked up next to it, postcoitus, sleep is still hard to come by. The trip to the Castle farm weighing heavily on my mind.","0":"After the disaster with Floyd, I texted Maggie and told her to just meet me at the coffee shop.","1":"Lidia's is closer, but in retrospect, I wished I had suggested Sevingy's. This will suck less with a proper drink.","2":"I already see Maggie inside when I walk up to the cafe.","3":"Lidia waves when she sees me enter. It's nice to see her happy and running the cafe again.","4":"Hey, {PlayerName}. Maggie already ordered your usual.","5":"I nod to her, and head over to a pretty, but nervous looking redhead.","6":"Maggie hands me the coffee, looking apologetic.","7":"I guess things didn't go great, huh?","8":"I'm sorry, Maggie. I botched things.","9":"Oh, no! What happened?"},"ch18__epilogue_maggie.35_shale_hill_billies.vne3":{"10":"Speaking of, anything I should know in particular before approaching the elder Castles? Any customs and courtesies I should adhere to?","11":"Well, they're pretty conservative. Not too complicated, like most people around here.","12":"A little politeness and courtesy can actually take you pretty far.","13":"Cassidy's a little softer than Wyatt, but don't take that for granted.","14":"She is [i]not[\/i] someone you want to cross.","15":"And [i]don't[\/i] address them as Cassidy or Wyatt. ","16":"What, they don't keep things casual on the Castle farm?","17":"Oh... and Wyatt and Cassidy [i]hate it[\/i] when people try to be clever.","18":"I'm starting to think I should have brought along a bottle of bourbon as a peace offering.","19":"Just be upfront and honest with them, don't waste their time, and you'll be fine.","20":"But, if I mention how my ''allergies are acting up'', that's code for we need to leave. Now.","21":"And If I start running. You run too.","22":"... But things will probably be fine.","23":"...","24":"...Probably?","25":"We finally arrive at the Castle Homestead.","26":"It's been a while since I've been here. It doesn't look like much has changed.","27":"I already want to hop in the car and drive right back home. But I told Maggie I'd do this.","28":"Walking up to the front porch with Haley, resolved to the task at hand, I look over at her. She looks a little nervous as well.","29":"Okay. Let's get this over with.","30":"Taking a breath, I give the door a few good knocks.","31":"A loud tirade of vicious barking and things falling around erupts from inside the house, with the sound of someone shouting.","32":"Already feeling the tinge of panic, I shoot a look over at Haley to get her temperature on the situation.","33":"That's not unexpected. Don't worry.","34":"The growing sound of heavy footsteps approaching doesn't quiet my pulse at all.","35":"Trying to stay focused, I go over the greeting I had been rehearsing in my head on the way over here.","36":"[i]Hello, sir. I'm...[\/i]","37":"I'm cut off as the door swings open and I'm greeted first and foremost...","38":"By... by the barrel of a gun.","39":"So, you know, basically the worst case scenario.","40":"...","41":"Who the hell are you?","42":"Oh... Haley Holmes...","43":"... Still with the blue hair, huh?","44":"I know her...","45":"I don't know you.","46":"Yes you do, ya blind twit. You remember that photo and card we got from Maggie? He's that boy she's been see'n.","47":"I keep telling you to just go get reading glasses.","48":"You really gonna start yapping at me while I got someone at gunpoint, woman?","49":"Hello, Mr and Mrs Castle! We're so, so sorry to just drop in unannounced like this... we just wanted a moment of your time.","50":"Yes... Hello, Mr and Mrs Castle. It's a pleasure to finally meet you both. I'm {PlayerName}.","51":"Nailed it.","52":"... Maybe... you don't need to keep sticking the gun in {PlayerName}'s face?","53":"Hell, I didn't know who the boy was. Not that it helps much now that I do. What's this all about?","54":"Is Maggie, alright?","55":"Maggie's fine, she's fine. She's... not exactly why we're here. There's something else we were hoping to speak with you about.","56":"Wyatt and Cassidy take a moment to consider the request.","57":"The hard looking couple share a few subtle gestures and shrugs.","58":"Stepping out on the porch and resting the rifle aside, it looks like at the very least , the Elder Castles are entertaining civility.","59":"Let me make something clear, Ms. Holmes. You aren't exactly [i]welcome[\/i] on this farm.","60":"But your father did good by us and good by this community, and that's why we're even giving you the time of day.","61":"I see a flicker of anger in Haley's face displace her fear. It's clear that there is no love lost between the two parties.","62":"I'm sure left to her own devices, she might even have a few words of her own she'd like to express to Maggie's parents. The gun notwithstanding.","63":"But, we are here on Maggie's wishes, and that's not lost on Haley.","64":"{PlayerName}, and I, are actually here on Maggie's behalf. See, [i]Maggie[\/i] is worried that Floyd has gone and gotten himself wrapped up in a cult. ","65":"And [i]Maggie[\/i] wanted to see if you two would speak with him about. ","66":"I do wish she added just a hair less venom to her words while Wyatt wasn't within arms reach of the lever action.","67":"Wyatt and Cassidy's reaction is, I suppose, not unexpected. And both appear suddenly uncomfortable, even embarrassed.","68":"Our family business is just that. [i]Our[\/i] business. Got it, Ms Holmes?","69":"And why is it that instead of coming to see her parents herself, Maggie sends her boyfriend and... ''partner''?","70":"Is that the politically correct term for you two, Ms Holmes? It's so hard to keep track of all the liberal terminology these days.","71":"I don't know if the truth is the right course of action. Do I tell the Castles the reason their daughter doesn't want to come home was because of how traumatic it was to live with them?","72":"Maggie wanted to come. But she's in the middle of classes and exams. The reason we're here is because she spotted Floyd handing fliers out at the hospital where she was going to school.","73":"Wyatt laughs humorlessly to himself, but there's a flicker of something softer in Cassidy's demeanor at the mention of her daughter's life.","74":"So, Maggie... she's still in that nursing program?","75":"Nursing... God... That girl is afraid of her own shadow. Who the hell is she ever gonna help nurse?","76":"Maggie didn't ever seem to learn. She's just gonna get eaten up and chewed out like everywhere else.","77":"Though she's got time for nursing school and her new boyfriend, but no time for taking care of her own kin. Or even to show up on holidays.","78":"Let me guess, y'all are probably shacked up together too, huh?","79":"I... we don't... the rent situation in Shale Hill is...","80":"Oh, Lord Jesus.","81":"Hell, Cassidy. Go get the ''Disgrace the Family'' Bingo card we got for Mag's and see what else we can punch out.","82":"We got ''Running Away From Home'', ''Sexual Deviancy'', and now we can add in ''Shacking up out of wedlock'' with some fella who drives a... boy I sure hope that's Ms. Holmes' car.","83":"Look, I get you don't like us. But Floyd is really caught up in this cult!","84":"He's not working. He's not looking great. And now he's living with two women he considers his ''wives'' in a...","85":"... metal box in a trailer park?","86":"We know.","87":"This is a Christian household, and we raised both those kids with Christian values.","88":"Now they've both gone and run off to indulge in all the allure and modern hedonistic pleasures they can.","89":"Even if he is my son, I ain't gonna have that sinful, heathen, polygamy practiced under my roof!","90":"Sent one damn child to Shale Hill to bring back another lost in sin and now both have strayed!","91":"We gave Floyd a choice. The same choice we gave Maggie. It's us and the Lord, or the road.","92":"Floyd made his choice, and he chose to hold up in a trailer with a couple of whores.","93":"So you just kicked him out?","94":"No, no, no. Don't you try and paint us as some backwards religious maniacs. We [i]tried[\/i] to make Floyd see reason.","95":"We tried to get him to come back to church. We tried to get him to do his part on the farm. We told him we didn't want these strange women in the house.","96":"The one I'm sure was bringing drugs into our home. She was high as a kite 24\/7.","97":"And you know that one of his ''wives'' is pregnant, right?","98":"What's going to happen to that baby? That's your grandchild. Are you just going to let him grow up in that place? In a cult?","99":"Wyatt and Cassidy both get quiet for a moment at the mention of the baby.","100":"Wyatt coughs uncombfortable, clearing his throat.","101":"Floyd's a man, now. He's got to learn to make his own decisions. Actions have to have consequences, and Floyd is...","102":"... a dumbass.","103":"Wyatt flashes Cassidy a sharp look, and for the first time I see some cracks between them.","104":"Wyatt, how long we gonna keep this up? I don't want to be estranged from our kids forever.","105":"... And deep down, I don't think you do either.","106":"What, are we just supposed to just cave? Let him move back in here and do his little cult activities in our home?","107":"No, but letting him destroy himself going down this path isn't the answer either!","108":"We hoped Floyd would tire of all this mumbo jumbo eventually but he's got all your pig-headed stubbornness. It'll be the Second Coming before then.","109":"We got to do this right in front of these two? We talked about this! The kids gotta learn their lessons, if they want to...","110":"Dammit, Wyatt, I'm not letting my grand-baby grow up in a trailer raised by morons.","111":"Wyatt snorts, losing ground for his position.","112":"Even with all that craggy exterior, Wyatt Castle doesn't appear to be a man without compassion or reason.","0":"It's the following morning. The drive is pleasant enough, I just wish I wasn't heading to the destination.","113":"Alright, alright...","1":"A trip to the Castle farm always comes with a free side of anxiety.","114":"Seeming to be in the uncomfortable position of being swayed by outsiders, the pair turn their attention back to us.","2":"Thanks again for coming with me, Haley. I know this probably wasn't how you wanted to spend your day.","115":"You two can run on back to Maggie and let her know that we'll go see Floyd tonight. See if we can't... I dunno... set that dummy straight.","3":"Are you kidding? You know I'd do anything for you and Mags.","116":"Thank you. We'll tell Maggie. I know she'll really appreciate it.","4":"Plus. Some of the people in these parts can be a little... prickly.","117":"Wyatt musters a grunt in response.","5":"It helps to have a guide.","118":"If that's all you've come to say, I guess y'all best get going.","6":"Though, bear with me. I'm sure Wyatt and Cassidy aren't exactly going to be happy to see my face.","119":"That farewell is as lukewarm as I suppose we could have hoped.","7":"Freaking Floyd, man! Even when he's not actively harassing Maggie he [i]still[\/i] finds ways to make her life miserable!","120":"You enjoy the rest of your day, Mr. and Mrs. Castle. ","8":"He was always a creep. I don't see how Maggie could even have the time of day for him anymore.","121":"It was very nice to meet you both.","9":"Some families are like that I suppose. Just the people you get stuck with.","122":"Haley and I hurry to the car, eager not to stay on that property any longer than we have to.","123":"But, at the very least it looks like we've managed to convince the Castles to act on their wayward son.","124":"With our business concluded, we leave the farm, and begin making our way back to Shale Hill."},"ch18__epilogue_maggie.40_resolutions.vne3":{"10":"I nod.","11":"They're planning on heading over to his place tonight to speak with him.","12":"Thank goodness.","13":"Thank you both so much. I know that was a big favor for me to ask.","14":"Don't even worry about it. We were happy to help.","15":"Maggie gets quiet for a moment, mulling something over.","16":"They said they were gonna head to Floyd's place tonight?","17":"Yeah. Why?","18":"The redhead lets out a long exhale.","19":"I think I should be there.","20":"Are you sure? Mag's you don't really owe any of them anything at this point.","21":"I know you want to help, but they might just use the opportunity to take swipes at you again.","22":"Maybe, but they are still my kin.","23":"Yeah, they ain't perfect. But they're mine.","24":"Haley and I look at each other, and shrug. If she wants to stick her head in this hornets nest, that's her decision.","25":"Let me just tell Dante I have to cancel last minute and I'll go with you. It's not a huge show, so it's not that big of a deal.","26":"Haley, no! You've done more than your share. I can't drag you away from this to suffer through any more of my family drama.","27":"That goes for you too, {PlayerName}. I couldn't ask you to do any more than you already have.","28":"I don't have any throngs of waiting fans for me. I'll go with you.","29":"Are you sure?","30":"Hey, they are your family. Might as well start getting to know them.","31":"Hopefully as little as required. But thank you, {PlayerName}.","32":"Good luck. Give me a call if you need anything, or just to check in afterwards.","33":"I will, good luck at your show! {PlayerName} and I will be at the next one, I promise!","34":"Haley hugs us and disappears into the back to start getting ready, and Maggie turns back to me.","35":"Ready for your second serving of Castles for the day?","36":"As long as you're part of the deal.","37":"I love you.","38":"I love you too.","39":"Let's go.","40":"I walk Maggie out of the bar, and we head for the trailer park.","41":"A short while later we drive into Pine Corners. I can't say I don't have my reservations about this. In fact, I'm downright terrified of what effect confronting her family might have on Maggie.","42":"But, she wanted to do this. To confront her past. I have to trust that she has the confidence now to stand up for herself.","43":"As we drive though the park, it occurs to both of us that we don't really know where Floyd lives. We never got an actual lot number.","44":"There's a lot of underbrush and some trailers tucked away in the woods. I'm not jumping to go knocking on doors.","45":"We're about to pop into the lot office when Maggie pipes up.","46":"Down that way, I see my dad's truck!","47":"I turn and we drive down the street to a dingy looking house. The Castles are all already outside, along with two younger looking women I assume are Floyd's ''wives''.","48":"We can hear them yelling even from inside the car. Floyd and Wyatt are going at it, with Cassidy appearing to act as some kind of moderator.","49":"... you never understood! Always riding us! Always grinding us down!","50":"I was try'n to get you kids ready! Clearly I failed, given that sad state you find yourself in now, boy!","51":"Hang'n out in some god damned trailer, doing who knows what all day with a pair of harlots you picked up off the side of the road!","52":"You don't get to say what I do with my life!","53":"Floyd, this is disgraceful. This isn't what Jesus wants for you, son.","54":"Didn't you just hear him? You guys don't tell him what to do with his life, okay?","55":"Floyd, baby, just calm down, okay? You know how you get when you get all riled up like this? And the cops said if they had to come back one more time...","56":"One of the wives, the pregnant one, looks harmless enough.","57":"The other... well, I wouldn't be surprised if her interest in joining a cult might be tied to her needing a place to crash.","58":"The sound of the car door shutting seems to grab everyone's attention, and they turn to see Maggie and I.","59":"Maggie?","60":"Sweetie!","61":"Hi, mom. Hi, dad. Hi, Floyd.","62":"I keep a close eye on Maggie, seeing how she'll react.","63":"She looks nervous, but she's hanging in there.","64":"We, uh... when we heard from your boyfriend here we didn't think you'd show up.","65":"I know. I'm sorry I didn't come back to the house earlier today to speak to you directly.","66":"But thank you for coming to talk to Floyd for me.","67":"Floyd looks back and forth between his parents and sister.","68":"Was it [i]her[\/i] who sent you guys here?","69":"Under Floyds angry glare, I see Maggie's resolve begin to waver.","70":"Floyd, I-I-I'mworried about you. You don't look well.","71":"You couldn't even come talk to me yourself? You had to conspire to have mom and dad and the holy man you poisoned come here to sabotage me?","72":"You're so dumb! Why do you got to go fuck up everything!?","73":"Gotta get your dumb little head and your stupid little games and mess everything up, just like you always do!","74":"My lip twitches and my fist curls. The blood begins to boil so violently through my veins I'm ready to fight every one of Maggie's fucked up redneck-","75":"Floyd, you watch your tongue! That's still your sister!","76":"Her? She's barely got the brain cells to...","77":"You stop that! She's always been sensitive! You know that!","78":"Tell me to stop? You fucking hypocrites! You rode her ass just like you rode mine all these years! Don't start pretending since she ran away that y'all didn't have nothing to do with it!","79":"Unable to bottle my own anger any longer, I add my wrath to this cocktail.","80":"You're all hypocrites! [i]All[\/i] of you should be ashamed of how you treated Maggie!","81":"I'm sorry, who the hell are you? You don't get to say one damn word about this family!","82":"Floyd, oh my god, this is such a drag, let's just go to the Quick and Gas and get dinner.","83":"Bitch, will you wait just one goddamn minute I'm...","84":"Everyone SHUT UP!","85":"The roar that comes out of Maggie vibrates my very bones. The bursting safety valve from all those years of hardship and abuse finally releasing.","86":"It turns out, buried somewhere deep inside her, Maggie has all the same bite and fierceness of her parents.","87":"Everyone looks at her in disbelief, and I physically back up, trying to stay out of the firing arc of that ice cold searing anger shooting out of her eyes.","88":"Floyd! The cult of {PlayerName}ism and [i]Revelation of Yawallahodinganesh[\/i] are all horse shit!","89":"You [i]can't[\/i] raise a kid in this beat up ''house'' while you're out handing out fliers about so made up religion so you can have more girlfriends to hump!","90":"Maggie jabs a finger towards Floyds wife, Jessica.","91":"You need to take this poor, [i]very[\/i], [i]very[\/i] pregnant girl back to the farm and raise that child in a safe and healthy environment! At least something better than... this.","92":"I say this right now as your sister who loves you. You are [i]not[\/i] ready to do this on your own!","93":"Floyd stammers a bit, trying to find his footing, still reeling from the verbal thrashing he took from his sister.","94":"I can... I could... You don't know...","95":"And Mom, Dad! I couldn't [i]wait[\/i] to get out of that house. I was [i]miserable[\/i] there!","96":"You always thought I had some issue or problem or was broken and you could just kick it out of me like I was an old tractor!","97":"Well, guess what! That ain't how you fix tractors, and it sure as hell ain't how you fix a person! [i]Especially[\/i] one that wasn't even broke in the first place!","98":"Maggie... I...","99":"Y'all just never stopped to think that in all the cruelty and tough upbringing, maybe you ought to sprinkle in just a bit of kindness!","100":"Y'all won't ever shut up about the love of Jesus. Well, I read the book too, and your version of The Love and Gift of Christ, needs a [i]lot[\/i] of work!","101":"And when that baby comes, I hope you'll remember that! Because I don't want that child to grow up just being... [i]scared[\/i] all the time! They shouldn't have to be scared of their own damn family!","102":"Honey... we...","103":"...","104":"... Ah!","105":"I turn and see Floyd's pregnant wife wince and clutch at her stomach.","106":"Jessica! Baby! Are you alright?","107":"Yeah... Yeah, I'm okay. Must have been some bad chili.","108":"But she winces again more severely, the nature of her distress feeling like something more serious than some bad beef and beans.","109":"Before I can barely register the thought, Maggie walks up to the woman, helping the pregnant Jessica to a seat.","110":"Hi there sweetie, I'm Floyd sister, Maggie. Why don't we get you a seat.","111":"Alright... and did this pain just come on or has it been bugging you for a bit?","112":"Um... I guess my tummy's been act'n a little funny the last hour or so.","113":"Okay. Can I ask how many weeks along you are?","114":"Oh, weeks? Um... I don't really keep track of weeks. I think around 37? 27? 57?","115":"But I can tell you, this baby's been kicking up a storm, and I feel like a watermelon ready to burst!","116":"It's okay, sexy. She's studying to be a nurse.","117":"I watch Maggie take the woman's pulse and check some other vitals, asking a few more questions.","118":"... but that's only when I... Aie!","119":"The woman winces again, her legs kicking.","120":"We suddenly all realize that there's a lot of something like water under the poor woman.","121":"Okay. We need to get her inside.","122":"Huh? What's going on?","123":"Jessica, you need to listen to me. You're going into labor. We don't have time to get you to the hospital, so we're gonna have to deliver here.","124":"What? No! We should have a few more weeks at least... I...","125":"I know, but this baby's a come'n and I don't think they got the memo about your due date.","126":"N-now! Oh shit! Oh-shit-oh-shit-oh-shit!","127":"Floyd is already in the throes of panic, finally seeming aware of the magnitude of the situation.","128":"Freaking out, his eyes dart around for some kind of salvation, until, to my horror, stopping on me.","129":"{PlayerName}! Please! I'll do anything, please just keep my Jessica and baby safe! Please!","130":"I'd double my faith! Talk to [i]Yawallahodinganesh[\/i], please! I'll take Jessica back home to the farm! I'll give you Krystal!","131":"With Floyd kneeling in front of me, begging for my divine intervention, I look over in horror as the elder Castles scrutinize me.","132":"What's all this got to do with you, {PlayerName}?","133":"Thankfully, diverting the attention off of me, Maggie gets to her feet, and begins taking charge of the situation.","134":"Okay... Okay... Okay... I can do this.","135":"Floyd, I need your help. Get Jessica inside and in bed!","136":"Mom, I need clean sheets, a bowl of hot water, and towels!","137":"Dad, {PlayerName}, I need you to call 911 and tell them we have a woman going into labor, possibly a premature birth... Jessica are you on anything? Any medication?","138":"The poor girl looks like she's on the verge of panic.","139":"I'm a... a few things for the baby... do gummy vitamin's count?","140":"Directed by Maggie, we set about our tasks.","141":"Thankfully, having no medical experience and just taking up oxygen otherwise, I get to sit this one out in the front yard.","142":"... I just wish it was with better company.","143":"So...","144":"Hey... do either of you guys have any pot?","145":"Um... no. Sorry.","146":"Better move along, Ma'am.","147":"Okay...","148":"... Uh, listen. This cult thing was all fun and all, but things are getting kind of heavy around here, and I think I'm just gonna split. Can you tell Floyd I'll see him around?","149":"Wait... you're [i]leaving[\/i]? As in leaving Floyd? Aren't you two married?","150":"Yeah, it was kinda fun at first with the voodoo, {PlayerName}ism and all that. But now, this baby stuff and family drama is lame.","151":"So, yeah, I'll just gonna go.","152":"Golly. I sure don't know how my son is gonna make it without you, but I guess he'll have to find a way. Happy trails, Krystal.","153":"Yeah... whatever...","154":"Wyatt and I watch the lounge lizard walk off to parts unknown, leaving me alone with the awkward silence and my girlfriend's disapproving, estranged, gun-toting father.","155":"...","156":"... Wait... [i]{PlayerName}ism[\/i]?","157":"Luckily, the ambulance and fire trucks show up just in the nick of time.","158":"A short while and one successfully delivered baby later, Jessica is being loaded into the ambulance with her new crying infant.","159":"All the while, thanking Maggie with tears in her eyes.","160":"Maggie turns to her brother, who is about to join his wife and his new kid on the ride to the hospital.","161":"Mag's... I don't know what to say... Thank you.","162":"You're welcome, Floyd.","163":"You know you have to give up this cult nonsense and take that girl and that baby back home, right?","164":"Floyd kicks at the ground.","165":"Yeah... yeah, maybe you're right.","166":"I, uh... I know I'm not always the greatest brother to you... but you know I love you, right?","167":"I know. I love you too, Floyd.","168":"Floyd moves in to hug Maggie, but she steps back, making it clear from her body language that it's one bridge she's not ready to rebuild yet.","169":"You did some pretty rotten things to me Floyd.","170":"You don't get that evil off you just like that.","171":"Yeah... I guess that's fair and all.","172":"You uh... you won't be a total stranger around the farm, right? Now that you're an aunt and all.","173":"Maybe I'll drop in from time to time.","174":"Floyd nods. And after saying his goodbyes to their parents, he climbs into the ambulance, and thankfully, out of our lives.","175":"Now it's Maggie's turn to face her parents.","176":"So uh... I guess you learned all that in that nursing school you're going to.","177":"Yes, sir.","178":"Wyatt coughs, awkwardly adjusting his belt.","179":"Well, it's impressive. Damn impressive. You actually looked like you knew what you're doing back there.","180":"I'm not a nurse yet. I still have a lot to learn. But thank you.","181":"Baby, we are proud of you.","182":"What you said... Your father and I... You might be a bit right. We might have been a bit too hard on you. We forgot some of what Jesus teaches us.","183":"We just wanted you to be tough.","184":"I know... I know...","185":"You just... you just never knew when to dial it back.","186":"It ain't just what happened between Haley and I, or any one thing that made me leave. I just couldn't stand the pressure in that house any longer.","187":"Did we... actually make you that afraid that you had to run away?","188":"I didn't know what else to do.","189":"Cassidy and Wyatt both consider their pasts for a moment. Reflecting on how their children drifted. I think they finally begin to understand how they made their home as inhospitable as it was.","190":"Mags, I want you to know I never meant you to grow up being scared of me all the time...","191":"Neither of us did, baby.","192":"Farming is hard work... and maybe we eschewed a gentle hand because... sometimes it just felt more practical.","193":"But, we always loved you.","194":"More than anything. You kids are our whole world.","195":"I know. I love you guys too.","196":"All things aside, Maggie does step in, and shares a hug with both of her parents.","197":"Though it doesn't seem like she holds the embrace any longer than she needs to.","198":"So, can we expect to hear from you aside from the occasional card and photo? Maybe coax a visit out of you once in a blue moon.","199":"I guess you can even bring... what's his name? This fella.","200":"I roll my eyes at the dismissive hand Wyatt waves in my direction.","201":"Yeah. Maybe we'll stop by the farm some time for a visit.","202":"I doubt the Castle family will be having any big get-togethers any time soon, but it feels like they've started to put the past behind them. ","203":"Alright. Mom, and Dad. It was very pleasant to see you both, but I do have a practical tomorrow so I need to go home and prepare.","204":"Of course. Of course. Nursing's a lot of work.","205":"We understand, hun.","206":"And... I'm proud of you.","207":"We both are.","208":"Thank you. I love you both.","209":"We love you too.","210":"With that, Maggie walks back towards the car.","211":"Before we get in Maggie lets out a massive exhale. Giving me a look.","212":"I'm so sorry. You didn't sign up for any of this and I...","213":"Apologize? I got to see you spring into action like a freak'n superhero and deliver a baby!","214":"Maggie, you were amazing!","215":"Maggie blushes so hard I swear her cheeks almost begin glowing.","216":"I didn't do anything special. I mostly just held down the fort until the EMTs arrived.","217":"Hey... You did real good. You should be proud of yourself.","218":"She hits me with that million dollar smile and it makes my heart melt.","219":"... And for the record. You don't ever have to come with me to Castle Family Farm visits.","220":"If you say that to me one more time I swear I'll kiss you right on the mouth.","221":"She beats me to the punch, leaning over and wrapping her arms so tight around my neck it almost hurts. Pressing those perfect pink lips to mine.","222":"Take me home, {PlayerName}.","223":"I turn the key, and pull out of the lot to head home.","224":"I'm so proud of her, and so happy she finally found the strength and confidence to confront her past, and pave her own future.","225":"Hey... what a beautiful sunset!","226":"Okay... I have a better idea...","227":"That emergency suitcase is always ready, right?","228":"The one for unexpected trips and outings?","229":"Yes, that one... Let's pick up our dogs from daycare and get away for a few days, just our family.","230":"But what about school?","231":"One or two days of missing school won't hurt anyone...","232":"Mmmm... Okay!","233":"These past couple of years, it feels like both of us had to struggle to escape our demons and our pasts. But for the first time, we're finally free of them.","234":"Where Maggie and I go from here, is up for us to decide.","0":"We arrive back in town later that day.","1":"I drive to Sevigny's to drop off Haley. She's got a singing gig in a few hours, and Maggie is supposed to meet us here.","2":"Luckily, we don't have long to wait until she gets out of class.","3":"How'd it go? I hope my folks didn't give you [i]too[\/i] much of a hard time.","4":"{PlayerName} got a standard Wyatt ''hello''.","5":"Maggie's eyes shoot open.","6":"He drew a gun on him?","7":"{PlayerName}, I'm so sorry!","8":"It actually goes uphill from there... gradually, but I say that was the worst of it.","9":"So they said they'd speak to Floyd?"},"ch18__epilogue_sam.05_moving_on.vne3":{"10":"Have you been to see the dean yet? We still need his signature on next year's budget for the student organizations. And be charming, the dean's been real stingy about funds for student programs recently.","11":"I think he'd be much more receptive if the Vice President went to see him on that matter. Given what a monumental pain in the ass I've been for him these last two years.","12":"And what have I been, a mild irritation?","13":"Good point, I think it could be argued you are much more intrusive and invasive. But you're also prettier.","14":"It sounds like you're saying that I should solicit a pegging-based affair with our dean.","15":"Well, the way he ogles you during meetings, I would be surprised if he were receptive to such a suggestion.","16":"You're not getting jealous, are you? That would be kind of hot.","17":"I grin, and pull Sam in for a kiss.","18":"How's it going, otherwise? Did you hear back from Spotlight Strategies yet?","19":"I did! I got a text from the HR office this morning! They want me to come in for a follow-up interview!","20":"Nice! Congratulations, Sam! That's great!","21":"You're gonna knock um'dead!","22":"Sam chuckles.","23":"As long as I make it through graduation and can finish up the rest of my classes and the VP gig before my brain explodes!","24":"I'm still not sure how I feel about advertising, but it couldn't hurt. And boy, the benefits look great!","25":"How's the job search going for you? Any leads?","26":"Linus has a buddy who works over at this little software firm in town. He says they're looking for more coders, so he might have a hook up for me.","27":"Coding... that's great!","28":"What?","29":"Nothing. If that's what you feel is a good fit for you, then I say go for it.","30":"Uh huh? Just like that?","31":"... It's just that you were so good as Student Council President. It just feels like you're squandering potential just conjuring websites and casting server spells and whatever.","32":"Sam. I like doing coding and IT work. It's simple.","33":"Frankly, I'm looking forward to the break.","34":"Elections are going to be coming up before long. There's a lot of promising internships, and Jane from the congressman's reelection campaign was asking about you at the donor dinner last weekend and...","35":"... And as flattered as I am, my answer is the same.","36":"Sam pouts and flashes those big, almond shaped puppy dog eyes.","37":"Nice try, but it's not gonna work this time.","38":"Maybe you'd like to reconsider it while I'm sucking your dick under the desk.","39":"Sam...","40":"What? We only have the office for a couple more weeks. Seems like a missed opportunity if we don't boink in here at least once.","41":"We've managed to get through this without any big scandals for this long. I'd like to finish out with a clean sheet if we can.","42":"Ugh. You're right. You'd make a terrible politician.","43":"Changing the subject, Sam looks out the window, sighing with the same bittersweet melancholy I'm feeling.","44":"I can't believe we're about to graduate college. God, it went by quick.","45":"You sure you're okay staying here in Shale Hill? I know you don't have all the best memories of this place. And it's kind of lame staying in your college town after you graduate.","46":"As long as you're here there's nowhere I'd rather be.","47":"She beams at me, bumping me with those ample hips of hers.","48":"You keep going on like that, mister, and you're gonna get your dick sucked regardless.","49":"Sam plants a final kiss on my cheek, before grabbing some papers and heading off to her next appointment.","50":"So, what else do we have on the docket today.","51":"We have a meeting with the athletic department head at Green's Park. Up on the North Side of campus.","52":"Ugh. She's such a bridge troll, do we have to?","53":"Haha, come on. It won't be that bad.","54":"Same rolls her eyes.","55":"Fine. Let's just get this over with.","56":"I was having such a nice day, too!","57":"I grin, grabbing my things, getting the door for her, and following her and that juicy ass out to our ''meeting''.","58":"It's not a long walk to the park, but I insist on driving. After all, my surprise is in the trunk and I don't want to spoil it prematurely.","59":"Hold on, I just need to grab a few things from the trunk.","60":"What are you doing with those things? Are you going to bring her some little gifts, huh?","61":"I avoid answering her. After all, I don't want to spoil the surprise.","62":"Ruining a perfectly nice park with a meeting with the... what's that?","63":"I smile at Sam and pull out the picnic basket.","64":"Is that... are we trying to seduce the athletics department head? I mean, I'm not thrilled at the prospect of having to eat some 62 year old carpet but if it's for a good cause...","65":"You're a savage.","66":"A big grin starts to creep across Sam's face when she realizes what this is.","67":"Is this?... There isn't any meeting, is there?","68":"I cleared my whole afternoon. I think we deserve a little break after how hard we've been working these past few weeks.","69":"You sly devil... You took me on a picnic.","70":"What are you trying to do? Make me fall in love with you even more?","71":"Well, you know, I just wanted to go drink outside somewhere nice, but I'll take that too.","72":"I look around, and pull out the small paper bag with the can of cheap champagne to show Sam.","73":"-gasp- But this is a dry park! And you just got done telling me you were trying to finish out your term without any scandals!","74":"I won't tell if you won't.","75":"After a big hug and a bit of heavy smooching, Sam and I head off to find a nice shady spot under a tree.","76":"Conveniently, the best place is on one of the park benches.","77":"We spend a good chunk of the rest of the afternoon eating cheap charcuterie, drinking bad champagne and just watching the world go by and reminiscing about the past four years.","78":"Green's park is so pretty. I love this place.","79":"Yeah?","80":"This was like my zen garden, man. I'd always go out here when I was feeling overwhelmed or just needed some quiet time.","81":"Really? I never knew that.","82":"I tell you what. Let's make a plan. When it's nice out, we try to get out here for a picnic at least once a month.","83":"Mmm, that's why you're president. You're an idea man.","84":"I know those old fellas from the adjacent retirement community will appreciate it.","85":"Huh?","86":"The ones over there playing cornhole. I think you might have made one of them fall in love with you when you walked to the bathroom.","87":"Listen, I can't be held responsible for the heartbreak this ass causes.","88":"Are you gonna go over there and beat him up?","89":"I'll fight an old man. I'm not proud.","90":"Sam grins, and looks back over the park.","91":"You know, when there aren't psychotic professors or evil cults making people's lives miserable, this is a pretty nice little town.","92":"Yeah. I think it is.","93":"Come here, good look'n.","94":"A little tipsy on champagne, I lay my head in Sam's lap while she plays with my hair. Right now, under this shady tree on this beautiful early summer afternoon, everything in the world feel's damn near perfect.","0":"I look out my office window over the quad. I'm not immune to the bittersweet feeling I'm sure many of us seniors are experiencing, as we are now just a couple weeks from graduation.","1":"It's also my final days as Student Council President of Shale Hill University.","2":"I wonder whether or not I'll miss it...","3":"... I mean, if you asked me right now, my last day in office can't come soon enough.","4":"Sure, I feel like we've accomplished much since I was voted in. And I like to think we've made life a lot better for the students here at Shale Hill University.","5":"But boy, I'm not gonna miss the stress, the fourteen hour days, or the endless meetings and bureaucracy.","6":"There's also a bit of melancholy in that I never got to enjoy a more carefree, fun college experience. At least not since the whole affair with RECENTLY, and my subsequent tour of duty as head of the student council.","7":"It's strange, the whole business with the Brotherhood and SILENT1 feels like a million years ago now. Like a bad dream.","8":"And as far as politics go, maybe some people live for this stuff. Maybe even part of me does. But honestly, I'm mostly looking forward to being able to relax, and only having a simple 9 to 5 job to worry about.","9":"There has been one thing that's certainly made this gig better, and I watch her saunter into my office at this very moment."},"ch18__epilogue_sam.10_year_later.vne3":{"10":"Who says it can't be both? I can multitask.","11":"It's been more than a year since we graduated from Shale Hill University. Compared to the four years before, it's been quiet, easy, and blissful.","12":"Sam ended up getting a nice job at that advertising firm, Spotlight Strategies.","13":"Not wanting to walk away from a good thing with Sam, I chose to stay local as well, and ended up getting a job at a small software development firm with Linus and Alfred.","14":"Sam had moved in with me at the same old apartment I shared with {Leah}. And all in all, things were good. Great, in fact. Honestly, this past year has felt like one of the best of my life.","15":"A good job I liked, an amazing girlfriend, a bunch of great friends.","16":"No insane plots or malicious actors conspiring against us. Just boring, day to day, regular old life.","17":"Alfred called, he wanted to know if we still wanted to have DnD at our place this Sunday, or his.","18":"We can do it here. Give us a chance to try out that new smoker?","19":"Ooo, yeah! There's a Marinated Short-Rib Recipe I wanted to try!","20":"Speaking of, what did you want to do for dinner? There's that cute new Greek place that opened up downtown.","21":"I actually had other idea.","22":"Oh? I do love a man with a plan.","23":"Well, given it's our anniversary, I actually...","24":"It is? Oh shit!","25":"Sam's face twists into shock, as she realizes what day it is.","26":"Baby, I'm so sorry! I totally forgot! God, I'm bad with dates!","27":"I just chuckle. I'm not one to get broken up over a missed anniversary. It actually takes some pressure off knowing Sam isn't the type of girl who worries too much about it either.","28":"It's fine, it's fine. I didn't have anything crazy planned, so don't lose your panties over it.","29":"I [i]will[\/i] lose my panties over it! I feel terrible...","30":"... But it's so sweet you remembered. What did you have planned?","31":"Like I said, it's nothing crazy. But I thought it'd be nice to have a little picnic out in the old college greens. Like how we used to go out there to study but ended up just slacking off and chatting.","32":"Mm, totally worth it. C's get degrees.","33":"Maybe we can sneak off at some point and do it in a bush like we did that one time. For old time's sake.","34":"Well, maybe we'll just do it when we get back, on account of we both got ticks that last time.","35":"Me-ow! Sexiest case of lyme disease ever!","36":"Alright, Lancelot. Sweet me off my feet!","37":"We head down town, the picnic basket complete with champagne-in-a-can already wrapped in paper bags so we could sneak them onto the alcohol-prohibited greens. A man should be prepared.","38":"I'm tooting my own horn a little bit. I got the girl caught off guard, a romantic picnic during the golden hour in a pretty, lush green park.","39":"Mix in a little bit of nostalgia and reminiscing about the old days...","40":"I anticipate all sorts of fun [i]treats[\/i] when we get back to our place tonight. Maybe even a visit from ''French Maid-Sam''.","41":"There was only one, tiny, minor problem.","42":"What the fuck?","43":"Granted, I don't think I've been down by this side of campus in a couple months, but...","44":"... wasn't there a park here?","45":"What happened? Are they renovating? What did they do to the greens?","46":"Sam looks legitimately wounded. I can't blame her. I always had a real soft spot for the campus park. It always seemed to be a place that had good energy.","47":"To see it like this, torn up beyond recognition, was like a punch to the gut.","48":"I spot a man with a construction hat walking nearby. Maybe he knows what's going on.","49":"Excuse me, sir? Can you tell us what happened here?","50":"Where's my park?","51":"You folks haven't heard?","52":"The college sold off some land this past year. The college greens got purchased by a real estate developer, the Shale Hill Development Group.","53":"I guess it has been a while. But I had no idea the college sold off their park!","54":"Sold off the greens? To build what?","55":"Eh, the usual. Some high-end condominiums.","56":"More? There's been a new block off those going up, like, every six months!","57":"Who can even afford to live in those? The town is mostly poor college students!","58":"Sam looks heartbroken. She had always loved the park. Her old dorm was right at the north end of it.","59":"How did we not hear about this? This is bullshit! They are paving over the park to put up a bunch of stupid condos no one is even gonna live in?","60":"Sorry, ma'am. I just build the damn things. For what it's worth, I think it's a real shame about your park, but if you'll excuse me...","61":"Maybe there's something in the news on it.","62":"Sam and I pull out our phones to try and get more info.","63":"Yeah. I need to find who's responsible for this war crime, find out where they live, and light their cars on fire!","64":"Lets... maybe slow down a bit on the suggestions of arson.","65":"We quickly find a few small articles buried in the local news mentioning it. The information just makes me angrier, but it's nothing compared to Sam, who is growing redder by the minute.","66":"Look at this bullshit! ''In a deal, largely conducted without public consideration, the Shale Hill Development Group purchased over 40 acres of land from the university for real estate development...''","67":"''Most controversial, the University Greens, and part of the Alumni Retirement Community...''!","68":"The Alumni Retirement Community was a staple of the college. I like to joke that it was just a place for dirty old men to live where they could ogle nubile college girls from. ","69":"But in reality, it was actually a nice little assisted living community the university had long ago set up and subsidized for elderly alumni who didn't have a lot of money and needed a place to live.","70":"...''The Retirement community stands to lose as much as 30% of its facilities, and 15% of it's housing...'' {PlayerName} this is criminal! How could they do this?","71":"I don't know. It is a private university. I suppose they are within their rights to sell off land, but... from what it looks like from some of these articles they were really, really sneaky about it.","72":"Ugh... And guess who is on the board for the Development Group. The fucking Mayor!","73":"Of course that sleazy old windbag would have a hand in this! God, he's the living worst! How does he even still hold office after everything that happened in this town?","74":"Our attention gets called from down the street, towards the Alumni Retirement community. An old man has struck up some argument with the same foremen we shook down for info.","75":"... But that's where we have our gardens!... And where the boys like to play Bocce Ball! You should be ashamed of yourselves!","76":"Sir, I don't make the decisions.","77":"But they aren't only taking our rec spaces, they are going to bulldoze housing! People are gonna lose their residences!","78":"Listen, sir. I'll tell you what I keep telling everyone else. I'm just doing my job.","79":"If you feel really strongly about it, bring it up with your city councilors. But there's nothing I can do, I'm sorry.","80":"I feel an ache in my chest as the distraught old man tries to appeal to the foreman. But he just turns and gets on with his business. Looking not too proud of himself in all honesty.","81":"On the other side, I see the old man, poor guy, letting out a sigh and walking away, looking a bit dazed by everything that's happening.","82":"This isn't right! How could they do this!","83":"[i]Everyone[\/i] loved this park! And they just paved it over like that!","84":"Nothing ever changes! As soon as one group of corrupt, greedy politicians or leaders gets removed, another one pops up to prey on the little guy, it's just...","85":"Sam looks like she's about to start crying. All I can do is put my arm around her and try and comfort her.","86":"Why is it that there's always someone with power or money that just pushes the rest of us around?","87":"Easy, comrade.","88":"She shoves me a little, not altogether loving my humor. But it's not as though I don't share her frustration. This just isn't fair.","89":"And it's no secret to why this hits home for Sam. She's had her own history of being abused by people in positions above her.","90":"What a crummy anniversary. I'm sorry, Sam.","91":"What? You have nothing to apologize for!","92":"The fucking mayor. Everyone knows he was wrapped up with all that scary business with the cult on campus, but for some reason he never went down for it.","93":"Someone really oughta run against him and knock him out of his position in the next election.","94":"Wiping her eyes, she looks up at me. As much as I know what she's asking, I just think she's got the wrong person.","95":"Sam, I'm a nobody. I'm the fucking-new-guy at a small software firm. Nobody is gonna vote for someone who isn't even old enough to rent a car.","96":"You're not nobody! You stopped the Fraternity! You saved me and a bunch of others! And you were student council president for two years!","97":"That counts for something, and makes you infinitely more qualified to be mayor than that dip-weed!...","98":"Plus, the minimum age to be mayor in Shale Hill is technically 18.","99":"An 18 year old mayor... what a nightmare that would be.","100":"You're a born leader, buster. I bet you could do it if you really tried.","101":"I smile at her as we walk back to the car. I wish I had a quarter of the faith in myself that she had in me.","102":"Sure, we may have come out on top against the Silent Brotherhood. But it feels more like we [i]survived[\/i] all that than conquering it.","103":"Maybe it's time to let someone else take the reins on this one. I've hit my quota for stopping gross injustices in this town for the next decade. Let someone else come to the rescue.","104":"I just wanna go home, curl up on the couch with Sam, watch bad movies, and forget about all the injustice and unfairness out in the world.","0":"18 months later...","1":"Another day, another year.","2":"I open the door to my apartment and trudge in after work.","3":"Hey there, handsome. I just beat you home.","4":"Sam is at the kitchen counter, checking our mail.","5":"I love when she wears those skirts. The way they look like they were shrink wrapped onto those curvy thighs and hips drives me wild.","6":"Hey. Did you have a good day?","7":"Better now. Bring that cute lil'booty over here for mama.","8":"I drop my stuff by the door and walk over to plant a kiss on her lips. Feeling her dainty fingers reach around and give me a squeeze on the ass.","9":"God damn, you look good. Do you dress like that for me, or for work to sucker in all those clients in for ad deals?"},"ch18__epilogue_sam.15_allnighter.vne3":{"3":"But as much as I try to put it out of my mind, the image of the paved park, and the poor old man appealing for his community won't leave my mind.","4":"I lay there, just stewing, growing angrier and angrier.","5":"Above all, I'm just mad at what dicks people can be sometimes. The Mayor in particular. He couldn't have just an ounce of good will or decency in him.","6":"This goes on for hours, until finally, looking over at the clock.","7":"It's past 3:00 AM. I start to get mad at myself. Mad that I can't let this go. Mad that I can't just get on with my life and realize that not every little problem in the world is my responsibility.","8":"Haven't I done enough? What more does the world want from me?","9":"It's no use. Grumbling, I sit up and rub my eyes. Then I grab my laptop and head for the kitchen.","10":"It's not like I have to do anything drastic, like run for Mayor or form an action committee.","11":"Maybe it's enough that I get a little involved. Maybe dig around a little. Do some research. Write some letters and raise some awareness.","12":"Channel {Leah} a bit.","13":"I brew a cup of coffee, crack open my laptop, set out a notebook, and start digging.","14":"Being a mild mannered coder, no longer having access to a rogue, military grade cyber weapons, I have a perverted, fleeting longing to have access to RECENTLY again. But quickly I shake the thought from my head.","15":"I have no problem doing things the old fashion way... As grueling and boring as they can be.","16":"To be fair, digging around in corporate and civil legislation and business deals isn't exactly my specialty. And it isn't long before I'm feeling out of my depth.","17":"I really feel like just calling {Leah}.","18":"But I'm not sure the penitentiary takes calls at this hour.","19":"But I'm not sure if the situation is pressing enough to warrant a 3:00AM call.","20":"Though I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't up at the same time on the trail of her own case.","21":"Slowly, I'm able to put together the pieces of the deal on my own, digging through digital public records and news stories.","22":"It looks like the deal got pushed through really quietly six months ago. Not surprising, I'm sure there would have been a big outrage had the whole affair been more public.","23":"The timing was perfect too. Though they claimed they wanted to begin construction over the summer so as not to interfere with classes, I'm sure it was really done when most of the students were out of session to minimize backlash.","24":"And while on the surface I can't find anything illicit about the deal, the whole thing still feels shady.","25":"After a few hours of research, I suppose the next step would be to try and bring more awareness to whole affair. It might be enough to get enough public support to stop the project.","26":"Setting up a domain and a website is old hat for me at this point, and I can do it in a flash...","27":"I figure I can publish everything I've been able to dig up, then begin sending out emails to local news outlets and action groups. A cursory search shows I'm not the only party interested in stopping this development deal either.","28":"There's already several groups forming in the community.","29":"Opening a domain host, I pause for a moment before registering the site and social media account. I suppose I ought to come up with a name for this little crusade.","30":"A person who was in advertising would be really useful, as a matter of fact.","31":"Have you been up all night?","32":"I turn to see Sam, dressed for work, and then peer out the window to see it's already morning.","33":"Huh?... Yeah, I couldn't sleep.","34":"She walks over, looks over my shoulder to see what I'm working on, and gives me a big hug.","35":"I love you. You know that.","36":"Yep. I'm pretty great.","37":"She roughs my hair up and kisses me on the cheek.","38":"Thank you.","39":"Don't get too excited. I'm just doing some research, emailing some people, and trying to spread awareness. That's [i]all[\/i], okay?","40":"I know. You're still amazing.","41":"Don't suppose I could tap your talent in advertising to come up with some catchy name for this little grass-roots movement, could I?","42":"Sam pauses, thinking about it for a second after pouring herself a cup of coffee.","43":"Hmm... Avenge the Greens?","44":"Sounds good to me.","45":"I type in the name and register it.","46":"I'm going to bring this up to my boss at work today. There's a lot of Shale Hill U alumni at the office. I'm sure there are going to be some people who want to help out.","47":"It'll be welcomed. We're not alone, either. There's already half a dozen other small groups in town who are forming up to protest the park getting paved and the condos going up.","48":"Hm... a bunch of passionate, but desperate people... it's almost as if they need someone to rally around that can lead them in this noble and righteous crusade.","49":"I give her a look, and she smiles into her coffee mug.","50":"I know, I know. I'm proud of you regardless!","51":"She looks at the time, and clops over in her heels to plant a big kiss on my mouth.","52":"Blyech! Up-all-night-drinking-coffee-breath! I still love ya! Bye-bye sweetie! I'll see you tonight!","53":"She leaves. I suppose I should start getting ready for work too. Which mainly consists of brewing another pot of coffee.","54":"One of the perks of this job is getting to work from home up to three days a week. A luxury I'll happily take advantage of today.","0":"After my miserable attempt at a picnic, I do the best I can by making a second attempt on our living room floor.","1":"A few cans of cheap champagne and some old raunchy comedies are a good remedy for Sam's battered spirit. And by the opening credits of our second film, she's snoozing on my shoulder.","2":"I put her to bed and crawl in next to her. Closing my eyes, I try to drift off to sleep..."},"ch18__epilogue_sam.20_the_mayor.vne3":{"10":"Don't pretend for a minute that part of you doesn't [i]love[\/i] this. You can't hide from me. Not with that sexy ass!","11":"Sam Hunter! I'm gonna have to ask you to leave.","12":"We have strict fire codes and you're simply too hot to be in here!","13":"Big-D!","14":"Why did it take this long for us to become best friends?","15":"It's a mystery, Sam-Man-Hunter.","16":"Probably because this one was jealous and wanted to keep you all to himself!","17":"Sam gestures at me, before giggling and giving me a big hug. I roll my eyes. She's lucky she's cute.","18":"{PlayerName} would never do that! First, because he's a top-tier hetero bro, he'd never be jealous of me or you...","19":"And second... There's so much love in my chiseled chest under this purple shirt that you can be sure no friend of Dante's would ever go unattended!","20":"What can I get you? It's on the house. The least I can do to show my appreciation for your civic endeavors.","21":"Ooo... Coffee Martini?","22":"Your wish is my command. {PlayerName}? Another beer?","23":"I'd have another beer. Thanks, Dante.","24":"Sam sidles up next to me.","25":"So, how's it going? Will the Karen Army fight under our banner?","26":"It appears so. If the Shale Hill Development Group wasn't worried before, they should be now.","27":"I heard they can suck the soul right out of a man.","28":"Okay, I think this is how we can stop the development of the condominium project.","29":"So, this deal got pushed through without much oversight under a kind of obscure ''emergency waiver'' clause.","30":"They enacted it while city hall was getting turned upside down to root out the Brotherhood.","31":"Because several key officials needed to approve the development but were either implicated as members of the Brotherhood or connected to it, they had to step aside, leaving their positions vacant.","32":"Under these conditions, the clause was technically in effect, and they waived the need for approval from certain departments. Meaning they could steam roll this development deal through without much oversight or public input.","33":"What a bunch of dirtbags! So they took advantage of the system when it was in a vulnerable and weakened state!","34":"Essentially, yeah. It's not [i]technically[\/i] illegal, given the circumstances, but it is shady.","35":"So, I think the plan is pretty simple, actually. We can have each group go on a campaign to get signatures from locals.","36":"At the same time, we court a few of the local news stations, and then set up some meetings with members of the city council. ","37":"Under public pressure, the city council can launch a review of the development deal after the fact. And this time, it will almost certainly get shot down. ","38":"... [i]And[\/i], in the case that the decision on the development deal is reversed, and the party involved was found to have abused the clause...","39":"Well, the party, in this case the Shale Hill Development Group, is liable to pay for the entire project [i]and[\/i] restore the site to its previous condition.","40":"Dante hands us our drinks.","41":"Yep. Dante sniffed that little tidbit out.","42":"Big D, you crafty devil!","43":"Hey, what's a little Civic Zoning Law between friends?","44":"And my buddies from the Shale Hill chapter of AACHM are already canvassing for signatures at the local oil wrestling gym and flamingo dancing studio!","45":"As always, Dante, you are the man.","46":"I try!","47":"Well, I have good news, too. My firm has freed up some budget to help out. So they're ready to sponsor some local TV and radio ads, and even book a few billboards.","48":"Nice! Good work, Sam!","49":"I think that's most of the hard stuff, anyway. Now we should be able to sit back and just...","50":"I'm cut off by my phone ringing. It's a number I don't recognize, but given it could be someone related to the cause, I answer it.","51":"Hello, is this {PlayerName}?","52":"Can I ask who is calling?","53":"I'm Janet, from the Shale Hill Mayor's office. The Mayor was wondering, if you had some time today, if you wouldn't mind coming down for a meeting regarding the whole Green's Park situation.","54":"This is... a little short notice, Janet. Is there any time in particular?","55":"Oh, the Mayor doesn't have anything big on the docket. So just stop by at your leisure. The Mayor would really appreciate it. He's hoping he can find some resolution to this whole mess with the Park.","56":"I bet he is. Thank you, Janet. Maybe we'll stop on by.","57":"I hang up. I'm a little surprised, though I can't say this was completely unexpected.","58":"Who was that?","59":"I look over at Sam and smirk.","60":"How do you feel about giving the Mayor a piece of your mind?","61":"City Hall isn't far from Sevingy's...","62":"And twenty minutes later, we're shown right into the man's office.","63":"Well, here's our local hero now! How you doing, {PlayerName}?","64":"Come in, come in. The both of you.","65":"Can I get either of you anything? Bourbon? Coffee? Cocktail? My Janet makes a [i]whiskey sour[\/i] that'll just about knock your socks clean off.","66":"I think we're good. Thanks.","67":"And I don't think we've had the pleasure of being introduced, Ma'am.","68":"I'm Sam Hunter. With the Avenge the Green's committee.","69":"Right you are. I tell ya, {PlayerName}, it's a smart move, bring'n a young lady as lovely as this to a meeting. My head's spinning so fast at the sight of her I damn near forgot what our little get together is even about!","70":"From what your assistant told me, you wanted to discuss the condominium's being put up where the Green's Park used to be.","71":"Of course, of course.","72":"But before that, I hope you'll give me a moment to thank you, personally. I know you were involved and instrumental in bringing to light the nefarious activities of that vile cult.","73":"To think such an insidious institution had it's tendrils so deep in our beloved town and esteemed university makes my blood boil.","74":"I long suspected something was foul myself. I regret that I was so hamstrung by agents of that very organization within my own administration. Otherwise, I would have acted quicker.","75":"I'm sure.","76":"Rest assured, myself and others were already pursuing those varmints and ready to smoke them out ourselves. But seems you beat us to the punch. I tip my hat to you, son, I really do. It's an honor to finally thank you in person.","77":"Just listening to him makes my skin crawl. Watching him embellish his words like that, when we both know he was there, makes my stomach turn.","78":"But for whatever reason, he managed to slip out of the net when the authorities were investigating.","79":"The way you handled that debate, the exchange of ideas - man, you really gave an outstanding performance.","80":"I mean, not everyone can [i]shoot[\/i] ideas like that, shutting up the professor, so much conviction... Have you ever thought about going into politics, kid?","81":"You're welcome. But with all due respect, sir, I'd rather just get down to business.","82":"Why are you paving over our park, you douche?","83":"I sigh. Sam's practicing her usual brand of abrasive diplomacy. I wonder what she's like at work?","84":"The mayor just laughs though.","85":"Well you're a little firecracker, ain't ya, darl'n?","86":"I'll cut to the chase, Mr. Mayor, as I'm sure you're a busy man. You have to understand that we, and the groups we represent, are adamantly against the paving and rezoning of Green's Park.","87":"Yes, I believe I do understand. I've been briefed. And your little band of... concerned citizens, have made it abundantly clear as to how you feel about the project.","88":"And I understand your frustration and anger. Green's Park was a beloved and timeless part of Shale Hill's landscape.","89":"Make no mistake, I have my own bittersweet thoughts for the project. I proposed to my wife in that very park.","90":"Which one?","91":"What?","92":"Which wife?","93":"Anger flashes in the mayor's face, but only for a moment. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if his whole story about his marriage proposal is a complete lie he cooked up on the spot.","94":"Moving on... The reason I had y'all come on down here is because I believe this whole ugliness over the development project is mostly a misunderstanding.","95":"Maybe you could elaborate?","96":"As I said, the deal I helped shepherd for Green's Park wasn't made lightly. But I invite you to see the situation from a different perspective.","97":"Not as the destruction of some storied piece of our civic landscape, but as the creation of something new that is adding to it.","98":"The construction of those condominiums will create jobs. Spaces for business. Housing.","99":"And, we have been working very closely with our architectural and development teams to ensure the zone will still very much be a green space.","100":"We got plans for all manner of trees and landscaping that will be the envy of any neighborhood in the state.","101":"For the people that can afford to live there, you mean. We've seen the marketing for these condos. How do you expect college students to be able to afford these units?","102":"And the businesses that are being courted to move into that space, they are all high end boutique shops or big companies from out of town.","103":"Not exactly the places you'd expect college students to be shopping or venues for small local businesses.","104":"Well, maybe not directly. But there are a number of overseas investors who might want a little slice of Shale Hill to call their own, or for their kids to live while they go to school here. ","105":"Look, these foreign investments aren't a detriment. They'll bring diversity and culture to our town!","106":"A couple of young college students like yourself can surely appreciate that! And shouldn't we show um a little bit of our famous Shale Hill hospitality?","107":"Think of the food and music it'll bring to our corner of America!","108":"I doubt [i]these[\/i] international elements aren't coming here to open restaurants and share their culture as much as they're looking for places to stash their oil money or park their fancy cars.","109":"Sweetie pie, there's no need to be so closed minded. ","110":"And just because this neighborhood might cater to a more affluent clientele doesn't mean our middle and lower class will suffer for it, on the contrary.","111":"After all, a rising tide lifts all boats. Everyone stands to profit from this venture.","112":"Tell that to the thousands of college students and townsfolk who are losing their park.","113":"Or the retirement community you are biting a chunk out of.","114":"The mayor looks at us, seeing us not budging on the issue, and changes tactics.","115":"Y'all got resolve. I'll give ya that. Narrow resolve, but resolve nonetheless.","116":"I get it, y'all are losing something. I ain't blind to that.","117":"What you lack is investment in this opportunity. A stake of your own, right? You think you are losing something to this venture, but what if I could convince you both y'all actually had something to gain?","118":"This ought to be good.","119":"Hell, the place ain't even built yet and y'all act like I'm putting up a factory that turns puppies into meat sticks.","120":"Now, I know you think that the units in these condominiums might be out of the reach of a handsome young couple like yourselves. I reckon, judging by your employment, y'all live in, what, a 1700 square footer?","121":"You know where we work?","122":"You're the opposition to a major development deal I got going on. Did you think I wouldn't do my homework?","123":"Well, this got grosser.","124":"I know what you're goin for, Miss. Talk'n like you was twelve ain't as endearing as you might think.","125":"Now, try this hat on. If construction goes on as scheduled, the first set of our premium units is going to be finished within four months.","126":"And I'd invite you two, as ambassadors of the community, to take a lease on one of these first units. I can pull a few strings with the realty company and get you a [i]very[\/i] competitive rental agreement.","127":"A three thousand square foot unit, complete with 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, back patio, grill, full access to site amenities such as pool, jacuzzi, gym...","128":"Are you trying to bribe us?","129":"No, no, no, son. I'm just asking you to try on the hat. See how it fits. Give the whole experiment a shot.","130":"And plus, as two young professionals coming up in local businesses, you might find that we have a lot more to gain by working together than by being enemies.","131":"For a couple of kids your age, having the mayor's card in your pocket makes for a heck of a hand to play moving forward with your careers.","132":"Is this for fucking real?","133":"You can call it whatever you want, Mr. Mayor. You're not buying us out.","134":"We're here for the community. Not ourselves.","135":"Yeah, dickweed. And if we're on the subject of hats, yours looks fucking ridiculous.","136":"For a moment, he appears lost for words, and lets out a long breath through his nose.","137":"Nothing to say, Yosemite Sam? What? Does Bugs have a carrot stuck up your ass?","138":"Sam, thoroughly insulted by the attempted bribes, isn't holding back any longer.","139":"Listen, sugar-tits, I came up work'n the fracking fields. So believe me when I say that mouth on you don't impress me one fucking bit.","140":"Since y'all made it abundantly clear where you want me to put the carrot, we'll try the stick.","141":"You're going to threaten us now?","142":"I'd never stoop so low as to make such baseless threats and besmirch my character. Even, as it is, I am the mayor and have it within my power to make both your lives a living fucking hell.","143":"Son, I've tried to be courteous and diplomatic.","144":"Given all this is partly [i]your[\/i] fault, I reckon the least you could do is show a little god-damn civility and courtesy.","145":"What? How the hell is [i]any[\/i] of this {PlayerName}'s fault?","146":"Well see, after he and his {sheIsYour} had their crusade to bring down the Brotherhood, he didn't quite stick around to see the aftermath of the little scorched-earth policy they enacted.","147":"Between investigations, lawsuits, furlows, and a mountain of other legal and financial issues, the whole university damn near went under!","148":"What?","149":"Oh, you didn't think there would be any consequences? Son, you tried to smoke the fox out of the hen house and damn near burned down the entire chicken coup.","150":"Now, it is by the grace of god, and the generosity and good nature of us in the Shale Hill Development Group, that we saw fit to approach the university with [i]very[\/i] generous land acquisition deals.","151":"The school was gonna close Green's Park down regardless. As parks and greenspace ain't high on the priority list when they're just try'n to keep the lights on. This was the only option.","152":"How dare you try and put this on {PlayerName}! What was he supposed to do? Let an evil criminal organization fester and continue to prey upon the people in this town?","153":"Had he let the matter be handled internally, by adults, maybe the town and college wouldn't have had to be gutted so completely! But no, he and his {sheIsYour} had to be heroes for everyone to see!","154":"This gets me steamed, but I know what he's trying to do. I'm not gonna take the bait.","155":"Sam, though, has no filter.","156":"Fuck you, you walking cartoon! We're supposed to buy this bullshit that this is somehow our fault and you're swooping in to save the day?","157":"I reckon it really doesn't matter one way or another. The deals are already done. Your fruity little park is gone, and those condos are going up. Paperwork is already signed and the money's already changed hands. All one hundred percent legal.","158":"Nothin you two or anyone can do at this point anyhow. I was just try'n to be accommodating.","159":"Yeah, we know how you and your greasy little cronies swept the whole deal through under that bullshit emergency clause. But that's paper thin, and still subject to review after the fact.","160":"The mayor suddenly gets quiet, his face reddening. I guess he was aware of that vulnerability too.","161":"What? You didn't think anyone would dig into the fine print?","162":"And once we get enough signatures, and bring it to the city council, I think you're going to have to find somewhere else to put your fruity little condos.","163":"...","164":"Well, I'd say we have no more business to discuss then.","165":"Remember that I came to you as a friend and benefactor first.","166":"Ooo, we're shaking in our boots.","167":"Save it, Heehaw, we're not going to be bribed [i]or[\/i] intimidated. We've dealt with much smarter, and more dangerous people than some wanna-be cowboy whose boots probably haven't ever had so much as a flick of cowshit on them.","168":"The mayor's lip twitches, but he stomachs that anger. And walks to the door to show us out.","169":"But he has one last parting word before we leave, looking at me directly.","170":"Well, slick, when this is all said and done, and I secure this development deal beyond a doubt, maybe I'll stop by and pay you a little visit. Just to rub that cowshit in your smug face.","171":"Now, if y'all will excuse me, I have some business I need to take care of.","172":"Sam and I turn and leave. I can't get out of that office fast enough.","173":"God! What a sleazy fucking dirtbag!","174":"I'm sorry, Sam. I shouldn't have even accepted a meeting.","175":"It's fine. It's not your fault.","176":"... And hey, you don't believe all that bullshit he said about the school being in trouble and having to sell off Green's Park as being on you, right?","177":"I wish I could say it didn't get to me, at least a little. Everything that happened back then... there was no way there wouldn't be consequences.","178":"It had to be done. The Brotherhood had to be stopped.","179":"Well, you're a fool if you believe anything that comes out of that man's mouth.","180":" And Sam Hunter doesn't let fools put it in her bum-bum.","181":"Thanks, Sam. You have a real way with motivation, you know that?","182":"She grins.","183":"Come on. Let's go home. I'm so angry all I can think about is banging your brains out.","0":"Just going to raise a little awareness after work. That's what I told myself. Just going to write a few emails, do a bit of research, then hand it off to someone else...","1":"... Or so I thought.","2":"After setting up Avenge the Greens a week ago, I've made contact with a few other local groups.","3":"An action committee of students on campus, a network of senior citizens, and a political action group of fearsome middle aged women.","4":"All of them, staunchly against what they saw as over-urbanization of Shale Hills quaint, college town charm.","5":"And [i]somehow[\/i], to my chagrin, I had become a point of contact between these groups. ","6":"Fine, if I just end up playing telephone operator between these groups, I can live with that.","7":"Sam and I had both taken a half day to do some work on Avenge the Greens and decided that it couldn't hurt to do so over a beer, so we met up at Sevigny's.","8":"Hello my brave conqueror! How goes our struggle?","9":"What did I tell you about that kind of talk."},"ch18__epilogue_sam.25_mischievous_meddling.vne3":{"3":"Sam looks up from the counter, surprised to see me.","4":"{PlayerName}? What are you doing back? Did you get the day off?","5":"Nope.","6":"I toss my bag up on the counter, frustrated.","7":"I got fired.","8":"What?","9":"I thought work was going great!","10":"It was. The team and I were getting along great. We were even really close to finishing a big project.","11":"Then what happened?","12":"Phil, my supervisor, came by my desk and said that some of our major clients weren't happy with some of the work that we had done, and requested a ''shake up'' of company personnel.","13":"Which is a real polite way of saying, ''I pissed someone powerful off, and now they have to fire me''.","14":"And they [i]just[\/i] decided this now? You told me your clients were happy with the company's work.","15":"They were. Apparently they recently ''changed their mind''.","16":"Sam's outrage twists into a venomous sneer.","17":"That cock-sucking mayor.","18":"That's my guess too. He did hint that he'd make our lives difficult.","19":"Fuck your company. I can't believe they'd toss you aside like that!","20":"I sigh.","21":"No, they were just doing what they had to. It's not a big outfit. They can't afford to lose clients over this.","22":"Alfred and Linus, bless their souls, they almost walked out in solidarity. I had to talk them out of it.","23":"What about you? You haven't had any trouble at Spotlight Strategies, have you?","24":"Nah, they are all in on Avenge the Greens. They see it as an excellent media opportunity for the company. And they all hate the mayor. I should be safe.","25":"That's good to hear. We're doing okay financially, but it would really hurt if both of us were unemployed.","26":"We could always shake down Kristen and Sandra for our old jobs at Burger Queen and the comic book shop.","27":"I'd rather the both of us pick up stripping instead.","28":"If we're being honest, as hot as we are, we'd probably be making way more money from taking off our clothes than what we're doing now.","29":"Sam's chide turns to sadness though, and she leans in to give me a big hug.","30":"I'm sorry. I know you really liked that job.","31":"This is my fault, if I hadn't pushed you into...","32":"You can cut that out right now, you beautiful dummy. This is all on that crook of a mayor and no one else.","33":"I won't hear any more of this hogwash that this is in any way your fault.","34":"This fight had to go down one way or another. Doesn't matter who gets it done, as long as it gets done.","35":"She smiles, wiping a tear from her eye.","36":"Plus, the mayor screwed up big time.","37":"Not only did he make this personnel, now all I have is time, so I can make ruining his stupid little condo deal my sole project.","38":"Well, stud, consider me your sugar-mama until we put that dipweed and his dumb condos out to pasture...","39":"... And all the blowjobs you want until we do.","40":"Well, don't say that. Then I'm just gonna draw this out for as long as possible.","41":"She grins, punching me in the arm playfully.","42":"Come on, I'll buy you lunch.","0":"A couple of days later...","1":"Things seemed to go back to normal after our confrontation with the mayor. And I hadn't put too much stock in his veiled threats.","2":"Something I reconsidered when I came home early from work this morning."},"ch18__epilogue_sam.30_lines_crossed.vne3":{"3":"Eat your heart out, {Leah}.","4":"The work has begun to bear fruit. In the past week, the issue was actually brought to the Shale Hill City Council.","5":"They'll be voting on whether to conduct a review of the Shale Hill Development Group's condominium project this week, and I heard that the last hold out we needed to win, Councilwoman Winston, was planning to vote in our favor.","6":"I look up to see Lidia drop off a fresh coffee. I've been coming to the cafe to work and coordinate things and it has become a sort of meeting hall for our movement.","7":"It looked like you needed a refresher.","8":"Thank you, Lidia. Let me grab my wallet.","9":"Nope. On the house. I insist.","10":"You don't have to keep giving me free coffee, but thanks.","11":"I know, I'm happy to. It's going to a good cause.","12":"I also heard back from the yoga place down the street and Rick's Hardware. They both are interested in contributing to the legal warchest to fight the development deal.","13":"Lidia, of her volition, has taken on a significant role in Avenge the Greens. She's been my point of contact for local business owners, and has been instrumental in getting us resources and support.","14":"That's great! Lidia, you have been a freak'n rock star through all of this!","15":"Hell, you think I want to see those monstrosities go up where my beloved Green's Park once stood?","16":"Plus, I have my own selfish motivations. You know they'll jam some coffee-chains into that development and suck up my business to line their own pockets.","17":"I don't think the Shale Hill Development Group approached a single local business about setting up a new location there.","18":"It always stuns how things as unpopular as this condo development deal ever get pushed through.","19":"Only happens when people don't care enough about their community. We're lucky to have you.","20":"I can't take that much credit. I had a lot of help. Yours not least of all.","21":"Well, if you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask!","22":"I look around, to make sure no one can overhear, and lean in to share the secret with Lidia.","23":"Want to hear some more good news? I just got a tip from my contact over at city hall that Councilwoman Winston is voting for a review on the development deal.","24":"Really! That's great!","25":"It doesn't mean we won yet, but it does get the ball rolling.","26":"I'm happy to hear it. Those reviews are public. And there's no way that deal will hold up under public opinion.","27":"Grinning, she gives me a high five, and heads back to the counter while I turn back to my work. Even with Winston and her tie breaking vote on our side, it's no reason to let up.","28":"I check the time, Sam's running a little late. We're supposed to meet here and go over some notes.","29":"As I'm about to put my phone back in my pocket, it vibrates.","30":"An unknown number. I dismiss it.","31":"But a moment later it vibrates again.","32":"Curious. I stare at the display for a second, before finally hitting the button to answer it.","33":"Hello.","34":"...","35":"You should reconsider your course of action.","36":"The moment I hear the distorted voice over the line, a lump of ice forms in my gut.","37":"What? Who is this?","38":"Someone might get hurt.","39":"What do you... ","40":"The line goes dead.","41":"Cold beads of sweat begin to form on my forehead. The whole nightmare of RECENTLY and those dark times begins to race back to the forefront of my mind.","42":"Is this really happening again? Why can't I just live a normal life? Why does this bullshit always seem to find me?","43":"My fear turns to panic when I remember Sam is running late. Getting to my feet, I look around.","44":"There she is! Across the street.","45":"I feel the panic begin to subside.","46":"... Until I notice the car creeping out into the street down the road from her.","47":"A terrible fear begins to claw its way up my throat.","48":"Sam's head is stuck down in her phone. Dammit, I've told her a million times...","49":"Gripped by paranoia, I start to hurry for the door.","50":"Just as I exit the coffee shop, I hear the engine of the suspect car rumble to life, and it speeds towards Sam just as she's crossing the road.","51":"Adrenaline surging, I sprint out of the coffee shop and into the street.","52":"Sam!","53":"...","54":"What the... AIEEEE!","55":"We hit the pavement, my arms wrapped around Sam, doing my best to shield her as we tumble across the concrete.","56":"In the moment, I don't feel anything, but from the sound and force of the impact I'm sure I'll be hurting later.","57":"But I don't care about that, as I check a shocked and stunned Sam for injuries.","58":"Are you okay? Are you hurt?","59":"{PlayerName}? What the... the car...","60":"She's disheveled, but otherwise looks unharmed, and I snap my neck back up the street. But the car that tried to hit her is already driving away, not slowing down one bit.","61":"Sam! {PlayerName}! Are you guys alright?","62":"From across the street, Lidia is racing out, her eyes as big as saucers.","63":"I'm calling 911!","64":"{PlayerName}? What was... did someone try and come after me? What the fuck is going on?","65":"I have no words. My arms are twitching in rage. All I can think of right now is that someone is going to pay for this.","0":"True to my word, I turned Avenge the Greens into my full time job.","1":"It's been a week since I got fired, and since then, I've made good only my pledge to scuttle the mayor's condo project.","2":"I've stepped up coordination between the various political action groups, dug up more dirt on the project, and gave interviews to local news outlets."},"ch18__epilogue_sam.35_out_for_blood.vne3":{"10":"Drive what?","11":"Someone tried to run me over in the middle of the street!","12":"Jesus H. Christ, that's terrible! Thank God you're alright, girl.","13":"You sure they tried to hit you on purpose? How do you know someone just wasn't pay'n attention and it was all just an accident?","14":"People drive'n while text'n... It's a real problem, I'm actually considering a bill that would...","15":"Cut the crap! It wasn't any accident!","16":"{PlayerName} gets a mysterious, threatening phone call telling him to back off the development project or someone might get hurt. And a moment later [i]I[\/i] almost get GTA'd all over the pavement in some cheap hit and run?","17":"Does that sound like an accident to you? Or should I wait for you to go get your Sherlock Holmes hat so you can ''figure it out''?","18":"Well, believe me when I say I am damn shocked someone would even consider harming a hair on a creature as beautiful as you, Ms. Hunter. But I take deep offense to even the passing thought that I would be capable of something so foul!","19":"In fact, I'm damn near insulted! Or would be if I wasn't so shocked to hear of such a brazen assault!","20":"Sure, keep playing stupid, pal!","21":"Son, unlike you, I don't have to resort to breaking the law to accomplish what I want. Not that I would even consider it in the first place.","22":"I laugh, humorously, at the ridiculousness of the accusation.","23":"Oh, I've heard plenty of rumors and stories of what you were capable of. You ride in on a white horse, but don't think I don't know that you'll get your hands dirty to get what you want.","24":"I think you [i]like[\/i] being the hero. I think you like it so much you'll do anything to be one again.","25":"I can't believe you're actually trying to turn this around on us! You're a real piece of work, you know that?","26":"I'm sure you're well aware of what I'm capable of. I'm sure you saw it first hand! Though I probably couldn't have recognized you with those gaudy robes and that ridiculous mask.","27":"Do you always wear some stupid looking costume or is it just for work and secret cult meetings?","28":"I ain't gonna dignify that accusation with a response. But I will say this. You are a lucky son of a bitch.","29":"But how many times are you gonna count on that luck to bail you out? You [i]might[\/i] think that there are some people with a lot of money invested in this project. And they [i]might[\/i] be serious about seeing their investment come to fruition.","30":"And slick, you got a lot to lose.","31":"Piece of advice? Fold yer cards, son. Walk away before things get real ugly.","32":"I'll show you ugly, you mother fu-...","33":"I'm about to charge at that sniveling weasel, when Sam jumps in front of me.","34":"{PlayerName}! Let's go! It's not worth it!","35":"She's all that's standing between me and tearing this prick apart. Sam's not that quick. I can dart around and get a few shots in before she or security pulls me off of him.","36":"Come on! Let's go! I want to make a necklace with his teeth too, but that'll just work out in his favor! Let's go.","37":"Fuming, I relent and throw up my arms, letting her herd me out of the office.","38":"Behind me, the mayor's cackle makes my blood boil.","39":"Thank you. Thank you for calming down.","40":"He fucking did it. I straight up want to kill that dude.","41":"Okay! Chill out! Me too! But we need to be smart about this.","42":"Not about killing him, unfortunately we can't do that, as awesome as it would be. But we need to be smart about our next move.","43":"Though, while I don't endorse it, seeing you ready to murder a dude for me makes me want to take you home and crazy-boink your brains out right now. But that's getting off track...","44":"Hey, look on the bright side, if they were willing to go this far, it means we got them scared, right?","45":"I look at Sam in distress. I hardly feel like this escalation is progress.","46":"And all this over some stupid condos.","47":"Sam can see it on my face, and turns sympathetic.","48":"Was this what it was like? When you and {Leah} were wrapped up with the Brotherhood and all that?","49":"I nod at her.","50":"Jesus, how you and your {sheIsYour} endured through all that still amazes me.","51":"Sam, this kind of stuff was the reason I was keeping you at arms length back then. I didn't want you getting hurt.","52":"She sighs. Understanding, but still not agreeing with it.","53":"Well, I'm in it now. So let's figure this out and see it through together, yeah?","54":"Yeah, yeah okay.","55":"She winces, realizing, maybe more soberly, what she's getting into.","56":"So... any ideas?","57":"I dunno. I'm still almost too angry to think straight.","58":"Sam pauses for a moment, checking around to make sure we're not in ear shot of anyone else.","59":"What about that program... RECENTLY. I hate to even bring it up, given all the trouble it caused, but given how crazy things are getting...","60":"I shake my head.","61":"It occurred to me too. But as far as I know, most of RECENTLY capabilities were lost when the old city hall burned down.","62":"She nods.","63":"Well, I got one idea. But I tell ya, I don't like it.","64":"And it is?","65":"I go have a talk with Valerie. See if there's anything she knows about the mayor that we can use against him.","66":"Now she flat out cringes. Starting to miss sweet ignorance.","67":"Even if she doesn't know all the details, Sam knows enough that Valerie was at the center of all the turmoil that enveloped our lives that year.","68":"I don't like your idea either.","69":"But I guess if anyone might have some dirt on Maniac Mayor, it'd be her.","70":"I have to book an appointment for the holding center. I should be able to get in to see her tomorrow.","71":"Fun date. I guess for now we should just go home then?","72":"Yeah, but first there's a couple stops I want to make.","73":"I tuck the heavy duty plastic pelican case under my arm and walk back into the alley to see if Toasterman is in.","74":"I hear him muttering something to his synthetic water foul before I turn the corner.","75":"Heard about your lady. You two alright?","76":"Yeah, we're okay. Thanks. News travels fast, I guess.","77":"It does when all you got to do all day is listen.","78":"Can't seem to keep yourself out of trouble, huh?","79":"Bad habit I guess. I swear I'm trying to kick it.","80":"Everyone comes across the log in the road. Someone's gotta cut it eventually, but most people never will.","81":"Well, I did have a romantic notion about becoming a forester while I was slugging it through Calculous 300.","82":"He gives me an odd look. And I see the flash of lucidity in his mind. He's not so much annoyed, but he's clearly making a demand that we're not going to continue the talk until I can at least acknowledge it.","83":"No point in wasting time I suppose. That is why I'm here after all.","84":"Look, this did get more serious than I anticipated... They came after Sam.","85":"If I'm going to keep going down this road, I could use some help.","86":"The old vagrant nods, his eyes still clear, but softening.","87":"What'd'ya need.","88":"I know it's a lot, and I don't want to drag you into anything you're not ready to sign up for, but I could really use someone posted outside my place to keep an eye on Sam when I'm not around.","89":"Say no more. Effective immediately, your domicile and girlfriend will have 24\/7 security while you weather this storm.","90":"Thanks, man. I mean, don't kill yourself trying to do it. Please remember to get some sleep and everything.","91":"I sleep in brief, 20 minute rest cycles every four hours or so. Winston Churchill practiced the same schedule to great effect.","92":"Regardless, seriously, thank you. You don't know how much I owe you on this one.","93":"If it's a righteous cause, the favors are pro bono.","94":"I smile humbly, and nod. This lifts a huge weight off my chest. He may be a little crazy, but Toastermen is nothing if not dependable.","95":"There's just one more thing.","96":"Take this...","97":"I hand him the weighty, rugged case.","98":"If the Shale Hill Mayor shows up, and this is kind of a ''big ask'', but there's something I'd like you to do…","0":"I don't even acknowledge the protests of the surprised secretary as I burst into the Mayor's office.","1":"You son of a bitch!","2":"{PlayerName}! Calm down!","3":"The Mayor turns to look at us from his intercom conference call, appearing unphased at the enraged man who just stormed his office.","4":"Let's put a pin in this for now, Sal. Something came up and I gotta call you back.","5":"He leisurely hits the button to close the call.","6":"Damn, boy. You look like shit.","7":"You came after my girlfriend you fucking creep?!","8":"Whoa-whoa-there, killer. What'd I do now?","9":"Don't play stupid with me, you faux-texan-clown! Were you driving, or did you have one of your lackeys do it?"},"ch18__epilogue_sam.40_consulting_the_devil_regarding_demons.vne3":{"3":"Good timing. I suspect it may be any day now that I'll be whisked off to some CIA or NSA black site.","4":"That's a dark thought. You seem to be taking it well.","5":"Oh, I always find something to keep me busy.","6":"I know that Valerie is going through a period of rediscovery. But the atmosphere is heavy, and she doesn't show many emotions... It's almost as if she has become expressionless...","7":"But let's not talk about boring old me. I hear you've been caught stirring up trouble again back in Shale Hill.","8":"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you actually liked stirring up trouble. {Leah} really rubbed off on you, huh?","9":"Do you think firefighters run into buildings for fun?... Not that I'm comparing myself to a firefighter, it's just...","10":"... Look, someone had to do something.","11":"To answer your question, certainly. Some firefighters 100% get their rocks off running into burning buildings, just for the thrill.","12":"Some do it to be a hero, because it makes them feel big and strong and so they can humbly brag about it to some girl in a bar so they'll mate with them.","13":"Some are just psychos who love fire.","14":"Kindred spirits, then.","15":"Her eyes glitter, and she smirks.","16":"I won't pry into your motivations, though I think I already know which one you are.","17":"All to save a little park... But for what it's worth, I also think it's a shame that Green's got paved.","18":"No beauty can top nature. We should always make space for it.","19":"You seem to be well informed for someone in lock down with a government mandated prohibition from digital devices.","20":"We still get newspapers in here, for your information.","21":"Though I was shocked to hear about the attempt on Sam. Disgraceful methods.","22":"If it brings you any comfort, I don't believe they were making a serious attempt on her life. More likely they just wanted to break a few bones.","23":"The Mayor can be brutish, but he's not a moron.","24":"And an attractive, young woman being run over and killed in the middle of the street, even if ruled an accident, is a little high profile... at least for the property values I've been able to appraise the development deal at.","25":"[i]Very[\/i] well informed. Disconcertingly so.","26":"Rather than risk humoring her even more, I just press on with why I came here.","27":"So, I'm sure you must have figured this isn't really a social call.","28":"{PlayerName}, believe me when I say I honestly wish I had something for you.","29":"For the man's many, [i]many[\/i] faults, clichés, and weaknesses, he was always exceptional at knowing how to stay just far away from something to be able to protect himself.","30":"As I understand it, the combined multi-federal-agency investigation and the state police couldn't even connect anything to him that they could use to implicate him.","31":"He was a terrible thorn in my side the entire time I was president. Both in the public space and behind the scenes. I could never get enough of a stranglehold on him to have real control of him.","32":"He's like the embodiment of those ancient nomadic steppe tribes that lived on the peripheries of ancient empires. A barbarian warlord. He could be an asset one day, a nuisance the other.","33":"Given his craftiness, it was always just cheaper and more simple to find some way to deal with him than to root him out completely. At least at the time.","34":"So he really is a slimy little worm that you can't get a grip on. A survivor. Like the cane toad.","35":"A better analogy than mine. Saying he's like a barbarian warlord would probably just stroke his already exceptional ego.","36":"If I would point out one weakness of his, it would undoubtedly be his arrogance. At least to the best you can. The man is nearly shameless.","37":"Damn. I was really hoping you had some nice bombshell I could use to bring him down, but for what it's worth I appreciate the time. I'll figure something out.","38":"I know you will. I have a lot of faith in you.","39":"In fact, as I recall, it'll be election season before too long.","40":"Yeah, you and Sam can get together and talk about it.","41":"She's a smart girl. I do wish we had gotten to know eachother better.","42":"I'm glad you never went through with trying to frame her by planting drugs in her locker at school. You certainly showed a stronger moral compass than I could ever follow.","43":"But, if that's what you came here for, I suppose that concludes our little meeting for today?","44":"She's a mystery to read. I can't tell if she's hoping I'll stay and just talk, or if she's impatiently waiting for me to wrap this up so she can get back to whatever it is she does in here.","45":"Hazarding the guilt, I hope it's the latter.","46":"Yeah, Sam's still kind of shook up, and I should get back to her.","47":"I understand. Give her my regards. And if I don't see you again, it's been fun.","48":"Again, it's such a frank response, I can't read if it's sincere, or a mask of what her true feelings might be.","49":"Take care of yourself, Valerie.","50":"I turn, and leave the holding center.","0":"The next day, I make the unenviable drive to the holding facility to see Valerie.","1":"I used to have a big place in my heart for her, and maybe even a chunk of it is still there...","2":"... But talking to her now feels like cage diving with sharks."},"ch18__epilogue_sam.45_gloat_session.vne3":{"3":"I'm almost to my door when I notice the red muscle car parked out front.","4":"And next to it, the mayor. He finishes a cigarette, and strolls up to me, a smile on his face.","5":"He certainly doesn't look very scared, or angry. That makes me worried.","6":"Have a good road trip? Hope the weather wasn't too bad. We had a bit of rain here in town.","7":"What do you want?","8":"That Valerie's quite the little desert rose, ain't she? Real doll face.","9":"I'm guessing she didn't have any juicy info for you to use to blackmail me, did she? Not by that sour look on your mug. God damn you must lose your hat at poker games with that tell.","10":"Fuck, am I the only one in this town who is late to finding stuff out?","11":"I'm furious, but I'm also starting to wonder what it would take to set up a network of informants.","12":"Don't beat yourself up too much, son. She's confident, I'll give her that.","13":"But she always struck me as being someone who wasn't nearly as smart as she thought she was. Just some young, dumb slut playing spooky, omnipotent cult leader.","14":"Sure, I knew that little kitten was always trying to get her claws into me, but I've been through too many marriages to fall for any of her shit. In the end, she had to get things done the only way girls like that really can.","15":"You know, somehow I think you're full of shit.","16":"Believe whatever you like. Maybe I'll show you the pictures some time.","17":"But, I didn't come on down here for locker room talk. I came by to let you know.","18":"Let me know what?","19":"Well, I had just the most lovely dinner with Councilwoman Winston earlier. I had heard she was planning on voting to put the development deal up for review.","20":"And after a long talk, in which I explained the benefits, and opportunities this deal can bring to Shale Hill, particularly her district, Ms. Winson came to a different conclusion regarding the review.","21":"My fists curl into balls.","22":"... And, If I recall the town charter, reviews like these won't be subject to revisit for at least a year. And by then... Well, if they ain't gonna want to stop the deal from going through now, they sure as hell ain't gonna give a rat's ass about it in a year.","23":"I heard you were a little political minded back in college, but piece of advice: No one is going to listen to some loser who runs around in literal tights, pretending to be a superhero.","24":"My bruised and battered ego aside, I have to say something.","25":"You really don't have any shame, do you?","26":"You knew how much that park meant to the people, to the community. And you sold that off to what? Line your pockets? How many private jets are enough for a mayor?","27":"Oh, it'd be completely against the law for me to profit from this condo deal. Scouts honor, I wouldn't take a dime of that money.","28":"Might I get a lift on a private plane with an Arab investor? Maybe, but when I do, I'm always thinking about what's best for the city.","29":"A trip on a yacht of some Russian oligarch could happen, but you know how it is, we're always trying to save money for the mayor's office on business trips, always thinking about what's best for our people...","30":"I am merely a steward of the community. One who is looking out for the economic health of the town which has entrusted to me its leadership.","31":"Even if I believed that, you don't think it's fucked up? To take this from the town? What about the retirement village you're gutting?","32":"An important voting group, but those are acceptable losses. We have more important voters, some of whom have already booked some of our fine condos.","33":"And most of the people in this town are half-inbred podunk townies, or dumb, horny college kids. They'll shovel some slop in their mouths, drool at their phones, and ain't no one even gonna remember that park was there in a year.","34":"The smug, sleazy politician then steps in close.","35":"You remember during that visit you paid me a couple weeks back. Where you strolled in so proudly with that sanctimonious look on your face, and turned down my offers to work together?","36":"After you spat in my face, and made that crack about me never having cowshit on my boots? You remember how I told you I'd come by some time to rub that cowshit in your face when I finished beating you?","37":"Well, this is me, and this is the cowshit.","38":"He grins for a moment, letting the moment sink in and sting.","39":"But, hey, I'm a forgiving guy. After the condos go up, why don't you bring Ms. Hunter by my office?","40":"I haven't had some good, sloppy head since my old blowjob girl got sent to prison.","41":"Your little oriental fuck doll looks like she can suck a real man's dick.","42":"You have her take over the gig and I'll give you two kids a real sweet deal on a condo anyway.","43":"It pains me to no end that I let that sleazeball get into the car and drive away, laughing.","44":"It's one hit after another. The near miss with Sam, Val's lack of ammo we can use against the mayor, and now... he may be a politician, but somehow I don't think he was lying about Councilwoman Winston changing her vote.","45":"In a matter of two days, the win seems like it's been ripped from our hands.","0":"It's night by the time I get back home. I park, and start to head for my apartment.","1":"There's no easy way to get the mayor to back off, at least not yet.","2":"I'll have to hold out until the city council vote and go from there."},"ch18__epilogue_sam.50_better_angels.vne3":{"10":"Will do!","11":"Before I realize it, I'm already parking the car, noticing that I'm cutting it close to the scheduled time.","12":"At the prison, I hear the door buzz.","13":"The guard leads the jumpsuited figure down the hall, and points them to where I'm waiting.","14":"Here she comes.","15":"I take a seat in the meeting booth, and smile when I see {Leah} sit down across from me.","16":"You look good!","17":"Thanks. I've actually been lifting weights.","18":"Really soaking in the prison lifestyle.","19":"Haha, well, I can tell the difference.","20":"You need to be honest with me though. If I start to get super swole and jacked, I need you to be my governor and tell me.","21":"Super buff isn't a look I'm going for..","22":"You realize how much work [i]guys[\/i] have to put in to get jacked? Unless you start sneaking in steroids, I wouldn't worry.","23":"But I promise. I'll let you know.","24":"A good litmus test is to just watch out for if you become the girl who talks about fitness all the time. That's your canary in a coal mine.","25":"She laughs.","26":"Gotcha. I'll keep an eye out.","27":"I've actually been calling {Leah} pretty regularly for advice on our mission to save Green's Park. She can probably guess that a surprise visit means bad news.","28":"Leah, things have... gotten pretty fucked up with the park project.","29":"Spill it. Every damn detail.","30":"I spend the next few minutes filling {Leah} in on the shitstorm of the past few days. She listens intently, her face a mask of concentration, only breaking her silence to ask the occasional pointed question.","31":"It's like watching a sponge soak up water - she's absorbing every detail.","32":"That slimy bastard actually followed through on his promise to rub it in your face? Typical.","33":"Reminds me of this guard who loves to taunt inmates with their upcoming release dates.","34":"God, I wanted to beat him so badly he'd piss himself every time he heard the word 'development''.","35":"Any luck finding loopholes in that deal?","36":"Wish I had good news, but it's like trying to find contraband in this joint - seems impossible. The deal's slippery as hell, but not technically illegal.","37":"Shit. That review was our one shot at stopping this clusterfuck. And now that he's turned Councilwoman Winston...","38":"How bad is prison food, really? Sam might wait if I did a couple years for assault.","39":"Don't even joke about that. The mystery meat here would make you long for dog food.","40":"Sorry. It's just... we've tried digging up dirt on him, exposing his operation, and jack shit has worked.","41":"Hasn't worked yet. It's like in here, you gotta be persistent and get creative.","42":"I bet if you asked random people on the street, 9 out of 10 would agree that what they're doing to Green's Park and the University Retirement community is a raw fucking deal.","43":"If there was even a hint that this condo project actually brought something meaningful to the community, it'd be a different story.","44":"But it's just another scheme for rich assholes to get richer.","45":"The problem isn't that people disagree with you. I don't even think it's apathy.","46":"Then what the hell are we doing wrong?","47":"People's lives are incredibly demanding these days. And in our hyper-connected world, it's relentless.","48":"Every time someone goes online, they're inundated with appeals for various causes. It's an endless deluge of requests for support and attention.","49":"Fair point.","50":"People are burnt out. They're not bad, but when you get hit up for some cause every damn day, as sad as it is, it just becomes white noise.","51":"So we need to find a way to cut through that noise?","52":"Something to get people invested. Something tangible. Sensational, even.","53":"Dare I say, some goddamn spectacle.","54":"You're not gonna tell me to set myself on fire outside city hall, are you?","55":"Be a smartass if you want. But you need to do something to grab people's attention. Make them remember for more than twenty minutes.","56":"In here, when we want to be heard, we organize sit-ins in the cafeteria. Gets the point across.","57":"Well, we've been campaigning, putting up flyers, even canvassing...","58":"Does any of that sound like a spectacle to you?","59":"Well, what should I do? Put on a damn show?","60":"Yeah, maybe. Why not? I'm not saying you have to organize the next Woodstock, but you'd be surprised how that little extra might hammer the message home.","61":"{Leah} looks at the time, seeing visiting hours are coming to a close.","62":"Looks like our time's up.","63":"Yeah, seems that way. Sorry if I've been a downer, {Leah}. I really appreciate your help. Thanks.","64":"Always. And remember, in here I learned sometimes you gotta make some noise to be heard. Go out there and make your fucking noise.","65":"{Leah} is getting tougher as time goes on inside the prison...","66":"Life in there must be hard, and I notice that she increasingly draws from her daily experiences as examples for any situation...","67":"Thankfully, this nightmare is almost over, and soon she'll be out of that place.","68":"As I head for the car, I keep thinking about what {Leah} said about us needing spectacle to get our message across.","69":"As luck would have it, I sleep with someone who loves spectacle.","70":"I watch {Leah} park at our meeting spot, halfway between Shale Hill and {Leah}'s new haunt over in Sallesport.","71":"It's still a bit of a drive, I feel a little bad making her hoof it out here when we could easily just talk over the phone.","72":"But, it's good to see her in person. And judging by the big hug she gives me, she doesn't mind it too much.","73":"It's so good to see you! I missed you!","74":"You too. Sorry I made you drive all the way out here.","75":"No, I was happy too! Gave me an excuse to blow off Rocko for a day.","76":"He's running you pretty ragged, huh?","77":"Don't get me wrong, he's a great journalist, and I'm so thankful Frank set me up with him. But, boy, a little break from him every now and then goes a long way.","78":"I see why he mostly works alone as a freelancer.","79":"It probably hasn't helped that I've been tapping you to help out with research for Avenge the Greens.","80":"Are you kidding? I'm happy to help out! That sleazeball mayor isn't going to get away with this.","81":"But why did you want to drive all the way out here to talk? Shouldn't you be busy with the Avenge the Green's campaign?","82":"I had actually been calling {Leah} pretty regularly for her advice on our crusade to save the college greens. She can probably tell a surprise visit isn't good news.","83":"Things have... gotten complicated.","84":"Tell me everything.","85":"It takes a few minutes to bring {Leah} up to speed on the events of the last couple of days. She's quiet and aside from an occasional question to help clarify something, she silently just absorbs the knowledge.","86":"That sleazebag actually followed through with his promise to rub it in your face. What an asshole.","87":"God I wanted to beat the ''tar'' out of him until he just says “nation” from now on when he gets surprised.","88":"You have any luck finding any more holes in the development deal.","89":"I wish I did. Same as before. It's kind of weasley, but not technically illegal.","90":"Dammit. That review was the one chance we had to head off this travesty. And now that he's turned Councilwoman Winston...","91":"How bad can prison food be, really? Sam would probably wait if I did a couple of years for something.","92":"{Leah} gives me a look.","93":"Sorry. It's just that we've tried digging up dirt on him, we've tried exposing his operation, and nothing has worked.","94":"It hasn't worked, [i]yet[\/i].","95":"I bet if you asked just random people on the street, 9 out of 10 of them would agree that what they are doing to Green's Park and the University Retirement community is wrong and should be stopped.","96":"The problem isn't that people don't agree. I don't even think it's apathy.","97":"Then what are we doing wrong?","98":"People are busy. They have lives. And especially in modern times with the internet and social media, they are getting blasted non-stop with ads soliciting help for some cause.","99":"How many ads do you see on video or music streaming that are for some charity, or movement, or are political ads or calls to action?","100":"That's a good point.","101":"People are just burnt out. They aren't bad, but if you get pleas for help for some charity about starving kids four times a week, as sad as it is, it just becomes background noise.","102":"So we have to find some way to cut through that noise?","103":"Something to get people invested. Something tangible. Sensational even.","104":"Dare I say, some spectacle.","105":"You're not going to say I should light myself on fire outside of city hall, are you?","106":"Be sarcastic if you want. But I do think you need to do something to capture people's attention. To cement that little foothold in their bandwidth and make them remember for more than twenty minutes.","107":"Well, we've been campaigning, putting up fliers, even canvassing, which I think has lost us support come to think of it.","108":"Any of that sound like a spectacle to you?","109":"Well, what should I do? Put on a show?","110":"Yeah, maybe. Why not?","111":"I'm not saying you have to organize the next woodstock, but you might be surprised at how that something extra might hammer the message home.","112":"She's not wrong. And I wonder if she's on to something.","0":"The next morning, I'm still at a loss.","113":"We keep chatting, and the subject drifts and bounces around. Mostly it's just us catching up.","1":"Losing face to the mayor aside, the real issue is losing Councilwoman Winston's vote.","114":"Time goes by in a flash, and before long, the sun is already getting low in the sky.","2":"And dishearteningly, when I reached out to my contact from her office regarding a vote to review the development deal, the answer went from a definitive [i]yes[\/i] to...","115":"Damn, is it already 4? I should probably start heading back.","3":"...[i]The councilwoman is exploring all options and will pick the one she sees as best for her district[\/i].","116":"But this was fun. We should meet out here just to chat more often. Talking on the phone is great, but it's so nice to see you in person.","4":"I haven't been in politics long in the grand scheme of things, but I've been in it long enough to know a retraction when I see one.","117":"Sounds like a plan. Don't be a stranger.","5":"Lost, I reach out to the one person I feel like I can talk to in times like these.","118":"{Leah} and I share a hug, and part ways.","6":"Sam, love, I need to go out.","119":"As I head for the car, I keep thinking about what {Leah} said about us needing a spectacle to get our message across.","7":"Where are you going? Meeting with that sleazy mayor? If you're going there, I'm coming with you because I want...","120":"As luck would have it, I sleep with someone who loves spectacle.","8":"Calm down, I'm not going there. I need to clear my head, find a different line of thought...","9":"Aaaah, I see. Cool! Good idea! Send my regards!"},"ch18__epilogue_sam.55_send_up_the_signal.vne3":{"3":"I remember those days rather fondly. That nasty business with the disappearances aside.","4":"Don't miss the homework and tests. How you been, man?","5":"It's great to see you guys! I feel like I haven't seen some of you in forever!","6":"So, you're probably all wondering why we called you here today.","7":"As I'm sure you all are aware, {PlayerName} and I have been heading up the Avenge the Greens committee to stop this demonstrably unjust condo deal from reaching completion.","8":"Nice use of the word demonstrable.","9":"Thank you, sweetie. Key to stopping the development is a new review of the project launched by the city council.","10":"After weeks of campaigning and outreach, we thought we had the vote in the bag, with three of the five city councilors pledging to vote for a review. But we recently learned that one of those votes has been turned.","11":"That's horrible! This drives me nuts! How could a city councilor vote against something that has such overwhelming public support?","12":"Easy. Money.","13":"Well we're not ready to give up just yet. The city councilors are still beholden to their voters, and if we can make enough noise about it. We still might be able to make the public discourse the city council just can't ignore.","14":"Well, what are your plans? I know you both have been burning the midnight oil in terms of publicity and campaigning for Avenge the Greens.","15":"TV, internet, print. I've even seen some billboards. What else is there?","16":"One word. Spectacle.","17":"{Leah}'s idea.","18":"We need to throw some gasoline on this fire. Some ghost peppers into this chili. Some other metaphor about heating things up a notch!","19":"A wet T-shirt contest!","20":"How is it the older you get the [i]less[\/i] mature you get?","21":"Not quite, Linus, but you're on the right track.","22":"Oh! A show!","23":"Exactly.","24":"We want to put on a show at the site of the Greens. My company already has all the infrastructure in place, stage, lights, etc, leftover from a business seminar we hosted last week.","25":"As it's not being shipped back until next week, they've agreed to relocate to the old park, where, in a stroke of luck, they still have a seasonal permit.","26":"I guess the city never bothered revoking it after they figured no one would want to put on a show in a paved lot.","27":"Hm... Yes. Something to make our cause stand out. But what kind of show could we put on?","28":"Well, if you're looking for a performer, consider me at your disposal. Pro bono, of course.","29":"Thanks, Haley. We were hoping you'd be on board.","30":"But on top of your sexy voice winning the crowd over, I had something more in mind than just a concert...","31":"Does everyone still have their superhero costumes?","32":"You can't be serious.","33":"I think we became a meme after all that!","34":"I keep mine pressed and in a garment bag.","35":"It'll be a total travesty. People will talk! A...","36":"Spectacle! Exactly!","37":"It would certainly be a memorable event. Surely one that people will be talking about.","38":"Yeah, about the weirdos running around in superhero cosplay!","39":"Hey, if it gets people talking, and thinking about it, and we attach our message about the greens to it, all the better.","40":"Look, I know this is asking a lot from you guys. And I'll understand if you say no. But it's worth a shot. If this is what it'll take to get public outrage about the greens to critical mass, then it's a gamble I'm willing to make.","41":"Everyone mulls on it for a second.","42":"Alright, dude. I volunteer my ego and self respect as tribute.","43":"Here, here! I too will happily play my part!","44":"Ugh, I can't believe I have to wear that thing again... but fine. If it'll save the stupid greens.","45":"I can't help but smile. It sure is good to have friends.","46":"Okay, Sam. What did you have in mind for this super-hero show of yours?","47":"Sam is bubbling in her seat, almost too excited to speak.","48":"Okay, so, our show opens with…","0":"Thanks for coming, guys. We really appreciate it.","1":"I look around at our old campaign group. Myself, Sam, Linus, Alfred, and Kristen. Haley's joined us as well.","2":"Is anyone else having flashbacks to those terrible Shale Hill U days?"},"ch18__epilogue_sam.60_bam_pow_wam.vne3":{"10":"My heart begins to race a little as I wait to get called up on stage. Even after all these years, I still get a small shot of adrenaline when speaking to a crowd.","11":"Without further adieu, let me bring up {PlayerName}, and Sam!","12":"Haley hands the mic to Sam and I, and now it's our turn to speak to the crowd.","13":"Thanks again. And let's give it up for Haley one more time!","14":"Pause, wait for the applause, watch Haley blush.","15":"We won't blab on too long and bore you to death, but Sam and I wanted to thank you all personally for coming out today.","16":"As many of you know, or can just see behind me, our beloved campus greens were sold off and paved over by a sleazy realty development group, of which our very own mayor was a part of!","17":"They wanted to take away our park and green spaces to turn into a bunch of ritzy condos that barely anyone in town can even afford to live in.","18":"And most of the investment is from people who don't even live in Shale Hill. To us and our town, Shale Hill is nothing more than part of an investment portfolio!","19":"Keep in mind that we only have places like the greens, because we chose to value and take care of them. So all I ask of you today is to value your town. Take care of it. Take an active role in protecting it.","20":"You don't like parks? That's fine, but also think about the people who are going to be affected, the elderly that the mayor's project wants to kick out of their homes... They could be your grandparents, your parents...","21":"Call you councilman or councilwoman, and tell them to vote yes on a review of the Shale Hill University Greens development deal!","22":"Because if you don't protect and take care of your town, who will?","23":"But that's enough after school special, let's get back to the show and the lovely Haley!","24":"Called back up on stage, Haley prances over and Sam hands off the mic to her, while she and I race backstage.","25":"We've practiced the wardrobe change, but it's hard enough getting in and out of those things that I don't risk wasting a second.","26":"In the meantime, Haley launches into another number. Hooting and hollering erupting from the crowd as they cheer on the blue haired singer.","27":"She's soon got the crowd enraptured. Singing her heart out.","28":"It's incredible that she wrote a song just for this event... She really has a lot of talent...","29":"[i]Avenge the greens...Stand and fight...Save the trees...Day and night...[\/i]","30":"But then...","31":"Emerging from the off stage, a menacing figure!","32":"Ha-ha-ha! It is I! [i]Mayor-Man[\/i]!","33":"What have we here? The people of Shale Hill enjoying something as a community?","34":"Something that I and my greasy friends aren't making a quarterly profit from? Not on my watch!","35":"Dante bounds across the stage, snatching up Haley in his arms!","36":"Mwa-ha-ha-ha! You're mine now, sweetie!","37":"Haley, playing the damsel, feigns swooning in distress!","38":"Oh! Please! Someone help me!","39":"Ha-ha! Soon, I'll finish paving over this silly park, and taking a chunk out of that nearby retirement community! And the condos me and my greasy investor friends put up will start sucking this town dry!","40":"Turning to the crowd, he pretends to mock them.","41":"Who is going to stop me? You? You ants can't even be bothered to write a short email or make a brief phone call to your city councilor!","42":"And after the park, who knows what I'll take next! Ha-ha-ha!","43":"Stop right there, [i]Mayor-Man[\/i]!","44":"Your days of scamming from this town are over!","45":"We know you and your goons pushed the condo deal through by taking advantage of the city's emergency authority clause!","46":"Yes. Stop. How dare you. You fiend!","47":"That clause was there for emergency situations, not for you and your friends to take advantage of this city and it's people while they were vulnerable!","48":"Ha-ha-ha! What are you going to do about it? Super-[i]tools[i\/]!","49":"We rush in to do... battle... with Dante's character.","50":"I mean, I get that it's supposed to be hokey, and yeah, we didn't have much time for fight choreography, but still.","51":"Maybe the dramatic music playing will help counteract how awkward and uncomfortable this might all be to watch. Or better yet, maybe we'll hit the ''so bad it's good'' zone of awful.","52":"Enough! Even if you Super-[i]fools[\/i] defeat me in battle, it changes nothing!","53":"Dante gestures, pointing to the audience, and turns to us, as if he's about to deliver his special move.","54":"I have apathy on [i]my[\/i] side! How many of these town people will [i]really[\/i] do anything to stop me! I can just take nibble after nibble of their precious Shale Hill, and they'll just ignore it and stick their heads in the sand! I still win! Ha-ha-ha!","55":"Haaaaaaa yaaaaaaa!","56":"I'm going to use apathy and tolerance for evil and unleash my ray of bitterness!","57":"There is a particularly hearty and poisonous laugh from the crowd. I look out to see that it is none other than the actual mayor.","58":"I'm not surprised he caught wind of our little show.","59":"Boy, I might sue you all for defamation of character, if this weren't such a hoot!","60":"But bravo, bravo. Let's give them a round of applause, folks. See how hard they're trying.","61":"I know it's cute, and their heart is in the right place. We can't judge for that. But we ain't kids anymore, are we?","62":"We really gonna take at face value some Saturday morning cartoon propaganda being put on my adults wearing literal tights?","63":"Now, we all are gonna miss the Greens. Why, this is where I shared my first kiss with the love of my life.","64":"But we're also adults, and [i]some[\/i] of us stopped reading comic books and got to grow'n up back when we were twelve, am I right?","65":"There's a few chuckles from the crowd.","66":"You bastard...","67":"Believe me, I'm sad to see the Greens go too, but let's focus on the jobs, and opportunities, this development will [i]contribute[\/i] to the community!","68":"I know y'all are smart folks, and I have made it my duty to always serve the interests of the good people of this town, like I have the past eight years, so who are you going to believe?","69":"Not so fast! Real-mayor!","70":"You maybe have a slick tongue, but you're not the first villain I've faced that was two faced!","71":"Sam leans in, to me, confused.","72":"{PlayerName}? What's Toasterman doing here? Wait... He's masked? He wasn't part of the show.","73":"I give her a wink.","74":"It's okay, he's with me. A little contingency plan I had.","75":"There's a few chuckles from the crowd.","76":"Why don't we take a look at what the mayor [i]really[\/i] thinks of this town and its good people?","77":"My partner [i]Tobin the Toaster[\/i] and I have something very interesting to show...","78":"What's that, [i]Tobin[\/i]? Play the video? Sure...","79":"Now... {PlayerName}... How do I show what [i]Tobin the Toaster[\/i] and I have here? I'm pressing the button, but nothing is appearing on the screen...","80":"Laughing again, the mayor begins to address the presence of the newest hero on the stage...","81":"People, what is this? It's not enough with this pathetic show, now you're going to expose our homeless residents? The insane? It's not possible...","82":"{PlayerName}? A little help here...","83":"Calm down, BatFriend. First, thank you for coming, man. Second, I've already asked to our helpers to connect the memory card to the audiovisual system. Let's see what the mayor really thinks in...","84":"3,[pause] 2,[pause] 1...","85":"I give the signal and someone from our team of assistants plays the video we obtained on a very interesting night a few days ago.","86":"...You really don't have any shame, do you.","87":"You knew how much that park meant to the people. You knew the community loved it. And you sold that off, to what? Line your pockets? How many private jets are enough for a mayor?","88":"The audio is even better than I had hoped...","89":"Oh, it'd be completely against the law for me to profit from this park, scouts honor. I wouldn't take a dime of that money.","90":"I might get a lift on a private plane with an Arab investor? Maybe, but when I do, I'm always thinking about what's best for the city.","91":"A trip on a yacht of some Russian oligarch could happen, but you know how it is, we're always trying to save money for the mayor's office on business trips, always thinking about what's best for our people...","92":"I am merely a steward of the community that is looking out for the best economical health of the town which has entrusted to me its leadership....","93":"Even if I believed that, you don't think it's fucked up? To take this from the community? What about the retirement village you're gutting?","94":"An important voting group, but those are acceptable losses.","95":"We have more important voters, some of which have already booked some of our fine homes.","96":"And most of the people in this town are half-inbred podunk townies or dumb, horny college kids. They'll shovel some slop in their mouths, drool at their phones, and ain't no one even gonna remember that park was there in a year...","97":"I watch the people's faces as they see the video, morphing from confusion to anger, as their gazes slowly turn on the mayor.","98":"Realizing, in his pride, that he's taken a bit out of that cowshit he wanted to feed me, he slowly begins slinking back through the crowd, trying to make himself look as small as possible.","99":"That's... uh... That there is all AI generated. I swear on my dear sweet mother's grave I wouldn't ever say such things about my voters!","100":"... And it's illegal to survey someone and record their say'ns without permission! This here is a character assassination and... And...","101":"The boo's and angry glares only intensify, as the mayor shrivels back into the crowd and disappears.","102":"Haley, seizing the moment, takes the mic again.","103":"There you have it, folks! Your mayor, exposed for what he really is! A creep preying upon our town!","104":"Are you gonna let him get away with this!?","105":"The crowd erupts in defiance. Spectacle indeed.","106":"That's what I thought! We're Shale Hill! No one pushes us around!","107":"So call your city councilor, and make sure that this corrupt land deal gets put to a stop, and make these crooks put our greens back!","108":"And if that sleazeball is somehow still in office by then, let's make sure to vote him and his dumb hat out!","109":"The crowd cheers!","110":"And let's give it up to our heroes!","111":"She gestures to Sam, I, and the others. My face turns red, but I bow humbly with the others!","112":"We need people who will stand up to real world villains like the mayor, and to shine light on their evil, but it's up to all of us to stop them!","0":"Haley's smokey voice rings out over the crowd in the last lyrics of her song.","113":"With that unscheduled third act twist done, Haley gets back to the show, breaking into a new number with her different voices and styles.","1":"She really is a natural. We already had a good turn out when the show began, but more and more townsfolk have wandered in, drawn in by the young siren.","114":"While the show continues, and after getting out of our costumes, Sam and I go over to where Toasterman is standing, far from the stage, in the other side of the Construction Site.","2":"And Sam's company really came through with the stage and lighting. They even sent over some techs and stage hands to help run everything.","115":"Good think'n on the camera.","3":"You could really get a sense of the community coming together. It is exactly what we were hoping for.","116":"Thanks, someone told me the mayor's weakness was his pride... and it helped that I believed him when he told me that he'd come by to rub it in my face after he thought he had the drop on us.","4":"Haley finally finished out her set, and pauses for the applause. Graciously bowing and waving.","117":"Toasterman, seriously, I can't thank you enough.","5":"Thank you so much, Shale Hill! It's so good to see you beautiful people!","118":"Really. I don't know how we can repay you. Do you want to stay with us? We have an extra room.","6":"We're so happy you came out for our show to save the Shale Hill University Greens!","119":"Toasterman shakes his head and politely gestures to refuse the offer.","7":"The crowd erupts in cheers again.","120":"Just doing my job, ma'am. No thanks needed.","8":"None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of two amazing, selfless, human beings, who I am so thankful to call my friends!","121":"Sometimes, things just need doin. Though I reckon I don't need to tell either of you that.","9":"They are the leaders and coordinators of the Avenge the Greens campaign, and the people who helped bring us together to stop our green public spaces from being turned into a block of gaudy, ugly condos!","122":"But if you'll excuse me, I have to disappear into the night!","123":"With that, the enigmatic vagrant scurries off into some heavy machinery.","124":"You know, I really can't get a bead on that guy.","125":"Me neither, but I'm glad he's our friend.","126":"I put my arm around Sam and she gets up on her toes to plant a big kiss on my cheek.","127":"I'm really proud of you, you know that?","128":"Thanks. I'm proud of you, too. And everyone, frankly. This was a team effort.","129":"She gives me one of those smiles that just makes my legs turn to jelly.","130":"Come on, let's go catch the rest of Haley's set!","131":"We turn to join the others. With everything turning out like it did, I don't think we have to worry about getting the votes we need from the city council."},"ch18__epilogue_sam.65_victory_laps_and_pencil_skirts.vne3":{"10":"It's not been officially announced, but expect within a day or two for the Mayor's office to announce that he will not be seeking re-election in the coming months. The official word is he is stepping out of the race to deal with [i]family[\/i] issues.","11":"Well! A bit more excitement for the people of Shale Hill regarding city hall. Turning now to sports...","12":"Sam flips off the TV, and looks at me with a big grin.","13":"Dude, I think we fucking did it!","14":"You know what, I think we actually did.","15":"{PlayerName}, we fucking rule! We saved the Greens!","16":"We bask in the victory for a moment. Things feel right with the world again. A great injustice has been righted, and the people of Shale Hill and students of SHU will have their park back.","17":"Maybe it's not saving the world, but it's still something worth saving.","18":"Oh my gosh, I can't believe they showed footage of our superhero fight. I almost died of cringe!","19":"And be honest, do think I gained weight? I swear that suit felt tired and my ass looked huge on camera.","20":"That's what you're taking away from this? And I'd really be hazarding an answer. You having a ''thicc with two c's'' ass is kind of a win for me.","21":"Huh? Jesus, you're such a [i]guy[\/i]. So you think my ass [i]did[\/i] get fatter?","22":"It's been a real issue I've been dealing with. You walking around with those cheeks always peeking out at me from under that pencil skirt. And you in those heels is just trouble.","23":"You realize how hard it makes it to focus?","24":"You're really going to try and turn this around on me?","25":"A little, yeah.","26":"And you say you're not a politician.","27":"Seriously, dude. I've been walking around in tiny skirts and ''fuck me'' heels for [i]months[\/i], trying to coax [i]you[\/i] into just grabbing me, bending me over, and plow me in the ass!","28":"... Oh...","29":"Yeah! ''Oh''!","30":"Well?...","31":"Sam bends over, tugging up her skirt a bit and letting her stunning butt pop out from under her skirt.","32":"Do I have to literally write ''Fuck me'' across my cheeks or is this enough of a signal for you?","33":"My heart begins to race and I feel my pants get tighter.","34":"I let my eyes start down at her dainty feet, strapped into those stylish black stilletos. The sound of her clopping across the hardwood in those alone is enough to get my blood moving.","35":"Letting my eyes work their way up her stunning hindquarters, with her fine, slender, shapely legs.","36":"I'd like to just chew on those thighs.","37":"And up until my eyes reach her round, juicy, behind, and tight little pussy.","38":"Damn... Tell me you don't go commando at work.","39":"Mmm, no, I'm on HR's radar enough just from my language. I only walk around without panties when I'm at home for you.","40":"That sweet, plump peach is making my mouth water.","41":"Sam bends over further, arching her back and bracing herself on the coffee table and wiggling her juicy rump for me, giggling.","42":"Come on, [i]{PlayerName}[\/i].","43":"After all that hard work, I think you deserve a tasty little snack!","44":"Sam coo's continuing to tease and beckon me on with her stunning figure.","45":"She's so hot, I'd be content with just jerking one out to the sight of her.","46":"But I'm sure as hell not gonna pass on this opportunity. Getting closer, I take my time, teasing her a little in return, and just exploring every silky, curvy, lithe inch of her.","47":"Mmm, hurry up! Dunking on the mayor and saving the town makes me so fucking horny!","48":"I begin my expedition of this heavenly body at her feet, running my fingers down the tops of them and working my way up her ankles.","49":"That tickles!","50":"God, I love the way you touch me!","51":"Leisure, I run my hands up and down her calves and thighs, taking in the feel of her soft, warm skin on my palms.","52":"Fuck! I could just let you feel me up for hours!","53":"My hands finally reach that stellar ass, and I grab thick handfuls of those cheeks and give them a couple of play spanks, coaxing an adorable squeal from Sam.","54":"Mmm, what are you gonna do to me?","55":"She wags her ass at me again, as I admire her undercarriage. There are so many things I want to do to her, I don't know where to begin.","56":"But since she looks like such a tasty little snack, I figure eating her out is a good place to start.","57":"I bury my face between those heavenly mounds, and begin snacking on her tight snatch. Sam squeals and jumps a bit, giggling and cooing.","58":"Oh, fuck yes, baby! Eat out my tight little pussy!","59":"You're making me so fucking wet right now!","60":"I dig my face in deeper between those warm, soft cheeks. Motorboating her ass, tickling her and causing her to try pull away, but my grip is too tight.","61":"Jesus, you're a fucking animal!","62":"Fuck, I need you inside me right now!","63":"Standing, Sam begins taking her top off, fumbling with her buttons as she can't get them undone fast enough.","64":"Resuming the position and bending back over, she presses her hindquarters back into me, and I slide my throbbing hardon on between those supple cheeks.","65":"God, yes! Put in it! Please put it in!","66":"Tight and petite, her pussy still slowly gives under pressure, and my stiff cock eventually pushes past the resistance and plunges inside her wet womanhood.","67":"Fuck! Yes! Fuck me! Fuck me hard!","68":"Ahh, I've had my eye on this outfit for weeks...","69":"I don't know why, but some clothes seem to have this effect on us men...","70":"All I wanted, every time I looked at Sam, was to lift that skirt and stick my cock in that tight pussy.","71":"That's it, daddy! I've been such a bad girl! Prancing around in my teeny little skirt and making you all hard! Punish me!","72":"Eager to oblige, I begin thrusting harder and more firmling, rocking the asian minx back and forth against the creaking coffee table.","73":"God damn, you're so fucking hot!","74":"Mmm, that's it! Give it to me!","75":"I need to hold myself back from throwing my little girlfriend over the table.","76":"But I must admit that Sam is also strong, handling my thrusts with great competence.","77":"Aaaaah... You really wanted to fuck your executive girlfriend, didn't you, {PlayerName}?","78":"I pull Sam in tighter, her backside grinding against me as my cock plunges into her depths.","79":"Her moans and hungry whimpers fill the living room.","80":"Fuck! Let's get you out of this skirt!","81":"Sam giggles as I peel the tight garment off her nubile frame.","82":"She lets out a squeal when I hoist her up into my arms.","83":"Oh my gosh! So forceful! Where are you taking me?","84":"I kick open the bedroom door and walk in.","85":"Mmm, let me down! I wanna suck your dick!","86":"Getting on her knees, Sam giddy begins pumping my meat.","87":"God, you're so big!","88":"Almost timidly at first, she presses her pouty lips to the end of my manhood.","89":"Feeling those warm petals massaging the head of my phallus is almost enough by itself for me to shoot.","90":"But it's incomparable to the sensation of her wrapping her mouth around my cock, and beginning to suck.","91":"Thirstily slurping up the cocktail of spit and precum and her residual juices that still coat my shaft.","92":"I groan in pleasure, looking down at her dutifully bounce her pretty head back and forth.","93":"Watching me with those smokey, feline eyes.","94":"Sam's hot mouth almost drives me crazy.","95":"Still, I don't miss the opportunity to provoke her, after all, if I don't distract myself, our fun will end prematurely.","96":"Oh, my love, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were so hungry.","97":"Reveling in the blowjob, I take as seat nearby, and let Sam resume her good work.","98":"After a few years she's an absolute pro when it comes to knowing what I like. She works me like a master plays their instrument.","99":"She puts her entire, supple body into it.","100":"That petite, curvy figure rocking back and forth like some sexual machine, designed to please.","101":"God damn... I ever tell you how good you are at this?","102":"She moans in response, the vibrations from her throat sending another frequency of ecstasy quaking through my member.","103":"It's hard not to be greedy when her mouth feels this good, but I still try and be a gentleman.","104":"How about it, sweet-cheeks? You wanna hop on for a ride?","105":"With a grin on her face, she nods, and climbs up into my lap.","106":"Slowly, she lowers herself down onto my post. Her welcoming womanhood slowly engulfing it.","107":"Looking down, Sam watches in fascination as I pull her back onto my stick. I feel her insides stretching to accommodate the girth.","108":"Fuck! Fuck-fuck-fuck! Baby, you feel so good!","109":"Without ceremony, Sam starts bouncing on my lap with enthusiasm.","110":"Using my cock as a guide, she keeps her balance while moaning wildly on top of me.","111":"Her small, tight pussy seems to struggle with my member, but that only makes the girl even more excited.","112":"Using her like a sex toy, I pump her body up and down on my throbbing hardon.","113":"Pistoning in and out of her in rhythm with her moans.","114":"Baby, I'm gonna cu... I'm gonna...!","115":"She's not even able to complete a sentence, her high brain functions short circuiting as the orgasm quakes through her.","116":"Causing her to tense up like her muscles had sudden become steel cable. A melodic moan erupting from her lips.","117":"Giving her a moment to breathe and recover herself, I contort her around to get better access to those magnificent tits.","118":"Listening to her sensual coo's as I grab a melon and begin sucking on it. Toying with that perky nipple with my tongue.","119":"Feeling she's had enough time to rest, I toss her up on the bed, barely giving her a second to giggle and chide me before grabbing her by the hips and re-enter.","120":"Oh my goodness! So rough! You're such a... Oooo!","121":"Having a good go at her, I begin slamming my hips into her plump ass. Watching her little body rock back and forth at the furious pounding.","122":"Oh-yes-daddy-fuck-brains-out!","123":"Squealing in ecstasy, she does her best to rock back into me, but my weight and strength advantage is apparent.","124":"Jesus! Fuck me in the ass! Put it in my bum-bum!","125":"Grinning, I draw my shaft from her pussy and slide it up to her waiting anus.","126":"Soaked in her juices, I slowly press the quivering member to her back door, pushing my way inside.","127":"Sam's asshole is resistant at first, fighting penetration, but I continue to coax at and massage it.","128":"Until finally, with a satisfying pop, it relaxes and I plunge inside.","129":"Sam's body bucks and seizes up, and she gasps deeply, upon being penetrated.","130":"It's so big! Baby, I can barely breathe!","131":"Breathlessly, Sam looks back at me in shock, as if this should be any surprise to her at this point.","132":"I start pumping slowly, but quickling pick up the pace as I rail her ass.","133":"She stays with me as I recline backwards on the bed, deftly maneuvering on top of me to stay pegged on my shaft.","134":"Mmm, I love it when you put it up my ass!","135":"Bracing on top of me, Sam begins to pump herself up and down. Riding my hog and moaning wildly.","136":"I don't know how we've never had complaints from our neighbors.","137":"While she's able to keep it together while riding me, she can't once I reach around and start fingering her at the same time.","138":"{PlayerName}, oh my god! Oh-my god-oh-my-god-oh-my-god!...","139":"I revel in having access to both her holes at once.","140":"Sliding in and out of her asshole while my fingers explore her pussy, toying with her g-spot.","141":"The sensation appears too much, even for Sam, and she pulls away.","142":"Getting up her feet, she squats over me, and continues riding my pole.","143":"God damn, baby! Your ass is out of this world!","144":"I sit back and watch the show for a moment. Admiring her body and thanking the powers that I get to fuck such an amazing woman.","145":"Aaah, Sam... How your ass can take so much meat?","146":"Fuck... I don't know if I can last much longer at this pace.","147":"Fill my ass with your cum, {PlayerName}. Please! I want it!","148":"But I don't want to finish the job yet, and Sam knows that.","149":"Riding reverse cowgirl, with back arched and ass propped up, she deserves to be sculpted in marble.","150":"Does it feel good?","151":"Babe, it feels [i]amazing[\/i]!","152":"Hehe... I know how much you like to put it in my ass!","153":"She's not wrong, flipping her over, I take a more active part in the festivities.","154":"Sam watches intently as I reposition her for another round of heavy fucking.","155":"Refreshed, I begin pumping away, driving my cock in and out of her tight anus.","156":"Oh yes! Pound my ass! Use me like your little plaything!","157":"Oh my God... Like that... Like that, you hit the right spot...","158":"C'mon {PlayerName}, do me... It's so delicious, your cock is the best thing in the world.","159":"Please, give me your cum. I want your hot cum...","160":"Sam pans and writhes around on the bed, our hot breath mixing together, as I have my way with her.","161":"Taking her like this, it's not long before I feel myself closing towards climax.","162":"Wanting her so bad, I pin her to the bed and begin chewing on the soft neck and graceful shoulder.","163":"God, yes! Just fucking ravage me!","164":"Eyes drunk with lust, Sam pushes me off her for a moment.","165":"Pulling my cock out of her ass, she slides it back into her quivering, tight pussy.","166":"She gives me a hungry grin.","167":"Well, since you didn't fill my ass with cum, then please, pour your hot milk inside my tight little pussy.","168":"If there was anything to say that would put me over the edge, that was it.","169":"At her wish, I begin racking my hips into her, holding her down under me as I hurtle towards finish.","170":"Yes! Oh god, yes!","171":"We cum nearly at the same time, with her beating me out by maybe a second or two.","172":"Her slit contracts and trembles as it hugs my manhood.","173":"I feel my own body become possessed by the orgasm.","174":"Plunging my cock deep inside Sam, I finally climax.","175":"My hips buckle and shake, as I fire off load after load of hot seed inside her.","176":"Fuck! That's it! Cum inside of me! Creampie me!","177":"I growl, my entire body flexing automatically, clutching Sam in a vice like grip as I continue to pump her full of jizz.","178":"With the last of my spunk now filling Sam, and my limbs begin to relax and tremble, I slowly draw my cock out of her.","179":"She moans and coos, kissing me uncontrollably as I do.","180":"Fully unsheathing my softening erection from her, she squeals and giggles.","181":"God, you shoot so much. I need to go grab a towel!","182":"After a quick clean up, Sam and I lay in bed. Cooling off and basking in some post-coital glow.","183":"You know, I've been thinking...","184":"Uh huh?","185":"I mean, they mentioned on the news the Mayor wasn't even seeking re-election.","186":"Sam...","187":"... Not that I don't think you could beat him even if he did run.","188":"Plus, you need a job anyway.","189":"You're a cute-pie, for sure. But I'm not gonna be your sugar-mama forever.","190":"I'm still crazy young to be a mayor.","191":"So? You've already been student council president. And more than half the town is college students anyway. So it's not like you're inexperienced.","192":"Plus, you'll have me by your side the whole way.","193":"I give her a smile.","194":"That last fact might just be enough to convince me to run.","0":"It has been several days since the lively events of the show at Green's Park, and Sam and I were sitting down to catch the evening news.","1":"We listen intently to the news caster and a local reporter talk about how the events are unfolding.","2":"... well at this point, the game is already over. The development deal is sunk.","3":"The City Council will be voting to review the project tomorrow, and now all five city councilors have pledged to vote yes on a review.","4":"And I'll tell you, after even a cursory look at this land deal, there's no way this development plan to turn Green's Park into condominiums is going to hold water.","5":"Do you believe any charges may be leveled against the Mayor and the Shale Hill Development Group?","6":"Well, I can say the development group, at best, will likely be facing some steep fines, and will be on the hook for restoring Green's Park to it's previous condition, per their contractual obligation.","7":"As for the mayor? Well, the video from the Avenge the Greens show was a political death sentence.","8":"Even if we gloss over the fact that the mayor is [i]again[\/i] under serious financial investigation and audit, he and his administration might be facing real criminal charges, including racketeering and witness intimidation.","9":"So I don't expect we'll see him on the ticket for the next election?"},"ch18__epilogue_valerie_bad.05_several_years_later.vne3":{"10":"Valerie runs a finger across my shoulder. Using the guise of removing some lint to try and send a little electricity down my spine. She must have caught me ogling the new intern. Nothing much escapes those vivid eyes.","11":"Yes, madam. I understand. I'm just trying to reduce the variables. {PlayerName} winning re-election is crucial for our current time table for his run for the Presidency in...","12":"Presidency? Am I running for President at some point?","13":"She is an ambitious one, isn't she?","14":"I flash Valerie a coy, knowing grin. Toying with Genevieve and getting her frazzled to the point her robotic exterior begins to come apart is one of the fun little games we like to play.","15":"Of course, we started planning my run for presidency long ago. I think most politicians who reach this level have aspirations of the ''big seat''.","16":"Though, I'm not ''most'' politicians.","17":"Valerie and I began our plans to put me in the oval office not long after we graduated college. Wargaming my trajectory has been a favorite activity of ours when lying in bed after ravaging each other.","18":"Valerie maintains that it's when her head is the most clear.","19":"Forgive me... I just meant, if we want to keep the door open for a hypothetical run down the road, it might be advantageous to stack the deck as early as possible.","20":"The rival party has increased attack ads, and I think the wise move is to begin some more fundraising.","21":"I have to stress that it's important we maintain our footing now and not allow too much of a dip in...","22":"Valerie rolls her eyes and raises a hand to cut our subordinate off. Saving her from the anxiety.","23":"{PlayerName} will not have any trouble defeating Rollins in the next election. Rollins doesn't have the pockets for a sustained run, has too many enemies in the state government, and not enough leverage. To say nothing of his... ''policies''. ","24":"In the next election, Diana Chavez will run for President, winning it to become the first woman to hold the position.","25":"After her first term, she'll ditch her original VP pick, Mike Riporio, after his age begins to catch up with him, tapping {PlayerName} as her new VP to inject some ''fresh blood'' to help her win a second term.","26":"Oh, I like Chavez. Did you see those cooking segments she did while being interviewed for her senatorial run? How could you vote against those chimichangas?","27":"Depending on how Diana is polling when she leaves office, {PlayerName} will run as her successor, or as the rebel leader standing up to a tired and ineffectual establishment.","28":"Or, you know, something along those lines, we haven't thought about it too much.","29":"I say, tossing a ball in the air absentmindedly.","30":"Genevieve, perceiving that things aren't as nebulous or undefined as she thought, suddenly is lost for words.","31":"Senator Chavez... Another ''Shale Hill'' alumni, if memory serves correct. And an associate of yours.","32":"There certainly are a number of SHU alums who have been finding their way into the federal government as of late.","33":"Indeed. I always said SHU had the most underrated pre-law and poli-sci programs in the country.","34":"It would seem, wouldn't it? Something about the school must just... attract the best minds for the job.","35":"Genevieve pauses for a moment, still playing catch up.","36":"It's not that she's unintelligent, or even untrustworthy. But the nature of our business often means keeping heads lower down the totem pole in the dark until they're needed.","37":"And she certainly does have a sharp mind for politics.","38":"Of course, Chavez will likely have to turn coat before she runs. The other party's lineup for nominees is already quite deep.","39":"It is. If you were advising her, Genevieve, when would you have her switch parties?","40":"... It would have to be over something of substance. Changing sides is a risky gamble... The proposed Hanson Environmental Act is controversial...","41":"The Hanson Environmental Act... Valerie, that's so odd, weren't you just the other day having lunch with Diana and it came up?","42":"Why? I believe it did. We had a long discussion on the topic.","43":"The Hanson Environmental Act...","44":"... Is a wreck. It'll cripple a number of industries and put tens of thousands of people out of business for what amounts to saving a drop in the bucket.","45":"The only thing it [i]really[\/i] protects is Senator Kimbers and Vice President Neuman's investment in the fertilizer lobby, whose companies all seem to be lining up exemptions.","46":"The advertising campaign seemed so sincere too.","47":"Genevieve nods, seeing that the long term strategy is in good hands, and she should rather concern herself with the more day-to-day business.","48":"Well, my meteoric rise to power aside, what else is on the docket, Gene? Any babies to kiss or first pitches to throw out?","49":"Just a meeting with the Printer's union this Thursday... and you have an appointment with the Shale Hill Dean on Friday... Oh, and of course, dinner with the Mayor tonight.","50":"Excellent. I look forward to getting my ear talked off about fishing.","51":"If that's all congressmen, Madam?","52":"I think that will be all for now, thank you, Genevieve.","53":"Thanks, Gene. Catch you later!","54":"Genevieve turns and leaves.","55":"She's turned into such a worry-wart, hasn't she? Rebecca, honey, will you fix the congressmen and me a couple of drinks?","56":"Yes, Ms. Valerie. Congressmen? The usual?","57":"Yes, please. Thanks, Rebecca.","58":"So, how do you think we should proceed with Rollins?","59":"He's sharp, and driven. He'll certainly try and come for you over your record on tax reform.","60":"Let 'em. He'll show up with a binder full of financial law and market figures and put anyone who's listening into a coma.","61":"The intern returns with our drinks, handing one to Valerie before walking to my desk and handing one to me.","62":"Thank you, Rebecca.","63":"Then, the she gets down on her knees and begins undoing my belt and fly.","64":"Rollins policies aren't necessarily wrong, but they're entirely academic.","65":"He can run as many projections and predictions as he wants, but the idea that he thinks any of his plans would survive more than a few months shows he has no bearing in reality.","66":"Again, I'm not knocking the guy, he's objectively brilliant but...","67":"I have to pause for a moment when the intern slides my cock into her mouth, savoring the surge of warm, wet euphoria.","68":"I take a sip of my drink to fetch my bearings.","69":"... He's a nerd. He can't tie his shoes without a five part plan. The public isn't going to go for that. They'll chew him up and spit him back out.","70":"It almost sounds like you have a soft spot for him?","71":"Hell, I'd consider him for a cabinet position.","72":"I reach down, grabbing a fistful of Rebecca's hair, feeling her relax and letting me take over the pace, using her like a sex toy while she obediently sucks my unit.","73":"I heard he throws a mean BBQ too... It must be getting close to lunch. I keep thinking about politicians based on their culinary skills.","74":"I concur. I don't think Rollins is going to be too much of a threat.","75":"That said, what do you think we should consider as far as contingencies? In case Rollins proves to be a more promising leader than we anticipated?","76":"Rebecca's tongue slides up and down the base of my shaft, the head of my cock diving down her moist throat with each bob of that pretty head.","77":"I'd hate to get down and dirty with the guy. He seems nice, if not misguided... There's that little bachelor party trip to Thailand he went on.","78":"He wasn't married to his wife yet, but I don't think a threeway with a couple of lady-boys would be a revelation he'd want to address at his next church pot-luck.","79":"Valerie sips her drink, her feline eyes hungrily following Rebecca as she's working my unit.","80":"Talking about political subterfuge while watching me get blown is a surefire way to get her engine going.","81":"I exhale slightly, trying to keep my own focus, but Rebecca is making it difficult.","82":"It's good training for focus and discipline, but even I have my limits, as I place both hands on Rebecca's head and begin really savorying her mouth.","83":"But Valerie wants her turn as well, reaching down to pull Rebecca away from her duties so she could admire the interns' pretty features.","84":"Of course, there's always the blow back to be concerned with, if Rollins takes the hit from being exposed. It could paint us as mud slingers.","85":"She hikes up her skirt, and grabs the intern. Rebecca, well trained as she is, lets Valerie guide her.","86":"In the case we do break the story about the lady-boys, we'll be sure to distance ourselves from it.","87":"Good call, come right out and say that it's dirty politics and a low blow. Ask the public and the press to respect Rollins' privacy as he works through the fallout.","88":"I lean back, sipping my cocktail and watching Valerie moan softly while she gets worked on by the new girl.","89":"Mmmm... And if that doesn't work after he ''has a new conversation with Jesus'' and gets right with God, I suppose we could put Arthur to work.","90":"Have him do a full spectrum attack on all of Rollins digital campaign platforms.","91":"Watching her carry on with the conversation while Rebecca devours her, I can't help but wonder what excites Valerie more: the feel of Rebecca's mouth or the thrill of political scheming.","92":"Watching the young girl snack on Valerie is getting me hungry for something else, and I stand and begin to undo my shirt.","93":"We could have him institute that new program I have him working on. It will shadow-kill all of Rollins' digital campaign ads. So that only a fraction of them ever get played or seen.","94":"Walking over, I coyly pull Valeriés blazer open, reaching down to grab a handful of my favorite set of tits. Bouncing the warm mound of soft flesh in my hand and twerking the nipple.","95":"Really? Is the technology advanced enough to be battlefield ready? I know he's been making progress on it...","96":"It's not quite there, but with a bit more coaxing, I'm sure Arthur will have it ready before the election.","97":"The best part is, with the new algorithm modification, it'll still register that Rollins got all the views, even though barely anyone will actually see them.","98":"Valerie looks at me and smiles while I begin roughly groping her perky, plump tits.","99":"Who's the nerd, now?","100":"Don't get me started. It already drives Arthur nuts how often I show up there and poke around the code.","101":"He doesn't like how hands on I am in his business, but I just think all the tech is cool.","102":"Valerie reaches up, beginning to stroke my hard member, eyeing it hungrily, barely paying attention to me gush over coding.","103":"She's too distracted staring at my cock like it was a precious gem.","104":"Too bad for him he works for you.","105":"That's true. Now why don't you show me who [i]you[\/i] work for.","106":"Grinning, Valerie leans and begins gently and affectionately kissing my erection.","107":"Those rose petal lips explore the head of my shaft, still wet from Rebecca's mouth.","108":"A warm purr escaping her as she explores my manhood with her mouth.","109":"She then presses those lips to my head, and they slide up and envelope me.","110":"My legs nearly buckle at the sensation. I've had the pleasure of many women's mouths, but none compare to Valerie.","111":"It's almost as if her mouth was made for me.","112":"Forming into a soft oval, it slides down around my length, sealed tight with her tongue massaging the bottom of my meat.","113":"My lust for her rages like a beast in a rickety cage, and it takes all my will power to keep from just grabbing her head and having my way with her.","114":"My hand still finds its way to that head of beautiful, dark brown hair. My fingers snaking their way through her luscious locks while she slowly bobs back and forth.","115":"Below us, Rebecca continues her dutiful service, lapping hungrily at Valerie's snatch.","116":"Loosing the battle with my more bestial nature, I tighten by grip around Valerie's high ponytail, and begin to pump her against my shaft more roughly.","117":"Valerie's legs begin to twitch and writhe in arousal at the rougher handling. She's never been one who preferred a ''delicate'' treatment.","118":"Our political planning has been... superseded at the moment.","119":"Overcome and dominated by our animal urges, the office becomes a den of sexual hedonism.","120":"Valerie takes my thick cock into her mouth, her moans muffled as Rebecca, dutifully following instructions, expertly pleasures Valerie's pussy.","121":"There's no greater thrill than stealing a moment of pleasure right here in the office, especially when it involves indulging in my obedient girls.","122":"I finally give Valerie a moment to come up for air, my long member sliding out from her throat and leaving a sticky string of precum and saliva stretching from her lips.","123":"Her hungry eyes gaze up at me, now drunk with lust, looking for my approval.","124":"Remembering her own pleasure, Valerie looks down and gently cradles Rebecca's head, who is still eating her out.","125":"I want to watch you fuck her.","126":"The intern hearing this, arches her back and presses her ass further up, to present herself.","127":"I maneuver around the little snack, eyeing that plump peach, wrapped up tight in that tiny pencil skirt.","128":"Treating the intern like the piece of candy she is, I slowly begin to unwrap her.","129":"Taking my time as I slowly pull down the zipper on her skirt, and undoing the buttons on her blouse.","130":"Stripped naked, Rebecca seems to have taken a different form.","131":"From professional office assistant, to edible sex toy.","132":"Leaning over, I press my face in between her perky, heavenly soft ass cheeks.","133":"I grin, feeling the body of the normally stoic and formal intern buckle when my tongue presses to her asshole.","134":"Mmm... Yes, baby! I love watching you work over the new girls!","135":"Valerie coos from her chair, panting lustfully as she watches the show.","136":"I continue my work breaking the new mare.","137":"Reaching up, I let my fingers probe and prod at her womanhood. It's already sopping wet, and I hear the soft coos and moans erupting from her lips while she tries to eat out Valerie.","138":"Grinning, I playfully and lightly bite at the girl's soft cheek. Just enough to get a little squeal out of her, as I gently slide my fingers inside of her.","139":"Her tight pussy eagerly accepts my probing, pressing her hindquarters back to let my fingers slide in even deeper.","140":"Mmm... Yes... You're a good little fuck toy for the congressman, aren't you? You little slut.","141":"And what beautiful blue eyes... {PlayerName}, doesn't she have the loveliest blue eyes?","142":"Stunning. Everything on her is lovely.","143":"I say, lifting up Rebecca's dainty feet. I wrap them around my twitching shaft and begin jerking myself off with them, admiring her pretty little toes.","144":"I rub my cock against the soft soles of Rebecca's feet, her moans vibrating against Valerie's pussy as she sucks her with fervor.","145":"Rebecca's toes curl as I press my hardness against her feet, her mouth never leaving Valerie's wet folds, intensifying every sensation.","146":"Now being taken from both sides, Rebecca's demeanor begins to crumble.","147":"The whimpers and lustful moans are coming from her faster and louder now.","148":"Valerie looks at me, a wild arousal in her eyes.","149":"Mmm, she needs to be mounted and bred, like a little bitch...","150":"A sly smile stretches across my face. Valerie's eager to watch me fuck our newest girl again, and I don't like to disappoint my love.","151":"I press my cock to Rebecca's tight pussy, rubbing the head against her lips and feeling her shiver and quake in anticipation.","152":"The intern moans meekly when I finally slide my rod into her, her legs shuddering from the penetration.","153":"I squeeze the warm, pliant flesh of her ass, savoring her body.","154":"I resist the urge to start rocking my hips into the poor girl, given she's sandwiched between Val and me.","155":"Instead I take it slowly, gently but firmly sliding in and out of her wet pussy, letting her match my rhythm.","156":"She's tight, nubile, supple... All qualities I like to see in my interns.","157":"Soon though, it appears Rebecca isn't quite satisfied with our pace, and I feel her push back against my cock more firmly, as if to coax me to pound her harder.","158":"I have other thoughts though, staring down at that tight asshole.","159":"Giving my thumb a good lick, I press it to her anus, and pop it inside her, causing Rebecca to let out a muffled yelp.","160":"Valerie grins at the sight of me fingering the girl's back door, breathing heavily as she gets her own business worked.","161":"Mmmm, yes... Put every hole of our pretty little Rebecca to work! Work for that poly-sci credit!","162":"I start to take Rebecca from behind, gently sliding my thumb into her tight ass. Despite the intensity of my thrusts, she never breaks her rhythm, devotedly pleasuring Valerie's pussy with her mouth.","163":"This young woman, despite her tender age, is one of the most exquisite playthings to have ever set foot in this office. And I've had my fair share of eager candidates.","164":"I feel her ass begin to relax, a sign that I can move forward with my intentions.","165":"Not too difficult a job it would seem. The way the sandy haired blonde rocks back and forth between us.","166":"I can't ignore the way she grinds her hips against my pelvis, my cock sliding deeper and deeper inside her.","167":"Yes... Fuck her harder, {PlayerName}!","168":"Doesn't the Congressman fuck you good, Rebecca? Just look at how he's melting the brain in that pretty head of yours!","169":"Properly prepping her, I pull my length out of her pussy, and put it against her asshole.","170":"Rebecca tenses up momentarily, but soon relaxes, surrendering herself to me.","171":"I moan as I slide inside her tight ass, feeling her clench around my thickness.","172":"She certainly is tight.","173":"Mmm... Oh fuck!... Uhhh...","174":"I grab hold of the buxom twenty one year old blonde. Tightly gripping her as I pick up the pace, fucking her plump young ass.","175":"That's it... You like that, don't you? You horny little slut! Do you like it when the Congressmen fucks you up the ass?","176":"Y-y-yes Ms. Valerie!","177":"Yes!... Oh yes... Harder! Fuck her harder, {PlayerName}!","178":"I smash my hips into the wailing intern's nubile ass over and over again, the sounds of our flesh slapping together filling the room. The sight pushes Valerie over the edge.","179":"God, yes!...","180":"I'm cumming, {PlayerName}! I'm cum...","181":"Valerie pops. Hitting climax.","182":"She squirts as she does. Her stream firing off directly into Rebecca's face.","183":"Rebecca bucks and moans, marked by Valerie's domination.","184":"... If anyone ever brings a black light in here, we're totally screwed.","185":"Keeping a tight grip on Rebecca's arms, I continue to rail into her.","186":"Mmmm, lift her up for me, {PlayerName}! I want a taste of our little treat!","187":"With her ass still speared on my cock, I hoist the petite intern up into the air, presenting her like a gift to Valerie.","188":"Valerie drops to her knees, crooning her head up to begin to eat out the whimpering blonde.","189":"Do you like it when Ms. Valerie eats you out?","190":"Rebecca lets out a meager reply, nodding her head bashfully as the pulses of pleasure ripple through her body.","191":"Valerie eagerly laps at the intern's pussy, her own luscious figure writhing beneath us.","192":"Watching her sends another jolt of blood to my cock. I do love watching her work on other girls.","193":"It's starting to make me want a taste.","194":"Pivoting, I set the intern down and push Valerie against the desk, taking my turn on her wet pussy.","195":"She coos, running those slender fingers through my hair while I pull her in tighter. Squeeze her plump cheeks.","196":"Mmm... You'll find, Rebecca, the Congressman is ''quite'' a talented tongue...","197":"Yes, Ma'am.","198":"I feel the curious intern pressing her supple body against mine, watching as I stand and probe my cock against Valerie's quivering slit.","199":"Unable to resist toying with her a bit, I gently slide the head of my rod in between her tight lips, then back out. Giving her just the tip.","200":"Fuck... Oh, you're such a tease! Just stick it in me already!","201":"Deciding I've played with her enough, I slowly press my hips forward, feeling my cock slide up inside Valerie.","202":"As I do, I stare deeply into her eyes, savoring the bouquet of lustful expressions that she makes when I penetrate her.","203":"Mmm... god... I love your cock!","204":"I love you.","205":"I love you! Now fucking pound me!","206":"Happily. I push Valerie up on the desk, picking up the pace and driving my length in and out of her, faster and faster.","207":"Spreading Valerie's legs wide, I start to pound into her with fervor. The wet sounds of her pussy mingle with the creaking of the table, which shudders with every thrust.","208":"Rebecca doesn't remain idle; she promptly takes one of Valerie's feet and begins to suck on her big toe. The chorus of moans grows ever more captivating and exhilarating.","209":"For a moment, Valerie locks eyes with me, and I can see that despite her recent climax, she's still brimming with lust and energy, ready for more.","210":"I feel Rebecca behind us, filling in where she can.","211":"A+ work for an intern.","212":"Mhm!... Oh god!... Yes!... Fuck me!","213":"Valerie is a mess of jumbled sentences and lusty moans, as she slowly melts all over my desk.","214":"I spin around for a moment and grab a little taste of the intern.","215":"Maybe I'm greedy, but it's hard to focus with so many distractions.","216":"Turning back my attention to Valerie, I flip her up onto all fours.","217":"Smiling, she presses her backside up and out. I reach out to admire her perfectly sculpted posterior. Feeling her soft, warm, pliant flesh.","218":"Leaning over, I press my face in between her heavenly cheeks, and start tossing her salad.","219":"From behind, I feel the intern reach around and begin working my gear.","220":"Yes... Jesus... Eat out my ass!","221":"I prod and tongue at Valerie's tight anus. Feeling the surges of pleasure trickle through her like little jolts of electricity.","222":"Valerie is a song of lust and passion, rocking on shaky limbs.","223":"She's like my plaything, and I love it.","224":"Of course, I didn't just work on her tight sphincter purely for her pleasure.","225":"I push her down on the desk, and listen to her giggle when I'm about to take my turn with her.","226":"Gripping her around that slender waist, I pull her tight to me, watching as my throbbing cock penetrates her asshole.","227":"Oh, fuck! Fuck-fuck-fuck! You're so big!","228":"Valerie clenches and seizes up, struggling breathlessly on my desk as I slowly pump all the air out of her.","229":"Her legs get weak at the sensation of her ass being invaded by my manhood.","230":"That's right! Take me! Take me like you mean it!","231":"Out of the corner of the eye, I watch my intern drop to her hands and knees, watching the display like a curious kitten.","232":"Crawling beneath us, Rebecca slides between Valerie and my legs.","233":"Reaching up, she begins to gently suck at my balls while I rail Valerie.","234":"Seeing the beautiful 21 year old work my sack while I pound Valerie from behind is utterly intoxicating.","235":"The cocktail of pleasure is almost too much to handle.","236":"Valerie's finally begun to relax, surrendering her ass to me, as my pole slides easily in and out of her.","237":"The mess of flesh and moans make a lusty monster of the three of us.","238":"Looking down, watching my piece pistoning in and out of Valerie's ass, I can't help but admire those big, beautiful blue eyes staring back up from underneath us.","239":"Noticing another warm hole my cock is begging to explore.","240":"Almost as if we'd choreographed it, I pull my length from Valerie, and slide it right into the Rebecca's mouth.","241":"She instantly and eagerly accepts it, wrapping her supple lips around my girth and sucking enthusiastically.","242":"Mmm... Fuck! Put it in my pussy, {PlayerName}! I want to feel you inside me!","243":"With the abundance of options on what to bury my cock in, I'm growing to wish I had two dicks.","244":"Pulling my meat from the intern's mouth, I begin sliding it up and down the crevice between Valerie's cheeks.","245":"Trying to decide where to offload my nut. Decisions, decisions...","246":"Of course, Valerie's pussy is a tough act to beat.","247":"With Rebecca watching intently, I slide myself back inside Valerie, listening to the deep, desperate moan she lets out when I do.","248":"I grunt, thrusting forward the last few times, and feeling my seed explode deep inside her.","249":"Fuck! Yes! Cum inside me! Cum inside me!","250":"Savoring the finish, I slide back out of my beloved's batter pussy.","251":"Rebecca, eagerly waiting, opens her mouth to receive the stream of semen overflowing from Valerie's creampied slit. ","252":"Collapsing back into my chair, I look up and admire the two women.","253":"Valerie pulls Rebecca to her feet and locks lips with the succulent intern. Lapping at and sucking my cum from the blonde's pouty mouth.","254":"Being a Congressman certainly has its privileges.","255":"With our carnal demons spent, the three of us slowly dress and put ourselves back together.","256":"Once she's presentable, Valerie dismisses Rebecca, and turns back to me, still fixing her hair and adjusting her skirt. I get a little kick after seeing her legs buckle weakly after the thorough pounding I gave her.","257":"Returning to the subject of long term strategy. The biggest concern I have now is the Hanson Act getting neutered before it reaches the floor.","258":"We have to keep it appearing too extreme in order for Chavez to use as a pivot point to change parties.","259":"If they compromise on it and it becomes too accommodating to the chemical industry, it won't be enough of a jumping off point for her.","260":"Yes, I've had that concern as well. But we can use social media manipulation to drive the more extreme voices behind the act and keep the moderates to a whisper.","261":"Which will be easy enough to do. I could make it happen in a few...","262":"My phone buzzes, and I look down, seeing the number.","263":"I have to run. I have an appointment.","264":"Valerie must be able to read it on my face.","265":"I see.","266":"I... don't envy your position.","267":"I understand the history between you two. But can I ask a question?","268":"Always. You know that.","269":"What is your long term solution to the current arrangement you have with her?","270":"I pause. I don't make it a habit of dismissing Valerie like I do with Genevieve or my other subordinates, but I don't have a good answer.","271":"I'm developing the situation until I can come to a solution that I find suitable.","272":"Of course. There are no good solutions at the moment, but you have time on your side...","273":"I can read it on her face. Nervousness. She's one of the only people that ever scared Valerie.","274":"But she's my {sheIsYour}. What am I supposed to do?","275":"Not looking to draw out the uncomfortable moment any longer, I hit the intercom.","276":"Hey, Rebecca. Can you do me a favor and have Ami bring the car around?","277":"Of course, Congressman.","278":"Thanks, you're a doll.","279":"I turn back to Valerie.","280":"Will I have the pleasure of having you on my arm tonight for dinner with the mayor?","281":"Always.","282":"Good. Wear that little red dress I got you. I'll need some extra distraction after having to listen to that moron and I don't think the whiskey alone is going to cut it.","283":"If it pleases you.","284":"You're the best","285":"I give her a peck on the cheek, and head out the door to meet Amiran downstairs.","0":"I look out over the city, my city, from my office window.","1":"My mind drifts to the long, meandering path that led to here. To the place where I was always meant to be.","2":"... But if we could, Congressman...","3":"''Congressman''... Even after four years I still get a kick out of hearing it.","4":"... I'd like to revisit the polling we've done. We can't ignore that your opponent is gaining some traction in a few key voting demographics. Rebecca, do you have the figures I asked for?","5":"Yes, Ma'am. I have them here.","6":"I take a moment to steal a quick glance at our shapely new intern's legs. She's a fine specimen, hand selected by Genevieve herself.","7":"Genevieve, who now serves as my Campaign Manager, ensured Rebecca came with all the ''qualifications'' a rising congressman could ask for.","8":"If you'll look here... Sir? If I could just get you to see the numbers from our third quarter polling. You've had a few dips with working class voters, and I feel that...","9":"Genevieve, honestly darling, you fret too much about these things. A half a point this early in the campaign is background radiation."},"ch18__epilogue_valerie_bad.10_leah_escapes.vne3":{"10":"Are you sure, sir? I could go upstairs so you can give the guys up there a break. It's tedious staying in the hallway without much to do...","11":"Don't worry... But you actually gave me a good idea. Things have been quiet anyway...","12":"I turn to walk to the building.","13":"Hey, Phil. You catch the game last night?","14":"I did, congressmen. Sorry about your team. I told you they screwed the pooch hiring Donovan for the Defensive Coach.","15":"You weren't kidding. They might as well have been out there having a picnic. Complete shit show.","16":"I'd say that's an accurate assessment!","17":"I take the elevator up to the penthouse level. I don't pass anyone on my way to the apartment. I own the whole floor, and the one below it.","18":"Hey Bud, Terence, how's it going? Bored to death yet?","19":"No complaints here, congressmen. All quiet.","20":"Did you guys have lunch?","21":"Oh, boss, you gotta try this sandwich I made. It's got everything: salami, ham, cheese, more salami...","22":"Everything except table manners. He's been eating like a horse.","23":"At least someone's enjoying their time here. How's our guest?","24":"Quiet as a mouse. Though she did throw a book at Terence earlier.","25":"And my partner here laughed so hard he choked on his first sandwich.","26":"Hey, it was funny! You dodged like a ballet dancer!","27":"Just keep your voices down. Even though we have the whole floor, we don't want the neighbors getting curious.","28":"Sorry chief.","29":"So, boss wanna try my masterpiece? I have an extra in my bag.","30":"Thanks, Bud. But instead, why don't you two go grab yourselves a cup of coffee? See if Phil wants one too, while you're at it.","31":"Thanks, bossman. Can I grab you one too?","32":"I'm all good, thanks.","33":"Here, boss, let me open for you.","34":"Despite the friendly, laid back vibe, I still can't ignore the sick pit in my stomach. The whole situation is like a splinter in my soul I just can't seem to dislodge. I hate it.","35":"This place has become a monument to the hard, terrible decisions I've had to make. A mirror showing that maybe you can't have power not become a monster on some level.","36":"Hey, it's me. I got your message.","37":"{Leah}? Are you here?","38":"I call out a second time. No answer. Usually I find her reading a book or working on some knitting. But now... The place is eerily quiet.","39":"It's then when I notice the window. The wind is kinda strong and shakes the curtains into the apartment... And then, a dark thought enters my mind.","40":"I try to tell myself that she wouldn't... Even after everything, she wouldn't resort to that.","41":"It's an eight story drop. Could she have climbed it?","42":"Bracing myself, I stick my head out the window, steeling myself for something I don't want to see... And let out a sigh of relief when I see nothing but bare pavement below.","43":"Ahn? What was that?","44":"{Leah}? Hey ,{Leah}, is that you? This isn't funny.","45":"C'mon girl. I have things to do.","46":"Shit, there's nothing here. How did this lamp just fall for no reason?","47":"{Leah}, please... Let's talk!","48":"I know you are here. Lamps don't throw themselves on the floor.","49":"...","50":"What?","51":"What the hell is going on here?","52":"{Leah}, enough games! It's not funny anymore!","53":"What are you doing? There are guards all over the place!","54":"Oh, crap. Could it have been the wind?","55":"But that doesn't explain this girl's disappearance. This is all I needed...","56":"Damn, I feel like an idiot...","57":"If she's not here","58":"Hmm... Wind my ass...","59":"...And I dismissed the guards... Damn, I feel like an idiot.","60":"There's no point in trying to chase after her... If I know my {sheIsYour}, we won't find her anywhere anymore.","61":"The panic begins to crawl up my throat.","62":"But this is no time to panic. The situation is clear.","63":"I pull out my phone and call Valerie.","64":"Hello, my love.","65":"Val, we have a situation. Our guest left early.","66":"... There's a moment of quiet on the other end, and a deep exhale.","67":"We suspected this might happen eventually. She's always been resourceful.","68":"Break out our contingency plan.","69":"I'll begin having RECENTLY monitored more closely. Though I think you're right, I doubt she'd be foolish enough to do anything that might ping herself.","70":"We never know, she might get desperate or slip up. Or there might be some third part indication to her whereabouts, a friend or acquaintance might say or see something. We might get lucky.","71":"I know this will be taking your attention away from the campaign. I'll have Genevieve run interference and cancel dinner with the Mayor.","72":"I'm heartbroken.","73":"Not as heartbroken as he'll be, I'm sure. Now he won't get to stare at my tits all night.","74":"What else do you need from me?","75":"Just keep the channel open. We might have to have the police run an APB on her. But let's not play that card yet.","76":"This is my fuck up. My problem. I'll fix it.","77":"That's admirable, but maybe we shouldn't wait before bringing in more resources to...","78":"Valerie, I'll bring her in. Don't worry.","79":"As you wish.","80":"I'll call you again as soon as I can. I love you.","81":"I love you too. Talk soon.","82":"I hang up, and almost pitch my phone through the wall. Furious with myself that I let this happen.","83":"Everything we've built, everything we've worked for. All the changes we planned on making and all the things wrong in the world we set out to fix are now in jeopardy.","84":"And as good as she is at hiding it, I couldn't help but notice the flicker of fear in Valerie's voice. Hearing it is like a knife wound in my soul. I need to fix this, and fast.","85":"But I pause, if only for a brief moment.","86":"The irony of the circumstances I find myself in are not lost on me.","87":"There was a time, not too long ago, when it was {Leah} and me, battling against powerful actors, pulling the strings from behind the scenes.","88":"Now... Now it is {Leah} against me, and I'm the man at the head of the fraternity. The one using RECENTLY to weave his network of power throughout the country...","89":"But I'm not the same as them. I don't use the power to hurt people, not good people, anyway. I'm using it to change things for the better. To fix all the things wrong that never seem to get fixed. To...","90":"... Keep my {sheIsYour} under house arrest in my ex's older apartment.","91":"No, it's not that simple. Nothing is that simple at this level.","92":"I can't trade the wellbeing and future of millions of people because of my sentiments. I can thread this needle and fix this. I just need to find {Leah}, find a way to reach her.","93":"I hurry down to the car to meet Amiran.","94":"Ha, you were not kidding! That was quick.","95":"Ami, we have a rabbit.","96":"The man's friendly smile morphs to a serious, stony gaze.","97":"I will call my men and have them deployed.","98":"[i]Unscathed[\/i] Ami. I don't want her hurt. In fact, they are only to survey and report. No intervention. I want to bring her in myself.","99":"If she gets so much as a scratch, I'll break the arms of the man who is responsible myself. What is our next move?","100":"These guards are such wimps.","101":"No, Amiran. It was my fault.","102":"I got soft, let my guard down too much. She noticed and used it somehow. But that's for later, when we check the security cameras.","103":"Known accomplices might be a little obvious, but we can't rule any potential leads.","104":"Let's head to Frank Craven's.","105":"We hop in the car and head out, my foot nervously trying to tap a hole through the floor.","0":"I arrive outside the apartment a few hours later. It's one of the nicer apartments in town, which is why I scooped it up from Emily.","1":"Getting out of the back of the town car, I turn to see Amiran, getting out himself to stretch his legs.","2":"When are you going to let me take you to my tailor to get you a proper suit?","3":"What do you mean? My appearance is good for the polls. It shows the people you surround yourself with are humble, ''salt of the earth'' types.","4":"I think it says that I don't pay my driver enough. Is this you subtly fishing for a raise or something?","5":"He shoots me a cheeky grin.","6":"If you pay me any more, I will be able to hire a driver for myself.","7":"The banter aside, he looks up at the apartment, his face turning more solemn.","8":"Do you want me to go up with you?","9":"No, thanks, Ami. It's just a social call. It shouldn't be too long."},"ch18__epilogue_valerie_bad.15_searching_for_leah.vne3":{"3":"I suppose I didn't have much of a choice.","4":"The comment stings. Is that how they see me now?","5":"Come on, Frank. You know I'm not that kind of guy. If you ask me to go, I'll go. No hard feelings.","6":"I find that hard to believe, especially after that piece I did on you a few years ago. Though I can't say it did any good, as you're still in office.","7":"I don't punish people who think they are doing the right thing, Frank. I'm not my predecessors.","8":"Have I suppressed your work at all? Nailed a dead rat to your door? Said mean things about you on social media?","9":"No, you're clearly clever enough to get away with everything you do without needing to punish the people trying to stop you.","10":"Okay, I see that you're not thrilled with me being here, so I'll cut to the chase and get out of your hair.","11":"Have you seen or heard from {Leah}?","12":"{Leah}? No for over a year. Not since she just [i]happened[\/i] to disappear.","13":"He looks at me, a puzzled expression on his face.","14":"Please, Frank, I'm not that kind of guy. I'm coming to you as a friend. As {Leah}'s {youAreHer}.","15":"I'm not sure what kind of person you are. You're certainly not my friend, or {Leah}'s. Not anymore.","16":"A sly grin begins to stretch across his face.","17":"You've got a mean poker face, {PlayerName}, I'll give you that, but you can't hide all the anxiety.","18":"She's got you scared, hasn't she?","19":"Frank, I'm just worried about her.","20":"So she is still out there... good girl! There never was anything that could keep her down!","21":"He has a hearty laugh. It makes my blood boil just a little, adding to my frustration.","22":"That young lady is a world class gold medalist in sticking it to narcissistic, self-absorbed maniacs!","23":"Really? Is that what you think of me?","24":"You read the paper lately, Frank? Seen all the corruption that's been rooted out in the state? Seen the deficit turn into a surplus even while taxes go down? Seen state welfare programs bolstered and poverty dropping?","25":"And all it cost was people's ability to govern themselves, I suppose.","26":"You've seen the world, Frank. You've seen how people can be where they're unguided.","27":"You've seen people line up against a wall and get shot for the crime of simply being in the wrong political party or ethnic group. How can you still have such a myopic view of the world?","28":"That draconian ideology is exactly why [i]nothing[\/i] changes. Why the [i]real[\/i] evil and the worst aspects of humanity are allowed to flourish. Because no one is there to prune it.","29":"And let me guess, you're the sole mind that gets to decide what gets pruned or not?","30":"We want the same thing, Frank. A better world. The difference is I have the courage to actually be the change, while you just sit back and have [i]opinions[\/i] on things.","31":"I don't know how someone as bright as you can be so blind to what you've become, but I'm not going to waste any more breath trying to make you see that. I don't think I could get around that ego even if I really tried.","32":"Back to your question: I haven't seen or heard from {Leah}. And if I did, I wouldn't tell you.","33":"So, do whatever you and your goons feel you [i]have[\/i] to do for the greater good. Being that in your mind, the ends justify the means.","34":"What can I do? Frank is like {Leah}, I haven't cracked the code of how to get them to see things the way they are. Both are too stubborn to even meet me halfway.","35":"Come on, Ami. We're done here.","36":"Out in the street, I let out a long breath, trying to cool off.","37":"It's been a long time since I felt this frustrated. This... out maneuvered. Have I gotten complacent?","38":"What do you want to do, boss? Want me to have Frank's place watched?","39":"I don't [i]want[\/i] to, but we cannot afford not to. Have a guy keep an eye on the place, but keep their distance. Frank's a good man.","40":"It will be done.","41":"My phone rings. It's Valerie.","42":"I'm gonna take this, can you go grab the car and bring it around?","43":"You got it.","44":"Amiran leaves to go get the car, and I answer the call, wishing I had better news.","45":"Hey, beautiful.","46":"Forgive me for calling, I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing.","47":"It's more than that, I can still hear the hint of anxiety and fear in her voice. It twists my guts to hear it.","48":"I'm doing alright. No updates yet, I'm still checking on things. But don't worry, I'll let you know the moment anything comes up.","49":"I understand. Thank you.","50":"The important thing is we keep enacting our emergency plans. How are things going on the front end?","51":"Genevieve is continuing to run interference. We're keeping things quiet for the moment, but our cover story is you're helping a close friend try and find their troubled, runaway family member.","52":"Good, good.","53":"I've been calling our other, closer political allies and telling them the same if pressed about your whereabouts.","54":"Is there anything else you need me to do?","55":"No, you're doing great so far. I can't thank you enough.","56":"At the end of the day, I wouldn't say no to a nice hot bath, a cold drink, and having you relax me a little bit... with your mouth.","57":"Whatever you desire, my love.","58":"Okay, the car is coming around. I have to go, but I'll call you soon.","59":"Remember, you're more cunning that you give yourself credit for. You just need to think like {Leah}. You know your {sheIsYour} better than anyone.","60":"You're right. Thanks, Val.","61":"As I close the call, waiting for Amiran to park, I take Valerie's advice and pause to think for a moment. What would {Leah} do in a situation like this?","62":"Where to next?","63":"A thought suddenly pops into my head.","64":"Do you remember my old apartment?","65":"Of course.","66":"He nods, and we hop in the car and head to the old place {Leah} and I used to share.","0":"Amiran and I follow Frank into his office. It's hard to ignore the tension in the air.","1":"It's not as if there isn't some bad blood between Frank and I, but I try and remain friendly.","2":"Thanks for seeing us, Frank. I'm sorry for just dropping in on you like this."},"ch18__epilogue_valerie_bad.20_finding_leah.vne3":{"10":"Amiran, dutifully stepping in, trips up the old vagrant, and Toasterman tumbles to my feet. A pang of regret hitting me in the gut.","11":"Amiran, that's enough. Go easy on him.","12":"As you wish, Congressman.","13":"Sorry about that, old timer. He's just doing his job. Let me help you up and...","14":"You can get yer hands off me, thank ya! I don't want your touch soiling me with your reptilian energies! Ducky warned me about it!","15":"Hey, it's me, alright? No reptilian energies. Just a new job is all. Now, come on, we can be civil about this.","16":"No being civil with you. You'll just twist the situation to your liking with your wordy wizardry!","17":"Stared too deeply into the abyss and let too much of the abyss seep into your soul! Now you're one of [i]them[\/i]!","18":"We've watched you, watched what you've become.","19":"Seen the way you use that silver tongue to fool the masses. But you can't fool a man disconnected from the system! I only see in the spectrum of truth! And everything you say is shades of lies and deceit!","20":"Come on, man. Do we have to do this? I've already gotten the verbal battering from one person today.","21":"Here, why don't you go get something warm to eat? Or get your toaster fixed up?","22":"No, you won't buy me with your dirty money any more than you'll bewitch me with your lizard whispers, devil! Take your greed and your lust for Lady-Power elsewhere! I won't hear it!","23":"Toasterman's reaction doesn't make the anger. Fuck it.","24":"Okay... Okay. I'll leave you alone. Take care of yourself, okay?","25":"I'm watching you, {PlayerName}! You can't hide things from the world's greatest detective!","26":"He just snorts in derision, and Amiran and I walk past, heading to the apartment entrance.","27":"Reaching the gateway, I let out a long exhale. I hope I'm right about this.","28":"Do you want me to go up with you?","29":"No, I can handle it. Thanks, Amiran.","30":"If she's in there, I need to bring her in myself. I need to reach her.","31":"Please, guard the front door.","32":"He nods, seeing how I'm struggling with this.","33":"I understand you want to keep her close, to keep an eye on her and try to make her see your philosophy the way you do, but...","34":"But, what? Amiran, she's my {sheIsYour}.","35":"I am not suggesting anything severe! God, no! I am not such a man!","36":"I'm just saying... we could stick her on an island. You know, like Napoleon.","37":"I chuckle. I don't know why I doubted Amiran. He's a firm man, but not cruel.","38":"Why don't I just try and talk to her first before we start resorting to more... ''eccentric'' solutions?","39":"Whatever you say, boss. I will be down here if you need me.","40":"I pat him on the arm, and head inside, hoping my hunch is right.","41":"Upstairs, I turn the knob to my old place, and walk in.","42":"It is just as hollow and empty as I left it, save for a ''go bag'' and some other supplies laid out in the corner.","43":"Looks like I was right.","44":"Hello, {PlayerName}, sorry for slipping out earlier.","45":"Hey, {Leah}. Did I catch you at a bad time?","46":"Not at all. I was hoping I'd get a chance to talk to you before I disappear for good.","47":"How'd you know it'd be me showing up to talk and not a bunch of little mercenary dudes in mall-ninja tactical gear kicking down the door?","48":"I'd like to think, despite being grossly wrong on a few things, that I still know you pretty well.","49":"I figured you'd come alone. You're not quite the door kicking type.","50":"Thanks. Everyone else I talked to today seems to think I'm the devil in a suit.","51":"Well, not to disappoint you, but there's one question I really wanted to ask you in that regard.","52":"Of course. Anything.","53":"Why haven't you just had me killed yet?","54":"The question sucks the soul right out of my body. How do I even respond?","55":"{Leah}... How could you even... I'd never do anything to hurt you, you know that.","56":"Is that what you think of me? That I'd have you taken out?","57":"Why not? I'm enough of a threat to your plans that you had me imprisoned.","58":"A comfortable, well furnished prison, maybe. But a prison all the same.","59":"You didn't give me much choice.","60":"Maybe. So you just decided to lock me away like how Valerie had you locked up in that hospital? Like she made people like Stan disappear?","61":"What was your plan then? Brainwash me? Break me and reprogram me?","62":"Hope that you'd walk in for one of your regular visits to my cute little cage and hope I'd just say ''You know, {PlayerName}, maybe you were right about everything'' and then you'd let me go?","63":"Knowing I'd finally come around to your twisted view of the world?","64":"{Leah}, I...","65":"I've tried. I have. I don't know why you can't understand what I'm doing. Why I'm doing it.","66":"You think if I walk away from this power it'll just go away? Stay buried?","67":"At least if it's in my hands, in [i]our[\/i] hands, it could be used for good. To suppress the worst impulses of society.","68":"To stop people like Rogham to become powerful.","69":"Allow the better parts of human nature to flourish.","70":"It feels like I'm giving this speech a lot, lately.","71":"If you could just [i]try[\/i] and see things from where I'm standing, to have the power to change things, you might understand.","72":"And did you ever think that maybe it's [i]you[\/i] whose perspective is warped and out of focus? You're still a human, {PlayerName}. You may act like you're somehow more elevated or above the failings of other men, but that's fallacy.","73":"Any first-year philosophy student knows that absolute power corrupts absolutely.","74":"{Leah}, [i]any[\/i] power can corrupt. It doesn't have to be absolute. Look around. I've seen librarians that would make Mussolini blush.","75":"You want to stop groups like the Silent Brotherhood? Well, they've evaded the mechanisms meant to keep them in check for... who knows how long.","76":"I'm simply putting the tools they used to control and dominate in the right hands.","77":"And any first-year history or poli-sci student knows that at a certain level of power and governance, leaders have to make hard decisions that can seem wrong or cruel to the layman.","78":"Whose hands do you want that power in? Men like the Mayor? Like Rogham? Valerie?","79":"Hard words for the woman you love.","80":"She's not without her flaws, none of us are. But she wasn't totally wrong. She just needed someone to temper her more ruthless impulses. To show her there were more clever, less cruel ways of achieving the same results.","81":"And did you change her? Or did she change you?","82":"{Leah}, I don't expect you to understand. That might be asking too much from you, but I can't just let you stop our plans. I know you think what you're doing is right, but there is too much at stake.","83":"And I think, objectively, what you're doing is wrong. And you know I have to try and stop you. I don't want to be your enemy, {PlayerName}, but I will if you make me.","84":"The word cuts deep. [i]Enemies[\/i]. {Leah} and I. How did it come to this? She's my {sheIsYour}...","85":"More than anything, I miss her. I miss what {Leah} and I used to be.","86":"Okay, say you do walk out of here. Walk free. Then what? What will you do? Report me? Write a big news story? Run through the street shouting about foul conspiracies?","87":"{Leah} shrugs.","88":"I don't know. I've had a lot of time to think about it and I still don't have a good plan. But I'm going to try.","89":"So, what now? Are you going to call up some of your goons to tie me up and haul me back to my fancy prison?","90":"I shake my head, scoffing incredulously.","91":"This is all getting a little dramatic, isn't it?","92":"Come on, it's been a long day, and I think everyone's emotions are just running a little hot right now.","93":"I take a step forward, clearly a gentle touch is a better choice than any kind of belligerence. Thankfully, {Leah} isn't as skittish as I fear, and senses I don't mean any harm.","94":"Let's go grab a couple coffees, head back to my office, and talk.","95":"What is there left to talk about?","96":"Doesn't the fact that I still want to talk mean there's a door open for a resolution we can both live with?","97":"Maybe I've been more focused and driven in my pursuit to allow me to see past every blind spot. Let's sit down and discuss it. I want to hear more of your thoughts. Maybe I can do things differently.","98":"What, are you asking me to be your advisor?","99":"Why not? I can admit that I may not be doing things entirely the right way. You're the smartest person I know, {Leah}.","100":"Your opinion matters to me. I want you on my side in this. If I have to make some compromises, fine, but let's put our metaphorical guns down and just come to the negotiating table.","101":"I suppose... I need to know you're ready to hear some hard truths, though.","102":"{Leah}, in my line of work, hard truths are a daily factor.","103":"As long as you promise you'll really hear me out, and open your mind to the possibility that you don't have all the answers. That you may be wrong.","104":"{Leah}, it's me. No one knows me better than you, so I want to hear what you have to say.","105":"She lets me lead her towards the door. It's working. Maybe I've finally... not reached her, but at least got her to a place where she'll listen.","106":"If I have to make some adjustments to my plans, fine. I can massage things a bit. Make some sacrifices. It'll be worth it, I just need to thread this needle, and I can see the light through it.","107":"There's just one thing....","108":"...I wanted to say I'm sorry.","109":"You have nothing to apologize for. You've only ever done what you feel is right. And that moral compass is why I need you on my team.","110":"No.. I'm sorry... for this.","111":"The crack hits my ass like a gunshot, the sharp pain causing every muscle in my body to lock up. I can't say for sure the sound I make when the taser hits me, but I know it's unflattering.","112":"I crumple to the floor, limbs twitching and unresponsive and see Leah, already at the door.","0":"After parking nearby, Amiran and I walk up to my older apartment building.","113":"I'm sorry, {PlayerName}. Your deadliest weapon is your effect on me... And I'm not sure if even I can resist it. I can't give you the opportunity.","1":"It's been a while since I've been back here. It brings back some bittersweet memories of much simpler times. ","114":"I really wish things didn't have to be this way. But I can't turn my back on what I believe in. And I don't believe you're willing to give up the power. You'll just try and twist and morph your plans into something I find digestible.","2":"Oddly enough, I still held onto the lease. For some reason I couldn't let it go. Maybe I was holding onto it as a memento - an artifact of the last bits of my youth and innocence.","115":"I hope... I hope you'll come around. But I can't go with you. I'm sorry.","3":"Just outside sits another old face from my past, lighting a little flicker of nostalgia.","116":"It's a few minutes later before I regain the ability to stand, and start to hobble my way out.","4":"But that, too, has long since turned sour.","117":"There's no point in rushing, I know trying to catch up with her at this point is futile. {Leah} is in the wind.","5":"You! You got a lot of nerve! Showing your face in these parts!","118":"Moments later, I limp out of the apartment.","6":"Hold on my friend.","119":"Amiran turns to see the state I'm in. Rushing to my side.","7":"You think I haven't had eyes all over!? Seen what you've been up to?","120":"Jesus! {PlayerName}! What happened?","8":"I'll give you a piece of my -Hrgghhh!","121":"Well, I was right, {Leah} was here... And she had a taser.","9":"That is close enough, pal.","122":"I'll get some men to canvas the block!","123":"Forget it. She's long gone by now.","124":"I grimace, my torso still not completely unseized and my muscles still cramping and tight.","125":"We need to get back to my office. Help me to the car.","126":"You got it. What else do you need me to do?","127":"Find me a remote island that's for sale… A small one."},"ch18__epilogue_valerie_bad.25_licking_their_wounds.vne3":{"10":"Val, let them in.","11":"Hello...","12":"Sandra, what's the status of our surveillance net?","13":"Fully active. I have RECENTLY checking all communications.","14":"I've also deployed a new algorithm to check for potential associative indicators that might point towards {Leah}'s activity and generate a heat map of her probable locations.","15":"I'd advise we deploy assets to any region that reaches a 20% likelihood or more.","16":"Good work, and make sure you're thorough.","17":"Leah might still try to use a burner phone, but she's not stupid. She'll likely speak in code. Keep an eye on any new phone numbers that appear.","18":"We also can't dismiss the chance that she might use those same burners to throw us off track.","19":"I'll factor all that into our surveillance methodology.","20":"Good.","21":"Amiran?","22":"The boys are standing by, sir. As soon as we get the word from Ms. Sandra, they will be there. And, as you said, she will be brought in unharmed.","23":"Arthur scoffs.","24":"We should have had that little bitch taken care of years ago.","25":"I glare coldly at Arthur.","26":"I don't traffic in hiding bodies, Arthur. But make another crack like that and yours will be the first. Understood?","27":"Amiran strolls over, hovering behind Arthur, who nervously contemplates his misstep.","28":"Of course, Congressman. Forgive my zeal.","29":"Good. Order half of your security teams to discretely canvas the local transportation network in Shale Hill. I don't expect {Leah} will try and make a break for it but I don't want to risk letting her slip through the net.","30":"The other half will report to Amiran.","31":"...","32":"It will be done.","33":"Good. Valerie? You've been working your charm with our local friends?","34":"The Mayor and Police Chief have both been briefed what they need to know.","35":"I've also been in touch with our friends at the regional FBI office, though they won't be able to bring significant resources to bear right away without raising suspicions.","36":"Outstanding. Have them continue to play it cool. It's no time to get reckless.","37":"My intercom crackles to life.","38":"Congressmen, the phone call you were expecting just rang.","39":"Thank you, Rebecca, you can put it through here.","40":"A moment later, the call comes through on my intercom.","41":"Hello there, {PlayerName}. I hear you're having a bit of a rough day.","42":"I chuckle.","43":"Yeah, you could say that.","44":"Well, Mama is here to listen to your woes.","45":"I've been caught in a moment of weakness, and my lack of foresight regarding some of my blindspot has caught up with me.","46":"I take full responsibility for these matters. And I am working to resolve them before they can become significant issues.","47":"Well, when you're in this game for any length of time, you'll come to find it's not [i]if[\/i] there will be a fuckup, but [i]when[\/i].","48":"Nobody is bulletproof, my boy. Not even you.","49":"Nor taser proof. Found that out the hard way.","50":"The warm laugh on the other end does a little to set my mind at ease.","51":"Surviving this game isn't about not getting hit. It's about having a plan when you do. I'm guessing you and that lovely better half of yours haven't been spending all this time just staring into each other's beautiful faces.","52":"Valerie's smiles, looking at the floor.","53":"I've been able to tear myself away from those green eyes long enough to come up with a few ideas. Though I wouldn't hate your opinion on them. See if there's anything I might have missed.","54":"I'm all yours.","55":"We're fairly certain {Leah} will eschew approaching law enforcement. She likely suspects our influence with the local department.","56":"And even if she did, we have more than enough resources to discredit her. And barring that, her previous criminal entanglements doesn't leave her much of a foot to stand on.","57":"And as a fall back, just a few lines of text into RECENTLY and we can make any truth about her we want.","58":"Good, good.","59":"We've already deployed as many resources as we can to apprehend her. Obviously discretion is the name of the game, but we've made it so she won't be able to move around easily.","60":"{Leah} has never had much faith in the authorities anyway. I believe her avenue of attack is, as it was before, to try and expose our affairs to the public.","61":"She's had plenty of time to work on what is undoubtedly an impeccably worded expose against me and my campaign.","62":"And how do you intend to deflect such elegant mudslinging?","63":"Obviously, it's dangerous to outright try and kill a story. Nothing spells cover up like... well, a cover up.","64":"I've always been a bigger fan of... re-painting the truth.","65":"Go on.","66":"We'll bury the story before it even breaks.","67":"Reframe it so that people don't give it a second thought. {Leah} doesn't have enough arrows in her quiver to write anything with real teeth, and what she does have will be filmy and easy to write off as conspiracy.","68":"I've already had my team beginning to cut the legs out of the story before it's even hit the print.","69":"I nod to Sandra.","70":"It's election season, so everyone expects mudslinging anyway.","71":"I've had bots flooding conspiracy boards and 4Chan with stories of {PlayerName}.","72":"That he's secretly the leader of a cabal of human collaborators, helping reptilian aliens kidnap SHU coeds to use them to breed human alien hybrids in a massive underground facility in the Shale fields.","73":"I may have stolen some of the plot points from a particularly low budget sci-fi movie I watched not too long ago.","74":"Delightful. And what about the mainstream media?","75":"Genevieve?","76":"Our interests already hold controlling stakes in two of three most viewed news outlets of concern.","77":"We'll have any story that could threaten {PlayerName} regulated to small segments at the tail end of the local news. And ensured they'll all be completely toothless.","78":"It'll be a story that has to fight over coverage with the results from the town's recent Gourd festival.","79":"And as for the third outlet we should be concerned with, the editor in chief...","80":"... Our knowledge of his enthusiasm for Furry Conventions will ensure he de-prioritizes any story that {Leah} presents to him. I don't imagine we'll have much trouble controlling the narrative.","81":"Excellent. I see you're well provisioned and prepared for this contingency.","82":"I'm impressed. However, that still leaves {Leah} as a piece on the board. From what I've heard, she may not let this whole ugliness rest. How do you propose to neutralize her, {PlayerName}?","83":"I sigh. I hope, desperately, the {Leah} will drop the whole thing when she realizes what she's up against.","84":"But deep down, I know I can't count on her just giving up at some point.","85":"Valerie doesn't share my reluctance in dealing with that matter.","86":"We've prepared countermeasures for that as well, isn't that right, {PlayerName}?","87":"Don't be shy, you requested this consultation call.","88":"{Leah}'s tendency to play things fast and lose, her eagerness to skirt the law, and do almost anything to uncover the truth, might be used against her.","89":"We have enough of a profile of her to launch a counter story and hitpiece on her.","90":"Painting her as an obsessive, self-serving, and manipulative journalist who is willing to bend the truth and break the law in order to get her stories published.","91":"We'll paint her as an unsavory journalist. A glory hound more concerned with Pulitzer prizes, book deals, and accolades than someone concerned with the truth.","92":"We can even have the resource and piece in place to accuse her of going so far as to fabricate facts, planting evidence, and even blackmail to get the stories she wants to tell.","93":"Given the current climate, it shouldn't be too hard to turn the public against a journalist who is perceived to be more about an agenda and glory than they are about the truth.","94":"In short, we can destroy her reputation completely. She won't be able to write a puff piece about poodles that people won't scrutinize.","95":"Destroy her. That's what we're talking about. Destroying {Leah}.","96":"Quietly, it leaves a terrible taste in my mouth. Destroying {Leah}, the same way I almost destroyed Sam's by planting drugs in her locker... All for power.","97":"Just like the Silent Brotherhood.","98":"{PlayerName}?","99":"I realize I had been lost in thought while the conversation had continued.","100":"Hmm?","101":"I was just saying, do you think this will be sufficient to neutralize the threat? No one knows this {Leah} like you do. She's your {sheIsYour}, after all.","102":"Yes... Yes I believe it'll be sufficient.","103":"But, I do think it's prudent not to go full nuclear right out of the gate. I think an overreaction on our part could inadvertently strengthen {Leah}'s position and give weight to her crusade.","104":"As such, I'll be pursuing a gradual escalation model. We'll only resort to the more extreme plans if the situation calls for it.","105":"Yes... Yes, I think that'd be prudent. That's how I would do it.","106":"Hitting the nuclear button right out of the gate risks raising too many eyebrows.","107":"I pray it never comes to that. I've made compromises and done things I'm not proud of, but I don't know if I could live with myself if I destroyed {Leah}'s character so completely.","108":"So, given the situation and our contingency, what is your assessment? You know how much we value your appraisal.","109":"As always, you two continue to impress.","110":"Any other advice?","111":"Judging by this {Leah}'s history, I wouldn't assume that any potentially incriminating material is secure.","112":"I'd do a thorough scrub of all your digital records, and destroy any physical material to be safe, and relocate and stash what you can't afford to lose.","0":"Back at the office, things are in full on damage control. I'm dealing with the lingering effects of the taser, along with the sick feeling of knowing the spiraling situation is my fault.","113":"We'll follow through with that, thank you.","1":"How are the muscles? Still aching? I can have Rebecca massage you some more, or I can if you like?","114":"Well, as always, I'm glad you called and I'm honored you asked for my assessment. But I think you have things in order.","2":"No, thanks. You're doing so much already.","115":"I have a high degree of confidence that you should be able to navigate these waters safely, and we'll be celebrating {PlayerName}'s re-election in short order.","3":"Truthfully, the pain feels like penance for a fuck up of this magnitude.","116":"Thank you. We'll continue monitoring the situation and I'm sure it'll be resolved soon. Thank you again for your time, you know I appreciate your advice.","4":"Valerie would hardly tell me, but I read her growing fear. We've faced off against seemingly much more dangerous things than a single young woman on a crusade. But this isn't just any young woman, it's {Leah}.","117":"Happy to oblige, {PlayerName}. Valerie, it's always a pleasure. You two have a good evening.","5":"So, how shall we proceed? Many of our contingencies are on standby and ready to be executed.","118":"Good night.","6":"In the waiting room I have my lieutenants, all patiently waiting for instruction. Genevieve, Arthur, and Sandra. All ready to execute my orders.","119":"The call ends, and I turn to the rest of my cabal.","7":"The last two have been very useful in my business these past few years.","120":"Does anyone have anything else to add? Now's the time to speak freely. If you have a thought... short of [i]offing[\/i] anyone, I want to hear it.","8":"While Sandra proved excellent at exploiting RECENTLY's monitoring tools, Arthur and his connections help me control the powerful players not just in Shale Hill, but across many parts of the country.","121":"The group is silent.","9":"It's time for me to take control and captain this ship.","122":"Alright then. That's all I have for now. Thank you all for your good work on this. I appreciate your help, and it won't go unrewarded, I can assure you.","123":"Everyone except Valerie stands, and shuffles out. After the door closes, I let out a long breath, feeling very, very weary.","124":"Seeing the stress, Valerie runs her hands over my shoulders. The touch seems to take the edge off.","125":"I'm sorry. I know I've let you down.","126":"You're human. These things happen.","127":"I've been hit. And I've been off balance since this morning. I just can't seem to get my footing back.","128":"You've had some missteps, for sure. But I think you've done an admirable job of regaining your balance.","129":"{Leah} has always been a point of weakness for you. But you shouldn't be too hard on yourself. No one is without their vulnerabilities.","130":"It's been some time since I felt like I didn't have the reins on things. I forgot how much I hate not having control.","131":"Trust me, far lesser men have overcome much, much more. I've got some stories about some major political leaders that you wouldn't believe.","132":"You trust me, right?","133":"More than I trust myself.","134":"Good, then hear what I say. You will navigate these obstacles successfully, you will come out stronger, and some day, you will become President of the United States.","135":"I never get tired of you saying that.","136":"She smiles, leaning down to plant a deep kiss on my lips.","137":"Now then, I've already had Rebecca start running that hot bath you request. Let me massage those stiff muscles.","138":"...And if I recall, a part of you has an appointment with my mouth.","139":"Those words are music to my ears."},"ch18__epilogue_valerie_bad.30_failed_exposure.vne3":{"3":"So much so, that I really had to look towards the back section to find the expose she had submitted to the local paper.","4":"The article that {Leah} wrote to break this story wide open, to expose me, RECENTLY, the Silent Brotherhood, and all our misdeeds, and lay our sins bare for all of society to see...","5":"...was hacked down and edited to a four paragraph mess that appeared borderline incoherent.","6":"Sandwiched between a story on the state of Shale Hill's sidewalks, and a puff piece on the top five Mexican restaurants in town.","7":"And that was all before the editor had a good go at it. Distancing the paper from many of {Leah}'s more scandalous claims.","8":"Citing the heavy speculative and circumstantial nature of the story, and a seeming reluctance to even print it.","9":"The disclaimer was almost half the length of the actual story.","10":"When I checked with Genevieve, we had received so much as one call from a nosy cat lady asking for comment on the story.","11":"So, in the end, {Leah} got to fire her big shot.","12":"It barely created a ripple.","13":"The only other mention of the story came a day later, when it was briefly mentioned in a segment lamenting the state of modern politics, and the sensational and hyperbolic mudslinging that had come to dominate our discourse.","14":"One commentator referred to {Leah}'s claims as ''borderline absurd''. With every second that passed without a second look, it robbed more and more oxygen from her hopes of bringing me down.","15":"The last nail in the coffin was the mention that {Leah} had spent some time working for Rollins' campaign while she was in college. The conflict of interest alone was enough to get the political community to dismiss her claims.","16":"Things had been quiet since then, and my sense of ease and control over the situation had begun to return.","17":"Just like Valerie had prophesied. We had navigated these waters and come out unscathed.","18":"Reading the article again, just for kicks, I'm distracted by my phone ringing. It's a number I'm not familiar with. But I have a good guess on who it is.","19":"Congressman {PlayerName} speaking.","20":"It's {Leah}.","21":"{Leah}! It's great to hear from you! How did the article go over?","22":"You know damn well how it went over.","23":"Hindsight's always 20\/20, but if you had asked my advice I would have told you to wait until after the election to run it. There's so much noise in the political news cycle it's hard for a message to get out.","24":"And what rotten luck, the way they just happened to dig up that you volunteered for one of Rollin's campaigns back in college. Conflict of interest and all that.","25":"I hated Rollins. I complained about him constantly! Those volunteer hours were for a poly-sci credit and you know it. ","26":"Do I ever. You had some strong words about the man and his policies. But you understand how in this political climate, that association can be scrutinized. I'll tell you, it's hard to keep the dirt from under your fingernails in this business.","27":"And I wonder how they found out I volunteered for that stupid campaign in the first place!","28":"I recall that you told me more than once how important transparency is in our politics and media. The devil's in the details with these kinds of affairs.","29":"I hate what you've become.","30":"{Leah}, I get that [i]you[\/i] have a problem with my methods. But try to look at the big picture. Statewide, crime is down, our economy is thriving while families throughout the rest of the country are fighting to stay afloat...","31":"The roads are getting fixed. The schools are getting more resources, people are getting more healthcare...","32":"And you want to bring me down because... what, I read a few emails that were supposed to be private? I twist the arms of corrupt politicians to do the right thing instead of robbing from the people?","33":"Tell me, if the voter is putting food on the table, not worried about being able to pay their bills, and sleeping easier, what is the actual problem?","34":"Am I really the bad guy you think I am? You ever stop to think there's maybe a grain of truth in what they are saying about [i]you[\/i] in those articles?","35":"She's silent. I wonder if she's really run out of things to say. It actually... angers me.","36":"Is that really it? That's all she has? She's squared up to become my arch-rival, and now she can't even think of a single thing to say.","37":"What do you want, {Leah}? Really, tell me what you want.","38":"Because I'm tired of this. I'm just tired. I'm tired of our relationship becoming a bomb that could go off at any moment.","39":"I'd really like to hit you.","40":"Great! I'd be happy to oblige! Tell me where you want to meet! I'll bring some tape and a MMA glove so you can really let me have it without breaking your hand!","41":"Another pause. I'm beginning to suspect she made this call with no plan or idea of how it was going to go. But I sense she wants to bring our feud to a conclusion as badly as I do.","42":"This fight between us has been a cancer on both our souls. I think we just want it to be over.","43":"Annette Taylor. I'll be at Annette Taylor. Come alone, or don't. I don't care one way or another.","44":"Awesome. I will come alone. Bring Mr. Zappy. If the punch isn't enough you can always tase me a few more times.","45":"I hang up and toss my phone on the desk.","46":"{Leah}, she's always been able to push my buttons like no one else... save maybe Valerie.","47":"But {Leah} seemed... defeated. Maybe, she's realizing that things aren't as black and white as she pretends. Maybe she's finally beginning to understand why I do the things I do.","48":"There's no time for planning and consultation or advisors. This might be the opening I've been looking for to bring her into the fold.","49":"I'll head over to my office, I need to cool off.","50":"While I'm still agitated with high adrenaline after the conversation, the door opens and my assistant, Rebecca, comes in to give me a message.","51":"Quickly, however, she reads the room and notices I'm fuming.","52":"Sir, sorry to interrupt, but the mayor of Shale Hill called and asked if he could stop by later to...","53":"No, definitely not. Tell him we'll schedule a time and you'll get back to him later...","54":"As you wish, sir.","55":"If I may ask, Congressman, is everything alright? Can I help with anything?","56":"I could give you a massage and then fix you a drink and a blowjob...","57":"Not now Rebecca, what kind of idea is that?","58":"You're right, sir.","59":"I apologize for my indiscretion. I just wanted... I mean...","60":"Clear my schedule, please. And call Amiran, tell him I need him.","61":"But sir... Today you're supposed to meet with the metalworkers' union president. Besides...","62":"I don't care what's on the schedule, cancel it!","63":"Understood, sir.","64":"And Amiran, where is he?","65":"Well, sir. He just called asking me to let you know about a medical appointment he had forgotten and...","66":"... I'm sorry sir, it's my fault...","67":"Realizing I wasn't able to hide my frustration, I end the conversation before any more unnecessary drama unfolds this morning.","68":"It's nobody's fault, Rebecca. These things happen. I'll take my car myself, thank you.","69":"And what should I tell Ms. Valerie?","70":"Just tell her I had to leave. Bye.","71":"I walk out of the office, leaving Rebecca with her worried expression. Today is definitely not going as planned.","0":"It had been two weeks since {Leah} had escaped. Two weeks since we enacted our plans to mitigate any damage she could do. And a week since her expose appeared in the paper.","1":"Admittedly, our efforts to apprehend her were in vain. She's a master of evasion, I'll give her that.","2":"But, that might have been the one hitch in our plans. Otherwise, things appear to have worked out marvelously."},"ch18__epilogue_valerie_bad.35_the_appeal.vne3":{"10":"Hey.","11":"Hey.","12":"Nice car...","13":"Yeah, a friend lent it...","14":"You really came alone, huh? I'm surprised, given our last couple of encounters.","15":"After getting duped, and then duped [i]and[\/i] tased, I would have thought you wouldn't be taking as many chances.","16":"Maybe I'm a sucker for punishment. Or maybe I'm just a fool. But I still trust you.","17":"Not enough I'm afraid.","18":"I sigh.","19":"Okay, I'm here. Swing away. Where would you like to hit me?","20":"Actually, don't tell me. It'll be better if it's a surprise.","21":"I've been thinking, what if I trade my coupon for one free punch for a few minutes of your time?","22":"I chuckle. I should have figured this would be her gambit.","23":"What's funny?","24":"After you took your shot I was going to try and guilt you into giving me a few minutes of [i]your[\/i] time.","25":"We both must make terrible salesmen. Neither of us can seem to convince the other to come over to their side, even after all this.","26":"Hell, what does that say about me? I'm supposed to be a politician.","27":"And I'm a journalist.","28":"Natural enemies.","29":"How is it we're so close?","30":"Life's funny like that, I guess.","31":"A sad smile stretches across her lips, but it's chased away a moment later.","32":"{PlayerName}, this isn't you.","33":"You've been given an incredible mind, charisma... Your voice back...","34":"But RECENTLY... The Silent Brotherhood... They've twisted your mind.","35":"And I know, I [i]know[\/i] you plan on using them for [i]good[\/i].","36":"That you think you can use them without abusing them, but that's not how this kind of power works. It [i]can't[\/i] work that way.","37":"I think you should listen to her, {PlayerName}.","38":"I turn, stunned, to see Amiran appear from nearby.","39":"Ami? What are you doing here?","40":"I fear I must disappoint you, {PlayerName}. I have a confession.","41":"I have been in contact with {Leah} since she escaped. In fact, I've been helping her evade your attempts to apprehend her.","42":"Amiran? Why?","43":"Please, I know this indiscretion may paint it otherwise, but I have been, and always will be, loyal to you and my Balenka. Of this, I swear to my dying breath.","44":"I have done this not out of treachery, but out of love. Because I love you both, I cannot stand by and say nothing while you walk down this dark path.","45":"I know, you mean to use the power of RECENTLY, of the Brotherhood, to make a better world. And I cannot thank you enough for leading my Balenka away from the even darker path that she was treading down...","46":"But {Leah} is right. No one, man or woman, should possess this power. You cannot be righteous if you lead from the shadows, and use tools of manipulation, deception, and coercion.","47":"True leadership must be done in the light. People must be led, not controlled and manipulated. For there is no foundation under the temple you think you are building. Only mire and swamp.","48":"Believe me, {PlayerName}, I have seen first hand what man will invariably do when they have unfettered power. That is not a fate I wish for you, or my Balenka.","49":"Amiran, I don't know what to say.","50":"Please, I ask for your forgiveness for this honesty, but it was my duty to tell you. I maintain my loyalty to you and Balenka, and I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit for my betrayal of your trust.","51":"I will leave you for now. Thank you for hearing my words.","52":"{Leah}.","53":"Thank you, Amiran.","54":"He nods, and walks off. Leaving me stunned and reeling from the revelation.","55":"These past few years, Amiran has become one of the figures I've trusted most. I've trusted him as an advisor, as my head of security, as a friend and father in law. To hear him speak out against me like this is... shocking.","56":"I shake my head, processing it all.","57":"I'm not alone, {PlayerName}, how many people you love have to warn you before you come to your senses?","58":"And I don't know what else I can say to try and make you, or Amiran, or any of the others understand.","59":"You act like I'm under some kind of spell. Like I'm drunk or mad with lust for power! {Leah}, I haven't been thinking more clearly in years.","60":"I don't know, maybe my brain just works differently. Maybe I just see things differently than most people.","61":"So, what, you're one of the ''chosen''? This is your destiny?","62":"You know I don't think that. I've [i]never[\/i] thought that. But I'm in the position to make the world a better place. I know I can make it better. For everyone.","63":"Unilaterally? You alone can decide what makes it better?","64":"It's more nuanced than that.","65":"Humans are a mess. Complicated by greed and countless motivations and desires.","66":"Maybe we need someone behind the scenes, subtly pulling strings and steering the ship. I'm not saying I'd be the one to set the exact course, but I can steer us away from the rockier parts!","67":"Look at the state of our leadership! Our government! Our world! You don't think it could use a little coaching?","68":"That's what you see yourself as? A coach?","69":"Maybe I am. Maybe I should be. Because whatever you may think, I think walking away from this does more harm than good. It might even be borderline negligent.","70":"And at the end of it all, a great monument built in your honor. Your likeness in marble, flanked by great pillars and torches. A family dynasty that echoes through the ages.","71":"Jesus, {Leah}. I don't want glory. I want to trim the corruption, cut out the sickness that is holding society back.","72":"I can fade into obscurity after that for all I care. Hell, I look [i]forward[\/i] to it. Then I can go off and just code stupid little programs or something in a lake house somewhere while Valerie writes political thriller novels.","73":"She doesn't strike me as the cottage type.","74":"You make the mistake of thinking I want to be here. I don't want this. I'm here because I [i]have[\/i] to.","75":"Spoken like so many dictators.","76":"Amiran's right. People will never change if they are controlled through manipulation, deceit, or coercion. It's just oppression by another name.","77":"People have to learn to be better on their own. Otherwise they'll fall right back into their old ways, and all your machinations and plotting and ''coaching'' will be for nothing.","78":"You say that like you're certain of it. Did you have to learn every lesson the hard way? Did you have to get hit by a car to learn not to play in the road?","79":"And just how long will it take humanity to learn all these lessons? Ten more years? A hundred? A thousand?","80":"Or can it be accomplished in a fraction of that time with just a [i]little[\/i] coaxing from the sidelines?","81":"Think of all the unfathomable human suffering and misery that could be avoided. And if all that costs is my soul, then I think that is a fair price to pay.","82":"That's the most terrifying thing you've ever said to me.","83":"Does your righteousness justify you kidnapping me and imprisoning me against my will? Does it help you sleep at night? Or does it gnaw at you?","84":"I pause, a fatal misstep in our duel of philosophy.","85":"I think it does. I think it burdens you, because you know it symbolizes that you're wrong. That you have doubts.","86":"What would you tell yourself, if you could go back to when we were battling for our lives against the Fraternity?","87":"We persevered through all of that because we knew we were on the right side of things. Of truth, and justice.","88":"Of standing up and exposing those who preyed upon the innocent from the shadows. All the time we spent undoing the damage done by them.","89":"I'm not them, {Leah}, I'm not Rogham, or the Silent Brotherhood.","90":"Well, you're their leader, and you had the guts to put a bullet in Rogham's forehead. But okay...","91":"Maybe, you're not like them, not yet. But the fact that you had to lock me away in a prison says you're well on your way to becoming them.","92":"How can you even stand to be at the head of the Fraternity?","93":"Of the Silent Brotherhood? At its core it's a selfish, evil organization. The people in it are the very monsters you claim to be fighting against, yet you kept them all on the payroll.","94":"Organizations like that don't breed altruism, {PlayerName}.","95":"Even if what you're saying is true, and you really are a dictator with a heart of gold, the machine won't stand your leadership for long. There are too many minds that hunger to abuse the power you claim to wield so righteously.","96":"The machine beckons to be used a certain way, and even if you won't wield it to its ultimate potential, it will find someone who will.","97":"Not if I change the machine first. Set new precedents, rip out the worst elements and put like minded people, like Valerie and I, in their place.","98":"People who will use that power responsibly.","99":"The Silent Brotherhood is a system, like any other, and I intend to reprogram it.","100":"You know that's a fallacy. With no mechanism of checks and balances, without transparency, how can you honestly believe it won't eventually be turned back to an instrument of oppression and control?","101":"You believe the machine is benign, that it takes the form of those who wield it. But it doesn't, {PlayerName}, it twists those who wield it, and if it can't, it attracts those who will use it for its intended purpose.","102":"It's the nature of the beast, {PlayerName}.","103":"You can't twist and reform the nature of organizations like the Silent Brotherhood any more than you can reverse gravity. And if you can't see that... then maybe you're already too far gone to save.","104":"Besides, you never know when the powerful people you think you have in your pocket will suddenly turn against you the moment they have the chance.","105":"It's a query I've struggled with. Maybe in the back of my mind, I've always been struggling with it.","106":"Have I really been blinded by power? Have I drifted so far into a nietzschean mentality of the ends justifying the means?","107":"Or have I simply been shown a different perspective than what {Leah} can comprehend? Am I able to see the whole forest while she's still stuck in the trees?","108":"Leah is wrong.","109":"Leah is right.","110":"{Leah}'s argument is strong. But it's rooted in the same philosophy classroom arguments.","111":"The world is more complex, and things aren't as simple as she wishes. With the right leader, the Silent Brotherhood - the Fraternity - can finally be used as a force for good.","112":"{Leah}... might be right. Can organizations like the Silent Brotherhood, or tools like RECENTLY, really be used for good if their very existence is predicated on remaining in the shadows?","113":"To use deception and manipulation to achieve their goals?","114":"I sigh, there's no more path left to tread, no more argument left to make.","115":"{Leah}'s I understand your argument. I see your points, I even sympathize with your position.","116":"I'm not even saying you're entirely wrong, and I believe in many of the arguments you make.","117":"I see the tears welling in her eyes when she realizes the fight is lost. It truly and sincerely breaks my heart. But sometimes there's a strength in pushing past sentiment.","118":"...But I also believe in the hard math.","119":"She'll never forgive me for this. Hate me even. But this isn't about my love for {Leah}. It's about so much more.","120":"I can't walk away from this responsibility. No matter how terrible it might be.","121":"Maybe I am the bad guy. Maybe I am a monster. But this is an ecosystem, and if someone has to be at the top of the food chain, I say that person should be me.","122":"There are way too many dangerous people out there who could be doing bad things if they were in my position. I can't let that happen.","123":"I thought I knew who you were.","124":"Did you know who I was when I killed Rogham?","125":"She pauses, biting her lip.","126":"No, you did know me, half of me anyway. The half you wanted to see.","127":"But there was always more to me than that. The half that Valerie saw.","128":"We're not kids anymore, and you can continue to believe the world should be a certain way. But I give it the respect of treating it for what it is. We're animals. We just live in a more sophisticated jungle.","129":"I'm not going to insult it, or shirk my duties, by pretending it's something else.","130":"Tearing off the mask feels in a way... therapeutic. Like I can finally let a part of myself breath that's been struggling for air for years. But for {Leah}, a reality she formed for herself has shattered.","131":"I watch her, not without sympathy, as she chokes back the tears.","132":"Okay then. I guess I didn't really know who you were all along.","133":"I'm sorry. But this is who I am.","134":"Well, it's clear you believe that this is your nature. To hold and wield power.","135":"Fine... Fine, I won't stop you. I don't know if I could if I tried.","136":"But I don't intend to live in any world that you plan on building.","137":"Where will you go?","138":"As far away from you as I can get.","139":"You don't have anything to fear from me, {Leah}. I'll make arrangements, ensure you never want for anything. Name a place and I'll see you there safely.","140":"No, no I don't want any of your help. In fact, I think I don't ever want to hear or speak to you ever again.","141":"It's clear now, I was going to lose {Leah}, one way or another.","142":"I suppose a self imposed exile is the best scenario I could have hoped for.","143":"You broke my heart.","144":"I say nothing more. I don't know what good it would do anyway. Leah brushes past me and walks out of my life. This time, forever.","145":"Sentiments aside... I consider this an acceptable outcome.","146":"Look at what maintaining them, what wielding them has made me resort to: blackmail, kidnapping, coercion.","147":"{Leah} and Amiran are right. The same things we fought against, I've now become.","148":"How did I stray so far off the path?","149":"{PlayerName}?...","150":"You said you still trusted me, right? You must, if you came here alone.","151":"Yeah.","152":"Well, trust me now. This isn't you. This isn't the path you want to go down. Listen to what I've been saying, to what Amiran has been saying.","153":"I know you think what you're doing is justified, but it's not.","154":"You think this is a burden you're supposed to carry, but no one is supposed to carry this.","155":"Just look at Valerie's breakdown at the Fraternity Debate. That was her finally waking up.","156":"And right now, the both of you are still asleep.","157":"Look, {Leah}, even if I walk away from this, tear down the pole holding it all up on my way out, it'll just be a matter of time before someone takes my position and rebuilds it.","158":"Maybe, but that's no reason to justify using it yourself.","159":"I agree, our system of government is broken. Maybe all governments are broken to some degree. But we have to overcome that as a society.","160":"What you're talking about building is artificial virtue. Forced upon people without their consent. An illusion.","161":"The iceberg of reckoning I'll have to deal with if I agree to this... I don't even want to begin thinking about it, but I already begin to feel its magnitude.","162":"So what am I supposed to do? Just let all the corruption and injustice persist? Keep letting the wrong people have control?","163":"She shrugs.","164":"Maybe that's just a hard lesson we have to learn. But using the same machine that the unjust use to try to set things right isn't the answer.","165":"Don't do it for me, {PlayerName}. Walk away from this. Walk away from this because it's the right thing to do.","166":"That sickening feeling I had in my gut begins to flare up. Maybe it's always lingered there, a weed, a sprout, planted when I first made the decision to plant the drugs in Sam's locker.","167":"The realization that I could be talked, even by myself, into doing terrible things.","168":"Maybe I wasn't the same as Rogham, a man who was evil to his core. Cruel and sadistic in a way I could never be. But I had to reckon with the fact I wasn't [i]as[\/i] different from him as I thought. As I hoped.","169":"Christ, I had {Leah} imprisoned... I was ready to destroy her character to save my own machinations. For what? Some shining city on the hill that was little more than a dream?","170":"Jesus, what happened to you {PlayerName}?","171":"You're not the first that fell for this. Countless others have been tempted by this power. But you still have a choice. A choice to reject it.","172":"You can still turn back.","173":"I don't even know if I can see the path back.","174":"I'll help guide you.","175":"I let out a long sigh.","176":"You're right. No one should have this kind of power. No one person should be able to decide what is right and wrong for everyone.","177":"Taking this monster apart... It's going to be a lot of work.","178":"First though, I need to go talk to Valerie.","179":"I'll go with you. It's only right that I should be there too.","180":"It's a long, long drive back to Shale Hill. {Leah} and I don't talk much. I spend most of it waking up to the nightmare that I've become everything I once hated.","181":"When I finally walk into my office, Valerie and Genevieve are there. Valerie turns to see me, a look of palpable relief on her face...","182":"There you are! You had us worried...","183":"What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?","184":"Genevieve, can you give us a minute. I need to speak to Valerie alone.","185":"And please, ask my guest to come in.","186":"Yes, sir.","187":"The campaign manager sees things are about to get real, and hurries out.","188":"Guest?","189":"What is [i]she[\/i] doing here.","190":"There's no sugar coating this. No easing Valerie into what I have to say to her. So I just come out and say it.","191":"Valerie... We have to stop this.","192":"RECENTLY, the Silent Brotherhood, the campaign. All of it.","193":"Valerie tries to process it. Maybe she hopes this is all a sick joke. But as the realization dawns on her, I see her facade begin to crumble, shaking her head in disbelief.","194":"You can't do this. You can't do this to me.","195":"Valerie...","196":"Was that all it took - one conversation? One chance for her to dig her hooks into your brain and tear you apart?","197":"To get you to just throw away all the planning and preparing we've done?","198":"We were [i]building[\/i] something, {PlayerName}! You and I!","199":"It's not [i]what[\/i] were building, Valerie, it's what we built it [i]on[\/i]! The lies, the control, the manipulation.","200":"This is exactly why I was always scared of her, {PlayerName}! Because I knew how she could twist you! Confuse and scramble your mind like a little puppet master pulling your strings!","201":"... For just how easy she could... [i]fuck[\/i] your mind!","202":"Valerie, it's not that at all! I'm trying to [i]save[\/i] {PlayerName}! Just like I want to try and save you!","203":"Save us from what, exactly, {Leah}? What are you saving us from?","204":"From becoming monsters! Power obsessed monsters! The same kind of monsters who treat human beings like pawns! Like the people who tore your homeland apart!","205":"Don't you dare try and lecture me on Ketyristan! I was there! I know what happened!","206":"Then where does it end, Valerie? Where does the grab for power stop? When is it enough?","207":"How many people will you sacrifice?","208":"It's [i]never[\/i] enough! How else would I stop another Ketyristan from ever happening?","209":"Valerie pants, eyes wide like a rabid animal.","210":"{Leah}, you ask how I could sacrifice people? Because [i]I[\/i] was sacrificed! Before I was even old enough to understand what I was being sacrificed for! So don't try and lecture me on what it costs!","211":"RECENTLY was given to me for a reason. And I chose exactly what to do with it. I wasn't bound by any small minds or fears.","212":"Fate chose me. And I chose you to walk this path with me, {PlayerName}.","213":"Those men who created it... they could only see it as a tool for small purposes, just like Rogham and the other idiots of the Silent Brotherhood...","214":"But we... we see it for what it truly is - a key to reshape the world itself.","215":"Call it destiny or circumstance, but RECENTLY found its way to the right hands. To someone who understands its true potential.","216":"Maybe RECENTLY destroyed our souls. We sacrificed ourselves to it, traded ourselves for that power...","217":"{PlayerName}, since we have it, why not [i]use[\/i] it? Follow through with our plans to build a better world with it?","218":"We can do it, {PlayerName}! You and I! Together! Do what everyone else has been too short sighted or self absorbed or mentally incapable of doing!","219":"We can shape mankind for a better future! Guide them! Program them!","220":"Valerie, you know that's not how it works. And we're fools for thinking we could. I think you realized it that night of the debate, when you fell apart in Amiran's arms.","221":"We can tell ourselves the ends justify the means, that we have to do what we must for the greater good.","222":"But that's just going to give us the allowance to more and more terrible things to hold onto that power.","223":"We [i]can't[\/i] keep allowing ourselves to slip more into authoritarianism because we assume that history will vindicate us.","224":"That is a path that is shared by some of the worst human beings in history.","225":"I can't be blind to that any longer. I'm sorry, Valerie. This is wrong. And I think deep down, you know it too.","226":"Val, I love you. Please, wake up with me. Let's leave this nightmare behind.","227":"Valerie's eyes fill with rage and tears in equal measure, staring at me like knives.","228":"The whiplash of a life ripped back and forth. And I can't help but feel a terrible guilt for having contributed to that agony.","229":"No! I refuse to believe that everything we've worked for, everything we built, was a mistake!","230":"The only thing I was wrong about was you! I never imagined that you could be completely turned after five minutes talking to a fucking journalism grad!","231":"Valerie storms out, rocking me with her shoulder as she does.","232":"I turn to go after her, but {Leah} stops me.","233":"Just... give her a moment. She's got a lot to process.","234":"We just told one of the most vulnerable people I know that we're tearing down the fortress she built to protect herself.","235":"I don't know what else to say. My own grief, heartbreak, regret are all bearing down on me like a landslide.","236":"It's all I can do just to try and breathe.","0":"I took off without telling anyone where I was going. I even left my phone. I know it was stupid. They'll be wondering where I ran off to. But this is {Leah}, my {sheIsYour}. If I have a chance to rebuild a bridge between us, I have to take it.","1":"The drive back to our childhood town is long. Plenty of time to think of what I want to say to her. Or the arguments I can make to sway her mind.","2":"And, plenty of time to worry, to second guess myself.","3":"Pulling up to the school, to the confrontation, I suddenly wished the drive was longer.","4":"I still feel foolish for coming here on a whim, at {Leah}'s request. But I can't deny that I do [i]love[\/i] {Leah}. Not the same love I have for Valerie, but a love I still can't deny, and I don't know what can change that.","5":"In a way, they both speak to me on a different level.","6":"Not so much the angels and demons on my shoulder, but muses to different sides of my soul. Two lighthouses that have always been there to guide me. I don't know if I could navigate with just one.","7":"I'm not eager to have this talk, as much as I know it needs to happen.","8":"Strange, the school seems so much smaller than I remember. ","9":"I spot her right away, just hanging out in the parking lot. It all seems almost... anti-climatic."},"ch18__epilogue_valerie_bad.40_bridge_bad_end.vne3":{"10":"Please, don't beat yourself up too much over {Leah}. I know you love her, but she didn't... maybe couldn't understand you. Not the way I do.","11":"I think... maybe she did understand me. Maybe she understood it better than she wanted to admit.","12":"She could have stayed, continued to fight, but she chose not to.","13":"{Leah}'s not the type to give up. I think deep down she knew that, as hard as it is to admit, her way of fixing the system was flawed. Inadequate.","14":"She's a smart woman. She had to face the cold logic of the matter. The world isn't a debate stage, or a philosophy classroom. It's more chaotic than that, maybe crueler... but at the same time, more beautiful.","15":"Maybe she realized she was still trying to see the stars through a pinhole.","16":"Maybe.","17":"Romantisms aside, I have no illusions that what we're doing is dangerous, and our actions can have terrible consequences.","18":"I want you to know that I'm not the same person I was, and I see now that we have lines that we can't cross.","19":"And I want you to know that I understand that sometimes hard choices have to be made. And sometimes we must act in the best interest of the big picture, and the long game.","20":"Valerie smiles, purring into my shoulder.","21":"And thank you, for not punishing my father. He was out of line and he should never have conspired with {Leah} against us.","22":"Punish? I'm liable to give him a raise. Amiran is one of my most trusted men. He'd be doing me a disservice if he didn't speak his mind to me.","23":"I understand his fears, and his reservations. I explained to him that I was counting on him to be honest with us as a safeguard.","24":"Thank you. He means well. He's seen a lot, and is justified in being weary. But I know he loves us.","25":"Hey, you remember what I told you?","26":"To stop smacking your butt every time I walk past you at home?","27":"You know I'll never complain about that...","28":"She grins, jabbing me playfully in the side.","29":"I told you that you would weather this storm, navigate through these waters, and that we would come through it stronger.","30":"If I ever doubt you, feel free to tell me I'm being a fool.","31":"She lets out a content sigh as she looks over the water. We're both tired, ready to catch up on some sleep, but I feel our hearts are at ease.","32":"Do you feel that? Things are in motion now. We're setting out on something bigger than I barely let myself dream.","33":"Yes... It's like electricity running through my veins.","34":"I take a deep breath of the cool air, letting it fill my lungs and turn again to the river.","35":"Getting rid of {Leah}... it hurt. It was nothing I wasn't expecting, but it had to be done.","36":"But you know what? Every step we take, every obstacle we remove... it just makes me want more.","37":"The power to fix things, to reshape them into what they should be... I never understood how intoxicating it could be.","38":"Like a rush I've never felt before.","39":"I can feel my heart racing just thinking about it.","40":"With each piece falling into place, the broken parts of this world... they've been crying out for someone to fix them. Someone with the will to do what's necessary.","41":"I want more of it. More power to reshape things, to set them right. Whatever the cost.","42":"And I'm done pretending that I don't enjoy it. That surge of control, that rush when another piece falls under our influence...","43":"Keep talking like that... You have no idea what it does to me when you embrace your power.","44":"I know exactly what it does to you... watching me finally accept who I truly am, what I'm capable of.","45":"I love you, {PlayerName}! And I just...","46":"You know... I keep expecting to wake up at some point.","47":"I share the feeling. It's surreal.","48":"But... I can't help but think there's one element to this journey that we haven't accounted for yet.","49":"I look over and see her coy smile.","50":"And what's that, exactly?","51":"Before se can answer, my phone rings. Seeing who it is, I take it.","52":"{PlayerName}, I hope you'll forgive the call. I just saw the update from your lovely better half, and I feel congratulations are in order.","53":"I'm always happy to take a call from you, whatever the hour. Thank you again for your council in these matters. But yes, I think we can say this is an obstacle we can put behind us.","54":"I've heard through the grapevine that your estranged {sheIsYour} hasn't wasted much time moving on.","55":"Rumor is she's been in talks with a friend about a job at a small newspaper in the south of Ireland, and already filed for a work visa.","56":"Yes. She appears to be eager to put these affairs behind her and move on with her life as quickly as possible. Which I'm perfectly happy to let her.","57":"You're not worried about any lingering ambitions?","58":"I should stress this so there is no misunderstanding. {Leah} has moved on, and I wish her a long, happy, fruitful life in her future endeavors.","59":"I hope I've made that abundantly clear, and firmly assure you and other invested parties that she is of no concern.","60":"Of course. Well then, we'll quietly wish her good luck in her new life. I'll make sure your other supporters understand your position.","61":"Thank you.","62":"Well, the hour is both very late and very early, so I won't keep you. But I wanted to wish you good luck in the upcoming election.","63":"Judging by the current polls, I think we can look forward to four more years of your leadership. And after that... the sky is the limit, I suppose.","64":"I appreciate it. Thank you again for your council. Your wisdom is always welcomed.","65":"Happy to oblige. Good bye, {PlayerName}. Give my best to Valerie.","66":"I hang up, and turn around to relay the message... but Valerie is nowhere to be found.","67":"Looking down, I see her heels on the sidewalk. Whipping my head around, a terrible thought creeps into my mind.","68":"Looking over the edge of the bridge, fearing a terrible sight, I suddenly hear her call from nearby.","69":"Over here, my love.","70":"I turn, seeing her sitting nearby on a bench, looking a little green in the face.","71":"Are you okay?","72":"Yes, yes I'm fine. My feet were killing me and I suddenly started to feel a bit nauseous, I just need to sit and rest for a moment.","73":"Nauseous, again? You were feeling sick the other morning too.","74":"She smiles at me, a light in her eye that I've never seen before.","75":"Yes... Do you remember what I was saying about something missing in our lives?","76":"Well... I wanted to wait until after we resolved this business with {Leah}, but...","77":"... I have some big news for you.","0":"Valerie and I walk arm in arm along the South Street Bridge in the wee hours of the morning. The warm light of the sunrise creeping over the horizon.","1":"I love these walks. The world feels asleep, but its potential feels endless.","2":"Thank you for telling me about the meeting with {Leah}... Though I do wish you would have warned me beforehand. Or at least took your phone.","3":"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you.","4":"It's Genevieve you gave the real fright too. I don't think I've ever seen her that high strung.","5":"I smile.","6":"And Rebecca. She was shaking, poor girl.","7":"I'll give her a few days off. She's earned it.","8":"Good luck. Sitting idly doing nothing is likely her form of hell. She'll think you're punishing her.","9":"..."},"ch18__epilogue_valerie_bad.45_bridge_good_end.vne3":{"10":"The situation is still objectively terrible, but feeling her slide up against me, leaning on me, sharing the body heat in the cold chill of the morning...","11":"I don't even try to fight back the tears.","12":"I think at some level, right and wrong have a funny way of getting mixed up with one another. You play the game long enough and you start thinking of the pieces as actually game pieces. Not people's lives.","13":"It felt like this was our way of changing things. Of taking this terrible hand we've been dealt and making it mean something.","14":"Do you know what it feels like? To be totally powerless? To be helpless and completely at the mercy of powers beyond your control?","15":"... Of course you do. I imprisoned you in a hospital bed. [i]I[\/i] did that to you. What am I even saying?","16":"Christ... I really am a monster, aren't I?","17":"If you are, then so am I.","18":"Sometimes... when you stare at something from so far up, I think you can't focus on the effects it's having on the ground.","19":"From so far up...","20":"In my mind, I'm still that scared little girl on the flight out of Ketyristan. Whisked away into the sky like a piece of luggage, just scared and confused as my whole world fell out from under me.","21":"And I thought, if we could just get enough power, I'd never, ever have to feel that way ever again, even just a little. That we could right all the wrongs and I could punish everyone who was ever cruel, and unjust...","22":"I was going to destroy RECENTLY. Eventually. After I had used it to help set things right in the world.","23":"I know, me too.","24":"I think that quest sort of got away from us.","25":"{PlayerName}, I'm living that nightmare again, where my whole world is crumbling out from right under my feet.","26":"I don't know how to process this.","27":"Neither of us asked for the hands we were dealt. We just played them.","28":"Except in your case, I was the one who dealt your cards. Groomed you. Tried to make you into something... Great? Terrible?","29":"Sometimes I think you don't get one without the other.","30":"Since that flight, my whole life was to be an instrument. An agent of change. I was shaped for it.","31":"What you're asking me to do... I don't know how I can just go back to being a person.","32":"I don't know who I am. And it seems every time I try and get a foot under me, the world shifts.","33":"She chuckles humorlessly, shaking her head.","34":"''... Just live for yourself, Balenka. Live for the people you love.''","35":"What's that?","36":"My father... He came to me the other day. I was going to tell you, but you already had so much on your plate.","37":"He warned me of the path we were going down. That we would come to regret it. That he didn't want to see me fall into darkness again.","38":"I smile.","39":"Yeah. Yeah he was there when I met {Leah}. He gave me the same spiel.","40":"He did?","41":"It turns out, Amiran and {Leah} were conspiring to save us for some time now.","42":"I... don't know what we did to deserve them.","43":"I guess we owe it to them to try.","44":"{PlayerName}... I don't know who I am. I don't know what my place is in this world anymore...","45":"... But I know I love you.","46":"You're the only thing I have to hold onto in this world. And I can't lose you.","47":"I love you too, Valerie.","48":"We embrace. Holding each other, hoping to wake up and be anyone else, but anyone else together.","49":"I wish I could just stay in this moment, but there's still work to be done.","50":"My phone buzzes. I look down to see who it is.","51":"Not in the mood for any ''counsel'', I toss the phone over the bridge and into the water.","52":"So... what do we do now?","53":"I sigh.","54":"Hit the self-destruct button.","55":"A few days later...","56":"You realize what you're asking me to do, right?","57":"I nod, wearily. It's been well over twenty four hours since I've slept, and I'm sure it's showing on my face.","58":"Yep.","59":"Because if I hit this button... that's it. There's no going back.","60":"It'll cripple it entirely?","61":" ''Crippled'' is being a bit generous. More like giving it the full ''Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' treatment.","62":"Stuck on a meat hook, gutted, and flayed would be a more apt description.","63":"And the important thing is it'll be exposed.","64":"Oh yeah. Big time.","65":"So it won't be able to be restored?","66":"It'd be easier and cheaper to start from scratch.","67":"I'm guessing this means you're not running for reelection anymore, huh?","68":"No, no, I will not be seeking office again.","69":"And I guess I'm out of a job.","70":"I'm sorry, Sandra. Sorry to drag you through all of this.","71":"She lets out a long sigh, already beginning to type in commands to prep the system for complete meltdown.","72":"Yep... looks like we'll have some busy weeks ahead...","73":"What will you do?","74":"Find a good lawyer, for one. Then probably start making deals with the feds.","75":"Arthur is gonna be pissed.","76":"Arthur is going to have a lot more to worry about in... how long?","77":"However long it takes for you to tell me to hit the enter button.","78":"Just like that?","79":"Like I said, we do love our contingencies around here.","80":"I always thought the suicide protocol was an intellectual exercise. I never imagined we'd actually be using it.","81":"Alright, ready to sink the titanic when you are, asshole.","82":"I pause, looking at the cruel blue glow of RECENTLY for the last time.","83":"Do it.","84":"Sandra hits the button. I swear I can hear the shrieks of RECENTLY as we watch it writhe in its digital death throes.","85":"I'm half terrified we'll give the man a heart attack when we creep into the office. {Leah} had a spare key, and we snuck in. We've been keeping a low profile. As of an hour ago, we're likely being hunted.","86":"Hello, Frank.","87":"Jesus!-... {PlayerName}!.... {Leah}! ... Amiran, Valerie?","88":"Hi, Frank.","89":"{Leah}, you're alright! Thank god!","90":"Hello again, Mr. Craven.","91":"What are you all doing here?","92":"I look down at the thick manila envelope, heavy with every dirty deed, dark secret, and record of my time in office, RECENTLY, and the SILENT Brotherhood that we could gather.","93":"The girthy packet feels unnaturally heavy, bumpy and uneven with the thumb drives and disks packed in alongside the countless hard copies of evidence.","94":"We came to give you this.","95":"I hand him the packet. He looks at it, curiously.","96":"Is this?...","97":"It's us making a lot of enemies.","98":"He looks up into my eyes for a moment, and nods.","99":"I'm guessing time is a resource you're quite short on, so I won't keep you any longer than you can afford.","100":"But... Thank you.","101":"Thanks, {Leah}. She's the one who steered us back.","102":"He looks over, giving {Leah} a warm, fatherly smile. But not without a shadow of sadness. This is likely the last time we'll be seeing each other.","103":"There's similar packets going to the desks of several major law enforcement bodies, and the offices of more than a few Senate oversight committee leaders.","104":"RECENTLY, the Silent Brotherhood, and my actions are all documented within. Should be everything you need to drive a stake through the heart of the whole miserable operation.","105":"No one is in a better position to break this story open than you, Frank.","106":"No one except you, {Leah}.","107":"I was thinking it might be better if I took a little trip... In fact, we wanted to ask you one favor, if we could.","108":"He nods, already knowing what we'll ask.","109":"I still have a few numbers tucked away I can call. Discreet people who owe me favors. People who are good at helping a person... or four, disappear.","110":"Things will happen quickly once I make the call. Anything else you need to take care of, you should have done within the next twenty four hours.","111":"We're ready. Make the call.","112":"And Frank... I'm sorry.","0":"I gave Valerie a little while to cool down. We're both going through a lot right now, and I don't think there's any good way to approach this.","113":"Frank handles the thick manilla envelope, testing the weight of the packet.","1":"She was not answering her phone, but I had a good idea of where she would be.","114":"I'd say this makes us square.","2":"The South Street bridge was always a special spot for us. We'd often come here on late night walks, just to talk, ruminate, or discuss our plans and dreams.","115":"Things did happen quickly.","3":"... Plans and dreams that I just dashed against the rocks.","116":"The government could barely scramble fast enough to react to keep up with the story once it broke.","4":"I walk out to where she's leaning over the railing. Her eyes are red from crying, and the heartbroken and hollow look she gives me is a pain I'd trade almost anything to rid her of.","117":"They picked our entire operation apart. But there was more than enough dirt in Frank's article to shut things down for good.","5":"I walk tepidly up next to her, leaning over the edge as we both look over the horizon, the sunrise beginning to warm the eastern sky.","118":"It was a blood bath. I don't think any element of our influence, not the Silent Brotherhood, Arthur's company, the campaign, or our other interests, were untouched or unscrutinized.","6":"I'm sorry.","119":"We had burned the boats. There was no going back.","7":"She sniffles.","120":"RECENTLY was gone. Destroyed. I'm sure major security contractors and intelligence agencies would be pouring over its corpse for years. ","8":"I know... what we're doing is wrong.","121":"But Sandra and I had made sure the destruction was thorough. I doubt they'd get much of real value, apart from the system's insidious nature and a record and history of its abuse.","9":"I let out a long breath of relief. I almost don't know if I could live with myself if Valerie couldn't see what we're doing had to stop. I was terrified of what she'd do.","122":"Some other wrongs were righted as well.","123":"{Leah} was long overdue some acknowledgement for all her hardship and hard work. Even if, regrettably, couldn't enjoy it. But she was never about the accolades. For her, it was the cause that mattered.","124":"I couldn't take back all the things I did. But I could do something to make them right.","125":"There were so many people I owed an apology to. Sadly, I couldn't give all those apologies myself. But I hope, at least, my actions would say what I couldn't in person.","126":"As for {Leah}, Amiran, Valerie, and I? Well, in a manner of speaking, we ceased to exist.","127":"But we got dealt a new hand. A better one than I can say I deserved, but one I won't take for granted.","128":"A chance to start over.","129":"One with the people that I love.","130":"Yes, righ there...","131":"Where? Here?","132":"Here you go, boys.","133":"Thank you, Balenka.","134":"Any luck finding out what's wrong with it?","135":"Oh, you should have heard your husband's diagnosis. He said, ''maybe it's the flux capacitor''.","136":"Here, babe.","137":"Aaah, exactly what I needed! Thanks, Val.","138":"And Almiran, it was just a joke, okay?","139":"I think that's enough tinkering with this car for today...","140":"You're right... Look at this gorgeous sunset... Come here, my love!","141":"Do you think he'll like growing up here?","142":"I wrap my arm around her, feeling the warmth of the setting sun on my face.","143":"They'll never find us here, in this corner of paradise.","144":"My family. My love. This is all the power I need now. "},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.05_start.vne3":{"10":"I detect a hint of surprise on the other end.","11":"Sorry... I'm still not completely used to your voice. It is you, isn't it?","12":"{PlayerName}?","13":"Yeah. You change voice boxes like some people change clothes.","14":"Is that so? I really hope there's nobody that changes their clothes twice in one lifetime.","15":"Oh, you know what I mean. It's frequent; twice the amount most people do. And all those years of that synthetic voice...","16":"But don't worry. I can tell you're you. No matter what you're speaking through, that winning personality of yours always shines through.","17":"Thanks, I like to think that. Did you call just to chat?","18":"She didn't. I know that already. But I want to get her to tell me what she wants. I'm anxious enough as it is...","19":"Oh... of course. We're both busy adults. Listen, are you still living at your old place?","20":"In Shale Hill? Yeah.","21":"Good. Confession: I'm standing right outside your building. I came not really knowing whether you still lived in your old place or not.","22":"So she's inviting herself up?","23":"I guess I should thank you for not barging past the doorman and forcing your way into my apartment.","24":"What? Who did that?","25":"Nobody, for a while now. But there was a time it was happening every other day. My life is so damn boring now...","26":"Never mind. I'll see you down there.","27":"Thanks.","28":"I shut the phone off... then I sigh a sigh of protest as I'm forced to put on some actual pants before heading outside.","29":"There's Emily, standing with her feet turned inward and her postured like a vigilant meerkat.","30":"...Man... she hasn't aged a day. She looks really damn good...","31":"Em...","32":"She greets me with a smile and a half-hug. Both warm and awkward at once. It seems our long absence from each other has had an effect. Enemies, friends, lovers... ","33":"We've passed through every type of relationship together. And yet this is the first time we've come together as [i]acquaintances.","34":"So nice to see you.","35":"It is nice to see you, Em. You want to come upstairs?","36":"Uh... yeah. Actually I'd prefer we talked somewhere private. But... I should say... before we're alone together...","37":"I've got no intentions to start anything, Emily.","38":"Yes, of course. I didn't think you would. I just wanted to remove any doubt.","39":"At the very least, that crosses one thing off the list: we're not lovers. Oddly, that's enough to make me relax a little.","40":"I'm excited to see your apartment again.","41":"I'm not sure why, but come upstairs anyway.","42":"She follows me in.","43":"I open the door and let her inside.","44":"Wow...","45":"What?","46":"So little has changed...","47":"Is she being sarcastic? But I don't detect any malice in her expression. She looks around, with a plaintive smile.","48":"It's like the last time I had come.","49":"What were you expecting?","50":"Oh... bachelor pad. Crap everywhere. Dirty dishes in the sink. But it's not like that at all. You're still really well put together, aren't you?","51":"But you know, I can still tell a woman doesn't live with you.","52":"What gives that away?","53":"It lacks a feminine touch. Your apartment is clean, well-maintained, but it isn't really [i]home[\/i], is it?","54":"I take a look around. Emily has touched on something very true: I haven't really felt the need to make major changes to this place since I graduated.","55":"When {Leah} lived with me, it definitely did feel like home. But yeah, I guess it really is just a place to sleep. Doesn't feel like much to me.","56":"You know, {PlayerName}, you're attractive enough that you can pick your partner. You don't [i]have[\/i] to live with the first girl who makes herself available.","57":"That's what you are planning with Valerie, isn't it? You want to bring her home?","58":"I had a feeling this was about Val.","59":"Of [i]course[\/i], {PlayerName}. I don't forget about what she [i]did[\/i] to us. Have you forgotten so quickly?","60":"And... because of her... {Leah} went to prison.","61":"{Leah} was released a year ago.","62":"That does not undo all the damage she did.","63":"It is far more complicated than you make it out to be. With everything that's happened to her, it's no wonder she was fucked up.","64":"I really don't think she [i]wanted[\/i] to do any of the things she did.","65":"You are so hen-pecked. You're like those abused spouses that make excuses for their partners, no matter what they do.","66":"When she pushes you down the stairs, you'll just blame it on yourself and call yourself ''clumsy''.","67":"I'm touched that you're worried for me, Em, but I think your fears are overblown. I've gone through way too much to be pushed around figuratively or literally.","68":"I've conducted burglaries, gotten into fights, faced a secret society in their headquarters... I'm a little past being anyone's fool.","69":"I would think that, and yet I'm watching you let yourself be played.","70":"Come on, Emily, you held so much water for Val that you could fill a swimming pool.","71":"You're not wrong! Actually, that's exactly my point. You and I both know how charming Valerie can be... we both spent our teen years wrapped around her finger. That's a trauma we both share.","72":"So it is surprising, given how intelligent you are, that you're letting it happen [i]all over again[\/i].","73":"[i]Emily...","74":"You can't even understand how long I was making excuses for Valerie. Even after she was in prison! I was still thinking about how it was my fault and how I could've stopped everything... ","75":"But I've come to terms that it wasn't my fault and it was Valerie who was responsible.","76":"We both loved Valerie. I know what she does to people. More than anyone else in the world, I get exactly what you're going through.","77":"What do I say to that? It feels completely valid. Valerie [i]is[\/i] charming. And I have been making excuses for her. And yet...","78":"That could all be true, Emily, but what I really feel... is...","79":"...the Valerie we knew back then... doesn't really exist anymore.","80":"You haven't talked to Valerie at all since the Silent Brotherhood was taken down, right?","81":"Of course not... and you know why? Because I knew I was still vulnerable to Valerie.","82":"I needed [i]time away from her[\/i] to really understand what kind of person she was. I needed that time, and so do you. How often have you been seeing her?","83":"Once every couple of weeks.","84":"That's more than I thought. I'm seriously worried for you.","85":"Maybe. But I also know she is completely different than how she was.","86":"Okay... so how has she changed?","87":"Well... she's extremely weird.","88":"What...? ''Weird''? What does that even mean?","89":"If you met her... you'd understand. Valerie is now very strange. Odd.","90":"How so?","91":"Well... she hasn't smiled since she's been in prison. But I don't think she's sad.","92":"Huh?","93":"I can't describe it. So I'll tell you what she tells me: that she ''doesn't know who she is''.","94":"Er...","95":"Emily shifts uncomfortably.","96":"Her whole sense of self is completely out of whack.","97":"So is she... uh... [i]depressed[\/i]?","98":"Maybe... but she's not moping or complaining or anything. It doesn't seem like she's sad. All I can say...","99":"...is that when her mask slipped off her face, there was nothing left to her. She's never had a real personality.","100":"You should've come to me about this sooner. That sounds like a common psychopathic trait.","101":"I don't know what your pop psychology books said, but that isn't enough to explain what's going on with her. Trust me.","102":"You don't ever have to talk to her again if you don't want to. I completely understand... but I've decided that I will keep at it.","103":"You realize that you're in love with her, right? That's the only reason you're doing this.","104":"Yes, of course I know that.","105":"Emily clearly didn't expect such a candid answer. She takes a long, hard look at me.","106":"When her shoulders slump, I know she's given up.","107":"I don't really want to clean up after you, {PlayerName}. She's going to shatter your heart. Don't make me pick up the pieces of your life.","108":"I don't expect you to. And I understand if you never want to see me again, either.","109":"But I [i]do[\/i] want to see you again, {PlayerName}. It's only that, while you're with that psycho, I [i]can't[\/i].","110":"There's a nervous energy about her. She wants to leave, I can tell.","111":"There was... a lot more I wanted to ask. A lot more I wanted to catch up on. Heck, I'm not even sure what you're doing these days, {PlayerName}.","112":"I'm maintaining supercomputers at the local observatory.","0":"[i]Only a few years...","113":"Oh. That's... cool.","1":"Has it really been that short of a time? When I learned the date of Valerie's release, I added it to my calendar. She was lucky to get as lenient a sentence as she did... even so...","114":"I... would ask you more about it, but... I...","2":"...it felt like such a vast gulf of time. Years and years... it's hard to imagine being locked away for a few days, let alone what she got.","115":"...I need some time alone.","3":"Back then, it took me comically long to scroll to the date to add it to the calendar. And yet, now... it stares me in the face.","116":"I'm here if you need me.","4":"How does this happen?","117":"I... I know you are.","5":"As I stare at the phone, the screen pops with an incoming call. The name doesn't check out at first... a person I have not heard from in a very long time.","118":"Unable to say a proper goodbye, she simply leaves the apartment.","6":"But my memories come back suddenly... and I realize it is the only other person in the world who could possibly be interested in Valerie's release...","119":"I don't know exactly what went through Emily's head... but I feel as though I understand.","7":"[i]...other than me.","120":"Honestly... a lot of the things she was telling me was the same stuff I was telling myself.","8":"Unsure what this is about, I answer it.","121":"But I promised Valerie I'd pick her up from prison... and that's still something I intend to do.","9":"Emily?","122":"Whether it will turn out to be a mistake, is a question for another time."},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.10_out_of_jail.vne3":{"10":"It feels odd... like there should be trumpets and fanfare and a police escort... but there's not.","11":"It's just Valerie, turned out on the street like her business is done.","12":"I step out, and watch as she approaches the car...","13":"When I first started seeing Valerie regularly, it was to pump her for information. I still had so many questions... and there still [i]are[\/i] so many questions...","14":"...but as it became obvious how little Valerie knew beyond what I knew, I had stopped coming just to interrogate her.","15":"I can't really say for sure why I kept coming...","16":"But here are the fruits of that. Valerie is in front of me, with neither flesh nor glass nor brick nor steel between us. She couldn't have picked a stranger path to freedom...","17":"What do I say to her?","18":"Are you nervous?","19":"Really, it's a question I pose to myself. Now that Valerie will be living with me, I have no idea how our relationship will evolve.","20":"Theoretically, it is romantic... but... Valerie is difficult to read.","21":"I'm not sure.","22":"She looks around, as though checking for a bird in the sky. Is this her way of savoring freedom? Close to it...","23":"The glasses suit you.","24":"Thanks.","25":"Valerie's vision got worse while in prison. Not quite as blind as a bat, she started needing glasses to see comfortably. I wonder what it is like for her, to be on the outside.","26":"And... thank you for letting me stay with you.","27":"There's not a lot of inflection in her voice... if I hadn't been used to it, I would've been shocked to hear it from Valerie. But I know she means it.","28":"I couldn't just let you be.","29":"No. You could've.","30":"No further elaboration. She just wanted to let me know I don't have to do this. I know in her odd way... this is her means of expressing gratitude.","31":"Why don't you get in the car.","32":"Valerie nods, and steps inside.","33":"The drive home is quiet. I know prison does a number on your social skills, but the old Valerie would never let a silence hang.","34":"But it's not uncomfortable. We've spoken a lot. We're used to each other.","35":"I think we both need time to digest the changes that will start happening.","36":"Still, the ride feels longer than it should... and I'm already wondering how much Valerie has actually changed or not.","37":"I also wonder if I should tell her that Emily popped by... but that doesn't seem as important for now.","38":"I roll up to my apartment, and open Valerie's door.","39":"I have some clothes ready for you... in {Leah}'s old bedroom.","40":"I am sure you want to slip into something different.","41":"Valerie makes an odd pause.","42":"I do, actually.","43":"She says it like that's a surprise to her.","44":"Thank you again.","45":"I lead Valerie to {Leah}'s old bedroom to change...","46":"As I sit in the living room, I wonder what kind of insanity I've invited into my life.","47":"Valerie... convicted of arson... burning down the town hall... now my roommate? My lover?","48":"When Valerie was in prison... we had conjugal visitation. But now that I'm sitting out in the living room, I really wonder what that even means...","49":"We might have been banging... but how many choices of partner did Valerie have?","50":"She has her freedom in many ways now...","51":"My anxieties fade as Valerie leaves the bedroom.","52":"When I see her now... and try to recall the woman Valerie once was...","53":"...there's just nothing they have each other. And yet both can take my breath away...","54":"How can two people be the same person... but feel so different from one another?","55":"Valerie stands in the living room, her hands roaming over her clothes. I could not begin to guess her opinion from her blank expression...","56":"And your hair... Did you just cut it by yourself?","57":"Yes, I learned to do some haircuts in the prison courses...","58":"I like it. And the clothes too.","59":"I break a smile.","60":"I had some help picking it out.","61":"There's something I'm not sure about, though...","62":"...do I like these clothes [i]because[\/i] these are to my taste, or is it because [i]you[\/i] picked them out for me?","63":"It's not a hypothetical question. It becomes clear she actually expects me to answer that for her.","64":"I have to roll the question several times around my head to even get what she's talking about.","65":"Uh... I don't know. I think the only person who can answer that is you.","66":"No. I can't.","67":"You can't?","68":"It's like I told you...","69":"...I don't really understand myself at all.","70":"I know I like these clothes. But how? And why? Is it even normal to understand why I like them?","71":"There's no objective way to measure it.","72":"Well, I certainly can't tell you why you like them. I'm not in your head.","73":"Yes, that's the advantage you have. You're not in my head. You're in [i]your own[\/i].","74":"So... I'm not sure why I like these clothes, but you probably know better than I do. It's why I ask.","75":"Don't stress out about it. Preferences don't need to be justified. Maybe you'll find out later, but it isn't important.","76":"When you go out shopping for yourself, you'll find something you like better, I'm sure of it.","77":"I don't know if that's true.","78":"She tugs on her clothing.","79":"So... what do I do now?","80":"Do... what? How do I answer that? Wow... Valerie's popping [i]easy[\/i] questions.","81":"What do you feel like doing?","82":"She pauses for a minute... a deep internal search...","83":"I'm... not finding a whole lot.","84":"Sorry... ''finding''?","85":"What I mean is... the part of me that is self-motivated seems to have atrophied. If I truly think about it... I've never really followed my own preferences at all.","86":"But I don't know what those preferences are, because they were irrelevant. Prior to my imprisonment, I was too consumed with holding up a front of what I [i]felt[\/i] I should be...","87":"...and while I was in prison, I didn't have enough choices to have preferences.","88":"I read some research once, that people who suffer from long term isolation have damage to certain parts of their brain. I'm sure if I looked at a CT scan parts of my frontal lobe would be underdeveloped.","89":"I would be a fascinating case study.","90":"This is [i]very[\/i] complicated for such a simple question... I have to break this down...","91":"Are you hungry?","92":"Am I hungry...? Oh... apparently... I am.","93":"Do you want to eat something?","94":"Do I want to eat something...?","95":"Well... I could only say ''yes''... since I'm hungry.","96":"Okay. Let's drive over to Burger Queen.","97":"Yes. This is smart.","98":"She nods sagely.","99":"I should begin with the most fundamental aspects first. Concentrate on listening to my body and then fulfilling its needs. Once I master that then I can work toward more esoteric preferences like clothes, color, sources of entertainment, etcetera.","100":"[i]It's just eating...","101":"This is why I didn't ask her where she wants to eat.","102":"Yes, let's eat first. That should improve your mood.","103":"[i]Improve my mood...","104":"Is she... thinking even about this?","105":"What's wrong?","106":"Oh... I'm just wondering... [i]what my mood is...","107":"[i]...riiiiiiight...","108":"Let's go eat.","0":"The next day... the calendar rolls around. I've felt this day coming, rumbling like a slow-rolling boulder over the horizon.","1":"Society has decided that Valerie has paid for her crimes. She's a free woman, released into a prison with fewer walls.","2":"My hands feel sticky. Though I've talked to Valerie many times... and despite everything I told Emily yesterday...","3":"...I can't know what to expect out of this.","4":"Was this all because of what Emily told me? It can't be entirely.","5":"The difference between having a glass screen between us... and living in our apartment... is [i]vast[\/i].","6":"When I arrive, I check the time. I'm five minutes early.","7":"It might as well be hours. Each second ticks like a minute.","8":"This isn't the first time I've picked someone up from prison... I sure hope it's the last. I watch the doors with a tingling anticipation.","9":"Then, in a stunning lack of ceremony, Valerie comes out."},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.15_burguer_queen.vne3":{"10":"How is that even possible? You can taste, right? So you must have an opinion.","11":"I'm not sure how it is possible. All I can say is... I'm not at all sure what I like.","12":"There are things you don't like, right?","13":"Valerie gives this question deeper consideration than it deserves.","14":"If someone pooped in an ice cream cone and gave it to you... you wouldn't eat it, right?","15":"[i]Please say yes... please say yes...","16":"No... that's unsanitary.","17":"So you dislike poop ice cream.","18":"I'm not sure...","19":"Valerie... come on... you have to know at least [i]that.","20":"[i]Valerie... don't think hard about this...","21":"Hmm...","22":"[i]Come on...[\/i] tell me you won't eat poop!","23":"I have an instinctual revulsion to that idea.","24":"[i]Thank God...","25":"By the time Valerie finishes pondering the question, my food is passed back. Though... after the discussion we've just had, I'm feeling considerably less hungry.","26":"Ah! I've had a happy thought.","27":"Despite her words, she doesn't smile. Though I seriously wonder if she would even recognize whether she was happy or not...","28":"What's that?","29":"When you were asking me whether I like poop ice cream or not... I had the unpleasant feeling that I might [i]disappoint[\/i] you.","30":"You know what that means, correct?","31":"I'm not entirely sure where she's going...","32":"That you're responsive to peer pressure?","33":"That's right! And you know what that means?","34":"...That... [i]you like pleasing people?[\/i]","35":"Yes. So I do have underlying preferences. I want people to like me, as opposed to [i]disliking me[\/i] or [i]ignoring me[\/i].","36":"It is a good sign. This is a fairly common characteristic, so I don't exactly have a rich personality. However, I do know have more personality than a cardboard standee...","37":"Valerie's eyes trace just such a standee outside of Cram Comics. Her feet begin to twist toward it.","38":"Val... can we eat first?","39":"Too late. Valerie is already headed through the doors.","40":"Great...","41":"I catch up with Valerie, who is already scanning the shelves.","42":"What she could be looking for... I have no idea... but a confrontation with Kristen is the last thing I want... [i]especially since Kristen knows Valerie and what she's done.","43":"I only just catch Val when Kristen destroys my luck by walking out of the back room.","44":"{PlayerName}! Don't you know comic book stores are shit places to take a date?","45":"She turns her attention to Val.","46":"Sorry about that. My friend is [i]obsessed[\/i] with this place.","47":"Does Kristen... [i]not recognize Valerie?[\/i]","48":"Anyway, I'm sure you're not interested in this drivel...","49":"What's interesting about it?","50":"Yes, thank you. What [i]is[\/i] interesting about this misogynistic garbage? Not much...","51":"No... I mean it literally. What is interesting about it?","52":"Kristen blinks with confusion.","53":"Come again?","54":"Sorry about that. My friend is confused.","55":"{PlayerName}... you aren't [i]so lonely[\/i] that you've resorted to preying on the intellectually challenged, have you?","56":"I have a degree in neuroscience and I'm asking you, [i]why comic books are interesting?[\/i]","57":"I have to step in...","58":"Sorry, my friend spent a long time in isolation, she's got poor social skills. We'll get out of your hair.","59":"Isolation?","60":"I don't give Valerie a chance to elaborate.","61":"What is with you?","62":"I...","63":"...I am sorry. You are correct...","64":"...my social skills are not what they used to be.","65":"Yes. You've gone from master manipulator to Rain Man.","66":"Valerie huffs in frustration... shakes her head...","67":"I know that seems odd. It isn't just that my skills have atrophied. It is also that...","68":"[i]...I'm not sure.[\/i] But I don't want to embarrass you.","69":"You aren't embarrassing me...","70":"That's not the truth. She [i]was[\/i] embarrassing me, but it's not her fault.","71":"...I think you're just overwhelmed.","72":"Yes... and I need... food to improve my mood.","73":"I've read that... a lot of people have a hard time adjusting to freedom. I now understand why.","74":"The social dynamics of prison are very different.","75":"Valerie... you do realize that you're infamous, right?","76":"[i]Infamous?","77":"You're the class president that burned down a civic building. Everyone knows who you are... even if they don't recognize you at this very moment.","78":"You shouldn't draw too much attention to yourself.","79":"As her response... Valerie shuts her mouth. I know she understands...","80":"We head back to Burger Queen to grab our food. Hopefully, having a proper meal will help improve Valerie's mood.","81":"When we arrive back, I set up the burger and fries and we have a meal. As I watch Valerie eat, for the first time, I see a charm in this strange new Valerie.","82":"Everything she eats... her face screws up... like she's deciding whether or not she likes it.","83":"It's cute... and it's hard to believe that this is the same Valerie from before.","84":"We clean up afterward. Exhausted... Valerie heads to {Leah}'s bedroom early.","85":"The rest of the evening I spend with myself... wondering what I've gotten myself into.","0":"As we walk through the mall, Valerie's eyes are as inquisitive as a child's. Every single little thing she follows with her eyes until something new comes along.","1":"Whether it's joggers passing by or an ant crossing our path, anything is a potential subject of fascination for Valerie.","2":"In prison, in her controlled environment, she was not confronted by nearly as many existential questions... and now that I'm looking at her... I can really see the extent of the damage.","3":"Knowing already that it is pointless to ask, I order for her at the counter.","4":"Valerie continues to be distracted, her eyes reading the menu far more carefully than necessary.","5":"What are you thinking about?","6":"I've had Burger Queen before. I am trying to remember... what I think about it.","7":"Do you have a favorite on the menu?","8":"No. Whenever I ordered... I...","9":"...I didn't [i]think[\/i] about the food at all."},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.20_wikipedia.vne3":{"10":"How so?","11":"I explain the situation to {Leah}, who takes in every morsel of information with eagerness.","12":"When I conclude, {Leah} pauses thoughtfully before giving me her assessment.","13":"I'm not all that surprised that she's having difficulties. But... it seems to me... it's a lot more existential than that.","14":"If you think about it... it make sense. She was taken from her family in a traumatic fashion, she pretended to be a remorseless psychopath for over ten years, and then she's been in prison.","15":"Yeah... I bet she's going through a difficult adjustment.","16":"It's almost like... she's rebuilding herself from scratch.","17":"That's a good way of putting it. How is she otherwise? Healthy?","18":"I don't know... I haven't seen her smile at all. But...","19":"...she doesn't seem depressed.","20":"From what you describe, she seems intensely curious.","21":"Yeah. She's showering me with weird questions. What am I supposed to tell a neuroscientist about the way they think?","22":"I hate to say it... [i]you probably do know her better than she knows herself.[\/i]","23":"I have to run, {PlayerName}... but I want to meet Valerie.","24":"Are you sure? You're not bitter about the prison thing? Valerie had a lot to do with getting you locked up...","25":"I won't deny it... but the person most at fault is Arthur. I'll get him one day... but it seems like justice has already come for Valerie.","26":"Right now... I'm just curious about Val.","27":"Are you sure? The history you two have together...","28":"Yes... the old Valerie for certain... but the girl you're describing feels like a completely different person.","29":"I won't deny I'm still bitter about what happened, but my curiosity overwhelms any resentment.","30":"I won't stop you from coming... but this isn't about your private crusade, alright? I'm trying to look out for Val's long-term interest.","31":"Oh... of course... I mean... I wouldn't do anything to compromise a source...","32":"[i]Single-minded...","33":"...I promise I'll be patient.","34":"I believe that promise.","35":"I'll come over in a few days, alright?","36":"'Kay. Thanks letting me know.","37":"See ya.","38":"Huh. Val must've heard the tail end of the conversation.","39":"Was that {Leah}?","40":"Should I really tell her?","41":"I suppose it can't hurt...","42":"Yeah, it was {Leah}.","43":"I am... surprised she wants to talk to me.","44":"If you knew her, you'd understand that there is nothing in this world that will stop {Leah} from talking to you.","45":"When it comes to getting answers, {Leah} will take any risk necessary.","46":"Valerie nods, her eyes foggy with recollections.","47":"Yes. Of course. I should've known that.","48":"I am not sure what more I can tell her about the Brotherhood of Silence.","49":"Don't worry about that. I told her she's not allowed to interrogate you.","50":"I need to head to work. Are you okay on your own?","51":"On my own...?","52":"Yes... yes of course.","53":"There's food in the fridge. Since you don't have a phone... I recommend you stay in the apartment.","54":"I can't help but note the irony of her jumping from one place she can't leave to another... but Valerie doesn't question it.","55":"Okay. Then... I'll see you in a little bit.","56":"I nod... and head out the door.","57":"A few days later...","58":"Work treats me the same as always, which is decent. My colleagues respect me, and my duties are not demanding. I think a lot about what {Leah} is doing... running around... getting into trouble...","59":"Things remain the same between me Val. I give her some space, which I know she needs. For the most part... she is quiet.","60":"One night, when I come back from work...","61":"Val... what is this?","62":"Val must have read the expression off my face, because she is quick to answer.","63":"I managed to get some of my old accounts free. I bought this computer and a new phone.","64":"She's all business-like about it.","65":"Yes... but... [i]what are you doing?[\/i] You look like you're running a business from the living room.","66":"I should explain myself. I've been doing a great deal of research...","67":"Should I be worried about dissected brains?","68":"...into the Ashberani.","69":"The Ashberani? That's a relief...","70":"That's your ethnic group, right?","71":"Valerie nods.","72":"Do you know how large the article is on the Ashberani on Wikipedia?","73":"I don't know. Judging from your expression... not very?","74":"250 words.","75":"Huh?","76":"Yes. Strange, right?","77":"There are over 150,000 Ashberani around the world. Yet, we have only 250 words devoted to us.","78":"There are cartoon characters with bigger articles.","79":"That sounds unfair...","80":"Yes. I thought I'd fix it.","81":"She looks like a cryptocurrency goblin the way she is right now, but I'm glad she's putting her efforts into something productive.","82":"[i]I just wish I could see her smile...","83":"Anyway... I found as many books on the Ashberani as I could get my hands on. The library had to put in a special order, transferring titles from different libraries.","84":"The Ketyristan War destroyed a lot of sources of Ashberani culture... so most of what I could find is from the 80s.","85":"These are some old wounds you are opening, Val.","86":"What?","87":"I mean... you [i]went through[\/i] that war, didn't you? I would've thought it would bring up bad memories...","88":"And of course... it was the source of Valerie's True Face. If there were any topic I thought she'd avoid...","89":"Oh... yes I don't like the war. But this isn't about that. This is about...","90":"...[i]preserving... my family's...","91":"A slow, dreadful moment passes over the both of us. I watch as Valerie processes some extremely dark memories...","92":"But, she soon shakes her head.","93":"...Anyway... it's about the culture more than the war.","94":"Oh... good. That sounds likes a good project.","95":"Valerie gives an affirmative nod... [i]but still no smile.","96":"I wonder...","97":"You know {Leah} is coming over tonight, right?","98":"Valerie nods.","99":"She will want to speak with me.","100":"If you're not up to it...","101":"It is okay. I... [i]had[\/i] the social skills to talk with people normally, but I'm not entirely sure why I've lost those skills. And talking to {Leah} will be good practice for me.","102":"I would like to talk to {Leah}. I am sure we have a lot to say to one another.","103":"She's probably going to ask you a bunch of questions you don't want to answer...","104":"I don't think that will be a problem.","105":"Are you sure? You might not understand your limits...","106":"Yes. That's true. Actually, if I have limits, I'd like to know what they are.","107":"That feels like a strange thing to say... but I can't deny it makes some sense.","108":"Alright... if you're comfortable.","109":"I wait for some kind of confirmation... but it doesn't come. Well... I suppose she's ''comfortable'', then.","110":"Now I just have to wait for {Leah}...","111":"As the evening comes, the expected call arrives.","112":"I head downstairs onto the street...","113":"{Leah} stands with her hands in her pockets, trying her best to look natural as she waits to enter her old house.","114":"I did give you the keys, right?","115":"Not since I got out myself.","116":"Between {Leah}, Valerie, Emily, and I, sometimes it gets comically difficult to know who's in the slammer and who hasn't.","117":"For running afoul of the law so often, I wish we were richer...","118":"Besides, it isn't really my home anymore.","119":"Still, it isn't my house anymore, is it? I shouldn't just barge in.","120":"Never say that. It will always be your home.","121":"Oh... so I can move back into my bedroom?","122":"Uh... yes... but... Valerie is currently using it...","123":"How surreal. I come home and who else but Valerie is living in my bedroom?","124":"It's a temporary thing. But... how did you know she wasn't sleeping in my room?","125":"Oh... easy. [i]Experience.","126":"Sorry?","127":"Once you have a cellmate... you crave your own space.","128":"That's right... Valerie and {Leah} share that in common, at least. I know Valerie did have a cellmate... I don't know anything about her, though.","129":"It struck me as a bit of a adjustment to go from having a cellmate to a bedmate. I think anyone would want their own space.","130":"Huh. That makes a lot of sense. I guess {Leah} has come so close against the law herself that she's thought about these kinds of things...","131":"I know you and her have a history... and that you have every reason to despise her... but please, treat her kindly.","132":"{Leah} nods.","133":"You know... the closest I've come to despising her was when she most directly hurt you.","134":"But... I pity her more than anything else.","135":"I never sensed that Valerie was this happy person.","136":"And you're still not going to get that sense now.","137":"Right. Well... no further delays! Actually, I'm quite excited to meet her.","138":"I really hope she's as strange as you say...","139":"You'll be the judge.","140":"With that, I lead her inside.","141":"Valerie is already waiting for us when we walk in. There is an instant tension as the two former enemies assess each other...","142":"...at least... that's what I would've [i]expected[\/i]...","143":"Instead, {Leah} inspects Valerie a bit like a statue... and Valerie simply lets her. After a few moments of silence, I get the impression {Leah} is treating Valerie like an object of curiosity.","144":"[i]I hope you know you're weird too, {Leah}.","145":"So... {Leah}, you know Valerie. I guess introductions aren't necessary.","146":"Huh?","147":"Oh! Right. Yes... I'm {Leah}... but you know that.","148":"I do, of course.","149":"I'm sorry for all the trouble I've put you through.","150":"And, of course, it was my influence that put you behind bars.","151":"Yes... you did do that. I... remember all that extremely well.","152":"It's been a very long time since we've talked.","153":"Really... I'm not certain we've ever had a proper conversation.","154":"[i]And judging by how this is going, there probably never will be one.","155":"No... I'm not sure we have. We did talk to each other at Lidia's coffee shop once. That was after you abducted {PlayerName}... that was the first time I confronted you directly...","156":"Yes. I remember that incident. I was quite scared of you.","157":"Uh... [i]scared?","158":"Yes. Back then, I was frightened of you. I went to great lengths to avoid you.","159":"I monitored your movements so we wouldn't be alone together. But at that point you had figured out I was Silent One.","160":"You were scared of me... because you knew I had a reason to suspect you?","161":"Yes. Until that point... you were the only person to have ever seen me cry.","162":"You were the one person that had any idea of the emotional stress I was under.","163":"So I thought it was likely, with your prodigious observational skills, that you could piece together the truth if I gave any more information away.","164":"To be honest... when I realized you had started avoiding me... that was something of a tip off.","165":"They're talking as if going over the moves of an old chess game... and Valerie talks like she has no emotional attachment at all.","166":"You seem very different now. Almost like you're...","167":"Valerie shakes her head.","168":"I assure you... I am the same person... or at least we share the same mind and body. But the Valerie you had known through college and high school was a clever fabrication.","169":"She was a persona that I donned... a persona that took over every aspect of my being, that overwrote who I really was.","170":"Only that Valerie, the [i]Silent One[\/i], was capable of taking the measures I believed were necessary.","171":"I thought I was the mask... but when I could no longer sustain it... it melted off... and there was nothing beneath. I had never let myself grow.","172":"That's... very odd.","173":"I have... a few theories. I may have too much control over my emotions... and that may make it difficult to know how I feel. I can't think of anything analogous to compare it to...","174":"[i]Love[\/i], maybe?","175":"Excuse me?","176":"If you've never been in love... you don't always recognize the emotion.","177":"Some people go their entire lives repressing their love, because it is incompatible with their self-image. And because of that... they don't really know whether they are in love or not.","178":"I... suppose that makes some sort of sense.","179":"Yes. It is difficult to understand whether you are in love or not if you haven't experienced it. But for me... this is [i]most of my character[\/i]. Interests... habits... matters of conscience and guilt... Do you see?","180":"Oddly enough... I think I do.","181":"{Leah} considers that deeply. At this point... all I can think about is how hungry I am...","182":"Let's continue the conversation over food.","183":"That's a good idea.","184":"Valerie, {Leah} and I dig in. It seems like a weirdly normal activity for such a weird collection of people.","185":"My {sheIsYour} continues to ask questions throughout the night. The notepad in her head is constantly scratching away...","186":"Long after the food is finished, {Leah} keeps asking question...","187":"So what I'm wondering is... how do you feel [i]right now?","188":"I don't know. I'm not sure how many times I can tell you I don't know how I feel...","189":"Describe it, then.","190":"I'm sorry... I'm not sure how.","191":"What you feel [i]physically?[\/i] Tell me that.","192":"Oh. I... suppose I could try.","193":"I feel... hmm...","194":"...[i]light inside...[\/i] like there's nothing weighing me down.","195":"...I feel as if... I have enough energy to continue this conversation forever.","196":"I'm not sure what that means.","197":"Her tone of voice doesn't match her description...","198":"It feels like what you're describing is [i]joy...","199":"...but you aren't smiling... so maybe I'm wrong.","200":"Yes. I had the same thought. You're describing joy, but you aren't expressing it.","201":"Why would I feel joy?","202":"Because people like talking about themselves.","203":"{Leah} chuckles lightly.","204":"You are far more normal than you think you are, Val. You definitely [i]feel[\/i], you just don't let your face show it.","205":"Valerie puzzles this out.","206":"When I was Silent One... every expression I made was voluntary. I never smiled unless I made myself do so... and now I can't do it at all... even if I should be smiling.","207":"I guess you trained yourself too well.","208":"Perhaps. But don't want to smile out of an obligation. I want to [i]really smile[\/i], I want to do it and not realize I've done it.","209":"I'm... done with fake emotions. I'm done being Silent One.","210":"That is... the most emotion I've heard out of Valerie...","211":"...there is real determination in her voice.","212":"I mean... you weren't the [i]real Silent One[\/i], were you? That was a name you adopted.","213":"{Leah}... you couldn't help yourself, could you?","214":"You don't have to answer the question, Val.","215":"[i]...Though I'm curious myself...","216":"It's fine. I can handle this.","217":"No. I was never the real one. You know this. The real Silent One I met on the plane coming here to the United States for the first time.","218":"And you don't remember anything else about him? Just that he gave you the original copy of RECENTLY...","219":"No. I was young. All I can say is he was male. Older. He could be dead by now.","220":"I will never know why he chose to give it to me.","221":"{Leah} sighs. Clearly she wasn't satisfied with the answer.","222":"It's getting late. I should get going.","223":"Should I walk you out?","224":"That would be very nice. Thank you.","225":"When we step out of the building, {Leah} turns to me with her serious face completely on.","226":"What did you think of her?","227":"I was prepared for her to be different... but not prepared enough.","228":"Do you think she's got another intricate plot up her sleeve?","229":"To what end? She's up all night editing Wikipedia articles in the living room.","230":"Are you sure that's what she's doing? You do the computer stuff... so you would know...","231":"Valerie had RECENTLY, which is what made her powerful, but otherwise... she's only slightly better at computers than you are. She's not a genius hacker.","232":"I can confirm that no device she has, has RECENTLY on it.","233":"But... [i]you[\/i] still have a copy, don't you?","234":"I sigh...","235":"Between you and me, yes... though it hasn't worked properly since the servers were burned down.","236":"In any case, I checked her computer, and I'm sure Valerie is doing what she says she's doing.","237":"{Leah} shakes her head in disbelief.","238":"I kind off trust her... but I can't forgive her. She made my life very interesting. I've never wanted to thank someone for being such a good opponent and then strangle them afterward.","239":"I'm glad Valerie as Silent One is out of my life, but things were definitely more fun with her around.","240":"Damn. You're so fucked up.","241":"{Leah} grins.","242":"I'm not suited for a boring domestic life.","243":"Thank you for letting me talk to her. That gave me some kind of closure.","244":"If you ask me... I think Valerie was never an evil person. I think she was pushed into becoming something she wasn't... and it's going to take some time to find herself.","245":"Don't abandon her. She needs you.","246":"{Leah} give a final goodbye glance, before walking away.","247":"Strange...","0":"Interesting. I managed to sleep well despite the anxiety about Valerie.","1":"The next morning... {Leah}'s old room is still closed.","2":"I'm not surprised if Valerie is still sleeping in there, but it gave me a chance to think about things over night.","3":"I have to make a call.","4":"{PlayerName}... good timing...","5":"You were about to call me?","6":"You sent me a text yesterday about Valerie being released... of course I was going to call you.","7":"Has she told you anything?","8":"You're so damn single-minded. She hasn't really spoken much about that.","9":"But she is acting strange."},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.25_end.vne3":{"3":"Hey...","4":"Wikipedia has such a complex social structure between the editors. If you aren't already established, it is very difficult to get comfortable with it.","5":"I've made five drafts that were rejected by some editor or another... and for odder and odder reasons.","6":"Someone tried telling me that the Ashberani were not notable enough for a Wikipedia article. That just seemed insane to me.","7":"There are a hundred and fifty thousand of us. You'd think that was enough to be notable...","8":"I'm not especially interested in what Valerie is saying... but I do like that she seems to be talking more and more.","9":"Sometimes I wonder how the old Valerie would react to all this... but then I have to remember... [i]that old Valerie doesn't really exist...[\/i]","10":"The only Valerie right now is this strange... intelligent... but half-mad girl. Maybe she should be in a mental hospital instead of living with me...","11":"...but I can't deny she's filled a hole in my lonely life.","12":"I can't call her healthy. Sometimes, I'd go to bed, and she'd be working on her project...","13":"...and when I'd wake... she'd be exactly where I left her.","14":"What would be the healthy thing to do? I just can't get into that head of hers...","15":"On a Friday evening, after coming back from work... I head toward my apartment... and hear voices behind the door.","16":"It feels sort of ghostly... I can't even imagine who Valerie would be talking to. And then I wonder...","17":"...just how many acolytes of Professor Rogham were there? If there was even a single one... they would have serious beef with Valerie...","18":"Shocking I didn't think about this before. I've gotten so damn lazy...","19":"I touched the handle and find it unlocked...","20":"Emily?","21":"I let her in.","22":"Emily... I thought you didn't want to see Valerie... I thought you couldn't stand the sight of her.","23":"Em, what are you doing here?","24":"She did. I deliberately came when I knew you wouldn't be here...","25":"What is this odd feeling? I feel like I walked in on something. Valerie is unreadable as usual but Emily does not look happy at all. Her eyelids look like pockets of moisture...","26":"I've got to do something about this tension...","27":"You want a drink or something?","28":"Emily frowns at me, knowing exactly what I'm trying to do.","29":"I have to go.","30":"Without even glancing my direction, Emily storms from the apartment.","31":"Valerie watches as I chase Emily down in a jog.","32":"Emily, stop. What is wrong?","33":"Why? {PlayerName}... why is she [i]out here?[\/i]","34":"That monster literally tried to ruin our lives, and I still wonder if she succeeded.","35":"And now you're living with her? Fucking her? Do you [i]just[\/i] think with your dick? Maybe I should put on a latex suit and step on your balls or something.","36":"She isn't the same person...","37":"[i]Isn't the same?[\/i] Yeah, I know. I can tell. I [i]had[\/i] to know if Valerie really had changed, and what did I see? That old Valerie is [i]dead[\/i]. That girl isn't Valerie.","38":"Val was my role model... my idol... and then she [i]betrayed me[\/i]. I hate her... [i]I love her[\/i]... and now I know for certain she never [i]existed[\/i].","39":"She was a personality invented by a traumatized child.","40":"What do I do? I put so much into Valerie, and now I [i]can't let it go[\/i]...","41":"Yeah... we're both Valerie's victims. We were both manipulated by her. I'd wring the neck of that version of Valerie... but I know Valerie has changed... so I can't punish her even if I wanted to.","42":"And... what would be the point of that? ","43":"Emily shakes her head.","44":"I thought I needed to know... but now I just...","45":"[i]...I need to go.[\/i] I know Valerie is the one who gave you that voice of yours and I [i]hate[\/i] the sound of it.","46":"Em... [i]stay...","47":"My words are hollow... and Emily disappears off.","48":"This was never going to be easy... and Emily said too many things I relate to.","49":"Valerie can never undo the damage she's dealt... no matter how far from that evil person she was.","50":"Valerie meets me in the eyes as I come back inside. I can't quite look at her.","51":"Talking to her was a mistake.","52":"I give the only answer I can.","53":"I don't know.","54":"I need some time alone myself after that...","55":"I'm going to bed early.","56":"Would you like me to...?","57":"No.","58":"I shut the door on the conversation... on years of paranoia, fear, and tragedy.","59":"Valerie played her own puppet. She manipulated herself into doing what she did.","60":"It [i]was[\/i] her body, and it [i]was[\/i] her mind...","61":"Emily couldn't set all this history aside... and a part of me can't either.","62":"[i]Why am I living with Valerie?[\/i] Why do I still love her?","63":"I loved the old Valerie too. If these two versions of Valerie are completely different... who the fuck am I really in love with now?","0":"A few weeks later.","1":"Things stay steady for weeks.","2":"Valerie is consumed by her task. When I come home at night from work, she becomes talkative."},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.30_valeries_mission.vne3":{"3":"I come home from work, finding Valerie focused on her laptop.","4":"How's it going? Still building a proper Wikipedia page for the Ashberani?","5":"Oh, hello, {PlayerName}.","6":"No, I think I've done as much as I can with the Wikipedia page.","7":"Frankly, we're both intelligent enough to know how legitimate a Wikipedia page is, after all.","8":"That's true. So you've moved on to something else?","9":"In a manner of speaking. I'm still doing research on my people's history and culture.","10":"The almost token wiki article is really just a symptom of the larger issue.","11":"After searching for weeks, I've come up with discouraging little literature on the culture and its history.","12":"Most of what I have been able to find I've already exhausted. It makes me wonder how much of it was lost in the war.","13":"I'd gather not even one out of a hundred Americans are even aware of the Ashberani or the Ketyristan War.","14":"I'm sorry to hear that.","15":"Yes. I suppose it's sad. In a way, that is the way of the world though, isn't it?","16":"How do you mean?","17":"Well, how many small ethnic culture groups have been lost to history through the ages. Likely most of them, right?","18":"Thousands of species of animals and plants go extinct every year, and no one bats an eyelash. But at the same time, what are they supposed to think?","19":"Unless you are at the top of the food chain, and have some way to make it so you can't be ignored, how can you expect people to be aware of you?","20":"The Ashberani never built any great pyramids, or had some great conquering general to write their name through history in blood.","21":"I guess what I mean to say is I don't harbor any resentment towards the social zeitgeist.","22":"It would be unrealistic to ask the common man or woman to take time to lament the loss of every small ethnic group washed away and lost in the flood of history.","23":"Certainly frank about the potential pending extinction of her culture. Her seeming indifference to the apparent fate of her heritage is... unsettling.","24":"So... what does this mean for your project? Are you putting it to bed?","25":"Not quite. I may not be able to build a great monument to weather the ravages of history, but I think in my own way I can do my part to keep a candle lit.","26":"So this is you now? Fighting a doomed battle?","27":"Perhaps... Maybe I just don't know what else to do with my time.","28":"After so many weeks, the emotionless and almost soulless answers have begun to grind my nerves. It seems like getting [i]any[\/i] reaction out of her is like pulling teeth.","29":"... Which even then I'm not sure. I saw her stub her toe on a chair the other day and I swear she looked at it confused, like she forgot how to register pain and maybe confused it with some other sensation.","30":"Her whole being seems to be enveloped into this half-mad project now. And I'm happy she has something to focus on... I just wish it did something for her.","31":"Who knows, maybe it does deep down. But the way she talks about it, it's like she's just an old droid that's been reprogrammed for a new task.","32":"And for all I know tomorrow she could get a firmware update to be a garbage man and never again glance at the plight of the Ashberani.","33":"Which would be maddening, seeing how focused and diligent she's been on the research. I'm not ignorant to her twelve-plus hour days of research and cataloging.","34":"Maybe it would be best for both of us to try and break her out of the cycle for a bit. Let her brain decompress.","35":"Well, I see you've really been at it this past week.","36":"Why don't you and I take the night off. Maybe we can go out and get ice cream or something.","37":"It doesn't even have to be poop flavored.","38":"She looks up at me as I flash a grin. But, nothing. Not a flicker in that blank doll face.","39":"... Because of what I said when we were at the mall... at Burger Queen...","40":"I remember.","41":"She's literally just waiting to see what I'll say next.","42":"Or we could just stay in. Maybe watch a movie or something.","43":"If you would like to do either of those things, we can.","44":"It doesn't have to be either of those. It can be something else if you like.","45":"I would like to do what you want to do.","46":"I roll my eyes, becoming visibly impatient, even though I know I shouldn't.","47":"I don't want you to do just what you think will make me happy. I want to do something [i]you[\/i] want to do.","48":"So, I don't care what it is, but whatever you want to do, just let me know. Take me out of the picture entirely.","49":"Valerie pauses, taking longer to think about what should be an easy question.","50":"If I could choose anything I would go back to work.","51":"I suppress the urge to throw a fit, and just exhale and nod.","52":"Okay. If that's what you want, okay.","53":"Valerie turns back to her project, and I decide to go work out to blow off some steam.","0":"It has been a week since Emily's last visit, and things have settled back into our usual, albeit strange routine.","1":"Sometimes it seems like this new life with Valerie flirts with normalcy.","2":"But much of the time, it feels like playing house with broken dolls."},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.35_new_job.vne3":{"10":"Yeah, Katty. She's beautiful, intelligent, sensual... And she smelled like rose water...","11":"But I don't think she'll fall for you, don't even try... I know because I tried to make a move myself and...","12":"It's nothing like that. I remember talking to her briefly one day and she told me she was studying some ethnic conflicts from the turn of the 2000s and all that...","13":"...And...","14":"And I wanted to talk to her about some things. Do you still have her contact?","15":"I don't know... You can't see a beautiful woman without wanting to take her to bed... And the worst part is you always succeed.","16":"Man, stop talking nonsense. Besides, I'm in a relationship. Come on, give me her number.","17":"Okay. But don't make me look bad with her. Or the department...","18":"If she survived you, I doubt I can do any harm...","19":"Ouch. Here, I sent you her number on your phone.","20":"Thanks, man. I owe you one.","21":"Alright. I'm not going to waste time and I'll try to talk to her right away. But I'll get out of here and find a place with more privacy...","22":"Okay. I hope she answers me.","23":"Hello?","24":"Hello, who's speaking? I'd like to talk to Katty, from the historical research department at Shale Hill University.","25":"This is she... Who's calling?","26":"Hi Katty, how are you? My name is {PlayerName}, I'm a former student at the Uni and I currently work at lab. Linus gave me your contact.","27":"Nice... And what can I do for you, {PlayerName}? I'm not sure how my work can help you and your colleagues there, but I'm curious.","28":"Well... so... Actually, it's not about the Lab. I have a friend and she... Let me put it the right way...","29":"I need to be careful with how I proceed. I don't want to make Val seem like she's gone crazy.","30":"She's been focusing all her energy on studying her Ashberani origins. She's a war refugee, came here very young and she's trying to learn more about her culture and everything.","31":"Ah, yes, I've studied the conflict extensively. In fact, one of my research colleagues, Professor Subrinskv, is from the region. He's written some important papers on the subject.","32":"But let me ask you... We're talking about Valerie, right?","33":"Oh, shit...","34":"Yes... Do you know her?","35":"Well, she was the student council president a few years ago, right? I was a student at SHU at the time and everyone in the department knows her story, that she was Ashberani...","36":"...She was arrested for setting fire to the City Hall? I didn't know she had been released... What a crazy story...","37":"How are you helping her? Do you work at some rehabilitation center or something?","38":"Hmm... Actually, she's kind of my girlfriend? She lives with me and... Well, she's doing well now and is researching a lot about the Ashberani.","39":"And I was wondering if you wouldn't mind coming over, talking to her, maybe shedding some light and helping her find more specific information... Things about her family and all that...","40":"I don't know... I mean, sorry for saying this, but the gossip around here is that she was kind of crazy, that she was part of a secret cult and all that...","41":"Oh, man, I'm sorry for saying that...","42":"It's okay. People are mean and like to talk without knowing the whole story. Well, as a historian you know how it is...","43":"Uh... Sure... Well, I guess can talk to her. Tell her she can come visit me at the department, preferably from 9 to 11 in the morning.","44":"About that... As you know, she was in prison for a while and, you see, she doesn't feel very comfortable going out at the moment. I think coming to the University might be difficult for her.","45":"And what do you suggest?","46":"Would you be able to come with me to my house to talk to her? She's set up a whole office there, it would be nice, she has everything at hand to show you her research...","47":"I don't know... It would be kind of weird for me to go with you to your house and visit an ex-inmate... Sorry...","48":"Professor Kraven, do you know him? He can confirm that I'm not crazy. The lab staff too, you can ask. I'm just trying to help a friend, really...","49":"Hmmm...","50":"...Please?","51":"Alright. But it needs to be today, is that okay?","52":"Okay, Katty. I'll pick you up at your department and we'll go together, alright?","53":"Sounds good. It's a deal.","54":"The rest of the day passes, but my productivity at work is practically zero.","55":"I keep thinking about how Val will react to the visit, if it will work to cheer her up... I hope so.","56":"Finally, it's time to leave. I stop by the history department, meet Katty, and, in less than 10 minutes we're entering the house.","57":"We're here. Make yourself at home. There she is.","58":"Hi Val... Let me introduce you, this is Katty. She's a historian from the research center at Shale Hill University.","59":"Valerie just keeps observing, her face expressionless, as always.","60":"I took the liberty of contacting her and invited her here so you two can talk about the Ashberani.","61":"Maybe her help can contribute to your research and everything...","62":"Hi Valerie... Nice to meet you.","63":"{PlayerName} told me you're very invested in researching your origins, I think that's really cool.","64":"I don't know if you remember me, but we talked once, when you were president...","65":"Still with a cold look, Valerie remains somewhat motionless, staring at us, which makes the girl a bit uncomfortable.","66":"You always intimidated me, you know and... Anyway... Good to see you well, you look good... I loved the new haircut.","67":"Thank you.","68":"Maybe if I leave them alone the conversation will flow better.","69":"Girls, excuse me. I need to check something in my room. Make yourselves comfortable.","70":"As I leave, Katty sits down and starts trying to make conversation with Valerie, going straight to the subject of research.","71":"Okay, Valerie. Are you currently focusing on any specific part of the conflict? On cultural aspects of the Ashberani? Have you heard of Begruden's book?","72":"And so I leave them alone and go to my room. Maybe it's better to let Val deal with people on her own.","73":"But it doesn't take long and I hear a noise and decide to check what's happening.","74":"When I get to the living room, I catch the girl in a hurry, heading towards the door.","75":"What's wrong? Katty, are you okay?","76":"Excuse me, {PlayerName}, but I need to leave.","77":"Wait, what's...","78":"Goodbye, {PlayerName}.","79":"Oh, Val, what did you say to the poor girl?","80":"Valerie, what happened? Why did Katty leave so quickly? What did you say to her?","81":"Nothing much... We were just talking.","82":"Val, she looked scared. What exactly did you talk about?","83":"I asked if she still had her parents. If she loved them.","84":"I told her I don't remember much about my mother. That I found out she died buried under rubble in a bombing.","85":"Oh, Val...","86":"Katty said she was sorry. I told her I wasn't sad. I said I didn't know if I was sad or happy to know this.","87":"I see... Was there anything else?","88":"I asked her if she knew I was bad. If she thought I was evil in the past.","89":"What? Why?","90":"I don’t know. I told her I remembered her from before. Then I asked if anyone had ever tried to ruin her life in the past.","91":"Then I think she seemed uncomfortable. So she left.","92":"Is that all?","93":"Maybe... Maybe I said something else...","94":"Valerie, you can't just say things like that to people. It's... it's unsettling.","95":"Why? It's just questions. Just facts.","96":"Valerie's face remains expressionless, her voice monotone, as if discussing the weather rather than deeply personal and traumatic events.","97":"Okay... I think I'm going to take a shower and relax a bit...","98":"Can I go back to my research then?","99":"Sure...","100":"Night falls while I’m in the shower, and nothing noteworthy happens...","101":"I feel affected by my roommate's lack of enthusiasm and end up falling asleep really early.","102":"The next morning, while getting ready for work, I see she's still buried in her laptop.","103":"She, however, notices that I’ve stopped to look at her and, without taking her eyes off the screen, starts talking to me.","104":"Hey, have you had your coffee yet? Can I talk to you before you leave?","105":"Of course, do you want to talk now?","106":"Yes. Hold on a sec.","107":"I've begun looking for a job.","108":"The declaration takes me a little off guard.","109":"Are you sure? I mean, you're still adjusting. Are you positive you're up for going back to work?","110":"I think it's only prudent. I've been out of prison for a little while, and I've been living here rent free for some time now.","111":"You've already been very accommodating and generous. I don't want to take advantage of your hospitality.","112":"The way she talks sometimes... It makes me wonder if we're really together, or what I even am to her.","0":"Today I have the feeling that work isn't progressing much.","113":"I don't want to be a burden to you. We haven't even been intimate since I've gotten out, and I'm still not sure what you get out of our relationship.","1":"I simply can't stop thinking about Valerie and her fixation on discovering more about her origins.","114":"Jesus, Valerie, that's not...","2":"I mean, I still think what she's doing is valid... It's good to see her focused on something too, but anyway...","115":"Listen, you've been through a lot. The last thing I want to do is pressure you into anything. You're not obligated to do anything for me.","3":"She hasn't been leaving the house. It's hours and hours on the computer or with her face in those old books.","116":"Even though I'd never want to hurt or take advantage of her, I'd be lying to myself if I said I didn't secretly long for some kind of physicality between us.","4":"Perhaps going out a bit, seeking some social interaction, maybe that would help Val get back on track.","117":"We were together several times when she was incarcerated. But since she's been back, approaching or making any move at sex seems so wrong or intrusive.","5":"Hmm... I wonder if I can do something about this? I could give a little push, using what I already know.","118":"I've been terrified to even broach the subject out of fear of how she might see it or any negative effect it would have on her.","6":"I have an idea.","119":"Valerie, I never want our physical relationship to be transactional.","7":"Hey, Linus, tell me something.","120":"But aren't all relationships transactional on some level?","8":"What is it, {PlayerName}?","121":"You know what I mean. You don't owe me that.","9":"You were doing that project a while back with a researcher from the university's history department, right?","122":"I want you to live with me because I care about you.","123":"I know you do. But it's been clear these past few weeks that our relationship has been... maybe ''sterile'' is a good word.","124":"I'm aware that you have needs. Not even just sexual, intimacy beyond that. And I am aware I've been... emotionally challenging.","125":"So I want you to know that if I fail to provide what you need, I will not be offended if you think I should move out.","126":"It's infuriating and heartbreaking at the same time.","127":"Valerie, I promise you, if I ever wanted to end things between us, I would tell you.","128":"Thank you. I appreciate your honesty. Telling me how you feel and why helps me better understand my shortcomings.","129":"All that being said, would you like to have sex now? I know you have to go to work in a little while, so we'll have to be quick.","130":"You know, after that whole conversation, I actually don't.","131":"Very well... I do see how it might be awkward.","132":"Desperate to change the subject, I segue out of the topic.","133":"So, if you did go back to work, what were you thinking?","134":"Obviously, being a convicted felon does place limits on what I can do with my academic background.","135":"Contemplating my situation, and assessing my options, I enrolled in an accelerated certification in data entry and analytics.","136":"She holds up her laptop to show me an email.","137":"Oh... you already got certified?","138":"Like I said, it was an accelerated program.","139":"There are several openings I've been exploring that will hire parolees.","140":"It really is a good fit. I can work from home, which spares coworkers from having to navigate uncomfortable social situations.","141":"This also gives me the flexibility to pursue my Ashberani project.","142":"Well, you certainly don't need my permission. If you think you're ready, then by all means.","143":"I believe I am.","144":"Okay, cool.","145":"Alright, I need to get going. But I'll see you tonight?","146":"Naturally. Have a good day, {PlayerName}.","147":"I grab my stuff and head towards the door.","148":"I feel a pang of regret and lingering shame from some of our conversation. ","149":"The whole business talking about our intimacy issues and my shortness with her leaves me with a sour feeling about our exchange.","150":"But when I turn back to see if she looks put off by it, I see her just back at work.","151":"Either it didn't register with her, or she's hiding her feelings. I don't know which would make me feel worse."},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.40_the_ashberani_project.vne3":{"3":"All in all, it didn't change much. I'd still come home to find her buried in her laptop and books and notes.","4":"Though, I definitely appreciated her covering her half of the bills and rent.","5":"So, how's the new job going? I suppose it's probably not the most exciting work in the world.","6":"It's very adequate. I have no complaints.","7":"So... any spreadsheet crashes or anything exciting?","8":"Valerie pauses over her dinner.","9":"It's curious, isn't it. How we try and reframe such mundane work to find some excitement or contrast in it.","10":"I could, I suppose, embellish the little chaos and uncertainty that sometimes visit my job to make recounting it more entertaining.","11":"But at the end of the day, I'm merely reading numbers and typing them into boxes.","12":"Please don't mistake my observation for ungratefulness. I am fortunate to have employment. But it's likely with a little thought someone could program a software to do my job.","13":"Again, just an observation.","14":"She finishes her thought, and pauses, seeming to remember something.","15":"But how was your day?","16":"It's been slow, but I guess Valerie has begun to at least remember [i]how[\/i] to act like a human again.","17":"Even if it often does come across as robotic and awkward.","18":"Perplexing how someone who at one point was so practiced in faking emotions is now struggling so much to express her own, or even understand them.","19":"But I realize that it does bring me a small comfort. Trying to be a person instead of playing out routines on how you think she should act.","20":"It was good. You want to talk about mindlessly typing in numbers into databases, we had to re-calibrate some telescope actuators at the observatory and had to hand-jam in a bunch of values to test the new servos.","21":"It took forever. We could have written a piece of software to do it, but it probably would have taken the same amount of time.","22":"Sorry, I guess my day wasn't very exciting either.","23":"Valerie just stares intently.","24":"I'm not bored. I think your work is very interesting.","25":"I always found it fascinating how well your mind was able to both navigate software and people so easily. You have quite a gift.","26":"Thanks.","27":"We eat quietly for a moment.","28":"Hows the Ashberani project going?","29":"It's going well.","30":"Much of the material I've dug up recently is all original source. I've had to relearn much of my native tongue.","31":"I didn't realize how much of it I'd forgotten over the years.","32":"But being able to read original source material has opened up a lot about the culture I never realized, or was too young to understand when I was a child.","33":"It really is remarkable how much of a society and how people behave is dictated by their culture. How we're almost programmed.","34":"Our native operating system, maybe?","35":"You're not entirely wrong.","36":"I've been considering setting up some kind of website. An online archive of translated and untranslated work.","37":"Perhaps the form my efforts to preserve the Ashberani will take.","38":"Well, if you're looking to set up a website, and learn about how to store data, I can certainly help you out in that department.","39":"I would be very grateful for your help. Thank you for offering it.","40":"Translation has been a struggle. As I said, my Ashberani is rusty.","41":"I've been trying to track down other expats. It turns out there are little enclaves of my people set up in several cities in the US and Europe.","42":"That's reassuring. Maybe there are other people or organizations who are on the same mission you are. To raise awareness of the Ketyristan War and the Ashberani Exodus.","43":"I'm certain there must be. Perhaps we can pool our resources. I believe it would be very beneficial to do some recorded interviews as well.","44":"I think having spoken word of native Ashberani is key to preserving our identity. As detailed and exacting as text can be, something is lost when a tongue and dialect is forgotten.","45":"Maybe part of the soul?","46":"Valerie seems to pause at this mention. Perhaps she struggles with the concept.","47":"Yes... Metaphorically, maybe. But I think you are in essence correct.","48":"We finish the rest of our dinner in silence.","0":"Life went on.","1":"Valerie applied for several positions as a data entry technician. She didn't get the first, or even second position she applied for.","2":"The third company took her, though."},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.45_craven_visit.vne3":{"10":"{PlayerName}. Forgive us for intruding on you like this.","11":"I suppose at this point, I should be used to unexpected guests, but at least it's not a heated ex-girlfriend.","12":"Hello Amiran, Frank. It's no bother at all, you're looking well.","13":"Tell that to my doctor.","14":"Mr. Craven was kind enough to see me again, regarding the Ashberani project. There are few non-Ashberani who know as much about our culture as he does or have the kind of contacts he has.","15":"I asked my father to join us as well, as a consultant.","16":"{PlayerName}, thank you for letting us do this at your home. It's always a pleasure to be with my Balenka.","17":"Valerie explained how you helped her set up the Ashberani Project.","18":"{PlayerName}, I can not thank you enough for helping with this. Seeing all the hard work you and my Balenka have done for our people, finally come together... It lights a fire in my heart.","19":"My God, Amiran. Could you avoid using expressions that involve lighting a fire whenever possible?","20":"She's being too kind, I just helped set up the website and scanned some pages.","21":"Still, it's a good piece of work you did.","22":"The Ketyristan War was one of those particularly tragic affairs that wasn't big enough, or didn't have enough of a good PR team to warrant the global attention it deserved.","23":"So, did Valerie ask you here to get your opinion on the project?","24":"More than that, as a matter of fact. I was hoping for his help.","25":"I think they can work together.","26":"I know, coming from me, it's quite the favor.","27":"It's okay, Valerie. Many of the Ashberani were getting older. And time to collect first hand accounts and an oral history of your people was fading.","28":"Correct.","29":"I... am not an agent who is well suited for this task, for a multitude of reasons.","30":"You, Mr. Craven, on the other hand, I believe, can do a good job conducting these interviews.","31":"I know you tried once before to bring to light our story. I'm hoping you'll do so again.","32":"The grisled report rubs his chin.","33":"The Ketyristan War was some time ago, now.","34":"The War is only a piece of the story. What I'm hoping to enlist you is a more holistic piece on the Ashberani.","35":"I myself have struggled to find more information about our culture. If we don’t act, there won’t be anything left.","36":"I'm a little taken aback by Valerie's pitch. She delivers it with the same, frank lack of emotion that she does when discussing the dishes. But for some reason, It doesn't come across as insincere.","37":"Frank, you seem like a good man, probably a better man than I am. I just want to...","38":"Thank you, Amiran, you’re very kind. But remember, we all have skeletons in the closet, baggage to carry. I am no Saint...","39":"Of course, my friend. But some carry a larger suitcase than others. What I'm trying to say is just, just thank you very much for helping my Balenka.","40":"Valerie interrupts the fraternal moment between the two gentlemen to get back to what matters - keeping her project moving forward.","41":"Papa, I’d like to ask you to be Mr. Craven’s translator. Help guide Frank through the finer points.","42":"I am hardly the best man for [i]that[\/i] job! But I swear, my Balenka, I will do the best I can for Frank until I find someone better.","43":"Don’t think you’re getting out of it that easy, Amiran. If I’m going, you’re going with me.","44":"Frank mulls on it, looking over the site some more.","45":"This really is a piece of work. You've outdone yourself. It's certainly a step in ensuring that the Ashberani will not be forgotten.","46":"He pauses.","47":"An expose on the Ashberani two decades later...","48":"With these lists of contact, it will also be interesting to see how they've acclimated and adapted to life in America.","49":"Craven looks at a list of potential interviewees.","50":"No kidding, I think I know a few of these people. It would be great to catch up.","51":"And you doing a good bit of the grunt work makes selling this to me easier.","52":"The list I believe is fairly comprehensive. Community and religious leaders, doctors, teachers, soldiers, and regular people who volunteered to tell their story. As a pie slice of the culture as a whole, I believe it should suffice.","53":"We're still looking at a ton of work... And this is no guarantee anyone will take notice. It may be that if I write this piece and do these interviews, the vast majority of Americans will probably think Ashberani is some kind of bread.","54":"I know. I have managed my expectations. But if no effort is made, certainly it will be forgotten.","55":"Frank smiles.","56":"I suppose you're right.","57":"Okay. It'll take me some time to get all my old notes together, but let's do this.","58":"Frank, my friend... Again, Thank you.","59":"Well, no sense in standing in ceremony. I should get back to my office and get started. ","60":"He gets up to leave.","61":"I will be over to your office in a short while, Frank. I’m just going to say goodbye to Balenka.","62":"I'll contact the volunteers and begin scheduling some meetings.","63":"That will be great. Valerie, you're sure you don't want to help with the interviews? I bet your Ashberani really isn't that bad.","64":"Valerie pauses. Weighing the offer.","65":"I believe it would be prudent for me to remain somewhat distant, if it's all the same.","66":"Frank nods. Having a moment of contemplation himself.","67":"War... has a way of turning people into things they'd otherwise never be.","68":"Yet they still become those things.","69":"Frank nods, solemnly.","70":"Have a good day, Valerie. I'll be in touch.","71":"He shakes my hand on his way out, and I close the door behind him.","72":"Wow! That's great news. Frank is gonna do an expose on the Ashberani!","73":"Yes. It will go a long way into raising awareness. Maybe help bring my people together and share our story.","74":"Hey, I know I said it before, but I'm really proud of you.","75":"Thank you, {PlayerName}.","76":"That goes for the both of us.","77":"My little Balenka. This is why I could never give up on you. Because I knew if you were free to live for yourself, you would create such beautiful things.","78":"A tear wells in Amiran’s eye. After everything we’ve been through together, that dramatic night at the fraternity debate, it’s good to see him so moved by his daughter.","79":"And I could swear that, as I look at Valerie, I almost see a hint of emotion in her eyes too...","80":"Thank you, Papa. Let’s keep in touch.","81":"Well, I should be going as well.","82":"[i]Lai donmë, fe lai sûshka te, lira Balenka[\/i].","83":"{PlayerName}, would you walk with me for a moment?","84":"Sure.","85":"A moment later, Amiran and I step out into the street.","86":"Sincerely, thank you so much for your help on the Ashberani Project, {PlayerName}.","87":"It means so much that Balenka has you in her life. And to do this for us as well? You are a true friend.","88":"And, if you can stand one more, thank you for calling and keeping an old man updated on how his daughter is doing.","89":"I’d love to spend more time with her, but...","90":"... I believe I bring back many memories that were very hard for Balenka.","91":"Sometimes it does seem better to spare her such painful thoughts too often.","92":"It’s a process. She’s getting better, these things just take time.","93":"I know. She has deep wounds. But she is tough... And resourceful.","94":"Even just giving it a cursory glance, the project page you two made makes me feel like insult my own culture by sharing so little of it, almost never speaking of my past.","95":"But you also know the last 20 years haven’t been easy for us... So much has happened, many mistakes were made...","96":"Well, if there’s one thing we can’t accuse Val of, it’s half-assing things.","97":"And maybe, rediscovering who her people were... Maybe this helps her fully find her way.","98":"Maybe it will.","99":"Goodbye, {PlayerName}. You too are a good man. Let us speak soon.","100":"We part ways, and I head back upstairs to see how Valerie’s doing. She’s still in the kitchen, just leaning on the fridge.","101":"Hey. It’s great that you invited your dad to help with the project; I imagine he must have been really happy about it.","102":"Yeah, I think so.","103":"And thanks for keeping him informed about me... I know you two talk.","104":"It’s no problem, Valerie. He loves you and would love to be closer...","105":"I know, but I think he expects more emotion from me, especially after that night and everything that happened...","106":"Sensing that the conversation is heading in a direction that won’t end well, I decide to break it off mid-topic.","107":"Are you hungry? I could order us some gyros. I think you were in danger of expressing pleasure the last time we had them.","108":"No, thank you. In fact, I think I'm tired. I'm probably just going to go to bed early.","109":"Something feels... off about her. But before I can pry deeper, she gets up and retreats to her bedroom. Closing the door behind her.","110":"Well, she has really been burning the midnight oil. I'll just give her some space.","111":"I end up eating alone, and turn in myself a few hours later. Not thinking much of it.","0":"So I volunteered to help Valerie on her Ashberani project.","1":"We set up a website and online archive to store and record the history and culture of the Ashberani. Valerie also hoped it would act as an anchor for her culture, and help spread awareness of her people and their plight.","2":"I even went as far as volunteering to help scan and digitize pages of an old book of cool and creepy fairy tales from the region.","3":"Complete with some quite grisly but exquisitely drawn illustrations for what I guess passed as children's tales.","4":"Valerie was also able to connect with other expats, setting up a network and online community.","5":"But despite the preservation efforts, there still wasn't much traction in the way of raising awareness.","6":"It was something I think Valerie knew she would have trouble with, given her background. As good as her intention might have been, it's difficult to escape the past.","7":"Which led to an interesting surprise when I got home today.","8":"Oh, welcome home, {PlayerName}. I hope you don't mind, I scheduled an appointment regarding the project.","9":"{PlayerName}, it's good to see you again."},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.50_late_night_visit.vne3":{"10":"Oh... Forgive me for sounding rude. I suppose it might have been insulting to insinuate he was slow or sluggish. Given his health problems.","11":"It's okay, I know you didn't mean anything by it.","12":"You must be very proud of your work, though. This could do a lot to make the Asherbani more visible.","13":"It was... nothing really. In the grand scheme of things I merely gathered and cataloged data.","14":"Connected the dots. I've been little more than a switch board.","15":"I think you're being modest.","16":"It must have also allowed you to reconnect with your heritage. That's not nothing.","17":"Yes, it has been... enlightening. Learning more about my people and their history.","18":"Well, regardless, I'm very proud of you.","19":"Thank you. Professor Craven helped me get back in touch with that girl from a few weeks ago... Katty...","20":"Oh, that's nice.","21":"Yes, I suppose. She gave me the contact of another professor who, based on my last name, managed to locate some information about my past.","22":"Oh really? Like what?","23":"The neighborhood where we lived, the school I attended when I was very young...","24":"I already had this information from my father's memories, I mean, from what he wanted to share with me.","25":"But now I've managed to get in touch with other things, like the whereabouts of some children I remember living with...","26":"Even before the conversation continues, I have the feeling that something kind of dark is coming.","27":"Unfortunately, it seems that out of the ten children who studied in my class, I'm the only one whose fate they know.","28":"The others... they don't know what happened to.","29":"That's hard to know.","30":"My response is poor, but the truth is I didn't know exactly what to say.","31":"It seems that being adopted by an evil fraternity wasn't so bad after all...","32":"Maybe I should thank Professor Rogham and... Oops, I guess that won't be possible...","33":"My God, Valerie...","34":"And the worst part is that as she says this, she still tries to sketch a smile.","35":"What? I tried to make a joke. I don't know if this is my type of humor or if it's the [i]fabricated Valerie[\/i] speaking... Didn't you find it funny?","36":"Ah, a bit heavy, isn't it? It brings back some memories that aren't nice and...","37":"I understand... I'm sorry... It's just that I...","38":"You see, I even [i]smiled[\/i].","39":"Valerie goes silent for a moment, I wonder if she's thinking of how she should respond.","40":"It seems like... she's processing how she's feeling.","41":"She then gets to her feet.","42":"It's not like she's finished with her dinner. My heart begins to speed up as I wonder what she's doing.","43":"Not knowing how to respond, I stand up as well, and for a brief moment, the two of us remain silent, just looking at each other.","44":"And then, out of nowhere, I'm caught off guard as I see tears slipping from Valerie's eyes.","45":"Valerie? Are you alright?","46":"She doesn't say anything, though.","47":"Suddenly, she walks over, and in a shocking move, hugs me tightly.","48":"At first, I'm utterly stunned. Almost unprepared for this kind of display of affection.","49":"I eventually realize myself, and return the embrace. Hugging her back tightly as she buries her face in my shoulder.","50":"Almost more surprising is the quiet sob she's trying to hold back.","51":"Why, {PlayerName}? Why don't I have emotions?","52":"Why can't I figure out who I am? What am I feeling? When will I stop being a burden to you?","53":"Hey, what are you talking about? Look at this, what's happening now. You're emotional, you're crying, venting. You're not a robot and you're definitely not a burden to me.","54":"And never say that again, you hear? Now go ahead, let it all out.","55":"The venting and crying, however, don't go far. She seems to want to fight against her own feelings, even more now that she's truly discovering them.","56":"But I feel that Valerie's contact with her roots and past is awakening her to her true self.","57":"I guess... I think I'm just un-practiced at how to properly process my emotions.","58":"Hey, why don't we do something else?","59":"Can we watch a movie or something? I feel like you could use a distraction.","60":"Of course.","61":"I lead Valerie over to the living room. I'm still reeling from this.","62":"First she shows some deep emotions and now she's expressing a desire to watch a film?","63":"Is this some kind of breakthrough?","64":"Is there anything in particular you'd like to watch?","65":"It's silly... but there was this old low budget fantasy film from the 90's. It was a romantic comedy of sorts. It was about this peasant girl who by chance got to masquerade as a high born lady and fell in love with a prince...","66":"Oddly enough, I think I know which one you're talking about. Let me find it.","67":"Thank you... for putting up with me... and everything...","68":"There it is... A genuine smile. But I'll keep my thoughts to myself.","69":"Don't mention it. I'm happy to be here with you.","70":"I'm able to find the film Valerie was thinking of. It's a weird pick for someone as complex and deep as Valerie.","71":"But the simple and cozy story seems to relax her. I wonder if it was some favorite comfort movie from her childhood.","72":"As the film progresses, her previously icy exterior begins to melt. Like spring arriving to melt away winter.","73":"I almost leap when she reclines down and lays her head in my lap.","74":"I'm terrified of making almost any move, as if doing so might scare her away. So I try my best to remain perfectly still.","75":"Valerie too feels a little tense, nervous even at first.","76":"But as the movie continues, we both grow more comfortable with the intimacy.","77":"Feeling it is like taking a long drink of water after being trapped in a desert, and I say a silent prayer of thanks for the moment.","78":"One of the things I remember from when I was a child is going to a birthday party dressed as the princess from this movie.","79":"I even remember acting out this scene with two other little friends, while a boy, a little boy with very blue eyes, played the role of Reginald, the villain.","80":"And how do these memories make you feel?","81":"Good, I think. Being here with you, watching this movie. I can say I'm feeling something different...","82":"Peace, maybe?","83":"This is the part where the princess fix the relm, isn't?","84":"Yes, this is when she says the spell to bring the flowers back. ''Flowers bright, flowers true, come back now with colors new!''","85":"And you still remember!","86":"Yeah, I guess...","87":"I would be perfectly content merely to enjoy this moment. To just lie on the couch together and watch old popcorn flicks.","88":"However, I'm not in complete command of all my faculties...","89":"Valerie's closeness is having an... effect that I'm not completely in control of. As much as I will it otherwise, I can't deny my animal nature.","90":"And given where her head is resting, there is no way she could possibly miss it.","91":"To my shock, she lifts her head and looks down. Looking more curious than anything else, but that doesn't dampen my embarrassment.","92":"You seem... distracted?","93":"I'm sorry, Val. I swear it doesn't mean anything. It's just a reaction. Please don't read into it.","94":"It's fine. No reason to be ashamed. It's a perfectly natural reaction.","95":"I'm flattered I still have the effect on you.","96":"Whoa! I...","97":"With no warning, she reaches out, and begins to gently rub my bulge, her attention fixated on it. The sensation sends a surge of excitement and panic through me.","98":"What's the matter? Don't you want to?","99":"I... do. It's just... I don't want you to feel pressured just because I'm horny.","100":"Your consideration is appreciated, {PlayerName}. But you aren't the only one with animalistic urges.","101":"Are you sure?","102":"Her deft fingers work my drawers down, and my hardening member eagerly pops out into her warm, waiting palm.","103":"I eat when I'm hungry. Sleep when I'm tired. Shouldn't I satiate these desires as well?","104":"That is... if [i]you're[\/i] comfortable with it?","105":"I am.","106":"Valerie leans back and peels off her top.","107":"My eyes explore every inch of her supple, nubile body as my heart begins to pound in excitement.","108":"Her warm breath washes over my waiting cock, followed by the petal soft touch of her plump lips.","109":"I shudder in pleasure at the mere touch of her. I only hope I have some endurance after this dry spell.","110":"Quietly, she lets her tongue out to explore the length of my member.","111":"I watch her lapping at my shaft like an affectionate cat, her breathing going faster and deeper.","112":"She seems to be savoring it.","113":"I wonder if secretly she's been hungering the same way I have.","114":"Finally, she wraps those pouty lips around my head and begins to gently suck it.","115":"My toes curl at the stimulation.","116":"Watching her head bob gently up and down, I let my hands begin exploring her body.","117":"Sliding down her graceful back and up over her round butt.","118":"I give her ample rump a few tentative squeezes, as if to test it.","119":"But the caress is met with a soft moan from her mouth, coaxing me on.","120":"Growing bolder, I place my hand on her head, eager to drive her tempo.","121":"She seems to surrender control to me, wrapping her lips tightly around my girth and letting me pump her head up and down my shaft. The sensation is indescribably amazing.","122":"Valerie takes my member into her mouth, and it's easy to forget everything we've been through in the past few weeks.","123":"The job is well done, and she shows that she also missed sucking my cock.","124":"Oh, Val, this is incredible.","125":"I let out my own moan of pleasure, watching my manhood pistoning in and out of her warm mouth.","126":"Wrapping her lips tightly around my girth she keeps letting me pump her head up and down my shaft. The sensation is indescribably amazing.","127":"Finally I have to stop her. Otherwise I'll shoot right down her throat and end this episode early.","128":"Was that alright?","129":"Too good, in fact. I didn't want to finish so quickly.","130":"I wouldn't have minded. But since you want to keep going...","131":"Stradling me, Valerie and I kiss deeply. I don't remember the last time we kissed like this.","132":"My hands continue to explore her supple ass, squeezing it through those little jean shorts.","133":"I figure it's time to move this to the bedroom.","134":"Lifting her petite frame up in my arms, I move this party to the bed.","135":"I'm glad you're so eager. It's making me even more aroused.","136":"That's good to know. I aim to please.","137":"Putting her down next to the bed, I finish undressing her.","138":"Impatiently peeling her daisy dukes off her hips and tugging them down her supple thighs.","139":"Can I return the favor?","140":"I wouldn't say no.","141":"Kneeling down, I lower my mouth to her pussy.","142":"I gently begin eating her out.","143":"Mmm... that feels... good.","144":"She begins to coo and moan, as I play with her clit using my tongue.","145":"Mmm... Oh... {PlayerName}...","146":"Her legs begin to kick and her body buck from the stimulation.","147":"I wonder if Valerie was really hurting for it as bad as I was.","148":"She seems to quickly be losing control.","149":"Hmmmmm...","150":"I had missed tasting Valerie's wonderful pussy so much.","151":"Her moans bring me back to Earth, and her trembles make me even more excited.","152":"Her composed exterior slowly begins to buckle, giving way to her animal side.","153":"Yes... More... I want you inside me...","154":"All too happy to oblige, I climb on top of the raven hair beauty.","155":"Grabbing hold of her plump melons, I watch her soul momentarily leave her body when I put my cock in her waiting slit and press it inside of her.","156":"Sliding deeper inside her, at the same time I grope and squeeze her perky tits, tweaking her hardened nipples between my finger and thumb.","157":"Oh, yes! Oh God... yes!","158":"Her tight pussy hugs my member as it drives in and out of her.","159":"Valerie, you're so hot!","160":"As I fuck her, it's hard to believe this was the same Valerie I was sitting down to dinner with just an hour or so ago.","161":"She's wild and animated. Moaning deeply while our flesh slaps together.","162":"Valerie squeezes my cock, almost driving me to madness.","163":"Her hot and wet pussy makes it easy for me to slide inside her body.","164":"Meanwhile, the young woman holds onto my arms, gripping them with all her strength while also squeezing her eyes shut.","165":"Mmm, please! Fuck me hard!","166":"It never seemed like Valerie was ever faking it during sex. It always felt like I saw a true, raw version of her.","167":"Mmm, {PlayerName}! You're so amazing!","168":"Desperate for simulation, the stunning brunette squeeze her breasts as I work her pussy.","169":"Reaching up suddenly, Valerie impulsively pulls me in tight to her.","170":"Mmmm... God... no one has ever made me feel the way that you do!","171":"I grin. I could say the same thing to her.","172":"Leaning in, our lips meet and we share a deep kiss, my cock still buried inside her.","173":"Placing her hand on my chest, Valerie pushed me onto my back.","174":"Climbing on top, she guides my pole back to her slit, and lowers herself onto it.","175":"Cooing and whimpering desperately, she drives her pelvic down over and over again.","176":"My member pumping in and out of her as we kiss.","177":"Over and over and over again, like we've done this a million times.","178":"It's almost like a deja vu.","179":"Riding my rod, the petite minx almost seems like a fairy tail nymph.","180":"Bobbing and bouncing on top of me like she weighs almost nothing.","181":"Jesus... Ooh... You're so big!","182":"You're so tight!","183":"My eyes are locked on the hypnotic sight of her perky knockers bouncing up and down playfully.","184":"Mmmm, yes!","185":"With Valerie on top, we both maintain eye contact.","186":"It's impossible for her not to show the animalistic pleasure she's feeling as she sits on my member.","187":"All of this makes me wonder if I'll be able to last much longer.","188":"She's given herself over completely to her carnal side.","189":"Wailing loudly, it's clear she has no illusions about herself as a sexual being.","190":"Skin glowing with swear, she pauses to catch her breath.","191":"I take the moment to lean up and pop one of those heavenly tits in my mouth. Sucking on it as she coos.","192":"Interested in trying a new position, I relocate to a nearby chair.","193":"Valerie follows close behind and sits down on my hard erection, her tight pussy hungrily accepting it.","194":"{PlayerName}, is that what you want?","195":"I grin, pulling her down onto my post and listening to the air leave her lungs as I fill her up.","196":"God... It's so big it makes it hard to breathe!","197":"The lusty talk only emboldens me further.","198":"Seeing Valerie's perfect ass going up and down is a great privilege.","199":"Oooohhh... I hope you're comfortable there...","200":"Oh, Valerie, I can't think of a better place in the world to be than here right now.","201":"Clutching her by that amazing ass, I begin rocking her back and forth.","202":"She responds in kind, rhythmically bobbing up and down, grinding my crotch and sending my shaft even deeper inside her.","203":"All the while, I look down and see that tight little asshole of her's just teasing me.","204":"I can't resist probing and massaging it with my thumb, inciting a shiver through an already aroused Valerie.","205":"With no other prompting, Valerie climbs up onto my lap and pulls my cock from her pussy.","206":"She then presses my twitching prick to her anus and slowly forces it inside, moaning deeply.","207":"Ooooooohhhh...","208":"Valerie's breathy, shallow gasps and squeals are intoxicating. I clutch her tightly, pumping her up and down on my unit like she was a sex toy.","209":"I love taking her anally.","210":"Her tight back door is slightly resistant at first, but quickly relaxes, helped along by my cock lubed in her pussy juices.","211":"Do you like taking me like this?","212":"I smile at her being so horny, but I'll need better footing to properly rail her.","213":"With her still pegged to my shaft, I pick her up and begin moving her to the bed.","214":"Do what you want with me. I'm yours.","215":"Valerie collapses down onto the bed, keeping her magnificent hindquarters propped up for me as I continue to fuck her.","216":"Her moans sync in perfect rhythm with every impact of my hips into her.","217":"I try not to be too rough with her, letting her adjust to my size before trying to slam my whole cock up her ass.","218":"She writhes and bucks on the bed under me, moaning like a banshee.","219":"Taking her from behind is the final chapter to drive me to total madness.","220":"Her ass is tight, squeezing every drop of pleasure out of both of us.","221":"I go deep, without mercy, and it seems that only serves to make the girl even crazier.","222":"Oh, {PlayerName}! The way you fuck me... I can barely take it!","223":"Neither can I, as I feel like I'm getting close to climax.","224":"I think Valerie can sense it as well. Twisting around, she looks at me with longing in her eyes.","225":"Can you... Can you cum inside me? In my pussy? ","226":"Like I need convincing in that regard.","227":"Sliding up behind her, Valerie reaches down and pulls my unit from her ass to slide back in her slit.","228":"Her vagina feels like a perfect fit as the length of my cock slides back inside her.","229":"I stare deeply into her eyes as I penetrate her again.","230":"Reaching the edge of climax, my thrust grow slow and firm. Savoring every millimeter of her.","231":"Yes... Cum inside me!","232":"With a final, heavy thrust, I bury my cock inside Valerie.","233":"Growling in orgasm as she cries out in her own climax.","234":"Each short forceful thrust of my hips coincides with ejaculation.","235":"Yes! Oh, god, yes!","236":"Fill me up!","237":"I thrust again, sending another jet of hot spunk deep inside of Valerie.","238":"Slamming my hips forward one last time, I shoot a final blast of seed up Valerie's tight slit.","239":"Her moans waver and peter out into an exhausted whimper, fully and totally spent.","240":"Totally wiped, and with the haze of lust melting away, I clutch the warm young beauty close, breathing heavily into her hair.","241":"Mmm... Thank you... I think we both really needed that.","242":"I grin, holding her tight.","243":"It's nice to see you smile, Val. I think this was the best part of this whole night.","244":"Yes... I'm glad you liked it.","245":"Completely spent by the intense sexual episode, Valerie and I just lay in bed, holding each other as we both slowly fall asleep.","0":"Valerie was acting kind of strange the next couple of days after her meeting with Frank and her father.","1":"Well... stranger than usual.","2":"She was quiet, even for her. I wonder if she was struggling with how she was feeling, after the Asherbani project had begun to really materialize into something.","3":"Maybe the accomplishment of something good, and the fact that her loved ones were proud of her, had further melted her facade.","4":"I tried prodding her a bit during dinner one evening.","5":"So, how have things been going with Frank’s expose? Has he started yet?","6":"...Hm? Sorry?","7":"Oh. Yes. Frank has been hard at work.","8":"He is quite diligent and energetic, despite what his appearance might say. And my father has been of tremendous help.","9":"The two have already conducted several interviews."},"ch18__epilogue_good_val.55_new_end.vne3":{"10":"I fully expected to see Valerie working in the living room, but... she's not there.","11":"My heart clenches with a difficult possibility...","12":"I check {Leah}'s room and...","13":"...[i]shoes[\/i]... by an open window...","14":"Her cellphone is also here.","15":"No. That's not possible.","16":"That couldn't be what happened...","17":"...I look outside...","18":"A cool empty night. Nothing like I dreaded... no ambulances... and nothing even worse than that.","19":"So what gives? Where is Valerie?","20":"God knows what Emily told her last night... and honestly... [i]I should've asked...","21":"How far could Valerie have gone? [i]Where would she even go?","22":"Right... I'll just have to go find her...","23":"I didn't look at the time... but things are so quiet, it has to be after midnight.","24":"If I knew more about Valerie, I'd know where to find her, but...","25":"...I don't really know her that well.","26":"But... she doesn't know herself that well either. I don't think that there even [i]is[\/i] a place she'd go to when stressed out...","27":"I'll just have to look for her...","28":"A girl with bare feet ought not to be that hard to find...","29":"...And she isn't.","30":"Val... what are you doing? Why are you standing [i]there[\/i]?","31":"What would possess you to do that?","32":"But... whatever feelings had overtaken her earlier seem to have calmed. Valerie doesn't look like she's about to do anything more foolish than what she's already done.","33":"That's a relief... but there are still a lot of questions on my heart...","34":"Val...","35":"Val looks quizzically at me.","36":"This must seem strange to you.","37":"You have that right. [i]Why?","38":"I wish I could say. This odd feeling overcame me... I took off my shoes... I faced the window... but I took the stairs.","39":"And I don't really know why I did anything I just did.","40":"Who knows? And honestly... I don't care. I just want you home safe.","41":"Is that what I deserve?","42":"You know... if they had found out about the kidnappings... the hacking... the thefts... the harassment I perpetrated... the framing I've done, I would've been behind bars even longer.","43":"I got off easy... didn't I?","44":"It would be dishonest with any other answer.","45":"Yes. You got off easy.","46":"You got off easy just for the arson.","47":"I know. I really know that.","48":"I guess the judge liked me.","49":"You are... a very likable person.","50":"It's so true, though. Even after all the things you did, everyone is still making excuses for you. Even the media was. If you had been anyone else... the key would've been thrown away.","51":"I don't really understand why I did all those things I did. Nothing I used to tell myself makes any sense anymore.","52":"I know why. It's because you are a very dedicated method actor.","53":"Valerie snorts.","54":"I... almost smiled at that.","55":"Why didn't you?","56":"Because I questioned it.","57":"I guess I like your bad jokes, don't I?","58":"I'm of the opinion they're good jokes.","59":"I guess they must be.","60":"Listen. I don't really know why you're out here... and neither do you, apparently... but why don't you come inside?","61":"Your feet are going to get cut up. There's dog shit around here... God knows what else too.","62":"Yes. Listen... I...","63":"...I figured one thing out, though. Would you care to know?","64":"Of course... I'll listen to anything you have to tell me.","65":"Okay.","66":"It's obvious to me... and to you... that I am quite damaged. The only social skills I ever learned were to play the role I felt I needed to play. Everything else was sacrificed.","67":"Who am I? Valerie? Balenka? I don’t know...","68":"Yes, I broke down before, but I don’t even know how or why...","69":"Yes, we made love, and I truly felt pleasure in making you happy by fulfilling the primal desires that I also share. But...","70":"I want you to know... I'm starting from scratch. Even worse than scratch... even babies know how to smile, and I struggle doing that.","71":"So... I am not sure if I'll ever smile again, {PlayerName}... but I know the only chance of smiling I have...","72":"...is with you.","73":"Val...","74":"If you stay with me, you'll make me happy. I only hope that is enough to make you happy.","75":"Val...","76":"...why don't we stand out here a while?","77":"I'm not sure what to say.","78":"We don't have to talk.","79":"I see...","80":"...well... in that case...","0":"Feeling the warmth of Valerie next to me, I drift off into a sleep deeper than I have in years.","1":"I finally saw her smile, express herself, feel something. Yet, despite how deep my sleep is, it’s restless.","2":"I have odd dreams... they mix in with reality...","3":"...a strange... disturbing vision haunts.","4":"Waking with my heart racing, I reach over to check that Valerie is still next to me... But she's gone.","5":"A moment of strange panic overcomes me, mixed with confusion.","6":"Did Valerie and I even make love? Did she even come into my room? Did we ever end up together, or has it all been a dream?","7":"Her scent though, lingers on my pillow.","8":"I calm myself down. I'm just over reacting. It's been a strange, emotional time. She's probably just gone back to work, having satiated that hunger she spoke of.","9":"I get dressed and head to the living room."},"ch2__02.00 investigation.vne3":{"10":"So, this thing really only [i]can[\/i] access recent information. Unless there's some other explanation I haven't considered.","11":"If that's true, I probably shouldn’t be able to see that much of anything right now. What is it? Half past two?","12":"Who would be up at this hour?","13":"I can search by student. I can check up on anyone in college.","14":"Do I want to, though? If this program does what I think it does... I’d be prying into people’s private lives.","15":"But I have to do that if I'm going to figure out exactly what this thing is. There is still a chance that... I've made some kind of mistake. That this isn't what it seems like it is.","16":"This might be some kind of prank. Or dream. Or [i]something[\/i].","17":"But I have to check. I just need to search for anyone at all. ","18":"Just... pick a person. Anyone.","19":"[sprCharIcon_Emily]Emily","20":"[sprCharIcon_Haley]Haley","21":"[sprCharIcon_Maggie]Maggie","22":"[sprCharIcon_Leah]{Leah}","23":"[sprCharIcon_Lidia]Lidia","24":"[sprCharIcon_Valerie]Valerie","25":"This goes well beyond Facebook stalking an ex. But whatever.","26":"Here it goes.","27":"Haley had some interesting stuff come up yesterday. If there’s anyone up late working, it’s her.","28":"Let’s see.","29":"Maggie doesn’t seem like a late sleeper. On the other hand, there’s so much I still don’t know about her.","30":"Let’s find out.","31":"{Leah} is pretty safe. I mean... I basically know everything about her, so it’s not a big deal if I have a peek, right?","32":"Just... have a look.","33":"Lidia is cool. I’m sure she’s got nothing too weird. It’s not so bad when it’s probably going to be nothing, right?","34":"Let’s go for it.","35":"Valerie thinks of nothing but her future, so I don’t expect to find much interesting in her files. I guess that’s why I kinda feel safe peeking.","36":"Let’s see how this works.","37":"Nothing. I should have guessed. Weekday on a college night. Of course she isn’t going to be up so late.","38":"I guess it [i]is[\/i] the case that I can only look at information that's been recently accessed and still in cache.","39":"Which begs the question: how does it work at all? How is the cache compiled?","40":"I'd like to run a few tests, but who do I know that would be up at this hour? Do I just click until I find someone, or...","41":"No. Wait a moment. There’s sorting options for the massive list of students. Alphabetical, by student ID, by GPA...","42":"...by most recent activity.","43":"If I click that, the top people should only be those who are awake right now and on their devices. I have a feeling about who I might find.","44":"I sort the list by recent activity and the list conveniently orders itself. And of course, at the very top is Sam.","45":"I didn’t see Sam yesterday, but knowing her, she’s up way too late playing some dumb game. Or finishing a paper at the last minute.","46":"Sorry, Sam. Fate has decreed that I will spy on you. Forgive me... if you ever find out.","47":"Okay. A few interesting folders. Which should I look at first?","48":"[!ep2_checked_email]Cache.recentlysent.email","49":"[!ep2_checked_game]Cache.recentlyloaded.lordsofcochran","50":"[!ep2_checked_input]Cache.recentlyinput.keyboard","51":"I hope nothing in here is too sensitive. I don’t want to learn something about Sam that’s going to change the way I think about her.","52":"Let’s just take a look.","53":"One sent email to our mutual professor, Mr. Rogham. It looks like she just submitted a paper. Did we have homework due?","54":"No. We didn’t. Sam was just late. Very late. A week late. I’m kinda surprised Sam didn’t tell me.","55":"We were meant to describe the challenges to a given speculative technology. I chose fusion power. Sam chose warp drive.","56":"It looks like Sam did a good job on her paper, at least. Nice job, Sam.","57":"Lords of Cochran? Sam talks about that, she calls it a ‘kilt porn RPG’, whatever that means. I don’t think it’s literally porn... Sam just likes that word. [i]Food porn, brain porn,[\/i] et cetera.","58":"In the folder is a constant stream of updating information, consistent with a video game in progress. It’s all in hexadecimal, I don’t really have the time to decode this. It’s probably all game junk anyway.","59":"Is this really a keylogger?","60":"It looks like it. It looks like Sam is playing a game, so it's just a series of random inputs.","61":"If I scroll back far enough... [i]yep[\/i]. That’s a password all right. I’ll pretend I didn’t see that.","62":"Okay, so the program is capable of logging keys... reading program data... and intercepting encrypted emails.","63":"Shit. This is serious stuff. Shocking I only had to download it off the admin’s cloud storage. And the fact that it can read so many different formats and output something legible... is disturbing.","64":"I know that there are personnel trackers that let big companies monitor the computer usage of employees. I suppose there's a precedent for this kind of thing.","65":"But these aren't company computers. These are private devices that utilize the university's network.","66":"What is my current hypothesis, here? What exactly is this program?","67":"It is a virus.","68":"It is a glitch.","69":"It was designed this way.","70":"Someone has modified this program to spy on everyone in the college. The software package must have a virus embedded in it... and I'm holding the hacker's tools right in hand.","71":"This all seems way too sophisticated. But I’m looking at the result right now.","72":"This program is doing things it wasn’t intended for. Truth is, people have no idea how easy it is to breach these systems in the first place.","73":"I know the package includes anti-virus programs... programs that would be able to do a heuristic analysis on running memory.","74":"A simple glitch in that system brings you broad access to private files. That’s how most security breaches work.","75":"It was in the college's cloud, right? They had to have known what this program can do.","76":"If that’s the case, someone in the administration has been spying on everybody. The program is too powerful to be a simple mistake.","77":"When I asked Hank about the app, he said it was secure. Maybe he's the one behind this? But if he was, wouldn't he try to stop me when I made my discovery?","78":"There’s not much else to say, honestly. The theory doesn’t exactly fit, but it is the best answer I’ve got.","79":"I suppose... when I wake up tomorrow... I'll continue my investigation. Gather clues and stuff.","80":"This is the kinda intrigue that {Leah} would be totally into. I could ask for her help...","81":"But no. Let’s see if this is for real first. And if it is...","82":"...then I might have to protect {Leah} from it.","83":"Let’s check Alexis again. Just to see how long it takes for data to go away.","84":"Jeez. Even more fucking nude pics. But not of her. Interesting.","85":"I know people sext a lot, but what is Alexis doing with all this?","86":"Should I... take a look?","87":"...Just a quick peek.","88":"Close the app.","89":"If anyone else had access to this program, they could just download those pictures and use them for whatever they want.","90":"On the other hand... [i]I[\/i] could download the files and use them for whatever I want...","91":"Shit. Am I really thinking of building my own little spank bank?","92":"It’s wrong... it’s perverted... it’s a violation of privacy... but it’s [i]kinda hot[\/i] to see nude pics [i]because[\/i] they weren’t intended to be shared this way.","93":"I feel like a creep looking at these, but...","94":"...I have this overpowering temptation to save the pics to my hard drive...","95":"Save the pictures.","96":"Log off.","97":"It’s only for me, right? I definitely won’t share them.","98":"What harm can it do?","99":"Done. I feel a little ashamed... but also a little excited.","100":"I can see why people do this.","101":"Fuck it. I’m not stooping to that level of degeneracy.","102":"I won’t be able to stop if I start, so I won’t start at all.","103":"Turn off the computer and forget you ever saw this.","104":"I know myself well enough to know: if I start, I'm not going to be able to stop.","105":"It’s late at night... I have work to do tomorrow.","106":"Judging by what happened tonight, I’ll have an extremely busy day.","0":"Did I really expect to sleep after such a discovery?","1":"Holy flying fuck. My mind is racing! There’s no way I can stay in bed.","2":"I can’t help myself. I need to find out more. What exactly is this shit I've gotten myself into?","3":"Yeah... I’ve got class first thing in the morning but... they don’t need me at my best. I can do that shit with my eyes closed. And I probably will.","4":"Okay. Here we go.","5":"Load program.","6":"What do I do now? Do I just... pry into people’s personal lives?","7":"Is there a question I want to answer? I feel uncomfortable just... looking at people’s accounts for the fun of it.","8":"I should check to see whether Alexis’s picture is still there.","9":"Okay. It’s not there anymore. But I can’t deny what I saw. That was her. Naked. More than naked. Having sex."},"ch2__02.10 spy on leah.vne3":{"3":"I put on my clothes and head out.","4":"No time to make proper breakfast. I throw some cereal and milk in a bowl and chomp down.","5":"Each chew, I think about the program - what it means... where it came from... how it is that I’m the only one who seems to notice it. Already, I’m second-guessing all the theorizing I did last night.","6":"It’s kinda sick, but... I am kinda excited about the whole situation. It’s the sort of drama I never thought I’d be involved in. It’ll probably be the highlight of my career as an IT professional.","7":"I... want to run more experiments, actually. Something should have changed from this morning, right?","8":"I'll have my coffee in my room.","9":"Shouldn’t {Leah} be out by now? She’s usually up earlier than I am. I usually hear her shower going off.","10":"I glance toward her room...","11":"Of course. {Leah} has left the door open again.","12":"I don’t know how to tell her to be more careful. I know it’s just me... but...","13":"...I couldn’t help but spy on her last time.","14":"It wasn’t her fault, really, but I definitely did feel weird.","15":"It would be the responsible thing to do to close the door this time.","16":"...if I was a weirder person, I might be tempted to spy on her.","17":"I could close the door for her once again.","18":"Peek.","19":"Close the door.","20":"Just put this coffee aside...","21":"I can’t believe I’m doing this again.","22":"God... I hope she never finds out that I’ve been looking at her like... this. It still feels so wrong...","23":"As though to find out what I’ve been missing, I start watching {Leah} through the door.","24":"Last time, I didn’t watch her showering. Apparently, that was just due to strength of will rather than lack of inclination.","25":"Here I am, watching my {relationship} change.","26":"She has this skin like skim milk, and nowhere is it clearer than her back. Smooth, yet subtle and complex.","27":"I suddenly want to run my hand across the ridge of her spine.","28":"I remember, in the winter, her hands would get so cold. I used to hold them, just to warm them up.","29":"Does the skin on her hand feel the same as the rest of her? Soft, velvety, alive?","30":"I don't have an answer to that. Despite how long I've known her, I've never touched her anywhere [i]except[\/i] her hands.","31":"I'm... desperately curious. I want to find out.","32":"And not just the ridge on her spine... the front of her too.","33":"Are her breasts... as soft as they look?","34":"I'm full of creeper thoughts today.","35":"And the creepiest thought of all: I think she looks beautiful when she looks sad like that.","36":"It’s not a despairing sadness. It’s a thoughtful sadness. It’s the look you get when you think about the world and wonder why so many bad things happen.","37":"I’m reminded of the depths of {Leah}’s feelings on just about every subject. I wish I could be as passionate about anything as she is about [i]everything[\/i].","38":"It’s time to pry my eyes away. Any longer, and she’s bound to notice.","39":"Quietly, so she doesn’t hear me.","40":"Or maybe I should do it loudly, just to remind her?","41":"I’m proud of myself for resisting the curiosity I failed to yesterday morning. But I shouldn’t pat myself on the back too hard. A good person would not have been tempted at all.","42":"Hmm... what was I doing? Where was I going?","43":"Still... why isn’t {Leah} out and about yet? Usually she just...","44":"The... the fuck!","45":"I totally forgot! {Leah} wanted to ask me about something, didn’t she? And she waited all day yesterday to do it, too.","46":"When I got home, [i]all[\/i] I could think about was that program. I practically pushed {Leah} aside to get to my room.","47":"Fuck. Shit. I mean... if she knew what I had discovered, she’d probably understand, but... I didn’t know what was going on myself. I [i]still[\/i] don’t know.","48":"{Leah}’s door is opening. What do I tell her?","49":"She leaves her room fully dressed, giving me an acknowledging look as she crosses to the other side of the room.","50":"{Leah}!","51":"Hmm?","52":"I was... really busy when I got home last night.","53":"I understand.","54":"What was the thing you were going to tell me?","55":"She looks at me for a moment, as though considering what to say.","56":"Just that I’d be busy for a few days, so you probably won’t see me.","57":"You’ve got the apartment to yourself. Isn’t that exciting?","58":"From anyone else, I would have picked up a shred of cattiness. But {Leah} gives me what I know is a genuine smile. One genuine, heart-breaking smile.","59":"She... really thinks I don't want to spend time with her.","60":"I always have time for you, {Leah}, something weird came up. If you wanted to do something soon...","61":"Yes. Of course. I got myself into another commitment.[pause][char,Leah_Casual_Introspective] But... maybe next month...","62":"Yeah. Let’s pencil something in for next month.","63":"I’ve got to head to class. I’m already running a little late.","64":"You are usually out earlier than this.","65":"I know. I guess I had something pressing, too.","66":"Alright, {PlayerName}. See you tonight, hopefully.","67":"Hopefully.","68":"{Leah} walks out the front door.","69":"I have class with Sam this morning, so I should be headed out too.","0":"I know I have class this morning, but all I can think about is what happened last night.","1":"I managed to get a wink of sleep, which is good. Whether it will last me the whole day, that’s a different question completely.","2":"I’ve got to take action, one way or another, on this app. And to do that, I’ve got to be fresh enough to think."},"ch2__02.15 flashback.vne3":{"3":"It was just after summer vacation. {Leah} and I should have been in class, but... we weren’t.","4":"{Leah} was always a goody-two-shoes, and I was too at the time. So we weren't used to skipping, and being in an empty hallway in the middle of a week day felt... ghostly.","5":"This conversation, however, was just too important.","6":"Why?","7":"Because... it’s important.","8":"All because of a documentary?","9":"Not just that.[pause][char,Leah_Young_Neutral_3] That documentary confirmed what I always felt, which is why I [i]had[\/i] to do it.","10":"{Leah}, nobody reads the academy newspaper.","11":"That matters less than you think. The circulation for the most important journals and papers in the country is surprisingly low. [char,Leah_Young_Neutral_3]Do you know how few people are actually subscribed to [i]Nature?[\/i]","12":"Nature is a scientific journal thingie. An academy paper reprints press releases and reports on sporting events everyone already knows about, and that’s it.","13":"{Leah}, I thought we were both going into the student council!","14":"What I said is that we should both do the same thing, not that it would specifically be the student council.","15":"What’s wrong with you joining the newspaper?","16":"I should have just said a joke. But... I was fueled by the argument, and by a sense that {Leah} was abandoning me. Instead of de-escalating, I went for the throat.","17":"To be frank, {Leah}, I don’t want to put myself in a position where I can be forgotten about.","18":"{Leah} stepped back from me, like I'd struck her. I had just attacked something she cared about with a truth she didn't want to hear.","19":"I [i]immediately[\/i] started regretting what I had said. But I feel like I'm already half-way down the cliff already. I don't apologize... and I should have.","20":"If you just conform, you can’t change anything.","21":"So what? You’re going to do some hard-hitting journalism?","22":"Mmmhmm. I will.","23":"Ah. Okay. Well, while you blow the whistle on the cafeteria’s mystery meat, I’ll try and convince Valerie to leave a slot open for you on the council.","24":"And I'll tell Valerie she doesn't need to, because someone has to take a stand. Even if it is just the mystery meat in the cafeteria.","25":"I can't wait to see the article.","26":"I was about to turn to storm off, but...","27":"...I could tell she had more to say.","28":"{PlayerName}...","29":"What is it now?","30":"Just because I’m going in a different direction than you... doesn’t mean our friendship is over.[pause][char,Leah_Young_Neutral_3] We’ll always be friends.","31":"But... what kind of friends would we be if we couldn't be true to ourselves?","32":"[i]True to ourselves?[\/i] Stop talking like a self-help book.","33":"I'm not forcing you to be a journalist, am I? You don't want to be one. Well... I don't want to be on the student council.","34":"What she said... it was completely true. But I didn't like it then. And I still don't like it.","35":"She did to me what I did to her, which was to cut with truth. Except I did mine in the spirit of anger and she did hers in the spirit of friendship.","36":"But ultimately, my instincts about what would happen came true. Friends we may be... but friends who never talk and never interact.","37":"I still feel bitter about her choice. And there's nothing I can do about it.","0":"Green lights, red lights - I follow them without any clear thought.","1":"An old conversation I had with {Leah} pops into my head. The words repeat like I had heard them yesterday.","2":"I hadn’t thought about it for years now. But for some reason, today it decides to overtake every neuron in my brain."},"ch2__02.20 sams lecture.vne3":{"3":"Sam is probably going to be more upset, honestly.","4":"I try and open the door quietly. Failing, of course, as everyone notices me.","5":"Professor Rogham glances my direction, as if to decide whether he should say anything... but he doesn’t.","6":"Thank God.","7":"Someone else notices me come in, too.","8":"There’s Sam. When she sees me, her face pinches with relief.","9":"I know that expression well. She needs me for something. It's a sixth sense -- she definitely has a problem, and she's going to ask for my help.","10":"I can only hope it’s something trivial. I’ve still got to investigate that computer program. I don't have all day to help her.","11":"This is one of the difficulties of being mute.","12":"I can’t say \"excuse me\", so it just seems like I’m barging past people.","13":"Luckily, they know who I am, so they just artfully ignore me as I pass.","14":"She gives me a sidelong glance as I approach.","15":"Why do you get to be late, huh?","16":"I shrug.","17":"I take a seat on the other side of her.","18":"So... speechless? Can’t defend yourself?","19":"Typical you.","20":"Ahem.","21":"Just then, Professor Rogham casts Sam a sharp glance.","22":"I hear a voice from Sam and {PlayerName}’s direction. I wonder which one of you it is?","23":"Uh... sorry, Professor Rogham.","24":"More listening, Sam! That will actually do you some good.","25":"{PlayerName}, I gotta... uh... bounce something off you after class.","26":"Typical Sam. When told to shut up, she only whispers louder.","27":"She looks pretty concerned. If it was anyone else, I might be worried. But I know it's something I can easily handle.","28":"Gonna stop talking. You know. Obvious reasons.","29":"I wonder what her deal is today? Calculating odds... now.","30":"Forty percent chance of missing cell phone. Twenty percent chance of missing keys. Fifteen percent chance she needs to clean her room before her parents come...","31":"Ten percent chance trouble with an assignment. Five percent chance it’s something completely novel.","32":"The chance that this is something serious? Close to zero.","33":"That’s generally how it works with Sam.","34":"Gotta wait for class to be over.","35":"And that concludes today’s lecture. Please finish your readings for next week when we’ll continue discussing relativistic velocity.","36":"Everyone gets up to leave, but Sam immediately leaps off her seat.","37":"Need to stretch out!","38":"Did you have to shake your leg like a maniac?","39":"I’m just trying to keep myself occupied! Don’t you fiddle? Chew on a pencil? Doodle?","40":"I sit and listen.","41":"This is why you do so bleeping well at college. How do you just listen? It’s so unnatural.","42":"How do you get by with no life skills?","43":"Hey. I got life skills, okay? I can fold my laundry. But if it’s clean, why does it matter if it comes folded?[char,Sam_Casual_Neutral] Just as efficient in good-old-fashioned ball format.","44":"But that’s beside the point. I got an issue.","45":"Did you check your pocket?","46":"Smartass. I did check my pocket... [char,Sam_Casual_Neutral]just now. It’s not in there.","47":"Can you come to my room and call me? I can't find my cellphone.","48":"Yeah. Okay. When did you last have it?","49":"I last remember-","50":"Ms. Hunter? Could I share a word?","51":"Uh... can it wait? I got to...","52":"I wouldn’t wait too long, Ms. Hunter.","53":"By the way, {PlayerName}, I greatly enjoyed your paper on the challenges of fusion power. Your paragraph about the political and social hurdles was... unexpected but interesting.","54":"Thank you.","55":"You only really needed to discuss the [i]physical[\/i] limitations, but your scientific work was also compelling and thoughtful.","56":"I was only trying to push myself a little further.","57":"Indeed you did.","58":"Ms. Hunter, we can talk now or during office hours.","59":"Uh... now, I guess.","60":"Let’s talk by the lectern.","61":"I gotta go talk to Mr. Rogham.","62":"I’ll wait for you.","63":"Thanks, motherfucker.","64":"She hurries down the aisle to Rogham in that energetic, frenetic manner she does everything with.","65":"An old literature course just hits me like a ton of bricks. A \"foil\" is a character that contrasts with another... they serve to accentuate the other’s features.","66":"Sam is kinda my foil, I guess. Honestly, we should hate each other's guts for being so different from one another.","67":"But that's the thing with foils. They aren’t always enemies. Sometimes, they're friends.","68":"I don’t have much issue getting work done and passing classes. Sam, on the other hand...","69":"The way Sam looks at Mr. Rogham... ''deer in headlights'' doesn’t quite cover it. More like, ''Legless puppy in front of steamroller''.","70":"Sam's in trouble for something. It might be because of the assignment she turned in a week late.","71":"She’s usually in trouble for little, preventable things. I keep telling her how to avoid issues like this and she pays no attention to me.","72":"Whatever Sam and Rogham talk about, the conversation is soon wrapped up and Sam walks back to me, carrying the same grave expression.","73":"It only fades when Sam opens her mouth.","74":"I've really got to get my cellphone back, {PlayerName}.","75":"Let’s go find it, then.","76":"Yeah.","0":"I’m already late, and rushing to class isn’t going to fix that.","1":"I’ll walk in the middle of the lecture and that’ll be fine.","2":"Professor Rogham is not that bad a guy. But if I make this a habit, I’m definitely going to erode the good will I’ve developed with him."},"ch2__02.25 sams phone.vne3":{"10":"So you don’t need to do any prep work? Make yourself some tea? Go for a walk around campus? Treat yourself to a few minutes of gaming?","11":"No. I sit down and I work.","12":"That's so weird.","13":"It’s not weird.","14":"It is. You’re a freak.","15":"Anyway, you’re kind of a teacher’s pet, {PlayerName}. You don’t know what it’s like to be a shlub and a pleb. Teachers love you without wanting to bone you.[cg,Ep2\/ep2_Walking_With_Sam\/ep2_Walking_With_Sam_Introspective,1] For the rest of us it's an either-or situation.","16":"Hold up. You think teachers don't want to fuck me? Also... you’re not a shlub slash pleb! You were a fricking student council president!","17":"Sorry. I meant to say that, yeah, you're probably pretty fuckable. I'm sure there's some teachers who wouldn't mind some sweet {PlayerName} booty.","18":"But even if they [i]didn't[\/i] want that from you, they'd [i]still[\/i] love you because you're the shit at school.","19":"I'm [i]shit[\/i] at school?","20":"No. You're [i]the[\/i] shit. Meaning you're really good. [cg,Ep2\/ep2_Walking_With_Sam\/ep2_Walking_With_Sam_Smiling,1][i]Get wid it mon[\/i].","21":"All I’m saying is that you’re one of those rare types that teachers don’t have to pester and prod to get shit done.","22":"You don't do that badly, do you?","23":"Uh... I'm...","24":"The hesitation. Sam scratches her head and looks for the proper words.","25":"...I survive.","26":"Everyone thinks... just because I was student council president back in my old highschool that I'm good at school. I'm not.","27":"Besides... you were the one that actually [i]did[\/i] all the stuff.","28":"Are we going to have this discussion again?","29":"Come the bleep on, man! I even need your help to find my phone. [cg,Ep2\/ep2_Walking_With_Sam\/ep2_Walking_With_Sam_Introspective,1]Maybe next time you come over, you could wipe my butt too.","30":"Sam, it's not like you're the only person who loses their glasses on their forehead, figuratively speaking.","31":"Old people, dude. I'm [i]young[\/i].","32":"Doesn't matter! Just last week I...","33":"...actually I don't lose many things because I'm well organized. But I'm more of an exception. Linus is also a klutz.","34":"[i]Everyone[\/i] is kind of absent-minded.","35":"Yeah. Except for you, right?","36":"I'm sure I've been late with an assignment before.","37":"Face it. Even if everyone is as bad as you say, I'm still the worst there is.","38":"For fuck's sake, Sam. Will you let me comfort you?","39":"Sorry. Ugh! Bad mood. Too little sleep.","40":"I'm in kind of a bitchy mood today.","41":"Well, maybe don't play [i]Lords of Cochran[\/i] until the early hours of the morning.","42":"Psychic! How did you know?","43":"Uh... oh fuck.","44":"Did I accidentally reveal that I had been spying on Sam using a hacked computer? No... wait. Calm down.","45":"It's not like it's that unlikely to begin with. Sam plays that game all the time, for years now.","46":"It's a very straightforward guess.","47":"You got me! Psychic.","48":"Mysteriously, Sam doesn't respond immediately. She looks into my eyes. [i]Drills[\/i] into them.","49":"Oh fuck. She senses something.","50":"Just that little, uneasy pause tipped her off that something might be wrong. The thing I should do now... is quickly say something. Anything.","51":"But... despite how long I've been mute, my panicked defense transfers into my worthless, ruined vocal chords. It comes out in a strange, tuneless, throaty sound.","52":"I try to make it sound like a thoughtful pause.","53":"It...","54":"...looks like it worked.","55":"I need to be a bit more unpredictable, don't I?","56":"It would be [i]really[\/i] unexpected if you started studying and doing homework.","57":"Shut up! Stop talking, you bleeping loudmouth.","58":"We reach the outside of Sam's dorm.","59":"Hold on. Security card. Give me a sec.","60":"With a bit of drama, Sam plunges her hand into her pocket and begins to feel about like someone reaching into the back of the couch.","61":"I watch Sam... with a dawning horror as her face grows ever confused, and her hands dig ever deeper.","62":"It's in here somewhere...","63":"You've got to be kidding.","64":"You know, not looking at you and not listening to you are the same thing.","65":"Noted. I use the phone app.","66":"You've got to be kidding.","67":"The funny thing is...","68":"...I am! It was in my pocket all along.","69":"Fucking hell.","70":"Heh.","71":"Sam reaches out to swipe the card...","72":"...and in a flash it slips right out of her grasp.","73":"The fuck?","74":"Butterfingers!","75":"Okay! I get it. I'm a clumsy bitch, and I forget everything.","76":"Be a gentleman [i]for once[\/i] and shut your bleeping mouth.","77":"Out of instinct, I lean down to pick up the card off the ground, but Sam suddenly stops me.","78":"It's fine. I got it. Sheesh.","79":"I can do [i]something[\/i], you know.","80":"Of course, I'm not sure Sam realizes how she looks as she bends down to pick it up. I don't think anyone in visual range misses this.","81":"And... I'm not sure Sam realizes that she has it pointed [i]directly at me[\/i], either. The little wiggle in her backside makes it nearly look like an invitation.","82":"I guess Sam has some grace in at least [i]one[\/i] area. But how do I really feel about this?","83":"What kind of feelings stir inside as I watch her in this compromising position?","84":"She's a friend, and nothing more.","85":"She's cute, but ultimately she's way too ditzy for me.","86":"Maybe I've had feelings for her for a while now.","87":"God... it feels like I've known her for so long. But it hasn't been.","88":"'Like chalk and cheese'... that weird British phrase. But it isn't inaccurate.","89":"We're compatible as friends, but that's where the compatibility ends.","90":"It's not that I'm looking for the world's most graceful woman. But still, her level of absent-mindedness becomes a bit of a turn-off.","91":"I have to remind myself a little too often that yes, Sam [i]is[\/i] intelligent. I've seen it. When she puts her mind to something, she can really excel.","92":"It's just she often is [i]incapable[\/i] of doing that, and that's not something I can change.","93":"I would like to putt-putt up that butt-butt though.","94":"I would've never thought Sam was my type before. But... I don't know. I suppose I've never really put that much thought into it.","95":"There was a time I wasn't really interested in having a relationship... right after the surgery. I guess that time in my life is coming to an end.","96":"I've got to stop staring at her ass.","97":"There we go. Card, retrieved. Plus 1000 points.","98":"What an achievement.","99":"Exactly. Thank you for realizing.","100":"Oh boy. Let's go inside before you beat yourself to death patting yourself on the back.","101":"Home away from sweet home.","102":"I kind of don't like going into Sam's dorm room. I just want to... rearrange everything and put things where they [i]belong[\/i]. Throwing shit everywhere is just not my style.","103":"Let's call.","104":"I select Sam on speed-dial, then call.","105":"Sam visibly strains her ears as she tries to hear any hint of her phone.","106":"I, on the other hand, have already realized the truth of the situation. This [i]isn't[\/i] a simple task after all.","107":"Uh... do you think it's under something? Like it's being muffled?","108":"It's not in your room.","109":"Hold your horses, {PlayerName}, come on! {PlayerName}! It [i]has[\/i] to be in here somewhere! I mean, sure I'm an absent-minded ditz, but if I lose something, it's almost always in my room.","110":"I see. Is that a strong ''always'' or a strong ''almost''?","111":"Okay. Let's do Bechdel's razor and think of the simplest solution...","112":"Occam's razor.","113":"Occam's razor! Simplest solution: it ran out of battery, or I turned it on silent.","114":"That you left it outside your room is also a simple solution.","115":"But [i]empirically[\/i] no, because it usually [i]always[\/i] turns up in my dorm room.","116":"You know the question I'm about to ask, right?","117":"Yeah.","118":"When did you...","119":"...last see it? Recently, I guess.","120":"I don't like how vague you're being.","121":"Yesterday morning! I definitely had it yesterday morning.","122":"Okay. And what did you do yesterday?","123":"Oh! A lot. It was a busy day. I had to go to the admin building, the coffee shop, the comic book shop, [i]and[\/i] the bar doing nonsensical tasks.","124":"Wow. That sounds a lot like my yesterday.","125":"Let's see. Had to submit my club reports to Valerie... went to Sevigny's and the coffee place to scout out catering locations...","126":"...then I totally got into a fight with Kristen about whether vegan leather was actually environmentally friendly.","127":"That sounds [i]exactly[\/i] like my day.","128":"You should probably not be the president of so many clubs.","129":"I don't even play tennis. Why am I the president of the tennis club? I don't get it.","130":"Only you know.","131":"People keep asking me to be the president of their clubs, and I don't turn them down because apparently[char,Sam_Casual_Smiling_3] I'm a big masochist.","132":"We're looking for a phone.","133":"Right.","134":"And... uh... I guess I don't really remember when it is I lost my phone.","135":"So basically you were everywhere yesterday, and hence your phone could be the same.","136":"There is a nearly 100% chance that it's here.","137":"Stop punking me around, Sam. I actually have shit I need to do today.","138":"Fine! I get it.","139":"Sam, I have a busy day.","140":"Okay, okay!","141":"Maybe if we just poked around together a little, we could find it.","142":"You've got to take care of your phone, Sam. I don't have infinite amounts of time.","143":"A little poke around isn't [i]that[\/i] big a deal, is it?","144":"Since I'm already here...","145":"I don't have time for this.","146":"This had better be the last time.","147":"Yay! Thanks!","148":"Finally, the Galaxy is within our grasp.","149":"Your... Samsung Galaxy.","150":"Uh... sorry. Yeah. Sorry. Can't help it.","151":"I don't have the time, Sam. I gotta go. I called you, that's what you asked for.","152":"Uh... yeah. I guess I did.","153":"Sorry... I shouldn't rely on you so much. I really ought to respect your time.","154":"The one thing I guarantee you, it's not in your room.","155":"How can you be so sure?","156":"Because I'm good at finding things and I just know it isn't. Call it practice.","157":"I'll try and find a new phone, I guess.","158":"Shit. Sam is working some of that puppy-dog-eyes magic on me. I don't want to leave on such bad terms.","159":"Listen, Sam, lost phones are returned all the time. If I find it, I'll let you know. It's really the least I can do.","160":"Thanks. I'll still probably get a new phone, though.","161":"You should. I'll see you, Sam.","162":"Uh... I mean... okay.","163":"I [i]know[\/i] I'm going to lose my phone again but... I guess I can find it without you next time.","164":"Let's look for this phone.","165":"Thanks!","166":"Where should I start looking?","167":"I don't know? The general vicinity? Like the floor, the nooks and crannies, on top of things.","168":"So basically everywhere. Got it.","169":"Where do I search first?","170":"The closet.","171":"The hamper.","172":"The desk.","173":"The bed.","174":"The phone isn't in Sam's mini fallout shelter.","175":"I'm pretty sure the phone is not in the closet.","176":"I've already looked there.","177":"I look in the closet. I feel like I've checked this thing a million times, and yet... there's always something strange and new in there...","178":"...which has simultaneously been there the [i]entire time[\/i]. I'm pretty sure Sam's closet violates the second law of thermodynamics.","179":"It would be too sensible a place for a [i]phone[\/i], though.","180":"Why do you have... cans in here?","181":"What? Like my pepsi and stuff?","182":"No. Beans, soup, tomatoes. You're storing a charity food drive.","183":"Oh, that. That's a bit embarrassing. My mom makes me take emergency supplies with me to college.","184":"In case of nuclear winter?","185":"Sometimes I think so. You know her. She's a bit of a prepper.","186":"Yeah. She is.","187":"It's the most likely place. But apparently Sam doesn't like me rifling through her underwear.","188":"I'm pretty sure the phone is not in the hamper.","189":"I've already looked there.","190":"Without thinking much else about it, I plunge my hands into Sam's laundry and begin to feel around.","191":"Could you have left it in a jean pocket?","192":"Yeah, I guess.","193":"I feel something... lumpy in there. Like a... rectangular shaped thing. Could this be it?","194":"I start fishing it out... but it feels too thin to be a cellphone...","195":"After a bit, Sam turns to me.","196":"Uh... that's like... my underwear and stuff, dude.","197":"[i]Uh...[\/i] I scratch the back of my head.","198":"What's the weird rectangular thing? Oh. [i]A price tag[\/i].","199":"I'm so confused... this is [i]new[\/i] sexy underwear [i]in your hamper[\/i].","200":"The hamper kinda doubles as my closet.","201":"[i]You have an actual closet[\/i].","202":"Listen, the hamper-cum-closet thing makes sense to the vast majority of human beings. In this regard, you're kind of the weirdo.","203":"Also, that's my underwear. I'm not like other girls, but I [i]am[\/i] like other girls. You get what I'm saying?","204":"I give her a quizzical look.","205":"I don't like dudes going through my drawers.","206":"Actually, maybe I do, but not in this context.","207":"[i]Oh shit[\/i]. I'm actually going through her underwear and thinking nothing of it.","208":"Sorry.","209":"Somehow, it would feel more normal if you started sniffing my panties or something.","210":"Do you want me to do that?","211":"Nah. I know you'd be doing it just to make me feel more comfortable.","212":"The phone isn't there.","213":"I'm pretty sure the phone is not in the desk.","214":"I've already looked there.","215":"Sam, I want to let you know something.","216":"Hmm?","217":"I'm going into your desk, okay? I imagine every late assignment you've forgotten to turn in for the past year is going to burst in my face.","218":"That would be a cool weapon! Paper bomb! Let's make an anime!","219":"\"The Legend of Paper Bomb\"?","220":"Nah, you gotta name it something nonsensical. [i]Argon Restitution: Propheteon[\/i]. It's an anime about an office supply company.","221":"I don't watch enough anime to understand that title.","222":"I can tell by your deficit of chins.","223":"Jokes about paper-themed anime aside, I'm still a bit scared of what's going to burst out of that desk drawer. The damage is much more likely to be psychological than physical.","224":"Let's see.","225":"Fuuuuuuuuck.","226":"The bleep?","227":"Oh, that's crazy! A late assignment [i]did[\/i] burst out.","228":"Late assignment? That's a fucking lump of clay!","229":"Yeah. I was supposed to turn that into something for pottery class, but...","230":"You didn't encase your cellphone in clay, then? I don't think it's in your desk.","231":"I didn't think so...","232":"There's nothing beneath the bed.","233":"I'm pretty sure the phone is not beneath the bed.","234":"I've already looked there.","235":"I'm going to check your bed, okay? Any explosive sex toys you need to tell me about?","236":"You mean the Rocket Jump?","237":"The... what?","238":"Uh... nothing. And... if you see something roughly hourglass-shaped with exactly three buttons, don't touch it if you want to keep all your fingers.","239":"Sam, you know you're not allowed weapons on campus.","240":"The fingers thing is a joke... but the [i]Rocket Jump[\/i]... that I'm not making up.","241":"It's like that feeling you get when a roller coaster suddenly goes through a loop but it's in your...","242":"Oversharing, Sam!","243":"Yeah, you couldn't relate to it. You'd need the courage, the determination, the unassailable confidence and masculinity it takes to put a sex toy up your butt.","244":"Which reminds me of a question I always wanted to ask a guy.","245":"So, it's embarrassing to be a guy and a virgin past a certain age, right? But it's only [i]dick virginity[\/i] rather than [i]anal virginity[\/i]...","246":"You're getting distracted, Sam. I'll answer any questions about male psychosexuality you have [i]after[\/i] we find your cellphone.","247":"Hmm. I see. A reward once we are done. An incentive to be efficient.","248":"Shit... is it really okay to be nervous looking under Sam's bed?","249":"I'm not worried about Sam's sex toy literally being explosive. I'm worried about all the shit I'll find and want to reorganize.","250":"Better mentally prepare myself.","251":"It's surprisingly empty down there. Except...","252":"Anyway, there's nothing important beneath the bed.","253":"Except for a sock, huh?","254":"I know this sounds weird, but I'm kinda proud of you. I was expecting a small landfill.","255":"That's the only thing? So the [i]Rocket Jump isn't beneath the bed[\/i]?","256":"No. And I'm not going to start looking for it.","257":"Shit. I guess I have to find that too. [char,Sam_Casual_Neutral]Remember, it looks a bit like an hourglass... just in case you see it.","258":"Yeah, I'll print some posters up and hang them on trees.","259":"Sam, I hate to say \"I told you so\".","260":"So my cellphone really isn't in my room?","261":"Doesn't look like it.","262":"Fuck man.","263":"A rare bit of genuine despair flares across Sam's expression.","264":"I'm a big fucking fuck up. Fuck.","265":"I was so insistent it was here, too. So stupid...","266":"Technically, we haven't ruled out your room yet.","267":"Oh yeah, that's real comforting. Honestly, no place can be ruled out now. It's anywhere between Canada and Mexico.","268":"That rules out China.","269":"Let's make a big list of countries where it's probably [i]not[\/i].","270":"Stop it, Sam! Perk up! It could be worse!","271":"Is there something wrong? I mean, other than the drama with the cellphone.","272":"I'm sorry, {PlayerName}. I hate moaning and shit, but stuff is bad when it's bad.","273":"You worried about your phone getting hacked?","274":"Well... fuck. Yeah I guess. I am now, at least. I have... stuff on that phone.","275":"I... see. But that wasn't enough to upset you this much? Did something happen recently?","276":"Yeah.","277":"Sam is [i]so desperate[\/i] to say something serious. I can feel it. It's those years of working with her that makes me feel that way.","278":"But... whatever she's thinking of... whatever is weighing her down [i]beyond[\/i] the issue with the cellphone...","279":"...it isn't coming out.","280":"What am I going to do without Rocket Jump, huh?","281":"I can't bring myself to laugh at this.","282":"Press her.","283":"Leave her be, and let her cool off.","284":"Stop it, Sam! Tell me what's wrong?","285":"Oh... uh...","286":"...it's nothing. You've done enough today. You're right. I've got to solve my own problems.","287":"I'll... let you know if anyone spots your phone. People drop off lost phones to the IT department all the time.","288":"Thanks.","289":"If you excuse me, I'm going to play my kilt porn game.","290":"Okay. Take care of yourself, Sam.","291":"Thanks.","292":"If Sam really has lost her phone, getting it back is pretty important. Who knows what data is on it?","293":"I don't want to scare Sam, but I don't think just getting a new phone is enough.","0":"What did Mr. Rogham say to you?","1":"Oh... him? You know, typical teacher stuff. \"You had best improve, Ms. Hunter,\" so on. He hates me.","2":"Not every teacher in the world hates you.","3":"Not every teacher. Not the ones who want to putt-putt up my butt-butt.","4":"Come on. Be real.","5":"Uh... you and I, we have totally different experiences of the education system.","6":"You can't be that kind of person who always blames bad grades on teachers that hate you.","7":"And I’m not! I’m really not. I also blame myself. [cg,Ep2\/ep2_Walking_With_Sam\/ep2_Walking_With_Sam_Introspective,1]I'm so fucking disorganized. It takes me ten times longer to do anything. I'm a bad student and that's why teachers don't like me.","8":"I don’t understand! How do you just... do work? You sit down and get shit done? That’s weird, dude.","9":"How do I do it? You sit down... [i]and then you do it[\/i]."},"ch2__02.30 it department.vne3":{"10":"...Valerie.","11":"...The funniest part of it was the prank was doomed from the beginning. None of us had bothered to test whether you could actually shoot mayonnaise out of a squirt gun.","12":"Yeah, I could've told you that. You can't get enough P.S.I. to squirt [i]water[\/i] out of those guns, let alone mayo.","13":"So, that senior year we-","14":"Oh, you're telling him about the Great Mayo Anti-Climax.","15":"Thanks for spoiling it, {PlayerName}. Indeed, he just gave it away. All that effort, and we end up aborting the prank at the last minute.","16":"That's too bad. Except for the obvious flaw, it sounded like a pretty good prank.","17":"The funniest part of it was Emily was in charge of getting the mayo, and instead of buying the cheap stuff, her mom made like ten gallons of home-made gourmet stuff.","18":"Yeah. That was the best mayo I've ever tasted. I don't know how long it took her mom. And we were literally going to spray it on people.","19":"Mayo is actually pretty easy to make. My grandma makes a version with soy.","20":"Trust me, if Emily's mom has a chance to overcomplicate something, she will.","21":"Emily's mom is kinda like... do you know [i]Martha Stewart[\/i]?","22":"Yeah. Like a boomer lifestyle guru.","23":"Mmmhmm. That's her.","24":"I can't believe you've decided to join us in the nerd dungeon, Val.","25":"Ah yes. The vineyard of unplucked fruit.","26":"Unplucked fruit?","27":"To put it in words you might understand... [i]unpopped cherries[\/i].","28":"She's calling us virgins, Linus.","29":"Wait. Hold on a second. Not everyone down here is a virgin.","30":"I know. {PlayerName} is not a virgin.","31":"Wait... no... I'm [i]not[\/i] a virgin either. I've had sex!","32":"You made one sock very happy that night.","33":"No... not a sock! Flesh and blood! She was made of meat, and-","34":"-okay, I swear I'm not making it up! I'm not a virgin!","35":"Relax, Linus, I'm just giving you a hard time.","36":"Oh man... I just thought of a joke...","37":"Keep it to yourself.","38":"Tease Linus.","39":"Better keep things smooth between me and my co-worker. Linus does seem kinda sensitive.","40":"Linus has yet to give anyone a hard time.","41":"Oh... come on! That's unfair! I've given plenty of girls [i]hard times[\/i].","42":"You have?","43":"Yeah, with the boink-boinks and stuff.","44":"The... [i]boink-boinks[\/i]?[pause][char,Valerie_Casual_Soft_Smile] It's official. You're a sex god.","45":"Listen, using the word [i]boink-boinks[\/i] was clearly a terrible mistake so I'm gonna stop now before I dig myself a deeper grave.","46":"But seriously, what does bring you down here?","47":"Can't I just visit you guys? I want to hear you use that sweet tinny voice of yours.","48":"Suddenly, Linus clams up, and swivels subtly on his seat. I can clearly sense that Linus thinks Valerie may have crossed a line.","49":"Linus rarely comments about the voice app. I think he might be worried that I'm sensitive about it.","50":"I liked my OG voice a little better.","51":"[i]Everyone did[\/i].","52":"Huh... the way you say it...","53":"...it makes it sound like {PlayerName} had something special.","54":"You've never heard {PlayerName}'s real voice?","55":"No. I mean... am I allowed to?","56":"What do you mean [i]are you allowed to[\/i]?","57":"I guess... maybe it's private or something.","58":"Why would it be private? Of all things a voice is not private.","59":"I don't know. Sam calls him a chatterbox and stuff. And that seems okay to me because... I don't know. Sam can say things like that. She's got that kinda carefree personality.","60":"I feel like it's kinda rude for me to ask about his original voice. I don't know how he [i]feels[\/i] about it. You dig?","61":"You'll notice that nobody who heard {PlayerName}'s original voice is afraid of offending him.","62":"There's two types of people. People who have heard me speak and people who haven't.","63":"It's kinda hard for me to imagine {PlayerName} speaking...","64":"The short of it is that {PlayerName} had a very nice voice.","65":"Oh, shit. Then I'm [i]really[\/i] sorry you lost it, man.","66":"Valerie is about to embarrass me.","67":"Yes. The thing is, [i]very nice[\/i] doesn't really describe what {PlayerName}'s voice was like.","68":"Shit, man, you're gonna make me real sad if you carry on telling me shit like this.","69":"He was called [i]the velvet voice[\/i].","70":"The [i]velvet voice[\/i]? You're telling me {PlayerName} was getting sexy nicknames even [i]before[\/i] he went mute?","71":"The \"velvet voice\" wasn’t always a compliment.","72":"What are you talking about?","73":"What {PlayerName} is referring to is that some people were so jealous of his voice that they started to use it as a pejorative.","74":"So like, hmm... \"Hey! You got a real [i]velvet voice[\/i], motherflipper.\" Something like that?","75":"Pretty much exactly.","76":"It still kinda sounds like a compliment to me.","77":"I'm sure you know this, but a lot of people feel threatened by those with talent, intelligence, good looks. They'll throw aspersions as such.","78":"Ah yeah. Like [i]braniac, egghead, teacher's pet[\/i]. I'm well acquainted with those.","79":"I'm sure you're quite used to it.","80":"Huh?","81":"[i]Talented. Intelligent. Good-looking.[\/i]","82":"Ah... man... you're just trying to build me up.","83":"Valerie gives a full-bodied laugh.","84":"So... [i]did[\/i] you want to hear {PlayerName}'s voice?","85":"Well... uh... I mean... if it's okay...","86":"It's okay.","87":"In that case...","88":"Valerie spins toward the computer and types her credentials into the keyboard. Linus pulls up a seat behind her, and soon Valerie is pulling up an old YouTube video.","89":"I think I know exactly the one Valerie is going to show.","90":"...Here it is.","91":"Linus betrays his anticipation as he leans in.","92":"We watch as I walk toward the podium, smiling and waving at everyone.","93":"A couple of years ago, watching this would've been such a painful reminder of what I've lost. Now it just feels like a different person altogether.","94":"I really can't say how I feel about this now, honestly. Probably indifferent.","95":"But... not exactly that. As I approach the podium, I can already feel the words welling up from the pit of my diaphragm.","96":"They come out.","97":"[speed,0.6]\"Thank you everyone, for inviting me to speak at the Conference for Future Youth Leadership.\"","98":"Whoa.","99":"Yeah.","100":"Man, his voice is like [i]chocolate[\/i].","101":"Shush. He's going to continue.","102":"\"[speed,0.6]To be honest, I’m not sure if I really belong here. I don’t really feel like a leader yet. Especially not of the youth.\"","103":"\"[speed,0.6]But adults... I have those guys wrapped around my little finger.\"","104":"[i](Polite laughter.)[\/i]","105":"\"[speed,0.6]But seriously, the panel discussions we’ve had... and the breakout groups that I’ve attended... have made me really confident that the new generation is up to solving the challenges of the near future...\"","106":"Move over, Barack Obama!","107":"Yeah... I had a pretty nice voice.","108":"And he goes like this for a while, saying the kinds of things that adults like to hear.","109":"Valerie stops the video and watches Linus for his reaction. Linus can only stare.","110":"Good god, man. Did you ever try singing or something?","111":"Yeah, as part of voice training.","112":"Voice training? Shhiiiiit.","113":"Ironic that you'd have the nicest voice.","114":"Mmhmm. Reality has a funny sense of irony.","115":"I mean, I wish your voice was worse. Kinda like, [i]I lost my voice, but, uh, kinda sucked anyway so whatever[\/i].","116":"If I went mute, for example, I'd thank god because it would stop me from saying stupid stuff.","117":"[i]Boink-boinks[\/i].","118":"...","119":"So, do you wish you had that voice back? It was really, [i]really[\/i] nice.","120":"Of course I do. But I think about it less and less.","121":"Believe it or not, {PlayerName} said some stupid stuff too.","122":"Nothing as stupid as boink-boinks, though.","123":"Lay off me a little. It wasn't that dumb.","124":"I've gotten used to my voice app, honestly.","125":"No offense... how do you get used to a thing like that?","126":"I don't know. I just am. The thought that I used to open my mouth and yap like all you [i]talkers[\/i] feels weird to me now.","127":"Personally, I still expect him to open his mouth and start talking.","128":"It took some adjusting. But I got used to it. My life is different. I could be so much worse off.","129":"I'm healthy, I have a roof over my head, I have good grades. I'm grateful for those things.","130":"I wish I had your attitude toward life. What do I have to lose to learn that lesson?","131":"Nothing, I hope.","132":"{PlayerName} wasn't always so chill and wise.","133":"What are you talking about?","134":"This guy was kind of a shark.","135":"A shark? You mean...","136":"He never let anything or anyone get in his way.","137":"I like to think I'm still like that.","138":"Yes. It's definitely still inside you.","139":"Valerie, you still haven't told us why you're here.","140":"Oh, no reason, I've already done my bit of business.","141":"There was a glitch with the remote access app.","142":"[speed,0.3]Remote access app?[speed,1][pause] Does he mean... the thing that's been keeping me up all night?","143":"Phew! Thank God I can't exclaim my surprise.","144":"I give them both my best quizzical expression and wait for them to elaborate.","145":"Yeah. The app was giving us access when it wasn't supposed to.","146":"It's good we caught it, or people would accuse us of installing spyware on their devices.","147":"After you told me about the pictures you saw yesterday, I looked into the code and found out there was a workaround where you [i]could[\/i] look at private files.","148":"So... maybe there [i]were[\/i] nudes of Alexis on the network cache after all.","149":"Nudes of Alexis?","150":"Yeah. {PlayerName} thought he saw nude pictures of Alexis Vanderman.","151":"Nudes of Alexis Vanderman are kind of a cheap currency, aren't they?","152":"Excuse me?","153":"I don't want to shame her, but she's well known as a loose woman. I think she's shot off nude pictures to half the boys in school.","154":"I haven't seen these!","155":"Sorry to interrupt, but... you've closed the loophole?","156":"Yes.","157":"It was a quick patch. The vendor pushed the update.","158":"I saved their rotten company but I didn't even get a bit of thanks.","159":"Emily will be overjoyed.","160":"Emily? Why Emily?","161":"You didn't know? Emily's family are the vendors of the app.","162":"You're kidding.","163":"Why would that be a joke? Am I missing something, Linus?","164":"Uh... I don't know. I've never met Emily.","165":"I knew that Emily's family were in cybersecurity, but I didn't know they made RECENTLY.","166":"[i]Recently[\/i]? Recently what?","167":"And this is where being a mute [i]doesn't[\/i] help. Everything I say is deliberately typed out. It's harder to make it seem like a mistake.","168":"Sorry. Dumb autocomplete. I meant the security app.","169":"Ah. Well, yes. You haven't been together for a while, so I suppose you don't know that Emily's father has gone from consultation to developing his own software.","170":"Good on her, I guess.","171":"Good on [i]her dad[\/i], you mean.","172":"I am a busy girl, and as fun as it was to tease a virgin, I must be off.","173":"I'm not a-! [pause][char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Smug]You know what... I'm not even going to give you the satisfaction.","174":"Mmmhmm, you're right, your virginity is beyond doubt. Can I grab something from the fridge before I go?","175":"The fridge?","176":"The... the fridge! Ah... it's not what it looks like!","177":"It looks like Linus suddenly remembered that we have the student body president in the office and a fridge full of contraband alcohol.","178":"Linus's look of panic is a little funny. But I don't share it. I know Valerie too well.","179":"It looks awfully like it. But don't worry. I'm easily bribed.","180":"I'm just jealous I don't have a fridge full of beer in my office.","181":"Valerie gives us a wink, then walks over to the fridge and pulls out a beer.","182":"She flashes one final smile before she walks out.","183":"It takes Linus a good second before he chooses to respond.","184":"Man, that girl has MILF energy and she ain't even old.","185":"When she's forty-something, she's going to be unstoppable.","186":"She's something alright.","187":"When she asked about the fridge, I thought we were goners.","188":"I knew we were okay.","189":"...so you guys found the bug in the remote access app?","190":"Uh, yeah. Hank did. He alerted the vendor and they patched it right up. I'm glad we caught it in time.","191":"When did you do that?","192":"This morning.","193":"So no more nudes, then.","194":"Sorry. [char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Smile]But uh... if you saved any pics...","195":"Saved any pics...? Is he really asking for what I think he's asking for?","196":"Linus, you perv. Even if I had them, they're private!","197":"Sorry man. I'm going to respect her privacy.","198":"If I had anything to show you, I would.","199":"What are you willing to give me to see them?","200":"Dude, I was fuck-king KIDDING. Don't look at me like that!","201":"Sure you were.","202":"I was! Is a man not allowed to joke anymore? Used to be that a man could say a flipping joke without being castrated and crucified.","203":"From now on, I'm keeping all my Holocaust jokes to myself.","204":"I was kidding anyway.","205":"Sure you were.","206":"Nah, seriously. I was kidding. I'm not interested in... seeing shit I'm not supposed to. It'd make me feel dirty.","207":"My skeptical look probably tells Linus everything he needs to know.","208":"I'm serious. But fine. Believe what the flip you wanna believe.","209":"It was just a joke. I'd feel kinda dirty... looking at stuff I'm not supposed to.","210":"Jesus, man! Nothing! I'm kidding!","211":"It didn't sound like you were kidding.","212":"I'm a good joke teller! My delivery is really fucking dry, okay?","213":"You were really going to sell me pictures of Alexis naked?","214":"It's hypothetical, because I don't have any.","215":"Ah. You were joking, then.","216":"Sorry, man. Probably judged you a little too quickly.","217":"But if she... did actual flipping [i]porn[\/i] for public consumption, that would be completely different. You'd share that, right?","218":"Yeah. If she did.","219":"Based.","220":"So yesterday... you kinda just ran out of Sevigny's.","221":"That didn't have anything to do with the glitch, did it?","222":"Uh... fuck.","223":"You seemed real worked up about something.","224":"I noticed something was wrong with the computer. Why?","225":"Well, after you left, I drank two complimentary drinks - yours and mine. While I was sitting and letting my liver take the damage, Haley and I started speculating why you left early.","226":"What did Haley think?","227":"First let me tell you what [i]I[\/i] thought.[pause] I thought it had something to do with the conversation you had with {Leah} that morning.","228":"I mean... I probably should've been thinking about that. If I had, I wouldn't have gotten myself in the shit with {Leah}.","229":"Haley thought it might have had something to do with the computer.","230":"What does that mean?","231":"She put it in her normie way, you know. She thought you might have a ''computer problem''. I basically laughed it off. Politely.","232":"It must've been quite some computer issue to have me running out of Sevigny's.","233":"Yeah man, that's what I thought too. Haley has gotten the... [i]misconception[\/i] that you're some kinda exotic-computer-genius-man. You found some sorta exploit that gives away [b]The Launch Codes[\/b] or something.","234":"So you want to know which one of you was right?","235":"That is kind of the implied thrust of my question, yeah.","236":"I don't blame Linus for being curious. I guess I would, too. But I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to answer him.","237":"Telling him everything I know... it's probably a bad idea.","238":"It had to do with {Leah}.","239":"It had to do with a glitch.","240":"It was personal.","241":"I thought it did!","242":"It's simpler than you think. I forgot to do something that {Leah} asked me to do.","243":"Gotcha. Well, I guess that shit happens. She'll try and milk it for all it's worth. Trust me.","244":"You miss one little thing: [i]boom[\/i]. It's on your permanent record.","245":"{Leah}? No. She's not that kind of person. But... I have a feeling this isn't going to be simple to resolve.","246":"A glitch? Why didn't you tell me? It was probably the same one the company just patched out.","247":"Nobody was listening to me.","248":"Nobody was listening to [i]you[\/i]? That's a bit unfair, isn't it?","249":"Ah! I see. You wanted to see if you could patch it out yourself and get the credit, right?","250":"You got me.","251":"Can't blame you for that.","252":"Okay, okay. Gotcha. I'm not gonna pry.","253":"For a chick with blue hair, Haley was pretty chill. I was expecting her to be a bit more... [i]feisty[\/i].","254":"Disappointed?","255":"Nah. Just interesting, that's all.","256":"And... that's a support ticket. Motherflipper.","257":"Work, work, work. It's what we do.","258":"I head to my own desk, feeling somewhat divided.","259":"Haley also had some of her own issues, if I recall correctly. A text she sent off... said something like \"[i]did you give them my number[\/i]\"...","260":"I guess the means I have of finding out are cut off now. I suppose I shouldn't be curious, but I am.","261":"[i]Not only that, but I could've used that glitch to do a lot of different things[\/i]. Bad things. Good things. Perverted things.","262":"So much power... it was [i]already[\/i] getting to my head. I had barely tapped into it yet. I guess it's a really good thing it's removed, now.","263":"I guess it wasn't a virus after all. Unless they're lying about that.","264":"I guess it confirms my theory that it was a glitch - though it still feels like a weirdly elaborate glitch.","265":"I guess this utterly torpedoes my theory that it might be part of the design of the program... though it still seems like a [i]very strange[\/i] glitch.","266":"I suppose whatever I thought, it doesn't matter now.","267":"I wonder if I have the updated version? Did it already auto-update?","268":"That shouldn't be too difficult to check.","269":"Hmm... the old app was last modified a couple of hours ago, but... RECENTLY wasn't.","270":"Which is weird... I guess. As the class president Valerie should've known what RECENTLY was.","271":"Maybe RECENTLY [i]is[\/i] working after all. Did Linus actually update it? Should I ask?","272":"I'm honestly not sure I should.","273":"It might be that the update has been pushed but I haven't tested yet.","274":"I might have a good thing to test on. Linus looks disturbed by something. Maybe I can see what the support ticket is?","275":"It's worth looking at. Worst thing is, it's not working anymore.","276":"Linus's folder is here on RECENTLY. Let's look at it.","277":"[i]cache.recentlyreceived.email[\/i]. It's probably just work stuff. Should be pretty harmless.","278":"Ah... jeez. So it [i]still[\/i] pulled up private emails. Which means either the bug didn't actually get fixed...","279":"...or they were talking about a completely separate issue.","280":"Huh. Why do I feel [i]relieved[\/i] of all things? Isn't this a bad thing? Shit... how quickly is this power corrupting me?","281":"But... now that I'm in Linus's email... I might as well read it, right?","282":"I mean... the chances of finding something really bad are pretty remote. I can't imagine Linus being up to something weird...","283":"I think this is from his mom.","284":"Huh?!","285":"This is all... stream of conscious... insane stuff!","286":"Uh... it goes on for a while... I don't know what to make of this.","287":"I think there's a good reason why Linus doesn't talk about his mom.","288":"Great. Even setting the Linus stuff aside, I'm even more confused now. No doubt about it... this is weird.","289":"An app that, apparently, nobody but me has access to. An app that gives me spying powers on my classmates that would make the NSA jealous.","290":"I don't get why [i]I'm[\/i] the only one, though. Do Linus and Hank really not have RECENTLY? Have they just not noticed it?","291":"[i]Though, this kinda power is pretty exciting.[\/i]","292":"I can't help it. [i]I'm excited[\/i]. Even if I didn't use it, just knowing I [i]have[\/i] it makes me feel [i]so powerful[\/i].","293":"I could... blackmail people. Steal corporate secrets. Frame my enemies for crimes. I could seduce anyone. I could [i]destroy anyone I wanted[\/i]. It would be so easy.","294":"Man... fuck following Valerie's footsteps. I could make my own. Become a politician or a businessman or a crime boss with hardly any effort.","295":"I could... I could...","296":"What a time to remember that old conversation with {Leah}.","297":"{Leah} looked so betrayed back then, when I told her my plan. She thought what I wanted to do was so evil.","298":"And she was right. I [i]did[\/i] want to do something evil. And it wasn't {Leah} that stopped me. It was the fucking surgery.","299":"Our friendship... was nearly destroyed. [i]I[\/i] nearly destroyed it.","300":"Shit... this has always been my weakness. [i]Power[\/i]. It gets to my head so quickly - I forget about my limits. I start acting like a maniacal madman.","301":"If people knew what I nearly did, they would feel a lot less sorry that I lost my voice.","302":"In times like this, when I'm really not sure what the [i]right[\/i] answer is, I think to myself: [i]what would {Leah} do[\/i]?","303":"If {Leah} had this power... would she get rid of it?","304":"It's wrong to have this power, {PlayerName}! You have to get rid of it!","305":"No... that's not her at all. She would never say something like that.","306":"The thing that surprises me about {Leah}... is her boldness. Yeah. It's going to be something bold.","307":"Whoever made this is using it for nefarious purposes, {PlayerName}. We have to expose them.","308":"That's closer. But it's still not her.","309":"The thing that's missing is... [i]ambition[\/i]. {Leah} would be able to see its full value.","310":"We have to use this to find the truth, {PlayerName}.","311":"[i]That's her[\/i].","312":"That's what she would say to me. If she ever found out.","313":"The truth of [i]what[\/i], though? This school is so fucking boring. I don't know anyone with crazy secrets, as far as I know.","314":"Is there anything I could find out?","315":"Of course... Sam's phone!","316":"If it really was stolen... I could find out if someone is using it.","317":"I know I said I wasn't going to bother myself with Sam's phone, but this is a good excuse test out the app for a real-world application.","318":"I quickly open Sam's file on RECENTLY and...[delay,200] nothing.","319":"But that doesn't mean her phone isn't on. Maybe if I call, I'll get something.","320":"I dial her phone... but no pickup. I guess that's to be expected.","321":"It's calling, though. That means the phone is functional, powered and turned on, which is good news.","322":"But... if it's still working... that also could mean that it's been stolen...","323":"The fuck. The thief could be trying to unlock it!","324":"I gotta move quickly. If the phone is turned off, my hopes of tracking it are doomed.","325":"BINGO! The phone ID shows in the network table. It is connected to the internet after all.","326":"There are failed unlock attempts in the log... I should be able to get a picture of the thief if he's holding it.","327":"Just a few clicks...","328":"The fuck...? Who is this guy?","329":"It doesn't matter. I've got a capture of his face, and now he's as good as caught.","330":"Let's find out the GPS coordinates. This should be easy.","331":"Damn, no coordinates at all? Did Sam disable the GPS? It should be enabled by default.","332":"That's a shame. It's virtually impossible to track it down.","333":"Anyway, I just need to get a good screen capture, then send it to print...","334":"Good.","335":"...","336":"Now, what's the next thing I need to do?","337":"I could tell Linus about Sam's phone and ask for help, but... then I'd have to explain about the picture...","338":"I better keep it quiet for now.","339":"Hmm... I've still got quite a bit of time before I can get off work. I suppose I should do what they pay me to do.","340":"I'll finish my workday, and think about my next move.","0":"Doesn't Sam understand that I don't have all day to help her with every silly thing?","1":"I've got things that are [i]so much more important[\/i] to think about... the least of which is Sam's fucking cellphone.","2":"I care about Sam, but damn it... she can really frustrate me.","3":"I feel bad for Sam. I really do. But I have my own priorities.","4":"A lost cellphone is kind of a big deal. But I've got bigger deals right now.","5":"This weird application on my laptop, for example... doing God knows what.","6":"But, I've made it to the IT department, so I might finally be getting some answers.","7":"I'm not sure where to start.","8":"Hmm? Laughter?","9":"It kinda sounds like a woman. Like..."},"ch2__02.35 at night.vne3":{"3":"Linus... shit. What did his mom call him? The king of... Betooshya? I desperately want to ask him about it... but that would just reveal that I've been spying on him.","4":"I give him a nod.","5":"How's the family life going?","6":"Uh... okay. [delay,100][char,Linus_Standing_Casual_Smile][i]Yo momma says hi, too[\/i].","7":"No, I don’t mean it in a \"I fucked your mom\" kinda way. I’m actually asking about your family.","8":"Oh. They're good. You okay?","9":"You okay there, {PlayerName}?","10":"I'm fine.","11":"Something's up. You asking about my family, kinda makes me feel it even more.","12":"I don't have the time for this. I'm just trying to be nice.","13":"I'm just trying to be nice.","14":"Yeah, cool.","15":"Who was that dude, by the way?","16":"Uh...","17":"Who are you talking about?","18":"The image sent to the printer.","19":"Shit.","20":"You saw it?","21":"Yeah. Remember? Images you print are sent through the network. Are you printing out pictures of your boyfriend?","22":"I'm printing out pictures of your butt.","23":"Yeah, real funny.","24":"Hmm... what should I tell Linus?","25":"It's for an investigation.","26":"It's for an art project.","27":"It's for *none of your business*.","28":"An investigation?","29":"Yeah. The guy is-","30":"My typing slows down as I consider what else I should say. The voice app beams out the words as I type them in.","31":"The guy is a what?","32":"He might be some sort of criminal. I'm not sure yet.","33":"A criminal?","34":"Do you recognize him?","35":"No.","36":"Didn't think so.","37":"Well, I hope it's not that serious.","38":"You take art classes?","39":"Do I need to take an art class to have an art project?","40":"Yeah, kinda.","41":"Okay! Fine. I won't press it.","42":"I'd say that picture was some deviant-as-fuck wank material except I know what Hank is into.","43":"It's for a friend. - Hank.","44":"NO IT AIN'T!","45":"Linus sighs, then mutters to himself.","46":"I gotta get out of here before I get drawn into something else.","47":"Yeah, me too.","48":"So... I printed out the picture of this thief... what am I going to do with it?","49":"I did say I wasn't going to go out of the way to help Sam... but I suppose I am curious. I want to pull this thread and see where it leads.","50":"Damn my curiousity. I guess I'm doing this.","51":"I've never investigated anything in my life. But I guess showing people the picture wouldn't be a bad start.","52":"I'm sure {Leah} would do something clever... but I'm not her.","53":"I guess I should figure out where I want to start asking questions.","0":"A full day's work, and this printout of this stranger's face is weighing down my pocket.","1":"What do I do with this thing?","2":"{PlayerName}, I'm headed home."},"ch2__02.40 investigate admin.vne3":{"3":"Valerie basically has the resources of the entire school at her command. And if I ask her for a favor as simple as finding someone out for me, she'd do it.","4":"She's a good resource even if she has no idea who this guy is.","5":"I use my staff key to enter the building and head straight to Valerie's office.","6":"Oooh. Unannounced visits. Very exciting.","7":"I'm here to check your fridge for illicit alcohol.","8":"Not for the cocaine? Phew!","9":"Actually, I was hoping you'd do me a favor.","10":"Finally! Let me get the strap-on and whip.","11":"I split a grin.","12":"It's not that kind of visit, actually. I'm-","13":"My typing pauses as I consider how I should word this.","14":"-looking for someone.","15":"And you came to me? {PlayerName}...","16":"Yes, I know it's weird, but it's for a good reason.","17":"I know it's for a good reason. Otherwise you wouldn't have asked.","18":"I have access to a lot of school records. I can find a lot of people, if I wanted to. But there's red tape. I can't just poke into private stuff for fun.","19":"That's why I'd prefer you to keep this quiet.","20":"Hmm... this is getting yet more exciting. What spy games are you up to?","21":"It's more like detective work. I have a face I printed out. I want to know if you recognize him.","22":"Okay. Let's see.","23":"Yikes! Hehe.","24":"Not the world's most attractive man.","25":"Clearly he escaped from a beauty contest.","26":"Who is he? Why are you looking for him?","27":"I don't know. I think he's a thief.","28":"A thief...? Where did you get his picture?","29":"Oh. Shit. Uh...","30":"The Internet.","31":"The Internet, hmm? And you know this guy is a thief [i]how?[\/i]","32":"Call it a hunch. I know it's strange. But if you can just let me know if you've seen someone like him?","33":"You probably already know I haven't. I can't really put an APB out on someone for no good reason. But I can at least let campus police know. What should I tell them?","34":"That he-","35":"Hmm...","36":"-he stole a cellphone.","37":"Samantha Hunter's phone?","38":"The fuck...!","39":"You know?","40":"I know her phone went missing recently. She filed a report.","41":"Ah. I guess that makes sense. Surprising that Sam was put together enough to file a report.","42":"Yeah, it's her phone. But don't tell her that I'm looking for it. I want it to be a surprise.","43":"[i]I think[\/i] Valerie is starting to suspect something is up. But all she does is give me kind of a crooked smirk and a suspicious eye.","44":"Well, if you want to be the hero, I'm not going to get in your way. But I have nothing to give you right now.","45":"I really appreciate it, Val.","46":"If anybody can find this guy, it's going to be Valerie and her office.","47":"But... if even she can't find him, I doubt I will.","48":"We'll wait for something to come up.","49":"Any news?","50":"I did some poking around, but nothing turned up.","51":"I see.","52":"You seem discouraged.","53":"I was just hoping that something would've turned up by now. That's not a face that's easy to forget.","54":"You're going above and beyond for a friend, so I wouldn't blame you at all.","55":"Thanks Val.","56":"Mmhmm.","57":"I visit Valerie again, but she doesn't have anything new to tell me.","58":"Whoever this guy is, the campus police doesn't see him. Either that, or they aren't looking hard enough.","0":"The admin building is closed at night. And there isn't anyone to let me in, so...","1":"Going during the day would definitely be more productive.","2":"That's right, the admin building is closed at night. I should go somewhere else."},"ch2__02.40 investigate bar.vne3":{"10":"I reach for my phone and begin typing something out.","11":"You can use ASL with me, bucko.","12":"You understand sign language?","13":"That's right. I volunteer on weekends to teach deaf children. Great kids. They look up to me as a father figure. But that's not a surprise. A lot of people do.","14":"...What?","15":"During the day I'm a construction worker building orphanages, and at night I work as a bartender, giving advice to my [i]bros[\/i]. I've got too little time to spread out all the love I got.","16":"So...","17":"You may have guessed it by now. Capable, fatherly, seductive, confident...","18":"...I'm Dante, the World's Straightest Man.","19":"That's a thing?","20":"Certified by the [i]American Association of Cisgender Heterosexual Males[\/i] also known as AACHM.","21":"Wait, [i]that's a thing?[i]","22":"Sure is. You aren't a member? You should be. You wouldn't want anyone to think you're gay.","23":"Uh...","24":"Just kidding. We straight males are so confident in our sexuality we don't care if you're gay. That's totally up to you and we support you in any decision you make.","25":"Try calling me gay.","26":"Uh... no.","27":"Just do it. It's for fun. Call me gay and see what happens.","28":"Uh... you're... gay.","29":"Whatever, bro. Don't care.","30":"See, didn't even flinch. No effect. That's how confident I am in my sexuality.","31":"So how can I help you? You want to share a brew and talk about sheilas? Need some romantic advice? I got 99 problems and they're all women.","32":"No. I'm wondering if you saw this man.","33":"I hand him the photo.","34":"Hmm... looks like a heavy alcoholic to me. Poor guy. Reminds me of all the people I helped back at the shelter.","35":"I see. So you don't recognize him?","36":"Maybe. He looks like a lot of people I've seen. Why are you looking for him?","37":"He may have found a piece of property that belongs to someone else.","38":"Ah, so you're trying to return lost property? That's real [rainbow]hetero[\/rainbow] of you, bro.","39":"Yes. [i]Hetero.[\/i]","40":"If I see the guy, I'll let you know.","41":"I appreciate that. Thank you.","42":"You might also want to ask Haley. She works the day shift.","43":"Thank you.","44":"What a weird guy.","45":"Salutations, bucko.","46":"Any news?","47":"Nah. Sorry. Still looking!","48":"Thanks.","49":"Getting thirsty? Want a drink?","50":"No, not right now. But I appreciate it.","51":"I visit Dante again, but it looks like very little has changed.","52":"You'd think an alcoholic homeless guy would be well known among all the local bartenders, but apparently not.","53":"...","54":"I have a beer and chat a bit with Haley.","55":"Nothing new unfortunately. I'll call it a day.","56":"If anybody has come across this guy, it's Haley.","57":"She'd know a lot of faces. Surely she'd know the swollen, ugly mug on the photo.","58":"Good afternoon.","59":"She isn't behind the bar, but has a well-used cloth instead. She must be cleaning.","60":"She quickly tucks it away and prepares to get behind the bar.","61":"That won't be necessary, but thank you.","62":"Not here to drink?","63":"Maybe later.","64":"Not here to talk to me then, are you?","65":"Not a bad idea, actually. But I'd rather come when I have more time to dedicate just to her.","66":"She seems... interesting to me.","67":"Kind of. I'm sure you see a lot of people coming and going.","68":"Haley casts a sarcastic glance at her empty bar.","69":"Alright. But you do see [i]some[\/i] people, right?","70":"Of course.","71":"Have you seen this man?","72":"I pull out the photo and show it to her.","73":"She narrows her eyes as she glances at it, pulling a thoughtful face.","74":"I want to say [i]no[\/i], but...","75":"You have seen him?","76":"His face looks familiar. But I haven't seen him in the bar.","77":"Thank you. This is the closest thing to a break I've gotten. Where have you seen him?","78":"Just... places.","79":"Places?","80":"I'll be carpooling around with someone, going to and from work... and I'll see someone that looks like that.","81":"So I've seen him around. Sorry I can't be any more specific.","82":"That's a shame.","83":"So why are you looking for this guy? Do you want to pull up a seat and talk about it?","84":"I really shouldn't be drinking.","85":"You don't have to drink.","86":"I must make a very conflicted expression, because Haley suddenly relents.","87":"It's fine if you don't want to talk about it.","88":"Thank you.","89":"So uh... just one thing I want to know. You don't have to answer if you don't want to.","90":"I think I know what this is about. You took a friendly bet with Linus about why I suddenly picked up and left the other day.","91":"He said it had something to do with a {relationship} of yours. I thought it was a security issue.","92":"Can you tell me who is right?","93":"Well...","94":"You are right. It was a security issue I had to deal with.","95":"Linus is right. It had something to do with {Leah}, my {relationship}.","96":"Neither of you are right.","97":"Oh. Linus thought I was being too imaginative.","98":"I had to leave immediately to fix it.","99":"It's pretty complicated, so it's probably not worth going over.","100":"I got plenty of time to listen, if you want it.","101":"Thanks.","102":"Ah. Well, that's probably because he knows you a lot better than I do.","103":"It was a problem I had to drop everything for.","104":"I hope it was all okay.","105":"Everything is fine now, thanks.","106":"Oh?","107":"Totally separate emergency.","108":"I hope everything is okay.","109":"Yeah. Everything is fine. Can't talk about it. But thanks for the concern.","110":"That was too bad you had to leave. You and Linus seemed fun to hang out with.","111":"It probably won't be the last time I'm here.","112":"Come by anytime.","0":"...","113":"Oh! By the way, have you asked Dante about that guy you're looking for?","1":"I have a beer and chat a bit with Dante.","114":"Yes, I have.","2":"Nothing new unfortunately. I'll call it a night.","115":"He didn't know? [char,Haley_Casual_Thoughtful][pause]Uh... of course not. Otherwise you wouldn't be here.","3":"Now that I'm here... I kinda realize I've never been around here at night.","116":"Strange guy.","4":"Does Haley also work the night shift? I have no idea.","117":"He's cool if you get to know him.","5":"It is a bit busier. But nowhere near full. Where's Haley?","118":"Thanks.","6":"There's nobody behind the bar, so...","119":"Dante?","7":"Salutations.","120":"He works the night shift. He sees a lot of people. He's what you'd call an extrovert.","8":"WHOA!","121":"Thanks. I might do that.","9":"Sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you. Can I get you something?","122":"You're welcome.","123":"Here to drink and chat?","124":"Not yet. I just came by to check if there's any update. Have you seen that man again?","125":"No, unfortunately not. I'll let you know if I do.","126":"Ask Dante, if you haven't already.","127":"I have. [i]Interesting guy.[\/i]","128":"He's cool once you know him.","129":"I'll take your word for it.","130":"Sure, I will. Eventually.","131":"See you soon then.","132":"I ask and learn Haley hasn't learned anything more.","133":"That's unfortunate. She's probably my best lead."},"ch2__02.40 investigate coffee.vne3":{"10":"I show her the picture. A thoughtful expression passes over her face.","11":"I don't know. A lot of people come through here, he could have. Is there some reason you need to talk to him?","12":"He may have picked up something that belongs to a friend of mine.","13":"Oh. Why do you think that?","14":"It's a long story. I don't have the time to share it right now. But it's important that they find it.","15":"It must be important. Is it a passport? If it's a lost passport they need to contact their embassy immediately.","16":"I know a little bit about this sort of thing, so they can come to me if they have any questions.","17":"It has nothing to do with a passport, actually. Are... uh... [i]you[\/i] having issues with your passport?","18":"Just... prior experience. That's all.","19":"You had something stolen?","20":"Sort of. It was a while ago though. Everything was resolved.","21":"That's good to hear. If you see him, let me know.","22":"Sure thing. Are you sure you don't want a coffee?","23":"Oh. Thanks, but I don't really need one. I make my own coffee every morning.","24":"It's on the house.","25":"I suppose... in that case... sure.","26":"Light, medium, dark roast? Room for cream? Espresso, macchiato, ristretto? I'm basically asking what you want off the menu.","27":"Hmm... what would I like to drink?","28":"Something sweet.","29":"Something plain.","30":"Something fancy.","31":"Her choice.","32":"What's a nice sweet drink? A frappucino? I think I remember {Leah} ordering something like that.","33":"A frappucino, please.","34":"No. I can't make that.","35":"You can't?","36":"That's a copyrighted drink. It's like asking for a Big Mac at Burger King.","37":"Oh.","38":"But... I could make you an iced coffee with some whipped cream. Original creation, of course.","39":"Of course.","40":"She comes back a little later with a plastic with a creamy, beige beverage. I take a sip of it...","41":"...it's good! Like a coffee-flavored creme. I detect a hint of butterscotch as I drink it greedily.","42":"You look like you like that.","43":"My hands full, I give her a nod and smile.","44":"Are you sure you don't want anything fancier?","45":"No, I'm pretty easy to please as far as coffee goes.","46":"Just because it's on the house doesn't mean you have to pick the most basic thing on the menu.","47":"That's fine. I want a house coffee.","48":"One house blend coming right up.","49":"She comes back a little later with a medium-sized cup of coffee. I think she felt a little guilty about giving me something so basic, which might be why there's a little biscotte on the side.","50":"Thank you.","51":"You're welcome.","52":"I take a sip and grin. There really are no frills with this coffee - but it's not your gas station coffee, neither. It's pure and comforting.","53":"I like it simple too.","54":"If it's free, I should get the most expensive thing on the menu, right?","55":"I'll have the...","56":"I take a brief glance.","57":"...the Sumatran blend.","58":"Bold.","59":"She gives me a slightly mischievous smile as she heads behind the counter.","60":"She comes back a little later with a small cup of coffee. She watches with great interest as I take it.","61":"A little [i]too[\/i] interested, actually.","62":"Go on.","63":"Made somewhat nervous by my audience, I take a slow sip.","64":"It tastes good... nutty. Not a hint of acidity to it.","65":"That was brave of you.","66":"Brave?","67":"They collect the beans from civet droppings.","68":"Oh. That's wild.","69":"Lidia clearly expected a stronger reaction from me. I conspicuously take another sip.","70":"I thought you were going to be grossed out.","71":"It's good coffee.","72":"Sure. Give me whatever you'd like.","73":"Wise choice.","74":"She goes behind the counter and busies herself like an alchemist in a lab. I'm a little curious about what she's brewing.","75":"Eventually she comes back with a small cup with some sort of thick, brown, almost glossy liquid.","76":"Try this.","77":"I give it a sniff... hot chocolate? But doesn't look like the normal stuff you'd brew.","78":"When I drink it... [i]it's thick[\/i]. And it's got a bit of spicy bite to it. It's definitely not the stuff you'd buy in a typical grocery store.","79":"Like it?","80":"I nod and put the cup down to talk.","81":"It's nice, and a surprise. I was expecting coffee.","82":"You said you didn't need coffee, so I thought I'd give you something different.","83":"I think there's something pretty comforting about Mexican chocolate, too.","84":"Yeah. Reminds me of Christmas.","85":"Me too.","86":"What inspired you to give me a free drink?","87":"Do I need a reason? You're in here all the time. I don't feel like I know you that well. Thought it would be nice.","88":"Thank you. I've been meaning to ask... when did you learn sign?","89":"Oh, I'm a linguistics major. I took a course in ASL.","90":"A single course? You learned quickly.","91":"Oh, the course was only the beginning, trust me. How long have you been using it?","92":"Is it obvious I haven't been using it my whole life?","93":"You seem a bit hesitant. You're also falling back on old habits. You're structuring your sentences like spoken English.","94":"Ah. To be honest, I don't know many people that use sign language. But I learned it a few years ago.","95":"Then you learn fast, too.","96":"I had to.","97":"Don't we all.","98":"I have a few customers I have to deal with. Come by anytime you want to practice.","99":"Thanks.","100":"Ciao!","101":"Lidia is a really nice girl. I don't know a whole lot about her. Every time I see her, she's so nice to me.","102":"What... do I think of her, though?","103":"Would I actually date her?","104":"I've never thought about her like that... but if I think about it...","105":"I would date her.","106":"She's nice, but I don't like her in that way.","107":"Maybe I am interested in her. But I'm getting ahead of myself.","108":"Is she even single?","109":"I should try and find out next time I'm here.","110":"I don't know her well enough, to be honest. And maybe she's [i]too[\/i] nice.","111":"Maybe I like girls with a bit of an edge. I don't know.","0":"...","1":"I already talked to Lidia. I don't think she'd know anything more.","2":"...","3":"I already talked to Lidia. I don't think she'd know anything more.","4":"A coffee shop is a good place to look. High traffic, right?","5":"All kinds of people drop into coffee shops. I'm sure homeless thieves do, too.","6":"Hey {PlayerName}. Should I start preparing Hank's order?","7":"No... actually not. Thanks, though. I've come for a different reason completely.","8":"Hmm?","9":"Have you seen this man?"},"ch2__02.40 investigate comic.vne3":{"10":"Here it goes.","11":"When I enter, Kristen sees me and without expression moves behind the counter.","12":"She watches as I start browsing. But not in a casual way, she actually [i]watches[\/i]. It's that uncomfortable feeling when a salesman buzzes over your shoulder... but knowing Kristen it's with added moral judgment.","13":"I'm having no fun looking at comics. I better just talk to Kristen.","14":"Kristen looks at me with mild impatience as I whip out my phone.","15":"That's right... [i]my phone[\/i]... she had the gall to criticize [i]my phone[\/i]! She said something about the Andes and Sherpas or something. Yeah, and then Hank told me she was wrong about it too!","16":"Am I going to let her get away with that? Or do I just get this over with and do my investigation?","17":"First of all, you were wrong about the Andes...","18":"Have you seen this man?","19":"...Sherpas live in Tibet, not the Andes, and-","20":"You ignorant fuck.","21":"What?","22":"You think that Sherpas are glued to Mount Everest?","23":"[i]Glued to Mount Everest?[\/i] What is she suggesting?","24":"These Sherpas moved [i]from Tibet[\/i] to the Andes.","25":"What?","26":"So ignorant to assume indigenous people can't move from place to place.","27":"Are you telling me a group of Sherpas moved all the way from Tibet to the Andes... to form a ethical cellphone manufacturing collective.","28":"Yes.","29":"I don't believe you.","30":"It doesn't matter what you think. It's true. And you embarrass yourself by questioning me. Unlike you, I have an interest in cultures that aren't just my own.","31":"And yet you haven't realized where you work.","32":"What do you mean?","33":"You manage a comic book store.","34":"So?","35":"Are you kidding? Comics are the most American thing there is.","36":"So?","37":"I guarantee you the first comic book in the world is American.","38":"No. It's not.","39":"Look it up.","40":"No. I refuse. I don't need to look.","41":"Go on. You know it is.","42":"Did you actually come here for a reason, or are you just trying to piss me off? Hank didn't place an order.","43":"Yes, actually.","44":"I pull out the picture and show it to Kristen.","45":"Who is that?","46":"Do you know him?","47":"Never seen him. I think.","48":"You think?","49":"I see a lot of people. Looks like a real jerk, though.","50":"Careful. He might be an Andean Sherpa.","51":"Kristen shakes her head and clucks her tongue.","52":"So ignorant.","53":"You don't know that.","54":"Actually... he kinda looks like an ass to me, too. But I'm going to use every opportunity I can to puncture holes in her self-righteousness.","55":"It's too bad, though. I was really hoping that she'd know who this guy was. Even though, I [i]knew[\/i] coming in here was probably going to turn out fruitless.","56":"If you aren't here for a comic book... I have some stocking I could be doing.","57":"Hmm...","58":"I want your filthiest comic book.","59":"I want your comic book recommendation.","60":"(Pick a random comic and buy it.)","61":"Nothing else.","62":"You only make yourself look stupid when you ask for things like that.","63":"Why is that?","64":"Excuse me for a second. Please watch over the store.","65":"Kristen sighs, and walks over to the superhero comics section and plucks one out of the stands.","66":"She walks out of the store and out of sight. I'm... paralyzed by confusion. What the hell did I set in motion?","67":"It takes her less than a minute to come back. When she does, she heads straight for me and presses the comic in my hands.","68":"Our filthiest comic.","69":"It's covered in dirt.","70":"As I said.","71":"Yeah, I see what you did there. I guess I'm obligated to buy this now.","72":"Morally, not legally.","73":"Right.","74":"Just to smooth things out, she rings me up.","75":"I don't have any. Comic books are for children and man-children.","76":"You own a comic book store.","77":"Yes. Do you think people who work at toy shops also play with toys?","78":"But-","79":"Wait a sec. I know what to do.","80":"I'd like your [i]graphic novel[\/i] recommendation, please.","81":"Ah. In that case, I'd recommend [i]Scylla[\/i].","82":"What is that about? Is that fantasy?","83":"It's about the Ashberani crisis in Ketyristan.","84":"The... what?","85":"Oh.","86":"You haven't heard of the Ashberani crisis?","87":"Uh...","88":"Seriously. Like a million people died. You should know about it.","89":"I haven't even heard of [i]Ketyristan[\/i], let alone [i]Asha-whats-it[\/i].","90":"Sounds really depressing.","91":"That's the price of being well-informed. Do you want a copy?","92":"No, thank you.","93":"Enjoy blissful ignorance.","94":"I pull a random comic book and place it on the counter.","95":"[i]Archie[\/i] fan?","96":"Uh...","97":"Apparently, the artist drew the characters naked, and the inker had to draw them back on.","98":"They can get pretty perverted. Hank would love them.","99":"I didn't look at the price. I hope it's cheap as I push it over the counter...","100":"She quickly rings it up. It's more expensive than I'd want to pay, but I'm paying for Kristen's time rather than anything else.","101":"Have a good day, then.","102":"I don't like that smirk.","103":"That girl is so smug.","104":"I can never seem to avoid getting into arguments with her.","105":"Thankfully, I avoided getting into a big fight this time. I think it was mostly me holding back that did it.","106":"Her personality is garbage. But... I don't know. What do I really think about Kristen?","107":"Is she cute?","108":"She's cute.","109":"She's not even that cute.","110":"She is nice to look at, I have to give her that. If she'd shut up occasionally and keep her opinions to herself, that would be even better.","111":"I'm not even slightly interested, if I'm honest.","112":"I don't even know why I stopped in.","0":"It's dead at night. All the stores are closed and there's nobody to ask.","1":"I drop by the mall at night, but it's dead.","2":"Most of these stores barely stay open past dusk. You'd think that they would try and stay open past normal work hours, but they don't.","3":"I guess I'll come by during the day.","4":"Kristen is not going to be any more help to me.","5":"The mall is muddling along as always. Fat kids waddling like penguins, old people wandering around... and homeless people who come in to get out of the weather.","6":"I don't know if the guy in the picture is actually homeless, but I'm running off the assumption he is. And the mall is a good place to find people like that.","7":"Problem is, I'm not seeing anyone who looks like this guy. I could ask around, but that presents its own problems.","8":"I really only know one person here... Kristen of Cram Comics.","9":"There's absolutely no hope she's going to be any help. But... I have no leads, so I'll try pretty much anything."},"ch2__02.40 investigate park.vne3":{"3":"A waste of time, unfortunately.","4":"I wonder if visiting at night would be better?","5":"I take a look around but don't see many people.","6":"Maggie isn't out here tonight, either. I hope I haven't scared her off.","7":"I don't think I'm going to have any more luck here.","8":"Hmm... campus is pretty bare right now. Just people heading to different places.","9":"I feel like kind of a creep, approaching people at night, but I have to take the chance.","10":"I don't exactly have a lot of leads.","11":"What's that sound?","12":"Dogs. It's not unusual for people to walk their dogs at this time of night but...","13":"...that sounds like a [i]lot[\/i] of dogs. Is somebody running a canine convention or something?","14":"No. That's just... Maggie! Walking a half-dozen mutts of various sizes and breeds.","15":"Holy shit. Are those dogs all hers?","16":"It doesn't take long for her to see me.","17":"Why hello there! I've never seen you here at this time before.","18":"Now that I think of it, I'm not really on campus at night that often.","19":"So nice to see you! How do you do?","20":"You don't have to respond. I know you can't.","21":"Looks like you caught me at my job. I'm... uh... a professional dog walker.","22":"A [i]professional[\/i] dog walker? I've heard of people walking dogs for money...","23":"I know it's a bit silly. [i]Professional?[\/i] Like I'm some kinda fancy lawyer.","24":"One of the dogs starts straining at their collar to give me some affection.","25":"Duchess! Stop it, Duchess!","26":"Sorry. She's just being friendly, that's all. I think they like you.","27":"That's... uh... Duchess, the small one. There's Goofy, Sandman, Julius, Spot, Sneezer, Nickodemus, Rickshaw and Panic.","28":"Sorry. Sneezer just pooped. Gotta pick it up.","29":"Maggie swoops up a dog turd into a plastic bag, then drops it in a small canvas handbag with individually wrapped parcels of dog shit.","30":"Not a moment's hesitation nor an ounce of embarrassment. I guess that's what being a professional means.","31":"So... uh... how's it going? Do you want to do some conversation practice sometime soon?","32":"Interesting that Maggie has never brought up her job. But that's fine. I actually need to speak to her anyway.","33":"She probably doesn't know who the guy in the photo is, but it can't hurt to ask.","34":"Sure. Actually-","35":"You... you spoke!","36":"She's never heard me speak?","37":"I have a voice synthesizer on my phone. You didn't know?","38":"No...","39":"Why does she suddenly seem so... strange? She starts looking around, her back shrinking a little.","40":"I don't think I've ever used it around her, now that I think about it. I haven't needed to.","41":"If I had known it was going to provoke this sort of reaction, I probably would've thought differently.","42":"Uh... I have to go.","43":"Before you go, have you seen this man?","44":"I show her the photo. She scarcely looks at it.","45":"No. I have to go.","46":"She tugs the leashes of the dogs and walks away with some urgency. The barking slowly fades away as they turn the corner around a building.","47":"Shit... that was weird. I didn't think simply talking would scare her so much.","48":"What's with her?","49":"That fills me with an unpleasant, ambivalent feeling. What was I hoping to get out of Maggie? What did I feel about her?","50":"I think I like her.","51":"She just isn't my type.","52":"She's pretty. There's no denying that.","53":"And... I didn't think I had a thing for shy girls. But I guess I actually do.","54":"I hope I didn't scare her off permanently.","55":"Oh well. The investigation must go on.","56":"Even if she is a redhead... shy girls just aren't for me.","57":"I don't need my girls to be dominant go-getters... I just need them to have some sort of social competence.","58":"Oh well. The investigation must go on.","0":"I keep asking about the photo, but nobody is responsive. I might want to check somewhere else.","1":"I start hanging around campus, showing people the photo, asking if anybody has seen him.","2":"You'd think this would be a good place to ask people, but everyone is doing their own thing, quickly moving on from me and heading off wherever they're going."},"ch2__02.45 town hall event.vne3":{"10":"Thanks.","11":"She pours me a cup of coffee.","12":"When she gives it, I'm hit with the warm, fresh scent of a dark brew with a little cream.","13":"Nice.","14":"I take a sip and appreciate the feeling of caffeine soaking into my veins.","15":"So... you're busy today.","16":"Unfortunately. I thought I had the day free, but I don't.","17":"Schedules fill up fast.","18":"There's so much to do and so little time to do it in.","19":"I know the feeling.","20":"A feeling starts to warm my stomach. I think it's because... I'm being fed something that I haven't had in a long time.","21":"It's even unusual that {Leah} and I sit down like this. I think... {Leah} feels the same way too, judging from the way her expression starts to glow.","22":"You'd usually be doing something this time in the morning.","23":"Yeah. I usually have a study group about this time.","24":"Is that right? Feels so strange there's something about you I didn't know.","25":"We aren't together all the time any more, I guess.","26":"That's truer and truer.","27":"Feels weird that I don't know what you're doing today.","28":"I'm going to the town hall.","29":"Shale Hill has a town hall?","30":"You really don't know much about this town, do you?","31":"No. I guess not.","32":"Anyway, my academic advisor said I should go out and engage with the community.","33":"Shale Hill is kind of just a college town.","34":"It's a little more than that.","35":"You can... come with me, if you want.","36":"Yeah. I'd like that.","37":"Okay then. I'm leaving right now to catch a meeting, so... you'd better get dressed.","38":"No time even for a shower?","39":"You can take a shower if you want to drive yourself to town hall.","40":"Uh... crap.","41":"Relax. You don't smell...[delay,200][char,Leah_Casual_Bigger_Smile] too bad.","42":"Ha. Yeah, right.","43":"As I'm getting dressed, I'm suddenly struck by something. The first time we hang out since the beginning of the semester, and {Leah} and I are going to the [i]town hall[\/i], of all places.","44":"What a lame place to go out on a date.","45":"Wait a sec. [i]A date[\/i]?","46":"I don't think that's what {Leah} thinks this is.","47":"What am I thinking?","48":"What a lame place to hang out. But better than nowhere, I suppose.","49":"You ready?","50":"I feel a bit [i]musky[\/i].","51":"Put on some deodorant and you'll be fine.","52":"Oh. That would have been a good idea.","53":"Heh! You'll be fine.[delay,200] [char,Leah_Casual_Neutral]Just don't shake any hands, okay?","54":"Right.","55":"I'm guessing you'd like to drive.","56":"Yeah, I can drive.","57":"Thank you.","58":"I used to drive {Leah} to school every morning. That was typically when we had our stupid little conversations, about this-and-that and bric-à-brac.","59":"So many laughs, little arguments, traded gossip...","60":"It's more difficult to have those kinds of conversations now, with my hands on the wheel and my throat next to useless, but {Leah} does her best to fill the air for me.","61":"It's idle chatter about some classmates which I quickly forget about, but it sounds good to my ear.","62":"I think she's saying it only because she knows I like hearing it.","63":"When we arrive, I find a place to park and walk in with her.","64":"It was fun riding with you again.","65":"It was.","66":"I'm going in to sit in on the town council meeting. What are you going to do?","67":"Sit and do homework, I guess.","68":"Really? Okay.","69":"Change of scenery would do me some good.","70":"Are you sure you just want to do homework? There's a lot of resources here. It might really help with your investigation.","71":"The... the fuck? How did she know I was investigating [i]anything?[\/i] Has she been spying on me?","72":"How did you know I was...","73":"You were up really late a few days ago, doing something on the computer. You're normally pretty good about going to bed at a regular time, so I was confused.","74":"It's a little too early in the semester to cram, and you haven't really told me about any big projects, and you seemed really stressed about something, so I assumed you must be looking into an issue at work.","75":"How did you know I was up late on the computer?","76":"Because usually you wake up while I take my first shower, but you didn't leave your room until after I left for school.","77":"But then how did you know I was on the computer...","78":"Well, I know [i]now[\/i], but really it was an educated guess, given you work with computers.","79":"I see.","80":"Is it... private? You can tell me if you want to.","81":"It's not a big deal. I'm just trying to find a glitch in the school app so I could submit it to the developers.","82":"Oh. Okay. So... basically stuff I wouldn't understand.","83":"Computer stuff.","84":"Yes.","85":"So... the issue is over now?","86":"Uh... kinda, why?","87":"Uh... nothing.","88":"Actually... I didn't want to seem creepy or anything. It's hard for me not to notice that you're running around, trying to fix some sort of problem.","89":"I don't want to make a big fuss about it. It's not really my business.","90":"So, you've realized that I'm working on something?","91":"But... like... casually.[delay,200][char,Leah_Casual_Neutral_2] I'm not [i]trying[\/i] to look into your life. I just pick up on things, you know?","92":"I guess I do know.","93":"{Leah} was pretty observant to realize what I had been doing. Still, I'm not sure I should draw her completely into the weirdness I'm embroiled in.","94":"Should I tell her what's going on?","95":"Hold that thought, {PlayerName}. [delay,200][char,Leah_Casual_Neutral_3]The meeting is starting. Let's talk afterward.","96":"Yeah. Okay.","97":"I'll be out in roughly an hour.","98":"{Leah} flashes me a smile before heading inside, leaving me out in the town hall.","99":"Luckily, there are some comfortable seats here. I can hook into the wifi and get some homework done. That'll be efficient.","100":"Meanwhile, I can think about what I'm going to do with {Leah}.","101":"I've been working for quite a while, and I get into that kind of haze where you simply forget where you are and what you were doing.","102":"Town hall, school library, my own desk, whatever. The most important thing is the work right in front of me.","103":"So, I'm hyper-focused when I suddenly get startled-","104":"It's not the sound of the door opening, it's the girl who comes through it. Emily. Shit.","105":"Is this what's happening from now on? I'm just going to run into my ex?","106":"I didn't even take a shower today. My hair is a mess. Why does Emily always catch me in these compromising positions?","107":"I [i]know[\/i] Emily sees me and she's about to turn away and act like she hasn't. I've done this whole <dq>pretend like you didn't see each other<dq> thing before.","108":"But... it's not Emily that stops and turns toward me...","109":"Hi, I'm Cedric. You must be {PlayerName}.","110":"Uh...","111":"You don't have to say anything. I already know. Emily has already told me about you.","112":"It's nice to finally meet you.","113":"Cedric...","114":"{PlayerName}, this is Em- ha! What am I doing? You two already know each other!","115":"Silly me.","116":"Come on, Cedric.","117":"I fumble for my cellphone and groggily start to type in a response.","118":"Nice to meet you too.","119":"I really wish this mechanical voice could emote confusion.","120":"Emily tells me you had a really nice voice once. That must really suck. To lose it, I mean.","121":"[speed,0.75][b]CEDRIC[\/b].","122":"Sorry, Emily. You just talked about the guy a lot so I thought I'd just say hi.","123":"You don't get the [i]rules[\/i], do you?","124":"Rules?","125":"Basic rules of social interaction.","126":"Uh... [i]please, thank you, sorry, hello, goodbye[\/i]...","127":"You're confusing niceties for social etiquette.","128":"I don't get you.","129":"Yes, that's obvious.","130":"If we're doing this... then yes...","131":"{PlayerName}, this is my business partner, Cedric.","132":"Interestingly, Cedric seems to bristle at the word [i]business partner[\/i].","133":"It seems like Emily wants to go. Here's my business card.","134":"He holds it out to me. I furrow my brow, for some reason reluctant to take it.","135":"Eventually. I do. It reads [speed,0.75][i]Cedric, Data Specialist & Philosopher[\/i][\/speed], along with all his other contact info.","136":"Data specialist [i]and philosopher?[\/i]","137":"Were we going to lunch, Emily?","138":"No. Not right now. Actually, I suddenly remembered I need to speak to {PlayerName}.","139":"But... you didn't even want to talk to him in the first place...","140":"I do now. And it's private, so...","141":"Private? Private about what?","142":"Oh my God. It's [i]private[\/i]. I'll talk to you later.","143":"Okay. If that's the case...","144":"I'm sorry, {PlayerName}. He doesn't get the rules of having an ex.","145":"I was trying to pretend like I didn't see you, like a cultured, housebroken human being, but he insisted on introducing himself.","146":"A [i]philosopher?[\/i] Really?","147":"Data specialist [i]and[\/i] philosopher? What a polymath.","148":"I told him he shouldn't have that on his business card. He has no idea what it looks like.","149":"Naturally, I wonder what Cedric's relationship is with Emily. Is that prying?","150":"No, it's a natural thing to wonder about. If I don't ask, it would seem like I'm just trying to avoid the subject.","151":"Is that your new boyfriend?","152":"No.","153":"That was very certain.","154":"Listen, I don't do that whole thing where I pretend like my life is wonderful to make people jealous. I'm not really interested in making people jealous of me. I don't understand why people like to do it in the first place.","155":"My life is a pit.","156":"A pit? Shit. Sorry to hear that.","157":"I mean it in a good way.","158":"Oh. A nice pit?","159":"Yes. An empty space full of potential, ready to be filled with cement, the foundations of a new life.","160":"I see the analogy now. So you're building something for yourself.","161":"Yes. You understand.","162":"It sounds a bit convoluted, I won't lie.","163":"But it's a good description.","164":"The point is... I don't really bear you any ill-will. And I don't care if you're doing well or not. I'd rather you do well if anything.","165":"That's why I was disappointed when I saw you reading that hentai.","166":"It was literally for a friend.","167":"Oh. Yes. [i]For a friend[\/i]. Everyone sees through that clichéd bullshit.","168":"It's true, though.","169":"In any case, you're above masturbating to that junk.","170":"Really? What should I be masturbating to instead?","171":"That's a strange thing to say.","172":"I don't need that stuff. I get plenty.","173":"Emily can't help but smile.","174":"Whatever you want to. I'm not the masturbation police.","175":"I'm just trying to tell you to do whatever you want.","176":"I actually [i]don't[\/i] right now, but I feel the need to puff out my chest anyway.","177":"Oh. Good for you.","178":"Looks like I freed up some time off my schedule. Would you like to have lunch with me?","179":"The... the fuck?","180":"Are you joking?","181":"Does it sound like a joke?","182":"You're my ex. So it'd be weird.","183":"It's not weird. Just because we're not together anymore doesn't mean we can't be friends.","184":"I guess that's true. But she nearly walked right past me without bothering to acknowledge me.","185":"I'm actually here with {Leah}.","186":"I know, I saw her. I suppose {Leah} isn't the biggest fan of mine, so you can come by afterward. Whether you come or not, I'm having lunch.","187":"Come by the deli if you want.","188":"Thanks. I'll think about it. I have to at least wait for {Leah}.","189":"Don't feel rushed.","190":"Emily looks as though she's about to turn and leave, but she suddenly stops.","191":"Oh, and uhh...","192":"...nice cologne.","193":"Nice cologne? I'm wearing eau-de-not-taking-a-shower.","194":"Geez. Maybe I should shower less?","195":"But... what is this about Emily wanting to have lunch? She's my ex - that's weird, isn't it?","196":"I guess... this might be my chance to get back with her. It doesn't sound like she's in a relationship.","197":"But... I don't know. Emily is pretty honest. I don't think she's interested right now.","198":"It's worth a shot, I guess. I don't know.","199":"Is this a date she's asking me on? Interesting.","200":"I'm kinda surprised. I'm not sure whether to say yes or not.","201":"I'm kinda over Emily at this point. But... she might be fun to hang out with again.","202":"You can't really have too many friends.","203":"Wait a sec. Didn't Valerie tell me that Emily's family are the vendors of the software the university uses? That's actually a pretty compelling reason to go talk to her.","204":"It would be a good opportunity to learn more, if Emily knows anything.","205":"Actually... I [i]need[\/i] to talk to her. For all I know, Emily might be the center of this whole thing.","206":"Who the fuck is that? He just burst out of the room {Leah} was in. It looks like he's about to invade someone for oil.","207":"Mr. Mayor!","208":"'Scuse me young lady. I'm a busy man.","209":"I- I- know that but I'm a journalist and I was hoping you'd answer a few questions.","210":"A journalist! What in tarnation... a promising young lady like you wasting their life like that.","211":"Well... I take issue with that characterization, but I do have some very important questions...","212":"Oh, well. Haven't the time.","213":"Sir, I'm here from the Shale Hill University Herald, and I'd like to ask you about-","214":"The student paper, huh? You can take it to the office, young lady. The press secretary would be happy to oblige. Good day.","215":"But, your recent remarks in support of the education cuts...","216":"Education cuts? I said nothing about those.","217":"In the most recent Nightingale leaks...","218":"Nightingale! You gonna bring up that pile of horse manure? Doggone it, you really are wasting my time.","219":"Nobody respects the student paper...","220":"That was the mayor? Of Shale Hill?","221":"Yeah.","222":"A cowboy is the mayor of a college town?","223":"He's as much a [i]cowboy[\/i] as Al Pacino is a mob boss. But yeah. He's the mayor.","224":"Weird.","225":"This is really frustrating.","226":"Why?","227":"Nobody engages with me. Nobody takes me seriously. And when I think I found a lead, nobody is interested.","228":"There's stuff going on in town. I know it. It's small towns and counties where local journalism has atrophied where corruption is most rife.","229":"Journalists hardly even show up to these events.","230":"I'm sorry to hear that.","231":"But... wherever I go, suddenly there's a wall.","232":"{Leah} glances at my computer.","233":"Seems someone had a productive day.","234":"Got some good work done.","235":"Good. I'm glad.","236":"Did you see Emily when she came out?","237":"I did. Crazy, right?","238":"It was crazy. I'm still not sure why she followed us to Shale Hill.","239":"She didn't [i]follow us[\/i].","240":"I'm just surprised she chose SHU.","241":"She's related to the app. I wonder if that issue brought her to the town hall.","242":"Why was she in there?","243":"I don't know. I kinda just... passed by her.","244":"So I definitely still need to talk to Emily, then.","245":"What are your plans after this?","246":"Um... I've kinda got some stuff I need to do. I need to see my academic advisor.","247":"You've been spending a lot of time with him recently.","248":"Yeah. Mr. Craven has a very distinguished career.","249":"His name is Mr. Craven? [i]Craven[\/i] as in [i]coward[\/i]?","250":"Uh... yeah. I'm surprised you know that. <dq>Craven<dq> is kind of an obscure word.","251":"His name is Mr. Coward, basically.","252":"Yeah, basically.","253":"It's tough being in journalism school. I went to a fast food place the other day and all the workers were former grads from my department.","254":"You know, you could still move to STEM. You could make a difference in the world and not have to make a vow of poverty.","255":"Yeah. Maybe.","256":"I have to go see Mr. Craven now.","257":"Thank you for hanging out with me today, {PlayerName}.","258":"You too. Do you need a ride?","259":"No. I think I'll get a ride back with my advisor. We're supposed to meet nearby.","260":"And... uh... good luck with your investigation.","261":"Thank you.","0":"A day off. Feels [i]glorious[\/i].","1":"Huh. Interesting... I've been so distracted with the app thing I didn't check to see if there was anything going on.","2":"A shower? This early? Again? {Leah} had a free day, didn't she?","3":"[i]Ah no. She did, but now she doesn't.[\/i] Fuck.","4":"Maybe I can ask when she gets out anyway.","5":"A little later, she walks out fully dressed.","6":"Morning.","7":"Hey.","8":"You're up [i]even earlier[\/i] than usual.","9":"Yeah. Coffee?"},"ch2__02.50 lunch with emily.vne3":{"10":"{PlayerName}. It's good to see you.","11":"Well, that's typical. I can't tell if she's surprised, pleased, or annoyed. Emily [i]has[\/i] feelings, I know that. She doesn't show them, though.","12":"Pretty early for wine.","13":"Probably.","14":"Hmm... I gave it a fifty-fifty chance you'd come.","15":"You did invite me.","16":"Yes. I don't mind you being here. It's nice, actually.","17":"[i]Nice to have me here?[\/i] Does she remember who broke up with who?","18":"I'm not sure what I should do. Challenge her? Let it slide?","19":"Shit, I'm supposed to be above caring what Emily thinks about me. But I guess that's harder than I thought.","20":"The fact she's so cool and rational about something that still pisses me off... pisses me off!","21":"What should I say?","22":"I can't say I feel the same.","23":"It's nice to see you too.","24":"It was nothing personal, you know.","25":"Nothing personal? How much more personal can a breakup get?","26":"You are taking this all too seriously. It was better for both of us that we split up. It wasn't going to work out in the long term.","27":"Emily, I'm not sure what to say.","28":"You don't have to say anything. I'm not here to throw ad hominems. I'd much rather make peace with you.","29":"Can we start again? I really don't want to start off on the wrong foot.","30":"I grapple with my feelings a bit, smacking them around, giving them a German suplex, then stuffing their boneless bodies deep in my locker.","31":"Yes. I suppose.","32":"Thank you.","33":"Emily breaks a smile. I wonder if my attitude surprised her.","34":"It's been a while since we saw each other.","35":"The time at the mall didn't count?","36":"We ran into each other, that's different. We didn't [i]see[\/i] each other. Not like people.","37":"I hope so. You weren't exactly nice.","38":"Let's not try and spoil the mood with ancient history. I have a nice glass of wine, pasta, and some company.","39":"Overall, it's a good day.","40":"It's nice to see Emily too, but I have to remain focused. I'm here for a reason.","41":"I need to steer this conversation toward the app. Emily's father, apparently, is the vendor of the security system the university uses.","42":"If anyone knows anything, it would be her. But I can't just dive right in.","43":"So if Cedric isn't a new boyfriend, who is he?","44":"We can talk about that later. How is {Leah}? Did you tell her you were going to see me?","45":"There's Emily, bluntly changing the subject.","46":"No, I didn't. I really felt like she didn't need to know.","47":"Is that because she doesn't like me?","48":"Among other reasons, yes.","49":"Other reasons?","50":"I don't know. {Leah} and I were pretty close at one point.","51":"And you aren't anymore?","52":"I wouldn't say that. But I don't see much of her.","53":"But you live together.","54":"But we've both got our own things so-","55":"I pause typing for a moment to think. How much do I want to tell Emily?","56":"Emily clearly notices the pause, and bends her head slightly as though curious.","57":"-we don't interact much anymore.","58":"That's sad.","59":"It's what happens. Grow up, and apart.","60":"Maybe you should've gone into journalism.","61":"With no voice? No.","62":"I mean, from what I've heard, most journalists basically sit in home offices and churn out opinion pieces. It isn't so much about hard-hitting interviews and investigations anymore.","63":"That's not how {Leah} sees it.","64":"{Leah} is old-school.","65":"She is.","66":"I kept telling her pursuing that career is worthless. Nobody pays you for telling the truth. Nobody even [i]wants[\/i] the truth.","67":"{Leah} hates hearing things like that.","68":"I know. That's why she doesn't like me, because she thinks I'm a selfish cynic. But the dislike isn't mutual. I quite like her.","69":"You've never told her that.","70":"It never came up. I've never told her I dislike her, either.","71":"That is true. Actually, it's pretty rare that Emily talks about liking or disliking someone, now that I think about it.","72":"About this guy, Cedric-","73":"Do you think Information Technology is a good fit for you?","74":"Emily cuts me off, like she didn't hear me.","75":"It's a [i]better[\/i] fit for me.","76":"So a better one, but not a great one.","77":"I can't really deny that. IT work is not what I imagined I'd be doing. But it isn't that bad.","78":"I feel like I still have the opportunity to do important and meaningful things in my position.","79":"But positioned behind, not in front. You don't do well in the back.","80":"It's hard to lead without a voice. It's better I find a role that fits me.","81":"I'm relieved I'm not in a leadership position.","82":"Actually, I think I'm pretty good from behind.","83":"Well, that sounds like very conventional wisdom.","84":"Maybe. This is actually something Valerie harps on too. She thinks I'm being a fool or something.","85":"She's probably right, you know.","86":"Well, I've gone over it a million times and I'm not changing course.","87":"That's definitely a new sentiment from you.","88":"Since I've gotten my head out of the game, I've come to realize more and more that my role is elsewhere.","89":"As a follower? The world has enough of those.","90":"There's a difference between following and being subservient. A person willing to follow while maintaining their own judgment can be pretty valuable.","91":"Hmm... well, I don't think you're a follower in any case.","92":"Valerie and I argue about this a lot.","93":"Valerie is right, as usual. You are wasted in tech support.","94":"Stop being a ham, you.","95":"I shrug coquettishly and give her a wink.","96":"Speaking of the IT lab...","97":"I learned something pretty interesting recently. I think your dad was involved in making the admin application for the IT laboratory.","98":"Yes, I know.","99":"She didn't shut me down immediately. That's good.","100":"I knew your dad was working in cybersecurity, but I didn't know he was a developer.","101":"It's a recent thing.","102":"\"Recent\"... as in RECENTLY?","103":"No, of course not. She's just talking. My head is swimming with this stuff. I'm getting triggered by random word associations.","104":"He's the CEO of the company. He left his old one and started a new one. I think he felt he could do better.","105":"Why are we talking about my dad?","106":"She looks visibly annoyed.","107":"I just thought it was interesting that he worked on the app.","108":"It's not interesting. It's dumb.","109":"Dumb?","110":"Yes. Dumb.","111":"It sounds like you're letting emotions get to you.","112":"I [i]do[\/i] have them! This... relates to an argument between my dad and me. It's got nothing to do with you so...","113":"Shit. Emily doesn't want to talk about this. But I still have so many questions.","114":"I might have to be more direct.","115":"I have to be subtle, but I still need information.","116":"I'd say to wait for a better time... but I can't really do that.","117":"Do you know about RECENTLY?","118":"I actually had a few questions about the app...","119":"If you have any problems with your dad, you can tell me.","120":"[i]Recently[\/i]? Recently what?","121":"Hmm...","122":"Doesn't she know?","123":"Nothing.","124":"Oh, go ask tech support.","125":"It has nothing to do with you. As I said, I'd rather move on.","126":"I'm not in my dad's business. I don't know anything he does - I don't care to.","127":"I see.","128":"And I'm not about to be a go-between for you and him, so if you're angling for a job after graduation, I'm the wrong person to talk to.","129":"I'm not talking to you because I want to get a job with your dad.","130":"No, you're making conversation. I get it.","131":"It's just... [i]what happened[\/i]... you know?","132":"What do you mean?","133":"I see your face. You look exactly the same way you did. But you talk to me by typing it on your phone.","134":"It's so weird.","135":"I've gotten used to it.","136":"Tell me, {PlayerName}, do people look down on you? Do people not realize what you were like?","137":"I pause momentarily, a bit confused about what Emily is getting at.","138":"Your face is still the same. But... it's hard for me to recognize you... without your voice.","139":"The velvet voice?","140":"No. It has nothing to do with whether your voice is nice or not. You could've sounded like a siren and I wouldn't have minded. But losing your voice came with a [i]personality change[\/i], didn't it?","141":"A personality change? Did it?","142":"Am I a different person than I was before? I [i]suppose[\/i]... but wouldn't that be inevitable?","143":"My greatest asset was my voice. When I lost it, I had to make some adjustments.","144":"No.","145":"No? [i]No?[\/i] What does she mean by no?","146":"Your voice wasn't your greatest asset at all.","147":"I don't understand.","148":"I know. It's difficult to explain.","149":"Sorry. I didn't mean to make this about [i]us[\/i]. But the last time we talked about this... [i]really[\/i] talked about it, was a while ago.","150":"And, I guess if we're going to see each other, we ought to make clear where we stand.","151":"Emily wants to know where we stand? I guess I shouldn't be surprised that she's being so straightforward about this. But I kinda am.","152":"How does she expect me to respond?","153":"So? Where's that?","154":"I thought you could tell me.","155":"She wants me to tell her where we stand? What is she trying to get me to say? For what reason?","156":"But... I guess I'd rather know how she feels about me before I tell her anything about how I feel. I guess that makes sense.","157":"I'd rather you tell me.","158":"She considers me carefully. I sometimes forget about how methodical Emily is about everything.","159":"Hmm... what if I told you that your answer would influence mine?","160":"I know you well enough to say that probably isn't true. You're just trying to coax an answer out of me.","161":"Maybe so. But that's impossible to know unless you tell me.","162":"This conversation is going in circles. I don't know what to think.","163":"I sometimes think about getting back with Emily. But...","164":"I think I had gotten over Emily. But...","165":"I think I was through with Emily. But...","166":"...now that I've talked to her, is it time to reevaluate? How do I really feel about her?","167":"I still have feelings for her.","168":"I really think I'm over her.","169":"I think I dislike her.","170":"Shit. Admitting you still have feelings for an ex... it feels pathetic. But it's true.","171":"It's just a terrible reminder that she was the one to break up with me. I wish I could do something to change her mind.","172":"I can't bring myself to have any feelings at all for her. Good or bad.","173":"Kinda sad, considering what we used to have. But it's probably the healthiest way I've thought about her for a long time.","174":"I feel like old memories have colored how I see Emily. And now I see her for who she is.","175":"She's a cold, cold person. I don't really want to deal with her anymore.","176":"Okay. So what do I do now? Tell her the truth?","177":"She clearly wants me to put myself in the vulnerable position. For what purpose, I wonder?","178":"Everything Emily does is calculated, but I know that in her heart, no matter what {Leah} might think, that Emily is not a bad person.","179":"She's very defensive, that's all.","180":"But... I don't have any vulnerabilities. Telling her my real feelings might actually catch her off guard.","181":"I should tell her...","182":"...the truth.","183":"...nothing.","184":"I'd tell you, but my voice is kinda shot right now. Maybe later.","185":"Oh. Fine. I get it.","186":"Emily sighs heavily.","187":"If you don't want to talk, you don't want to talk. But don't pretend like you [i]can't[\/i] talk.","188":"[i]Pretend like I can't talk[\/i]. I guess by that, she thinks I'm using my muteness as a crutch. I don't think I am. But she's a fool if she thinks it has no influence on me at all.","189":"I can't forgive you for breaking up with me simply because I lost my voice.","190":"It's deeper than losing your voice, you know. I didn't need you to be perfect. I needed you to be [i]capable[\/i].","191":"You know, it took some adjustment, but I think I've adapted pretty well to my new limitation.","192":"When you lost your voice, your personality also changed. That went away with your voice. I know you can't see it, but I can.","193":"It is impossible to explain.","194":"She's right. I know my life has changed, but my fundamental personality? I don't know... I still feel like the same person. Was I so different back then?","195":"I feel like, at this point, I've got very few lingering feelings. Good or bad.","196":"Huh. That's interesting.","197":"Interesting?","198":"Yes.","199":"You implied that you wouldn't care.","200":"That makes it sound rather harsh. I think it's good that we've moved on to a different stage.","201":"Into a stage where we're friends?","202":"Yes, I suppose.","203":"I guess I still hold a flame for you.","204":"That's pretty brave of you to admit.","205":"She smiles at me from across the table. But I'm still waiting for her to say something.","206":"You're going to leave me hanging?","207":"I... probably should say how I feel too, I guess.","208":"I'm... uh... open to anything, but not ready for anything.","209":"Oh, so a promotion from the friend zone.","210":"You were never in the friend zone.","211":"I see.","212":"That year when you, me and Valerie were in the student council... I remember it very fondly. They were less complicated days.","213":"You don't realize how good times are until they're gone.","214":"Yes. I do miss them. I even miss {Leah}.","215":"Even though you clashed a lot?","216":"I respect her, even though I don't understand her. I knew she wanted to protect you.","217":"Yes. From you.","218":"Yeah, she did. She was so cute. I think she thought I was a corrupting influence on you.","219":"Little did she know, I was already rotten.","220":"Yep. We're both rotten, ambitious people. But I'm continuing on the conveyor belt to total depravity, while you're getting off.","221":"How's that?","222":"I'm researching law schools.","223":"Yikes. Is that why you're hanging out with Cedric? Are you guys both going to take up law?","224":"Oh, come on. You're not still probing about Cedric, are you?","225":"I'm just trying to make conversation.","226":"Cedric is a partner for a separate project.","227":"What kind of project?","228":"I'm not ready to unveil it yet. I have a powerful enemy.","229":"I nearly laugh at that. The way she says [i]enemy[\/i], she makes it sound like she's boasting about it. It takes me a second to realize she's not trying to be ironic.","230":"A powerful enemy? Like who?","231":"Just someone powerful.","232":"Do I know them?","233":"Q&A is over. I believe I said this was going to be a short lunch.","234":"Besides, I'm fairly certain you made it clear you didn't like me.","235":"I did.","236":"That genuinely makes me feel sad. But I understand.","237":"See you around, {PlayerName}.","238":"Q&A is over.","239":"Keeping secrets?","240":"Of course. Anything worth doing is done in secret. But, I don't have any time left, unfortunately.","241":"I did say this would have to be short.","242":"You did.","243":"I've got to go back to my apartment.","244":"It was good to patch things up a little with you. Maybe our next encounter won't be as awkward.","245":"I hope so.","246":"I love your cologne, by the way. I'm a little surprised you wore it.","247":"You're going to laugh.","248":"What? It's not cologne I'm smelling?","249":"I didn't even shower this morning.","250":"Emily looks confused for a flash.","251":"That... that is embarrassing.","252":"It's nice to know my stink isn't so bad.","253":"I don't want to encourage you to not bathe. So forget I said anything.","254":"It's hard not to. Actually, I think I'm never going to let you forget about this.","255":"But, I really want to take a shower.","256":"Why don't you use mine?","257":"Use yours?","258":"Why not? Seems like things have improved a little between us. I live pretty close by. I don't see an issue with you using my shower.","259":"I shake my head in reflexive dismissal, but Emily has none of that.","260":"I'm not offering just to be polite. It's a serious offer.","261":"It would be weird.","262":"I don't care if it's weird.","263":"Inviting me up just to use her shower? I suppose it's possible...","264":"...although, I have a feeling something else might happen too. My male instincts rise just a little. I can feel it.","265":"I know I swore off Emily, but it's strange how your mind can immediately start to shift as the hormones kick off...","266":"It might just be wishful thinking on my part, but there's a chance things between Emily and me might kick off...","267":"Do I go?","268":"Go with her.","269":"Don't.","270":"I'll accept the offer.","271":"As long as you don't spend too long in there. I have bills, you know. I'm not made of money.","272":"Emily, only you would invite someone over only to remind them not to outstay their welcome.","273":"Well... I'm just reminding you.","274":"Right.","275":"With one finger, Emily signals the waiter who puts down a check.","276":"Instinctively, I reach to pay for it...","277":"The contact is... electrifying.","278":"Emily's hand... soft... smooth... like how I remember.","279":"I suddenly want to hold it again, and to feel the warmth through her fingers... but I can't...","280":"...after all, [i]I kinda need my hands to talk[\/i].","281":"I give Emily a sheepish grin.","282":"We should probably split it evenly.","283":"Literally unable to argue, I nod in agreement.","284":"My apartment is nearby. It's a short walk.","285":"An apartment in the center of town? Fancy.","286":"Thanks, but I can easily take a shower at home.","287":"Are you sure? I'm not going to be offended.","288":"I'm sure.","289":"Then... that's fine, I suppose. But, I still need to go.","290":"See you, {PlayerName}.","291":"With that, Emily gets up, and leaves.","292":"I can't say I really learned a whole lot. Honestly - I kinda just got more questions than before. But maybe more questions is a good thing.","293":"More questions are more leads.","0":"I don't think Emily got the memo that exes can't be friends.","1":"This might be a sign that she wants to get back with me. I don't know...","2":"Emily has always had this issue where I'm never sure what she's actually thinking. She's not a very sentimental person.","3":"But... she wants to have lunch with me for some reason... maybe to even get back with me.","4":"I'm still not sure how I feel about that.","5":"In any case, she might have information on the app. How to steer the conversation toward that without being too obvious?","6":"I think the restaurant is close to the town hall.","7":"Emily already has a table. She looks like she's settling in.","8":"I wonder if she'll be surprised that I actually showed up? There's a good chance she didn't expect me to take her up on her offer.","9":"Unable to tell her I'm here, I simply walk forward."},"ch2__02.55 sex with emily.vne3":{"10":"<","11":"Speed [tg_anim]","12":"Continue","13":"Change Position","14":"[fingering_speed != 0.4]Faster","15":"[fingering_speed != 0.7]Default Speed","16":"[fingering_speed != 1.2]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"Change Position","21":"[boobs_speed != 0.7]Faster","22":"[boobs_speed != 1.1]Default Speed","23":"[boobs_speed != 1.4]Slower","24":"<","25":"Speed [tg_anim]","26":"Continue","27":"Change Position","28":"[handjob_speed != 0.8]Faster","29":"[handjob_speed != 1.3]Default Speed","30":"[handjob_speed != 1.50]Slower","31":"<","32":"Speed [tg_anim]","33":"Continue","34":"Change Position","35":"[missionary_speed != 1.7]Faster","36":"[missionary_speed != 2.0]Default Speed","37":"[missionary_speed != 2.3]Slower","38":"<","39":"Speed [tg_anim]","40":"Continue","41":"Change Position","42":"[cowgirl_speed != 1.4]Faster","43":"[cowgirl_speed != 1.7]Default Speed","44":"[cowgirl_speed != 2.0]Slower","45":"<","46":"Speed [tg_anim]","47":"Continue","48":"Change Position","49":"[doggy_speed != 1.7]Faster","50":"[doggy_speed != 2.0]Default Speed","51":"[doggy_speed != 2.3]Slower","52":"<","53":"Jump to sexscene","54":"Continue","55":"I don't think I've ever been to your apartment since you moved from your parents.","56":"Well... it's my home, I guess.","57":"You don't like it?","58":"I like it. The negotiation, the contract, the purchasing, the mortgage was all a pain in the ass. I'm not sure it was worth it.","59":"Wait a second. You [i]own[\/i] it?","60":"My dad taught me never to rent.","61":"Where did you get the money?","62":"I have a mortgage?","63":"Emily looks genuinely confused at me, as though the answer were incredibly obvious, before she enters through the front.","64":"Damn... she really [i]owns[\/i] her apartment? Without an established career?","65":"That's impressive.","66":"Man... this little tiny building has a pretty nice elevator.","67":"I think nothing of going inside, but as the slow elevator starts lurching upward, I suddenly realize my mistake.","68":"I haven't taken a shower... and I'm in an enclosed space with Emily.","69":"Emily sniffs the air, clearly noting it, but saying little. She... doesn't react how I'd think.","70":"First... a flush comes across her skin, giving her the impression of someone suddenly feeling shy.","71":"It's almost like, she's fighting the urge to stand a little closer to me, to look at me.","72":"I can feel her breath deepening. A sigh, but shuddering.","73":"Like a... strange emotion is pooling inside her. An emotion that she doesn't like... but can't resist.","74":"I notice something else. Her thighs start to rub together. I only notice because my eyes are now glued to the reflection in the elevator's chrome.","75":"[i]Fuck. I notice her every little movement.[\/i]","76":"I'm getting a bit of what she's getting now. Now that my male instincts are kicking up, [i]I'm[\/i] getting hot and bothered.","77":"To be between those thighs of hers...","78":"Seeing her so turned on in is kinda funny. I guess I still got it.","79":"I'm a little proud of myself, perversely.","80":"The... elevator is quite warm, isn't it?","81":"[i]She ain't kidding.[\/i]","82":"Emily's words come out pretty heavy - warm and thick like jungle mist. I can't help but note how turned on she is, and then my nose begins to suddenly pick up Emily's heady scent, which is getting to be as noticeable as mine.","83":"I have to... [i]squeeze[\/i] my fists to avoid... doing something. Shit, these feelings are coming [i]fast[\/i].","84":"When the elevator pings, it's a relief.","85":"Oh... good. We're here.","86":"We head straight for her apartment.","87":"My eyes are absolutely [i]glued[\/i] to her ass. Especially as she picks up speed in front of me.","88":"A little excited... a little frightened.","89":"I notice how clumsy she is with the lock. Like she's constantly getting distracted.","90":"I know exactly how she is feeling. [i]I'm feeling it too[\/i].","91":"Of course, I'm [i]incapable[\/i] of noticing anything in her apartment. I'm immediately face to face with her... watching her glowing skin, hazed eyes, parted lips.","92":"I still have that effect on Emily, I guess. That's good to know. Though... I have to admit, even I'm starting to feel a little turned on.","93":"It's a bad idea generally to sleep with a girl you have no intentions of dating... but Emily is an ex, so the rules might be different.","94":"The... the shower...","95":"She may have invited me up here simply for the shower, and maybe she didn't.","96":"All I know is, if I take a risk, something might happen.","97":"Kiss her.","98":"Don't kiss her.","99":"Suddenly... we're all over each other...","100":"[i]How long has it been since I've been laid?[\/i] Too long... because I don't have any resistance to this at all.","101":"I fall into her like an old habit.","102":"But Emily is just as quick to succumb to me, too. So... I guess this is it then.","103":"She's as mute as I am, right now, between her animalistic moaning.","104":"[i]I haven't even really started yet.[\/i] And she's already acting like this.","105":"Clothes, ripping off so quickly.","106":"I notice she takes in my scent in regular intervals, breathing me in through her nose.","107":"She must really like me when I'm unwashed like this...","108":"The... the pants are coming off. We've barely said a word and the pants are already coming off.","109":"I can't believe my good luck.","110":"I'm... so glad you can't speak right now.","111":"So am I.","112":"[i]Oh God.[\/i] I forgot how good she looks naked.","113":"Even [i]better[\/i], actually. She's been working out.","114":"It's too late to say no. Not that I would want to.","115":"She wants this. And I'm too turned on to stop.","116":"[foreplay_enabled]Foreplay","117":"Fuck her","118":"[sex_action != 'boobs']Grab her boobs","119":"[sex_action != 'fingering']Finger her","120":"[sex_action != 'handjob']Ask for a handjob","121":"[sex_action != 'blowjob']Ask for a blowjob","122":"<","123":"I approach Emily from behind, my hands hovering just over her breasts.","124":"I know she used to like me touching them. She definitely still does as she nestles into me.","125":"As I hold her tighter, our lips start to interact by instinct.","126":"Emily's were the first boobs I'd ever touched. I'm getting nostalgic just by feeling them.","127":"Now is the time to reunite after our long separation.","128":"I guess you really still love those things huh?","129":"Mmm... I love it when you touch me like that.","130":"I really can't get enough of her breasts. They're so... perfect.","131":"Emily doesn't resist as I put my fingers between her thighs.","132":"I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since I got off that elevator.","133":"I kiss her as I put my hand between her thighs.","134":"I can still remember the first time I fingered Emily. I was clumsy, but not anymore.","135":"I'm about to show her that sign language makes you pretty agile.","136":"You're like... ten times better than you used to be.","137":"You... you're gonna tease me all day...","138":"She's wordless except for cute little moans as I massage her pussy.","139":"As I kiss her, she reaches down to grasp my cock.","140":"We kiss as she starts stroking my shaft.","141":"It seems like I really don't need to speak to communicate with her.","142":"We continue to kiss as she strokes my member, careful not to push me over the edge.","143":"That she's so good at this makes me even more bitter that we broke up.","144":"Her hand slides up and down my length. She's lubricated her hands with something. Spit... or maybe my precum.","145":"She uses a great deal of care as she strokes me. It's an odd contrast with her uncompromising personality.","146":"On her knees before me...","147":"...it's been a while since I've seen her like this.","148":"I feel a bit weird starting off with a blowjob... but I've missed her mouth so much.","149":"But I'm glad to be here once again.","150":"...I really can't get enough her lips. Making up for lost time.","151":"...this is [i]so much better[\/i] than the first blowjob I ever got from her.","152":"...I need another demonstration of Emily's oral skills.","153":"Straight to it, huh? Okay...","154":"Finally... giving me a little attention.","155":"I'm more than ready. Let's go.","156":"Oh God yes! I've been waiting for ages...","157":"[sex_action != 'missionary']Missionary","158":"[sex_action != 'cowgirl']Cowgirl","159":"[sex_action != 'doggy']Doggy","160":"[endurance >= 1]Cum","161":"I lay atop Emily, and we enter into a familiar position.","162":"Do you remember? Was this how we lost our virginity? Or...","163":"Oh... I guess you can't really say, can you?","164":"If I could answer, all I'd tell her is that I don't care.","165":"You... you really like this, don't you?","166":"This [i]must've[\/i] been how we lost our virginity. There's no other explanation for why I like it so much.","167":"I don't think I can get between Emily's thighs enough.","168":"Emily climbs atop me, in what feels like a very natural position for her.","169":"I like looking down on you.","170":"Shit... that turns me on more than I like to admit.","171":"I lay back as I let her take control.","172":"I've got quite a sight to see as I lean back and watch.","173":"I really feel like... I got you where I want you.","174":"I motion for Emily to get on her hands and knees. Emily's ass is presented before me...","175":"I'm having flashbacks with Emily in this position. We used to have sex a lot.","176":"Especially in the old student council office.","177":"Good memories, right?","178":"She's thinking what I'm thinking.","179":"Emily has an ass like no other, and now, I know it [i]feels[\/i] like no other.","180":"Hilt deep in Emily, it feels like pure instinct as I begin to thrust.","181":"This is quickly becoming my favorite way of having Emily.","182":"On boobs","183":"On face","184":"In mouth","185":"Alright. Go ahead. Tribute me.","186":"I... uh... thought you were aiming for my face. Heh..","187":"I can't wait to see my goop on her face...","188":"What a pretty smile on her face. Man... I really like seeing her like that.","189":"Without even having to say anything, Emily opens her mouth for me. I guess her training stuck with her.","190":"Seeing my cum dribble down her chin... Christ.","0":"Technique[tg_anim]","1":"Speed [tg_anim]","2":"Continue","3":"Change Position","4":"[!bj_deeper]Deepthroat","5":"[bj_deeper]Regular Blowjob","6":"<","7":"[bj_speed != 0.8]Faster","8":"[bj_speed != 1.2]Default Speed","9":"[bj_speed != 1.4]Slower"},"ch2__02.56 no sex with emily.vne3":{"3":"Uh...","4":"...yeah. I guess.","5":"It's in the back. You can... let yourself out once you're done.","6":"Thanks.","7":"What was that about?","8":"I may not be attracted to Emily anymore... but that doesn't mean my body can't react on its own.","9":"If I didn't leave... I may have restarted what I swore off.","10":"God... I [i]do[\/i] still have feelings for her. That proved it.","11":"Still, why did I chicken out? It's not like we've never had sex before.","12":"I don't know what to think about my own actions.","13":"I guess she still has feelings for me. Emily feels as intensely as anyone else. They just come out in cracks.","14":"I jump in the shower and turn it on maximum cold.","15":"I really need it...","16":"She's not here. I guess she was serious when she told me to let myself out, huh?","17":"I guess we can't address what just happened.","18":"That's... probably a good thing, actually.","19":"Let's leave before I get drawn into something else.","20":"I've still got some time to continue my investigation.","0":"It takes a bit of willpower to put my hand on my cellphone. Even then, I'm shaking.","1":"Should-","2":"-should get to that shower."},"ch2__02.57 after sex with emily.vne3":{"3":"But, suddenly...","4":"With a snap, she regains herself, suddenly realizing what she just did. She sits up from the sofa.","5":"At the same time, though I'm tempted to ask her how she feels, I feel like I'd know the answer.","6":"With a sense of urgency, she heads for her clothes. I know now my time is limited.","7":"I shouldn't... I shouldn't have done that.","8":"It wasn't your fault, but...","9":"You need to leave.","10":"I reach for my phone to respond, but I realize it's in the pockets of my pants... which are on the floor.","11":"I blame myself more than you. But still, you must go.","12":"I want to defend myself, ask her what she means... but of course, I can't. She doesn't understand sign language either. I'm stuck.","13":"I broke up with you for a reason. Please go.","14":"In a persistent yet calm manner, Emily starts pushing me out even while I'm buckling on my pants. I don't even have time to talk to her.","15":"She says nothing as I'm left out on the hallway.","16":"Then the door is slammed shut behind me. I wish I could've said something, but...","17":"I have the distinct feeling she wanted me out of there [i]before[\/i] I could say anything.","18":"Well... if I didn't need a shower before... I definitely need one now.","19":"I guess I'll head home.","20":"{Leah} said she would be making her own way back home. I guess if she needs a ride she'll call.","21":"Damn, that feels good.","22":"Oh yeah. Nothing better than a shower after sex. It's like coming into a cool room on a hot day.","23":"Still, that thing with Emily was kind of unfortunate. Just because of the drama.","24":"I didn't really want to stick around, anyway. But Emily pushing me out of the apartment was kinda ugly.","25":"I probably shouldn't have slept with Emily, but... that's the way things happen, I guess. When opportunity strikes...","26":"And I wanted to say something. But I couldn't. This isn't going to be my last opportunity, though.","27":"I can't be too upset, however. I really think that this might be the start of something pretty good.","28":"Overall... there's something still between us. And I think I'm happy about that.","29":"I've got so much on my plate without worrying about this shit. Sam's phone for example.","30":"She might not have asked me to make a big deal of finding her phone, but... I'm actually kinda excited by it.","31":"It's a change of pace, something I've never done before. I see why {Leah} likes this kinda stuff.","32":"I should resume my investigation.","0":"That was... hmm...","1":"The only response I give is a throaty, pleasured sound.","2":"Emily looks so relaxed, and for the briefest moment, I think Emily is going to stay as she is."},"ch2__02.60 new number who diss.vne3":{"10":"I rarely get calls, probably because most people assume I can't talk on the phone.","11":"But actually it's a cinch. I have a special app that lets me type out responses, and then the voice synthesizer blares out to the person on the other end.","12":"New phone?","13":"Yeah. I know I probably could've texted but... I guess I like [i]hearing your voice[\/i].","14":"I didn't know you liked British robots so much.","15":"Oh yeah. British robots. Mmmm.","16":"If you get any more excited, I'm afraid I'm going to have to swap over to the German robot voice.","17":"Hehe. Anyway, I was just calling to say it's safe to call and text me. And just to say, you know, that you were totally right about it not being in my room.","18":"I basically turned my room inside out and found everything except the phone.","19":"So you didn't figure out who the thief was?","20":"Hehe. Anyway, I was just calling to say it's safe to call and text me. And, you know, to stop worrying about my phone. [i]You were worrying, weren't you[\/i]?","21":"She's kidding, but also... [i]more than she knows[\/i].","22":"Sure. I guess you couldn't figure out who the thief was.","23":"Well, I don't know about [i]thief[\/i]. For all I know I accidentally flushed it down the toilet.","24":"[i]That's right. Sam doesn't necessarily know it was stolen.[\/i] She must've assumed she lost track of it.","25":"You still need to get your phone back. If someone breaks into it, they could pull a lot of data.","26":"Aw man! Stop it with your reality checks. I was finally feeling relaxed!","27":"Mister British Robot isn't soothing at all.","28":"Britannia rules the waves, by jingo!","29":"So I gotta find this phone, huh?","30":"It would be best for your safety.","31":"I'm guessing there's all kinds of ways to break into a cellphone.","32":"You said it.","33":"I did report that phone as missing so... I just have to cross my fingers.","34":"And lost phones turn up at the IT lab all the time so maybe I'll find it.","35":"That would be great. Thanks for being such a pal, {PlayerName}. Drop by anytime if you want to hang out.","36":"Thanks.","37":"Sam hangs up. It's good that Sam got her phone back, but that actually complicates my own investigation.","38":"The phone probably isn't usable now, meaning I've got fewer chances to identify the thief.","39":"All in all, this is good news, but this doesn't change much about the phone situation. I've got to go even harder with the footwork.","40":"Sam... I can’t say you don’t make things interesting.","41":"It’s funny, if someone asked me about Sam Hunter only a few years ago, all I could say was that she was one of the girls in the ''punk'' clique at school.","42":"I would never have guessed she’d become one of my closest friends, given how rocky things started out between us.","43":"Something she said before hanging up... it reminds me of that day at the lake, out behind the school.","44":"...thanks for being such a pal, {PlayerName}! You’re a lifesaver! I had no idea that the budget form had to be turned in within three days. I could have screwed the whole semester!","45":"You are, without a doubt, the best Robot-Vice-President ever!","46":"I grinned, clumsily typing out a reply, still getting used to the type-to-voice app.","47":"Ha-ha. You R welcome, human!","48":"I think that’s one of the reasons I warmed up to Sam so fast, she was the first person who stopped treating me like some wounded animal after my surgery.","49":"Can I be honest, this whole Student Council President gig... I feel like I’m in way over my head.","50":"It’s like every day I’m one big muck up away from complete disaster. I’m starting to think it was a mistake for me to even run for the position.","51":"That was one thing that bugged me about Sam. She was compassionate and patient with everyone, except herself.","52":"Look, you’re new at this, you just need to learn the ropes!","53":"Val, Em, and me, we've been involved with student government for years. Once you learn the in’s and outs, you’ll do great!","54":"Thanks, {PlayerName}. If it weren’t for you being here, I’m sure I would have tanked the whole student government by now.","55":"No problem, just try and go a little easier on yourself. You’re gonna drive yourself nuts otherwise","56":"Aw man, I thought they’d be out here. I’m telling you, once you meet my friends, I know you all will dig each other.","57":"Maybe they are running late, they should be by soon.","58":"Alright. Hey, is it okay to be out here? We’re not trespassing, are we?","59":"Oh it's fine. Relax, get that stick out of your butt, man.","60":"If you’re really nervous, I suppose we can see if there is some kind of ''loitering'' permit we can apply for.","61":"Maybe, but you would probably forget to mail it in before the deadline.","62":"Ass.","63":"Sam laughs and punches me playfully in the arm.","64":"Then she looked out over the lake, her face framed in the setting sunlight. I see her energy shift as she inhales deeply, taking in the scene.","65":"God, I love it here. I don’t know that I’d be able to make it through high school if I didn’t have this place.","66":"I could understand why. The lake was bathed in golden light, and the late spring air was sweet and fresh.","67":"The place seemed to have some kind of aura to it that melted away all the stress and anxiety of life.","68":"Maybe it was this energy that cast some spell over me, but I suddenly felt a powerful urge to be closer to Sam.","69":"I think she felt the same way, as we both seemed to be inching up next to one another, close enough to feel the heat of our bodies.","70":"And then we were lost in each other's gaze.","71":"It’s like I was suddenly possessed, I just... wanted her.","72":"Suddenly she’s close enough that I can feel her breath. My heart races, my thoughts leave me, but our bodies seem to know what to do, shifting to face one another.","73":"Where did this come from, this lust for Sam?","74":"It didn’t matter, I had no interest in fighting it. It was all too much to resist, and we leaned in to...","75":"Sam-cakes! Where you at, girl!?","76":"Shaken loose of whatever spell we were under, Sam’s cheeks flushed and I imagine mine did the same.","77":"Uh... looks like my friends are finally here! Come on! Let's go meet them!","78":"Just as quickly as the moment came, it was gone, and we awkwardly left the spot to go find the others.","79":"We never talked about that moment. We just went back to being friends and working on the Student Council together, like nothing had happened.","80":"Maybe it was just a couple of young people, wrapped up in the beautiful sunset and getting taken for a ride by their hormones...","81":"...or maybe my feelings for Sam are stronger than I realize.","0":"I'm about to conclude my work for the day when-","1":"-a call. It's Sam. Did she find her phone?","2":"Wait a second. Shit. What am I thinking? I [i]know[\/i] Sam's phone was stolen. I have a picture of the thief. Of course she doesn't have her phone back!","3":"Which means... unless Sam got a new SIM card... this person who is calling [i]could be the thief[\/i].","4":"I suddenly sit like a ramrod on my chair, my heart racing, [i]very aware[\/i] that I'm about to have a conversation with a criminal. What does he want from me? Is he stalking me? Why has he called my number?","5":"Fuck. I'd better answer. This is an opportunity I can't let slide.","6":"I press the button and hold the phone to my ear...","7":"Hey {PlayerName}.","8":"Oh sweet relief.","9":"Sam [i]did get her phone back[\/i]. Or she got a new one with a new SIM card. The latter seems more likely, honestly."},"ch2__02.65 moes kingdom.vne3":{"10":"Shit. Hank overheard.","11":"Just a reminder that bathroom breaks are timed. -Hank","12":"Don't listen to him.","13":"Timed my ass! What is this, Amazon? Where's the suggestion box? Where can I complain?","14":"Same place you take a bathroom break. -Hank","15":"Real funny.","16":"That's why Hank sits in that closet. He's constantly shitting. Needs the toilet 24\/7.","17":"Oh yeah. That's probably true. [delay,200][char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Mocking_2]Hank! Hank! We know your secret.","18":"I do not shit 24\/7. -Hank","19":"Aha! He's denying it. That means it's true.","20":"Is that right? I didn't fuck your mother last night. -Hank","21":"Heh. Even if you did, go ahead and fuck her, I don't care.","22":"Now you're talking shit. Go take your bathroom break before you do it for real. -Hank","23":"I will. Best flipping shit ever. You can't stop me.","24":"Linus grins, before he heads off to the bathroom.","25":"If I didn't know better, I'd think Hank was serious about bathroom breaks being timed. But I know better, and an office chill enough to have a fridge full of beer isn't going to sweat the small stuff.","26":"It's an IT Department. We're tucked far away from where anyone cares.","27":"Now that Linus is gone, I can unselfconsciously wallow in my frustration. All my avenues of investigation... have been exhausted.","28":"To be honest, they were never that great to begin with. Now, {Leah} would have pinpointed the location of the cellphone in no time. Me, on the other hand...","29":"...I don't know what I'm doing. Finding a thief like one might find a lost puppy seems silly, now that I think of it.","30":"I have the best possible tool at my disposal. RECENTLY. If the NSA didn't already have it, they'd kill to get their hands on it.","31":"I should see what I can come up with.","32":"Let's see. I don't think I've really looked into much else in the program. There are a ton of small menus.","33":"It's the stuff you might expect. OPEN, SAVE, LOAD, EXIT...","34":"Hmmm... load? Save? Load and save what? It's a file manager.","35":"I try opening a random text file on my computer and...","36":"...it opens. I can even edit the text. So you can use it like Notepad. But why would it have this function? Seems like a superfluous feature.","37":"The other menus open up to various viewing preferences (you can go between daylight and night mode, for instance) and stranger, esoteric options.","38":"Like an... an [i]Admin BBS client?[\/i] Was this program made in the nineties?","39":"I know of these... but I've never used one of them before. Don't you need a dial-up modem to use one of these things?","40":"Well... let's try it.","41":"I open up the BBS client. I'd expect it to ask for a phone number or address or something, but I'm left with a mostly empty screen.","42":"The console shows I'm connected, though. Connected to what, though? I wasn't prompted for anything.","43":"It looks like a terminal. Do I type commands, like in old DOS operating systems? I should just try something.","44":"Maybe... <dq>HELLO WORLD<dq>. That's the normal thing everyone tests with.","45":"I type it in.","46":"[#039c2e][speed,0.25]>HELLO WORLD.","47":"[#039c2e][speed,10]SILENT1: WHO IS WORLD??[\/speed]","48":"I slam the computer shut.","49":"[i]Did it just respond? \"Who is world\"?[\/i]","50":"No way. That couldn't have happened. Was someone else using RECENTLY?","51":"Wait a second. There are completely rational explanations. It could be an AI chat bot. It could just be giving canned responses.","52":"Now that I stop to think... there's nothing remarkable about getting a response. It's simply... surprising.","53":"I open my laptop back up and re-enter my log-in.","54":"When the screen comes back up there's... nothing. Only a blinking triangle, silently encouraging me to try again.","55":"Should I? Am I chatting with the same person who made the application?","56":"This is getting weird. Even weirder than it already was.","57":"If I were to re-enter something, would it still respond?","58":"The tension is completely cut when my phone goes off. With strange annoyance, I pull my phone out and check who it is.","59":"Valerie. Okay. That's fine. No wonder it's a voice call.","60":"I hit answer.","61":"How's it going, {PlayerName}?","62":"I try and type my response, but I notice my fingers are as useless as flat, floppy sausages. Adrenaline from the surprise. I need to take a few breaths.","63":"You okay, {PlayerName}?","64":"The pause is good. I finally come down enough to be able to type without punching my phone.","65":"Yes.","66":"Good. Sorry to call you during work. I hope there's nothing important right now.","67":"Still feeling a little wound up. I'll cut the tension a bit with a joke.","68":"Have you tried turning it on and off again?","69":"Heh, yeah, I bet you get that a lot.","70":"No, not really.","71":"Good, good.","72":"Listen, {PlayerName}, I've been looking into the guy in the photo, I think I may have found something for you.","73":"Brilliant news! If I wasn't coming off a shot of adrenaline, I might be more excited. As it is, I feel more relieved than anything.","74":"The campus police said someone matching that description is often seen behind the bar.","75":"You mean Sevigny's?","76":"Yes. That place.","77":"Okay. Thank you.","78":"I'm glad to be of help. It's too bad I can't see your beautiful happy face.","79":"As thanks, could you make like a... [i]happy noise[\/i] through the phone?","80":"I can't make a noise.","81":"So you can't make [i]any[\/i] noise?","82":"That isn't true. I can make noises. I just don't like to.","83":"I can force air through my ruined larynx and out of my mouth, it just comes out like a creepy [i]shapeless moan[\/i]. So I much prefer writing, signing or using the text-to-speech thing.","84":"But... she did help out quite a bit. I'm not sure she'll like what she hears.","85":"Make a noise for her.","86":"Don't.","87":"[wobble]Aaa...[\/wobble]","88":"[shake]AaaaAaaooaa...[\/shake]","89":"Yes... I can see why you don't do that.","90":"Now you understand.","91":"I'm not going to do that.","92":"Aww. Come on.","93":"No.","94":"Have it your way.","95":"Thank you for your work.","96":"Should I send campus police with you?","97":"Shit... I'm not sure. If this guy really is a thief, who knows if he'll try and hurt me. On the other hand, the look on Sam's face when I singlehandedly return her cellphone...","98":"Besides, that guy in the photo didn't exactly look healthy. I don't think he'd be some big threat.","99":"That'll be fine, thank you.","100":"If you turn up dead in an alley...","101":"I'll text you before that happens.","102":"Hehe. \"Excuse me, can you pick up my corpse? I’d like to have an open casket and these raccoons are closing in.\"","103":"I quietly chuckle.","104":"Yeah, I can take care of myself, don't worry about me.","105":"I trust you. Good luck. Let me know if there's a problem.","106":"Now... what to do?","107":"Should I go immediately? I guess time is of the essence. Can I really get out of work? What do I tell Hank?","108":"Hmm...","109":"Hey Hank. Do you think I could take off work? I need to save someone's cellphone.","110":"A few seconds, and...","111":"That's a new one. Is that what you tell your professors when you're late with assignments? -Hank","112":"If I wanted to fool you, I would've come up with a better lie.","113":"I'll remember that next time your third cousin dies or a <dq>family emergency<dq> comes up. -Hank","114":"I'm serious. I need to go get someone's cellphone.","115":"I'm sure it won't move for a few hours. -Hank","116":"Why is Hank being such a stickler? This doesn't make any sense.","117":"What is wrong with you? You aren't usually like this.","118":"Come on. I never ask for time off.","119":"Maybe I'm a little irritated you left Sevigny's early the other day, leaving Linus to do your job all alone. -Hank","120":"That thing at Sevigny's? That was a genuine emergency. And by the time I left the work was already done.","121":"In any case, you were technically on the clock, and you should have told me even if it was an emergency...","122":"...I don't ask for much around here, and I let you get away with a lot. All I need is a little respect. -Hank","123":"He's bringing this stuff up now? That was... over a week ago! I think. Has he been harboring bad feelings all this time?","124":"Hank needs time to cool off. I don't think he's going to be particularly enthused about letting me go early.","125":"I guess... I have no reason to think that this homeless guy is going to move in the next hour or so.","126":"But... who knows? It could be the case that he'll be gone. I know leaving early would piss Hank off... but getting that phone is important.","127":"The worst thing Hank can do is fire me. And I really don't think he'd do that.","128":"On the other hand, it [i]is[\/i] only an hour until work ends. It probably won't make a big difference.","129":"Leave work.","130":"Stay.","131":"If Hank has to rush out of his office to tackle me, I consider that an absolute win.","132":"I have nothing to lose and I'll be very surprised if there's repercussions.","133":"Linus is still in the restroom. I just have to hope Linus gets back soon.","134":"Otherwise, Hank is just going to have to drag his fat ass out of the office.","135":"My cell dings. It's definitely a message from Hank. But I don't care to read it right now.","136":"I put my phone on silent and head straight for Sevigny's.","137":"It's only an hour. Nothing will change.","138":"I can avoid pissing Hank off, and I'll probably still get the phone.","139":"The clock ticks and ticks. I watch every minute. When it finally hits the hour hand...","140":"Work is over!","141":"Linus slowly gets ready to leave as I rush out the door.","142":"Okay. Straight to the alley behind Sevigny's. The faster I can get there, the better.","143":"Behind Sevigny's... right?","144":"Alright. I guess this is it.","145":"Should I have... brought a weapon? Shit... even if I didn't... what am I going to say?","146":"I don't need to commit yet. I can go into the alley... check if he's there. If he isn't, I leave. Simple as that.","147":"Let's try it out.","148":"I walk behind Sevigny's... into a hobo living room. Old furniture is laid out, soiled and perhaps recently used. There's a cupboard on three of four hinges.","149":"But... nobody here. And certainly nobody that looks like the photo.","150":"I guess he's not here, then. [i]Better leave before he comes back[\/i].","151":"Shit... why am I feeling so scared? It's just one guy. I've got to control myself. Is this a time to look for clues?","152":"If {Leah} were here, she'd know exactly where to look and how to interpret the scene. I'm just an IT tech. I don't do this investigation stuff.","153":"Grow a spine, {PlayerName}! Grow a spine and... and look for clues!","154":"Check the closet.","155":"Check the chair.","156":"Check the dumpster.","157":"Check the mattress.","158":"It's rusty... squeaky... made of thin steel or aluminum.","159":"I can imagine it in an office holding reams of paper and office supplies. What does it hold now? Hopefully one or more cellphones.","160":"No. Bottles and beer cans. What else would it be?","161":"Interestingly, also a pint glass with [i]Sevigny's[\/i] printed on it. Could he be a customer?","162":"I don't want it to be too obvious that someone has been through here, so I leave things as they are. But there's definitely no cellphone.","163":"I've checked the closet. There's nothing.","164":"I really don't want to sit on this thing. I feel like I'd be stabbed in the ass with a spring.","165":"The cushions look to be of some weather-resistant material, so it has that going for it, at least.","166":"Coins. I guess even hobo sofas accumulate the stuff.","167":"But no cellphone. Maybe it's somewhere else?","168":"Unless I want to tear into the cushions, I don't have anywhere else to check in the chair.","169":"Anything could be hidden in the dumpster. Including dead bodies.","170":"I really hope I won't find a dead body. [i]I probably won't, but the idea is stuck in my head now anyway[\/i].","171":"I build up my courage, and finally take a look.","172":"Oooh boy. So much in here. If there's a dead body, it's below all the plastic bags rather than above them.","173":"If Sam's cell is in here, it is lost forever. There's no way I can find it even if I did have the willpower to search through all this garbage.","174":"{Leah}, on the other hand, would be tearing through these bags like a starving raccoon, if there's even a chance it would bring her closer to an answer.","175":"If it's in the dumpster, I'm toast. There's no point in checking.","176":"I look at the mattress. It is damp and... off-color. I really don't want to touch it.","177":"Whoever stays here keeps a plastic tarp near the mattress. It might double as blanket and weather protection.","178":"For the sake of science, I'll have to check under the mattress. There had better be a cellphone.","179":"I wear a couple of plastic bags as gloves before I take the plunge.","180":"Nope. Just porn mags. What else would you expect?","181":"Whoever this guy is, he's given glasses and black hair to all the girls with a thick, permanent marker. Clearly, he's got someone in mind.","182":"Whatever his deal is, I don't want to know.","183":"I don't want to touch that mattress again.","184":"Okay. So this guy likes porn... beer... and... he's homeless.","185":"You know, other than the homeless thing, he just sounds like most men.","186":"So I've learned nothing. As expected. I've got no cellphone, no motive, and I have no idea if I'm even in the right place.","187":"This could be someone [i]completely different[\/i], for all I know.","188":"I'm out of my depth when it comes to this kind of stuff. The only thing is...","189":"...this guy sleeps right outside of Sevigny's. Haley should've known that there was someone back here. She also should've recognized the guy immediately.","190":"Fuck. I'm probably going to have to talk to her. I didn't want to get confrontational.","191":"I guess I have to be a lot more direct.","192":"Let's see what she has to say.","193":"Completely empty today. Except...","194":"Haley looks like she was in the middle of cleaning a table. She suddenly perks up as soon as she sees me.","195":"Hey, Silent One. ","196":"I quickly type a response.","197":"Hi, Haley.","198":"I was wondering when you'd stop in to rehydrate. Care for a drink?","199":"No thanks. Not right now.","200":"Tell me again. Do you recognize this man?","201":"Haley clearly doesn't like my tone. Or more accurately, [i]my look[\/i]. She edges back, her rear coming close to a table.","202":"Well... I said he looked familiar.","203":"You know him?","204":"I don't [i]know[\/i] him.","205":"But you've definitely seen him?","206":"I guess so. But I don't know how I can help you.","207":"He lives right behind Sevigny's. You [i]must[\/i] know who he is.","208":"Does he? I don't know...","209":"Is there a reason why you're protecting him?","210":"I'm not protecting anyone.","211":"There has got to be a way to prove that she does.","212":"Think for a second... think!","213":"...","214":"Of course. That proves it.","215":"The man in the picture... [i]must[\/i] be the one who lives behind Sevigny's!","216":"Look at this picture...","217":"...that sign behind his head, is exactly the same one that's hanging in the alley.","218":"They are the same person.","219":"I... honestly didn't even see that.","220":"But you know who he is.","221":"I don't even know his name! He lives in the alley behind Sevigny's. He's rarely there when I'm around.","222":"Why didn't you tell me the truth?","223":"Because... because...","224":"...maybe I respect that some people just don't want to be found.","225":"I don't know why you're looking for him. But... I don't think he's a bad guy.","226":"Bad guy or not... I need to find him. He has something that belongs to a friend.","227":"Okay. Just promise you won't... turn him in to the police or something.","228":"I won't.","229":"He's usually here at night. If you wait around a little, he should be back soon.","230":"Thanks.","231":"Do you want a drink while you wait?","232":"Yeah.","233":"Honestly, talking to Haley has been kind of a relief. It looks like I won't need a weapon to deal with this guy.","234":"But if he isn't a bad guy... I feel kinda bad for going through his stuff.","235":"All this is making me feel more and more like I have no idea what I'm doing and I'm way over my head.","236":"Honestly... sneaking around... spying on people... rifling through people's things... it isn't me.","237":"And the look of fear in Haley's eyes as I confronted her, however mild it was, it didn't make me feel good.","238":"I don't know what I'm doing at all.","239":"Haley comes and slides me a drink. I can tell she's trying not to look at me.","240":"When she passes, I finish my thought.","241":"I'm sorry.","242":"What was that?","243":"I didn't mean to accuse you of anything.","244":"Accuse me of what?","245":"Accuse you of lying. You were just trying to keep someone's privacy.","246":"I really am trying to help a friend, though. I've got nothing personal against this guy.","247":"For all I know, he picked up my friend's cellphone to keep it safe.","248":"I appreciate that.","249":"Can I ask... [i]how[\/i] this man became your number one suspect?","250":"It's a completely natural question. But... fuck. I can't really tell her anything.","251":"Now that I think about it, I've probably raised all kinds of questions about how I got this picture in the first place. I don't have a good answer.","252":"I have a source. But I'd rather keep that private too.","253":"I understand.","254":"She leaves... but she's going to keep thinking about it for sure. I know I would.","255":"By the time I've finished my beer, it's gone dark.","256":"I think now I can go ahead and see this guy.","257":"I give Haley a little nod before I leave.","258":"Finally. Now it's time.","259":"I [i]really[\/i] hope that Haley was right when she said he wasn't bad. But who knows?","260":"I have to go forward.","261":"I turn the corner, and I finally lay my eyes on him. The Guy.","262":"After a week or so of looking for him, he's grown in my imagination, from some homeless dude to something... larger than life.","263":"I doubt that he can be that strange, though.","264":"I don't want to surprise him. He might get defensive. But I can't really tell him I'm here.","265":"I get as close as possible. Instinctively, I try to be quiet, even though that's probably the last thing I should be.","266":"I type \"hello\" into the text-to-speech app.","267":"HELLO.","268":"Raargh! You ain't taking it!","269":"I failed. His eyes are wide and he's in fight-or-flight. I have to calm him down.","270":"I'm not good at this at all.","271":"Hello. Do you live here?","272":"Do I live here? Whose askin', some kinda robot?","273":"No. I'm a person who can't speak.","274":"Oh. A person who can't speak, huh?","275":"Wait. My detective instincts are kicking in. Hold on a sec.","276":"Ommmmmmmm. Ommmmm...","277":"Is he meditating?","278":"Sorry. My detective juices are runnin' low. But... if I had to guess...","279":"...you're a mute.","280":"Correct.","281":"So I really [i]am[\/i] the world's greatest detective, huh?","282":"You're the world's greatest detective?","283":"Yeah. What did I just say?","284":"But... you already knew that coming in, didn't you? You probably even recognize me, don't you?","285":"I don't recognize you.","286":"You ain't fooling me! You knew!","287":"Yes... you knew that I...[delay,500] am...[delay,500] Batman!","288":"Oh, no.","289":"YOU!","290":"Me?","291":"No. Not you.[delay,200][char,Mortelli_Homeless_Angry] [i]You[\/i].","292":"Change it! Change it right now!","293":"Change what?","294":"I'm not talking to [i]you[\/i], I'm talking to [i]him![\/i]","295":"[i]Change it![\/i]","296":"That's better.","297":"What changed? Who were you talking to?","298":"You wouldn't understand.","299":"Shit... I'm glad I have a text-to-speech thing. I don't think I could form words without it.","300":"Sir-","301":"Batman.","302":"Batman, I think you found something that belongs to a friend of mine.","303":"Like what? A rubber duck?","304":"No. I wouldn't have come if it were just a rubber duck. I mean a cellphone.","305":"A cellphone?[pause][char,Mortelli_Homeless_Smiling] Oh... thank god. I thought you were here for the rubber duck.","306":"Do you have one? A cellphone?","307":"I was out walking my toaster when I saw it - the rubber duck.","308":"I don't care about the rubber duck.","309":"Someone had discarded the rubber duck, which I decided to procure for my own personal use.","310":"I don't care-","311":"BESIDE THAT DUCK WAS THE CELLPHONE YOU SEEK!","312":"Where did you find... both of these objects?","313":"Someone had left them on campus of the nearby university.","314":"That very well could've been Sam.","315":"I knew then, that whoever tracked down the cellphone was worthy to carry on the torch. To be the second greatest detective.","316":"YOU!","317":"Me this time?","318":"YES! YOU THIS TIME![char,Mortelli_Homeless_Neutral] You are the world's second greatest detective! You followed a path of carefully laid out clues, and now you know the true identity of me, Batman.","319":"Thank you for keeping this cellphone safe for me. I have to return it.","320":"GOOD. VERY GOOD. HERE IT IS.","321":"The one calling himself \"Batman\" pulls out a phone from his pocket.","322":"This is very important, Robert- I mean [i]Robin[\/i].","323":"You have a great gift. You must use it to protect people!","324":"Fight injustice, Robin! Keep the hordes of tyranny and darkness at bay! The world needs you!","325":"I can't really answer without use of my hands, so I simply pull back.","326":"Thank you. I have to go now.","327":"How do I get myself out of this conversation?","328":"Remember what I said Bobbert-... Robert-... [i]Robin[\/i]. You can't neglect your duties.","329":"There's evil here. Bad stuff is going around. And the world needs you to fix it.","330":"I'm too corrupted by my wealth and decadence to be of any use to anyone anymore. It's all up to you now.","331":"People need you. Especially Professor Frank Craven. He really fucking needs you.","332":"The fuck is he on about?","333":"Thanks. I'm going to go now.","334":"Frank Craven? Where have I heard that name before? But who cares?","335":"I have Sam's cellphone right now. She's going to be over the moon to see this thing back.","336":"I guess it's too late to call her now. Which is fine. I have some time to come up with a good story.","0":"Hey man, can you watch the front? I need to go to the restroom.","1":"You don't need to move. Just keep an eye out.","2":"What should I tell people?","3":"Heh. Nothing.","4":"You know what I mean.","5":"Tell them the boss is away, but he'll be back shortly.","6":"Hank is the boss.","7":"Come on, man! Let people believe I'm the boss. Just for a second!","8":"Just to boost your ego?","9":"Yeah just to boost my ego! Between you and Hank always putting me down... "},"ch2__02.70 peril.vne3":{"3":"I need a place to sit down.","4":"How did it go? Did you get your friend's thing back?","5":"Yeah. Clocking out?","6":"Yeah, soon. I had to stick around and see how your issue turned out.","7":"Yes. It went smoother than I thought it would. Could I use your wifi for a second?","8":"Sure. The password is [i]sevigny[\/i], no caps.","9":"Oh, sorry, of course you know. You were the one that set up the router.","10":"Thanks.","11":"I take a seat, log into the network, and start scanning over the list of faculty and students.","12":"Looks like that crazy Toaster Man knew something after all. One Frank Craven does work for the University. But in trouble? That remains to be seen.","13":"I select his name and take a look.","14":"A few recent messages. Texts. Sent and viewed.","15":"Because of the way the app is organized, I can't view them both at once. So I open the sent ones first. A few come up.","16":"[#039c2e]TO: UNKNOWN. FROM: FRANK CRAVEN. MESSAGE: \"At drop site.\"[\/c]","17":"At [i]drop site[\/i]. What does that mean?","18":"According to the meta information, that message was sent five minutes ago. So he must've been waiting for quite some time.","19":"Next message was sent a minute ago.","20":"[#039c2e]TO: UNKNOWN. FROM: FRANK CRAVEN. MESSAGE: \"Where are you? Getting nervous. Hearing things.\"[\/c]","21":"Getting nervous? Hearing things? If Toaster Man was right, it wasn't paranoia.","22":"[#039c2e]TO: UNKNOWN. FROM: FRANK CRAVEN. MESSAGE: \"Abort. Been followed.\"[\/c]","23":"[i]Shit.[\/i]","24":"[#039c2e]TO: UNKNOWN. FROM: FRANK CRAVEN. MESSAGE: \"Negative. Save yourself.\"[\/c]","25":"[i]Save yourself?[\/i] Seeing those words in real actual life is sending me the [speed,0.5][i]worst chills[\/i][\/speed].","26":"That was ten seconds ago. And I have no idea where he is!","27":"Wait a second. Metadata saves the GPS coordinates. I copy that...","28":"...and paste it into Google Maps.","29":"The... the Shale Hill Parking Garage!","30":"My car is parked nearby! I could drive over and-","31":"[i]-and what? Save him? From what?[\/i]","32":"[i]People with guns? Drug dealers? CIA or KGB agents?[\/i]","33":"[i]Maybe you'll go over there and find out this is all a trap [b]for you.[\/b][\/i]","34":"This has nothing to do with me. And... I've never really stuck my neck out for anyone. Especially not for a stranger. [i]Especially not for a man.[\/i]","35":"I'm not obligated to go save this guy, whoever he is. Who is to say he's not the bad guy?","36":"Every day, I get more and more involved in this weird drama that has swept me up. I didn't want this. But... this app has given me power. If I don't use this power to save a life... I'll feel awful.","37":"If this guy dies, it'll be on my conscience forever.","38":"I can just [i]drive over there[\/i]. Once I'm there, I can assess the situation. I don't have to do anything.","39":"Yes. I'll go over there just to see.","40":"My car isn't parked far.","41":"But my heart is racing so fast... I'm really not sure I can drive straight.","42":"[i]Calm down, {PlayerName}. Panic will not serve you at all.[\/i]","43":"Get inside, and slowly drive to the parking garage.","44":"I quickly drive over, through the thankfully empty streets.","45":"I don't see anything, but I [i]hear[\/i] something. Grunts, ruffling cloth. Something is going on.","46":"If I focus I can pinpoint it.","47":"Slowly, I drive toward it. And see something... that...","48":"I've never seen a fight in my life, but this can't properly be called a fight.","49":"This is something that happens on television. But here it is right in front of me.","50":"I can't rush out of my car to help, though! I'm only one guy! I have to turn back...","51":"Wait. No. I don't have to get out of my car. I can just... use my horn. That'll frighten them... I think?","52":"I start pressing the horn. It doesn't... engage like I thought it would. Something holds me back from really pushing down on it.","53":"Come on! [i]Really lean into it![\/i]","54":"Shit... [i]why did I do that?[\/i]","55":"They know I'm here now! And they're going to come for me!","56":"I'm about to slam my foot into the gas... but...","57":"...they start running instead.","58":"My plan worked. I was so scared.","59":"But I did it anyway.","60":"When I fantasized about saving someone's life, I always imagined it would be a cute girl. Instead, I have this heaving, breathless old man in front of me.","61":"Now that I'm out of immediate danger, I can slow down and appreciate what I just did.","62":"No matter who this guy is, I saved him.","63":"I did a good thing.","64":"T-thank you.","65":"I can't respond, so I just start helping him up.","66":"I thought it was the end.","67":"[i]It's all good.[\/i] That's what I want to tell him. But it looks like that will have to wait.","68":"...","69":"...","0":"But what was that thing that... [i]Toaster Man[\/i] said? That a guy called [i]Frank Craven[\/i] was in trouble?","1":"Who even [i]is[\/i] Frank Craven? Toaster Man said something about him being a professor.","2":"If that's the case... I should be able to look him up on the app."},"ch2_ep2_investigation_controller.vne3":{"3":"I'll try in the afternoon after class and at night after work.","4":"That's enough. I need a break.","5":"I'll regroup at home for now.","6":"I'll wait for night to come. Then I'll try again.","7":"I get some work done, and now I've freed up some time to investigate.","8":"A short nap, then I'll be ready to continue tonight.","9":"I clear my support tickets so I can go out and investigate tonight.","10":"It's time. Let's see what I can find out.","11":"I can't stay up too late, but it's a good time to investigate.","12":"Let's try this. I'm hoping I can find Sam's phone tonight.","13":"Fuck. I gotta get to school.","14":"I don't feel like going to class...","15":"Another school day. When do I graduate?","16":"I can't waste time. I've got to find this guy.","17":"I have some time between class and work. Let's make the best of it.","18":"Finally. Where am I going this afternoon?","19":"I'll try to get some sleep.","20":"It's late. Better wait until tomorrow.","21":"I'm useless without sleep. I've got to hit the hay.","0":"So is this how I'm going to do things? Go around and... show random people the picture?","1":"I honestly don't have a better plan.","2":"Clearly, I'm not going to land a break easily. I'll try again tomorrow."},"ch2_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch2_start.vne3":{"3":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","4":"Check synopsis.","5":"Skip.","6":"I'm not a normal guy, but at the very least I was living a normal life...","7":"...with my {sheIsYour}, {Leah}. We both go to Shale Hill University. And even though we live under the same roof...","8":"...it feels like we're getting further and further apart.","9":"It's a deeply sad situation. She was there for me when I lost my voice years ago.","10":"Yep. I can't talk. I'm a mute. It's ironic. You'll find out why later.","11":"Between my studies, I work in the IT Lab with my officemate Linus and a guy we've never seen called Hank.","12":"I do tech support, yeah. And my job was simple and boring until the last update...","13":"...when I learned I can access private information on other people's computers.","14":"I was so shocked... well... I made a fool of myself. But what was I supposed to do?","15":"Some kinda weird glitch was sending private nudes to my computer.","16":"Doing some errands for Hank really took my mind off things. It gave me a chance to cool down and wander around campus.","17":"I ran into my ex at the mall...","18":"...Lidia, the cute barista...","19":"...Maggie, the crazy shy girl that likes to talk to me sometimes...","20":"...Haley, the soulful bartender of the local watering hole...","21":"...and finally Valerie, who thinks of me as her protégé despite her only being a year older.","22":"When I returned to the office, I wanted to investigate the glitch I had found on the computer... hoping that it would turn out to be some one-off thing or a random porn popup.","23":"But before I could investigate, Hank sent Linus and I to Sevigny's to help set up their wireless.","24":"So we did, but I decided to test the new program installed on my computer, as well.","25":"I saw Haley had gotten a disturbing text message, and I was too curious whether I could intercept it.","26":"I was [i]way[\/i] too successful, and I knew that I had something powerful in my hands.","27":"It seemed I really could break into any computer I wanted.","28":"I rushed home to test my theory.","29":"And... testing only confirmed my suspicions.","30":"I felt... exhilarated, frightened, and strange.","31":"What sort of rabbit hole had I fallen into?","32":"(from beginning)","33":"test.vne3","34":"02.10 spy on leah","35":"02.15 flashback","36":"02.20 sams lecture","37":"more choices","38":"02.25 sams phone","39":"02.30 it department","40":"02.35 flashback","41":"02.45 town hall event","42":"02.50 lunch with emily","43":"more choices","44":"02.55 sex with emily","45":"02.60 new number who diss","46":"02.65 moes kingdom","47":"02.70 peril","48":"more choices","49":"02.40 admin","50":"02.40 bar","51":"02.40 coffee","52":"02.40 park","53":"02.40 comic","54":"more choices","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. "},"ch2_test.vne3":{},"ch3__03.05 the garage.vne3":{"10":"I'd rather not get the police involved.","11":"He doesn't want to get the police involved? What does he mean by that?","12":"This guy sure doesn't seem like a criminal.","13":"You... talk through your phone. You're not deaf, are you?","14":"Before I can answer...","15":"Oh! I know who you are! {PlayerName}... {Leah}'s {youAreHer}. Is that right?","16":"She said that you were... nonverbal. And you fit her description.","17":"She said that you were... nonverbal. And you look like her.","18":"This guy knows {Leah}? I know his name is Frank Craven... but I'm not sure where I remember it from. [i]Frank Craven... Frank Craven...[\/i]","19":"[b]That's right.[\/b] {Leah} said something about her academic advisor being one Frank Craven! This must be the same guy!","20":"Yes, I'm him. Are you Frank Craven?","21":"Yes. I can trust you, then.","22":"I don't mean to be presumptuous, but I'd like to get out of here as quickly possible. I'm afraid helping me carries some risk.","23":"What is he asking me for, then? Help getting out of here?","24":"[i]But of course he is, idiot.[\/i] He was just attacked. Who knows if those thugs are going to circle back?","25":"And if they do... [i]fuck[\/i]. I need to get out of here, too!","26":"I don't think we need to have some long debate. I pull the door open for him and jump into the driver's seat.","27":"As soon as Frank gets in, I slam my foot on the pedal.","28":"I hope - [i]pray[\/i] - that whoever those guys were, they didn't pay attention to my car.","29":"My focus is solely what's in front of me.","30":"I don't notice the look of discomfort on Frank's face as he gazes out the window.","31":"So when I hear a strange, guttural sound from the seat next to me, I'm taken by surprise.","32":"The panic seeps into me even more... it sounds [i]really bad[\/i].","33":"[shake]In... inhaler.[\/shake]","34":"Inhaler? [i]No way, this guy has asthma?[\/i]","35":"I... couldn't trouble you... to circle back.","36":"[i]His voice[\/i]. Like a slurry of gravel and mucus, growing weaker and hoarser.","37":"I'd understand it if he wanted to be taken to a hospital, but going back? Did he drop his inhaler?","38":"How do I communicate with him with my hands on the wheel? I [i]really[\/i] don't want to go back.","39":"I just... try to look at him with [i]intensity[\/i]. See if I can carry a message that way.","40":"I understand... my apartment building... is nearby... take me there.","41":"I'll... give you directions...","42":"I give a nod, and slam the pedal as hard as possible.","43":"The journey is a harrowing experience. With the way Mr. Craven looks and sounds, I keep wanting to turn around and head to a hospital.","44":"Fuck. His wheezy breathing reminds me of when I lost my voice for good. I really don't want the same to happen to him.","45":"I park the car and rush him into the building like I'm rushing him to the hospital.","46":"As soon as we get inside, he starts directing me where I need to go.","47":"I pretty much kick down his office door. Mr. Craven is incredibly quick to cross the office and open his drawer.","48":"He draws in from his inhaler like a desperate addict takes in a drag. The moment he does, relief falls over him.","49":"Oh... thank God.","50":"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have asked you to circle back. That was selfish of me. I started to panic as the attack set in.","51":"You have asthma?","52":"Yes... something like that. I have GERDs, Gastrointest- it's not important.","53":"The important thing is [i]you[\/i]. You... I told you not to come.","54":"He told me [i]what[\/i]? This guy hasn't told me anything. Unless... he knows I intercepted his text messages...","55":"But that doesn't make any sense at all. He was clearly communicating with someone else.","56":"You may have compromised-","57":"Stop. We've never talked before.","58":"So... you're telling me you [i]aren't[\/i] Nightingale.","59":"Who is Nightingale?","60":"You driving into the garage at that moment... was a complete coincidence?","61":"Yes.","62":"Oh thank God.","63":"What is this about?","64":"...But... now [i]you[\/i] know. I'm afraid I've dragged you into quite a messy situation.","65":"I don't understand. Are you saying you got me in trouble with those thugs? You know who they work for? What-","66":"Stop typing for a moment, please. I was there to pick up some documents from Nightingale. When I went to the dead drop, it was empty. I don't know who those thugs were or who they work for.","67":"I only have an... educated guess.","68":"Can this shit hurt me?","69":"I don't know! I don't think they wanted to kill me. If they had they would've... killed me.","70":"No. No. They were messengers. The message was [i]don't pursue this Nightingale lead[\/i].","71":"What is Nightingale?","72":"That is... complicated.","73":"You look quite young, so I'm not sure you know this. Does [i]Deep Throat[\/i] ring a bell?","74":"Uh...","75":"I don't mean the... the sex act. Or the porn movie.","76":"I definitely did not have deep throats in mind looking at this guy.","77":"As for what Mr. Craven really means...","78":"You mean the Watergate thing?","79":"I have no idea.","80":"Yes, the [i]Watergate thing[\/i].","81":"Nightingale is much like Deep Throat, except inside Shale Hill's government.","82":"And has a tastefully chosen name.","83":"Yes, yes.","84":"I only know it as a sex thing. Sorry.","85":"[i]Deep Throat[\/i] was the pseudonym of FBI agent Mark Felt when he leaked documents pertaining to the Watergate scandal to the press.","86":"Are you trying to tell me the FBI is involved?","87":"No! I'm saying [i]Nightingale[\/i] is the pseudonym of the leaker inside Shale Hill's government.","88":"The Watergate scandal was... a long time ago. That's resolved. Has nothing to do with what we're doing now.","89":"So those thugs could've been after the leaker.","90":"Possibly. I... was communicating with Nightingale at the time, so I knew they didn't get him.","91":"I was afraid you were him, coming back to save me.","92":"No, it was a lucky accident.","93":"And a friend of {Leah}'s. A surprise.","94":"Those documents must've contained some heavy stuff.","95":"They did. And they go further than this town. If my suspicions were accurate, they would've implicated the Governor himself with...[char,Craven_Casual_Surprised] [i]a lot[\/i].","96":"The Governor is the cowboy guy, right?","97":"No. That's the mayor.","98":"I see.","99":"You don't follow local politics at all, do you?","100":"No.","101":"What we [i]would've[\/i] received is proof that the Governor is communicating with his supporters, like the mayor, and instructing them to make certain budget cuts to hurt his political rivals.","102":"But... those documents are gone now.","103":"That doesn't sound good... but to send out thugs... I would've expected it to be something [i]a lot worse[\/i] than just a spat over a budget.","104":"And that's pretty serious, is it?","105":"I know, it's not as headline-grabbing as a sex scandal, but it really matters.","106":"People live and die by those budgets. It's not dramatic but it is important.","107":"Nightingale didn't make any copies of these super important documents?","108":"I don't know. I hope so. Otherwise... I'm stuck.","109":"Nightingale was my lead. And now...","110":"Anyway, I keep getting told I should mind myself. I'm not a war correspondent anymore. [char,Craven_Casual_Neutral]I'm a professor and I edit the school paper in my spare time.","111":"Ooooh... all this stress is causing me ulcers...","112":"Frank Craven, this sweaty, fat, asthmatic, wreck of a human being, was a [i]war correspondent[\/i]?","113":"Either he's changed a lot or he didn't need to run too fast during the war.","114":"How is a guy like you a war correspondent?","115":"(Say nothing.)","116":"Is it because I'm not in the best shape?","117":"I'm not offended by that. But I don't appreciate it.","118":"I'm just curious.","119":"Ninety-nine percent of the time, war is boring. It's mostly just sitting around.","120":"So not like [i]Black Hawk Down[\/i].","121":"That one percent of the time, though...","122":"I'll say this. During that one percent when it isn't boring, lying down and staying quiet makes the biggest difference. Even as a fat man, I can do that.","123":"I need pepto-bismol. Where did I put it?","124":"Frank begins to open drawers, sorting through his things.","125":"Damn it... don't tell me I left it at the office...","126":"Do you need a ride there?","127":"No. My car is parked nearby. But thank you.","128":"There could be thugs waiting by your car.","129":"And if there are, I'd rather deal with it myself than drag an innocent man with me.","130":"I already feel quite bad about this situation. It's not something you should have been pulled into.[char,Craven_Casual_Sweat] Where is that damn pepto?","131":"Please, go home.","132":"Thing is... I probably [i]could[\/i] help this man. The app... I can break into any device in school. Can't I do the same with computers outside?","133":"These are government computers, but still... [i]I guess I haven't really tried anything outside of school[\/i].","134":"There's just one thing I'm curious about.","135":"I'm too corrupted by my wealth and decadence to be of any use to anyone anymore. It's all up to you now.","136":"People need you. Especially Professor [b]Frank Craven[\/b]. He really fucking needs you.","137":"Did you see a toaster man?","138":"Did your text-to-speech just malfunction? I swear you said [i]toaster man[\/i].","139":"Yes. Have you seen a rough-looking guy, holding a toaster?","140":"A toaster? I feel like I would've remembered something like that.","141":"Why do you ask?","142":"He's a-","143":"Shit. What lie am I going to say?","144":"-character around campus.","145":"Heh. Maybe he's Nightingale, right?","146":"Maybe.","147":"The funny thing is... I really thought Nightingale might've been your {relationship}, {Leah}.","148":"I thought you said whoever Nightingale was, they were inside the local government.","149":"I don't actually know that. I'm just guessing. But... {Leah} would be a guess too.","150":"Sorry. I'm rambling.","151":"I mean... is it really that unlikely? I know {Leah} pretty well.","152":"{Leah} used to sneak into the principal's office to get scoops.","153":"Yes. She's pretty brave. And sometimes she hits me with... real passion.","154":"It would be in her character to be some informant or whistleblower or something. But how she got that information... I'd have no explanation for.","155":"So I suppose it's more likely she isn't.","156":"Don't tell her I said anything about her being Nightingale. And... you probably shouldn't say anything else either about this night.","157":"The chances she'd get herself in trouble are very high.","158":"I won't.","159":"Thank you.","160":"I mean... I [i]knew[\/i] I was going to get into some trouble. You work in IT enough, you see things you aren't supposed to.","161":"Both Linus and I have been blasted with... [i]the nastiest, most illegal shit[\/i] you could imagine when we're dealing with personal drives.","162":"This is different. This is [i]power[\/i]. This is rich people shit. And you don't mess with money.","163":"{Leah} absolutely needs to be kept away from it.","0":"I watch as the man struggles to his feet.","1":"Shit. He looks unsteady. Out of breath. I suppose that's normal given the situation, but this man looks like he wasn't doing particularly well before he was beaten up.","2":"As hard as it was for him to get on his feet, he's also wheezing and coughing. He's having almost as much difficulty talking as I do.","3":"I guess... I should take him to a hospital or something? That's the responsible thing to do, right?","4":"I whip my phone out and start typing.","5":"Do you need an ambulance?","6":"I mean... I probably shouldn't even bother asking. I should just [i]get[\/i] an ambulance. He's having difficulty just standing.","7":"I'll go ahead and call.","8":"No, stop.","9":"He suddenly seems... extremely animated. He finds his strength quickly."},"ch3__03.10 the tv.vne3":{"3":"Wow... every time I look at {Leah}...","4":"...I just can't help but notice how... [i]feminine[\/i] she looks. All curled up like that...","5":"If I could... I'd reach out just to touch her... but I'm not sure I could do that without waking her.","6":"Damn... I gotta cast out these weird feelings from my head. They're giving me strange impulses.","7":"What kind of freak thinks about his {relationship} like this?","8":"I'm feeling more and more fucked up every day. Maybe I should do something wholesome?","9":"Why am I having these strange thoughts when looking at her?","10":"Maybe I could make her feel more comfortable?","11":"Ah. Poor {Leah}. She must have been exhausted.","12":"Was she working on homework when she suddenly fell asleep? I doubt it.","13":"I shouldn't disturb her. But she probably would sleep better with a blanket. And with the TV off.","14":"Should I put a blanket over her? A part of me would hate to see her all covered up, but... I know she might feel better.","15":"Or, I could just leave her be. I don't want to wake her, after all.","16":"She's sleeping so soundly.","17":"If I put a blanket over her, I might only wake her.","18":"Put a blanket over her.","19":"Don't risk waking her.","20":"I think she would appreciate that. The air conditioner in this building is an absolute monster, breathing out cold air like a fucking ice dragon.","21":"She can't be comfortable like that.","22":"God... what a strange feeling I had... while putting that blanket over my {relationship}...","23":"I'm not entirely sure what's gotten into me.","24":"She's gotta be more comfortable like that.","25":"I wonder how she could've fallen asleep like that in the first place.","26":"She's already sleeping soundly. She doesn't need my help.","27":"It's better to just leave her as she is.","28":"I've got some things I want to try before bed.","29":"I can't be up too late, though. {Leah} is a reminder that I'm also a morning person. I'll take on the whole world at 6 A.M., but don't ask me to do anything past 12.","30":"This should be quick. I know I can break into any device connected to the Shale Hill network, but I don't know yet if I can do the same to devices [i]not connected[\/i] to the network.","31":"My assumption is [i]no[\/i], but to be honest I haven't really tried yet.","32":"I pull up the computer and start working, seeing if I can search for any computer not on the network.","33":"There's... so many toggles and options on this thing, a lot of them given confusing labels, if any at all. I don't know for certain if any of them actually do what I want them to do, but it's worth a shot.","34":"After ten minutes of experimentation, I have no luck.","35":"Still, I can't say definitively that it [i]can't[\/i]. RECENTLY is such a complicated, strange program that I feel like I could [i]unlock more functions[\/i] if I experimented further.","36":"Anyway, Frank Craven asked me not to dig into this Nightingale stuff. I wouldn't know where to dig into it in the first place. Who knows about this stuff other than me and Mr. Craven?","37":"But... I might find something out just using the program normally, as I have been. I don't think there's much of a risk keeping an eye out.","38":"That raises a separate question. [i]What constitutes normal usage of RECENTLY?[\/i] Technically, what I'm doing is breaking into people's fucking computers and stealing their personal info.","39":"I have to think hard about how I'm going to use this program.","40":"Am I really protecting people?","41":"Or am I putting myself and others at risk?","42":"It could be the case... this is all some sort of trap. If they can get into everyone else's computer... they can get into mine.","43":"Is it possible that they've been tracking everything that I've been doing? If so... who? The government, the police?","44":"If I was a real hacker... what would I be using? How would I go about this?","45":"To be honest, I'm really only an amateur wading into a deep, deep sea.","46":"The door?","47":"No... probably the vent system.","48":"Did I leave that door open? Shit... I'm usually so careful about shutting the door.","49":"I really am feeling paranoid. I gotta sleep this feeling off.","0":"Is that the TV on?","1":"It's not [i]that[\/i] late for it to be weird to watch television. But for {Leah}, it is. As a matter of fact, she's just not much of a TV person to begin with.","2":"Maybe she had the TV on while doing something else? Let's check."},"ch3__03.15 leahs computer issues.vne3":{"10":"Maybe... I should just avoid using RECENTLY today. Maybe even avoid thinking about it.","11":"A knock at the door? Does {Leah} need something?","12":"I'll open the door for her.","13":"Hey.","14":"{Leah} is standing in a strange, coquettish manner. Like she wants something.","15":"I'm... having computer issues.","16":"Ah. Okay. I'm playing the handyman today. Got it.","17":"What seems to be the issue?","18":"[i]Come on, {PlayerName}. Don't talk to her like a customer. She's your {relationship}.[\/i]","19":"The typical IT help desk manner is hard to shake off. But still...","20":"Something about {Leah}'s behavior is throwing me off a bit. I don't know what it is, though. This isn't the first time she's knocked on my door about a computer problem.","21":"It turns off if I unplug it.","22":"It sounds like your battery is dead.","23":"Oh... do you think it could be that simple?","24":"The computer is old, right? Sometimes the batteries end up dying.","25":"I suppose. I can't really remember when I bought it...","26":"Shit. Even {Leah} isn't usually this bad with computers.","27":"Could you take a look?","28":"Sure. Is it in your bedroom?","29":"Yes.","30":"Let's take a look, then.","31":"{Leah} watches with a strange, nervous energy as I take a look at her computer.","32":"I pull the plug... with a fatal whirr it dies.","33":"Is it working? Do you think you can make it work?","34":"Well, you're right that it turns off if you unplug it.","35":"Oh. So that means the battery is dead?","36":"A really good sign that it is. It could be a driver problem... or a bad power settings configuration.","37":"Do I need to get a new device?","38":"I think this brand has a replaceable battery.","39":"I turn the computer over and take a look at the bottom.","40":"Oh... is the problem there?","41":"Did someone else work with your computer recently?","42":"Uh... yes...","43":"Someone voided your warranty.","44":"Oh. Oh no. Damn those repair shops! H-how did they void it?","45":"They broke the seal into the inner compartment.","46":"How do you know?","47":"There's a little sticker you have to break to open the computer up. It's kinda the same thing with the rings around milk bottle tops.","48":"Oh. An anti-tamper thing?","49":"Precisely. Now that it's broken, I'm free to take a look inside.","50":"Are you sure you won't damage the computer that way?","51":"{Leah}, the computer is bricked. I literally can't do any more harm to it if I threw it out the window.","52":"I... I see.","53":"I carry a small screwdriver with me on a keychain and undo the screws holding the back cover in place.","54":"When I open it, I immediately see the issue.","55":"{Leah}, the battery is missing.","56":"What? Missing? Really?","57":"Yeah. Did the repair shop you went to... take it out?","58":"That's so weird! Maybe it slipped out of the computer?","59":"[i]Slipped out of the computer?[\/i]","60":"{Leah}, did you open the computer?","61":"No! I don't know anything about computers. I wouldn't know where to find the battery.","62":"Is {Leah} [i]lying[\/i] to me right now?","63":"Are you sure the back cover never came off?","64":"If anything... I... I put it back on.","65":"So the back cover [i]was[\/i] off. Why didn't you tell me?","66":"Because I [i]found[\/i] it that way and if I had been the one to break it, you would've made fun of me.","67":"Okay. I [i]suppose[\/i] that's possible. {Leah} has been occasionally embarrassed by her lack of knowledge about computers and such.","68":"It's a simple fix. Just reinsert the battery.","69":"Oh. So is that hard?","70":"No. I just said it was simple.","71":"Oh.","72":"You should talk to the manufacturer, tell them that whoever fixed your computer voided the warranty without your consent.","73":"Uh... okay. So it will take like a minute?","74":"Yeah. A minute. I just need a spare battery.","75":"If it dropped out of the computer, it might still be in the room.","76":"You're sure it's not at the repair shop?","77":"It could be. But I think it's in the room.","78":"She seems to be pretty confident that's the case...","79":"If everything is okay, I'll take a bathroom break, then.","80":"Sure.","81":"That's weird. Isn't it?","82":"Something about the way {Leah} acts... it's throwing me off a bit.","83":"I don't know... she [i]could[\/i] be lying... but why? It can't just be because she's embarrassed she knows so little about computers.","84":"Or... I could be going deeper into this paranoid mindset, interpreting innocent actions as sinister.","85":"Do I want to start doubting even [i]{Leah}'s[\/i] actions?","86":"No. Second-guessing {Leah}'s motives is a line I don't want to cross.","87":"Whatever is going on, there is an innocent explanation.","88":"She's up to something.","89":"She might be lying, but I choose to trust her.","90":"It's probably nothing.","91":"I mean... all the evidence points to that. But why? Why is she making stuff up about the computer?","92":"Is she trying to trick me?","93":"I can't imagine that. Why? What would her motivations even be?","94":"I'm sure there's a good explanation. {Leah} would never do me wrong.","95":"{Leah} always has my best interest at heart. If I can't trust her, I can't trust anyone.","96":"She's probably lying, yeah. But... that doesn't mean it's a sinister lie. I mean... I once lied in class because I didn't want to admit I had diarrhea.","97":"I highly doubt that {Leah} has diarrhea... maybe she was looking for an excuse to get a new computer?","98":"I have no idea.","99":"The spy games are getting me absolutely twisted up. Fucking with me mentally, emotionally.","100":"I haven't been doing this for even a month and I'm already exhausted.","101":"I can't take out my irrational, paranoid state of mind out on {Leah}.","102":"So... where is this battery?","103":"...Beneath {Leah}'s bed, apparently.","104":"I suppose the battery could've fallen out of the laptop and slid beneath the bed... but... I really don't know.","105":"Anyway, now that I've found the battery, it's pretty easy to fix. I really only need to hook it back up.","106":"When I finish working, it suddenly strikes me: a reason why {Leah} is acting so strangely.","107":"Did Mr. Craven tell her something about what happened yesterday?","108":"I'll address it when she comes back.","109":"Done.","110":"Oh good. Thanks.","111":"So... uh... did Mr. Craven tell you about what happened last night?","112":"Mr. Craven...!","0":"Couldn't get a wink of sleep last night with all these [i]moral questions[\/i] buzzing through my head.","113":"...Yes, yes he did. The parking garage thing.","1":"They all seem a lot more appropriate for my [i]Ethics in Information Technology[\/i] class I was forced to take last semester.","114":"So she does know! Why didn't she ask?","2":"I don't think that class would've [i]helped[\/i], but it's definitely a topic Professor Garces would have loved to waffle on about for a full period.","115":"Yeah. It was... really weird.","3":"Ultimately... I've got think less about what other people think... and consider my own needs first.","116":"You look... completely fine after that ordeal.","4":"I'm not even talking about abusing the program. I'm talking about the risks, too.","117":"I guess... uh... I guess I just haven't thought about it that much.","5":"If I'm caught using RECENTLY... I'm going to attract all kinds of bad attention.","118":"You didn't think about... saving someone's life? Nearly getting beaten up?","6":"I can't just think about what others would think. I have to come up with my own answer.","119":"Man, this was really the last thing I wanted. She's going to get too interested. I have to pass it off as an accident.","7":"It's more complicated than simply refusing to break the law. There are times when breaking rules is a [i]good, just[\/i] thing.","120":"I don't know, {Leah}. There's so much else on my mind. That was all an accident.","8":"I gotta think about me, too. There's risks I don't understand.","121":"You could've told me about it.","9":"There's nothing free in this world. This power will come with a price.","122":"You were asleep when I got home, so...","123":"It's the sort of thing you tell someone immediately.","124":"I don't know. Mr. Craven... I don't know how much he told you, but... he basically told me to keep it quiet.","125":"Really? Why?","126":"Shit. If I hint at something more interesting, she's going to look into it.","127":"Fuck it. I'll just pass this onto Mr. Craven.","128":"I think it's best if you just ask Mr. Craven.","129":"Uh... sure. [char,Leah_Casual_Neutral_2]I guess I will.","130":"So, what else has been going on? What are your plans?","131":"Just... work... school. Maybe snatch a little fun too.","132":"Yeah. Let me know if you're doing something cool. Maybe we can do it together.","133":"That'd be nice. You know... you're busy so often... I just kinda stopped asking.","134":"I know. And... it's the same situation with me. But hanging out with you at the town hall was so nice... it might be worth it just to see if we can do something like that.","135":"Yeah.","136":"Even if I say <dq>I'm busy<dq> twenty times, the twenty-first time, you know, might be the one time I'm not busy.","137":"Yeah. But uh... I'm busy today.","138":"Oh yeah. Me too.","139":"Looks like that plan will have to wait. But... uh... I'll promise to ask. Something will come up.","140":"Maybe my computer will break again.","141":"Well, that was going to happen anyway.","142":"Heh! Yeah...","143":"I gotta get going.","144":"I haven't taken a shower yet, so...","145":"Okay. Until later, {PlayerName}.","146":"Yeah, you too.","147":"Ugh... she already found out about last night? God, news travels quick.","148":"And I really didn't want {Leah} to learn. She's the last person I want interested in something as dangerous as this.","149":"If I just play it off as a random occurrence, then maybe I can deflect enough attention that she doesn't realize it was some kind of conspiracy thing."},"ch3__03.20 returning the phone.vne3":{"10":"I'll see you all next week. Please read pages 304 through 311 in your textbooks. We'll be concluding relativistic velocity by the end of the week.","11":"Damn. End of class and no text from Sam. What is going on?","12":"Mr. Rogham.","13":"Ah. {PlayerName}. My favorite student.","14":"Thanks. I see Sam isn't in class.","15":"This surprises you?","16":"Sam is late but she usually shows up.","17":"Is that the case? I suppose it is. Maybe she's finally learned her lesson?","18":"Her lesson?","19":"What exactly is the point of her showing up?","20":"The fuck is he on about?","21":"I still don't understand.","22":"Let me put things frankly, {PlayerName}. When I see you coming in with Ms. Hunter every day, I wonder why the wheat is walking in with the chaff.","23":"There are [i]systems[\/i] in place to weed out people like Samantha Hunter.","24":"When you compromise these systems in the interests of political expediency, people like Ms. Hunter end up in a position where they're destined to fail.","25":"Destined to fail?","26":"I don't mean failure in every sense of the word. There's a prejudice against those better suited to... [i]flipping burgers... welding... Internet vlogging[\/i] and so forth. But that isn't the fault of the system, that's the fault of society.","27":"Ms. Hunter might have become self-aware enough to understand she's in a circumstance where she is bound to fail, and she is assessing a new path where success is more likely.","28":"I don't believe that.","29":"Your star is rising, {PlayerName}. If you tie yourself to leaky boats, you're going to go down with them.","30":"Speaking of which, I really am impressed with your fusion paper. I must admit I had to search and make sure you hadn't pulled it from the Internet.","31":"If you adapt it a little, it would make a fine article. I know the editors of several popular science magazines...","32":"I'll think about it. Thank you, Mr. Rogham.","33":"Of course.","34":"God damn it. Sam really is going to fail if she doesn't attend class. What is she doing?","35":"I have it in mind to call her and rip into her.","36":"No answer. Is she not picking up?","37":"Don't tell me she lost her [i]new[\/i] phone. That'd be just like her.","38":"Although... if she had, she probably would've made it to class to ask for my help. That's just who she is.","39":"Shit. Am I going to have to go to Sam's room and check personally?","40":"I don't want to feel like Sam's caretaker all the time. But Sam usually isn't [i]this bad[\/i].","41":"Something is scratching at the back of my mind. Trying to warn me. Something she said bothered me... but I got so distracted by the fucking phone I forgot about it.","42":"What was that thing she was talking about? Shit. I can't remember.","43":"That's right. It's not something she said...","44":"It was... her [i]mood[\/i]. She looked so... [i]sad and defeated[\/i].","45":"That isn't like the Sam I knew at all. The one who ran for student council president on a whim and defeated me.","46":"Sam [i]isn't a sad person[\/i]. She's a bit down on herself and self-deprecating, sure, but not [i]hopeless[\/i].","47":"I should have been more insistent when I was talking to her.","48":"It can't hurt to knock on her door.","49":"I know I said I wouldn't babysit Sam anymore, but this feels different to me.","50":"This feels different from before.","51":"I hope everything is okay.","52":"Ugh.","53":"She's not answering the door? Oh fuck you, Sam.","54":"This is a bad joke. Is she gone?","55":"Does she know how much it bothers me when she acts like this?","56":"Sam... [i]what's wrong?[\/i]","57":"Some days, I'm not sure why I bother. If Sam doesn't want my help, why give it?","58":"If only she knew how much effort it took me to get this phone to her.","59":"I guess I'll mail it to her?","60":"Those high heels. I'd recognize the sound of those shoes anywhere.","61":"It's been a while since I'd heard them stomping up a hallway like all the way back in highschool.","62":"I guess she hasn't changed all that much from highschool.","63":"Well, well. Look who waits at Sam's door like a hungry little puppy.","64":"You could just say \"Good morning\".","65":"I could. What are you doing here?","66":"I was about to ask you the same question.","67":"Mmm. I'm having a hard time getting in contact with Samantha. I suppose because you're here, you are too.","68":"Really? The Student Council needs to talk with Samantha Hunter?","69":"If you haven't noticed, Sam is the president of multiple clubs.","70":"Yeah. That's the weird thing about Sam. She has a talent for acquiring offices.","71":"I was wondering about that. Why does she do that?","72":"It's not that she likes leadership positions. It's that she has a hard time saying no. Someone asks her to do something and she usually does it.","73":"Sam has a hard time saying [i]no?[\/i] Oh... no wonder she's your favorite person.","74":"It's not like that.","75":"I don't see why it can't.","76":"Let me say something nice about Sam, though. She doesn't seem like the type to get paperwork done on time. And yet, she does. She's quite reliable. Which always surprises me.","77":"Just not when it comes to her own needs.","78":"I'm starting to understand how she works.","79":"But recently she [i]hasn't[\/i] been reliable. Her clubs have been complaining that she hasn't shown up to any meetings.","80":"Seriously?","81":"Oh fuck. Now I'm worried.","82":"Seriously.","83":"I'm starting to jitter a little. The words are hard to type.","84":"Did something happen to her?","85":"Clearly. But she's not dead.","86":"Dead? That hadn't even occurred to me. What happened?","87":"I can't say.","88":"You can't say?","89":"It would violate her privacy.","90":"I'm her friend. I have the right to know.","91":"No. It would be against the rules for me to reveal what I know. Sorry.","92":"So I can't call her, can't knock on her door, can't-","93":"You [i]can[\/i] go into her room.","94":"What do you mean?","95":"That's why I'm here. To go into her room.","96":"That isn't a violation of privacy?","97":"Student bylaws stipulate that I can enter a dorm if I suspect a possible health issue.","98":"Health issue?","99":"Mental health also counts, right? School administration is so focused on health and safety. Well. I'm here for health and safety reasons.","100":"You're going to go into Sam's room?","101":"With the magic skeleton key afforded to me by being Student Council President, yes. Would you also like to come in?","102":"I'm not even in the Student Council. I've got no reason to be in there unless she invites me.","103":"You do have a reason to be in there. You're her friend, right?","104":"I don't know.","105":"[i]Fuck off, {PlayerName}. Violating her privacy wasn't that big a concern when you were hacking into her computer.[\/i]","106":"[i]What am I doing? Overcompensating now that I have a perfectly legitimate reason to go into her room? Am I being performative just to deflect suspicion off me?[\/i]","107":"I suppose it is also true that I probably shouldn't be entering her room without reason. I don't know...","108":"I'll wait outside.","109":"I'll go in with you.","110":"How honorable of you.","111":"You could look inside if you want to. Will that satisfy your chivalry?","112":"Yeah. I could do that.","0":"Sam's phone weighs heavy in my pocket. I wonder how she's going to react when I give it back to her?","113":"Good.","1":"I mean... happy? Right?","114":"Valerie swipes her card against the lock and the door opens.","2":"I would be happy.","115":"Inside, her room looks undisturbed. Or rather, [i]disturbed[\/i] but how it normally is.","3":"I'm on time this time. So when I see Sam's empty seat-","116":"I don't see Sam, but that doesn't mean she isn't in the corner of the room. [i]Doing something[\/i].","4":"-I think to myself, [i]It's not that weird for Sam to be late. She'll probably show up later.[\/i]","117":"Valerie walks into the room and takes a look around. I watch closely to see if anything intrigues her.","5":"I take my seat in full faith that Sam is going to show up soon.","118":"My heart sinks as I realize she's seen nothing.","6":"But she doesn't.[pause] The whole lecture goes through, and no Sam.","119":"Is there any place Sam likes to hide?","7":"Ugh. I know it's none of my business, but Sam can't afford to be absent with how badly she's doing at school.","120":"Under her bed covers, maybe.","8":"God damn it, it's making me feel uncomfortable [i]for her[\/i]. Better talk to Mr. Rogham after class.","121":"Disturbing. She isn't in here.","9":"In the meantime, I'll send Sam a text and hope she responds.","122":"Valerie opens the door with a swipe of her card.","123":"We both walk in together.","124":"I don't see her.","125":"I know. My heart is starting to sink.","126":"She isn't in her closet, is she? Playing hide-and-go-seek.","127":"Sam stuffs her closet so deep she can't fit a box in, let alone herself.","128":"I'm joking, {PlayerName}.","129":"Joke or not, she isn't in here.","130":"I can see that.","131":"I'm at a loss.","132":"This really sucks.","133":"I guess she'll show up eventually. Everything she has is here, after all.","134":"In the meantime, I suppose I'll have to get the clubs to nominate new presidents.","135":"Nominate new presidents? That's quick. She hasn't been gone that long.","136":"Hmm... [speed,0.8][i]That's right. You don't know what I know.[\/i]","137":"Valerie knows something? Why would Valerie know anything about Sam I don't?","138":"Okay. I have to get going.","139":"You can't just leave me hanging like that!","140":"To tell you really would be violating her privacy. If she doesn't want to share something with you... maybe there's a reason.","141":"Anyway, if you give her phone over to the campus police, I'm sure they can return it.","142":"No. I'll find a way to give it in person.","143":"Okay. Don't stress about it too much, alright? If you need a good backrub and a kind word, my door is always open.","144":"Yeah.","145":"I have the means to figure out what Sam is doing.","146":"I should just go ahead and do it."},"ch3__03.25 samspionage.vne3":{"10":"I told you it was an emergency.","11":"Thanks to you, Linus had to pull your slack. It was damn selfish. -Hank","12":"Here it is. Someone must've been whining.","13":"I don't exactly feel good about leaving Linus alone, but I didn't have a choice.","14":"I gotta defend myself, though.","15":"I couldn't just not go. There was a legit emergency.","16":"Like the emergency that pulled you from your work at Sevigny's? -Hank","17":"Yes exactly.","18":"I should play peacemaker, though.","19":"I'm sorry. I don't skip work often. When I do, it's an emergency.","20":"It's not that weird to have two emergencies back to back.","21":"Hank doesn't respond for some time. I wonder if I said something that changed his mind?","22":"Don't make a habit of it. -Hank","23":"I'm sorry you had to make Linus pick up your hentai.","24":"Shut up. -Hank.","25":"I smirk, and I'm about to put away my phone, when...","26":"Also, he's way too self-conscious to pick up hentai. -Hank","27":"He probably orders online like most people.","28":"Linus probably has shame. I don't. -Hank","29":"I get to my desk and pull out my laptop. I'm about to spy on Sam, so I start looking over my shoulder to see if Linus is near-","30":"What's up.","31":"Holy shit!","32":"Did I scare you, man? Shit. That's amazing.","33":"I didn't expect it.","34":"Did you get chewed out by Hank?","35":"A little. We came to an understanding.","36":"Listen, personally, it doesn't bother me that you leave early. This job is so easy that I could do both our jobs just okay.","37":"Now Hank, he takes it personally, and he uses me to make you feel bad.","38":"Yeah, okay.","39":"So what was this emergency, huh? Was it actually an emergency... or did you get a text from an old flame who was DTF?","40":"Expect it, man.","41":"So you seem to have left in a hurry, yesterday.","42":"Is that what it looked like?","43":"Hank said there was some sort of emergency.","44":"Was it connected to that investigation? The one with the picture?","45":"Oh, right. I think I've already told Linus way too much.","46":"I wanted to leave early to go deal with something.","47":"Must've been bad if you were willing to piss off Hank.","48":"You didn't leave early, so it must have not been so bad.","49":"This has nothing to do with you, Linus.","50":"I was looking for Sam's phone.","51":"Hey, alright. I'm not prying.","52":"But you are.","53":"I'm bored, not nosy. If you don't want to tell me, don't tell me.","54":"But man... I gotta say. You've been acting strange. You didn't want to hang out at Sevigny's. And then... you kinda blowing me off when I asked what's wrong.","55":"I'm not known for being the most socially aware guy in the world, but I'm picking shit up. The klaxons are ringing.","56":"You've been pretty hot-and-cold recently, you know that?","57":"I just get this feeling that you're halfway to biting my head off. You know?","58":"It's personal stuff.","59":"I hope you think of me as a friend, man. You can tell me shit. I won't share it.","60":"If you're feeling stressed out just take something out of the beer fridge for yourself.","61":"So that was the investigation, huh?","62":"Aw man. That was an emergency.","63":"If I had delayed, I might have lost my lead.","64":"So... did you get the phone back?","65":"Yeah. I tried to return it this morning... but Sam wasn't around.","66":"That sucks.","67":"It does suck.","68":"You seem more stressed out than you used to be. If you want to unload on me, that's cool man. We IT guys have to be there for each other.","69":"I appreciate that.","70":"Linus gives a benevolent smile.","71":"You can be there for me... by watching the front.","72":"I'm not good at that.","73":"Come on, man. Relax. It's not a big deal. Listen, I gotta sign out front. [i]Please Be Patient[\/i]. All you gotta do is deal with people who aren't patient.","74":"Like it or not... dealing with people in the front [i]is[\/i] part of your job description.","75":"Yes. I know.","76":"Fine. I'll watch the front.","77":"Flipping fantastic.","78":"Finally, a moment of privacy.","79":"I type in Sam's name into RECENTLY.","80":"Hmm...","81":"Nothing. That's disturbing. But that doesn't [i]mean[\/i] there's a problem.","82":"She could be at a movie theater. Turned her phone on silent or something. Skipped school.","83":"I'm a little anxious, but I'm sure there's a good excuse for this.","84":"I look at her phone... and wonder what I should do with it.","85":"I've already peeked inside her computer, right? So looking into her phone wouldn't be so bad...","86":"I mean... the chance there's going to be some kinda [i]surprise[\/i] is not very likely.","87":"I know Sam pretty well. If she has really deep, dark secrets, I'd sense it. But she doesn't.","88":"That doesn't mean that something more recent hasn't occurred. If so, I need to find out what.","89":"On her lock screen, I see a four digit pin code.","90":"I wonder if her house number would work?","91":"I start to enter it in...","92":"Excuse me! Could I have a little help, please?","93":"Ah. Fuck. Her again.","94":"Linus is still in the bathroom. I'm not sure when he's getting out. I guess I'll just deal with her.","95":"Finally.","96":"Oh, it's you. The deaf guy.","97":"Alexis. Ever since I discovered her pics on RECENTLY, I can't seem to see her without a dick in her mouth.","98":"It wasn't just that, though. She had a [i]ton[\/i] of pictures. Not all of them were herself.","99":"I'm not deaf.","100":"Sorry. The... uh... [i]vocally dead?[\/i] The [i]speaking impaired?[\/i] You gotta help me out here.","101":"The PC term is [i]nonverbal[\/i].","102":"Oh! Okay. Gotcha.","103":"I was expecting that other guy. You know, the virgin.","104":"Linus?","105":"Yeah. Linus. He just has this virgin aura coming out of him like stink lines.","106":"Linus is not a virgin, according to him.","107":"No virgin says [i]I'm a virgin[\/i].","108":"There's only one way to make sure he's not a virgin.","109":"Linus isn't here. You can wait for him.","110":"Huh? How?","111":"Oh no.","112":"Are you saying there's some kinda swab you can do or... like medical test or something? Is it like a pap smear?","113":"I was joking.","114":"Why would you lie about something like that?","115":"There is [i]something[\/i] you can do to make sure he's not a virgin. Get it?","116":"Uh... I don't know. Call his mom? Maybe she knows.","117":"You can do [i]one specific thing with him[\/i] to make sure he's not a virgin. Get it now?","118":"Um... I'm going to go back to medical test now. Is it one of those ones where you have to pee on it?","119":"Fuck it. Never mind.","120":"Do you know... like... a doctor that can do this test?","121":"Linus isn't here. You can wait for him if you want.","122":"Actually, I think you might be able to help me.","123":"Please let me know how I can help.","124":"So I've been having issues with my laptop. I can't like... log onto the student website.","125":"That sounds like an account issue.","126":"I'm... uh... pretty positive that it's got something to do with my computer.","127":"If it's an issue with logging in, it's an account issue.","128":"I really think you should look at the laptop. I'm 100% positive it's a computer issue.","129":"Fine. If she's going to waste my time.","130":"Okay. Give me your laptop.","131":"Here you go.","132":"I open it up and...","133":"Jesus fuck!","134":"Nudes of Alexis. Almost immediately!","135":"How am I supposed to react?","136":"Something wrong?","137":"I fumble for my phone and slam my fingers against the screen.","138":"Where is your lock screen?!","139":"Lock screen? I don't have a lock screen.","140":"I had a nerd get rid of it for me. I'm the only one who uses my laptop. Why would I lock it?","141":"That's the point of the lock screen! To make sure you're the only one who uses it!","142":"Please! Close your... photos.","143":"I push the computer back to Alexis. Alexis pulls a curious face as she opens her computer.","144":"Oh, that. Sorry. That's a... uh... [i]fake photo[\/i].","145":"That's faked?","146":"Yes. It's a fake. Someone sad sits in their mom's basement and cooks this stuff up. I don't get it.","147":"Who faked it? And why were you looking at it?","148":"I don't know. It was just there. Did you like it, though?","149":"What is she talking about?","150":"Do you like fridge pizza?","151":"The fuck...? What does [i]fridge pizza have to do with anything?[\/i]","152":"Not really.","153":"It's kinda like... you open the fridge, and inside sits yesterday's pizza. At first you're like: [delay,200][char,Alexis_School_Annoyed][i]fuck, yesterday's pizza. I'm hungry, but I'm too lazy to even put that shit in the microwave.[\/i]","154":"So you just eat it, right there, standing, and you realize something. [delay,200][char,Alexis_School_Smile][i]Hey. That's kinda weird. I like pizza this way.[\/i]","155":"So I like fridge pizza. Do you like fridge pizza?","156":"I have no idea what's going through this girl's head. I'm starting to realize I didn't get the right first impression of her.","157":"Anyway, I have a bunch of fakes, actually. Some guy was uh... distributing them around and there was a lawsuit. His hard drives were all seized, but I happen to still have copies.","158":"You seem like you don't get out much. Well... I have [i]interesting[\/i] pictures of girls you couldn't dream of touching. The most popular in Shale Hill. [i]All fake, of course.[\/i]","159":"I'm... not sure how to respond. What is she trying to say?","160":"You just need to give a donation to the cheer squad. How about it?","161":"Oh. OH. She's selling me nudes! No wonder she has so many pictures on her device.","162":"But... she barely knows me. And this doesn't sound legal [i]at all[\/i]. How can she just trust me?","163":"Are all of these pics really deepfakes? She could be saying that only to minimize the implications of what she's doing.","164":"I've seen a lot of fakes. These don't look fake to me at all.","165":"Cat caught your tongue? Think of it like a nude calendar. [i]Without the calendar.[\/i]","166":"I don't actually need to buy. I think I already saved them when they turned up on RECENTLY. [i]Unless the collection is a lot larger than I imagined.[\/i]","167":"Well, if I regretted not saving them in the first place, now's my chance to rectify that.","168":"Come on, boy. These are only the most popular girls in Shale Hill. There's no chance you'll see them naked.","169":"Try to buy them.","170":"Refuse to buy them.","171":"Scold her.","172":"How big a donation?","173":"A pretty big donation. Like... $1000.","174":"A thousand? Fuck off.","175":"Alright. Fine. $500.","176":"I don't have that kind of money. Besides, I get everything I want for free off the internet.","177":"You're not going to find pictures like this anywhere else.","178":"I thought you said they were fake.","179":"Fake-ish.","180":"For fake pictures? No.","181":"They're fake-ish.","182":"What does that mean?","183":"They're fake for legal purposes.","184":"So they're not fake?","185":"They're whatever you want them to be, honey.","186":"No. This is too sketchy.","187":"You're going to sell pictures of your friends?","188":"You are deaf, aren't you? [i]They're fake-ish.[\/i] Hello!","189":"Fake-ish? What does that mean? Are they real or not?","190":"They're whatever you want them to be, honey.","191":"I'm not interested.","192":"Fine. Okay. Don't get all preachy.","193":"Okay. I see you aren't interested, then.","194":"Oh look. I can log on again. How convenient. Give me my computer back.","195":"I hand Alexis the computer.","196":"If you excuse me, my friend Sarah is going through a rough time and I have to go help her.","197":"You would know what Sarah looks like naked if you had bought those pictures.","198":"I kinda would've loved to see that.","199":"So that's how Alexis is putting herself through college? Selling nudes to nerds?","200":"I'm sure it's good for her in the short term. But in the long term...","201":"But... maybe I still have a chance. Sarah, was it? I can check her out on RECENTLY later.","202":"Anyway, I was about to look into Sam's phone.","203":"It's... of course... wrong to look at her phone. A total violation of privacy.","204":"But I feel like all my other sins have been so bad that this is nothing in comparison.","205":"I might as well look at it.","206":"I was about to see if Sam's old house number would work.","207":"Let's just try it.","208":"Lazy Sam. She should know better than to use her house number for a pin.","209":"But okay. Fine. Let's have a look for any recent messages.","210":"None. Or rather... nothing that looks out of the ordinary. Mrs. Hunter is sending her daughter paranoid messages as always.","211":"Things seem... fine. I guess. Of course, since the SIM card is disabled, I wouldn't be getting anything really recent.","212":"Let's browse around her phone a bit. Photos.","213":"Oh... a photo gallery? [i]Sexy. Cosplay. Nudes.[\/i]","214":"Damn, I'm glad I picked up this phone. I'm too curious not to look.","215":"Are these what I think they are?","216":"Man... glad I got this back. If someone broke into this phone they'd find a bunch of seedy photos.","217":"Of course... it wouldn't hurt to take a peek myself...","218":"I am a little curious, but I really shouldn't look.","219":"Should I give into my curiosity?","220":"Take a look.","221":"Don't look.","222":"I've got to stop and control myself.","223":"There's no reason for me to look. I'm not about to violate my friend's privacy more than I already have.","224":"I've... always wanted to see Sam... in a more intimate way.","225":"Shit. Why am I feeling kinda flush?","226":"Let's check out Sam's thing.","227":"Fuck man. I've seen Sam in sexy clothes before... but never actually [i]posing[\/i]. Seeing these feels... so different...","228":"It's mild stuff... but with my connection to Sam... it feels exciting. Forbidden.","229":"I'm not even sure why.","230":"In her bikini? I've seen her in it before. What I would do to see her like that in front of me...","231":"I'm feeling... weirdly jealous. I want to see her like that, too.","232":"Playing video games in underwear? God damn, Sam, you know what guys like.","233":"I should play games with you more often.","234":"And now... cosplay.","235":"I've seen her do cosplay before. But it's rarely anything risque.","236":"I guess it's going to be different now. I can't wait.","237":"What is this from? BDSM cat? I don't care. I love it.","238":"Seeing her like that... makes me want to spank her a little.","239":"Gorgeous.","240":"Nice superhero costume! Looks hand-stitched.","241":"Very nice. Very nice indeed.","242":"I do like Sam in a uniform. I'd love to see her lay down the law...","243":"...I don't know what any IPs these costumes are from. But I don't care. Sam doesn't look bad in anything.","244":"Okay... not sure why I'm looking through these... but Sam does look nice.","245":"This is nice too.","246":"These are pretty typical photos. Definitely good ones though.","247":"So it's Sam in her underwear. I wonder if it gets spicier in the cosplay folder?","248":"And now... cosplay.","249":"I've seen her do cosplay before. But it's rarely anything risque.","250":"Fuck man. I've never seen her cosplay this. Kind of a... BDSM catgirl thing?","251":"Mmm. I wonder what her superpower are. Probably making wood... heh.","252":"And... kind of a cop, I guess. She looks nice.","253":"All that's left is the nudes folder.","254":"I dunno. Seeing her in sexy clothes is one thing, but naked?","255":"This could be... stepping over a line. I'm not sure.","256":"Open the nudes folder.","257":"Stop.","258":"I mean... I might never get this chance again. So... I should just do it.","259":"It's not like it'll change my opinion of her. She's still my friend.","260":"Let's take a look.","261":"Uhhh...","262":"That's not Sam! That's not Sam at all!","263":"Close! Close!","264":"Well... I guess that proves Sam likes men.","265":"I guess as a single woman... she has needs.","266":"It's a little more than I needed to know about Sam, if not actually that surprising.","267":"Nah. It doesn't feel right.","268":"If I want to see her naked... I want it to be the right moment. I want her to want me to see her.","269":"In any event, I got no clues.","270":"Anyway, I shouldn't worry too much. Sam's gone for the day. I'm pissed she didn't show up to class, but that's her problem, not mine.","271":"I just... really wish she'd tell me what's going on in her life.","0":"Uh oh. The rebel comes in.","1":"What are you talking about?","2":"Come on, man. What, you don't remember? Your demonstration yesterday?","3":"A lot has happened.","4":"Yeah, well, you'd better remember quick because Hank wants answers.","5":"You're damn right. -Hank","6":"Uh oh. Leave me out of this, okay? I knew nothing.","7":"I didn't say you could leave early. -Hank.","8":"Oh my god. That's right. Hank threw a fit yesterday about me possibly leaving early. And he's throwing a fit again.","9":"I'll tell him the truth."},"ch3__03.30 remembering with haley.vne3":{"10":"That's fine. You can pay me in a story.","11":"She's such a flatterer.","12":"I take a seat across from her and nurse my beer. It's a... nice lager or something.","13":"I see people appraising beer like it was wine. I'm sure if I put some effort into it, I could come up with some thoughts about the drink.","14":"Instead... my thoughts immediately drift to something that had been lingering in the back of mind.","15":"Did you know Silent One is a big hacker?","16":"No. A big one?","17":"Kind of a legend. Linus is into this stuff. They say he can hack his way into the most secure systems in the world.","18":"The most secure systems in the world? Sounds uniquely talented.","19":"Well, I don't know if Silent One exists... but I don't really believe that there's some problem like that.","20":"That's a relief. I'd hate for someone to hack into my phone.","21":"I hide my guilty face behind a sip of my drink.","22":"I just think it's funny you call me Silent One.","23":"Huh. I'm not involved in that world. But it is interesting.","24":"Computer security... hacking... it all goes over my head.","25":"It's not that complicated if you really look into it.","26":"For you maybe.","27":"I don't know about that. I started out knowing nothing.","28":"Really? Nothing?","29":"I didn't know anything about computers. I was like my {relationship}, {Leah}. I could barely turn one on. Someone would mention RAM and I'd look around for a male sheep.","30":"I knew enough to browse the internet and check my mail, play a few computer games, but that was basically it.","31":"I find that hard to believe. You had to have been learning about computers for a long time.","32":"No. Only for a few years.","33":"Seriously? Only a few?","34":"Yeah.","35":"You learned fast.","36":"I was forced to, though.","37":"Is that... some sort of excuse? Whether you learn something by force or by choice... you still learned it. It's an indication of your intelligence.","38":"I suppose. It wasn't because I was driven by passion. So it didn't feel good. It just felt like I had to do it.","39":"So what forced you...?","40":"When I lost my voice, I had to figure out what sort of job I could do.","41":"I'm sorry to hear that.","42":"It's okay.","43":"Is it... a painful story?","44":"Not really.","45":"Can I ask... what were you going to do with your life? Before you lost your voice?","46":"Hmm... that's a complicated question. I'm not sure I know. Or did I know... and now I've forgotten?","47":"Strange. I was so passionate and driven back then. And now I'm so content and happy with where I am. Why is that? What happened to me?","48":"I don't know.","49":"So... losing your voice gave you your purpose.","50":"Holy shit. [i]Did it?[\/i] Is that why I'm so content now? Because I'm doing something and I feel more fulfilled?","51":"That... doesn't make any sense though. I had ambitions. I know I did. But... what were they...?","52":"Do you know Valerie?","53":"The Student Council President? Yeah.","54":"I was friends with her in highschool.","55":"No shit. That's surprising.","56":"She's so high-profile. And you're...","57":"I work for the IT department. It doesn't make sense.","58":"Yeah. I didn't want to say it in a mean way... but...","59":"Well, there was a time when we worked pretty closely together. Valerie told me something one day...","60":"I've chosen you, {PlayerName}. To be the next president.","61":"You can't choose the next president. There's an election...","62":"And yet I have. Don't make me a liar, {PlayerName}.","63":"Didn't you talk about running after Valerie?","64":"I did.","65":"So why the protests?","66":"Because... there's a word when the president chooses a successor. That's nepotism. Or a dictatorship.","67":"Valerie isn't saying she'll rig the election in your favor.","68":"But I will!","69":"Val?","70":"Actually, I'm kidding. I won't. But I will help and endorse you. That's not rigging, but it is an unfair advantage.","71":"It's not an unfair advantage. That's what everyone does.","72":"Not everyone, Emily. Only former presidents. And it is an unfair advantage.","73":"I'm willing to give you a hefty unfair-but-technically-ethical advantage, all you have to do is say you'll run.","74":"Wait. Slow down. I still want to know why it's unfair to endorse someone.","75":"Because not everyone has a former president to endorse them. Keep up, Emily.","76":"Uh... I... guess that makes sense.","77":"I'd like to run...","78":"{PlayerName}... why are you hesitating? This is what you want.","79":"But I was hesitating. I'd talked about running before. I had even talked about this with Valerie. That she should bring this up now was no surprise.","80":"Not even I was sure why I was second-guessing myself.","81":"...but... I'm graduating pretty soon...","82":"It's just cold feet, {PlayerName}. You'll run for President.","83":"Hold on, Emily. {PlayerName} has nerves. Don't pressure him - he'll cook. Let him cool down a bit.","84":"I'm not nervous. I'm just wondering if this will compromise my school work.","85":"It will.","86":"V-Val! Why are you discouraging him?","87":"Em, {PlayerName} isn't going to give up because of a little adversity. Don't be stupid.","88":"Actually, could you leave us alone for a second, Emily?","89":"Alone? Why...?","90":"I'm not going to rip his clothes off and jump on him like a jackhammer. Relax.","91":"It's not that I was thinking of.","92":"Then there's nothing to worry about. Be chill.","93":"Hrmm... I guess it's okay... then.","94":"What's up, {PlayerName}? How are you holding up?","95":"I'm doing fine. I can't help but wonder...","96":"I look pretty strong and confident, right?","97":"Wha- what does this have to do with-?","98":"Well, I'm not. It's a facade. Everything is a facade.","99":"Wha...?","100":"When I ran for President, I was scared. Like you are now! And the thing that people always say, that being scared only proves you're smart, is true.","101":"Fear is a sign of intelligence. Fear... and silence. Dumb people - they're loud and brave. You understand?","102":"No, you are way ahead of me.","103":"The fact that you are scared - it's not a bad thing in my book. It's a qualification.","104":"I'm not [i]that[\/i] scared. I wouldn't even use that word. I'm just nervous.","105":"{PlayerName}, I'm not talking to you right now because I actually need to convince you to run. I know you're going to do it no matter what.","106":"I'm trying to explain why you're running.","107":"You're explaining why [i]I'm[\/i] running?","108":"Yes.","109":"Emily thinks you're running for the same reason she'd run. And that's because Emily thinks about nothing but the future.","110":"She does. It's always about... tuition and college and her future career. I'm pretty pragmatic too, but not to her level.","111":"Yes. Remember when she adopted that highway?","112":"She wouldn't stop talking about how good it would look on her college applications.","113":"Yes. And on her Christmas list, she wanted college application books.","114":"She's so serious it's funny.","115":"Even the senior prank she took too seriously.","116":"But... that's not important. I know what Emily wants. And I know that's different from what you want.","117":"And you know this how? Are you a psychic or something?","118":"Maybe. We'll get back to that. But I'm going to take a guess at why you're truly running.","119":"Okay. Why?","120":"Because... you believe in leadership.","121":"Yes, I went to the Youth Leadership Conference two years in a row-","122":"Not that kind of leadership. The dumb kind. Where you repeat a bunch of platitudes designed to impress idiots. The stuff that makes the babushkas swoon.","123":"I'm talking leadership as an ideal and an identity.","124":"Now you've lost me again.","125":"Don't worry. You actually understand. But I'll remind you of what you believe.","126":"There are people motivated by personal advancement to become leaders. But they aren't leaders, because they don't want to lead.","127":"Such people are happy to stand in front of a crowd and repeat only what the masses want to hear from them.","128":"How is that any different from bootlicking?","129":"Well... bootlicking is usually when someone subservient tries to curry favor with the powerful by-","130":"Yes! Exactly! A subservient person follows the will of the powerful. A leader who simply acts to please their followers isn't actually a leader.","131":"Val... your political philosophy is far more advanced than mine. I have not put nearly this much thought into it.","132":"Don't say that. You understand what I'm saying in your bones.","133":"It's a language you don't understand quite yet. But don't worry. You'll get it.","134":"Are you high, Val?","135":"Heh! No, I'm not. Please, let me finish my point.","136":"Go ahead.","137":"A real leader is not someone who says <dq>yes<dq>. A real leader is someone who says <dq>no<dq>. They have the courage to stand in front of a crowd, and tell them what they [i]don't[\/i] want to hear.","138":"You aren't the one intimidated by your followers. You are the one who pushes [i]them[\/i].","139":"Val... that all sounds good, but I disagree with you all the time...","140":"I know! That's why I know you understand.","141":"Emily hardly ever disagrees with me. She licks my boot. You don't. You tell me things I'm uncomfortable with. You argue and stand up to me when you think I'm wrong.","142":"{PlayerName}, you are a true leader.","143":"I don't know...","144":"See, you just disagreed with me. That's evidence that you're a leader. So I'm right.","145":"But... uh... if I had agreed with you...","146":"I would have taken it as evidence that I'm right.","147":"So there's nothing I can do to convince you otherwise.","148":"You could jump out the window. That would be convincing.","149":"Okay. You are right about one thing. I probably would have run... even if you had said nothing.","150":"I already knew that.","151":"As for anything else you said... I'm not so sure about. I don't think nearly as deeply about it as you do.","152":"That's understandable. Again - you know what I'm talking about, but... like [i]instinctually[\/i].","153":"If you say so.","154":"You know how I know?","155":"How do you know?","156":"You and I... [i]we have a connection[\/i].","157":"That's what she said. [i]A connection[\/i]. Of all the things she said, that was what I understood the least.","158":"And the most.","159":"I don't want to comment on a social situation, {PlayerName}, but it sounds like she has feelings for you.","160":"Yeah. I... actually thought exactly the same thing.","161":"You didn't act on it?","162":"I wanted to. But something stopped me.","163":"What was that?","164":"The fact I was dating Emily, for one.","165":"I never thought of her in that way.","166":"Really? A beautiful girl like Valerie?","167":"I was dating Emily at the time, so that was one big reason.","168":"There's this other thing about Valerie. Half the school was basically in love with her.","169":"That's not surprising.","170":"No. So it's a... well known secret, I guess... that men don't get many compliments. And when they do...","171":"Super effective?","172":"Not with every man. But with most men.","173":"Most girls are pretty reticent about compliments.","174":"It's because they're scared of negative attention.","175":"Yeah, well, Valerie isn't. She'd pay compliments all the time.","176":"So, she'd walk around the school, and she'd tell guys that they looked handsome, and things like that. And not just to popular guys. Everyone.","177":"She treated everyone like a best friend.","178":"And it never attracted negative attention?","179":"No. It did. It fed into horrible rumors - that Valerie was a slut, or some kind of liar, or she was fake, and none of those things were true.","180":"But even I had doubts, I guess. I didn't know if she was serious or not.","181":"So I just didn't even bother asking.","182":"A missed love. That's so sad.","183":"I don't know if it was missed or not. That's the point.","184":"I guess that's why I couldn't be interested in her. I didn't know if she was just being nice or if it was real.","185":"I think she was being real.","186":"It sounds superficial but... it would've drove me crazy if a girlfriend of mine complimented every guy like that.","187":"I'd get jealous.","188":"Sorry. I was telling a story about how I lost my voice.","189":"Take your time. I'm not pressed for anything.","190":"Okay.","0":"I don't feel like going straight home.","1":"I guess I do... what people usually do when they're a bit down. Think and drink.","2":"Yeah... a few drinks. That'd feel so good right now.","3":"Haley is still working, I think. Good. Dante is a bit too high-strung for me right now.","4":"Afternoon, Silent One.","5":"Hey Haley.","6":"Will you finally have a drink?","7":"Yes.","8":"About time. First one is on the house.","9":"I keep getting free drinks out of you."},"ch3__03.35 the first debate.vne3":{"10":"{PlayerName}... did Valerie convince you to run?","11":"Oh. That was going to be my question too.","12":"I was going to run no matter what.","13":"Why did you look so nervous, then?","14":"{PlayerName}? Why do you have to run? It really sounds like you don't really want to run.","15":"I looked nervous because... I'm human, Emily. I'm human and I get nervous before I make big decisions. That's just who I am.","16":"You ought to listen to your feelings, {PlayerName}. If you're nervous it's for a good reason.","17":"I have, {Leah}. It's not as big a deal as you think, running for president. It's only for a year.","18":"Power corrupts, {PlayerName}.","19":"{Leah}, I'm going to be [i]Student Council President[\/i]. I'm not running for dictator of the school.","20":"It may seem small, but...","21":"Take this as an L, {Leah}.","22":"I... uh... -well it's your choice, {PlayerName}. If this is what you want... then do it.","23":"She's always trying to take control of your life.","24":"She cares about me. That's all.","25":"I care about you too.","26":"She thinks this is going to take too much time from your work.","27":"It will, probably.","28":"But it's worth it. Isn't it? This will look good in your-","29":"College applications. I know.","30":"Hey. This isn't about vanity, alright? You aren't adding a feather to your nest. This is real. This could really help you.","31":"If we win, colleges will be fighting over you for scholarships. You'll have such an easy time.","32":"I don't need to be persuaded anymore, Emily. You're right. I was having cold feet. And why wouldn't I?","33":"It's going to be a lot of work. But I'm ready for it. I want to do it for you.","34":"Okay. That's what I want to hear. I'm going to support you all the way. You understand?","35":"I know {Leah} thinks I'm just using you. But I really do like you, {PlayerName}. You mean everything to me.","36":"Thanks...","37":"I did learn something interesting. Who you're running against. You're going to really want to hear this.","38":"Lay it on me.","39":"Here it is. Samantha Hunter and [i]Buttsnack[\/i].","40":"Joey <dq>Buttsnack<dq> Popodopolis? He's running against me?","41":"Don't be sexist, {PlayerName}. Samantha Hunter is. Buttsnack is her running mate.","42":"Samantha Hunter...","43":"Remember that band that played at pride last year? [i]Slaysia[\/i]?","44":"The one that the school administration wanted to stop because they thought the band name was racist?","45":"<dq>Slaysia<dq>, because everyone in the band is-","46":"Asian. Yeah I remember that.","47":"Samantha was the lead singer.","48":"Oh. [i]Her[\/i]. Why would she run?","49":"Beats me. Maybe because she realized she has no career prospects, and she needs something to put on her college application? I doubt she thinks that far ahead, though.","50":"Sounds like -[delay,200][speed,100]*cough*[delay,200][speed,0.5]...[speed,100] *cough*[speed,0.5]...","51":"You okay?","52":"Sorry. I've had a throat thing for the past week.","53":"You've got to take care of your Velvet Voice.","54":"I do. What I was about to say was... this sounds like an easy election.","55":"I agree. Just don't spaz out. You'll do fine.","56":"His name was Buttsnack?","57":"Yes.","58":"I really don't want to know how he got that nickname.","59":"You don't. But it wasn't an insult. He called himself Buttsnack. He's a character.","60":"[i]Character[\/i] doesn't do Buttsnack justice.","61":"It was a shame you jinxed yourself.","62":"By saying the election was going to be easy?","63":"Mmmhmm.","64":"So did you actually jinx yourself?","65":"I did. The election was going to be a lot more challenging. I only realized that going into the first debate.","66":"Remember... you're up against Samantha Hunter and Buttsnack. This is a layup.","67":"It's your race to lose. Don't stress out. Knock them dead.","68":"I won't lose.","69":"School election debates, as you'd expect, have forced attendance. Why else would you go?","70":"But... this was different. This wasn't a normal debate. This was a debate between me and...","71":"BUTTSNACK!","72":"BUTT... SNACK... BUTT... SNACK!","73":"That is highly inappropriate, Joey Popodopolis! You are-","74":"What's inappropriate? Are you talking about... BUTTSNACK?","75":"Take this seriously, Buttsnack- I mean Mr. Popodopolis-","76":"What did you just say? Did you say... BUTTSNACK?!?","77":"BUTTSNACK ROCKS! BUTTSNACK ROCKS! BUTTSNACK ROCKS!","78":"B-b-b-buttsnack!","79":"You are off the stage, Mr. Popodopolis! Ms. Hunter, please get behind the podium.","80":"It's the end of BUTTSNACK!","81":"Get out!","82":"That was really embarrassing.","83":"{PlayerName}... you SUCK!","84":"Next person who speaks other than Samantha Hunter will have detention.","85":"I knew of Samantha Hunter back then... but I'd never actually talked to her seriously.","86":"I... wasn't sure what to expect. Especially since she seemed so nervous.","87":"I began to wonder if she hadn't just walked in by accident, that she was going to resign even before the election began...","88":"...then she spoke.","89":"I...","90":"...I'm not running because I want to be Student Council President.","91":"I'm running because I don't think that {PlayerName} should be president...","92":"...I don't have anything against him personally. I don't know him that well. But I think that you shouldn't get to be president just because you knew the one before.","93":"If you vote for me... I'll do my best.","94":"That's all. I don't really have anything else to say, so... I'm going to stop the debate now. I guess you can go early.","95":"What? We can go EARLY?","96":"No, you can't leave now! Samantha, you can't just call off the debate!","97":"But I've got nothing else to say! {PlayerName} can talk if he likes. All I wanted to say is it's kind of elitist... for the former president and the next president to be friends.","98":"Samantha, stop!","99":"So she just stopped?","100":"She did.","101":"So you won by default, right?","102":"You'd think so. But she'd already made her impression. She had said a really dangerous word.","103":"Which is...?","104":"[i]Elitist[\/i].","105":"Oh yeah. She's right! {PlayerName} [i]is[\/i] an elitist!","106":"Elitist! Elitist! Elitist!","107":"Everyone... I'm not a-","108":"Elitist! Elitist! Elitist!","109":"I don't think that-","110":"They started to shout at me. I couldn't get a word out.","111":"The teachers tried to calm them down. But they couldn't do anything.","112":"The idea that I was an elitist had crawled into their heads. I couldn't do anything about it.","0":"As soon as I left, I saw Emily out waiting for me.","113":"That must've been bad.","1":"So did you ta-","114":"It was the worst day of my life.","2":"Did you make a decision?","115":"Worse than losing your voice?","3":"Uh... hrmm...","116":"A lot worse.","4":"I was talking to {PlayerName}.","117":"I didn't stop thinking about that day. It made me want-","5":"You don't have a monopoly. I can talk to {PlayerName} too.","118":"Hey my favorite co-worker!","6":"You can take turns.","119":"Oh... my favorite [rainbow]hetebro[\/rainbow] too!","7":"I don't feel I like should have to, given I'm-","120":"Looking straight as always.","8":"Well, I'm {PlayerName}'s {relationship}, and I don't think [i]I[\/i] should have to either.","121":"Here for your shift?","9":"Okay, I'm making an executive decision. Emily, you said something first. So please. Go ahead.","122":"Straight?","123":"Whose you're friend?","124":"This is {PlayerName}. {PlayerName}, meet Dante.","125":"Dante is the World's Straightest Man.","126":"That's a thing?","127":"Of course it is! Why wouldn't it be? Certified by the [i]American Association of Cisgender Heterosexual Males[\/i] also known as AACHM.","128":"Nice voice synth, by the way.","129":"Thanks.","130":"You don't know sign language?","131":"I do-","132":"You can speak to me in sign, bro.","133":"I can?","134":"Yeah. As a straight man, I'm multi-talented.","135":"Multi-talented, sure. [i]But straight?[\/i]","136":"Dante's here works the night shift.","137":"I sure do. And I can already tell we're going to be [rainbow]hetebros[\/rainbow].","138":"Thanks...","139":"Yeah. You gonna stick around? There's been a few cute regulars that have been coming recently. They look lonely.","140":"Cool. Thanks for the hot tip. But I've got to get going.","141":"Too bad. I like talking to you. We're parallel, you know.","142":"Parallel?","143":"Two straight lines moving in the same direction.","144":"Dante is too dumb to have come up with that on his own.","145":"See you soon, Dante.","146":"[i]Elitist[\/i].","147":"Shit man. I hate that word. Every time I hear it... it's like it's being chanted at me.","148":"That's why I nearly went crazy. That's why I relied so heavily on {Leah} during that time.","149":"That's why I almost did that act of pure evil...","150":"If I continue this story with Haley... I'll have to leave that part out. Only {Leah} can ever know."},"ch3__03.40 drained.vne3":{"10":"But apparently, she doesn't have the time to text either.","11":"I can't believe how irresponsible Sam is.","12":"Is that {Leah}? Isn't she normally... doing something right now?","13":"She's always gone at this time of night.","14":"Hey.","15":"You're home?","16":"I am. Uh... got out of class early.","17":"That's good.","18":"I never expect to see you around this time.","19":"You know how things happen. Sometimes you get some free time randomly.","20":"Are... you usually home around this time?","21":"What's with these questions? {Leah} is acting weird.","22":"That's a strange thing to ask.","23":"Yes.","24":"Oh. So you don't usually do anything right now?","25":"I like to have the free time to veg out.","26":"I was just wondering if you were doing anything... [i]cool[\/i]. Fun.","27":"I just came back from the bar, but I've had an exhausting day. Maybe we can do it some other time?","28":"Yeah. Totally. Whenever you want.","29":"You can hang out if you want.","30":"Actually, I got homework. I remember I have homework. I'm going to go to my room.","31":"Is she acting weird? Fuck man. Everyone is acting weird. [i]Everyone is acting weird[\/i].","32":"Is this how it's always been? Am I not noticing until now?","33":"Just as I'm about to relax, I have to look into this shit.","34":"I sit down at the computer and open up RECENTLY.","35":"It's weird... of all the people I haven't really looked hard into, it's {Leah}.","36":"Things have really gone wrong if I feel like I can't trust her. But just because she might be hiding something...","37":"...doesn't mean it's something [i]bad[\/i].","38":"Of course I trust her. But if there's something going on in her, I have to know about it.","39":"Let's have a quick look to see what I can find.","40":"Hmm... a text from Frank Craven.","41":"[#039c2e]TO: {Leah}. FROM: FRANK CRAVEN.[\/c]","42":"[#039c2e]MESSAGE: I'm fine with us postponing our meeting, esp. after my close shave. Have a good time.[\/c]","43":"Hmm... so... did {Leah} cancel the meeting with Frank? Or did she leave class early?","44":"I don't know.","45":"Fuck man. I need a drink.","46":"What the...","47":"{Leah}? Are you standing outside my door?","48":"No! I...","49":"I was heading to the bathroom. I was looking at the wall.","50":"Did you notice there's nothing on the wall? Maybe we should put something up there.","51":"{Leah} [i]is[\/i] acting weird. Does she suspect something?","52":"I don't want to accidentally alert her by asking her. She definitely smells a mystery.","53":"How can I delay {Leah} getting involved in this for as long as humanly possible?","54":"Anyway, she's probably curious about what happened to Professor Craven. I don't think {Leah} is tech savvy enough to hack into my computer and see what's going on.","55":"I don't want to be in this situation. Of anyone, {Leah} is really the person I ought to trust the most.","56":"Even if something is going on, I can't believe she's against me. That's impossible.","57":"{Leah} and I have been together for far too long for that to happen. But... what can I say? I'm also hiding stuff from her, too.","58":"That isn't what we promised each other.","59":"{PlayerName}, I've got an existential question for you.","60":"Shoot.","61":"Why do things happen?","62":"I think that's a question better directed at God.","63":"Is it though?","64":"It just seems strange to me that things change, when they could just stay the same.","65":"{Leah}, I can't explain [i]time[\/i] to you.","66":"You're as likely to know as anyone else.","67":"I don't think so, actually. What is [i]actually[\/i] on your mind?","68":"I've been going over the conversations we used to have as kids. And... I don't know.","69":"You make all kinds of crazy promises that you find out later are impossible to keep.","70":"Things like, <dq>let's never be apart<dq>?","71":"Yes. Things like that.","72":"It didn't really work out very well, did it?","73":"How do you mean?","74":"Me in the newspaper. You in the student council. And now you're running to be president?","75":"You really think it's that big a change?","76":"I can't reconcile the you that I grew up with, and the you that wants to be president.","77":"They're the same person.","78":"I know that.","79":"I guess it's not so much you changing that worries me. It's... you becoming more of yourself.","80":"We're going to be doing different things. And that's going to start pulling us in different directions.","81":"Do you... understand?","82":"The only thing I can promise you... is that while we can do the same thing... we will.","83":"That's the only kind of promise we can make.","84":"So... while we can... let's stay like this.","85":"Yes. Let's do that.","86":"I guess {Leah} was right to be worried. That presidential campaign, for some time, turned me into a different person.","87":"Ultimately, I didn't become president. Something I'm grateful for now.","88":"I have to carry on with my humbler role in life.","89":"So many questions are going through my mind. The Frank thing. Sam. Alexis and her brisk trade in her friends' nudes.","90":"What is this feeling inside? I'm plunging deeper into something strange. I can't escape from the feeling even when I try and sleep.","91":"This stuff is keeping me up at night. I have to look.","92":"What should I research on RECENTLY?","93":"Sam.","94":"Frank.","95":"Alexis.","96":"Sam is okay physically. Mentally, I'm not so sure.","97":"But there's nothing I can do about that now.","98":"Hmm... it looks like she's still up. What is she doing?","99":"I don't know if it's even her. Her behavior is bizarre.","100":"Ah. Playing a mobile game. Right. So it is her. She is safe.","101":"Why won't she just tell me what's wrong?","102":"Sam, I love you and I want to slap you at the same time.","103":"Frank is in the clear. For now.","104":"Frank has recent activity. He must be a night owl.","105":"But... nothing interesting in the data. He's just typing emails.","106":"Nothing obviously connected to the attack a couple of days ago.","107":"Maybe {Leah} has some weird thing connecting her to this? Whatever [i]this[\/i] is.","108":"But {Leah} is asleep right now. She's a morning person. There's no point in checking her out.","109":"I already know Alexis is up to no good. No need to reconfirm.","110":"Is Alexis a pornographer or not? She's definitely selling pictures she's not supposed to have.","111":"Alexis doesn't strike me as a mastermind sort. She's going to get caught eventually. But she clearly has some kind of network if she can run a business effectively.","112":"According to RECENTLY, she's in contact with someone. I wonder what it's about...","113":"[#039c2e]TO: ALEXIS VANDERMAN. FROM: SARAH SCHELLE. MESSAGE: Everyone is so boring! Why are there no good bars in this town?[\/c]","114":"[#039c2e]TO: SARAH SCHELLE. FROM: ALEXIS VANDERMAN. MESSAGE: I can't believe I decided to go to this dumb school. U+1F62D U+1F62D[\/c]","115":"Unicode? That must be an emoji of some kind.","116":"[#039c2e]TO: ALEXIS VANDERMAN. FROM: SARAH SCHELLE. MESSAGE: All the guys are trying too hard. I just want someone to take me out back and fuck me.[\/c]","117":"[#039c2e]TO: ALEXIS VANDERMAN. FROM: SARAH SCHELLE. MESSAGE: I'm coming to this dumb bar every night until I find someone worth it U+1F60F.[\/c]","118":"Oh. Interesting.","119":"[#039c2e]TO: SARAH SCHELLE. FROM: ALEXIS VANDERMAN. MESSAGE: Guys are lame. U+1F48B You'll find someone to help you get over Billy.[\/c]","120":"[#039c2e]TO: ALEXIS VANDERMAN. FROM: SARAH SCHELLE. MESSAGE: I wish he'd hurry up. The only other guy here is cute but he's insanely straight. You know what I'm saying?[\/c]","121":"[#039c2e]TO: SARAH SCHELLE. FROM: ALEXIS VANDERMAN. MESSAGE: U+1F346 U+1F30A I know what you mean U+1F62C[\/c]","122":"Nothing surprising here, but...","123":"...didn't Dante say something about a cute girl?","124":"If I type in her name... I should get a good picture of her.","125":"She is cute. Have I seen her before?","126":"Luckily, I saved those pictures I discovered on Alexis's phone the other day.","127":"I can quickly check.","128":"Oh yeah. I don't know if her recent breakup had anything to do with this picture, but...","129":"...I don't think she'd appreciate this leaking out.","130":"I didn't save the pictures, so I have no way of confirming right now.","131":"Anyways, I'm intrigued now. Spending a night at Sevigny's to check on her doesn't sound like a bad idea if I have the time.","132":"None of this really helps me.","133":"God damn it. I have no idea what I'm doing. Who am I even chasing? What's the big mystery? Is it Frank's beating?","134":"I'm at a dead end there. I can't hack into the government's computers, as far as I've seen.","135":"Is there any part of this program that might turn something up?","136":"Wasn't there a BBS? Didn't I get a response from it?","137":"I could try and look again.","138":"The fuck?","139":"It's full of... messages! The fuck...?","140":"It looks like a bunch of nonsense.","141":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: I WANT[\/speed]","142":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: YOU PROVE[\/speed]","143":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: HOW[\/speed]","144":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: BY DOING[\/speed]","145":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: WHAT[\/speed]","146":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: BY DESTROYING[\/speed]","147":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: PLAN[\/speed]","148":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: TELL US[\/speed]","149":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: ENDING A LIFE[\/speed]","150":"[i]Ending a life?[\/i]","151":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: IDENTIFY[\/speed]","152":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: 1031 PARTY[\/speed]","153":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: WE WATCH[\/speed]","154":"That's it.","155":"Ending [i]a life?[\/i] What does that mean?","156":"I only hear it in one context. And that's...","157":"Fuck. Fuck. [i]Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.[\/i]","158":"What am I learning about? What is going on?","159":"I keep blinking... staring at the chat... seeing if anything else comes up...","160":"...but it stops.","161":"Is it really safe to close the computer?","162":"Can I really go to bed after this?","163":"What else do I do?","0":"Man... I'm exhausted. The events of yesterday are starting to catch up to me.","1":"That's my phone.","2":"It's a text from Sam. Thank God she's okay.","3":"What does she have to say for herself?","4":"Hey, sorry I missed your call. I'm busy, and won't have time to talk.","5":"Let's catch up soon!","6":"God damn it, Sam. I asked you a specific question.","7":"I type back:","8":"Why weren't you in class? You're going to fail.","9":"I wait a moment to see if she answers back."},"ch3__03.45 conspiracy.vne3":{"10":"Maybe it was an elaborate code of some kind? Nothing they said made any sense.","11":"It was all one or two word responses. Meaningless.","12":"But it wasn't meaningless. Why have the meeting at all if that were the case?","13":"God damn it. I'm not a cop. I don't know how to do this shit.","14":"If people are in danger, I gotta call the police. I'm an IT guy. This isn't my job.","15":"But if I call the police, I'll have to explain RECENTLY to them, and explain how I've been spying on all my classmates...","16":"...and why I have nude pictures of some of them.","17":"If I was smart, the [i]first[\/i] thing I would've done was gone to the police. But I didn't. I went to Hank, and Hank doesn't care.","18":"Or maybe he's involved with RECENTLY somehow. I have no idea.","19":"There's no good answer. If I do nothing and someone dies, I'll feel awful. If I look into it myself, I might get killed.","20":"If I tell someone else, I'll incriminate myself, and look like a total creep.","21":"Bad choices all around.","22":"Why did I think that this was a good idea? I need a professional.","23":"The [i]end a life[\/i] part got stuck in my head. But the whole conversation is running together... it was so confusing I don't know who said what.","24":"I can't remember [i]exactly[\/i] what they said. But if it's really a code, I need to know. It's super important.","25":"Wait. Maybe it's still there. I gotta check, right?","26":"Just open up the folder... and ignore that my heart is pounding...","27":"...nothing. Like it wasn't even there.","28":"I know what I saw. I [i]know what I saw[\/i]. But the chat logs didn't save it.","29":"It was wiped either manually, or periodically. If this is what I think it is, they wouldn't leave incriminating messages behind.","30":"This is the worst.","31":"Good morning to you too, sunshine.","32":"Not now, Linus.","33":"You're getting less friendly, man. You didn't say hi when you walked in.","34":"I don't have the energy.","35":"No energy, huh? I can really relate, what with all of the slack I've been picking up for you.","36":"I'm not complaining, though.","37":"It sounds like you are. Besides, you said you could do this job easy.","38":"I could. But I also know you ain't the type to let people take slack.","39":"All I want to know is... what's got you down, man?","40":"What makes you think I'm down?","41":"It's obvious.","42":"How is it obvious. Do you know me?","43":"Listen, man, if you don't want to tell me, it's cool. I'm not here to cause you problems.","44":"But man, I see you as a friend. I don't want you to suffer alone. You dig?","45":"Didn't we have this exact conversation just a couple of days ago?","46":"He's getting on my nerves. He's got no clue what's going on.","47":"If I have any problems, I'll let you know.","48":"Okay. If you got a legit emergency, I'm here to cover you.","49":"A [i]legit[\/i] emergency? He doesn't believe it was legit last time?","50":"Linus... you're over your head. [i]And so am I.[\/i]","51":"It would be a lot better if I just kept this all to myself. But I'm no good at this.","52":"Who do I turn to?","53":"...Wait a sec...","54":"Toasterman! Yes! He knew that Frank Craven would be in trouble.","55":"I can talk to him. He might know something. I don't know how... but he's got his finger on some pulse.","56":"He's a crazy homeless guy. And he's the only person I can think of that might help me.","57":"I just gotta pray that him knowing about what would happen to Frank Craven wasn't some accident.","58":"All I have to do is wait until the work day is over.","59":"Five minutes to...","60":"Nice work today.","61":"Thanks.","62":"Let me know if you want to hang out sometime.","63":"Maybe later.","64":"Cool, cool.","65":"It's time.","66":"Toasterman lives behind the bar. Last time I saw him at night. According to Haley, he isn't around during the day.","67":"I think it's still worth checking.","68":"Rattling cans. Rustling plastic. Someone is here.","69":"Where is...","70":"You again.","71":"Were you going through the dumpster?","72":"The dumpster?[pause] Don't be an ass. You come into my kingdom and call it a dumpster?","73":"Well, you look like you crawled out of a toilet. How does that sound? You're a toilet.","74":"I already forgot how... delusional this guy is.","75":"How best to handle this?","76":"I'm sorry. Your kingdom is wonderful.","77":"You're crazy, old man.","78":"I don't have time for this.","79":"Of course it's wonderful. It's a kingdom!","80":"You are a billionaire, after all.","81":"Hmm... are you sucking up to me now?","82":"No! Of course not.","83":"I don't like suck-ups.","84":"Hmm...","85":"You stick to your goddamn guns.","86":"Stubbornness is a feature I admire in a man.","87":"Straight to business. Alright.","88":"What's your name again? Bilbo Baggins?","89":"{PlayerName}.","90":"{PlayerName}... Bilbo Baggins... they kinda sound similar.","91":"I don't know what to say about that. Anyway, Mr. Bruce Wayne...","92":"How did you know my fathers' names?","93":"Uh...","94":"Bruce Wayne is Batman.","95":"That's a common misconception. That is the name of both my dads.","96":"Your dads are both Bruce Wayne?","97":"Yes. They loved each other a great deal.","98":"The hell?","99":"The memories are too painful. Every time I hear the name of my two dads... I start to tear up. Please don't repeat their names.","100":"I can't tell if he's trolling me or just insane.","101":"I think it's safer to assume he's insane. Let's just tell him what he wants to hear.","102":"I'm sorry, I suppose.","103":"What do you need from Batman?","104":"You told me a couple days ago. About Frank Craven. How did you know?","105":"Hmm...","106":"I don't know how to say this. Naturally... having been trained by Dr. Doom on the Mountains of Madness, I've learned certain skills.","107":"Stealth. Persuasion. Seduction. Anything to get my way.","108":"And since-","109":"I'm sorry to interrupt, Batman. But I need a serious answer.","110":"A serious answer?","111":"Yes. I know you can't be as crazy as you seem. Otherwise, you wouldn't have known that Mr. Craven was really in trouble.","112":"I am giving a serious answer. Dr. Doom isn't good enough for you?","113":"Please. Someone is in real trouble. I can't play these games with fictional characters.","114":"[i]Fictional.[\/i] Peh.","115":"Just tell it in a way I can understand.","116":"In a way you can understand...[pause][char,Mortelli_Homeless_Annoyed] Alright. Fine.","117":"As you can see, I blend in pretty well with my surroundings. To an uneducated eye, I seem like a homeless man who lives in an alley.","118":"Consequently, people ignore me, not realizing I'm quite observant and I take careful notes of everything around me.","119":"Okay.","120":"It's like what I was telling my friend Ducky earlier. You just keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. Then you notice things nobody else does.","121":"Like... two men in hoodies shadowing a Professor of Journalism around the school.","122":"And how long have you noticed this?","123":"A couple of days.","124":"How did you know Frank Craven's name?","125":"He has students following after him, shouting his name like he's about to step on train tracks.","126":"So, I take it you saved Mr. Craven, then.","127":"I did.","128":"Good. Good. Keep up the good work.","129":"Wait a sec! Batman!","130":"What?","131":"I need your help.","132":"I just gave you help.","133":"I need [i]serious[\/i] help.","134":"I don't know anything else.","135":"You don't know anything else?","136":"No. Whenever I try and investigate like a proper detective, they don't take me seriously. It's really frustrating. I'm the World's Greatest Detective, you know.","137":"But you knew about Mr. Craven.","138":"Yeah. But I saw it, plain as day, two thugs bouncing after Mr. Craven like the angry suns in World 2 of Super Mario Land 3.","139":"I don't know anything else. That's why I need your help. Go into places I can't and find out for me.","140":"So... keep it up. Report back to me if you learn more.","141":"But I'm not a detective. How do I do that?","142":"Just use the tools at your disposal. You got one big advantage already.","143":"What's that?","144":"You can't talk.","145":"You think that's an advantage?","146":"Course it is! You gotta think before you type something out, right? [pause][char,Mortelli_Homeless_Neutral]Massive advantage over the loudmouths with verbal diarrhea.","147":"He has a point.","148":"Listen... cast a wide net. Use whatever tools you have. Pay attention to everything. Keep notes.","149":"I think I can do that.","150":"Good. And bring me something next time you fucking come.","151":"Like... food? Money?","152":"Does it look like I need food to you? This is America. Poor people are fat here.[pause][char,Mortelli_Homeless_Neutral] Bring me booze and cigarettes.","153":"I can't buy alcohol. It's a dry campus.","154":"That sounds like a lame excuse. I can get alcohol anywhere. And Toasterman sees right through me.","155":"Only Communists and their liberal allies follow rules. The true American spirit is breaking rules. Go break some rules. It's more fun that way.","156":"Now, if you excuse me, I have an important meeting. Ducky is waiting for me. I paid a lot for his legal consultation.","157":"Use every tool at my disposal... to find out everything I can. Cast a wide net.","158":"If that isn't an endorsement to use RECENTLY, I don't know what else it is.","159":"I don't know if Toasterman really is some sort of ex-cop or super-detective, but his advice isn't bad.","160":"Using everything at my disposal, just to gather [i]some kind of clue[\/i], is not a bad idea.","161":"I don't know what I'm looking for, so I'll look at everything.","162":"My hesitation for using the app is finally at an end.","163":"I was heading home, but I honestly can't shake off what Toasterman said.","164":"If I'm going to investigate what's going on, I can start tonight.","0":"What did it mean?","1":"[i]Ending a life?[\/i] Really?","2":"Did I misread it? Did they mean what it sounds like? Is this a prank?","3":"Fuck man. I can't stop thinking about it.","4":"Did I hack into some sort of... [i]hitman acquisition service?[\/i]","5":"Does that mean my life is in danger?","6":"What was that number? 1032? 1035? 1031?","7":"Goddamn it, why didn't I write it down?","8":"I should've copied down that whole conversation. {Leah} would've done that.","9":"I'm such an amateur."},"ch3__03.50a investigate haley.vne3":{"10":"Shit, hope he didn't tell her how I miserably failed trying to get laid.","11":"Shit, hope he didn't tell her about my little adventure in the restroom.","12":"I'm surprised how busy it was.","13":"Yeah. Sometimes the bar gets pretty busy. I'm glad it's slow when I work. It's hard to have conversations like this when there's a million people.","14":"Did you have fun?","15":"Is she testing me?","16":"[(ep3_sarah_sex == -1 || ep3_sarah_sex == 1)]Yeah, I met a girl.","17":"[ep3_sarah_sex == -1]Kinda, things didn't work out that well.","18":"I just spent some time with Dante.","19":"Oh, I see...","20":"Uh... I guess she didn't really need to know that, did she? Too much information.","21":"Did you like her?","22":"It didn't really go anywhere.","23":"That's definitely the truth, though not for a lack of trying..","24":"In [i]theory[\/i], it didn't go anywhere, because it was only one time. But I did get everything I wanted out of it.","25":"Oh, that's disappointing.","26":"She doesn't sound that upset.","27":"What didn't work out?","28":"Nothing important. Don't worry about it.","29":"If you say so.","30":"That's nice. Some people find Dante sort of annoying.","31":"He's a bit strong with that heterosexual thing.","32":"What do you mean?","33":"It's like he's overcompensating. You know what I mean?","34":"I think he's just exuberant.","35":"You wanted to finish that story?","36":"Only if you want to hear it.","37":"Do I ever.","38":"Where did I end off?","39":"The end of the first debate.","40":"Oh yeah. Right.","41":"Unfortunately, the first debate was not my last debate with Samantha.","42":"But these other debates took place after school, so they are [i]usually[\/i] less attended.","43":"Except... Sam could pull a crowd. Her rhetoric was electrifying. She had a cult following that went with her and cheered on everything she said.","44":"Stuff that was... directed at [i]me[\/i].","45":"...The popular kids have been using student council presidency to... to get easy ride scholarships to nice universities.","46":"I say that we all deserve the chance to get scholarships! Why aren't we given the same opportunity?","47":"I want the same chance!","48":"U-unfair or not, I can't do anything about that!","49":"That's just the system we live in! You can't expect to just... change it!","50":"Why not? Why not instead of voting for who gets to be president, we vote for who gets the scholarship?","51":"That way, it isn't just popular kids who get a chance!","52":"You need to be popular to win any election! And what... are you saying you're the most deserving to get a scholarship?","53":"Uh... uh... no! No I'm not. That's why I think... after we win... there should be a [i]second[\/i] election!","54":"And during this [i]second election[\/i], then we vote for who gets the cozy scholarship!","55":"And by [i]popular kids[\/i]... what I really meant was [i]elite kids![\/i]","56":"The audience roared with approval. I didn't really have anything to say.","57":"Worst of all, I ended up just arguing for a system that was messed up. Which made people think I was in favor of it.","58":"But I wasn't. It was just the way the world was. I couldn't do anything about that.","59":"The toxicity of the election was starting to follow me around.","60":"I couldn't walk the hallways without someone jeering at me.","61":"Hey! Elitist!","62":"Huh?","63":"You suck! Nobody wants to give you a scholarship because you sound nice!","64":"Entitled asshole.","65":"The guy walked away. I was numb to it at this point. It wasn't the first time someone shouted at me like that. It wasn't going to be the last.","66":"Please don't slam the door.","67":"God! This election is driving me nuts!","68":"You're stressed.","69":"Of course I am! I'm doing schoolwork at the same time I'm running for president. I'm not having any fun. I got no free time. I'm totally drained.","70":"{PlayerName}, it'll be worth it, I promise. Once you win, then you can take a break.","71":"I can't take a break. If I win, I'll be president. And I'll have a hundred other responsibilities.","72":"It would be easy if Samantha didn't make everyone hate me.","73":"Let's take a seat and calm down.","74":"I think, at this point, endorsing you would be counterproductive.","75":"They'll just say I was... your favorite or something.","76":"And... [delay,400][speed,100]*cough*...[delay,400]*cough*...","77":"You okay there?","78":"Uh... yeah. I've had this weird cough.","79":"That doesn't sound like a normal cough. That's like an [i]old man[\/i] cough.","80":"It might be strep throat or something.","81":"You want to go to the school nurse?","82":"I went already. I got some cough drops. They help a little.","83":"A nurse? You need to go to a doctor.","84":"I'm not suffering from anything else. I don't have a fever, or rashes or anything. I'm fine.","85":"I want you to win, but it's no help if you die.","86":"I was getting tired of this.","87":"What do I need to do to win?","88":"Well, you're behind on [i]polling[\/i] or what passes for polling in this school.","89":"Are you telling me Samantha Hunter is [i]winning?[\/i] How?","90":"By doing what people usually do to get elected. Telling people what they want to hear, and preying on their intuitions rather than their reason.","91":"I don't get it? What's wrong about being elite? If you're elite, you're better than everyone else.","92":"When people call you an elitist, you should take it as a compliment, not an insult.","93":"{Leah} is so socially conscious. To her, <dq>elite<dq> means <dq>evil<dq> too.","94":"Mediocre people just want to drag exceptional people down to their level.","95":"Mediocre or not - we still have to convince them to vote for you.","96":"What do I tell them?","97":"Tell them that Samantha is an elitist too! Flip the tables!","98":"I wouldn't do that. You'd be playing her game, and you'd lose. Samantha is a woman of the people. She is an outsider.","99":"She's mediocre.","100":"But I'm not an elitist, Val! I'm a normal person. An everyday person. I don't want to be better than everyone else.","101":"You don't?","102":"I just want to be the best I can be. And if that is better than everyone else - that's fine.","103":"Just because I know you, and I'm a member of the student council now, shouldn't be disqualifying.","104":"I see. Can you say that in a snappy slogan?","105":"Uh...","106":"Maybe something like, [i]<dq>{PlayerName} knows what the job is<dq>[\/i].","107":"That doesn't say much.","108":"I don't know. I'm not a <dq>snappy slogan<dq> kind of guy. Unlike Sam. All she has are slogans.","109":"That would be a good slogan! <dq>{PlayerName} isn't about slogans<dq>. He's declaring war on Samantha's sloganeering.","110":"I don't know...","111":"No it's not going to work. You can't just copy her. People will see through that.","112":"I can't let Samantha win like this. Can someone please give me the right answer?","113":"Valerie, what do we do?","114":"I don't know.","115":"You don't know... but... you know everything!","116":"Emily had thoughtlessly said it. It was a childish thing to think anyone knew everything. But in that moment, it [i]seemed true[\/i].","117":"We betrayed how reliant we were on Valerie's advice. And really, the esteem we held her in.","118":"Valerie [i]was[\/i] the Student Council, and we'd both come to rely on her.","119":"Samantha is a lot smarter than I gave her credit for. I don't know what the right course of action is.","120":"And... if even [i]Valerie[\/i] didn't know what to do... then things seemed truly hopeless.","121":"I can't let her win. Not when she acts like this.","122":"I'd start... maybe... by making yourself seem more sympathetic.","123":"How do I do that?","124":"Show people that you haven't had it easy.","125":"I mean... [i]how?[\/i]","126":"I don't know. I'm not your campaign manager, {PlayerName}.","127":"We actually have [i]council business[\/i] to attend to, {PlayerName}.","128":"Yeah.","129":"After the meeting, Emily stopped me out in the hallway.","130":"Are you going to do what Valerie suggested?","131":"I'd like to... but I don't know what to say.","132":"These jackals are looking for an excuse to tear you apart. Whether you stoop down to their level or not, they're never going to stop despising you.","133":"Just tell them you're better than they are, and that you deserve it because you worked for it.","134":"That isn't going to fly.","135":"They're going to hate you no matter what. The only thing left is to make them hate Samantha more.","136":"What do I say, then?","137":"Tell them the truth about Samantha.","138":"I realized then... or I [i]thought[\/i] I realized, what the truth was. Samantha Hunter... she was a [i]fraud[\/i]. I had to pull her down. I had to take her down.","139":"I couldn't... [i]couldn't[\/i] let Samantha win. I had to be president.","140":"And you and Samantha are friends now, right?","141":"Yes. Good friends, actually.","142":"I'm so curious about how you go from hating her to liking her.","143":"I could tell you that story. But listen, I'm kinda thirsty. Do you have something interesting here?","144":"A really nice beer or something?","145":"Yeah. I know some bars keep something special in the back.","146":"Did you just get a text?","147":"Don't worry about it.","148":"So you want something from the secret staff reserve?","149":"I might have something interesting. Give me a second.","150":"Finally! A chance.","151":"I open up RECENTLY and look to see if anything pops up for Haley Holmes.","152":"Hmm... it does. Several missed-","153":"No. More than that. [i]A dozen[\/i] missed calls just now. And unread texts.","154":"Who is spamming Haley's phone?","155":"[#039c2e]TO: HALEY HOLMES. FROM: UNKNOWN. MESSAGE: This is KTLM Debt Solutions in regards your current unpaid balance. Please resolve this immediately.[\/c]","156":"A debt collector?","157":"[#039c2e]TO: HALEY HOLMES. FROM: UNKNOWN. MESSAGE: This is KTLM Debt Solutions. The messages will not stop until you pay your balance.[\/c]","158":"[#039c2e]TO: HALEY HOLMES. FROM: UNKNOWN. MESSAGE: This is KTLM Debt Solutions. You can't ignore us forever.[\/c]","159":"Haley's problems are real... but not exactly mysterious.","160":"God damn... I'm not sure there's anything I could do to help Haley with this.","161":"The back door opens. I slam the computer shut.","162":"So finish your story. I want to know how you and Sam become friends.","163":"Yeah. It's a while before that.","164":"It gets worse before it gets better.","165":"I didn't understand Valerie's advice. So I didn't take it.","166":"I charged ahead with my feelings instead, like a bull.","167":"And... I said exactly the sorts of things I shouldn't during the next debate.","168":"It's not me who is the elitist! It's [i]Samantha![\/i] She thinks she's better than anyone.","169":"Why else would she run for President? At least I'm a natural successor!","170":"We can't all be suck ups to the school administration like you!","171":"Getting a free ride scholarship shouldn't be tied in with your networking skills!","172":"No. You want to get a free ride scholarship by attacking me! Samantha, why don't you just admit you hate me?","173":"Hate you? I don't even bleeping think about you! Y-you're not even worthy my precious brain cells!","174":"As if you [i]have[\/i] brain cells! What are you, a D average student?","175":"They wouldn't even accept you if you did win.","176":"It's not about pleasing the establishment! It's about doing what's right! And... and... and... I'm not standing for this corrupt system anymore!","177":"You just want a slice of the pie!","178":"That debate was the best attended in the school's history. People actually left parties to go see us.","179":"And why wouldn't they? It was a total brawl. Nothing but vicious personal attacks.","180":"I had tried to reveal the <dq>truth<dq> about Samantha, but I just made myself look like a douchebag.","181":"Of course, I was not well received.","182":"What do you mean I didn't poll well?","183":"It's the truth! You came off really badly in the last debate.","184":"Did you word the question correctly?","185":"All I asked people was, <dq>Do you support {PlayerName} or Samantha for president?<dq>","186":"You didn't word the question correctly.","187":"What do you mean? How should I have worded the question?","188":"You should have asked, <dq>Do you think {PlayerName} or Samantha is more qualified to be president.<dq> That way when people hear <dq>qualified<dq> they think <dq>good grades<dq>, and-","189":"I'm not going to reword questions to favor you!","190":"Why not?","191":"Because I'm supposed to be neutral!","192":"Why? You're saying you can't help me? {Leah}, you said you supported me!","193":"Not like this!","194":"Please, {PlayerName}... just drop out.","195":"I can't just... [delay,400][speed,100]*cough*... [delay,400][speed,100]*cough*... [delay,400][speed,0.5]*wheeze*...","196":"{PlayerName}... are you having trouble breathing?","197":"...[delay,400][speed,100]*cough*... [delay,400][speed,100]*cough*... [speed,0.5]no... I'm fine...","198":"It's not normal to breathe like that.","199":"For fuck's sake, I'm fine. I'm fine! It's just allergies.","200":"You don't get allergies, {PlayerName}.","201":"I do now. I... uh... got checked by a doctor. They said it'd clear up soon.","202":"That was a lie. It only served to calm down {Leah}. And it did.","203":"Okay. {PlayerName}, I want to make it quite clear... I think this election is messing with you.","204":"Oh. You think?! Of course it is.","205":"You're not acting like yourself.","206":"Who are you to tell me who I am! Every mouthbreather... every asshole in this school hates me.","207":"I'm gonna show them. They won't be laughing and jeering when I'm president. I'm going to fuck them.","208":"{PlayerName}...","209":"They think... [i]they really think[\/i]... that being class president has no power. Well, it does.","210":"Colleges call all the time, asking about applicants. I tell them whatever I want. I can ruin their chance to go to college. I can fuck them, {Leah}.","211":"You wouldn't.","212":"Why not? Everyone hates me! They think I'm an <dq>elitist<dq>. Why not just become one?","213":"You don't have to become what people think you are, {PlayerName}!","214":"Why not?","215":"Because that's not who you are! You're not the kind of person who lets other people's feelings-","216":"That's easy for you to say, Ms. Journalist. Nobody is paying any attention to you. What would you know?","217":"{PlayerName}... this isn't you. I told you... I told you that you shouldn't run. Power corrupts...","218":"I'm not powerful! I'm only [i]running[\/i] for president.","219":"{Leah}, for once in your life, don't second-guess my motives and just support me.","220":"Second-guessing you is supporting you, {PlayerName}. What am I here for if not to tell the truth? I'm not doing it because I hate you.","221":"I care about you.","222":"You don't show it.","223":"Being... upset because you're becoming such an asshole isn't enough?","224":"You're just like everyone else. It's so easy for you to pass judgement on the people who are forced to get their hands dirty.","225":"I don't need your help... I don't want your help! Go and write your articles. We're done.","226":"{PlayerName}...","227":"I couldn't listen to another word. I turned my back on {Leah}.","228":"That was so intense.","229":"It was a low point.","230":"In fact, I'd lose my voice a hundred times before I'd go over that conversation one more time.","231":"{Leah} was right. I was an asshole.","232":"I can't blame you for how you acted.","233":"If you don't, I will.","234":"I'm serious. Under that kind of pressure, you act in ways you wouldn't normally.","235":"Besides, it's one thing to think vindictive thoughts. We all do that. It's another thing to [i]be[\/i] vindictive.","236":"That may be true, but...","237":"...there's a part of that conversation I didn't tell Haley about.","238":"I really... I really didn't like what I had become.","239":"It was the morning before the final debate. I was doing some work in the student council chamber.","240":"I was stressed out - with how dramatic the last debate was, the whole school was sure to turn up.","241":"The administration had told us to cool down our rhetoric, but that wasn't going to do anything.","242":"That was when I felt something strange in my throat.","243":"I massaged it. I'd been coughing and wheezing all week, so I tried to just ignore it.","244":"But it grew tighter, and tighter...","245":"...like that I couldn't breathe at all.","246":"I was in panic. I tried to call 911 but I fumbled my phone.","247":"I thought I was going to die.","248":"Just as fast as it came... it cleared.","249":"You'd think, after something as terrifying as that, I'd have canceled the debate and gone to the hospital.","250":"You didn't?","251":"No. Not at all.","252":"Why would you do something like that?","253":"I can't fully explain it. I literally wasn't thinking straight.","254":"To me, saving my pride and winning the election was more important than any health risk.","255":"The humiliation of being beaten by [i]Sam[\/i] was not something I could accept.","256":"But you couldn't breathe!","257":"I know.","258":"You can't just ignore that.","259":"I don't know what to tell you. I did. I just ignored it. It didn't seem important.","260":"So... what you were thinking was...","261":"What I was thinking was, if the administration found out, they'd cancel the debate.","262":"Oh... you were really single-minded, then.","263":"That's putting it lightly.","264":"By the time the last debate started, I had completely forgotten about the incident.","265":"I had filed the whole incident in the back of my mind as <dq>something weird<dq>. And so I carried on like nothing had happened.","266":"All I knew was - this was my last chance to make a pitch to the school. Everyone would be there.","267":"Are you feeling confident?","268":"Yeah, I think I am.","269":"You shouldn't. You're well behind Sam.","270":"This is the problem with democracy. Idiots vote, and they get what they ask for.","271":"I can't let Sam win. You know that.","272":"You might not have a choice.","273":"Don't tell me that, Emily.","274":"{PlayerName}, I believe in you so damn much. If you lose against Sam, it's because you're better than her. In this arena losers choose people they can relate to: losers.","275":"I know what Emily was trying to tell me. But I still didn't like it. I didn't like anyone telling me anything other than I was going to win.","276":"I had this delusional idea I was going to convince everyone to vote for me in the last speech.","277":"Because I was delusional... I couldn't change my course at all.","278":"I'm not going to lose.","279":"I want to make sure something's clear, {PlayerName}. You don't have to feel like you have to win to impress me.","280":"All I ask is that you don't give up. Even if you lose, {PlayerName}, I can't date someone who gives up.","281":"I'm not giving up.","282":"I don't really care whether you win or lose, then.","283":"But... if Sam does win, let's quit the Student Council. Together.","284":"I've still got a chance to win. I think I know what I need to tell the student body to convince them.","285":"I can't wait to hear it.","286":"I acted confident, but I really wasn't.","287":"I knew in the back of my mind that I had no chance to win. And I was desperately fearful I might have to confront that fact.","288":"It'd be the same as... knowing I was weak... incompetent... defeated.","289":"This was my only chance not to be humiliated.","290":"Sometimes people say that I'm just running against {PlayerName}, and I don't have any ideas of my own, but that's not true!","291":"I have cool ideas for new events the Student Council could do. And ways we can change up the old ones.","292":"Above all, the Student Council will stop being closed to the majority of students. We're going to listen to everyone.","293":"That's my final thing I want to say before you vote tomorrow morning.","294":"It was my turn. I stepped up, rehearsing the lines I had practiced in my head.","295":"I was convinced I could win if I just delivered them confidently enough.","296":"But then... I felt that strange tension in the front my throat. Like... constriction.","297":"I didn't connect it at all to what had happened that morning.","298":"*AHEM*[speed,0.75]... [speed,1]I, too, have things I want to address with the school before you make your important decision tomorrow.","299":"I want you to think- [delay,400][speed,0.5]*wheeze*.","300":"[speed,100]*AHEM*. [speed,1]I want you to... to... [delay,400][speed,0.5]*wheeze*.","301":"I want you to... I want you to... [delay,400][speed,0.5]*wheeze* [delay,400][speed,0.5]*wheeze*...","302":"[delay,400][speed,0.5]*wheeze* [speed,0.75]I need... [delay,400][speed,0.5]*wheeze*... [speed,0.75]some water... sorry...","303":"My breathing completely stopped. I fell over.","304":"I remember... everyone rushing over to me. Sirens. Blackness.","305":"I thought I died.","306":"That must've been scary.","307":"And my last thought was, before I fell unconscious...","308":"...how I regretted arguing with {Leah}.","309":"...that I had failed to follow in Valerie's footsteps.","310":"...that I had let Emily down.","311":"...that I had embarrassed myself in front of the school.","312":"You finally got your priorities straight. A crisis will do that to you.","313":"Wow. So you really cared about living up to Valerie's expectations, huh?","314":"Even though she had told you otherwise, huh?","315":"That wouldn't have been the first thought through my head.","316":"I didn't die. Obviously. But I was pretty sure I had.","317":"When I woke up...","318":"Oh... I guess that's...","319":"Hey hetebro!","320":"Time flies. {PlayerName}, could you come by later and finish the story?","321":"Yes. If I have the time.","322":"Always good to see you. Didn't mean to interrupt your bonding session.","323":"I'm telling Haley the straightest story I know.","324":"Man, that's real hetero of you.","325":"I've got to get going.","326":"Come by anytime.","327":"Yeah, and also, if you feel like hanging out come visit me. At night, yo.","328":"Thanks.","329":"So... Haley is being pursued by a debt collection agency, is she?","330":"It's disturbing, but it also seems like an individual problem.","331":"I might look into the exact situation when I have the time.","0":"I've learned all I can from Haley. I'm really not sure how her personal debt fits into the rest of this situation.","1":"Ultimately, I don't think it's connected to the larger picture... whatever that happens to be.","2":"I'm back here again.","3":"I know that Haley is going to want to hear the rest of my story. But I'm not really here for that.","4":"I'm here to find out about her. If I see she gets a strange text... I'll have to find an opportunity to use RECENTLY.","5":"The local network may hold some clues I can't access remotely.","6":"You're the first customer today.","7":"It's not even that early.","8":"Kinda shows you what business is like.","9":"Dante told me you came the other night."},"ch3__03.50b investigate kristen.vne3":{"10":"...I told her outright that I didn't care for her anymore.","11":"...we made up a little yesterday, although there's still a lot of tension between us.","12":"Emily must feel the same. She seems intent on walking past me. But she does acknowledge me with a twig of a smile.","13":"Emily must feel the same. She seems intent on walking past me, pretending not to see me as she usually does.","14":"Do I stop her?","15":"Stop her.","16":"Let her go.","17":"I watch as she heads away from me. Whatever we were going to talk about - I'm sure it'll come up eventually.","18":"Somehow, Emily and I always run into each other.","19":"I whip out my voice synthesizer.","20":"Emily.","21":"She stops in her tracks.","22":"Leave things be, {PlayerName}! God... it drives me crazy that you want to talk through [i]everything[\/i].","23":"You don't know what I want to talk about yet.","24":"I know enough that you think it's important enough to interrupt me while taking a walk.","25":"You walk in an empty mall at night?","26":"Yeah. It's a lot safer than walking the [i]streets[\/i] at night.","27":"You want answers about what happened in my apartment? Well, I don't have anything for you.","28":"Eventually, we're going to have to talk about it.","29":"Sometimes, I pig out and eat cake without thinking about it. That's as deep as my feelings are.","30":"You can't just pick up where you left off. We're in different times in our lives.","31":"The circumstances are different.","32":"The circumstances are what we make them.","33":"What does that even mean? I'm trying to tell you I'm not ready to start again.","34":"Get that through your thick skull.","35":"She's not ready? My male-addled brain is trying to tell me [i]there's still a chance.[\/i]","36":"I don't know if there actually is, though.","37":"Maybe... I should forget about Emily? I don't know if I can really do that...","38":"I've gotta go.","39":"I just wanted to tell you what a good time I had.","40":"I'm glad I could [i]love you long time[\/i], then.","41":"I've gotta go.","42":"I don't know if she needs more time to think about what happened, or if she's intent on ignoring it.","43":"I'm not getting through to her tonight, but this will crop back up.","44":"You went to my house and you used my shower. Nothing else was going to happen.","45":"The way that you were looking at me-","46":"I don't care about what you thought was happening. I'm the only one who knows my own feelings.","47":"Don't tell me how I felt.","48":"I'm walking the other direction. Goodbye, {PlayerName}.","49":"I don't know if she needs more time to think about what happened, or if she's intent on ignoring it.","50":"I'm not getting through to her tonight. But this will crop back up.","51":"You told me enough during lunch. I don't know what else you want to tell me.","52":"Oh yeah... why did I stop Emily? What would I have to tell her?","53":"Basically nothing, I guess.","54":"Fine. Go ahead and leave.","55":"Thanks.","56":"I really don't have anything to say to Emily anymore.","57":"We're as through as through can be. Except...","58":"...if she has anything to do with RECENTLY. That's something compelling.","59":"I'm glad we're back on speaking terms, but that doesn't mean we [i]have[\/i] to speak to one another.","60":"That's exactly what being on speaking terms means.","61":"Well... I don't want to talk to you right now. I've got enough to consider as it is.","62":"Goodbye, {PlayerName}.","63":"Okay. She doesn't want to talk. There's nothing I can do about that.","64":"I have a feeling that only time is going to fix this wound.","65":"Kristen is not a student, and probably has nothing to do with the grander situation.","66":"I wouldn't mind finding out more about her, but for now, she's not a high priority.","67":"I'm always coming back to the god damn comic book shop.","68":"What is it about this place? Do I really think I'm going to find clues here?","69":"But... it's what Toasterman said. Cast a wide net. If I can't find clues somewhere specific, I should just look everywhere.","70":"It's you.","71":"One day I hope to get a warm greeting out of you.","72":"This is a place of business. What we care about here is cold, hard exchange.","73":"If you want warmth, go and buy a puppy.","74":"So... I need to find out all I can. How do I do this, exactly?","75":"Do you have wifi?","76":"So you can download porn using our bandwidth? No thank you.","77":"It's a comic book shop. Don't you have tables for board games?","78":"Yeah, the old manager did. But that attracted [i]gamers[\/i], so I stopped that.","79":"Servicing gamers is a lucrative business.","80":"Do you have to use the word [i]servicing[\/i]? That just sounds... dirty.","81":"If you want to be serviced, you can go to a hotel and try and pick up a call girl from the hotel bar.","82":"Here, though? This is a comic book shop. Feel free to buy a depraved manga then go service yourself at home.","83":"Well... that might be a way to distract her.","84":"Can I buy a depraved manga from the back room?","85":"Oh. I guess so. But you have to tell me what you want first.","86":"That's fine. I don't have anything specific in mind. Can you give a recommendation?","87":"A recommendation? Am I a porn guru? I really doubt I'm into the same sick shit you are.","88":"Please. I don't know much about this stuff.","89":"A man who doesn't know much about porn? Yeah right. But fine, you've begged me enough. What are you into?","90":"Just think of anything depraved. Anything!","91":"Futa.","92":"Femboys.","93":"The elderly.","94":"Farting.","95":"Storylines.","96":"Handholding.","97":"It's transgressive to call them [i]futa[\/i], you know. That's just a word men came up with to excuse their attraction to [i]transwomen[\/i].","98":"I like to think of it as yuri with cocks.","99":"I have something that might be the ticket. Excuse me for a second.","100":"Femboys...","101":"Whoa... she actually looks... intrigued...","102":"Now... do you imagine yourself [i]being[\/i] the femboy, or [i]fucking[\/i] the femboy?","103":"Fucking.","104":"I needed to know for science.","105":"Femboys are currently the big trend, which proves the unwashed masses do get it right on occasion.","106":"Let me bring you out my favorite manga.","107":"Geez... she has a [i]favorite?[\/i] I might have made a discovery...","108":"Really? I thought you'd be more into lolly... pops.","109":"No. Definitely not.","110":"Uh-huh. I must congratulate you on your democratic tastes. Few men appreciate old women.","111":"I think they deserve some erotic recognition too. Unfortunately, manga only really goes up to 40-somethings.","112":"Let me get you something good and milfy.","113":"[i]Farting.[\/i]","114":"I love me some farting.","115":"I honestly didn't expect you to say that.","116":"I do have some farting stuff. Though they dip into scat a little. I hope you don't mind.","117":"Oh. You watch porn for the plot, do you?","118":"I love porn plot.","119":"I see. You might want to check your pants for a pussy.","120":"That's very sexist language.","121":"I know, but I'm not going to forgo the chance to undermine your masculinity.","122":"I have a manga that has a good story.","123":"You sick bastard.","124":"I know. I'm pretty ashamed to admit it.","125":"Let me get you something wholesome instead.","126":"Okay. While she's gone...","127":"...the wifi is unprotected. Can I get anything interesting?","128":"Hmm... it looks like Kristen isn't on RECENTLY. She must not be a student.","129":"No sign of interesting traffic in the local network neither.","130":"Well... that sucks. I should have expected that.","131":"That's fine. I'd be deeply surprised if Kristen was deeply involved or something.","132":"Here you go.","133":"[i]Futa Fuck Club[\/i].","134":"Is it about a club of futa girls?","135":"They fuck, too. Don't forget that.","136":"[i]My Girlfriend is Actually My Boyfriend[\/i].","137":"It's a sweet story of self-discovery.","138":"Thanks.","139":"Do you have a femboy in your life?","140":"No.","141":"That's a shame.","142":"[i]Dating My Mother[\/i].","143":"Eh...","144":"It's not actually his mother. It's just an older woman.","145":"Thanks. I guess.","146":"[i]My Girlfriend Is Also A NASA Rocket Booster[\/i].","147":"It's about a girl who uses her butt to go into orbit.","148":"This is porn?","149":"Everything is porn to someone.","150":"[i]Double Homework[\/i].","151":"What's that about?","152":"It's complicated. Did you know the lead writer wanted to title the story [i]Snow in Summer[\/i] instead?","153":"That's a better title.","154":"I unequivocally agree.","155":"[i]Orcs and Elf Princesses Mate[\/i].","156":"This is wholesome to you?","157":"Of course. The coming together of two different peoples.","158":"Enjoy servicing yourself.","159":"Thanks...","160":"I didn't learn anything except Kristen isn't a student. Why did I even come here?","161":"Maybe I'm having too much fun buying porn from her. Huh.","0":"The mall is closed.","1":"I don't know what I'll find out here. Everyone is gone.","2":"Hold on a second.","3":"This mall isn't empty. I hear footsteps...","4":"Is someone taking a midnight walk, or...","5":"I guess it shouldn't be so surprising to see Emily here, given that I've already seen her before.","6":"Even so... it feels pretty awkward...","7":"...we had sex just a few days ago, and that didn't end so well.","8":"...Also, I basically confessed to her a couple of days ago.","9":"...we nearly had sex just a few days ago."},"ch3__03.50c investigate lidia.vne3":{"10":"I guess she doesn't hear my voice app that much.","11":"Could you be a saint and spot me?","12":"Spot you?","13":"I can't reach the sugar.","14":"She's asking me to spot her? I suppose she means for me to hold her steady.","15":"That's an... interesting request. To hold her still while on the ladder? To touch her?","16":"She must trust me a lot.","17":"I'm not sure Lidia would ask me something like that if she knew how attractive I found her...","18":"Maybe there's a different way of doing this?","19":"Do you want me to get it for you?","20":"No, that's sweet of you but I'm fine. Just steady me.","21":"Okay.","22":"Well... I guess if she's asking me to... it's fine...","23":"I kinda wanted to touch her, so... that's a plus. But I can't make this into something pervy.","24":"She's asking for help, not to be molested.","25":"Time to go in...","26":"{PlayerName}?","27":"Uh... that'll work... I guess...","28":"Oh shit. Was this not what she meant?","29":"Did she expect me to hold her by her legs, or...","30":"But... damn if Lidia isn't warm and soft...","31":"She's got that nice firmness of an athletic woman. Feels good...","32":"If I wasn't in such an embarrassing situation, I might enjoy this more.","33":"I'm kinda doing it now anyway... and I don't have any way of communicating with her... so...","34":"Here we go...","35":"Thanks. You uh... you could've held the stool... you know...","36":"The stool... Oh my God. I didn't think to hold the stool steady!","37":"It's pretty damn obvious now. But...","38":"...is she... is she blushing? It's hard to tell...","39":"There's definitely something of a sheen to her face. I hope I didn't embarrass her too much.","40":"Unless there's some deeper meaning to her expression right now...","41":"Hmm... {PlayerName}...","42":"You know what...? Never mind. Thank you for helping me.","43":"I didn't mean to grab you like that.","44":"I wouldn't really care if you did...","45":"Huh?","46":"It's good to see you when I'm not too busy.","47":"Yeah, I keep catching Lidia at bad times, it seems.","48":"How can I help you?","49":"I was just checking on things.","50":"Checking on me? That's sweet. I'm glad you did. I could've gotten hurt falling off that stool.","51":"You would've never fallen off.","52":"Well, I also don't want to discourage you from helping out either.","53":"Let me know if I can help you.","54":"Thanks.","55":"I'll check for Lidia on RECENTLY. I'm pretty sure she's a graduate... there's a good chance there won't be anything.","56":"Well... this is weird. [i]Extremely weird.[\/i]","57":"Her phone is sending out packets of encrypted data in five-minute intervals. All the same size. Using some network protocol that fell out of use years ago.","58":"I guess it's... spyware or something? Linus knows a lot more about this stuff than I do.","59":"I take note of it before shutting down the computer.","60":"Leaving already?","61":"Yeah, unfortunately. I have to get going.","62":"Such a shame.","63":"I have no idea if Lidia's issue relates to anything else.","64":"I should eventually ask Linus about it. But I have too much to follow up on right now.","65":"This place is always... [i]buzzing[\/i]. Because it's a coffee shop. Get it?","66":"I wish I had someone I could tell these jokes to.","67":"{PlayerName}, can't stay away, can you?","68":"You know I can't.","69":"{PlayerName}, what can I get you tonight?","70":"I'm a bit too busy right now to chat, but if there's anything else I could help you with...","71":"I'll just take my regular.","72":"You could always just come during the day, you know. This place is a little more sedate.","73":"Let me go get your order.","74":"I hang out a little at the coffee shop, but I don't get much accomplished.","75":"Toasterman!","76":"Robin d'Angelo. What are you doing here?","77":"Getting a coffee. What are you doing here?","78":"I'm a man with needs. I'm fulfilling those needs. What are you doing?","79":"I'm doing the same thing.","80":"Huh. Good, good.","81":"I've never seen you in here before.","82":"And I suppose you think a man like me never has need for coffee?","83":"I'm a cop! A detective! The stereotype about cops and doughnuts is absolutely true!","84":"That's why you always see Batman with a coffee in one hand, doughnut in the other, and a tired, cynical expression.","85":"Batman's got a family and an ugly wife! He's stuck with them forever! That's why he's got to go to work every day and bring back the fucking bacon!","86":"What Batman... wouldn't do for his fucking ungrateful family...","87":"So you're not here for an investigation?","88":"At this coffee shop? Fuck no. They don't even sell toast here.","89":"I've fallen into the Soviet States of America, where you can't get a fucking piece of bread without an avocado smashed into it.","90":"What is a fucking avocado? Is it a vegetable, or a fruit? Why is it everywhere, and if it's everywhere, why is it so goddamn expensive!?","91":"This is fascinating, but why are you here?","92":"Watch your tone, boy. I hate sarcasm. You don't think it's fascinating. You think it's a digression, don't you?","93":"You got me. I was being sarcastic.","94":"Then say that! Don't use fucking sarcasm on me.","95":"Are you here for the investigation?","96":"No. I'm here to get a cup of coffee. Sometimes... someone doesn't finish one, and I get to take one.","97":"Why are you here? Are you investigating?","98":"Actually, I am.","99":"Good.","100":"Batman, can I buy you a fresh cup of coffee?","101":"I don't like charity, either.","102":"Can I exchange a fresh cup of coffee for the scintillating conversation we just had?","103":"Ah... I suppose that'll do...","104":"I buy him a cup of coffee. After which, Toasterman wanders off, grumbling.","105":"I get the feeling that he's hiding something. But nothing related to the larger mystery. Just personal stuff.","106":"He's probably had a hard life.","107":"I don't think I'll find anything else around here to help with my investigation. I'll go home.","0":"I found some weird data on Lidia's phone. I'm not experienced enough to know what it is myself.","1":"When I have the time, I should get Linus to take a look at it. Until then, I don't really have much business being here.","2":"It's pretty sedate today. Only a few customers inside.","3":"Good. I'm glad. I like it when this place is a bit quieter. It feels more comfy and contemplative.","4":"Where is Lidia, though?","5":"Balanced... on a little stool.","6":"Jesus, that looks shaky.","7":"It looks like she just can't reach for whatever she's trying to get.","8":"Need help?","9":"{PlayerName}! Oh! Took me a moment... to realize it was you!"},"ch3__03.50d investigate maggie.vne3":{"10":"I hope I'm not bothering you. I heard you had a nice lunch with Emily.","11":"I wouldn't call it <dq>nice<dq>...","12":"I don't remember much before I went into her apartment... heh...","13":"It was good. And you aren't bothering me.","14":"Actually, there were some things I was curious about.","15":"Oh? Like what?","16":"On your business card, it said you were a [i]data analyst and philosopher[\/i].","17":"Ah yes. It's something of a hobby - or what I hope will be a profession. Are you a member of the philosophy club?","18":"No, I don't really have time for clubs.","19":"That's too bad. You seem like the sort that might already be a member.","20":"[i]Might already be a member?[\/i] That's a weird way to put it.","21":"I'm not so much for philosophy, either.","22":"How do you reflect upon your own thinking, then?","23":"I just do.","24":"Only through the examination of reason itself can we know if our conclusions are truly [i]the truth[\/i].","25":"Human capacity for self-deception is profound.","26":"This project you're working on with Emily, does it have anything to do with philosophy?","27":"Emily is even more dismissive of the internal journey than you are. No... she's more interested in my tellurian skills.","28":"Tellurian... which means <dq>earthly<dq>... so he means [i]practical[\/i].","29":"The data analysis thing?","30":"Yes! I'm something of a prodigy when it comes to crunching numbers.","31":"You are a math whiz.","32":"Mmmhmm.","33":"45 times 32 is...","34":"1,440.","35":"Oh. Nice.","36":"Is that true? He sounded pretty confident.","37":"Let me check that.","38":"Just put the numbers in...","39":"Wow, you're right. That's a gift.","40":"Practice, actually. As a young child I really wanted to make it to the math Olympics.","41":"So you're a math prodigy.","42":"Again, practice and dedication. Not an inborn gift.","43":"So this special project you're working with Emily on must involve a lot of math.","44":"Aha! I knew you were trying to get information out of me.","45":"I don't blame you, to be frank. But I promised Emily I wouldn't tell.","46":"You caught me. Can you tell me anything?","47":"If only I could. I'm quite proud of my work, you know.","48":"But don't worry. Emily and I will unveil to the school our discovery... eventually.","49":"What was it Emily said? Something about [i]her enemies[\/i]?","50":"You're trying to not let her enemies find out?","51":"That's [i]her words[\/i], not mine. She's rather close-mouthed on who these enemies are.","52":"I see.","53":"So Cedric doesn't seem to know everything, either.","54":"Listen, I do hope we can work together in some capacity in the future. I know you're some sort of computer genius...","55":"[i]A computer genius?[\/i] I'm good with computers, but I'm no genius.","56":"Someone has a high opinion of me. But I'm not a genius.","57":"More genius than I am, though. When it comes to computers.","58":"I have to get going. Remember, my number is on the card.","59":"I want to know what that project is. It's either a get-rich-quick thing... or something big.","60":"I'll have to look up Cedric on RECENTLY, at some point. So far, my attempts to look at Emily's files have turned up little.","61":"Maggie isn't here today.","62":"I'm hoping to get more information about her stalker... but I don't think there's an easy way for me to contact her.","63":"I've got other things I need to check.","64":"It's a nice day today.","65":"I'm here to cast a wide net. But if I don't find anything interesting... that's fine too, I guess.","66":"I wouldn't mind going out here with {Leah} or... someone. Anyone, really.","67":"But... who I'm really hoping to see... is...","68":"...Maggie.","69":"I feel like I must've really scared her away. And I didn't do anything except talk to her.","70":"That's really too bad. I feel like if she just gave me a chance... we could be good together.","71":"I don't know her that well. But I guess I never will.","72":"She's kind of a goofy girl. Nice in her own way.","73":"I feel bad about making her uncomfortable.","74":"The... the hell?","75":"I guess that's her. Should I call out to her?","76":"I know she knows I'm here. Otherwise... why would she have stopped in her tracks?","77":"Suddenly, gaining some confidence, Maggie turns around. I don't see her with any animals... or any other purpose other than to come talk to me.","78":"But... her approach is nervous. I'm not sure she's going to talk...","79":"H-hey.","80":"I had better not respond. I don't want to scare her like last time.","81":"I'm sorry I ran away from you the other day.","82":"You know... I'm not very good around people. As if that weren't obvious...","83":"You gotta understand... I like animals. Their love is... unconditional. They can't talk back at you or nothing.","84":"They'll never call you stupid, or useless... or worthless... or clumsy...","85":"When you started speaking to me... I thought you were gonna...","86":"I dunno. It ain't important.","87":"I keep my mouth very carefully shut.","88":"I guess that's why I like you. 'Cause you're easy to be around. I don't feel like I gotta try. And I don't feel like you think I'm stupid.","89":"I... I really appreciate you putting up with me. And... not just talking over me.","90":"And... I wanna hear your voice, you know? Unless you got no voice at all. In which case I'm real sorry about that.","91":"But if you do have a voice... I want to hear it. When I'm ready to hear it.[pause][char,Maggie_Casual_Sad] Which isn't now...","92":"Listen to me yammer on. I just wanted to say sorry. I hope I can talk to you still.","93":"I nod at her.","94":"Thanks.","95":"Uh... also...","96":"H-here I come...","97":"Here I come?","98":"Oh... geez. That's so damn sweet of her.","99":"I'm not... sure what to do though...","100":"If I hug her back... will I scare her away?","101":"Uh...","102":"What's... what's this feeling?","103":"A little wet... somewhat delicate... more fleeting than a butterfly...","104":"Is that a little kiss?","105":"Does she really feel this strongly?","106":"I'm not sure why she's doing it... but... it's very nice...","107":"Maggie steps away from me...","108":"...and flies off.","109":"I feel a bit... a bit breathless...","110":"Is there a possibility that Maggie has feelings for me? That's... incredible.","111":"Why else would she kiss me? It's hard to misinterpret that gesture...","112":"I'm not exactly a sentimental guy. But when you're so damn shy...","0":"Nothing here at night.","113":"I can't help but find it a little adorable.","1":"I was hoping I'd run into Maggie again. No such luck this time.","114":"I think there's gotta be layers to Maggie I haven't seen yet.","2":"Maggie must not be walking dogs here regularly.","115":"Of course, I have the tools to peel back a few. And I ought to.","3":"It was worth checking.","116":"I take a seat on the bench and open RECENTLY.","4":"That's someone I recognize.","117":"Five unread texts in the past hour. Does she not check her phone?","5":"Cedric. Emily's... business partner.","118":"Let's see...","6":"Ah. Good evening, {PlayerName}. It's funny we should bump into each other.","119":"[#039c2e]TO: MAGGIE CASTLE. FROM: UNKNOWN. MESSAGE: Dumb bitch everyone hates you.[\/c]","7":"Cedric, right?","120":"This is addressed [i]to Maggie[\/i]?","8":"Yes. It's nice walking out at night, isn't it?","121":"[#039c2e]TO: MAGGIE CASTLE. FROM: UNKNOWN. MESSAGE: Your a whore go suck dicks.[\/c]","9":"It is.","122":"The fuck?","123":"[#039c2e]TO: MAGGIE CASTLE. FROM: UNKNOWN. MESSAGE: they're only interested in your cunt you cum-guzzler.[\/c]","124":"[#039c2e]TO: MAGGIE CASTLE. FROM: UNKNOWN. MESSAGE: they'll gangfuck you to death one day.[\/c]","125":"This... this is [i]breathtaking[\/i].","126":"Maggie has a stalker. A horrible one. But who would stalk and harass Maggie?","127":"That really erodes my faith in humanity.","128":"Valerie mentioned Shale Hill has an abnormal drop rate. Could this creepy harassment have anything to do with that?","129":"That really erodes my faith in humanity. But as far as I can see, this has nothing to do with the larger mystery.","130":"It's probably worth further investigation when I have the time."},"ch3__03.50e investigate sam.vne3":{"10":"Now... why would you bring up Samantha Hunter?","11":"Did you know she was thinking about dropping out?","12":"Did I know for certain? No. Did I suspect? Absolutely.","13":"So she hasn't filed any paperwork yet?","14":"Because she's my friend. Do you know if she's dropped out of school?","15":"No, but I believe she has.","16":"She hasn't filed any paperwork?","17":"Of course she hasn't. But why would that mean anything?","18":"Do you think it's in Sam's heart to do anything on time? What's bound to happen... is that she is simply not going to show up.","19":"She's going to let her parents foot the bill for her neglect and malfeasance.","20":"I know Sam. She's a mess, but she isn't a total mess.","21":"I think personal affections have rosied your perspective of her.","22":"Break your lust-tinted glasses, {PlayerName}. She slows you down.","23":"It has nothing to do with lust.","24":"Oh. I'm so sorry, then. Your [i]friend[\/i]. Who has abandoned you despite all the weight you've pulled for her.","25":"Now if you excuse me, I'll see you in class, {PlayerName}.","26":"There's more to Sam than he knows.","27":"I've got to find the real reason behind all this.","28":"There's a chance I'll randomly run into Sam... but... it's unlikely.","29":"I'm going to be so pissed at her for avoiding me. And for not telling me about her dropping out.","30":"Ultimately, I need to focus on other areas first.","31":"Sam has really left me no choice. I see no other option than to give her a surprise room visit.","32":"She might not appreciate it, but I've got to straighten her out someway.","33":"A few knocks on the door-","34":"...with the first knock, I push the door slightly open.","35":"That's weird. These are all electronic locks. They should only open by key card.","36":"I guess it wasn't shut all the way? Disturbing.","37":"Everything is the same. That's eerie.","38":"But... the door was unlocked. Which means someone has been in here.","39":"But what's changed?","40":"At her desk... forms of some kind. Job application forms?","41":"These look like... fast food restaurants. Cashier gigs. Massage parlours.","42":"Is Sam... going to get a job outside of school?","43":"Is she... dropping out?","44":"Oh no. That would actually explain a lot. Sam is probably embarrassed that she's quitting school.","45":"But why? I know she's doing badly... but she isn't doing [i]that[\/i] badly.","46":"At least... I don't think she is.","47":"Fuck. There really was something she wasn't telling me. One of these days I have to ambush her about it and get her to tell me the truth.","48":"I know she thinks of herself as some unreliable, stupid person, but that's not even close to true.","49":"Sam is far smarter and more reliable than she gives herself credit for.","50":"So, a question, {PlayerName}... why does the Student Council have a stand during the cultural festival?","51":"Because we need to raise money.","52":"But we're basically the [i]government[\/i], right? What's cultural about the government?","53":"I don't know.","54":"And in the years I've gone to the cultural festival, the Student Council's stand has been super generic.","55":"What are you suggesting we do instead?","56":"Why don't we take what we would've spent on our stall, and give it to the other clubs?","57":"But how do we get money?","58":"Hmm... we could ask for a certain percentage of their earnings. Up to a point. Maybe twice the loan?","59":"So we're investing in the other clubs?","60":"It's better than just having a stupid brownie stand, isn't it?","61":"Better that we support other clubs rather than take up their space.","62":"That makes a lot of sense.","63":"Plus, neither of us have to stay at the stand. We can just enjoy the festival.","64":"Selling brownies was definitely my least favorite part of the process.","65":"I was always jealous of {Leah} who could go around sampling all the food from the other stalls...","66":"Fine. Let's do it. I'll do all the paperwork.","67":"I'll pitch the idea to the principal.","68":"She was by far the least bureaucratic of all our student council presidents. But she was at least as good as Valerie.","69":"Sam was simply... very different from Valerie. Completely different leadership styles.","70":"If I had become president... I'm still not sure what I would've done or how I would've been different.","71":"The point is, years later I still feel like Sam's vice president. For some goddamn reason.","72":"Was that... {Leah}?","73":"It had to have been a girl that looks like her. Surely.","74":"Whoever it was, they seemed to notice me from a distance.","75":"It could've been someone else, I suppose.","76":"In any case, I've got to make finding out about Sam a top priority.","77":"If there's something the matter with her... I'll need to find out. Even if that means stalking her on RECENTLY to do it.","0":"All the dorms are locked. I guess I could knock on Sam's door but...","1":"...how stalkerish would that be?","2":"I know she's safe so there's no emergency. Just my general annoyance when Sam starts avoiding me.","3":"Why would she do this?","4":"Mr. Rogham? Is he here to check up on Sam too?","5":"No... that seems very unlikely given how Mr. Rogham talked about Sam the other day.","6":"Mr. Rogham.","7":"Ah, {PlayerName}. I fear you've caught me in a bad moment.","8":"I was just returning from a personal meeting with a student.","9":"I'm guessing it wasn't Sam?"},"ch3__03.50f investigate valerie.vne3":{"10":"It has been a while, too, so I guess {Leah}'s identity as Nightingale is safe.","11":"Any leads on who the thugs were?","12":"No. And I suspect we won't find them, either, if they're at all professionals.","13":"It isn't an exaggeration to say you saved my life.","14":"I thought you said the thugs weren't out to kill you?","15":"You saved me from the asthma... not the thugs.","16":"Unfortunately, I have a host of health issues. That's why I'm not heading to warzones as I used to.","17":"That, and nobody will pay me anymore. ","18":"{PlayerName}, I really hope you aren't getting yourself mixed in with all the drama.","19":"I'm keeping my nose clean.","20":"That's a blatant lie.","21":"Good. You seem like a good kid. Stay out of trouble, unlike your {relationship}, {Leah}.","22":"Stay out of trouble... unlike {Leah}?","23":"What does he know?","24":"I guess it's too late to stop and ask him.","25":"What Valerie told me was disturbing. But I haven't found any direct connections between the sort of thing that she was talking about...","26":"...and everything else going on.","27":"I'll need to look elsewhere if I want to find clues.","28":"I should've gone to see Valerie to begin with. She has a better idea about what's going on inside the school than I do.","29":"If there's something weird going on, she'd know.","30":"But... what excuse do I have to see her?","31":"I need to have some reason to go talk to her.","32":"If only-","33":"Oh. I was about to shoo you away.","34":"Lucky! Looks like I won't have to find an excuse after all.","35":"Why's that?","36":"Would you believe we get missionaries even here? And door-to-door salespeople?","37":"I was looking for an excuse to talk to you.","38":"Yeah, well, get in line, heh.","39":"I've been so busy, I want to get a quick coffee break. Care to go with me?","40":"Yes.","41":"What's the trouble in paradise, {PlayerName}?","42":"I'm casting a wide net. But first of all, thanks for your help in finding that guy.","43":"Mmmhmm. Did you get him arrested?","44":"No. It turned out he was not at fault.","45":"But he stole a cellphone, didn't he?","46":"Yes and no. He was keeping it safe. According to him.","47":"Ah. Isn't that nice?","48":"Yeah, so no need to have him arrested.","49":"So... you said you were casting a wide net? What fish are you trying to catch?","50":"Not a girl-fish, is it?","51":"Not right now, no.","52":"I got more important things to worry about.","53":"I was just wondering if you thought strange things were happening at school.","54":"You mean... generally?","55":"Yes. Generally.","56":"Oh gosh. There's weird stuff going on all the time. Can you be more specific?","57":"How to be more specific without just telling her everything that's going on?","58":"It's hard to explain. I've just noticed a lot of drama going on around me. Is that just because of college?","59":"Well, yes, that. But also if you put any humans in a room, there's going to be drama.","60":"Any drama on top of that?","61":"Eh... are you talking about the [i]school's dark secret?[\/i]","62":"Shale Hill has secrets?","63":"One big one. It definitely doesn't like to put it on the brochures with all the pictures of happy students.","64":"Can you tell me what it is?","65":"Well... hmm... the administration would kill me, but...","66":"...let me go get my coffee first.","67":"Oh... Valerie... you're going to make me wait?","68":"Maybe you can tell me while you're getting coffee?","69":"Not in a public area.","70":"...","71":"Good afternoon, Valerie.[pause][char,Lidia_Work_Neutral] Oh, and {PlayerName}!","72":"Afternoon, Lidia. Get me my usual. Also get me {PlayerName}'s. Put it on my card.","73":"Sure thing.","74":"Is it so sensitive that you can't just tell me in public?","75":"Don't ask questions. I'll tell you in a second. Why don't you tell [i]me[\/i] what's going on.","76":"About what?","77":"Your life! It feels like the only time I talk to you, you're just trying to get information out of me.","78":"Huh. I guess that's true.","79":"Oh, things are-","80":"-good.","81":"-weird.","82":"That's kinda boring. No complications at all?","83":"No, not really.","84":"You aren't trying hard enough. You need to get yourself into trouble.","85":"That's why I'm asking you all these questions. I'm looking to get myself in trouble.","86":"Ah. Things are starting to make sense.","87":"In what way?","88":"It just feels like I'm always running into a different kind of trouble.","89":"Oh. That's exciting.","90":"It's definitely exciting, I'll give her that. But sometimes it's too exciting.","91":"I like excitement, but I prefer to know what kind of excitement.","92":"Things are different from when we were in highschool, you know. The older you get, the higher the stakes.","93":"I definitely know what you mean.","94":"They always try to scare you, saying your grades are going to impact you forever.","95":"But... now there really are stakes. The rat race starts to get in full force. Who you're friends with and the work you do impacts the rest of your life.","96":"Here you both go.","97":"Thank you, Lidia.","98":"Valerie, you were about to tell me this secret?","99":"It's not really a secret, actually. It's easy enough to find out - if you know where to look.","100":"So if it's not really a secret, why be so shy in telling it?","101":"I have a duty to the school, {PlayerName}, as well as the student body.","102":"Anyway... Shale Hill has an unusually high dropout rate.","103":"That's not that weird.","104":"It... [delay,500]it also has an unusually high suicide rate.","105":"Oh.","106":"Yeah.","107":"Is it really that high? There were rumors about a few, and it was shocking, but-","108":"You're a sophomore, right? One per year.","109":"Oh. That does sound high.","110":"Yes. That's extremely high. And the school keeps it quiet, too.","111":"The school administration thinks that it's because we have such a strict curriculum and high standards.","112":"Really? I didn't think we did.","113":"My thoughts exactly.","114":"One of my projects as Student Council President is to figure out why so many students drop out - in school and in life.","115":"Are you close to an answer?","116":"I was combing through the college's demographic data to see if we accept a higher number of students who are more naturally prone to drop out-","117":"-one way or another.","118":"Were they?","119":"No.","120":"My next best guess is there might be something particular in the culture of Shale Hill that makes people... drop out.","121":"For example... whether people are especially mean, or if there is a lack of social networking that leaves students feeling isolated...","122":"And?","123":"I didn't [i]find[\/i] anything. This school's culture seems much like any other.","124":"So what is it?","125":"I could come up with only one answer.","126":"Which is?","127":"People who come to Shale Hill...","128":"...are more likely to suffer some catastrophic personal issue than most schools.","129":"Catastrophic personal issue?","130":"Debt. Legal problems. Social problems. Things like that.","131":"Oh.","132":"Why is that?","133":"I don't know. Maybe the school was built on a Native American burial ground?","134":"I hope that's not your best theory.","135":"So far. It's still ongoing for me. I'd like an answer, too.","136":"I've also had similar personal experiences here.","137":"Similar... personal... experiences...?","138":"Like what?","139":"Ah. We're back.","140":"What was your experience?","141":"Just... experiences.","142":"Great. Even Valerie is being cagey.","143":"So this is your new hobby, is it?","144":"What is?","145":"Digging into things. Being nosy. [i]Being interesting.[\/i]","146":"I guess so.","147":"I knew you'd get bored in that office. You're too smart for rote customer service.","148":"You don't have to go out of your way to find something interesting to do, you know.","149":"The college student council would keep you pretty well occupied.","150":"I feel like I'm occupied enough.","151":"Are you though?","152":"Besides...","153":"Suddenly... Valerie is right next to me.","154":"Her warm breath condenses on my ear.","155":"I'm suddenly stiff and glued to my feet...","156":"[scale,1.15]...if you really wanted to get into trouble...","157":"[scale,1.15]...I have much easier ways for you.","158":"The fuck!","159":"Valerie's last smile is a mysterious one as she heads back into the office.","160":"She licked me. On the ear.","161":"She licked me on the ear!","162":"I need a witness to confirm what happened.","163":"If this is only teasing... it is genius level teasing...","164":"...my face is hotter than a volcano after that.","165":"I'm starting to feel the way Haley did when I shared my story. That there might be something real between us.","166":"I hope she's not just playing around...","167":"...but Valerie loves doing stuff like that. But I'll never give her the satisfaction of letting it get to me.","168":"It's almost getting to be a game between us.","169":"Refocusing, Valerie gave me information that was either completely irrelevant... or a start of the whole picture.","170":"[i]Take a life...[\/i] would that mean suicide too? How does that work, exactly?","171":"If so... this is getting dark. But I still don't know enough.","0":"Administration building is closed at night. Not only am I not going to get anything here physically...","1":"...nobody is up to use RECENTLY either.","2":"I have to find another time to come.","3":"Suddenly, the door to the admin building opens.","4":"Valerie?","5":"No. That's only Valerie after a bad sex change op, an extra 150 pounds, and turned inside-out.","6":"{PlayerName}! How good to see you.","7":"Likewise, Mr. Craven.","8":"I was... just consulting the campus police about the incident a few days ago.","9":"Hmm... the campus police are not controlled by the mayor's office, so I guess he'd trust them a little more."},"ch3__03.55 seducing sarah.vne3":{"10":"It's been a while since I've done it. Truth is, I'm getting kinda desperate.","11":"I haven't been with any other girl but Emily. Losing my voice didn't help my confidence with women, I guess.","12":"What do I do?","13":"I've got no business here.","14":"I'm here to get laid.","15":"Call me a pussy, a dork, a loser, whatever, but I'd rather be with someone I care about.","16":"Going after strangers in a bar is just not my style.","17":"Besides, I already came here during the day and didn't find anything interesting in the local network.","18":"Those messages of the girl looking for sex at the bar got stuck in my mind...","19":"I'm a man. It's impossible for me to ignore a woman literally begging for some male attention.","20":"So of course I'm going to follow up. It'd be criminal not to. How many times does this really happen to a guy?","21":"Oh... things are buzzing at Sevigny's tonight. But... I don't see any girl that looks like the one from the picture...","22":"I was hoping things would be a little more sedate. If there was only one girl I could pick her out.","23":"See what I mean? Cute girls.","24":"Things are busy today.","25":"Oh yeah. [i]Busy busy. Getting down and dirty.[\/i]","26":"Say, Dante, how do I get into the Straight Men's Association?","27":"You mean [i]American Association of Cisgender Heterosexual Males[\/i] also known as AACHM?","28":"We're open to everyone, including homosexuals, women, trans people...","29":"AACHM is open to...? I'm just going to leave that alone and not touch it with a ten foot pole.","30":"What sort of benefits can I get?","31":"You get a [rainbow]hetebro[\/rainbow] button, a tote bag, and you're qualified to become a sitting member of the Grand and Noble Council of Heterosexuality.","32":"What?","33":"It's kinda like a government for heterosexual men.","34":"I've never heard of this. A government for heterosexual men?","35":"Weird.","36":"What can I do for a hetebro?","37":"Yeah. This might seem a bit weird... is one of the girls here named Sarah?","38":"Oh man. You're working on a whole 'nother level. How did you know that?","39":"Psychic powers. Which one is she?","40":"Say no more, my friend.","41":"Uh... you're mixing me a drink?","42":"No, you dummy! I'm mixing it for her! I'm gonna tell her... [i]you[\/i] were the one who bought it for her.","43":"Sure. Just put it on my tab.","44":"It's not going on your tab. It's on the house.","45":"Damn. I love Sevigny's. Haley gives me free drinks and Dante is trying to get me laid.","46":"I don't know why more people don't come here.","47":"Dante walks up the stairs and talks to a solitary girl. When I lay eyes on her... I think I recognize her.","48":"It's Sarah, the girl from RECENTLY, I think. She looks different from her pictures...","49":"But it doesn't matter. The most important thing is that she's cute. Everything else is secondary.","50":"I don't know what Dante is telling her. Something good, I hope.","51":"Knowing Dante, he's trying to be <dq>helpful<dq>. I just don't know what that means quite yet.","52":"Soon, Dante comes back down.","53":"She says to come up for a chat.","54":"Don't worry. I explained about the voice thing. So you're good to go.","55":"Damn. I didn't ask for Dante to play wingman at all.","56":"Is he really this nice?","57":"Well... here's my chance.","58":"Shit. I'm actually a bit nervous. I haven't had sex in a while.","59":"Do I still have game? I'm getting that same feeling you might get before entering a lion's den.","60":"Having sex with Emily really helped cut a lot of tension for me. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.","61":"No guy wants to look bad in front of a girl.","62":"What was the thing the messages said?","63":"That she was just looking for sex?","64":"Maybe a direct approach would be the best.","65":"I walk up the stairs and sit on the chair. From across, this nice looking girl smiles at me.","66":"Thank you for the drink.","67":"She appraises me with several sweeps of her eye. I notice she lingers a little on my crotch.","68":"That's already enough to send a jolt of excitement through me.","69":"Dante tells me you lost your voice when your throat was slit in Afghanistan.","70":"God damn it, Dante.","71":"It seems to have healed up well, not even a scar. Interesting.","72":"So... what was it like? Being in war?","73":"So much for Dante's help. Jesus, am I supposed to pretend like I'm a Navy Seal or something?","74":"Ugh. What should I type?","75":"War is Hell.","76":"You should see the other guy.","77":"Dante was just trying to make me look good.","78":"Oh... sure. I guess.","79":"I can barely cope with all the horrors I've seen.","80":"It's hard for me to deal with all the trauma. But sharing it with you helps.","81":"That's...nice.","82":"...and that's how we lost Bubba and Lieutenant Dan.","83":"Tragic.","84":"Did you cut his head off or something?","85":"Far worse than that.","86":"It all started when...","87":"...and that's why they call me [i]Glasgow Smile[\/i].","88":"Fascinating.","89":"I was never in Afghanistan. Dante is trying to be a bro.","90":"That's nice of him, at least. And honest of you.","91":"So many guys try so hard to make themselves seem more impressive than they are.","92":"It can come off as... pathetic.","93":"I'm not trying to be anything other than what I am.","94":"I respect that. How did you lose your voice?","95":"A botched surgery. It's a long and boring story.","96":"I see. Thanks for telling me.","97":"What's your name? Dante didn't mention it.","98":"{PlayerName}.","99":"{PlayerName}? Are you in the IT lab?","100":"Yeah.","101":"I think I know your colleague. Linus. We share a class.","102":"That's interesting. Which one?","103":"[i]Studies in Erotic Feminist Literature.[\/i]","104":"He would take that kind of class.","105":"So, what brings you here? Feeling lonely?","106":"Lonely? No. It's a little more than that.","107":"I broke up with my boyfriend recently, you see.","108":"So you're looking for a new boyfriend?","109":"Oh. That's terrible. What happened?","110":"No. NO. That's the last thing I want.","111":"Romantic entanglements? No thank you.","112":"You want to know.","113":"I'm all ears.","114":"I suppose... I would like to share what happened with someone...","115":"...and that's when Billy said it was [i]only one mistake[\/i]. Only one mistake? You've said that [i]three times[\/i] already.","116":"And when he accidentally called me Judith... I was done. Broke up with him on the spot.","117":"That's awful.","118":"Sounds like you and me want the same thing.","119":"And that is?","120":"Sex.","121":"Companionship.","122":"Romance.","123":"Huh?","124":"You want someone to talk to.","125":"You've been entertaining so far. So maybe yes. We could talk a little.","126":"...so that's why I ended up going to Shale Hill instead of Miami.","127":"I'm so much more of a Miami girl, to be honest.","128":"That's really interesting.","129":"I barely know you!","130":"Don't you feel that there's something between us?","131":"Not really. I sort of liked you, but now...","132":"I'm only here for one purpose and one purpose alone. To get laid. And I think you're here for the same reason.","133":"Oh...","134":"Fuck... was I wrong? Did I go in too strong?","135":"Shit... shit... how do I salvage this? I should say something... and quick...","136":"Maybe pass it off as a joke? I can do-","137":"Thank God. I thought you were going to bore me, trying to charm me or something.","138":"Wait. It worked? It worked!","139":"Now I can act cool again, like I didn't just have a moment of existential doubt.","140":"I just want sex.","141":"You wouldn't believe the boring conversations I've put up with. I like it when guys are straightforward and tell me exactly what they want. No bullshit.","142":"Everything is so goddamn complicated. [i]Emotions[\/i] this and [i]respect[\/i] that. There's got to be room in the world for brainless fucking.","143":"I'm all about fun.","144":"Speaking of brainless fucking...","145":"Sorry. Sometimes you have to rant about these things. Everyone is trying way too hard.","146":"Okay. We both want sex. Let's do it.","147":"Finally.","148":"I'm not normally... this slutty. But... I broke up with someone pretty recently.","149":"And you need to pound the feelings away. I get it. No need to explain it to me.","150":"I'm glad you understand. Let's go somewhere private.","151":"Is she... dragging me into the restroom?","152":"This is unexpected and exciting at the same time. She must [i]really[\/i] want it bad.","153":"Oh... look at the time.","154":"Thank you for the drink. I've got to get going.","155":"I bored her... didn't I?","156":"I'm sorry... I'm not in the mood anymore.","157":"Thank you for your time and for the drink. I've got to get going.","158":"I bored her... didn't I?","159":"God damn it...","160":"From RECENTLY, I thought she only wanted sex. It should've been easy.","161":"Didn't work out?","162":"I don't think I was aggressive enough.","163":"A girl is a pretty complicated thing, bro. Sometimes they like fast and hard, other times slow and gentle.","164":"The story of your throat getting slit in Afghanistan didn't impress her?","165":"Of course not. My throat is obviously not slit.","166":"It'd heal eventually. You think people walk around with bleeding cuts forever?","167":"Dante, wounds like that leave [i]scars[\/i]... you know what? Never mind.","168":"Hey man. You can always try your luck again.","169":"Yeah. I guess. See you, Dante.","0":"I feel like I'm close to something big.","1":"I really don't feel like I should be going to bars right now.","2":"Soon, yes... but not right now.","3":"What am I doing here again?","4":"Am I... actually here to find something out? Or am I just here to chase some tail?","5":"Those texts I intercepted between Alexis and her friend... they told a story of a girl who is just looking to fuck.","6":"Sarah was her name? If I remember correctly, she was going to keep coming here until she found someone interesting. I wonder if she's still around?","7":"If I learn anything about the current situation, I'll be pretty damn lucky, though.","8":"On the other hand, I'm kinda horny tonight. I can't help it.","9":"Doing it with Emily made me want it bad. She lit a fire in me. Reminded me how much I like sex."},"ch3__03.55a sex with sarah.vne3":{"10":"Speed [tg_anim]","11":"Continue","12":"[sex_cowgirl_speed != sex_cowgirl_fast_speed]Faster","13":"[sex_cowgirl_speed != sex_cowgirl_default_speed]Default Speed","14":"[sex_cowgirl_speed != sex_cowgirl_slow_speed]Slower","15":"<","16":"Camera","17":"Speed [tg_anim]","18":"Continue","19":"[doggy_camera != 0]Lateral","20":"[doggy_camera != 1]Under","21":"<","22":"[doggy_speed != doggy_fast_speed]Faster","23":"[doggy_speed != doggy_default_speed]Default Speed","24":"[doggy_speed != doggy_slow_speed]Slower","25":"<","26":"Test cum actions","27":"Jump to BJ","28":"Jump to cowgirl","29":"Jump to doggy","30":"Continue","31":"Being with Emily was nice but...","32":"...it involves a lot of old emotions. It soured the experience a little. It kept me from enjoying it purely and physically.","33":"When I was with Emily the other day... I very nearly had sex with her.","34":"I couldn't go through with it. There was just too many conflicting, entangling emotions.","35":"Emily is the last person I had sex with. It's been a while. Longer than I've wanted.","36":"It's not that I can't. I just don't have the time to develop a serious relationship.","37":"But... Sarah here is a complete stranger. She doesn't know me. She doesn't expect anything from me. She's perfect.","38":"Meaningless sex. That's what I need. It doesn't always have to be so complicated.","39":"She turns around from the door. I see her face drop - she doesn't need to impress or make herself attractive to me.","40":"I'm exactly where she wants me to be. Even then...","41":"...I'm surprised by the violence of her desire.","42":"She pushes me up against the wall. I'm both surprised and intrigued.","43":"I guess her breakup with Billy has left her even more desperate than I thought.","44":"I don't have to tell you to shut up and kiss me, do I?","45":"Oh man... I had no idea how horny this girl was. I knew she was thirsty, but I had no idea she was [i]parched[\/i].","46":"As her fingers trace the outline of my cock, a thrill starts to shudder through me.","47":"I'm about ready for her... to let me do my thing.","48":"Kissing a stranger... it's a strange feeling. Like I should know her intimately, but I don't.","49":"What's even better about it, is realizing that you [i]just don't care[\/i].","50":"I'm not thinking about anything else other than [i]she's a good kisser[\/i]...","51":"Oh... this is a surprise. Going for my neck?","52":"It's kinda rare for a girl to kiss you like this. But it feels nice.","53":"Every time she changes position, she uses just a little teeth... giving my skin just a little chew.","54":"I feel my skin pucker up where she kisses me.","55":"My hands drift up her skirt, I begin to feel the bubbly softness of her butt...","56":"I make sure to dig my fingers in, and it takes a bit to feel any kind of muscle...","57":"I wonder how it feels... bouncing against that thing?","58":"As I pull her closer, and return the neck kisses, I hear a definite moan as I press completely against her.","59":"Oh... that's so nice...","60":"I barely register her words as I continue to press against her neck with my lips.","61":"Then... we're losing all our clothes. Good. Her skin is velvety and luxurious... I want to feel it on every part of me.","62":"And when she reaches for my pants... I'm so ready to go that my button is about to burst.","63":"The way she nibbles my neck... gets me going in a way I haven't felt in a while.","64":"I'm about to reach for her skirt, when...","65":"Take a seat.","66":"I haven't had it in a while... so I want to enjoy things my way...","67":"Even if I wanted to protest... I couldn't. So I end up staring at her as I wait impatiently for her next move.","68":"Oh... nice move...","69":"She comes forward, putting her leg on the bench to give me the easiest possible access to that sweet area between her legs...","70":"...as I fiddle with her, she tugs my cock in this strident, confident way.","71":"I'm going to give you what Billy's gonna miss for the rest of his life.","72":"I'm really, [i]really[\/i] not used to women being so damn forward.","73":"It's a nice change of pace. The only girl I was ever with was Emily, and she was always waiting for me to make the first move.","74":"I... feel like I can't keep up with this girl!","75":"Very nice... nice indeed...","76":"She really seems to like taking control, and surprising me.","77":"I guess that makes sense for a girl who has sex with strangers.","78":"...So... it's surprising when she's a bit more delicate, too.","79":"Kissing the underside of my cock... knowing that thin patch of sensitive skin at the bottom...","80":"...it feels so good.","81":"She's dedicated to making me feel good...","82":"...either that, or she really enjoys the taste of cock.","83":"Her eyes are closed, she looks zen-like as she takes my full length.","84":"It's hard to see straight, the way she goes up and down on me... the way my cockhead bumps into her mouth and into the back of her throat.","85":"Heh... she's making me too complacent.","86":"If I'm not careful, she's going to make me go off before I'm done with her.","87":"A girl as horny as this is not going to be satisfied by blowing me, though.","88":"I have a responsibility to her, too. I need to make her feel good. So I take charge, and massage her little velvet button.","89":"Her reaction is unpredictably ecstatic.","90":"I've been waiting for someone to touch me like that for a long time...","91":"Sit down. I'm going to show you what it's all about.","92":"I think I already know that, but it becomes a lot more obvious as she turns her back toward me.","93":"Man... she barely needs any encouragement...","94":"She bounces atop me with an energy that is surprising.","95":"I have to steady my breath - think of cold showers - just to keep up with her.","96":"I feel electrified by every thrust she has. I am [i]controlled[\/i] by her each and every hip motion.","97":"Every time her ass grinds against my stomach, or her pussy pushes against my crotch...","98":"...I feel like I'm being ravaged by velvet.","99":"If I don't stop her now, I feel like I won't be able to show her what [i]I[\/i] can do.","100":"I give her a small smack on the thigh, an indication I want to change positions.","101":"When she's finished, I push my fingers between her thighs, and in response, she spreads her legs.","102":"Encouragement. I go further, massaging her mons and her nether lips, sweeping my hand across her tender, sweaty, excited skin.","103":"I bite into her neck as she had done to me... enjoying her salty taste.","104":"She clumsily brings her arms around her back, trying to push me further into her.","105":"Oh... so you want it bad too, huh?","106":"It's kinda weird that you're so quiet... but it's kinda hot too...","107":"So go on. Please. Show me.","108":"If you can't say it... just do it.","109":"Already slick from what we'd already done, Sarah bites her lower lip in anticipation that I'm going to go further.","110":"My hardness rests on the cleft of her buttock. Already my instincts to [i]thrust[\/i] are kicking in, and I begin to push against her softness.","111":"Of course... this isn't the most efficient way of doing things.","112":"I point at her properly...","113":"She's ready for it...","114":"...her eyes are begging me.","115":"Now I'm finally in control. Now I can control the pace.","116":"Her velvet wraps around me. I get to pull back and forth at my leisure, feeling her where I want to.","117":"And I do. I take my time. I'm not as thirsty and desperate as this girl is.","118":"I'm going to enjoy fucking her slow, and then finish her off fast.","119":"And... her scent is just mind-blowing. I bite my lip, and dive deep into her...","120":"I know now, that I'm nearly at the edge... and it's my choice whether to come or not.","121":"And this girl was already so wound up, I'm sure she's came already, if the way she moans and bucks is any judge.","122":"I guess... maybe it is my turn.","123":"I push into her... her resistance causing me to finally push over the edge.","124":"I keep pushing, and break right into her.","125":"Oh... go on... do it...","126":"Just... not in my...","127":"She doesn't really finish her sentence.","128":"By the time she says something, I'm already off. In a split second I cum...","129":"...on her back.","130":"...inside her","131":"You... you did a good job.","132":"I'm satisfied now, so I think we're through for now.","133":"Jeez. I kinda love this girl. No-nonsense sex?","134":"Where can I get more of this?","135":"I've got to clean up... so... you can leave.","136":"Right. I guess I'll go, then.","137":"I grab my clothes and try to leave without drawing too much attention.","138":"God, that was such a huge load. That's an end-of-no-nut-November magnitude load...","139":"It felt so good to unleash it inside a woman...","140":"Of course, she immediately turns around, and gives me a fierce look.","141":"The fuck? I told you not to do that!","142":"You're a stranger! Go and fuck off.","143":"And don't bother giving me any fucking lip, either.","144":"I couldn't give her any lip... but I wouldn't care either.","145":"I've had my fun.","146":"Jeez... got kinda carried away.","147":"Even if I could talk... I don't think I'd be able to come up with the right words.","148":"I hope she's on the pill...","149":"Right. I guess I'll go, then.","150":"Uh...","151":"...did Dante notice me walking into the bathroom with Sarah?","152":"This is... kind of an awkward moment...","153":"Isn't he going to say something?","154":"TOUCHDOWN!","155":"God damn it... does he have to [i]scream[\/i] it to everyone?","156":"I wonder if I can escape the bar without any further attention. I give Dante a curt nod and a smile, then I walk to leave.","157":"That wasn't exactly productive... but it was a lot of fun.","158":"Don't I deserve random, unattached sex on occasion? I'm protecting the school from... dark forces.","159":"I'm sure I deserve it.","160":"I fucking came inside her. That was my lust overriding my reason. I've got to be more careful.","0":"Camera","1":"Speed [tg_anim]","2":"Continue","3":"[bj_camera != 0]POV","4":"[bj_camera != 1]Lateral","5":"<","6":"[bj_speed != bj_fast_speed]Faster","7":"[bj_speed != bj_default_speed]Default Speed","8":"[bj_speed != bj_slow_speed]Slower","9":"<"},"ch3__03.60 hot tip.vne3":{"3":"To top it all off, Valerie said that the school has a higher-than-average... [i]suicide rate[\/i].","4":"But... there's nothing seemingly that connects all these things together.","5":"Ultimately, the school isn't big enough to say for certain whether there's something to Valerie's theory, or if it's all statistical anomaly.","6":"And... nothing anywhere about some special 1030-something party. So I'm stuck.","7":"I've cast my wide net. I've gotten nowhere.","8":"This is it. This is the end. I'm not sure where to go from here.","9":"I did at least want to give Linus the data on Lidia's phone.","10":"Linus, could you check something out for me?","11":"Yeah. Sure.","12":"I intercepted data coming out of a student's computer. At their request, of course. Could you take a look at it?","13":"Something interesting?","14":"It seems to be a form of malware, but I'm not an expert like you are on such things.","15":"Don't oversell me, man. I'm interested but I'm no expert. Did you have it quarantined? Can I take a look at it?","16":"I don't really have a copy of the malware, no. But I do have a copy of the data it was transmitting.","17":"I email him a log of the data I had copy-pasted.","18":"Interesting. I don't know if I can help you, but I'll try.","19":"Hmm... there was something else I wanted to ask Linus. I was struck by the exchange I eavesdropped on.","20":"One of them had a familiar name...","21":"You know the hacker Silent One?","22":"Asking about yourself again?","23":"Heh. Yeah. Indulge me. What was it about him?","24":"Silent One doesn't exist. At least... he probably doesn't exist.","25":"Let's say he does exist.","26":"Right, well, they say Silent One was around in the early days of computing, in the 70s.","27":"He might have been involved in the first Unix operating system or something, a scientist working on ARPANET.","28":"Anyway, rumor has it - and it's only a rumor - that he found some kind of fundamental security flaw inherent in computer science.","29":"You were telling me about that.","30":"Yeah, and it involves some super-advanced math too. Stuff I don't get. And stupid urban legend <dq>Marianas Web<dq> shit.","31":"So how much of it is true?","32":"My guess? He's probably real. It's impossible to believe there was never a hacker who called himself Silent One. Whether he actually found some kinda super-vulnerability, I don't know.","33":"What's got you so interested? You think this malware was made by Silent One?","34":"Maybe. Someone in tech chat was calling themselves that.","35":"Poser. Definitely a poser.","36":"There's one more thing. But... I have a feeling that Linus isn't going to be able to help me.","37":"Linus, does a number and the word <dq>party<dq> mean anything to you?","38":"Uh... give me an example?","39":"Like... <dq>1035 party<dq> or <dq>1031 party<dq>.","40":"A house number?","41":"Oh... a house number?","42":"Do you know a party going on like that?","43":"Oh yeah. Tons. Me and my retro tech group love going to parties. After I show off my Apple II we all snort coke off a stripper's ass.","44":"I was just asking.","45":"You know more about parties than I do, man! Why don't you ask someone who actually goes to parties and hangs out in places like bars?","46":"Someone who goes to parties... and hangs out in bars?","47":"You mean like Dante?","48":"You mean the World's Straightest Man? Perfect person to ask.","49":"Holy shit. He's right. Dante is the perfect person to ask.","50":"Wait a sec... first it's about malware, then it's about Silent One, and now you want to go to a party?","51":"How are any of these things remotely connected?","52":"Silent One is trying to hack a party at house number 1031?","53":"You're neck deep in weird, aren't you?","54":"Well, it's your shit on the line. Don't drag me into it.","55":"I've got to leave early to-","56":"Stop typing right there, {PlayerName}. Calm down. Just think. Don't rush into things.","57":"If you ain't cool, you're going to make a mistake. Be a cool motherflipper.","58":"I suppose I will. Thanks.","59":"Linus is right. I've got to take it easy.","60":"Wait for my time. Don't screw myself up.","61":"I'll see Dante when I get off work. I'll save Hank's patience for a real emergency.","0":"So... I think I've pursued every lead I can think of.","1":"Haley is hounded by debt collectors. Lidia has some weird spyware installed on her phone.","2":"Maggie is getting harassed. Sam seems to have given up hope on school."},"ch3__03.65 final flashback.vne3":{"10":"I need his help. Not just for learning to be a straighter man. But I can finish the story while we wait.","11":"I'd like that.","12":"Without even asking, Haley starts fetching me a beer.","13":"I take a seat at the bar, then I start from where I left off.","14":"When I woke up...","15":"...I was in the hospital.","16":"{Leah} was already in the room watching over me.","17":"I finally understood now I hadn't died. I just pushed myself too far. Got myself sick.","18":"The first thing I did... was try and ask her the most natural question.","19":"{Leah}... what happened to me?","20":"I heard my voice in my own head. But she didn't react.","21":"I was confused. I tried to talk louder.","22":"{Leah}... are you... mad at me?","23":"I'm sorry. You were right. I was taking this all way too personally.","24":"I should have listened to you.","25":"Still no response.","26":"The funny thing was... I thought [i]she[\/i] had gone mute.","27":"Please talk, {Leah}.","28":"{PlayerName}... I'm so grateful you're alive.","29":"I know. I'm-","30":"But you shouldn't try to talk. I can't understand you.","31":"What do you mean?","32":"Your voice. You lost your voice.","33":"I haven't lost my voice... I hear it-","34":"That's when I paid [i]attention[\/i]. Not to the sound in my own head, but to the sound I was making.","35":"I felt like a ghost. A moaning ghost. It was so bizarre.","36":"My best quality. My voice. It was gone.","37":"It's temporary, right?","38":"I don't understand you, {PlayerName}.","39":"My voice will get back to normal. It'll heal.","40":"I... want to tell you what you want to hear, but...","41":"...I don't know what you're asking me.","42":"Can you write it down?","43":"I was still confused at this point. I wanted to tell her it wasn't necessary.","44":"But I remembered what she told me. That she didn't understand me. So I pulled a piece of paper and wrote it down.","45":"When she looked at the question, her expression was just heartbreaking. I felt like I had done something wrong.","46":"It's a hard one to explain, {PlayerName}.","47":"You're... safe. The danger is over. But they had to go to extreme lengths to save you.","48":"She told me that I had some sort of extremely rare nerve issue.","49":"They had to do surgery to open the airways. But because they weren't sure what was happening to me, they cocked up.","50":"The doctors badly damaged my vocal chords. It was just a mass of scar tissue.","51":"I listened - silently of course - as she explained that I would no longer be able to speak. I'd need a vocal chord transplant - and those are pretty rare and expensive.","52":"It must've been awful.","53":"Actually, in a weird way, it felt like a relief.","54":"What...?","55":"I know that sounds weird. But you've got to understand that all my pride and self-worth was tied in that election. And subconsciously, I knew I was going to lose.","56":"Now there was no pressure. I could lose with my pride intact. After all, it wasn't my fault. How was I going to know there would be a weird medical thing?","57":"All that weight came off of me at once.","58":"I... think I understand now.","59":"Yeah. I thought it was strange too. I had been bordering on a mental breakdown.","60":"But in that hospital room... I had nothing to worry about but my own health. For once, I didn't even think about the election.","61":"As she explained what the doctors had told her, and about the therapy I'd have to undertake, I was oddly not bothered.","62":"The only thing that disturbed me was seeing the stress and pain she'd been through.","63":"I don't know how long she'd been there for me, except for the pillows and blankets she'd spent the night in.","64":"And... I found it hard to understand the feeling of peace that came over me. It was just nice to have {Leah} there with me, by my side.","65":"...I'm surprised, {PlayerName}.","66":"You haven't asked at all about the election. Is there something wrong?","67":"I wrote down my answer and gave it to her.","68":"When she read it, I loved the smile that she had.","69":"Yes... I agree.","70":"It isn't important at all.","71":"So I'm guessing you lost.","72":"No, actually. I won.","73":"What? Really?","74":"I went back to school a week afterward. Emily rushed out to meet me.","75":"So... it's true you lost your voice?","76":"I nodded.","77":"Temporarily?","78":"I shrugged.","79":"Forever?","80":"I didn't know. So I shrugged again.","81":"It's so weird. I have a such a strong association with you with your voice. I can't imagine you without it.","82":"I did visit you in the hospital, you know. But you were under anesthesia at the time. We didn't talk...","83":"I have so many questions I want to ask you. But do you want to hear the good news first?","84":"I nodded.","85":"They're counting the votes now, {PlayerName}. Would you believe it? You're in the lead!","86":"That surprised me. I smiled, and nodded.","87":"But what she said after that took all the joy out of it.","88":"I guess you finally took Valerie's advice. They all felt sorry for you. Even Sam. Sam told everyone to vote for you.","89":"I talked to the school administration - they're really excited about having a class president who is disabled. They think it could really improve their public-","90":"[i]Disabled?[\/i]","91":"It was suddenly clear. Everyone felt [i]sorry[\/i] for me. It was then so damn obvious. I couldn't believe I was so blind to it.","92":"You don't win to stop yourself from being humiliated. [i]The only way to win is to be humiliated[\/i].","93":"Suddenly, the behavior of politicians completely made sense to me. That's why they all act in these debasing, awful ways.","94":"If you are your authentic self, you'll lose. So you have to twist yourself until you become what other people want you to be.","95":"The only truly proud thing to do is to act like yourself at all times. And that kind of person will never win an election.","96":"Oh... you think so?","97":"How can you be proud when you hide yourself?","98":"I... never thought about it like that.","99":"There's nothing humiliating about what happened to you. And there's nothing wrong with getting help.","100":"No, you're absolutely right. But it's the difference between winning and earning something, and having it just handed to you because people felt sorry for you.","101":"I wouldn't have won if I hadn't lost my voice. That's the bottom line. And that just didn't sit well with me.","102":"I see.","103":"That's why I couldn't accept it. I knew now that it was a trap. I had to get myself out before I went too far.","104":"I'm just surprised that Emily never seemed worried or concerned about you.","105":"Emily would never show her emotions like that. But she has them.","106":"That was what I couldn't see about Emily at the time. How cold she was.","107":"I see. Please, continue.","108":"I was just learning how to use the voice app. I wasn't nearly as quick with it as I am now.","109":"So Emily was still talking while I was punching out my thoughts on the keypad.","110":"...Honestly losing your voice might have been just the stroke of luck we needed. The school is already trying to contact the press about our first non-verbal-","111":"For the first time, the app's alien voice spoke my words. They cut through her words.","112":"I don't want to win like this.","113":"You wanted a fair competition? It was close. You wanted it closer?","114":"Emily looked perplexed as she watched me type.","115":"No. I don't want people to feel sorry for me.","116":"That's harsh. They [i]feel sympathy[\/i] with you... but...","117":"No.","118":"I typed quickly to stop her from speaking further.","119":"I want to drop out.","120":"But you wanted this...","121":"No, I wanted to win by being the better candidate. I didn't do that.","122":"I'm going to concede to Samantha right now.","123":"You're going to give up?","124":"Yes.","125":"Did you fall on your head at the same time you lost your voice?","126":"Being in the hospital gave me time to really think about my life. So I rested my head, I didn't fall on it.","127":"[speed,0.4]...[\/speed]I can't date someone who gives up.","128":"So she broke up with you because you gave up?","129":"In her mind, losing my voice changed me.","130":"Did it?","131":"Of course not. I'm still the same person. I had to adapt.","132":"So... I know you're friends with Sam now. How did that happen?","133":"Yeah. I ended up being Sam's VP.","134":"Really? Her VP?","135":"It's like this...","136":"I was going to the student council room to pick up some stuff when-","137":"...Don't make me do it, Sam!","138":"Why would you agree to run with me if-","139":"Haven't you been paying attention? Everyone calls me [i]Buttsnack[\/i]. I've been using the same joke since the sixth grade.","140":"I don't know why people still think it's funny! I don't! It was just [i]one incident[\/i] in the cafeteria!","141":"It's driving me crazy that everyone still remembers it! Everyone still laughs at it! I don't get why. But I don't care! If it'll make me popular, I'll use it!","142":"My whole identity is one fucking joke, Sam! I can't take on actual responsibility. People will find out that I'm stupid and uninteresting!","143":"But I [i]need[\/i] you, Buttsnack!","144":"My name is [i]Joseph Popodopolis[\/i]. My whole social life is based on a single incident in sixth grade. I can't let people find out I'm a dumb, boring loser.","145":"You are on your own.","146":"Buttsnack stormed away from Sam.","147":"When Sam caught sight of me, I saw her sink a little further.","148":"Ah. {PlayerName}. Now you already see the unraveling of the Hunter Administration.","149":"I didn't actually want to win. When you dropped out, it kinda messed me up.","150":"Why did you run?","151":"I don't know. To make a point. The popular kids are always thinking about the future - they're only doing things because it'll benefit them in the long term.","152":"They aren't doing it for the sake of doing something. You know?","153":"You think I was just running to get an easy scholarship?","154":"Weren't you?","155":"Yes. I wanted the scholarship.","156":"No. I wanted to be a leader.","157":"Yes and no.","158":"Wow. I admire your honesty.","159":"Truth is, I'm starting to understand why. You wouldn't take this job unless you got the big-o bucks.","160":"I can't really blame you.","161":"Just because I was self-interested doesn't mean I would have done a bad job.","162":"Really? That's surprising. Maybe I judged you wrong.","163":"But... uh... [i]I[\/i] don't want to be a leader. I guess I wanted the same thing Buttsnack did.","164":"You've got that responsibility now, though.","165":"Couldn't you do it for public and private gain?","166":"Yeah. I guess.","167":"I'm really sorry I called you an elitist, {PlayerName}.","168":"People were saying those kinds of things about me before you ran.","169":"Still... I never thought you were a bad person. I got caught up in all the attention and...","170":"I guess it doesn't matter.","171":"But... the whole student council quit. It's just me now. I don't know what to do.","172":"I'm not really even sure what the responsibilities of the student council are.","173":"This is going to be a really bad year.","174":"Sam stood and sulked in that way she usually does. In the way that would become a pattern, I would sigh and relent.","175":"I'm not going to let her suffer.","176":"No. It's not.","177":"I'm going to help you.","178":"You... will?","179":"I'll rejoin the student council.","180":"Oh. THANK YOU. I was so scared I'd do this all on my own.","181":"Come on. I'll show you around the office and tell you what you need to do.","182":"So that's why you're friends.","183":"Yes. That's basically the story of how I lost my voice.","184":"Thank you for telling me that. It's pretty brave of you.","185":"Brave of me?","186":"Not everyone shares a story that doesn't cast them in the best of light.","187":"Yes... that's true. I did share some pretty personal things.","188":"{Leah} has always kept me grounded. She has a strong moral compass.","189":"I don't think I've ever met her. But she sounds like a very nice person.","190":"Yes. She's really special.","191":"Huh...?","192":"You've been through a lot, haven't you?","193":"...","194":"You know... it's really touching to see how you're so close to {Leah}.","195":"It sounds to me like she really helped you get through rough times.","196":"You got to treasure that relationship, okay? Not everyone has someone they can rely on.","197":"Jeez... Haley seems so sincere. And here I was thinking my story was going to depress her.","198":"But she looks... actually... uplifted.","199":"I don't actually tell this story to a lot of people. Sometimes people are too shy to ask. Sometimes... people already know it.","200":"There's something therapeutic in the telling, though.","201":"...And... maybe, just maybe...","202":"...There could be something developing between me and Haley.","203":"That's just a feeling. It's nothing certain.","204":"Huh... what a strange, intimate thing to do, touching me right out of the blue.","205":"When she touches me like that... without any warning...","206":"...I'm suddenly certain there's something between us...","207":"...I'm just not sure what it is yet.","208":"All I know is Haley's hand feels so nice on my cheek...","209":"...and her lips feel so close to mine...","210":"I could lean forward and just...","211":"Oh, here's your favorite person.","212":"Hey, {PlayerName}, you're becoming a regular, aren't you?","213":"Haley pulls quickly away from me, like a rabbit caught by a flashlight.","214":"Damn Dante's perfect timing. He deflated me like a punctured blimp.","215":"I sigh and pull myself together.","216":"I'm trying.","217":"Not only that, {PlayerName} said he needs your help.","218":"Helping? That's the favorite activity of us straight guys. What do you need, bro?","219":"You seem like someone who really knows how to party.","220":"Partying? That's the second favorite activity of straight men. Am I right?","221":"I thought having sex with women would be high on that list.","222":"It's pretty high! But not the highest. If it was the highest, you'd seem pretty damn desperate.","223":"As any straight man knows, desperation is not sexy.","224":"What kinda party you trying to get into?","225":"I had some pretty unclear instructions on how to get to a party. Thought you might know the way.","226":"Lay it on me.","227":"I think it's either house number 1031 or house number 1035.","228":"Oh yeah. There's a sweet party pad at 1035 Kettlebin Woods. It's a bit of drive, but worth it.","229":"1035 Kettlebin Woods? Where have I heard that address?","230":"Is there a party there right now?","231":"Heck yeah!","232":"I can cover your shift if you want to go party.","233":"Aw man, you serious? I can't ask you to cover for me.","234":"Don't worry about it. Have fun.","235":"Also... Haley desperately needs the money anyway.","236":"That's real hetero of you, Haley.","237":"Well, mostly.","238":"Come on, man! Let's go catch the party before it goes stale.","239":"{Leah}?","240":"No. I'm constantly seeing her out of the corner of my eye.","241":"It was probably just my imagination.","242":"Hey man... you got a car?","243":"Yes.","244":"Good. I got one but... uh... it's at the shop.","245":"Don't worry about talking with me, man. I'll speak for the both of us.","246":"Yeah. I know he will.","0":"It was tough waiting. But I knew Linus was right. I had no idea whether rushing was going to help or not.","1":"Truth be told, there might not even be a party tonight. This all would've been for nothing.","2":"I guess I'll just have to see.","3":"Here you are to save me from my boredom?","4":"That's right. Haley wanted the end of my story. I was hoping to ask her about her debt.","5":"Well... it would be bad to bring it up directly anyway, so I might as well keep her entertained.","6":"Is Dante going to be around today?","7":"Yeah. He is.","8":"Good.","9":"You wanted to exchange tips on being straight or something?"},"ch3__03.70 the party.vne3":{"10":"This is [i]Emily's[\/i] house. Her old family house.","11":"Why is there a party here? Emily would never have a party at her family's house.","12":"Heck, I was her boyfriend and she basically never took me to see her parents.","13":"Who hosts this party? You say it's a party pad?","14":"Okay. Here's the thing about parties, man. You don't question why people are hosting them. Especially when [i]everybody's invited[\/i].","15":"That's another hot tip for hetero guys.","16":"Come on in! I'll show you around.","17":"[i]Ending a life.[\/i] That's what I read off the chat logs.","18":"There are three ways this can go. Nothing happens, and I get to go to a sweet party.","19":"[i]Someone's life ends[\/i]... and I don't know enough to prevent it...","20":"Finally, I might save someone's life today. Like I did with Mr. Craven.","21":"Whatever is going to happen... I'm ready for it.","22":"Jesus. I so fucking hope it's the first option.","23":"Cool place, right?","24":"It's real hetero.","25":"Fuck yeah it is.","26":"Anybody interesting around?","27":"What are you talking about, G?","28":"I mean-","29":"Come on bro. [i]Everyone's[\/i] interesting. [i]Everyone's[\/i] got a story to tell.","30":"You want to meet someone interesting? Go a random direction and pick a random person.","31":"There's a few things I've got to give Dante a lot of credit for. A dedication to his cocktail mixer, and a positive attitude. And seeing the best in everyone.","32":"I don't typically like parties now, mostly because my voice app gets drowned out by music. So normally, I would cling to whoever knows sign language.","33":"But... if I want to really do a thorough sweep, I've got to lose Dante.","34":"Dante, I'm going to check the party out.","35":"Don't sweat it. I got like... a hundred friends. And they're all gonna get pissed if I don't talk to each of them individually.","36":"Thanks, Dante.","37":"Cool.","38":"Hey! Cabrón! Por que no me llames, tio?","39":"Now I'm standing around awkwardly by myself. Like my first real party when I was 13.","40":"Luckily, I have a purpose to be here, so I don't have to feel completely awkward.","41":"That is - I need to figure out what's going on.","42":"I don't think Emily's folks would like a bunch of strangers in their house. I wonder who invited them?","43":"One thing is clear. It wasn't Emily.","44":"I take a look around, focusing past the music. Trying to see if I don't notice someone around that I recognize.","45":"A lot of these people look like they're from Shale Hill. I recognize them, even if I don't know them.","46":"They probably don't recognize me, though.","47":"I wander around. It's ironic, given the possibly life-and-death situation, everyone is carefree.","48":"I was a pretty social person, but I haven't been to a party in a while. It feels... disorienting now.","49":"I understand why some people don't like it.","50":"Huh? Who is that? In this crowd of people I vaguely recognize... there's one person I feel like I actually know.","51":"But... she's gone the moment I try and approach her.","52":"Eaten up by the crowd...","53":"Was that a thud? Like a door being forced.","54":"In this cacophony of sounds... it's strange that I noticed it. Maybe a deeper instinct is telling me it's important.","55":"Fuck. It could be [i]anything[\/i]. But I feel like I ought to check it out.","56":"Emily! Why am I always running into her? Despite the fact she is the least surprising thing here.","57":"It looks like she's having a hard time opening the door. Presumably... her own door.","58":"She is not having any fun. I feel like I should turn around... but...","59":"I feel like I need to know what Emily is doing.","60":"Finally, it looks like she gives up, and with a huff...","61":"HOLY SHIT!","62":"Yeah. There was no way to avoid this.","63":"Damn it {PlayerName}... scaring me to death, are you? Couldn't you have said something?","64":"Ah... I didn't think about what I said. Fuck... I feel like an idiot.","65":"You need help with that door?","66":"No. I'm fine. The fucking key though... I have [i]no[\/i] idea where it is.","67":"It should be on my fob. I must've dropped it or something. I really hope I don't need to get a new key ground.","68":"Emily's patience seems really limited. Especially with me. I should probably choose my question carefully.","69":"So, can I help you?","70":"What are you doing?","71":"Why is there a party?","72":"So now you want to help me, hmm? After you said you hated me so damn much.","73":"You can't help me, {PlayerName}. Unless you can spit out my office keys.","74":"What business is it of yours?","75":"I have no idea why there's a party, {PlayerName}. I presume my brother has something to do with it, but he's not answering any texts.","76":"I'm going downstairs.","77":"Why are you following me, {PlayerName}?","78":"You just seem bothered.","79":"Why are you pretending to care now? You told me pretty frankly you don't like me.","80":"That kind of honesty is commendable. But it doesn't make me like you more.","81":"But that doesn't mean I wouldn't help you if you needed it.","82":"What's it to you? Are you trying to rekindle something?","83":"You wanted a second round? Is that what you're trying to get?","84":"Well... I'm sorry to say, but that was once and it's not happening again.","85":"That's got nothing to do with it. My concern is more general.","86":"That's very touching. But I don't have the time to deal with you right now.","87":"I've got no idea why these people are here. It's my family's house! Shouldn't my family be here too?","88":"So... what are you doing here? I thought you stopped going to parties after you lost your voice.","89":"God damn it. Accurate.","90":"Not because I lost my voice. I'm just busier than I used to be.","91":"Oh. I see.","92":"So why are you here?","93":"A friend brought me here.","94":"Really?","95":"I didn't know it was going to be your house.","96":"Emily looks at me for a moment, as if deciding whether to believe me or not.","97":"Well... even if you didn't mean to come to my family's house, you weren't invited.","98":"I'm going to call the cops. Not specifically on you, but just on everyone.","99":"I'd probably clear out while you can.","100":"Every time I run into Emily, I find myself in a worse situation.","101":"I have no idea what's going to turn our relationship around.","102":"I should probably get everything done quickly, then.","103":"Every time I talk to her, it just confirms every bad feeling I have toward her.","104":"But... Emily's dad developed the school's security app. That means he's directly connected to RECENTLY.","105":"This is... maybe my [i]only[\/i] chance to find out about the application, straight from the source.","106":"If I can get past that door that Emily couldn't open...","107":"The... fuck...?","108":"The door is open now!","109":"I'd only been gone for a minute. What the...","110":"Oh god. [i]The chills running down my spine right now.[\/i]","111":"I guess the door isn't an issue. But that means somebody is in that room, right?","112":"Someone who... must've gotten the key off of Emily.","113":"That makes him at the very least a thief.","114":"But... as I approach the door... I don't really hear anything. No rifling through drawers. No sifting through papers. No typing.","115":"Either they're holding very still, or they've left the room.","116":"I'm going to gamble on the latter.","117":"I don't see anyone...","118":"What a nice office, though. Fitting for a cybersecurity tech CEO.","119":"Too bad he isn't as good with realspace security.","120":"This is my chance to find out about RECENTLY. I'm not going to forgo it.","121":"Where should I look first?","122":"[!searched_display]Search the display case.","123":"[!searched_cabinet]Search the file cabinet.","124":"[!searched_desk]Search the desk.","125":"Awards, trophies, things like that.","126":"If any of these things have any deeper meaning, I have no idea. These are definitely the knick-knacks of a rich man.","127":"The fact that he keeps so many paper records here is probably a sign of a healthy lack of faith in cyber security.","128":"But these seem like financial records of some kind. I'd need an accountant to pour through these to find anything interesting.","129":"Maybe I could find the contract between Shale Hill University and the company?","130":"After a minute, I find something.","131":"It's a long contract. And I'm not a lawyer. But there's no clause about building an app as invasive as RECENTLY.","132":"Of course, if the university did want such an app, they probably wouldn't put it anywhere in writing.","133":"I found a contract that might be evidence that Emily's dad didn't develop RECENTLY.","134":"Not that you'd draft a legal document about something as illegal as RECENTLY.","135":"I look through the drawers. Emily's dad keeps a cluttered office.","136":"Ultimately, I don't find much that would be of much help.","137":"The only thing of note is that Emily's dad seems pretty old school, and keeps a lot of physical stationary.","138":"That really only leaves the computer. I am a bit reluctant to use it, given that Emily's dad is a cyber security tech...","139":"...I don't know where else to check, though.","140":"If Emily's dad developed RECENTLY, he would have it on his computer. Why wouldn't he?","141":"Let's try it.","142":"Password. I don't know. Let's try Emily's birthday.","143":"No way.","144":"It worked.","145":"A cyber security specialist, choosing such a basic password? That's embarrassing.","146":"But this raises another issue - no RECENTLY.","147":"A basic search of all the programs on the computer turns up nothing.","148":"As far as I can see... RECENTLY is not on his computer.","149":"Does this really mean that Emily's dad-","150":"Someone... someone grabbed me! I'm being attacked?","151":"Who the fuck was in with me? I didn't even see...","152":"{Leah}!","153":"She's... pulling me from the computer!","154":"I'm too shocked to process that she's here with me, let alone dragging me away.","155":"Where... is she taking me? The closet?","156":"She has a finger to her lips. She's telling me to be quiet.","157":"What... does she know? Did she see someone?","158":"I don't know if I can-","159":"-SHIT! Someone else just entered the room...!","160":"Emily's dad? Emily? The cops? Or...","161":"...the one who had unlocked the door.","162":"{Leah} watches through a crack in the door. God... she does this kinda stuff more than I do.","163":"I want to peek with her... but I have this weird feeling that any move I make is going to alert whoever walked in.","164":"But if I just lean over...","165":"Well... that's neither Emily's dad, nor Emily. Her brother, maybe?","166":"I don't know. I can't see his face from this angle...","167":"He doesn't look like he's up to any good.","168":"Oh... no...","169":"Sam... could your timing be any worse!","170":"[i]Now[\/i] you want to talk?","171":"Oh my God. I'm going to fucking die.","172":"I think he noticed us. And he's not scared away.","173":"In fact...","174":"...he's coming towards us.","175":"This is bad. Real bad.","176":"We're headed for a collision course. And God knows what this guy is capable of.","0":"So yeah. That's why I say, us straight people need a new culture. You feel me?","1":"Man... I know you can't respond and all, but it's awesome to bounce these ideas off you.","2":"True to his promise, Dante yaks away while I drive. I'm deeply grateful I have a good excuse not to talk.","3":"I'm just wondering - what makes me think this party - or any other given party, has anything to do with what's going on in RECENTLY?","4":"I hate to say it. As hard as I've worked to find clues, I'm running off of complete guesses.","5":"But... following Dante's instructions, I've been getting further and further away from Shale Hill.","6":"This is closer to... my home town. Where {Leah}, Sam, Valerie, Emily and I grew up.","7":"As I pull closer to the house...","8":"Here you are. 1035 Kettlebin Woods.","9":"I know this place."},"ch3_ep3_investigation_controller.vne3":{"3":"Somehow, I've got to set aside that she licked me and return to work.","4":"I can't let her distract me with her teasing.","5":"I keep replaying my interaction with Lidia in my mind. I can't help but analyze all her expressions and tones of voice.","6":"[i]Does she like me? Doesn't she like me?[\/i] That should be the last thing on my mind.","7":"A life could well be at stake. I've got to deal with that first, then I can think about Lidia.","8":"Maggie's kiss is still burning on my cheek.","9":"For such a shy girl, I would've never imagined something like that. But what burns worse is knowing someone is making her life hell.","10":"I hope that I'll run into some clue about who this low-life is. But for now, I'm really not sure where to start looking.","11":"I know so little about Maggie...","12":"I can't shake this feeling that I'm being watched. And I'm not a paranoid person at all.","13":"It isn't just {Leah}'s weird behavior. The feeling is pervasive.","14":"If I spy on everyone... someone can do the same to me.","15":"[i]Am I the only one with RECENTLY?[\/i] I have no idea.","16":"And for all of my capacity to spy on people, I have no idea where Sam is.","17":"She's safe, at the very least. That's something important. I hope she'll stay safe, too.","18":"Anyway, I'm getting distracted.","19":"It's enough for today.","20":"I'll rest for a bit.","21":"I can't spend all my time investigating. I'll take a break.","22":"I need a break to consider my next step.","23":"I get some work done, and now I've freed up some time to investigate.","24":"A short nap, then I'll be ready to continue tonight.","25":"I cleared my support tickets so I can go out and investigate tonight.","26":"Hank has let me off work. I can go out and investigate tonight.","27":"I can sneak in some investigation between errands.","28":"It's time. Let's see what I can find out.","29":"I can't stay up too late, but it's a good time to investigate.","30":"Let's try this. There's gotta be some key hint.","31":"I have a good feeling I'll find a clue tonight.","32":"Time to head out and see what I can find.","33":"I slept so easily...","34":"Sex does wonders for the mind. But now it's time to jump back on the horse.","35":"I've got important work, but I can't fail to treat myself now and then.","36":"Fuck. I gotta get to school.","37":"I don't feel like going to class...","38":"Another school day. When do I graduate?","39":"I'm all prepared for school.","40":"Another day to get my grades up.","41":"...","42":"I can't waste time. There's something weird going on at this school.","43":"I have some time between class and work. Let's make the best of it.","44":"Finally. Where am I going this afternoon?","45":"Let's cast a wide net. Where to go?","46":"Time to unravel some secrets.","47":"I'll try to get some sleep.","48":"It's late. I'll get some sleep and continue tomorrow.","49":"I'm useless without sleep. I've got to hit the hay.","50":"I can't do this all night. I'm a morning person.","51":"My eyes are closing on me. It's time for bed.","0":"Things are getting darker and darker.","1":"Now the [i]ending a life[\/i] thing is starting to make a lot more sense. But Valerie said nothing about [i]murder[\/i].","2":"I keep getting drawn deeper into this, and the stakes keep getting higher."},"ch3_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch3_start.vne3":{"3":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","4":"Check synopsis.","5":"Skip.","6":"I [i]had[\/i] a normal life. But it was shattered the moment I opened that app. RECENTLY.","7":"I spent all night experimenting with the program.","8":"What I learned is that the program could look at data that had been accessed by the user...","9":"...but only within a few minutes.","10":"With {Leah}'s penchant for trouble, I knew I had to stop her from learning what I had.","11":"{Leah} was a seeker of truth. Secrets were not something that sat well with her.","12":"Invasive illegal technology or not, I still had to go to class. I met up with Sam.","13":"Sam and I have a real history. She's... my best friend. That's the easiest way to describe her.","14":"But I also do a lot for her.","15":"Like looking for her lost phone, for example. Which is why I ended up following Sam to her dorm room. We... weren't successful.","16":"That was the least of my concerns. Something about Sam's manner seriously bothered me. A girl I always knew as quirky and cheerful was hopeless and depressive.","17":"Something about Sam's manner seriously bothered me. A girl I always knew as quirky and cheerful was hopeless and depressive.","18":"I couldn't really get her to tell me anything.","19":"I couldn't help Sam all day. I went to work. Valerie had come to visit us. They discussed fixing a ''bug'', which I hoped was whatever had been allowing me to access other people's computers.","20":"But I wasn't sure. So... I tested it. I looked up Sam's missing phone through RECENTLY.","21":"What I ended up getting was a picture of the person who had the phone.","22":"I presumed it was the thief, but for now that was far from my mind.","23":"The ''bug'' they had fixed had nothing to do with RECENTLY. Still, I took it upon myself to find Sam's phone.","24":"I had a little free time, so I went to the town hall with {Leah}. There I ran into Emily again, and her business partner, Cedric.","25":"Despite our rocky relationship, Emily and I ended up eating lunch together.","26":"I discovered that Emily was working on some sort of [i]secret project[\/i] with Cedric...","27":"...and I also learned Emily's family had something to do with Shale Hill's security software.","28":"Things... actually got a bit toastier than that.","29":"We relapsed. Old feelings die hard, I suppose. What we did that afternoon is sure to complicate things.","30":"I didn't, however, get any clues about who really took Sam's phone.","31":"Only with Valerie's help, hinting that someone fitting the thief's description was living near Sevigny's.","32":"When I finally track him down, the madman claims to be Batman, and that he was holding Sam's phone for her... to protect it.","33":"Whatever his true intentions, he does return the phone to me, and also gives a warning.","34":"Someone called [i]Professor Craven[\/i] is in serious trouble.","35":"On a whim, I decided to follow up on his lead, using RECENTLY to help.","36":"It was a good thing I did. I found Frank Craven being accosted by thugs.","37":"I had never been in such a dangerous situation, but I felt I had to help.","38":"Using my horn, I scar the thugs off.","39":"I've never done anything so brave in my life, but it paid off. I may have saved this old man.","40":"I pull him to his feet... as yet unaware that I had been watched...","41":"Continue from start.","42":".10, .15, .20, .30 .35","43":".40 .45, .60, .65","44":".50a, .50b, .50c","45":".50d, .50e, .50f","46":".55, .55a, .70","47":"Sarah's sex scene","48":"Go back.","49":".10 the tv","50":".15 leahs computer issues","51":".20 returning the phone","52":".25 samspionage","53":"_03.30 remembering with haley.vne3","54":"_03.35 the first debate.vne3","55":"Go back.","56":".40 drained","57":".45 conspiracy","58":".60 hot tip","59":".65 final flashback","60":"Go back.","61":".50a investigate haley","62":".50b investigate kristen","63":".50c investigate lidia","64":"Go back.","65":".50d investigate maggie","66":".50e investigate sam","67":".50f investigate valerie","68":"Go back.","69":".55 seducing sarah","70":".60 hot tip","71":".65 final flashback","72":".70 the party","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. "},"ch4_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch4__04.05 leah escapes.vne3":{"10":"Fighting is not a good idea. But it's the [i]only[\/i] thing I can do. Isn't it?","11":"Running past him is an option, I could probably slip through and reach the door... but that would leave {Leah}...","12":"No. [i]That's impossible[\/i]. If I was by myself I would, but I [i]can't possibly leave {Leah} alone[\/i].","13":"He's coming! My choice has to come soon.","14":"[i]Flee, freeze...[\/i] fight!","15":"I thought I had three options... but really, I only had one choice to begin with!","16":"I'm Silent Snake. I'm a coiled cobra. I'm going to spring out and find that inner animal inside me!","17":"One strike!","18":"My fist connects, but not completely!","19":"It glances off his greasy fucking beard. But maybe it's just enough... maybe this is all I need!","20":"I bought some time for {Leah}, but I can't tell her to go!","21":"I point dramatically at the door, to buy her some time, any time at all!","22":"Will she fucking get the picture? I make the one sound I can make, and just hope that she books it!","23":"Because... things are getting serious here.","24":"A pang of fear goes through me. This is the first time someone has pulled a knife on me in anger.","25":"I hope to God that it's a bluff...","26":"If he really came to end a life, though...","27":"...he really will use that.","28":"{Leah}, run!","29":"I can hear her break for it! She's safe!","30":"Good... I can concentrate on him.","31":"But... concentrate on what? I've got nothing but instinct!","32":"I've never been in a fight before! Never even trained for one!","33":"I go to a gym once a week!","34":"I [i]can't do this![\/i]","35":"But... somehow... I am!","36":"I've got fangs! I've got claws! I'm a deadly fucking weapon!","37":"More than anything else... I've got a reason to fight!","38":"I'm keeping up!","39":"Adrenaline is somehow taking me through this!","40":"I can win this-","41":"-I can't win this.","42":"Not with... [i]that[\/i] in front of me.","43":"[i]Fuck.[\/i] No amount of adrenaline is going to help me dodge a bullet.","44":"Everything is in slow motion. But what good is that? With all the seconds left to me, it's only enough time for me to start praying.","45":"I'm a goner. Fuck.","46":"What do people that are about to die usually think about? Regrets?","47":"I know I regret coming here. Definitely regret finding that fucking app.","48":"The thing I really regret... is...","49":"...dragging {Leah} into this situation.","50":"...not fixing things with Emily.","51":"...never living up to Valerie's expectations.","52":"...never finding the truth about the app.","53":"...nothing. No regrets.","54":"If she lives through this... she won't be out of danger.","55":"Whoever is responsible, they'll be looking for the last witness.","56":"I know a few things, though. I know this is {Leah}'s natural environment. She'll take to it like a leopard in a jungle.","57":"If she's going the same path I am, she'll be a lot better at it than I would be.","58":"She's lasted longer than me, in any case. I wish her luck.","59":"I know she broke up with me. I know I ought to curse her.","60":"But I know Emily. I know she isn't the cruel, cold person she presents herself as. I know there's something under that ice.","61":"Emily is a riddle I won't be solving. That's for someone else, now.","62":"I wonder how she'll feel... when she finally hears about what happened to me?","63":"She wanted me to be president. She talked about me as though I had such promise. A promise that will now go unfulfilled.","64":"I don't know if I was capable of being the person she thought I was, but it was a gift that someone had such strong faith in me at all.","65":"I hope she's not too sad when she hears about what's about to happen. Another strange event in Shale Hill, I suppose.","66":"I'll be a mystery for someone else to solve.","67":"I'm the cat, and this is where curiosity got me.","68":"Hunting after things I shouldn't have. Searching for answers I know would lead me to trouble.","69":"Finding truths I didn't know would get me killed.","70":"It's time to learn different secrets now. Goodbye.","71":"I lived like I thought I should. I can't ask anything else of myself.","72":"If I die, I die. I didn't live every moment to the fullest, but it was good life.","73":"Goodbye.","74":"Huh?","75":"{Leah}... I thought you had... you were supposed to-","76":"{Leah}! God bless your courageous fucking heart!","77":"I was literally saying my goodbyes!","78":"I'm so glad you didn't do what I asked! I really, [i]really[\/i] didn't want to die!","79":"Now the gun is out of his hands. I'm safe.","80":"The tables have completely turned.","81":"With {Leah} here to distract him, we can take this guy down.","82":"He has a lot to answer for-","83":"The police!","84":"Emily's promise... to call the authorities... rings in my ears.","85":"Is this a good or a bad thing? I don't fucking know. Neither of us wants to be caught here with a gun.","86":"His reaction is immediate. And shocking.","87":"I would've expected him to charge at me. But he doesn't.","88":"He vaults over the edge with a confidence that is totally disarming.","89":"Is he that desperate to escape the police?","90":"Finally, we're safe. Relatively. But I've got no time to calm down.","91":"We're still in danger.","92":"I know I have a lot to explain...","93":"There's no time. We've got to get out of here.","94":"I... yes. You're right.","95":"Thanks.","96":"We burst through the door, and sprint down the stairs.","97":"We're a little late... and those sirens are so close!","98":"But if we make a break for it, we should be able to...","99":"Ah... shit.","100":"Too fucking late.","101":"We should've... gone out the window. After that guy.","102":"If we'd done that... god damn it.","103":"Now this... this is a low point.","104":"I'd feel worse if I wasn't so damn glad to be alive.","105":"But the fact that {Leah} is being taken in with me is the worst part of this.","106":"If I can survive someone pulling a gun on me, I can certainly survive jail.","107":"But... I only wonder how long my stay will be.","108":"And... how long {Leah}'s will be...","0":"Fucking Hell, Sam! Stop... calling!","1":"This is the absolute worst timing!","2":"Aw man... he's... heading right for us!","3":"We're two trains and we're sharing the same track. One of us is speeding down a hill and one of us is stuck in place.","4":"Is this it? Am I the one whose life is going to be destroyed?","5":"Could it be {Leah}'s?","6":"Fuck! I should've listened to Frank when I had the chance! He told me to stay out! I didn't listen to him!","7":"Now there are only three options open to me: fight, flight and freeze.","8":"I can't freeze. And I can't flee.","9":"So... am I gonna fight?"},"ch4__04.10 prison.vne3":{"10":"Huh?","11":"Are they putting someone else with me?","12":"Who is that?","13":"Hey, it's my hetebro!","14":"Ah... man... sorry I got you in this situation. I had no idea the party we crashed was, itself, crashed bro.","15":"What's it called when you have a party where you're not supposed to?","16":"Trespassing.","17":"Are you sure that's what they call it? I'm sure it had a cool name. Like ''home-crashing''.","18":"It's trespassing, Dante. Also, they took my cellphone.","19":"God damn it! Those asshole cops.","20":"I feel naked without that phone, man. It's like they took my tongue away.","21":"Yeah. Like... you wouldn't take a feely-aroundy stick from a blind man. That's discrimination and prejudice and junk.","22":"That's my feeling exactly.","23":"I'm just glad they didn't take my cocktail shaker away. To me, it is my feely-aroundy stick.","24":"Damn. I didn't even notice that he still had those metal cups. It seems like it'd be the first thing they'd take away.","25":"How'd you keep those? They don't let you have plastic spoons in here.","26":"One can't do harm with cocktail shakers, only good.","27":"I don't think that's really an answer, but...","28":"This is the risk you take when your heart is in the party, bro. You get arrested for trespassing and misdemeanor possession.","29":"It sucks to see you here. I thought you managed to get out.","30":"I was occupied.","31":"Occupied? Shit, man. Lucky you. Who were you [i]occupied[\/i] with?","32":"[i]Who[\/i] I was occupied with? I like the way Dante thinks... even if he is miles off the mark.","33":"Maybe it's better not to correct him.","34":"I don't kiss and tell.","35":"I was occupied in a different way.","36":"Actually, I was breaking into an office to uncover a conspiracy.","37":"I'd kiss and tell, though. You wouldn't?","38":"No. That's private, man.","39":"There's no privacy between hetebros. I know you had a good time with Sarah.","40":"That's different. I didn't mean for you to find out about that.","41":"I'm not flamboyantly heterosexual like you are.","42":"Don't sweat if you're het. Did your girl get out in time?","43":"Yeah. She took the window.","44":"Smart. I should've taken the window too.","45":"I get it. The ivory throne called. You had to give it your best.","46":"It was tough. It was building up over a couple of days.","47":"And it's one of those ones where you can't quit in the middle of doing it.","48":"Yes, exactly.","49":"I respect that. I'm sure the cops helped it along.","50":"A second one slid out the moment I heard the sirens.","51":"Dos deuces.","52":"Heh, yeah. I get it, you were being a hero. Totally get it, bro.","53":"In some ways, the best way to lie is to tell the truth.","54":"How did you get caught?","55":"There are some things a man can't leave without finishing.","56":"What's that? Were [i]you[\/i] occupied with someone?","57":"I was giving my bro a pep talk. Can't leave someone in need.","58":"Sirens didn't cause your friend to run?","59":"A bond between hetebros is stronger than the law.","60":"It's... an objectively silly thing to say. Dante is a strange guy.","61":"But he always says it like he means it. There's a conviction there that isn't just a big joke.","62":"I want to laugh at him... but... well...","63":"...Dante is a stand up guy.","64":"...Dante is weird but sincere.","65":"...actually, Dante is an idiot.","66":"I can't help but like him. He's eccentric, but it doesn't mean he doesn't believe it.","67":"I thought he was joking at first with the whole hetero thing, but I think he's serious.","68":"That only makes him stranger. I'm getting used to him... but it's still hard to take him seriously.","69":"Any guy who advertises his hetero-ness like Dante is bound to be...","70":"...[i]not hetero[\/i].","71":"Everything he does is just overcompensating for something.","72":"He should just be who he really is.","73":"Speaking of, we gotta get your phone back. Do they know you can't talk?","74":"They do, but they took the phone anyway. They said they'd bring an interpreter.","75":"You gotta demand your rights. Tell them that a cellphone is your feely-aroundy stick.","76":"Probably, yes.","77":"Or do they have special blind prisons? Prisons for blind people?","78":"Look it up on your phone, will ya?[char,Dante_Casual_Thoughtful] Ah fuck, man... that's right...","79":"Footsteps?","80":"It's the fuzz, bro. Don't worry, man. I've got this.","81":"Valiantly, Dante stands in front of me as he prepares to champion my rights.","82":"Hey, bro! This guy can't talk. He needs his feely-aroundy stick, which is his ph-","83":"Before Dante even finishes the sentence, the cop places the phone in my hands.","84":"Surprised, I nearly drop the damn thing, before I realize what's going on and I tighten my fingers around.","85":"{PlayerName}? You're free to leave.","86":"What about me?","87":"You're staying.","88":"Smooth screen... comforting blue glow... that nice [i]phone weight[\/i]. I was going through withdrawal without this thing! Suddenly regaining the power of speech, I excitedly type my next few words out.","89":"I can leave?","90":"Mmmhmm.","91":"I keep waiting for him to elaborate, but the cop doesn't.","92":"So... I'm free, then? Without any stipulations? I didn't even go to court!","93":"Holy shit, I must have a [i]Get Out of Jail Free[\/i] card somewhere on me!","94":"But... what about Dante?","95":"Why can't Dante leave?","96":"The owner of the property vouched for you. Not for this joker.","97":"What the hell man? Why can't I leave?","98":"The owner of the property didn't vouch for you.","99":"Come on, bro. I didn't do anything bad.","100":"Yeah, that airtight legal defense. [i]Don't worry. Actually, everything's cool[\/i].","101":"Good luck taking that to a judge.","102":"Ugh. This is the fifth longest time I've been in prison.","103":"Can I really leave Dante behind? Shit... I'm happy to get out but are they really arresting Dante?","104":"I wish there was something I could do...","105":"Nah, bro. Don't carry around the guilt. There was nothing you could've done.","106":"Go fuck a load of chicks for me. My dick is staying dry for a long time.","107":"See you on the other side, Dante.","108":"Yeah, in 5 to 10 years maybe. Shit...","109":"So... I'm safe, at least. But what about {Leah}?","110":"It's no use being free if she's still behind bars.","111":"I'll get my answers soon enough, I hope.","112":"Come on, kid. I got a lot of perps to go through.","113":"Your vehicle is being held at the lot down the road.","114":"Does that mean I'll have to pay a fee?","115":"He doesn't answer except with the slightest of smirks. [i]Of course[\/i], it seems to say.","116":"Paying a fee is the least of my worries while {Leah} is in prison, though.","117":"Unless she was freed like me... in which case...","118":"...I'd see her leave pretty soon.","119":"Of course, another figure stalks out of the station. My immediate hope is that it's {Leah}...","120":"...but seeing who it truly is gets me on high alert.","121":"{PlayerName}, I told you to leave.","122":"Did you want to party in my house [i]that badly?[\/i]","123":"Can you free {Leah}?","124":"Why should I free {Leah}? You should be worried about yourself. I [i]warned you[\/i] not to stay in my house. I [i]told you[\/i] the cops were coming.","125":"Why was {Leah} even there? She doesn't go to parties. If that girl isn't in class she is up to fucking [i]trouble[\/i].","126":"Please don't drag {Leah} into this. She means well.","127":"Is she the one who broke into my dad's office? That would be totally in character for her.","128":"Fuck... they already know? Right. [i]I[\/i] was the one who broke into the office, so the best course of action right now might be to deflect.","129":"Are you talking about the principal's office incident?","130":"Yes, but that was a million years ago, and she still hasn't changed. You're too close to {Leah} to understand her.","131":"And what don't I understand?","132":"You don't understand that she gets these conspiratorial delusions. She feels the need to nose her way into things she doesn't understand.[char,Emily_Casual_Angry] And breaks the law while doing it!","133":"She wants us to think she has motives as pure as snow, but in reality, she's a self-promoting gonzo paparazzi.","134":"I can guarantee you one thing, and that's that {Leah} didn't break into your dad's office.","135":"Were you looking at her the whole time?","136":"No. But that doesn't mean-","137":"I believe that [i]you think[\/i] that {Leah} is some sort of... rebel journalist type. But she's actually not that.","138":"I can't imagine anyone else in that party would break into the office...","139":"I can't say for certain [i]you[\/i] weren't the one to break in, except that I know you're more rational than {Leah}.","140":"I vouched for you out of respect for our relationship. But as for {Leah}...","141":"...I can't just let this go.","142":"You told me you liked {Leah}. That she hated you but you didn't hate her. You're acting otherwise.","143":"I told you the truth, and it's still true. {Leah} is driven and ambitious - I respect that. But she [i]causes trouble[\/i], there's no way you can deny that truth.","144":"I can't allow {Leah} to stay in prison. I owe her my life, literally!","145":"Whatever I feel about Emily, my bond with {Leah} is stronger.","146":"There's got to be something I can do for {Leah}! I'm the guilty party in this. God damn it, Emily...","147":"{Leah} was only there because of me. I'm the one you need to punish.","148":"Do you know who broke into my dad's office?","149":"It wasn't {Leah}.","150":"You seem pretty fucking confident about that.","151":"I am. Sure, {Leah} is a troublemaker, but she's rational. She'd need to have a good reason to break into your office if she did want to do something like that.","152":"Again, it's my dad's office, not mine. But you're also clearly wrong about her needing a good reason. The principal's office, remember? She was looking for [i]corruption[\/i]. And what she found out was that the principal was innocent.","153":"I know that. But that's exactly why she's so careful now. She's not throwing wild accusations at anyone. She's an evidence-based person.","154":"Emily's mouth pinches with dissatisfaction. I didn't give the answer she had expected. And she knows I'm right.","155":"Finally, as her lips relent, so does she.","156":"I... I do believe you. {Leah} isn't stupid. She wouldn't break a pot or... leave a gun in the office.","157":"[i]That gun[\/i]. Even the mention of it gives me shivers. I won't be forgetting the barrel of that any time soon.","158":"And... the man who held it. Bearded... sunglasses... but I can't remember much else about him. It's that [i]gun[\/i] that consumes my attention and memories.","159":"If I had a voice, it would crack. But fortunately, I don't. So I confidently type my response.","160":"A gun in the office?","161":"The voice app recites my thought in a calm, earnest manner, completely contrary to my feelings. I'm lucky in that regard, at least.","162":"Yeah. Someone made a mess of things. I couldn't imagine {Leah} owning a gun, or being stupid enough to drop it in the office.","163":"And we can track who that gun is registered to, so... we'll get whoever it was.","164":"Why would anyone bring a gun? That's pretty scary.","165":"Yeah, but the cop said that when people are ditching parties, they leave all kinds of stuff behind. Cellphones, wallets, drugs, guns...","166":"What do you think happened?","167":"I don't know. I think someone was having sex in the office, heard the sirens, left their gun and knocked over a pot on the way out.","168":"I can believe that.","169":"Actually... I can't believe that at all. Even knowing the truth, it sounds far-fetched. But I'm not about to squander this chance to free {Leah}.","170":"It sounds like you don't actually believe {Leah} broke in.","171":"No. I was lying.","172":"Lying? So you'll let {Leah} go?","173":"I've already vouched for her like I did for you.","174":"Huh...?","175":"Why would you do that?","176":"A few reasons, but mostly, I wanted to watch you squirm a little. To teach you a lesson.","177":"Next time this happens, I won't let you get off.","178":"Yikes. She leaves without even another word. That was cold as ice.","179":"So that means...","180":"...is {Leah}...?","181":"The door opens and my heart leaps.","182":"{Leah}!","183":"We don't exactly run into each other's arms, though we almost do. I stop suddenly... aware there's a wall between us... of unaddressed issues.","184":"For her part, {Leah} looks stiff and stuck in place.","185":"We'll need to talk about it, sooner or later.","186":"I... have a lot to explain. I think you might too.","187":"Let's worry about that later. I'm glad you're out.","188":"Thanks... I...","189":"...I feel bad...","190":"Let's just try to get home. The car was towed. We'll have to walk to the lot.","191":"Yeah...","192":"But no matter what... I'm happy to see her on the other side.","193":"There was a good chance that one of us wouldn't make it tonight.","194":"But we did. And that's a good outcome no matter what.","0":"So this is jail, huh?","1":"I'd feel significantly worse if I hadn't narrowly escaped death.","2":"Iron bars in front of me, cement walls every other direction, but I've never felt more liberated. Anything is freer than the oblivion of death.","3":"I definitely shouldn't feel so good about myself, given {Leah} is somewhere in this building. Latched like a criminal, pushed into a police car, shunted off to the nearest prison cell...","4":"...she doesn't deserve this.","5":"I didn't ask her to follow me, yet I can't shake this feeling that I've dragged her into this.","6":"Would they really throw her in jail because of something I did?","7":"I broke into Emily's dad's office, I got into a fight, a gun was involved.","8":"I'm no expert in the law, but that's multiple felonies at least.","9":"Hopefully, {Leah} will get off, even if I can't..."},"ch4__04.15 towed car.vne3":{"10":"No matter what she thought she was doing.","11":"On top of everything, I'm going to have to pay a damn towing fee too. That's going to hurt.","12":"But I need my car, so I pay the man, then we hesitantly climb in. Both of us know we're getting closer and closer to this inevitable conversation.","13":"I mean... why would she keep from me how she felt? Did she think I'd be angry?","14":"Did she think I'd suspect her?","15":"Or... did she really think I was doing something bad? Really bad?","16":"I can't believe that. {Leah} knows I'd never...","17":"[i]...but actually, she does know I'm capable of doing bad things[\/i].","18":"All these thoughts are making a toxic cocktail in my veins.","19":"If I don't get my questions out, it's going to translate into my driving. I'm going to steer like a damn maniac.","20":"I've got to stop the car. I've got to ask. I know what I promised.","21":"{PlayerName}... you couldn't wait?","22":"I can't hold it in. You didn't trust me, did you?","23":"What are you saying?","24":"Why else would you stalk me? You followed me to the party, you were following me around all week!","25":"Did you know that? Did you know I noticed you acting weird?","26":"And that laptop! Was that actually broken? Did you actually have an issue, or was it just to-","27":"I know! I know! I know how suspicious that all was! You don't have to tell me.","28":"I [i]needed[\/i] to know. I can't help it. I [i]needed[\/i] to. Just like you needed to pull over and confront me.","29":"You couldn't help yourself. Well, neither can I.","30":"Maybe there's a reason I don't tell you things. Maybe you're demonstrating why right now.","31":"You've never hid anything from me before, so...","32":"We have private lives now. You have to know everything, don't you?","33":"No, I don't! All [i]I wanted[\/i] to know was how you happened to be in the parking garage at just the right time to save Mr. Craven!","34":"...Excuse me?","35":"You're never there, {PlayerName}. You have a student parking pass. You could have parked at the student lot, which is a lot closer to campus.","36":"There's no conceivable reason you'd be there at that time.","37":"There's plenty of reasons to...","38":"Then explain! Please explain. Because you didn't even [i]park[\/i] there, did you?","39":"What?","40":"I looked at the credit card statement. You weren't charged for parking. Why would you drive into a parking garage without paying for parking if you didn't plan on staying?","41":"You... you think I had something to do with-","42":"No. You didn't. But you knew about the texts he sent, where he... he told [i]me[\/i] not to try and save him.","43":"You knew somehow? You must've... hacked into our phones... or something. That was the only way I could think you would've known.","44":"So... you were there? The person who Mr. Craven was trying to contact... was you?","45":"Did you... suspect I was Nightingale?","46":"Nightingale... that's the same thing as Deep Throat, right?","47":"Deep Throat...!","48":"What I mean is... they're both leakers. You and Deep Throat.","49":"I [i]assume you mean the Watergate thing[\/i]!","50":"Exactly.","51":"Yes... yes, I'm like... [i]Deep Throat[\/i]. Please don't make me say that again.","52":"So... you're leaking government secrets? You're just a student. How did you...?","53":"Ugh. This... is something I didn't want you to find anything about.","54":"I guess we both have things we want to hide.","55":"I know. It's... hypocritical for me to dig into the skeletons in your closet when I have so many of my own.","56":"Anyway... it's a lot easier than you think.","57":"What is?","58":"Finding out secrets.","59":"I remember, back in highschool, you were nearly expelled when you broke into the principal's office. I was just talking to Emily about that.","60":"Maybe you're not as good as you think.","61":"That was the one time I was caught.","62":"The one time...?","63":"You think I stopped? Remember Gracie Henderson?","64":"She was out of school for over a year...","65":"That's because she was pregnant.","66":"Are you serious?","67":"And the dad? Mr. Turnbull.","68":"Our fucking English teacher? But he's such a-","69":"Mr. Turnbull had to pay a lot of money to the Hendersons to keep it quiet.","70":"Shit...","71":"Yep. And the superintendent was embezzling funds to invest it into real estate. He got rich, so his wife hired a prostitute to seduce him to give her better legal grounds for divorce.","72":"Her plan succeeded and she ended up taking most of the money in the settlement.","73":"I never really stopped finding out people's secrets. They just got bigger and bigger.","74":"Wow. And now... [i]the government?[\/i] Mr. Craven thought Nightingale was working from inside the mayor's office.","75":"He didn't know how else you could've gotten those papers...","76":"I don't work for the government. I... I [i]stole the information.[\/i]","77":"You did? How? Through some Mission Impossible, Ocean's Eleven shit?","78":"It's never that complicated. Remember the town hall?","79":"You... you [i]stole it then?[\/i]","80":"From the shredder room, yes. There's an easy way inside once you're past security.. I always check what's about to get shredded or thrown away.","81":"Holy shit.","82":"But... it was for nothing. Those thugs knew where my dead drop was.","83":"They took the papers from Frank. Those documents were a gold mine. I was so excited I wanted to release it quickly. I... I should've made a copy... but...","84":"A gold mine?","85":"It had... proof that the mayor's office was aware of some... financial irregularities. Boring but... damning if the feds got a hold of it.","86":"Doesn't matter anymore. They aren't going to make the same mistake twice.","87":"So this is what you do. You do espionage.","88":"It's not [i]espionage[\/i]. It's journalism.","89":"Journalism is writing about celebrities and reprinting press releases.","90":"It's not that... and it doesn't have to be.","91":"And you're doing this because... you're on a mission to change the world or something? You want to spread peace and justice and all that?","92":"Well... yes... but that's not the only reason why I do it.","93":"When you were there for Frank... how did you feel? During? After?","94":"How did I feel?","95":"Anxious. Scared. Thrilled. Excited. Elated. Brave. Proud.","96":"I felt a whole bunch of things. Good and bad. But what was strange was... despite the fact I was in serious danger...","97":"...I wanted to do it more.","98":"Yeah. I know. It feels good, doesn't it? That relief you get from being in danger.","99":"Yeah. It does feel good.","100":"It's difficult to explain. It must be what people call an... [i]adrenaline addiction[\/i]. Mr. Craven was telling me, when he came back from a warzone, everything felt silly and small in comparison.","101":"After all... what would make your heart race more than a gun in your face?","102":"Yes. You see?","103":"Oh, you think that's what I have? An adrenaline addiction? That I'll need a gun in my face to have fun from now on?","104":"I think you'll be fine.","105":"But... you are more of a risk taker than I would have ever believed. What were you doing in Emily's office?","106":"That's complicated.","107":"All I want to know, {PlayerName}... is what you're doing... and how [i]I can help[\/i].","108":"Adrenaline addict or not, it's too dangerous. The more I dig... the deeper I feel like this goes...","109":"{Leah} pauses... a strange expression passes over her...","110":"...I watch with amazement... as her face completely alters.","111":"{Leah}'s true self comes out...","112":"I [i]like[\/i] danger...","0":"{Leah} and I walk side by side... in silence.","113":"I know that. But until now, I've never seen it so raw.","1":"For once, it's not that we don't know what to say to each other... I don't think either of us know where to start.","114":"It was futile trying to keep her out of trouble, wasn't it?","2":"What we had just gone through is so hard to describe... and the implications difficult to fully comprehend.","115":"This really does prove that I didn't know {Leah} as well as I thought.","3":"I promised that we'd get home first... and then we can deal with this.","116":"For all the years I've known {Leah}, I've never seen her make that face. It's... [i]borderline sexual[\/i].","4":"That probably means... telling {Leah} the partial truth about what's been going on.","117":"Is this what she's like inside?","5":"It seemed she was already guessing that something was up. It was silly of me to think I could hide much of it from the start.","118":"If so... I'll do anything so she makes that face again.","6":"God... I'm not looking forward to this conversation.","119":"Aren't you scared at all...?","7":"I was right about {Leah} being up to something... and I'm not happy about that at all.","120":"If I wasn't scared... I wouldn't feel anything, would I?","8":"I wish I was wrong.","121":"If I was up to something...","9":"The only thing I'm sure of... is that {Leah} had good intentions.","122":"Then I'd want to help you.","123":"What if it's something bad?","124":"It's not going to be something bad.","125":"But you know-","126":"{PlayerName}, it isn't bad. Whatever you think about yourself... I know in my heart you are a good person.","127":"I want to do bad things for good reasons... with you.","128":"Besides, you're going to want me around to club people over the head who are about to shoot you.","129":"I don't have a choice then. I have to tell her about RECENTLY.","130":"I don't really need to guess what {Leah}'s reaction will be.","131":"Let's go home. I've got something important to show you.","132":"There's [i]a lot[\/i] I'm going to have to fill {Leah} in on. And I'm not sure if I'm capable of telling her.","133":"The journey is long. But eventually, we're going to have to arrive, and I'm going to have to share with {Leah} what I know."},"ch4__04.20 revealing recently.vne3":{"10":"I wrack my brains. {Leah}, being a journalist, knows she needs to get me started.","11":"...Is it about how you ended up at the garage?","12":"Yes... yes it is.","13":"Honestly, I don't know where to begin.","14":"I told you I broke into public buildings. I can't imagine anything being more dramatic.","15":"It sorta is.","16":"It [i]sort of[\/i] is? There's no [i]sort of[\/i] breaking and entering. It just [i]is[\/i].","17":"If it's anything like what I've been doing... it's criminal.","18":"...God... how do I respond?","19":"So it is criminal?","20":"It's probably criminal, yes.","21":"It's got... something to do with your laptop?","22":"Yes.","23":"Oh... I thought it might.","24":"I guess you know... I looked at your laptop the other day...","25":"While I was fixing your computer?","26":"Um... yes.","27":"I thought that something like that was happening.","28":"I didn't mean to spy on you! I just... had to know.","29":"But you did spy on me. And you did mean it.","30":"I... only meant that...","31":"...yeah. You got me. I did mean it. I did spy on you.","32":"How can you not mean to spy on me? That's not something you do by accident.","33":"I only meant it as an expression.","34":"You know I wasn't looking to hurt you.","35":"I didn't want to believe you'd be doing something like that.","36":"I know, {PlayerName}, I know.","37":"Honestly... I didn't think of it as spying or anything. I just wanted to know.","38":"I wasn't looking for things to use against you.","39":"I'd never believe that you were doing something to harm me.","40":"I'm not saying you shouldn't feel betrayed...","41":"[i]Betrayed[\/i]... that word puts things in perspective. The idea of {Leah} betraying me... it's almost laughable.","42":"Under no circumstances would I ever believe that. No. She'd betray the entire world first.","43":"I don't like it that she used that word. I just don't.","44":"Let's not use that word.","45":"Okay. I mean... I couldn't help but think of the word myself...","46":"I need to refocus this conversation. I'd rather talk about RECENTLY more than I want to talk about this.","47":"When you did look onto my computer... what did you find?","48":"Oh yes... well... I- I did check. But I didn't know what I was looking for.","49":"I was just kinda hoping that [i]it[\/i] would pop onto the screen...","50":"What would?","51":"You know... [i]the secrets[\/i].","52":"You really have no idea.","53":"No, I don't. I was panicked. I went through your folder and stuff, but I was just fumbling.","54":"I'm... genuinely not good with computers. It took me forever to figure out how to get out that battery from my laptop.","55":"So you [i]did[\/i] take out that battery.","56":"Oh. Oh yeah.","57":"I had to think of a computer problem that you wouldn't just... see through immediately. But I don't think it worked.","58":"Batteries don't just fall out of computers.","59":"Yeah. I know that. It was either that or... knock you senseless action movie style.","60":"The Navy SEAL choke out trick! Block the two main arteries in your neck and you'd be unconscious in seconds!","61":"You can do that?","62":"Uh... no. Which is why I had to do the laptop battery thing instead.","63":"And you felt uncomfortable asking?","64":"If I tipped off that I found something suspicious... it would give you time to [i]hide it[\/i].","65":"I had a feeling you were trying to protect me from something, but honestly...","66":"...you don't have to protect me. I like trouble. If you put me in a cage...","67":"...I'd... I'd stick my head through the bars!","68":"So you see, if you don't want me to strangle myself getting out of the cage, you have to free me.","69":"She's right. If she had asked me directly, I would've just worked harder to hide the truth from her.","70":"But this way, she has me cornered. I have to tell her. So she's got me exactly where she wants me.","71":"Learning what I know may be the equivalent of strangling yourself.","72":"If you don't know much about computers, I don't know how much you're going to understand.","73":"I want to try.","74":"No hesitation. Was it too much to hope she'd give up at the very last minute?","75":"This is happening. It's time to rip the bandaid off.","76":"Okay. Let me get my laptop.","77":"I take off my backpack and take out my computer.","78":"It feels... heavy as fuck right now. I think it's because once I pull it out, it's going to be impossible to push it back in.","79":"Secrets are like viruses. Once you share it, it becomes exponentially harder to keep it to yourself.","80":"{Leah} couldn't help but seek out the truth. So now I'm obliged to get her infected.","81":"{Leah}, do me a favor.","82":"Hmm?","83":"Send an email to someone.","84":"Who?","85":"Anyone. Just as long as it isn't me.","86":"Uh... okay.","87":"{Leah} whips out her phone and starts punching something in.","88":"Done.","89":"All I got to do is check RECENTLY.","90":"I open the list with the last network activity, filter it by {Leah}'s name, and...","91":"[i]Dear Dr. Craven. Just testing something out. {Leah}.[\/i]","92":"I hand spell it out, just so {Leah} understands. As she watches, her eyes grow a little wider.","93":"Oh! That's neat. How did you...?","94":"I have a program that lets me look into other people's devices. It's called RECENTLY.","95":"A... program that does that? Is that something the IT lab has access to?","96":"Is that normal?","97":"Wow. She really doesn't know much about computers.","98":"It's not normal. No program like this should exist.","99":"Oh. That's disturbing. I was thinking... something like this would violate... someone's privacy.","100":"Which is exactly why it's illegal.","101":"You made this program?","102":"No! It's confusing... I found it. It... installed itself on my computer.","103":"It's like... I have a key that opens any door.","104":"A key...?","105":"Not every door... actually. Just anyone connected to the university network.","106":"So... you, Sam, Mr. Craven, Valerie, Emily... me?","107":"Yes.","108":"You could look at my files?","109":"Yes. But only recent ones.","110":"Anything you've done [i]recently[\/i], in the last thirty minutes say, I can bring up. It's like the data is stored in a cache.","111":"Hence the name. [i]RECENTLY[\/i].","112":"I guess.","113":"I even remember seeing that icon on your laptop, but I didn't think anything of it.","114":"How did you find this program?","115":"I don't know! I was putting on the software package for the IT lab, and it was just [i]there[\/i].","116":"Nobody else seems to know about it.","117":"Did you try to tell someone?","118":"I... I tried to tell [i]everyone[\/i]. But... nobody understood what I was talking about...","119":"...because, I didn't really grasp what the program was myself.","120":"But I'm in too deep now. I can't pretend to be ignorant anymore. I've been using the program regularly.","121":"To... do what?","122":"To... to...","123":"-spy on people, really.","124":"...to figure things out.","125":"{Leah} doesn't look shocked or appalled. Instead... she looks thoughtful. What is she considering?","126":"Could we use this... to break into the mayor's computer?","127":"Absolutely not!","128":"I was only asking...","129":"This is what I was scared of. She has no grasp of what this kind of program is.","130":"I know you don't understand computers, so let me spell out it out for you. This is CIA NSA FBI KGB SAS stuff! You can't just...","131":"...I'm not supposed to have this program, {Leah}. It fell into my hands. I have no idea where it came from.","132":"And it just appeared in your computer?","133":"Yes!","134":"That's... so weird...","135":"I know so little about RECENTLY.","136":"And that's why we've got to be careful about using it! We can't go wild with it.","137":"Even if I wanted to... it wouldn't work. The mayor isn't connected to the school network.","138":"Or he shouldn't be, at least.","139":"But... you found out about Frank Craven being in trouble.","140":"And... without it... who knows what would've happened to Mr. Craven?","141":"I suppose...","142":"So you think there's a good use of the program, right?","143":"I guess I do...","144":"How are we supposed to know a good use from a bad use?","145":"I...","146":"...I don't know.","147":"Do you think someone else used this program... to learn where the dead drop was?","148":"Ugh... I didn't want to think about that, but... that's definitely possible.","149":"I think that's a possibility...","150":"We could really use this to help people, {PlayerName}!","151":"There's something wrong, don't you sense it? I do. There's a rotten core to this college. This town. To this state!","152":"That info that they took from me and Mr. Craven exposed them for what they are! Crooks!","153":"Something like this might be exactly what I need to... to get that data back.","154":"Okay. Do you know a single person from school that would have access to these documents?","155":"Uh...","156":"Oh. That's right. This... only works for people who are connected to the university's network.","157":"Yeah. So even if we knew the exact person we needed to hack, there's no guarantee that it's even someone we can target.","158":"So... what are we going to do with a program that can only get inside [i]student[\/i] computers?","159":"It's kind of useless.","160":"Not exactly. When you said there was something rotten going on...","161":"...you were more right than you imagined.","162":"Huh?","163":"It's not just the town. It's the school.","164":"Valerie told me something... something about students [i]dropping out[\/i] at higher than usual numbers.","165":"People drop out more than usual? That's not exactly strange...","166":"Not just that. It's more than just dropping out.[pause][char,Leah_Casual_Surprised] It's [i]deaths[\/i], too.","167":"Deaths?","168":"Valerie said that... there's something about this school that makes bad things happen more often.","169":"Bad things? Like... curses? Like a curse?","170":"[i]A curse[\/i]. That is what it sounds like, doesn't it?","171":"If it is something like that, RECENTLY is going to be next to useless.","172":"But I don't believe in curses. There has to be a rational reason for what's going on.","173":"No. Not a curse. Whatever is going on, it's living human beings that are at the center of it.","174":"I saw something on RECENTLY that I wasn't supposed to. That was why I went to the party.","175":"What did you find?","176":"It sounded like someone ordering a hit. They said they were ''ending a life''. You can't forget something like that.","177":"The murder kind of hit?","178":"I don't know. I just know it had something to do with... [i]a party at 1031[\/i]. Or 1035. I couldn't remember...","179":"A party at 1031...","180":"If the hitman was the guy we encountered in Emily's house... we may have stopped it.","181":"I don't know... if he was there to kill someone... he'd have a hard time doing it alone in Emily's dad's office.","182":"Yeah...","183":"But there's... nothing else we can do about that tonight.","184":"It's late.","185":"It's been... a crazy... crazy... [i]crazy[\/i] night.","186":"You'd think a night as crazy as this one would be more fun...","187":"Is that the way you think?","188":"Huh?","189":"You had no fun at all, did you? But... I bet your heart is still pounding.","190":"You're still thinking about it. You're asking yourself [i]when will I feel like this again?[\/i]","191":"That's true, isn't it?","192":"...She's right.","193":"It's like immediately after... having great sex. I'm tired... but I'm already looking forward to the next time.","194":"I don't want to enjoy this as much as I am...","195":"You don't have to pretend around me. I'm that kind of freak too.","196":"You don't think... I'm doing what I do just because I'm selfless?","197":"{Leah} smirks at me, before rubbing her eyes and yawning.","198":"Goodnight, {PlayerName}.","199":"Goodnight.","200":"She closes the door behind her. As she does, I hear her fading whisper...","201":"1031, 1031, 1031...","202":"She's still trying to solve that riddle? Good luck to her.","203":"If we're lucky, she'll know where we need to start tomorrow. I'm not sure myself where to begin.","204":"This changes everything, doesn't it?","205":"This is either a very good thing, or a very bad thing. And nothing in between.","206":"I'm not exactly superstitious, but I feel like I could learn my fate right now by flipping a coin.","207":"I don't want to, though. If I knew the future is good, that would spoil the tension.","208":"And if the future is bad... it would be hard to keep going knowing that.","209":"I can't guess what tomorrow will bring.","0":"{Leah} and I walk together silently inside.","1":"When the door closes - the tone immediately changes.","2":"{Leah} knows I have something to share with her. And I know I have to tell her.","3":"But... goddamn if I'm not struggling for a way to tell her.","4":"My arms are like bloodless, wet noodles right now. They don't want to cooperate. The sign-language skills I've been developing for years are out the window.","5":"So...","6":"...you have something to show me?","7":"{Leah} stands expectantly, barely able to hide her curiosity. I'm really not sure at all how to start.","8":"I think she senses my nervousness, because she has a gentle tone of voice. She doesn't want to seem pushy-","9":"-even though I know she wants to."},"ch4__04.25 next steps.vne3":{"10":"Okay. That should be good. {Leah} isn't giving up, so I guess I have to open the door.","11":"What do you-","12":"Halloween!","13":"Halloween?","14":"1031, that's what that means! Halloween!","15":"Oh. OH. That's right. Yesterday, I told {Leah} everything.","16":"Fuck. Did I really, actually tell {Leah} everything? I suppose I'm getting exactly what I deserve, then.","17":"Slow down. There's a big difference between six hours of sleep and seven.","18":"1031. The thirty first day, of the tenth month. October 31st. [i]Halloween[\/i].","19":"Party... 1031...","20":"Oh fuck. A [i]Halloween party![\/i]","21":"But that makes no sense. We went to the party at Emily's house. We stopped the plot. That's done and dusted.","22":"Is it? You couldn't remember the exact number, could you?","23":"No...","24":"Well, Emily doesn't live at 1031. She lives at 1035.","25":"But it's probably [i]not[\/i] 1031... why else would we have found something at the party?","26":"Also, can I please get some coffee in me?","27":"Oh. Absolutely.","28":"I quickly set the coffee machine brewing and turn to {Leah}.","29":"{Leah} doesn't even miss a beat. Her words come out with razor speed and intensity.","30":"I know we stopped a burglary from happening... but does that seem like [i]ending a life[\/i] to you?","31":"Maybe. That guy had a gun!","32":"Don't you think that's a bit basic, though?","33":"[i]Basic?[\/i]","34":"You think he was really going to go to a party... to kill someone?","35":"Given the gun and the knife... it seems a pretty safe conclusion.","36":"But that's not very subtle, is it?","37":"Not very subtle-","38":"Well, that's undeniably true. Shooting and stabbing isn't subtle. But what else am I supposed to think?","39":"Why else would he bring the weapons?","40":"To protect himself if he's caught doing the thing he actually wanted to do.","41":"[i]Burglary.[\/i]","42":"You think he stole something?","43":"Why else would he sneak into the office of a tech company? There's gotta be something valuable in there. If he gets his hands on a hard drive...","44":"So... if it's true what you say... and we misinterpreted the evidence...","45":"...running into that guy... was a [i]complete coincidence[\/i].","46":"That's... what it sounds like, yes.","47":"Or... maybe it's not a coincidence? I don't know...","48":"Emily told me she didn't organize the party. She thought it might be her brother. But I didn't see him.","49":"We should find out who organized the party.","50":"That is the major weakness with {Leah}'s theory. If it turns out that 1035 wasn't in the message, then it means we interrupted a burglary by coincidence.","51":"That doesn't sit well with me. It's just too unlikely.","52":"Also think about it. [i]1031 party[\/i]. Who talks about a party by using a house number?","53":"It seems a lot more likely it's a date.","54":"{Leah} is making far too much sense.","55":"It's a college. We'll be slipping in vomit all day if we go to every Halloween party.","56":"I see what you mean. Halloween doesn't really narrow things down that much, does it?","57":"You spend every Halloween trick-or-treating with kids. You don't know what a fuckfest Shale Hill becomes.","58":"Little Maria will be heartbroken if I'm not the Anna to her Elsa.","59":"[i]Who is Maria?[\/i] I really am losing track of {Leah}...","60":"We don't know much, so maybe you still can be Anna. I've got a lot of people to go talk to.","61":"[i]After my coffee.[\/i]","62":"Yes. We still have time to do some research.","63":"[i]We.[\/i] I love and hate that word.","64":"{Leah} has always been there for me, as I've always been there for her. When I was young, instinctually, I naturally saw myself going where {Leah} goes.","65":"Now we finally are moving the same direction. But not in the way I imagined.","66":"We're heading quickly, recklessly into forces neither of us understand.","67":"Is it futile to ask you... [i]to forget all this?[\/i]","68":"As futile as it was to hide it in the first place. I was always going to find out.","69":"Over the years that we've grown apart, we've also grown different, haven't we?","70":"Yeah. We have.","71":"I can't have you follow me all the time.","72":"That's why I've got to ask... if you're doing something where I could possibly help... to just [i]tell me[\/i].","73":"Because you know I'll find out, and that'll just encourage me to go looking for clues without you.","74":"I know.","75":"If I'm out, doing investigations, I'll tell you.","76":"We'll do it together. Whether one of us gets hurt or not.","77":"I won't let that happen.","78":"Me neither.","79":"After our little huddle, {Leah} and I split up.","80":"If I'm going to go out and do some investigation, it should probably start now.","81":"There's a lot of people with issues at this school, and I know at least two of them. Sam and Haley.","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"Whozzz... whozzz knoooocking...","3":"Fiiiiiiive more minussssszzz...","4":"Ugh... oh God... someone is insistent.","5":"That is... some really intense knocking.","6":"And it's not stopping!","7":"Fuck. I guess I have to deal with this...","8":"I don't know what I was dreaming about, but I have a severe case of morning wood.","9":"That puppy has to start barking if I'm going to open the door without embarrassing myself..."},"ch4_start.vne3":{"10":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","11":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","12":"In the first half...","13":"I was cornered by the intruder in Emily's office.","14":"He pulls out a gun. I thought I was going to die... but {Leah} saves me in the last minute.","15":"We would have caught him, but the police arrives in the last minute.","16":"They arrest us... and there's nothing we can do.","17":"My one thought is... why was {Leah} there in the first place? And how can I get her out?","18":"Luckily, Emily lets us out of prison, but not before interrogating me about {Leah}'s involvement in the break-in.","19":"She really thinks she might be responsible. Luckily, I manage to dissuade her from pursuing {Leah}... for now.","20":"On the way back, {Leah} explains everything to me... how she suspected that I was involved in something, and that she had to know what.","21":"She also admitted that she was a whistleblower... Nightingale... and that she had seen me rescue Frank Craven.","22":"Of course, I had to tell her everything about RECENTLY.","23":"{Leah} developed a theory, based on the information I gave her, that something big was going to happen this Halloween.","24":"I didn't really have any evidence to support this... until I got a message on RECENTLY.","25":"Whatever was supposed to happen, whoever's life is meant to be destroyed, it hasn't happened yet.","26":"The one I should have been careful of... was Valerie.","27":"In looking around campus for clues, she put together that I was searching for something.","28":"Silent1, the hacker...","29":"How is she involved?","30":"Hey, you. Stop right there! You already completed Episode 4 part 2 of Shale Hill Secrets.","31":"You cannot use this cheatcode anymore, or it could mess up with your progress.","32":"We don't want that to happen, right?","33":"I'll go ahead and redirect you to the beginning of the episode.","34":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","35":"Check synopsis.","36":"Skip.","37":"Things were getting so damn far from normal.","38":"From being the IT guy to facing down muggers. It was not what I was expecting for my life.","39":"I had saved Frank, who I now learned was {Leah}'s academic advisor.","40":"In gratitude, he told me what he knew. He had gone to the garage to pick up incriminating documents from a leaker called Nightingale.","41":"Frank also warned me not to tell {Leah} about this... and I wasn't going to anyway.","42":"This was definitely the sort of thing that {Leah} would throw herself into.","43":"Keeping {Leah} out, on the other hand, was going to prove a challenge.","44":"She immediately started to act strangely...","45":"...suffering from inexplicable technical issues only I could fix.","46":"The real meaning of those ''issues'' would only become apparent later.","47":"My first step was to return Sam's phone, but it became apparent that the missing phone was no longer her biggest issue.","48":"Sam was no longer around. She'd made herself scarce. And I didn't know where to find her.","49":"It was then I started to feel that there was truly something strange going on.","50":"Stressed, I went to Haley for a drink.","51":"Over the course of a few visits... I ended up telling her my whole life story. How I ended up losing my voice.","52":"At my old highschool, I had become obsessed with winning the presidency over Sam... at the cost of my health.","53":"I ignored the signs, and let a medical problem fester.","54":"Strained beyond my normal limits, my throat closed up. I had to be rushed to the hospital.","55":"In the surgery to save my life... there was an accident and they ruined my vocal chords.","56":"My story touched Haley, despite not casting me in the best light.","57":"It turns out that she's a good listener. I just wish I knew more about her.","58":"When I got home, I checked RECENTLY, and found strange correspondence.","59":"It was cryptic, but it sounded like... someone was trying to hire a hitman to kill a target at a party.","60":"That spurred me on to search everywhere around campus.","61":"And I truly found out that people in this school had serious issues.","62":"Haley was pursued by debt collectors. Sam had dropped out.","63":"Maggie was being harassed. Lidia had some strange software on her phone.","64":"And Valerie seemed to think that there was some strange pattern of... [i]bad luck[\/i] on the university.","65":"I needed to get ahead of this hitman.","66":"Only with Dante's help did I find a party that had a connection to what I had seen on RECENTLY.","67":"I had no idea what to expect, but I was shocked to find out that this was Emily's house.","68":"I found Emily trying to access her Dad's office, to no avail.","69":"Emily made it very clear that the party was not welcome at her house, but at least tipped me off that she had contacted the police.","70":"When I returned to investigate the office... I found the door Emily couldn't get through unlocked.","71":"I couldn't resist. I had to poke inside and find clues.","72":"My initial investigations turned up little. But it was while I was in the office that something completely unexpected happened.","73":"Out of nowhere, {Leah} came in to pull me into the closet.","74":"I was confused and alarmed to see her, but she seemed insistent.","75":"She knew I was in danger. She had come to save me.","76":"Indeed, not long afterward, someone had walked into the office, looking as though they meant no good.","77":"We were supposed to watch, and not interfere...","78":"At the worst possible moment, I get a call from Sam. There was no hiding anymore.","79":"Whoever this burglar was... we were heading straight for a confrontation.","80":"Continue from start.","81":"EP04b","82":"_04.30.30_alexis_film.vne3","83":"_04.45.40a maggie sex scene.vne3","84":"35.40a sex with sam","85":"40.30a sex with haley","86":"More","87":"Continue from start.","88":".10, .15, .20, .25","89":"40.xx","90":"35.xx","91":"30.xx","92":"Ricky's test","93":"Go back.","94":".10 prison","95":".15 towed car","96":".20 revealing recently","97":".25 next steps","98":"Go back.","99":"40.05 stonewalling","100":"40.15 admission","101":"40.20 getting drunk","102":"40.25 seeing valerie","103":"More scenes.","104":"Go back.","105":"35.05 calling sam","106":"35.10 sams new job","107":"35.15 valeries advice","108":"35.20 quitting on a whim","109":"More scenes.","110":"Go back.","111":"30.05 asking after a party","112":"30.10 monitoring recently","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","113":"30.15 positive results","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","114":"30.20 leah tease scene","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","115":"30.25 hacker in school.vne3","3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","116":"35.25 feeling hopeless","4":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","117":"35.30 stealing the briefcase","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","118":"35.35 the almost kiss","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","119":"35.40 leveling up with sam","7":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","120":"35.40a sex with sam","8":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","121":"More scenes.","9":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","122":"40.30 helping haley move","123":"40.30a sex with haley","124":"40.30b next morning","125":"40.35 haley needs money","126":"More scenes."},"ch4__04.30.05 asking after a party.vne3":{"10":"...cereal.","11":"...smoothie.","12":"...pancakes!","13":"Nice.","14":"Of course, I used a grocery store mix.","15":"You think I'm going to complain about that?","16":"...bacon!","17":"You don't even eat bacon.","18":"Anything for my {SheCallsYou}.","19":"...cereal! Better enjoy it, because I really sweated over it.","20":"Heh. The milk jug was heavy, I take it?","21":"So heavy.","22":"...a smoothie!","23":"Nice.","24":"Blueberry, banana, peanut butter. All that good stuff.","25":"You know me well.","26":"Of course I know you well. Who else knows you better?","27":"Anyway, did you learn anything about the Halloween party?","28":"Hallowee...? Oh shit. That's right. {Leah} knows everything now. [i]Everything[\/i].","29":"When she says we're going to review everything we've learned... she means about the [i]RECENTLY situation[\/i].","30":"I can't say I have much to report to her.","31":"It hasn't been that long.","32":"Oh. I've already compiled a list of Halloween parties that are happening on or near campus.","33":"First, the university is holding an official Halloween get together...","34":"Yeah. Like anyone's going to go to a party with no alcohol.","35":"It's still a Halloween party. There's also one in the freshman dorms... a local night club is hosting one... a couple of private house parties.","36":"Then there are a few hosted by student clubs.","37":"That sounds interesting.","38":"Let's see... [i]Shale Hill Democrats[\/i]... [i]Shale Hill Republicans[\/i]... [i]Shale Hill Socialists[\/i]...","39":"Why are they all political?","40":"They're not all political! It's a big list. Here, look. The Unitarian Universalist are also hosting one. So is the art club, the music club, the Spanish club...","41":"So basically what we found out is that 1031 could refer to any of these parties.","42":"Well, I was hoping that you'd found something that would help us out a bit. You know. Through hacking.","43":"A girl so smart... knowing so little about computers.","44":"Hacking isn't magic. I need to know where to look.","45":"Oh.","46":"Didn't you say there's some kind of instant messenger? That's where you started off with, right?","47":"Did you check that?","48":"I did, but I can't check it all the time. RECENTLY is a lot more limited than you think.","49":"You mean that information doesn't last very long. Is that right?","50":"Yeah.","51":"Hmm... this is the thing about having a lot of power. You just get frustrated with the power you don't have.","52":"Yes. It is frustrating. It's honestly not been the first time I've thought about just downloading all the information I can from RECENTLY.","53":"It might be possible to build a bot that does exactly that. But even if I could... archiving [i]everything[\/i] that goes on in school might be a little... I don't know...","54":"[i]Weird[\/i].","55":"If I found a way to... save information in real time... I wouldn't have to check RECENTLY all the time.","56":"Is that possible?","57":"I have no idea. I've only thought about it. I haven't tried.","58":"Oh. It's... probably a credit to you that you haven't.","59":"With my history of pursuing power at all costs, I feel sometimes like the absolute worst person to have this power.","60":"I'm bound to get in trouble if I keep using it as often as I do.","61":"I've already succumbed to temptation many times, using RECENTLY for personal benefit.","62":"The temptation to use RECENTLY just for curiosity is... constant. It's like scrolling through Super Facebook.","63":"Still, to... you know... stop a possible murder, it might be worth... you know... violating a little privacy.","64":"{Leah} definitely would not say that if I were in the government. But I basically agree with her.","65":"It'll take me time to figure stuff out.","66":"In the meantime, you might just try doing things the old fashioned way.","67":"[i]Casting a wide net[\/i].","68":"You stole the words right from my mouth.","69":"It's probably because it's good advice.","70":"So... [i]ask everyone[\/i]. Even though what we really need to do now is narrow things down.","71":"Maybe... [i]maybe[\/i] I'll discover things by chance like I did with the party, but something tells me I'm not going to be nearly as lucky.","72":"I've got to get going to school.","73":"I've got a lot to think about. Thanks for the breakfast.","74":"No problem.","75":"God... after that party, it’s like a whole year had passed since I saw this lab.","76":"It's weird but... I kinda appreciate it more. It's got that electric smell that's growing on me.","77":"It's the IT tech's version of hot cocoa, I guess. That same warm feeling that reminds me of home.","78":"Linus only gives me the laziest of nods as I come in.","79":"How is the IT lab today?","80":"The usual. I complain I'm not paid enough, Hank reminds me that we can be replaced by an Indian call center.","81":"Don't you forget it. -Hank","82":"I'm not even going to look at the message. I already know what he has to say.","83":"Shit man. I can finish his motherflipping sentences. I've been working too long in here.","84":"You know, probably... it isn't worth asking Linus.","85":"But... ugh... okay.","86":"It's just like {Leah} said. Ask everywhere.","87":"Doesn't matter who. Even if you have to bring it up awkwardly.","88":"It's unlikely, but... Linus might know something.","89":"Very unlikely.","90":"Going to any neat Halloween parties?","91":"Yeah. I'm going to a sick flipping party. Happens every year, everyone gets super high and I tap a lot of ass.","92":"Seriously?","93":"What? You don't believe me?","94":"The only parties you go to are LAN parties.","95":"I just didn't picture you as a hard partying guy.","96":"You're looking at a party animal. Which will be my costume, coincidentally. Everyone will be [i]sugar[\/i]-high and I will be [i]tapping ass[\/i] in tag.","97":"Oh. You're going to a kid's Halloween party.","98":"Yeah, it's a church thing.","99":"Linus goes to church? He never told me about that. Something to follow up on later.","100":"I'm feeling feisty. I want to go to the biggest Halloween party in Shale Hill.","101":"Really? You want to shake it up? Why Shale Hill? Why here, specifically?","102":"God damn it, Linus, don't be so fucking smart.","103":"I don't want to travel far.","104":"So you're jazzed up for a big party but you don't want to actually travel?","105":"I have an early day after.","106":"Nobody, I mean [i]nobody[\/i], is going to be early to fucking class the morning after Halloween.","107":"Only the biggest dweebs would do that. You know all the cool kids are gonna be hungover and rolling out of a stranger's bed.","108":"And even if you aren't, you want to make it seem like you are.","109":"Yeah. You know. Morning after Halloween doesn't [i]count[\/i] unless your professor is a fascist.","110":"So go big, man. I know the rich kids are going out of Shale Hill.","111":"Where to?","112":"Some fraternities are chartering buses to go to some God-forsaken music festival.","113":"A music festival? That's probably not it.","114":"I wouldn't even know, except some of the frats have asked me to do the paperwork for them.","115":"Really?","116":"Yeah. Rich kids don't know how buses work.","117":"We're getting off-topic.","118":"I'm not really looking for a music festival...","119":"-Good, because they'll suck up all your money.","120":"...I'm looking for a normal houseparty.","121":"Why... why you asking me, dawg?","122":"I've made every joke I can possibly imagine about how I know nothing about parties. You still coming to me for some reason?","123":"That's sad, bro. Saddest thing I've heard all week.","124":"Do you know someone who might know?","125":"Yeah. Dante. Mr. Straight.","126":"He's in prison.","127":"Are you serious? Fuck man, what are we gonna do without the president of my local AACHM chapter?","128":"I don't know much, but I know the biggest Halloween parties don't happen in Shale Hill. They drive to the town over for some reason.","129":"The town over?","130":"Yeah. I forget the name. Don't you come from there?","131":"Damn. I [i]do[\/i] remember a lot of college students coming to our part of town to party when I was growing up, but I just thought that was normal.","132":"If you're too smart for a music festival, and you're too cool to stay on campus, you're probably taking a short drive.","133":"Thanks. That's surprisingly helpful.","134":"I don't know why I'm giving you party advice. You need a second opinion, for real. I'm like your tenth best opinion at least.","135":"I do need a second opinion, that's true. But it's a good place to start.","136":"One place that would qualify is... oh god. [i]Emily's house[\/i].","137":"I can't ask Emily if she's hosting a Halloween party. I was just kicked out last time.","138":"Let's just hope that my investigation pulls up some good alternatives.","139":"I'm dying of boredom, the Lab is completely dead today. I could use the time to investigate instead.","140":"Hey Hank, I'm gonna stretch my legs a little bit. I'll be right back.","141":"Back tomorrow, I take it? -Hank","142":"Not like I'm doing anything here anyway.","143":"So you're trying to leave early again? -Hank.","144":"Come on, there's nobody here. I haven't had a ticket all day.","145":"You can go if you want, but I'll subtract it from your comp time. -Hank.","146":"What? Do we have a comp time record? I don't know if he's telling the truth or just teasing.","147":"Anyways, I better take the chance.","148":"Why do you want to leave early today? -Hank.","149":"What do I want to tell him?","150":"The AC is drying me out. My nose is getting crusty. My throat is killing me.","151":"You never complained about the AC before. -Hank.","152":"Dammit! He doesn't seem to care when I go out to get him coffee or pick up his porn comics. Why is he picking on me now?","153":"I don't appreciate you coming up with silly excuses, but you have been working hard. -Hank","154":"You can leave early today, but don't get used to it. -Hank.","155":"A rare bit of mercy from Hank. I'd better take it.","0":"Birds are chirping. Time to get up.","1":"Jump to exploration","2":"Continue","3":"Aren't you usually in the shower?","4":"I am. But things have changed. I thought breakfast would be a good time to review what we've learned.","5":"Great. This sounds like yet another study review group.","6":"In honor of this new change, I've made your favorite...","7":"My favorite? She's definitely going to say...","8":"...pancakes.","9":"...bacon."},"ch4__04.30.10 monitoring recently.vne3":{"3":"But all my attempts to decompile the source code are for naught. As far as RECENTLY is concerned, it's a black box.","4":"I'm not smart enough to hack it, and somewhat nervous about sharing it online.","5":"But... maybe I can code a screen scraper to do it for me.","6":"A program that looks at your monitor output and gleans information directly from it. If I can have a program like that automatically record whatever goes on in the BBS feed, I won't have to look at it all the time.","7":"I've never built a program like this before... but I'm pretty handy, so with a few tutorials I'm sure I can come up with something.","8":"Let's just spend an evening on it and see how far I get.","9":"I come up with a program I cleverly call [i]Not So Recently[\/i].","10":"It scrapes monitor output, so if I leave the computer on, it should automatically record when something happens.","11":"I really don't have a way of testing it until something pops up, so I just have to check every so often.","12":"Well, I hope it works. It'll be a weight off my back if it does. But until I [i]know[\/i] it works, I feel obligated to keep checking the BBS feed as I have been doing.","13":"Heh. All this work... and I'm basically still where I left off. Anxiously checking the BBS all day.","0":"I've been monitoring that BBS feed on RECENTLY for some time now... waiting for something to suddenly pop up. I guess like a miracle.","1":"Every time I do this, with that screen open, my attention divided between work and conspiracy, I wonder if I'm going about this the right way.","2":"I know there has to be something more effective than staring at this screen all the time. I have to close it and [i]live[\/i] eventually."},"ch4__04.30.15 positive results.vne3":{"3":"Oh.","4":"A notification? Is this a sign that it worked?","5":"This had better not be a false positive...","6":"As I read the output... my head starts to swim.","7":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: YOU WATCH[\/speed]","8":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: YES[\/speed]","9":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: CONFIRMING[\/speed]","10":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: WE KNOW[\/speed]","11":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: 1031[\/speed]","12":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: WE WAIT[\/speed]","13":"This reminds me a lot of the original correspondence. Cryptic short sentences. But it's not nearly as clear what's supposed to be going on.","14":"But there's that number. 1031. It sounds like {Leah} was right...","15":"...and it's clearer and clearer that the events at Emily's house are just the beginning.","16":"It could even be... unrelated.","17":"{Leah} ought to know about this.","18":"You look like you woke badly.","19":"I intercepted another communication.","20":"Seriously?","21":"Yes. You were right about 1031.","22":"Oh...","23":"So it's definitely Halloween, then.","24":"I don't know about that, but I do know that... whatever happened at Emily's house was not the big event we're waiting for.","25":"So, someone is still in danger.","26":"I imagine.","27":"Then we've got to work harder. And we have the confidence to know we're moving in the right direction.","28":"I'm just happy I don't have to check RECENTLY all the time. I can finally relax knowing [i]Not So Recently[\/i] is doing its job.","29":"Still, it's difficult to completely rid myself of this weird... foreboding.","30":"{Leah} is right. Whatever they plan on doing... destroying someone's life... it isn't good.","31":"NOT SO RECENTLY worked for now. But it can really only monitor one page at a time, so it's not like it'll solve all my problems.","32":"Knowing where to look is still key.","33":"It was lucky I managed to intercept that communication. But we've got to work even harder from now on.","0":"Every night... I've let my laptop run.","1":"Every morning... I check it to see if [i]Not So Recently[\/i] got any positive hits.","2":"What do you have today, [i]Not So Recently[\/i]?"},"ch4__04.30.20 leah tease scene.vne3":{"10":"This isn't about tech support. Remember those pictures I offered you?","11":"The raunchy ones?","12":"Yeah. So... are you still interested?","13":"You're in desperate need of money, huh?","14":"Are they any cheaper?","15":"Yeah. Kay. They're now the low, low price of $1000.","16":"That's exactly what they were before!","17":"Oh... were they? You can't blame a girl for trying. $500.","18":"I still can't afford that.","19":"I said no and I meant it.","20":"But they're so cheap! It's $500.","21":"That's not cheap at all.","22":"It's cheap for girls you'd have no [i]chance[\/i] of seeing otherwise.","23":"You'd have better luck with literally anyone else.","24":"Wait! Wait! Stop. Don't hang up.","25":"My little brother... is sick. He has cancer or something.","26":"Oh no. Please don't stoop this low.","27":"The only thing he wants is something worth exactly $1,000.","28":"What exactly?","29":"A... uh... toy.","30":"A toy that costs $1,000?","31":"Yeah. It's really expensive. It has a really prestigious brand.","32":"Do cancer-ridden children really care that they have brand-name toys?","33":"All the other children in his ward will judge him. Please. It'll mean a lot.","34":"I'll give you $1,000 to stop lying.","35":"Really? You would? Okay. My brother is actually older than me and he has a cocaine problem.","36":"I was kidding.","37":"Okay. Sorry. I lied about my brother having cancer. But I'm not lying about the nudes I have. I really need the money right now. The online auction closes in 15 minutes.","38":"Please. I can't live without this low crop top. I need it. It belongs to me.","39":"Ugh...","40":"Here's the thing. If you send me nude pictures of your classmates without their permission, that's technically revenge porn, which is illegal.","41":"A digital forensics team can easily determine who you sent pictures to.","42":"I don't understand.","43":"To make it clear: I don't want to be legally liable for your shit.","44":"So you're saying you don't want the pictures.","45":"Yes.","46":"Well, you could've told me that to begin with so I didn't have to waste my time.","47":"Ugh.","48":"Well... if I still wanted to have a look through the pictures... I still have RECENTLY.","49":"I am kinda curious to see if her collection is as large as she says.","50":"I go onto RECENTLY and email myself as many pictures as I can.","51":"Let's go back to bed.","52":"I reach for the phone on my end table...","53":"...then pull up Alexis's pictures on my phone.","54":"Are these all girls from class?","55":"I guess it is technically hypocritical of me to give Alexis such a hard time while enjoying her pictures, but...","56":"...this [i]is[\/i] also technically gathering evidence, so it still works.","57":"Shale Hill isn't a small school. Still, I'm surprised there aren't any repeat girls.","58":"Even if there were... it's a good chance that I wouldn't recognize them.","59":"What I do know is... these pictures are pretty hot.","60":"Classmates or not... it's a pretty good collection.","61":"I really do feel like I recognize some of them.","62":"Yeah. I think these are legit. I've already seen a part of Alexis's collection.","63":"It must actually be vast, if this is just another portion of it.","64":"For kind of a stupid girl, she's brilliant at getting what she wants.","65":"Man... it feels like everyone in the world has a more interesting sex life than I do.","66":"Well... except Linus, of course.","67":"I wonder how Alexis got such a wide reach?","68":"Enough looking at porn. This is keeping me up and making me resent my less-than-stellar sex life.","69":"Enough looking at porn. This is keeping me up and it's just a distraction.","70":"I gotta go to bed.","71":"It's not that late yet.","72":"Maybe I could... relieve a bit of tension?","73":"Fuck man... these pictures are having an effect on me. Cranking one out is a victimless crime.","74":"Should I do it? Or just go straight to bed?","75":"Crank one out.","76":"Just go to bed.","77":"These pictures are probably just going to keep me up all night.","78":"I should go to bed, and try to find real relief in the morning.","79":"No shame.","80":"I imagine myself in the scene, and get to work.","81":"Did the door just creak open a little?","82":"I guess... nobody was there.","83":"Has this happened before? It must have.","84":"I'm getting a serious case of déjà vu.","85":"Maybe it's better I go straight to bed.","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"Hmm? A bit late at night to be getting a call.","3":"This had better not be spam.","4":"Hey, it's Alexis.","5":"How did you get my number?","6":"Oh wow. That's kind of creepy. It's like talking to a robot. Are you a person on the other side?","7":"Yes. It's me. {PlayerName}. The IT guy.","8":"I got the right person, then.","9":"I normally only do tech support during office hours."},"ch4__04.30.22 the robbery.vne3":{"10":"Heh, well, you know, if you're a determinist, every meeting is fate. A chain of dominoes set off by God or the Big Bang or...","11":"I'm in between classes, Cedric.","12":"Believe it or not, my digression was actually related to what I wanted to talk to you about. Have you checked out the Philosophy Club?","13":"Again, I'm not really a philosopher. It's not my thing.","14":"Even if you aren't into philosophy, it's a nice place to network, too.","15":"Network?","16":"Sure! The Philosophy Club has a broad range of members from across the student body...","17":"...we have people from the athletic department, from the business school, some alumni, some faculty...","18":"The philosophy club has members with some real connections. If you want to know who's who around here...","19":"Jocks and businessmen? I guess you guys defy the stereotype of college philosophy clubs.","20":"Oh, yes. Very few sandal-wearing clove-smoking hippies. In our club, you'll find more people wearing a tie than not.","21":"We are very interested in the practical and sociological application of philosophy. It's not as much navel-gazing as you think.","22":"Even if I wanted to come, I'm pretty busy. This whole semester has been unexpectedly difficult.","23":"I doubt I'll have any spare time at all.","24":"I'm sorry to hear that. That's really too bad.","25":"Now that I'm talking to Cedric, I might as well have him tell me something useful.","26":"How is your secret project with Emily?","27":"Splendid. She-","28":"Oh! What a surprise. There she is!","29":"I've got to discuss something with {PlayerName}.","30":"Why sure! Don't let me stop you.","31":"In private.","32":"Private!?","33":"Sometimes... I really feel like we aren't a team.","34":"I'll fill you in later. Please go.","35":"Do you really like-","36":"Who broke into my Dad's office?","37":"Oh, shit. She found something out.","38":"Excitement has tracked me down once again. I sigh and ready myself mentally for this twist.","39":"I don't know.","40":"Was it {Leah}?","41":"No! {Leah} wouldn't-","42":"You know she would.","43":"Yes. Even I can't deny that. {Leah} would be the kind of person that would break into her dad's office. Emily would see right through it.","44":"I've got to try a different approach.","45":"{Leah} would do anything to pursue a lead. But she [i]does[\/i] need a lead.","46":"Didn't you say something about a gun? Would {Leah} have brought a gun only to drop it on the floor?","47":"Emily hesitates for a moment, fists tightening and loosening with an inner debate.","48":"{Leah} would not have brought a gun. Everything points to {Leah} except that one fact.","49":"And that gun - unregistered and untraceable. I don't know who it belongs to.","50":"The [i]sex in the office[\/i] theory fell through?","51":"Something disappeared from the office. I doubt that a couple in there to fuck would take a souvenir.","52":"Shit. Something valuable?","53":"Would I be here confronting you if it was a pencil?","54":"What was it?","55":"Are you feigning ignorance, or do you really not know?","56":"Emily shifts uncomfortably, and seems to soften - going from irritated to nervous.","57":"Listen - just tell {Leah} this. If she has the data - return it. If we get it back, no charges will be pressed.","58":"Data?","59":"Emily grimaces, realizing she accidentally gave information away.","60":"If we find it with her - that's a different matter completely. [pause][char,Emily_Casual_Angry]I will ramrod her ass with the force of the Law.","61":"She has nothing to worry about.","62":"You know... I really hope so. She's admirably tenacious. I like her. I'd hate to see her in prison.","63":"Primly, she turns and walks away.","64":"I did say that {Leah} had nothing to worry about... but actually, I don't [i]know that[\/i].","65":"Would she take something from someone's office? [i]Absolutely[\/i]. She fucking [i]scouts[\/i] for sensitive documents to steal.","66":"I had better get on top of this quick. {Leah} is probably at the journalism school right now.","67":"I know I'm missing the beginning of Mr. Rogham's class, but I can't delay talking to {Leah}.","68":"I absolutely must get her side of the story.","69":"I time myself well, and I see her walking out of the school.","70":"{PlayerName}, don't you have class?","71":"The office. Did you take anything?","72":"You mean... Emily's office?","73":"No. Her Dad's office.","74":"No. I had no idea where you were going.","75":"Emily is convinced you took something from her office. ''Data'', she said.","76":"So something [i]did[\/i] go missing?","77":"Yes. Did you take it?","78":"No. But you know what this means, don't you?","79":"The guy that was there? He wasn't there to ''end a life''. He was there to take something.","80":"1031 wasn't an address! It was a date! That really supports my Halloween theory!","81":"If Emily is really out to get you, your pet theories should be the last thing on your mind.","82":"I didn't take a thing from that office.","83":"So it was that guy who took... whatever was taken.","84":"Did you ask about it? Any details?","85":"She was in no mood to answer questions, that I can tell you.","86":"It would've been really useful to know what was taken.","87":"Whatever it was, it was valuable enough that Emily is low-key panicking.","88":"Right. I guess you know what to do, then.","89":"Why is she looking at me like that? I don't know what to-","90":"Right. RECENTLY.","91":"Have you looked her up before?","92":"Yes, but... as I've said, there's a luck component to this. I can't just type Emily's name and learn everything about her.","93":"I know. It's frustrating.","94":"Yeah.","95":"If you did take something, and I'm not saying you did-","96":"-Emily said she wouldn't press charges against you, but only if you gave it back.","97":"It's a good thing I didn't take anything.","98":"And she can't press charges until she has proof I was in that room.","99":"If {Leah} says she didn't take something, I believe her.","100":"But {Leah}'s word means nothing to Emily. I've got to be even more careful with what I say around Emily.","101":"Keep an eye on her.","102":"I will.","103":"Man. How am I supposed to track so many people on RECENTLY? Even with the help of NOT SO RECENTLY?","104":"There's far too much going on for one person, even with the tools I've got. I'm glad I have {Leah} to help me... which is part of the reason I have to protect her.","105":"I can't allow Emily's paranoia to hurt {Leah}.","0":"It's been a relatively normal day so far. Which means nobody has pointed a gun at my face, and I haven't fallen into a rabbit hole of conspiracies.","1":"That's actually an excellent change of pace. I like excitement as much as anyone but...","2":"...I prefer it when I pursue excitement rather than having excitement pursue me.","3":"I'm just hoping that my day [i]stays[\/i] normal.","4":"{PlayerName}!","5":"Ugh.","6":"I wouldn't want to pursue or be pursued by Cedric. Other than his impressive math skills - he seems like a relentlessly ordinary guy.","7":"I think he likes me, for some reason. I wonder if that has anything to do with my relationship to Emily.","8":"Funny we should run into each other again. Have we always seen each other this frequently, and we only now realize it?","9":"It's probably fate, I'd bet."},"ch4__04.30.24 ending investigation.vne3":{"0":"I've spent a lot of time investigating the last few days. Despite RECENTLY, new clues are slow in coming.","1":"I'm not sure I've got all the intel I need... but I keep hitting roadblocks.","2":"Maybe... if I sleep... something will occur to me in the morning."},"ch4__04.30.25 hacker in school.vne3":{"10":"On second thought... I was nearly shot pretty recently. Maybe things are more dangerous than I had initially imagined.","11":"And not just to me. To everyone.","12":"If Valerie says she needs to see me urgently, I'll believe her.","13":"As quickly as possible, I get dressed, now with an urgency knowing Valerie [i]might be in real trouble.","14":"I do the absolute minimum to be presentable and then I head straight for the car.","15":"Since I started playing around with RECENTLY, I've been involved with burglaries, assaults, shootings, government espionage...","16":"This shit never used to happen to me. But now, it's everywhere I look.","17":"Valerie isn't answering her phone. At this point... I'm prepared to find her dead in her office.","18":"That's just the kind of season I've been having so far.","19":"No trace of a disturbance outside the building. No police at least.","20":"I use my college staff key and enter.","21":"Of course... when I enter Valerie's office, I neither see her dead nor in distress.","22":"I even wonder if she had been the one to send me that message.","23":"I better go in and announce my presence.","24":"Valerie takes calm stock of me. She doesn't seem surprised to see me at all.","25":"Though... weirdly... it definitely looked like she glanced at my groin.","26":"Is this what she invited me for?","27":"Is it finally going to happen between us?","28":"Jesus. Now I'm frozen rock solid.","29":"She turns on the lamp without a word.","30":"...And circles around the desk in this sensual, borderline dangerous way.","31":"She reminds me of a mink stalking prey.","32":"You came a bit underdressed, didn't you?","33":"Underdressed?","34":"I didn't expect you to wear anything fancy. But I thought you were careful enough to keep yourself together.","35":"Here. Let me help you.","36":"Valerie carefully pulls out a part of my collar that was accidentally tucked under my shirt.","37":"You came to me a couple of times this week.","38":"It made me think you might be looking into something.","39":"That's what I wanted to talk to you about.","40":"...And... there's one other issue.","41":"I feel like we might be looking for the same thing.","42":"Something very, very special.","43":"Why is she looking at my crotch while she talks to me?","44":"I sharply take in a breath as her hand goes for my groin.","45":"I always dreamed it would happen like this... but I never thought it was possible!","46":"Shit... I can hardly hold myself in. I don't want to move for fear it would ruin the moment.","47":"What inspired her to... [i]touch me like this[\/i] all of a sudden?","48":"There's no ambiguity in this. No hinting. [i]What else could this mean except...[\/i]","49":"Valerie has been flirtatious before... but this is the first time she's ever... really...","50":"...zipped my fly up.","51":"Oh. I was walking around with my...","52":"That definitely explains everything that Valerie has been talking about since I came in here.","53":"Except...","54":"...for this urgency she speaks of.","55":"I know what I texted you was dramatic, but... I didn't realize you were involved. I had to talk to you tonight.","56":"[i]Involved?[\/i] Oh shit. Involved in what?","57":"You know about the hacker too, right?","58":"[i]The hacker.[\/i] Is that the thing she thinks I'm involved with? [i]Which hacker?[\/i]","59":"I'm also looking for him.","60":"Oh god... oh god... is she talking about me?","61":"I want to say something... but wait! I can't talk! Where's my phone?","62":"Which fucking pocket is it in? Shit... shit... shit...","63":"When I pull out my phone, I smash out what I want to say. My fingers make rapid taps against the tempered glass.","64":"All Valerie does... is wait patiently.","65":"Which hacker?","66":"You don't know which one?","67":"Oh god. She's going to glare at me now, and she's going to declare: [i]''It's you.[\/i]''","68":"No. That's not it. She's going to toy with me first. Did I really think I'd pull one over on Valerie?","69":"Please. I don't want to learn now I've accidentally pulled someone innocent into this.","70":"Is that her way of accusing me of guilt? No. I've got to calm down.","71":"Valerie toys with me, yes, but when she's serious she's serious. She's not going to [i]torture[\/i] me for fun.","72":"She watches patiently as I puzzle out my response to her. I type deliberately, unsure but still moving forward.","73":"What do you know about hackers in this school?","74":"Maybe less than you. Maybe more.","75":"[i]Silent One[\/i]. Have you heard of him? Or her?","76":"[i]Silent One[\/i]. It's cuter when Haley naively gave me that nickname, less so from Valerie's mouth. It gives me a chill knowing that this [i]identity[\/i], this [i]Silent One[\/i] has somehow crawled from the shadows of my world and into someone else's.","77":"It's the same weird, cold feeling when someone else mentions the name of your imaginary friend. Or in this case, [i]imaginary enemy[\/i].","78":"But Valerie has brought up a possibility I haven't even considered yet. [i]Or her[\/i]... is Silent One a woman?","79":"I shouldn't have dismissed this possibility. What else does Valerie know about [i]the thing[\/i] I thought only I knew about?","80":"What do you know of Silent One?","81":"First what do [i]you[\/i] know of Silent One?","82":"[i]No. What do [\/i]you [i]know of Silent One?[\/i] I can't say that. I can't turn this into a joke.","83":"Steady the mind. Be cautious. [i]Be very cautious[\/i].","84":"I don't know anything.","85":"But you knew enough to recognize the name.","86":"That's right. I can't deny that. I can't pretend like I've never heard of Keyser Soze.","87":"I was forced to. This situation fell on my shoulders. I didn't chase it around.","88":"The same for me.","89":"What's your story? When did you encounter Silent One?","90":"I didn't. My roommate did.","91":"Roommate? Valerie has never mentioned her roommate. I thought she lived alone?","92":"Your roommate? Who is she? Have I met her?","93":"No. She was in the year when you were still in high school.","94":"She disappeared.","95":"What a chilling word. [i]Disappeared[\/i]. Somehow worse than ''died''.","96":"Disappeared? What do you mean by that?","97":"I certainly don't mean she performed a magic trick.","98":"That's terrible...","99":"Yes. It is.","100":"Why haven't I heard of it?","101":"You know what schools do when bad things happen on campus. They cover it up.","102":"They covered up a girl's disappearance?","103":"If nobody writes about it... it's shocking what can happen beneath people's noses.","104":"She was... annoyingly happy. A real sunflower, always shining. You know the type.","105":"I didn't like her very much. Still, it's a bit worrying when someone just goes like a puff of smoke into fog.","106":"If I sound callous, it's because I've been dealing with this since I arrived in Shale Hill and I'm just sick to death of the whole situation.","107":"What did the police do?","108":"A few things. Not find her. And annoy me with questions and pointed suspicions. I always tell them the same thing.","109":"What's that?","110":"She said she had to see Silent One.","111":"A few days before she went missing... she had a change in mood. She went from being Miss Sunshine to depressed and silent.","112":"At first, I was glad she wasn't trying to talk to me all the time. But after a few days, I sensed something was wrong.","113":"I felt like I had to ask.","114":"She had to see Silent One?","115":"After she told me, she left and I didn't see her after that.","116":"I've been looking for her ever since.","117":"I'm not sure what to say.","118":"I thought being student president would give me access to what I need to find out what happened. I have access, just not to anything useful.","119":"So... I'm hoping you found something. That's why I wanted to talk to you.","120":"I know it's sudden. You got out of bed because I asked you to. But... seeing as how you're running around campus all the time... and someone has disappeared...","121":"...well, you never know what might be the last time.","122":"[i]The last time[\/i]. Those are stark terms.","123":"Why do you think I'd know anything?","124":"Your behavior.","125":"What about my behavior?","126":"You're... acting like [i]she[\/i] did.","127":"Who?","128":"My former roommate.","129":"The one who disappeared.","130":"Yes. She was acting like you. Searching around. Looking for things.","131":"She was investigating?","132":"All I know is... all she told me was... it was Silent One's fault.","133":"So that's what happens when people dig into the school's secrets. They disappear.","134":"Makes sense. If you dig, you make a hole, it can collapse on top of you.","135":"Nothing has happened to me, yet. So I guess I'm the lucky one.","136":"Did she say anything else about Silent One?","137":"Not much. It took me a while to figure out he is some kind of legendary hacker.","138":"Maybe not even real.","139":"Maybe.","140":"You still haven't really explained your involvement yet.","141":"I don't have anything I can tell her that won't get me in trouble.","142":"I suppose I have a choice... to tell Valerie about RECENTLY, or to keep it to myself.","143":"Once secrets get out, they start to multiply. Valerie and {Leah} might keep their mouths shut, but every additional person that knows increases the chance of a mistake.","144":"I've got to think carefully about this...","145":"Tell her about RECENTLY.","146":"Do not tell her.","147":"Shit. Where do I even begin? To think I'd be having this conversation twice, first with {Leah}, now with Val.","148":"I'm not sure I need to tell Val to prepare herself. I'll just come out and say it.","149":"I'm reluctant to...","150":"...because [i]I've[\/i] been hacking into systems.","151":"You're Silent One?","152":"No. But I think I encountered him.","153":"Doing what?","154":"He was hiring a hitman, I think.","155":"Hmmm. That casts Sandra's disappearance in a whole new dark light.","156":"But... why have you been hacking into computers, if you're not Silent One?","157":"That's just it. I haven't been meaning to. It's just been happening like that.","158":"How does a hack just [i]happen?[\/i]","159":"Let me explain...","160":"And I do. I explain everything that's happened in detail.","161":"Valerie says nothing while I talk. She doesn't even ask questions. Her face is like a still pond as I get to the point where I am now.","162":"Only after I'm silent, does Valerie finally move.","163":"It's to fold her arms and think. Her brow looks like a freshly furrowed field. I don't think I've ever seen her concentrate on a problem like this.","164":"If it's true you have the program, they might be Silent One's tools.","165":"Yeah. That's my best guess.","166":"And you said it just [i]installed itself[\/i] on your computer.","167":"It did.","168":"And you've continued to use it despite knowing it could be malware?","169":"I [i]know[\/i] it's malware. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's bad for me. It might be bad for everyone else.","170":"This is where I justify my actions.","171":"If I don't use it, I might lose my chance to save someone's life.","172":"Noble. But still, [i]unethical[\/i] as {Leah} would say.","173":"She would. But {Leah} also routinely breaks the law.","174":"Yes, that's what's [i]cool[\/i] about her.","175":"Breaking into the principal's office was bold. It's too bad she's undisciplined.","176":"Should I stop using it?","177":"Again, a pause from Valerie.","178":"...No. Don't. But do be careful.","179":"I can't say.","180":"Valerie gets right to her point.","181":"Why? Don't you trust me? You think I'd rat on you if you were doing something wrong?","182":"It's not just about doing something wrong. It's about protecting you from the things I know.","183":"Oh. How sweet. That's what I need. [i]Protection[\/i].","184":"You have no idea what's going on.","185":"Valerie's lips tighten.","186":"Maybe it's you who has no idea.","187":"Does it bother you that I won't tell you?","188":"Why bother asking that? Of course it does. I told you everything that I know and I expect the same of you.","189":"But... us two... we're the only ones that I know are involved.","190":"If I've got to earn your trust, I'll do so.","191":"I trust you, Val. It's just-","192":"If you trust me, you'd tell me. Simple as that. Regardless, we're the only people we can rely on.","193":"From now on, we need to work closely together.","194":"I agree, but I'm not sure how.","195":"First, don't be afraid of asking me for help. You definitely haven't had issues doing that, but still. Keep doing it.","196":"Second, report to me any further findings you have.","197":"I already told you I can't.","198":"Yes, but you will. Trust me.","199":"It's going to be hard to keep telling her no...","200":"You can help me by telling me the status of my zipper rather than just doing it yourself.","201":"Okay. Your zipper is currently up.","202":"Heh. Okay.","203":"Come back if you have any issues.","204":"I will.","205":"Valerie was going to find out anyway, so it was a dramatic decision to make.","206":"I might end up regretting my decision. Equally, I could need Valerie's help.","207":"She knows now. There's no undoing that.","208":"I feel like I'm keeping the truth from Valerie. Is there even a point in doing that?","209":"She's as sharp as {Leah}. Maybe not in the same Sherlock Holmes deductive way, but her interpersonal skills are incredible.","210":"I wonder if I can really keep the truth from her.","211":"I don't even want to look at the time. Thinking about dealing with tomorrow morning, with so little sleep, [i]fills me with dread[\/i].","212":"It's the kind of dread that keeps you from sleeping.","0":"The fuck?","1":"It's past midnight. Why is my phone blowing up?","2":"Who'd want to talk to me now? There had better be a bomb in the building.","3":"A text from Valerie.","4":"Come to my office urgently.","5":"Jesus. No. Not right now. It's almost 1 A.M.","6":"There's no way I'm getting in my car and heading to campus right now. That's crazy.","7":"What can possibly be this urgent?","8":"I'll call her first.","9":"No dice."},"ch4__04.30.30_alexis_film.vne3":{"10":"[sex41_speed != sex41_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[sex45_speed != sex45_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[sex45_speed != sex45_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[sex45_speed != sex45_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[sex58_speed != sex58_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[sex58_speed != sex58_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[sex58_speed != sex58_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Play from beginning","25":"Play from Alexis room","26":"blowjob","27":"titjob","28":"riding","29":"anal","30":"I'm almost to the lab to start my shift when...","31":"A text? This had better not be-","32":"Hank. Probably to send me on some stupid errand. If he knew I was dealing with murders, missing people, and so on... would he bother me?","33":"Who am I kidding? Hank would. He'd relish the opportunity to take me from something important to do a menial task.","34":"If he were a pirate captain, he'd have the swabbies sweeping the decks in the middle of battle just for shits and giggles.","35":"Let's read the message.","36":"I need you on a house call. -Hank","37":"A house call? I'm definitely getting called to sweep the decks. Hank probably doesn't know about the depths of the shit I'm in, but it doesn't matter if he did.","38":"I'm just going to put this off on someone else.","39":"Can't Linus do those? I've got obvious difficulties.","40":"I thought you liked house calls. -Hank","41":"I kinda did, actually. It was nice getting out of the lab, stretching my legs, talking to cute girls. But the drama of this school has me feeling drained.","42":"But... something about picking up Hank's porn while there's a hitman on the loose has me feeling irritable.","43":"I'm busy.","44":"You know I can monitor the computers, right? You're never on your work computer. You're always on your laptop. -Hank","45":"This is a recent change. You used to use your work computer. Did you think I wouldn't notice? -Hank","46":"Yeah. That's because I'm using RECENTLY. [i]Protecting the school.[\/i] Again, I can't tell Hank that.","47":"I'm still doing tickets, aren't I? I'm logged onto the Helpdesk system and you can clearly see I'm doing work.","48":"And how long do those tickets take you? -Hank","49":"Not long.","50":"I can't send Linus. He's too innocent. No life experience. -Hank","51":"Just because he's a virgin doesn't mean he needs to be protected.","52":"I'd feel terrible if he went out in that dangerous dark world and was victimized by some loose woman. -Hank","53":"He needs to stay here. Where he's protected. -Hank","54":"What about me? I don't need to be protected? I'm corrupt?","55":"To the core. -Hank","56":"Fine. I guess I can spend an afternoon doing what Hank hasn't the balls to do.","57":"Give me the room number.","58":"Sure thing. -Hank","59":"Hank sends me the room number in the next text. [i]God... it looks familiar[\/i]. I stare at it, trying to think if I know the person who lives there.","60":"Whether Hank is trying to protect Linus's innocence or not, I end up on way more errands than a mute person ought to.","61":"I can't talk. Should I really be making house calls?","62":"I'm not even sure if we're supposed to go to people's rooms. I read a policy that we're only supposed to visit rooms if there's physical damage to routers and cables.","63":"I shouldn't look this gift horse in the mouth, and just take this as a chance to get away from my desk.","64":"The dorms. So glad I don't live here any more.","65":"This corridor does feel roughly familiar to me. Let's see...","66":"Here?","67":"They should know I'm coming. I hope they don't expect me to say who I am through the door.","68":"Door's unlocked!","69":"That is a very familiar voice. If it wasn't muffled by the door, I'd be able to say whose it was.","70":"Well... I have permission... so I guess I'm going to go in.","71":"Alexis! [i]Fuck[\/i].","72":"[i]She's[\/i] the one with computer problems? How did she manage to convince Hank to send me over?","73":"[i]Why am I even here?[\/i]","74":"She's mashing her mouse button far faster than she'd need to for any normal reason. It's beyond double-clicking. It's [i]multi-clicking[\/i].","75":"God... that noise... is [i]awful[\/i].","76":"Yes... could you wait a second? I'm setting something up.","77":"[i]On her laptop that isn't supposed to be working?[\/i]","78":"You have a computer problem?","79":"God, yes. This page won't fucking load! [i]University internet sucks.[\/i]","80":"You pay for a proper streaming service and it's never working when it needs to.","81":"What do you need me to do?","82":"Make the page load faster!","83":"Is she asking me... or is she just shouting at her screen?","84":"Have you tried hitting [i]refresh[\/i]?","85":"Gah! She's started again!","86":"Yeah. I'm hitting refresh as fast as I can and the page isn't loading.","87":"You're hitting refresh as fast as possible?","88":"Come on! Load!","89":"Have you tried clicking refresh only [i]once[\/i] and then waiting for it to load?","90":"Clicking refresh... [i]once[\/i]?","91":"Oh. There it goes. You are a tech genius.","92":"Can I go now?","93":"No. Actually, I've got a friend who has computer problems too, so...","94":"Take a seat on the sofa.","95":"I have a weird feeling about this. She didn't get tech support all the way out here just to tell her to stop hitting refresh.","96":"[i]Casting couch[\/i]. Those two words tumble out of my reptilian mind. I'm not sure why.","97":"That's a pink couch.","98":"I'm not sure why I thought I should remark on that. I'm just latching onto anything, really. I feel oddly uncomfortable...","99":"Sorry I didn't get any [i]boy colors[\/i]. Next time I'll get one with racecars and baseballs.","100":"Take a seat. It's not going to melt you.","101":"With that shade of hot pink, I'm actually not sure it won't. But I don't get the feeling she's inviting me to sit down...","102":"...it feels more like an [i]assertion. Like I came here to sit down[\/i].","103":"This can't be good, but curiosity is getting the better of me.","104":"The sofa feels like something you sit on while waiting for the dentist.","105":"The magazines are like the ones in waiting rooms. Let's see...","106":"An article about a pervert who likes to fuck Swiss Cheese!? What's wrong with these people.","107":"Why do I feel so damn strange?","108":"When Hank talked about loose women out to victimize innocents like Linus, I laughed. But is this it?","109":"Alexis doesn't say anything as her computer keys go tippity-tappity.","110":"Her laptop issues certainly sorted themselves out, whether she had them at all.","111":"What's this [i]friend[\/i] thing, I wonder?","112":"With a huff of frustration, Alexis leaves her seat and punches something into her cellphone.","113":"As she waits for the pickup, I wonder why Alexis is wearing a bathrobe.","114":"What has she got under there, I wonder? I guess it isn't that unusual to walk around with a robe on...","115":"Where are you?","116":"...","117":"The guy is here! Right now! Waiting for you!","118":"What do you mean? Yeah, the one from the bar! It was [i]you[\/i] who told me about him!","119":"The bar? Is she talking to... what was her name? Sarah?","120":"Shit, did Sarah tell Alexis about our little adventure in the restroom?","121":"Now that I think about it, Dante fucking congratulated me on the way out. Who else knows?","122":"I'm not really waiting for anyone right now, actually...","123":"You're really missing out if you don't come.","124":"...","125":"Bullshit. An overdraft? That card has plenty of money on it.","126":"...","127":"Yeah... because I loaded it this morning!","128":"...","129":"Amazon gift cards are basically a currency. Come on.","130":"A... money argument?","131":"Okay. Tell you what. If you come, I'll definitely give you a card that isn't overdrafted plus a $100.","132":"...","133":"No? Well... I hope your HPV gives you warts and you die, bitch.","134":"What am I going to do now?","135":"If your friend isn't coming, I'd rather go back to work.","136":"Don't go yet. I'm thinking.","137":"[size,0.7]I can't waste this opportunity...","138":"Opportunity?","139":"Actually... come here for a moment, deaf guy.","140":"Her calling me deaf is the least of my issues right now.","141":"If there's no computer issue, I've got to go.","142":"Go? Don't do that. [i]Stay.[\/i]","143":"Pretty please? Really quick. I'll only take a second.","144":"I don't know about this... but... my male instincts are tingling.","145":"As I approach... I get the definite rush of blood to my cheeks and groin...","146":"...something is about to happen...","147":"Do I want it to happen, though?","148":"It doesn't look like I have anything to do here. I could just leave...","149":"Also... could you do me a big favor? Could you wear this blindfold?","150":"She can't be serious.","151":"Why?","152":"Also... don't use your voice thingie. It sounds creepy.","153":"Okay. The blindfold thing is weird. Exciting because I know what wearing a blindfold near a bed means. But weird because Alexis is being so businesslike about it.","154":"If I put on the blindfold, the chance of something fun and something dangerous happening are about fifty-fifty.","155":"Or... something fun and something dangerous might happen at the same time. That's equally possible.","156":"I have to decide now. Am I going to satisfy my curiosity, or will I do the safe thing?","157":"Just leave.","158":"Wear the blindfold and stay.","159":"The fuck?","160":"What's wrong with you? You don't want to fuck me? Are you gay?","161":"Hank has a lot to answer for. This was not a normal errand.","162":"I'm not about to be used by Alexis.","163":"My imagination was running wild, but that whole situation was way too good to be true.","164":"There was no way I wasn't serving Alexis's interest.","165":"Oh. You're so brave. I like that.","166":"You're... a big guy aren't you?","167":"I don't know what I'd do if you didn't fix my Internet. My bandwidth is so big. I wonder what your bandwidth is like?","168":"Now, here you go.","169":"Put this on, and I'll make your day, and you'll make [i]mine[\/i] too.","170":"I reach out my hand for the blindfold...","171":"If she wants me to wear it this bad, I might as well. I'm... too tempted by possibilities to think straight.","172":"So you're willing, huh?","173":"Before I can put it on, Alexis pushes me back onto the bed out of nowhere.","174":"What the hell was that for?!","175":"Not so fast. I want to make sure you're worth fucking. If you have a small cock, you're not going to work.","176":"A small cock?","177":"I can't trust that bitch, Sarah.","178":"Plus, you don't really [i]need[\/i] the mask right now. I just needed to make sure you were willing.","179":"Any brief indignance is quickly silenced as her hands start to reach for the belt keeping her clothes together.","180":"Mmmm, there we go. Much better, I think you like me more like this, deaf guy.","181":"Nudging off her clothes with an elegant, sensual motion, Alexis strikes a sassy pose once she reveals her lingerie.","182":"So. Like what you see?","183":"I nod my head, a smile forms on her lips in response.","184":"I hate her. I really do. But [i]damn[\/i]... she looks appetizing right now.","185":"Maybe I can push my dislike for her aside for a minute?","186":"Oh, I'm sure you do. Who wouldn't?","187":"She starts to strut forward, swaying her hips from side to side as she does, her cocky smirk widening.","188":"Eventually, she kneels down in front of my exposed crotch, her fingers reaching into my pants to pull them off.","189":"Now, let's see what you're working with.","190":"A hungry look forms on her features, as she sizes up my cock before looking back up to me.","191":"So, let's see if we can get this thing nice and hard, shall we?","192":"I bet I'll make you pop a boner in no time at all!","193":"Up on her feet once again, she takes a few steps back. She brings her hands up to her chest before disrobing in one elegant motion.","194":"Ta-da! How's that for a body? Bet you've never seen a girl like me naked up close.","195":"I can see your cock likes it too, it's already standing up for me.","196":"She's acting [i]way[\/i] too coy. She's got some ulterior motive... but that might be question better saved for later.","197":"Moving in a slow teasing, Alexis' fingers reached for the strings that held her panties together.","198":"I'm thinking I know a way to make it even [i]harder[\/i] than it already is right now.","199":"Here it is. My perfect, naked body in all its glory.","200":"And now, it's time to fuck, but not before you put that blindfold on.","201":"Though I'd have wanted to see that body of hers while I fucked it, I had already agreed to wear it.","202":"At the end of the day, whatever it is she wants, it could only be so bad. The chance for a good time outweighs the minor chance something unfortunate might happen.","203":"I mean, her friend Sarah only wanted sex. Maybe that's what she wants?","204":"Who's to say she just wants to get laid?","205":"Does she have a fetish for blind people? Possibly. I don't care.","206":"I'm about to have my dick sucked and I don't need more thoughts than that.","207":"Hehe, that's more like it. ","208":"Now, you be a good boy and wait [i]juuuuust[\/i] a moment for me.","209":"Curiously, I heard Alexis pull open a drawer.","210":"Hold on while I get myself lubed up. I want to [i]really[\/i] enjoy this.","211":"I could've sworn I saw the bottle of lube on the night stand on my way in, but I hardly cared about that now.","212":"Ehehe, almost ready.","213":"Ugh. Where is she?","214":"The touch of Alexis' body against mine continued to elude me as I heard her briefly tap away at her computer.","215":"And, let me just close this thing...don't want to have [i]anything[\/i] distracting me...","216":"Soon after, I felt the touch of her hands as she wedged herself in between my thighs.","217":"I couldn't see, but I could hear her as she readied herself, spitting on my cock to give it some extra smoothness.","218":"Let's get started with a little foreplay, shall we?","219":"Her fingers wrap around my shaft as she greedily handles my cock.","220":"Awww, it's starting to twitch. How cute. You boys are all the same once you feel me~","221":"Sticking out her tongue, she starts to trace up and down the length.","222":"Mmmmmm, quite tasty... I like it.","223":"With newfound vigor, she wraps her lips around it, licking it with increasing passion.","224":"Mmmmm...mmmmph...!","225":"Mmmmmph!","226":"Before long, she's got the entire tip in her mouth.","227":"Mmmmgh...mmmmhh!","228":"With no sign of her slowing down, she takes me deeper into her throat.","229":"Ghhhhhk!","230":"Just when I thought she couldn't take it in any deeper, she managed to push herself all the way down onto my cock.","231":"I feel her throat squeeze around my cockhead... little flares of pleasure light inside of me.","232":"Why does this seem familiar? I guess... who cares?","233":"It's a blowjob. You can't question blowjobs. Especially...","234":"...as you feel a tongue circling your cockhead, flicking against your urethra.","235":"There's just so much going on in her mouth as she goes down on me. Her active, wet muscles coats me and never lets me get bored.","236":"Then, something long slivers around my shaft. Her lips are squeezed against me, forming a seal, but still gentle enough to cause me pleasure.","237":"The rough texture of her tongue feels incredible against the smooth head of my dick.","238":"The meditative pleasure I'm feeling isn't enough to make me cum... but I'm getting a good feeling.","239":"I could... fall asleep like this. But in the good way.","240":"Man... if she doesn't stop right now, I don't think I could stand to have her not do it anymore.","241":"Haaaaaaaaah...!","242":"Her lips pop off my cock, leaving it completely coated in her spit.","243":"Just in time, too. I was getting [i]way[\/i] too used to it.","244":"Haaah...haaaaah...how's that? Bet you've never had your dick sucked like that before.","245":"Yeah. She's really skilled. I don't find that fact surprising in the least.","246":"Don't worry, I've got something even better in mind.","247":"Now, just give me a sec, will you? With a cock [i]that[\/i] big, you gotta give a girl a moment.","248":"Oh, yeah, this is going great. This is [i]perfect[\/i].","249":"Hearing her hand out praise like that made her all the more suspicious, given the kind of girl she is, but now I am too horny to think about that.","250":"She's taking her sweet-ass time to recover too, what's going on? This blindfold thing leaves too much to the imagination.","251":"I know, I'll do it with my tits for a bit, before I stick it in.","252":"Once again, other thoughts of her ulterior motives quickly vanish as I feel the squeeze of her tits around my length.","253":"You ready?","254":"I'm not sure [i]why[\/] she's asking, but I give her a smile as she prepares to bounce her tits against my dick.","255":"She starts to move, rhythmically bouncing up and down, squeezing harder as if to massage my cock with her breasts.","256":"Hehehe~ Don't you love feeling these gorgeous bouncy tits around your cock?","257":"Gradually, she starts to pick up her pace, going faster and squeezing my shaft harder between her boobs.","258":"Again, without the ability to speak, all I can do is nod and hope she goes even harder.","259":"Be a good boy and sit patiently. You'll get the reward you're [i]really[\/i] after before you know it.","260":"Mmmmm, you like that, don't you?","261":"Alexis stays on her knees for a couple of minutes, continuing to give me a boobjob and seemingly delighting in taking me to the edge and teasing me.","262":"Not yet. If you cum now, then you'll miss out on the good part!","263":"Despite her usual clumsy nature, she has a surprisingly adept sexual instinct, not that it's too out of place for a bimbo like her.","264":"Even though she brings me to the edge a few times, I stand firm. I won't be leaving here after she wasted my time unless I get a taste of her cunt.","265":"Soon enough, the moment arrives.","266":"Hmmm, not bad, not bad at all, deaf guy. You held up well.","267":"You looked like the type who would cum with one... little... touch.","268":"Yeah, because cumming meant that I wouldn't be able to fuck her.","269":"It wasn't easy to hold it in, but I'm glad I did. I think the best part is still to come.","270":"Lie back, it's time for your reward now~","271":"Her hand guides me backwards onto one of the pillows as she climbs onto the bed to join me.","272":"Taking my cock into her hand, she starts to rub it up against her pussy.","273":"You ready for me, big boy?","274":"Another nod, and I prepare myself for the force of her body crashing down onto my length at once.","275":"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!","276":"I knew she would take me all in one go, I could hear the perverted eagerness in her voice, despite her attempts to mask it.","277":"Ooooooh, fuck...! Haaaaaaaah... it feels even bigger than it looks!","278":"She moans out with pleasure, taking a moment to ride me slowly while she adjusts to my size, before starting to really go at it.","279":"The walls of her pussy pulse around my cock as she prepares herself.","280":"Her moisture gathers around my shaft. I feel like a tree in a hot jungle.","281":"With each thrust of her hips, I'm coated more and more in her slickness. It keeps her moving fast and hard against me.","282":"Traveling up her canal... I feel every bump, every knot inside her. I feel her surprisingly strong muscles milk me like a hand.","283":"I feel every irregularity in her movement, every slight tremor, which translates directly into pleasure for me.","284":"I have to admit it: Alexis is actually a really good fuck. Like... surprisingly good.","285":"Not lazy at all. [i]Active[\/i] and [i]athletic[\/i]. She's got that [i]cheerleader body[\/i].","286":"Mmmmmm...let's get this started!","287":"We haven't [i]started yet[\/i]?","288":"I felt her weight shift backwards, and she was soon riding me like no tomorrow.","289":"Ahhhhhh! Ahh! Ahh! Yes!","290":"Rhythmic moans came out, in tandem with each of her thrusts as her own arousal began to mount with mine.","291":"Worship my body...! Show me just how much you like my pussy!","292":"Out of nowhere, I feel the soles of both of her feet on my face - I know exactly what she's after.","293":"Mmmmm! Yes! Lick my feet!","294":"I stick my tongue out, licking the foot closest to my mouth. Before long, she's pushed her toes [i]into[\/i] my mouth with glee.","295":"Just as I'd expected, giving her the high of feeling dominant makes her fuck with even more vigor.","296":"Ahhhh...! Enough...let's do it like [i]this[\/i] now!","297":"Initially I felt puzzled that she wanted to switch positions so quickly, but it occurred to me that I had lost track of time in all this pleasure.","298":"How much had gone by? Not nearly long enough. Despite how I felt about her, I wanted to stay here and fuck her all day.","299":"Oooooooh, fuck! This is so good...! So goooood!","300":"The next few minutes consist of me laying back as she constantly changes positions, enjoying my cock in every way she can fathom... as if she's putting on a show.","301":"I just... wish I could see her writhing and moaning on my cock.","302":"I'm a visual person.","303":"Mmmmm, I have an idea...what if I do this...?","304":"The sly and cheeky tone in her words sends shivers of excitement down my spine.","305":"Nnnnnnnngh...! Ahhhhh!","306":"I can hear her grin even through her moans as they get louder and more passionate.","307":"A sudden series of spasms from her body makes me wonder what it was she was doing to herself.","308":"Just a second...! Nnnnnnngh...! And I'm almost ready to give it to you!","309":"What's that pressure? Is she... stretching her ass with her fingers?","310":"Now...say ''aaaaaah''","311":"I feel her fingers on my lips, prodding at my mouth, wanting to get in.","312":"They have a strange scent, but caught in the middle of this lust, I don't think twice about doing what she wants.","313":"Mmmmmm, yeah. You be a good boy and lick on those fingers, lick them good!","314":"Once again, I do as she says, following her lead until she starts demanding something else.","315":"Ahhh, yeeees! Anal? 500 tokens!","316":"Tokens? What the hell is she talking about?","317":"Ohhh, thank you!","318":"I raise an eyebrow as I try to understand what's going on.","319":"Oh, don't worry deaf guy! I'm... I'm talking to my other self! Yes, that's it. It's my fetish!","320":"I don't know if she's nuts or horny, but I'm enjoying this despite how weird it is.","321":"Alright...! Haaaaaaah! Time to wrap this up! You wanna cum in my ass, don't you?","322":"I nod quickly, not having expected to taste [i]both[\/i] her holes today. If her pussy was that great, I couldn't even imagine what her ass would feel like.","323":"Propping herself up with one hand, she aligns the tip of my cock to her puckering, wet hole.","324":"Ready? I'll slide down on this cock again, but you don't get to...! Haaaah! You don't get to cum till [i]I'm[\/i] satisfied!","325":"I steeled myself as I felt her asshole prepare to take me.","326":"Nnnnnnnnghaaaaaaah! Uuuuuaaaaah!","327":"Once again, Alexis impales herself onto my cock with a single stroke, her ass clenching tightly around it as she reels from the feeling of being stretched.","328":"Ghhhhhhh...! Feels...haaaaaaah...even bigger like this...! I have to fuck it even harder!","329":"Tilting herself backwards to better take me, I can hear what seems to be Alexis starting to masturbate.","330":"Mmmmmmmmm! Oooooooh, that's perfect! Feeling it in my ass...while rubbing my pussy! Nnnnnnngh!","331":"Besides her moans, the lewd, sloshing sounds of the incessant rubbing of her fingers began to fill the room.","332":"Each rub of her clit sent spasms throughout her body, spasms that threatened to send me into orgasm and end our fuck-session here, no matter how much I wanted it to continue.","333":"Haaaaaaaah...! Ahhhh! Almost there? Hold it in! Haaaah! Don't you dare cum yet! I'm gonna enjoy this cock in my favorite position...!","334":"Nnnnnngh!","335":"While continuing to bounce on my cock the whole time, I felt Alexis swivel to the side, adjusting her position mid-fuck.","336":"It was a sensation so tight that it took everything I had not to cum.","337":"Almost...haaaah...almost there!","338":"At this point, I could no longer help myself. I was on the verge of cumming, and I was going to enjoy it to the fullest by taking each of her luscious cheeks into my hand.","339":"Ahhhhhhhhh~! You greedy, greedy boy...! Nnnnnngh! You wanna cum while groping my ass?","340":"She couldn't see me nod now, so I affirmed my answer by groping her harder.","341":"If I thought her pussy was a wonder to behold... her ass is something too.","342":"God, her sphincter feels [i]explosive[\/i] every time she clenches. I can tell that she actually [i]wants[\/i] me to cum inside her.","343":"Oh... I try very hard to not think about how she became so experienced with this.","344":"Go on then! Cum! Haaaaaaaaah...! Cum in my ass with everything you have!","345":"It's a good thing she's saying it... because the way she's closing in on me from every side... I'm not sure I have a choice...","346":"So... I will! I'll let loose right now! The valves are opening! Let the pleasure and the pain out!","347":"Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnghaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah~!","348":"With a final thrust, I pushed myself all the way into Alexis' asshole and blew my load into her depths.","349":"My spunk drenches her insides, making her feel hotter and stickier within.","350":"Ooooooooooh fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck~!","351":"In turn, she let out a long and heated moan as she felt my seed flood her insides.","352":"We remain in that position for a while, my cock buried into her ass, before she finally decides it is time to pop herself off.","353":"Mmmmmmmmmnnnnn...","354":"Another moan, a soft one, one following another as she heaved herself off my cock.","355":"Ooooooh, that was fucking good. You fuck pretty well for a deaf guy...","356":"A nice big load. You've been saving up. No Nut November isn't until next month, you know.","357":"And now, if you'll excuse me...","358":"It's time for you to get OFF!","359":"Huh?","360":"She... she fucking [i]pushed[\/i] me!","361":"I quickly pulled off the blindfold to see what the hell she was up to. To see her on the computer... my mind began to churn with realizations.","362":"Hadn't she said something about closing it?","363":"Holy shit, I don't believe this! I'm actually rich!","364":"That anal creampie at the end gave me over 100 subs on its own!","365":"[i]That[\/i] was when it hit me. The blindfold, the weird mask she's wearing, the tapping on her keyboard before we started fucking. Now it [i]all[\/i] made sense.","366":"I gesture at her like mad with every obscenity. The middle finger. The British two fingers. Pounding the air.","367":"It doesn't matter. Without a voice, she's not going to give a shit.","368":"The door's there. Don't get lost on the way out.","369":"At least she acknowledged me. [i]At least.[\/i]","370":"Out, deaf guy. You've had your fuck and I got my money's worth out of it. Deal's done, so leave.","371":"Finally, I fish my phone out of my pocket.","372":"Deal? What are you talking about?","373":"You fucking filmed me having sex to a live audience!","374":"Duh? What did you think was gonna happen?","375":"You really think I just give people both my holes for fun? I'm not a charity whore you know, I'm a businesswoman.","376":"Now scram, I've got shit to do, so see ya!","377":"What a fucking bitch.","378":"Picking a fight with her is pointless.","379":"She wasn't going to apologize or give me a cut. And I wasn't about to get fucked again.","380":"There would be consequences for the video. Masked or not, someone out there is going to recognize me.","381":"I've got this anger... this simmering anger in me...","382":"Holy shit, dude!","383":"Huh?","384":"What the fuck, man! You were supposed to tell me whether Alexis does porn or not!","385":"Oh, no. Stay calm.","386":"What's this about?","387":"Alexis just livestreamed having sex! It was fucking insane!","388":"Who was she having sex with?","389":"Huh? Who cares? Some deaf guy with a big dick, I guess.","390":"You were supposed to tell me if she did porn or not! If she did...","391":"...there's no problem seeing those nudes.","392":"The nudes? [i]Oh, yeah. Those nudes[\/i]. That feels like [i]forever[\/i] ago.","393":"Time to say a big fat lie.","394":"I don't know anything about her having sex on stream.","395":"[i]Too bad.[\/i] I want to take credit for the big dick Linus just mentioned. It's impossible not to glow about a comment like that.","396":"I didn't think you did.","397":"I guess... since I've seen her having sex, a bunch of naked pictures doesn't mean much.","398":"Why go for the tease when you've seen everything, right?","399":"I'm just surprised that you recognized her with the mask on.","400":"Come on. It was so obvious it was her under that mask.","401":"Wait a sec. How did you know she was wearing a mask?","402":"Just got a text from Hank. Gotta go.","403":"How did you know about the mask!?","404":"I've got to do a better job of keeping my mouth shut.","405":"I'm glad I didn't fall into Alexis's trick.","406":"But... I did want to talk to Hank. Did he know where he was sending me?","407":"Did he know what Alexis wanted? Would he even tell me if he did?","408":"Did you know that was Alexis's room?","409":"A few seconds later...","410":"Is that a problem? Do you two have a history? -Hank","411":"Did you know what she wanted me for?","412":"No. -Hank","413":"So you sent me off to do a house call without knowing what the problem was?","414":"Sure. Did you solve it? -Hank","415":"Yeah. Her problem was that she needed a dick to suck in front of a camera.","416":"Yeah. Her problem was she needed a rube to take advantage of.","417":"Does Hank really know, though? Do I want to start throwing accusations at him?","418":"What do I accuse him of? Making a deal with Alexis? To what end?","419":"Accuse Hank.","420":"[ep4_alexis_sex == 1]Ask for a cut of whatever Alexis paid him.","421":"Say nothing.","422":"I solved Alexis's problem alright. Now there's a video of me fucking her all over campus!","423":"Kinky. -Hank","424":"There's something weird going on and I have a feeling you know what it's about.","425":"Are you going to pretend like you didn't know?","426":"Yes. -Hank","427":"If I find out you knew something...","428":"Okay. In the meantime, get back to work. -Hank","429":"Goddamn, Hank is an asshole.","430":"I want a portion of whatever you made.","431":"Off what? -Hank","432":"Alexis. Whatever she paid you.","433":"It is technically true that she paid me, it was through her tuition. I'll divide my salary by the number of students at SHU and get back to you. -Hank","434":"Are you saying you weren't acting as her talent agent?","435":"Point me to some talent first. I can't see any. -Hank","436":"Hank can do this all day. I'm going to save myself the pain.","437":"Nevermind.","438":"There's no point.","439":"Damn. It really feels like I was just taken advantage of.","440":"And I'm not going to get answers from Hank or Alexis about this.","441":"If they had made arrangements... it's likely going to be too late to check RECENTLY.","442":"I have to put up with it for now. Probably not worth the hassle.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[bj_speed != bj_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[bj_speed != bj_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[bj_speed != bj_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[sex41_speed != sex41_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[sex41_speed != sex41_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch4__04.30.35 the interception.vne3":{"3":"I get a shot of adrenaline each time I open it up. Like I'm definitely going to be hit with something.","4":"Let's see... if I get anything tonight.","5":"When my eyes take in the screen, it feels [i]blurry[\/i] almost.","6":"I was expecting it... but I wasn't prepared for it.","7":"I wipe my eyes, gather myself, and read.","8":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: REVEAL TARGET[\/speed]","9":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: REVEAL TARGET[\/speed]","10":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: REVEAL TARGET[\/speed]","11":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: DIDNT NEED TO[\/speed]","12":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: ANY WOULD DO[\/speed]","13":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: NEED TO APPROVE[\/speed]","14":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: SOME NOT VIABLE[\/speed]","15":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: DROP IDENTITY[\/speed]","16":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: WHERE[\/speed]","17":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: PARK[\/speed]","18":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]PLEDGED1: WHEN[\/speed]","19":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: 2 AM WEEK FROM HALLOWEEN[\/speed]","20":"[#039c2e][speed,0.7]SILENT1: AGENT WILL CONFIRM IDENTITY[\/speed]","21":"Oh... [i]my head is swimming[\/i]. 2 AM? A week from Halloween?","22":"Is this my chance to corner one of these motherfuckers?","23":"[i]And the target...[\/i] is this the person they're going to kill on Halloween?","24":"I've got to make preparations to be at the park at 2 AM. This is my one goddamn chance.","25":"I could stop this whole conspiracy in its tracks.","0":"So tired...","1":"Despite programming NOT SO RECENTLY to save myself the effort, I end up checking output all the time.","2":"When I get back home, I end up nervously looking to see if I've gotten any positive results."},"ch4__04.30.40 information sharing.vne3":{"10":"There's going to be a drop off a few nights from now. An [i]agent[\/i] is going to retrieve it.","11":"Wait. They don't know who the target is?","12":"I cock an eyebrow, a little puzzled.","13":"If this is a hitman... they ought to know who the target is. Which one is the client? Which one is the hitman?","14":"Fuck.","15":"I think... Pledged1 is?","16":"So Silent1 is going to tell Pledged1 who the target is?","17":"Uh...","18":"No. Pledged1 is telling Silent1...","19":"Wait. The hitman is telling the client who the target will be? Makes no sense. Are you sure you understand what's meant by ''target''?","20":"No...","21":"There's something weird about the whole situation...","22":"I haven't even told you about Valerie yet...","23":"First of all... I feel like you really need to know this...","24":"...I told Valerie about RECENTLY.","25":"You [i]what?[\/i]","26":"Yeah.","27":"Why did you do that?","28":"During the conversation I had with her, I started to feel as if she had a major stake in this too.","29":"We don't know if we can trust her...","30":"Valerie's interests align with ours. Based on what she told me.","31":"She told me something very interesting.","32":"What did Valerie tell you?","33":"She's also looking for Silent One.","34":"No kidding.","35":"She told me her roommate encountered him. Not long after, she disappeared.","36":"A student disappeared?","37":"Yeah.","38":"If that's true, there should be a record of it.","39":"I did take a look at the newspapers but...","40":"Not there. The crime reporting database.","41":"Excuse me?","42":"When crimes happen on campus, they're usually covered up by the school administration. They don't want people to think that the campus is dangerous.","43":"Shit. Valerie told me the same thing.","44":"They have deals with local newspapers to keep incidents quiet.","45":"Oh.","46":"But... if a crime is [i]reported[\/i], it'll show up on the Crime Reporting Database no matter what.","47":"If it wasn't reported, then Valerie wouldn't have complications with the police.","48":"I see...","49":"Let's check to see if a girl disappeared from campus during Valerie's freshman year.","50":"Right.","51":"We head into the library.","52":"Wordlessly we grab one of the computers. Despite {Leah}'s lack of technical skill, it seems she's used to navigating the crime reporting database.","53":"It doesn't take long for {Leah} to pull up a positive.","54":"Sandra MacRae.","55":"Valerie said her name was Sandra.","56":"And here she is. Disappeared a month into her first semester.","57":"Last seen at the mall. But that's a lie.","58":"Is it?","59":"If anything happens on campus, the administration reports the event as happening off-campus. They'll look for any reason possible to avoid having a crime reported on campus.","60":"The school is connected with the Mayor's office and the police department, so... it's not that difficult. They can get away with it.","61":"It's a missing person, though...","62":"So?","63":"You can't just hide something like that.","64":"You can and... they will.","65":"Valerie's story is legitimate, as far as I can see.","66":"I still think telling her was a bad idea. The more people that know...","67":"I know. But Valerie's smart. Now that she knows everything, she can help us.","68":"{Leah}'s mouth tightens like a purse. I know she's unsure about what I did.","69":"To be fair, I'm not sure, either. But it's done. I can't erase the knowledge from Valerie's head.","70":"I'll need to do some independent research on Sandra.","71":"Also... homework. I actually have homework too.","72":"You can't use [i]embroiled in criminal intrigue[\/i] as an excuse?","73":"Just like Buffy can't use [i]hunting vampires[\/i] as an excuse.","74":"Ugh. I'm feeling more and more like I'm approaching a precipice.","75":"Me too.","76":"I guess if we're falling off, at least we're going down together.","77":"{Leah} smiles softly. Her words are somehow comforting, in the [i]if I die at least I won't die alone[\/i] kinda way.","78":"I needed to share this burden with someone. I'm glad it's her. Like it or not, we're sinking or swimming together.","0":"That message from last night... on my mind like a nail through the skull.","1":"Week until Halloween, counting grimly down. I can't miss that drop off. But even thinking about it drives me into a cold sweat.","2":"I haven't told {Leah} about any of this yet. And especially not with the conversation I had with Valerie.","3":"But I'll need to tell {Leah}.","4":"You look serious?","5":"Yes. I found something important.","6":"The assassin thing. There was an update.","7":"There was?","8":"I think I can learn the identity of the target.","9":"You can?"},"ch4__04.30.45 police.vne3":{"10":"Oh hey, you're the guy from the prison, ain't you?","11":"I'm not [i]from[\/i] the prison. I was there for a night. What do you want?","12":"{Leah} is wanted for questioning.","13":"Questioning?","14":"Yeah. In connection to a break-in.","15":"You're kidding.","16":"Cops ain't allowed to joke.","17":"Shit! Emily you... you promised!","18":"Oh, God. I did bring this shit on {Leah}, haven't I?","19":"I don't know where {Leah} is.","20":"Can I leave a message with her? She ain't under arrest.","21":"I would if I knew where-","22":"Excuse me.","23":"Ah. You look like her.","24":"Just questioning, right?","25":"Yes, ma'am. Voluntary.","26":"I have nothing to hide, so... sure.","27":"Sorry about my {youAreHer}. He's a bit protective.","28":"Yep.","29":"You don't have to go, {Leah}. It's voluntary.","30":"I know that. He just said it.","31":"I'm reminding you.","32":"Don't worry, {PlayerName}. I can handle myself. I'll be back tonight.","33":"Come with me, ma'am.","34":"Emily! God damn it! You [i]promised![\/i]","35":"I'll... I'll call her right now!","36":"Shit. Pick up, pick up!","37":"No answer. Fine. Good thing I have a way of finding out where you are. RECENTLY, here I come.","38":"RECENTLY has lead me here.","39":"According to her data, Emily should be around here.","40":"She can't have gone far. The only chance is... if she had left while I was coming...","41":"But she hasn't. She's here.","42":"Emily!","43":"Why are you here?","44":"The cops came for {Leah}. You said you didn't suspect her. You promised.","45":"I didn't promise, and I [i]do[\/i] suspect her.","46":"I told you - if she returned the data, I'd press no charges. But the data wasn't returned.","47":"How did you know to find me here, anyway?","48":"{Leah} doesn't have the data.","49":"And you know this?","50":"I know she's not the one. She was with me the entire time.","51":"Really? Because witnesses say you came in [i]separately[\/i].","52":"Or... do you know because [i]you[\/i] stole the data?","53":"I'm an IT tech, not a criminal.","54":"Or a journalist. But you have clear connections to people who would want that data.","55":"Why are you overreacting so much? She was just taken in for questioning, as far as I know.","56":"Oh... fuck. I [i]am[\/i] overreacting.","57":"It's going to seem like I know something about the break-in.","58":"Now I'm starting to think you really were involved.","59":"This is not going good. I've got to say anything to turn this around.","60":"How did you know she was taken in?","61":"Obviously, I'm working closely with police.","62":"Emily, I know it doesn't seem it, but I'm on your side. I didn't know about any data. I didn't even know the party was at your house until I arrived.","63":"If you explain the situation to me, maybe I can help.","64":"You talked once about your [i]enemy[\/i]. Maybe it was him?","65":"My enemy...","66":"She thinks for a moment.","67":"It's impossible. It couldn't have been him.","68":"Why not?","69":"Because... it was his office that was broken into.","70":"My enemy is my dad.","71":"What?","72":"It's a complicated situation. My dad used me like a pawn. I didn't want to go to this school. I was supposed to go to Harvard, but he made me come here as a bargaining chip.","73":"He wanted the contract to make the school's security software. [i]I[\/i] was part of the deal.","74":"Why?","75":"Why did medieval lords keep hostages? To ensure [i]stake[\/i].","76":"Anyway, I don't want to go to this stupid school. I didn't want to be constantly reminded of you. More than anything... I [i]needed[\/i] to be away from you.","77":"If it weren't for him... I would be.","78":"I'm... honestly shocked that Emily would say something like that. I've hardly ever heard her admit any emotional vulnerability.","79":"She's... human.","80":"I knew we didn't get along, but... I never imagined I'd be cause of division between Emily and her father.","81":"When I had dinner with you, I was hoping that we'd make peace and I'd get some closure but... that clearly didn't work out.","82":"So... I'm doing the only thing I can to get back at him.","83":"That is?","84":"Ruining the deal between him and the school.","85":"You want revenge.","86":"Exactly. That's where Cedric comes in. That's why I need him. He's going to help me get vengeance.","87":"Emily, it sounds like you have the greatest motive for stealing from your dad.","88":"My plan has nothing to do with stealing. Besides... he's still my dad.","89":"I want to teach him a lesson. I don't want to ruin his life.","90":"That data can ruin his life?","91":"I've said too much.","92":"I can guarantee you this, Emily. {Leah} did not steal that data.","93":"If you think this is something personal between me and {Leah}, you are completely wrong.","94":"I'm pursuing any lead I can. I'd shake down anyone and anything if I thought it'd get me closer to getting the data back.","95":"I don't think you have a motivation for stealing that data. But {Leah} is the only person who does.","96":"Until she's ruled out, I'm going to do everything I can to get to the truth.","97":"Emily, clearly feeling like she's said far too much, walks away from me.","98":"I'd do nearly anything to see her smile. But... between her and {Leah}, I'm going to choose {Leah}.","99":"I guess I found the one thing I wouldn't do. Fate has really screwed me over.","100":"I know Emily and I are ''enemies'' now, but even I'm a little sad that thing have deteriorated this badly.","101":"I did not want this. There was a time I cared about her.","102":"Huh?","103":"The comic shop girl!","104":"Has she been there the whole time?","105":"Wha- wha- what kind of loser hangs out at the mall at night?","106":"Are you some kind of creepo looking for lost children to kidnap or...","107":"Were you listening the whole time?","108":"I mean... you had a whole conversation in front of me... so yeah!","109":"God... it was like overhearing my parents agreeing to divorce. Same... awkward feeling...","110":"I guess nothing she heard was [i]technically[\/i] a secret, but I still have a dirty feeling in the pit of my stomach. Like I've been spied on.","111":"My life is pretty fucked up.","112":"Nah, it's not. My life is more fucked up.","113":"I... didn't expect this would turn into a competition.","114":"Okay. Maybe your life is messed up. But that's not so bad.","115":"Live. Work. Maybe reproduce. Die. That's what most people do.","116":"Besides, if you found a way to piss a bitch like that off, you're doing something right.","117":"You don't know her.","118":"If only you knew.","119":"You have no idea.","120":"Trust me. I know Emily can be a bitch.","121":"You know Emily?","122":"Yeah. Through Cedric. They are the weirdest pair ever.","123":"So... he follows her around, right? Puppy dog eyes. And she says, ''Cedric is not my boyfriend, he's my business partner,'' right?","124":"Every time she says that you can [i]see[\/i] his heart breaking. So funny.","125":"How do you know them?","126":"The philosophy club.","127":"You're in the philosophy club?","128":"No. My takes are too hot for them. I've been trying to for years, but they give me the runaround. They always tell me I've got to [i]apply[\/i] to be in the philosophy club. Who has ever heard of that?","129":"I can't talk to Cedric for a minute without him inviting me to the philosophy club.","130":"It's because you're a guy.","131":"I don't think so.","132":"It's true. Men say that women have nothing intelligent to say. But the reality is men are afraid of the opinions of women.","133":"That's why men like to seclude themselves from women to talk philosophy, so a woman doesn't come along to challenge their ideas.","134":"That's a generalization.","135":"Is it?","136":"I'm not here to argue. Did you hear what Emily told me? About her secret project?","137":"Cedric told me that he was working on something big with Emily. I didn't realize they were working on undermining the security systems within the school.","138":"Sounds like some pretty hot shit. Not the most illegal thing that Cedric's ever done.","139":"What is the most illegal thing that Cedric's done?","140":"You know he's like... a drug dealer, right?","141":"Cedric?!","142":"You didn't know?","143":"No. He seems like such a dork.","144":"Dorks can sell drugs. Actually, dorks are good at selling drugs.","145":"Police aren't going to bother an ascot-wearing loser who radiates estrogen like a day spa in Chernobyl.","146":"And yes, I'm [i]allowed[\/i] to use [i]estrogen[\/i] as a pejorative, because it's in the service of humiliating men.","147":"I wonder how she'd react to [i]''you look like you shave your chest''[\/i]. But I'm baiting myself into an argument, which is exactly what she wants.","148":"Even if she is cute, I can't forget she's basically an internet troll in real life.","149":"I can never forget that Kristen is basically an internet troll in real life.","150":"Thanks for letting me know.","151":"By the way, if you want a free comic book, just ask. Anything in the store.","152":"A free comic book? Is she trying to insult me, or is she trying to make me feel better?","153":"I can't tell. A comic book is the last thing I need.","154":"...And, I promise I won't comment on your next purchase [i]only[\/i].","155":"Oh. She really is trying to make me feel better. That's nice of her. I guess.","156":"Thanks. Better forget you heard what you heard.","157":"It's got nothing to do with me. Got you.","158":"I better get going home. I hope {Leah} will be back...","159":"I knock, to alert {Leah} in case she's home.","160":"I don't hear anything...","161":"Should I call? If she's being interrogated... I guess I won't get a response.","162":"Should I go to bed, hoping she shows up in the morning?","163":"I'm just about to go to my bedroom when...","164":"That's the front door. That's {Leah}. It has to be.","165":"Thank God I didn't have to go to bed while she was still at the police station.","166":"That was interesting.","167":"They didn't arrest you?","168":"Would I be here if they did?","169":"How was it?","170":"They asked me a whole bunch of questions. I didn't really need to say too many lies.","171":"I'm innocent of taking that data. So I can be confident.","172":"Would you have taken the data if you knew it was there?","173":"Yes.","174":"I'm a bit afraid to relay the information Emily just told me, then.","175":"Damn... I understand now why Emily didn't want me knowing. If {Leah} had found out from me...","176":"But that didn't happen. So it doesn't matter what could have been. It only matters what is.","177":"Don't worry. I'll be fine. I know how to handle the police.","178":"I think you're way too confident. You were in the office when you weren't supposed to be.","179":"Yeah.","180":"Soon... you're going to the pick-up spot, right?","181":"Yeah. A week from Halloween is coming close. And... I'm going alone.","182":"Come on, {PlayerName}...","183":"I know you want to come. But you also need to learn some restraint.","184":"I promise. I'll tell you everything that happens.","185":"{Leah} straightens up. I think she's considering my words seriously, rather than reflexively refusing.","186":"I understand.","187":"Did... did she actually agree?","188":"You've got to be more careful from now on. People are watching.","189":"They're watching you, too. Don't forget that. Especially when you go to intercept the message.","190":"Don't do anything stupid.","191":"I won't. I follow my own advice.","192":"Things just seem to be getting more and more dangerous.","0":"Only a few nights until the drop off.","1":"I've been checking NOT SO RECENTLY every chance I get. I've been checking it so much I'm not sure it has saved me any time at all.","2":"This is anxiety, isn't it? I thought I had escaped that bullshit. God, I hate anxiety.","3":"It makes me keenly aware of how much stomach acid I have bubbling in my gut, ready to roil and spill out.","4":"That's not my bedroom door. That's the front door.","5":"That's unusual. A delivery, maybe?","6":"Or the hitman. Ready to tell me I'm the target. Great.","7":"I should answer the door.","8":"The police?","9":"Is this {Leah}'s residence?"},"ch4__04.30.50 interception.vne3":{"3":"My relationship with Sam will have to wait.","4":"Memories of the old school need to be set aside. I have an important thing tonight.","5":"I'm completely exhausted after helping Maggie, but I don't have much time left to recover.","6":"[i]A week until Halloween.[\/i] That's today.","7":"For the first time, I'm going to see Silent1... or Pledged1... in the flesh.","8":"They are merely humans... not monsters. But the big question mark over their identities has them morphing in my mind.","9":"This one is for me, alone. I don't see {Leah}, and I hope I won't see her.","10":"I can't take her shenanigans tonight.","11":"Feels risky taking a nap. But I'm not a 2 A.M. kinda person.","12":"I've got to build up my energy. I might need it.","13":"It's almost 2 A.M. I wish I could take a nap, but I need to get going.","14":"Hrmm...","15":"It's time.","16":"I barely slept. The minutes ticked by like they were hours.","17":"But I'm ready now.","18":"One final check to see if I'm not making a mistake.","19":"No. It's tonight.","20":"Let's hope this turns out to be an elaborate prank.","21":"My legs feel heavy. And not just because I don't like being up late. My whole body is rebelling against going.","22":"[i]No. Stay here. It's easier. It's safer.[\/i]","23":"Yeah, well, there is no going back. I was dragged into this. I didn't choose this. But I'm going to follow through.","24":"Only five minutes left. I might have to break some traffic laws for the greater good.","25":"If I miss the drop off... that's it. There's no chance to find out before Halloween.","26":"Breaking smaller laws to protect the bigger ones. That's what I've got to do.","27":"I'm lately thinking more like {Leah}, aren't I?","28":"Creepy.","29":"Too late even for drunks.","30":"I'll go in and find a place to hide.","31":"I'm not sure this is a good spot, but I can't think of anything else.","32":"I don't see-","33":"No, wait. Someone in the shadows.","34":"That looks vaguely like the same person I fought at Emily's place. Could it be?","35":"I don't know. But what's clear... is that he's dropping something off. I doubt he's littering.","36":"He's leaving. That means my time has come. Courage, don't fail me now.","37":"I approach cautiously, looking in every direction for the [i]agent[\/i] Silent1 has sent.","38":"I see nothing. The world is quiet.","39":"Not even the rats dare to move.","40":"It's either safe now, or it was never safe to begin with.","41":"I pick up the envelope. It looks crisp. Like someone recently pressed it.","42":"Carefully, almost like I'm worried I might shatter the paper, I break the seal.","43":"No...","44":"This... this is too much...","45":"Is it me? Is it Emily?","46":"Is it both of us?","0":"I get home. What an exhausting day.","1":"Haley's financial troubles are nothing compared to the larger issues going on at this school.","2":"Lidia is a puzzle, but I doubt her life is in danger. Other people are."},"ch4__04.40.05 stonewalling.vne3":{"10":"Debt isn't an uncommon problem. If it's as mundane as it seems to be, I'm not sure there's much we can do.","11":"But we don't know that, yet.","12":"I guess not.","13":"Let's go see Haley.","14":"Right.","15":"As we go inside, Haley pushes a rag down her pocket. It seems like she was wiping down an already clean table.","16":"In fact, it looks like she's gone over each table multiple times.","17":"Ah, Silent One.","18":"You call him [i]Silent One?[\/i]","19":"Is that offensive?","20":"I don't know. Ask him.","21":"Not offended. Haley, this is {Leah}, my {relationship}.","22":"Looks like we have double our usual number of patrons today. That's nice.","23":"I didn't mean to introduce myself so rudely. I've never heard him called ''Silent One''.","24":"A bit grandiose if you ask me.","25":"I guess you heard Dante was arrested.","26":"I've heard Dante call jail ''the bro box''.","27":"The [i]bro box[\/i]? I guess that means Dante takes prison pretty casually. So you're not worried?","28":"Dante would never commit a serious crime. He's a nice guy. He likes to party, though, and that gets him in trouble.","29":"Yes... but even for a minor arrest, I wouldn't think you'd be so happy about it.","30":"She's practically beaming, and I think I know why.","31":"Can I get anything for you two?","32":"Oh, I'm too-","33":"Don't tell me.","34":"Huh?","35":"From eyeballing you, you look to be in your mid twenties.","36":"Oh. Yeah. Sure.","37":"In that case, I'll take a light drink. Just a can of whatever's handy.","38":"Good. You, {PlayerName}?","39":"Give me whatever's on tap. First thing in reverse alphabetical order.","40":"Ah. The old ZYX. I'll get you something.","41":"How do you ask someone whether they owe a ton of money?","42":"I'm not sure you do. But you can ask around it.","43":"Ask around it?","44":"Related questions.","45":"I see.","46":"So I guess you're taking a lot of Dante's shifts.","47":"She places the drinks on our table.","48":"Yes, I will be.","49":"Nice. Get some extra money.","50":"Haley's lips flatten notably.","51":"Yes. Hopefully.","52":"After that, Haley quickly moves into the back room.","53":"Did you sense that?","54":"That her whole personality iced over as soon as we mentioned money? Yes.","55":"We hit on something she's sensitive about.","56":"She's not going to tell us much, is she?","57":"I had a feeling we'd have to rely on that program.","58":"RECENTLY?","59":"Exactly.","60":"In fact... can you get the number of the debt collectors?","61":"I think I can, actually.","62":"That might be very helpful.","63":"Huh?","64":"Toaster man?","65":"It's you again.","66":"Why are you here? You're not supposed to be here.","67":"This is a bar. Anyone can be here.","68":"I wasn't talking to you. I'm talking to the dumb kid.","69":"[i]Dumb[\/i] is a pretty antiquated term for ''mute''...","70":"Plus, this ain't a bar. Look around. The place is failing.","71":"Clean as a whistle, waxed and polished so damn well it's blinding. In a proper goddamn bar, you could catch an STD by licking the stools.","72":"Anyway. This is my time to sit in here and feel sad for myself. So waddle your way on.","73":"Hey, Batman, you don't recognize me? I'm your partner.","74":"You're giving my secret identity out? Jesus fucking Christ.","75":"Uh... Batman? World's greatest detective?","76":"Well, sure. Since I'm compromised, why don't we just let the whole fucking world know.","77":"Good afternoon, toasterman.","78":"You too, toots. Could you give a public servant an alcoholic beverage?","79":"The regrets are starting to come back.","80":"I'll get you your favorite.","81":"Thanks, sweetheart.","82":"Funny thing is, I thought with the blue hair that she was one of the gays.","83":"That's not very nice.","84":"What? You got a problem with gay people?","85":"Oh. I don't. It was... just the way you said it.","86":"Hmm... well... apparently, you can have blue hair and not be gay. The more you know, right?","87":"Dyeing your hair blue is fucking weird, though. What's wrong with the hair God gave you?","88":"You seem to know a lot about Haley.","89":"Yeah. She reminds me of another girl I used to know. That's all.","90":"I take an interest in people 'cause I'm a people person. I care. It's a nice fucking thing to care.","91":"And you care about her?","92":"Yeah. But as a human being. She's a bit... you know. Too gay looking for my tastes.","93":"I assumed you didn't mean romantically.","94":"What? You think she's out of my league or somethin'?","95":"Uh...","96":"...She is. But you don't tell a man that. Nobody's going to go into battle when they know they're about to be defeated.","97":"Do you know if Haley is going through anything?","98":"Personal problems, maybe? I dunno.","99":"I'm just grateful that she gives out free drinks.","100":"Free drinks?","101":"Haley does seem to do that a lot. Probably not the best thing for someone in debt.","102":"She's a kind soul. It makes me sad that she's sad.","103":"She's sad?","104":"You can tell, can't you? Never seen her fully smile.","105":"But that's not a bad thing. Only a crazed maniac could smile in this crazy goddamn world of ours.","106":"As Haley comes back, we all settle into a silence. Almost like we were about to get caught.","107":"Here you are.","108":"If she noticed us all shutting up at the same time, she doesn't mention it.","109":"Though, a certain shame about talking behind Haley's back seems to fall over all of us.","110":"She walks back.","111":"I'm not sure there's much else we can do here, {PlayerName}, except pay our bill.","112":"I nod, and put down enough money for our drinks, and Toasterman's.","113":"I'm not sure Toasterman realizes we just paid for his drink, but we leave without saying anything.","114":"So, you said you can get the debt collector's number?","115":"I think so. Are you really going to call them?","116":"I'm not sure yet. Calling debt collectors sounds like an invitation for trouble.","117":"I was thinking that.","118":"Though, there might be a solution.","119":"A solution?","120":"We can hide our caller ID. That would allow us to safely call them.","121":"Oh. That's clever.","122":"But... they might not choose to pick up.","123":"Sounds like a low risk plan.","124":"Let's go sit somewhere more comfortable.","125":"I get the debt collector's number from my laptop. It's not difficult, given how frequently the debt collectors call.","126":"I guess I'll call, since you obviously...","127":"Yeah.","128":"...right. Signal me if there's already an issue.","129":"{Leah} lets out a heavy sigh before dialing the number I give her.","130":"She sets the phone on speaker and we both listen closely as it rings and rings.","131":"The atmosphere grows tense as we both stare at the phone.","132":"Suddenly, there's an answer.","133":"This is KTLM Debt Solutions. How may I assist you?","134":"Uh, yes. We are the legal representatives of an individual that your agency has been attempting to contact.","135":"Holy shit. Are we pretending to be [i]lawyers[\/i] now? Isn't that illegal?","136":"Who is this individual? And who are you?","137":"We're currently representing Ms. Haley Holmes.","138":"First we'll need confirmation that you are indeed the legal representatives of Haley Holmes.","139":"And I need confirmation that this debt you are collecting is actually Haley Holmes'.","140":"I'm sorry ma'am, but-","141":"No. You're the one calling my client. She isn't calling you. It's up to you to prove your credentials. Not us.","142":"There's silence for a moment. I hear papers shuffling on the other side.","143":"Will he buy it?","144":"Currently, Haley Holmes owes $30,000 to Satzerger Group Ltd.","145":"Thank you.","146":"Like a snake who has caught her prey, {Leah} clicks the phone shut.","147":"Phew!","148":"Pretending to be someone's legal rep is illegal.","149":"Yes. It's totally illegal.","150":"Wow. {Leah} is straight up [i]unrepentant[\/i].","151":"But we did find something interesting. Who Haley owes money to.","152":"Satzerger? How do you think you spell that?","153":"I'm going to give it my best try.","154":"I type out what the name sounds like in my head.","155":"According to the search page, it's a student loan company.","156":"So Haley has student loan debt. There's nothing unusual about that at all.","157":"But instead of agreeing, {Leah} looks thoughtful.","158":"You're not sure?","159":"She seems to be [i]very[\/i] defensive about it, though. Is there any stigma about student loan debt at all?","160":"Seems like the norm to me.","161":"There's something more to this.","162":"I don't know, {Leah}. This seems like something we can't fix.","163":"But what if we can? We have to find out.","164":"I've got {Leah} hooked to a mystery that probably doesn't exist.","165":"There are too many people in the world with student loans for it to be some special problem.","166":"$30,000 is a lot of money, but it's not insurmountable. You can eventually pay that off.","167":"But presumably, you'd get an [i]education[\/i] in exchange. Wouldn't you?","168":"I've never seen her around campus...","169":"But... she's on RECENTLY... so that means she's a student.","170":"Not necessarily. For the app to work, you need to be [i]connected[\/i] to the University's network. Sevigny's has a deal with the campus.","171":"You see, {PlayerName}? There are questions yet we don't know the answer to.","172":"Can you meet Haley as she's going home? Maybe if you walk back with her, she'll open up a little.","173":"I would like to do that anyway. It's not a bad way to spend some time with her.","174":"I can probably do that.","175":"I'm not sure. I'm kinda busy.","176":"I'm not really [i]commanding[\/i] you to do it. It's a suggestion.","177":"If I go with her, I'll let you know.","178":"Thanks.","179":"It seems like Haley is working late recently.","180":"I should probably try and catch her during the night instead of the day, then.","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"I'm not quite sure what I'm going to be doing here, so I invited {Leah}.","3":"I feel like her insight is going to be pretty helpful.","4":"You told me a little bit about Haley. She's the one with the debt, right?","5":"And a reluctance to talk about it, too.","6":"Oh. So it's supposed to be a secret?","7":"I think so. She definitely likes her privacy. If she's getting chased down by debt collectors, that would certainly answer why.","8":"I am a bit worried, though.","9":"Oh? Why?"},"ch4__04.40.15 admission.vne3":{"10":"Trust me. You want to figure out Haley's deal, right?","11":"This seems like a skeezy website.","12":"Oh. It definitely is.","13":"Well, if it helps...","14":"It definitely will.","15":"Thanks. Talk to you later.","16":"Now. Let's get inside.","17":"Oh. {PlayerName}. Terrible timing.","18":"I just kicked everyone out.","19":"You really are working Dante's shift.","20":"I am indeed. I'm so grateful the day is over.","21":"Would you like someone to walk with you?","22":"Oh. If you want. Actually, that'd be nice.","23":"Normally, I'd be taking the carpool home, but... that's in the afternoon.","24":"I like having a little company.","25":"I go outside with her, into the streets.","26":"I think this might be the first time I've ever seen Haley outside the bar.","27":"She certainly seems confident, and knows where she's going.","28":"I doubt she's worried about her safety.","29":"I was just thinking this was the first time I've seen you outside the bar.","30":"Yeah, I'm not always behind the stick. Though it feels like it.","31":"You have a life outside of slinging drinks?","32":"Weird, right?","33":"What inspired you to come tonight? Stressful day?","34":"No. I don't always want you to see the worst of me.","35":"I don't mind. I like listening to people.","36":"You're pretty good at it.","37":"I've learned that everyone has their own problems, and they're always worth my time.","38":"Everyone deserves to be listened to.","39":"And yet, I know so little about you.","40":"That's because a good bartender doesn't talk about themselves.","41":"We aren't in a bar now.","42":"Oh... I thought you'd say that.","43":"Tell me a little about yourself.","44":"I don't... like to do that.","45":"Whatever you don't want to tell me, you don't have to.","46":"Hmm... well...","47":"...I've always wanted to work in a bar... ever since I was way too young to go inside one.","48":"You were a barfly from an early age?","49":"I didn't want to be a bartender. I wanted to be a singer.","50":"A singer?","51":"Yeah. To me, bars were these smoke-filled jazz halls you'd see in movies. There was always a gorgeous singer in fur on stage.","52":"I wanted to be that woman.","53":"So did you become a singer?","54":"No. I actually have no talent for music.","55":"You didn't practice at all?","56":"Lack of opportunity, really. I moved around too much. I didn't have friends long enough to feel comfortable singing to them.","57":"You could sing to me.","58":"I don't know. Wouldn't that make you jealous, Silent One?","59":"If I was jealous of everyone with a voice... I'd be jealous of a lot of people.","60":"You mean you don't shake your fists in fury at a world that still has a voice?","61":"I'll shake my fists at you if I never hear your singing voice.","62":"Heh. Well, actually, I only had one friend I ever sang for.","63":"Really?","64":"Yeah. She's a special person to me, actually. She's the reason why I went to this school in the first place.","65":"But... well... I didn't find her here. So... maybe she's doing something better with her life.","66":"She's probably forgotten all about me.","67":"She must've made quite an impact on you.","68":"Yeah... she did.","69":"I want to know more... but I also know pushing Haley at this point might cause her to clam up.","70":"This is the most Haley has ever told me about herself. But... I feel like I still understand her the same.","71":"Her inside might well be her outside, too.","72":"I'm having such a pleasant time I almost forget about what I asked {Leah}.","73":"That's weird. My phone is blowing up.","74":"Thought I'd... turned it off.","75":"Useless thing.","76":"Having trouble?","77":"I'm getting like a hundred calls at once.","78":"That's definitely the website at work.","79":"I think I can fix it for you.","80":"Let me just... tell it to stop.","81":"Give it to me.","82":"Haley looks rather reluctant, but... as the phone continues to go mad, she realizes she doesn't have a choice.","83":"Here. It's unlocked.","84":"I take it and give it a few good swipes. Just for show.","85":"Of course, I know that the phone will quiet after a moment, but I want Haley to think I'm doing something with it.","86":"After a minute... it calms down.","87":"When I give it back to her, I cock a quizzical eyebrow.","88":"Haley already knows what that might mean.","89":"Debt collectors?","90":"They're all over my phone.","91":"You can call the cops if they're harassing you.","92":"The situation is more complicated than you think.","93":"Is {Leah} right about this one? Do Haley's student loan issues have a deeper story?","94":"Anyway, there's nothing you can do, unless you wanted to pay for it.","95":"If you're having issues-","96":"Drop it.","97":"You aren't my therapist, my lawyer, my father or my bartender.","98":"This is [i]purely[\/i] a personal matter.","99":"That's a strong reaction... I knew this was a sensitive subject for Haley... but I had no idea it was like this.","100":"I didn't know I was walking into a minefield.","101":"We turn the corner, and we mercifully arrive at our destination.","102":"This is Haley's building? Shit.","103":"This is also Floyd's building. Are Haley and Floyd... neighbors?","104":"Not only does this place look sketchy as fuck, I [i]know[\/i] it's dangerous with guys like Floyd.","105":"Sketchy building, sketchy people. I hope Haley is safe here.","106":"This is it.","107":"Do you know any of your neighbors?","108":"No. I don't have any friends here.","109":"Thank God. That probably means she doesn't know Floyd.","110":"I wouldn't walk here alone at night, and I'm not a blue-haired girl.","111":"Weird sounds and smells emanate from the building. Looks like the rooms are quite breezy, and it's easy to tell what people are doing inside.","112":"This is it.","0":"Jump to exploration","113":"Ugh. Sorry. I know you're just being friendly.","1":"Continue","114":"Do you need help-","2":"Even as I wait outside for Haley, a thought strikes me.","115":"No. It's a safer neighborhood than it seems.","3":"If she's so insistent on hiding something as common as college debt from me, it's going to be very unlikely she'll open up in a casual conversation.","116":"I might have to move, though.","4":"I've got to come up with a better plan. And I think I have a pretty good idea.","117":"See you at the bar, {PlayerName}.","5":"I call {Leah}.","118":"Jeez. I've got to walk home now.","6":"Hey.","119":"I'm not going to waste any time in this place. But first...","7":"Do me a favor. In fifteen minutes, put Haley's phone number into a website. I'll text you the address.","120":"How did it go?","8":"I take a few moments to type the url. {Leah} pauses as she receives it.","121":"Perfectly. I got Haley to confess about the debt collectors.","9":"What's this supposed to do?","122":"That's fantastic! Did she say much about it?","123":"Only enough to make it seem like you were on the right track.","124":"That's not good.","125":"No. But it does make me want to pursue this more.","126":"What's the next step?","127":"I need to get her to really open up.","128":"I don't think I can help you with that...","129":"I don't think you can, unfortunately. But... it's okay. Just trust me.","130":"Give me an update, okay?","131":"I will.","132":"I think I have a pretty good plan for getting Haley to open up. But {Leah} is right. There's very little she can do to help."},"ch4__04.40.20 getting drunk.vne3":{"10":"I'm feeling lucky today.","11":"Oooh. What's the occasion?","12":"Feeling good about myself.","13":"A general feeling of positivity? A worthy thing to celebrate.","14":"Let's do it properly. Let me get behind the bar.","15":"I take a seat and immediately gesture, holding up a two.","16":"A big smile comes over Haley's face as she immediately understands what I'm saying.","17":"Two drinks? That's sign language even I can understand.","18":"She fiddles around behind the bar for a moment...","19":"Then, with a bouncy flair, slams the bottles into the bar.","20":"I hope you aren't planning on [i]only[\/i] two beers.","21":"Actually, I was planning on just one.","22":"Hmm?","23":"She looks curiously and hesitantly as I push the bottle closer to her.","24":"Oh. You know I'm not supposed to accept drinks from customers.","25":"I'm not a customer. I'm a friend.","26":"Do you promise to tell me what the occasion is?","27":"Yeah.","28":"Then...[pause][sound_play,sndBottleClink2] cheers!","29":"I can't say it back, so I just smile as I smash the bottle against hers.","30":"Then, we both take big swigs.","31":"It was a lot easier to convince Haley to drink with me than I thought.","32":"She must be getting stressed out by the long hours.","33":"A few minutes... [i]no. Actually, an [\/i] hour later, Haley and I have polished off a few drinks together.","34":"I'd be surprised to see how much we've drunk in such a short amount of time... [i]but I am a little drunk[\/i].","35":"And the drinks have barely slowed down. I guess this is what happens when the bar is empty and you're friends with the bartender.","36":"You said you might be moving?","37":"Yeah, well... I'm not exactly going to miss that dingy apartment.","38":"You saw it.","39":"I know I should be grateful when there's people like Toasterman that live in back alleys.","40":"I guess the rent is cheap, right?","41":"Yeah... but... my next move is not an upgrade, that's for sure.","42":"Somehow I've got to find a place with [i]even cheaper rent[\/i]. That's going to be next to impossible.","43":"I don't know how to help you with that.","44":"I'm looking super hard. But I don't have all the time in the day to look.","45":"It's... frustrating. My dad told me that adulthood is just one problem following another.","46":"I can see it never really ends.","47":"Can I ask you a personal question?","48":"Oh. Here we go. Gonna need a drink for this.","49":"You ready?","50":"I guess it's not the end of the world if you know a little more about me.","51":"I can't stop thinking about the debt issue.","52":"Why does that bother you?","53":"I just wonder why you're so sensitive about it. So many people are in debt up to their eyeballs.","54":"It's a pretty ordinary problem. But a crushing one.","55":"Are you embarrassed by it?","56":"No. I'm not embarrassed at all.","57":"It's more like... I don't accept it.","58":"You don't feel like you owe it?","59":"It's not my debt.","60":"Interesting. I listen and wait for her to elaborate.","61":"Haley knows I'm not going to say a word until she finishes.","62":"I went to Shale Hill for a semester. Not even a semester, actually.","63":"I was happy. Eager. Ready for anything.","64":"But then... something happened.","65":"My mom got sick. I had to quit college.","66":"That's awful.","67":"Yeah. She turned out better than I would. Even though I did everything right.","68":"You cancelled your semester?","69":"I requested a refund of my tuition. I was well within my rights. Filled out the paperwork. They told me to my face that I'd have the check by the end of the week.","70":"I went home... confident. But no check in the mail. Actually... the thing with my mom put it so far from my mind I didn't think about it.","71":"It wasn't until two weeks later I followed up.","72":"And what did they say?","73":"They said I had...","74":"...they said I had missed the deadline to get a refund on my tuition.","75":"But you went to their office. They told you everything was okay.","76":"They lied.","77":"The university stole your money?","78":"I'm not sure if it was the university per se. I know that [i]someone[\/i] stole it. And if I had kept my copy of the form I could prove it.","79":"I'm such a fool. I'm never making that mistake again.","80":"So... {Leah} might be right. But as much as I want to believe Haley...","81":"...I can't discount that she might be misremembering things herself.","82":"The only person who might give me a definitive answer is Valerie.","83":"I'm sorry that it's not a more interesting story.","84":"Thanks for sharing it.","85":"I really wish I was in trouble with drug dealers instead of the school. That'd be so much simpler to deal with.","86":"I'm going to need another drink after this...","87":"Nobody comes through the door, and eventually... we forget where we even are and that Haley is technically working.","88":"The drinks come easier and easier.","89":"Of course, there's one big issue with me, drinking, and communicating on my voice app...","90":"And that's when Linux said the calculator wasn't lugged tin.","91":"Oh my God. I know I'm getting drunker and drunker... but like... you [i]actually[\/i] aren't making any sense.","92":"It's because I'm uncooperative. I get drunk, I mispill my swords. Autocomplete funds me.","93":"Heh. God you're so funny. I never got deaf with a drunk guy...","94":"Uh... drunk with a deaf guy. Heh!","95":"I'm not dead. I'm muffled.","96":"Oh my God! I can't get enough of you.","97":"I guess that's why I end up telling you way too much, huh?","98":"About time. You can't keep your sorties billowed. Like you said, everybody's got pronouns.","99":"I don't understand you... that's so funny.","100":"How did I end up sitting with you?","101":"God, I've been working my ass off. Not a break at all. I love the money I get when I take Dante's shift, but fuck all these college girls, man.","102":"They all think they're better than me! I'd like to see them mix a Dirty Bloody Mary while being attacked on all sides.","103":"I'm a downright professional athlete, that's what I am.","104":"Yeah, you are.","105":"They think I'm some kinda butch punk just because I have blue hair! Those cheap bitches don't know nothing about style.","106":"You don't see me like that, do you?","107":"She's getting too close... should I... deflect her advance?","108":"I have a feeling that... if I don't... something might happen that's difficult to reverse.","109":"I've got to be sure about my own feelings about Haley, if I'm going to let this happen.","110":"Do I... [i]like[\/i] her? Will I accept the consequence of what happens next?","111":"Yes, let her approach.","112":"No, stop this mistake before it happens.","113":"She is... leaning closer and closer to me.","114":"I think she's about to...","115":"...[i]kiss me[\/i].","116":"Oh, man. Totally the right thing to do would be to stop her. But... I'm kinda a little drunk too.","117":"All I can think about... is whether we'll bump heads when we kiss.","118":"This... isn't exactly the most romantic first kiss I've ever had. But it still feels [i]good[\/i].","119":"Neither of us caring what happens next... this feeling can only exist just before you make a mistake.","120":"So... why not commit to it?","121":"A deeper kiss. Why not?","122":"I'm kinda feeling it right now.","123":"The only issue is... these stools feel kinda wobbly. Not the best platform to-","124":"Here... I want to show you something.","125":"What do you want to shower me?","126":"Heh. [i]Shower[\/i]. Come here.","127":"Some people say I have pretty eyes. Pretty girly eyes. Do you think I have pretty girly eyes?","128":"Here... I'll come in even closer. Just so you can-","129":"Oh shit!","130":"Did she hurt herself?","131":"I just fucking realized I'm working for the next four hours.","132":"This [i]sucks[\/i].","133":"Without asking, I hold out my hand.","134":"I'm not exactly the steadiest platform, so Haley really struggles to her feet.","135":"How am I going to be a fucking bartender in this state?","136":"And someone's coming through the door. {PlayerName}... you fucking deal with them. Alright?","137":"I... I got to...","138":"...get my head to stop pounding.","139":"I'll... I'll be in the staff room?","140":"Shit... where does this leave me? I'm alone in this goddamn bar.","141":"And someone really [i]is[\/i] walking through the door!","142":"Fuck. If this is a customer... do I just let them fix their own drinks?","143":"That guy definitely is a customer. Fuck.","144":"I have to cover for Haley!","145":"Excuse me...","146":"So, Haley finally quit, did she?","147":"Just my luck. I drove another one away.","148":"Wow. This guy is just butterflies and rainbows. It's a bit strange he didn't point out the fact I talk through my phone.","149":"Maybe he's used to it?","150":"She didn't quit. She's in the back.","151":"Oh. If she didn't want to see me, she didn't have to hide.","152":"I understand. I can leave and never come back.","153":"She isn't hiding. She's sick.","154":"Can I get you something?","155":"Wait a sec. Why did I type that out? I'm not the bartender. I'm not obligated to serve anyone.","156":"I just felt awkward, so my fingers just slid over the keys.","157":"How do I back out of this?","158":"It's okay. I don't really come here to drink mostly.","159":"Oh, that's good.","160":"I come here because Haley is the only one who listens.","161":"Uh...","162":"I'm sorry to say that Haley isn't in any condition to-","163":"You see... my life has been falling apart.","164":"I thought accounting would be a nice... stable career. But it's become a disaster.","165":"I got no time for my wife and kids. I'm working just to keep on top of the bills. But they still hate me because they think I'm never there.","166":"They've got no idea what I have to do to put a roof over their heads and food on the table...","167":"Oh God... this guy...","168":"His problems are [i]way too real[\/i]. He starts oversharing like the Giving Tree. And it doesn't look like he's going to slow down any time soon.","169":"...I had to miss my youngest daughter's birthday, but that was because I was working overtime...","170":"...but even when I work fulltime plus overtime, that's never enough to cover everything...","171":"[speed,0.9]...my house keeps going up in value, so property values are killing me...","172":"[speed,0.8]...yesterday I googled how to sell a kidney...","173":"[speed,0.7]...my parents have disowned me because Facebook convinced them the world is flat...","174":"[speed,0.6]...I tried to pick up a hobby, but my dog ate my paintbrushes...","175":"[speed,0.5]...we rushed him to the vet but by the time we got there it was too late...","176":"His words... drowning me in sorrow...","177":"...won't... someone... help?","178":"Who is that?","179":"Oh no, not another customer...","180":"Wow. Things really fell apart while I was gone.","181":"Dante looks at the empty beer bottles and glasses on the counter. And he's goddamn right, too.","182":"I'm so fucking glad he's here!","183":"Dante! You're out of jail! How did you get out?","184":"I'll say only one thing: don't let anyone discourage you from representing yourself in criminal court.","185":"Oh shit! It's my man, Stan!","186":"I know you're pretending to be happy to see me.","187":"And I get that. It's selfless of you to put up with me.","188":"Stan, we talked about this. That's called emotional blackmail and it's not cool.","189":"All I want is someone to listen.","190":"And I will. But I'm not gonna take this self-punishment shit, alright?","191":"Take a seat at the bar and I'll help you in a bit.","192":"Where's Haley?","193":"She's taking a nap in the staff room.","194":"Looks like the pressures of working too many shifts finally got to her.","195":"I don't think she's going to be taking the night shift.","196":"Yeah. I'll cover her. Poor girl.","197":"She's got to learn to party! Music, dance, lovin', it's a release valve for our modern society.","198":"Words of wisdom. Does she need a ride back home?","199":"We got a cot in the back. I'll get her set up.","200":"Good.","201":"Great. I've got to get going.","202":"You aren't driving back, are you?","203":"Oh...","204":"You gotta sober up a little first. Take my hair of the dog: two raw eggs, piece of toast, paprika, mustard powder, salt, lime juice, tomato puree, and a drop of vodka.","205":"You throw them all into a mixer, and you've got Dante's morning bread pudding.","206":"That sounds disgusting. I'll just sit outside for a bit.","207":"Yeah. Or you can do that, I guess.","208":"I need some fresh air.","209":"Don't even think about touching your car!","210":"Did Haley and I just kiss?","211":"It already feels like it didn't happen. But it did.","212":"Shit. What's my next step?","213":"The only person who might know Haley's financial status is Valerie. I gotta check with her.","214":"In the morning, though. Definitely in the morning, after a long night's sleep.","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"I think I've got a pretty fun plan to get Haley to tell me more about this debt problem.","3":"Whether it'll work... I'm not sure yet. It's something of a long shot.","4":"I know that it might just be that I'm looking for more reasons to be close to Haley.","5":"If that's the case... then I guess that's a side benefit.","6":"Hey, Silent One.","7":"Haley doesn't seem to have any lingering annoyance about me finding out about the debt. Which is a good thing, as far as I'm concerned.","8":"On top of that, the bar is completely empty today.","9":"Life is coming up cherries."},"ch4__04.40.25 seeing valerie.vne3":{"3":"Do you have access to financial records?","4":"Uh, oh.","5":"I guess those are pretty highly confidential...","6":"Let me know what you want and I'll see if I can help you.","7":"Let me be blunt, then. Was a student called Haley Holmes charged tuition for a semester she didn't attend?","8":"Now that I can probably tell you. Let me just pull up her file.","9":"Valerie goes behind her desk and navigates on the computer.","10":"She makes a couple of intrigued noises, then comes back.","11":"Haley Holmes only attended a couple of weeks before she stopped coming.","12":"Did she ask for a refund of her tuition?","13":"Well... that is confidential.","14":"But if she didn't receive one, the answer is [i]no[\/i].","15":"That's not a very clear answer.","16":"I'm asking because she claimed to have already filled one out, but it wasn't processed.","17":"Unless she kept a copy of her refund request, that's impossible to prove.","18":"And you can't use your special program to get this information.","19":"No. there's a time limit. Once the information isn't being accessed I have no way of finding it.","20":"It works like a temporary cache for stuff being transmitted over the network. After a while, the data is flushed.","21":"That is a frustrating limitation.","22":"Ugh. I don't know what answer I wanted when I came to speak to Valerie.","23":"As far as she can see, Haley was just a girl who procrastinated turning in some documents.","24":"Thanks.","25":"I know that wasn't very helpful, but I don't think you're going to get a better answer unless you go to the registrar as her legal representative.","26":"I have a feeling that's not going to turn up anything either.","27":"I appreciate your help.","28":"I always like it when you ask for private information I can't give you.","29":"I'll see you later, {PlayerName}.","30":"I wave her goodbye.","31":"Hmm?","32":"What a coincidence. A call from Haley?","33":"I hope it's not about the kiss. That's... sort of awkward to talk about not face-to-face.","34":"I answer.","35":"Hey... {PlayerName}...","36":"Hey.","37":"It's weird. I feel like I'm talking to a robot.","38":"It's me.","39":"I'm calling because you're one of the few people I know who has a car. Remember when I told you I was moving out?","40":"Did you find a new place to live?","41":"I did. I don't have a lot of stuff... I was just hoping you'd help me take it to the new place.","42":"It's just one trip.","43":"That doesn't sound too bad.","44":"Yeah, I hope I'm not asking for too much.","45":"Just... pop over one afternoon by the bar.","46":"I can do that.","47":"Thanks.","48":"I don't have any good news for her about her debt. The truth is there might be no villain in this case.","49":"If that's true... I'm not sure what I can do.","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"I don't know if Valerie can help me find anything about Haley's financial status... but it's probably worth trying."},"ch4__04.40.30 helping haley move.vne3":{"10":"Yeah... well... it's notoriously difficult to get people to help you move. Dante was kind enough to cover my shift.","11":"It's a good thing because... well... I can't afford help.","12":"I appreciate it.","13":"I'm ready to get started.","14":"You remember the way to my apartment, right?","15":"Vaguely.","16":"Good enough. Let's get going.","17":"The journey is quick.","18":"When we arrive, I realize this place doesn't look much better in the day than the night.","19":"And Haley is moving to a [i]cheaper[\/i] apartment?","20":"Let me unlock the door for you.","21":"Right. I hope I'm not going to get eaten alive by roaches or something.","22":"Oh. It's clean. Much cleaner than I thought it would be.","23":"That just betrays my prejudice, I guess.","24":"Is this everything?","25":"I told you it wouldn't be much.","26":"I'm just a little worried about the couch.","27":"Oh. That's staying.","28":"I'll miss it, I won't lie. That has been a multi-purpose piece of furniture for a long time.","29":"Bed, lounge [i]and[\/i] couch. Very economical.","30":"Good. Let's get started.","31":"One more thing, {PlayerName}.","32":"I... uh... just called the new building.","33":"They said the new apartment won't be ready until tomorrow.","34":"So she needs to crash for the night, huh?","35":"Even if she remembers the kiss, she's not going to bring it up and risk making things awkward.","36":"I suppose we'll both just pretend what happened didn't happen.","37":"Tomorrow? Do you need a place to stay?","38":"Oh... thank you. Yes. It's only for the night.","39":"I [i]promise[\/i] I'll leave first thing in the morning and won't be a bother.","40":"Letting her stay on the couch doesn't seem like too much of a burden. And {Leah} wouldn't mind.","41":"Yeah. Sure. Let's do it.","42":"Thank you so much.","43":"Haley wasn't lying about how few things she has.","44":"She probably doesn't have the money to waste on buying a bunch of crap.","45":"It is a [i]little[\/i] annoying that all her stuff is going to be in my car overnight. But unless she's secretly got a pet stowed away in all that kit, that shouldn't be too much of an issue.","46":"Things are moved into the car quickly and smoothly.","47":"That was the simplest move I've ever done.","48":"I didn't think it would be all that difficult.","49":"When people think of moving, they think of tons of boxes. They don't realize how little I have.","50":"Kinda sad that the couch is being left behind.","51":"You'll find a new one.","52":"I hope.","53":"Would now be a good time to talk to her about the debt issue?","54":"No. I don't want to put her on the defensive. Let's get Haley settled and comfortable. She'll speak more frankly then.","55":"Is it weird that I'm kinda excited about seeing your apartment?","56":"I don't think there's much interesting about it.","57":"Don't you like those house shows, where you get to see how other people live?","58":"Someone has like an actual room for just shoes or something?","59":"If you think either of us have rooms for only shoes, you're overestimating us. We're not rich people here.","60":"I know, but it's funny the sorts of things that other people have.","61":"I texted {Leah} that we were coming.","62":"She shouldn't be too surprised.","63":"Hey... nice digs!","64":"Maybe I should move into a place like this, huh?","65":"I've never thought of this place as particularly nice, but I guess it is, compared to Haley's hole-in-the-wall.","66":"Wow... an adjustable thermostat!","67":"You don't have to roast in the summer or freeze in the winter? That's luxury to me.","68":"...If you don't have those things, I suppose it is.","69":"The building has a pretty modern system.","70":"Cool.","71":"Hey, Haley.","72":"Wow. You keep a really nice place.","73":"Thank you.","74":"I really appreciate you letting me crash tonight. I promise I won't be a bother.","75":"Really, I can leave right now, come back before bed, and leave first thing in the morning. You wouldn't know I'm here.","76":"Leave right now? Is there a reason you have to do that?","77":"Oh... I just... don't want to be a bother.","78":"I was going to ask what you wanted for dinner.","79":"Excuse me?","80":"We usually get takeout on days like this. Did you have any preference?","81":"Oh. Uh...","82":"Something cheap, I guess. I don't really have much...","83":"It's on us tonight. Just get what you want.","84":"That's too much.","85":"It really isn't.","86":"I mean... if I had to vote... I'd probably get a burger and fries.","87":"I know it's not the most sophisticated thing, but... I guess I'm kinda low maintenance.","88":"Alright. You, {PlayerName}?","89":"If we're getting burgers, I'll take a double with large fries. No drink.","90":"You basically already know.","91":"I barely need to ask.","92":"The delivery comes a little late, but with Haley's company it doesn't feel like it. We are anxious to eat when it finally arrives.","93":"Dinner is pleasant. Haley seems overjoyed... but I think it's the free meal more than anything else.","94":"When you're in so much financial trouble, even the smallest free thing feels like a million bucks.","95":"I want to think, in the midst of our conversation, that she forgot about all her problems. Even if just for a minute.","96":"[i]A diversion.[\/i] Something that takes your mind off of things. We all need that.","97":"After dinner, we both sit on the sofa.","98":"Subconsciously, we both check {Leah}, who seems to be engrossed in dishes.","99":"As soon as we feel comfortable, we turn to each other.","100":"{Leah} was so nice to let me stay over.","101":"Neither of us want to leave you out of an apartment while you move.","102":"Yeah. Sleeping atop my boxes of stuff was not something I was looking forward to.","103":"We weren't going to let that happen.","104":"I know. Meeting you two has been the best luck I've had since...","105":"...since a long time ago. I don't really think anything's gone my way.","106":"The debt, right?","107":"Not the debt... the [i]theft[\/i].","108":"Haley, how sure are you that you didn't just forget to turn in the proper documents?","109":"This isn't the first time someone has asked me that. I get it. It's a lot more likely I forgot.","110":"But the only mistake I made was not keeping a paper trail. If I had... I could prove what happened.","111":"You really trust universities not to steal your money. But you actually can't. Anyone can take advantage of anyone else.","112":"Do you trust me?","113":"Heh. Well... that's just it, isn't it? Should I trust you?","114":"I'm not completely sure yet. You still seem kinda dangerous to me.","115":"Dangerous?","116":"Yeah, [i]Silent One[\/i]. Dangerous.","117":"I kinda feel like you can speak but choose not to.","118":"So I can stay mysterious?","119":"Exactly. So you can stay mysterious.","120":"I don't know you too well. But you don't know me very well either.","121":"You still let me stay in your apartment, though. So do you trust me?","122":"I don't know. You seem kinda dangerous to me, too.","123":"There's a good chance that we're both completely untrustworthy people.","124":"That's kind of hot.","125":"When she says something that bold, my face notably warms.","126":"I'm getting fairly strong hints. This can't just be my imagination.","127":"I don't think it would be fun if we were both completely trustworthy.","128":"Yeah. It would be boring. For sure. I think you're definitely a lot more interesting than that.","129":"So... this is the sofa I'm going to be spending the night on?","130":"Everything should be set up for you. There's extra pillows and blankets if you need them.","131":"Thanks, {PlayerName}.","132":"I'm actually... not sure what I'd be doing right now if you weren't here.","133":"Don't even think about it. We wouldn't let you sleep on the street.","134":"Goodnight, Haley.","135":"Yeah. Goodnight.","136":"I turn the lights off for her...","137":"...And I head off to bed.","138":"Trigger Haley's sex scene.","139":"Continue.","140":"Still not a lot of information about Haley's situation.","141":"If she's right that it was a theft, into whose pocket did her money go?","142":"It's tuition, so... presumably it would've gone straight to the university.","143":"{Leah} is right. This deserves a lot more research.","144":"Was I not aggressive enough with Haley? Those were some strong hints.","145":"When she said it was ''hot'', that really was an invitation to flirt more boldly.","146":"Should I head out there and try again?","147":"I don't know. When you use a voice app to talk to people, certain messages don't come across very well.","148":"It's not as easy as people think. And people didn't think it was easy to begin with.","149":"And what's wrong with me? I had sex with Sam and now I'm thinking about Haley.","150":"Footsteps? Is someone coming?","151":"Who is that...?","152":"Haley?","153":"It is her. There's no ambiguity in this.","154":"Entering a guy's room at night... maybe she really is untrustworthy in a good way.","155":"But... I don't know. No matter my feelings for Haley... I can't just...","156":"...start romances with everyone I meet.","157":"Should I nip this thing in the bud right now by pretending to be asleep?","158":"Or... do I let whatever is about to happen... happen?","159":"Allow her to come in.","160":"Pretend to be asleep.","161":"I close my eyes and take notably loud breaths.","162":"It should be loud enough for her to get the message.","163":"Haley stares for a bit, then...","164":"...returns gently from where she came.","165":"It's actually better this way.","166":"I might like her, but unless I'm willing to be a little committed, just sleeping with her would turn out to be a disaster.","167":"This way neither of us will get the wrong idea.","168":"I flick the light on and see a slightly nervous Haley creeping across the room.","169":"H-hey. I know you can't talk... so...","170":"...if you want me to go away, you can just push me away.","171":"I'm not going to kick a girl like Haley out of my room, or out of my bed.","172":"I make a space for her and she takes it as an invitation.","173":"Nice and comfortable.","174":"You have a cool place.","175":"I really didn't want to seem like I was unappreciative... for everything you've done.","176":"She lets out a nervous laugh.","177":"I'm not sure if this is what you want, but I'm just going to come over a little closer.","178":"I won't be offended if you don't want it.","179":"Of course, I hold out my hand as an invitation.","180":"Haley's nervous smile disappears as she understands with certainty that I really don't mind.","181":"Her nervousness is of a completely different kind.","182":"I direct her even closer. It seems like she doesn't want to make a move without me showing I don't mind.","183":"But I want to make it as clear as possible... I don't mind what she does at all.","184":"As she mounts me, she explores my face with her fingers.","185":"She stops worrying about her actions. Instead... she gives in to whatever she truly wanted to do.","186":"She knows now I'm not something fragile.","0":"Jump to sex scene","1":"Jump to endscene","2":"Continue","3":"Haley asked me to come help her move.","4":"[i]A few boxes.[\/i] I've never been drafted into a move that involved only a few boxes. But we'll see how it actually turns out.","5":"I wonder if either of us will talk about that kiss?","6":"I don't know. A drunk kiss... probably doesn't mean a whole lot.","7":"I think it would be better just to let the subject come up naturally... if it happens.","8":"You actually showed up.","9":"You asked for my help, didn't you?"},"ch4__04.40.30a sex with haley.vne3":{"10":"[sex38_speed != sex38_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[sex44_speed != sex44_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[sex44_speed != sex44_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[sex44_speed != sex44_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Test cumshots","19":"Play scene.","20":"Then, she judges me ready... and leans silently over to kiss me on the lips.","21":"Our first kiss is light, experimental... a test to see how far either of us wants to go.","22":"When she pulls back, she does so to carefully gauge my reaction. With no words, I only smile in response.","23":"I'm almost seeing her reaction, too... trying to judge from her actions how far she's willing to go.","24":"Whatever the methods of our experiment, it came up as a resounding success.","25":"Next time is no test.","26":"Now we kiss each other with the excitement of two people that have never kissed before.","27":"Forgetting to breathe... kinda clumsy, eager to taste the other.","28":"Still, she's tender, almost careful. Never wanting to make me feel uncomfortable in the slightest.","29":"I can tell how sensitive she is to my needs and feelings.","30":"When she grasps the back of my head, I know she's completely given in. I let her press me into her lips.","31":"I think we both sense exactly what is about to happen. That sense is building into an excitement.","32":"A resonance... a positive feedback loop... that's making us both act in this carefree way.","33":"It's time to escalate. I pull down a part of her shirt.","34":"Haley looks with an interested smile as she sees what I'm about to do.","35":"She makes a squeaking noise... like she's about to say something, but decides not to.","36":"A fear of spoiling the moment, maybe?","37":"Regardless... I lean forward, and lick her breast.","38":"Haley makes a sound for the second time since we started. Just a sigh of satisfaction.","39":"I get the impression... Haley has not been touched like this for a long time.","40":"Maybe not ever? I don't want to ask...","41":"That's when Haley starts really showing me what she wants.","42":"She lets her top ride up the curve of her ass.","43":"I appreciate the sight of naked body. That morbid shirt she usually wears for work does such a good job of disguising her voluptuousness.","44":"She's a killer beneath her clothes.","45":"Then... in a clean motion...","46":"...she sweeps it off her, and tosses it like it was nothing on the floor.","47":"With it, goes her restraint, and any uncertainty she might have had.","48":"Pinning me, pressing me down, her eyes wander over my body.","49":"Her hungry, lusty manner is surprising... the calm, introverted girl I thought she was... seems to be gone.","50":"But, as she undresses me, I see that is not entirely true.","51":"She peeks down my boxers, and there's an intake of excitement that runs through her as she lays eyes on my bare package.","52":"Her actions are slow and mysterious, but liable to suddenly pick up tempo. I wonder if she's teasing herself?","53":"There's something a bit wild and untamed about Haley, but also shy and restrained. I can't quite get a bead on her.","54":"Absently, she lets my boxers fall to the floor. She seems completely, totally, entirely focused on my cock.","55":"Haley has barely said a word to me since she's jumped into my bed.","56":"As a matter of fact... I think she's said [i]no words[\/i].","57":"She's the sort of girl that communicates with her eyes more than words.","58":"They're expressive. Wide and innocent, but still shine with intelligence and humor.","59":"And right now, her eyes are telling me exactly what she wants.","60":"When she kisses my cock... I know she's trying to get me to feel in a certain way.","61":"She wants me to feel... eager, excited... but also a little frustrated.","62":"She slows down and speeds up in clever and unexpected ways, all to evoke a hunger in me.","63":"And it's definitely working.","64":"Her long, theatrical licks, her staring eyes, all to provoke me.","65":"She wants me to [i]imagine[\/i] ravishing her. It's a tease, alright, and she's a better one than I would've expected.","66":"That's why she maintains this rigid eye contact. It's a form of communication for her, as it is for me. But it's communicating [i]feelings and desires[\/i], not [i]intentions[\/i].","67":"When she finally does break eye contact...","68":"...it's to engulf my cock.","69":"I'm torn between watching her suck me, and just closing my eyes and appreciating the feeling.","70":"But, I can't help myself.","71":"The sight of this blue-haired beauty going down on me... it's too incredible. I can't miss this.","72":"Torn between blowing me and looking at me... I watch Haley in the cutest dilemma.","73":"She's admirable in her dedication to teasing me... but...","74":"...it feels too good. I just want to close my eyes and enjoy her.","75":"Lean back... press my head against the pillow, let her blow me to the stars.","76":"I watch as she loses herself in sucking my cock, enjoying it for its own sake.","77":"If she keeps this up... I'm going to drift off to sleep with the comfort of her mouth on my cock.","78":"I don't really want just a blowjob, though. It would be sad if things ended this way.","79":"I hold my hands out, an invitation to do something different.","80":"Haley, wordlessly, understands me completely, and raises herself up from my cock...","81":"...and positions herself over me.","82":"I need to get Haley in the mood, and snap myself out my post-blowjob haze.","83":"I start by doing work, letting my tongue swirl around her nipples...","84":"...as she carefully gets into position. The light pressure from her grip, I feel, is a nice preview.","85":"Slowly, I feed my dick into her slit.","86":"The pressure I feel... of her closing around me, gives me exaltations.","87":"I enter Haley for the very first time.","88":"She gasps, looks behind her, tempted to see how our bodies are unifying.","89":"But the pleasure takes hold. I start thrusting, she does it right back. Soon, we forget all about sight.","90":"Instead... it's all about [i]feeling[\/i]. Instinct takes over.","91":"Haley starts to really ride me. Her voice is a series of quick, sharp gasps timed to my thrusts.","92":"I'm focused now, pushing myself to go deeper, harder into her.","93":"The slapping of our thighs cause my blinds to clatter and my bed to squeak.","94":"Haley pushes herself onto her feet...","95":"...and gets into a drill-like position over my cock, letting it push into her like a toy.","96":"She grasps my hands for support, and then... goes wild.","97":"Her frenzied movement nearly has me giving in completely.","98":"The posters on my wall start to shake... my desk clatters, my wardrobe opens a little...","99":"...every stick of furniture of this room is at risk.","100":"If we keep it up like this, I'll destroy my room. And... {Leah} might even hear this. At some point it doesn't matter how thick the walls are.","101":"If we don't slow down things a little, I'm going to get a knock on the door.","102":"I take a different method to curb Haley's insane arousal.","103":"So much pent-up tension in her. I need to release it a little. Ease her. Relax her. Otherwise, this is going to go far too quickly and loudly.","104":"I'm going to use my hands and my tongue for just that. I start slowly and gently at first.","105":"So I corkscrew my fingers into her, hoping to give some relief, but I think Haley has plans herself.","106":"I feel something strange caressing my cock. Like fingers. But... that's impossible.","107":"Momentary confusion strikes me. I look down...","108":"Two feet. Milking me. With a surprising degree of accuracy.","109":"Haley moans with delight as she realizes that I've noticed. And now I can definitely tell she isn't satisfied with this playing around.","110":"I'm trying to release the pressure a little bit, but I can't stop her from touching my cock.","111":"My cock presses in behind her. Haley looks almost vigilant, expecting the feeling to come at any second... anticipating it.","112":"I'm deliberately slow. I'm not trying to torture Haley... I just want to take things a little more slowly.","113":"It seems the only thing I'm doing... is getting her more excited.","114":"Her breathing grows more intense. It culminates and releases.","115":"Because... it's only when my cock is inside her again that she seems to relax at all.","116":"Her body clenches around me, and then... we begin to fuck.","117":"This time, we really do take it slower.","118":"Haley isn't focused on me, or making me feel a certain way. She's only focused on the feeling.","119":"Her soft breaths build into harder and deeper ones. Her sighs become increasingly ragged. I know she's building up quickly to an orgasm.","120":"It seems she'll cave at any moment. For a girl that hasn't said much since we've started, she is very expressive indeed.","121":"And judging from the way she's acting, she's very, [i]very[\/i] pleased about what's going on.","122":"...unable to stop herself, she pushes against me, as if to try and maximize our skin-to-skin contact.","123":"When Haley slides off of me, I know it's our final act.","124":"I think... now... it's time to make it count.","125":"I get Haley ready...","126":"...and then... we get into position.","127":"All we need now... is a little thrust.","128":"I use gravity to sink into her.","129":"Her eyes virtually roll up into her skull. I hold her cheek, caress her, make her feel as comfortable as possible.","130":"I try and tell her with my eyes... [i]it's okay to take it slow[\/i].","131":"So we try. Haley holds still for just a moment, before finding a new beat to undulate to.","132":"I think we both get the picture. And when we start to do it... we sync up.","133":"Finally, we find our rhythm.","134":"Sliding back and forth into Haley... taking my time...","135":"...making sure we both enjoy this as much as possible...","136":"...not wasting or taking for granted even a single moment.","137":"As we continue... I'm really feeling myself building up.","138":"I clench my teeth... think of distracting thoughts... to make myself go just a little later.","139":"But... it's getting futile. In this silent congress, I'm across the point of no return.","140":"I'm going to give in, soon.","141":"One final kiss... and then...","142":"...one final choice!","143":"Cum inside her.","144":"Cum on her.","145":"Cum on her face.","146":"I grab a towel from the closet and Haley cleans herself.","147":"Afterwards, Haley and I fall onto the bed... completely exhausted.","148":"That sex... was super intense. And what made it all the stranger... was...","149":"You know... we did that completely silent.","150":"Not exactly silent. We may not have spoken, but we definitely made a lot of noise.","151":"I'm... a little worried that {Leah} may have heard... but again. The walls are thick. I [i]should[\/i] be okay...","152":"Is that how it's usually done for you?","153":"Well... not usually. The other party speaks, but...","154":"...I've learned that talking isn't always that necessary.","155":"Haley talks a little into the night... but we're both so exhausted.","156":"Eventually, we fall asleep the way we were.","157":"The sound of rustling fabric wakes me up.","158":"I open my weary eyes, and see Haley.","159":"I think she realizes she needs to get to the sofa before {Leah} wakes up.","160":"She heads out, carefully creeping out into the hall.","161":"It's a smart thing, honestly, not to be caught in my room.","162":"But... I have thirty minutes or so before I usually wake up.","163":"I'm not getting out of bed a second earlier than I have to.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[hjbj_speed != hjbj_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[hjbj_speed != hjbj_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[hjbj_speed != hjbj_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[sex38_speed != sex38_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[sex38_speed != sex38_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch4__04.40.30b next morning.vne3":{"3":"I got very little sleep. But... I got tons of energy.","4":"Sam... now Haley...","5":"And even Alexis, for God's sake!","6":"Irresponsible as fuck... but damn does it make me feel good.","7":"Testosterone is flowing through me. I feel like a stud.","8":"I got a ton of work to do.","9":"It looks like Haley is already up. Okay. That's good.","10":"As we look at each other, we don't say much. Just a silent acknowledgement of what happened.","11":"It makes me curious about how the rest of this relationship is going to develop.","12":"It was a good thing I did, not letting Haley into the room.","13":"Still... I've got that latent frustration that comes with [i]almost[\/i] getting laid but not quite.","14":"I wonder if Haley knows that I know she came into my room?","15":"I doubt she's going to tempt fate by hinting at it.","16":"You're up early.","17":"Yeah, we've got a lot of stuff to do.","18":"I know I agreed to help Haley, but...","19":"...I don't really feel like getting out of bed.","20":"Something about manual labor early in the morning doesn't fill me with joy. But Haley is going to be stuck here if I don't help her.","21":"She's up. I guess she really doesn't want to waste our time, huh?","22":"You can sleep a little longer if you want to.","23":"Oh... I feel guilty sleeping on your couch.","24":"I think the quicker we head to the new apartment, the faster I can get out of you guys' hair.","25":"You are going to stay for breakfast, right?","26":"Uh... I should really be getting going.","27":"I've got class this morning.","28":"Oh, true.","29":"I'll put something in the fridge for you, {PlayerName}.","30":"Thanks. Let's get Haley to her new apartment.","31":"So... last night.","32":"That was something.","33":"So you didn't mind it?","34":"Are you still insecure about it?","35":"You have no idea how strange it is to have sex with someone who... doesn't talk.","36":"I couldn't get rid of the feeling that I was [i]forcing[\/i] myself on you. Even if that's ridiculous.","37":"You weren't.","38":"Yeah... I can see you're laughing at me.","39":"I can't help it.","40":"Well... next time I know not to worry.","41":"Next time? Hmm...","42":"Thankfully, her new place is nearby. For being a cheaper apartment, it actually looks nicer.","43":"Moving Haley into her new place goes smoothly.","44":"Her minimal amount of stuff gets pushed into the new place.","45":"Soon, everything is done.","46":"I can't wait to get settled in.","47":"Too bad I still have a shift today. I could really use the day off.","48":"You're still exhausted after taking Dante's shifts.","49":"Yeah.","50":"And also... I had very little sleep. You know why.","51":"I hope I can return the favor one day, and have you and {Leah} over. But I'm afraid that won't be for a while.","52":"It's fine, we're all busy.","53":"I can't express how grateful I am.","54":"Thank you.","55":"I give her a smile.","56":"My shift is about to start. See you later, {PlayerName}.","57":"Bye, Haley.","58":"I may have done Haley a favor, but it's ultimately a small thing I did.","59":"Moving from a cheap apartment to an even cheaper place isn't going to fix her life in the long run.","60":"Eventually, we're going to have to solve the main problem.","61":"Was Haley's money stolen?","62":"If it was... how do we get it back?","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"Oh, god. That was something else."},"ch4__04.40.35 haley needs money.vne3":{"10":"I've been puzzling about how she could actually prove her claim.","11":"You can't hack into the network and-","12":"It doesn't work like that. I really do have to be in the right place at the right time.","13":"RECENTLY is so limited...","14":"And yet, so powerful. But having so much power makes you bump into your limits more often.","15":"Naturally, you start to try and transcend those limits. Thus is born a lust for power.","16":"You are really the one I'd go to if I wanted to prove Haley's claims.","17":"I looked into it. All of the financial records in the office are digitized, and any paper trail that would have been left is well past records retention.","18":"This is a hard nut to crack.","19":"And yet, Haley was quite clear that she shouldn't have had to pay tuition.","20":"Sadly, Haley's debts are probably her own fault.","21":"Haley seems insistent she shouldn't owe that money.","22":"Yes, that's probably likely.","23":"But you can't let go of the idea that she might be right?","24":"That's exactly what bothers me.","25":"Do you believe her?","26":"I want to believe her. But I don't want to be taken for a fool, either.","27":"Yeah. Haley is either hard done by or a good liar. Yet, she hasn't said anything that turned out to be a lie.","28":"Waiting for a breakthrough on RECENTLY may be our only bet.","29":"Come on. I'll buy you a drink.","30":"When I see Haley, I don't see the sort of expression I expect to see.","31":"She smiles, but it's strained and tight... not what I would expect from someone who had just moved into a cheaper apartment.","32":"Is she regretting what we did that one night?","33":"Before I can ask her anything, she approaches.","34":"H-hey, {PlayerName}...","35":"That is not a comfortable greeting. Again... I have a strange feeling. Like she'd been thinking about this very conversation for some time.","36":"Hey, Haley.","37":"{Leah}, it's good to see you again.","38":"You too. I heard your new apartment is really nice.","39":"It... it is.","40":"Could I get you something to drink?","41":"Yes. I'll have a beer, thank you. Whatever the special is.","42":"Mmm. Okay.","43":"Haley wanders away, toward the bar.","44":"She didn't wait for my order.","45":"No... she didn't. Do you think she has something on her mind?","46":"I don't really see any other explanation.","47":"Yeah. The way Haley sighed nervously as she walked away is a definite bad sign.","48":"I can't help but wonder if I made a mistake sleeping with Haley.","49":"If she has something to say, we'll soon find out.","50":"Haley returns with two drinks, despite the fact I made no order. With a nervous breath, she serves them to us.","51":"I take the drink I didn't order and wonder if I should ask in front of {Leah}. Whatever is bothering her, it's probably private...","52":"...and it might be about the night we shared.","53":"Do you mind-","54":"I really hate to ask this. I do. But I don't feel like I have a choice.","55":"Could I borrow $50?","56":"That's a relief. It's not the sex. But all this stress about $50?","57":"You need $50? Sure, but-","58":"I don't actually mean [i]borrow[\/i], because I can't pay you back.","59":"Actually, what I'm really asking for is... can I [i]have[\/i] $50?","60":"I... had the money I needed. But... something unexpected came up.","61":"I need $50. I'm so sorry. But it's desperate.","62":"[i]I want to believe her. But I don't want to be taken for a fool, either.[\/i] That's exactly what {Leah} said. And I guess now we're going to put it to the test.","63":"Do you really need that $50?","64":"I'm so sorry. It's a hidden fee for my new place. If I don't pay it, they're going to kick me out.","65":"Please. I hate asking people. But I have to.","66":"{Leah} and I glance at each other. We're students and we're poor... but in the grand scheme of things, we can afford $50.","67":"We've got to trust Haley.","68":"{Leah} put down her wallet and takes out two twenties and a ten.","69":"Oh. Thank you. Thank you so much. I swear to you I'm not lying.","70":"The tension leaves Haley's face, and for the first time tonight, she gives us a genuine smile.","71":"I won't take this for granted. If I can ever pay you back... I will. I just can't promise it.","72":"Don't worry about it, Haley.","73":"I have to call my building. Excuse me for a sec...","74":"I couldn't help myself.","75":"I don't blame you.","76":"A long, thoughtful pause falls between us. I know we're both thinking about what just happened.","77":"Whether it's her fault or not for the debt... do you really think Haley deserves to be in this situation?","78":"No. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.","79":"I want to do something about it.","80":"{Leah} wants to do something about it? Like what?","81":"If it's Haley's fault for not turning the papers in on time, there's really nothing we can do.","82":"We need to learn the truth first, and then act.","83":"Are you sure about that?","84":"What is {Leah} thinking about?","85":"What if we issued Haley an [i]involuntary refund?[\/i]","86":"What is that?","87":"We could... return to Haley her tuition money.","88":"Oh, no. I really don't like this. Not at all.","89":"Are you suggesting we steal Haley's money back?","90":"If Haley wasn't able to attend for reasons beyond her control, she shouldn't have had to pay in the first place.","91":"So you [i]are[\/i] suggesting we do that? {Leah}, that's fucking crazy.","92":"Actually, it's difficult for me to [i]overstate[\/i] how crazy that is. I'd think it was a joke if I didn't know {Leah} and could tell she's serious.","93":"It should be possible.","94":"Have you stolen money before?","95":"N-no! But I've never had a good reason to.","96":"Think of it this way. If there was a no-risk, simple way to return Haley's money to her from the school, would you do it?","97":"I mean... sure. Do you know a way of doing that?","98":"No. But at least I know now you're [i]willing[\/i].","99":"Shit. {Leah} started this by saying she didn't want to be taken for a fool by Haley. And now she's thinking of stealing $30,000 for her.","100":"I want to help Haley too, but I don't want to lose my freedom, either!","101":"I'll try to think of a plan. Please, continue monitoring RECENTLY. Maybe we can learn the truth of Haley's situation.","102":"We don't have to make a decision right now.","103":"It's terrifying that {Leah} even had the idea in the first place. What crazy things has she done that she's too afraid of telling me?","104":"I thought I knew {Leah} well... but this really surprises me.","105":"Thanks to you, I've got a real weight off my shoulders.","106":"Can I get either of you anything else?","107":"Not right now, thanks.","108":"Maybe we can get something for you sometime.","109":"Believe me, you've done more than enough.","110":"[i]More than enough[\/i]. I hope {Leah} takes note of that.","111":"True to her word, {Leah} doesn't bring up her [i]fantastic idea[\/i] again that night.","112":"There is no way I've heard the last of it, though.","0":"In the evening, I meet up with {Leah} outside Sevigny's.","1":"Do you think Haley likes her new place?","2":"She definitely seemed like it. But... it was a case of better by comparison. Her old place was...","3":"I mean, [i]she[\/i] kept her space well, but everyone around her did not.","4":"Oh, that's too bad.","5":"It was not a nice building. Her new place looks a lot better, though.","6":"I'm glad. And cheaper, too?","7":"That's what she says.","8":"Lucky her. It's just that $30,000 debt...","9":"What about it?"},"ch4_ep4_return_home.vne3":{"0":"Ill rest for a bit and continue the investigation later."},"ch4_ep4_switch_time.vne3":{"3":"I can't spend all my time investigating. I'll take a break.","4":"I need a break to consider my next step.","5":"I'll try to get some sleep.","6":"It's late. I'll get some sleep and continue tomorrow.","7":"I'm useless without sleep. I've got to hit the hay.","8":"I can't do this all night. I'm a morning person.","9":"My eyes are closing on me. It's time for bed.","10":"Fuck. I gotta get to school. I can investigate after class.","11":"I don't feel like going to class...","12":"Another school day. When do I graduate?","13":"I'm all prepared for school.","14":"Another day to get my grades up.","15":"I have some time before going to work.","16":"Class ended early, I can use this time.","17":"I'll continue investigating, I have some time before clocking in.","18":"I'll take a look around and then go to work.","19":"I have plenty of time before going to work.","20":"It's time. Let's see what I can find out.","21":"I can't stay up too late, but it's a good time to investigate.","22":"Let's try this. There's gotta be some key hint.","23":"I have a good feeling I'll find a clue tonight.","24":"Time to head out and see what I can find.","0":"I have some homework to do.","1":"It's enough for today.","2":"I'll rest for a bit."},"ch4__04.50.05 linus report.vne3":{"3":"Another big loss: I'd never talk to Lidia again either.","4":"Even her smile as she moves around the shop, working and serving customers, does something for me.","5":"She's like comfort food but in a person.","6":"Something wrong?","7":"How did she...?","8":"Do I look upset?","9":"No. But you do look relieved to be here.","10":"''Solid ground only feels good after you walked through a marsh.'' That's a Tkwende saying.","11":"What would the Tkwende order for coffee?","12":"They have an interesting coffee culture. Coffee came from the French, for reasons you might guess. They have a peculiar method of mud-brewing that combines...","13":"Sorry. I'm being a coffee dork.","14":"What do you like so much about coffee, Lidia?","15":"That's a long conversation, sweetie.","16":"Every time I see Lidia, I can't stop thinking about what I found on her phone. Strange data streaming to an unknown receiver.","17":"I'm not sure what I can do about it. I'm still not sure if it's even relevant to the larger issues on campus. Linus was supposed to get back to me about that.","18":"Can I get a medium medium to go?","19":"A very safe order. You really do want some solid ground, don't you?","20":"I think it's because I know where to go for some [i]solid grounds[\/i].","21":"You're smooth. I've got a biscotte to go with that smooth attitude of yours. Let the chocolate melt a bit and even your medium medium will seem decadent.","22":"[i]You're a piece of chocolate.[\/i]","23":"Oh man. This is one of those times where I'm glad I can't talk. That would've actually come out of my mouth.","24":"I don't know Lidia well enough to know how she'd react to a statement like that.","25":"Still, I should say something. Something clever and witty.","26":"I love watching you make coffee.","27":"[i]Well, that was neither clever nor witty[\/i]. More like creepy. Shit.","28":"I don't think she took it badly, though, by the reddening of her dark cheeks.","29":"Heh! Thanks.","30":"She seemed a bit more breathless than usual. Overall, that wasn't the disaster I thought it was going to be.","31":"Anything you make is decadent.","32":"It had better be!","33":"She quickly moves behind the counter to get my coffee.","34":"I really do like watching her work. She's so efficient and poised.","35":"Here's your coffee. Have a wonderful day.","36":"Thanks!","37":"I've got to head to work.","38":"I don't have a good excuse to hang out with Lidia if Linus doesn't find anything in the data.","39":"He's got no obligation to check it, though, but I'd be surprised if he didn't...","40":"When I actually do see Linus, he does not look happy.","41":"Mother flipper! You deaf, dumb, blind... mute!","42":"It's not very PC of you to refer to me like that.","43":"I don't care! Taking a sensitivity course is the least of my problems with this shit you gave me.","44":"Where did you say you got this?","45":"I can't tell-","46":"Because I [i]can[\/i] tell you. Lidia's phone!","47":"How did you know?","48":"It was in the fucking data you sent me!","49":"You decrypted it?","50":"Uh, yeah. I was banned from the forum for distributing top-secret NSA cracks.","51":"The fuck?","52":"It's government spyware shit! Overjoyed I only got banned.","53":"Man, they put people in blacksites for playing around with that stuff. What the hell are you tangled up in?","54":"Why was it on Lidia's phone?","55":"I don't care!","56":"Do you have the decrypted data?","57":"Naw, man. I deleted it.","58":"Why did you do that!?","59":"Printed it out first. I'm not a barbarian. I just don't want that fucking code on my computer, and I didn't want to leave a digital footprint emailing it either. That's basically giving the NSA a line of crumbs.","60":"I'm done with this stuff, okay? [i]No más[\/i].","61":"Linus thrusts a bunch of papers in my arms before dramatically returning to his work.","62":"I'm blinking... thinking about the implications of what I just found out.","63":"Lidia... being investigated? Spied on? By the government?","64":"Why? There's no way she's secretly a criminal. Impossible.","65":"I mean... even if that were true... what criminal enterprise would she have?","66":"I think I need to talk to Valerie about this.","0":"Man... I'm glad to be here again.","1":"After having almost died at Emily's house, things as simple as [i]coffee[\/i] are enough to get me going.","2":"I could've never gotten that caffeine high again."},"ch4__04.50.10 asking valerie.vne3":{"3":"[i]Legal[\/i] knocks the fun right out of Valerie.","4":"Is the government investigating someone on campus?","5":"You think I know?","6":"You knew that I was arrested.","7":"Oh. Hmm. Good point.","8":"For obvious reasons, I couldn't share that information even if I did know.","9":"I'm curious. Any student in particular?","10":"Lidia.","11":"Did she do something wrong?","12":"No! Not that I've seen.","13":"Why would you assume her criminality?","14":"I'm not. There was some spyware installed on her phone. Really advanced stuff.","15":"I saw it through... RECENTLY.","16":"I see. I'm not sure how to help you. You see... I know nothing about technology.","17":"Are you sure she didn't just download something suspect?","18":"Not from the NSA, no.","19":"What do you mean the NSA?","20":"It's not like that. It's not that I've seen her do something suspicious. Rather, I've seen suspicious things going on around her.","21":"Like what?","22":"Oh, god. I can't really tell her anything, can I?","23":"This was a big mistake.","24":"Nothing. Maybe I'm just confused.","25":"I can't just forget I heard this, you know.","26":"If you follow up on it, you're not going to find anything. Trust me.","27":"Okay. That is something I do anyway.","28":"Don't blame me if you end up arrested again.","29":"I won't.","30":"I've got stuff I've got to do, Valerie.","31":"Okay. Don't let me hear about you on the news.","32":"This is too deep to share with Valerie. I have to be more careful.","33":"Linus already thinks I'm into deep shit. If she finds out what he knows...","34":"...I've just got to say nothing for a bit and let things cool down.","0":"I need to know something. It might be sensitive.","1":"Don't worry, you can cry. I'm a bit too wet to hold you but I'm comforting you in spirit.","2":"I mean legally."},"ch4__04.50.15 asking lidia out.vne3":{"10":"Where's {Leah}? Maybe she can help me think about the next steps.","11":"I should call her.","12":"Hey, {Leah}.","13":"{PlayerName}? How is it going?","14":"Yeah, I'm fine. I just needed to talk to you about something. Where are you?","15":"I'm studying back at the apartment.","16":"Great, I'll be right there in a bit.","17":"Sure. I'll be waiting for you.","18":"Hey you.","19":"Hey, I know this may sound weird, but you do know Lidia, right?","20":"Lidia? Yeah. The girl at the coffee shop.","21":"I have a dilemma. I found something strange on her phone.","22":"Packets of data being sent off somewhere. I thought it was weird so I had a friend of mine look into it.","23":"You know I don't know a lot about this tech stuff.","24":"I know. Even so... I feel like I need your input.","25":"Okay.","26":"I think I know a way to find out more about who is spying on Lidia, but... it's involved.","27":"Her phone pings the spy every five minutes or so when it is active. But... it seems if her phone stops pinging them, then the spy pings her.","28":"If I can intercept that signal, that might tell me who they are, and maybe how I can disable the application.","29":"So you need to get her phone to stop pinging somehow?","30":"Yeah. The phone seems to only send data when it's being used, charged or when the accelerometer is triggered.","31":"The accelewhat?","32":"Accelerometer. It's a sensor all modern smartphones have. It detects when there's movement.","33":"So... If we can get her to not touch the device for an hour or so the spy should ping back.","34":"Maybe try doing it while she's at work, then?","35":"Won't work. The cash register is connected to her phone.","36":"While she's asleep?","37":"She's got the phone plugged in. She doesn't need to touch it.","38":"Hmm... if you can't do it at work... and you can't do it while she's sleeping...","39":"...maybe some sort of social event where it would be rude to look at your phone?","40":"A social event?","41":"Yeah. Like... maybe you can ask her to hang out?","42":"Like a date?","43":"A date? No. A hangout. Like friends.","44":"A date with Lidia... That doesn't sound bad at all, though.","45":"...I don't know how to ask a girl to hang out without making it sound like a date.","46":"Explicitly say, ''Lidia, I want to hang out with you as a friend.''","47":"Wouldn't it be easier to ask if she wants to go on a date?","48":"But... you don't want to give her false ideas, would you?","49":"No... wouldn't want that.","50":"I think it's more likely she'll accept if it's a date.","51":"I'll... leave it to you, then.","52":"Do you think I should even try, though?","53":"What do you mean?","54":"Actually, this was kinda what I wanted to talk to you about. If Lidia's problems are tangential to the other issues going on around campus...","55":"We don't know if it's a waste of time.","56":"Huh?","57":"It's a lead. Of course we don't know its significance. But that's exactly what you find out when you pursue that lead.","58":"If we let this pass us by...","59":"I can't really imagine that Lidia has NSA grade spyware on her phone by accident. The local Shale Hill Police Department doesn't have a cybercrime department, as far as I've heard.","60":"The chances of this all being coincidence seem exceptionally remote.","61":"I'll ask her out, then.","62":"...To hang out.","63":"For the love of...","64":"Yes, [i]to hang out[\/i]. But I'm going to need your help.","65":"Sure. What do you need?","66":"I'll let you know later. I've got to actually ask her first, though. She could say no.","67":"I doubt that.","68":"Yeah. I hope not, either.","69":"After eating something I go straight for Lidia's coffee shop.","70":"I know I'll most likely find her free after the lunch rush.","71":"I won't lie... I am nervous. But basically because my standard hey-do-you-want-go-grab-coffee-sometime isn't going to work on a barista.","72":"What kinds of things does Lidia want, hmm?","73":"Hello, {PlayerName}.","74":"Lidia, name me your second favorite thing. Quick!","75":"Coffee.","76":"I thought that was going to be your first.","77":"Oh, no. That slot belongs to [i]language[\/i].","78":"I should've guessed... if only there was a local language museum. If there is such a thing.","79":"Favorite food, then?","80":"Injera? I like injera.","81":"I don't know what that is.","82":"I could make you some, but injera needs to be fermented and I don't have that kind of space or time.","83":"Fermented? So you like beer. Is it a beer?","84":"Nothing like it. But yes, I do drink.","85":"So you do like beer?","86":"Mmhmm.","87":"{PlayerName}, is this all in the service of asking me out?","88":"Now that you mention it, there's a really nice biergarten on the other side of town. It's a bit hipster, but...","89":"{PlayerName}, I have a coffee shop. Nothing more hipster than that.","90":"Pick me up in the afternoon sometime. It'll be nice to have a change of pace.","91":"I gotta get back to work. Thanks for inviting me out!","92":"Lidia gives me a little wink before returning behind the counter.","93":"That's the main step out of the way.","94":"The next step is harder. Training {Leah} how to use RECENTLY so we can capture the signal of the spyware.","95":"If she doesn't blow my laptop up I'll be over the moon.","0":"Such a boring class. And I'm so goddamn tired.","1":"A coffee might perk me up... but... oh... there's so much I need to do before I can talk to Lidia...","2":"I can't wait to get back home. ","3":"I was up way too late last night, looking over the documents that Linus printed out for me.","4":"It's weird reading code off a piece of paper. The only other time I do that is from textbooks. But as I go over it, I'm starting to understand why Linus didn't want it on his computer.","5":"It's labyrinthine code. Designed to obstruct what it's doing. Using ingenious exploits to pull data from storage.","6":"I'm getting a headache just from looking at it.","7":"If I'm reading this code right... there is a weakness. I can exploit this. I'm not sure I like what's going to be involved, though.","8":"If I look at another piece of code, my head will implode.","9":"I've done as much as I can. Now I need somebody else's brainpower."},"ch4__04.50.20 date with lidia.vne3":{"10":"You remember what to do?","11":"Stay in the apartment. Keep an eye on RECENTLY. Never close the program. Never close the laptop. Keep it plugged.","12":"Good.","13":"And to text you if I get a signal from the malware accessing Lidia's phone.","14":"Yes.","15":"And to call you if something serious happens.","16":"She's got it. I didn't expect {Leah} to take so well to my plan.","17":"Teaching her how to [i]understand[\/i] RECENTLY is hopeless... I know I can trust her to follow my specific directions, though.","18":"{Leah} has a good memory. Give her ten steps, and she'll carry those out to the letter. My biggest fear is that there's going to be something that comes up that we haven't covered.","19":"There's not enough time to rehearse her for any given scenario.","20":"You should get going. Lidia will be coming out any time now.","21":"Okay. And you know what to do if you need [i]me[\/i], right?","22":"In case I'm in trouble?","23":"Yeah.","24":"Sure. Call you. Like we went over. Do you really think that something can happen to me?","25":"Yes.","26":"What? Lidia is going to pull a gun out and point it at my face?","27":"{Leah}'s answer is a long, grim stare.","28":"I guess... with all the recent events, I shouldn't dismiss that as a possibility...","29":"Her flat mouth turns to a pointed, superior grin.","30":"With that, she has the confidence to leave me alone.","31":"She's going to be spending a lot of time in front of the laptop, and in safety, both of which are out of her comfort zone.","32":"My thoughts are popped as the door opens in front of me.","33":"Look at you, waiting for me like a gentleman.","34":"I'm excited to see you outside of the cafe.","35":"If you're excited, imagine how I feel.","36":"Yes... she really does seem pretty happy to be doing something other than working.","37":"Even if I wasn't trying to get information out of her, I'm glad I'm doing this.","38":"I drive Lidia to the biergarten. I've never been to this place, but I do hope it meets Lidia's cosmopolitan standards.","39":"I'm not uncultured, but Lidia makes me feel like a caveman sometimes.","40":"Will it measure up to the places she has been to overseas?","41":"When we arrive, I know I've picked the right spot.","42":"How cute! I can't believe I've never been here before.","43":"Should we seat ourselves?","44":"It's a biergarten. I don't know how they do this in Munich, but this is America. We seat ourselves.","45":"Thank you.","46":"A girl who I'm pretty sure isn't in traditional Bavarian beer wench wear takes our orders.","47":"I glance over the menu, enjoying that you can't get anything smaller than a pint glass.","48":"We make our orders. I order something domestic. Lidia gets something unpronounceable, a name Germans say to clear their throats.","49":"We sit down with our beers and she puts the cellphone on the table.","50":"Now is when the plan kicks in. I need to keep her distracted for long enough so she doesn't touch the phone.","51":"I know I'm here for an important task, but... I do feel lucky to be going out with someone as beautiful and charming as Lidia.","52":"How convenient that my plan involves a date. I'm glad I'll have the chance to know her better outside of the cafe.","53":"How does it measure up to the ones in Europe?","54":"I don't think about things like that, honey. Value comparisons are for critics.","55":"Me, I'm an appreciator. I either enjoy things, or I don't. It's unfair to compare things.","56":"I thought you might think it was too... [i]imitative?[\/i]","57":"A lot of new things are born in imitation taking the best parts of many different things... that's every culinary tradition I know.","58":"Like there's this whole genre of Korean street food that's-","59":"...[i]Ahem[\/i]. Sorry. I was about to go off on a tangent.","60":"Please. Tangent away.","61":"I would but...","62":"...I don't know that much about you, to be honest. I was hoping to get to know you better.","63":"I'm really hoping to talk significantly less about myself and a lot more about her.","64":"I'm not that interesting.","65":"I don't know about that. Let me be the judge. How long have you known sign?","66":"A few years.","67":"You seem pretty comfortable with it.","68":"I feel like I make a lot of mistakes.","69":"Yes... well... I can tell just by the way you use it that you used to be able to speak.","70":"You can tell that?","71":"Why, sure. I've noticed you still structure your sentences like verbal people do.","72":"I don't think in sign. I still hear my voice.","73":"I'm still translating my thoughts rather than relaying them directly, if that makes any sense. I guess it does, because you noticed.","74":"It's not bad. You have a hearing accent but it's not as strong as you'd think.","75":"I can hear, so that makes sense.","76":"Can you tell me your story? Even the way you talk says a lot about you...","77":"...but I'd like to hear it from you.","78":"I told you... I'm not that interesting.","79":"I already think you're pretty interesting, so don't be scared of boring me.","80":"You find me interesting? I find [i]you[\/i] interesting, too.","81":"Talking about myself is not what I need to do, though. I want to know as much as I can about her, to find out about the spyware on her phone if nothing else.","82":"Still, this is a chance to burn down the time and distract her while we wait for her phone to ping.","83":"If you want to know it... alright. I'll tell you. But first, a toast.","84":"[i]Prost![\/i]","85":"And so I tell her my story. From birth to this moment, I tell her about my childhood, my teenage years, running for president, losing my voice...","86":"Lidia only interrupts with the occasional clarifying question. I don't know if she's actually interested in my story or just being politely engaged.","87":"She doesn't seem surprised by my story. I get the sense that she talks to a lot of people like this.","88":"When I'm done, she flashes a big gorgeous smile.","89":"I'm definitely impressed with how fluent you are at ASL. Kinda shocked by how recently you lost your voice.","90":"I needed to learn. You, on the other hand, took ASL for interest.","91":"As I mentioned before, I'm a linguistics nerd. So languages aren't that difficult.","92":"Math, though? Math kills me. One plus one equal [i]whaaaaat?[\/i]","93":"She snickers at her own joke a little. It's cute.","94":"She snickers a little at her own joke.","95":"As nice as the conversation is, I'm constantly conscious of the fact I need to [i]buy time[\/i]. I can't let Lidia touch her phone.","96":"On occasion, I remember what my actual mission is, which gives me an adrenaline shot of nerves.","97":"So you had a pretty nice voice? Do you miss it?","98":"I used to. I'm kinda used to what I have. It'd be a lot of adjustment if I suddenly gained the ability back.","99":"When I won the lawsuit against the hospital, I could've used the money to get corrective surgery or to send {Leah} and me to college.","100":"I chose to send us both.","101":"But you still think in your voice, so you must be somewhat attached to it.","102":"Yeah, but my inside-head voice. That's what I miss. Not the voice everyone else hears, but the voice I heard.","103":"So you can get your voice corrected with surgery? But you don't want it?","104":"I'm fine without it.","105":"Sounds like you've given up hope.","106":"It's expensive. And pretty much unnecessary.","107":"It's not guaranteed [i]my voice[\/i] will be recovered. Even after a lot of speech therapy, I'll probably sound like someone else.","108":"I wouldn't talk so casually about the [i]ability to speak[\/i]. I'd say that was important.","109":"For some reason, I thought you'd be the one to tell me I'm good as I am.","110":"You [i]are[\/i]. But we're always improving. Getting healthier, smarter, more mature. You've got a perspective that most people don't have, having no voice.","111":"You've also got to ask yourself whether that's good for you in the long run.","112":"If you were in my position, would you do it? The surgery?","113":"If I thought I had learned all I could.","114":"Isn't that hard to know?","115":"Yes. But it's less difficult to know when something isn't right for you anymore.","116":"When it's time... you shouldn't feel shy about discarding whatever is holding you back.","117":"[i]Holding me back...[\/i] Yes, losing my voice felt like a brick wall in front of all my plans. I know that Valerie has always disagreed with that, but that is the reality of the situation.","118":"It was also a shock for {Leah} at the time...","119":"Now I'm used to it. I'm happy where I am. I don't need to rule the world. I just need to have a fulfilling life.","120":"Is that [i]complacency?[\/i] The old me would say ''yes''.","121":"We both sip our beers and look at each other in silence for a bit.","122":"We haven't drank a lot, but the alcohol is certainly starting to kick in.","123":"Lidia looks so relaxed, so charming... I'm having such a good time with her.","124":"What was that? A text?","125":"[i]Oh, shit. I'm supposed to stop Lidia from looking at her phone. That's why I'm here.[\/i]","126":"Hmm...","127":"No time to think!","128":"I shoot my hand out. Lidia looks at me with mouth agape.","129":"All I can communicate... is a soft, apologetic smile.","130":"You don't want me to look at my phone...?","131":"I understand that cellphones are bad to have at the table, but I do need to...","132":"Don't you hate phones? I sure do.","133":"Relying on a phone to talk has built up... years of personal resentment. Not to mention it's corrupting the way we communicate with each other.","134":"You understand that as a linguist, right?","135":"That could be the case, {PlayerName}. Normally I'd agree, but I hired a temporary manager...","136":"Cellphones are just an intrusion. Gosh, I really hate them.","137":"Well... if you're so passionate...","138":"Tell me about yourself, Lidia.","139":"Heh, well, I don't know what to say.","140":"I'm half American, half Italian.","141":"You're Italian?","142":"That's right.","143":"Good, it seems she forgot about the phone.","144":"Can you speak in Italian?","145":"[i]Cosa vorresti che dicessi?[\/i]","146":"Wow. That sounded nice.","147":"What did that mean?","148":"It means ''What would you like me to say?''","149":"What's your favorite Italian saying?","150":"[i]Lascia che la vita ti sorprenda.[\/i]","151":"What does that mean?","152":"It means, ''Let life surprise you.''","153":"Very cool. The Italian YOLO.","154":"Yes. The Italian YOLO.","155":"Have you ever been to Italy?","156":"Yes, actually. I used to go there every summer to see my dad's family. It's wonderful.","157":"They live in this village along the Adriatic. So picturesque. You wouldn't know it has the best coffee shop in the world.","158":"Every year we'd drive into the mountains... God, it was breathtaking.","159":"People were so nice... the food was so good... and...","160":"Oh... I... wish I could go back...","161":"You can't go back?","162":"Lidia's dark expression holds for a moment.","163":"No. I can't go back. I... made a serious mistake.","164":"Since then... traveling out of the U.S. has been very difficult for me.","165":"You have difficulty traveling?","166":"Yes. I haven't seen my family in a long time.","167":"They're in Italy...","168":"My mom lives in Italy with my dad. She tried to move here when I got stuck here. But... I told her it wasn't necessary.","169":"I get along with my mom's family, so... they're nice people.","170":"[i]Nice people[\/i]. Not as nice as Italy, I think Lidia wants to say.","171":"That leaves one obvious, unanswered question.","172":"Why do you have difficulty traveling? What happened?","173":"Lidia's silence seems to say everything.","174":"Shit. I should probably change the subject...","175":"...especially before she's tempted to look at the phone.","176":"Tell me about other places you've been to. You've been to a real German biergarten, is that right?","177":"Lidia seems to perk up, happy that I changed the subject.","178":"Yes. This is a completely different style. I-","179":"Sorry, {PlayerName}. It's probably the cafe.","180":"I've got to check this.","181":"No! We're so close! [i]So close![\/i]","182":"I have to stop her! [i]But punching her isn't an option![\/i]","183":"What is the extremest measure short of punching her? Think [i]extreme, crazy, insane[\/i]...","184":"Just do the first thing on your mind!","185":"[i]Throw my phone?[\/i] Oh... what a stupid plan!","186":"But there it is. Mid air straight toward pavement. I've already got a goofy smile on my face, pretending like this is some insane chad move.","187":"[i]She's never going to talk to me after this.[\/i]","188":"Your phone...","189":"Oh, shit. She's looking at me like I'm a dangerous psychopath. But who else would throw their phone across a biergarten?","190":"It's time for the [i]World's Most Confident Bluffing[\/i]. I need to convince her I'm the biggest dick chad alive.","191":"My phone...? Whatever.","192":"It's just a useless gadget.","193":"Useless?","194":"Yeah. You know. Who needs that clutter, right?","195":"I'd say it's the one thing in our modern lives that we really need...","196":"Call me Marie Kondo because I'm tossing that shit right out, am I right?","197":"If I just threw my phone, I'd be freaking out. I'm kinda... freaking out for you...","198":"But... I respect it.","199":"Finally. Giga-chad big dick technique is actually working. She's buying it.","200":"[i]Except I really am freaking out about my phone.[\/i] How is {Leah} suppose to call me?","201":"*ahem* You were telling me about Germany?","202":"Yes... I was. We all took a day trip into Munich...","203":"Lidia starts telling me about all the places she's been to. It's a little overwhelming, if I'm honest. I kinda feel lost with all the stories she has to tell.","204":"I've traveled, sure, but never really to a different country. I'm feeling smaller the more I listen to her.","205":"But... if I stay around Lidia, maybe I'll have a chance to see the world too.","206":"...so that's why Switzerland is so nice in the summer.","207":"God. I really wish I traveled as much as you have. If you don't mind me asking, what does your father do?","208":"He wrote a book about-","209":"Uh...","210":"Shit. My phone. Ringing from the bushes.","211":"Ooh... I really should take it, it's probably {Leah}...","212":"Phones, right? Useless bits of silicon. Who needs them?","213":"Deeply regretting the way I was talking now.","214":"Who needs 'em?","215":"[i]I do. I need them.[\/i]","216":"Well... at least I know my phone survived. I'll admit that was sort of distracting me from the conversation.","217":"I guess I can afford to relax.","218":"Anyway, my dad is kind of famous.","219":"How?","220":"Well, he's a consultant gastronome. He designs menus for restaurants. He puts the ''authentic'' in ''authentic Italian cuisine''. If a new restaurant doesn't want to embarrass themselves they consult him.","221":"He spends a lot of time going back and forth between Italy and America. Hence why I traveled so much.","222":"That sounds pretty cool. You've lived a good life.","223":"Thank you. I think I have.","224":"She reaches out for my hand with a soft smile... God, my heart is running fast.","225":"She reaches out for my hand with a soft smile...","226":"I wish I could take someone with me to Italy, you know?","227":"When I clear up all my travel issues... it'd be real nice to go with someone.","228":"What do you think?","229":"What do I think? Shit...","230":"I can't deny it sounds like a great idea...","231":"Lidia is definitely flirting... I can't ignore it anymore.","232":"I guess... now is the time to really decide how I feel about it.","233":"I think... I [i]really[\/i] like her.","234":"She's nice, but I'm still not quite sure.","235":"She's just a friend.","236":"Do I have it bad for Lidia? If that's the case...","237":"...I'm in a complicated situation. She's not the only girl I'm involved with.","238":"This is more complicated than I wanted it to be.","239":"...I knew I was holding out for someone special.","240":"I need to take this relationship to the next level somehow...","241":"That'd be ni-","242":"She's nice, yes. I don't really have feelings deeper than that.","243":"Maybe I can't relate to her. I feel like we live on such different worlds...","244":"Lidia's nice, but I can't give her false hope.","245":"After some reflection, I really don't think it could work out between us.","246":"You two! [i]What[\/i] a surprise.","247":"{Leah}!","248":"Oh, yeah. {Leah}. Medium mocha and whipped cream.","249":"Nice to see you... here?","250":"Oh, I'm sorry that you have to go. I hope I didn't interrupt anything.","251":"I... wasn't... going...","252":"That's my mistake. I really thought you were about to leave.","253":"What is {Leah} doing?","254":"Did we get the data? Just because we have the data doesn't mean the date has to end [i]immediately[\/i]...","255":"Did we get the data? Is it time to end the date?","256":"Well... I didn't really check my messages... so... it could be time to leave.","257":"We can all hang out together if you want.","258":"Yes. That sounds like fun.","259":"Lidia gives {Leah} a nervous analysis.","260":"No... no. I think I'm running late.","261":"Just... watch your cellphone around {PlayerName}, okay?","262":"It's been fun, Lidia.","263":"It has. Thanks for the date.","264":"Lidia leaves the biergarten, having left her half of the bill on the table.","265":"{Leah}'s face drops as soon as she goes out of sight.","266":"Where is your phone? I've got the [i]thing[\/i]. I have been calling you.","267":"In the bushes. What a relief! I was feeling anxious without it.","268":"I fish it out and turn it on.","269":"Still works and shockingly undamaged. Thank God for screen covers.","270":"Why was your phone in the bushes?","271":"Extreme measure. I had to do something to stop her from using her phone.","272":"So you put your own phone in the bushes?","273":"I didn't [i]put[\/i] it... It makes sense in context. Trust me.","274":"...Actually, no. It made no sense. I made that up. I didn't know what to do, so I just did something crazy to distract her.","275":"Well, it may have been worth it.","276":"So, you said you got the ping?","277":"I got a piece of text that was different from the other pieces of text.","278":"Do you have a copy?","279":"Yes. I did what you asked and copy-pasted it into a text file, then emailed it to you.","280":"Fantastic.","281":"I open my cellphone and check my email. The data looks promising, but I'll need to eyeball it more thoroughly.","282":"Thanks. This might be exactly what I need.","283":"Yes.","284":"So... did you have a nice time?","285":"With Lidia?","286":"Yeah.","287":"A simple question. Does {Leah} want a simple answer?","288":"I don't know if she's fishing for a response. I know this is the sort of thing normal people ask each other, but coming from {Leah}, it feels a bit odd.","289":"What should I say?","290":"Yes, I had a nice time.","291":"No, but I got what I want out of it.","292":"Oh, good. She seems nice.","293":"Yeah, she is.","294":"Lidia is cool... And I feel like she was getting flirty with me. It's a bummer the date was cut short.","295":"Was that all {Leah} wanted to know?","296":"It's a lie. I did have a nice time with Lidia.","297":"A [i]really[\/i] good time, in fact. What a shame {Leah} interrupted us.","298":"But maybe this is the thing that {Leah} wants to hear?","299":"Oh. That's too bad. Was she boring?","300":"Went on and on about going to different countries.","301":"Hmm.","302":"I need to get back home to analyze that data.","303":"Yes. And then we'll know its significance.","304":"{Leah}'s main stake in this operation seems to be figuring out how this fits into the broader mystery.","305":"I guess it's mine, too. And now, we'll find out whether this is a red herring or not.","0":"I'm supposed to go on my ''date'' with Lidia this afternoon.","1":"{Leah} has an important part in this. After an agonizing evening, I [i]think[\/i] she understands RECENTLY and how to use it.","2":"I mean, it's not that she [i]knows[\/i] how to operate the whole thing, but just enough to help me trace that mysterious signal.","3":"...Even I don't know what RECENTLY is capable of.","4":"Am I confident in {Leah}'s part in this? Well... I don't [i]completely[\/i] lack confidence in her.","5":"I'm a little worried that I had to explain to her how a file manager works. [i]A file manager.[\/i]","6":"I know {Leah} is spoiled by touch devices and walled gardens, but seriously. Everyone should know how to navigate a file system. That's first grade steps.","7":"Anyway, I've reduced the number of steps that {Leah} needs to do to the absolute minimum. It's basically just looking at NOT SO RECENTLY and making sure things are being logged in correctly.","8":"Watch. Click. Drag. Copy. Paste. In easily digestible steps. That's the most I can do.","9":"So you're going to go see Lidia now?"},"ch4__04.50.25 lidia in trouble.vne3":{"10":"{Leah} is between classes. She steps toward me and smiles.","11":"Still thinking, huh?","12":"I have the power to remove that app on Lidia's phone.","13":"Why don't you?","14":"Because I'm still not sure who controls the app. And for what purpose.","15":"Not the FBI?","16":"Why would it be? Can you imagine Lidia being in legal trouble?","17":"Though, during the date she had said something about not being able to leave the United States...","18":"Hmm... it's a difficult one.","19":"You know what I'm going to say.","20":"It doesn't involve trusting the government, does it?","21":"Heh! Yeah, right.","22":"The status quo isn't producing more clues. In this case, we shake the nest, and see what falls out.","23":"You think I should delete the spyware?","24":"Mmmhmm.","25":"What if the hornet's nest falls on my head?","26":"Then you were being careless, and you deserved it.","27":"Yeah, okay.","28":"Make a decision, alright? It's tech stuff so I'll trust you on this.","29":"Thanks.","30":"The hornet's nest could also fall on Lidia's head, too. Is sacrificing her worth it?","31":"There's no good answer.","32":"Hey, {PlayerName}. I had so much fun yesterday.","33":"Thanks, Lidia.","34":"I really enjoyed the date.","35":"A smile? [i]Nice[\/i]. She definitely likes me.","36":"It was cool to hangout with you.","37":"I'd ask how you are today but... how's your phone?","38":"My phone? Oh. It's good.","39":"You weren't nearly drunk enough to start throwing your phone around.","40":"It's funny, though. First thing I thought when I woke up was, ''I hope {PlayerName}'s phone is alright.''","41":"When you threw it, [i]I[\/i] felt it.","42":"No kidding. When I see [i]other[\/i] people lose their phone, I get anxious for them.","43":"When I lose my phone, I lose my ability to communicate by voice. It doesn't get much more serious than that.","44":"I'm never letting go of this baby again.","45":"Now, for [i]you[\/i] to lose your phone, I would've thought that would be a gutwrenching experience. That's how you interact with the world most of the time.","46":"Lidia has read my mind. But I did the whole phone-hating gigachad thing. I've got to maintain it until my character arc shifts toward pro-phone.","47":"Meh. The phone is a crutch. I can get by without it.","48":"Hmm... famous last words, maybe. What can I get you today?","49":"Mocha with whipped cream?","50":"Regular old coffee?","51":"Civet crap coffee?","52":"Something interesting?","53":"Just something normal. I've got to do a little work.","54":"Of course.","55":"My work is deciding whether to disable the spyware or not.","56":"Most people would be grateful if I deleted spyware off their devices.","57":"Lidia, however, is probably never going to find out. The people spying on her might.","58":"Receiving a ping means that there's still someone out there farming Lidia's data. If she's one out of a thousand people they're spying on, they won't notice.","59":"But... if she's special, they'll find a way to put the code back in.","60":"{Leah}'s right. The best way to figure out if this is important is to cause some chaos.","61":"It's only a few lines.","62":"Done. That's it. The spyware should be disabled.","63":"Nothing's exploded. Helicopters aren't coming from the sky.","64":"I mean... was that program actually controlled by the government? Or was it just a copy of government spyware?","65":"Just because the NSA cooks something up doesn't mean other people can't use it. In fact, that happens all the time.","66":"Backdoors that the NSA forces developers to include end up being discovered by the public.","67":"Maybe I just saved Lidia from being defrauded by criminals? Yeah. I can believe that.","68":"Then again, those men currently outside...","69":"...were they always there? Am I getting paranoid delusions now that I've directly messed with the government?","70":"I don't know. I don't remember them there. Men in all black like that definitely stick out to me.","71":"Lidia's on her phone. I didn't even hear it ring.","72":"She's not talking. She's just listening.","73":"I should be able to see what she's listening to on RECENTLY.","74":"But... I can't. Whatever she's using, it goes around the school network.","75":"Does she have two phones?","76":"That's when Lidia heads outside, without saying anything.","77":"There's still a remote chance this is all coincidence...","78":"But [i]that[\/i], that completely dispels it.","79":"Unless this is wild coincidence, and this has nothing to do with the spyware at all...","80":"...it seems the Lidia thing does go deeper than I thought.","81":"Their conversation is brief...","82":"...and then Lidia walks back in.","83":"She doesn't look at me as she usually does, and she's keeping her head down. I can't see her expression.","84":"She heads behind the counter.","85":"First thing she does is pick up the phone. What is she doing?","86":"Re-enabling the spyware. [i]She manually re-enabled the spyware[\/i].","87":"Oh, fuck. Lidia's not a victim. [i]She's in on it.[\/i]","88":"Why the hell is such a sophisticated operation taking place in Shale Hill?","89":"I feel cold. A wormy, sick feeling winds through my gut.","90":"The more I stay at this school, the more I realize I have no idea what's going on.","91":"{Leah} will be interested in this. What this means... I can't yet guess.","0":"As I stand outside the cafe, I think more and more about the information {Leah} collected.","1":"Having gone over it several times last night, I'm not really sure how to interpret the results.","2":"I had to cross-reference some outdated code manuals, but it seemed that whatever this app is...","3":"...it is easily disabled.","4":"Linus had sort of hyped it up, and while I think it is some sort of NSA tracking device, I don't think it is their latest and greatest one.","5":"Whatever it is, it's not hidden in the operating system, but instead is a standalone executable in the phone's registry.","6":"But I don't even need to uninstall it. The spyware relies on a key to communicate with the master server. If I can change the key, I should be able to disrupt the communication.","7":"As far as I know, RECENTLY doesn't have a means to directly alter other people's computers. But I have Lidia's passwords now. I can easily break into her phone remotely by other means.","8":"From inside the phone, I can change the key and stop people from spying on her.","9":"I'm still not sure [i]who[\/i] it is, though."},"ch4__04.45.05 maggies old life.vne3":{"10":"Hey.","11":"I'm kinda curious why you asked me to come. I've been thinking about it all day.","12":"You'll turn anything into a sleuth, won't you?","13":"If Sherlock Holmes taught me anything, it's the little details which are important.","14":"Anyway, I-","15":"No. Stop. I want to guess.","16":"Seriously?","17":"Yeah. Let me think.","18":"Okay. I think that... it has something to do with RECENTLY.","19":"Correct.","20":"I mean... that was kind of obvious. And I know it's something you'd find difficult explaining in person.","21":"Yes.","22":"Otherwise, why ask me to come out here? You could've explained it over breakfast.","23":"Other than that... I'm not sure.","24":"There's a person I never told you about.","25":"Intriguing.","26":"I didn't tell you about her because yes, she is difficult to explain.","27":"First of all, why do you want [i]me[\/i] to talk to her?","28":"Talk to her? That's not the reason I asked you to come. She'll never talk to you.","29":"Huh?","30":"She doesn't talk to anyone. Except me.","31":"Are you sure? She really talks to nobody except you?","32":"I'm not exaggerating.","33":"I see. Is it because she likes you? Do you like her?","34":"I think so. Is that why I want to help her?","35":"I don't want to think it's only because of that. But... if she does need my help... I don't think it matters what my reasons are.","36":"Maggie isn't my type. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't just let her be.","37":"If her issues are connected to the wider problems going around school, helping her would provide valuable clues.","38":"Also, it's just a nice thing to do, I suppose.","39":"It has nothing to do with that.","40":"Okay. If you say so. But then... why me?","41":"If she doesn't talk to anyone except you, what use am I?","42":"Except... maybe... you think I can get some sort of insight you can't.","43":"Yes.","44":"The easiest way to do that is to [i]try[\/i] and talk to her.","45":"You can definitely try. Be my guest. But it isn't going to work. She won't talk to anyone but me.","46":"What am I supposed to do? Just... hide in a bush and listen to her talk to you?","47":"Not at all. Go ahead. I want you to try.","48":"{Leah} gives me one of those [i]I'm-not-sure-I-like-where-this-is-going[\/i] stares.","49":"I feel like there's a massive catch.","50":"Why?","51":"Well, {PlayerName}, I hate to say it, but she might only be shy around you.","52":"She isn't.","53":"Some girls get nervous around men. It's a natural thing.","54":"It has nothing to do with my gender.","55":"You're saying she [i]only[\/i] talks to you, right? Do you mean that literally? How is that possible? If she goes to school, how does she even make it through class?","56":"Fuck. Where do I even begin to describe Maggie?","57":"The only way you can understand is if you try and talk to Maggie yourself.","58":"Maggie? Hmmm. I don't think I've heard of her.","59":"You really don't think Maggie would open up to me?","60":"Trust me, she won't.","61":"I don't know about that. Girls trust each other. They'll share things with each other they won't say to men.","62":"It doesn't matter with her.","63":"{Leah} seems more curious now than anything. She pauses, looks incredulously at me.","64":"There she is.","65":"Who?","66":"The redhead.","67":"Her?","68":"I caught sight of Maggie, walking between classes, looking straight past us.","69":"I'm not sure if she hasn't noticed me, or if she has and pretended not to. There would be no way she'd interrupt a conversation between me and someone else.","70":"Who am I kidding? She's definitely noticed me. She's doing that [i]try not to stare[\/i] thing. But it's not working. I can tell.","71":"{Leah} grimaces and notices the same thing.","72":"If I talk to her right now, she'll think you asked me to approach her.","73":"I'm telling you: it's not going to help.","74":"I want to try.","75":"If that's the case, maybe the thing to do is pretend to walk away.","76":"Yes. If we break off our conversation now, and it seems like you're walking away, it'll be less obvious I'm approaching her because of you.","77":"Let's do it, then. I'll circle around.","78":"Right.","79":"{Leah} and I immediately break off from each other. I try not to watch as {Leah} approaches Maggie.","80":"Quickly, I go around one of the bushes and come back in from the other side.","81":"When I get there, it's obvious I haven't missed much.","82":"Excuse me, sorry. Can I borrow a pen?","83":"...","84":"Oh... uh... you don't have a pen? That's too bad.","85":"...","86":"You have really nice red hair...","87":"[size,0.2]I have to go now, thanks...","88":"Oh, my.","89":"[i]You have really nice red hair?[\/i]","90":"I didn't know what else to say! She was just staring at me! I felt like I was mugging answers out of her.","91":"I thought you were exaggerating. But she was terrified. That was the awkwardest exchange of my life.","92":"The moment you opened your mouth, she wanted to run.","93":"No kidding. I wanted to run away too. She's not just shy.","94":"That's some kind of anxiety disorder. She needs a therapist.","95":"She really doesn't like people talking to her.","96":"Yes. It's just hard for me to imagine how you could survive being so socially anxious.","97":"She is enrolled, right? To be enrolled, you have to have [i]some[\/i] social skills. Like... there's an interview part of the college application...","98":"She does virtually everything through email.","99":"Even the in-person interview?","100":"Maybe she got a special dispensation? I've never asked her about that. Actually I've never asked her anything.","101":"What do you mean?","102":"I can't say anything to her, either.","103":"But you said she only talks to you. I'm confused.","104":"Yes. Exactly. She [i]only[\/i] talks to me.","105":"She... only...?","106":"Whoa. So if you try and talk to her, that scares her?","107":"Yes.","108":"I don't know. What does she even [i]talk[\/i] to you about?","109":"[i]Conversation practice[\/i].","110":"Conversation... practice?","111":"She's [i]practicing[\/i] having conversations with what she calls [i]normal people[\/i].","112":"Oh. I think my heart just broke.","113":"If she's really this shy... how did you become friends? You must've approached her.","114":"No. She approached me.","115":"How did that happen?","116":"I'm not sure. But it took a long time. I think she really, really needed to make sure I couldn't speak.","117":"What? She was like... stalking you or something?","118":"Stalking me? I guess you could put it like that.","119":"I didn't see it that way.","120":"It was weird. One day she just... showed up at the coffee shop. She watched me as I was working.","121":"I didn't know what to think at first. I was flattered. I assumed she was interested in me. So I let her and pretended not to notice.","122":"I wanted to talk to her, but... I thought with the way she was looking at me, she'd come up to me and say something. She didn't, though.","123":"I didn't think about it after I left the cafe that morning.","124":"I was surprised to see her come in the very next day. Again, she just... looked at me. Now it became unnerving.","125":"I don't want to say she gave me psycho vibes. I never got the sense that she was dangerous. But... I was getting confused.","126":"I wondered if she recognized me from somewhere.","127":"And, as I'd see her more and more...","128":"...not every day, but almost...","129":"...I got used to seeing her.","130":"I stopped asking myself why she was watching me. She became just a presence that I had gotten used to. Showing up at the cafe, watching for a minute, and then leaving.","131":"So... I was surprised when she finally approached.","132":"Hey.","133":"Um... I've noticed you've never spoken before.","134":"I don't mind. I'm kinda quiet too. Can I sit with you?","135":"I thought it was weird that she said I'd [i]never spoken before[\/i]. It's not something someone usually notices about a stranger.","136":"That was the least weird part of it, actually. It looked like she was going to bolt like a rabbit if I said anything.","137":"I was curious, though. So I pushed the chair out and let her sit with me.","138":"Are you a... a good listener?","139":"I was hoping I could... uh... talk to you.","140":"You don't have to say anything. Actually, I'd... prefer you didn't.","141":"Sorry... I'm as shaky as a newborn foal. I'm no good at talkin'. But... maybe if I talk to you, I'd become good at it.","142":"[i]Practice makes perfect[\/i], that's what they say. And I'm far, far, [i]far[\/i] from perfect. I'm at the other side of the crick from perfect, actually.","143":"And so she started to sit with me.","144":"It seemed to me, then, that Maggie didn't want anything except someone to listen to her. That can be a difficult thing to find, sometimes.","145":"So that's what I did. I just listened to her. It was easy to do, even while I was working.","146":"If I found her annoying at first, I can't remember. I probably did. But eventually, she became a comforting presence to me.","147":"Kinda like... a cat that sits with you while you work. Sorta invisible, but still [i]present[\/i].","148":"Honestly... I feel like I would've been creeped out by that.","149":"Watching me from the sidelines... I don't know.","150":"I understand that, but let me ask you this. Did you find Maggie threatening?","151":"Threatening? Don't make me laugh. I-","152":"I... I see what you mean. It's difficult to be put off by a girl that... [i]harmless[\/i].","153":"She radiates inoffensiveness. Like a bunny.","154":"I actually felt bad about talking to [i]her[\/i]. Like I was the stalker.","155":"It's funny you should mention [i]stalker[\/i].","156":"What?","157":"Maggie has one. I found their messages on RECENTLY.","158":"[i]A girl like that has a stalker?[\/i]","159":"No... wait... that makes sense.","160":"It does?","161":"Yeah. Now that I think about it. Why else would she be so shy?","162":"Avoidant. Afraid of embarrassing herself. Highly repressed. The hallmarks of someone who has had a difficult childhood socially.","163":"Vulnerable people like that attract stalkers.","164":"She's probably known this stalker for a long time. What's the stalker's M.O.?","165":"Slow down! How do you know she's known the stalker for a long time?","166":"How else would the stalker have learned about her in the first place? She's extremely shy, right? She's hardly advertising herself to everyone around her.","167":"So the stalker must have met her earlier in life; during a forced social event. Maybe a family member?","168":"Or it could be an Internet thing. That's why I want to know the stalker's M.O. Is she being physically stalked... or cyber stalked?","169":"Damn, it's hard to keep up with {Leah} sometimes.","170":"Cyber-stalked. I think. She gets threatening messages.","171":"So it could be just an Internet thing. Internet drama has a way of spilling over into real life.","172":"That's because the Internet is real life.","173":"It doesn't have to be mutually exclusive. Maybe this is someone she knows... who stalks her through the Internet?","174":"That's quite likely. All I know is...","175":"...I need more information. Do you think this has anything to do with the burglary and the hitman thing?","176":"[i]No.[\/i] That seems very unlikely. But I still want to help Maggie, and I need {Leah}'s help. Her insight into Maggie's stalker was brilliant.","177":"Maybe I should just tell {Leah} there could be a larger connection. It will be easier to convince her to help me.","178":"It could. We never know until we look into it. Remember, Valerie said weird things have been happening in Shale Hill.","179":"That's not a lie. But it [i]is[\/i] manipulative, and it [i]feels[\/i] like lying.","180":"I don't think {Leah} would say no, regardless. But she does have me anxious as she thinks it over.","181":"Your homework is to find out more about Maggie, okay? Especially any information about her stalker.","182":"Yes. I think I can do that.","183":"I just don't know enough yet, {PlayerName}. You do that, and I'll help you.","184":"Report back to me when you're done.","185":"I salute Commander {Leah} with all the confidence of someone who has a powerful ally.","186":"Between me and {Leah}, this stalker doesn't stand a chance.","0":"I invited {Leah} here with me today, but I didn't tell her what to expect.","1":"Maggie will most certainly pass by soon, as she always does at this time of the day after class.","2":"It's weird. I've never told her about Maggie. I've never even hinted at her existence.","3":"Maggie is not some weird secret. But for some reason, telling anyone about her feels like a violation of her privacy.","4":"I'm afraid I might pierce the iron curtain of Maggie's hidden life.","5":"I'm content to leave Maggie beneath her rock, if she wants. Letting a stalker harass her is out of the question, though.","6":"That's why I brought {Leah} into this. Really, it is the only reason.","7":"I'm not really sure how much {Leah} can even help. I can't imagine how she'd get past Maggie's impenetrable shyness.","8":"{Leah} is full of weird and random insights. I think that's what I'm hoping for.","9":"Hey {PlayerName}."},"ch4__04.45.10 maggies problems.vne3":{"3":"Talking to Maggie doesn't really feel like work to me.","4":"If anything... I'll use any excuse to get to know her better.","5":"The way {Leah} likes to word things makes me smile, sometimes.","6":"Maggie is an interesting person to interact with. It can be exhausting, but I wouldn't call it work.","7":"Getting Maggie to open up to me is going to be a delicate operation. You can't pull the petals off a flower to make it bloom.","8":"If I want to see the real Maggie, I need to let her open up on her own time. But...","9":"...I'm not sure I have the time for that.","10":"These days, I'm feeling more and more like a cheesy fantasy hero, waiting for darkness to come on the horizon.","11":"There she is. With {Leah} gone, Maggie feels comfortable enough to acknowledge me.","12":"A beige dog waits patiently beside her. Maybe one she is walking as part of her job?","13":"Instead of looking away, as she did with {Leah}, she looks me straight in the eye.","14":"I wonder if she'll bring {Leah} up?","15":"Hey, you.","16":"My my, it's getting chillier, ain't it? Fall is really coming.","17":"I'm going to need to get my jacket sooner or later...","18":"No. I guess she isn't. Maggie probably doesn't want to know who {Leah} is. And if I try to explain it to her, I'm just going to scare her.","19":"Did you... want to take a walk with me?","20":"I'm not much in the mood for conversatin'.","21":"[i]Why? Has something happened?[\/i] That's what I want to say. But my experience with Maggie has taught me better than to be so direct.","22":"I just nod, and let her take me where she wants to go.","23":"I follow her around, silently. Maggie only gives me an occasional glance before wandering carefree through the park.","24":"I do feel kinda awkward. I'm not used to being this quiet. The constant impulse to say something is the hardest part of dealing with Maggie.","25":"It's like learning a new language. [i]No, it's more than that[\/i]. It's like learning a new paradigm for interacting with people.","26":"Why is it I feel the need to fill in the silences, speaking figuratively? At least with Maggie, it's not necessary.","27":"Training myself out of old social habits is not as easy as you'd think.","28":"But then, Maggie says something.","29":"Do you remember the time we first talked? It felt so good to talk to you.","30":"I used to think talking to dogs was enough. I used to think that animals were better than people.","31":"But they're not better. They're [i]equals[\/i]. And I... I need people equal to the amount I need animals.","32":"I... I want to hear your voice so bad. It seems weird... right? 'Cause it seems like I don't want to hear it. But I do.","33":"But I'm... also scared. It's got nothing to do with how you sound. It's knowing [i]what[\/i] you think... [i]about me[\/i]...","34":"That's what really scares me. That your words outta your mouth... they might not match up with what you say in my head...","35":"Kissing you... was easier than knowing exactly what kinda person you are.","36":"[i]What does that mean?[\/i] Is she worried I'm going to say something awful to her?","37":"I would never. At the same time, I don't think I'm capable of saying anything cool enough to qualify as my first words to her.","38":"There's been so much buildup, but eventually she's going to figure out I'm a normal person.","39":"When she first came for [i]conversation practice[\/i], I immediately got that sense about her. The way she dealt with people had been fundamentally broken.","40":"I didn't say anything because I hadn't needed to.","41":"Okay. Next topic. [i]Arts and entertainment[\/i].","42":"[i]Did you see the latest Marvel movie? I can't believe that Thanos snapped his fingers.[\/i]","43":"[i]What do you think are the philosophical implications of that act?[\/i]","44":"Okay. And then you'd say in fancy words that there's a great deal of eggheaded lofty meaning when Thanos snapped his finger.","45":"And then I'll say something like, [i]''Yes, these Marvel movies have so much philosophy in them. Do you think Iron Man is a symbol of the American entrepreneurial spirit?''[\/i]","46":"But... uh... I didn't actually go see the movie. I just saw clips off YouTube. Do you think people would be able to tell?","47":"That was pretty much every conversation I had with her. She'd ask rhetorical questions of me, and she'd guess what I think.","48":"But... I had forgotten myself. When I tried to ask Maggie about Sam's phone, she responded with panic.","49":"That feeling... of having scared her, filled me with swirling, negative thoughts.","50":"When her phone vibrates, it pulls me back into the present.","51":"Her pocket shakes, Maggie takes out the phone, but doesn't answer it. Instead, she freezes in place, like she's caught in something.","52":"It's the same look of panic on her face when I had tried to talk to her.","53":"I know she doesn't want to look at her phone.","54":"She doesn't need to look at her phone. And neither do I. It's the stalker.","55":"I put my hand out. Maggie looks at it in confusion, her mouth falling formless, before she looks at me.","56":"Comprehension comes suddenly, and grips her face. She's not sure what to do. But I'm more voiceless than usual. I can't explain to her what I want.","57":"You... want my phone.","58":"She wonders if she should ask why I want it. She has to be curious.","59":"But, she doesn't end up asking anything. She places the phone in my palm. An act of simple trust.","60":"I go to her settings... and I put the stalker's number on a blocked contact list.","61":"After that simple act, I give her phone back.","62":"What did you do?","63":"Maggie takes a look at her phone. Her brow furrows as she takes it in.","64":"All those messages are gone...","65":"You're a real tech whiz. I didn't know how to delete them except by going in the messages...","66":"...and... well... I didn't want to read 'em.","67":"Now... I've got no messages from nobody. I thought that I'd make new friends using this phone. [pause][char,Maggie_Casual_Sad]But all this phone did was help my past to catch up with me.","68":"I don't know what I was thinking when I bought it. Maybe... I was hoping that I'd see... that singing girl.","69":"Thank you. You're a sweetie-pie.","70":"I gotta go. Please, come to the park whenever you want to see me. I'll probably be out walking dogs.","71":"Goodbye.","72":"{Leah} was right. The stalker is someone from her past. She knew who he was.","73":"But Maggie won't tell me what I need to know. I have to go find it myself.","74":"At least now, I got the creep's number. That's important.","0":"The university park. Maggie should pass by at any moment. It seems she really likes this place.","1":"Walks her dogs here, and walks herself, too. If it's not the coffee shop, it's here. And Maggie only goes to the coffee shop because of me.","2":"{Leah} did say my homework was to follow up with Maggie. ''Homework''... her words. Not mine."},"ch4__04.45.15 got his number.vne3":{"10":"That can only be pancakes.","11":"The meaty sizzle with an aroma that nobody can mistake. The smell so good it would wake a bear in hibernation.","12":"It could only be bacon.","13":"Bananas, blueberries, grain. That subtle fresh scent of milk.","14":"It must be cereal.","15":"Not cooking. Mixing. Blueberry, banana, mango. Yogurt. Peanut butter.","16":"It must be a smoothie.","17":"You don't have to make me lunch.","18":"What if I want to?","19":"I just don't want to feel guilty when I don't treat you to a freshly made meal.","20":"I'm doing this without expectation of any reward.","21":"So you want me to feel worse.","22":"Heh! It may be the cheapest way to get through to you. [char,Leah_Casual_Neutral]Besides, I have to give you some incentive to come to our meetings.","23":"She doesn't, really. I get more out of them than she does. I really feel like I wouldn't make much progress in the investigation without her.","24":"I ran through Maggie's stalker's number.","25":"I see. What did you find?","26":"The library.","27":"The library?","28":"It's the number for the college library.","29":"I'm pretty sure your friend isn't getting stalked by the librarian.","30":"No. Someone is clearly spoofing the library's number to send Maggie harassment.","31":"Is that a hard thing to do?","32":"Not really, no. But in this case, he actually has to go to the library to send it.","33":"That sounds like the start of a plan. We go to the library and do some fancy computer stuff to find out who he is?","34":"Maybe we can break into-","35":"NO. No breaking into anything. I have a completely different plan.","36":"Oh. Well, if it involves technology, you'd know better than I would. What do we do?","37":"If I'm connected directly to the Library's Wi-Fi it's going to be a lot easier to filter the data and catch the stalker in the act.","38":"I do have to ask: are you free today?","39":"Uh... I have class... and a meeting with Mr. Craven, and...","40":"We'll probably have to do it another day.","41":"No! Wait!","42":"I'm almost never absent from class. My professors will forgive me if I skip a day.","43":"Do you really think your plan would take that long?","44":"I have no idea how long my plan is going to take. All I know is... it's going to be boring.","45":"I explain to {Leah} exactly what my plan is. It's nothing sexy - it doesn't involve lock picking or sneaking or scaling a building, but it's going to work.","46":"{Leah} doesn't like it for exactly those reasons, but she agrees to it. Then, we head to the library.","47":"The more I think about it, the more I realize that that plan isn't so boring.","48":"Stake outs are a thing. Journalists do them all the time. You wait for a target like Chris Hansen and...","49":"...BAM! You got 'em.","50":"In a sense, waiting around is kind of the most exciting thing there is. It's constant suspense when you don't know what's going to happen. Every moment counts down to a possible crescendo.","51":"Time is, after all, the most important ingredient in tension. Alfred Hitchcock said so. I think.","52":"Is that your attitude when you sit at the DMV? You're on the tips of your toes 'cause you don't know when your number is going to be called?","53":"There's got to be a more exciting way of getting our answers.","54":"We're actually more likely to find out the truth this way.","55":"I [i]do[\/i] like the truth...","56":"He sends a message regularly, so he should come by sometime today. We might not be in here all that long.","57":"And I have the hard job. {Leah} can zone out. I've got to monitor activity on Maggie's phone.","58":"If I lose attention for a few minutes, I'll lose my moment to catch the stalker the moment he sends the message. And that's really our best shot at getting this guy.","59":"It would be a lot easier if I could pop some adderall. The idea of being hyperfocused on RECENTLY for hours upon hours sounds physically painful.","60":"You can work on homework, if you want.","61":"I'm kinda worried what's going to happen if one of my professors walks in. If they find me here, hanging out when I should be in class...","62":"What did you tell them?","63":"I told them I had to do something important.","64":"Most of us say an uncle died.","65":"I think I've saved up enough goodwill that I don't have to sacrifice one of my uncles.","66":"That was the last thing we said to each other for quite some time.","67":"I started to watch RECENTLY. As the hour passed, looking at the bright blue screen, I wondered if I could instead be given a pot of grass to watch instead.","68":"Yes, at least with paint drying, you can look away and not worry about missing your one window of opportunity to solve a mystery.","69":"After a while, staring at the screen while shutting out all other distractions, [i]wears on me[\/i].","70":"Weird thoughts start to creep up. In my head, I played my favorite game growing up. I went over the script of [i]The Dark Knight[\/i]. I remember the teacher who used to stop me from picking my nose.","71":"Is this how Sam thinks?","72":"Did you notice anything?","73":"Huh? Is someone trying to talk to me?","74":"Earth to {PlayerName}. Did you notice anything?","75":"Oh. No, I didn't.","76":"Sorry. I drifted off there.","77":"I see. So you could've missed it?","78":"I felt like a t-rex. Only able to see movement.","79":"Nothing moved?","80":"I can't confidently say [i]nothing[\/i] moved, but...","81":"...nothing I noticed, at least.","82":"I didn't notice anything.","83":"So he didn't show up today?","84":"Today? What time is it?","85":"The library is closing in 10 minutes.","86":"Seriously? It's not even night. Whatever.","87":"I guess I was wrong.","88":"Are you sure he has to come here to send the texts?","89":"He has to. He has to use one of the library computers to spoof the number the way he is.","90":"Oh. So I guess he didn't send anything to Maggie today.","91":"Or... he might be able to schedule his texts and calls somehow.","92":"I'm good with computers... but I'm hardly a computer genius. I'm on the other side of the Dunning-Kruger curve where I know enough to know I know nothing.","93":"He could easily be using some technique I haven't thought of. The best person to ask would be Linus.","94":"It's going to be harder to get the time off to do something like this again.","95":"Let's try this one more time.","96":"One more time?","97":"I have no idea if it'll work. But it's my idea, damn it. I'm going to stick to my theory and not run to Linus every time I feel like I need help.","98":"Okay. I'm... glad to hear that.","99":"{Leah}'s expression of humored concern lights up her face briefly. I'm glad she's taking this in stride.","100":"Let me know when you want to try again.","101":"Soon, probably.","102":"If I have another day like this, I'm going to give up on this strategy entirely. I'll start seeing the wisdom in {Leah}'s break-and-take philosophy.","103":"Next time, I had better have more luck, or I'm going to let {Leah} have her way with the library.","0":"Finally, some free time. Except not really.","1":"Even when I'm between classes, I'm still doing things.","2":"Today, I wanted to go home and check the number I got off Maggie's phone.","3":"I should do that in my room. That's the safest place.","4":"I can look up the phone on Google...","5":"...shit.","6":"...It's sort of what I expected... but I was hoping it would be easier.","7":"Somehow, I've got to find a way to explain this to {Leah}.","8":"I smell something cooking. ","9":"The quick sizzle of wet batter hitting a pan. Fluffiness like savory marshmallow."},"ch4__04.45.20 maggies stalker.vne3":{"10":"Maggie uses strange metaphors. But cute ones. I nod and smile.","11":"Uh... the message didn't bother you, did it?","12":"My life... is a bit more complicated than I've let on. You know, it seems like I don't got no people in my life...","13":"...but the truth is you ain't the first person I ever met, crazy as that sounds. I wouldn't blame you for thinking so.","14":"I even got a friend! [delay,250][char,Maggie_Casual_Sad]If I ever find her...","15":"I ain't gonna eat up any more of your time. You're headed to the library? I'm sure you've got studying to do.","16":"But... uh... I sure do like being around you. So... never be a stranger, okay?","17":"Okay. I'll... see you later. G'bye now. Bye bye.","18":"Why does it always feel like Maggie is walking away forever?","19":"She kinda acts like it. I feel like-","20":"What the...?","21":"I... uh... got something important.","22":"I don't know who else to ask. It ain't gonna be a big thing for you, but... I do got some explainin' to do about it.","23":"You're going to the library. I ain't gonna stop you.","24":"But... if you got time to stick around one day... then stick around. I'd really appreciate it.","25":"Thanks. Bye bye. Again.","26":"...Something important?","27":"What could that be?","28":"I don't have time today. But next time I see Maggie, maybe I should stick around.","29":"Also... [i]Maggie's friend...[\/i] I wonder who that could be.","30":"I really hope Maggie isn't referring to an animal.","31":"The second time I run into someone today. {Leah}.","32":"This time, it's no coincidence. She's waiting like we agreed to meet here. But we didn't. I thought I made it clear she didn't need to sacrifice her time.","33":"You ready to try again?","34":"You didn't have to come.","35":"Is that why you didn't invite me? You know it's futile to leave me out of things.","36":"You keep reminding me.","37":"I'm just wondering why I keep having to!","38":"It's not just my time I'm wasting if nothing happens.","39":"Well... sure. I mean, if there's nothing else, then yeah, we're going to eventually try something different.","40":"But we'll keep doing things your way until it's obvious we shouldn't.","41":"Then let's go ahead and try again.","42":"We both sit down. I open up RECENTLY. {Leah} watches me.","43":"Now... it's a matter of waiting.","44":"And waiting.","45":"Much like the last time I was here, I look at the laptop with eye-watering boredom.","46":"{Leah} is clearly doing a better job of preparing, because she brought a plethora of books and work to distract her.","47":"We both end up staring into space, eventually. It's only pure luck that I blink, and notice a change on screen.","48":"A hit.","49":"What? A h-hit?","50":"It's like I just shook {Leah} awake. She blinks and looks around.","51":"My suspicions are warranted. It's not just one message. A hundred at least are being scheduled.","52":"It's all being uploaded at... Terminal 3.","53":"I look up at the same time {Leah} does. I know now... this guy is our stalker.","54":"Is that him? Just wait.","55":"She whispers urgently, but I'm already with her all the way.","56":"I try to pretend like I'm still working on my laptop, all the while keeping the stalker in my peripheral.","57":"Eventually, he's going to try and move. He's going to have to stop burping out his toxic shit into the Internet.","58":"Are you sure that's him?","59":"I listen to {Leah}, but I don't communicate back. I'm too fixed on this person's next moves.","60":"Our stalker is unlikely to waste more time than he needs to.","61":"He gets out of his chair with a start. {Leah} and I nearly reveal ourselves by getting out of our seats too quickly.","62":"Instantly we both get out of our seats. Our need to catch up with him outweighing the fear he might see us.","63":"We hurry to the exit.","64":"He's moving quickly and doesn't seem to notice we are following.","65":"He has a self-absorbed sort of walk. Like he doesn't care.","66":"Outside, the bright sunshine blinds us. We barely see a flash of the perpetrator as he turns a corner out of sight.","67":"If we don't run to catch up with him, we're going to lose him.","68":"We have this sliver-thin chance to catch up and figure out who he is.","69":"Either we run now or we lose him. And restart this cycle for God-knows-how-long.","70":"For this moment, at least, we can't be worried about him seeing us.","71":"The man in the hoodie doesn't face us. Doesn't look behind. He marches forward to wherever his destination lies.","72":"{Leah} and I find ourselves far from the library where we had started.","73":"...","74":"...","75":"Just as we arrive, we see the stalker step into one of the apartments and slam the door loudly.","76":"Holy shit.","77":"What?","78":"This is Haley's old place.","79":"This guy and Haley used to be neighbors.","80":"Haley lives here.","81":"Haley and this stalker are neighbors.","82":"You're joking. Do you think Haley knows this guy?","83":"She must have seen him, at least.","84":"Yeah. At least. I don't suppose we should talk to her, should we?","85":"Maybe. Let's check out this guy's apartment first.","86":"This place is rough.","87":"It's not that bad.","88":"You think so? I feel like people go into this street and never come out.","89":"Do you want to hold my hand?","90":"Oh. She's making fun of me now, is she?","91":"{Leah}, being so fearless, doesn't know the difference between cowardice and caution.","92":"I'm not nervous.","93":"Oh sure. Let's go check out the apartment, then.","94":"So this is the guy's apartment?","95":"I'm not really sure if something is supposed to be [i]striking me[\/i] right now. It looks like a normal apartment.","96":"I wonder if anything caused {Leah}'s well-oiled neurons to fire off.","97":"Do you see anything out of the ordinary?","98":"Well, the curtain's shut. Other than that-","99":"The door opens with a squeal, and two forceful, heavy steps later, we see a trainwreck of a man.","100":"Shirtless, with spindly orange hairs like stripped copper wires out of his plaster-colored chest.","101":"Mean old eyes regard us like chambered bullets. His appearance is mad and chaotic, but his voice was anything but. He sounded steady, certain, and serious.","102":"Who you guys?","103":"[i]This[\/i] is Maggie's stalker?","104":"You all were standing out here. Why you all mouth breathing like you surprised?","105":"You fixing to knock on my door, bother me with shit?","106":"What do we say? We [i]were[\/i] standing just outside his door.","107":"We can't pretend to be out on a smoke break when we're practically on his front step.","108":"The moment drags. {Leah} looks at me, paralyzed, her eyes begging for help. It takes her a second to remember I [i]can't[\/i] help her.","109":"She is on her own. I wish there was something I could do...","110":"...but I have full confidence she'll come up with something.","111":"{Leah} collects herself, her confidence suddenly renewed. She has a plan.","112":"[speed,0.7]Excuse me sir... have you ever heard of... [speed,0.5][b]{PlayerName}ism?[\/n]","113":"[i]{PlayerName}ism?[\/i]","114":"{PlayerName}ism? Who that?","115":"That's what I want to know!","116":"We're a new and growing faith. I'm surprised you haven't heard of us.","117":"We follow the prophet {PlayerName}. He has a direct line of communication to... to... [delay,250][speed,0.5][i]Yahwallah[\/i].[delay,250]..odin.[delay,250]..ganesh.","118":"[i]Yahwhollahwhatnesh?[\/i]","119":"Exactly! That's what I want to know!","120":"Yahwallahodinganesh. Is the name of God too difficult for you?","121":"Uh... so you a church? I got a church.","122":"That's too bad. I suppose we should-","123":"...But I'm lookin' for a new one. Come on in.","124":"C-come in?","125":"Yeah. You want to convert me, right? Come on in.","126":"Uh...","127":"I understand {Leah}'s reluctance. He has a [i]knife[\/i], after all. Maybe we can just make an excuse to leave...","128":"Sure.","129":"{Leah}! Look at this guy! He's clearly dangerous!","130":"What's he fingering for?","131":"My friend here has made a vow of silence. I'll only come in if he can as well.","132":"Yeah 'kay.","133":"The stalker disappears into the apartment, leaving the door open.","134":"I know you think this is our chance to find something out about the stalker, but we've got to be careful, alright?","135":"Yes. Of course.","136":"I really didn't expect such a confident answer. {Leah} has that Final Girl kinda energy.","137":"Which means... if this is a horror movie we're walking into, I'm going to die first.","138":"Shit. If we end up on a meathook in a moldy basement I'm blaming {Leah}.","139":"This place is a mess. But no creepy altars built to Maggie.","140":"I really hope this is the guy we're actually after and not some random creep who happened to step out of his house.","141":"Animal heads hanging on the wall... this guy certainly has more than a knife in his arsenal.","142":"Tell me about Yamalamadingdong.","143":"It's [i]Yahwallahoding.[delay,250]..anesh[\/i].","144":"Don't expect me to say that bullshit. You sound like you got a clot in your brain. You sound like a horse kicked your head when you was not grown up.","145":"If you must, we can call him [i]Yahwallah[\/i], if you prefer. But we in the church usually call him by his full name.","146":"That's a good name for a God. Better than ying-ling-ping-ding.","147":"Now... I want to know about {PlayerName}.","148":"My lizard brain thinks: [i]That's my name![\/i] We're caught!","149":"Shut up, Lizard Brain. He doesn't know who I am.","150":"Yes. Our prophet. {PlayerName}.","151":"He's a wise man. Very quiet. When you meet him... he has this aura. [i]This must be God.[\/i] That's the first thing you think.","152":"Now wait a second. A prophet ain't God. The existence of prophets do imply a separation between Man and Divine.","153":"This guy has given this more thought than I realized.","154":"Um... yes. Well. That's why our prophet {PlayerName}... Blessed Be His Name... never claims to be Yahwallah. Just His Messenger.","155":"So if {PlayerName} is the prophet, I wanna know what his miracles are.","156":"His miracles?","157":"I need proof. And my uncle did magic so I gonna need more than legerdemain.","158":"{Leah} quickly signals me.","159":"What the fuck is [i]legerdemain[\/i]?","160":"I don't know! I don't know 16th Century English!","161":"Hold on now, you didn't tell me your friend was dumb.","162":"Dumb!","163":"It takes {Leah} a moment to realize he doesn't mean what she thought.","164":"[i]Dumb[\/i]. You mean mute. Dumb is a dated term...","165":"Don't correct him! Just let him use whatever words he wants.","166":"Y-yes... he is [i]dumb[\/i]...","167":"{Leah} struggles to say it. The old meaning of [i]dumb[\/i] is [i]mute[\/i]. Most people don't realize that. Even so, {Leah} is too conscientious to throw that word around, treating it like a slur.","168":"Does he need anything special? For his dumbness?","169":"{Leah} [i]visibly[\/i] flinches. I'd laugh if I wasn't frozen nervous.","170":"No. About those miracles...","171":"Yeah?","172":"{PlayerName} has done some incredible miracles. Really extraordinary ones. The best miracles.","173":"Okay. Cool.","174":"For one thing, he turned a bottle of Pabst... into a bottle of Jack Daniel's.","175":"Yeah. Okay. That's not too impressive. I told you not to bring up stage magic.","176":"Also... he could smash through walls with his bare hands.","177":"Yeah. Okay. So can a taekwondo fool.","178":"Just tell him I can cure cancer.","179":"You can't make claims like that. That's irresponsible.","180":"I don't know. This {PlayerName} don't sound too impressive. But if he got good dogma, that's all that matters.","181":"What does he mean?","182":"He's asking what we believe in.","183":"Oh. Right.","184":"We believe in...","185":"...[i]America[\/i]. America is what we believe in. And God.","186":"If you didn't believe in the second thing that would make you not a religion, wouldn't it? Belief in one or more divine entities I do believe is a [i]prerequisite[\/i] of any avowed faith.","187":"Of course. The other thing we believe in... is...","188":"[speed,0.25]...m-m-male [speed,0.75]supremacy...","189":"[i]Male supremacy![\/i]","190":"How I yearn to be under my husband's whip. I... I... I am a delicate creature who needs instructions from male authority figures.","191":"I spend most of my day looking for young, attractive, submissive women to add to my husband's harem...","192":"...that's my job. To recruit women for my husband's harem. I spend most of my day doing that.","193":"God, if you're real... we apologize in advance.","194":"Well you ain't gonna find no women for your husband's harem here.","195":"I guess I'm too feeble-minded to have realized that.","196":"Also... you kinda don't seem the sort that would submit to a lawful marriage.","197":"It is because I am a sinful woman who does not act her place, and I now proselytize to the masses as a means of atonement.","198":"Nice catch.","199":"You seem a lot more like an uppity college girl to me.","200":"Uppity, yes. I am a woman, and therefore emotional. But I'm too dumb for college because of my feeble female brain.","201":"You put yourself down kinda aggressive-like. That's real interesting.","202":"Though... I don't reckon that you {PlayerName}ists are real. Sounds made up.","203":"If you ain't on Wikipedia you ain't nothing. I'm gonna check my phone.","204":"Wait!","205":"{Leah} played her hand too hard. This bozo sees right through us.","206":"Think of something clever. Quick!","207":"Here's an interesting thing about the world's major religions.[delay,250] They were all,[delay,250] at one point,[delay,250] [i]not[\/i] on Wikipedia.","208":"{Leah}?","209":"Yeah. That does make sense.","210":"I still don't think you guys are actually divine or nothing. Sounds like this {PlayerName} prophet is looking for any excuse he can to get his dick wet.","211":"That said...[delay,500] [cg,Ep4\\ep4_Converting_Floyd\\ep4_Converting_Floyd_UglySmile]I like it. You got a brochure?","212":"[i]It worked?[\/i]","213":"We're all out of brochures. Maybe I can have someone from the church drop it off?","214":"Yeah, 'kay.","215":"The [i]Yehwallah[\/i] shit just a loada bunk but I can get behind having my wives scout out more wives.","216":"It's like a pyramid scheme but for fuckin'.","217":"Yes. It seems like you're busy, so...","218":"His name!","219":"What?","220":"Ask for his name!","221":"Oh! For the record, what is your name?","222":"Floyd.","223":"My partner and I will be back soon, Floyd.","224":"Yeah, 'kay. You want a granola bar or some Kool-Aid?","225":"No, thanks. But I appreciate the hospitality.","226":"Yeah 'kay.","227":"Now... we of... Yamalama..dinganesh... must go... and spread the word!","228":"Thank you for your hospitality.","229":"When you come back, you'll have a convert waitin'.","230":"Did this creep completely buy our fake religion?","231":"Holy God. He did! He really did!","232":"Go and get yourself some wives, dumb guy.","233":"I'm not even going to question that. I'm just going to accept it.","234":"As we leave, we both... very carefully, listen for the sound of a door closing.","235":"When it does...","236":"Oh God! I thought I was going to die...","237":"I shouldn't have been half as confident as I was.","238":"Yehwallah? {PlayerName}ism? Male supremacy?","239":"I was improvising! I knew you couldn't help.","240":"The things I said... [i]oh boy[\/i]... the people on Twitter would be...","241":"So what did your detective senses pick up?","242":"I'm not sure. I was so busy coming up with lies that I didn't really look as closely as I should've.","243":"But I'm [i]sure[\/i] this is our man.","244":"You think?","245":"Did you see how readily he adopted our religion once I described the precepts?","246":"He has a broken relationship with women. Can't stand them doing things he doesn't want them to do.","247":"I don't know. A lot of normal guys wouldn't turn down a harem. But {Leah} seems so sure this time.","248":"I've got to trust her instincts.","249":"If this is really Maggie's stalker, our next job is to find a way to stop him.","250":"No. Our next step is to get proof.","251":"I'm not repeating the mistakes of my past. No matter the feeling this guy gives me, he's innocent until proven otherwise.","252":"Right. {Leah} is talking about [i]that incident[\/i]. I don't blame her caution.","253":"Her break-in to the principal's office back at Annette Taylor High was a big deal. She was nearly expelled. Only pressure from the teachers that liked her kept her in school.","254":"If I hang around Maggie long enough, I should see our Floyd eventually.","255":"That's a good idea. Spend time with Maggie. In the meantime, I'll follow my own threads.","256":"The motivations behind Maggie's stalker are yet to be revealed, yet we have a good lead.","257":"I hope that whatever we find out, it will help Maggie heal from her hurt.","258":"I think the next step is to see what Valerie knows.","0":"It's time to try again.","1":"I... didn't bother asking {Leah} to come this time. She'd come, I know that. But that's exactly why I don't want her here.","2":"If it's another dud afternoon, I don't want to waste her time.","3":"And... given my luck, it probably will be.","4":"Let's start heading over.","5":"Maggie? Out of nowhere!","6":"I shouldn't be surprised. She goes to this school as much as I do.","7":"It's just weird to see her in person just as I was thinking about her. Like she's leaping out of my imagination.","8":"Hey, you. Looks like we're running into each other more and more.","9":"I guess we're a bit like two loose tires, ain't we? Rolling down a hill in the same direction, bumpin' into each other, without us doing much steerin'."},"ch4__04.45.22 seeing valerie.vne3":{"3":"Distinguishing feature?","4":"Failure to wear a shirt.","5":"A man named ''Floyd'' with a cotton allergy. You might find him beneath a bridge.","6":"I can confirm he lives in a place with a roof.","7":"I could check the student database, but unfortunately there's no filtering by nudity.","8":"I'm sorry. I know we have multiple Floyds that go to Shale Hill. I think they all wear shirts.","9":"Then... I'd like to know something else. A student called Maggie Castle.","10":"Maggie Castle... distinguishing features?","11":"Red hair and crippling shyness.","12":"Oh my. Your type?","13":"She's incredibly shy, so shy she doesn't actually talk to anyone. But, I know that there's an in-person interview as part of the admissions process.","14":"I'm wondering how she passed it.","15":"How shy is she? Does she merely blush and rub her knees together in a way that ensnares naïve boys, or would it qualify as a medical problem?","16":"A medical issue, I think. But it's hard for me to imagine her going to see a doctor.","17":"Maybe I shouldn't say this... but also money can really expedite the process. With enough dough and a big enough donation you can encourage some corners to be cut.","18":"She walks dogs for money.","19":"How much money, though?","20":"Uh...","21":"I'm kidding.","22":"I don't know for certain. There's a lot of ways to get past the interview process, but eventually you have to talk to [i]someone[\/i].","23":"The only other thing I can think of... is if another student [i]represented her...[\/i]","24":"Excuse me?","25":"Well, having a friend inside the administration can help people get in that otherwise couldn't. Someone powerful may have vouched for her.","26":"Who?","27":"I don't know. Can't you ask her?","28":"I can't. How do I explain that it's impossible for me to even [i]ask her questions?[\/i]","29":"It's a lot more complicated than you imagine.","30":"You are only making this [i]Maggie[\/i] character sound more intriguing.","31":"And your... secret program didn't help you?","32":"No. Unfortunately not.","33":"I see.","34":"I'm sorry I couldn't help you.","35":"You brought up a possibility I didn't think of, so you were helpful. I'll let you know what I find out.","36":"Valerie furrows her brow as if considering a followup question, but never voices it.","37":"New possibilities, but no concrete answers.","38":"I feel like I'm going to have to wait for Maggie to give me the answers. God knows how long that will take.","0":"I'm looking for someone who may or may not be a student.","1":"Okay.","2":"His name is Floyd."},"ch4__04.45.25 maggies request.vne3":{"3":"I don't even know how to ask her, to be honest. How long am I supposed to be patient?","4":"Should I just talk to her no matter what? See if that [i]cures[\/i] her of whatever infects her?","5":"I would just say talk to her, break her from her spell any way I can. But...","6":"...I know that'll just scare her.","7":"It's easy to think that throwing her in the social deep end is enough. But she has so many opportunities to talk to people.","8":"I don't think that I'm going to fix anything just by myself.","9":"...Hey...","10":"I was hoping to see you.","11":"That's funny. I was hoping to see you.","12":"Do you want to take a walk?","13":"I nod.","14":"Okay. That's good.","15":"I don't have any dogs to walk for the next few days so...","16":"[i]The next few days?[\/i] Why would she mention that?","17":"...it's a good chance to get to know each other. I feel like I know so little about you.","18":"Still... [i]the next few days...[\/i] it feels like a strange frame of time.","19":"Maybe it means nothing?","20":"Maggie is silent as we walk. She usually is. I don't think she feels like these silences are awkward.","21":"Actually, I kinda do. Even though I'm used to staying quiet, I'd still be communicating somehow.","22":"Back when I had a voice, I was a pretty good conversationalist.","23":"The fact there are so many questions burning inside me makes me uncomfortable. But...","24":"...Maggie suddenly talks.","25":"I'd like to ask you a question. About where you came from. And why you don't talk.","26":"I hope you don't mind.","27":"She's... she's asking me a question? Does she expect an answer?","28":"Shit... should I be pulling out my phone? She's staying quiet like she wants me to respond.","29":"...I can't ask you, though.","30":"Honest... I'm still not sure what you'd say.","31":"Even asking you somethin' simple, like when your birthday is...","32":"...I have this feeling you'd bite my head off. Call me a dumb bitch. Tell me I shouldn't have forgot. Tell me... all kinds of things.","33":"Well... I know [i]you[\/i] wouldn't say things like that, but I imagine it.","34":"I came all the way out here, lookin' for the only person I could talk to. I felt like if I found her again...","35":"...she could... dispel these awful feelings I have. Maybe I could even start living.","36":"She'd tell me the things I already know, but make me believe 'em.","37":"The awful thing is, sometimes I get so frustrated with her I want to snap at her.","38":"It seems that Maggie's whole life, people have been doing that to her.","39":"The favor I was going to ask you...","40":"...do you mind if we talk about it now?","41":"I need to go to a bad place I promised I'd never go back to.","42":"I really don't know what else to say. I could use your support. Anyone's support.","43":"And... you're literally the only person I know. So if you don't help me, nobody will.","44":"I gotta special friend that needs my help, you understand?","45":"I can't leave him there. I think about him every day. I don't want him to go through what I did.","46":"You don't have to do anything. All you need to do is drive me. I'm... off for a few days, so all you gotta do is come back here when you're ready to go.","47":"It's not that far away. Not far enough.","48":"This might be it. My chance to learn about Maggie's past.","49":"She needs me to drive her? I can do that. I do hope it isn't that far.","50":"It will be strange without {Leah}, but... I know I'm the only one who can do this.","51":"Meanwhile... I feel Maggie's hand gently touch mine, in a persistent way. Does she... want to hold hands?","52":"It's just holding hands... but... [i]it's also holding hands[\/i].","53":"Somehow... that feels so much more meaningful than just a kiss.","54":"I can't miss this opportunity.","55":"I don't see the harm in that.","56":"Maggie looks a little shocked, but the smile on her lips is definite.","57":"As she regains her composure, her fingers tightly wrap around mine.","58":"What is this feeling in my chest? My heart feels like room-temperature ice-cream.","59":"Like hot chocolate. Like caramel in a candy bar.","60":"Soft and ready to fit any form that Maggie desires.","61":"Her smile is innocent and sweet. It holds no malice at all.","62":"I wonder what kind of place would hold such terror for a girl like Maggie.","63":"I'll find out soon.","64":"I have a hard time explainin'... the way you make me feel.","65":"Especially when you... when you touch me.","66":"One of my favorite things about animals is that... they're always willing to touch you when no one else will.","67":"Humans are a bit more complicated...","68":"Sorry...[char,Maggie_Casual_Neutral] Thanks for putting up with me.","69":"And... thanks for helping out. Even if you do decide not to help me with this big thing I'm doing, you've done enough.","70":"I hope to see you soon.","71":"I... don't think Maggie is as scared of physical contact as she is with talking to people.","72":"That's surprising. I would've thought someone as shy as her would have shirked at being touched but...","73":"...I think she [i]hungers[\/i] for it...","0":"[i]Floyd[\/i]. The name has been bouncing around in my head for days.","1":"The identity of Maggie's stalker. But knowing his name hasn't cleared up anything about his motives.","2":"Could he have known Maggie from the beginning? I just don't know enough about Maggie to say."},"ch4__04.45.30 stealing the dog.vne3":{"10":"Her meek steps carry the burdens of a girl who is uncertain about the next few hours.","11":"Her silence is deeper and more profound than even my own.","12":"Even if she's so difficult to deal with, I get this sense that it's not her fault. There's a person inside Maggie that wants to break out.","13":"It could be that I'm the one to do that.","14":"Maggie arrives with meek, tiny steps.","15":"I know I'm frustrated with her, but it's difficult to hold onto that frustration when I'm near her.","16":"She has an aura. A helplessness that makes you feel guilty for feeling negative thoughts at all.","17":"I hold down whatever is on my mind as Maggie quietly approaches.","18":"{PlayerName}... I hope you're ready.","19":"I'm really grateful for your help. I promise you: you won't have to do anything.","20":"Just let me do it all, okay?","21":"[i]What if it's dangerous?[\/i]","22":"Maggie is frightened by talking. Would she actually do something dangerous?","23":"I have a feeling this mission is not going to be what I expect.","24":"We can leave now, if you want. Anytime you feel comfortable.","25":"I nod, and I take Maggie to the car.","26":"The car ride is silent, except for the occasional instruction from Maggie.","27":"Maggie's usual habit of talking on and on about nothing is replaced by a nervous quiet.","28":"I can tell she's tense. Her discomfort twists her in the seat, bunches up her shoulders and paints a look of concern on her lips.","29":"I wish there was something I could say to her...","30":"Hours later, Shale Hill town is long behind us.","31":"Small towns and gas stations give way to trees and rural roads.","32":"We pass hills, rocky outcroppings, and parks.","33":"This is very unfamiliar territory. Maggie's terrible place seems far away to me. How far does it have to be for her?","34":"Stop. We're here.","35":"I pull over, surprised by how forceful Maggie sounds.","36":"When the engine goes dead, I'm surprised by the total [i]quiet[\/i] of this place.","37":"The hum of Shale Hill is replaced with a ringing in my ears.","38":"Just... crickets and breeze and nothing else. I never knew quiet could feel so oppressive.","39":"Without any briefing or plan, Maggie steps out of the car. I follow after her.","40":"I see a cage in the front yard, and inside... some kind of guard dog. If this is Maggie's destination, I'm not sure she's going to get past it without help.","41":"That thing is sure to bark as soon as we get near.","42":"Okay. I'll be back real quick. Less than a minute. I promise.","43":"I'm... real sorry in advance. But I gotta do this.","44":"I'm not letting her do this alone. Not with a dog like that in the front yard.","45":"You can get back in the car if you want. But...","46":"...I think you're gonna try goin' with me no matter what.","47":"You got a honeybadger's heart, I'll tell you.","48":"[i]A honeybadger's heart?[\/i] That sounded like a compliment.","49":"Right. Let's do this.","50":"How is she going to get past the dog?","51":"When I start following her lead, I know I'm in too deep.","52":"I don't know what threats we face, but I trust Maggie the animal fanatic will know what to do about the guard dog.","53":"The people in that house don't look like they have [i]coexist[\/i] bumper stickers. If that dog alerts the residents, they're going to come out with guns.","54":"Will I be as lucky the second time as I was the first?","55":"But... Maggie isn't avoiding the dog. She's heading straight for it!","56":"[i]Maggie! Don't![\/i]","57":"But the dog doesn't react. Doesn't bark. It rouses with a start, awoken from its slumber.","58":"I'm not a dog expert, but the way this dog moves... seems slow and uncoordinated. An old dog, maybe?","59":"Maggie handles that lock like she's dealt with it many times...","60":"I'm stunned as the lock clicks and goes limp. So... Maggie can pick locks?","61":"The door swings open. The dog whimpers, scared and bewildered. I can tell the dog's vision is no good.","62":"It takes a few moments for it to gather its courage.","63":"A few sniffs of Maggie's hand... it was only then I realized...","64":"[i]...this is a rescue mission[\/i].","65":"Maggie [i]knows this dog[\/i]. For some reason it seems familiar to me as well.","66":"The dog is... overjoyed to see her. So it [i]was[\/i] her dog.","67":"No wonder this mission seemed so important for Maggie...","68":"...","69":"Oh no.","70":"Maggie's whisper is desperate.","71":"Run!","72":"We make a break for the car. The dog needs no encouragement to run after us.","73":"Sounds emerge from the farmhouse but we do not turn back.","74":"The tires squeal as I push the pedal down.","75":"Maggie's whole face is quivering, looking out the window.","76":"Only when the house curves out of sight does Maggie finally relent.","77":"Oh... [i]Plato[\/i]...","78":"Maggie's voice is verging on breaking.","79":"I was so worried about you, Plato. So worried.","80":"They didn't take good care of you, did they? You got mites! They're crawling over each other in your hairs.","81":"But don't worry, Plato. You're with me now. I'll take good care of you from now on. Mommy's got you.","82":"So the dog was the reason we came. I should've guessed.","83":"Maggie seems like she's forgotten all about me. But... this feels like a reunion long coming.","84":"I'm going to let them have their moment. Even if that means trying not to think about the mites in my car...","85":"I drop Maggie off at school. For a moment, I wonder where she lives. But I know she's not ready to tell me.","86":"I'm sorry about having Plato in the car. I was scared you wouldn't help me if you knew.","87":"It takes about ten days for mites to die, so... you better shower thoroughly until then.","88":"Yeah. I think I'm going to fumigate my car, too.","89":"I'm really grateful for your help. You haven't asked me for nothing. You've done everything I've asked you to.","90":"I don't really know what I could do for you. It really bothers me that... you've done so much for me.","91":"Would a... kiss be a good reward?","92":"The words come out, but something goes over her the moment she finishes them.","93":"Doubts creep in. She falters before I even have the chance to react.","94":"It's a bit silly to ask. I'm sorry.","95":"Why would you wanna touch me?","96":"She's so quick when she wants to be, rushing away with Plato in arm.","97":"The thing to do would be to chase after her... tell her I don't feel that way... but I can never judge how Maggie is going to react to something.","98":"Does Maggie really believe that nobody would touch her? Does she think of herself as unattractive?","99":"She really doesn't know what she looks like, does she? If she did...","100":"...she'd know she could get whatever she wants out of me.","101":"She wants me to touch her?","102":"I'm both... kinda surprised, and not at all. Surprised that she'd say something like that. But even I can tell she feels something for me.","103":"I've gotten to see a lot of Maggie recently. I didn't know her well before, and I still don't, but at least I've seen her [i]character[\/i].","104":"What does she mean to me?","105":"I think I have feelings for her.","106":"She's just someone that needs my help.","107":"Some part of her has squeezed its way into my heart. It's the only explanation for what I'm willing to do for her..","108":"She's... probably not the best person to have feelings for. If you can't communicate at all with someone, what kind of relationship do you have?","109":"If I continue to see her, a solution may eventually present itself.","110":"Cute she might be. But she's just too... strange.","111":"This won't work out in the long run. I can see that very clearly.","112":"I have my own pressing questions. I need to find out the relationship between Floyd and Maggie.","0":"I'm taking Maggie to her scary place today.","113":"If I can figure that out, I can start to think of a solution.","1":"[i]How scary,[\/i] though? Scary like how a roller coaster traumatizes you as a child?","2":"Or scary like I should actually be worried? Should I bring a gun? Cover my license plates?","3":"Shit man... I don't even know how long this journey will take.","4":"There are so many questions I should have asked before doing this. And there's going to be little opportunity once we get in the car.","5":"I'm... not exactly sure what Maggie even wants to do once we get there.","6":"[i]That[\/i] I should've asked. I'm sure that Maggie isn't going to her Hell on Earth to take a pleasant walk.","7":"But... I can't imagine her confronting anyone either.","8":"When this is done I'm going to have a really interesting story to tell {Leah}.","9":"When Maggie approaches, all of my frustration fades."},"ch4__04.45.35 dog park.vne3":{"3":"But she's doing neither of those things. She's affectionately rubbing the scalp of her dog, smiling softly and serenely.","4":"I almost don't want to interrupt this moment... but I imagine that one of the reasons Maggie is here is to see me.","5":"What is she going to say about what she said yesterday?","6":"Maggie stands up as she sees me. Her smile is genuine but restrained. She's got something on her mind.","7":"Hey. How are you?","8":"You know [i]Plato[\/i] is doing good. Well... except for a few things.","9":"I know he's a lot happier with me, but... I left something behind. In [i]that[\/i] place.","10":"Poor Plato. He's sick. Thing is bones, and he's already old so... I gotta wonder how many years he's got.","11":"If he is gonna pass... I'm glad it is in my care but...","12":"...if I can get that medicine back... I can get him a few more years.","13":"[i]Medicine?[\/i] So Plato is sick.","14":"Before I left... I took him to the vet and got some expensive medicine for him. It's... still on the kitchen counter, most likely.","15":"They ain't gonna give Plato medicine. They think it's a waste. But I don't. So I gotta go back.","16":"I'm gonna go by myself, if I need to.","17":"But... if you took me, I'd be grateful. Don't think that I expect you to, though.","18":"She didn't say anything about offering to kiss me or letting me touch her, like she did last time.","19":"That may be off the table. Or maybe Maggie is pretending like that never happened.","20":"It seems... that her physical barrier may be stronger than I thought.","21":"Which it's a good thing at the end of the day. I don't want to give her false hope just because I'm helping her.","22":"I'd hate to help her only to break her heart.","23":"I press my hand to my chest, indicating that I'm willing to help.","24":"Thank you.","25":"I was real nervous about doing it by myself.","26":"Meet me here at night when you're ready. I'll... expect to see you sometime.","27":"See ya.","28":"So I'm going back to the farmhouse. Next time, they're going to be ready for someone.","29":"I don't know if they're going to hold back even if they see Maggie, but they certainly won't hold back against me.","30":"I need to be ready for anything.","0":"I haven't seen Maggie since I rescued her dog.","1":"I'm hoping I meet her again today... which is why I've been hanging around at the park.","2":"I expect to see her, walking dogs, or wandering around alone, as she usually does."},"ch4__04.45.40 stealing the medicine.vne3":{"10":"I'm sorry I don't got a better plan.","11":"Neither do I, for that matter. Her plan will have to do.","12":"The journey will be long. I'll have enough time to psyche myself up and get prepared mentally.","13":"Somehow, the journey is longer the second time. Maybe because I [i]do[\/i] know how much more dangerous it is.","14":"This time, I watch the road with excessive caution. Worried I might slam into something.","15":"Only a couple of times do I look at Maggie. Every time, I see her quickly glancing away.","16":"Her hands are firmly on her lap, squeezed into her seat.","17":"She doesn't look like someone terrified of danger. She looks like someone terrified at a first date.","18":"What is she expecting to happen?","19":"When we arrive, it's much later at night.","20":"Maggie steps out of the car and whispers quietly.","21":"I... I don't think anybody's inside.","22":"Still, if I want to get the medicine...","23":"...I actually need to go inside the house. You... you definitely shouldn't do that.","24":"If I don't come out... then... leave without me. [char,Maggie_Casual_Soft_Smile][delay,200]Trust me. I'm... [i]safe[\/i].","25":"Something tells me she has a difficult time saying exactly what kind of peril she'll be in.","26":"Maggie reaches into her pocket and pulls out a key.","27":"The smile she gives me has an [i]I'll be back soon[\/i] feel to it.","28":"But before she even makes it to the door... loud clopping boots slam downstairs.","29":"What was-","30":"Oh, no. Someone [i]is[\/i] home!","31":"I know a place to hide. Come!","32":"Maggie dashes away, while I'm still flatfooted. In the next flash, I'm running after her.","33":"Wish she'd slow down! Does she not realize that I've never been here before!","34":"Hearing the front door spring open with force is enough to have me jumping.","35":"I chase Maggie behind the house. I'm expecting to see something horrible back here - a slaughterhouse, graves, an angrier dog...","36":"...but I don't see anything. More importantly... I don't see Maggie.","37":"In the barn? I hope she's in the barn...","38":"I don't have time to look anywhere else!","39":"A barn? But I don't see any animals.","40":"A storage shed, maybe? There's junk everywhere.","41":"This seems like a really good place to hide...","42":"This should be enough.","43":"My family don't go in here too often. They put things in here only to forget 'em.","44":"[i]Her family?[\/i] I kinda suspected, but...","45":"We oughta be quiet.","46":"God... we're close together. But she has no body heat, almost no breath, as we both wait together.","47":"All feelings of social awkwardness are out the window. All consideration and focus is on those heavy boots I heard coming from the farmhouse.","48":"It seems like minutes pass by. I've never faced someone for so long, without looking or talking to them.","49":"Neither of us know when it's safe. So we just keep still and silent, as we are.","50":"When Maggie feels comfortable breathing, I do too.","51":"Lord that was close.","52":"I used to take a friend here. This was the nicest place.","53":"Does it give you a cozy feeling?","54":"Mimaw used to say that places get spirit if we make nice memories in 'em.","55":"I can't really say that I'm getting a cozy feeling from this place. Not when there's a potential for Maggie's shotgun-toting parents.","56":"Just as I was thinking about it!","57":"We gotta get to my old hiding spot.","58":"Quick! Up the ladder!","59":"Maggie scales the ladder like a video game character, only stopping to see if I'm following.","60":"I follow her up there not long after. And just in time, too.","61":"Silence as a man strides in. Shirtless and ready for death.","62":"I blink, and I blink again. No, I'm not making a mistake. The guy who just walked in is [i]Floyd[\/i]. Maggie's stalker.","63":"What is a guy like Floyd doing at Maggie's family's house? Unless...","64":"Oh, no. {Leah} was right. Floyd is from Maggie's past. [i]Way in her past[\/i].","65":"It didn't occur to me that messages as awful as those could come from...","66":"...[i]family[\/i].","67":"I glance at Maggie, hoping to find in her face some sort of answer... confirmation of my suspicions.","68":"I see nothing but wide, fearful eyes.","69":"We stay crouched, waiting for any sign he might leave.","70":"It seems incomprehensible to me that he wouldn't try and look up in the rafters.","71":"But... miraculously he doesn't. He walks off.","72":"Maggie looks at me, releasing a sigh of relief.","73":"That was... well...","74":"...it don't matter too much. He's not part of my life.","75":"[i]Are you okay?[\/i] That's what I want to ask.","76":"Somehow... Maggie understands. It's like my words penetrate through my skull and into her ears.","77":"I'm fine. I know you think I'm fragile. But I'm a lot tougher than you think.","78":"Just 'cause... I'm no good with people... don't mean I ain't suffered all the slings and arrows of fate.","79":"[i]Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...[\/i] I know what that means too damn good.","80":"I wish I knew what Maggie meant...","81":"We stay in silence for a bit as I hug her. I can feel her body warmth. Her breath is getting heavier. Something inside her growing more tense, more desperate.","82":"She looks at me with a tender expression. Is... she expecting me to [i]do[\/i] something?","83":"I have the impression she feels safe with me here holding her, protecting her.","84":"I guess I should... say something to her. I've wanted to for a long time... but it never felt like the right moment.","85":"But... would she be able to tolerate it?","86":"Of all times... it feels [i]right[\/i] now.","87":"In this moment... it feels unique. It feels right.","88":"With the danger gone, recovering from the adrenaline of being chased and having to hide...","89":"...I'm feeling a calm I haven't felt in a long time.","90":"Does she feel the same way?","91":"So, I take my phone out, just to see how she'll react.","92":"It's an experiment. If she seems anxious, I'll put it back.","93":"But... if she seems fine... I'll try saying something.","94":"I study her expression carefully.","95":"What... what are you doing?","96":"She's more confused than anxious. I don't think she quite gets I talk through my phone.","97":"She waits for me to do something. Is she waiting for me to speak?","98":"I'm not sure. I think she knows I'm about to use my phone.","99":"I'll... try and say something. Something simple. Something reassuring. I... hope she doesn't panic...","100":"It's okay.","101":"Oh!","102":"Yeah... something as simple as a voice will spook her. I'll say something else. Quick.","103":"Don't be afraid.","104":"Uh...","105":"I remember now. You... have that phone app, don't you? You speak through it?","106":"It's a real strange thing. I'm sorry I react weird to things.","107":"There's nothing I'm afraid of. I just worry... is all.","108":"Despite all evidence to the contrary... it's like I can't convince myself that you like me.","109":"That... you're only with me because you pity me.","110":"I do have sympathy for her, but it isn't in the way she thinks it is.","111":"I have to nip this line of thinking in the bud, and I need keep my response simple.","112":"That's not true.","113":"It's not? Why... why isn't it?","114":"With Maggie... I feel like I need to pick each word carefully.","115":"Anything might set her off. So... I'll only say what I need to say. Using as few words as possible.","116":"Because you are my friend.","117":"I have to remember that Maggie has limited herself to animal friends for a reason. I'm starting to sense now... that it's not humans that she's scared of...","118":"...it's that she [i]doesn't understand people[\/i]. Humans aren't like dogs. Humans are complex. They're unpredictable.","119":"That's why I'm keeping things simple for her. She likes me because she sees in me something simple. But I'm not simple.","120":"For her, though, I will be.","121":"I see. Thank you.","122":"She has reacted well to me talking to her. I'm relieved.","123":"I was afraid she was going to bolt from me like last time.","124":"Do you like it up here? Feel nice, don't it?","125":"Do you think it's cozy?","126":"She sounds insecure...","127":"You know... it was right in this spot... I got my first kiss.","128":"[i]First kiss?[\/i] I mean... it wouldn't be shocking except it's [i]Maggie[\/i].","129":"It was... so awkward. I... uh... was curious and I asked her if we could try it.","130":"Asked [i]her[\/i]. So it was a girl...","131":"She was the last person I could really talk to and not feel nervous. It's because she was so easy-going... and so good at listening.","132":"She had a tough exterior when I first met her... but... she was actually all sugar and butter on the inside.","133":"You kinda... make me feel the same.","134":"The kiss though... must've not sat well with her because... I didn't see her again after that.","135":"I kinda loved her. Not in a romantic way. But like in the... way I don't know how to describe.","136":"I do remember how nice it was... for someone to touch me.","137":"[i]To touch her?[\/i] There's a look of hopefulness in her eyes, but she's trying hard not to show it too much.","138":"The kiss... the touching... there's no mistake, she likes me and she's been showing it. She just doesn't know how to handle it.","139":"However, no matter my feelings... this might be the wrong time and place...","140":"...but if I don't... I might not get this chance again.","141":"As I stare into her eyes, her breath gets continuously more strained.","142":"It's anticipation that's choking her. I sort of understand the feeling...","143":"...I'm feeling the same way.","144":"Ultimately, it is up to me to make the right choice.","145":"...also, as much as I like her personally... I can't see her the same way she sees me.","146":"Maggie is a hard girl to disappoint... but doing that now would save her the greater disappointment in the long run.","147":"Touch her.","148":"Don't touch her.","149":"No. This is a bad time. And something about this... feels wrong.","150":"I can't go through with this.","151":"Oh... uh...","152":"...sorry... I said things I wasn't supposed to say...","153":"I think we're safe. We can... step outside now.","154":"Maggie quickly descends down the ladder. I follow right behind.","155":"Something tells me... I may have missed my chance to be with her.","156":"But ultimately, I don't have regrets. If it was going to happen, I wouldn't want it to happen like this.","157":"Let's check the house.","158":"Oh... uh... I thought you would...","159":"N-nevermind. Sorry. It was just a silly thought.","160":"I think it's safe to go out now. We should... get going.","161":"I step down the ladder with Maggie.","162":"We both take a moment to listen. Nothing but crickets. Does that mean it's safe to leave? I have no idea.","163":"Let's get going.","0":"Maggie says she doesn't expect me to come. However... I feel obliged to.","1":"Ultimately, I'm not really doing this to save the life of an old dog, but I'm doing it for Maggie.","2":"The dog has meaning to her. It may seem strange to me, but I'm not going to question it.","3":"Hey.","4":"Um... thanks for showing up. It's going to be a little more dangerous this time.","5":"I took the dog, after all. They know someone went to the house.","6":"If you want to back out... it's okay. I understand.","7":"I shake my head. I already had a gun pointed at me. Maybe I'm not invincible, but I am prepared to take risks.","8":"I'm so happy to see that! That is such a darn relief.","9":"The best way to do it is while they're gone. And... if we go in late, they might be asleep."},"ch4__04.45.40a maggie sex scene.vne3":{"10":"[handjob_speed != handjob_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[sex37_speed != sex37_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[sex37_speed != sex37_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[sex37_speed != sex37_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[sex39_speed != sex39_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[sex39_speed != sex39_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[sex39_speed != sex39_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Speed [tg_anim]","25":"Continue","26":"[sex55_speed != sex55_fast_speed]Faster","27":"[sex55_speed != sex55_default_speed]Default Speed","28":"[sex55_speed != sex55_slow_speed]Slower","29":"<","30":"Play scene.","31":"Cum options","32":"I took her head into my hands and watched the unease melt away in her.","33":"For a girl that has had such difficulty communicating, she seems far more comfortable being touched than I had imagined.","34":"I suppose she really does want that human contact.","35":"You... you want to touch me...?","36":"She couldn't even try to hide how much she wanted it.","37":"The barriers in her heart are completely collapsing.","38":"Please...","39":"I lean in forward and my lips meet with hers, joining us in a kiss.","40":"It's our first kiss. I expect Maggie to pull back in shyness...","41":"...but I can tell immediately that she has kissed before... and she's comfortable with it.","42":"After all, she presses into my lips, and I feel her lips vibrate against mine.","43":"Her moan becomes a hum as it transfers from her mouth.","44":"When we eventually break off, I note how Maggie's taste lingers on my tongue.","45":"I ask her ''how did that feel'', just by the way I look at her.","46":"Maggie seems to understand.","47":"I...I really liked that...","48":"Can we... do it again?","49":"Yes. Yes we can.","50":"I lean in to kiss her again, and this time, I'm not surprised when she kisses back.","51":"I have to let go of this feeling that she's going to pull back... because she isn't.","52":"Maggie clearly wants this. She's said it, and now she's showing it.","53":"I pull away from Maggie, to make doubly sure I know how she feels about this.","54":"But she looks completely comfortable. More than that. Her smile belies an intensity in her eyes.","55":"I don't know why I feel proud of her, but I do.","56":"I don't mind if you lie down with me. I think...","57":"...I... I think it would be really nice if we-","58":"Suddenly, her confidence seems to come to a jarring halt.","59":"It's surprising, given how comfortable she was earlier. It's almost like her anxiety shot up and suddenly hit the brakes.","60":"Her next words are tumbled, fumbled out.","61":"B-But if you don't want to do something like that with me... I... I would understand, really!","62":"It's so early and I'm f-forcing this onto you when you might want t-to do this with other girls instead of me an-","63":"I gently turn her face back to look at me, to show her just how much I want everything she wants, too.","64":"Y-You...you don't mind...? You want to d-do it with me?","65":"I want to tell her how silly her worries are.","66":"I lean forward. She lets me kiss her.","67":"Soon, she forgets about her worries and anxieties.","68":"Each time, I felt her relax more and more, and I would do this as many times as it took to get her comfortable.","69":"Breathy moans began to leave her mouth as I leaned in towards her neck while undressing her.","70":"I love how her freckled skin begins to perspire, grow slick and sweaty.","71":"As my hand lifts to her shirt, undoing each button each one by one.","72":"She lets me slip off her shirt, which falls to the splintered floor.","73":"Next, goes her top. Momentarily, I forget Maggie is even a person rather than just a pair of breasts.","74":"I really just want to see her naked... her body... and to touch her...","75":"Maggie's shirt is off. She backs away, suddenly shy... but makes no effort to hide her breasts.","76":"I knew she was going to look nice. But... I'm surprised by how nice she looks...","77":"I have to force myself to pay attention to her.","78":"S-Sorry...","79":"I've never been past kissing. Please... could you show that you want to do this with me?","80":"I don't... I don't want to disgust you.","81":"Seeing that this was likely something she needed to put her fears at ease, I quickly grabbed my phone to confirm my intentions.","82":"You don't disgust me.","83":"I can feel Maggie's flinch. Despite our physical closeness, it's still [i]communication[\/i] that scares her more than anything.","84":"It's clear, this time, even though she wants to believe me, she can't quite bring herself to.","85":"It's just...so weird that anyone would want me in the first place...","86":"You are beautiful.","87":"Maggie doesn't react initially to my words. As if she can't convince herself. But then...","88":"...After some reluctance, she finally lets her jeans slip down her legs.","89":"I'm not sure if I am beautiful.","90":"Maybe... you think I am. But I know I'm really not.","91":"But I'll believe you. I'll trust you, and work hard to satisfy you.","92":"I shake my head. Point to my chest. Maggie looks at me with momentary confusion.","93":"Okay... I think I understand. There's... no point talking, is there?","94":"There's only... there's only [i]showing[\/i].","95":"I remove my pants too and get ready to join her.","96":"With that out of the way, Maggie laid herself back on the makeshift bed with me laying next to her.","97":"Her breath stops in her throat. I know she's having a difficult time controlling herself.","98":"She's nervous. More so than before, but she still has control over herself.","99":"Despite her worries, I know she wants this.","100":"Our lips meet hungrily one last time, but with her almost completely naked under me, I want more this time.","101":"I support her neck as we kiss. I keep kissing until she relaxes, turning to dough in my hands.","102":"Moving downwards, I start to suck on one of her nipples, cupping her breast with one of my hands.","103":"Uh...","104":"In turn, she arches her back upwards, showing me just how she likes me. She gives me easier access to her body.","105":"This kind of nonverbal communication was really what she preferred.","106":"I felt her hand wrap around behind my head, and she [i]presses[\/i] me down.","107":"I guess she's lost any hesitation. She's even forgotten how nervous she's supposed to be.","108":"Out of her mouth come hoarse croaks.","109":"Go... go lower...","110":"The sweet hum of her voice filled the air as I got lower and lower, leaving a trail of kisses on her body as I made my way to her crotch.","111":"It's so clear she's been fantasizing about this moment for a long time. I'm overjoyed I can be the one to make her fantasies come true.","112":"At her crotch, I see the growing patch of wetness in her panties. I look up at her, cocking a teasing smile at the stain.","113":"Don't look at me like that... it's natural ain't it? To... to... get [size,0.5]wet...","114":"Ain't it natural? [size,0.5]I think it's natural...","115":"She bashfully avoided my gaze.","116":"C-Come on! D-Do whatever you were gonna do already...!","117":"So I do.","118":"Maggie squeals a little, indicating a little fear, but mostly excitement.","119":"I pull her panties off her legs, she raises her pelvis to help me get them off faster.","120":"A warmth - no, [i]heat[\/i] - radiates from her private region.","121":"Once her panties were removed and flung aside, I was brought face to face with her dripping entrance.","122":"It was right in front of me, twitching ever so slightly on the odd occasion, eager to be touched by finger or tongue.","123":"Oh... that feels kinda...","124":"...strange! Oh!","125":"Her words are quickly cut off as the pleasure overcomes her.","126":"Your... your tongue...!","127":"Every moan of pleasure from her was motivation for me to continue eating her out with vigor and passion.","128":"Flicking my tongue across her folds, tasting how she changes as she lubricates.","129":"As I do so, her hips undulate, she presses and pulls herself. I feel her moan through the genitals.","130":"I'm like most guys. I devour girls from the inside out.","131":"...it's a different experience completely.","132":"She reacts to every sensation like it's completely new. Because, for her, it is.","133":"Every groan also sounds like an exclamation of surprise. The pure [i]intensity[\/i] of what she feels is enough to overpower her.","134":"Her voice, soft like a whine, picks up pitch. I know she's trying to tell me something, but can't quite bring herself to.","135":"Hold on... wait...","136":"As she called out to me, I stopped my fervent licking and tilted my head up to lock eyes with her.","137":"I don't... I don't want you to only make [i]me[\/i] feel good. I want to make you feel good too.","138":"You've done so much for me, so...","139":"I want to keep going, yet I'm so happy to see such an honest and eager smile on her face. I couldn't turn her down.","140":"I've never seen her act this natural, this comfortable around me, so I want to respect her and let her find whatever rhythm suits her best.","141":"So we trade positions, with me laying back and a naked Maggie getting in between my legs.","142":"I feel kinda guilty, actually. Am I pushing Maggie a little too fast?","143":"It was her who wanted to do this, so...","144":"I... never saw one of these things before... in the flesh...","145":"Do you want me to handle it?","146":"She seems to doubt herself, even though her green eyes were filled with determination.","147":"I think she's feeling confident. I'm still not sure... but I'll let her continue until she wants to stop.","148":"After a quick nod from me, her fingers already found themselves at the seams of my boxers.","149":"She's quick and fumbling. I think she's excited to see beneath the boxers, but equally terrified...","150":"My cock popped out as soon as she began to pull the band back. Her gasp is immediate.","151":"It's... bigger than I imagined...","152":"She shied away from eye contact again, looking to the side, seemingly intimidated by the standing erection before her.","153":"I don't have to take it all in at once...right?","154":"This is definitely the first time Maggie has ever seen a dick. She looks like she has no idea what to do with the thing.","155":"I want to let her know she could take it at whatever pace she wanted to, but the only way I can is with a generous smile.","156":"Maggie is going to have to build up the courage herself.","157":"With her confidence returning, she turned back around.","158":"Right. I'll make you feel good. [i]I'll make you feel good.[\/i] I've seen this being done... I can do this...","159":"She's seen this being done? [i]Where?[\/i]","160":"Porn perhaps? She's socially awkward, but her young female instincts [i]are[\/i] alive after all.","161":"Her technique is as raw as can be.","162":"If I wasn't already convinced that Maggie was a virgin, this makes me believe it.","163":"Do... do you like this? Do you want me to try something else?","164":"Her effort was more than endearing enough to make up for it.","165":"Both of her hands coil around my shaft...","166":"In her nervousness, she begins to jerk me off.","167":"I notice that it's more about [i]learning[\/i] how my cock works, than actually pleasuring me.","168":"That's fine. You can only do one thing at a time.","169":"Sometimes a little tight, sometimes a little loose, she grips it like a gear shift in a car.","170":"It's cute, actually. It kinda makes me wish she'd stay like this.","171":"It definitely isn't the most comfortable handjob in the world, but it may be the most adorable.","172":"Okay... I can do this...","173":"She craned forward, my cock still in her hands as she looked at it with mixed feelings in her eyes.","174":"Does she feel... pressured? I don't want her to feel that... but I also don't want to stop her from exploring at her own pace.","175":"I can try with my mouth, if you want... would that make you feel good?","176":"That would make me feel good. But the quivering in Maggie's voice doesn't.","177":"I try to indicate to her that she doesn't have to do it if she doesn't want to. But... I don't think she understands.","178":"Her lips planted a quick kiss on the side of my shaft.","179":"It's an experimental kiss, like she's unsure whether to commit.","180":"I hate to say it... but her nervousness makes it hotter. Her lips touching my cockhead makes her whole face flush.","181":"She intakes lungfuls of my scent.","182":"Again, she's trying to seem eager, trying to do it like she's seen it done... but she can't quite commit herself to doing it.","183":"I feel the very tip of her tongue, ever so carefully circle around my dickhole.","184":"I don't want her to stop, but I can also tell she's [i]so unsure[\/i] of how to handle it...","185":"God... I have to stop her, don't I?","186":"I really don't want to. But I just get this feeling that she's not ready to give a blowjob.","187":"My libido is going to kick the shit out of me for days.","188":"I sit up, indicating with my open palm that she doesn't have to give me oral if she doesn't want to.","189":"O-Oh!","190":"I see. You don't want that?","191":"Beneath the soft smile, Maggie looks secretly relieved. That's enough to make me realize I've made the right decision.","192":"I want a blowjob from Maggie. [i]Badly[\/i]. [i]Painfully[\/i]. But that's just going to have to wait.","193":"If you don't want that... I suppose we could... do something else.","194":"The light in her face has returned.","195":"I think she wants it done conventionally before she's ready to experiment.","196":"I can do that for her.","197":"I guided her back down to the pillow behind me gently, before positioning myself right in front of her opening.","198":"Be gentle, okay? I've never... had anything [i]real[\/i] inside me...","199":"I knew that already. If she wasn't a virgin, I would be amazed.","200":"Her poor social skills and communication problems had kept her from any romantic entanglements. With the exception of the girl that she kissed...","201":"An opportunity is slowly dawning on me. Taking the virginity of a girl such as Maggie is going to be something special.","202":"My desire to conquer demands it.","203":"I lined up my cock with the entrance of her pussy, looking down at her as if to ask if she was ready.","204":"Y-Yeah, go ahead. I trust you.","205":"My cock was already lubricated from her lips. The little coolness of her saliva gets warmer as it gets closer to her vagina.","206":"She feels wet, too. I'm confident I could slide in without hurting her as well.","207":"If this is her first experience, I want it to be as comfortable as possible.","208":"Ah... ah...!","209":"Sweet moans escaped her lips as I slowly began to part her folds and push into her with my tip, watching Maggie's fingers curl as pleasure swept through her body.","210":"She's so fucking tight... I feel like going too fast is going to make her tear.","211":"Each time I push, I gently test her elasticity.","212":"Hold me close! I... I want to feel your body up against mine...!","213":"I want... I want you to m-m...","214":"Her voice trembled, as she tried to force out words that clearly embarrassed her. I tried to give her the most reassuring look I could, and she pressed on.","215":"I want you to m-make...make love to me...! P-Please!","216":"Again, seeing how words were making her flustered, I decided I would respond with my body instead.","217":"Oh...","218":"I cupped the side of her head with one hand as I began to move in and out of her as sensually as I could, trying to make sure it felt as good for her as it did for me.","219":"That... that feels [i]so[\/i] good. You can... you can go harder too...!","220":"She's so eager to please me, to make sure I'm enjoying this, but she has no idea how easy I am to please.","221":"She basically doesn't need to do anything. She could hold still, and let me do all the work. But it's clear she's not.","222":"Her muscles contract around my cock, milking every inch of my dick. Her pelvic muscles are... surprisingly powerful.","223":"She's taking this pretty well considering this is her first time. It might be that she's a natural at this.","224":"I felt her body craving a faster, rougher pace, I stood up and took hold of her legs as I fucked her.","225":"Oooooooh! Yessss...!","226":"I use my body weight to piston in and out of her. I find a rhythm. I keep going, letting wave after wave of ecstasy build up.","227":"I bite on my lip, using the slight pain to focus on, to prevent orgasm.","228":"I can hear Maggie sharply intake breath, shuddering like a window in a storm. She's definitely going through the same experience I am, and she's taking it so well.","229":"I've forgotten - Maggie walks dogs. Maybe not an athlete, but still strong and fit.","230":"Her muscles, her buttocks and her thighs, I can feel them as they tense. They work in tandem with each thrust I do.","231":"Her core, strong yet soft. He body is so elastic, willing to shudder and shake with pleasure.","232":"Each squeeze compels me to thrust more vigorously, and less gently, too. I know more and more that this body, like all other bodies...","233":"...is built for sex.","234":"Maggie is meant for my pleasure. As I am meant for hers.","235":"I flip her to the side to expose her neck to my kisses and her nipples to the tweaking of my fingers.","236":"It's a better angle. I feel myself going deeper and harder into her. As she's overcome by the movements inside her, her voice grows more pleading.","237":"Oh! This... is... [i]so much[\/i]!","238":"Please... please keep going?","239":"I forget that Maggie is a virgin. At this point, I just fuck her like I do any girl.","240":"The pride that I felt, deflowering her, is soon overwhelmed by the pure sensation I'm feeling.","241":"I only remember Maggie when I hear her meek voice from beneath me.","242":"Are you close...?","243":"Yes... I am close. I nod, and drips of sweat fall off me onto her.","244":"Let's...let's finish like this, okay? D-Don't stop for anything.","245":"I want you to feel good...","246":"So I synchronize with her. My movements match hers.","247":"If I'm blasting off, I want to bring her with me.","248":"I want to remember this time she lost her virginity.","249":"I put in everything I have, wanting to make us both cum together in joint ecstasy.","250":"Maggie held her asscheeks apart, spreading them with her hands to make it even easier for me to fuck her.","251":"It sounds like she wants to say something, but every attempt to speak ends in meek little words that trail off in moans.","252":"She must have completely lost herself. Is she about to orgasm? It sounds a bit like it.","253":"In any case, I think she's over the edge. She will cum. And soon.","254":"Now... it's coming to my turn. Maggie wants me to feel good, and I will.","255":"Slowly but surely, I was getting closer to my orgasm.","256":"I don't know if Maggie sensed that, but she had a natural inclination to make me feel good, the way she hungrily thrusts herself on me.","257":"Noisy slaps cause this level of the barn to creak.","258":"I feel like someone is going to have to hit the nails back into this place once we're done.","259":"In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the whole barn is rocking with my thrusts.","260":"This building, solidly built as it is, creaks with our combined weight and movement.","261":"Each slap is heavy. When my hips collide with hers, I bounce off her strong ass.","262":"The crescendo we're building to... it's obvious now. We're not fucking for nothing.","263":"She's going to orgasm. I'm going to orgasm. It's a runaway effect.","264":"After all, we're two animals, doing the most natural thing in the world...","265":"...pleasuring ourselves using each other's bodies.","266":"I can't will myself to slow down the pace, nor hold off.","267":"It doesn't matter. My ecstasy is mounting up faster than I thought possible.","268":"It's no shock when I hit the point of no return. I know I'm going to run right over the edge.","269":"I can feel your- ah! Your thingie is throbbing...! Are you gonna... go...?","270":"D-Don't hold back! Wherever you go... I'll go with you!","271":"Whatever makes you happy... wherever you want!","272":"As Maggie's pussy threatened to send me over the edge, I had to quickly make my choice.","273":"Cum inside her.","274":"Cum on her back.","275":"Cum on her face.","276":"Not wanting to interrupt the flow of our passion, and wanting to truly connect with Maggie, I keep going with the intent of finishing inside her.","277":"Oh! You can do it inside... if you want~!","278":"With a final thrust, I went all the way into Maggie and began to blow my load into her depths.","279":"Maggie hums out her pleasure, desperately keeping her cries inside.","280":"There was no doubt that she came as well, her pussy working to milk every last drop of cum out of my cock and into her.","281":"Her pleasure forces open her mouth and she finally releases a cry.","282":"Haaaaah...","283":"When our orgasms finally subsided, I began to slowly pull out of her, while giving us both ample time to properly catch our breath.","284":"At some point, I began to feel my cum leaking out of her, my cock no longer fully plugging her pussy shut.","285":"As her moans gently filled the air, even this moment of calm had its own unique air of sensuality.","286":"Oh... I can't believe... how nice it feels...","287":"So this is what it's like...","288":"Not wanting to risk complications, I quickly pulled myself out of Maggie.","289":"Are you... going to cum?","290":"The back. It was the best option. Safe, easy, and sexy. I like Maggie's backside. Besides... I'm... almost... there...","291":"You can... you can... oh! It's warm!","292":"Maggie cried out with a cute squeal as I began to empty my balls all over her.","293":"Not wanting to disappoint her, and being far from finished myself, more pumps sent more ropes of cum out onto her exposed back.","294":"Thick streaks of cum stuck to her back as my first load found its mark.","295":"Oh... that feels... kinda nice!","296":"Eventually I had finished, and her back was completely painted in my colors.","297":"Her back heaves and undulates with vital breath.","298":"That felt... so good...","299":"She didn't turn around, we just both held our positions as we struggled to catch our breath after our orgasms.","300":"You really liked that... didn't you...?","301":"I quickly turned Maggie over, showing her I wanted to finish on her face.","302":"Thankfully, she quickly understood exactly what I meant, treating me to an eager look of desire on her face as I pumped away in my hand.","303":"I... wouldn't mind if you did it... just like they do on the Internet.","304":"I'm not so innocent, you know. I would do anything to make you feel good...","305":"[i]Just like they do on the Internet...[\/i] I guess she's talking about porn. [i]Maggie watches porn[\/i].","306":"I like Maggie being the innocent, shy type, but I also kinda dig Maggie's dirty side...","307":"Perfectly timed, her vocal encouragement was exactly what I needed to burst.","308":"Oh! It's warm~!","309":"Spurts of cum began to shoot out, coating Maggie's face as she closed her eyes and held her head out without worry.","310":"Another load came quickly after the first. Maggie wanted it, so I couldn't disappoint her.","311":"She turns her head... moans... as if trying to maximize the amount of cum she can get on her skin.","312":"A strange feeling of satisfaction wells up in me. I didn't expect Maggie to act this way...","313":"A final load burst forward, as per her desire.","314":"She turned her head to the side, as if trying to get every last inch of herself covered in my cum.","315":"Oh... that's... so much!","316":"I drain the contents of my balls all over Maggie's face. She looks up at me with a mix of pride and satisfaction.","317":"How was that...? Did you feel good?","318":"I nod quickly, eager to express to her just how much I enjoyed what we had just done.","319":"I'll... I'll be right back... just need to... make myself presentable.","320":"Once Maggie had gotten herself cleaned up, neither of us were particularly interested in getting dressed again and leaving the barn.","321":"Instead, we made ourselves comfortable on the ''bed'' we'd just finished fucking on.","322":"Hey...","323":"I didn't do anything stupid back there...did I?","324":"I laughed, and shook my head.","325":"Did I [i]say[\/i] anything stupid...?","326":"Again, I gave her the same response, and this time we laughed together.","327":"Even though some of her typical worries were coming back to her, there was a gorgeous smile plastered all over her face.","328":"That was enough.","329":"I'm so happy you enjoyed that as much as I did... I hope we can do it again in the future...","330":"Tired but satisfied, Maggie and I lay side by side in the barn's bed and drifted off into sleep.","331":"Earlier on, Maggie had went on about giving places spirit by making nice memories in them. I think we did that.","332":"I shut my eyes. And I imagine Maggie does too.","333":"This barn... that seemed so ramshackle and worn... now seems so comfy and nice.","334":"I could really go to sleep here...","335":"Get up...","336":"Oh... please get up...","337":"Huh?","338":"She's already dressed and up. Why? Didn't we...?","339":"Oh, fuck. [i]Now[\/i] I remember why we're really here.","340":"The reminder drives the chill autumn air into the barn.","341":"It was a real bad idea, doing that.","342":"And it was my fault. I'm sorry.","343":"I shake my head, urging her not to apologize.","344":"I made a big mess of things.","345":"We gotta get going. Plato is waiting on me to get that medicine...","346":"The first thing I have to do, after we get out of here, is to convince her she didn't make a mistake.","347":"That's [i]after[\/i] I get out of here?","348":"I put on my clothes and follow her outside.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[eating_speed != eating_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[eating_speed != eating_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[eating_speed != eating_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[handjob_speed != handjob_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[handjob_speed != handjob_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch4__04.45.40b post sex scene.vne3":{"3":"Kay. I'll be out in a bit.","4":"Remember. Don't come in. No matter what.","5":"This time, I'm definitely following Maggie's advice.","6":"It's her family. No matter how they treat her, they aren't going to kill her.","7":"I can't say the same for me, though.","8":"My eyes focus tight on the door. I have a random thought that I might stand here until dawn, waiting for her.","9":"How long am I supposed to wait?","10":"Now that I'm so close to her, it's difficult to let her do this.","11":"I want to help her so badly. But I can't do what {Leah} does. Not this time.","12":"No matter my feelings. She has to do this alone.","13":"When I hear the door open, I instinctively ready myself to face Floyd. But it isn't necessary.","14":"Maggie comes out, triumphantly shaking a small bottle of pills.","15":"Simpler than I thought. Out on the counter.","16":"They don't ever move nothing in there. The only chance it'll disappear is if my brother thinks they're pain pills.","17":"That's the first time Maggie has openly acknowledged that she is family with the residents here.","18":"There's gotta be a story why they don't get along. All I know is... it's a dark, dark one.","19":"I'm not sure I want to know.","20":"Let's get outta here.","21":"I drop Maggie off the same place I did last time. She has a big smile on her face. Like a disarming smile.","22":"In fact, a giggle comes out. It's a giggle of relief and ease.","23":"Sorry. I faced a lot fears today. I did something I never thought I could.","24":"I feel on top of the world! Better than ever. Just... [i]wild[\/i].","25":"More than anything, [i]I never have to go back there[\/i]. That's the really great thing, really. I can finally...","26":"...well... I can be a different person now.","27":"I smile at her.","28":"One more thing before you go.","29":"I... I want to hear your voice.","30":"Just one sentence. Please. I know I told you not to say anything... but... I'm ready now.","31":"She wants to hear my voice? I wish I could.","32":"But, I'll obey her wishes the only way I know how. I take my phone out and type out a message.","33":"Then, I let it play.","34":"This is my voice.","35":"Oh!","36":"She shudders momentarily, like she's tempted to bolt away from me.","37":"Whatever fear she has... she controls it. I get the sense that only our conversation in the barn keeps her calm.","38":"I see. I should have put the clues together. You really can't talk.","39":"I thought... you were shy like me.","40":"All my life... people were pushed away from me. Or left me. Deep down I do think I'm a people person.","41":"I know... there's someone inside me trying to come out. And she will, thanks to you.","42":"Maybe she's not quite ready. But she's gonna come.","43":"Let's meet for conversation practice, when you have the chance.","44":"And what we did in the barn wasn't a mistake.","45":"She tenses up a little... as if expecting me to chastise her.","46":"But... she finally relaxes.","47":"I know it wasn't.","48":"Whenever you want.","49":"The voice has her shuddering and uncomfortable again... but she seems to shake the feeling off faster this time.","50":"She departs, instead, with a smile. And with little else to say...","51":"...Maggie disappears.","52":"Whatever happened to Maggie that made her the way she is, I'm not interested in knowing. I know {Leah} says to pursue every lead, but I know it's not this one.","53":"Instead, I'll focus on what I can do for her now. Healing the damage that's been done... and stopping the people that want to cause her harm.","54":"The foremost person is Floyd. Brother or not, he has to be dealt with.","55":"I don't know how yet.","0":"Maggie looks at the house with craned shoulders. Like she's crushed by the very prospect of going in.","1":"I... uh... I really do have to go in by myself. You don't mind waiting, do you?","2":"I nod."},"ch4__04.35.05 calling sam.vne3":{"10":"The ringing just stopped. Does that mean...?","11":"Well, well, well. Look who it is.","12":"Finally! Sam's voice.","13":"I felt like I've gone on an odyssey just to get to this point.","14":"A relief washes over me... I didn't realize how intensely I [i]felt[\/i] about this until the feeling went away.","15":"What's left... after the worry... is annoyance. For [i]making me[\/i] worry.","16":"Always accusing me of never answering... and the one time I call, you don't answer.","17":"Hypocritical, much? Talk to me, wise guy.","18":"There's a humor in her voice. She's not being totally serious - though I know Sam well enough that her jokes sometimes cover serious issues.","19":"I'm a hypocrite? You're a hypocrite.","20":"I'm just glad you're safe.","21":"Getting annoyed at me for not answering when you never answer.","22":"I answered this time, didn't I? Look, I'm getting better about answering. That's a good thing, isn't it?","23":"At the risk of sounding like your mom, I'm worried sick about you.","24":"No, my mom wouldn't say anything as generic as that. Last time I talked to her, she asked if I had potassium iodide in my bug out kit.","25":"Well, I'm happy about that, because I resent that I have to ask why you haven't been going to class.","26":"Silence from Sam. I wait a moment... and then, a sudden change of tone.","27":"I mean, why do you care? You're only a friend, right? What does it matter whether I pass or not?","28":"She says it like friends [i]aren't[\/i] supposed to care.","29":"The definition of ''friend'' is someone who cares.","30":"But whether I pass or not doesn't affect you.","31":"What is she talking about? Is she actually trying to argue I shouldn't care whether she passes or not?","32":"She's making no sense!","33":"It totally fricking matters, Sam. You've gone so far and been so lucky, you'd be insane to give up now.","34":"You got a full scholarship. Do you know how few people get those?","35":"I... I... know.","36":"The bitterness is gone now. Only betraying some sadness and resignation.","37":"I wasn't going to drop out. I was with you the whole way. And I fucking agree with everything you say. But... well...","38":"...one drop of wine isn't going to fix a barrel of sewage.","39":"Don't compare yourself to a sewer, Sam.","40":"I'm fundamentally broken. Rogham is right. I'm not cut out for this. I don't belong.","41":"[i]Professor Rogham[\/i] told you that? The fucking asshole! Was he the one who told you to drop out?","42":"Rogham hasn't been telling me anything. It's just obvious what he thinks of me.","43":"Do you have the time now? Can we talk?","44":"I'm kinda busy right now, actually. My-","45":"What's that weird sound?","46":"Nothing. I gotta go. Sorry!","47":"When can we meet?","48":"Gotta go!","49":"Sam! Christ.","50":"Most of the time, Sam is easy-going, upfront, easy to be around...","51":"Right now though, she's the most difficult person in the world. What is happening to her?","52":"But that jingle... was familiar.","53":"Sorry I'm late.","54":"You didn't have to come.","55":"I know what you said, but I could tell that you really wanted me here.","56":"...Yeah. I think I did.","57":"But after talking to Sam, I'm not sure if there's anything we can do.","58":"So you talked to Sam. That's a good sign.","59":"I'm not sure what you mean by [i]there's nothing we can do[\/i].","60":"Sam seems to think she's a broken person. And if that's true... she needs therapy, not an investigation.","61":"So you accept that she might be broken?","62":"No!","63":"But it seems like you're strongly considering it.","64":"Ugh. Jeez. I'm just adding everything up in my head.","65":"I know Mr. Rogham genuinely doesn't like her. But I don't know if he's trying to sabotage Sam...","66":"What's the alternative?","67":"That Sam is sabotaging herself.","68":"You don't know if that's true?","69":"I don't want to believe it.","70":"I guess that's why we need to look into it.","71":"Sam has issues, sure, but I've worked with her long enough to [i]know[\/i] that she isn't useless.","72":"But... maybe I'm too close to really see her for what she is. If that's the case, I can't do anything to help Sam.","73":"Best case scenario for us is that Professor Rogham really is sabotaging her... but that's really hard to prove. It's not good either way.","74":"I mean... one of the nights I was testing RECENTLY, I swore I saw her submit a paper that Mr. Rogham later denied getting.","75":"I didn't really keep a record... so I don't have proof, though.","76":"So... you were sure [i]at the time[\/i], right? You didn't reflect on things afterward and come to a different conclusion?","77":"I'm not sure I understand...","78":"Every time you remember something, it revises itself. If you're looking back in hindsight and re-evaluating what you saw, your memory might be unreliable.","79":"But... if [i]that's what you thought at the time[\/i], you might actually be right.","80":"It was what I thought at the time. For sure.","81":"Then I trust your memory.","82":"There's just finding her.","83":"I don't know where to look.","84":"RECENTLY doesn't help? That's where you found Mr. Craven, wasn't it?","85":"I checked her metadata. She has a different software package. It doesn't send her location.","86":"I see.","87":"There was another thing. On the phone, I heard a jingle.","88":"A jingle?","89":"Yeah.","90":"Can you tap it out?","91":"Tap it out?","92":"Obviously you can't hum it.","93":"Tap it? Gosh. I've never been that good with music.","94":"I don't know if I can. It was really quick. It wasn't like a commercial jingle. It sounded like a machine notification thing.","95":"But it was distinct. I've heard it before.","96":"Just give it a go. You don't lose anything.","97":"I try, rapping against Sam's door. {Leah} listens carefully with a focused frown.","98":"Well... [i]I think[\/i] that might be helpful. Would you remember it if you heard it again?","99":"I think so.","100":"That's all I need to know.","101":"Let me do a little research. I'll contact you later.","102":"I'm glad [i]she's[\/i] so confident. I don't know how anyone could have gleaned anything from my butchered sense of rhythm.","103":"But... it's certainly a clue about where Sam is, and really the only thing we've got.","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"Sam... I feel like I've come to this dorm looking for you more times than I'd want to.","3":"But... you called me. It was terrible timing. But you called me.","4":"If that isn't reaching out, I don't know what is.","5":"I'm not actually sure why I felt like I needed to go to [i]Sam's dorm[\/i] to call her... maybe it's some underlying superstitious feeling that I'll have better luck this way.","6":"Maybe I'm really hoping to hear her from the other side of the door. But while I'm here, I might as well knock on her door.","7":"Completely silent... she's definitely not in there.","8":"It's what I expected, to be honest. But that was why I brought my phone.","9":"I'll go ahead and call her."},"ch4__04.35.10 sams new job.vne3":{"10":"Here... check this out. Is this the jingle you heard on Sam's phone?","11":"{Leah} brandishes her phone and presses a button. Suddenly, a tune comes out that is immediately recognizable.","12":"Yes, yes! That's it!","13":"You got that from my crappy tapping?","14":"No. Of course not. That tapping didn't help at all.","15":"But... I looked up some common cash registers. And that was one of the jingles that came up.","16":"What? How did you know it was a cash register?","17":"I had a hunch that Sam might be working retail or in a fast food restaurant.","18":"Huh?","19":"You heard a jingle on Sam's end of the phone. She suddenly needed to leave. She's embarrassed to tell you what she's doing.","20":"You think Sam would be embarrassed to work in a-","21":"Wait. {Leah} is right. Sam would be embarrassed. She wouldn't want me to know.","22":"There's nothing embarrassing about working a minimum wage job - unless perhaps you dropped out of college and don't want people to know.","23":"And... yes. I imagine I'm the last person Sam would want to learn about something like that. After all...","24":"...she gives me credit for letting her go to school in the first place.","25":"The scholarship she got from being class president is probably the only way she could have gotten into Shale Hill. And... if I hadn't dropped out of the race, she would never have gotten the presidency.","26":"At least... that's what Sam thinks. I'm sure she could've gone to Shale Hill by herself. The path she took happened to involve me.","27":"Anyway, that particular brand of register is used by - hold your excitement here... [i]Burger Queen[\/i].","28":"Maybe even the Burger Queen at this mall.","29":"Mmhmm.","30":"Do you want to see if I'm right?","31":"Yeah. Let's do that.","32":"Good.","33":"I've never actually been to this place.","34":"It's not that I'm too good to eat at a place like this. I just don't like the food very much.","35":"If Sam was working here, there would be no way I'd run into her. I'd pass by the place without looking in.","36":"{Leah} might just be Veronica Mars at this point.","37":"Sam's here! I’m so surprised to see her I just about fall over.","38":"However, I can't lose my composure, especially as {Leah} flashes me a triumphant look.","39":"You should probably talk to Sam on your own.","40":"I should. Thanks for everything.","41":"{Leah} nods quite confidently before leaving the restaurant.","42":"Well... in this circumstance, I'm just another customer, so I'll just approach her.","43":"I don't know what they're arguing about, but I know Sam's short attention span is going to be pulled away from that conversation.","44":"Any second now, she'll notice.","45":"There it is.","46":"I feel bad for her. She did a lot to stop me from seeing her here.","47":"Ah, shit.","48":"Hey Sam.","49":"Excuse me. Let me ask my boss if I can spare a moment to crawl in a dark corner and die.","50":"Don't let me stop you.","51":"Sorry. Ugh. This is... a low point.","52":"Really hurts. Like getting stabbed in the butt.","53":"Is it really that bad? You don't want to see me that much?","54":"No! No! Not at all. I-","55":"Huh? Is that my phone?","56":"God damn it. My boss has already noticed me [i]fraternizing[\/i] on the job.","57":"I need to clock in an official break. Excuse me.","58":"The hell? No. That's definitely [i]my phone too[\/i].","59":"Just gonna check...","60":"Don't distract my employees. -Hank","61":"Is this for real?","62":"You aren't secretly a middle manager at a Burger Queen, America's favorite restaurant since 1972, are you?","63":"Not secretly, no. -Hank","64":"Whoa. A twist in the Hank mystery.","65":"You didn't tell me you have two jobs.","66":"Did I have to? Seems like that's my business and not yours. -Hank","67":"I need to borrow Sam for a bit.","68":"Sure. She can take one of her state-sanctioned five-minute breaks. She just needs to record it properly in the time sheet. -Hank","69":"I need more than five minutes with her.","70":"You'll have to wait until she gets off work or during her lunch hour. -Hank","71":"God damn you, Hank. I don't feel bad about leaving the lab early.","72":"What you should feel bad about is leaving your friend alone to do all your work. -Hank","73":"I already worked it out with Linus and he didn't mind.","74":"I should've left early that one day.","75":"But you didn't because you couldn't stand the idea of abandoning your friends. -Hank","76":"Not likely.","77":"I'm talking to Sam and there's nothing you can do about it.","78":"As long as it's less than 5 minutes, I'm not doing anything about it anyway. -Hank","79":"Considering how rule-bound Hank is, I know that's the best I'm getting out of him.","80":"I've got five minutes with Sam. That ought to be more than enough time.","81":"Ugh. This stupid... gross uniform. I smell like ass fries.","82":"I've got five minutes, and Sam is going to distract me with jokes. I've got to cut right to the chase.","83":"Come back to school, Sam.","84":"I would... but...","85":"...there's no point.","86":"Why not?","87":"Because even if I did everything perfect from now on, it'd make no difference.","88":"I'd... fail.","89":"I didn't want you to see that.","90":"I think you were doing well.","91":"Yeah, I know [i]you[\/i] think that-","92":"No. You seriously were. Last year your grades were pretty decent. Did something change?","93":"...I didn't do too badly, no. But that must've been a fluke.","94":"Does it have to do with that paper? This all started when Sam was chastised by Mr. Rogham for not turning it in.","95":"I don't want to set off any alarm bells for Sam, but I might have enough grounds to have deduced it to be believable.","96":"That assignment... the speculative technology one... Rogham says he didn't get it.","97":"Is that what happened?","98":"Sam sighs deeply - a sign I hit the mark.","99":"No.","100":"I worked all night on it. I... submitted it before class, like I promised. Or I thought I did.","101":"I crashed afterward. Went into a deep sleep. When I got to class - the paper had disappeared.","102":"No, she didn't go straight to sleep. Sam started playing [i]Lords of Cochran[\/i] that night. I think we even talked about that.","103":"Sam probably doesn't remember.","104":"You submitted it through email, right? So it should be in your sent folder.","105":"Did I send it? I don't know. I probably didn't. I was so tired and so sick of seeing it... I deleted it.","106":"But that's impossible. You definitely sent it.","107":"How can you be so sure?","108":"Because of RECENTLY.","109":"I... I don't know. But why would you delete it?","110":"It's the only explanation I have for why I can't find it.","111":"I'm sorry I avoided you. I didn't want to look at your... disappointed, disapproving face.","112":"I couldn't bring myself to tell you I had dropped out.","0":"Jump to exploration","113":"I know you think you owe me, but you actually don't. You're capable of so much without my help.","1":"Continue","114":"That's not true at all.","2":"I'm supposed to meet {Leah} here.","115":"Truth is... I'm totally lost without your help. Just like when I was class president. You were the one doing all the real work.","3":"When she called me and asked me to come, she sounded kinda excited. Like she had made some big discovery.","116":"I was just mooching off you like a butt parasite. A butt cancer. A butt fungus.","4":"I wonder what she has in mind?","117":"I didn't even really win the election.","5":"I'm here.","118":"I know you think-","6":"Yes. Thanks for coming.","119":"Everything you say is just trying to make me feel better.","7":"I bet you're a bit confused why I asked you to come here.","120":"I slam my hand against the table.","8":"I imagine it wasn't to shop.","121":"I'm not going to tolerate this. I'm telling you the truth.","9":"No. It definitely isn't.","122":"You listen to me. I'm telling you the truth.","123":"There's a way out of this. And... I'm going to help you.","124":"I knew you would say something like that.","125":"Sam is completely unmoved by my comment. I'm left at a loss at what to tell her...","126":"My break is over. I need to go back.","127":"Please come visit me. I know I was avoiding you... but...","128":"...I don't know what I want.","129":"I'll come back for sure.","130":"Thanks.","131":"Ugh. That was depressing.","132":"Sam... who is usually so animated, looking defeated and run down.","133":"And yet, if I fix everything for her, I'm just going to make it seem like she really does rely on me.","134":"Judging from your expression...","135":"It's not good. Sam really did drop out.","136":"Like we suspected.","137":"It looks like we've got our work cut out for us. I'm not sure what to do, except storm Mr. Rogham's office.","138":"I think talking to Valerie might be our next best thing. She might have a solution we haven't thought of yet.","139":"Okay. Let's try that, then.","140":"Valerie would be willing to help. Whether [i]she can[\/i] help is another thing entirely.","141":"I should drop by Valerie's office during the day when I have the chance."},"ch4__04.35.15 valeries advice.vne3":{"3":"It's a little weird that I'm here without Sam, but hopefully Valerie won't notice.","4":"Let me cut straight to the chase. Sam is in a difficult situation.","5":"Samantha Hunter, you mean?","6":"Yes. She's dropped out of school.","7":"Ah. So you found out.","8":"You knew?","9":"I did tell you I knew she was still alive, right? Samantha submitted a few documents to the finance department. Usually a strong indication someone will drop out.","10":"So she hasn't yet?","11":"I believe technically she's still enrolled.","12":"Why didn't you tell me?","13":"Privacy.","14":"Yes. I vaguely remember Valerie talking about that when I visited Sam's dorm room.","15":"Is there any way for her to pass this semester?","16":"You're worried that she won't get her credits for this semester?","17":"Yeah. I wonder if there's a way I can-","18":"That's sweet of you. It really is. But conversations like this usually occur with the interested party present.","19":"I'm afraid if I don't go to Sam with some kind of hope, she isn't even going to consider it.","20":"I see.","21":"The situation isn't completely hopeless for her. It's... largely Rogham's class that's bringing her down.","22":"If she takes a pass\/fail on that course, it might not bring down her GPA. Other than that...","23":"...she would need to work inhumanly hard to get the credits she needs at this point.","24":"So you're saying there's little hope.","25":"No. I'm not. She just needs to work the system a little bit.","26":"...if she has some sort of [i]medical problem[\/i] she would probably be allowed some special dispensation.","27":"Sam is pretty healthy, though.","28":"Come on. You're more imaginative than that.","29":"Huh?","30":"It doesn't have to be a physical illness.","31":"A mental illness?","32":"Mmmhmm. Something common and believable. Like [i]depression[\/i].","33":"Sam? Depression? She's self depreciating, of course, but hardly depressed. She's energetic... upbeat... a little crazy, maybe, but who isn't?","34":"Wouldn't that come off as bullshit?","35":"Not necessarily. Not if you have a proper diagnosis by a medical professional. The school would have to accept it.","36":"That's good.","37":"Give her this.","38":"Valerie hands me a sheaf of papers. I take it and thumb through it, my eyes straining at the fine print.","39":"She just needs to get a professional to attest to her inability to maintain academic standards.","40":"So... we need to find a corrupt doctor. Alright.","41":"I wonder how many students have used this form to save their flagging academic careers due to carelessness... and how many actually medically couldn't?","42":"But... who cares? This is going to give Sam exactly the lifeline she needs. I'm not going to question the system too much.","43":"Thanks, Valerie. You're a big help.","44":"I really hope that helping Sam out isn't a waste of your time.","45":"Are you sure things are hopeless for Sam?","46":"Let me put it this way: things are hopeless for Sam [i]without you[\/i].","47":"Looks like even Valerie buys into this idea that Sam [i]needs[\/i] me. I feel, yet again, like I'm the only person in the world who actually understands her.","48":"She's not nearly as reliant on me as you think.","49":"I think you like her, and you don't want to see it.","50":"I'm going to prove Valerie wrong. No. [i]Sam[\/i] is going to prove Valerie wrong.","51":"She might not be able to see it... but I can.","52":"Sam wouldn't need my help if it weren't for Mr. Rogham's meddling.","53":"Do you really think he's been intentionally sabotaging Sam? That's a serious accusation.","54":"Ugh... it is. Honestly, I didn't mean for it to come out like that.","55":"I gotta be careful of saying stuff like that. Throwing my thoughts out there is going to get reflected back on me.","56":"I'm not sure. It's just a feeling.","57":"Because... if you somehow proved that Mr. Rogham was intentionally sabotaging grades, that would certainly cause a re-evaluation of all the grades that Mr. Rogham gave out.","58":"You can... [i]hack[\/i] into other people's computers, can't you? It would be easy to prove that way.","59":"It's more limited than you think.","60":"So you've tried.","61":"Of course I've tried. But... there's only a window of opportunity to get the data. If I miss it, it's gone forever.","62":"I'd need to catch him incriminating himself as he's doing it. Even then...","63":"...I'd still need to prove it.","64":"So this program you have isn't that powerful, then.","65":"No. But... at least I can help Sam someway.","66":"That's true... but how to do something like that?","67":"Thanks, Valerie. I'll get this form filled out.","68":"Of course.","69":"I'll take this to Sam now. Thanks.","70":"Hope it helps!","71":"Right. I should go see Sam back at the fast food place.","72":"I don't know what her schedule is like, but she definitely works the night shift.","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"I guess I gotta be upfront with Valerie about Sam."},"ch4__04.35.20 quitting on a whim.vne3":{"10":"Is it that obvious? Life is like a sybian set to max.","11":"I have something for you.","12":"It had better be a sybian.","13":"Even better. It's hope.","14":"I pull out the papers I got from Valerie.","15":"What is that?","16":"I hand them over to her.","17":"Forms. If we get them filled out, you can come back to school and still have a chance to pass.","18":"God, I love you, {PlayerName}. And if there was a chance that this would work, I'd take it.","19":"No, I've looked into it, Sam. I've asked around. You have a chance to graduate on time.","20":"This is why I didn't want you to find out. I knew you wouldn't accept it.","21":"But I know this is the only way.","22":"Let me put it this way, Sam. Would you prefer to go back to school or to work here?","23":"I... would prefer to go back to school. In a heartbeat.","24":"Then sign these forms.","25":"Sam sighs, closes her eyes. She looks exhausted... run down. Not her usual sparkling self.","26":"If you're right... and these will help me...","27":"...it kinda proves that I'm reliant on you for everything.","28":"What's this imposter syndrome, Sam?","29":"I'm an anchor chained to your butt.","30":"Sam, we're sophomores. Last year, you didn't need my help at all. All we did was hang out.","31":"Huh? Oh, that's because I was doing all the easy intro courses-","32":"So? You still didn't need me. So you aren't that reliant on me, are you?","33":"You've never been afraid to ask for my help until now.","34":"I know... I haven't. But because of the grade situation, I've realized-","35":"You think I didn't appreciate your help? I was your vice-president. I got a pretty nice scholarship too.","36":"It wasn't the full scholarship I got...","37":"You didn't steal my scholarship. You won the presidency. That was all you. I fought you tooth and nail for that position.","38":"But... but... I-","39":"That's an all-too-familiar sound.","40":"Ah. Hank noticed.","41":"He's probably going to tell me off.","42":"Who cares? Quit right now.","43":"I... I wish. There's consequences...","44":"I need this job... if I'm not going back to school.","45":"Well... you are going back to school, right?","46":"Uh...","47":"Fuck Hank. If he needs someone to count quarters, he can find anyone to do that. You've got more important things to do.","48":"Ugh... I don't know...","49":"Do me a favor.","50":"What?","51":"Read Hank's text. And then tell me you don't want to quit.","52":"Sam's expression is that of a dam holding back a torrent.","53":"It's a heroic struggle - between despair and hope - between restraint and release, but I know now that I'm going to win.","54":"It's just a matter of watching her face turn.","55":"...I don't even need to read it...","56":"...because I already know I'm going to quit!","57":"Yes!","58":"You hear that, Hank! I quit!","59":"Oh... that felt good!","60":"I knew spite could accomplish what I couldn't!","61":"A rapid succession of messages. All the water starts to paradoxically rush back in the dam.","62":"Should I...?","63":"You just quit. Act like it.","64":"Oh... okay. [delay,250][char,Sam_FastFood_Smiling]Yes... of course!","65":"For this flourish, I pull out my phone.","66":"If you want to stop us, Hank, you're going to have to get out of that office.","67":"See you never, Hank.","68":"Yeah, Hank! See you never!","69":"A final look of consideration on Sam's face. But it doesn't last long.","70":"Sam disappears beneath the counter...","71":"...and a moment later vaults over it!","72":"Whoo!","73":"Good![Delay,300] But... uh... what is she doing?","74":"She sure seems like she's aiming for me!","75":"Holy shit! She expects me to-!","76":"Ooof!","77":"H-h-heavy...","78":"{PlayerName}... my tit...","79":"Her tit? What?","80":"Oh... [i]I thought I felt something soft[\/i]. Better let Sam go.","81":"Nice catch, though! You've been lifting, haven't you?","82":"Come on. Let's get out of here.","83":"I'm not fit enough to catch a full grown girl falling into my arms without warning.","84":"At least I didn't embarrass myself.","85":"Whoo! I feel a bit jazzed about that!","86":"But... uh... we'd better do something before [i]the regret really starts to set in[\/i]...","87":"Don't worry. Trust me on this. Just get these forms-","88":"This food is getting cold. Can we talk about it on the way home?","89":"I'm surprised. You're gonna eat from Burger Queen?","90":"I don't know, man! I'm hungry! Don't judge.","91":"Let's go, then.","92":"It's not a long walk between the mall and the school. Even so, clouds quickly gather.","93":"Things are getting ugly. A chill starts to settle.","94":"Soon, both of us are racing against the weather.","95":"It starts raining just before we arrive. Both of us catch a few drops before we reach the shelter of the building.","96":"Oh, God. It's coming down.","97":"Quick! Get in! Get in!","98":"Looks like it just got yucky.","99":"Are you wet?","100":"Pff. [i]Am I wet?[\/i] Should you ask something like that? Heh...","101":"Get your mind out of the gutter. Let me put it this way instead. [i]Did you get any rain on you?[\/i]","102":"Just a little. Did you get any rain on you?","103":"Not really.","104":"Well, looks like neither of us are going to die of hypothermia.","105":"Actually, wait. Do you mind hanging back for a little bit? I need to...","106":"Change?","107":"...Yes.","108":"Don't let me stop you.","109":"Thanks.","110":"She was right. Those clothes did smell like fries... though I didn't want to tell her that.","111":"That's hopefully the last time she has to go into Burger Queen.","112":"[i]I do hope that Hank doesn't take her little rebellion out on me.[\/i] I need that IT job...","113":"Come in!","114":"It's nice and cozy in here.","115":"You look very comfortable.","116":"Thanks. I feel comfortable.","117":"Burger Queen isn't exactly a fancy French restaurant, but I hope you'll have dinner with me.","118":"It's cold out there, after all.","119":"Yeah, I'll explain the plan over dinner.","120":"We sit down on the floor and start eating Sam's bounty.","121":"It's been a while since I had Burger Queen.","122":"I used to love it.","123":"Now, when I bite into one, it tastes like my mom's emergency ration kits. Boring and tasteless.","124":"That's what happens when you eat the same thing every day.","125":"Ugh.","126":"Tastes pretty good to me, though.","127":"If I eat another one of their burgers... I'll turn into one of their patties. I'll be 90% beef.","128":"Yet, you're still eating.","129":"Well... I'm hungry. So I guess I don't mind the transformation.","130":"I'm really glad you decided to quit.","131":"I don't know. It was probably a dumb idea.","132":"I know you think I have a chance. But it's hard for me to see it.","133":"But you haven't formally dropped out. So that means you still have a chance.","134":"That's only because I didn't want to be homeless. Everything is already paid for, after all.","135":"Right. That does make some sense.","136":"I'm not telling you what to do, Sam. But I will say... if we get these forms together, you'll have a much stronger chance than you think.","137":"I feel like I've looked at every option on the website. I'm not [i]so[\/i] irresponsible that I didn't look into alternatives.","138":"Not this alternative.","139":"Um... okay. I'll bite. What is this alternative?","140":"Special Medical Accommodation Application.","141":"Huh? So like... for sick people?","142":"{PlayerName}, I'm not sick.","143":"Maybe not physically.","144":"You mean... mentally? I'm not cra-","145":"You know what? Actually, I [i]might[\/i] be crazy.","146":"We're not talking about [i]schizophrenia[\/i] here. But if you can find a medical doctor to diagnose you with something...","147":"...the school will be forced to accommodate you.","148":"What? Really?","149":"Really.","150":"So all I've got to do is convince a doctor that I'm crazy...","151":"Again, you don't have to be [i]insects are crawling all over me[\/i], you just have to show that you have some medical issue.","152":"That should be easy. I could probably just tell the doc the truth. I'd get diagnosed with something right away.","153":"Take the forms... show it to a doctor... have them fill out something for you.","154":"Even I can do that.","155":"No. Not [i]even I[\/i]. It should be [i]of course I[\/i].","156":"Of course you're capable of that. You show it all the time. You don't need my help nearly as much as you think.","157":"But I do need your help.","158":"As much as any person needs another.","159":"Sam's brutal self-depreciation stops her in her tracks. Instead, her lips quirk, and her eyes moisten up.","160":"She blinks rapidly, pulling back whatever latent emotion that was about to burst out of her.","161":"Yeah. Thanks.","162":"I hope I don't seem ungrateful because... I don't like to rely on you that much.","163":"I just don't like the feeling that I'm taking advantage of you.","164":"The thought never even crossed my mind.","165":"Well.. maybe I give myself too little credit, but I think you do too.","166":"You know what we should do?","167":"What's that?","168":"We should go back to our old highschool. The old stomping grounds.","169":"Oh. Yeah.","170":"Perfect place to remind you how competent you are.","171":"There are a... a lot of good memories we made.","172":"Yeah.","173":"I think going back to that place would be kinda... healing. I guess.","174":"A sigh escapes her. She gazes longingly out the window, at the rain pattering on the windows.","175":"I guess you have to go soo-","176":"Fucking thunder?","177":"It's ugly out there.","178":"Well... I was going to ask if you were about to leave.","179":"But... I don't want you to go running through all that rain.","180":"Let me check the forecast.","181":"What do the super smart weather people say?","182":"According to this... rain and thunder all night.","183":"Oh. That's too bad. Any tornado warnings?","184":"No...","185":"But best stay overnight, just to be safe. They're smart, those weather people.","186":"Sam is inviting me over?","187":"My memory of the whole prior conversation is suddenly completely erased.","188":"Is this... my one chance... to [i]upgrade our relationship?[\/i]","189":"I shouldn't be thinking so cavalierly. My hopes are well ahead of my actual prospects.","190":"Sam is in a vulnerable spot.","191":"I won't lie. I'm tempted to take advantage of it.","192":"Sam's not exactly my dream girl... but she's definitely willing.","193":"I'm not sure why Sam is inviting me now, but I'm pretty sure it's not to do a Sunday crossword.","194":"If I say no, I won't be leading her on.","195":"What should I do?","196":"Stay the night.","197":"Leave.","198":"A sigh escapes from Sam. Both nervous and excited.","199":"Great. You'll like it here.","200":"It's... uh... pretty cozy. Heh...","201":"Do you have a pillow?","202":"Of course.","203":"I'm only asking because... I assume I'm taking the floor.","204":"You're not taking the floor, {PlayerName}.","205":"I don't want to-","206":"If you can take the floor, you can take the rain instead.","207":"Well, I did my part.","208":"If she didn't want me in bed with her, she had the chance to kick me out.","209":"Jesus... Sam and I... have never been this close before.","210":"Sharing a bed? I mean... [i]there's a possibility[\/i] that it's all innocent... but...","211":"...what are the chances?","212":"I mean... girls don't invite you to their bed just for sleeping, do they?","213":"But... uh... what do I do? Should I kiss her?","214":"The mood kinda feels wrong...","215":"This is kind of the chance I've always been waiting for with Sam.","216":"Are we actually... gonna do it?","217":"I always felt like we were pretty close to doing it other times, so maybe that's why she invited me.","218":"But... there's something about the mood of the situation. I don't think it would be the best idea to...","219":"[i]...go for it[\/i].","220":"I ought to wait for her to make the next move.","221":"So uh...","222":"Hope you... um... enjoy yourself!","223":"Stay warm, alright?","224":"What a weird thing to say. Is Sam feeling as uncomfortable as I am?","225":"I think a mutual terror has settled between us. I don't think we'll be doing anything interesting tonight.","226":"I do need to sleep, though.","227":"She turns the lights off as we prepare to lay down.","228":"I'm kinda surprised that Sam doesn't say much...","229":"...especially because... I take my pants off before getting into bed.","230":"I don't have pajamas. What else am I going to do?","231":"She doesn't say a word.","232":"But oh... I got words to say about Sam.","233":"Sam's smell... her warmth...","234":"...I can feel her softness even a few inches away.","235":"I'm heating like a geyser in a jungle.","236":"I feel a stirring in my underwear.","237":"I know I should've expected this to happen, but I still climbed in anyway.","238":"Did I want this to happen? Did I want an erection in the same bed as Sam?","239":"I'm... frustrated with myself. My libido is going into overdrive. It senses a woman - it wants [i]it[\/i].","240":"But I've got to hold back.","241":"Feeling sweaty, worked up, teased...","242":"...if only there was something to rub up against in these tight, thick sheets...","243":"I'd move, but that would only wake Sam up. But I might not have a choice.","244":"I feel my dick hardening... inching closer to Sam's flesh.","245":"It would be easy to push against her, and relieve myself. [i]But that's not an option[\/i].","246":"I have to hold myself... and pray she doesn't notice. I'll think to myself all night:","247":"[i]How am I going to sleep like this?[\/i]","248":"Not well at all.","249":"Sam, of course, doesn't seem to have any trouble at all.","250":"I know Sam is a heavy sleeper. Even if I were to rub against her... I might not wake her up.","251":"But I couldn't do it, even if it were risk-free. Shit.","252":"And yet... I still feel her growing closer.","253":"It's not me moving this time. It's her.","254":"Suddenly feeling Sam press up against me, I almost moan.","255":"If she woke up now... she'd know for certain that I'm rock hard.","256":"It takes every fiber of restraint I have not to thrust. And even then, I'm sweating and breathless.","257":"It's not going to be easy for me to sleep tonight.","258":"But I'm just going to have to try.","259":"Morning. Couldn't sleep a wink.","260":"This day is going to be absolute hell. Not to mention... I'm sporting a morning [i]redwood[\/i] right now.","261":"I would've loved to put this thing to good use, but for now, I'll have to bide my time.","262":"I think I'll get going before Sam wakes up.","263":"Sam is hard to get into bed and hard to get out.","264":"Knowing that, I'm confident as I sneak to the door, and I'm gentle as I enter the hallway.","265":"I wish I could go home and jump into bed. But I have class, work... and maybe I'll have some time to do some investigation.","266":"I also told Sam that we should head to our old highschool.","267":"I think it would be an interesting little trip. And... maybe a more comfortable place to reminisce than her dorm room.","268":"I can't.","269":"Of course.","270":"It's only a little rain. Anyone can survive that.","271":"I hope to see you soon, though.","272":"Yeah...","273":"It's a bit painful, leaving Sam when she seemed... so open.","274":"But it definitely is the right thing to do. I don't want to be the sort of guy who takes advantage of others.","275":"Well... I don't think things will be progressing much further with Sam... at least romantically.","276":"I'm not entirely sure why I refused her. I guess I don't want things to get weird with Sam.","277":"She's a friend. Not a lover. Better to keep it that way.","278":"That doesn't mean I won't do everything I can to get her out of this situation.","279":"I'll have to talk to Leah about this later on.","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"I have a plan. I have the means.","3":"Sam doesn't have to sink into despair.","4":"I just have to convince her things aren't hopeless.","5":"Not many customers. Good.","6":"Nobody will bother us if we have a little chat.","7":"Welcome to Burger Queen. How can I-","8":"Oh. Hey {PlayerName}.","9":"You look like you're having the time of your life."},"ch4__04.35.25 feeling hopeless.vne3":{"10":"Come on. You have an eye for this stuff too.","11":"Do you think Sam has filled out the forms? She's kind of irresponsible.","12":"Yeah. With most things. But when it comes to a promise - Sam always keeps that.","13":"She'll try. At the very least, she'll try.","14":"The door opens to Sam's weary face. Too little sleep, maybe?","15":"She still doesn't have that [i]bounce[\/i] that's so characteristic to her. It gives me a bad feeling.","16":"Hey {PlayerName}- [i]guys[\/i].","17":"Did you get the paperwork filled out?","18":"Uh... yeah. I did.","19":"Come inside.","20":"Oh... this does not look good.","21":"I really don't want to say anything at this point. Instead, I glance at {Leah} with some trepidation before I go through the door.","22":"Would you like some... uh... [i]emergency rations?[\/i]","23":"Something wrong?","24":"Oh. Nothing's wrong. But... uh... [i]everything's the same[\/i], actually. So things didn't get worse.","25":"Are you implying the application was rejected?","26":"Sam turns on her toes, does the awkward dance of delivering bad news.","27":"[i]Not a disability.[\/i] I'm not crazy enough.","28":"Makes sense, actually. If they gave everyone who felt a little depressed a break, they'd... well...","29":"That's terrible.","30":"I didn't think the school would reject the application...","31":"Jesus. I don't know what to say.","32":"I want to go back to Hank and beg for my job back. Doesn't he work in your office?","33":"No. Wait. This can't be right.","34":"It's right, {PlayerName}.","35":"No, it's not. You're totally crazy enough.","36":"I mean, [i]that is true[\/i], but I wish you didn't say it like that.","37":"You should have been given special accommodation.","38":"Can you appeal it?","39":"To who? The dean? Probably wants me out too.","40":"We don't have to appeal it.","41":"There's another path we can take.","42":"How?","43":"Valerie mentioned it. If we can prove that Mr. Rogham really has been sabotaging you-","44":"That would be fucking [i]sweet[\/i]. Finally get my payback.[char,Sam_Casual_Sad] But you need [i]evidence[\/i].","45":"I don't imagine we could get Mr. Rogham to admit it on tape.","46":"Well... probably not on tape. But as {Leah} locks eyes with me, I know exactly what she's thinking. RECENTLY.","47":"There's no way we can just announce to Sam that we might have the solutions to her problems.","48":"Could you hold off on going to Hank?","49":"Oh. I kinda need a job, though. For how long?","50":"For a few days, maybe.","51":"Um... okay.","52":"I guess you're not coming to class?","53":"I'd rather sit in my room. Play computer games.","54":"That's about the only thing I'm good for right now.","55":"Don't give up hope, okay? Sometimes... miracles happen.","56":"I know that may sound cheesy. But it is true. I have a feeling something good will happen for you.","57":"Sam looks quizzically at {Leah}. Sort of sidelong. Sort of dubious.","58":"Is that like... a promise?","59":"No, it isn't.","60":"I have to go. Mr. Rogham's class is starting.","61":"See you, Sam!","62":"Yeah. See you too.","63":"What was that?","64":"Sorry?","65":"[i]Something good will happen for you?[\/i] You might as well tell her about RECENTLY.","66":"I was trying to give Sam some hope.","67":"I want to give her some hope, too. I also don't want to give giant hints that we know a lot more than we should.","68":"Uh... [delay,200][char,Leah_Casual_Uncomfortable]I see what you mean. I couldn't help myself.","69":"Did you check RECENTLY for Mr. Rogham?","70":"I did. If he's ever posted something incriminating, I haven't seen it. I doubt he regularly writes long manifestos about sabotaging his students.","71":"And besides, even if we did find something, we can't exactly use it to help her, with information we obtained illegally by hacking.","72":"What do you mean? That's the easiest part.","73":"Huh?","74":"If we find incriminating information, leaking it will not be an issue. I know a good way to do it.","75":"Oh. And the school would-","76":"Even if it was obtained illegally, the school would still have to do something about it.","77":"I... I see.","78":"The one thing I will do... is talk to Mr. Rogham about Sam. I'm not sure what else to do... except track Mr. Rogham on RECENTLY all day.","79":"Can I come with you? I can say that I'm auditing the class. Thinking of taking it next semester.","80":"You don't even fulfill the prerequisites...","81":"I know. Maybe I've got an interest in science.","82":"I'm not sure what {Leah} can help with, but I take her along with me. It's worth a shot, I guess.","83":"I go into class. Mr. Rogham spots {Leah} immediately and holds this suspicious glare...","84":"...which immediately fades when he sees she's with me.","85":"Instead, he gives a polite smile as we take our seats. He immediately addresses the class.","86":"I hope you completed your readings, because I'm going to labor under the assumption that you have...","87":"It's a long, uninteresting lecture. Afterward, I look to {Leah} to see how much of the course she had understood.","88":"However, her interest is drawn by something completely different. I follow her eyes.","89":"Mr. Rogham's briefcase?","90":"He brings it to class every day. I've barely seen him open it.","91":"Honestly... I would never have noticed it if {Leah} didn't seem so interested.","92":"When I look back at her, she knows I've noticed too.","93":"You distract Rogham.","94":"Distract Rogham? We're taking it? [i]Now?[\/i]","95":"And that concludes today's lecture. Please, please, [i]please[\/i] keep notes. Remember that a major test is coming up, and some of you really need to brush up.","96":"Uh... distract Mr. Rogham? Oh shit... I wish {Leah} had talked to me about this before!","97":"This is very, very, [i]very[\/i] poorly thought out!","98":"Mr. Rogham, could I talk to you for a moment?","99":"Ironic that the students who need my help the least seem interested in talking to their professor the most. But of course. How can I help you?","100":"It's about Sam.","101":"Oh, no. Not this again.","102":"Could we discuss anything else? Perhaps your new friend? Where is she?","103":"Distraction immediately failed. Fuck.","104":"Please.","105":"As {Leah} tries to move past, Mr. Rogham immediately meets her eyes with a smile.","106":"This is {Leah}.","107":"{Leah}. I think I've heard that name before. Straight from {PlayerName}'s mouth, so to speak.","108":"Sorry. I was actually thinking of taking this class next semester. I should've asked before auditing it.","109":"Well, if you audit it now, you will be very well-prepared indeed for next semester. But it is too late to enroll.","110":"Unfortunate because one of my students happened to drop out. Unfortunate but ultimately expected.","111":"I have a class immediately after this one. If you'll excuse me...","112":"Mr. Rogham picks up the suitcase... and leaves the class.","0":"Jump to exploration","113":"{Leah} looks annoyed but determined. It's very clear now what she wants.","1":"Continue","114":"Are you even sure that suitcase has anything in it?","2":"I decide to visit Sam, see if the form worked.","115":"It's just a feeling. But if you're right, and he's not going to put anything into RECENTLY...","3":"Both of us are supposed to go to Mr. Rogham's class, so I thought it was probably an opportune time for an update.","116":"...what we need might very well be in that suitcase.","4":"Sam hasn't communicated about it yet. I have no idea if that's something bad or good.","117":"So? You want to steal that suitcase?","5":"I bring {Leah} along, too. Because...","118":"No.","6":"...I'm not sure why. I'd just like you to come along.","119":"Then... what does she want?","7":"Okay. I'm not arguing with that. I'm just curious.","120":"Can we meet again outside Sam's dorm?","8":"If this is a personal thing - I don't want to be the third wheel.","121":"Not now. On another day.","9":"When it comes to investigation, you're the only wheel. I'm riding your unicycle.","122":"Sure.","123":"I have a plan. But it needs some thought.","124":"What is {Leah} thinking? She's way too comfortable breaking into things.","125":"I can definitely imagine that suitcase having [i]the proof we need[\/i], though that's just it - it's my imagination.","126":"Are {Leah}'s instincts that fine? Or is she just guessing? I hope she's not just guessing..."},"ch4__04.35.30 stealing the briefcase.vne3":{"10":"Come on, let's walk over.","11":"So you said you had a plan?","12":"Yes. And it's going to work.[pause][char,Leah_Casual_Introspective] But you might not think so when you hear it.","13":"I already don't like the start of this conversation.","14":"Yeah. So what I need you to do is excuse yourself in the middle of class...","15":"...and then take the briefcase as you're leaving.","16":"So, how do I do that? You've got some clever distraction or...","17":"There is no distraction. You just do it.","18":"You mean to tell me the plan is just for me to [i]take the briefcase[\/i] in the middle of class and that's it?","19":"Yes.","20":"{Leah}... that's not a plan at all!","21":"If you're confident enough, then nobody will notice. The trick is you act completely natural.","22":"I'm not a magician.","23":"You don't need to be! You can take things in plain sight and nobody will notice. Trust me. I've done it before.","24":"How many times have you done that?","25":"Enough to know it works.","26":"Shit. My {YouCallHer} the kleptomaniac.","27":"The important thing is, before class ends, you excuse yourself again and we return the suitcase.","28":"What if the suitcase is locked?","29":"I've got ways of dealing with that.","30":"So... {Leah}'s class is [i]Rogue[\/i], apparently. But she doesn't know mine is Clumsy Moron.","31":"I'll wait outside the class for you. Act as smoothly as possible and everything will be alright.","32":"This isn't a plan. {Leah} promised a plan. [i]This isn't a plan at all[\/i].","33":"Maybe {Leah} is capable of pulling something like this off, but I'm not. I've got no experience whatsoever!","34":"If you don't want to do it, {PlayerName}, just don't do it.","35":"It's risky. I'll admit that. So no judgement if you don't want to act.","36":"But I have every confidence that you'll succeed if you do.","37":"Shit. [i]Shit.[\/i]","38":"Doing nothing is probably exactly what's going to happen.","39":"Staring at RECENTLY all day is a million times safer.","40":"When I enter class, I barely register Mr. Rogham's words.","41":"Subconsciously, my eyes instantly lock onto the briefcase. [i]The target[\/i]. I-","42":"{PlayerName}, your {sheIsYour} didn't come today?","43":"Professor Rogham! Breath rushes into my lungs!","44":"Did I surprise you?","45":"Sorry, I was distracted.","46":"{Leah} seemed rather nice. I'm disappointed that she apparently hasn't come today.","47":"I could always use more intelligent, self-motivated people such as her.","48":"She might audit this class later.","49":"Yes. Tell her she can come see me any time.","50":"Class is starting. I have roughly an hour to decide if I'm going to go with {Leah}'s plan.","51":"I'm really, [i]really[\/i] not a fan of it. But...","52":"...Sam doesn't have much time, either. The more classes she misses, the greater the cliff she has to climb.","53":"Eventually, it's going to get too steep and too high for anyone.","54":"But no matter what happens to Sam... [i]I have a life too[\/i].","55":"It's an awfully romantic notion to throw yourself on a sword for justice or whatever. But maybe I'm not willing to give that up.","56":"Maybe I'm not yet willing to take the kinds of risks that {Leah} seems so willing to.","57":"I... don't think I will take that case. I want to help Sam. I don't want to sacrifice my life for her. Which is what I'd be doing if I'm caught stealing that case.","58":"Even worse, that case might have nothing in it, which means I'd be sacrificing my future for nothing.","59":"What to do?","60":"Sorry, {PlayerName}. It was my last chance.","61":"Dropping out is the only solution.","62":"Have a good future... without me.","63":"If I don't save Sam... she's going to torment me forever.","64":"That, more than anything else, is what I'm most afraid of.","65":"More than getting caught - it's never knowing whether stealing that briefcase would save Sam or not.","66":"Fuck. I am going to do it, aren't I?","67":"I can't help it, can I? Sam isn't even with me, and I hear her little voice begging for help.","68":"I got a real soft spot for her, don't I?","69":"I... [delay,200][speed,0.3]raise my hand.","70":"Yes, {PlayerName}?","71":"Bathroom.","72":"Right. Off you go.","73":"He immediately goes back to lecturing.","74":"I guess I thought there might be a little suspicion, but... apparently not.","75":"And now it's just a matter of... [i]as naturally as possible...[\/i]","76":"[i]...grabbing the briefcase![\/i]","77":"I'm... I'm out!","78":"If I had to stay in that room a second longer, my act would've completely crumbled.","79":"Holy shit... what a rush!","80":"You have it!","81":"I pass it off to her.","82":"I wasn't expecting you to be so quick.","83":"It'll only take me fifteen minutes.","84":"Fifteen? That's a long ass time.","85":"Come back outside in fifteen minutes.","86":"What am I supposed to do? Ask to go to the bathroom again?","87":"They won't even question it. Trust me. If you do it right, they'll come up with excuses for you.","88":"Will they? I think {Leah} is underestimating the other people in the class.","89":"I better go back.","90":"If nothing unexpected happens, this should go smoothly.","91":"Right.","92":"Remember. 15 minutes.","93":"I go back to my seat, trying to be as natural coming back in as I did going out.","94":"I'm not sure I quite succeed... I think I only had one bold theft in me. But nobody seems to notice.","95":"I settle in my seat, watch the clock tick and tick, fundamentally aware of what fifteen minutes looks like.","96":"Waiting like this is something I will not grow to love. And whatever Mr. Rogham happens to be teaching, I can't tell.","97":"The door? Did {Leah} come back early?","98":"We still have five minutes...","99":"[i]Anything unexpected.[\/i] {Leah} did say that. And right now, anything that isn't [i]absolutely predictable[\/i] is far afield from what I want.","100":"What the...","101":"Ms. Hunter?","102":"I never expected you back.","103":"Neither did I!","104":"Holy shit. Is Sam really back? Did she really choose not to drop out after all?","105":"I'd pop a champagne bottle if I had one handy.","106":"Also, the disappointment in Mr. Rogham's voice is [i]delicious[\/i]. Never thought I'd enjoy it so much.","107":"Sorry Mr. Rogham.","108":"Take your seat, Ms. Hunter.","109":"I don't think it will help very much given the circumstances, but-","110":"His eyes... heading to the briefcase...","111":"FUCK!","112":"Where... where is it?","113":"It was right there! [i]I put it right there![\/i]","114":"The volume of Mr. Rogham's voice has the whole class shrinking like snails back into their shells.","115":"What's more surprising is that instead of turning [i]to me[\/i], he instantly turns on [i]Sam[\/i].","116":"What a coincidence! My worst student returns, and my briefcase disappears the same minute.","117":"Where is it, Sam? Where did you put it?","118":"I... don't... know!","119":"I- I- I- just came in!","120":"I'm relieved, confused, and pissed that he thinks it was Sam. I mean, she wasn't really in the room when it disappeared! She couldn't have anything to do with it.","121":"If going through all this gets Sam in trouble for stealing, it will all be for nothing.","122":"Where is it, Sam? Tell me!","123":"All I want to do... is pass your stupid class!","124":"Sam storms off, after having these irrational accusations leveled against her.","125":"I don't blame her. She tries to come back and is immediately set upon.","126":"Rogham still has a few parting words for her-","127":"If we don't find it here, we [i]will[\/i] search your dorm room. Make no mistake!","128":"As soon as Sam leaves, Mr. Rogham is poking his head around the hall, maybe suddenly aware the [i]more likely[\/i] truth was that he set his suitcase somewhere and forgot about it.","129":"As he does, he mutters to himself, just loud enough for the whole class to hear. Not challenging, given that [i]everyone is dead, dead quiet.[\/i]","130":"The general feeling is, as far as I can sense it, the next person who talks is going to get accused.","131":"Consequently, the whole class is frozen stiff and quieter than a court.","132":"I swear I put it right there...","133":"Shit.","134":"{Leah}'s back. She has no idea the disaster that just unfurled.","135":"She [i]might[\/i] have seen Sam rush out, in which case, she'll know it's dangerous just to walk in and act natural.","136":"Unwilling to even sign back at her, I communicate with my eyes as much as I can.","137":"In response, {Leah} signs back at me.","138":"She says [i]distract[\/i].","139":"Distract? With what? An airhorn?","140":"{Leah} has way too much faith in me if she thinks I can just [i]distract[\/i]...","141":"-But, actually, there is one thing that happened long ago that [i]did[\/i] grab everyone's attention.","142":"I hope {Leah} realizes this won't work twice, so if we ever need a really good distraction again, we're out of luck.","143":"Here it goes.","144":"*Cough*","145":"*Ugh*...","146":"*Ack*...","147":"I make the best [i]choking noise[\/i] I can. I don't need to act very hard... my vocal chords are already fucked up. The sound is [i]very convincing[\/i].","148":"When people notice my choking, the whole class turns to me.","149":"Oh, for the love of-","150":"Rogham's annoyance quickly turns to brusque concern.","151":"Do you need an ambulance?","152":"Nod if you need an ambulance.","153":"I carefully avoid giving any direct answer as the door opens.","154":"I just make worse sounds. More gutteral. [i]More phlegmy[\/i].","155":"*Urruugh*...","156":"*Gggggghhh*...","157":"Was that a nod?","158":"*Gurglggge*...","159":"*Hnnngghh*...","160":"{Leah} put the case back, finally!","161":"I polish off my one semester of highschool theater, and make a big act of sudden recovery.","162":"My hands go up, and give a thumbs up.","163":"Are you sure? That sounds very unhealthy indeed.","164":"Since it seems that particular crisis has passed...","165":"What?","166":"As soon as Rogham thinks I'm fine, he cranes his neck back to where he was searching.","167":"I must be sick too. Has it been there all along?","168":"Right where I had left it...","169":"If anybody noticed {Leah} walking back in, they haven't said a word.","170":"Mr. Rogham looks at the case with confusion. But I don't care.","171":"As long as no suspicion falls on me or {Leah}, I don't really care whether he thinks about this for the rest of his life.","172":"Early onset Alzheimer's... better get checked out.","173":"I'm sure you all had a good laugh watching your professor fumble around. But we still have twenty minutes left in this class, and we've been distracted enough!","174":"You had better start paying attention...","175":"Looks like we got away with it, for now.","176":"What a relief.","177":"Class ends. I burst through the door outside.","178":"I'm so eager to get {Leah}'s report that I think nothing of talking to her about it out in the open.","179":"How did things go? What did you find out?","180":"Well...","181":"...I didn't find anything directly relating to Sam. At least not yet.","182":"That's fine. We haven't even gone over everything in the suitcase yet.","183":"So why do you look... uncomfortable?","184":"I did find one interesting thing, though. Something that [i]immediately[\/i] caught my interest.","185":"Really?","186":"We had better talk about it... not here.","187":"I see.","188":"Let's go home.","189":"You really can't show me now?","190":"Trust me. We're going to want all the time in the world to look it over.","191":"{Leah} heads off, a bit of a bounce in her step.","192":"Despite the concerned look she had on her face, it sure seems like she's having fun.","193":"I'm not nearly as into this as {Leah} is.","194":"Are you going to show me what this thing is now?","195":"Are you sure you want to know now? I'm kinda not done sifting through the data I've collected.","196":"It might help us understand-","197":"I'm done being tortured by questions. Please.","198":"Well... okay. Maybe I should ask you a question.","199":"Did you first meet Professor Rogham... before you took his class?","200":"No.","201":"How interesting.","202":"That's interesting?","203":"Look at this.","204":"She slides a photo toward me across the table.","205":"The fuck is this? This is me during my debate with Sam.","206":"Where did you find this?","207":"Get this...","208":"[i]...in Rogham's briefcase.[\/i]","209":"Get outta town.","210":"I'm not joking.","211":"I don't really get it. Why would he have a picture like this?","212":"Did you give it to him?","213":"No.","214":"Then I'm out of ideas.","215":"Fuck...","216":"Could be a totally innocent thing, though.","217":"Well, until you find my name with a heart drawn around it.","218":"We can't jump to conclusions. There's any number of legitimate reasons why Mr. Rogham would have something like this.","219":"Especially since we haven't gone through the contents of his briefcase yet.","220":"I don't think I can ever interact with Professor Rogham the same again...","221":"Just... don't let on that you know anything, okay?","222":"We need the time to go through everything carefully.","223":"Yeah. I'm not really sure I want to know the truth of this.","224":"Why would Professor Rogham be carrying a picture like this in his briefcase?","225":"What {Leah} says is accurate. It's not necessarily anything nefarious. Still... my mind is on fire with possibilities.","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"Outside Sam's dorm... but waiting for {Leah}.","3":"My face is hot... I'm short of breath... I'm imagining the ecstasy of pulling off a heist while knowing everything that could go wrong.","4":"It could be nerves, but it sure as heck feels more like... [i]excitement[\/i].","5":"I only hope {Leah}'s plan is foolproof.","6":"{Leah} shows up, and I look at her and feel static electricity brush through me as a mixture of fear and anticipation.","7":"She smiles - but there's a real part of me that wants her to [i]hurry up and tell me the plan[\/i].","8":"What did you find out?","9":"That there's no real security inside the hall or in the corridor outside."},"ch4__04.35.35 the almost kiss.vne3":{"10":"Let's not talk about that right now.","11":"Yeah. I can understand that.","12":"I'm guessing you don't really want to talk about the school situation?","13":"I'd do anything to forget it.","14":"I get that.","15":"Did you want to talk about what happened in Mr. Rogham's class?","16":"No. Please. Not right now.","17":"Yeah. I guess I'll respect that.","18":"So... do we just head inside?","19":"Pretty sure class is in session, actually.","20":"I don't think they're going to kick out a former president and her vice president.","21":"A lot of teachers will still recognize us, but let's not tempt them. We are technically trespassing.","22":"Agreed.","23":"Wow. So many memories.","24":"Look at all the photos. It's weird seeing a totally different group of people here.","25":"Yeah. It is. They all look like babies now.","26":"Yeah.","27":"I hate that I miss this place. When I went here, I was so eager not to go.","28":"You don't miss the place. You miss the people.","29":"Uh... yeah. You're right. That's kind of true.","30":"We both take a moment to drink in the once-familiar atmosphere.","31":"Sam and I were only really friends our senior year, so moving through these halls is really our biggest shared experience.","32":"As we both look around, we lock eyes for a moment.","33":"I wonder if we're going to turn away from each other, and we don't. Instead, my heart begins to beat a little faster.","34":"It's a sweet... though slightly awkward moment.","35":"Nostalgia, huh?","36":"Yeah. For sure.","37":"Do you... want to look inside the student council room?","38":"Yeah. Definitely.","39":"Oh man. We spent way too much time in here. This is where I learned to be a square.","40":"This room hasn't changed since we were here.","41":"Of course. Do you think anybody is going to do a better job than us? Not likely.","42":"They're going to keep things exactly as they are.","43":"Yeah, look. Everything is still stored in the same place.","44":"They haven't even removed [i]Valerie's[\/i] notes yet.","45":"I guess in the grand scheme of things, not much time has passed.","46":"It feels like forever.","47":"Yeah. Like a different era.","48":"We both stand in here for a while, but for some reason, it doesn't produce the same comfortable nostalgia.","49":"There's a sadness here. It's difficult to place exactly why.","50":"Let's head outside.","51":"Yeah. We don't want to get caught by one of the teachers.","52":"No. I'd feel like a creep for wandering around school.","53":"We head out of the class, but instead of heading straight back, Sam goes to the back of the school.","54":"I already know where she's headed off to, and I shadow her.","55":"This is my favorite place in the world.","56":"I hardly ever went here.","57":"Yeah, 'cause it's off school property and you're a square. But... we juvenile delinquents know this place well.","58":"They always talked about gang members hanging around here.","59":"Bunch of bullshit. Nothing but us kids. Smoking and pretending to be badasses.","60":"Cursing, telling awful jokes, lying about not being virgins.","61":"Judging by the cigarette butts floating in the water, delinquents still do hang out around here.","62":"Ugh. Well, [i]we[\/i] didn't litter, at least. We were respectful to the spirit of the lake, if you know what I mean.","63":"Looks like some of us aren't so much.","64":"Actually, you took me here once.","65":"I did? Oh yeah, I did.","66":"You wanted to introduce me to your friends. But when we arrived, nobody was here.","67":"You were really eager for me to meet your friends.","68":"Yeah. I couldn't explain it back then, but I guess I can now.","69":"When I became president, I... [i]joined your world[\/i], if that makes any sense. You took life seriously, and I didn't.","70":"I thought I was the coolest shit. I read Stirner, listened to the Ramones while smoking reefer... was in an [i]awful[\/i] metal band...","71":"But you were different. So different. And yet, you were generous, patient, helpful, caring...","72":"It made me think... I don't need to be such an edgelord to be cool, you know?","73":"But... you still wanted me to be in your world a little.","74":"Yeah. Exactly. I wanted you to understand me and where I come from.","75":"My way of giving back, I guess.","76":"I remember that day pretty fondly.","77":"Do you?","78":"Honestly, I didn't care much for meeting your friends. I was glad they weren't there...","79":"...I do remember I was nervous being alone with you.","80":"Were you? I was kinda nervous... being alone with you! That's... quite a coincidence...","81":"Sam swallows back - I think she had the same memory I had...","82":"...she took me here... and though our faces grew closer and closer together...","83":"...we never quite...","84":"...kissed.","85":"Nerves. We suddenly became aware of what we were doing. And that stopped us before anything happened.","86":"But, we're old now. If we want to kiss, we should be able to.","87":"Right?","88":"Umm... wow.","89":"I uh... think I'm gonna head back.","90":"I don't really react. I'm too afraid of ruining the moment again to.","91":"So... Sam slips out of my grasp.","92":"There's sparks, constantly flittering. But no fire.","93":"Everything seems to be right - but it doesn't catch.","94":"Maybe it's one of those things that never gets addressed.","95":"A few days later...","0":"Jump to exploration","1":"Continue","2":"So this is it. Good old Annette Taylor High.","3":"Sam should be here any minute. In fact, I see an Uber rolling up now.","4":"Thanks, Mr. Driver!","5":"His name is actually [i]Mr. Driver[\/i]. Would you believe it?","6":"Talk about a name being a description.","7":"I know, right? I was telling him how cool it was that he was both a driver and someone called Driver.","8":"Funny... I think he'd had that conversation a lot.","9":"Did you get the forms filled out?"},"ch4__04.35.40 leveling up with sam.vne3":{"3":"I have a feeling it's about the [i]things[\/i] we failed to address last time we talked.","4":"Blood is rushing to my face just thinking about it.","5":"Not long ago, I shared a night with Haley.","6":"Will this be the same?","7":"Of course... I don't [i]have[\/i] to go. It's not really pussing out... if I don't want it in the first place.","8":"But if I don't go, I'll probably miss my chance at whatever is going between Sam and I.","9":"Can I live with that?","10":"I need to go to the lake, I can't miss this chance with Sam.","11":"Sam is my friend, and that's all.","12":"I'll make some kind of excuse for why I couldn't see her.","13":"All I know is that starting something with her is a mistake.","14":"Maybe in another parallel universe, but not in this one.","15":"Wow. She really is there.","16":"And... perfect timing too. I don't think she knew exactly when or if I was coming, but the fact that the sun chose to set at this very moment...","17":"...it's lovely.","18":"Is the universe putting up some mood lighting for us?","19":"Does it really want us to be together, I wonder?","20":"As I approach, it feels like it.","21":"I can tell she notices me coming.","22":"I can't really talk to her. All I can do... is reach out and touch her.","23":"In my hands she feels so warm.","24":"I feel her shudder - an emotion pumps through her.","25":"I knew that touching her like this... was no risk at all.","26":"I wasn't sure you'd come.","27":"Her voice is so soft and calm. It's unlike any way she's ever spoken to me.","28":"We had an unfinished moment, didn't we?","29":"We can't let this go unresolved.","30":"She's right. We really can't.","31":"Things have been building up for so long. And we've never let ourselves catch fire like we should have.","32":"But now things will be different. She's kindling right now.","33":"I'm ready to go up in flames with her.","34":"Unable to talk, I simply pull her close, and let our bodies press until they mold together.","35":"Searching, our heads tilt, and our lips gravitate.","36":"Wow. It's so easy.","37":"It's so much harder [i]not[\/i] to do this than it was to do it.","38":"Our first kiss could've happened years ago by this very lake.","39":"But it doesn't matter. Now it's happened. And now, what comes next I can't guess.","40":"We separate, our eyes meet once again.","41":"There's a spark to them that there wasn't before. I guess that's where her fire comes from.","42":"She has a smile on her face, almost like I had said something mildly funny.","43":"More likely she's just happy that we both broke through these barriers.","44":"Let's make up for the lost time.","0":"I'm only here because I received a mysterious text from Sam.","1":"[i]Meet me at the lake,[\/i] it said.","2":"I want to pretend like I don't know what it's about... but..."},"ch4__04.35.40a sex with sam.vne3":{"10":"[bj_speed != bj_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[sex55_speed != sex55_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[sex55_speed != sex55_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[sex55_speed != sex55_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[sex61_speed != sex61_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[sex61_speed != sex61_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[sex61_speed != sex61_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Test cumshots","25":"Play scene.","26":"With a comfort of two people that have known each other for a very long time, we start to discard our clothes.","27":"Pulling, stripping, letting cloth slip from our bodies.","28":"I'm not sure why this is so easy... but it is.","29":"Only when we get down to our underwear does any kind of shame strike us. I know Sam has never seen me naked. And... I've never seen her naked either.","30":"Both of us blush at seemingly the same time. It weighs on both of us the next few minutes can change everything.","31":"We've been together a lot. But as friends and colleagues. How will we interact after this?","32":"The honest answer is... [i]never the same way[\/i].","33":"The chance to back out gets further and further away.","34":"But Sam finally discards the last of her clothes, and does a shy walk to the edge of the lake.","35":"I guess she's decided not to back out. And I won't either.","36":"I guess I've wanted this for a while now. But that makes me more nervous, not less so.","37":"There is always a chance this could destroy everything between us. But... I suppose that's a chance I'm willing to take.","38":"It's worth the risk to go the next level with Sam.","39":"I'll have some mood lighting.","40":"S-sorry! This is a bigger deal than I thought.","41":"We're friends! So it should make it easier. But for some reason...","42":"Yeah. I know there's nothing to be nervous about...","43":"Getting impatient, I take Sam's hands and start pulling her closer.","44":"Sam looks a little surprised, but she finally drops her arms.","45":"Her nervousness does not put me off in the least. It only makes her all the sweeter.","46":"Besides... I finally get to see them.","47":"Her apple-shaped breasts... I've always been curious about them. Now they are naked before me. I am finally satisfied.","48":"But the time for her to be nervous is over. It's time...","49":"...to dive in.","50":"What the-!","51":"I lean over a flustered Sam.","52":"Gosh, her face is so damn cute. Even better is the way she feels.","53":"As my hand travels across her belly, I can feel her whole body tense and relax at the same time, her lungs fill and exhale.","54":"I suddenly realize this is the first time I've touched Sam's naked skin...","55":"Heh... you're kind of a tease... you know that?","56":"Why didn't you ever... take me to the student council room?","57":"That's what I always wanted to know.","58":"Well, I don't know myself, so I guess it's a good thing I can't express it.","59":"Instead, I shut her up with a kiss...","60":"I finally know what I missed on the lake that day. But that isn't enough for me.","61":"Instead, I'm going to leave her moaning as I nibble down her neck and collar.","62":"It takes a bit... but Sam speaks in a small, reluctant voice.","63":"Do you... [delay,250]do you hear something?","64":"She doesn't want to spoil the mood, but I know what she's talking about.","65":"It sounds like... grass rustling. Is someone in the bushes?","66":"I'm about ready to just let them watch, but I know that's not a smart move.","67":"Oh...","68":"Sam takes in the sight with the same reaction that I do.","69":"Is... is this technically an orgy?","70":"God... that scared me a little. That's a little embarrassing to admit.","71":"But on the positive side of things, I feel her loosen up a little.","72":"It gives us both a feeling of ease... enough to continue.","73":"So I start where I left off... which is admiring her breasts. I've wanted to play with them for so long...","74":"No. She's not a big-titted goddess, but they're perky and perfect and feel soft.","75":"Her nipples glitter with her sweat, and feel a little elastic in my fingers.","76":"It's time I taste her...","77":"...and tweak her.","78":"There's a saltiness to her skin that's... amazing.","79":"Especially this electric-like energy that passes through her in waves... causing her whole body to undulate...","80":"...and then...","81":"Sam's hand on my dick... for the very first time.","82":"It's enough to send me shivers. I've fantasized about this very thing for a long time.","83":"I sigh a little as her smooth hands work me up to complete hardness.","84":"She sits up to give my cock her full focus.","85":"Playfully at first, as sort of an initial exploration. And then, with a purpose.","86":"To solve one riddle: how best to please me.","87":"When she's finally convinced of an answer, she looks me in the eyes, instead of at my cock.","88":"She has the aplomb of someone confident they'll make me happy.","89":"It's... a bit thicker than I thought it would be.","90":"It makes me wonder if... I'm gonna be able to take it. You know?","91":"I like how Sam looks at me while using her hands. I feel a bit like I'm being put on a pedestal.","92":"The attention she's giving my cock... it's with total assurance.","93":"And the longer she does it... the more confidence she gains with it.","94":"Smoother. Harder. Faster.","95":"She could bring me to completion if she wanted to. But neither of us want that now.","96":"I'm still not sure if this hog can fit...","97":"Her voice is interesting. She's saying all the Sam-like words, but it's with a low, husky, quiet tone.","98":"She's trying to be funny... but too turned on to put her usual perky energy into it.","99":"Maybe if I play around with it a little... I can know for real.","100":"[i]Playing around with it[\/i]. Oh. Please do.","101":"If this is the way she plays, I want more of it. Especially as her lips get closer to my...","102":"I sharply intake breath as Sam kisses my tip.","103":"I'm so hard... it's nearly [i]painful[\/i].","104":"After her handjob, I'm already at a precipice. Sam has no idea how close I am...","105":"...or she doesn't care.","106":"God, I need release...","107":"As she starts licking it... and looking me in the eyes...","108":"...an important question is about to be answered. [i]What would Sam look like with my cock in her mouth?","109":"I guess I'll have my answer now. And... more than her tongue... it's the sight of her that makes me wanna...!","110":"...shit! Gotta calm down!","111":"I want to enjoy this...","112":"Her tongue, swirling around my cockhead...","113":"...invisible within the confines of her mouth. A whole new world I can only feel and not see...","114":"...she tastes me gently, then aggressively. Her smooth cheeks and her bumpy tongue...","115":"...the ribs at the top of her mouth...","116":"This... this might be the final blow...","117":"She's so consumed with sucking me off... she isn't reading the signals I'm trying to send her.","118":"I open my mouth, the air escapes my throat, no words form.","119":"...I... I literally can't tell her!","120":"I try to make a gesture... but... I just...!","121":"I pump a rope after rope of cum into her mouth. Her cheeks inflate unexpectedly.","122":"I knew it was going to be quite a load... but even I'm surprised the amount that comes out.","123":"As embarrassment fills me, I watch Sam silently struggle to keep it down and take every drop.","124":"I don't blame her for her difficulties. I'm about to pull out, but Sam seems insistent that I keep it in.","125":"What is she doing?","126":"Ahhh!","127":"Holy shit!","128":"Sam... that was fucking extraordinary. No warning, no problem.","129":"That I did [i]not[\/i] expect.","130":"I wish I could congratulate her.","131":"Don't lie. You're kinda proud of me.","132":"Yes. Sort of. But I'm more ashamed of myself, honestly, that I lasted all of a few minutes.","133":"But I'm ready to make up for it.","134":"I position myself, to indicate the next thing about to happen.","135":"Oh. It's main event time...","136":"I'm ready for it... but... you gotta be careful... okay?","137":"That's a big one you have...","138":"I shake my head a little.","139":"It's not? Then... what...?","140":"I'm about to show her. She's really going to like this. But I will need to get this thin, silly thing out of the way.","141":"Then, I get to work.","142":"Oh. [i]That's what you meant.[\/i]","143":"The actions of a true gentleman.","144":"At this point, Sam's pussy is the very last mystery she has, but I'm too impatient.","145":"I just want to pull down every wall between us. And that means every piece of clothing, too.","146":"I'm not acquainted with her every inch and piece of anatomy.","147":"I don't know what Sam's expectations are, but I'm going to do my damndest to blow her out of the water.","148":"Ugh!","149":"The moment my lips touch her cooch, I feel instant warm wetness.","150":"I continue to lavish her. I need her as wet as possible for the [i]actual[\/i] main event.","151":"For now, I think Sam is quite happy for me to go down on her.","152":"A few nibbles and kisses later... and soon, I feel like Sam really is ready.","153":"And, actually, so am I. I feel myself recovering. Blood is rushing into my cock.","154":"My balls are getting heavy with another load, eager to give Sam the tribute she needs.","155":"Sam is silent as I pull her bodily toward my cock.","156":"Her eyes, however, latch on with interest.","157":"I glance at her, waiting for any sort of negative reaction, before I push inside.","158":"Sam was wrong. I'm not too thick for her. Though...","159":"...it kinda feels like it! As her cunt presses around me, it pushes back on the skin around my shaft.","160":"The way she sounds... there might be a little pain in it for her, but she doesn't do anything to make it stop.","161":"If anything... I think she kinda likes the pain.","162":"That's good. I don't think I can stop at this point.","163":"I push into Sam, much like entering a sleeve, and do a few trial thrusts, to make sure I'm going in smoothly.","164":"A few successful tests later, and I'm good to go.","165":"My next thrusts are done confidently. My entrance is smooth, and I feel my thrusts synchronizing with her. Whatever pain Sam had to begin with has evaporated. There's only sweat, groans, and ecstasy.","166":"I give her foot a smooch, and...","167":"...I put her on her hands and knees.","168":"What are you...?","169":"I'm about to show her.","170":"Oh!","171":"You're... really brave!","172":"Yeah... I didn't expect to be doing this to Sam when this first started.","173":"I felt inspired.","174":"I don't know if it's brave. When I saw Sam's little star, I knew I had to try it a little. Just for curiosity.","175":"It tastes borderline fresh. Sort of what I was hoping for. I'm not sure what I was expecting.","176":"I guess with Sam's butt obsession, she would keep her backside well.","177":"Sam... of course, is giggling like a maniac.","178":"I don't think she's laughing because it tickles. I think she's giggling because it's her [i]ass[\/i] I'm eating.","179":"Sam's humor is not particularly advanced. But this was all for a purpose.","180":"As Sam feels me pressing in from behind... I hear her voice get husky and dark.","181":"You've got something for me, huh?","182":"Indeed I do.","183":"In an almost psychic way, Sam pushes herself back onto me just as I'm about to enter her.","184":"She lets out a cry as I press into her.","185":"It's almost like her whole body shudders... grits... then activates with each thrust of my cock.","186":"She leans down to get a deeper angle, and I go even more fiercely...","187":"Her downward dog stance stabilizes with each slap of our thighs.","188":"So I continue...","189":"...pushing myself as deep as her tightness can withstand...","190":"...but I don't want to do it like this. Call me a romantic...","191":"...I want to see Sam's face as I do this.","192":"I bend her around, and I'm glad I did.","193":"Her lip, tucked between her teeth in excitement...","194":"...I'm going to watch as her face changes. I'm going to watch as an orgasm undoes her.","195":"My fingers sink into her breasts as I fuck her... but Sam's attention...","196":"...is solely fixed on me.","197":"I can't tell her anything, so I communicate the only way I can... I smile.","198":"Sam returns it only briefly, before my thrusts cause her to moan and shift.","199":"The way she writhes on the mat, at my mercy... her eyes only barely open as she watches...","200":"It's intense... and can only end with a change of pace.","201":"That change of pace soon comes.","202":"I... I wanna try riding you...","203":"She can barely get the words out, but I understand her completely.","204":"I'm curious how she'll perform just on her own.","205":"At her own pace, she climbs atop me. All I do is make sure my cock is pointed up toward her pussy.","206":"Her pussy lips only graze the tip, but it's enough to remind me how soft and pliant she is within.","207":"We kiss... and at the same time I feel Sam's tongue. I also feel her slide down the length of my cock.","208":"Again... this synchronicity is unmistakable. We seem to be able to anticipate each other's movements.","209":"We pay the setting sun little heed as we reach the end of our session.","210":"I can finally start to feel fatigue setting in.","211":"Neither of us can last much longer.","212":"Sam repeatedly lifts herself up, and using her whole body weight, completely envelops me on the way back down.","213":"Only at this point am I feeling well acquainted with her tightness. As she engulfs my cock, I know the feeling that's about to burst through me.","214":"I gently bite her nipple, the only way I can physically express how I feel right now.","215":"I pull her close, let her bounce atop me, my tongue barely keeping up with her nipple.","216":"Just as I want to be as deep inside her as possible, I also want to taste the salty-sweetness of her breast.","217":"I feel goosebumps rise on her skin as she engulfs me and squeezes me into oblivion.","218":"She's so vital, and eager, and energetic... I can't help but imagine myself spilling into her right now.","219":"And I will. Soon. Very soon.","220":"She grips me. I feel her whole body seize.","221":"Meanwhile, every muscle in my body engages at the same time.","222":"With the force of her orgasm, she nearly flings herself off me. It's only my arms that lock her in place.","223":"I have to keep her with me. We have to share the same rhythm. I'm not going to cum alone.","224":"I'm not crossing the threshold without her.","225":"Only with her am I going to cross the point of no return!","226":"Cum inside her.","227":"Cum all over her.","228":"Cum on her face.","229":"It's... it's inside me...","230":"God, it feels warm...","231":"Feels kinda like... hot magma...","232":"...in a good kinda way...","233":"{PlayerName}! What a mess... so sticky!","234":"This is a view I won't forget easily.","235":"She wipes herself down with a nearby towel.","236":"Holy bejeezus.","237":"I'm too exhausted to laugh... but... seriously, Sam? [i]Bejeezus[\/i]?","238":"I'm the mute one and I feel more articulate than you.","239":"Still, [i]bejeezus[\/i] does kinda describe my general feeling.","240":"But... that's okay.","241":"I kinda like that Sam is so earnest and raw.","242":"It makes me feel... like I can trust her.","243":"I planned this out, just so you know.","244":"I didn't know we'd have sex... but... I'm still glad it happened.","245":"You made my evening a 10 rather than a 9.","246":"If you had only showed up... it woulda been a 9. But because we did it...","247":"...it's a 10.","248":"God... I know you're laughing at me from the inside.","249":"I am.","250":"We have to leave, don't we?","251":"I don't know if I can force myself to get up...","252":"That's pretty much the last thing we say to each other that night. We sit out there until the very early hours of the morning.","253":"Not really talking. Living completely in the moment.","254":"Eventually, we actually do have to rejoin society.","255":"Somehow, I make it back home. I can't even remember how.","256":"There is one issue about having sex near a lake.","257":"I've got... all kinds of bite marks in places you wouldn't want to mention.","258":"You'd think the writhing and noise would drive them off, but the bugs are bold motherfuckers.","259":"The itching would bother me more, except for the big blooming question mark about how this changes my relationship with Sam.","260":"I have a feeling I'll only fully find out later on. My whole life is a question mark right now, when merely checking my laptop can have things swing dramatically.","261":"Besides, she's not the only one who has caught my attention lately... This makes the puzzle even more complicated.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[hj_speed != hj_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[hj_speed != hj_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[hj_speed != hj_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[bj_speed != bj_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[bj_speed != bj_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch4_test.vne3":{"0":"..."},"ch5__05.05 the target.vne3":{"10":"I have my own copy. I don't need this anymore. I can put it back where I found it.","11":"[i]Or... I could take the picture myself and stop it from getting into Silent1's hands.[\/i]","12":"Could I really stop them from ever finding out who the target is? Maybe, maybe not. There's no way to know for sure.","13":"But... if it works, it would be a serious coup. I'll risk revealing myself. He'll know someone is after him. But he might know that anyway.","14":"There's no safe option, but I still have to make the decision.","15":"Take the photo with you.","16":"Put the photo back.","17":"Will I be protecting Emily or myself? I don't know.","18":"I can't let Silent1 find the picture. That's all I know.","19":"This won't stop him, but it might delay him.","20":"He'll know there's a war between us.","21":"All I'll be doing is exposing myself. Now that I've seen this, I can make a plan of action.","22":"This was all I need. I don't need to take any more risks.","23":"That should do it.","24":"{Leah}!","25":"Did the dropoff happen?","26":"You can't be here!","27":"It hasn't happened yet-","28":"{Leah} suddenly shuts up, understanding the situation.","29":"We've got to go.","30":"Yes, yes, I know.","31":"I thought we agreed you weren't coming.","32":"I said I [i]shouldn't[\/i] come. I didn't definitively say I wouldn't.","33":"It's too dangerous for you, {Leah}, you've got to-","34":"It's not too dangerous for you, then?","35":"{Leah}...","36":"If it's too dangerous for me, it's definitely too dangerous for you.","37":"We have to stop arguing. Silent1's agent can come anytime.","38":"It's true but... I have so much I need to say...","39":"Let's get to the car.","40":"What did you find out?","41":"This is not something I want to share with {Leah}. I'm anxious enough, I don't need to multiply it by sharing it with her.","42":"But it's unavoidable. {Leah} wouldn't tolerate being left out of the loop. I bite my lower lip, then pass the picture to her.","43":"But it's unavoidable. {Leah} wouldn't tolerate being left out of the loop. I bite my lower lip, then show the photo I took to her.","44":"She looks at it. Her only expression is a longer blink than usual.","45":"Her sigh, though, is ragged and exhausted.","46":"It's [i]you[\/i].","47":"Or Emily.","48":"Or Emily.","49":"You'd think that Pledged1 would clarify which one is the target.","50":"It's ambiguous.","51":"Do you... have the sense that your life is in danger?","52":"Yeah.","53":"I need you to think about this seriously. I'm not talking about a vague feeling. Do you feel [i]targeted?[\/i]","54":"I don't know. But Emily...","55":"...there was the break-in at her dad's office.","56":"A potential for a motive. So you're thinking Pledged1 is the guy who broke into the office?","57":"If Emily's the target, he could've just killed her. He brought a gun after all.","58":"Just like... he almost killed me...","59":"{Leah}'s expression reminds me of gathering stormclouds. Still and moving at the same time.","60":"If we know who Silent1's agent is, we might get answers.","61":"Silent1 did say they were sending an agent. It seems almost unimaginable that this dark figure was, in fact, real.","62":"The hacker had turned into a ghost in my mind - someone with no physical presence, but simply a looming, shadowy thing.","63":"That a semi-supernatural thing like Silent1 would actually intrude on this reality gives me chills.","64":"That means we watch this spot?","65":"I... suppose.","66":"There's no way to be proactive about this, is there?","67":"No, I don't think so.","68":"{Leah} falls silent. I can see the frustration mounting on her face.","69":"It's her least favorite activity: Waiting. And it isn't just because she's impatient. It's because we're passive. Powerless, except to hope our enemy makes a mistake.","70":"But we'll still do it.","71":"She will wait as long as it takes for answers. And so will I.","72":"It will be easier if we watch together.","73":"It definitely will be.","74":"I'm... kinda glad that {Leah} joined me tonight. I won't tell her because I don't want to encourage her more.","75":"But... I don't think I need to. She already knows how I feel.","76":"I rely so much on her...","77":"I'm really happy we're doing this together.","78":"If I had to do this on my own, I'm not sure what I'd do.","79":"Well... you did do it on your own, didn't you?","80":"And you saw how badly I messed it up.","81":"I messed up too, before I started learning my lessons.","82":"Principal's office?","83":"Yes. Also some other mess ups that I'm too embarrassed to mention.","84":"I guess I benefit a lot from your experience.","85":"I benefit from yours, too.","86":"What experience, I wonder?","87":"I'm so out of my depth when it comes to this stuff. But... I'm going to let it be.","88":"We watch the spot in the park. Both of us are alert, expecting a shadowy figure at any point.","89":"Once we know our perp, I know so many questions will be answered.","90":"We just... have to wait... and watch...","0":"It's a week to Halloween. Late October. It shouldn't feel this cold.","1":"The cold might be the harsh reality now biting into me. The photo proved I'm not a spectator into a stranger's drama. I'm involved. I'm in the center.","2":"What interest could they have with me? [i]Or Emily?[\/i]","3":"Silent1's agent will be here at any time.","4":"I can't stare at this photo forever. I need to keep a record of this.","5":"I feel like I need a second pair of eyes, even just to confirm that what I'm seeing is real.","6":"How did they get this picture? Who was standing from where the photo was taken?","7":"I can't answer any of these questions. And RECENTLY definitely isn't going to help me.","8":"All I know is, I can't stay here.","9":"I take my phone and quickly snap a picture. I need to keep this for my own reference."},"ch5__05.10 waking inside the car.vne3":{"10":"More tapping?","11":"Is... something going on?","12":"What the hell?","13":"Oh god. A big doughy face... like cigarette ash pizza.","14":"Am I having a nightmare? I feel like I need pepper spray...","15":"I step out quickly from the car, alarmed and flailing for a fight.","16":"The monster-nightmare dude in front of me seems completely unimpressed.","17":"You gotta keep the engine on and stuff the tailpipe if you want to off yourself.","18":"Yeah, it's Batman. I'm here to rescue you.","19":"It's worse than a nightmare. It's reality.","20":"Shit... I was supposed to be watching for Silent1's agent!","21":"Fucking fell asleep. I had to have missed them. Unless... maybe not?","22":"Maybe they're still coming? Maybe there's hope?","23":"{Leah} snores gently beside me. She must've fallen asleep too. Did she see anything before she went under?","24":"I know I'm ugly, but I like it when people look at me when they talk to me.","25":"Toasterman might be my only hope...","26":"Did you see someone look behind that park bench over there?","27":"Hey. I don't appreciate you confusing me for a pigeon that flies around scavenging trash.","28":"What you're looking at right now? It's a disguise. I look poor, but actually I've got enough dough to supply New York with pasta.","29":"Though, if you were looking for fast food leftovers, under a bench is a good place...","30":"I'm not talking about you-","31":"'Scuse me, [i]I'm[\/i] talking about me. [char,Mortelli_Homeless_Neutral]Now, when you say I look homeless, it hurts my feelings. I told you, I'm Batman. I'm hiding out from the Joker and his minions.","32":"They're a bunch of clowns. And clowns are clever. They can compress themselves into tiny spaces. And sometimes, when you open a can of somethin', they all come out at once... like pus out of a pimple.","33":"I've got to check something. Stay right here.","34":"Stay right here? What am I, your valet?","35":"I don't have the time to entertain Toasterman. I walk past him.","36":"It's well into the morning. The whole school is heading to and from class.","37":"I don't know what I'm looking for. If Silent1's agent came while we were asleep, they've already found out the photos were taken.","38":"Have they already been? Or are they still coming? It's impossible to know.","39":"That's the drawback of having taken the message. Out of many other drawbacks I haven't even considered yet.","40":"I hope not to draw too much suspicion as I check the picture's hiding space.","41":"It's...[delay,500] [speed,0.5][i]still there[\/i].","42":"I guess that means... Silent1's agent hasn't been here yet.","43":"Or... they saw the picture and had no need to take it.","44":"I don't know... that sounds unlikely. Would they really have left the message here for anyone to find?","45":"Maybe they know I'm watching.","46":"I had better ask Toasterman.","47":"You sure you didn't see anyone look behind the park bench?","48":"I don't have a hobby of staring at park benches. I'm a working man, I don't have that kind of free time.","49":"There's something-","50":"I get it. You've set up a little stakeout. You planted the bait, but you fell asleep, and the rat got away.","51":"I'm glad I don't have to explain things to Batman. He's not as dumb as he looks.","52":"This is why, when I was on the force, we'd get coffee and doughnuts. They're packed with energy.","53":"After a cup of coffee and a chin powderer, you could really keep your eyes open.","54":"So you didn't see anything.","55":"What's behind the bench?","56":"A note. It's complicated to explain.","57":"My best feature is my brain. Trust me on this. You can explain it to me.","58":"Can I? I might as well. If he doesn't understand the situation, it's no loss. But if he really can help me...","59":"I might be the target of something.","60":"Target of what?","61":"God... the target of [i]what[\/i] indeed. What do I tell him?","62":"There is an answer that leapt immediately to mind, but it feels so insane it's hard to say.","63":"I should say it. I need to vocalize my fear. Hear it for myself out of my own mouth... so to speak.","64":"An assassination?","65":"The idea ought to be ridiculous. I expect - [i]want[\/i] - Toasterman to laugh, just to assuage my fear. ","66":"But Toasterman doesn't laugh. I can tell he's holding the idea in his mind, taking it seriously when I didn't dare. I get the grim sense that he's imagining me dead.","67":"Someone might be after your life and you're sleeping in a car next to your enemy's dead drop?","68":"I'm surprised you aren't dead already.","69":"You don't think I'm being ridiculous?","70":"You said the situation was complicated. I trust you. Are you lying to me? Because I always trust a guy until their first lie, then I never trust 'em again.","71":"Yeah, well... given everything so far... I suppose it's pretty normal...","72":"...it still [i]feels[\/i] ridiculous, though. How am I going to adapt to a life where someone wants to kill me?","73":"If it's the case that someone is trying to kill me... how do I survive that?","74":"The safest bet is to go into hiding. I'm looking for a roommate.","75":"Thanks, but I'd rather not live in a dumpster.","76":"Dumpster? Pff. Kid, you gotta look past superficial external appearance.","77":"Should I buy a gun?","78":"Have you ever used a gun?","79":"I've been to a gun range once...","80":"Listen, if we're talking about a [i]professional[\/i] here, five minutes shooting at paper isn't going to help you.","81":"And if he takes you by surprise... it doesn't matter if you're an Olympic skeet champ. Nobody reacts faster than [i]bullet[\/i].","82":"Except {Leah}, perhaps... the way she slammed that pot into the burglar's head...","83":"So you're saying there's no way for me to defend myself.","84":"[i]Hiding[\/i].","85":"I can't hide, I have a place to live. I have a life I care about.","86":"I offered my place. If you don't take it, your best bet is an actual dumpster.","87":"It gets messy in there, but at least there's a weekly cleaning service. You just have to remember to clear out before garbage day.","88":"Am I really taking personal security advice from Toasterman? An insane homeless guy?","89":"Though... I get the sense that he wasn't always this way. When he talks about guns and assassins and stakeouts, it really seems like he knows what he's talking about.","90":"I can't live in a dumpster, though. I'm going to have to take the risk of being out in the open.","91":"Thanks for your invitation, but I think I'll just try to manage myself.","92":"Suit yourself. When you're chased by morons with guns don't come to me.","93":"Without much further comment, Toasterman wanders away.","94":"I wonder who he actually is?","95":"Wouldn't it be weird if he turned out to be Hank...","96":"Who... were you talking to?","97":"Was that... Toasterman?","98":"{Leah}'s hoarse early-morning voice is somehow more attractive than her regular one.","99":"It reminds me of the purring of a large cat.","100":"{Leah}'s voice is hoarse, hinting at a difficult night's sleep.","101":"What did he have to say?","102":"Did you just wake up?","103":"Yes, did you see anyone? I... fell asleep, sorry.","104":"I don't do well staying up all night.","105":"You don't know Toasterman?","106":"Uh... Toasterman? Because he carries around a toaster?","107":"You got it.","108":"Yeah, I don't know him, strangely enough.","109":"He's an insane homeless man. I'm pretty sure he's an ex-cop or something.","110":"Did he see anything?","111":"Did Toasterman see anything?","112":"He didn't see anything, and neither did I.","113":"That's rotten luck. But that doesn't mean that they've come yet.","114":"The photo was still there.","115":"That's great! That means we still have a chance to catch them.","116":"Or... they could've seen the photo and put it back. For what reason I don't know.","117":"Oh. That's... a possibility.","118":"If one of us stays here, we can see for certain when they come to pick up the photo.","119":"There's no way of knowing whether we missed them or not.","120":"That's why one of us needs to stay behind to-","121":"No. That's not possible.","122":"We can't just stay inside a car and wait. ","123":"How are we going to catch them?","124":"We can't. You can barely stay awake. I need to go to class.","125":"We missed our chance, for now.","126":"We're giving up?","127":"No, of course not. We're finding a different avenue. Do you seriously want to sit here and wait?","128":"{PlayerName}... [delay,500][i]you were on that photo![\/i]","129":"I know that. I showed you. You saw it.","130":"This is [i]serious![\/i] You're involved now. It's you they're after.","131":"I can't stay here all day, {Leah}. I don't want to fall behind.","132":"You could be [i]killed[\/i].","133":"We don't know that! Besides, I get in my car everyday. I could die of a car crash at any time. I still need to function.","134":"You're just curious, {Leah}. You want to know everything no matter what. It's like the principal's office all over again.","135":"This is different, don't you see? We're on the cusp of something big. This involves you somehow! This should be our main priority from now on.","136":"This is real life, {Leah}. I have to go to work and go to class.","137":"It's... honestly hard for me to find the words. Do you realize the situation we're in?","138":"Yes, I do. I'm going to fail if I don't go to class and I'm going to go broke if I don't go to work.","139":"I... I don't know what to say.","140":"It's so obvious to me that-... well, I'm surprised it isn't obvious to you.","141":"What's obvious?","142":"That all this is about [i]you[\/i].","143":"About [i]me?[\/i] A narcissist believes everything is about them. I'm not a narcissist.","144":"I'm a normal, well-adjusted human being. The world doesn't revolve around me. I'm not the focal point of anyone or anything.","145":"I know myself. I'm a completely normal person that has done nothing interesting. If it weren't for me accidentally finding that app, I'd be a relentlessly average guy who works IT.","146":"[i]How do I get to be that guy again?[\/i]","147":"I guess it isn't obvious to me.","148":"I don't know how you work into this. But you can't just ignore the signs.","149":"That photo also showed Emily. Why isn't Emily in the center of this? Maybe this is all Emily.","150":"It could be... but... I don't think it is.","151":"Why not?","152":"It's a feeling...","153":"I'm really not sure what she means, then. If Emily is the target, it means everything, right?","154":"Emily is the one with the weird data drives and with the dad that works computer security and who has money. I'm normal.","155":"You're not normal, {PlayerName}! You have RECENTLY!","156":"That's literally the only weird thing about me. If Hank and the others had believed me when I first told them about this stuff, I wouldn't even be in this situation!","157":"I should've tried harder. I should've broken down Hank's fucking door and put that thing in his fucking face.","158":"There is no getting out of this. Accident or not, this involves you.","159":"Whatever. I'm going to class. And then to work.","160":"I'll stay out here.","161":"You also have class, {Leah}.","162":"I know that. But the reason I'm going to school in the first place is to better pursue the truth.","163":"I can listen to how to be a good journalist, or I can actually [i]be[\/i] a good journalist. You know which choice I'm going to make.","164":"I'm not going to fight you. Stay out here if you want. I don't even care.","165":"If I keep going, I'm just going to get dragged into this conversation.","166":"So, I glance at her one final time....","167":"...and then I leave.","0":"Sunlight...","1":"Is it... morning?","2":"The sounds are so loud today... did I leave the window open?","3":"...five more minutes...","4":"Tapping... hmm?","5":"What... is {Leah} doing here?","6":"Did we fall asleep last night?","7":"It feels so nice... being in the car with her...","8":"The sunlight is warm... like a blanket. And her head is so gentle on my shoulder...","9":"She's not uncomfortable at all..."},"ch5__05.15 leah is angry.vne3":{"10":"I'm a bit sleepy. Sorry. You came back to class?","11":"I've been in class the whole time. You okay?","12":"I thought you'd... like... bodyslam me with approval once you saw me back. You must be some kinda tired.","13":"It's complicated.","14":"You need energy. Try some Powerthirst! Make five hundred babies!","15":"Classic meme, right? You get it?","16":"Yeah. Powerthirst. It'll make you uncomfortably energetic. So on and so on.","17":"Man, if you didn't get the joke, I'd be a bit worried. You'd be a philistine or something.","18":"I gotta go to work.","19":"Wait!","20":"What?","21":"Thanks for helping me with Mr. Rogham. He's the closest person I know to Michael Scott.","22":"Dwight, you ignorant slut!","23":"What's with you?","24":"Uh... do you want to have lunch with me? We could share funny videos, or...","25":"Oh. Please be happy. You look sad. I can't stand that.","26":"I thought you'd be so happy to see me in class.","27":"Yeah, I am.","28":"Why do you look so sad, then?","29":"Can you understand that people have bad days?","30":"Oh, I forgot to give you something.","31":"Here's your... uh... here's your phone.","32":"My phone?","33":"I give it to her. Sam, dumbfounded, looks at it like I put an incomprehensible toy on her palm.","34":"Oh! Thanks! Where did you find it?","35":"It took all my information tech skills. I don't think it was compromised, so it's probably safe to use.","36":"Shit. Thanks. So... I just dropped it in the bushes?","37":"Yeah. It was in the bushes.","38":"That's lucky. If only I had it before I bought my new one...","39":"I'm not complaining, though. The lost phone mystery is solved. I guess I can call off Scooby Doo and his gang.","40":"I gotta go to work.","41":"Wait!","42":"Uh... uh... pussy on the chain wax! Slapass! Uh... uh... nooice!","43":"What I got, you can't fix by shouting pop-culture references.","44":"Nooice!","45":"Nooice!","46":"Nooice!","47":"Nooice!","48":"Nooice!","49":"Key and Peele fan?","50":"Who isn't?","51":"Oh man. Is {PlayerName} your workmate?","52":"He hasn't told you about me?","53":"No. Has he told you about me?","54":"No...","55":"You don't tell your friends about me?","56":"It's never come up.","57":"Shiiit, man, am I not that interesting?","58":"I know I'm interesting. You don't talk about Sam? Your sexy best friend?","59":"Linus, Sam. Sam, Linus.","60":"You could say it with a bit more [i]emotion[\/i]. Like you're happy to see me.","61":"Don't worry. Motherflipper isn't happy to see anyone. It ain't you.","62":"Yeah but... {PlayerName} and I have a [i]special relationship[\/i]...","63":"Special relationship? Is she talking about the sex?","64":"Begging someone to feel better isn't going to work.","65":"Did somebody die today?","66":"You see it too, huh?","67":"Yeah. {PlayerName}, you're miserable.","68":"I didn't sleep enough.","69":"He gets cranky if he hasn't slept.","70":"I noticed that. For such a quiet guy he can really groan. I mean... is he like this when he gets lucky?","71":"{PlayerName} never has sex after 7 p.m. Past his bedtime.","72":"Aw man, that's true, ain't it! Say it's true.","73":"Fuck Hank. I'm getting dogpiled. And I'm way too exhausted to defend myself.","74":"There's nothing wrong with a strict bedtime... for eight-year olds. -Hank","75":"Ha! Yeah, I bet he was up late because he didn't get a good tuck in.","76":"What? Who was that?","77":"That was Hank. Here.","78":"Oh, no.","79":"What?","80":"Hank is...","81":"Oh, shit. I got to go.","82":"You know Hank from somewhere?","83":"Nice meeting you...","84":"...Linus.","85":"The name's Sam. Gotta go!","86":"Hank scares another one away.","87":"She showed up to work, finally. Just not the right place. -Hank.","88":"Huh? What do you mean?","89":"Hank's dirty secret.","90":"Correction. Greasy secret. -Hank","91":"Why am I always left out? First a secret friend I've never seen before and now this?","92":"I'm going to do my job.","93":"What's going on?","94":"I'm kind of glad Hank scared Sam away. I didn't have the energy to deal with her just then.","95":"I can work. Do what I'm supposed to do to maintain my life.","96":"Unlike {Leah}, who's stuck in a car for some... truth that she isn't going to find.","97":"I'll just... do my tickets. Do my tickets, and not worry about anything.","98":"[i]You're scared, aren't you?[\/i]","99":"No, I'm not.","100":"[i]You saw your face on the photo. You got scared. It scared you.[\/i]","101":"[i]They know who you are. Don't you understand? It's about [\/i]you.[i] It's always been about[\/i] you.","102":"No. Emily is in the photo too.","103":"[i]You have RECENTLY. Did you think... that was a mistake?[\/i]","104":"It's got to be a coincidence. It has to be.","105":"[i]As coincidental as running into that burglary in the office.[\/i]","106":"[i]You realize it now, don't you? It's happening because of [\/i]you.","107":"[i]They know who you are. And they're pretending that they don't.[\/i]","108":"[shake]Actually... you're a danger to everyone around you.[\/shake]","109":"[speed,0.25][scale,2][shake]It's a facade.[\/shake]","110":"HUH!","111":"You really were tired, weren't you?","112":"Sorry about making fun of you for the bedtime thing. I just wanted a little revenge for all the virgin jokes.","0":"It's been half an hour.","113":"I was... asleep...","1":"God... is {Leah} still out there?","114":"Well, that explains it. The voice in my head... it was loud. It... had the pitch and tone of someone I know. That's not something I can experience while awake.","2":"Sitting in class, Mr. Rogham droning on, all I can think about is {Leah} sitting in that car...","115":"Feeling better?","3":"She isn't going to see anything. I can feel that in my bones.","116":"I nod.","4":"Should I be supporting her...?","117":"Don't let Hank catch you power napping.","5":"I don't know...","118":"Too late. -Hank","6":"With a sound of the bell, class ends.","119":"You know what I mean.","7":"I might not have noticed without it.","120":"I'll start on these tickets.","8":"Hey man. Did you get your eyes glued downward?","121":"You do that, brother.","9":"Huh?","122":"The voice... it was right, though.","123":"I was scared. Extremely scared. To the bone. To my heart. I felt it in my lungs and in my throat.","124":"Damn. This is what people call... [i]dread[\/i].","125":"[i]They know me[\/i]. They really do. How easy will it be for me to hide when they know where to look?"},"ch5__05.20 following up with cedric.vne3":{"10":"Sam, I wish I had time for you. I don't want to be rude.","11":"If you want me to say I'm proud of you for showing up to class-","12":"Oh. Oh god no. I'm not that lame, am I?","13":"I just wanted you to feel good about yourself, that's all.","14":"And... I wanted to thank you for sticking up for me.","15":"And also... thanks for [i]sticking up for me[\/i], heh heh...","16":"You say that with the energy of a dad joke.","17":"Yeah, an unwholesome dad joke.","18":"I just don't want to see you sad. That's all.","19":"I didn't sleep properly. There's nothing more to it.","20":"Heh. Alright buster. The invitation to watch stupid videos is still up.","21":"I can't. Sorry.","22":"Oh. Okay.","23":"Yeah, you're a busy guy, you don't like to play around.","24":"I do like to play around. Let's see each other soon, alright?","25":"Cool. Let's see each other soon.","26":"Sam's smile is shy and understated, which is rare for her. It lingers with me even as she turns to leave.","27":"I have a feeling Sam wanted to say something more, but what, I don't know.","28":"I can't have Sam around when I go to check on {Leah}.","29":"Although... maybe {Leah} would be fine by herself.","30":"She's far more used to the cloak-and-dagger shit than I am. She can handle herself, right?","31":"[i]What if someone is waiting for me there?[\/i]","32":"This is... what I've been waiting to do, isn't it? It should be as easy as walking and checking on {Leah}.","33":"But, my heart thuds uneasily, and the air temperature has dropped to this salty-thick, clammy texture.","34":"[i]Dread.[\/i] I don't know what I'm going to see when I walk to {Leah}.","35":"[i]I don't even want to find out.[\/i]","36":"Should I just [i]call {Leah}?[\/i]","37":"Yes, yes. That's a better option. Why inconvenience myself? I can just check....","38":"The phone rings and rings. {Leah}'s phone number roils like a secret combination in my head.","39":"[i]Pick up. Pick up.[\/i]","40":"Hey.","41":"A hundred crazed morbid scenarios dispel instantly. Luckily, I don't betray how fearful I was.","42":"As I plug in the response, it will carry none of the weird stuttering cortisol-fueled thoughts that were ravaging my mind.","43":"Just checking.","44":"Uhm...","45":"It's taking her a while. She's evidently tired. And probably bored too.","46":"Her lack of stimulation strikes me as a [i]good thing[\/i].","47":"...I didn't really see anything.","48":"Can you tell if they're watching you?","49":"...I don't know. Are you sure you read the message from Silent1 right?","50":"Maybe this isn't a dead drop? Maybe- Ah... why leave a message, though? Sorry... I just debunked my own theory.","51":"You need to sleep.","52":"Yeah. I... didn't see anyone. It's... I don't know... I'm not sure what's going on.","53":"I think... maybe... if you have Silent1 monitored...","54":"She's looking for an excuse to go back to bed.","55":"You should go home, I think.","56":"Are you going home? I don't want to take the car.","57":"No. Anxiety has me wide awake and aware.","58":"I can walk home.","59":"If... if you say so...","60":"A yawn comes through the other end of the phone. She isn't going to fight me.","61":"I'll see you later tonight.","62":"Yeah. Later.","63":"Silent1 never sent out an agent to collect the message.","64":"What does that mean?","65":"Do they already know? Did they see me?","66":"I don't know enough to say for sure...","67":"But... maybe... the photo is exactly the clue I needed... to find out who Pledged1 is.","68":"That photo... had to have been taken by someone who knew we were meeting for lunch.","69":"It... might be the same person who is Pledged1. It might be the same person who did the break in.","70":"I actually think it could only be one person...","71":"Cedric.","72":"[_emily]Emily.","73":"[_craven]Mr. Craven.","74":"[_leah]{Leah}.","75":"[_mayor]The Mayor.","76":"[_valerie]Valerie.","77":"Emily was with me the whole time. That's obviously silly.","78":"I suppose she could've hired someone else to take the photo, but that seems completely unnecessary.","79":"I don't think it's her.","80":"I think I would've noticed a guy like Frank Craven if he was snapping pictures of me.","81":"He's not a small man.","82":"I don't think it's him.","83":"Did I tell {Leah} I was going to have lunch with Emily? I don't think I did.","84":"It would be in her character to follow me around. But... as for her motivation to be Pledged1...","85":"...that I can't accept.","86":"The Mayor barely looked at me that one time. It could be that he was interested in Emily...","87":"...it wouldn't have been difficult to send someone to take a picture.","88":"Would he also stage a robbery? Maybe. Truth is...","89":"...I don't really know enough about him.","90":"Valerie didn't know I was having lunch with Emily. Besides... I'm not sure what her motivation would be.","91":"I don't think it's her.","92":"It's Cedric.","93":"He knew I was having lunch with Emily. And...","94":"...he has motivation. It never seemed like Cedric was happy with their relationship.","95":"This would be a way to change that. Getting me out of the way, or getting revenge on Emily.","96":"Either one of us would be a viable target.","97":"I'm... going to roll with this idea. I don't know if it's true or not, but at least I can take action on it.","98":"An action will help me overcome this weird... dread that I feel.","99":"I know who I need to talk to next.","100":"I know one person other than Emily who has mentioned Cedric.","101":"One person alone.","102":"She might be able to help me now.","103":"Kristen.","104":"Need more porn?","105":"You seem to be the main source for everyone.","106":"Why do you stock it if you judge people for buying it?","107":"So I can judge people for buying it.","108":"Ah.","109":"You know Cedric, right?","110":"Kinda... I guess.","111":"This is going to sound strange, but bear with me. I need to buy drugs off him.","112":"You [i]need to buy drugs off him?[\/i]","113":"I don't really want to throw business his way...","114":"[i]That's[\/i] her concern?","115":"Can I recommend another drug dealer? There's this girl-","116":"Sorry. Should've made it clear. I need to buy drugs specifically from Cedric.","117":"Is... is your voice thing malfunctioning?","118":"Try asking him, maybe? I don't know. This is creeping me out.","119":"We're not friends, you know. He won't let me into the philosophy club.","120":"I can't just walk up to him and ask. It has to seem like I'm part of the drug culture.","121":"Do I look like a-","122":"Say I did tell you. What do I get out of it?","123":"She wants something from me...","124":"What do I want offer her?","125":"My loyalty as a customer.","126":"My dick pic.","127":"Free IT tech services.","128":"A poem in your honor.","129":"I honestly don't care at all about that. You could go away forever and I wouldn't miss the money.","130":"Does that mean you'd pay to have me go away?","131":"From this conversation, maybe.","132":"If you don't mind me posting it publicly.","133":"You'd do that? Post porn on your social media? Get banned?","134":"It needs to be recognizable as a dick to qualify as pornography.","135":"Ow.","136":"I know you think women are miserable with technology but actually, I know what I'm doing.","137":"I wasn't judging you.","138":"When there's a problem with my phone, I have it shipped off to the sherpas to get it fixed.","139":"The warranty is very generous.","140":"Are you a poet? Who's your favorite poet?","141":"Langston Hughes?","142":"It was that or Walt Whitman, wasn't it?","143":"I also know Edgar Allan Poe.","144":"All men. Typical.","145":"How about this. Bring me some of his special hash.","146":"What?","147":"You need to make it look convincing, right? You have to buy something.","148":"Just buy some of his hash. Give what you buy to me.","149":"His special hash?","150":"If you say it, he'll know what I'm talking about.","151":"You should be able to meet him tomorrow night. At the parking garage.","152":"Tomorrow night at the parking garage. I've been there before.","153":"Just tell him Hank sent you, and pretend like you didn't expect to see him there.","154":"[i]Hank?[\/i]","155":"Thanks.","156":"[i]Special hash.[\/i] Don't forget. I'll know the difference.","157":"Kristen's saintly image is shattered. I'm not sure Kristen finds drug dealing that morally objectionable.","158":"Whatever she feels about it, I'm really only there for information.","159":"I have 24 hours to prepare.","0":"Work is done.","1":"I can check on {Leah}. I... probably should've sent her a text message.","2":"But now I can check on her physically.","3":"I'm... sure she's okay. I'm sure of it. She's not the target.","4":"...Unlike me.","5":"Sam again?","6":"She quickly puts her phone away and stands up from the place she was sitting.","7":"Hey! How are you? What's cookin'?","8":"Did you wait for me to leave work?","9":"Oh. Is that stalkerish? I guess it is stalkerish now that I think about it."},"ch5__05.25 tired as f.vne3":{"3":"God... I'm really being reminded how I slept in the car right now.","4":"I'm sleepy as fuck. Can't even keep my eyes open.","5":"Ugh... I'm going to pass out, aren't I?","6":"I... I wonder if {Leah} got home safe...","7":"I can't even think right now...","8":"I just... want to go to bed.","9":"Sleep...","10":"...I'm sure {Leah} got home fine...","11":"What was I supposed to do today?","12":"That's right. Buying drugs.","13":"I didn't think I'd be doing this again in my lifetime. But I will be.","14":"What a waste. Buying something I don't even intend on using.","15":"Is it wasteful to [i]not[\/i] use drugs you buy? I'll have to see what I'm going to be forced to spend money on first.","16":"Quiet.","17":"{Leah}... isn't here.","18":"Last time I saw her... she was by the car.","19":"I didn't even check whether she got home last night.","20":"...I'm a terrible {youAreHer}, aren't I? Especially on a stakeout watching for a potential criminal.","21":"Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck.","22":"Let's read...","23":"{PlayerName}, I'm going to be occupied this morning.","24":"I'll see you back at the house.","25":"No reason why? She's going to leave it a mystery?","26":"I swear, if she's just trying not to get me worried...","27":"But no. I have to trust her. She says she'll be back tonight... and I believe her.","28":"I've got shit I need to do.","29":"I keep thinking about Cedric. It's been a long time since I bought drugs.","30":"He's unexpected for a drug dealer. But maybe that's why he'd be good at it.","31":"A dorky guy like him... making his money selling vice...","32":"Even weirder that Kristen told me to say Hank sent me.","33":"Hank... the restaurant manager, IT tech, and... drug dealer?","34":"How many hats is Hank wearing?","35":"Asking him directly is going to raise too many red flags. I feel like my best bet is just talking to Cedric.","36":"The cash is coarse in my pocket. I just hope I have enough money.","0":"And how do I prepare, exactly? I've bought drugs exactly one other time in my whole life.","1":"Maybe... I need to come up with some kind of explanation for why I need the drugs?","2":"He's definitely going to be curious about what I want."},"ch5__05.30 drug deal.vne3":{"3":"I hope whatever I brought is enough.","4":"This is it, then.","5":"I've bought drugs once before. It can't be much different between high school and now.","6":"The circumstances are actually pretty similar. Back then, and now, I didn't buy the drugs for myself.","7":"Rather, it was a means to an end.","8":"Kristen asked me to buy something specific. Let's hope she can't tell the difference - I'm not spending a ton of money on this.","9":"Should I just ask what his cheapest product is?","10":"Let's just hope I'm not buying the Rolls Royce of marijuana.","11":"Cedric looks rather strange, standing by a pillar, trying to look inconspicuous.","12":"Not an easy task with a pink shirt on.","13":"It doesn't take Cedric long to notice me. But... he pretends he doesn't.","14":"A little glance my direction, then a sharp glance elsewhere. It's clear he doesn't want to talk to me right now.","15":"Well... I want to talk to him. So that's too bad.","16":"I approach.","17":"Cedric suddenly turns to me and gives me a broad smile. It's flavored by a mild panic - someone who doesn't want to be caught doing something.","18":"H-hey!","19":"{PlayerName}! You... snuck up on me!","20":"I know why you're here, Cedric.","21":"He just stares blankly at me.","22":"Hank sent me.","23":"Then... he relaxes. Not completely though, like he shifts from fear to embarrassment.","24":"Oh. Hank did, did he?","25":"So... uh... what do you need?","26":"I recall Kristen's exact words.","27":"Your special hash.","28":"Oh. Interesting.","29":"His smile grows a little stranger. Is he... intrigued?","30":"You know, I'm rather surprised you'd come to me.","31":"I would've thought that you wouldn't be into this stuff.","32":"It's not for me. It's for a friend.","33":"You are a very good friend. And I know a lot of very good friends at the philosophy club. You should come down sometime.","34":"This is my chance to get some information, I suppose.","35":"What... should I ask? What he was doing the night of the break-in?","36":"Shit... I can't think of a natural question...","37":"It's... a great way to meet people...","38":"All this preparation... and I actually don't know what to say.","39":"Is Hank your boss?","40":"No. Isn't he your boss?","41":"I know. I'm trying to find out if-","42":"Ugh. Nevermind.","43":"Could I have the special hash?","44":"All business. Very well.","45":"I think I'd have something you'd appreciate a lot. [i]Puff Dragon[\/i].","46":"[i]Puff dragon![\/i]","47":"How much would you like?","48":"The only other time I've bought drugs... it was also [i]Puff Dragon[\/i].","49":"Is this a coincidence?","50":"I never actually smoked it. I never intended to. I... was going to do something far worse...","51":"Sorry. I don't want to repeat myself, given your condition, but [delay,300][char,Cedric_Casual_Sneering][i]how much would you like?[\/i]","52":"A small amount.","53":"That's... not really very specific.","54":"Since we're friends, just take a small baggie on me.","55":"The baggie he hands me is wrapped and wrapped again with plastic. Inside, a bit of green lays within... along with some... mothballs?","56":"Are the mothballs for dogs or something?","57":"You know who to go to if you need anything.","58":"Wait.","59":"Hmm?","60":"This is my one chance to ask him a question. About the program. About Emily. About RECENTLY.","61":"Instead... I ask the one stupid question that welled inside me the moment he said the name.","62":"Why Puff Dragon?","63":"You asked for the special stuff.","64":"Puff Dragon really is special... to me. And not for the reasons he thinks.","65":"Thanks.","66":"I hope to see you at the philosophy club.","67":"I don't really respond as I walk away, the baggie crumpled but dense as iron in the bottom of my pocket.","0":"When I get out of work, I make my way to the garage.","1":"I've rehearsed a number of conversations in my head, but all that really matters...","2":"...is the money in my pocket."},"ch5__05.35 the sabotage.vne3":{"10":"Sensitive subject?","11":"Valerie was kidding. There was only one overarching thing on my mind: the race against Sam. The race I was losing.","12":"She knew I was losing. Emily knew I was losing. I knew I was losing.","13":"This was Valerie's [i]humor[\/i]. Poking at a sore spot just to see how I'd react. I actually like her teasing but...","14":"...sometimes, it wasn't warranted.","15":"It's serious, Valerie. We can't have someone like Samantha Hunter leading the student council.","16":"I'd prefer if {PlayerName} was on the student council. But...","17":"...it's [i]democracy[\/i]. People pick their leaders. And there's no accounting for taste.","18":"So what else is there to do? We joke, we shrug, and we go ahead with our lives.","19":"There must be [i]something[\/i] you can do...","20":"I did all I could. I was going to publicly endorse {PlayerName}, but that's just going to be counterproductive. We talked about this.","21":"But... I guess that's not enough. Thems the breaks.","22":"Emily sits silently, morose. She clearly feels like Valerie [i]hasn't[\/i] done enough.","23":"But I know the truth. The only one who hadn't done enough... [i]was me[\/i].","24":"I'm Valerie's successor. She said I was a natural leader. She said I had potential.","25":"Was she wrong about me?","26":"You can't give up, Valerie.","27":"I never give up. But this isn't [i]my[\/i] fight.","28":"The way she says it, she really emphasizes that it is, in fact, [i]my fight[\/i]. And if she were in it...","29":"...she wouldn't give up.","30":"You know... we would appreciate your advice on how to win the election.","31":"Instead of being... [i]sarcastic[\/i], you could help us.","32":"Don't confuse me, Emily. I want {PlayerName} to win, it just isn't my race.","33":"But you chose {PlayerName}...","34":"Why yes. I did. It's not a monarchy or a dictatorship. It's democracy and all that matters is who was the last to leave the strongest impression when the plebs fill their ballots.","35":"It's a stupid system, but it is fair.","36":"Valerie is right. What I need... is a change in strategy.","37":"She nods.","38":"We've misunderstood the situation. [i]I've[\/i] misunderstood the situation. I didn't expect someone like Samantha to enter the race.","39":"So... you need to do things differently than I did. When I ran, I was up against someone who wore a suit to school every day.","40":"Sam is a girl [i]of the people[\/i]. She's relatable in a way you aren't.","41":"How do we fix that?","42":"Valerie shrugs.","43":"Be relatable, I guess.","44":"I've never thought of myself as relatable. I mean, I don't really relate to most people at this school, I don't see how they'd see themselves in me.","45":"And nor should you! You're better than they are. Bunch of bare-minimum-effort low-lifes. No ambition except to marry a celebrity or get famous on TikTok.","46":"You'd probably come across as a fake if you tried. But I don't know what else to do if being yourself isn't enough.","47":"We've got to convince the student body that Sam can't be trusted with power. She's a degenerate, a demagogue, a delinquent.","48":"So... try and be more relatable and risk coming off as fake... or hit hard against Samantha.","49":"I'm not sure either of those strategies would work...","50":"What do you think, {PlayerName}? We've got to hit Samantha harder than she hits us.","51":"Hold on a second, Emily. Can't you see the chess master is calculating?","52":"Chess master? Hardly that. But I am thinking hard right now.","53":"Except... every move I come up with... I can only see as a dud. But doing the same thing I have been doing is going to result in defeat.","54":"There's one more thing on the agenda.","55":"I thought the meeting was over...","56":"Word from the administration is that there's going to be a surprise locker inspection. The school board babushkas are upset about drugs again.","57":"So... you know what to do. Give the people that need it a little warning.","58":"A [i]surprise[\/i] locker inspection? That's a bit of misnomer.","59":"The school administration relies on us to spread the word before a locker inspection is done. The admin doesn't actually want to catch kids with contraband - they just want to scare them into not storing them in lockers.","60":"Hence, the ''surprise'' locker inspections that aren't really a surprise at all.","61":"Emily looks distant, like she's not listening. Warning people about a locker inspection is probably the last thing on her mind.","62":"But... for me... [i]new strategy[\/i] and [i]locker inspection[\/i] started to mingle in my mind.","63":"The two concepts were merging... in a dark, devilish way. A shortcut to success has just been revealed... and I've just been granted a machete of evil inspiration.","64":"If you need the skeleton key, you know where to find it.","65":"As members of the student council, it's our job to get into lockers if a student can't.","66":"It's a responsibility. There are serious consequences if we misuse that privilege.","67":"Though... with my plan, I might not even need to...","68":"If there's nothing else...","69":"Emily still shifts uncomfortably on her seat, clearly disappointed that Valerie couldn't offer more help.","70":"But... I'm distracted by something completely different. My idea for a next move. Maybe I am a chess master after all?","71":"You know, a ''nothing else'' would be fine..","72":"...Sorry.","73":"Meeting adjourned.","74":"I... I really thought that she'd help us more.","75":"She says she wants you to win... but... she doesn't seem [i]that[\/i] bothered to me...","76":"Emily, I can't ask Valerie to run for me. It's up to me, not to her.","77":"She could do [i]so much[\/i] as Student Council President. But she won't give you her endorsement...","78":"She wants me to win, and if endorsing me would help me win, she would've done it already.","79":"It's [i]Samantha[\/i]. The bitch is ruining my life, but... I can't dismiss her as easily as you can. She's doing something right.","80":"She's winning because she can appeal to the losers.","81":"Well... that is doing something right.","82":"Yeah. And I wish {Leah} would do something helpful in the school paper.","83":"She wants to break a big story? Well here it is. [i]Idiot running for Student Council President[\/i].","84":"{Leah} could be helpful.","85":"If only there were dirt on Samantha. You'd think being a cheap bitch would be enough.","86":"If only...","87":"It's scary how closely Emily's thoughts parallel mine. Except... maybe Emily isn't willing to cross the line I'm about to cross.","88":"I'm going to do something to win, Emily.","89":"You have a plan?","90":"I... think so. I have the start of a plan. I've got to try something. Valerie wouldn't give up. I'm not about to either.","91":"I'm so glad to hear you say that. Is it anything I can-","92":"No. You can't help.","93":"It's best if you let me do this on my own, Emily.","94":"Emily nods.","95":"I understand. I'll trust you, then.","96":"You will let me know if you do need my help, right?","97":"Yeah.","98":"Emily smiles at me, before walking away.","99":"Now... it really is all up to me.","100":"If I'm going to go through with this... I'm going to have to do something I've never done before.","101":"I have a feeling I know who to go to.","102":"After school. The next day.","103":"I expected to be more nervous, but I walk instead with determination and deliberation.","104":"This... might all be easier than I expected. I'm surprised at how undisturbed I am with the actions I'm about to take.","105":"I know enough rumors to know where Buttsnack runs his little business. Supposed to be a big secret, but...","106":"...the student body has no idea how much we know what goes on.","107":"My approach puts him immediately on the defensive. I get a little rush of power... it feels kinda good to be feared.","108":"It doesn't last too long, though.","109":"Hey, it's the [i]elitemeister[\/i]. Hehe!","110":"Not looking too hot, are you? Nah man, imagine being beaten by [i]the Buttsnack[\/i].","111":"I'm a customer today.","112":"Oh shit! A customer of what, exactly?","113":"I'm on the Student Council. You think we haven't heard? Do you really think I don't know about what you sell?","114":"Sell?","115":"Addie and Cody. Among other things.","116":"That sobered up Buttsnack real quick.","117":"This is Buttsnack on drugs, dude. Wasted. Buttsnack don't do that stuff.","118":"Right. Joseph Popodopolis, I don't care that you sell. As I said, I'm a customer.","119":"Don't know what you're talking about...","120":"If I'm a narc, they sent the wrong fucking guy. Do you want to make money or do you not?","121":"Maybe if Buttsnack knows what you need, he'd be a little more open.","122":"Marijuana.","123":"Dude... don't say it like that. Maybe you are a narc.","124":"This isn't something I do regularly.","125":"Just... think of a cool nickname. I'll understand what you're talking about.","126":"Okay. I need oregano.","127":"You need some stinky oregano? Buttsnack's got some smelly shit for ya.","128":"Give me five dollar's worth.","129":"He seems disappointed by the small sale, but still...","130":"...he slips me a small envelope.","131":"Seems like the anxiety is really getting to you. I know I'd be fucked up if I lost to a guy called [i]Buttsnack[\/i].","132":"But don't worry. When I'm on the Student Council, it's going to be so easy for you to get your anxiety medication.","133":"I slip the dose in my pocket and walk away without another word.","134":"Buttsnack's words chase me down the hall.","135":"Yo, I'm the kinda guy you want to build a [i]relationship[\/i] with, yo! Don't ignore me!","136":"I don't need a relationship. That's the last business I'm going to conduct with Buttsnack ever.","137":"I only need this little bit to do exactly what I need.","138":"I had to wait a few days. Closer to the day of the inspection.","139":"The timing would have to be perfect. It had to be at a moment where Samantha wouldn't have time to know what was happening.","140":"And now, the day was here. To win my future, I knew I had to do it.","141":"Yet, I stared at Sam's locker, I was coming up with any excuse [i]not[\/i] to do it.","142":"I thought of borrowing the keys from the student council office, but it wasn't necessary.","143":"I could just rat out on Buttsnack, I guess, but that would probably only help Samantha.","144":"The kid does nothing but embarrass himself, I don't want a running mate that's more competent than him.","145":"All I had to do, was push the envelope through the vent.","146":"When I held it through the slat, I hesitated. It felt so perfectly balanced. Like it belonged on that knife-like edge.","147":"Any disturbance, and it would fall in either direction. Inside or out. Fifty-fifty.","148":"I only wanted to win the election. I didn't want to ruin her.","149":"I'm not a sadist. I'm not an evil person. I'm just doing [i]whatever I need to do to win[\/i].","150":"And... if that means I need to sacrifice her, I suppose I will.","151":"The world isn't kind to those with tender hearts. People don't remember the failures. They only mark the successes.","152":"I would be the success... and Samantha would be the failure.","153":"I imagined my heart encased in solid ice.","154":"The next part of my plan would be more difficult.","155":"I asked to meet up with {Leah}. When she arrived, I used that leftover confidence I needed to do my dark deed to be direct with her.","156":"I would be upfront.","157":"You wanted to meet with-","158":"I'm here to give you a lead to a story.","159":"Well... that's nice...","160":"{Leah} looks at me with hesitation. She clearly senses something is awry.","161":"I just charge out with it.","162":"Samantha Hunter has been storing drugs in her locker.","163":"Her reaction is strange. Something between confusion, shock, and suspicion.","164":"You know this how?","165":"Does it matter?","166":"From what little I know about Samantha, I'd say she could be the kind of person to store drugs in her locker. But...","167":"...I don't know this for certain. You sound [i]certain[\/i].","168":"Tomorrow, there's going to be a surprise inspection. And Samantha is going to be caught with something.","169":"That's awful. Being caught for something that shouldn't be a crime?","170":"But I'm not sure how you know this. Did you see her put the drugs in the locker?","171":"So you approve of her?","172":"It's her business, not mine. I'm actually surprised that [i]you[\/i] care. We have the same opinion...","173":"...wait a second. You're using this to try and win the election, aren't you?","174":"I said I wasn't going to be involved!","175":"This is the kind of thing you want, isn't it? Someone in a position of power being caught doing something corrupt.","176":"Holy shit, {PlayerName} we're all [i]teens[\/i]. This election... it's [i]messing you up[\/i].","177":"You don't like people in power, do you? Samantha Hunter is a politician. She's a candidate for Student Council President. Her behavior reflects on everyone who goes to this school.","178":"The way you're talking gives me chills. You sound dead inside.","179":"Dead inside? I had to push a lot of myself down to do what I did.","180":"How do you [i]know[\/i] that Sam has drugs in her locker?","181":"I just know.","182":"Well, if there's a surprise inspection, I'm going to warn-","183":"No. Don't.","184":"Expecting help from {Leah}... was a bad idea.","185":"She didn't help me the first time. Why should I expect help now?","186":"Why not?","187":"Because that wouldn't be fair.","188":"If she's caught with drugs, that's going to end her life. What do you mean by fair?","189":"Yes... what [i]do[\/i] I mean by fair?","190":"I don't really have a good answer for her. Instead... my whole face tenses up. I'm incapable of expression - like stone.","191":"That really tells {Leah} a lot.","192":"I... I'm really starting to think you [i]planted drugs[\/i] in Sam's locker.","193":"Damn. She's way too smart.","194":"You'd better tell me I'm wrong.","195":"{PlayerName}... tell me I'm wrong!","196":"You... you aren't wrong.","197":"Oh my god, {PlayerName}... this isn't you.","198":"Why would you do something like this?","199":"Because I need to win.","200":"Jesus... I don't know what to say.","201":"To say I'm disappointed... it's a... vast, [i]vast[\/i] understatement.","202":"Are you really so good you've never done something to your own advantage?","203":"This isn't cheating on a test. This is someone's life. I'd [i]never[\/i] do something like this. I really... [i]really[\/i] didn't think you would either.","204":"Samantha has turned the whole school against me. Don't you think I deserve something? She should've expected me to fight back against her.","205":"What I'm doing is just-","206":"It's just one election. It's all temporary. Being expelled - a criminal record - is going to follow you around forever.","207":"I'm doing what I need to secure my future. Telling her now-","208":"I'm not going to tell her. Because I don't really think [i]you[\/i] want to do this.","209":"That's why you came to me, isn't it? Because you wanted me to stop you.","210":"That isn't true.","211":"{Leah} looks at me with a strange, searching expression.","212":"I can't believe that about you, {PlayerName}. I know how desperate you are, but you'd never stoop this low.","213":"Please. This is a terrible mistake.","214":"I have to go. It's on your shoulders.","215":"Her disappointment... really does leave me frustrated.","216":"I mean... I think of all the things I've done for her... all the sacrifices I've made...","217":"Does she think that everything is easy in life?","218":"It's one person's life. It doesn't matter that much compared to my future.","219":"A girl like Samantha would screw up anyway.","220":"I'm doing what would have happened to her eventually.","221":"If it's not being caught with drugs... it would've been something else completely.","222":"As true as that may be... I don't think I could stand to disappoint {Leah}.","223":"I'm sure {Leah} would forgive me eventually, once she sees the benefits of me being Student Council President.","224":"I could... fund her paper... I could pay for her college.","225":"Yet, I felt feverishly sweaty.","226":"I'd jump at questions. I'd keep sternly quiet. I'd fail at lie detector tests before even telling a lie.","227":"It isn't easy - and I keep waiting for {Leah} to bring up the drugs I planted...","228":"...but she doesn't.","229":"If Samantha gets expelled, {Leah} will know I did it.","230":"God damn it, I should've just not told her anything!","231":"My body started to work without even making a decision.","232":"I walked to the Student Council chambers and got the master key for the lockers.","233":"...","234":"I opened Sam's locker...","235":"...and tossed the envelope in the bin.","236":"God... it felt so much like [i]chickening out[\/i] at the time...","237":"...","238":"As I was leaving... I passed Valerie and the teachers... eyeing me.","239":"It almost felt like... they all knew what I had almost done. They were judging me for it.","240":"I didn't go through with the act, but it felt like I had done it all the same.","241":"The relief came later. And the guilt I had nearly done it, stuck with me.","242":"It was a very, very, very bad thing I had done.","243":"I've been staring at that baggie for an hour.","244":"Is... the name of a drug I bought years and years ago really that significant?","245":"It's another one of those coincidences, I believe...","246":"I'm sure Puff Dragon isn't that uncommon. I don't know enough about weed culture to say whether it's common or not.","247":"But... god damn... there's got to be a lot of strains called [i]Puff Dragon[\/i]...","248":"Just then... I hear the chunk of keys entering a lock.","249":"That must be... {Leah}. Shit. I never followed up...","250":"My relief at seeing {Leah} in one piece is short lived.","251":"She walks in and immediately flashes me an enigmatic smile.","252":"It's an [i]everything's okay[\/i] smile. Which really means [i]everything isn't okay[\/i].","253":"At not one moment does she glance at the baggie on the table.","254":"What's wrong?","255":"Well... in journalism class, they say if you do your job right, you're going to start to have issues like this.","256":"What issues?","257":"They took my cellphone and my computer.","258":"Who did?","259":"The police.","260":"You're fucking with me.","261":"Somehow, someone approved a search warrant. It's extraordinary.","262":"I guess they found someone who thought I could have reasonably stolen Emily's thingamajig.","263":"That's ridiculous. You're innocent.","264":"I don't think that matters, though.","265":"If you've got anything on your device you don't want people to see... now is the time to delete it.","266":"That's fine. There's nothing incriminating on your computer, right?","267":"Oh god... silence...","268":"There's nothing on that computer, right?","269":"Uh... I don't know.","270":"Maybe some stuff that proved... that I'm Nightingale.","271":"That's incriminating?","272":"Since it proves that I snuck into the mayor's office and took papers... oh yes.","273":"But... you said that... you didn't digitize any of that material.","274":"There are [i]other[\/i] things there.","275":"Fuck. Emily is really going this far, huh?","276":"She's so convinced... but little does she know...","277":"I've got to talk to Emily.","278":"What good is that going to do? No. You're not going to convince her.","279":"I'm not sacrificing you-","280":"You don't have to. You just need to prove I wasn't the one who stole the data.","281":"By finding the person who did.","282":"{Leah} smiles at me.","283":"Nice of you to catch on.","284":"And... I can't really help you do this, {PlayerName}. It really is all up to you.","285":"I've got to lay low, you know. Not cause any trouble.","286":"And just pray that I find the truth before the police search your devices.","287":"They'll be looking for Emily's data, not for evidence that you're Nightingale. But eventually, they're going to go through everything on your phone.","288":"I think you have time.","289":"That's... reassuring.","290":"There are few actions I can take that won't make things worse. But I've got to do something. If I just stay still I'll get the worst possible outcome.","291":"{Leah} is in trouble. But panicking is going to do me no good. I've got to focus.","292":"I may not be as good as {Leah} at putting clues together, but I'm not incapable of it. I [i]can[\/i] find out who stole the data.","293":"But first, I've got to save {Leah}. There's something I know I can do.","294":"I'm going to walk out for a bit.","295":"Walk out? Why?","296":"There's someone I need to see.","297":"I'll be back soon.","298":"{Leah} senses that I'm not just going out for a stroll around the neighborhood... she isn't going to try and stop me, though.","299":"She says nothing as I head out the door.","0":"A normal highschooler would have just smoked the stuff.","1":"I wasn't normal. And that's not why I wanted it.","2":"If all I wanted to do was to get high, I probably would've never thought about it.","3":"I mean... getting high was considerably more innocent than what I actually did.","4":"It's the one thing... I can't seem to stop thinking about...","5":"...and that seems to be everything.","6":"Valerie closed the binder on the desk and pushed it aside. She watched us, an invitation to add our own thoughts.","7":"Anything anyone else would like to add? Any neat... personal projects?","8":"Are you... trying to ask about the election?","9":"Don't ask about the election, Valerie."},"ch5__05.40 emilys invitation.vne3":{"10":"It's been a while since I've been here.","11":"I never actually expected to come back. But sometimes you have to do what you need to do.","12":"That was... a memorable visit. We both fell into each other's arms. It was an odd moment.","13":"I have a feeling I'm not going to be nearly as lucky this time.","14":"There was definitely some tension last time I was with her. Whatever was between us then, it's not going to present now. Too much has happened.","15":"It would take a miracle to bring those old feelings back.","16":"According to RECENTLY, she's currently living here.","17":"I know she wanted to move out of her apartment years ago... but I didn't expect something like this.","18":"This looks like a nice building, but I'm not here to admire it.","19":"I doubt that Emily is going to invite me up... and I very much doubt she's going to appreciate my cold call.","20":"Let's do this.","21":"I go up to Emily's apartment and I knock on the door.","22":"I hope she's home right now. Even if she is... there's a chance she won't even answer.","23":"I hear deadbolts scraping. The door opens.","24":"I don't know why you're here, {PlayerName}.","25":"Thanks for opening the door.","26":"You're welcome. Can I get you a drink? A cocktail? A heated blanket? A sandwich?","27":"Just make yourself at home and wander around unannounced.","28":"You sicced your police on {Leah} again.","29":"You think they're [i]my[\/i] police? You way overestimate my influence.","30":"If I could control police departments, do you think I'd be going to a school like Shale Hill when I could be going to Yale or Harvard?","31":"Yet, your family seems to have a lot of influence. Your dad has a pretty cozy contract with the school for security software.","32":"Maybe they're not your police, but they're definitely your dad's. And only you would know to suspect {Leah}.","33":"Emily glares at me.","34":"All I did...","35":"...was tell them what I know.","36":"Yeah, and now the cops have {Leah}'s computer.","37":"Well, if she doesn't have my dad's data, there isn't going to be anything to hide.","38":"She had nothing to do with the break in.","39":"Again... how do you know this?","40":"Same way I know that whoever took your data was definitely a man.","41":"My fingers are working overtime. My defense of {Leah} is causing me to reveal way too much information.","42":"Emily cocks her head... and says nothing. She's waiting for me to say it.","43":"But... holy shit is this leaping forward. If I open my big mouth... there's going to be consequences. She definitely already suspects me.","44":"I was there when the burglary happened.","45":"I saw who entered the office.","46":"I witnessed the fucking burglary.","47":"You witnessed the burglary? Why didn't you say so? Was the gun yours?","48":"It was the burglar's.","49":"It was the burglar's?","50":"He tried to shoot me.","51":"He tried to shoot you?","52":"He tried to shoot me.","53":"Did you fucking break my dad's pot?","54":"The pot? That's what you're worried about?","55":"No! I'm trying to figure out what you fucking know!","56":"I was in the office and I saw the robbery. That's all. He was in front of the computer. We had an altercation. He ran as soon as we heard the sirens.","57":"Why didn't you say this all before?","58":"Because...","59":"Truth comes out in waves. It's a bit like a siphon. Once some of it pours out, it all pours out.","60":"...{Leah} broke the pot.","61":"So [i]you were both there?[\/i]","62":"Yes.","63":"Oh my God.","64":"{Leah} is innocent. Don't you see?","65":"[i]Why were you both there?[\/i]","66":"Okay. My deception neurons aren't firing, but now they need to. I can't let Emily know about RECENTLY. Lie. LIE!","67":"I heard a commotion from inside the office. I thought someone was in there that shouldn't be.","68":"I don't get it. You're saying you tried to stop it, but why not take credit for it?","69":"I knew you'd think {Leah} had broken in.","70":"She was there, wasn't she? So that suggests she might have.","71":"No. {Leah} broke the pot over the burglar's head. She was trying to protect me.","72":"Was it her idea to go in after you realized there was a trespasser in the office?","73":"These questions... it's like a police interrogation!","74":"No, it was my idea. I heard the noises, and I went in. {Leah} followed in afterward.","75":"You came in separately?","76":"Yes. I went in first, then {Leah} after she sensed I was in danger.","77":"Why were you loitering outside of my dad's office? If you both sensed there was a trespasser, wouldn't you both go in together?","78":"Shit. Maybe Emily should be a police interrogator. She's piercing right through my story.","79":"It was a coincidence.","80":"When you went to my house, it wasn't a coincidence. You knew that was my house, and so did {Leah}. You both happened to be inside the office when the burglary happened.","81":"...Ouch. That's... true.","82":"I know how it looks, but it's the truth. It was a coincidence.","83":"There's coincidences, and there's... [i]this[\/i].","84":"In summary, {Leah} was in the office when the data was stolen.","85":"Are. You. Kidding. Me.","86":"Yes, trying to stop the data from being stolen!","87":"What you say changes nothing. If {Leah} was there, she had the chance to take the data.","88":"I can't argue that's not true. The only thing I have are my own eyes and memories, and I can't share those with Emily.","89":"Shit... if it were me, [i]I'd[\/i] doubt my story too.","90":"There really is no convincing you.","91":"You saw them? What did they look like?","92":"Male.","93":"You said that already. How did you see them? Through a window? Did they enter the office?","94":"I saw them enter.","95":"Did they use a key or did they pick the lock?","96":"I can't remember.","97":"Are you making this up so that I don't suspect {Leah}?","98":"It's the truth. I didn't realize what he was doing at the time. I thought he was just-","99":"I don't blame you for trying to protect {Leah}. If she was in the office, she might have lied to you, too.","100":"It's reasonable for you to give {Leah} every benefit of the doubt.","101":"You're dead-set against her, aren't you?","102":"I can be convinced. After the police do their investigation, if it turns out that {Leah} is innocent, I can accept that.","103":"You can't accept my word?","104":"No.","105":"She's not leaving me much room...","106":"If the police investigate {Leah}, they're not going to find anything about the data. But they will find other things.","107":"Like what?","108":"Involvement with other investigations.","109":"[i]Other investigations?[\/i] You mean burglaries committed by {Leah} unrelated to this one?","110":"That really isn't my problem.","111":"{Leah}'s not a bad person. Have a heart, Emily. Neither of us knew about the data.","112":"I need to know that my dad's data is safe. While it's in someone else's hands...","113":"...it's a danger to my family.","114":"Emily, what is the ''data''?","115":"Our discussion is broken by a period of silence.","116":"Her lips are quivering. She wants to say something. She can't stop herself. Even when she knows it's stupid.","117":"Lips, like fingers, express the truth sometimes.","118":"My dad's company was working on a program.","119":"It's... a special program. It has really incredible capabilities.","120":"Equally, it's incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands.","121":"It can't be. Is she talking about RECENTLY?","122":"Is it some kind of spyware? Maybe something that looks into people's computers?","123":"No. It's a lot bigger than that.","124":"[i]Bigger?[\/i]","125":"I've said too much already.","126":"She clearly regrets telling me what she did. But fuck her regrets, I need to know more.","127":"You need to tell me more.","128":"I don't know when you decided to become Sherlock Holmes, but this case is being handled by the police. This is way over your head.","129":"My brother is in so much shit over that party. When I have my Halloween party, security is going to be tight.","130":"Is she serious? [i]Really?[\/i]","131":"You're hosting a Halloween party?","132":"If my brother can have a party at my parent's house, then I should too.","133":"And I'm going to do a better job, too. I'm keeping everything tightly controlled.","134":"[i]Tightly controlled.[\/i] That's a lot of unearned confidence. The safest thing would be to have no party at all.","135":"This is not like her. There's got to be someone else's hand in this.","136":"So your brother did organize the party?","137":"He denies it. But he's kind of a liar anyway, so I don't believe much he tells me.","138":"Anyway, Cedric said I should host the party to spite him.","139":"Cedric again? Interesting.","140":"I guess I'm not invited.","141":"I don't think you're stupid enough to show up, so I wasn't even going to mention it.","142":"Sorry {PlayerName}, are you done? This is exhausting.","143":"I'm not done, but I don't think you can help me anymore.","144":"I'm sorry about {Leah}. I hope they find the data on her.","145":"Did I mishear her? She sounds so apologetic. But it sounded like she hopes that [i]{Leah} took the data.[\/i]","146":"You hope they find the data on her? Why would you say something like that?","147":"If it's true what you say, that she's involved in things other than stealing my data...","148":"...I really don't want to be the cause of her being arrested.","149":"But if she did steal the data, it's fine?","150":"Yeah.","151":"She says it like she's trying to be conciliatory. Emily's view of the world is so warped.","152":"I'm exhausted too.","153":"Neither of us feel the need to say a proper goodbye. Instead, we give one final ambiguous glance before we shut the door.","154":"A fruitless, frustrating discussion, except I learned that Emily is hosting a second party. That is very surprising.","155":"What convinced her to do that, I can't guess.","156":"I know it was Cedric who convinced her but... there's got to be something more to that lapse of judgement.","157":"Valerie...","158":"What are you doing outside Emily's apartment?","159":"I was about to ask you the same question. Did you bang her? Get some sweet, sweet ex sex?","160":"Despite the circumstances, that does put a smile on my face.","161":"I wish that was the problem.","162":"It's sad that even the high school power couple couldn't stay together. Gives me little hope for everyone else.","163":"She was the one who broke up with me, so you'd better ask her why it didn't work out.","164":"How sad. Care to walk with me?","165":"Where are you headed?","166":"Your place.","167":"Don't tease me.","168":"I really needed the fresh air. Being a full time student and the student government president is no fun. So I'm actually going back to the office.","169":"Power is for masochists, really.","170":"So why did you want me to run for president if it's so bad?","171":"Oh... because I'm also a sadist.","172":"She beams a big, heart-stopping smile.","173":"But... I would like to walk you back to your place too.","174":"Okay. That sounds nice.","175":"Things are so stressful right now. Halloween is a big night for the campus police. ","176":"So you're not having any fun this Halloween?","177":"As fun as reviewing paperwork and making sure there's enough security detail to contain all the drunken parties.","178":"Halloween, and St. Patrick's, are two holidays I want to get rid of.","179":"You're a Grinch.","180":"If I can ruin people's fun to save myself a little effort, I will.","181":"But... I'm a good little president. I sit in my office, do everything I need to, to make sure everyone else has fun.","182":"You must have plans, at least.","183":"I have obligations too, like you do.","184":"Yes, I have a feeling Halloween is going to be no fun for me.","185":"A shame.","186":"This obligation... wouldn't have anything to do with the stuff we talked about before, would it?","187":"She's talking about Silent One, like the night she invited me into the office.","188":"It's not surprising she'd want to know. After all, she told me pretty much everything, and I told her nothing.","189":"I'm not trying to extract information from you. Actually, no. [i]I am.[\/i] But I'm trying to be subtle about it.","190":"The thing with your missing friend-","191":"Sandra. And not a friend.","192":"Yes. If she has anything to do with what I'm working on, I'll find out about it eventually.","193":"So you're getting closer.","194":"I'm not sure. I feel like enough weirdness has happened that I'm getting close to something.","195":"And you don't want to share it with me?","196":"At this point, I feel like I'm protecting you.","197":"You aren't, but I'm touched that you'd think so.","198":"I won't lie. I'm still a teensy, weensy bit offended that you won't share anything with me.","199":"As I said, I'm trying to protect you.","200":"Well, aren't you a man. No matter what, I have an interest in this case.","201":"I'm close to something.","202":"Do you want to share the latest update with me?","203":"There's a lot of things I'm still confused by. But there's one thing I know for sure.","204":"Silent One is aware of Emily.","205":"Really?","206":"Yes.","207":"I suppose... that makes sense. Family business and all that. It's not surprising that he or she would be watching for her.","208":"The things I've discovered have made me very concerned about her. Something is going down this Halloween, and it involves her.","209":"I see. I'm surprised to see you so concerned about her.","210":"You didn't break up on good terms.","211":"There's a lot of reasons why I need this resolved. It's not just Emily at stake, it's {Leah}.","212":"Valerie wouldn't understand... and I'm not pulling her into that drama.","213":"The security of the school is important. If there's weird criminal activity going on, it's a bad reflection on me as the president.","214":"And... of course... it's just nice to stop bad things from happening.","215":"Yes.","216":"So you'll let me know if you get closer to Silent One, right?","217":"I'll tell you what you need to know as it happens.","218":"You are so fucking aggravating, you know that?","219":"I have no idea whether I'll find something. My hope is that this will all turn out to be a false alarm.","220":"How likely is that?","221":"I'm silent... because I know the answer. [i]Not very likely.[\/i]","222":"What about you? Are you worried for your own safety?","223":"I... I am.","224":"I was on that photo too. I could just as easily be the target. But I don't know what being a target even means...","225":"There's nothing you can do to help me anyway.","226":"Are you sure about that?","227":"I feel like there's a lot I can do to protect you. As a matter of fact, I think if you want to get through this ordeal, we'll have to start working together.","228":"There's nothing worse than bearing these burdens alone. Nothing more [i]dangerous[\/i], either.","229":"I'm trying not to do that.","230":"I can help you. If things start getting dangerous... I'm the one you can turn to, okay?","231":"You are taking on a lot more danger than you think.","232":"If you need me, you know my number.","233":"Valerie has my back, then. Like old times.","234":"I hope I won't have to rely on her...","235":"See, look? You got home safe and sound.","236":"Thanks for protecting me from all the muggers.","237":"You're welcome.","238":"Enjoy your paperwork.","239":"Fat chance.","240":"I watch as Valerie walks away, and my feelings are mixed. She clearly wants to help... but I'm not sure I want yet another person involved.","241":"This situation is a black hole sucking everything and everyone with it... including me.","242":"Luckily, I have a chance to act. Emily is wrong about a lot of things. The thing she's most wrong about... is that I'm definitely going to her Halloween party.","243":"Yes. I am stupid enough to do that. She has no idea what I've got at stake.","0":"No matter my feelings for Emily, she's clearly set on ripping apart {Leah}'s life.","1":"Emily is really going to rip {Leah}'s life apart, huh.","2":"She's not going to stop until {Leah} is proven innocent. And even then, she's not going to care about the consequences of her actions.","3":"I keep thinking... if I had not gone into that room... everything would have turned out different.","4":"I [i]am[\/i] responsible, aren't I? If I had just cooperated with {Leah} from the beginning, this probably could've been avoided.","5":"So... no use wallowing in despair. If something is going down at a Halloween party, and Emily is the target...","6":"...then is Emily definitely going to a Halloween party?","7":"That's probably something I should check. Emily isn't really going to tell me anything.","8":"Well, knowing her, she might tell me to let me know I'm not invited.","9":"I know where I can find her."},"ch5__05.45 companion.vne3":{"10":"Haley would be dependable backup. She also knows her way around people. Good listener, able to sense things that I'd miss.","11":"Maggie... is a definite risk, but it might be good for her to put herself out there. I have a feeling there's some iron in her veins.","12":"Lidia is smart, cultured, resourceful... but she's also tied at the hip to that shop of hers. I don't know if I'm going to be able to tear her away from it.","13":"Then there's the longshot: Toasterman. He would be eager, and I think he's been in these sorts of situations.","14":"Finally, I could suck it up and do it myself. It's the safest option... for the person I'm going with, not for me.","15":"Who do I want to ask?","16":"Sam.","17":"Haley.","18":"Maggie.","19":"[_lidia]Lidia.","20":"[_toasterman]Toasterman.","21":"This is something I do alone.","22":"Lidia's smart, resourceful, good at languages...","23":"As well as being good backup, she might be just fun, period.","24":"Let's see what Lidia thinks.","25":"Oh, hey, {PlayerName}.","26":"Lidia looks pretty damn cute at her job. Am I sure I don't just want to see her in a sexy costume?","27":"Oh. I should probably say something.","28":"Lidia looks heart-stopping. Am I sure I don't just want to see her in a sexy costume?","29":"I'm staring at her like an idiot. I should probably say something.","30":"Plans this Halloween?","31":"Uh... yes, actually. I hope you didn't drop by to invite me to something.","32":"Are you working this Halloween?","33":"I am.","34":"You can't find someone to cover you like you did last time?","35":"I'm a manager, {PlayerName}. I am the cover this time.","36":"I'm really moved that you'd want me to go with you, though! I hope it'll be a cool party.","37":"I hope so, too. It's as likely to be nightmarish, if all those notes meant anything.","38":"There isn't much else I can say.","39":"Maybe some other time.","40":"Halloween would've been fun. What would your costume be?","41":"Oh. I haven't gone that far yet.","42":"What do you think it should be?","43":"Hmm...","44":"I'd tell you to go with your heart. Follow your dreams.","45":"What would your costume be?","46":"I'm going to be wearing an elegant, beautiful, silky kimono.","47":"Ah. She'd look good in that.","48":"Excuse me, {PlayerName}, I have to work. Don't be a stranger.","49":"I won't.","50":"That's disappointing. Lidia would've been a lot of fun.","51":"Well... maybe she wouldn't have been a good choice anyway. This isn't supposed to be fun. This is supposed to be serious.","52":"I don't know her well enough yet.","53":"Am I... this desperate? Is there nobody better?","54":"I guess Toasterman [i]could[\/i] be reliable. If there's trouble, he'll probably watch my back... probably. We'll find out.","55":"Would he be in his alley at this time?","56":"Ah. Okay. So he's here.","57":"I had a feeling you'd be coming.","58":"[i]This[\/i] is the guy I want watching my back?","59":"[i]I'm ready.[\/i]","60":"Ready for what?","61":"I'll go with you, but you'll need to buy me a gun.","62":"A [i]gun?![\/i]","63":"Oh, and when you get the gun, just know that I'm a big bullet kind of guy. If the round is smaller than my thumb, it's a no go.","64":"I was only asking if you'd like to go to a Halloween party with me.","65":"Obviously.","66":"You need a gun... for Halloween?","67":"Yes.","68":"For your costume?","69":"No.","70":"I think I shouldn't ask him to elaborate.","71":"This is a no-gun party.","72":"Unwise. The most dangerous places in the world are gun-free zones. The more guns around, the less danger you're in.","73":"I... am not sure what to say.","74":"I'm starting to feel like this party is too dangerous for you.","75":"Are you sure? I could provide security. I can smell communists from a mile away.","76":"Yes.","77":"Your funeral, then.","78":"He is way too unpredictable.","79":"I've got to take someone who is less eager for violence.","80":"God knows what's going to happen at that party. I couldn't forgive myself if something happened.","81":"I think... I'll go by myself. It's more risky, but I know I'll keep my friends out of harm's way.","82":"I wish I was going to a regular Halloween party...","83":"Maggie is probably the dumbest choice. Has she even been to a Halloween party?","84":"But... I trust her. She put herself out there to save her dog. She might do the same for me. That's the most important thing of all.","85":"I could at least talk to her, get a gauge on what her feelings might be. I could always make a different choice later on, I suppose.","86":"I asked Maggie to meet me here, as we usually do.","87":"When she approaches, it's still with a great deal of trepidation. I've broken the ice with her before...","88":"...but even so, she's got a lot to overcome.","89":"How are you this fine evening?","90":"Good, maybe? You look good.","91":"Hey.","92":"She stops, shudders, but her expression doesn't change. It [i]holds[\/i].","93":"Is she really going to hold up for a Halloween party?","94":"Um...","95":"Do you want to go to a Halloween party?","96":"A Halloween party? Oh... I don't know. What... what day?","97":"Halloween.","98":"Uh... eh... um...","99":"Of course. That was a mighty stupid question. I apologize.","100":"I mean... I don't got no costume. I don't know what I'd dress as.","101":"And... uh... I'm not sure about my apple bobbin' skills...","102":"This is not the kind of party where people bob for apples.","103":"Oh.","104":"It's a college party.","105":"Oh. I don't wanna go to-","106":"She stops herself mid-sentence, eyes wide.","107":"It takes her a moment to collect herself.","108":"...I think maybe[delay,500][char,Maggie_Casual_Charmed] it would be good if I went.","109":"It would be good for you.","110":"Yeah. It would.","111":"It's... confidence building, right? That's why you want me to come with you.","112":"I need someone to protect me.","113":"Maggie, of course, treats it like a joke. In reality, it's not a joke at all.","114":"Well, I'll watch you like a duck watches her ducklings, but you gotta do the same for me, understand?","115":"I will.","116":"I'll mark you down in for Halloween, then.","117":"Every time I'm with you... I'm always doing something interesting.","118":"Maybe... we can do something like that this time, too.","119":"Maggie may be a long shot, but I have a feeling she'll be reliable.","120":"She has no expectations at all.","121":"Luckily, I know where to find Haley.","122":"She's dependable. Whether she'll have the time to go with me, that's yet to be seen.","123":"Hey, Silent One.","124":"I have a quick question. Do you have any plans for Halloween?","125":"I was going to handle the shift for Dante.","126":"Of course. Dante isn't going to miss a Halloween party.","127":"Did you want me to go with you?","128":"I'm going to a party. I thought you would be good backup.","129":"I'd love to go to a Halloween party... but holy shit do I need the money...","130":"How much are you getting this shift?","131":"I make, on average, $200 on a night like Halloween.","132":"I'll cover it.","133":"Oh!","134":"Are... are you sure?","135":"It sounds like you deserve a break.","136":"I do. So badly.","137":"I have a friend that can cover my shift. I know she's not doing anything this Halloween.","138":"I have to ask... is this in exchange for a service of some kind? Do you... expect me to do something?","139":"There's... no need to be elaborate if it's just sex.","140":"Just be yourself, and watch my back.","141":"I've been asked by girls to watch their backs at parties... but never a guy.","142":"Count me in. I... should still have a good costume.","143":"I don't doubt it.","144":"Haley is observant. I think she's the best choice for this.","145":"If anything, it's going to be fun.","146":"I trust Sam. She's my friend - she'd never let me down.","147":"Let's see if I can catch her today.","148":"Like magic, she steps out of her dorm room.","149":"Fuck! You scared me!","150":"You should fucking call!","151":"I do but you don't answer.","152":"There was a [i]chance[\/i] I would've answered.","153":"You have your phone, right? You charge it? There's no excuse not to be in contact.","154":"That's like... what my mom says, bro.","155":"I wouldn't have come here to bother you without a good reason. There was something I wanted to talk to you about.","156":"That's a coinkydink, I wanted to talk to you too. Are you doing anything this Halloween?","157":"Yes, actually. That's what I wanted to talk to you about.","158":"Double coinkydink! I was going to offer you a scary movie night.","159":"And you know what happens at scary movie nights, right? They turn into [i]sexy[\/i] movie nights.","160":"Can't do that.","161":"Seriously? If you wanted a scary movie night too that would've been a triple coinkydink.","162":"How about party night instead?","163":"Are you saying I can mooch off your social life? Yes please!","164":"That would be fucking sweet.","165":"You can. Come with me to a Halloween party.","166":"I have such a good costume for you. Just you wait.","167":"It'll be even sexier than scary-slash-sexy movie night.","168":"Just do me a favor and watch out for me.","169":"I'll watch out for dat ass, heh.","170":"That was really easy.","171":"Somehow, I think I've passed the easiest hurdle. Everything gets harder from here.","0":"The conversation with Emily kept me up the whole night. I can't believe she's hosting another party.","1":"It's not a coincidence. It can't be. It means something, and I have to find out what.","2":"At the same time, I can't make the same mistake I did last time.","3":"I can't go alone. I need someone to watch my back... and they don't need to know that's why they're there.","4":"If I get arrested or attacked again...","5":"{Leah} would've been my first choice, but she's the last person that should be seen at Emily's house.","6":"Really, I should [i]also[\/i] be the last person seen at Emily's house, but one of us needs to go.","7":"But who do I take? Who do I trust other than {Leah}?","8":"Four people come to mind: Maggie, Haley, Lidia and Sam.","9":"My first impulse is Sam, being my oldest friend aside from {Leah} and Valerie. I can depend on her. If she finds out I nearly ruined her life..."},"ch5__05.50 halloween night.vne3":{"3":"{Leah} just dresses up as Anna from Frozen every year and calls it that.","4":"Still, as I put on the finishing touches, I feel like I look good. I'm not sure you could call my costume creative.","5":"{Leah} knocks, then walks in.","6":"How do I look?","7":"She looks me up and down with a mysterious, odd yearning.","8":"An awkward moment hangs between us. Then, {Leah} grabs a hold of herself and blushes like a tomato.","9":"Oh. You look good in a suit.","10":"I think she [i]really[\/i] likes me in a suit.","11":"Thanks.","12":"Isn't that the same suit you wore for graduation?","13":"It looks good, right?","14":"Well... it's not really [i]fantastical[\/i], is it? I still like the idea of a space pirate.","15":"What kind of space pirate?","16":"It's a normal pirate costume but with cool cybernetic gadgets glued to your head.","17":"Don't you think Emily will recognize you in that... [i]costume?[\/i]","18":"No, because check out this finishing touch...","19":"I'm gentleman thief Lupin the III.","20":"Lupin... doesn't wear a ski mask.","21":"Then I'm gritty American reboot Lupin the III.","22":"Sounds awful...","23":"Also... I feel like dressing up as a burglar to a party at a house that recently had a burglary...","24":"I don't think Emily would suspect someone dressed as a burglar.","25":"To that, {Leah} doesn't seem to have any words. Maybe I stunned her with my logic?","26":"Anyway... the thing I'm confused about is... why another party at her place? Didn't she have a bad experience last time?","27":"Feels strange to me.","28":"Feels strange to me too.","29":"I wish I was going with you.","30":"I'd feel a lot better if you did.","31":"Are you serious? Because I could still go.","32":"I could wear a mask... make sure that nobody would recognize me... and-","33":"If you're caught there, it's going to be terrible for your case.","34":"Yes, well... it will be terrible if you're caught there, too.","35":"I feel really uncomfortable with you going alone.","36":"I won't be alone. Sam is coming with me.","37":"{Leah} frowns. She clearly didn't think of Sam as 'backup'.","38":"Sam is a scatterbrain.","39":"Though... she's definitely a good and loyal person.","40":"I think so too.","41":"I won't be alone. Haley is coming with me.","42":"{Leah} frowns, clearly not considering Haley to be proper backup.","43":"Do you really know her that well?","44":"Haley seems like a nice person... I don't know her well enough to trust her on something as important as this.","45":"She just needs to watch my back in case of trouble.","46":"I hope she's not a coward.","47":"I won't be alone. Maggie is coming with me.","48":"I... I know... she just seems...","49":"I'm really not sure how to feel about Maggie going with you. Can she even tolerate a Halloween party?","50":"Those get crazy even if nothing nefarious takes place.","51":"Maggie has the power to change. She wants to come and test herself.","52":"I really wish you had asked [i]anyone[\/i] at all to go with you.","53":"It's too dangerous.","54":"If it's too dangerous for them, it's too dangerous for you, too.","55":"I bought a temporary laptop and a cellphone... so don't feel like you'll be alone. I'll be keeping myself busy while you're at the party.","56":"Thanks.","57":"I'm... really invested in your success. I'm really relying on you.","58":"If you can't find out who stole that data... well...","59":"...I'm in massive, [i]massive[\/i] trouble.","60":"I'm going to do everything in my power to clear your name.","61":"I know you will. I also know that you have to be careful as well. I don't know what kind of danger you'll be in...","62":"...I just know you will be in danger.","63":"I'll do my best to take care of myself.","64":"The thing is... if I save myself by sacrificing you...","65":"...it won't have been worth it. So please, please, [i]please[\/i] take care of yourself.","66":"I will.","67":"{Leah}'s smile is sad but accepting.","68":"I don't know if she will ever feel comfortable with what I'm about to do.","69":"But, I would do it even if she forbid me, and she knows that.","70":"It is futile to stop me.","71":"Also... it's nerdy as Hell to bring a backpack to a Halloween party.","72":"It's the only way I can take RECENTLY with me.","73":"{Leah} nods.","74":"There's nothing more she can say. So, I leave.","0":"A few days later... the afternoon of Halloween...","1":"I'm not a big one into costumes, but I've got to put something together.","2":"I've been agonizing over one for all week. {Leah} has tried to help me, but for some reason, I haven't been able to trust her advice."},"ch5__05.55 the party.vne3":{"10":"This is it. The party.","11":"It reminds me so much of the other time I was here. Unbelievable that Emily would host a party here.","12":"I'm still not completely sure why. But... there's nothing obviously wrong.","13":"I think it's safe to go inside.","14":"Wazzup.","15":"Those legs...","16":"Man that's a good costume. I cannot say at all who she is trying to be.","17":"I want to see her wearing that in other contexts, too...","18":"Are you Alice Cooper?","19":"Alice Cooper? I'm Zatanna!","20":"You look more like Alice Cooper.","21":"I look nothing like Alice Cooper! I look like Zatanna!","22":"Zatanna doesn't wear BDSM studded leather.","23":"Okay, well... wearing BDSM studs probably isn't out of character for Zatanna, but dressing up in a top hat is definitely out of character for Alice Cooper!","24":"Alice Cooper is known for wearing a top hat.","25":"Oh. Uh... I don't even know who she is, so...","26":"I put it together on short notice so... it's not exactly lore accurate.","27":"But! It's definitely in the spirit of the character!","28":"You look nothing like a stage magician.","29":"Okay. Fine. Should I just tell people I'm Alice Cooper?","30":"I think you should tell people you're Alice Cooper. A genderbent, Asian Alice Cooper.","31":"A genderbent-...! Alice is a dude? God people are stupid. Why call yourself Alice?","32":"Let's head inside while I'm still proud of my costume.","33":"Hey.","34":"Interesting costume. I can't really say who she's trying to be...","35":"She looks cute, though.","36":"Nice costume.","37":"It was worth the $20, then. Bought it from a bargain bin.","38":"It's nice for $20.","39":"I borrowed some kit from a cosplayer friend of mine, too. Those are the nice parts.","40":"Answer this. Who do you think I am?","41":"Some kind of monk?","42":"I'm supposed to be a thief. Like a rogue or something.","43":"I can see that.","44":"It's not the most inspired costume. You look great though! Mexican wrestler?","45":"Do Mexican wrestlers wear balaclavas?","46":"Yeah but... your balaclava look Mexican wrestler-y. It's hard to describe.","47":"I'm really excited to not have to work on Halloween. Thank you so much for taking me.","48":"Anytime.","49":"Let's head inside and check out the costumes.","50":"Oh. You sure look fearsome with that robber mask.","51":"Barely recognized you.","52":"You look nice. Wizard of Oz? The straw guy?","53":"She also looks very cute.","54":"I suppose. Scarecrow was easy more than anything.","55":"[i]''We're not in Kansas anymore!''[\/i] Love that movie.","56":"Are you okay to go in?","57":"Uh...","58":"When she glances at the party, the gravity of the obstacle dawns on her.","59":"...this is a pretty big thing for me. I think I had nightmares of going to parties.","60":"What do you call it when you both want to and don't want to do somethin'?","61":"Doubts.","62":"Doubts are sure as heck what I have.","63":"I want to say that she could stay close to me... but that's not true.","64":"I might have to separate from her at some point.","65":"Nobody is going to bite you.","66":"I mean... I like dogs so bitin' isn't a problem. It's all the other stuff I'm worried about.","67":"Maybe... if I go inside... I'll... [i]like it[\/i].","68":"She is trying to convince herself more than convince me.","69":"Let's do it.","70":"I wonder what I'll see inside?","71":"Will it be like last time?","72":"Oh... look at all the cool costumes!","73":"Nice Alice Cooper costume!","74":"Thanks!","75":"Alice Cooper had better be hot.","76":"He's seventy.","77":"Oh my God. I'm a sexy magician! Sexy!","78":"There's nothing wrong with me. It's everyone else.","79":"Do you mind if I scout things out a bit?","80":"Yeah. Let's judge people for their costumes.","81":"Let's do that too.","82":"This is so cool.","83":"It's... a lot better than you think to not have to serve anyone drinks.","84":"I'm glad you're enjoying it.","85":"I feel like my costume is a bit underwhelming.","86":"It's a good costume.","87":"Thanks.","88":"It's been so long since I've been to a party... I'm actually not sure what I'm supposed to be doing.","89":"Mingling.","90":"Yeah. [i]Mingling[\/i].","91":"Maybe I can get someone to tell me all their problems for an hour. That's pretty much the only social activity I've had practice at.","92":"Do you mind if I scout around?","93":"Absolutely. Can I come with you?","94":"Yes, of course.","95":"Oh wow. I've really walked into a phantasmagoria, ain't I?","96":"My meemaw would be telling me about the Devil right now...","97":"I don't think you have to worry about the Devil here.","98":"Not one from Hell, maybe.","99":"This is pretty intense. And... crowded.","100":"My heart's a flutterin'...","101":"Are you okay?","102":"Yeah. I'm okay.","103":"Here's your brain, bro!","104":"Suddenly, someone passes Maggie some kind of colorful mixed drink.","105":"She takes it with a wide-eyed look.","106":"Oh. A cocktail with a candy brain in it. That's real coincidence. I'm glad people remember the Wizard of Oz.","107":"Would it be rude if I didn't drink this?","108":"Not at all.","109":"I think I'll set it aside for safe keepin'.","110":"Maggie, are you going to be okay on your own?","111":"On my own? Well... I won't really be on my own with [i]all these people[\/i]...","112":"It feels almost cruel to leave her here. But I will need to scout out the party myself.","0":"Keep companion switch menu enabled.","113":"It's okay Maggie. You can come with me.","1":"Disable companion menu from now on","114":"Oh. That'd be nice. Thank you.","2":"Go to the Halloween party with:","115":"I hope Maggie won't end up a burden...","3":"Sam.","116":"I have an opportunity now to look around.","4":"Haley.","117":"There's plenty interesting going on down here, just nothing relevant.","5":"Maggie.","118":"I should probably go the simplest places first.","6":"Nobody.","7":"It's a bit of a drive, and I'm nervous as hell.","8":"It feels like it takes forever, and yet, I don't really want to reach my destination.","9":"In this moment, I think I know how it feels to be a train hurtling off a cliff."},"ch5__05.60 encountering emily.vne3":{"10":"Okay. Feels like student council all over again...","11":"Now that I have some privacy...","12":"I can't do that with Haley here.","13":"Haley, I've got to check a few emails. Do you mind if you give me a few minutes?","14":"Is there a problem?","15":"No problem. I just need some time to check something.","16":"I see.","17":"I could go around. Check some costumes. Poach some alcohol.","18":"You're the best.","19":"Now that she's gone...","20":"I can't really do that with Maggie around. Can I really leave her off by herself, though?","21":"Maggie, do you mind if you explore by yourself?","22":"A-alone?","23":"She's already mortified.","24":"Can I give some advice?","25":"I sure would welcome it.","26":"If you're feeling anxious at a party, it's totally acceptable to step outside. Everyone does it.","27":"I... yeah. Did seem rather stuffy in here...","28":"I just... have to do something by myself. It won't take long.","29":"I... I believe you.","30":"I think I would like some fresh autumn air. For all the big windows this house ain't well ventilated.","31":"Will you be here when I come back in?","32":"I'll be inside the house.","33":"Okay...","34":"I don't feel good about that, but it would be better for her if she didn't see RECENTLY.","35":"I open the app and put all my attention on it.","36":"The blue screen glares in my face. I feel self-conscious using it at a party, but I put my back to the wall where nobody can look over my shoulder.","37":"It doesn't take long to find Cedric.","38":"[#039c2e]TO: UNKNOWN. FROM: CEDRIC RHODES.\\nMESSAGE: The cargo is where we discussed.[\/c]","39":"[#039c2e]TO: CEDRIC RHODES. FROM: UNKNOWN.\\nMESSAGE: i dont feel comfortable using text shit can be traced you sure this is safe??[\/c]","40":"[#039c2e]TO: UNKNOWN. FROM: CEDRIC RHODES.\\nMESSAGE: My father works cyber security and I'm using the most secure form of communication possible trust me.[\/c]","41":"[#039c2e]TO: CEDRIC RHODES. FROM: UNKNOWN.\\nMESSAGE: you better not be lying to me rich bitch. i'm at the party now.[\/c]","42":"[#039c2e]TO: UNKNOWN. FROM: CEDRIC RHODES.\\nMESSAGE: Whatever you do don't look at me or acknowledge me.[\/c]","43":"Cedric? A [i]rich bitch?[\/i] Dad works in cyber security?","44":"So confused...","45":"The metadata says these were sent five minutes ago. Where is Cedric now?","46":"Not outside. He's disappeared.","47":"Cedric, doing something suspicious at a party... but the kind of suspicious that you'd expect.","48":"This doesn't [i]feel[\/i] like some exotic, elaborate plot. Nothing feels more mundane than drugs at a college Halloween party.","49":"I should check the upstairs.","50":"Something feels different about this room.","51":"All the hair at the back of my neck... every goose bump raises in my arm.","52":"Damn. My skin [i]crawls[\/i].","53":"That's weird. Everything feels normal again.","54":"It's a Halloween party. It's supposed to be creepy... but not like this.","55":"Something's getting to me. That I can feel as clear as day.","56":"I need to go find Cedric, and I can't restrict myself to the most accessible areas of the house. I'm going upstairs.","57":"I suppose going for the office door would be a big no-no. It's certain to be locked...","58":"There's no way Emily would let anyone even touch the door, let alone walk around unattended.","59":"I'm surprised she hasn't-","60":"Excuse me...","61":"...!","62":"The designated restroom is downstairs. Didn't you read the signs? This area is off-limits.","63":"...Wait a sec...","64":"Someone keeps pulling down the signs. I had those laminated.","65":"I completely regret letting Cedric talk me into hosting a Halloween party. It was a dumb idea.","66":"This whole party gives me really bad feelings.","67":"I... I should've listened to {PlayerName}...","68":"She's muttering to herself...","69":"Could you do me a favor? I'll pay you $20 to go room to room and just... kick people out if they're doing something inappropriate. Would you do that?","70":"I heard... disgusting noises from my parent's room and I just don't want to know.","71":"She waits for me to say something. I'm... still waiting for the moment she realizes it's me.","72":"But... she never really [i]looks closely at me[\/i]. She doesn't even wait for me to accept as she hands me $20.","73":"Here. Go room to room and give them the boot. You'd better start with the garage. Something unnatural is going on in there and ignorance is absolute bliss.","74":"God, that's lucky. Finally I can fucking breathe. How did she not recognize me? Even with the mask on she should've...","75":"...but she didn't. I feel like I have to thank Yahovahwhatsit of {PlayerName}ism for this small blessing.","76":"Emily... is having no fun at all. Even less fun if she knew Cedric was using the house as a drug smuggling front.","77":"Her task is a good excuse to check out parts of the house. I can't do it alone.","78":"Since I didn't bring anyone, I'll just have to do it on my own.","79":"I should head to the garage first.","80":"Are you off exploring without me?","81":"I have a job for you.","82":"I hate jobs.","83":"The host has asked me to look around and kick people out of the private rooms. You have to help me, I can't do it for obvious reasons.","84":"I lied! I like jobs! Count me in!","85":"Sam is eager. Good.","86":"Revenge for mistaking me for Alice Cooper!","87":"Haley, I need a big favor from you.","88":"The host has asked me to go around and kick people out of the private rooms.","89":"I guess work from the bar has followed me.","90":"You're comfortable with that?","91":"I don't like to do it, but I know how to give people the boot.","92":"Fantastic.","93":"I... came back in...","94":"Maggie, I have a big favor to ask.","95":"You do?","96":"I've got to go around and make sure that people aren't misbehaving in the private areas. The host asked me to do so.","97":"I can't do it by myself for obvious reasons.","98":"You need me to...?","99":"Think of it as practice.","100":"Oh. Practice, huh?","101":"I guess... I understand that.","102":"Let's decide where we're going first.","0":"Okay, what have I learned so far?","1":"Probably that I haven't been paying nearly enough attention to Cedric. Luckily, I have all the tools necessary.","2":"I can't do that while Sam is around, so...","3":"Can you entertain yourself for a minute?","4":"That's what I've been doing my whole life.","5":"Do that for a bit longer.","6":"Sure. Go ahead. Get some of that sweet, sweet privacy.","7":"I just need to check emails.","8":"Come on, {PlayerName}. You've got to learn to quit.","9":"I'll quit. Eventually. This is something I have to do."},"ch5__05.65 dante scene.vne3":{"3":"I know it wasn't easy for you.","4":"I feel like I'm violating my principles. Sex is a beautiful thing. We should do it upside down, right-side up, hanging from chandeliers, on mountaintops...","5":"...in France, on the seas and oceans, on beaches, landing grounds, in the fields, in the streets, in the hills...","6":"...yeah, every place basically.","7":"I normally agree with you, but the host...","8":"You gotta respect it.","9":"Why did you come back to this party? Just for fun?","10":"If you think I'm going to pass up on a party, I've got a bridge to sell you. I'm more surprised to see you here.","11":"I have business here.","12":"Are you telling me you're ruining the sanctity of the party by [i]doing business[\/i]?","13":"Bro. I can't believe that. Not hetero.","14":"I'd come for fun, but I don't have that luxury.","15":"Ah. Circumstances can be a bummer. That's why I summon my hetebros sometimes, when I need help.","16":"If you ever need help with anything, say the word.","17":"Thanks.","0":"Thanks, Dante. I literally couldn't have done that without you.","1":"Yeah you could-","2":"...agh. No you can't."},"ch5__05.65 haley scene.vne3":{"10":"[bjside_speed != bjside_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[doggy_speed != doggy_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[doggy_speed != doggy_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[doggy_speed != doggy_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[missionary_speed != missionary_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[missionary_speed != missionary_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[missionary_speed != missionary_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Jump to sex","25":"Cum options","26":"Play from the beginning","27":"Haley sighs like she'd concluded a chore. Clearly she gets absolutely nothing out of what we did.","28":"Work has followed me here.","29":"You didn't like doing that?","30":"I'm not the biggest fan of kicking people out, no.","31":"It's definitely the least favorite part of my job... but... it's necessary.","32":"I'd rather just let them do it.","33":"You could. Is there anything wrong with just letting people do it?","34":"There are rules you have to respect. I can't have people fucking in the bar.","35":"...!","36":"I wonder how Haley would react if she knew I had sex in the bar when Dante was on shift...","37":"I know it's not a family establishment but... the bar isn't your bedroom. You understand?","38":"Anyway... it's not important.","39":"Haley pauses.","40":"It's too bad because... I think a Halloween orgy would be kind of fun.","41":"A Halloween orgy? And I was beginning to think that she was the sedate, quiet sort of girl.","42":"You'd go for an orgy?","43":"Haley thinks about this. It's clear she doesn't want to give the wrong impression.","44":"Well... not with strangers. People I know and like.","45":"Wouldn't... you go for an orgy? Isn't that a normal thing to want?","46":"I guess it's exactly how you say. It depends on who it's with.","47":"Yeah, see?","48":"She smiles and relaxes.","49":"Anyway, I don't want to say it's something I'm super into. I'm not... organizing orgies. I've never been to an orgy. But... if it happens it could be fun.","50":"It's... not something I think about often.","51":"I just didn't expect you to be the orgy type.","52":"Again, I've never [i]had[\/i] an orgy. And if I did, it would be with friends, not strangers.","53":"I don't really have many friends, though. Not right now.","54":"What is she talking about?","55":"''I'm your friend, aren't I?''","56":"Say nothing.","57":"I think she expected me to say something, but I hold my tongue. Or my phone.","58":"Yes... of course you are.","59":"Her gaze holds me for a moment.","60":"Suddenly, she seems to understand what I'm saying. A bit of red enters her cheeks.","61":"W-well... I'd need to think about it. And... there's nobody else here, so...","62":"...I'm just not sure.","63":"Whatever suggestion that was embedded in her eyes fades away.","64":"I think... since I missed my opportunity with Haley, when she walked into my room when she stayed the night.","65":"She just doesn't see me in that way.","66":"That's too bad. I'm... not sure if this could be salvaged.","67":"Then, blood rushes to her cheeks when it suddenly connects what I'm talking about.","68":"Oh. Uh... yes. I would. I would with you. But...","69":"I don't really have any other friends. I'm not going to organize one of these things. [i]It's just a little fantasy[\/i].","70":"It doesn't need to be an orgy with you. That's what I'm trying to say.","71":"Wait. I feel... [i]so uncomfortable[\/i] bringing up orgies all the time. I'm really not that into it. It's not a big thing for me.","72":"You... you shouldn't construe me talking about an orgy as an invitation to join one, because that is so, [i]so[\/i] far from my intent...","73":"I can see why you've never organized an orgy.","74":"Haley stops, staring at me with wide eyes...","75":"...then a smile beams across her face.","76":"Uh... yeah. It's a bit schizo of me.","77":"I used to think I was the queen bee. The kind of girl who didn't need anyone and could take anything she wants.","78":"But... then I stutter over something as natural as sex.","79":"I feel silly sometimes.","80":"So how do you feel about doing it?","81":"Right now you mean? It would really go against what I said about respecting the rules of the establishment.","82":"Too hypocritical for you?","83":"I'm... fine with being a hypocrite.","84":"Prove to me that you're a hypocrite.","85":"Prove that I'm a...","86":"Oh. I'll prove that I'm a hypocrite alright.","87":"Let's go somewhere.","88":"Gladly.","89":"Finally.","90":"Looks empty.","91":"This house is so nice.","92":"I wish I had a place like this. I've got to do a lot of things right to make it happen.","93":"You could do it, eventually.","94":"Yeah. Like I could turn my life around just like that.","95":"She falls on the sofa.","96":"In the meantime, I can feel like a queen right here.","97":"A girl is allowed a fantasy, isn't she?","98":"I think you were meant to show me what a hypocrite you were.","99":"Oh. I will.","100":"Haley's decision is split-second.","101":"She launches into my arms. I scoop her in and hold her tight.","102":"I feel a finger touch me gently beneath the mask.","103":"What were you thinking, hmm?","104":"That mask is so stupid.","105":"[i]Actually I kinda like it[\/i].","106":"I can't tell her that, though. So I just smirk.","107":"Such a sexy smile. Shame to end it.","108":"We pull each other in for the kiss.","109":"Our lips tangle together, doing their own little dance.","110":"It feels like a warm up. My heart starts to thump faster, and I feel in her chest a similar urgent feeling.","111":"Let's get these... cheap costumes off.","112":"Her hands start to work my buttons.","113":"Finally, I've got a good excuse to take off this stifling mask...","114":"There we go. I like this better.","115":"You should've had the mask off. But keep the suspenders. I like them.","116":"The mask was the only thing that kept Emily from recognizing me, so I'm glad I wore it.","117":"I'm even gladder to pull it off.","118":"I'm not even finished taking off my shirt and Haley already has my pants down.","119":"Her hand moves and works my dick as I undo one button at a time.","120":"There's something impatient in her expression. She thinks I'm teasing her. Maybe I am.","121":"I kind of like that desperate look in her eyes.","122":"I pull the shirt off. By the time it hits the floor, I'm greeted with a completely different sight.","123":"Nice. Lovely eyes locking with mine.","124":"I remember when Haley climbed into bed with me. I couldn't say then, whether she slept with me because she felt obligated, or if she really wanted to.","125":"The lighting is better here. I can see she wants me.","126":"I'm not going to stop her from taking what she wants.","127":"Her mouth on my cock.","128":"Suction over my mushroom, pulling gently like her lips are two wet fingers.","129":"My eyes grow heavy as I watch her.","130":"I could go into a trance watching her. Haley is incredibly chill, and the way she sucks me is the same.","131":"Gentle but still confident, passionate without being out of control...","132":"...at all times, Haley just seems to hit this goldilocks zone.","133":"I feel like running my hands through her blue hair... a silent encouragement.","134":"But I'm also happy to see her do this at her own pace.","135":"Even better is the sound she makes as she takes me in further.","136":"I get a bit of the soft flesh at the back of her throat, and in response, there's a gurgle and a gag.","137":"She quietly suppresses it, and continues like she hadn't experienced any discomfort at all.","138":"Her head twists a little, she pushes herself deeper, deeper...","139":"I can feel the back of her throat, her tonsils, tickle me.","140":"Every stroke she makes is deliberate, and her eyes never break contact with me.","141":"As I enjoy her blowjob, I realize I haven't heard her take a breath for quite some time.","142":"Is she really going to keep up like this?","143":"Is she this dedicated to pleasing me?","144":"GUH!","145":"Her breathing is heavy. She was, probably literally, choking on it a little.","146":"Now she's coming back for air.","147":"That... wasn't easy...","148":"I'm getting a bit tired of that cheap costume of hers. Her words.","149":"I want to see that ruined, adorable face in all its glory.","150":"I pull down her hood, and Haley relents immediately. It seems she understands exactly what my intentions are.","151":"Wordless acknowledgement is exchanged as she invites me to help her out of her clothes.","152":"Those, too?","153":"And I thought we were... [i]knocking boots[\/i].","154":"She sounds too proud of herself for that.","155":"I'll give her something to think about.","156":"Oh... Silent One...","157":"...that's... oh...","158":"My lips flutter against her snatch. I'm barely even touching her and her stomach is already undulating like waves on an ocean.","159":"Her muscles tighten as I commit further.","160":"I smear my lips over her crotch, lapping up her musk and that sweetness of hers.","161":"She grinds as a reflex against my chin and lips...","162":"Come on... I'm ready.","163":"She flips over without any prompting from me.","164":"She's eager, alright. She's cool-headed behind the bar but hot blooded in the sack.","165":"It's hot to see how her personality changes so dramatically...","166":"That's fine, though. It'll give me a chance to show her what I can do.","167":"A push... I break inside.","168":"A little yelp and a moan... and she's all mine.","169":"I feel her clamp around me. Then, we go at it.","170":"It's a slow, gentle process. Her moans are almost musical...","171":"...didn't Haley tell me she liked to sing? I can definitely hear it in her now.","172":"At this stage, we're just working off some of the tension that's been building between us.","173":"Next, I'm really going to get started.","174":"Fucking Haley... in this weird setting... this basement... that belongs to neither of us...","175":"I have this funny realization that anyone can come down at any time.","176":"Still, I keep going. And like everything I do with Haley, it's at a relaxed, chill pace.","177":"I'm not going to hurry. I'm not going to worry about getting caught.","178":"Nothing is going to stop me from this fuck.","179":"Let's be a little more wild.","180":"What... what do you want me to do?","181":"[i]Let me show you.[\/i] It seems she understands.","182":"It's Halloween. I'm going to act like it.","183":"I'm going to let her bounce on top of me, and I'm going to thrust into her every time she even thinks about slowing down.","184":"I'm going to lift her up and drop her back onto me. I'm not going to let her quit.","185":"I pick her up, nuzzling into her, madly looking for a place to throw her.","186":"I have the perfect place.","187":"I throw her onto the couch, and use my momentum to drive into her. I'm going to pound her with abandon, make her shake.","188":"She's going to be sweaty, breathless, and exhausted.","189":"I hold her leg up, a better angle from which to slide back and forth.","190":"I work her like a see-saw, getting into a rhythm where I work more like a machine than a man.","191":"Time dilates - I feel my orgasm coming quick.","192":"But... I repress it.","193":"I need to save it for the right moment... which isn't now.","194":"This needs to play out fully and completely before I'm allowed to cum.","195":"Face to face. This is how it should be done.","196":"Looking into her eyes as I drill her over and over, pound her until her eyes beg for it to end.","197":"This is what I like to see.","198":"And... this is how I'm going to cum as well. Staring right into her eyes.","199":"Watching with pleasure every change of expression.","200":"I'm... I'm going to...","201":"Yes, yes! Do it!","202":"The tidal wave comes over. It's too late to stop the surge of pleasure.","203":"I'm... cumming!","204":"Inside.","205":"On her.","206":"On face.","207":"In mouth.","208":"Every pump that fills her, she feels.","209":"A groan of pleasure, surprised and aroused.","210":"Just like her, I end as a breathless, heaving mess.","211":"Her chest rises and falls. She watches as I pull away and fall back.","212":"It's... like a warm shot.","213":"She makes a pleasant hum.","214":"I pull out, and get ready to spurt over her soft belly.","215":"It's... it's hot...","216":"Haley smirks, realizing how banal her comment was.","217":"Heh. It... feels pretty good.","218":"I pull out as she turns around... she knows I want her face.","219":"My sticky cum spreads out along her face.","220":"I'm... a little surprised that Haley let me do it.","221":"She might have been too aroused to stop me.","222":"I pull out as she turns around... she knows I want her mouth.","223":"I fill her mouth with my cream. I wonder... with her being a bartender...","224":"...how she'd appreciate the taste.","225":"Judging from her reaction, it doesn't seem disagreeable to her.","226":"I'm not forgetting that anytime soon.","227":"Was that enough proof for you...?","228":"What... what was she trying to prove again?","229":"She quickly dons her costume, as if suddenly aware she's naked in a public place.","230":"That... was something.","231":"I can understand why people do it the bathroom of the bar now. It's... a different experience.","232":"You were incredible too.","233":"Was I? I felt like you were just using me. Which was hot, no lie.","234":"So... uh...","235":"Maybe an orgy next time, then.","236":"Heh! Yeah. Let me just... draw from my enormous social circle.","237":"You really are a great guy, you know that?","238":"Haley is a special girl, I have to say. I wish I could've come just to be with her.","239":"And yet, I'm not here just for her. There's more going on at this party than just me and Haley.","240":"I have to find a way to excuse myself from this conversation to do some following up.","241":"Uh... anyway...","242":"Thanks for helping me out.","243":"Do you think you could take care of yourself for a minute?","244":"Yes. I guess I can.","245":"Thank you. There's some people here I haven't seen in a while.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[bjpov_speed != bjpov_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[bjpov_speed != bjpov_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[bjpov_speed != bjpov_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[bjside_speed != bjside_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[bjside_speed != bjside_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch5__05.65 maggie scene.vne3":{"10":"[doggy_speed != doggy_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[eating_speed != eating_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[eating_speed != eating_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[eating_speed != eating_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[missionary_speed != missionary_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[missionary_speed != missionary_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[missionary_speed != missionary_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Jump to sex","25":"Cum options","26":"Play from the beginning","27":"That was the craziest thing I've ever done.","28":"I... I can't believe...","29":"Kidnapping your own dog wasn't crazier?","30":"Kidnapping my-!","31":"Oh, yeah. That was crazier.","32":"Now that I think of it. I've actually done a lot of things that are crazy.","33":"Would you believe I once jumped off the top of a tree into the pond? That was crazy. Fifteen foot drop. Coulda broke my neck but only sprained my ankle.","34":"I don't know why you're so scared of people when you've got so much courage everywhere else in your life.","35":"Hmmm...","36":"...I suppose... I never thought like that.","37":"There's a thing I don't like the feeling of. I don't like... people not liking me.","38":"I just feel like... I'm not like most people. The way I talk, the things I care about, it ain't the same as most people.","39":"I feel like... people are judging me all the time.","40":"You know everyone feels that way, right?","41":"She stops dead, and her eyes widen. It was a simple thing I just said... but it was a revelation to her.","42":"You think so? Are you worried about people judgin' you?","43":"Kinda.","44":"Oh. That's funny. You seemed so...","45":"...[i]put together[\/i]. I can't imagine anyone judging you.","46":"I guess... how I feel 'bout things... isn't that unusual.","47":"But I still feel weird. I mean... if how I feel is so common... then why does everyone except for me have their stuff together?","48":"I don't see you avoiding people like I do.","49":"The feelings are the same. How we deal with them are different.","50":"Maggie's silence cuts through me. Even the sounds of the halloween party diminish as I wait for her response.","51":"I don't want to be the same person I am right now. I want to change.","52":"I'm makin' an effort. I want to push myself.","53":"You definitely pushed yourself.","54":"That's not what I mean.","55":"What I mean is... w-would...","56":"[i]...would you like to have sex with me again?[\/i]","57":"Oh gosh. I said it. Sorry. Ignore that. I was joking.","58":"Yes.","59":"Oh gosh twice. You would?","60":"I feel... so faint. I'm sorry. Ignore what I said. I- I- I- was messing with you.","61":"You were serious though, weren't you?","62":"I mean... ","63":"...maybe I was. What... what would you think if I was serious...?","64":"Maggie is adorable. It's so hard to turn her down.","65":"I'm here for a reason, though. Can I really afford the distraction?","66":"I'd like it.","67":"Now isn't the time.","68":"Maggie shudders for a moment, her mind working overtime to interpret my three simple words.","69":"Oh. That's good.","70":"Her body shakes, like it's trying to go in three directions.","71":"Do you want to go somewhere private?","72":"And her voice has three different tones in it. Excitement, fear, relief.","73":"Private? Yeah. Private.","74":"I... wasn't expecting to do it out here in the middle of the party. Nosiree.","75":"Let's go then.","76":"'Kay.","77":"I can't.","78":"Oh. That's not because you didn't... like it the first time. Right?","79":"I'm sorry. I'm not good at it.","80":"You did fine. You aren't the reason I came here.","81":"I didn't think I was... but...","82":"I can't afford any distractions. I'm sorry.","83":"I ain't offended! I put myself out there and... well...","84":"It's fine. It's just fine.","85":"Maggie doesn't look fine, but continuing this line of conversation is just going to make things worse.","86":"We head upstairs.","87":"Maggie leads the way, her feet taking her to a place we know had been cleared out.","88":"I don't really need to push her at all, to my own surprise.","89":"This is so neat!","90":"Every room in this house is so fancy. I couldn't afford a stick from this place.","91":"Look at that. Even the pictures are all framed.","92":"I lock the door behind us.","93":"Is this what your place is like too?","94":"Don't answer that. Maybe I can see for myself one day. Heh...","95":"She trails off in a nervous laugh, especially as the door clicks.","96":"A sharp breath. The mood completely changes once we know we have complete privacy.","97":"I'm going to get her in the mood.","98":"That tickles somethin' fierce. Hehe...","99":"I don't mind it, though. Keep... keep doing it...","100":"Though she stutters, her voice stabilizes. It becomes a purr.","101":"She's becoming more confident, or forgetting that she's nervous.","102":"I... actually think I might...","103":"...turn around and kiss me.","104":"It's so sudden. I don't expect it at all.","105":"Suddenly I'm trading tongues with her, and it's difficult to keep up. It is so unlike the first time I was with her.","106":"In fact, it is [i]really[\/i] different.","107":"Propositioning me, and now literally leaping into my arms. What's with the personality change? Has someone kidnapped and replaced her?","108":"Hehe... [i]sorry[\/i]...","109":"I don't know what took over me. I feel possessed...","110":"Come over here and let me show you what the Devil can do.","111":"Are you kidding me? Who is this girl?","112":"Well, I guess I'm not going to worry whether she's ready or not...","113":"When she sees my cock... that fear suddenly comes back, but it's replaced by the quickening of her breath.","114":"Her chest rises and falls, and arousal overpowers any hesitation.","115":"I'm still not sure if she's nervous or not, so I lift her chin up.","116":"Oh... I like it when you do that.","117":"Makes me feel... small.","118":"That's a good thing. Trust me.","119":"Her lips remember how to smile. They twitch but she clearly likes where things are going.","120":"I guess I'm going to show her more.","121":"Oh... that's so nice.","122":"I... I love your tongue. It's good...","123":"I dig my lips into her cunt, my tongue pushing her clit and penetrating into her body.","124":"She's warm, soft, and flavorful. Maggie struggles to keep herself from grinding too hard on my face.","125":"Eventually, she relents. She lays a leg on my back and uses that to push me in closer.","126":"A sigh emerges from her chest. Contented and happy, there's none of the normal uncertainty in her.","127":"So I keep going, and watch as her insecurity drains away further, giving away to pleasure.","128":"She squeals... moans... writhes in response to my lips and tongue.","129":"There's no way she's ever going to tell me to stop. But... I'm not going to do this forever.","130":"I want to explore all kinds of things with Maggie. So... I give her the kisses that she wants...","131":"...and slowly and gently pull back.","132":"When I move onto her nipples, there's a cute disappointed noise, replaced with another pleasured moan.","133":"She presses my head down, making sure my lips fully engulf her breasts.","134":"The way she touches my shoulder, though... slightly tugging... suggests she wants to move onto something else.","135":"I... I see...","136":"I'm ready when you are. Just... just let me know...","137":"I expect some hesitation as I place Maggie's hand on my cock, but there's none. She slides up and down it with a great deal of comfort and ease.","138":"This might be the second time she's done this... but she's definitely got the skill down.","139":"Still, I can tell she's kinda working her way up to something. It's not the handjob that's making her nervous... it's what she's thinking of.","140":"Second time's the charm.","141":"Unexpectedly, she leans forward and kisses me straight on my little hole.","142":"She does with the same speed as tearing off a band aid... like she doesn't want to give herself the chance to back down. And then...","143":"...she takes it into her mouth.","144":"I breathe in sharply through the nose. I know Maggie didn't get this far last time...","145":"I watch her as she holds her mouth in place. I can't tell whether she likes it or not.","146":"Still, she feels the need to really get acquainted with it orally. Her tongue, her head, her lips... don't move. She's just holding my dick in her mouth.","147":"As she gains confidence, I feel her do more and more. Her bumpy tongue, the suction of her lips, a slight bobbing of her head.","148":"She knows what she needs to do to make it work. She just hasn't put all the puzzle pieces together. It is fun watching her trying to make it all work out.","149":"I... can't help myself.","150":"Out of a pure desire to see her on my cock, I push her down.","151":"I feel, and hear, a slight choking sound, but nothing further. She's... clearly gotten used to it.","152":"Last time, she looked almost frightened by it. But this time, she's eager.","153":"I was... a little worried she wouldn't be willing to do this. But my fears were for nothing.","154":"It seems Maggie has the same appetites as any other girl...","155":"...and maybe she is right, she is just a normal person beneath her timid exterior.","156":"She definitely doesn't seem shy right now.","157":"I love the long line of drool that links my dick to her lips.","158":"That... that wasn't so bad.","159":"Not sure why you stopped me the first time, heh...","160":"It's because I didn't want to make her feel like she had to do it. But I'm [i]overjoyed[\/i] that she likes it.","161":"Maggie and I are going to have a lot of fun together.","162":"As she leans back on the bed, I can tell she wants to go all the way again. I can even guess she's been thinking about this since the last time we did it.","163":"Well... I have been too. I was wondering when Maggie and I would pick up where we left off...","164":"...it looks like now's the time.","165":"Don't be scared that I'm gonna be scared, okay?","166":"Do me like you would any other girl.","167":"Fine. I will.","168":"Maggie makes no protest as I push her back against the bed.","169":"She watches with an anxious expression as my cock begins to sink beneath her pussy lips and enter her body.","170":"Oh... oh God!","171":"She lifts her legs, inviting me to go even deeper into her. As she relaxes, I feel a pressure in all the right places.","172":"I know she's an earnest girl. She's not good at lying - I've never seen her lie. She wouldn't be faking the ecstasy she's in.","173":"That's the sort of pleasure that only a near virgin could feel.","174":"She lets loose and wild. She really has a strong peasant girl vibe.","175":"Everything about her feels... simple and natural. It's uncomplicated and wonderful.","176":"There's no pretension as we both fuck like animals.","177":"I lean forward, putting all my weight into thrust after thrust. She's somewhat passive at first, allowing me to do as I wish without much action.","178":"Slowly, she gains confidence - or maybe desire. She ends up pushing against me in a rhythmic fashion.","179":"Eager for more, I thrust against her, no longer worried that she might be reluctant.","180":"This... is...","181":"...so different than how I'd imagined it!","182":"Our thighs slap together. We change positions, experimenting with what gives the best penetration.","183":"Intermittent, bestial moans escape her mouth.","184":"Your... your cock is so...!","185":"She doesn't finish her sentence. She's past completing her thoughts at this point.","186":"She goes onto her hands and knees. I push her down, and into her. The bed starts to rock and groan with every thrust.","187":"I don't really care if I break the bed, though, as long as I get to break Maggie. I see her turn her head and watch as I slide in and out.","188":"Open mouthed, screaming ecstasy has turned into tantric meditation. She looks calm and sweaty, her whole face flushed as I fuck her.","189":"Now, Maggie gets up. She bangs as hard into me as I do into her.","190":"The slapping of our bodies continues. I'm just as close to the edge as she is.","191":"Soon... we'll both be tumbling over together. I sense it so clearly...","192":"A few more moments pass. I see the number of thrusts I can manage without cumming ticking down in my mind.","193":"Still... I restrain myself. I hold it in. I haven't gone this far just to mess up.","194":"I don't care if Maggie is inexperienced. If I cum a moment before I mean to... I'll know I failed.","195":"I need her to orgasm before I can release. And I know it's coming soon.","196":"Maggie's whole body seizes up suddenly, like a clamp coming down on her.","197":"Ugh!","198":"This is it, then. Maggie came... so can I.","199":"Not a moment to spare. It's impossible for me to stop now!","200":"Inside.","201":"On her.","202":"On face.","203":"In mouth.","204":"Our thrusting is positively violent. I really start to feel for the bed - anybody outside that door is going to easily hear us.","205":"So much for not breaking the rules. At this point... we'd be lucky if we don't get caught.","206":"I guess it's a good thing, then, that we're almost done.","207":"A final thrust, deeper than any other time. I pump and pump and pump, completely draining everything from me. And then... it's over.","208":"I have nothing left to give her. I've fucked her raw, and myself raw too. I pull back.","209":"I slide out. My cock hangs cool in the air.","210":"I don't really care if someone charges through that door. I need a breather.","211":"That was... exhausting.","212":"I desperately want to cum inside her... but my reason stops me.","213":"I have to do it somewhere, so I start jerking myself, using her sexy, sweaty face as jerk off material.","214":"This will not take long.","215":"That's... messy...","216":"It doesn't seem like she's irritated by that. Actually, it seems to excite her more.","217":"I guess a rural girl like Maggie isn't afraid of some dirty work.","218":"Maggie's freckled cute face... I've been wondering what it would look like glazed in my cum.","219":"It looks like I'm about to find out.","220":"She waits impatiently watching for when I finally spurt over her face.","221":"No complaints...","222":"Only a smile forms over her cum covered lips.","223":"Gonna need to wash up after that. Heh...","224":"A girl who was scared of even giving a blowjob before... would she accept my seed in her mouth?","225":"She doesn't seem scared. In fact, she seems to know exactly what I intend.","226":"I'm really curious what her final reaction will be...","227":"Oh... that's...","228":"[i]...salty...[\/i]","229":"That doesn't sound like a complaint. I wonder if I can enjoy Maggie swallowing my seed from now on...","230":"Maggie is ready before I am. Next time I see her, she's already back in her costume.","231":"Don't tell me I wore you out.","232":"Well, it's okay. I'm kinda worn out too.","233":"You best get your clothes back on. I'm... kinda nervous again.","234":"She doesn't want to leave without me. Fine.","235":"I can get dressed really quick.","236":"That was wonderful. I feel so alive.","237":"Does it always feel this good?","238":"It feels pretty good. But never as good as the first few times.","239":"Well... I'll treasure this then. I'm glad it's been with you.","240":"Do you feel bolder now?","241":"Yeah. I feel real bold. Like I can take on the world. Hehe!","242":"Do you think you'd be fine on your own now?","243":"Her face hardens. There's a tension in her face like a steel cord.","244":"But she gives a tiny, sharp nod.","245":"I [i]need[\/i] to be on my own for a bit. It'd be good for me.","246":"I can't... be a weight on you all the time.","247":"You aren't a weight on me. But I've got something important that I need to do.","248":"Yeah. I understand.","249":"You do it then. I'll... be down here. I'm... I'm gonna try to talk to someone.","250":"She's getting brave. I trust she'll work up the courage.","251":"But... I really do have something important I need to do.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[bjside_speed != bjside_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[bjside_speed != bjside_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[bjside_speed != bjside_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[doggy_speed != doggy_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[doggy_speed != doggy_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch5__05.65 sam scene.vne3":{"10":"[doggy_speed != doggy_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[sofa_behind_speed != sofa_behind_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[sofa_behind_speed != sofa_behind_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[sofa_behind_speed != sofa_behind_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[sofa_POV_speed != sofa_POV_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[sofa_POV_speed != sofa_POV_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[sofa_POV_speed != sofa_POV_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Jump to sex","25":"Cum options","26":"Play from the beginning","27":"Damn that was fun!","28":"That was fun for you?","29":"Heh! Sorry... I... uh...","30":"...I know I was basically ruining other people's fun but...","31":"Heh! Maybe I'm just a mean person deep inside.","32":"With a smile like that, I doubt it.","33":"I don't know what the fuss is about, honestly. Sex at a Halloween party? Yes please.","34":"I know now why you wanted to come.","35":"Dressing up is fun no matter the occasion.","36":"So you can dress down.","37":"All clothes are put on to take off eventually! That's the natural order of things.","38":"Sam sighs.","39":"Did you get what you wanted?","40":"What I wanted?","41":"You didn't come here for the party, obviously.","42":"You know that?","43":"I can tell. You're not very focused on having fun. I can tell when you're thinking about something.","44":"There's serious stuff going on.","45":"There is.","46":"Can I help you? You helped me.","47":"With the college stuff?","48":"Yes. Exactly. With the college stuff. Now I want to help you with whatever you've got going on.","49":"No matter what it is! I'm ready for it.","50":"I don't know if I've really [i]helped[\/i] Sam. Still a lot of issues with Dr. Rogham.","51":"Grateful or not, I can't drag her into my situation.","52":"It's more complicated than you think.","53":"I'm not a complicated person. Just tell me what's wrong, and I can help.","54":"I did bring you for a reason. But it wasn't what you think it is.","55":"I just wanted you to watch my back.","56":"That's it?","57":"That's all.","58":"Sam looks at me, clearly not happy.","59":"Honestly, I'm not sure why she's reacting so badly. I thought we had a good time so far. So what's with this attitude?","60":"I think she's about to explain...","61":"I know I'm not a reliable person. But for you... I want to try to be.","62":"I want... to be someone you can depend on. Because I know I depend on you.","63":"Lincoln said, a roof where only one side leans on the other... it's a collapsed roof. A useless roof.","64":"You've got to have a complete roof, because... like... the point of a roof is that it covers everything.","65":"A roof... divided... can't... be... a roof?","66":"''A house divided cannot stand.''","67":"That's the quote, heh.","68":"So far... you've done exactly what I've asked you to do.","69":"I don't need anything else from you. And trust me, you want nothing to do with what I've got.","70":"Speak for yourself.","71":"She stares at me a little longer. There's an expectation there. She wants me to act in some way.","72":"If I could talk... I'd know exactly what to say, and what tone to use. That instinct is still within me.","73":"But... slowly, she realizes the situation. [i]She[\/i] has to make the proposition.","74":"Did... you want to go somewhere private? There's plenty now.","75":"I haven't been with Sam again since the lake. We haven't even talked that much either.","76":"Maybe I should be a little cautious. I don't want to make her feel like I'm ignoring her.","77":"Did you want to discuss our relationship first?","78":"It's a party, dude.","79":"Does that mean she's not ready for something serious... or does that mean she wants to talk about it after the party?","80":"I've never been this far with Sam before, relationship-wise.","81":"Are you overthinking this?","82":"Uh... yes.","83":"Don't overthink it. Regret and sobriety is for [i]after[\/i] Halloween.","84":"Sam is spot on that I overthink things. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't...","85":"Go to a private area with her.","86":"Having sex right now is not a smart idea.","87":"Can we talk about this later?","88":"I [i]don't want to talk[\/i]. I'm not trying to corner you into a dramatic conversation about the future!","89":"I just want to... [i]you know[\/i]...","90":"I know. I can't do it right now.","91":"Are you turning down sex? Are you gay?","92":"Shit man... sorry... that's [i]so transgressive[\/i]. I'm... slut shaming you or...","93":"...or prude shaming, I guess. It's just... embarrassing when you get turned down and...","94":"It's nothing to do with you. There's extenuating circumstances. I'd have to turn you down no matter what.","95":"...Okay.","96":"I'm not sure she believes me.","97":"Sam smirks at me.","98":"So uh... like... where?","99":"Bedroom?","100":"Sam says nothing. I don't think she's excited about that.","101":"Is being comfortable important for you?","102":"I'd prefer not to have sex on a bed of nails.","103":"Hmm. We did have sex at a lake.","104":"Yeah, we did.","105":"The... garage?","106":"Where there was an oil wrestling match?","107":"Yep.","108":"Fine. Garage. Whatever.","109":"Oil wrestling room cool with you?","110":"I'm not sharing oil with oil wrestlers.","111":"I agree wholeheartedly.","112":"We can still go to the bedroom.","113":"I told you I'm cool with the garage.","114":"Fuck... we are arguing like a couple.","115":"Let's go to the garage then.","116":"I agree. Let's go.","117":"So it's this simple, huh?","118":"How long could we have been having sex?","119":"Is Sam right? Do I really overcomplicate and overthink everything? Do I really...?","120":"Here's good!","121":"...Oh shit!","122":"I thought I'd have to get Sam in the mood but...","123":"...I'll take this for sure.","124":"Get rid of this top hat...","125":"Now I'm coming in!","126":"Sam is so... eager. I thought I'd need to ply her a little bit. She's so excited.","127":"It makes me wonder if she's making up for a lot of missed opportunities.","128":"Even so... the look she gives me, it's not a casual one. There's something deeper in her eyes than just lust.","129":"...That doesn't mean she isn't going to go straight for main target.","130":"She idly plays with my zipper... kissing me, before pulling it down.","131":"Let's do it okay? We're past the awkward stuff.","132":"We both know how to fuck so let's get down and dirty.","133":"We waste no time in getting our clothes off.","134":"Actually, we have no time to waste. We were kicking people out of these rooms for shit like this.","135":"I definitely don't want to get caught...","136":"The mask is... sexy... and it's weird.","137":"Her voice is breathy and broken up.","138":"It turns me on... and I want to push you away...","139":"Is she telling me to keep the mask on?","140":"Well, never mind. I'm not even thinking about the costume right now.","141":"I'm just trying to get my rocks off, same as Sam.","142":"When she grabs my cock, it's with an explicit mischief in her eyes.","143":"Sam does like to play around, but she also gets impatient.","144":"I know she'd want to get to the good stuff quick.","145":"She sits in front of me, hand tugging at my hard cock.","146":"Her other fingers gently slide beneath her legs. I hear a soft, squishing sound as she masturbates herself.","147":"Sam's normally pale skin flushes up a little, glows with perspiration. She's getting heady with excitement.","148":"I want to see what she's going to do next.","149":"Well... of course.","150":"Her tongue feels cool and soft against the head of my cock.","151":"I can't help but bite my lip as I watch. For just a second, I don't realize I'm not breathing.","152":"Man... I understand now why people like fucking in costumes. There's something interesting about watching a girl in a leather bodice suck my cock.","153":"There's a roleplaying aspect to it. It's like it's a completely different person.","154":"''Zatanna'', was it? I wouldn't mind watching this with her top hat on.","155":"But... I guess I wouldn't be able to clearly see this sight. Her mussed up hair, going back and forth as her mouth fucks my shaft.","156":"Her fingers work between her legs, making schlicking noises with every thrust of her fingers.","157":"It seems Sam is the kind of girl that can get off on giving blowjobs alone... a quality I'm sure I'll appreciate.","158":"Already, I'm thinking of the future... when Sam will do this to me on different, semi-regular occasions.","159":"I really hope this is a trend.","160":"It makes me wonder... what else would be fun dressed up.","161":"Should I start going to comic book conventions if this is the kind of stuff they get up to?","162":"Can I see you without the mask on? Please?","163":"I promise you'll get to see me with my clothes off.","164":"I'm not even quite sure I want her to remove it yet. I know I said she looked like Alice Cooper but now I'm seeing her other qualities.","165":"I give Same a sad look as she takes it off.","166":"I can't keep it on, sorry. Shit's expensive.","167":"I want to save this for some other time.","168":"If that's the case... that's fine with me.","169":"Naked is also really, really good.","170":"Oh!","171":"A kiss, then a suck of her nipple.","172":"I give it just the tiniest amount of teeth. Her low whine makes it clear she enjoyed it.","173":"I really like biting.","174":"Gentle biting. You know. Not Hannibal stuff.","175":"Yeah. She likes it.","176":"I turn her around.","177":"Her whole form shudders. Anticipation literally comes out of her pores as she sweats and gives off pheromones.","178":"There's a smell to her that drives me wild.","179":"I try to get more of it, smearing my face in her groin.","180":"She sighs a little, giving me some encouragement.","181":"Delicious, wordless noises come quicker and more desperate.","182":"I'm going to get more of that musk.","183":"Finger and ass?","184":"Spoil me rotten... fuck!","185":"Sam isn't getting her words out right. But she's more than ready.","186":"The next step is here.","187":"Hell yeah, baby. Put it in me.","188":"Do me like a slut.","189":"The way Sam talks when she's horny... it's like she's possessed. Her voice and her words are nothing I'd expect from her.","190":"Humor disguises everything about her, but this is raw honesty. She wants to be fucked like a slut.","191":"I will.","192":"Oh!","193":"That's... that's it!","194":"Why... why are you... kinda thicker at the tip? Ooof...","195":"The tools rattled on the shelf. I'm sure something falls off. Sam reaches out to touch me, but I know it's doing absolutely nothing to help her stability.","196":"At this point, she's still high from my penetration of her.","197":"Bracing herself, she lets me thrust into her.","198":"Seeing her now... I actually did like her costume... but it's infinitely better to see her naked.","199":"When I worked with Sam... I never imagined she'd be this horny.","200":"I can't help but wonder what it would be like if I had her bent over like this in the student council chambers...","201":"...fucking her silly as I am right now.","202":"And then... sometimes... Sam says weird shit.","203":"One... one legged sex. Here we go.","204":"Got this... Chinese martial art down tight...","205":"...so keep fucking me, okay?","206":"If I wasn't so turned on, I'd be laughing. But it feels too good inside of her. I won't risk any interruption.","207":"When she leaps into my arms, I keep doing it. I use her full weight to pound her like a pendulum.","208":"This time, Sam has no quirky words. It's all about cock and pussy and nothing else.","209":"...And... maybe kisses too. It's about that too.","210":"I really think she wants as much physical contact as possible.","211":"I want her to be comfortable, though. I'm... going to get into a better position.","212":"I throw her onto the couch. It's a better angle, I can thrust without picking her up.","213":"Her hoarse noises are appropriate for a Halloween party. She sounds like a moaning ghost. Like a moaning slut.","214":"I know I'm getting closer.","215":"I go up and down her canal in rhythmic, controlled thrusts.","216":"A pheromone-like scent comes off of Sam - something like a salty-sweetness. It reminds me of honey and granola.","217":"Between the smell, and the tightness of her loins, I'm having a hard time controlling myself. Can I even will myself to slow down?","218":"That's... that's it. Fuck me slow or fast.","219":"Especially not if she says things like that. Maybe changing positions would help?","220":"I giver her feet a few gentle kisses as I shift positions.","221":"...And then, I make her cum. I can tell when she shudders and whines and writhes.","222":"Her canal pushes me with serious, tight action, milking me.","223":"It's desperate for me to get off. It wants me to spill my seed inside of her.","224":"Just a few moments more...","225":"Staring into Sam's eyes... watching all her normal silliness drain out of her...","226":"As I get closer... she seems to get more serious.","227":"She bends her head back slightly, and lets out a low, sonorous moan.","228":"That's all I need to want to burst like a balloon.","229":"Inside.","230":"On her.","231":"On face.","232":"In mouth.","233":"For the final act, I put her on her knees.","234":"Hand rubs through my sweaty hair. I nuzzle her neck.","235":"I grab her... for the most powerful thrust that I can do. Jackhammer, pneumatic drill, piston, whatever. I'm an oiled machine as I fuck her.","236":"Her delicious expression, so eager for my seed, is more than enough to put me over the edge.","237":"My body tenses... something in my groin explodes and I rush out...","238":"Pump after pump... I fill her with my liquid.","239":"Pushing impossibly close... her ass cheeks squeeze against my chest to the point of pain.","240":"My grip tightens as the last of it comes out... and then loosens.","241":"There's... not too much in there... is there?","242":"It's literally dripping out. But that's fine.","243":"Sam definitely seems like she enjoys the sensation.","244":"Can you believe we have to get dressed after this?","245":"Watching her finger herself... spurs me on.","246":"She watches me like she's daring me. Well, I don't need to be encouraged, but I do like it.","247":"I'm going to absolutely cover her.","248":"Nice, dude. Hol-ee shit...","249":"She seems to like it. I definitely like the sight of it.","250":"Do you think there's an easy way to get this off me?","251":"I'm going to cover her sweet face. I'm going to spurt my cream over her.","252":"I can already imagine it covering her... and the moment gets closer.","253":"It's time to release.","254":"Sam sticks her tongue out and tastes it directly.","255":"You had... mango this morning, didn't you?","256":"Sam smiles, clearly pleased with her little joke. I only give a faint smile before I step away, exhausted.","257":"I know Sam is crazy enough to swallow my load without flinching... which is why I want to see her do it.","258":"She's just that kind of girl. But I wonder if she can really take everything that I'm about to give her.","259":"That's right. I'm going to absolutely fill her mouth with my load.","260":"Agggh...","261":"Heh... mouth open like she's at a dentist. She really can take it.","262":"I feel like I haven't had a good orgasm in forever... there was certainly more than my usual load in that.","263":"That's some [i]spunk[\/i] you got there.","264":"I'm... not sure how to ask her if this was a casual fling... or if it meant something deeper.","265":"We've known each other a long time. We're good friends. Do we have feelings for each other?","266":"At the same time... Sam is right. In costumes... we're different people. The rules aren't the same.","267":"I wish you could fucking talk.","268":"I can talk like this.","269":"Yeah but... your voice, man. It was so fucking sexy. If I could hear you moan once...","270":"...it'd seriously make my day. I want to know what your [i]O[\/i] sound is.","271":"I can kinda make sounds.","272":"Emily is so lucky. She got to do it with you when you could call her a dirty cum slut with that voice of yours.","273":"The only way I get that kind of abuse is if I call [i]myself[\/i] a dirty cumslut. It's not the same.","274":"We should probably get out of here.","275":"You were good. And your noises were too.","276":"Damn right. My noises are [i]perfect[\/i].","277":"Let's get out of the Oil Wrestling Room.","278":"When we leave, nobody pays us any attention.","279":"I guess people sneaking off for some nookie isn't that unusual... as I've seen with my own eyes.","280":"That was fucking sweet.","281":"Yeah. It was pretty good.","282":"But... shit. Probably a bad idea. I'm here for a reason. I could've missed an important clue...","283":"Remember how I said I was here for something important?","284":"Yes.","285":"Well... I'm off to do it.","286":"I don't want to seem like I'm bailing on you after we just...","287":"Yeah. I totally get you're here for something important. I told you I sensed that.","288":"I'm just glad you took the time for me.","289":"And you'll get plenty of my time in the future.","290":"Can you take care of yourself?","291":"I can.","292":"Thank you.","293":"And good luck!","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[bjside_speed != bjside_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[bjside_speed != bjside_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[bjside_speed != bjside_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[doggy_speed != doggy_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[doggy_speed != doggy_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch5__05.70 ambush.vne3":{"3":"Let's see.","4":"There's nothing. A blue screen hurts my eyes, expressionless like flat metal.","5":"I suppose those messages are no longer [i]recent[\/i], but I would've expected more communication between Cedric and whoever is the trafficker.","6":"Going through those rooms, seeing the people having sex, provided no insight into who is actually smuggling the drugs.","7":"I keep thinking if {Leah} were here, she'd be able to see things clearly. But I have something equally valuable. I have RECENTLY.","8":"It's time to make use of it.","9":"Who should I check in RECENTLY?","10":"Emily.","11":"[_valerie]Valerie.","12":"[_kristen]Kristen.","13":"[_leah]{Leah}.","14":"I check Valerie on RECENTLY. No activity.","15":"I wonder if she's at a Halloween party too? I don't actually know her plans.","16":"She's definitely not working right now. That I can say for sure.","17":"Kristen isn't a student, but I can still try to find some clues about her.","18":"If she's talked to a student, I can pick something up.","19":"But after a quick search, nothing.","20":"I didn't expect to see anything out of her, but I'm running out of ideas.","21":"Her RECENTLY is filled to the brim with dense information.","22":"Clearly, she's not wasting her time at home. She's doing investigations using her new laptop.","23":"[i]On Sandra.[\/i] Shit, I nearly forgot about her. Valerie's missing person.","24":"How to keep all these things straight?","25":"Okay. I haven't checked Emily's RECENTLY today. Maybe there's something.","26":"I ought to really quick.","27":"Hmm. That's odd.","28":"Messages. But they feel familiar.","29":"Have I seen these before?","30":"[#039c2e]TO: UNKNOWN. FROM: EMILY WRIGHT.\\nMESSAGE: The cargo is where we discussed.[\/c]","31":"[#039c2e]TO: EMILY WRIGHT. FROM: UNKNOWN.\\nMESSAGE: i dont feel comfortable using text shit can be traced you sure this is safe??[\/c]","32":"[#039c2e]TO: UNKNOWN. FROM: EMILY WRIGHT.\\nMESSAGE: My father works cyber security-[\/c]","33":"I shut the laptop immediately.","34":"This is literally impossible.","35":"These are Cedric's messages. But Emily sent them.","36":"Did they both send them?","37":"So wait. [i]Emily[\/i] is organizing the fucking drug deal, [i]not Cedric[\/i].","38":"This is fucking weird. Fucking weird.","39":"Is this goddamnn program broken? Has it sent me on a wild goosechase? [i]Can I trust RECENTLY at all?[\/i]","40":"I... cannot... even...","41":"If I have to rip this whole house apart... I'm going to find the fucking truth.","42":"I need an answer! If I get another fucking question, I'll go berserk!","43":"These games end fucking tonight!","44":"And the first thing I need to do is... find Cedric.","45":"I know one person who has been keeping an eye on him. Maybe they will be in the same place as before.","0":"That important thing, of course, was monitoring Cedric's drug deal.","1":"Cedric is not in the garden. Finding him should be my top priority.","2":"It's been a few minutes since I last checked. If I don't check now, it might be removed from RECENTLY."},"ch5__05.72 emily admission.vne3":{"3":"It's... it's Emily.","4":"She doesn't look at me the same way as before, like she does a stranger.","5":"I think... she's guessed the truth.","6":"I know I'm the very last person she wants to see here, so I wouldn't be surprised if she approached and slapped me.","7":"But nothing of the sort happens.","8":"It's you, isn't it?","9":"Her chest rises with a massive intake of breath. Evidently, this encounter isn't easy for her.","10":"Knowing that she knows exactly who I am, I pull out my phone. There's no point in hiding anymore.","11":"Did someone give you a glass of wine?","12":"She sighs.","13":"I didn't drink anything. All I said was... I was tired, and needed some time alone.","14":"I decided... I didn't want anything he gave me.","15":"I'm about to type something out, but she suddenly interrupts me by saying something strange.","16":"It's so much easier to talk to you with that mask on.","17":"...What?","18":"Looking at you, through that mask... doesn't cause me... [speed,0.25][i]the same amount of [delay,500][char,Emily_Party_Uncomfortable][speed,0.1]pain[\/i].","19":"You shouldn't have come. And I shouldn't have hosted this party.","20":"It was so stupid. All I am is stressed out. I think about someone entering the office again...","21":"...of course... I took everything out of there that might be of value... but that's not going to protect me or my family.","22":"What was the data that was taken from your dad's office?","23":"She looks at me blankly... there's a vulnerability there I've never seen from Emily before.","24":"God. She's right. That there is an expression of pure [i]pain[\/i]. How long has Emily been going through these tortured feelings? And why?","25":"I really, [i]really[\/i] hope that {Leah} took the data from the office.","26":"Why?","27":"Because she's a good person.","28":"That means she goes to prison. Why would you wish that on her?","29":"It's not about her. It's about the world.","30":"The program my dad developed, the program that was on the USB stick - it can't do anything but evil. It's an evil project developed for evil people.","31":"When my dad took that contract... he was only interested in money. And the people who wanted the contract... they're only interested in power.","32":"But you have to understand... even in {Leah}'s hands... that program is too dangerous. It can't be let out in the wild. If it were leaked out onto the broader Internet...","33":"What does the program do?","34":"I can't tell you that.","35":"Because you don't want anyone to know what your family did?","36":"Emily gives a short, reluctant nod.","37":"Tell me one thing, Emily...","38":"...can this program change metadata?","39":"Fear paralyzes Emily's face.","40":"Can this program make it look like someone had communications they didn't have? Can this program forge data in a way that would fool digital forensics?","41":"{Leah}... found this out?","42":"No. {Leah} has difficulty plugging in her computer. She wouldn't understand the significance of a program like that.","43":"I know because the program is already being used right now, and I need to stop it.","44":"Emily stares at me. That same deer-in-headlights expression that looks so strange on her.","45":"So confident. So stern. So career-oriented. I've never seen her so confused and indecisive.","46":"[i]This is who she's been all along, hasn't it? The mask has slipped, and beneath, someone just as unsure and insecure as the rest of us.[\/i]","47":"[i]This might be the first time I've ever seen this side of her.[\/i]","48":"I need to get into your dad's office.","49":"There's nobody in the office. We changed the locks.","50":"Someone convinced you to organize this party. Someone organized this party the night of the burglary. Someone was close enough to you to get your keys to the office. Someone is still close enough to get them again.","51":"You know who I'm talking about, right?","52":"I'm not an idiot. I know who you are talking about, but he's self-serving. He wants a job at my dad's firm. He doesn't want-","53":"No. He wants something a lot more valuable than a job.","54":"Emily stares at me once again. I'm not sure exactly... but I could swear her eyes grow wetter by the second.","55":"She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a single, small key.","56":"Here is the key to my dad's office.","57":"I will... try and convince my dad it wasn't {Leah}.","58":"Thank you.","59":"Be careful.","0":"I enter the room, completely unsure what to expect.","1":"Emily passed out? Injured? Worse?","2":"I'm looking so hard for disaster... I almost miss what's right in front of me."},"ch5__05.75 cedric.vne3":{"10":"Did you [i]have[\/i] to come in again?","11":"You need to go away! This has nothing to do with you.","12":"It has everything to do with me.","13":"They think {Leah} did your crime. My life has been completely fucked since I've met you.","14":"Oh. {Leah}... your {sheIsYour}? I'm very sorry.","15":"You're not sorry. You pointed a gun at me.","16":"Yes, but in the service of scaring you the fuck off!","17":"I had no plans to shoot you.","18":"You seemed to have plans to stab me.","19":"I was fending you off. If I wanted to stab you... I would've tried harder.","20":"Last time was a tragic error. You weren't supposed to be there!","21":"All I wanted... was to find the [i]data[\/i], take it, and leave.","22":"But I was there.","23":"Yes, you were hiding in the damn closet. If I had known it was you, I would've let you be.","24":"This is all an accident. You should leave here, and pretend you didn't see me.","25":"I can't do that. Your weird fucking shit put me and {Leah} in danger.","26":"Why do you need to [i]end a life?[\/i] Why is Emily your target?","27":"Would you miss her?","28":"Huh?","29":"You are looking at me as if you are confused. Are you confused? Was my question too complicated?","30":"I am confused. Did you ask whether I'd miss her?","31":"Yes. If something happened to Emily, would you miss her?","32":"I wouldn't. Cold as ice. Can't see me as anything more than a tool for her vendetta against her father.","33":"Well, I'm going to use [i]her[\/i] as a tool. She thought she was using me, well, I'm actually the one using her.","34":"So you want to end her life because you don't like her?","35":"I'm not that petty, but someone has to go, you know?","36":"[i]Someone has to go?[\/i]","37":"[i]Oh.[\/i] You don't actually know. That's tragic. You think I'm doing this for no reason.","38":"No, no. I don't like to hurt people. I'm a good person. I'm just doing what I have to.","39":"Explain to me, then. Why?","40":"I'm afraid you either know or you don't. If you knew, you wouldn't be confused at all.","41":"If you had a good reason, maybe I could help you.","42":"You wouldn't help me. I don't think you'd agree that my reasons are [i]good[\/i].","43":"I'm not [i]actually[\/i] a good person, philosophically speaking. I say that as a course of habit. One appeals to righteousness so often they forget to stop.","44":"Oh, yes. I'm saying I'm more a [i]classical cynic[\/i], as in Diogenes and so on, so I don't really believe in morality and such.","45":"You are nuts.","46":"Yes, well, everyone thought Diogenes was crazy too and... they were right. He was insane.","47":"I just don't like being sidelined. I don't like smiling. I don't like being polite. Every time I see Emily, I want to crack her face open. I have this overwhelming desire to see her ripped apart by a pack of dogs. Do you understand?","48":"[i]The fuck...[\/i]","49":"Sorry. A bit of the [i]id[\/i] just slipped out.","50":"You might have already guessed this, but [i]ending a life[\/i] can be metaphorical or literal. So while having her ripped to pieces would count, I find that somewhat distasteful. So landing her in prison is enough for me.","51":"Murder isn't my style, and it's somewhat simplistic for one such as myself. I decided the moment I met Emily that I wanted to see her suffer very badly. [speed,0.5]I hate her in such a way it's almost like love.","52":"I'm... stunlocked by Cedric's insanity. He's [i]so much worse than I imagined[\/i]. But I can't afford to be. I have to do something to stop him...","53":"...but stop him from [i]what?[\/i]","54":"Listen, this can work out for the both of us. Once Emily is gone, then there's no use investigating {Leah}, is there?","55":"You can protect your {sheIsYour}, and I can fulfill my obligations, and we'll both be happy.","56":"What if I want to stop you?","57":"Oh. That complicates things. You'd have a difficult time. I've put a lot of effort into this plan and there are things I can't undo.","58":"Like framing Emily for a crime she didn't commit.","59":"Quite. Yes.","60":"You know, it's funny imagining Emily in prison. For a girl as ambitious and goal-oriented as her, knowing she has no future would be worse than death.","61":"I've really been... savoring the moment she learns she'll never run her father's company or enter politics. She'll be ironing orange jumpsuits and giving prison guards blowjobs.","62":"Insane.","63":"Right. I was talking about how you could stop me. I suppose you could find the drugs.","64":"Drugs?","65":"Oh, yes. It would do no good if I didn't plant drugs to frame her with, would I?","66":"Equally, it's difficult to get a good conviction without it.","67":"Just like I tried to do with Sam...","68":"Even this small parallel between me and this madman fills me with shame. That we'd both carry out the same actions... but the difference is I didn't go forward with it.","69":"I didn't sacrifice Sam, and I can still save Emily.","70":"If I find the drugs, I can save Emily.","71":"Maybe. But you condemn {Leah}, don't you? Emily is the one pushing for her to be investigated.","72":"Not anymore, at least. Emily just told me she'd defend {Leah}.","73":"But... it's like Emily said. Now it's up to her dad. I'm not sure if there's any convincing him.","74":"If I can prove your guilt, that will save {Leah}.","75":"With the tools at my disposal... I doubt it.","76":"The power to change metadata - to make it seem like a communication happened that never took place... the power to make anyone look innocent or guilty.","77":"You should take this a little more seriously. This is an opportunity for you to get rid of an enemy.","78":"I had a feeling we'd both get something out of this meeting. This discussion feels good to me.","79":"You really ought to come to the philosophy club.","80":"I don't care about the philosophy club.","81":"Wow. You look upset. I thought Emily was your ex. Shouldn't you be happy that she's being taught a lesson?","82":"I was sure you'd be more vitriolic toward her than even me.","83":"I... do bear her ill will. I don't like her. I'd sacrifice her in a second if it meant saving {Leah}.","84":"But I don't want to do what this guy does either. However I feel about Emily, I am no friend of Cedric.","85":"However I feel about Emily is irrelevant.","86":"There's a lot I can do for {Leah}, you know.","87":"...What does he mean?","88":"If I can make innocent people look guilty, I can also make guilty people look innocent. You understand?","89":"...I do.","90":"Whether I trust this liar is a completely separate matter.","91":"If I let Cedric's plan go through, Emily will go to prison, and {Leah} might be off the hook.","92":"This is a horrible situation, and right now, he holds every card.","93":"I need to do something to get some leverage over him, to take some power.","94":"Are the drugs hidden in Emily's room?","95":"How'd you guess?","96":"Because you aren't all that smart.","97":"Wait, you're leaving?","98":"But... I have so much more to [i]say![\/i]","99":"Fucking hell. Is this really the choice presented to me? Emily or {Leah}'s freedom?","100":"This is the most fucked up situation I've ever been in.","101":"There's a question I forgot to ask... if he knew about what I tried to do to Sam, during the election. The parallels were odd.","102":"I don't think he would give me an honest answer, even if I asked.","103":"If I can find the drugs... maybe there's something I can do to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.","104":"I don't know what it is yet, but maybe something will come to me.","105":"I've... never actually been to Emily's room before...","106":"...it seems odd, given we used to date, but...","107":"I think... this is the right one. It's the only room I haven't checked tonight.","108":"It doesn't feel locked... it's stuck.","109":"There's something on the other side.","110":"I can force it open. I don't have the time for anything else.","111":"Huh...?","112":"That strange feeling again.","0":"This is it.","113":"I must be nervous...","1":"I have everything I need.","114":"The quicker I get in here, the better.","2":"There's a lot of answers behind this door.","115":"WHAT... IS... THIS...?","3":"I just need to use the key... and go through it.","116":"Something is crushing my throat. God... it feels just like the day I went to the hospital!","4":"There's a ghostly feeling of something tightening around my neck. But it's nerves and nothing else.","117":"But it isn't me this time. Who- [delay,500][jitter]who is doing this?[\/jitter]","5":"I can't let vague unease stop me. I am going to do what {Leah} would do: never stop until I have an answer. And now, I finally have an answer. One answer.","118":"[speed,0.3]No. No [scale,0.5]no no [scale,2] no NO. [scale,1]I wasn't the target. Cedric said it was Emily!","6":"One complete truth.","119":"Emily is the target! She's the one he's after... it can't... [scale,0.7]it can't be me...","7":"The guy who I had encountered in this very room... the guy who pointed a gun at me...","120":"[i]It's about me.[\/i] That's what {Leah} said. It's always been about me.","8":"...the guy who took Emily's data...","121":"I don't understand why... but I understand now. [i]She was right[\/i].","9":"...Cedric.","122":"Can... I... turn around...?","123":"[i]Can... I... save... myself...?[\/i]"},"ch5_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch5_start.vne3":{"3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","4":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","7":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","8":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","9":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","10":"Check synopsis.","11":"Skip.","12":"[devmode]Ricky's test file.","13":"It's unbelievable how much has happened in the past few weeks.","14":"Things started getting serious when I went into Emily's dad's office.","15":"There, I encountered a burglar. We got into a fight - the first in my whole damn life...","16":"...and I would've been taken out if {Leah} hadn't intervened.","17":"We were safe, but neither of us could get out before the police showed up. We were both taken in.","18":"Emily had us released... but made it clear she was not happy with us in her parent's house. Especially not {Leah}.","19":"As {Leah} and I went home, I felt like I had to tell her about RECENTLY.","20":"She took the news well... and told me that she had her own secrets.","21":"She had been leaking government secrets under the alter ego ''Nightingale''...","22":"Sensing there was something off about the university, we began our investigation looking into the personal lives of acquaintances and friends.","23":"Haley was deeply in debt for tuition she never should have paid for...","24":"...Lidia was involved with the police or the mob or something...","25":"...Maggie had a malicious stalker from her overbearing family...","26":"...Sam had nearly given up on school after missing a critical deadline for her classwork.","27":"As I went on my investigation, I really spread myself around campus...","28":"As I went on my investigation, I fell into bed with someone...","29":"Purely accidentally, I ended up in bed with Alexis.","30":"It turned out she was streaming the thing to the whole world. I hope nobody recognizes me...","31":"While in a barn, I had [i]roll in the hay[\/i] with Maggie...","32":"Maybe it wasn't a great idea... but it happened.","33":"She certainly seemed to come out of her shell a little...","34":"I ended up in bed with Haley...","35":"She wanted to repay me for the help I had given her moving... but whether there's broader meaning to it, I don't know yet.","36":"This might be the start of something...","37":"Sam and I finally overcame our mutual friend zones and ended up having sex.","38":"It was a long time coming... I felt like something like this could've happened long ago.","39":"But it started now, and where it will lead I don't yet know.","40":"I'm not sure if it makes me a player or not... but I ended up sleeping with a bunch of different girls in a short span of time.","41":"I never thought of myself as someone who pulled a lot of pussy... but I guess I am.","42":"As personally significant as these issues were, they didn't seem connected to the broader mystery surrounding Shale Hill.","43":"And there was a broader mystery. It didn't take us long to realize the app I had discovered, RECENTLY, also had a messaging system.","44":"I eavesdropped on conversations between ''SILENT1'' and ''PLEDGED1''. Odd references to [i]ending a life[\/i] had me completely alarmed.","45":"Not only that, Valerie told me that she was also after ''SILENT1'', who she blames for the disappearance of her roommate, Sandra.","46":"I felt like I had to tell Valerie about RECENTLY.","47":"It didn't feel good to me... but Valerie had already shown so much trust in me.","48":"Valerie asked me what I knew... and I told her nothing.","49":"It wasn't because I didn't trust her... I didn't want to drag her into the same drama I was in.","50":"Urgency started to pick up. Emily found evidence against {Leah}. The investigation around her intensified.","51":"I knew I was going to have to hurry if I wanted to protect {Leah}.","52":"Luckily, we got our first major break through RECENTLY. A dead drop, where Pledged1 would reveal the identity of the ''target'' to Silent1.","53":"I left on my own to intercept the message...","54":"...and made my discovery.","55":"[i]But what this meant...[\/i]","56":"[i]...I didn't yet know...[\/i]","57":"Continue from start.","58":"_05.10 waking inside the car","59":"_05.15 leah is angry","60":"_05.20 following up with cedric","61":"_05.25 tired as f","62":"_05.30 drug deal","63":"More","64":"_05.35 the sabotage","65":"_05.40 emilys invitation","66":"_05.45 companion","67":"_05.50 halloween night","68":"_05.55 the party","69":"_05.60 encountering emily","70":"More","71":"_05.65 dante scene","72":"_05.65 haley scene","73":"_05.65 maggie scene","74":"_05.65 sam scene","75":"_05.70 ambush","76":"_05.75 cedric","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. "},"ch5__05 room brothers.vne3":{"3":"I feel like there's more we can do.","4":"Okay, let's check this one.","5":"Could either of those two be Silent1 or Pledged1?","6":"Probably not. I think that was Emily's brother's room. That could warrant further exploration.","0":"That's too risky. I can't afford to be kicked out the party quite yet.","1":"I should go to the more public spaces first.","2":"We already cleared this room out, and they haven't come back."},"ch5__05 room cellar.vne3":{"3":"I feel like there's more we can do.","4":"What am I searching for down here?","5":"I can't be wasting my time.","6":"I've gotten all I can from here.","7":"Cool. Dry. This is where they'd keep wine. But did Cedric get his bottle from here?","8":"There is a rack of wine. It's a long shot, but maybe I can find a clue.","9":"A quick scan. There's nothing here. Except...","10":"...a little pill packet, minus the pills, sticking out like a sore thumb near the wine rack.","11":"I have no idea what this is, but it would be well within the means of a dealer like Cedric.","12":"Where did he put the rest of the packet, I wonder? Probably outside of the house... where it would be less likely to be found.","13":"That's the only way I'm going to be able to identify the package in short order.","14":"Down to the cellar.","15":"Emily's basement... could that contain any clues?","16":"All sorts of things fall between cushions. Worth checking later, maybe.","0":"That's too risky. I can't afford to be kicked out the party quite yet.","1":"I should go to the more public spaces first.","2":"We already cleared this room out, and they haven't come back."},"ch5__05 room garage.vne3":{"10":"That's the worst noise I've ever heard.","11":"Yeah...","12":"Maybe just... leave whatever is in there alone?","13":"I don't think that's an option.","14":"I'm scared...","15":"I know that sound.","16":"What is it?","17":"For your own benefit... you shouldn't go in.","18":"I'm obligated to.","19":"She says nothing else.","20":"I should be ready for a fight. Let's get in!","21":"What...?","22":"GAH!","23":"You'd better submit now!","24":"SUBMIT!","25":"NEVER! I won't! I can't!","26":"My honor as a...!","27":"Need more persuasion? FINE!","28":"Oh shit man!","29":"SUBMIT!","30":"I... I submit!","31":"Now I am the most dominant hetero!","32":"Huh?","33":"It's {PlayerName}! My man! My man!","34":"Did you watch all that? You should've said something. Oh, wait!","35":"How's it going, man? I didn't expect to see you back at this pad.","36":"I didn't expect to see you here either.","37":"The law can't keep me from a good party!","38":"What are you doing here?","39":"Oh, you know, what hetebros do. Establishing a dominance hierarchy through oil wrestling.","40":"Is this how you definitively know you're the World's Straightest Man?","41":"That's by election.","42":"I'm really curious how his Hetero society is structured.","43":"As disturbing as it is to see Dante oil wrestling with another guy, it's so much better than walking in the middle of a murder.","44":"Wow. Do hetero guys really do this? I guess men really are the more mysterious gender.","45":"Dark side of the moon, baby.","46":"All women do to establish hierarchy is complain about each other behind their backs, so I think I prefer this way.","47":"Dante's not a typical hetero man.","48":"Of course not. I'm the straightest man alive.","49":"That sounds pretty exciting. I like the idea of hot men oil wrestling for dominance.","50":"{PlayerName}?","51":"I concede. Dante is straighter than I am.","52":"Disappointing.","53":"Hey Dante.","54":"Haley! You beautiful girl. You got the day off?","55":"Thanks to {PlayerName}.","56":"You sound like you've seen this before...","57":"Oh, I don't understand the AACHM at all, but I've learned to accept their weird rituals.","58":"We also play Uno for dominance.","59":"I'll take Uno over whatever this is.","60":"Is this for real? Is this what people really do?","61":"Things are even stranger than I imagined...","62":"Who is your friend?","63":"This is Maggie.","64":"Nice to meet you, Maggie.","65":"They told me people did strange stuff but I didn't expect nothing like this.","66":"You're not a heterosexual man, so I don't think you'd understand.","67":"That [i]is[\/i] true...","68":"Dante, I've been instructed by the host to ask people to behave themselves.","69":"Huh? I guess we could've taken this to a sanctioned AACHM location.","70":"Our fight is over, so we're cool. I promise I won't cause any more trouble.","71":"You fought well. Go now, hetebro.","72":"And you, too, hetebro.","73":"You truly are a top.","74":"And you, my friend, have been a truly formidable bottom.","75":"You make your heterosexual brethren proud.","76":"You bring honor to heterosexuals everywhere.","77":"As do you, kohai.","78":"Dante, I've got an issue.","79":"Yeah?","80":"I need to go around the house and make sure people aren't causing problems. That's hard for a guy like me to do alone.","81":"You need my voice. Don't worry, I got you covered.","82":"Thanks.","83":"For now, you are [i]my[\/i] top.","84":"I'm not too much for hierarchy. Let's be equals.","85":"So, little spoon then.","86":"Uh...","87":"Just peers. No big spoon, no little spoon, no top, no bottom. Neither one of us is submissive or dominant. Equals. [i]Perfect equals[\/i].","88":"Oh. Communism then.","89":"No, not communism. Can you help me without trying to classify our relationship?","90":"I can do that!","91":"It looks like Dante will help me out. Good thing. I really needed his voice.","92":"Thanks, Dante. You are a total mystery to me.","93":"I'm an open book. If people don't understand me, it's only because they can't believe what they see.","94":"Yeah. That's something I will say about Dante very readily. I can't understand anything I see out of him.","95":"Go and be hetero, my man.","96":"Mystery solved, I guess.","97":"What do I expect to find here?","98":"Nothing but... oily sheets. I don't have time for this.","99":"I've got the keys. Now... there's one place left I need to go.","100":"Time is so fucking short!","101":"I wonder if cybersecurity experts are as fastidious about keys as their computers?","102":"If these were true professionals, everything would be under electronic lock. But this feels like a normal garage.","103":"And... oh, God. Just like that. Sets of keys on the bench in plain sight.","104":"One of these keys should get me into where Emily is.","105":"This feels dangerous. There's nothing stopping me now from learning Emily's fate.","106":"I wonder what I'll find in that room?","0":"I should probably check the more accessible areas first.","1":"I've cleared that room out already.","2":"There's nothing to see in there.","3":"Those sounds...","4":"...what the fuck is going on inside?","5":"Jesus. I hope that the [i]ending a life[\/i] part of the evening isn't happening behind that door...","6":"Maybe... we can skip this one.","7":"I'm not going to let anything happen to you.","8":"I ain't afraid for myself.","9":"She isn't afraid for herself? What is she afraid of?"},"ch5__05 room kitchen.vne3":{"10":"What are you doing here?","11":"It's a party. I'm having fun.","12":"But what are you doing here?","13":"I don't think that's any of your business. I like parties. I dress up sometimes.","14":"Nice steampunk outfit!","15":"Kristen, this is my friend, Sam.","16":"Nice to meet you!","17":"It's not [i]steampunk[\/i], it's neo-Edwardian. There's no such thing as [i]steampunk[\/i].","18":"What do you mean?","19":"There are no steam... punks! Only cyberpunks!","20":"You look steampunk to me...","21":"It's a complex genre issue. The primary motif of the [i]punk genre[\/i] is common people who adapt technology for their own benefit. It's the exploration of interaction between [i]street culture[\/i] and [i]technology[\/i].","22":"[i]Victorian fantasy[\/i], commonly referred to [i]steampunk[\/i], is typically a romanticization of the industrial revolution featuring exaggerated steam technology as used by aristocrats.","23":"It's a total erasure of all the social complexity of the Victorian era. Disgusting.","24":"I just like corsets.","25":"It's not a corset. It's an abbreviated waistcoat.","26":"Do you say things just to contradict people?","27":"I say it because it's true, female Alice Cooper.","28":"If you knew comic books, you'd know I am [i]Zatanna![\/i]","29":"Irritated by Kristen, Sam pouts and stays silent.","30":"I love your outfit.","31":"This is my friend Haley.","32":"Thank you, Haley. Your costume is...","33":"Kristen decides not to share the rest of her opinion, only giving Haley a diplomatic smile.","34":"Yeah, it's pretty cheap.","35":"It's not [i]totally[\/i] cheap. There are some good parts.","36":"But... it's okay.","37":"Haley has little else to say.","38":"Y-your... costume looks... nice...","39":"Maggie's voice is so quiet I'm surprised Kristen even heard.","40":"Thank you. Your costume looks really stuffy.","41":"It's not that stuffy. Actually, it's pretty loose and airy-","42":"Oh. You're... making a joke, ain't you? 'Cause I'm a scarecrow.","43":"You don't hear many puns, do you?","44":"Yeah, actually, I don't.","45":"Maggie shrinks back, clearly eager for me to lead the conversation.","46":"Have you seen anything strange at the party so far?","47":"Yes. Everything is super [i]spooky[\/i]. Such scary costumes.","48":"Did you see there was a dude literally in a white sheet? Zero effort.","49":"He had two holes cut out for his eyes and another one at crotch level. Very juvenile.","50":"Which reminds me. Did you manage to get what you wanted from Cedric?","51":"Pretty much.","52":" Good. I'm still waiting for what I want.","53":"What did she want? She asked me for something, didn't she?","54":"Oh yeah. Now I remember.","55":"I didn't bring it.","56":"Typical. You don't think about anyone other than yourself, do you?","57":"I also didn't expect to see you here.","58":"You definitely haven't stopped by the shop to give me what you owe, and it's been nearly a week. So my criticism stands.","59":"I'm not a traveling merchant. I stay in the same place. I am easily found.","60":"It's not a high priority.","61":"So honoring your debts is not high on your priority list? Shock and surprise.","62":"See if I do anything for you again.","63":"Have you seen Cedric at all in the party?","64":"I did.","65":"Did he say anything more about the philosophy club?","66":"Every time I talk to him he finds a way to bring it up.","67":"Figures. Cedric stonewalls me at every turn but rolls out the red carpet for you. It's because you're a man.","68":"Cedric definitely is not inviting every man to the philosophy club. Do you really want to be part of a club that treats you this way?","69":"I work at a comic book shop. I'm looking for any intelligent conversation at all.","70":"I'm looking for him too.","71":"Well, if you see him...","72":"...tell him what an interesting and thoughtful person I am, and how I'd fit right in at the philosophy club.","73":"If I do that, Cedric is going to think [i]I'm[\/i] interested in the philosophy club, and I'm not.","74":"Just... tell him something. Anything. I will [i]figuratively[\/i] kill myself the next time someone talks about the metaphysics of Dragon Ball Z.","75":"They just don't want women in their philosophy club, that's all.","76":"Kristen is incapable of understanding that people don't like her because she's unfriendly, not because she's a woman.","77":"I get this impression that she's stuck in an act she can't drop, like she decided to be the way she is and now can't be anything else.","78":"I don't think people turn out as disagreeable as Kristen without some effort. It might have started out as an act but she can't turn it off anymore.","79":"I'm going to look around some more.","80":"Tell me if there's something actually worth seeing.","81":"I go back to the kitchen, but Kristen seems like she's moved onto somewhere else.","82":"I don't see her, nor anyone else that might be of interest.","83":"Kristen has helped me as much as she can.","84":"You again.","85":"Have you been watching Cedric?","86":"Not... obsessively.","87":"If you help me find Cedric, we can make our own philosophy club.","88":"Are you trying to stop me from helping you?","89":"No. I just need to find Cedric right now.","90":"Is this some kind of emergency?","91":"Yes.","92":"She looks at me closely, debating whether to make a sarcastic comment or not.","93":"Eventually, she realizes the situation is serious. Looks like she isn't so tone-deaf after all.","94":"Okay. Last time I saw him... he had a bottle of wine. He was pouring out two glasses.","95":"Where did he take the wine?","96":"I'm not his stalker!","97":"Okay. Where did he get the wine?","98":"I don't know. Where do people usually keep wine?","99":"The kitchen?","100":"Look around you. These people are loaded. Do you think they keep their wine in a kitchen?","101":"Yes, they'd keep wine somewhere specialized.","102":"I... think I know where to look next.","103":"Thanks.","104":"I should've waited for what you owed me before I helped you.","105":"If she knew the circumstances... she'd be less mouthy.","0":"No obvious security breaches here.","1":"Let's move onto a different room.","2":"Why am I here? For snacks or something?","3":"I'm not that hungry...","4":"Comic book shop girl! Man, that's a nice costume.","5":"Last person I expected to see here. But...","6":"Thought I'd find you in the kitchen.","7":"Is that a sexist joke? I'll rip off your balls.","8":"Make me a sandwich.","9":"You are kind of a big dick... but in a way that suggests your actual dick is probably pretty fucking small."},"ch5__05 room living room.vne3":{"10":"My mom has more taste than that. That is a bargain bin mask.","11":"You're not even wearing a costume.","12":"I'm in costume, duh. I'm a cheerleader.","13":"But you [i]are[\/i] a cheerleader.","14":"Does it stop being a costume?","15":"There's... a logic to that, I guess...","16":"What are you doing here?","17":"It's a party. I'm having fun. What are you doing here? Are you friends with Emily?","18":"Emily? Which Emily?","19":"Brunette. Tan. Attractive. Kinda severe.","20":"Is she sorta stupid?","21":"She's smart.","22":"Okay. Every bitch I know called Emily is dumb as a brick, so...","23":"She's the host.","24":"Oh my God. How rude. I should've brought a gift and introduced myself.","25":"How did you hear about the party?","26":"I don't understand. Are you the party police?","27":"Yes.","28":"Cedric told me.","29":"You know Cedric?","30":"Yep. He's my dealer.","31":"Figures.","32":"It's too bad I couldn't come last time. This place is poggers.","33":"Last time?","34":"Cedric told me about a party kicking off here a few weeks ago, but it's kinda good I missed it. The cops came by and fucking arrested everyone.","35":"Wait. Cedric organized that party?","36":"Uh... I don't know. Maybe it was Emily?","37":"Okay. Alexis isn't exactly reliable, but I don't think she'd make up a story about Cedric knowing about the party when the burglary happened.","38":"It matches well with what Cedric told me. Shit... my bad feelings about him are being validated.","39":"If it's true... it has massive implications.","40":"I think I've seen you before...","41":"You don't know me.","42":"No. I've definitely seen you. I've seen you [i]a lot[\/i].","43":"Well, I've never seen you.","44":"Are you a star of something? I feel like I've seen you on video.","45":"Well, maybe. I'm pretty popular on TikTok and Instagram.","46":"No... that's not it. I think I've seen you...","47":"OH!","48":"Where have you seen me?","49":"Oh. On a... on a hub.","50":"What kind of hub?","51":"Never mind. I'm wrong. I don't recognize you.","52":"Alexis seems satisfied with that.","53":"I think I've seen you at Sevigny's.","54":"That garbage dump?","55":"It's not a garbage dump.","56":"The only way you saw me there is if you saw me [i]leaving[\/i].","57":"Some people like Sevigny's. It's a nice, quiet place to drink.","58":"I'll take my libraries nice and quiet, thanks. I need my bars to be fucking stools flying.","59":"Haley clearly wants to defend her little bar, but holds her tongue.","60":"Aren't you a cutie pie?","61":"Alexis... being nice?","62":"I wouldn't describe myself as a [i]cutie[\/i], now.","63":"Wow. Maggie really didn't take kindly to that word. It sounds mild, but knowing her, this is [i]push back[\/i].","64":"I think Maggie didn't like what she was listening to from our prior conversation.","65":"Relax. I'm trying to give you a compliment.","66":"I... like to be complimented in different ways.","67":"You know, me and a few girls have a little image sharing group you might want to be a part of...","68":"She isn't interested.","69":"It's just somethin' for fun.","70":"She doesn't want to give you any pictures.","71":"I'd be interested in [i]her[\/i] opinion instead of yours.","72":"I... don't really like sharing pictures.","73":"Alexis twists her mouth, but doesn't push it.","74":"Listen, I got business to handle. Coming to this party wasn't just for fun.","75":"Off to make a few more videos?","76":"I'm scouting for talent. You could save me some time if you wanted to do another one.","77":"No.","78":"Fine.","79":"You're not a lot of fun, so...","80":"...I'm going to keep scouting for talent.","81":"Scouting for talent?","82":"Yeah, for my business.","83":"Oh. Her business of selling nudes. Right.","84":"You can go if you want.","85":"Yep. That's what I want to do.","86":"That was pretty interesting coming from Alexis.","87":"So Cedric had something to do with the first party.","88":"Alexis isn't here right now. She was scouting for ''talent''. I don't think she's going to have a hard time finding it.","89":"She's probably making her next film.","90":"I can't be wasting time partying right now.","91":"If I'm going to be here... I need a reason.","92":"Alexis isn't doing anything, or anyone, important.","93":"You again.","94":"Not that you're the person to ask... but did you see anyone that would make good talent?","95":"Like the host?","96":"Emily the tan girl dressed as a nurse? Is she interested?","97":"Pictures of her... have to be worth fucking gold to losers like you. Should I go upstairs?","98":"Have you seen her?","99":"Yeah. I followed her upstairs. I tried to tell her about my little business but she fucked right off.","100":"Which room?","101":"It looked like... an adult's room. I know we're adults, technically. I'm talking about an [i]adult's[\/i] room. Double bed, walk-in closet, pressed sheets, everything is colored eggshell...","102":"Her parents' room?","103":"Yeah. Could've belonged to her mom and dad. Fuck it. I don't care.","104":"I could come up now if she's interested in doing some work. Can I borrow the camera on your phone?","105":"No. Thanks for your help. I need it more than you know.","106":"Oh, shit. You're thirsty, boy. I'm not getting in your way.","107":"The parents' room. I don't know why Emily would be there and not in her own room...","108":"...and that the door is locked is not a good sign.","109":"I might have time to intercept her before she makes a terrible mistake.","110":"I hope it is not too late.","0":"Nothing has changed, and I'm not getting a creepy vibe.","1":"If there's something to be found, it's somewhere else.","2":"Let's take a closer look around.","3":"Other than the costumes, everything looks pretty much the same as last time.","4":"But there has to be something different. Someone different from last time.","5":"Alexis?","6":"Oh, look who it is. Where did you pick up that mask?","7":"If you wanted to do it again, you're going to need a better mask.","8":"Shut up. And you're one to talk. You're not even in costume.","9":"Your mom gave it to me."},"ch5__05 room outdoors.vne3":{"10":"I can't fucking drink. I'm not even here to have fun. I'm supposed to be... [i]investigating[\/i].","11":"I'll come up with an excuse.","12":"I have to be sober. I'm a designated driver.","13":"That's very responsible of you.","14":"Nice costume. Who are you supposed to be?","15":"I'm a burglar.","16":"A... burglar. Interesting...","17":"That was an interesting reaction.","18":"Maybe {Leah} was right. Maybe going as a burglar was a bad idea. Why did I choose to come as a burglar again?","19":"Fuck. I'm not just mute, I'm also tone-deaf. I didn't even think about that. What an amazing trick to draw a ridiculous amount of attention to myself.","20":"I was asked to pass along a message.","21":"That is?","22":"That Kristen is an interesting and thoughtful person.","23":"Oh, her.","24":"Have you seen the comic book shop girl anywhere?","25":"Kristen?","26":"You've met her, then. I've been avoiding her.","27":"Is it so bad to give her club membership?","28":"She's not [i]philosophy club[\/i] material.","29":"What's the difference between me and her? I'd say I'm not philosophy club material.","30":"Oh, but you are!","31":"How?","32":"It's not an interest in philosophy that makes one suited toward philosophy.","33":"Excuse me?","34":"It's a [i]perspective[\/i].","35":"I don't understand.","36":"Take a headhunter living in the Brazilian Amazon. Perhaps they would lack an interest in formal philosophy, but there's still much to learn from them.","37":"Someone who merely reads and repeats is different from one who [i]reflects[\/i] and [i]acts[\/i].","38":"So you're looking for people with practical experiences and skills, is that what you're saying.","39":"Mmmhmm. And unfortunately our friend Kristen is not one with practical experience.","40":"You have the most elitist philosophy club I've ever heard of.","41":"I didn't mean that as a compliment, so it's strange when Cedric gives a slight nod of agreement.","42":"We're more exclusive, that's correct.","43":"An exclusive philosophy club... sounds [i]awful[\/i].","44":"So... you'd accept girls from the boonies, then?","45":"Hmm?","46":"Maybe... girls who do better with dogs than people, maybe? Would that count as interesting?","47":"Maybe.","48":"Whatever Maggie thinks of Cedric's response, she doesn't like it. And Cedric doesn't seem to think much of Maggie.","49":"Maggie melts into the background.","50":"I think I've seen you around campus.","51":"Yes, I think I've seen you too. You're usually in a dress, right?","52":"Yeah!","53":"I didn't know you were {PlayerName}'s friend.","54":"Surprising he even has friends, right?","55":"I'm not surprised he has friends.","56":"Oh! I'm not either. That was a joke. I'm- I'm teasing {PlayerName}.","57":"I'm saying he has no friends... but actually he has a lot of friends.","58":"I don't understand. What's the joke?","59":"Uh... it's... nothing. Just ignore me.","60":"Cedric seems to take that as permission to turn his full attention toward me.","61":"I really like your costume.","62":"Thank you.","63":"Are you a leprechaun?","64":"No.","65":"Haley waits for Cedric to elaborate... but he doesn't.","66":"A silence falls between them. Haley actually looks a little put off.","67":"Oh, then... who are you?","68":"Well dressed.","69":"Ah... nice. Good.","70":"Haley chooses to say nothing further.","71":"Anyway, I've got to talk to Cedric about something important. The question I really want to ask.","72":"I'm surprised that there's another party here. I really thought that Emily would never let people here again.","73":"Emily told me you encouraged her to host another party here.","74":"You can't let one little thing stop you from living your life, right?","75":"You know what happened last time?","76":"Not exactly. I think there was some kind of altercation?","77":"Emily seemed very disturbed by it. Something was stolen that she wants back badly?","78":"[i]There is no way.[\/i]","79":"[i]There is no way he doesn't know what went on. Emily would've told him enough if not everything.[\/i]","80":"[i]His act of innocence is so fake it's disgusting.[\/i]","81":"[scale,2][speed,0.25][b][i]It was Cedric.[\/i][\/b]","82":"I am surprised to see you here, though. Emily seems to have issues with you.","83":"He thinks I'm an idiot. Well, I'll play his game, for now.","84":"Emily doesn't know I'm here yet.","85":"You might want to keep it that way.","86":"If you weren't invited, why are you here?","87":"You can't keep me from a party.","88":"Party animal, aren't you?","89":"Party everyday.","90":"Oh, good.","91":"Cedric gives me what he thinks is a winning smile.","92":"Emily asked me to take a look around and do security.","93":"An ironic job for this guy.","94":"Have you seen anything strange?","95":"Nothing that [i]I[\/i] think is strange, but Emily would object to.","96":"I saw a couple having sex in one of the rooms. It's really nothing I'm bothered by, but it would annoy Emily.","97":"So you did nothing to stop it?","98":"I told them they should probably take it somewhere else, but I doubt that they really listened to me.","99":"We should meet up later, {PlayerName}. I'd love to have an extended conversation.","100":"Somehow, I feel like that might happen.","101":"I'm going to go and mingle.","102":"Cedric nods and leaves me alone.","103":"Cedric has gone off. Maybe doing security? Or so he claims.","104":"I don't quite know who he is.","105":"There's nothing here.","106":"If there's any more important clues out here, I'm doomed.","107":"Let's just hope that's all.","108":"Oh, God. Now that I look around... there's so much trash.","109":"What am I looking for out here? I hope that's a deflated party balloon and not a condom...","110":"One piece of trash really seems to stick out. A tranquil orange bottle, like you might get antihistamine or birth control in.","111":"Except... this isn't either of those. It's industrial-strength tranquilizer, and it looks like a match for the pill packet I found in the cellar.","112":"So... Cedric took a tranquilizer, got some wine out from the cellar, poured out two cups of wine...","0":"Cedric isn't here right now, which as far as I'm concerned constitutes a security breach.","113":"Oh no. [i]Oh no.[\/i] Fuck. I [i]have[\/i] to find Emily. But who would know?","1":"I'll see if I can't find him somewhere else.","114":"Maybe... someone interested in looking for [i]talent[\/i], such as attractive girls like Emily...","2":"The party looks pretty healthy out here.","115":"I know who I need to talk to next.","3":"Did Emily always have this many friends?","4":"{PlayerName}!","5":"Cedric.","6":"Good to see you.","7":"Nice party, isn't it? Are you enjoying yourself?","8":"I feel like I'm too sober for this right now.","9":"Too sober? I can fix that. What'll be your poison?"},"ch5__05 room parents.vne3":{"3":"I feel like there's more we can do.","4":"Okay, let's see.","5":"The couple doesn't say anything. They just get their clothes and walk away.","6":"That was Emily's dad's room. I wonder if he keeps all the important stuff in the office?","7":"I have no idea. But it probably is worth checking later.","8":"The door is locked. That's recent.","9":"I hope that's not significant...","10":"Locked! Fuck!","11":"Emily!","12":"Forget it. My cellphone voice isn't going to be heard over the party's music.","13":"I need to find keys. Spare keys. Where would spare keys be kept?","14":"Anywhere, probably, but I'm more likely to find them where car keys might be kept.","15":"Where is the likeliest place to find car keys?","16":"The door isn't going to open without the key. If there's any spare keys, they're likely to be found near car keys.","17":"This is it, the key fits. I'm not sure what I'm going to find behind this door, but I hope it's Emily.","0":"That's too risky. I can't afford to be kicked out the party quite yet.","1":"I should go to the more public spaces first.","2":"We already cleared this room out, and they haven't come back."},"ch5__05 room pool.vne3":{"10":"The toaster is your weapon?","11":"The moment there's trouble, I'm going to toss this sucker in the pool. I'll fry 'em good.","12":"Okay. What if your enemy is outside of the pool?","13":"You fucking idiot.","14":"Huh?","15":"You don't think like a navy seal Batman type, do you?","16":"I've been trained by all ten of the Keebler elves in the mystical art of [i]pushing motherfuckers into a pool.[\/i]","17":"I've got to shift this conversation toward something rational.","18":"Why is he randomly showing up everywhere?","19":"Why are you here?","20":"I can enjoy a party.","21":"Are you here because I asked you?","22":"Did you know I'd be here?","23":"Do I look psychic to you?","24":"So you're here because...","25":"I enjoy Halloween.","26":"Toasterman doesn't strike me as the Halloween type. Maybe I'm wrong?","27":"I know who you are, Asian lady.","28":"Who... I... am...?","29":"Yes. I am the one who-","30":"Who hangs out behind the bar.","31":"True. But I also-","32":"One who is a great friend.","33":"You really type fast on that fucking phone, don't you?","34":"I'm still waiting to learn how he knows me!","35":"It isn't important.","36":"Sam frowns, but accepts it.","37":"N-nice to meet you.","38":"The name is Bruce Wayne.","39":"Bruce Wayne? Oh... your costume sure is... interesting...","40":"Costume?","41":"Uh....","42":"Maggie clearly doesn't like the implications and shrinks back.","43":"Hey, Batman.","44":"Bruce Wayne in public.","45":"Sorry. [i]Bruce Wayne[\/i].","46":"Why are you dressed like a street urchin?","47":"I'm a thief.","48":"You're a thief?","49":"Hold on, Bruce, it's just a costume. I'm not actually a thief.","50":"Why dress as a thief, then?","51":"Because... it's...","52":"You know what? It's okay.","53":"Haley keeps her mouth shut.","54":"So, have you seen anything weird at this party?","55":"Yeah. I made a list.","56":"A list?","57":"Yeah.","58":"Can you share that list with me?","59":"Sure. Item 1 of 4,669: ''Entered the premises. Someone looked at me weird.''","60":"Item 2 of 4,669: ''Overheard plans to go out drinking after the party. Note to self: pick their pockets, find their IDs, and determine if they're old enough to drink.''","61":"Item 3 of-","62":"That's enough, thank you. Please keep an eye out.","63":"He gives me a stoic nod. I think it's best if I don't pursue this line of questioning.","64":"The mayor is no longer here.","65":"I wonder if I chased him out?","66":"Nothing interesting here. Too public, maybe?","67":"There's at least one familiar face...","68":"Is that the mayor of Shale Hill? What is he doing at a college party?","69":"Aren't you the mayor?","70":"The mayor? Huh? I don't see no mayor.","71":"I recognized you from the town hall.","72":"Me? No. I'm in costume.","73":"You look exactly like him.","74":"If I were you, weird guy with a voice synthesizer, I'd drop this line of questioning right about now.","75":"The Mayor of Shale Hill is probably with his family, and not carousing with college students like he has some sort of mid-life crisis.","76":"Now git! I heard there's an oil-wrasslin' room somewhere...","77":"That was the mayor.","78":"Shit... it really is a good thing {Leah} isn't here. I thought he might be a little more careful. But apparently...","79":"...he isn't.","80":"Frank isn't here.","81":"Maybe if I search around, I can find him again. But there's nothing interesting around.","82":"What sort of clues do I expect to find here?","83":"I'm not sure...","84":"Is that... Frank Craven?","85":"He definitely doesn't look like he's here to party.","86":"Oh! {Leah}'s {youAreHer}. This is a pleasant surprise.","87":"You recognized me under the mask?","88":"It's not a terribly good disguise.","89":"Anyway, I'm feeling very overwhelmed. Perhaps you can help me?","90":"How?","91":"I... had an intuition that one of my students could be in danger. I followed some breadcrumbs... and ended up here.","92":"Have you seen anything odd?","93":"Many things. Have you?","94":"It's hard to say. I'm not much for parties. I get a bit dizzy in social situations like this.","95":"It's too humid for me.","96":"I'm not sure there's much you can do here.","97":"I know. But [i]not much[\/i] is still [i]something[\/i].","98":"If you excuse me... I'm short on time.","99":"He's here... for a student? Maybe I should've asked which one.","100":"If our interests converge, I might see him again.","0":"Looks like Toasterman isn't here.","1":"I might want to check out some different areas.","2":"Is that... is that Toasterman? By the pool?","3":"I asked him not to show up!","4":"Toasterman, I told you, it's too dangerous. There are no guns.","5":"Also, you didn't bring a gun with you, did you?","6":"I didn't bring a gun, but I did come armed.","7":"Oh, no.","8":"You did?","9":"Here, this toaster."},"ch5_test.vne3":{"3":"Cellar","4":"Emily's parents room","5":"Emily's brother room","6":"Outdoors","7":"Kitchen","0":"Where do I go next?","1":"Living Room","2":"Garage"},"ch6__06.05 the dream.vne3":{"10":"I do. I have something to confess...","11":"What is it?","12":"There was something I did.","13":"I don't want you to tell me.","14":"But... I have to...","15":"I never needed to know. Why would you tell me something like that?","16":"...because I needed someone to convince me not to do it...","17":"Why were you even tempted in the first place?","18":"There's a darkness in your soul.","19":"Yes, I know. Let me share it with you.","20":"No! No! I don't want to know!","21":"Don't share it with me!","22":"You're the only one I trust...","23":"...I don't want to know your evil! Don't hurt me like you hurt others!","24":"I can't stop myself...","25":"NO!","26":"Oh no.","27":"Where did she...","28":"The fuck...?","29":"Why are the toaster people here?","30":"They're supposed to stay outside!","31":"I've... I've got to get out of here!","32":"Is there anyone who can help me?","33":"I need to find a way out.","34":"Hello?","35":"Sam? {Leah}?","36":"...Valerie?","37":"My voice echoes eternally through the halls of the school. It multiplies by a million, and shatters as though divided by infinity.","38":"My voice is the only recognizable thing here.","39":"My voice...","40":"Why does that feel strange?","41":"Come on, {PlayerName}.","42":"Emily... why?","43":"I can't have a boyfriend who gives up.","44":"But I can't breathe...","45":"That's not an excuse.","46":"I really can't breathe, though. It feels... like I'm being choked...","47":"Imagine how many people aren't breathing this very second. Billions of people. Billions.","48":"They're all being choked, {PlayerName}. But that doesn't stop them. You're the only one who uses not being able to breathe as an excuse.","49":"Now, get out there and do your debate.","50":"I don't want to...","51":"It's too bad. That's what's happening.","52":"I... don't want to...","53":"Where... did she go? [i]What debate?[\/i]","54":"I don't want to debate anyone! I just want to go home!","55":"Where is the way out? Why can't I leave?","56":"[i]Why can't I breathe?[\/i]","57":"Oh {Leah}... you're so far away...","58":"If only I could... get close to you... join you...","59":"Did I make this gulf that separates us?","60":"That light... that strange light...","61":"That must be the way out. How do I get to {Leah}?","62":"That's not a normal light...","63":"It's... so bright... it leads somewhere else...","64":"[i]Nothingness?[\/i]","65":"Oh god. I blink... and now I'm here. How did I get here?","66":"Our current topic: breathing. Is it optional?","67":"How am I supposed to debate... without being able to breathe?","68":"Am I pro... or am I con?","69":"We'll start with Buttsnack. Buttsnack, your opening statement?","70":"Bro, breathing is totally optional.","71":"Oxygen deprivation is one of the best things that can happen to you, bro. It's totally recreational.","72":"Human beings, bro bro bro, are just land dolphins. Here's a Devilsnack fact for you, dolphins need to remember to breathe. As it is with humans.","73":"If you don't want to breathe, it's totally up to you, bro bro bro bro. Free country, America, choke to death.","74":"I see. A quick reminder, {PlayerName}, that your future completely rests on your next few remarks. {PlayerName}... rebuttal?","75":"I... can't breathe...","76":"...I can't say anything.","77":"...{PlayerName}?","78":"Bro, {PlayerName} can't breathe!","79":"{PlayerName}, say something. Your whole future rests with your next statement.","80":"Dude, you do know there's no heaven or hell, right? When you die, it's just blackness for eternity.","81":"[i]Not even blackness[\/i], dude. It's the absence of everything. You will never be aware of anything ever again.","82":"Is that something you want, {PlayerName}? Do you wish to fall through the eternal numbing abyss?","83":"All you have to do is say you don't want to, bro.","84":"I can't say anything! I can't! I can't! I can't!","85":"I'm... [i]mute[\/i]!","86":"Do you protest? {PlayerName}, would you like to be heaved into the place of no direction, the featureless void, the end of despair and hope alike?","87":"Literally painless, dude. Bro bro bro bro, I think he wants to go.","88":"It does seem that way.","89":"I don't want to go! No! I don't want to!","90":"When you get choked to death, by the way, you get the biggest boner and you jizz your pants. It's true.","91":"When they find your body, everyone will think you are a pervert.","92":"Fuckin' {Leah} is going to think you're a pervert, bro. You're going to be dead stiff with a dead stiffie, you're gonna shit yourself and you're gonna jizz yourself too.","93":"What a pervert. Getting off at your own death.","94":"I'm not! I'm not!","95":"You won't worry about that much longer. Here it comes: The Big Empty. Nothing can describe the threshold you're about to cross.","96":"It's a one way trip! Luckily, just before you die your brain drowns in DMT.","97":"That's right. Remember overhearing that on NPR? The biggest high in your life just before you die.","98":"I'm... I'm not ready...","99":"...I'd die for just one breath... just one more...","100":"Save me... someone... anyone...","101":"Save me...!","102":"President? You've come to rescue me?","103":"President!","104":"I will allow you to breathe.","0":"Did I fall asleep?","1":"It's... dark here. Where am I?","2":"Oh. The student council room. Yes... I must've... fallen asleep...","3":"...while on the job.","4":"Is Valerie president... or is it Sam?","5":"I better go find them.","6":"And... I run into {Leah}. What did I mean to tell her?","7":"Something... something about...","8":"...something I did... why is it so hard to think?","9":"You look like you have a heavy weight on your shoulders."},"ch6__06.10 trapped.vne3":{"10":"He said he just wanted to scare me off, but there's no misinterpreting this.","11":"They snuck up behind me, wrapped a cord around my neck, choked me - every step deliberate and planned.","12":"No. There's no misunderstanding, no misinterpreting, no confusion. Someone tried to kill me.","13":"But if that's true... why am I still alive? Why choke me unconscious... just to stick me into...","14":"...[i]Emily's room[\/i].","15":"In our dating years I dreamed of being in this very room. Emily never wanted me to see it. She never directly told me she didn't want me to be in this room - she always made excuses, but I knew...","16":"The more she tried to stop me from being here, the more I wanted to see it. And not just that - her house, her family, some of the life she had at home.","17":"But she didn't want me to. Maybe I'm starting to understand why - Emily's life is much more complicated than I'd first imagined.","18":"Now that I'm here... I can clearly see it's nothing special. It's clean and well organized, like I'd expect from her.","19":"There is no Emily here, though. And that was the only reason I wanted to be here in the first place.","20":"It took a strange circumstance to get me inside... but now, I want to get out, to find her.","21":"It's locked.","22":"Beyond the door, the party still carries on. I hear the ghostly sounds of people having fun, music playing, drunken laughter, in a parallel dimension beyond this door.","23":"I knock and knock and knock, but who's going to hear me?","24":"Should I break down the door? I could give it a good kick, but...","25":"...there's no point. What am I escaping this room into?","26":"Where's my stuff? Where is my computer?","27":"If I had it... I could find out what's going on even inside this room.","28":"But... I was stripped naked... what are the chances that they left me with my laptop?","29":"I say that... but what is that strange light? It seems to be coming from the closet.","30":"Oh. My computer... and my phone.","31":"The phone battery is gone, but my computer looks like it's running normally, I suppose. It's on for some reason...","32":"And my things are sitting with... what? Bags of sugar?","33":"Who am I kidding? Not bags of sugar at all. That's got to be Cedric's shit. He wanted me to find this?","34":"That means... this was... [i]arranged?[\/i]","35":"So... it's open to RECENTLY, is it?","36":"Whoever did this to me [i]knew[\/i]. Yes, this was arranged.","37":"And what's on RECENTLY? I think it's the BBS system that I discovered.","38":"There's just one message. [delay,200][speed,0.25]''[b]WRITE[\/b]''.","39":"Does that mean me?","40":"Okay. I'm stuck here, so I'm going to have to play this game, I guess. Let's put out a few words. I'll just... write the very same thing I was thinking about.","41":"Do you mean me?","42":"Nothing. There's nothing.","43":"Just... blankness.","44":"Shit. I'm so used to seeing something like [i]Silent1 is typing[\/i]... a reminder that there's someone alive.","45":"It makes me wonder if there really is a flesh-and-blood person on the other side.","46":"When the words come out, it's an attack on my eyes. Quick like a dagger out of the screen.","47":"YES.","48":"YOU.","49":"''You'' could be anyone. I should check.","50":"Do you know who I am?","51":"I wait. There's no other way to know whether they've abandoned this conversation or not.","52":"And again, when the message comes, it seems explosive.","53":"YES. YOU WHO ARE IN EMILY'S ROOM.","54":"The one in Emily's room? That's a weird way to refer to me. Does this person not know my name?","55":"Do you know my name?","56":"I DO.","57":"What is my name?","58":"ASK ME SOMETHING YOU DON'T KNOW.","59":"THAT IS THE ONLY QUESTION I WILL ANSWER.","60":"Is that what you want? To ask you questions?","61":"I AM HERE AT YOUR PLEASURE.","62":"I very much doubt that. If they are willing to answer questions, maybe I can extract some answers.","63":"That is... if I can tell what are lies and what are truths.","64":"Who are you?[ep6_topic_1 == 0]","65":"Did you strangle me?[ep6_topic_2 == 0]","66":"Am I the target?[ep6_topic_3 == 0]","67":"What is your motive?[ep6_topic_1 == 1 && ep6_topic_2 == 1 && ep6_topic_3 == 1]","68":"I AM SILENT1.","69":"I know that. Who is Silent1?","70":"YOU KNOW WHO I AM.","71":"I definitely [i]don't[\/i] know that.","72":"Be specific.","73":"SPECIFICALLY, I AM SILENT1. THE FIRST AMONG THE SILENT.","74":"Meaningless. Of course they aren't going to tell me who they really are.","75":"It was a long shot, but it needed to be asked. I can't give up now.","76":"Who are the silent?","77":"WE ARE THE SILENT.","78":"Who is ''we''?","79":"THOSE WHO CANNOT SPEAK.","80":"People like me?","81":"I strongly doubt that there's a secret society of mute people. I feel like I would've noticed.","82":"This is clearly a riddle intended to distract me. I'm not getting any further along this line of questioning.","83":"I asked the question. Now my response burns into my retinas in the darkness of the room as I wait.","84":"I wonder how he is reacting? Confusion? Panic?","85":"YES.","86":"...Maybe even honesty.","87":"Did you intend to kill me?","88":"NO.","89":"What is his intent, then?","90":"Why did you do it?","91":"FOR THIS.","92":"This what?","93":"THIS OUTCOME.","94":"This outcome? Do they mean... me being in this room, talking on the computer, at this particular time?","95":"In theory, Silent1 shouldn't know. I took the photo, after all.","96":"That may have thwarted him... it may not have.","97":"Whatever his answer is... it will be revealing.","98":"The photo had a picture of me and of Emily.","99":"It's not a large group of people. It's fifty\/fifty. It's me or it's her.","100":"NO.","101":"Who is the target?","102":"So the target is Emily.","103":"I DO NOT CARE.","104":"THE IMPORTANT PART OF THIS IS THAT YOU ARE NOT IT.","105":"Cedric is doing this for you.","106":"PLEDGED1 IS DOING THIS FOR HIMSELF. IT IS HIS BUSINESS.","107":"Is he? I seem to remember he had a [i]good reason[\/i] for doing what he did. Okay. That leads to another natural question.","108":"ENLIGHTENMENT.","109":"The answer comes quick. I'm barely done typing when it comes onto the screen.","110":"This means something to Silent1.","111":"What do you mean by enlightenment?","112":"TO SEE THROUGH THE GHOSTS. TO ABANDON SUPERSTITION. TO ACCEPT ONESELF.","113":"What does any of that mean?","114":"How does strangling me do that?","115":"YOU WILL SEE.","116":"That isn't ominous...","117":"Can you be clearer?","118":"A MILLION LECTURES WILL NOT BRING UNDERSTANDING. I SHOW. I DON'T TELL.","119":"Yes, I guess this whole situation counts as [i]showing[\/i], then, but if there is a lesson it's not obvious to me.","120":"DO YOU UNDERSTAND BETTER?","121":"You've barely said anything...","122":"SILENCE IS WHAT DEFINES BOTH OF US.","123":"I wait for Silent1 to elaborate... but there's nothing. I guess he expects me to ask.","124":"But... I don't want to. I'm sick of this game. I'm an I.T. tech. I reset passwords and wireless routers. That's who I am!","125":"All I want is to go through college in peace!","126":"How do I make you go away?","127":"STAY OUT OF OUR AFFAIRS.","128":"I was dragged in. I didn't want this.","129":"YOU WERE ALLOWED IN. YOU HAVE RECENTLY. YOU USED THAT TO INTERJECT YOURSELF.","130":"I didn't. I tried to tell people about you, but they wouldn't listen.","131":"YOU COULD HAVE TRIED HARDER.","132":"How would you know?","133":"YOU DON'T WANT TO GIVE UP THIS POWER. YOU MADE HALF-HEARTED ATTEMPTS. YOU DIDN'T WANT HELP.","134":"YOU WANTED THIS PATH OPEN. YOU WANTED THE CHOICE.","135":"RECENTLY isn't as much power as you'd think.","136":"OF COURSE. HAVING GREATER POWER ONLY REMINDS YOU OF YOUR REMAINING LIMITATIONS.","137":"IT NEVER FEELS ENOUGH.","138":"That's... that's [i]right[\/i]. I know what he's saying.","139":"Since getting my hands on RECENTLY, all I've felt are its limitations. Constantly I've been trying to make work-arounds so that I can see even more.","140":"...So that I can delve deeper into other people's private lives...","141":"When Emily told me about her dad's program... I immediately thought about what I could do with it.","142":"It's impossible not to...","143":"Still, that's not a reason to do... [i]all this[\/i]. Whoever Silent1 is, whatever they want, it's not an excuse.","144":"Why use it in this way, though? Why set this shit up?","145":"BECAUSE IT MUST BE.","146":"What's that mean?","147":"BECAUSE.","148":"Because? [i]Because?[\/i]","149":"Finish your fucking sentence!","150":"What do I tell him? How do I wound him? How do I tell this guy to fuck off?","151":"I'll assert myself. I'll tell him that I don't need his bullshit any longer. That'll do it.","152":"I don't want to talk to you anymore.","153":"YOU DO. I CAN UNDO THIS ALL.","154":"Then undo it!","155":"YOU SHOULD KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES, O HOT-BLOODED BOY.","156":"I MADE THE PIECES FALL THE WAY CEDRIC ASKED. I CAN REVERSE IT. I CAN PUT THOSE INCRIMINATING TEXTS OFF EMILY AND BACK ON CEDRIC'S PHONE.","157":"I DO THAT, THERE IS NO SAVING {LEAH}.","158":"So Silent1 seems to know my personal situation? If he's some crazy ultra hacker, that probably shouldn't be surprising.","159":"Emily said she'd help me clear {Leah}.","160":"IT GOES BEYOND EMILY. IT WILL DO NOTHING TO LESSEN HER FATHER'S SUSPICIONS.","161":"OR I CAN KEEP THINGS AS THEY ARE. EMILY WILL BE SACRIFICED. HER FATHER'S SUSPICIONS WILL TURN TO HER.","162":"{LEAH} WILL BE OFF THE HOOK.","163":"Why even offer a choice?","164":"THAT IS HOW I WORK.","165":"Okay... that's not really a proper answer.","166":"How can you know any of this for certain?","167":"BECAUSE I MAKE CERTAIN.","168":"He... [i]makes certain?","169":"I guess if he can make Emily look guilty of something... he can also make {Leah} look innocent.","170":"Now... [i]now I get it.[\/i]","171":"Fuck. Was this the sick game I was playing from the very beginning? [i]Choosing between {Leah} and Emily?[\/i]","172":"What kind of game is this?","173":"Is this a choice I can even really make at all?","174":"I have to step away. I know more text appeared just as I stood up, but I can't even sit still to look at it.","175":"This is sick. Some sort of horror-movie-deathtrap shit. Except... it's real. Futures are at stake. It might as well be their [i]lives[\/i].","176":"I can't make this kind of decision, I'd only be doing exactly what Silent1 wants me to do.","177":"But, if Silent1 can fabricate evidence as he pleases, there might be nothing I can do anyway... it would be safer just to do as he asks...","178":"The reality is... there is no safe option... and I'm running out of time. I'm starting to hear the sirens.","179":"The consequences will be harsh no matter what.","180":"I've got to choose...","181":"Cooperate to save Emily.","182":"Do nothing and save {Leah}.","183":"Make a third option.","0":"[i]I will allow you to breathe.[\/i]","1":"[i]I will allow you to breathe.[\/i]","2":"I will allow you to breathe. I will allow you to breathe. I will allow you to...","3":"...breathe.","4":"God my throat hurts. It feels like... the day I went to the hospital and lost my voice. Except.... then...","5":"...the pain was inside, but this is all outside. As if...","6":"...someone strangled me.","7":"...[i]Was that real?[\/i]","8":"Why didn't they kill me?","9":"I never thought that I'd be even closer to death than the night Cedric pointed a gun at me."},"ch6__06.15a choose emily.vne3":{"3":"{Leah} is my {sheIsYour}. I would do anything to protect her, but I also trust her.","4":"She will find a way to survive, but Emily won't. She isn't adaptable.","5":"And besides...","6":"You could've saved Emily?","7":"I don't care if it would've been bad for me, you should've done it!","8":"...yes... {Leah} would never forgive making a sacrifice on her behalf.","9":"I can't do that. This is the choice {Leah} would make herself.","10":"My hands feel heavy and jittery as I type out the message.","11":"Reverse it.","12":"Did I catch Silent1 off guard? The response is taking forever.","13":"They must've just expected me to let things as they are.","14":"ARE YOU SURE?","15":"If you have any honor, you'd do it.","16":"I sense something working, I can almost read their thoughts.","17":"When the message comes, I feel no better.","18":"IT IS DONE.","19":"PLEDGED1'S DECEPTION IS REVERSED.","20":"There's no way to confirm, but I have a feeling that all this is way too elaborate to come down to a simple lie.","21":"I will have to wait for the evidence.","22":"Let me out of this room.","23":"THE WAY IS ALREADY OPEN.","24":"DON'T FORGET YOUR COMPUTER.","25":"With no reason to communicate any further, I slam the computer shut.","26":"[i]The way is already open.[\/i] Was the door unlocked the whole time?","27":"No. The key was under the fucking computer.","28":"This cheap trick really takes the cake.","29":"I've got to get out of here as soon as possible.","30":"I unlock the door... and then I'll run for it.","0":"If two people stand on different tracks...","1":"...and the trolley is hurtling toward one of them...","2":"...do I really have any moral right to sacrifice one to save the other?"},"ch6__06.15b choose leah.vne3":{"3":"Did Silent1 honestly expect me to make a deal for [i]Emily's[\/i] freedom? What was the point of all this?","4":"The only thing I regret... is... letting Cedric get [i]anything[\/i] over me.","5":"That also means, I don't have to do anything more. I just need to leave things as they are... and let the roulette wheel spin where it may.","6":"I place my hand on the laptop lid...","7":"...and close it heavily.","8":"The click provides my only real satisfaction. I feel like I'm hanging up on Silent1, rejecting the deal he clearly wanted me to take up.","9":"Closing the laptop without responding is the only tiny bit of power I have in this whole exchange.","10":"What this means for Emily, though...","11":"For now, I have to numb the feelings I have... and find a way out of here.","12":"Wait a sec...","13":"The key out of the room... was under the computer the whole time?","14":"Holy fuck. Silent1 is such an asshole.","15":"I'm getting out of here before I fall further into this sick game.","16":"The party is carrying on - nobody knows what just happened. Nobody knows what will happen.","17":"I need to get out of here quick.","0":"{Leah}... will... [i]hate it[\/i]...","1":"The one thing she despises more than anything - gaining something at someone else's expense.","2":"The choice isn't hers though. It's mine."},"ch6__06.15c go rogue.vne3":{"10":"I force the door with all my strength, turning the knob until I feel an unyielding force. It digs a little into my hand, still, I push.","11":"I don't care if I break the lock... but it does nothing.","12":"Plan C, then.","13":"Brute fucking force. I hear the deadlocks groan as I kick. Wood splinters but does not yet yield.","14":"Harder, then.","15":"It doesn't give way. No matter. I'm going to try. I'm going to keep trying. I'm kicking down the walls of my lab rat maze!","16":"I'm getting out of this box any damn way I can!","17":"One kick... two kicks... and then...","18":"...a deafening crack! A sound of wood splitting and splintering, then the door gives out. It spins stupidly on it hinges.","19":"There is nothing else to do. I rush out the door, bricks of cocaine in my bags and I race for the exit.","20":"Oh fuck! Sam! Why is she here?","21":"Where have you been? I've been wait-","22":"Are you naked?","23":"You should get out of here, as quick as possible.","24":"Like... the house?","25":"Yes the house!","26":"Oh. If you say so...","27":"Having cleared that up, I move right past her.","28":"W-wait!","29":"Where's your phone?","30":"Battery is dead.","31":"Borrow mine. I've got two now anyway.","32":"I'm not going to question this. I give a brief thanks then continue to run.","33":"Maggie turns the corner. [i]Shit. Not now.[\/i]","34":"Oh, you look like you've tumbled somewhere fierce.","35":"And... you're naked?","36":"I gesture desperately to her, pressing the buttons to an imaginary device.","37":"Oh... you can't talk. That's right.","38":"Borrow my phone. I don't use it anyway.","39":"She graciously pushes her budge flip phone into my hands. Is not fancy, but it has text-to-speech.","40":"Something happened.","41":"Y-yeah... that was what I was wonderin' about...","42":"You should leave right now. Like I will be.","43":"Wait a minute. You ain't saying we [i]run out?[\/i]","44":"Desperate to end this conversation as quickly as possible, I give a sharp nod and move around her.","45":"[i]I'll be right behind you![\/i]","46":"Her voice fades behind me as I rush down.","47":"Haley! Did she follow me?","48":"You were gone a long time. I was-","49":"Were you hurt? Did someone take your clothes?","50":"I gesture desperately to her, pressing the buttons to an imaginary device.","51":"Oh! I'm sorry. I should've guessed.","52":"Take my phone.","53":"I rapidly punch my message out on an unfamiliar text-to-speech app.","54":"You should get out of here as quickly as possible.","55":"If that bag has what I think it does, [i]yes![\/i]","56":"Then go!","57":"Haley takes a gulp of breath, and then leaves.","58":"Not now Dante!","59":"Just thought you should know there are some really hot-","60":"Whoa. What are you carrying hetebro? You don't look like you got naked recreationally.","61":"You ought to get out of here.","62":"Aw... man... not again. You really do have to fight for your right to party.","63":"Dante, can I borrow your phone?","64":"Sure, bro. Take my phone. I know you can't talk without it.","65":"Feel free to go through it. I have some really inspirational pictures of sweaty male athletes.","66":"You are the gayest straight man I know. That's a compliment.","67":"It's called being deeply secure in your sexuality.","68":"Fully understanding what I have in my bag, he retreats downstairs.","69":"It looks like he's finding his own way out.","70":"I need to as well.","71":"I burst downstairs, cut a swathe through the party.","72":"Curses follow me as I elbow people aside. At least one person spills a drink because of me.","73":"I don't care. In the distance, I hear sirens. They grow louder and louder.","74":"Eventually, the others in the party notice, twisting their heads and wondering if they should make a move. It's going to be too late.","75":"I'm outside! Safety!","76":"Now... I just need to make it to the car...","77":"I should have enough time...","78":"No. I have no time.","79":"This... this can't be. This is some sort of mistake.","80":"I didn't waste any time at all. I headed straight for the door. I'm pretty sure I smashed through people like a linebacker.","81":"So why is it... I'm face to face... with the [i]end of my life?[\/i]","82":"I remember you. What are you delivering to me?","83":"Pretty sure I don't remember ordering a male stripper. Or coke.","84":"There's no convincing this guy I was out to bake a cake.","85":"[speed,0.5]I'm a goner.","86":"The guys at the station are going to have a laugh at this one.","87":"You're not going to say anything? Brave man. We'll have to take you somewhere quieter. You got a lot to explain.","88":"There's not much I can do. I can't really explain what happened... even if I had my voice.","89":"I stand up. Naked I might be, I'm not going down like a punk.","90":"I've got dignity. I'm going to show them that.","91":"As quickly as my life was about to be ruined...","92":"...something can just as quickly save it again.","93":"Actually, I [i]can[\/i] explain.","94":"Her voice is quiet and grave, but it's for that reason that Emily draws all the attention.","95":"The cop waits with mouth open as she speaks.","96":"What he's carrying with him...","97":"...it's mine.","98":"[i]What is she doing?[\/i]","99":"I asked him to take it out and dump it. He has no idea what it is.","100":"The cop's face hangs between confusion, annoyance, and apology. He would stick like that if Emily didn't immediately put her phone in his face.","101":"Look! See!","102":"I was arranging a deal. Here's proof. That boy is innocent. I'm the guilty one.","103":"Those are the messages that Cedric inserted into her phone. She knows they're not real.","104":"I ask myself again... [i]what is she doing?[\/i]","105":"I see what you're saying but it's more complicated than that.","106":"Sorry to say this, ma'am, we gotta take you both in.","107":"I can file a police report?","108":"We're going to have to...","109":"Good. Then I'll happily leave with you.","110":"I... can't really say anything to her. But I desperately want to ask [i]why?[\/i]","111":"This side of her I've never seen... this thing I would've never expected. Is she going to take the fall for this?","112":"What would make her do this?","0":"No. No. I refuse.","1":"I'm not going to do what Silent1 says. He's given me two options? There's more than one way to skin a cat.","2":"I'm going to [i]make[\/i] a third option. [i]I will never follow into this trap[\/i].","3":"If I'm going to do this, I don't need anything from Silent1. I slap the computer shut and it clicks closed in a satisfying way..","4":"But... what do I do? I'm sweating... head pounding... waiting for inspiration to strike and give me the perfect plan.","5":"But nothing, [i]nothing[\/i] comes up... only the most obvious... most brute force... [i]most stupid plan imaginable[\/i].","6":"I'm never going to do what he wants. No matter how stupid it seems.","7":"I'm going to [i]make option three[\/i]!","8":"I'll need to take these drugs out of this room first. If Emily is caught with this, it will be for nothing.","9":"Safely secured. Now... to make a way out."},"ch6__06.18 common scene.vne3":{"10":"God... I can't leave her inside, with whatever's going on. I'd be betraying her.","11":"I've got to go back. A quick in and out. That's all.","12":"Where have you been?","13":"I've had my hands on my hips, practicing my disapproving glare for you. And judging from your lack of clothes you've been having fun without me.","14":"Why I oughta...","15":"We have to leave right now.","16":"Can I borrow your phone? Mine's battery is dead.","17":"Here, take this one, I have two.","18":"I gratefully pocket it.","19":"Did I skip the fun part of the evening? Are we already in the part where somebody needs an ambulance or something?","20":"There's going to be a [i]costume contest[\/i]...","21":"This isn't about missing out on some fun. This is serious.","22":"Serious?","23":"Yes, that sobered things up for Sam. She's still trying to find the joke on my face... she's not going to.","24":"Is something about to happen?","25":"Let's get out of here.","26":"Okay...","27":"I rush out with Sam in tow. Sam is clearly confused by my rapid pace.","28":"Soon, we're out.","29":"You know, I'm super glad to be out of there. Man... that was the [i]lamest[\/i] party I've ever been to.","30":"Why is Alice Cooper still so fucking recognizable? Isn't he from the 80's? Aren't Gen Xers old?","31":"Can you shut up for a second?","32":"Shut up?","33":"Why... why aren't we leaving?","34":"I need to see something.","35":"[i]See something?[\/i]","36":"Yes.","37":"Again, Sam seems to understand my seriousness at the moment. After a thought, she says little else.","38":"We watch. Sam fidgets next to me, bouncing to ward off the cold air, unsure what's supposed to happen.","39":"Shit. [i]Shit[\/i]. I left Maggie behind.","40":"No. There's no way I can leave her. Not as she is.","41":"I have to go back for her, even with the risk of being trapped inside.","42":"I already had to sacrifice someone tonight.","43":"There she is. Right where I left her.","44":"When I see her Maggie gives me a look of disarming anger.","45":"You... left me here!","46":"You were gone for [i]so long[\/i]!","47":"Her anger is... understandable. I'm not sure what I told her when I left her alone, but I didn't think I would be gone for as long as I was either.","48":"I incline my head apologetically. I'm... wondering when she'll notice that I'm in my underwear.","49":"It's okay.","50":"I know you were doing something important. You shouldn't have to...","51":"...babysit me all the time, like I'm a little nest bird.","52":"I am tired though...","53":"She expects a response... then suddenly realizes.","54":"Oh! You need a phone!","55":"Takes this one. You can borrow it for as long as you need it. I don't use it anyhow.","56":"Maggie graciously gives me her cheap flip phone.","57":"It takes me a while to find the text-to-speech app, but I finally locate it.","58":"If we're going to go, we should go now.","59":"You can stay longer if you want to. Maybe pick up your clothes too, wherever you left 'em.","60":"I want to leave, right now.","61":"Maggie seems relieved at that. She adds in a quiet voice:","62":"Thank you.","63":"I head with Maggie out of the party.","64":"You don't have to drive me home. You can just... drop me off at a bus stop.","65":"Can we wait for a moment? I need to see something.","66":"Oh. You do?","67":"I suppose I could wait.","68":"Maggie seems like she has a hundred questions, but none of them she can voice.","69":"She waits in an awkward silence. Not awkward because we're not sure what to say, but awkward because she isn't sure what I'm doing.","70":"She'll understand soon enough.","71":"Oh no. I left [i]Haley![\/i]","72":"I was in such a rush... I didn't think about anyone else.","73":"God willing, I still have time to get her.","74":"Haley looks like she really blended in well, doing what she does best, listening to someone talk.","75":"I come up to her and tap her on the shoulder.","76":"You're back!","77":"I was beginning to think you'd gone off...","78":"I gesture, punching letters into an imaginary phone.","79":"Did you lose your phone? What happened to you? Take mine. Borrow it for as long as you need.","80":"She gives me an austere phone, but a quick check proves it has everything I need.","81":"We should leave.","82":"Leave? It's early.","83":"I'm really interested in keeping up with you in the nakedness department.","84":"There was an incident.","85":"[i]Incident[\/i]. One of those words that carries such drama. Haley seems to immediately understand.","86":"Okay. So you're not naked for a fun reason then. Let's get some fresh air.","87":"Good. Haley's out of danger.","88":"Once we step outside, I know we're both safe.","89":"I hope the incident isn't serious.","90":"I'm about to find out.","91":"Do you mind if we wait out here for a bit?","92":"You can't wait [i]inside?[\/i]","93":"No.","94":"Haley has a followup question, but she elects not to voice it.","95":"Instead, she waits with me, watching Emily's house from afar.","96":"[i]Dante is still in there.[\/i]","97":"Do I get him? I mean... he did help me...","98":"I'm not really interested in his brand of heterosexuality, but I can't deny that Dante has been one hundred percent supportive of me.","99":"Damn. I guess I am obligated to warn him.","100":"It's not hard to find Dante chatting someone up. I give him a few solid taps on the shoulder.","101":"Hetebro? You need help again?","102":"He doesn't even comment on my nudity. He's either oblivious or a real mensch.","103":"Remember what happened last time at this place?","104":"Yeah, the popo dropped by and I got arrested.","105":"Hold up. Are you saying that's going to happen again?","106":"I nod.","107":"This party was just getting started. Someone in the police department needs to take a chill pill.","108":"Let me get some of my friends and get out of here.","109":"You might not have the time.","110":"You took the time to warn me, so...","111":"...I gotta do the same for my friends. You are a real hetebro, and an ally to the essence of [i]partying[\/i].","112":"I smile.","0":"Well, I'm naked, but for once, I don't really care.","113":"Dante, can I borrow your phone?","1":"The party is carrying on - nobody knows what just happened. Nobody knows what will happen.","114":"Sure, bro. Take my business phone. I know you can't talk without it.","2":"If only they knew.","115":"It's tax deductible for AACHM purposes, and I think this qualifies.","3":"Still... I have this feeling that something is going to stop me. A hand will shoot out of the crowd and clothesline me on my path to freedom.","116":"I nod gratefully, taking Dante's phone.","4":"I make my way through, fully expecting the ground to open up to stop me, like the auditorium in my nightmare.","117":"Keep it as long as you need to. And feel free to go through it. I've got some really inspirational pictures of sweaty male athletes.","5":"But... it doesn't. I'm out of there. I'm free.","118":"Alright! Don't wait for me bro! I'll make it out!","6":"The door slams shut with a sense of finality, like a lid being closed atop a sarcophagus. Yet, for once, I'm not trapped inside.","119":"I hope so too. I've done my moral duty.","7":"Finally, I escape being-","120":"I leave the party. When I'm outside, I have the immediate sense of [i]safety[\/i].","8":"No. Wait. [i]Wait.[\/i] I forgot something...","121":"I don't really see Dante leave. I'm not sure if he went out a back exit or what. That really isn't my business.","9":"Shit. [i]Shit[\/i]. Sam is still in there.","122":"My only remaining business is to watch, and wait to see what happens. I need to ensure that what I think will happen... actually happens.","123":"Not long after...","124":"...the sirens start to perk up.","125":"Should we really be here?","126":"The question barely registers. I wait to see what happens.","127":"That can't be good.","128":"She's right. It isn't.","129":"They're coming this way, aren't they?","130":"Haley is correct. They are.","131":"I hope Dante found a way out, because time is running short.","132":"A few people on the edges of the party start to scatter.","133":"Most of them won't be fast enough. The music is loud and they're all inside, dancing like it's the end of the world.","134":"The police cars swarm like bees.","135":"Holy shit. Look at that. The pigs have all come out.","136":"Sam's words are blanks that fire hollow. My entire attention is turned to the scene in front of me.","137":"It was lucky we got out of there when we could.","138":"Wait. You knew this was going to happen?","139":"I say nothing but watch the police do their second raid on Emily's house in just over a month.","140":"I'm so glad to be out of there. More smoke than in California... heh...","141":"Oh gosh. I suppose that ain't very funny.","142":"I can't really afford to pay attention to Maggie right now. My whole focus is on what's going on in front of me.","143":"{PlayerName}, you okay?","144":"Somethin'... interesting across the way?","145":"I had a feeling this party was trouble.","146":"Thanks god you got me out of there. I can't afford to be arrested.","147":"Wait a second. How did you know to get out of there?","148":"Haley's concerns fall flat. I'm completely focused on the scene in front of me.","149":"Something important is about to happen."},"ch6__06.20a emily fallout.vne3":{"3":"It's like looking at what happened to me a month ago. That {Leah} could share this fate gives this whole thing a bitter flavor.","4":"Cedric was [i]my[\/i] target this night, and though I got him, it feels hollow like a hitman gunning down his hundredth mark.","5":"That's Mr. Philosophy club!","6":"Weren't we talking to him earlier? He looks super upset.","7":"Sam, you want to blow this joint?","8":"Yeah, I do, actually.","9":"The frickin' costume keeps riding up my crotch. It's not worth it if everyone thinks I'm a washed-up rocker.","10":"Next time, old horror movies.","11":"I agree.","12":"Oh, that guy.","13":"He seemed nice...","14":"He's not nice at all.","15":"He ain't? Oh... I was lying then.","16":"He seemed weird to me, but I didn't know if it was just me being mean to him.","17":"Let's get out of here, Maggie.","18":"This was... a real test... like Job in the bible, but I'm real glad I did it.","19":"That guy... seemed weird to me...","20":"I've listened to a lot of people. The way he speaks... sets me off somehow.","21":"He looks very upset.","22":"He oughta be.","23":"Haley nods. The silence hangs... she clearly wants to go home, but feels too polite to bring it up.","24":"But, I'm satisfied.","25":"Can I drive you home?","26":"Oh... would you?","27":"I'd really appreciate it.","28":"Let's get out of here.","29":"Wait.","30":"Who... is that?","31":"I...","32":"I need a ride home. I can give you clothes if you want...","33":"Sam looks searchingly at me, fearful that she might have inserted herself in an awkward situation.","34":"Maggie has her mouth sealed shut... she is unaccountably uncomfortable, as she usually is.","35":"Haley graciously steps aside, and signals that I should handle this any way I need to.","36":"It's fine. I have clothes in the trunk.","37":"Are you sure? I don't like to ask for favors.","38":"Your ride home is gone?","39":"That's a way to put it.","40":"I... suppose I could just call a cab instead.","41":"No, it's fine... it's fine.","42":"You don't have to leave, Sam.","43":"I can get a cab instead.","44":"Are you sure?","45":"Yeah! Go ahead.","46":"Sam obviously wants to avoid any kind of awkwardness. It's apparent on her face.","47":"She makes her intentions clear as soon as she pulls out her smartphone and wanders away.","48":"Would you mind sharing with my friend Maggie?","49":"Maggie bleaches white in a way that even surprises me. Her eyes beg me for an action I can't read.","50":"Actually, Emily...","51":"Oh, I need to go.","52":"Maggie?","53":"G-goodbye.","54":"Wait!","55":"Maggie runs in the other direction. Emily blinks, the scene piercing through her shroud of shock.","56":"Is she okay?","57":"Yes, Maggie is strange like that. Let me call her.","58":"I ring, her, but there's no answer. Emily stands uncomfortably by.","59":"I suppose, if Maggie got herself here, she has her own way back...","60":"It seems like you two have a lot to talk about.","61":"I can find my own way home.","62":"Are you sure?","63":"Don't worry. I have a friend I can call.","64":"You don't have to leave.","65":"I know that.","66":"I'll see you soon, {PlayerName}.","67":"As soon as it's clear {companion} is gone, Emily releases a heavy sigh.","68":"I didn't mean to drive your friend away.","69":"It was her choice.","70":"I should have just... called a cab.","71":"Perhaps, but I think that already occurred to Emily. She doesn't just need a ride home. She needs something else, too.","72":"Even if we no longer get along, I should still do this. At the very least, it could be useful.","73":"This might be my chance to turn things around with Emily.","74":"I'll drive you back.","75":"...Thanks.","0":"Many students are being led out in handcuffs, but the one that sticks out:","1":"[i]Cedric[\/i].","2":"Watching him being arrested should give me a sense of satisfaction, but it doesn't. I can't help but see myself in his position."},"ch6__06.20b leah fallout.vne3":{"3":"It's a really cruel game that we're playing... but I had nothing to do with it.","4":"I hope you get out... somehow...","5":"I get no satisfaction from this at all.","6":"All I have is this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I clench my teeth... close my eyes, try and let it pass...","7":"...try not to let the nausea get to me.","8":"This... is probably what she deserves, but I don't feel good for it. Justice hasn't been done.","9":"I've sacrificed one manipulator at the behest of another. Nothing good has come from this.","10":"Emily!","11":"Oh my god. Your ex? Holy shit.","12":"Yep.","13":"Why is she getting arrested?","14":"What do I tell Sam? The truth?","15":"I just shrug, but Sam clearly isn't satisfied.","16":"She takes a step back, analyzes me like a person at a museum analyzes a painting.","17":"You know a lot, don't you?","18":"Okay. I get it. This is all stuff I don't really want to understand. I guess this sleeping dog gets to lie.","19":"We should go.","20":"Sam seems to react positively to that.","21":"Look at that. She looks real unhappy.","22":"I can't imagine someone fancy like that gettin' put in jail. You'd think it'd be a bit much for just some folks having fun.","23":"I'm not sure what to tell Maggie. I just watch grimly.","24":"You... uh... you feel like leaving?","25":"Let's get out of here, Maggie.","26":"This was... a real test... like Job in the bible, but I'm real glad I did it.","27":"I know that girl... I've seen her around...","28":"The cops are really out in force tonight. I wonder if something went down?","29":"Anyway, it's not my business.","30":"Haley glances away from the scene, and toward me. Then, clarity strikes her.","31":"You know that girl?","32":"We have a long history.","33":"Oh. One you don't want to share? I see.","34":"Can I drive you home?","35":"Oh... would you?","36":"I'd really appreciate it.","37":"I might be half naked, but I was prescient enough to bring a change of clothing in the car.","38":"After I get dressed, it's time to blow this joint.","39":"But as I turn around...","40":"Ah, {PlayerName}.","41":"Cedric!","42":"You were wise enough to get out too, I see.","43":"[i]Wise to get out?[\/i] How dare he approach me so fucking casually.","44":"This loser psycho [i]weirdo[\/i] is absolutely fucked up. However I feel about Emily, she is worth a million Cedrics.","45":"How is it that Emily gets arrested and this guy walks free?","46":"What do I say to him? My fists ball up... I stare him down... [i]I wish I had my voice[\/i]...","47":"{companion} notices the situation, and keeps silent.","48":"I know you can't talk, but I wish you'd stop staring at me like that.","49":"...Well, if you won't stop staring, maybe you are trying to send me some kind of message.","50":"[i]Ya think?[\/i]","51":"Well, you'll get over it eventually.","52":"When you've cooled off a bit, come to the Philosophy Club. You'll be welcome there.","53":"Holy shizbit.","54":"I've [i]never[\/i] seen you so angry. Not even at the debate. What did he [i]do?[\/i]","55":"I'll explain later. Let's get you home.","56":"Sam accepts that, even though I have no intention of explaining later.","57":"This is something outside of Sam's understanding.","58":"We get in the car, and I drive off.","59":"Oh boy. You two stared each other down like dogs over a bone.","60":"I was getting some second-hand fright there. Did he do something?","61":"It's too complicated to explain.","62":"Okay. I won't pry.","63":"We get in the car, and I drive off.","64":"You show your wounds.","65":"I've got nothing to hide.","66":"What did Cedric do to you?","67":"It was nothing he did to me.","68":"I sigh, unable to really talk further about it.","69":"We should just go.","70":"Haley gives a short, abbreviated nod.","71":"A pained noise rumbles in my throat. I could scream at him... I would have if I could.","72":"But screaming wouldn't do me any good. Biding my time is the only path for me.","0":"Many students are being led out in handcuffs, but the one that sticks out:","1":"[i]Emily[\/i].","2":"I'm sorry, Emily. There's just no way I could have picked you over {Leah}."},"ch6__06.20c general failure.vne3":{"3":"When the cops open the door, I stand up. The officer approaches like he's about to share some unpleasant news.","4":"I hope I don't look too anxious...","5":"Yeah. You're free to go.","6":"With that, he plops {companion}'s cellphone in my hand. I feel like I've time traveled to this very same event a month ago.","7":"I waste no time.","8":"What about Emily?","9":"I'm not the explaining kind of cop. I'm here to let you free and that's it.","10":"But I will say... you're lucky. It's not often people get off free twice.","11":"Stay outta trouble.","12":"That was worthless. They just a took a statement and nothing else. I'm left wondering what the hell happened to Emily.","13":"She's a rich girl, right? I'm sure she'll find her way out of this somehow, but if there's a way I can make sure...","14":"Should I call her?","15":"I don't expect to do anything but put an evidence locker on vibrate, but I'll try anyway.","16":"I push the numbers and wait.","17":"Nothing. This is not surprising.","18":"It leaves me with so many damn questions though. Emily is innocent. The only people that know that are me, Cedric, and Silent1.","19":"Why was Emily so quick to take credit for those messages?","20":"The only thing left... is to call {Leah}.","21":"I pick up the phone and-","22":"Oh. That's strange. She's here.","23":"Did she already know what happened?","24":"Well, she does have really good observation skills. Maybe she deduced I would be in jail?","25":"I guess she could've heard from someone at the party, too... that seems more reasonable.","26":"Don't worry too much. This isn't even on the top ten worst things that could have happened.","27":"Getting arrested twice in a row, though...","28":"You're not living your best life if it doesn't happen at least once.","29":"But... not any more. Got it? Third time is the charm, but it's also a strikeout.","30":"Got it.","31":"Obviously, we have a lot to talk about. I don't know where to begin. But I guess we have a ride ahead of us.","32":"You should probably drive.","33":"Yeah.","34":"On the trip, I explain everything. I leave nothing out. I don't feel a reason to.","35":"{Leah} listens in silence, her face intense. This is how she acts when someone is saying something important. She sponges it up.","36":"When I finish, I'm so comprehensive about the whole situation that she doesn't really have any followup questions.","37":"So... what do you think?","38":"I think... hmm...","39":"I want to say you made the right decision.","40":"You [i]want[\/i] to say? You think I made a mistake?","41":"I... I don't know.","42":"Wouldn't it have been better to accept Silent1's offer?","43":"Is she serious?","44":"You think I should have?","45":"We could have at least gotten Cedric arrested, and we could have saved Emily.","46":"What about you?","47":"I don't know. Am I any safer now?","48":"That's not to say... I wouldn't have made the same choice.","49":"Put in your shoes... I would've tried to jump out of bounds too.","50":"But you're saying it didn't do much good.","51":"{Leah} shrugs.","52":"I suppose it didn't. Emily got arrested. Cedric is presumably free. And I know nothing about the ongoing investigation against {Leah}.","53":"I tried to do everything right, but I got nothing what I wanted instead.","54":"We should talk to Emily about this.","55":"I agree. But how do we...","56":"I can arrange a visit with Emily. Don't worry about that.","57":"Right. I'll let {Leah} handle this then.","0":"I'm here again. Only a month apart I'm in the slammer.","1":"I can't imagine staring at these walls for thirty days straight.","2":"The burning questions I have for Emily will be spent in my skull. The only thing I should be worried about is whether I'll be lucky enough to get out of here the second time."},"ch6__06.25a emily conference.vne3":{"3":"...sleeping.","4":"I suppose what she has to say is going to wait.","5":"When I pull up to Emily's place, I gently put my hand on her thigh.","6":"This has Emily waking with a cat-like whine.","7":"Oh... I...","8":"Emily looks at me, eyebrows slanted like mountains and wider than icecaps, recalling how she got to the position she's in.","9":"...thanks.","10":"God... did I really fall asleep?","11":"You did.","12":"Hmm...","13":"Emily's lips quiver like she's been wounded in some way. Did she really lose a measure of her pride by falling asleep?","14":"Thanks... again. I'm at a loss for what to say.","15":"...Thanks.","16":"Yes, you've said thanks three times.","17":"Emily's lips very nearly weaken into a smile, but she stops it just in time.","18":"There is more I have to say, I guess.","19":"The day I broke up with you... I felt... [i]obligated[\/i].","20":"What does she mean? I subconsciously lean forward.","21":"Emily clearly takes this as pressure. Out there on the sidewalk, a million ways she could run, but she still looks [i]trapped[\/i].","22":"You know... my mom always said... and my dad too actually... that I should always look into the future and be with someone that...","23":"...is going to be [i]good[\/i] for me in the material sense.","24":"They want you to be with someone rich.","25":"They want someone ambitious for me.","26":"I... hate it [i]so much[\/i]. My brother can hang out on yachts all day, snorting coke off of... [i]people's butts[\/i]... but I'm traded like it's the medieval ages.","27":"I wanted to go to Yale. I was [i]about[\/i] to go to Yale, but my dad made me come to Shale Hill... [delay,300][char,Emily_Party_Uncomfortable]where [i]you[\/i] were.","28":"It stinks. God it stinks.","29":"So you felt like you had to break up with me?","30":"Yes. I have a responsibility to my family... to... to...","31":"...[i]serve[\/i]. To promote the family business.[delay,300][char,Emily_Party_Neutral] You get that?","32":"I don't. My family was never like that.","33":"Emily nods and closes her eyes.","34":"You poor people... you have a lot more freedom than you think you do.","35":"I would feel a lot more free if I could go to school without working.","36":"Emily isn't offended by my comment. Instead, she quirks a smile.","37":"Yeah. Probably.","38":"I should get going.","39":"She doesn't want to talk about Cedric? About the program? She saw what happened as well as I did.","40":"Emily.","41":"Emily stops mid turn to the apartment.","42":"I'm tired. I can't take any more questions.","43":"I know there's a lot you want to know. Sure, there's more than one gorilla in the room, but I just don't care.","44":"I... have a feeling you know more than you let on anyway.","45":"That's true.","46":"Say hello to {Leah} for me. Tell her...","47":"...tell her I'm going to do my best for her.","48":"Emily sighs, and with that sigh, I know she's not in the mood for any more conversation.","49":"She turns back to the apartment and walks inside.","50":"The air is cool, and at this hour, the streets are completely deserted.","51":"{Leah} will be wondering about me.","0":"The drive feels long. I keep wondering what Emily wants to talk to me about, but I can't really say anything to her, in every way.","1":"If she had anything to tell me... I'd be a captive, helpless audience.","2":"But when I look in her direction, I see her curled up in the seat..."},"ch6__06.25b leah conference.vne3":{"3":"I get back out on the road and drive back a heavy feeling pervading me.","4":"I'm alone, and that may be a good thing. I don't think I'd make very good conversation right now.","5":"A dark feeling simmers inside of me. Hot, murderous thoughts seem to spread through me physically.","6":"It's like a fever. It makes me sick inside to feel it.","7":"I hope something can rid me of this awful feeling.","0":"The ride is silent.","1":"{companion} says almost nothing as we drive to the house.","2":"When I drop her off... it’s a relief."},"ch6__06.28 conference.vne3":{"3":"Weren't you staying home all night?","4":"Well... yes... but...","5":"...I had to leave...","6":"It's an unfinished thought. She has more to say, but she doesn't want to say it.","7":"...I mean... you know what kind of person I am.","8":"You tried to make it to the party?","9":"{Leah} is silent.","10":"You know what you risk by going!","11":"Do you really want me to just stay home while you take all the risks?","12":"Yes! Kinda.","13":"Given what happened... I'm glad I went.","14":"You actually went?","15":"...Okay, we have a ton to talk about, but we can't talk at all outside.","16":"{Leah} nods, and we both head in.","17":"I'm not sure what to say.","18":"You can be angry at me if you want, but I did what I thought was best.","19":"I'm not angry... I'm frustrated. Anyway... what did you see?","20":"The Uber pulled up just in time for me to see {arrested} getting arrested.","21":"And I suppose you made an immediate trip back, is that right?","22":"Yeah.","23":"To get back in time... so I wouldn't see you coming back.","24":"...Yeah.","25":"This really is frustrating. Can I ever trust {Leah} to just sit still? She doesn't know how much danger this puts me in.","26":"What if she's caught somewhere and I can't help her?","27":"{Leah}...","28":"After all, Emily paid a terrible price for her freedom.","29":"{Leah} is going to [i]hate[\/i] hearing about that.","30":"What should I tell her? That she puts her own freedom at risk when she does stuff like this? But I just risked her to save Emily.","31":"The words feel so hollow. I can't pretend to be concerned with {Leah} after doing what I did.","32":"You should... probably tell me what really happened.","33":"Yes. We have a lot to go over.","34":"I have nothing to hide from {Leah}. I tell her everything.","35":"She listens without expressing much emotion, except for an occasional twinge.","36":"When I get to the part where I'm offered the choice by Silent1, my fingers feel frozen and stiff, wondering how {Leah} will react. Somehow, I'm still able to go through the motions.","37":"I strain as I wait for her response.","38":"I think you made a mistake.","39":"There’s a torrent beneath the surface of her voice. It’s safe to say she thinks it’s an understatement.","40":"I know your feelings about Emily...","41":"It’s got nothing to do with her. It has everything to do with you.","42":"I saw an opportunity to take you out of this mess, so I took it. I’m giving you the mercy and kindness that Emily never showed you.","43":"But Emily is innocent!","44":"And so are you! A choice between two innocent people.","45":"I have something that Emily didn’t have: [i]time[\/i]. We have no idea when the police will get around to checking my laptop.","46":"So what’s next then?","47":"We should talk to Emily.","48":"She’s in prison.","49":"I know how visitation works. I’ll get something worked out.","50":"I guess I should expect something like that. {Leah} has experience when it comes to this kind of stuff.","51":"I finish the story. {Leah}'s pause is thoughtful, expected, and nerve-wracking.","52":"I strain as I wait for her response.","53":"So you saved Emily then.","54":"Sorry, I'm going to have to ask directly. Do you approve or disapprove?","55":"What choice did you have?","56":"The choice to let the dice fall where they may. The choice to save you.","57":"We can't know if making that choice really would save me. And I'm not doomed yet, am I?","58":"There's still plenty of opportunities to prove my innocence.","59":"Every second your laptop is with the police...","60":"Don't... remind me.","61":"This whole situation is so contrived. Why would someone plan all this?","62":"I'm not sure. Cedric said he had a good reason to do what he was doing... I'm not sure what he means by that.","63":"He did seem bitter about the way she treated him.","64":"And what do they want with [i]you[\/i], as well?","65":"Do you really think they want anything from me? I think I just got between them and their plans...","66":"Whoever it was... they were willing to sacrifice Cedric because you asked for it.","67":"I... I suppose that is true...","68":"...I don't really want to think about that too hard.","69":"We really ought to talk to Cedric next.","70":"Nothing productive in that. The man is insane.","71":"After being betrayed by Silent1, he might be more willing to talk.","72":"Perhaps. I don't want to be in the same room as that psycho ever again. He made my skin absolutely crawl.","73":"Still, what {Leah} says is true. He's the only one with part of the story. [i]Some of the story[\/i].","0":"When I arrive, I see a strange figure by the door.","1":"I assume at first it's a neighbor trying to get in the building... how wrong I am.","2":"{Leah}!"},"ch6__06.30 prison visit.vne3":{"10":"Hey. You ready to go?","11":"I just woke up. Where are we going?","12":"I arranged a visit to the prison.","13":"Already?","14":"Yes. Already.","15":"Shit. {Leah} is on top of things, isn't she? I'm still wondering where I left my deodorant.","16":"I thought this took time. Prison bureaucracy and so on.","17":"I'm a journalism major.","18":"I see. That's why they'd like to see you in prison.","19":"They sure would! But on this monopoly board, I'm [i]just visiting[\/i].","20":"Jokes aside, I know how to do stuff like this. It's much easier to get this stuff done early before the lawyers and such really get involved.","21":"I'm going to chug a bowl of cereal before I leave.","22":"I'll wait outside for you.","23":"Damn. {Leah} is in a good mood. She swims in this stuff even harder than I thought.","24":"I always thought I was good under pressure, that I was a challenge seeker, and perhaps I am. But {Leah} makes me look whiney.","25":"I've got to wipe the sleep from my eyes and pinch myself. I can't slow {Leah} down.","26":"Are you ready?","27":"Yes.","28":"Let's get moving.","29":"The ride to the prison isn't far.","30":"As I drive, I silently observe {Leah} flipping through her notes. She's clearly come prepared.","31":"You seem pretty comfortable being here. Do you do these sorts of trips often?","32":"{Leah} nods.","33":"As a journalist, you have to talk to all kinds of people, be in all sorts of unpleasant places.","34":"{Leah} the investigative journalist.","35":"That's the dream!","36":"Aren't you scared at all?","37":"I sure am. I'm scared about my friends, my family, the school, you...","38":"What about yourself? Are you scared something is going to happen to you?","39":"Is this really the time to have this conversation?","40":"I just want to know.","41":"{Leah} sighs, clearly a little annoyed, but willing to entertain me if it will get me to shut up.","42":"I get a little scared for myself. I don't want bad things to happen to me, so if I can stop it from happening, I would.","43":"Are you scared for yourself?","44":"Doing this stuff? Yeah. Most people would be scared.","45":"You can leave it all to me if you want.","46":"I almost want to laugh. Or cry. She's so goddamn earnest.","47":"I've realized something about you. You are just stupidly brave.","48":"Uh... maybe. Can we go inside now?","49":"You want to run off into prison? Sure.","50":"{Leah} narrows her eyes playfully. Pretty sure she'd slap my shoulder if we weren't in public.","51":"We go inside.","52":"Processing is painfully slow. I understand why {Leah} wanted to leave early.","53":"Several hours later, and we finally get on the other side of it. It's much worse than going to the DMV. Absolutely nothing was made for comfort.","54":"It took quite some convincing to let both me and {Leah} in, but we managed it.","55":"Our reward: a cold clinical visitation room.","56":"I have no idea what we'll find here.","57":"Except [i]him[\/i].","58":"Sitting expectantly is Cedric. And... [i]god... nothing about him has changed one bit...[\/i]","59":"I don't think that {Leah} has had much interaction with the guy... so it's no surprise when he addresses me.","60":"{PlayerName}! It's good to see you.","61":"You realize you're here because of me.","62":"Obviously, since you and your friend kindly arranged for this visitation.","63":"Huh? [i]Arranged for his visitation?[\/i] What is he talking about?","64":"Wait a second. He thinks I mean [i]this room[\/i].","65":"I mean in prison.","66":"Cedric looks at me blankly. [i]Does he not understand?[\/i]","67":"You realize you're in prison right now?","68":"Yes, of course I know.","69":"We wanted to ask you a few questions.","70":"Absolutely.","71":"His eagerness knocks the enthusiasm out of {Leah}. We exchange quizzical looks.","72":"Did you know the spoons in this place are tiny? They don't let you have anything with a handle.","73":"It's very frustrating.","74":"Yes. Can you tell us about what happened last night?","75":"Yes. I was arrested.","76":"And... you were arrested for what?","77":"Drug trafficking.","78":"Why were you trafficking drugs?","79":"For money.","80":"Not for another purpose?","81":"Such as?","82":"For example... an elaborate attempt to frame your business partner.","83":"Cedric blinks.","84":"Emily. We're talking about Emily.","85":"That's a bit strange, isn't it? How would I go about doing that? The case against me is quite closed. Digital forensics has proven I was trying to make a deal at the time.","86":"That's what you told me.","87":"Strange. I don't remember that conversation.","88":"Also strange I got fucking strangled by your buddy at the party.","89":"Oh. That explains the bruise. I thought it was a hickey.","90":"A hickey? A straight line across my neck?","91":"Maybe a woman with rather long, thick, rod-like lips.","92":"{Leah}, why are we bothering? Cedric is going to do nothing but lie.","93":"Cedric, if you're trying to protect someone... or something... you don't have to. If you tell us, we'd be able to protect you.","94":"Right now, the best protection I have is a spike made from pillow fluff and glue. It's shockingly effective.","95":"Why agree to talk to us if you're going to treat us like this?","96":"Because I wanted to talk to {PlayerName}.","97":"What did you want to tell me?","98":"Just a chat.","99":"Sorry, I forgot the tea and crumpets. You know we want some serious information.","100":"I'm serious. I want to have a chat with you. I want to know what your outlook is.","101":"My outlook?","102":"Yes. You've never shared your worldview before, have you?","103":"What lens covers your perception? Is it rose-tinted? Or are you a pessimist? Do you behold the world in shades of grey and black?","104":"{Leah} and I share another confused glance.","105":"Are you more of a Hobbesian? Do you think, peeled away from all authority, humanity would fall upon each other, rip each other apart like rabid dogs?","106":"Being in here really makes me grateful we have things like walls and guards with guns. I'm very appreciative I have a measure of safety behind bars.","107":"What will you tell me if I tell you my outlook?","108":"This isn't an exchange. I'm asking out of interest.","109":"I have no reason to say.","110":"That's too bad. I can see you're hostile to me right now, but in the future, I hope we can talk more freely about this.","111":"Perhaps in the philosophy club. Have you joined yet?","112":"There is no philosophy club, Cedric. I am not interested. I will never join. Stop talking about the philosophy club.","113":"You need the lawyer club right now. You realize the situation you're in is serious?","114":"Why are you so dismissive?","115":"You do realize what philosophy can do for you, right?","116":"Do you think we just talk all day about nothing?","117":"It's not about [i]interpreting the world[\/i], it's about [i]surviving it[\/i].","118":"What...[delay,200] was...[delay,200][i]that?[\/i]","119":"{PlayerName}...","120":"That's an unsubtle plea for us to leave. And I can't help but agree. I give her a nod.","121":"Thank you for your time.","122":"Cedric makes an odd expression as we leave.","123":"He really is off-putting...","124":"That outburst at the end there...","125":"He seemed crazy.","126":"Do you think he did that because he really was crazy... or was he just trying to obstruct us?","127":"You can answer that better than I can.","128":"I have no idea. Maybe both. He acts so strangely... I can't get a read on him.","129":"He didn't seem very upset about being in prison.","130":"Yeah, I noticed that. He acted like he was suffering a minor inconvenience, like he was being held up in a line.","131":"I should've known he'd give us no useful information.","132":"Well, no [i]clear[\/i] information, but perhaps still useful.","133":"Emily looks so uncomfortable... so out of place. Her proud, stiff, undefeatable demeanor is gone, replaced by... [i]something else[\/i].","134":"There's no pleading in her eyes, no expectation. It's like she knows there's nothing anybody can do.","135":"Even {Leah} seems struck by it. For a moment, {Leah} has no idea what to say.","136":"Uh...","137":"...I hope things are going well.","138":"Emily just stares at us. [i]Through us.[\/i]","139":"Yes. Obviously... things aren't going well. But maybe {PlayerName} and I can help.","140":"{PlayerName} is extremely grateful for what you did.","141":"It's a little verbal nudge, a reminder of what Emily did for me.","142":"I am.","143":"We know you are innocent, and we're going to do everything possible to get you out of here.","144":"It would be easier if you helped us.","145":"[delay,500][speed,0.25]Why... bother?","146":"What do you mean by that?","147":"My life has ended, even if I do get out of here. Nobody is going to accept a girl with a criminal record.","148":"Lots of people have criminal records, Emily. It's not the end of the world.","149":"Not in the places [i]I[\/i] want to go.","150":"Emily was always ambitious. Shale Hill was never enough for her, she wanted the Ivy League. Yale, Harvard, Princeton... none of these places will accept a student with any kind of rap sheet.","151":"When I get out of here in ten years, I'll have lost the best years of my life. I'll never, [i]never[\/i] make up for the time I lost.","152":"You helped me though. Why?","153":"I saw the messages on my phone... messages I never sent... I knew what had happened. ","154":"I knew then, there was nothing that was going to save me. I was going down anyway. The least I could do was keep you from going down with me.","155":"It was too late for me, but I could still save you.","156":"Emily thought she was already a goner? That definitely explains why she helped me in the last minute.","157":"But she was so decisive about it... she couldn't have had that much hesitation...","158":"...if I was in her position, I don't know what I would've done.","159":"Did you know that Cedric was the one who set you up?","160":"I did get that feeling, yes. He's the only one who makes sense.","161":"Do you know why he'd do this?","162":"Emily thinks again, but this inner conflict is much more evident on her face.","163":"Bitterness.","164":"She gives her answer confidently. She thinks this is the right answer. She'd bet her life on it.","165":"Why would you say this?","166":"Because he thought I was using him as a tool.","167":"Why did he think that?","168":"Because I was. I didn't like him as a person. I only wanted his talent for numbers.","169":"I could tell I frustrated him... I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that he took the program.","170":"He was... the obvious culprit.","171":"My dad now thinks [i]I[\/i] stole the program, when I was doing everything I could to get it back.","172":"The irony...","173":"The good news is that they're not looking into {Leah} anymore.","174":"Emily sighs.","175":"I suppose you could say that.","176":"Silent1 was right. Taking this path did pull {Leah} off the hook.","177":"It was worth it, then, regardless of {Leah}'s feelings about it. I would've done it again.","178":"...I shouldn't share that.","179":"My dad is stubborn, though.","180":"What do you mean?","181":"Judging from what happened last night... he thinks {Leah} and I worked together to steal the program.","182":"So {Leah} isn't off the hook.","183":"They're going to look for a connection. A way to combine the cases.","184":"Damn. Emily in prison, {Leah} still in danger, I didn't get anything that I wanted.","185":"It was all for nothing.","186":"It's crazy, right? If I was using the program, I would never leave incriminating information on my phone, not when I could do something about it.","187":"My dad is so scared about the press finding out that he'd throw his own daughter under the bus.","188":"As soon as we prove Cedric guilty, you'll be out of here.","189":"I won't hold my breath.","190":"Or... you know... maybe I will.","191":"The grim joke has neither of us laughing. Emily's own statement seems to have an effect on her, I watch as the sociability drains out of Emily.","192":"I would like to go back now.","193":"We'll get you out. I promise.","194":"Grim.","195":"She's always been a serious person, but I've never seen her like that.","196":"Not even the tiniest bit of joy.","197":"She's always had an energy... someone with purpose. It looks like she's given up.","198":"Let's hope we can help her. Cedric stole the program, right? We might still be able to prove her innocent.","199":"Yes, but she didn't really tell us anything we didn't already know.","200":"I don't know about that...","201":"{Leah} looks contemplative. I feel like, even if I asked her what she meant... I'm not sure she'd be able to give an answer.","202":"Can you believe we have school after all this?","203":"It feels like the world turned upside down.","204":"Yes, but only for [i]us[\/i]. The rest of the world moves on blissful and oblivious.","205":"It's a freakishly familiar sensation. Society chugs along no matter whether I face a gun or a rope. It makes you realize how small you are in the scheme of things.","206":"Is there anyone on this planet that can truly count as important? Would the world really grind to a halt for anyone?","207":"It's a bit optimistic to say we're going back to the [i]real world[\/i]. This place is as real as college and work is. Routine and mundanity exists alongside insane, absurd things. That's reality.","208":"There's a next step to all this. We just need to figure out what it is. In the meantime, we have to keep working.","209":"I nod and give her a gentle smile, and she returns it.","210":"When we drive back, we head straight for the university.","0":"Jesus. It feels like I ought to have a hangover.","1":"Did I even drink at the party? I wish I had done something fun to earn this pounding headache.","2":"But no. Just another night of sleepless intrigue.","3":"None of it feels real. Getting strangled... Cedric getting arrested... fixing things with Emily...","4":"None of it feels real. Getting strangled... Emily getting arrested... the conversation with Cedric...","5":"None of it feels real. Getting strangled... trying to run from the house... getting arrested...","6":"Yet, I still feel it around my neck. The bruise has settled like a choker.","7":"What do you do after a night like that? I don't know whether I should throw a party or a funeral.","8":"Real life carries on. I get dressed and wonder what the rest of the day has in store for me.","9":"Wow. {Leah} looks bright today. Her smile is subtle but evident. Has she already had her coffee?"},"ch6__06.35 valerie meeting.vne3":{"10":"Cedric? Philosophy club Cedric? No way. He seemed like such a stand up guy.","11":"Linus nods, oblivious to my sarcasm. To be fair, the phone doesn't really carry it very well.","12":"I never knew the guy. You'd expect this sort of thing from the art majors and not the philosophy department.","13":"What's the philosophy of criminal kingpins, man? Is there any philosophy that's like, [i]hey, being an asshole is actually cool[\/i].","14":"The Nazis?","15":"Oh yeah. The Nazis. Is that something you actually learn as a philosophy major? Nazi philosophy?","16":"You know Emily, right? Apparently she was a major supplier or something. The police are trawling through her data looking for collaborators.","17":"I don't think they'll find much.","18":"Yeah. Emily's dad supplies our security software, which is wild. Do you think that's how she got so far? She used her knowledge of our security systems to throw the school off the scent?","19":"You realize Emily is my ex, right?","20":"Oh. Uh... ","21":"She's innocent.","22":"Linus looks like he's about to blather an apology, but I lift my hand.","23":"It's fine. You don't know anything about it.","24":"Anyway, I should get back to work. Things have been stupid crazy this year.","25":"It's crazy how little work you do. -Hank","26":"If Linus is my roommate, I guess Hank would be my landlord.","27":"At least I got a face! Come out here.","28":"Never. -Hank","29":"Why not? Huh?","30":"Because I don't need to. -Hank","31":"Listen to that joker. Leave that room and get a bath!","32":"I'm the sort of person who doesn't need hygiene. -Hank","33":"Shiiit. That might be what [i]you[\/i] think, but I guarantee you that's not true.","34":"It is true. I'm a naturally sweet-smelling person. I smell like vanilla. -Hank","35":"Vanilla that's been out for a few years maybe. {PlayerName}, does vanilla go bad?","36":"I don't know.","37":"You don't know what vanilla is? -Hank","38":"Yeah I know what vanilla is. It's an ice cream flavor.","39":"But you know what it [i]is[\/i], right? -Hank","40":"Uh... some kinda fruit I guess?","41":"It's a bean. -Hank","42":"Technically, beans are fruits.","43":"Aha! So I'm right!","44":"Only in the strictly scientific sense. -Hank","45":"[i]Strictly scientific.[\/i] I've never met a man so unwilling to give credit. We gotta teach Hank what's up.","46":"I can't get distracted by this.","47":"Linus, I gotta work, man.","48":"Doing real important stuff?","49":"I want to finish work quickly so I can focus on other things.","50":"Linus seems to understand that. Still, there's a frown on his face.","51":"I feel like we don't hang out anymore.","52":"I'm busy.","53":"Yeah. Everyone's busy.","54":"Linus noisily rolls his chair back to his computer.","55":"I'm afforded the distraction-free environment I need to start working again.","56":"I tune the whole world out and I get everything done in no time flat.","57":"I'm left with nothing to do. All the tickets are done. I'm just staring at a screen.","58":"A text? I hope that's not Hank.","59":"Hey. Thought we could go see Valerie. Are you free?","60":"I don't know. Am I free? Only one person knows.","61":"Hank, can I leave early?","62":"Why? -Hank","63":"I've got stuff I need to do.","64":"I've also got stuff I need to do. It's called work. I thought stocking the fridge with beer would make you guys want to stick around. -Hank","65":"Yeah, you're a cool boss and we don't give you nearly enough credit. I'm going through a lot right now.","66":"There's a pause. I can almost hear Hank deliberating on the other side of the door.","67":"If you're heading out, you can at least pick up a few things for tomorrow. -Hank","68":"Thanks.","69":"The list is under my door. -Hank","70":"Right. Porn, coffee, the usual. I don't think this will be an issue.","71":"I text a confirmation to {Leah} and head out the door.","72":"Oh. Hey.","73":"She was right outside the IT lab. Waiting.","74":"{Leah} looks bothered, but I guess that's no different from me. This stuff weighs on her a little too.","75":"I thought we could go see Valerie.","76":"{Leah} talked about our [i]next step[\/i]. Does she think it is talking to Valerie?","77":"The thing that bothers me is how little energy she seems to have. {Leah} isn't usually dragging her feet around.","78":"When she does, it usually means she's very preoccupied.","79":"Yes, I guess that is a good idea.","80":"Valerie does seem to be a good resource. I wonder if she'd know more about what happened last night?","81":"Let's head out together, then.","82":"She's not here.","83":"If she's not here...","84":"She takes classes too, doesn't she?","85":"Yes, but her office hours are usually pretty consistent.","86":"Can we try calling her?","87":"I take out my phone and give her a ring.","88":"Nothing.","89":"Is that weird?","90":"Kind of.","91":"{Leah} nods.","92":"I guess we'll have to wait for another day, shouldn't we?","93":"I guess.","94":"{Leah} sighs. She sounds exhausted. I didn't get much sleep either.","95":"Why don't you go home? Take a nap?","96":"{Leah} nods glumly.","97":"I think... that's not a bad idea.","98":"Having a rest... taking the time to think about this... is probably the smartest thing.","99":"I'll see you when I get back.","100":"Another shallow, glum nod, and she leaves.","101":"It would be nice to speak to Valerie about this. The fact she isn't in her office is a little disturbing.","102":"Unless... she's doing her normal activity...","103":"There she is. Taking a swim.","104":"I should've known. Combining her office hours with her exercise time.","105":"I feel like she would've left a note.","106":"Oh, {PlayerName}. You just missed it.","107":"I'm getting out of the pool, not in.","108":"Oh. That's right. I had a dream about her... I almost forgot about it.","109":"Valerie is such an attractive person... but an angel? Even she'd take issue with that.","110":"If Valerie had come as a sexy devil or something, I could better understand that.","111":"That's fine. I'm glad I found you.","112":"Oh yes. Hiding away in the college pool. Let's do a walk-and-talk.","113":"My guess is you already know what I want to bring up.","114":"The fiasco at Emily's house, yes. Unless a supervolcano erupted between last night and now.","115":"I guess it can't get much worse.","116":"A major drug bust involving students from the school? It's a nightmare. People won't stop calling me.","117":"The Campus Police got a real kick in the pants. Everyone's blaming them, saying they should've known, but really, what do they expect? They're not the DEA.","118":"They don't do sting operations, deep undercover stuff.","119":"I've had... five meetings with the administration. The school is brainstorming on a way to rescue their reputation.","120":"Nobody is going to send their student to a school with connections to organized crime.","121":"And also know who it affected, right?","122":"Yes, I heard about Emily. Who would've guessed it?","123":"It seems very out of character for her. As her ex, are you celebrating, or do you feel sorry for her?","124":"She's innocent.","125":"Innocent? Last I heard, the evidence against her was damning.","126":"It might seem so.","127":"Remember the app I told you about?","128":"The one which lets you peek into other people's computers?","129":"As if she'd forget about something like that.","130":"I can't believe it myself, but there's actually something worse out there, in the wild.","131":"Worse?","132":"It's hard to explain. It lets you change metadata. Makes it look like you sent correspondence you actually didn't.","133":"So like when someone hacks into your social media.","134":"A little like that, yes, but imagine being able to dump an entire message history, complete with logs, onto someone else's system.","135":"So that... it looks like someone made a drug deal when they actually didn't?","136":"Valerie is smart.","137":"That's really nasty.","138":"There is so much I can't tell you. But I guarantee you she's being framed.","139":"And you have proof?","140":"No. I just have my own first-hand experience.","141":"Experience you can't share with me.","142":"I'm trying to protect you.","143":"Oh, that's real chivalrous of you, not trusting women.","144":"Valerie isn't going to understand.","145":"Yes, Emily's friend, Cedric was responsible, apparently.","146":"It's quite disturbing. He was the last person I would've expected to be some drug lord or something.","147":"A real Walter White.","148":"It's a good thing, then, that we put a stop to him.","149":"Not really. Dealing drugs was the least of his issues.","150":"Out there in the wild, there's something worse than RECENTLY.","151":"It lets you change stuff. People's metadata. It makes people think you said something that you didn't.","152":"That sounds quite dramatic.","153":"{Leah} had an interesting idea, and I can't find a reason why she's wrong.","154":"What idea is that?","155":"We approach the locker rooms.","156":"I'll explain once you get out.","157":"I stand to the side and let her pass.","158":"She doesn't head in though. She looks at me... like she expects me to do something.","159":"I stare back at her. My heart begins to pound.","160":"Why is she looking at me like that?","161":"Or you could just continue.","162":"What does she mean by that?","163":"I watch as she disappears inside.","164":"I lean up against the wall, wondering-","165":"[i]I said you could just continue.[\/i]","166":"That means [i]come in.[\/i]","167":"Just continue? With her inside the locker room?","168":"Wait a second. Is she suggesting I go in with her? Into the girl's locker room?","169":"Don't be a baby.","170":"Is... this some sort of prank? A test?","171":"I can't go in there!","172":"It's just us. Don't worry so much!","173":"As if reading my mind.","174":"I suppose... if there's nobody else in there... it's not so bad.","175":"It's not like I'm trying to sneak up on anyone...","176":"Jeez... Valerie toweling off in front of me... as if I needed to compound the excitement of being in the girl's locker room.","177":"I've never been in one of these before. This is a juvenile dream come true... except I'm an adult, and I damn well know the consequences of being caught in a room like this.","178":"I'm not like {Leah}, I'm not a reflexive rule-breaker.","179":"You were saying about {Leah}'s theory?","180":"I almost forget. I was telling Valerie the story. I'll continue.","181":"{Leah} thinks...","182":"What... is... she...?","183":"[i]The motherlode![\/i]","184":"Is this a horny dream I'm in? What's happening?","185":"Seeing Valerie's breasts... a lifelong dream of mine... fulfilled...","186":"Is it rude to stare... or is it rude not to stare? [i]Why is she doing this?[\/i]","187":"You were saying?","188":"I can't believe that Valerie expects me to smoothly carry on a conversation while [i]this[\/i] is happening. [i]But of course, no, she doesn't[\/i].","189":"She's teasing me. It's a serious fucking conversation and she's teasing me.","190":"Yes, it's unprofessional, but it's also [i]exactly her style[\/i].","191":"{Leah} thinks there's an organization on campus.","192":"We have many organizations.","193":"A secret one. One that-","194":"She's [i]naked[\/i].","195":"I know she likes to tease me. I know this is a part of that...","196":"...but why now? I'm trying to tell her something important. But I can't just pretend this isn't happening?","197":"How am I supposed to communicate with her while she [i]has those things out?[\/i]","198":"A secret organization on campus? And you think it might be behind what happened last night?","199":"She really does want me to carry on normally. I know she's getting a kick out of this.","200":"Yes. Because of the wording on some messages we intercepted... we think it might be a fraternity.","201":"How interesting. A secret fraternity? That's related to Silent1?","202":"Actually, I communicated directly with Silent1 last night.","203":"Finally, it looks like Valerie straightens out a bit.","204":"Ah. Okay. I might need to take this seriously then.","205":"Let me finish getting dressed.","206":"God damn... [i]she knows exactly what she's doing[\/i].","207":"And now, of all times? I don't fucking understand her. She is the most unpresidential student president I've ever seen.","208":"I'm treated to the gorgeous sight of Valerie putting on her clothes in front of me.","209":"It's not as exciting as seeing her take things off, but I would've been pretty happy to see this in any respect.","210":"I watch, feeling rigid in more ways than one. I'm genuinely starting to think that Valerie has a hard time controlling herself.","211":"It's impulsive behavior. Exciting, yes... but impulsive. A girl like Valerie, so unpredictable, so spontaneous...","212":"...gets me excited. I can't help it. She bypasses logic completely.","213":"I'm disappointed to see her dressed.","214":"Okay. Let's go.","215":"Did you have to do that?","216":"No, I didn't have to, but I wanted to.","217":"Why?","218":"Because I like to see you go a little red, that's all.","219":"You know I can be a little impulsive, don't you?","220":"Yeah. I know.","221":"Those girls seem amused. Did they see me leave with Valerie?","222":"It doesn't matter, I guess. They'll probably forget my face.","223":"When we're outside, it seems she finally looks at me in a serious way.","224":"You talked directly with Silent1, then?","225":"Yes. It's difficult to explain. I didn't see him. He communicated through a computer... but it was definitely him.","226":"I explain to Valerie, in broad strokes, what happened.","227":"Valerie listens, and devours every word.","228":"So Silent1 is a mute, I take it?","229":"Maybe. I didn't get the sense he meant it literally. Or maybe he did. It was so damn vague.","230":"If he has a whole organization at his back... maybe he isn't a hacker at all.","231":"What do you mean?","232":"Well, to have such a wide reach like he does, you need to either be a hacker, or have connections.","233":"If the latter is true, you might not need to be a computer expert to find this guy.","234":"You're saying they would've left traces around the school.","235":"Wherever there's trouble, yes.","236":"Have you looked into Sandra?","237":"We haven't had the time...","238":"[i]We?[\/i]","239":"{Leah} and I.","240":"Looks like you've got a real team behind you.","241":"Listen, I'd suggest you pursue every lead you have, but especially Sandra.","242":"There's something strange about her disappearance. I know... if you looked into it... you'd find a way to reach Silent1.","243":"That's just my sense, anyway.","244":"I've been intending to look into it, maybe now I'll finally have the time.","245":"I have something for you, by the way.","246":"Yes?","247":"Let me zap it over to your phone. It might help.","248":"I'm a little curious what Valerie will show me. When my phone dings, I take a look.","249":"It's a photo.","250":"Cute. Is this who I think it is?","251":"It's Sandra, yes.","252":"With her mom?","253":"And with her puppies, too.","254":"Puppies?","255":"Her breasts.","256":"I see what you mean. That is a pretty low cut for a family photo.","257":"She liked to be comfortable, that's for sure.","258":"I'll print out a copy when I have the chance.","259":"Valerie smiles, her eyes linger on mine.","260":"You are a smart guy.","261":"I like to think so. Any particular reason you feel inspired to say that?","262":"Just... I don't know. I have confidence that you'll find Silent1.","263":"Sometimes, you know, I feel as smart as a man who keeps touching a hot stove, getting burnt by the same flame.","264":"It's fine to get hurt if there's a point to it.","265":"Valerie gives me one last smile, then walks away.","266":"I guess she isn't wrong. I wonder if that's her way of telling me to keep pushing through?","267":"If we do catch Silent1, this pain will definitely have been worth it.","268":"Back home. Is {Leah} outside? She seems to be... [i]loitering[\/i].","269":"{Leah} has been acting strange... but I guess the world has been pretty strange lately, so I shouldn't be too surprised.","270":"Did you find Valerie?","271":"Yes.","272":"Good. Good...","273":"{Leah} seems like she's going to say more, but her words trail off.","274":"Is she running out of energy? I know we were up late last night... and we woke up early to go to the prison.","275":"This is still unlike her.","276":"Do you want to know what she said?","277":"Oh. Sure. What did she say?","278":"Do you want to talk about this inside?","279":"{Leah} sighs.","280":"It feels so empty inside...","281":"She is in a bad mood.","282":"It will feel less empty if I go in with you.","283":"Yeah. I know.","284":"Wordlessly, {Leah} wanders inside.","285":"Not quite sure what the problem is, I follow in after her.","286":"Is everything okay?","287":"{Leah} looks at me as though that's a stupid question.","288":"I mean in addition. Is there something I don't know about?","289":"I want to go to bed early tonight, {PlayerName}, that is what's wrong.","290":"What did Valerie tell you?","291":"I don't think {Leah} will be in the mood to hear a cute story about Valerie stripping naked in front of me. I'll go straight to the point.","292":"She said, if we want to find Silent1, we should expand our search.","293":"Where?","294":"To Sandra. Maybe some other leads too.","295":"Who is Sandra again?","296":"Valerie's old roommate who went missing.","297":"Oh. Right.","298":"Okay... so a good, solid rest tonight. Then, in the morning, we'll start up the Sandra leads.","299":"That sounds reasonable.","300":"Good night, {PlayerName}.","301":"Good night.","302":"I should probably head to bed as well.","303":"Last night was Halloween... it feels like ages ago.","304":"I think I only slept a few hours...","305":"Finally, a good night's sleep.","0":"Ah yes. [i]Home sweet home[\/i].","1":"I can always count on this place to be familiar. Hello beeping servers. Hello little routers. Hello odd little fans turning on at weird hours.","2":"You make me feel right at home.","3":"Dude! Did you hear?","4":"If this is my home, I think this guy must be my roommate.","5":"I think I have.","6":"Massive police raid at a Halloween party last night. Motherflipping rich kids got arrested left and right.","7":"Turns out there was a [i]serious[\/i] drug bust. Some prominent students got thrown in jail. The school is [i]livid[\/i].","8":"I more than heard about that.","9":"You know Cedric, right? Apparently he was a major supplier or something. The police are trawling through his data looking for collaborators."},"ch6__06.45 emilys future.vne3":{"10":"[hj_speed != hj_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[povsex_speed != povsex_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[povsex_speed != povsex_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[povsex_speed != povsex_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[wallsex_speed != wallsex_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[wallsex_speed != wallsex_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[wallsex_speed != wallsex_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Jump to sex","25":"Play from the beginning","26":"We can drop by the house if you want. We could call that number right now.","27":"Go ahead and go without me, I'll catch up.","28":"Oh?","29":"I actually have something I need to do first.","30":"{Leah} waits for me to continue. I suppose I need to tell her directly.","31":"Emily needs to be driven home.","32":"She's out of prison?","33":"Yes, she's out on bail.","34":"{Leah} looks a little let out.","35":"So she's out temporarily? That's too bad.","36":"Let her know that I'm glad she's out for now.","37":"She doesn't have a car?","38":"She's been [i]grounded[\/i], so to speak.","39":"{Leah} nods, not questioning it any further.","40":"I'll meet back up with you in the apartment.","41":"{Leah} nods, and then walks her way back.","42":"It's probably about time I pick Emily up.","43":"When I arrive, Emily looks uncomfortable. I sense a sway in her posture. She reminds me of someone waiting to be picked up by their parents.","44":"Emily is clearly embarrassed by the whole situation... and as the car pulls up, she says nothing as she piles into the back seat.","45":"She only mumbles a quiet, borderline shy ''thanks''.","46":"It's a little weird, given how grateful she seemed earlier, but I guess she doesn't like to rely on anyone.","47":"The car ride is short and silent.","48":"I park the car in front of Emily's place and we get out.","49":"As she stands at the threshold of her lobby, she seems to dance between showing her gratitude and minimizing the embarrassment she's experiencing.","50":"It's... [i]a little funny[\/i]. I wait to see which side of her wins out.","51":"Oh. Fuck. Whatever. Thank you. That was very kind of you.","52":"It's not a big deal.","53":"I [i]have my own car[\/i]. I pay my mortgage from money I earn myself. Unexpected things happen sometimes.","54":"Like everyone else, sometimes you have your vehicle in the shop or sometimes you are between vehicles and you don't have access to one.","55":"In my case, I'm legally not allowed to drive right now and... I'm a little sc- [char,Emily_Casual_Annoyed][i]nervous[\/i] about public transit, so I temporarily rely on a friend to drive me.","56":"That's all. There's nothing embarrassing about that, is there?","57":"Yeah. You're right. It's not embarrassing at all.","58":"Emily blushes a violent red. That makes me grin.","59":"I'll return this favor one day. Consider this something that needs to be repaid.","60":"It really isn't a big deal. It's not embarrassing in the least to have a friend drive you home.","61":"I seem to remember doing that a few days ago.","62":"Yes, but I was [i]emotionally compromised,[\/i] so it was a different sort of situation.","63":"Wow. She would make a good lawyer.","64":"She looks over and flashes those big, brown doe eyes at me.","65":"You could... walk me up to my apartment, you know.","66":"I'm not trying to make anything of it, I just...","67":"Recent events have you a complete nervous wreck.","68":"No. I'm just taking abundant amounts of caution. That's all. Cedric is also out there. Roaming free.","69":"No. I'm just taking abundant amounts of caution. That's all.","70":"I am keenly aware of what happened the last time I escorted Emily back up to her place.","71":"Is this her way of inviting me up for sex? Except... maybe not. She looks genuinely nervous.","72":"I shouldn't have any expectations going into that building.","73":"The last time I escorted her back to her apartment, being alone with her like that, there was definitely some tension.","74":"I'm not sure that's the reason she wants me to go with her. She's gone through a lot of shit.","75":"I shouldn't expect anything.","76":"The last time I was in her apartment, it was to argue with her about {Leah}.","77":"The mood is very different now... I shouldn't expect anything to happen if I go in there.","78":"With everything happening right now, she has to be feeling vulnerable and exposed, even if she's trying to hide it. I could be tempted to take advantage of her.","79":"I hesitate for a moment, then nod.","80":"Thanks, I do appreciate it.","81":"I'm eager to see something that might not be there. I can't ignore these feelings that I still have towards her. Maybe part of me is hoping something happens.","82":"But as I said, I'll make no assumptions. Even if it is hard to ignore my carnal urges and keep my eyes off her...","83":"...the way her plump ass and shapely legs sway in those shorts is hard to ignore...","84":"God, she's so hot I'm actually getting mad at her for it. Who does she think she is, flaunting that ass around like that?","85":"She hits the button, and those silver doors close. We're alone in this small elevator again.","86":"She hits the button, and those silver doors close. We're alone in this small elevator.","87":"I'm suddenly much more aware of her presence, her body, confined in these tight quarters together.","88":"I just... want to say again, I appreciate you.","89":"It's nothing, don't worry about it.","90":"It's not nothing. The risks are damn real. We saw that on Halloween.","91":"We have had a less than rosy history, and yet, you still have my back.","92":"She looks up at me. Again, hitting me with those big, dark beautiful eyes of hers.","93":"Emily can be cold and distant, but when she wants to, she can let out a glimmer of warmth, even if she has trouble expressing it in words.","94":"I'm... not sure if I told you... but... I didn't want to break up with you.","95":"I felt like I had to. I had a responsibility to my family... to find a better match for me than you.","96":"That's why... it's so damn painful for me in this school. That's why I wanted to get out of here. You are... a constant reminder that...","97":"...I... shouldn't go on...","98":"I feel... regret...","99":"...like things ended between us so prematurely...","100":"Sometimes... I wonder if...","101":"My heart starts to race. Is she just waxing nostalgic?... Or is she waiting with bated breath for how I'll respond?","102":"She will never finish her thought unless I do it for her.","103":"That relationship is in the past.","104":"Maybe it's time to start again.","105":"I can't deny my anger. I know she's probing, poking from a distance, trying to suss out my cards while showing as little of her own as possible. ","106":"Even after dumping me, everything she's put me and {YouCallHer} through, now she wants to see where [i]her and I[\/i] are!? It isn't enough that I've already put myself on the line for her?","107":"But... I let that anger go. Whatever happened between us, she's not a bad person, and it doesn't do me any good to hold on to that angst. It's best just to be honest with her.","108":"That was a long time ago, you shouldn't feel bad about moving on.","109":"You and I, we were different people then, with a lot of growing up to do.","110":"Emily lets herself laugh, a melancholy smile flashing across her face.","111":"I suppose we did, didn't we?","112":"I'm just... disappointed in myself. I should've followed my feelings.","113":"I'm not in the right place to give her advice on being mature. I feel like I've made so many mistakes on this path.","114":"It's really just one more mistake.","115":"Growing up sucks.","116":"Yes, it sure does.","117":"Definitely the mature, grown-up thing to do to pass up a vulnerable, available Emily. The feeling of missing out is palpable, but I know I'll feel better about it in the long run.","118":"Thanks, {PlayerName}. You're a good friend.","119":"Hmm... maybe I am.","120":"The elevator comes to a stop and the door dings. I walk Emily down the hall to her door.","121":"Well, I guess I'll talk to you soon?","122":"You bet. Get some rest, Emily.","123":"Emily gives me a big hug, holding on to me for a moment as I return the embrace. Then she smiles and disappears behind her apartment door.","124":"It felt like a very good, wholesome, adult connection exchange we had. I'm glad Emily and I, at the very least, are friends again.","125":"...I hope when she hugged me, she didn't notice the rock hard erection I've had since we stepped in the elevator together.","126":"My heart beats even faster. I see Emily looking at me, waiting to see what my response is.","127":"Part of me is furious at her for saying that. She was the one who dumped me! She chose not to trust me and goes after {YouCallHer} for some crime she didn't do!","128":"...And now, she drops this on me! Questioning if it was a good idea for us to break up? Framing it like it was a mutual decision!","129":"But... god dammit... with everything we've been through, despite how furious she makes me sometimes... I still want her.","130":"Truthfully, maybe I'm more angry with myself. I catch myself thinking often about what I could've done to save our relationship.","131":"But, as I take a breath and try to let go of some of that angst, it doesn't help any. I'm still holding onto the smouldering coals of this relationship, and it still fucking burns.","132":"Emily, there's nothing I want to do more than let you go, because you, too, cause me pain.","133":"Despite that, after everything we've been through, you know I wouldn't let anything bad happen to you if I could help it.","134":"A long pause. A horrible pause. A pause so long I wonder what she's thinking.","135":"Then, the silence breaks.","136":"So... you are saying you still hold onto feelings for me?","137":"No! [delay,500]But actually yes. That is literally what I just said.","138":"Emily looks to the floor with a hint of nervousness, showing maybe a shred of vulnerability.","139":"I hate that I just admitted it... but...","140":"...I think I just melted glaciers of ice between us.","141":"Damn it. I don't know if I want to yell at her or kiss her, but my body seems to make that decision for me.","142":"This time, I'm not even making it out of the elevator.","143":"I reach out, and pick her chin up so we are looking into each other's eyes.","144":"Letting all the bullshit with Cedric, RECENTLY, her father, and all the rest of it just melt away, until it's just her and me.","145":"We've said everything we need to with our eyes.","146":"In one swift motion, I take Emily and press her against the wall of the elevator, kissing her deeply.","147":"She responds immediately, meeting my lips and grabbing the back of my head and my shoulder to pull me close.","148":"Like a storm carrying us off, we give into our longings and desires. Tasting each other again after this long drought, realizing how much we missed it, missed [i]this[\/i]!","149":"This is probably a mistake. But the floodgates are open, and there's no closing them now.","150":"Emily's hand drifts down off my head...","151":"And I hear and feel the muffled, mechanical ''Ka-Chunk'' of the elevator coming to a short stop. Followed by a loud angry buzz.","152":"Will anybody try to use this elevator?","153":"Fuck it. I'm not thinking with my brain anymore anyways.","154":"I've got more important things in front of me, as I nuzzle and chew at Emily's neck, while my hand slides down her shorts, causing her to whimper sensually.","155":"My hands drift back up to Emily's chest. I grab the bottom of her shirt and tug it upward, her large, round, plump tits playfully jiggling out from under her top.","156":"God, I've missed these. Emily always had amazing breasts, but they've definitely gone up a cup size or two since we split up, and not getting to ravish her big milk melons once she fully filled out has always been a sore spot for me.","157":"Now though, I have her plump jugs all to myself, and I squeeze and suck on them feverishly, causing Emily's breath to quicken as she's excited and stimulated.","158":"Apparently playing with her tits gets Emily jump started to take things up a notch, and she shoves me roughly up against the opposite side of the elevator.","159":"Ripping off her top, she drops to her knees, her hands caressing my bulging crotch.","160":"Tugging my pants down, my heart quickens as my hard cock flops out at her, causing her to jerk her head back to avoid it.","161":"You've... grown...","162":"I wish that was true... but I'm not arguing with Emily's perceptions here.","163":"Emily's eyes go wide and she gasps deeply, taking my hungry, twitching member in her small hand, stroking it softly as she eyes it with curiosity.","164":"What a delicious feeling... I love that a girl as proud and stiff-backed as Emily would wank me.","165":"It gives me a rush of dominance to see it, but also... a strange feeling of vulnerability.","166":"My manhood completely relies on her tenderness... her desire to please. If she suddenly changed her mind...","167":"...she could break me right now.","168":"I guess it's good that we're friends again. She definitely seems to care about pleasing me.","169":"Wasting little time, she leans in and mouths the head of my boner with her plump, silky soft lips.","170":"A shudder shoots up my spine as the sensation of her sucking at the tip of my cock explodes through me. My mind can't think of anything else except how badly I want her mouth.","171":"Emily takes her time though. Getting reacquainted with my manhood. Maybe letting her jaw loosen up.","172":"She continues to slowly jerk me off as she mouths the crown of my dick. I rub my hands through her auburn hair, fighting the urge to press her head down onto my rod.","173":"And finally, the sweet, ecstatic bliss as her lips start to travel down my shaft.","174":"My eyes flicker to the ceiling for a moment in some silent prayer of thanks for such ecstasy, then back down to watch this beautiful girl slowly swallow more and more of my cock.","175":"Emily is an absolute pro with her mouth, and I'm kicking myself for letting her get away all those years ago, knowing I could have been having this regularly.","176":"Slowly, her pace quickens, her head bobbing and twisting down my shaft, deeper and faster, then slower, then fast again, changing gears and stirring me up, short circuiting my nervous system and sending involuntary twitches down my legs.","177":"All the while, letting out little muffled moans as she sucks me off, her braids swaying back and forth with the motion of the blowjob.","178":"It's funny how much I'm willing to forgive and forget for Emily, when I have her mouth like this.","179":"Every movement of her smooth tongue causes me to shudder...","180":"...I don't feel like I'm the passive participant in this. With each electric impulse of pleasure, I find myself clenching.","181":"God do her lips feel good... like two cushions... or hot water beds.","182":"I end up gritting my teeth... and the urge to guide her with my hands is quite strong.","183":"That is not Emily's style, so I let her work at her own pace.","184":"Just when she's getting me close to my point of no return though, she switches gears again, letting my long member slide out of her mouth, and taking a deep well earned breath.","185":"Holding my shaft up, she leans in and starts to suck at my balls.","186":"Gently and carefully, she works over my nuts, all the while looking up at me with those big, brown doe eyes of hers.","187":"I feel like I could let her just work over my shaft and balls until the end of time, but now it's my turn to change things up.","188":"I grab Emily, standing her up, and push her up against the opposing wall. She gasps, looking back with wide eyes.","189":"Instinctively though, she presses out her round, juicy lookin' ass for me, swaying it back and forth as if to tempt me with it.","190":"What are you gonna do to me?","191":"It sounds more like a challenge than a question.","192":"Reaching around, I undo her shorts, and slowly start pulling them off her round, perky ass. Her plump cheeks erupt from around the fabric as I peel them off her butt and down around her juicy thighs.","193":"Face to face with her amazing, soft, olive skinned booty. I just want to start chewing on it.","194":"Oh, god!","195":"Grinning, I grab hold of her magnificent cheeks and pull them close, sliding my tongue up between them and finding her star.","196":"She coos and giggles, letting out squeals as little electric shivers run up her.","197":"All the while, I tongue at her asshole and pussy, making sure to get them good and wet.","198":"Standing up, I take Emily around those amazing hips, and pulling her to me, press my cock up against her pussy.","199":"Oh fuck yes! Put it in me!","200":"I take it slow, gently but firmly pressing it into Emily, letting her relax as my cock slowly slides inside her.","201":"Until, Emily suddenly relaxes fully, and my shaft shoots up into her, causing her to jump and yelp a bit, followed by a giggle.","202":"Holding her tightly, I start to bounce her back and forth on my shaft. Slowly, she starts to match my rhythm, pushing back into me with each thrust.","203":"I slap against her, I feel the elevator sway slightly...","204":"...or maybe it's just my imagination. The pleasure is great enough that it drowns any concern.","205":"Each hump feeds my passion further, and I grab Emily around the arms, bending her over as I start to pound her from behind, her breath and the tempo of her moans increasing to match.","206":"Yes! Fuck me harder!","207":"I comply, humping feverishly as she moans and curses with each thrust, her braids and large tits bouncing back and forth, egging me on to go even harder!","208":"The small elevator quickly filling with her moans and the wet slapping sound of my thighs against her jiggling cheeks!","209":"I could easily finish like this, unloading my seed deep up inside her, but that'd be premature.","210":"With more than a bit of will power, I pull my cock out of Emily's tight pussy, and spin her around, pushing her back against the elevator wall.","211":"Dropping to my knees, I lean into her now soaking wet pussy, her juices causing it to glisten as I to start to kiss and tease it.","212":"Oh god, eat my pussy!","213":"All too eager to comply, I start lapping at her clit, my fingers finding their way up inside her, exploring and seeking out the best spots to incite the reactions I want.","214":"As fun as it is, teasing and playing with Emily like this, it's a means to an end. She probably didn't need the extra stimulation, given how wet she is, but I savored her taste all the same.","215":"I stand back up, grabbing hold of her ass and pulling her in close to me, pressing my cock against her waiting pussy lips.","216":"Yes! Oh-yes-oh-yes-oh-yes! Please... please put it in!","217":"With her encouragement, I press forward, feeling the head of my cock penetrate her, and watching her face stretch and morph in a silent moan of pleasure, as she's overwhelmed with the sensation of my member burying itself in her.","218":"I grab her silky thigh and lift it up, looking to get even deeper inside her. Her slit is hot and wet and warm and sucks hungrily at my cock.","219":"I slowly start pumping away, letting her pussy grow accustomed to my girth, and nuzzle at her neck, savoring all her little moans and noises.","220":"Firmly grabbing big handfuls of her heavenly cheeks, I pick Emily up. She wraps her curvy legs around me and squeezes me so tight it's almost uncomfortable.","221":"Kissing each other deeply, I start to hop her up and down on my cock, feeling her slide up and down my shaft.","222":"Picking up speed, she bounces faster and faster, trying her best to keep our lips locked as she starts to pant and moan.","223":"That's it, {PlayerName}, keep going!","224":"Emily encourages in breathy, desperate tones. Her ample jugs bouncing up and down in my chest, as her hands grip and grope at every inch of my skull, neck, and shoulders.","225":"Her legs starting to kick as she continues to ride my cock.","226":"I hear a strange beep and feel the elevator rock. I guess I'm so good at fucking I must have broken something.","227":"What if I did break something and we crash to our deaths?... Whatever, if I'm going out, this is how I wanna die.","228":"If I'm going to die, being fucked to death is probably the best option.","229":"Needing to pound Emily harder, I pin her up against the back of the elevator, grabbing her thighs and pulling her in tight, thrusting my shaft deeply into her.","230":"Emily moans and her eyes roll back as I penetrate her more deeply and start fucking her more aggressively!","231":"Right there! That's it! Keep going! I'm almost there!","232":"She squeezes me tightly with her legs, crushing my ribs with her lust, but I don't care, I'm so close to finishing nothing short of this elevator crashing down is going to stop me!","233":"Face to face, I thrust hard and harder, I let her legs engage me and guide me.","234":"I slide, in and out, in and out, like I'm a bow playing a violin.","235":"Every time I finish a thrust, I have to ache to hold myself back. I lock my entire body and hold steady any sensation.","236":"It's getting to be more and more effort not to cum...","237":"Emily senses I'm close as well. Her fingers digging into my back as she feels me start to tense up.","238":"Cum inside me, baby! Please!","239":"We reach climax together. I see her mind starting to go as her eyes start to roll back, deep shudders rocking her whole body!","240":"At the same time, I snarl, bracing myself as my knees buckle, while I feel the hot waves of orgasm and my cock pump my thick, ropey seed deep inside Emily.","241":"She squeaks out the most desperate, shocked little moan as she feels my cum exploding inside of her.","242":"As the waves of orgasm take the both of us, we can only stand there, completely seized up, gripping each other tightly, as I feel a hot trail of cum escape out from Emily's tight snatch and down my shaft.","243":"I finally start to relax a bit, feeling my muscles loosen and am suddenly aware how strongly I'm gripping Emily's cheeks. Relaxing my grip I'm a bit worried about the bruises I may have left.","244":"If I was hurting her she didn't notice, as her own waves of pleasure start to subside, choking in air as she remembers to breathe again, panting and sweating and collapsing into me.","245":"We both take a moment, just catching our breath and letting our bodies cool. The heat coming off of us feels like it could melt a glacier.","246":"The little cherry on top is the adorable little yelp Emily lets off, as my softening cock slides out of her, soaked in cum and pussy juice.","247":"Finally composing herself enough to speak, Emily looks down at me with exhausted satisfaction.","248":"Oh, {PlayerName}... that was...","249":"My heart drops into my stomach as I hear the elevator doors slide open with cheerful yet cruel indifference, and watch Emily's eyes grow the size of saucers.","250":"Oh FUCK!","251":"''Caught with your pants down'' suddenly takes on a new dimension for me.","252":"Miss Emily?... Is that you?","253":"Heh heh... Hey Marge, look. You can see the boy's ass!","254":"After putting our clothes back on, Emily looks paler than a ghost.","255":"The door slams shut, as though to keep whatever embarrassment out.","256":"Then... her lips shiver...","257":"That was... a loss of control.","258":"I...","259":"...like losing control.","260":"We're making a habit of it.","261":"Mmhmm. ","262":"Me too.","263":"Maybe we can make this a habit.","264":"She looks thoughtful...","265":"Let's not deal with this all right now. Let's just let it be.","266":"That's for the best. The feelings are still there... whether they ought to be rekindled...","267":"Goodnight, {PlayerName}.","268":"Goodnight.","269":"That was weirdly intense.","270":"I still have to go home and make that call with Carmen...","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[bj_speed != bj_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[bj_speed != bj_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[bj_speed != bj_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[hj_speed != hj_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[hj_speed != hj_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch6__06.60 kissing leah.vne3":{"10":"Still, it's nice she's calling. Let's hope for good news.","11":"I'm glad you called.","12":"You should know something.","13":"Her tone immediately puts me on edge.","14":"A missing persons report was just filed with the campus police.","15":"No. It can't be. No.","16":"I just saw her this afternoon.","17":"[speed,0.1][i]{Leah}?[\/i]","18":"It's Cedric.","19":"Cedric is the one who is missing?","20":"Yes.","21":"Relief. Oh... my heart was [i]pounding[\/i].","22":"He was seen last night.","23":"He's in [i]jail[\/i]. How does that happen?","24":"I'm not a criminologist or a warden, so I don't know.","25":"Shit. He's really gone? His disappearance is fucking convenient, isn't it? Just when we're starting to know the questions we really need to ask.","26":"That definitely explains why {Leah} has been absent. She's already on Cedric's case, looking for him.","27":"This is what I'm talking about, {PlayerName}. People suddenly disappearing.","28":"I thought you should know, I did ask you to look into it.","29":"Valerie, you need to protect yourself.","30":"I'll be fine. I'm protected.","31":"Don't get overconfident. And thanks for the information.","32":"Don't mention it. If you have anything else, let me know.","33":"Will do, goodbye.","34":"Of all the people to disappear, Cedric is the one I least care about. He can disappear into a grave as far as I'm concerned.","35":"But... this does complicate the investigation quite a bit. Cedric was our biggest lead...","36":"...that's maybe why he's gone.","37":"I need a breath of fresh air.","38":"What a coincidence.","39":"There's {Leah} finally, with her hands in her pockets, shoulders slumped.","40":"I don't think I need to tell her what Valerie just told me.","41":"I give her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder and a little rub on the chin.","42":"You okay?","43":"Hmm...","44":"We'll find something else.","45":"{Leah} doesn't shake her head, doesn't blink, doesn't frown, doesn't smile.","46":"She's a stiff, expressionless statue. A block of concrete.","47":"Something else going on?","48":"Are you, of all people, asking what's going on?","49":"She isn't annoyed. She's surprised, but without the energy to emote it.","50":"There's a conversation here that's long overdue.","51":"Come on. Let's go inside.","52":"It feels so empty inside. There's no answers in there. There's nothing important.","53":"There is something important in there. It's us.","54":"That makes {Leah} flinch.","55":"I'll fix you some tea. You clearly need it.","56":"This morning, {Leah} was so damn perky. Now? Her feet drag.","57":"I can't remember the last time I saw {Leah} act like this. Is she this upset over a lack of a lead?","58":"She turned heavily on her feet, and walks inside.","59":"I follow after her.","60":"The click of the light switch seems to echo in the room.","61":"The weather has been getting colder, but I don't think the chill I'm experiencing comes from that.","62":"She takes a seat. The sofa groans. I go to heat up some water.","63":"I switch on the kettle... contemplating {Leah}'s dramatic change in mood.","64":"Then, I hear it. Sniffling, a suppressed sob. Then, I know the rarest event is happening on that sofa.","65":"[i]{Leah} is crying.[\/i]","66":"Like anyone with a heart would, I rush over to her.","67":"As genuine and kind as {Leah} is, she's not one to shed tears. It takes [i]a lot[\/i] for this to happen.","68":"I...","69":"...I thought I lost you.","70":"I never should have left you alone.","71":"[i]Lost me?[\/i]","72":"{Leah}, Halloween was days ago.","73":"She moodily hangs her head. What does she need to hear? I'll say anything.","74":"This is probably the most serious situation we've ever been in. It makes the time you broke into the principal's office feel like a harmless prank.","75":"It does, doesn't it? It doesn't even feel like a big deal anymore.","76":"It felt like it at the time.","77":"This is so damn serious, {PlayerName}. It's so serious it's hard to even know how to act.","78":"It's like... a responsibility fell on our shoulders from nowhere. It's so unfair. We should be having fun... not chasing bat-shit insanity.","79":"You always wanted a big case.","80":"I know. I chase after this stuff, but that's when I thought I'd only ever hurt myself. You know? As long as I didn't have other people's lives on my conscience, it'd be okay.","81":"People are disappearing, literally. Cedric is gone... just when we were going to talk to him. Sandra's been gone for over a year. Do you know how rare it is to find people gone that long still alive?","82":"I don't know how to get you out of this.","83":"Technically, I pulled you into this.","84":"No... that's not true. I pulled myself into it. I chased after it. I smelled a mystery, [i]I wanted this[\/i].","85":"But now that I'm here... there's nothing I can do to push you out of the way. I can't take on your burdens.","86":"I wouldn't want you to.","87":"No, you wouldn't.","88":"I have this... awful feeling. It's like my subconscious has come to conclusions that my consciousness doesn't want to listen to.","89":"My feeling is... that this is a mystery we don't want to solve. These are boxes that shouldn't be opened. There are things that people just shouldn't learn.","90":"It would have been safer... better... if we had left things alone.","91":"Is this really {Leah} telling me this? {Leah}, who makes Nancy Drew look incurious?","92":"What has she realized about this case that she doesn't want to acknowledge?","93":"And here's the tragic part of it... I can't let this go. Even though I know it's going to bring disaster on both of us... I can't just not find out the truth.","94":"And... that is something only {Leah} would say. Truth be told...","95":"I finally know how you feel.","96":"Yes. I would say that your safest option would be to leave town, not come back but...","97":"...the awful feeling I have is... I don't think we'd be safe even if we gave up now.","98":"But... that doesn't mean you have to be alone.","99":"As long as we're together... we can find a way through this.","100":"I look at her... I feel her warmth, and the expression in her voice.","101":"Something I've only felt a few times in my life simmers within me. To be honest... all I could do as she spoke was watch her.","102":"I wonder if I should... move forward slightly... and...","103":"...and kiss her.","104":"...and let her rest.","105":"The most prominent taste on her lips comes from her tears.","106":"On the surface, these are the most normal lips I've ever kissed....","107":"...but my heart completely disagrees.","108":"And, as {Leah} flexes between relaxing into the kiss... and moving away... I know I have to make the decision.","109":"It feels so natural. So right. But there's a heaviness. I know this will change everything.","110":"I should feel this is so wrong... so strange... so [i]weird[\/i]...","111":"...but I don't.","112":"I do know this will change everything...","0":"I have full confidence in {Leah}.","113":"...as I am torn between continuing...","1":"All this intrigue has left me very little time to do work or relax... so I try to do both.","114":"...and pulling away, fearful of what this means.","2":"I switch on the television, pull out some homework, and begin.","115":"This too shall pass.","3":"It's been hours. Is {Leah} really not back yet?","116":"Yes. I know it will.","4":"I had better call her and check in.","117":"Thank you...","5":"Nothing. That's disturbing. Is she driving?","118":"...for staying with me...","6":"I'll assume she's driving.","119":"I let her rest on my shoulder. I am content with this.","7":"Holyjesusfuck!","120":"{Leah} cares about me, and I care about her. Honestly, that's enough. I don't need anything else.","8":"Why did that spook the shit out of me? Why is my skin covered with goosebumps?","121":"Whatever odd thoughts or impulses I have are motes on the wind. Nothing less.","9":"It's not {Leah}, unfortunately, it's Valerie."},"ch6_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch6_start.vne3":{"3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","4":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","6":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","7":"Check synopsis.","8":"Skip.","9":"The investigation into Silent1’s plot to end a life led to a chilling discovery.","10":"The photo I intercepted at a dead drop showed that it was none other than Emily... or me... who was the target.","11":"I had no doubt that taking the photo wouldn't stop Silent1, but maybe it would throw a wrench into their plans.","12":"I returned the photo to the envelope, hoping to not reveal to Silent1 and their accomplice that I was on to them.","13":"{YouCallHer} and I staked out the park to wait for Silent1's co-conspirator, Pledged1, to show up, but we fell asleep on watch, and missed our chance.","14":"{YouCallHer} stayed behind to see if the co-conspirator, Pledged1, would show up, while I went to class and work.","15":"In a shred of good news, Sam was finally back in class.","16":"Checking back in with {Leah}, it was clear that Pledged1 never showed up to the dead drop.","17":"I wracked my brain on what the point of the photo even was.","18":"After some thinking...","19":"...I knew it had to have been Cedric. He knew Emily and I would be at lunch together. He didn't seem happy with his own relationship with Emily, and he's too close to all of this for me to ignore him as a suspect.","20":"I set up a deal with Cedric, hoping to get him to talk and maybe get some information out of him, but it was mostly fruitless.","21":"The only curious part... the marijuana I bought off of him, he called it ''Puff Dragon''... a strange coincidence.","22":"It brought back shameful memories. That was the very same I had bought from Buttsnack long ago.","23":"That was the worst thing I had ever done.","24":"During the high school election, I had intended to plant them in Sam’s locker to sabotage her bid for Student Council president. I didn't go through with it, but it was still me at my lowest.","25":"Meanwhile, things took a dark turn with {Leah}. Still under investigation for the break-in at Emily's parents, the police confiscated her cell phone and laptop.","26":"While she was innocent of that crime, she told me there was other information on those devices that could incriminate her as Nightingale, and evidence that could land her in serious trouble.","27":"Now more than ever, I need to find out who broke into Emily's father's office and took the data, to clear {YouCallHer}’s name, and the clock is ticking.","28":"I went to Emily again to try and reason with her and hopefully persuade her to call off the cops investigating {YouCallHer}, but I was unsuccessful. Emily couldn't be convinced that {YouCallHer} wasn't the one who was out to harm her family.","29":"I did learn that she was having a house party on Halloween though, a prospect that sent a chill up my spine.","30":"Halloween, the day that Silent1 and their accomplice planned to [i]end a life[\/i].","31":"I knew I had to be at that party to stop this plot, even if Emily wasn't about to give me an invitation.","32":"But I needed back-up if I was going to do this...","33":"It would be good for Maggie to get out in the social scene. Plus, if things went sideways, I have a feeling she can handle herself more than her timid personality lets on.","34":"I asked Haley to come, she's insightful and smart. She'd pick up on anything suspicious going on.","35":"Sam's my best friend. If anyone would have my back if the shit hit the fan, aside from {YouCallHer}, it would be her.","36":"...it would have been good to have someone there to watch my back. But in the end, I couldn't bring myself to put someone I cared about in a potentially life threatening situation like that.","37":"Since I couldn't tell them the real reason I was there, I decided to do this on my own.","38":"Halloween night, disguised in the ironic choice of a burglar costume, I was able to get into Emily's house party.","39":"Using RECENTLY, I came across a string of messages, seeming to be Cedric and Emily in the middle of some kind of drug deal. It didn't add up with my fear that Cedric may be here to hurt Emily.","40":"I had to find them and get to the bottom of what was really going on!","41":"I was able to find Emily, and she finally came clean with me about her fears.","42":"What was taken from her dad’s office was a powerful, dangerous piece of software. One that could manufacture metadata - fake messages that would be indistinguishable from actual communication.","43":"Terrified that this program had fallen into the wrong hands, Emily finally agreed to help, and gave me a key to her dad's office, where I thought I might find Cedric.","44":"And sure enough, when I entered the office, there he was.","45":"Cedric came clean, revealing how all along it was his plan to destroy Emily. Planting the drugs and using Emily's family program to leave a digital trail all back to her.","46":"And his plan was too late to stop completely, I was left with a terrible choice. Revealing Cedric to save Emily, or let Emily take the fall for everything as Cedric had planned, and spare {Leah} from the investigation against her.","47":"But before I could do either of those...","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. "},"ch6__06.55.05 meeting lidia.vne3":{"3":"I hadn't forgotten about Lidia. The fact that she can't travel, and that she's being closely monitored by the government like she's some kind of threat to National Security, it just didn't seem to add up with her character.","4":"Smart, funny, sweet... What dark past was this unassuming barista hiding that required the attention of intimidating men in dark suits with guns and badges?","5":"I had to try and get closer to her, maybe try and suss out what had her on a government watch list.","6":"She hit me with that big warm smile as I walked in the coffee shop.","7":"Hey there, stranger. The usual?","8":"Make it a large, I have a ton of college work to catch up on.","9":"I picked a seat and settled in. Honestly, you couldn't ask for a better set up to observe someone without them getting too suspicious, posting up at a coffee shop and pretending to do college work.","10":"Not even ''pretending'', come to think of it. I really do have a ton of homework to catch up on. Plus, it felt safer, being in a public, well lit place. I was still feeling pretty shaken up after everything that went down on Halloween.","11":"I had barely finished turning my laptop on and pulling my notebooks out, when Lidia sauntered out from behind the counter with my order.","12":"Here you go, hun. Let me know if you need a reload!","13":"Did she always cock her hips that much when she walked, or was she putting on a show for me? Either way, she wasn't going to make it easy to get any homework done.","14":"The hours ticked by. Every person who walked through the door, I scrutinized. Every call or text Lidia received, I watched intently, checking RECENTLY.","15":"Was every patron some undercover agent? Every innocuous looking text message she received some code?","16":"Or maybe my paranoia was starting to get to me. It probably wasn't helping that I was unconsciously throwing back multiple cups of coffee.","17":"But the sun got low in the sky and patrons started to slowly file out. No strange hand-offs by men in sunglasses. No dark suits talking into hidden microphones discretely interrogating Lidia.","18":"Just chairs going up on tables as she prepared the place for closing.","19":"","20":"Last call, {PlayerName}.","21":"Huh? That time already? Here, let me help you clean up.","22":"No, no, sit and finish what you were doing, it looks like it has you on the ropes.","23":"Damn, I hope I wasn't broadcasting ''crazy'' vibes this whole time. Do I look as strung out as I feel?","24":"Nah, it'll be good for me to take a break from this for a bit. Plus, you can't pump a man full of coffee like this and expect him to just sit still!","25":"Lidia laughs, cocking her eyebrow at me.","26":"Oh how dare I! Well come on then, cowboy, let's put you to work.","27":"I finish putting up the chairs and sweep the floor as Lidia cleans her counter and station. It feels good to have some mindless physical labor to take my mind off things for a few minutes.","28":"It also helps just chatting with Lidia, about nothing in particular, just gossip, TV shows, music. For a few blessed minutes, I forget all about the storm clouds that have been circling my life recently.","29":"As pleasant and refreshing as all this is though, I remember why I came here, and try to subtly pry Lidia for more information about her situation.","30":"So... does your dad still get to travel around for work?","31":"He does! He just called me from [i]São Paulo[\/i] yesterday!","32":"Brazil, very cool. I'd love to visit someday.","33":"Yeah... I would too...","34":"There is a tinge of sadness in her voice. Brazil is also off the table? So it's definitely not just Italy she can't visit, it sounds like she's on some kind of international ''no-fly'' list.","35":"Maybe someday down the line?","36":"I hope so. Someday perhaps.","37":"Who knows, we might backpack South America together.","38":"Oh, you wouldn't want to travel with me. I have... baggage.","39":"Of course you do, everyone has baggage when they travel.","40":"Lidia laughs at my bad joke, but it's still sprinkled with melancholy.","41":"Trust me, I have a LOT of baggage.","42":"Maybe someday, though...","43":"Unconsciously, Lidia looks up and out the window, as if she's looking for something.","44":"Well, it's late, and I'm sure you have a lot of work to do yet...","45":"Whatever her dark secret is, she's playing it close to her chest. Any more prodding might come off as suspicious, so I just nod in agreement.","46":"...But maybe if you're free some time, we could hang out.","47":"For sure, we'll get something on the books!","48":"Great! Well, goodnight, {PlayerName}! Thanks again for helping me close up. Your next cup of coffee is on me!","49":"Lidia leans in and gives me a peck on the cheek.","50":"It catches me off guard, and suddenly I forget how to sign. Funny how a pretty girl can scramble your head like that.","51":"Lidia just flashes a shy grin, turning around and walking away. I stand there for a moment in my caffeine exacerbated freeze up, waiting for my brain to restart.","52":"Lidia gives me a playful pat on the arm as I gather my things and head out.","53":"Damn, I'm still not really any closer to learning what's keeping Lidia from leaving the country.","54":"Whatever it is, Lidia seems like she still has hope she'll be able to get out from under it.","55":"The more I think about it, the more I'm worried about finding out. I like Lidia, I have trouble thinking she'd be capable of anything seriously criminal.","56":"Is Lidia guilty of something really bad, or is she just a pawn in something bigger?","57":"Just more questions. For once it would be nice to get an answer.","58":"Mystery aside, getting that little kiss on the cheek made hanging out here all day seem worth it.","59":"Time to get some rest. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day.","0":"One lead. One little lead.","1":"A string to pull, crumbs to follow, a rock to turn.","2":"After class, before I do anything, I need to follow a thread I've neglected."},"ch6__06.55.10 a walk in the park.vne3":{"3":"{PlayerName}! Hey! Oh my gosh, sorry! You caught me a little off guard!","4":"She does look a little frazzled, stressed even.","5":"Everything going okay?","6":"Yeah!... Yeah, still training up this temp manager, just... working through the teething problems, ya know?","7":"Totally.","8":"I think I've known Lidia long enough now to know that she wouldn't get that kind of anxiety from training a temporary manager.","9":"You want to take a walk? Blow off some steam?","10":"Oh yes, I'm on a break anyway. I got about an hour to kill.","11":"Wait, didn't you come by for a coffee... or did you just miss my smiling face?","12":"A nice walk would probably be better than chugging a bunch of caffeine.","13":"Awww, how are you gonna say that to a girl who runs a coffee shop?","14":"I scramble for a moment until Lidia disarms the situation with a laugh.","15":"Come on, a walk will be nice.","16":"We meander through campus, just filling time with small talk or waxing nostalgia about our childhoods.","17":"It's disarming to come to the topic of favorite childhood cartoon shows.","18":"I was worried that Lidia, in her cultured ways, had spent her youth painting, touring the Italian countryside, or in museums.","19":"Resting my insecurity, she did spend at least part of her childhood wolfing down sugar filled breakfast cereal and watching mindless TV on Saturday mornings.","20":"...that was your favorite? No surprise there. It figures you'd be all about saving the planet and helping dolphins.","21":"He's our hero! Gonna take pollution down to zero!","22":"Don't hate, you know you wanted one of those power rings!","23":"No way, it's metal claws and laser beam eyes for me.","24":"Spandex too, apparently!","25":"Now who's hating.","26":"We come to the big open park at the south side of campus.","27":"Do you want to cut through the greens? It'll be shadier and less noisy than walking on the sidewalk next to traffic.","28":"Um... no, the sidewalk is fine.","29":"You sure? Come on, it'll be way cooler under the trees.","30":"Yeah, plus I think we should probably be headed back anyways, I don't want to leave this new guy alone too long to run the place just yet.","31":"Well, the park would be a shorter route, we could just...","32":"Look, I just don't want to go through the park, alright!","33":"I'm sorry, it's... it's not that I don't trust you or anything, I just... let's just stay on the street, okay?","34":"I put up my hands in surrender, whatever it is, it's got Lidia a little worked up, so I decide to just leave the issue for now.","35":"Did something happen to her in the park?...[pause] No. I don't think that's it, nothing she said or did seemed to indicate she had an aversion to the park itself.","36":"And it's not as if the park didn't have tons of potential witnesses, so she would not have been worried about being alone with me in there.","37":"Well, I'm not surprised by your taste in cartoons, anyway. You strike me as someone who would like a show about helping the planet and others.","38":"Yeah, well, let's just say you should be careful when you try helping others, things aren't always what they seem.","39":"It's a dark, cryptic, cynical take, and sounds so alien and out of place coming from Lidia.","40":"But oh man... you won't believe some of the cartoons they have in Europe. Talk about a fever dream!","41":"Seems like she's not interested in letting me tug at that thread, but I file that little bit of information away.","42":"Finally, we're back at the coffee shop.","43":"Well, here we are.","44":"Thanks again for the walk, I really needed it.","45":"It was a pleasure.","46":"Wanna cup for the road? It's on me.","47":"Thanks, let me get a rain check on that. I should get going.","48":"Alright. Great seeing you again, {PlayerName}, let's hang out again soon, okay?","49":"I look forward to it.","50":"Lidia gives me a warm smile, and goes back inside. It was great to get to spend some more time with her.","51":"Still, it was odd. Something was definitely bothering Lidia.","52":"I look up to cross the street, and then I see a black van. Didn't I see that van at the park too?","53":"But wait... I remember seeing it back here at the coffee shop when we left an hour ago too...","54":"Jesus. Lidia wasn't afraid of going into the park, she didn't want to leave the street because she didn't want to seem like she was losing her... [i]government tail[\/i]?","55":"That's something a delusional, paranoid lunatic would say. But what am I in except a delusional, paranoid fantasy?","56":"But even as my eyes linger on it, scrutinizing it, the van's engine starts up and it pulls out, passing me as it drives away....","57":"Close enough to see the large, gruff looking man in dark sunglasses staring at me, scrutinizing me back.","58":"My blood turns ice cold.","59":"For lack of any other sensible reaction, I chuckle silently. Who knows, maybe I'm certifiably insane. It might be nice to just wake up in a padded room one of these days.","0":"I don't know if I'll be waiting for hours or days. So I swing by the coffee shop. A cup of joe and getting to see Lidia is usually a combo that's good for the soul.","1":"When I arrive, Lidia is walking out the front door.","2":"Hey! How's it going!"},"ch6__06.55.15 helping lidia.vne3":{"10":"The people with Lidia... whether these guys are the cops or the robbers, I know I don't want {Leah} anywhere near them.","11":"I guess this is going to be something I do on my own. Tomorrow morning, I'm going to check in with Lidia again.","12":"Hrmm... {Leah} already sent me a text...","13":"I hope this is nothing important.","14":"It's Linus. Nothing important, then.","15":"Do I have to deal with him right now?","16":"I'll make this brief.","17":"Did you see the pictures of Alexis?","18":"Right.","19":"I've seen every picture of Alexis.","20":"Not these ones.","21":"Right. Send them over.","22":"Okay. Alexis is attractive. Bold of her to take the mask off.","23":"Nice pose. Nice figure.","24":"I feel like once you've seen one Alexis picture, you've seen them all.","25":"They look nice. What do you want me to say?","26":"I need some bro camaraderie, man. Tell me how awesome her tits are.","27":"Her tits are awesome.","28":"This time, with feeling.","29":"Her tits are epic.","30":"Nice.","31":"Why do you need me to say shit like this?","32":"We're guy friends! This is what guy friends do. We should be sharing naked pictures and talking about girls.","33":"How many guy friends do you have?","34":"An uncomfortably long pause.","35":"Is this a difficult question?","36":"You're the only normal person I know.","37":"That can't be true.","38":"I'm serious. Hank ain't normal. I have the retro electronics club, but they all have their pronouns listed in their twitter bios. Not that it's a bad thing...","39":"Aren't you part of a board game club too?","40":"I have a regular RPG group and they're all AACHM members.","41":"Little Dantes.","42":"Exactly. So please act normal. Ogle some girls occasionally and make comments about someone's wide ass. Please, I'm desperate.","43":"I can tell Linus really needs this.","44":"Give him what he wants.","45":"Explain why you won't.","46":"Just ignore his texts.","47":"Man, Alexis is so hot. Her tits are a shelf that could hold trophies for ''best tits'' and she needs taillights for that dumper she has.","48":"I just want to spank her until her whole body jiggles, I want her to tik tok my lap, grind me like a skateboard. Call me J.A. because I'm gonna be between her pajamas.","49":"I'm weirdly proud of that. I wonder how he's going to respond?","50":"Thank you.","51":"There's some real appreciation I can feel through it. How starved is Linus for male banter?","52":"I'm not going to start making spicy comments. If they get out, they could be used against me.","53":"That's fine. You can tell me in person.","54":"...Incorrigible.","55":"We'll see.","56":"Linus needs to be a lot less needy.","57":"I'm not his therapist, his buddy-buddy, or anything. If he wants this stuff he can find anyone else.","58":"I'm not going to let Linus keep me up. I'm going to sleep.","59":"Despite the tension of the last few days, I get a good night of sleep and feel rested.","60":"{Leah} is not around. I wonder if she left early this morning. I hate to think she didn't even come home...","61":"Whatever it is, I really hope she's not putting herself at risk while investigating.","62":"I better get going if I want to pass by the coffee shop.","63":"I walk into the coffee shop. It seems like I've been drinking more of the stuff lately. It's probably not helping my anxiety.","64":"But Lidia's predicament gnaws at me. I still have to try and get to the bottom of whatever it is that's plaguing her.","65":"I spotted her right away, lugging some heavy box up from the back. She's not a big woman, so I'm mildly impressed.","66":"Hey, {PlayerName}! I'll be with you in a minute.","67":"No problem. Need a hand?","68":"Lidia's initial reaction is to refuse, clearly. But she stops herself, chews on the offer for a moment, before replying.","69":"I wonder if she is reluctant to break down the sacred division of Customer and Employee. I guess I'm growing to be a little more than just her customer.","70":"Ya know what, yeah, a hand would be nice.","71":"Not that I don't think a strong, independent woman like you couldn't handle it.","72":"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just grab a box, Sir Galahad.","73":"It turns out, I underestimated the weight of these things. A few crates in and we're both panting. Maybe I need to start going to the gym.","74":"What's in these?","75":"You that interested?","76":"I'm curious.","77":"Coffee beans.","78":"I never thought they'd be this heavy.","79":"Yeah. They're densely packed all right.","80":"Finally, Lidia and I lug the last crate into the storage closet.","81":"Okay, I think that'll do it. Thanks, {PlayerName}. You keep at it like this and I might just put you on the payroll.","82":"Then who would bring Hank his gallon of cold coffee?","83":"I didn't think of that, I wouldn't want to steal you out from him and your sacred duty.","84":"I'm getting [i]actual biceps[\/i] from doing this job.","85":"You sound upset about that.","86":"I'm a big believer in the power of exercise but... I'm still a girl. I don't want to seem... [i]beefy[\/i]. If that makes any sense.","87":"Biceps wouldn't look bad on you.","88":"Well, that's very nice of you to say.","89":"This job is... [i]transforming me[\/i].","90":"Every day I do this job... I drift a little further from where I'm supposed to be...","91":"I watch Lidia for a moment. A more profound chord rings within her. I want to say something... to cut the tension...","92":"...to make her feel better any way I possibly can...","93":"Yeah? Well, maybe one of these weekends you could take some time off and, I dunno, maybe we could go somewhere for a couple of days.","94":"Go camping or get a B&B or something.","95":"Wow. Am I really inviting her on a mini-vacation? That isn't moving too fast, is it?","96":"I was trying to make her feel better. Maybe I went a little too far?","97":"But she doesn't seem bothered. She laughs, and gives me a coy little grin.","98":"I'm glad my little invitation seemed to have worked.","99":"Oh yeah? I wonder why. Are you trying to get me alone with you for a weekend, shacked up somewhere private?","100":"The flirting is getting my cheeks red. Still, a part of me wants to pull back a little. I don't want to overcommit.","101":"Maybe I just don't like making S'mores alone. Come on, you have that temp helping you out, let's just escape for a few days.","102":"I'm saying all this, but I [i]know[\/i] I don't have time to run off for a weekend.","103":"It's just the idea of taking a few days away from all the craziness that has come to dominate my life , and being alone with Lidia, sounds like the [i]sweetest thing in the world[\/i].","104":"My desires are working harder than my brain.","105":"I'm flattered, but I can't. The temp isn't like that. I can only leave them alone for a couple of hours.","106":"Come on, not even a whole weekend, just one night. Let's just get out of here for a bit.","107":"Believe me, {PlayerName}, a change of scenery sounds like the nicest thing in the world right now. But, I just can't leave. I'm sorry.","108":"It's a good thing she said no. If she'd said yes, I'm not sure if I could even do it..","109":"No, don't be sorry. It's alright. It's wishful thinking, honestly. I can't really leave right now either.","110":"Yeah, work and college is kicking your butt too, huh?","111":"Yeah, work and college.","112":"I think we both suspect there's more going on in each other's life than just stress from our jobs and academia, but neither of us can come clean about it.","0":"Is nobody home?","113":"You should take some time off, get out of town for a weekend, go camping, book a spa, relax.","1":"{Leah}?","114":"That sounds so nice... to get out of town...","2":"No answer.","115":"When she says it, I get the distinct impression that leaving town is a far-off dream.","3":"I was never worried when {Leah} wasn't home before. Hell, us not talking to each other... not seeing each other, was the norm.","116":"Why can't you? You have that temp manager, just let them cover the shifts for a couple of days while you go and decompress.","4":"Now it has me worried. I send a quick text to {Leah}, hoping to hear back from her quickly.","117":"If only it were that simple. The temp manager can't handle more than a couple of days...","5":"And... I do.","118":"What good is a temp manager that can't help you take time off? Come on, you can abuse the privilege just a little. Treat yourself, you know.","6":"Still researching. Keep doing what you're doing.","119":"Trust me, I would if I could... I just can't leave right now. You know? Just... too much going on.","7":"What is she researching?","120":"What about you? You seem like you're burning the candle at both ends. Maybe you could use a few days off.","8":"I gotta trust her, I guess. In the meantime... there's work I could be doing.","121":"You don't know the half of it. I'd kill for a few days where I could just shut my brain off, but...","9":"Not just coursework... getting close to Lidia, as well.","122":"But you can't afford to leave right now either.","123":"Lidia gives me a sad, knowing kind of smile. I think we both know each other is dealing with more than they are letting on.","124":"Yeah... work and college.","125":"Work and college. They can be a real kick in the ass.","126":"I still feel like I owe you for always helping out around the shop...","127":"Well, how about this. If you're free one of these nights, why don't you come over to my place for dinner?","128":"I'm no professional chef, but my dad taught me something about cooking. You could have a real, authentic, Italian meal.","129":"I need to come clean, getting you to make me some authentic Italian food is the main reason I've really been talking to you.","130":"She laughs, smacking me on the arm.","131":"I should have known. Well, let me know what night works for you.","132":"Alright, I need to get back to work, and I'm sure you have stuff to do.","133":"Let me fix you a cup for the road, the least I could do for you helping lug these boxes in.","134":"I give her a smile and nod.","135":"So it's not just traveling out of the country. It sounds like Lidia can't even leave town.","136":"It's not like she's under house arrest. She can still move from her home, the university, and the coffee shop at least. Even out for a drink at a biergarten.","137":"But whatever she's involved in, it's keeping her in Shale Hill.","138":"I don't just think she's being monitored. I think she might be actively involved in something with the government, given how interested they seem to be with her. I wonder for a moment what that could possibly be.","139":"And then I feel my heart sink into my stomach, as I watch Lidia flash me that warm, friendly smile and hand me a fresh cup of coffee.","140":"I know a couple of things that might be reason enough for government agents to descend on our sleepy little college town...","141":"...And one of them is currently loaded on my laptop."},"ch6__06.55.20 lidia sex.vne3":{"10":"[doggy_speed != doggy_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[hj_speed != hj_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[hj_speed != hj_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[hj_speed != hj_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[head_speed != head_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[head_speed != head_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[head_speed != head_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Speed [tg_anim]","25":"Continue","26":"[povsex_speed != povsex_fast_speed]Faster","27":"[povsex_speed != povsex_default_speed]Default Speed","28":"[povsex_speed != povsex_slow_speed]Slower","29":"<","30":"Jump to sex","31":"Cum options","32":"Play from the beginning","33":"The next morning, I head straight for Lidia's.","34":"Shit. I came to see Lidia, not her.","35":"She's one girl I keep seeing too much of...","36":"Wait. I thought you were in prison?","37":"To go to prison, you need to commit a crime. Why aren't you in prison?","38":"Just as you said, I'm crimeless.","39":"You're not innocent at all. You've committed several crimes already.","40":"Name one crime.","41":"Fraud.","42":"[i]Fraud?[\/i]","43":"Remember you gave me a story about your little brother having cancer?","44":"Oh yeah. That's fraud? I do a lot of fraud...","45":"Then, you sell nudes that you stole from other people.","46":"Okay, but... like... are they really stolen... when I copy-pasted them from people's hard drives?","47":"Yes.","48":"You have a funny definition of stealing, then, because copying is also [i]making[\/i], so in a sense, I'm kind of an artisan, if you think about it.","49":"Tricking me into your sex stream was also fraud.","50":"Wow... if I knew you were going to whine so much about it...","51":"...next time just suck your own dick and fuck your own ass. That shit's work. I don't enjoy-","52":"-anyway, it's not worth it if this is how I get treated.","53":"How did you get out of being arrested?","54":"Well, like you, I was naked at the time...","55":"Unsurprising.","56":"...so when the cops came in, I screamed and demanded that I be arrested only by a [i]female police officer[\/i].","57":"That worked?","58":"The cop seemed kinda new so... I guess it did.","59":"Anyway, I wasn't going to let a lesbian put her hands on me, so I opened the window and I snuck out that way.","60":"Sneaky.","61":"I rolled with advantage because I had no clothes on.","62":"Huh?","63":"One more thing, you have to do something for me. I need your opinion. Take a look at this.","64":"Alexis shows me her phone. I take a look.","65":"These are the same photos that Linus showed me...","66":"Are they sexy?","67":"Man, you are so hot. Your tits are a shelf that could hold trophies for ''best tits'' and you need taillights for that dumper you have.","68":"I just want to spank you until your whole body jiggles, I want you to tik tok my lap, grind me like a skateboard. Call me J.A. because I'm gonna be between your pajamas.","69":"Oh... that is [i]poetry![\/i] I guess that means you like it?","70":"Yeah, sure.","71":"I need you to be a lot more enthusiastic.","72":"They look good.","73":"That's not what I'm going for. I need guys to start jerking off uncontrollably.","74":"It's not that good, sorry.","75":"It was bold for you to wear no mask.","76":"I'm not wearing a mask!? Let me have a look.","77":"She snatches the phone from me.","78":"OMG. I'm not wearing a mask. [i]Fuck![\/i] [delay,200][char,Alexis_School_Neutral]So glad I didn't release these yet.","79":"...What?","80":"You haven't shared these yet?","81":"No.","82":"Alexis quickly manipulates her phone. One beep later...","83":"Ah. They're deleted. Now nobody will ever see them.","84":"Save the pictures inside your head, deaf boy, because that's the only place you're gonna see them again.","85":"She kinda deserves it, at the same time...","86":"...I guess it isn't my problem. I have someone worth worrying about.","87":"I've been seeing you a lot lately, haven't I?","88":"She beams a kind smile.","89":"What can I say? This is where I want to be.","90":"I'm going to get some work done, if that's alright.","91":"Go ahead!","92":"I settle into a big comfy chair and get going.","93":"The night falls. I can't believe I've spent so many hours here.","94":"I had been at the coffee shop all day, trying to get ahead of the homework that had been piling up.","95":"After hours of grinding though, I finally slam the laptop shut and lean back, resting my eyes.","96":"Against all odds, with everything going on, I somehow managed to get all my pending assignments completed and turned in.","97":"I bask in the small victory, the quiet chatting and shuffling of the coffee shop might as well be victory cheers.","98":"You're not planning on sleeping here, are you?","99":"Just enjoying this one, perfect moment where I actually have all my college work done.","100":"Oh yeah? Well I'm about to start closing the place up, if you don't mind waiting around a bit, let's go grab a beer after and celebrate!","101":"Really? I'll give you a hand then. We'll get out of here quicker.","102":"Maybe I [i]should[\/i] just apply to work here part-time, given how much I end up helping out around the shop.","103":"I enjoy the work though, having these easy, little, mindless tasks. No high stakes, no anxiety, nobody's future on the line. Just me versus the dust bunnies that get wedged under table legs.","104":"Soon enough, the ''Closed'' sign is up and Lidia is locking the front door.","105":"Okay, where to?","106":"Been to Sevigny's? It's pretty low-key, but I like it.","107":"''Low-key'' sounds delightful.","108":"Lidia looks over her shoulder, as if she suddenly remembered something, gazing off for a moment at a dark sedan parked nearby. I pretend not to notice.","109":"Shit. Did I just put her in a bind with her surveillance? I try to give her some wiggle room, just in case.","110":"Or if there's somewhere more convenient, we could go there too.","111":"No, Sevigny's sounds great. Let's go!","112":"If the night out isn't okay with Lidia's ''chaperones'', they don't say anything, and fifteen minutes later, we're grabbing a seat at Sevigny's.","113":"The place is packed by its usual standards. Almost half the barstools have asses in them.","114":"There's my number one bro! And I see he has brought a guest!","115":"Looks like my sacred duties as a wingman will not be needed this evening!","116":"Lidia, Dante. Dante, Lidia.","117":"[i]Buonasera, Dante[\/i].","118":"[i]Buonanotte Lidia. Benvenuto nel nostro bar[\/i].","119":"[i]Tu parli italiano[\/i]?","120":"Wait... Dante... You know Italian?!","121":"Totally, bro! We had a convention with our brothers in the European Association of Cis Hetero Males, EACHM, last summer.","122":"Just fifty hetero bros on a yacht, celebrating each other while we sailed around Sicily.","123":"That sounds... Magical?","124":"Magical doesn't even begin to describe it, my friend. But enough about me, what can I get you two?","125":"Lager for me.","126":"Any good local breweries on tap?","127":"Totally! You have to try this little pineapple wheat number from this outfit just outside of town, it will blow your mind!","128":"I'm sold.","129":"Dante gets us our beers and I listen as he starts regaling Lidia with stories about my courage and chivalry throughout a number of adventures.","130":"All of which I have to carefully explain to her after, are completely made up, or at best, gross exaggerations.","131":"Finally, Dante is called away to service other patrons, leaving me and Lidia to talk alone.","132":"Well, he's certainly an interesting one. Quite the wingman too, by the sounds of it.","133":"''1 World's Best'', I'm told.","134":"Humble builder of orphanages by day.","135":"Charitable too? He's full of surprises! It's nice that he's so involved with the community and helping others.","136":"Yeah? Seems like it'd be something you'd be into. Do you do any charity work? ","137":"I used to. It can be hard sometimes.","138":"How so?","139":"It's complicated... You try to help some people and find out they aren't who you thought they were.","140":"There are those out there who will take advantage of charities or sympathetic folks for their own selfish purposes.","141":"I wonder how someone like that sleeps at night.","142":"Who knows. Maybe they think they deserve it, maybe they just don't care that much about who they are hurting or what they are taking from others.","143":"I take it you've had some bad experiences in the past while trying to help others?","144":"Something like that.","145":"There's that same tone of sadness in Lidia's voice that I notice when she mentions how she can't travel.","146":"Are they connected? Is her predicament with the government somehow related to some event in her past where someone took advantage of her?","147":"But it's a downer of a story, and we're out celebrating!","148":"We talk for a while. Chatting about Italy and our childhoods and coffee.","149":"...Speaking of coffee, I just got a shipment of some premium, boutique dark roast that I hear is to die for. You wanna head back to my place and try a cup?","150":"I know I said I would have you over one of these nights for a proper Italian dinner, but in the meantime, how about a proper Italian cup of coffee?","151":"Sure. Can't say I've ever had a proper cup of Italian coffee. You don't want to do another round?","152":"One beer is fine, alcohol was never really my vice.","153":"We close out the tab, say goodbye to Dante, and drive back to Lidia's apartment.","154":"It's no Italian dinner, but if this exotic coffee blend has got Lidia excited, it must be good.","155":"I am a little nervous about getting to see Lidia's apartment. This is the first time we've really been alone together.","156":"I'm suddenly aware that I've had a full day and haven't showered since this morning. I discreetly sniff into my shirt to make sure I'm not overly rank.","157":"It's not that I'm [i]expecting[\/i] anything to happen, but a guy worries about these things when an attractive woman invites him up to her place.","158":"Sorry about wanting to leave the bar so early. Truthfully, I'm just wiped. It's been a long day.","159":"No need to apologize. ''Work and college'' still beating you up?","160":"I sign out the response at a stop light, using what has become our little unspoken code.","161":"Ha, yeah. It seems to follow me everywhere I go.","162":"Is your ''work and college'' still causing you a lot of grief?","163":"I just nod. It doesn't seem like we need to communicate any more than that right now.","164":"Well, this is it. It's nothing too fancy, but it gets the job done.","165":"Lidia's place is nice. Sophisticated, without being overly luxurious. Comfortable and inviting.","166":"I like it!","167":"I'm glad. Make yourself comfortable.","168":"You ready for a cup of this dark roast?","169":"Sounds great, thanks.","170":"I watch from the couch as Lidia does her magic in the kitchen, the whole place filling with the comfortable, earthy aroma of fresh coffee.","171":"Now this... [i]This[\/i] is the good stuff.","172":"The coffee you serve at the shop isn't ''the good stuff''?","173":"Don't get me wrong, we source some real quality beans, but this is small batch, boutique roast.","174":"I'd serve it at the shop, but I don't think most college kids have the budget for a coffee of this caliber.","175":"I take the cup from her and have a sip. I'm not an aficionado, but I can tell it's a little more complex than what you get at your usual drive-through java joint.","176":"Oh wow, okay, I see what you mean.","177":"Cheers, to not letting ''work and college'' keep us down!","178":"We clink our cups together and I take a sip. The coffee is really quite good, even by Lidia's already high standards.","179":"God that's amazing, you really can't get many cups of coffee like this over here in the States.","180":"I know the whole [i]European Coffee is better than American Coffee[\/i] trope is kind of a cliché, but that doesn't mean it's not true.","181":"You're not wrong.","182":"After being to your coffee shop, it'd be hard to go back to one of the coffee chains.","183":"Well, now you're just being sweet.","184":"Frankly though, it's not just the coffee that's kept me coming to your shop.","185":"Oh?","186":"We do have the premium wi-fi package.","187":"Actually, I was thinking more about the service.","188":"I look up at her, smiling. Lidia blushes, and looks away for a moment.","189":"I feel so dumb and awkward, like trying to talk to a girl I have a crush on for the first time.","190":"But it feels like this rollercoaster is already heading over the drop, and I might as well ride it down.","191":"Lidia... I'm sorry, but I can't help but feel like there is something between us.","192":"But I don't know, maybe I'm crazy, please tell me if I'm wrong.","193":"No... you're not wrong. I've... Kind of been harboring some feelings for you too.","194":"But... My life is so crazy right now. I'm scared that whatever this is between us is doomed before it starts.","195":"My life is crazy too! But I think I know by now, and whatever craziness is going on in your life, I know who [i]you[\/i] are, and I can help you.","196":"...You can help me, {PlayerName}. I know a way you could.","197":"Lidia looks at me with those big, bright beautiful eyes, and I feel my limbs get weak.","198":"So... what do we do now?","199":"You could kiss me, and we see where things go.","200":"If she's ready to take things to the next step, I am too.","201":"As much as I want to be with Lidia, now is not the right time.","202":"As badly as I want to, I know I can't.","203":"There's just too much going on, too many risks and unknowns.","204":"Lidia... I just... Can't right now.","205":"-sigh-","206":"I understand... Just... Too much going on with...","207":"She can't even bring herself to say it again. [i]Work and college[\/i].","208":"But we both know it's true. If life was simple, then maybe this relationship could work out.","209":"It breaks my heart to do this to her, and I instantly feel like garbage. I see the sadness and rejection draw long across her face. I get the feeling she really could have used this comfort.","210":"But... She's right. We're both struggling with our own monsters. And there's no telling what will happen if we expose them to each other.","211":"God, shot down, huh? I hope this won't mean you'll stop coming to the coffee shop.","212":"Lidia, I'm serious, I do want to be with you. And maybe we can be together soon. But things are just kind of crazy in my life right now. And I don't want to dump that on you.","213":"I... Understand. I think we both have our own baggage to deal with.","214":"Well, whatever it is, I hope we both get our business squared away soon.","215":"Me too.","216":"Wow, and suddenly I'm realizing just how tired I am. I don't think this coffee is going to help.","217":"Yeah... I should go. But I'll see you soon?","218":"Yeah, I'd like that.","219":"Thanks, for hanging out with me tonight. It was good to blow off some steam and just spend some off time with someone. It helps take my mind off things.","220":"Me too. Goodnight, Lidia.","221":"I lean in and give her a peck on the cheek, before getting up to leave.","222":"I know turning her down for now was probably the smart, adult, mature decision, and I'll probably thank myself later...","223":"...But right now, I'm a crummy mix of horny, sad, and jittery.","224":"Yeah? What else is different over there?","225":"In many ways, not a lot, in other ways they are worlds apart.","226":"Like, just how people interact with each other. Here in the States, in so many places, we're all occupying the same space, but we don't really see or speak to each other.","227":"There's no community, or kinship, or identity. It's just people traveling from their computer at work, to their computer at home. Buzzing by a thousand other people doing just the same thing.","228":"Yeah. We seem to live this very cold and sterile life. We can share the same physical spaces with someone and still lose touch with them.","229":"On that thought, my mind drifts back to {YouCallHer}. We see each other on a daily basis but it still didn't keep us from drifting apart.","230":"The thought apparently brings up some sadness in Lidia too, as I catch the longing look creeping across her face.","231":"I feel like you and I connect pretty well, all things considered.","232":"Yeah, I think we do pretty okay.","233":"Good thing too, I bet some of those boxes of coffee beans would still be sitting out back of the shop if you hadn't been there to help out.","234":"It's a lonely life, being a barista.","235":"Really? I would have thought an attractive, friendly woman like yourself wouldn't have too much trouble meeting people.","236":"Oh, you think I'm attractive, huh?","237":"Lidia enjoys watching me squirm for a moment before finally cutting the tension.","238":"Don't lose your head, cowboy, I'm just messing with you.","239":"But thank you, for saying I'm attractive.","240":"My life is just... A little crazy at the moment. It's hard to really connect and form relationships with people right now.","241":"Well, you and I became friends.","242":"Yeah, but you're easy.","243":"[i]Easy?[\/i] You calling me a friend-slut?","244":"No! I'm just saying you're easy to talk to, you're a good listener, you're comfortable to be around.","245":"And... You know... Being handsome doesn't hurt.","246":"Oh, you think I'm handsome?","247":"Don't let it go to your head.","248":"Am I getting flirty with Lidia? I can't say I've seen her much more than a friend... but I'm also a man.","249":"But... um... God, this is awkward.","250":"It's... been a while for me... having been with anyone.","251":"And, since it's so easy to be comfortable around you... I was wondering if... You know...","252":"Is she... Is she asking what I think she is?","253":"Look, it's been a long time since I was... comfortable with someone. I'm not saying there's some deep romantic connection between us, and I'm not asking for a relationship... It's just....","254":"...I dunno, you're hot, I'm hot... do you wanna help a girl blow off a little steam?","255":"Why not? We're both adults.","256":"I have to turn her down.","257":"I mean... I don't exactly have feelings for Lidia... but she is offering...","258":"...I'd be dumb to turn a girl like this down.","259":"I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to, but... I can't. Not right now, it wouldn't be right.","260":"Lidia... Believe me, part of me wants to.","261":"It's okay. I mean, I'm not saying I wouldn't like to have a little romp to blow of some steam, but I also understand that sex has a lot more weight to it than just coffee and chit chatting.","262":"I hope I didn't come on too strong.","263":"No, believe me, if things were a little different, I'd love to blow off some steam with you.","264":"Okay, now you're just making it worse.","265":"Well, if that's the case, I'm not going to try and socially recover from getting shot down. It's getting late, and I don't think either of us wants to sit through that awkwardness.","266":"I smile at Lidia. I feel bad about rejecting her, but I appreciated how upfront and mature she is about sex. I honestly wish more girls had her perspective on it.","267":"Yeah, I should probably get going.","268":"But thank you again for the coffee, and for coming out tonight. It was good to just hang out for a bit.","269":"It was! I had fun. Will I see you around the coffee shop?","270":"You won't have a choice. After drinking your coffee for this long, everything else tastes like used laundry water.","271":"Awww, that's disgusting... Thank you!","272":"We lean in close. My heart is racing.","273":"I feel Lidia's hand slide up over mine, as she stares at me with a ready look in her eyes.","274":"Are you sure?","275":"Why don't we just start off slow... Just talk with your body, and listen to mine.","276":"I reach up and touch her face, and we lean in further and kiss.","277":"Our lips connect. It's like my whole body just slid into a hot spring, as the warmth from her kiss seems to spread from my shoulders, down my back, and into my legs.","278":"It's gentle at first, letting ourselves get comfortable with each other.","279":"I do as she asks, trying to listen to her body, while pacing my own urges.","280":"But slowly, it becomes more heated, as Lidia slides up on my lap, straddling me.","281":"Caressing each other, we sink into the passion more and more.","282":"The awkwardness slowly melts away, as we realize and come to trust that we both want this.","283":"I gently run my hands over Lidia's chest, testing the waters to see if she's ready to go further. In response, she presses her chest out for me.","284":"I take the signal and start undoing the buttons on her blouse.","285":"Her breasts are magnificent. Small but shapely and perky.","286":"A sensual moan escapes her lips when I caress and suck on her nubile young tits.","287":"Her nipples grow hard at the stimulation, like eager little soldiers standing at attention as my lips and tongue graze over them.","288":"I savor Lidia's tits for a moment.","289":"Abruptly though, she stands up, and hastily begins stripping off the rest of her clothes.","290":"I clumsily follow suit, and she giggles, watching me eagerly hop out of my pants.","291":"Suddenly, we're both naked. Pausing for a moment, we take in each other's bodies.","292":"God she is stunning. This perfect balance of grace, curve and sensuality. She had always been the cute girl at the coffee shop. To see her like this? It's like she's become some other animal entirely.","293":"Do you... Think I'm pretty?","294":"I respond to her the only way I know how, pulling her in close and pressing my lips to hers. The contact of her skin on mine is like the warmth of a fire on a frigid night.","295":"Our bodies intertwine, taking in each other's touch and smell, feeding our passions even further.","296":"Her lithe fingers wrap around my hardened cock, rocking me in a surge of pleasure that causes every muscle in me to tense.","297":"At the same time, she melts more in my arms, feeling how eager I am for her touch.","298":"Lidia slides to her knees. Knowing what's about to come, I can barely stand still.","299":"Taking my cock in her hand, her tongue contacts the head of my member and I buck from the sensation.","300":"Lidia's mouth... feels so good.","301":"Every girl has a different style... and Lidia really shows how she appreciates sensation and feeling.","302":"I feel like she's actually tasting me, like how a sommelier tastes wine. She might even be taking mental notes.","303":"Yes... this is less to please me, and more as a chance for her to get to know me.","304":"Of course, I enjoy it too.","305":"She puts her whole body into it, swaying slowly, arching her back, pressing her round, shapely ass out. The show she puts on just excites me even more.","306":"Every inch of her stunning body is sculpted to perfection. Is this magnificent creature really the same person as that sweet, funny girl from the coffee shop?","307":"She looks up at me with those big, inquisitive hazel eyes, studying me as she plays with my member, learning my body and pleasures.","308":"The way she observes me is almost academic. But there is no doubt that she enjoys the learning experience.","309":"Sensing how much her minx-like playing is driving me wild, I finally feel the sweet, magical relief of her lips riding up over the head of my cock.","310":"I shudder violently, while she takes her time, seeming to linger on every millimeter of my head.","311":"Slowly, she engulfs my erection, enveloping it in the silky, wet warmth of her mouth.","312":"Her soft moan as she suckles at my shaft is the cherry on top that almost causes me to lose my mind.","313":"Having her like this is making my head spin. I want to freeze this moment and live in it forever.","314":"Deeper and deeper she takes my member. I watch in disbelief as her lips ride up and press against the root of my phallus, deep throating my entire cock.","315":"No gag, no cough, not so much as a hiccup, as she takes in every last inch of my meat. I almost swoon.","316":"If I let her go much longer, she'll finish me off, and I don't want this to end just yet. There's more I want to do, and I feel that she probably wants the same.","317":"I stand her up, kissing her deeply and feeling her press against me, her hard nipple digging into my chest as we embrace.","318":"Meaning to return the favor, I move to sit her down on the couch.","319":"Lidia takes my cues, we're learning fast from each other. She spreads her legs, presenting her glistening pussy to me.","320":"Getting to my knees, I can smell her fresh wetness before I even start.","321":"The scent of her sex is magnificent and intoxicating.","322":"Leaning in, my lips graze her vulva, gently starting to nuzzle her and stimulate her clit.","323":"Slowly increasing pressure and rhythm, the teasing solicits a sensual whimper from Lidia.","324":"I work her clit for a few minutes, spinning her up like a car engine, coaxing a chorus of moans and coos from her, before letting my tongue slip lower.","325":"Lidia's eyes shoot open and she gasps when my tongue hits her star, like a little bolt of electricity hitting her.","326":"Now is my turn to taste-test her. And... I suppose this is unsurprising... she tastes like coffee.","327":"Roasted... nutty... and gives me a burst of energy to ingest it.","328":"Is this because she drinks so much of it? Or do I just associate her with the stuff so closely that it's all in my mind?","329":"I don't really care... I like the taste of her...","330":"...and if I don't stop I can do this all night.","331":"Now the moment feels right. We're both comfortable with each other's bodies.","332":"Crawling up to mount her, Lidia reaches down to help pull me up on top of her, watching while I rub the head of my cock against her slit, wetting it for penetration.","333":"Then, I slide it in.","334":"She's tight at first. I go slow, letting her relax, the residual resistance melting away, as she gradually lets me enter.","335":"Her pussy tightly sucks at my cock, seeming to hold on to it as I slowly slide out some, and back in, working my way deeper and deeper inside her.","336":"Seeing the cute barista under me like this...","337":"...the dream of any man who goes to any coffee shop.","338":"What is it about fucking a barista that gets me so excited? Maybe it's that [i]girl next door[\/i] thing...","339":"Lidia is hardly that kind of girl, but even so, I love being with her...","340":"...looking down at her as she looks up at me with ecstasy.","341":"Lidia moans and writhes under me. Pulling me down closer to her as I fuck her harder, picking up speed.","342":"I feel her hands grip and caress my back, exploring each muscle and tendon as her moaning gets louder.","343":"The shudders of pleasure cause her to quake uncontrollably, and her grip on me tightens with each tremor of ecstasy she rides.","344":"Our bodies rock back and forth, now in the heated throes of sex.","345":"The wet sounds of our intersecting grows with each thrust, and Lidia wraps her legs around me, gripping on to me tightly.","346":"Changing the pace, she presses her hand to my chest, pushing me upward. I let her guide us into a sitting position, holding her tight to me so that I don't slide out.","347":"With her mounting me, I have the pleasure of her spectacular breasts in my face, and I waste no time tasting them.","348":"Lidia takes right off, finding a rhythm and riding me hard.","349":"She's close. I can feel it. I make every effort, try to anticipate every muscle twitch and flex she wants, but she's mostly in control now.","350":"When she reaches it, she goes off like a bomb. Wailing like a banshee, her body arches back and tenses up like some possession has taken her.","351":"I just sit back and enjoy the sight, watching her dusky figure quake on top of me, her tight pussy sucking and gripping at my cock.","352":"Slowly, the quakes of Lidia's orgasm subside, and she starts to relax, collapsing down on me.","353":"Fuck... That was amazing! You still need to go, right?","354":"How would you like to finish?","355":"Cream pie her pussy.","356":"Cum on her face.","357":"Cum in her mouth.","358":"Taking Lidia around the waist, I position her on all fours on the couch.","359":"Mmmm... You like me like this, huh?","360":"Lidia props her hindquarters up, wagging and shaking her ass at me, getting me rock hard.","361":"I get behind her, pressing my cock to her sopping wet pussy, feeling it slide in slowly.","362":"Lidia moans as I penetrate her again. I can feel the shudder through the cheeks of her ass.","363":"I pivot to get a better footing and start railing hard into her. Those beautiful cocoa ass cheeks slapping up against my pelvis with each thrust.","364":"Her hair and tits bounce back and forth as I pound her, a cute little moan escaping her lips every time my cock drives into her.","365":"Lidia arches her back and props her ass up further, letting me get even deeper inside her. I play with different rhythms, testing different tempos as I explore her.","366":"Each new angle and descent causes a different pitch of moan or yelp from her, like she's some kind of instrument I'm learning to play.","367":"Yeah... she is an orchestra alright... emitting sounds and music that send me into a dreamy, ecstatic haze.","368":"A sweet moan here, an oscillating groan there... the percussion of our rhythmic slaps...","369":"Jeez, I'm probably just as much of the instrument as she is. Maybe she's playing me?","370":"This metaphor is falling apart as I do. I'm getting thoughtless as I ramrod into her.","371":"Complicated ideas cease as my pleasure overwhelms my whole nervous system.","372":"Yes, this song is coming to an end. Being able to get this deep in her, I'm rapidly approaching climax.","373":"Our bodies tense up together, mine prepares to give my seed and hers prepares to receive.","374":"Oh fuck! Please! Cum inside me!","375":"No longer able to hold back, I give a final, powerful thrust, growling and blasting my load deep inside Lidia.","376":"Her hips buck and she breathlessly gasps, feeling my ejaculation exploding deep in her snatch.","377":"As the waves of pleasure subside, I start to relax, slowly pulling out of Lidia, and laying back on the couch, cooling off and catching my breath.","378":"Holy shit. I think you filled me up!","379":"Sorry.","380":"No, don't be sorry! I liked it!","381":"I need to go grab a towel. Don't get up, just relax, I got it!","382":"As Lidia runs to clean up, I check my watch.","383":"Shit! It's late. I must have lost track of time.","384":"Taking Lidia by the shoulders, I guide her down onto her knees in front of me, my cock in my hand, looking down at her to see if she understands and agrees.","385":"Mmmm, I see. Would you like me to leave my glasses on?","386":"I nod, grinning. Lidia smiles back, looking up at me eagerly, as I start to jerk off at her.","387":"Lidia's breathing quickens as she watches me pump away at my throbbing member.","388":"The little quick gasps and coos escaping her lips hasten my climax, and finally, feeling the surging wave coming from deep within me...","389":"...I fire a thick, sticky load right at Lidia's face!","390":"Pearly white ropes of cum blast from the head of my cock, hurtling at Lidia's waiting gaze!","391":"She yelps adorably as my lasso of spunk whips at her face and chest, rapidly glazing her picturesque visage!","392":"Oh... My... God... Are you trying to drown me!?","393":"Lidia giggles, squinting through the mask of cum I just drenched her with.","394":"I try to apologize, but can't hide the satisfaction I feel, seeing her face and tits coated with my seed.","395":"Oh, I'm sure you are [i]really[\/i] sorry! ","396":"I'm actually honored that I warranted such a hefty finale from you!","397":"Getting up, trying not to drip semen on the floor, Lidia goes to clean up in the bathroom.","398":"Taking Lidia by the shoulders, I guide her down onto her knees in front of me. I thumb her lip gently, seeing if she understands and agrees.","399":"Mhm, you liked it when you had my mouth earlier, huh? Is that how you want to finish?","400":"I nod. Lidia grins, leaning in close and taking the head of my quivering member into her mouth. The feeling is just as electric as earlier, and she looks up at me with those big, beautiful hazel green eyes.","401":"She starts slow, her plump lips gliding up over my shaft, sending shivers up my spine.","402":"Letting my cock get reacquainted with her mouth, a centimeter at a time.","403":"The feeling is so unbelievable I keep expecting to wake, like this is some kind of dream. But the only thing I feel is the continuing pleasure of this heavenly blowjob.","404":"Slowly, she picks up the pace, bobbing just a little bit deeper with every pass.","405":"I won't be able to hold on much longer.","406":"I tap Lidia, signaling to her that I'm close to finishing.","407":"Mh-hm.","408":"I think she already knows, and she starts to slurp deeply on my cock, ready to let me finish in her mouth.","409":"The thought is too much, and I'm pushed over the edge.","410":"Involuntary contractions rock my pelvis, as I blast my load into Lidia's mouth. She sucks deeply on my cock, keeping her lips tight around my head to keep any of my load from escaping.","411":"The ripples of orgasm intensify, her sucking on my head as I cum causes me to almost pass out from the pleasure and stimulation, and I have to brace myself to keep from keeling over!","412":"As the last jets of cum shoot into her mouth, I start to relax. Lidia grins, looking up at me and opening her mouth, showing the sizable load I've deposited.","413":"Seeing my seed pooled in her mouth fills me with a satisfaction that's difficult to put into words.","414":"Lidia then gets up and disappears into the bathroom to clean herself up.","415":"I'd like to be able to just relax and pass out with Lidia, but it's not in the cards. There's too much to do, and I need to get home and try and get some sleep.","416":"It did feel good, though, finally getting to do this.","417":"No, not just good. Great. I've wanted to share this experience with Lidia for some time now. To actually be close to her like this.","418":"Regardless of my feelings towards her though, that dark cloud of the unknown looms large over us.","419":"I still don't know what dark secret she is hiding. Or how sleeping together may have complicated things.","420":"From the bathroom, Lidia notices I'm getting dressed.","421":"You're leaving?","422":"Lidia returns, lying back down on the couch.","423":"Oh... I probably should've said something.","424":"I'm sorry. I wish I could stay. But I have to be up early tomorrow, and if I stay here with you, I don't think I'll be doing much sleeping.","425":"She smiles up warmly at me.","426":"I'm sorry to see you go... But I understand. I think you are right about neither of us getting much sleep if you stay.","427":"But, for what it's worth, I'm really glad we got to do this. I kind of feel like we have something going on here between you and I, and when you do get some time, maybe we could talk about us?","428":"I think I'd like that a lot.","429":"Well, when you're ready, you know where to find me.","430":"It's pretty gracious of her just to let me put things on hold... but that might be because Lidia understands better than most what I'm going through.","431":"I'll accept this.","432":"She gives me a coy little grin.","433":"No problem. This was fun, but I don't want to scare you into feeling it was more than it was, or try to complicate our friendship. It just felt good to blow off a little steam. ","434":"No arguing with you there!","435":"Mhm, I'm glad. Well for the sake of keeping things simple, let's just let this night be what it was and keep going forward as friends.","436":"I think that's a good plan. But I have to get going. See you around the coffee shop?","437":"You know it.","438":"I pass by the windows and...","439":"...that van...","440":"...the same one I saw that other day... I think?","441":"It's so hard to remember. {Leah} would know. Maybe she could have come and had sex with Lidia, then told me what this all means.","442":"If Lidia's stuff doesn't relate to my stuff, then I'm just inserting myself into more problems.","443":"A creepy thought... [i]those people probably know I slept with Lidia...[\/i]","444":"Man. I should get going.","445":"I need to get to the bottom of what it is that's haunting Lidia. Maybe I just need to confront her and ask up front what this shadow that's being cast over her is. ","446":"I can't help Lidia if I don't know what's going on with her in the first place.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[bj_speed != bj_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[bj_speed != bj_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[bj_speed != bj_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[doggy_speed != doggy_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[doggy_speed != doggy_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch6__06.55.25 lidia confrontation.vne3":{"10":"Wow. Carmen lives far away.","11":"It's quite the commute for her, yes.","12":"And what are we doing with this information?","13":"I thought it was obvious.","14":"It's not obvious.","15":"We trace the route.","16":"[i]Trace?[\/i] Does she mean?","17":"Are you saying we drive up and down the route Sandra would've taken?","18":"Yes.","19":"How will this help? What will you expect to find?","20":"I don't know. I haven't found it yet.","21":"This is a huge area... we don't have the gas money for this...","22":"Well, this is the best way to cover an area I'm certain nobody has covered yet.","23":"I don't see the point in this... but I have to trust {Leah}'s instincts.","24":"There's something I need to do first. And then I'll go with you.","25":"We can start tonight, then.","26":"This was {Leah}'s big plan? I don't know about this... it's a lot of effort for potentially no payoff.","27":"I guess if we do find something... it will have been worth it.","28":"I'll see you tonight, then.","29":"{Leah} gives me a happy nod before returning.","30":"There's things I have to do right now. And I have to do them early.","31":"The sun is barely creeping over the buildings. It's early, even for me.","32":"The late fall air is biting, and the cold isn't helping my courage any. But I have to talk to Lidia.","33":"As she rounds the corner, I see her face light up in a smile. My stomach twists, knowing I'll likely be erasing that smile soon enough.","34":"Hey, {PlayerName}! You're here early. Jeez, do you need your caffeine fix that bad?","35":"Lidia, we need to talk.","36":"I watch the nervousness creep into her expression, and it's making my gut do flips.","37":"Um... Yeah, I have to open up the shop, but I have a minute I suppose.","38":"I take a deep breath, summoning the courage. There's no going back now. No avoiding this.","39":"We've circled around this long enough, and it's time to be upfront.","40":"Lidia... who are the people that are following you?","41":"The expression that washes over her face makes my heart sink.","42":"...I have to open up the shop.","43":"Lidia... Please!","44":"I know they are watching you, I know they are monitoring you, I know they follow you. Please, if you are in trouble I can help, but I can't help if you don't talk to me!","45":"What are you talking about?","46":"The men in dark sunglasses who are always parked outside your shop. The ones that follow you when you go on walks. The ones you glance at outside your window.","47":"Jesus, {PlayerName}, have [i]you[\/i] been watching me?","48":"I can't help but notice, Lidia!","49":"You can't travel out of the country, you can't leave town, you can't even cut through a park on a walk because it might seem like you were trying to lose them!","50":"Did something happen to you in the past? Are you being investigated for something? Just talk to me!","51":"Lidia paces, bubbling with anger, before turning, staring daggers at me. I suddenly feel my heart sink even deeper, having backed her into a corner like this.","52":"Listen, you want the truth!? I fucked up! I made some very bad decisions and ended up doing some bad things, okay!?","53":"Now I'm trying to pay for those mistakes by working for some people. You don't need to know the details, I don't need you to save me. I just need you to stay the fuck out of my business!","54":"I know you're not a bad person. I know because I'm a lot closer to where you are than you think.","55":"There's things you noticed about me as well, right? Just like I sense you're going through something, I know you know the same about me.","56":"I can't begin to explain it, but I'm in a unique position to help. You're stuck in a situation that's bigger than you, and that's me as well. We can go through this together.","57":"Whatever it is you're going through, I have some unique things I could use to help. You don't have to go through this alone!","58":"If we're really in the same situation, then why don't [i]you[\/i] tell [i]me[\/i] what's going on. You first.","59":"Shit.","60":"I... can't say.","61":"She laughs. Not the sweet, cheery laugh I'm used to. Instead it is hollowed out with despair.","62":"So I suppose you just expect me to [i]trust[\/i] you on that, huh? Well, putting my trust in people hasn't exactly worked out for me in the past.","63":"You don't think I'm a bad person? Well, {PlayerName}, I hate to break it to you, but people can surprise you.","64":"You think you know me, why? Because I sell you coffee and smile at you every day?","65":"Because we fucked?","66":"Lidia! Come on! Let's just...","67":"You know what, you and me? We're done. This was a mistake.","68":"You want to do me a favor, {PlayerName}? You want to help me?","69":"Then order a cup of coffee, make some dumb, inane small talk, and then leave.","70":"I'm speechless. It's like I'm suddenly talking to a different person.","71":"While I'm standing there, just trying to process all this, Lidia leans in close, this time to whisper.","72":"Please, {PlayerName}, if you want to help, if you're smart... you won't ask any more questions right now.","73":"I hope I'm not making the same god damn mistake, but if I'm going to trust you, we can't do this here. For now, just walk away.","74":"We'll talk later, I promise.","75":"There's some bit of the old Lidia in her whisper. It's not a threat... It's a warning. Like she's trying to protect me from something.","76":"Without another word, she steps around me, opens the door to the coffee shop, and slams it behind her.","77":"Another chill crawls up my spine. Not from the cold either.","78":"I have a sudden, dreadful feeling that I'm being watched.","79":"Should I look around? No. That might tip them off. I just need to get out of here.","80":"With my heart thumping in my chest, I start to head back towards my car. Resisting the urge to look over my shoulder for dark sedans or unmarked vans.","81":"Amidst the fear, lingers my concern for Lidia. Whatever she says, I can't believe she's a bad person. At the very least she seems like she's left some opening for me to help.","82":"I get back to my car, the plot to a dozen political thriller movies swirling in my head as I force myself to calm down. No sense in trying to work this all out now, not with adrenaline pumping through my veins.","83":"If Lidia is going to trust me, I need to show her the same courtesy. For the time being, I need to just trust her and wait.","84":"In the meantime, I need to go to class. {Leah} wants me to help her to trace Sandra's route tonight.","85":"I better get going.","0":"Oh, no. Not now.","1":"Don't do this to me, {Leah}. Don't do this.","2":"If she insists...","3":"My room isn't a front door.","4":"Sorry! I thought you should know. I've got a plan.","5":"Are you holding maps?","6":"Mmhmm! You know that Sandra disappeared as she was driving back home, right?","7":"I've traced out Sandra's route that she would've taken back to her mom's house, from the dorm.","8":"Let me have a look.","9":"I glance at a few printouts. {Leah} has made a lot of eccentric notes, but I managed to decipher them."},"ch6__06.50.05 initial research.vne3":{"10":"So did you. You look good.","11":"I do like you with more clothes on.","12":"I would've expected you to take a few more days off.","13":"Are you kidding me? I've got to put in twice the effort so that my dad will trust me.","14":"I'm an adult, but he's decided I can still be grounded. So that's my life.","15":"About Cedric...","16":"Emily braces herself for an unpleasant conversation.","17":"...have you proven that he took the program?","18":"She shakes her head.","19":"No. I wish I had good news for {Leah}.","20":"I thought I knew Cedric well. Apparently... I don't know him at all. What his motives are... why he did what he did... is a mystery.","21":"If I find anything out though, I'll tell you.","22":"One other thing.","23":"What's that?","24":"I'd wouldn't normally... but you're the only person I can ask.","25":"Uh oh. Is this a big favor?","26":"Can you drive me home tonight?","27":"You can't drive yourself home? Don't you have a nice car?","28":"This is embarrassing. You know when I said I was grounded?","29":"Your dad took your car?","30":"She nods.","31":"I know it's probably a lot to ask... but I don't really have anyone else.","32":"Could you?","33":"My relationship with Emily has improved a lot. And her owing me a favor can only be a good thing.","34":"Still, I make a show of being reluctant before agreeing.","35":"I can't drive you back every night.","36":"I'll find some other arrangements. I promise.","37":"Okay.","38":"Thanks. Meet me back here a little before closing, alright?","39":"I nod. Emily looks genuinely grateful.","40":"See you tonight.","41":"Emily treats me a lot better now. She opened up an awful lot in that car.","42":"Maybe she's gotten over whatever complex affected her?","43":"God damn it. The only person that could ruin this good mood.","44":"{PlayerName}, how nice it is-","45":"I don't care about the Philosophy Club. And I don't care about you, either.","46":"I know you don't like me, but I think you'll get over those feelings eventually.","47":"The other thing I'm going to do is prove you took Emily's program.","48":"Hmm... we'll see.","49":"These issues of ours can be resolved. We don't have to be enemies.","50":"I consider you an enemy.","51":"The feeling is not mutual.","52":"This is not going to be productive.","53":"Who is Silent1?","54":"Excuse me?","55":"Who is Silent1?","56":"I don't know who you are talking about. If I did, I wouldn't share it with you either, given you consider me an enemy.","57":"Good day.","58":"Good [i]day?[\/i] More like good riddance.","59":"I watch him leave, I find I love to see him go. He's a grating person before I found out he was evil.","60":"My God... is that Emily? Why isn't she...?","61":"I know what you're going to ask. And no, I wasn't acquitted or let go.","62":"My dad agreed to pay for my bail.","63":"You're allowed to be here?","64":"I'm under probation, and a strict schedule. By a certain time I must be at home, and I can only leave to go to school and to work.","65":"Actually, turning myself in was probably a good thing. The judge liked me and gave me a pretty favorable bail hearing.","66":"My dad would've been more reluctant to pay if I didn't have such... [i]good behavior[\/i].","67":"Right. Which means... Emily is still in great danger.","68":"If new evidence doesn't come up to exonerate her, she's going back to prison... for good, probably.","69":"I hate being here. Everyone looks at me like I'm a drug lord. Someone actually wanted to buy opiates off me.","70":"Only you understand...","71":"I won't forget what you did for me. You still have a chance to be free, I'm going to get you out.","72":"It's disgusting that Cedric runs around free. I've never had that feeling before where you've been completely, utterly, totally, done wrong.","73":"It's a really bad feeling. I just hate Cedric more than I can describe, and I hate myself for trusting him.","74":"She is definitely bluntly self-aware.","75":"He won't be running around free much longer.","76":"There's one more thing... and I hate asking.","77":"What is it?","78":"Could you...","79":"...drive me home tonight?","80":"I have nobody else. I promise I'll make arrangements every other night. This is just the once.","81":"I can't really refuse if it's just one time.","82":"Emily looks relieved.","83":"[i]Thank you.[\/i] Really.","84":"Meet me here later tonight, okay? I really appreciate it.","85":"I get a second-hand sickness from knowing Cedric is free, too.","86":"The only cure for that is swift justice.","87":"I look up to see {YouCallHer} bounding up the steps, right on time.","88":"Hey! You ready to do this?","89":"Oh. A night in did her a lot of good.","90":"Were you just talking to someone?","91":"How did you know that?","92":"Your cellphone was out and to your side, a pose you only have immediately after talking to someone.","93":"Wow, Ms. Observant.","94":"It doesn't really matter.","95":"I know I'm ready to sift through college records and documents! What about you?","96":"She laughs.","97":"Welcome to the exciting, sexy world of investigative journalism. One percent butt clenching terror, ninety-nine percent mind numbing boredom.","98":"Still, more than a few huge cases have been cracked by finding that one little nugget of information hidden in mountains of records. The university library is a great place to start.","99":"Just like Wikipedia.","100":"{Leah} smiles, treating that as a joke.","101":"Alright, well, after you.","102":"I'm not terribly excited about the prospect of reading through stacks of old documents or scrolling through archives of digitized articles and records, but Valerie did ask me to redouble my efforts to find [i]something[\/i] about what happened to Sandra.","103":"She put her faith in me, and the last thing I want to do is let her down.","104":"I look over at {Leah}, who has a little twinkle in her eye as she looks over the cavernous expanse of books and computers.","105":"You really enjoy this kind of stuff, don't you?","106":"{YouCallHer} looks at me with a subtle grin.","107":"I like being on the path to something. I like chasing things. I can't describe it. I'm just glad I have you for a sidekick.","108":"Sidekick?","109":"Have you ever thought about growing out some stubble? Maybe getting a fedora or trench coat?","110":"I roll my eyes and smile sarcastically. {YouCallHer}'s film noir fantasy might be cuter if the stakes weren't so real.","111":"I'm glad to see you're taking this seriously.","112":"I'm just having a little fun, alright?","0":"That rest did a lot of good.","113":"Okay, gumshoe, where do we start?","1":"I'm ready to take on the day... if indeed there's anything I can take.","114":"We set to the task, searching available public records, publications, and news articles. Anything we can find about Sandra Vasquez.","2":"{Leah} has early classes. I exchange a few texts with her, agreeing to meet at the library later that day.","115":"Valerie was able to pull some info out from Sandra's student records, which helps us narrow our search somewhat, but it's still a monster of a task.","3":"After work and class, I end up waiting outside the university entrance.","116":"I handle most of the digital searching, while {Leah} looks through hard copies and physical papers.","4":"I check my watch. It looks like {Leah} is lagging behind.","117":"The hours tick by, empty cups of coffee stack up among the various books and papers.","5":"It's okay though. I like the early autumn breeze. It's getting very slightly chilly.","118":"Aside from a few innocuous mentions of the missing girl, we find nothing of apparent value on Sandra.","6":"The temperature is a pleasant kind of cold. It makes you want to cuddle someone.","119":"I take a moment to rest my eyes, growing heavy from reading and scanning countless articles. Looking over, {YouCallHer} still looks focused and alert. I admire her doggedness, it really does seem like she was born for this.","7":"Except the present company...","120":"Curious, I pull out my laptop and open it. {YouCallHer} looks up from a stack of papers.","8":"Speak of the Devil...","121":"RECENTLY?","9":"You bounced back.","122":"I nod, doing a query for any records on the school servers about Sandra.","123":"I watch the list slowly populate. Most of it are things we've already seen. However, some of her private student records also pop up.","124":"I click them, with {YouCallHer} peering over my shoulder on the screen.","125":"Here's something. Her home phone number.","126":"Maybe there's a parent or relative we can talk to.","127":"Maybe, but it looks like I have class, and I'm pretty sure you have work.","128":"Checking the clock, she's right.","129":"We'll meet up later and give it a call. Sound good?","130":"Nodding in agreement, we start collecting our stuff and taking the records back to their filing drawers.","131":"I had hoped we would have come away with a bit more, given all the work we had done, but I suppose a phone number is better than nothing.","132":"Hopefully, someone on the other end knows something that can help us."},"ch6__06.50.10 carmen on call.vne3":{"3":"The phone number looks like some unreadable, dystopian barcode.","4":"I look up at {YouCallHer}, who is standing by with a notepad to jot down anything important. I think she senses my hesitancy, and she smiles at me reassuringly.","5":"Nothing to it but to do it.","6":"I nod. Exhaling, I hit the ''Call'' button, put it on speaker mode, and let it ring.","7":"After a moment, a woman picks up.","8":"[i]¿Hola?[\/i]","9":"Is that Spanish? I don't speak Spanish.","10":"Fuck it. I'll just keep going.","11":"Hello, my name is {PlayerName}, I'm calling about...","12":"She hung up.","13":"I look up at {YouCallHer}, who shrugs.","14":"Try her again?","15":"I redial. The phone rings for a moment again before it's finally picked up. The woman on the other end sounds annoyed.","16":"Yes?","17":"Hello again, Ma'am. My name is {PlayerName}, I'm calling about...","18":"[i]¡Hijo de puta![\/i] I'm gonna call the FCC on you. I'm on [i]do not call[\/i]. I want to reach operator.","19":"I'm interrupted by a series of beeps from the woman smashing the number pad on her phone, presumably looking for the ''talk to a person'' option.","20":"I'm an idiot. Of course my voice app would sound like a robocall to someone who didn't know better.","21":"Wait! I'm sorry for the confusion, I'm not a robocall, I have a condition.","22":"We're calling about Sandra Vasquez.","23":"The line is silent for a moment. When the woman does respond, her thick, Spanish accent is tinged with venom.","24":"What do you want?","25":"I'm really sorry to bother you, we're trying to get some information about Sandra Vasquez for something we're working on. We've checked her records and this is listed as her home phone number.","26":"I'm panicking, trying to fumble out a response in the app.","27":"As I do though, hearing the soulless synthesized words that emit from the program, lacking any and all empathy or compassion, makes me suddenly ache for having my voice back in a way that I haven't felt in a long time.","28":"I don't know what the hell you are after, or who the hell you are! But you call my house and...","29":"Seeing this quickly fall apart, {Leah} grabs the phone to rescue the situation.","30":"Excuse me, Ma'am? My name is {Leah}, I'm a student at Shale Hill University. My friend, {PlayerName}, and I are looking into the disappearance of Sandra Vasquez and we were wondering if someone at this number might be able to help us.","31":"I apologize for my friend. He's a student too, but he lost his voice and has to speak through a text to speech app, we're sorry if he accidentally offended you.","32":"I breathe a sigh of relief. I don't know what we were thinking, letting me be the one to talk. {YouCallHer} silently mouths ''sorry'' and I pantomime that she has nothing to be sorry about and she saved my butt.","33":"Thank god she did too, the woman on the end takes a moment, but when she responds, it's without the menace that it held before.","34":"I'm Sandra's mother, Carmen Vasquez.","35":"You two are students at Shale Hill? Looking into Sandra's disappearance?","36":"Yes. We are friends with Valerie Shure, Sandra's roommate. She thinks Sandra's disappearance may be related to a string of missing students at the college. She's asked us to look into it.","37":"Yes, I know Valerie. She was very supportive to my Sandrita. God bless her for not giving up.","38":"The woman's voice cracks a bit with emotion, it hits like a ton of bricks even through the phone.","39":"But why you two? You said you are just students?","40":"We are, I'm a journalism major and my {youAreHer} and I... we have a tendency to get into trouble.","41":"Mrs. Vasquez, we don't have confidence that the authorities are up to the task of getting to the bottom of whatever is going on, so we're taking it upon ourselves to look into it..","42":"I always get the same answer from those [i]cabrones[\/i]. ''She ran away'', ''she ran away'', ''did you look under cushions of couch''. Lazy! Stupid! Ignorant! They are collecting tax dollars while girls are missing!","43":"A girl disappeared, and I have a mother's wrath. I kick down their doors so they lift a finger to find her!","44":"A young girl like my Sandra... devoted, studious, loves her mother... would never disappear. Never.","45":"The pain and anguish in her voice is still raw. We can hear her fight the tears. I've heard the worst thing that can happen to someone is to lose a child.","46":"I don't understand that yet, but I feel it through this woman's voice.","47":"Mrs. Vasquez, we are so sorry, I can't even begin to imagine how difficult this is for you. But if you'd like, we'd like to meet you in person and talk more about what you might know. [i]If[\/i] you're comfortable doing so, that is.","48":"Carmen collects herself a bit, sniffling and composing herself.","49":"I would like that. Anything for someone trying to help my Sandrita. I teach Spanish at Shale Hill. If you are students there, maybe we could meet in a couple of days after work and classes get out.","50":"I nod at {YouCallHer}, letting her know that it's good with me.","51":"That works for us, Mrs. Vasquez. Can we meet you on the student greens? By the tables?","52":"That works great. I will see you then.","53":"It was {Leah}, correct? And your friend with the voice condition is {PlayerName}?","54":"Yes.","55":"Got it. Thank you both so much for doing this. I can't tell you what it means to me.","56":"We're happy to, Mrs. Vasquez. We'll see you tomorrow.","57":"See you then.","58":"Mrs. Vasquez hangs up. I take a breath. It's something to go on, maybe breathe some new light into this case.","59":"I'm sorry, I should have volunteered to call from the get go, I don't know why I didn't think that your cold calling would have been confusing.","60":"It's okay, I didn't think of it either.","61":"But hey, we got in touch with Sandra's mother, and we're meeting tomorrow. Maybe we'll get some new leads.","62":"Yeah. Maybe she has some dots we can connect. It has to be so hard to have your daughter just go missing.","63":"In the meantime, there's someone else I want to look into.","64":"Hmm?","65":"Valerie said we should pursue every avenue. There's one person whose story I didn't understand.","66":"Actually, there's a lot of people whose stories I didn't understand, but I'm interested in this one person in particular.","67":"I'll see you after I talk to them.","68":"Right.","69":"If there is some secret organization on campus, traces of them must be everywhere.","70":"Valerie was right. Hunting every lead, no matter how minute, seems to be the best option.","71":"That'll wait for tomorrow.","0":"{Leah} is fucking waiting for me. She has her phone laid out. And the gravity of the situation hits me.","1":"[i]I'm calling someone who lost a family member[\/i].","2":"Not even sex with Emily will save me from this cold, horrible feeling."},"ch6__06.50.15 meeting carmen.vne3":{"10":"You won't last a second.","11":"I know, but I'll try.","12":"I was [i]scared to death[\/i] when I saw you getting arrested.","13":"You got out okay, right?","14":"Yeah, but I was ready to jump in with the Rocket Jump to get you out of there.","15":"You brought the Rocket Jump?","16":"Hey, I get bored sometimes.","17":"Sam is kidding, of course.","18":"I'm still getting over all the shit that happened last night. My life is as chaotic as it is.","19":"So glad you got me out of there.","20":"Really sorry about Emily. I know you guys were pretty close.","21":"She literally didn't deserve it.","22":"You don't either. It's just a weird fate for Annette-Taylor's power couple. A more immature me would've cheered it on.","23":"I've got to get going, {PlayerName}. Maybe we can talk later.","24":"Yeah, Sam... we'll talk.","25":"On the way...","26":"Hey.","27":"Hey Haley.","28":"I've been meaning to say... despite everything that happened... thanks for taking me to the party.","29":"It was really fun.","30":"...except for the part at the end, of course.","31":"Of course.","32":"You should've told me. I would've... done something.","33":"There was nothing you could've done.","34":"Haley attempts to think of something she could've done... and fails.","35":"I've only been that close to being arrested once before. I wouldn't have gotten out if it weren't for you.","36":"It's a shame about Emily. Judging from your stories you two were close once.","37":"She didn't deserve what happened.","38":"Yeah. I don't know what kind of person she is, but I sense the same thing.","39":"Drop by Sevigny's sometime. I'm going to get bored without you.","40":"I'd love to when I find the time.","41":"She flashes a smile, and then heads off.","42":"On the way...","43":"Oh. Hi.","44":"How are you holding up?","45":"No. How are [i]you[\/i] holding up? You went through a lot more than I did.","46":"I was just a weevil on a biscuit, along for the ride.","47":"You say funny things sometimes. I'm doing a whole lot better.","48":"I'm real glad I went, despite what happened.","49":"The thing at the end was real scary. I wondered if I'd ever see you again.","50":"This friendship we got means a whole lot to me, so I'd appreciate never seeing you in that situation.","51":"I don't chase after those experiences, trust me.","52":"The running off was kind of a thrill, if I'm honest. It's been a while since I've seen the police up close like that.","53":"And uh...","54":"...the girl that was arrested. You two were [i]friends[\/i], right? A long time ago?","55":"I know what it's like to lose a friend. It can be hard even if you don't get along no more.","56":"She didn't deserve it.","57":"Only one being gets to decide what we deserve.","58":"But life is back to normal, right?","59":"No. Not really. But hopefully for Maggie, it is.","60":"I hope she doesn't see any more of this stuff.","61":"Make sure to take care of yourself.","62":"I will, but listen to your advice sometimes, I'd wager.","63":"Maggie has a bit of a bounce in her step as she walks away.","64":"Any luck?","65":"Not as of yet.","66":"It's the answer {Leah} expects, and has no real response to.","67":"It's a bright, sunny afternoon, as {Leah} and I wait for Carmen, Sandra Vasquez's mother to show up.","68":"Part of me feels guilty about being excited, we're supposed to be talking about the disappearance of her daughter. But the prospect of new clues has me fidgeting as we wait.","69":"I gather by how much her foot is tapping, that {Leah} is feeling the same way.","70":"It's ten past six, when {Leah}'s head perks up.","71":"I think that's her!","72":"I look at where she is gesturing. My eyes immediately catch the attractive, shapely woman walking in our general direction.","73":"As {Leah} and I stand up, she spots us, before approaching us with a bit of uncertainty.","74":"Professor Vasquez?","75":"Yes. You are the two I spoke with on the phone?","76":"Yes! I'm {Leah}, and this is my {youAreHer}, {PlayerName}. ","77":"Hello, Professor Vasquez, thank you for meeting with us.","78":"You speak with an app in person as well?","79":"Yes, I'm unable to speak.","80":"Permanently?","81":"Yes. I lost my vocal chords after a bad infection a few years back.","82":"Oh, [i]pobre chico![\/i] To lose your speech, you poor thing!","83":"I lift my hands to gesture that it's fine.","84":"It's alright, it's no big deal. Anyone would have. And don't worry about the injury. Frankly, I barely remember what it was like having a voice now.","85":"Her eyes go wide, as she steps in to touch my arm affectionately.","86":"No big deal! [i]Bendito sea tu corazón![\/i] Your voice was taken! I could not imagine how hard that must have been!","87":"I'm a little taken aback, having just met Professor Vasquez, but her seemingly guarded and wary persona has melted into a motherly sympathy, as I watch her turn to {Leah} incredulously.","88":"Is he always like this? Typical men, acting like John Wayne as if he suffers some trivial inconvenience by losing such a thing!","89":"Feeling the ice break, {Leah} takes the opportunity to get her shots in.","90":"John Wayne? Oh, not this one. There were a lot of tears, but we worked through it together.","91":"What! I never cried.","92":"I signed angrily at her, now the incredulous one, at a grinning {Leah}. Professor Vasquez keeps going on with {Leah}, enjoying the tag team they have going against me.","93":"You see this! You see this, darling! Always with the toughness. Ugh, I would be devastated if I lost my voice! You've known me for what, forty seconds and you already see how much I talk!","94":"Then she turns back to me, fixing my shirt a bit and resting her hand on my shoulder.","95":"Well, machismo aside, I think you are very brave! It is no small thing to lose one's voice, and you can't convince me otherwise!","96":"I'm still on my back foot a bit at how vivacious and forward she is. Part of me feels a little smothered by her sudden and abrupt motherliness upon learning about my injury.","97":"But as she stands next to me, her hand on my arm, I can't help but notice her beautiful olive skin, raven black hair, and curvaceous figure. I'm getting some strong MILF vibes from her that are making me feel ways I'm not proud of.","98":"But, with introductions taken care of, {Leah} cuts off her doting over me and gets down to our regrettably more serious business.","99":"Professor Vasquez, thank you again for meeting with us. As we said, we were hoping you might help us look into Sandra's disappearance.","100":"Professor Vasquez is certainly a woman who wears her heart on her sleeve, and watching how the sadness that washes over causes her to almost perceptibly shrink is heartbreaking.","101":"Please. Call me Carmen.","102":"My Sandra... was such a wonderful girl.","103":"She was bright, and beautiful, and smart. Always so sweet... and a quiet girl! [i]Dios mio[\/i], not like her mother. It would drive her nuts sometimes, how much I talked...","104":"...and sometimes, she'd say so little I'd just want to strangle her! All through high school, it was like the only words she knew were ''yes'', ''no'', or ''I dunno''. It made me crazy. Crazy!","105":"Carmen laughed to herself, waxing melancholy on her daughter, while {YouCallHer} just listened.","106":"And she was a good student! A hard worker! And she [i]loved[\/i] to sing! I never thought in a million years she'd want to go to the same college her [i]boring old mamá[\/i] worked at!","107":"And yeah, maybe it was only her second choice, but I was so happy to have her here where we could still see each other at least once or twice a week.","108":"I didn't even mind that she wanted to live in the dorms. She was a woman now and needed her space to grow.","109":"Professor Vasquez... Carmen, I know this is hard, but can you tell us about Sandra's disappearance? Was there anything strange you noticed? Was she acting strange at all right beforehand?","110":"She... disappeared, when she was driving back home that evening. We had just talked that afternoon.","111":"Sandra was... upset. The school had informed her that she was suspected of plagiarism. [i]¡Un montón de mierda![\/i]","112":"There was palpable hatred in the woman's voice at the mention of it.","113":"{YouCallHer} and I look at each other.","114":"I'm sorry, Sandra was accused of plagiarism?","115":"Yes. Of course it was all lies!","116":"Who accused her?","117":"Eh? Ah...","118":"I don't know.","119":"You don't know?","120":"Sandra told me this. She didn't share with me anything else.","121":"We looked into Sandra's background. I didn't find any citations of plagiarism.","122":"Of course not.","123":"My Sandrita was a hardworking, proud woman. Her grades were always excellent! I watched her run herself ragged for years to always do her best on assignments.","124":"I can't tell you how many mornings I woke her up, asleep at her desk, pencil still in hand from doing her classwork!","125":"She'd never stoop to plagiarism, whoever filed that complaint is a [i]payaso[\/i]! A clown!","126":"Sandra took it so personally. She called me up, sobbing and crying, [i]qué lastima[\/i]. I told her to just come home for the weekend, and let her [i]mamá[\/i] take care of her for a few days!","127":"And she said yes?","128":"She did. She even seemed to cheer up a bit. I promised to cook her favorite food. Spaghetti and meatballs. Not her mother's [i]Cazuela de Mariscos[\/i] recipe that has been passed down for generations, but, well...","129":"Carmen tried to smile, tried to head off the pain with her little joke, but it was futile, as the tears started to well up in her eyes.","130":"But... um... she never arrived.","131":"Carmen took a moment to collect herself. Steeling herself and dabbing her eyes with a tissue. {YouCallHer} and I waited patiently for her to continue.","132":"Shit, where was I...","133":"...oh yes. Well, after she never showed up, I called, and called, and when I didn't hear anything by midnight, I called the police to file a Missing Persons report.","134":"And they didn't find anything.","135":"Nothing. Surveillance footage showed Sandra leaving campus around 8PM, but after that they could confirm nothing.","136":"They searched the roads between our house and the school, but there was no evidence she had gone that way.","137":"Did they search her dorm?","138":"They did. Valerie had mentioned that Sandra had packed a little overnight bag and told her she was leaving for the weekend. Police said some items were missing.","139":"Anything specific?","140":"Her um... laptop? Yes! Her laptop, some clothes, some toiletries.","141":"I hadn't noticed until now, but {YouCallHer} was scratching down notes. Likely this whole time by the looks of it.","142":"...And until the business with the plagiarism accusation, how did Sandra seem?","143":"Sandra was still a quiet girl, and she was never as open with me as I wish she were... but she was excited and happy here, at college.","144":"After she disappeared, I felt so helpless. So useless. My friends, other students, some of the faculty, we all put up fliers, searched the woods around campus, but it turned up nothing.","145":"Did the police find anything?","146":"Carmen sneered.","147":"It's been almost 10 months since anyone from the department has contacted me about my daughter. They wrote her off long ago. Couldn't be bothered to find a young girl. Like she was someone's cat or something.","148":"Same with this damned college. God, I don't know why I even still work here.","149":"They can spend 50 million dollars on a new stadium every 5 years, but aside from offering their ''deepest condolences'', they can barely lift a finger when they lose a goddamn student!!!","150":"She pauses for a moment, playing with her tissue.","151":"You said on the phone... that Sandra is the latest in a string of students who've gone missing...","152":"{YouCallHer} looks at her notebook, picking her words.","153":"There does appear to be... a usually high number of students at Shale Hill University that either take their own lives, or go missing, compared to national averages. Especially given the disposition of the students here.","154":"Carmen, we can't say with ''any'' certainty whether your daughter's disappearance is linked. All we can say is the statistics are there.","155":"I understand.","156":"Carmen looks up at us, her eyes red, but smiles warmly.","157":"Thank you both for not letting my Sandra just be forgotten. You two are so young, you shouldn't be saddled with these things! You should be concerned with homework and grades... and cute boys or girls! Not finding missing people!","158":"Well, as we've sadly established, neither the school or police have been up to the task.","159":"We're happy to help, Carmen. Really.","160":"Well... [i]Dios mio[\/i], look at the time, I need to get going. But I hope this was of some help.","161":"If I think of anything else, I will call you.","162":"...And please. If you need anything, or find anything, please let me know without delay!","163":"We will, Carmen, thank you.","164":"With Carmen gone, {YouCallHer} and I take a breath, decompressing and sifting through and separating all the facts from the emotions we went through.","165":"I suddenly found myself tired, having to share in that kind of suffering, even for a moment. For Carmen, I can't imagine how exhausting it was.","166":"{Leah}, to her credit, seems to be taking it better than I, able to compartmentalize the feelings from the data, and is busy looking over her notes.","167":"So, what did we learn?","168":"Well, we learned that Sandra was suspected of plagiarism by the college.","169":"Which at least according to her mom, is pretty out of character, but what parent would suspect their own child of cheating?","170":"That said, to someone who took their academics seriously, even just being accused of plagiarism can be pretty devastating.","171":"I'm not sure I think it's the case, but what is the possibility that Sandra took her own life?","172":"Just for the sake of ruling it out, I don't think it's very likely.","173":"I think it would take more than just a plagiarism accusation to send an otherwise healthy, happy girl to commit suicide. ","174":"From what Carmen and Valerie both told us, Sandra seemed happy. According to Valerie, even annoyingly positive and upbeat, right up until just before she went missing. And on the way home she packed a bag, took her laptop, and her phone.","175":"That's not the behavior of someone planning to end their own life. Even if she came to the decision very suddenly, wouldn't someone have found her body or car by now?","176":"So that doesn't leave us with a lot to go on. Maybe we could look into the plagiarism claim?","177":"Maybe...","178":"...does this case give you a weird vibe? Like things just aren't adding up.","179":"{YouCallHer}, I've had nothing [i]but[\/i] weird vibes and things not adding up since RECENTLY just showed up on my computer.","180":"Why? Are your [i]investigative journalist[\/i] senses tingling?","181":"She doesn't reply right away, churning over something in her head.","182":"This might be where we have to leave off for now.","183":"You don't know what the next step is?","184":"I... have an idea. But I need to think about it.","185":"Keep doing your thing. I need to plan some things first.","186":"Alright.","187":"{Leah} wanders off. I don't know what she's doing, but I don't think she needs me to help her.","188":"I guess I can independently look into a few things, then. I'll wait until {Leah} has more to share.","0":"After classes and work, I head to the meeting location.","1":"On the way...","2":"Hands up, buster! Reach for the sky!","3":"POW POW! You're dead! I gotcha!","4":"She's hitting closer to the truth than she thinks.","5":"I've been asking around. Why does everyone know who Alice Cooper was except me?","6":"He's a [i]boomer pop star[\/i].","7":"He's still famous.","8":"Sam shakes her head sadly.","9":"Can I get serious for a second?"},"ch6__06.50.20 the drive.vne3":{"10":"What's left of our daylight is bleeding through the trees, slowly dying. Much like my hope that we'll find anything.","11":"I knew this was going to be a long shot, but still, I was hanging on to that glimmer of hope we'd come across some kind of clue.","12":"Now though, hours later and canvassing the same ground again, it's starting to feel like a futile effort. I'm beginning to feel a sense of defeat start to weigh on me.","13":"Truthfully, we have no way of knowing Sandra even came this way. She may have decided to take off to Alaska and might be first mate on a crab fishing boat for all we know.","14":"{YouCallHer} insisted on making a few more passes though, even with the night closing in, threatening to blanket in darkness everything outside the beams of the headlights.","15":"I'm ready to get home as quick as possible. I start hitting the gas.","16":"What are you doing? You're going too fast.","17":"I throw a hand up in protest, but it's a frustratingly futile gesture. She's not looking, and I can't sign or use my app and drive at the same time. Unless I want to risk very suddenly parking us ''around'' a Georgia Pine.","18":"Getting impatient, I tap her to get her attention. When she looks over, I pantomime the best I can, the question ''what are you looking for'', with one hand. ","19":" She gives me a sour look, I think she understands, but we're both pretty tired and frustrated at this point, and it's starting to show.","20":"She turns back to the window and responds back.","21":"Look, I'm trying to be thorough, alright? We have to comb these routes until we're...","22":"...Stop the car!","23":"I slam on the brakes, instinctively bracing myself as if we were about to hit something! But in front of us is just empty road.","24":"Pull over here!","25":"I do as she asks, but now I'm getting a little angry. I turn to {YouCallHer}, ready to let her have a piece of my mind in some very aggressive sign, but I haven't even come to a stop when she's already rolling out the door with a flashlight.","26":"Still grumbling, I pop the car in park and hop out to chase her the 50 yards back where she is posted up, pointing a beam of light at a row of hedges.","27":"Look, here! This line of bushes, on the side of the road. You see this section? It looks like it was disturbed or distressed at some point, [i]and[\/i] it's about the width of a car.","28":"See how it's grown differently than the rest of the surrounding plants?","29":"{Leah}, she disappeared a couple of years ago...","30":"I know these plants. They are very fragile and take a long time to regrow... something happened here...","31":"I suppose, but that doesn't necessarily mean...","32":"I can't even finish a sentence before she's already off, taking a big step over the section of uneven bush and heading off into the dark cathedral of tree trunks and shadows.","33":"I wish, for one second, [i]one second[\/i], she would just wait and think before taking off on what she thinks is a lead.","34":"This is crazy... though I suppose it's far from the craziest thing I've done these past weeks, racing through the dark to follow {YouCallHer}.","35":"I feel a shameful pang of male inadequacy to go with my nervousness and apprehension, walking into those darkened woods. What was I supposed to do again if we get lost? Or attacked by bears? Do we have bears here? ","36":"I try to recall any of the TV-producer-curated survival tips from a dozen trashy wilderness escape shows.","37":"Regrettably, most of what I've been taught about the woods by modern media is that it's where attractive young adults go to get turned into lamps by deranged rednecks.","38":"{YouCallHer} seems less concerned with the admittedly ridiculous but still palpable fear of random, aroused bigfoot attacks, and is busy scanning the forest floor. ","39":"We press on into the dark, on whatever trail that {Leah} appears to be on.","40":"Each step takes us further from our own car, the light from the road is fading dimmer. Or at least the direction I think the car is.","41":"Soon, the world outside the beams from our flashlights is as thick and dark as ink. The disorientation grows, and I sense even {YouCallHer} is starting to slow down and second guess herself.","42":"Finally, the light from her flashlight, once scanning left to right with methodical determination, sinks to her side, defeated.","43":"She peers over at me in the darkness, looking tired.","44":"I'm sorry. This was stupid. I thought I had something, but... I don't know. Maybe I was just seeing what I wanted to.","45":"It's not stupid. You're trying. We're trying.","46":"I know. It's just... we don't have a lot more to go on, {PlayerName}. This was a long shot, I'll admit, but I was really hoping it would have panned out. Otherwise, we're just... a couple of jerks walking around the woods in the dark.","47":"I smile at her.","48":"Come on, let's get out of here. Assuming we're not horribly lost, and don't get taken by the skinwalkers, we'll hit up a late night diner and think of what to do next. Pancakes are on me.","49":"She chuckles, and flashes a sad little smile, before turning to head back the way we came.","50":"And that's when her flashlight catches something way off in the darkness.","51":"For a split second, I see the blood red eyes of some hideous monster peering at us through the thick blackness of night, as needles run up my arms and leg in terror.","52":"When I realize what it is I'm really looking at, it's almost as chilling.","53":"{YouCallHer} is already several paces in the other direction, downtrodden and walking back towards the car, when my furious finger snapping gets her attention, I dare not take my own flashlight off what I'm seeing.","54":"Are those... tail lights?","55":"We start to creep towards the red dots, trying to see if it wasn't just a trick of the eye.","56":"But as the red circles solidify in the darkness our pace quickens. ","57":"Creeping closer, both of us are breathing heavily as the rest of the car comes into view. Or what we can see of it, hidden and obscured by a pile of brush.","58":"Yellow hatchback... two doors... {PlayerName} that's the same model and color as Sandra's car!","59":"My heart is pounding. It has to be Sandra's car. I can't believe it. It's actually here!","60":"Look how it's been concealed! It would have been incredibly difficult to find unless you walked right up to it, or caught a tail light in a flashlight beam!","61":"As we near the car though, there is an ice cold lump in my throat of what we might find inside.","62":"{YouCallHer} must be feeling it too. I look up to see her face in the glow from the flashlight beam, her eyes wide with dread, but her jaw set in grim determination.","63":"Let's look.","64":"The window is dusty. I'll have to open the door to get a real look.","65":"I brace myself for what could be the horrid smell of rotting decay, before grabbing the handle, and opening the door.","66":"Oh thank god.","67":"No wave of putrid stench, no grimacing corpse, no blackened stains of long dried blood.","68":"Just a bare, empty, and remarkably clean car interior, given it's been out in the woods for a couple years.","69":"The relief of [i]not[\/i] finding a dead body lightens the mood instantly. We take a moment to catch our breath, {YouCallHer} punches me in the arm and beams at me with a smile that could practically light up the woods itself.","70":"We have to search the car.","71":"I assume we're not going to contact the police?","72":"Given what we've learned, do you think that's really a good option?","73":"Fair point.","74":"I let {YouCallHer} take the lead on searching the car, and happily relegate myself to the role [i]official flashlight holder.[\/i]","75":"{YouCallHer}, with all the care of a seasoned cop, combs the car over from front to back, checking over nook, cranny, and compartment.","76":"It feels like hours, and I start to worry how long our flashlights are going to last, until {YouCallHer} feels satisfied with her search.","77":"This car is scrubbed clean.","78":"Well, that checks out with what Carmen told us. Sandra would keep her car pretty tidy.","79":"No, I mean it's been scrubbed clean of all info. There's no registration, no license plates, no inspection stickers, not even any old service bill stuffed in the back of the glove box or fast food receipts wedged between seats!","80":"So, what do you think?","81":"It means someone wanted to make sure this car wasn't easily traced back to Sandra Vasquez, but was the person who scrubbed it the same people who took Sandra? Or was Sandra [i]trying[\/i] to disappear?","82":"But why would Sandra Vasquez want to disappear?","83":"I wonder about that myself. But then I remember my own experiences as of late. The paranoia, the fear that I'm being followed and plotted against. There have been more than a few times I would have liked to be able to disappear also.","84":"Could Sandra have uncovered something she shouldn't have too? Maybe she had to go into hiding?","85":"Kind of like what you and I are going through?","86":"For lack of a better explanation, yeah.","87":"I don't know, but either option is chilling.","88":"Let's get some more photos and get out of here. I don't think we'll learn anything more from the car at the moment. Plus, I want to confirm with Carmen that this is Sandra's car.","89":"Together, {YouCallHer} and I wrap up the scene, and head back through the dark towards where we [i]think[\/i] the road is.","90":"We barely speak, both our minds swirling at all the thoughts, implications, and new questions that finding Sandra's abandoned car brings.","91":"It's going to be a long ride home.","0":"{Leah} looks up and makes sure we have the right building and starting point for our day's pursuit.","1":"The car is loaded with binoculars, flashlights, phone chargers, note pads, energy drinks, and a good spread of sweet and salty snacks. Investigative essentials according to {Leah}.","2":"Okay, this is Sandra's dorm. I got the address of the house from Carmen, and the route Sandra would most likely have taken, along with a couple alternatives we could check.","3":"Do we have everything we need?","4":"I give her the thumbs up, ready for our search.","5":"I still don't know what we're looking for, and from what {Leah} says, she's not sure either. ","6":"I suppose it is a scenic route.","7":"It wouldn't be that bad, right?","8":"Well... maybe it will be.","9":"Is it our fifth, or sixth trip back and forth between the university and the Vasquez house? It's starting to get hard to remember."},"ch6__06.50.25 strange truths.vne3":{"3":"That is her car. This is Sandrita's car.","4":"When {YouCallHer} and I told Professor Vasquez we had found something, she insisted we meet her as soon as possible. She was angry we hadn't gone straight to her that very night.","5":"You're saying it's been in the woods, just off the side of the road for two years, and [i]no one[\/i] found it!","6":"It was pretty far back in the woods. And hidden beneath a pile of brush.","7":"It would have been difficult to find.","8":"And yet, two college kids find it, after one day of looking, [i]in the dark[\/i]!","9":"[i]Cabrones![\/i] They would only find their own [i]pollas[\/i] if you put a donut around it!","10":"Look, we'll leave it up to you whether we report this to the authorities. For what it's worth, there didn't seem to be any signs of violence or foul play.","11":"It's possible that [i]Sandra[\/i] hid it there herself, removed all its identifiable material, and walked out.","12":"My Sandra is a good, responsible girl! She'd never just abandon her car like that.","13":"But it's still possible she did. Carmen, was there anything else you could think of, or do you think something else could have been bothering Sandra?","14":"What are you saying? I don't know what you were trying to imply.","15":"There was nothing she couldn't come to her [i]mamá[\/i] about! If she was in real trouble with something, she would have told me!","16":"You might want to hope that it's true, though. Because either she walked away from that car... or someone pulled her out.","17":"Yes. I see what you mean. But she was a normal girl. If she didn't tell me about something... I can't imagine what it is.","18":"Sandrita wasn't some spy, or hacker, or crazy person! She was a regular girl! She was shy! She spent a lot of time on her computer!","19":"She did choir, was a member of the campus philosophy club, watched the stupid Japanese cartoon things!","20":"[i]Philosophy club...?[\/i]","21":"{YouCallHer} and I both looked at each other at the same time.","22":"Did you say Sandra was in the philosophy club? The Shale Hill University philosophy club?","23":"Yes, why? Is this important?","24":"I don't know yet...","25":"Can you tell us anything about the philosophy club?","26":"I don't know. Sandrita was not a party girl. I think she was just lonely.","27":"She brought up the club a few times. That's all. But it's a [i]philosophy club.[\/i] This is a very normal thing to have, no?","28":"I don't know. [i]The philosophy club[\/i] keeps being brought up over and over again. And the way Cedric talked about it...","29":"...connections are being made in my head.","30":"Thank you for your time, Ms. Vasquez. We'll be back.","31":"I can see the anxiety and desperation bubbling under Carmen's surface. But she finds her own strength, and nods.","32":"Thank you.","33":"Yes... uh... thanks for the hug.","34":"You remind me of her, sweet girl.","35":"Please... let me know if you find something new.","36":"She saunters off back to her office.","37":"As soon as she's gone...","38":"We need to go have a chat with our dear friend, Cedric.","39":"Arrange another visit, maybe? I doubt he'll do it.","40":"He seems very interested in talking to you.","41":"Listen, I'm going to try to arrange another visit with him.","42":"Do you think he'll want to talk with us?","43":"He'll want to talk to you, at least.","44":"I'm going to try to figure out where he is.","45":"I'll see you back at the apartment.","46":"Thanks.","47":"I'm letting {Leah} off on her own an awful lot.","48":"She can do this on her own. I trust her.","0":"The next day, {Leah} and I immediately arrange a meeting with Carmen.","1":"It seems this time, she has no problem making time for us. When we ask to see her, there's no scheduling involved at all.","2":"Carmen swipes through the photos of the abandoned car, her face twisting in disbelief and anger. Finally, putting the phone back down, she stiffens and does the best she can to contain her emotions."},"ch7__07.05 fallout.vne3":{"3":"Neither of us do. This doesn't end.","4":"Only, when a natural inclination strikes me, to reach out... and touch...","5":"Then, we pull away.","6":"Touching her breast shook her out of this hypnotism. And seeing her shock shook the feelings out of me too.","7":"A cold waterfall of sobriety washes over me. Now, we share collectively the sinking sensation of shame.","8":"This was...","9":"She can't finish her sentence. She's as mute as I am.","10":"Indecisive, the only choice she makes is not to say anything.","11":"When she goes to her room, it's hard to call it a walk. It's as fast as you can go without running.","12":"When the door slams shut, I feel like I've been dropped into a sound-proof booth. I don't hear her bumping around, or jumping beneath her covers, nothing.","13":"The only thing I hear is the slight murmur of the street, and the little voice in my head telling me I've made a big error.","14":"This shame... this guilt... is going to gather inertia and grow into something. I can feel that already. For now, though, it's just a gross feeling of regret.","15":"[i]I shouldn't have kissed {Leah}.[\/i]","16":"I must be some kinda freak to kiss a girl like {Leah}... she isn't just any girl...","17":"...she's my {sheIsYour}...","18":"What kind of freak does something like this? I must be more badly damaged than I thought.","19":"There has to be a resolution... but I know it doesn't involve me knocking on her door right now.","20":"It doesn't feel right for me to go to bed, either. I'm just stuck to my feet, feeling awkward and exposed.","21":"After a minute of just standing in the middle of the room, eventually my brain reactivates and my legs start moving.","22":"What a brilliant move. Just compounding the fucking stress we're going through.","23":"I'm such a stupid...","24":"(Breathe, {PlayerName}. Purge these thoughts. Relax and start thinking through things rationally.)","25":"For all I know... this might all evaporate in the morning. Will kissing {Leah} really seem like such a big mistake in hindsight?","26":"Let's just try to shove it in a box for now, and we can reevaluate it later. [i]With aforementioned hindsight.[\/i]","27":"Do I have hindsight now? Do I feel better about what happened?","28":"Interrogate your feelings... sense your guilt and shame like Luke senses the Force...","29":"No. I still feel like shit. The bright shining sun only contrasts with the gloom within.","30":"That icky feeling... that I might have changed things between me and {Leah} forever...","31":"...I don't want to get out of bed. I don't want to confront it.","32":"I will need to. Let's get up and see how {Leah} feels.","33":"Why do I feel like Pericles entering the Labyrinth? (It was Pericles, right?)","34":"Things feel... cool... hollow... empty.","35":"I don't know if {Leah} is home or gone, and I'm too scared to find out.","36":"Despite stink lines wafting off me, I don't want to risk a shower. There's a chance that-","37":"--well, this is just a confrontation I'm not yet ready for.","38":"Let's get to school and live normally.","39":"I didn't like Cedric. I didn't like Cedric at all... and I liked him even less when he revealed himself for who he really was.","40":"But to [i]disappear[\/i]...","41":"...[i]from prison[\/i]...","42":"Shit. It's just like Valerie had said. There is something going on in this school. The same force that made Sandra disappear also got Cedric....","43":"...it could make me disappear as well...","44":"...it could even get [i]{Leah}.","45":"I can't spend too much time worrying about {Leah}, what's the use? It's too late to box her out now, she's too deeply involved. She'd never tolerate being left out.","46":"I want to say this all feels so unreal, but...","47":"...damn... this feels like real life. It feels [i]normal[\/i] now.","48":"I already had my nightmares, my adjustment period. I'm in the trenches, the bombs have been going off, I've been in no man's land.","49":"I am now a veteran.","50":"I need to take this as a wakeup call to take this shit seriously.","51":"Maybe... that's the reason for that feeling to do something strange with {Leah}.","52":"The stress, the deepening stark reality of it all is oppressing me, giving me intrusive thoughts.","53":"It's like how someone with OCD can't stop thinking about germs. More profound anxieties are causing little niggling issues.","54":"I should just throw myself into my work and try to put this all out of my mind.","0":"Is this some sort of side-effect of all the stress we've been under? Or is this something we've always had... bubbling to the surface?","1":"In any case... it won't stop. My lips are moving on their own.","2":"We exchange sluggish, fearful kisses between us. I know I have to turn away. She knows she has to turn away."},"ch7__07.10 stinky.vne3":{"10":"Maybe the same will happen? Obviously with a different girl.","11":"Maybe the same thing will happen? Perhaps even with Emily...","12":"Emily invited me to lunch as a result, which was interesting. Maybe it doesn't smell bad to everyone.","13":"What is this feeling?","14":"I feel... [i]relaxed?[\/i]","15":"This isn't home. I shouldn't feel relaxed. I should feel stressed out, overburdened, tearing my hair out.","16":"The only reason I might feel relaxed is if...","17":"...it means I don't have to deal with {Leah} and the [i]situation[\/i].","18":"I don't want to be the kind of guy who runs away from confrontation, and I'm not. I just don't know how to [i]deal with this situation in particular[\/i]...","19":"Just... [i]how do I feel about this myself?[\/i] Did I kiss her because of a random impulse or...","20":"...something deeper? Something that's been there for a while?","21":"I... I really don't know...","22":"Hey man, did you h- [delay,500][char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Surprised][i]did you take a shower?[\/i]","23":"Is it that obvious?","24":"Something in here is gonna attract sharks. Shiiit man.","25":"I just skipped a shower.","26":"Don't do that! Some guys can get away with not taking a shower and some can't.","27":"You ain't one of those guys, I'm sorry to break it to you.","28":"You smell like... cat barf. The kind of shit they hock straight onto the floor.","29":"Thanks. I like hearing that.","30":"Yeah. Or like... a mountain stream... downhill of a chemical plant.","31":"Did I ask for these vivid descriptions?","32":"Or like a tidepool, but everything in the tidepool is dead.","33":"Like Jeffrey Dahmer's fridge. -Hank","34":"Yeah. Or like a shit end of a drain snake. Literal shit end.","35":"Hank, you can't even smell me.","36":"I'm not passing up the opportunity to torment you. -Hank","37":"I probably don't smell as bad as your stale office.","38":"Ah... damn! That's probably true! How long have you been in there exactly? Are you even in there?","39":"I'm one of those people that don't need showers. -Hank","40":"I'm sure your shit stinks, Hank.","41":"I don't shit in my office. -Hank","42":"There is no way you haven't got a shelf with a whole bunch of bottles of homemade lemonade.","43":"This sort of banter is... oddly comforting. It feels right. It feels like [i]I belong[\/i]...","44":"Linus and I whine, but the IT department was never that formal. Where else can you grab a beer from the office fridge?","45":"Hank could put an end at that any time he wants to. He has a right to. Maybe because it's just the three of us...","46":"...but it feels [i]cozy.[\/i]","47":"By principle, I feel like I should not be nearly so comfortable at work. Disturbing as shit this place has become the most predictable, most reliable area of my life.","48":"Even more tragic that I'm about to drag a little bit of the outside world into this bubble.","49":"Hey, you're the same year as me, right?","50":"Chronologically, yeah. In terms of maturity...","51":"Have you heard of a girl called Sandra?","52":"[i]Sandra?[\/i] Hmm...","53":"Maybe some of the juniors and seniors would know her. She's from the year before us. She had your major.","54":"I forget you're just a computer science minor. I kind of think of you as [i]one of us[\/i].","55":"I mean... I [i]think[\/i] I remember people being upset about something happening to a girl called Sandra, but [i]I couldn't tell you much else...[\/i]","56":"I've got a picture of her. You want to see?","57":"Yeah, sure.","58":"I take out the photo and hand it to Linus.","59":"Top half so wholesome. Bottom half...","60":"Of course you'd immediately notice the low cut.","61":"You telling me you didn't? It's a heart-warming picture.","62":"What's your interest in this?","63":"She disappeared the year before we arrived.","64":"Linus nods absent-mindedly.","65":"...and that's it. [i]Really?[\/i] I expected a stronger reaction out of him. Someone [i]disappeared[\/i]. Does he think...?","66":"I mean like FBI missing persons disappeared.","67":"Oh, holy shit. I thought you were talking about she [i]dropped out[\/i], or like quit social media.","68":"No, she's gone physically.","69":"[i]Gone physically.[\/i] That's nuts, not sure what to say about that.","70":"You think Hank knows?","71":"Hank, you know anything about a girl called Sandra?","72":"A pause. Then...","73":"I know a couple girls called Sandra. -Hank","74":"That's a good question, actually. Which Sandra are we talking about?","75":"Sandra Vazquez.","76":"Another brief pause.","77":"Sexy Sandra Vazquez? -Hank","78":"You know her?","79":"I think so. Computer Science department, Sandra Vazquez, real smart, real cute? -Hank","80":"Dude, it sounds like Hank's crushing.","81":"Cute, sure. I don't know enough about her to say smart.","82":"I knew a cute, smart Sandra Vazquez. -Hank","83":"Physically? Outside that office?","84":"No, not like that. -Hank","85":"Hmm... disappointing. Probably only knew her through his work at the IT Department.","86":"Do you know what happened to her?","87":"[speed,0.5]I heard she [speed,0.1][b]died.","88":"[i]Died?[\/i]","89":"That's not what I heard. Just that she went missing.","90":"Oh, my mistake. -Hank","91":"Did you know anything else about her?","92":"Just that she was a computer science major. I think her mother works for the school. She might be a good person to ask. -Hank","93":"Yeah. I did ask.","94":"Thanks, Hank.","95":"I put the phone down, ready to return back to work, but Linus is looking at me oddly.","96":"I return the stare, an indication that if he has anything to say, he should come out and say it.","97":"Is there a reason you're staring at me?","98":"Yeah. Why are you asking so many questions?","99":"You aren't interested in why a girl disappeared?","100":"Yeah. But like in a roundabout way. I'm not trying to find nobody, like you are.","101":"What's wrong with finding her?","102":"You looking to be a hero?","103":"Why not?","104":"This sounds like police work to me, or true crime podcast shit, I guess.","105":"It feels like you always got weird shit going on. Looking for lost phones then poking on your laptop when you think nobody is watching.","106":"You're watching?","107":"Yeah, 'cause you hug that damn laptop like you're watching porn at work. You make the shifty eyes: one glance at the door, one glance at me, then you crouch behind that screen.","108":"Shit. Linus is observant.","109":"You caught me. I'm watching porn.","110":"No, you're not motherflipper.","111":"Anyway, it's not my business. I hate drama, leave me out of that shit. If you're doing criminal activity, it's best for my alibi and defense that I had no idea what you were doing.","112":"I gotta keep my ass covered, for obvious reasons. Plus, it works for Hank.","0":"What's that smell?","113":"If I go, I'm taking the beer with me. -Hank","1":"God... it's like someone didn't put on deodorant. They definitely need to.","114":"It ain't so special. I can find somewhere else that lets you drink on the job.","2":"Wait a sec.","115":"You've never had another job before, then? -Hank","3":"*sniff* *sniff*","116":"Hank is right. Nobody else is going to let you drink on the job.","4":"[i]It's me.[\/i]","117":"Bartender.","5":"Shit... I was agonizing about {Leah} so much I just left without taking a shower.","118":"You can be a bartender when you know how a martini works. -Hank","6":"I love showers - I hate skipping them. It felt weird when I skipped a shower before the town hall with {Leah}.","119":"Yeah. Yeah. That's got an olive... vodka or something... whiskey too, right?","7":"Little did I know, she snuck into the shredder room and stole some secret documents without me knowing...","120":"Gin and vermouth. -Hank","8":"How on Earth am I supposed to protect a girl like that? I just know I have to do my best.","121":"Shit, no olives either?[delay,200][char,Linus_Sitting_Casual_Smug] That's good, olives are fucking disgusting.","9":"But... I had sex with Emily because of that so... that was an interesting thing that happened.","122":"You were right about the olives. -Hank","123":"Fuck olives man. They're like the asparagus of fruit. Can't believe people eat that revolting crap.","124":"I glance at the clock... work hours are over.","125":"If you excuse me, I'm going to take a shower.","126":"You'd do us all a favor. When I signed a petition to disarm chemical weapons I meant domestically, too.","127":"I got you."},"ch7__07.15 improvised shower.vne3":{"3":"It is stress? Does stress change the way you smell?","4":"Anyway, the best place to take a shower at school is the locker room. I have a feeling Valerie won't randomly be showing up this time.","5":"Let's get it over and done with.","6":"Feelin' fresh.","7":"God, I feel good. Like rain on a spring morning. Or like... a cool wintery breeze.","8":"I swirl my clean hair around and head out...","9":"Oh!","10":"Hey... {Leah}...","11":"Kinda surprised to see you at the pool.","12":"Yeah. I'm not big on swimming. I'm actually here on business.","13":"Business? At the pool?","14":"Yeah. I want to talk to Valerie. You seem to have good luck finding her here.","15":"Huh. I guess I do... I just don't remember telling {Leah} I met Valerie at the pool.","16":"Unless she... [i]reasoned[\/i] to this position...","17":"Oh God... this is the first time I've talked to her since...","18":"[i]...what do I say? What do I say...?","19":"Be casual. Act like nothing happened last night. Say a totally natural, normal remark.","20":"Nice seeing you at the pool.","21":"And you... as well.","22":"Uh... you here to see Valerie?","23":"Valerie? No... I needed to take a shower.","24":"You're having issues taking showers?","25":"No... no... I just forgot.","26":"You shouldn't have to-","27":"--it's not really my business, actually. I was here to see Valerie.","28":"You wanted to talk to Valerie?","29":"Yeah.","30":"Why?","31":"I wanted details on Cedric's disappearance. Plus... I feel like I need to talk to her.","32":"So you want details on Cedric, plus you have a deep [i]need[\/i] to talk to her. Those sound like two different reasons.","33":"Yes, if you want to deconstruct it like that.","34":"She's been so involved in this whole case but I don't think I've really ever talked to her directly about it.","35":"So you want to get a feel for her.","36":"Yeah. I never knew her like you did. She was always your friend, not mine.","37":"She was never mean to you.","38":"We never had a hostile relationship like I had with Emily. She was nice.","39":"But a polite kinda nice. There was never really any warmth between us.","40":"That's not important, though.","41":"Do you want to try walking to her office?","42":"Yeah. Let's do that.","43":"We start to head toward the office. I'm walking stiffly and awkwardly. My attempt at having a normal pace beside {Leah} is making me goosestep stupidly.","44":"Meanwhile, {Leah} looks to have contracted her neck inside her shirt. She's not walking with her normal confident, prim style.","45":"I try not to notice how obviously uncomfortable she is...","46":"...it takes so much mental effort I'm really not sure what to say to her.","47":"I'd like to think the silence isn't agonizing... but it really feels like it. Us shuffling together toward the administration seems like a grim preview for our future relationship.","48":"Please, Fate, don't let awkwardness push us apart when circumstance brought us together...","49":"The doubts about sharing these burdens with {Leah}... are getting really strong.","50":"Should I find an excuse for her not to come with me? I can't think of one that wouldn't insult her.","51":"It takes so much mental energy I'm actually not sure what to say.","52":"The ensuing silence is awkward... there's concerns I can't share with her, there's things she can't share with me.","53":"She's not here.","54":"It's her normal working hours.","55":"I'll ask someone, I guess. You wait here for a minute.","56":"I've rarely been in this office without Valerie in it. They certainly give the class president some nice digs. Is this the same for every University?","57":"Not that she doesn't deserve it...","58":"I guess, since Cedric disappeared, it would be natural to talk to Valerie, since she's so closely tied to the campus police...","59":"...I'm just not sure what else she could offer. She's not the [i]actual[\/i] police.","60":"They don't just share information on ongoing cases, I'd guess.","61":"The truth is... I don't really want {Leah} talking to Valerie. It'll just tangle her up further in all this shit...","62":"I hope she doesn't find her...","63":"Any news?","64":"Valerie left not long before we came in.","65":"Bad luck, I guess.","66":"Yeah, bad luck.","67":"Let me try calling.","68":"I sluggishly shake my head.","69":"Well, we tried, didn't we?","70":"I know you'll have better luck talking to her, I think. Could you ask her about Cedric, when you see her?","71":"I was planning on it.","72":"{Leah} gives a wan, short-lived smile before exiting out the front.","73":"Relief and guilt rush through me simultaneously. Relief because {Leah} is much safer out of the loop. Guilt because she won't want to be.","74":"It's my chance to talk to Valerie alone. I have a feeling I know where to find her.","0":"I can't smell [i]that[\/i] bad, can I?","1":"I remember Emily telling me I smelled nice without a shower. That was cool.","2":"Has my diet changed? Is it because I've had a lot of dairy?"},"ch7__07.20 valeries plan.vne3":{"10":"Too bad. Did you get my call?","11":"You called?","12":"Yes.","13":"Let me check.","14":"Ah. I had my vibrate off. An instinct after I remove it from between my thighs.","15":"Huh?","16":"Don't give me that look, I'm joking, obviously.","17":"Yeah. A joke. I couldn't stop laughing when you stripped naked in front of me in the locker room.","18":"Valerie shakes her head, but retains her mysterious smile.","19":"Honestly, I don't know what comes over me sometimes.","20":"Why do you do it?","21":"It's fun, I think. I like the color red, particularly your shade.","22":"I wanted to talk to you. Do you feel like sitting down?","23":"I don't mind - but is this about Cedric?","24":"How did she know? Well... I guess he [i]just[\/i] disappeared. It's on the forefront of everyone's mind, right?","25":"Except... not really. I haven't really heard anyone talking about it. Just like Sandra... they don't just disappear... they get [i]forgotten[\/i]...","26":"That's disturbing. If I disappeared... only my close friends might ever hear about it. If {Leah} disappeared...","27":"...I don't want to entertain the thought.","28":"Among other things, yes.","29":"Hmm... then we should definitely talk privately. Could you sweet-talk your way through the line for me?","30":"Sweet-sign?","31":"I know you have an ''in'' with the management.","32":"You can't stand to wait?","33":"I'm busy, you know.","34":"So is everyone else.","35":"I could speak to Lidia for you.","36":"Very honorable. Very noble. You're like the Lancelot of waiting in lines.","37":"I'm a Knight of the Linear Table.","38":"You've got very one-dimensional thinking.","39":"Some people say I'm very straightforward like that.","40":"It is time to transcend that dimension. See the plane laid out before you. Know that [i]around[\/i] is an option.","41":"I can't ask Lidia for special favors. Ultimately, you're just another customer.","42":"I can't help you skip the line.","43":"Well... shit. I guess we can wait all day. [delay,500][char,Valerie_Casual_Neutral]I'd appreciate your good company.","44":"Yeah, I can wait around for a bit.","45":"Valerie and I chat in line for a while.","46":"Eventually, the line shrinks, and Valerie gets her coffee, but not without displaying visible irritation.","47":"They could maybe hire one or two more people, you know.","48":"It's not worth getting into a fuss over.","49":"That would be nice. Give her that winning smile, and those puppy-dog eyes.","50":"Not rugged good looks?","51":"Your cheeks are as smooth as a pool ball.","52":"I can still have rugged good looks...","53":"Good looks, yes, but rugged? No.","54":"I wouldn't try and be a lumberjack-[delay,500][char,Valerie_Casual_Neutral]actually, please talk to Lidia for me, if that's okay. I need to resist the urge to torment you?","55":"I make no promises.","56":"Hey {PlayerName}. It's good to see you.","57":"We didn't end the last time we spoke very well, did we?","58":"Unfortunately not, but given the delicacy of the situation...","59":"This is a really intense conversation to have at this moment...","60":"You're right. Can I ask for a favor? My friend Valerie has been waiting for her coffee for a long time. Do you think you can move up her order?","61":"That would really irritate the guests...","62":"I know it would, but she has important work. Someone disappeared last night, and-","63":"Oh, wow. I didn't hear about that.","64":"Yeah, so if she could get her coffee a bit quicker.","65":"You know, if she was really in a rush, she probably shouldn't have stopped for coffee, but...","66":"Well, seeing as you vouch for her, I'll start her order now.","67":"Thanks Lidia.","68":"Just so you know, this has nothing to do with the night we spent together.","69":"Of course.","70":"What's the difference between a bartender and a barista?","71":"Tattoos?","72":"One serves a highly addictive intoxicant and the other serves alcohol.","73":"Here's your addictive intoxicant.","74":"You do have a way with words, don't you? Or maybe with baristas, at least.","75":"As I was saying, I wouldn't try and be a lumberjack. You're not the type.","76":"Every guy I meet wants hair on their chests, but a lot of women like the slim, groomed type. [i]The social predator[\/i].","77":"That's a big difference, isn't it?","78":"Oh, yes, I guess. What I mean is that women like men who can navigate their way socially. Grooming can show it.","79":"I don't remember what we were talking about.","80":"Your looks.","81":"Oh yeah. My rugged good looks.","82":"Delusional.","83":"On our way back, Valerie wears a gentle smile as she sips her coffee..","84":"I don't know if I want to spoil the mood by bringing up Cedric, but... that [i]is[\/i] why I'm here.","85":"Valerie, about Cedric...","86":"Pretty eager about this Cedric deal, aren't you?","87":"It's kind of foremost on my mind.","88":"Yeah, I understand.","89":"It's Cedric's connection to [i]the fraternity[\/i]...","90":"The [i]fraternity?","91":"Yes.","92":"You're really into the fraternity angle.","93":"Is there something wrong with that?","94":"It feels a little trite, I guess. Obviously we're not talking about the sort that has toga parties and spanks people with paddles.","95":"No. Something closer to what {Leah} mentioned. Skull and Bones.","96":"The [i]secret[\/i] fraternity that everyone knows about. Like the Illuminati or the Bilderbergs or...","97":"It's not that weird to have a secret society. Conspiracies do happen, even if people make up stupid ones in their head.","98":"They do happen, yes, but it's [i]usually[\/i] the case that people make them up in their heads. I know {Leah} has a reputation for getting overexcited.","99":"Yeah, the principal's office incident, I know, but that's actually why she's very careful. Silent1 called Cedric a [i]pledge[\/i].","100":"It doesn't make much of a difference. Obviously a secret fraternity isn't going to register at the university.","101":"Won't they?","102":"Valerie's frown wasn't because she was upset... it was because she was confused. That confusion gave way to intrigue.","103":"You think they might have some sort of official presence?","104":"Yes. I'm talking about the Philosophy Club.","105":"[i]Cedric's[\/i] philosophy club? You think maybe Cedric is trapped somewhere, pinned beneath a pile of Hegel and Kant?","106":"The way Cedric talked about the philosophy club makes me believe it was a front for something.","107":"If it is a front... it's a deep one.","108":"She sounds skeptical.","109":"Why do you say that?","110":"Go to the philosophy club and find out.","111":"You've been?","112":"No... but [i]Sandra[\/i] was a member.","113":"You see? Already, the connections to the philosophy club...","114":"Check it out if you want, I suppose. I'll be very interested in what you find.","115":"You think it's a waste of time, don't you?","116":"I'm... struggling to come up with an analogy. It's like expecting to find the key to the universe beneath a doormat.","117":"Unlikely... but possible. So go check it out.","118":"What did Sandra have to say about the philosophy club?","119":"Why don't you ask me that again after your visit?","120":"Hmm... I wonder what she means by that?","121":"Ah. Office sweet office.","122":"You like it here, don't you?","123":"I've always liked offices. I like books and typing keyboards and people pretending to work.","124":"So, we can finally talk privately. You wanted to know about Cedric?","125":"I don't have much to tell you. He was gone from his cell. That's all I know.","126":"Did he escape?","127":"Well, the FBI put an APB out on him. He's something like number 1000 on the FBI's most wanted.","128":"If you're going to be on there, it might as well be for something really bad, you know?","129":"Yes, I wish Cedric had done something even worse so I can brag about what an awful criminal I encountered.","130":"Touche.","131":"Trying to frame Emily was pretty bad. He was pretty deep into some kind of organized crime. A lot of Shale Hill's drugs seem to go through him.","132":"There'll be another Cedric soon enough.","133":"Yeah, and hopefully the next one will stick to making money and be less malicious. But to escape from prison...","134":"Cedric didn't seem that resourceful.","135":"But there is someone who is. Silent1.","136":"Hmm... do you think Silent1 is responsible for every bad thing that happens around here?","137":"Well, he told me himself he's connected to Cedric.","138":"That's not what I meant. Do you really think he has the connections to free someone from prison? ","139":"If there's a fraternity he leads devoted to causing havoc... yeah. Maybe.","140":"Fair point.","141":"It's not like I have a great lead for you. His parents filed a missing person's last night.","142":"Do we know for certain something happened to him?","143":"His parents say that he always shows up to dinner without fail or something or other, so they seem fairly certain.","144":"It is true that nobody can get in contact with him and nobody knows his whereabouts.","145":"Hmm...","146":"Any leads?","147":"Yes, let me fork over the detailed police report.","148":"You'll have to do all your Cedric investigation by yourself, unfortunately. I only know what I know.","149":"I'm sure this is not what {Leah} would've wanted to hear, but then again, I couldn't guess how she would interpret this information.","150":"At the very least, [i]I[\/i] have a lead to another missing persons case: Sandra Vazquez.","151":"Thanks, Val.","152":"You should come by to tease me for a change.","153":"That would be something.","154":"I'll think of something good.","0":"Busy today. Lidia is on her tiptoes trying to keep up.","1":"I won't bother her today. In the queue, I spot my target.","2":"Can I buy you a cheese danish?","3":"How long have you been waiting in line?","4":"It's crazy today. You know I should be smart enough to brew my own coffee, but I'm not.","5":"I guess I just like people serving me.","6":"What an egomaniac.","7":"Though, I do give generous tips.","8":"Sure you do. Generous tips like ''find a better job''.","9":"And tips like ''Don't question me''."},"ch7__07.25 recruiting kristen.vne3":{"10":"I'm going to have to pull this thread and see where it leads... but I know the dangers already of doing things alone.","11":"I can't risk doing things alone... but I also can't risk {YouCallHer} again.","12":"There's one other person I know is interested in the Philosophy Club, though.","13":"Kristen [i]did[\/i] say she was interested. Whether she'll be reliable backup or not, I have no idea.","14":"I do know I can't be alone.","15":"Let's see how she really feels.","16":"Kristen doesn't acknowledge me as I enter... even though she clearly notices me.","17":"I would've expected a little curiosity... she was also at the Halloween party. But she isn't going to betray any interest in anything.","18":"Looks like I'll have to initiate the conversation.","19":"Normally customers are welcomed into the store.","20":"Not big on customers. What do you want?","21":"Are you big on working?","22":"Is that a threat? You can't fire me, I'd have to fire myself.","23":"A threat? No. I'm just asking if you have some spare time.","24":"Huh?","25":"You seem to be disinterested in working. Do you want to do something else instead?","26":"Kristen takes a long, hard look at me.","27":"Are you hitting on me?","28":"No. You really take the worst meaning, don't you?","29":"It's difficult when I'm trying to read emotions from the voice coming from your cell.","30":"I plan on going to the philosophy club. Do you want to come with?","31":"...[i]You[\/i] want to go to the philosophy club?","32":"Yes.","33":"Cedric's philosophy club?","34":"Is there another one?","35":"Are you going to honor Cedric's memory, or are you going because you know you won't have interact with him anymore?","36":"I plead the fifth.","37":"I knew he was dealing... but to disappear like that? He had to be into some really dark shit.","38":"[i]You have no idea.","39":"He was a drug dealer. Where do you think he disappeared to? Mexico?","40":"I wish I could go to Mexico.","41":"Anyway, are you really that interested in philosophy?","42":"Sure I am. ","43":"You're... [i]clean[\/i], though.","44":"I'm sorry, clean?","45":"You're too clean to like philosophy. You need a beard, an unironed shirt, sort of an earthy smell of someone who brews their own small batch beer.","46":"Do you make money on the side selling edible mushrooms to upmarket grocery stores?","47":"You have a very specific concept of a philosopher.","48":"Those are the kinds of people I find interesting. You don't look interesting. You look like a slice of white bread.","49":"I need like... [i]multi-grain rye[\/i].","50":"Who cares if I'm boring? You want to go to the philosophy club or not?","51":"Yeah, I do. I want to meet a guy that--[delay,500][char,Kristen_Casual_Neutral] *AHEM* I want an intelligent conversation.","52":"This isn't a date. I just want to go with someone.","53":"This [i]isn't[\/i] a date. What's wrong with dating me?","54":"What's wrong with dating you is that there's literally nothing right I can say or do that you'll approve of.","55":"Well, I think that's completely wrong--","56":"Oh.","57":"You just caught yourself, didn't you?","58":"It is [i]wrong[\/i], though. I'm not that hard to deal with. There are things I can approve of.","59":"Like... I approve of... um...","60":"...I'm just... looking for something about you I [i]like[\/i]... gosh this is hard.","61":"Secretly, you like me as a person.","62":"Oh? And how would you know that?","63":"Feeling I get. Philosophy club, yes or no?","64":"The men there... are they... passable?","65":"Are you asking if the men there are cute?","66":"Yes. I'm a woman, and I'm asking you, a probably straight guy, whether the men at the Philosophy Club are hot.","67":"I'm looking for someone between 6'0'' and 6'2'', lanky, dour, dark, piercingly intelligent, prematurely graying with eyes with a shade of #85bb63.","68":"You memorized the hex code?","69":"I'm not done.","70":"What a coincidence, I'm not interested.","71":"Continuing: must be bisexual, with a beard trimmed once weekly, must have turned down an Ivy league scholarship to work with marine mammal preservation...","72":"I'm really not interested. Will you come with me?","73":"She give another skeptical, intense stare.","74":"Like, [i]why me[\/i] though?","75":"I just said. I don't want to go alone.","76":"Yeah but... you don't like me.","77":"You're not so bad.","78":"I'm not one way or the other about you.","79":"I've met worse people.","80":"You mean that?","81":"Yeah. I just don't take anything you say personally. With that in mind... interacting with you is fun.","82":"Wow. I finally got to her. She's [i]stunned[\/i]. Not completely sure if she's happy about that at all.","83":"Kristen does thrive off negative attention.","84":"So what? You don't have any feelings at all? I'm just a blank slate to you?","85":"You know the gray people in the NPC memes?","86":"No, wait. [i]I'm[\/i] the colorful, free thinking person. [i]You're[\/i] the NPC who accepts society's bullshit.","87":"Well, of course you wouldn't be able to see that.","88":"She crooks a smile.","89":"I'm willing to go with you, but I want to make one thing clear.","90":"I'm going because this is a mutual defense pact. I don't want to go alone, you don't want to go alone.","91":"We're not friends.","92":"Understood.","93":"Okay... when do you want to go?","94":"I think there's a meeting right now.","95":"So... right now?","96":"That's why I was asking whether you were into working.","97":"Everything is making sense now.","98":"Gotcha. Let me close up and I'll see you outside.","99":"You'll close your store? Just like that?","100":"I almost closed my store in front of your face, if I'm honest.","101":"You don't have rent or something?","102":"If you're so worried about my rent, you can buy a comic book for $1650.","103":"No thanks...","104":"Good. Now get out while I close up.","105":"I'll wait for you.","106":"Going out with Kristen? Not something I expected to happen, if I'm honest.","107":"But, strange circumstances do call for strange alliances, and this is such a case.","108":"Are you ready?","109":"Let's go.","0":"I can't go straight home.","1":"It's not because I want to avoid {Leah}. I'm sure I have something important to do. Like...","2":"Shit. I'm only lying to myself. I do want to avoid {Leah}... but I can't just waste time.","3":"There's something productive I need to do.","4":"Did Silent1 [i]rescue[\/i] Cedric? Or did he [i]get rid of him[\/i].","5":"I don't know. And how on earth would I be able to find out anyway... without becoming a target myself?","6":"Cedric could be taking an unannounced vacation... but how likely is that, given everything I already know?","7":"It's clear Cedric knew too much. I wonder if I know too much as well.","8":"I'm finding more and more reasons to keep {Leah} in the dark about all this.","9":"Valerie thinks going to the philosophy club is a waste of time. Maybe... but it's now a lead I have to take."},"ch7__07.30 the philosophy club.vne3":{"10":"I'd pull the lever.","11":"Fine. This time, the trolley is rushing toward someone you care about. You can divert it and hit a stranger instead. Which do you pick?","12":"Hmm... are we talking about which is [i]right[\/i] or which I'd [i]do?[\/i]","13":"Whatever makes you take that action.","14":"All things equal, I don't think it would be right to pull the lever... but...","15":"...if I could save someone I cared about, I think I'd pull it.","16":"So you'd kill a stranger to save a friend.","17":"From my perspective, the choice is equal. Either choice kills someone... I don't know the value of the stranger, but I know the value of my friend. You know?","18":"Hmm... this is really a new way of presenting the trolley problem...","19":"Why are you thinking about this right now?","20":"I was curious.","21":"Kristen doesn't question me. But she has given me the answer I wanted.","22":"I can move forward with a clear conscience.","23":"Still... as I walk to the meeting area, a feeling of unease grows inside me.","24":"This is Cedric's domain. The surface of the [i]fraternity[\/i] as I've taken to calling it.","25":"The way Cedric talked about it, these people were connected to the wider social world. They fell out of the [i]stereotype[\/i] of a philosophy club.","26":"Cedric made it clear this was no ordinary organization.","27":"Maybe he's on the other side of this door... waiting for me? This just feels like a trap.","28":"Uh... are you going to walk in?","29":"I have been standing outside the door for some time.","30":"Yes. I was about to.","31":"You are... procrastinating on opening the door? Is this something that requires a lot of thought for you?","32":"Press your hand against it and [i]push[\/i], it's real simple. It's not even as complicated as one of those [i]push-pull[\/i] doors.","33":"I need a minute.","34":"I can't believe you have social anxiety.","35":"I don't. I have death anxiety.","36":"I'm afraid of Cedric's leering, evil face. Waiting on the other side of that door.","37":"She is right. I've got to cross the threshold into Hell sometime. Let's do it... now.","38":"What was...?","39":"Ah! Fellow travelers! Mayhap ye be here to plumb the depths of abstract existence?","40":"I... stare at him.","41":"I see before me the blank stare of a man who has picked the wrong door! Might I inquire as to your intended destination so I might direct you to such a location...","42":"...in a timely and expeditious manner?","43":"The philosophy club.","44":"Ah! Your binary bulletin sings in mine ears! For this, true, is the philosophy club! I am its president. You can call me Alfred.","45":"No way. [i]This?[\/i] There's nobody here. This isn't what I expected at all.","46":"I mean... actually... [i]this is what I would've expected[\/i] had I not had this idea in my head that I was going to confront a secret society.","47":"Are there two philosophy clubs?","48":"Cedric's Philosophy Club?","49":"Cedric?","50":"Cedric was a member of this club, correct?","51":"Cedric... Cedric... hmm...","52":"I cannot say, conclusively, whether Cedric was or was not a member of this club, because I'm not precisely sure of this Cedric's distinctive characteristics.","53":"You are saying you're not sure if we're talking about the same person.","54":"This is the heart and soul of the matter, truly, for a name is not a uniquely associative trait as for example a social security number or other unique numerical identifier.","55":"[i]Oh my god.[\/i] This is the sort of person I absolutely expected to be here. Why does he have to talk so weird?","56":"This is the Cedric who went missing recently.","57":"Ah! The intersection of elements of both individuals named Cedric and those who have disappeared [i]recently[\/i] as you put it, which is not a formal term but instead an imprecise subjective experience of time, is very small.","58":"So small, that it's just one person.","59":"Perhaps. That cannot yet be guaranteed. I am missing both your parameters for what counts as recent and what counts as disappeared.","60":"Disappeared relative to what? Does [i]Cedric[\/i] know he has disappeared, if not, can we really say that he has [i]disappeared...[\/i]","61":"[i]For fuck's sake.[\/i] I can't be ambiguous.","62":"Did you know a guy called Cedric?","63":"Uh... hmm... [i]true[\/i].","64":"Did this individual that you knew called Cedric unexpectedly disappear a subjectively short time ago?","65":"Oh.... uh... true.","66":"Was the aforementioned individual a member of this club?","67":"...Oh... I cannot say whether it is true or false. The proposition is ambiguous.","68":"UGH! This is driving me [i]crazy![\/i] You're just trying to be obtuse to make yourself seem smart!","69":"This isn't formal logic. As you can see, we are speaking words, not equations, and you should follow the [i]symbolic, interpreted[\/i] meaning of our fucking sentences rather than the stupid shit you're doing.","70":"Uh...","71":"What...? Why are you looking at me like that? Am I confusing to you?","72":"[i]A female...[\/i]","73":"What?","74":"NOTHING. Symbolic meaning. Yes, yes, I understand.","75":"Symbolically interpreting your words, I believe that Cedric [i]was[\/i] a member of this club once but [i]never showed up again[\/i].","76":"Are you fucking serious?","77":"Really?","78":"The truth value of this statement is [i]true[\/i].","79":"That asshole was [i]lying[\/i].","80":"Are you sure? Cedric seemed to be really a big fan of this club.","81":"That proposition is unexpected. That may be false.","82":"When was he last here?","83":"Cedric has not been seen in less than a kilo yoyotta Planck.","84":"What's that?","85":"Sorry. One yoyotta is a yotta squared. That's roughly ten to the forty eight units, and a kilo yoyotta Planck is 1,000 yoyottas, though I'm sure you already guessed that.","86":"It's a constant, universal, non-subjective measure of time..","87":"I know what Planck time is, I take physics.","88":"So you agree that there should be some non-anthropogenic measure of time.","89":"We can worry about that when we meet aliens for the first time. For now, let's stick to systems based on the revolutions of Earth. How long is a kilo yoyotta Planck?","90":"[i]Less[\/i] than a kilo yoyotta Planck! Which you might better understand as... [i]a year ago.[\/i]","91":"A year ago! But Cedric has never shut up about the philosophy club!","92":"I'd ask you to modulate your voice... but... heh...","93":"Modulate? Because I speak through a voice app?","94":"My apologies. That's a terrible joke. ","95":"Forget that... where is the [i]fraternity![\/i] I was expecting masked cultists, or millionaires in an orgy, or... I don't know. [i]Something other than this.[\/i]","96":"But... that would be way too easy, wouldn't it? This is an onion. I'm peeling away the layers. I can't expect answers just by going one layer deep.","97":"Valerie told me this would happen...","98":"Is there another philosophy club?","99":"There are other philosophy clubs, of course.","100":"Really? Where?","101":"No... he's actually saying there [i]isn't.[\/i]","102":"Excuse me?","103":"He's taking your words literally. You asked if there are other philosophy clubs, and there are... in the world. What you should've asked is if [i]Shale Hill University has a second philosophy club[\/i].","104":"Yes, that is true. You truly understand me. Might I inquire as to your name?","105":"So there is only one philosophy club in Shale Hill University.","106":"True.","107":"That you know of.","108":"True.","109":"Great.","110":"I was asking about your name.","111":"{PlayerName} and this is...","112":"Kristen. I can introduce myself.","113":"Please, feel free to sign in. We don't have many members but they should be coming in soon.","114":"There's a sign-in sheet? Don't say ''true''.","115":"...Yes.","116":"That seemed physically painful for Alfred.","117":"I'll go ahead and sign in.","118":"This a [i]normal philosophy club[\/i]. Which is weird.","119":"I don't even know anymore...","120":"Kristen approaches. I see Alfred giving her furtive glances on the other side of the class.","121":"I want to talk to Kristen privately, but I can't exactly whisper with a digitized voice.","122":"But... she can.","123":"Who talks like a mathematical proof? What an annoying little man.","124":"You can't really respond, can you?","125":"I nod.","126":"I was expecting intelligent conversation. The line between pretension and true thoughtfulness is pretty thin, don't you think?","127":"Every intellectual in the world tries to be as understandable as possible. Only people who want to impress others with how intelligent they are talk like that.","128":"I think you can talk like that sometimes.","129":"I don't talk like that.","130":"No, you don't talk [i]exactly[\/i] like that. But in terms of projecting this over-the-top personality to create an impression of superiority? Totally.","131":"Are you saying I intentionally [i]exaggerate my own personality?[\/i]","132":"Yes. It's super obvious.","133":"I don't do that.","134":"You do, though.","135":"Shut the fuck up. Always a mistake talking to you.","136":"That must be the rest of the club. There better be somebody worth talking to.","137":"Maybe a bisexual bearded guy who brews beer.","138":"Kristen snarls at me as she takes a seat.","139":"It looks like a few people are coming in. But far too few people to make up a secret cult-fraternity-thing.","140":"These all look like normal people... except...","141":"...[i]that guy[\/i]... I [i]recognize him...[\/i]","142":"From [i]Sevigny's[\/i]... it's Haley's friend... [i]isn't he old?[\/i] What was his name again?","143":"Welcome to the weekly meeting of the philosophy club. We have two new people, if you would introduce yourselves... ","144":"My name is Kristen.","145":"I am {PlayerName}.","146":"Whoa! It's that guy!","147":"Huh?","148":"[speed,2][scale,0.7]You're the election guy who choked up at the presidential election and ended up choking at the last debate and then you were taken to a hospital and then your opponent won because she didn't have anyone to run against because you were then out of the race but actually when the votes were totaled you actually won but you probably rejected the result because it was just a sympathy vote and you thought that was insulting which caused you to split with that popular girl called Emily right?","149":"...Yes.","150":"[speed,2][scale,0.7]And then you became vice-president to Sam Hunter which was super surprising to everyone because it kind of seemed like you hated her given the way you talked about her during the debates but actually it wasn't so bad you guys did a good job despite your prior rivalry which was a true endorsement of friendship and really you proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that it really is all about the friends we made along the way I guess?","151":"Does this guy [i]pause?[\/i]","152":"Yes, I think that's me.","153":"Cool.","154":"Bernard, don't get too comfortable. These guys aren't going to stick around.","155":"You're supposed to make them feel [i]comfortable![\/i] Don't drive away new members! We have issues with member retention already.","156":"Some social graces are in order! Especially because we are in the presence of a...","157":"Don't say it.","158":"It's Haley's friend who spoke. What did he just stop the president from saying?","159":"Don't say ''female''.","160":"I... I wasn't going to! That is - not exactly dehumanizing - but an overly formal term that denotes a rather clinical detachment.","161":"As I was saying... we're in the presence of a [i]lady[\/i]...","162":"Oh fuck.","163":"...which means we should introduce ourselves too. I'm Alfred, president of the Philosophy club.","164":"[speed,2][scale,0.7]I'm Bernard I feel like we've gone to school together {PlayerName} but I guess you don't remember me even though I remember you quite well especially that time when you collapsed in front of everyone which was really quite shocking I was afraid for your health genuinely do you remember that card you got in the hospital I signed it despite the fact we'd never talked but there is a remote chance you might have learned my name from that even though it is unlikely.","165":"...I remember your face, yes, but I don't think we ever talked. I'd definitely remember talking to you.","166":"Do we have to introduce ourselves to people who are just going to leave anyway?","167":"[speed,2][scale,0.7]Eddie, {PlayerName} is the real deal he was pretty famous at our old school especially since he was the president and there was a time when he almost died in front of everyone and his {sheIsYour} was caught breaking into the principal's office under a false premise which was equally shocking I'm sure that {PlayerName} has a lot of things that could be said that are interesting due to his unique experiences that none of us share I mean granted each of us is socially incompetent in a separate and distinct manner but he had to work to become charismatic plus he lost his voice so he's been forced to make some life-adjustments that we have never had to make so you treat him like he ought to be treated like everyone should be treated.","168":"So?","169":"Respect.","170":"Fine.","171":"Last of all, we have Stan.","172":"...hello.","173":"Stan is a [i]listener[\/i] more than anything else.","174":"...yeah.","175":"And listening is valuable so... we respect him.","176":"Yeah, that's definitely the same guy who goes to Sevigny's. Stan doesn't seem happy to be here. I know some of Shale Hill students went to college later in life... but I don't think he's a student.","177":"What is he doing here?","178":"Let's get started. Last week, we talked about the Platonic concept of [i]ideal forms[\/i]...","179":"...and that's why I think dueling should be legalized.","180":"What a wonderful meeting, everyone. Boy, we are over time!","181":"Wait, a sec, I hadn't discussed how that fits into my trial-by-combat idea.","182":"WE ARE OVER TIME!","183":"It is so good to see fresh faces. And their contributions to the conversation were enlightening!","184":"It was certainly good to hear from a [i]lady's[\/i] perspective...","185":"Oh god...","186":"[speed,2][scale,0.7]Really good to see you all especially you {PlayerName} really great to see you again and-","187":"Thanks Bernard, really appreciate it.","188":"It's over? Finally. I can talk to Stan...","189":"I start to approach, but then...","190":"So... will you be showing up for greater than one time?","191":"As Bernard stipulated, it is true that we have an issue with retention.","192":"I'm starting to think we're [i]driving people away[\/i]...","193":"Many people show up once and never come back?","194":"I'd approximate that the majority of people who have come to this meeting only came once. Yes, that's a true proposition.","195":"I have a feeling it might be due to how you talk about women.","196":"[i]I don't talk about women![\/i]","197":"Huh?","198":"Uh... I mean... I know about women... I feel like I don't talk about them often.","199":"H-how do I talk about women? I feel like I was extremely respectful...","200":"But you were drawing attention to the fact Kristen was a girl whenever you had the chance.","201":"Oh... is that not something I'm supposed to do? Did I slip up?","202":"I try to be respectful, but I always say the wrong things!","203":"You don't have to respect Kristen. Just treat her normally.","204":"I don't have to respect her?","205":"No, I misspoke. You do, but you have to make it so that it's not obvious that you're respecting her...","206":"Oh god. How do I explain this? I keep digging myself into a deeper and deeper pit...","207":"Alfred's already in a cold sweat.","208":"Just respect her, but don't call her a lady and a woman and a female all the time.","209":"Very well. I will not assume her gender.","210":"I don't have time to teach this guy the basics of social interaction. Where's Stan?","211":"...he's gone.","212":"So will you show up next week? Or was my treatment of Kristen too grotesque?","213":"There's so much I need to do here...","214":"Yes, I'll be here next week.","215":"Will... will [i]Kristen[\/i] be here too?","216":"His wistful tone...","217":"Don't try. You will have a warmer relationship with a hole drilled into a watermelon.","218":"You... you don't think I deserve her?","219":"She probably doesn't deserve you.","220":"Total, utter, complete silence. I think that is a comment beyond Alfred's understanding.","221":"See you soon.","222":"I leave him, feeling the oppressive, stunned silence radiating off him.","223":"That motherfucker. Oh... I hope Cedric really is dead.","224":"That can't be the real philosophy club! He's [i]hiding it from me![\/i]","225":"They're terrified a girl like me is going to interrupt their little club. Time to rain on the sausage party, I say.","226":"Seemed like there were plenty of guys here. This wasn't enough for you?","227":"No... but... they [i]wanted[\/i] me here. In the real philosophy club, they [i]don't[\/i].","228":"You'd prefer to go to a place where they don't want you?","229":"You're incapable of understanding. The thing is, I have to infiltrate centers of male power. Did that seem like a center of male power to you?","230":"It seemed like just the center of [i]males[\/i].","231":"Exactly. I'm not furthering the cause by being here.","232":"You're a real warrior. Didn't you come to pick up guys?","233":"I can walk and chew gum.","234":"I actually agree with you, this wasn't the real philosophy club.","235":"Yeah. That's obvious.","236":"Do you want to help me find the real philosophy club?","237":"I... guess if you want to share the pain of being in that room again, then sure. It would be nice to go with a friend.","238":"[i]Friend?[\/i] Did that just come out of her mouth?","239":"She must've not noticed it, otherwise she'd be doing anything to undermine it.","240":"In a weird way, I do like her actually. I think she's a better person than she seems.","241":"She's just got this weird complex or something. Yeah, I'd probably call her a friend too.","242":"She's definitely fun to jab, at least.","243":"Too bad I don't like her that much.","244":"See you in a couple of weeks.","245":"You too.","246":"A couple of weeks? That's a long time. I have so many things I need to do.","247":"Every day that passes, they build a better case against {Leah}. Who can guess when they're going to get the report back from digital forensics.","248":"Not all is lost. There's a lot I can look up.","249":"I've got to take full advantage of this time. Which means... I have to look into the other cases I have.","250":"Carmen, Maggie, Haley, Sam... there's no shortage of things I need to follow up on.","251":"Do I even have the time for everything?","0":"So... if I'm not willing to risk {Leah}'s life... why do I feel comfortable risking Kristen's?","1":"That is what {Leah} would be telling me right now. I can hear her voice already... chastising me for not bringing her into this mission.","2":"But... I can't do it. I can't pull {Leah} in. For so many reasons.","3":"I might be finally approaching the heart of this mess.","4":"Why do you look all focused and determined?","5":"Trolley problem.","6":"A bit ''101'', don't you think? That's like the first thing people ask you.","7":"A speeding trolley is rushing towards two tracks. It will kill five railway workers, but if you pull a lever, you'll divert the trolley and it will kill only one person.","8":"I know the trolley problem.","9":"Which do you pick?"},"ch7__07.35 recovering with leah.vne3":{"10":"Time passes, meteors fall, volcanoes explodes, and sometimes, you kiss your {sheIsYour}.","11":"We're still talking to each other, sure, but things are profoundly weird. They talk about the gorilla in the room, and I can feel that.","12":"Things aren't back to being that way, though.","13":"Our relationship is stronger than it was before. And it's still strong.","14":"I just hate the fact that she has to be in so much danger for us to stay together like this.","15":"When I try to keep her out of trouble, will we just go back to the way things were?","16":"I hate that our whole relationship might be contingent on us being in mortal danger...","17":"Evening. How was Carmen?","18":"It was interesting. Where were you?","19":"Doing research, just like you.","20":"I couldn't really get a hold of Valerie, so I went to the prison where they had Cedric.","21":"What did you find out?","22":"That prisons are very secure and difficult for reporters to investigate.","23":"You didn't try-","24":"No! Of course not.","25":"I just played with a plan in my head, that's all. I'm not suicidal.","26":"[i]Playing with plans[\/i]. What a loaded term for {Leah} to use. I should be grateful she didn't act on anything.","27":"Anyway, I didn't find anything, and the police weren't really answering questions.","28":"I dug into Cedric's background. Talked to people that knew him and so on.","29":"Did you learn anything?","30":"I filled some notes... but I didn't really get anything significant. I don't think he disappeared on his own.","31":"That's grim.","32":"I didn't ask. Did you follow up with the Philosophy Club?","33":"Does she know? That's supposed to be a secret!","34":"No, wait. She might not necessarily know. Of course she'd assume that was my next step... that's a perfectly natural thing to think.","35":"If I tell her a story, she might buy it. [i]It has to be a really solid story for {Leah} to buy[\/i].","36":"My mind races. I start to weave a tale, I'm not even sure which sign will follow the next.","37":"I tried to go, but the philosophy club was cancelled. I think because of Cedric's disappearance, you know. I think they went underground.","38":"Wow. I'm impressed with myself. That's actually a very believable lie.","39":"There's got to be a membership list, right?","40":"Yeah, that's my next project.","41":"{Leah} nods. I keep waiting for her to poke a hole in my story... to rip it apart... but...","42":"...she doesn't. Have I done the impossible? Have I tricked {Leah}?","43":"Okay, because I know you're getting stuff about Sandra from Carmen, but the philosophy club is important. They'd know things we don't.","44":"Yeah, I know. [i]I forgot to ask[\/i]. The dumbest blunder ever.","45":"I definitely need to go back.","46":"Yeah, Carmen has been helping me, which is good, but she keeps wanting to meet me.","47":"She's giving you good information, though, right?","48":"Yeah, I got some details about her plagiarism case and what she said about the Philosophy Club. I think I emailed you my notes.","49":"She's very cooperative.","50":"She is, but I have a feeling she's just lonely.","51":"She wants to see you because she's lonely?","52":"Oh... I know how it sounds... but it isn't like that.","53":"So she isn't interested in you, then.","54":"Is she jealous? Why is she tempting this conversation?","55":"What's with this weird question?","56":"Is there a problem?","57":"I just want to know her motivations. They could be significant.","58":"I shrug, just wanting to take her at face value.","59":"She's lonely and she wants her daughter found. I don't think she sees people very often outside of the school environment.","60":"Yeah... okay. That makes a lot of sense.","61":"It's... late.","62":"I'll see you tomorrow.","63":"I hope so.","64":"It's been like... a day. The philosophy club is so far away, meanwhile, the clues are getting cold. It's too long of a time.","65":"I guess I can do things in the meantime. There are so many fucking things going on in this school.","66":"Toasterman, {Leah}, Valerie all said I should look as deeply into everything as possible, and that I shall.","67":"The fucking kiss...","68":"...why can't I stop thinking about it?","69":"I mean... I [i]know[\/i] why. It was either the worst decision ever, or...","70":"...well, I would never call it a [i]good[\/i] decision... but maybe--","71":"No. No, it was definitely a bad decision. I just wish I could stop thinking about it all the time.","72":"A shower would be an excellent way to purge my mind.","73":"I take off my clothes and step into the shower...","74":"...but for some reason... I just can't stop thinking.","75":"I don't know why. I can't bring myself to do it. I just have this constant... unending... horrid feeling I...","76":"...messed up.","77":"I know I do my best thinking in the shower. And really, that's why I came here. To think.","78":"Just... hoping for inspiration to break me out of this rough fucking situation.","79":"I need... [i]need[\/i] to come up with a solution...","80":"...but the only thing I think of is how much I need one, but not what it actually would be.","81":"Maybe... maybe I've always harbored these weird feelings.","82":"All the way back, when I saw her in the shower... just like I am right now... what did I do?","83":"I... [i]watched her...","84":"I resisted watching her, despite all my desire to do so.","85":"And when she'd change?","86":"I spied on her...","87":"I stopped myself from looking in her room..","88":"It's not normal behavior, not at all. There's something I haven't wanted to acknowledge.","89":"Even now... the thought of her... it makes me... hot and...","90":"...shit... it feel so humid in here I feel like I don't need to take a shower...","91":"What if...?","92":"Huh!","93":"{Leah}... why?","94":"What is going on? Why are you...","95":"...[i]so fucking beautiful...[\/i]","96":"Oh god... [i]she's looking directly at it...[\/i]","97":"I can't control my body... it's getting worse by the second...","98":"...[i]I love that she's looking at it...","99":"She picks it up, but far slower than expected. She reminds me now of a slow burning flame.","100":"As I look at her... it's strange... I feel no shame...","101":"...but I know... the moment she leaves... the shame will come back.","102":"For just a moment, all social expectations fall. We just look at each other and drink in our bodies. The moment could last forever, and if it did, we'd never have to deal with the toxic regret that will surely follow.","103":"But, the real world will call for both of us. And whatever is happening right now - we cannot act on it.","104":"{Leah} understands what she must do. She picks herself up... and she leaves without saying a word.","105":"God damn it. I was hoping I would be wrong about the shame, but I'm not. I should actually take a shower.","106":"I got a lot to do today. And a lot to forget.","0":"Everything's so quiet...","1":"{Leah} is out again, if she's not in her room. Should I check?","2":"Nothing.","3":"I just... talked to her hours ago.","4":"I have a weird feeling... the same as the beginning of the year, when {Leah} and I were barely interacting with each other.","5":"We were just... going to work... going to school... barely talking. It was like we were each other's ghosts.","6":"I hated that feeling, but there was nothing I could do. We didn't really have any interests in common. Inevitably, when I was at home, she was out, and vice-versa.","7":"It's sad...","8":"The barriers are even bigger now. That... that fucking [i]kiss[\/i]...","9":"It feels like something that [i]happened to us[\/i] rather than something we [i]did[\/i]."},"ch7__07.40 philosophy club 2.vne3":{"10":"You wouldn't be alone. You'd have your pick of boys to choose from.","11":"It's worthless explaining things to you. You wouldn't understand.","12":"Let's go inside. It's getting cold.","13":"I guess it is autumn, so it's just going to get colder from now on.","14":"I wonder how many warm days we'll have left? I feel like we've been pretty lucky.","15":"Oh my! You came back!","16":"Is this surprising?","17":"It's not probable.","18":"For the sake of the club, I must ask what [i]particular feature[\/i] inspired you to come back?","19":"The scintillating conversation.","20":"Really! What about the conversation? Did you feel mentally exercised?","21":"I'm being sarcastic.","22":"Sorry, Kristen speaks in verbal abuse.","23":"Oh, that's not a problem for me. I could imagine being verbally abused by her quite easily.","24":"Oh, no.","25":"I could... actually put up with that sort of thing for quite some time. Whatever you had to tell me, no matter how ungentle, I would surely withstand it.","26":"Is... the meeting supposed to start soon?","27":"Actually, you know, if you felt bad one day, and you wanted to verbally abuse someone... for any reason... you could maybe... verbally abuse me over coffee...","28":"I would NEVER verbally abuse you.","29":"UGH! No. No. What I mean is I'd NEVER date you. Not even to verbally abuse you.","30":"I'm not your... BDSM kink abuse fetish bitch woman, okay? Don't objectify me like that.","31":"Terribly sorry. I was only making a friendly offer. I wasn't trying to date you or anything.","32":"It's fine! It's a generous offer. You're not a bad guy. I'm sure someone would date you somewhere in the universe, probably.","33":"Wow. That [i]is[\/i] nice coming from Kristen.","34":"Anyway, I was doing the survey. Was there something that brought you two back?","35":"[i]Questions.[\/i] About Sandra. About the Club. About the weird secret society that this school hosts.","36":"But I can't tell the truth, obviously.","37":"It was the great conversation.","38":"It took so much effort not to say [i]scintillating...[\/i]","39":"Oh! Good! And you, Kristen?","40":"Uh...","41":"The gears go hard in Kristen's mind. I can tell she's trying to squeeze out a snarky remark, like one of those play-doh meat grinders.","42":"But... it looks like she gives up.","43":"Yeah. Good conversation. Why not?","44":"Is it really so rare to have someone come back that you interview them?","45":"It's quite rare, yes. I feel like... once I have enough data to really draw conclusions about why people come or not, that will really help with membership retention...","46":"...although... my excel spreadsheet is mostly empty...","47":"You keep an excel spreadsheet? Of everyone who comes?","48":"No, I keep a spreadsheet of everyone who [i]comes back[\/i]... that's a much smaller sample of a larger set.","49":"Oh! That looks like it's everyone else. It's interesting that you two are always the first to come in. You really [i]must[\/i] like the club.","50":"Alfred eagerly gets everyone seated, but Kristen lingers, like she wants to says something.","51":"Why did you come back? Why are you [i]here?[\/i]","52":"What's really been bothering me is that you specifically told me that you weren't interested in Cedric's club. He already invited you a hundred-and-a-half times.","53":"Can I not have a change of heart?","54":"No, you're not allowed.","55":"I'm taken aback a little. I think she's joking at first... but she just [i]stares[\/i].","56":"You're here for some fucked-up reason, aren't you?","57":"Everything's fucked up. The police raid at the Halloween party, everything. This school is fucked up too. Fucked-upedness just bleeds black out of the walls here.","58":"Wouldn't surprise me if you're fucked up too.","59":"Maybe I'm trying to find out why.","60":"Kristen looks at me as though deciding whether she wants to believe me.","61":"It would be [i]maximally fucked up[\/i] if you were lying about that. You are part of Hank's weird hentai trafficking scheme, after all, so maybe that's the case.","62":"But something in this place has to be normal. Why not the guy who speaks through a cellphone?","63":"So what fucked-up reason brought you here? Last time you were looking for guys.","64":"Well, you've seen the choices here.","65":"That's why I'm surprised to see you back.","66":"I...","67":"She huffs in annoyance.","68":"...I have nothing better to do.","69":"Right.","70":"Let's join everyone else.","71":"[i]Sandra[\/i] is the reason I'm here. I have to find a way to turn the conversation to her.","72":"I'll look for an opportune time.","73":"Welcome, everyone, again, to the Philosophy Club. We voted on our next topic, and with a staggering plurality of two votes, we'll be discussing...","74":"...taoism.","75":"[i]Taoism[\/i]. I wouldn't care normally, and I doubly don't care now. My mind is feverish with questions I want to ask -- about Sandra, and to Stan.","76":"I've got to be patient.","77":"[speed,2][scale,0.75]Oh yes! I love taoism absolutely cool I wonder who voted for the topic with me was it one of the new members we could talk about the tao te ching and feng shui and the hundred schools of thought its such an amazing period of history that I hope someone will share with me unfortunately not many people share my passion for Chinese philosophy but maybe you do? Thank you {PlayerName}!","78":"...Don't mention it.","79":"I'm not sure I voted for anything.","80":"When are we talking about the Wehrmacht?","81":"I keep telling you, the Third Reich is a [i]historical[\/i] subject, not a philosophical one.","82":"There's plenty of good philosophy. We could talk about German military doctrine. A doctrine is a kind of philosophy.","83":"You went all last meeting without bringing up World War II, let's go for a record. Now... who knows anything at all about Taoism?","84":"Oh! Oh! I do!","85":"I listen to the guy rattle off the history, ideas, and controversies surrounding Taoism. He has the thoughtfulness of a guy who eagerly memorizes everything he's taught.","86":"He breathlessly goes on and on. My attention drifts. I try to make eye contact with Stan, but he stubbornly keeps his eyes glued to the floor.","87":"The check he gave was so generous... I'd almost want to just talk to him about it, except I also need to bring up Sandra. I wonder when I'll get a chance?","88":"...and that's the reason why Taoism is still relevant today.","89":"Wow Bernard... you really ate up our time, didn't you? How interesting.","90":"Sorry... I didn't really give much time for other people's thoughts and questions, did I?","91":"Yes, Bernard, this is the Philosophy Club, and we're supposed to allow others to speak and share. I don't think anyone has had much time to say anything.","92":"I messed up again, didn't I? I'll try to speak less.","93":"Bernard, we love you. Just... slow down a little.","94":"Shit... Alfred's right. We're almost out of time, I need to bring up Sandra.","95":"There is no natural way to do it, is there? So, I just gotta do it. Bring her up no matter what. My finger start pressing against my phone.","96":"This club was so much better when [i]Sandra[\/i] was around.","97":"[i]Sandra![\/i] What perfect timing. My fingers immediately switch gears and type something else out.","98":"Who is Sandra?","99":"The mood of the room is palpably darker.","100":"Oh, Sandra... used to be a member.","101":"One of those who show up once and never come back?","102":"Uh... false.","103":"Do we have to talk about Sandra? It makes me sad.","104":"Sandra was indeed a member, but it's false she showed up once and never came back. It is true she showed up [i]multiple times[\/i]... and never came back.","105":"Drove home one day and never got there. She probably drove into a lake.","106":"Don't say that, Eddie!","107":"I don't want it to have happened, but it is what happened!","108":"Yes. The most probable outcome that can be ascertained is that, while she was driving through the dark, she drove into a lake.","109":"You know this?","110":"It's an educated guess. In this world without justice, sometimes people drive into lakes and drown.","111":"That is a nihilistic conclusion we can draw, true, but I hold out hope she's either alive, or that there was purpose to her death.","112":"Sandra was so [i]smart![\/i] I can't believe she's gone.","0":"Carmen tried to be helpful... and she did her best. Now the second meeting is before me, and I can pick up where I left off.","113":"Everyone in the club misses her greatly.","1":"So many unanswered questions... about Sandra, Cedric, the rest of the club. I don't want to miss important things like I did last time.","114":"Did she say anything before she disappeared?","2":"{Leah} doesn't have weeks for me to investigate the club. I don't have time not to take risks.","115":"Oh... she was very upset the meeting before she disappeared.","3":"Every day is counting down the time when the police finish their investigation on Leah.","116":"True. Sandra was very opinionated, but on the night she disappeared, she was gravely quiet. She was very upset about something. Something involving an... internet person.","4":"Emily has been taken down... so has Cedric. I don't have time to waste anymore. I can't spend weeks waiting for opportunities that might not come.","117":"Silent1?","5":"It's time.","118":"Yeah! Silent1!","6":"Kristen again. I can't forget that time she slipped up and called me [i]friend[\/i]. I almost want to rub it in her face.","119":"I don't hold a high opinion of those who exploit an urban legend like Silent1, but still, the damage he caused was apparently very real.","7":"I doubt she even realized it.","120":"I took her aside and asked her what she was upset about. She didn't want to talk about it. But...","8":"Were you waiting for me?","121":"...she made me promise I'd maintain the club.","9":"There's no way I'm going in there alone.","122":"What's that? You didn't tell us this.","123":"Sandra cared about the club. She cared about [i]us[\/i]. She asked me to keep the club going no matter what.","124":"You know what this means, don't you?","125":"What?","126":"She drove into that lake [i]on purpose![\/i]","127":"False. No. She left her car in the forest, not into a lake, but this does suggest she [i]knew[\/i] something was going to happen to her.","128":"Sandra pulled a disappearing act. She probably never intended to make it home.","129":"Impossible! She'd never do that!","130":"There is no other explanation, you fool!","131":"And Stan... how long has he been attending these meetings? How well did he know Sandra?","132":"His morose silence is unchanging. If there was anything for him to say, it would be now.","133":"The meeting is adjourned! I will brook no argument except [i]philosophical argument[\/i]. Eddie, we are not to use ad hominems.","134":"An [i]ad hominem[\/i] is not just an insult! It's when you use an insult as an argument!","135":"[i]Ad hominem[\/i], translation: ''at the man''. You just attacked Bernard's character, and that is not permitted.","136":"...sorry.","137":"Meeting adjourned.","138":"Hey Stan...","139":"Stan moves past me quickly, out into the corridor.","140":"So he doesn't want to speak to me this time, huh? Never mind. I think I know where I can find him.","141":"His generosity to Haley is being put into perspective for me. There's something strange about him.","142":"Hey.","143":"And now... Kristen.","144":"What's up?","145":"I need to leave with you if I don't want Alfred to ask me out again.","146":"I see. Let's go, then."},"ch7__07.45 kristen blowjob.vne3":{"10":"It could be a stupid existential thing. [i]What really is a philosophy club? Does it only exist in our minds?[\/i] Something like that.","11":"Seems unlikely.","12":"Seems unlikelier that there would be... like... a secret philosophy club for no good reason.","13":"There is a good reason. Maybe their philosophy is really fucked up.","14":"What philosophy is that fucked up?","15":"The philosophy of a cult, that's what. A philosophy that hurts people for the sake of it.","16":"As antagonistic as Kristen can be, she doesn't strike me as that type.","17":"I thought you were only leaving with me.","18":"I am leaving with you.","19":"No you aren't. You're following me.","20":"Don't flatter yourself. Why would I be following you?","21":"You wanted to come with me so that Alfred wouldn't ask you out, right?","22":"Yes.","23":"Mission accomplished.","24":"Kristen stares me down, challenging me. For what?","25":"Ah, I see. I [i]embarrassed[\/i] her. She's not just here to be escorted.","26":"She went to the Philosophy Club because she's lonely. She didn't find someone she connected to, and now she's latching onto me.","27":"It's adorable. I'm sure she knows what a tsundere is... does she know she's acting like one?","28":"It's funny, I guess. It could be fun to hang out with her, maybe. It'll probably be a disaster, but a fun disaster.","29":"Just leave.","30":"Invite her to Sevigny's.","31":"No... I can't lead her on like that. I have to make things clear.","32":"Nip whatever ideas she has in the bud.","33":"Yeah right. I'm not spending any more time with Kristen than absolutely necessary.","34":"I'm sure you can find something fun to do.","35":"Yeah well... I'm pretty damn sure I will.","36":"See you next week?","37":"She doesn't answer as she walks away.","38":"Well... let's just see what happens. I might get a good story out of this.","39":"You want to go to Sevigny's with me?","40":"Kristen looks at me suspiciously.","41":"So you can get me drunk? Is that it?","42":"This is why you can't find anyone to hang out with you. You're so uncharitable. You can never just relax.","43":"You're always high-strung, you act like everything is an attack against you.","44":"This is a trap, isn't it? If I defend myself - I prove your point. If I don't defend myself - you'll ask me to prove and you'll bait me into doing something I wouldn't normally do.","45":"If you don't-","46":"I pick option B. Let's go to Sevigny's.","47":"I'll show you! I'm really good at having fun! Remember my Halloween costume? That was fun, wasn't it?","48":"That was a really good costume. Very steampunk.","49":"It [i]wasn't[\/i] steampunk since there's no such [i]thing[\/i] as steampunk...","50":"People just put [i]punk[\/i] at the ends of things to make it seem cool and hip. Hey, look, [i]suck my dick punk[\/i].","51":"[i]Poop punk, pee punk, lick-my-ass-punk...","52":"Are we going to Sevigny's? Because you're doing a shit job at proving you're good at having fun.","53":"I'm going to have so much fun you'll [i]deeply regret[\/i] asking me to have fun.","54":"Yeah, I'm already feeling it.","55":"Let's get to Sevigny's before you make me change my mind.","56":"Busy today... sorta. Occasionally there will be people in Sevigny's.","57":"I feel like Haley gets the least profitable times to work - it definitely doesn't help her financial situation.","58":"Oh my God. This place looks lame.","59":"Look around. Brainless bimbos. Even dumber men-bos. Why did I agree to be here?","60":"You can go home if you want.","61":"Are you fucking kidding me? You're [i]trying[\/i] to make me lose, right?","62":"I can read your mind like you type on your phone. [i]This chick is a boring, stupid prude who never can relax or have fun or...[\/i]","63":"Calm down. You're more reactive than usual.","64":"[i]Don't tell me to calm down.[\/i]","65":"What's wrong with her? She's irritable, takes everything the wrong way, sending mixed signals like a broken satellite.","66":"The only thing that makes sense is if...","67":"...[i]oh.[\/i]","68":"Let me buy you your first drink.","69":"No. [i]No.[\/i] I'm not a brainless bitch - I can pay for my own fucking drinks. Actually, you know what... [char,Kristen_Casual_Smirk_2][i]I'll[\/i] pay for [i]your[\/i] drinks. Suffer that wound to your pride!","70":"[i]Dear God she's still sober...[\/i]","71":"Sounds good to me.","72":"Don't pretend like that meant nothing to you. You're just trying to make me think it won't affect you, when it does.","73":"I'm not that complicated. Let's sit down.","74":"Dante finally notices us.","75":"Hey guys. What's something seductive I can get you today?","76":"Whatever's on tap.","77":"Alright, sounds good. What about you, sexy girl?","78":"You know, I'm not put off by your sexist remark, because it says a lot more about you than it does me. As for what I want, get me your [i]funnest drink[\/i].","79":"Raspberry absinthe frappe coming right up.","80":"[i]Absinthe![\/i] Uh... I mean... sure.","81":"This will be interesting.","82":"You don't have to drink it if you don't want to.","83":"I hear her slurp it up through the straw, making that curious draining rattling when you drink from the bottom of the glass.","84":"She holds her head down. I can tell she's trying to hide her expression of distaste - it's too bitter, too herby, too sweet - I can't tell but it's one of those things.","85":"Wow. That was really tasty.","86":"Are you in a bad mood?","87":"You couldn't tell?","88":"I'm just asking.","89":"Well, I am in a bad mood, yes! Do you understand how few people are out there that are worth talking to?","90":"Ugh! It's just so frustrating... I thought with the Philosophy Club, I might finally find someone intelligent, but instead, it's just the same losers.","91":"I don't understand why [i]so many people[\/i] have to be [i]so mediocre.[\/i] Honestly, the effort I put into improving myself, reading, exercising, and dieting, isn't matched by the lazy, half-assed effort guys put into.","92":"I don't know why I'm trying so hard when nobody else in this world works hard. With guys, they're either too ugly, or too fat, or too stupid, or too lazy, or too selfish or...","93":"...it's just really annoying. And the ones that are worth it, they get snatched up by professional fisherwomen, big-titted miners who snag those diamonds-in-the-rough before any of us have a chance to make our case!","94":"So you're lonely. Is this what you're telling me?","95":"I'm not lonely.","96":"It really sounds like you're lonely.","97":"The thing about you is - it doesn't feel like you're a real person somehow. Maybe it's the fact you don't open your mouth, but it really just feels like I'm getting advice from a computer.","98":"I don't know. Maybe that's why you catch me off guard sometimes, I let things [i]slip[\/i].","99":"What? You're afraid of showing your vulnerability?","100":"Vulnerability [i]sucks[\/i]. People say it's okay to be vulnerable, but that's a lie, like the world is interested in hearing you spill your guts about stupid shit.","101":"If you start telling too much about yourself, people will mercilessly exploit that and fuck you over.","102":"Isn't it a good thing to talk about your problems?","103":"No way. You don't even want to know what happened last time I opened up.","104":"What happened?","105":"[i]What happened?[\/i] Yeah, let me open up to you about the problems I just said I didn't tell anybody about.","106":"Do you even listen? Disgusting.","107":"You just seem insanely negative about basically everything. Can't you talk about something you like?","108":"Why do you want to know what I like?","109":"It would be nicer than hearing someone make a judgement about me.","110":"You don't want the world to judge you? You're so judgeable, though. When I look at you, that's all I want to do, is judge you.","111":"You got a face and personality and a fashion sense, and I just want to judge 'em all. I want to judge all over you.","112":"Was that just me... or did that sound kind of sexual?","113":"Please... tell me one thing you like.","114":"Gotta think about it for a second.","115":"It's not a difficult question.","116":"I gotta think of something I like that you won't take advantage of.","117":"You were talking about a bearded guy who's bisexual and does craft beer.","118":"Fuck. I guess I did say something I liked. But that was basically just to make you feel inferior by comparison.","119":"So that stuff about wanting to find a guy at the Philosophy Club was a lie?","120":"See now, you're demonstrating why I don't tell people anything important. You have the memory of an old wife, you just pluck things I said ages ago and wield them against me.","121":"So what do you want, then?","122":"The times I showed vulnerability, I got [i]hosed[\/i]. Did you know I wrote a love letter to Danny Picard in the third grade?","123":"I didn't go to your school...","124":"I did! I wrote him a letter. [i]Hearts and unicorns and glitter.[\/i] I gave it to Danny, because I stupidly believed in Disney Princess shit. And you know what he did?","125":"[i]Danny Picard showed it to everyone[\/i]. Everyone knew about my crush. They made photocopies and they read it out to me. I wanted to [i]die[\/i] at that moment.","126":"So that's what you get for showing vulnerability. The leeches of homo sapiens - bros and bitches both - ripping you apart and draining your life, love, and happiness.","127":"That's genuinely an awful story.","128":"Yeah, Mr. Chatbot. [i]Ah, now I know[\/i]. You remind me of a [i]chatbot[\/i], that's why I tell you things I wouldn't normally.","129":"What I wouldn't do... to burn that letter... and to slap myself silly...","130":"It was in third grade, right? That's a long time ago. People change. Besides, I think that kind of story is pretty common.","131":"It is common. Humans are commonly monstrous and merciless. They'll step on your face if it means getting to a higher rung.","132":"So that's why I don't care anymore. It's cool if everyone hates me. Actually, I [i]like[\/i] that. If I turn people off immediately, they won't get close enough to betray me.","133":"Wow... I'm learning [i]a lot[\/i] about Kristen today... she really is fucked up emotionally.","134":"As she gets deeper into her drinks, I really don't feel like it's right to interrupt her. This seems like this is something she needs.","135":"So here's what I thought of, right? A guy who is [i]such a boss[\/i] and [i]so manly[\/i] that he fucks other dudes without being gay. Do you understand me?","136":"No...","137":"He just has a harem of femboys that he uses for his own pleasure. They're just his fucksleeves, okay? He picks them up and fucks them and drops them off, and the femboys don't care because they're actually gay and addicted to his cock.","138":"So... while this hypothetical dude, we'll call him [i]Chad[\/i], gets his rocks off by having femboys sucking him and getting fucked by him, he keeps a few girls around, but not to fuck, they're more like assistants.","139":"The job of these girls, right, would be to pick up the femboys, and just impale them on Chad's dick, and spin them around like a Lazy Susan. He has so many femboys to fuck that he gets tired, so he needs assistance.","140":"...Huh? What is she talking about?","141":"The thing about Chad, right, is that his seed would be so strong it could only produce guys, and actually, his sperm is so individually powerful that they can screw into normal cells and fertilize them like eggs.","142":"This is how he can manage to get the femboys pregnant.","143":"But... [i]but[\/i]... the femboys can only give birth to femboys, because they've been pussified. His dick is so powerful, that if you've been impaled by it, you get pussified, right?","144":"Because of course. It's basically a bimboification device, turning guys into mindless bimbo dick slaves.","145":"So, in the harem right, he has the femboys, the spinner girls, etcetera. Only, another guy bursts through the door. He's a hairy big chest guy, and he [i]challenges[\/i] Chad to a fuck duel.","146":"There's no coming back from a fuck duel. If you lose a fuck duel, you get bimboified. Cum literally fills your skull cavity. You turn into a cock-starved femboy. So it's a pretty serious thing.","147":"So Chad has to accept the duel, because you know, if he backs down, Chad Two is going to steal his femboys, and also probably his spinner girls who spin the femboys onto his cock.","148":"So he goes out, prepares. He goes to all the mountains where he meets each of the masters of sexual pleasure: sucking, getting sucked, analizing, getting analized, ass punching, cum tsunami, and hair pulling.","149":"He masters each of the sexual disciplines... it's just like Avatar: The Last Airbender.","150":"Uh...","151":"So, imagine a montage. He sucks, gets sucked, fucks, gets fucked, punches anally, makes cum tsunamis. He masters all the elements. You know what he does then?","152":"Is she asking me? This is way too complex...","153":"Does he win the duel with Chad Two?","154":"No! What? Do you not know how fucking stories work? That's not very interesting, is it?","155":"It's a story! In a proper story, characters have to change! They have to grow up! Are you fucking retarded or something?","156":"It's a story! She's describing a story! What a relief, she isn't crazy.","157":"...I mean, [i]she could still be crazy.[\/i] What kind of person would come up with a story like this?","158":"Fuck... I meant to say stupid, not retarded. Anyway...","159":"...on the day of the duel, they start their fuck fight. Testosterone is so high, cum is being flung everywhere. Where it hits femboys, they get impregnated and baby-tumors start growing in their butts.","160":"They're fucking and fucking and fucking and gritting their teeth and just covered with cum tsunami attacks. And then Chad One has a change of heart.","161":"He thinks to himself: [i]Hey, is being a femboy bimbo bitch that bad?[\/i] I had so much fun getting fucked and fucked and fucked. So why not just accept my fate. So... he loses the duel on purpose.","162":"Chad Two impales Chad One with his hog. He does a kamehameha, he cums and Chad One is sent into orbit. When he lands, Chad One is turned into a pussified femboy.","163":"So while it seems like Chad One lost, in reality, he actually won. The moral of the story is, that sometimes, losing is the better option.","164":"So... what do you think?","165":"Uh... what?","166":"Kristen sighs, and sips her drink.","167":"Did you like my story?","168":"Do you want an honest opinion?","169":"I don't really care.","170":"I think it sucks.","171":"Yeah, that's a valid opinion, there's a lot of that in there.","172":"I mean that it's bad.","173":"This should be amusing. Go ahead and tell me why.","174":"I couldn't relate to any of the characters, for one.","175":"That's weird. I thought you'd really relate to the femboys.","176":"Also, if you want to write something sexy, it should feel believable and accessible, like it could actually happen.","177":"You write like sex is a ridiculous fantasy.","178":"It's fucking escapism. Does well on Wattpad.","179":"People like that don't know how sex works.","180":"Like you get any.","181":"I really thought you'd have a much more pretentious story. That seems a lot more your style.","182":"But I guess you're kind of too wound up. You can't let loose at all.","183":"I can let loose!","184":"Oh shit.","185":"The moment I challenged her, I knew... [i]I knew this would happen.","186":"She can't let me be right about anything.","187":"She will do literally anything.","188":"Look at this, everyone! I'm like you bimbos! See!","189":"I can flash my tits and use my body too! It's [i]so much easier[\/i] than using my brain.","190":"Any day of the week! I can do what you bitches do and get everything I want! So fuck you!","191":"You're nothing but-","192":"I lay my hand on Kristen's shoulder, trying to stop her from embarrassing herself further.","193":"I don't know how to describe the expression in her eyes. Like icicles, but hot and [i]sorta funny[\/i]. I could pity her or break out laughing.","194":"In any case, I've slowed her down enough to force her to think through what she's doing.","195":"So what? Why are you doing this? Are you really trying to stop me? What's your twisted game?","196":"Here, let me show you my fucking power level.","197":"I can't respond as she snatches me by the arm, pulling me away from the table.","198":"She's been drinking... but I guess I have been too...","199":"Are either of us in the right mind?","200":"Pull yourself away.","201":"Let her pull you.","202":"What's this bullshit?","203":"So you're scared, huh? You don't want to see my power-level. You're a bitchboy.","204":"Fine then. I don't need you, chat-bot. You suck, the Philosophy Club sucks, and men suck in general. Fuck you.","205":"She storms out the back, and I know better than to follow her.","206":"Kristen's got a lot of problems... not in a million years do I want to be in the thick of that shit.","207":"She keeps muttering. [i]Power-level, bitches, bimbos[\/i]... I can't make out anything she's saying.","208":"I can't completely blame this on the alcohol. There's something off about her.","209":"Stand right fucking there.","210":"That's good. There you go.","211":"You'll see now how powerful I am. I hide myself so I don't scare anyone, but you'll see and fear.","212":"Holy shit... is she going to stab me?","213":"...Or... is she going to [i]unzip my pants?[\/i]","214":"She's in the sort of mood where I'm not sure if she's going to suck me off or cut off my balls. [i]Maybe both.[\/i]","215":"Damn... she's kinda right about scaring me...","216":"What is this ugly, deflated thing? This little worm?","217":"Gross. You can't get hard, can you?","218":"I really am stronger than you are.","219":"She doesn't make a lot of sense. She hasn't really made sense all night. I have absolutely no idea what she's going to do.","220":"But for right now, she's just [i]staring[\/i]. Why? For what reason?","221":"I bite my lower lip and wait for whatever she's about to do...","222":"Ouch!","223":"...she [i]slaps[\/i] it?","224":"What the fuck?","225":"I've got to punish this stupid dick. Look at it, all brainless.","226":"It's stiffening up now. Finally. I thought you had dick issues.","227":"Apparently it just needs to be told what to do. Stupid, filthy dick.","228":"I'm going to teach it a fucking lesson.","229":"She's [i]kissing[\/i] it... all kinds of confused emotions rush through me...","230":"...fear... arousal... affection... hatred...","231":"As weird and crazy as this is... [i]I kinda like it[\/i]. It's beyond just the sensation of her nose and breath ticking my dick, her lips dancing across my shaft...","232":"...there's a deeper, weirder feeling here...","233":"She's sucking me now in a dark alley. There's a weird feeling in the back of my head that she's just going to chomp down on it...","234":"...that thought shouldn't contribute to my excitement, but it kinda does...","235":"I'm honestly not sure if she hates my dick or loves it, but Kristen is definitely losing herself.","236":"I'm not sure if this act disgusts her or not, but she's doing it, working me with a fervor.","237":"Normally with a girl, I'd lean back, close my eyes, let myself enjoy the sensations, but...","238":"...just, this feels a little different...","239":"...almost like I've got to keep watching her.","240":"Am I afraid she might do something? That'd be silly, right? She's doing a great job.","241":"Her tongue swirls, her cheeks suck in until I can feel them, she goes deep enough that I hit the roof of her mouth...","242":"...still, I watch, and wonder what about this blowjobs is so different.","243":"She's working me like she hasn't touched a guy in a [i]really long time[\/i]. Occasionally, she just sniffs it, drawing in big breaths.","244":"Eventually, I'm overwhelmed too. I forget who's sucking me. I just kinda lean back and enjoy it for what it is.","245":"Whether I like or dislike her it's totally forgotten in the swirling of her tongue and suction of her lips.","246":"I want to [i]feel more of it[\/i]...","247":"I suddenly forget myself, and shove her down on my cock.","248":"There's a throaty sound, and I feel a soft fleshy thing at the back of her throat... it's her tonsils.","249":"There's no complaint, no anger as I do this. Just a sort of submission.","250":"I hold her down, keep holding her, until... my desire to release builds to an uncontrollable level...","251":"...I'm... I'm going to cum!","252":"Cum on her face.","253":"Cum in her mouth.","254":"Disgusting. Your seed is weak. Not nearly strong enough to impregnate normal cells.","255":"Why even bother cumming? It's not like you could fertilize anything with your retard double-tailed sperm.","256":"I've beaten you. You're no match for me.","257":"What is this watery shit? Do you take estrogen supplements?","258":"You shouldn't even bother cumming when your seed is so fucking weak.","259":"Look at you, you're all flaccid again. Next time, cum on my face instead of squirting femjuice on it.","260":"She cleans her face before standing up, chin still covered with my seed, and strides...","261":"She's not going to completely clean up?","262":"She stands up, her chin covered with my seed, and strides...","263":"...back into the bar?","264":"Look at my face everyone! Look at it!","265":"See? This is my power level! I'm bolder, better, and smarter than any of you pussified bitches.","266":"This is basically the blood of my enemy!","267":"Okay... I think I'm going to just go straight home.","268":"There is nothing I can do for Kristen in this state.","269":"Wow. That was by far the strangest experience in my life.","270":"That literally competes with being in a knife fight as far as weird, unique things go.","271":"Weirdly... I do feel defeated. Her power level is too high for me. I don't know how to deal with her.","272":"Glad I didn't let Kristen drag me into that alley... in her state, I'm not sure what she would've done.","273":"I have the feeling that Kristen is a closet freak. [i]I actually kind of guessed that[\/i], but I think I underestimated her freakiness.","274":"I am not as much of a freak as her.","275":"On my list of priorities, being abused by Kristen is extremely low.","276":"There's more important things to focus on... the Sandra thing. There was only one person there who kept absolutely silent about the whole deal: [i]Stan[\/i].","277":"Is he really as kind as he seems? I have to talk to him.","278":"That means... the first thing I have to do... is see him. Daytime in Sevigny's.","279":"All other obligations be damned.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[ep7_Kristen_Angry_Blowjob_BJ_anim_speed != ep7_Kristen_Angry_Blowjob_BJ_anim_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[ep7_Kristen_Angry_Blowjob_BJ_anim_speed != ep7_Kristen_Angry_Blowjob_BJ_anim_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[ep7_Kristen_Angry_Blowjob_BJ_anim_speed != ep7_Kristen_Angry_Blowjob_BJ_anim_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Jump to sex scene.","7":"Play scene from the beginning.","8":"Maybe Cedric was lying about the club.","9":"Why would he invent a Philosophy Club that doesn't exist?"},"ch7__07.50 confronting stan.vne3":{"10":"...but I might be forced to lie to her. It's easier just to leave her as she is.","11":"We can mend our relationship later.","12":"If the SHU website is up-to-date, I can intercept him on the way to work.","13":"I have a bit of time to spare before that. Enough time to check Sevigny's, see if Haley is okay.","14":"It's so early. I don't think I've been to Sevigny's this early.","15":"Would Haley even be here? Would it even be open?","16":"I'll just poke my head in and check.","17":"Dante... doesn't he take the nightshift?","18":"Hey hetebro. Good to see you here.","19":"Where's Haley?","20":"There was a change in schedule. I'm taking her morning shifts, at least for now. Can I get you something?","21":"No... I just wanted to check on Haley. I'm actually in a rush, I didn't even know you'd be open.","22":"It's off hours, but there's no such thing as closed if I'm around.","23":"You really are a bro.","24":"Crazy what happened last night.","25":"Was Kristen okay after I left?","26":"Yeah, I got some rideshare contacts with AACHM, they took her home responsibly.","27":"Absinthe is pretty powerful stuff, but not powerful enough to make you walk around with organic moisturizer on your face.","28":"I feel bad for leaving her.","29":"Don't worry about it, bro. Lots of people walk around in public with semen dripping off their chins. Could happen to anyone.","30":"Sure you don't want anything?","31":"No, I can't. Let Haley know I came by.","32":"Maintain the het, Brett.","33":"I don't know what that means, but it sounds friendly. I bid goodbye.","34":"So... this is it. The administration building.","35":"I've never seen Stan here. He must come and go while I'm usually doing something else.","36":"So this is why I'm here so damn early, when the dew on the grass isn't even dry.","37":"I wait... and I wait...","38":"[i]Stan...[\/i]","39":"All of the questions I wanted to ask... all my carefully thought out speeches and diatribes and whatever... completely escape me.","40":"I stare at this guy stupidly. But as he catches sight of me, he sighs and his shoulders shrink. He's already about to give up...","41":"Is this about what I think it's about?","42":"We're nowhere near Sevigny's. You can't taint that place. Actually, I suspect we're much closer to the heart of darkness.","43":"You were never interested in the Philosophy Club.","44":"Same as you. You never talk.","45":"[i]Life has no meaning[\/i] is not a complicated idea that needs a lot of elaboration. The guys are good, though.","46":"Except Eddie. He can't stop talking about World War II.","47":"Everyone seemed to like Sandra. Did she keep the group together?","48":"She was like a fire. She could burn you or she could make you feel warm and cozy. It depended on how careless you were.","49":"Yes, I miss her.","50":"Why didn't you say that when everyone was talking about her?","51":"What's the point?","52":"If you liked her, you should've been able to commiserate with everyone else. Why didn't you?","53":"I don't know. I didn't feel like it.","54":"You didn't want to accidentally reveal you knew more about it than you're letting on?","55":"Stan pauses. There's a slight shudder as it goes through him.","56":"I'm like you. I have guesses. I don't have anything else.","57":"Guesses? You're tied directly to the evil here, aren't you? You are the first layer. I don't believe you.","58":"He doesn't seem cornered, or angry, or anything. Nothing about his face gives anything at all.","59":"Every posture and expression of this guy screams someone who has given up. The question for him is not ''should I defend myself'' but rather ''is it worth the effort''.","60":"He slumps further, shrinking, sliding. His whole existence might just collapse into a singularity and all memory of him wiped from existence.","61":"You don't know the kind of danger you're in by asking these questions.","62":"Is there a secret society in Shale Hill?","63":"Of course there is. Everywhere there's secret societies. Little clubs of assholes who think they're special because they're in some club nobody else is.","64":"It's just nonsense, usually. They get into victimless mischief: drugs, buttsex, spanking, whatever. Chant and have candles and do stupid rituals.","65":"But yours is a little different.","66":"You gotta stop.","67":"Or they'll get rid of me like Sandra and Cedric?","68":"[i]Probably[\/i]. I was honest with you. You think I'm a member? You think I know everything. I just take their money and do things for them.","69":"You are right. I am the first layer, not an inch deeper.","70":"What kind of favors did you do? Did you get rid of Sandra?","71":"[i]No[\/i]. Not in a million years, I'd never do that. [i]Never[\/i]. I don't do anything except a very specific set of things. I go to the Philosophy Club, I wait for a keyword, and-","72":"-we're getting deep into things here. I'm just a gopher. I don't do anything, I don't know anything. I don't even know the name of the stupid club.","73":"So you have no idea whether your organization actually disappeared Sandra.","74":"I don't know, you're right. But I [i]know they're evil[\/i], and they [i]would[\/i].","75":"I though it was just a normal secret society at first... rich kids playing pretend and having orgies. But what they did to Haley [i]had no purpose[\/i].","76":"I don't know what they're motivated by... but when they destroy people, it's for no good reason, not even a selfish one.","77":"[i]Destruction for the sake of it.[\/i]","78":"And you would work for this evil organization?","79":"I... would have never if I realized who they were to begin with. But when I started, it was too late.","80":"I figured... with everything they do for me... I could help people in my own way.","81":"That's why you were able to pay off Haley's debts without flinching.","82":"Yeah.","83":"This is much more progress than I would've thought. Now I have the opportunity to take the plunge into the abyss.","84":"This is probably my one chance.","85":"I want to go through what the people who say the keyword go through.","86":"Stan only sinks hopelessly forward. He sighs, heavy like he's about to do some unpleasant task.","87":"So you want to be put on the [i]path[\/i], then.","88":"Yes.","89":"Okay.","90":"And... now what? Is he supposed to do something?","91":"So?","92":"So what?","93":"What's my next step?","94":"Nothing. Everything happens [i]to you[\/i] from now on.","95":"Don't ask me what happens. Everything's just black-out curtains from here, as far as I'm concerned.","96":"I put you on the path and now you're on it. There's no going back.","97":"For all that water I drank... it evaporates instantly. My brow is hot again, my throat dry, my stomach tumbling like a rollercoaster.... [i]what is this nausea?[\/i]","98":"What the fuck have I signed up for?","99":"Is Haley okay? Have you seen her?","100":"Last I heard, she was fine.","101":"Good.","102":"Sevigny's is too pure for me. I can never face Haley again. I have to find a new place to drink.","103":"You really can't tell me anything else?","104":"Not really. Goodbye.","105":"Fuck. This feels really bad. Why do I get the feeling that I'm on this one way journey?","106":"I deeply regret telling Stan to [i]put me on the path[\/i]. The path to what?","107":"...I guess I just wait now...","0":"This is the big day. I'm going to confront Stan. I feel it in my gut that this is going to lead to something big.","1":"Independently, without {Leah}'s help, I've found out all sorts of things I shouldn't have known. I don't have to risk her life.","2":"But should I...?","3":"Prison is bad, but she'll get out eventually. Whatever happened to Cedric and Sandra... that's forever.","4":"{Leah}'s role in this world hasn't ended yet. She's got a lot of good left to do, even if she is arrested. But this is [i]my[\/i] fight.","5":"Cedric... Sandra... whatever happened to them is forever...","6":"...I can't risk the same happening to {Leah}. I've already sacrificed so much to get her off the hook... I can't let that go to waste.","7":"Talking with Stan should be harmless. If I end up needing {Leah}'s help, I can go to her later.","8":"As I walk by the kitchen... I can see {Leah} fixing her breakfast. It reminds me of all the other times when one of us was fixing a meal while the other walked past to do something else in their life.","9":"I could talk to her, tell her I'm leaving... ask her how her day has been..."},"ch7__07.55 warning valerie.vne3":{"10":"I mean... Valerie isn't as important to me as {Leah} is... but she's still super important...","11":"It would be easiest to confront this burden alone...","12":"Valerie? Huh. Just as I was thinking about her. What is she doing outside Rogham's class?","13":"You look tense.","14":"I feel like someone gave me a Swedish massage with hot knives.","15":"Oh, that is a real massage technique, you know. Knife massage. I think it's Chinese.","16":"Then something else uncomfortable, like hot rocks.","17":"That's used in massage too.","18":"I know. I realized it as soon as I said it. You understand what I'm saying.","19":"I'm not just tense, I'm totally hopeless. How can I face an organization that makes people disappear?","20":"I'm swimming with the kraken in deep, dark cold waters now. I can only really drag people with me.","21":"Can I help you at all?","22":"This is one of those things that nobody can help me with.","23":"Intense.","24":"Why are you here?","25":"I'm auditing Mr. Rogham's course today.","26":"Why?","27":"Several complaints have come up about Mr. Rogham. I'm here to evaluate him on behalf of the dean.","28":"Holy shit. I didn't report on Mr. Rogham. Did {Leah}?","29":"Nah, I'm kidding.","30":"Oh.","31":"I'm here because I think I might take his class next year.","32":"Next year is senior year for you, isn't it?","33":"I'm going to have major senioritis, too. I pretty much have all my requirements down for my majors, I'm just rounding things off with some electives.","34":"People don't usually take [i]physics[\/i] for an easy elective.","35":"You don't understand, I'm picking things that [i]interest[\/i] me, you know. Physics is cool.","36":"You're a neuroscience major, right?","37":"Yes.","38":"That still surprises me. You scream business administration.","39":"I can see that. I was trying to decide if I looked sexier in a lab coat or a suit.","40":"She'd look good in either, honest.","41":"But here you are, telling [i]me[\/i] off for choosing a major that is ill-suited. Computer Science, anyone?","42":"[i]And[\/i] Physics. And Comp Sci does suit me.","43":"The geeks will never accept you. They are an elitist lot.","44":"What a talent Valerie has for distracting me from my problems. I'm verbally sparring with her, and I've completely forgotten that warning Stan gave me.","45":"As soon as I remember, the gloominess comes back. Valerie picks up on it immediately.","46":"Something is very wrong, isn't it?","47":"I just found a lead on Sandra.","48":"...That really slipped out, didn't it?","49":"Wow.","50":"Honestly, you probably don't want an update.","51":"Why not?","52":"Good timing.","53":"Class is starting.","54":"Well, I'm following you, so there's no escape.","55":"I guess not good timing. She's going to insist on this, isn't she?","56":"{PlayerName}...","57":"...and Valerie.","58":"Very pleasant to see you.","59":"I would've expected more resentment out of Rogham, for cornering him in his little lecture hall. But there's no hint of it.","60":"With the open, obvious contempt he had for Sam, I feel like I would notice if he hated me too...","61":"Wow, I would've expected more people. Quiet today, isn't it?","62":"Very quiet.","63":"I do hope you like the class. I should like to see you attend next semester.","64":"I will listen very carefully.","65":"Good, good.","66":"Oh, I'm not late! Thank God.","67":"It's the former Annette Taylor student council president.","68":"It's the former Annette Taylor student council president!","69":"Aren't we part of a small club?","70":"Yep, we're both members of the super-sexy-bitches club. Very elite membership.","71":"Yeah, I'll take membership in that, too.","72":"Are you here to witness the spiteful evil of Mr. Rogham?","73":"Spiteful evil?","74":"Super hateful. He loves {PlayerName}'s farts, he snorts them like it was cocaine. Me, not so much.","75":"Oh... that's interesting. He's nice to me.","76":"He probably likes your farts too. There's something about sticking his long gnarled nose in certain people's assholes. If I can figure out the magic formula maybe he'll like my farts too.","77":"I'll share my diet with you sometime.","78":"I would be uncomfortable with disparaging Mr. Rogham in public... but after what I've learned? Fuck that guy.","79":"Let's take a seat. Class is about to begin.","80":"Let's gooo!","81":"We take our seats. Mr. Rogham begins his lecture dully... now that I know him for who he is, there's something peculiar and rotten about the way he speaks.","82":"I find I can't enjoy it no matter how interesting the topic is.","83":"At the very least, Sam is going to get through this class.","84":"Once we all graduate, there'll be no need to take a course taught by Mr. Rogham again.","85":"I definitely need to talk to Sam at some point, stop her from taking any courses that might be bad for her.","86":"Man... Sam looks so cute. I'm so glad she's back...","87":"...it'd be awful if she dropped out like she was planning...","88":"Sam has a chance now. I'm pretty proud of the work I did for her.","89":"This was a good outcome, definitely worth the intrigue and skullduggery...","90":"What's that?","91":"Something's... touching me... [i]down there[\/i]...","92":"It clambers over my leg... pushes into my lap...","93":"I... I have a feeling who it is...","94":"This is so in character for Valerie... but more extreme than anything she's ever done before.","95":"As much as she's teased and flirted, she's never actually touched me like this.","96":"She's bold... bold enough to go far if she wants. Am I as bold as she is?","97":"Push her hand away.","98":"Let her do what she wants.","99":"I firmly take her hand and place it back in her lap.","100":"I don't want it to be like this. She's going too far.","101":"She seems neither offended or disappointed. Instead, she respectfully lays her hand over her own lap.","102":"It doesn't feel like I rejected an advance... it feels like I rejected a [i]massage[\/i].","103":"Is this Valerie's crazy idea of reducing my tension?","104":"On second thought, Physics is kind of boring.","105":"And then... she just leaves like nothing happened.","106":"Jeez... that girl is a sphinx. I will never understand her.","107":"Am I afraid that taking action will draw attention to what Valerie is doing?","108":"Do I just [i]want[\/i] her to do it?","109":"Excited or afraid - either way, I'm paralyzed, at the mercy of whatever Valerie is about to do.","110":"She leans back, her hand pressing down further on my lap...","111":"I look straight ahead, stiff-backed, my eyes fixed completely on the chalkboard.","112":"I feel something dig its fingernails into the flap that hides my zipper.","113":"Holy mother of...","114":"...she [i]unzipped[\/i]. How much further is she willing to go?","115":"I sharply intake breath as she goes even further.","116":"[i]Skin-to-skin...[\/i]","117":"...[i]contact![\/i]","118":"That's isn't just any skin. It's the thin, sensitive flesh of cockshaft, and I feel her fingers lightly trace it like a pencil traces a hand.","119":"I... [i]wished[\/i] for Valerie to touch me there, but [i]damn[\/i]... right now? Right here?","120":"I don't want to ask why... but [i]why?[\/i]","121":"Her fingers hooks my cock, and to my horror...","122":"...she pulls the fucking thing out. [i]In class.[\/i] Sam is next to me, and Mr. Rogham is giving a fucking lecture.","123":"Sam's academic career is no longer in danger... [i]mine is[\/i]. Expulsion is a horrifying possibility.","124":"Why do I have the ability to [i]enjoy this?[\/i]","125":"Just... keep frozen!","126":"If I don't make any sudden movements...","127":"...maybe nobody will notice!","128":"This is the kind of thing that happens in dark movie theaters! Not in well-lit lecture halls!","129":"I feel like everyone in the world should be able to see exactly what we're doing... but no.","130":"Somehow, we're getting away with it. [i]And... fuck... I really enjoy it!","131":"Are you about to cum?","132":"Why are you asking that out loud? And [i]yes![\/i]","133":"Shit, I can't cream in the middle of class! I'll make a mess! And then...","134":"Let me finish you off.","135":"She hooks her leg over mine, a way to get closer to me.","136":"As she sidles closer, she has a better angle of attack with which to rub me, up and down, up and down...","137":"I grit, tense, and hold back, but there's nothing I can do. A tantric god is the only being on Earth who can resist this.","138":"So... I don't. I hit my limit, and release!","139":"Shamefully, I pump semen into Val's closed hands.","140":"The image that comes to mind is the kid caught drawing all over the walls, but it's way worse than that. I actually came in a public spot, where anybody could just turn their heads and see us.","141":"How is it possible that [i]nobody saw us?[\/i]","142":"And now, Val's hand is covered with my issue. I look at her with begging eyes, trying to indicate that she should go clean herself up [i]before anyone notices[\/i].","143":"Valerie only gives me a sly grin, before she surprises me yet again.","144":"With unexpected efficiency and lack of hesitation, she just licks it all up.","145":"There's nothing on her face which indicates she doesn't like the flavor. It's just... a smooth lick across the length of her hand.","146":"A gob of my semen goes into her mouth.","147":"She swallows, and cleans the rest of it off... though there's not much left.","148":"Her eyes are piercing, and she gives me this odd look that I've seen from her before.","149":"She's given me this same look so many times. I always thought it was idly flirtatious, but now...","150":"Nice attending class with you.","151":"She just picks herself up and leaves.","152":"Did that honestly happen?","153":"Well.. all I know is my dick is out, and I need to tuck it back in.","154":"I look around fearfully trying to determine if anyone noticed?","155":"Ah, shit. Sam saw me zipping up my pants.","156":"If this is all she saw... I'll count myself very, very, very lucky.","157":"Class is a crawl. I'm anxious about the questions Sam will ask afterward.","158":"There's no stopping her.","159":"When things end, I can't escape fast enough.","160":"Were you rocking out with your cock out?","161":"It's not what it looks like.","162":"That's so unfair! If I take my tits out everyone would notice.","163":"I just realized I forgot to zip up, is all.","164":"Just think about all the girls in the world that can't just pull their private parts out like that, okay? It's rude.","165":"If I had a clit that big, I'd air it out like a motherfucker.","166":"Anyway, I have to go.","167":"Weird that Valerie left early. Lucky...","168":"Real lucky. If you'll excuse me...","169":"Class is finally over. I need to talk to Valerie, right now.","170":"I don't know whether to be pissed at her... or to thank her. But I do need to see her.","171":"She'll probably be in her office at this time.","172":"You came quick.","173":"Was that an intentional double entendre? No... it's Valerie - it's obviously a double entendre.","174":"Yeah, in more ways than one. Why would you do that?","175":"What were you doing?","176":"It seemed like you needed a massage. You were talking about it.","177":"In the middle of class?","178":"Should I have waited?","179":"Yes!","180":"Oh. Well, I could've, but I knew I wouldn't be in the mood afterward.","181":"I know you like to tease me, but you could've got me expelled. It's been harmless up until now.","182":"It's harmless. Nobody would've seen us.","183":"My dick is taller than that little wall in the lecture room.","184":"Yes, I was impressed. Good job for being born with that and all.","185":"All Sam had to do was turn her head.","186":"But she didn't.","187":"Alright... here's the deal. [i]I'm sorry[\/i]. Does that make you happy?","188":"I thought it was a bit of harmless fun and you looked like you could use it. So I just gave it a shot to see how it went.","189":"You seemed like you were getting into it, so I got carried away.","190":"You pushed my hand off, I didn't go any further. I respect boundaries.","191":"Valerie, I got to ask, are you into me?","192":"It's a question I've always wanted to ask. It's been burning inside me since highschool, and now, with the barriers broken down... it felt like the right time.","193":"Even so, my skin feels hot and flushed, and I immediately want to [i]undo[\/i] what I had said somehow.","194":"But Valerie doesn't look shocked. She gives me a smile, instead.","195":"You are my friend, {PlayerName}. I feel like you're a wonderful flower that I've raised from seed to bloom. I really like the sort of person you've become.","196":"That is to say... my feelings are complicated.","197":"What isn't complicated: I do care about you, and if I can do something to make you feel better, I'll do it.","198":"But in private, maybe?","199":"Valerie smiles broadly, but lets the subject die.","200":"You had an update about Sandra.","201":"Oh... right. Again, Valerie has a talent for making me forget my biggest problems.","202":"Maybe that was the whole point, actually. Maybe Valerie really did need to grope me in public to make me forget - maybe that's just part of her genius.","203":"I sigh, scratch my head... and begin to unload on her with none of the existential horror I had experienced before.","204":"There's stuff I can't really tell you. I feel like it's too dangerous.","205":"How do you know I'm not already living dangerously?","206":"I know you're living dangerous, judging from what happened in the lecture hall, but not like this.","207":"I think I've finally found a way into the Fraternity.","208":"Are you serious?","209":"I wish I was kidding. My source gave me a pretty frightening warning.","210":"I feel like I'm doomed.","211":"Doomed? What makes you feel that way?","212":"If I'm honest...","213":"...I'm scared out of my mind. I made an agreement I can't undo.","214":"Maybe Sandra made a similar agreement.","215":"I don't think so, honestly. Stan made it seem like Sandra didn't know.","216":"Also, she wasn't one of the people who only attended [i]once[\/i].","217":"I hope not. I just feel like I'm in danger, and I'm a danger to everyone around me.","218":"Including me?","219":"Yes. Which is why I don't want to talk about this.","220":"{PlayerName}, my [i]roommate[\/i] disappeared. If that's not dangerous for me, I don't know what is.","221":"I do have a job to do here, {PlayerName}. I represent the student body, I'm supposed to protect their interests. If there is some sort of secret society hurting people, I have to be involved.","222":"I don't know what to do about {Leah}.","223":"You want to protect her, don't you? But she can't help but get herself caught up in mysteries.","224":"You have no idea.","225":"She was pretty notorious for getting in trouble, but usually for a [i]really good reason[\/i].","226":"She's the rarest kind of person. She's special. Very few people will risk themselves so selflessly.","227":"I've got to protect her.","228":"Yes, but how?","229":"I've been thinking about it really hard.","230":"There's no other way to do it. I have to leave her behind. I have to investigate on my own from now on.","231":"How will you do that? She's a smart cookie.","232":"She's fucking Sherlock Holmes, is what she is.","233":"So she'd be valuable in the investigation. Are you sure you want to leave her behind? If it's going to be extremely, extremely dangerous she might be good backup.","234":"You said it. [i]Extremely dangerous.[\/i] I can't let her take that kind of risk.","235":"So... what are you going to do instead? Can I help in any way?","236":"I don't want you involved either...","237":"I'm already involved, though. There's no stopping that. For all I know, I'm doomed as well.","238":"I hope not.","239":"The point is... I'm willing to help.","240":"You've seen already that I don't care about risk.","241":"Then... if you can help keep {Leah} away from whatever I'm about to go through, I'd be extremely grateful.","242":"I think I can do that.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[ep7_Valerie_AnimHJ_speed != ep7_Valerie_AnimHJ_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[ep7_Valerie_AnimHJ_speed != ep7_Valerie_AnimHJ_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[ep7_Valerie_AnimHJ_speed != ep7_Valerie_AnimHJ_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"After talking to Stan, I feel like a zombie... the walking dead...","7":"...every hundred feet feels like a mile.","8":"This foreboding won't go away. I felt like I've signed my soul away.","9":"As I walk to class, I wonder if I should update Valerie. I suppose I did find more information about Sandra, but won't that just risk her in the same way it risks {Leah}?"},"ch7__07.60 cliffhanger.vne3":{"3":"She thinks...","4":"Bite marks. I've been anxious more recently, haven't I?","5":"I'm not even aware of it. I just do it. The only hint I have of my mental state is how I wear my writing implements away.","6":"It's better than chewing nails, I suppose... but one day I'm going to have a mouthful of ink unexpectedly.","7":"{PlayerName} would laugh. That would make it worth it, but... he wouldn't be nearby to see it.","8":"My pen-chewing habit... it's a private thing I do. Maybe I should just find a pacifier and use that.","9":"I double-check my surroundings. Stale vomit, under a trash can. Someone was ashamed and pushed the can over it.","10":"Broken beer bottles, dried alcohol. Someone accidentally dropped it a few hours ago. They were drunk.","11":"The vomit and the broken bottles were most likely caused by the same person. If they left recently, they will have passed out, and won't be back until later tonight.","12":"It'll be some time before Dante come behind the bar to take out trash, at least I think so.","13":"Judging by the number of bags I found in the dumpster, dividing by the number of business hours elapsed since the dumpster was last emptied, a bag is introduced roughly every two hours, give or take an hour depending on how busy things are.","14":"Since it's not busy, I'll expect Dante to come out here in three hours.","15":"So, this alley is safe. No cameras, listening devices, or much else that I can determine.","16":"Mr. Craven advised me that back-alley meetings are usually bad. They attract curiosity, whereas cafe meetings would not. However...","17":"...if I'm being followed, they'd be forced to come closer, out of the camouflage of a crowd. So in this circumstance, an alley is better.","18":"Mr. Craven is usually punctual, too. So he should be coming...","19":"..now.","20":"I came as fast as I could. I had to shake off a tail.","21":"Someone was tailing you?","22":"Not sure. It's a habit since the garage incident.","23":"It's probably for the best that you do.","24":"I received your message. Invisible ink...","25":"I learned from the best.","26":"...yes. Whatever people forget, works. Now I put even tissues you give me under a blacklight.","27":"The old tricks are so useful when you can't trust technology at all.","28":"I wish I could leave my cellphone in my office all the time.","29":"Now... can you tell me what's going on?","30":"I've been working a case.","31":"Is this the Silent1 case?","32":"Yes.","33":"I've got to say, {Leah}... this Silent1 stuff is far out of my depth. I wish there is something I could tell you... but it's only advice.","34":"I... uh... think there is something you can do for me. I think... well... I have a theory...","35":"...I've been keeping it from {PlayerName}.","36":"What?","37":"{PlayerName} has been visiting the Philosophy Club. He thinks he's doing it behind my back... I know he has this idea that he's protecting me, but I know perfectly well what he's doing.","38":"I actually feel terrible that... [i]I'm tricking him[\/i] a little.","39":"Tricking him?","40":"I have a very complicated plan, and it involves using {PlayerName}.","41":"We do what we must, {Leah}. And... you want me to be part of this plan?","42":"Not really. I've been doing a little research, and... to confirm this theory... of who Silent1 is... I need you to bring someone to SHU. And you have to do it under a false premise.","43":"You want me to get someone to come to SHU? Who could possibly...?","44":"I'll tell you who it is in a second. The point is, I think you might personally be connected to Silent1. You might know who they are, though you didn't know it at the time.","45":"Me?","46":"Yes. But before I say who... tell me everything you know... of the time when you were a war correspondent...","0":"That night... far from me and Valerie...","1":"...one girl contemplates her next move.","2":"She leans against the alley wall, fiddling with a pen in her hand, observing it in detail."},"ch7_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch7_start.vne3":{"10":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","11":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","12":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","13":"Check synopsis.","14":"Skip.","15":"Just as I found myself in a position to do something about this dark conspiracy that had been haunting Shale Hill University...","16":"...I fell into a deadly ambush.","17":"As the rope tightened around my neck, my world faded into darkness. I thought this was the end.","18":"Where I found myself next seemed at one minute, a place both safe and familiar...","19":"...and the next, a nightmarish dreamscape.","20":"But this wasn't the end. I woke up, still at the Halloween party. ","21":"Whoever attacked me apparently didn't want me dead, but they did take my clothes and locked me in Emily's bedroom.","22":"Stranger still, they had left my laptop open nearby, and I found myself in the audience of Silent1... or at least I was confronted by him through RECENTLY's messaging function.","23":"Our exchange was cryptic, and confusing.","24":"Silent1 admitted to being the one who had strangled me, though he claimed he had no intention of killing me.","25":"Silent1 also claimed he had facilitated Cedric's plan to destroy Emily, though he said it was Cedric who wanted Emily's life ruined.","26":"Silent1's end goal was apparently... [i]enlightenment...[\/i]","27":"It was clear that Silent1 has tremendous power, the power to change meta data. To forge fake communications that were indistinguishable from the real thing.","28":"And with that power, he gave me a terrible choice.","29":"Either he could do nothing about Cedric's plan, leaving forged evidence to destroy Emily, which would absolve {Leah} of having stolen the data...","30":"...or save Emily from Cedric's conspiracy, putting him behind bars instead, but leaving {Leah} squarely in the sights of the authorities.","31":"It was a gut wrenching choice, but I knew {YouCallHer} would never forgive me if I let Emily fall victim to Cedric's plot.","32":"I chose, and Silent1 changed the meta data, turning the tables on Cedric.","33":"A short while later, I was watching the sociopath be led away by the police.","34":"It was a victory I couldn't savor. Cedric might be behind bars, and Emily safe...","35":"But {YouCallHer} was still a burglary suspect, under investigation for the theft of a powerful and dangerous piece of software. The same software Cedric had used to almost destroy Emily's life.","36":"It was a terrible decision, but I couldn't let {YouCallHer} stay under the scrutiny of the police any longer. ","37":"While she was innocent of the break-in of Emily's dad's office, her laptop and phone, confiscated by the police in that investigation, contained evidence of information she had obtained illegally for other stories she was working on.","38":"If the police found that information, she would be in serious trouble.","39":"I was forced to watch Cedric's plan's come to fruition. Emily was arrested for drug trafficking.","40":"I knew I couldn't let Cedric get away with this, destroying Emily's life, but for now, I could do nothing.","41":"{YouCallHer} was less than thrilled at my decision, but at least for the time, she was safe. The investigation into her laptop was put on hold.","42":"But I was done playing these games, letting people like Silent1 and Cedric manipulate and toy with people's lives from the shadows. I decided I was going to give myself a third option.","43":"I decided to flip the game board. Grabbing the drugs that had been planted to frame Emily, and breaking down the door, I made a run for it...","44":"...however, fate was not about to be that kind.","45":"Emily, seeing I was about to take the fall for a plot to destroy her, stepped in, claiming the drugs were hers.","46":"In the end, Cedric got what he wanted. Emily was arrested for drug trafficking.","47":"Worse yet, {YouCallHer} was still in the crosshairs of the police, not yet free from the investigation into the break-in and theft of Emily's father's dangerous software.","48":"Even though she appreciated my attempts to save both her and Emily, it was a bittersweet consolidation, as I wasn't able to save either of them in the end.","49":"Things weren't over just yet. {YouCallHer} and I could still try to get to the bottom of the conspiracy that was at the heart of all this misery.","50":"The morning after the fateful Halloween party, we set out for the prison to try and find some answers.","51":"Seeing Emily behind bars was crippling. She didn't deserve this.","52":"Her father now suspected she had something to do with the theft of his software.","53":"More than anything else, he was desperate to keep his powerful and dangerous program secret. He had shown a willingness to sacrifice anyone to get it back.","54":"We confronted Cedric. There was a measure of satisfaction, seeing him in prison orange, but the game was far from over.","55":"He feigned ignorance and made no mention of the powerful piece of software he had used to try and frame Emily.","56":"But he did reveal more of the sociopath dwelling just under his friendly, plucky facade.","57":"With few options, I had to track down whatever leads I could find.","58":"There was no way of knowing if they were connected, but the lingering situation with Lidia came to mind.","59":"The unassuming barista was under 24\/7 surveillance and on a no-fly list, in the same town where state of the art and potentially devastating pieces of software were loose in the wild. ","60":" Could it have been a coincidence?","61":"I spent some time getting closer to Lidia...","62":"...and becoming more acquainted with her [i]chaperones[\/i].","63":"I didn't find out as much as I hoped. Lidia was indeed under close surveillance and working with what I suspected was some kind of government agency.","64":"She claimed she had made some terrible mistake in the past, and said now she was paying for it.","65":"Hitting a dead end, I went to the one person who's always been there to guide me.","66":"I spoke with Valerie about what we had found, telling her that {YouCallHer} and I had come to suspect that it may not just be Silent1 alone who was behind this conspiracy.","67":"Instead, it might be an entire secret organization operating at Shale Hill University.","68":"Updated on our investigation, Valerie again asked me to look into her missing roommate, Sandra.","69":"She maintained that she had always thought there was something strange about her disappearance, and if I looked into it, it might lead me to Silent1.","70":"{YouCallHer} and I were able to make contact with Sandra's mother, Carmen, a Professor at Shale Hill.","71":"Through her, we learned that Sandra was under investigation for plagiarism just before she went missing.","72":"With not much to go on, we retraced Sandra's steps the night she disappeared, driving the route she would have taken that evening.","73":"A hunch, some perseverance, and a bit of luck led us to discovering Sandra's abandoned car, but no sign of the student herself.","74":"Sandra's abandoned car offered more questions than answers. However, when we spoke with Carman again, she dropped a huge puzzle piece into our laps.","75":"Sandra was in the Philosophy club. The same club that Cedric was a part of, and had been incessantly trying to get me to join.","76":"Armed with this new piece of information, {YouCallHer} and I were ready to have another chat with Cedric, but in the universe's cruel amusement, Valerie called with troubling news...","77":"...Cedric was missing.","78":"The weight of all of this. The twists and turns, with people's lives on the line, and facing death ourselves at more than one turn, had begun to take its toll on {YouCallHer}.","79":"She's one of the toughest people I know, but this has become crushing, even for her...","80":"...and the possibility of any of this having a happy ending, is getting farther and farther from believable.","81":"Maybe it was the sense of danger, or vulnerability we both were feeling, but in that moment...","82":"...{YouCallHer} and I finally gave in to our feelings for each other. ","83":"Being my {sheIsYour}, this might turn out to be a terrible mistake.","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","4":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","7":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","8":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","9":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex."},"ch7__07.05.05 following up with carmen.vne3":{"10":"Did {YouCallHer} and I really kiss? Did I really kiss my {sheIsYour}? Or was it some strange, fever dream?","11":"My mind turns over again and again, as it has for over six hours now, trying to figure out if it really happened or not.","12":"I have to face this, it did happen. More than that... I've wanted this. Maybe I never told myself, never surrendered to it, but I wanted this...","13":"...just... not like [i]this[\/i], not under these circumstances.","14":"As if things weren't complicated enough, now the relationship with the person I rely on most is a mess.","15":"I check the time on my phone and sigh. Trying to get any more fitful sleep seems like a futile effort. I might as well get up.","16":"I throw on some clothes, and quietly creep out of my room. I don't have the energy to confront {Leah} right now.","17":"I just need a little time, a little space to clear my head. To try and sort this all out. After all, there's still a million other things I need to worry about, and a million other problems that need fixing. Right now all of them are welcome distractions.","18":"For example... I still need to follow up with Carmen. She might have remembered something about Sandra that could help us out.","19":"As quietly as a ninja, I creep out of my room. ","20":"I'll shoot {Leah} a text or something later. At the living room, almost home free.","21":"Almost to the kitchen.","22":"The sound of the door opening might as well be a bomb going off, and stops me in my tracks. I turn to look.","23":"Caught, red handed. {YouCallHer} stops in the bathroom doorway, as we both stare at each other like deer in headlights.","24":"She looks as tired and as frayed as I imagine I do.","25":"We both blurt out our awkward explanations at the same time.","26":"I was just-","27":"Just grabbing a-","28":"Were you gonna-... I'm sorry. You go.","29":"No, you go.","30":"I was just going to follow up with Carmen. See if she remembered anything else about Sandra.","31":"Oh, okay... did you want me to-","32":"No!... I mean, I don't want to rush you, and you have-...","33":"Class... Yes! That's right. I have class!","34":"I slowly start to back up towards the door, desperate to break this exchange, at the same time I see her creeping for the safety and comfort of her room.","35":"So... I'll text you.","36":"Yes. Good plan. Keep me updated.","37":"I will. Talk to you later.","38":"Yep, later, {SheCallsYou}!","39":"Reaching the front door, I swing it open and hurriedly escape the apartment. Racing down the hall just short of a flat out run.","40":"I stare up at the ceiling, watching it transition through different shades of warm gray, as the early morning light floods my room.","41":"I had been watching it slowly change for the past hour. What little sleep I had gotten was fitful and restless, and I had long since given up trying to get anymore.","42":"The case. RECENTLY, the disappearances, these quiet plots against students, the pressure it was putting under {YouCallHer}, and I...","43":"And now, the best break we had in getting to the bottom of this conspiracy had gone out the window when Cedric disappeared.","44":"Seeing {Leah}, always so hopeful, confident, and assured, now buckling and scared... it was heartbreaking.","45":"I can't just lay here impotently, I'll drive myself crazy. I have to do [i]something[\/i], even if for no other reason other than to keep moving.","46":"Sitting up, and swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I wrack my brain.","47":" Come on, dummy, there has to be something that you missed. Some thread that you overlooked.","48":"A shower will do me good. Then a coffee. Then just get my ass out of this apartment and get back on the trail. There has to be something we missed.","49":"After the shower, I finish drying off my hair, and find some serviceably clean clothes. I really need to do laundry.","50":"As of late, mundane, everyday responsibilities like laundry and bathing have seemed less important than they used to be. But at some point I'm going to begin looking and smelling like Toasterman if I don't start taking care of myself.","51":"Walking into the kitchen, I see {Leah} is already up, though she looks barely awake. ","52":"Her eyes are bloodshot and heavy as she stares down into a cup of instant coffee. Apparently she didn't fare much better than I did last night.","53":"Her eyes wearily drift to my backpack.","54":"You're going out?","55":"I thought I might try and go see Carmen again, check if she's been able to remember anything else about Sandra.","56":"Do you want me to come?","57":"She looks exhausted. More tired than I think I've ever seen her.","58":"I don't even know if it'll amount to anything. Why don't you stay here and get some rest? You look beat. I'll let you know if anything comes up.","59":"For once in her life, she just nods compliantly. ","60":"I remember all the times I cursed at how stubborn and headstrong she could be, but seeing her the opposite of that is... disheartening.","61":"I pat her on the arm, and walk out of the apartment.","62":"The crisp, cool, autumn air helps chase some of the fatigue away as I step out onto the street.","63":"Feeling the boost of energy, I give Carmen a call, hoping to not catch her at a bad time.","64":"[i]Hola[\/i], {PlayerName}.","65":"Good Morning, Professor Vasquez. I hope I'm not bothering you.","66":"Please, it will only be a bother if you insist on calling me Professor Vasquez.","67":"Now, what can I do for you so early this morning?","68":"If you weren't busy, I was hoping you and I could talk a bit about the case. Maybe go over a few things?","69":"Of course. I do not have a class until later this morning. Until then, I will be here in the teacher's lounge of the language department. You will stop by, yes?","70":"Okay, sure. I'll be down in a little bit.","71":"[i]¡Magnífico![\/i] We will see each other then.","72":"I'm still not sure what I'm going to ask her about, but it beats sitting around and feeling helpless.","73":"About half an hour later, I poke my head into the teacher's lounge in the language department.","74":"Carmen is alone, looking over a stack of papers, a cup of coffee steaming nearby. She looks up to see me approach her.","75":"{PlayerName}! [i]Buenos días[\/i], it is so good to see you.","76":"Good morning, Carmen. Thank you again for seeing me on such short notice, I hope I'm not imposing.","77":"You are not imposing at all, I am happy to make time for you and your {sheIsYour} for discussing this case. Is she coming as well?","78":"Just me this morning. I'm afraid she couldn't make it.","79":"Was this something that you were able to follow up with?","80":"I had forgotten, in the moment, how Carmen's tip on her daughter's involvement in the Philosophy club had been our big lead back to Cedric.","81":"But with him now gone, I was left to tell Carmen that the lead was a dead end, like I'm sure she's heard countless times before.","82":"I'm sorry, Carmen. We haven't been able to track anything down yet.","83":"She just sadly nods. She seems quite adept at managing expectations by now, but it's still gut wrenching seeing her disappointed yet again.","84":"It is alright. You and {Leah} have already done so much. It is nice to not feel so alone, wondering what happened to my Sandra.","85":"Forgive me for asking, but is Sandra's father still in the picture at all?","86":"My husband, Raymond. He passed away when Sandra was very young.","87":"I'm sorry. My condolences.","88":"It was a long time ago, but thank you, {PlayerName}.","89":"There's still some sadness in her voice, like a residue. First the husband, now the daughter...","90":"Tragic. No wonder she's lonely.","91":"You never remarried?","92":"I had a few boyfriends here or there, but none of them were ever up to the job of being a husband and step-father. The last few years, it has been just Sandra and I.","93":"Carmen shakes her head and chuckles to herself.","94":"If my Sandra is to be believed, she would tell you that the reason I am single is because her dear, sweet [i]madre[\/i] is... how do you say... [i]a lot[\/i] sometimes.","95":"So Carmen has a hard time finding a partner? That's really surprising. She still seems like a catch.","96":"As far as I'm concerned...","97":"Carmen excites me.","98":"It's too bad I'm not into older women.","99":"I find that hard to believe. I imagine it couldn't be too difficult for a woman as attractive as you to find companionship.","100":"In my eagerness to say something to comfort Carmen, I realized that I might have been a bit too forward with my flattery.","101":"Her eyes flutter as she looks taken aback by the statement, even becoming flush in the cheeks.","102":"Why, {PlayerName}. You are too kind. [i]Dios mío[\/i], you are going to make me blush.","103":"I'm sorry, Prof. Vasquez, I shouldn't have been so informal.","104":"But even as my cheeks begin to feel hot, a coy smile creeps across Carmen's face.","105":"No, no, it is fine... You just took me a little by surprise, you see. No one has told me that I was attractive for some time now. You have made an old lady's day.","106":"[i]Old lady[\/i] my ass. [i]Cougar[\/i] is more like it.","107":"You are not a student of mine, so it is not grades that you are after with these sweet words.","108":"Carmen's own flirtation has chased all the spit from my mouth, and I awkwardly try to change the subject .","109":"I'm sure she was just joking. You seem like a very nice woman.","110":"Carmen looks at me with a warm smile, taking all this very lightly.","111":"Thank you for saying so, {PlayerName}.","112":"A little bit of an attitude runs in the women in our family, Sandra being no exception. She always was ready with a quick joke about her poor [i]mamá[\/i], but she was a sweet girl at heart.","0":"Is {Leah} here? The apartment is empty...","113":"So, was Sandra a Philosophy major? Since she was in the club?","1":"I'm... a bit relieved, actually. I don't have to explain where I've been, or that I went to the Philosophy Club without her.","114":"No, she was a Computer Science major. It was no surprise really. [i]Dios la bendiga[\/i], I could barely get that girl out from behind a computer screen while she was growing up.","2":"I have a feeling that she'd be able to see right through me.","115":"A Computer Science major? That makes sense. Carmen did say Sandra spent a lot of time on her computer.","3":"Just got to go to bed...","116":"And she was in the Philosophy Club. Was that somehow connected to why Cedric was so interested in recruiting me, a student who also had a similar background?","4":"Will I really feel better in the morning?","117":"I always thought she would graduate and go on to work at some big technology firm. She had the mind to do it. So focused and driven.","5":"Eyes bloodshot and weary, I stare up at the ceiling as the early morning light creeps into my room.","118":"I know all parents probably think this about their children, but I always thought she was so mature for her age.","6":"I barely slept. The whole night was spent tossing and turning, my mind refusing to slow down enough for sleep.","119":"In some ways, you remind me of her a little.","7":"The investigation, the disappearances, the arrest, RECENTLY, Silent1, Cedric...","120":"Me?","8":"...and now, the kiss.","121":"Of course. You strike me as much more grown up than many of your peers.","9":"Was it really two days ago? It feels like [i]minutes[\/i]. My experience of time is contracting.","122":"Most boys your age are more interested in keg stands and sorority girls than passing their classes. But you take time out of your schedule to look into the disappearance of a fellow student.","123":"All the while, having to make your way without a voice of your own. It takes a real man to put aside his own pursuits to help others.","124":"Oh, look at the time! I am sorry to cut this short, {PlayerName}, but I have a class in fifteen minutes. I hope this was helpful somehow. Please do not be afraid to reach out if you have any more questions.","125":"Of course. Thank you for meeting with me, Carmen. I'll keep you posted.","126":"[i]Que tengas un buen día, vaquero.[\/i]","127":"Carmen touches my arm and smiles, then turns to leave for her class.","128":"Carmen smiles and turns to leave for her class.","129":"Looking at my watch, I should probably do the same.","130":"My first instinct is to text {YouCallHer} and update her on what I'd learned, but I stop myself.","131":"The fresh memory of what happened between us comes racing back. My mind swirling again with doubt, confusion, lust, uncertainty, and a level of adolescent awkwardness I thought I had grown past.","132":"Not at all too proud of myself, I instead hold down the [i]delete[\/i] button and watch the half written message disappear. Opting to continue to avoid {YouCallHer}, instead of risking having to confront what happened between us.","133":"As I head to class, I stew in self loathing, painfully dwelling on Carmen's misplaced opinion of my supposed [i]maturity[\/i].","134":"Unconsciously, I grab my phone to update {Leah} on Sandra's academic major, but halfway through the message, I stop myself.","135":"The image of seeing her last night, buckling emotionally at the weight of everything that was bearing down on us, causes my guts to twist and gives me pause.","136":"She'll hate me for it, but for now, I need to shield her from all of this. She needs time to rest, to recharge her batteries.","137":"Even as much as I dread going on with this investigation alone, it's still better than dragging {YouCallHer} deeper into these uncertain waters."},"ch7__07.05.10 meeting carmen at biergarten.vne3":{"10":"I'm well, thank you. What can I do for you?","11":"I was thinking the other day of anything that might help you and your {sheIsYour} with looking into Sandra's disappearance. I remembered seeing on a television program that text messages were used to help in other cases of missing persons.","12":"Carmen goes on, continuing to speak in her rich accent.","13":"I have gone through my text messages with Sandra a million times myself, to try and find something, but I was wondering if a fresh set of eyes might see something I have missed.","14":"Yeah, I can definitely take a look at them. When would you like to meet?","15":"If you are free after classes are dismissed, let us meet at the biergarten. I hope you will forgive me for being frank, but I would not hate to have a drink while going through these messages once more.","16":"Sure, that works for me.","17":"[i]¡Bueno![\/i] See you then, {PlayerName}.","18":"Biergarten? With a college Professor? Not what I would have expected, but it's not unwelcome.","19":"She wants to meet up with you?","20":"She has new information, apparently. She wants to meet at the biergarten.","21":"It's probably worth seeing her, but does it have to be at a biergarten?","22":"What's wrong with a biergarten?","23":"Probably... probably nothing...","24":"It's probably worth seeing her.","25":"I just got home. If anything blows up while I'm gone, let me know.","26":"It's likelier than you think!","27":"Make sure things don't explode while I'm gone.","28":"It's a pleasant afternoon, comfortably warm for the season, as I sip my glass of water and wait for Carmen to arrive.","29":"She texted to tell me she'd be running a little late. I replied to let her know I would go ahead and get us a table.","30":"I don't have to wait too long, and my eyes are instantly drawn to her curvy figure as she saunters out onto the patio. Her eyes scan the space and her face lights up when she sees me stand and wave to her.","31":"As she makes her way over, I'm suddenly aware of the intimacy of the setting, and of her intimidating attractiveness and maturity. Remember, this is just a meeting to talk about an investigation.","32":"I am so sorry for being late! Thank you for being patient with me. I had many students come to see me during my office hours and it went long.","33":"It's no problem, Prof. Vasquez, really.","34":"She gives me a cheeky, sideways smirk as we sit down.","35":"{PlayerName}, I do not recall you being on any of my class rosters, so if you insist with this ''Prof. Vasquez'' business, you will have a problem, mister.","36":"Sorry, Carmen. Force of habit.","37":"Good. If it happens again, I will send you to detention.","38":"Carmen fixes her long, brown hair as she looks at the beer menu. I always was a little jealous of people who could so effortlessly interact with and relax around other people.","39":"I'm not an introvert, but I still don't have nearly the confidence and charm that Carmen effortlessly exudes.","40":"Seeing both of us seated, the waitress swings by with her notepad.","41":"Hi there, can I get you two something to drink?","42":"I'm fine with the water, thank you.","43":"Carmen looks up at me incredulously.","44":"We are at a biergarten and this is what you choose to drink? [i]¿agua?[\/i]","45":"She turns back to the waitress, dismissing my order with a hand wave.","46":"Nonsense. He will have the 24oz Pilsner, and I will take the 16oz Cherry Hefeweizen, [i]por favor[\/i].","47":"Carmen, you really don't have to.","48":"You are going to make a lady have a drink by herself? Do not worry, it is on me.","49":"She hands her card to the waitress who goes off to fetch our drinks, before turning back to me to shut down any further protests.","50":"You cannot expect me to believe a young man in college does not enjoy beer. I will not have any more of it, it is the least I can do for all that you and {Leah} have done for Sandra and I.","51":"Fair enough, thank you, Carmen.","52":"Where is your {sheIsYour}, by the way? Could she not make it?","53":"Not wanting to concern Carmen with the fact that {YouCallHer} and I were dealing with our own issues, I lied.","54":"She would have liked to, but she's got a big project she's trying to finish up for school. I'm to fill her in on the details later.","55":"I understand. As if students like you two did not already have enough to worry about, to say nothing of picking up and investigating cold cases.","56":"The waitress returns with our beers. I hadn't planned on having a drink for this, but I can't say I don't welcome one.","57":"Carmen apparently shares the sentiment, and takes a good pull of her Hefeweizen.","58":"To that fact...","59":"She then pulls out her phone and unlocks it, looking over the text history.","60":"Oh, my little Sandra. My little [i]ángel[\/i]. I have never forgotten what a sweet and wonderful girl she was.","61":"With a tear forming in her eye, she hands her phone to me.","62":"I have looked over these messages countless times. I was trying to think if there was anything I had missed. Perhaps you will see something that I have not.","63":"I scroll through the history of texts.","64":"[i]Carmen: Hello my darling. Are you going to come home this weekend? I am making Arepas.[\/i]","65":"[i]Sandra: I can't, I'm working on a project.[\/i]","66":"[i]Carmen: But you love Arepas. Come home and spend some time with your mamá.[\/i]","67":"[i]Sandra: I don't want to. I don't like home renovation shows, and I haven't liked arepas since I was twelve.[\/i]","68":"[i]Carmen: Alright! Sulk in your room all weekend then. Typing away at your little computer![\/i]","69":"[i]Sandra: Thanks, will do.","70":"It goes on like that for most of the text chain. I suppose like any parent, Carmen entertains a rosier perception of her child's personality than might actually be the case.","71":"Reading through Sandra's texts with her mom makes me think she and Kristen from the Comic book shop could have gotten together and started a club for ''Snarky Remarks Enthusiasts''.","72":"I continue to scroll through the texts. Carefully reading them while Carmen patiently waits.","73":"It mostly seems what I imagine would be the standard back and forth between a mother and daughter. Despite the angst and sarcasm, they do seem to have a reasonably healthy relationship.","74":"I also gather that Carmen is telling the truth when she says the plagiarism accusation that was leveled against her daughter was ridiculous. From what I can tell, Sandra was a hard worker, and a good student.","75":"I see what you mean when you said the plagiarism claim was bogus. She really doesn't seem the type.","76":"Sandra had too much pride to stoop as low as to copy the work of someone else. She was stubborn, just like her [i]mamá[\/i].","77":"What was she accused of plagiarizing, by the way?","78":"Oh, it was something beyond me. Sandra was so smart, she was a numbers girl.","79":"I was so proud to see her in a STEM field, and so talented too! I told her she will bring shame upon the boys in her class.","80":"So do you know?","81":"I think she talks about it in the texts... I don't understand it.","82":"I take another sip of beer, and finally reach the final few messages that Carmen had with her daughter.","83":"For the first time in their exchanges, there is vulnerability and distress in Sandra's words, as she explains what's happened to her.","84":"[i]Sandra: They copied me. They got my algorithm. They say I stole my own algorithm.","85":"[i]Carmen: Who did?","86":"[i]Sandra: The school! Someone published a paper with my algorithm in it. Now they're saying I copied them, when they copied me.","87":"[i]Sandra: They're going to blacklist me, mamá.","88":"That's the second to last text.","89":"Did you call her after she said she was going to be blacklisted?","90":"Oh yes, we had a chat. She was very upset. She thought this was the end of her life.","91":"''End of a life'', I've heard that phrase far too much.","92":"She didn't explain the algorithm over the phone?","93":"She said it was a sorting algorithm... she called it Diamond Sort.","94":"Diamond sort? I've heard of it. It came out relatively recently, though. Sandra invented it?","95":"Apparently, it uses some really clever but advanced math. It's not very efficient with small sequences, but the larger it is, the more efficient it gets.","96":"If Sandra invented that... she's kind of a genius, really. But that came out of a university, I think... not even SHU.","97":"The school must have assumed the math was too advanced for a normal student to have invented it independently... [i]I'm tempted to believe the same thing.","98":"The final text in the chain is after that last call with her mother that night, as Carmen checked in on her daughter before she left the dorm to drive home.","99":"[i]Sandra: Don't worry, mamá, I'll be ok. -S[\/i]","100":"It's chilling. The last words anyone heard from Sandra Vasquez.","101":"I scribble down some notes and hand Carmen her phone back.","102":"Thank you, Carmen. I'll take these notes back and we'll look over them. Maybe we'll find some connection.","103":"She nods, solemnly, taking a moment to herself to look at that last text.","104":"I keep thinking, you know, if there is anything I have missed, or anything more that can help to find her.","105":"It haunts me, any quiet moment and my mind starts turning over, and over, and over again, trying to remember something, anything. All I could have done to prevent this.","106":"Carmen, you couldn't have known.","107":"She sighs.","108":"You are right, {PlayerName}. But it does not stop a woman from dwelling upon it when she is alone in bed at night.","109":"The waitress swings back by to check on us.","110":"Can I get you folks anything else?","111":"Carmen turns back to me.","112":"Can I get you another beer?","0":"We just get home when...","113":"No thanks, I'm good.","1":"...my phone rings.","114":"The waitress hands Carmen the check before turning to me and smiling.","2":"So soon? The blunder with Floyd is making everything feel so fucking fresh...","115":"You two are so cute together, I hope the date is going well.","3":"Let's see...","116":"I immediately start to blush, but Carmen just bursts out laughing.","4":"Who is that?","117":"Oh, thank you, but we are simply acquaintances from the university.","5":"Carmen.","118":"Well, shall we go, {PlayerName}? Before those cheeks of yours turn a deeper shade of pink?","6":"What does she want?","119":"I nod, bashfully, and get up to leave with Carmen. As we do, she steps over and starts to fix my shirt.","7":"I don't know. I'm going to talk to her.","120":"Having her stand so close to me, causes my blood to start racing a bit.","8":"Prof. Vasquez, hello.","121":"It is too bad {Leah}, could not join us. You two work so well together.","9":"{PlayerName}, [i]hola[\/i]. How are you?","122":"Well, things between us are... complicated.","123":"{PlayerName}, I will tell you a secret. It is [i]always[\/i] complicated between two people that care for each other.","124":"Relationships are hard work, but it is worth it to be close to the people that are important to us.","125":"Thanks, she's my {sheIsYour}. I don't know what I would do without her.","126":"I can tell you two are close. It is as plain as day.","127":"About to part ways, Carmen reaches out, touching my arm and smiling.","128":"And this is where I leave you, {PlayerName}. I hope those text messages will be of aid in your investigation.","129":"I'm sure they will, thank you, Carmen.","130":"[i]Adiós, vaquero.[\/i]","131":"Carmen turns to go. I know I shouldn't, but my eyes drift down her figure as I watch her leave.","132":"My gaze locked onto her thick, juicy ass as her hips cock back and forth provocatively with each, silky step.","133":"I can't tell if her hips naturally move like that when she walks, or if she does it on purpose. Either way, she can certainly make an exit.","134":"''I hate when you leave but I love to see you go''. So true with this Latina.","135":"I wave goodbye to Carmen, and head off to where I parked my car.","136":"It's now officially late. I got to get home."},"ch7__07.05.15 running into Carmen at Valeries office.vne3":{"3":"I should really check out what happened with Maggie. I hope things haven't deteriorated with her.","4":"It's a good opportunity for me to follow up with certain things...","5":"Absent, pensive expression... circles under eyes... premature grey hairs...","6":"Premature grey hairs!?","7":"Oh yes, you haven't noticed? I have.","8":"Where?","9":"Here.","10":"Valerie produces a pair of tweezers. Carefully, she plucks something from my temple.","11":"It's a little painful...","12":"Here you go.","13":"I look at the tiny hair, holding it to the sunlight.","14":"It really is grey.","15":"I found something behind your ear, too. Here.","16":"She then presses something hard and cold in my hand.","17":"A quarter?","18":"I can pull a rabbit out of a hat, too, provided it's a tophat and I have a wand.","19":"Huh?","20":"I'm just teasing. You don't have grey hairs.","21":"Then what is this from?","22":"It's one of mine.","23":"Oh, so you're the one who is prematurely greying.","24":"I just wanted someone else to experience my pain and anguish. Can you imagine it? A grey hair.","25":"I'm only a year older than you.","26":"Grey hair can be sexy.","27":"Maybe, but at least my hair isn't thinning like yours.","28":"Oh, fuck you.","29":"Walk with me?","30":"And suffer your presence? Sure.","31":"Thanks for your input.","32":"It's nothing, really. You made sure I got home safe the other day, I wanted to return the favor.","33":"Valerie laughs, giving me that mischievous, feline grin of hers.","34":"Not too keen on being in my debt, are you?","35":"Oh, I think you and I both know how much I owe you already. I don't think a little walk is going to change much.","36":"Think nothing of it. I consider all the hard work I put into you an investment.","37":"Investment? Are you objectifying me right now, because it kind of feels like you're objectifying me right now.","38":"And yet, somehow I don't think you'd have much of a problem if I were.","39":"It's no problem owing a dear friend a few favors. Think of it as building your relationship credit.","40":"As we're talking, the doors to the admin building swing open.","41":"Carmen, it's so good to see you again.","42":"Carmen looks at Valerie and then to me.","43":"[i]Buenos días[\/i], Valerie. Has our handsome {PlayerName} come to call on you?","44":"I feel my cheeks get hot, a phenomenon I'm noticing happens a lot when Carmen is nearby.","45":"Oh, this one? Just seeing me safely back to the office.","46":"Ah. I see chivalry is not dead, no?","47":"Good afternoon, Carmen, it's good to see you.","48":"What brings you to the admin building? Is there something I can do for you?","49":"No, no. I just had to drop off some paper at the Office of Student Records.","50":"It has been so long since we have spoken, Valerie. You are well?","51":"The college certainly has no shortage of [i]new and exciting challenges[\/i] to keep me busy, but I am well, thank you. If I recall, I think we are overdue for a cup of coffee and some gossip.","52":"We will set a date soon. I must express my gratitude as well. I understand it was you who put {PlayerName} and {Leah} on Sandra's case.","53":"It was nothing, Carmen, really. {Leah} is a real bloodhound for sniffing the truth out of things...","54":"...And {PlayerName} has his merits too, I suppose.","55":"Valerie turns to me, flashing a cheeky smile.","56":"We were just speaking about how he's paying me back a few favors he owes me, looking into Sandra's disappearance.","57":"Honestly, I'm happy too.","58":"Well, I have a mountain of work inside that is getting bigger by the moment, so if you two will excuse me.","59":"It was good to see you, Valerie. Let us talk again soon.","60":"We'll get something on the books, Carmen. And I'll talk to you later, {PlayerName}.","61":"Later, Valerie.","62":"Valerie disappears into the admin building, as Carmen turns back to me.","63":"An amazing young woman, the only one who cares about my Sandra. Not even a graduate yet and she is already running circles around the old bums that run this school.","64":"This beautiful girl is somehow single.","65":"Carmen puts a hand on my shoulder and cocks a knowing grin.","66":"Valerie is a catch. If you are wise, [i]vaquero[\/i], you will scoop her up before somebody else does. It is clear that she has a... how do you say? A [i]little thing[\/i] for you.","67":"I smile. It's a flattering assessment. But Valerie is a natural charmer. One of those people that can effortlessly talk to anyone and make them feel like they are the only person in the room.","68":"That said, I can't deny how much it makes my heart flutter to hear Carmen say otherwise. I just wish I knew if Valerie's affections were the tool of a cunning social animal, or if they were something more.","69":"Carmen's hand lingers on my shoulder for a moment before turning to leave.","70":"As I watch the dusky woman walk away, I note the extra sway in her hips as she saunters back to class.","71":"<ignore_variables>Valerie is not the only [i]catch[\/i] I see.","72":"She's just trying to get a rise out of me.","73":"Frankly, it’s not just college girls I’m interested in chasing. I’m growing ever more curious about taking some [i]private lessons[\/i] with Professor Vasquez, as well.","74":"It could all be just harmless, playful flirtations, but I feel like I'm getting some strong signals from Carmen. And that MILF energy seems to get more intoxicating each time I see her.","75":"She's a passionate and affectionate woman, and I don't hate the attention, but best to just leave it as harmless flirting, and nothing else.","0":"The next day comes, and I still can't process what happened at the bar yesterday.","1":"That whole situation with Stan was just... insane. Is he even going to show up at the Philosophy Club?","2":"In any other circumstance this would take all my emotional bandwidth, but I actually have other things to worry about."},"ch7__07.05.20 meeting Carmen about the philosphy club.vne3":{"10":"But if I can add, please do not be afraid to drop in just to say hello. We are friends now, yes?","11":"We are. I will remember that.","12":"[i]Bueno[\/i]. Now then, what are these questions you speak of?","13":"They regard Sandra and her time in the Philosophy Club.","14":"Philosophy Club? Did you not say that the lead you had of the Philosophy Club was a dead end?","15":"We're still operating on a lot of assumptions here, but there are a few loose ends we'd like to rule out.","16":"Of course. I understand.","17":"Let me think for a moment, I know Sandra mentioned it a few times during our phone calls.","18":"Of course, take all the time you need.","19":"[i]¡Ay![\/i] It feels so long ago now... Sandra did not mention it often, and rarely in great detail.","20":"...I remember... she would complain about someone. Some boy in the club who just sat around and would contribute nothing to the group dialogue.","21":"[i]¡Venga![\/i] What was his name... it is on the tip of my tongue.","22":"I had a pretty good idea. It had to be him.","23":"Cedric.","24":"...No, I remember very clearly, the man's name began with the letter S.","25":"Sam? Simon? No. It was Stan. It was definitely Stan. Sandra would always complain about this character.","26":"[i]Stan?[\/i] Of course... Cedric apparently only went once. Still, it feels weird that she'd be complaining about [i]Stan[\/i].","27":"But... fuck. I guess we did complain about Stan a lot with Haley. That might just be his fate.","28":"Stan... that hates the club... that doesn't contribute... that doesn't-","29":"[i]Why does Stan attend?[\/i] The only reason is that he plays a specific role...","30":"[i]He's the conduit. He's the channel.","31":"[i]He's how people get to the Fraternity. I see it now. That's why so many people show up and never come back.","32":"They were just there to see Stan.","33":"Did she mention anything else about this Stan? Any arguments? Any encounters outside the club?","34":"Carmen wracks her brain, but shakes her head.","35":"Not that I recall.","36":"This Stan. Do you know him? Could he be connected with Sandra's disappearance?","37":"I don't know. Again, it could be nothing. But it does give me something else to go check. Thank you, Carmen.","38":"I could not help but notice that {Leah} is still not with you.","39":"{Leah} and I... it's just we're both dealing with a little stress. We're trying to work through some stuff.","40":"So now you are doing this all on your own, [i]vaquero[\/i]?","41":"Sometimes... it's easier to do these things alone. There's no one to get hurt.","42":"Except for you.","43":"Carmen's rich voice softens to a warm purr, as she looks at me with those big, dark eyes.","44":"You are carrying a great weight, I can see it in your face, and one should not have to do such a thing alone.","45":"Who is there to take care of you?","46":"I pause for a moment, as I feel my heart begin to pump faster in my chest.","47":"Feeling the openness from Carmen, my mind begins to race, as the cocktail of hormones begins to flood my brain.","48":"You ask if there is anyone to take care of me. But I can't help but wonder... who is there to take care of you, Carmen?","49":"Maybe, I could take care of you, Carmen.","50":"The veiled question seems to hang for a moment. As if we've kicked open the door to something between us, and now both of us are waiting to see what the other will say.","51":"But then, I see the big, gentle, almost apologetic smile stretch across Carmen's face, as she pats my hand motherly.","52":"You are a very sweet boy, do you know this?","53":"I do hate to cut this short, {PlayerName}, but I must be getting to my next class.","54":"Carmen begins to collect her things, leaving me to digest what just happened.","55":"Did she reject my advance? God, you are so stupid, {PlayerName}! Of course she would, she's a mature woman! She doesn't want some nervous college student.","56":"You misread all her playful flirtations as actual interest and now you made yourself look like a dope.","57":"She's not even saying goodbye, she's just collecting her things and leaving, probably holding in her laughter.","58":"And then I feel her reach over my shoulder and slide a hand down my chest.","59":"My whole body tenses up, as she leans in, close enough to smell her perfume and feel her warm breath tickling my ear.","60":"In her thick, rich accent, oozing with suggestion, she softly whispers into my ear.","61":"I read a curious fact the other day, {PlayerName}.","62":"Did you know that there is nothing in the rules about a student and teacher, who do not share a class, engaging in relations with one another?","63":"This is a most interesting fact, no?","64":"With that, she leaves me frozen and saunters off to her class.","65":"I linger on the implications for a moment, probably long enough to start getting stares from some of the other teachers in the lounge, before finally shaking myself lucid again.","66":"Carmen's provocative fact finding aside, I have other things I have to do at the moment.","67":"I chuckle silently. I shouldn't be surprised that a woman as empathetic as Carmen could pick up that I was stressed.","68":"But she's hoping I can find something about what happened to her daughter. I'm not about to let her down.","69":"Don't worry about me, Carmen. As a matter of fact, I have more people watching out for me than you might think.","70":"Not that all those watching out for me necessarily have my best interest in mind. But I opt to leave that detail out.","71":"Carmen's face breaks into a gentle, warm smile.","72":"I am a mother, {PlayerName}. This is what mother do. We worry.","73":"[i]Dios[\/i], I have lost track of the time, I must be in class in five minutes.","74":"I'm sorry, I'll get out of your hair.","75":"No need to apologize. I appreciate you checking in with me so often.","76":"And {PlayerName}...","77":"Carmen touches my arm, and leans in, planting a little peck on my cheek.","78":"Take care of yourself, yes?","79":"I will, Carmen. I'll be in touch.","80":"With that, Carmen heads off to her class.","81":"I have a Philosophy Meeting to attend and a Stan to confront.","0":"Stan and Haley, Sam and Rogham, Maggie and Floyd. It's been a very productive couple of weeks, and it's all come to this moment.","1":"It's today. The second meeting of the philosophy club. I missed my chance to bring up Sandra last time, but now...","2":"The SHU Philosophy Club wasn't some secret cabal of villainous puppet masters, but instead, the typical, eclectic collection of awkward young adults one might expect. The same I imagine you'd find at any university.","3":"I don't know what I thought I'd find, but the fact that there wasn't more makes me want to tear my hair out. Every lead seems to evaporate into smaller and smaller threads to follow.","4":"It feels like at any moment, that tiny thread could run out. But for now, that's all I got.","5":"That's why I want to see Carmen today. Maybe I can squeeze some more information about the Philosophy Club.","6":"Luckily enough, Carmen is at the teacher's lounge when I swing by.","7":"{PlayerName}, what a pleasant surprise. Is this a social visit, or the business of the investigation?","8":"If you had a minute, I was hoping I could ask a few questions regarding the case.","9":"Of course! I can talk for a little while."},"ch7__07.10.05 the new apartment.vne3":{"10":"Who are you talking to?","11":"Haley.","12":"She's asking if we'd like to drop by her place.","13":"Yeah, going over to her place sounds fun.","14":"{Leah} would like that.","15":"Great! I don't have a lot of food, but... I have board games and a box of wine.","16":"Haley says she has board games and a box of wine.","17":"I've never needed more than that to have fun.","18":"{Leah} the adrenaline addict? No way, but I think she's convinced that's the truth.","19":"I also know for a fact {Leah} is shit at games.","20":"Come over right now, if you want.","21":"Sure. I don't think either of us are doing anything.","22":"We'll be right over.","23":"It looks like we've got plans for tonight.","24":"Social plans? I don't know if I can enjoy a party where someone isn't trying to kill us.","25":"I know, it's weird.","26":"Haley wants us to go to her place, huh? Do we have the time?","27":"We should go. There's stuff we should really find out--","28":"If we're going to go, it shouldn't just be because we're looking for information. Let's try to be good friends, too.","29":"Yes... {Leah} is right. We do need to be good friends before anything else.","30":"{Leah} doesn't know that Haley and I have crossed out of the friendship zone already. I'm not sure what to call us...","31":"Let's go, then.","32":"We drive over. When we get out of the car and knock on the door, it quickly opens.","33":"I'm so glad to see you two again.","34":"See, look. No boxes, no trick.","35":"Are those boxes in the back?","36":"Heh... they are... but they're not [i]moving boxes[\/i].","37":"Oh... so it's...","38":"She wants to say [i]furniture[\/i], but second-guesses herself.","39":"I didn't have a lot to begin with.","40":"No. You have... very little.","41":"Sorry. Minimalism is fine, I just--","42":"It's fine. Yes, I had to downsize, sell off a few things, but doesn't everyone?","43":"Even when you're moving into a cheaper apartment, moving is still expensive.","44":"You should've had a housewarming party, we'd all get you gifts.","45":"Isn't this kind of my housewarming party?","46":"Yeah, well... maybe.","47":"Come on. I've got some board games and food out.","48":"We end up ordering some food... Haley insists on sharing the cost, so we lie about the bill.","49":"It's a fun evening, and a decent change of pace from the cycle of intrigue and danger I'm in.","50":"As the hours roll on, I keep waiting for things to take some dramatic turn for the worst, but it never does.","51":"Well, I wish I was as good at money in real life as I am at Monopoly.","52":"You're a really good player. For me, Monopoly is so complicated...","53":"Monopoly is... complicated? You're not much of a gamer, are you?","54":"No... not really. It's hard to get all the rules straight.","55":"Yes, {Leah}'s wrinkly brain is so filled with observational skills that it has nothing left for technology and game rules.","56":"Thinking of it, that may explain why {Leah} likes to break the law so much...","57":"She gets chess pieces confused too. She mixes up the knights and bishops.","58":"Anything that requires a level of abstraction is just not my thing.","59":"But, I did have fun!","60":"Maybe next time we can watch a movie.","61":"Yeah, I'd prefer a movie.","62":"Let's go, {Leah}.","63":"See you!","64":"Did you see how little she had?","65":"She had to sell stuff off.","66":"Yeah, I looked in her fridge, too.","67":"Nothing in the fridge?","68":"Not just that, the fridge was [i]switched off[\/i].","69":"And I checked how her cooling was scheduled. Completely off, except when we came.","70":"That girl has no money.","71":"Which is why we--","72":"We've already talked about it... We can't just steal her money back from the school.","73":"Why not? Her money was stolen from her.","74":"This isn't a Robin Hood story, injustice usually prevails.","75":"There's a guy I can talk to. Let me look something up, then we'll talk about your plan again.","76":"{Leah} never pouts, but I can almost sense her temptation to do it.","77":"As always, convincing {Leah} to wait is a hard, hard thing.","78":"Okay. Well, I'll [i]plan[\/i] a heist, at least, but I won't do anything until you say so.","79":"That's so comforting.","80":"It's a contingency. Don't be such a baby.","81":"Ha, yeah.","82":"We jump in the car, then head home to our beds.","0":"Huh?","1":"It's Haley.","2":"Hey, {PlayerName}.","3":"Hey.","4":"You sound good.","5":"If I sound good it's because the voice app got an update.","6":"Heh... yeah. That meant to be a joke but... I guess it didn't carry across.","7":"I wanted to thank you for helping me move. I was just getting settled when I started thinking about how good you and {Leah} have been.","8":"You two want to drop by? I promise I'm not trying to get you to move boxes.","9":"Sure, let me ask {Leah}."},"ch7__07.10.10 stan the man.vne3":{"10":"I recall the conversation I had with him, and how I just sank with him in his pit of sorrows...","11":"...So... my parents are getting a divorce... after fifty years of marriage I'm not sure why they bother.","12":"They asked me for money getting a divorce lawyer. You know, I don't want to pay for it but...","13":"...they brought me life, so... what can I do? I'm stretched so thin taking care of my family, supporting them, supporting my brother and his family...","14":"[speed,0.9]...my sister and her family... and I used to support my other sister but... you know... she went to prison... I'm still paying for her lawyer...","15":"[speed,0.8]...plus my uncle, who is a disabled vet...","16":"I'm sorry to hear that. Thank him for his service.","17":"[speed,0.7]I'm sure he'd enjoy hearing that. He put down a lot of dogs in his career.","18":"Oh... a [i]vet[\/i].","19":"[speed,0.6]Yeah. He went to veterinary school to cure animals but... the only job he could get was euthanizing strays. He loves animals. Cries himself to sleep every night.","20":"That's... terrible...","21":"[speed,0.5]Anyway, I also support my aunt. Never married, six kids, all with wildly differing skin tones...","22":"I see.","23":"Oh, look who it is.","24":"{PlayerName}! Would you like to come over here?","25":"I'm just chatting with my friend Stan.","26":"Fuck... do I have to?","27":"The regret I'm feeling is palpable... I feel like I'm a character in one of Stan's stories.","28":"I'm kind of in it now, so...","29":"I tread closer to the abyss. I know my mission. Do I really want to do this?","30":"Stan looks at me with inexpressive eyes. I'm going to need a lot of alcohol to get through this.","31":"I raise my finger. Haley already knows by context exactly what I want.","32":"Gotcha. The regular. Stan, why don't you?","33":"Fuck that.","34":"Huh?","35":"When people sit with me, I pay for their drinks.","36":"Wow... [i]Stan is cool.[\/i] Does he do this because he knows it's the only way people will put up with him?","37":"It's the only way people put up with me.","38":"Huh. Self-aware...","39":"Here you go, two beers. You guys can entertain yourselves, can't you?","40":"There's a hint of desperation in her voice, just beneath the surface. Damn, she [i]needs[\/i] to get away.","41":"Fine then. I can babysit Stan. I have a lot of questions to ask him anyway.","42":"Yeah, I was going to hang out here for a bit.","43":"Oh good. Thank you so much.","44":"Dishes... in the back... just let me know if you need anything...","45":"I will, thanks.","46":"It seems even Haley has her limit. She treads away with surprising speed. I can tell she needs a break from Stan...","47":"I love this place. It just... feels so pure. So wholesome.","48":"In the day, between work hours, with the sunlight coming through, I just forget everything.","49":"Sevigny's is forgotten. Sevigny's is lonely. Sevigny's is deserving of better.","50":"Just like the rest of us. Just like all of humanity. That's what I think.","51":"What about you, {PlayerName}. Do you like Sevigny's?","52":"I have a feeling that if I don't control the conversation, he's just going to go on forever about something.","53":"On the other hand, if I don't entertain him, he's not going to be very cooperative.","54":"I think it's a special place.","55":"I saw you at the Philosophy Club.","56":"Yeah, I agree with you.","57":"I don't want to talk about that right now.","58":"He doesn't sound angry. More... acquiescing.","59":"It's like he knows we're going to talk about it eventually.","60":"Chloe Sevigny.","61":"Huh?","62":"Who is she?","63":"Actress Chloe Sevigny. Do you know her?","64":"No.","65":"I asked the guy who owned this place... [i]did you name this after Chloe Sevigny?[\/i]. He said he didn't.","66":"Can you imagine that? Naming something just because. What do you think inspired him?","67":"He liked the name?","68":"Yeah. Maybe. I looked for a deeper meaning. [i]What does it mean?[\/i]","69":"I did the research. Turns out Sevigny is just a town in France. I asked him if he'd ever been to the town, and he hadn't.","70":"He just said... [i]Sevigny was random[\/i]. But it wasn't. There's something special about the name, you see. It was inspired by God.","71":"If I had another daughter, [i]Sevigny[\/i] would be her name.","72":"You must really love this place.","73":"It speaks to me on a spiritual level. In these walls, nobody's ever judged me, or asked me for anything.","74":"Are we going to talk about Sevigny's all day? I need to ask about the Philosophy Club, about Sandra.","75":"It sounds like they like you at the Philosophy Club.","76":"Do you really have nobody to listen to you?","77":"I told you, I don't want to talk about the Philosophy Club.","78":"Don't bring up the Philosophy Club in here.","79":"This place has to stay pure.","80":"[i]Pure?[\/i]","81":"Sorry, I didn't realize it was an uncomfortable subject.","82":"It sounds like you really have a high opinion of this place.","83":"I mean, we're both in the same club, aren't we? They'd listen to you.","84":"You don't understand. I don't want the Philosophy Club brought up in these sacred halls.","85":"[i]Such strong feelings[\/i]. How the fuck do I interpret that?","86":"This is a house of healing. Wounds will be licked. I will tend to your wounds if you tend to mine.","87":"I have to ask... why is the Philosophy Club such a sore point for you?","88":"You damn well know.","89":"[i]Know what?[\/i] What am I supposed to know?","90":"I don't want to talk about that place.","91":"[i]I'm onto something[\/i].","92":"I genuinely do not understand why you would go to a club that causes you such pain.","93":"Anyway...","94":"Okay, I can't bring up the Philosophy Club, but I also can't let him just waffle on about whatever he wants.","95":"I need to steer the conversation to something useful...","96":"What's your job?[conv1==0]","97":"When did you first come to Sevigny's?[conv2==0]","98":"How do you support so many people?[conv3==0]","99":"Haley is a great bartender.[conv4==0]","100":"I suppose... that's a completely normal question.","101":"I work for Shale Hill University's accounting department. Thank you for your interest in the mundane matters of my life.","102":"Mundane? That's actually really interesting. Stan is an employee... would he also be on RECENTLY?","103":"And accounting... [i]didn't Haley have an accounting issue?","104":"A while ago. Back before Haley was here.","105":"I knew the guy who used to own it. He was a pretty good listener too.","106":"What happened to him?","107":"Got tired of me, I guess.","108":"I seriously doubt that. Stan has serious issues with thinking he's a burden on everyone around him.","109":"Maybe an emotional burden... but he doesn't seem the type to so actively drive people away...","110":"It's a real strain on my finances, but it's my responsibility, and it's something I'd choose over and over again.","111":"I can't... I can't stand seeing pain and suffering. I never could. I can't tolerate it. Whenever I see it... I want to do whatever I can to stop it. Anything.","112":"But to do that, I've had to make compromises. Terrible, terrible compromises...","113":"His voice trails off ominously. It sounds like he's talking about something horrible...","114":"...I'm a bit afraid to ask. How do I even ask in the first place?","115":"Also, I do a helluva lot of overtime.","116":"Yes, that would also explain things.","117":"She is. Haley is...","118":"...the family I would choose.","119":"Oh man...","120":"She has such a good soul. I know she can get frustrated with me sometimes, but [i]she always listens[\/i].","121":"Even when she could complain about her own life, and all of the terrible and arbitrary things that have happened to her, she doesn't.","122":"Truly, an angelic figure. Maybe she should be called Sevigny.","123":"Wait a moment... Stan works for the accounting department of the school... the same accounting that screwed Haley over...","124":"[i]The terrible compromises...[\/i] what were those?","125":"You realize Haley is deeply in debt, right?","126":"I... do.","127":"You work for the accounting department that processed her tuition, didn't you?","128":"I do.","129":"So are you the one who can accept or reject her refund request?","130":"Silence. More silence. Even more silence.","131":"How can this be? He comes here all the time, talks to the girl, yet never tells her...","132":"...the debt she owes... [i]is his fault...[\/i]","133":"You are smart.","134":"Is that how you can support so many people? With Haley's money.","135":"No. That isn't how. The truth is...","136":"...a lot worse.","137":"I sit here. I talk to her. She listens.","138":"I know from my records what happened to her. And it might seem that giving her the money back would be as simple as stamping it, but...","139":"...it is not.","140":"Who benefited from Haley's money?","141":"The horrible truth...","142":"Stan turns to me, but doesn't look at me. Instead, his expression is a crisscross of regret.","143":"He can't bear to look me in the eyes.","144":"...nobody did. Her money didn't even go into anybody's pocket.","145":"Why do conquering armies burn down libraries? Spite. And that's what happened to her money.","146":"It wasn't stolen. It was destroyed. Why was it destroyed? Hatred.","147":"Who did it?","148":"It's there that Stan stops... suddenly thinking better of telling me everything.","149":"He slumps... growing weary before my eyes. He can barely keep his eyes open...","150":"...why don't you share your burdens on me, huh?","151":"I'll... take the time to listen...","152":"I guess that conversation took a lot out of him. It... took a lot out of me, too.","153":"The way he spoke... it just fills me with something I've never felt in my life. Sticky, cloying, wretched [i]horror[\/i].","154":"I don't know what to think about anything... do I even want to dig deeper?","155":"Oh, there he is. Poor guy.","156":"Is this common?","157":"Yeah. I just let him rest for a bit.","158":"Do you remember when I got flat drunk here? So unprofessional.","159":"Luckily you were there. I never thanked you for taking good care of me...","160":"You kind of did it when you stayed over at my place during the move.","161":"I don't want to get too detailed, but Haley remembers, I can tell from the smile that plays across her lips.","162":"That was a very nice night. But I only thanked you for the move.","163":"Is she suggesting...","164":"Let's not talk about it right here.","165":"The bedroom thing? Yeah.","166":"Thank you so much for talking to him. He's a bit intense.","167":"He's kinda this fatherly guy... but boy, his life can really grind you down if you listen long enough.","168":"You look a bit pale...","169":"I'm fine. I've got to go to work.","170":"Oh. That's too bad. I was hoping...","171":"...well, I guess it could wait.","172":"I nod fitfully, and make a quick exit.","173":"I've got work and school. Then, I have to tell {Leah} what I learned.","0":"The next day, I go directly to Sevigny's after class.","1":"That guy, Stan, who was at the philosophy meeting...","2":"I know he's a regular of Haley's. I've seen him before. If he's not complaining to Haley, he's drinking by himself.","3":"It is true... anybody can be simply interested in philosophy... but does he seem the type of guy?","4":"The only time I ever really talked to him was when he entered the bar while Haley was out.","5":"I don't know, I guess I could be paranoid, but why would you go to a philosophy club just to listen?","6":"The facts of the case are that I've earned some right to be paranoid.","7":"I walk in, and hope I see him...","8":"I do see Stan, but the [i]hope[\/i] feels like such a wrong choice of words.","9":"That man is so deflated, he looks like a parade balloon the day after the parade."},"ch7__07.10.15 report to leah.vne3":{"10":"No reason.","11":"There's no such thing as no reason.","12":"I have it on good authority it was.","13":"Who?","14":"One of the people responsible.","15":"I don't understand still, what's the point of doing that? Who was responsible?","16":"I couldn't get a reason why. All I know is what I was told, and that's that.","17":"Answer me, who was responsible?","18":"A guy I know, it doesn't matter.","19":"{Leah} doesn't like my vagueness, but she accepts it.","20":"So... you agree with my plan now.","21":"Which plan?","22":"To steal Haley's money back.","23":"Her money is gone - there's nothing to steal.","24":"I don't understand, though. Unless you're burning money, you can't just get rid of it. It has to go somewhere. There has to be a beneficiary.","25":"I don't know where the money is, but I'll tell you now that it's in nobody's hands. The school probably still holds it in one of their escrow accounts.","26":"So? We take it. We steal it from the school. The solution is kinda obvious, don't you think?","27":"The solution isn't obvious at all, no.","28":"Even if the money is in some anonymous account, it doesn't mean we have to take [i]that money[\/i].","29":"We take something of equal value.","30":"Yeah, I bet there's just things lying around worth tens of thousands of dollars.","31":"Even if we get our hands on something, selling it is going to be an absolute nightmare. It's not like we can just take it to a pawn shop.","32":"Well, if we take the right thing...","33":"I can't let you steal something. Sorry. Not happening.","34":"But what if it's super portable and untraceable...","35":"Great. Tell me what it is, and then we'll consider it.","36":"Now {Leah} looks like she's stuck, but I can tell she's still trying to make the plan work in her head.","37":"I watch as her whole face puckers with thought.","38":"Do you want to steal something that bad?","39":"I just want to help Haley...","40":"I... just don't think this is how it's going to work this time. I'm sorry, {Leah}.","41":"We'd better help Haley by giving her a large tip every time we see her.","42":"I mean... here's the thing. We could also take something so mundane they wouldn't think of anybody taking it.","43":"Like what?","44":"...Sta...tionary...","45":"You couldn't even say it with a straight face.","46":"Did you know there were these thieves in Canada who made off with millions of dollars without anybody noticing? But they weren't stealing money... they were taking maple syrup.","47":"There's always one thing that people don't think to protect - that's so crazy and so simple it seems stupid to steal.","48":"We have to find the school's maple syrup!","49":"I hope you don't mean that literally.","50":"No, of course not. Unless they have maple syrup reserves I haven't heard of.","51":"So you think that stationery... [i]stationery[\/i]... is the school's maple syrup.","52":"The school probably has thousands of dollars worth of stationery.","53":"Who are we going to sell the stationery to?","54":"Uh...","55":"Any big time stationery smugglers?","56":"I'm coming up with... uncharacteristically stupid plans of late...","57":"Remember what we talked about as we were driving from the police station for the first time?","58":"What?","59":"Your adrenaline addiction. You [i]like[\/i] the danger. You're [i]looking[\/i] for it.","60":"You want to go out and take things for the thrill of it.","61":"{Leah} knows I'm right. She looks so focused, so eager to do something risky and illegal.","62":"Your heart really is in the right place... but... sometimes you want to pick the most dramatic solution.","63":"This time, let's not do that.","64":"Okay. What do we do instead?","65":"Just... beg Stan to approve the refund.","66":"Stan?","67":"A friend of Haley's.","68":"This guy is a friend of Haley's, and he has the power to refund her tuition or not?","69":"Oh, that does sound sketchy.","70":"It's a deeper issue. He says there's a reason he can't do it... but... maybe I can still convince him.","71":"You are persuasive, so... I'm not going to say no.","72":"But.. can I please, please plan a contingency that involves burglary?","73":"You call me persuasive, but you don't seem to have much faith in my persuasiveness.","74":"In case your plan doesn't work.","75":"Yeah, just in case.","76":"That doesn't mean I'll agree to it, though.","77":"Thank you.","78":"So... I'll persuade Stan, then.","79":"Given how much Stan seems to like Haley, I'm not sure if I can succeed. But I'll try, at the very least.","0":"The day passes smoothly, except...","1":"The conversation with Stan has me feeling inexplicably sick and tired.","2":"As a matter of fact... I feel how Stan feels right now. I'm starting to understand the guy quite a bit.","3":"I'm just... not sure I want to.","4":"As soon as I come in, {Leah} instantly knows I'm about to say something.","5":"Still, my fingers struggle to make the signs.","6":"They got rid of Haley's money.","7":"What do you mean?","8":"Nobody stole her money. They just got rid of it, for no reason.","9":"Why?"},"ch7__07.10.20 persuasion attempt.vne3":{"10":"She told me once that she like to sing, but to actually hear it is something else.","11":"Why is she not in front of an audience?","12":"I'd better go tell her.","13":"A hand slams down on the window pane.","14":"I'm taken aback - someone is forcing the door closed...","15":"Someone... just around the corner... out of sight...","16":"...there's only one person who it could be.","17":"Stan.","18":"Why though?","19":"Oblivious to our drama, she continues, her voice a clear, wondrous instrument.","20":"Is there a reason she's never sung like this before?","21":"I'd do anything to be in there, to listen to her, but I feel privileged just standing out here.","22":"Eventually, her voice trails off, fading as she goes into the back.","23":"Strangely, instead of releasing his grip, Stan steps outside.","24":"I watch as he looks impassively at me.","25":"Sorry.","26":"Why stop me?","27":"She only sings if she forgets herself. If she knows someone is listening, she's too self conscious.","28":"You thought I would've stopped her?","29":"She would've stopped, yes. If you were in my position, what would you have done?","30":"I would've held the door shut until she was finished..","31":"He says nothing but nods.","32":"I can't help but understand Stan a little. Stan cares about her... I can tell he thinks of her as something of a daughter figure.","33":"But no matter how much kinship he feels for Haley, he's still the guy between her and a future.","34":"He could release her from her debt tomorrow.","35":"I don't understand. Why not issue the refund? Doesn't it hurt you to know she's in so much debt and you could do something about it?","36":"He only stays silent.","37":"So why not just do it?","38":"I would do it tomorrow if I could.","39":"What's stopping you?","40":"He hesitates... his body clenched up.","41":"Tell me. We're not inside the bar, you can't taint it. You can talk about the Philosophy Club.","42":"Not here. Follow me.","43":"We walk into the alley behind the bar.","44":"[i]That isn't the real Philosophy Club[\/i].","45":"He shudders as he says it. It's nearly a whisper, every syllable unvoiced. It's like he rattles the whole sentence at the back of his throat.","46":"So he confirms what I was thinking. Even Kristen, who knows absolutely nothing, figured that out.","47":"So what is it?","48":"Don't ask.","49":"I need to know.","50":"I said don't ask. Don't bring it up. Don't pursue it. Don't touch it. Stay away from it.","51":"I'm already involved in this.","52":"If you were involved, [i]you'd know not to ask[\/i].","53":"Know? Know what?","54":"If I push Stan on this, he's just going to stop cooperating.","55":"Tell me at least why you can't help Haley.","56":"Because.","57":"This is going to go on forever, he won't talk about this if I don't force him. I need to do something more dramatic.","58":"Does she know that you could simply undo her problems?","59":"Maybe I should tell her.","60":"Don't!","61":"I try to move past him, but Stan blocks me. It's the move I was hoping for.","62":"Please don't. The conversation yesterday was a mess up. She can never learn what a piece of shit I am.","63":"That would... that would kill me inside.","64":"You can't stop me from telling Haley. I've got a phone, you have to go to work, it's not like you can block me physically forever.","65":"It's over, Stan.","66":"It's not something [i]I want[\/i]. It something that was [i]done to her[\/i]. I can't fix it.","67":"It would be the equivalent of letting someone out of prison. She is [i]condemned to this[\/i].","68":"Why?","69":"I told you, already: [speed,0.35][b]hatred[\/b].","70":"Hatred? But why?","71":"What enemy does Haley even have? How profoundly spiteful do you need to be to do something like this to her?","72":"[i]Who would've done it?[\/i]","73":"But don't worry too much about her. I'm sure she could find a way to pull through.","74":"She's a strong one. She can make it.","75":"I believe you, but she's suffering unnecessary hardship.","76":"His sigh is heavy.","77":"Do you want to go inside and drink?","78":"No. Not with Stan. I can't reconcile this guy supposedly caring about Haley, and also not helping her.","79":"I need a break from this guy.","80":"You can go ahead and curdle Haley's eardrums for a bit with your problems. I'm going to take a walk.","81":"Suit yourself.","82":"He disappears into the building. As for me, I'm seething - I feel like breaking things and letting loose right into Stan's face.","83":"I really do need to take a walk and cool off.","0":"I'm not like {Leah}. I'm not just thinking about the outcome, I'm thinking about the risk.","1":"If I can help Haley, I'll do it. But I'm not going to risk everything, and I'm not going to do something blatantly illegal.","2":"The key rests with Stan.","3":"As I approach the bar... I hear...","4":"...[i]a voice[\/i]...","5":"It's lovely. Smooth and jazzy, upbeat and hopeful. It almost sounds like a studio recording.","6":"But... it's not. It's coming from inside...","7":"Is that...","8":"...Haley?","9":"Her voice is so nice... she's a natural."},"ch7__07.10.25 a walk.vne3":{"10":"You were never into that stuff.","11":"Yeah, I know. But maybe it would help you.","12":"[i]Taking action[\/i] was always my therapy.","13":"Mine too.","14":"Shit... I can't tell {Leah} all that much. She might figure out I've been going to the Philosophy Club without her.","15":"But I can't help myself. I'm already angry about it. And it just... leaves my fingers.","16":"It's just one guy between Haley and resolving her debts, and she doesn't even know it.","17":"Stan refused, did he?","18":"And he even has the gall to tell me he thinks of her as family.","19":"That... that does make me angry.","20":"I mean... that makes no sense. If you have family you cared about, you'd break the rules for them, especially to protect them.","21":"Now I feel what you feel.","22":"Breathe in, breathe out. Feel the anger escape you.","23":"That shit doesn't work at all, does it? Even you saying that irritates the fuck out of me.","24":"I know what you mean.","25":"We both stand, silent and bitter and unable to do a damn thing. {Leah} is right. Action is the only thing that makes me feel better.","26":"So I guess we go with your plan, huh? Did you find any maple syrup?","27":"I was scouting for something, looking for inspiration, but every time I had an idea I heard your old voice in my head, pointing out the flaws.","28":"Is that what you hear when I sign? My old voice?","29":"Of course. Sometimes, I even forget you're not vocalizing.","30":"It sounds [i]so clear to me[\/i], that I...","31":"Well, I don't think I'll ever forget your voice. Just communicating with you reminds me of it. Reinforces the memory, even.","32":"In my mind, you always have a voice.","33":"I'm not sure what to say about that...","34":"Subconsciously, I've always blamed my lack of voice for how far {Leah} and I drifted apart.","35":"As used as I am to not talking, sometimes I feel like if my voice were back to the way it were, so would me and {YouCallHer}.","36":"I know that's not true, though. {Leah} and I have drifted because we're different. I'm establishment. She's anti-establishment.","37":"We have different destinies... two different worlds.","38":"Shit... if I'm honest, that kiss may not have hurt our relationship all that much.","39":"I just... don't want to do anything that might drive us further away from each other...","40":"I thought we could try things your way.","41":"What do you mean?","42":"Persuasion can still work. We don't have to... do things crazy all the time.","43":"Really? I was about to break a window and snatch some jewelry.","44":"Oh, sure.","45":"Anyway...[delay,500][char,Leah_Casual_Annoyed] I want to try talking to Stan.","46":"Panic shudders through me. I cannot let {Leah} talk to Stan.","47":"If she talks to Stan, he might bring up that we saw each other in the Philosophy Club, and then...","48":"[i]But he won't bring up the Philosophy Club at Sevigny's[\/i].","49":"Which means... if {Leah} is going to talk to Stan, it has to be [i]right fucking now.","50":"Do you have the time now?","51":"Now? I kind of have a meeting with--","52":"{Leah}, you can't be openly plotting a burglary and then be worried about being late for something.","53":"My twisted logic hits {Leah} hard. What I said makes no sense at all... she knows I just played on her pride and emotions and that's it.","54":"I also know... it's going to work anyway.","55":"Yeah, fine. Let's go see Stan right now.","56":"I give a big, shit-eating grin, then we walk to Sevigny's.","57":"When we walk in, {Leah} has no issue identifying who Stan is.","58":"He gets off his barstool, and walks toward us, knowing exactly the reason why we came.","59":"Two versus one.","60":"Yes.","61":"Then it'll be two victims instead of one.","62":"Is that a threat? And you are Stan, right?","63":"No, then yes.","64":"Refund her money.","65":"I can't, I told you.","66":"Stan peeks behind him, toward the bar area, just to check that Haley is gone.","67":"Why is that?","68":"I don't want to talk about this. Every moment of my waking life is trying to forget it.","69":"This is the one place I can go... where I can forget.","70":"Every time you look at Haley, every time you see her panic when she gets a message from a debt collector, do you forget then?","71":"Stan's shoulders go gooey and amorphous.","72":"You can't, can you? It's torture for you.","73":"I don't know how you can come here every day and face someone who you could so easily help.","74":"I can't easily help her. I can only throw myself on a sword to help her. There's things you don't understand.","75":"Help us to understand.","76":"There's... processing reasons too... in addition to everything else. Her refund request is long expired.","77":"The refund request you didn't process.","78":"The refund request I was [i]told[\/i] not to process.","79":"If you know the school did wrongdoing, you could be a whistleblower... you could-","80":"That would be heroic of me, wouldn't it? I could help one girl and destroy my whole family. I could remove myself from all those who need me, cutting off their incomes.","81":"If I destroy myself, I destroy those that depend on me. I cannot simply help Haley. I'm sorry.","82":"The anger and righteous indignation suddenly feels cheap and ugly. Both {Leah} and I realize we've been using the wrong tactic.","83":"This was the wrong move.","84":"Still, {Leah}'s mind works hard. I know... what will come from her mouth... is something I can't anticipate.","85":"Are you... absolutely sure there's nothing you can do?","86":"What did I just say to you?","87":"Maple syrup.","88":"Sorry?","89":"Maybe you can't issue the refund. I understand. But I know in your heart you know there's something you can do for her. Isn't there?","90":"Stan says nothing.","91":"You know the situation better than we do. You've probably been thinking about it for a while. You don't just come here every day and not have a clue about how to help her.","92":"You know how to help her, don't you? You just can't bring yourself to.","93":"That's not true.","94":"If you fix her problem, she'll quit this job. That's what you're really worried about, isn't it?","95":"You know she wants to go back to school, to get an education. While she's in debt, she's going to stay right here.","96":"You want her fixed in place.","97":"This time, Stan is muter than I am.","98":"So, if in the back of your mind, you've figured out a way to help Haley, now is the time to do it.","99":"I... I haven't figured out a way. I don't know anything. I'm helpless to help her.","100":"That's the truth of the situation. Just believe me, please.","101":"Suddenly, the door in the back opens.","102":"Haley walks out, her eyes widening at the sight of the three of us standing in the center.","103":"You guys are allowed to sit.","104":"Oh... the three of you look like you're talking about something so important. Can one of you crack a smile?","105":"Here you go.","106":"Right... that's not very convincing... but a gold star for effort I guess.","107":"It is nice to see more than two people at the same time. Please take a seat. Can I take a few orders?","108":"I'm going to need something to drink.","109":"Me too.","110":"Stan just stands... looking blank and mournful.","111":"Stan?","112":"Put... put everything on my tab.","113":"Damn Stan, you're a really generous guy.","114":"Those words are like a spear through him. As soon as Haley turns around...","115":"...he looks almost like he's bled out.","116":"What about your meeting, {Leah}?","117":"I just... don't feel like it right now.","118":"I understand. The whole situation just feels...","119":"...bad.","120":"We all take seats, and a heaviness fills us all the sudden.","121":"This whole ordeal for the past couple of months has been a roller coaster of fear, despair, excitement and hope.","122":"The fatigue is getting to {Leah} too. She's so damn energetic most of the time - unlike me, she usually lives for this skullduggery and sneaking around.","123":"I don't. To me, it's exhausting. All my actions have been to...","124":"...I'm not sure.","125":"I just... wish I had the power to fix everything.","126":"When I ran for class president, I saw myself really, truly fixing everything wrong with the school.","127":"I saw myself surrounded by people who admired me, wanted me... people who followed what I said because they respected my decisions.","128":"When I actually ran, when I tried to pursue power, I hit something I didn't expect to find: [i]limitations[\/i].","129":"For all the power I felt like I had, I only noticed all the things I couldn't do - all the obstacles in my path. That's why I tried to get rid of Sam.","130":"If I felt so powerless, what chance does a guy like Stan have?","131":"It's funny... {Leah} has never needed what I needed.","132":"I need acknowledgement, to be respected, to be admired. [i]She doesn't[\/i].","133":"She's perfectly happy to live in the dark, living life on the edge, helping people without ever knowing who helped them.","134":"That's so alien to me. I really feel like if {Leah} had found RECENTLY instead of me, she'd be much more psychologically equipped to handle this thankless, stressful shit.","135":"Damn... I don't know what to call that. Who is willing to help people without expecting anything back?","136":"Someone who is... [delay,500][i]pure good[\/i].","137":"I never thought about {Leah} like that... but it's true, isn't it? She really is pure good.","138":"Haley... I...","139":"Stan's small voice doesn't pull anyone's attention but mine.","140":"He sees like I do, that Haley is dealing with a customer.","141":"It feels like he's desperate to say something. His hand is shaking... I wonder if it's from the alcohol...","142":"He leaves something on the counter, [i]slides it[\/i], sticking it beneath the bottle.","143":"That should cover all your guy's drinks.","144":"Haley... [speed,0.5][i]goodbye...[\/i]","145":"There he goes, faster than I've ever seen him move.","146":"{Leah} looks like she's torn about following him, like me, I think she assumes it won't make much of a difference.","147":"He's making his escape, huh?","148":"Clever. I don't want to leave my beer.","149":"Yeah, neither do I.","150":"Stan left early today.","151":"You know, I've never seen him smile, but I think he's a good guy.","152":"You know... I like him, but a hell of a lot of the time I'm glad to see him leave.","153":"You can't help it sometimes. Even nice people can be annoying.","154":"Yeah, I know.","155":"Even more annoying that he left a check. The bank has processing fees.","156":"Oh, never mind, it's a cashier's ch-","157":"She screams. She literally screams.","158":"Like a jump scare, horror scream. [i]Everyone turns to her[\/i].","159":"She's falling!","160":"Someone catch her!","161":"Except... I don't say that. It's just single drawn-out noise.","162":"The alarm of seeing her like this makes me forget my capabilities.","163":"She's fainted... her skin is pale and hot and the same time.","164":"What would make her do this? Should I call an ambulance?","165":"{Leah} is ahead of me. She looks at the slip that's fallen to the ground. I think she tries at first to puzzle it out without touching it.","166":"She reaches down, and holds it up.","167":"The...","168":"...the [i]number of zeroes on this[\/i]...","169":"Oh... shit {PlayerName}... [i]I'm feeling lightheaded too...","170":"Take it from me, quick.","171":"I'm almost scared of it. This is turning into some sort of biological weapon.","172":"My eyes scan it. I go through the same experience that {Leah} does.","173":"Every time I expect to see the zeroes quit, [i]they don't[\/i].","174":"This cashier's check was made out a year ago.","175":"Really?","176":"Yeah. He's had this in his wallet the whole time.","177":"God... so Stan has had that [i]the instant[\/i] Haley's refund request was received.","178":"He's probably had that...[delay,500][char,Leah_Casual_Surprised] longer than he's known her.","179":"Do you think... Stan came to this bar originally with the intention of giving her that money?","180":"And he didn't because... he [i]knew he could never come back again[\/i]...","181":"Giving this money would destroy the friendship he had with Haley. How would you ever repay someone for something like that?","182":"It would just feel awkward... you'd always feel in their debt...","183":"Oh my God... I think I'm going to cry...","184":"This is more than what Haley owes.","185":"You were right, then. Stan did know a way to help Haley... he just couldn't bring himself to do it.","186":"I also guessed something else. He knew where the maple syrup was, better than we do.","187":"Yeah. Maple syrup.","188":"Receiving that amount of money in such a short amount of time has to be a shock. We should probably get Dante over here.","189":"Yeah, it's going to be some time for her to recover.","190":"Let's just put her somewhere comfortable while we wait.","191":"{Leah} calls Dante while I set Haley up in the back.","192":"She has a few comfortable, nice pillows and a blanket.","193":"The moment I step from the back, Dante makes his dramatic entrance.","194":"I had this sixth sense someone would need the help of a heterosexual male.","195":"Thanks for coming on such short notice.","196":"Like all heteros, I'm ready the moment I'm called. It was a good thing because I was just about to judge an AACHM match, so I had to find a sub for that.","197":"A... sub?","198":"Yeah, a substitute.","199":"That's makes total sense. Sorry. Sometimes the things you say sound... you know...","200":"Yeah, I had to find a sub that was a good bottom. You need plenty of bottom experience to properly judge a match.","201":"If you're a top too often, you start to get a little judgemental. In AACHM there's equal prestige in being a top or a bottom.","202":"Uh...","203":"He's talking about wrestling rankings. Top rank, bottom rank.","204":"...I'm relieved.","205":"Yeah, it's been pretty rough recently. We had to ban blowing during matches. Way too many straight men were blowing other straight men. Sometimes, things would get really tight, and two guys would just be blowing each other on the mat. Really ugly stuff.","206":"By blowing, you mean punching, right?","207":"[speed,0.5]...[speed,1]Yeah.","208":"It's horrible repeat of the anal controversy of 2011...","209":"As fascinating as this is, we need you to cover for Haley. We can't stick around, we have school.","210":"Don't worry! I'll handle it! I'm the best sub there is. Any time you need me to blow some unruly bottoms, I'm your hetebro.","211":"I can't take much more of this...","212":"Thanks, Dante... we'll follow up soon.","213":"I feel like I misjudged Stan completely.","214":"But you actually didn't, did you? He was exactly what you said he was.","215":"If he'd left that check in his wallet, Haley's problems would never have ended.","216":"{Leah} doesn't know about the rest of what I know about Stan... that would go a long way to explaining where he gets his money from.","217":"There's still a lot I don't know about him. I need to know his relationship to the Philosophy Club, to Sandra, to the evil, creepy shit that's going on in Shale Hill. He is the first link I've found.","218":"The only way I'm going to see him now is at the Philosophy Club.","219":"I wonder how Haley's life is going to change now?","220":"Yeah, we might never see her again, either. She might just choose to blow town with all that money.","221":"I don't think so. We'll see her again. But I'm sure things will be very different for her going forward.","222":"That's a guarantee.","0":"There's no way he can't do nothing. There's no way.","1":"How can he stare right into the eyes of a girl he can just [i]help[\/i] with no effort at all?","2":"The obstacle between Haley and freedom are not iron bars, but a thin paper wall. Maybe I should just tell Haley what kind of guy Stan is?","3":"God... what does he know about Sandra, I wonder?","4":"{PlayerName}... how did the thing with Haley go?","5":"Not good, huh?","6":"My anger must be written over my face.","7":"I'm trying to calm down.","8":"Do some mindfulness. It might help.","9":"Breathe in, breathe out. Feel the anger escape you."},"ch7__07.15.05 the dog.vne3":{"3":"...I suppose I like to think about her.","4":"She's a clamshell, somehow. Soft and hard at the same time. I never know how she'll take things.","5":"Jeez... it's been weeks since I've seen Maggie. No... not weeks...","6":"It just [i]feels[\/i] like weeks because of the drama at the Halloween party.","7":"I can't believe I haven't talked to her since then. I wonder if she feels abandoned?","8":"No... Maggie will understand. I'm pretty sure, despite her anxieties, that she's a people person deep down.","9":"As I watch the school life calm down for the day, I wonder idly if she'll come by again today.","10":"Like answering the call from my mind, she appears.","11":"Hey. You're looking good today.","12":"I heard about the Halloween party. It's a real awful thing you had to go through.","13":"Are you doing okay?","14":"Yeah. It happened pretty fast.","15":"I knew you would be okay. The police are a lot less dangerous than my folks.","16":"How is Pluto?","17":"[i]Plato[\/i], silly.","18":"Actually he's named after Pluto, the cartoon dog, but you know my family are pretty heavy on the vowels and it just turned into [i]Plato[\/i].","19":"He's as good as an old dog can be, which is pretty good, I guess. Dogs are real lucky to get old, they ain't like cats or mules who stick around for a good while.","20":"Or like people.","21":"Yeah. We're still young when dogs are very, very old, which is wild to think about. I used to wonder real hard, when I was ten, while dog years went by so fast. A ten year old person's a baby but a dog is a geriatric.","22":"Nature is real mean sometimes.","23":"So he's doing good.","24":"Oh yeah. He's a maple leaf floating on a lake, carefree.","25":"That's good. Has-","26":"Is... everything good with you?","27":"Her question is oddly intoned. It's like she had to remind herself to ask me. Has she been thinking about this?","28":"Yes, everything's good.","29":"I got an ear to lend, if you got problems.","30":"I'm so focused on myself sometimes... I forget about other people, y'know.","31":"It's real, real hard when... you don't got nobody to talk to.","32":"You obviously do got people, but sometimes, even though you've got people, you still can't talk to them for one reason or another.","33":"I'm babblin'. You should probably say somethin'.","34":"I've got a lot of issues, I'm not sure you can help me, but caring is enough.","35":"Well, I don't know about that. Interpersonal relationships aren't my bread and butter, but if you got home issues I happen to be real handy.","36":"Home issues?","37":"Yeah, like rewiring outlets, or aircon maintenance, or carpentry, things like that.","38":"You can do stuff like that?","39":"Mmhmm.","40":"Why are you a dog-walker? Don't aircon people make good money?","41":"Oh, sure! But there's licensing and hoops they make you go through, and I just like dogs better to be honest.","42":"One other thing, and I hope it's not too personal.","43":"Yes?","44":"Have you been bothered recently? Have you been getting harassed?","45":"No, actually. I don't know what happened, but things really calmed down quite a bit.","46":"Things have been smooth as silk.","47":"I'm glad to hear that.","48":"She beams.","49":"If you don't mind, I got some dogs I need to walk.","50":"Thanks for chatting with me.","51":"Maggie heads around me.","52":"Man, she's improved a lot. From being unable to withstand even a comment, to holding a conversation.","53":"Her transformation is fascinating. All this time, Maggie has been underestimating herself.","54":"I have to go home too.","55":"That encounter we had this morning...","56":"...what a fucking awkward situation.","57":"{Leah} feels it too, I think.","58":"I'd better say something.","59":"{Leah} looks better, more spiritedly.","60":"I'm glad to see it, and she looks at me earnestly, for any news.","61":"I talked to Maggie again.","62":"As soon as I go straight to business, {Leah} looks relieved.","63":"Did she say she was being harassed?","64":"No. Do you think...","65":"...our religion worked?","66":"It seems like it.","67":"So... do we need to do anything else?","68":"{Leah} sighs.","69":"I still have some questions, I suppose. I don't know how this works into the bigger picture.","70":"Does it have to?","71":"Well... I'm not sure yet. That's what we have to find out.","72":"In any case, Floyd does expect a second visit at some point. If he doesn't get it... I think he's going to go back to what he was doing.","73":"That's a good point. I'm not particularly excited to see Floyd again. I feel like the guy would shank me.","74":"But... it's for Maggie, so the risk is worth it.","0":"On my way, I feel inspired to see Maggie, so I pass by the park hoping to run into her.","1":"It's been some time since I've seen Maggie. The events of Halloween must've been stressful for her.","2":"I know I've got plenty to worry about without bringing Maggie into things but..."},"ch7__07.15.10 the blunder.vne3":{"10":"Wha- what? No. No! Of course not...","11":"I'm not scared.","12":"It would be reasonable to be scared.","13":"I'm willing to take big risks, you know that, but for a reason.","14":"I'm no putting my head under the guillotine without any reason.","15":"There is a good reason. We need to figure out why Floyd was harassing Maggie in the first place.","16":"[i]He's a weirdo[\/i] isn't enough?","17":"No, it's not. It might have something to do with the wider shit that's going on.","18":"{Leah}, I can't imagine how this fits.","19":"The imagination is so limited - facts are insane. They're not bound by things you can imagine.","20":"In the pursuit of the truth we have to entertain crazy theories, such as Floyd being tied to the fraternity.","21":"I [i]understand[\/i] what she's talking about, but this would be a low priority for me. [i]Something[\/i] we said to Floyd caused him to act better. That's good enough as far as I'm concerned.","22":"The night Maggie took her dog back... Floyd looked like he meant business.","23":"I'm pulling us out if there's any danger.","24":"Agreed. Do you have the flyers?","25":"Yeah. You put some money into this, didn't you?","26":"I took a course on layout and design. What do you think?","27":"A+.","28":"She grins before confidently heading toward the door.","29":"I wonder if {Leah} feels fear... or if her desire to see the truth overpowers any hesitation.","30":"She can be quite an exceptional person sometimes.","31":"She knocks on the door. I wait.","32":"At first, I wonder if Floyd will actually come to the door. To my horror, he does. Sliding bolts and chains shift and shudder.","33":"The door is shoved open like an undead monster leaving a tomb. I'm met with a similar horrible, pale, raggle-toothed face.","34":"You two again.","35":"Hello, Floyd. We said we'd be revisiting.","36":"He doesn't look displeased to see us. That's good. It might mean we're not about to be murdered.","37":"Yeah, you and your dumb friend, fingering and shit. You come to tell me about Yahwallahodinganesh?","38":"[i]Yes.[\/i] Yahwallah...odin... ga-ganesh. You have learned the name of God quickly.","39":"And his prophet {PlayerName}. Got it. Come in.","40":"This is going well.","41":"I think it is!","42":"Oh. Uh... shouldn't talk. Let's go in.","43":"You know, I gone been doing some research, still can't find squat on your religion.","44":"We prefer to discuss things in person rather than through the potentially deceptive medium of technology.","45":"You can do some tricky ass shit with technology, yeah. I got... well... irons in the fire far's that's concerned.","46":"There were some questions I got for y'all.","47":"Actually, Floyd, we had some questions for you-","48":"This is my domicile, y'see, so you'll be answering what I put to you.","49":"Okay...","50":"First of all, is {PlayerName}ism an [i]Abrahamic, dharmic, or pagan[\/i] faith?","51":"Uh... such categories... cannot begin to describe {PlayerName}ism...","52":"Say [i]Abrahamic[\/i].","53":"Abrahamic.","54":"Okay. That's swell. Secondly, what's your position on [i]Duality[\/i].","55":"[i]Duality?[\/i]","56":"{Leah} looks at me, eyes wide.","57":"Yeah. Duality.","58":"He's talking about the separation of mind and body. Is there a difference between the realm of spirit and the material world.","59":"Oh. Of course... we have souls, obviously. Immortal souls.","60":"You sure about that?","61":"...Yes...?","62":"Why do I get the sense that {Leah} said something wrong...?","63":"You're an [i]Abrahamic[\/i] faith, kay? God's grace grants immortality. Nothing else.","64":"Of course, I just didn't want to be pedantic.","65":"With me, you gotta be real pedantic, 'kay? 'Cause I cracked open a book or two.","66":"Yes, of course. You must understand my inferior female mind means I sometimes mess things up.","67":"Yeah, but your friend there feeds you answers good, right?","68":"...Well, looks like we've been caught. I suppose it should've been obvious that I've been communicating.","69":"Okay, now we get to the important shit. What is your position on the gnostic doctrine of the [i]demiurge?[\/i]","70":"Uh...","71":"I don't know!","72":"Yes... the... doctrine... gnostic... [i]demiurge[\/i]... is very interesting...","73":"Shit... can I google this real quick?","74":"Buy some time.","75":"...so much has been written about [i]demiurges[\/i]... you gotta wonder what a [i]full urge[\/i] is like, right?","76":"Why didn't they call it a [i]half-urge[\/i], so strange....","77":"{Leah}, I asked you to buy time, not babble...","78":"You don't know what I'm talking about, do you?","79":"Oh... I'm a weak minded woman...","80":"Ignorant. You want me to follow your faith? While your boyfriend is lookin' up the right answer?","81":"Oof... [i]boyfriend[\/i] is going to dredge up some real awkwardness. {Leah} is a professional enough not to lose her cool.","82":"{PlayerName} is just confirming something...","83":"{PlayerName}? His name is [i]{PlayerName}[\/i].","84":"FUCK.","85":"{Leah} sits open-mouthed. I know she's got something in her back-pocket. Only her quick thinking can save us now.","86":"Be... be...","87":"BEHOLD THE PROPHET! Praise {PlayerName}!","88":"This is a scam, ain't it?","89":"Knew it. Get you and your mule-kicked head out of my place.","90":"Are you not honored... to... to...","91":"Get yer ass out.","92":"We should go. I've only got experience in one knife fight.","93":"Yes... sorry to bother you...","94":"Git! GIT!","95":"What a disaster...","96":"It was a mistake. I knew it would be. [i]I had a feeling[\/i].","97":"That computer science wisdom: [i]don't fuck with things that are working.[\/i] Unfortunately, Floyd isn't just a line of code I can rewrite.","98":"She knows it was a mistake. I'm not going to poke the wound.","99":"God... do you think... Floyd is just going to keep doing what he has been doing?","100":"I don't know. That's something we can only tell with time.","101":"Yeah.","102":"Let's get out of here before Floyd decides to follow up with a knife.","103":"Agreed.","0":"Next morning we go straight to Floyd's.","1":"Outside this place again... I'm glad I helped Haley get out of here.","2":"I feel like I've seen this exact spot in the news a dozen times, each for a different crime.","3":"Maybe this place is some kind of symbol, representing I'm trapped in a tangled web of conspiracies I just dig myself deeper and deeper into.","4":"Are you ready?","5":"I am but...","6":"...should we really be poking this hornet's nest?","7":"By that you mean...","8":"Floyd isn't bothering Maggie, right? So no problem. This is a [i]if it ain't broke don't fix it[\/i] sort of thing. IT guys know this by heart.","9":"Are you scared?"},"ch7__07.15.15 harassment.vne3":{"10":"Well, lookit. Here we got the false witness. You even dumb?","11":"Shit. No Maggie, but [i]this guy instead[\/i]. What do I even tell him?","12":"Is it just best to ignore him? [i]I have no idea what the right thing to do is.[\/i]","13":"No. No. I can't ignore him. I've got to work like there's still a chance to turn things around. Commit to the lie.","14":"My name is {PlayerName}. That doesn't mean I'm the prophet {PlayerName}.","15":"Shit man, you do got a way to talk. Why do you let your dumbass woman talk?","16":"Your woman was all like [i]behold the prophet![\/i] She sure seemed to think you was. Saw a hog's worth of sweat beadin' up on her forehead.","17":"You misunderstood her.","18":"Yeah. Sure I did. Didn't find nothing about {PlayerName}ism, this shit is all made up. Y'all a bunch of mountebanks. What is it you want outta me?","19":"Your faith.","20":"Don't see you preaching very hard to those around you.","21":"I want to make things clear: you ain't getting my money or my soul, so quit it! Don't darken my doorway again.","22":"[i]Darken his doorway...[\/i] as if I wanted to be at his house. Maggie is the only reason I even give a shit about him, and only to boot him from her life.","23":"If I never have to see him again, the better. What isn't clear is what happened to Maggie.","24":"This is usually the time she's out with dogs. Why isn't she?","25":"I've waited and I've waited... but still...","26":"Maybe I should try calling her.","27":"No answer. What did Floyd do?","28":"I have to get a place where I can use RECENTLY.","29":"I drive as quickly as I can. When I arrive home I pie out of my car... and almost miss the person leaning against the doorway.","30":"Maggie?","31":"I hope... it's not too creepy that I've been waiting out here for you.","32":"I've been trying to call you.","33":"Oh. It was you who was...? I don't wanna look at my phone.","34":"Everything was going just swimmingly. Then... well...","35":"...things went off like touch-me-nots.","36":"What happened?","37":"The thing with my phone... those messages...","38":"You started getting them again?","39":"Not just that. I could take that. He... he showed up to my house. I saw him... lookin' through my window.","40":"My.... uh...","41":"...it's real complicated y'know?","42":"You don't have to explain.","43":"I though he mighta moved on, but... some people can't, y'know?","44":"Now, I'm not sure what to do. I gotta go back and take care of Plato, but... I don't want to... [i]face him[\/i].","45":"Does he have enough food and water?","46":"Yeah...","47":"Why don't you come inside?","48":"Maggie clearly came here because she doesn't know where else to go, and despite that, she hesitates like she's not sure she should take me up on my offer.","49":"She sways indecisively, unable to even come up with a coherent response.","50":"I know I can't wait forever for this. So, I just take her by the hand.","51":"Oh...","52":"I smile, hoping to calm her, before I take her inside.","53":"I promise I won't cause a fuss for you. I just need one night...","54":"I need to see Plato anyway, so...","55":"This situation is sort of our fault.","56":"No, it's not. It's [i]Floyd's[\/i] fault, but still, the situation was stable before we tried ''fixing'' things.","57":"Legitimate or not, I [i]feel[\/i] responsible.","58":"Do you... do you live alone?","59":"I look around. {Leah} doesn't seem to be home.","60":"No, but... I'm not sure where {Leah} is.","61":"I'm sure she'd be fine if I took the couch.","62":"The couch! No... I can't impose on you like that.","63":"It's fine. I like sleeping on the sofa.","64":"Maggie twists uncomfortably. Man... I really got to do something to make Maggie feel at home here.","65":"Would you like something to eat or drink?","66":"I'm not hungry. But...","67":"...if it's really really small, I guess I could have something.","68":"I'm not going to have her nibbling like a mouse while she's in my home. I immediately set to work, pulling out food, fixing something up.","69":"The meal I end up with isn't fancy, partly because I know making something fancy would just guilt-trip Maggie more.","70":"Just two humble sandwiches for the both of us.","71":"Thanks for feedin' me... I don't like being a burden.","72":"Can you stop that please?","73":"Huh?","74":"If you're a burden, then I'll tell you. I'm happy to give you a place to sleep and something to eat.","75":"It's fine. You don't have to act so apologetic all the time.","76":"She blinks. I see the lights slowly turn on in her eyes.","77":"I... see. Thank you, then.","78":"Dinner is short, and conversation is light.","79":"It's stupid. [i]This is Floyd's fault[\/i]. But fuck if I don't feel responsible.","80":"Finding a way so that Maggie can return to her place should be my top priority. But nothing is coming to mind.","81":"After dinner, I start the washer cycle. When I turn, Maggie's familiar pose of uncertainty silhouettes behind me.","82":"Now begins the long process of convincing Maggie it's okay to sleep in a bed.","83":"You can take my bed if you want, it's fine.","84":"Oh... uh... you're a real mindreader, you know?","85":"I know you just told me I shouldn't be moping but... it's hard not to. I don't wanna to be presumptuous or nothing.","86":"If Maggie knew what we'd done to cause this, maybe she wouldn't feel so guilty.","87":"Sometimes I'm so impressed with how much she's improved. Other times, I want to slap her to knock whatever's eating her right out.","88":"This is one of the latter times. I know there's something I can tell her to make her feel better about this.","89":"If you really want the sofa, it's fine.","90":"We can share a bed, if you prefer.","91":"If you want the sofa, it's fine.","92":"Oh... uh... okay...","93":"Yeah. I can take the sofa. Don't like things too comfortable, honest.","94":"Don't think I'm forcing you to the sofa.","95":"Sofa's a luxury for me. When I sat in yours I near well sank in it.","96":"Don't worry. I'll be fine.","97":"Good. It looks like she will be fine.","0":"After the chat with Valerie and Carmen, here I am... waiting to see if Maggie will pass me by today, but with a lot less confidence than a few days ago.","1":"I fucked up... {Leah} fucked up... it really doesn't make a difference. We took a stable situation and we tossed it out the window.","2":"Programmer wisdom applies outside of the computer too. We tried to do some optimizations, but there's no backups in real life. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.","3":"I'm not sure what to do now. And... Maggie is late.","4":"My phone is heavy in my pocket. I wonder if I should call her...","5":"I do prefer running into her. It feels... natural that way. A bit of nice serendipity... a pleasant surprise I know is coming.","6":"However, things have changed. I don't know what Floyd's actions have been. We changed his behavior for the better with {Leah}'s gambit, but since he now believes we're charlatans...","7":"Actually... I [i]could[\/i] know if I used RECENTLY...","8":"...but something has been stopping me - the sick feeling of [i]knowing[\/i] what to expect.","9":"My fears are confirmed as my eyes are pulled toward a figure heading out of the shrubs."},"ch7__07.15.20 maggie sex scene.vne3":{"10":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_Behind_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_Behind_anim_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_Cowgirl_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_Cowgirl_anim_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_Cowgirl_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_Cowgirl_anim_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_Cowgirl_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_Cowgirl_anim_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_Doggie_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_Doggie_anim_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_Doggie_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_Doggie_anim_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_Doggie_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_Doggie_anim_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Y-you're sure this is okay, right? I don't wanna be invading your space and all.","25":"I could wrap a towel 'round... that way...","26":"She knows its absurd even before it leaves her mouth. I've seen everything to her. Underwear isn't going to reveal anything.","27":"Maggie's cheeks flush slightly, she's still worried she's an inconvenience.","28":"If she could feel my heart race at the thought of having her in my bed, maybe that could rest her fears.","29":"But that is out of my carnal desires. With everything going on with Floyd, she's scared and vulnerable, it would be wrong for me to make any advances. ","30":"Right now, she just needs me to be there for her.","31":"I take a seat next to her on the bed, trying my best to communicate, without words, that she's welcome here.","32":"I think she understands, returning my smile as I see some of the uncertainty disappear from her expression.","33":"Thank you, {PlayerName}.","34":"Maggie finally lays down, resting her head on the pillow.","35":"I do feel a pang of nervousness as I lay beside her. There's something about the situation...","36":"How far away should I lay? If I lay too close, will it come off as creepy? But if I lay too far away, will I seem distant and put off from her being here? How badly am I overthinking all of this?","37":"A couple handwidths sounds right. Close enough to feel some body heat from one another, but not so close that if she shifts around a little, it won't feel like I'm creeping on her.","38":"[i]God her hair smells nice.[\/i]","39":"This is appropriate. This feels [i]emotionally supportive[\/i], while not poking her with the erection that I'm having trouble suppressing. I close my eyes, and try to fall asleep.","40":"After what seems like a few minutes though, I feel Maggie slowly start to shimmy around... back towards me.","41":"The redhead's hand reaches back over, and I feel her fingers searching around until they find my hand.","42":"She pulls my arm around her, pressing herself back into me. Taking the signal, I shimmy forward, spooning her close.","43":"Snuggled together, I feel the tension start to melt out of her body.","44":"Closing my eyes again, I bury my face into those locks of red hair, ignore my animal impulses, and try to fall asleep.","45":"The minutes go by, and I feel myself finally dozing off, Maggie's chest rising and falling in my arms as her breathing slows. Her sublime scent helping to lull me to sleep.","46":"But, when I'm on the edge of wakefulness, I start to feel her shift again. This time, pushing her backside into me. Almost... searching for...","47":"There's no hiding my hardened member, I feel it press into her soft, ample cheek, as she writhes her hindquarters against it.","48":"My will starts to give. I start to thrust forward, ever so slightly, just to see how she reacts.","49":"When she responds by pressing back into it even more firmly, my heart starts to race.","50":"Suddenly, she pulls away and turns over, looking at me curiously with those big, beautiful green eyes.","51":"Shit! I went too far. She's going to ask what I'm doing. [i]You couldn't keep it together for one night, could you...","52":"I can't sleep.","53":"The young woman's small hand reaches over, flirting with my chest before drifting downward...","54":"...and sliding under my boxers. Those warm, delicate little fingers wrapping around my rock hard cock.","55":"Her intentions and desires now clear, and I start to explore her body.","56":"I take it slow and gently, trying not to do anything that would make her uncomfortable.","57":"She watches as my hand slides up her chest, and carefully pulls her top down, letting her breasts jiggle free.","58":"Each vanilla mound is crowned with a pink, playful nipple.","59":"It takes all my willpower just to keep my eyes off Maggie's chest whenever I see her.","60":"But now, I help myself to her tits, softly caressing and squeezing her large milk melons, inciting a soft little moan from her.","61":"As I play with her breasts, Maggie's other hand dives down beneath her panties to play with herself.","62":"With both of us now totally awake, Maggie sits up and starts peeling her top off.","63":"I can't strip my boxers off fast enough, and my cock rockets out of them.","64":"Free of my underwear, I pull the little redhead in close, our mouths meeting as we start to french deeply.","65":"Our tongues slide into each other's mouth, doing their own dance as we continue to explore each others bodies.","66":"No confusion or doubt left to cloud our desires, we go at each other. I play with Maggie's perfect little nipples, while she starts to excitedly jerk off my member.","67":"To my surprise, Maggie gets up on all fours, and leaning forward, starts to lick my waiting shaft.","68":"The sensation is electrifying. Her soft tongue, caressing and exploring every inch of my manhood.","69":"I'm taken back by her forwardness. Has she progressed beyond just her comfort with social situations, and started to give in to her own sexual appetites?","70":"Or maybe this is some outlet for the emotions she's been dealing with lately.","71":"Either way, I am ecstatic to be the recipient of this attention. Her pouting lips wrap around the head of my cock, sucking firmly at it.","72":"I let my hand trace up her arched back, and back over her ass to her pubic mound, rubbing her pussy through the soaking wet fabric of her panties.","73":"There's no way I'm letting this amazing head go unreciprocated, and I guide her hindquarters back over my face.","74":"I pull her pussy down to my own lips. All the while her focus remains on my cock, her head bobbing up and down my rod.","75":"What lack of experience Maggie might have, she makes up for with eagerness and vigor.","76":"Damn, she's so comfortable with this now. She was scared shitless of sucking me at first, but now...","77":"...she just gets bolder and bolder. When I lick, I can feel her push down on my lips, nose, tongue...","78":"No concern about whether I want to or not. She just does it. She knows I want to do it, just like I know she wants to go down on me.","79":"I wrap my hands over those cheeks of hers and hungrily lap at her perky clit.","80":"Tongue wrestling her womanhood coaxes out a growing song of sultry moans from her as she tries to keep focus.","81":"Maggie finally pulls away, letting my long member slide out of her mouth as she coughs adorably.","82":"Getting up and straddling me, she looks back to see if I'm upset that she stopped. I just smile, sensing what she's after now.","83":"Encouraged, she hovers over me, guiding my spear to her slit, and slowly lowering herself down around it.","84":"The red-haired beauty moans deeply when the head of my stick penetrates between her tight lips.","85":"She's in complete control of the pace, and I prop my hands against her ample ass, giving her support where I can.","86":"Maggie sinks down to take the full length of my manhood, cooing deeply as I feel her wet, hot slit take every inch.","87":"As she grows comfortable with it, she starts to ride the shaft hard.","88":"I revel in the feeling of her taking in my entire length. Watching her slender body dance around on top of me.","89":"I suppose... Maggie is the closest to being a genuine cowgirl than any other girl I've been with.","90":"Maybe that's why she's good at this. [i]Riding[\/i] is not just a description, it's what she's doing. Her legs clamp down on me, and I feel like I couldn't buck her off no matter how hard I tried.","91":"Well... good. I don't want her off. I want her on. But I'm not going to make it easy on her.","92":"I'm going to do my damndest to wear her out.","93":"Panting, Maggie collapses down on the side of the bed, cheeks red and sweat forming on her brow.","94":"I roll over and take her by the hips, while she lifts her leg to give me access.","95":"My hungry shaft slides back in her tight, but welcoming gash.","96":"Oh, Jesus, yes! Please, just like that!","97":"A hand reaches around to grope at Maggie's breast, while the other lifts her leg.","98":"Each thrust rocks the redhead, and encourages a breathy little cry from her.","99":"Now it's my turn to ride her a little.","100":"I thrust and thrust... a little slower now that she's raced me around the track a little.","101":"I've still got plenty in me, though, I'm definitely not going to stop until I cum.","102":"I get to my knees, flipping her up on all fours.","103":"Please, {PlayerName}, fuck me!","104":"More than eager to grant her request, I press my cock to her lips. Penetrating her and starting to fuck her doggy style.","105":"I pull Maggie tight to me, railing into her with thrust after thrust, causing her moans to come faster.","106":"The sensation of her juicy cheeks slamming into my pelvis as I rail her pussy is absolutely amazing.","107":"I know why I like fucking Maggie so much. She makes me feel like a fucking stallion.","108":"Maggie's not just a shy girl. She's also tough and fit, and I feel like I have to go that extra mile to keep up with her.","109":"There is a wild girl beneath those red curls. Once the shyness melts away, she's vibrant, full of life, and puts everything into anything.","110":"She's incredible.","111":"The creeping sensation of climax slowly builds in my loins. But first, I need to make sure Maggie gets her release.","112":"I slide back out of her, and flip her over, pulling her pussy back to my lips.","113":"She writhes in pleasure on the bed, being eaten out again.","114":"Her climax hits her like a thunderbolt, causing her whole body to gyrate, the cry of ecstasy caught in her throat.","115":"Only the smallest moan escapes her lips as her green eyes roll back. Her whole nervous system seems to short out in the debilitating orgasm.","116":"I savor the moment, looking up over her amazing curves, as the orgasm subsides.","117":"I revel in the satisfaction of causing her this moment of intense pleasure, as she catches her breath.","118":"Mmmmm oh my god, {PlayerName}! That was amazing!","119":"I give her a minute, just soaking in the sight of her curvy body.","120":"Eventually though, those green eyes drift down to my twitching member, still hungry for its eruptions.","121":"Do you want my pussy, or my mouth?","122":"I want that tight little pussy.","123":"I want that pouty little mouth.","124":"I answer by taking hold of those long legs and put my cock to her pussy.","125":"Maggie moans, as my manhood penetrates her again. Her tight snatch sucking at the hot, meaty spear.","126":"She looks down with bashful interest as my cock drives in and out of her.","127":"Her healthy young breasts bouncing up and down with each thrust.","128":"The sight of those jiggling white melons is the final push over the edge, as I feel the pressure building within me.","129":"I want to see her dripping with my cum.","130":"I want to creampie her.","131":"I slide my cock back out of Maggie and start furiously jerking off at her.","132":"You're you're gonna shoot it all over me?","133":"Her chest starts to heave with anticipation when I take aim.","134":"She doesn't have long to wait. I feel the floodgates let loose, groaning deeply as I finally cum.","135":"Thick ropes of my seed blast from my dick, splattering all over her body!","136":"As the fog of arousal begins to clear, I look down at the utter mess I've just made of Maggie.","137":"The redhead has a trail of cum, leading from her pussy, all the way to her glowing cheeks, she looks up at me in shock.","138":"Grimacing, I silently mouth the word [i]sorry[\/i].","139":"But Maggie bursts into a fit of laughter, looking down at the ridiculous cum shot I just gave her.","140":"[i]Cheese and crackers...[\/i]","141":"Now [i]that[\/i] makes me laugh. She expresses herself so weirdly sometimes... it's adorable.","142":"You glazed me like a donut, didn't you?","143":"I'm still laughing at [i]cheese and cracker[\/i] but yeah, I guess I did.","144":"I pound Maggie's pussy with my cock in a feverish need to breed with her.","145":"Our eyes lock and swim in each other's passion, as I feel her womanhood grasp and suck at my member.","146":"Maggie looks down at my cock ramming into her, then back up to my eyes with almost painful desire.","147":"Please! Cum inside me! ","148":"As if to grant her wish, ready to blow, I thrust as deep inside Maggie as I can.","149":"Her soft cheeks smash against my pelvis. Maggie's body begins quivering as a second wave of orgasm begins to rumble within her.","150":"At the same time, I feel the first hot pulse of cum explode from my cock.","151":"Climax takes us both simultaneously, Maggie lets out a loud moan, her whole body shuddering!","152":"Simultaneously, waves of pleasure cause my core to buck, thrusting into Maggie's vagina as jets of molten cum erupts inside her.","153":"The waves of orgasm rock both of us for a few, perfect moments of complete ecstasy, before subsiding.","154":"I feel the energy drain from my muscles. My limbs growing heavy, but my mind is drowned in total bliss.","155":"Maggie's panting subsides into a chorus of coos and purrs.","156":"Oh, {PlayerName}... what are you doing to me? You're bound to drive a gal dumb and silly doin' things like that.","157":"Those green, cat-like eyes peep open, and look up at me affectionately.","158":"Thank you. I needed this.","159":"I slowly pull my cock out, Maggie's slit hungrily tugging at my long phallus.","160":"As stellar as her womanhood feels, I want to feel her lips around my shaft when I cum.","161":"I reposition myself at her head, and press my cock to her waiting lips. The pretty young redhead immediately takes my cock back into her mouth, and starts sucking, looking up at me with those big green eyes.","162":"Those ginger locks playfully bounce as her pretty head bobs back and forth on my shaft.","163":"Maggie's soft lips feel divine, working my shaft, seeming desperate for my cum.","164":"My dick is engulfed over and over again into her wet, welcoming mouth. That soft tongue, caressing and tasting the full length of my meat.","165":"With each pump of her head, the auburn haired beauty lets out a soft, adorable little moan.","166":"Emboldened in passion, Maggie takes my shaft deeper, and I begin to feel my head start to penetrate down the walls of her throat.","167":"Maggie quivers with each attempt to deep throat me, and the sensation quickly pushes me over the edge.","168":"Poor Maggie is so lost in giving me head, she doesn't pick up on the signal, and has my cock deep in her mouth when I finally blast my load. The fat, molten stream of cum exploding down the back of her throat.","169":"She jumps when the jizz erupts in her mouth, but braces herself to take it fully, keeping her lips tight around my shaft.","170":"But she quickly relaxes, closing her eyes and savoring it.","171":"My own body bucks, the wild electric pleasure causing me to tense up, Maggie's wet lips still working my cock drives me to almost maddening levels of ecstasy.","172":"Her soft little coos subtly vibrating my quivering member, are the cherry on top.","173":"My balls slowly run dry, as the waves of orgasm subside.","174":"I slowly pull my shaft back out, as Maggie keeps her lips wrapped tightly around it, almost not wanting to let it go.","175":"But the last inch of my cock finally slides out of her lips, and she looks up at me, showing me the pool of my hot, sticky seed I shot into her mouth. A thick dollop of it dribbling over her soft lip.","176":"My thick, sleepy cock falls and flops to a rest on her chest, as Maggie slurps up my nut. Without coaxing, she swallows the entire load down, grinning back up at me, proudly.","177":"I... I kinda like the taste of your cum. Is that weird?","178":"I smile back down at her, shaking my head [i]no[\/i]. In fact it makes me quite happy to know she likes how I taste.","179":"Content and satisfied, her cheeks flush an extra deep shade of pink, Maggie giggles and relaxes. The afterglow of sex making her drowsy, as she sinks back down into the pillow.","180":"This was so amazing. Thank you, {PlayerName}, I needed this.","181":"It isn't long before she drifts off into a deep sleep, and curling up around her, I'm not far behind.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_69_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_69_anim_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_69_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_69_anim_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_69_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_69_anim_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_Behind_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_Behind_anim_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[ep7_Maggie_Sex_Behind_anim_speed != ep7_Maggie_Sex_Behind_anim_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch7__07.15.25 leahs plan.vne3":{"10":"She's harmless. If you can't talk to {Leah}, you can't talk to anyone.","11":"But I can't talk to anybody.","12":"You want to change that, right? Go talk to her.","13":"She knows why you're here. She knows the situation. She'll understand. Just explain things. I'll be right out.","14":"If you can't talk to her, you'll never improve. I'll be out there in a minute. I just need some shut-eye.","15":"Yeah... okay...","16":"She leaves the room like a soldier heading for battle.","17":"Maybe... that was a bad idea. She could tell {Leah} about the sex...","18":"Something tells me that Maggie would rather have a heart attack than reveal that information.","19":"I'll get dressed and head out.","20":"I'll just let her talk for a bit. I hear the murmurs coming from the kitchen.","21":"{Leah} feels way too guilty about the Floyd situation to be put off by Maggie, so I think it'll be fine.","22":"{Leah} is very understanding.","23":"It sounds like the conversation is going well.","24":"As soon as I see them, they turn to me.","25":"Morning.","26":"Should I ask about what they talked about? [i]I'm so curious...[\/i]","27":"Morning. Maggie stayed the night, for reasons I'm sure you now.","28":"Yes, Maggie explained.","29":"I did. I did explain!","30":"I was just [i]talking[\/i] with {Leah}.","31":"She says it like it's a tremendous accomplishment. Now that's adorable.","32":"Nice. I think this is the first time you two have really talked...","33":"That's not true. We ran into each other on campus once. Didn't we?","34":"Yeah. We were just talkin' about that.","35":"You mean.... that time when {Leah} tried and failed to initiate a conversation with Maggie? I wouldn't exactly call that [i]meeting[\/i], but I guess that's a pretty extensive social interaction for Maggie.","36":"It is very nice to see Maggie making an effort to have conversations. And... she doesn't particularly seem stressed out by it either.","37":"I think she's changing before my eyes...","38":"I... should be getting back home, though. Plato's gotta be getting anxious.","39":"The way her voice drops... I can tell how guilty she feels about leaving her dog alone. Already her reluctant feet shuffle toward the door.","40":"Do you need someone to go with you?","41":"You know... it's my house, and... I can't let nobody scare me out of it.","42":"It's the kind of thing where I feel like I should be doing it on my own. I feel bad for takin' up your time.","43":"Can you tell us why your family is doing this to you?","44":"Maggie's lips tighten up nervously. She's let it slip that Floyd is her brother... but she's never gone into depth into [i]why[\/i] the situation is happening.","45":"I should've known that this was a sensitive subject.","46":"I can't really, no. But I do say one thing.","47":"He's got a shooter that takes two 12-gauge shells. And... I got the same.","48":"I don't know how he feels about using his on me. But I got no feelings at all about using one on him.","49":"I don't look forward to it, if it happens.","50":"Anyway, I gotta go. Plato's gonna be real sad if he doesn't get his walkies in.","51":"Remember what I told you, okay? If I call, please answer.","52":"Yeah, I know.","53":"Wow. That's really dramatic... setting my own fight to the death with Cedric into perspective.","54":"Selfishly, the thing I think about is whether {Leah} has realized Maggie and I have had sex or not.","55":"It's so hard to hide things from {Leah}. Is there any hope at all that she simply doesn't realize?","56":"The last thing I want is for Maggie to have to pull that trigger in fear.","57":"If we don't do something, Maggie is going to shoot Floyd.","58":"Right. Unlike me, she really is focused on the things that matter.","59":"Better than Floyd shooting Maggie.","60":"There's no chance of that happening.","61":"You think so?","62":"Floyd wants Maggie back in the fold. He can't do that with her dead.","63":"I don't know... Floyd seems like the type...","64":"Where were you last night, by the way?","65":"Preparing something. I have a plan.","66":"Like... what kind of plan?","67":"A plan to get Floyd off Maggie for good, where nobody has to get hurt.","68":"If I'm successful, it might help us with the fraternity case too.","69":"You didn't really answer my question.","70":"Well... I could tell you what the plan is... but...","71":"...I'm kind of proud of it.","72":"So what... you're going to leave it as a surprise?","73":"Am I allowed to? I started putting it together when we messed up with Floyd. I've been working hard on it.","74":"Here's the thing {Leah}... that's just dangerous. I could see a flaw in your plan that you can't.","75":"Yeah because... I didn't know how to explain it. I was afraid you'd just think it was stupid... so... I just started working on it without you.","76":"I'm kind of bothered that you won't-","77":"I'm telling you that I'm keeping things from you. It's as honest as I can be. When you keep things from me - you don't tell me at all. Do you?","78":"...[i]Fuck[\/i]. She's right. What does she know I'm keeping from her?","79":"I feel awful about the Maggie situation. I'm not perfect - I should've just left things alone like you said. I'm trying to make amends now. [i]Let me do that.[\/i]","80":"You're more likely to succeed if I help.","81":"Yes, almost all the time that's true. But not always.","82":"Not always? So this isn't just about being a surprise.","83":"Come on, {PlayerName}, trust me. Don't pick at my words. It's almost done.","84":"I need to go and put some finishing touches on the plan. Just do everything you normally do.","85":"What am I supposed to do if I see Floyd?","86":"Just don't do anything.","87":"Not even if he's attacking Maggie?","88":"Of course that's totally different. Just... trust me. I should've done what you said, I should've left things alone.","89":"Just live normally, okay? I'm taking this responsibility off your shoulders.","90":"And you'll tell me if you're in trouble.","91":"Of course!","92":"So just live normally. [i]What is it I normally do again?[\/i] I've honestly forgotten what normal life is like.","93":"What she probably means is I should just do work and school. I can do that... for as long as I can.","94":"I'll head out, then.","95":"Thanks.","96":"Yeah... I'll head out...","97":"...but damn if I don't feel uneasy...","0":"Someone... someone is in here...","1":"Oh... my bed feels cold... isn't it supposed to be warm?","2":"Wasn't I with someone?","3":"Maggie... [i]she[\/i] spent the night... and now she's not here.","4":"Where did she go?","5":"I... don't remember letting anyone in the room...","6":"Sorry... I was getting up... and...","7":"Well... someone else came in the house...","8":"{Leah}?","9":"Yeah."},"ch7__07.15.30 the harem.vne3":{"10":"Nothing. That's good, I think.","11":"But wait... what if it's not good? Isn't Floyd constantly sending his sister harassment?","12":"So, if he [i]isn't[\/i] sending that stuff, that probably means...","13":"...[i]he's up to something right now...[\/i]","14":"Fuck. I gotta leave right now.","15":"Maggie usually walks her dogs right around now, and I wouldn't expect to see her at all, not with Floyd on the loose.","16":"But... Maggie has a way of surprising me a lot.","17":"Maggie! What are you doing out here?","18":"I see her holding the leash of two dogs. She loosens her grip a little and lets the two little dogs sniff around.","19":"Maggie's smile is quick and nervous.","20":"You okay?","21":"You worried?","22":"Of course I'm worried. You came to my house to avoid Floyd. Now you're walking around when he's still around?","23":"Yeah. I know.","24":"I was feeling defiant yesterday. I wondered why I let that man run roughshod over my life and my dreams.","25":"So... I'm living life despite him.","26":"That's brave. Are you safe?","27":"Safe? Nobody's safe on this side of heaven. But I got it on good authority that somethin' is being done about Floyd.","28":"Good authority? Does she mean...","29":"Did {Leah} say that?","30":"Yeah. I don't know her too well, but... if you trust her, then she's got the word of God as far as I'm concerned.","31":"I've been meaning to thank you, {PlayerName}. You done so much for me... and...","32":"Don't say it. Don't say you don't deserve it.","33":"...I deserve it!","34":"Huh?","35":"I knew you don't like it when I'm so hard on myself, so I'm makin' the effort. Call me a peacock, 'cause I'm preening all my feathers.","36":"Except, you know, I'm a girl, and all the shiny pretty peacocks are boys. You probably don't care none about that fact.","37":"Anyway, I ain't going to deny myself good things just 'cause.","38":"That's really heartening, but right now, Maggie's self esteem is far from my mind.","39":"I know I'm not supposed to ask, but what is {Leah}'s plan?","40":"She said you wouldn't like it.","41":"I know I won't. That usually means she's making an insane risk.","42":"Oh, it ain't risk. It's... uh... [i]expense[\/i].","43":"Expense?","44":"Yeah. It costs a lot.","45":"What does?","46":"The... uh... safehouse.","47":"A [i]safehouse?[\/i]","48":"Yeah. She's put me up in a place where Floyd won't find me.","49":"Are you serious? A safehouse?","50":"Holy fuck that sounds expensive. We're college students: use a fucking [i]couch[\/i] like a normal person!","51":"Just thinking about what it would cost to rent two places makes my head spin. I wish she was taking insane personal risks - she has better luck with those!","52":"This is not a permanent solution.","53":"Oh... it kinda is maybe.","54":"I took my shotgun with me. If I see Floyd...","55":"KAPLOW! Watermelon dinner.","56":"Watermelon dinner... what a whimsical description for brains and gore. I feel my guts tightening up... [i]what kind of person is Maggie?[\/i]","57":"This is your plan? This is {Leah}'s plan?","58":"Yeah, she's got sheets laid out and everything.","59":"...","60":"I never had any words... and now... I'm not sure I ever will.","61":"Honest... I kinda hope he follows me now. I can make snacks out of Floyd for Plato. Wouldn't that be fun?","62":"How... how do I react? My brain is reaching for similar experiences and just failing. I don't know what to say. Do I like this? Do I hate it?","63":"Oh, God... [i]Maggie...[\/i] be a sweet shy girl again...","64":"Is this some sort of prank?","65":"I'm... I'm twisting your chain. Kinda.","66":"[i]Thank God.[\/i]","67":"I don't want nothing from him, not even his pain, so I hope it doesn't come down to it...","68":"...but I do got a gun. That's the truth of it. And if he's coming to come where I am, I'll use it, just like how I told you.","69":"[i]Maggie with a gun[\/i] has a terrifying ring to it.","70":"I really don't know a lot about guns, to be honest. I have a casual interest. Maggie, having grown up on a farm, probably knows her way around a firearm.","71":"I gotta get going, by the way.","72":"Thanks for telling me what {Leah} was up to.","73":"I shouldn't have said, honest. But you deserve to know.","74":"See ya.","75":"[i]Yes, but why a safe house?[\/i] Why not just let her have the couch?","76":"God... has {Leah} already figured out we're having sex? There's a good chance Maggie outright [i]told[\/i] her.","77":"That seems the most likely reason... [i]though I don't want to believe it[\/i].","78":"Were the plastic sheets a joke too? [i]It probably wasn't.[\/i] Forward-thinking {Leah}, making a contingency in case she has to kill Floyd.","79":"The number of times I've been in a fight, I should probably think the same way.","80":"Self-defense or not, I don't want anybody getting shot, not if I can help it. That just seems messy.","81":"Is that...?","82":"[i]Fuck[\/i]. Why today? [i]Why right now?","83":"He turns a corner, the same way Maggie is going. If I follow him right now, he's going to know shit's up. If Maggie isn't going to hesitate to kill him, he's not going to hesitate to kill me.","84":"I know {Leah} warned me not to intervene, but... she has to know I can't just stand by.","85":"I'm not a ninja, a hunter, nor a spy, but I've seen movies featuring all three, and that's the extent of my stealth skills.","86":"Time to put them to the test.","87":"I'm not trying to save Floyd's life. I'm trying to save Maggie's, and {Leah}'s for that matter.","88":"So this is why {Leah} didn't want me to know: it was so insane that even she was shy about sharing it.","89":"The best thing I can do... is to stop it from happening completely. And there's only one way I know how to do that.","90":"We cross into some of the back areas of town, in a small industrial district. I only have this one small chance.","91":"My footsteps are loud as I approach. Enough to draw his attention.","92":"So now you reveal yourself, huh? Shit man.","93":"What exactly do you want?","94":"From who? From [i]Maggie?[\/i] I had this feelin' you was working together.","95":"She put you up to this? She done fabricate this phony-ass faith of yours?","96":"Maggie didn't ask us to do anything. Every step of the way, my actions have been my own. Including this one.","97":"And what's that?","98":"Stopping you from entering that warehouse.","99":"Is this where she's set up?","100":"You got no idea what she done. A spit in the face of family honor. We all tried to straighten her out for her own good but she don't listen to nobody.","101":"I try and try and try to remind her that you folk don't see nothing in her. They just gonna call her a dumb country whore and that's all.","102":"That's how you see me too, huh? Violent redneck country bumpkin who don't know shit.","103":"I don't know you... it seems like you've read a book or two. But you are violent, aren't you?","104":"Heh. Yeah, guess you're right about that.","105":"If you go in, you're just going to meet your maker.","106":"Aw. You care about me?","107":"I care about the people inside of there. I don't want them to be messed up dealing with you. Your life would be simpler if you turned around.","108":"You got no position to challenge me, dumb guy. The Castles are no fools. We live by our own code and our own rules.","109":"Maggie was telling me how she really knows her way around a shotgun.","110":"She's not too bad. Probably run circles around you, shooting like a Mongol from horseback.","111":"She's the weakest of the Castles, and that's still stronger than ten of your soft-ass pussies.","112":"Her real weakness is the mind. She got a sickness of faith. She needs to get straightened out.","113":"What about you, then? You really seemed tempted by {PlayerName}ism. Aren't you weak of faith?","114":"I ain't a fool. I know I don't know everything. I read books, I listen to wisdom, I look for better answers, but I also ain't gonna be taken in by mountebanks.","115":"That's what most people are. Liars and thieves, especially you slick fucks.","116":"There's still time.","117":"You better hope I find salvation on the other side of this door.","118":"This isn't a joke, Floyd. Don't be dense! I'm trying to warn you!","119":"Best you're capable of is throwing a cellphone at my head.","120":"I [i]don't want to see Floyd turn into a red paste[\/i]. That's going to stick with me forever...","121":"I don't know how I'll react to real blood and gore...","122":"Fuck off. I got a lesson to teach.","123":"What the fuck is this?","124":"Who'd live in here?","125":"Is this some kind of fucking trick?","126":"Shit... it is dark... isn't it? Where is Maggie?","127":"Where is-?","128":"The... the light!","129":"Agh! My fucking eyes!","130":"Oh my God! What's going on?","131":"Did my head just get shot off by accident?","132":"{Leah}?","133":"Welcome...","134":"...to the harem of {PlayerName}.","135":"Wha- what is this? This was a lie! It was supposed to be a lie!","136":"Yet, here we stand before you, Floyd. As real as can be.","137":"The harem... of {PlayerName}ism...? [i]My harem?[\/i]","138":"Is... is that [i]Alexis?[\/i]","139":"This can't be happening! I... rejected you! I exposed you for liars! I...","140":"In this broad world of ours, is it not possible for two people to share the same name?","141":"Share the same name? You... you made it up... you made it all up!","142":"Ask these faithful concubines whether the [i]Revelation of Yawallahodinganesh[\/i] is made up or not.","143":"This can't be!","144":"We had high hopes for you, Floyd. We had already started to recruit your wives.","145":"The... the pyramid scheme for sex! I know! I thought it was too good to be true...","146":"Unfortunately, when you rejected the salvation of Yawallahodinganesh and {PlayerName} the prophet, you forfeited your wives to {PlayerName} the mute.","147":"As we speak, his wives are engaging in a multi-level marketing scheme of getting more wives. His number of wives grows exponentially with a compounding rate of interest.","148":"By the time you even get your first wife, {PlayerName}'s harem will already consist of some percentage of the population.","149":"You mean I already coulda had wives! Fuck!","150":"Yes. In {PlayerName}ism, it is the job of the wife to recruit even more wives.","151":"It's like a cookie clicker game of [i]sex[\/i]...","152":"Yes... I... suppose...","153":"But even if you [i]had[\/i] accepted Yawallahodinganesh in your heart, you would have still been found wanting.","154":"Only good, kind, brave men are permitted harems. Do you understand?","155":"I.... I do...","156":"Are you any of those things? Maggie tells me you have been cruel to her.","157":"Maggie... she's in the faith? Shiiit...","158":"She's reported some very disturbing things. I'm not sure I want to give you a chance.","159":"No! Wait! I... I can change!","160":"I see it now! I was wicked... I'm jealous... violent... greedy... all kindsa bad things.","161":"Please.... I don't wanna be left out of the cookie clicker fuck game.","162":"Hmm... well... you make a persuasive argument.","163":"From now on, Floyd Castle, you are a probationary {PlayerName}ist. You must act with utmost sincerity and honor.","164":"When you have proven yourself, the church will grant you your first wife. Pray you redeem yourself quickly enough before all women are claimed.","165":"I... I understand.","166":"I'll be good from now on. I will never bother Maggie again.","167":"{PlayerName} the mute... please escort Floyd Castle out.","168":"As you wish.","169":"[i]What... the fuck... was that...?[\/i]","170":"I... spoke prophecy, didn't I?","171":"You were witness! You heard me say, ''In this warehouse I will find salvation'', and I did!","172":"I remember he said something like that.. but I'm still reeling from the whole performance. [i]What was that?[\/i]","173":"I did hear that.","174":"A sign.","175":"Yawallahodinganesh damn my soul for doubtin' you. You are the true faith.","176":"Welcome to the fold. By the way... I have a question for you.","177":"Anything.","178":"How did you know to find your sister at Shale Hill? Wasn't she running away from you?","179":"I was told.","180":"Told?","181":"Someone from the school called and told.","182":"Who did?","183":"Uh... I don't remember. Is it important?","184":"I guess not. It could've been anyone, for any reason.","185":"What did they say? Was it for bureaucratic reasons or...?","186":"Hmm... now that I think of it... the [i]only[\/i] thing they told us was about the transfer.","187":"Maggie tried awful hard to hide from us otherwise.","188":"So... the person who called had no reason to call except to tell you where Maggie was.","189":"Guess so.","190":"Go now, Floyd Castle, and prove yourself a good soul worthy of the gifts of Yawallahodinganesh.","191":"I will! Thank you!","192":"That was fucking weird.","193":"I got a lot to talk with {Leah} about. Now that he's gone... it's probably safe to go in.","194":"Did... did {Leah} [i]actually start a harem for me? That would be crazy, [i]but somehow, I can't help but hope it's true.[\/i]","195":"Damn the lie of Yawallahodinganesh is good. I even want to believe it.","196":"The truth of the matter is... it's nothing of the sort.","197":"That is a lot of twenties she's paying out. I... I think I'm going to be sick...","198":"I wait until the last girl leaves.","199":"That was really somethin'.","200":"I really, truly believed you were going to blow his head off.","201":"Sorry for scaring you.","202":"What was the point of keeping this from me?","203":"The girls were... supposed to be [i]his harem[\/i]...","204":"I don't think I understand...","205":"It's totally made up anyway, there's no harem at all, so it doesn't really matter.","206":"I was going to be all [i]this is what you could have[\/i], but when you came in I winged it.","207":"Would I have ruined the plan?","208":"I was worried that Floyd might get a little defensive with another guy around but... it ended up working out, I guess.","209":"So that's why you were walking out on your own. You were trying to lure Floyd to this warehouse.","210":"Maggie gives a cute little smile.","211":"God that misogynist shit made me sick. I've got to purify myself with Ursula LeGuin or something...","212":"Floyd was telling me that someone warned him about Maggie being in Shale Hill.","213":"Huh?","214":"Someone told...? But I didn't know nobody here...","215":"...I was real careful about keeping where I was a secret...","216":"Some more fucked up shit by the Fraternity, you think?","217":"The Fraternity?","218":"We should talk about this later.","219":"Yeah, in private.","220":"Oh... if it's got somethin' to do with me...","221":"Don't worry about it, Maggie. This is kind of a big thing.","222":"Same kind of weirdness going on at the Halloween party, huh?","223":"My family was right about one thing - this was a den o' wolves I was walking into.","224":"It's more like a pit of shadows.","225":"A bubbling pit o' tar and oil. A-","226":"--[i]Shale Hill[\/i].","227":"That's where they pull crude out of, ain't it? [i]Shale[\/i]. It's the rock with the black heart.","228":"I'm no geologist, but it fits.","229":"We all stand around for a bit, a dread falling over us.","230":"[i]Damn.[\/i] Someone's gotta break this dark feeling that we're all getting. But... nothing comes to mind. Just... shallow platitudes interchangeable with any other hopeless situation.","231":"I purse my lips... shake my head... and wait...","232":"We made a bright spot in this school. Maybe it's just for me, but... it shows it's possible.","233":"I can move forward now. I can... make friends... and be [i]normal[\/i].","234":"That's... the best gift I ever got. And... it's thanks to you two.","235":"That's true. Yes, [i]that's true[\/i]. We genuinely, truly, positively helped Maggie, and maybe spoiled whatever fate the secret-fraternity-philosophy-club-thing had in store for her.","236":"You should let us know if you're ever in trouble.","237":"Yeah, and you gotta tell me if you're in trouble too. 'Cause, sometimes, you just need somebody that can shoot straight.","238":"Got a feeling neither of you can do none of that.","239":"Maggie is half-joking. [i]Half[\/i]. But I got no doubt she'd be willing to [i]watermelon[\/i] somebody's head if she absolutely, positively, had to.","240":"You'll be our designated shooter.","241":"She smiles again. I feel like I'm going to see more smiles like that from her.","0":"[i]Be normal[\/i].","1":"A tall order, now that I think about it. Watching Floyd all day isn't practical - I doubt it would work anyway.","2":"The least I can do... is keep Maggie's RECENTLY profile well monitored.","3":"If something happens to her, I'll be immediately alerted.","4":"Things seem to be stable... so I guess I can focus on homework while Linus takes care of today's tickets.","5":"A few hours later, I get a big dent in my coursework done.","6":"Satisfied, I lean back, stretch my arms, and let my eyes rest a bit. I've stared into the glaring white of word documents for a while now.","7":"I wonder if Boogle docs has a dark mode? I'm pretty certain that everything on the Internet should be colored dark grey with white writing. This is the modern era, after all.","8":"Wasn't I supposed to be monitoring something?","9":"Shit. I haven't checked Maggie's status for [i]hours[\/i]. Let's see."},"ch7__07.20.05 reviewing sams case.vne3":{"10":"I'm just about to the library doors, when {YouCallHer} walks out right in front of me .","11":"She looks up and instantly sees me.","12":"We both freeze in our tracks for a moment, still both wrestling with the lingering awkwardness the morning... on top of the kiss.","13":"One of us has to break... one of us has to step forward.","14":"In the end though, she just smiles awkwardly and steps towards me.","15":"Hey, {PlayerName}! Wha... what's up?","16":"This is her strategy? She's just not going to acknowledge it?","17":"I'm fine with this. Yes, this is the only possible solution.","18":"Yeah! Not much, what's going on with you?","19":"You know, same old, school stuff.","20":"Yeah, me too.","21":"Okay... this is fine. We're doing the whole act-enthusiastic-to-cover-up-for-awkwardness thing, but that's a lot better than not talking to each other.","22":"I feel weirdly short of breath, but it becomes steadier and steadier.","23":"Enough pretending that nothing is going on... and maybe things will go back to normal.","24":"So... you're here to do some homework?","25":"Kind of.","26":"You're... [i]kind of[\/i] here to do homework?","27":"Actually, I was planning on picking Sam's case back up. We still have a ways to go before the semester is over, and I'm still worried that Rogham will try and flunk her out.","28":"Really? I'll help you.","29":"You don't have to. You were just leaving, if you had somewhere else to be...","30":"Even as I sign out those words with my hands, I already know how {YouCallHer} is going to react.","31":"Sure enough, I get the look.","32":"I've got to make up for my screw up with Floyd.","33":"Also, Sam's my friend too. I'm not going to sit around and do nothing while some sadist professor tries to run her out of college.","34":"Come on, let's go over what we know so far.","35":"She spins around and disappears back through the library doors.","36":"I know I probably rubbed her the wrong way, dismissing the fact she would want to help out with Sam. But seeing her ready to dive back into the case is reassuring.","37":"Still the same old {YouCallHer}. Maybe things haven't changed as much as I thought.","38":"Hey, {PlayerName}! How's it going?","39":"Not bad. What are you up to?","40":"Just stepping out to go grab a cup of coffee.","41":"There is a chain coffee shop inside the library, but I would walk the block and a half to Lidia's over drinking that ooze, too.","42":"Did you come by to study?","43":"Sort of?","44":"You came by to ''sort of study''?","45":"I also planned on maybe going over the issue with Sam and why Rogham seems so intent on trying to flunk her.","46":"Oh... were you gonna call me?","47":"I had thought about it, but frankly, I was still worried about {Leah}. I hate to lie to her, but sometimes, it's okay to lie to someone to protect them, right?","48":"Yeah, totally. I was just about to.","49":"Sorry, between work and classes, my head is all over the place.","50":"She gives me a hard stare, trying to suss out if I'm lying or not, but doesn't press the issue.","51":"Totally. I'm the same way right now.","52":"I can't tell if she actually believed it, or if she's just trying to avoid confronting me about it.","53":"So... should we head inside and go over what we know?","54":"Of course. After you.","55":"{YouCallHer} turns around and heads back inside the library as I follow. No keeping her from this case.","56":"Fresh coffee in hand, and notes laid out on the library table, we get reacquainted with Sam's case.","57":"Working on the project reasserts some normalcy between us. Not letting too much time elapse between talking to her and what happened this morning was a good idea.","58":"Sure it was an accident, but it was a lucky one.","59":"So we know that Sam is at least back in class, and she can technically still pass the course...","60":"But she's walking a razor thin margin. One slip up, and she could flunk out completely.","61":"It wouldn't take much from Rogham to push her over the edge and finish what he started.","62":"It looks like Sam was doing okay in the class beforehand, but she really needed that midterm assignment to keep her grades above failing.","63":"We still don't have any hard evidence that Rogham sabotaged Sam. All we have to go on is that you saw her submit the assignment on RECENTLY.","64":"Yeah. Fat lot of good that does us now.","65":"Alright, then let's assume that Rogham lied about getting Sam's assignment. Wouldn't it be in her email's outbox?","66":"Possibly. But given what we've seen with RECENTLY and the spooky software Emily's dad cooked up, we can't rule out that the email was deleted.","67":"True, true.","68":"{YouCallHer} furrows her brow and stares off into the distance, chewing on the situation.","69":"You may not like this idea, but maybe you should see if you can meet with Rogham and squeeze some kind of information out of him.","70":"By squeeze, you mean put him in a headlock and choke the information out of him, right?","71":"She doesn't love the joke and gives me a dirty look. My humor doesn't always land with {YouCallHer}... but I thought it was funny.","72":"I mean try to [i]coax[\/i] it out of him. Use nuance. Try and get him to say or do something we can use against him. Shake the tree a little and see what falls out.","73":"You are his prized pupil, after all.","74":"The fact that Rogham had a picture of me from a high school debate in his briefcase still sends a chill up my spine.","75":"I don't suppose you have any other ideas.","76":"Trust that Sam will ace the rest of the semester and that Rogham won't find some other way to flunk her.","77":"I rub my temples in frustration. I'm really not loving the idea of having to try and charm the information out of this creep, but it's our best shot at the moment.","78":"...I'll email him and set up the meeting.","79":"I type out a quick message. Soon, I have something arranged.","80":"I just need to go see Rogham at the allotted time.","0":"Oh god...","1":"...I'm so glad I have a few hours to cool off from the incident this morning...","2":"I'm going to have to talk to {Leah} again about what happened, but I have no idea what to say to her...","3":"I could do tickets all day if I wanted... but I have to stop eventually... and confront her.","4":"Work goes smoothly, thankfully, because I can't get the shit with Floyd out of my head.","5":"I know there's nothing to be done about it right now... we'd done enough damage. The inaction was killing me.","6":"Linus and Hank are pretty silent the whole day, leaving me to my thoughts.","7":"Time ticks on, and then, it's over.","8":"Okay, lots to do. Let's pick up the Sam case again while the Maggie stuff is percolating.","9":"I can get some library research done, maybe."},"ch7__07.20.10 first meeting with rogham.vne3":{"10":"Okay, well, I still have a little ways to go before I graduate, but I wanted to get a head start on figuring out how to set myself up for success after Shale Hill.","11":"That's good. That's very good. Very forward thinking.","12":"There's a lot I'm still unsure of, internship prospects, resumes, networking...","13":"...But honestly, if you have other students that might need to see you for help on their assignments, I don't want to take up too much of your office hours.","14":"Rogham smiles and lifts a hand up to rest my concerns.","15":"{PlayerName}, that is very altruistic of you, and a noble sentiment... but can I tell you a little secret?","16":"I nod. Rogham smiles and leans in, as if someone might be eavesdropping.","17":"90% of the impact our students will have on the world, 90% of the progress made, 90% of the money earned, 90% of the success... will be had by 10% of the graduates.","18":"Only real innovators and leaders will push things forward, and the competent professors here at Shale Hill U, can pick the winning horses.","19":"I suppose I can believe that statistic, but is that why he had my picture? Has he been looking into my past so he could tell if I was one of the ''winning horses''?","20":"The way he talks about it, it's like he's saying this is some unspoken policy among the campus faculty.","21":"By investing that extra time and energy in those top tier students, we can ensure they have the highest chance to make a mark on the world.","22":"You're a smart young man, so you've probably gathered from the fact that we're here right now, having this discussion, that you've attracted a particular level of interest here on campus.","23":"I try to think of whom on campus would have that extra level of pull to give a student a real advantage after college.","24":"Do you mean the Dean?","25":"No quite, let's just say there are certain parties at Shale Hill University that think you have the potential to do some great things, with the right support.","26":"Now, try not to let this go to your head, you're not the prodigal son, or the chosen one.","27":"You've just demonstrated certain traits in your academics and extracurriculars that are markers for someone who [i]can[\/i] achieve great things, if they are disciplined and committed.","28":"That's all very flattering, Prof. Rogham, but my grades aren't even that stellar.","29":"So what? You're still in the top 15th percentile. How many of the top billionaires in the world are college dropouts?","30":"Okay, but I work in an IT dungeon in my spare time, doing chat tech support and running errands for my boss.","31":"I can't even talk without a stupid phone. Again, thank you for the confidence, but I can't help but feel you got it wrong in my case.","32":"You have a dumb college job, so does everyone. You lost your voice, but who cares? That mind is still in there, [i]that[\/i] is what's important.","33":"You know that you have done some incredible things with that mind.","34":"I think he's talking about High School me, the [i]old[\/i] me. The one that could command a whole crowd of students with my voice... and the one that would do anything or walk over anyone for my ambition. It makes my skin crawl.","35":"Rogham playfully slaps my arm, grinning with all the energy of a sleazy Hollywood agent.","36":"So, talk to me. Where do you see yourself after college?","37":"Well, I know I'm listed as a Physics major, and only minoring in Computer Science, but I do find myself really enjoying the IT field.","38":"There's some overlap, I'm sure you know. The line gets blurry between them when we talk of entropy, and quantum computing is set to become a field in our lifetimes...","39":"...however, I do feel confident saying that a student of your caliber would have his talents wasted outside of top fields, such as high level corporate and government security work.","40":"The good news is that Shale Hill University has a number of alumni, and [i]pipelines[\/i] into industries such as those, where talent of that level is always in high demand.","41":"Currently, there are certain interested parties at the school that are looking to fill some positions within the Shale Hill City Government and Police Departments.","42":"These aren't some entry level ‘'fetch me a coffee'' gigs, either. These are prestigious, junior leadership positions.","43":"Something about all of this is sending a chill up my spine.","44":"Deep in the back of my brain, I'm reminded in {Leah}'s voice to probe Rogham for info.","45":"I came here for answers about Sam, but something about this ''pipeline'' for promising students has alarms going off in my head.","46":"Can you tell me more about this ''pipeline''","47":"If you had a moment, I'd like to talk about Sam.","48":"I'm just a little more curious about how it works and what it is.","49":"Think of there being unofficial headhunters operating at the school.","50":"But instead of athletes, they are recruiting individuals who might be particularly successful in various industry and government positions.","51":"They survey the student body, and see which students have the right mix of intelligence, leadership skills, and personality to make them a high value asset for a certain organization or industry.","52":"It's the job of the faculty...","53":"Rogham gestures to himself.","54":"...to guide and mentor prospects and cultivate those desirable traits and leadership attributes, while trying to rehabilitate their less desirable traits and steer them away from [i]distractions[\/i].","55":"If the ''pipeline'' is so prestigious, why haven't I heard of it?","56":"If you had a moment, I'd like to talk about Sam.","57":"It's plausible I just missed something, but I think that if there was an organization tasked with enlisting the best and brightest, it would be well known and sought after.","58":"Rogham chuckles the same way a parent would before explaining something about the world to a naive child.","59":"{PlayerName}, when you reach a certain level, you don't have to apply for positions, you are sought after and recruited, like I alluded to with the [i]headhunters[\/i].","60":"I'd just like to know if there is anything I can or should be doing to make myself marketable to these groups?","61":"Maybe if I had some details about the organization?","62":"What you're looking for isn't even an official organization, so much as a network of well connected individuals. It's more or less just that, networking, just at a very high level.","63":"There isn't any office or webpage I can refer you to. Rest assured, if you continue doing what you're doing, and listen to your mentors...","64":"Rogham gives a knowing nod.","65":"...you'll end up just where you need to. ","66":"But there must be something you can tell me about these groups? Maybe who else I can talk to?","67":"If you had a moment, I'd like to talk about Sam.","68":"For the first time since I showed up, Rogham actually shows a bit of impatience, as I press the issue.","69":"{PlayerName}, you have to understand, with the individuals and organization behind the pipeline, it's not like you can book an appointment with someone.","70":"So it's some kind of secret society?","71":"Rogham lets out a strained, patronizing laugh.","72":"You are inquisitive, I'll give you that. Look, just trust that there are parties out there that are impressed with you, and interested in your success.","73":"But if these [i]parties[\/i] are so interested in me being a part of their pipeline, I don't think it's unfair that I know a little about them.","74":"Rogham stares me down for a moment, that mask of the ''happy facilitator'' disappears in a flash of contempt before recomposing itself with a wide, sickening smile.","75":"Gosh. You know you are going to just hate me for this, {PlayerName}, but I just remembered I have a staff meeting in fifteen minutes and I need to go prepare some materials.","76":"Maybe we should put a pin in this little conversation for now?","77":"Shit! I may have dug too deep with this business of the pipeline. Now Rogham is suspicious and I still haven't been able to get anywhere with Sam's situation!","78":"Prof. Rogham, please, if you have just a few more minutes, I'd like to talk about Sam Hunter.","79":"You said 90% of the impact would come from 10% of the students. So the other 90% of students are people like Samantha Hunter?","80":"Rogham sighs, giving me a half smirk.","81":"I have to applaud the lengths you will go to look out for your fellow students.","82":"However, it is a sad truth, that of the [i]other[\/i] 90%, most are really just a drain on resources.","83":"There is a certain amount of waste product in any system. At the university, one form it takes is of students who, even if they have the intelligence, don't have the will, or the commitment to take advantage of the opportunities we provide.","84":"Imagine the frustration of spending the time and energy trying to teach and mold the future adults of our society, and some of those efforts are wasted on those who can't succeed, or [i]worse[\/i], could succeed, but choose not to.","85":"While out there somewhere, maybe there are some who could have done great things if they had the opportunity, but their spot was taken by someone who just squandered everyone's time.","86":"For a brief moment, I empathize with Rogham. How often did I have to kick Sam in the butt for her to get something done?","87":"How often had [i]I[\/i] been frustrated and fed up with Sam, because I knew she could be better, but chose not to be?","88":"But at the same time, Rogham is wrong about her. He doesn't know her like I do. Hasn't he seen all the times Sam rose to the occasion and put the needs of others ahead of herself?","89":"Rogham made a myopic, snap decision about Sam's character from a few impersonal interactions in class. Even if they may not be totally unfounded, it's not fair to write off her whole college career because of it.","90":"He is not [i]judge, jury, and executioner[\/i] of people's future.","91":"It is noble to be the knight in shining armor to some pretty young damsel. But this is not the right path for Ms. Hunter, and frankly, in my opinion as her Professor, it would be best for her to drop out of the class.","92":"But she needs this course. Dropping it could tank her whole semester.","93":"Rogham shrugs callously.","94":"There are places for almost anyone to be of use in society. I'm sure Ms. Hunter will find where she belongs.","95":"But for you, my good man, you just keep working hard and stay committed to doing the best you can. Stay on this path, and I assure you, doors will open for you.","96":"He pats my arm and grins at me in a way that makes me want to knock his teeth out.","97":"I'm not going to let him drag Sam's name through the mud in front of me.","98":"As much as I hate it, I need to hold my tongue for now.","99":"With all due respect, Prof. Rogham, you're wrong about Sam Hunter.","100":"Sam's not perfect, but she's a good leader. She proved it when she won an election against me. She's smart, capable, and selfless.","101":"Frankly, I'd ask if maybe [i]you've[\/i] failed as an educator to properly inspire and mentor her.","102":"One silver lining to having to use voice to chat, none of the venom and vitriol I'm feeling towards Rogham bleeds out of the synthetic voice. Maybe someday there will be a feature for that.","103":"If I'm testing the limits of Rogham's enthusiasm for me as a student, it's definitely this though. I can see the vein twitching in his temple. But his response is still calm, measured, and level.","104":"You'd be wise to recognize, {PlayerName}, that the real world is not as forgiving or understanding as your coddled experiences in High School and College.","105":"Out there, your choices will have real repercussions. Real leaders have to be able to make hard, snap decisions on the fly, because you won't have the luxury of spending a childhood with someone to get to know them.","106":"If I can give you a piece of advice? You might be too weak and scared to make difficult decisions.","107":"If you don't show that you can make those tough calls, certain doors to your future might start closing faster than you think.","108":"But hey, there will always be IT help desks out there that need engineers to help customers reset passwords and find missing folders.","109":"If Rogham thinks I'm going to blink in the face of his veiled threat, he's got another thing coming.","110":"I'll take resetting passwords and finding folders over being some white-collar psychopath that throws people away like they are garbage.","111":"Rogham just stares at me with that blank, icy gaze for far longer than is comfortable.","112":"Okay, {PlayerName}. I think we're done here for today.","0":"The next day passes swiftly, and without major disaster.","113":"If you have anything else you need to see me about, please contact my secretary.","1":"I don't know. Maybe a meeting with Mr. Rogham counts as a disaster, but at least it's a predictable one.","114":"I grab my things and leave, my face still burning.","2":"I drag my feet as I go, wondering if I'll really find anything out of value.","115":"But my head starts spinning as I step out of the hallway. What the hell is this pipeline he was talking about? There are groups on campus that recruit and prep promising students for high level positions in government and industry?","3":"Yes, come in.","116":"...And they had their eyes on me?","4":"Thank you again for meeting me on such short notice, Prof. Rogham.","117":"With a cold sinking feeling, I realize that an organization with the kind of influence to make a student's career, could also destroy a student as well...","5":"Not at all, {PlayerName}. When I saw your email, I cleared my schedule. Are you sure I can't have my secretary get you something? Water? Soda?","118":"...And in a clammy sweat, I realize I may have just told one of this organization's agents that he, and their whole operation, can go to hell.","6":"Prof. Rogham's attitude towards students generally falls between indifference and scorn. Given what I know about him, his friendliness and eagerness to accommodate me is a little unnerving.","119":"I bite my lip. If what Rogham is saying is true, I need to play like the ''good little prospect''. Don't give them any reason to think I'm going to be [i]problematic[\/i].","7":"No, thank you. You didn't have to clear your schedule either, I just wanted to get some advice for what I should be planning for after college.","120":"Listen, you're already doing great. Just keep on working hard and things are going to work out well for you. Trust me.","8":"I wouldn't want you to make yourself unavailable to other students during your office hours. Some of them might have real questions regarding classwork.","121":"I know you care about Ms. Hunter. But as you get older and find yourself in real leadership positions, you'll come to realize that some people just need to be let go. It's a hard, but important lesson to be learned.","9":"Don't sweat it. Most of it is just students asking for extensions on projects that they aren't going to get. What's on your mind?","122":"In the meantime, if you are looking to put some more feathers in your cap, I know that there are a couple coveted college intern slots and work study programs in the cyber security industry.","123":"I'll make some phone calls and see if we can get you in the room with the [i]right[\/i] people. I think there might even be some local opportunities, if travel doesn't suit you.","124":"My head is swimming with all this new info. Right now, I just need to get the hell out of this office and think.","125":"I thrust out my arm towards Rogham, as much as it makes my stomach churn, and shake his hand firmly.","126":"Thanks for taking the time to meet with me today, Prof. Rogham, I do appreciate it.","127":"Anytime, {PlayerName}. I'll be in touch.","128":"Leaving Rogham's office, I break into a cold sweat.","129":"Who is behind this pipeline? They have a photo of me from the debate, they've been looking into my life and history far deeper than I can say I feel comfortable with.","130":"Have they been watching me since I was in High School? Manipulating or grooming me for some kind of position after college?","131":"With an icy feeling in my gut, I realize that an organization with this kind of reach could easily use its power to destroy a student as well.","132":"...And Sam. Rogham seems ready to write her off like she's little more than medical waste.","133":"Filled with all these new questions, I throw open the door to the physics building staircase, and head down to the lobby."},"ch7__07.20.15 running into sam.vne3":{"10":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim22_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim22_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim31_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim31_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim31_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim31_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim31_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim31_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim35_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim35_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim35_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim35_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim35_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim35_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Speed [tg_anim]","25":"Continue","26":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim44_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim44_fast_speed]Faster","27":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim44_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim44_default_speed]Default Speed","28":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim44_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim44_slow_speed]Slower","29":"<","30":"I walk out of the physics building, my mind still turning over the meeting with Rogham.","31":"I'm trying to think of my next move. The first thing I need to do is get a hold of {Leah} and bounce this new info off of...","32":"Hey, {PlayerName}!","33":"Sam, hey.","34":"What's up? You didn't hear me call your name inside?","35":"You did? I'm sorry, I was kind of deep in thought.","36":"Deep in thought, huh? Don't walk into any poles.","37":"I give her a smirk.","38":"What are you doing here?","39":"I was at the physics tutoring center, making sure this next assignment was all good. What about you?","40":"Me? I just had a meeting with Rogham.","41":"Oh yeah? Did you come down here to beat him up if he didn't give me straight A's and his credit card and social security numbers?","42":"Rogham? Did you come to file a formal protest about him being a dick?","43":"I don't love the idea of lying to Sam, but it's still probably better to keep her in the dark, at least for now.","44":"No, unfortunately. I just had some questions about some of the answers on the last quiz.","45":"Well, at least he actually likes you, so he won't fail you for looking at him funny.","46":"Unless the [i]reason[\/i] he likes you... gasp! Are you secretly sleeping with Rogham?","47":"I roll my eyes.","48":"Did you actually say the word ''gasp'', instead of just actually gasping?","49":"I should have known!","50":"Why wasn't I smart enough to do that from the start? Let me just get rid of these panties and I might just go see him right now and sort this whole business out!","51":"Tell me, from your experience, does Rogham like a lot of ball play? What about a little pinky up the pooper?","52":"You're a real laugh riot.","53":"I know.","54":"How are things going by the way, with class?","55":"Who are you, my dad?","56":"Ooo, do you [i]want[\/i] me to start calling you ''Daddy''.","57":"I'm just checking in on you to see how you're doing.","58":"I know, sorry.","59":"Things are going okay. My grades are still holding up. But like, I don't really have a big margin for error.","60":"I have to do really well on every assignment from here until the end of the semester if I want to pass.","61":"I'm practically living at the dumb tutoring center.","62":"At least she's taking this all seriously. If we can't find any solid evidence that Rogham is purposely sabotaging her, it'll all be down to Sam acing the rest of the course.","63":"Well, I'm proud of you for not giving up and sticking with it.","64":"Thanks, {PlayerName}.","65":"Plus, nothing will piss Rogham off more than having to pass you.","66":"God, yes! The thought of him sitting there, entering a passing grade for his class into my college transcript, quivering in impotent rage, makes me wet.","67":"Good lord.","68":"We should totally sneak into his office and [i]do it[\/i] on his stupid desk. Get all of our juices all over his stupid papers and stuff.","69":"Jesus, you nasty.","70":"So you're down to do it, right?","71":"Oh, totally. Let's just make sure we do it [i]after[\/i] final grades are in.","72":"Yay!","73":"When the final grades are all locked in, I'm going to sneak into Rogham's office, and pee all over his stupid desk to assert my authority.","74":"That's disgusting. I'll be your lookout.","75":"Aw. You're the best.","76":"Alright, I'm off to the library to study.","77":"Library? Study? You're not the real Sam! Tell me what you have done with her, skinwalker!","78":"Shut-up! I hate it! Do you know how many raids I'm missing out on because I have to be ''responsible'' and ''an adult''.","79":"I'll join you. I have some studying to do too.","80":"Really?","81":"Yeah... Rogham isn't falling for my sexual advances anymore, so I actually have to do my work.","82":"I fucking knew it!","83":"Sam is a good study partner... overwhelmingly because she doesn't really study.","84":"Between the jokes and the jabs, we actually do get some work done, shockingly enough.","85":"Sam and I had been at it for a couple of hours, and somehow we were able to actually study without being too much of a distraction to one another.","86":"I have to give it to Sam, all the jokes aside, she is really taking her schoolwork seriously.","87":"But everyone has their limits.","88":"Hey, what are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm. Because I think I'm having a brain aneurysm.","89":"I don't know. That's the thing where a blood vessel or something bursts in your brain, right?","90":"Sam sees words, but words no longer make sense to Sam.","91":"You doing alright over there?","92":"{PlayerName}, help. All the text in this book just turned to Mandarin. Do you know Mandarin?","93":"Just thirty more minutes, then we can get out of here.","94":"...","95":"Hey, after this, do you want to head back to my room and... [i]hang out[\/i]?","96":"I would, but I have to meet up with {Leah} to go over notes for another project we're working on.","97":"Oh. Okay.","98":"Sam, believe me, I really want to. We will soon, I promise. It's just that I have a million things to do between now and the end of the week.","99":"I understand. No biggie.","100":"...","101":"I feel bad, I'd just about [i]kill[\/i] for some alone time with Sam, but I just don't know how I could fit it in my schedule.","102":"Maybe I should see if she wants to come over and spend the night... No. That's a terrible idea for a school night. Not if I want to get any sleep.","103":"Okay. Focus. History is kind of interesting, right?","104":"Do you think anyone actually ever reads any of these?","105":"Huh?","106":"How could there be like, fifty books on the soil of Shale Hill. It just doesn't seem like it could be that deep of a subject.","107":"Sam really has checked out. We've been at it for a while, it's hard to hold it against her.","108":"Just give me fifteen minutes, then we'll go grab a quick snack. I promise.","109":"God, she looks good... Maybe if I stay at her place tonight, I'll already be on campus in the morning, so... Nope, gotta focus.","110":"Okay... The Erie Canal...","111":"...started in 1817, finished in 1825.","112":"Was called ''Clinton's Ditch'' by opponents of the presiding New York Governor at the time, Dewitt Clinton...","113":"...stretched 363 miles or 584 kilometers from Lake Erie to the Hudson River...","114":"...overall elevation difference of 565 feet, or 172 meters...","115":"...principle cargo transported was grain from the Ohio valley, yada, yada, yada...","116":"...was primarily built by Irish laborers and German stonemasons...","117":"...canal boats were pulled by horses or mules...","118":"...huh, cut transport costs by 95%. That's pretty neat...","119":"Hey, {PlayerName}, can you come here for a second?","120":"What's up?","121":"Just trust me.","122":"Come on, Sam. I'm almost done here.","123":"You have to see the photo of this girl in this anatomy anomaly book, she's got three boobs.","124":"I think I saw that once on the Internet.","125":"This one is different, I swear. Three times better than any three-boobed girl you've ever seen.","126":"Picture of three-boobed girls a library has but the Internet doesn't? Yeah right. Was I born yesterday?","127":"Knowing Sam, she has an ulterior motive. Maybe... a sexy ulterior motive.","128":"I don't know... should I fall into this trap?","129":"Don't follow her.","130":"Go see what she's playing.","131":"Enjoy your three boobs.","132":"Do you remember Buttsnack?","133":"Yes.","134":"You're like Buttstick. You've got a stick up your butt. Buttstick is your new name.","135":"You only say that because you like things stuck up there.","136":"You're like a dumb old rock, sitting on the road. You're not a virile young stallion. You're a mule, you trot and eat grass and poop.","137":"Mules are pretty strong.","138":"They're sterile, too.","139":"Why can't you just study?","140":"I don't know. I feel like I've been studying forever. I need a refresher. I need something to make me feel better.","141":"Make me feel better.","142":"Fine. You're a patient person with a great deal of mental fortitude.","143":"That's not true...","144":"It did make you feel better, though, didn't it?","145":"...Yeah.","146":"Sit down and study.","147":"...Okay.","148":"So that's we did, until the day ended.","149":"I think I knew this would happen.","150":"You perv.","151":"This is entrapment.","152":"Okay, what did you want?","153":"It's quiet back here, huh?","154":"This way, I wanna show you something.","155":"Sam's got that look in her eye that makes me a little nervous, but also curious.","156":"I motion back to the table where all our stuff is just lying out.","157":"Come on, don't be a baby, it'll only take a second.","158":"Sam leads me around a corner, and pushes me up against a wall of books.","159":"I look at her, taken just a bit by surprise.","160":"I thought maybe you'd want your [i]snack[\/i] now.","161":"God dammit, Sam.","162":"Who am I kidding? I have no will power left to hold back the torrent of lust.","163":"Grabbing her by the hips, I pull her in and our lips make immediate contact.","164":"She eagerly presses her petite body up against mine. On contact with her, I feel my cock stiffen.","165":"I do my best to keep quiet. The ''Geological History of Shale Hill'' section of the library is quite deserted, but in the soft silence, our wet kissing seems almost aggressively loud.","166":"I spin Sam around and press her up against the shelf, feeling her slender leg wrap around me.","167":"At first, I'm taken aback at how quickly I'm caving to my carnal urges, but I suppose it should be no surprise.","168":"My body is probably aware it could have had Sam at least daily since we got together, if there wasn't so much else going on in my life. ","169":"This feels like making up for lost time.","170":"In fact, I feel a bit desperate for it. I'm vaguely aware of what I'm doing and where I am, yet I keep going.","171":"My lips interact with hers more feverishly the more I taste her.","172":"I hear someone walking by some ways away, making me still a little wary of getting frisky in such a public place.","173":"But Sam grabs me by the wrist, and I let her push me back against the opposite bookcase, giggling mischievously as she does.","174":"As she drops to her knees, my heart starts to race with excitement. She just looks back up at me with that hushed giggle, undoing my fly.","175":"I wonder how many guys at college have ''getting head in the library'' on their sexual bucket list?","176":"My erect cock just about explodes out of my pants, causing Sam to flinch back a bit. I keep a look-out, the Library is quiet, but far from deserted.","177":"It's a job that becomes infinitely harder when I feel Sam's little fingers wrap around my shaft.","178":"I've been a good little college girl all day. Now, I just want to be a dirty slut.","179":"Her wet tongue slides up the base of my cock and teases the tip. Licking it like it was an ice cream cone.","180":"Teasing my meat for only a moment, Sam wraps her plump lips around my cock.","181":"I shudder at the euphoric sensation as her warm, wet mouth takes in my member.","182":"She slurps eagerly at my manhood, her pretty head bobbing rhythmically, working farther down my rod with each pass.","183":"The wet sound of her sucking seems to fill the quiet space around us, and makes me both nervous, and excited at the same time.","184":"Sam works my meat deeper and deeper, I feel the head slide down into her throat, and the sight and sensation of her reaching all the way to the base of my dick sends an extra surge of blood into my already rock hard cock.","185":"Seeming quite pleased with being able to deep throat the entire length of my phallus, and enjoying watching me shudder in pleasure, she continues bobbing her head back and forth. Lingering for a moment each time I enter her throat.","186":"I like this Sam. Sam's always been kind of a loudmouth, and I get a bit of sadistic joy from seeing her tongue occupied with my rod.","187":"It's good to see she's as skilled at blowing as she is talking, and she definitely doesn't procrastinate sucking.","188":"Maybe this is how we should study? Would she focus better if I had a tape playing while I fucked her mouth?","189":"I don't know. I kinda want to try it, though.","190":"Finally taking a breath, Sam lets my rod slide out of her mouth, sputtering and suppressing a cough. I barely give her a moment before I lift her to her feet and start pulling off her skirt.","191":"I grope at her plump young tits while stripping off her suspenders, her perky little nipples press through her top and dig into my hand.","192":"Fuck, {PlayerName}! I love when you play with my tits!","193":"Stripping off the rest of the skirt, I toss it aside and switch positions, pressing her body up against the bookcase.","194":"Dropping to my knees, I lift one of her slender legs over my shoulder, feeling her silky soft inner thigh caress my cheek.","195":"Her waiting pussy is already glistening when my lips find it, kissing and sucking it softly. Sam does her best to stay quiet, the hushed moans barely escaping her lips as I start to go down on her.","196":"No fair... you're going... to make me... scream...","197":"I look up and grin from her crotch. Her perky breasts heaving as her breathing hastens. Thoroughly enjoying seeing how badly she's squirming, I speed my rhythm up.","198":"The tiny squeak of a moan that escapes her lips would seem quiet in almost any other circumstance. But in the library, it might as well be a window breaking.","199":"Sam shoves me away, grinning at me after her little outburst. Whispering at me with a little giggle.","200":"Jerk!","201":"Looking down at my rock hard member, and rubbing her mound, her eyes become hungry and lustful again.","202":"Fuck, you're so big.","203":"Do you wanna fuck me with that big dick?","204":"Squatting to get an angle, I grab Sam by her plump little ass cheeks, and press the head of my cock to her sopping pussy.","205":"She's tight at first, maybe she's more nervous than she's letting on, as I slowly push my way inside her. Her tight lips giving way more and more, letting my thick member slide up in.","206":"Sam bites her lip to stifle her squeal, the muffled squeak barely eking out, and her eyes lose focus and roll back when I fully penetrate her.","207":"My shaft buries itself in her warm, wet womanhood. Shudders rocking her small body as it tries to accommodate me.","208":"Gripping tight, I toss her up into my hands, she straddles me while I bounce her up and down on my piston.","209":"Sam's face twists and contorts while she rides my meat, desperately trying to suppress her cries of pleasure.","210":"Curious to try something, I let Sam down, turning her around and bending her over.","211":"Instinctively, she props her perfect little ass up, presenting herself to me, looking back and wondering with anxious anticipation what I'm going to do to her.","212":"Kneeling down, I bury my face in between her round, pert butt cheeks.","213":"Are you gonna... Oh my god, you are!","214":"She gasps and shudders when my tongue hits her asshole. For good measure, I slide a finger up her pussy and finger her G-spot while I toss her salad.","215":"I feel good doing this. Don't ask me why.","216":"Sam is so butt obsessed. Ass this. Ass that. I think all that time she was just begging for someone to give her a dark kiss.","217":"My tongue ponderously trails her cleft, I enjoy how perverse it is, and how I probably shouldn't like it as much as I do.","218":"Sams whispers to herself for support, in her struggle not to alert the whole library with her moans.","219":"Oh fuck! Ohhhhh fuck that feels so good!","220":"I should have known, [i]everyone[\/i] wants to eat hot, petite, Asian girl ass.","221":"Having given her enough of that, I stand back up, and press my cock back to her pussy.","222":"Obediently, she backs up onto my shaft, sliding back down around the hungry prick as I penetrate her with it.","223":"Slowly at first, I start to thrust. At the same time, Sam backs herself into each hump, speeding up more and more. The wet slaps of our fornicating growing louder and louder.","224":"But I'm getting so wound up, I'm getting past the point where I even care if someone hears us. I'm so set on breeding Sam it would take a SWAT team to pry me off her right now.","225":"Looking down at her slender waist cresting into her round ass, I can't help but be teased by that tight little butthole, looking back up at me.","226":"Curious, I let a thumb slide down between her perfect, creamy cheeks, and start softly rubbing her anus. Still wet from my tongue, I press down into it, ever so gently, testing her reaction.","227":"Still bobbing back and forth on my cock, she looks back, whispering those three magic words.","228":"Put it in.","229":"Grinning, I press down, and let my thumb pop inside her.","230":"The extra penetration coaxes an adorable little yelp from her, as I slide my thumb up her ass.","231":"Enjoying the new grip, I start bouncing her back on my cock more forcefully.","232":"Sam's already starting to lose control. Should I slow down so that people don't hear us...","233":"...or should I speed up so that we can get this over with as fast as possible?","234":"Or... option C. Fuck everyone else, just let Sam explode on her own time. What are they going to do if we get caught?","235":"Speaking of exploding, I can feel her coming on right now.","236":"Juices trail down my balls from her orgasm, wet and tingly against my skin.","237":"It's a point of pride of any man to get their girl to cum before he does. I've passed that test of manhood.","238":"Now, I'm just showboating. Let's see if I can do it again.","239":"Desperate to get deeper inside Sam's small body, I hook my arms around hers and pull her into me, feeling my feverishly hard member drive farther up that wet pussy.","240":"Sam arches her back to press her hindquarters further into me, eager to reach the same conclusion. Her heavy breathing is pregnant with cries of pleasure as we hurtle towards climax.","241":"Through the cloud of lust though, we hear the sound of footsteps and quiet voices approaching.","242":"Both of us, suddenly realizing someones coming, freeze mid thrust.","243":"I wrap my hand around Sam's mouth to muffle the mousy squeals of lust that have been escaping her lips, and curse these intruder's timing, threatening to discover us moments from reaching climax.","244":"It figures. Out of thousands of students at the university, there's probably four interested in the soil composition of Shale Hill, and of course two of them just had to be in the library at this time.","245":"Now we're stuck. I'm cocked and ready to deliver a final thrust to finish Sam off, but have to wait while these two have a debate on if ''Miller or Johnson had better multi-year data on local water tables''.","246":"Sam stands frozen with me, tensed up so tight I can feel it.","247":"You know what? ...Fuck it.","248":"Slowly, I pull my cock to where it's just about to pop back out of Sam, hanging onto the lips of her pussy by the head.","249":"At the same time, I tighten my grip, pinning the little asian beauty in place to keep her from trying to back up on my shaft, and hold there for a moment...","250":"Then, with a powerful thrust, I ram my cock deep inside Sam. Not fast enough to cause her cheeks to clap, but enough to cause her to buck like she was hit by a taser.","251":"Almost instantly, both of us reach climax.","252":"I blast my load far up inside of Sam, crushing her to me while I stifle my growl.","253":"It feels like an explosion is going off inside her. Her body quakes, pressed up against me, and I can feel the scream of pleasure trying to escape from those soft lips. ","254":"All the while, that tight pussy sucks at my cock, milking it for every drop of seed.","255":"Suddenly, I feel a wet warmness trickling around my shaft, and it's not the oozing stickiness of cum.","256":"Oh shit... Sam is squirting!","257":"Her ejaculate might as well be a torrential downpour for how loud it sounds! There's no way the girls nearby missed it!","258":"Sam and I both freeze, holding our breaths while we wait for the two soil enthusiasts to spin around and discover our animal debauchery!","259":"Through some miracle though, they apparently didn't hear anything. Coming to an agreement on water tables, and without noticing Sam and I, they pull a book from the shelf and walk off.","260":"Slowly, Sam and I relax. I loosen my death grip on the young woman's small frame, still feeling the intoxicating heat from Sam's body radiating into me.","261":"Sam collapses forward, panting and catching her breath, before spinning her head around, eyes filled with shock and arousal and whispering back at me. ","262":"Holy shit! It feels like you came in my brain!","263":"Oh my god, that was so hot! Did you make me [i]squirt[\/i]?","264":"I just flash a cheeky grin. I'd love to just stay inside Sam, but we probably shouldn't tempt fate by waiting around to be [i]literally[\/i] caught with our pants down.","265":"Slowly, my softening cock slides out of Sam's throbbing pussy. She lets out an adorable little yelp as it pops out of her, dangling lazily and soaked in my cum and her wetness.","266":"I take a step back, while a well seeded Sam props her ass up for me, letting me admire, in primal satisfaction, my handiwork. Watching thick, pearly ropes of my cum oozing out of her swollen pussy.","267":"Oh fuck. How much jizz did you shoot into me? There's no way I'm not pregnant.","268":"I give her a pinch on the ass for that little comment. Then we hastily dress and flee the scene before we're caught.","269":"I do feel bad for the library janitorial staff.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim16_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim16_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim16_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim16_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim16_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim16_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim22_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim22_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim22_speed != ep7_Sam_Sex_Anim22_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch7__07.20.20 telling leah about rogham.vne3":{"10":"...and I kind of... let him know that.","11":"{YouCallHer} shakes her head in frustration.","12":"I'm sorry. I know I should have kept my cool.","13":"Well we already knew that Rogham is a straight up asshole. But we can't beat the info out of him, we need him to trust you enough to catch him slipping up.","14":"You're right... even if I don't think we should entirely dismiss the idea of beating the info out of him.","15":"There's the look.","16":"Kidding! I'm kidding.","17":"We were completely wrong at just how much of a creep Rogham is.","18":"Did things in the meeting go well?","19":"They did. He still thinks I'm his prized pupil... and that makes my skin crawl.","20":"Tell me everything. Did you find out anything about Sam?","21":"Maybe not as much as we need for Sam, not yet anyway.","22":"But I found out something else that'll make your hair stand on end.","23":"{Leah}'s eyes grow big and her mouth seals shut, signaling that I have her full attention.","24":"For starters, when I arrived for our meeting, he explained to me he cleared his whole office-hours schedule, just for me.","25":"That's a little odd, but not terribly unusual. It's no secret you're one of his favorite students.","26":"It's more than that.","27":"Have you ever heard of an exclusive, job-placement organization on campus? One that only caters to, and recruits from, top students?","28":"You mean the SHU Postgraduate Internship and Placement office?","29":"No. One that's kind of off the books.","30":"I don't follow.","31":"Rogham explained to me that there are these backroom networks of individuals at Shale Hill University. He, and I'm guessing at least some other faculty, are involved.","32":"These groups identify and track students they believe are particularly promising, and have the right social and academic markers to be successful as leaders in different industries and organizations after college.","33":"Without telling these selected students, they start... I don't know... grooming them for important positions in various companies or government bodies after they graduate.","34":"He mentioned a ''pipeline''. And get this, two of the organizations he says they funnel their prospects to? The Shale Hill City Government and Police Department.","35":"I see {Leah}'s mind digesting all this. Already taking pieces of information and fitting them into holes in other puzzles.","36":"...And Rogham telling you all this... clearing his schedule... the reason he had your picture in his briefcase...","37":"I nod.","38":"I'm one of the students that's been [i]selected[\/i] for the pipeline.","39":"It all makes sense. It's why he had a picture of you from back in your student government days. Before you lost your voice, you were...","40":"A different person. {YouCallHer}, I don't think this group is in the business of recruiting, ethical, compassionate people into positions of power.","41":"{YouCallHer} looks off into the middle distance, the scope of what this could be coming into focus.","42":"Do you think an organization with the kind of clout to place people into positions of power could also use its resources to destroy them?","43":"It does. It also seems like an organization that would be very interested in software that could be used to monitor or manipulate data.","44":"Jesus. Did a massive puzzle piece just fall in our lap?","45":"The shadowy organization that Valerie suspected was behind Sandra Vasquez's disappearance.","46":"I'd bet that they are big fans of the Philosophy Club too.","47":"We should warn Valerie. If they have plans for me, they'll be sure to want her as well.","48":"Maybe... But why don't we hold off for now. Valerie's not in any immediate danger. No sense in updating her until we have a more complete picture of what's going on.","49":"You're probably right.","50":"But what about Sam? Did you find out anything about why Rogham has it out for her?","51":"In his logic, Sam's a draw on resources and an embarrassment to the college. He thinks she's lazy and unmotivated, and wants to see her kicked out.","52":"He knows you two are close... maybe he sees her as a bad influence on you, or even a threat to your success.","53":"Or more likely, your [i]value[\/i] as a prospect.","54":"I didn't even think of that, but you're right.","55":"My god. They might not be destroying certain students just as some sick game, they might have some twisted logic to their actions.","56":"Taking them out of the equation so they don't influence their precious ''prospects'' in a way that doesn't serve their interest.","57":"This is a level of social engineering that would make the CCP cream their pants.","58":"I cock my head at {Leah}.","59":"Sorry, this is a lot.","60":"We still need to help Sam. Given everything we learned from Rogham, I'm more certain than ever that he's lying about never getting Sam's assignment.","61":"You have IT access. Can't you just check his email traffic or see if it's still in one of his mailboxes?","62":"I thought of that. It's not there. But if someone had the ability to change metadata, it's feasible that they could cover their tracks and delete any trace of the email with Sam's assignment ever being sent.","63":"So it's a dead end.","64":"...Not quite.","65":"Any computer that the Shale Hill University email app is opened on creates a local cache on that machine specifically. It's meant for offline functionality and server synchronization.","66":"[i]But[\/i] the local cache will have a record of any emails sent to or from that machine. Even if the server-side metadata is changed, the local cache wouldn't be affected. ","67":"But what if Rogham deleted the email and the assignment from his computer?","68":"It doesn't matter. The cache isn't the email, just a receipt of it.","69":"It won't be the message or the contents, but each email sent or received generates a cache receipt with a unique code and a record of the size of the email in bytes, including attachments.","70":"If I can correlate an outbound cache receipt on Sam's computer with a received receipt on Roghams harddrive, on the correct date, and of the same size as Sam's assignment...","71":"We have him.","72":"Dead to rights.","73":"So to do this, you need to...","74":"...Yeah. Find some way to get on Rogham's laptop.","75":"Which means you'll have to set up another meeting with Rogham.","76":"Yeah...","77":"Who you just pissed off.","78":"Yep...","79":"Which means I'm going to have to apologize and kiss his ass.","80":"Yep...","81":"I hate that I have to go suck up to that asshole and try and beg my way back into his good graces.","82":"But a little pride is a small price to pay to save Sam.","83":"I think you need to set up another meeting with Rogham.","84":"That guy creeps me out so much right now, but you're right.","85":"I don't suppose you could make yourself available to engineer some kind of distraction that would leave me alone in Rogham's office for say, five or ten minutes.","86":"{PlayerName}, you know I already thought of something.","87":"How dangerous is it?","88":"Relative to what? Like open warfare or...","89":"{Leah}...","90":"I'm kidding. No, it's an acceptable risk. Let me explain.","91":"She does explain the plan. I don't think I'll ever be 100% okay with her crazy risks.","92":"But... this plan... I'm okay with.","0":"Risky sex with Sam again. Apparently {Leah} isn't the only adrenaline addict around.","1":"I should probably resist doing that, but a bored Sam is a powerful natural force.","2":"I hope {Leah} is home. I sent her a text, letting her know that I had to talk to her about what I found out with Rogham and Sam.","3":"She had mentioned she'd be here. She has to work around college and work the same as I do, but I'm sure she'll be eager to hear what I turned up in the meeting.","4":"Sure enough, as I walk into the kitchen, she's already waiting there.","5":"How did it go?","6":"Well. I suppose it could have gone better.","7":"I might have pissed off Rogham.","8":"{PlayerName}, what happened?","9":"It's a long story. In short, Rogham is a megalomaniacal asshole who likes to play with people's lives."},"ch7__07.20.25 second meeting with rogham.vne3":{"10":"You're right. But I should have known better than to act like I did, when you were just looking out for me.","11":"I thought about it, and if I want my future to have purpose, I need to start taking it seriously and making adult decisions.","12":"Rogham pats me on the shoulder.","13":"The important thing is that you are here, now. That alone shows you're making adult decisions.","14":"Thank you again for meeting with me on short notice, Prof. Rogham. I do want you to know I'm not taking for granted your willingness to accommodate me.","15":"Rogham just chuckles.","16":"I am a good judge of character, {PlayerName}. I can say without a doubt that if you were the kind of person that would abuse that privilege, I wouldn't be having this meeting.","17":"Now, what did you want to talk about?","18":"You said to succeed I just have to keep ''doing what I'm doing'', but I want to push myself.","19":"I had a feeling you wouldn't be satisfied with just being [i]good enough[\/i].","20":"I know what I have to do to improve my academics, but I wanted to get your feedback on what kind of extracurricular activity might make me more competitive.","21":"The good news is there are no shortages of options or opportunity.","22":"For starters, there's the obvious choice. It should be no surprise that the Student Government has been where a number of excellent leaders cut their teeth.","23":"People like Valerie and myself? I wonder how much danger Valerie is in.","24":"I know {Leah} said we should keep the information to ourselves but... this seems important. I'll think about it.","25":"I don't know. It seems like a big investment on time, and frankly I don't know if politics are for me.","26":"You sure? Funny. I would have thought that politics would be right up your alley.","27":"Of course you would, given you've been digging through my whole life's history. He probably knows which superhero I had on my lunchbox growing up.","28":"But I get it. You already have a lot on your plate. Don't half-ass things. I like that.","29":"The Philosophy Club is another potential option. It sounds a little heady, but you'd be surprised at what a little critical thought can do for you.","30":"The Philosophy Club is another hot spot for pipeline candidates? That's interesting.","31":"Philosophy was always a little lost on me. I've always felt a little more practical.","32":"Naturally! You're interested in Information Technology! You're a man of pragmatism, of logic.","33":"Now, the Coding Club might be something of interest. I hear they do a lot with robotics, and even have hacking events, which you might be interested in from an IT perspective.","34":"I heard that too, but all of that is just what they put on the brochure for the Student Organization Fair.","35":"Mostly they just sit around and argue about video games.","36":"Really? Oh, that's definitely not worth your time.","37":"I'm wondering if there is anything I could say to Rogham that would be wrong right now.","38":"Frankly, if that's all they do down at the Coding Club, it sounds more like Ms. Hunter's crowd. Maybe you can let her know, next time you see her.","39":"This is as good a time as any to sell this act.","40":"I don't know if I'll get the chance. Sam and I had a bit of a falling out.","41":"I've been trying to help her out with the class, but it's gotten to the point where she basically expects me to do her assignments for her, and when I refuse she puts on the [i]guilt[\/i] act.","42":"We got into it, and... I don't know if we'll be hanging out much any more.","43":"Well that explains how she's been able to score as high as she has been lately.","44":"Look, don't beat yourself up. You're a young man, and she's an attractive young woman. Girls like her have a way of latching on to successful men.","45":"It seems you had the maturity and the wherewithal to see through her little act.","46":"Rogham leans in and gives me a literal nudge with his elbow.","47":"Don't worry. Society has places for little brats like her...","48":"...stripper poles and escort services.","49":"I fake the smirk to sell it. But I can't think of anything in the world I want more right now then to punch that stupid grin right off his face.","50":"A knock at Rogham's door provides a desperately needed interruption.","51":"I'm sorry, {PlayerName}, please excuse me for just one moment.","52":"Rogham gets up to answer the door. I think it's the office manager, saying something in a hurried voice.","53":"...What do you mean, towed? That's my reserved parking spot!","54":"...Now? I have to go down there right now?","55":"I park there every day! I think I'd know if I parked in Prof. Raman's spot!","56":"Red faced and cursing under his breath, Rogham hurries back over to me.","57":"I am [i]so[\/i] sorry to do this to you, {PlayerName}, but I have to step out for just a moment.","58":"Is everything alright?","59":"Just a very small mix up. I will be back very shortly. Uh... thank you for your patience, and if there is anything you need, any refreshment... just ask the receptionist and she'll take care of you.","60":"Rogham practically jogs out of the room.","61":"I give it a moment to make sure he's gone, and then race over to his desk.","62":"I bypass his desktop, directly working with the laptop he carries with him all the time.","63":"Oh, the joys of being an IT tech. With admin powers, I'm on his hard drive in less than a minute...","64":"...Just a quick search for the SHU email local cache folder...","65":"...And there it is...","66":"...I pop in a thumb drive, and start copying the entire contents onto it.","67":"...Come on...","68":"Shit. What is that noise?","69":"You will regret this!","70":"Rogham is coming back. His bitter invective is like an early warning system.","71":"I'm done just in time.","72":"Double checking to be sure I have everything, I close the folder, log out, pull the thumb drive, and wait for Rogham to get back from what I hope was a wildly inconvenient and infuriating interruption.","73":"Unbelievable. What an unlikely series of events.","74":"What happened?","75":"My vehicle was... towed inexplicably.","76":"The campus police, of course - completely incompetent - didn't bother cross-referencing with the license plates database and...","77":"...it's just foolish, foolish.","78":"That's too bad. I think we're out of time.","79":"Yes, we are. Unfortunate. I'm sure you had a lot more questions.","80":"The good news is that the campus police will reimburse me for the wrongful towing.","81":"I was extremely worried about that.","82":"Extremely.","83":"Your concern is appreciated. I do hope we can continue this conversation.","84":"We'll definitely have something to talk about. See you later, Mr. Rogham.","85":"I think I've got what I needed from Rogham's computer. Now I need to check Sam's.","0":"I know how bad {Leah} wants to do mischief. I set up a meeting the very next day.","1":"I'm... shocked that Rogham agrees to see me so soon after the last meeting. It's like he really is clearing out his schedule... which is oddly disconcerting.","2":"I'm not going to ask too many questions.","3":"Ah, {PlayerName}.","4":"No hint of annoyance at all.","5":"Again, I can't say how grateful I am you agreed to see me again after my behavior during our last meeting, Prof. Rogham.","6":"Another moment where I actually appreciate having to talk through a text-to-speech app. It would have been a challenge to hide the disdain in my voice had I actually had to speak that sentence.","7":"But what's worse, is how Rogham seems to have already dismissed the whole matter.","8":"{PlayerName}, don't think anything of it. I'm your professor, and I want you to know that I only want what is best for you.","9":"You're a young man, filled with passion and vigor. That's healthy!"},"ch7__07.20.30 checking sams computer.vne3":{"3":"Where the heck is she? I knock on the door again.","4":"Finally I hear the handle turn.","5":"Well hey there, sailor! Come to find a port to dock your ship in?","6":"I smile, and lean in to kiss her.","7":"I also reach around and help myself to a little booty squeeze.","8":"Mmm. Hello to you too.","9":"Sorry, couldn't help myself.","10":"I miss coming over, and I wanted to, but things have just been super busy. You know.","11":"I had something fall through, and I had an hour, so I came by to see if you wanted to hang out.","12":"Oh. I see how it is, you had a little slice of ''Sam-Pie'' and now you're back, sniff'n around, see'n if the bakery is open, huh?","13":"What? No, Sam, it's not like that, I swear....","14":"Oh my god! I'm just busting your balls. Jeez, we [i]really[\/i] haven't been hanging out enough.","15":"Oh hey, {PlayerName}. What brings your sorry butt to my door?","16":"Hey, I had a little free time, and just stopped by to see if you wanted to hang out.","17":"Well bless my stars, and here I was thinking busy, big time IT technician {PlayerName} didn't have time for his dearest, oldest, bestest friend, Sam.","18":"I'm sorry. I've just been super swamped with coursework and the IT stuff.","19":"I'm just busting your balls, dude. I know how it is. Come on in, it's good to see you.","20":"Come in.","21":"Sorry I didn't answer before. I had my headphones on.","22":"Oh yeah? On a raid?","23":"Nah, listening to music while I was studying. Helps me focus.","24":"Still at it, that's good.","25":"I've been up to my tits in coursework myself. I can hardly blame you for not being available to hang out.","26":"My online gaming cred has suffered immensely.","27":"Being an adult sucks.","28":"Yeah. It sure does.","29":"But, being an adult sucks more if you're stuck at a fast food place, working for a robot.","30":"Touche.","31":"I know I've said it before, but thank you again, for talking me into coming back.","32":"Okay. I have to run downstairs to get my laundry real quick, but I'll be back up in a few minutes and we can hang out for a bit.","33":"...And if you're good and patient, you might even get a little [i]treat[\/i] when I come back up.","34":"I'll be waiting.","35":"Oh, hey, can I use your computer really quick? My laptop is dead and I need to check an email.","36":"Sure. Just don't go watching a bunch of weird porn on it...","37":"...Wait for me to get back first.","38":"Sam gives me a coy little smile, and hops out of the room.","39":"Man, I'm so excited you came by to hang out. We haven't had a good gaming session in forever.","40":"I just need to hop out for a minute to get my laundry, but I'll be back in a few.","41":"Cool. Hey, can I use your computer real quick? My laptop died on me and I need to check an assignment.","42":"No problem, it's all yours.","43":"Don't go digging through my panty drawer while I'm gone!","44":"Sam flashes me a sideways smirk, and leaves to go get her laundry.","45":"With Sam gone, I hop on her computer and get to work. I only have a few minutes.","46":"I open up the SHU email local cache, pop in the flashdrive, and copy the email receipts. I'll have to go through them later and see if any match up with the ones I pulled from Rogham's machine.","47":"In the meantime, I check her email again.","48":"Just as she said, there is no sign of her ever sending the email. Nothing in her ''sent'' folder, nothing in the trash folder, not even a draft.","49":"She said she could have sworn she sent it. I know for a fact she did. I saw it on RECENTLY.","50":"That would mean that the evidence would have had to have been deleted from her email. It's possible, but even if it was deleted from her account on the server, there should be a local copy of the email still in her local storage, and it's not here.","51":"And without Sam giving remote access herself, the only way to fully delete the email would mean someone had to sneak on Sam's computer and do it manually.","52":"I need to check these receipts. Pulling the thumb drive, I stuff it in my pocket and log off, just as...","53":"So am I going to find my browser history is just full of tentacle porn?","54":"I mean, there was already so much on your hard-drive, I didn't see the need to download anymore.","55":"Weren't you here for gaming?","56":"Ah, torturing you is more fun.","57":"That's weird. I like gaming more than being tortured.","58":"Let's see if that's true.","59":"Sam and I hang out a little, like old times.","60":"I even get a bit of Sam on the side afterward, unlike old times.","61":"Some changes are very good indeed.","0":"I knock on Sam's dorm room door, waiting for her to answer. I'm pretty sure she'll be home right now.","1":"I'm hoping I can use the excuse of wanting to hang out to get on to her computer. I just need to copy the local cache of email receipt files from her hard drive.","2":"Ideally I'd like to do this without her knowledge. I don't love the idea of keeping Sam in the dark, but she's better off just focusing on her grades."},"ch7__07.20.35 finding the evidence.vne3":{"3":"So, a funny thing happened. In the middle of my meeting with Prof. Rogham, he got called away because his car was getting towed. Some mixup with his reserved parking spot?","4":"Yeah, it's almost as if someone swapped the placard in front of his parking spot with one belonging to another professor...","5":"{Leah} places her hand on a small power drill on top of her bag as she continues.","6":"...And Professor Raman's beautiful, smart, talented young executive assistant, called the Campus Security Service to tell them how upset Prof. Raman was that Prof. Rogham parked in his spot again.","7":"She tried to call Prof. Rogham's office, to give him a chance to move his car. But unfortunately, by the time he got down there, it was already being towed away.","8":"Have I ever told you that you're the best.","9":"{YouCallHer} flashes a big, shit-eating grin.","10":"Yes. But feel free to tell me again.","11":"Okay, what's next?","12":"I pull my laptop out and open it up. Popping the thumb drive in and uploading the local cache folder.","13":"Pretty simple. We just need to compare and see if there is a receipt that corresponds with the day and time that Sam said she sent her midterm, one with an attachment the same size as Sam's assignment. About 2mb.","14":"I open the folder from Sam's local cache.","15":"[i]snd.cccxe473827587.2mb[\/i].","16":"Here. I think this is it, it's the right date and time.","17":"...And if there's a [i]received[\/i] receipt on Rogham's computer...","18":"I scroll down to the same date and time on Rogham's receipt list...","19":"[i]rec.cccxe473827587.2mb[\/i].","20":"I smack the table in victory.","21":"That's it!","22":"This shows without a shadow of a doubt that Rogham received Sam's midterm assignment?","23":"Yep. The asshole got it, and deleted it.","24":"This is weird.","25":"What is?","26":"As weird as the Rogham stuff is, it's pretty much what I expected and I hoped for.","27":"Then I look at the receipts for Sam's computer and...","28":"What?","29":"It seems like it was deleted on her end too...","30":"...[i]manually[\/i].","31":"Like a virus?","32":"I mean maybe... but it looks like it was done manually.","33":"Why would she do that?","34":"I can't think of any reason at all. Sam isn't clumsy like that. I worked with her. She's responsible... relatively.","35":"That's not something they could do on the server or whatever?","36":"If they had deleted it on the email server, there would still be evidence of it on Sam's computer in her local email folder. It wasn't there. But the receipt is, which means that email was created and sent.","37":"The only other thing I can think of is that someone snuck into her room and deleted the email, which just sounds absurd to me.","38":"{Leah} stares out the window in thought.","39":"{YouCallHer}?","40":"Yes... it does sound absurd... doesn't it?","41":"{Leah} silently grimaces. I don't think she really wants to speculate... but I still wonder what she's thinking.","42":"I won't force her.","43":"This is big, but first, we should tie up things with Rogham and get him to give credit to Sam. Did you get a copy of her midterm assignment like I asked?","44":"Yes. It's on the hard drive.","45":"What's our next move? Take this to the University Ethics Committee?","46":"...Not quite. I have a plan.","47":"I need you to set up just one more meeting with Rogham.","48":"Well, he did say he wanted to talk once more with me, so...","49":"...let's do it.","50":"I set up another meeting. Tomorrow, we're going to get justice for Sam, one way or another.","0":"{Leah} wastes no time.","1":"Did you get the cache receipts?","2":"I hold the thumb drive up as I walk into the kitchen, {YouCallHer} has been waiting since she got home and I told her I was on my way back."},"ch7__07.20.40 confronting rogham.vne3":{"10":"Anyway, I spend more time sitting down than any other time in my life. You want to hang out at the mall so I can feel like a disaffected teen again?","11":"I can't. I've got to talk to Rogham again.","12":"...Are you actually giving him sexual favors?","13":"If I was I'd never admit it.","14":"Yeah, I think his wife has the same feelings.","15":"What is it with you? Why do you gotta be to the good kid all the time?","16":"I like being on top of my own life.","17":"Nah, you just get controlled by your obligations. Are you really making an impression when you iron your shirt every day, or are you just a slave to their expectations?","18":"I don't like wrinkled shirts.","19":"Surprised you don't have wrinkled skin, for how old you act.","20":"You're the coolest guy I know. Don't let mo-fos tell you how to run your life.","21":"If you excuse me, I need to cleanse myself by committing a crime. I'm going to buy alcohol for minors.","22":"You're more like {Leah} than you think.","23":"Good. {Leah}'s hot.","24":"Not hot enough to notice that {Leah} was waiting just outside the corridor.","25":"Despite the candor, things are deadly serious.","26":"The next thirty minutes could have us expelled. Sam's academic career would be as sunk as mine and {Leah}'s.","27":"I just need to wait for everyone to leave us alone with Rogham.","28":"When the Professor finally looks up, a look of confusion and curiosity passes across his face.","29":"{PlayerName}, you've clearly stayed behind for a reason. Is there something you want to say?","30":"...And your {sheIsYour}. To what do I owe the pleasure?","31":"His eyes shift between the two of us, sensing something is up.","32":"Prof. Rogham, would you mind closing the door? We were hoping to discuss something in private with you.","33":"Sure...","34":"Rogham shuts the door, a cheeky smile on his face.","35":"Why do I get the feeling I'm about to get shaken down.","36":"I turn on the class projector.","37":"The display at the front of the hall showing the two matching local cache receipts. Rogham looks at it for a moment, confused.","38":"What exactly am I looking at here?","39":"{PlayerName}.","40":"On the left is a digital receipt, from Sam Hunter's computer, of an email sent to you containing her midterm project...","41":"...on the right, is a receipt taken from your laptop, showing you received Sam's email, and assignment, the day it was due.","42":"Prof. Rogham, why did you delete Sam Hunter's midterm assignment and accuse her of not submitting it?","43":"Rogham just stares at the files up on the projector screen for a moment, and chuckles to himself, shaking his head.","44":"Any second, he's going to start vomiting up some ridiculous excuse, or tell us he doesn't know what we're talking about.","45":"But instead, I hear a quiet, disarming laugh. It's not cruel or desperate or insane. It's just...","46":"...[i]normal[\/i]...","47":"{Leah} looks just a surprised. I get sick of it, and I quickly type something out.","48":"Why are you laughing?","49":"This... this is stellar work! This is the kind of thing I'm talking about! To think they have you answering chat messages in some dungeon!","50":"I mean, I had some professional consultation on how to orchestrate this whole thing, but you... you my boy. You cut straight through it!","51":"He looks over at {Leah}.","52":"I suppose your clever young {sheIsYour} here helped you out with some of the more [i]tradecraft[\/i] elements of your little investigation.","53":"Ms. {Leah}, has anyone ever told you that outside of journalism, there are other industries that would provide some enticing challenges, and [i]very[\/i] handsome compensation, for a young woman with your doggedness and guile?","54":"Please answer the question, Prof. Rogham.","55":"Rogham looks back to me, that stupid grin still on his face. Does he realize how screwed he is?","56":"But his expression does change, to one of concern.","57":"{PlayerName}, I want you to know, with any sincerity that you'll credit me, that I truly have nothing but your best interests in mind.","58":"Believe me when I say, I have nothing [i]personal[\/i] against Ms. Hunter.","59":"But she is a parasite. She is the kind of influence, and distraction, that will keep you from realizing your full potential.","60":"The sooner she's out of your orbit, the better. She's comfort food, she's easy, she's mass appeal, lowest common denominator.","61":"How do you explain how she beat you in those Student Council debates? Deep down, I think you know I'm right.","62":"So you admit you've been looking into my past.","63":"Of course I looked into your past! Why wouldn't I do my homework on a young man who is so talented and promising?","64":"Then you'll excuse me if I choose to disagree with your little assessment.","65":"Frankly, I'm embarrassed for your little ''pipeline'' for completely missing the mark on someone like Samantha Hunter.","66":"If you were half as smart as you claimed, you'd see her potential. But I don't suppose things like selflessness, empathy, or compassion factor into your equations.","67":"Technically, I actually got the most votes in the election, so I suppose that means I'm lowest common denominator.","68":"Oh, grow up!","69":"I take a breath and let go of some of the anger. I'm not going to change his position. But I can change his actions.","70":"Here's what's going to happen. You are going to discover that you [i]accidently[\/i] misplaced Sam's midterm assignment, and give her full credit for it.","71":"You are going to apologize profusely, credit her for the extra work she had to do to catch up, and treat her fairly for the rest of the semester.","72":"Rogham rolls his eyes.","73":"Fine. Is there anything else?","74":"You'll reverse your decision?","75":"I'll give her straight-As and a few gold stars.","76":"And we want to know more about the pipeline. Who is behind it, what students are they trying to recruit, what they are capable of, and have they used their influence to harm any other students like you did to Sam.","77":"I don't know anything about that.","78":"Just like you don't know anything about Silent1?","79":"The only silent person here is {PlayerName}.","80":"I don't believe you.","81":"If not, maybe we'll just take this information down to the Campus Accountability office or the Ethics Committee.","82":"Rogham looks me straight in the eye.","83":"Go ahead.","84":"What?","85":"Go ahead. Turn me in. I'll admit to sabotaging Hunter's grade. I'll tell them she just pissed me off.","86":"That she was just skating by and I wanted to remove a student that was taking up a spot for someone who actually wanted to be here. It won't be a lie.","87":"You're willing to lose your job over that?","88":"I don't know, you'll have to find out.","89":"I honestly can't tell if he's bluffing or not. I feel a cold sweat start to form at the back of my neck. I don't know what to do.","90":"We have all the evidence we need. You can think about how forthcoming you'd like to be. If you don't want to help, then maybe you can explain it all to the Ethics Committee.","91":"In the meantime, we expect to hear from Sam very soon on how you [i]found[\/i] her assignment and how terribly sorry you were that you misplaced it.","92":"Is there anything else, {Leah}?","93":"No. We're done here.","94":"Rogham grabs my arm as I go to leave.","95":"{PlayerName}, {Leah}, I know both of you are feeling very heroic. You probably think that you are doing the right thing. But try to think of how all this fits in the [i]big[\/i] picture. You're trying to save [i]one[\/i] life.","96":"What I'm trying to do, is to put you in a position to affect [i]countless[\/i] lives. You both have incredibly bright futures, and can do great things.","97":"Think about that, before you turn on the very people who truly want what is best for you, for you to reach your true potential.","98":"The scariest thing is... I can't detect a hint of insincerity in his voice.","99":"Without responding, I pull my arm away, and walk out of the lecture hall with {Leah}.","100":"When we emerge, a fresh feeling comes over us.","101":"We both look at each other, and the same expression is etched on both our faces.","102":"We just beat the system.","103":"We beat Mr. Rogham, at least.","104":"We did.","105":"You know... the one thing Sam doesn't procrastinate on is giving good news.","106":"You're saying we should expect something soon?","107":"Right... about...","108":"Here we go.","109":"I guess Mr. Rogham didn't drag his heels, huh?","110":"No... he was punctual, funnily enough.","111":"I'm sure Sam is going to want to see us soon. Hold on a sec...","112":"I give Sam a call, and congratulate her. It's hard to keep down her excitement.","113":"I tell her to meet up with me at Sevigny's afterward.","114":"About an hour later, Sam cleans her schedule to come see us.","115":"To our dumb-ass professor finding my fucking assignment he somehow misplaced!","116":"Sam, {Leah}, and I clink our shot glasses together and throw them back..","117":"Oh man, I wish you two could have seen his stupid, rat face when I went to his office.","118":"Sam contorts her expression into her best impersonation of Rogham.","119":"''Now, Ms. Hunter, I want you to understand how sorry I am, but please consider that I have several hundred students, and sometimes things get misplaced...''","120":"I swear, it actually looked like it hurt him when he said he was sorry.","121":"I'm just glad he actually found it. You'd think someone like him would double check?","122":"So what does this do for your grades?","123":"As long as I don't blow off every assignment from here until the end of the semester, I should have no trouble passing the class.","124":"Which means now I have so much time for gaming and fucking off.","125":"I give Sam a dirty look.","126":"Kidding, just kidding.","127":"So hey, I wanted to say thank you both so much again, for staying with me and pushing me to keep going.","128":"I wouldn't have been able to do it without you guys.","129":"Frankly, I kind of wonder if you two had something to do with Rogham just happening to [i]find[\/i] my assignment all of the sudden.","130":"I try my best to look like I have no idea what she's talking about.","131":"I don't know. Maybe Rogham is just an arrogant asshole who misplaces things.","132":"Regardless, thank you both.","133":"...and [i]you[\/i], mister! Come over here!","134":"Sam grabs me by the collar, and pulls me in for a kiss.","135":"...","136":"Aw, you two are just the cutest... Okay, Sam, hands above the table please.","137":"Okay, before things get a little too mushy, I'm going to excuse myself and go take a tinkle.","138":"As Sam leaves to use the bathroom, I get lost in thought for a moment.","139":"Are you alright?","140":"Huh?","141":"It looks like you have something on your mind.","142":"It's just... It feels premature, celebrating like this.","143":"We've gotten Sam out of trouble, which is great, but there is still this big, shadowy organization operating on campus.","144":"And now, you and I may have gone and pissed them off.","145":"If they are angry with us, that's good. It means they're scared.","146":"It means we're not on the defensive, for once.","147":"She's right. This is probably our first real win.","148":"When Sam comes back, we continue drinking and chatting until the early evening.","149":"It's a good night.","150":"So uh... Sam...","151":"Oh... shit.","152":"Was that a... [i]friendly kiss?[\/i]","153":"Like how Europeans kiss each other on the cheek?","154":"She's coming up with excuses for me... could she really believe that Sam gave me a European kiss?","155":"Sam's never left the country...","156":"I'll just tell her what she's already primed to think.","157":"Yeah.","158":"I thought so. She does act randomly, doesn't she?","159":"Yeah, she kind of pulled me in. Overly excited.","160":"That's how it seemed to me.","161":"So... are you and Sam an item now?","162":"Oh, God...","163":"I can only solve so many mysteries.","164":"So it's complicated?","165":"Sure. It's complicated. I'm just trying not to take life too seriously.","166":"That's fine. Is it... more casual?","167":"I give her an unamused look.","168":"Okay! Okay! Sorry... I get it. Flay me for curiosity.","169":"You want to know a secret?","170":"Sure, unless it's something I'd rather not know.","171":"Lots of people at Annette Taylor shipped you two.","172":"Really?","173":"It's a natural kind of story. Two rivals coming together... is it hate or is it love?","174":"You can't help it.","175":"Just... hold off on shipping us, alright?","176":"Cool. Cool.","177":"Hoping this conversation was concluded, we wandered off.","178":"Wordlessly, {Leah} heads the direction of home.","179":"Without much reflection I follow her.","0":"The next day...","1":"So glad class is over. My ass feels squished.","2":"Too long sitting down! When I was the lead bassist on Slaysia, I got plenty of exercise. I shredded and moshed and drank like an angry teen.","3":"Now that you're all grown up you've settled down?","4":"I beat my sword into a plowshare, sold out to the man, started voting every election. I was once IWW and now I'm AFL-CIO.","5":"IWW? What's that? A pro-wrestling league?","6":"You are deeply unsexy sometimes.","7":"My life is disgusting. Attending class and doing homework? Next thing I'll be wearing an apron and cooking brownies like a dystopian Stepford wife.","8":"You've even started fucking a vice president.","9":"I know right? Vomit, vomit, vomit."},"ch8__08.05 the call.vne3":{"3":"Haley?","4":"Why is Haley calling me right now?","5":"Haley?","6":"Hey I... hope I'm not disturbing you.","7":"With the voice, you know... it's hard to get a gauge on your emotions...","8":"I am very sleepy.","9":"Right. I wouldn't call unless I absolutely had to.","10":"I couldn't sleep. I'm trying to get a hold of Stan.","11":"Stan... Stan... my head churns sluggishly.","12":"Stan from the bar?","13":"Why are you trying to get a hold of Stan now?","14":"I've been trying all day. Actually... since last evening.","15":"He hasn't come to the bar or anything... I haven't seen or talked to him since... the money thing...","16":"Do you think that he might be overwhelmed by the idea of talking to you? He gave you an awful lot of money. It's sort of difficult to broach that.","17":"I thought of that, and I haven't ruled it out. To be honest, I don't really care about the money. I just want to make sure Stan is okay.","18":"I wonder if Haley would feel that way if she knew Stan's role in putting her in the position she's in. Stan was making amends for his own problem. As far as I'm concerned, Haley deserves that money.","19":"Still... Stan did an undoubtedly good thing. I have to wonder how many people the Fraternity has fucked over that Stan could've helped.","20":"Can you drive me to Stan's place?","21":"[i]What? She can't take a taxi with all that money she now has?[\/i]","22":"Shit... what's with me right now? I'm having mean-spirited, bitter thoughts. It's not like she asked for this kind of trouble.","23":"Really, she's asking for support rather than a ride. I wouldn't want to do this sort of stuff on my own either. That's why I appreciate having {Leah} with me so much.","24":"...That's equally why it's so difficult to exclude her.","25":"Where can I pick you up from?","26":"Oh... uh... my new apartment. Is that okay?","27":"Sure.","28":"I'm sorry to ask you. I don't know anyone else I can ask for a ride.","29":"No problem.","30":"See you soon, then.","31":"No problem for her at least, plenty for me. Gosh, my eyes are heavy, I've got to find a way to perk myself up.","32":"I give myself a little slap, one on each cheek, then I head outside.","33":"My car... why isn't it unlocking? Did the little dongle thing run out of batteries? I've never heard of them running out of batteries.","34":"I check my pocket.... there is no dongle key fob thing.","35":"Fuck. I had better go get it.","36":"Where is it?","37":"Here. Keys gotten.","38":"Open car. Turn on engine. Start driving.","39":"What an accomplishment.","40":"Hey.","41":"Haley is already outside when I drive by her place. She must be a lot better at staying up late than I am because she seems perfectly fine.","42":"I feel like I'm going to fall forward.","43":"Thanks for driving me. It's not that far.","44":"You sure you're okay to drive?","45":"No idea. Feel like I can keel over any second. But... that's unfair to Haley. I've gotten this far, surely I can take a short drive to the boonies. It's not like there's anyone to crash into at this time of night.","46":"Besides, whatever is happening, it could be important. I should be here.","47":"Let's just do this.","48":"She looks at me like she doesn't believe me. I need to say something to assuage her.","49":"Come on. Let's go.","50":"With that, she has the confidence to get into the car.","0":"Who is that?","1":"Jesus it's... two in the morning.","2":"Who could possibly...?"},"ch8__08.10 crisis.vne3":{"10":"Is this the place?","11":"Haley looks uncertain.","12":"Yes. It is. I think.","13":"I've never been here before, honestly. I know a lot of addresses, but usually to hand to cabbies as they haul drunk asses away.","14":"It's almost three in the morning. Are you really going to go up to their door and knock?","15":"Oh... shit... I know. It's creepy. I can't exactly do nothing though, can I?","16":"You can't wait a few hours until the sun comes up?","17":"An emergency is an emergency.","18":"An emergency, you just admitted, based entirely on your feelings.","19":"Yes... but it's still a [i]real emergency[\/i]. Do you have to do this right now?","20":"I'm just trying to tell you the truth.","21":"Do whatever you want.","22":"This is a dumb idea.","23":"I... appreciate that.","24":"Haley seems like she wanted to be annoyed, but couldn't bring herself to.","25":"Haley winces. Clearly she still takes what I said as judgement.","26":"I don't disagree with you. I can't help but put myself in your shoes... but I also can't help but put myself in Stan's shoes.","27":"You see what I'm getting at?","28":"All you need to do is stay in the car while I knock on the door. That would probably be for the best. You know... a man at the door is just more likely to scare Stan's family.","29":"Good thinking.","30":"If he doesn't answer... I'll knock again. And I'll knock again some more. After that I'll...","31":"...call the police?","32":"I supply the most conventional answer, but I know the moment it leaves my fingers it really isn't an option, not at SHU.","33":"Haley gives a smile, treating that suggestion as a joke more than anything else. I guess it sort of was.","34":"I'll be back soon. Wait here for me. If you close your eyes and take a nap, that's fine.","35":"I doubt I'll be in danger.","36":"She makes small steps up the path. I watch her cautious movement, starting to doubt [i]her doubt[\/i] about being in danger.","37":"She was trying to reassure me, but if she really was worried about her safety, it was a silly thing to do. I could've watched her back, at least.","38":"No matter. I can at least watch her from the car.","39":"I wonder what she's going to tell Stan or his family?","40":"She has less of a justification for waking them up as she did me.","41":"The lights turn on quickly...","42":"Which means... either Stan or his family were already awake at this hour.","43":"[i]That gives me a really, really bad feeling.[\/i] Maybe Haley's intuitions are really just that good?","44":"If there's going to be real danger, it probably isn't going to be from Stan's family...","45":"...but from the [i]fraternity.","46":"When the door opens though, I don't sense any hostility or anger. In fact, the door opens a lot quicker than I would've expected.","47":"On the other side, a middle-aged woman, looking somewhat haggard. Stan's wife?","48":"Luckily, I have a means of protecting Haley from them. I took my laptop with me.","49":"I check Haley's profile. Nothing unusual. Figures.","50":"I didn't really expect to see anything, as I usually don't. Honestly, with the frequency I see dick pics using RECENTLY, I'm completely discouraged from casually scrolling through profiles.","51":"Still, at the risk of seeing wrinkly ballsacks and flaccid cocktail weiners, I scan through profiles at random.","52":"Yep. I get pretty much what I expected. A lot of drunk texting. A lot of people working late. A lot of general nonsense.","53":"Boredly, I go back to Haley's. Nothing un-","54":"Wait, no. Something unusual. Something [i]very unusual[\/i]. Suddenly there are hundreds of messages, [i]from Stan[\/i].","55":"There's no way Stan could be sending out so many, unless...","56":"I need to confirm something. I start checking each individual message, starting from the last few.","57":"[#039c2e]TO: HALEY HOLMES. FROM: STANLEY LARSON. MESSAGE: ''I can't give you any more money.''[\/c]","58":"[#039c2e]TO: STANLEY LARSON. FROM: HALEY HOLMES. MESSAGE: ''I know you're holding out on me, old man. If you want to continue seeing me, you'll fork it over.''[\/c]","59":"[#039c2e]TO: STANLEY LARSON. FROM: HALEY HOLMES. MESSAGE: ''I know what you have.''[\/c]","60":"[#039c2e]TO: HALEY HOLMES. FROM: STANLEY LARSON. MESSAGE: ''Please, please don't tell my wife.''[\/c]","61":"No... this isn't Haley...","62":"...this has to be the same shit that Cedric tried pulling on Emily.","63":"...this has to be the same shit that Cedric pulled on Emily.","64":"They're trying to make it look like Haley was extorting money from Stan. But... why? Without a transaction history, it's going to look completely unconvincing.","65":"[i]Without a transaction history... it's going to look completely unconvincing[\/i].","66":"[b]Oh, no...[\/b]","67":"Pick up, Haley, pick up!","68":"There's so little time... [i]fucking hurry!","69":"{PlayerName}, something wrong?","70":"Open your bank's app and freeze all your accounts right now.","71":"What?","72":"You're about to be defrauded. Just do it.","73":"Defrauded...? How do you know this?","74":"There's no time to explain. Just do it.","75":"Is this real, {PlayerName}?","76":"If I need to run inside and explain I will.","77":"Her breath shudders from the other end of the phone.","78":"Okay... freeze my accounts? I mean... is there a risk to that?","79":"I don't know. Just do it. Please.","80":"I need to hang up. Give me a sec.","81":"Shit... did I overreact? [i]To cancel everything...[\/i]","82":"I don't know enough about this stuff to really say if it would work, or whether Haley truly is in danger.","83":"Just like Haley, experience has given me a weird intuition about these things... and how Silent1 operates.","84":"The screen is interminably still, but has this sense of potential energy behind it, like a big dark cloud.","85":"That's when-","86":"Hundreds. [i]Hundreds[\/i] of notifications. So fast it's impossible to read them.","87":"I draw a deep breath as I start to read:","88":"[#039c2e]TO: HALEY HOLMES. FROM: STANLEY LARSON. TRANSACTION FAILED. REASON: DEPOSIT ACCOUNT FROZEN.[\/c]","89":"In glaring all caps, hundreds of direct deposits had just failed. I lean back in relief.","90":"That does it. [i]Someone had just tried to frame Haley for extorting Stan[\/i]. For what purpose... I have no idea.","91":"If I hadn't been out here, watching at this specific time...","92":"My phone begins to ring. Needing the fresh air I step out of the car.","93":"Thank you for doing what I asked.","94":"I'm still not sure what I'm doing.","95":"Are you alone?","96":"I'm in the bathroom.","97":"Check your phone message history.","98":"A pause.","99":"There's nothing that wei- [i]oh my God...[\/i]","100":"You see something?","101":"Like... hundreds of messages, going back for months, between me and Stan but I...","102":"...I don't remember sending any of them. [i]I sound awful in some, though...[\/i]","103":"Texts where you're trying to convince Stan to give you money?","104":"Yeah.","105":"That's not you, that's someone else.","106":"[i]Jesus.[\/i] I'm so freaked right now...","107":"Don't worry too much about it. Finish your conversation and we'll talk about it on the drive back.","108":"If you say so...","109":"I hang up... suddenly feeling ready to take that nap that Haley mentioned.","110":"What was the point of doing that? Stan said... the Fraternity was driven by [i]hatred[\/i]. Was this spite?","111":"I just can't imagine the motivations behind this. When I've done bad things, it was to promote myself. What exactly does Haley have that someone else would want?","112":"This... is fucking me up inside.","113":"I'm a cyclone of questions, and now my eyes are flared open. I got so many things I want to ask Haley now.","114":"She's been in there a while... I hope her conversation is going well...","115":"Thirty minutes later, she leaves Stan's house.","116":"I must admit... I can't really read Haley's expression.","117":"I leave the car, and wait for Haley to speak up about what happened.","118":"That... went well. Other than...","119":"It was you who called me, right?","120":"Yes.","121":"Right. I was worried that... you know...","122":"Wow. That conversation with Stan's wife was the weirdest I've ever had. It went well.","123":"I knocked on that door and she'd been up all night worrying about Stan just like I had. Which is weird considering the divorce they're going through.","124":"It was really nice talking to her. Very much one of those situations where you're not sure why people are splitting up.","125":"That's sad.","126":"It's interesting. While I was in the bathroom talking to you, she also got all those... [i]fake texts[\/i] between me and Stan.","127":"When I came out, she just said, ''Did you just learn about this now, too?'' It was like she already knew they had been faked.","128":"She told me... even though she didn't love Stan anymore, she knew what kind of guy he was, and that he never would've betrayed his family.","129":"That's crazy. She might have your intuition, too.","130":"Exactly. It was... sort of encouraging. I feel really hopeful after that. Is that weird?","131":"Some hacker tried to ruin my life, but somehow my faith in humanity gets restored.","132":"It really felt like I made a new friend in there.","133":"What about Stan? Did something happen to him?","134":"She wasn't sure if she should file a missing persons report. After I showed up, she did.","135":"Stan hasn't been seen in a few days. Left for work and never came back.","136":"Left for work... helping the Fraternity. Did they learn somehow about my conversation with him?","137":"Damn it... this might have been my fault...","138":"By the way, how did you know... about the fraud thing?","139":"Right. She had to ask. I didn't think something like this would happen... I might have had the chance to come up with a good lie.","140":"I'll trim close to the truth, then.","141":"If I explained it to you, you'd just get dragged into it.","142":"Yeah. Will it happen again? What can I do to protect myself?","143":"The best you can do is disconnect from the school virtually. Don't download any apps associated with Shale Hill. Change the router in Sevigny's. Get a new phone.","144":"Yeah.","145":"I'd ask if you want to come over, but... my guess it's a little too late for that.","146":"A little.","147":"A thoughtful silence falls. We both stand and absorb everything that transpired.","148":"It's not uncomfortable. It's a [i]rest[\/i]. It was an intense experience for both of us.","149":"Wow. Look at that. The sun is coming up.","150":"Is it?","151":"Yeah. I do whatever I can to avoid being up at this time of morning.","152":"Yeah, I wake up a little after this.","153":"Yep.","154":"Could you drop me off at my house? Again, sorry I can't really invite you up for coffee or anything.","155":"Could you drop me off at my house?","156":"Sure. I pretty much have to go to work anyway.","157":"Sorry.","158":"An apologetic, guilty smile plays on her face.","159":"Don't apologize. You were lucky I was here, and I was lucky you asked me to come.","160":"Right. So... do you have... uh...","161":"[i]...special knowledge[\/i] about what's going on?","162":"Do you want to be dragged into the same mess I'm in?","163":"Eh...","164":"This isn't really a problem you can fix by listening to it.","165":"Yeah... right.","166":"Let's take you back home.","167":"Thanks...","168":"I take Haley home, and then drive off.","0":"The drive is silent at first. Haley sighs heavily beside me... I know she wants to say something.","1":"There's literally nothing I can tell her - it's impossible. It has to be her who breaks the silence.","2":"Finally, she comes out with it.","3":"I know it seems silly. I mean... there's no reason to think that there's something wrong with Stan. What you said about him being too overwhelmed to talk to me... makes perfect sense.","4":"But... I have a [i]feeling[\/i]. That's all it is. But that feeling comes from knowing the kind of person he is. If someone comes to you every day and shares their most intimate problems, you get a feel for them.","5":"That's it. That's why I'm doing this. I just... [i]feel[\/i] like I need to check on Stan. I can't be more specific than that.","6":"I don't have the heart to tell her she doesn't know Stan like she thinks she does. And... I am a little worried she might find out the hard way.","7":"The suburbs. {Leah} always tells me how much these kinds of places creep her out... which is odd given we grew up in a neighborhood just like this one.","8":"For the amount of money Stan shoveled toward Haley, I'm quite surprised this isn't a bigger house. I guess Stan really does spend it supporting his family and then some.","9":"My hands free, I can finally grab my phone and [i]talk[\/i]."},"ch8__08.15 straight to work.vne3":{"10":"I lean forward in my chair, like I've just been drained of blood. [i]Of course... I should've expected something like this to happen eventually...","11":"..but why now?","12":"A text. Looking for any distraction, I pull it up.","13":"Hey, forgot my password. Plz reset? Thanks.","14":"The fuck?","15":"Another one--","16":"Hey, forgot my password. Plz reset? Thanks.","17":"Hey, forgot my password. Plz reset? Thanks.","18":"Hey, forgot my password. Plz reset? Thanks.","19":"My whole contact list disgorges the exact same message all at the same time. Dozens and dozens...","20":"...there is only one person who could be doing this.","21":"I quickly open my laptop and bring up RECENTLY. I open the message system.","22":"You've made your point.","23":"A few seconds later...","24":"DO YOU SEE?","25":"Why do you do this?","26":"TO PREPARE.","27":"What are you preparing?","28":"NOT WHAT WHO.","29":"Who are you preparing?","30":"I wait, and I wait.","31":"As soon as I might get a concrete answer, he completely junks out on me. This motherfucker...","32":"Who? Is it me you're preparing? That's it, isn't it?","33":"It's just strings of words at this point, but it feels right. I'm just trying to say anything that might get under Silent1's skin.","34":"Does he not know what to say? [i]Or was everything he was saying bullshit to begin with?","35":"Fuck this.","36":"Whoa man, watch where you're going!","37":"I give him the evil eye. It's the only expression I'm capable of making.","38":"Shit man, chill, chill. You nearly bowled me the flip over. What's the rush?","39":"Did someone piss in your toothpaste?","40":"Oh. Nevermind. This ain't no casual pissed-offedness, is it? I ain't standing in your way.","41":"Without further acknowledgement, I march right past him.","42":"Why the rush? -Hank","43":"Damn... I forgot about Hank. I need a quick excuse.","44":"Going to the restroom. Linus clogged the lab's toilet.","45":"Scrawny guys lose all their weight in crap. -Hank","46":"I'll pretend I'm in a hurry and just leave.","47":"I'm tired. I'm angry. And one is heavily cancelling out the other. This only means I've got to get more serious.","48":"Silent1 is flexing. He's going to find out that I've got some power in the real world too. That's my goddamn strength right there.","49":"I have allies and he has his stupid hacking software.","50":"Valerie looks at me with surprise.","51":"Look! A bat out of hell.","52":"Silent1 just fucked with me for the last time.","53":"I'd tell you to slow down, but that monotone voice... your face really communicates a lot.","54":"You're as red as blood right now.","55":"Appropriate, because that's all I can see right now. Motherfucker screwed with me, punishing me for helping someone.","56":"Can you explain?","57":"Yeah, I'll explain.","58":"The events still fresh as a wound, I go into depth about my encounter with Silent1, Haley from last night, and Stan...","59":"Valerie absorbs it all with her normal [i]furrowed brow[\/i] sort of look.","60":"When I'm done, Valerie nods solemnly... before...","61":"Heh.","62":"What's so funny?","63":"You are. You need to breathe a little.","64":"I've got a missing person and someone tried to destroy my friend's life. What exactly is funny?","65":"Relax. In stressful situations, you've got to find some humor, or you'll go insane. You laugh because you don't have the luxury of crying.","66":"Yes, it's mean, I'm sorry. Try to meditate. If you want to get back at Silent1, you're really going to want to think carefully about it.","67":"I got a feeling that a clumsy plan isn't going to do much good.","68":"I told you I was serious yesterday.","69":"Mmhmm. I remember that meeting very well. The stern and determined look? Very handsome on you.","70":"I'm going to do everything in my power to get that sucker.","71":"So what do you plan on doing?","72":"I pause for a moment.","73":"I started thinking of a plan.","74":"I see. And I suppose you need my help executing it.","75":"How much power do you have over the school?","76":"Not unlimited. You know how many times people have asked me to delay exams? Like I'm the dean or something?","77":"What I need is privacy.","78":"Valerie blinks at me, suddenly curious.","79":"Okay... I'm guessing you need more than a bathroom stall.","80":"The IT lab, actually.","81":"If you start taking shits in the IT lab I'm going to be so pissed.","82":"Can you redirect cleaning crews?","83":"I can probably do that. But why though? What's your plan exactly?","84":"I've got a sketch. I'm not sure if it'll work, but the only way I can know for certain is if I try it.","85":"That's [i]still[\/i] not telling me what your plan is.","86":"It has to do with that program I told you about.","87":"The super-duper hacking thing that reads everyone's computer?","88":"I'm going to use it to its full potential. I can't do that if I'm interrupted.","89":"Is it important that you know?","90":"I might know something you don't, so yes, probably.","91":"Just know that I need a lot of computing power.","92":"Well, we're going to have to come up with a reason why there's suddenly so much power usage being redirected to the IT lab, then.","93":"Like an... update or something?","94":"Those are usually logged. Maybe we're donating computing power. Say it's for the Great Prime Search or something.","95":"How noble to look for new prime numbers.","96":"Exactly.","97":"This is exciting. Feeling like you've got your claws around the bitch's neck, do you?","98":"That's my hope, yes.","99":"I won't say that I'm not nervous, but you have my 100% support.","100":"Feel like I need it.","101":"I'm guessing you aren't headed straight to the IT lab, then.","102":"I have one more thing I need to ask you.","103":"Which is?","104":"As far as possible, I need you to cover for my absence.","105":"Absence?","106":"For work, for school, even for my personal life. I'm going to pour everything I have into this.","107":"The Fraternity and Silent1 have to be stopped by any means. No more disappearances or ruined lives. I'm about to make Stan the last person they claw their hands around.","108":"You're sure Stan is gone?","109":"I'm sure of it.","110":"As far as covering you, there's only so much I can do. There's some extended absence documentation you can fill out, but ultimately, if you aren't around, you aren't around.","111":"I can delay things but I can't remove all consequences.","112":"If it brings down the Fraternity, it's a worthy sacrifice.","0":"I'm not going to complain. I'm not going to whine.","113":"Is it?","1":"Lots of people have to miss out on sleep. I'm not special in any way.","114":"What does she mean?","2":"I'm going to march in there and act the perfect gentleman to all my work colleagues.","115":"Your life has value to me, even if it doesn't to you. To me, you're not worth sacrificing.","3":"I pass by Linus, give him a casual greeting and sit down at my desk.","116":"I don't understand what you mean.","4":"I can crack my fingers, take a deep breath, and [i]do what I'm supposed to[\/i].","117":"If I had to end your life to destroy the Fraternity, I'm not sure I could do it. And what about you? Would you end mine to end the Fraternity?","5":"It's just a normal day. [i]A normal day[\/i]. I can do this. [i]I can do this[\/i].","118":"I feel like these questions are way too intense for so early in the morning.","6":"I start handling tickets, one by one. Just more password resets.","119":"Ah, but to you, it is actually extremely late at night.","7":"Like this one... from {PlayerName}...","120":"She makes a good point.","8":"Wait... that's [i]me![\/i] Same student ID and everything!","121":"Not sure I can answer a question like this.","9":"With a sense of trepidation in my heart I begin to read it: [i]''Hey, forgot my password. Plz reset? Thanks.''[\/i]","122":"I'm curious. I promise you, either yes or no will not reduce my opinion of you in any way. But a [i]maybe...","123":"Why do you want to know this?","124":"I just want to know how far you'd go.","125":"She wants an answer... and she won't take a [i]maybe.","126":"I'm actually not sure of the answer myself, so maybe I should just tell her what she expects to hear.","127":"Yes, I'd sacrifice you.","128":"I could never sacrifice you.","129":"The best I can give is a maybe.","130":"Well, Silent1 has already forced you to make a choice, hasn't he?","131":"Once you make one sacrifice, the others come easier.","132":"I'd take no pleasure in it.","133":"I'm not sure what to say.","134":"I don't really believe you, actually, but... that answer...","135":"Wow. Are those... welling tears in her eyes? I think they are...","136":"This hits her deep.","137":"God picks the dilemmas and we pick the choices. You can't know what you'll do until the options are laid out in front of you.","138":"Oh. Such conviction.","139":"Is it so weird to believe that I don't know?","140":"There's no perfectly balanced opinion. You lean one way or the other, and you either have the courage to say it or you don't.","141":"That... made her quite irritated.","142":"I will cover you, as promised.","143":"I need to make my own preparations. I'll see you soon, Val.","144":"Yes. I'll see you too.","145":"Feel so unnatural to be going home right now. But this shit is too important.","146":"I have a mission. I'm going to succeed, no matter what."},"ch8__08.25 new routine.vne3":{"3":"Let's just take a couple of pills and see what happens.","4":"Nothing. Not yet.","5":"How long does this take to kick in? Shit, it feels so unnatural to sleep in the middle of the day. I am exactly 0% the sort of person who would stay up all night.","6":"Wait... wasn't there something else I was going to do?","7":"Shit... call Emily, that's right.","8":"Now that there's a time limit, I can quit stalling and call her immediately.","9":"All these years, and I still have Emily's number on my favorites. I press the button.","10":"It rings and rings. It wouldn't surprise me if she didn't pick up.","11":"{PlayerName}.","12":"She sounds neither happy or sad to hear from me. I've got my foot in the door, now it's time to ask.","13":"Hey, I have a big favor to ask. I've been reluctant since I don't actually think there's much you can do, but I wanted to try.","14":"I hear a short sigh on the other end.","15":"After what we've been through, {PlayerName}, I'm willing to give anything a shot. Ask.","16":"Do you have a copy of the SHU security software? The stuff your dad made?","17":"If you'd asked me weeks ago...","18":"Can you get a hold of it?","19":"It's not exactly something I can pull out of my ass...","20":"She stops herself suddenly, there's a pause, and suddenly her tone completely shifts.","21":"I'll give it a shot for you, but I wouldn't expect anything to come out of it.","22":"That's all I ask.","23":"Yeah, well, ask me for the Nile next time, I'll probably have better luck.","24":"Alright, I'm going to try to cut out the snark. Listen: I'm going to try.","25":"You don't care for what reason I want it?","26":"Not even if it was nefarious. If you were going to decrypt the binary and steal my family's secrets...","27":"Suffice to say, I don't really give a shit about family honor anymore.","28":"No, not really. I'm sure it's a good reason.","29":"If I don't respond, I've failed. And possibly my dad has murdered me.","30":"Given the atmosphere, I'm not sure if I should take that seriously or not.","31":"Good luck stealing my family secrets.","32":"I'm not trying to steal your family's secrets, if that makes you feel better.","33":"Oh, it does not. I'll see you.","34":"She hung up. That felt kind of sudden, but I got what I wanted from her anyway.","35":"I guess I shouldn't hold my breath for a response, but I think there's another path.","36":"If Emily wasn't in prison, she might have a chance to get it to me. But right now Emily can't take a shower in private let alone snag her dad's most sensitive files.","37":"Since the University is a customer, I have access to their support chat. I can come up with some flimsy reason I need the binary for.","38":"What flimsy reason? Hmm... maybe... I'll say my version is corrupted, I can't download off the school network without it, so I need it sent as an attachment through the email client.","39":"That might actually work. I'll type a quick support ticket.","40":"Done.","41":"This feels unlikely too. The only way to know for certain is... if I check Hank's office.","42":"But if he's really Silent1, he's not going to let me in, and if he's not Silent1, he's also not going to let me in.","43":"Asking him is just going to rouse suspicion, and I can't sneak in there if he basically lives in that office.","44":"Damn, maybe that's why he's in there? He's a dragon guarding his pile of gold.","45":"The Five Day Plan must commence. And it starts with me falling asleep.","46":"Shit, those pills are actually kicking in. I feel tired in a way that seems totally, utterly ass-backwards.","47":"Good... night.","0":"I've never tried this melatonin shit before. Does it really work?","1":"Sometimes... people just take a bunch of benadryl or something to put themselves out if they can't get anything serious. Is this going to be strong enough?","2":"Maybe I should take twice the dose? I know I was awake all night, but I feel pretty good right now."},"ch8__08.30 the trick.vne3":{"10":"And how do I do that? I run several instances of RECENTLY at once.","11":"With the research I've done, I think I've made a good installation package that I can easily deploy to every computer in the IT lab. Then I'll scrape all the data I can.","12":"It's a calculated risk, but the executable is only visible under my profile. Hopefully Linus and Hank will never notice it.","13":"I'm not going to miss a damn thing in this school. I'm a one-man NSA. A panopticon.","14":"My only weakness is my single pair of eyes and hands. But let's get started.","15":"A few hours of work, and the package is on every goddamn computer in this joint.","16":"It's gone as smooth as I was hoping... but I'm still girded for disaster, braced for fate to punch me.","17":"After all... I haven't really tested this tech out. There's gonna be bugs. There always is.","18":"I'm almost nervous to start all the programs at once. Maybe I'm overestimating myself, but I feel like Victor Frankenstein about to awake his monster.","19":"All I need is a single click...","20":"Frankenstein might have needed a thunderbolt, but a little confirmation message is all I get. Still, the energy in this room is palpably different.","21":"What is this feeling? It's like a hit of caffeine straight in my veins. I'm... excited. I'm not even sure what by, but I am.","22":"Shit, this is actually affecting me. I feel short of breath... I'm actually shaking a little. I feel [i]this close[\/i] to getting Silent1, even though I know intellectually the hard part has just begun.","23":"It's grunt-work now. I have to read through all this data, and there's nobody but me who I can trust to read it.","24":"Ah... now I know why I'm excited. The hunt for Silent1 has maybe... just a little... [i]just a tiny, itty bitty bit...[\/i] driven me crazy.","25":"I've made it my obsession to find out who he is, so naturally, it's affecting me more than I thought.","26":"[i]Except... do I really want to find him?[\/i]","27":"That was a weird thought. Of course I want to find him. Why wouldn't I?","28":"[i]Maybe because...","29":"[i]...I've... already....","30":"Quiet! I can't be distracted.","31":"Now I really have the energy to be up all night.","32":"I get settled... and I start to read.","33":"Hmm...","34":"Ermm...","35":"A bunch of words. Rumors. Grades. Papers. People breaking up and people hooking up, people in despair and people full of hope.","36":"The whole student body's neuroses are laid out before me, but not a thing is jumping out.","37":"The frustrating part is... I don't think I can skip much. I sense there might be some kind of code hidden, but I can't make it out.","38":"The words are blending together... sentences running on... the schools collective unconscious is melting into my mind.","39":"I could copy RECENTLY as many times as I want, but I can't copy my mind.","40":"It's just like Valerie always said, greater power only reminds you of your remaining limitations. Right now, I wish I was smarter...","41":"I'm not smart enough, unfortunately, but I can make up for it with sheer dedication.","42":"Let's buckle down, treat this like the night before exams.","43":"How long have I been here?","44":"I've been staring at the screen... absorbing nothing. The words wash off me like rain on a roof.","45":"It's no use. I've got to relax.","46":"Let's just... take a walk.","47":"I was so high before... now I'm down again.","48":"I've always been pretty stable... at least I thought so. I'm not used to having such high highs and such low lows.","49":"But... I don't know. For a moment... when I thought I might finally expose Silent1, I started to... feel something weird...","50":"It's like... I didn't want to succeed. But that's absurd. Why wouldn't I want to catch Silent1?","51":"Just... weird late night thoughts getting to me.","52":"If {Leah} were here, I could bounce these ideas off of her.","53":"Fucked that up though, didn't I? Just had to... [i]kiss her[\/i] for some goddamn random reason.","54":"Have I really been avoiding {Leah} just to protect her from the fraternity? Or do I just want to avoid my own mistakes?","55":"What a yucky feeling I've got in my stomach... I feel like it's mixing ooze down there.","56":"And yet... even if my motivations were cowardly, it turns out to be a good thing that I've cut her out. I've already encountered Silent1.","57":"It was a good thing I chose to go on my own, though. Since I've disconnected from {Leah}, I've already ran into Silent1.","58":"Bringing {Leah} into it would only draw his attention onto her, and {Leah} does not need any more trouble.","59":"That's true of anyone that might be an ally...","60":"Sam would be supportive... she'd make me smile right now with some stupid joke.","61":"Maggie would say some silly hick thing... tell me an adventure about picking up dog shit.","62":"What a cute girl she is.","63":"Haley would give me a shoulder to cry on, no matter what my reason is.","64":"Her main skill is listening, but damn, that feels as valuable and as complicated as nuclear physics right now.","65":"Maybe it's not such an easy skill to learn?","66":"Not sure what's up with Lidia, but every time I see her, she brightens me.","67":"She knows so much about the world, always expands my horizons...","68":"It's not just for {Leah} I'm doing this on my own. It's me bearing the burden and the responsibility, this is my way of protecting the innocent.","69":"At least... that's why I think I'm doing this. It's what I want to believe about myself.","70":"That hunger for power, that thing inside me that wanted to destroy Sam in High School to win some stupid popularity contest, that shit is still inside me.","71":"When I think about getting Silent1... the same emotion that's driving me to fight him, is the same that made me hate Sam.","72":"Fear, frustration, entitlement... [i]a promise of transcendent power[\/i].","73":"Can you even imagine... how unbelievable it would be to just put whatever you wanted on whatever device you wanted?","74":"You could... blackmail anyone... frame your enemies... pull cash out of thin air... change the results of an election...","75":"It'd be a genie with infinite wishes. Silent1 is being downright conservative with it.","76":"I feel like I would've done a lot more by now...","77":"Okay. Now I need something to pull me from my dark thoughts. Work sounds perfect for that.","78":"Funny. I took a walk to be able to think, and now I need to work to stop myself from thinking.","79":"The computers are all humming nothing. It seems almost absurd nothing has gone wrong while I was absent.","80":"Except... there's some-[delay,500] HOLY FUCK.","81":"The door! [i]The door[\/i]!","82":"Hank's door is open!","83":"Should I take a peek inside? Should I...?","84":"That was quick. Is Hank really in there?","85":"Shit... if he is, he might have seen me out here...","86":"But... no text. Maybe the door is automatic?","87":"I'm not going to risk it. I should be quieter from now on.","88":"I don't think Hank would appreciate this... if they really are behind that door...","89":"I sit down, and resume my work.","0":"That was the strangest sleep I've ever had. I don't feel rejuvenated at all. I feel like I've been knocked out.","1":"No dreams. Just... my own thoughts. Anxieties I would suffer from even if I were wide awake.","2":"I look at the time... the school should be closed by now.","3":"Perfect? God, I just want to climb back into bed...","4":"...but, I've got something important to do. It's time.","5":"This place is creepy at night with the lights dimmed down.","6":"Valerie said she'd make sure nobody comes in, but who knows? The cleaning staff have their own ideas.","7":"If I'm going to get serious, there's only one place I have access to with enough computing power to do what I want.","8":"Will the university notice the slightly-higher-than-average utility bill? Probably not... that's assuming they aren't in on the whole RECENTLY thing anyway.","9":"If I'm going to find Silent1, RECENTLY is not enough. I'm going to need several times its usual power."},"ch8__08.45 time skip.vne3":{"3":"I'd like to say I'm adjusting well to this... but...","4":"...I guess vitamin D really is something I need. Truth is, I'm losing track of myself. Days and nights blend together. I'm not sure if it's the weekend or not.","5":"Only when I look at my phone, do I remember that I haven't checked my texts in days.","6":"I suppose I should be grateful I haven't been forgotten by people, but when I see the piles of messages by Sam, Maggie, Haley... I wonder what I'm doing with my life.","7":"And... it feels odd that I've gotten messages from Hank too. Does he care, or is he just upset that I've abandoned him and Linus?","8":"I'm not emotionally attached to Hank. It's no issue for me to check the messages. I do it without thinking.","9":"Where are you? -Hank","10":"This level of laziness is insane. I don't understand what's wrong with you. Why won't you answer? -Hank","11":"You haven't been to work in days. Linus looks depressed af. -Hank","12":"You are scaring me. Did you quit? Should I hire someone else? -Hank","13":"Don't care if you quit or not, at least give an indication that you're alive. People are worried. -Hank","14":"That doesn't make me feel good. I put the phone face-down so I'm not reminded I've got people who give a shit about me.","15":"I feel like I'm betraying everyone I know... even though I'm doing all of this for them. Guilt is a strange motherfucker.","16":"I build my confidence, then check the last message from Hank.","17":"Valerie told me you were going to be absent an interminable time. I'm looking for a temp in the meantime. You could've just said from your own mouth. -Hank","18":"Yuck. That shitty feeling I've got... and that's coming from a guy whose my boss.","19":"I'm going to feel even worse if I check the messages from Sam, Haley, Maggie and the others... so I won't.","20":"And yet... no messages from {Leah}...","21":"She would've been the first to text me, I would've thought.","22":"Maybe I should check?","23":"If I knock on her door, I'll risk a conversation with her about what I've been doing at night, and that might make her realize what I've been up to...","24":"But... I haven't seen her in days, and we live together.","25":"I'm... worried.","26":"If I just take a peek inside, that'll calm my nerves a bit. I'll see her asleep, or her absent, and that'll give me a feeling of normalcy.","27":"{Leah} isn't in here, which is expected. She'd be at class. But nothing else is out of the ordinary.","28":"That's a good thing, right?","29":"Should I text her?","30":"I take the phone. It shivers in my hand... I wonder what an appropriate message would be.","31":"I... draw a blank. I just don't know what to say to her. Hell, I'm not sure what to say to anyone.","32":"...I haven't had a conversation since I talked to Carmen.","33":"How quickly you lose the art of conversation! Most skills you have to neglect for months before they start going downhill. Talking, though?","34":"I just don't get it. I will need to get prepped for tonight.","35":"I've timed everything to avoid entanglements. I shouldn't encounter anyone I know.","36":"I can't pull anyone else into the abyss I'm descending. It's cruel enough just for me.","37":"How on Earth can I explain everything I've been through, or why I have to sacrifice so damn much?","38":"The price of being a hero is too fucking steep... but if being a hero was easy...","39":"Excuse me, do you know the administration building?","40":"I stare [i]mutely[\/i] at the strange man, figuratively and literally. It's not just the suddenness of it that's caught me off-guard, it's his pleasant but oddly foreign accent.","41":"I have no idea where this guy is from. Eastern Europe? The Middle East? Central Asia? He must be from an obscure country...","42":"I'm sorry. Do you not go here? I shall ask someone else.","43":"Wait.","44":"Conversation! This feels better than it ought to.","45":"I drag this weird guy back.","46":"I know the admin building. Do you want me to lead you?","47":"I would be grateful.","48":"I lead him to the admin building. As I do, I listen to his pleasant, calming voice. He sounds very educated.","49":"There is something odd about him, though. His clothes look odd, ill-fitting. I would've expected a man like this to take more care for his appearance.","50":"I appreciate the help, thank you. May I return the favor sometime soon.","51":"I doubt that.","52":"Another message? I thought everyone would've gotten the picture by now. Who would-","53":"Oh. It's Alfred, from Philosophy Club. Why would he be messaging me?","54":"Unexpected tidings! I have your number recorded on the application - I was wondering if you would be attending today's meeting.","55":"We are all going to share our thoughts about our fallen comrade Stan. It would soothe us if we had our new friend with us.","56":"It's up to you. The meeting is on right now if you'd like to attend.","57":"Today's the philosophy club? If it had burned down I wouldn't have known.","58":"I'm not sure if there's much point in going. The reason I went was to discover the connection between it and the fraternity... and I found it.","59":"There is no rational reason I would need to go again, right?","60":"But... even that group seems like it would make nice company at this point.","61":"If I'm resorting to the likes of Alfred and Bernard for conversation, shit really is bad.","62":"...Fuck it. I'm going.","0":"Several days later...","1":"I can't remember the last time I saw the morning from the back rather than the front.","2":"I'm supposed to wake up when the sun rises, not fall asleep. When I do get up, it's in the middle of the afternoon."},"ch8__08.50 philosophy club.vne3":{"10":"...but the execution doesn't match with what I was imagining.","11":"Yeah, I'm not really ashamed.","12":"Can we just forget about what happened? I promise... I won't be mean to you anymore.","13":"That's really not as valuable as you think.","14":"Free comic books?","15":"Again-","16":"On your honor, let's forget about it, okay? Your mother's grave. Cross your heart and hope to die.","17":"The best I can do is just a lack of interest in telling anyone else.","18":"That isn't what you guys do? Brag about which girl you last bagged?","19":"Less than you think.","20":"...Fine.","21":"How is your hypermasculine fiction going?","22":"My hypermasculine...?","23":"With the femboys that spin around and the big cock fights.","24":"I TOLD YOU ABOUT THAT?","25":"What was I thinking? I knew I shouldn't have drank that absinthe. It was spiked with something.","26":"Spiked with absinthe, actually.","27":"Did you know that absinthe is a mild hallucinogen?","28":"I think that's a myth.","29":"Just... take my word for it. It's a hallucinogen. In fact, you probably hallucinated that whole conversation.","30":"You drank the absinthe, not me.","31":"Oh yeah? How do you know that undiagnosed schizophrenia doesn't run in your family?","32":"Schizophrenic family members would be a strong indication.","33":"Just.. forget that conversation happened, okay? Please.","34":"That's the best I can do.","35":"...Thanks.","36":"Oh great. You. Mr. Too-Good-For-Me.","37":"What if I'm actually too good for you?","38":"You aren't.","39":"Don't I get to decide that?","40":"Objectively speaking, you aren't too good for me. If there were a way to measure it, you'd see.","41":"But there isn't, so what we have is my subjective opinion.","42":"My opinion counts too.","43":"50-50. Evenly split. Tiebreaker goes to the person making the fewest assumptions.","44":"Right. My claim is you're not too good for me. That's not a positive assumption. So tiebreaker goes to me.","45":"But that's still an assumption. You're saying your value is equal to or higher than mine...","46":"Equal to. See?","47":"Huh?","48":"I'm correct if you are either less than or equal to. You're only correct if greater than. Fewer assumptions.","49":"Ugh... is that really an assumption? It's... uh... [i]my head hurts[\/i].","50":"This is a dumb conversation.","51":"I can't believe I came specifically to talk to you. What insanity is that.","52":"You came specifically for me?","53":"Pff... you think that I'd be here for any of these losers? No way. They all look like they soil their body pillows, crying and masturbating at the same time.","54":"Personal experience?","55":"Ugh, no, not personal experience. I live a rich and fulfilling life, believe it or not.","56":"I don't.","57":"I am a bachelorette. I choose the single life. I devote myself to my cause. I don't need anyone else. I'm a self-contained kind of person.","58":"So why did you want to talk to me?","59":"I wanted to debrief.","60":"Debrief?","61":"Yeah, well, I just wanted to say that... I'm probably not going to the philosophy club anymore.","62":"I wanted to make it to the real one, like you do, but... I don't know. Maybe philosophy isn't for me.","63":"You know, most philosophers are kinda stupid anyway. They make themselves sound more complex than they are. It's like a firewall to disguise how simple their ideas actually are.","64":"A smart person is able to condense complicated ideas into simple ones. I think Einstein said that.","65":"I'd say some ideas are genuinely complex and hard to understand, like Einstein's, but I sort of get what you're saying.","66":"I take physics, and it's not exactly intuitive.","67":"You're a Physics major?","68":"Yes. Why do you sound so contemptuous of that?","69":"No wonder you're so arrogant. All you Physics majors are the same. You all act like you understand everything and you don't.","70":"I don't know who you're talking about. Physics is just being bewildered by the Universe while sharing a long existential crisis with everyone else.","71":"That's beside the point. So... I take it you aren't attending today's meeting?","72":"I wasn't going to, no. But... then that guy disappeared... and I...","73":"Stan?","74":"Yeah. It's...","75":"...I don't know. Alfred... Bernard... Eddie... they all seem like simple kinds of guys. They don't exactly look like they've got a ton going on, if you get what I'm saying.","76":"So you have a heart. You don't want to abandon people when they're going through a tough time.","77":"I'm disgusted with myself.","78":"Disgusted? For being a normal human being?","79":"I feel grossed out.","80":"That's called ''empathy''. You feel bad because other people feel bad.","81":"I don't want to have empathy for them, okay? It's just all these social norms infecting me and telling me how I should feel. They're no more deserving than anyone else. There's children in Africa or something.","82":"Nobody feels pity for me, and nobody should feel pity for anyone else, either.","83":"That's fucked up.","84":"No. People in this club disappearing: that's fucked up. The story about that girl gives me the creeps.","85":"You're talking about Sandra?","86":"That's her name. I was trying to remember it.[delay,250][char,Kristen_Casual_Smirk_2] Do you think that maybe someone in the club is a psycho-sadist and has her tied up?","87":"Which one? Alfred the Bald? Bernard of House of Asperg? Incel Eddie?","88":"I'd say Eddie, but I feel like even I'd be able to physically overpower him. No... none of them are capable of hurting people. They seem harmless, even the proto-fascist.","89":"Yes, and then Stan and Cedric disappeared too. Doubt any of these guys would be responsible for all three.","90":"There was a rumor going around that people were disappearing and offing themselves at high rates. I thought it was just talk until now.","91":"This school is dark, man.","92":"I told {Leah} that may be why they call it Shale Hill.","93":"Hmm?","94":"Shale, you know, known for forming near oil deposits.","95":"I didn't know that.","96":"You poke the ground a bit, crude start bubbling up, poisoning everything.","97":"So, what's your theory then? You think a serial killer is picking off students, one by one?","98":"Yes, it's probably a serial killer.","99":"My money is on an evil fraternity.","100":"Not sure.","101":"Am I just sowing unnecessary fears? [i]On the other hand, what really happens to those that disappear?","102":"Kristen is not regarding my lie with any kind of panic.","103":"Eddie is the only one in the club who is the least bit dangerous.","104":"[i]Least bit[\/i].","105":"Sometimes it's those guys who lash out. But even with those types, they're not smart enough to pick people off. He doesn't feel like a serial killer.","106":"He's more like a mass shooter, to be honest.","107":"Creepy. I can't even see that, though. I think he cares about the club too much to do that.","108":"Yeah. I see that. I think we can agree, though, that Alfred can't be a killer.","109":"I agree.","110":"Now Bernard... he seems harmless, but that would be pretty good camouflage, wouldn't it?","111":"I don't think he's a killer either.","112":"Kristen looks at me like she doesn't quite believe me.","113":"On what? An evil fraternity? Interesting.","114":"Do you think this evil fraternity is connected to the *real* philosophy club? Cedric's one? I think we're onto something.","115":"Kristen is actually smarter than she seems. Her thoughts are an echo of my own.","116":"I can't really reveal how much I know, so I shrug noncommittally.","117":"Kristen doesn't like my non-answer.","118":"Anyway, we should probably go in.","119":"Yeah, we probably have chatted enough right outside the club.","120":"You came. Wow, everyone's here. This I did not expect.","121":"Whether you came just to express solidarity for what happened to Stan, or because you're interested in continuing with the club, I'm eternally grateful.","122":"It's too much, first Sandra, now...","123":"It's... because...","124":"Well.... uh...","125":"...I'm really sorry about your friend.","126":"What a tragic fate has befallen this besieged club of ours! Are we cursed by fate or blessed by friendship?","127":"I'll... um...","128":"...h-h-hug... someone... if it makes you feel better.","129":"A hug? Is it true the proposition that you want to hug me?","130":"Sort of... I'm retroactively downgrading it to a pat on the shoulder. So, I'll get you a pat on the shoulder. But it had better significantly increase your mood, or it's probably not worth it.","131":"I would...","132":"...[i]love[\/i] for a pat on the shoulder from you...","133":"O...kay...","134":"However, I don't want it if your heart isn't in it.","135":"My heart... not in it?","136":"If you're patting me on the shoulder in the spirit of camaraderie and friendship, I'll gladly accept it, however...","137":"...if you're just going to flinch and make a disgusted look as you touch me, I don't want it.","138":"I only want a girl to touch me if they want to, not because they're acting on pity.","139":"Oh.","140":"I'm no good with ladies. However, I do have dignity and I'll not accept anything short of full commitment.","141":"If that's what you ask for, no girl is ever going to touch you.","142":"Barbed words given honestly.","143":"Eh...","144":"...fuck it. Full commitment. Here we go.","145":"Kristen takes in a deep breath, like she's about to dive underwater.","146":"Is someone... about to touch me?","147":"Yeah. Hold still, my palm is about to contact your back...","148":"Here it comes... don't be too excited...","149":"[size,0.5][speed,0.6]Human... contact!","150":"Huh? Who is that?","151":"Oh... uh... that's unexpected. Everyone is here, so who else...","152":"...is it... Stan?","153":"Fuck. It's [i]her.[\/i]","154":"[i]It is her.[\/i] The last person I would've expected to see in a place like this...","155":"Um... is this the philosophy club?","156":"Do mine eyes see a new curious wanderer? Yes, madam. We are graced with your presence.","157":"Are you serious?","158":"Cool. This is what I expected. Interesting, interesting.","159":"Oh my God... it's Deaf Guy. What are you doing here?","160":"Excuse me, it's not [i]deaf[\/i], it's [i]nonverbal[\/i].","161":"Yeah I know he's got the special kind of deafness where he can hear.","162":"Yes, I am the special kind of guy who can hear. What brings you to the Philosophy Club? I don't think of you as someone who...","163":"[i]...thinks.[\/i]","164":"You're that cheerleader bitch.","165":"No, I'm [i]Alexis[\/i]. How is everyone doing?","166":"Yes... but [i]who the fuck are you?[\/i]","167":"The Alexis I know wouldn't touch a place like this with a ten-foot pole taped to another ten-foot pole.","168":"I mean... has she decided to change for the better? That's hard for me to believe...","169":"Why is a girl like you at the philosophy club?","170":"Excuse me, a cheerleader can't be into philosophy? That's prejudice, you know.","171":"Philosophy is for [i]interesting girls[\/i] with [i]rich worldviews[\/i], not for Stepford wives from the Republic of Gilead.","172":"I'm overwhelmed that you would visit our club, milady, but you come at an inauspicious time. Our friend Stan has vanished without a trace.","173":"We were about to share our thoughts and feelings related to Stan. I'm afraid there isn't going to be much philosophy.","174":"I'm super cool with no philosophy.","175":"Oh. Of course, you're welcome to stay, but if you wanted to-","176":"I said I was fine. I'm [i]going[\/i] to stick around.","177":"Good, good.","178":"Because... you know...","179":"[i]...maybe darkness comes from the sternest of places...[\/i]","180":"Uh... that is a strange thing to say. I'm really not sure what you're communicating...","181":"Alfred's got a point there... that is a weird thing to say...","182":"What I'm saying is... [delay,250][char,Alexis_School_Neutral_3][i]darkness comes from the sternest of places...[\/i]","183":"...Is that a quote I don't recognize?","184":"Well, if you don't recognize it, it wasn't meant for you.","185":"That's a very interesting choice of words right there... [i]it wasn't meant for you[\/i].","186":"I wonder who it was meant for?","187":"Me.[ep8_conv_flag_1 == 0]","188":"Stan.","189":"Kristen.[ep8_conv_flag_2 == 0]","190":"Was Alexis trying to tell me something? It sounded like a secret code.","191":"But if it meant nothing to me, clearly I wasn't the intended recipient.","192":"There has to be a better answer.","193":"Stan was the fraternity's contact... [i]darkness comes from the sternest of places[\/i] sounds exactly like that kind of bullshit Silent1 would say.","194":"Alexis is trying to communicate with the fraternity, but for what reasons?","195":"Kristen? Doubtful. Unless she's selling a lot more than comic books.","196":"It sounded like a secret code...","197":"Who was it meant for?","198":"Since everyone's here, let's sit down.","199":"I'm sure everyone has heard the news. Stan is gone.","200":"No...","201":"Another one...","202":"I wish it were the case that he simply did not show up, but unfortunately, a police report was filed recently.","203":"There are no leads. I think his case will go the way of Sandra's.","204":"Damn it, Stan...","205":"Do you think I could say a few words? I just want to say that-","206":"Bernard, let's let other people have a turn to speak, okay? Just... please summarize what you were going to say.","207":"Ah, okay. In that case...","208":"I miss Stan. And Sandra.","209":"Why does it have to be this way, huh? People are picking off our members one by one.","210":"There's nothing special about us. We haven't done anything to deserve it.","211":"Stan did not talk a lot during our meetings-","212":"-kinda never said anything, actually-","213":"-but he was a good listener. If you had something to say, he would keep quiet, and hear you out.","214":"I had so much to learn from him...","215":"I'm afraid I'm not much in the mood for philosophy.","216":"Well, this sucks. I'm not much into philosophical conversations anyway, but [i]depressed philosophers...","217":"I shouldn't be so harsh. Stan, good guy or bad guy, was their friend. They know nothing about why he truly came.","218":"It's impossible not to feel bad.","219":"So... why don't we talk about something else then? Like comic books? Or... movies?","220":"Come on... Stan probably just... probably just... reinvented himself. He disappeared and is now living it up on Bermuda.","221":"There's no need to... feel quite so bad...","222":"Wow... uh... how about that Fisney remake, huh? Do you think they're ever going to redo [i]The Black Cauldron?[\/i] World's most obscure Fisney flick, am I right? Whose with me?","223":"Kristen, trying to be the hero, [i]trying to make people feel better?","224":"Where was this alter ego?","225":"Yeah... and... [i]maybe darkness comes from the sternest of places...[\/i]","226":"She is [i]so fucking obvious...","227":"Can't you see these guys are fucking sad? I don't mean that as an insult this time. They're really goddamn sad.","228":"Their friend is gone, show some kinda... I don't know...","229":"All I'm saying is... [i]darkness comes from the-","230":"Pffrrrrgghh...","231":"Damn that is an awful face...","232":"Hard enough to be nice... now I gotta put up with Queen Vanilla? [size,0.6]Allah, Jesus, Vishnu, Buddha..","233":"Something wrong? You constipated?","234":"How couldn't I be? I'm up to my neck in your people's shit. Bitches, bastards, bimbos...","235":"Calm. This is Philosophy Club. Spin a prayer wheel and think about [i]the sternest darkness[\/i].","236":"Why? Why do you keep saying that? [i]Stern darkness[\/i] are two words that are never put together. Is that like a code word for something?","237":"Maybe I'm trying to make you feel better? Maybe I think it's a beautiful quote?","238":"Babe, if you thought it was beautiful [i]sternest darkness[\/i] would be your tramp stamp.","239":"No, instead, you're the kind of bitch that's got an [i]''Eat, Pray, Love''[\/i] quote inked to you. I'll bet you money.","240":"Are you...?","241":"First of all: I don't have [i]any[\/i] tattoos because I don't need help looking hot as fuck. Secondly, [i]Eat Pray Love[\/i] is a classic, it's a true story about a woman who finds herself, and fuck you for using it ironically.","242":"I don't know why you're here, but I know it's not to talk philosophy. You bleep like a fire alarm on my [i]Total Fake[\/i] radar.","243":"Well, I'm sexier than you are, so there.","244":"What a bitch-","245":"Please, let's have some respect. We're here for Stan. This is Philosophy Club, we will not resort to ad hominems.","246":"Uh... technically, an insult is [i]not[\/i] an ad hominem if you're just using it for-","247":"I know, Bernard.","248":"Kristen, you are a beautiful soul, and you have nothing to prove. Alexis, we do not engage in judgemental comparisons here. Such feelings are subjective and destructive.","249":"Opinions like that are better kept to oneself, though I do have a strong opinion.","250":"Ah... jeez...","251":"Safe bet on who Alfred prefers. But that's not what I'm thinking about right now. I don't like Alexis... but...","252":"She could be useful... very useful. There was a point in coming after all.","253":"I just need to get Alexis alone afterward. It's a good thing this meeting looks like it's going to be cut short.","254":"Now, I'm available to talk to anyone who feels they need it. Remember, taking care of your mental health is the most important thing of all.","255":"Please, everyone, take care of yourselves.","256":"Alexis is standing, waiting. The codes she sent were meant for Stan. Now, I can intercede.","257":"I approach...","258":"Maybe I should keep coming.","259":"I feel like these guys really could use a female hand. Maybe I can... mold them. Change them.","260":"What do you think?","261":"Shit. She's getting away.","262":"I don't have the time.","263":"What do you mean, I-","264":"Oh.... I see. It's Alexis, isn't it? First blonde bimbo that stutters and bleats and you're all over her.","265":"I can't deal with this. I have my own reasons for talking to her, and I don't need to explain them to you.","266":"Huh? I-","267":"FINE! Go [i]Eat, Pray, Fuck[\/i] yourself.","268":"Fuck. I didn't want that to happen. The situation is impossible to explain.","269":"I gotta hope there's some opportunity that comes up later...","270":"Anything for the plan, though alienating Kristen was probably not such a profound sacrifice.","271":"I've got to make it to Alexis before she gets away...","272":"Stop!","273":"Excuse me?","274":"Oh... what do I say?","275":"I know what I have to do... but the question is... what does she expect?","276":"If I fumble, she's going to see through me.","277":"You have given the phrase of darkness. You have entered the first circle.","278":"May your darkness evermore be stern.","279":"Hey, so you wanted to join the evil fraternity, I take it?","280":"First circle... cool. Was this like... a cult... or a fraternity? I wasn't clear on that.","281":"It's a fraternity.","282":"Neat. The darkness aesthetic isn't usually my jam, but...","283":"Are those... like... code words?","284":"Yes. With these words you are now an initiate into the fraternity.","285":"So I've been accepted! That's hot.","286":"''Evil'' fraternity?","287":"Yeah. I assume that you were saying those code words because you wanted to join.","288":"I thought it was a ''secret fraternity'', not an ''evil'' one. I don't really self-identify that way.","289":"Oh, Shit. Maybe I was a bit casual? How do I pull myself out of this?","290":"What do I say-","291":"...But I could start, I guess.","292":"Good, yes.","293":"I never really thought of things as being ''good'' or ''evil'', just that it was ''good'' for me or ''bad'' for me, you know what I'm saying?","294":"But yeah, like, evil sounds kinda sexy. I could get used to that. An evil fraternity? That's hot.","295":"It's pretty surprising to see you here. Like... you kinda seem too stuck-up to be in a sexy forbidden frat.","296":"We don't really advertise ourselves like that.","297":"Just to confirm, who was the one who originally told you to come and speak the Dark Words?","298":"It was a guy called Cedric? I don't think he goes here anymore.","299":"Cedric's horniness does me an incredible favor. I have electric impulses running up and down my spine... I feel like he just handed me a ticket from the grave.","300":"...or wherever else Cedric happens to be.","301":"I will be in contact. Then your initiation can begin.","302":"Cool.","303":"I can't believe my luck! Now I know their stupid passphrase, I can milk Alexis for information... I can do so much!","304":"I wasn't sure if I could do this on my own... but now...","305":"...I know setting {Leah} aside was the right path to take.","306":"Why does she appear... just as I'm thinking of her?","307":"Do I summon her with my thoughts? I'm coming off an adrenaline high - and seeing {Leah} is making me plummet.","308":"I've been able to trick {Leah} before... I can do it again.","309":"It's been a while.","310":"Yes. I've been busy.","311":"She smiles. I don't sense any accusation in her at all.","312":"But there's something in that smile that isn't just contentment. What, though? It's a mask that she's wearing...","313":"Oh boy... feeling sorta...","314":"Tired?","315":"Yes.","316":"I've been busy. I finally got in contact with the group that stole from Sandra's paper.","317":"You did?","318":"Obviously, they claim that they came up with it on their own, but I've been comparing the papers, and to my uneducated eye...","319":"...I think they copied off Sandra.","320":"How they got the paper, that's my next project.","321":"You've been productive.","322":"And you? You certainly haven't been taking breaks.","323":"Just hitting roadblocks, I guess.","324":"Fuck no! Why did I say that? She'll never believe I've made no progress.","325":"I needed to come up with a plausible cover story. Fuck...","326":"I see, that's too bad. The fraternity is good at cleaning up after itself, I guess. As you'd expect.","327":"They're bound to make a mistake eventually.","328":"That's right.","329":"Don't forget to rest a little, {PlayerName}.","330":"Thanks.","331":"Did she see through me? It's so hard to know...","332":"I need a coffee.","0":"The last time I saw Kristen, she was...","1":"...I see she remembers too. I don't really think she'd appreciate a reminder...","2":"You...","3":"...it was your fault.","4":"Look me right in the eye and tell me it's my fault.","5":"You.... you...","6":"...you...","7":"...are going to kill me from embarrassment.","8":"Is this what you came to tell me? Why did you even show up?","9":"I... had this whole plan where I was going to shame you..."},"ch8__08.55 the door.vne3":{"10":"Feels like I so seldom see you lately.","11":"I sigh and gather the energy for small talk. But Lidia immediately notices:","12":"Something wrong, {PlayerName}?","13":"Uh... not sure. Been busy.","14":"You know, Sam came in and asked after you. She thinks you're ghosting her.","15":"I don't have the energy to lie.","16":"I actually am.","17":"{PlayerName}! That's not a healthy way to deal with your problems.","18":"Are... are you ghosting me too? Is that why you've barely interacted with me after we...","19":"I'm not being an asshole - I'm doing it for a good reason. I'm trying to protect people.","20":"[i]Protect people?[\/i]","21":"I gotta ask a favor from you Lidia. I have to ask you to just serve me coffee and not ask me any questions.","22":"Hrmm...","23":"That is the last thing Lidia wants to do...","24":"...but she does it.","25":"Exhausted spiritually and mentally, I sit and sip my coffee.","26":"It's about time.","27":"Ugh... Lidia must've tipped Sam off...","28":"You... fucking... hypocrite!","29":"I'm [i]so angry with you right now![\/i]","30":"Sam, can this wait?","31":"Wait? You won't even take my calls!","32":"I think it's pretty hypocritical that you would criticize me for ghosting you.","33":"I wasn't really ghosting you! I was just [i]lying to you![\/i]","34":"That's so much better?","35":"It's not good... but it is better.","36":"I really thought we had something, {PlayerName}. Something between us was changing. I thought we were living in a friends-to-lovers fanfic.","37":"I... uh... [i]ship us[\/i], if you know what I mean.","38":"This has nothing to do with our relationship. It changes nothing.","39":"Like that makes any sense at all.","40":"I wish you wouldn't discard me like we haven't been friends for years. I feel like a rag. A yucky old rag.","41":"We're beyond this stupid shit, right? If we had issues with each other, we could just say them. It makes no goddamn sense.","42":"Believe it or not, I'm doing this because I do care about our friendship.","43":"Friendship isn't... like... 4D chess. You don't ghost people because you love them so much.","44":"I regret this so much. I'm too angry to talk to you.","45":"If you want to just play with your own butthole in the corner, I ain't going to stop you.","46":"It takes a few words to shoot down every good feeling sometimes, and those are the ones.","47":"I really don't want to waste any more time here. Who knows who'll chew me out next?","48":"Who is this?","49":"Who are you?","50":"Who said that?","51":"I did.","52":"She looks every direction except at me.","53":"Look here.","54":"OH! You!","55":"Ah, I remember hearing now about someone in the IT lab who talks through a machine.","56":"The IT lab is closed.","57":"Oh. This is the only time I have available. Could you help me right now?","58":"No, I'm busy. Come during the day.","59":"I can't!","60":"You can find the time.","61":"...I will find the time, I guess.","62":"Didn't feel good about turning that girl away...","63":"If it had been up to me, I would've given her the time.","64":"My task is more important than dealing with an individual customer.","65":"I sigh tiredly and start setting things up.","66":"I've been doing this every night, scraping every communication I can for any hint that I can get, but nothing so far.","67":"It feels like I'm destroying my life for no good reason. If I go through all this effort, and I [i]don't[\/i] uncover Silent1's identity...","68":"...I don't even want to think about that right now.","69":"The computers are humming, but unlike me, they don't get exhausted.","70":"I yawn and wonder why the writing is getting so damn blurry.","71":"Bored, I start to scan the room around me.","72":"That door is open again...","73":"[i]That's Hank's door[\/i].","74":"Is Hank [i]in that office right now?[\/i]","75":"I guess I should approach... and see...","76":"I hear a noise, a jerk, and the door shuts.","77":"The sound was real, but in the state I'm in, I still wonder if I wasn't tricked... whether there really was a door open at all.","78":"I mean... I've never seen Hank... but I always had this subconscious assumption that he couldn't really be in there.","79":"It's not really possible for someone to live 24\/7 in that tiny office, is it?","80":"But if he is in there, why doesn't he challenge me? He could send a text, asking what I'm doing in the office after hours (and why I haven't been showing up during the day).","81":"If... nothing else happens, I'll just carry on.","82":"It was probably my imagination. I could've slipped asleep at some point, dreamt the door was open. That's the most likely thing.","83":"I'm not going to risk the trouble to find out.","0":"That was it? That was the big confrontation with {Leah} I've been fearing?","1":"Dealing with her has been a lot easier than I had imagined. I kinda even feared [i]thinking[\/i] the wrong way around her, because she is just a satellite dish for clues and vibes.","2":"But not this time. She's been... easy to deal with. With us seeing each other so rarely right now, I would've thought she'd make a move.","3":"Is {Leah} simply letting me off easy?","4":"I've got time to kill before the lab closes.","5":"I know things have been awkward since the... [i]kiss incident[\/i], but even so... some of that should've gone by now.","6":"It's almost like she's...","7":"I know things have been stressful, and she's working on a case, but it feels weird that she's sort of...","8":"...[i]forgotten about me[\/i].","9":"Good afternoon, {PlayerName}. You're such a treat to see."},"ch8__08.58 emily talk.vne3":{"10":"You have it?","11":"Delivered straight to your door. I'm outside.","12":"Already?","13":"It's lucky I'm home...","14":"I'll be right down.","15":"That was a lot quicker than I thought...","16":"Emily smiles lightly when she sees me.","17":"So good to see you.","18":"Wow, she's a lot warmer than to me than she used to be. But I'm too impatient for small talk.","19":"Do you have it?","20":"Here.","21":"She gives me a small USB drive. I look at her quizzically.","22":"I thought you said it'd be easier getting the Nile.","23":"The Nile, hand delivered.","24":"How did you get this?","25":"I remembered something. It was just a small thing I thought I had forgotten.","26":"So this is your apartment, huh?","27":"Forgive me if I don't invite you inside.","28":"I couldn't anyway. I've got to get home. I'm still in an awful lot of trouble.","29":"You want to come inside?","30":"No, I really don't have time.","31":"The probation.","32":"Yes, exactly.","33":"You busy or something?","34":"I'm in trouble with pretty much everyone right now. I'm trying not to be.","35":"I do appreciate the invitation.","36":"Thanks for the USB drive.","37":"Don't mention it.","38":"It's always good to see you.","39":"That was pretty kind of her to drop off the data. Was it really necessary for her to do that?","40":"In any case, I can go straight to work with this.","41":"The prison? Who could that be?","42":"Oh, right. It's probably Emily.","43":"Thinking about her in prison... just makes me feel...","44":"...well, I'm not sure. [i]Bad[\/i]. Bad is how I feel.","45":"What other choice did I have, though? Sacrifice {Leah}? It's as inconceivable as sacrificing Emily.","46":"What's done is done. I should focus and take this call.","47":"Shit. A shot of something awful just ran through me.","48":"I should probably take this call, though.","49":"I thought I'd gotten rid of her. If she's calling me, it must be important, though.","50":"Hey {PlayerName}.","51":"Would I be stupid if I asked how it's going?","52":"It's... it's okay.","53":"She sounds so sad... there was something I could've done to prevent this...","54":"...that just makes it feel worse.","55":"What do you need?","56":"I... uh... wanted to share something, but in private. Could you come down to visitation?","57":"When?","58":"Right now. It's not for chit-chat, I swear. I think it could help you.","59":"They allow visitation at night?","60":"In some circumstances, yes.","61":"I will see you soon, then.","62":"If it had been just for chit-chat, it would have been fine.","63":"Maybe there's still a way out for her...","64":"I hope she has something useful for me.","65":"That uniform does not look good on her.","66":"Emily was so glamorous, imperial, proud... to see her like this...","67":"...it makes even me feel bad.","68":"Hey {PlayerName}. How is the outside world?","69":"I'm a bad person to ask. I'm living like a monk.","70":"It fits. You're as silent as one.","71":"I heard about Cedric. Good riddance. I hope he's in a ditch somewhere.","72":"You know... I think the same forces that got you also got him.","73":"[i]Forces?[\/i]","74":"You think Cedric worked alone?","75":"You're not asking me. You're telling me. Cedric [i]wasn't alone[\/i].","76":"It figures.","77":"Woman's prison isn't like men's prison. You don't have people murdering each other. You've got a lot of time and room to think.","78":"There's a couple of things I have to say.","79":"Okay. Go ahead.","80":"First of all... I have a password for you.","81":"A password?","82":"Yeah. It's the master password my dad uses. You should gain access to the security software from a cloud server.","83":"I stare at her, not sure what question I should ask first.","84":"I know you sent a ticket to retrieve of a copy of the raw SHU files. Don't ask me how I found out.","85":"I am curious about that.","86":"You're not the only person who visits me. My dad sends me a lawyer. It slipped out of his mouth.","87":"I don't know how it would be useful for you, but it's yours.","88":"Can I really pull out raw files from your dad's cloud storage? He runs a cybersecurity firm.","89":"But he isn't a cybersecurity expert himself. He just has the money to hire them.","90":"He uses the same password for everything.","91":"I see.","92":"So, the password is my birthday. Do you still remember the date?","93":"Really? Yes, I do remember the date.","94":"Good.","95":"Linus would have a stroke if he learned this.","96":"What's the second thing you wanted to say?","97":"Oh... uh...","98":"Emily caught off guard? Stuttering? Uncomfortable? This is weird.","99":"...I... I...","100":"...I'm in love with you.","101":"Huh?","102":"I wouldn't... forgive myself... if I never said it...","103":"Shit. Why am I now sweating?","104":"She's... just now admitting her feelings like that? After all this time?","105":"It just makes me... [i]angry...[\/i]","106":"Why did you break up with me?","107":"I wasn't in full control of my life, {PlayerName}. There's so many expectation placed upon me, including the partner that I choose...","108":"...it wasn't practical at the time. I thought my feelings were silly. Stupid. Juvenile.","109":"Now that I'm here... it know it was the only thing that mattered, I think.","110":"You are... the only real friend I have. The only friend I've ever really had.","111":"Jesus. She was so cold she was a glacier, and now she melts in front of me.","112":"I'm such... [i]such a fuck up[\/i].","0":"Emily? I hope this is about the data I wanted...","113":"You remember me telling you that I didn't care for you anymore?","1":"Do you have it?","114":"Yes. I really fucked things up. I don't blame you at all for what you said.","2":"Step outside for a moment.","115":"In your shoes, I would have said the same thing.","3":"Why?","116":"I can't say I forgive you, Emily, and what would it matter if I did? You're in prison.","4":"Please do it. I don't have much time.","117":"I know... I know...","5":"Fine.","118":"Why now? I told you how I felt. Why do you wait now to say you feel the same?","6":"She better not be playing games...","119":"Uh... I couldn't. I was embarrassed.","7":"She really is outside. Emily's leg bounces impatiently.","120":"Embarrassed?","8":"Technically, I'm commuting from school to home, so I don't have much time...","121":"Yes.","9":"I can't violate my probation.","122":"You're behind bars, now. What am I supposed to do?","123":"I don't know...","124":"What am I supposed to do about this? No matter my answer...","125":"There's nothing you can do. I understand.","126":"I'm confused why you're saying this now and not years ago.","127":"There's a lot of reasons. But... none of them good ones.","128":"I've pushed everyone I've ever loved away from me. All my genuine friends and all the people I care about.","129":"I viewed them as distractions, as stupid things that didn't really matter... but they're [i]all that matter.","130":"I'm not delusional. I know that I'm here because of what I've done. And I know there's nothing we can do to make you and me work.","131":"But... yes... I... do love you. I always have. There wasn't a moment between meeting you in Annette Taylor High and now when I haven't.","132":"What should I say?","133":"There's nothing to say. Live your life. I only told you so that I could heal and change.","134":"I have no expectations out of you. I'm... going back to my cell now.","135":"No goodbye. No nothing. She dropped that nuke on me and left.","136":"There is a pretty good chance that's the last I'll ever see of her.","137":"I can't do anything to help her now.","138":"Like a zombie, I go back home and sit on my chair.","139":"Using the password Emily gives me, I easily break into the cloud storage and retrieve the binaries, but it brings me no satisfaction.","140":"Emily really put a heavy weight on my shoulders. Those were a lot of feelings I had to take.","141":"Why didn't she ever tell me? Was she so closed off to her own feelings?","142":"It doesn't matter anymore, I guess.","143":"This looks like the raw files of the security program, but it seems like someone competent encrypted them.","144":"There's no time limit, however. I can try to break the encryption at my leisure.","145":"I start a program that'll slowly break the encryption. It'll take a while, but once it works, maybe I can get some answers."},"ch8__08.60 alexis gambit.vne3":{"10":"I have important things I need to accomplish.","11":"If I go inside, I'll just crash, but there's way too much to do.","12":"I know the next step I need to make, but I just feel weirdly nervous doing it.","13":"There's absolutely no distractions now. I'm out of excuses.","14":"...Alright, so...","15":"...I guess it's finally time to call Alexis.","16":"I've been delaying this because I wasn't quite sure how to tackle this situation. Even as I'm scrolling for the number, I'm still not sure.","17":"It's a bit sad when [i]improvise[\/i] is the best thing you can come up with after a few days.","18":"Luckily, it doesn't seem like Alexis cares about her classes that much, so I'll give her a call.","19":"Hey deaf guy.","20":"It is time.","21":"Cool. Where do we meet?","22":"We shall meet in- [i]what are those background noises?[\/i]","23":"Oh, sorry, forgot to take you off speaker.","24":"This girl... is going to get me killed.","25":"Alexis? You can't socialize in class.","26":"I can hear the class's professor like she was next to me. Her phone really is on speaker. God damn it.","27":"This is an important call! You don't know what this means to me! It's the most secret, most elite fraternity on campus!","28":"What...?","29":"I'll tell you all about it later. Kay, bye!","30":"Not to you, deaf guy, just the class.","31":"She's going to get me [i]super killed...[\/i]","32":"Just meet me at the entrance of the college tonight.","33":"Just meet me at the entrance of the college after class.","34":"Gotcha!","35":"Okay, meeting set. Now I need to take a nap or I'll crash in the middle of the street.","36":"Damn, I really needed that. The last days have been so stressful.","37":"If Alexis doesn't show up with six of her girlfriends, I'll count myself lucky.","38":"I don't even want to ask how many people she's told already.","39":"Where are we going?","40":"Somewhere private. Not to fuck.","41":"Yeah, I left my recording equipment in my dorm room, so that's kind of off the table.","42":"Recording equipment? Never mind, I don't want to know.","43":"Figures.","44":"Let's go.","45":"I'm in an alley, with Alexis... still not fucking sure what angle I should take.","46":"I have some time though. I'm mute, flexible silences aren't really an issue.","47":"Cedric.","48":"Where am I going with this?","49":"He gave you something.","50":"...I say authoritatively, [i]like I know what I'm talking about.[\/i]","51":"He did!","52":"...she says confidently, like she knew what I was talking about.","53":"Here.","54":"A phone? Neither particularly cheap or expensive. So it's not a burner, unless Cedric was loaded.","55":"I have a theory...","56":"Can you unlock it for me?","57":"Uh... yeah.","58":"I give it back, and she gives it a few swipes with her finger.","59":"She gives it back with a curt smile. I give one back, then take a look at the phone.","60":"It looks untouched, nothing but the manufacturers default settings. Still has the default background. All the apps look totally standard.","61":"Except one. [i]RECENTLY[\/i].","62":"Finally. I see the program in someone else's hands. It's almost... a relief. A confirmation that this situation extends beyond me.","63":"I can't help but grin...","64":"Oh my God, you really are evil.","65":"I look up at her.","66":"That smile on your face? That smirk was so fucking [i]sick[\/i] I just soaked myself.","67":"You're a psycho, aren't you? That's why I'm in a dark alley. I'm trapped in a back alley. With a...","68":"I did have a pretty broad grin, I guess. Something about finally making a bit of progress really just makes me feel good.","69":"As for the psycho thing, I can't have her running away yet, even though I feel pretty good about being called ''evil'', for some fucked-up reason I'm not sure I want to think too deeply about...","70":"Correct her.","71":"Don't correct her.","72":"I'm not an evil psychopath, don't worry.","73":"Wait... but you said this was the [i]Fraternity of Darkness[\/i]. So like, don't you have to be kinda psycho?","74":"Ah... [i]good point[\/i]. Alexis is just a little, tiny bit smarter than I gave her credit for.","75":"I wouldn't give myself such a title of honor. One must build themselves up.","76":"Oh. That makes sense.","77":"Let's talk about what you need to do if you want to be a pledge.","78":"You didn't... lure me here... so that you could...","79":"Let's talk about the fraternity...","80":"O-o-kay...","81":"To join the fraternity you must first prove yourself to us.","82":"How do I do that?","83":"By ending a life.","84":"Alexis blinks stupidly.","85":"Did you hear what I said?","86":"Okay... sure. I think I said once that I'd die if I didn't get into McKenna. Does an [i]end of life[\/i] count if it's not, like, literal?","87":"We're not talking about a bad day. We're talking about the kind of blow that people never recover from.","88":"So that's like a ''yes''. Give me one second.","89":"Is she on her phone?","90":"What are you doing?","91":"What you asked.","92":"You're ending a life right now?","93":"Fuck yeah. Once Nadia's parents see these photos they're gonna send her to a convent.","94":"Damn this girl is ruthless.","95":"Stop! There's a process. You can't just act. You have to nominate someone first.","96":"Um... okay. I nominate Nadia?","97":"Just hold off. We have a few errands first.","98":"How was it that Cedric nominated Emily? A photo...","99":"Think carefully about who you choose, and bring a photo.","100":"The photo of Nadia is right fucking here.","101":"I mean print it out.","102":"[i]Print it out?[\/i] Sure, let me just get the photo off my [i]CD[\/i] first. I'd have more luck getting someone to paint it than to find a functioning printer.","103":"The library has printing services.","104":"It costs ten cents a page! For fucking paper! Now [i]that's[\/i] evil.","105":"Yeah, and make fifty copies while you're at it.","106":"[i]Fifty copies![\/i] That'll cost me [i]five dollars![\/i]","107":"I have such a low opinion of Alexis that I'm impressed she could do the math in her head.","108":"I will contact you soon.","109":"Do I get the phone back?","110":"No. It's Fraternity property.","111":"Well, whatever.","112":"So... I guess this is it, then. I'm going to try and sign Alexis up, and then I'm going to let her lead me into the hands of the fraternity.","0":"Oh man...","113":"This next step... doesn't require Alexis. Just me.","1":"My legs are weak. Something like that only happens once in a guy's life.","114":"It's funny to be on this side of things. Now, I'm about to go down the path that started it all.","2":"Now... I have to go back into the real world.","115":"I load up RECENTLY on Cedric's phone, then go to the BBS thing.","3":"I certainly have a preview of heaven now.","116":"Carefully, remembering the tenor of the first conversation I saw, I begin to type.","4":"The self-discipline that took...","117":"I WANT.","5":"...I must be a monk. Not everyone has that kind of strength.","118":"That was how it started. Reading that exchange on my laptop - I know now it was between Cedric and Silent1.","6":"I wish I was a little weaker...","119":"Will things turn out the same way? I remember the next words so well:","7":"Anyway, I should go off and do the things I'm supposed to do.","120":"YOU PROVE.","8":"That was really nice. Unfortunately, everything about Haley and Maggie was just a distraction.","121":"It feels good to see them. Is Silent1 running into my trap, or I am running into his?","9":"Now that this has gotten to some form of resolution, it's time to join the real world.","122":"Weirdly, I don't care.","123":"HOW","124":"BY DOING","125":"DOING WHAT","126":"DESTROYING","127":"END A LIFE","128":"This was when Cedric wrote [i]plan[\/i]. I guess that means that Cedric knew what he was doing from the start. I don't.","129":"I will give Silent1 what he wants.","130":"TARGET","131":"GIVE TARGET","132":"I'm sweating. I'm actually sweating.","133":"PARKING GARAGE 2200 TOMORROW","134":"WILL ACQUIRE","135":"[i]Will acquire?[\/i] I suppose that means... Silent1 will come collect the information on the target.","136":"Just like last time, at the park bench? Neither Silent1 nor his agent ever showed up... yet that didn't seem to slow them down any. They still seemed to know it was Emily.","137":"So... what's the point of revealing the target this way?","138":"There's some other point to this... some other reason to do it. What's the point of giving a picture of the target if it doesn't [i]even matter?","139":"The Fraternity is a total cipher. I don't understand what it wants at all, or how it operates.","140":"Everything seems deliberately designed to confuse.","141":"Question is... am I actually going to give a target?","142":"I'll need to if I'm going to go down any further down this rabbit hole. But who?","143":"I think it's worth going back to the IT lab to figure this out."},"ch8__08.65 hanging with valerie.vne3":{"10":"Compared to me, you are.","11":"You look stressed. Care to unburden yourself?","12":"That obvious? Just encountered Silent1 again.","13":"Oh?","14":"I set up a meeting with him tomorrow.","15":"Oh. Should I go with you?","16":"Huh...? Is she serious? Does she understand what I'm doing?","17":"You'd risk yourself like that?","18":"Risk myself?","19":"You don't know Silent1 unless you know the answer to that question.","20":"Have I not already shown a willingness to take risks? It's not like I don't understand the danger of the situation.","21":"If you don't want me there, I'll respect it.","22":"Fewer people would be beneficial. Besides, I'm going to be babysitting someone as it is.","23":"Babysitting? Aw, did you adopt someone?","24":"Yes, she's a real selfish brat, too. I'm taking her only because I have to.","25":"You want to sit down and talk about it?","26":"You have experience babysitting?","27":"Sure. You and Emily. Boy that was unpaid labor.","28":"All those pleasant memories... in the student council office. Man, I really miss working for Valerie. Why didn't I choose to work under her in college? I still could've joined student government.","29":"But... I was trying to reinvent myself, I guess. Pare myself down to what I thought was a more realistic goal. That sounds almost funny to me now, given I'm chasing insane hackers around the University.","30":"I'm about to invite Valerie to sit down, but I remember...","31":"I was going to do a little work.","32":"Work? Everything's closed down. Off-hours.","33":"Not that kind of work.","34":"Oh, I know. It's the secret work. Fine. But as they say, [i]''Dip your toes in a warm spring when you can, because the path might be dry and dusty.''","35":"It sounds... a lot more elegant in the native language, I'm sure.","36":"What language? I thought you only knew English.","37":"I used to speak another language, but... it's been a long time.","38":"You've never mentioned that. What language?","39":"Um... Belarusian? I don't know.","40":"She's confusing me. Does she know the language or doesn't she?","41":"So, do you want to dip your toes in a warm spring?","42":"Sounds kinky.","43":"I'm sure the translation is off.","44":"Let's get some beers from the fridge.","45":"Thanks.","46":"I give a nod as she gives me a drink.","47":"Cheers!","48":"I can't join her, so I lift my glass. We both drink.","49":"What's cheers in that language you speak?","50":"Heh, stop talking about it, will you?","51":"You're the one who brought it up.","52":"You're prying into the distant past.","53":"Hard not to ask. You never mentioned it before.","54":"You're talking about what old babushkas down back alleys talk. Giving evil eyes and crossing themselves if they see black cats.","55":"You pick up random things up as a kid. You soak language like a sponge.","56":"Would Lidia speak the language?","57":"The coffee maid.","58":"She's a linguist.","59":"Maybe. I'm not going to embarrass myself by asking.","60":"Is it a country near Italy? She's Italian.","61":"Uh... maybe. Not sure. She's really Italian?","62":"Yeah.","63":"So... she's... half-Italian, right? Her... uh... her appearance...","64":"Father's half.","65":"Mmm. I guess that's why she's always overpronouncing the coffee names. [i]Il gato cremo la Italiana di Pisa! Itsa me, Mario!","66":"That classic coffee, [i]Itsa me Mario.","67":"It's the most Italian coffee. Hair gel and tracksuits and everything.","68":"Right.","69":"Hmm... I don't think we ever really hung out like this in the student council room. I wonder why...","70":"We were always busy.","71":"Yeah. And... I was always afraid of getting too close, too.","72":"You were afraid of getting too close?","73":"Sort of.","74":"You're gonna make me ask ''why?''","75":"Yes. The answer is [i]I don't know[\/i].","76":"You know I don't like that answer.","77":"Mmhmm. I know you don't, but it's the truth. And the funny thing is, I had a clearer answer back then than I do now.","78":"That's because?","79":"Well, when you're young - I'm sure you've had this experience - you come up with all kinds of justifications for why you act in a certain way.","80":"You know what teens are like. ''Aw, this bitch was mean to me'', ''The teacher hates me'', ''If I show who I really am, everyone will laugh at me'', so on and on.","81":"With maturity, you realize - [i]hey, everything I told myself about how I acted and why, [b]was bullshit.","82":"Everyone understands the concept of lying to other people. But lying to [i]yourself[\/i], you don't realize is a thing until after you realize you've done it.","83":"This is a [i]neuroscience[\/i] thing you've learned?","84":"There's actually parts of the brain that help you be self-aware.","85":"If you have your parietal lobe damaged, for example, you think everything about you works perfectly. You'd act like your voice works perfectly fine. If you were blind you'd never realize it.","86":"It's like... there are functions of the brain that are insanely specific.","87":"I think if you look hard enough there's probably a lie-to-yourself part of the brain, and then there's a realize-you're-lying-to-yourself part of the brain that shoots proteins at the other part.","88":"So not a lot of room for free will, huh? Everything's just a cog.","89":"There's a gap for God to fit into, I guess. But [i]growing with maturity[\/i] is only sensible if you have the wetware that lets you do it.","90":"If you don't have the right grey matter that lets you learn, you won't learn it, period. Monkeys will never talk like us. They don't have the machinery for it. It's like asking a car to fly.","91":"About you being too afraid to get close?","92":"Heh, yeah.","93":"Partly a lack of courage. Emily clung to you like a life preserver, I thought she'd claw my eyes out if I looked at you the wrong way.","94":"Not the whole answer.","95":"Yeah, and... I had this feeling I should keep people at a distance, you know. It was how I thought a president should act. You can't fraternize with the plebs and so on.","96":"You seemed pretty chill as President, though.","97":"I don't know. I guess I wanted to be the [i]cool girl who didn't give a shit[\/i], but I also wanted to be my own person.","98":"I don't know why I act the way I do.","99":"No real reason why you tease me, then.","100":"It's so easy to answer that: because it's so fun.","101":"If you were 100% comfortable with it, I wouldn't do it.","102":"That's not very modern. I'm supposed to be 100% comfortable, or else it's...","103":"I mean... the thing is... that people don't even want that. Why do people go in a roller coaster? To get a predictable, safe, comfortable experience?","104":"Fuck that. My ideal relationship is... not that.","105":"You didn't date anyone in highschool. You could've dated anyone you wanted to.","106":"Mmm... that's definitely not true. But... yes. I was popular in that way. I remember the posers who lied about having hooked up with me. You wouldn't get that if you weren't a little attractive.","107":"Same is true for you, though.","108":"That I could've dated anyone I wanted?","109":"Virtually, yes. But I was more talking about... those posers that lied about hooking up with you.","110":"That happened?","111":"Don't act all suprised, false modesty! Of course. You were the [i]thang to bang.","112":"Not the quarterback?","113":"Oh yeah. I remember him now. He was pretty, but too much of a manslut. He'd drop his trou for any frau. Plus, quarterbacks are not the cool person you want to hook up with.","114":"Muscles are for the 20th century chicks. Now, it's all about [i]danger[\/i]. A guy they have to figure out a little, like a cipher.","115":"I feel like I'm pretty easy to understand, actually.","116":"Are you? Do you really feel like you're [i]basic[\/i] like that? All your motivations are so pure that you've got no wrinkles in your character?","117":"I didn't say I had pure motivations.","118":"Ah.","119":"I just feel I'm not any more complicated than anyone else. I want things - I try to get them. I care about things - I try to protect them. I get hungry, I eat.","120":"There's no secret, weird reason behind anything I do. You have guys who want people to step on them because of the way their mother treated them twenty years ago.","121":"I don't relate to that at all. When I do something, I understand why I do it.","122":"Wow. Not sure how you're so certain.","123":"Because, when I make mistakes, I know they're mistakes. Something in me clicks. There's a part of my brain that says, ''this was a stupid thing to do'', and I believe it.","124":"Am I too self aware? Do you think I have an enlarged parietal lobe?","125":"Good memory! Maybe. I think that's how [i]The Grinch[\/i] ended, with the parietal lobe growing three sizes too large.","126":"Grinch died of a stroke not long after.","127":"Heh, yeah.","128":"That's why I didn't want to be the President. Losing my voice put everything into perspective. When Emily came to me and told me I had enough sympathy votes to win, I realized something...","129":"...that I was from then on going to be defined by the one thing I couldn't do. If I had taken that position, half the people would say how wonderful it was that I went so far despite my disability.","130":"The other half would say I had only won because of it.","131":"I just didn't want that. I wanted to use my talents, something from within, not something from a circumstance that had fallen on me.","132":"Emily didn't understand that.","133":"It was pretty cold of her to do what she did.","134":"It was cold, but in her way, it was a form of caring.","135":"She was manuevering you into a career. She cared only because she thought you were going to be successful.","136":"There's more to it than that. I don't think she wanted to break up. She felt she had to.","137":"It was.","138":"In fact, I know she did. She said as much in prison.","139":"That conversation is going to haunt me...","140":"Hardly matters now. Emily's life has well and truly ended, at least as far as Emily is concerned. Prison sentence, death sentence, they're the same to her.","141":"You don't think she's suddenly going to find meaning in her life?","142":"If she does, it's only because a part of her died.","143":"Intense.","144":"I don't know if Emily has the power to re-evaluate her life, but at least she has the chance.","145":"Do you think I should've been President?","146":"Are you asking me that question? I'm sure that's rhetorical.","147":"You could have changed your mind.","148":"I picked you as my successor, that's never changed.","149":"Fuck, I want you to run for my office after I graduate.","150":"After you graduate? You don't want me to run against you?","151":"I don't want to embarrass you. What's bigger than a landslide victory?","152":"Sounds like a challenge.","153":"Does it? Mission accomplished, then.","154":"Listen, only you can decide for yourself what's best for you. Personally, if I were in your shoes, I would've taken the victory.","155":"Everyone being fixated on your muteness wouldn't bother you?","156":"I'm sure you'd get used to it. Plus, in this unfair world, you can't give up an advantage just because of pride.","157":"You're so focused on winning for the right reasons, rather than realizing that you're the right person to win.","158":"But... if it isn't your priority, it isn't your priority. Nobody but you is accountable to that.","159":"Wow. This was a deep conversation.","160":"What was your plan when you came in?","161":"Just... hmm... not sure. Don't know why I came in. Just felt like it.","162":"You know exactly why you stayed, though, because of your massive, bulging, throbbing parietal lobe.","163":"My rock hard parietal lobe aches for release.","164":"You gotta get that checked out.","165":"By the way... the parietal doesn't really... do empathy and stuff... but that's probably too much detail for you.","166":"It's always good talking to you. My sanity meter has been running pretty low recently.","167":"Gotta keep that sanity meter up.","168":"There's one more thing I want to ask her, but I'm a little nervous to.","169":"I don't want to give her the wrong idea, and I don't want to receive the wrong answer, either.","170":"Since she brought it up though, I was curious...","171":"Are you still afraid of getting close to people?","172":"(Say nothing)","173":"God, that little mischievous smirk does something to me.","174":"My question didn't put her off at all.","175":"I will always be terrified of you.","176":"I make that kind of impression, huh?","177":"Of course you do.","178":"Are you still planning on... doing whatever it is you're doing in the IT lab?","179":"I don't know. It's late. I feel like it's better if I rest up for tomorrow.","180":"And... tomorrow, you might meet Silent1, correct?","181":"I could. I need to find a photo of someone, for complicated reasons.","182":"That should be easy to get, right?","183":"It's not. Whoever I give might be in danger. I was thinking of giving them my own face.","184":"Your own face? Don't do that.","185":"Here, take this.","186":"She reaches into her wallet and pulls out a photograph.","187":"This is a photo of you.","188":"That way, I can go with you. In paper form.","189":"I don't think you understand what this means. Giving your identity to the Fraternity designates you as a target. You'll be in serious danger.","190":"I accept the danger, just as you have. I want you to find Silent1, and I think this will help.","191":"You still don't understand.","192":"I don't [i]care[\/i]. Just use my photo. Being in danger doesn't bother me.","193":"Why?","194":"Hmm...","195":"...you know what? I really don't know.","196":"That seems to be the theme of this conversation.","197":"If I don't see you tomorrow... good luck.","198":"Thanks.","199":"Right. Off home.","200":"Tomorrow will be a big day. Already a number of plans are forming in my mind, and none of them assume that this will be a simple drop-off.","201":"Should I... say something to {Leah}? After all... I could actually die.","202":"A few kind words, maybe. A gentle way of saying goodbye... in case I don't get another chance to.","203":"I'll see if she's in her room.","204":"Nothing. I've hardly seen her at all.","205":"Let's check inside.","206":"Nothing. The lights are on but she's not in.","207":"She's been absent so much recently... I know I changed my whole schedule to keep her out of my activities, but still...","208":"I know. I'll write a note, and put it under my pillow. If she starts looking for me, then she'll find it.","209":"What should I write? I start scritching something down:","210":"[i]If I've been gone for more than 24 hours, the Fraternity has me. I know it makes no difference to say it, but don't come looking for me.","211":"[i]Instead, withdraw from Shale Hill. You're right, this whole school is rotten.","212":"[i]If this is my last goodbye, then goodbye, {Leah}.","213":"[i]- {PlayerName}.","214":"What is the chance of her following my instructions? 0% or 1%?","215":"I've done what I can. Now it's time to sleep.","0":"Valerie?","1":"What is she doing here? Is this good timing... or bad?","2":"I was just about to boot up RECENTLY, but now...","3":"Interesting. You getting to work now?","4":"What do you mean?","5":"Well, you told me you were reserving the IT lab for your own needs.","6":"...I did tell her that, didn't I?","7":"Fuck. It was so long ago...","8":"Knowing you, I was expecting a mad hacker's lab with one hundred monitors going at once.","9":"I'm not really a super hacker."},"ch8__08.70 the dropoff.vne3":{"10":"You won't be spoiling me.","11":"Okay, well, I was looking for photos like you asked, and then I realized I have magazines, so...","12":"You're using a magazine clipping?","13":"You said it had to be picture, that's it. Betcha didn't think of that loophole.","14":"You realize that you have to have some power over the person you choose? You have to ruin their life. If it's a random celebrity in a magazine...","15":"Fuck! Yeah, I remember now. I didn't print out Nadia's photo. Uh... could I use my brother?","16":"Do you have the ability to ruin his life?","17":"Sure. Like, I've thought of ways I could smoke him and get away with it.","18":"Is she talking about [i]killing[\/i] her own brother? Shit, Alexis is legitimately evil. Why is that a surprise to me?","19":"Jeez, now the wisdom of Valerie makes sense. Alexis is not only unreliable, she is very willing to do extreme things. If I control the target, I can get Alexis into the Fraternity without actually destroying a life.","20":"Valerie would cooperate with a plan. I know it.","21":"Never mind. I will provide a target. Meet me at the parking garage.","22":"Right now? I'm kinda in the middle of something...","23":"The Fraternity will not wait. Put on some clothes and meet me at the rendezvous as quickly as possible.","24":"If you say so...","25":"I do say so.","26":"I hang up the phone and make my own preparations to leave.","27":"If I had any other partner... any at all... I'd be a much more confident man.","28":"Instead, I got Alexis. At least she's... [i]easy to manipulate?[\/i] Maybe not. She definitely trips over her own ego.","29":"She will have to make do.","30":"This place is creep central.","31":"I bet you met Cedric a lot here.","32":"Pff. Everyone knew Cedric. Everyone knows if you want a dealer, you find the cleanest-cut guy.","33":"I've never heard that at all.","34":"Yeah. Because when cops go undercover, they all wear hoodies and sweatpants. If someone looks like they know how to use an iron, they're legit.","35":"You're a lot more experienced than me, then.","36":"So... you are the one that picks the target? I'm so confused because I thought I had to be the one to off a bitch, you know?","37":"Change of plans. I choose the target, I'll do the work for you.","38":"That's weird, isn't it? This is my pledge, but you go through the hazing? Isn't that fucked up?","39":"Those are the rules.","40":"But I had a pretty good plan, though. If it was my brother, it would be super convenient. I kinda need to get rid of him anyway.","41":"Are you fucking serious?","42":"My parents are getting older and the inheritance is too small to be split. What don't you understand?","43":"I can't have you mess this up. I'm choosing the target, I'm fulfilling the mission. You can take credit if you want.","44":"So you... want to help me? Why?","45":"I didn't expect there to be so many questions.","46":"Because I...","47":"...want to do things my way.","48":"...simp for you.","49":"Alexis looks a me with odd eyes, but says little else.","50":"Oh, cool.","51":"She just accepts it. Like that.","52":"No question about my obvious contempt for her. Some people...","53":"Can you tell me who the target is?","54":"She'll have to pretend to be the one who does it, after all, so she'll find out anyway.","55":"The class president.","56":"Class President Valerie? Her? Shit, did she refuse to fuck you or something?","57":"Yes, that's the reason. She refused to fuck me.","58":"Wow, taking her down a peg would be fun. No wonder you want to do it yourself. So what are you thinking? I can help, hold her down. We can film it.","59":"[i]What the fuck is she thinking?[\/i] I want this conversation to [i]end right now.[\/i]","60":"I need you to do something. When the Fraternity's agents come, I need you to give this envelope to them.","61":"That's the photo?","62":"Yes.","63":"And... do I need to-","64":"-Oh. Are these... your guys?","65":"Nobody is my guy. I don't have any ''guys''. But... they look an awful lot like the men who...","66":"...Here, stay behind me...","67":"I'm out of here!","68":"...shit! Alexis, hold on!","69":"Oh no. Should I... should I be running?","70":"They're your guys... right?","71":"Alexis is getting that same panicky feeling I am.","72":"The guys who are approaching look like they mean business...","73":"I'm not sure what to tell her...","74":"They're your guys, right?","75":"I gesture to Alexis to stop, but she doesn't notice it.","76":"Fuck that. This is a fucking trap.","77":"I'm going.","78":"Wait! Give me the envelope!","79":"Shit, I wish I had my voice!","80":"She starts bolting. I hiss with what little voice I have to try to get her back.","81":"But... [i]I feel the same as she does.[\/i] They don't look like they're here to pick anything up.","82":"They look like they're here for [i]me.[\/i]","83":"Shit... shit... [i]shit![\/i] This was a trap!","84":"If I had started first... I wouldn't have been cornered like this. But...","85":"...damn it... [i]they have me...[\/i]","86":"It was foolish. Silent1 knew this was a trick from the beginning. What did I say to trigger their suspicion?","87":"Damn it, maybe it was just [i]showing up[\/i]. The thugs recognized me and knew exactly what they had to do.","88":"Is this what happened... to Cedric... to Stan... to Sandra?","89":"I guess this is what's happening to me now. Damn it.","90":"I didn't even get close to escaping.","91":"Where are those weird powers of combat I could summon up when I first fought Cedric?","92":"If I focus... I can still get them...","93":"Let's just... try!","94":"No.","95":"No...","96":"It doesn't work. It doesn't work at all.","97":"Shit.","98":"I'm... defeated before I even have a chance. Two people are just way harder than one.","99":"There's no fight in me at all. I don't even post a challenge.","100":"Hammer fists... concrete angry, pummeling me like pillars crashing down on me.","101":"I'm well and truly fucked.","102":"The... fuck?","103":"I can't believe it. They're running away.","104":"I'm... in Mr. Craven's position right now, but it ain't me coming to rescue myself.","105":"My first thought is... {Leah}... but...","106":"...Who the fuck is this guy?","107":"He's just some random stranger. Was he literally just passing by as he saw me?","108":"Stabs of pain run through me as I try and get up. My yelps come out as tiny breaths.","109":"That one minute of adrenaline [i]exhausted[\/i] me.","110":"I lean against a concrete post and try to get my grips with who this person might be. Now that I look at him, I definitely recognize him, but I don't know who he is.","111":"I think he literally passed me by once...","112":"Are you okay?","113":"His accent is strange. It could come from anywhere between Eastern Europe to Central Asia. If I didn't know better, I'd say it was [i]Russian[\/i], but I can tell it's not.","114":"I get my phone. It's undamaged, thank god.","115":"Thanks. I'm unhurt.","116":"You are... Silent1?","117":"No. How did you know that name?","118":"I am looking for someone. I am told that Silent1 knows where they are.","119":"You use a phone to talk. I thought you might be Silent1, because... uh... you are silent.","120":"You're looking for someone who disappeared?","121":"Yes.","122":"You and everyone else in Shale Hill.","123":"I thought I should come here. I was... uh... hmm... [i]tipped off[\/i] so to speak. I knew there would be a meeting here.","124":"You knew this would happen?","125":"Oh yes. I... uh... am using a very... unique tool. You know my English is not good enough to explain what I have.","126":"Wait... you have access to RECENTLY?","127":"Yes... yes I do. You know this program?","128":"This isn't a random guy at all! But... where did he come from, and who is he?","129":"I can barely ask my questions fast enough.","130":"How do [i]you[\/i] have access to it?","131":"My daughter's phone had it. It was very strange. I used it to come look for her.","132":"How do you know the program?","133":"It was activated on my phone randomly?","134":"So... you and I are the only ones with access to RECENTLY. This is odd. What do we have in common?","135":"I don't know you at all. Who are you?","136":"Sorry. My name is Amiran Ojadian. It is a pleasure to meet you... if you are not in fact Silent1.","137":"How do I know you're not Silent1?","138":"Oh... uh... it must be the case that we both have reasons to suspect each other. Put in your shoes, I would think the same.","139":"All I can give is my word. I am not Silent1. I do not know who they are. I am here to look for my daughter.","140":"Who is your daughter?","141":"Balenka. I... do not know what she would look like. She was very young when I lost her.","142":"How young?","143":"The stranger struggles to remember...","144":"She could not have been older than 10.","145":"You found RECENTLY on a [i]child's phone?","146":"Yes.","147":"We can't talk here. Let's head somewhere private.","148":"This is a good idea.","149":"Well... there's one place I know is secure.","150":"Come with me.","151":"I turn on the lights.","152":"Damn, those bruises are absolutely killing me...","153":"I think they kicked my ribs or something.","154":"You do not look good.","155":"I'm fine.","156":"You are walking slow. You are clearly hurt. If you want, I can apply first aid...","157":"The technology lab of the university?","158":"Amiran, who are you, and who is Balenka?","159":"Fuck... another missing person case? Are the cops smoking crack all day, is that why so many people fall through the cracks?","160":"This all fills me with despair.","161":"Balenka is my daughter. Over ten years ago, she went missing.","162":"Your daughter went missing [i]ten years ago?[\/i] Flying fuck... you didn't start looking until now?","163":"Yes... it is embarrassing. I was not capable of looking for her. I was indisposed.","164":"To... further elaborate on how I was indisposed... the truth was... I was in prison...","165":"You were in prison?","166":"Yes... I was serving time.","167":"I guess this is why Amiran's clothes are so ill-fitting. They've probably been in a locker for ten years...","168":"What were you in prison for?","169":"Is this important to helping me?","170":"It could be.","171":"Then... arson.","172":"You burned a building down?","173":"This is correct.","174":"I can't help but ask...","175":"Did anyone die?","176":"Not intentionally, no.","177":"So someone died unintentionally.","178":"This... this is true. Yes.","179":"So you weren't in for just arson... you were in for manslaughter too. You're lucky to have only gotten ten years.","180":"I got many more than that, but I was paroled.","181":"Why did you commit arson?","182":"Is this important to finding Balenka?","183":"It could be.","184":"Hrmm...","185":"He's clearly embarrassed to talk about it.","186":"I... hrmm... had a business, but it wasn't doing so well, so I burned down my competitors. Does this help you to understand?","187":"It does... I suppose. But it also doesn't make any sense to me.","188":"I'm being beaten up by Silent1's thugs, and then some guy rolls up who is an ex-convict looking for his long-lost daughter?","189":"Just feel super weird.","190":"So what sort of business did you have?","191":"This is irrelevant to finding Balenka, but... carpet cleaning.","192":"You're a carpet cleaner.","193":"Not anymore. It has been a decade since I've cleaned a carpet. I am sad to say I'm not in the mood to, either.","194":"If you were in prison for something as serious as manslaughter and arson, is there a chance that you lost custody of Balenka? She might have gone into the foster care system.","195":"I have considered this. And yes, I did lose custody. And yes, she was placed into foster care.","196":"If I am honest, a... uh... restraining order is placed against me. But this is not what it seems.","197":"I don't think they normally place restraining orders on convicts. They don't normally lose custody of their children.","198":"Yes. The circumstances are unusual.","199":"I don't want to ask...","200":"I know what you are thinking, but no! This is unthinkable. I could never, ever harm Balenka. A terrible, unusual, awful situation has befallen me.","201":"This would be helpful in finding Balenka. Tell me what this situation is.","202":"I know, but I can't share it. It would risk Balenka.","203":"Whether it's the bruises or just fatigue, my hairs suddenly raise up like an irritated cat's.","204":"I'll tell you what happened to Balenka: you committed a horrible crime, she got taken from you, she doesn't want to see you, and this has nothing to do with Silent1 kidnapping anyone!","205":"I understand.","206":"What? How can you say that? You just accept it like that? No emotions?","207":"I understand... except about the program. Why RECENTLY? Why was this in my daughter's phone?","208":"Fuck... he's right. [i]Why is RECENTLY in his daughter's phone?[\/i] As if things couldn't get any weirder, there's [i]yet another wrinkle[\/i] in this complex-as-shit situation.","209":"So let me get this straight: a highly esoteric program was found on your daughter's device. It was on her device for at least ten years.","210":"Yes.","211":"Why does she have it? Did she ever tell you about it?","212":"No.","213":"This makes no sense to me.","214":"Amiran... give me your daughter's phone.","215":"Amiran looks like he experiences a jolt of pain.","216":"Will I get it back?","217":"No guarantee, but I think if you want to see Balenka again, you'll need to give it to me.","218":"I see.","219":"He takes out a small smartphone that would have been expensive for the time. Reluctantly, he lets me pull it from his hand, though his fingers felt extra stubborn.","220":"Please, it is the only thing I have of hers.","221":"You should have thought of that before you burned your competitors' carpet cleaning businesses.","222":"That's a bit mean, even for the situation. I feel guilty as pain washes over his face.","223":"What is the pin code?","224":"It is 1234.","225":"I look up at him with a hard glance.","226":"It is the phone of a nine year old.","227":"Yes, and the phone is surprisingly plain. Every little girl I've known decorated their phones with rainbow vomit. This one is suprisingly austere.","228":"When I enter the main screen, I see very little customization - everything looks factory default. Balenka must have been quite a severe little girl... [i]if she even existed.","229":"Yet, there it is, RECENTLY. I open it up and see everything I expect to see.","230":"No... this isn't the crippled version used by Alexis. This is the full thing. ","231":"That whole plan of using Alexis as bait? Garbage. A second copy of RECENTLY to contrast with? Invaluable. It was worth it after all, just in a way I didn't expect.","232":"Being ten years old, the phone fights me as I try to navigate. I go into the settings and try and get an update history without the whole thing locking up.","233":"[i]RECENTLY worked perfectly well, though...","234":"RECENTLY really was installed ten years ago, unless the update history was faked.","235":"This is odd, I'm guessing.","236":"All those software and hardware changes over ten years, the phone shouldn't be functional, let alone a super elite hacking software.","237":"This phone, and these computers, all have the same software on it. It may even be the same version.","238":"I know very little about computers.","239":"It's really weird. RECENTLY is magic. But it could also be fake. I don't know.","240":"Can I keep this phone for now?","241":"I must admit... you do seem to understand a lot more than I...","242":"...I have no choice but to trust you.","243":"I'll give it back when I can.","244":"I would be grateful.","245":"Thanks.","246":"One more thing, where are you from?","247":"Where am I from? I'm from Ashberan. You might know it as Ketyristan.","248":"I've heard of that. Shit... that was ages ago.","249":"Some random comment by Kristen about her favorite comic book. I would never have heard of it otherwise.","250":"That's the place where a big war happened, right? With the Taljuks? I don't know a lot about it.","251":"I try hard to look like I recognize the place.","252":"It is not well known.","253":"I think I remember. Wasn't there a war there? A friend of mine blasted me for never having heard of it.","254":"Sorry about that.","255":"God willing, nobody will remember. Forgetfulness is God's mercy.","256":"Thank you for helping me. I don't know what to say.","257":"Are you convinced now I'm not Silent1?","258":"You seem like a good person. Perhaps you are Silent2.","259":"...","260":"Was that a joke...?","261":"Is there a Silent2?","262":"You do not know of Silent2? I thought you had RECENTLY?","263":"You're serious about Silent2?","264":"Yes. You do not know of Silent2? Did you not see there is a public messaging system?","265":"Have you not seen the communications between Silent1 and Silent2?","266":"No.","267":"Perhaps you and I have a different version of RECENTLY.","268":"Tell me everything you know of Silent2.","269":"Very well.","270":"Ah... perhaps it is time for me to go.","271":"What is that noise? This is supposed to be a safe area...","272":"[i]...supposed to be safe...[\/i]","273":"Why is there a cop outside the door?","274":"I should avoid contact with the police. I cannot be caught trespassing. There are terms of my parole...","275":"I need to know about Silent2!","276":"Excuse me... I will find you again... there must be a way out the back...","277":"Amiran!","278":"I want to run to catch up to him... but...","279":"Hold up.","280":"Mission accomplished. I'm held up.","281":"Oh, you again. Why's it always you?","282":"Right back at you. Why is it always you?","283":"There ain't no party here. Way past closing. You are gettin' noise complaints which is mighty impressive for you.","284":"Who complained about the noise?","285":"I don't need to tell you that. Please go home. No students after hours.","286":"Can I at least finish up my work?","287":"No. I'm trying to finish up [i]my work[\/i], which means you get your lily ass out of this building.","288":"Fuck! I need to talk to Amiran! Who is Silent2?","289":"Come on. No clenching your fists. Get going.","290":"Fine. I'm going.","0":"It's time now.","1":"I still don't think that Valerie understands what it is to draw the attention of the Fraternity, but I hope she doesn't find out.","2":"For now, I need to execute the plan: making Alexis into my mole into the Fraternity.","3":"What's up?","4":"Alexis, the next step to join the Fraternity has begun.","5":"Cool. It doesn't involve back alleys again, does it?","6":"Did you pick your target? Do you have a photo?","7":"Yeah.","8":"Who is it?","9":"Spoilers? Come on."},"ch8__08.75 valeries blessing.vne3":{"10":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40A_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40A_anim_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40B_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40B_anim_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40B_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40B_anim_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40B_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40B_anim_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_54_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_54_anim_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_54_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_54_anim_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_54_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene64_anim_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Speed [tg_anim]","25":"Continue","26":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene64_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene64_anim_fast_speed]Faster","27":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene64_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene64_anim_default_speed]Default Speed","28":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene64_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene64_anim_slow_speed]Slower","29":"<","30":"You sure you're okay?","31":"I'm fine.","32":"You're cupping your head bad, man. Looks like someone walloped ya.","33":"I fell down some steps.","34":"Call me Superman because I saw through that one.","35":"I'm kryptonite and you saw through nothing.","36":"Bit young to be a battered spouse. Who beat you up, your girlfriend?","37":"I wasn't beaten up by my girlfriend.","38":"But you were beaten up, though? Sure you don't want to do a police report?","39":"No. I don't want to.","40":"It's pretty satisfying seeing a motherfucker get thrown in jail.","41":"Not interested.","42":"Suit yourself. Just limp to wherever you're going.","43":"I will.","44":"I need to see Val.","45":"Damn. I was hurt bad. It... kinda hurts to breathe a little.","46":"I think they must've hit my chest pretty square... it's not comfortable walking.","47":"Could've been so much worse.","48":"Val will want to know exactly what happened.","49":"She's still in. Good.","50":"{PlayerName}! What happened?","51":"I've got good news for her... I just need to sit down...","52":"You are hurt... someone hit you?","53":"I reach for my phone.","54":"I took a risk. I thought I had a way of getting close to the Fraternity, but I was jumped.","55":"Who jumped you?","56":"Some thugs. I'm not hurt that bad.","57":"It's not how bad you were hurt...","58":"...it's the violation itself.","59":"Violation?","60":"She shakes her head darkly and sits next to me.","61":"If someone does something to hurt you, it's usually not the pain that hurts the most... it's the loss of agency.","62":"Your feeling of safety... ripped from you. I know how that can hurt.","63":"I'm... so glad you're out of that situation. I don't feel like everyone has been that lucky.","64":"I couldn't help but wonder if I was in the same situation as Stan, Sandra and others. Maybe I survived what they didn't...","65":"That... might be the case... yes...","66":"Maybe... it was a mistake to have you do this on your own. I... honestly never expected you to get hurt...","67":"It's not your job to... to find Silent1.","68":"It's nobody's job. It's just one of those things where someone has to step forward and do it.","69":"Yes, well...","70":"...you've stepped up more than you should've. I know there was... more I could've done, to help you find Silent1.","71":"I want to ask... if it's okay...","72":"...would you want to quit looking for Silent1?","73":"I'm in too deep. It's either me or him. I have the world's biggest target painted on my back, and he's going to get me eventually.","74":"There's absolutely no reason to quit now.","75":"I'm... glad to hear that.","76":"I hope you find them soon.","77":"I can't believe that...","78":"I have this... feeling it's my fault. But... I'm not a pair of stupid thugs...","79":"Being hurt is a risk I've taken this whole time. I've gotten arrested, strangled, sleep-deprived, had a gun pointed at me, chased by a guy with a shotgun...","80":"Someone chased you with a shotgun?","81":"A friend's brother. It was a close call.","82":"Do you know his name?","83":"Don't worry. I think I'm well protected from him.","84":"I do have some news for you. I've made a breakthrough.","85":"You did?","86":"A man saved me... his name was Amiran.","87":"Amiran?","88":"He's looking for his daughter. Do you know Balenka?","89":"The name doesn't ring a bell.","90":"Me neither. But that wasn't the strangest part...","91":"As well as I can, I tell her what Amiran told me... his daughter's phone, Silent2... everything.","92":"Valerie listens, asks questions, without much of a reaction.","93":"So... it seems like you're getting close.","94":"I have that feeling.","95":"Yes... I share the feeling.","96":"Well, I think we should check your damage.","97":"I feel fine, honest.","98":"You stumbled into my office. I think we should check.","99":"What do you mean by ''check''?","100":"Stand up. Let's take a look.","101":"Are you a doctor?","102":"I'm studying to be a neuroscientist. The brain is a part of your body.","103":"Should I remove my skull for you?","104":"No, just your shirt.","105":"Just my shirt? What exactly does she have planned?","106":"My heart beats awkwardly. I have the feeling... that this is the time... we might finally...","107":"Take your shirt off.","108":"Decline.","109":"I can't Val. Actually, I better get going.","110":"Are you serious? You're leaving right now? When...","111":"Oh boy.","112":"It just occurred to me that I have a major clue I haven't checked.","113":"The programs. If I can compare them, I can maybe deduce where the source is. I just need to do a checksum on all three.","114":"I need to pursue it right now. It was a good talk, Val.","115":"Stay. Drink some wine. Don't torture yourself.","116":"Sorry Val. I'm surprisingly willing to go through pain and torture to uncover the truth.","117":"You're going to leave me here by myself.","118":"If I have time, I'll come back.","119":"Valerie does not like that response at all.","120":"Is... this another one of her tricks? Is she going to do something to tease me again?","121":"It wouldn't surprise me if she did. That's sort of how she does things...","122":"I can't help but feel like it's different this time.","123":"Hmm... yes... you have taken some injuries, haven't you?","124":"Someone struck you. Multiple someones struck you.","125":"Out of her nose comes an angry snort, reminding me of the way a bull does. Valerie really took this attack personally.","126":"Look at that. They struck you in the rib. That's a nasty little place to take a hit.","127":"Her fingers touch me lightly, but it's in precisely the right place to cause me the slightest sharp pain.","128":"It's extraordinary how gentle she is. She uses no more pressure than it takes to know that I'm injured.","129":"The muscles that control your diaphragm are injured. That's why you have difficulty deeply breathing.","130":"It's a little tender. It'll heal up.","131":"They had to really hit you hard to do that.","132":"Her eyes... so intense... it's doing something to me...","133":"I wonder why they felt the need to hurt you? If they're assassins, they could've just...","134":"...well, let's not think about that. Let's check your back.","135":"As she moves around my body, not for one moment does she lift her hand from my skin.","136":"I feel something shudder through me as she does so...","137":"Is this slow, methodical inspection really necessary?","138":"That is a dark bruise right there. They must have kicked you while you were down.","139":"Attacking someone from the back... so cowardly. Luckily you were too strong for them.","140":"From behind I feel her run her hand across my bruises. I expect it to hurt... gasp like it should hurt... but it doesn't.","141":"It's tender. Gentle. She wants me to feel it, but she doesn't want to hurt me.","142":"Her hand hovering above my bruise... inflicts a tension that has my chest rising and falling much too hard.","143":"Control your breathing... and use the pain.","144":"Those... those are her lips on my back. Right on my bruise.","145":"I feel it... it's so sensitive. She does nothing but brush her lips against it.","146":"It's pain... but it's not bad. It's [i]good[\/i]. It's [i]good pain.[\/i]","147":"Is this the lesson she's trying to teach me?","148":"Breathe in... breathe out... focus.","149":"She says as her lips moved to the unbruised portion of my shoulder. Now, she uses her full pressure - I expect to feel something sharp but I don't.","150":"She knows exactly what she needs to do to avoid hurting me... but...","151":"...I'm breathing too deeply. [i]I'm still feeling pain.[\/i]","152":"I need to check one more place...","153":"How about here? Any tender spots?","154":"I take an extremely sharp breath, and [i]feel the punishment for it.[\/i]","155":"I shudder, breathe through my teeth, and try to control myself. I don't want to seem weak in front of Valerie...","156":"...not when [i]this[\/i] is happening to me...","157":"Nothing tender down here, no.","158":"She comes to my front, stares long into my eyes.","159":"I'm really cruel to you. I should be a lot less cruel. I wonder why you don't hate me sometimes...","160":"...I'm bored of playing with you like that, {PlayerName}. It's... silly, isn't it?","161":"I've decided, I want to make sure that you feel good, every moment. I want to guarantee it. So...","162":"...do you have a safe word?","163":"Between how deeply aroused I am right now, and how badly I want to smash my face into hers, I can only manage a smirk.","164":"You don't? That's too bad.","165":"Finally.","166":"Years of wanting her, years of fantasizing and imagining, has come down to this. It's finally here.","167":"I sensed something like this would happen. And even if Valerie isn't my ideal, she's still attractive.","168":"I don't know why this took such a long time, but I feel like if it happened sooner, it wouldn't feel so damn special.","169":"[i]This is what her lips taste like.[\/i] I'll take the answer to my grave.","170":"No more teasing. No more playing.","171":"Serious time.","172":"She pushes me onto the sofa suddenly. I'm too unbalanced to resist her.","173":"I feel a bit of pain as I hit the couch, but honestly... that pain is getting further and further away.","174":"My body pumps full of adrenaline. It knows it can't fail now.","175":"It's going to last as long as it needs to.","176":"We peel off the rest of our clothes, it's just a barrier now.","177":"[i]Leave things to the imagination.[\/i] Who cares about that? I've been imagining this enough.","178":"Fuck off imagination. I'm doing this shit for real.","179":"She comes close... inspects me.","180":"{PlayerName}, the most interesting thing is... I can still hear your voice in my head.","181":"After all these years I still expect you to open that dumb mouth of yours. I'll never get used to it.","182":"The moronic girls only liked you because you sounded nice. As soon as that was gone, they forgot you.","183":"I cup her cheek, drink in her face.","184":"My feelings for you never depended on your voice. When you lost it, it did nothing about how I felt.","185":"I like you for... reasons I can't quite explain.","186":"I badly... badly... [i]badly[\/i] want to know what draws you to me. But you can't tell me, so you better just show me.","187":"An actual kiss this time. She's deep, sensual, and aggressive with her tongue.","188":"She pulls my tongue into her mouth, and then pushes the other direction. It's a strange, wicked dynamic.","189":"If it was just kissing, I would've been completely satisfied... but I know it's going to be much more than that.","190":"She pulls me close to her, this time pressing her hand against my erect penis. There is absolutely zero attempt to modulate her pressure.","191":"Her fingers rub me, pinching the head of my cock so that her fingertips slide to the very edge...","192":"...it's like she knows how I'm feeling...","193":"This room is too warm for these panties.","194":"Oh yes... nice and cool...","195":"I don't care what she says. I crave that interplay between our lips.","196":"I seal her mouth with mine, and fuck her throat with my tongue.","197":"Crude fucking thoughts fill my head. All poetry and higher functions melt into a singular desire to [i]fuck Valerie's brains out[\/i].","198":"Was I in pain before? Am I in pain now? Don't know, don't care, don't feel it.","199":"To settle me down, she pushes me against the desk.","200":"Her eyes turn southward, where my hard dick monopolizes the blood that should be going to my brain.","201":"My God, {PlayerName}, that is a legitimate porn star penis.","202":"I'm having performance anxiety, so let me get some one-on-one time with my new acquaintance.","203":"She plops onto her knees, and begins to feel up and down my cock's length.","204":"Valerie... of course... says something so weird that I laugh even through my arousal.","205":"Hello friend. How are you today?","206":"Let's get to know each other, shall we? Your master lacks in the oral skills department, but I don't.","207":"Yeah... my dick has occupied Valerie's attention completely. She stares at it instead of me, cooing at it like it had a mind of its own.","208":"I know this is just another way Valerie teases me - reducing me to just a cock. But... I kinda like it.","209":"Yeah, embarrassing but true, I'm into this. I guess it's because Valerie is doing it, though.","210":"The worshipful, rapt attention she lavishes on my dick is hard to ignore.","211":"You are, my friend, a dick with a human body rather than a human body with a dick. I will now address your penis in place of you.","212":"It's the most impressive part of your body.","213":"She can tell me whatever.","214":"A little peck on the urethra... all I can think is [i]I can't believe Valerie is about to suck my dick.[\/i]","215":"There's more in store... that I know for certain...","216":"A tongue lashes out, smooth and rough at the same time. She licks my cock with the same sense of aggressive sensuousness as her kiss.","217":"I take a deep breath, barely cognizant of the pain, only caring for Valerie, and what she's doing at this very moment.","218":"Valerie... finally on her knees before me. I feel like a world conqueror. Any woman, no matter how powerful, can be brought low.","219":"Still, she laps and laps, really getting to know my dick. I don't think she was kidding when she said that.","220":"But she's getting more comfortable now... and she looks at me with a glance that screams: ''Let's upgrade.''","221":"Suddenly, she takes my head fully into her mouth. I watch mutely, wishing there was some way I could congratulate her...","222":"...but the only thing I can do is smile affectionately down at her, and hope she notices. But even if I could, I should hold my voice.","223":"There's still more Valerie could do...","224":"Deeper... deeper this time. I understand what Valerie means when she says she can still hear my voice.","225":"I can't help but try and think of the sorts of things that drops from Valerie's dry wit.","226":"But... honestly, I'm not really as witty as she is, and anything I can imagine, would fall short.","227":"Valerie turns her head, twists, licks and puckers her lips, intensifying the pressure around my cockhead.","228":"My breath starts to shudder like a small earthquake. Unable to decide when to take in air and when to release, it gets all ragged and strained.","229":"I can't even tell if Valerie really is this good. Just the fact that it's Valerie doing it is intense enough.","230":"This was the girl I worked with in high school for years. And now, an old daydream is being fulfilled. This doesn't even feel real.","231":"Suddenly, she releases me, my cock covered with Valerie's chill saliva.","232":"I know Valerie's about to say something witty.","233":"It's like one of those yule logs.","234":"From now on, my safe word is ''yule log''. I'll share that with her after we finish fucking. I know she'd appreciate it.","235":"She's not done. She continues to go down on me, sucking and sucking... this time with confidence.","236":"I thought she was confident before... but apparently... I was wrong.","237":"It seems Valerie is intent on challenging herself, and with a few turns of her head...","238":"My whole cock... enveloped by Valerie's wet, warm mouth.","239":"Her whole body yields, relaxing to allow my dick deep, deep down into her. Who wouldn't be able to close their eyes and just sigh out of sheer ecstasy?","240":"Not me. I do just that, focusing on the intense, ''warm blanket'' sensation of my cock in Valerie...","241":"...and it's only going to get better from here.","242":"I think she's hit her limit. I'm already impressed with her dedication to please me.","243":"When I first imagined sex with Valerie, I always imagined I'd be trying and failing to pleasure her. But Valerie is surprisingly generous.","244":"Yeah, she's sort of sarcastic, a little dominant, and a little sadistic, but that clearly doesn't mean she doesn't care.","245":"If anything it proves how much she gives a shit about me.","246":"Her throat is just a cheap substitute for what I really want.","247":"Having no words, I pick her up and show her.","248":"Oh yes! Good boy, {PlayerName}, taking what you want...","249":"...go for it. Take it. [i]Take me[\/i].","250":"Valerie appreciates me taking charge, but to be honest, I'm just following my own inclinations right now.","251":"Plunging myself into Valerie's loins are all I can think about. But... would that be the best thing to do right now?","252":"She teases me so much, after all...","253":"Yes... yes... go on do it... I'm ready.","254":"I smile a little at her words, taking in her sweet, salty skin, kissing it like I'm oblivious to her words.","255":"Okay... yes... you like my legs... can't we get to the... the good part?","256":"Meh. I think I'd prefer to hear her beg for it.","257":"Revenge? Maybe. But mostly because this is fun.","258":"Valerie has a false laugh, disguising her annoyance. Now, she's going to deflect with some humor.","259":"Didn't know you were into feet...","260":"Hmm... maybe. Just a little more.","261":"I put my head between her feet... and motoboat them like a pair of tits.","262":"The ticklish sensation brings Valerie a genuine laugh. It infects me with joy, and I feel like I have to do it again.","263":"Oh yes, very funny. Can we...?","264":"I give her a mischievous glance.","265":"You're so cruel...","266":"Her voice lowers to a whine. I pop her toes into my mouth, suckle them for a little.","267":"If you don't fuck me... I'm going to explain the neuroscience behind foot kinks.","268":"Okay. I get it. I'm merciful. So...","269":"...I quickly spread her legs and fall upon her muff.","270":"Valerie shivers... shudders, almost releasing right then and there. Clearly I had built her tension up to a crescendo.","271":"I'm going to keep it high. I won't let her crash down. But neither am I going to let her cum.","272":"I have special tool for that purpose.","273":"You... really know your way around a clit. Experienced, are we?","274":"I don't mind...","275":"Experienced with Emily. She taught me how to do this, shared with me instructional videos and gave herself to practice with.","276":"Funny. Emily never expected me to be good at something... she only expected me to learn how to be good quick.","277":"Because of her, I can eat pussy like a champ.","278":"Valerie's words are incoherent. The taste of juices change as she gets closer.","279":"She's heading to orgasm now, but it's too soon.","280":"I try and move away, but Valerie instinctively pushes my head into her.","281":"I really have to struggle to stop.","282":"She's about to complain, but then she notices my intentions.","283":"Oh... yes... go... go ahead then.","284":"Valerie looks almost relieved about this. I, too, am glad to dispense with all the unnecessary shit.","285":"Everything else was foreplay. This is the main event. The thing I've been waiting for years.","286":"I press the thick, meaty, wet end of my cock into Valerie's supple, spicy, succulent pussy. The sense that we're about to fuck becomes unavoidable.","287":"I'm drawn in like a magnet.","288":"She says nothing. She just throws her head back and groans.","289":"I'm so overwhelmed by the fact that my cock is actually inside Class President Valerie's pussy that I actually pause to admire the feeling.","290":"I wanted this even more than I thought I did. Maybe Valerie felt the same way.","291":"But enough admiring the feeling of the insides of a new woman. It's about sensation now.","292":"I start... to fuck...","293":"Yes... yes!","294":"Thrusting... thrusting... in and out... losing myself to the rhythm of our own private music.","295":"I ram into her like a medieval siege engine, trying to breach a gate I've long broken down.","296":"At the deepest points, I feel her insides squeeze the very end of my dick.","297":"There's more I can do. I can get deeper.","298":"I want to feel every inch of her. I don't want there to be a part of her pussy that doesn't know my cock.","299":"I lean forward to get even deeper, to use my weight to force myself ever further.","300":"It just feels natural to kiss Valerie while I'm at it.","301":"We continue, a burst of energy infects us... we fuck like animals... desperate for release...","302":"A change of angle. Valerie motions, indicating she's ready to try something new... something different.","303":"Let's be a little more civilized.","304":"Civilization has nothing to do with this... but I'm intensely curious to what Valerie has in mind...","305":"Let's... go to the desk.","306":"I nod as I kiss her neck, and follow her lead.","307":"I've always wanted to do it like this... something about having pleasure where most do business...","308":"I know you'll make my fantasies come true...","309":"I'm sure Valerie's fantasies were never as boring as wanting to have sex on top of her desk, but it's certainly my fantasy to fuck Valerie on it.","310":"I think my fantasy is about to come true...","311":"Does that thing ever go soft?","312":"Never mind. Let's do this.","313":"I sink my cockhead into her silken lips. Now that we've fucked for a bit, it's warm and intensely juicy, perfectly inviting for me to slip in and out.","314":"It seems like this pussy only exists to get filled by me... and I have the means to fill it.","315":"I slide it deep, deep into her. My cock feels like it almost would reach the top of her belly.","316":"The sound that Valerie makes is guttural, wheezing, not quite human, communicates nothing but ecstatic discomfort.","317":"That's it. I feel like I'm peeling her like a banana, pushing her inside out.","318":"...and I want her to feel that way as well. She clearly likes taking it big.","319":"Yeah, Val really is the type of person who won't take compromises. She'll take it all if she can.","320":"I feel... honestly... really badass for being able to please her. I have a feeling it isn't easy to do...","321":"Fucking mercy... ggggrrgghhh...","322":"The sound is throaty, like a balloon releasing air. I know she just went from halfway to almost there in one fell stroke.","323":"If she's close... I better start getting closer.","324":"Now she takes my thrusts in silence, not even groaning.","325":"I can tell she's grinding her teeth together, I'm driving her into some weird trance. Every bump I give pushes her more and more.","326":"Something tells me she's close to release, and doing everything she can to stop herself.","327":"That means I've got to push myself to cum now...","328":"Good. I wanted this to be special... I wanted to cum the moment she does.","329":"I think... I can do it...","330":"I think... I think...","331":"Then... it comes... I start pumping ropes into her...","332":"Wave after wave... I... release... more than I expected...","333":"She slams hard down on the table... losing all her strength.","334":"As I filled Valerie up... I knew she was cumming hard. I had to hold her still to stop her from flying off me.","335":"Now, she's deflated. My seed drips down her leg. Valerie mutters, but she sounds drunk.","336":"I... uh....","337":"That felt... oh....","338":"I always felt like I had to masturbate to feel that good. Damn.","339":"I need a short break...","340":"Yeah... me too...","341":"...short break over.","342":"She spins around... she's on top of me again. Her throat is down my mouth.","343":"I feel ambushed... I'm too exhausted to resist... but I've got just enough strength to give her everything that she wants.","344":"In my drained balls... I've got one more epic load to give her.","345":"Then... and only then... will she truly have drained me completely.","346":"She slides into me as smoothly as can be.","347":"My muscles, burning like a good workout, somehow find the power to pick up Valerie completely.","348":"Lubricated by my own seed and by her mingling juices, my penetration is swift and smooth.","349":"I get the impression that Valerie is a boat, rocking on the sea.","350":"Good as it feels, my arms eventually get too tired for her.","351":"I'm on the sofa again, pinned by her weight to the couch. Now she lifts herself up and fucks me cowgirl style.","352":"She doesn't have nearly the control that she did before. Instead of her usual controlled grace, she slams into me, using momentum and gravity to do most of the work.","353":"I'd like to be able to do this forever... but I've only got one more load left in me.","354":"In my hazy, sex-drowned state, I wonder where I'll finish on Valerie...","355":"Her pussy.","356":"Her mouth.","357":"That was it. I'm dry. I can't cum anymore.","358":"I'm exhausted.","359":"Give the rest of it to me. I want everything, everything you've got.","360":"She has it. She has everything. I'm finally fucking done.","361":"She sense it, too. She's going to drain me, now, and completely.","362":"She winces as I explode outward for the last time.","363":"I think it's going to end... but more comes...","364":"...I begin to wonder if she can actually take it all...","365":"Her cheeks are full? That's got to be an exaggeration, right?","366":"Then again... I just came [i]a lot[\/i] a lot.","367":"How do I have anything left to give?","368":"Gah!","369":"Won't you look at that. Valerie took every drop.","370":"I hope she enjoyed it. I'm totally tapped out.","371":"Slowly, lazily, we get dressed.","372":"The post-sex glow gets me. I feel like I've downed a bottle of whiskey in one gulp.","373":"Do you see how you feel?","374":"Feel? I think you gained the pound that I just lost.","375":"No pain though, right?","376":"Are you saying that this was just an effort to make me not feel pain?","377":"Did it work?","378":"It did. What do I get for a third degree burn?","379":"A hospital bed and a dildo.","380":"I laugh at that, but the laugh is short lived. Immediately I begin to think about what this meant for the two of us...","381":"Valerie gets the same sense as me.","382":"Let's not think too hard, shall we?","383":"All the blood is coming back into my body, so I can't help but think.","384":"We should enjoy this time. I have a bottle of wine if you want. I don't have a fridge of beer, just a secret cellar.","385":"I don't know. Is it time for wine?","386":"I can't stop thinking that I have three copies of the same program...","387":"No. No. Please don't think about that right now.","388":"Stop thinking about Silent1. Just think about me.","389":"If I compared the changes, I might be able to determine the source of the program.","390":"What are you talking about? Stay here.","391":"I can't. I've got to check something right now. I might not get another chance.","392":"[i]Forget about Silent1![\/i] Don't do what I asked you to do!","393":"No. It's too late.","394":"I'm doomed. You give me a beautiful woman... I'm going to ignore her to pursue a mystery.","395":"If there's even the smallest sliver of a chance I'm going to get an answer, I'll take it.","396":"I want the truth. Nothing, [i]nothing[\/i] will keep me from it.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene31_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene31_anim_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene31_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene31_anim_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene31_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene31_anim_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40A_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40A_anim_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40A_anim_speed != ep8_Valerie_Sex_Scene40A_anim_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch8__08.80 finding sandra.vne3":{"3":"There's nothing more important than finding Silent1. Not friendships nor careers.","4":"I feel like I just need one more push, then I've got this whole situation in the bag.","5":"Just... one... more... push!","6":"I sit down at the computer. This time... it's not using RECENTLY, it's [i]investigating[\/i] RECENTLY.","7":"I check my cloud storage and see that I broke the encryption on the SHU security software.","8":"Using an external program, I check the binaries of all three versions: the one on Balenka's phone, the one on Alexis's phone, and the one on my device.","9":"Then, I check the SHU program.","10":"The results... surprise me.","11":"The version that Alexis has is the exact same. So why is my version so much more powerful than hers? There must be something about my device and her device that's different...","12":"But... the version on Balenka's phone, and my phone... are different.","13":"I suppose that's not surprising. It's ten years old. Of course it would be different... but it's [i]still strange[\/i]...","14":"The only difference seems to be how it integrates with the school's security software. It seems the program uses a special library just for the school.","15":"But Balenka's version of RECENTLY doesn't have that .dll file. If RECENTLY is fully functional without it, that means...","16":"...[i]then that means[\/i]...","17":"Holy shit. That means I can just delete the .dll file... and that should...","18":"It's deleted. And... RECENTLY still works. Does that do what I think it does?","19":"Yes, it worked. My suspicions were accurate.","20":"That's... the RECENTLY profile of the [i]Mayor of Shale Hill[\/i].","21":"Does that mean... I could even look up the President of the United States? Shit, man, I'm way too scared to even try. RECENTLY might be super high level.","22":"Paranoid that I might have triggered some sort of weird fail-safe, I drag the .dll back where it belongs. [i]This is way too much power[\/i].","23":"So... RECENTLY isn't exploiting software vulnerabilities in the University security software. [i]RECENTLY was purposefully locked to the university network.[\/i]","24":"I'm as breathless as I was when I first started using RECENTLY... the implications are immense.","25":"More immediately, that tingles another suspicion I've had. I compare the SHU security software to the one I received from Emily's dad.","26":"Yep, the one on the local network is modified.","27":"That makes one thing clear... RECENTLY doesn't depend on Emily's dad. Not only didn't he develop it, he probably didn't even develop the software that lets you alter metadata.","28":"He just... has access to it. Was he studying it?","29":"But that does mean someone has to integrate RECENTLY into the University network, and if it isn't Emily's dad...","30":"...it's the person who pushes updates onto the University network.","31":"That's only one fucking person.","32":"I pull my phone out.","33":"Hank, I know you're in your office.","34":"Silence. But I'm not letting him get away with it.","35":"Hank, you have a lot to explain.","36":"Finally...","37":"Don't be a creep and hang outside my door. -Hank","38":"Have you been up this whole time I've worked here? Watching me?","39":"You're telling me you're not searching for prime numbers? -Hank","40":"Don't jerk me around.","41":"I don't care what you do. Just don't drag me into your problems. -Hank","42":"RECENTLY should ring a bell for you.","43":"A pause. A notably long pause.","44":"An adverb for events that occurred a short time ago. -Hank.","45":"Are you sure about that, Silent1?","46":"This is it. Stupid I didn't see it earlier.","47":"It was obvious the whole time. It only could have been Hank.","48":"What does he say now?","49":"I'm not Silent1. -Hank","50":"Only you can tamper with the security software of the school. It must be you.","51":"This... this is the longest silence of all.","52":"[i]I got him.[\/i]","53":"When the next text comes, I read it in time with my heartbeat...","54":"[speed,0.5]You should come into my office. -Hank","55":"...Is he serious?","56":"Hank's door is open. I've seen it ajar a couple of times, but it always closed as soon as I noticed it.","57":"Now, it stays open. A little line of light looks like a blade between the door.","58":"I take a deep breath...","59":"I push the door... nothing stops me.","60":"Yet, it feels heavy, as though it resists me. As I push harder and break down the door's resistance, it begins to swing wide open.","61":"In Hank's office is... [i]light.","62":"Have I been tricked?","63":"That's not Hank... that's a girl.","64":"In fact that's... [pause][i]Sandra...[\/i]","0":"Wow. Valerie's ''trick'' really worked. No pain at all.","1":"Just... energy. A desire to finish this whole affair as soon as possible.","2":"I can't suffer any distraction. Whatever Valerie wanted out of me, it has to wait."},"ch8_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch8_start.vne3":{"10":"Check synopsis.","11":"Skip.","12":"The memory is still raw.","13":"The kiss that {YouCallHer} and I shared, in that quiet, desperate moment, with the weight of this conspiracy and all its implications bearing down on us.","14":"Was it something that just... [i]happened[\/i]? Some anomaly driven by the heat of the moment?","15":"Or was it something that had always been there, but had been driven to the surface in the face of the dangerous new reality that we were both facing?","16":"Regardless, I still couldn't believe what had gotten into me.","17":"What kind of damaged individual goes and kisses their {sheIsYour}?","18":"The moment ended as abruptly as it began. Leaving us both with the lingering shame and guilt.","19":"As if things weren't complicated enough, now I've gone and thrown a wrench into the relationship with the one person I counted on the most.","20":"Just when it seemed that {YouCallHer} and I were gaining ground in uncovering this conspiracy at our college, our biggest lead, Cedric, suddenly went missing.","21":"... From prison, no less.","22":"The weight of what {YouCallHer} and I were up against, this dark agency that could make people like Sandra and Cedric just vanish into thin air, has begun to take its toll on us.","23":"Could I be the next one they take?","24":"Would they come for {YouCallHer}?","25":"Whatever the outcome, it's too late to back out now. We're in too deep, and I need to see this through.","26":"My discreet extra curricular exploits had not gone unnoticed at work.","27":"Linus suspects I'm into something.","28":"I asked both him and Hank if they knew anything about Sandra Vasquez, given that they are both Computer Science Majors like she was. ","29":"All they knew was that she was the girl that had gone missing.","30":"Valerie was the person to talk to following Cedric's disappearance, given her connections with the campus police.","31":"{YouCallHer} had expressed interest in getting closer to the school's Student Council President.","32":"But feeling it was better to insulate {YouCallHer} as much as possible from potential danger, I went to see Valerie alone.","33":"I consulted with her on the potential of this secret ''Fraternity '', quietly operating on campus.","34":"I speculated it might have some connection to the campus Philosophy Club, given Cedric was always going on about it, and Sandra's apparent connection to the student organization.","35":"Valerie, in her coy way, encouraged me to check out the organization myself.","36":"I didn't want to check out the Philosophy Club alone, but I didn't want to bring {YouCallHer} either.","37":" I did, however, know one person who I could bring.","38":"Kristen might be abrasive and eccentric, but she had her own motivations for wanting to check out the Philosophy Club...","39":"...if only to find some eligible bachelor to meet her strangely specific and quirky standards for dating.","40":"I had dramatic expectations for that meeting...","41":"We could be walking right into the public face of a very sinister group. They already had made people disappear at the drop of a hat.","42":"What I found when we arrived was... unexpected.","43":"Alfred and the other members of the Philosophy Club were anything but members of an evil fraternity.","44":"They seem more at home playing RPGs with junk food and soft drinks in some basement.","45":"They were underwhelming, and worst of all, Cedric hadn't been to a meeting of the Philosophy Club in over a year.","46":"The only thing of note was Stan. The regular at Sevigny's was among the small group of nerds that made up the club.","47":"Kristen was also underwhelmed. The [i]Center of Male Power[\/i] turned out to be the Vortex of Virginity.","48":"For different reasons, the two of us were convinced there had to be more to the Philosophy Club than what we had just witnessed, and we agreed to revisit the group in a couple of weeks.","49":"In the meantime, there was plenty to keep me busy.","50":"I followed up with Carmen, continuing to look into the disappearance of her daughter, Sandra.","51":"Carmen provided a history of text messages between her and her missing child.","52":"Through them, I learned that Sandra believed that an algorithm she had been working on was stolen from her.","53":"Worse still, she suspected someone at the college was using it to accuse her of plagiarism and to get her blacklisted.","54":"Stan... I began to suspect his involvement in the club was out of more than an interest in Philosophy.","55":"Haley's situation had improved somewhat. She could at least afford her new apartment, but the bartender was still buried under a mountain of debt.","56":"A night over at her place revealed just how little she was getting by on.","57":"Eager to find some way to help Haley out, I turned to the one person who might know something more of her situation.","58":"So I talked with Stan, who I discovered also attended the Philosophy Club.","59":"And oddly, when I spoke with him, there was a palpable distaste for the Philosophy Club. Strange for someone who was a regular at their meetings.","60":"He eventually came clean: he had been working for the Fraternity, an unwilling agent. It was the first time I had encountered anyone with a direct connection to the Fraternity.","61":"Not only that, he knew that the Fraternity had sabotaged Haley's finances by rejecting her refund for the tuition.","62":"As the University's accountant, he had the power to issue the refund, but chose not to.","63":"He still had the power to make that choice. {YouCallHer} and I appealed to the better angels of his nature on her behalf.","64":"In the end, he followed through with his conscience...","65":"The [i]tip[\/i] he left when he went to pay his bar tab for the last time was enough to cover the round...","66":"...and wipe out Haley's debt completely... with enough left over to make sure she was taken care of financially for the foreseeable future.","67":"Haley was finally out of the woods, but Sam's future was still uncertain.","68":"She might be back in class, but she was passing by a razor thin margin.","69":"We suspected that Professor Rogham had deliberately sabotaged Sam's grades. I planned to confront him about that.","70":"I arranged a meeting with the professor to try and get more information out of him...","71":"...I got more than I bargained for.","72":"During our meeting, he hinted there was a different track for promising students.","73":"This organization would groom students to powerful positions. It could be none other than the Fraternity. And he was trying to recruit me.","74":"But with no solid evidence that Rogham was actively trying to get Sam to fail, {YouCallHer} and I hatched a scheme to expose him.","75":"Despite the fact that she swore she had submitted it, there was no digital record that Sam turned in her midterm assignment, at least at first glance... ","76":"...but I knew there was a way.","77":"With {YouCallHer} running interference, I was able to hack into Rogham's computer. I found what I needed to prove that he had sabotaged Sam.","78":"He did receive Sam's midterm on time, but deleted the email and claimed he never got it.","79":"Armed with this info, we confronted Rogham. We were able to get him to back off of Sam and credit her for the midterm paper.","80":"Even after we cornered and exposed him, Rogham maintained all he was doing was looking out for my ''best interests''.","81":"Still, Sam was in the clear. She was no longer in danger of having her whole college career, and future, sabotaged by some megalomaniac with tenure.","82":"Later on, I ended up running into Maggie again.","83":"At the very least, things seem to be going well for the shy redhead.","84":"For the time being, her brother, Floyd, had ceased his predatory harassment. But I knew that {YouCallHer} and my business with him wasn't yet finished.","85":"{YouCallHer} was adamant that we find out the root reason why Floyd was harassing his sister in the first place.","86":"We followed up with Floyd once more, again posing as religious missionaries.","87":"Floyd was more clever than we had anticipated. It didn't take long for him to see through our ruse.","88":"Floyd, and the rest of Maggie's family, were convinced she'd never be safe, never be welcomed outside their farm, and seemed intent on forcing the young woman to come home.","89":"With our cover story blown, we were run off.","90":"And sure enough, his predatory behavior against Maggie resumed, this time even worse than before.","91":"Floyd had begun to show up at Maggie's house. Too scared to go home, she sought refuge with {YouCallHer} and I.","92":"The threat seemed to be intensifying, and I really began to worry that Maggie might be in physical danger.","93":"{YouCallHer}, however, had concocted a plan that she believed could resolve the whole situation with Floyd without anyone getting hurt.","94":"When she sprung her trap, even I was blown away.","95":"Who knew {YouCallHer} had such a flair for theatrics? She even had me convinced for a split second that I was being gifted a harem of concubines for being a devout follower of {PlayerName}ism.","96":"She condemned the wayward Floyd for denying the true light of ''Yawallahodinganesh'', and showed him what his lack of faith had cost him.","97":"Floyd disavowed his old ways, promising to never again bother his sister, in the hopes he would one day be worthy of his own harem.","98":"After Floyd's revelation, he also disclosed just how he found Maggie in the first place.","99":"Someone had told the Castles where their daughter Maggie had fled to. Someone from Shale Hill University.","100":"It smelled strongly like the work of the Fraternity. ","101":"Despite all the help she was being, I still kept {YouCallHer} in the dark about the Philosophy Club.","102":"I know she'll hate me for it, but I have to protect her from getting too close to the Fraternity.","103":"I can't risk them coming after her like they've come after others in the past.","104":"On my second meeting at the Club, I brought up Sandra. The club confirmed she had once been a member.","105":"They had taken her disappearance hard. She was well liked by the club's members.","106":"They told me that during the last meeting Sandra attended, she was strangely quiet and distant.","107":"After trying to find out what was wrong, she revealed to her friends that she was having problems with someone from the internet...","108":"...someone she claimed was called Silent1.","109":"Stan. He was the key to all of this. The one vulnerability in the Fraternity's armor of anonymity.","110":"I cornered him at his place of work.","111":"I knew he was little more than an unwilling agent for the Fraternity, positioned in the Philosophy club as their frontman.","112":"But it was clear from how he spoke about Sandra, that he harbored terrible guilt at what happened to her.","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","113":"With some pressure, Stan finally came clean as being their doorman and gatekeeper. And I finally convinced him to put me on the path to face the Fraternity directly.","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","114":"As hesitant as I was, fearing the danger in drawing her deeper into this investigation as well, I updated Valerie as much as I felt I could.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","115":"Like {YouCallHer}, I want to protect her. But she put me on the path to track down the Fraternity. She is likely in as deep as I am.","3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","116":"I was getting close to something big. Whatever was going to happen, was going to start happening fast.","4":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","117":"There really is no going back now.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","118":"At the very least... I think I can keep {YouCallHer} at arm's length from the most dangerous aspects of this hunt...","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","7":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","8":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","9":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?"},"ch8__08.CA.05 working stiff.vne3":{"10":"Actually, it wouldn't even be pretending. I did get to work early. [i]Real early[\/i].","11":"Maybe I can get some congratulations for a change.","12":"Mother flipper!","13":"Wow... you've got legs.","14":"And you got... got... got... shiiiit, I've got nothing clever to say. What are you doing up so early? The ass crack of dawn woke up, rolled around and went back to bed.","15":"If it's so early, why are you up?","16":"That's because my shift starts!","17":"I had nothing better to do, so I came in early.","18":"You got something better to do: sleep, that's what.","19":"I agree with that.","20":"You agree? So why are you here? Couldn't sleep? Most of us just grab a snack from the fridge.","21":"I'm not like that. I just needed to get out for a bit.","22":"Anyway, you don't have a shift for a few hours, so... I don't know man.","23":"Well, I guess I'll see you then.","24":"Yeah. I will, I guess.","25":"Linus gives me a hard stare as he walks past me. Just before he goes in he stops and turns around suddenly.","26":"You're a cool guy, {PlayerName}. I got no vibes from you when we first met.","27":"Vibes?","28":"Yeah. [i]Vibes[\/i]. You know what I'm saying.","29":"Shit's different now, though. Something about you is off.","30":"I feel like nothing has changed.","31":"It's a good thing you can type out lies like that. Don't think you're the type to make a big stinker like that without breaking a sweat.","32":"But uh... if you want someone to talk to...","33":"...I'm sure you can find someone.","34":"Why even say that? Unless...","35":"So... he's excusing himself from my problems. I get it. I wasn't really counting on help from Linus, but to be so blunt about it still stings.","36":"You don't like drama, I remember.","37":"Do get help, though. Your shit seems way over my head. I thought my shit was over my head, but compared to yours, it feels pretty doable right now.","38":"Yeah, the emails from your mother? Pretty tough situation.","39":"Say what now?","40":"Oh... I'm not supposed to know that.","41":"Back when I was still testing the limits of RECENTLY, I pulled something from his inbox. His mother was saying how he was destined to be a king... I think. It was hard to understand.","42":"He's... staring at me. I gotta come up with an answer. What?","43":"I can only be pretending to type for so long before he knows I'm stalling...","44":"It's kinda like how we all got mothers who are overbearing. Sending emails about wearing fresh underwear and so on.","45":"Oh... yeah. Fresh underwear. Is that what you meant? Must've been.","46":"You don't have my email password, right?","47":"No. Why would I?","48":"Nothing. Not sure if you saw...- you coulda seen...- maybe I forgot to say-...","49":"Well, don't look into my emails.","50":"I haven't.","51":"Yeah, okay.","52":"A text! Perfect excuse.","53":"I've got to take this.","54":"You've got to take a text? Okay. Because that makes sense.","55":"See you later.","56":"Uh-huh.","57":"What angel texted me at that moment?","58":"It's not an angel... it's Carmen. Or maybe she is an angel, I don't know her that well.","59":"I read the text:","60":"Sorry to message you so early. Are you doing okay? Are you healthy?","61":"I think I have more to say on Sandrita. I am available today any time, I will be at school.","62":"Carmen has more information on Sandra? I really feel like I've tapped out on Carmen as a resource.","63":"But... there is an undeniable chance that she's found something new. I suppose I should go see her, check what she has to say...","64":"Damn it, I also want to go to bed. If I go see Carmen now, I can get it over with and then dive under some covers like a sinking submarine.","65":"Hey Carmen. I can meet right now.","66":"A few moments...","67":"This is so unexpected! What surprise! I was sure you would be asleep.","68":"If you have a moment, meet me in the teacher's lounge.","69":"Teacher's lounge? Right.","70":"Let's hope she's got something useful to say.","71":"I'm passing by so many students. They either look obnoxiously chipper or the walking dead.","72":"I guess that's the difference between night people and morning people. Some of us were meant to get up first thing, and the rest of us are just forced to.","73":"I'm a morning person. I'm definitely a morning person. A type-A, work hard, carpe diem, take-life-by-the-balls-and-make-no-apologies guy.","74":"Today, I know how the night people feel.","75":"Carmen had better say something helpful...","76":"Oh, look at you. [i]Pobrecito[\/i], how hard have you been working? Come here. Would you like some coffee?","77":"I feel like I need something stronger. Like cocaine.","78":"I'm not that sort of Latina, dear. Sit down and I'll make you something.","79":"I can't drink coffee. It'll keep me up.","80":"Keep you up? It's almost 6 a.m...","81":"Night shift at work. So, do you have information about Sandra?","82":"Oh, are you sure you want to talk about that right now? You seem so stressed out...","83":"Of course I want to talk about her right now, that's why you called me, isn't it?","84":"From your face... I can tell you are molested by something. You don't have to shoulder this burden alone...","85":"Do you have information on Sandra or not?!","86":"Eh? Oh... so sorry... I did not realize you were not in the mood.","87":"Of course, I have things to say about Sandrita. Uh... I found some old projects of hers. Maybe you can tell something from them? I think there might be a clue.","88":"She hands me a file. I take a quick gander through...","89":"...as I look through... finger through elementary school papers and essays about the founding fathers, I feel my blood start to boil.","90":"This is useless. Why did you call me for this?","91":"I thought that you might...","92":"Do you think I have the time to look through every crayon drawing? I'm busy, I'm doing actual work, do you understand how much I'm personally sacrificing?","93":"Oh... I know and I'm so grateful...","94":"You deserve that. I'm sorry. I'm tired.","95":"I'm going to bed. Excuse me.","96":"Damn... there was zero catharsis going off on Carmen like that. Just feel shittier than I did before.","97":"Carmen was just trying to help... [i]which makes it even worse[\/i]. If she was being a bitch, it would be easier...","98":"Fuck it. Somehow I've got to stay awake on the way home.","99":"{Leah} should be out at school...","100":"...and yet, I'm rehearsing a speech in my head for when I see her.","101":"[i]Yeah, just on my morning jog.[\/i] It's such a stupid lie. She'll see right through it.","102":"My best bet is not to see her.","103":"Quiet. Nobody's here.","104":"This is what I want, right?","105":"The sun is up. This shit feels so unnatural.","106":"As I tuck myself into bed and close my eyes, I wonder what kind of vampire I'm becoming.","107":"Definitely not the sparkles-in-sunlight sort. I'm not becoming more seductive, powerful, intelligent.","108":"I feel more like a hunchbacked nosferatu, hiding away...","0":"Suddenly... the lights click on.","1":"I wasn't asleep. I know I wasn't. My eyes are open. I'm sitting upright.","2":"So why does it feel like I just woke up?","3":"Good God... is it daytime? And did I have any plans to extract myself from the building without being caught by maintenance staff?","4":"I know I'm not supposed to be here...","5":"I gotta get out of here, but I can't just walk out the door. I've done the computing equivalent of starting a steam train... now the thing has to wind down.","6":"I quit out of everything... and head out.","7":"It's barely daytime. I usually get up a few minutes from now.","8":"I... haven't really properly thought about when I'm going to bed now. Should I just go this second, or should I... try and do all the normal stuff I usually do?","9":"I've got no idea. I could just... turn around, go back in the office... pretend like I went to work early."},"ch8__08.CA.10 bench encounter.vne3":{"10":"[ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene23_anim_speed != ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene23_anim_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene29_anim_speed != ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene29_anim_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene29_anim_speed != ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene29_anim_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene29_anim_speed != ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene29_anim_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Morn... morning...","19":"No. Not morning. [i]Night[\/i]. Dreary, horrid night.","20":"Did I fall asleep? Is it... morning already?","21":"I don't have enough time in the night to do this! And... while I was working... something struck me.","22":"Is the reason I'm not getting anything because all the communications I'm looking for happen during the day?","23":"RECENTLY only gets what's stored in memory. If Silent1 is working during the day, then...","24":"...I could be missing every single valuable clue.","25":"That might mean... I have to skip sleep at all, and just scour this shit at all times.","26":"Can I really stay awake any longer than I already am? I feel all spread out, thin, achy like an old man.","27":"The coffee, power drinks, all the shit I use to work through the night is no longer helping.","28":"This whole strategy... might have been a mistake... but I've already sunk so much effort into it already... I feel like it would all be wasted if I just stop.","29":"I have to find the strength to even get out of my seat.","30":"Oof... cold morning. Autumn is really starting to kick in.","31":"Ah... shit... something's coming over me...","32":"...I know I need to continue my work. I know I need to keep fighting forward... but the lack of any results just...","33":"...just makes me want to give up. [i]Physically[\/i] give up.","34":"Every muscle in my body seems to lose all its energy. I know, at this point, I'm not going to make it home.","35":"I sit on the bench like a homeless person.","36":"If I had a jacket to throw over myself, I would. I'd wrap myself like a burrito, in ten layers of sweaty, stinky parkas.","37":"All I know is... I'm not getting off this bench.","38":"I just want to... go to...","39":"Birds singing... world is rousing up around me. Why is it that just makes me want to sleep even more badly?","40":"Feels... so easy... to forget everything... and just...","41":"Oh... oh... [i]pobrecito[\/i]...","42":"What has happened to you, my sweet?","43":"Gentle touches... feel so nice...","44":"Awaken, please.","45":"I am sorry. So sorry.","46":"Whaa...?","47":"I am sorry to waken you, dear one, but you cannot rest here.","48":"The campus police will only remove you. This is a sad truth.","49":"Do not despair. I will take you to a place where you may rest.","50":"Damn... I feel like a zombie... being taken on a leash...","51":"I'd... follow anyone just about anywhere right now. I feel so...","52":"...so... exhausted...","53":"I will take good care of you. You have nothing to worry about.","54":"That sounds... so nice right now...","55":"So this is the place. The teacher's lounge.","56":"I feel like I've been here an awful lot by now. And it's true. It feels comfortable. Cozy.","57":"Almost like... my own bedroom.","58":"Take a lie on the couch, dear one.","59":"I need no encouragement.","60":"I step heavily toward it.. unsure whether the floor is uneven or my own feet. The cushions at the other side of the room feel like the reward for a hard journey.","61":"You work so hard for me... for my Sandra.","62":"I know what you do. You need not tell me, because I see it in your eyes. You are driving yourself to the edge, [i]mi amor[\/i].","63":"There you go. You see, much better.","64":"You do not want a hard and cold park bench. That is not the place for you.","65":"[i]No[\/i]... I see it... you want something soft... you want something that you can touch... that will keep you warm.","66":"I know this. I can see it. This is something you need, and this is something that I can provide.","67":"Her accent is so warm... I almost feel like I [i]remember it[\/i]... sort of like a memory from a prior life.","68":"In my state... just about anything is going to seem heavenly.","69":"I wonder... if I can just hold off on sleep... whether something special might happen.","70":"Drift to sleep...","71":"Stay awake... see if something happens...","72":"I know how hard you are working to do right by my Sandra and I, {PlayerName}.","73":"Now, you will let me take care of you, yes?","74":"Sleepily, I nod, surrendering myself completely to it. Truthfully, there's nothing I want in the world right now other than to be safe, warm and comfortable.","75":"I feel Carmen's hand slide up my chest. In my tired stupor, it feels both strange, but welcomed.","76":"I know enough that it's a signal. Of something she's willing to give, and of something she wants.","77":"I don't have the strength or the will to give it deep thought, to consider its implications or consequences. I just know, stripped down to the base of my being, that I want it too.","78":"As Carmen leans in, I pull myself up to meet her kiss. Her soft, warm lips spread a wave of heat through me.","79":"Her rich, voluptuous body, pressing against my own, seems to animate me from some unknown well of vigor. Almost of their own volition, my hands reach out and begin exploring her curves.","80":"Giving in to my instinctual urges, my hand finds her warm, soft thigh. The touch has a tangible response, betrayed by her pulling me in tighter, kissing me even more deeply.","81":"I guess there really was something more to all that playful flirting after all.","82":"Her blouse and bra are suddenly falling away like they were immaterial, letting her breasts, firm and perky, jiggle free.","83":"Do not fear us being discovered, I have locked the door.","84":"Part of me feels this should be more of a shock, as there is a strange... comfortableness to all of this. Like we're old lovers who've done this a million times.","85":"Maybe... this is just something we both really need right now.","86":"Regardless, Carmen's body is something I can't ignore. She is more stunning naked than I could have imagined.","87":"Lay back and relax, [i]vaquero[\/i].","88":"The dusky beauty drops to her knees in front of me, her graceful fingers pulling my boxers away, letting my eager member flop free.","89":"At the sight of my manhood, Carmen's brow raises, and she flashes me a coy smile.","90":"Oh my. It seems as though someone was born very blessed, no?","91":"Eying her plump breasts, I could say the same thing about her.","92":"The stunning latina starts to eagerly pump my shaft, growing visibly excited while she watches my cock continue to grow and stiffen.","93":"She has the anxiousness of a younger woman. I wonder how long it's been for her, since she's had a man's cock in her hand.","94":"Her touch is that of a woman of experience though, looking up at me while deftly teasing my twitching meat with her tongue.","95":"Lovingly massaging my throbbing erection with her mouth, she further awakens my animalistic urges, exorcizing the fatigue from my body and displacing it with a base, virile energy.","96":"The way she looks at me with those piercing eyes, pleasuring my member like she knows exactly what I like, it's as if she's casting some black magic on me. Possessing my bones and muscles with some lustful entity.","97":"I'm quickly becoming a puppet, and her touch is the strings.","98":"Whatever witchcraft she is casting is sealed when I feel her pillowy lips wrap around the head of my cock.","99":"The shiver of ecstasy that pulses through me once I have her mouth is like a drug.","100":"I feel every inch of her head as she lowers herself on my cock. Wet, warm, and soothing.","101":"It's more than a blowjob... I feel [i]taken care of[\/i], like I'm being nursed back to health.","102":"Strangely, I feel a sort of vitality come through me. I'm... [i]invigorated.","103":"And yet, I could fall asleep to her work... fall into a sweet dream while she sucks and licks me in such a tenderly fashion.","104":"Effortlessly, Carmen's head slides down my shaft, the warm wetness enveloping me, and I feel the head of my cock down the back of her mouth.","105":"She doesn't so much as flinch, easily deep throating me like a seasoned pro.","106":"If she keeps at this, I won't be able to hold out long.","107":"Just when I'm beginning to crest, Carmen pulls my shaft from her throat, trailing a thick lasso of precum and spit.","108":"Looking at my manhood at full mast next to her head, I'm bewildered, and incredibly aroused she took the entire thing so easily.","109":"You are quite the specimen, [i]mi amor[\/i], has anyone told you this?","110":"Seductively, she cocks her hips while stripping off her lace panties. Now that she's readied me, she means to ride.","111":"She lowers her lithe, curvy frame down onto my cock, guiding it to her slit.","112":"The head contacts her lips and I can feel she's already quite wet. Both of us let out a breathy gasp when I penetrate her.","113":"Carmen breaks out into a tirade of hushed, frantic Spanish, slowly riding my cock down, shuddering at every inch of penetration until I feel those two, soft, warm butt cheeks pressing against my pelvis.","114":"Oh god, {PlayerName}, you are so deep!","115":"I feel her intensity as she rides and grinds me, not only desperate to bring herself to pleasure, but to bring me back to life too.","116":"As I clench my jaw, try to process as these delicious feelings running through me, Carmen varies herself, bringing me a completely different kind of pleasure.","117":"In my state, it had been hard to keep up, but her gentle way of building up has me completely recovered.","118":"I feel ready to return the favor.","119":"[i]Dios mío! Sí! Sí, Papi![\/i]","120":"Carmen starts vigorously pumping herself up and down on my shaft, while I grope and caress her round, juicy cheeks.","121":"Taking her by her ample hips, I start to thrust her up and down. Her cinnamon hindquarters slapping playfully against my skin with a satisfying clap.","122":"All the while, her chants of wild Spanish continue. Growing breathier and more desperate with each passing second.","123":"Shuddering violently, the beautiful Latina pulls herself away from me.","124":"I must breathe! [i]vaquero[\/i], you will finish me off too quick!","125":"But I am insatiable now, grabbing her and pulling her back to me, letting my hands and lips continue to explore. The caresses coaxing sweet purrs from the woman.","126":"Yes... [i]Papi[\/i], touch me like this.","127":"Whatever magic she's been casting has now seemed to backfire, driven by her own lust, she shoves me back onto the couch and aggressively remounts me.","128":"Cocking her hips back, taking my cock, and thrusting it back inside her.","129":"Damn you, {PlayerName}, you drive me mad! I must have you in me!","130":"Pumping vigorously up and down on my cock, her gasps escalate into desperate moans, until she reaches her tipping point.","131":"Like a current of electricity was suddenly sent pulsing through her, Carmen's body seizes up, her pussy sucks and quivers around my cock.","132":"Those beautiful eyes roll back in debilitating orgasm, her climax crescendoing in a loud, melodic wail.","133":"Without Carmen's help, I don't think I would've had the energy to do this. But she's like salve for whatever wounds I have.","134":"As the intensity builds, I know I've got a lot to give back.","135":"My aching balls, filling as I pound into Carmen, readying itself further for release...","136":"I'm going to make Carmen feel as good as she made me!","137":"Panting deeply, Carmen's faculties slowly begin to return to her.","138":"Her eyes ooze affection, looking down at me and swirling her hips around my pelvis with my shaft still buried inside her.","139":"You still need to finish... how would you like me, [i]vaquero[\/i]?","140":"Cum inside Carmen.","141":"Cum on Carmen's face.","142":"Taking the woman by her caramel hips, I pump into her once, signaling how I'd like her.","143":"Carmen coos affectionately.","144":"So, you want to finish and put your seed inside of me? You shall have it, [i]mi amor[\/i].","145":"The stunning vixen begins to rock her hips up and down on my shaft once more. Vigorously riding me and pumping my cock.","146":"Looking down at me with those big, dark beautiful eyes, I can tell it won't take much.","147":"In moments, I feel the surge in my testicles, the uncontrollable contraction and quivering.","148":"A silent gasp escapes my lips, it is my turn to seize up, save the powerful pulses in my crotch when the euphoric blast of cum explodes up inside Carmen.","149":"The woman squeals when she feels the molten blast erupt in her pussy, her nails digging into me when it does.","150":"{PlayerName}! My god, it feels like so much!","151":"Carmen grins in deep, womanly satisfaction, reveling in the load I just deposited in her. We both rest for a moment, soaking in each other's warmth.","152":"Finally though, she begins to slide herself off my cock.","153":"Her arms are shaky as she lifts herself off of me. Her tight snatch sucking at my softening member until it finally pops out of her, cum pouring from her slit.","154":"Jesus... I have never seen a man shoot this much!","155":"She looks down at my handiwork and grins. I, however, am completely tapped out.","156":"Having fulfilled the compulsion to make love, and the lustful energy that sustained me quickly leaving my body, my tank is now completely and truly empty.","157":"I thumb Carmen's soft cheek.","158":"So, it is my face you want to leave your ''mark'' on, yes?","159":"The foxy latina flashes a coy grin before dropping to her knees, hugging her tits together to present to me.","160":"I am all yours, [i]vaquero[\/i].","161":"The sight of her, a professor here at the college, submitting to me like this is deeply exciting, and I start to vigorously jerk off at her.","162":"Yes! Use me for your pleasure! Use me!","163":"It's all it takes to push me over the edge,and the flood gates open.","164":"I unleash a thick, sticky blast of cum all over Carmen's face.","165":"Fat ropes of my jizz drape themselves all over the gorgeous latina's stunning face, all the way down to her magnificent breasts, and there's even enough left over to leave a sizable pool in her mouth.","166":"Carmen then shuts her eyes, and closes her lips. Swirling my load around, seemingly to taste and savor it, before swallowing it down.","167":"The sight of her eating my load like that is a complete rush.","168":"Both proudly, and submissively, she opens her mouth and sticks out her tongue, showing me she's drunk every drop.","169":"Deeply satisfied, but now feeling drained in every conceivable way, I drop back down to the sofa.","170":"After finding the energy to get dressed, battling sleep is now impossible. I get cozy and rapidly drift off.","171":"Echoing from somewhere far above, I hear Carmen's soothing, affectionate voice.","172":"Rest now, [i]vaquero[\/i]. Sleep as long as you like. I will make sure no one disturbs you here.","173":"It's the last thing I remember, before sleep takes me.","174":"Was I in the teacher's lounge all day? And nobody woke me up?","175":"Man... I [i]feel[\/i] as if I was hearing footsteps and voices all day, but none of them woke me up.","176":"The teachers in this school are a lot cooler than I thought.","177":"And [i]Carmen...[\/i] was that a dream too?","178":"For her to have taken care of me like that... I know she's a generous woman... but...","179":"[i]...then again... it feels like I've had sex recently... I'm wet in all the wrong places...[\/i]","180":"I'm not the sort of guy who would second guess a fuck.","181":"How else would I have gotten to the teacher's lounge, if it was?","182":"I feel... very different.","183":"Hrmm...","184":"...My eyes are closed... yet somehow I know...","185":"...the sun is not longer falling on my face.","186":"AWAKEN.","187":"AGHHH!","188":"Vagrancy is a crime you know. The law is quite clear that benches aren't beds.","189":"If you're confused, I can draw out a diagram for ya. Just need some chalk.","190":"To... to wake up next to [i]this face[\/i]...","191":"Oh, it's you. Robin of Loxley, the hoodlum. Quickest shot in the west. Greatest gunfighter in upstate New Jersey.","192":"I fish for my phone. As I stumble for keys, autocorrect does the bulk of the work for me.","193":"Why did you wake me?","194":"You're my best friend, pal. I wanted to help you out, didn't want you to become a deviant [i]homeless person[\/i].","195":"Best friends help each other. They buy each other drinks and let each other crash on their pads.","196":"Lucky for you, a spot in the bat cave opened up. The... the butler guy just moved out, and now there's an open room in the mansion.","197":"Are you inviting me to your-","198":"I don't want to call it a dumpster. I know he doesn't appreciate that.","199":"Appreciate the offer, Batman, but I think I'll just try to make it home somehow.","200":"Suit yourself. More room for me then.","201":"You could just put your middle finger up, I understand that much sign language.","202":"Right, well, if you're not coming with me, I'm going to head off.","203":"Gotta a lot of bat signals to follow, pokers... uh... [i]Jokers[\/i] to catch. Full bladder, too... can't just piss anywhere like I used to. Lotta layers to-","204":"Too much detail.","205":"Yeah, okay, fine. See you.","206":"The kick in the pants did wake me up good, but I'm not going to last.","207":"If I don't make it into a bed, I'm toast.","208":"Literally just in time. I collapse on my bed, unable to keep my eyes open for even a second longer.","209":"That I even made it home... is frankly a miracle...","210":"I can barely remember how I got here... the time between sitting on that bench and waking up is just a blur...","211":"I'm still so fucking tired... how can I be this tired after sleeping all day?","212":"Well-rested and no energy. [i]Fuck[\/i].","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene18_anim_speed != ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene18_anim_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene18_anim_speed != ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene18_anim_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene18_anim_speed != ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene18_anim_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene23_anim_speed != ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene23_anim_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene23_anim_speed != ep8_Carmen_Sex_Scene23_anim_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch8__08.HM.05 haley mc walk.vne3":{"10":"I... can't bring myself to go inside. But what other choice do I have? This is the only way...","11":"[i]But no. No, it isn't. There's another way.[\/i]","12":"That thin, strange path that appeared in the Philosophy Club... from someone so unexpected.","13":"I should... just give it a try. If it doesn't work out, I can go back to my original plan.","14":"Time to call.","15":"Who is this?","16":"Alexis waits for my answer. Before I punch something out, I remind myself who it is I'm talking to.","17":"It's Deaf Guy.","18":"Oh yeah! I saw you yesterday. So... um... this about the secret stuff?","19":"Yes. The Elders of the Fraternity of Dark-","20":"Are you really, like... in a secret fraternity? You are Deaf Guy, right? Not a robot?","21":"Yes, to the second question. And yes to the first. Yes to everything.","22":"The only reason I ask is that you definitely don't seem like the type.","23":"What makes you say that?","24":"Even though the machine voice thing is like... creepy and sexy sorta, totally fits in with evil fraternity stuff, I've seen your face, and it just doesn't scream ''bad guy'', you know?","25":"Looks can be deceiving.","26":"Is this some trick to try and fuck me again?","27":"No.","28":"Is this like, you regretting not fucking me or something?","29":"No.","30":"You don't need to go through all this effort if it is.","31":"Oh, that reminds me of a funny story. Like... a guy once faked his mom's death to get in my pants, but like, I don't give a shit, so it didn't work.","32":"I don't want to have sex with you.","33":"Yeah, sure, like that's true. Anyway, about this fraternity, can I bring my friends along?","34":"Ugh.","35":"You can't bring your friends to a secret society, no. It's secret, it's in the name.","36":"Yeah, but... all my friends are really good at keeping secrets. Pinky swear.","37":"The nudes you publish of your friends beg to differ. But... I'm not really recruiting her to a fraternity, so who cares what she tells people?","38":"Once you join the Fraternity, we'll consider recruiting your friends too.","39":"Great. Because right now, we're all in a service sorority, and... like... I'm not big into [i]service[\/i].","40":"World's biggest surprise, there.","41":"We'll need to meet in private. When are you next free?","42":"Yeah, any time during school hours will do. I can just cut class.","43":"Expect me to call soon.","44":"Cool.","45":"So few questions. [i]What should I expect? What do I need to do? Why is it secret?[\/i] Those are all the questions I'd want to ask.","46":"Maybe she just doesn't want to take this opportunity for granted, but... heh... I doubt that's the case.","47":"My big question is how I ended up fucking a girl like that.","48":"And why was Cedric giving Alexis an in with the fraternity? Was he trying to get a piece of her?","49":"It was fortunate he did. I'm not sure I'd get this any other way.","50":"Thank god. Some other route other than being in the dark lab and sitting in front of computers.","51":"I'd do anything to go to bed. So... I'll just do that.","52":"Going to bed at night... what a novelty.","53":"I'm so ready. My body is ready. My mind is ready. My soul is ready.","54":"Pillow, meet head. Head, meet oblivion.","55":"My phone drilling into the nightstand wakes me up, as I groggily reach over to smack it into submission.","56":"Dragging it to my face, I see it's Haley again texting me.","57":"Hey, are u busy?","58":"no, wats up?","59":"Wanna come take a walk with me? I could use someone 2 talk 2.","60":"I'd rather like to catch up on some sleep. But with everything she's gone through recently, I'm hesitant to dismiss Haley. I'm guessing it's not Dante's new hetebro action figure collection she's looking to talk about.","61":"sure. Gimmie like 20 mins. Cya at the park","62":"thxs, ur the best.","63":"I try","64":"Thanks again for taking a walk with me. Its good to have someone to talk to.","65":"I'm not keeping you from class or anything, am I?","66":"Nope. I've got all the time in the world.","67":"She gives me a funny look, not quite believing me.","68":"Well, don't let me keep you if you [i]do[\/i] have places to be. I know you're busy.","69":"Forgoing classes and work has certainly felt liberating. ","70":"Now that I'm able to focus all my energy on uncovering the fraternity and its plots, the previous stress of school and the IT job now seem trivial. Even selfish.","71":"You're still conflicted about taking the money?","72":"I know I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, and even Stan's wife told me I should keep it. But, I don't know... do I really deserve this?","73":"The amount Stan gave her, as generous as it was, still doesn't seem like enough for what the Fraternity put her through.","74":"But it's not as though I can tell her all that, not without sucking her down the rabbit hole.","75":"But that doesn't mean what I tell has to be a lie.","76":"Look, Stan wanted you to have that money for a reason. He clearly thought you had more to offer the world than being stuck behind a bar serving drinks.","77":"I think you can thank him by making the most of that money and doing something meaningful with your life.","78":"Haley is quiet for a moment, looking off in thought.","79":"I guess so. It's not like I can turn it down.","80":"Speaking of, do you have any idea what you're going to do?","81":"I don't know. Pick up where things left off when I had to drop out of school?","82":"Maybe I'll look into enrolling in some online classes for a start.","83":"...Through some [i]other[\/i] academic institution, not Shale Hill University, obviously.","84":"I think that would be for the best.","85":"Well, if you're not working at the bar anymore, and going back to school, maybe you can consider following some other pursuits also.","86":"Like what?","87":"I don't know. Pick up a hobby, maybe take some singing lessons.","88":"Haley glances over at me incredulously.","89":"Come on. I'm not going to waste Stan's money on that.","90":"Why not?","91":"Because he gave me that money so I could get my life back on track. Not fritter it away on stupid singing lessons.","92":"I won't press the issue, but it seems like Stan wanted you to live your life. I think he would have liked to know that you were a singer.","93":"That was the kicker, he did know. We had both listened to Haley sing that one day out in front of the bar. But I decided not to lay that on her.","94":"I don't know. I think it's mostly a waste of time. But... maybe, after everything else is taken care of, I'll look into some voice lessons.","95":"Good.","96":"As we continue our walk, a shock of bright red hair catches my eye.","97":"I turn to see Maggie staring at us from halfway across the green.","98":"I smile and wave to her, but then I notice she looks as though she's just seen a ghost.","99":"No sooner than we make eye contact, she spins around and starts off in the opposite direction at a hurried pace.","100":"It's odd. Maybe seeing me with Haley spooked her. I guess she's not quite ready to interact with strangers just yet. ","101":"That's fine, no need to rush her. She's already made so much progress.","102":"Haley doesn't notice, and I don't mention it. We continue our walk, talking about where she can start looking for classes.","0":"Outside the fucking IT lab, prepared to spend another fucking night here.","1":"I've had this same thought every night: [i]Is this going to be the night I catch Silent1?[\/i]","2":"The same thought, the same hope, and what good has it done me?","3":"No sunlight. Dreary nights alone by myself. Looking at screens and barely able to keep my eyes open.","4":"Damn it, [i]this isn't working out.[\/i]. While I'm busting my ass inside the IT lab, my personal life is draining away. And for what?","5":"Even if I succeed, nobody is ever going to know the sacrifices I made, all the things I've done.","6":"Hell, I've been so deeply separated from my normal life I even miss [i]class and work[\/i]. That's fucked up.","7":"Most of all though...","8":"...it's {Leah}.","9":"I'm doing this all so she doesn't have to."},"ch8__08.HM.10 maggie asks about haley.vne3":{"10":"Jeez, Maggie! Get yourself together! Sneaking up on people like that!","11":"Maggie has a way of perking me up. Suddenly, I don't feel quite so shitty anymore. My emotions immediately clear up.","12":"It's clear something has Maggie shook up. Maybe it had to do with my conversation with Haley?","13":"Are you okay? You've been acting a little weird lately.","14":"Don't you mean weirder than I usually am?","15":"You know what I mean.","16":"You're right, you're right. I'm sorry... Can we talk for a minute?","17":"Of course.","18":"We grab a table in a quiet corner of the shop. I give her a minute to work out what it is she has to say.","19":"Okay, do you remember me talking about a friend I had a while back? We were close, she was my best friend in high school, she liked to sing, but we... lost touch?","20":"I think so.","21":"I... I think I saw her walking with you this afternoon.","22":"Haley?","23":"Maggie nods.","24":"I don't know why I never considered it. Maggie and Haley were the same age. Haley liked to sing and Maggie had mentioned that about her friend. And they both were in Shale Hill.","25":"I suppose hindsight is twenty-twenty. Still, I get a little excited finding out.","26":"Really? That's great. Let's go see her so you two can catch up. I can call her right now.","27":"Maggie's expression shifts to one of terror.","28":"No! I don't want to see her. I don't want Haley to even know I'm in town.","29":"I'm confused. Why would you not want to see her?","30":"It's a long story.","31":"I don't have anywhere to be, if you want to tell it.","32":"Maggie mulls it over, her eyes shifting around as she searches for the words.","33":"I reckon I should start at the beginning.","34":"Back when I was in high school, a new family moved to our town. The Holmes.","35":"Haley's dad was a scientist working for the state. He had been sent to our town to study some kind of bug and the effects it was having on the local agriculture.","36":"And Haley was enrolled in your school.","37":"Maggie nods.","38":"Haley was one of the girls who made a show of being cool and cynical.","39":"From her first day, she was quick to tell anyone and everyone how unhappy she was, being forced to move to our small town from the big city where she grew up.","40":"You know the type. Dressing in all that black, hair dyed some odd color, and ready with some kind of snarky remark for just about anything a person had to say to her.","41":"So Haley was a little bit of an [i]edge-lord[\/i] in her youth. I can kind of see it.","42":"Don't get me wrong, I thought she was just about the coolest person I'd ever laid eyes on.","43":"I took to sitting near her in class, or at lunch. Eventually I even tried to start up some small talk, asking her where she was from, and how she was liking school.","44":"Of course, she would always have some sarcastic response. It was clear that she didn't have the time of day for me.","45":"It sounds like she's talking about a completely different person than the warm, kind-hearted Haley I know. But people grow a lot during those years of their lives.","46":"Why did you want to be her friend? It sounds like she didn't want much to do with you.","47":"Because she was an outcast, like me.","48":"Back in high school, I was old ''Maggie Castle'', that weird girl who never talked to anyone and always tried to hide in the back of the class.","49":"Haley, showing up as the new kid, along with being the colorful character she was, seemed dead set on being an outsider.","50":"And she may have put on this act that she didn't care about anything, but that was just because, deep down, she was lonely and didn't have anyone to talk to.","51":"Kind of like a dog that snaps and barks at folks because no one ever gave it any love.","52":"So how did you end up getting through that shell of hers?","53":"Well, it started with the first actual interaction we had.","54":"Maggie chuckles at herself as she recounts their first real meeting.","55":"Haley, being the little rebel that she was, would hang out just off of school grounds, but still in sight so everyone could see her sulking and smoking these clove cigarettes.","56":"Well, one day I worked up the courage to go up to her and ask to try one of her cigarettes. I thought if I could make myself look cool she might actually be receptive to a little conversation.","57":"She must have thought I was such a hick. Walking up to her in my baggy overalls and all pimple-faced, asking for a cigarette.","58":"Of course, after one puff, I was bent over the nearest trash can barfing my guts out while Haley was holding my hair back and laughing.","59":"But after that though, it was as if the dam had broken. We started sitting together in class and at lunch, and slowly became friends.","60":"All it took was a clove cigarette and a trashcan full of puke.","61":"Maggie smiles.","62":"Haley got less cold and started opening up. Before long, we were inseparable.","63":"When we weren't in school, we'd be in her dad's basement, listening to their record collection, or out at a few prime fishing and swimming holes I knew of, or having a sleepover up in my family's barn.","64":"High School was a lot more bearable when we had each other. We even planned on going to the same college together.","65":"Seems like things were going pretty well between you two. What happened?","66":"My family didn't take kindly to Haley. They thought she was a bad influence.","67":"In a way, I suppose she was. Since Haley and I became friends, she did start to rub off on me.","68":"I would skip church or chores to go hang out with her. I even started to dress like her a bit.","69":"Your folks didn't love the effect that some city girl was having on their daughter.","70":"They said that Haley was just trying to manipulate me, and told me that she didn't think anything kind of rural folks like us.","71":"Eventually, they had enough, and forbade me from seeing Haley any longer.","72":"They ''forbade'' you?","73":"They barely let me off the farm. I spent the last months of my senior year being homeschooled. They even took my phone so Haley and I couldn't text or chat.","74":"Jesus, over some edgy t-shirts and a few missed church masses?","75":"Maggie nods solemnly.","76":"Haley finally managed to find a way to contact me. She left a note in my work boots that I'd leave out in the barn. She was letting me know that her dad's assignment was finished, and he was moving them back home.","77":"We arranged to meet one last time to cement our plans for college, and say goodbye.","78":"The night we were supposed to meet however, my dad caught me trying to sneak out. I never got to see Haley again... until I saw you walking with her the other day.","79":"That's terrible, Maggie. But why don't you want to see Haley now?","80":"Because Haley probably hates me. I stood her up, that last night we were supposed to meet.","81":"Maggie, there's no way Haley would hold it against you after you explain things to her.","82":"You don't [i]know[\/i] that, though.","83":"I do know, though. Maggie is plagued with the compulsion to punish herself more than anyone ever would. Convincing her otherwise seems futile.","84":"But after all of this, you two still ended up going to the same college.","85":"About that. As far as how I ended up at Shale Hill... it's kind of strange.","86":"How so?","87":"You see, I never applied to go here. In fact, after my parents pulled me out of public school, I assumed I just wouldn't go to college at all.","88":"But one afternoon, an acceptance letter showed up.","89":"You just got accepted to Shale Hill University without applying?","90":"And my tuition was already covered by scholarships and grants.","91":"How did your parents take it?","92":"They would never have let me go, so I hid the letter from them.","93":"Then one Sunday, a week before my first semester was supposed to begin, I feigned sick so I didn't have to go to church. While my family was out, I snuck into town and caught a bus to Shale Hill.","94":"So you ran away from home.","95":"That's the sum of it.","96":"Did you and Haley talk about going to Shale Hill together?","97":"We did. So even though I knew she probably wouldn't want to see me, I still tried to look her up, just to see if she had made it here. But...","98":"But what?","99":"It turns out she had dropped out the semester before I showed up. I thought she had already left before I arrived.","100":"So I was a little surprised to see her walking with you.","101":"She was enrolled in the university for a while, but had to drop out after she had some personal issues. Up until recently she worked at a bar here in town.","102":"I've known her for a while now. Believe me, Maggie, she'd love to see you again.","103":"I just can't, {PlayerName}. I just couldn't bear to see Haley upset with me. She was the best friend I ever had.","104":"Promise me you won't tell her I'm here.","105":"This whole situation seems ridiculous and needlessly complicated. I know for a fact Haley would be overjoyed to have her friend back.","106":"But with Maggie, things are never simple. Helping her get over her issues will require a gentle hand and a bit of nuance. So for now I'll play along.","107":"Okay, Maggie. I won't tell Haley you're here.","108":"Thanks, {PlayerName}.","109":"Nice long chat you had with Maggie.","110":"Are you trying to guilt me for the stuff with Sam?","111":"No... of course not. Did it seem like I was?","112":"When we talked, and Sam suddenly walked in...","0":"Talking to Haley was nice, but it's time.","113":"You're saying I told Sam you were here?","1":"Should I?","114":"I take a deep breath, sick with the feeling that my relationships with most anyone seem to be falling apart.","2":"It feels like RECENTLY's blue, deadly screen still burns in my retinas. I haven't used the program in almost a full day.","115":"I didn't. This is a place to relax - whatever is outside stays outside unless you bring it in. People are trying to help you, {PlayerName}.","3":"I know in my heart, even though I've got Alexis as a resource now, I should still probably check RECENTLY... I could miss something...","116":"This has nothing to do with the night we spent together?","4":"...but somehow, that isn't enough motivation. I'd... rather have a coffee, to be honest.","117":"I'm insulted, {PlayerName}, and that's hard to do. No, of course not. I'm friendly because we're friends.","5":"I feel so fucking groggy all the time. It's like jetlag, but worse.","118":"I wring my hands together, unable to suppress any irritation. It just comes out.","6":"Thinking about what I wanted to order, I suddenly felt a presence hovering close behind me.","119":"Control yourself, {PlayerName}.","7":"I practically jump out of my skin when I turn to see Maggie standing close enough for me to count her freckles.","120":"My situation is complex.","8":"She's almost as startled as I am when I finally react to her.","121":"Nobody knows more about complexity than I do.","9":"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry, please don't be mad!","122":"Yeah, I do get that sense.","123":"I'm not trying to interfere with your life, {PlayerName}.","124":"Enjoy your coffee. If you don't want to talk, you don't want to talk.","125":"I do want to... I just [i]can't[\/i].","126":"I can't tell [i]anyone[\/i] my problems, those I trust would be destroyed by them.","127":"There has to be a way..."},"ch8__08.HM.15 haley ask about maggie.vne3":{"10":"I got nothing going on, why not?","11":"Okay, Tiger, I'll bite. You free around 8 o'clock for some cocktails and Gin Rummy?","12":"I look forward to you trying to teach me to play, and then wiping the floor with me.","13":"Alright, it's a date.","14":"Alright, crucial rummy night it is then.","15":"Several hours, a long training session, and about a dozen losses later.","16":"...Yahtzee.","17":"Haley giggles, nursing an old fashioned.","18":"That's not what you're supposed to say when you win.","19":"I won though, so I think I can say whatever I like.","20":"Alright, well as the winner, you have the distinct honor of dealing. Congratulations.","21":"I clumsily start to shuffle the deck, deciding it's as good a time as any to do some probing into Haley's past.","22":"So, did you grow up in Shale Hill, or did you just come here for college?","23":"I'm an out-of-towner. I grew up in a suburb outside of Milwaukee.","24":"Oh yeah? Spend your whole life there?","25":"All but the last few years of high school. My dad took a temporary gig in this little podunk town not far from Shale Hill.","26":"That must have been exciting.","27":"Oh, to my angsty, little, teenage self, it was a fate worse than death. My poor parents. To think of the tirade I put them through when they told me.","28":"Don't get me wrong, the town we moved to sucked. It was like something out of a bad horror movie where city goers get stranded and turned into roadside jerky by some crazed, inbred locals.","29":"Oh come on, it couldn't have been all that bad.","30":"They had two restaurants. One wasn't even open on Sundays.","31":"Maybe it gave you the opportunity to learn how to cook.","32":"Or get into fishing or camping.","33":"Gross. Did you not hear the part about the inbred cannibal locals?","34":"They would have voted the pig that won first prize at the state fair to the position of city mayor if they didn't turn it into bacon first.","35":"So at least they had bacon.","36":"Bacon might have been the only thing that town had in abundance.","37":"The only thing that made it bearable was the passable internet, my dad bringing a pretty decent record collection, and this local girl, Maggie, who ended up being pretty cool.","38":"So it really was Haley who Maggie was talking about.","39":"Oh yeah? Was she the only other ''edge-lord'' in town?","40":"Not quite. At first, I thought she was just another country bumpkin who was entranced by the weird, new chick with the severe haircut.","41":"God, I remember thinking how lame I thought she was when we first met. I was such a bitch back then.","42":"Don't beat yourself up too much. I think it's a universally accepted fact that teenagers are the worst.","43":"Unless you are a teenager, which is part of what makes them so terrible.","44":"Little Maggie Castle, she'd follow me around like a lost puppy. Like I was the coolest thing since Jesus Christ on roller skates.","45":"Oh god. I remember the day she worked up the nerve to ask to try one of these disgusting clove cigarettes I would sneak into high school. The poor thing nearly filled up a trash can with half digested taco salad.","46":"Oh no.","47":"Haley is almost in tears, laughing at the memory.","48":"It got all in her overalls. Oh my god, I think she had to go home and change.","49":"Oh Maggie. She was too sweet for this world.","50":"What happened to her?","51":"She uh... she became my best friend. And then, well... It's a long story.","52":"I have all night, and three quarters of a gin and tonic.","53":"Okay, long story short... I was a selfish brat that didn't deserve to be her friend.","54":"I find that hard to believe.","55":"All Maggie ever wanted to be to me was my friend. And I just took advantage of that.","56":"For the first six months I knew her, all I did was just dump all my stupid, made up teenage baggage on her.","57":"Just vomiting up all this lame, fabricated angst, about how fucked up I thought my parents were, about how I was stuck in this town and how life was just passing us by.","58":"And Maggie, she just listened. She just nodded and smiled and told me how much it sucked for me.","59":"Yeah, but it must have been more than just you unloading all your whiney teen drama on her.","60":"If it hadn't been for my wisdom teeth, I would never have seen Maggie for the amazing person she actually was.","61":"I was out of school for a few days, all hopped up on percocet, and Maggie stopped by to see how I'm doing.","62":"She even brought me a big, and I mean a [i]big[\/i], bowl of chilled, homemade chocolate pudding. Like this is a serving size you would bring to a potluck dinner for a whole church.","63":"And of course, typical Maggie, it was the best chocolate pudding you've ever had in your life.","64":"I am not surprised in the slightest.","65":"Huh? What do you mean?","66":"I'm half way through my text telling Haley that did indeed sound like typical Maggie. But I suddenly catch myself, remembering that Haley doesn't [i]know[\/i] I know Maggie.","67":"It's just.... That's such a [i]country[\/i] thing to do, right? Bring a ton of food to someone?","68":"Oh, right! God, the amount of mayonnaise I was forced to eat while I was there should have killed me.","69":"But anyways, here's Maggie, keeping my drugged up, ungrateful ass company.","70":"For once, I can't start running my mouth. And Maggie is just happy to be there, like a labrador. And finally she asks, just to give me something to listen to, if I‘d like to hear about her day.","71":"I remember, rolling my eyes, and mumbling ''whatever '' through the gauze in my mouth, like I literally had nothing better to do.","72":"Haley's tone shifts. She pauses, and I hear the regret start to creep into her voice.","73":"And she starts telling me about her day... about the bullying, about the shit her parents and her creep of a brother put her through at home, all of this...","74":"...and the worst part is, she acts like this is all fucking normal. Or worse, like it's her fault. Like she [i]deserved[\/i] it.","75":"I had an inkling that her homelife wasn't great, but this was the first time I really listened to her.","76":"The worst part was, after only ten minutes, she stopped herself and she apologized for [i]complaining too much[\/i]. Like she was being a burden on me.","77":"I spent months whining about the trivial little bullshit in my life. The truth was, at that point, my life was great.","78":"I did that shitty thing kids with no real problems do, and had to make up all this suffering for... god, I don't even know why. And I just unloaded all that on Maggie for the better part of a year.","79":"After she went home, and I realized how I had been treating her, I cried.","80":"You were a kid. You didn't have that perspective yet.","81":"I was a selfish brat. Let's not sugar coat it.","82":"But I made a vow to never take Maggie for granted again. To stop complaining so much about my own problems, and start to really listen to other people.","83":"Well whatever it was, it stuck. You're a good listener, and a good person.","84":"Thanks {PlayerName}, that's kind of you to say. I still think I have a lot of work to do on myself, but I think I'm getting better.","85":"And things were good between you and Maggie after that?","86":"Much better. After that, we were together almost constantly.","87":"But something happened between you two?","88":"Maggie started to... I guess emulate me a little bit. At least superficially.","89":"She started wearing more black, started listening to music aside from Christian rock and bluegrass. Really about as edgy as a girl like Maggie could get anyway.","90":"Her family though, they thought I was a bad influence on her. But for a time, they seemed to tolerate it, until...","91":"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.","92":"No, it feels good to talk about this with someone. I don't know if I've ever talked with anybody about it.","93":"On almost any other night we didn't have school, Maggie and I would sleep over at each other's house. Many nights, we'd sleep up in the rafters in this barn on Maggie's farm.","94":"It must have been the same rafters Maggie and I had sex in.","95":"We'd roll out our sleeping bags and had a lantern and a little speaker. It was like our clubhouse.","96":"We'd talk about our future up there. What we would do after high school. We even talked about going to college together.","97":"Maggie always had her hang ups about college, though.","98":"Why? She didn't think she could make it?","99":"I think it was because her family would never sign off on her going away to some liberal university and leave them all behind.","100":"Well, we got into a big argument about it during one of these sleepovers.","101":"I was angry, because I knew she could get accepted and go to college if she just applied, but Maggie was convinced that her parents would never let her.","102":"It was getting emotional, and heated, and....","103":"You stormed off?","104":"No...","105":"I kissed her.","106":"Oh....","107":"It was... it was fucking crazy. I don't know why I did it. I loved Maggie like a friend, but... I was confused, and it was emotional. I guess... that's just how I reacted.","108":"Did she reject it?","109":"No, she... she started kissing me back. We just started making out on some raggy old sleeping bag with some cartoon horse on it.","110":"That's when her dad found us.","111":"So that's it. That's why Maggie's father ran off Haley.","112":"I was so scared. I was already scared at what was happening between Maggie and I, then her father stormed in, screaming like some mad man. It was all I could do to get my sneakers on and run.","0":"A new mystery to unravel, I guess. I feel the grip of something... a desire to distract myself on something totally secondary to my primary mission.","113":"I just... I just fucking left Maggie there. Left her with those savages of a family.","1":"Is it good for me? Not sure. But it does [i]feel good[\/i].","114":"What were you supposed to do, fight off some huge redneck?","2":"Shale Hill isn't a metropolis, but I guess it's big enough that they might not have run into one another since they both ended up here.","115":"I don't know. But that was the last time I ever saw her.","3":"For reasons that are still a mystery to me, Maggie is too frightened to see Haley. Maybe if I talk to Haley, and get her side of the story, I'll understand it better.","116":"Is that how the story ended?","4":"I'll have to be clever about it though. For now, I've promised Maggie I'd keep her presence in Shale Hill a secret.","117":"Not quite. One of the reasons things got so emotional that night was because I had just learned my dad was finished with his work. We were moving back to our old place in Milwaukee for the last few months of high school.","5":"I bet I could subtly prod Haley for information if we were just chatting, and decide to text her to see if she's available to get together.","118":"That's why I had to cement plans with Maggie. To make sure we would go to college together.","6":"Hey, are you doing anything tonight?","119":"Instead, like a fucking idiot, I had to go and kiss her and ruin everything.","7":"Just looking at some online classes, why?","120":"I'm hit with a deep pang of sympathy. Thinking back to how {Leah} and I kissed, and how it's thrown our relationship into uncertainty.","8":"Cool, lets hang out.","121":"You didn't see Maggie at all after that? Not at school or anywhere?","9":"Really?","122":"After we got caught kissing, her parents pulled her out of school. I tried to make contact again, though.","123":"Her backwards-ass family didn't have the internet, and they shut off her cell phone.","124":"So I snuck onto their property at night, and left notes in her work boots. She always left them out.","125":"We arranged to meet the night before my family and I were moving back to our quaint little lives in the suburbs.","126":"And did you get to say goodbye?","127":"No. I waited for a while, but she never showed. ","128":"Jesus, I'm sorry, Haley.","129":"She probably wouldn't want to see me anyway. She was most likely afraid I would just try and kiss her again.","130":"Do you really think that? After everything you two went through?","131":"She shrugs, watching the ice tumble about in her empty glass.","132":"You want to hear something [i]really[\/i] crazy?","133":"I nod, not sure what to expect.","134":"I was so desperate to see her again, that I actually forged her an application to enroll at Shale Hill University.","135":"Wait, you forged your friend's application to attend Shale Hill U?","136":"Jesus, that explains where Maggie's acceptance letter came from.","137":"I did it almost as a lark, but it was shockingly easy. I even got her financial assistance, and a grant to cover most of her tuition.","138":"Whatever was left, I ended up paying.","139":"Really?","140":"I don't know what the hell I was thinking. Like she was just going to show up the following year and we were going to pick up our friendship where we left off.","141":"Did she make it here?","142":"I don't know. Before she would have arrived, my mom got sick, and...","143":"By then... I didn't have the heart to see if she actually enrolled. I don't know if I could bring myself to face her.","144":"I just hope she got out of that town, and that wherever she is, she's happy.","145":"Knowing what I know, I want to tear my hair out.","146":"So are you gonna deal the next round, or just listen to me go on about lost friendships all night?","147":"I don't want to push the issue too hard. It's obviously painful for Haley. But it's crazy that the two of them could literally be right under each other's noses, and not know it.","148":"We play a few more rounds before calling it a night. But as I drive home, I start to formulate some plan to get the two of them back together."},"ch8__08.HM.20 lure.vne3":{"10":"You're an expert compared to me.","11":"Heh! I don't know. Can I ask what you're interested in dogs for?","12":"Feeling lonely. Thinking of adopting.","13":"Silence on the other side.","14":"Did... did I say something wrong?","15":"You alright?","16":"I'm more than alright! I'm [i]thrilled![\/i]","17":"That's exciting?","18":"There's so much we gotta do before you can adopt! You gotta set up times for walkies, you gotta get them spayed and neutered, we need litter bag, cute little toys, dental bones...","19":"There's so much we got to talk about.","20":"Do you want to meet up?","21":"I was just about to suggest that!","22":"Let's meet up, then.","23":"See you at the park?","24":"Right now?","25":"Yep!","26":"See you there.","27":"Sunlight feels so good... I'm not nocturnal at all.","28":"As Maggie approaches, she wastes absolutely no time in launching into things.","29":"Can I just say, it makes me so darn happy to hear you're considering letting a dog into your life!","30":"Believe me, these little guys will give you just as much love and purpose as they get from you. More in fact.","31":"LIke I said. I'm just [i]thinking[\/i] about it, let's not get too excited.","32":"I don't want to jump into anything too quickly and find out I'm not a good dog-parent.","33":"Maggie beams at me, as she wrangles the pack of dogs for their scheduled walk.","34":"Even old Plato is out there, looking happy as a clam, tongue sticking out and tail going a mile a minute.","35":"I can't tell you how much I appreciate you saying that. You won't believe how many folks get a dog like it's an accessory.","36":"Then they end up trying to give it up a couple weeks later, because they found out that they are living creatures that need attention, love, and a good home.","37":"Well thanks for agreeing to let me go on some walks with you. I figure it's a good place to start.","38":"Of course! If this works out, you can even become a foster home for dogs. Get a real feel for being a dog owner, and help out some poor shelter pooch who just needs a place to stay before they find their forever home!","39":"It hurts a little bit to lead Maggie on like this. The truth is, this is all a pretext to a different plan.","40":"Maggie and Haley clearly had a deep friendship, but for reasons that defy logic, both are convinced they've let the other down so badly that they don't want to see them.","41":"Promising Maggie that I won't tell Haley that she's in Shale Hill is one thing... But if Maggie happens to just [i]run into[\/i] Haley... well... that's another.","42":"Like if we were on a walk and just [i]happened[\/i] to walk by Haley's apartment.","43":"Here, why don't you take Plato. He's a gentle old soul, and he trusts you.","44":"It's the least I can do, seeing the half dozen pooches that Maggie is wrangling. If she is nothing else, she is a natural when it comes to canines.","45":"If she could communicate and interact with humans half as well as she could handle dogs, there wouldn't be a room that Maggie couldn't light up.","46":"Plato looks up at me with that dopey, perfectly content face, and I can't resist giving him a pat on the head. He's a good boy.","47":"Maybe, after all this madness with the disappearances, and the fraternity is done and behind me, maybe I should look into getting a dog for real.","48":"...[i]If[\/i] I make it through this, that is.","49":"Were you considering adopting from a shelter?","50":"Yeah.","51":"Okay, good. Most reputable shelters will set up first time puppy parents with dogs that shouldn't be too much of a handful. Plus it's not good to give business to all those puppy mills. It's a foul practice.","52":"Alright. Just keep your back straight, and maintain good, confident posture. Look and act dominant, and that's how the dog will treat you. If you act weak, they'll walk all over you. Lovingly, but still.","53":"Seriously, if only Maggie listened to her own advice more often.","54":"Alright. Giddy-up!","55":"Maggie leads our little pack on our walk, expertly handling her team of pooches, and all the while, dumping a metric ton of dog knowledge on me.","56":"It's enough to make my head spin, and she apologizes constantly about talking my ear off on the subject. But frankly, I love hearing her gush about something she's passionate about.","57":"And Plato... he's a good old boy. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was taking it easy on me, showing me the ropes as much as Maggie is.","58":"Before long though, we're getting close to my objective. It's time to make my move.","59":"Hey, lets turn down here.","60":"No offense, {PlayerName}, I keep a pretty tight routine. If we take a detour, it might throw off our schedule, and their mommies and daddies might miss 'em.","61":"I didn't take Maggie for being so by-the-book. It figures this is the one time she doesn't have any difficulty finding her voice, as I scramble to find some reason to make the turn.","62":"Oh, I just thought with all the construction downtown that the dogs might get a little spooked.","63":"Really? Are they tearin' up Rushmore too now? Cheese and Crackers! They sure love their road work in Shale Hill.","64":"Well, maybe you're right, if the detour is quieter, it might be better for the pooches.","65":"Again, I feel a little bad about taking advantage of Maggie's gullibility, but in the end, I know it'll all be worth it.","66":"I can already see the apartment as we get close.","67":"And soon enough, it's time for the final act, as I stop in front of the brick facade.","68":"Hey. Hold up a minute, I have to retie my shoe.","69":"Sure thing.","70":"Maggie pauses, reining in her pack of happy dogs, looking up at the building.","71":"What a cute little set of apartments.","72":"The singing is almost imperceptible at first, but as it drifts lazily out of the open, second story balcony window, its intoxicating smokiness draws the ear.","73":"Maggie's eyes suddenly snap to the slender, blue-haired figure stepping out on the balcony.","74":"She watches an unaware Haley as she hangs some freshly washed clothes on a makeshift laundry line, swaying gently as she sings some lonesome, blues-y number.","75":"A gasp gets caught in Maggie's throat. For a moment, she takes a step towards the balcony...","76":"...but she stops herself, snapping her head over to me.","77":"I'm... I'm sorry... I can't.","78":"She turns, rallying her dogs to her, and takes off down the street. I'm left standing here, frustrated at how close she came, only to turn back at the last step.","79":"...Then I see her scurry back.","80":"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry, Plato!","81":"She takes the leash, and looks up at me. There isn't any anger, or hint of betrayal, just... regret.","82":"I'm sorry, I just...","83":"And she's gone. Jogging up the street in a formation of furry, wagging tails.","84":"I turn to see if Haley saw the commotion down on the street, but she's still absentmindedly hanging laundry, lost in her own song.","85":"I'm sorry Maggie. We tried it your way, and maybe this is overstepping my bounds, but I'm not going to let you torture yourself like this.","86":"I walk up to the building and hit the buzzer.","87":"Haley looks down to see me.","88":"{PlayerName}, hey... Is everything okay?","89":"I pull out my phone and furiously start typing.","90":"Maggie is here.","91":"Haley does a double take, looking confused.","92":"What?","93":"Maggie is here, in Shale Hill.","94":"Hold on, I'll buzz you up.","95":"Haley disappears back inside, and a moment later I hear the door unlock.","96":"Moments later, Haley is letting me into her apartment, looking surprised.","97":"Maggie's here? My friend from high school?","98":"Your plan worked. She got out from under her parents, and enrolled in college.","99":"She... she got the acceptance letter?","100":"How do you know this?","101":"Because Maggie and I have been friends for almost a year now.","102":"Haley's brow furrows as she tries to decompress everything.","103":"How could I have not known that she was here?","104":"Seeing the look on her face, I suddenly feel like garbage, barging in and laying this all on Haley.","105":"Because your life got hit by a mack truck. Your mom got sick and you got slammed with debt. How were you supposed to know Maggie made it to Shale Hill?","106":"Does she know I'm here?","107":"She does now. She saw us together the other day.","108":"I had no idea you two had a history together until she told me.","109":"She wanted to say hello, but Maggie hasn't had an easy go of it after you left. She's dealt with a lot since escaping to Shale Hill.","110":"Haley, Maggie doesn't blame you for what happened. In fact, she was too scared to say something or even see you because she thinks [i]she's[\/i] the one who let you down.","111":"Haley looks up at me, incredulously.","112":"How could she have possibly let [i]me[\/i] down?","0":"The thing with Maggie and Haley has really captured my imagination.","113":"The night you two were supposed to meet up, before you moved back home, she tried to sneak out and see you to say goodbye.","1":"Maybe I'm just eager to latch onto any distraction at all - but who cares? Guilty.","114":"But her family found out...","2":"I know it's stupid. I know it has nothing to do with my mission. It's totally irrelevant to the Fraternity or {Leah} or anything.","115":"I nod.","3":"I'm going to work on it just because.","116":"But she actually did it! She finally got out of that town. I knew she had it in her.","4":"I had a weird idea.","117":"Whatever's happened, I'd like to see her again.","5":"{PlayerName}?","118":"That's good. Let me work on Maggie some more. You know how skittish she can be, but I know I can get her to come around.","6":"Hey Maggie.","119":"Okay... Thank you, {PlayerName}.","7":"What a nice surprise.","120":"I nod. At least that's one half of the equation taken care of. Now, I just have to find some way to convince Maggie to overcome her own hang-ups.","8":"You're the dog expert, right?","121":"I'll say this about adopting a dog, it couldn't be more complicated than this.","9":"A dog expert? I don't know if I'm a dog expert, but I'm good with the pooches, I think."},"ch8__08.HM.25 maggie haley reunite.vne3":{"10":"As she nears, I stand up, waving nervously, hoping she won't turn and run.","11":"Thankfully, when our eyes meet, she doesn't bolt. Instead, she lets her head drop slightly, and timidly approaches.","12":"I'm so sorry for running off. Please, {PlayerName}, don't be angry with me.","13":"My face twists in bewilderment. How did I not see this coming? Of course she would think that. All of Maggie's life, she's been surrounded by people who were upset at her, for being... her.","14":"What? Maggie, no. You should be the one angry at me for trying to trick you into a meeting you weren't ready for.","15":"[i]I'm[\/i] sorry. I thought if you and Haley saw each other, that you might overcome your fear and speak to her.","16":"I know... just one other thing I've gone and messed up.","17":"Maggie, can I ask you something, and believe me when I say I really want to know.","18":"Why are you so scared to see Haley again?","19":"Maggie kicks at the ground.","20":"All my life, it seemed like I only ever made everyone around me angry. Mama, Daddy, Floyd, the kids at school.","21":"It was always ''How could you mess that up, stupid'', ''Look at this mess, is this how I raised you?'', or ''What's a matter red, you forget how to talk?''","22":"Haley was my best friend. She was the first person in my life that wasn't mad at me all the time.","23":"Now, I'm not dumb, I know she was a little rough around the edges when we first met, and she probably thought I was just another redneck.","24":"But that's ‘cause she didn't have any friends either. She was like me, except where I hid in my shell, she'd swipe and scratch.","25":"With everyone else, my family, my teachers, the more I tried to please 'em, make 'em happy or proud of me, the more it seemed like I'd messed everything up. So I'd just get more and more scared.","26":"But Haley... she just liked me.","27":"So that's why, more'n anyone else, I can't bear to have her upset with me.","28":"It's... it's kind of the same with you.","29":"Maggie, sometimes people that you are close to can become upset with you, but it's often because they want what's best for you, and they are worried you are holding yourself back.","30":"But, Maggie, your family... they aren't great people.","31":"They had expectations of you that weren't fair, or right, even if they did love you. They got mad at you for the wrong reasons. Maybe they were just taking out their own problems on you, but you didn't deserve it.","32":"And yet, somehow, you still came out of that as the most kind and gentle person I've ever met, even though you have every right not to be.","33":"But you need to forgive and stop punishing yourself.","34":"And I hope you'll forgive me too.","35":"What on earth would I need to forgive you for?","36":"Because I told Haley that you're in Shale Hill, and that you know she's here too.","37":"The color drains out of Maggie's face, and she starts to pace frantically.","38":"Oh no... oh-no-oh-no-oh-no...","39":"What the heck, {PlayerName}! I told you not to tell her!","40":"I smile.","41":"Are you upset with me?","42":"Yeah, I'm upset with you! I asked you for one thing!","43":"Good! You should be mad at me! I want you to be mad at me!","44":"Why the heck would you want me to be mad at you?","45":"Because it's your right. It's perfectly reasonable for you to be mad at me. Because it means you're starting to stick up for yourself!","46":"Maggie, Haley wants to see you.","47":"She does?","48":"Yes! Maggie, Haley was the one who submitted your application for Shale Hill. She forged your entry application and even applied to scholarships in your name.","49":"Maggie looks at me like I'm speaking in tongues, digesting the new information.","50":"She did... she did all that for me?","51":"It seems like an awful lot of effort for someone who supposedly doesn't want to see you.","52":"She wanted to get you out of that house. She wanted to keep her promise to you that you two would go to college together.","53":"But... when I showed up at Shale Hill, she wasn't here.","54":"Haley wanted to be here for you, but she ran into hard times. By the time you got to Shale Hill, she had already been forced to drop out.","55":"Tears begin to form in Maggie's eyes and her lips quiver. Her pack, picking up on her energy, circle around her, nuzzling and trying to comfort her.","56":"But... I... never showed up to say goodbye.","57":"Maggie, the only one that is punishing you for that... is you. Haley just wants to see you again.","58":"So, what do you reckon I should do... just go up to her front door and knock?","59":"At the risk of overcomplicating things, yeah.","60":"We grab some supplies and make our way over to Haley's apartment. Maggie looks nervous.","61":"She stares at the door as if it were some terrifying sentinel, or impossible chasm.","62":"It's alright, she's expecting us.","63":"I go to ring the buzzer.","64":"Before I can, I feel Maggie's hand on my shoulder.","65":"I can do it.","66":"Maggie hits the buzzer.","67":"She looks anxious, but I'm proud of her.","68":"The speaker crackles.","69":"Hello?","70":"H-haley? It's Maggie. Maggie Castle.","71":"...Oh! And {PlayerName}.","72":"Hey! I'll buzz you guys up.","73":"The door buzzer rings and we hear it unlock.","74":"Maggie grabs the door handle and opens it.","75":"Together, we head on up to Haley's apartment.","76":"We're near Haley's door when we hear the knob turn. Maggie suddenly looks terrified.","77":"At any moment, I feel like she could bolt. I debate positioning myself between Maggie and the escape route to block any retreat, but I decide to just trust her.","78":"But the door opens, and there is Haley.","79":"The moment seems to hang in the air, until finally...","80":"...Haley lunges forward and hugs Maggie.","81":"Maggie is stunned at first, but quickly wraps her own arms around Haley. Clutching each other, as two people who care deeply for one another and thought they'd never see each other again.","82":"I um... I don't know what to say.","83":"Maggie giggles warmly.","84":"Me neither.","85":"Jeez, what kind of host am I? Come in!","86":"Haley gestures for us to enter. I let Maggie go first, as she tiptoes in, seeming terrified if she moves too suddenly, the apartment, and Haley, will disappear.","87":"It's um... It's not much, I know. But I grabbed some stuff to make dinner.","88":"I see you and {PlayerName} brought some stuff too.","89":"Your place is lovely! It's definitely ''Classic Haley''.","90":"You like it? Hopefully not [i]too[\/i] ''Classic Haley''. I'd like to think the angst has been turned down a bit.","91":"Haley's put out a decent little spread. Nothing too fancy, but given how she's had to live this past year, I'm sure she thought she was splurging.","92":"I'm glad she has enough money to live comfortably now.","93":"Without much preamble, we set to work cooking up our little dinner.","94":"Before long, Maggie and Haley are both beaming and laughing.","95":"I enjoy the meal, but the two girls barely stop talking enough to have a bite.","96":"For the most part, Haley and Maggie are just catching up, leaving me to feel like a third wheel at times.","97":"I don't mind. It's fascinating seeing them like this. It took almost no time until they were right back to talking and gossiping, probably like they did up in those barn rafters.","98":"Occasionally, they do remember I'm there. But it's mostly to bond over teasing me.","99":"I don't mind it, though. It's all done in good fun, and it's great to see the two of them together like this.","100":"I finally make myself useful and start cleaning up the dishes.","101":"Oh, {PlayerName}, let me help you.","102":"I nudge Haley back down on the couch with my foot, gesturing that I got it, and she and Maggie should keep catching up.","103":"Thank you, {PlayerName}.","104":"I still can't believe you actually applied for, [i]and[\/i] got me accepted to Shale Hill University!","105":"All without me ever knowing. That couldn't have been easy.","106":"Oh it was nothing. It wasn't even as difficult as you might think.","107":"...It did require just a [i]little[\/i] bit of identity theft, though.","108":"But hey, what are friends for if not for posing as each other for scholarship and entrance interviews?","109":"I guess I can overlook it.","110":"I don't know if I ever would have made it off that farm if you hadn't done that for me.","111":"You would have gotten out of there eventually. I know it.","112":"Besides, it was the least I could do... since it was me who kissed you and screwed your whole life up.","113":"Haley, you can't possibly put that on yourself. It wasn't you who went and put me under house arrest over a stupid kiss!","114":"But... since you brought it up...","115":"...Why did you kiss me?","116":"I... I don't really know.","117":"It was just... we were fighting that night, and I was scared that things were going to fall apart between us, and I just... that's how I reacted.","118":"Oh. So, do you, like, see me as more than [i]just[\/i] a friend?","119":"I don't think so. Not really. I mean, never saw us as, like, a couple. Maybe not in [i]that[\/i] way, anyways.","120":"It's just... you are incredibly beautiful, and maybe with all the hormones and the emotions that were raging that night... and maybe some lingering sexual curiosity... It's just how I expressed myself.","121":"Maggie, don't get me wrong. I do love you. And part of me does find you sexually attractive. But I'm not saying we should run off to Vermont and start a bed and breakfast together, if that makes sense.","122":"It does. I love you too, Haley. And for what it's worth... I kind of liked it when you kissed me.","123":"To be honest, I was kind of curious what it might be like to kiss you, too.","124":"Really? Little Maggie Castle, now what has gone and gotten into you? Standing up for yourself? Considering sexual experimentation? Making your own decisions about your life?","125":"Aw, come on now. You're gonna make me blush.","126":"Besides, you're way prettier than I am. And I guess I just feel safe about that kind of stuff with you.","127":"Well, agree to disagree on who's prettier. But I just wanna say, I really am so proud of you. For everything.","128":"For being honest. For having the courage to leave that farm. For making a life for yourself here.","129":"You've come so far from that shy little country girl who could barely say ''hello'' to someone.","130":"And it's because of you that I could do that. I'm glad I can see the real you.","131":"You mean under all the angsty, black T-shirts and sarcasm?","132":"I wouldn't change a thing about you, girl. You're perfect.","133":"I finally finish cleaning up, and rejoin the two girls on the couch.","134":"Mmm, I missed you, Haley.","135":"I missed you too, Mags.","136":"The two relax, and look like they might actually fall asleep.","137":"Taking that as my cue I stand to leave.","138":"Hey, I'm going to get going.","139":"Are you sure? It's not even that... oh my gosh, it's already...","140":"Lord, we've just been going on for hours now. I'm sorry, {PlayerName}.","141":"No apology necessary. You two have had a lot of catching up to do.","142":"Well... thank you. For everything.","143":"Seriously, thank you, {PlayerName}.","144":"I give them both a warm smile, before heading out.","145":"I leave Haley's feeling uplifted. For whatever wrongs are left in this world, at least this one has been righted.","146":"Both Maggie and Haley have endured their fair share of troubled waters. But whatever lies ahead for them, it is comforting to know that they have each other.","147":"For me, though, there's still work to be done.","148":"You're leaving? It's not even that late. It's only... oh!","149":"I guess we must have lost track of time.","150":"We're sorry, {PlayerName}. You've had to sit there and listen to us go on like a couple of old hens.","151":"Come on, you guys haven't seen each other in forever! It'd be a little selfish of me to get upset about that.","152":"You two enjoy the rest of your night.","153":"If you're sure. Good night, {PlayerName}.","154":"And thank you.","155":"I smile at the pair, before grabbing my things and heading out.","156":"I'm halfway down the hall, when...","157":"{PlayerName}, wait!","158":"I um... I wanted to say... Thank you, really.","159":"It was nothing, don't mention it.","160":"It was more than that, and you know it.","161":"I don't know what's going on in your life right now that's causing you to act differently, or why you did all this for us, but...","162":"...but you take care of yourself, okay? I better be seeing a lot of you.","163":"Damn right you will.","164":"Haley waves one last time, before returning to the couch with Maggie. I turn to head back out into the night.","165":"The darkness is still drenched with uncertainty, still filled with monsters to slay...","166":"...But things feel a little less dark, knowing for whatever hardships they've gone through, at least Haley and Maggie have each other again.","167":"You're leaving? But why?","168":"Oh my god, I didn't realize it was this late.","169":"Poor {PlayerName} has been sitting there for hours just listening to us go on and on.","170":"It's fine, you two have had a lot to talk about. I should really be going anyways.","171":"Haley smiles sweetly, but Maggie looks at me like I just told them I'm leaving for Mars.","172":"Good night, {PlayerName}. Thank you again, for everything.","173":"Don't mention it. You two have a good night.","174":"I'm halfway down the hall when I hear footsteps racing to catch up to me. I turn around to see Maggie, flushed and breathless.","175":"Maggie? Are you okay?","176":"I don't know where I would be... if it weren't for you, and Haley.","177":"I'd probably still be back at the farm. Or married off to one of Floyd's creep friends. Or... who knows.","178":"You, and Haley... y'all saved my life.","179":"I just... I just wanted you to know that.","180":"She doesn't give me a chance to respond, before flinging her arms around my neck, and hugging so tightly I start to feel the air squeezed out of me.","181":"Okay, okay. It was nothing, really.","182":"It weren't ''nothin'' and you know it.","183":"Maggie smiles, hugging me once more, and giving me a quick kiss on the cheek before heading back to the sofa.","184":"I can't say what the future holds, but after all Maggie and Haley have been through, knowing they have their friendship back makes me feel like, at the least, they are going to be okay.","185":"The weight bearing down on my own mind seems to lighten slightly at the thought, and I turn to head back out into the night.","186":"There is still much work to be done.","187":"I get up to leave, but Maggie reaches out and grabs my arm.","188":"Don't go. I... I want you to stay.","189":"Maggie has an odd look about her that I can't put my finger on.","190":"The energy in the room suddenly shifts. It's as if all at once a strange, almost drunken warmth overtakes our little party.","191":"Maggie turns back to Haley. The two seem to communicate something without words, as Haley's big, beautiful gray eyes flash up to me, then back to Maggie, and she nods.","192":"I sense the vibe, and my heart begins to race. Could this really be happening?","193":"See where this goes.","194":"I don't want to misread the situation.","195":"Things feel like they are going to turn very hot and heavy at any second.","196":"But these two just found each other and the last thing I want to do is be a complication as they become reacquainted.","197":"Against my more carnal desires, I gently take Maggie's hand and place it back in her lap.","198":"I feel like you two still have a lot of catching up to do, and you don't need me distracting you.","199":"Are you sure?","200":"You don't have to go.","201":"It's fine, you two relax. We'll talk again soon.","202":"We will, and {PlayerName}...","203":"...thank you.","204":"For everything.","205":"I smile, and turn to leave.","206":"Walking into the hall, it felt as if things were very close to turning physical. Emotions in that apartment were racing. But for now, I need to stay focused.","207":"There are still a lot of dark clouds haunting this sleepy college town, and my work is far from finished.","0":"So... I'm up right now. Should I just go to class?","1":"I haven't been to class in... a week. [i]Weeks?[\/i]","2":"Should I even bother to show up? Would it make any difference?","3":"Feels like I'm just wasting time with this Haley and Maggie thing... but I can't help but play it out to its conclusion.","4":"I know where I need to be if I want to talk to Maggie again.","5":"I check my watch again. I know this is her route. She should be by any time now.","6":"At this point, I just hope Maggie will even speak with me. She couldn't have loved how I tricked her into almost meeting Haley.","7":" I thought that actually laying eyes on her friend might jolt something in her. Instead, it seems to have backfired and driven her to ground.","8":"I also have to come clean with her how I told Haley that she knows that she's here. She's not going to appreciate that. I worry I'm betraying all the trust I spent months building with Maggie.","9":"I shake myself from my thoughts, looking down the street and seeing the redhead leading her pack of mutts."},"ch8__08.HM.30 threeway.vne3":{"10":"[ep8_Threesome_HaleyBehind_speed != ep8_Threesome_HaleyBehind_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[ep8_Threesome_HaleyRide_speed != ep8_Threesome_HaleyRide_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[ep8_Threesome_HaleyRide_speed != ep8_Threesome_HaleyRide_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[ep8_Threesome_HaleyRide_speed != ep8_Threesome_HaleyRide_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[ep8_Threesome_MaggiePov_speed != ep8_Threesome_MaggiePov_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[ep8_Threesome_MaggiePov_speed != ep8_Threesome_MaggiePov_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[ep8_Threesome_MaggiePov_speed != ep8_Threesome_MaggiePov_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Maggie leans in to whisper something to Haley...","25":"...No, not to whisper. To... kiss?","26":"My mind turns over for a moment, attempting to register what I'm seeing. Are shy little Maggie Castle, and sublime Haley Holmes, really [i]frenching[\/i] each other right in front of me?","27":"My pants suddenly start to feel a size too small.","28":"What should I do? Do I leave? Did I miss something here? Am I dreaming?","29":"While my brain is still playing catch up, Maggie and Haley continue to kiss. Picking up right where they left off in that barn.","30":"The scene might have lasted forever, but then the two suddenly sit up and look at me.","31":"I'm shook as I suddenly remember that I exist.","32":"So... uh... what do you think about this situation, {PlayerName}?","33":"Uh... is she addressing me right now? I was in the middle of an out-of-body experience...","34":"You were so helpful to both of us.","35":"They are suggesting what I think they're suggesting, are they?","36":"I thought I was lucky enough just to watch.","37":"Well?","38":"I don't want to be presumptuous.","39":"Well, what?","40":"Do you need a formal invitation?","41":"Oh God... not sure I deserve to be this lucky...","42":"Maybe Yawallahodinganesh is for real...","43":"Should I drop in? Maggie, is this okay with you?","44":"Plenty of room for both my bestest friends.","45":"...Okay. Sure.","46":"My heart is pounding in my ears. Am I really about to be in a threesome?","47":"How many guys have fantasized about being with two women at once? How many have actually done it? At this point, I had resigned that I might never get to experience such a thing.","48":"But all the sudden, when I least expected it, the opportunity has presented itself.","49":"I can't stop myself wondering what this might mean, though? Could this change the relationships between us? What happens afterward?","50":"Screw it, this is going down. I'm overriding any higher brain function.","51":"I take Maggie's hand and reposition myself so I'm between the two of them.","52":"It is a sensation of utter indulgence and pleasure, sandwiched between the two soft, sweet smelling young women. ","53":"Their warm bodies press against me from both sides, our limbs crossing and becoming entangled.","54":"I lean in and begin to kiss Haley, tasting her supple lips. At the same time, I feel Maggie stripping down at my other side, her small hands exploring my body.","55":"Conscious of making sure to divvy up my affections, I turn to kiss Maggie.","56":"As I do, I hear Haley stripping behind me, and feel her naked breast and hardening nipples graze my back. I'm still having trouble believing this is really happening.","57":"I pull myself away to finish undressing. While doing so, I watch the two vixens turn their attention to each other, their hands exploring each other's body.","58":"It's a sight so sexually intoxicating, it's all I can do to pull my pants off before my erection tears a hole right through them.","59":"No second is wasted, as the girls take turns stripping down, allowing me to have one while the other disrobes.","60":"Having both of them, naked and at my fingers, is something straight out of a sexual fantasy.","61":"Haley takes our little [i]ménage à trois[\/i], and leads it into the bedroom.","62":"I grab Maggie, completing our train of naked bodies. No words are needed at this point, all our communications have drifted into the realm of physical touch and carnal, lustful instinct.","63":"Haley breaks from us, and I turn my attention back to Maggie's body. Grabbing hold of her round, pert ass and squeezing it firmly, as I start to suck and nibble at her soft, ample breasts.","64":"The freckled redhead coos and purrs at my touch. While I caress her, her lithe fingers explore my scalp, sending waves of numbing warmth radiating through me.","65":"The lights grow dim, bathing the girls in soft, warm hues.","66":"In the darkened room however, the halos of radiant light curve around their nubile forms, accentuating their voluptuous figures even further.","67":"Like some lustful fever dream, Haley pushes me back down on the bed, and she and Maggie get on their knees in front of me.","68":"Their small hands run up my body, taking hold of my hard cock as they stare at each other, then up at me with those stunning eyes.","69":"Haley takes the lead, letting her tongue just barely tease the head of my phallus. Maggie watches curiously for a moment, before joining herself.","70":"The sensation of both of their mouths, exploring and caressing my member is almost too much to handle. It's as if my body simply wasn't designed to handle this degree of pleasure.","71":"Their nubile, young bodies grind and writhe against each other, driving up their arousal like they were generating static electricity.","72":"All the while, they sing to each other in their soft moans and breathy gasps.","73":"Watching both their mouths slide up and down my rod is divine. I could die right now as a happy man.","74":"Rhythms synced, they stroke my manhood with their mouths in unison, caressing my member with their pillowy lips in some lustfully choreographed dance.","75":"Red and blue, fire and water, city and country...","76":"...these two girls represent two opposing elemental forces. And what are they doing right now? Sucking my cock.","77":"I thought having one girl lapping at me was enough of a powertrip, but two? I feel like a king.","78":"I'm about ready to make a decree I feel so good about myself.","79":"Haley takes the lead again, grabbing my cock and pressing it to Maggie. The beautiful redhead instinctually lets my cock slide between her lips and into her wet, waiting mouth.","80":"You really like this, huh, {PlayerName}? Watching her suck your cock.","81":"Maggie finally releases the length of my rod, giggling and passing it to Haley so she can have a turn. Her lips wrapping around the head and beginning to bob up and down on it, sucking vigorously.","82":"Haley, you look so hot, going down on {PlayerName}.","83":"This is so crazy... but I'm glad I'm doing it with you two.","84":"Haley pulls my shaft from her throat, then guides Maggie up on top of me. I brace the petite redhead, as the blue haired vixen at our feet takes my cock and starts to tease a breathy Maggie with it.","85":"God, I want to watch him fuck you so bad.","86":"Haley takes my raging erection and pushes it inside her friend's waiting slit, causing a yelp of pleasure to escape from Maggie. Grabbing her by the hips, I gently start to thrust up inside her heavenly pussy.","87":"Haley stays kneeled in front of us, and I feel her tongue glide from my member, up onto Maggie's little clit, giving oral to both of us simultaneously.","88":"I enjoy Maggie for a moment, before grabbing her and pulling her back down on my face, making room for Haley to get some cock too.","89":"As I eat out Maggie, I feel Haley crawl up and slide herself down around my rod, bouncing up and down and adding her own moans of pleasure to Maggie's.","90":"Oh fuck. Oh god. This is so...!","91":"Oh... I really got no idea what I'm doing...","92":"You and me both, Maggie. Except I'm not sure what I've done to deserve this.","93":"With Haley to my south, getting fucked with every stroke, feeling her shudder after every thrust...","94":"...as I lap at Maggie's private farm field, tasting her fertility run down my cheeks.","95":"Yeah, I don't know what I'm doing either, but somehow, I'm doing it.","96":"Our threesome continues to evolve like some sexual rubix cube, shifting and rotating in a malestrom of limbs and moans.","97":"I bend Maggie over, as she instinctively offers her ass up for me, arching her back, and leaning down to eat out Haley...","98":"I have a good angle to see what Maggie was doing between Haley's legs earlier.","99":"I suppose it was never a mystery, but seeing it with my own eyes is just something else. My mind drips and feels thick like honey.","100":"I keep pounding Maggie while I watch, drifting into a ecstatic rhythm while I forget the whole outside world.","101":"And I keep going, and going, until I'm finally inspired to make a change.","102":"I flip her again onto her back, as Haley crawls up on her face while I fuck her.","103":"I make out with the beautiful, blue haired pixie, smothering the gushing redhead beneath us.","104":"Possessed by a desire to keep herself occupied, Haley hungrily smashes her lips into mine. She poses a little trouble as I keep fucking the girl under me.","105":"I wonder if Haley is trying to take some attention for herself as I do so...","106":"I'm generous, though, and getting used to multitasking. I can duel tongues and fuck at the same time - as can Maggie, apparently.","107":"It looks like both of us learn quick.","108":"It's when I have Haley on her back, pounding her tight pussy at the same time she and Maggie are making out, that I feel the pressure begin to surge inside me.","109":"Honestly, I'm shocked I was able to hold out this long.","110":"Maggie... I can feel it... He's about to cum.","111":"What should we do?","112":"Not wanting to keep my load to herself, Haley grabs Maggie and slides down on the floor in front of me, pulling Maggie with her as she gets down on her knees.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","113":"The two wait eagerly and look up at me, tongues out, ready for my seed.","1":"Continue","114":"I jerk off vigorously at the stunning sight. Holding back the climax and drawing out the moment as long as I can.","2":"[ep8_Threesome_BJ_speed != ep8_Threesome_BJ_fast_speed]Faster","115":"On the verge of shooting, both the girls start to fidget anxiously, almost desperate for the load.","3":"[ep8_Threesome_BJ_speed != ep8_Threesome_BJ_default_speed]Default Speed","116":"Finally, I give their two beautiful faces what's coming to them.","4":"[ep8_Threesome_BJ_speed != ep8_Threesome_BJ_slow_speed]Slower","117":"The blast of molten cum explodes from my cock, aimed squarely at the girls.","5":"<","118":"The thick, pearly ropes of jizz whipping and coating them as they squeal.","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","119":"After the last pulse of cum lazily slaps against their cheeks, I look down, admiring my handiwork. Both Haley and Maggie's beautiful, panting faces now drip with my seed.","7":"Continue","120":"Thick rivulets of sticky cum draw porcelain ropes from their cheeks and tongues, down to their young, heaving breasts.","8":"[ep8_Threesome_HaleyBehind_speed != ep8_Threesome_HaleyBehind_fast_speed]Faster","121":"Filled with a sense of deep, primal satisfaction, and utterly weak at this point, I collapse back down on the bed.","9":"[ep8_Threesome_HaleyBehind_speed != ep8_Threesome_HaleyBehind_default_speed]Default Speed","122":"I watch, cock still twitching, while Maggie and Haley go on as if I were no longer there. Enamored with each other in their own oxytocin filled stupors.","123":"The two girls slowly, sensually start to make out. Bodies pressed against each other, lapping up and eating my cum off of one another's face.","124":"I just lay back and enjoy the sight of the two young beauties kissing and cleaning my seed from each other like a pair of kittens.","125":"God... that was... this was...","126":"For a lack of the words, Maggie just bursts out giggling. Haley joins her, both their cheeks turning pink.","127":"I never thought I'd do anything like [i]that[\/i] before.","128":"That wasn't too much, was it? I feel like I got a little carried away at times.","129":"No! I... I liked it. I'm glad you wanted to share all of that with me.","130":"Do you feel... different?","131":"A little. But it's a ''good'' kind of different.","132":"Still friends?","133":"Still friends, Haley.","134":"Maggie turns to me.","135":"What about this one?","136":"Oh, if I had to judge, I'd say he had a [i]very[\/i] good time.","137":"All I can do is flash a stupid, ear to ear grin.","138":"Having finished cleaning up, both Maggie and Haley sleepily crawl up into bed with me.","139":"Sandwiched between the two warm, soft young women, I quickly drift off to sleep, feeling better than I have in a long time.","140":"...The warm morning sun wakes me up after what feels like a hundred years. Squinting my eyes open, I can't remember how long it's been since I felt rested and refreshed.","141":"The sensation of warm skin surrounds me, and I feel the soft breath of Maggie and Haley on my chest. Reaffirming that our threesome wasn't just some incredible dream.","142":"I could just lay here with these two all day. But in the back of my head, I know there is work that still needs to be done. Regretfully, this cove of comfort and safety was a temporary stop.","143":"Gently, I slide out from under the two girls, being careful not to wake them, and rub my eyes.","144":"Climbing out of bed, I quietly clean up, get dressed, and head out, ready to continue hunting down the Fraternity."},"ch9__09.05 sandra.vne3":{"10":"...more than that... [i]kinda sexy...","11":"The last thing I expected to see was a girl in her underwear in here. I had a [i]fantasy[\/i] that it was girl, but no expectation.","12":"The way she's dressed, and the way she presents herself, makes it clear that this is her home, she's comfortable here, and she expects me to answer for my intrusion.","13":"Are you Sandra?","14":"...","15":"I wait, and wait...","16":"No reply? Is this a psychological tactic or something? Because it's working.","17":"My fingers tap the letters, fluttering against the screen.","18":"Or are you Hank?","19":"...","20":"[i]Still nothing but silence.[pause] I opened Hank's office, and I've found a mannequin.","21":"Is this what it's like when people try and interact with me? Except... I still communicate. At least I try and gesture that I can't speak. This girl... [i]this Sandra look-alike[\/i]... does nothing but stare.","22":"I was a little freaked out at first... but the longer she stays silent... the more impatient I am.","23":"Who does she think she is? Does she expect saying nothing is going to make me go away?","24":"I just want to... [i]shout[\/i] at her so bad! I do the next best thing.","25":"Speak! Say something!","26":"Oh!","27":"Her voice!","28":"Uh... uh... I th... th...","29":"She's capable of speech, at least. Sort of... not a lot of tone to it.","30":"Her voice quivers a little as she forces air through her pipes.","31":"Err... ehh...","32":"This kills the initial mystique factor completely. I watch wide-eyed as her words start and stop.","33":"Uh... ah... I... I... eh....","34":"I didn't... I didn't say anything?","35":"Her first full sentence. It's uncertain and wheezy. I can't describe what it sounds like. It's like listening to someone blow through an old dusty instrument.","36":"No, you just stared at me.","37":"Oh... uh...","38":"...my brain... language center... not computing...","39":"You haven't spoken in a long time, have you?","40":"Yeah... something similar would happen to me if I even tried to speak with my actual voice. It would take a little bit for the nerves to work.","41":"I don't know what the brain's version of ''rust'' is... but... I have it.","42":"I gotta... reboot myself. Need power drink. Large coffee, refrigerated overnight. Uh... food.","43":"Just breathe and take it slow. Say one word at a time.","44":"I... I said the coolest thing when you went through that door. It was so cool. You would've been stunlocked by my epic one-liner.","45":"But I said it only in my head. Fuck. It's gone forever.","46":"Looks like you're doing better.","47":"Saying words is hard.","48":"Easier for you than it is for me.","49":"Yeah, I didn't think I'd be as mute as you.","50":"I'm starting to recognize her. Not the face and body, but the attitude.","51":"You really are Hank.","52":"Kinda.","53":"''Kinda'' doesn't cut it. Unless you aren't the office manager of the IT lab, the guy who messages me under the name Hank, you're him.","54":"''Hank'' is a [i]nom de plume[\/i].","55":"You're Hank. You're the annoying guy who wants me to buy porn comics and leave coffee in the fridge.","56":"Yes... and no. I'm Hank to everyone outside this office. In here, I'm still Sandra.","57":"And this is for what? To hide yourself from the world?","58":"I'm not hiding. I'm reinventing myself.","59":"I have to pause a second to digest that.","60":"I mean... how though? By sitting in a gloomy office? For what purpose? There are so many questions I have...","61":"I don't know where to begin... I've been looking for you for months. That you've been in this room all this time...","62":"I did notice you were looking for me.","63":"Don't be so casual about it. A lot of people are looking for you. People care about you - I'm not sure cutting everyone out of your life is really reinventing yourself.","64":"People think that you're dead.","65":"That's the idea.","66":"So this is intentional. You're pretending to be dead.","67":"Well, I'm certainly not pretending to be a horse.","68":"Aren't you worried about your mom?","69":"Yeah.","70":"[i]Yes, and...[\/i]","71":"I think you imagined your response again instead of speaking it.","72":"What do you mean? I was done.","73":"That's the depths of your feelings? ''Yes, I care about my mother.'' A love song out of you would be rich.","74":"[i]Roses are red,[pause] violets are blue,[pause] I'm not a poet... [pause][char,Sandra_Annoyed]fuck you.[\/i]","75":"Yep... this is Hank. In the flesh. Smaller than I imagined, and with a rounder chest.","76":"But you aren't here to find me because people care about me. You accused me of being Silent1, didn't you?","77":"She is blunt about that. I was hoping to have cornered the hacker, but... it's hard for me to imagine Silent1 pressing their own issue.","78":"Yeah.","79":"Okay. I'm not Silent1. Does that clarify things to you?","80":"It can only be you, though. You're the only one with the authority to put RECENTLY on our devices.","81":"She looks at me with that same absent stare as I first entered. Is she suddenly mute again?","82":"I'm about to follow up, but Sandra says something I don't expect.","83":"Okay. So?","84":"So you're admitting you put malware on our devices?","85":"I mean... I'm supposed to.","86":"Supposed to?","87":"All devices have malware, unless you're running a clean install of the pure Linux kernel or an etch-a-sketch.","88":"Malware's ubiquitous. So I throw a lump of coal on the inferno; legendary Shadow Hacker I am not.","89":"RECENTLY isn't run-of-the-mill. It's not a lump of coal, it's a [i]nuke.","90":"Uh... [i]recently[\/i] is a noun in this context?","91":"You don't know what RECENTLY is?","92":"Not in whatever context you're using it in.","93":"[i]That is so hard to believe.[\/i] She's been unusually blunt so far, but blunt truth and blunt lies both sound the same.","94":"You're the one who implemented it in the software package. You had to be the one to install the security restrictions, too.","95":"This is all about a little malware? Jesus.","96":"A little malware? How about a lot of malware.","97":"Okay Richard Stallman, I'm about to blackpill you. Malware is everywhere and in everything.","98":"There's malware installed by criminals and malware installed by governments and, as far as there's even a difference between the two, I can't do anything about the government.","99":"Your only solution is to go completely off grid. I have a laptop with my own Linux distro installed that's completely disconnected from any network.","100":"I know everything that's on there and that's where I do my private stuff. If you're so worried about it, do the same.","101":"Is this some genius gaslighting trick? She's going to go half-way with my accusation, but still pretend like she doesn't understand the gravity of the situation?","102":"Or... does she really not know?","103":"That shit you put on the computers isn't normal.","104":"You probably know better than I do.","105":"You haven't even bothered to check?","106":"Why should I?","107":"Because it's your job?","108":"Gotta be honest. The office management stuff doesn't really occupy much of my bandwidth. I don't give this a lot of thought. I just do what I'm told and that's that.","109":"Sandra, RECENTLY is open on one of your monitors.","110":"Which one?","111":"Don't play dumb. The blue one.","112":"That's just the network manager.","113":"It's RECENTLY.","114":"What does RECENTLY do, exactly?","115":"It reads the memory of any computer you can imagine, and displays it in a legible format.","116":"Hmm. Well, I can monitor data that goes through the school network. Is that what you're talking about?","117":"It's broader than that. I think it can pull things into the network cache from working memory. So if you draw a smiley face in Paint, I can see it.","118":"Is that right? That's neat.","119":"Yeah, it's [i]neat[\/i] alright, and it's fucking torturing me.","120":"You'd never say that if you know what it's done to my life. What kind of weapon it is. The lives it has destroyed.","121":"Don't... crush your phone beneath your grip.","122":"God damn it, don't be so casual with this! I've been tracking down this shit for months! [i]''Oh how neat. It's just like the dog that can bark hello.''[\/i] No! It's not a TikTok video you scroll past after five seconds!","123":"This is serious. Act serious. Act fucking serious. Give me direct answers. I'm so tired of this goddamn bullshit.","124":"Sheesh. I'm starting to understand why you've been so weird for the past few months.","125":"Linus and I both noticed that you're always slouching over that laptop in a way where you can't look over your shoulder. He thought you were looking at porn.","126":"Yeah, I bet you had a whole bunch of clever theories.","127":"I didn't care.","128":"What do you mean?","129":"You do your work, you get no issue from me. I'm not a boomer boss who thinks work has to be suffering. Beer, for example.","130":"IT tech isn't driving or operating heavy machinery. Pretty sure you can reset a password after drinking a beer.","131":"Maybe you'll settle down after a bottle? You certainly seemed to enjoy it with Valerie.","132":"I... shouldn't be surprised that Hank... [i]Sandra[\/i] saw that.","133":"I'm not in the mood for settling down.","134":"Okay. What are you in the mood for, then? I don't have all day.","135":"She acts like Hank. Outside, she's a mousy little woman, but inside...","136":"Who pushes updates for the security software?","137":"I do.","138":"Who writes the software?","139":"I don't know. The cybersecurity company?","140":"But the software they give you is not the same that is pushed to everyone's devices.","141":"It's not [i]exactly[\/i] the same, no. It has to be configured correctly to the network. But that's all expected, normal stuff.","142":"So what are the modifications you make?","143":"There was a standard set when I got this job. Like a few libraries and stuff. I think it's for backwards compatibility.","144":"Who updates that package?","145":"Uh...","146":"For once... she looks uncomfortable. [i]Guilty?[\/i] I'm not sure yet.","147":"I'm not going to fish her out of this one. I'll let this hook bite deep. I've got a feeling that I caught something.","148":"[i]I don't know...[\/i]","149":"How do you get it?","150":"I don't get it. It was part of the package when I got this job.","151":"Who gave you this job?","152":"Uh... the... the university?","153":"The school gave an office manager job to a missing person?","154":"Eh... uh...","155":"Who gave you the job?","156":"I don't know their name! They just said I could take the office manager position if I changed my identity!","157":"That's weird, isn't it?","158":"Well, I [i]was saying[\/i] how my life is totally fucked because of the plagiarism thing, so maybe someone took pity.","159":"And you have no idea who they are?","160":"Yes!","161":"That sounds really unlikely. There's got to be records of you being paid by the school. How can someone just let you disappear?","162":"You're asking questions about RECENTLY, and now you're asking questions about me? These are two different topics.","163":"I'd prefer this not get personal.","164":"Is it because [i]The Fraternity hired you?[\/i]","165":"A fraternity? No... why would they hire IT office managers? Unless it's Phi Sigma Rho or something...","166":"If you're worried about your life, I can protect you.","167":"A blatant, damn lie. I can't even protect my own ass, but I'm too close to give up.","168":"Judging from Sandra's odd look, she doesn't buy it either.","169":"My life? [i]Sure.","170":"Safest thing for you to do is go out that door. But, if you think it's so important, I'll tell you this: the package isn't updated. It's [i]inherited.","171":"Inherited?","172":"I inherited the software package from the previous office manager. Nobody updates it.","173":"The whole program?","174":"No, just the spyware. Obviously I have to configure it.","175":"Unlikely, I would've said but... with what I know, and with RECENTLY being on that ancient phone...","176":"So you do nothing to the RECENTLY program?","177":"I have never fucked with its code. If I don't know what it is, I don't look at it. My philosophy is don't break what's not broken.","178":"So... [i]everyone in the school must have RECENTLY on their phones...[\/i] but theirs is limited. Mine isn't.","179":"[i]What's different about me?[\/i]","180":"There's something I'm missing...","181":"Who was the previous office manager?","182":"The previous office manager? Uh... don't remember much about him. Knew him for one day.","183":"Is he Silent1?","184":"He was pretty loud.","185":"I mean is he-","186":"I know what you meant. I'm... fucking with you. He was like... a normal guy. Greasy kinda. Real ''unwashed nerd'' aesthetic.","187":"So I guess my answer is he could've been. I didn't really care much to learn.","188":"Doesn't seem like Sandra has much else to say about that guy... I would be very surprised if he's still walking around given how much he probably knows.","189":"All code has to be updated.","190":"You'd think.","191":"Over the years, so many formats change. You can't have code that works for ten years.","192":"Guess not.","193":"So how?","194":"Sounds implausible to me.","195":"It does to me too...","196":"Sandra sighs, staring at a point at the wall. For a second, I have little to say either.","197":"Eventually, Sandra huffs, and lets out a squeak of frustration.","198":"Are you satisfied now? Can I get back to work?","199":"I have so many more questions.","200":"Then ask them. Quickly.","201":"She has a talent for making [i]me[\/i] feel interrogated. But I can't forget that I'm the one putting pressure on her.","202":"She isn't going to answer anything else about RECENTLY. I can't quite buy that she knows as little as she claims. All I know is that I need a different tactic.","203":"Why are you here, Sandra? Why all this?","204":"This isn't about me. It's about your stupid malware. Ask questions about that.","205":"It was about Silent1. That's when you opened the door, when I accused you of being him.","206":"Oh. I guess you did.","207":"I had what you might call a very fast stroke. I saw your face, blood flow was cut off to the majority of my brain, and for some reason I felt the only reason I could exonerate myself was to let you see me in the flesh.","208":"Well, as you can see, I'm not Silent1.","209":"Can you prove it?","210":"I don't have to prove my innocence. You have to prove my guilt.","211":"You've been uploading third-party malware onto the school network. You have no idea who it comes from except your ''predecessor''. The suspicion is valid.","212":"Fuck. Opening the door was a mistake. I could've just pretended to be dead.","213":"You probably wanted to see a human face with your own eyes.","214":"Yeah. And it's not as nice as I remembered it being.","215":"Silent1, [i]or whoever claims to be Silent1[\/i], is the reason I'm here.","216":"Whether it's the legit Silent1 or not, who knows.","217":"Why do you say that?","218":"There's something floating around about this guy who discovered some fundamental security flaw inherent in computing. The kinda thing you can't really fix without making it [i]not a computer.","219":"Presumably, with this specific piece of knowledge, you could hack any computer or something.","220":"Linus is into it.","221":"Sorta... he's into nerdy girls more than anything else, which is why he can't ever see me.","222":"Anyway, I didn't hear it from him. It's the sort of stuff you hear on forums that think they're the Dark Web but actually not.","223":"You sound like you don't believe it.","224":"Yeah, well, Silent1 is a joke.","225":"A joke?","226":"Think about it for a moment. A flaw like that seems impossible at first, but give it some thought... and it becomes stupidly, obviously true.","227":"...It's true?","228":"Yeah. An inherent security flaw fundamental to computing? Think about it.","229":"What would something like that be? You'd have to go right to the basic building blocks. Transistors, binary code, logic gates...","230":"I suppose you could manually flip the switches...","231":"Yep. Computing's fundamental flaw. It's physical.","232":"That's it?","233":"Yep.","234":"So is that how RECENTLY works? Seems impossible. It's just a program. It doesn't physically manifest.","235":"That can't be the same way RECENTLY works.","236":"Of course not. The [i]fundamental flaw with computers[\/i] has to do with someone coming in with their hands and manually fucking with the thing. It's strictly third party.","237":"That's why Silent1 is a joke. It won't take intelligent people very long to see right through it.","238":"The most dangerous malware that can hack any computer is a pair of very, very tiny tweezers and an electron microscope.","239":"And so Silent1 doesn't really exist.","240":"Probably not. I wasn't around when they came up with Silent1 for the very first time. Maybe it was based on a real person.","241":"But the myth infects reality. The joke becomes true. A lot of really talented hackers went by the name of Silent1 over the years. A lot of very shitty ones too.","242":"So the myth made Silent1, Silent1 didn't make the myth. Probably.","243":"And this [i]Silent1[\/i] was the one who got you on the hook for plagiarism.","244":"A person claiming to be them, yes. I started getting messages from someone just like that.","245":"I thought it was just internet stuff spilling over into my real life.","246":"But it wasn't.","247":"No, it really was, but I underestimated how spiteful people are. I didn't realize they'd actually destroy my life.","248":"They threatened to release some algorithm I had written if I didn't drop out.","249":"This is your sorting algorithm?","250":"Mmhmm. It's really cool, too. Super fast. It builds a node graph and... [pause][char,Sandra_Sad]uh... I guess it isn't important.","251":"I had been working on it for months. I fucked up my back doing it. I thought I was going to have my doctoral thesis done before I finished undergrad.","252":"What did Silent1 want from you?","253":"I don't know. Why do people get angry on the internet? Some people are destructive, I guess.","254":"They didn't really want anything. I tried to offer them money.","255":"So they weren't motivated by money.","256":"So glad I locked myself in a small office. Human beings are so fucking unpredictable! Hard to handle.","257":"Show me a volleyball with a face painted on it, and I'll show you a better friend than any human. Once they release GPT-4 I won't ever need to socialize.","258":"So, what did you do?","259":"I worked really hard to get my paper done before someone else had a chance to publish it.","260":"But it didn't work.","261":"Yeah. By the time I was done, it was already too late. A team from another school released the algorithm under their name the week before.","262":"That was before Silent1 even first contacted me. So they fucked me over before I had a chance to do anything.","263":"Sandra's story sounds about right for the sorts of fuckery the Fraternity gets up to. I can't blame her for being confused.","264":"They put me in front of an academic ethics board. The judgment was so swift I couldn't believe it.","265":"Plagiarism! After they stole [i]my work...[\/i] You get punched in the face and the other guy complains that they hurt their fist.","266":"Now, I just... sit and think about how they stole everything from me, and how I'll make them all sorry and get my revenge, yadda yadda. Anyway, that's the story.","267":"No it isn't.","268":"Excuse me?","269":"Hank. How did you become Hank.","270":"Oh.","271":"She thinks for a moment, tapping her arms with an impatient energy.","272":"Is this important for you to know?","273":"The more reluctant she is, the more interested I am.","274":"Right. Well, I didn't think I'd do well with a black mark on my record, innocent or not.","275":"So... I thought any future project would be easier for the wider community to swallow if it was under a different name.","276":"So you chose to be Hank instead.","277":"She nods, but there's still holes in this story that you could drive cars through. I've got to get more specific.","278":"I notice you're not telling me the steps you took to become Hank. We found your abandoned car. Did you really drive it out to the woods and leave it there?","279":"I walked all the way back, too.","280":"Worst fourteen hours of my life. My soft programmer thighs were killing me! I almost [i]actually[\/i] died.","281":"Why?","282":"Oh... that's obvious, isn't it? I wanted people to think I was dead.","283":"And then you walked all the way back to the university?","284":"Yeah. I imagined if people thought I was heading home, they wouldn't think to look in the place I'd come from.","285":"I'm not a ''fake my own death'' expert. I did the best I could.","286":"All this to get rid of a black spot on your academic record?","287":"One I didn't deserve, mind you. I was just freeing myself from the actions they took against me.","288":"When I entered this room, I really felt like I had just beaten the asshole that ruined my life. They wanted to chain me? Well, now I'm unleashed.","289":"Except from the people who let you stay here.","290":"Again, that stern, dark look.","291":"What are you saying, exactly?","292":"What did you have to do to buy this second life?","293":"A lot, actually. I work several jobs, if you haven't noticed.","294":"IT lab manager? Remotely managing a Burger Queen? Trading doujinshis?","295":"Yeah. Plus crypto, stock speculation on the side. There's a lot of hustles out there.","296":"All this is to fund my big projects - the next algorithm I can copyright. I can release it properly and sell it for the cash I need.","297":"Yeah, and while you do that, everyone who loves you holds out hope they'll find you alive.","298":"You're not the only one paying a price.","299":"Don't talk about my [i]mamá[\/i].","300":"Shame enters her voice. There's a human sadness underlying it that she can't quite conceal.","301":"She's worried about you.","302":"I know that! That's why you've got to help her move on. Tell her I'm dead.","303":"I can't do that.","304":"It's the only way! She'll feel sad for a bit, but it'll give her closure, and she needs that. Everyone does.","305":"Including the Philosophy Club, who all seem collectively traumatized by your disappearance.","306":"They're... good guys... but...","307":"Even your roommate wanted me to find you.","308":"Valerie? Uh... shit...","309":"I might be able to prove that you didn't commit plagiarism. I just need every piece of information you can give me.","310":"Sandra, you can't be happy living in a-","311":"-remodeled bathroom.","312":"Yes.","313":"I'm not happy about what happened to me, but this is what I have to do. These are the steps I'm taking to pull myself out of the rut I'm in.","314":"I'm suffering for a future. I don't hate myself or anything like that. And... I can't let Silent1 win.","315":"I'm going to accomplish all my life goals, and the fact that there's someone who wants to stop me from doing that makes me want to do it even more.","316":"What if you are helping Silent1 win?","317":"Wha...? I don't understand.","318":"What if you're in the position Silent1 wanted you to be in all this time? What if this was a set up?","319":"Tch!","320":"Sandra 's reaction is violent, and surprising. She almost spits her words.","321":"For a dumb guy you really run your mouth, don't you?","322":"You're an outsider. You don't understand the players, you don't understand the game. Just get out of my office.","323":"Are you going to fake Hank's death too?","324":"I'll fake it as many times as it takes to win. Get out of my office.","325":"You're not helping yourself.","326":"Get out of my office or I'll...","327":"...Just get out! I've answered all your questions. Go find Silent1 and leave me out of it!","328":"What do I tell your mom?","329":"Tell her whatever you want, just get out!","330":"A bolt closes and chunks into the door like a punch.","331":"So close to some fucking answers. I want to punch the door too, and shake what I need out of her.","332":"I know I found someone I've been looking for months, but it doesn't feel like an accomplishment at all.","333":"What the fuck do I do now? I gotta get out of here...","0":"Who am I really looking at?","1":"Yes, she shares the face of the girl I've been looking for, but...","2":"...I only know her by her reputation, her image...","3":"But she's alive, flesh and blood, right in front of me. She stares at me with real eyes, seeing and sentient, unlike the photos.","4":"Actual photons bounce around and impact her before burning my retinas. A doppelganger from the pictures I saw.","5":"Is this really her?","6":"She's staring at me. She expects me to speak.","7":"But damn... I'm not really sure what to ask her, except the normal dumb questions that everyone asks.","8":"As I type my message, my fingers feel like they hardly work.","9":"For someone whose probably been in a locked room for a year, it's surprising how [i]normal she looks[\/i]..."},"ch9__09.10 girl.vne3":{"3":"Uh... excuse me. We meet before?","4":"The IT lab is closed.","5":"It's the only time I could come. Would you please look at my computer?","6":"It seems like it would be less effort just to help her. I sigh and make my displeasure obvious.","7":"What's the problem?","8":"My laptop won't turn on.","9":"This isn't a repair shop. We help people hook their computers up to the university's wifi. We don't fix hardware.","10":"Anything that involves a screwdriver is not covered by school policy.","11":"Oh. I... didn't know that. I'm really sorry.","12":"Could you.... could you help me anyway? As a favor. Not as an employee.","13":"I'm tired.","14":"This girl has no idea the sort of conversation I just had.","15":"I'm sorry to hear that. I'm tired too. Yet, I need my computer fixed. I don't know who else to go to.","16":"A repair shop. There's a good one near here-","17":"Is it open at this time?","18":"An earnest question, and I kinda knew the answer before I even finished. Fuck.","19":"Well, she seems nice enough. If the problem is simple...","20":"Let's get out of here. I'm not supposed to be here either.","21":"Does that mean you'll help me?","22":"Stick around and find out.","23":"Thank you.","24":"Let's take a seat here.","25":"Is it okay to do repairs outside?","26":"Probably. It's pretty dry. Besides, this is the only place I can do it.","27":"Everywhere else is closed.","28":"Okay...","29":"She reaches into her backpack and pulls out laptop that looks like it came from the early 2010s. It has a DVD drive and everything. I half expect to see a floppy disk too.","30":"Even before a thorough examination, I sigh and shake my head apologetically.","31":"This thing is bricked.","32":"You won't even try?","33":"The batteries back then were not as good. They wear out, become impossible to use. Who knows what else is the matter with this.","34":"So I should get a new one?","35":"I can't tell her ''yes'', because I damn well know there's something that might be done. I don't know what's gotten into me that I'm helping a random stranger when I don't need to.","36":"I can fiddle around, but I make no guarantees.","37":"Thank you.","38":"I turn the laptop over and get my little keychain screwdriver.","39":"I open the back plate. She looks over my shoulder, as if trying to decipher what I'm doing.","40":"So... what do you think?","41":"I glance at her, and suddenly, she realizes her mistake.","42":"Ah... you need your hands. I'll wait until you're done.","43":"I nod, and go back to work.","44":"As I expected, the inside of the computer is dusty. I wouldn't be surprised to see mites in it.","45":"There's no guarantee it'll fix anything, but I blow into the back. I know I'm not supposed to do that, but I can't really do this thing more damage.","46":"When I'm satisfied, I give the computer back.","47":"Was it the dust?","48":"Fan was clogged. Pretty sure there was gunk between the electrical contacts.","49":"It's not turning on...","50":"Your battery is completely dead, probably. You need to leave it plugged in if you want it to work.","51":"I see.","52":"I bet that thing has gone far with you.","53":"It's my first computer.","54":"Even if you put your heart and soul into something, there's no guarantee about the results you'll get.","55":"You can hunt for answers all you want, but sometimes they don't come. There's a big black hole of the unknown, the answers get sucked up into it and there's no way to see inside.","56":"You just have to give up, and not think about all the time you wasted and the pain you went through.","57":"Uh...","58":"There's no way to know if that computer is going to work unless you try. I recommend getting a can of dust killer - the kind that's used for electronics, not furniture.","59":"Well, you tried at least. I won't know if it works until I plug it in.","60":"Yes.","61":"I hope... you can get through the... [i]the black hole[\/i], though. Sometimes, answers really do come.","62":"Kinda like Hawking radiation.","63":"Yeah... [i]Hawking radiation[\/i], whatever that is.","64":"Thank you very much for trying to fix my laptop. See you around?","65":"If you have problems logging in.","66":"No more computer problems, then.","67":"If you knew even a little about the computer issues I deal with.","68":"Okay. Thanks...","69":"What do I do now? I literally don't know what my next step is.","70":"Sandra should've filled me with ideas and avenues I could take. But nothing is coming.","71":"It's hard to ignore the giant neon sign in my head saying ''YOU NEED HELP'' and pointing at {Leah}. I'm as good at this investigation shit as this girl is good with computers.","0":"This girl... she was just waiting out here...","1":"Man.... I hope there's some way to communicate ''you've come at a bad time''.","2":"I don't know what's up with this girl that she can only get something fixed close to midnight, but I don't have the time to deal with her."},"ch9__09.15 reporting to valerie.vne3":{"3":"[i]Sex with Val[\/i]. I should be over the moon right now...","4":"I left her cold in her office, after all.","5":"I find myself staring at the phone until it goes quiet. It's not intentional, it's just how it goes.","6":"A second later...","7":"Why leave me like this? I'm in suspense.","8":"Yeah, why leave you in suspense? Maybe because I don't want to say that [i]I made no progress.[\/i]","9":"The one time I [i]wasn't[\/i] looking for Sandra, I run into her. It seems the only way I can do anything is by complete accident.","10":"The only way I'm going to find Silent1 is by looking for my keys. Fuck.","11":"But I can't be a coward. I've got to tell Valerie something.","12":"I push button after button, feeling a bit of dread each time. I have to tell her something.","13":"{PlayerName}.","14":"Val.","15":"You know, I really don't like to think that there's something more interesting than my naked body.","16":"There are very few things that are.","17":"Yes, and you found one of them, I take it?","18":"I... really am quite eager to know what you stormed off about. You can't come to my office in person?","19":"I had to check something.","20":"And it couldn't wait?","21":"It couldn't.","22":"By the beating you took earlier you should've learned that rash action isn't healthy.","23":"So... you ran off to check something?","24":"It's about Sandra.","25":"I found her.","26":"[delay,250]Silence. [delay,250]Drawn out.","27":"I'm not surprised she isn't sure what to say. I wish I could know what sort of silence it was.","28":"Is she shocked? Thoughtful? [i]Angry?[\/i]","29":"I'm starting to understand how I frustrate some people...","30":"I see.","31":"''I see?'' That's all?","32":"I'm thinking.","33":"She says it forcefully - but not with anger. It's like she's trying to push the distractions out of her head.","34":"The persistent, intense, thoughtful pause leaves me in suspense and discomfort.","35":"Waiting is so hard... I strain my ears, wondering if I lost connection with her.","36":"I'm relieved when she finally makes a sound.[delay,250] It's a sigh.","37":"Sorry... momentary shock.","38":"Do you believe me?","39":"You've never lied to me. What was she doing?","40":"She was in Hank's office the whole time. Actually, she [i]was[\/i] Hank.","41":"[speed,0.6]Interesting. [delay,250][speed,1]Do you think someone in the administration is helping her? You don't just squat on school property without anyone noticing.","42":"Not just squatting. She had a job. The fucking Fraternity is weaved through the whole school.","43":"And is she Silent1?","44":"I wish I could say. I wish I could even give a definitive [i]no[\/i]. But I can't... so I don't.","45":"I don't know.","46":"[i]And why don't you know?","47":"She's brusque, in a way I've never gotten from her. When she's done... her breath is... [i]uneven[\/i]. Valerie is [i]impatient[\/i]. She [i]cares[\/i] about this.","48":"She doesn't seem like she knows very much. I think she's just a puppet.","49":"Silent1's puppet?","50":"Presumably.","51":"I was hoping Sandra would lead you to Silent1, {PlayerName}. It's important that you find Silent1. Didn't you interrogate her?","52":"I did, but she's holding out on me.","53":"Well, what do you need from me? How can I help you find Silent1?","54":"Not much for right now. I need to think about it. I need to go home and put my thoughts together.","55":"Yes, sorry for my initial reaction. Actually, this is very good, {PlayerName}. You're close. I feel it.","56":"Whatever you need, please let me know.","57":"Thanks.","58":"Remember: any time you need help, I'm here for you.","59":"Did she expect me to find Silent1, just like that? Does she think I'm the only person who can find him?","60":"I've forgotten - in that original meeting with Valerie...","61":"...her first priority was not finding Sandra...","62":"I know what I texted you was dramatic, but... I didn't realize you were involved. I had to talk to you tonight.","63":"You know about the hacker too, right?","64":"I'm also looking for him.","65":"I thought that Valerie wanted to find Silent1 because she wanted to know what happened to Sandra...","66":"...but... from how it sounded, it seems like Sandra was completely secondary.","67":"She wants to find Silent1. [i]Independent of Sandra[\/i].","68":"Was she [i]always[\/i] looking for him? Is that the whole reason she came to this school?","69":"As soon as I go into my room, I check RECENTLY.","70":"I'm thinking about the shit with Sandra so hard the words just bounce off me. My mind is too full of odd thoughts to take in anything else.","71":"It's useless. Might as well go to bed.","72":"A lot to do tomorrow - I just have no idea what it is yet.","73":"I'll close my eyes and see if I can get some rest.","0":"I barely make it off campus when my phone suddenly arrests me. Annoyance rises like acid inside me - I want to get home.","1":"I'll take only the world's most important call right now.","2":"It's fucking Valerie. It might actually be the world's most important call."},"ch9__09.20 leahs deceit.vne3":{"10":"Shit, it's [i]fucking noon[\/i]. Where was my alarm?","11":"I was supposed to be in class, I was supposed to go to work! Hank is gonna-","12":"...Hank is gonna.... [i]do nothing[\/i].","13":"Hank doesn't really exist. The only person that actually exists... is Sandra.","14":"All my opinions about Hank - when he was the worst boss in the world, when he was the best - when he was a tyrant, when he was forgiving, when I liked him, when I hated him...","15":"...all those opinions were actually of Sandra. A girl nobody except me knows exists.","16":"Fuck. No wonder I slept in.","17":"So Hank - the possibly alien, potentially robotic, morbidly obese hardass - is dead, but Sandra is alive and very real. Now all that's left is to figure out what I'm going to do about it.","18":"Despite my sour feelings yesterday, there's a new hope. There is this razor thin, fragile line strung between Sandra and Silent1. I've got to find a way to tightrope across it.","19":"I push Sandra too hard, she's going to refuse to talk to me. [i]That's the best case scenario[\/i]. She could even disappear [i]again[\/i] and then I'm well and truly fucked.","20":"All that aside, it's noon. Being late now means absolutely nothing.","21":"I'll have a nice, long wake up time, get a good coffee and breakfast, and give myself all the energy I need to review my situation.","22":"A nice long shower. Luxuriant.","23":"The steam is almost as good as a sauna...","24":"...I don't even want to get out...","25":"A while ago... {Leah} walked in on me.","26":"It was so surprising. a part of me hopes it happens again, but I know that's impossible.","27":"She's definitely at work.","28":"...but I've got way too much to do...","29":"Reality calls.","30":"The cold air causes my testicles to clench closer to my body. I'm almost jealous of the damn things.","31":"I wish I could curl up in a warm ball too.","32":"I get to the kitchen and...","33":"...[i]stop in my tracks[\/i].","34":"I can't fully say that [i]anything is out of place[\/i]. It's that there's [i]not[\/i].","35":"What exactly am I looking for? Where do I look?","36":"Where do I begin when I'm just following the vaguest of hunches?","37":"Fridge.[check_fridge == 0]","38":"Dishwasher.[check_dishwasher == 0]","39":"Sink.[check_sink == 0]","40":"Eggs and bread - classic staples of a college student's breakfast.","41":"Conveniently, eaten in discrete, countable little packages. If someone took one, I'd be sure to notice. I'm almost positive they're the same as yesterday.","42":"I didn't skip a meal. Did {Leah}?","43":"There's dirty dishes in there. {Leah} usually turns it on before she leaves.","44":"If it was full, {Leah} would let it run while she's at school. The washer should be full of clean dishes if that were the case.","45":"No pots and pans in the sink. If either of us have done cooking we'd let them soak for a bit.","46":"There's nothing like that, though. Which means nobody has done any kind of cooking recently.","47":"{Leah} isn't really a cook but she's usually fixing her own meals.","48":"This all gives me a weird feeling...","49":"...I should check in {Leah}'s room.","50":"Oh... jeez.","51":"There she is... sleeping. She looks so peaceful.","52":"But why is she there? She'd be at work by now, or studying or...","53":"Sleeping in the middle of the day?","54":"I could genuinely expect to run into {Leah} anywhere, at any time, but [i]here[\/i], at [i]the time[\/i]...","55":"...[i]unless...[\/i]","56":"I've seen {Leah} so little recently. I was avoiding her, trying to keep her safe, but now I'm starting to realize something...","57":"Okay. I need confirmation first from someone who would know {Leah} well.","58":"In theory, this man would be in constant contact with {Leah}.","59":"I press the contact button. I already know the answer I'm about to get.","60":"This is Professor Craven.","61":"This is {PlayerName}.","62":"I-I know that. Could I help you?","63":"Craven's voice quivers a bit. Has he been expecting this call?","64":"A question. Have you seen {Leah} recently?","65":"Oh, yes. Is there something the matter?","66":"Nothing serious. I wanted to ask you about {Leah}, since you work with her nearly every day.","67":"Has she been maintaining an odd schedule?","68":"You know her. She's a very dedicated young woman.","69":"Has she been up late?","70":"Up... late?","71":"Suddenly, the phone erupts with a terrible coughing fit, followed by a few wet gasps.","72":"Are you okay?","73":"Ah, *ahem*, of course. Sorry.","74":"Wh-what was your question?","75":"Has {Leah} been up late?","76":"Hrmm... I-I... I'm not sure... has she?","77":"Damn it, he's trying to protect {Leah}. It's so obvious.","78":"I'm really asking if you know if she's working on anything? Maybe late into the night?","79":"Oh... uh... *ahem*... not sure. It is getting toward exam time...","80":"I saw that she was sleeping in the middle of the day. Sort of weird for her.","81":"Is it? I suppose.","82":"Has she been going to your classes?","83":"Uh...","84":"He doesn't just stop speaking. He stops [i]breathing[\/i].","85":"...of course.","86":"Anger spikes inside me. I feel it build in my throat and die in the confines of my fucked vocal chords.","87":"I can't yell at Mr. Craven for lying to me, but I can still [i]confront him[\/i]...","88":"What are you hiding?","89":"Thanks, that's all.","90":"I don't appreciate being talked to like that.","91":"His voice becomes steady. Even the gravel clears up. It seems he knows how to compose himself and pull himself together when it counts.","92":"He's showing strength now, but he was wavering earlier. If I could push past his confidence...","93":"I know you and {Leah} talk all the time. If she knows something, you know it too.","94":"She has a private life that I have nothing to do with. And even if I did, I have no reason to share them.","95":"Given your synthesized voice, I can't say with full confidence that you are the person you claim to be, so I would not even share relevant information over the phone with you.","96":"I suppose the former war reporter is not going to be intimidated by a mute with a voice synthesizer.","97":"Is that all?","98":"Yes, it's fine.","99":"I'm glad I could be of help.","100":"[i]Help[\/i] is a strong word.","101":"Sure.","102":"I'm about to press end call when...","103":"One more thing, {PlayerName}.","104":"I will always be grateful for what you did for me. I don't want you forgetting that.","105":"Yeah.","106":"I'm not sure exactly what he's trying to say, but Mr. Craven is going to be of no more help.","107":"I end the call. In so many words, he confirmed my suspicions.","108":"I tried to cut {Leah} out, I tried to keep her safe, I tried to prevent her from following the same path as me...","109":"...but as it turns out, she's also doing the same thing.","110":"How long has she been nocturnal?","111":"More importantly... why?","112":"I should've known... it's impossible to keep anything from {Leah}.","0":"What is that sound?","113":"She'll get into everything, given time. I know that well...","1":"It sounds... like my phone alarm, but that can't be right.","114":"...from all the way back in Annette Taylor...","2":"It's too early. I... can't have slept. I simply can't.","3":"It must've been only an hour. Only.","4":"I won't even open my eyes to check.","5":"I'm just... going to let it play out. I'm going to let it ring and ring until it dies down once again.","6":"Then, I'll slip back into oblivion...","7":"...and wake up...","8":"...at a more reasonable hour...","9":"Huh?"},"ch9__09.25 leahs problems.vne3":{"10":"Not that I know of.","11":"Then by process of elimination, it must be something good.","12":"Or neutral, I guess.","13":"Don't underestimate yourself. I hate it when you do that.","14":"You're the best this school has to offer. You're so much better than everyone else. It's only a matter of time until someone other than me notices that.","15":"This is all very optimistic coming from Emily. All I am is confused. I can think of nothing, [i]literally no reason[\/i], the principal would want to talk to me.","16":"Even if I'm not in trouble, [i]it feels like I am.[\/i] Nobody likes to be summoned to the principal's office, especially not over the PA.","17":"People are already staring at me. Shit man, if it is actually something good, did they have to do it like this?","18":"I've heard when they arrest rich people, they drape a coat over the handcuffs so they don't cause a scene.","19":"Okay. You bring this up why?","20":"I just wish they'd come to me instead of screaming it to the whole school...","21":"Alternatively, they want everyone to know what a great guy you are.","22":"I wish I could believe that. I do spend an awful lot of time sucking up to adults.","23":"But I've gone to youth leadership conferences and similar bullshit. If they were going to give me a certificate, they would do so at assembly.","24":"They don't summon people to the principal's office for [i]good reasons.","25":"Just go to the principal's office, okay? If you can't think of a reason you'll be in trouble, you have nothing to worry about.[pause][e,Emily_Young_Annoyed] Unless there's something you're not telling me?","26":"I can't think of anything...","27":"We'll talk about it once you come back, then.","28":"Right.","29":"But... why? Is this how they pass out distinctions for good students?","30":"This isn't good. I know that. But I haven't done anything bad...","31":"For fuck's sake, I'm a [i]goody-two-shoes[\/i]. I get good grades, I'm in the student government, I cause literally no problems...","32":"Did I [i]accidentally[\/i] do something wrong?","33":"I should just go, clear up whatever misunderstanding has happened, and hope for the best.","34":"I just have no idea what to expect. I've worked so hard to keep my record clean. That it might all be wiped out in one meeting...","35":"I try to keep my head down as I go to the principal's office.","36":"But when I enter the office...","37":"Ah shit... that face...","38":"That's not a ''good news'' face.","39":"Ah, {PlayerName}. Please take a seat.","40":"I think there's been a mistake...","41":"No mistake. Please sit down.","42":"Wait... I actually [i]did[\/i] do something wrong? Did someone accuse me of something?","43":"I'm clean! My record is 100% clean!","44":"[i]What did I do wrong?[\/i]","45":"Please sit down, {PlayerName}.","46":"She repeats it calmly, but my heart is pounding. I regain myself eventually and take a seat.","47":"How are you feeling, {PlayerName}?","48":"Oh.. uh... good.","49":"I'm here for a few inquiries, {PlayerName}. Do you have any idea why you're here?","50":"Uh... no. I'm... trying to remember if there was something I forgot to turn in, or if there was a rule I broke, or if I said something to offend anyone... either way, I'm sorry and it was an accident-","51":"You're here about last night.","52":"Last night? What did I do last night?","53":"I'm asking myself as much as I'm asking her.","54":"Only you know that, {PlayerName}.","55":"Okay... uh...","56":"...got home... did homework... played some games... went to sleep...","57":"Is this the kind of thing you wanted to know?","58":"Is that all you did?","59":"I mean... do you want me to write you a check list?","60":"Now is not the time for sarcasm.","61":"I'm not being sarcastic...","62":"[i]That fucking stare...[\/i] I know now why people compare her to an owl.","63":"Those eyes are going to peel the skin right off my bones. I've never been in this room in my life. I've never been in trouble before. What does she want? [i]What did I do?[\/i]","64":"I really want to know what I did wrong...","65":"You can't think of anything?","66":"I don't cheat, I don't do drugs, I don't steal. I barely use bad words. I keep wondering what this is about!","67":"I'm sorry ma'am... being in here makes me nervous. Is this all going into my record?","68":"Hrmm.","69":"She keeps staring... [i]analyzing me[\/i]. I feel like a suspect in a little interrogation room.","70":"My protestations of innocence only make me feel more guilty. Now I'm starting to believe I did something wrong - I try to act like how an innocent person would act, but that just makes me feel like I'm hiding something...","71":"I'm freaked out so much!","72":"All I want... [i]is to know why I'm here[\/i].","73":"So, did anyone talk to you about plans related to last night?","74":"Like... something other than plans to go out to see movies?","75":"Was there anything that stood out to you?","76":"Not really. I don't know anyone that's bad.","77":"Bad things aren't done just by bad people. There are misguided people everywhere that think doing the bad thing is the right thing.","78":"I don't know anyone like that.","79":"Are you sure?","80":"Am I sure? [i]Yes I'm sure[\/i].","81":"Nobody I know would do anything wrong. I'm a good kid, my friends are all good, I don't hang out with the wrong kind of person.","82":"What about your {sheIsYour}, {Leah}? Has she told you anything at all last night?","83":"{Leah}? No. I haven't talked to her recently. I don't see her being involved in anything weird either.","84":"Is that right?","85":"Wait... {Leah} is the reason I'm here? No way, that can't possibly be true. {Leah} talks about nothing but saving the rainforest and how she wants to make a difference.","86":"Shit, [i]I'm[\/i] more likely to do something wrong than she is.","87":"Whatever you think she did, she's as innocent as I am. You definitely have the wrong person.","88":"Obviously, as my {sheIsYour}, if we had an issue she'd tell me.","89":"So you have a good relationship?","90":"The best relationship.","91":"Maybe not. I know she doesn't tell you everything.","92":"Wait, {Leah} is the reason I'm here? There's no way! {Leah} is as clean as fresh snow - all she talks about is how she wants to save the environment and make a difference.","93":"Shit, she makes even a guy like me look sleazy and callous.","94":"Whatever you think {Leah} did, you're wrong.","95":"There is something you might want to see.","96":"She's going to show me something? Like... [i]proof[\/i] she did something wrong?","97":"There's no way. {Leah} couldn't be in trouble. What could she have possibly done?","98":"She flicks on a switch and the monitor jumps to life.","99":"It looks like... security camera footage of the school hallway. Am I supposed to recognize this?","100":"I don't recognize this at all.","101":"Just watch.","102":"That's... {Leah}.","103":"I'm having a hard time just processing what I'm looking at. {Leah}'s just not the type of person to do something like this.","104":"Around 8 pm last night, {Leah} entered the premises using a key she had lifted from security.","105":"This is [i]{Leah}[\/i] doing this?","106":"She entered into my office using the key she'd stolen, and proceeded to go through confidential records, seriously breaching the privacy of our faculty and students.","107":"Do you know what she was looking for?","108":"No...","109":"The principal explains no further. I'm forced to watch as {Leah} rifles through the filing cabinets with the urgency of a sneaking spy.","110":"Do... do you know what she was looking for?","111":"According to the police, {Leah} believed that this office was engaged in embezzlement. She believed proof existed in this office.","112":"Of course, no such proof exists, because no fraud is taking place.","113":"I hate to say it... but now things are making sense. {Leah} has always thought of herself as a journalist crusading against injustice... not a hack, but a true investigative reporter.","114":"Of course she'd take her little job being in charge of the school paper too seriously.","115":"So she was trying to help the school, then? That's good, right?","116":"She wasn't doing it for herself.","117":"The principal shook her head as the security footage rolled forward.","118":"Noble reason or not, she still trespassed on school property.","119":"It demands a commensurate response.","120":"{Leah} was taken into custody last night.","121":"Police custody! But... I mean... she might have committed a crime... but... that doesn't mean...","122":"My defense of {Leah} derails. The principal was right. What {Leah} did was a crime, even if she thought she was doing the right thing.","123":"There is no defense.","124":"Still, the Principal momentarily weakens, and shows a little compassion.","125":"The superintendent and the school board has chosen not to press charges, this being her first offense, and given she didn't cause any permanent damage.","126":"{Leah} is very fortunate. If she'd had any mark on her record at all, it is very likely she'd be sent to juvenile detention.","127":"[i]To juvie?[\/i] Shit, I'm scared as fuck for her.","128":"I hear the principal's chair swing forcefully toward me. She pulls my attention, I twist my head like a scared prey animal.","129":"Is there something you'd like to add?","130":"Something I'd like to [i]add?[\/i] There's something I'd like to [i]ask...[\/i]","131":"Are you sure that's {Leah}?","132":"The Principals stares at me, like I'm trying a trick. But I'm not. I still can't fully believe my eyes.","133":"But, after a few moments of that hard, intimidating glare, the principal huffs.","134":"She knows now I have nothing to hide. She's almost disappointed about it.","135":"Nothing else to add, then?","136":"No...","137":"That it is a good thing. You are a young promising man. These sorts of incidents can seriously hurt your chances at a bright future.","138":"Is she still in prison?","139":"She's not in prison - she's at the police station. I have informed her parents to come pick her up.","140":"She's not in prison - she's at the police station. I have informed your guardians to come pick her up.","141":"I'll... I'll pick her up.","142":"That is kind of you, but you have no obligation.","143":"She has an obligation to me, though, and that's what I need her to fulfill.","144":"Thank you. I'll pick her up. I'm positive that {Leah} had good intentions. I'm sure {Leah} meant nothing bad.","145":"Rules are rules. Intentions don't determine guilt.","146":"I don't know if that's the principal's way of saying ''goodbye'', but I take it as such.","147":"Not something to brag about with Emily then. How long will this news take to spread?","148":"I feel bad for {Leah} but... her actions [i]confuse the fuck out of me[\/i]. Why would she do this?","149":"It just doesn't match with her at all... seeing her in the office like that... it doesn't feel like something she would do...","150":"I've got so many things I want to ask her...","151":"Going to the police station... to pick up {Leah}...","152":"I keep saying it in my head because it just doesn't make sense.","153":"But when I turn the corner, and see {Leah} with my own eyes, the reality of it hits me so fucking hard.","154":"This is real. {Leah} isn't who I thought she was.","155":"...Or maybe the world is less fair than I thought, and {Leah} is just a victim of that.","156":"Either way... I feel my faith in the universe weaker than it had been just a minute before.","157":"Wordlessly, she enters inside.","158":"I think... she already knows I know. That's why we're too afraid to say anything.","159":"The atmosphere is stifling... she immediately sinks into a sullen silence. There's so much I want to ask her, but... I don't really want to press her.","160":"Maybe I'm too scared to know the answer?","161":"One of us is going to have to open up. Haltingly, I try to start the conversation.","162":"Hey.","163":"So... what happened? Why are you here?","164":"I know why she's here... but I still want to hear it from her.","165":"Uh... how much do you know already?","166":"They showed me a video. Was it real?","167":"...","168":"Yeah... it was real.","169":"Why?","170":"Does it matter why?","171":"I mean... {Leah}... you did do it, right?","172":"If she said ''no'', I'd want to believe her. But that denial doesn't come. She just grunts uncomfortably.","173":"I mean, I know you aren't a bad person. I just can't match this with what I know of you.","174":"Why are you causing trouble?","175":"I'm not causing trouble, okay? I'm doing what a good journalist does.","176":"You wouldn't understand.","177":"You volunteer for the school paper, {Leah}. You're not... like... fighting against the system.","178":"That's exactly what journalists do!","179":"No, that's what they're [i]supposed[\/i] to do. It's not what they [i]actually[\/i] do. There's no space in the world for rogue journalists who steal documents to expose to the world.","180":"You look at the news, you see what happens to them. That's just not how things are done.","181":"But fuck, {Leah}, that's all real life. This is a [i]school![\/i]","182":"That's what everyone says - but no matter what, we can always do the right thing.","183":"Your job isn't to do the right thing, it's to publish stupid articles about the softball team.","184":"You have no commitment. Doing the right thing is only important when it [i]isn't[\/i] your job.","185":"And you think breaking into the principal's office was the right thing to do?","186":"I was pursuing a corruption lead.","187":"A corruption lead? Who was being corrupt?","188":"The administration. I... looked at the budget for the school and I noticed that things didn't add up.","189":"Did you find any evidence?","190":"Sullen silence returns to the car. {Leah}'s head collides with the window with a thud and she moodily stares out at the passing traffic.","191":"I wait patiently for an answer... because I know it will come.","192":"No.","193":"She sounds so defeated even I feel bad about it. But maybe that's a good thing. Feeling bad means she is learning a lesson. Maybe she won't make the same mistake.","194":"So there was no corruption.","195":"There's always corruption.","196":"Just not where you thought it was.","197":"Silence again.","198":"So... you were wrong about what happened, right?","199":"I... uh... I made a mistake.","200":"What kind of mistake?","201":"When I went over the school budget, I... made a math error.","202":"So to summarize: you broke into the principal's office because you thought the administration was embezzling school funds, and you thought that because you made a math error going over the school budget.","203":"That... that could be the case.","204":"She still can't admit it. [i]{Leah}...","205":"Obviously... if I had known I had made the mistake... I wouldn't have tried to...","206":"But you did.","207":"I... I won't make the same mistake.","208":"At the time, when she said that, I thought she had meant she wouldn't try crazy shit again like breaking into offices.","209":"But that wasn't what she meant at all. What she really meant was...","210":"...next time, she'd [i]make sure she wouldn't make a mistake.[\/i]","211":"I promise you {PlayerName}... next time... I won't risk myself for nothing. I'm not going to act rashly.","212":"I'll be sure next time. I swear it.","213":"{Leah}, don't do it for me, do it for yourself.","214":"Don't try to be selfless. Nobody looks out for anyone else in this world.","215":"Strangely, {Leah} looks almost offended by that.","216":"Except... [i]you do[\/i].","217":"She's not offended... she's [i]angry at me[\/i].","218":"Don't pretend to be so selfish all the time. You use it as a shield.","219":"I'm sorry?","220":"You pretend to be selfish. You do it just because you don't want to tell people how much you care.","221":"Just like I do, you care. That's a good thing.","222":"That you're saying otherwise... it's Emily's bad influence on you.","223":"Emily doesn't influence me.","224":"You are so naive if you believe that.","225":"We arrive home. I pull the car up, still feeling in this intense, mixed way.","226":"I can tell {Leah} doesn't know how to feel either.","227":"Without really even a proper goodbye, we go our separate ways.","228":"I don't really know what to think. When I get home, I dutifully do my homework, all the while totally distracted by the principal's office incident.","229":"I neglect to even check my phone...","230":"The next morning at school...","231":"All I do is get out of my car when Emily steps out of nowhere. She must've been waiting for me...","232":"{PlayerName}? You didn't respond to my texts.","233":"What? You texted me?","234":"I check my phone in surprise.","235":"Oh, sorry. I was really distracted.","236":"You shouldn't be out of contact for so long. I was worried about you.","237":"You were supposed to tell me about the principal's office, remember?","238":"Yeah, I did. Sorry. I don't really have good news for you.","239":"The {Leah} stuff right?","240":"You know?","241":"Everyone knows. Everyone's talking about it. That's why I came out for you.","242":"If you don't come in through the side entrance, you're going to be swamped.","243":"This is a big deal, huh?","244":"Yeah, well, they're saying that {Leah} was looking through everyone's confidential records. Everyone thinks {Leah} knows all their secrets now.","245":"People are so stupid. Everyone thinks they're in the center of everything. It's like, people don't actually care about your private bullshit, you know?","246":"That's all beside the point. Valerie called for an emergency meeting.","247":"Okay. Let's go do that, then.","248":"Yes, let's not keep Valerie waiting.","249":"We basically sneak through the corridors to get to the student council room.","250":"Both of us slip as quickly as possible inside, making sure to shut the door quietly.","251":"Valerie looks us both up and down sternly.","252":"This is a disaster...","253":"A break-in at the Principal's office? Our records rifled through? It doesn't get worse than this.","254":"I never expected to deal with something like this.","255":"Yes, the whole school is overreacting.","256":"Overreacting?","257":"Uh... they're... not overreacting?","258":"This is a serious security breach. We have to assure the student body that their private information will not be leaked.","259":"That is serious. You don't think it's serious?","260":"Yes... yes... I guess it is serious...","261":"It's not like this was done by a malicious party. It was {Leah}. Everyone knows that {Leah} is an honest person.","262":"She did break into the principal's office...","263":"But that doesn't mean she's a dishonest person...","264":"Irrelevant. {PlayerName}, you're most directly involved. What do you know about the situation?","265":"Did {Leah} really go through private student records?","266":"Well, yes.","267":"Why? What did she want in there?","268":"She wasn't looking for [i]student[\/i] records, she was just...","269":"What was she looking for then?","270":"Evidence that the administration was embezzling money...","271":"So she looked for that in our permanent records?","272":"I honestly don't think {Leah} knew where to look...","273":"Right. So it was all an accident, then.","274":"This is a serious situation, {PlayerName}. Please tell us everything you know.","275":"Oh... so [i]now[\/i] it's serious after Valerie says so.","276":"Ah... I don't know... I know as much as you guys do...","277":"...she didn't really tell me about anything she found...","278":"Did she find anything at all?","279":"I mean... maybe? She wasn't looking for anybody's personal information... it was the embezzling stuff.","280":"Was there embezzlement?","281":"No... {Leah} made a mistake...","282":"So how do you know she's not lying?","283":"That's a possibility. How [i]do[\/i] you know she's not lying?","284":"Shit, Emily, you were just telling me how everyone is overreacting...","285":"Uh... I know... but...","286":"This is so damn stressful! {PlayerName}, {Leah} is your {sheIsYour}, obviously you're going to assume the best about her.","287":"And... I believe you, for the record. I don't talk to {Leah} much, but I know her reputation.","288":"Is there any chance that {Leah} would leak our private records?","289":"No. She wouldn't do something like that. {Leah} really is honest. She just made a mistake.","290":"Okay. That's what you really believe, then.","291":"Of course. I've known her my entire life. I'd put my life in her hands.","292":"If you believe in {Leah}, then I will too.","293":"That's a relief. We'll need something to tell the student body.","294":"I can draft a statement if you want...","295":"Yes. Let's draft a statement. Just reduce the panic going through the school.","296":"Eventually, {Leah} is going to have to come back to school. We don't want her to be some sort of pariah.","297":"Let's get started then...","298":"We carefully word a statement to the whole school. We debated each sentence and it feels long and arduous.","299":"Exhaustion settles over all of us afterward. None of us are certain about what we've done, but we all know it's the best we could do.","300":"I feel drained.","301":"Me too.","302":"It's almost lunch time. You guys want to grab a table together?","303":"Uh... I think I'll work for a bit. You... you just carry on.","304":"Have fun without me.","305":"Are you sure?","306":"Yeah. I have things to do anyway.","307":"Alright. We'll be in the usual place if you want to join us.","308":"Thanks.","309":"*sigh*","310":"So... now you think people weren't overreacting?","311":"Don't... don't be like this.","312":"Once Valerie has an opinion you immediately change yours. Do you have a crush on her or something?","313":"A crush? Yeah, I bet you'd love that. [pause][char,Emily_Young_Neutral]I just find her persuasive.","314":"There's being an obsequious suck-up and there's seeing reason. I'm seeing reason.","315":"I think your opinion of {Leah} is highly influenced by the fact she's your {sheIsYour}.","316":"How could it not? But that also means I actually know her. If she were a piece of shit who'd leak private information to the whole school, I'd know.","317":"And... we took your word for it, for exactly that reason. Don't worry. I think things will actually turn out fine.","318":"Did {Leah} come to school today?","319":"I said she probably shouldn't, but...","320":"Yes, she's imprudent.","321":"I think it would be a good idea for {Leah} to drop by the student council chamber, just to assure Valerie.","322":"That's a good idea. I'll text that to {Leah}.","323":"You know... Valerie and I were talking about something...","324":"Uh oh.","325":"Valerie will be graduating soon. Do you have any idea who would make for a good replacement?","326":"Hmm... I might have an idea or two.","327":"We might have an idea as well.","0":"Attention: will {PlayerName} please come to the principal's office. I repeat: would {PlayerName} please come to the principal's office.","1":"The sound barely registers. Only the second time it comes over the comms do I actually hear my name.","2":"Emily hears it too, and sighs.","3":"Do they have to blare it over the intercoms?","4":"Is it really me they want?","5":"I don't think another {PlayerName} goes here.","6":"Yeah. I'm just not sure why the principal would want to talk to me.","7":"It doesn't have to be a bad thing. It could be to give you a certificate. If you've done nothing wrong, it could only be good.","8":"Good stuff does not happen in the principal's office.","9":"Well, you did nothing wrong, right?"},"ch9__09.30 normal activities.vne3":{"10":"He gives me leeway, but I'm sure there's a limit I'm reaching. I don't even want to know what petty bullshit he's going to foist on me when I enter his class.","11":"Not just late, but many days [i]absent[\/i].","12":"It's almost not worth going in...","13":"Whether quantum spin is [i]actually rotation or not[\/i] is currently undetermined as...","14":"Ah. {PlayerName}. Please take a seat.","15":"Uh... that's it?","16":"He's not going to say anything else?","17":"Is there a problem, {PlayerName}?","18":"I look around the hall. Everyone else is looking at me with blinking eyes, like I'm a half-familiar face.","19":"Of course, nobody seems more shocked than Sam.","20":"I guess... there isn't a problem for Professor Rogham, at least.","21":"I take my seat.","22":"And that will conclude the lecture today.","23":"Remember, your assignment is due Friday. It doesn't matter if we don't have class that day - I expect it on my email.","24":"I get out my chair and immediately go to Mr. Rogham.","25":"Is there a problem, {PlayerName}?","26":"I've been absent for the past couple of weeks.","27":"Hmm. Yes?","28":"I don't know. Shouldn't I be assigned make up work?","29":"I trust you. Just read the text book up to chapter 9, you'll be fine.","30":"That's it? I know about the thing we got into last time, but still, you're my professor.","31":"It doesn't matter. You are a good student. I have to go and attend to some business. If you'll excuse me...","32":"Sure.","33":"Holy shit.","34":"Shit. Sam. She's going to be full of questions I can't answer...","35":"Yeah. I'm back.","36":"Uh... yeah... that too... but...","37":"Mr. Rogham [i]loves you[\/i].","38":"Oh... because he's letting me off the hook?","39":"Yeah. If it were me, my ass would be served up on a platter. In Burger Queen. For lunch!","40":"You're not angry at me anymore?","41":"Yes, I'm angry at you! I want [i]your ass[\/i] on a platter in Burger Queen for lunch. I was just so surprised!","42":"Totally distracted by Mr. Rogham's butt-sniffing behavior. [i]Amazed by it[\/i].","43":"So, why today of all days, huh? Something special happened? You felt bad because you were a hypocrite?","44":"I felt quite guilty, yes.","45":"But you didn't come back just because of me, did you?","46":"Sam is fucking important to me. But... no. She isn't the reason I came back.","47":"If she knew... she'd understand. It's so hard to explain to her the situation.","48":"Whatever I would want to tell her is for nothing. My hesitation is immediately noticed by her.","49":"Yeah. It's true, isn't it?","50":"Is it... someone else?","51":"No... it's just a complicated personal situation.","52":"Come on, {PlayerName}... the complicated personal situation is [i]right fucking here[\/i]. Don't you care about [i]us?","53":"It sounds fucked up... but [i]I want to cause you stress[\/i]. At least as much as much stress as you cause m-","54":"Pff. Okay. It's not my business. I'm just... going to accept whatever it is and live with it.","55":"Sam, you're my friend. Of course, I want to act in a way that makes you feel good.","56":"But...","57":"But... I'm in a complicated situation...","58":"Airports are complicated. Physics is complicated. Knots are complicated. Keeping your promises? Not acting like a hypocrite? [i]Telling me what's going on in your life?[\/i] Those things are not fucking complicated.","59":"You could've told me one thing. [i]One thing[\/i]. And I would've been happy!","60":"Sam, I've been acting like an idiot recently. My priorities are totally mixed up. When you were going through your situation, you couldn't think straight, right?","61":"I guess... I'm a lot less put together than you think. Than I thought. Do you understand?","62":"Hmm...","63":"She pouts. Damn, she knows she's got me by the balls here. She wants to torture me a little...","64":"Okay. So like... how are we similar, then?","65":"Excuse me?","66":"Just... tell me exactly how you messed up.","67":"You like this, don't you?","68":"I'm just trying to get something out of this, okay? I put a lot of emotional energy into this, you know.","69":"Okay. I messed up.","70":"Hmm... and why's that?","71":"Because I didn't trust you. Because I didn't trust a lot of people.","72":"Sam's smile is triumphant.","73":"Okay. Good.","74":"Now... tell me what's going on.","75":"I can't do that, Sam.","76":"You can't tell me? You still don't trust me?","77":"I trust you, Sam.","78":"Oh, trust me so much you won't share what's going on in your life. Like I'm your fucking mom. Is that it?","79":"It's not like that at all...","80":"Yeah well... stop treating me like your mom. Or a baby. Like a mom-baby.","81":"Fuck. I thought I was going to be able to fix things with Sam.","82":"I hope this isn't a preview of how my meeting with {Leah} will go...","83":"It's not a normal day at work.","84":"It's the least normal day of all.","85":"It's even weirder than going back to class after being absent for weeks. But... it's how it is.","86":"I have no idea how Linus will react.","87":"He's at the front. I look at Linus. Linus looks at me. And...","88":"What's up?","89":"I've been gone for a while.","90":"Mmhmm.","91":"You want to know where?","92":"Where've you been, man?","93":"Out.","94":"Okay.","95":"That's it?","96":"You're going to leave it at that?","97":"I'm a smart guy, right?","98":"You are a smart guy.","99":"Okay. You know what smart guys do?","100":"What do smart guys do?","101":"[i]They stay out of trouble[\/i].","102":"Ah.","103":"I want to be able to say: [i]no, no I didn't know {PlayerName} was meeting the Russians[\/i] and not set off the polygraph. You dig?","104":"Smart.","105":"I'm a smart guy.","106":"No kidding. I wish I could do the same.","107":"Maybe you can settle something between me and Hank.","108":"Sandra? [i]Shit... of course he doesn't know[\/i]...","109":"You know the Ocarina of Time, right? Can you really beat the Marathon man?","110":"I've never played that game.","111":"Oh, that's right... you're all new school and shit.","112":"I am new school and shit.","113":"Right. Well, I've covered your shit. Hank has covered your shit. Now it's time for you to pick up the slack.","114":"Sorry. I've been-","115":"Yeah, don't explain. Remember? Don't want to know.","116":"Yeah...","117":"Okay. I've done this before. Support tickets. Normal day.","118":"Once I start doing this... it'll feel normal.","119":"Except... it [i]won't feel normal[\/i]. Sandra is [i]right there[\/i], in [i]that office[\/i].","120":"She knows something about Silent1... that information is locked in her head ready to be released.","121":"It's so hard to think about anything else...","122":"Motherflipper.","123":"Hmm?","124":"You alive?","125":"Last time I checked.","126":"Did you know while you were gone playing spy games, I had nobody to cover me when I wanted to go out?","127":"I had to hold all that shit in. ''Shit'' is exactly what it was, by the way. That's no metaphor.","128":"Do you want me to watch the front while you go to the bathroom?","129":"For once, yeah.","130":"Linus seems a lot more hostile than he used to be... absence does not make the heart grow fonder in this case.","131":"That makes me feel a bit sad... but what could I do? It's impossible to explain the situation.","132":"I'll watch the front.","133":"Thanks, bro.","134":"Shit... I have a few moments.","135":"I'm dying for some answers from Sandra... could I get away with it?","136":"I'm taking a big risk...","137":"Go see Sandra.","138":"Leave her alone.","139":"I mean... I've got to use every opportunity I can.","140":"I shouldn't let go of the pressure... last time I know Sandra was holding back.","141":"Maybe she'll give in now.","142":"This is all for nothing if her door is locked...","143":"I see her launch off her chair the moment I walk in.","144":"Shit.","145":"I know where to find you now.","146":"Forgot to lock the door. I'm getting lazy.","147":"You've got to get out of here before Linus comes back. He can't see who I am.","148":"Why not? What's wrong with Linus seeing your real face?","149":"[i]¡Puta madre![\/i] Get out!","150":"How long are you going to keep up the lie?","151":"Linus isn't going to [i]want[\/i] to know. All he thinks about is staying out of trouble. We have that in common, actually.","152":"Leave me alone.","153":"A few questions first.","154":"What questions?","155":"Who is your sponsor here? Who is letting you stay?","156":"[i]The school is![\/i] I already answered!","157":"Who other than me knows you're here?","158":"Is this going to happen every time you're in here? Because I will actually fire you if you do.","159":"Good. Give me nothing to lose.","160":"For fuck's sake, get back to your desk. Linus will be back any second.","161":"Fine with me.","162":"Get back to your desk [i]now![\/i]","163":"Or what?","164":"You force me to move again and you'll [i]never[\/i] learn what I know.","165":"Is that something she's even capable of doing? Disappearing again?","166":"I don't think it is. It took everything for her to disappear the first time.","167":"She won't be able to do it again.","168":"You're bluff-","169":"{PlayerName}! {PlayerName}!","170":"Where the flip are you?","171":"You need to get out of here.","172":"Linus sounds extremely unhappy...","173":"It's not over. I give Sandra a piercing stare before I leave.","174":"I close the door as quietly as possible...","175":"SHIT!","176":"Man, you scared me! I looked everywhere for you! Where were you? Where did you come from?","177":"I was always here.","178":"Always here? Do I need new glasses?","179":"You gotta learn how to talk, dude.","180":"Working on it.","181":"That gets a smile out of Linus.","182":"I was about to dress you the fuck down for not covering me. Sorry man. I'll have a bit more faith in you.","183":"Shit... maybe I don't really deserve that kind of faith... I really did abandon my post.","184":"It was for the greater good, but my relationship with my coworkers couldn't be more rocky right now.","185":"A text?","186":"Linus relies on you. Don't be so selfish.","187":"Yeah... yeah... [i]selfish.","188":"No. I'll just piss Sandra off. She won't want to talk to me.","189":"I hate it, but I have to bide my time.","190":"Ah.","191":"Relieved?","192":"Yeah.","193":"Linus smiles at me... almost like he didn't expect me to be here.","194":"It looks like he appreciates my help, as little as it is.","195":"There's a smarter way to talk to Sandra.","0":"{Leah}'s promise... to never make a mistake... to never repeat the time she broke into the principal's office... still sticks with me.","1":"I guess in {Leah}'s messed-up thinking, she never broke that promise. What I wanted her to do was [i]stay out of trouble[\/i].","2":"How on Earth do I protect her?","3":"The best way might not be to keep her away...","4":"...the best way might be [i]to keep her close...[\/i]","5":"Fuck. I've made a mistake, haven't I?","6":"I... I feel sick...","7":"I don't know what I'm doing anymore. That this whole time... I've been moving the wrong direction...","8":"I'm just... I'm just going to go to class and make the most of the day... try and fix everything...","9":"I don't like Mr. Rogham... and despite how he treats me, I sometimes get the impression he doesn't like me either."},"ch9__09.35 confront sandra.vne3":{"3":"You could say that.","4":"[i]You could say that[\/i]... fuck man, I wanna ask but then I remind myself I don't care.","5":"You do you... it's your funeral... so on and so on. I give up.","6":"Now that Linus is gone...","7":"Okay, let's get some things done.","8":"There has to be something new on RECENTLY. It's been a day since the garage stuff.","9":"Let's check.","10":"The message board is full. Every time I see that... my heart sinks. The Fraternity is on the move.","11":"Someone is planning something.","12":"I've seen this before. Let's see if Sandra has.","13":"Shit. She locked the door.","14":"Let me in, damn it.","15":"There's no hiding from me anymore!","16":"What?!","17":"Fuck. I should've locked the door.","18":"I push the laptop forcefully toward Sandra.","19":"What the fuck is this?","20":"I manage to get one hand on my phone.","21":"Read it.","22":"She looks at me through narrow eyes before reading the screen.","23":"Okay.... so a guy called Pledged2 is promising to... to... ruin a life for some person called Silent1.","24":"I mean... why are you showing this to me? What's this got to do with me?","25":"I snap the laptop shut.","26":"I'm showing you who Silent1 is.","27":"A LARPing, self-important asshole? Role-playing at being a master hacker, a shadow behind the throne, etcetera, etcetera?","28":"Yes, that would be easier on your conscience, wouldn't it? It doesn't matter if the person you're working for is an asshole because they're just a fake.","29":"But it's not a fake. You know that. You've experienced it.","30":"Don't be stupid.","31":"This is why you're here, Sandra: because Silent1 wants you to be. Silent1 is not a fake.","32":"Everything was arranged for you to be trapped in this room, doing Silent1's dirty work.","33":"It's just a bunch of stupid-","34":"Who was the one who suggested this plan of yours? Was it your idea to disappear?","35":"Of course it was.","36":"Are you a member of the fraternity, Sandra? Is that why you're defending them, because you're in league with them?","37":"I've never needed a bunch of dumbasses to make myself feel good. I'm a proud fucking person.","38":"Fraternities are stupid. Secret societies are stupid. People who want to join them are stupid. This whole conversation is stupid.","39":"Stupid and real.","40":"I'm trying to remember why I opened the door for you.","41":"Next time I'll lock the door.","42":"Also, why haven't I reported you to the administration for misusing university property and trespassing?","43":"Getting all frantic about Silent1 ruining lives? Maybe I'll ruin [i]your[\/i] life. How does that sound?","44":"Threats now?","45":"Threats? [i]Threats?[\/i] It's not a threat it's a... it's a... it's a [i]warning![\/i]","46":"What is Silent1 doing to you to keep you here? If you tell me the truth, I can help you.","47":"I don't care about your help! I don't need [i]anyone's[\/i] help!","48":"I'm taking a seat. My feet are tired, and all this talk is distracting me from my projects. I've got a future to think about.","49":"You've got no future. Once your usefulness is up, Silent1 will dispose of you.","50":"I'm disposing of you. Fuck off!","51":"Sandra-","52":"A flash, and something strikes me. I don't even know what it was.","53":"Honestly... it's the violence of it that takes me off guard more than the force. I step back in surprise.","54":"Sandra reaches for something else on the desk... but I'm not sticking around.","55":"I beat a retreat.","56":"Shit...","57":"I wasn't afraid of her hurting me... I was just [i]afraid[\/i]...","58":"Just... shocked by the intensity. I know now that I'm not going to pressure her into giving up by conventional means...","59":"...I've reached what I can do alone.","60":"There's only two people that I can trust - two people that have been with me since the beginning.","61":"Two people that have the potential to help me.","62":"Whoever I pick, I'll put at risk, but when it comes to Silent1, there is no safe choice.","63":"Who do I want to talk to first?","64":"{Leah}.","65":"Valerie.","0":"You going home, dude?","1":"Not yet, actually.","2":"Hmm. Making up for lost work time?"},"ch9__09.40 initiation.vne3":{"10":"So it was helpful?","11":"Marginally.","12":"I don't like hearing that.","13":"Lidia has a lot of interesting problems, but I don't think she's personally related to what's going on.","14":"The feds are really the Headless Chicken Brigade. They're a lot more likely to be a hindrance.","15":"Well, you know what my opinion is.","16":"I know you don't like getting help from the [i]establishment[\/i].","17":"These people are highly embedded in various interest groups. You can't trust their motivations, you have no idea what they really want.","18":"Given that I'm [i]pretty confident[\/i] the Fraternity is in the administration and local government, {Leah}'s cynicism is probably pretty wise to adopt.","19":"I just don't want to validate her paranoia...","20":"...[i]but I guess her paranoia is valid.","21":"I used to laugh at {Leah}'s distrust for authority. I thought it was silly and immature. But now... I've seen too much.","22":"I can't argue with her anymore. [i]I'm still too proud to admit it, though.","23":"Have you seen anything?","24":"Nobody has come in or out.","25":"That's good. Maybe Alexis was talking a bunch of shit, then.","26":"It wasn't just shit. Think about it.","27":"Think about what?","28":"We definitely know she's contacted the Fraternity. You saw the communications.","29":"That's not necessarily her.","30":"It is [i]somebody[\/i], if it's not her.","31":"But she's pretty likely to make stuff up. Alexis is not honest.","32":"You'd know better than me. But she's already been used to deliver messages to us directly.","33":"You think so?","34":"[i]The house of a friend of a friend. One will be erased so another might rise.[\/i]","35":"Is Alexis capable of saying those sorts of things without explicit instructions?","36":"Alexis is pretty unsubtle. She barely can avoid blurting out she runs a porn racket. I doubt subtlety and secrecy is really her thing...","37":"The lack of activity is worrying.","38":"If nobody is coming in or out... and Sandra is the next one to disappear...","39":"Do you think they [i]already[\/i] got her?","40":"Did you notice alternative routes in and out? Trap door?","41":"I didn't think to check. A window?","42":"I already noted that Sandra's room is surrounded by walls, judging from the floor plan.","43":"You looked up the floor plan?","44":"Yeah. Didn't you?","45":"Damn... {Leah} is thinking of things that I hadn't.","46":"So getting in or out of that room without being seen is out.","47":"Shit. I think I need to [i]check[\/i].","48":"You mean... you need to check up on Sandra?","49":"That's the only thing I can think of.","50":"I'll go with you.","51":"That's impossible. If Sandra is okay, she's not going to open for you.","52":"But-","53":"-[i]why? Why is there always a-[\/i]","54":"I don't know.","55":"Always. [i]Always.[\/i] For some reason you always have to do it alone.","56":"It's not what I want.","57":"I know that. It really is fate, isn't it? The universe [i]hates us[\/i].","58":"You... you make a pretty good case for why you should go in alone.","59":"It [i]is[\/i] weird. What is this odd force that keeps fucking cleaving us apart? I could whine all day about it... but checking on Sandra is the most important thing right now.","60":"If she's okay, it's bad because we misinterpreted the Fraternity's message. If she's not okay... that's bad too.","61":"Go in, with your phone on, alright?","62":"I will. I'll send you a text if I need your help.","63":"No, {PlayerName}. Don't do that.","64":"Huh?","65":"Send me a message... if you [i]don't[\/i] need my help.","66":"...I see. Sensible.","67":"Man... I [i]did[\/i] talk about a weapon earlier. A gun would be very helpful...","68":"...I gotta talk to Maggie once this is over.","69":"I'm going in.","70":"She shoots me a nervous flash of a smile. She's trying to reassure me... but that's impossible right now.","71":"I head in.","72":"My keys work just fine. As I look around, I try and see if there's anything out of the ordinary.","73":"I [i]feel[\/i] like some kind of vampire, with hyper keen senses searching for threats. So it's perturbing that I feel [i]nothing.","74":"I've got to go in deeper. Maybe then...","75":"Shit... why am I suddenly [i]hoping[\/i] for something?","76":"[i]Because if there's nothing... it means I failed to understand something.","77":"Somehow, the threat to Sandra's life is more reassuring than the potential of an [i]unknown[\/i] threat.","78":"At this point... I should feel nervous. Where is my beating heart? The hairs on my neck should be on end.","79":"Something is wrong... but it's not with the room. [i]It's with me.","80":"I knock on the door, knowing it's absolutely worthless.","81":"I need to confirm. I need to see her face.","82":"That should do it...","83":"I told you I'm not-","84":"That is a really weird expression on your face.","85":"I have like... a clinical thing where I find faces difficult to read. So you better just tell me what you're feeling before I freak the fuck out.","86":"I do have a weird feeling.","87":"Yeah, the way you look, it seems like you [i]didn't want to see me.","88":"She reads expressions better than she thinks. I was secretly [i]hoping you'd be missing[\/i]. But I knew you wouldn't be.","89":"Fuck. [i]Fuck.[\/i] This is actually [i]even worse[\/i]. I've been wrong this whole time - I have no clue who the Fraternity is fucking with right now.","90":"You can go into your office now.","91":"You [i]are[\/i] weird.","92":"I have no time for this. I rush back without even acknowledging Sandra...","93":"What happened in there?","94":"Nothing.","95":"[i]Nothing?[\/i]","96":"I knew the moment I stepped in there I was wrong. It's not Sandra.","97":"Really?","98":"I'm supposed to know them [i]through the Philosophy Club[\/i]. That's not how I know Sandra.","99":"...Ah. I... see what you mean...","100":"But then...","101":"I need to check RECENTLY. We should go back to-","102":"Fuck. [i]Fuck.[\/i] Again. [i]She can't.","103":"[i]{Leah} has to stay here.[\/i] I don't have a choice. Why does this happen every single time!?","104":"I don't know what to do anymore...","105":"You can't rule out that they're still coming after Sandra.","106":"She knows more than anyone. Somebody needs to watch her. If she really is the target, and they're waiting for us to go...","107":"I know.","108":"{Leah} doesn't even look surprised. She had already figured that out before I even said anything.","109":"Even when we agree to work together... [i]we can't.","110":"This is fucking bullshit!","111":"I'll leave my phone on.","112":"I'll make sure nothing happens to Sandra.","113":"Yeah. And make sure nothing happens to you, either.","114":"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm slippery.","115":"She is that. I won't forget that she saved my life against Cedric.","116":"All this time I've been trying to protect her, but she's never needed that. She's always so prepared.","117":"The kiss we shared... I can't lose that bond with you. We're just starting to learn who we are to each other.","118":"I can't lose you, {PlayerName}. You should never need to worry about me. It's your own life that's at risk.","119":"We've come too far together. You're safe in my hands.","120":"[i]Safe in her hands?[\/i] That's what I should be telling her, but that's exactly the attitude that's been messing with me.","121":"I need to go to the apartment.","122":"Alfred, Bernard, Eddie... those are the three people I know through the club.","123":"I didn't think to get their addresses, or learn anything else about them.","124":"It's a lot of fucking houses to check.","125":"There is no need, though.","126":"There's one I've forgotten. As soon as the name appears in my head, I know it's the right person.","127":"I suppress the urge to keep it to myself.","128":"{Leah}. It's Stan.","129":"Stan? But he's gone.","130":"House of a friend of a friend. Stan's wife is nothing if not Stan's friend.","131":"Weren't they getting-","132":"I don't think that matters to Silent1. I'm going to his house.","133":"I can tell she immediately wants to volunteer herself, but she knows it's not possible. Out of respect, I wait for her to finish her thought.","134":"...Good luck.","135":"I may not have met him at the Philosophy Club, but that's where I [i]knew[\/i] him from.","136":"It was his house where I screwed with Silent1's plan to destroy Haley. It'd be too perfect to make up for that shortfall.","137":"If Stan's gone... then...","138":"...his wife could be next... [i]or Haley[\/i].","139":"I haven't spent a moment outside the car before I get right back in.","140":"The drive feels so fucking long.","141":"My legs shake as I pump the accelerator. Every breath feels like chopped, thick air.","142":"I just hope I regain my senses by the time I arrive.","143":"It's late... but the darkness of the house is foreboding.","144":"Now my neck hairs stand up... [i]this is the feeling I didn't have at Sandra's office.","145":"I might be learning {Leah}'s talent for observation. But I'm not actually conscious of the conclusions I'm drawing...","146":"...I [i]feel them[\/i].","147":"Out of the car. The whole neighborhood is silent.","148":"Not even birds.","149":"It's futile, but I still check the window. I hope half-heartedly to see the scenes of a normal, functioning family.","150":"There's none to be found in a place like this. I have to go inside.","151":"If it's locked...","152":"No, of course it isn't locked. This is getting worse and worse.","153":"But if I turn back now...","154":"...who knows who I'd be abandoning at this place?","155":"If another person goes missing... and I could have stopped it, I could never, [i]ever[\/i] forgive myself.","156":"I push the door open and hope for the best.","157":"The silence is so profound that it might as well be a sound.","158":"My eyes, adjusting to the darkness, search for any recognizable threat. Then... they track [i]anything at all[\/i]. My sight grips any shadow.","159":"I need more light. Otherwise, I'm going to drop my shit at every fucking shadow.","160":"It's not great. But it'll have to do.","161":"Someone from my family once said it's important to have a flashlight in the car, now I know exactly what they mean.","162":"It's just a blue door. That's the kind of door that leads into the basement, right?","163":"That's usually where awful things happen... gotta hope that it's barred from the inside.","164":"Then, I could turn back, and tell {Leah} honestly I went as far as I could.","165":"I don't want to abandon someone... but more than that... I just want to be able to live to say [i]I tried my best.","166":"The door seems stuck. I guess it must be-","167":"...Fuck my luck. It's not locked at all.","168":"I don't have an excuse.","169":"SHIT!","170":"[i]This is some real horror movie shit here.[\/i] But even with my senses riled, I detect absolutely nothing else.","171":"...Especially not feet pattering away.","172":"[i]It was just the wind.[\/i] Famous last words, but it's my best explanation.","173":"But... if it was on purpose...","174":"...whoever wants me in here, also wants me to go down...","175":"...that same itch at the back of my neck is telling me going backward is more dangerous than going forward.","176":"One way trip.","177":"Full of creepy shit...","178":"A light switch.","179":"No guarantees it'll work, but I'll do pretty much anything to avoid wandering around in a lightless basement...","180":"I... don't suppose a surprise party will start if I flip this.","181":"Cedric, Stan, all the others will jump out with a big cake.","182":"The prank will finally be over. The cameramen will step out from behind the curtains.","183":"Someone will hand me a big ol' check worth a couple grand.","184":"Yeah. I don't really have much hope for anything good happening down here.","185":"My only consolation is... if they wanted me dead, they would've already done it.","186":"Still, something is screaming at me not to turn it on...","187":"Because I know... that they [i]let[\/i] me get to this point.","188":"Flicking this fucking light is exactly what they want.","189":"That's what happens when people go into empty houses - they enter the basements, wander around in the dark, and flick switches.","190":"The evil that's thick in this room is just [i]waiting[\/i] for me to do just that. But what else could I do? Wander in the dark?","191":"At least... finally... I can [i]see something[\/i]. A direct confrontation is exactly what [i]I[\/i] wanted, too.","192":"I haven't fallen for a trap in the basement. [i]I'm the trap.","193":"Whatever the fuck is going down in here, I'm the uncontrollable force.","194":"I walked into this dark, scary fucking basement. I'm tougher than I thought and I'm definitely tougher than what [i]they[\/i] thought.","195":"Time to make stupid choices and chew bubblegum.","196":"[i]Oh shit...[\/i]","197":"What is this [i]sex dungeon shit?[\/i]","198":"I was honestly expecting to be clubbed over the head... but this...","199":"...[i]body?[\/i] Is she alive? Is she...","200":"The chest lifts and falls. It's rapid, and she's very, very afraid.","201":"This is why I'm here. I didn't want to leave someone here alone... I wanted to help someone.","202":"Someone's life is going to be destroyed...","203":"...but then again... this mask...","204":"I recognize it. Did this girl... attend the Halloween party? I feel like... I've seen it a couple of times...","205":"...whose is it?","206":"I don't think it's tied down to anything. I should be able to... just lift it off...","207":"Oh... I should've known...","208":"...Alexis. I wouldn't say it's a pleasure to see her. You came because you thought you were going to join a cool secret club.","209":"But the Fraternity wouldn't be interested in you, would they? You're too dumb for them. The Fraternity is sneaky, covert, secretive. You're none of those things.","210":"You are a liability... aren't you?","211":"No. I have a feeling... it's [i]silence[\/i] they like. The quiet who can control themselves. People that wouldn't make themselves liabilities.","212":"The intelligent. The driven. The capable. The [i]self-possessed.[\/i]","213":"Alexis, you're driven, but you don't have any of those other qualities, do you?","214":"There aren't many like that. But, if I'm honest I can think of at least one person who is all those things.","215":"It would be false modesty to say otherwise, but, if I were to think of someone who was capable, was intelligent, was driven and self-possessed...","216":"...well, I would have to say, it was...","217":"[i]...me...[\/i]","0":"Truth be told, I've been ghosting outside the IT department all night. Not to keep an eye on Sandra... but on {Leah}.","1":"I try not to be obvious about it. I think {Leah} might get offended if she knew how much I was worried. But I still think it's worth it.","2":"But now it's late, and I've received no communications from {Leah}. Surely something would've happened by now, right?","3":"I think it's fine to ask {Leah} directly...","4":"Hey. Did you get information out of Lidia?","5":"[i]Information[\/i] is not the first thing that comes to mind...","6":"...but I don't think {Leah} really needs to know anything about that, that I'm fresh off another woman.","7":"I give a nondescript nod. I hope it doesn't come off as nervous...","8":"...but would {Leah} really want to know? I'll just give a nod.","9":"I nod."},"ch9_episode_variables.vne3":{},"ch9_start.vne3":{"10":"Pluto's petting test (labelCall)","11":"Test new animation system","12":"360 test","13":"Continue.","14":"...1","15":"...2","16":"...3","17":"...4","18":"...1","19":"...2","20":"...3","21":"...4","22":"Click to load ep9_tg_valerie_anim_25.","23":"Placeholder line. TH is loading.","24":"Placeholder line.","25":"Placeholder line.","26":"Placeholder line.","27":"...","28":"Placeholder line 1.","29":"Placeholder line 2.","30":"Placeholder line 3.","31":"...","32":"Hey there, welcome back! Would you like a recap of what's happened so far in the world of Shale Hill Secrets?","33":"Check synopsis.","34":"Skip.","35":"[i]This is war.[\/i]","36":"Another person has gone missing.","37":"This time, it's Stan, the accountant that freed Haley from the crippling debt the shadowy organization had inflicted upon her.","38":"Seemingly out of spite, SILENT1 and the Fraternity had gone after Haley as well attempting to plant fake evidence implicating her in some fabricated blackmail scheme against Stan.","39":"But finally, I had a plan to hunt down the malicious secret society.","40":"To make it work, I needed resources and room to maneuver. Valerie used her position as Student Council President to cover for me while I took time off from work and school.","41":"I also arranged access to the IT lab after hours. For my plan, I needed computing power... a [i]lot[\/i] of computing power.","42":"I set out to turn the lab into my own personal NSA surveillance operation. Loading clones of RECENTLY onto banks of servers to execute it across every device the school network touched, quietly hunting for SILENT1.","43":"But even with an army of computers, I still only had one set of eyes. Combing through all those communications, looking for clues or hidden code, was going to be a monumental task.","44":"This new strategy required me to adopt some odd working hours. Sleeping during the day, and hunting for the Fraternity at night.","45":"The next thing I needed was a copy of the SHS's security software. Emily's father had sold the program to the school and, now estranged from her indifferent parent, Emily was willing to help out on that front.","46":"She got me a copy of the code, but it was going to take some time to decrypt. All I could do was wait and let my makeshift server farm slowly crack it.","47":"So the hunt began. I scoured the school's network traffic night after night, searching for any sign of my quarry. I became obsessed.","48":"The worry from my friends was to be expected. Routine texts wondering where I had gone and what had happened to me.","49":"Thankfully, it seemed {Leah} was distracted by other concerns.","50":"I've waded into dangerous waters. It's best to keep anyone I care about at arm's length.","51":"I was beginning to deeply miss her help, though...","52":"The ''lone rider'' act takes its toll, though. Drained and lonely, I accepted an invite from the Philosophy Club to join them for one of their meetings.","53":"Honestly, I think I just wanted some company...","54":"It was somber, as the members of the group gathered to reflect on the disappearance of their friend, Stan. Kristen even showed up, her theatrical cynicism cracking with some genuine empathy.","55":"But there was one other surprising attendee.","56":"Alexis. She didn't strike me as the philosophy type, but it was clear she wasn't there for the deep conversation.","57":"This ditzy blond kept repeating the same phrase over and over again, [i]...maybe darkness comes from the sternest of places...[\/i]","58":"A code. Was Alexis looking for the Fraternity?","59":"I guessed she learned of the Fraternity's front from Cedric, and given the kind of person she is, fully wanted to be in the exclusive, elite club.","60":"It occurred to me I could use her as a Trojan horse to get access to the Fraternity... and SILENT1.","61":"Haley was still torn about the money she received from Stan, and his disappearance. We were out on a walk, when I saw Maggie watching us, looking as if she had seen a ghost.","62":"Before I could hail her though, she took off.","63":"When I talked to Maggie again, I learned it wasn't just social anxiety that sent her running from the sight of Haley. The two had a history.","64":"Haley and Maggie had been best friends in high school. Close-knit social outcasts that had spent their formative years together.","65":"But Maggie's parents disapproved of Haley, seeing the angsty teen rebel as a bad influence on their daughter.","66":"The friendship ended abruptly when Maggie's family pulled her out of school and forbade their daughter from seeing Haley.","67":"Maggie was terrified of not seeing her old friend again, convinced that Haley must have thought she had been abandoned.","68":"I didn't buy that [i]anyone[\/i] could feel ill-will towards Maggie. Under the pretense of a quiet hang out, I carefully prodded Haley for info about her past.","69":"She confirmed through her stories that she and Maggie really had been best friends. But their friendship ended during a sleepover.","70":"In the middle of a heated argument about their future after high school, Haley kissed Maggie.","71":"The two were discovered mid-embrace by Maggie's father, who ran off Haley.","72":"Haley explained the kiss might have been more a result of the passionate argument and hormones than a deep romantic affection for Maggie, but she did love her friend. And Haley was convinced it was [i]her[\/i] who had betrayed Maggie.","73":"But desperate to rescue her friend from that farm, even if she thought Maggie might never want to see her again, Haley revealed she had secretly gotten Maggie accepted and enrolled in Shale Hill University.","74":"I couldn't let the two go on thinking the other hated them.","75":"It took a little bit of work, but eventually, the two friends were reunited.","76":"The conversation was intense and captivating. The two talked for hours into the evening, never running out of old memories to reminisce on.","77":"With those old memories came old emotions. I'm privileged that I got to share that with them...","78":"...I don't think anything like this will happen again.","79":"With that small victory accomplished, it was back on the hunt for the Fraternity.","80":"Alexis was still my main avenue of attack against the Fraternity. If I played my cards right, I could use her to get the organization, and Silent1, to expose themselves.","81":"Cedric had given Alexis a phone with a copy of RECENTLY on it. Using it, I was able to contact SILENT1 and set a trap, arranging a meeting with the Fraternity in a parking garage, with Alexis as the bait.","82":"Before my rendezvous with the Fraternity, Valerie came to see me at my little surveillance operation in the IT lab.","83":"We shared a beer and a quiet moment. It was nice, having a heart-to-heart. She let her guard down some, confessing that always being in a leadership position, she's had to keep her distance from people. People she might want to be close to.","84":"That small human moment made me realize just how much this hunt for SILENT1 was taking out of me.","85":"Valerie took a big risk. She knew SILENT1 expected a target to be presented to them at the meeting. A ''life to end''. I had planned on just offering myself, but Valerie gave me a picture of her, telling me that she should be the target instead.","86":"I hated the idea. The last thing I want to see is Valerie in danger, but she was adamant. Reluctantly, I took her picture.","87":"The night of the meeting came. Alexis and I waited in the parking garage.","88":"When the representatives of the Fraternity showed up, it didn't look like they came to talk.","89":"Alexis and I ran.","90":"The Fraternity thugs caught up to me, though. I put up whatever fight I could, but two on one were not favorable odds.","91":"The beating I was taking was interrupted. The light from that fateful car sent the attackers scurrying off into the night.","92":"My savior was a man I would come to learn was named Amiran.","93":"Bizarrely, after rescuing me, he asked if I was SILENT1.","94":"Amiran, a recent convict who had just been paroled for his crimes of arson, had come to Shale Hill on a tip, being told by someone that SILENT1 could help him find his lost daughter.","95":"A girl who he hasn't seen in ten years...","96":"The strange man produced a phone, reportedly belonging to his daughter. Bizarrely, the device had a copy of RECENTLY already installed on it, from ten years ago.","97":"Things got even stranger, when Amiran asked if I knew who SILENT2 was.","98":"My luck being what it is, a cop showed up to the IT lab where we were talking, and sent Amiran running.","99":"While I didn't find out who SILENT2 was, at least I still had the phone with the decade-old copy of RECENTLY. But what was a child doing with a piece of incredibly powerful hacking software?","100":"Battered and bruised, I went to update Val on the events of the night.","101":"Maybe seeing me roughed up triggered something in her, and as she tended to my wounds, things turned... physical.","102":"They were comforting, wonderful moments, but ultimately, I couldn't be pulled from my hunt from Silent1.","103":"As Valerie tended to me, I felt comforted, at peace, for a little. Ultimately, I couldn't really be pulled from my pursuit of Silent1.","104":"Inspiration struck, and I left Valerie and returned to the hunt, armed with these new pieces to the puzzle.","105":"Back in the IT Lab. The encryption I had been running finally cracked the school security software.","106":"Now, I had all the pieces I needed laid out before me. Access to the campus's security source code, and the code of three different versions of RECENTLY.","107":"Delving into that code, what I found was disturbing.","108":"RECENTLY wasn't confined [i]to[\/i] the school network, it was being confined [i]by it[\/i]. If it got out, it could be used to hack almost anyone, anywhere.","109":"RECENTLY had to have been integrated into the school's network by [i]someone[\/i], though.","110":"Every piece of software, every update that goes on the school network is bottlenecked by a single person. Someone who must have known about RECENTLY from the beginning.","111":"Someone who has unfettered access to every server, every computer, and every phone on campus.","112":"The head of the campus IT department.","0":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","113":"I confronted Hank. I knew he was still in that little room. He's been there the entire time, watching me toil away, hunting for SILENT1... For [i]him[\/i].","1":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","114":"Looking down at our text chat, I knew without a shred of doubt my enemy was just through that tall, ominous door.","2":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","115":"But Hank denied being SILENT1, and said it was time for us to finally talk in person. So I opened that mysterious, foreboding door...","3":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","116":"...And I entered to find someone completely unexpected.","4":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","5":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","6":"<ignore_variables>Full Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play the complete scene, including all direct build up before sex.","7":"<ignore_variables>Part Scene \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play part of the scene, including part direct build up just before sex.","8":"<ignore_variables>Jump Directly To Sex \\n [scale,0.8][i]Play just the sex scene, including no direct build up. ","9":"Ricky's Pluto petting anim test"},"ch9__09.LS.05 the conversation.vne3":{"10":"Uh... yeah. I am.","11":"Are... are you coming? I... didn't expect to see you.","12":"Well, I've been out all night. Some nights. Sleeping during the day.","13":"Oh. W-why would you do that?","14":"Maybe... for the same reason you are.","15":"I have a late night thing...","16":"You drink coffee after sundown, do you? Don't pretend like you didn't. I can smell it on your breath.","17":"{Leah} doesn't just stare... the gears in her head churn and she stares at me intensely.","18":"It takes her a moment to connect all the dots. The moment she does...","19":"Ah. I... I see.","20":"Yes. I have been going out at night. And sleeping during the day.","21":"Shit.","22":"Just like you have. Spending your nights in the IT lab without telling anyone. Hoping to keep it a secret from me.","23":"So you know... why didn't you say anything?","24":"I... uh...","25":"...I'm sorry I haven't told you everything... and I'm sorry there's things I still can't say...","26":"So, this is how it's going to work out, is it?","27":"I feel myself flaring up inside. But damn it, to get angry at her for doing this would just be hypocritical...","28":"I mean... why though? I was trying... I thought I was [i]protecting you[\/i]. But... I wasn't. So why are you doing this?","29":"Does this conversation... have to occur right here, {PlayerName}?","30":"Do you want to go inside?","31":"No. I don't want that sort of energy in the apartment.","32":"Actually... I'd rather go for a drive. Don't you?","33":"I can't really explain why. I just want...","34":"...a change in environment.","35":"Yeah. Exactly.","36":"Let's do that then. Let's change our environment.","37":"Without even agreeing to it, we both head toward the car. It's an instinct.","38":"Maybe because {Leah} and I connect so much while driving, it feels like the right move. I know I can't really talk in the car but...","39":"...still... driving her makes me feel better.","40":"The streets race off to our sides, like a track, taking us further and further into the countryside...","41":"...also, further from the miasma of the Shale Hill and that weird emotional cloud that hangs over it.","42":"As the air clears, so does my head. Each breath I take, cooled by the higher altitude, suffuse through my lungs.","43":"[i]I feel better already.[\/i] I know the weight is going off {Leah}'s shoulders too.","44":"From the corner of my eye, I see her settle into a contemplative, meditative state. As buildings and lights flit past her, she looks right through them.","45":"I can't help but wonder what's running through her mind right now.","46":"Still not sure where I'm going, the car ascends into the hills above the city.","47":"I kinda forget I'm driving. My hands are on the wheel, but it's just a following a feeling I have deep inside.","48":"On a strange route, to a place I've never been before...","49":"...but somehow, I know I'm going to recognize the destination. There's going to be a place for {Leah} and I to fit...","50":"...like a key, or a puzzle piece.","51":"And yes, suddenly, I feel it.","52":"Down this one, obscure little road I've never heard of... that leads absolutely nowhere...","53":"...[i]except here.[\/i]","54":"The horizon peeled open as if to welcome us. The whole town shines below, a mirror to the night sky.","55":"Each little dot is a problem that's so far away...","56":"...I know coming here was the right decision.","57":"You know when we used to look at stars and wonder if someone was living there?","58":"Yeah. And then we'd wonder if they were also looking at our star, wondering if people were living there.","59":"I think I have the exact same thought you are.","60":"Mmm. I can't even see our apartment from here. It's just a little light blending into all the others.","61":"Just like a star. Except... no aliens thinking about us in there right now.","62":"No, absolutely not. You know, I feel so often like I'm on the outside of myself looking in.","63":"Wondering what's going on?","64":"Yeah.","65":"{Leah}'s sigh is drawn out but tempered by the cool night air. As the warmth from the air conditioning dies down, a desire to huddle together claims both of us.","66":"I feel her draw closer to me... physically. A warm sensation emerges between us like from an unknown source. No physical contact, and yet...","67":"...there's a connection.","68":"We promised to stay together - whatever happened when we moved into high school, we'd do the same thing.","69":"Those promises felt so easy when I was younger.","70":"No matter how you feel about someone, sometimes it's difficult. You are pulled in separate directions... by...","71":"...fate?","72":"I don't believe in that stuff.","73":"Well, I don't either. But I don't have any other word to describe what's pushing and pulling us, together... and apart.","74":"Circumstance?","75":"Shouldn't circumstance feel random?","76":"Ah... it should, shouldn't it?","77":"When I told {Leah} we would do everything together, it was never a lie. But something always happens to peel us apart.","78":"What could it be other than [i]fate?[\/i]","79":"I'm too rational to believe there are norns or angels or spirits tugging at us with little strings, but it's too easy to imagine {Leah} and I are on cosmic railtracks that happen to diverge.","80":"Even living together didn't seem to help. We lived like ghosts in the same house, passing each other by.","81":"Shit. It was only [i]Silent1[\/i] who could've pushed us together again. I so badly don't want that to be true...","82":"You know, maybe I should've gone into journalism with you.","83":"Yeah... I wish you had sometimes. But I think... I should've gone into student government with you.","84":"But student government doesn't suit you.","85":"Yeah, just like journalism doesn't suit you.","86":"So... it really was an impossible situation. {Leah} was drawn to the paper. I was drawn to politics and government.","87":"If either of us would've compromised to stay together... we would've been in a situation where we didn't belong.","88":"It wouldn't be anyone's fault. It would be just how it is. [i]It just sucks[\/i] and there's nothing much else to say about it.","89":"Are you... weirdly grateful for the Fraternity? And Silent1?","90":"I mean... if it weren't for them... we probably would've just...","91":"...kept passing each other by.","92":"Mmm.","93":"I don't want to give them that kind of credit. If it wasn't them... it would've been something else. That's what I believe.","94":"...that's what I [i]want[\/i] to believe...","95":"We shouldn't have to go through a crisis to appreciate what we have.","96":"It kind've seems like... a crisis is the only time you really can.","97":"I don't really have anything to say about that. I mean... it's hard to think about how important everything is in an honest way.","98":"To not take something for granted, you'd need to imagine it gone... that's just not something I want to spend time thinking about.","99":"I think any thought directed at why we're here, right now, in this car... is a wasted thought.","100":"Let's try and think about what we're going to do.","101":"Yeah.","102":"ep6_choice = 0","103":"ep6_choice = 1","104":"ep6_choice = 2","105":"ep6_leah_kiss = 0","106":"ep6_leah_kiss = 1","107":"We've been exceptionally lucky. I thought they would've gotten me long ago, if I'm honest.","108":"It makes me wonder what the police are doing...","109":"Are you talking about the Nightingale thing?","110":"Yeah. They have my laptop. I'm not a digital forensics expert... but...","111":"...it makes me worry.","112":"I'm definitely worried too.","113":"Maybe they're waiting for the right time?","114":"I feel like it's just... going to come up again at the worst possible moment...","115":"I know what you did for me. I know the bargain you made with Silent1.","116":"I still can't agree with your decision.","117":"There was no way I could choose Emily over you.","118":"I... don't believe you were making the choice you thought you were. You may have wanted to pick Emily over me... but...","119":"...I don't think that will be the outcome.","120":"Don't talk like that, {Leah}.","121":"Whatever happens, don't be unprepared. My safety is not the most important thing to me.","122":"It is too me, though.","123":"Even if it is, for my sake, I want you to continue even if I can't.","124":"Never stop. Never let up.","125":"I won't.","126":"I think about Halloween night, and what you did. I don't know if what you did was the best decision...","127":"...but it is what I would've done.","128":"I knew you would. Funny... I was actually thinking about what you would've done in that exact moment.","129":"I'm touched you think that way.","130":"Acting rashly is kind of your thing.","131":"Yeah... I do make a lot of stupid decisions, don't I?","132":"But... for all you did, I'm not actually sure if it accomplished much. Emily is still under home arrest.","133":"Any day now, I could follow her.","134":"That's why we can't waste any time.","135":"Yeah. We've got to... [i]talk[\/i].","136":"Absolutely.","137":"So... where do you want to start?","138":"Uh... where do [i]you[\/i] want to start?","139":"We should... get the more serious stuff out of the way first.","140":"That's a good idea. Let's do that.","141":"Yes.","142":"So... what's the most serious thing we need to talk about?","143":"Uh... shit.","144":"Yeah. That didn't really help, did it?","145":"How about this: I'm thinking of a number. You guess if it's odd or even. If you guess right... we talk about the secrecy stuff.","146":"And if I'm wrong?","147":"The... uh... the [i]kiss[\/i]. We'll talk about that.","148":"Then... we'll talk about [i]us[\/i] instead.","149":"We're leaving it to fate, then?","150":"Mm.","151":"Okay. My guess is...","152":"Odd.","153":"Even.","154":"Uh... t-two.","155":"Right. So...","156":"The k-kiss comes first...","157":"Yeah. The kiss.","158":"Okay. Let's... let's talk about that.","159":"Okay. Let's talk about... [i]us...","160":"I'm honestly not sure what to say about that...","161":"Yeah. Neither do I. But... let's try. I think it's important.","162":"Two.","163":"So, we talk about the secrecy first.","164":"Yeah. Okay.","165":"{Leah} looks almost relieved.","166":"She fixes her disheveled hair and regains her composure.","167":"Feels kinda weird... we're shifting gears... especially after what we just did.","168":"I would've wanted to end on a high note.","169":"Do you want to save this discussion for another time?","170":"...No. I think this is too important to let fester.","171":"I thought you'd say that. I'm of the same mind.","172":"So... the first thing I want to clear up... is...","173":"...everything I kept back... I didn't do it because I didn't trust you.","174":"I feel like the exact opposite is true. I'm keeping things from you... [i]because[\/i] I trust you.","175":"I'm confused. That doesn't really make sense to me.","176":"The thing I know about you is that you'll put your one hundred percent into everything, even if it causes you great risk.","177":"I'm afraid... if you knew what I knew... you'd storm ahead and take risks that you shouldn't take.","178":"I know. That's the whole reason why you try to keep me from this to begin with. But you couldn't keep me away.","179":"No. Obviously, I can't get rid of you.","180":"Yeah. That's almost impossible. I'm a little burr in your backside.","181":"You're more like a cat that gets into everything.","182":"So... I know that you've been going to the Philosophy Club. Is there anything else I should know?","183":"Yeah. I... uh...","184":"...this is going to sound weird...","185":"You suddenly have a smile on your face. I'm super curious now.","186":"Yeah. It's definitely a good thing, but it's not exactly everything that I wanted.","187":"Just... tell me. Stop teasing me!","188":"I see her fidgeting and adjusting herself in her seat. She has a youthful curiosity, for sure, and now it comes out physically.","189":"It's sort of adorable. I stretch things out, just a little, so I can watch {Leah} squirm a bit longer.","190":"...I found Sandra.","191":"No way. Judging from your mood, she's not...","192":"No. She's not dead. Actually, she's Hank.","193":"Your boss? That's... that's totally crazy...","194":"...it's so rare for me to feel completely surprised by something. Shit... I should've guessed...","195":"She abandons her car, where does she go? If it's not home, it's back the way she came.","196":"It's kinda genius actually. The last place you were seen leaving is the place where you hide... makes complete sense. I should've known.","197":"Please. Tell me everything.","198":"I do. I tell {Leah} everything. {Leah} listens with excitement, like someone watching a good movie.","199":"As soon as I finish, {Leah} nods, and her expression changes.","200":"She's like a computer, that mind of hers. Her body stills as she processes each point of data, like she has no energy for any other distraction.","201":"I wish I could think like that...","202":"You really did some impressive work. You know... I kinda underestimated you.","203":"You didn't think I would find Sandra?","204":"Hmm... I really questioned how far you could get... you know... without me. But it seems like you really know what you're doing.","205":"I'm kinda proud of you. And scared at the same time!","206":"Scared?","207":"You could kind of go on your own. I'm not sure how much you need me!","208":"No, I definitely need you. Finding Sandra was a complete accident.","209":"Not true. You were pursuing clues. The evidence pointed to Hank, and from that you got a clue.","210":"Don't be so hard on yourself!","211":"{Leah}'s pep talk really is working. I can't help but feel a grin climbing up the side of my mouth.","212":"Such a nice smile.","213":"Okay. Stop that. You're making me feel like a kid.","214":"Heh!","215":"So... I know you've been going out.","216":"Uh... yes. I have. I have been going out.","217":"Like you, I've been out at night, and sleeping during the day.","218":"I say nothing (a skill I've mastered) and wait for her to finish. Her big smart wrinkle-brain still struggles to find a way to explain the situation.","219":"Shit... what could she be thinking that would really be this complex?","220":"It's like... uh...","221":"...I feel like a total hypocrite for saying this...","222":"{Leah}, I've basically told you everything.","223":"Yeah. And you're going to be angry at me, because I can't tell you everything.","224":"{Leah}, do you not trust me or something?","225":"Saying ''I trust you too much'' probably isn't going to be a sufficient answer...","226":"Yeah. I definitely want to know why.","227":"Right. It is completely reasonable you'd want to know. So... I'll try and answer it. I'm sorry if it's not the answer you want.","228":"It's... the principal's office incident...","229":"What about it? You don't want to make a mistake?","230":"Yeah. I never want to do something like that again. I can't be casual about my suspicions. I don't want to damage things by saying things that aren't true...","231":"You agree to a set of ethics as a journalist, and I want to adhere to them even when nobody else will.","232":"Part of that is making sure something is true before you say it.","233":"You aren't going to give me your suspicions?","234":"Well... I'm a bit scared what will happen if I share them with you. I'm really not sure how you'd react.","235":"I won't be angry with you.","236":"I don't think you would...","237":"I mean... am I the one you suspect? Do you think I'm Silent1?","238":"Don't be stupid. No, no, not at all. I don't think you're Silent1.","239":"But you have suspicions.","240":"...Yes. But I don't have enough information.","241":"Then... I'm not sure what to do... how can I act if I don't know something you know?","242":"Act as you normally would.","243":"No lie... this stings. It feels like I've laid everything out for {Leah}, but she doesn't want to tell me [i]anything[\/i]. Shit...","244":"I was scared of this.","245":"Obviously, I don't feel good. I've given you all that I have.","246":"I understand... if you feel like you really don't have a reason to trust me...","247":"My faith in you is absolute. I'm just trying really hard to imagine why you wouldn't share something so important.","248":"Yeah...","249":"It feels like I've pushed her as far as I can.","250":"I gotta hope that {Leah} knows exactly what she's doing. ","251":"Now... about that other thing...","252":"Yeah...","253":"So um... [i]the kiss[\/i]...","254":"Yeah.","255":"How did you feel about it?","256":"Well... I sort of thought it was a mistake... at first.","257":"Yeah. Kind of like... slipping or something.","258":"Sort of like slipping, yeah.","259":"It was not the smartest thing we could've done.","260":"No, not smart at all. It was definitely... impulsive.","261":"Yeah, if we had put any thought at all into it, we probably wouldn't have done it.","262":"I was... just kind of swept up by emotions, to be frank.","263":"I know. I think... I was swept up by the moment too.","264":"Because... it wasn't just me who was doing it. You kissed back.","265":"Mmm. I did kinda do that. Yeah. You put a lot of energy into it too.","266":"I did. Yeah.","267":"She's quiet now... and then I experience something I've never experience with {Leah} before: [i]the awkward silence.","268":"Why are we suddenly just staring at each other? Shouldn't one of us say something?","269":"But what [i]do[\/i] I say? That it was kinda... [i]interesting?","270":"Is kissing your {sheIsYour} something you're supposed to like?","271":"Her face suddenly shifts. I don't think she could stand the silence either.","272":"So that kind of begs the question... did you... did you [i]like[\/i] it?","273":"This question was definitely coming... suddenly I'm nostalgic for the awkward silence.","274":"Did I like it?","275":"Classic politician strategy. Repeat the question to give myself more time to think. I know damn well what the question was.","276":"Mmhmm.","277":"Did you like it?","278":"Oh. Uh...","279":"Well... it wasn't like... the worst thing...","280":"No. It wasn't the worst. Not to imply that it was unpleasant at all.","281":"No... it wasn't unpleasant. It was... a... uh... it was interesting.","282":"[i]Interesting[\/i] makes it sound boring, doesn't it?","283":"Because it wasn't boring.","284":"No, the opposite of boring.","285":"But I understand why you say [i]interesting[\/i]. You probably didn't mean it in the bad way.","286":"Yes. I meant interesting in the good way. Not a euphemism for bad. Good.","287":"So it was good, then.","288":"That causes an unexpected silence between us. The implication of my words only hit just then.","289":"Shit. Was it good? We both agreed it was probably a mistake...","290":"...but it might [i]not[\/i] have been a mistake. No... maybe it was [i]good[\/i]. But to suggest that... means we should... maybe even...","291":"[i]...try it again...[\/i]","292":"I don't think {Leah} is going to make that proposal. So if anyone is going to do it, it's going to be me.","293":"Even thinking about asking her makes me sweat a little, but damn... that kiss...","294":"...[i]I still feel it on the lips[\/i]. It's like a ghost pinching me. The only way I can get it to go away, is to compare it to something...","295":"If I could ask again...","296":"Ask to kiss again.","297":"Stay silent.","298":"Um...","299":"Yeah... well... I... suppose... it was interesting.","300":"But... um... obviously... it was an error.","301":"It hurts my heart to say it was, but it's true. [i]It was a mistake[\/i].","302":"I don't want my relationship with {Leah} to turn into [i]this[\/i], no matter what potential it has.","303":"Salvaging what we have is more important than anything temporary I can get out of it.","304":"If I don't ask directly, and now, it's never going to come out.","305":"Do you want to try it again?","306":"Yes, my fingers feel numb, but the gap between finishing my thought, and her understanding what I'm saying, was even worse.","307":"She was uncomprehending at first, her expression confused.","308":"Then, she gets it.","309":"Oh... uh... hmm... er...","310":"...I think that could be... I think... you know... for science... we should...","311":"How else would we know?","312":"No. We'd never know, would we? It'd torture us.","313":"Of course.","314":"Okay. So... we should start... I suppose?","315":"Yes, let's start.","316":"Mm... okay.","317":"Okay. So this is it. I guess... we're repeating this again. But this time it's an experiment...","318":"...not an error of judgement, a temporary insanity, or [i]whatever that was...","319":"We turn to each other. The leather seats groan as we do so.","320":"Our faces are close... but it still doesn't [i]feel[\/i] as it should.","321":"I don't feel like I'm leaning in to kiss her. I feel like...","322":"Wait!","323":"Ah. Okay. That's why it didn't feel right. {Leah} doesn't want to go through with it.","324":"Can I be disappointed [i]and[\/i] relieved at the same time? Damn, my heart is pounding...","325":"Wait... okay?","326":"What is she...? What does she need?","327":"She's [i]not[\/i] going to so we shouldn't do it? That is [i]always[\/i] what ends up happening.","328":"No. Instead...","329":"A mint?","330":"Her mouth puckers with the mint and then slowly chews it. There's only one reason she would do this...","331":"So she really intends for this to happen? I wasn't sure even when I suggested it.","332":"My heart quickens yet again...","333":"Do you need one?","334":"I shake my head. I brushed my teeth pretty recently.","335":"Okay then. All my trust is in your hands.","336":"Heh!","337":"I laugh too. This situation is just... too weird.","338":"This is... so awkward. I want to just get that out of the way.","339":"It [i]is[\/i] awkward. It's inescapably funny.","340":"No more false starts, or we're never going to do it.","341":"{Leah} knows it's true. She gives a sharp nod. Then, we do it.","342":"Which one of us goes first? Should I lean forward? Should she?","343":"This feels like a negotiation more than anything else... kisses that aren't spontaneous are very awkward.","344":"Somehow, we draw closer to each other. Each movement is like a stutter, as though waiting for the other party to suddenly abort.","345":"However, neither of us do.","346":"My heart hammers as we come closer, it's impossible to say if it's excitement or fear.","347":"If I'm honest, it's probably both. Fear can't make my jeans stir the way they are now.","348":"Yes... one emotion is definitely, [i]definitely[\/i] conquering the other.","349":"We go from halting and awkward, and drift into something more like silk. I know now the kiss is going to happen, and that's giving me the confidence I need to keep going.","350":"It's making me realize...","351":"...that yes...","352":"...I do want this.","353":"Oh shit... it's... somehow even more powerful than the first. The way I feel almost frightens me. Is this the power of years of repressed emotions?","354":"It makes me wonder... [i]how long have I wanted this?[\/i]","355":"Even our lip contact is making me shudder like my first kiss. It's all the more powerful because now...","356":"[i]...I know it's not a mistake...[\/i]","357":"This moment sinks into us, and I kiss her even more deeply.","358":"All reluctance is gone. Now it's just us, carried by nothing but feelings and desire.","359":"Our hot lips press into each other. Her lips are a perfect, incredible combination of soft, wet, and warm. Her breath is sweet and tastes of mint.","360":"Naturally, we separate. I want to gauge her... ensure that she's ready and okay.","361":"{Leah} looks at me with heart-rending, glittering eyes. I can read them like an open book - there's no deception. Just earnestness.","362":"I feel like a little star shoots right through me and sets my whole heart aflame. I didn't know I could feel... [i]this weak for someone...","363":"Damn... I'd do absolutely anything for her. Anything at all.","364":"I lean in slowly, not out of caution this time, but just to appreciate the anticipation.","365":"The way we're drawn together reminds me of the way celestial bodies pull into orbit. I'm [i]captured[\/i] by her more than anything else.","366":"Damn... I might have a little poet in me...","367":"This kiss is cool, controlled, deliberate, but no less passionate. Her tongue moves in an arc, admiring the mutual texture between us.","368":"Still, energy builds. I know it's going to explode suddenly... remarkably...","369":"...then, it does.","370":"{Leah} mounts me. Her body weight smashes against my turgid cock.","371":"With her body crushed against mine, she only gets fiercer in her affection.","372":"Her whole body undulates against me, slowly, sensuously.","373":"We may not be naked, but I know that she is deliberately sliding up and down my length, stimulating me...","374":"Shit... I could actually [i]cum[\/i] like this...","375":"Yet, her kiss is still gentle. There's something oddly contradictory here - we're both lustful and out of control, yet slow and loving.","376":"It's like this is how we both [i]want it to be[\/i].","377":"Our two bodies are in a resonance with each other, communicating through strokes and twitches, our nerve endings paired so intimately I can almost feel through her.","378":"As my hands slide down her backside, I feel her response come almost instinctively. She's settling into me like clay.","379":"I feel she is [i]molded[\/i] to me. Her reaction is just a natural extension of my own wants.","380":"So... I know I won't surprise her... when I do this.","381":"What surprises me, is less the softness of her breasts, but the intensity of her heart beat. I thought I was running fast, but {Leah}...","382":"This is really my first true hint about the intensity of her own feelings.","383":"Somehow, I know this is as significant to her as it is to me...","384":"No matter how romantic the situation is, I still want to feel her breasts.","385":"I want to press them, feel them, understand their weight... I want to know her as a woman inside and out. I know her mind and soul and now I want this last wall between us to be down.","386":"I slip my hand inside...","387":"Oh!","388":"Her little gasp is cute... but it's still a gasp. Reluctantly, I pull my lips away from her neck.","389":"I look at her. Flushed and aroused, she looks more beautiful now than ever. But I can tell inside she's moving so many different directions.","390":"Unable to communicate, I watch her, my eyebrows knitting into a question. She looks off to a point on her old seat.","391":"I feel... uh...","392":"...we have established what we needed to establish.","393":"I have no regrets... even so... I don't really feel confident...","394":"...I don't really feel confident... right now...","395":"Blue balls. My erections is still throbbing angrily beneath {Leah}'s lap. I even feel her thighs clench in timing.","396":"But... that's just our bodies. {Leah}... doesn't want to go further right now. I've just gotta live with that.","397":"I smile at her. She knows I'm good with her decision. For me, this is so much more than just using her to get off.","398":"I still have the grotesque feeling that I've misread her somewhere...","399":"Okay.","400":"She takes a breath.","401":"What happened, [i]wasn't a mistake[\/i]. I'm really glad that we've... decided to settle this.","402":"Moving forward, we should deal with this situation directly... rather than... [i]avoid it[\/i].","403":"This is, after all, how adults act.","404":"Of course.","405":"She doesn't look disappointed. And neither am I.","406":"But... this is also not entirely resolved. The decision to [i]go the full way[\/i] shouldn't be taken lightly.","407":"She wants it... I want it... that's good enough for me. It will come.","408":"So... what do you want to talk about? What about [i]us[\/i]... interests you?","409":"I just feel like we've gotten off track. I want to make sure that everything is clear between you and I. You understand?","410":"Yeah. I get it. It's a major thing we've gone through. And... I don't think we've been entirely clear with each other.","411":"But... from now on, even if the future pulls us apart again, we should work together as long as possible.","412":"We can't be the people who cause [i]us[\/i] to fall apart.","413":"Yeah. I'd hate to lose you, just because we can't talk with each other.","414":"Yeah.","415":"It's a simple discussion... but I feel it was necessary... and we've said all that needs to be said.","416":"A feel a knot going undone inside me that I hadn't even realized was building up. It feels... good to get this out of the way.","417":"We do have... something else we need to talk about...","418":"Oh... yeah. We do, don't we?","419":"I almost... forgot about that...","420":"Suddenly... I feel tired.","421":"Didn't you just get up?","422":"Pff. Smartass.","423":"I'm just saying... this was... a draining conversation. But I'm very glad it happened.","424":"Me too.","425":"Let's drive home.","426":"So we do. The car pulls away, and we're left again with our thoughts.","427":"Who knows what waits for us? But at least we're both on the same page again.","428":"That is... if that suspicion that {Leah} was talking about before... turns out to not be significant.","429":"What do you think about me going to the Philosophy Club?","430":"Is that what you were thinking about on the way home?","431":"I was thinking about a lot of things, to be honest. That's just the thing that... popped into my mind.","432":"I don't know if I should go again. I mean... what kind of thing am I going to learn? It's probably just a waste of time.","433":"Unless Alexis shows up again.","434":"You think she might?","435":"If she's talking to Silent1 about joining the fraternity, maybe she'll brag about it to you.","436":"Shit... is {Leah} right? That would definitely fit her personality. She hardly knows Alexis...","437":"I guess it couldn't hurt. But... the guys at the Philosophy Club... they're kinda...","438":"I see. You're saying I might be a distraction.","439":"Yeah. If three girls show up, they might all have collective strokes.","440":"Maybe leave your phone on while you're there, then? So I can listen in.","441":"That's the best way to do it.","442":"{Leah} and I look at each other. A faint smile plays across her lips. I feel compelled to smile in return.","443":"Do you mind if I run an errand before I come back?","444":"Of course. I have no bed time.","445":"Neither do I anymore.","446":"An ironic smile plays on {Leah}'s lips.","447":"I'm going in, though. I'll see you a little later.","448":"Of course.","449":"Let's go to bed. It's been a long day.","450":"Mmm.","0":"How many times do I need to learn this lesson?","1":"Cutting {Leah} out is not going to work. [i]I need her help.[\/i]","2":"I can rehearse what I want to say to {Leah} all I want, but ultimately, I have no idea how this conversation is going to go.","3":"All I know is... I can't do this without {Leah}.","4":"Kiss be damned. This all gets fixed [i]now[\/i].","5":"And... what a way to make this easy. My timing couldn't be better.","6":"Yes, I'm nervous. But so much better this than pulling the bandaid off slowly.","7":"{Leah} comes toward me, a blank stare suddenly on her face.","8":"I take a deep breath...","9":"You're leaving."},"ch9__09.LS.10 alexis boast.vne3":{"10":"She's probably not wrong about that. Still, it is good to have {Leah} helping. Without her, I've been a bit paranoid that I'll ''miss'' something.","11":"The pressure is already coming off me.","12":"I'm going to head out then. No guarantee that Alexis is going to be there, though.","13":"You're her connection to the Fraternity, right? At least she thinks so.","14":"Yeah... but it's quite possible she found another way in.","15":"I have a pretty strong feeling she'll be there.","16":"Confident, huh?","17":"Call it a journalist's intuition.","18":"You've only talked to her once. In passing.","19":"That was enough for me. You might be saving my knuckles from punishment.","20":"I'd pay to see you beat her up.","21":"I wouldn't. She isn't worth losing a nail over.[pause] [char,Leah_Casual_Neutral_2]Just make sure your phone battery doesn't go flat, okay? Let me know if you need help.","22":"You come over and break a nail?","23":"I'd break all my nails for you.","24":"That's sweet of her to say. With that, I give her a smile and head out.","25":"Well, surprised to see you here. I thought you run off with Alexis or something.","26":"You seemed so interested in her.","27":"I'm surprised to see you here. You told me last time you weren't coming back.","28":"Oh! Yeah. I did say that, didn't I?","29":"Smart thing to do not to come back. Serial killers and people disappearing...","30":"Fuck... why did I come back? This makes no sense.","31":"Because you knew not coming back would make your new friends sad.","32":"UGH! That's literally it! You're a hundred percent correct!","33":"I can't stand seeing those little worms heartbroken and abandoned. I just wanna kill them and drink their spinal fluid!","34":"You don't want to see them heartbroken... and you want to kill them and drink their spinal fluid?","35":"You don't understand.","36":"I do understand. It's called empathy and friendship.","37":"I'm not [i]friends[\/i] with [i]men[\/i]. Disgusting.","38":"I humiliate men. I use my intelligence and wit to bewilder and confuse them. I make them feel small. Small enough to crush.","39":"Yet, here you are. You knew leaving them alone would dissappoint them, so you came.","40":"Yeah. It's... because of the Stan thing, I guess.","41":"These guys are completely beneath me but... I don't know... they seem so excited when I show up...","42":"...it's hard not to... [i]pity them[\/i], I guess. They're like puppies, if puppies were large, ugly and uncuddly.","43":"But you know... I'm kinda confused why you're back.","44":"Why are you confused?","45":"I mean... this isn't the real philosophy club. We both agreed. Yet... here you are, you keep coming here. Haven't you decided it's not worth it?","46":"I'm just looking for the [i]sternest darkness[\/i].","47":"Fucking Alexis. I knew you were here because of her. Why do those bitches always come into my territory, huh?","48":"Absolutely no interest in philosophy until I'm around.","49":"I don't think Alexis is stalking you.","50":"Probably not. Fate just hates me. Am I some kind of fungus that sends spores which grow big-titted dumb bimbos wherever I go?","51":"Sounds like a good plot for your next work of erotica.","52":"Unlikely. Unless it's a guy fungus walking around that spawns femboys...","53":"Oh! That [i]is[\/i] a good plot for erotica![delay,250] [char,Kristen_Casual_Phone]Let me just write that down real quick.","54":"Shit... that was a joke.","55":"What draws you to Alexis? Why is it blondes and big tits? Don't you get bored of that shit?","56":"Do you get bored of pecs and big arms?","57":"Yeah, I do actually. If there's not a brain to back it up. I have a highly specific list of traits I look for in a potential boyfriend. Did I share that with you?","58":"At length.","59":"Female beauty standards are absolutely unachievable. I don't know why the same shouldn't apply to men. If I have to feel insecure, so should they.","60":"So your high standards are literally just to make people who listen to them feel inadequate.","61":"Am I just an open book to you? Maybe I should be a little less obvious.","62":"Just then...","63":"Oh my God. They took out her brain and used it for breast implants.","64":"I heard that.","65":"Shit... {Leah} was on the money. Alexis did show up... she seemed pretty certain about it too...","66":"What are you losers doing here?","67":"I'm here to bring you some [i]stern darkness[\/i]. I think I found some in your diapers.","68":"That was last week. I'm done with that.","69":"You sure? Maybe you can stick it into your implants.","70":"I don't need implants. You... I'd use silicone. You're a bit young to start sagging.","71":"They're going to snipe each other forever. I've got to get Alexis alone.","72":"Alexis, how did you get out of that situation we were in last week?","73":"[i]Situation?[\/i]","74":"Oh... the situation? Well baby, you know... we were in such a sticky [i]situation...","75":"Don't play coy. It's got nothing to do with that. You know exactly what I'm talking about. The parking garage?","76":"Parking garage?","77":"Oh. That thing. You know. I made... hmm... some new friends.","78":"I really don't know what you guys are talking about...","79":"Don't worry about it. You got nothing to do with it.","80":"{PlayerName}, do we want to go into the room?","81":"Give me a second to talk to Alexis.","82":"About a ''parking garage''? Jesus...","83":"Kristen shoots me dagger eyes as she heads in. She's got no understanding that there's no love between me and Alexis.","84":"Hey.","85":"They're trying to recruit you again?","86":"Turns out I didn't need you. Looks like you're the kind of accessory that's optional.","87":"Whatever you're trying to do, it isn't worth it. You should try and extract yourself from this situation now.","88":"Oh, but I can't! They have something special planned for me.","89":"Something special? That's... ominous.","90":"Looks like I'm a piece of hot property. They've got a party planned, we've booked the whole venue.","91":"Where? When?","92":"A cool place a week from now. It belongs to a friend of your friend. You know them through the Philosophy Club. Someone will be erased so that another might rise.","93":"Did they tell you to tell me that?","94":"Hmm... maybe. Well, you're not invited, of course, so you should just stay home.","95":"Who told you to say this?","96":"Our best friend, [i]stern darkness[\/i].","97":"She's not going to tell me. I figured as much.","98":"My piece of advice to you is to disappear yourself before they disappear you. The people you're working with don't know friends.","99":"Whatever, loser. I'm done with the virgin club.","100":"I pick up my phone.","101":"Did you get that?","102":"Yeah. I did. Do you have any idea who it could mean?","103":"Friend of a friend that I know through the Philosophy Club? One name came to mind.","104":"Sandra.","105":"Shit. And she hates me right now. How am I going to get through to her?","106":"I'm going to stop by her office.","107":"Leave me on the phone.","108":"Sure.","109":"I walk briskly to the lab and pound my fist against it.","110":"I hear nothing for a bit, then, signs of life. Someone is getting up.","111":"What is it? -Hank","112":"I wish I could scream through the door.","0":"A few days later...","113":"We need to talk.","1":"Having made my plans with {Leah}, I keep my phone on and in my pocket.","114":"This is the one hour I sleep. Don't take this from me. -Hank","2":"We do a few tests, and it works to both our satisfaction...","115":"I'm not the one taking anything. I'm trying to [i]help[\/i] you.","3":"...sort of.","116":"The Fraternity is after you. They're planning something in a week. You need to get scarce.","4":"How are you feeling?","117":"No idea what you're talking about. -Hank","5":"I've got ants-in-my-pants energy for sure. I really feel bad for not going with you.","118":"I don't think that's true. I think you have some idea.","6":"You're worried that something might happen similar to Halloween night?","119":"Fuck off. -Hank","7":"Can't rule it out. But it's more than just guilt. Someone is doing work while I get to stay on my butt. Doesn't make me feel good.","120":"This bitch is obstinate.","8":"I won't stop you from coming with me.","121":"Alexis is going to use you in some creepy recruitment ritual. If you don't take this seriously, a lot worse is going to happen to you than being falsely accused of plagiarism.","9":"Yeah, but you've convinced me that's a bad idea. If Alexis is going to share any information with you, it's going to be you alone. She'll clam up around me.","122":"Nothing.","123":"Don't go back to bed. Listen to me!","124":"Nothing again. Is she going to wait for this shit to happen?","125":"I pound the door a few times. I expect her to throw it open any second... but it doesn't.","126":"Sandra doesn't want my help.","127":"If this is what she wants... I can't do anything about it.","128":"I'm guessing Hank wasn't receptive.","129":"Sandra.","130":"That's what I meant to say.","131":"No. She doesn't want to listen to me anymore. She's cut a sweet deal with the Fraternity I'd guess... maybe someone in the school as well.","132":"She seems like the type to never admit she's wrong.","133":"Who knows what it will cost her? I have a feeling we're going to just go the day of and deal with it then.","134":"The Fraternity's recruitment ritual? Is that wise?","135":"How do you mean? If we go, we might catch Silent1...","136":"And also who knows how many Fraternity members, too.","137":"Oh, I see what she means. This is as far as we know, our first direct confrontation with the Fraternity. We'll be outnumbered for sure.","138":"I see. Should I bring a weapon of some kind?","139":"I don't think you can win a fight. I will... try and think of an alternative.","140":"Right. We have time to prepare.","141":"Exactly.","142":"There's something I've got to bounce off Valerie tomorrow. It might help us.","143":"Okay. Please call me afterward, okay?","144":"Maintain good communications?","145":"Yes. Let's maintain good communications. Learning from our mistakes is something we do.","146":"I smile at her, but I don't feel it on the inside.","147":"A direct confrontation with Silent1 is exactly what we're heading toward. There's absolutely no way this is going to be straightforward.","148":"I've had so many bad feelings... I'm not sure what's paranoia and what's instinct..."},"ch9__09.LD.05 Lidia acting fishy.vne3":{"10":"...she is motivated. Maybe she would be good?","11":"I'll consider it.","12":"Think about it.","13":"In the meantime, I've got a lot of work I need to catch up on.","14":"Coffee shop run?","15":"I nod.","16":"Coffee only takes you so far.","17":"I smile at her as she turns toward the admin building.","18":"I get settled, order something from one of Lidia's employees, then take a long drag of coffee and look back over my assignments.","19":"My pen starts its work, going over the exercises in my textbook. But I don't have the mental stamina for it.","20":"The long equations start to blend together into a mess of letters and numbers.","21":"Maybe I need to take a break.","22":"I spot Lidia, watching me from behind the counter. Her head swings away when our eyes meet.","23":"Things between us have been... off, since our confrontation out front of the coffee shop. We've still been cordial, friendly even. But the sense that something isn't quite right between us hasn't left.","24":"I turn back to my homework, when a moment later, I notice Lidia is approaching.","25":"Hey, how's it going? Need a refill?","26":"Hey, Lidia. No, I'm good for now. I might need to slow down my caffeine intake. The equations on my page look like they are vibrating.","27":"Yeah? College has really gotten you run ragged, huh? It feels like we're barely seen each other recently... you know, aside from the coffee.","28":"My mind drifts back to our exchange out front, what feels like years ago. When Lidia herself said that all she wanted me to do was order coffee, make dumb small talk, and get out of her hair.","29":"Yeah. They lie about it in all those movies. Here I thought it would be nothing but non stop partying and debauchery.","30":"If they wanted those movies to be accurate, they'd all be one minute of drunken debauchery, and an hour and forty minutes studying and having anxiety attacks.","31":"I silently chuckle. Banter aside, that lingering feel of something odd still pervades our conversation... like Lidia is acting out a version of herself.","32":"So, uh... I wanted to see if you wanted to take me to that amusement park at the edge of town, Four Gates.","33":"Four Gates?","34":"Yeah, I've never been. Is that bad?","35":"No, no. Nothing wrong with Four Gates.","36":"It's kind of odd. I wouldn't have pegged Lidia for being interested in an amusement park.","37":"So, I was just thinking the other day, Four Gates is just outside of town, and I've never been. I wanted to see if you wanted to go one of these days before it closes for the season.","38":"Four Gates? Really?","39":"Yeah, what's wrong with Four Gates?","40":"Nothing, really. You just didn't strike me as the type who would want to go to a chain of amusement parks.","41":"Well, I've never been to any of the Four Gates parks. I thought it might be fun to check out, at least just once.","42":"When did you want to go?","43":"I was thinking this weekend, actually.","44":"There's a huge girl's lacrosse meet this weekend. Lidia would never leave her coffee shop on a tournament weekend.","45":"Maybe months of anxiety and paranoia have begun to take their toll, but something about all this just doesn't feel right...","46":"You know, Four Gates sounds fun, but I just can't this weekend. Sorry. Can I get a raincheck?","47":"Oh! Of course! Totally, totally! I mean, I thought you might be busy, but I figure you might need a break too.","48":"In fact, I've seen you in here a lot lately. You've really been hitting the books. It's not good to work so hard, you should make time to relax and unwind a bit.","49":"Maybe I'll ask you again this Monday?","50":"Yeah, totally. Check back with me on Monday and we'll get something on the books.","51":"Okay, gonna hold you to that!","52":"You owe me a date, Mister.","53":"You owe me a hangout, bud.","54":"I won't forget. Scouts honor.","55":"Good. I'll let you get back to it. Let me know if you need a refill!","56":"I've seen Lidia smile a million times. It lights up the whole room.","57":"So when she fakes it, it sticks out like a sore thumb.","58":"Something is definitely up with her. There is something I need to check, right now.","59":"I cut my coffee hour short and hurry back to the IT Lab.","60":"Settling back in at my terminal, I pull out my laptop and fire up RECENTLY.","61":"I punch in Lidia's account info, and my fears are confirmed, when a string of messages start to populate the screen.","62":"[i]Kestrel: What do you mean, a raincheck?[\/i]","63":"[i]Lidia: He said he was busy.[\/i]","64":"My heart starts to pound in my chest. There isn't a shred of doubt in my mind who she is talking about.","65":"[i]Kestrel: Was he busy? Or was he on to you?[\/i]","66":"[i]Lidia: I don't know, he just said he couldn't go this weekend.[\/i]","67":"[i]Lidia: He said to ask him again on Monday.[\/i]","68":"[i]Kestrel: We don't have all the time in the world to let you play these little games, Lidia. You're stalling! Do you want us to help you, or not?[\/i]","69":"[i]Lidia: I swear, I'm not stalling! I promise, I asked him, okay! I'm not the one in control of his workload! Like I told you, he's been in the coffee shop nearly every day this week and he's always doing homework![\/i]","70":"[i]Lidia: Look, I can't do this, okay! He's gonna know I'm up to something. I could barely keep my shit together in there and I'm freaking the fuck out and I don't know how much more of this I can take.[\/i]","71":"[i]Kestrel: Lidia. I know you're scared. I want you to take a moment and just breathe, like we talked about. And when you're ready, message me back. Okay?[\/i]","72":"I'm biting my finger, waiting a few minutes, until I see the messages resume.","73":"[i]Lidia: Ok. I'm here.[\/i]","74":"[i]Kestrel: Okay. Here's what we're gonna do. You are going to ask him again on Monday, and get him to commit to a date. You can do this, Lidia. I know you can.[\/i]","75":"[i]Kestrel: But you HAVE to get him on the date. I want to help you walk away from all of this, Lidia. But I need you to get me something I can bring to my bosses. Help us get what we need, and you can walk away.[\/i]","76":"[i]Lidia: Ok.[\/i]","77":"[i]Kestrel: Good girl. Are you doing okay otherwise?[\/i]","78":"[i]Lidia: Yeah. I'm good..[\/i]","79":"[i]Kestrel: Good. I'm here for you, okay? Let me know if you need anything.[\/i]","80":"[i]Kestrel: I'll see you at your next check in.[\/i]","81":"I sit and stare at the screen, waiting to see if there is any more. Hands clammy, cold sweat running down my temple.","82":"I am so fucked.","83":"I knew some kind of serious, federal law enforcement outfit had Lidia under their thumb, [i]but I didn't know until now that they were actively interested in me.","84":"It's been the difference of swimming in water you know [i]has[\/i] sharks, versus seeing that fin appear on the surface.","85":"I need to ghost Lidia. Period. No more visits to the coffee shop. No more calls, no more text. Cut her off completely.","86":"[i]No. That's stupid. They are totally on to me.","87":"I need to come clean. Turn myself in. Walk right up to Lidia and tell her to call her handlers and tell them she got me.","88":"Confess to everything. Maybe they'll go easy on me and let me do my time in a regular prison instead of some crazy, off-the-books blacksite.","89":"But then, what about Silent1? Is the government, with its giant, sluggish bureaucracy, in a position to stop him?","90":"My chest tightens, the fear, frustration, and anger are all collecting into a blackhole of panic. Freezing me to the chair. Making me wish I could wake up from all of this.","91":"In the midst of it, I remember what Lidia's handler, Kestrel, had said to her.","92":"[i]''... just breathe...''[\/i]","93":"Ironic to be taking advice from a cop who is after me. But I force myself to just breathe. Take a moment.","94":"If they could, and wanted to, they would have just arrested me already. They are still looking for something.","95":"And Lidia. If she doesn't give them something, what happens to her?","96":"I don't know what I don't know. And what I don't know [i]definitely[\/i] can hurt me.","97":"A wild, crazy, hair-up-the-ass idea pops into my head. One that sounds insane even as I agree it's my only move right now.","98":"The only way to get out of this trap, and help Lidia, might be going deeper into it.","99":"Picking up my phone, I let out a big exhale, and start texting Lidia.","100":"Hey, you're right. I do need a break. What day this weekend do you want to go to Four Gates?","101":"The text is sent. Lidia is probably busy right now... who knows when I'm going to get something back.","102":"It's done now. If she's really being compelled by forces from the outside, then there's no way she'll turn it down.","0":"Thanks for driving me back.","1":"Should I walk you to the office?","2":"What? Like because we're friends, or because of some chivalrous bullshit?","3":"Pick.","4":"Ah, save your time. I think I'll be fine. But if you're worried about my trip to the office, how would you feel about me going to Alexis's initiation?","5":"Not good. Do you want to?","6":"I'm so excited to go to a creepy frat's hazing ritual.","7":"So no, not really.","8":"All I'm saying is that you can call on my help, if you need it.","9":"Would I want her to come along? It would be really dangerous... but at the same time..."},"ch9__09.LD.10 park date.vne3":{"10":"They say that in war, eventually, you get used to hearing gunshots all the time. It no longer causes any stress at all.","11":"I don't think it's a good idea to get that comfortable, but we have to save our energy. If we don't have to worry, we shouldn't.","12":"That's good advice. {Leah} knows as much as I what's going down tomorrow.","13":"I'll try to have fun at Four Gates, then. See you later.","14":"Don't let the po po spoil your mood, alright?","15":"It's Toasterman... what is he doing here?","16":"Well, whaddya know, it's my sidekick, Hobgoblin. How goes the war against injustice?","17":"I don't know. I'll tell you when I come back from Four Gates.","18":"You headin' to Four Gates?","19":"Yes. You been?","20":"No, of course not. The communists who run the joint want me to pay for [i]tickets[\/i]. No open bottles of alcohol, either!","21":"Might as well visit Four Comrades, in between the statue of Lenin and Stalin and the other two guys I can't remember.","22":"Marx and Engels?","23":"No, it's communists we're talking about, not comedians.","24":"Groucho Marx is a comedian. Karl Marx is a communist.","25":"What are you, an expert? You go off to college, get deeply in debt and this is the shit they teach you? It ain't worth it.","26":"I gotta be honest, Batman, I'm surprised to see you outside of my building.","27":"You don't own the sidewalk, do you? It's public property. What are you, a communist? You think this is your private property?","28":"I'm not complaining. Just surprised.","29":"Eh... I'm following the bat signals. Larry, Curly and Moe are all around, you can smell 'em, can't you?","30":"Who are they?","31":"Stooges, Robin, [i]stooges[\/i].","32":"Three of them?","33":"Never more and never less![delay,500][char,Mortelli_Homeless_Annoyed] But here's the rub, they're tripping over each other all the time, making asses of themselves. They're trying to do something but they keep runnin' into each other.","34":"It's a slapstick routine, but instead of a comedy it's a tragedy. The whole fuckin' country gets dragged down with it.","35":"Toasterman is [i]extra[\/i] cryptic today. But... I think I understand why...","36":"...let's see if I'm right.","37":"Batman, if I've got stooges tailing me, what do I do?","38":"Toasterman flinches - I detect some real intelligence in his small eyes.","39":"Well, for one thing... a stooge don't like being noticed, and they don't like being confronted. A stooge doesn't like to be told he's a stooge.","40":"But if a bit of slapstick [i]were[\/i] to happen, they can't question it. Because life is life. You know what a clown is, Ro-Bobbin?","41":"A slapstick comedian?","42":"They were once caricatures of hobos. That's why they got the oversized clothes and patches and whatnot. And slapstick is just what happens to the everyman - the kind of misfortune that falls over every earnest Joe Shmoe.","43":"Slapstick can happen to anyone.","44":"One more question, Toasterman.","45":"Don't got time for more questions. Got cities to save. Don't let the stooges get you.","46":"I think I understood his advice... but it made me just want to know one more thing...","47":"...[i]Toasterman, are you really as crazy as you seem?[\/i]","48":"Yeah, I talked a big game with {Leah}, but honestly, I'm starting to lose that spring in my step the closer I get.","49":"It's an unseasonably warm and sunny afternoon. Yet I still get a chill as I approach Four Gates.","50":"The cheery music, children's laughter coming from inside, oddly just makes it worse. All of it just sounds unsettling, knowing that I'm walking right into a surveillance operation.","51":"Lidia is just where she said she'd be. Right outside the main entrance past the ticket booth. Spotting her before she sees me, she looks troubled. No surprise there.","52":"She finally looks up, that big mess of pretty curls swaying as she turns to see me. She puts her mask on, smiling when we lock eyes.","53":"For just a brief moment, she even looks like she might just bolt.","54":"She holds her ground, though. Recommitting to the strained smile and waving to me.","55":"I wave back, feeling ridiculous for even playing this game.","56":"I need more information, though. And if I have any chance at all of helping Lidia get out from under whatever is haunting her, I need to make sure she's an asset to whoever she's working for.","57":"And... if I can... I do want to try and have [i]fun[\/i]. Just as {Leah} says. It [i]is[\/i] a theme park, after all.","58":"Hey! Thanks so much for meeting me here.","59":"It's no problem. It's good to get out and unwind a bit.","60":"I hope you don't mind the date location. I know Four Gates Parks are cheesy, but I thought it might be fun.","61":"Sure, I don't mind. I'm just glad we get to spend some time together. It feels like I've barely seen you.","62":"I hope you don't mind. I've never been, and I thought it'd be fun to come and see how cheesy the Four Gates Parks are.","63":"Right? I haven't been to a Four Gates in years.","64":"The awkwardness is palpable. We both know something is going on with each other, but neither of us are in a position to say anything.","65":"We sort of drift about for a while. Making awkward small talk. No matter how [i]natural[\/i] either of us act, neither one of us are really hitting it.","66":"I stop at a snack stand, trying to change up the vibe.","67":"Hey, let me buy you a cup of coffee.","68":"Really?","69":"Sure. How are you supposed to get the sense of a place without finding out how good their coffee is?","70":"Yeah, I guess you're right.","71":"Lidia tries a sip of her coffee, and gives it an acknowledging nod.","72":"Okay, Okay, Four Gates. The coffee game isn't too bad, for a giant, amusement park mega corporation.","73":"The familiar territory of coffee seems to mellow Lidia out a bit, and she looks over at me with those pretty eyes of hers.","74":"You wanna go sit somewhere and chat for a bit?","75":"I gesture for her to lead the way.","76":"Lidia walks us around for a while, looking for a spot to talk. We seem to pass a number of suitable benches and tables, until we come to a sparsely trafficked, out of the way green area.","77":"Away from the rest of the park, the rancor of screaming kids and park rides is a muffled roar.","78":"How about here?","79":"It's almost as if she had this spot picked out ahead of time.","80":"We reach a bench, where we grab a seat. Lidia cocks her shoulders so that she's facing towards me.","81":"Thanks for coming to the park, I just feel like I needed a break, you know?","82":"You've been so busy, I feel like I have no idea what's been going on with you.","83":"Yeah, right? I've just been getting slammed with course work. And we've had all these big tickets at the IT desk that I've been trying to tackle.","84":"Oh yeah? What kinds of stuff are you working on at the IT office?","85":"Oh... it's boring. Just dumb IT related issues.","86":"What, do you think it's too complex for some dumb barista to understand?","87":"No, it's not that at all, it's just...","88":"Lidia fidgets in her seat, striking an odd posture. Is she really angry?","89":"No! It's not that at all.","90":"Okay, well... we had a big roll back with some of our account management software, and it locked about a third the campus out of their email and cloud drives, so that was a huge mess.","91":"We've had to go in with thumb drives and physically update tons of computers on campus.","92":"Oh, wow. That does sound like a nightmare.","93":"Is it just you who has to fix them all?","94":"I split the workload with Linus. I think I've told you about him. The other guy who works in the IT department with me.","95":"Yeah, I think I remember.","96":"So is... IT, like, something you are really into?","97":"Something that I'm into?","98":"You know, like, is it something that you are really interested in?","99":"Like do you and Linus do IT stuff together outside of work?","100":"She's awfully curious about the IT stuff... and Linus? Is he connected to this somehow? Or is she trying to suss out if he's involved too.","101":"After finding out Hank was really Sandra this whole time, I'm not ruling anything out.","102":"Are you asking if Linus and I get together after work and reset people's passwords in our spare time?","103":"No, but... are you guys into computers a lot. Do you do, like, hacking?","104":"Why? Are you looking to hack something?","105":"No! It's not that! It's just...","106":"She's acting odd, and she knows it. I watch her as she shuffles again, adjusting her posture. She can't be comfortable sitting like that.","107":"I'm sorry. It must sound like I'm prying.","108":"It's just, I realized I don't really know that much about you. Not outside our talks at the coffee shop.","109":"She seems to have gotten herself to relax, but now her hand is fidgeting with one of her shirt buttons.","110":"I hate to say it, it's actually pretty boring. Linus and I actually don't see each other outside of work too often. We'd hang out more, but we're both so busy with school, it's just never convenient. ","111":"What about your {sheIsYour}, {Leah}. You mentioned she did a lot of investigative journalism.","112":"Has she gotten into any new cases?","113":"The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Lidia has never asked about {Leah}, at least not in that capacity.","114":"Again, Lidia is fidgeting with that same damn button.","115":"...But Lidia doesn't fidget with her buttons. She fidgets with her glasses. I've seen her adjust them a million times when she's nervous or anxious or frustrated at the counter. She [i]always[\/i] fidgets with her glasses. ","116":"Except for now, when she's shaking me down for info.","117":"I take a sip of my coffee, to make sure it's no longer hot to the touch.","118":"[i]Slapstick. Misfortune can happen to anyone.","119":"[i]You can't question it when that sort of thing happens... because it's just fate.","120":"Thanks, Toasterman. And I'll pay her back for the blouse.","121":"Oh, Jesus!","122":"I do my best to make the spill as realistic as possible, discreetly loosening the cup lid before ''accidentally'' sending lukewarm, overpriced, amusement park mud water all over Lidia's tits.","123":"As she gasps, the electric popping and sputtering of a short circuit crackles from her top.","124":"It doesn't take Lidia half a second to realize she's been exposed.","125":"She suddenly pulls her blouse in the other direction, so that the problematic button is not facing me. It would make sense that the bug would have a camera on it, hard to get audio from a guy speaking in sign.","126":"{PlayerName}... I'm sorry, they...","127":"I know. You don't have to say a word.","128":"We don't have much time. They are going to be blowing up my phone any second.","129":"I understand. Is there anything you can tell me about them?","130":"Lidia pauses.","131":"{PlayerName}... I...","132":"It's only a two second pause, but it feels like an eternity. Even breathing seems like an indulgence we can't afford with whatever window of time I just brought us.","133":"What?","134":"{PlayerName}... how do I know you're a good person?","135":"Seriously? Lidia, we've known each other for a long time now! We see each other every day.","136":"We've... we've been together.","137":"I know... I want to believe you are!","138":"But the whole reason I'm in this mess right now is because I chose to trust someone before. Trusted that they were a good person. And they were lying.","139":"I was stupid. I saw the writing on the wall and I ignored it, and now I'm paying for it.","140":"Okay. I get it. You said you saw the writing on the wall before, right? Because Lidia, if you have any doubts about me, any at all, I'll understand and just walk away right now.","141":"But I need to know [i]right now[\/i]. So. Do you trust me?","142":"Lidia is clearly torn, and I feel absolutely terrible putting her in this position. But it's my ass on the line too now.","143":"Lidia... you dumb bitch... I hope to god I'm not making the same mistakes all over again.","144":"Look. I don't know much. It's not the local cops. They are Federal.","145":"Shit... and what do they want with me?","146":"I don't know. If I'm being honest... they are interested in you, but they haven't said why. They are looking for something, but it doesn't sound like they know what.","147":"Lidia's shifting eyes fix on something down the promenade, and I watch the color drain from her face.","148":"I have to go.","149":"But your phone is not going off yet.","150":"It doesn't matter. They're here.","151":"My heart sinks into my shoes.","152":"Don't turn around. Just... act apologetic.","153":"I get the spine-tingling sensation that I'm being watched. But I do my best to act like a bumbling buffoon who just spilled a drink all over his date.","154":"Assuming we haven't been busted already, eyeballing a tail is a quick way to show our hand and expose Lidia.","155":"Lidia stands up, letting out a loud, melodic laugh.","156":"I didn't like this blouse anyway, please don't worry about it.","157":"I'll see you by the coffee shop?","158":"She's practically yelling. I'm painfully aware that neither of us are skilled at all in spycraft.","159":"You bet, I'll probably be by tomorrow.","160":"Okay... talk soon!","161":"Lidia turns and starts walking away. Trying her best to act casual.","162":"I wait for as long as I can, and continue to try and appear relaxed. But like some terrible truth that has to be seen, eventually I slowly start to turn my head in the direction where I felt the scrutinizing eyes watching from.","163":"But all I see is an empty amusement park. The crowds slowly filing out as the day draws to a close.","164":"So that confirms it. I am officially a person of interest to a Federal Law Enforcement Agency.","165":"Probably the FBI. Maybe the NSA, given the implications of RECENTLY.","166":"The hunk of ice in my gut only grows colder. I have to find some way to talk to Lidia when I know they aren't listening. She's already put her ass on the line even confirming that she's working with the feds.","167":"If we're both going to get out of this, we need to start working together.","0":"Morning. How are you feeling?","1":"Weirdly good.","2":"I was expecting you to be stressed out. You're going to Lidia today, right?","3":"Yeah. And deal with the feds and stuff.","4":"So... not too much pressure on you?","5":"Who the fuck knows? I can't anticipate everything. You just have to do your best and hope you can handle it.","6":"Bold. Now you're starting to think like me.","7":"Is this really the way {Leah} thinks? Not sure about that... but I like her confidence.","8":"Maybe this is what she's trying to infuse in me?","9":"Tomorrow... we're going to have to deal with the situation with Alexis. I suppose this is {Leah}'s way of making sure I don't get too anxious about it."},"ch9__09.LD.15 spying on the feds.vne3":{"10":"[i]Kestrel: You get how I might be concerned you are protecting your friend, right?[\/i]","11":"[i]Lidia: Yes. I get that, I understand how it looks. I promise it was just an accident.[\/i]","12":"[i]Kestrel: Alright. Good. Because you tried to help someone circumvent the law before, and it didn't turn out so well, remember?[\/i]","13":"[i]Lidia: I remember.[\/i]","14":"[i]Kestrel: Lidia, I know that cops aren't the most popular group of people right now. And it's easy to think that we're the bad guys.[\/i]","15":"[i]Kestrel: But we're trying to stop some bad people.[\/i]","16":"[i]Kestrel: I don't like putting you under this kind of scrutiny. I think you are a good person, who just made some dumb mistakes. But I need to trust you. Okay? I want to see you get out of this, but you HAVE to give me something to work with.[\/i]","17":"[i]Kestrel: And now this meeting just got blown because {PlayerName} just *happened* to spill coffee on the bug.[\/i]","18":"[i]Lidia: Please. Please, please, please just give me another chance. I'll do anything. I swear it was just a stupid accident![\/i]","19":"I don't know who this ''Kestrel'' is, but seeing him talk to Lidia like this makes me want to punch him in the face.","20":"Even if I know he's right to suspect her.","21":"[i]Kestrel: Go home. Wait for me to contact you. I need to run this up the chain.[\/i]","22":"[i]Lidia: Am I in trouble?[\/i]","23":"[i]Kestrel: It's not good, Lidia. You're starting to make my bosses nervous.","24":"[i]Kestrel: They wonder if we should just pull you. We made a deal, and you are obligated to deliver information as part of your plea agreement. I'm not keeping you as a CI out of charity.[\/i]","25":"[i]Lidia: I promise I'll do better! Please just give me another chance.[\/i]","26":"[i]Kestrel: I'll see what I can do, Lidia. No promises. Go home. Get some sleep.[\/i]","27":"The chat appears to end. It didn't go well, but it didn't seem like they were certain Lidia botched the meeting on purpose.","28":"I curse myself for not being able to see who else this Kestrel is talking to... until I remember I can.","29":"Time to let RECENTLY out of its College University Server Cage.","30":"I remove the .dll file from the folder, and route to Kestrel's IP address... And bingo.","31":"A whole new set of communications start to populate.","32":"[i]Kestrel: I don't know. She could be telling the truth. It could have been the kid just spilt coffee on her.[\/i]","33":"[i]Berkeley: She's your asset. It's your call. If you want to pull her, just say the word.[\/i]","34":"[i]Kestrel: We'll keep her in play for now. She's still in a good position. But so far all she's given us is crumbs.","35":"[i]Kestrel: If we get evidence she purposely compromised the investigation, she'll be back in a prison jumpsuit before her last latte hits room temperature.[\/i]","36":"[i]Berkeley: Did you get anything from your person of interest?[\/i]","37":"[i]Kestrel: Not much. He didn't reveal anything of note. At least nothing he was forthcoming with the CI about. We still don't know if he's a lone actor, or part of some kind of organization... or if he's connected at all.[\/i]","38":"[i]Berkeley: And the {sheIsYour} of him you were talking about?[\/i]","39":"My heart drops.","40":"[i]Kestrel: She was a suspect in that burglary near Annette Taylor, but she was exonerated.","41":"[i]Kestrel: So that laptop in the police's custody? Returned to her?","42":"[i]Berkeley: If she's not involved, then that laptop wouldn't have provided any useful information anyway.","43":"[i]Kestrel: Yeah, maybe. But I have questions about that. The girl has a history of sticking her hands in things and making trouble. She thinks she's the lovechild of Assange and Woodward.","44":"[i]Berkeley: Yeah, I know the type.","45":"[i]Kestrel: Anyway, I'm waiting patiently for someone to slip up and give me some evidence. In the meantime, you should read the story about the POI's daughter.","46":"[i]Berkeley: Was she the one running a drug ring or something?","47":"[i]Kestrel: Yeah, yeah. Really fucked up and weird situation. Completely out of the blue.","48":"[i]Kestrel: How she kept her activities secret for so long astonishes me. It makes me wonder what else people are capable of hiding. It might be why this case is making a bitch out of me.","49":"[i]Kestrel: I know her laptop is in the hands of local police, for her connection with a burglary near Annette Taylor. The cybersecurity firm.","50":"[i]Berkeley: You serious? His {sheIsYour} is already a suspect in a case of interest, and you're saying there's no association? Do they hate each other or something?","51":"[i]Kestrel: No, they live together.","52":"[i]Berkeley: You sound insane right now.","53":"[i]Kestrel: If we had access to the laptop drives, maybe I could present the sort of proof that would convince a judge.","54":"[i]Berkeley: Any luck getting that data?","55":"[i]Kestrel: Yeah, well, apparently the data needs to be transcribed onto magnetic tape first, then backed up onto clay tablets, before the Shale Hill Police Department is confident enough to give me a look at it.","56":"[i]Berkeley: Magnetic tape? You serious?","57":"[i]Kestrel: Of course not. You think people are actually using magnetic tape?","58":"[i]Berkeley: I wouldn't... but some departments...","59":"[i]Kestrel: The point is I'd have better luck squeezing blood from a rock than getting information out of those corrupt fuckers. Lidia is my best bet... sadly.","60":"[i]Berkeley: Damn. So we're still just treading water?[\/i]","61":"[i]Kestrel: For now. Anything on your end?[\/i]","62":"[i]Berkeley: No. The NSA and FBI are still scrambling after the breach. I can't give any details on this line, but none of them really have the time, or are in the position to aid in some wild, hair up the ass lead from some chumps at the USPIS.[\/i]","63":"I don't recognize the acronym. I quickly open up a browser and do a quick search.","64":"''The United States... [i]Postal Inspection Services[\/i]''?","65":"[i]I'm being investigated by the fucking mailman?[\/i]","66":"[i]Kestrel: Nothing? What about your buddy over in Bethesda?[\/i]","67":"[i]Berkeley: It's not a matter if they want to help. It's that they can't.[\/i]","68":"[i]Berkeley: Everyone is on lock down until they get the intrusion point sorted out.[\/i]","69":"[i]Kestrel: Jesus. Is it really that bad?[\/i]","70":"[i]Berkeley: I swear, if it goes on much longer they are going to bring back the Pony Express to start transferring confidential information.[\/i]","71":"[i]Kestrel: I guess I should dust off my riding boots, huh?[\/i]","72":"[i]Kestrel: Well, the snail mail is apparently good enough for the bad guys. Why not us?[\/i]","73":"[i]Berkeley: Just keep looking. Keep pressure on Lidia. {PlayerName}'s name has popped up too many times where it shouldn't have to be just coincidence.[\/i]","74":"[i]Kestrel: Got it. I'll let her cool down, then have her take another pass at him. I'll keep you posted.[\/i]","75":"The conversation ends. I stare at the blue screen for what seems like an eternity, before slumping back into my chair.","76":"I try and take stock of the situation.","77":"One: I'm a person of interest in an investigation being run by the Federal Mail cops.","78":"Two: Lidia is their CI.","79":"Three: It seems like they're employing the famous [i]Headless Chicken[\/i] technique in their investigation.","80":"I need to talk to her. Find out what landed her in this position. I can't help her if I don't know what she's on the hook for.","81":"The investigation the USPIS is conducting is related to some kind of security breach bad enough to joke around about delivering their communications via horseback.","82":"I don't know for sure, but it felt like the feds were all arranging themselves into the world's largest circular firing squad. That is both disquieting and oddly comforting.","83":"All the movies I watched with the feds in gunfights and defusing bombs with seconds to spare... but in this case they're doing anything to avoid blame.","84":"The good news is that I'm [i]only[\/i] a person of interest... for the moment.","85":"The bad news. I'm in the middle of a clusterfuck that even has the government scrambling.","86":"There's no way this isn't about RECENTLY, or the program that Cedric stole from Emily.","87":"I have to tell {Leah} about this.","88":"You look pale as a sheet.","89":"I just listened to something insane. Private communication in the USPIS.","90":"The [i]United States Postal Inspection Service?","91":"You know them?","92":"I do. That's kind of my job, to understand how the government works. What's with the USPIS?","93":"They were talking about you... they were working with Lidia... and...","94":"So... all that stuff with Lidia... is about me and Nightingale?","95":"No, it has to do with RECENTLY, I think. The point is, they're wondering if you're involved.","96":"Do they know anything?","97":"No. It kinda seems like they're completely confused. Even more than us.","98":"Lets keep them that way.","99":"My immediate reaction was to [i]work with them[\/i]... but clearly {Leah} thinks very different.","100":"I have to find out from Lidia what's going on.","101":"You don't have a lot of time. The initiation, remember?","102":"Yeah, I can't stop thinking about it.","103":"Listen... I think the simplest solution is this: Tomorrow, you go and see Lidia.","104":"Not an option. You'll leave Sandra unprotected.","105":"No. Listen... I'll keep watch.","106":"On Sandra? Shit, {Leah}, you'll need backup.","107":"And you will be my backup, won't you? If something goes wrong.","108":"I can see Lidia another day...","109":"You have no idea how Lidia fits in. It could be important.","110":"Between you and me... nothing bad will happen to Sandra. I promise.","111":"{Leah} I trust and believe, it's myself I don't.","112":"If something were to happen, and I couldn't be there for {Leah} because I was distracted with something completely secondary...","113":"On the other hand, even if I don't trust myself, {Leah} does. She's not perfect, but she is good at this stuff.","114":"I won't trust myself... I'll trust [i]her[\/i].","115":"Extremely busy day tomorrow.","116":"That's putting it lightly. But we will get through it.","117":"{Leah} will, at least. I'll make sure of that.","118":"Until then, the most important thing I need... is to rest up for tomorrow.","119":"The next morning, my phone rings.","120":"I'd call it disrupting, but honestly, I was sleeping very deeply anyway, for all the usual reasons.","121":"I pick up the phone and see it's Sam.","122":"Lately she's been asking if I need a grappling hook for anything. Sam's impulse-bought weirder things on the internet.","123":"I have a feeling, this time, it's more questions about what's going on... questions I don't want to answer...","124":"Hey, Sam.","125":"I've been thinking...","126":"Don't hurt yourself.","127":"It's only funny when I say that to you. It just sounds contrived when [i]you[\/i] say it.","128":"Heh. Yeah, alright.","129":"But seriously. Growing up, my Mom was always nuts about preparing for the worst case scenario. ","130":"What if there's a flood? What if there's societal collapse? What if the lizard people abduct us to harvest our eggs for extra names on the Water Ordinance ballot?","131":"Do we need to have a talk about your mom?","132":"What I'm trying to say is... I can't prepare for everything. Some problems can't be addressed by burying tubs of freeze dried food in the backyard.","133":"I can't control every outcome, or protect you from everything that's going on.","134":"Sam...","135":"What I'm trying to say is... I am choosing to trust you.","136":"If you say that it's easier for me to just stay out of the way with your investigation... I will.","137":"I don't want you out of the way. I just want to keep you safe. There are a hundred people in danger.","138":"I don't want to add your name to that list too.","139":"I know, I get it. I may hate it, but I get it. So I will stop trying to sneak on to your super secret mystery squad.","140":"Thank you, Sam.","141":"But this doesn't mean you're getting rid of me, dummy! I'm still gonna be here for you.","142":"Even if it's just as your wicked hot, super intelligent, pocket-thot asian girlfriend.","143":"Girlfriend?","144":"It's surprising, but hearing her say it makes me... happy.","145":"Yes. We've seen each other's dirty parts and you bought me ice cream. That means, by the laws of cheesy 80's romance movies, you're my boyfriend now.","146":"Behind her jokes, I hear the nervousness and uncertainty in her voice. Her vulnerability. I can practically feel her fidget through the phone.","147":"[i]Boyfriend...[\/i] what a dangerous word... she isn't the only girl I've been seeing...","148":"That has deep implications... I probably should be more careful about who I'm sleeping with...","149":"Well, if you're my girlfriend now, I guess we have to do gross stuff. Like talk every day, and snuggle.","150":"Yeah, and you have to be extra nice to me.","151":"Yep. Can't make fun of your hairy arms any more.","152":"Yeah. Dick. And you still gotta smooch with me even when I haven't shaved them.","153":"I can't wait until we're comfortable enough to fart around each other.","154":"I can wait. Unless it's a particularly funny fart.","155":"Well, since I'm your girlfriend now, and responsible for your emotional state, I guess I should send you some pics of me in some [i]slooty[\/i] cosplay outfits.","156":"That's a girlfriend thing to do, right?","157":"I mean, I'd have to check, but I'm pretty sure that's how my Nana landed my Pop-pop.","158":"Ugh, you're so gross.","159":"It's a beautiful story, really. It was 1954, Pop-pop had just gotten home from Korea....","160":"Stop it right now or I am calling the police.","161":"Here, dummy. Don't go sharing these with all your friends. I'll text later to ask if you think I'm getting fat, or if you'd still wanna be with me if I were a harbor seal.","162":"I look forward to it.","163":"Okay... bye for now... dummy.","164":"Sam hangs up. It's fun seeing her squirmy and insecure like that.","165":"Sam Hunter is my [i]girlfriend[\/i]. It's so weird and strange saying it in my head... but... somehow it feels right.","166":"My phone chirps. An attachment from Sam.","167":"I click to open it, and Sam delivers.","168":"It's the spread of sultry cosplay photos. I couldn't tell her that I've seen them before, but having her send them to me as a gift makes them so much more thrilling.","169":"If she's trying to make sure I come around more often, she's off to a good start.","170":"Still, the call was... a relief.","171":"I mean, who else is going to give you your daily required dose of internet memes. Or shit talk you while playing co-op games?","172":"I don't know. Maybe the government has some program...","173":"I'm just saying I'm here for you. If you ever need to just go grab a beer, or vent, or talk about how all your favorite childhood cartoons and videogames were the wrong ones.","174":"Thanks, Sam. You're a true friend.","175":"I know I am, right? There should be some kind of award or something. Maybe even a grant, I dunno.","176":"So... talk soon, okay? I'm holding you to at least one in person, casual hang out session a week..","177":"Deal. At least one crucial hang-out a week.","178":"Okay, good.","179":"Alright, I guess I'll let you get back to saving the whole town from certain doom or whatever.","180":"Talk soon, Sam.","181":"Later.","182":"The phone clicks and I toss it aside, letting out a deep breath.","183":"I know Sam would go to hell and back with me. But I can't say enough how much I appreciate her agreeing to keep her distance in regards to the weird shit.","184":"Having her in the clear means one less thing to keep me up at night. Literally.","185":"I sigh when I see {Leah}. As usual, she seems energetic and ready. She really does live for this sort of thing.","186":"Do we know when this initiation thing is going to happen?","187":"I imagine sometime at night.","188":"I don't think I'm going to be able to see Lidia until the night.","189":"That's why one of us needs to keep watch at all times. But don't worry. I'll do it.","190":"Don't you have school? A life?","191":"I'm going to journalism school, {PlayerName}. Doing this is the same as studying.","192":"I'm not sure this counts as graded coursework, but as usual, {Leah} is incredibly eager.","193":"Her optimism is infectious, I'll admit. I want her to go do a crazy stakeout for an evil frat-cult-thing. It just feels very [i]her[\/i].","194":"Don't let anything interesting happen with me gone.","195":"I'll see you later tonight then. You can report your findings after you see Lidia.","196":"Yeah. Great. This is official. We're [i]coordinating.","197":"This feels good, [i]right[\/i] even. I just wish we could do it together.","198":"I'm sure the moment will come...","0":"I don't know if it's from sprinting back up to my apartment, or the sheer panic of being on the radar of a Federal Law Enforcement Agency, but the room is spinning when I sit down at my desk and fling open my laptop.","1":"Has it always been this slow to fire up? No, it's probably just the anxiety.","2":"I can't click on RECENTLY fast enough to get it open. My fingers dance across the keyboard, calling up Lidia's feed. I need to see if they'll buy the ''technical difficulties'' Lidia experienced with her bug.","3":"[i]Kestrel: What do you mean he spilt coffee on it!?[\/i]","4":"[i]Lidia: He talks with his hands, and he's only been signing for a few years. He's clumsy.[\/i]","5":"[i]Kestrel: You understand how I could be suspicious of this.[\/i]","6":"[i]Kestrel: I know you had relations with him. Was that really just to get close to him?[\/i]","7":"[i]Lidia: It's not like that, I promise.[\/i]","8":"[i]Kestrel: I hope you're telling the truth. Because you tried to protect your last friend, and that didn't turn out so well for you, did it?[\/i]","9":"[i]Lidia: No.[\/i]"},"ch9__09.LD.20 secret meeting with lidia.vne3":{"10":"[anim_25_speed != anim_25_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[anim_27_speed != anim_27_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[anim_27_speed != anim_27_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[anim_27_speed != anim_27_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[anim_30_speed != anim_30_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[anim_30_speed != anim_30_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[anim_30_speed != anim_30_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Speed [tg_anim]","25":"Continue","26":"[anim_34_speed != anim_34_fast_speed]Faster","27":"[anim_34_speed != anim_34_default_speed]Default Speed","28":"[anim_34_speed != anim_34_slow_speed]Slower","29":"<","30":"It was a long and boring day, but I'm finally here.","31":"My eyes are on high alert, scanning back and forth like radar dishes, as I make my way up the street to Lidia's coffee shop.","32":"Every car, every person is scrutinized. The lingering question of each. [i]Are they just regular people, going about their lives? Or are they clandestine government agents, quietly watching?","33":"I've even found myself weary of public postal boxes, now that I'm on the radar of the [i]USPIS[\/i], of all things.","34":"More web searches have revealed that yes, they are a very real Federal Law Enforcement Agency. One with guns, badges, handcuffs, and all the authority they need to investigate and arrest criminals.","35":"I don't know how many laws I've broken since this all began. At this point, I'm too scared to hazard a guess.","36":"I need to get to Lidia, though. I have to find some way to get her alone so we can have a real conversation about what the government has on her.","37":"I also need to find out some way to give her enough information to feed to the feds to satisfy whatever deal she made with them. So that when it's all over, she can really be free of all of this.","38":"I had planned to show up around closing time, but when I come up on the shop, I see Lidia is already part way into closing the place up.","39":"Suddenly I get cold feet. Without at least some patrons at the shop, the thought of walking in leaves me feeling exposed.","40":"I turn to leave, when I hear the door open behind me.","41":"{PlayerName}, hey! Late for a coffee, isn't it? At least for you.","42":"It is. But you know how it goes. Gonna be another late night.","43":"Well if that's the case, come on in. I'll fix you a cup.","44":"It looks like you're closing up. I don't want to keep you.","45":"Nonsense. It's just a cup of coffee.","46":"So I follow her in. The coffee shop seems different like this. Too quiet.","47":"I'm gambling that Lidia will want to try to talk. But I have to make it look like an innocent social visit.","48":"As if I'm just some horny college student, just coming by to get a little hanky-panky with a girl I've got the hots for.","49":"It's a good cover... not least of all because it's also true.","50":"I have half a pot still. I was just gonna dump it, but if you want one it's on the house...","51":"Well, who am I to let your expertise go to waste?","52":"Now you're just being a flirt. Come on, sugar, I'll pour you a cup.","53":"Things are feeling a little more natural, or at least organic. That or Lidia has really upped her spy game since the park.","54":"Sorry again about the blouse. Can I pay for a new one?","55":"No, don't worry about it. Trust me, I know how to deal with a coffee stain.","56":"In fact, I wanted to apologize to you, for bailing all of the sudden.","57":"It's fine, we're all busy. Things come up.","58":"Truth be told, I'm glad you came by.","59":"Oh yeah?","60":"Yeah. I was hoping we'd get to talk some more.","61":"She hands me the cup of steaming coffee, while I look into her eyes, trying to suss her out. She does seem more relaxed, less anxious. But she's still guarded.","62":"I'm not quite sure how I feel about Lidia in the romantic department, but maybe she's been growing on me lately.","63":"I like her.","64":"She's cool, but definitely just a friend.","65":"She could still be wearing a wire.","66":"Yeah, it felt like we really didn't get a chance back at the park, did we?","67":"She turns to take care of some dishes, and I scan her up and down. Trying to find any trace of surveillance equipment hidden underneath her clothing.","68":"...and I find myself spending a large amount of time looking for such a device around her ass.","69":"I break eye contact with Lidia's sumptuous buttocks and try to focus on my coffee.","70":"Yeah. We were talking about your job. I hope it didn't seem like I was prying too much. Of course, you know all about what I do.","71":"Much as I might try, I keep catching myself looking at Lidia's booty. It has a near perfect shape, and is just big enough that it jiggles as she works over a stubbornly dirty cup with a sponge.","72":"I don't know that much at all about IT, or tech in general. I can just about work my phone, but beyond that...","73":"Her frame is otherwise so slender, it'd be difficult to hide some kind of camera or listening device on her without putting her in some criminally bulky clothes.","74":"...and the ink cartridge exploded all over me. Coffee stains were nothing compared to that mess. All I wanted to do was print out a dozen fliers...","75":"Yeah. It's the only part meaty enough on her to hide a device. I should probably investigate it a little closer.","76":"Approach her from behind.","77":"Hold off.","78":"... but that's cable companies for ya. All of it is a big scam.","79":"I do one last scan of the shop, making sure that Lidia and I are in fact alone. Then I walk back around the counter.","80":"...I mean, come on. The Boating Channel? And not just one boating channel. It's like five of them. When am I ever gonna watch a bunch of old farts talk about boats?","81":"I definitely don't need anyone walking by while I'm strip searching the curvy barista...","82":"...I flip the switch to the store shutters, and give Lidia and I a little privacy.","83":"Oh, the shutters. Did you...","84":"Before she can finish herh sentence, I slide up behind Lidia, pressing my body to hers.","85":"She's surprised at first, letting out a little gasp. But she quickly relaxes, melting back into me, pressing that big, juicy caboose of hers into my crotch.","86":"Mmmm... I guess you were waiting around for the ''late night'' special, huh?","87":"I may have to check her for bugs, but there's no reason that I can't mix a little ''pleasure'' with ''business''.","88":"I crouch down, slide my fingers just inside the waist of her slacks, and slowly start tugging them down.","89":"Hey! What are you doing?... Oh... Oh! We're... doing this here?","90":"{PlayerName}, I have to... mmmm... close up.","91":"I peel Lidia's tight pants off, and run my hands around her thighs, up her cheeks, and back to her hips. The touch melts the dusky barista's reservations, and I feel her begin to sway her hips in arousal.","92":"{PlayerName}, we really... shouldn't...","93":"Lidia squeals and tenses up when my tongue hit's her asshole. I nuzzle her warm buns for a minute. No surveillance bugs here, not unless they have one hid [i]way[\/i] up inside her.","94":"Oh shit... oh fuck it... eat me out, baby.","95":"Lidia spins around, and I feel her fingers grab the back of my head, and press it to her slit.","96":"She's getting wetter by the second, her hips gyrating and coos spilling from her lips while I service her clitoris.","97":"Front door also looks clear of devices...","98":"I let my tongue glide up her lips, before pressing it against her clit.","99":"Lidia squirms and writhes at the contact. I get a kick out of seeing her dancing around, just by toying with her bean.","100":"Shit! {PlayerName}! You're making me so hot right now!","101":"I get to my feet and hungrily start to undo Lidia's blouse. I can't get to those tits fast enough.","102":"Her own nimble fingers begin to work my pants, as we race each other to see who can undress the other the quickest.","103":"In what seems like an instant, we're both naked. It's an odd sensation, being in a state of nature in what is normally a public space.","104":"But it's a thought that is quickly forgotten, as Lidia, chewing on those heavenly lips of hers, pressed her stunning body up against me and starts jerking my cock.","105":"We are violating [i]so[\/i] many health codes right now.","106":"Lidia has other things on her mind than regulation though. She drops to her knees, gripping my shaft firmly and eyeing it hungrily.","107":"I look down as her tits jiggle. No surveillance bugs there, either.","108":"Gently, almost timidly, Lidia begins to explore my cock with her tongue.","109":"Each new inch she covers seems to send another shiver of pleasure up my spine.","110":"A powerful convulsion overtakes me, when her pouty lips finally envelop my member, and travel down the shaft.","111":"My cock disappears out of the cool air of the coffee shop, and into Lidia's warm, wet mouth.","112":"She continues her sensual cooing. The vibration adds to the intense pleasure of her blowjob.","113":"I watch my raging cock disappear down her throat over and over again.","114":"The sensation is so intoxicating, I begin to worry that the next bob of her head will be all that it takes to trigger climax.","115":"Knuckling down, I try to focus on not being swept away by the torrent of pleasure coming from Lidia's mouth.","116":"I feel her tense up below me, as Lidia pushes her head down around my cock, deep throating me.","117":"She holds herself there for a moment, sucking at my shaft, letting me see what her throat feels like around my manhood.","118":"Letting my rod slide back out of her throat, I look down to see her looking back up at me with those stunning eyes.","119":"She cleans the excess spit and precum from my cock with her tongue.","120":"I become acutely aware of how much Lidia is enjoying herself.","121":"The thrill she gets, being able to control me with her mouth, seemingly effortlessly. And I would bend over backwards to get her to do it.","122":"I want to wake up each morning and fall asleep every night, just like this.","123":"It's too much. I have to get back inside her.","124":"I spin her around and bend her over the counter. My spear slides inside her, I feel her body tremble at the penetration.","125":"The minx does right, proppering her ass up and arching her back, finding her footing to ready herself for being plowed.","126":"Fuck me, {PlayerName}. I've wanted this so badly.","127":"Bracing against the back counter, I begin thrusting forward. Lidia mirrors the motions, pumping her hips back and impaling herself on my cock over and over again. Her moans growing more lusty and desperate.","128":"Her cries and the sharp claps of our flesh slapping against one another soon fills the quiet coffee shop in the hot, wetness of our fornication.","129":"I grab firm handfuls of that thick, cocoa skinned ass.","130":"Every time my pelvis goes into her round, succulent cheeks, driving my cock deep inside her wet cavern, I feel climax grow closer.","131":"The best are the thrusts that incite those breathy moans and shudders from Lidia. I can practically feel her eyes cross in brain-melting pleasure.","132":"That's it, rail my pussy, {PlayerName}! Fucking ravage me!","133":"I can't say how many times I fantasized about having Lidia, just like this. Bent over the counter at her own coffee shop.","134":"I can happily say it is incomparable to the real thing.","135":"Chasing the urge to have her even closer, I grab her leg and pull her to me. She croons her neck back and our lips find each other.","136":"Her moans mingle with our frenching, summoned from the slow pistoning of my cock in and out of her, savoring every last millimeter of her warmth.","137":"I want your cum...","138":"Cum inside her.","139":"Cum on her.","140":"I take a seat on a nearby stool, and gesture for her to mount me.","141":"Are you gonna finish inside me?","142":"I don't respond. Instead, I take the timid barista's hand, and pull her down on my lap.","143":"My cock seems to seek out her womanhood like a bloodhound, easily sliding back inside as I pull her down into me, feeling those warm ass cheeks mushroom out in my lap.","144":"Her stifled, breathy moans when I penetrate her again only fuel my arousal.","145":"We fit together tightly, like a puzzle of flesh.","146":"Our bodies by now are coated in sweat, allowing our skin to easily glide against each other.","147":"The fucking has taken on a life of it's own, seeming to be driven by a passionate energy beyond our physical limits.","148":"Lidia spins around, to wrap her own arms around me.","149":"I bury my head in her perky breast while cocking my hips skyward, bouncing the stunning woman up and down on my shaft.","150":"I feel Lidia reach crescendo, her thighs squeezing me tightly and trembling uncontrollable, as a deep moan of orgasm erupts from her.","151":"The display of passion forces me over the edge, and I feel my own wave of pleasure overtake me.","152":"Lidia pinned tightly to me, I jerk my hips upward, burying my cock as far up inside Lidia as I can.","153":"With a growl, I fire off the first blast of cum deep inside her pussy.","154":"Yes! Fuck! Cum inside me! Cum inside me!","155":"Lidia slams her own hips down into me with such force it might hurt had I not been locked in a debilitating orgasm. All I can feel is her wet, molten hot vagina undulating around my pulsating cock as it spews cum deep into her womb.","156":"Cresting the climax of our sex, Lidia buries her head into my neck. Moaning weakly, as I feel her body start to melt into mine.","157":"I shiver, partly from the lingering orgasm, but also from the cold of the room. A fact I hadn't noticed until now. But it serves as contrast to Lidia's warm body, intertwined with mine.","158":"The coolness of the coffee shop is dramatically apparent when my softening cock finally slides out of her. Soaked in cum, now hanging and spent.","159":"Jesus... that was so fucking amazing.","160":"Both of our heads snap to the door, where someone is wrapping on the glass.","161":"Oh shit!","162":"Lidia and I dive behind the counter. Seeing that the shutters had not closed all the way, now three pairs of legs are hovering near the door.","163":"My heart is pounding in my ears, as Lidia and I hold as still as statues. Listening, and waiting.","164":"From just outside, the faint voices of three college kids can be heard, arguing that the coffee shop is clearly closed, and they will have to seek their fix elsewhere.","165":"Alone again, Lidia grins and chuckles.","166":"Stupid shutter! It's not your fault, you have to hit the switch twice to get them to run all the way down.","167":"I hoist Lidia up, and carry her over to another part of the counter.","168":"All the while, I can't keep her from kissing me deeply, biting and gnawing at my lip, as if to cajole me into getting back to fucking her.","169":"Instead, I lay her out on the counter. Like she's something I've ordered off the menu, and aim my cock up at her supple belly.","170":"A-are you gonna jerk off on me?","171":"My eyes feast on her stunning body. Her tits heave with each breath, and her hips pumping, seemingly on their own, beckoning me to breed her.","172":"That's it, baby! Shoot your load all over me! Cover me with your cum!","173":"Lidia squeals when the first ropes of white jizz lap at her chocolate skin. But soon, her whole torso is drenched in my spunk.","174":"She looks up at me with a cheeky grin. Amused at how I went and ''marked'' her.","175":"That's what you like to see, huh? Poor little me, all covered in your seed?","176":"I grin at her, rubbing her slit with my cock, some stiffness lingering in my manhood.","177":"Lidia's eyes beam coyly. Reaching down, she lowers my cock down past her slit, and presses it to her asshole.","178":"Do you wanna put it in my ass?","179":"I feel a fresh surge of blood race to my member, and a second wind coming at the prospect of taking Lidia anally.","180":"You do, huh? You wanna fuck me right in my tight little ass...","181":"Both of our heads snap to the door, where someone is wrapping on the glass.","182":"Oh shit!","183":"Lidia and I dive behind the counter. Seeing that the shutters had not closed all the way, three pairs of legs are hovering near the door.","184":"My heart is pounding in my ears, as Lidia and I hold as still as statues. Listening, and waiting.","185":"From just outside, the faint voices of three college kids can be heard, arguing that the coffee shop is clearly closed, and they will have to seek their fix elsewhere.","186":"Alone again, Lidia grins and chuckles.","187":"Stupid shutter! It's not your fault, you have to hit the switch twice to get them to run all the way down.","188":"Lidia and I laugh, enjoying the moment together we nearly got caught banging behind the coffee shop counter.","189":"It's a moment of levity. Like one where we somehow live in a world with no RECENTLY, or shadowy government agents.","190":"So it breaks my heart that I have to ask Lidia what I'm going to ask. To go and shatter this little break from all our bullshit.","191":"No sense in delaying it, might as well get to the point. I look up at Lidia solemnly.","192":"Is there somewhere safe we can talk?","193":"I watch the happiness and satisfaction drain from her face, and she signs back to me.","194":"Yeah... can I get dressed first?","195":"I do one more look around, to make sure the coast is clear, before bringing up the real business to why I'm here.","196":"Hey, can you talk in sign?","197":"Lidia looks around nervously, before replying in ASL.","198":"Yeah. What's up?","199":"Is it safe to talk here?","200":"Lidia peers out the window, before hitting the shutters to the front of the store.","201":"Not here. Follow me.","202":"Walking out from behind the counter, Lidia leads me out the back door, and into the alley behind the coffee shop.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[anim_20_speed != anim_20_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[anim_20_speed != anim_20_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[anim_20_speed != anim_20_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[anim_25_speed != anim_25_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[anim_25_speed != anim_25_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch9__09.LD.25 the truth about lidia.vne3":{"10":"Did you find any?","11":"No. But I still might have to do a more thorough search of you later.","12":"Lidia snickers, trying not to make too much noise.","13":"Then I see her look back up at me, with sadness in her eyes.","14":"I'm sorry again, {PlayerName}. For not being honest. For spying on you. For everything.","15":"It doesn't sound like you had much of a choice.","16":"I know you're working as a CI for the government. And I know they have something on you.","17":"Lidia... what happened to you?","18":"Lidia looks down at her feet. Digging up the painful memories I was asking her to revisit.","19":"Some years back, I met someone. He was... exotic... had a cool accent... foreign... he was living in the US. I actually met him through a restaurant my dad was consulting for.","20":"He came across as one of these ''bleeding heart '' types. Always some cause, some struggle he was fighting for.","21":"Just the kind of romantic, enigmatic, tall dark stranger that young, dumb, horny women fall for.","22":"We were together for a while. He was dashing, and passionate. But....","23":"But something was off.","24":"I kind of knew from the beginning. There was a darkness to him. For all his talk about ''humanity '', and how much he fought against the system for the ''little guy'', he had this cruelness and narcissism about him.","25":"And he always had some weird... hustle, or business on the side. He would be secretive, always changing the subject or getting defensive when I started prodding him about it.","26":"Then, one day... the FBI showed up at my door, looking for him.","27":"They told me to call them when I heard from him again. Of course, like the idiot I was, the first thing I did was run to him and tell him the law was on to him.","28":"And what did he do? What were they after him for?","29":"He said they were after him because he was a freedom fighter. They said he had been targeted because he was going to change the world.","30":"And you believed him.","31":"Well... I let myself believe him.","32":"So what happened?","33":"I helped him flee the country. I bought him tickets, made travel and accommodation arrangements in my name. I even let him have my social security number. Anything he asked, no matter how strange or troubling, I did for him.","34":"And one day, he took the tickets I purchased for him, the documents I had helped him get, and told me he'd call me when he got to Italy.","35":"And?","36":"And I never saw him again.","37":"The next people who came calling was a team of FBI agents, with a warrant for my arrest.","38":"I'm guessing it wasn't for buying plane tickets.","39":"Yes. For being an accessory to, and aiding and abetting a known fugitive.","40":"I'll admit I could see this twist coming. Love can make your brain melt. Still... hearing it from her lips...","41":"That's a shock to hear.","42":"Of course, I thought it was all bullshit. Just some government pigs trying to slander a good man... until they started bringing folder after folder of evidence of his activity.","43":"Lidia... you couldn't have known...","44":"Yeah I did. The restaurant business is good cover for... shady stuff.","45":"All the signs were there, {PlayerName}, I just didn't want to see them. I was too busy romanticizing about feather-haired boys with dark eyes and lofty ideals.","46":"So... what happened next? How did you end up working as a CI?","47":"By the time I realized I had been scammed, and was helping a monster, it was too late.","48":"I already had a list of felonies I was on the hook for... when, get this, some agents from the United States Postal Inspection Service showed up at my holding cell.","49":"They said they needed someone in Shale Hill, a confidential informant for something they were working on. They said I'd be perfect for the job, though they didn't specify why.","50":"What are they making you do? What do they want?","51":"I honestly don't know. To be frank, it seems like sometimes they are groping around in the dark.","52":"Sometimes I'm literally just delivering packages for them. Sometimes they just have me listening to gossip around the coffee shop, taking notes on everything, even digging around on topics they are interested in.","53":"What kind of topics?","54":"Any kind of scandals... big public affairs, or if someone got arrested, or some kind of tragedy, like a disappearance or death.","55":"Something like [i]an end of a life[\/i] would count..","56":"They've also been really interested in anything to do with IT. Or ''network architecture vulnerabilities'', or something like that.","57":"That's interesting. Maybe the USPIS somehow got wind of what SILENT1 was doing, or somehow traced the attack on the government networks to Shale Hill, to where RECENTLY is.","58":"And their interest in me might be because of my connection to the school's IT network, not specifically for any of my actions these last few months.","59":"It's not necessarily good news, but it's not bad news either.","60":"You said before, back when we had that fight in front of the shop... you have ways to help me... is that why they are interested in you?","61":"I let out a sigh. That might very well be the reason, but at this point, It's impossible to tell..","62":"I don't know... maybe? But Lidia, what I'm doing, I've only done to try and help.","63":"I know. And the less I know about it, the better. I can't snitch what I don't know.","64":"Finally, someone who understands without me having to explain...","65":"She's right. Lidia is safer being in the dark about RECENTLY and SILENT1. But there's still the matter of helping her.","66":"There's got to be something I can do...","67":"What were the specifics of the deal you made with the Feds?","68":"I wasn't in a position to make a favorable deal. But, I have it on paper that my worst charges could be dropped if I give them critical information.","69":"I wrack my brain for a moment.","70":"Okay. Give me some time... but I think I can find some information that you can bring to your handlers.","71":"What do you mean?","72":"I think what the feds want, and what I know, could be connected. I think I can give you information that you can pass onto them.","73":"If I play this right, I could keep [i]both[\/i] of us out of prison.","74":"Really? You think you can manage something like that?","75":"I don't know... but we have to try.","76":"Emotion passes through Lidia's expression. She wants to believe me, but I know...","77":"...she doesn't want to set herself up for disappointment.","78":"Thank you, {PlayerName}. The thought is... incredibly kind.","79":"To reassure her, to tell her I'm not just giving an idle promise, would be to give her too much information.","80":"I hope to surprise her one day.","81":"We should head back.","82":"I nod.","83":"I need to go back to the coffee shop, to collect my things.","84":"Do you want to go to my place afterwards? For...","85":"I can give you one more on the house.","86":"I wish. But...","87":"...things you can't explain.","88":"You know, I feel like we can communicate pretty efficiently with only vague generalities.","89":"Yeah. It's a talent.","90":"She smiles back at me. The small twitch in her lips reads [i]''we have to be careful about seeing each other too much.''[\/i]","91":"The quicker her handlers lose interest in me, the better.","92":"I wave, and wordlessly, she leaves.","93":"Right. That was the easy part of the evening. Time for the hard.","94":"Let's see if {Leah} has had any issues...","0":"Lidia makes a quick, sudden turn into the alley.","1":"I half expect that she's avoiding me, but I follow her instructions.","2":"Indeed, she's right here, waiting for me.","3":"Lidia peers around the alley to make sure we are alone.","4":"It's quiet here.","5":"And it's private, too.","6":"If anyone knows how to avoid being monitored, it's probably Lidia.","7":"She cocks an eyebrow at me.","8":"So did you come here for some late night nooky, or was that all about checking [i]me[\/i] for bugs.","9":"Who says it couldn't be a little of both?"},"ch9__09.SS.05 sam confronts mc.vne3":{"10":"Sam waits until {YouCallHer}'s door softly shuts, before snapping her eyes back to me, boring little holes into me with her gaze.","11":"Hey, Sam. What's up?","12":"Sam parrots my greeting in a mocking voice.","13":"''Hey, Sam. What's up?''","14":"Seriously? That's all you have to say?","15":"What do you mean?","16":"Give up the ''himbo'' act, dude. We both know you're not [i]that[\/i] dumb, or [i]that[\/i] good looking.","17":"You dropped off the face of the planet with no explanation.","18":"You disappear from class for weeks and friggin' Rogham doesn't even bat an eyelash when you come back.","19":"The pathetic, [i]insulting[\/i] excuses you gave me. At the coffee shop, after class...","20":"You dodged all my calls and texts...","21":"At first I'm worried you've run off with some big tittied goth girl or something. But then I hear from everyone else that barely anyone has seen you!","22":"At first I worried that maybe you got into drugs real bad, or had some kind of mental episode, but I hear a rumor how you're in the IT lab until all hours of the night and dodging out of all your classes!","23":"Did you become a full time crypto miner or something?","24":"How am I not supposed to be freaking out?","25":"Like, I don't wanna sound like some crazy, possessive girlfriend, assuming... whatever it is you and I are is even a relationship.","26":"But I fucking care about you, even if you are an asshole. And I want to know if you're okay!","27":"Her voice cracks and her eyes well, betraying the fact that she's more than just angry with me. The debt of feelings around Sam that I've been putting aside all come back at once and hit me like a mac truck. I feel rotten.","28":"I don't wanna pull the ''raging bitch'' card, dude. But after everything we've been through, you owe me an explanation!","29":"Sam might not be able to help herself from cracking jokes, but she's clearly pissed. That backlog of shame for dodging her starts to bubble up.","30":"You're right, Sam. I'm sorry. I've been selfish. It was wrong to just fall off the map without letting you or the other people who care about me know that I was okay.","31":"Okay, you're sorry, great. But I still don't know what's been going on with you.","32":"When all the shit with my midterm paper went down, and I tried to disappear, you tracked me down to Burger Queen and saved me from letting my life get flushed down the toilet...","33":"... So there's no way in hell I'm just going to let you slip away into whatever hole you're sinking into!","34":"Just what do I tell her? Do I lie? Sam is deceptively keen, there is a good chance she'll see through any excuse I can make up.","35":"But, if I give her the truth, I risk drawing her into this fight I'm in. Making her just another target for the Fraternity and Silent1 to use against me.","36":"Maybe a partial truth? Enough to satisfy Sam that my disappearing act has been for a good reason.","37":"My feelings for Sam are real. I don't want to risk losing her, but it's a barrel I'm staring down. Do I risk our relationship? Or do I risk exposing her to danger?","38":"Sam is one of my best friends. After everything we've been through, she deserves an explanation. But that explanation puts her in harm's way.","39":"Lie to Sam?","40":"Give Sam a partial truth.","41":"You're right, Sam. I haven't been totally honest with you.","42":"I've been having a lot of mental issues. Panic attacks and anxiety.","43":"I've been out of school and out of contact because I've been trying to get help.","44":"Sam stares at me with inquisitive eyes.","45":"So, all the running around, and then the disappearing act... that was all some kind of... mental episode?","46":"The lies leave a bad taste in my mouth, even as I feed Sam more of them, seeing her expression soften into one of concern.","47":"I wanted to tell you, but it's just been so much.","48":"That's why Rogham didn't even bat an eyelash when you showed back up in class then. You were out for mental health issues.","49":"I just got in a little over my head with work and college and everything.","50":"Please tell me you've been getting help at the Campus Mental Health Clinic.","51":"I have. I just started going last week.","52":"A look of relief seems to wash across Sam's face.","53":"{PlayerName}, I like to think after everything, we've gotten to know each other pretty well.","54":"So believe me when I say, I'm [i]shocked[\/i] to just hear all this... ","55":"...I mean, for someone with a background in politics, I would have thought you'd be a better liar.","56":"What?","57":"No, Sam, seriously. I swear I just had my first appointment at the clinic last week.","58":"You mean the non-existent Campus Mental Health Clinic I just made up?","59":"Shit.","60":"Sam, wait. I can explain.","61":"{PlayerName}... I don't know what's going on with you.","62":"After all we've gone through. The Student Council, going to college together, Rogham's bullshit... I just don't know why you don't think you can trust me! ","63":"I try to respond, but it comes out as mad gesturing.","64":"... And I thought... I thought you and I really had something. You were my best friend... you were more than that.","65":"Either you're hiding something from me, something fucked up... or you really don't believe in me.","66":"It's not a lie. I don't want to see you get hurt.","67":"Of course. You have to protect me. You wouldn't want me to barge in and fuck everything up, right? Because I can't even take care of myself, you [i]aways[\/i] have to clean up after me, so why would I be able to help you, right?","68":"I scramble, signing that she's got it wrong, before trying to recover on my phone. I don't even see the tears welling in the corner of her eyes.","69":"You know what, save it. Whatever you were gonna say to try and make feel better, or patronize me, or whatever the fuck you were gonna spew out. Just...","70":"How about I do you a favor? I'll just get out of your business, okay?","71":"Then you don't have to worry Sam Hunter fucking up your life, just like how she fucked up your student council president bid. Don't let me be one more mess you have to clean up after.","72":"Sam storms past me. I reach out to try and grab her arm and stop her, but she slaps my hand away.","73":"I'll see you around, {PlayerName}. I hope you figure out whatever it is you got going on.","74":"She pauses for a moment, face twisting in anguish.","75":"You broke my fucking heart.","76":"And just like, with the slam of the door... she was gone.","77":"My gut twists with regret and self loathing.","78":"...and... relief.","79":"A shameful, toxic, cowardly relief. Like a rot. Like losing a sick limb. Some of the pain might be gone, but so is a piece of me.","80":"Part of me wants to run out into that hallway. To grab Sam by the arms and look at her and tell her in my old voice that she's got it all wrong...","81":"...to kiss those soft lips and hold her tight...","82":"...but something stops me. Like a hand reaching around my heart and stopping me from chasing after her.","83":"[i]Isn't it... [\/i]better[i], this way?[\/i]","84":"[i]''And isn't it better for Sam too? She's safer, no longer here to distract you''.[\/i]","85":"The voice morphs between Rogham's... and my own old voice. My own silver tongue whispering sweet poison to me.","86":"As much as I wish it were some demon, possessing my mind, taking the form of a sadistic, grimacing Physics Professor... that voice is mine.","87":"[i]She would just be a liability. A weakness for your enemies to exploit.[\/i]","88":"[i]Dead weight.[\/i]","89":"The serpent's whisper isn't completely wrong. But did I want to see Sam go for her own safety? Or because of my cowardice?","90":"The truth of these things... it's often in between.","91":"I turn around, to see {Leah}, staring at me from her door. Her eyes are soft and sympathetic.","92":"Do you want to talk?","93":"No. Give me a second.","94":"Are you leaving?","95":"I'll be back soon.","96":"I spent a lot of time staring at my own navel, but still, she couldn't get that far.","97":"Actually, she didn't get that far at all.","98":"Fuck... fuckin' [i]mine[\/i] you bitches... I need to get out of here...","99":"She's on her phone. I... don't want to interrupt her. I watch her instead, and wait until she notices.","100":"No... I'm not spending [i]any more[\/i] tartan cloth on that shit. I give you enough money.","101":"Ten more gold bagpipes... and I can unlock William Wallace...","102":"...this game sucks.","103":"Whoa!","104":"How long were you staring at me? Can't you sp- I mean... you could've tapped my shoulder.","105":"Were you playing a gacha game?","106":"Well, I was looking stuff up on Maps and then I realized I have only fifteen minutes to finish the daily quest so...","107":"Not that you care. You know, because we're not friends anymore.","108":"Come back inside. Don't be so silly.","109":"I don't want to come inside. You hurt my fucking feelings.","110":"If you come in, I'll tell you the truth.","111":"...You promise?","112":"I promise.","113":"Your promise isn't a lie, is it?","114":"The promise is the truth.","115":"Okay. If it's the truth... I'll give you a second shot.","116":"Should I wait for you to finish your daily quest?","117":"No... it's a dumb game. It sucks, actually. I've been grinding for William Wallace for months and I still haven't unlocked him.","118":"That's how they hook you, you know.","119":"I know. I've merged like a hundred Bonny Prince Charlies, but they never give me a Tartan-quality William Wallace.","120":"I give her a sympathetic smirk, then leave the door open for her to enter.","121":"Okay, out with it. It's a hip new trend called ''telling the truth'' and you'd better get with it.","122":"Sam, things are... complicated.","123":"So? What else is new?","124":"Look, do you trust me?","125":"Yes, dumbass, of course I trust you.","126":"Okay.","127":"Sam, this is going to sound batshit crazy, but there is something very wrong at Shale Hill. Something dark.","128":"Sam looks at me confused, processing what I'm saying while I search for how much I can tell her, but still keep her safe.","129":"Some time back, I stumbled upon something while working at the IT office. There are some people at Shale Hill University, powerful people, and they are doing some really bad stuff.","130":"This isn't some crazy prank you're pulling on me, right? There isn't a hidden camera somewhere?","131":"I give her a grim look. Her expression changes as she realizes I'm not joking around.","132":"Oh shit... you're serious.","133":"How dark are we talking? Black Market for Plagiarized Term Papers, or do I need to worry about being ''Taken'' and sold as a sex slave to the real life equivalent of Jabba the Hutt?","134":"I wish I was exaggerating, but it's closer to the latter.","135":"I watch the color drain from Sam's face.","136":"Holy shit. Really?","137":"Have you taken this to the cops?","138":"That's not really an option.","139":"Best case scenario, they won't do anything. Worst case, they may be in on it.","140":"And you've been, what, trying to investigate them on your own all this time?","141":"In the moment, I realize how ridiculous this must sound to Sam. I search for an answer, and the silence speaks volumes.","142":"Jesus. {PlayerName}! You can't do this on your own! You're a college student! You should be, like, obsessed with boobs, and videogames, and smoking dope and watching cartoons!","143":"Not running around on your own, playing nighttime crime crusader!","144":"Well as good as I look in it, I'm not going to end up in a slave girl bikini with a collar and leash!","145":"...unless of course we're having a date night and [i]you're[\/i] into that...","146":"Give me the details. I wanna help!","147":"I don't know if that's such a good idea.","148":"Why the hell not?","149":"Because it's dangerous. And right now, the less you know, the safer you'll be.","150":"{PlayerName}, we had each other's back all through high school. You can count on me! And this is just the wily ass shit my mom would always ramble about! I can back you up!","151":"You're seriously not gonna pull this [i]traditional gender role stereotype[\/i] bullshit on me now? Are you?","152":"Yes. I am. Because you may not like it, but I need to know you're safe. The less I have to think about your safety, the better.","153":"Look. I'm not alone in this. There are other people working on this investigation, including some powerful people.","154":"But for now, I just need you to trust me.","155":"Sam glares at me, brow furrowed and seething with frustration.","156":"I hate to stonewall her, but I know she'll be safer the farther she is from this thing. Sam's already had to deal with enough this year.","157":"And there are already too many people I care about who are intimately involved with this conspiracy. I can't risk drawing Sam in too.","158":"Finally though, Sam's shoulder's slump in defeat. Some of her stubbornness must be rubbing off of her and onto me.","159":"Alright, {PlayerName}, if you don't want me in the Mystery Machine with you, fine. But I'll be damned if I'm going to let you fall off the face of the world again.","160":"I'm still going to be here for you, whether you like it or not. Even if you can't tell me what's going on.","161":"I let out a deep sigh of relief. Frankly I'd still rather Sam be a thousand miles away from this mess. But at least, for now, she seems to be willing to accept being kept at arm's distance.","162":"Thank you, Sam. I promise, if I need anything, you will be the first person I call.","163":"You better, dickhead.","164":"She lands a stiffer-than-friendly punch onto my shoulder.","165":"But then she leans and places a kiss gently on my lips.","166":"You wanna head to your room and put it in real quick?","167":"Sam, I need all my blood going to my brain right now.","168":"Okay, okay! Grumpy.","169":"You know how it is. This ass causes as much trouble as it does good.","170":"Sam lets out a resigned sigh.","171":"Well, I'll let you get back to it, I guess.","172":"Talk soon, ya? Don't go disappearing on me again.","173":"And if you need anything, just call me, okay?","174":"I will. Thank you again, Sam.","175":"She turns to leave, and as she exits out the front door, I hear her call out one last time.","176":"And don't think I'm not still pissed at you, because I totally am!","177":"I nod and chuckle silently as the door closes. At least for now, Sam is willing to steer clear of the worst of things.","178":"It's a small consideration, but I'll take every one I can get.","179":"A text?","180":"It's from Lidia.","181":"She... wants to meet during the weekend. Great... so I have a date...","182":"...[i]with the feds[\/i]...","183":"Hey, if they arrest me, at least I'm safe from the Fraternity...","0":"My brain is still going a mile a minute. Lurid fears of federal agents knocking down my door infect my mind.","1":"I hadn't realized I was parked and already walking back to my apartment when my brain suddenly clicked on again.","2":"I instinctively check for unmarked vans as I enter the house...","3":"I'm ready for an ambush by the feds... but that's not at all who shows up. I'm... completely unprepared for who is to come...","4":"Oh, look who finally showed up!","5":"Sam?","6":"{YouCallHer} is there too, her and Sam hovering over cups of tea at the counter. She flashes me a look that says ''You're on your own with this one'', and starts to retreat towards her room. ","7":"I'll just... let you guys have some space.","8":"It wasn't that this was unexpected. I knew Sam would hunt me down eventually.","9":"I raise a hand and start to sign to {YouCallHer} that she doesn't have to go, but I stop myself. It's a childish attempt to avoid the confrontation I know is overdue. Better to just take what is coming to me. "},"ch9__09.SS.10 sam dogsit.vne3":{"10":"I don't want my head to end up on the wall of James Corden's weird, secret trophy room. We should think up some kind of code phrases, just in case one of us is compromised.","11":"Oh god, I'm turning into my mom. {PlayerName}, what if I start listening to weird AM coast to coast radio stations?","12":"She's talking more than she usually does. She's more anxious than I thought.","13":"Hello to you too.","14":"I'm sorry. I know I'm probably being annoying. But I'm going crazy over here not doing anything with all this spycraft stuff going on.","15":"It's started to affect my gaming cred {PlayerName}. You understand? I've blown two raids, and I won't even touch my perma-death-run mage right now.","16":"Sam's really chomping at the bit. I'd like to find something for her to do where she feels useful. She's never been one to sit on the sidelines when she thought others needed her help.","17":"Is there anything I can do? I'm crawling up the walls here, dude. And not in the fun, spooky way either.","18":"Okay, okay. Give me a second here.","19":"I wrack my brain for a minute, trying to think of something for Sam to help with... there is one thing I have to do today that I could bring Sam along on...","20":"Alright, you remember that corner on campus where I bumped into that pole that one time?","21":"Uh, I remember that time you got super flustered because I was making fun of that ridiculous crystal necklace you were wearing and you walked right into a pole while you were trying to sign something back.","22":"I laughed so hard I peed a little.","23":"Yep. That's the one.","24":"I would have thought the energies of the crystal would have guided you around it. Maybe you got a defective one.","25":"For the millionth time, I just thought it looked cool! I didn't actually believe... Just meet me at that corner in 20 minutes.","26":"Leave the crystal at home this time. Can't have you sustaining any head injuries.","27":"Bye Sam.","28":"Convenient that Sam picks this day. I actually had an errand I already needed doing.","29":"I can kill two birds with one stone. Just need to talk to Maggie for a bit.","30":"I reach for the end table and grab my car keys.","31":"Now I just have to wait for my first appointment to show up.","32":"Heya.","33":"Hey.","34":"Thanks for helpin' me, {PlayerName}.","35":"It's actually perfect timing. You're helping me out.","36":"Ain't that a convenience. Trust you know what you're doing.","37":"You emailed me the list. Twice.","38":"Couldn't remember if I already sent it...","39":"You can check your sent folder.","40":"Just easier to send it again. I got my full faith and confidence in you. This is a big job, y'hear?","41":"I will do my damnedest.","42":"I know you will. See you in a couple of hours, then.","43":"Great. Maggie has given me exactly what I need.","44":"Now, I just gotta wait.","45":"Oh, you are much cuter than {PlayerName}! Yes you are! Yes you are!","46":"... And you smell better too.","47":"You're a riot.","48":"Sam, like most girls, cannot resist the charms of a dog.","49":"I'm gonna ditch that big dummy and just start dating you instead!","50":"He can have you.","51":"Sam glares at me, her jaw dropping in theatric, pearl clutching outrage.","52":"Do you hear this, Plato? How he talks to me!","53":"You'll never speak to me like that, will you?","54":"You're already a much better best friend than {PlayerName}!","55":"If I had you back when I won Student Council President, I would've made you my Vice President instead!","56":"Judas.","57":"Sam turns back to me while continuing to snuggle with Plato.","58":"So how long are we playing Puppy-Body Guard for?","59":"Just until Plato's owner can find a safe place to stash him.","60":"Or more precisely, when Maggie gets out of her exam. But protecting an endangered pooch from potential abduction was higher stakes than dog-sitting.","61":"Is pet kidnapping one of the MO's of this shadowy group you're trying to hunt down?","62":"This group likes to find people's weak spots, where to hurt them. Pets are an easy target.","63":"It's hard to imagine a more picturesque afternoon, a contrast to our dire, if fabricated purpose.","64":"For a brief, heavenly moment, life seems... Normal. Blissful, even.","65":"{PlayerName}... Are we protecting this dog from abductors... or are we just pet-sitting?","66":"Well, you wanted to help with something...","67":"You know, it's very cute that you are trying to find these little ways to include me in your life, but I could really do without the lying.","68":"This plan had seemed rock solid earlier. But looking at it now, I see how ridiculous it kind of was.","69":"At this point, why not just risk being truthful?","70":"I know you've been eager to help. I just wanted you to feel like you were doing something.","71":"Because, the truth is, you do help, Sam. Just by being here. You help keep me sane, and grounded.","72":"But I get how that might not seem like much. And I don't want you to feel like you're not contributing, or that I don't trust you and don't feel like I can count on you.","73":"Sam sighs.","74":"Yeah. I get it, {PlayerName}.","75":"Just don't lie to me. I'm a big girl, and I can handle it.","76":"And you know, you don't need to take me on a secret mission or whatever just for us to hang out. We could just... I don't know, do lame, dumb, icky stuff like this. Stuff two people do when they're together. You know, like a date?","77":"Why hadn't I thought of that? The realization must be painted plain as day on my face, because Sam's jaw drops.","78":"Wait... did you forget you could just ask me to go out on a date or spend time with you?","79":"Oh my god... you did!","80":"Duuuuude... you are in deep.","81":"It's just been so crazy recently...","82":"A look of genuine sadness creeps across Sam's face.","83":"{PlayerName}, this isn't healthy.","84":"I know. But what can I do? This isn't an exam. The stakes are serious.","85":"Well, if you're not gonna take me on dangerous, secret missions. I'm going to make sure you take some time to relax at least!","86":"You can't run your motor at those RPMs for long before your wheels come off.","87":"Luckily for you, you have me. And I know all about how to take your mind off those things for a little while.","88":"Sam's eyes thin and her mouth curls into a seductive smile, drawing me close to her as my pulse starts to quicken.","89":"Oh yeah? How's that?","90":"By telling you all the stuff I'll let you do to me later.","91":"My heart starts to race even faster. I lean in even closer.","92":"What kind of stuff?","93":"Oh I'm not telling. Yet. I wanna let you stew and think about it for a while.","94":"She playfully puts her hand on my face and pushes me back to an arm's length distance. Smiling in her impish little way.","95":"And since we are out on a date, and not some secret dog protection mission, you should buy me an ice cream. A big one.","96":"... And Plato said he wants one to.","97":"I smile at Sam, who's trying to flutter her eyelashes and playing her best prim and proper lady, but also propping her chest out. She is good at taking my mind off things and putting it onto her.","98":"What flavor?","99":"It feels like a different time. A time before malicious plots, cyber crimes, and missing persons. When the most important thing we had to worry about was organizing the vote for what theme the prom should be.","100":"Just a couple of friends, watching.","101":"Still petting Plato, Sam finally pipes up.","102":"{PlayerName}... are we really out here just to guard this old dog?","103":"What do you mean?","104":"Sam cocks her head over and raises an eyebrow at me.","105":"Seriously?","106":"Okay, look. I know you hate feeling useless, and you want to help. It's just... I don't have anything you can do right now. Not with the investigation. These things are delicate and complex.","107":"Okay, I get that, but you don't have to lie to me about shit. What's wrong with just asking my pale butt if I want to go get some vitamin D while we watch a dog?","108":"It suddenly occurs to me that she's totally right. It really [i]hadn't[\/i] occurred to me just to ask a friend to hang out.","109":"Shit. You're right.","110":"Of course I'm right. Look who you're talking to...","111":"I'm sorry, Sam. It's like I'm forgetting how to be a human.","112":"Sam smiles, and pats me on the arm.","0":"The next morning...","113":"Don't worry, {PlayerName}. You're gonna get through this.","1":"My phone buzzes aggressively in my pocket. I swear I can tell it's Sam just by the vibration.","114":"I know. Thanks, Sam.","2":"Despite our agreement that she wouldn't get involved, Sam isn't sitting around and waiting for me to ask for her help.","115":"Far cry from the old days. When we didn't have to worry about people's lives being upended and ruined.","3":"I can count on her texting or calling at least once or twice a day now. Making sure I don't disappear on her. The longer I put off getting back to her, the more messages I get.","116":"Sam's remark brings back the dark memories of me sliding those drugs into her locker. The shame is like a hunk of ice in my gut.","4":"It's annoying, but I still feel a pang of guilt for keeping her at arm's length. Despite the jokes, I can read between the lines. She's getting worried.","117":"Right? Different times.","5":"Hey Sam, whats up?","118":"She smiles warmly, then her head turns back towards Plato.","6":"Hey, how do I know you're really {PlayerName}?","119":"Wait. If we're not here to body guard this dog, then whose dog is that?","7":"Jesus, Sam.","120":"Her head then snaps back, face stretched in faux shock before I can respond.","8":"On the phone, all I hear is robo-voice. It could be anyone on the other end.","121":"Oh god, {PlayerName}! Did you kidnap that dog?","9":"For all I know, they've already taken the real {PlayerName}, and are getting ready to kidnap and ship me off to some island where the super rich and celebrities hunt people for sport.","122":"For crying out loud, Sam. It's....","123":"Are we about to get John Wick'd?","124":"You're an ass.","125":"Who's the wallflower?","126":"How long have you been there, Maggie?","127":"Uh...","128":"H-hey. How's it going? Is... uh...","129":"Plato bolts off the fountain and heads between Maggie's feet.","130":"This is my friend, Sam.","131":"Are you Maggie?","132":"You know my name!?","133":"Of course. {PlayerName} talks about you.","134":"Oh, that's nice. Am I what you expected?","135":"Uh... sure. Pretty redhead and all.","136":"...Thanks.","137":"The dog is actually Maggie's.","138":"Really? I can tell he's well-taken care of. You're clearly a pro.","139":"That's real nice to hear.","140":"I... uh... gotta get going now. Thanks for watchin' him.","141":"So that was the famous Maggie, was it? You're right, she is shy. I wanted to pinch her cheeks. She was so cute.","142":"Believe me, she's an extrovert compared to what she was like.","143":"An extrovert? Damn... what [i]was[\/i] she like?","144":"She's not like that anymore. You wouldn't understand. You have no filter and you've always said the first thing that comes to your mind.","145":"Yeah, well, you've got an ugly nose.","146":"Let's go to class before the day gets too nice and I never want to go inside again.","147":"Sure thing."},"ch9__09.SS.20 the pitch.vne3":{"3":"You've been staring at me all class with that same goofy grin. I know when you're up to something.","4":"Lil'old me? Up to something? I have no idea what you're talking about!","5":"Come on, just spill it already.","6":"Okay, if you must know... I have been working on something. A little [i]project[\/i], if you will.","7":"...And?","8":"And, well, since you apparently can't help yourself but become embroiled in the various dramas and tribulations that plague our quaint little college...","9":"...I thought you might as well be embroiled in an official capacity.","10":"Sam reaches into her pack, and with theatrical flare, whips out a crisp, colorful piece of paper.","11":"Ta-da!","12":"[i]Vote {PlayerName}! Student Council President! He'll fight for the students![\/i]","13":"Well? What do you think?","14":"It takes a minute for my head to wrap around what I'm looking at. At first I think it must have been something from our old elections. But then I see the date, and Shale Hill University mentioned, and it sinks in.","15":"You want me to run for Student Council President? Valerie's position?","16":"Yeah! Why not?","17":"This isn't like high school, Sam, where everyone knows everyone else. There are thousands of students going to Shale Hill, I can't begin to describe how much more complex it is.","18":"So the field is a bit bigger. It's still the same game.","19":"Come on! You're a natural at this. A born politician.","20":"Don't you mean [i]leader?[\/i]","21":"Sure. The point is, you have a natural talent for this kind of thing.","22":"I [i]did[\/i] have a natural talent for it, when I had the pipes for it.","23":"That doesn't matter. Winston Churchill sounded like a giant drunk baby.","24":"Thanks Sam. This is really sweet, and I appreciate your confidence, but that's just not who I am anymore.","25":"Now come on, let's head to the library, I still have a bunch of work I have to catch up on for class.","26":"Wait...","27":"Sam has been trying to sell me on her wild idea of running for Student Council since we left the lecture hall. I'm shocked she's been able to talk [i]and[\/i] keep up with those short legs of hers.","28":"...and that's why you have a real shot.","29":"Sam, again, thanks for the confidence. But this is such a long shot.","30":"I'd be starting from zero. And I'd be going up against Val. Who is going to vote for some mute nobody from the IT dungeon over some popular, intelligent, incumbent smokeshow?","31":"Sure, Valerie is so hot she makes me question my sexuality, but let's focus on what we can control. ","32":"Sam, the truth is, back then... I wanted to be elected for all the wrong reasons.","33":"Oh, come on. Are we really gonna do this?","34":"I'm serious. Look, whatever you may think of me, back then, I wanted, power, respect, popularity.","35":"And I believe you. But you're [i]not[\/i] the same guy you were back then.","36":"Look... Back in High School, I ran for student council president because I saw the leadership on the student council losing touch with the student base.","37":"Respectfully, you, Emily, and Valerie, maybe even without realizing it, had turned the Student Council into your own little elitist club.","38":"It was starting to seem like you were all more interested in maintaining your positions than actually representing the rest of the students.","39":"That's why I ran. I wanted to actually help make everyone's lives better.","40":"After you lost your voice and everything, I felt that you had come around, and realized what being a leader is really about.","41":"And now, like back then, you can use all those sleazy political skills to help people...","42":"...even if everyone will say you're a robot piloting a meat suit, talking with that dumb type-to-speech voice.","43":"Hey.","44":"Sam gets up on her toes to plant a peck on my cheek.","45":"Look, I believe in you. I think you can do this. I think you [i]should[\/i] do this, because you're the right man for the job.","46":"Yeah? And what about Valerie?","47":"Valerie-Schmalerie. She's been on top long enough. She needs some competition.","48":"Plus, I kind of think she'd like seeing you back in the game, even if you're running against her.","49":"I look down at the flier again. It seems insane to even be thinking about this right now, but it does hold some allure...","50":"...but it definitely is not the same feeling back from highschool. What I feel right now is... [i]duty?[\/i]","51":"Look, Sam, I mean this in the strongest possible term... I will [i]think[\/i] about it.","52":"Yes! I knew you had it in you!","53":"Sam, I didn't agree to anything.","54":"She's already heading towards the front door of the library, chanting and doing a goofy pep squad cheer.","55":"{PlayerName}, {PlayerName}! He's our man! If he can't do it! No one can! Woooooo!","56":"Hey Buddy! Vote for {PlayerName} for student council president in the upcoming election!","57":"Sam! Stop!","58":"I need a way to control that girl...","59":"...I'll need to catch up to her later, control the damage she does...","0":"Class wraps up, and I head towards the door with Sam in tow. I can feel her looking at me, baiting me to engage her.","1":"Okay, what?","2":"What do you mean?"},"ch9__09.SS.25 going over the details.vne3":{"10":"[anim_23a_speed != anim_23a_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[anim_23b_speed != anim_23b_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[anim_23b_speed != anim_23b_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[anim_23b_speed != anim_23b_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[anim_42_speed != anim_42_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[anim_42_speed != anim_42_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[anim_42_speed != anim_42_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"Speed [tg_anim]","25":"Continue","26":"[anim_46_speed != anim_46_fast_speed]Faster","27":"[anim_46_speed != anim_46_default_speed]Default Speed","28":"[anim_46_speed != anim_46_slow_speed]Slower","29":"<","30":"Later in the evening... I feel compelled to track Sam down. I can't really have her starting a campaign I'm not 100% about yet.","31":"Even if I ran against Valerie, I'd need to tell her first, out of respect...","32":"It shouldn't be that difficult to find Sam. The girl leaves chaos and frustration in her wake. I don't think she can do anything if it's not at the top of her lungs.","33":"If I can't hear her, it's because she's inside... or far away.","34":"I think I've just got to accept that she's gone. I'll try and run into her later... for now, I've got to go to work.","35":"I come out of work feeling a little drained. Sam would be a great pick-me-up right now.","36":"I wonder if I could run into her? There's one place I could start looking...","37":"Lidia's cafe is brimming with the usual, evening bustle. Warm jazz, soft chatter, cups clinking.","38":"If I could see Sam, that would be great, but also... if Lidia is around...","39":"Nice to see you again, {PlayerName}.","40":"Her smile is fake. Her voice is strained. Her greeting doesn't fit her.","41":"She's being puppeted... and I get the feeling that she wants to make it obvious.","42":"Hey Lidia. You got my confirmation, right? For the date tomorrow?","43":"I did. I was surprised you agreed, actually. It sort of seemed like you were busy...","44":"No, I have time for you. But if you're too busy, I understand. Four Gates doesn't seem like your kind of place.","45":"Lidia's face is a mask, her lips stiff, and she seems stuck in this mode for a few actual seconds. I'm not looking forward to this ''date'' if it's going to be like this...","46":"Four Gates? I love that place.","47":"Lidia, you're going to need to be quicker than four seconds if you want to seem convincing...","48":"Now that I think about it, I recall you saying you liked theme parks.","49":"Would you like a coffee?","50":"No, I'm trying to sleep earlier. Have you seen a very loud Asian girl run by, possibly screaming my name?","51":"The mask cracks a bit with that. A bit of genuineness is getting past.","52":"I think I know who you're talking about. I'll leave you alone.","53":"It's crowded today, but yes, I see her.","54":"Ah. There she is.","55":"Well hey, Sailor. You just get into port?","56":"Hello my son. Have you a moment to speak about our lord and Savior, Gabe Newell?","57":"I look up at Sam and grin. So much for no distractions, but at least it's a welcome one.","58":"Sorry, they don't sell cans of Gamer Crack here. Are you lost?","59":"Hey! I drink coffee.","60":"The one that is 95% sugar and 5% coffee?","61":"I will not be put on trial here.","62":"What are you up to? Did you follow me?","63":"I was a bit scared you were running around, telling people to vote for me when I wasn't running.","64":"I hope you can tell the difference between me joking and me being actually hyper.","65":"So you weren't serious about the election stuff?","66":"No, that I was serious about! But come on, I'm a veteran politician girl-person! I'm not going to sink your campaign.","67":"Your heart is really set on this.","68":"I'm nothing but sincere, {PlayerName}. My heart is written on my sleeve and possibly my tits and ass, too.","69":"Sam, with everything going on, [i]and[\/i] the metric ton of coursework I have to catch up on, I just haven't had time to really consider it.","70":"I wouldn't even know where to begin.","71":"Well, luckily for you, I have it all planned out.","72":"What do you mean?","73":"I know you're, like, crazy busy. And you probably wouldn't have time to go and find all the forms you'll need to fill out, and how to register.","74":"Thankfully, your cunning, daring, and criminally sexy girlfriend went and found out what you have to do to register.","75":"And she even started thinking up a campaign plan.","76":"Luckily, your amazing, frighteningly intelligent, devilishly sexy best friend went and did some of the leg work for you.","77":"Really? You did all that?","78":"Sure! Before you get too excited it was all pretty easy, but I have it all laid out in my dorm room.","79":"If you can take a few minutes, I can show you.","80":"I have a mountain of work to do... but I'll be damned if Sam's election pitch isn't getting my blood going a little bit.","81":"Okay. Yeah. Let's see what you got.","82":"Really?","83":"Yeah, I could use a little break. And I want to see what you put together.","84":"No promises. I'm still not sure if I even want to consider running.","85":"Sure, sure. Totally get it. Just taking a look.","86":"I collect my things, and follow Sam out the door and back to campus.","87":"Play sex scene.","88":"jump justFriends","89":"We get back to Sam's dorm, and she's fidgeting with the lock.","90":"Ugh, stupid thing! I need to get a hold of the RA and get this thing fixed.","91":"Problem?","92":"Just my stupid door knob gets jammed up sometimes. Can you help me?","93":"I lean in to help Sam with the door, reaching around her to grab the knob.","94":"But when I do, I feel her press her ass back into me. The sensation of her warm cheeks pressing against my crotch sends a jolt of blood to my shaft.","95":"She croons her head back and gives me a hungry look. I suddenly suspect that her motivations to get me back to her room might not have been entirely political.","96":"She inches closer to me, and her scent fills my nostrils. My thoughts and curiosity about the proposed campaign suddenly seem to fall away, and now all I can think about is her.","97":"If she's just trying to get me into bed, what's wrong with taking the bait?","98":"Kiss her.","99":"Do nothing.","100":"I can't constantly fuck Sam like a rabbit. If I start kissing her now, we won't talk about anything else.","101":"Sam looks a bit disappointed, resigned to us having a proper discussion, but she says nothing as I open the door.","102":"Closing the gap, our lips contact, kissing gently at first, then more deeply. I take Sam around the hips, then press her back against the door.","103":"Each taste of her lips sends me diving deeper into bestial arousal, whatever concerns I've been harboring are lost.","104":"I sense my primal urges taking over. I'd better get this door open before I just do Sam right here in the hall.","105":"When I turn the knob, the door flies open with the pressure already against it.. Sam throws her arms around my neck and giggles, her ploy being discovered.","106":"[i]Cheeky little...[\/i]","107":"Herding her inside, I kick the door closed.","108":"I forget how badly I want release... the prospect of sex with Sam has me burning.","109":"Just as I'm ready to start tearing her clothes off, she pushes me away.","110":"Not so fast, buddy.","111":"Ahn?","112":"You'll have to wait while I put on my [i]evening wear[\/i].","113":"Turn around while I change. And get undressed.","114":"I should let Sam talk me into political strategy meetings more often. Obeying her, I turn around and start stripping down.","115":"I'm downright giddy to see Sam's definition of [i]evening wear[\/i].","116":"I hear her shuffling around behind me. The wait is starting to kill me, even though it can't have been more than a minute or two.","117":"Still, I fight the urge to peek.","118":"Okay, big boy. You can look.","119":"I turn and look at Sam, and am instantly transfixed. If I wasn't ready to go before, I sure am now.","120":"I silently mouth ''Wow'' as Sam flaunts her figure.","121":"She giggles, grabs a box from her shelf, and starts to saunter over.","122":"Do you like it?","123":"Yeah, I do like it.","124":"Putting the box down, Sam starts to rummage around in it.","125":"I look on in anticipation, wondering what kind of device or toy Sam is going to pull out of her ''Fun Box''. Though frankly, I'm also a bit nervous. Sam looks like she's a little more on the kinky side than I am.","126":"Finally, she grins, pulling out a set of ropes.","127":"Am I in trouble? Or are you?","128":"Oh, definitely me. I thought since I'm always such a handful, maybe you'd want to tie me up!","129":"My heart is racing, as Sam hands me the rope. I spin her around and bind her hands around her back.","130":"My head is still catching up with what's going on. I had no idea this strategy session would turn so... kinky.","131":"That's right! Tie me up nice and tight! I've been so bad!","132":"With Sam properly tied up, I spin her back around to get a good look at her. Her cheeks are flush with arousal... I wonder if she likes being helpless like this?","133":"Should we have a safe word?","134":"How about, ''Ow, quit it, dummy.''","135":"This is gonna be comedy.","136":"Sam giggles, and I pull her in tight to kiss her.","137":"Our bodies, seemingly without prompting, rub together, trying to lock in.","138":"Sam is amazing. Even with her like this, completely mine, I still can't seem to get enough of her.","139":"Yessss. I'm so fucking wet.","140":"I'm all yours, totally helpless. Treat me like your little fuck toy!","141":"It's like I've already forgotten the conversation about the safeword. I grab her by the head, push her down to her knees.","142":"Yeah baby, use me!","143":"Yeah, I will... but first... I want to get myself going. I need to go through the whole warm up phase.","144":"Some people stretch to get ready, I force Sam to watch as I tug my cock right in front of her hungry eyes.","145":"Shit, {PlayerName}... you really are sadist, aren't you?","146":"Her little head strains against my palm, like she's trying to get closer to my cock. I only respond with a smile.","147":"You can't tease me all night. You're gonna have to let me get a turn with that thing eventually...","148":"Her arousal is becoming serious distress. Damn... now I'm starting to feel a bit bad for her.","149":"I'll let her have her way with me.","150":"I always knew Sam was into some more outlandish stuff, but seeing it in person, her sexual appetite on full display, is exhilarating and just a little intimidating.","151":"She leans in, pressing her wet tongue to my gland. It's the first contact I've gotten since the sensation was like a lightning bolt of pleasure, rippling through me... I have to steady myself...","152":"Sam continues to massage my member with her tongue, mouthing the edge of my dick with her plump lips. Toying with me and riling me up.","153":"She then gives me exactly what I want.","154":"Sam's pretty head bobs up and down my shaft, hungrily taking as much as she can.","155":"Each time, I feel my manhood slide down the back of her mouth and down her throat... her lips suck at my pole. The pleasure is brain melting.","156":"Giving into my inner savage, I place my hands on her head, and start to thrust. Sliding my meat in and out of her mouth.","157":"Sam steadies herself and tries to match the rhythm, but eventually relinquishes control completely, focusing on keeping her lips tight around my shaft.","158":"Sam isn't having the easiest time of it. I feel her strangling, wrung out on my dick.","159":"This [i]was[\/i] what she was begging for, [i]asking for.","160":"And though she's struggling... I don't think there's a single neuron that doesn't want exactly this.","161":"Fuck. Every time my dick is pulled in by her lips... I could cum just then.","162":"I really need to change things up before I lose control and cut this evening way too short.","163":"Adjusting my footing for better purchase, I bear down on the poor girl, outright fucking Sam's tight little mouth.","164":"Grunting and growling, I'm egged on by her own submissive little whimpers of pleasure.","165":"Yes, this is it. Fuck... the back of her throat is collapsing in around me...","166":"...I feel like I'm in danger of bursting and not filling just her stomach... but her [i]lungs...","167":"Do this enough, and Sam is sure to be wheezing afterward. Even those sounds and whimpers are fucking delicious...","168":"...I do want the poor girl to breathe.","169":"No matter how slutty Sam is, I'm only going to go so far to fulfill her desires. I'm going to let that girl take a breath.","170":"I release her, and quietly, her head begins to assume a more relaxed position.","171":"My spear is now soaked in spit and precum, as Sam coughs a few times and gasps for air.","172":"I feel it rushing around my dick...","173":"Oh my god, you straight up fucked my throat!","174":"You good?","175":"That was so hot, I'm fucking dripping!","176":"I let her have a minute to catch her breath, while deciding how else I'd like to play with her. Inspiration strikes me when I see something from her toy box that looks fun...","177":"I grab Sam, get her to her feet, and bend her over the desk.","178":"Oh no! What are you gonna do to me!","179":"Her seductive little smirk turns to a gasp when she sees what I'm holding.","180":"Yes. I [i]definitely[\/i] need a spanking!","181":"I grab the petite coed by her arm and press her deep into the desk. Submissively, she presses that perfect ass of hers out.","182":"Those perky, plump cheeks are just begging to be slapped. I feel her writhing around in anticipation as I draw the paddle back.","183":"I swing it forward, giving her firm, playful, slap on the ass. The crack of wood on her soft bottom fills the room.","184":"Mmmm... harder.","185":"I give her another one, a little stronger.","186":"Harder!","187":"Alright. If that's how it's going to be...","188":"Ah! Oh fuck! Yes!","189":"The clapping of her meat is so loud I have sympathy pain, but Sam writhes around on the desk in pleasure.","190":"Her cheeks grow a deep pink, I can feel the heat coming off of the stimulated flesh.","191":"Her ass is driving me wild, I can't keep my hands off of it any longer.","192":"What are you doing now?","193":"I drop to my knees, and take Sam by the hips, and pull the little minx toward me. Burying my face inbetween her heavenly cheeks.","194":"Are you about to, yep!","195":"Sam bucks when my tongue hits her butthole. I grab her, pull her back to me, and hold her tight while I start to eat out her ass.","196":"Oh fuck! Oh shit! Yes, baby! Toss my salad!","197":"While I'm down there, I lather her anus with spit. Gotta make sure it's good and lubricated for what I'm about to do with it.","198":"Getting back up, I press my cock to Sam's helpless asshole. Slowing pushing it into her.","199":"I'm your little slut! Fuck my tight little ass!","200":"Sam is incredibly tight, I feel her firm pucker hole as she eagerly takes me in.","201":"Fuck! You're so big!","202":"The small Asian girl's tight asshole finally surrenders to my girthy hog as I feel myself suddenly pop into her.","203":"Sam lets out a yelp of surprise, gasping as she's penetrated.","204":"I have to hold her down to begin thrusting. Each time, I am driven faster and faster by Sam's chorus of whimpers and moans.","205":"Her ample asscheeks slap against my pelvis as I pound her.","206":"Fuck my ass! Harder!","207":"Ohhhh fuck! It feels like you're gonna split me in two!","208":"Shit! I'm gonna cum! Choke me!","209":"I'm a little taken aback by her request. [i]Choking?[\/i] Did I hear it right?","210":"Please! Fucking choke me! I'm almost there!","211":"My fingers around her slender little throat and obey. Squeezing her neck with gentle pressure, I resume thrusting. Sam's moans and whimpers become more shallow and labored.","212":"Just a little harder! Just a little!... Yes! Just like that! Please! I'm almost... I'm almost...","213":"Oh fuck! Oh fuck, I'm cumming! I'm cumming!","214":"Sam's high pitched, breathy squeal fills the room. Her petite hips buck and rock back into me uncontrollable, as her whole body tenses up as if she's been hit with a cattle prod.","215":"I wrench Sam onto the desk. Her hands grip the edge, already anticipating something rough...","216":"Oh fuck! I love it when you're rough with me!","217":"I grab her lithe, silky legs and toss them up on my shoulders, then resume absolutely punishing Sam's ass with my cock.","218":"Oh shit! Oh-shit-oh-shit-oh-shit!","219":"Her legs are way above me, buckling with every thrust. Her face is completely consumed in the coming orgasm...","220":"Yeah, Sam is just about ready for anything. I can already tell. If I wanted to spray sperm on every inch of her body, she'd let me.","221":"I'm not a cartoon hentai monster, as much as she'd wish I was. I can only spread myself so thinly.","222":"A strategic choice is coming up, and Sam is going to want me to use her extremely thoroughly.","223":"I have a pretty good idea of where I want this...","224":"Cum in her ass.","225":"Cum on her face.","226":"Let her surprise me.","227":"I know exactly where I want to cum.","228":"The urge to try a different position strikes me, and I pull out of Sam's ass, coaxing a cute little yelp from her.","229":"She watches curiously from the desk while I grab a nearby chair.","230":"What are you doing?","231":"Somehow, even if I could speak, I don't think I'd tell her. We're at the stage of pure physical communication at this point. She's coaxed the Mr. Hyde from my Dr. Jekyll, and now she's just a vessel to be cummed into.","232":"I lift her clean off the desk, and sit back into the chair. Finding her asshole with the tip of my cock, I slowly pull her small frame back down around my shaft.","233":"Oh shit! You're so fucking huge!","234":"I look into Sam's face as I penetrate her once more, watch her mouth morph into an o and her big, dark, beautiful eyes roll back in her skull as my cock slides deep up inside her.","235":"Grunting and sneering, I rail on Sam. I pin her small, doll-like body to me while I ravish her.","236":"Her thighs and ass slamming against me with each thrust. Her voice wavering, her legs writhing back and forth across my shoulders. It's enough to send goosebumps up my entire body.","237":"Fuck! My head feels like it's about to pop!","238":"While Sam is still being rocked by her orgasm, I feel my own climax rising from deep inside.","239":"Oh fuck, are you gonna cum!? Cum for me, baby!","240":"This is how I like to see Ms. Student Council President, bouncing up and down my dick like she's desperate for it.","241":"I sort of forget in this moment that I was working under her.","242":"It gives me a powerful feeling - that any woman would collapse with the power of my dick.","243":"Sam's little sphincter is almost practiced enough that it feels as though I'm being jerked off.","244":"I'm not going to last much longer...","245":"I give Sam a minute to adjust, before starting to bounce her up and down on my cock.","246":"Her undulating moans are like music, as I use her like a literal fuck toy, jerking myself off with her small body.","247":"Fuck me! Fucking destroy me!","248":"I'm all animal at this point. Almost out of body. Driven by the pure, blinding desire to breed Sam. Fucking her faster and faster.","249":"The orgasm rumbles up from deep inside me. Possessing my whole form. Sam see's the climax coming, her eyes becoming crazed and wild.","250":"Yes! Oh god! Please! Cum inside me!","251":"With a deep growl, I crush her small body to me, my muscles turning to steel cable, and unload the contents of my balls deep up inside Sam. The petite asian beauty squealing when she feels the cum exploding inside her.","252":"Yes! Oh god! Yes!","253":"Even as pulses of my seed blast into her, her own legs begin quivering uncontrollably, and her eyes roll back, Sam also spiraling into wild orgasm.","254":"It's all we can do to hold on, ride out the tremors of ecstatic, overwhelming pleasure.","255":"Slowly though, they subside. Taking with them our maddening lust, and leaving the warm euphoria and post-coital glow.","256":"I try to hoist Sam's petite body off my cock, but my limbs feel gelatinous. Sam easily clinches down as if she wants me to stay inside her.","257":"Her little yelp signals my cock popping free of her. Drenched in cum, it feels cool in the raw air of the room.","258":"That was... that was fucking amazing!","259":"Grabbing Sam, I pull her off the desk and put her on her knees. Instinctually, she arches her back, looking up at me hungrily as I begin to jerk off at her.","260":"You have something for me? You have a little treat for your Sammy-Doll?","261":"Seeing her tied up, on her knees, totally submissive, is all I need to finish. I already feel the surge of cum erupting when I start to pump my cock at her.","262":"I fire so forcefully Sam's head bucks when the stream of jizz strikes her face. My own knees quiver as I fire jet after jet at the squealing, raven haired co-ed.","263":"With the last lazy rope of cum, whipping at Sam's cheek's, I finally feel the monstrous lust begin to subside.","264":"Sam looks up at me with a look of deadened shock. Suddenly I feel a terrible knot in my gut. Did I go too far?","265":"That... was... fucking amazing.","266":"Surprise me.","267":"Ooh, you're really gonna untie me? I have a couple of ideas that should be a ton of fun!","268":"I reach down and undo Sam's bindings. She's already giggling like an idiot, and I'm starting to think I should just have left her tied up.","269":"Still unable to suppress her snickering, Sam slides behind me, then shoves me against the desk. Instinctually I clench up. What have I done?","270":"Just relax... I won't be [i]too[\/i] rough.","271":"She has my hands on the desk like I'm about to be patted down. I feel my sense of vulnerability growing. I also regret not spending more time discussing ground rules with Sam before we started, particularly in regards to ''ports of entry''.","272":"I catch Sam sliding something off the desk, but it's just a flash... wasn't there a paddle there before?","273":"You're so tense? What's got you all nervous, buddy? It is because you just got done face fucking poor lil'Sam and plowing her teeny lil'asshole? And now's [i]she's[\/i] got [i]you[\/i] bent over the desk?","274":"Is it too late to apologize? I should offer to take her out to a nice dinner. Maybe see if there is some new game she wants, maybe she'll...","275":"Just relax... relax. It'll only hurt worse if you struggle.","276":"Shit. Nope. I start to push away, when...","277":"I jump. She got me right in the buttocks. The sharp sting of the paddle reverberates through my ass cheek like a fleshy gong.","278":"The sting is immediately followed by a throbbing warmth, and just when it's settled, Sam cackles and lands another hit.","279":"Oh my god, I love seeing you all squirmy! This is my new favorite thing ever!","280":"[i]Everything is going sideways...","281":"Aww, did I make ''yo wittle booty hole'' clench up?","282":"I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you.","283":"Sam's slender finger's wrap around my cock, and start to pump it. Giving me a reach around with her warm body pressed up against me.","284":"Her perky tits pressed into my back, and the way she vigorously jerks me off, quickly causes me to relax, and it's not long before...","285":"Am I... like... supposed to punish you for cumming? Or reward you?","286":"Did we establish that you're a [i]bad boy who won't cum[\/i] or a [i]bad boy who cums all the time?","287":"I'm normally a sub...","288":"Yeah, and I'm normally more a dom... so I don't know...","289":"...all I know is... I felt pretty damn good about that.","290":"I've got to stop this before it wakes something in me that I don't like...","291":"Exhausted, we collapse back down on the bed.","292":"Sam clumsily peels off her outfit, and tosses it into a messy pile at the end of the bed, before curling up next to me.","293":"So did you like my strategy session?","294":"I did. I don't know how it would help me get elected, but it does make me think I should tie you up more often.","295":"Mmmm, don't say that. You're making me want to go again.","296":"I'm gonna need a minute. I don't think I've ever fucked that hard in my life.","297":"Oh my god, it was so hot.","298":"Sam and I get cleaned up, and with limbs still shaky from knocking boots, she picks back up with her election pitch. Looks like she did have something prepared after all.","299":"So, I did look up the running requirements. It's really not that much paperwork. We could have you registered in an afternoon.","300":"I still don't know, Sam... I don't really want that kinda stuff anymore. It's just a... [i]pain in the ass...[\/i]","301":"Heh. [i]Pain in the butt[\/i].","302":"I think it should go to someone who is a proven leader. The election made me an asshole, I don't want to be that again.","303":"But that's exactly why you should be in power. I think Valerie is great and all, but let's not pretend that power doesn't make her cooter hum.","304":"That fact that you're scared you'll be a bad leader, that you're scared of letting the people you're representing down is why you should be in office. You've come to see it as a duty, not as a privilege or reward.","305":"And think of all the good we did back on the Student Council. I know you got some [i]warm and fuzzies[\/i] when we actually got something done and fixed something for the rest of the students.","306":"Yeah [i]when[\/i] we were able to.","307":"If it were easy, they'd let any old asshole do it.","308":"As opposed to assholes like us?","309":"Let me ask you this. Do you think things were better off when we left office, than when we got into it?","310":"Yeah... I suppose we did fix a couple things for everyone.","311":"Then what makes you think you couldn't do it again?","312":"Alright, but you need to stop acting like I'm gonna get into this mess by myself.","313":"What do you mean?","314":"This is your idea, crazy. If I'm gonna run, you're coming with me.","315":"I'm not gonna run with Plato as my Vice President.","316":"You realize how good that would poll, though?","317":"But... you want me as your VP? Really?","318":"Who else? The idea has clearly got you giddy.","319":"Plus, as I recall, we made a pretty good team.","320":"Sam grins, biting her lip, before pulling me tight and kissing me on the cheek.","321":"God, we're gonna be such a sexy running team. People will [i]have[\/i] to vote for us just because we're so good looking.","322":"I shake my head and exhale.","323":"Frankly, I still think we're nuts for even considering this.","324":"Sam snuggles up close, nuzzling my neck.","325":"Of course. No sane, rational person would be stupid enough to run for political office. That makes us perfect for the job.","326":"I like to think of myself as sane and rational, so I still think I'll pass.","327":"You bitch! You said you were gonna-","328":"I know I'm silent, but still, [i]listening skills[\/i], Sam. I didn't say I'd do it. Just that [i]if[\/i] I was going to do it, you'd be my veep.","329":"I'm pretty sure there was an implication of acceptance somewhere.","330":"Well, I'm closer to running than I was yesterday, if that makes you feel better. But I've got to weigh this with everything else I've got going on in my life.","331":"So you're really saying that you're still thinking about it.","332":"Yes.","333":"Sam huffs with exaggerated frustration.","334":"Well, as long as you promise you'll think hard about it.","335":"I've already thought really hard about it. But I promise I'll think even harder.","336":"I know how well you do [i]really hard[\/i] things, {PlayerName}.","337":"Be mature.","338":"Heh. [i]Mature[\/i], just like all your favorite games.","339":"I give her a stern glance.","340":"Okay. Okay. I get it. Not everything is innuendo. Sue me.","341":"Point is, it would be nice to have that experience over again, don't you think? It was a fun time, right?","342":"I do have good memories.","343":"Plus... I would [i]love[\/i] to see you as President. I think you'd look awesome behind a big desk with tiny weird flags poking out of it.","344":"Insert Monica Lewinsky joke here.","345":"Who is she?","346":"Huh. Maybe Sam [i]is[\/i] suited to political work...","347":"I gotta get home. See you soon.","348":"Yeah... I should probably get to sleep, honestly. So... [pause][char,Sam_Casual_Annoyed]get out of my dorm room.","349":"Shoo! Shoo!","350":"I will... geez.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[anim_18_speed != anim_18_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[anim_18_speed != anim_18_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[anim_18_speed != anim_18_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[anim_23a_speed != anim_23a_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[anim_23a_speed != anim_23a_default_speed]Default Speed"},"ch9__09.VS.05 hanging at the bar.vne3":{"10":"It's about Sandra.","11":"Do you want to talk about this at Sevigny's?","12":"I didn't know you go to Sevigny's.","13":"Just because you've never seen me there? I like a drink. Whether in the IT lab or at a bar. Or worse places.","14":"You like setting a bad example.","15":"No, I [i]love[\/i] setting a bad example.","16":"Not that I don't want to go, I feel like this is too serious to talk openly at a bar.","17":"A meteor comes hurtling toward the planet. You've got hours to live. What are you going to do with the little time you have left?","18":"Where is Valerie going with this?","19":"I'd fuck.","20":"I'd get drunk.","21":"I'd pray.","22":"I'd try and save myself.","23":"Fuck while screaming your secrets to the world, yes. Because who cares?","24":"Not a bad choice. Helps you not think about what's going to happen. Maybe you even share a secret with a friend.","25":"And say whatever you need to say to God, is that right? Why do you feel the need to talk to God in this world when you're about to meet him in the next?","26":"I understand the part where you share yourself, but I don't quite understand why you'd pray to do it.","27":"It's a little undignified, don't you think? Better to accept what comes.","28":"Me, personally? I'd stop caring about secrets.","29":"Luckily, we aren't about to be hit with a meteor, so there's a reason to be discrete.","30":"You're right. We shouldn't go to a bar, then. We should whisper in darkness instead of being out in the light having fun.","31":"Shit, {PlayerName}, I'm sorry. I get a little tired of playing the game sometimes. The school administration is full of assholes. I see peoples lives being ruined, tragedies all around.","32":"It's really hard not to get a sense of gallows humor.","33":"Please. Let's go to Sevigny's. I really need it.","34":"Yeah. I get her. I started to learn that lesson a few days ago.","35":"No matter how dark things are, you need to find something to keep you going. Otherwise, you begin to lose yourself.","36":"I give her an understanding smile, then I indicate we should go.","37":"Valerie smiles at me, then we're off.","38":"When was the last time you were here?","39":"Hmm... I don't know. Maybe when I first came?","40":"When you go to a place for the first time, you try everything once, right?","41":"Not sure about that. I skipped the Taco Bell with the weird skidmarks on the floor.","42":"Yes, you can get those anywhere. I mean unique places. There's always a place that you can't find anywhere else.","43":"Why did you stop going?","44":"I don't know. Maybe I'm just not a bar person. Drinking at a bar is very conventional. I'm not setting a bad enough example.","45":"I see. You've got to do your drinking and carousing somewhere inappropriate. Like the office.","46":"You understand me. I'm so touched.","47":"But... you don't always have to set a bad example.","48":"Sometimes, it's fine to just...","49":"[i]...relax[\/i].","50":"Hey. I'll have whatever is on tap for me and my friend here.","51":"Holy shit... it's that girl...","52":"[i]...dead laptop girl...","53":"Excuse me? Are you deaf? Could I get a drink?","54":"Hey girl...","55":"Huh?","56":"Our friends need a little help, okay? I know you can do it.","57":"Sorry... I wasn't... uh...","58":"Don't worry about it. Being a bartender is about being chill. Nobody likes a frantic bar girl.","59":"Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open and everything will be fine.","60":"Okay...","61":"I do it like this, right?","62":"That's generally how it's done, yes.","63":"Sorry... this is my first day...","64":"The... the World's Straightest Man is training me. I honestly didn't know someone like that existed...","65":"Thanks for the drinks.","66":"It's hetero to see you. World's Second Straightest Man followed by the World's Most Gorgeous School President.","67":"I didn't know you follow Shale Hill politics.","68":"Of course. {PlayerName} doesn't stop talking about you.","69":"Hmm?","70":"{PlayerName} is always telling me that the best way to erode patriarchal norms is to put competent women in positions of high power, thus normalizing gender schemas where femininity is not associated with submission to male authority.","71":"He never shuts up about that.","72":"I've never had a conversation like that with {PlayerName}. Are you holding out on me?","73":"Yeah. Dante and I talk about women's lib all the time. It's our number one topic of conversation after comparing how straight we both are.","74":"Women's lib is the straightest conversation topic.","75":"Women's lib is super het, bro.","76":"I'm actually surprised you remember me. The last time I came here was in my freshman year.","77":"You've got a face nobody could forget.","78":"Heh. That's nice to hear.","79":"Listen - I would love to help you both, but I'm actually training the World's Best New Bartender, Kiara.","80":"Kiara? You know, if I had bothered to check her student card I probably would've remembered that.","81":"I'm actually supposed to do that before helping people directly in the IT lab...","82":"Is Kiara replacing Haley?","83":"Yeah. I already miss her, but she's got a future to think about. Someone as talented as her has more to offer the world than in this place.","84":"I'd cry manly tears, but they come out like bullets. I don't want to hurt anyone.","85":"You're a good guy, Dante.","86":"I feel like a dad sometimes...","87":"Let's take a seat, {PlayerName}.","88":"Let Kiara know if you need anything, okay?","89":"We will.","90":"Man, how fun would student council have been if we could've held them here, huh?","91":"It would've been a very inappropriate work place. Exactly your style.","92":"Yes, let's do business where pleasure happens and pleasure where business happens.","93":"You know what I've always wanted to do?","94":"What?","95":"You know how if you're having fun at work, you distract everyone around you. Right?","96":"Where are you going with this?","97":"Well, I want to go to a bar like this one, and do work so loudly it pisses everyone off.","98":"So like screaming while you're studying or something?","99":"I don't know how it would work. The logistics of it I haven't figured out yet.","100":"Have a loud business call in the middle of a bar?","101":"Staple papers together [i]really hard[\/i].","102":"Bring those old giant copy machines with you and just have papers go everywhere.","103":"Tell everyone in the bar you're going to get some coffee and ask if they want one.","104":"Heh. I'm not sure why I'm dumb like this.","105":"I'm not sure either. I've been puzzling over that for years.","106":"Ah, shut up. You love me.","107":"I just can't imagine how thrilled Emily would be to bring work into every last area of her life.","108":"Oh yes. True. She'd love that. Finally, she never has to escape school.","109":"It's so goddamn sad what happened to her.","110":"The work of Silent1.","111":"And how many people will ever learn that? Me, you...","112":"...it's so difficult to explain to people the situation.","113":"It's so strange about the Cedric thing.","114":"It wasn't really Cedric. It was Silent1 and the fraternity.","115":"It's pretty messed up, isn't it? How do you explain to people that kind of situation?","116":"Now you know what I've been dealing with. It's really difficult when you have a problem you can't tell anyone about.","117":"Yeah, I understand better than you think.","118":"Student council was so fun. I guess most people have nice memories of going to the theater or the park or hanging out in a friend's basement.","119":"For me, it was the student council room.","120":"You're definitely looking back with rose-tinted lenses.","121":"How so?","122":"I got good memories too, of course, but we did a lot of actual work back then.","123":"Yeah. I know we did.","124":"You made us work hard.","125":"Did I?","126":"Yes, of course. But to be fair, you made us want to work hard.","127":"Me and Emily both. We looked up to you. We wanted to be just as professional and skilled as you are.","128":"You didn't realize I was just a troll, huh?","129":"You aren't just a troll, though.","130":"Hmm?","131":"You have no idea how much I learned from you. About politics. About democracy. About leadership. About presentation.","132":"I think you like to think of yourself as someone who doesn't take things seriously, but you're definitely a serious person.","133":"I know I take things seriously. But I'm not a serious person.","134":"Now she's making [i]me[\/i] confused. I shoot an odd look.","135":"Yeah, when I work, I do it well. I do a good job. I work hard for my future. But... I don't know. I never feel like I take it seriously.","136":"If you work hard, that's the definition of taking it seriously.","137":"That's not [i]believing[\/i], though. Any idiot can work hard. The janitor scrubs the floor, they wipe shit off the toilet seats, they clean graffiti off the desks, but not once do they think:","138":"[i]This is serious work[\/i].","139":"What's the difference, then?","140":"Exactly what I said. [i]Belief[\/i].","141":"You never believed in your work?","142":"Sadly, no. I wish I could. I wish I was like Emily.","143":"You'd break Emily's mind if she heard that. She wishes she was you.","144":"If Emily thought about it for a second, she'd never want to be me. I'm complicated, Emily really isn't.","145":"I think she's more complicated than you think.","146":"Not in her belief system.","147":"You think she's simple? I don't know. Emily has all kinds of weird complexes. You weren't sleeping with her.","148":"True. But there's an aspect of her character that's pretty easy to understand. Her belief system.","149":"I don't know how to label Emily's philosophy, but whatever it is, she's got faith in it.","150":"Emily goes through life in a straight line - kinda like a bull. If something is in her way, she knocks her way through it.","151":"Like me.","152":"You mean as something she wanted? Oh... something she [i]knocked down[\/i]. You were supposed to be the successful, intelligent, promising boyfriend that her family wanted.","153":"When you couldn't be that, she got rid of you.","154":"Sad but true.","155":"Make Emily appear (ep6_choice !=1)","156":"Continue without Emily (She's under arrest)","157":"Personally, I think she's insane. Who would want to let go of you, hmm?","158":"Weirdly, I have the same thought.","159":"Luckily, there's always another girl to snatch you up. Funny that.","160":"Not always, but this time, I was lucky enough that there was.","161":"I love Valerie's mischievous smile.","162":"I have an idea... do you think we should invite Emily?","163":"An Annette-Taylor Student Council reunion. What do you think?","164":"I can't ever remember going to a bar with her. I'm not sure she's ever been to a bar.","165":"Besides, Emily is under house arrest. I don't think she'd be able to make it.","166":"Really? Not even to a bar with friends?","167":"It's serious. They put a GPS on you. If you aren't where you are supposed to be, they put you right back in jail.","168":"Oh, I don't think that's true. Emily? Tracking device?","169":"It's what I hear...","170":" Pretty sure the police won't care if she's out for a little while. Rock paper scissors - rich daddies beat well-funded police departments...","171":"...police departments beat homeless people. Homeless people beat rich daddies.","172":"I doubt police attached a GPS to her. They probably aren't even monitoring her. She should be fine.","173":"Not sure about the homeless part, but her dad could probably get the police department to go easy on her...","174":"...he at least had enough control to put pressure on {Leah}.","175":"I'm not sure, but I know she's supposed to be at home at night after work.","176":"If it's a problem, let her tell us. We can call Emily and see what she thinks, at least.","177":"Yeah... that is definitely true. There's really no harm in asking...","178":"Would Emily even come? I don't think she ever been to a bar like this.","179":"Well, now we can change that, couldn't we?","180":"Let's get Emily here.","181":"I... got fucking distracted. I wanted to talk to Valerie about Sandra. Instead I'm having a good time drinking and talking about old times.","182":"I suppose I could talk to Valerie after the evening is over... but at this rate...","183":"...maybe I should just stop her from calling Emily?","184":"Stop her...","185":"Let her call Emily.","186":"Actually, Val, I have to stop you.","187":"I came to talk for a very specific purpose.","188":"Yeah. Yeah. I know.","189":"I'm going to call Emily.","190":"She picks up the phone and navigates through the menu.","191":"Emily! Emily!","192":"Get your ass to Sevigny's, okay? You know where that is?","193":"...","194":"What are you talking about?","195":"...","196":"A business meeting, of course! Student Council business!","197":"...","198":"What do you mean? I'm not drunk. Come over! Don't be a baby.","199":"Don't use your stupid house arrest as an excuse. They won't be monitoring you at all.","200":"...","201":"How do I know? Because your dad is rich and has an in with the Shale Hill police department, that's what.","202":"You [i]better[\/i] be here. I order you as Student Council president. Important work!","203":"I fucked your mom last night, bitch.","204":"She's coming. Another beer. Please.","205":"Wow. Was she persuaded by the mom fucking line?","206":"We usually say [i]I fucked your dad[\/i]... but not in front of guys for some reason.","207":"Did she say she was coming, or are you just presuming?","208":"She doesn't need to say, alright? Emily is coming. She's going to do it because I asked her to.","209":"I know you two aren't exactly the best of friends rights now, but at the same time...","210":"...ah... the truth is actually... I don't really give a shit. We're all going to hang out because I want us to.","211":"Valerie gets pretty friendly after a few drinks, I guess. I'd still be shocked to see Emily here.","212":"Emily is all kinds of neurotic, though she often doesn't show it. I feel like Emily and Valerie haven't talked much, either.","213":"After all, she didn't even want to come to Shale Hill University.","214":"Also, I'm not sure she'll risk breaking the house arrest... things could get ugly if she's got caught violating the agreement.","215":"See! Look? She's so quick!","216":"I barely blinked... and Emily is here.","217":"Huh. I guess Valerie was right.","218":"Come sit with us, Em!","219":"I really can't stay long...","220":"It doesn't matter. Come sit!","221":"We all take a seat at the booth. I think the only person who actually feels comfortable about what's going on is Valerie.","222":"I'm really starting to understand Emily's expression... I feel the exact same way.","223":"This was bound to feel uncomfortable...","224":"Wow, look at this, huh? The Annette-Taylor dream team together again.","225":"Imagine us being in charge of Shale Hill? We could really make some trouble happen, couldn't we?","226":"[i]''Trouble''[\/i] isn't the word I'd use...","227":"Anybody who does something different, good or bad, causes trouble. Trouble is just change.","228":"If you're not causing trouble, then you're not doing anything.","229":"I don't agree with that...","230":"It's been such a long time since the three of us were in the same room. I think since we left school...","231":"Yes. I think it was a few days before Samantha Hunter took over the Presidency...","232":"I remember having to show Samantha the ropes. The only one who wasn't there was you.","233":"No... watching a girl like Samantha Hunter become Class President would have been pure pain. I wanted no part of that.","234":"Too bitter, right?","235":"Bitter?","236":"Emily gives her best derisive snort. It's theatrical.","237":"Obviously I was rooting for {PlayerName}, but if it had been someone competent, I wouldn't be bitter about it.","238":"Handing it over to a bimbo like Samantha, to watch everything we built get destroyed... I couldn't bring myself to watch that even if it was my job.","239":"That the idiots in our school voted for Sam is just an indication of the overall lack of intelligence of most of the electorate. I worry about the day that they vote for an actual president.","240":"But Sam wasn't so bad.","241":"I think, actually, it was [i]you[\/i] who wasn't so bad. I give you all the credit for Annette Taylor not burning down.","242":"You are unfair to her.","243":"You are too fair.","244":"I watched her work. She really had ideas, we improved the school. I mean, I did help her a little...","245":"''A little''. Like the ocean is just a little water.","246":"But there's stuff that she did that I wouldn't have thought of. Like instead of having a stand for the cultural festival-","247":"Can we change the subject?","248":"Agreed. Let's talk about what [i]we[\/i] did, not anyone else.","249":"We had a really good stand at the festival each year, didn't we?","250":"You always put a lot of effort in.","251":"Our bake sales raked in a lot of money.","252":"My mom... perfect stepford wife. Won't cook anything unless it's perfect.","253":"She individually wrapped each cookie in gold ribbon, with a hand-written haiku. I told her she didn't need to do that...","254":"Yeah, it was a bit overwhelming...","255":"It's so difficult to say, ''hey, it's just for high school students... you don't need to make buttercream frosting...''","256":"The sophistication was totally lost.","257":"Pearls before swine.","258":"Yeah. All the planning we put into that bake sale was crazy. We filled a whole notebook. Had like five meetings for just a few hours and a hundred dollars.","259":"I was so stressed out. Why did I think my presidency would depend on a single bake sale?","260":"[i]You[\/i] were stressed out? I remember you being so... collected.","261":"Yeah. I can't remember you being like that at all. Emily and I were panicking harder than you were.","262":"Was I? You never picked up that I was freaking out? I was so insecure back then. Boy, I'm grateful you guys didn't know what a wreck I was.","263":"The day I was elected, it just felt like... I don't know... that I was going to make the whole school catch fire or something.","264":"It's so weird... hearing Valerie talk about this kind of stuff. I think of her as being so confident, so sure of herself.","265":"I wonder if the alcohol has anything to do with it...","266":"That's my reaction to it. But Emily... I can tell she thinks completely differently. She chews her lip like she's holding back frustration.","267":"I don't like you talking like this.","268":"You don't like me talking like what?","269":"You're supposed to be our leader. You're not supposed to show this sort of weakness.","270":"But I'm not. If you had joined with student government, I could've been your leader. We're just friends now.","271":"I have a... a particular image of you. I don't want that damaged.","272":"If you had joined student government, then I would act like your leader. But... because you didn't...","273":"I wanted to join... but... I didn't think it was worth going into student government if I was just going to leave school.","274":"But you didn't leave. You've been going here for two years. So you could've joined at any time.","275":"Yes... but... that wasn't my plan...","276":"I had something different in mind. I wanted to go to Yale. Or... anywhere other than here.","277":"Why not, Emily? Shale Hill is good enough for {PlayerName}, it's good enough for me. What do you think you're going to get in Yale you won't get here?","278":"I just...","279":"...I don't know. I just wanted something different.","280":"Emily sighs heavily, staring at her glass.","281":"I should... go home. This was a mistake.","282":"Emily, you've got to learn to have fun.","283":"I know how to have fun, but it's not like this.","284":"I've got to get back. I told the police I had a school-related meeting at the bar. They'll check eventually.","285":"They believed you?","286":"Of course not. It's just how Valerie said... they don't care.","287":"I'm going to go home, now.","288":"Emily, stay.","289":"Sorry. I've got a lot of work to do.","290":"Thanks for inviting me.","291":"Hmm... I didn't expect that.","292":"She looks up to you, but a version of you.","293":"Yeah, she really put me on a pedestal, didn't she? Even I noticed that when we were working together.","294":"Yeah.","295":"I've got a question for you. Don't answer it if it feels too personal.","296":"Shoot.","297":"Did you have a... [i]fantasy[\/i]... of you... me... and Emily... in the student council room...","298":"...at the [i]same time[\/i]...","299":"I feel myself going a little flush. Is this [i]curiosity[\/i]... is it a [i]suggestion[\/i]...?","300":"No. It [i]has[\/i] to be curiosity. There's no way that can happen now. The possibilities are way in the past, if they even existed at all.","301":"I'm a guy, so of course I thought of that stuff.","302":"Don't minimize it. It occurred to you more than once, didn't it? Isn't that a guy's dream?","303":"You already know my answer. I'm curious now if you thought about it...","304":"I'm not really into women... but... yeah.","305":"If you're not into girls, then why did you think about it? Wouldn't having me alone be better?","306":"I don't know. Maybe Emily was into sharing?","307":"Emily is not into sharing.","308":"It was the only chance I could have you at the time.","309":"Valerie's rare, absent minded smile has me feeling [i]woozy[\/i]...","310":"It was good to see Emily. Despite how it turned out.","311":"I'm surprised to see she was so disturbed by you. I mean, that was only a little vulnerability you showed.","312":"I wasn't surprised. Or... I shouldn't have been surprised.","313":"I think a lot about getting everyone together. It'll happen again, I'm sure of it.","314":"This sort of absent smile is rare from Valerie. I don't know... it makes me smile too.","315":"Two thirds of the old student council. It's just not right.","316":"I hope Cedric is getting fucked in the ass right now.","317":"Cedric would deserve it.","318":"This didn't feel complete without Emily.","319":"But it was at least nice to hang out with you.","320":"Oh yes. You remind me how I don't go out enough.","321":"You're too busy causing trouble.","322":"Yes. Far too busy.","323":"Her smile makes me smile. It's a rare sort from her... absent and innocent. I wish I could help her keep it, but...","324":"I'm going to have to spoil the mood a bit.","325":"Right. It was bound to happen. Well, go on then. Spoil away.","326":"It's about Sandra. Shit is getting serious.","327":"Valerie's shoulders go shapeless as she realizes her good mood is about to be shot to pieces.","328":"Okay.","329":"I explain the situation to Valerie. She does her best to keep a professional ear, but there is an odd impatience to her.","330":"It's like she's tired of it all. I can't blame her. I want it to be all over more than she does.","331":"So Sandra is not cooperating.","332":"Yes.","333":"Odd. I thought she would be happier to be found. But... if your suspicions are correct...","334":"The way to Silent1 is through Sandra.","335":"I agree.","336":"Unfortunately, I don't have any influence over Sandra. Not personal influence, anyway.","337":"There has to be a paper trail leading to something.","338":"I agree with that, and that is something I can pursue. I'll need to be pretty careful about it. I'm sure there's going to be Fraternity members playing interference.","339":"I'm short on time. There's already another initiation going on.","340":"I could publicly declare her presence. That would force a reaction from the school.","341":"That would paint a target on your back.","342":"Very nice of you to care, {PlayerName}. I thought you were becoming a detective stereotype who can think of nothing but the case at hand.","343":"I am becoming that, actually, just not fully there yet.","344":"What should I do, then?","345":"If you can't secure her help, I suggest looking [i]around[\/i] her.","346":"There's what's said, and what's not said. Don't cooperate with her. [i]Use her[\/i]. Make her lead you to Silent1.","347":"Force her?","348":"Don't be stupid. I'm sure you're a lot more creative than that.","349":"It's not like Silent1 isn't leaving clues everywhere. It can't be helped. There's always something. Just find one of them and come to your own conclusion.","350":"I should get a clue, then.","351":"Yes. Go get a clue!","352":"Take care of yourself, {PlayerName}.","353":"Really, I actually do need to get a clue. The only person without a clue is me...","354":"I have to go home now... and have an even tougher conversation with {Leah}...","0":"I know Valerie is more deeply involved than she lets on. I know her history with Silent1 runs deep.","1":"If anyone wants to find Silent1 more than me, it would be her.","2":"I felt like I'd let her down last time. Not anymore.","3":"Ah. I can't tell you how much I like seeing you wait outside the door for me.","4":"Next time I'll remember to hold the door open for you.","5":"I'd prefer to hold the door open [i]for you[\/i]. I want your hands busy with two glasses of wine.","6":"And naked. Definitely naked.","7":"That sounds fun. I wish I was in that kind of mood.","8":"Yes, yes, I could tell that from the boring, business-like expression that you only get when you have something serious to tell me.","9":"I nod."},"ch9__09.VS.10 office sex.vne3":{"10":"[anim_32_speed != anim_32_slow_speed]Slower","11":"<","12":"Speed [tg_anim]","13":"Continue","14":"[anim_36_speed != anim_36_fast_speed]Faster","15":"[anim_36_speed != anim_36_default_speed]Default Speed","16":"[anim_36_speed != anim_36_slow_speed]Slower","17":"<","18":"Speed [tg_anim]","19":"Continue","20":"[anim_46_speed != anim_46_fast_speed]Faster","21":"[anim_46_speed != anim_46_default_speed]Default Speed","22":"[anim_46_speed != anim_46_slow_speed]Slower","23":"<","24":"The next morning, between class and work, I drop by Val's office.","25":"You look good.","26":"Thanks.","27":"You got a fresh new look.","28":"Pretty sure I'm the same as last time.","29":"Sorry. I meant to say you have a fresh [i]news[\/i] look.","30":"I see what you did there.","31":"You got this thing you're itching to tell me. I can tell. It's adorable.","32":"I do, but it's not adorable.","33":"Bad news, huh?","34":"Yes. But maybe good news for finding Silent1.","35":"Tell me.","36":"I do. I tell her what {Leah} and I found out yesterday. Valerie listen gravely, making concerned noises with every twist of the story.","37":"So, they're coming back to Alexis, are they?","38":"Seems like it.","39":"Would they really be interested in a dumb girl like Alexis, though?","40":"I had that same question in the back of my mind...","41":"It feels like a trap.","42":"Hmm... it does to me too. I can't rule it out. At the same time... I have no choice.","43":"If Sandra is really the next victim, we need to intervene. She probably knows more than anyone. Maybe even more than Stan.","44":"I cannot get her to take anything I say seriously. I don't think she has any concept of what's going on around her.","45":"Yes, I remember she was always pretty stubborn. Very focused on one particular thing alone - like an eccentric scientist or something.","46":"I thought eccentric scientists were supposed to be smart.","47":"Mmm, just not aware of the world around them. They are high intelligence, low wisdom builds.","48":"I get what you're saying.","49":"I was about to head out. Do you want to go on a little field trip?","50":"Exciting. Where?","51":"Call it a surprise.","52":"You know, surprises used to be fun. Now every time I'm surprised it's someone trying to kill me.","53":"Oh. That's... true. Shit, life has gotten complicated for you, hasn't it?","54":"I need to go to Annette Taylor.","55":"The old high school?","56":"To pick up some records. What do you think, want to come with?","57":"You'll do me a big favor. My car is currently at the garage and you'll save me an uber.","58":"Is this a nostalgia trip?","59":"You know me. So sentimental. I'm thinking of commissioning a cameo of our time together.","60":"A cameo?","61":"You... you don't know what a [i]cameo[\/i] is?","62":"Like a... short appearance from someone famous on a television show?","63":"Ugh. No. A small carving you wear around the neck. That's what a cameo is.","64":"Why not just say ''small carving''?","65":"Because the joke doesn't work if I say [i]small carving[\/i]. The whole point is cameos are associated with sentimentality and...","66":"-Never mind. Let's just move on before I get turned off completely.","67":"You're turned on? That's good to hear.","68":"Yes. And the less you say the more turned on I remain. Let's go.","69":"-Never mind. It's not important. I'm aborting the joke.","70":"It kills it if you have to explain it. Let's go.","71":"Sorry that I'm ignorant about the historical significance of small carvings.","72":"It's very uncultured of you.","73":"I will make a scrimshaw of this moment to reflect on.","74":"Best you do that. If I like it enough I'll let you come up and see my etchings.","75":"We pull up in front of the old school. I must admit... I don't get a lot of nostalgia looking at this place. Certain rooms, maybe, but not the whole school.","76":"I'm getting into [i]student mode[\/i] already. I feel my back hunching over and I immediately want to head for the home room.","77":"Get out of the car. I'll find a place to park.","78":"You sure?","79":"Yeah. Give yourself a head start when it comes to those records.","80":"Mmm. See you inside.","81":"Valerie disappears into the doors. I pull the car away and go to the visitors lot a bit further away.","82":"The air is getting cold. I don't really want to make the journey between here and the door, but... Valerie needs me.","83":"What kind of records does she need, I wonder?","84":"Who the fuck?","85":"That guy... looks so fucking familiar...","86":"[i]I do know him. That's...","87":"[i]Buttsnack![\/i]","88":"Popodopolis?","89":"Aw man. No. It's [i]Buttsnack[\/i]. Do I look like a guy called Popodopolis?","90":"I assumed you were too old for the name?","91":"Me? Naw. I'll always be Buttsnack! I mean... who else could I be?","92":"That was all the way from the sixth grade...","93":"It's good to see you, {PlayerName}. You look clean... and like you have your own car.","94":"I am both those things. You look-","95":"Just like I did a few years ago. Like a photograph. Haven't aged at all.","96":"Uh...","97":"Nah. Just kidding. My life is fucking shit!","98":"Joey-","99":"-[i]Buttsnack[\/i].","100":"I'm not going to call you Buttsnack.","101":"Why not? You don't like me?","102":"Even if I hated you, you're an adult. Anyway, I'm sorry your life is shit. What are you doing outside of an high school?","103":"Oh, I got this... business. It's the American way, isn't it? Picking yourself up by your bootstraps. I'm not a homeless fuck, I'm an entrepreneur. We can all be billionaires with enough hard work and inflation!","104":"Does your job involve selling drugs to teenagers?","105":"[i]Puff Dragon[\/i]. Good shit, wasn't it?","106":"So you are.","107":"Oh, no. If they catch me doing that one more time it's a mandatory ten years. I'm switching up to the [i]valet[\/i] business.","108":"Outside of a [i]high school[\/i]?","109":"Yeah. I figure... you know... teenagers are always causing trouble... keying cars... taking wheels off... things like that. But, I could watch your car for you.","110":"So that my car doesn't get keyed?","111":"By teens!","112":"So you're saying if I don't pay you, my car might get keyed?","113":"Teens man. Think about the shit we used to get into. [delay,200][char,ButtsnackOlder_Casual_Smiling]But don't worry. I'll make sure they don't key your car.","114":"Or steal my wheels.","115":"All it really takes is a tire iron and a jack. I could do it- *ahem* [i]they[\/i] could do it in half a minute.","116":"Right. This is extortion. But paying Joey to watch my car is probably cheaper than getting it repainted.","117":"I'll give you ten dollars.","118":"It's more than I want to pay... except something about seeing Buttsnack in tattered clothes is making me feel charitable.","119":"It... [i]hurts[\/i] to see a classmate like this... even if I didn't really know him that well...","120":"That's five times my going rate.","121":"One hundred million times more and you'll be a billionaire.","122":"You did that math in your head? Smart. No wonder you got money.","123":"I'm about to head into the school, but I suddenly stop, and turn to Buttsnack.","124":"Why are you like this?","125":"Like what?","126":"I assume you're homeless.","127":"Yeah... uh... I applied for a few schools... but it kinda got out that I was making money selling drugs.","128":"One little crime on your record, and suddenly, you can't get a job washing dishes.","129":"That's terrible man. I'm sorry.","130":"Why feel sorry for me? I'm Buttsnack! The most popular guy in school!","131":"I could've been vice president of the student council, can you imagine?","132":"Looking at Buttsnack is making me feel a little sick. I give him a wave and head in.","133":"This always feels weird...","134":"I thought you were going to get your documents.","135":"I was waiting for you.","136":"You need me to help you?","137":"It's a field trip. You don't go on a field trip alone.","138":"You also don't go on a field trip without a teacher...","139":"I nod at her, indicating we should get going.","140":"Hardly any difference...","141":"Yeah. It's almost like nothing has happened since we've left.","142":"Sam was not big on using this room.","143":"Really? Shit... it's not in here...","144":"She preferred holding her meetings outside.","145":"Outside? That spoils the fun, doesn't it?","146":"The fun of student council meetings?","147":"You're missing the point, aren't you?","148":"Valerie crosses the room imperiously, toward the filing cabinets. I find a seat to take.","149":"What do you mean by ''fun''?","150":"I think we have pretty similar definitions, don't we?","151":"Roller coasters, horror movies, [i]fucking[\/i]... things like that.","152":"God, she'll never stop teasing me, will she? I'm not interested in what she does in private.","153":"Despite the topic, it doesn't look like Valerie is having a whole lot of fun. A sort of frustration is evident. She's not finding what she's looking for.","154":"This time, her hand rests on the handle, and a memory comes to her.","155":"Yes, this... this is the one.","156":"Completely disorganized... this is going to take a while...","157":"I recognize the drawer immediately.","158":"You're looking for old minutes?","159":"Mmm. They shouldn't be difficult to find. They're the only ones with good handwriting and not covered by doodles.","160":"Why are you looking for old minutes?","161":"I want to make a cameo out of them.","162":"Sorry?","163":"Do I need to explain what they are again?","164":"No... I'm just confused...","165":"Well, I'm just saying... I want them. Not for any specific reason...","166":"...I just want them for nostalgia.","167":"Nostalgia?","168":"You know... with that app... when you just say a single word... it's kind of confusing.","169":"I was asking a question.","170":"I understand. The thing just says [i]nostalgia[\/i] with no more context. It sounds weird.","171":"The app is supposed to add some inflection.","172":"Sometimes it misses a bit.","173":"Anyway, yes... [i]nostalgia[\/i] is why I'm here. The school throws out documents every so often. I don't want them to go in a bin.","174":"That would be a tragedy... I mean...","175":"Can you count the hours we spent in this room?","176":"A lot of hours. Maybe dozens.","177":"I don't want them simply erased. We worked hard for Annette Taylor. I want us to maintain our legacy.","178":"Her fingers flip through the papers as she digs through.","179":"I think our minutes were always in the middle.","180":"They were, but they moved them. Who became the president after Sam? Do you know?","181":"I think it was a dude.","182":"[i]Dudes[\/i] shouldn't be presidents. [i]Men should[\/i]. Emily got that right, at least.","183":"Honestly, it really should've been you.","184":"Sam was a good president.","185":"Even if she was... there's a legacy at stake here. I should've helped you win.","186":"Well, you didn't endorse me. You thought it would be counterproductive.","187":"I deeply regret that.","188":"Why? Why regret it?","189":"Because loyalty needs to go both ways. If you're going to support me, I should take the risk and support you. Even if it would've been counterproductive.","190":"But the whole point was to make me not seem like an elitist.","191":"I'm not signaling with the voters, I don't care about them. I'm signaling with [i]you[\/i].","192":"I needed to send [i]you[\/i] the message that you were my guy and I'd back you no matter what. Instead, I tried playing 4D chess instead of focusing on our relationship.","193":"It didn't matter whether you won or lost. What mattered was...","194":"...[i]you sticking around[\/i].","195":"Me sticking around means that much to you?","196":"Yes. I'm going to etch a cameo of you out of scrimshaw, metaphorically. I want these minutes.","197":"I'm touched.","198":"If I had endorsed you, even if Sam won, you would've gone into the student council with me.","199":"You being in that IT dungeon... is my fault.","200":"It's not a dungeon, it's a lab. Plus, you have no way of knowing I would've gone with you.","201":"Probably losing my voice had a lot more to do with it.","202":"Well, that's the part I [i]couldn't[\/i] control, no. But I had control over my endorsement.","203":"It's not as simple as you endorsing me. I probably wouldn't have gone into student council again.","204":"Yeah. Emily didn't either. That really surprised me.","205":"Despite what she says, the real reason she didn't follow me was because you weren't there.","206":"I actually think... the main reason she didn't follow me was because you weren't there.","207":"I think going into student council, and you being gone, would just cause her heartache.","208":"Emily broke up with me. I don't think heartache would've been the issue.","209":"You don't know her heart, then.","210":"Anything that reminds her of you... absolutely fucks with her. That's something you can't see but I can.","211":"Should I like that thought? I do... weirdly.","212":"If someone loves you at their own expense... that feels kind of exalting...","213":"...that's not something to admit publicly...","214":"Is this...?","215":"Wonderful. I found it. Exactly where it shouldn't have been.","216":"The old minutes?","217":"Mm. Someone has done a rotten job of organizing the cabinets. But no matter. Let's go.","218":"She starts to head for the door, but then I remember something she said a little earlier...","219":"Our ideas of fun... [i]roller coasters... horror movies... and...","220":"Was she giving me a hint? Maybe I should stop and clarify?","221":"That would definitely give me something to think about.","222":"Ask if she wants to do something [i]fun[\/i].","223":"Let it go.","224":"It's probably not worth it. This is school.","225":"There are probably like, [i]a hundred[\/i] laws we'd be breaking.","226":"Hey...","227":"...you wouldn't want to have a boring meeting outside, would you?","228":"We wouldn't be able to do anything fun.","229":"No. The most fun you can have is behind closed doors.","230":"Especially in places where you really ought not to have fun.","231":"Which makes it the perfect place. Remember?","232":"Yes... I remember.","233":"The minutes can wait.","234":"Yep. They've been waiting for a few years now. So of course it doesn't matter if it takes just a few minutes.","235":"Let's get this done.","236":"Funny...","237":"...as soon as I come near her... I realize... [i]she's already hot[\/i]...","238":"I think she already imagined this would happen...","239":"It might have been her plan all along.","240":"And... damn... I really am spurred on by all those fantasies I used to have... taking either Emily or Valerie in this very office.","241":"They felt so out of reach back then. I didn't seriously think any of them would come true.","242":"But here I am, a college student, making out in the old student council room with the [i]President[\/i]. Never imagined it would happen like this... if I thought it would happen at all.","243":"There's not enough time to really enjoy this moment. Valerie and I already know what we need to do.","244":"We'll need to put on the gas.","245":"Yep, she's already going for my zipper. We have ten minutes maximum. Who knows how much less?","246":"Let's get it done.","247":"It's quick, it's unsubtle, but there's no time for romance. I strip her down and get her naked.","248":"We'll need to do the [i]fast and furious[\/i] if we're going to have any kind of fun at all.","249":"Let's not waste time...","250":"No, I need her to be [i]ready[\/i]. I flick her clit with my tongue. I need her to be wet and smooth - no bottles of lube available around here.","251":"I'm going to go down on her until the precise moment I believe she's ready to fuck.","252":"Oh... yes...","253":"Put... put me on the fucking desk...","254":"I get it. She wants the full [i]presidential[\/i] experience.","255":"It's more expedient to pick her up, so I do. She leaps into my arms and I hobble to the desk.","256":"I almost drop her on the desk, but I still have barely the presence of mind to set her down. Her legs spread wide open, her petal before me.","257":"I stoop next to her and work her as fiercely as I can... the time limit is working to both turn me on and improve my performance.","258":"It feels almost... appropriate. We're in an office. At a workplace. I eat her out like it's my job to.","259":"In the back of my mind, I have a weird fear of a negative performance evaluation... [i]even if that makes no goddamn sense...[\/i]","260":"Oh... fuck... shit...","261":"Let's get this sorted.","262":"Time! Can't waste it.","263":"Valerie's whole body undulates like an ocean... rippling with pleasure.","264":"It's kind of ironic. I'm eating a woman who used to be my boss in an office that used to be ours. This is the workplace I always wanted...","265":"...but I only get it after our term is up. Shit.","266":"I can make up for lost time. Both of us can. I'll show Valerie what she's been missing this whole time...","267":"...I'm not letting her off easy.","268":"Stop... I'm more than fucking ready... let me do you now.","269":"I stand up and let Valerie [i]do me[\/i], whatever that will end up meaning.","270":"In any case, I don't feel complete without kissing her on the lips and savoring her.","271":"We might have to do this quick... but it's still sex.","272":"I fall into seat as she glides down my body. Next thing I know, I see her plant kisses down my shaft.","273":"Blood rushes to my genitals, causing them to pulse. Valerie's brows knit with a sort of concentration.","274":"Just... need to get this all sorted...","275":"I'd usually say that I'm already erect, but maybe not to Valerie's satisfaction.","276":"Actually, somehow, I'm finding myself [i]painfully stiff...[\/i] I don't really need this for fucking...","277":"But... then again... I think Valerie just wants to enjoy this.","278":"This might be a part of getting herself turned on too.","279":"And... oh... I [i]cannot[\/i] argue with a lick like that. I feel she could coil around me like a tentacle.","280":"Suddenly, I'm clenching my teeth so hard I feel like I could break them. The bumps of her tongue against my underside.","281":"My ass clenches, and I adjust in my seat...","282":"As she bobs up and down... beads of sweat trick onto the floor and explode as bombs.","283":"I love the feeling... but it's mixed with a kind of panic. I want to tell her [i]''Keep going!''[\/i] and [i]''What are you doing!?''[\/i] at the exact same fucking time.","284":"It's not like I can tell her ''no'' anyway, so I might as well lean back...","285":"Yeah... I think she's forgotten where we are, and what's going on. It makes me almost feel bad about the brisk job I did on her pussy. [i]Almost[\/i].","286":"I admire the scene of my dick inside her mouth as I as glance at the door.","287":"[i]Wait... did we lock the door?[\/i] The only way I can ask her is if I stop her...","288":"Well, that's not happening. I just have to have faith that the door is locked.","289":"Whatever nerves I feel of someone walking in is devoured, almost literally, by Val's thick soft lips.","290":"My bigger concern becomes whether I can stave off cumming long enough. Valerie takes every task seriously, even a blowjob.","291":"Damn... it feels so good in her mouth... but I don't want to fail her...","292":"Maybe... we should move on.","293":"Reluctantly, I give her a nod and a tap, an indication we can't do this forever.","294":"She stands up before me, a deadly smirk on her lips.","295":"Don't be so damn paranoid. If we don't enjoy ourselves, there's no point.","296":"I'm definitely enjoying myself... that's not the problem.","297":"The problem is more that I'm going to burst if I don't fuck her now. I've got an orgasm building up and I'm going to release if it keeps going like this.","298":"The President comes over me. Her hot, jungle-like heat pours out of her pussy.","299":"She's so humid she might as well be a water well. I'm ready to fuck the shit out of her and not waste a single second more.","300":"Relief!","301":"Valerie sinks onto my dick. Every inch that goes into me is like a hot rod being tempered by cool water.","302":"Her sounds and odd little gasps remind me of the sizzle of something red hot.","303":"The slapping, the pounding...","304":"She unleashes a flurry of thrusts, driving me nearly off the cliff of blissful submission.","305":"But I don't want to. Not yet. I'm yet to get my performance review from Valerie.","306":"Since words are a bit beyond her, I might have to deduce it by sounds...","307":"Ugh!","308":"That's the loudest sound she's made so far. I know she's trying to stay quiet... but it's nearly impossible.","309":"I feel it coming as well... something itching inside me too... but... Valerie is further along than I thought.","310":"S-s-shit!","311":"Her words shudder and stutter, and I have an irrational fear the whole room might vibrate.","312":"I feel some wetter than normal cooling along my groin, nearly against my thighs. Did Valerie just...","313":"Yes. Yes she did.","314":"She orgasmed all right. Even [i]squirted[\/i] a little. I don't know a man in this world who doesn't like that outcome.","315":"That's only going to help me.","316":"As we move positions, she only slides more effortlessly up and down.","317":"The chair whines pitiably. I seem to remember it being Emily's preferred chair...","318":"I wonder how Emily would react to this. [i]Shit... the number of times I thought about Emily and Valerie at the same time...","319":"Yeah. That is definitely one of my oldest, most persistent fantasies.","320":"That I've had sex with both girls makes that fantasy come with a vengeance.","321":"Oh... if she wasn't in prison... then there would be a possibility that it might actually [i]happen...","322":"I can't be too disappointed, hilt-deep inside Valerie. Still...","323":"I mean... I guess it [i]could feasibly happen[\/i]... now that I've had sex with both girls...","324":"The thought is almost distracting. Already I'm calculating an unlikely series of events where such an incredible thing could come to pass...","325":"I mean... I guess it [i]could happen[\/i]... But it's highly unlikely.","326":"I lift her leg, and start slamming into her. It feels a bit weird, but I'm actually thinking about Emily as I do it.","327":"The room actually feels [i]empty[\/i] without her. I guess since I'm so used to seeing her here...","328":"I lift her leg, and start slamming into her. The little nascent fantasy dies with every thrust.","329":"But... I can't let myself be distracted. I'm fucking Valerie right now, and I have only a few minutes to unleash my load.","330":"I can't let myself be distracted. I'm fucking Valerie right now, and I have only a few minutes to unleash my load.","331":"If someone were to open that maybe-locked door, I'd never have time to put everything I need on.","332":"No... I gotta be a man... and finish [i]right fucking now...[\/i]","333":"I unleash a barrage of thrusts. My hits cause earthquakes across Valerie's whole body.","334":"Everything at this point is about getting my dick to burst all over her.","335":"My own pleasure and fulfillment will come at any fucking cost at all.","336":"Oh... you're close, aren't you?","337":"Yeah. I think I have one or two more good thrust in me.","338":"It has to be an epic one. I gotta summon all my strength.","339":"Oh shit... you look like you're gonna...","340":"NNNnngh!","341":"I can't believe... you made me fucking cum again...!","342":"Shit... that was just [i]once[\/i]. I've got at least one more in me.","343":"But what doesn't have much more strength in it is this table. It barks angrily with each thrust.","344":"Damn... if it broke, I'd take that as a sign I'm destroying Valerie just as much...","345":"...I'm getting destroyed too, though. Orgasm is coming to me.","346":"Val's wet, warm, luscious insides remind me constantly of how good release would be...","347":"...I conjure images of her covered in my seed, inside and out. It will take some effort to make that happen.","348":"My own orgasm is coming along. I'm already on the path of no return.","349":"This is my last chance. If I want to make a decision... I've got to pick it now!","350":"Cum inside her.","351":"Cum on her feet.","352":"Okay. Epic thrust time.","353":"I gotta do it.","354":"GAAH!","355":"You're hitting my fucking- agh!","356":"Blinding heat, and I feel myself pumping like an oil derrick.","357":"My splash inside her completely silences her. I'm just shivering and shaking...","358":"I remain inside... until every fucking drop is drained.","359":"Fffffuck....","360":"Oh... shit... you really...","361":"...that was [i]painful[\/i].","362":"She does not sound like she minded at all. I give her a smile, and with my discombobulated body I start to pick myself up.","363":"A foot freak... how interesting...","364":"Valerie already knows I dabble a bit in the feet stuff. But it doesn't matter now.","365":"My eyes glance at her shapely feet, and her curious eyes... and slowly...","366":"...I pump myself to completion.","367":"Really now?","368":"Valerie looks very bemused. I give her a guilty smirk that I hope comes off as ''cute''.","369":"Okay. We really need to get out of here.","370":"In silence, we put on our clothes, and make sure we're completely presentable.","371":"Then, it's time to head out.","372":"Was that good for you?","373":"That was a fantasy of mine.","374":"What? You wanted to fuck your sexy fellow student council members in the student council room? Who could've guessed?","375":"You knew?","376":"Oh yeah, and I have this secret knowledge that water is wet too.","377":"Right. I'm a man.","378":"Mmhmm. I mean... you, Emily and I spent so much time alone together in that room. Who knows what we were doing in there?","379":"Having a meeting, unfortunately.","380":"Mmm. But that's not what everyone thought. Don't you agree?","381":"What, so people thought we were having threesomes in there?","382":"It would've made the meetings better.","383":"You're telling me all this now.","384":"Age gives wisdom and confidence. Carpe diem.","385":"She smiles at me. I only have the sinking feeling that I could've had a threesome [i]with Emily and Valerie[\/i].","386":"She's probably just teasing me again. I'm going to have to change the subject before my brain gets eaten by the sex fantasy.","387":"I forgot to mention something. I saw Joey Popodopolis outside of the school.","388":"Excuse me, his name is [i]Buttsnack[\/i].","389":"He said the same thing. He also has a fascinating new business model of extorting people for money.","390":"Oh, a clever one?","391":"If I don't give him money, he'll key my car.","392":"He said that?","393":"By implication.","394":"Did you give him money?","395":"Well, it's cheaper than getting a touch up.","396":"You shouldn't give food to bears, {PlayerName}. All they do is start associating human beings with eating.","397":"It's just weird how his life fell apart after graduation.","398":"He was a drug dealer, {PlayerName}. I'm just glad he's threatening cars rather than people.","399":"Yeah.","400":"Here. Let me reimburse you.","401":"It's not a lot of money.","402":"Good, so it won't be a problem.","403":"Exactly! It isn't a problem.","404":"Here! Take it.","405":"You can't force me to take your money.","406":"I'll stick it down your pants if you don't put it in your wallet.","407":"That sounds exciting.","408":"Bend over.","409":"Valerie brandishes the bill with a smile on her face. I shield myself, but somehow...","410":"...Valerie sticks the bill into my pocket.","411":"I give her the finger. She just gives a triumphant smile.","412":"Fuck you too.","413":"Hmm... I thought you said Buttsnack was around...","414":"He was probably driven off by security.","415":"It's a reasonable enough conclusion. I smile and we get in the car. I'm especially pleased to see nobody keyed it.","416":"I guess Buttsnack really did his job.","417":"I get in the car and drive Valerie back.","0":"Speed [tg_anim]","1":"Continue","2":"[anim_25_speed != anim_25_fast_speed]Faster","3":"[anim_25_speed != anim_25_default_speed]Default Speed","4":"[anim_25_speed != anim_25_slow_speed]Slower","5":"<","6":"Speed [tg_anim]","7":"Continue","8":"[anim_32_speed != anim_32_fast_speed]Faster","9":"[anim_32_speed != anim_32_default_speed]Default Speed"},"bgDefaultEffect.vne3":{},"bgDefaultHold.vne3":{},"bgDefaultNumber.vne3":{},"bgDefaultTime.vne3":{},"kill_ambience.vne3":{},"leah_love_status.vne3":{},"phone_close.vne3":{},"phone_open.vne3":{},"qfade.vne3":{},"run_scene.vne3":{},"unknown_function.vne3":{},"ep4_after_investigation_filler.vne3":{"10":"She sends back a single smiley.","11":"It's really cool to see Maggie getting out of her comfort zone.","12":"It really gives me hope.","13":"Lidia?","14":"Hey, how is it going?","15":"Just thought of you as I was reading about a famous coffee brand from Italy...","16":"I had a lot of fun. Nothing else to say other than that.","17":"Anyways, just wanted to say hi!","18":"Hey, Lidia. Coffee and Italy? I can see what your two favorite things are!","19":"Maybe I should learn Italian? That sounds like a lot of work...","20":"I'm sad she can't leave the country. I hope we can fix that.","21":"Is Sam texting me?","22":"Post-sex followup. I made a big mistake with the picnic.","23":"What's that?","24":"It was a picnic... but where was the food? That makes it NOT a picnic, right?","25":"I know, right!","26":"What do you even call a picnic without food?","27":"It's called putting down a blanket so you can have sex outdoors.","28":"Such a way with words. Such a poet.","29":"I know quitting that job was the best for me, but man, I'm craving some fries.","30":"Was just imagining myself eating junk food at the lake... next time we go to the lake we should grab some food for the picnic...","31":"Well, maybe next time we could have a date in a place more suited for what's going to happen next...","32":"I thought you liked having close contact with nature...","33":"I do. But I'm pretty sure I also have a mosquito bite where the sun don't shine.","34":"You too? I've been trying to scratch myself in class without looking horny.","35":"Anyways, just saying hi. Now, back to online gaming! See you later!","36":"Sam is something else...","37":"When I'm with Sam next time, I want it to be [i]inside[\/i].","38":"Is Sam texting me?","39":"Hey. Just wanted to say thanks for helping me out. I was in a dark spot.","40":"I know quitting that job was the best for me, but man, I'm craving some fries.","41":"Anyways, it is good to be back. Thanks for your help, {PlayerName}.","42":"Now, back to online gaming! See you later!","43":"It's so good to have Sam back in Uni.","44":"I feel like I've done my good deed for the year.","45":"Alexis is here? God damn it.","46":"There are a few choice words I want to share with her. None of which are good.","47":"Let's see what she has to say first.","48":"Hey deaf guy, how is it going?","49":"Since when has ''deaf guy'' become my nickname?","50":"Already recovered from the best time of your life?","51":"Yes, but my vacation to Disney World was a while ago. As for that thing we did, why didn't you tell me what you were planning to do?","52":"You didn't ask if it was being streamed.","53":"Did I need to ask?","54":"Oh my God. I do you a favor and then you get angry at me? Mom was right, no good deed goes unpunished.","55":"You didn't do me a favor. I get plenty of action.","56":"From Linus? Is this why you're so upset? Do you identify as a bottom boy? Did I make you question your identity?","57":"I hate this girl.","58":"Stop being such a pussy... or are you going to tell me that you didn't like it?","59":"I mean... of course it was [i]fun[\/i]. She sucked my dick. I came in her ass. There's nothing boring about it.","60":"Do I want to tell her that, though?","61":"It was fun, at least.","62":"I didn't like it.","63":"Yeah, I bet you did. I bet you loved getting your dick sucked for a change.","64":"You know what's also nice? Getting paid for work. Where's my cut?","65":"If you'd done any work, I would've paid you.","66":"Anyway, the stream was a success, and I might need someone to stream with me soon.","67":"I'll be in touch!","68":"You are crazy. I could've been expelled for doing this kind of shit.","69":"Expelled? No, we've got everything covered...","70":"''We''? How many people are involved in this thing?","71":"Oh, I have cheerleading practice. Gotta go!","72":"She knows I'm someone vulnerable to her bullshit. I've got to be careful in my dealings with her.","73":"On the other hand... if I'm careful... I might be able to have sex with her again without the downsides...","74":"We'll have to see what happens next.","75":"Hey deaf guy, how is it going?","76":"Since when has ''deaf guy'' become my nickname?","77":"It helps me remember who you are.","78":"But don't worry about me, your virgin friend already fixed my login.","79":"I know, right? ''A virgin''. Narrows down nobody around here.","80":"What?","81":"Whatever. I'm just here to say you missed out big time. Maybe next time, loser.","82":"A new ticket? For me?","83":"What is this? [i]One Regal Meal with extra fries, mayonnaise, and a side of Royal Jewel Nuggets[\/i].","84":"The fuck? And another one. [i]A Double Duke with cheese[\/i]. And another. [i]Magna Pollo Chicken Sandwich[\/i].","85":"There's something wrong with the ticket system.","86":"Hank, I'm getting Burger Queen orders through the tech support system.","87":"I thought this was what you wanted. -Hank","88":"What I wanted?","89":"Yeah. Since you seemed so interested in the internal functioning of Burger Queen, including the hours of my employees. -Hank","90":"Is this about Sam quitting?","91":"No. This is definitely about you, and your meddling into my work. -Hank","92":"I can't let Sam waste her opportunity to graduate.","93":"And where's the same consideration for me? Do you care about the staff that has to change their schedules because Sam quit randomly? -Hank","94":"A lot less than I care about about Sam.","95":"Burger Queen now, or Burger Queen after graduation plus debt. Burger Queen will have Sam, {PlayerName}. It's only a matter of time. -Hank","96":"It is her destiny. Just as yours is to do tech support. -Hank","97":"You don't know that.","98":"You don't understand. For decades I have worked middle management. You have no idea the burden of having very small amounts of power. -Hank","99":"The responsibility has forced me to make some terrible choices. I have destroyed whole vacation plans. I must choose which teen gets a minimum wage job. I am forced to inform customers the dire news that we are out of lettuce. -Hank","100":"It is a story I have seen many times. Sam will return to Burger Queen. And when she does, we will welcome her with a family's embrace. Until then, you will get the tickets she would've gotten. -Hank","101":"I'm pretty sure that this is against school regulations.","102":"Yes, and so is having beer in the office. Make your choice wisely. -Hank","103":"Oh... I'm starting to understand the genius of stocking the office with beer.","104":"I can filter out the tickets, so it's not so bad. Better than losing out on the alcohol.","105":"I have no regrets.","106":"Let's see... not too many tickets to address.","107":"I could finish up early and do some research. I won't tempt Hank's wrath by leaving early, but there's plenty I can do here.","108":"Scanning for shit on RECENTLY, for instance.","109":"Let me just... open my laptop.","110":"Hey? You done with your work?","111":"Shit.","112":"I guess.","113":"Good. Could you handle a few of my tickets? Had a late night yesterday.","114":"Not up to my best, you dig?","115":"Ugh, doesn't he know I'm doing something important?","116":"Fine.","117":"Thanks, bro.","118":"I guess research will have to wait.","119":"It's a smooth but brisk day at work. That's when Linus comes up to me out of the blue.","120":"Hey man, sign my petition.","121":"What's it about?","122":"A good cause.","123":"Thanks, that's real descriptive.","124":"What? You think I'd be for something evil? Like clubbing seals or something?","125":"Can I read it?","126":"Before you do that, let me just [i]preface[\/i] it for you. The IT lab doesn't have that much staff.","127":"And with just you, me and Hank, it ain't that diverse. You dig?","128":"You want the IT Lab to hire a girl.","129":"I mean... don't you think we [i]need[\/i] a female touch?","130":"I actually start reading the thing. [i]''The IT Lab needs diversity! This is a good way to get more women in STEM fields!''","131":"[i]''Must be physically in shape, be into retro games, watch anime, old enough to drink, be interested in table-top role-playing games.''","132":"You can't just get the IT Lab to hire your next girlfriend.","133":"Why the flip not?","134":"Because even if the IT lab hired someone like that, that doesn't mean they'll date you.","135":"Yeah, that's probably true. But wouldn't you want a girl like that to work here?","136":"Imagine. After work. We all get beers from the fridge, then I break out my vintage HeroQuest board...","137":"I'm Wizard. You'd be Barbarian, of course. And she'd be Elf...","138":"You're getting into stuff I don't know about.","139":"But it appeals to you, right?","140":"Hmmm... I guess I can see the appeal.","141":"I'll sign.","142":"Sweet! Now I just gotta give this petition to Ha-","143":"Petition denied. -Hank","144":"Are you flipping serious? Hank... you... asshole!","145":"You're just jealous because you'll never get to hang out with her.","146":"Any girl that perfect already has a boyfriend. Also, they wouldn't date you. -Hank","147":"You suck, Hank.","148":"Linus mopes back to his desk, his plan thwarted before it even began.","149":"I've got a new Hank theory.","150":"What's that?","151":"Get a load of this: Hank is actually a...","152":"...child!","153":"Like a kid genius?","154":"Oh ho ho! Yeah, I see those gears turning! It's making sense now, isn't it?","155":"The reason why he can't leave the office... he's getting you to buy his porn...","156":"...is because he can't do those things!","157":"Oh, I'm so proud of myself. I think this is the real answer. It's gotta be.","158":"There's one problem with that theory. -Hank","159":"Nobody asked you, Hank.","160":"The school knows who I am. They wouldn't hire someone underage for this position. -Hank","161":"Maybe they're just trying to accommodate the needs of a genius.","162":"Thank you for calling me a genius, but if that was true, Shale Hill wouldn't place me in the IT lab. -Hank","163":"You'd better start coping with the fact the truth is far more mundane. -Hank","164":"Hank, at this point, you're more likely to be a flipping space alien than a normal human being.","165":"Linus returns to his desk in a huff.","166":"I'm working peacefully when I hear someone call out from behind me.","167":"Hey {PlayerName}! Pils?","168":"Yes please.","169":"Nothing better than a drink during work.","170":"It's really what makes this job tolerable.","171":"Man, I can't imagine going out into the [i]real world[\/i] and going to a place where you [i]can't drink[\/i].","172":"Drinking on the job should be a human right.","173":"I'm sure the nation's truck drivers, surgeons and heavy machine operators would love that.","174":"Man, don't spoil my utopia. I'm just fantasizing.","175":"Linus returns to his desk, and I enjoy the beer he got me.","176":"It's a pretty brisk day. An avalanche of requests come in, with no time for respite.","177":"I'm going to be run down after this.","178":"That's about when I get a text from Hank.","179":"I'm going to need you to work overtime, {PlayerName}. Way too many requests today. -Hank","180":"Shit. I can't lose any time investigating.","181":"What am I going to do if I work all night?","182":"Hey {PlayerName}.","183":"Looks like we're both working late, Linus.","184":"I can do your tickets, bro.","185":"Are you serious?","186":"Yeah, man. I know you've got serious personal shit.","187":"I don't know what it is, but I don't envy you.","188":"Thanks, Linus. When this [i]personal stuff[\/i] blows over, I'll take your tickets.","189":"Yeah, yeah. Go do whatever it is you do.","190":"Thanks.","191":"Because of Linus, looks like I'll be able to go out after all.","192":"It is disturbing that he knows something is up, though. I wonder what he's really thinking?","193":"Do I have some time to check RECENTLY?","194":"The only problem with doing it at work is that I risk Linus looking over my shoulder. And he's smart and paranoid enough to know what it is.","195":"I've got to be careful to do it only when Linus isn't around.","196":"I open the computer... and...","197":"Ugh. Hank.","198":"No unauthorized applications during work time. -Hank","199":"He... he can see what I'm doing? I know that there's a camera in this room... but my monitor is faced [i]away[\/i] from it.","200":"This is really bad. What has he seen?","201":"You can see my monitor?","202":"No, but I can see you opening your personal laptop and not working on your [i]work[\/i] computer. -Hank","203":"Phew...","204":"You wouldn't be interested in my porn, anyway. It's too tasteful for you.","205":"Don't masturbate at work either. We're all guys but that's still sexual harassment. -Hank","206":"Hank, I've got to ask. Why are you such a hardass with everything except beer in the office?","207":"Because I still care about doing this job well. And we can all do this job drunk. -Hank","208":"I'm pretty grateful for Hank's uneven adherence to the rules. I really like drinking in the office.","209":"I should have a drink just for the fright Hank gave me. To know he could've seen RECENTLY...","210":"I'm working pretty steadily when...","211":"Hello? Could I get some help?","212":"Oh, it's you. HELLO, CAN I GET SOME HELP?","213":"YOU!?","214":"She just kicked me out of her room! What the hell is she doing in here?","215":"I just left her room! What the hell is she doing in here?","216":"Anyway...","217":"I can hear you, I'm not deaf. You aren't supposed to be back here.","218":"Ugh... well... there was [i]nobody[\/i] in the front, so...","219":"Anyway, I need tech support. That's your job.","220":"What? In the same way she needed help last time?","221":"I'm not going to be used like that again.","222":"Come on! That was ancient history. I just need help with my computer.","223":"What can we possibly do out here, anyway?","224":"That's true. Let's see if I can interact with Alexis with all my clothes on.","225":"What do you need help with?","226":"I accidentally added my parents to a private group and I need to kick them out.","227":"And... I kinda need to do it quick before they're back from work.","228":"I hate to break the bad news to you, but I think it's too late. They can view it from their phones.","229":"If my Dad looks at a picture of me sucking... [i]on something[\/i]... I'd want to die.","230":"It had better not be me.","231":"The easiest thing to do is just delete the group before they have a chance to look at it.","232":"Ugh. Okay. I guess I could delete it...","233":"...I just really didn't want to transfer all my pictures over into my memory. I've got like no storage left.","234":"I'm really only supposed to help you with school related issues, not your [i]criminal[\/i] ones.","235":"This school needs to do a lot more to be supportive of young female entrepreneurs.","236":"Selling private nudes breaks revenge porn laws.","237":"And oh... also that one time I had a starring role in her porno. But I've already brought that up.","238":"No, I'm not [i]consuming[\/i] it. I'm only [i]selling[\/i] it. It doesn't count.","239":"It really does count!","240":"You're not my lawyer. Anyway... I think I got the problem fixed.","241":"Goodbye.","242":"Just like that.","243":"Alexis is going to be either arrested or sued to oblivion one day. I don't want to be there when it happens.","244":"I'm checking my tickets when...","245":"Ugh, I've never seen this number. I hope it's not a spam call.","246":"[i]¿Hola?[\/i]","247":"Hello?","248":"[i]¿Nacho, me escuchas?","249":"Nacho?","250":"[i]¿Nacho?[\/i]","251":"Ugh...","252":"[i]¿Cómo estás, tío? Estoy intentando llamarte desde ayer. Replicant está preocupado. ¿Y esa voz de robot?[\/i]","253":"Sorry sir, wrong number. [i]Yo no hablar Spanish, capicci?[i]","254":"¿Joaquín?","255":"Jesus, I don't have time for this.","256":"I knew I shouldn't have answered it.","257":"It's been slow today. On days like this, I've taken to scrolling through RECENTLY.","258":"I can say it's investigation, but honestly, I do it like I'm scrolling through Facebook.","259":"I'm kind of bewildered that I actually learn [i]less[\/i] by hacking into computers than I do by simply scrolling through social media.","260":"People overshare so much...","261":"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?","262":"GAH! ALT F4! ALT F4!","263":"Are ya winning, son? Heheheh...","264":"I remember that game. [i]Empty desktop[\/i]. So fun.","265":"Who is to say I wasn't rearranging my desktop icons?","266":"Oh. Sorry. Sounds like a big task.","267":"Didn't mean to interrupt you. Carry... on...","268":"I hope he thinks I was looking at porn during work.","269":"I've got to be careful if Linus is going to try that again.","270":"As I'm working, I hear a voice from across the room.","271":"Hey, {PlayerName}, what's your favorite sport!","272":"Linus's voice completely takes me from my work-rhythm. Why this question? Why now?","273":"I can't really shout with my phone, so I'll pretend I didn't hear him.","274":"{PlayerName}! What's your favorite sport?","275":"Have I ever talked about sports with you?","276":"Come on. Do you have a favorite sport or not?","277":"What's yours?","278":"Ah, no man. I only have a [i]least[\/i] favorite sport. So much trauma in gym class...","279":"What do you think for me?","280":"You aren't a nerd by choice, though. You're a nerd by circumstance.","281":"You assume that anybody who isn't a nerd has a favorite sport by definition?","282":"Yeah.","283":"I don't have a favorite sport.","284":"Linus stares hard at me.","285":"You don't believe me?","286":"Come on, man! Commit to something!","287":"Let's say someone [i]forced[\/i] you to go to any game of your choice. Which one would you go to?","288":"Football?","289":"It seems Linus doesn't like that answer.","290":"Okay. But American Football or European Football? Are you the kinda person who calls soccer ''football'' because America doesn't have real football or...","291":"The fuck?","292":"You like fancy sports, right? Just say you love badminton.","293":"No!","294":"I told you. He's not a sports snob. You owe me $20. -Hank","295":"That remains to be seen!","296":"You made a bet whether I'm a sports snob or not?","297":"I'll give you $10 if you say you love badminton.","298":"[i]I love badminton.[\/i]","299":"He only said that because you paid him. Sorry, you're out $30. -Hank","300":"Linus rolls away on his chair, grumbling.","301":"$10 richer... and I only had to say I like badminton. Nice.","302":"Kinda bored right now. I hope someone calls with a big revelation over the phone...","303":"Ring, phone, ring.","304":"{Leah}, I know you have something interesting to tell me.","305":"Do it. Call me.","306":"[i]Universe... God... anyone...[\/i] make {Leah} call me.","307":"I've waited long enough. I'll take this as proof God doesn't exist.","308":"Maybe working will pass the time quicker.","309":"I've had two beers today. I'm feeling like a third.","310":"I don't know. This [i]beers at work[\/i] system is only going to work if people don't abuse it.","311":"But... if I'm doing it because I've had a hard day... is it really abusing the system?","312":"I'll go grab a drink and see if Hank says anything.","313":"Nice. Time for a drink...","314":"Oh great. Hank really is going to lambast me, isn't he?","315":"Have a nice beer. -Hank","316":"That's... nice. Or is that a gentle reminder I shouldn't take anymore?","317":"Thanks, Hank.","318":"Either way, Hank is a cool boss sometimes.","319":"Ugh, what a boring day full of boring tickets...","320":"What's that?","321":"Linus is fixing a router today. You'll have to address his tickets. -Hank","322":"Really?","323":"Yes. -Hank","324":"But-","325":"Back to work. -Hank","326":"Asshole.","327":"Just another boring day at work.","328":"Boring day... Full of tickets.","329":"Uh, this work can be really boring sometimes.","330":"I wish I could be investigating instead...","331":"I need a break from work.","332":"I never thought I'd be helping people break into their own houses. I really am becoming more like {Leah}.","333":"What happened at the barn, though, was completely unexpected.","334":"I knew Maggie liked me, but I thought she'd to be too shy for... well... sex.","335":"Something could have happened at the barn. But it wasn't right.","336":"I'll be curious for the rest of my life.","337":"It's very late, I'll go straight to my room.","338":"Telling Valerie about RECENTLY. Big mistake... or massive mistake?","339":"Oh, boy. I know she's a friend, but the more people know a secret, the less of a [i]secret[\/i] it becomes.","340":"I've just multiplied the chance of a mistake happening.","341":"What's done is done. I've just got to stop thinking about it.","342":"At the very least, it seems like Valerie was touched by the trust I placed in her.","343":"Valerie could have been helpful, if I told her about RECENTLY...","344":"...she might know something I don't.","345":"It was probably good to not say anything to her. It smacks of risk. But I think Valerie trusts me a lot less.","346":"After all, I showed no trust in her.","347":"Importantly, I found a new lead. [i]Sandra[\/i]. I'm really not sure how much time I'm going to have to follow up, but it's another thread to tug.","348":"I hope I can unravel [i]something[\/i]. I'll bring it up with {Leah} as soon as I can.","349":"I took a quick look at the data we got from Lidia's phone, and it seems like this isn't something I'm going to decode in five minutes.","350":"I'll need to look at it more carefully when I'm well rested.","351":"A text from Haley? We haven't talked since...","352":"...well, we haven't talked much.","353":"Hey... {PlayerName}. I've been thinking about that crazy night, right?","354":"So, I just wanted to thank you for your help with moving. I really don't know what I would do if it weren't for you.","355":"And, of course, I had a lot of fun too...","356":"No problem, Haley. I'm sure you would do the same for me.","357":"Thanks. And letting me borrow that $50 was especially generous. I promise I'll pay you back.","358":"Don't worry too much about it.","359":"Plus, you really helped me sleep well that night....","360":"I know exactly what you mean.","361":"Man, that was definitely an amazing night.","362":"Haley clearly likes me... but are we dating? I wouldn't call anything we've done a date...","363":"...unless you include all the times I bothered her at the bar.","364":"Haley? I wonder what she's texting about?","365":"Hey... {PlayerName}. What a crazy night, right?","366":"So, I just wanted to thank you for your help with moving. I really don't know what I would do if it weren't for you...","367":"And letting me borrow that $50 was especially generous. I promise I'll pay you back.","368":"Don't worry too much about it.","369":"No problem, Haley. I'm sure you would do the same for me.","370":"I hope I get the chance to.","371":"Haley is a great girl. I hope we can find a solution for her problems...","372":"I'm not too fussed about $50. I know she thinks it's a big deal, but I really don't.","373":"I'm getting hungrier than usual. It must be the stress of the investigation.","374":"I'm going to get a snack before heading to bed.","375":"Then again, {Leah} would judge the shit out of me if I ate just before sleep.","376":"And she's standing outside of the fridge checking her phone. I don't know why she decided to stand in the kitchen but she's effectively a guard dog.","377":"Might as well be out with it.","378":"Are you hungry?","379":"No. And you know it's bad to eat before you go to bed.","380":"Busted.","381":"Doesn't the whole situation make you... hungry? I've been eating like a dog since this all started.","382":"You're a stress eater.","383":"Well, yeah.","384":"I'm a stress faster. I eat less than usual.","385":"They're both pretty unhealthy.","386":"{Leah} is not going to stop me from getting a snack. But... I also know she's right.","387":"Eating before bed [i]is bad[\/i]. It's going to hurt my quality of sleep.","388":"Looks like I'm going to bed hungry.","389":"I've got so much work to do.","390":"The investigation has really eaten up the time I used to get on top of schoolwork.","391":"Instead, I'm working way too late into the night, making up for work I'm not doing during the day.","392":"When was the last time I had free time?","393":"I don't know what to do.","394":"Huh?","395":"I finished all my work. I've hit a wall in my inquiries. I'm waiting on everything else.","396":"I have... free time!","397":"I wish I had free time.","398":"Can I do your homework?","399":"No! If you have free time, go and enjoy it!","400":"Pick up a hobby. Watch TV. Unwind.","401":"I guess I could be studying...","402":"She's hopeless.","403":"But, I'm not going to change her. I'm going to get whatever free time I can.","404":"I'm in the kitchen with my laptop open when {Leah} walks in.","405":"Checking RECENTLY?","406":"Yeah.","407":"Any luck?","408":"I sigh deeply, and {Leah} immediately understands.","409":"That's disappointing.","410":"It really is about luck.","411":"I'm kinda glad, though. Would it be much fun if a computer program could solve all our issues?","412":"[i]Fun[\/i] would not be my choice of word. Honestly, I'd be happier if RECENTLY could fix everything for us.","413":"I guess this is where {Leah} and I differ.","414":"Continue checking, okay? I know it's frustrating, but RECENTLY is our best chance to crack open this school's secrets.","415":"I know that. It's just a question of whether we can do it fast enough.","416":"Hey {Leah}. How's Frank?","417":"He's doing okay. Recovering from the garage incident still, mentally. Physically, he's good.","418":"If he's physically good, that's an excellent sign.","419":"Yeah. Mr. Craven can't take a whole lot of abuse. He's not... [i]healthy[\/i].","420":"I remember that. Asthma attack as I was driving him home.","421":"I wonder if Frank would be useful in our investigation? Except {Leah} doesn't want him finding out that she's Nightingale.","422":"Why don't you want Mr. Craven to know you're responsible for the leaks?","423":"Because of Mr. Craven.","424":"Huh?","425":"He said you should only know enough about a source to know they're telling the truth. Ideally, you shouldn't know who they are at all.","426":"Even if I wanted to tell him, he wouldn't want to know.","427":"He already suspects you of being Nightingale, you know.","428":"I know. But he'll never know for sure. And that's how I want it to be.","429":"Investigative journalists are a strange bunch. They're like spies for the public.","430":"I respect what they do, but it can't be easy.","431":"I'm so exhausted... working, running, and chasing conspiracies?","432":"It's so much.","433":"{Leah}, when all this is over... what are we going to spend our free time on?","434":"Hmm... I'm not sure.","435":"Maybe we can go on a vacation?","436":"That sounds awesome. Can we go now?","437":"Well... if you know where you want to go, maybe we can fit it in.","438":"Where would I go? Hmm...","439":"I'm... I'm drawing a blank! Shit, even if you gave me free time, I don't know what I'd do with it.","440":"Is there a place you'd like to go?","441":"Hmm...","442":"Great. Even {Leah} has no idea.","443":"Problem is... my life is already so exciting that I'm not sure I get more excitement by going somewhere else.","444":"What... do you mean?","445":"I mean... where else are you going to be able to crack open conspiracies? I don't know.","446":"You can't find this relaxing, though. Don't you want to relax?","447":"Well... I guess. But I get bored easily.","448":"Hanging out at a beach, getting a tan... is not my idea of a good time.","449":"That's funny. I'd love to sloth it up at the beach. Sounds like a good time to me.","450":"But I'll go to the beach with you if you think it's fun.","451":"I'd love to go to the beach with {Leah}, but not if it's just to make me happy.","452":"My only hope is to exhaust {Leah} enough to [i]force[\/i] her to relax.","453":"You know what, {Leah}? Go take life on at full throttle. Taking a breather is for Prius drivers.","454":"Now you're speaking my language.","455":"If {Leah} weren't into politics, she'd be into extreme sports.","456":"Convincing {Leah} to slow down will be like pulling teeth. But I know she'll eventually enjoy a good break if she tries it.","457":"My phone is ringing... Valerie?","458":"Better answer this.","459":"{PlayerName}, how nice of you to pick up.","460":"What's up, Valerie?","461":"You know... I just finished all my errands... I looked at my inbox... and I [i]saw nothing in there.[\/i]","462":"I need a hobby, and fast. What should I do?","463":"At these moments, I stand in silence and have an existential crisis.","464":"Yes, it does seem like you have a rich inner dialogue.","465":"I like to narrate my feeling and reiterate how overwhelmed I feel.","466":"I see. And you're good at this?","467":"I've had a lot of practice.","468":"And you can reach a certain level of expertise? How will I judge how skilled I am at having existential crises?","469":"It's when you can have one [i]because[\/i] nothing specific is going wrong.","470":"Hmm... you know... I don't think I have a voice in my head like you do.","471":"How do you think, then?","472":"It's like this static nothingness, but really [i]brilliant[\/i] ideas come out of it for some reason.","473":"You're an empty-headed genius?","474":"Healthy people don't get fatigued going up steps. Maybe smart people don't need to think as much.","475":"I guess that makes sense.","476":"I appreciate the advice, {PlayerName}. I'll probably stick to doodling.","477":"Anything else?","478":"No, nothing important. Thanks for talking to me.","479":"Anytime.","480":"What a weird conversation.","481":"Shit. It's Hank.","482":"I better take a look at this.","483":"Can you pick something at the comic book store? -Hank","484":"I don't have unlimited time just to help you. My life is busy.","485":"Don't inconvenience yourself. You can pick it up when it's convenient. -Hank","486":"Shit, man. I'm going to regret asking, but I am a little curious about what he wants this time.","487":"What do you need?","488":"[i]Timber! Big Dick Logger Chicks.[\/i]- Hank","489":"Did you make that up?","490":"Don't ask me. It's for a friend. -Hank","491":"Yeah, sure.","492":"There's a big community around futa woodswomen, you know. They call themselves the loggerhead community. -Hank","493":"And you know nothing about it?","494":"Yep, that's what my friend told me. -Hank","495":"I'll see what I can do...","496":"Cancel that order. All the comics are sold out. People are reselling them for $100 a pop. -Hank","497":"Oh, what a shame.","498":"It's too bad. I really wanted my hands on a copy. -Hank","499":"Don't you mean your friend really wanted a copy?","500":"I wait and wait... no answer.","501":"Heh. Looks like Hank slipped up. If he thinks I'm just going to forget... he's got another thing coming.","502":"Who could it be this time?","503":"Hello?","504":"...","505":"Hello?!","506":"......","507":"That was... weird.","508":"Is my phone number getting around to weird people? Or is connection just shit?","509":"I should probably just not answer if I don't recognize the number.","510":"Man. You know what I haven't done in forever? Sat my ass in front of the television and [i]devoured[\/i] something stupid.","511":"Reality. Sports. [i]Anything[\/i].","512":"God. I'd love to turn my head on and off as easily a T.V.","513":"I go to the living and try and watch something stupid.","514":"It doesn't work. My mind wanders and all I think about are conspiracies and crap.","515":"I really need to pick up a new hobby. Maybe Linus can teach me how to program arcade games with a soldering iron.","516":"Who am I kidding? I don't have time for a hobby. School, work, and [i]saving the world[\/i] is the only shit I've got time for.","517":"I can't wait to be done with [i]one of those things[\/i]. ","518":"A few spare minutes. I can do some meal planning.","519":"I fix myself a batch of ginger rice and beans, which will make up the core of my meals for the week.","520":"Then... everything else. Veggies, some poultry, sauce, fruit...","521":"All my cooking is done for the whole week, and it was cheap, too.","522":"Man, I love being organized. Organization isn't hard work. It's being lazy [i]the smart way[\/i].","523":"I wonder if I can convince Sam to adopt my habits? It'll be difficult, but I think her life will really improve.","524":"Professors don't give leeway for [i]investigation[\/i]. I have to do homework.","525":"Right now, I'm bashing my head on the table, hoping it might arrange my neurons so that I can remember which human bone has which scientific name.","526":"You look like you're in physical pain.","527":"[i]There are 206 bones in the human body[\/i]. Well, did one of them have to be called a [i]tibia[\/i]? What wrong with [i]arm bone[\/i]?","528":"The tibia is a leg bone.","529":"You see? Case in point. If it was called [i]leg bone[\/i], I wouldn't have forgotten.","530":"Do you want a doctor who can't remember what the bones of the body are called?","531":"Half of what they do is just memorize names of things. It's an artificial complexity.","532":"What do you propose they do? Rename every part of the body into something simpler?","533":"Yes. Something to do with its function.","534":"Let's play a game. I'll say a part of the body, and you rename it. [i]The lungs[\/i].","535":"Ventilation.","536":"The heart?","537":"Blood hub.","538":"Oooh. Kinda like that. [i]Small intestines[\/i].","539":"The shit canal.","540":"Large intestine.","541":"Bigger shit canal.","542":"The rectum.","543":"The... the... end of the shit canal.","544":"Duodenum.","545":"The beginning of the shit canal. Why are you so focused on the shit canal?","546":"To illustrate a point. [i]The villi[\/i].","547":"Oh god... what are those again?","548":"The little nodules inside the shit canal.","549":"See? Very descriptive. I know exactly what they are now.","550":"You had to say [i]shit canal[\/i] a lot, didn't you? You can't just call everything the shit canal.","551":"I think actually you've just proven you can. If I said, ''lake into the shit canal'', what would you think it was?","552":"Um... the...","553":"...the... the stomach, I guess.","554":"Case closed.","555":"Okay. Well, you'd better start writing a lot of letters to get it changed, then. Until then... a [i]tibia[\/i] is in your [i]leg[\/i].","556":"Yeah... yeah. Memorizing bones.","557":"When I become dictator, all bones will be call [i]person-rocks[\/i].","558":"Recap about what I've learned so far.","559":"Move on.","560":"Anyways, let's recap about what I've learned so far:","561":"My phone call with Sam weighs on my mind.","562":"That little tune... can {Leah} really use that as a clue? If she can... that's brilliant.","563":"Getting a solution to the Sam issue would be a weight off my mind.","564":"So it turns out Sam is working at Burger Queen? The next step is to try and convince her to quit.","565":"I can't go to Sam without a plan. Valerie has the best chance to give Sam a good path.","566":"Valerie's forms are eating a hole in my backpack. The quicker I can get them to Sam, the better.","567":"If we wait too long, Sam will never be able to catch up.","568":"Should I call Sam and ask about the forms?","569":"Nah. I've got to show her some trust. She's pretty sensitive about how often I come to her rescue.","570":"This crazy plan that {Leah} has... I'm not looking forward to it.","571":"I just have this feeling that it's going to involve a prodigious amount of risk. I don't want to be expelled over Sam...","572":"...or jailed.","573":"{Leah} is an expert in sifting through data. If there's anything to be found in Rogham's briefcase, she'll find it.","574":"The only thing that's making me uncomfortable... is how quickly this is starting to involve me.","575":"Haley is so good at getting other people to open up... but getting her to open up to me is proving difficult.","576":"What kind of secrets is she hiding?","577":"I got Haley to tell me some of her story. But it's not enough.","578":"She's leaving out details on purpose. I need to know more.","579":"I'm really beginning to understand {Leah}'s relentless pursuit of truth.","580":"It took getting Haley drunk, but she's finally told me her true feelings about her debt.","581":"Now, I just need to confirm her story. Valerie would be the most likely person to help me. Though I don't know if she actually can.","582":"Unfortunately, Valerie didn't illuminate much about Haley's situation. And it looks like whatever evidence we needed to prove Haley's story may be gone.","583":"I have no choice but to trust Haley, and that doesn't mean much, because there's little I can do for her anyway.","584":"Haley is in a better situation financially, which is good. But I have the nasty feeling that there's nothing to be done about her debt.","585":"The world isn't kind to the poor, and {Leah} and I can't exactly pay off her debts for fun.","586":"It's just too bad.","587":"[i]Steal money back?[\/i] As soon as I thought there was nothing we could do for Haley, {Leah} comes up with something insane.","588":"Haley doesn't deserve that debt. But... [i]stealing[\/i] $30,000? There has to be a better path...","589":"Fuck... Lidia's either in deep shit, or she's not who she seems.","590":"Either way, it's worth looking into.","591":"Talking to Valerie about Lidia wasn't productive.","592":"I need to be more careful when talking to her, so I don't accidentally give away too much information.","593":"I've already told her about RECENTLY. I'm not sure whether it's a good idea to tell her the extent of all the mischief I'm in.","594":"She trusts me less since I didn't give up any information about RECENTLY, so I've got to be careful. She may end up figuring out what's going on regardless of what I do. How she'll react I can only guess.","595":"Going out with Lidia... I'm actually a little intimidated...","596":"...Lidia is so cultured. Where can I take her that's going to impress her?","597":"Ultimately, it's not about impressing her. It's about getting the information I need out of her.","598":"I am looking forward for my chance to see her outside the coffee shop, though. I hope she's not a completely different person when she's not working.","599":"I have to focus on the investigation no matter what.","600":"The date with Lidia at the biergarten ended up being much more interesting than I imagined.","601":"Half Italian? No wonder she's so well traveled. Weird that she can't leave the country, though.","602":"...I think she might like me. Not completely sure yet, but there were a few moments where she was definitely flirting.","603":"Hanging out with Lidia at the biergarten was fun.","604":"Half Italian? That's pretty cool. I wonder why she can't leave the country?","605":"The way {Leah} came in at the end... she seemed eager to stop the date as quickly as possible.","606":"I wonder what {Leah}'s issue was?","607":"Overall, a success. I got the data I need. Now the next step is up to me.","608":"Those men... were they working with Lidia? Why?","609":"I doubt Lidia was delivering them coffee. And I don't think Lidia was happy to see them.","610":"Maybe deactivating the spyware on her phone was a mistake. That program has a bigger role than I imagined.","611":"Now {Leah} understands what I'm dealing with when it comes to Maggie. She's a difficult person to explain unless you actually meet her yourself.","612":"I have to wonder how useful {Leah} is actually going to be. If Maggie won't talk to her... it's pretty much all up to me.","613":"{Leah} definitely has the supporting role in this.","614":"Blocking Maggie's stalker was a temporary fix. He's still out there. He's going to cause trouble.","615":"I can't imagine what freak would single out Maggie. I'm curious to see this guy's face.","616":"Probably a fat, jealous wreck of a human being.","617":"What a waste of time. But I don't want to be proven wrong.","618":"Otherwise, {Leah} is going to convince me to take even dumber risks to uncover ''the truth''.","619":"We'll stick with the plan, for now, and resist any temptation to do something dumb.","620":"Quick thinking on {Leah}'s part! I wonder what would've happened if I had gone alone.","621":"He looks like he wouldn't have had a problem curbstomping me right out on the sidewalk.","622":"Valerie doesn't know how Maggie made it into school. Whether her admission has deeper significance, I don't know.","623":"There are so many important issues. If there is an answer and it's important... it'll come up eventually.","624":"Maggie's stalker is important. He's a threat. [i]A high priority one[\/i].","625":"Maggie wants me to go with her... to do what?","626":"Probably nothing more dangerous than what {Leah} asks me to do on a regular basis.","627":"Whatever it was... Maggie sure seems to take it seriously.","628":"Do I feel good about helping Maggie rescue her dog? Yes. [i]Really good[\/i].","629":"Why she needed to rescue her dog... I'm not sure yet. I do have a theory.","630":"I really hope my theory is wrong...","631":"Shit. I'm emotionally invested in Maggie's dog. I can't believe I've been thinking about that mutt.","632":"I'm legitimately worried about the health of the old thing. Valerie may be right. I am going soft.","633":"Better to be too nice than too callous, I guess.","634":"Floyd... is Maggie's brother. Damn. Something has gone deeply, deeply wrong.","635":"It makes this situation a lot more complicated to solve, for sure.","636":"I wonder if there even is an easy solution?","0":"Damn, Linus looked really disturbed. That government spyware shit on Lidia's phone sounds hardcore.","1":"Now I'm even more worried about her...","2":"Anyways, I need to focus and clean my tickets so I can continue investigating later.","3":"A text from Maggie? That's... unexpected.","4":"Has she even sent a text before? I had better read it...","5":"Hey, just testing out my phone. It's really nice to have someone to text.","6":"Thank you for helping me with getting the medicine.","7":"Also... thank you for all that other stuff too... you know the stuff I mean...","8":"Hmm... what should I say back? I think it's best just to keep it simple.","9":"Thank you."},"ep4_all_subplots_completed.vne3":{},"ep4_check_events.vne3":{},"ep4_check_steps.vne3":{"3":"I'm running a little late for work. I've got to race to the lab.","4":"I hope work is going to be easy today. I have a lot of thinking to do.","5":"That's enough for tonight, it's getting late.","6":"If I don't get enough sleep, I'm going to be useless tomorrow.","7":"Stress is already reducing my quality of sleep. I'll have to go to bed early to make up for it.","8":"I'm being run ragged. As soon as I hit the sheets tonight, I'll be dead asleep.","9":"I'm not an [i]up all night[\/i] kinda guy. I have to go to bed.","0":"That's enough for now, I should go to work.","1":"I've got to go make my money. Hank isn't going to pay me to jerk off.","2":"It feels silly going to work with so much weird shit going on. But that's exactly what I have to do."},"ep4_investigation_controller.vne3":{},"ep4_investigation_no_location_available.vne3":{},"ep4_investigation_setup.vne3":{},"ep4_sex_score.vne3":{},"ep4_Valerie_Addressing_Lick.vne3":{"3":"That would probably be the foremost thing on my mind, except the whole [i]having a gun pointed at your face thing[\/i] that happened not that long ago.","4":"I don't know. Maybe it's one of those things that doesn't have a good explanation...","5":"Ask her about the lick.","6":"Leave it alone.","7":"One other thing.","8":"What's up?","9":"You licked my face.","10":"And?","11":"It's not a normal thing to do.","12":"So... what? Are you upset about it?","13":"No. It's just unusual.","14":"Wolves lick to mark their territory.","15":"Really?","16":"No, I made that up. It sounded pretty true, though.","17":"Okay. I get it. Valerie was just playing with me.","18":"It's not true, though. Wolves are like dogs. They actually do pee to mark their territory.","19":"{PlayerName}, do you want me to pee on you?","20":"No!","21":"Then you shouldn't complain about the licking.","22":"Some things don't need an explanation. Probably not enough people lick me.","23":"I'll leave it as it is.","0":"Oh... that's right. I nearly forgot.","1":"There's actually one other thing I wanted to discuss with Valerie. Namely...","2":"...the fact she licked me."},"ep4_Valerie_Response.vne3":{"3":"Looks like she's used to me barging in her office at this point.","4":"No surprise to see you here.","5":"The worst part of coming here is seeing your smug face as I ask for your help.","6":"I should start charging you.","7":"I'd be out of money pretty quickly.","8":"Wow. You really are showing up more than usual, aren't you?","9":"I don't remember being graced by your presence quite so many times.","10":"It's been an intense few weeks.","11":"Last time I saw Valerie, I [i]hadn't[\/i] nearly been killed by a gun.","12":"The history of my life is quickly becoming conceptually cleaved in [i]before[\/i] and [i]after[\/i] that moment.","13":"Of course, to Valerie, I don't think it's felt nearly that long.","14":"That absent look in your eyes...","15":"Huh?","16":"Seems to me you've had a [i]close shave[\/i], haven't you?","17":"I'm happier to be alive than usual, if that answers your question.","18":"I heard you got arrested, recently. That's exciting.","19":"How did you-","20":"Whenever a student gets in legal trouble, I hear about it from the campus police.","21":"I feel very aggrieved for you, you know. A terrible wrong has been perpetrated against you.","22":"I don't feel that way.","23":"From best boy to getting the police called on you? That's a dip in status.","24":"To be fair, Emily did warn me she was calling the police.","25":"I know. I'm just messing with you.","26":"But the funny thing is... I can almost imagine she'd still call the cops on you even if you were still dating her.","27":"...Yeah. I can too.","28":"Emily is so cold she could be used to combat global warming if we play our cards right.","29":"We've been talking for a minute and we still haven't said ''hello''.","30":"Fine.","31":"Hello. How can I help you?","32":"Did you really automate a text message for me while you were at the pool?","33":"I did. Did you like it?","34":"Yeah. It was hot.","35":"Mmhmm.","36":"No reaction at all. [i]This girl...[\/i]","0":"I've done this enough. I don't need to waste any time introducing myself.","1":"Valerie only flashes me a knowing smile. I guess she's already figured out why I'm here.","2":"As I enter Valerie's office, she only briefly acknowledges my entrance."},"ep4_Valerie_Talk.vne3":{"3":"I really hope she's not busy. I have so little free time. I don't want to have come here for nothing.","4":"Luckily, my phone buzzes. I read the message with increasing confusion.","5":"Hello, {PlayerName}. Thank you for texting me. I'm unable to look at it right now.","6":"I'm currently very wet, a little flush, and wearing too few clothes to hold a cellphone.","7":"Yes: I'm at the pool. Come quickly if you want to see me in a dishy swimsuit.","8":"This has been an automated text message.","9":"Fuck if I'm going to miss a chance to see Valerie half-naked.","10":"I do kinda want to see her in a swimsuit.","11":"I check to see if Valerie's at the pool today... and she is.","12":"She does look pretty flattering in a swimsuit. So props for small blessings.","13":"I haven't been to this place in a long time. Basically only when I first went to orientation.","14":"But I do remember Valerie used to swim a lot. At our old school, she was in swim club. It's her exercise of choice.","15":"Me, not so much. There are more steps than I'd care for when it comes to swimming. You go in the shower, and you get in your swimsuit, and you put all your things in a little locker.","16":"That does mean I missed watching Valerie swim.","17":"But... maybe... I can make up for lost time.","18":"She can really cut through the water. She may not have ever done it competitively, but I know she could've.","19":"This far away, I can really respect her grace...","20":"...and this close... I can really appreciate [i]something else completely[\/i]...","21":"One push of her arms, and one kick of her powerful legs sends her cleaving through the water.","22":"Her smile as she steps out of the pool, the water dripping down her body in rivulets, like the droplets just don't want to get off her skin.","23":"I wouldn't either.","24":"Valerie crosses the walking area to the bench...","25":"...and quickly dries herself off.","26":"It's only when she turns to me... that I realize I've been wordlessly staring at her. I flush, and try to act like I knew what I was doing.","27":"Valerie knows better, though. And she doesn't care.","28":"The pool isn't too busy right now. I guess it's in the middle of class.","29":"Oh... but I am reminded why I like meeting Valerie here.","30":"[i]Wet indeed[\/i].","0":"I show up to the administration building, but when I ring for Valerie, I don't get a response.","1":"I guess I gotta text her.","2":"Valerie, I need to talk to you."},"ep5_clue.vne3":{"3":"Cedric brought some wine. Where would someone store wine except for the kitchen?","4":"Where would Cedric have found some wine?","5":"I need to find where Emily stores her wine...","6":"The rest of the pills had to have been thrown somewhere.","7":"The package was probably tossed... maybe outside?","8":"Where would someone toss away garbage if not in the trashcan?","9":"Someone might have been watching Emily... perhaps someone scouting for talent...","10":"Emily is pretty attractive. I know there was someone on the lookout for attractive girls.","11":"There's one person who was scouting for hot girls... I wonder if she's still in the right place?","12":"I know where to find Emily. I need to check the room.","13":"I can't waste my time. I know where Emily is. It's time to find her.","14":"I need to go where Emily is.","15":"I take a look around, but I can't find any keys.","16":"I look around, but there are no keys here as far as I see.","17":"I search the place, but there's nothing here.","18":"So close. If only I knew where the keys were...","19":"I wonder if the spare keys are stored near the car...","20":"I need to find the spare keys to the bedroom.","21":"I have the keys... I can't back down now. I need to get to Emily","22":"I can get into the room where Emily is. I need to find her ASAP.","23":"I have no time to spare. I can finally enter the room where Emily is.","0":"I need to find someone who has been watching Cedric.","1":"Wasn't there someone watching Cedric?","2":"If Cedric isn't here, someone has an idea of where he is."},"ep5_dante_interruptions.vne3":{"3":"I've never seen Dante so reluctant and apologetic to do anything.","4":"This must go so against his inner wingman.","5":"Hate to be a drag - nice dick by the way - but you've got to move this elsewhere.","6":"The host doesn't want anyone to have sex in the rooms, so that's just something you've got to do.","7":"Sorry!","8":"Man, you shave your balls good. It's shiny like a bald head. Also, you can't do this here. You gotta fuck somewhere else.","9":"It's more fun when you can go somewhere comfortable and take your time. Trust me.","10":"Have a good fuck!","0":"Wow, nice technique guys. Really awesome. I'm taking mental notes. Unfortunately, you have to move this crazy shit elsewhere.","1":"The host doesn't like it, so... that's just what you gotta do.","2":"Sorry!"},"ep5_debug_choose_companion.vne3":{"3":"Nobody","0":"Sam","1":"Haley","2":"Maggie"},"ep5_exploration_menu.vne3":{"3":"[ep5_party_phase >= 1 && ep5_party_room != 'garage']Garage","4":"[ep5_party_room != 'kitchen']Kitchen","5":"[ep5_party_room != 'living']Living Room","6":"[ep5_party_room != 'garden']Outdoors","7":"[ep5_party_room != 'pool']Pool","0":"[ep5_party_phase >= 1 && ep5_party_room != 'basement']Cellar","1":"[ep5_party_phase >= 1 && ep5_party_room != 'brotherroom']Emily's brother's room","2":"[ep5_party_phase >= 1 && ep5_party_room != 'parentsroom']Emily's parents' room"},"ep5_first_interruption.vne3":{"3":"Well, there's nothing I can do about this, but I know someone who can.","0":"Are they... fucking?","1":"This party... is MUCH crazier than I thought it was.","2":"No wonder Emily wants them kicked out. This kind of stuff drives her mad."},"ep5_haley_interruptions.vne3":{"3":"I think I would've had more fun but... clearly Haley has done this more than once.","4":"A lot more than once, actually.","5":"Hey guys. I need you to move on.","6":"This is someone else's property. You can't fuck here. You'll have to take it somewhere else.","7":"That's the rules.","8":"Guys, I need you to leave. The host doesn't want people having sex inside the house.","9":"If you want to do it, you'll need to take it to your own private area.","0":"Hey guys? This room is closed. Especially for this kind of activity.","1":"You'd better move this somewhere else.","2":"Confident. No nonsense. Straight to the point."},"ep5_maggie_interruptions.vne3":{"3":"...I don't want to ruin your fun, but I have to, I'm so sorry!","4":"Maggie actually did it. Incredible.","5":"I'm proud of her.","6":"You have to go! You have to go now!","7":"You're not supposed to be doing this!","8":"Sorry for the interruption! Please take this activity elsewhere!","9":"Good job, Maggie.","10":"Sorry to bother you, but you can't do this here any more!","11":"It's rude to rut in someone else's house like this anyway. So... don't do it!","12":"This isn't a barnyard so... if you want to act like animals, do it outside!","0":"Is Maggie really up to the task?","1":"Oh! Oh, God!","2":"Please stop! Please! I..."},"ep5_phase_controller.vne3":{},"ep5_sam_interruptions.vne3":{"3":"Yeah, yeah, off you go!","4":"Giday! Stop fuckin' around, you lazy kangaroos!","5":"Don't you know there's shrimp on the barbie and Fosters in the esky! So enjoy yourself that way, but not here!","6":"Why... Australian? Sam is so random.","7":"I'm the great magician Zatanna and I'm here to make you disappear! So get!","8":"Pick up your clothes while you're here. All your clothes! Nobody wants your stinky underwear!","0":"Hey! Get out of here!","1":"Take your dick and stick it in something, but not here!","2":"Sam is having too much fun doing this..."},"ep6_leah_talk.vne3":{"3":"If I lost you, I'd be lost too.","4":"Yeah. It felt close this time.","5":"She nods.","6":"I can't let you do something this dangerous alone again.","7":"Well, if that's true, right back at you. I don't want you to do anything dangerous alone as well.","8":"She smiles. It's a sad one, but you'd have to know {Leah} to tell.","9":"If it's possible, then yes.","10":"She's hedging her bets. She wants to take all the risks on herself, she doesn't want to make a promise to me.","11":"I will take exactly as many risks as you will.","12":"She understands now. I will be a mirror to her actions. If she selfishly risks herself, so will I.","13":"{Leah} sighs deeply, knowing neither of us will get a satisfying outcome.","14":"I think I will go to bed now. 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