CONTAINERYARD LIGHT BENDING GUY - 996

G 0 START 1 input 0->1 262 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_greet_done"] 1->262 2 You: "Wow." 283 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Welcome! Come in, make yourself at home. Sorry I'm not better able to receive you -- I wasn't expecting visitors today." "Welcome! Savvy, was it? Make yourself at home. Sorry I'm not better able to receive you -- I wasn't expecting visitors today." 2->283 3 Authority: Stop embarrassing yourself. Pop a magnesium and calm down. 632 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 3->632 4 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.container_door_ultraliberal_knock"] 5 Variable["cargo.container_door_ultraliberal_knock"] 4->5 6 !(Variable["cargo.container_door_ultraliberal_knock"]) 4->6 341 Savoir Faire: You better explain that you aren't Savvy, by the way. Can't have you nicking this identity after working hard to gain such a prodigious rep. 5->341 370 harry_hub_hole 6->370 7 You: "It's the organs. She hardly has anything left." 276 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Just a hollow husk..." The blinding light becomes almost melancholy. 7->276 8 Empathy: At least she still has her heart intact, unlike some people here. 115 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "What a sad, sad story. I should ask Rhéa to look into this, maybe the foundation can set up some scholarships for cases like these." 8->115 9 You: (Nod solemnly.) "Terribly." (Nod solemnly.) "She suffered *terribly*." 43 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Pray tell." The human shape within the light appears to lean even closer. Tiny dots flood your retina as the shipping container gets too bright. 9->43 10 You: "Nah, it's just another fad. But there's something else special about this painting." 240 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I see. What is so special about it then?" 10->240 11 You: "It's art that is produced by way of sneezing." "It's art that is produced by the trigeminal nerve." 345 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Hm. Seems unhygienic. Is that what's *in* these days?" 11->345 12 You: "You're actually the first person to see this painting after the artist." 435 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "You mean even *you* haven't looked at it?" 12->435 13 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Still, only two people have seen it thus far. That makes it pretty *exclusive* and therefore potentially valuable." 14 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "And if I don't buy it now, more people will see it -- ergo its value will drop." 13->14 382 Half Light: It's now or never! 14->382 15 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_cyclo_coefficient"] 16 Variable["cargo.mrlb_cyclo_coefficient"] 15->16 17 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_cyclo_coefficient"]) 15->17 120 Encyclopedia: The Weiss-Wiesemann coefficient for you and this individual has now dropped to .9989 repeating. 16->120 51 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "That concludes *our part* of the transaction. Once you've turned over the asset, my people will get the legal ball rolling." 17->51 18 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "A-ha. And the name of the piece?" He leans in to take a good look at the rectangular plastic board coated thick with emulsion. 520 art name hub 18->520 19 You: "What is Mauer-Koshlai Mercury Group?" 474 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "It's a Gottwaldian-Iilmaraan company that specialises in extracting mercury. It's seen massive growth lately due to the discovery of rödfärg mercury." 19->474 20 keith or no keith 50 You: (Nod.) "Keith." 20->50 611 You: Say nothing. 20->611 21 You: "I'm a detective." 749 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Pleasure to meet you," he says warmly. "Public service is a noble cause." 21->749 22 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Pleasure to meet you, Harry," he says warmly. "Though I'm sorry to hear a good public servant like yourself is in servitude to *the drink*. A man can't serve two masters, in my experience." 557 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 22->557 23 You: "Don't you think that you should use your great wealth for the glory of your fatherland?" 253 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Which one? Revachol, where I nominally reside? Or Graad, where my father emigrated from? Or Ile-de-Casherbrume where I've registered my shell companies?" 23->253 24 You: "You're a thief. People out there are working their asses off while you *chill* here." 619 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "And that's, what? Unjust? I think it's perfectly just." His tone is ever-so-slightly less agreeable than before. 24->619 25 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Sure, and they benefit when I buy things to stimulate the economy. Do you know how many jobs it takes to build and maintain a racing yacht?" 178 You: "A million?!" 25->178 267 You: "Thousands?" 25->267 418 You: "Hundreds?" 25->418 26 You: "Those things all sound pretty nice." 170 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Don't get me wrong: They're nice things, but once you achieve a certain level of wealth your time and mental space become *much* more important than material goods." 26->170 27 Conceptualization: What's worse than throwing money at something that's already failed? 403 mrlb wcheck fail 27->403 28 Empathy: A place to teach them practical skills like teamwork and self-discipline. 373 Conceptualization: Come on. Tell him what he wants to hear. 28->373 29 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Very impressive. You've got a natural eye for unusual investment opportunities." 371 grand_success_hub 29->371 30 You: "What do you think, Kim? Not bad, huh?" 138 Kim Kitsuragi: "I am not *un*-impressed. Let's leave it at that." 30->138 31 Electrochemistry: CHA-CHING. What'll it be? Speed? Vodka? Cigarettes? 257 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: CheckEquipped("neck_tie")  and  Variable["whirling.necktie_personified"] == true 31->257 32 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Pleasure to meet you Harr... I mean, Tequila Sunset," he says warmly. "It is an odd name, to be sure. There's something... rather grim about it." 411 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 32->411 33 Electrochemistry: And blow. 462 Rhetoric: Actually -- at the level this guy is, it takes several generations to do that, but all right. 33->462 34 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Some of my lower-net-worth friends say to me, 'But doesn't that take all the fun out of it?' and I tell them, 'Not really.'" 165 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_political_questions"] 34->165 35 You: "I'm saying there's no sense throwing good money after bad." 374 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "But real-estate is an illiquid asset. What happens if you need a short-term capital infusion and all your holdings are tied up?" 35->374 36 You: "Pay raises for officers and generous benefits." 339 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Hmm. I don't believe in giving anyone money for nothing, but maybe there's something to using *market incentives* to improve performance..." 36->339 37 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_single_digit_billionaire"] 38 Variable["cargo.mrlb_single_digit_billionaire"] 37->38 39 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_single_digit_billionaire"]) 37->39 637 Electrochemistry: Unbelievable. You manage to meet a man who's so rich light *literally bends around him* and all you can get out of him is three reál? What's wrong with you? 38->637 172 Electrochemistry: Come on, man. He's *got* to have more than that. See if you can score a little more of that *lucre*. 39->172 40 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "The art market? Intriguing. You've already convinced me to invest in you, so please, go on -- tell me what you're thinking." 153 2q hub 40->153 41 You: "Wait, the Milton 32-8 knock?" 377 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Yes, the special knock that helps us ultras identify each other. I almost forgot it myself." 41->377 42 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Rehm's using it in their next model. I can't wait for mine to turn up! My predictions say its improved speed and azimuthal range should increase my trade efficiency by a whopping 46%. You really should order one if you don't want to be left behind." 653 Interfacing: He's right, the combination of Rehm's solid engineering and the new rödfärg mercury valves is huge. 42->653 238 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Any details? I've heard some struggling families have to sell their organs to pay the rent. There is also the terrible misfortune of having to go get your own groceries when you're poor. Which one is it?" 43->238 44 You: "It's something even worse. See, she got involved with Mesque bangers..." 601 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "*Mesque bangers*? No! Have I told you I've stopped reading the news? It's too negative, can't let it affect my mojo." 44->601 45 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Oh." He sounds disappointed. "Well, I'm sure her work represents some very interesting *internal* struggle. Probably with mental illness. Yes, that sounds right." 645 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "In any case, is there anything *else* you can tell me about this piece?" 45->645 46 Logic: He only wants to hear about struggles he isn't familiar with. 159 You: "Oh yeah, this is all about the housing crisis. The artist doesn't even have a home." 46->159 604 You: "On second thought, not the kinds of issues you'd be interested in." 46->604 770 You: "It's a real spit-and-sawdust affair. See those splatters? That's *poor* people." 46->770 47 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "That changes everything." 772 Savoir Faire: Bit of corporate espionage? He's straight in there. Great job. 47->772 48 Suggestion: The comfortably wealthy want their views challenged when making a purchase. Don't hold back. 746 pitch hub 48->746 49 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Now, was there anything else I could help you with?" "Now, was there anything else I could help you gentlemen with?" 533 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 49->533 351 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Keith," he repeats. 50->351 272 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: After you hand over the artwork, the voice from the light says: "Another deal complete. Welcome to the big leagues! If you haven't already, I'd advise you to consider hiring a Personal Brand Strategist." 51->272 52 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Just a mixing palette? But where does the value lie then?" 196 Interfacing: Running your fingertips across the splatters reveals frequencies used by finance companies for long-distance communication. 52->196 53 Savoir Faire: Great work -- that might have done it. 246 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Well, I think that settles it. You've found a buyer, my friend. A pleasure transacting with you." The light around him warms you like a friendly embrace. 53->246 54 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_karperie"] 55 Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_karperie"] 54->55 56 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_karperie"]) 54->56 123 Conceptualization: That's just one of the many dangers of getting too deep into karperie. 55->123 85 Physical Instrument: Complete nonsense -- both 'karperie' and what you just said. Can't bathe in thoughts! 56->85 57 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Oh, *that's* what you mean. Yes, I've heard of this effect, though I've never witnessed it myself, of course. It has something to do with our Weiss-Wiesemann coefficient." 454 Encyclopedia: The Weiss-Wiesemann coefficient is a ratio designed to reflect the difference in net worth between individuals. When the coefficient is close to 1 (or 100%) it means one person possesses all the net worth among that group of individuals. It's been observed that when the Weiss-Wiesemann coefficient reaches about .96 or so, the laws of physics begin to bend around the high-net-worth individual. 57->454 58 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Oh, don't you worry, lieutenant. I can tell a good man when I see one." 776 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 58->776 59 Kim Kitsuragi: "Could you please stop asking *everyone* for money? It does not reflect well on the RCM and to be perfectly frank we can't afford to look worse than we already do." 93 You: "You're right. That was extremely unprofessional. I apologize." 59->93 756 You: "But Kim! I also can't *afford* to look any better than I do now. That's why I need the money!" 59->756 60 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "As you may know, us high-net-worth individuals do not have a lot of cash on hand. Investments and liquidity are enemies of one another -- I think I only have coins for coffee machines." 529 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Here's three reál, how much can you get for this?" 60->529 61 You: "Are you sure you don't have any more? I thought you were a billionaire?" 401 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Yes, I'm sure. You know..." His eyes narrow, the light seems to bend more *aggressively*. 61->401 62 Kim Kitsuragi: "No, I am *not* having a stroke. You're just... still full of surprises. Most of them bad, but some good..." 96 Composure: The lieutenant has granted you an aura of legitimacy. Bathe in it, but don't let your satisfaction show. Play it cool. 62->96 63 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I'm ready." 630 You: "Its a pen-and-paper game where people all over the world can play with each other -- using radios!" 63->630 64 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Hold on. Have we met before?" 330 You: "Maybe? I wouldn't really know." 64->330 682 You: "I don't think so." 64->682 65 You: "Thank you for the advice." 183 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "You're welcome. Now, was there something else I could help you with?" 65->183 66 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: The shape stands in stunned silence. 688 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 66->688 67 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Go right ahead." 567 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 67->567 68 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: The man pauses, considering your words. The light bends and swims around his face. You cannot tell what he's thinking... 458 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Trust... yes..." 68->458 69 You: "Radiocomputers for every precinct." 306 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "The RCM's problems aren't the kind you can solve with *radiocomputers*. The rot goes much deeper than that..." 69->306 70 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "You know, that's *exactly* what I've heard. From what I understand, the RCM as currently constituted is essentially a lost cause..." 305 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Still, the idea of a privatized police force is *extremely* forward thinking. You could even say it's *ultra* ultraliberal..." 70->305 71 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Hmmmm, a tried-and-true strategy for increasing the perception of value without improving the underlying asset. Not bad. But still..." 595 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 71->595 72 Suggestion: A man this *chill* is at least a triple-digit billionaire. 667 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 72->667 73 Savoir Faire: We've hit the big time! This is the man who's going to make you *rich*. Always rely on your friendly neighbourhood swindler. 440 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 73->440 74 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"] 75 Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"] 74->75 76 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"]) 74->76 639 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "The art market, you say? Possibly. As I said, I don't carry much money on my person, but do go on -- what are you thinking?" 75->639 376 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "The art market, you say? Sure. 'Hit me with it', as they say. I'm keen to hear what you have in mind." 76->376 77 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "However, there are a few *complications*.... I don't have the cash on me right now to pay for art of this calibre. What I can instead offer are shares in Mauer-Koshlai Mercury Group." 468 Savoir Faire: Shares -- that's even *better*. You can do a lot with them if you play your cards right. 77->468 78 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "This is a stock certificate. Well, a photocopy of one. Nevertheless, it's solid proof that you own shares in Mauer-Koshlai Mercury Group." 154 You: (Take the scroll.) "Thanks." 78->154 79 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "*Every day*?" The blinding light becomes almost melancholy. "But how does she find time to do any work?" 79->115 80 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Hmm, I do cling to it rather a lot. Perhaps that is one of my shortcomings -- I just haven't realised it before now." 518 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "That prophet-for-hire did say I should identify weakness and remove it from my life..." 80->518 81 Savoir Faire: Yeah-yeah, you're doing a good deed here, really giving back to society. Just give us the money already. 81->246 82 Savoir Faire: Wow, he worked it out all by himself. Such a clever boy. But is he gonna pay up? 82->246 83 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: There's no sign of a reaction for a good three seconds. Then... 350 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Keith? Just *Keith*?" 83->350 84 Inland Empire: Ten seconds -- borders dissipate. Twenty seconds -- loss of self. Thirty seconds -- everything dissimilates into raw unreality. 84->54 205 You: "Mhmh. Karperie is *dangerous*. It spreads like a virus, infecting entire universities." 85->205 523 You: "Actually, forget what I said. It doesn't really make sense." 85->523 654 You: "Yes. Spend time with it and the whole world becomes defined by karperie." 85->654 86 You: "There's something strange about you." 359 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "What do you mean?" His... essence seems to signify actual surprise. 86->359 87 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "The hand that allocates resources among men is invisible and cruel, but it is *steady*, *measured*, indeed it is *just*." 753 net_worth_finale 87->753 88 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 89 IsKimHere() 88->89 90 !(IsKimHere()) 88->90 564 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant leans in and whispers to you: "Please, behave yourself." 89->564 616 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Hm. I've never heard anybody say anything about my chin. Yet I know that people often tell each other half-truths, things they think the other party would wish to hear..." 90->616 91 You: "Ummm... I really don't know." 488 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 91->488 92 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Ah, a fellow history buff! I, myself, am currently reading up on Franconigerian-era trains. Very interesting stuff. " 665 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "It's a shame I can't get out and explore myself. One of the downsides of being an extremely high-net-worth individual is that mobs of low-net-worth individuals are constantly banding together to ask for money." 92->665 177 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "It's perfectly alright. Based on your appearance I can tell I'm dealing with a civilized man..." 93->177 94 Rhetoric: Reminds you of that Joyce woman, doesn't he? Can't get rich by giving out free money. 711 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Maybe you can make that money grow? Come up with an investment plan? How's that sound?" 94->711 95 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Here's a round of seed funding. This should be enough to prove out the concept and get things off the ground." 95->31 96->49 97 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Well, at first everything was rosy, the ideas were solid, but they were lacking in... how do I put it..." 580 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "They lacked the *will* to get things done. As their financial situation became more desperate, their ideas devolved from realistic to absolute insanity." 97->580 98 Kim Kitsuragi: "I guess the inordinate amount of time they poured into drawing mythical creatures did not generate a return on investment." 99 You: "Did you try to salvage the project somehow?" 98->99 494 You: "Wait. Where are they now?" 98->494 223 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Sadly, when we got there, it was too late. The concept had run out of steam, only dust remained." 99->223 100 Kim Kitsuragi: "It is not..." The lieutenant stops to rub his temples. "Never mind." 100->58 101 You: "Imagine, a massive gun that uses a magnetic accelerator to accelerate highly energized hydrogen-based plasma to near light speed. At contact with anything it detonates with the *power of a dying star*, erasing it from existence in a flash of periwinkle blue!" 101->66 102 Kim Kitsuragi: "Not the blaasma gun again." The lieutenant takes off the glasses and rubs his eyes with his fingers. "It's not even *possible*." 335 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "It is not possible. But what a dream..." He shakes his head. "Either way, even if I could do it, I certainly wouldn't give an incompetent and corrupt police force *WORLD-ENDING* weaponry." 102->335 103 Kim Kitsuragi: "If you ask me, he's only serving one of them thus far," the lieutenant mutters, half to himself. 103->776 104 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I like that you're thinking about the future, but couldn't the centre have a more... economic focus?" 576 You: "One dedicated to instilling liberal economic values in children from low-net-worth families." 104->576 105 You: "Because if you don't, who will?" 420 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I don't believe in handouts, especially for people who *volunteered* for their positions..." 105->420 106 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 107 IsKimHere() 106->107 108 !(IsKimHere()) 106->108 309 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant's disappointment is palpable. It's like someone just shot his dog. 107->309 543 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Now, was there anything else I could help you with?" "Now, was there anything else I could help you gentlemen with?" 108->543 109 You: "Yeah, that last one. Ile-de-Casherbrume." 463 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Maybe I should? Sadly, I've never been there. I'm sure it's nice but in the end -- does it matter?" 109->463 110 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["tc.that_in_revachol"] 111 Variable["tc.that_in_revachol"] 110->111 112 !(Variable["tc.that_in_revachol"]) 110->112 340 Encyclopedia: In the very, very early days of colonizing this archipelago, the Kingdom of Suresne, a precursor of modern Sur-La-Clef, used to own the city of Revachol. An obscure detail in the bigger picture, but still -- worth dropping. 111->340 638 Untitled hub 112->638 113 Encyclopedia: The Milton 32-8 knock was created through data sonification. It's based on the time series data of the world's most profitable bank during its prosperous years in the Thirties. The peak points were turned into the rhythm that makes up the knock. 383 Suggestion: It's a secret handshake of the ultra rich, distributed though private-access yacht clubs and interisolary balls for the heirs and heiresses of the old money. Where you picked it up is a mystery. 113->383 114 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "An artist's value doubles if they come with a good backstory. I thought you were an experienced art dealer, you should know this." 432 Logic: It's the artist herself who becomes a commodity, not merely their work. 114->432 609 Savoir Faire: You've reeled him right in. That's got to have done it. 115->609 116 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "But perhaps I judge too quickly. Is there an intelligent reasoning behind the method?" 116->10 646 You: "The artist enters a state of no-mindedness and lets the body take over." "By stimulating the nerve, the artist enters a state of no-mindedness and lets the body take over." 116->646 117 Composure: His scintillating face-shape flashes with an expression that resembles disgust. 117->116 118 You: "Design is nothing. Let it go. It's holding you back." 118->80 119 You: "Oh yeah. Duh!" 119->13 120->51 121 Endurance: Wouldn't say it's exactly *safe* now -- but financially secure individuals are known adrenaline junkies. 169 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "By the way, let me now ask *you* a question: Where are we, exactly?" 121->169 122 You: "Grotbags. Actually, make that Granny Grotbags." 122->18 123->85 124 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: The man stands at the far end of the shipping container. It's hard to say anything more about him. You cannot make out any of his details, but you do feel the overwhelming presence of... capital. 614 Physical Instrument: The feeling causes all the hairs on your body to stand at attention like soldiers preparing for review. 124->614 125 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Pleasure to meet you, Harry," he says warmly. "Public service is a noble cause." 125->776 126 You: "I should get back to my investigation. Thanks for your time." [Leave.] "We should get back to our investigation. Thanks for your time." [Leave.] 656 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["TASK.sell_art_for_gains_done"] 126->656 127 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Something's amiss. The light beams bend around his face and scatter in a thousand directions. It seems the laws of physics do not apply here. They are suspended, distorted, an echo. 726 Visual Calculus: Trying to visualize the physics at play is liable to give you an aneurysm. Don't think about it too hard! 127->726 128 You: "What's going on in here?" 710 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Welcome, welcome! Not too much, actually, just pleasantly surprised to have company today." "Welcome, Savvy, welcome! Not too much, actually, just pleasantly surprised to have company today." 128->710 129 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: The man chuckles. "To be perfectly blunt, I inherited my fortune from my grandmother, who, herself, was an extremely high-net-worth individual back in Graad..." 232 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "All I did was take her fortune and invest it prudently. Believe it or not, it takes more than a bit of skill not to blow a vast fortune on sailing boats, bad choices, and *unsupervised* state policy." 129->232 130 Kim Kitsuragi: "Oh, nothing. It's just that we've got this *murder* to solve, and yet you go around asking everyone about *money*. And every time I ask, 'Are you sure this is related to the case?', you say, 'Sure, Kim. I think it is'..." 218 Kim Kitsuragi: "And yet it never seems to get us any closer to solving the case." 130->218 131 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "But then, once you've reached my position, it's nearly impossible for me *not* to make money. My assets are so diversified that I'm bound to come out ahead no matter what..." 131->34 132 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 323 MRLG Main hub 132->323 133 You: "You're right. Capital accumulation is its own reward." 563 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Precisely! You know, I hear people talk sometimes about *economic equality* and *fairness* and all that kind of stuff. But tell me, where would we be without liberalism? In caves! Whacking each other with bones!" "Precisely, Mr. Sunset! You know, I hear people talk sometimes about *economic equality* and *fairness* and all those things. But tell me, where would we be without liberalism? In caves! Whacking each other with bones!" "Precisely, Mr. Du Bois! You know, I hear people talk sometimes about *economic equality* and *fairness*. But tell me, where would we be without liberalism? In caves! Whacking each other with bones!" "Precisely, Mr. Costeau -- may I call you Raphaël?! You know, I hear people talk sometimes about *economic equality* and *fairness* and all that kind of stuff. But tell me, where would we be without liberalism? In caves! Whacking each other with bones!" "Precisely, Harry! You know, I hear people talk sometimes about *economic equality* and *fairness* and all that kind of stuff. But tell me, where would we be without liberalism? In caves! Whacking each other with bones!" 133->563 134 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Spending money is a matter of desire, I'm sure you agree. I don't have the desire for spending it like that." 210 You: "So you travel from place to place via shipping container?" 134->210 135 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "That's the idea, my friend! You've got to work for the rest." 135->711 136 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "A youth centre, huh? What *kind* of youth centre?" 181 Physical Instrument: A place to train *buff kids*. 136->181 137 You: "Thank you." 290 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I don't normally do this without a formal pitch deck, but to hell with it, what's the point of being rich if you have to follow all the rules?" 137->290 138->49 139 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 140 IsKimHere() 139->140 141 !(IsKimHere()) 139->141 140->98 141->99 141->494 142 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Nobody knows for sure, but the place can't be pretty." 142->99 143 You: "You should make your money work for you." 721 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Intriguing. Go on." 143->721 144 You: "Actually, I'm not so sure about that." 627 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 144->627 145 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I'm listening." 145->101 146 Encyclopedia: The Weiss-Wiesemann coefficient for you and this individual appears to be... 587 Encyclopedia: .9998 repeating. 146->587 147 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "*Dozens*, at least. Of course, in the future it'll all be automated. But my point is this..." he says, jabbing his finger into the air a bit... 498 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Every man gets what he earns. It's the height of tyranny to take that from him." 147->498 148 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Hmmm," the man thinks for a moment. 148->104 149 You: "Look man, markets are always going like this." (Make an up-and-down motion with your hand.) 302 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Yes, yes, but the question is how do we take advantage of those fluctuations?" 149->302 150 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_success"] 151 Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_success"] 150->151 152 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_success"]) 150->152 423 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "The pleasure was mine. Unfortunately, I must be away soon. The next time we meet, I'll be expecting an update on my investment!" 151->423 790 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_fail"] 152->790 425 You: "I've recently discovered a local painter with enormous potential." (Show him Cindy's *chef d'oeuvre*.) 153->425 271 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: The light around the individual in front of you changes somehow as you take the scroll. You can't figure out what's different -- you just know that it is. 154->271 155 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_interfacing_cryptograph"] 156 Variable["cargo.mrlb_interfacing_cryptograph"] 155->156 157 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_interfacing_cryptograph"]) 155->157 698 Conceptualization: That's not very *art*. Tell him it contains an invisible pigment used by corporate spies. Own the palette and you can unveil a whole world of concealed communications. 156->698 739 Conceptualization: Tell him it was used to mix together an invisible pigment. Own it and he opens up a whole world of concealed communications. 157->739 158 Pain Threshold: Seems like he's not actually that interested in hearing the details. Too bad, you had a good story cooked up... 599 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I've found it's much better for my health just to throw money at those kinds of problems and hope they go away. That way I don't have to feel guilty about avoiding them." 158->599 603 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Poor thing! In that case, buying this will help me fulfil my *noblesse oblige* for the month." 159->603 160 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Oh yes, I see it now. Very *graphic*, isn't it? Really delivers insight into what it's like being that... unruly." 313 Savoir Faire: That's it, lap it up, buddy. That might have done it. 160->313 161 Jump to: [pitch hub] 161->746 162 Savoir Faire: Sounds like a winner. Good pitch. 162->246 163 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "*Dangerous*? I like things that are dangerous. You could even say I'm one of these 'adrenaline-junkies'." The light emanating from him seems to intensify. 163->53 164 You: Say nothing. 227 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Capital." He nods. "Makes one speechless, does it not? Blinds like the sun that rises from beyond the horizon after a gloomy winter." 164->227 166 Variable["cargo.mrlb_political_questions"] 165->166 167 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_political_questions"]) 165->167 166->753 167->23 167->24 167->133 226 You: "Cool. I don't even have any interesting replies." 167->226 615 You: "It's great that you've done so well for yourself, but don't you think you owe some of that wealth to the rest of society?" 167->615 168 Kim Kitsuragi: "I see nothing of the sort. To be frank, all I see is a gentleman who's unusually well dressed for Martinaise. In a cargo container. Which, I admit, is odd." 464 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Yes. I imagine that *does* look strange to you. My container." 168->464 169->110 568 Empathy: He speaks from the heart. He has very different problems compared to low-net-worth individuals such as yourself. For example, no problems at all. 170->568 171 You: "We're in Martinaise. There's a creepy abandoned commercial area here." 365 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Well, as we say in my circle -- one person's crushing business failure is someone else's development opportunity." 171->365 172->61 399 You: "It gets me almost nothing." 172->399 530 You: "Thank you for your kindness." 172->530 173 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "You're welcome. You know..." His eyes narrow, the light seems to bend more *aggressively*. 173->711 174 You: "Highly educated, work-ready, human capital ready to be directed toward any number of your vast interests." 501 Conceptualization: You're deep into ultraliberal territory now. Good work. 174->501 175 You: "Kim, are you alright?" 448 Kim Kitsuragi: "Yes. I'm alright." He pauses to compose himself. "Can we get going now?" 175->448 176 You: "I'm sorry. I just don't see the ROI in that." 176->627 402 Electrochemistry: Playing the pity card, are we? Whatever gets us over the moon, baby, I'm your hand to be dealt. 177->402 178->147 179 You: "You know, a regular youth centre, with basketball courts and stuff. To *really* develop their physical proficiency." 269 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "No, no, no. You've got to think *bigger* than that." 179->269 180 You: "Good. Now that we've sorted that out, let me ask you something else." 180->67 181->28 182 You: "I'm saying it's fun to ride the lion until it's time to get off." 301 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "But what do you say to those who claim that the assets underlying those derivatives are overvalued? Does that pose a systemic risk to the wider capital markets?" 182->301 183->632 184 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "You want to take an incompetent and corrupt police force and give them *deadlier* weapons? No, no, that won't work..." 184->595 185 Kim Kitsuragi: "If I could interject: the RCM's problems are mainly *structural*. We're hamstrung by a lack of clear lines of authority, and our system of performance reviews strongly *disincentivizes* inter-precinct cooperation." 789 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I think the lieutenant's right. Your problems run much deeper than equipment or funding. The entire org structure of the RCM needs to be redefined. You need a unified chain of command, new metrics for measuring performance that reward real *police work*. Does that sound right?" 185->789 186 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"] == true  and  Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done"] == false 187 Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"] == true  and  Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done"] == false 186->187 188 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"] == true  and  Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done"] == false) 186->188 718 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Thanks for stopping by. If you ever have an idea you want to pitch me, I'm all ears." 187->718 310 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Why go so soon? I feel we've so much more to talk about. Ah, well. Until next time!" 188->310 189 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Exactly!" He agrees. "A world of slavery and violence. Which brings us back to the essential truth of modernism..." 727 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Where we are right now, the freedom of mankind can only be derived from the free flow of capital." 189->727 190 Suggestion: Okay. Well. Maybe I was wrong. We've all learned something today. 190->65 784 You: "Are you *sure* you don't want to give those little welkins a second go?" 190->784 191 You: "Have you considered breaking into the local art market?" 733 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.container_door_ultraliberal_knock"] 191->733 192 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Which means you could net yourself a considerable profit if you need some immediate liquidity. But if you don't mind waiting I expect the value of these shares to double within the next five years." 249 Logic: Seems like a clever investment. Definitely worth thinking about if you care about your future. 192->249 193 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "What *don't* they do?" The shiny magnate chuckles. "They practically do everything -- from spotting good investments and analysing design trends, to booking a lunchtime table at the prestigious L'Ambroisie." 471 You: "Could you hook me up with one?" 193->471 194 Jump to: [pitch hub] 194->746 195 Jump to: [pitch hub] 195->746 196->155 197 Inland Empire: So close to envisioning what's beyond. Just needs a little push over the edge... 737 You: "Exactly. Don't you want to find out what *else* we could be?" 197->737 740 You: "This is a new type of design. You'll work it out if you spend more time with it." 197->740 198 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_said_a_goodbye"] 199 Variable["cargo.mrlb_said_a_goodbye"] 198->199 200 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_said_a_goodbye"]) 198->200 200->186 201 You: "Let's go with... Lucinda Schweinehack." 201->18 202 You: "The Arduous Slaughter of the Eighth Pinniped." 437 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: There's no sign of a reaction for a good three seconds. Then... 202->437 203 Encyclopedia: The Aloïs-Lorblanchet family is known to have one of the biggest and most impressive private art collections in the world. 482 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "No, not even him. He might have some Moelles and de Vignys, the *authenticity* of which historians are debating, but I don't think that counts. Perfect." 203->482 204 wealth manager hub 388 You: Joyce might be able to help? 204->388 553 You: Garte seems to have his life together. 204->553 706 You: Evrart seems to know a thing or two... 204->706 707 You: No one comes to mind... No one else comes to mind... 204->707 205->163 206 Kim Kitsuragi: "Mr. Diodore, I am Lieutenant Kim Kitsuragi of the RCM, and this is my partner..." "Mr. Diodore, I think there's been some confusion. His name is, in fact, *not* Savvy." He glares at you. "Let's start over. I am Lieutenant Kim Kitsuragi of the RCM, and this is my partner..." 206->370 207 You: "Man, being a high-net-worth individual sounds great." 687 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "It is, truly. It's almost entirely care free." He nods. "It really leaves you time to better yourself spiritually." 207->687 208 You: "It's as if something is happening to the light." 208->57 209 You: "We're in Revachol, formerly a colony of the Kingdom of Suresne." 209->92 666 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Smart, no? It also provides a means to hide from all the targeted advertising we extremely high-net-worth individuals are constantly subjected to..." 210->666 211 You: Present a sound investment plan. 212 You: Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck"] 211->212 213 Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck"] 212->213 214 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck"]) 212->214 621 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck"] 213->621 214->621 215 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Was it Kras Mazov that said 'religion is pyrholidon for the masses'?" 446 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "He may have been a communard, but we're in agreement about that. Still, I imagine the architecture is quite lovely." 215->446 216 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Ah, interesting. I've made quite a few real-estate plays over the years." 216->665 217 Conceptualization: Deploying high-concept buzzword generator. All systems functional: Ready to engage in 3, 2, 1... 785 Conceptualization: It's time to disrupt the future. You've got to stay lean, innovative, and focus on what matters most: *the children*. 217->785 358 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: The man chuckles. "It's quite alright. I'm used to the question by now. To be blunt, I inherited my fortune from my grandmother, who, herself, was an extremely high-net-worth individual back in Graad..." 218->358 219 Suggestion: These ultraliberal types love losing huge sums of money on ludicrous proposals. Ergo, you should come up with a plan that's TOTALLY dead in the water. 329 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 219->329 220 Horrific Necktie: *Bratan*, now's your chance to take some time off. Spend it with your good buddy, and get absolutely *wrecked* in the process. 577 You: "I'm sorry, man, I'm an investor now -- I have to stay sober to calculate risks." 220->577 626 You: "Hmm. Drugs do go well with money, I agree." 220->626 221 Horrific Necktie: Nothing less than total annihilation will suffice. 221->144 222 You: "Hello, darkness." 221->222 222->627 719 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "What I want to tell you is this: it's a very bad idea. Dead in the water. You seem like a reasonable man, but that is not a reasonable plan." 223->719 224 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "The thing about investing is that the less work you have to do, the better. Don't over-think. That's what return on investment means." 224->106 225 You: "It's Harrier Du Bois, but I prefer to be called Tequila Sunset." 225->32 334 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "One would imagine living such a high-net-worth existence is overwhelmingly exciting, but yes, as you now see... it can sometimes just stun you with its boredom." 226->334 360 Perception (Sight): Hey, HEY. All this talk about money has made you lose the thread. What is going on with the light in this place? *That's* what you need to ask him about! 227->360 228 Inland Empire: The *blaasma gun* that shoots periwinkle blue high energy plasma! This is your chance... 460 Esprit de Corps: Take care of the people who protect the people. 228->460 229 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_said_blaasma_option"] 230 Variable["cargo.mrlb_said_blaasma_option"] 229->230 231 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_said_blaasma_option"]) 229->231 497 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "But I appreciate the *grandiosity* of your ideas. Thus you might understand -- the entire org structure of the RCM needs to be redefined. You need a unified chain of command, an end to petty spats between precincts, new metrics for measuring performance that reward real *police work*. Does that sound right?" 230->497 307 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "You need to think *bigger*. The entire org structure of the RCM needs to be redefined. You need a unified chain of command, an end to petty spats between precincts, new metrics for measuring performance that reward real *police work*. Does that sound right?" 231->307 232->33 233 You: "Our what?" 634 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "It's some statistical thing. In essence, it says that when an extremely *low*-net-worth individual meets an extremely *high*-net-worth individual, some of the laws of physics cease to apply." 233->634 234 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I'm already on the board of two major arms manufacturers. I've got no shortage of guns, if I wanted such things..." 234->305 235 You: "That sounds like a lot of work." 270 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Precisely, which is why I'm not going to do it. Why would I do that when I can just speculate on exotic financial derivatives from the comfort of this shipping container?" 235->270 236 Logic: That's not good -- for you. 754 You: "Are you telling me that you are so rich that light literally bends around your face?" 236->754 237 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Splendid." You hear the sound of expensive fabrics brushing against each other. When it stops, a roll of paper emerges from the radiance. 439 Inland Empire: It looks almost ethereal -- is it even real? 237->439 602 Pain Threshold: This guy clearly gets off on macabre stories. You've got just the one -- an absolute skullfuckery. 238->602 239 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Please, if there's something I'm missing, I'd love to know what it is." 239->194 240->161 241 Savoir Faire: He ate that right up. Pretty sure you've done it. 241->246 242 Physical Instrument: This transaction has changed the physical relationship between you. You are now more alike somehow. 242->15 243 Reaction Speed: There! The blinding light dimmed just long enough for you to see his true form! He looked like a regular middle-aged man! 347 Inland Empire: Something's rattling within you. It feels like the first penny dropped into a piggy bank. 243->347 244 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "A painter, eh? I am always looking to expand into new asset classes. Who's the artist?" 384 artist name hub 244->384 245 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Not even a pseudonym?" The light appears to vibrate with surprise. 245->122 245->201 519 You: "No, a complete mystery. You can call her Anonymous." 245->519 610 You: "Cindy the SKULL." 245->610 246->77 247 You: "What are 'shares' and what can I do with them?" 274 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "They are the very *unit* of capital. You can buy them, sell them, even sit on them if you think it wise. Trust me when I say this -- becoming a shareholder means you're part of the *big leagues*." 247->274 248 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "So! What's next on the agenda?" 736 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 248->736 745 Electrochemistry: Yes, but chances are you can't use them to buy anything *right now*. No cigarettes, no alcohol, no funky little colourful pills... 249->745 250 You: "What's the matter, Kim?" 250->130 251 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Go right ahead, don't be shy." 251->208 366 You: "It's *really* nothing." 251->366 252 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Are you talking about my chin?" 286 You: "Yeah, it's the chin." 252->286 396 You: "No-no, I mean, I can't even see... *you*, it's as if something is happening to the light." 252->396 253->109 268 You: "Oh, probably Graad, in that case." 253->268 287 You: "For almighty Revachol, of course!" 253->287 254 You: "You should invest in the RCM!" 503 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 254->503 255 You: "I know." 255->290 256 You: "Thank you for placing your unwavering *trust* in me." 368 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Remember: it's not a *handout*, it's an investment. And I expect to see returns." 256->368 258 CheckEquipped("neck_tie")  and  Variable["whirling.necktie_personified"] == true 257->258 259 !(CheckEquipped("neck_tie")  and  Variable["whirling.necktie_personified"] == true) 257->259 258->220 259->256 714 You: "Thanks for the handout." 259->714 261 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "They pitched me and a handful of other investors on an idea for a role-playing game that would, in their words, change the world." 579 You: "What happened?" 261->579 263 Variable["cargo.mrlb_greet_done"] 262->263 264 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_greet_done"]) 262->264 722 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Welcome back, friend. What can I do for you?" Although you cannot see his face, you can tell he's smiling warmly. "Welcome back, gentlemen. What can I do for you?" Although you cannot see his face, you can tell he's smiling warmly. 263->722 264->124 265 You: Ignore him. 266 Kim Kitsuragi: "We have a *murder* to solve, and yet you go around bothering everyone about *money*, arguing that you think it's 'somehow related to the case.'" 265->266 266->218 267->147 562 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Listen, if capital and nationalism went hand in hand, there'd be no need to ask the question..." "Listen, Mr. Sunset, if capital and nationalism went hand in hand, there'd be no need to ask the question..." "Listen, Mr. Du Bois, if capital and nationalism went hand in hand, there'd be no need to ask the question..." "Listen, Mr. Costeau -- Raphaël, if I may -- if capital and nationalism went hand in hand, there'd be no need to ask the question..." "Listen, Harry, if capital and nationalism went hand in hand, there'd be no need to ask the question..." 268->562 419 You: "One to inspire the future leaders of tomorrow to public service." 269->419 269->576 270->224 271->243 272->471 546 You: "What does a Personal Brand Strategist do?" 272->546 273 You: "Actually, Savvy *isn't* my name. Hope you'll excuse me. Let me introduce myself again..." 273->370 652 Jump to: [shares hub] 274->652 275 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Before I invest, I need to know more about the work. How do I know this asset is going to appreciate with time?" 704 Rhetoric: This is the only question that matters. Fail to come up with an interesting hook and he's out. 275->704 276->8 277 Savoir Faire: Don't you dare! This isn't the time. Put your personal feelings aside -- you're a salesman! 348 Inland Empire: He's so close to envisioning what's beyond. Just needs a little push over the edge... 277->348 278 You: (Lie.) "I haven't so much as squinted at it. It's the exclusivity that gives it value." 607 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I see, so by artificially constraining supply you're also stimulating demand. I have to say, it's a brilliant strategy..." 278->607 279 You: "Morve sur toile." 279->437 280 You: Say nothing. 280->275 281 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Have you heard about it? At the moment, it's trading at more than 1.5x the price of gold. That's because it's an essential component in the next generation of radiocomputers..." 281->42 282 You: "Staring at it long enough lets you immerse yourself in *karperie*." 554 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "It lets you *immerse yourself* in a modern school of thought? Are you sure?" 282->554 326 Perception (Hearing): You can't *hear* him, exactly, yet you're able to understand every word he says. It is very strange. An overwhelming hum covers everything -- voice doesn't escape from him. 283->326 284 Kim Kitsuragi: "I can assure you, Mr. Diodore, that despite his vices he is a competent detective." 284->58 285 You: "How did you become so rich?" 777 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 285->777 286->88 287->562 288 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Ah, Revachol. I remember walking its streets as a teenager. There used to be a bowling alley in Stella Maris... I wonder if it's still there?" 288->665 289 You: "You should invest in a youth centre." 289->136 290->95 291 You: "Kim, are you having a stroke?" 291->62 292 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant looks at you with horror. You've been mumbling to your necktie in a daze for several minutes. 717 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Ah, yes. Now you're displaying it... the *eccentricity* that becomes a wealthy individual." If the money-saint's visage weren't wrapped in physics-defying light, you would see his approval. 292->717 293 You: "Brace yourself. It is *very* high concept." 293->63 294 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "We lost all of our money. High-art types never deliver. They're only good for peddling welkins or whatever creeps they come up with." 294->139 295 You: "Because they have guns!" 295->234 296 You: "Like they say in investment circles, you gotta spend money to make money. Money's the name of the game here." 406 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I think I follow you. You're saying I should invest in exotic financial derivatives? Or maybe some kind of real-estate play?" 296->406 297 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["reputation.ask_for_money"] >= 2 298 Variable["reputation.ask_for_money"] >= 2 297->298 299 !(Variable["reputation.ask_for_money"] >= 2) 297->299 332 Kim Kitsuragi: "Could you please stop asking people for money? It does not reflect well on the RCM and to be perfectly frank we can't afford to look worse than we already do." 298->332 786 Kim Kitsuragi: "I don't see how it's appropriate for a representative of the law to ask a wealthy person for money. This shines a... bad light on the RCM, if you catch my meaning." 299->786 300 You: (Yawn.) "Yeah, that does sound pretty tiresome." 300->170 591 Conceptualization: You're in deep now, but don't lose your nerve. You can do this. 301->591 456 You: "Money literally makes the world go round." 302->456 541 You: "A wise man once told me that money is all about trust." 302->541 592 You: "You've got to spend money to make money." 302->592 303 Suggestion: Who'd have thought you'd remember that nugget of wisdom after nearly frying your brain like you have? 459 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Such a simple truth, yet so easily forgotten. What is money, anyway, but an idea in our heads we all *trust* one another to believe in?" 303->459 304 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "That's why I *should* invest? Are you trying to say that the RCM's bad reputation makes it an undervalued asset?" 593 You: "No, I think it's exactly as valuable as it looks." 304->593 728 You: "Yes." 304->728 375 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Tell me, if you could invest in the RCM, where would you direct your resources?" 305->375 306->595 691 re-structuring-the-rcm-hub 307->691 308 Kim Kitsuragi: "Yes, yes! That's *precisely* what we need." 308->691 309->543 311 You: "What are these shares worth?" 427 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I bought these shares many years ago for a steal. As predicted, Mauer-Koshlai Mercury's operating profit has increased year on year, and there's no signs of it slowing down. People *always* need mercury." 311->427 312 Jump to: [shares hub] 545 shares hub 312->545 313->246 314 Endurance: Lying will get you nowhere. You can't outrun the truth -- it will catch up to you one day. 314->48 315 You: "Gross Profit." 315->437 316 Kim Kitsuragi: Even the lieutenant looks tense, waiting to see where this is going... 483 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Keith, I like it. One of my nephews is named Keith. We haven't spoken in years, since I declined to pay for his most recent trip to rehab. But perhaps this will help patch things up between us..." 316->483 317 You: Nod confidently. 317->275 318 Savoir Faire: She *could*, but she represents the Wild Pines, which is the top of that particular game. No way she's stepping down from there. We need someone lower down. 389 Jump to: [wealth manager hub] 318->389 319 You: "It's actually just a mixing palette." 319->52 320 You: "Value is something you should *discover* for yourself. What do you see?" 321 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I see..." The light appears to concentrate... 320->321 747 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I'll be honest, all I see are splatters that lack any true intention." 321->747 322 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "That's what I wanted to ask you about. Tell me, what's their *story*? Did they *suffer*?" 699 suffer hub 322->699 323->86 323->126 323->191 323->211 323->285 354 You: "What are you doing in this container?" 323->354 390 You: "Who are you?" 323->390 428 You: "I've been thinking about those shares you offered me." 323->428 526 You: "You're a rich investor, right? Can I have some money?" 323->526 673 You: Present an investment plan that is sure to fail. 323->673 324 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Anyhow, my name is Roustame Diodore -- investor, licence holder, and extremely high-net-worth individual. And you are?" "Anyhow, my name is Roustame Diodore -- investor, licence holder, and extremely high-net-worth individual. And your name is Savvy, right?" 465 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsTaskActive("TASK.sell_art_for_gains")--[[ Variable[ ]] 324->465 325 Kim Kitsuragi: "I can assure you, Mr. Diodore, that despite his vices he is a competent detective." 325->58 659 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Now." He claps his hands together. "What can I do for you, good sir?" What you can see of his body appears composed. In a sharp summer suit. And yacht shoes. "Now." He claps his hands together. "What can I do for you gentlemen?" What you can see of his body appears composed. In a sharp summer suit. And yacht shoes. 326->659 327 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: The man exhales with a whistle. "I gotta tell you, at first, being rich is a lot of work. You've got to work hard because everything's so darn expensive. You know, prices increase exponentially at this income level..." 327->131 328 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 328->323 329->323 450 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "No, on second thought, it couldn't have been you." 330->450 331 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Yeah, on second thought, it couldn't have been you." 578 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Your idea reminds me of a group of young men who came to me a long time ago, calling themselves 'Fortress Accident' -- the name should've been a red flag." 331->578 332->93 332->756 333 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Pleasure to meet you, Harrier Du Bois," he says warmly. "I must admit, the name suits you very well." 333->776 414 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 334->414 335->595 336 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["reputation.kim"] > 0 337 Variable["reputation.kim"] > 0 336->337 338 !(Variable["reputation.kim"] > 0) 336->338 337->284 338->103 339->595 340->638 341->273 342 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Ah, a fellow entrepreneur. Tremendous! The art market? Intriguing. Sure, I'm keen. What are you thinking?" 342->153 343 3q hub 343->41 343->425 344 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Oh." He sounds disappointed. "Well, I'm sure her work represents some very interesting *internal* struggle. Probably with mental illness. Yes, that sounds right." 344->645 345->117 346 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Perhaps I could be the one to 'discover' it? To share it with the wider world..." 741 Savoir Faire: That's not how discovery works, but let him think whatever he wants if it means he'll buy it. 346->741 347->242 348->118 348->737 348->740 349 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "What an original idea! By drawing our focus away from the final piece we gain a new appreciation for the craft behind it. An art in its own right that is usually hidden from us." 436 Savoir Faire: These people will find a way to justify anything. Looks like you've reeled him. 349->436 705 Volition: Yes, Keith. Stick with it. 350->705 385 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 351->385 352 You: "The artist was struggling. *Really* struggling." 352->322 353 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Sounds like a hell of a trip. I really must experience it for myself." The light emanating from him seems to intensify. 353->53 755 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Travelling! This is a great way to get around -- it's fun, it's safe, and it gives me lots of time to think..." 354->755 355 You: "My name is Harry, and I'm a detective." 355->125 356 You: "Hello!" 356->283 357 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Pleasure to meet you," he says warmly. "Though I'm sorry to hear that a good public servant like yourself is in thrall to the drink. A man can't serve two masters, in my experience." 357->776 358->232 527 You: "Well, I don't know how to put it... you look... somehow... a little different." 359->527 560 You: "It's actually nothing. Forget I said anything." 359->560 360->132 361 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 361->323 362 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Among other things... but calm down, I'm but a lowly single-digit billionaire." 398 You: "Really?" 362->398 565 You: "I'm calm." 362->565 363 You: "We're in Martinaise. There's a cool church here." 363->215 364 You: "What do you mean?" 443 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Listen, I used to be an idealist, just like you. But the truth is that we have no objective system by which to measure someone's value other than the market. We should just embrace that, rather than resist it..." "Listen, Tequila, I used to be an idealist, just like you. But the truth is that we have no objective system by which to measure someone's value other than the market. We should just embrace that, rather than resist it." "Listen, Mr. Du Bois, I used to be an idealist, just like you. But the truth is that we have no objective system by which to measure someone's value other than the market. We should just embrace that, rather than resist it." "Listen, Mr. Costeau." He pauses. "Raphaël. I used to be an idealist, just like you. But the truth is that we have no objective system by which to measure someone's value other than the market. We should just embrace that, rather than resist it." "Listen, Harry, I used to be an idealist, just like you. But the truth is that we have no objective system by which to measure someone's value other than the market. We should just embrace that, rather than resist it." 364->443 365->665 570 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 366->570 367 mrlb wcheck succeed 367->143 367->289 781 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 368->781 369 You: "I'll give it some thought." 369->627 370->21 370->225 370->355 391 You: "My name is Harry, and I'm an alcoholic detective." 370->391 392 You: "I'm an alcoholic detective." 370->392 538 You: "The name's Raphaël Ambrosius Costeau. Most likely." 370->538 583 You: "Harrier Du Bois." "The name's Harrier Du Bois." 370->583 660 You: "I'm an alcoholic." 370->660 748 You: "My name is Harry, and I'm an alcoholic." 370->748 371->137 371->255 372 You: "You're using your money as its own justification." 372->443 373->179 373->419 496 You: "You know, a regular youth centre, with basketball courts and stuff. To teach teamwork and other emotional skills." 373->496 500 You: "You know, a regular youth centre, with basketball courts and stuff." 373->500 373->576 374->591 421 Half Light: Bigger guns! Large-calibre motherfuckers that leave exit wounds the size of grapefruits. 375->421 376->343 377->113 378 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Not a problem. The offer stands for as long as I'm around these parts." 429 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 378->429 379 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Unfortunately not. I only know the ones who work with multi-millionaires and beyond. But take a look around and I'm sure you'll find one. Personal Brand Strategists are attracted to money like *sharks* to blood. You'll find having net worth opens many new doors for you." 765 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["village.idiot_greeting_done"] 379->765 380 Jump to: [suffer hub] 380->699 381 You: "Certainly not in its material form. But there's more to it than that." 606 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Go on. I'm listening..." 381->606 479 Savoir Faire: Great work. I think you've got him. Let's see what he says... 382->479 643 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "But I'm getting side-tracked. Tell me about your business proposal. I am all *ears*." His face seems to distort in the blinding light, pulling and twisting at his sides. 383->643 384->122 384->201 480 You: "I'd prefer to keep it a secret." 384->480 384->610 386 IsKimHere() 385->386 387 !(IsKimHere()) 385->387 386->316 521 Half Light: Sweat pools up in your clavicles, a rancid smell of *fear*. 387->521 388->318 389->204 524 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Who *am* I? Oh, I haven't been asked that question for such a long time." There's genuine surprise in his voice. "I don't meet a lot of people outside my circle these days..." 390->524 391->22 392->357 393 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 394 IsKimHere() 393->394 395 !(IsKimHere()) 393->395 407 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["reputation.ask_for_money"] >= 4 394->407 670 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Sure! Let me check my pockets." 395->670 396->57 397 Kim Kitsuragi: "What the detective means is that we're in Martinaise, a subdistrict of Jamrock in the capital city of Revachol." 397->288 780 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "No, not really. There are actually quite many digits." 398->780 399->135 400 Empathy: This is a proposal, not a question. 400->219 573 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["pier.joyce_cant_get_rich_by_handing_out"] 401->573 402->60 403->254 493 You: "Okay, so I've got this idea for a board game." 403->493 404 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Brilliant! Without children who'll be there to buy stuff in the future?" 532 You: "Yes. And if it doesn't work out, we can always re-purpose the centre as a shopping mall or private equity firm." 404->532 405 You: "With human beings there's always a risk associated. Which is why we've got to hold onto the centre itself as a fallback." 405->501 406->35 406->182 408 Variable["reputation.ask_for_money"] >= 4 407->408 409 !(Variable["reputation.ask_for_money"] >= 4) 407->409 408->59 409->297 410 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Pleasure to meet you, Raphaël," he says warmly. "I am surprised -- in a positive manner, do understand -- about your exceedingly high-net-worth name." 584 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 410->584 412 IsKimHere() 411->412 413 !(IsKimHere()) 411->413 495 Kim Kitsuragi: "You would not even believe," the lieutenant mutters to himself. 412->495 413->776 414->323 415 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["reputation.kim"] > 0 416 Variable["reputation.kim"] > 0 415->416 417 !(Variable["reputation.kim"] > 0) 415->417 416->325 633 Kim Kitsuragi: "If you ask me, he's only serving one of them thus far," the lieutenant mutters, half to himself. 417->633 418->147 419->148 420->305 542 Interfacing: The latest technological wonders. 421->542 422 Kim Kitsuragi: "He should what?" 672 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "The volunteer police force? And why would I do that?" 422->672 793 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Farewell, friend, and may your peace of mind guide you to happiness." 423->793 424 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "The art market? Intriguing. Well, as I said, I don't carry much money on my person. But do go on, what are you thinking?" 424->153 425->244 426 You: "We have a deal." (Accept offer.) 426->237 427->192 469 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "They could set you up for a *long time*. Mauer-Koshlai Mercury is just getting started. Mark my words." 428->469 429->323 430 Savoir Faire: Remember, you're not just selling a painting, you're selling a *story*. Give the man a reason to throw down that paper. 430->314 431 Savoir Faire: Why are you letting this opportunity slip away? Give him a story, an experience, make him want to run away with this painting and marry it in secret. 431->239 512 Empathy: That's disgusting and thoroughly unethical. You should refuse to engage with this. 432->512 433 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I see -- very good. What kinds of issues are we talking about? I've really got into the housing crisis recently." 433->46 434 Jump to: [pitch hub] 434->746 551 Suggestion: What he wants to know is how exclusive it is. The more untouched it is, the better. 435->551 436->246 703 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Wonderful things aren't they -- names? They can completely change your reading of a person. Or, in this case, a painting." 437->703 438 Savoir Faire: We'll stumble upon someone, someone with the right amount of *can-do* attitude... I'll let you know when we do. Just keep your eyes open! 473 Savoir Faire: Oh, and we should see what this net worth can do. Might score a discount, or better yet, get you some free goods. That's the kind of thing that really makes you feel like a hotshot. Ask the local merchants about it if you get the chance. 438->473 439->154 470 You: "What's that?" 439->470 441 IsKimHere() 440->441 442 !(IsKimHere()) 440->442 441->206 442->4 443->87 444 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Being rich does not make one impervious to the human condition. Maybe I do have a strange chin and you are the first person to call me out on this. Not that you should. But you did. For this -- I am grateful." 444->361 445 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "There simply aren't enough hours a day to hand out all the handouts. It's like feeding seagulls. There are always more, and they never seem to do anything interesting with it -- except more seagulls." 445->134 446->665 447 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant stands there, dumbfounded. His mouth opens slightly, then closes again. 715 Perception (Sight): Is he having a stroke? 447->715 448->49 449 Horrific Necktie: What is this shit?!? CALCULATING RISKS? *BRATAN*. THE RISKS YOU CANT CALCULATE ARE THE ONLY ONES WORTH TAKING! 449->176 449->369 450->578 451 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_halflight_guns"] 452 Variable["cargo.mrlb_halflight_guns"] 451->452 453 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_halflight_guns"]) 451->453 723 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["tc.blaasma_gun"] 452->723 453->460 588 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_cyclo_coefficient"] 454->588 455 You: "Ah, so you're saying being rich isn't worth the hassle." 540 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "What? No, I didn't say that at all. Being rich is great. Just don't tell anyone I told you that." The bending light appears to *wink*. 455->540 636 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Yes, every school child hears that. The question is how do *we* get more of that money?" 456->636 457 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "You said that already." 457->149 457->456 457->541 458->303 534 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I'm very impressed. You have a deep understanding of the world that few men ever attain." 459->534 460->36 460->69 461 You: "Uhhh... I'd pay some designers to come up with a new logo and tagline?" 460->461 539 You: "Let me tell you about an idea that combines bigger guns with the latest and greatest in technology progress." 460->539 594 You: "Large-calibre weapons for patrol officers." 460->594 461->71 751 MRLG HUB3 462->751 528 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "States are akin to boulders in a river, slowing the free flow of ideas. Given enough time, the water will wear those boulders down." 463->528 671 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 464->671 466 IsTaskActive("TASK.sell_art_for_gains")--[[ Variable[ ]] 465->466 467 !(IsTaskActive("TASK.sell_art_for_gains")--[[ Variable[ ]]) 465->467 466->73 467->440 468->545 469->312 470->78 471->379 472 Savoir Faire: Personal Brand Strategist, huh? Not the kind of person you're likely to find around here. We'll have to ask anyone who seems like they might understand marketing, reputation management... someone who dreams big. 472->204 473->248 474->281 475 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Emerging? That's a word with plenty of appeal. What is it that defines this style exactly?" 511 Rhetoric: The obvious answer is to be illustrative. However, he would be much more interested in art that directly tackles social issues. 475->511 476 You: "Actually, she seemed to be doing more than okay. If anyone suffered then it's me." 514 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "You?" The light appears to blink, as if someone switched off the light source for a second. "But why should we care about *you*?!" 476->514 477 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "That's a shame. Is there anything else to this painting, or is that it?" 478 Jump to: [pitch hub] 477->478 478->746 479->246 480->245 481 You: "Keith." 481->83 773 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "And the name of the piece?" He leans in to take a good look at the rectangular plastic board coated thick with emulsion. 482->773 483->275 484 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsDayFrom(4)  and  Variable["TASK.become_man_of_plenty"] == false 485 IsDayFrom(4)  and  Variable["TASK.become_man_of_plenty"] == false 484->485 486 !(IsDayFrom(4)  and  Variable["TASK.become_man_of_plenty"] == false) 484->486 485->150 486->198 487 You: "We're in Martinaise. There's a pretty good hostel here called the Whirling-in-Rags." 487->216 489 IsKimHere() 488->489 490 !(IsKimHere()) 488->490 489->397 566 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: He smiles. "Never mind then. We'll just have to be on equal footing, geographically speaking." 490->566 491 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Luxury yachts, high-fidelity portable radio systems, pale-proof outerwear, and so on. It just gets a bit *middle class* after a while. A bit *bourgeois.*" 491->26 491->300 491->455 492 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant seems *very* relieved. 757 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Oh, alright then. Another question." 492->757 712 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Go on." 493->712 494->142 495->776 496->269 497->691 498->753 499 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "A nightmare scenario. A world of slavery and violence. Which brings us back to the essential truth of modernism..." 499->727 500->269 501->29 502 You: "Some people say money can't buy happiness, but those people just didn't have enough money." 502->406 504 IsKimHere() 503->504 505 !(IsKimHere()) 503->505 504->422 505->672 506 You: Squint. 506->127 507 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "There it is. I knew it as soon as you did the Milton 32-8 knock. A fellow entrepreneur!" 640 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_success"] 507->640 508 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"] 509 Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"] 508->509 510 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"]) 508->510 509->424 510->342 644 Volition: Just tell him the truth. Why does no one ever want to tell the truth? 511->644 512->380 513 You: "Wait, why does it matter?" 513->114 514->645 515 You: "Her socio-economic conditions were meagre, but her spirit remained strong." 515->45 516 You: "It's art that tackles issues. Art plus issues -- Art-ishoo." 516->433 517 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "But design is the very signature of humanity. Everything we do is design. Text columns, urban architecture, the precise shape of a stapler... what are we without any of that?" 701 Drama: Challenge him on this. Cause a scene. 517->701 650 Savoir Faire: Here's a prophecy for you, pal. Buying this painting will make your life better (and ours). 518->650 651 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Original. I don't think any of my friends have any pieces from anonymous artists. Or maybe only Luca, the son-in-law of the Comte de L'Ys." 519->651 520->202 520->279 520->315 520->481 521->483 522 Savoir Faire: Here's an *avant-garde* proposal... What about Idiot Doom Spiral? He used to hustle and hang with the sales hawks and trend pushers of the marketing world. Let's ask him if he knows any Personal Brand Strategists. 522->473 655 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "I appreciate you saving us from wasting time. Is there anything else I should know about the painting?" 523->655 524->324 525 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 525->323 526->393 527->252 528->753 529->37 530->173 531 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 531->323 680 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "When life closes a door, it opens a window, yes? What's the expected return on this?" 532->680 533->323 534->371 535 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"] == true  and  Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done"] == false 536 Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"] == true  and  Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done"] == false 535->536 537 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_asked_money"] == true  and  Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done"] == false) 535->537 538->410 539->145 540->567 541->68 542->451 762 Jump to: [MRLG Main hub] 543->762 544 You: Cover your eyes... 544->127 545->19 545->247 545->311 545->426 764 You: "Thanks, but I need some time to think about it." (Decline for now.) 545->764 546->193 547 Empathy: You still have an option to not go along with this senseless sensationalism. 547->7 547->44 600 You: "Actually, I lied. She's from a working class background, but seems to be doing okay." 547->600 700 You: "It's the groceries. The poor thing has to go to Frittte every day." 547->700 548 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Hm. I hadn't thought about it that way before. You might have just opened up a new door in my mind." 549 Savoir Faire: Doors, windows, toilet seats -- open whatever it is you need, buddy. Just get on with making a purchase already! 548->549 549->246 550 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Perfect! I've been looking for a way to communicate without the information being intercepted or stolen by rivals." 550->162 551->119 551->278 552 You: "It turns the artistic process into the art itself." 552->349 613 Savoir Faire: He's nothing more than a middle manager living a middle-class life -- your aspirations are *much* more ambitious than that. 553->613 554->84 555 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Pleasure to meet you, Harry," he says warmly. "Though I'm sorry to hear a good man like yourself is in servitude to the drink. But then, nobody's perfect." 555->776 556 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Pleasure to meet you," he says warmly. "Though I'm sorry to hear a good man like yourself is in servitude to the drink. But then, nobody's perfect." 661 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 556->661 558 IsKimHere() 557->558 559 !(IsKimHere()) 557->559 558->336 559->776 560->251 561 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Go right ahead." 561->525 562->528 693 You: "That would suck." 563->693 787 You: "Just a bunch of evil apes dukin' it out on a giant ball." 563->787 564->616 620 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "That's good." 565->620 566->665 567->323 568->180 568->455 569 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "It's perfectly alright. Based on your appearance I can tell I'm dealing with a smart man..." 569->60 571 IsKimHere() 570->571 572 !(IsKimHere()) 570->572 571->492 572->757 574 Variable["pier.joyce_cant_get_rich_by_handing_out"] 573->574 575 !(Variable["pier.joyce_cant_get_rich_by_handing_out"]) 573->575 574->94 575->711 576->404 577->449 578->261 579->97 580->294 581 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "It was a real pleasure. Sadly, though, my current lifestyle prevents me from remaining more than a brief time in any one place. Perhaps we'll meet again, somewhere far away..." 581->793 582 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Come now, there is not even a scent of corruption here. I am merely being polite... so let me check my pockets." 582->60 583->333 585 IsKimHere() 584->585 586 !(IsKimHere()) 584->586 585->100 586->776 587->236 589 Variable["cargo.mrlb_cyclo_coefficient"] 588->589 590 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_cyclo_coefficient"]) 588->590 692 You: So what is our coefficient? 589->692 589->754 590->233 591->149 591->456 591->541 591->592 592->457 593->305 594->184 596 IsKimHere() 595->596 597 !(IsKimHere()) 595->597 596->185 597->229 598 Physical Instrument: Now is the time to champion the power of the sinuses! 598->11 598->516 605 You: "Splatter, disarray, chaos -- it's anti-design." 598->605 769 Savoir Faire: Looks like he's about to throw some of his money our way... 599->769 600->344 601->158 602->547 603->81 604->477 605->517 608 Jump to: [pitch hub] 606->608 607->82 608->746 609->246 610->18 611->351 612 Savoir Faire: That old communist?! The only thing he'll strategize is a plan to *redistribute* your hard-earned money to losers and moochers! 612->389 613->389 614->506 614->544 615->25 616->444 617 You: "We're in Martinaise, a district of Revachol -- the former capital of the world." 617->288 618 You: "Wait -- why don't you help them? You've got so much money it can't make a difference to you." 618->445 619->364 619->372 620->667 622 Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck"] 621->622 623 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck"]) 621->623 622->217 624 Conceptualization: If business planning were really your strong suit, you probably wouldn't be a cop. 623->624 624->403 625 Suggestion: Steal the Union boss's idea, add a twist, and present it as your own? Very capitalistic! 625->367 626->221 628 IsKimHere() 627->628 629 !(IsKimHere()) 627->629 628->292 629->717 681 Suggestion: Nicking an idea that wasn't worth anything in the first place and trying to pass it off as your own? How very *entrepreneurial*. I love it. 630->681 631 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Absolutely not." 631->3 632->323 633->776 634->754 635 You: "Kim, are you seeing this weird stuff?" 635->168 636->149 636->541 636->592 637->61 637->399 637->530 638->91 638->171 638->209 638->363 638->487 638->617 639->343 641 Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_success"] 640->641 642 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_success"]) 640->642 697 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Well, you've already convinced me to invest in you, so please, go on -- tell me about this opportunity. I'm keen." 641->697 642->74 643->425 644->598 645->434 702 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: He swills it around in his brain. "So it's an éxtrasomatic painting. An effort carried out by physical instinct -- not the mind." 646->702 647 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_hustle_drama_challenge"] 648 Variable["cargo.mrlb_hustle_drama_challenge"] 647->648 649 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_hustle_drama_challenge"]) 647->649 648->277 649->197 650->246 651->203 652->545 768 Volition: A step forward for technology, yes -- but only for those who can afford it. 653->768 654->353 655->195 657 Variable["TASK.sell_art_for_gains_done"] 656->657 658 !(Variable["TASK.sell_art_for_gains_done"]) 656->658 657->150 658->484 659->323 660->556 662 IsKimHere() 661->662 663 !(IsKimHere()) 661->663 662->415 663->776 664 You: "What's it like being an extremely high-net-worth individual?" 664->327 665->210 665->618 666->491 668 IsKimHere() 667->668 669 !(IsKimHere()) 667->669 668->635 669->671 670->60 671->323 672->105 672->295 720 You: "Because it's chronically mismanaged, deeply corrupt, and completely outmatched." 672->720 674 You: Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck2"] 673->674 675 Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck2"] 674->675 676 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck2"]) 674->676 677 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck2"] 675->677 676->677 678 Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck2"] 677->678 679 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_concept_wcheck2"]) 677->679 678->27 713 Conceptualization: Congratulations, you've somehow managed to fail at failing, which means, in a strange way, that you've succeeded? 679->713 680->174 680->405 681->64 682->331 683 You: "It's a twist on an already established, working idea." 758 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Yes?" 683->758 684 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.evrart_youth_centre"] 685 Variable["cargo.evrart_youth_centre"] 684->685 686 !(Variable["cargo.evrart_youth_centre"]) 684->686 685->625 686->367 687->360 689 IsKimHere() 688->689 690 !(IsKimHere()) 688->690 689->102 690->335 691->235 788 You: "So you'll do it? 691->788 692->146 693->499 694 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_success"] 695 Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_success"] 694->695 696 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_success"]) 694->696 695->40 696->508 697->343 698->381 698->552 708 You: "This is a cryptograph used by circuit benders to bring down banks." 698->708 771 You: "It contains a unique invisible paint. You can use it to hide important messages." 698->771 699->9 699->476 699->513 699->515 700->79 701->647 738 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Perhaps I *have* been neglecting the triumphs of anatomical perspicacity lately..." He sinks into thought. 702->738 703->280 703->317 704->430 742 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["cargo.mrlb_ultralib_volition_keith"] 705->742 706->612 707->438 708->47 709 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: In the general stillness, only your tongue moves, flickering as you utter... 709->2 709->128 709->356 710->326 711->400 712->293 712->683 713->367 714->368 715->30 715->175 715->291 716 You: "It's a pen-and-paper role-playing game -- only the players are connected with radiocomputers!" 716->64 717->256 717->714 719->190 730 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: IsKimHere() 720->730 721->296 721->502 722->323 724 Variable["tc.blaasma_gun"] 723->724 725 !(Variable["tc.blaasma_gun"]) 723->725 724->228 725->460 726->709 727->753 728->305 729 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: "Hell no! Can you imagine how much work that would take? Why would I do that when I can just speculate on exotic financial derivatives from the comfort of this shipping container?" 729->224 731 IsKimHere() 730->731 732 !(IsKimHere()) 730->732 763 Kim Kitsuragi: "Just a minute. The RCM has its difficulties, but generally speaking--" 731->763 732->304 734 Variable["cargo.container_door_ultraliberal_knock"] 733->734 735 !(Variable["cargo.container_door_ultraliberal_knock"]) 733->735 734->507 735->694 736->323 737->548 738->241 739->381 739->552 739->771 740->346 741->246 743 Variable["cargo.mrlb_ultralib_volition_keith"] 742->743 744 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_ultralib_volition_keith"]) 742->744 743->20 774 Volition: What were you thinking -- *KEITH*??!! You're not starting a boy band here, you're naming a future masterpiece! 744->774 745->652 746->12 746->282 746->319 746->320 746->352 775 You: "It's an early entry in an emerging style known as Art-ishoo." 746->775 747->431 748->555 749->776 750 Kim Kitsuragi: "Oh, lord, not this again." 750->250 750->265 751->664 752 You: "Cool. But I want to ask you about something else." 751->752 752->561 753->164 753->207 754->362 755->121 756->569 757->531 758->716 759 Mega Rich Light-Bending Guy: Variable["reputation.ask_for_money"] >= 2 760 Variable["reputation.ask_for_money"] >= 2 759->760 761 !(Variable["reputation.ask_for_money"] >= 2) 759->761 760->750 761->129 762->323 763->70 764->378 766 Variable["village.idiot_greeting_done"] 765->766 767 !(Variable["village.idiot_greeting_done"]) 765->767 766->522 767->472 768->652 769->246 770->160 771->550 772->246 773->520 774->20 775->475 776->323 778 IsKimHere() 777->778 779 !(IsKimHere()) 777->779 778->759 779->129 780->72 782 IsKimHere() 781->782 783 !(IsKimHere()) 781->783 782->447 783->533 784->631 785->684 786->582 787->189 788->729 789->308 791 Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_fail"] 790->791 792 !(Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done_fail"]) 790->792 791->581 792->198