PLAZA ANNETTE - 346

G 0 START 1 input 0->1 300 Annette: Variable["XP.help_annette"] 1->300 2 Annette: "I'm sorry, sir, I really don't know." 274 Annette: "Anyway..." She looks around again, her nose red from the cold. 2->274 3 Kim Kitsuragi: "Ice bear fridge?" 621 Annette: "Yes. Like a bear, but white. There's a fridge below the building, in the basement." She points underground. "With red glowing eyes. I went back there once. Behind the bookstore..." 3->621 4 You: "Why can't you help me? I'm beyond help, right?" 54 Annette: "Sir, sorry, sir. I'm still little?" She stumbles on her words. "I don't... I can't..." 4->54 5 Annette: "Crime fiction is about murders or burglaries or things like that. And the work of a policeman or a private detective who's trying to solve a crime and catch the criminals." 532 You: "Okay, I get it. Crime-murder gets the people going." 5->532 594 You: "Why would anyone want to *read* about crime?" 5->594 681 You: "Wait -- not crime *fiction*. I need to know what *crime* is." 5->681 6 Annette: "Mum says it's peachy. She was a little afraid at first, there's talk about this house being..." She looks over her shoulder. "Cursed." 677 Inland Empire: Behind her the window has been boarded up. You sense the boards creaking, twisting for a second... and some kind of *doubt* in her tense shoulders. 6->677 7 You: "Cursed? In what way?" 367 Annette: "Cursed in a way that makes them say that no business has ever really thrived here, sir. That they all go..." She's looking for the right word... 7->367 8 You: "Bankrupt." 241 Annette: "Exactly. But we've been doing fine so far." 8->241 9 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 269 MAINHUB 9->269 10 You: "Who are these... famous people?" 368 Annette: "Oh, kings and queens and generals of old, or artists and writers, or musicians, those kinds of people. There's usually something extraordinary about them." She scratches her cold-reddened cheek, then continues: 10->368 11 You: "These famous people sound like a bunch of dorks." 501 Annette: Annette's expression remains ever so helpful, but she doesn't say anything. 11->501 12 You: "I'm a detective. I deduce that you... are a girl." 623 Annette: "Come on, anyone would notice that!" She rolls her eyes. 12->623 13 Annette: "Hairy, sir. I said hairy. Covered with hair..." She sways on her feet, puzzled. 654 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 13->654 14 Endurance: That's not a healthy look. Muscles get bigger, heart grows weaker. 556 Savoir Faire: Check out the pose -- rigid as a stick. He couldn't even wipe his own ass. You don't want to be like that. 14->556 15 Conceptualization: He isn't even drawn right. 416 bodyhub 15->416 16 Annette: She examines the cover, trying to gauge the inner workings of the detective. 512 You: "Emotional ineptitude is no way to *cop*. He can't compare to my sensitive soul." 16->512 17 Annette: "If you say so, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you." 688 Annette: "Maybe you can show me some *real* police work, sir? Like in the books!" The cover image of Dick Mullen seems to stare at you with harsh disapproval. 17->688 18 Annette: "Of course. You stopped by a few times." She looks at you intently. "You certainly look better than the last time I saw you!" 400 You: "I doubt that." 18->400 607 You: "What do you mean better? I look like shit." 18->607 671 You: "Thanks. I'm trying." 18->671 19 Annette: She looks at you with sympathy. "We can talk about something else if you want. Something nicer." 468 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 19->468 20 Annette: "I don't think that's how fame works, sir..." 318 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 20->318 21 You: Don't be ridiculous, I know all these things. 582 Encyclopedia: You're fooling nobody. 21->582 22 You: "How does this curse... manifest itself?" 165 Annette: IsKimHere() 22->165 23 Annette: "Uh... I'm not sure, sir. I don't really know anything about curses..." She looks around, confused. 52 Annette: Her eye lands on the sign on the window that says *Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People*. She brightens up and points to it: "But I do know books! We can talk about books." 23->52 24 You: "Hmm-hmm." (Stroke your chin.) "Enough about the curse... for now." 295 Annette: Annette looks at your shaved, prickly chin. It distinctly contrasts with the oily mutton chops that surround it. "Maybe I can tell you about some of our books instead?" Annette looks at your shaved, prickly chin. "Maybe I can tell you about some of our books instead?" 24->295 25 Kim Kitsuragi: "Crime is what we were solving before this conversation began." 25->532 25->594 26 Drama: Not head, child, *headssss*! 168 mindhub 26->168 27 You: "Grit. A total disregard for personal safety. You gotta take the pain. This Mullen guy looks like he'd run to his mom. Ain't got no balls." 319 Annette: She looks at the cover illustration and frowns. "That's a bit childish..." 27->319 28 nohub 502 You: "Right, I had a different question in mind." 28->502 571 You: "Can I become famous by reading one of those books?" 28->571 29 Annette: "Hello again, sir! Are you interested in a new and exciting book this time?" She sways slowly on her feet. 298 GREETHUB 29->298 30 You: Don't tell me what to do. 299 Annette: "Sir? Are you okay?" Her voice suddenly reaches your mind. "You've been standing here silently for a while now..." 30->299 31 Jump to: [GREETHUB] 31->298 32 Annette: "Oh, that's great!" Her smile is warm. "I hope exciting adventures lie ahead! And maybe you can help mother become... less afraid." 187 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 32->187 33 Annette: "The lights are so pretty when it gets dark." She scans the surrounding buildings, a happy look on her face. 232 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 33->232 34 Inland Empire: Then why does all of this feel like some sad, strange dream? 34->688 35 You: "Your mother told me about the curse, but she wouldn't let me investigate." 303 Annette: "Yes, she can be quite strict about it." Annette nods. "My mum doesn't let anyone sneak around in the back rooms or the cellar." 35->303 36 Annette: "Uh..." She doesn't know what to say. 642 You: "It's that bad." (Point to your head.) 36->642 37 Annette: Variable["XP.help_annette"] 38 Variable["XP.help_annette"] 37->38 39 !(Variable["XP.help_annette"]) 37->39 68 Savoir Faire: Good thing she's didn't say PARTY EYES loud, her mother's nearby... 38->68 59 Electrochemistry: Fuck yeah! You should get some party eyes right now! Snap those sequins on you, boy. 39->59 40 Annette: "What rats? I just read books. Haven't seen a rat in this building in forever." 342 You: "No rats in this dilapidated building? Strange." 40->342 41 You: "That sounds like a nice story to tell yourself at night. Maybe fame isn't that important after all." 602 Annette: "Maybe not! No one *needs* a book written about them anyway." She grins. "It's always better to read books!" 41->602 42 Annette: "No, sir, I can't. It would be too tiring to refrain from it. It's already tiring enough to remember to say it all the time. It's nice of you to say I could stop, though." 273 You: "Okay, yeah, when the next person comes, you'd have to 'sir' or 'ma'am' them again." 42->273 370 You: "I get you. I, for example, can't stop making this face." (Point at your face.) 42->370 505 You: "'Sir' it is, then. Soldier on." 42->505 43 Annette: "That's a friendly enough face, most of the time." 157 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 43->157 44 Annette: "What's that mean?" 470 You: "Uh, you know -- cut loose, raise hell, blow off steam." 44->470 45 You: "Look at me! A hideous beast, a failure of a cop. A disgrace." 695 Annette: "Sir, please, sir, don't say things like that. You look... nice enough." 45->695 46 Annette: "A postcard," she observes you for a moment, "is a small cardboard picture. You can write a few words on the other side and send it to your friend or your *beloved*." 564 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_dumbquestions"] == 2 46->564 47 dumbhub 47->21 75 You: "Interesting. Thanks." 47->75 405 You: "What is a book?" 47->405 626 You: "What's a postcard?" 47->626 694 You: "What's a board... game?" 47->694 48 Annette: "Not in romance books, sir. These are about nice and pretty people, and everyone is happy in the end." 366 Jump to: [Romance hub] 48->366 49 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 49->269 50 You: "Fame is... for vain people. I have better things to do." 659 Annette: "Okay, sir!" She stamps her feet, waiting for what comes next. 50->659 51 You: "Maybe...?" 246 Annette: She gives you a quizzical look, not understanding the reasoning behind your odd outbursts. 51->246 482 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 52->482 53 You: "Fine. I'll show you!" 249 Annette: "Uh..." The girl looks back and forth between you two. "Anything else you wanted to talk about, sir?" 53->249 283 Volition: It's time to leave it be. You're about to make a child cry. Are you proud of yourself? 54->283 55 You: "They *deserve* punishment for all the things they had to do get so famous." 347 Annette: "Okay..." She coughs. "Maybe buy some books then?" 55->347 56 You: "It's okay." 87 Annette: She brings out her reddened hands -- her nails are frayed, nearly chewed down to the flesh. 56->87 57 You: "You heard me. Hands up." 57->87 58 Annette: "You know... like a cat in the dark! All big-and-wide-eyed." She giggles at the thought. "It certainly looks odd on a man." 266 Composure: The swivelling eyes of a loony drug addict. That is what she meant. You were probably gurning too. 58->266 333 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_electrochem_narco"] 59->333 60 You: "There's the mind... and there's *the mind*, if you catch my drift." 174 Annette: "Uh, not really, sir." 60->174 61 Encyclopedia: Whoah! WHOAH-WHOAH-WHOAH! Hold your horses little girl! 708 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_cyclo_stupid"] 61->708 62 Annette: "Mhm-mhm," she replies. "And it's kinda like a puzzle, too. You can guess who the criminal is or how the good guys are going to catch him." 493 You: "I'm a policeman myself, by the way." "I'm a policeman myself, by the way. *The Law*, as I said." 62->493 63 You: "... each of you tearing at the other's innards, leaving a gaping emptiness, a vacuum heart that still hurts ceaselessly!" 323 Annette: "I'm sorry, sir, I don't know how to help you..." 63->323 64 You: "Yeah, I'm old. That's just what happens to people." 479 Annette: "I wonder how I'll be when I get old..." She mumbles. "Maybe I'll also get all wrinkly..." She giggles to herself. 64->479 65 Kim Kitsuragi: "Yes, people get that you are *the law*. You really don't have to keep saying it." 658 Annette: "Are you interested in a new and exciting book?" She stomps her feet to feel warmer. 65->658 66 You: I said I know all of these things and I do, god dammit. 721 Annette: "Sir? Are you okay?" Her voice suddenly reaches your mind. "You've been standing here silently for a while now..." 66->721 67 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 67->269 68->59 69 Annette: "Didn't mean to offend, sir, sorry, sir. It's just that you don't look like Dick Mullen." She points to a book cover, on which you see a strapping Vespertine officer. He stands grimly over the body of a dead woman. 687 Mullen hub 69->687 70 You: Say nothing. 498 Annette: "Well... they run out of money and have to stop doing business." 70->498 71 You: "Okay, I'm going to *deduce* something now." 72 You: Variable["plaza.annette_perc_whitecheck"] 71->72 73 Variable["plaza.annette_perc_whitecheck"] 72->73 74 !(Variable["plaza.annette_perc_whitecheck"]) 72->74 447 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_perc_whitecheck"] == true 73->447 74->447 506 Annette: "My pleasure! Anything else you'd like to know?" 75->506 76 Annette: "Kind of you to offer, sir..." She doesn't know what else to say. 464 Empathy: What could you do to help her anyway? 76->464 77 Inland Empire: Yeah, you're certainly the type who might find fame *posthumously*. Who knows, you might even get famous for the *manner* of your death! 77->41 162 You: "But what if I get famous only through dying? I couldn't enjoy the fame at all." 77->162 306 You: "Some can't get noticed, others can't get properly forgotten. That's life for you." 77->306 78 Annette: "That's great, sir!" She smiles enthusiastically. 139 You: "It's not your body that's important in police work, anyway. It's your..." (Point to your head.) 78->139 354 You: "Wow, look at the guy. I'll never be as good as Mullen." 78->354 471 You: "You know, nobody actually looks like the guy in the picture. That's just a stupid fantasy of a man." 78->471 597 You: "Hmm... I actually had other questions." 78->597 79 Annette: "Why is that?" She looks puzzled. 402 You: "If I looked like Mr. Mullen, all the criminals would go off running the very moment they saw me. This way I can go undercover, blend in, collect evidence." 79->402 568 You: "I don't know. Let's talk about something else. This making me feel sad." 79->568 80 Annette: "Or there could be a story about a poor lady getting a rich man. It's about man and lady business, sir." 337 Romance hub 80->337 81 Annette: "Oh, that's auntie Billie. She's nice, if a bit distressed." 451 You: "Why is she distressed?" 81->451 599 You: "She's your aunt?" 81->599 82 You: "You have to spend money to make money, see." 205 Annette: "If you say so, sir!" She smiles, perhaps a bit too eagerly. 82->205 83 Annette: "Okay, I understand, sir!" She looks puzzled. 377 Empathy: She doesn't really understand, but says so to make you feel better about yourself. Your explanation was garbage anyway. 83->377 84 Kim Kitsuragi: "It does not *manifest* itself in any way. It does not exist." 84->53 381 You: "But Kim... the plasmic manifestations..." 84->381 85 You: "Little girl, pardon the deviation. I wish to discuss books and other such matters." 384 Annette: "Yes... yes, sir!" She blinks her eyes rapidly, in confusion and relief. 85->384 86 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 86->269 251 You: "You bite your nails." 87->251 88 Suggestion: She actually is impressed, this is more like a defensive reflex. 90 You: "Want more? Bet I can figure out *why* you bite your nails. I got a few reasons in mind." 88->90 218 You: "You think so? Fine, do better -- deduce something about me." 88->218 89 Annette: "Yeah, but you don't have party eyes anymore." 134 Annette: IsKimHere() 89->134 91 Annette: She nods -- half provocative, half enthusiastic. 90->91 200 You: "Rats have been nibbling on your fingers. Child labour in dismal working conditions..." 91->200 504 You: "It's an intense dedication to the Way of Business. There are no riches without personal sacrifice." 91->504 552 You: "You're uptight because of your mother and the pressure she's putting on you." 91->552 655 You: "Chewed-on-nails... means you're recycling your body material." 91->655 92 Annette: "Yes, sir." The girl looks at you quizzically. "Maybe you are interested in books?" 562 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 92->562 93 Annette: She gives you a rather concerned look. "I guess we can change the subject, sir. I didn't mean to bring you down." 667 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 93->667 94 Annette: "Yeah, I can see. You don't have party eyes anymore." 94->134 95 You: "I could help -- by brutally dismantling the free market." 390 Annette: "Thank you, sir! I'm glad to help Mum out with the store." She doesn't seem to understand what you said. 95->390 96 You: "Flexibility. There are millions of different people out there and you have to get into their heads -- sometimes you gotta be the killer to catch the killer." 349 Annette: "Isn't that very dangerous?" She examines the picture of Dick Mullen. 96->349 97 Annette: "Don't say that. He's not even real. You're real." 458 You: "I don't really want to DEAL with this. It's too much." 97->458 483 You: "That's right. A real *failure*." 97->483 613 You: "Overshadowed by a fake man? That's harsh." 97->613 98 Annette: IsKimHere() 99 IsKimHere() 98->99 100 !(IsKimHere()) 98->100 99->65 100->658 101 You: "I like playing games... with peoples' minds." 356 Annette: "Okay, sir. This was all very... *enlightening*. Can I help you with anything else?" 101->356 102 You: "Okay, I get it. I can look just like Dick Mullen -- except I'm an actual police officer." 264 Annette: "Yes!" She grins. "I bet it looks good on you. Really serious." 102->264 103 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 103->269 104 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"] 105 Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"] 104->105 106 !(Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"]) 104->106 584 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_altgreet_doominvestigation"] 105->584 119 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_greeting_done"] 106->119 107 Annette: "It's a bookstore, sir! We sell books, postcards, and some board games." She points at the window. "It's called *Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People*." 107->61 108 Annette: "My name is Annette, sir. My mum, her name is Plaisance, she owns the store. She's inside, minding the register... or organizing the stock." The girl gazes at the window, then suddenly jolts, her eyes wide, as if recalling something: 555 Annette: "Feel free to step in and browse our wares!" 108->555 109 You: "What about a poor man getting a rich lady?" 443 Annette: "It happens. But usually the guy gets rich in the process, or should actually be rich himself, but has lost his family property unjustly, like during the Revolution or something." 109->443 110 You: "Shouldn't you be at school or something?" 149 Annette: "I do my studies at home at the moment. I have to help Mum keep this place running." 110->149 111 Annette: "Yes... sir." You realise she doesn't have the faintest idea what you're talking about. 111->82 204 You: "The economy is all about trust, okay." 111->204 311 You: "You know, the economy, it's like... the network of everyone buying and selling and producing and consuming and stuff." 111->311 474 You: "The economy is about the rich exploiting the poor as much as they can." 111->474 112 You: "Reading those doesn't make the readers more famous, does it?" 152 Annette: "But it does make the famous people more famous!" She smiles gleefully. 112->152 113 Jump to: [Annette: ""Mhm!" She stamps her feet, waiting..."] 228 Annette: "Mhm!" She stamps her feet, waiting for you to say something. 113->228 114 Annette: "You're not that old... maybe you'll do something really important. Something that *wows the world*!" 154 You: "Thanks, girl. You are very kind." 114->154 503 You: "You think so?" 114->503 115 Empathy: She is unfazed by your questions. She would consider it impolite to point out any perceived weirdness. 247 Jump to: [dumbhub] 115->247 116 You: "Who is that?" (Point to the woman browsing books.) 116->81 117 You: "Hrm! I'm not that old, I'm doing just fine, thank you very much." 164 Annette: "If you say so, sir!" She beams you a piercing smile. 117->164 118 You: "This sounds rather serious. I should probably... look into this." "This sounds rather serious. I should probably... look into this." (Narrow your eyes and look through the creaking boards on the window.) 678 Annette: IsKimHere() 118->678 120 Variable["plaza.annette_greeting_done"] 119->120 121 !(Variable["plaza.annette_greeting_done"]) 119->121 722 Annette: IsEvening() 120->722 276 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_exit_mid_intro"] 121->276 122 Jump to: [suspiciouscurse] 391 suspiciouscurse 122->391 123 Annette: The girl is at a loss for words. 430 You: "... each of you filling with resentment and bitterness for having *ruined* each other's lives..." 123->430 124 You: "I... uh... don't worry, little girl. Got a bit carried away there. Let's back up out of this." 281 Annette: "Mhm!" She nods enthusiastically, obviously relieved. 124->281 125 You: Not a single shred of pride remains in me. 699 Volition: This is your *tiny* chance for redemption. Apologize. 125->699 126 Annette: "That's not a funny joke. At all." 126->318 127 Annette: "Uhm... Frittte, maybe?" She shrugs, a compassionate look in her eyes. "Alcohol is not good for you, sir." 426 Annette: There she stands, swaying on her feet, assaulted by the early spring breeze. She smiles at you. The whole situation suddenly feels familiar, somehow. 127->426 128 You: The girl doesn't know what she's talking about! Forget about this. 252 Electrochemistry: Don't leave us hanging like that, man. Open yourself to the experiences of the world, expand your consciousness. With amphetamines. 128->252 129 You: "So... why didn't you tell me you knew me to begin with?" 519 Annette: "I didn't know I had to do that." She looks puzzled. 129->519 130 Annette: She looks at you with sympathy. "Cheer up, sir. It's much easier being a fictional character, he doesn't have to deal with... real things." 320 Annette: "Maybe you can show me some *real* deductive police work, sir? Like in the books!" Her smile is warm and consoling, unlike the imperial image of Dick Mullen. 130->320 131 Annette: A small disappointment rolls over her, but she promptly gets over it and says: "It's okay, sir." 608 Empathy: You disappointed a small child. Well done, champ. 131->608 132 nokimnokim 132->56 132->57 133 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant does not flinch at the comment. He does not flinch even a single bit. He is intensely not flinching. It takes effort. 563 finalehub 133->563 135 IsKimHere() 134->135 136 !(IsKimHere()) 134->136 224 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant slowly -- ever so slowly -- realizes something. "Party eyes. Yes, of course. That makes sense." 135->224 518 You: "*Party eyes*?" 136->518 137 You: "It's just regular trading and selling of things, child. It doesn't work out for most people." 229 Annette: "Of course, sir. Uhm..." She doesn't know what else to say. 137->229 138 Kim Kitsuragi: "Crime is a deviation from the law punishable by either a civil or criminal sentencing. It's what *The Law* prevents." 138->532 138->594 321 Annette: "Head. Yes!" 139->321 140 You: "A dick with no balls! Bam! Mullen's no real deal, he's got nothing on me." 279 Annette: "Obviously, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you." 140->279 141 Annette: "I haven't read many of... those. Maybe you should ask Mum?" 412 You: "Yeah? You think she has one about an *excruciatingly painful* breakup?" 141->412 689 You: "Maybe I will." 141->689 142 Half Light: These people deserve to *die*. 142->51 245 You: "What makes you think I'm grown up?" 142->245 271 You: "If you grow up to be clever, you'll discover there's no such thing as a 'grown-up.'" 142->271 614 You: "Maybe I should start *killing* these famous people. Hunt them down." 142->614 143 Annette: "I'm sorry, sir, I can't talk right now. I'm very busy with my homework... I have so much homework now." 267 Empathy: You just can't win. 143->267 144 mullenhat 144->102 364 You: "Wait, where did you get it?" 144->364 489 You: "A detective hat?" 144->489 726 You: "It's a... fedora?" 144->726 145 Savoir Faire: Did someone say *sneak around in the cellar*? We should do that. 296 Jump to: [suspiciouscurse] 145->296 146 Conceptualization: What *was* that? An idea for an unfinished novel stuck somewhere in your fore-brain? 465 Volition: You clearly have issues you need to address. 146->465 147 Electrochemistry: Later when you get the chance, you should address these issues -- by getting *drunk*. That'll show them! 664 Jump to: [Romance hub] 147->664 148 Composure: You fail to deduce anything substantial. 446 Annette: She waits intently. 148->446 378 You: "School is stupid. You're lucky not to be there." 149->378 473 You: "Isn't going to school more important than... this?" 149->473 530 You: "What is *school* anyway?" 149->530 150 Annette: "They shouldn't be, but they seem real. Anyhow, they say that these grounds are doomed for businesses." 288 Rhetoric: There must be an economic reason for this. 150->288 151 Annette: "That is so gross." 159 You: "Life is gross. So very gross." 151->159 194 Half Light: They're all dorks. 152->194 153 Annette: "Yes! There's hope... a lot of famous people got famous late, or even after they died." 153->77 691 Annette: "Yes, sir!" She smiles and takes a sip from her vacuum bottle. 154->691 155 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 155->269 156 You: "I gotta go." [Leave] "Okay, bye. See you around, Annette." [Leave.] "Okay, got it. See you around." [Leave.] 157->269 158 You: "Such a good trooper you are, already learning the value of hard work." (Pat her head.) 509 Annette: "Thank you, sir! I'm happy to help Mum out with the store." She smiles and stands upright like a little soldier. 158->509 374 Annette: "Eww." She shudders. 159->374 160 Annette: "These are not very common. You can't have a choice between bad and bad, nobody wants to read a story like that." 203 You: "What if it's written really well?" 160->203 161 Annette: "That's so cool! Maybe they'll make you a book cover picture and everything! Standing over a dead body, holding a gun..." 411 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 161->411 628 Annette: "I don't think you should live life with that fear." She stamps on her feet. "Just try to be the best you can!" 162->628 163 Annette: "That makes sense, sir!" She nods, perhaps a bit too eagerly. 408 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 163->408 164->654 166 IsKimHere() 165->166 167 !(IsKimHere()) 165->167 413 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_cold"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_famous"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_romance"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_mullen"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_books"] < 3 166->413 167->23 168->27 168->96 262 You: "Soul. That Mullen guy looks like a *Hampelmann* -- who could respect that face? It's not even drawn correctly! He lacks *soul*." 168->262 392 You: "A quicksilver mind. This Mullen guy looks like he needs four hours just to come up with a single idea." 168->392 713 You: "No, I meant your *mind*." 168->713 169 Volition: Excuse me, I'm not sure I heard that properly... 634 You: "I said I'm proud like a goddamn lion!" 169->634 170 Annette: "Yes... yes, sir!" She blinks her eyes rapidly, in confusion and relief. 215 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 170->215 171 You: "There were a few other hints..." 636 Annette: "Well... that proves nothing! Anyone could do an easy deduction like that!" Her eyes flash with defiance. She's not impressed. 171->636 172 Annette: "I sure hope you are, sir!" She rubs her red nose. 172->426 173 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 173->269 175 You: "See, that's what reading those fakey-fake Mullen books gets you. Now you're dealing with a real cop." 174->175 176 Annette: "Yes, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, I understand. He's no match for you." 175->176 176->688 177 Drama: Psst! You forgot the subterfuge. You're saying this out loud. 703 Annette: She raises her eyebrows. "Say what, sir?" 177->703 178 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_whitecheck_logic_you"] 179 Variable["plaza.annette_whitecheck_logic_you"] 178->179 180 !(Variable["plaza.annette_whitecheck_logic_you"]) 178->180 425 Suggestion: Because you know each other. She's been talking to you so openly because you've talked before. 179->425 593 Suggestion: You have absolutely no idea. Familiar how? You must have forgotten something you heard again. 180->593 181 Annette: "I'm sorry, sir. I hope things get better soon." She looks you in the eye, a gleam of sympathy on her face. 181->426 182 Annette: "Hi, ace detective." She smiles warmly. "Are you here for more books?" 432 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 182->432 183 Jump to: [GREETHUB] 183->298 184 You: Hey now, I already made up my mind. 184->299 185 Annette: "Every snowflake is like a little gift from the sky." She shivers as one falls on her nose. 185->232 186 You: "It's going fine, I think." 395 Annette: "That's very good to hear." She flicks you a thumbs up. "You'll get to the bottom of this in no time! Just like a detective in the stories." 186->395 187->269 188 Annette: "I thought this would fit you... Like thanks for helping out! Not me -- the city I mean. Like a detective does." She gives you a hat -- almost exactly like the one Dick Mullen wears on the covers. 188->144 189 You: "One more thing. How do I get inside the building? I already talked to your mom, but she's not letting anyone in." 462 Annette: "Um... she can be pretty strict, you're right about that. I don't really know what to say. You could try sneaking in?" She smiles shyly, like she's not sure it's the right answer. 189->462 190 Annette: "Sometimes they break up for a little while, but then they always get back together." 592 Jump to: [Romance hub] 190->592 191 Annette: IsKimHere() 192 IsKimHere() 191->192 193 !(IsKimHere()) 191->193 547 Kim Kitsuragi: "Wonderful." 192->547 557 Annette: Her eyes grow wide as she tries to comprehend the outburst. "I'm sorry, sir?" 193->557 372 famehubb 194->372 195 Annette: Variable["doomed.annette_altgreet_passives_shown"] 196 Variable["doomed.annette_altgreet_passives_shown"] 195->196 197 !(Variable["doomed.annette_altgreet_passives_shown"]) 195->197 196->182 197->143 198 Annette: "Okay... sir." 495 Empathy: She doesn't know what to make of that. But she'll remember it. 198->495 199 You: "How's the business going?" (Shake off the cold.) "And how's this business doing?" 199->6 200->40 201 Annette: "I'm signalling that the store is open." She nods eagerly. "Otherwise people might not know... they'd miss out on the *Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People*." 404 Empathy: A sudden gush of wind turns the pages of the books on the counters. She covers her face, smiling, but she's cold. 201->404 202 Annette: "Yes... sir." She smiles apologetically. 202->157 275 Annette: "Well... maybe then it's fine. Maybe if the lady then decides not to pick either, because she doesn't need a bad man. Yes, that would be interesting!" 203->275 204->163 205->408 206 You: "Greed, my child. It's always greed." 603 Annette: "That's not nice at all." She frowns. 206->603 207 Empathy: Dark, arrogant, violent. Likely overcompensating for something. 207->14 208 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 208->269 209 Annette: "But that's like... the same thing." She squints her eyes, trying to solve this puzzle. 209->60 389 You: "In the eyes of a kid, maybe. The difference between me and Mullen is vast. He's nothing!" 209->389 210 Jump to: [Romance hub] 210->337 211 Annette: She shifts and sways on her feet, looking confused and uncomfortable. 645 Volition: Stop. There's no need for this. It's in your power to change the subject. 211->645 212 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_paint_romance"] 213 Variable["plaza.annette_paint_romance"] 212->213 214 !(Variable["plaza.annette_paint_romance"]) 212->214 393 You: "Yeah. Yeah! And it drags on for *years* and *years* with no resolution in sight..." 213->393 633 You: "Doesn't ring a bell? Alright, I'll ask your mom." 214->633 215->269 216 You: "On second thought, this seems like an inappropriate topic to discuss with children." 216->281 217 Annette: She looks around anxiously. Her hands remain folded in front of her. She doesn't want to show them. 672 Annette: IsKimHere() 217->672 560 Annette: "You're quite sober." She snaps back quickly. 218->560 219 Annette: "Because you usually aren't." 225 You: "I am also sad and my head hurts." 219->225 455 You: "Yeah, about that... maybe you could point me toward some booze?" 219->455 701 You: "And I'm having a grand time!" 219->701 220 You: "Did I ever talk to you?" 220->18 221 Annette: "Of course not, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he'll be no match for you." 221->688 222 You: "A policeman's gotta have *the right stuff*. An ingrained sense of The Law. No one would follow a weakling like Mullen." 351 Annette: "If you say so, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for your... *soul*." 222->351 223 You: "Actually, I... I... I'm sorry... I can't deduce anything. 223->131 521 Esprit de Corps: I'm not surprised children have seen you running around with *party eyes* on, he thinks. Not at all. 224->521 225->181 226 You: "Nothing, forget it. Dick Mullen sucks, is what I meant." 609 Annette: "Of course, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you." 226->609 227 Jump to: [Annette: ""Mhm!" She stamps her feet, waiting..."] 227->228 228->269 229->208 230 Annette: "I don't know about that... But I imagine life is great when you're famous." 230->194 231 Annette: "Mhm. Mum can get really agitated about that." She sways on her feet. "I guess you can try making her less afraid somehow... then she might trust you." 617 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 231->617 232->269 233 Annette: "Um... that's a problem. The only way in is through the bookstore, but my mum is pretty strict about not letting anyone in." 396 Annette: "But, I don't know, you're a *police man*..." She says it with admiration, eyeing you up and down. "Maybe you can convince her somehow?" 233->396 234 Annette: "A fridge?" 463 You: "Yes. Like a big, big fridge a cop could put a dead body into." 234->463 235 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 235->269 236 Annette: "I'm glad I could help you, sir." She smiles a wide, helpful smile. 236->667 237 Annette: Variable["XP.help_annette"] 238 Variable["XP.help_annette"] 237->238 239 !(Variable["XP.help_annette"]) 237->239 653 Annette: "Yes! I used to stand out there all the time, before mother told me to focus on my homework." 238->653 285 Annette: "Yes! I stand in this spot all the time." She sways back and forth on her feet. 239->285 240 You: "He isn't even drawn right. This is not how human shoulders work, the perspective is all wrong." 365 Annette: She examines the picture, trying to find whatever is wrong with it. She then shrugs and puts the book aside, unconvinced. 240->365 499 curse hub 241->499 242 Logic: Seems like most people who read those books fail to get more famous from reading them. 610 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_anatomy_of_fame"] 242->610 243 You: "You can stop calling me 'sir.' I am but a working man." 243->42 244 Annette: "Maybe they're just afraid... of books!" She laughs, with a slight nervous undertone. 422 You: "Either way, another *ace* deduction by the #1 detective in town." 244->422 639 You: "I hope this entertained you." 244->639 661 Annette: "You look all wrinkly and hairy, like an old person!" 245->661 246->86 247->47 248 noshivershub 248->378 248->473 249->122 250 Annette: "What do you mean, sir?" She looks wary. 516 Empathy: She knows where this is going. 250->516 665 Annette: "And you knew this from me keeping my hands folded?" She shoots you a suspicious glance. 251->665 252->129 456 You: "Thanks -- I've learned something about myself today." (Conclude.) 252->456 253 Annette: "Unlike you, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you." 253->688 254 Annette: Her eyes shine with sympathy. "Cheer up, sir. No need to compare yourself to a fictional character." 254->320 255 You: "Actually, I'd rather not deduce anything. Every time I deduce people get hurt." 428 Annette: She sighs -- not relieved, but resigned. "No," she says. "You're right..." 255->428 256 Annette: "School?" She rubs her red, chilled nose. "Well, mine is a big yellow building on Boogie Street. And the people there run it. They say it's a *charity*." 711 Shivers: The gale wind blows in from the coast, a wind of needles. It wraps itself around a building of brick and mortar. Somewhere, a clamor rings through the honeycomb of classrooms. 256->711 257 You: "They're not doomed. But your mother should learn from their mistakes." 257->229 258 Annette: IsKimHere() 259 IsKimHere() 258->259 260 !(IsKimHere()) 258->260 533 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_said_thelaw"] 259->533 261 Annette: "Crime is what criminals do. And policemen... solve?" 260->261 261->532 261->594 424 Annette: She examines the illustration of Dick Mullen, attempting to find his soul. "I'm not sure I understand..." 262->424 263 Annette: "Yes! Just like the one Dick Mullen wears all the time..." She grins. "You'll look way more serious with that." 435 Annette: "Right. I have to get back to my homework now, before Mum notices. Man, this is *hard*..." She looks back at the infernal scribblings under her nose. 263->435 264->435 265 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 265->269 266->37 685 Logic: Out of the rain and into the gutter. 267->685 268 You: "What is your name?" 268->108 269->10 269->71 269->110 269->116 269->156 269->243 269->268 270 You: "What is this crime business?!" 269->270 487 You: "Little girl, help. My Dick Mullen book ripped before I could get to the end. Do you know what happens?" 269->487 522 You: What are you missing here? Why does this feel familiar? 269->522 529 You: "Hey, guess what. I found a way into the Doomed Commercial Area." 269->529 550 You: "What is romance?" 269->550 618 You: "What are you doing now?" 269->618 651 You: "Say, child... *you* wouldn't happen to know a good fridge, would you?" 269->651 270->5 271->198 272 Annette: "Why would they do that, sir?" 403 You: "Because I'll be a superstar cop, in the papers and everything! That'll show 'em." 272->403 469 You: "Hmm... why indeed? I'm just an old, tired cop. What use am I?" 272->469 273->202 274->235 275->366 277 Variable["plaza.annette_exit_mid_intro"] 276->277 278 !(Variable["plaza.annette_exit_mid_intro"]) 276->278 277->29 401 Annette: "Hello, sir! Step right in, the store is open!" A young girl with chubby red cheeks waves at you, smiling. Her nose is also red from the cold. 278->401 279->688 280 Annette: "Ummm... no? I don't know..." She looks at you with puzzlement. 538 Pain Threshold: You can take this! Blossom like a pain-flower. 280->538 316 Jump to: [Romance hub] 281->316 282 You: Damn right I am! Proud as the Lion of Serber. 282->169 283->124 283->125 283->282 478 You: Right. Activate Denial Mode. 283->478 284 Volition: You're not really an automaton, you do know that? 284->85 561 Annette: "You've been running around for several days, talking about small churches and how everyone betrayed you, sir." "You've been running around all week without your shirt on, sir. Telling people about being a star or something. I don't really understand who those stars are..." "You've been running around all week without your shirt on, sir. Telling people the end of the world is coming. I don't really understand what you mean by it..." "You've been running around all week without your shirt on, sir. Apologizing to everyone. I don't really understand what you've done wrong..." "You've been running around all week, sir. Sometimes without your shirt on -- asking people questions. I haven't really understood what about..." 285->561 286 Annette: "Sure he can't, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you." 286->688 287 Annette: "Like you, sir, of course." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you." 287->688 288->137 288->257 338 You: "One could say that entire economies are doomed, as they tend to crash every once in a while." 288->338 289 You: "No, it's too much. I don't want to say that to a little girl." 705 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_drama"] 289->705 290 You: "Okay, I guess I will." 290->227 291 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_shivers_schoolmemory"] 292 Variable["plaza.annette_shivers_schoolmemory"] 291->292 293 !(Variable["plaza.annette_shivers_schoolmemory"]) 291->293 605 shivershub 292->605 293->248 294 Annette: "Yes!" She chirps. "Please do also look at our wares inside -- the postcards and board games are there, sir." "Yes!" She chirps. "Please do look at our wares inside -- the postcards and board games you asked about are also there, sir." 294->391 295->482 296->391 297 You: "Is it okay if I ask you some questions?" 714 Annette: "Okay, sir. I'll try to answer any questions you have. I hope they're about books." 297->714 298->297 345 You: "What kind of a store is this anyway?" 298->345 676 You: "Not really." [Leave.] 298->676 615 Jump to: [GREETHUB] 299->615 301 Variable["XP.help_annette"] 300->301 302 !(Variable["XP.help_annette"]) 300->302 301->195 326 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_white_success_nervous"] 302->326 436 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 303->436 304 You: "Hi." 304->658 305 Annette: "It's the type of book where there's a rich lady and she has to choose between the good man and the bad man." She smiles at the thought, perhaps imagining herself in that situation. 305->80 696 Annette: "I think you just have to live a happy life!" She rubs her nose. "No need to worry about fame or think bad thoughts!" 306->696 307 You: "You're cold. Can I help in some way?" 307->76 308 Annette: "Thank you, sir! I work hard." She beams a smile. 308->422 308->639 309 Annette: "I know, sir." She stomps her feet to feel warmer. 715 Annette: Variable["reputation.the_law"] >=3 309->715 310 You: "What about when both of the men are bad?" 310->160 690 Annette: "Why are they doing that?" 311->690 312 Annette: "I think she has a bad husband. Not very nice or helpful." 508 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 312->508 313 Annette: "Don't be sad, sir." She seems genuinely concerned. "I'm sorry I said that thing about Dick Mullen." 313->139 313->354 313->471 313->597 314 Annette: "That's really not a proper romance story. That's more like everyday life!" 399 You: "Yeah, poor people are boring." 314->399 554 You: "Sometimes you have to write about real life things." 314->554 315 You: What is this feeling? 662 Shivers: Remorse. The parquet of assembly halls, the rows of stall bars are growing cold. The corridors stand empty. A girl's voice somehow finds its way through this strange feeling... 315->662 316->337 317 Annette: "Okay!" She looks at you with her wide eyes. 418 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 317->418 318->269 319->140 319->289 320->173 569 Authority: No -- It's your soul, your blue soul. 321->569 322 You: "No-no, think about it! One where they plunge into a torrid spiral of pain and recrimination. Only it's *really long* and drawn out. Scarred for life. Phantom limb!" 322->280 323->4 477 You: "I don't need *help*, I need a real book that tells it how it *is*, not this drivel." 323->477 324 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 324->269 325 Annette: "If you say so, sir. Can I help you with anything else?" 325->615 327 Variable["plaza.annette_white_success_nervous"] 326->327 328 !(Variable["plaza.annette_white_success_nervous"]) 326->328 327->182 578 Annette: Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] 328->578 329 You: "Yeah, I found a way into the Doomed Commercial Area." 329->32 330 Annette: "Hah!" She smiles. "You mean like the ice bear fridge? Man, that's scary." 358 Annette: IsKimHere() 330->358 331 Composure: There's more that can be achieved here. Ask her to do the same. 331->218 637 You: "That was a master class move. Whatever, kid, I don't need to prove myself to you." 331->637 332 Annette: "No, you don't have party eyes anymore." 332->134 334 Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_electrochem_narco"] 333->334 335 !(Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_electrochem_narco"]) 333->335 334->128 702 You: Does that mean... I've been partaking in *narcotics*? 334->702 335->129 335->456 336 You: "What about a book where the *man and lady business* doesn't work out at all?" 336->141 337->109 337->310 337->336 406 You: "What about when everyone is poor?" 337->406 452 You: "That's enough romance for me. I had other questions." 337->452 338->111 339 Annette: "That is a book." She points at the stands. "They have stories inside them -- it's like someone told you a story in a really long letter." 339->564 340 You: "Never mind... I literally had nothing else to say." 340->317 341 Annette: "By your command!" 341->157 342->244 343 You: "Fame sounds delicious. Maybe someone will write a book about me one day." 343->272 344 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 344->269 345->107 346 You: "Being smart is the only way to *cop*, little girl. I can do this way better than him." 346->17 347->318 348 Annette: "It was okay, sir." She's still got a rebellious streak. 348->331 640 You: "Policemen live and breathe danger, little girl. Mullen obviously lacks the *chameleonic* skill." 349->640 350 Annette: "Sure you could, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for your strength." 350->688 351->688 352 Empathy: A façade of true professionalism. He is far more intrigued by the situation than his poise reveals. 352->56 352->57 353 You: "Never you mind. Either way, I'm not impressed with this Mullen guy." 704 Annette: "You don't have to be, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you." 353->704 354->97 355 Kim Kitsuragi: "Everyone understands you're *the law*. That's why you have that insignia on your arm. So you don't have to keep saying it." 355->658 431 Jump to: [GREETHUB] 356->431 357 You: "Dick Mullen and the Mistaken Identity." 648 Annette: "Oh..." She frowns. "I'm very sorry, sir. I haven't read that one yet. I wish I could help you." 357->648 359 IsKimHere() 358->359 360 !(IsKimHere()) 358->360 359->3 591 You: "Ice bear fridge?" 360->591 361 You: "And there's a big fridge there?" 398 Annette: "Yes." She smiles. 361->398 362 Annette: "You don't look much like a policeman." She examines you, as if to find something policeman-like. 438 You: "Huh, well what does a cop look like then?" 362->438 494 You: "Okay, then maybe I'm not a policeman? Or should stop being one." 362->494 363 You: "Okay." 363->190 492 Annette: "Just what Dick Mullen would ask!" She lowers her voice. "I got it from behind the curtains. I'm not really supposed to go there..." 364->492 631 You: "That's just no way to *cop*." I can do it way better than Dick Mullen." 365->631 366->337 367->8 367->70 444 You: "Ass up." 367->444 450 Annette: "I think that's why people read them. To find the secrets of their fame." 368->450 369 Annette: "Hello again, sir!" The girl is sipping on her hot juice. She looks at you with shy amusement. "Hello again, sir!" You see Annette sipping on her hot juice. She looks at you with shy amusement. 369->232 370->43 371 Annette: "Oh. Okay." She blinks at you, not knowing how to reply. "I shouldn't have said that thing about Dick Mullen..." 371->139 371->354 371->471 371->597 372->11 372->50 372->343 373 You: "I should have a word with the store-owner, maybe?" 657 Annette: "Oh, no-no, sir! I'm happy to help Mum by luring in customers!" She stands upright and smiles like a little soldier. "Besides, I have some hot juice in my vacuum bottle to keep warm." 373->657 374->422 374->639 375 Annette: "Nothing really, sir. Mum doesn't allow me to sneak around in the back rooms or the cellar." She looks a bit disappointed. "I don't really know what's there." 375->145 376 You: "Because that keeps the network... working... right." 376->83 377->408 472 Annette: "Mum says it's necessary to do both, because it builds character. Mum says a proper worker is dutiful -- that's how you get ahead in life, you succeed." 378->472 379 Shivers: You haven't heard a word of what she's been saying these past few moments. You only hear... 379->472 380 Kim Kitsuragi: "It does not *manifest* itself in any way. It does not exist. I liked it better when we were talking about whether it's appropriate to stand out in the freezing weather." "It does not *manifest* itself in any way. It does not exist. I liked it better when we were talking about different types of books." "It does not *manifest* itself in any way. It does not exist. I liked it better when we were asking about Dick Mullen." "It does not *manifest* itself in any way. It does not exist. I liked it better when we were asking about romance novels." "It does not *manifest* itself in any way. It does not exist. I liked it better when we were asking about famous people." 380->53 380->381 382 Kim Kitsuragi: "No such thing." The lieutenant stands at your side, stern and serious. 381->382 382->249 383 Annette: "Yes!" She nods, relieved. "She knows books, definitely." 383->146 384->215 385 You: "On second thought, maybe I shouldn't remember. Maybe there's a reason I forgot." 385->92 386 Electrochemistry: Oh baby, that's not what you have to worry about. Worry about the important thing! 386->129 386->456 387 You: "I don't really like this detective-deduction game anymore..." (Conclude.) 387->93 388 Annette: "Come on, don't be silly. That's not a proper deduction." She rolls her eyes. 549 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 388->549 641 Annette: "If you say so, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you." 389->641 390->9 391->22 391->24 660 You: "What do you know about the other failed businesses?" 391->660 423 Annette: She gazes at the image of Dick Mullen, frowning. "Nooo, he's wicked smart in the stories." 392->423 393->123 394 Encyclopedia: Don't be a fool -- as an expert, it's your duty to tell what you know to everyone. 394->30 394->184 395->617 396->274 397 Annette: She lowers her voice. "Mum doesn't want me to go there anymore. Not that I want to. It was pretty scary. 397->361 398->189 546 You: "I can't understand how I didn't notice a giant ice bear fridge myself..." 398->546 650 You: "One more thing. How do I get inside the building?" 398->650 652 Annette: "I guess, yes. People in books are always very interesting. Especially the romance-people." 399->652 400->332 401->304 475 You: "Hello." 401->475 686 You: "I am the law." 401->686 630 Annette: She studies the picture on the cover. "That sounds smart, I guess." 402->630 403->161 404->95 404->158 404->307 404->373 405->339 406->314 407 Annette: "Maybe some about other books?" She rubs her chilled nose with her fist. 407->49 408->269 409 Annette: "Why would they do that?" 409->206 520 You: "Because it's the nature of the powerful to exploit the weak." 409->520 410 Endurance: You also *feel* old: tired, hardly able to catch your breath, your joints aching constantly. 410->64 410->117 698 You: "I look *Harry*? That can't be me, not *Harry* -- what are you talking about?" 410->698 411->269 467 Annette: "I don't think it's a romance story if the main characters break up, though..." She pauses, trying to figure out the appropriate answer. 412->467 414 Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_cold"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_famous"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_romance"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_mullen"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_books"] < 3 413->414 415 !(Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_cold"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_famous"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_romance"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_mullen"]  or  Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_books"] < 3) 413->415 414->380 415->84 416->240 595 You: "Anyhow, it's much easier to work undercover if one doesn't look like him." 416->595 606 You: "Probably got a violent streak because he's emotionally stunted." 416->606 643 You: "Bet he can't even bend over to pick the gun his rigid fingers dropped. Real detectives are sinewy and snake-hipped. Like me." 416->643 712 You: "Muscle training is flower arranging for men. I bet he thinks he's real manly like that. He isn't. It's just unhealthy." 416->712 417 Annette: She's trying to examine the shadow-obscured hips of Dick Mullen. "They don't look rigid to me..." 632 You: "Mobility is the proper way to *cop*, girl. Dick Mullen can't compete with my hip-grind." 417->632 418->269 419 You: "You can show them to me." 419->217 420 Annette: "If you say so, sir." She grins victoriously. 517 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 420->517 421 You: "It's super simple for a detective such as myself." 421->636 422->348 668 You: "Sure, when the author does all the thinking for him. Real policemen have to think and act on their own." 423->668 424->222 425->385 480 You: "Hang on. So you... know me? We've met before?" 425->480 638 Logic: There's something you're missing... 426->638 427 Jump to: [Annette: ""Mhm!" She stamps her feet, waiting..."] 427->228 428->87 429 You: "Good to hear that it's going well. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about." 567 Jump to: [Annette: ""Mhm!" She stamps her feet, waiting..."] 429->567 430->211 431->298 432->269 433 You: "It's going bad, *really* bad." 486 Annette: "Oh, that's very sad to hear." She frowns. "But it'll pick up soon, don't worry. There's always a... bad spot in the stories, right before the detective figures things out." 433->486 434 Annette: "Maybe? It's the hat Dick Mullen wears all the time..." She grins with joy. "You'll look way more serious with that." 434->435 587 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 435->587 436->269 437 Annette: "I hope you can help her. Help her become less afraid or something..." She looks at her freezing hands, before hiding them in her coat sleeves. 437->436 438->69 439 You: "I used to be exactly like that Mullen guy. Then I decided to *live a little*." 439->44 440 Annette: "And everything's better now, sir?" 441 You: "Yes." 440->441 466 You: "I don't know." 440->466 548 You: "No." 440->548 441->78 442 Annette: She looks at Dick Mullen, frowning. 442->207 551 You: "I see." 443->551 497 Annette: "I wouldn't really say it like that... but I guess so." She blushes. 444->497 445 Annette: "Why is that?" 445->45 598 You: "You'll understand when you're older." 445->598 624 You: "A man can *never* be truly happy with who he is." 445->624 446->12 446->223 457 You: "I'm a detective. I deduce that... You are very small." 446->457 448 Variable["plaza.annette_perc_whitecheck"] == true 447->448 449 !(Variable["plaza.annette_perc_whitecheck"] == true) 447->449 507 Composure: The girl keeps her hands folded, hidden. Why is that? 448->507 449->148 450->242 451->312 452->407 453 Annette: "Isn't that kind of a childish thing for a grown-up to say?" 692 Conceptualization: When she grows up, and if she grows up to be clever, she'll discover there's no such thing as a 'grown-up.' 453->692 454 You: "Little girl, I'm sorry I got agitated. I just can't handle things sometimes. Let's get back to books." 454->384 455->127 456->236 457->388 458->19 459 You: "You don't need to be worried. I'm here to help." 459->217 460 Annette: "Yes!" She nods, smiling. "That's exactly it." 616 You: "I also know what a postcard is... it's a small cardboard picture that you can send to a friend or a loved one." 460->616 647 You: "Alright, I think that was enough. I have proven myself." 460->647 461 Annette: "Math..." She looks into her notebook with trepidation. "It's really difficult. Like -- really. They say you need it to get rich. Better than standing outside in the cold, I guess." 488 Annette: "Oh, oh...!" Suddenly, she smiles and perks up. "I found something while you were away." 461->488 462->2 463->330 464->95 464->158 464->373 465->147 466->445 467->322 467->363 468->269 469->114 470->440 471->442 629 Composure: There is stress and unease behind these words. She's reciting etiquette. 472->629 473->472 474->409 475->658 476 Annette: She sways slowly side-to-side, her wide eyes fixed at you standing there, silently, like a weirdo. 476->248 477->54 478->284 479->654 480->237 481 Annette: "Sure you can, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he'll be no match for you." 481->688 482->269 483->254 484 Encyclopedia: Pfft... books? Postcards? Easy! Even a kid would know all of this. 542 Annette: Variable["plaza.annette_cyclo_not_stupid"] 484->542 485 You: "Who cares about board games? No one." 485->356 486->617 683 Annette: "Which book was it, sir?" 487->683 490 You: "What is it?" 488->490 489->263 490->188 491 You: "I'm currently investigating the curse on your mother's behalf." 684 Annette: Annette's eyes go wide: "She let you in there? Usually she doesn't let anyone sneak around in the back rooms or the cellar." 491->684 492->102 492->489 492->726 493->362 494->69 635 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 495->635 496 You: "I don't think curses are real." 496->150 497->499 498->499 499->35 499->118 499->491 499->496 619 You: "I've been in this house and you're right, there's an awful lot of failed businesses there." 499->619 500 Annette: "More about books, maybe?" Annette nods eagerly. 500->468 501->340 697 You: "Yeah, you heard me. Only losers waste their time with that garbage." 501->697 502->113 503->153 504->308 505->341 506->183 515 You: "Hey... Why do you keep your hands folded?" 507->515 508->269 509->9 510 You: Discard thought. 510->476 511 Annette: She examines the picture closely. The Vespertine detective exhibits few signs of health or unhealth. 663 You: "Poor vitality is no way to *cop*, little girl. I could take him down easy." 511->663 512->221 513 You: "You heard me! I'm full of pride and I ready to talk about books. Let's do this." 513->170 514 Annette: "Sir?!" She looks at you, eyes wide in shock. 514->55 558 You: "Haha, never mind, girl. I'm quite the joker. I would never do something like that." 514->558 669 You: "So I can absorb their *essence*. All their fame will flow into me." 514->669 515->250 516->255 516->419 516->459 517->269 518->58 519->387 519->456 520->603 521->518 523 You: Variable["plaza.annette_whitecheck_logic_you"] 522->523 524 Variable["plaza.annette_whitecheck_logic_you"] 523->524 525 !(Variable["plaza.annette_whitecheck_logic_you"]) 523->525 524->178 525->178 526 Annette: IsKimHere() 527 IsKimHere() 526->527 528 !(IsKimHere()) 526->528 527->133 528->563 573 Annette: "Oh, that's great!" Her smile is warm. "I hope exciting adventures lie ahead! And maybe you can help mother become... less afraid." 529->573 530->256 531 Kim Kitsuragi: "We can go into the bookstore and ask about the case, but I don't see much more to look *into* here." The lieutenant makes a note in his notebook. 531->294 532->62 534 Variable["plaza.annette_said_thelaw"] 533->534 535 !(Variable["plaza.annette_said_thelaw"]) 533->535 534->138 535->25 536 Annette: "Don't feel sad, sir! Mullen isn't even real. You're real!" 536->34 537 Pain Threshold: No -- your resilience. 570 Reaction Speed: No -- your *mind*. 537->570 538->212 539 Annette: Variable["reputation.the_law"] >=6 540 Variable["reputation.the_law"] >=6 539->540 541 !(Variable["reputation.the_law"] >=6) 539->541 575 Annette: IsKimHere() 540->575 541->98 543 Variable["plaza.annette_cyclo_not_stupid"] 542->543 544 !(Variable["plaza.annette_cyclo_not_stupid"]) 542->544 581 You: Nah, it feels inappropriate to lecture this girl. 543->581 682 You: "Little girl, I know what a book is. Books are like very long letters, with stories inside them." 543->682 544->31 545 You: "The police don't have time for games." 545->356 620 Annette: The girl shrugs cheerfully: "Well, it is pretty dark in there..." 546->620 547->557 548->445 549->269 550->305 627 Annette: "Those are unhappy books, for most of the pages. People sad about what they have lost. But then it all turns out just fine in the end!" 551->627 596 Annette: Dismay flickers in her eyes. "Maybe so, sir." She sighs. "Okay, I know, it's a bad habit and I shouldn't." 552->596 553 You: "And you're standing out here in the cold because...?" 553->201 554->48 555->290 555->553 556->15 557->513 558->126 559 You: "Yes." 559->636 560->526 561->220 562->269 563->225 563->455 700 You: "Wait... How do you know I'm usually not?" 563->700 563->701 565 Variable["plaza.annette_dumbquestions"] == 2 564->565 566 !(Variable["plaza.annette_dumbquestions"] == 2) 564->566 565->115 566->247 567->228 568->536 569->537 570->26 571->230 572 gohub 572->112 572->502 573->324 574 Annette: "Hello, sir. How is the investigation going? Found any *cuuurses* yet?" 574->186 574->329 574->433 675 You: "I can't get into the Doomed Commercial Area. Your mother won't let me through the back door." 574->675 576 IsKimHere() 575->576 577 !(IsKimHere()) 575->577 576->355 577->658 579 Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] 578->579 580 !(Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"]) 578->580 579->104 580->119 581->394 582->66 583 You: Don't you sass me. 582->583 583->721 585 Variable["plaza.annette_altgreet_doominvestigation"] 584->585 586 !(Variable["plaza.annette_altgreet_doominvestigation"]) 584->586 585->119 586->574 587->269 588 Annette: Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] 589 Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] 588->589 590 !(Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"]) 588->590 589->103 590->199 591->621 592->337 593->265 622 Annette: "It's exciting to people, I guess. They get to imagine dangerous things. And it's kinda like a puzzle, where you can guess who the criminal is or how the good guys are going to catch him. " 594->622 595->79 596->422 596->639 597->500 598->371 693 Annette: "No-no, sir. She's a working woman who comes to look at the books a lot." 599->693 600 You: "Nice enough for a small child, sure... maybe." 600->313 601 Annette: "Mhm. I'm sure she can help out!" She smiles wide. "Anything else you're curious about?" 601->210 602->155 603->408 604 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 604->269 605->315 605->510 606->16 607->89 608->549 609->688 611 Variable["plaza.annette_anatomy_of_fame"] 610->611 612 !(Variable["plaza.annette_anatomy_of_fame"]) 610->612 611->572 612->28 613->130 614->514 615->298 646 Annette: "Mhm mhm. You've got it, sir. What about board games?" 616->646 617->269 618->461 727 Annette: "You've been there?" Her eyes go wide. "My mum never lets me sneak around in the back room or the cellar!" 619->727 620->274 621->397 622->493 623->549 624->371 625 Annette: "Board games are like little games on a table, made to pass the time... There are several different ones." She pauses to ponder. "But sailors here mostly buy cards." 625->564 626->46 627->366 628->155 629->588 630->346 631->481 632->286 633->383 634->191 635->269 636->88 637->420 666 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 638->666 639->348 640->253 641->688 642->258 643->417 644 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 644->269 645->63 645->216 646->101 646->485 646->545 647->325 725 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 648->725 649 Annette: "This must have been really scary..." She looks at her freezing hands, before hiding them in her coat sleeves. 649->436 650->233 651->234 652->366 653->561 654->269 655->151 657->9 658->298 659->344 660->375 661->410 662->379 663->350 664->337 665->171 665->421 665->559 666->269 667->269 668->287 669->20 670 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant stands by -- looking at the two of you with little interest. 670->352 671->94 673 IsKimHere() 672->673 674 !(IsKimHere()) 672->674 673->670 674->132 675->231 677->7 677->429 679 IsKimHere() 678->679 680 !(IsKimHere()) 678->680 679->531 680->294 681->36 682->460 683->357 684->437 685->67 686->309 687->139 687->354 687->439 687->471 687->597 688->644 689->601 690->376 691->604 692->142 693->451 694->625 695->600 696->155 697->453 698->13 699->454 700->219 701->172 702->386 703->226 703->353 704->688 706 Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_drama"] 705->706 707 !(Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_drama"]) 705->707 706->177 707->703 709 Variable["plaza.annette_cyclo_stupid"] 708->709 710 !(Variable["plaza.annette_cyclo_stupid"]) 708->710 709->47 710->484 711->291 712->511 713->209 714->269 716 Variable["reputation.the_law"] >=3 715->716 717 !(Variable["reputation.the_law"] >=3) 715->717 716->539 717->658 718 Annette: Variable["auto.is_snowing"] 719 Variable["auto.is_snowing"] 718->719 720 !(Variable["auto.is_snowing"]) 718->720 719->185 720->369 721->183 723 IsEvening() 722->723 724 !(IsEvening()) 722->724 723->33 724->718 725->269 726->434 727->649