SEAFORT INSULINDIAN PHASMID - 761
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input
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518
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_main_hub_reached"]
1->518
2
Insulindian Phasmid: Please do not do that again.
198
You: I have already forgotten the whole world once -- when I drank too much.
2->198
472
You: This is the Gloaming I've been waiting for. Ever since I woke up in the hotel room.
2->472
610
You: But I *want* to blink and undo 12 billion years of matter expansion.
2->610
655
You: Have I always thought this way?
2->655
795
You: I will be extra extra careful not to blink, stick insect. Don't worry.
2->795
3
Cuno: "It looks like the phasmid had some kind of *nest* there -- look. Like a hoard, man..."
611
Visual Calculus: In the reeds, where he's pointing, you see a flash of white -- *porcelain* white.
3->611
4
Cuno: "Yeah, grandpa's not looking so good. We need to check on him..."
5
fail_at_phero
476
You: "Okay, yes, you're probably right. I won't panic."
5->476
704
You: "There was a pheromone -- like an ox-spray. I had to have it on and I didn't."
5->704
6
Cuno: There's a big smile on his lips, like he can't believe what he's saying: "We fucking *saw* it, yo -- it was real."
266
Savoir Faire: And you'll see it again. Now that you *know* it's real, how long can it hide?
6->266
7
Empathy: In some kind of strange, semi-catatonic state.
858
Cuno: "Our suspect's not looking so good. We need to check on him -- also, man..." he points to the reeds.
7->858
8
Perception (Sight): In the reeds, where he's pointing, you see a flash of white -- *porcelain* white.
528
Jump to: [endhub]
8->528
9
Suggestion: The segmented antennae move with apprehension, searching for something... you.
108
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_sugg_prepare"]
9->108
10
Inland Empire: You smell...
112
Jump to: [phasmid intro hub]
10->112
11
Insulindian Phasmid: From the corner of your eye, you see a sudden cascade of motion ripple through the insect's limbs. A series of ultrasonic clicks fills your ear...
From the corner of your eye, you see a sudden cascade of motion ripple through the phasmid's limbs. A series of ultrasonic clicks fills your ear...
68
Half Light: I am not palatable. Do not eat me. I am afraid.
11->68
12
Authority: He's letting his pride get in the way.
863
Insulindian Phasmid: You see the insect turn to him, its mandible antennae reaching out. Its motions are quick, sudden.
You see the phasmid turn to him, its mandible antennae reaching out. The motions are quick, sudden.
12->863
13
You: "You exist..."
270
Insulindian Phasmid: A sudden chirrup fills the air -- the walking stick moves its whole body, limbs working independently of each other, like the parts of a masterfully constructed machine.
13->270
14
Insulindian Phasmid: IsCunoInParty()
15
IsCunoInParty()
14->15
16
!(IsCunoInParty())
14->16
473
Cuno: "Wait, we have to do something!"
15->473
114
Insulindian Phasmid: The ghost insect watches you disengage, continuing its hypnotizing motion. It's unclear whether it even registers that you're going...
16->114
17
Esprit de Corps: Meanwhile, in the antechamber of the Station 57 lazareth, a neatly packed pair of cargo pants and an orange bomber jacket sit in a locker. Nested on the jacket -- a small block of milled aluminium, tucked away in a leather case.
711
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_stuff_in_station"]
17->711
18
Esprit de Corps: An instant camera -- the Trigat Sunshine Mini. A moan of discomfort sounds from the lazareth, as he turns onto his side...
166
Insulindian Phasmid: Back on an island 28 kilometres away, the gigantic insect moves its antennae, taking its measure of the air, slowly... it's searching for something -- *you*.
18->166
19
Conceptualization: Praying to you.
217
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_concept_praying"]
19->217
20
You: Tell me -- what are you doing?
21
You: Variable["seafort.phasmid_wc_what_are_ya_doin"]
20->21
22
Variable["seafort.phasmid_wc_what_are_ya_doin"]
21->22
23
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_wc_what_are_ya_doin"])
21->23
185
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_wc_what_are_ya_doin"]
22->185
23->185
24
You: (Whisper.) "Kim, it's foaming."
(Whisper.) "Cuno, it's foaming."
812
Insulindian Phasmid: IsKimHere()
24->812
25
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
168
PHASMID main
25->168
26
Insulindian Phasmid: Unwittingly the insect continues its stridulations. As it moves, tuft-like structures still pretending to be plants rustle along on its joints.
717
Half Light: Perhaps it is preparing to *eat* its god?
26->717
27
Insulindian Phasmid: The reed-creature does not stop its stridulations -- it towers above you, parting the reeds it emerged from. Tuft like structures still rustle on its joints.
27->717
28
Authority: About now he is ready to believe in anything.
107
Jump to: [Insulindian Phasmid: "The insect's head is crowned with r..."]
28->107
29
Kim Kitsuragi: "The paraplegic? She could have, yes..." He seems unsure.
873
Esprit de Corps: We missed it, he thinks. We damn missed a spot. We should have... then the lieutenant collects himself.
29->873
30
Kim Kitsuragi: "I never thought the damn *cryptozoology* would factor into this... Well, we know it's here now. We *will* find it again."
874
Jump to: [failure_of_many_proportions]
30->874
31
Esprit de Corps: "He must be *really* out of it, yelling like that. Well, at least he's *alive*...." Officer Minot in the blue uniform frowns: "Jean, maybe something *happened*? He's in distress..."
594
Jump to: [failure_of_many_proportions]
31->594
32
The Deserter: "Crypto-what?" Some odd connotation catches the old man's ear.
926
Rhetoric: Crypto-*fascist* probably.
32->926
33
You: Lick your finger.
831
Interfacing: It tastes like... sugar. Very faint. The arthropod towers above you, tufts of reeds pointing from limb and head alike.
33->831
34
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_one_shudder"]
35
Variable["seafort.phasmid_one_shudder"]
34->35
36
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_one_shudder"])
34->36
365
Insulindian Phasmid: Another shudder pulses through the creatures limbs. It jolts back to life, like a record continuing were it left off -- in a swaying, praying motion. Even the small black pearls of its eyes do not stray from you...
35->365
676
Insulindian Phasmid: A shudder pulses through the creatures limbs. It jolts back to life, like a record continuing were it left off -- in a swaying, praying motion. Even the small black pearls of its eyes do not stray from you...
36->676
37
Insulindian Phasmid: The arthropod towers above you, frozen in place. A twitch passes one of its hind legs, as you...
399
Jump to: [touching hub]
37->399
38
Interfacing: Feels like nothing. The arthropod in front of you stays frozen...
880
Jump to: [touching hub]
38->880
39
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_wc_failure_counter"] >= 1
40
Variable["seafort.phasmid_wc_failure_counter"] >= 1
39->40
41
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_wc_failure_counter"] >= 1)
39->41
42
Pain Threshold: Suddenly -- another flash of pain. Worse than the one before. The taste of blood in your mouth. The insect tastes it too, twitching suddenly...
40->42
550
Encyclopedia: In its marrow -- a combination of complex biomolecules. Hormones, amino acids, lipids.
41->550
931
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.sense_hearing_pain_flash"]
42->931
43
You: It's *wunderbar*.
For me it's *wunderbar*.
599
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes, holy is the lord of hosts. And all the Earth is filled with his glory.
43->599
44
Perception (Sight): Shifting around in the reeds around it, in the muddy water... you notice some of its hind legs apparently standing on the water from time to time. It's *that* light...
458
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_reflections_in_water"]
44->458
45
You: I'm ill in my head. I'm insane. That's how it is for me.
140
Insulindian Phasmid: I am not. There isn't even a central nervous system in my head. Only mouthparts for eating wetland plants.
45->140
46
Insulindian Phasmid: That is your problem. Nothing ever ends for me. There is only room for two, maybe three pictures in my mind.
285
Insulindian Phasmid: For me it is a series of half-lit images. A kind of darkness, being intruded upon. Transient. Dim. Moist.
46->285
47
You: Got it. Solved it.
403
Physical Instrument: Officially, it was the three metres tall stick insect who solved it.
47->403
48
Insulindian Phasmid: You are a violent and irrepressible miracle. The vacuum of cosmos and the stars burning in it are afraid of you. Given enough time you would wipe us all out and replace us with nothing -- just by accident.
144
You: ...how?
48->144
49
Insulindian Phasmid: She was middle class. It doesn't take a three-metre stick insect to tell you that.
688
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
49->688
50
Half Light: It may have unknown, dangerous biochemical characteristics that help it maintain its camouflage.
289
Insulindian Phasmid: I went unnoticed by the first settlers and the land surveyors of the suzerain. Also by the soldiers of the Revolution and the officials of the occupation. Even the Semenese islanders who came here first, but did not stay, have not seen me.
50->289
51
Insulindian Phasmid: Very slowly -- and only because he won't go away. It is meant to keep them from noticing me, to interfere with the pictures in their heads. But he has looked at me too long. And I'm destroying him.
291
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
51->291
52
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
401
the_phasmid
52->401
53
You: Of all the creatures I've met you are the scariest.
683
Insulindian Phasmid: Thank you. I also have one final thing to say to you: that woman -- turn from the ruin. Turn and go *forward*.
Thank you. I also have one more thing to say to you: that woman -- turn from the ruin. Turn and go forward. Do it for the working class.
Thank you. I also have one more thing to say to you before you go. That woman -- turn from the ruin. Turn and go forward. For all mankind.
Thank you. I also have one more thing to say to you before you go. That woman -- turn from the ruin. Turn and go forward. For Revachol.
Thank you. I also have one more thing to say to you before you go. That woman -- turn from the ruin. Turn and go forward. For freedom.
53->683
54
You: Okay good. Forget it.
248
Insulindian Phasmid: I already did.
54->248
55
Insulindian Phasmid: Everything your eyes touch goes back there -- behind the nerve mirror. What if you blink? Are we still here? (Please don't blink). What if you misplace us all one day -- or just forget?
56
Untitled hub
55->56
56->198
428
You: Blink. (Quick.)
56->428
56->472
56->610
56->655
56->795
57
Cuno: "Fuck. Where did it go?"
200
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"]
57->200
58
Cuno: "The fuck..." He squints. "Is that *ceramic*? And more stuff -- like a *nest* in the reeds. We should peep it... fucking hell..."
747
Jump to: [chat_with_cuno]
58->747
59
Jump to: [cuno_massive_failure]
571
cuno_massive_failure
59->571
60
Cuno: "Yo, we just saw a giant fucking insect, okay? Focus on that, not some..." He looks around. "Where'd it go?"
703
Half Light: It *definitely* had something to do with that! It was repelled by you, as if it was scared.
60->703
61
You: "I don't understand... I *had* the pheromone...."
61->60
62
Cuno: "Cuno doesn't know what that means -- Cuno just knows it was FUCKING GIANT. Holy hell..."
345
You: "I could have learned something about the phasmid's behaviour. Searched for it with them."
62->345
432
You: "Damn, I didn't know it would be *connected* to the case..."
62->432
434
You: "You're right. It was GIANT."
62->434
63
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["whirling.lena_intro_midgreet"]
64
Variable["whirling.lena_intro_midgreet"]
63->64
65
!(Variable["whirling.lena_intro_midgreet"])
63->65
613
Encyclopedia: You know who would know more -- a cryptozoologist!
64->613
65->59
66
Authority: He's truly satisfied with your performance in Death Island right now.
706
Jump to: [cuno_massive_failure]
66->706
67
Savoir Faire: No! The flash will scare the creature off! Warn him NOW!
662
taking_photo_hub
67->662
113
You: "Okay, take the picture."
68->113
307
You: "Stop. Let me approach it first."
"It's afraid. Stop *now*."
68->307
69
Kim Kitsuragi: He comes to, abruptly. "Understood. Of course," he says with a nod.
861
Insulindian Phasmid: The spindly mechanism turns itself back to you, its antennae taking their measure of the air, slowly...
69->861
70
You: "Hey."
620
Insulindian Phasmid: The creature tilts its tiny head to the side and appears to look at you. It is incredibly light, like the slightest gust of wind should blow it away, but it doesn't...
70->620
71
Jump to: [phasmid intro hub]
478
phasmid intro hub
71->478
72
Insulindian Phasmid: IsKimHere()
73
IsKimHere()
72->73
74
!(IsKimHere())
72->74
621
Kim Kitsuragi: "We can't just leave it standing there. We have to do *something*, detective. It could be..." He thinks. "It could be connected somehow even..."
73->621
74->14
75
Encyclopedia: The tracheal system on the creature's abdomen expands in front of you, to take in and expel air -- it's *smelling* you.
622
Insulindian Phasmid: ...hissing and clicking, it extends its mandible-like antennae to greet you. You're right below it now, looking up at the colossal chitin of its white limbs. The head of the creature is crowned by reeds and its eyes are like small droplets of water.
75->622
76
You: Let your heels drop back onto solid ground.
819
Jump to: [Insulindian Phasmid: "The invertebrate stops, raising its..."]
76->819
77
You: Put your hand down.
78
Insulindian Phasmid: The invertebrate comes back to life, stridulating. Sets of complex eyes follow you, moving in tandem, on either side of the insect's small head.
77->78
78->25
79
Electrochemistry: Breathing you in -- your sour, greasy semiochemicals on the breeze...
584
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
79->584
80
failure_of_many_proportions
221
You: "What now?" (Continue.)
80->221
273
You: (Yell.) "No!"
80->273
353
You: "I shouldn't have taken a bath, the pheromone washed off!"
80->353
489
You: "I should have taken the pheromone from Morell!"
80->489
539
You: "Damn it! Damn it! I didn't get it right..." [Leave in rage.]
80->539
626
You: "Where did it go?" (Look north.) Can *you* see it?"
80->626
627
You: "How did it *do* that? Glide?"
80->627
670
You: "I think it went into the reeds there, on that islet..." (Point North.)
80->670
672
You: "What in the name of *god* was that?"
80->672
718
You: "Did you get it, did you get the picture?"
80->718
719
You: "Damn, we should have helped the cryptozoologists."
80->719
824
You: "Tell me you got the picture..."
80->824
866
You: "I don't understand... I *had* the pheromone...."
80->866
81
Kim Kitsuragi: "No..." He shows you the white slip of photo paper. There's a rainbow of colour -- blue, white, yellow, and brown like a child's painting.
173
Perception (Sight): Even a wildlife photographer couldn't make out a familiar form, let alone a gigantic stick insect.
81->173
82
Jump to: [failure_of_many_proportions]
82->80
83
Authority: Something cracks in the lieutenant. He's letting his pride get in the way.
278
Kim Kitsuragi: "The ampoule will produce a loud hiss." He turns to you and whispers: "You're right. It could scare it away. I need a better moment, when it's not looking."
83->278
84
The Deserter: "I don't..." He's extending his hand into the dust now, for some odd reason. Smearing his finger in it, like a confused child...
828
Jump to: [alone hub]
84->828
85
Inland Empire: For all time.
725
touching hub
85->725
86
Kim Kitsuragi: "It's good, it's good," the lieutenant whispers, holding it up. "Don't worry. We got it."
366
Half Light: For a moment there, he was afraid you didn't *get it*, but he's calmer now, looking at it.
86->366
87
Half Light: It's about to move, you can sense it!
780
You: Pull your hand away.
87->780
929
You: Run your hand up the slender limb, higher...
87->929
88
You: I want to know your mind.
282
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["XP.phasmid_thinks_with_its_limbs"]
88->282
89
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.sense_hearing_pain_flash"]
90
Variable["seafort.sense_hearing_pain_flash"]
89->90
91
!(Variable["seafort.sense_hearing_pain_flash"])
89->91
638
Pain Threshold: The sight of the insect pulses with pain, as a streak of fire tries to shoot up your leg. You swallow it. Unmoved. Not now. There's blood dripping... warm. The creature must feel it too, it twitches.
90->638
639
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
91->639
92
You: My body aches. I'm bleeding.
93
Insulindian Phasmid: I smelled it, as soon as you stepped on the island -- strawberries. Fresh burst of red strawberries. Ripe turning riper. Soon you will be rotten.
92->93
232
Insulindian Phasmid: Now I will tell you how it is for me. For me it is a series of half-lit images. A kind of darkness, being intruded upon. Transient. Dim. Moist.
93->232
94
Insulindian Phasmid: Fire? Where?
371
You: In the city, all around. It's going *down*.
94->371
502
You: Inside.
94->502
936
You: On the horizon. Pale fire. This thing we're both sensing is coming to an end.
94->936
95
Physical Instrument: No -- it's what the three metres tall stick insect came up with.
506
You: See! It's nothing.
95->506
552
You: All's well that ends well.
95->552
733
You: Way worse has happened to me.
95->733
96
You: *How?*
505
Insulindian Phasmid: The moral of our encounter is: I am a relatively median lifeform, while you are extreme, all-engulfing madness. A volatile simian nervous system, ominously new to the planet.
96->505
97
Jump to: [are_you_sure]
287
are_you_sure
97->287
98
You: So you look like a reed, and you eat reeds?
238
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes. They don't mind.
98->238
99
Insulindian Phasmid: *I* think we should eat it. If it's a leaf you can put it in your mouth. Or a reed. Yum yum.
469
Reaction Speed: Wait, so...
99->469
100
You: Also that.
511
Insulindian Phasmid: I can also detect pheromones -- the ones on you tell me that you will not eat me. And that I will benefit from your closeness. In short, I love you.
100->511
101
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
101->401
102
Kim Kitsuragi: "No. What's going on?"
240
You: "I think I'm having a vision. About the final fate of mankind."
102->240
293
You: "Nothing. Just looking at the stick insect. Everything is normal."
102->293
103
Electrochemistry: Nothing but you, a detective of the RCM, standing there with your mouth agape.
652
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_elchem_stand_and_stare"]
103->652
104
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
104->401
105
You: "Wait, how do you know about the phasmid?"
"Wait -- Insulindian Phasmid? How do you know this?"
199
Cuno: "Everybody does. It's the fucking Insulindian phasmid."
105->199
106
chat_with_cuno
155
You: "It can walk on water."
106->155
259
You: "What now?" [Leave.]
106->259
298
You: "What's that, in the water?"
106->298
821
Insulindian Phasmid: The insect's head is crowned with reed-like scales, the shape of seed heads. They rustle as the air moves. The ventricles at its abdomen continue to expanding, like lunglets...
107->821
109
Variable["seafort.phasmid_sugg_prepare"]
108->109
110
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_sugg_prepare"])
108->110
707
Savoir Faire: Take long, deep breaths. Slow down your pulse. Don't move yet, and when you do -- be light as a feather.
109->707
276
Insulindian Phasmid: Reed-like tufts stick out of its joints. As the insect moves its forearms it produces a faint hiss -- like a reel-to-reel machine spinning after the tape breaks.
110->276
111
Inland Empire: Be afraid. You smell wrong.
111->112
112->478
710
Kim Kitsuragi: With the sound of metal sliding against metal, the lieutenant reveals the lens. The glass glints in his hand as he begins to slide in an ampoule...
113->710
115
Esprit de Corps: A camera -- an instant colour camera the lieutenant keeps tucked away in his coat pocket. A moan of discomfort sounds from the lazareth, as he turns onto his side...
115->166
116
Insulindian Phasmid: No reply. A total, ancient silence comes from its mouth, along with what appears to be some kind of foam... The stridulations of its limbs continue all around you.
767
You: Back off.
116->767
919
You: Stand on your tiptoes and look more closely...
116->919
117
Insulindian Phasmid: IsKimHere()
118
IsKimHere()
117->118
119
!(IsKimHere())
117->119
820
Kim Kitsuragi: "Maybe it *is* real, the pheromone..." The lieutenant's mouth is agape.
118->820
337
Cuno: "This is so sick. It *likes* you..." The kid's mouth is agape.
119->337
120
Kim Kitsuragi: "Our suspect's not looking so good. We should check him over -- also..." He points to the reeds.
176
Kim Kitsuragi: "It looks like it has some kind of nest there... Maybe there's proof in there."
120->176
121
Kim Kitsuragi: "Helped them?" He falls silent for a moment. "I don't see what more we could have done?"
537
You: "You're right."
121->537
720
You: "We should have been more thorough Kim. We should have..."
121->720
922
You: "We could have learned something about the phasmid's behaviour. Searched for it with them."
121->922
122
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"] == true and Variable["whirling.bath_washed_pheromones_off"] == false
123
Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"] == true and Variable["whirling.bath_washed_pheromones_off"] == false
122->123
124
!(Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"] == true and Variable["whirling.bath_washed_pheromones_off"] == false)
122->124
123->9
634
Suggestion: The segmented antennae move with apprehension, searching for something that's not there...
124->634
125
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"]
126
Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"]
125->126
127
!(Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"])
125->127
126->80
587
Suggestion: You never had a chance. There was something off the moment you approached it. It was scared of you. Of humans.
127->587
128
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["whirling.lena_intro_midgreet"]
129
Variable["whirling.lena_intro_midgreet"]
128->129
130
!(Variable["whirling.lena_intro_midgreet"])
128->130
310
Encyclopedia: Neither have you. But you know who would -- a cryptozoologist!
129->310
490
Jump to: [failure_of_many_proportions]
130->490
131
you_met_cryptos
721
You: "The cryptozoologist! There was one in the bar. Maybe she knew something?"
131->721
132
You: "I should have taken the pheromone!"
826
The Deserter: "What are you talking about, *pheromone*?" The strange state the old man is in ends, momentarily. Something in the word animates him...
132->826
133
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_stuff_in_station"]
134
Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_stuff_in_station"]
133->134
135
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_stuff_in_station"])
133->135
636
Logic: The lieutenant had a *camera*. A camera, he could have taken a picture. Now they'll all think you're mad...
134->636
592
Jump to: [alone hub]
135->592
136
You: "Lieutenant, it's thinking with its *limbs*."
449
Kim Kitsuragi: "The nervous system could be spread out like that..." He whispers behind you. "Over the extremities, like a cuttlefish."
136->449
137
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
137->168
138
You: (I'm sure.) "We got it, Kim..." (Keep backing.)
138->34
139
You: In my heart. For me it's sadness -- input after input.
190
Insulindian Phasmid: For me it is not like that. I have states, not emotions. For example, I experience excitement at unexpected sugar rewards, but that is not important.
139->190
140->232
141
Insulindian Phasmid: No. The leg tried to move around independently, making it hard to walk.
644
You: You don't have a foot there now!
141->644
883
You: Okay. I don't want to hear more about that.
141->883
142
You: No, I'm not. Why are you asking?
234
Insulindian Phasmid: Sometimes, when moulting, I regrow a lost limb. One time something went wrong and a small leg replaced a missing antenna.
142->234
143
Insulindian Phasmid: The leg tried to move around independently, making it hard to walk.
143->644
143->883
387
Insulindian Phasmid: We suspect it will be something like the oxygen holocaust that wiped out anaerobic life 2.6 billion years ago -- when organisms first started breathing. Only much worse.
144->387
145
You: "Okay good. Forget it."
145->102
146
Insulindian Phasmid: Good bye. A series of chirrups surrounds you, like swallows on a cliff side, as the phasmid moves its forearms -- tymbals visible on the inside of its white stalks...
607
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
146->607
147
Perception (Sight): ...and something under it! In the place it stood, bobbing there, among the reeds. A collection of items.
560
Insulindian Phasmid: IsKimHere()
147->560
148
Jump to: [kim_after_chat]
294
kim_after_chat
148->294
149
You: Am I having a violent epileptic seizure?
416
Insulindian Phasmid: It doesn't look like that.
149->416
150
Insulindian Phasmid: Please be. Or one day one of you will close your eyes and sigh -- and open them to see that none of this ever existed.
694
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
150->694
151
Logic: Oh my god, *Kim* had the camera!
570
what_ever_cuno
151->570
152
Cuno: "Doesn't look like you're spazzin' out" he whispers behind you. "Cuno knows all about seizures."
153
You: "What does it look like?"
152->153
203
You: "Okay good. Forget it."
152->203
154
Cuno: "You're just staring at the giant insect."
153->154
258
You: "I think I'm having a vision. About the final fate of mankind."
154->258
950
You: "Nothing. Just looking at the stick insect. Everything is normal."
154->950
338
Cuno: "Like a water spider, or like -- one of those water walkers..." He's lost for words, just pants from excitement. "This cop shit is *insane*"
155->338
156
endhub
157
Kim Kitsuragi: "Our suspect is not looking so good. We need to check on him -- also..." He points to the reeds.
904
Kim Kitsuragi: "It looks like the insect had some kind of nest there, look... Maybe it has left *some* proof..."
157->904
158
You: "I shouldn't have taken a bath, the pheromone washed off!"
158->60
159
Cuno: "Between the reeds there -- it doesn't like bein' out in the open. Shifty fuck... I saw it slip in there. It's gone now, but..." He pants. "Wow."
900
Jump to: [cuno_massive_failure]
159->900
160
Savoir Faire: Relax. Now that you *know* it's here -- how long can it hide?
899
Jump to: [cuno_massive_failure]
160->899
161
Perception (Hearing): Sssss-hsssss-tik-ssssss-hssss-tik...
161->10
162
Kim Kitsuragi: "We need a photo -- or no one will believe us." He continues to pull the lens open...
162->11
163
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.dolores_said_hey"]
164
Variable["seafort.dolores_said_hey"]
163->164
165
!(Variable["seafort.dolores_said_hey"])
163->165
271
Empathy: There is a sadness in there -- or is it in you, from the dream... It's still with you, the pitiful *hey* you told her, even now...
164->271
305
Savoir Faire: The air moves through it. Its slender sticks.
165->305
439
Jump to: [phasmid intro hub]
166->439
167
Electrochemistry: You barely get to take one step -- the invertebrate reacts with uncanny speed, skating away across the water. It's gone, like a skipping stone, leaving nothing but rings on the sea's calm mirror...
628
Reaction Speed: It's blending into the tufts of reeds in the distance! Moving from islet to islet...
167->628
168->20
169
You: (Whisper) "Okay Kim, take the picture."
(Whisper.) "Kim, show me the picture again..."
168->169
220
You: (Look up.) "You're smelling me..."
168->220
623
You: "Hello. I don't know who I am."
"Hello. I'm Harry. I don't really know who I am..."
168->623
624
You: Disengage slowly. [Leave.]
168->624
665
You: Raise your hand slowly.
168->665
667
You: (Look behind you.) "It's smelling me..."
168->667
452
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_touching_hub"]
169->452
170
You: Put your hands down instead.
921
Insulindian Phasmid: Sets of complex eyes follow you --droplets of dew on either side of the head.
170->921
171
Kim Kitsuragi: "Okay..." With a slow ring of metal, the lieutenant slides the lens open and raises it to eye level.
309
Insulindian Phasmid: There is no change in the insects motion while its being aimed by the camera. It remains fixated on you.
171->309
172
You: "It *did* have something to do with the ox-spray!"
822
Kim Kitsuragi: "Okay, but..." He shakes his head in disbelief. "I'm not an entomologist, okay? Neither was the para-scientist. Who knows? The only thing I'm sure of is..."
172->822
774
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_wildlife"]
173->774
174
Kim Kitsuragi: There's a flicker of a smile on his lips, like he can't believe what he's saying: "We *saw* it -- it was real."
174->82
175
The Deserter: "What now..." the old man behind you repeats suddenly. He's put his hand into the ash -- it's dirty and black.
274
Empathy: In some kind of strange, semi-catatonic state.
175->274
855
Perception (Sight): In the reeds, where the phasmid was hiding, you see a little flash of white -- porcelain white.
176->855
177
You: "God, I shouldn't have taken a bath! The pheromone washed off!"
177->826
178
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_posse_incoming"]
179
Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_posse_incoming"]
178->179
180
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_posse_incoming"])
178->180
179->31
180->594
181
Insulindian Phasmid: A sudden shiver passes the limb. Looks like the creature is awakening, wave by wave from its stupor.
450
Visual Calculus: Some sort of countdown process is happening. That's all you have time to think...
181->450
182
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_inland_only_chance"]
183
Variable["seafort.phasmid_inland_only_chance"]
182->183
184
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_inland_only_chance"])
182->184
183->138
497
You: No, wait...
183->497
184->34
186
Variable["seafort.phasmid_wc_what_are_ya_doin"]
185->186
187
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_wc_what_are_ya_doin"])
185->187
228
Insulindian Phasmid: I exist.
I exist.
186->228
836
Inland Empire: Nothing. Its simple eyes give off no flicker of light, no one is home. The twitches of its limbs are insect-like, unknowable, perhaps without substance even.
187->836
188
Insulindian Phasmid: Not even the birds know that. Not even the water lilies.
556
You: Then all we can do is beat our fists against it? Day after day. With no answer.
188->556
844
You: We need to know. Perhaps it's sent to us by a god?
188->844
189
You: Is this a dream? What is happening?
230
Insulindian Phasmid: No. You are awake. I am real. Light is forming me. This is real.
189->230
190->232
191
Insulindian Phasmid: No. You are the miracle.
512
Conceptualization: It was you. Coming from the west. From the Whirling. You were coming...
191->512
192
Insulindian Phasmid: IsTHCPresent("shit_together")
193
IsTHCPresent("shit_together")
192->193
194
!(IsTHCPresent("shit_together"))
192->194
943
Volition: In honour of your shit, lieutenant-yefreitor. Which you kept *together* in the face of total, unrelenting terror. Day after day. Second by second.
193->943
321
Volition: In honour of your will, lieutenant-yefreitor. That you kept from falling apart, in the face of sheer terror. Day after day. Second by second.
194->321
195
Esprit de Corps: ARRIVING
465
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_arriving"]
195->465
196
You: The killer.
411
Insulindian Phasmid: He is in a bad state, deteriorating fast now. He thinks I am beneficial to him, but I am not. I only quicken his deterioration.
196->411
197
Insulindian Phasmid: She was hell on Earth. It doesn't take a three-metre stick insect to tell you that.
197->688
523
Insulindian Phasmid: So it is already happening. Soon, one of you will close your eyes -- and open them to see that none of this ever existed.
198->523
422
You: "God, Kim had a camera. Do you?"
199->422
742
You: "Cuno, do you have a camera or something?"
199->742
201
Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"]
200->201
202
!(Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"])
200->202
201->571
297
Suggestion: You never had a chance. There was something off the moment you approached it... The creature didn't *like* you.
202->297
257
Cuno: "No, quit frontin'. What's up with you? We're a team, cop."
203->257
204
Cuno: "It's gone..." Cuno stares to the north. "Between those reeds there. Fucking hell it can..."
204->106
205
Savoir Faire: Now that you know it exists -- you can get it another day. It can't hide forever...
279
Jump to: [alone hub]
205->279
206
Cuno: "It looks like the insect had some kind of *nest* there -- look. Like a hoard, or some shit..."
206->8
207
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"] == true and Variable["whirling.bath_washed_pheromones_off"] == false
208
Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"] == true and Variable["whirling.bath_washed_pheromones_off"] == false
207->208
209
!(Variable["coast.morells_pheromone_spray"] == true and Variable["whirling.bath_washed_pheromones_off"] == false)
207->209
208->161
805
Perception (Hearing): Tik-tik-tik... hisss... tik-tik-tik... hisss....
209->805
210
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_composure_approach"]
211
Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_composure_approach"]
210->211
212
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_composure_approach"])
210->212
810
Electrochemistry: Slowly, with your breath held, you take two small steps toward the phasmid. The creature lets out a series of ultrasonic clicks that swarm around your head like swallows...
211->810
212->167
213
Savoir Faire: No! The flash will scare the creature. Warn him NOW!
213->662
214
Jump to: [taking_photo_hub]
214->662
215
Jump to: [phasmid intro hub]
215->478
216
Insulindian Phasmid: He not as much as glances at the gigantic insect to his right -- nor does it look at him. Its antennae take their measure of the air, slowly... searching for something -- *you*.
216->439
218
Variable["seafort.phasmid_concept_praying"]
217->218
219
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_concept_praying"])
217->219
218->170
272
You: (Whisper.) "That's right. Pray."
218->272
352
You: "Don't pray to me. I'm nothing."
218->352
219->44
220->821
221->175
222
Kim Kitsuragi: "It's just a blur," he says, looking at the slip of paper in his hand.
585
Jump to: [failure_of_many_proportions]
222->585
223
You: (Yell.) "No!"
827
The Deserter: Your voice echoes alone on the water. Not so much as a scoff from the old man.
223->827
224
You: "No one will believe me... no one will believe this was real."
723
The Deserter: Wordless, he's staring at the ash. Not responding to your yelling.
224->723
225
Interfacing: You were right, it glistens with some kind of moisture. The creature in front of you stays frozen...
225->880
226
You: I want there to be more.
227
Insulindian Phasmid: Mute, the insect foams from its mouthparts, tilting the plates of its fused together head. From left to right, without reason.
226->227
227->39
228->401
229
Empathy: Something stirs in the insect as you begin to back off. It seems to also takes a step back... Something tells you -- the next time you engage and disengage it will probably flee.
513
Insulindian Phasmid: The arthropod follows you with its antennae. As you back off, the cracks and hisses of the tape that's come to its end grow more distant...
229->513
736
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
230->736
231
Insulindian Phasmid: Shapes of plants and animals. And *internal* sensations. A swarm of sounds, tiny vibrations on the inside of my forearms -- all speak of complexities totally beyond my understanding.
881
Insulindian Phasmid: I am at the end of a narrow funnel. Weightless. So light it only feels like *something* to be me. In truth -- perhaps I'm nothing? I certainly do not have a soul. And if I did, it would never ache.
I am at the end of a narrow funnel. Weightless. So light it only feels like *something* to be me. In truth -- perhaps I'm nothing? I certainly do not have a soul. And if I did, it would never burn.
231->881
643
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
232->643
233
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
233->401
409
You: That's absolutely nothing.
234->409
789
You: A small leg. That's horrible.
234->789
937
You: That's cool.
234->937
235
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_inland_detective"]
236
Variable["seafort.phasmid_inland_detective"]
235->236
237
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_inland_detective"])
235->237
236->195
508
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
237->508
333
You: Have you accidentally eaten another reed-phasmid?
238->333
686
You: Too sensitive of a matter.
238->686
239
Insulindian Phasmid: No one believed I exist -- almost no one. Until you came, detective. Dripping of blood that smells like strawberries. Across the calm sea, the first in a thousand years.
292
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
239->292
374
Kim Kitsuragi: "Okay." After a second the lieutenant asks: "Is it somehow related to the case?"
240->374
241
Insulindian Phasmid: IsHighestPolitical("ultraliberal")
242
IsHighestPolitical("ultraliberal")
241->242
243
!(IsHighestPolitical("ultraliberal"))
241->243
692
Insulindian Phasmid: She was hell on Earth. It doesn't take a three-metre stick insect to tell you that.
242->692
412
Insulindian Phasmid: IsHighestPolitical("moralist")
243->412
244
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_touching_hub"] == true and Variable["seafort.phasmid_talking_hub_reached"] == true
245
Variable["seafort.phasmid_touching_hub"] == true and Variable["seafort.phasmid_talking_hub_reached"] == true
244->245
246
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_touching_hub"] == true and Variable["seafort.phasmid_talking_hub_reached"] == true)
244->246
457
Insulindian Phasmid: As you're turning away, the phasmid mirrors your movements, stepping on the water -- the long limbs carry its feather weight without breaking its surface.
245->457
783
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_disengaged_once"]
246->783
247
Insulindian Phasmid: And just like that it's gone -- skating away across the sea's calm mirror like a skipping stone, leaving nothing but circles on the water...
247->147
517
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
248->517
249
Insulindian Phasmid: What if it's not you? What if the three metres tall stick insect is having the vision -- while you're alone and petrified.
249->517
250
You: I don't want to know.
421
Insulindian Phasmid: Also very, very dangerous.
250->421
251
Insulindian Phasmid: So it is *already* happening. One day, one of you will close your eyes and sigh -- and open them to see that none of this ever existed.
251->694
252
Insulindian Phasmid: IsKimHere()
253
IsKimHere()
252->253
254
!(IsKimHere())
252->254
864
Kim Kitsuragi: "I have absolutely no idea..." The lieutenant whispers back. You hear the familiar ring of his jacket unzipping -- slowly. Painstakingly so...
253->864
851
Insulindian Phasmid: IsCunoInParty()
254->851
255
Cuno: "Whoah... maybe it's poison? Fucking hell..." The kid watches you apprehensively.
350
Insulindian Phasmid: The foam slowly turns a darker shade, like burnt caramel -- as the insect moves its mouthparts, masticating. The little bubbles begin to burst, one by one...
255->350
256
You: "Cuno. Am I having a violent epileptic seizure?"
256->152
257->950
897
Cuno: "Cool. So's Cuno -- Cuno's also having a vision of a *giant insect*. And it's *real*. Back off before it eats you..."
258->897
526
The Deserter: "What now..." the old man behind you says suddenly. He's put his hand into the ash -- it's dirty and black.
259->526
260
Empathy: In some kind of strange, semi-catatonic state. He's not looking so good.
753
Perception (Sight): Look! In the reeds, where the phasmid was hiding -- you see a little flash of white -- porcelain white. In a nest of some sort?
260->753
261
Cuno: Your voice echoes alone on the water. The kid looks at you...
910
Esprit de Corps: Three-hundred metres inland special consultant Trant Heidelstam cups his ear. Satellite-Officer Vicquemare nods to him on the jetty: "I heard it."
261->910
262
You: "What in the name of *god* was that?"
573
Cuno: "Damn... Cuno's read about that shit in a *book*. Cuno's booked that shit. That was, like, a secret animal. Like one of those they *think* is real but haven't seen. The Insulindian phasmid..."
262->573
263
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_ency_cryptozoologist"]
264
Variable["seafort.phasmid_ency_cryptozoologist"]
263->264
265
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_ency_cryptozoologist"])
263->265
346
Reaction Speed: A cryptozoologist? Oh god, there was one...
264->346
857
you_met_cryptos
265->857
748
Jump to: [cuno_massive_failure]
266->748
267
You: "I should have taken the pheromone from Morell!"
267->60
268
Kim Kitsuragi: "My camera."
808
Savoir Faire: No! The sound of the flash will scare the creature off. Warn him NOW!
268->808
269
Kim Kitsuragi: "I won't be one of those fools who didn't take a picture..." He has stopped fiddling with the camera, but does not put it down.
269->12
762
Empathy: It moves just an inch closer to you. Or does it only *feel* like it does?
270->762
271->71
272->26
535
Kim Kitsuragi: Your voice echoes on the water.
273->535
274->120
275
Kim Kitsuragi: "I know. We *should* have... It's my fault too." He looks across the water. The slip of photo paper still drying in his hand, just hanging there for a second.
355
Empathy: It's too late now.
275->355
615
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.deserter_rc_success_heard_it"]
276->615
277
Kim Kitsuragi: "Where? Where did it go?" The lieutenant has the camera in one hand -- and a slip of white paper in the other, developing.
277->125
525
Esprit de Corps: I'll wait. I'm on standby, he thinks, his hands sweaty around the machine.
278->525
825
alone hub
279->825
280
Jump to: [alone hub]
280->825
281
Encyclopedia: Or a *ryacintha*, an Occidental leaf insect with its brain stored in four leaf-like extensions. Or a mimicry octopus with its intelligent tentacles...
879
Jump to: [touching hub]
281->879
283
Variable["XP.phasmid_thinks_with_its_limbs"]
282->283
284
!(Variable["XP.phasmid_thinks_with_its_limbs"])
282->284
930
Insulindian Phasmid: There is no mind to speak of. And if there is, it's beyond your imagination -- too simple to be compatible with yours. Segmented mouthparts foam, it tilts its head.
283->930
455
Insulindian Phasmid: It's spread too thin among its limbs, performing incomprehensible operations on the world; and you -- looking at it, mouth slightly open... You cannot even imagine what it thinks.
284->455
938
Conceptualization: So what if the next picture doesn't come? This creature is not the photographer, just the camera.
285->938
286
Pain Threshold: Change of topic!
286->233
287->142
553
You: Yes I'm sure. Why do you ask?
287->553
288
Insulindian Phasmid: I am an unknown species of the order Phantasmodea -- endemic to the Insulindian isola. For the last three hundred and fifty years I have hidden in plain sight, masquerading as the reeds. Moulding, cloning myself, unfolding at night to play with trash bins and buoys.
288->50
685
Encyclopedia: And the 4,000-year-old Seraseolitic civilization buried so deep in the sediment that you do not even know it is there -- they too did not see me.
289->685
290
Insulindian Phasmid: No. *You* are. The moral of our encounter is: I am a relatively median lifeform -- while it is you who are total, extreme madness. A volatile simian nervous system, ominously new to the planet.
737
Insulindian Phasmid: The pale, too, came with you. No one remembers it before you. The cnidarians do not, the radially symmetricals do not. There is an almost unanimous agreement between the birds and the plants that you are going to destroy us all.
290->737
291->401
292->401
377
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_touching_hub"]
293->377
651
You: "What's that -- in the reeds?"
294->651
740
You: "You didn't get the picture?"
294->740
794
You: "It can walk on water?"
294->794
890
You: "What now?" [Leave.]
294->890
295
You: What does it look like?
609
Insulindian Phasmid: You're staring at me. For about three minutes now.
295->609
296
Insulindian Phasmid: Hissing and clicking, the arthropod extends its mandible-like antennae to greet you again. You're right below it, looking up at the colossal chitin of its white limbs. Its small eyes look at nothing in particular.
892
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
296->892
297->571
298->58
299
Jump to: [endhub]
299->156
300
Empathy: In some kind of strange, semi-catatonic state.
905
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_saw_helmet"]
300->905
301
Jump to: [phasmid intro hub]
301->478
302
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_posse_incoming"]
303
Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_posse_incoming"]
302->303
304
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_posse_incoming"])
302->304
475
Esprit de Corps: "He must be *really* out of it, yelling like that. Well, at least he's *alive*...." Officer Minot in the blue uniform frowns: "Jean, maybe something *happened*? He's in distress..."
303->475
797
Jump to: [cuno_massive_failure]
304->797
305->71
306
Kim Kitsuragi: "We *need* a photo -- no one will believe us." He continues to pull the lens open...
306->11
307->269
308
The Deserter: No one hears you whisper. Behind you, the straggler sits despondently by the fire, oblivious to his surroundings.
424
IsHardcoreModeActive() and WasGameBeatenInHardcoreMode()
308->424
769
Kim Kitsuragi: "In three," the lieutenant whispers, his voice is tense. "If it moves, you jump back, I'll shoot. Here we go. Three, two, one..."
309->769
540
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_ency_cryptozoologist"]
310->540
311
You: "What in the name of god was that?"
397
The Deserter: "What was what?" The straggler looks around. "It's just the reeds, playing tricks on you, droite..."
311->397
312
You: "I should have helped the cryptozoologists. It's too late now..."
312->32
313
Reaction Speed: A cryptozoologist? Oh god, there was one...
544
nothing_to_do
313->544
314
Esprit de Corps: Three-hundred metres inland special consultant Trant Heidelstam cups his ear. Satellite-Officer Vicquemare nods to him on the jetty: "I heard it."
314->178
315
Insulindian Phasmid: A small shudder passes the creature's arm. High above you its black pearl-eyes still glisten, mesmerized by the light passing its nervous system.
495
Visual Calculus: There is some kind of countdown happening, as it slowly processes the overwhelming brightness of the signal. The invertebrate is regaining control...
315->495
316
Insulindian Phasmid: It is impossible to see inside. There is only chitin, pretending to be reeds -- or polished, like stalks of marble. The occasional series of clicks, undecipherable to the human ear.
316->39
317
You: Not now...
501
Perception (Sight): Of course, no time. The insect towers above you, parting the reeds it emerged from.
317->501
318
You: Intruded upon -- by what?
318->231
319
You: This is my masterpiece.
319->239
320
Insulindian Phasmid: And when you fall we will come to raise you up, bud from you, banner-like, blossom from you and carry you apart in a sky funeral. In honour of your passing. (But not me, because I am just a leaf eater.)
557
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["tc.rank_known"]
320->557
944
Inland Empire: DETECTIVE
321->944
322
Insulindian Phasmid: You can also eat it. If it's a leaf you can put it in your mouth. Yum yum. Or a reed.
322->469
323
You: No. This is just an accident.
509
Insulindian Phasmid: No. No one believed I exist -- almost no one. Until you came, detective. Dripping of blood that smells like strawberries. Across the calm sea, the first in a thousand years.
323->509
324
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_reaction_so"]
325
Variable["seafort.phasmid_reaction_so"]
324->325
326
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_reaction_so"])
324->326
325->98
325->686
326->101
327
Kim Kitsuragi: "I think we should take the picture -- and then you should *back away* from the unstudied species."
739
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
327->739
328
You: I will.
647
Insulindian Phasmid: IsHighestPolitical("communist")
328->647
329
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_reaction_next_time_will_flee"]
330
Variable["seafort.phasmid_reaction_next_time_will_flee"]
329->330
331
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_reaction_next_time_will_flee"])
329->331
330->513
331->229
332
Kim Kitsuragi: "No." You have rarely seen him with that face.
386
Empathy: He is *very* disappointed you didn't warn him -- or plan it with him...
332->386
848
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes. I once cloned myself and ate the little ones. It was winter and I woke up at the wrong time. It was an accident.
333->848
334
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_logic_kim_has_camera"]
335
Variable["seafort.phasmid_logic_kim_has_camera"]
334->335
336
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_logic_kim_has_camera"])
334->336
657
Empathy: Cuno can't believe how bad he is, without a camera -- in this situation the binoclard would be superior in every way.
335->657
850
Empathy: Cuno can't believe how lame he is -- without the camera right now. Should have stolen one, a real cop would have one...
336->850
337->107
338->747
339
Jump to: [endhub]
339->156
340
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_interfacing_thinks_with_its_limbs"]
341
Variable["seafort.phasmid_interfacing_thinks_with_its_limbs"]
340->341
342
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_interfacing_thinks_with_its_limbs"])
340->342
341->136
364
You: It's your secret alone.
341->364
342->879
343
Visual Calculus: In the reeds, where the phasmid was hiding, you see a little flash of white -- *porcelain* white.
344
You: "I should have taken the pheromone from Morell!"
344->60
433
Cuno: "Man, quit beatin' yourself down, we just discovered a GIANT INSECT. Ain't no one done that..." He looks across the water.
345->433
346->857
347
Insulindian Phasmid: The creature stands on long stilt-like legs, antennae hanging from its head like a woman's hair -- white and curled at the tips. It is no more than five steps away from you.
347->122
348
Insulindian Phasmid: Nothing changes in the cyclical, praying motion of the creature's limbs. They are porcelain white on the inside, and reed-coloured on the out -- beige, light brown and striped. You are unsure if it is scared or not.
529
Conceptualization: Its insect mind is impenetrable to your reasoning.
348->529
349
Jump to: [yard.hanged_picture_taken]
913
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["yard.hanged_picture_taken"]
349->913
441
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_smell_burnt_roses"]
350->441
351
Perception (Smell): Letting out that same smell, like summer burning.
815
Insulindian Phasmid: IsTHCPresent("juicy_fruit")
351->815
352->27
865
Kim Kitsuragi: "I don't think..." He tries to explain, patting slightly: "I don't think it had *anything* to do with the ox-spray. It was just scared."
353->865
354
You: "You didn't get the picture?"
354->81
631
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_empathy_such_failure"]
355->631
356
fail_at_phero
356->172
543
You: "Okay, yes, you're probably right."
356->543
588
You: "It was *definitely* that. He didn't like me. I didn't get to take a single step."
356->588
357
Insulindian Phasmid: You see the insect turn to him, its mandible antennae reaching out. Its motions are quick, sudden.
You see the phasmid turn to him, its mandible antennae reaching out. The motions are quick, sudden.
357->83
358
You: It's not use telling him...
591
The Deserter: Looks like you're right. He's extending his hand into the dust now, for some odd reason. Smearing his finger in it, confused like a child...
358->591
359
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["whirling.lena_intro_midgreet"]
360
Variable["whirling.lena_intro_midgreet"]
359->360
361
!(Variable["whirling.lena_intro_midgreet"])
359->361
722
Encyclopedia: You know who would know -- a cryptozoologist!
360->722
590
Jump to: [alone hub]
361->590
362
You: Carefully pet its scythe-like forearm.
726
Insulindian Phasmid: The limb before you is incredibly light, like eggshell. It's much lighter than a reed. You feel a soft push could tip the creature over, its hollow exoskeleton collapsing...
362->726
363
Interfacing: Here, within the smooth white inner part of its limb you sense... something very intimate. Thoughts.
363->340
496
Insulindian Phasmid: Another shudder passes through the forearm under your palm -- feels like blood pumping through a brain. It's coming to, you withdraw your hand slowly.
364->496
451
Suggestion: They are filled with adoration and curiosity. The adoration of some wheel, or dominion spinning around its parent deity. And the curiosity of a common wasp, tasting sugar in a fizzy drink.
365->451
835
Insulindian Phasmid: The arthropod towers above you -- just like in the picture -- oblivious to your chattering. The ventricles on its abdomen slowly expanding, vestigial wings like barely visible gossamer hanging from the inside of its slender joints.
366->835
367
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_interf_bine"]
368
Variable["seafort.phasmid_interf_bine"]
367->368
369
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_interf_bine"])
367->369
400
You: Wipe it off.
368->400
928
You: Look at your finger.
368->928
545
Jump to: [touching hub]
369->545
370
Kim Kitsuragi: "A nest?" The whisper is anxious. "Don't do anything now. Later, when it's gone maybe..."
786
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
370->786
503
Insulindian Phasmid: I am oblivious to the city. It is only on my margins. A ball I sometimes spin. A toy, Or the cylinder of a discarded trash bin.
371->503
372
Insulindian Phasmid: Of course, it is nothing compared to the horror that is you -- with all of creation reflected in your forebrain, in terrible fidelity, a fire mirror. Eternal, never-ending damnation.
645
Pain Threshold: It would take a million years of evolution -- or a total reversal in the condition of the world -- for your pain to end.
372->645
373
You: "Kim. Am I having a violent epileptic seizure?"
734
Kim Kitsuragi: "It doesn't look like that, no."
373->734
468
You: "The case? The case is meaningless compared to this." (Laugh nervously.) "I have totally transcended the case."
374->468
793
You: "No. I told you what it's about. Our fate."
374->793
846
You: "Sort of."
374->846
375
Encyclopedia: Maybe you would find it interesting!
463
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
375->463
376
You: That's insane.
376->290
378
Variable["seafort.phasmid_touching_hub"]
377->378
379
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_touching_hub"])
377->379
471
Kim Kitsuragi: "I think you should back away from the unstudied species now..."
378->471
379->327
380
Kim Kitsuragi: "It's gone..." The lieutenant looks north, with his hand raised to his brow.
"It's gone..." The lieutenant looks north, with the camera uselessly hanging from his fingers.
380->294
381
Authority: Nothing but you, a detective of the RCM, standing there with your mouth agape.
382
Perception (Sight): Looks like material for some kind of nest. You should search it.
383
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_intro_hub_reached"]
384
Variable["seafort.phasmid_intro_hub_reached"]
383->384
385
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_intro_hub_reached"])
383->385
567
Insulindian Phasmid: The creature appears to have forgiven your nerves -- for now. There it still stands, a thin ghost on stilt-like legs. Antennae hang from its head, like curled strands of human hair.
384->567
385->347
893
Kim Kitsuragi: "We are now just another pair of crackpots who did not take a picture of the giant cryptid.... Maybe we'll get another chance? We *know* it's here now..."
386->893
946
Conceptualization: Instead of air, you exhale thoughts. There are no trees that eat thoughts.
387->946
388
You: "Cuno... there's something there."
854
Cuno: "A nest?" The whisper is anxious. "We can't get to it yet, don't scare it off. Maybe later..."
388->854
389
Volition: He's right. Dust yourself off and move on. There will be other chances.
389->160
390
Empathy: Like laughter. A sort of happiness.
918
Endurance: Sweat drips from your brow, soaking your chest... you reek of it, your chemicals.
390->918
391
get_even_closer_climb_into_its_mouth
391->24
391->76
583
You: "Why are you're foaming?"
391->583
392
Insulindian Phasmid: Silence. Click. The foam slowly turns a darker tone, like burnt caramel -- as the insect moves its mouthparts, masticating on nothing in particular. Then the little bubbles begin to burst, one by one...
392->441
393
Insulindian Phasmid: The invertebrate stops, raising its scythe-like arms and tilting its tiny head, formed from the fused plates around its mouth. For a second, the effigy is frozen, then it nudges back into motion with a click.
714
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
393->714
394
Insulindian Phasmid: The shrill flash of the camera cuts the air like the blade of a sword. The phasmid freezes in its bright light -- head turned toward the lieutenant. Hypnotized by the flash, it stands frozen before you.
395
Shivers: The sweat on your arms feels cold as ice. As if you're frozen as well, in the shadow of this giant statue of chitinous marble.
394->395
927
Kim Kitsuragi: "I got it..." You hear the lieutenant whisper, as the creature's shape develops onto photo paper in his hand: a polychrome ghost of white streaks against the reeds and the sky. And you, as a shadow before it.
395->927
396
Half Light: It *definitely* had something to do with the ox-spray! It was repelled by you, as if it was scared.
396->356
397->359
398
Reaction Speed: Warning!
398->87
399->725
400->38
401->149
401->189
401->256
401->318
401->373
401->376
507
You: I have to say good bye now. I have no more thoughts. That was all.
401->507
510
You: Are you poisonous?
401->510
604
You: I am a detective.
401->604
640
You: I exist too.
401->640
687
You: Was there an ancient Seraseolitic civilization?
401->687
884
You: Are you the miracle?
401->884
886
You: What exactly *are* you?
401->886
934
You: Where does this come from? All this? Around us? The world?
401->934
402
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
402->401
403->506
403->552
403->733
404
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_thats_cool"] or Variable["seafort.phasmid_thats_nothing"]
405
Variable["seafort.phasmid_thats_cool"] or Variable["seafort.phasmid_thats_nothing"]
404->405
406
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_thats_cool"] or Variable["seafort.phasmid_thats_nothing"])
404->406
407
Insulindian Phasmid: So, you see, it's sometimes difficult to be an insect. All of nature is a kind of horror, or strife -- though none of it as horrible as you. With all of creation reflected in your forebrain.
405->407
603
Insulindian Phasmid: So, you see, it's sometimes also difficult being a stick insect. The leg tried to move independently, making it hard to walk. But hearing about it makes you uncomfortable, I understand.
406->603
407->233
408
You: I was born to detect you.
885
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes. No one detected me for such a long, long time. For thousands of years. I dithered, out of sight. Draped myself in greenery.
408->885
409->143
410
Authority: ON THE SCENE
410->508
791
You: You're destroying him?
411->791
413
IsHighestPolitical("moralist")
412->413
414
!(IsHighestPolitical("moralist"))
412->414
650
Insulindian Phasmid: She was hell on Earth. It doesn't take a three-metre stick insect to tell you that.
413->650
415
Insulindian Phasmid: She was hell on Earth. It doesn't take a three-metre stick insect to tell you that.
414->415
415->688
416->54
416->295
417
You: Then, I think I'm having a vision. About the final fate of mankind.
417->249
418
You: Okay. Just looking at the stick insect. Everything is normal.
429
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes. For me everything is *always* normal. God is in his heaven -- everything is normal on Earth.
418->429
419
Logic: The Deserter, he's been here for a *long* time.
845
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
419->845
420
You: Wait, what is the pale?
521
Insulindian Phasmid: It is a nervous shadow cast into the world by you, eating away at reality. A great, unnatural territory. Its advent coincides with the arrival of the human mind.
420->521
421->104
658
Cuno: "Yeah..." He shakes his head. "I don't have a camera. That sucks about Cuno."
422->658
423
Jump to: [Esprit de Corps: "Meanwhile, in the antechamber of th..."]
423->17
425
IsHardcoreModeActive() and WasGameBeatenInHardcoreMode()
424->425
426
!(IsHardcoreModeActive() and WasGameBeatenInHardcoreMode())
424->426
427
Esprit de Corps: Meanwhile, in the antechamber of the Station 57 lazareth, a neatly packed pair of cargo pants and a black bomber jacket sit in a locker. Nested on the jacket -- a small block of milled aluminium, tucked away in a leather case.
425->427
426->17
427->711
428->2
429->517
430
Empathy: In some kind of strange, semi-catatonic state.
700
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_saw_helmet"]
430->700
431
You: "I think it went into the reeds there, on that islet..." (Point North.)
754
Cuno: "Yeah, yeah right there -- it doesn't like bein' out in the open. Shifty fuck. It's gone now, but..." He pants. "Wow."
431->754
432->433
433->389
659
Cuno: "Damn right, we just discovered a GIANT INSECT. Ain't no one done that..." He looks across the water.
434->659
435
You: Approach carefully.
436
You: Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_composure_approach"]
435->436
437
Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_composure_approach"]
436->437
438
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_composure_approach"])
436->438
437->210
438->210
439->478
440
Perception (Smell): The faintest smell, like you've never felt before. Like burnt roses.
440->391
442
Variable["seafort.phasmid_smell_burnt_roses"]
441->442
443
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_smell_burnt_roses"])
441->443
442->351
444
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
443->444
444->168
445
Jump to: [failure_of_many_proportions]
445->80
446
Volition: Subdue the regret. Dust yourself off, proceed. You'll get it in the next life, where you don't make mistakes. Do what you can with this one, while you're alive.
446->205
447
Esprit de Corps: "He must be *really* out of it, yelling like that. Well, at least he's *alive*...." Officer Minot in the blue uniform frowns: "Jean, maybe something *happened*? He's in distress..."
447->280
448
Esprit de Corps: Three-hundred metres inland, on the jetty, special consultant Trant Heidelstam cups his ear. Satellite-Officer Vicquemare nods to him: "I heard it."
876
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_posse_incoming"]
448->876
449->281
727
Jump to: [touching hub]
450->727
451->137
453
Variable["seafort.phasmid_touching_hub"]
452->453
454
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_touching_hub"])
452->454
453->86
454->171
455->39
456
Pain Threshold: Another flash of pain. Again you swallow it, but this time, some of it does not stay down. You think you taste it in your mouth. So does the insect, twitching suddenly...
837
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
456->837
457->247
459
Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_reflections_in_water"]
458->459
460
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_reflections_in_water"])
458->460
499
Perception (Sight): And... is that a glimmer in the water, below it? Like plastic? Could it be hoarding something?
459->499
768
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
460->768
461
You: You're the type of animal I would like to be.
788
Insulindian Phasmid: Are you sure?
461->788
462
Physical Instrument: This would explain its antenna being smaller.
600
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_viscal_why_antenna_smaller"]
462->600
463->401
464
Insulindian Phasmid: You want to be a phasmid? Are you sure?
464->97
466
Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_arriving"]
465->466
467
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_arriving"])
465->467
466->410
467->508
468->377
469->324
470
You: I don't have that kind of power.
470->48
471->739
472->251
763
Empathy: You've never seen him get this excited. His voice is almost trembling.
473->763
474
Cuno: "Cuno doesn't know anything about it, though. Except you stink bad, which is why it left you."
474->63
475->797
476->6
477
Insulindian Phasmid: ...
477->13
477->70
485
You: "Don't be afraid..."
477->485
478->435
614
You: (Whisper.) "This is the Insulindian phasmid."
(Whisper.) "That's the..."
478->614
619
You: Retreat slowly. [Leave.]
478->619
743
You: Approach carefully.
478->743
761
You: (Say something to the insect, quietly, like...)
(Say something to it, quietly... something like...)
478->761
859
You: Listen carefully...
478->859
862
You: (Whisper.) "What is that?"
478->862
479
Perception (Sight): Looks like camera! Yes!
480
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_looks_like_camera"]
479->480
481
Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_looks_like_camera"]
480->481
482
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_looks_like_camera"])
480->482
481->213
482->662
483
do_it_to_it
484
You: "Just listen to me!"
483->484
663
You: (Whisper) "Who cares what they *think* Kim."
483->663
916
You: (Whisper) "I have the pheromone, I can approach it."
483->916
664
Kim Kitsuragi: "Shh... okay." The lieutenant puts his finger to his lips and nods.
484->664
485->348
486
Insulindian Phasmid: IsKimHere()
487
IsKimHere()
486->487
488
!(IsKimHere())
486->488
487->277
770
Insulindian Phasmid: IsCunoInParty()
488->770
489->865
490->80
491
Kim Kitsuragi: "I tried," he explains. "But it was moving too fast. And I didn't get the ampoule in right. And..." He gathers himself. "Dammit. I believe my eyes. It *was* there."
491->445
492
Kim Kitsuragi: "The paraplegic? *Or* the other one on the coast? They could have, yes..." He seems unsure.
492->873
493
Electrochemistry: Like a junkie...
635
The Deserter: ...and then he is back to staring at the dust.
493->635
494
Interfacing: It is surprisingly delicate -- the curly end of the whisker, like a young bine. It's even a bit wet.
696
Physical Instrument: Looks like someone's got hurt in a fight. This antennae is much smaller than the other one.
494->696
832
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_viscal_stimulus"]
495->832
496->879
497->37
498
You: Fire, burning.
For me, it's fire, burning.
498->94
728
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_plastic"]
499->728
500
hoarder_here
500->317
500->388
838
You: "Kim... there's something there."
500->838
501->786
839
Insulindian Phasmid: I do not have fire inside me. In me there is not even blood, but lymph -- like sap from a wine palm.
502->839
597
Insulindian Phasmid: Now I will tell you what it's like for me. For me it is a series of half-lit images. A kind of darkness, being intruded upon. Transient. Dim. Moist.
503->597
504
You: *This* is the explanation I came up with?
504->95
505->737
941
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes, compared to the immeasurable, fiery empyrean of glass and terror in *your* head, it seems trivial. I just thought you should know.
506->941
887
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_chat_exit_done"]
507->887
508->401
509->292
606
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes. I do not have a startle display, so I use a neurodegenerative allomone to aid in camouflage. Do not worry, it is only destructive over long periods of time.
510->606
511->291
512->96
514
Insulindian Phasmid: IsCunoInParty()
515
IsCunoInParty()
514->515
516
!(IsCunoInParty())
514->516
515->204
564
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_plastic"]
516->564
517->401
519
Variable["seafort.phasmid_main_hub_reached"]
518->519
520
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_main_hub_reached"])
518->520
519->296
520->383
521->470
522
You: Worse how?
522->55
523->694
524
Jump to: [the_phasmid]
524->401
525->861
526->300
527
Esprit de Corps: We'll find it again, man. We'll get it, junior officer Cuno thinks. We'll fuckin' nail that phasmid one day.
695
Jump to: [cuno_massive_failure]
527->695
528->156
529->71
530
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
530->168
531
Kim Kitsuragi: "It appears the insect can walk on water. Like a water strider, you know. It's almost as fast..." He stops, short of breath. "Uncanny..."
671
Jump to: [failure_of_many_proportions]
531->671
532
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_rhet_kim_uncertainty"]
533
Variable["seafort.phasmid_rhet_kim_uncertainty"]
532->533
534
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_rhet_kim_uncertainty"])
532->534
533->396
534->356
535->314
536
Kim Kitsuragi: "Looks like it doesn't like to stay out in the open for long." The lieutenant squints where you're pointing.
536->671
630
Kim Kitsuragi: "I'm not. We should have... it's my fault too." He looks across the water. The slip of photo paper still drying in his hand, hanging despondently for a second.
537->630
538
Jump to: [failure_of_many_proportions]
538->80
541
Variable["seafort.phasmid_ency_cryptozoologist"]
540->541
542
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_ency_cryptozoologist"])
540->542
869
Reaction Speed: A cryptozoologist? Oh god, there was one...
541->869
542->131
777
Kim Kitsuragi: "Am I?" He shakes his head. "I don't know. I'm not an entomologist! Neither was the para-scientist. The only thing I'm sure of is..."
543->777
544->358
778
You: "The cryptozoologist... there was one in the bar. I bet she knew something..."
544->778
545->725
546
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_whiskers"] and Variable["seafort.phasmid_limbs"]
547
Variable["seafort.phasmid_whiskers"] and Variable["seafort.phasmid_limbs"]
546->547
548
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_whiskers"] and Variable["seafort.phasmid_limbs"])
546->548
547->34
782
Inland Empire: Don't say it! Are you sure? This may be the only chance you get to touch it...
548->782
549
Pain Threshold: What more is there in any of us? You think, as the sight of the insect fades and pain shoots up your right foot and into your abdomen, darkening your view... when it returns the insect twitches, feeling the blood on you...
549->89
550->549
551
Insulindian Phasmid: I don't know. You're just a shadow for me. Far away, faintly transmitting, but for a curious smell.
551->461
642
You: I'm glad to be me -- an incredibly sensitive instrument.
551->642
939
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes, I am lucky. It is nothing compared to the horror that is you -- with all of creation reflected in your forebrain. A nerve mirror of horrifying fidelity. Constant, never-ending damnation.
552->939
553->234
554
You: "Then, I think I'm having a vision. About the final fate of mankind."
554->374
555
Kim Kitsuragi: "You're just staring at it," he whispers.
555->293
555->554
556->322
558
Variable["tc.rank_known"]
557->558
559
!(Variable["tc.rank_known"])
557->559
558->192
559->508
561
IsKimHere()
560->561
562
!(IsKimHere())
560->562
561->380
562->514
563
Jump to: [kim_after_chat]
563->294
565
Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_plastic"]
564->565
566
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_plastic"])
564->566
608
You: Forget about it. It walked on water!
565->608
741
You: What *is* that?
565->741
566->103
567->478
568
You: I will try.
568->647
569
Cuno: "...the Insulindian phasmid," he finishes your sentence in awe.
"The Insulindian phasmid," he says with his voice lowered in awe.
894
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["yard.hanged_picture_taken"]
569->894
570->105
570->422
570->742
571->61
571->158
571->262
571->267
571->344
571->431
574
You: "Who's gonna believe this?"
571->574
612
You: (Yell.) "No!"
571->612
802
You: "Where did it go?" (Look North.) Can *you* see it?"
571->802
803
You: "How did it *do* that? Glide?"
571->803
908
You: "Damn it! Damn it! I didn't get it right..." [Leave in rage.]
571->908
909
You: "Damn, we should have helped the cryptozoologists."
571->909
911
You: "What now?" (Continue.)
571->911
572
The Deserter: "What now..." the old man behind you repeats suddenly. He withdraws his hand from the ash -- it's dirty and black.
572->260
573->474
660
Cuno: "*Everyone*, yo! We gotta tell the *world* about this. Case solved -- insect found. We're fuckin'... master detectives or some shit. We're *good*."
574->660
575
The Deserter: "What now..." the old man behind you says suddenly. He's put his hand into the ash -- it's dirty and black.
575->7
576
Insulindian Phasmid: IsKimHere()
577
IsKimHere()
576->577
578
!(IsKimHere())
576->578
806
Kim Kitsuragi: "It is," the lieutenant whispers behind you. You hear the familiar ring of his jacket unzipping -- slowly. Painstakingly so...
577->806
579
Insulindian Phasmid: IsCunoInParty()
578->579
580
IsCunoInParty()
579->580
581
!(IsCunoInParty())
579->581
580->569
581->308
582
Insulindian Phasmid: You were right. Little bubbles form on the mouthparts of the creature -- on its segmented lower lip. It looks to be foaming, slowly. The foam is white, then yellowish...
582->440
583->392
584->168
585->80
586
Kim Kitsuragi: "A stick insect of some sort. Pretending to be the reeds..." He shakes his head. "Has it been there the whole time?"
901
Kim Kitsuragi: "Someone must have known about it though. Maybe there's some secret to approaching it? I have no idea... I've never heard of a species like that."
586->901
587->80
673
Kim Kitsuragi: "*Like* you?" He shakes his head in disbelief. "I'm not an entomologist, okay -- neither was the para-scientist. Who knows, maybe you're right. The only thing I'm sure of is..."
588->673
589
Composure: Like a little boy... for a moment he's unable to keep it together when he looks at the slip.
589->354
867
You: Say nothing, swallow it.
589->867
590->825
591->828
592->825
593
Jump to: [alone hub]
593->825
594->80
595
Insulindian Phasmid: The antennae hang from a great height. With your hand shaking you barely touch the tip of the left whisker. On contact the chitin curls into a spiral, like the tip of a poison ivy. Its touch on your fingertip feels cold, ticklish...
779
Electrochemistry: The sensation is electrifying, resounding through your body.
595->779
596
Perception (Taste): Odourless, mostly comprised of water.
596->545
597->402
598
Insulindian Phasmid: What is your illness?
598->45
598->92
598->139
599->597
601
Variable["seafort.phasmid_viscal_why_antenna_smaller"]
600->601
602
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_viscal_why_antenna_smaller"])
600->602
601->47
601->504
602->506
602->552
602->733
603->286
681
Insulindian Phasmid: So am I. I was born to detect sucrose rewards and semiochemicals. What were you born to detect?
604->681
605
You: I can't.
605->647
606->419
607->168
693
Perception (Sight): Yes, it's light enough to do that. Keep your eyes on the prize, it looks like material for some kind of nest there. You should search it.
608->693
609->417
609->418
849
Insulindian Phasmid: Simian butcherer... Soon, one of you will close your eyes -- and open them to see that none of this ever existed.
610->849
612->261
613->263
614->576
616
Variable["seafort.deserter_rc_success_heard_it"]
615->616
617
!(Variable["seafort.deserter_rc_success_heard_it"])
615->617
757
Perception (Hearing): The hiss is different from the strings you heard before. It says something *else*, in a lower pitch...
616->757
617->478
618
Kim Kitsuragi: "I don't think the pheromone will do anything." His whisper turns to a sceptical hiss -- but he has stopped now.
618->861
619->72
620->163
621->763
622->168
623->116
697
Insulindian Phasmid: IsKimHere()
624->697
625
You: Raise the other hand too.
715
Insulindian Phasmid: As you do, the invertebrate comes to life, its limbs moving independent of each other. As if each has a mind of its own. They are white like stalks of porcelain, knitting above you.
625->715
668
Kim Kitsuragi: "No." He shakes his head. "It's gone for now, detective."
"No." He shakes his head. "It's gone for now, lieutenant-yefreitor."
"No." He shakes his head. "It's gone for now, Harry."
626->668
627->531
628->486
629
Perception (Sight): However hard you squint you can't make out anything recognizable, let alone a stick insect.
629->491
630->355
632
Variable["seafort.phasmid_empathy_such_failure"]
631->632
633
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_empathy_such_failure"])
631->633
868
Volition: He subdues the feeling. Dusts himself off and moves on. So should you. There will be other chances.
632->868
801
Savoir Faire: Relax. Now that you *know* it's here -- how long can it hide?
633->801
634->108
635->593
636->592
637
Empathy: The stimulus overloaded it. It's passing, like an extended moment, or a gall stone.
637->363
638->639
639->168
641
Insulindian Phasmid: Tell me what it's like for you.
640->641
641->43
641->498
679
You: I'm ill.
641->679
935
You: If I tell you, what will happen?
641->935
790
Insulindian Phasmid: Few of us can begin to imagine the horror of you -- with all of creation reflected in your forebrain. It must be like the highest of hells, a kaleidoscope of fire and writhing glass. Eternal damnation.
642->790
643->401
732
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes, thankfully someone ate it. The next time I moulted I grew an antenna again!
644->732
645->463
646
Insulindian Phasmid: No. There is *one* more.
646->53
656
You: No. There are no more thoughts.
646->656
902
You: Of all the creatures I've met you are the most beautiful.
646->902
949
You: Of all the creatures I've met you are the kindest.
646->949
648
IsHighestPolitical("communist")
647->648
649
!(IsHighestPolitical("communist"))
647->649
648->49
689
Insulindian Phasmid: IsHighestPolitical("revacholian_nationhood")
649->689
650->688
847
Kim Kitsuragi: He squints. "Looks like a nest of some sort? We should have a look."
651->847
653
Variable["seafort.phasmid_elchem_stand_and_stare"]
652->653
654
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_elchem_stand_and_stare"])
652->654
654->381
947
Insulindian Phasmid: No -- you're only thinking it *now*. This is a revelation.
655->947
796
Insulindian Phasmid: A series of chirrups surrounds you, like swallows on a cliff side, as the phasmid moves its forearms -- tymbals visible on the inside of its white stalks...
656->796
657->423
658->334
659->389
660->66
661
Kim Kitsuragi: You glance over your shoulder. The lieutenant holds a piece of milled aluminium. He begins to pull it open, extremely carefully -- it's the camera!
661->67
709
You: (Point to it.) "What is that?"
662->709
807
You: (Whisper) "Are you sure you won't scare it off?"
662->807
860
You: "Kim..." (Whisper.) "The flash is loud. It won't like that."
(Whisper.) "It sounds like a weapon, Kim. It won't like that."
662->860
663->69
664->861
811
Insulindian Phasmid: The insect stops its stridulation, seeming to observe you. Below its crown of reeds, little pin-prick eyes detect motion, glittering. The world stands still around you.
665->811
666
Perception (Hearing): Suddenly there is silence.
716
Half Light: No. Stop. Be afraid.
666->716
667->117
668->671
669
Electrochemistry: And you, a detective of the RCM, standing there with your mouth agape -- alone and dumbfounded.
669->825
670->536
671->80
672->586
673->174
674
You: "Dammit. What now?" (Continue.)
674->572
675
You: "We got it..." (Back off.)
675->546
676->451
677
You: I want to see inside you.
677->316
678
Reaction Speed: As you back off the phasmid also takes a step back into the reeds. Something tells you -- the next time you engage and disengage it will probably flee.
678->329
679->598
680
You: The fuck is happening to me right now?
680->551
681->100
681->196
681->408
682
You: It was very disorienting at first, but I'm keeping my shit together.
942
Insulindian Phasmid: That must be incredibly hard. The arthropods are in silent and meaningless awe of you. Know that we are watching -- when you're tired, when the vision spins out of control. The insects will be looking on. Rooting for you.
682->942
683->328
683->568
683->605
903
You: What woman?
683->903
684
Insulindian Phasmid: I have stayed hidden through four forms of government and two scientific revolutions. Until I was accidentally discovered by a detective of the Citizens Militia in Revachol, district of Martinaise, March, '51.
I have stayed hidden through four forms of government and two scientific revolutions. Three -- if you count stone tools. Until I was accidentally discovered by a detective of the Citizens Militia in Revachol, disctrict of Martinaise, March, '51.
684->52
685->684
945
Reaction Speed: Yes, of course. The three metres tall stick insect would be offended.
Yes, of course. The three metres tall stick insect would be *offended*.
686->945
792
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes -- with stone tools and silk. They too missed me, although I had not developed the mutation needed for parthenogenesis yet, and scoured the neolithic hinterland as distinct individuals, not clones.
687->792
688->168
690
IsHighestPolitical("revacholian_nationhood")
689->690
691
!(IsHighestPolitical("revacholian_nationhood"))
689->691
690->197
691->241
692->688
694->401
695->571
830
Kim Kitsuragi: "Be careful, detective... It's moving."
696->830
698
IsKimHere()
697->698
699
!(IsKimHere())
697->699
698->244
798
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_talking_hub_reached"] == true
699->798
701
Variable["seafort.phasmid_saw_helmet"]
700->701
702
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_saw_helmet"])
700->702
752
Kim Kitsuragi: "Our suspect is not looking so good. We need to check on him."
701->752
702->157
703->5
705
Cuno: "The fuck -- *pherone*? Man, this ain't about no phermone! This is about the *phasmid*. Did you *see* the size of that?!"
704->705
705->6
706->571
707->276
708
Kim Kitsuragi: You glance over your shoulder. The lieutenant holds a piece of milled aluminium. He begins to pull it open, extremely carefully...
708->479
709->268
710->357
712
Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_stuff_in_station"]
711->712
713
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_stuff_in_station"])
711->713
764
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["yard.hanged_picture_taken"]
712->764
713->216
714->168
715->19
716->77
716->625
717->530
823
Kim Kitsuragi: He shakes his head. In silence -- an expression on his face that you've never seen there before.
718->823
719->121
720->275
870
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["coast.morell_greeting_done"]
721->870
923
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_ency_cryptozoologist"]
722->923
723->133
724
Conceptualization: Immortalized.
724->85
725->33
725->362
725->675
829
You: *Slowly* reach out and touch the creature's whisker.
725->829
726->398
727->725
729
Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_plastic"]
728->729
730
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_plastic"])
728->730
729->500
730->768
731
Insulindian Phasmid: Yes. The leg tried to move around independently, making it hard to walk.
731->644
731->883
840
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_physinst_hurt_antenna"]
732->840
733->372
734->145
843
You: "What does it look like?"
734->843
735
You: It's hell. I change my mind. I want to be you.
735->464
736->401
737->420
737->470
738
You: Wait, the pale is human made?
737->738
738->521
739->401
740->332
741->382
742->658
744
You: Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_comp_impossible_approach"]
743->744
745
Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_comp_impossible_approach"]
744->745
746
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_comp_impossible_approach"])
744->746
758
Insulindian Phasmid: Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_comp_impossible_approach"]
745->758
746->758
747->106
748->571
749
Insulindian Phasmid: You cannot lie to me. Behind you it smells of fires. So awfully far you were prepared to go in her presence. End it.
749->328
749->568
749->605
750
Rhetoric: He cannot believe what he's saying too much.
750->563
751
The Deserter: "What now..." the old man behind you repeats suddenly. He's put his hand into the ash -- it's dirty and black.
751->430
753->339
754->900
755
Cuno: "Yeah, cryptologist, exactly! Those are the fucks who study them. This is *unreal*, man..." He runs out of breath.
755->527
756
You: "The cryptozoologist! There was one in the bar. Maybe she knew something?"
756->755
757->478
759
Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_comp_impossible_approach"]
758->759
760
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_rc_comp_impossible_approach"])
758->760
759->167
760->167
761->477
809
Composure: Something in its body language has changed, just slightly...
762->809
763->301
765
Variable["yard.hanged_picture_taken"]
764->765
766
!(Variable["yard.hanged_picture_taken"])
764->766
765->18
766->115
767->393
768->168
769->394
771
IsCunoInParty()
770->771
772
!(IsCunoInParty())
770->772
771->57
772->669
773
Rhetoric: There is uncertainty in his phrasing.
773->532
775
Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_wildlife"]
774->775
776
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_perc_wildlife"])
774->776
775->491
776->629
777->174
778->84
779->494
780->181
781
Jump to: [PHASMID main]
781->168
782->182
784
Variable["seafort.phasmid_disengaged_once"]
783->784
785
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_disengaged_once"])
783->785
784->457
785->678
786->168
787
Insulindian Phasmid: Then I will tell you what it's like for me.
787->43
787->498
787->679
788->287
789->731
940
Insulindian Phasmid: Even when you're sleeping... And when you wake, you carry it around on your neck. With eyes open that cannot help but swallow more behind the mirror. I feel great, mute empathy for you.
790->940
791->51
792->845
793->377
891
Kim Kitsuragi: "Apparently, yes -- like a water strider, only..." He shakes his head with amazement. "I've never seen *anything* like that in my life."
794->891
795->150
796->607
797->571
799
Variable["seafort.phasmid_talking_hub_reached"] == true
798->799
800
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_talking_hub_reached"] == true)
798->800
799->457
800->783
801->538
802->159
912
Cuno: "Yeah, it walked on water, like a water spider, or like -- one of those water walkers..." He's lost for words, just pants from excitement. "This cop-shit is *insane*."
803->912
804
Jump to: [endhub]
804->156
805->111
806->913
807->162
808->214
809->71
810->390
811->666
813
IsKimHere()
812->813
814
!(IsKimHere())
812->814
920
Kim Kitsuragi: "Careful. It may be poisonous." The lieutenant watches you apprehensively.
813->920
814->255
816
IsTHCPresent("juicy_fruit")
815->816
817
!(IsTHCPresent("juicy_fruit"))
815->817
818
Inland Empire: Apricot blossoms. White blossoms erupting. A sensation, like cold hands on your face.
816->818
817->444
818->444
819->393
820->28
821->79
822->174
823->589
824->823
825->132
825->177
825->223
825->224
825->311
825->312
825->674
875
You: "I don't understand... I *had* the pheromone...."
825->875
898
You: "Damn it! Damn it! I didn't get it right..." [Leave in rage.]
825->898
826->493
827->448
828->825
829->595
830->367
831->596
833
Variable["seafort.phasmid_viscal_stimulus"]
832->833
834
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_viscal_stimulus"])
832->834
833->637
834->363
835->781
836->88
836->226
836->677
837->168
838->370
839->597
841
Variable["seafort.phasmid_physinst_hurt_antenna"]
840->841
842
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_physinst_hurt_antenna"])
840->842
841->462
842->233
843->555
844->99
845->401
846->377
847->148
848->101
849->694
850->423
852
IsCunoInParty()
851->852
853
!(IsCunoInParty())
851->853
852->569
853->308
854->786
856
Cuno: "Yo, our suspect's not looking so good. We need to check on him -- also," he points to the reeds.
856->3
857->756
858->206
859->207
860->306
861->215
862->252
863->483
864->349
865->773
866->865
867->222
868->801
869->131
871
Variable["coast.morell_greeting_done"]
870->871
872
!(Variable["coast.morell_greeting_done"])
870->872
871->492
872->29
873->30
874->80
875->826
877
Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_posse_incoming"]
876->877
878
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_esprit_posse_incoming"])
876->878
877->447
878->280
879->725
880->725
882
what_is_it_like
881->882
882->461
882->642
882->680
883->404
884->191
885->319
885->323
886->288
888
Variable["seafort.phasmid_chat_exit_done"]
887->888
889
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_chat_exit_done"])
887->889
888->146
889->646
890->751
891->148
892->168
893->750
895
Variable["yard.hanged_picture_taken"]
894->895
896
!(Variable["yard.hanged_picture_taken"])
894->896
895->151
896->570
897->524
898->339
899->571
900->571
901->128
902->683
903->749
904->343
906
Variable["seafort.phasmid_saw_helmet"]
905->906
907
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_saw_helmet"])
905->907
906->4
907->856
908->804
909->62
910->302
911->575
912->900
914
Variable["yard.hanged_picture_taken"]
913->914
915
!(Variable["yard.hanged_picture_taken"])
913->915
914->661
915->708
916->618
918->75
919->582
920->350
921->768
922->275
924
Variable["seafort.phasmid_ency_cryptozoologist"]
923->924
925
!(Variable["seafort.phasmid_ency_cryptozoologist"])
923->925
924->313
925->544
926->446
927->724
928->225
929->315
930->39
932
Variable["seafort.sense_hearing_pain_flash"]
931->932
933
!(Variable["seafort.sense_hearing_pain_flash"])
931->933
932->456
933->837
934->188
935->787
936->46
937->141
938->402
939->645
940->682
940->735
941->375
942->320
943->944
944->235
945->101
946->250
946->522
947->198
947->472
947->610
947->795
948
Cuno: "Yeah -- real normal. There's a giant stick insect there. Back off, before it eats you..."
948->524
949->683
950->948