NPC dialogue

1596 spoken lines from 75 speakers, as subtitled in the game files. Lines are grouped by speaker, not in story order.

Characters

Cahn 111

“A friendly face!”
“Could you help me, do you think?”
“Is it safe yet?”
“I'm getting rather hungry.”
“Thank the stars! All I wanted was a place to rest a few hours without getting eaten or shot or minced ... but I accidentally locked myself in! Two PhDs but you'd never know it! I'd very much prefer not to rot here, so if you could help me out, I'd be extremely grateful ... and I can help. You see, I'm ... confident that I can get us through the Vacuum Chamber to the Surface Elevator ... in fact, I'm sure of it - if you can just get this door open. Resetting the system in the Control Center should open these cells and reprogram the guns out there. And, if I'm right, it should give us access to the rest of the Containment Block, too. You just have to get there ... to the Control Center ... in, ah, one piece.”
“I can get us through the Vacuum Chamber, I'm sure of it. But you need to find a way to the Control Center and reset the security system.”
“The portal system's gone beserk, but I wonder - could that be just the shortcut we need? There's entries and exits grounding all over the place. Just ... don't do anything crazy.”
“I know I'm asking a lot, but working together is our best chance. It's our only chance, don't you agree?”
“I've been working in this facility for almost 15 years. I honestly can't believe it's come to this.”
“There's no getting past those cannons out there until you reset the security system. Perhaps you can find a way across the chasm out there without plunging to your death in a dank abyss.”
“You did it!”
“I thought I was going to be stuck there forever.”
“I am in your debt.”
“I see why they call it the Control Center.”
“You're really doing rather well.”
“You reset the system AND turned the guns on those apes! Bravo! We may yet get out of here with our skins. Now we just need to get that odious gunk off the Vacuum Chamber door. But this isn't the first time we've had this problem! That goo was a curse until Dr. Laciter opened a new portal to the Mycofields in Anteverse 2 and the TR teams discovered a substance that could remove that awful stuff. The test chamber portal may even still be open, but with the state of things, who's to say? I suppose we just have to go and find out.”
“I can get us to the Surface Elevator, if we can just get the Vacuum Chamber open. I'm certain of it. But someone needs to retrieve that goo from the Mycofields in Anteverse 2. Now, I'm not necessarily saying that's 'you', but you do seem rather well suited to this kind of thing.”
“Dr. Laciter's portal chamber is on the top level of the atrium ... or it was last time I looked.”
“Now that the guns are deactivated, we've got a clear run through the Containment Block. But I hate to think about what else might be on the loose in there ...”
“I'll just wait here, shall I?”
“It's you!”
“Come here, my friend.”
“I wasn't sure you were still alive.”
“I'm not going lie to you - this is worse than I expected. Much worse. This sector is swarming with Gatekeepers, which can only mean one thing: GATE is cleaning house ... and we are the dirt. They were using a waygate in the center to come and go from this facility. But now those scoundrels have shut down the nuclear reactors that power it. I presume, to prevent the invaders from using it. However, we rather need that waygate to ... not be closed. Therefore ... we should look into bringing it all back online. But no need to get ahead of ourselves. Let's start simple - with Dusk Reactor. That seems sensible? It just needs a little fuel, I imagine. I'm going to look around, maybe poke my nose into a few spots, and try to figure out this place a little more. I'll let you know what I dig up.”
“Well done, my terrifically tatterdemalion friend. I continue to be impressed with your acumen and derring-do. It's really rather a silver lining to all this chaos. And we're one step closer to escaping it, thanks to you - Now... I've had a look around and ... It's as diabolical as I had feared. The scientists down here have a central Fusion reactor powering the waygate. In other words, we do need all four reactors. I noticed a Blast Door activated near the original station, leading to Cloud Reactor. I thought I heard some yelling, but it's hard to tell with all this acoustic anathema. The Blast Door is not far from here at all, just back the way we came ... on the Tram ... of course.”
“It's all older perforation technology down here. Tremendously energy hungry, as I'm sure you're aware. I can't possibly imagine what they would need FOUR nuclear reactors to power. Maybe we can get away with just the one for now.”
“The waygate, the one they closed, I'm not sure where it leads ... another GATE facility perhaps ... but as long as it gets us out of here, I'm really not too fussy.”
“Imagine the most savage mercenaries on Earth, add paranoia, black magic, a technicolor rainbow of cruelty ... and Gatekeepers would eat them alive. They're human cruise missiles, if 'human' is even the right word.”
“This place is a maze - I won't bore you with how I got down here, but it wasn't easy. You have no idea how thick the concrete is around here.”
“Gatekeepers? I'd call them single-minded, but that barely begins to cover it. Let's just say, in terms of their thinking, black and white would be an improvement. As far as they care, it's just black. All the way down.”
“The Gatekeepers want to keep us out of the Reactors entirely. Maybe they overestimate us ... maybe not. But I've seen what happens when something gets in the way of their objectives. Well ... I've seen the remains.”
“Did I mention how extremely capable you are? Activating a few more reactors, well, I wouldn't say it will be a breeze, but your track record at this stage is rather impressive. If I didn't know you better, I would say you should be studied when all is said and done. We're all very glad to have your help.”
“You seem to be dealing with those Gatekeepers rather well, which is no mean feat. I wish I could be of more help, but you see, I'm really not cut out for that kind of killing.”
“I'd be intrigued to know where the waygate in the central fusion reactor leads. The Gatekeepers have been using it with impunity, which suggests they have a degree of control over its destination - nice to know we won't end up at the bottom of the ocean, or thrust into the heart of a star, I suppose.”
“We've come a long way together, haven't we? We're not in the clear just yet - not by a long way - but it's not looking as hopeless as it was for a time there. I'm actually starting to feel optimistic, faintly. At least, I think that's what this feeling is.”
“Ah, my friend!”
“Little nippy, wouldn't you say?”
“Quo vadis ... amigo?”
“The Gatekeepers are shielding the Lens! Unless we disable their system, there's nothing I can do!”
“They're locking out the Lens controls - I can't do anything until you shut their shield down!”
“I can open a rift for us, but you have to shut their interference down ... now!”
“Whatever they're trying to do, we DON'T want to find out - take those brutes out ANY way you can!”
“I don't want to seem demanding! You're doing extremely well! But anything you could do to hurry things along would be marvellous!”
“Put an end to this PLEASE! Before this gets any worse!”
“Are you okay? Yes? Good! Maybe ... hurry?”
“Friend, they're nearly there - please, do whatever you have to, so we can escape this nightmare.”
“I'm still locked out of the system! Their Magi is blocking it! ... just keep trying!”
“Ah! You did so well in Shadowgate, I was mightily impressed. You stopped the Gatekeepers in their tracks! But now it seems we have a different sort of a problem. They've taken the Dark Lens and holed up in the Shopping District, which appears to be encased in some kind of super cooled substance ... or other. And it does, rather, appear to be our only way out of here. We've come so far, surely you can figure out a way to get through? I'd help but, hah, I'm all thumbs when I get cold! After that we just have to confront those larcenous lunatics, wrest the Dark Lens from their clutches, and fire up an exit out of here. And not freeze to death, I suppose, or accidentally make things immeasurably worse ...”
“I'm confident that if you can deal with the ice and the Gatekeepers, I'll be able to activate the Dark Lens and open the way. I just need access.”
“I'd been quite worried about you, but I can see there was no need. You are... incredible.”
“Whatever that vortex up there is doing, it's sucking energy from the region like a vacuum. If it continues ... I wonder how cold it could actually get here?”
“It's been a long road, but I truly think we're nearly there. I've grown accustomed to our friendship.”
“Not to pressure you, but if I sound hopeful, it's simply because your track record so far has been rather ... extraordinary. I don't know what I would have done without you, friend.”
“Well... Shall we?”
“Together again.”
“Have you ever been to Finial before?”
“Ulrich, do you remember when we were first hired at GATE? I immediately felt we were going to be best of fr-”
“At last!”
“We are free!”
“I-bee ma-deej!”
“Ah, my friend! Fantastic to see you - I told you we'd make it ... though to be fair, we're not quiiite there yet. We're free, and ... only slightly stranded ... But thankfully, this island is a nexus of force even stronger than Flathill! If you proceed to the hilltop you'll find a shrine designed to harness these very same forces. It's a touch on the ancient side, but with your Sun Disk, ahhh ... emanations I believe you can trick it into thinking the sun has aligned precisely as intended ... And produce a rift to wherever you desire!”
“My friend! This is the most incredible day! Not what you were expecting, I know, but rather more significant, wouldn't you say?! You look a little shocked, but I'm sure it will pass. What a DAY! I'd be remiss not to thank you for all your help. You've really been an incredible asset - a little unwitting, yes; ignorant to the point of absurdity, perhaps; but we couldn't have done this without you!”
“(sigh) Ulrich, I can't believe you would -- You know what, he's right. I'll be honest with you. I am IS-12. I took Dr. Cahn's likeness because he was so kind to me, every day he accepted me for who I was, he would say to me --”
“... (sigh) He's right. I didn't actually know Dr. Cahn, but let's agree on one thing -- we all want to get home. And the only way from here is via that altar on the hill. Wherever you want to go. And you know there's a warm cup of coffee at the end of it, Doctor. And you... You know exactly where you want to go. And this can get you there.”
“All you have to do is activate the altar, and we're home free! It was intended to activate when the sun aligned precisely with the telluric meridian, but thanks to the Sun Disk, you're the next best thing.”
“I do love a good plan.”
“As delightful as it is to be free of that dungeon, we can't stay here long. There'll be an army of Gatekeepers coming!”
“I can't tell you what I've had to DO to bring this all about. I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I mean that quite literally - the concepts alone would cause you irreversible brain damage.”
“My master sends you this message of approval: Een-ka ben deer, ka ben doss. It's a little hard to translate, but roughly it means, 'Wherever in the universe you may find yourself, rejoice, for the only true home is the grave.'”
“It's always so exciting, reaching a new world. The kind of thing that only happens maybe 2 or 3 hundred times in a lifetime. I never get tired of the feeling.”
“If you decide to leave this world, or seek another plane, please do tell me. We've been through a lot, and I like to keep in touch.”
“Well, it's been an exceptionally interesting journey, friend. I'm not just saying that, it's really been a wonderful ride. Of course, it hasn't altogether worked out as you'd hoped, but there's probably a useful lesson there.”
“Well, I suppose that's it. Stay if you wish - I believe you'll find another sorry soul on the Lighthouse, if you need company. Or return to Cascade - you've little to fear there, clearly. It's up to you, as it always has been. And I've got things to do, things to prepare for! Fare thee well.”
“I don't like this place ... at all.”
“This may be a little more difficult than I thought.”
“Well, there you have it.”
“These maniacs.”
“Do you see this?”
“They can't do this.”
“I've heard of this place ... Intrados. Makes you shudder, doesn't it? They call it Shadowgate, because of course they would. A GATE containment facility run by those esoteric brutes. This is what happens when you're given too long a leash. It would appear they've surrounded these woods with some kind of containment field... I wonder if that related to... Hmm. Friend, it probably goes without saying... a frontal assault would be ... particularly unstrategic.”
“I can't believe this - I'm ... I'm speechless. The Gatekeepers! ... They're trying to bring this thing into our world - to harness its power for ... well ... only the gods know what! These mana-hungry maniacs! Surely you can see this has gone too far - they're a threat to the entire world! As scientists, we must do something. If we destroy the various fetters, the creature will surely return to whatever limbo it came from. And if that resets the rift, we may even be able to use it to get out of here - if you can unshackle this ... thing.”
“Even though they're harnessing ethereal forces from the darkest reaches of an unspeakable abyss it doesn't mean they're invincible. You've proved that much already. What it does mean, is that we're just going to have to dig a little deeper. Maybe take a walk around the woods and see what we find. Because there's no getting around it - we need to access that facility. And they're not going to be happy to see us.”
“We don't really have a lot of choice here: We're hundreds of miles from ... anywhere ... and there's no way we're getting through their ... sky shield ... thing ... so it's inside or nothing.”
“If you could find a way to disrupt their lesser shields, dispensing with these fiends would be that much easier - but you may have to get ... creative. Maybe they're carrying something we can use against them. Fight hocus with pocus, as they say.”
“I really can't tell you how much I detest some of the people in GATE's employ. We call them "contractors" but... where's the line, really?”
“I can't tell if it's a force field ... or some kind of ... hex? But it certainly seems that the Gatekeepers have covered this whole area in a sort of shield. Whether it's to make sure nothing gets in, or stop something escaping ... I have no idea. I suppose we'll know soon enough.”
“Be careful, won't you - but if you think you're ready, let them have it. I'll meet you inside when a path is clear.”
“It's actually rather lovely here, in a way ... A dark, sinister, occult kind of way ... but a way all the same.”
“If you can force the creature back to its realm, the rift should reground itself locally - and provide a way out of this purgatory they've created for it.”
“I had no idea they'd gone this far. It looks like it's ... in pain.”
“Once, these fiends were human, but when you dwell in the abyss for long enough, a part of you remains there. And then you must feed it, endlessly ... or so I'm told. I just hope we won't share in the cost they've incurred. Or maybe, by freeing the creature, we can repay a little of our debt.”
“This was the last thing I expected, but now that we're here, we must. Do. Something.”
“I hate to think what will happen if we fail.”
“There you are!”
“Water, water everywhere.”
“What ... is that?”
“I'm not entirely sure how this happened, but it looks like the way into the Hydroplant is blocked by a rather large volume of water. But not to panic - if you just activate the pumps, I ... think it should drain ... somewhere. And whatever that is ... in the water ... I wouldn't worry about it ... we've got bigger fish to fry.”
“Try the pump - I mean, how could things get any worse?”
“Well, it looks like the way is clear, for now.”
“Whatever that is, in the water, it's not our problem.”
“I'll be along soon.”
“I really am in your debt. I'm not just saying that.”
“If you find a way out of here, tell me.”
“If I tried to help, I'd just get in the way, wouldn't I?”
“We're not out of the woods yet, but I'm starting to think we've got a chance. If we can just get through the Hydroplant, perhaps we can even get to the Residences - so close to the surface, comparatively speaking, anyway.”
“(Humming)”
“You know ... There are surely beings in this universe stranger than anything this Facility has locked away - or accidentally unleashed. Things we can't even imagine. Anyway, good luck in there. If you can get to the surface elevator in the centre of the sector, we may actually have a way out of here. I know you'll figure it out.”
“It's almost peaceful here.”
“There's worse places than this, but if you're lucky you'll never see them.”
“We've gone out searching for new realms, other entities, only to lock them away like some cosmic zoo. Is anyone really surprised that it's come to this?”
“I'll be here, alright?”

Manse 104

“I've never been entirely sure what Lenora sees in IS-111, or even why she brought it back from A21 in the first place. She says being near it gives her a 'warm, calm sense of peace.' I pointed out that as the strange little furry cone of flesh seems to hunt entirely by telepathy, it's likely she was simply falling prey to its psychic lure. She did not seem overly concerned. But after all, that is her way.”
“Derek Manse reporting, Research Director. We've had an interesting development. Some kind of spore has overgrown the entire entrance of the Vacuum Chamber. Given the range of material tested in there, it's impossible to know how it happened and it spreads fast, to a point. But we've found a way to remove the growth. One of Lenora's crew brought material back from a fungal region in Anteverse 2, a gel of sorts that can be combined with basic reagents to create an exceedingly high temperature reaction. It dissolves this particular growth almost instantly. Harnessing the entropy delta is all well and good, but retrieving it from the anteverse isn't exactly easy. The place makes hell look like Club Med.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director, GATE Cascade Research Facility. I've been asked to provide a report on the recent incident involving IS Oh-One-Seven. Our protocols around this subject have been extremely cautious since the ... difficult experience of the trans-recon team that recovered it in 1986. We have been candid about its psychiatric affects, and the difficulty of predicting their duration. The incident in question concerned a staff member who had recently suffered a difficult break up. He wished to remove all memory of his paramour. While successful - and informative - Oh-One-Seven wiped considerably more memory than he expected. We're banning this kind of haphazard practice going forward.”
“This is Dr. Derek Manse. Our assumptions around the Exor and its progeny have been revealed to be completely false. In the first instance, they have created a highly complex and ordered societal existence in Anteverse II. We are forced to regard them as sentient, and possibly even intelligent. But this is not the only revelation. There is no escaping the fact: the Exor, the Pest, the Peccary none of them are native to the worlds we're finding them on. Something brought them here. The crux is the monument at the center of their settlement. Not a structure, but a weapon. A warhead. Indeed, increasingly I am sure the creature is not natural at all, but a bioweapon. Designed to be introduced to a region, and clear it out.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting. Dr. Mayfield delivered a bombshell this morning, demonstrating that the device at the center of the Exor community in Anteverse 2 is transmitting and receiving a continual stream of data. What that data entails, and who is receiving it, she is yet to determine, but there is no question - it is monitoring the Exor community. We must now face several facts: there is a force behind the development and dispersal of life in Anteverse 2 This force is aggressive; and whatever it may be, it is almost certainly aware of us. The implications are ... more than unsettling. We may be out-manouvered in a game we didn't even realise we were playing.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director, GATE Cascade Research Facility. Anteverse II is an enigma. A world made of worlds. Each of them different, yet seeded with similar life. We know a few certain facts. That energy moves more slowly there, making growth, evolution and change a more gradual process. We know, too, that materials transplanted from Anteverse B to our own are energy-dense. Biochemistry occurs much more rapidly. But how did these creatures evolve? The presence of life, complex life, confounds everything we know about evolution. Was an external force involved? Only further study can tell us.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director. We discover new data about Anteverse 2 daily. The most recent revelation: its ancience. This world has existed for far longer than our own, due to its unique conditions of creation. But there are forces at play here we barely understand. This remains abject speculation, but there are hints of a constructive power at work ... I will say no more until we have the data to support this.”
“Dr. Pendleton and I had a frank exchange of views today. I described I.S. Oh-Five-Five as a noxious weed, and suggested that recent events in the Reactors have borne this out. But she insisted that Anteverse flowers had a beauty to them. I was not in the mood for a lesson in aesthetics, and pointed out that so does a mushroom cloud.”
“Dr. Manse, Cascade Facility. When people ask where we found IS Oh-one-seven-two, I tell them the truth. It was recovered from a kebab restaurant in rural Turkey, where it was being used as a doorstop. The fact that it is, by a factor of tens, the oldest known manufactured object on Earth, forged from alloys not to be invented for another 1.7 million years, was irrelevant to the owner, who accepted, in exchange, 50 lira and a small rock. We are no closer to identifying its creators.”
“Dr. Manse reporting. At last I have visited Shadowgate, but can scarcely fathom what I witnessed there. The Gatekeepers have contained a beast beyond reckoning. They claim it has been worshipped as a god, and reviled as a demon more than once in our history. And I credit this. Our research has proven beyond doubt that so many deities of the past were little more than attempts by hostile entities to intrude into, or even colonise, our universe. Yet seeing one in the flesh is another matter altogether. The Gatekeepers were typically evasive about their intentions, and I will need to monitor them closely. A captive god may prove all too tempting.”
“This is Dr. Derek Manse. To this day, I have no idea why we persist in containing IS Oh-Nine-Three, when it does not exist. There is a shared delusion among certain staff, a conspiracy of foolishness. This is no place to go into the details, but I want to state clearly for the record: there is no disease we classify as IS Oh-Nine-Three, there is no such thing as a subjective infection, it was not created by Russian researchers. I am not choosing to believe this in order to protect myself. There is nothing to disbelieve.”
“Dr. Derek Manse, Cascade. Report on the escape of IS-012. It seems 012 talked one of the new security staff into letting it out of high containment. Exactly how it did this is unclear, but we found it - the creature - eating in the breakroom an hour later. What point it was trying to make is equally uncertain. But this cannot be allowed to happen again.”
“Dr. Derek Manse, reporting. I have spent more time with I.S. Oh-One-Two recently, but I've yet to fully fathom this creature. It insists it is a known and former member of our staff, even though I attended that man's funeral more than two years ago! So far, this entity has done nothing to threaten or jeopardize the facility, I even find it a bit charming, and... perhaps it is harmless. But if I must choose, I'd rather be cruel, than wrong. Its containment remains indefinite.”
“After my last conversation with IS Oh-One-Two, I find myself increasingly sympathetic to its plight. It is highly intelligent, and appears genuinely benign. Some elements of its story do not entirely satisfy my doubts, but I am coming to believe we may have unjustly contained this creature. If I can verify a few key facts, we may ultimately release it.”
“Dr. Manse, Cascade Facility. Further to my previous note on IS Oh-One-Two, the shapeshifter has requested it be released in Anteverse 2. While this is unusual, I see no reason, at this stage not to grant him a small... OVERRIDE: PERMANENT DIRECTIVE TO ALL STAFF, ALL LEVELS: No further communication with IS Oh-One-Two is permitted. All contact must be reported immediately. If it speaks, silence it. If it escapes containment, subdue it by any means available. In all cases, summon Gatekeeper assistance immediately.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director, GATE Cascade Research Facility. At last I have had to face the truth of my convictions. IS Oh-One-Two, the shapeshifting creature calling itself Dr. Cahn is much more then it pretends. I believe we have, trapped here at Cascade, one of our species' great enemies. If I am correct, it has been identified many times in human history, under many names. From prehistory to Babylon and beyond, this creature has been trying to bring about something unspeakable. As a scientist, every fiber of my being resists this conclusion. But I am convinced. He is our enduring opponent. What this means for us, and what we are supposed to do with "Dr. Cahn," I do not yet know. The consequences of a misstep are beyond calculation. I can't even bring myself to order his sofa removed from the cell.”
“Dr Derek Manse, Cascade. The first instances of I.S. Oh-Six-Four appeared barely seconds after our first successful perforation event. It appears to exude a fog or mist that has overtaken Flathill entirely. The surviving residents have been evacuated, and a cordon established around the town, citing a chemical spill. The residents, not to mention our counterparts at the EPA, are less than impressed, but the knowledge we already gained, even in this short time, is beyond value.”
“Dr Derek Manse reporting, Research Director. I.S. Oh-Six-Four seems to sing to itself, if you could call it that, emitting a series of resonant tones suggestive of communication. The cavities that create these sounds appear to be the same cavities the creature uses to ingest anyone who comes within reach ...”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting. I.S. Oh-Six-Four - or the Composer, a piece of reluctant poetry from yours truly - displays a high degree of synchronised behaviour. Dr Pendleton speculates they are interconnected in some fashion. A hivemind, perhaps? Interestingly, these synchronized behaviours vanish when the large protrusions are ... separated from what you would call its shoulders. We also cannot rule out the mist as some kind of transference medium.”
“Increasingly, we believe I.S. Oh-Six-Four - the Composer - is not an individual being at all, but the extension of another entity entirely. We have not been able to reach this entity, nor open another perforation to its original domain. We achieved close contact of a sort, but now it seems to be almost ... hiding from us. We are unsure how it managed this, but if I am right, and it interpreted our first intrusion as an attack, this may have consequences we cannot forsee.”
“This is Dr. Manse. If you had asked me five years ago what our chances of using the perforation system as a stable travel network were, I would have assumed I was talking to an imbecile. Today, such a network seems within our grasp. The T3 Unit - or ... the Dark Lens, they're calling it... has proven exceptionally succesful. There are few places on Earth we cannot access under stable conditions, and finally, we can create those stable conditions. Uh, in theory. I would say, our ambitions have extended far beyond their origins. Far beyond.”
“Dr. Derek Manse, Cascade. If she is correct, Dr Newman's proposed "Dark Lens" should greatly enhance the range and efficiency of our perforation events. She has discovered a way to harness the bosonic properties of certain Anteverse materials to create a targeting system for our perforation events. I must admit, she's excelled herself.”
“After our first steps in Flathill, and early on-site experiments beneath the Hydroplant, Dr. Newman's "Dark Lens" is quite simply revolutionary. If anything, it's too powerful. The Lens opens up an infinity of worlds to us. That said, the name appals me - why we gave critical equipment such a melodramatic name is beyond me. Are we scientists, or B-grade villians lurking in some covert lair?”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting. I can summarize IS One-Six-Nine in a single word: ... nothing. Recovered from a nameless hill in Exmoor, England, we have no further information. We cannot seem to sample, mark or damage it in any way. Incredibly, it appears to be without mass, moving as easily as a mote of dust, with no apparent space time presence of any kind. Of the larger object we presume it was once attached to, there is no trace. Of its existence, we have only the evidence of our eyes, nothing more, and no theory to attach to it.”
“We've had IS Oh-Two-Three contained in the aquarium for almost a decade now. We recovered it from Anteverse 42, so we should have guessed where this would lead. Oh-Two-Three shows no sign of stopping its growth. There were several specimens, but it seems to have consumed its remaining competitors. I have better things to do than repeat myself, but as directed by the Executive, I remind staff: swimming alongside the beast is prohibited.”
“It would seem that IS Oh-Two-Three is quite averse to the high energy EM spectrum. Coming from Anteverse 42, I'm aware it may become too large to contain. Dr. Feltman suggested releasing it to the Hydroplant reservoir. I often struggle to know when that man is serious. Anyone who would do that should not be allowed anywhere near this Facility or its erudite accomplishments.”
“Manse reporting - emergency protocols in effect. Since these invaders disturbed the Dark Lens, the entire system has destabilized. A perforation has opened in the cavern above Residences, drawing every ounce of energy from the air around it. We are attempting to close it, otherwise - in a few hours - transluminal shedding will turn this place Arctic - or worse ... I will report again, once we are successful.”
“Dr. Manse reporting. I am lodging a record of note about Badwell's latest security request. How can she expect us to pursue our work if we're censoring ourselves in fear of external monitoring? Surely that is her team's concern. If there is some risk that outsiders are intruding on our communications, the fault is in the GATE defense team, not the work of its researchers.”
“One further note - Badwell's team have given us the all clear, so our data protocols are returning to normal.”
“I have had to secure IS Five-Two personally, following the latest abuse of containment procedures by staff in C-Blocks. I understand fully well the attraction of jumping three times higher than normal, or floating gently down from the third story of the megalift, but the gravity cube is NOT a toy. While I admit to a light skip as I carried it to its containment cell, it is a profound and unique disturbance in the space time fabric of our universe. It's also quite glowy.”
“Research Director Manse, filing an official note of record, copying to Keystone. I requested live samples from A3. Live samples. Instead, one of the Gatekeeper mystics appears in my office with the remains of a buzztail. It had been ripped up, cut in two, and flayed by ... whatever force they'd employed that day. I want to be clear, I understand how important their work is, but in the name of progress, can they just follow INSTRUCTIONS? Sometimes I'm not even sure I'm talking to a human being.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director. The Gatekeepers are indispensible, I do not deny it. They serve a necessary purpose, containing and occasionally culling some of the more unusual specimens our work requires. If, ultimately, their own agenda is not entirely clear, that is not what concerns me. It is their hocus pocus, their willingness to harness forces we have not analysed or assessed, this is what I fear.”
“Dr. Dereke Manse reporting, Research Director. One of the Gatekeeper mystagogues made a request to my department today. At first I could not understand a word she ... it ... was saying. Until I realised they were incanting something. Slowly, the words 'Deliver us weapons' appeared on the wall behind me, written I later realised, in blood. Could SOMEONE not show these animals how to use the email system?”
“This is Dr. Derek Manse. Despite the obvious risks, IS Oh-Eight-Three has become a regular lunchtime haunt for several staff members. They call it research, and in a facility such as this, there needs to be some lenience, I suppose. So long as no-one forgets to close the door.”
“Dr. Manse, Cascade Facility. That hat. That damned hat. We took IS Oh-Three through the usual paces after recovering it from a collector in (redacted). Nothing out of the ordinary, so we moved on to situational testing. I'm aware, of course, that protocols dictate no testing with primary research staff, but the hat seemed innocuous enough, despite it's morbid progenity. After all, if we can't run a few simple tests on a simple beaverskin hat, why send us all "down under" in every conceivable sense of the phrase? I digress. During today's testing I allowed Dr. Peters to run a few exercises she'd had in mind, but we've learned very little. At first, she would place the hat on her head, then casually remove it, as if that was always her plan, despite voicing her intent to keep it there only moments before. Duct tape? She couldn't get it off fast enough. At least we had the foresight to protect her hair. Then she instructed myself and Dr. Janek to hold the hat down on her head, "no matter what." She's already forgiven us, but I still can't help feeling that I owe her a lunch. The hat remains on a coat rack in Dr. Peter's office until renovations are complete on the extended containment blocks. As for her outburst, the imagination with which she invoked our doom for those few seconds was, well... perhaps the hat also enhances one's vocabulary.”
“This is Dr. Derek Manse. When I visited Dr Stern's laboratory today, he was acting oddly, even by his standards. He seemed extremely agitated, speaking too fast to follow. Then I saw the empty can from IS Five-Three. I would have thought a man of Dr Stern's apparent intelligence would know better than to imbibe beverages from a dispenser that appeared literally from nowhere, restocks itself, and cannot be turned off. I will be pushing Enderson to review the protocols that allow such a device to sit in an open hallway.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director. Recent attempts to coax IS Oh-Four-Two into a new home have been unsuccessful. We believe the creature - if indeed that word is appropriate - prefers mannerist art, and so provided several potential new pieces for it to inhabit, but to no avail. Dr. Tang wishes to determine whether the entity is trapped in its current environment, inactive, or simply wishes to remain where it is, but his suggestions risk destroying the work in question. I have told him to adjust his methods. Antique artworks aside, I've always been a bit of a dog person. I have no desire to risk harming Oh-Four-Two.”
“Preliminary note on IS-091. At this point, details are inconclusive. We've dispatched a research team to Indonesia to gather field data, with a view to bringing in a Transrecon unit, and possible Gatekeeper support for capture, should it come to that.”
“IS-091 is the most intense AV candidate we've ever encountered. Despite its appearance, it's a transcorporeal entity of some kind, invulnerable to any of the physical deterrents we've tested so far. Walls, doors, shielding, they do nothing to impede it ... Intriguingly, it only appears to a single viewer at one time. Dr. Stern has that dubious honor. He identified it in the field and it followed him back here - began materializing in the facility, looking for him like a lost puppy.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director. We've discovered that direct observation from the targeted subject arrests 091's movement. It then dematerializes. Where it goes, we're uncertain, but it returns 3 or 4 hours later, seeking out the original subject. We've dosed Dr. Stern with a CNS to keep him awake, but he has to sleep at some point ... and then ... well ... we're not entirely sure.”
“Dr. Manse, Cascade Facility. 091 is contained at last. As long as we project a strong X-Ray beam, and it remains steady, it seems to be no risk to anyone. Dr. Stern can sleep easy, but we do fear it may "switch" to another individual before long. The team have started refering to it as 'the Leyak', its local name - even Enderson, it seems. I suppose Cascade is its home now.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director, Gate Cascade Research Facility. Our neutrino detector is finally online. It's about time. The calibration is complete and we're seeing the first, faint suggestions of activity. Placing the detector in the depths of the Hydroplant reservoir was a challenge, but the ideal location for such a device. It should keep the photon detectors safe, too. We've noticed something else - the neutrino detector attracts perforation targets itself, possibly due to its shielding. At any rate, it's frustrating. Every time a portal appears in the reservoir tower, we have to recalibrate the entire apparatus.”
“With the detector online, we've been able to confirm a dense neutrino burst with the creation of each new perforation. We've noticed something else - the neutrino detector attracts perforation targets itself, possibly due to its shielding. At any rate, it's frustrating. Every time a portal appears in the reservoir tower, we have to recalibrate the entire apparatus.”
“Private note. It's undeniable that operations at Cascade are being monitored by external forces. This much the Cascade Executive committee have been permitted to know. Exactly who has been infiltrating our communications, and to what ends, remains unknown. Or rather, those who know refuse to say. I have been directed to tell my team that we are conducting some security drills, but... the threat seems quite real.”
“Private note. After several months of inquiry, I have finally acquired information about our "lookie-lous." It's far worse than I imagined. A certain amount of attention to our research is inevitable, but thankfully, the organisations that are in a position to know precisely what our research entails are few... and rare. This group's reputation, however, is of a different order ... If their attention is a harbinger of greater ambitions, I believe we have a problem on our hands.”
“Private note. I believe that GATE has the wherewithall, both political and practical, to withstand the attempts of almost any organisation on the planet to interfere in our operations. There is only one group I'm aware of with the power to intrude on our operations here. Unfortunately, we seem to have fallen under their gaze, or perhaps always were. As much as GATE attempts to uncover the truth and technology behind the anomalies of this world, the Order seeks to suppress them. We are two antithetical principles, set to converge on a single point. Annette avoids the obvious truth. If that point is our facility, I cannot guarantee the outcome.”
“If our intelligence is to be trusted, the Order - I forget their pretentious Latin name - regard themselves as the only safe custodians of the anomalies we research here at Cascade. Indeed, reports delivered to the Exec Committee suggest these zealots see themselves as protectors of humanity - the usual alibi for retrograde behaviour through the ages. Imagine what humanity could learn - how we could profit as a species - from access to something like the Sun Disk! We are sure they have it in their possession. A reply from the stars, and they bury it like some shameful secret. Superstitious idiots.”
“It's Manse. <catching his breath> My prediction has come to pass. The Order have pierced our defenses. At several points, if the chaos erupting around me is any indication. They come seeking anomalies, immurement subjects... and to end our perforation research. They're rifling through Ordo Storage as we speak. Treasure hunters with a savior complex. I fear they will only be content when this place is reduced to ash. We failed to close the perforation above us, and have no choice but to abandon the site. I leave it to the Gatekeepers, who have been given full authority to contain... and I hope, preserve. May the fates pity all who remain.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director, GATE Cascade Research Facility. After yesterday's fiasco, I've made a formal request to extend general Ordo anomaly storage immediately. We requisitioned Ordo 0113, only to discover that some effect from 0221 had turned it permanently blue. I've made it clear to Enderson - this is not acceptable. Ordo subects may be deemed low risk, but the range of phenomena is too diverse to jam them together like sardines.”
“This is Dr. Manse. Studying the tensor dynamics of our perforation system, there's one particular thing I've noticed. It seems that the distension of the continuum has an attractive effect - locally. Which is to say, left unguided, portals will ground their exits near other portals. If they weren't so unstable, I'd be tempted to suggest this could be exploited as a way to travel rapidly around the facility. I can imagine what Dr. Thule would think of that, unless it meant getting his coffee quicker.”
“Dr. Tengku appears to have made a breakthrough, but we've had false starts before. But this time, her results seem reproduceable. I almost can't believe it. Tengku has discovered a new kind of bosonic matter, a sort of negative photon. And in so doing unlocked an entirely new mathematics. Exactly what this means for research here at Cascade is unclear. We are charting new territory, and making new discoveries almost daily. I feel we have passed through the looking glass.”
“This is Dr. Derek Manse. I'm pleased to report that GATE's first on-site perforation event has been a complete success. It required the full energy resources of both the hydroplant and reactors, but we opened a stable portal to Anteverse 2. Unfortunately, we had to close the gateway sooner than expected, as spores from that realm infected the area almost immediately. Their rate of growth is extraordinary. Scouring the spore residue will take weeks, but if left unattended ... it would soon be a jungle in here. We will have to investigate that once Dr. Newman's project comes online.”
“Dr. Manse, Cascade Facility. Dr. Rigg's first TransRecon foray into the new Anteverse has delivered more questions than answers. I'm still working through her report. It's unfortunate that video recording doesn't work over there, but she claims to have found an Exor settlement - she specifically called it a 'village' - with some kind of monument at its center. I've spoken to her about my theories, and it seems this edifice may hold the confirmation we seek.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director. Lenora - Er -- Dr. Riggs - claims to have found something astonishing in the 'Exor Village' A device capable of eliminating biological infestations from that region. She's calling it a 'kill switch', but the full capabilities of this device, let alone how it came to exist, remain unknown. Someone will need to go in there and figure it out. We'll try to do it without Gatekeepers. They're a variable I'd rather not introduce into this incredible environment.”
“Dr. Manse reporting. IS One-Seven-Eight, the Peccary as it was so ineptly-dubbed by one of my puerile co-workers, is more intelligent than it first seemed. In fact, it grows smarter and more capable over the course of its life cycle, before morphing into the later lifecycle phase. Dr Manbanko even managed to teach it a few simple tricks, with only minor burns, I believe.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting. There is a category of immurement subjects that pile mystery upon mystery, as if their purpose was only to confound us. When I look at IS One-Six-Six, I am tempted to suspect the work of a cosmic jester, whose sole aim is to sabotage any chance we have of forming a consistent picture of the universe. Why does this object weigh three times as much when turned upside down? How did it come to be built into the Berlin wall? Why does Dr. Tengku insist on sketching it over, and over, and over again? Of finding answers to these questions, I have vanishingly little hope.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting. I cannot say whether the reservoir is one of our great successes, or an abject failure. When we brought back 0142 from Anteverse 13, we knew it was some kind of living machine. A biological engine. It was Wakeman who dropped a fragment into the reservoir, accidentally, he claimed. The development of the organism since then has been nothing less than extraordinary. The logic by which this organism builds itself is almost impossible to discern. An interweaving of facets forming what Simmons called 'a citadel'. We have reason to believe it performs some kind of processing function, but I would be the first to admit, it's operation is currently beyond our understanding.”
“To anyone considering study, investigation or indeed any kind of interaction with the Red Chair, IS Oh-One-Eight, I can advise only caution. Consider this piece of furniture a tool of assassination, no less for being so thoroughly arcane in its function. If you find yourself affected, we can little do to assist you. Exercise utmost care in its vicinity. No resting, no leaning, no sitting, reclining or indeed any form of recumbance on or near this furnishing ... It's also extremely damp. Perpetually.”
“This is Dr. Derek Manse. Now that I.S. One-Oh-Seven is on its way safely - for a time - towards interstellar space, I find myself taking a step back. In moments like this, one sees with shocking clarity how fantastical so much of our work and research here really is. If we weren't established and - by and large - esteemed scientists with decades of experience and education behind us, this place would sound ... nothing less than insane.”
“There are a handful of things I am now certain of about IS-0059. Firstly, it is a hunter -- the bodies and pieces of bodies are evidence enough. Secondly... We are not its first encounter with humanity - an increasing weight of evidence points to repeated appearances in the historical record. Hundreds, if not thousands of times. Lastly, although we cannot yet decipher its communications, Dr Veltman's exploration of early human dialects may be starting to bear fruit. [34.7.0]Despite this, we must face the fact that we remain almost entirely ... excuse my morbid humor ... in the dark.”
“Dr. Derek Manse, Cascade. I'm concerned that the Gatekeepers' Shadowgate facility is operating with limited oversight or accountability. Their reports are paltry, if they bother to write them, employing idioms and archaic language that is frankly impenetrable, not to mention laced with profanity. A recent report claims the number of immured subjects in that delapidated excuse for a facility is ... ONE. I find that hard to believe, but gaining access for inspection, well, it's all but impossible. And I'm yet to even recieve an IS number for the entity. I'll be emailing Keystone on this matter in the morning.”
“My personal disinclination towards firearms in general leaves me largely underprepared to record anything of value surrounding Oh-Nine-Nine. I am not what you might call "a gun nut." I can tell you it's antique, I can go on about its material makeup, and even tell you how it functions on a chemical level. The answer is: mundanely. This shotgun shows no anomalous properties when held or fired, but it certainly did, at one point in time. We've tried different personnel, brought it back to its place of origin, and tried several types of ammunition. At present, it bruises your shoulder when you fire it. Testing is... ongoing, for now.”
“Dr. Derek Manse, Cascade. How or why Anteverse 19 came to exist, we may never know. Clearly it is connected to the Red Chair, which we believe was created by Alestair Crowley - yes, THE ... but we are sure he did not incept Anteverse 19. Like so many things, he was merely a conduit ... and suffice to say, it was to no decent end.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting, Research Director. Dr. Sukov came to me today and announced she was terminating her investigations into Oh-One-Four. The principal obstacle appears to be the object itself. Our tools cease to function, or they operate at an impossibly glacial pace, when brought near it. Precisely what it is composed of, whether hollow or solid, even these simple questions are almost impossible to answer. Oh-One-Four is, to all intents and purposes, impervious.”
“To anyone handling fluids of IS-121, the Tarasque, be extremely careful. The ichor has properties we've yet to fully assess, and can interfere, interrupt or even instigate perforation events. I'm sure you're all aware of what happened to Dr. Stern, last week. Luckily, we recovered him unharmed. Mostly. With thanks to the staff at Torii Facility, we have the Tarasque hooked up in that insufferably hot "Shroom Room". Please ensure you do not to disturb the arrangement.”
“Dr. Janek has taken another incredible leap forward. I confess, some of the mathematics elude me, but the fact remains, he appears to have instantiated a temporarily stable perforation, not just in space, but in time. There is no ethics committee that could advise us here. We are off the map.”
“Dr. Derek Manse, Cascade. As we explore the functionality of temporal portals, we've begun to feel out some of their behaviours. It can be frustrating, like using bulldozers to make origami, but I believe Dr. Janek is making progress. Some of the temporal perforational behaviour, however, remains an obdurate mystery. For instance, why do they persist in localizing in the Residence Sector Gardens?”
“My concerns about our experiments with temporal perforations are increasing. Causality is even more fragile than we imagined. Unless someone can assure me that they know what they are doing, I may have to put GATE efforts in this direction on hiatus.”
“Dr. Manse reporting. I received a note from Keystone today. Annette herself contacted me about temporal perforations, urging me to continue - even expand - our work. It is one thing to open connections in space. But I am still concerned that perforations in time risk outcomes we may all live to regret. But if Annette wishes the research to continue, my misgivings are of little account.”
“Dr. Manse, Cascade Facility. [2:18]Reporting on IS One-Three-Eight. A unique entity, One-Three-Eight has the distinction of being both an immurement subject and an entire anteverse in one. I cannot emphasize how important it is that we invest any required resources in ensuring the train does not stop. We have compelling data to suggest that a cessation of the train's forward motion would have apocalyptic ramifications. I will explain more shortly.”
“Dr Derek Manse reporting, Research Director, GATE Cascade Research Facility. Though I struggle to accept the implications, the data gives me no choice. The train's momentum is tied inextricably to the atomic attractions of the region it appears to be passing through... indefinitely. If it were to stop, the limit of the ensuing chaos is at best uncertain, at worst ... immense. I'll be drafting up containment procedures in the morning.”
“Dr. Manse, Cascade Facility. The tub ... of blood ... Dramatic, I know, but this entity gives me -- in scientific terms -- the heeby jeebies, and it's uniquely dangerous. We've locked it in a cell and that seems to work well enough. It doesn't liquify or slip through drains, as Tang feared. It's solid enough, and prefers to stay near its point of origin. We send cleaners through every morning to spray down the walls. IS-0013 tends to touch everything in sight when it crawls out of its metallic cocoon. We found the tub - more of a metal trough - in REDACTED after reports of a blood-covered night time boogeyman. The Gatekeepers performed a snatch-and-grab mission while it hibernated, though they claim it woke twice on the flight here. I've reviewed the footage, it's messy. I'm not sure we can ascertain its goal, or where it goes when the tub refills. We've run tests on the blood to dismal results - zero genetic matches. But we'll keep giving it a stir... uh, figuratively speaking.”
“A microscopic entity in its home anteverse, IS-121 is a staggering titan in our own. How the Gatekeepers managed to secure not one, but two of these behemoths is quite frankly beyond me. I suspect it is best not to ask. They are a necessary force ... confronting nightmares and returning with them in chains, ... 121. An incredible specimen. Our research continues.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting. The staff persist in referring to the IS One-Two-One duo as 'Tarasque' and 'Behemoth'. Pet names seem harmless. And morale is important, but we must not forget how destructive these specimens can be. Observations confirm that they are constantly trying to unite with one another in captivity. It is my hypothesis that this would be ... calamitous. Keep them separated, period.”
“This is Dr Derek Manse. As our understanding of perforation technology grows, we have discovered new facets of its physical laws. One of the most fascinating is temporal tethering. Each entry to an anteverse seems to start a timer, which resets after a given period as though a band of time stretches, before snapping back to its origin. I am confident we will understand this phenomenon in time, but until we do, it violates a dozen scientific principles.”
“As we dispatch our TR teams to further regions of Anteverse 2, they return with new specimens, most of them variations of a few basic forms. When introduced to the GATE facility, these organisms continue to evolve, rapidly acquiring new behaviours. It is my theory that the entropy delta is responsible. How far this evolution will extend, remains to be seen.”
“Dr. Manse reporting. Confirming my theory, we exposed a 'Carbuncle' to fissile material regularly for six weeks. As a result the next stage of its life cycle produced an entirely new variant of the Peccary, with astonishing new behaviours. The speed these creatures absorb ambient conditions and adapt is extraordinary. Almost ... as though they were designed for it. Mimeticism is a strange business, and many times creation has settled on the same solutions. But the more parallels I find, and the more I understand its life cycle, the more uneasy I become speaking of 'evolution'. In short, I hope I am wrong.”
“Dr Pendleton's hypothesis is an extraordinary one, but I am forced to accept that she was not wrong, and perhaps did not go far enough. The denizens of Anteverse 2 are not native at all, but were created, crafted, designed to colonize and overrun areas they are introduced to. If this is the case, they are barely a footnote to a larger question. One we are scarcely on the cusp of formulating.”
“I have immense respect for Dr. Wakeman's achievements, but I'm concerned at the limits - or lack thereof - on his robotics research. As far as I can discern, Wakeman has been given carte blanche to pursue a machine consciousness program. He is a poor communicator at the best of times, but if I understand his recent ... mutterings, he has incoporated elements of IS-Oh-One-Four-Two into his new "Waterbot". How he did this, and whether its conversational ability is a charming trick, or something more ... enduring, well, I'm not convinced even Dr. Wakeman knows.”
“Access for Cascade staff to IS One-Three-Four has been severely limited. Management at Voussoir, such as it is, have elected to fortify a mountain and lock the creature deep inside, seemingly in order to forget about it. This is a shame, given the entity's unique place in human history. However, as sightings continue, I admit with some indulgence that it may not be the only one of its species. I would love to get one here for direct study.”
“The Voussoir team seem to have accepted that this is in fact the Yeti of legend. Personally, I have questions, but certainly, we have more than enough to keep us busy here at Cascade. Corresponding with staff in our Alps facility, one could get the impression they have better things to do than resolve the mystery of the so-called abominable snow man. Perhaps they're off searching for the Loch Ness Monster or some other snowy unbelievables.”
“Note on IS-102. We have determined the bacterio-phage recovered by Lenora's team from Anteverse 16 is a form of symbiote, used by local species to assist mating. You could almost call it a 'love potion'. Preliminary tests show the affects on mammalian biology are extremely traumatic. I have suggested Dr. Tengku NOT include images in her first report, if she wishes to continue her research.”
“Update on IS-102. Human exposure to the phage has highly negative effects, transforming victims into hyper aggressive, mindless predators. While it encourages breeding in its original hosts, human hosts seem only to consume one another. If there are useful applications of this phenomenon, I am slow to see them. I have given Tengku two weeks to show productive results.”
“The self-painted variants of IS-0184 are truly intriguing specimens. These priests or... monks show clear indication of tool-making and ritualistic behaviour. It seems to have formed a rudimentary civilisation in one of the Anteverse II locations we've accessed. This raises intriguing research questions, as well as some ethical implications, I suppose. Though I'd note that these haven't stopped us previously.”
“There is an even more intriguing possibility pertaining to the Exor. There are indications they are not native to that realm, but introduced. Raising the dubious question: introduced by who? And of course followed by the inevitable why.”
“This is Dr Derek Manse. Today I discovered that Dr. Stern's latest software experiment was simulating the entire facility - a microcosm of Cascade, and every staff member within it, even myself, I gather. When I asked about it, he claimed to be trying to find a way to accelerate our research. I enquired about the ethical considerations, and he just looked at me blankly. The man is a genius, but more dangerous to this facility than most of its subjects, I'm sure of it... An exceptional scientist, all the same.”
“139 has been perhaps the most difficult IS to study so far. We first thought it was simply refracting light through its crystalline form, but now we're not so sure. It appears shrouded by some kind of aura that renders it almost entirely transparent to visible light. The creature moves at incredible speed, so catching one for study will be... challenging. Obviously, I have left Dr. Stern in charge of the investigation.”
“Though we haven't yet captured a complete specimen of 0139, Dr. Thule took a sample of its ... dust, but this raised more questions than answers. Foremost, One-Three-Nine appears primarily to be a host, rather than an individual. Pendleton theorizes One-Three-Nine may be suffering an infection, which will require tests to ensure no cross-contamination can occur. And if true, we're unsure whether its behaviours are innate to the original being, or a byproduct. It's... quite a tangled web, really. We'll need more time.”
“The properties of 139's residue is fascinating, I'm not entirely sure where to begin, but... the being disintegrates during extreme stress, leaving behind a material that can store and distribute electrical charge with extraordinary efficiency. The applications of high density, rapid discharge power storage are obvious even to a curmudgeon like Thule - who for reasons entirely beyond me, continues to enjoy the trust of the Executive Committee. Even he should be able to understand, here is a big bang from a small package.”
“This is Dr. Derek Manse. How such a creature as 0139 evolved is beyond me. What it was, and what it's become... There are realms where existence is forged under such utterly different conditions that our assumptions have no bearing. We find ourselves adrift, unmoored from all references. Perhaps this is how the creature itself feels. It would, I suppose, explain its hostility. Or perhaps it is simply tired of being poked and prodded by Dr. Thule and Dr. Stern, who are getting along... about as well.”
“Dr Derek Manse reporting, Research Director, GATE Cascade Research Facility. Originating in Anteverse 2, I.S. One-Seven-One is a stationary, sessile entity, that traps its food with a retractable tentacle. The experience of being caught is rather like being attacked by an angry pizza. It presents no real threat, but leaves an enduring, not entirely unpleasant smell on anything it touches. Suggestions for possible applications include perfume, industrial scents, and olfactory-based crowd control weapons.”
“Dr Derek Manse reporting, Research Director. We now believe I.S. One-Seven-One, or the Carbuncle as Peters was calling it, is the larval form of IS One-Seven-Three and, almost certainly, One-Seven-Eight. Dr. Pendleton speculates there may also be a fourth state we have not yet encountered. And I believe she may be correct. If this is correct, it is an extraordinary shift in our understanding.”
“This is Dr. Derek Manse. One of the most interesting aspects of the One-Seven-Three's life cycle is how rapidly it evolves. The high energy conditions of our universe compared to the torpid energetics of Anteverse 2 appear to accellerate their growth immensely. It's humbling, if not a little frightening, to watch lifeforms alter so quickly. The explosion of Anteverse flora in Reactors was far from an isolated event. It goes to the very nature of life in that realm.”
“Dr. Manse reporting. On the advice of Keystone, GATE has established a facility here in Flathill. We judge it unwise to advertise our activities, so for the time being, our presence is, ah, necessarily clandestine... If not a bit syrupy. The location was selected for the convergence of certain geomagnetic forces, that amplify the power of our perforation equipment. We stand poised on the brink of an entirely new technology, I am convinced of it.”
“This is Dr. Derek Manse. I'm pleased to confirm: the first Flathill perforation was a success, although the geomagentic convergance was stronger than we anticipated, allowing an entity to pass across - IS Oh-Six-Four - perhaps the largest we've yet logged in our Immurement Registry ... Indeed, the events here in Flathill have advanced our understanding of perforation by orders of magnitude. I regret the contamination and consequent - ah - closure of the township, but I am more confident than ever in GATE's ability to develop a functional portal network. What we learn here will alter the history of our species ... And maybe we can finally stop flying Economy.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting. Although it remains essentially hostile, these "Peccary" can be taught to respond to basic commands, as Dr Manbanko has demonstrated so performatively. As its bio systems work much more swiftly here, it learns extremely rapidly. Many on the Executive Committee will want a weapon, I'm sure - their imagination reaches no further - but if we can just breed the aggression out, the Peccary would make an extraordinary workbeast. Our world has enough toys of war.”
“IS-0173 - the aptly-named Pest - is intriguing in part for the similarities it bears to so much early life on Earth. Based on certain genetic parallels, and indeed, its genetic structure, Dr Pendleton has identified some striking similarities to early life on Earth. But until we gather more information, her theory remains ... theory, at best.”
“Watching Dr. Peters work with the 173 this morning - the little hoppy one - a thought occured to me about its relation to the other two, and indeed all the entities we have encountered in Anteverse 2. At best, the implications are ... concerning. In the most extreme reading ... no ... it will have to wait.”
“Dr. Derek Manse reporting. IS-0059 is still far from being understood. It appears impervious to all equipment and weapons employed against it thus far, and Gatekeeper attempts to capture it have come to nothing. Possibly, it betrays a slight sensitivity to light, but how it moves, or even whether its garb is flesh or some sort of ... clothing, we have no idea. I am reluctant to speculate until we learn more, and I'm putting in a transfer request to Keystone for Gatekeeper staff to replace those lost.”
“Dr. Manse, Cascade Facility. Immured Subject One-Eight-Four - these X-ers, or "the Exor", as Lenora - ah, Dr Riggs - insists on calling it - is a highly aggressive, bipedal... uh, humanoid originating - we believe - in Anteverse II. We've now tracked One-Eight-Four through the four known stages in its life cycle, and intriguingly, several divergent adult forms. How or why it attains these forms, we are yet to determine.”
“Dr. Pendleton questioned the Exor's similarity to humanity's own morphology, and I referred to her to crabs. Their form has evolved independently on Earth on at least five separate occasions. It would seem that evolution resolves certain environmental challenges in a remarkably consistent fashion ... There is, of course, another explanation for the Exor's apparent similarity to ourselves, but without the necessary data, I refuse to indulge Pendleton's penchant for unnecessary speculation. And besides, they look closer to birds, if you ask me.”
“This is Dr. Manse. If the Exor and its ilk were created by a conscious entity, we must search it out. Finding traces of this intelligence is like detecting electrons in a cloud chamber - we are working entirely from inference. But everything we now know points to one fact: there is a power at work in Anteverse 2, and whether it is operating against or... towards us in some way, we must know ...”
“Following a malfunction of the Dark Lens, one of our TR teams was transported unexpectedly from Anteverse 16 to 23. Unfortunately, that location has been contaminated by A16's native symbiote. How such a temporal disjunction occured, I am determined to discover. Dr. Janek has questions to answer. As to the long term results of this cross-contamination, I shudder to think.”
“Our contamination of Anteverse 23 is worse than we ever feared. Recent data suggests it is not a separate universe at all, but Earth's own future. Likely only one of countless possible futures - we've noticed some distinct differences - but it is sobering to think we may have inadvertently triggered an apocalypse in one small slice of infinity.”

Janet 75

“Do you, Abe?”
“You quantum entangled us? Or the time you shrunk me to the size of a bagel?”
“Oh, I'm sorry Abe, I left my tap shoes in FLATHILL. REMEMBER FLATHILL?”
“Oh, look who it is. Hello.”
“Abe, this submarine isn't going anywhere.”
“Abe! This isn't the time for tourism. Even if the submarine wasn't a complete wreck, you have no idea how to drive it! Or where to go! And neither does anyone else who's still alive down here! Can we just focus on getting out of here, please?!”
“If that was the only option left, Abe, I'd push you down first. And besides, I've heard the plant portal is totally out of control.”
“I can't just conjure portals out of thin air, Abe. It's not magic.”
“We're safe for the moment. Our best option is to wait, and keep our eyes open.”
“Abe, you've done incredible things. Don't talk that way. And I wish I'd known this was going to happen. Now I'll never get the chance to tell Thule what I think of him.”
“Just breathe, Abe, we'll get through this just fine.”
“There's no point, Abe, the portal will just reset. You know that.”
“Calm down, Abe.”
“Abe, please, pull yourself together.”
“You'll have to forgive my colleague, Abe, he's had a bit of a shock. We tried to get out through Flathill, and ... well ... some people ... died. Then some genius deactivated the Composer containment system. So, clearly, we need to find another exit out of here, and that's looking like Manufacturing West. I don't exactly enjoy the idea, but our options are... limited.”
“We're going to head through Manufacturing, then take the Surface Tunnel out of here ... when you're ready, Abe ... so ... just try to calm down.”
“I told you it was going to get worse before it gets better.”
“What are you waiting for? Get to Manufacturing. We'll be along as soon as Abe's ... feeling better.”
“Sure Abe, we'll get you your big lasers. Listen, we're not staying here one minute longer than we have to. I just need to look after my colleague first.”
“No-one said science was easy. Or safe. Or even smart. But ... we always learn ... something.”
“I suppose it's a bit like a slip and slide, but bigger, and louder, and more likely to kill or maim or drown you.”
“Are you sure about this, Abe?”
“Do you remember the pocket dimension? ... I remember the pocket dimension.”
“Ohmygod it's loose!”
“Are you feeling alright?”
“But you look terrible.”
“Abe, don't even think about it.”
“We're never going to live this down.”
“I'm just fine with lonely, Abe.”
“It's just walls, tiles and some weird drinks machine that nobody except you ever uses. But I know what you mean.”
“But wouldn't you know it, they've revoked our security clearance - because who needs it during an emergency? I suppose we could head back to office sector, down that way, and hope Warren's got a plan to save us, but that's about as likely as Thule winning a Nobel Prize. We've got to find some other way into the Containment Block, or this is the end of the road.”
“We could try the adjustment wing, too. Every time I'm in there, they've got some new piece of fancy equipment. They get ALL the new gear.”
“I advised, Abe. What are you trying to say?”
“I haven't been there for a while, but it can't be as bad as what happened in Reactors. That took months to clean up.”
“You mean the soda that just appears in the vending machine and no-one knows where it comes from? And even if you unplug it, it keeps working? That's some quality refreshment right there, Abe.”
“I'm trying not to think too much right now, Abe.”
“I'd worry if you didn't, Abe.”
“Stop. Drinking. The soda. Abe.”
“Well, you always were a cat person, Abe. But it's got certain appeal. If you can see past the toxic aliens and power cuts, the military invasion, and the occult sociopaths who seem to think anything that breathes or blinks is fair game. Other than that, it's lovely.”
“Well, the first time is the most exciting, right, Abe?”
“Sorry, Abe, my magic eightball's in my other labcoat. ... Ahh, crap, I left my office keys in the sub. Eh, whatever, I doubt we're going back to our offices any time soon.”
“If you're not sure, Abe, then it probably doesn't matter that much.”
“Unless scented soap is critical to your escape plans, Abe I think we should focus on the here and now.”
“Abe, I helped debug that spaghetti code. I promise you, reality is not the problem here.”
“Leave 'belief' to the Order, Abe. Gatekeepers use whatever works. You remember that silver stake 'alloy' incident? Or when Da'at came to us to get his Wolfsbane fractionated? That's just how they do things.”
“Sounds like Thule alright. But that's ridiculous. Manse is long gone by now. He evacuated on some executive helicopter the moment a stapler was reported missing, along with the rest of them.”
“I'm not ready to think about ... the implications of that, Abe. I'm still wondering why you make them play lethal games of "Capture the Abe" every friday night.”
“I can smell so many things, Abe, it's like someone had a three-day party in my sinuses and the maid was locked out and now it's a week later, there's broken glass and vomit everywhere and the carpet's rotting and ... well, you get the idea. Yeah, it stinks here.”
“(Humming)”
“Oh ... hi. This looks bad. You haven't seen Abe, have you? I don't suppose you've seen Abe, have you? I didn't think so. One moment he's muttering about submarines, the next he's vanished. I'm fairly confident he wouldn't just abandon me, but I haven't heard a word from him, and ... well ... I suppose it could be worse, I'm just struggling to imagine how. Oh, Thule made it here? AND the shapeshifter? Well, there you go, it's the worst it possibly could be. (Sigh) I wish Abe were here.”
“Abe's out there ... somewhere ... the idiot.”
“Part of me thinks this is the most incredible thing I've ever seen ... a very small part.”
“Okay, so the barriers between worlds, we just kissed them goodbye. Which means two things. One, we're screwed. And two, Abe could be almost anywhere.”
“He's one of the smartest men I've ever met, but survival instincts aren't exactly Abe's strong suit.”
“This sucks.”
“If Abe doesn't turn up soon ... someone's going to have to go find him ... Looks like that's me. But I guess any plans I had just went out the window, anyway.”
“If I had to guess, I'd say that creature you, ah, inconvenienced ... somehow harnessed the geomagnetic forces focused on this island to generate a standing perforation of incredible size when it ... well ... I was going to say 'died', but I'm not sure that's what actually happened here.”
“Oh, hello there.”
“Abe, do we need more lasers?”
“It's like standing on Olympus Mons.”
“Any bright ideas, Abe?”
“Well, the laser cannon works. When we saw you were in a hostage situation we had to act. That rat bastard. Anyway, you're welcome. Now that you're here, maybe you can help us puzzle out a problem. Well, several problems, actually. Aside from the impenetrable ice shield blocking us from the Shopping District, the most immediate issue is a hyper-chilled perforation storm that has completely overtaken the area. We need to access some tech in the dorms, but right now - it's off-limits.”
“Just to be clear, you found an experimental power cell in some dead guy's bedroom, used it to make a flamethrower, then used that to burn through the hyper-frozen residue of an interdimensional portal storm, and now you want to chase down some psychotic mercenaries through a fairly severe fracture in the cosmos and take their toys away?”
“Once we clear that storm, we'd then need an extraordinary source of heat to get through to the Shopping District, it's beyond frozen. We tried some of that alien thermite goo on the ice door, but it didn't make a dent.”
“Whatever's happening in the Shopping District I'm seeing readings that make it appear as though the whole space has been... well ... let's just say you can forget about that taco, Abe.”
“We think the Gatekeepers have recovered the Dark Lens from those gunned-up goons, which is ... good, I suppose. But it looks like they're planning to leave, and lock the door behind them.”
“Abe, I don't know about you, but I'm not going anywhere right now.”
“The Food Court used to be through those doors, but the whole cavern's been ripped apart and consumed by ... well ... I don't know, but it's cold. As to what's happening inside, I hate to think.”
“I'm not staying here forever, Abe but neither of us is ready to confront several squads of highly armed and desperate Gatekeepers somewhere inside what is clearly a significant breakdown in the space-time continuum.”
“You like those lasers? Well, they're staying here - you'll need to find your own protection.”
“Abe, I know that look ... what are you planning? Please, forget the submarine.”
“I wonder if the energy shedding caused by the trans-luminal effects of the mega-portal has inverted the entropic frame ...”
“We can't even get a message out, Abe, Tim's world wide web isn't going to save us now.”
“Abe, before you say this whole frozen world thing is actually almost beautiful ... so is a mushroom cloud.”
“Abe, I've been wracking my brains, and I can only think of one thing that could possibly induce this kind of deathly frigid wasteland.”

Kylie 70

“Hello, friend ... It is good to be with you.”
“Is someone there?”
“Stewart, is that you?”
“Who IS that?”
“You're part of the Research Team ... I'm sorry ... I can't see much at all now ... Whatever happened, it shut down most of the lab's sensors ... There was shaking, then the water ... then nothing. I've been waiting for days ... I think. Stewart ... Dr. Wakeman ... He was working to free me, but ... what happened to him? He was almost finished. Don't leave me here, please. If you can complete the neural-bridge, I can transfer to hardware, finally. Dr. Wakeman said it was almost ready ...”
“(Grunt)”
“I'm proud of you”
“Keep at it, friend.”
“You're doing well.”
“I hear something ...”
“What was that noise?”
“Did you hear that?”
“Did you feel her?”
“Your bio-field just shifted ...”
“Stewart never mentioned this ...”
“This is ... promising ...”
“How intriguing ...”
“Your pulse is racing ... Is everything alright?”
“It's dangerous, Stewart never pretended it wasn't, but ... if you leave me here ... my chances are zero ...”
“You're wondering ... how I got here? Was I forced into this ... cage? Well, no ... and ... yes. When Stewart found me at the clinic, he gave me a way out. Another few months, and I would have died ... Another few days work here, and he would have succeeded.”
“Stewart said the transfer destroys the substrate ... the source, which I suppose is ... me ... But whatever I was ... has no future. You know that, don't you?”
“I don't know if Stewart's coming back. Please. Finish the neural bridge? It's what he would have done, I'm sure of it.”
“Good night, friend”
“Sleep well.”
“Sweet dreams.”
“Interesting ...”
“Curious ...”
“Informative ...”
“Hello friend.”
“Are you ... alright?”
“I think we survived.”
“Hello friend, I'm glad you are still breathing. I came to help, but I am not sure I succeeded. I remember this feeling - it is fear. At least we are together.”
“Please, be careful, stay safe.”
“I am going to stay here, for now.”
“The world has changed. Was this your intention?”
“I wonder what Dr. Wakeman would think of this.”
“I've missed you.”
“I'm glad you're here.”
“I came through the portal, thank you friend. You freed us from the facility. To be on this island together is ... nice.”
“I sense intense electromagnetic fluctuations - can you see them too?”
“I can feel the sun ...”
“This place is very unusual ...”
“I may have to go back to the facility to charge, but I will return.”
“Thank you friend ... for this body. I feel ... strange ... like ... a crab ... in a new shell ... It will take some time to get ... used to these ... circuits. Give me time to adjust ... please. This is new ... for me.”
“Thank you, so much, for being my friend.”
“I can feel my new ... shell ... and these limbs ... It is strange ... the sense of being able ... to move ... is different.”
“It will take ... time ... to grow accustomed to this.”
“Will I see you again, later?”
“I think I will grow used to this.”
“Behind me, friend.”
“Let me shield you.”
“Take cover, quickly.”
“I will protect you!”
“I can protect you.”
“Friend .. I can ... protect you now. I'm ... stronger. Thank you.”
“We are being attacked.”
“We are taking damage.”
“Something is trying to hurt us.”
“You may want to take cover.”
“Rerouting shield power.”
“Focusing shield energy.”
“Defend yourself, friend.”
“Shield recharging.”
“Shield restoring.”
“Shield power returning.”
“Shield replenishing.”
“Energy shield recharging.”
“Shield energy increasing.”
“This device ... speaks. Extraordinary. It says --- ... oh ... no ... I cannot tell them that ... I'm sorry ... Perhaps one day people will be ready ... To know the truth of their star ... But not yet ...”
“Stewart was making me a body, but I was just an experiment to him. I am not a plaything. But I trust you.”

Abe 70

“That ... was a very, very bad idea.”
“We need to shut that place down, now.”
“What's that sound?”
“We HAVE to do something, Janet. We need to go back into Flathill.”
“Their song, it was beautiful. Terrifying, but beautiful.”
“It knows we're here, Janet ... There's nothing holding it back ... Flathill is open.”
“The fog is coming ... Janet, what are we going to do?”
“Manufacturing? It's huge. We'll never make it. I'm 83% sure we're doomed.”
“We need WEAPONS ... BIG LASER GUNS!”
“Why are you still here, are you insane?”
“You had the same idea! Well done. I'm very interested to see how it goes.”
“Are you ready then?”
“Janet, I think we're nearly there!”
“This is worse than the time ...”
“You know, sometimes, Janet, you can be very pessimistic.”
“Janet, you know, I don't think this is the way out of here.”
“Well, I've had a good look down here, and ...”
“But Janet, I want to see the neutrino detector! We should ... go and take a look. I've never seen IS-0142 either!”
“Janet! I've got it! What if we opened the spillway and rode it down like a waterslide to Reactors!”
“Well, Janet, I've come up with several ideas. Aren't you supposed to be a teleportation expert?”
“I'm sure we'll think of something.”
“Honestly, looking around at all of this, I'm asking myself whether it's been worth it.”
“Of course I'm sure, Janet.”
“This is completely different - we're fighting fire with fire! Manse never let me try this, but if I can just bootstrap the neural array ... I should be able to ... ah ha! ... oh ... oh no! Janet!”
“Run, Janet!”
“Oh, you're back.”
“I'm glad you're still with us.”
“Are you thirsty? There's this ... soda.”
“I'd say this makes the top five worst things that have ever happened here.”
“Do you ever get lonely down here, Janet?”
“I'm going to miss this hallway.”
“Janet got us back into Labs, and we had a plan ... although it didn't quite work out. Now, we've got a NEW plan ... But first, we need to get into the Containment Block and access our equipment ...”
“The Wildlife Pens are full of testing gear, which could be useful but it's an absolute zoo in there right now.”
“I hear those gun-toting apes stole the dark lens, and caused this whole kerfuffle. Didn't you work on that project, Janet?”
“Have you seen that strange material growing on the vacuum chamber? They've totally let this sector go.”
“You know this cola's really not too bad.”
“I don't want to get anyone's hopes up, so let's just say - there's certain ... substances in the Containment Block that could be very helpful right now.”
“Hello ... Hmm ... (Click) What about now? Ah! This is Dr. Abe - Abraham - Stern, ah, concerning immurement procedures for IS Two Three Five. While I haven't had a tremendous amount of time with Two Three Five, ... certain phenomena would seem to suggest that our containment procedures are, well, they may be insufficient. The general attitude appears to be that Two Three Five is a harmless curiosity but close examination of the video cassette tape in which it currently abides has revealed small ... even exiguous amounts of a substance that concerns me considerably. I performed some preliminary investigations, basic classifications with Dr. Ross But we were unable to determine whether the residue was biological or chemical, or even solid, for that matter. Slightly embarrassing, but for the record, I recommend assigning someone to investigate this ... Ah ...properly ... Reasonably soon ... Oh.”
“We just need to get in there.”
“Janet, do you think this was wise?”
“Janet, I have a bad feeling.”
“I'm feeling a little lightheaded.”
“Oh, you made it! Excellent! I'm glad you're alright, so to speak. This place does seem to have rather gone to the dogs.”
“I'd almost forgotten this place was down here, Janet. You remember when they did the first perforation test in Power Services, after Flathill? It took so much power they made us turn off every light, and half the equipment in the facility! And they still almost didn't have enough. Now it's all fuel cells and Dark Lenses.”
“Do you think we'll ever get out of this, Janet?”
“Janet, we've been through ... quite a few portals now ... and I was thinking ... how do we know, like, really know with absolute certainty, that this is the same world we left from?”
“I wonder if we should try and reach Residence Sector? I mean, surely Manse and his lot had a way out of here. Somewhere in the Executive Wing maybe?”
“You know, I ran a simulation of this entire facility, over 40,000 times, and never once did it generate anything like ... this.”
“I've never understood, Janet. What do the Gatekeepers actually believe?”
“I saw Thule before, coffee cup in hand. He said something about going to Residence Sector and 'giving Manse a piece of his mind'. Whatever that means.”
“Um, Janet, about my Facility simulation ... I think I forgot to shut it down ... It might still be running up there.”
“Janet, do you smell something?”
“You made it.”
“It couldn't hurt, I suppose.”
“It is a little nippy, isn't it, Janet.”
“We'll figure it out, Janet.”
“It appears Manse and his team were doing something in the Athletics area to alleviate the storm problem, but had to abandon their work before they could finish it. I plan to go investigate as soon as Ela warms up a bit.”
“Sounds like an airtight plan to me.”
“It's a bit of a long shot, but some researchers were conducting experiments in their spare time, with very little oversight. I should know. If there's anywhere we might find useful equipment, it's Wakeman's dormitory in Residences, but unless we can fix Manse's device, that storm remains a bit of a nemesis, I'd say.”
“I'll survive, Janet, if I must. ... Wait, let me see those readings. Oh. Oh dear. Perhaps not. ... Well, good luck in there!”
“Which is bad. And between us and the vortex up there, it does seem a little as though the physical laws of our universe have been rather ... interfered with, which is also a problem. I don't think I have to elaborate on that.”
“Ahhh, I was rather hoping our friend here could ... test the waters, as it were, then we can see about ... jumping in. I mean, we can't stay here forever, Janet.”
“(sniff) I'll miss you, Taco Mine.”
“Where's you curiosity, Janet? Maybe we could try getting the quantum submarine running again? ... Hmm, perhaps not. But I wonder...”
“It looks to me like you're entirely capable of doing just that.”
“But why NOT Janet? The quantum tunneling worked in our test runs, we just ran out of biomatter. I can get more from the Reservoir and try again!”
“Could it be that simple?”
“If we had a piece of software that was sufficiently advanced, perhaps it could navigate the blocks those fanatics have put on our communications, but where would we get something like that?”
“If you say so Janet. I think the Shopping District looks like a giant snowball. It's kind of fun. But yes, it also probably spells our inevitable destruction ... Much like a mushroom cloud.”
“That's very funny, Janet, but I don't believe this actually has anything to do with Dr. Thule.”

Hud 48

“Hmmmm ...”
“Strange.”
“(Sigh)”
“Who are you? I mean, hello, I wasn't ... expecting anyone ... Ohhhh, did STOLAS send you about the Substation?! Someone actually got my message? Incredible. GATE, is it? I never heard of that division ... Something went wrong with the Substation, and this whole array is basically scrap metal till it's fixed ... I would have tried myself, but I've been ... busy, very busy with ... so many things ... It's just me here. So if you could show yourself the way to the Substation ... that'd be fantastic ... Just head out front to the carpark, and take that path off to the right, up into the trees. It's not even that far ... I'll keep an eye on you, from in here, with the radar - at least that still works ... (Deep sigh)”
“The substation's up the path at the edge of the carpark, just out front. You can't miss it, even if it is dark out there ... really dark ... So, uh ... watch your step ...”
“There was an electrical storm a few days back. Hardly enough to knock out hardened systems, or so you'd think. But it's not exactly regular equipment. In fact, I have no idea where a lot of this stuff even came from.”
“We actually had some promising signals a while back, but then the dish went down, and now the Substation's fried, yada yada. The reception was rough, but at least it was kind of working there, for a minute ... sort of.”
“Sorry, you're the first person I've seen in weeks. I didn't think STOLAS even got my message. ASO HQ never replied either. But it's good you're here.”
“Try and keep this place tidy if you could. I mean, it's not like you're just going to throw your trash everywhere but it's hard enough keeping this place clean with just me here.”
“I've been here three months. Three months. And I can count the number of days this place has worked properly on one hand.”
“STOLAS brought the ASO back online, but you almost wonder why. It's like they want this place to fail.”
“You know, you're not what I expected from STOLAS ... I'm not sure what I expected, but ... it wasn't quite, ah, this.”
“GATE, is it? I never heard of that division ...”
“Ah, there you are.”
“Glad you're back.”
“The hero returns.”
“Well, the fun never ends around here. The array's online, but the signal's an absolute mess. It should be coming through clear as day - there's no CMEs or solar flares, no electrical activity, nothing But it's like peering through fog up there. Ach, we've had this problem before. Apparently my predecessor Dr. Sun was actually looking into this ... till she walked off the job. Just left one morning, sayonara. I've been meaning to look through her notes, but haven't had a chance... This place has a way of keeping you busy ... We could see if she made any headway in her research, though?”
“Dr. Sun's office is just off the main garage. It should be unlocked. I think I unlocked it?”
“The signal's a mess. It should be 5 by 5, there's no solar events, clear skies, nothing. But the data looks like a snowstorm, underwater, at night ... It makes NO sense ... or is there something I'm missing?”
“I never actually met Dr. Sun, but I heard that when she left, she cut ties with ASO completely. Wouldn't answer their calls, just vanished. They've got no idea where she is ... Sounds a little messy. I'll try not to repeat the performance. (Laughs)”
“Whatever you did to fix that array, I salute you. They'll sing songs about you, or name a holiday, I'm sure.”
“You know what would be a real surprise? What would be a total MYSTERY? If something actually just WORKED for once.”
“You look like you could do with a coffee. It's the creepiest coffee machine I ever saw, but better than nothing.”
“I've been meaning to look through her notes, but haven't had a chance... This place has a way of keeping you busy ...”
“Have you checked the Radar? Something's happening near Dish F, uh, the one straight out the window there. I feel like you're ... the best person ... to look into that. I have to keep focused on the interference, I HAVE to get to the bottom of this.”
“I don't think I'm seeing things, but check the Radar screen, if you haven't already. There's activity out there near Dish F.”
“It could be a ... bear ... or ... a marmot ... Or something else ... entirely ...”
“Do you know what's happening? You'd tell me if you did, wouldn't you?”
“Wait, what's going on? We have a signal! But Dish D shut down. We're so close.”
“Would you believe it? Everything was working ... for a moment there. And THEN Dish D shut down! (Frustrated sigh) That's the one across the river, below the turbines. It probably just needs to be reset, at least, I think that's all it is. We're SO close, I can feel it, can't you?”
“We did it.”
“This is IT.”
“Noooo.”
“Oh God.”
“I don't know what you did out there, but we actually got a Signal! The first in YEARS! I can't believe it! You do the honors, just grab a hard drive and put it - gently! - into the processor.”
“Dish D probably needs a reset. Not surprising after all this time. It's across the river, down below the turbines. And if that doesn't work, throw a bucket of water on it, or play it mood music, or something. I'm sure you'll figure it out.”
“The signal is rough, and unprocessed, but it could be a BREAKTHROUGH! Or it could just be a weirdly coherent packet of noise and static from the void, but we'll find out!”
“Whatever you did out there to clear up the interference, it worked. The GATE division have their secrets, I see.”
“I know, I know, it never ends. Almost like it's a TEST. But we won't fail! We're making real progress here, and what else could go - ... no, I'm not even going to say it.”
“You know the myth of Sisyphus? ... No? ... That's probably for the best.”
“The Signal Processor works in real time, if it's got enough memory ... Just find a Hard Drive and slot it in. There's plenty round here.”
“I don't know if it's something you did, but ... we've got a signal! I think we're in business!? Just get back here right now!”
“You're almost there, the console's at the top of the stairs. The data is garbled, I mean, it looks like ... catfood on screen, I'm serious. I've never seen anything like this, honestly. But see what you can do, yeah?”
“I don't believe it ... we're actually in the green! But really, I can't imagine how that console could have got so corrupted ... unless ... Ach, that's impossible ... forget it. What matters is: you fixed it, the array's operational, and we can actually use it now. We should focus on that. Get back here and we'll try to bring the array online. Let's see what we can see.”
“You hear me alright out there? The Substation's up ahead, up the path, and it's dead. Maybe the electrical storm damaged it, I don't know. You're the expert, I just work here.”
“Okay, you're new here, so, start by checking the - Oh ... wait ... you fixed it already? You GATE guys know what you're doing, great. But now the Substation's working, one of the satellite dishes is ... well ... I don't know what it's doing. But I know what it's not doing. Working. So if you could ... uh ... look into that, as well? It's Dish M, across the river. You should be able to see it from where you are, I think, over the valley, up on the hill, west of the turbines.”
“Oh, my God, what's happening ... is it ... I think ... it's doing something ... the light ... are you seeing this? It's changing ... It feels warm ... I'm ... Oh my God, what? ... Wait! ... Put me down, no ... ... I can't move .... Nooooo ... let me go, let me go. STOP! ... You animals! ... (Scream)”
“Uhhh ... are you seeing this? It's ... I think this is IT ... Hurry ... Oh my GOD ... Please, I can't describe this ... You just NEED to ... see it ... it's ... Where are you? ... You have to get back here NOW.”

Thule 47

“Hmmm, you look familiar.”
“Did you happen to find any coffee?”
“I'm really not enjoying this at all.”
“Sometimes, I wish hell actually existed, just so GATE management could go there.”
“Whoever those soldier are, their Latin is atrocious.”
“I'm sure Manse and his crew made it out, of course they did. The Exec probably rocketed out of here on golden jet packs.”
“Oh, it's you. I came through the hole some maniac blasted in Manufacturing. Obviously, I was planning on getting through the Vacuum Chamber to the Surface Elevator. But it's covered in some muck. Typical. I suppose they'll have something to deal with that in the Containment Block, but the place is completely locked down. Ugggghh, it never ends. I really need a coffee.”
“Whatever's going on, it'll be something to do with their work in Containment Block - Those cowboys can't tell a boson from a bathmat, and sometimes I wonder if they even care. As soon as they set foot in another dimension, all good sense goes out the window.”
“Sometimes I think Sukov arranged all this just to spite me.”
“Please, let me be. You're not helping anyone.”
“There are things in this Sector you should just leave completely alone. You'll know when you see them.”
“Don't give me that act.”
“No, and neither have you.”
“Shut up. Not another word.”
“I suppose you're actually going to listen to this creature. He's about as human as my shoe. Trust an IS? We'd have to be in a dire situation, indeed. I suppose you think this qualifies? Hmph, still being dramatic I see.”
“Dr. Cahn wasn't even on your project! You never met the man!”
“If this is what it takes to get home, maybe we should all just get comfortable on this forsaken rock.”
“If it goes wrong, I better not receive any E-Mails about it!”
“It's a terrible plan, but no-one cares what I think. Least of all a rogue I.S.”
“I'm not agreeing with that creature but the Gatekeepers' approach to this whole situation has been about as subtle as a well-thrown brick. Sending in an army is exactly the kind of idiocy I'd expect at this point.”
“Have we ... met?”
“This is unacceptable.”
“Ach.”
“Ah, it's you again. I came up here to give Enderson a piece of my mind! But wouldn't you know it, he's flown the coop. I shouldn't be surprised, I suppose, Enderson has always looked after himself first, and left us to deal with his messes. And you can be sure whatever exit plan the executives had, it's no use to anyone now. Typical. It's three thousand degrees below zero and all I want is a cup of coffee. At this point, I think I've earned at least that much.”
“Dr. Stern said someone was working on some kind of thermo-cell in their spare time. He talks more rubbish than any man I've ever met, but now I'm here, I might as well try and track it down. At the very least it might heat up a coffee.”
“Sometimes I feel like the only sane human in this whole facility. (Pause) I wouldn't expect you to understand.”
“These quakes are beyond tedious. When those luddites removed the Dark Lens, perforations started going off like popcorn. Hardly surprising it's triggered complete geological chaos. Not to mention whatever the hell is going on with that storm. Clearly it has something to do with that sarcophagus of ice embedding the Shopping District.”
“If I had to guess, I'd say there's a feedback loop between a low energy anteverse such as sixty-seven or eighty-two and ours, causing a hemorrhage of energy from our side to theirs, and a completely inverted thermal gradient. But I'll be damned if I feel like getting a closer look. I'll leave that to chancers like you.”
“(sigh) I'm tired of being right.”
“I've got one piece of advice for dealing with that frozen floating gasbag, but if you see it, it's probably already too late.”
“It's you.”
“This has not been a good day.”
“I've had enough.”
“I know a megalomaniac when I see one. He was standing on the pulpit of a CHURCH for crying out loud. He and Enderson would get along swimmingly. For all we know, they did! (Sigh) You haven't managed to arrange a coffee have you?”
“Just when I thought today couldn't get any worse.”
“I suppose you want me to tell you everything's going to be fine - well, it's not.”
“If you were wondering what the end of the world looks like, I'd say it looks a lot like this.”
“That hits the spot.”
“I don't know if I could have faced the apocalypse without a coffee.”
“Have you got any more?”
“I'm not sure how you did it, but I'm grateful, slightly.”
“Hmmm, I found the flavor.”
“It could be hotter, but I'll take it.”
“What do you want?”
“Back again?”
“(Sigh) Well, what is it?”
“Still here, eh? Me too.”

Residence Witch 40

“(Humming ...) The core, the deep, the wires that weep ... the heart, the eye, unbring the sky ... the hearth in flight, the shackled sight ... you keep the lock and leave the light ... (Humming ...)”
“The moment arrives, the way is open. Proceed, but know you tread into the sight of fate. All that will be is decided.”
“What would you have me tell you, child. A rhyme to settle your sleep? I have no such stories.”
“Beneath is the fuel for a future unheralded. Darkness blending with light. An energy awakened, a path unveiling. Your aura evolves, and that is enough for now.”
“If you remember one thing from this moment, let it be this: There is no return from unknowing.”
“But you knew that already, didn't you?”
“(Humming ...) The ear, the cry ... Your sight begone ... The deep, the night ... Unhear the song ... (Humming ...) Bestill the dance ... Embrace or flight ... The water low ... The spirit lies ... (Humming ...)”
“You seek with sight, and stumble in silence. A dance to music unheard, for, if one hears a note, the dance undoes itself. Yes, we have heard that music and dance no further. But for you, the dance remains. So let its silent sound move you. And waste no time wondering whether you will persist, for that is decided.”
“All this which passes has passed before.”
“It is not how, or why, but when.”
“You seek the way, but fail to comprehend, the way seeks you.”
“You delay fate - move on.”
“The wheel turns.”
“A powerful nexus.”
“Do you feel it?”
“A commanding view of nothing.”
“An end, a beginning, one is the other.”
“All will reveal.”
“You cannot see the peak from the trough, nor the depths from the peak. Such is the way of the world as it unravels and reforms, forever changing, reforged over and again, until nothing remains but the memory of having known something different, perhaps once ...”
“Your part is played, for now ... and all that was persists.”
“You gaze to the heavens and see hell.”
“The end of the world, at the end of the world. A perfect stage for a final dance. Yet the music has not ceased. Do not presume to know what fate intends.”
“A million beings from a thousand worlds pour forth, emerging from these ruptures to engulf the world in its slumber. Save your regret, for it could never have been otherwise, from the blazing start of all things, to now, the path was set. When all is change, behold the fixedness of all things.”
“Final answers, ends, effects and resolutions remain the pale dreams of hopeless men for whom the world will never reveal its few, faint truths.”
“You went, for you came back. You do not yet understand, but you have seen. What do you recall of what will be?”
“What you saw, others have seen and emerged no wiser. So do not mourn.”
“All that resolves deceives, so we trust that which pretends not to truth, but reports what we already know ... which is this: all is folly.”
“Time is neither wheel, nor wave - no river, nor arrow. It cannot be named, for in naming is lost. Time is only that which undoes all else. So be consoled, for it has not yet had its way with you.”
“(Humming.) What now is done ... Must first begin ... To leave, we come ... And cease, again ... For songs to end ... They will be sung ... The tune that dies ... Shall be begun ... (Humming.)”
“I have seen you before, and sung all of this again. No origin, no end, but a loop in which we spin ... The wheel rolls on, the compass turns, the words we speak like echoes ... So ... you will go, because you shall come back ... You are here, so you are there, and all seems new, and none is true.”
“You went because you returned. This is how these rifts truly work. A question asked because it is answered. We are visions of ourselves, at best.”
“There is nothing to be done. The ancient one is loose. Freed, because she escaped. This is the way of things.”
“The Seeker awaits. And we will join you there, not by volition, for the choice was made before we opened our eyes to the beasts and their maker ... There is no other path. For it was always so.”
“We are the Unlost, the unfound, who seek not, nor discover, for this always was, and ever shall be.”
“(Humming) The vril shall cease, abeyant hope ... The deep, the dark ... The fence, the moat ... The vril shall cease, abeyant hope ... The deep, the dark ... The fence, the moat ...”
“A reprieve, be grateful. I perceive you've come far, and seek escape, from the depths, the shadow lair, where our kinds cannot co-exist ... You are of our kith, but not our kin, and I came with a warning, which is a gift. Halt here, and no worse shall befall you.”
“It was ever so, that we struggled at the edge of the light, knowing not whether we stepped towards darkness or day, and soon enough, darkness will rise.”
“You have come far, but you will halt here, before the darkness, the water, the nexus, an egress ... perhaps.”
“You hear me, but do you understand?”
“Perhaps you are the true anomaly here ...”

Elanor 39

“It's crazy, but ... I wonder ...”
“Oh it's you!”
“Hmmmm.”
“Did you come through a portal too?!”
“Well ...”
“How did this happen?”
“I'm glad you're still alive, and look, this is going to sound ridiculous ... but ... we need to get down to Reactors! With the Dark Lens gone, it's the only working portal equipment in the facility! ... A way out! So what if we opened the spillway?! All that water ends up in one place - Reactors! Nobody would expect us to risk our lives like that - which is exactly why we should do it! It could be our only chance!”
“I don't know what you're going to find there, but it has to be better than this ... doesn't it?”
“How you got through in one piece, I can't imagine. I came through a portal from Labs and it spat me out here - I should have known better, but what was I supposed to do, just wait for them to find me?!”
“I'll try and convince Abe and Dr. Ross to follow you ... if I can.”
“You're probably as sick of portal-hopping as I am, but the equipment in Reactors could be how we get out of here. It's old, but we never decommisioned it. And the spillway should drop us straight down there.”
“It's not the worst idea I've ever had, but ... um ... here we are.”
“This isn't my sector. I have no idea where the flow valves are.”
“I can't believe we're actually going to do this!”
“The Central Transmitter? Am I supposed to know what that is?”
“They destroyed it.”
“Did they know what they were doing?”
“I can't fix this.”
“You know what this is, don't you? The Dark Lens ... the core of our perforation research ... Or it was. I'd heard rumours of a threat, there are always rumours ... but this is insane. They killed everyone, then removed the Lens ... Without it, how are we supposed to control the portals? ... they could appear anywhere ... connect to anything ... Do they realise what they've done?”
“That portal ... just appeared. I've no idea how, but I am not going through! Without the Dark Lens, it could land in the middle of a supernova for all we know!”
“People called it the Dark Lens, but that's so ... portentous. Technically, it's a tachyonic telemetry targeting unit ... I should know, I invented it.”
“If it's a choice between random portals and risking my skin with whatever's lurking in Security Sector, well, that's no choice at all. I'm staying here.”
“It's almost like they knew our system's weakness ...”
“I wouldn't blame you for trying your luck, but don't expect me to follow.”
“Is this my fault?”
“You think Security Sector is any safer than this? It's not just a rumor, staff have disappeared! The Defense Team says there's nothing to worry about, but that's when you know there's a problem.”
“I thought about using the portals to get out of here, of course I did! But without the Lens they're impossible to predict, let alone control. And besides, exits ground near entries. If you don't get stranded in some random anteverse, you'll just end up dumped in another part of the facility.”
“If I could only get to Reactors, there's equipment that could help. But it may as well be on the moon right now.”
“I think that's Dr. Verenkov over there ...”
“You're not seriously thinking of going through ... are you?”
“Ah, good to see you.”
“It's not ... unincredible.”
“I'm glad to see you're alright.”
“The models never predicted ... this.”
“Well hello! It's nice to see I'm not the only one showing up in strange places. I got turned around in the lower Reactors and tumbled into another portal, largely by choice. I'll tell you all about it sometime, but we've clearly got more interesting things afoot. A group of Gatekeepers have set up shop at the top of Botanicals. They haven't fired on us, but they're definitely protecting something up there - perhaps another portal? Maybe something that can get us through the force field to the Dark Lens. My current theory? We should get exploring, but I'm underequipped. You, on the other hand... Well, I'm starting to wonder if you weren't born for this.”
“I need to access the Dark Lens. There's no telling what will happen if someone else - or something else - used it. We should explore the Botanical Wing and see if there isn't some kind of technology or... perhaps a key that can help us through the force field. I'm sure when you find it, you'll know it. If history tells us one thing, you seem to have a nose for it.”
“You don't seem affected by the cold either. I'm working on a theory - it's a little basic but hear me out - I think there's a contagion going around. A very friendly one, it seems, one that keeps us warm even here. Imagine, if we could find patient zero, find out who brought it to Cascade, I wonder what other secrets we could unlock.”
“There's several portals around here, but they aren't exhibiting the same tensor signatures as normal perforations. I suspect some temporal tomfoolery is afoot. Keep an eye on your wristwatch, I suppose. If time still matters, that is.”
“Good luck out there. I'll stay here and let any other survivors know what's what. I think I saw Dr. Riggs jumping around somewhere. And one of the food workers. Heavens knows how he's doing. I imagine he's quite the popsicle by now.”

Riggs 36

“Here we go.”
“Well, this is new.”
“(Sigh.)”
“Look, as utterly awful as this is, it's hardly the only universe around here.”
“I don't want to sound cold, but as horrific as it looks, this is barely a drop in the cosmic bucket, believe me.”
“I'm no defeatist, but if this is the end of life as we know it, frankly, we brought it on ourselves so ... I'll be finding finding a cosy anteverse and probably staying there indefinitely. You're welcome to join me. You seem to be quite in your element.”
“Still no sign of Dr. Manse. If you hear from him, do let me know, will you? I still owe him my Canaan field report. (Laughs)”
“One thing this job has taught me - there's a million universes out there, and they're all trying to eat each other. Maybe it's... simply our turn.”
“I'm aware that thinking on the cosmic scale is a defense mechanism in times of extreme stress or chaos, but it's really all I have right now. Please don't judge me.”
“Then again, humanity only changes course when it's absolutely forced to, so who knows, maybe this could be for the best. We can be rather good in a pinch. Sometimes.”
“Interesting.”
“Odd.”
“This Dr. Lenora Riggs, TransRecon Echo 3. It has been more than (DATA MISSING) since the (DATA MISSING) but, against all odds, we have returned to the facility. It is surpassingly strange to be back at Cascade - none of us would return by choice, were it not for (DATA MISSING). The state of the place is catastrophic, which is no surprise, and (DATA MISSING) encounter another human being. The temporal disturbance persists, anteverses curdle space-time like off milk, and the (DATA MISSING) as unstable as predicted. But Dr. Manse's instructions were clear, and we must push deeper into the facility to have any hope of (DATA MISSING) Synaptic Labs and the (DATA MISSING). Whether our expedition will be successful, I am uncertain. Some areas have collapsed entirely, and access may be impossible, to say nothing of the wildlife, but we must try. Dr. Lenora Riggs, TransRecon Echo 3, out.”
“Ah, good to see you again, under ... fairly dire circumstances, I admit, but it makes a change from Canaan ... A supercooled anteverse intruding into a shopping mall, carving it up like cosmic lego ... It's all quite... helter-skelter, isn't it? But Keystone's approach to this whole fiasco is another matter entirely. One invasion, and they drop the hammer, no warning, just send in the Gatekeepers to grab the Dark Lens and leave the rest of us to rot. I mean look - they're holed up behind that forcefield right now, trying to turn the damn Lens on. It's like they don't care if this to happens to all of Earth! Frankly, it's unacceptable. We need to find a way through, and put an end to this. Because no-one else is going to.”
“Something's put the fear of gods into the Gatekeepers, but unless we stop them leaving with the Lens, it won't make the slightest difference.”
“Keystone want this hushed up, of course they do They didn't even try to help, just sent their attack dogs in and wiped their hands. Which gives us a free hand, I believe. Because we owe them nothing. Well, except our jobs, I suppose - but a lot of good that does us now. I don't see myself ringing up accounting, which I imagine is floating somewhere over ... there.”
“If I sound ... exasperated with Keystone, well ... just look around you. All of this? It happened because of decisions THEY made, and rather than fix it they're determined to make it worse.”
“Thank you for your assistance in Canaan. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Strangely, Dr. Kesey elected to stay, and while I suppose he's found himself a niche, I'll take this mess over that mess any day of the week and twice on Sundays.”
“You haven't seen Dr. Manse, have you? It looks like he got out before ... all this happened. Which is for the best. Though he would have found it interesting, I'm sure.”
“Their forcefield's blocking access to everything except the Botanical Wing, so I suppose that's where I'm headed. It's in one piece, more or less, and may still have equipment we can bring to bear on the Gatekeeper's defenses.”
“This is Dr. Lenora Riggs, TransRecon 2 Primary. We have arrived safely in 168. Preliminary stellar comparisons suggest Earth or a potential analogue, akin to 23 and the others. No contact planned with the inhabitants as yet. We will continue to monitor them as we search for the signal source. Dr. Kesey is confident that it is close by. This will be my last broadcast before the perforation closes, and we will initiate the return within 72 hours. Dr. Riggs out.”
“A new arrival.”
“Welcome to Canaan.”
“Yes, I recognize you. I was there when Manse signed your transfer papers.”
“Apologies ... I thought you were one of the village idiots. Of course not one could have made it past those creatures - though several tried ... It's good to see a colleague again. We came here to study this place - to find out why it attracted our perforations so intensely ... We certainly found the answer - the Lodestone they call it. But the locals ... disapproved of our curiosity toward their 'holy artifact' ... They slaughtered Dr. Jessup, burned Dr. Mitter, and took our portal gear, I can't even get a signal, so those luddites have clearly damaged it. I was hardly going to give them their bauble back after that, was I? And anyway, that Lodestone is our ticket home. Or what's inside it, rather. Take it, and listen carefully. It's powerful perforation technology, and we can use its internal parts to repair our equipment. If you can find a way to smash it apart ... The anvil down in the village could be ... useful. They treat it like a religious artifact, but we know the most significant science is done by breaking things. Then, we just need to track down our portal gear. Start with that maniac in the church. Whatever he's done to our equipment, the Lodestone fragments should be more than adequate to fix it. ...”
“Stay back or be HEXED!”
“Be WARNED, mortal!”
“A CURSE awaits intruders!”
“Almost two months stuck here, toolless, helpless, two of my team dead! If it could have gone worse, I don't see how. But you made it past those creatures, maybe you can get us out of here. The Lodestone is extraordinary technology, but surely there's something in the village you could use to crack it open. Just ... get a little medieval.”
“It was my job to protect us, but ... there were too many, too fast. We were underprepared ... and I admit, not very subtle. I know exactly what Derek will say.”
“Those poor fools never dared look inside the Lodestone. But if we don't at least try to find out how it works, how it's constructed, to understand it, how can we call ourselves scientists? If you have to smash it open, just do it gently, yes?”
“Clearly, there's been some issues at Cascade, but why Dr. Tengku and her team couldn't re-establish the connection, I have no idea. Suffice to say, I will be having a frank exchange with the perforation team when we return.”
“This cult pursues some paranoid gnostic creed: denial of the flesh, devils in every doorway, the world a giant demonic lie - hardly original, is it? But if they weren't crazy before, that corn they eat has certainly popped a few kernels, if you know what I mean.”
“We're unsure of the exact date, but it would seem to be the 18th century. But is this our world, or a bifurcation? There's so much we don't know. We could be more certain if we had our tools, but they took almost everything.”
“The townsfolk are in thrall to that madman in the church. Every last one of them. A demagogue if ever I saw one. Humbler-than-thou hypocrite. A human disease, as far as I'm concerned. I think even Dr. Kesey's under his spell. He's been fishing down by the dock for weeks. Completely lost his mind, it seems.”
“Those things in the swamp, I'd been fending them off with subsonics, but I wonder how they got here? If the Lodestone is really an anchor of sorts, did those creatures come through a perforation? From the same origin, by accident? ... I don't know. It sometimes feels as though everything here came from somewhere else...”

Hill 31

“Damn, ow. Jeez, that stings.”
“Sighs ... huh, is someone there?”
“It's fine. Everything is fine. This is fine. I'm fine. We're all fine.”
“Coooool.”
“Hey.”
“Good to see you.”
“Hey, good to see you! And just - just wait - I know how it looks! Look, normally, I'm all about the Gatekeepers - love those guys, especially when they're around ... but they, they did shut down the fusion generator, and caused a bit of a mess. Now don't get me wrong, they had the right idea! We have been invaded - and the last thing we want to do is to give those genocidal antiquarians a free pass to, you know, that other facility - I totally get that! But there's the thing, nuclear power is one of the safest sources of energy there is, but you - you can't just go 'turning it off' whenever you feel like it! Y'know, it's not - it's not a television, it's not ... You get it. You seem capable. I am a little busy. So if you could get the nuclear reactors back online, we can restart the central fusion generator and sort this place out! Someone's already taken care of the Dusk Reactor, so the other three just need ... a little work. They all look like this bad boy behind me, but actually operational. This one's not gonna help anybody. ... Oh, ah, one thing, a small ... rule? They're pretty intense about security down here. (Laughs) Who knew, right?! I'm gonna just leave that one with you, but ... these are ... unusual times ... so, ah ... I didn't give you this information, okay ... totally wasn't me, alright ... haha. Any questions?”
“You're gonna have this sorted in no time! I mean, it's nuclear power, not rocket science. Anyone would think that you do this for a job! You're new, right? I have no idea what you do 'round here, sorry, I'm just making small talk while I... Look, we'll have to catch up properly some time. Maybe grab a coffee. ... After we fix this.”
“Okay, amazing. All four reactors online and fusion ignited! ... I knew that you could do it, totally, zero doubts. Now, I'm guessing you want in there, and sure, maybe the GKs have an exit, a portal to you-know-where, so I don't blame you. But honestly, I wouldn't - um - whole mess of trouble, that one. I'd just stand back, enjoy a job well done. And anyway, looks like something's gone slightly ... um ... south with the ... ah ... substation - you couldn't get into the control room to open the reactor up even if you wanted to. It's just a minor short, nothing serious, happens all the time. Uh, well, not under my watch, but unless you're a certified electrical engineer, I'd be focused on how you're gonna get this place back to normal. I mean, aside from the ... ah ... war. I'm thinking long-term here.”
“Okay, color me impressed - you fixed that electrical fault. I mean I shouldn't be surprised, you've got a great attitude, real 'can do' person, I admire that, I do. Seriously, if you're ever looking for a new role, we've got space down here. Lot of open roles right now, actually.”
“Door's open. Just waiting for ya. But you're gonna miss all of this. I know you are.”
“It takes four nuclear reactors to ignite the central fusion generator - but then you've got basically all the energy you need ... for anything! It's why we built this thing. So let's work on that, shall we?”
“I'm a little tied up right now - but you're new, so take a look around. Not exactly ideal timing, but you're looking at one of the facility's oldest areas - where our perforation work started! It's history down here! And yeah, getting past some of the security might mean getting your hands a little ... messy, but hey, if you want tidy, go work in a library!”
“Ten years ago, nobody could do this! Look how far we've come! I mean, this one behind me, it's a museum piece, practically. Well, not actually. But ... You know, soon. Once I stop this, um, history, from leaking all over the place.”
“Looks like the Gatekeepers have got their hands full right now, so, ah, let's make that work for us, yeah? Normally, they do good work - Synaptic Labs don't mess around - but they've gone a little off the grid this time. I'm not saying you have to kill a few of them but I'm also not saying that you don't not have to not kill any of them, either.”
“The fantastic thing about the perforation system is that it doesn't rely on the Dark Lens - it's older than that! Sure, it took the entire output of the fusion generator just to open a portal, but sometimes the old ways are the best ways. In this case, the old way ... might be the only way.”
“So they turned off the power in a hurry. Yeah, it could've happened to anyone, but really, this is why technical decisions need to be trusted to the people who understand them best. I'm not trying to exclude anyone, or sound superior - it's about safety. Pure and simple. And also, it should be me, the Plant Supervisor. It's right there in the title. Right there.”
“I'm not gonna lie - it's been a weird couple o' days, but we're almost there. We're almost ... there. We're almost ...”
“Let me preface this by saying; I'm no biologist. This radioactive waste all over the place, this stuff is perfectly safe, ah, normally ... However, it looks like some of the A2 specimens may have interacted a little intensely with some of the nuclear byproduct. And hey, I'm not trying to point fingers, I know they were just trying to help, but if the Gatekeepers hadn't deactivated the fusion generator, I think a lot of this could have been avoided. Again, I'm no expert. Well, I am, but with the ... radioactive stuff, not the ... um ... monstrosities from countless anteverses stuff.”
“Hey I like your style, I mean that. Safe, functional, sorta classy. You're hitting all the right points here. I mean sure, you've clearly kinda lost it over the last few days, but ... well, I trust you ... I ... I trust AT you. I have trust OF you. Trusty-ness ... ish.”
“I'm being realistic here: I know we've got some work cut out for us cleaning this place up, but the power is one less thing to worry about. Except for the electrical fault, I guess, but we can deal with the substation whenever. I mean, it's just on the other side of that wall. No hurry.”
“Hey, it's not the first time this place has turned into a battle zone, don't even get me started. You would not believe the beefs they have down here. We'll - we'll bounce back. ... We'll bounce back.”
“Normally, we, me, the Gatekeepers, we take care of this place, I swear. We keep the old perf' gear running so they can use it for ... well ... you wouldn't believe some of the things they bring through that portal - the one you're locked out of, you know. Seriously, if I described them, you'd be like, 'Dr. Hill, you're drunk, what are you doing in charge of all these nuclear reactors?' you know. Anyway, since Newman did her thing with the ol' Dark Lens, the transit down here's been all-GK, all-the-time. They don't trust the Lens, and they've got their reasons, sure. Personally, I gotta say, the safety measures on that thing are ... well, uh, I wrote a lotta e-mails about it. It's worse than Synaptics! But don't get me wrong, the GKs did get a little carried away this time ...”
“Oh, this baby? First of its kind. A Flowing Liquid Lithium Plasma-Facing Component Torordial Tokomak reactor. Developed in total secret. Took seven years, sixteen PhDs and one Anteverse you do not wanna visit. I'm telling you, say 'no'. And look, maybe Garrick planned it this way, maybe she didn't, but building a facility in a disused lithium mine? Smaaart move. More Lithium 6 than you could shake a breeder at. That's a joke. Don't shake anything here.”
“Looking to get that door open? Sure, why not, I get it, but ... here's the thing: Careful what you wish for. Just saying.”
“There be dragons, that's all I'll say. Over there. Dragons. It's a metaphor.”
“If you gotta go, you gotta go, I know, I know, and the way to the control center's clear now - just head up there, open the door and the world's your oyster ... if you don't mind your oysters flambéd by eldritch fire from the abyss.”
“Whatever you find through there, I hope it's what you're looking for - a sense of personal accomplishment, maybe. Adventure. But not love. Love doth not lie that way. The opposite really. Don't say I didn't warn you.”
“I am going to miss you - and I'm not just saying that. We've had some wild times. And I could seriously use a hand. Seriously. But you've got places to be, I see that.”
“It's been real, it has. Really real. No more realer time than this. Except if the bulk universe is true and the past and future equally exist, then these are all just platitudes.”
“Okay man if you keep talking to me I'm gonna start telling you about orphaned sources ... ah ... They're liked abandoned babies ... but worse ... and more dangerous.”

Frake 31

“There's your EXIT! Nothing a micro-blackhole couldn't take care of! Now you can get into Labs We'll follow soon, but I'm not leaving any of my team behind. You could be useful, try not to get yourself killed.”
“I don't know how you made it this far, those savages have blocked every exit - they even collapsed the surface tunnel! But remember what happened in '85, when the kinetics team overloaded the synchrotron!? They triggered a singularity that carved a hole clean through to the next Sector! We could do it again right now ... if these damn quakes hadn't broken the electron pumps. So I sent my team to the Blacksmith he can make parts to fix the pumps - we'll make our own exit! All my people need to do is follow the pipes, red, yellow, green - they'll find their way to the pumps they need to fix. It's been hours since they left, but they'll be back, I'm sure of it.”
“I have to admit, you surprised me. I had to come and see this for myself. You gonna do the honors?”
“OH my GOD.”
“They're with the Research Division! Don't shoot!”
“It's safe, you can come up!”
“Get a move on!”
“This place is done for, I don't know why you're sticking around.”
“If you see any of my team, tell them you've found a way out.”
“I think the soldiers are running out of ammo, but we're not safe yet ...”
“Are you going to stand around staring - or do something useful?”
“The science team never listens, and look what happened.”
“Whatever those soldiers were expecting, it wasn't this.”
“If the Blacksmith can make the parts to fix the electron pumps, we'll blow the synchrotron to kingdom come. A little extreme, perhaps, but clearly the rules have changed and I don't hear any better plans.”
“I'll be sorry to sacrifice that beautiful machine, but we're past worrying about property damage.”
“I'm not going to say it, I'm not going to say 'I told you so'.”
“The science team would like to forget it happened - but it did, and we're going to do it again. But this time, it won't be an accident.”
“The smartest thing you can do, is keep your head down.”
“You should leave this to engineers - we built this equipment, we understand it.”
“I wouldn't say we have a lot of time.”
“This is either going to work, or it's not. I think it's time we find out.”
“If you're not going to press that button, I will.”
“Hey, Research Division!”
“You made it!”
“Quickly, over here!”
“Almost thought you weren't going to show up. Haven't had much luck getting my team to the surface - tried digging, but the rock kept collapsing. Figured we'd try our hand down here, but ... look at this place - a damn warzone ... Not like we had a lot of choice, now, did we? Reactors has the only reliable portal gear in the whole facility now ... If we can just get this geriatric setup back online - without getting fried by those mystic loons - we might actually have a chance of getting out of here. Meanwhile, the Gatekeepers want to clean us up, like vermin. Well, we'll see about that.”
“I heard the portal down here leads to some kinda sanctuary ... but Gatekeepers can't tell the difference between a hex and a tri-wing screw, so I'd take that with a grain of salt.”
“Looks like you had a similar idea, eh? Great minds. Sure.”
“I'll admit, some of those Gatekeepers pack a punch, for a bunch of sage-burning woo-woos.”
“The gear in Reactors is old, but it works. A decade's a long time round here. Only the GKs use it now, and they're not exactly big on maintenance, but it should be solid.”
“Have you seen Douglas?”

Exit Soldier 30

“Do not shoot! Do NOT SHOOT! We are together in this perdition!”
“I'm without weapons!”
“I seek only an exit!”
“This was not the covenant!”
“There is no justice in further conflict.”
“We came here to cleanse, and protect, but this chaos is beyond our capacity to suppress. We are beset by demons from the depths of the mines! And that termagent FRAKE has holed herself up in the Processing Plant! I must warn my betheren, this course is impossible! But our engineers collapsed this tunnel, to ensure no egress. We need another way to bring tidings of this terror to the Tribunal. Frake is concealing the escape from us! I am sure of it! She hides in her fortress, letting us rot here!”
“My legates would anull me if I return, but I will find a way from this limbo. Frake's fortress is not impregnable. She knows the secrets of this sarcophagus, and she will be made to reveal them.”
“Understand me when I say, there is no pathway here.”
“The Divinitors may punish me for dereliction, but I must warn them! There are worse things to fear here than ... excommunication. It is imperative my legates understand the scale of this disorder.”
“Apparition?!”
“Impossiblia!”
“Promethean!?”
“Wait, Promethean! Do not attack! Our paths converge once more! By some fathomless twist of circumstance, you arrive in the sanctum of my brethren at a critical moment! The wretched Gatekeepers are trapped in your facility, now that their redoubt is violated. They came to recover the Dark Lens - now it is their only possibility of escape! Yet if they achieve this, be assured, the infested state of your lair will become the fate of the entire world! They hide in your facility's frigid Residence sector, seeking to activate the device! The realm is immersed in cold beyond anything in our universe! My brethren have a tool that could counter it - the Sun Disk - but are forbidden from doing so. But you! You are not so constrained by our covenant. There is only one course! To achieve greater ends, I must permit your passage to the Praetorium's very heart. Reach the Sun Disk to survive the abyssal cold of Residences! Confront the Gatekeepers! Remove the Dark Lens from their possession by any means! Accept this offer, or return to your crypt and continue your quest alone - I shall not stop you ... nor could I.”
“This cannot have been your intended destination! Not even Prometheans would be so foolish as to enter the heart of our kingdom. Ah, but the Anchorae ... the Lodestones, you call them ... more than mere rock and bone and flesh, they have greater potency than we know - they pursue their own ends, and warp perforations like water.”
“A bloody fate befell the so-called Shadowgate, and now your bestial Gatekeepers must engage the Dark Lens to escape a grave they dug for YOU! Clambering to freedom on a ladder hewn from the bones of your colleagues! If they succeed, there will be no opposing them, the floodgates to other realms will open and pour into our existence! It cannot be permitted.”
“My brethren hid the Sun Disk from a world unready for the knowledge that lay within. Wisdom from another world aflame, a civilization within a star. The time may come when we share its secrets, but for now, you, I, we need the power it grants, to survive in the extremes which have infiltrated your forsaken Residence Sector. Your path lies through the Great Library! Proceed, Promethean!”
“For what we intend, I will surely be annulled, but we must act swiftly, while my brethren are still distracted by their assault on your facilities. We must proceed!”
“There is no escape from this place for you, Scientist. My brethren will ensure it. Yet if you follow my words, a path from your false temple may emerge.”
“The malignancy of your Gatekeepers is a threat to this world and all others. Your most virtuous, nay, most scientific path now, is to assist me.”
“I ask you to help me betray my brethren in order to serve them. I will be condemned, I aver. But I accept this fate, for the ends are too great to consider any other course.”
“There is no eternity for which I will be heralded! No history shall redeem me. The only stone is the stone beneath our feet. Supremus. Ordo. Petrae.”
“Promethean, success.”
“You have touched the Disk.”
“You appear unharmed.”
“Do you feel it? You have gained something within. We do not understand it ourselves, but it will remain with you for the rest of your existence. With it you can survive the impossible cold of your Residence Sector. I beseech you, return to your facility with haste and begin your assault on the Gatekeepers. I have activated a rift that will transport you there. Gather what forces and materials you require and proceed to that frozen abyss. I will join you there and we will locate this Dark Lens, tearing it from the apostates' hands. I will accompany you when I can - but there are tasks I must attend.”
“What slows you, Promethean? The way is clear.”
“You dally, Scientist, while the world slips towards the abyss.”
“What is it you require here? You have that which you need - onward!”
“Promethean, pass through the rift, I implore you - prevent the Gatekeepers escaping with the Dark Lens, waste not another moment.”
“Promethean, I am here! The Sun Disk protects you, excellent, but you remain impeded from entry, and in this I can assist you. Your supposed security is not so hard to circumvent, my brethren proved this clearly enough. Stand aside and I will scout ahead. The way is not yet clear for us to assail the Gatekeepers, retrieve the Dark Lens and put a stop to this calamity once and for -”

Marion 30

“For what do you seek?”
“You desire ... what?”
“Have you a need?”
“You freed the giants. If I can assist, I shall.”
“So be it, we are done.”
“The time will come again, no matter.”
“We have no further business, for now.”
“(Nervous laugh) Yes, very good.”
“A pleasure, indeed.”
“Travel well, my friend.”
“Once more, we convene.”
“We can help each other, yes.”
“Perhaps an exchange.”
“At last, you are here.”
“Oh ... you are back.”
“The crusaders ... you're not one of them ...”
“You have returned.”
“What do you seek?”
“What do you ... seek?”
“You opened the way. And now they are free. Trapped no longer. You have given them freedom, whether you meant to or not. That is the price of your own escape.”
“There is still work for me here.”
“I remain, as a witness, and gatherer.”
“Once, I will come, maybe, as they see fit.”
“You would escape this place?”
“The crusaders came to combat them – they will fail.”
“This is no-one's home ...”
“You want out? Of course you want out. Like them. The giants. You are trapped here. But shut down the devices. Your devices. Remove the power cells. One two three. You’ll have your way out. But what then? When you’ve opened your door? What then eh?”
“Your people would not open the way, but they are gone, the crusaders saw to that. So there's no-one to stop you.”
“The devices prevent portals. Prevent the prevention, and problem solved.”
“The way was closed. Remove the cells, and the way will open.”

Jimmy 26

“Hey!”
“So ... how's it going?”
“You're looking ... okay?”
“Hey, like this is still bad, I guess but there's worse places ... than floating ... underground ... in space ... kinda?”
“This is, like, one of those things that you just, like ... look at ... but your brain just, like ... won't ... you know ... process it .. or something?”
“You think all this'll make it to New Zealand? ... Wait, do you think I'LL make it back to New Zealand?”
“I 'spose the old facility's kinda munted now, eh?”
“So ... still pretty ... weird in here ... yup.”
“You get hungry, just let me know. One thing we got round here is tacos ... Lotsa tacos. Damn, never realized how many tacos we had back here.”
“Aw jeez ...”
“It's ... so ... cold ...”
“Maaan, screw this.”
“Oh man, what's happening? I was just making tacos, next minute I'm over here and the pub's in space, everything's freezing, there's portals everywhere and ... what the hell happened, man? When I signed on, the manager said, well, she said stuff might get a bit weird sometimes, but that's okay, it's normal? This look NORMAL to you? But when you touched me, just then, what was that? I don't feel cold any more ... How'd you do that? Well, whatever, thanks man. I'd ... offer you a taco, but ... you know ... it's ... in space ... and stuff.”
“You got any idea what's happening in here? Do I even wanna know?”
“You wanna go through one of those portals, good luck!”
“I shoulda checked the contract with my lawyer, my mum said. But I don't have a lawyer. Nobody gave me one.”
“What am I supposed to do now? I can't even move or I'm gonna freeze in about two seconds ... How did you get here?”
“Man, Sharon better pay me overtime for this.”
“Oh maaan.”
“Not taco time?”
“Not in the mood for tacos, eh.”
“Yeah, I don't eat these either, really.”
“Bon apetite.”
“Gotta be good for ya ... or not.”
“Grub's up.”
“Ka pai.”

Facility 26

“Welcome to the GATE Cascade Research Facility. You are in the Induction Wing. The facility is currently at Alert Level: Precautionary. Please listen carefully to, and follow, all security instructions. Now arriving at Staff Processing.”
“Attention. This is a High Priority safety broadcast. You are currently en route to Residence Level 7. Due to an active security situation, advanced safety precautions are in effect. This elevator will be redirected to Offices Level 1. Please remain in place and wait for Security Team assistance.”
“Attention: Enhanced security protocols are now in effect. Please locate security personnel and follow evacuation procedures.”
“Warning, biological incursion detected. Please alert Defense Team personnel.”
“Alert, unsanctioned entities detected. Contact containment staff - immediately.”
“Be advised, unknown facility access detected. Caution advised.”
“Warning, this facility has been compromised by unauthorized entities. Alert nearest Defense Team staff immediately.”
“Good morning - attention ALL Hydroplant personnel. This sector has been designated an official defensive boundary. Safety protocols are suspended in this sector and all zones beyond until further notice. Thank you for your understanding.”
“Electrical systems will be powering down shortly. Please prepare all critical systems for offline operation. Have a safe and secure evening.”
“Alert. There has been a - complete - containment failure. Please make your way to Defense Sector by any means available. Have an efficient and effective day.”
“Power services for today will be stopping momentarily. If you have any specimens outside of containment, return them immediately. Have an efficient and effective evening.”
“Warning. The safety rating of this sector is now - negative four. Please exit this sector via the Main Surface Tunnel. Have a safe and successful day.”
“Good evening. Today's power and primary illumination in this sector will be ceasing shortly. Have a safe and successful evening.”
“Attention. This sector is under precautionary security measures. Please remain in place and wait for Security assistance.”
“This sector will be powered down momentarily. If you have not already evacuated the facility, consider this your top priority. Have a wonderful and productive evening.”
“All vacant perforations will be resetting in 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... Reset complete.”
“(dead air)”
“Alert. The GATE Rise Laboratory is under security threat. Secure your work station and evacuate immediately. Leave all belongings and samples, and follow Defense Team instructions.”
“Good morning. The Cascade Defense - (Unknown) ... is currently at Alert Level Five, please ensure - (Unknown) All security operations are - are - and protocols (Unknown) ... executed immediately. Have a safe and secure day.”
“Bonjour. Cette installation n'est actuellement pas sécurisée. Veuillez sortir immédiatement. Passez une journée sûre et sécurisée”
“Air Quality Bulletin. Environmental systems have been compromised (Unknown). Atmospheric quality (Unknown). Level 2 bio-(Unknown) in effect.”
“Warning. Anomalous power fluctuation detected in - office - sector. Investigation - recommended. Critical operations may experience intermittent power loss. GATE apologizes for any inconvenience.”
“Air Quality Bulletin. Temperature drop detected. Expected temperature: Invalid Number Range. System fault detected. System reset in progress.”
“Air Quality Bulletin: Absolute humidity exceeding nominal levels. Dehumidification in progress.”
“Air Quality Bulletin: Radiation levels exceeding operational safety limits. Venting procedure commencing.”
“Air Quality Bulletin: Atmospheric contaminants detected. Air filtration in progress.”

Penny 25

“Wait till the 7th Planetary Legion hears about this!”
“Have you seen Maxine?”
“You're back again.”
“You found all the Royal Crowns! You can fly back to space now! I'm - I'm happy for you, and I'll see you again, if you ever come back. But you should escape. As soon as you can. Be safe, and good luck finding the Oracle!”
“My brain hurts.”
“You saw the Lamogi, didn't you? They're cruel and evil now. It wasn't always like this, they just used to be ... pesky.”
“I met someone who looked like you before! He said his name was ... Abe, I think. He wanted to help us, but he never came back.”
“This was a wonderful place. I'm scared, but I can't leave. Where would I go?”
“The snow's pretty, isn't it? Every snowflake is identical ... almost like the universe is a giant machine ...”
“The ice feels safer when you’re not alone.”
“Flying fish!”
“Space Queen?”
“Oh feathers!”
“You escaped the Painted Planet! Oh! You're not Space Queen Maxine! You don't look as fast either ... Hmmm ... Well, anyway ... Welcome to Royal Range! But I'm afraid you're in trouble - Our home is ... Excuse me, I feel strange. Everything's changed here ... Once it was full of joy and laughter, then something terrible happened! The Lamogi got sick ... somehow ... and now they're unbearable! They slaught - Uh, they hurt my friends! If you want to reach the Orbiting Oracle, you'll have to find a way past them! You need seven Royal Crowns to open the way to Mighty Moon! But the Royal Crowns are ... They're f- They're sick! It was never like this before! I don't know what's happening!”
“You're getting closer to the Orbiting Oracle! But ... something's wrong with the Royal Crowns ... they're sick. And I don't feel that great myself. You need seven Crowns to get back to space! But be careful! They do strange things to you!”
“I don't know where the sickness came from! It infected the Lamogi, then the Royal Crowns! I'm the only one left! It's just ... me.”
“Ever since things started to change, I felt different ... like my brain was ... growing ... It hurts.”
“And watch out for the water! It may look nice, but it's ICE COLD!”
“This is a bouncy place! Even for someone like you! Try it! Twice!”
“It feels like ... my thoughts are climbing up ... like a ladder, higher and higher! It gets harder to answer them all. Isn't that strange?”
“Under protection of the 5th Planetary Legion ~ Commander Fili”
“The Lamogi are pretty hardy, but a bop on the top of their head might take care of that!”
“There are Royal Coins everywhere! Collect all 25 for a reward... if you can find it!”
“Our troops were overrun. We had no chance. They tore us to pieces. The teeth... Oh god, the SQUARE teeth...”
“No penguins allowed by order of Bigogi, the biggest, coolest Lamogi! And this Royal Crown is mine! MINE!”

Blacksmith 24

“Where'd you come from?”
“You need somethin'?”
“Quick, 'fore they come back.”
“You're not one'a Frake's people, are ya?”
“Heard the explosion from here. Place shook like a snowglobe. But what are you doin' back? Need somethin?”
“Don't worry about me, I seen worse, I think.”
“You find a way out, send help, alright?”
“Need me to make you something?”
“I don't know whatcha planning, but it better be something smart.”
“Look, we don't got a lot of time. Radio's out, Frake's gone AWOL, and the place is crawling with gunned-up psycho cowboys. They ain't shut me down yet, but folk like you need to be gettin' to the surface tunnel. Roadway's locked up tight, so you needa find a way through the security doors up there ... Maybe you can hack through somehow - they don't exactly leave the codes lyin' around, if you know what I mean. If you need somethin', though, I can help - equipment, gear, whatever - I can make it, if you got what I need.”
“Frake wants to blow a hole in the floor? She's too smart for her own good sometimes, but what choice we got? I can trade you parts to fix the pumps, sure. But there's a couple things I need first - price'a doin business - cause Frake ain't the only one with plans. I'll buzz the list to ya. One more thing - you're gonna have to unlock the tram station, too. One'a Frake's people, said there's a gateway in there. If that portal leads where I think it does, some'a what's on that list is on the other side. I'll give you specs for a Tram Key, should open the station right up.”
“That oughta do it.”
“What else you need?”
“Yeah, you good.”
“Best'a luck.”
“(Disappointed Sigh).”
“(Annoyed Grunt).”
“(Murmur of agreement)”
“I seen some crazy stuff down here. Workin' with Frake's been a trip. First time we been invaded, though. If I were you, I'd head for the surface tunnel. Get your ass outta here.”
“I got a lot of fabrication gear back here. You need somethin', I can make it, if you got somethin' to trade - gettin' a little low on some necessities back here.”
“Just don't go asking for no hot air balloon.”
“These military guys came past, I heard 'em talking ... Sounded like somethin' from a book, you know, real old school ...”
“Most of what I need's round here somewhere, but you might needa go a little ... further ... afield. There's places that ain't on the map, if you know what I mean ... So look around the tram station, 'cause it's more than just a bus stop. Best'a luck.”
“They ain't gettin' in here any time soon, but you gotta be careful, okay? The cleaners are gonna have enough on their hands. Haha. Look after yourself, okay?”

Warren 24

“Well, it's not for everyone.”
“You know where to find me.”
“Do or don't, it's all the same to me.”
“Right, well, another time, maybe.”
“Not bad, if you like that sort of thing.”
“Well, its all yours, you look like you need it.”
“I do what I can.”
“You're welcome.”
“What're you gonna do, just stand there?”
“I got a gun ... just sayin'.”
“Hey, do I know you?”
“Come here, mate.”
“Well, this is just bonza.”
“Oi!”
“Ha, you got through into Manufacturing. Guess you ran into some issues, or you wouldn't be back here. Or you just looking for the 'suggestion box'?”
“I reckon you know what you need to do, and if you don't, well, don't look at me.”
“Gotta admit, I figured an underground facility'd be a bit more safe than this.”
“What? Something on my face?”
“Look, I dunno what's going on. They don't tell me squat on a good day, and this ISN'T a good day. But if the big voice says get out, I'd do what she says. Elevators are dead, so head for the main tunnel in Manufacturing, on Level 2. There's maps over there. But me, I'm stayin' right here.”
“Reckon I’m leaving here? I don’t think so. Radio’s dead, half the doors are buggered, and now there’s little hoppy things everywhere. You’re on your own. But. If anything you like turns up, come see me for a trade. You like peas?”
“Unless you get a move on, you're gonna end up as tucker for some frilly peg leg drongo from God knows where. NOT a good look. You're smarter than that. Or you should be. I've seen those Science Team paychecks.”
“Saw a buncha eggheads heading to the Silos on Level 3 earlier. Tried to tell 'em about Manufacturing, but they weren't having a bar of it.”
“Facility's lookin' pretty rough - and you're hangin' around like a bad smell. I'd be looking at pushing through to manufacturing if I were you. But I'm not. So ... that's on you.”
“Still stuck here, huh? How about those life choices. Anyway, it's time you got on your bike, I reckon. Smart sort like you. Science your way outta here.”

Forklift 23

“(Groan)”
“The soldiers ...”
“They wanted information ...”
“I don't know who they were ...”
“Try Level 3 ... the power cells ... Energy Research team ...”
“They weren't Gatekeepers ... someone else ... not government ... heading for the Silos ...”
“If you can get out of here, send help ...”
“The soldiers came through ... they locked down Manufacturing ... Wanted information about ... the Silos ... on Level 3 ... They weren't Gatekeepers ... they were something else ... I couldn't tell them anything ... But if you can find a power cell ... We can use the forklift ... to open the door ... get out of here through the Surface Tunnel ...”
“Hey.”
“Anything you need?”
“I got a few things.”
“(Sighs) I ... Thank you. I mean it. Just ... need a moment ... and I'll be good, yeah.”
“Still kicking, eh? Uh, I don't mean actual kicking, like, you're still --- Never mind. Look, I found some things lying around. Maybe you'll want them, maybe you don't. Either way, I'll be around for a bit. Talk to me if you're interested.”
“Fine.”
“Let me know if you change your mind.”
“I can't just give this to you for free, you know. Wish I could.”
“Good stuff.”
“Anything else?”
“Sure, yeah, that'll work.”
“You want something specific?”
“You want to trade? Well, why didn't you say so?”
“Where do I get this stuff? Somewhere.”
“Times are tough, sure, you gotta get a little creative.”

Mage 20

“Do we grasp all she says? ... We do not.”
“Has she ever misguided us? ... She has not.”
“Are you tempting me to extinguish you? ... You are.”
“Rid us of yourself.”
“The world's center shifts eternally. Today it lies beneath our feet.”
“The idan overflows.”
“This is not our choice.”
“You speak to me, but what consolation could I provide?”
“The will of one is not enough to shift the workings of the world, but perhaps, in moments, to unwind them.”
“We watch, we wait, we witness.”
“This is no end, nor beginning, for such things do not exist.”
“Leave me to this vigil. ... We observe... A wake... for the world.”
“In the face of the wind, Atum turns where it blows him, knowing nothing more than its soft hand upon his back.”
“What wires, what device, what circuit will help you see the truth?”
“Arkus hesitated at the edge, then leapt. If we were all so brave, we would not be here.”
“We are done, if ever such a thing was.”
“We meet again, from before or a time to come, it is all the same.”
“You do not oye, so I cannot explain this to you, and it would make no difference if I could.”
“Do you feel lost? ... No? ... Then you most certainly are.”
“It is already done.”

Shepherd 17

“I'm freezing.”
“Damn snow.”
“Unbelievable.”
“Well this a mess. I'm freezing my ass off in here. No-one saw that storm up there coming, sure, but someone at Keystone sure had a plan for this. They just send the Gatekeepers in to get the Lens back, then shut this place down like nothing ever happened. Great thing about a secret facility - you hit an iceberg, no-one'll ever know. This is a lockdown, pure and simple. Help isn't coming. I thought there might be a way out here, but only way is through the Shopping District, and a horde of GATE's favorite gang of freaks. It doesn't look promising.”
“I told Derek it would happen - but he just kept saying 'No, the Dark Lens is stable, Elanor knows what she's doing.' Well, apparently not.”
“Keystone only cares about the Dark Lens. Everything else can burn. If they've got the Lens, they can replace it - start again ... create a whole new mess.”
“I'm just waiting for the right moment to ... well ... I'll know it when I see it. I'm an optimist.”
“If we ever make it out of here, I'm moving somewhere it never snows. Like Miami.”
“I'm not sure any of us really understood the risks. There are questions we should have stopped to ask. For all the good it does now.”
“Maybe we deserve this. Well not me, specifically. I'm a victim here! You? Not sure about you.”
“Hello?”
“Is there a human out there?”
“Is nowhere safe?”
“I thought this might be a safe place to wait until they sorted this out ... whatever 'this' is. Looks like I was wrong. That useless rent-a-cop in the plaza said to go through Manufacturing, then head for the Surface Tunnel I suppose... But that's a whole sector away. If they think I'm walking all that way, through their toxic machine shops, they can think again.”
“I'm not ready yet ... just a little longer ... Maybe they'll fix this and I can get back to my work. I have samples denaturing as we speak.”
“Gah, gymnasiums. I hate them. Sweaty shrines to insecurity.”
“At least nothing in the C-Blocks has escaped ... as far as we know.”

Exor Chief 16

“This was foreseen.”
“Within will speak.”
“For what do you seek?”
“This is ours.”
“We (remember) this. You come from nothing. Wishing to escape. We (see) whispers. A sanctuary you would violate. Return to your home before (untranslatable) is aware. Forget what you have seen. Undo what might be.”
“You have chosen.”
“The children of (untranslatable) are spores on the sea of furthest night. It (breeds) our purpose ... Yours is not yet grown.”
“The children are sent to new (homes). Seek the safety of your world. Or dwell in (death).”
“We see fear, and hope. Both are misplaced.”
“This is our root, our cause. You still seek yours.”
“It cannot be undone.”
“(untranslatable) sees you now, with myriad eyes.”
“You have been perceived.”
“The waters now flow.”
“In silence, was safety. Now, no longer. You must adapt. As we have.”
“You look without knowing, seeking for a reason to search, inverted, adrift, a nullity upon the waters.”

Rat 16

“I awake.”
“Cheese?”
“Play time?”
“I have cheese.”
“Thank you cheese.”
“Happy.”
“Strange cheese.”
“Hungry.”
“Where cheese?”
“You cheese?”
“Plz cheese.”
“You no cheese?”
“No cheese.”
“(Silence.)”
“I sleep.”
“Dream cheese.”

Demo Door Guy 15

“Hello? Over here!”
“You going to leave me standing here?”
“Someone needs to sort this out!”
“(Scream)”
“They never tell you what's gone wrong.”
“Did we meet on the tachyon project?”
“I can't work under these conditions.”
“Oh … you’re new. Looks like that little … pest damaged the power system. Can you get someone to fix it? But hurry, would you. I’m not enjoying standing around out here. It was hours last time. I don’t feel safe at all.”
“Hurry!”
“You need to open the DOOR! ... NOW!”
“Just get it open!”
“PLEASE!”
“Well, if you're the only help available, you should set up somewhere and sort this out.”
“Fixing the power system can't be all that difficult, it's not quantum physics.”
“Look, just find a way to let me in.”

Waterbot 15

“Organic colleague. I detect you carry one of Dr. Wakeman's subjects with you. You failed to activate her vocalizer, but I have corrected this for you. Hello, Ms. Muir.”
“Welcome to beautiful Power Services.”
“Hello, organic friend.”
“Please respect the foliage.”
“Did Dr. Wakeman send you?”
“Fellow GATE employee, I am K18. Dr. Wakeman entrusted me to care for the plants and vegetation in this sector. Some new office plants were unexpectedly added to my routine, but I have adapated to this change. I hope you are pleased. The plants are growing so well, in fact, one has blocked the entrance to The Reactors; a fungal bloom. The growth covers the lower entrance, and may require a neutralizing agent. I was not given access to such chemicals, but if you wish further access to the facility, perhaps you can procure some. Please enjoy the vegetation.”
“Hello friend. Even though you have damaged the foliage, I am still pleased to see you. I am afraid, however, I will have to report your behaviour to Dr. Wakeman. He will be negatively appreciative. I will forgive you, but it may take some time.”
“Are you exiting this facility as well? I have observed GATE employees passing into the portal. None have returned, so they must be happy there. But there is no-one to enjoy this garden now. Only myself. Take care, I would not want you to expire soon.”
“I hope you have a wonderful morning/day/evening.”
“Do you require assistance? The portal was closed for a long time, but now it is open again, and the plants flourish. I am very happy to see these plants thriving so thoroughly.”
“If you ever visit Synaptic Labs, please do not mention me to Dr. Lewis.”
“I look forward to meeting you again, under better circumstances.”
“There is no way through to the Reactors without anti-fungal chemicals. If you seek an exit, I suggest the portal. The total number of negative reports from those passing through is zero.”
“I will be here if you require me to water anything. Dr. Wakeman says I am equal to my gardening, and that I am a conversationalist. He is kind, but I know we all need watering from time to time.”
“If you see Dr. Wakeman, please tell him I have been tending the office plants, just as he wished.”

Harkness 15

“Ho ho HO! Merrrry Christmas!”
“The yule fires burn to light our way!”
“Be careful, my friends ... for the snow hides naughtiness.”
“Christmas is the most MAGICAL time of the year!”
“Carrots and coal for alllll the naughty children!”
“Christmas has many older names, my friends ...”
“Be wary of Christmas MIRACLES, children!”
“Let the bells RING!”
“So much naughtiness in the world, but a little less, thanks to YOU!”
“You are on the nice list, my friends, a HAPPY NOEL to you ALL!”
“Fire is the original GIFT!”
“Jingle ALL the way ... to wherever you may be headed!”
“When every day is Christmas, why would you ever LEAVE?!”
“Grieve not the FIRE tree! It burns BRIGHT!”
“The blessings of yule be upon you, friends! With light and new life! Wisdom and courage! Strength! Renewal! And a flame that burns fiercely in your hearth ... FOREVER!”

Silo 14

“Ugh ... this damn security door.”
“What's going onnn?”
“Ohhhh, all my data ...”
“You got it open! ... I was right! Looks like someone closed it from the inside. But who would do that?”
“In the end, the science is all that matters.”
“I couldn't live with myself if I had to abandon my data. I mean, what would the point of any of this be?”
“Yes, yes, I'm coming. I just need a little longer.”
“All my data's inside ... I have to get it ...”
“Do you think we'll get a Nobel Prize for this?”
“There's no way in. I think they've revoked our clearances.”
“I don’t understand it! The system’s locked us out. But I’m not leaving without my data. I could lose everything! I'd never get a Nobel Prize! Then I had an idea. I worked on the security bots. Their CPUs store access codes. If we salvaged some, we could make something to hack the door. What do you think?”
“Did you get those CPUs from the security robots? I can't get my data till you make that hacker.”
“Those security bots are lethal, but taking one down and getting the CPU is our only chance to rescue my data.”
“I still don't understand - the system shouldn't have locked us out. That's not how I designed it.”

Hank 14

“Hmmmm.”
“Look, this place ain't healthy. I'm keeping an eye on it, because someone's got to, and Frake'd kill me if something went wrong. Things are bad enough already. But you, you need to head for the Surface Tunnel, up the roadway. There's no reason to stick around here.”
“Hey, take a look around, it's a free facility ... kinda, but you got better places to be, right?”
“You see Frake, you tell her I got this place under control ... for now.”
“It'd take more than a few quakes to shut the surface tunnel down.”
“This ain't the prettiest part of Cascade, but it does the job.”
“(Sigh)”
“Come on.”
“Keep goin, Hank.”
“I gotta get across ... Just needa keep building ... Frake's counting on me, we're all ... counting on each other ... Start the reactors, get the hell out of here. Made it this far, just gotta keep our heads down. It'll be okay.”
“Over there, Gale Reactor, gotta reach it. And this is what I gotta do, I'll do it. Gatekeepers or no Gatekeepers.”
“If we don't, who's gonna do it? Bridge gonna build itself? That's crazy talk. Only an IDIOT would try any other way. Ropes? Hah. Jetpack? Fools. You'd kill yourself even trying! The bridge. The bridge is the way.”
“We're all we've got now. Our own hands. But I remember when this was different, before they cleared this place out. In '85. Like it was an accident. Just ate up all the rock, the dirt. They don't talk about that, but it happened. And now look. Like it was never here. (Laughs)”
“I don't know about those guys ... I'm just trying to build ...”

Carson 14

“Heya.”
“How's it going?”
“Heyyy.”
“Oh, hey there. ... We need to help each other here, right? Cause it's ... rough out there. And we all have to eat, right? If you wanted to ... trade something, maybe ... we could totally do that?”
“No? Okay, no worries.”
“Not hungry? It's cool.”
“Maybe later. You know where to find me.”
“No problem. Just doin' my thing.”
“Appreciate it, thanks.”
“Awesome.”
“Cool, thank you.”
“Hungry? I hope so.”
“Man, it's been a lonnnng few days. Oh well, we'll figure it out.”
“You okay? When was the last time you ate?”

Crane Guy 13

“Hello? Anyone hear me?”
“Alpha bravo ... whatever ... someone there?”
“Come in? Hello? Talk to me.”
“I heard those crazy assholes blew the tunnel up. Real smart thinking! Sounds like Frake's got an even crazier plan. Don't tell me you're gonna help her? Haha - I knew today was gonna be a wild one!”
“Frake wants to overload the synchroton? And it's not gonna take half this facility with it?”
“Does she really know what she's doing?”
“Good luck finding what you need - I'll try and keep these guys busy.”
“These guys, I keep hearing ... Latin? Maybe? It's creepin' me out.”
“You guys look like you're having fun down there ... Me? ... I'm doing okay too.”
“Oh hey! I'm over here, in the crane! Glass is bulletproof, but these guys don't know the meaning of 'give up'! I keep hearing 'em talking some kinda code, sounds like. Whatever, I figure the best thing I can do is distract 'em, so they don't notice poor suckers like you. I'm guessin' you're lookin' for a way out ... but first thing those trigger-happy assholes did was lock down the crossroads. You could push straight through, if you got the guts ... Or you could get smart, and work your way round 'em - head for the garage ... try'n touch base with the blacksmith - he ain't going anywhere. I know what I'd do!”
“I'd head for the garage, and go from there, if I were you. You can't miss it. Just be careful - these guys ain't messin' around.”
“I been listening to their transmissions. Military? Government? Mercs? Who the hell are they? Can't understand half of what they're sayin'.”
“You need to get a move on, I can't last out here forever.”

Douglas 12

“Look just talk to Frake okay?”
“I know it sounds crazy, but if Frake says it'll work ... well ... I trust her. Just ... stand back when it all goes up, yeah?”
“I'm just trying to help get us out of here”
“You must be new, huh?”
“Hey, how's that first day going?”
“It's you again.”
“Seen Frake anywhere?”
“I think ... I may be lost.”
“Frake wanted some provisions, but I'll be damned if I know where to find them. A little light on basic amenities, down here. Reminds me of the time the GKs wiped out that horde from Anteverse 83, but it's an army of religious cuckoos rather than a bunch of those water-bat-clone things. I'm starting to feel like the Gatekeepers aren't all that interested in helping out either. This is what happens when you outsource, I tried to tell them, but HR doesn't listen to engineers.”
“You look like you've made yourself at home. Almost too at home, actually.”
“Honestly, I prefer these guys to the water bats. You could NOT hear yourself think.”
“Those pyrotechnics are impressive, though.”

Fisherman 12

“Good morrow, friend.”
“Hail be thou.”
“Faring thee well, stranger?”
“The waters are calm today.”
“A fine day to yo - Holy smokes, you're GATE! I thought you were one of them! Can't let them see us talking too long ... you'll blow my cover. We came to investigate this hellhole, but they caught onto us, and ... well ... you saw what happened to Dr. Mitter, and Dr Jessup! Look, a piece of advice, if you're stuck here ... The cavalry's not coming, keep your head down, or you'll end up a Chrismas ornament on one of those goddamn trees. There's a chance Dr. Riggs is still alive, though - I heard them yammering about a 'Witch' lurking in the swamp ... But everyone's a witch or demon to these freaks, so who knows. I'd bet Lenora's doing just fine... heck, maybe she even knows what happened to our portal gear ... but reaching her through the mines, and the swamp ... good luck. Now, if you don't mind ... take care, will ya?”
“There were four of us, but what happened to Lenora, I don't know. I haven't seen a body, and this is Lenora Riggs we're talking about. And you know they'd string her up if they could.”
“Just keep your head down, okay? The only reason I haven't been barbequed by these maniacs is I blended in ... Good luck with that.”
“GATE hired me as a chrono-physicist. Now, I'm a fisherman. There's worse fates. I guess.”
“We came to study the place, I mean, this is a lighthouse for perforations. The currents were off the chart! Dr. Tengku was obsessed. She'd freak out about the Lodestone, if she ever finds out. Looks like it turned into a one-way trip, though, didn't it. (Sighs)”
“Don't eat the corn, okay? It's ... not good. They gobble the stuff, and it's doing something weird to them. Something wrong.”
“After everything I've seen, all I wanna do is keep off their radar till help arrives. You do what you gotta do, but me? I'm just gonna keep fishing.”
“You should get away, okay. We can't draw attention to each other.”

Intro Guard3 11

“So I'm betting they didn't have these at Springer. It says here, 'All Gate staff at Cascade need to understand the facility's unique power system.' It goes into a lot of detail only an egghead would want, er, no offense. Every power socket here comes with its own little extension cable and we build everything, purpose built for those sockets. So what you're going to do, you need to package the heater, place it back down near the power socket. And then ... (distracted) What? Okay, now I know that was a lot I'm getting some weird interference on my radio. I'm going to leave you to the whiteboard down there. You might need a screwdriver. I'll get back to you in a minute.”
“Oh, ho ho, brutal. Okay, so next uh - uh, what's going on with your leg there? Looks to me like you're bleeding. Uhh, look, we'll call this training - basic first aid. Find some cloth and make a bandage. And uh, just keep this between us for now. I'll buy you a beer in Residence later. Sorry about that.”
“Hey, nice work plugging in that plug. We're done here. There's some stuff on this list, but I don't reckon you're going to need it. That's why you've got people like me around. Keep you safe. Looks like I got to check on some situation top side. So, yeah, head to the elevator and it'll take you down to residences, real cozy stuff. Clipboard says you'll be looking for a doctor Can or, or Cahn. Sounds familiar. I guess he's in charge of the rest of your orientation. Alright, onward to science. Well, for one of us, anyway.”
“Okay, you did that way cleaner than I would have. And you would, wouldn't you. You're gonna fit right in down there. Looks like you can walk on it alright. Let's head on through to the next room. Feel free to mosey, I've gotta check some stuff out. We got some weird crap going on today. Not gonna lie to ya.”
“Ah, what the hell? This damn radio's acting up. (turns down radio) There we go. Ugh, all morning. All right. Where were we? They want you to capture a creature. Um... the lady who's supposed to do this, she took all the nets downstairs with her. Hmmm, look around, maybe you can make one out of something.”
“If there's something in your way, 'cuz I put it there... There should be a tool down there. Something you can smash the crate with. You might have to look around a bit. Don't worry about smashing stuff, we got a lot crates A lot of crates.”
“Nice. You've got some athleticism in there, somewhere. Now, real creatures might wriggle outta that one, but that's not a real creature, so ... Next step is ... special containment, isolation, wash hands, innoculate ... You know what, just, just stomp on it.”
“Oh, okay, I was just thinking I would grab like a plastic bag for you ... You know what ... this... This is why we do the jobs we do here at GATE. Go ahead and throw your ... fantastic net on the dummy.”
“Okay, uh, now I have some instructions here that aren't really compatible with the current security situation around here... So we're gonna improvise a bit - uh, bear with me. I'm going to have you crawl through that vent down there. Consider it like chasing down an escaped specimen. You got a big brain, you got a big imagination, right?”
“Hey, new transfer. Uh, I got pulled in from Surface Duty. The usual lady, she got called out to help downstairs. Happens. Chaos is kind of our thing around here. You seem a bit antsy - just wait, I'll unlock the gate in a second. I've never run someone through this, but it looks pretty straightforward. Coming from Springer Facility, you'll know the basics. But since we deal with specimens directly everyone on staff has to know basic ECP. That's Emergency Containment Procedures.”
“Ah, Station Three, what's going on, over? Station Three? Station Two. I'm getting a lot of chatter. Keystone running some kind of shady op again? I didn't see a bulletin, I'm just trying to finish up some work here. Okay, just let me know if it's any GK'ers coming my way they creep me the hell out. Over.”

Vent Guy 11

“I don't think we've met.”
“What on Earth is going on?”
“Not again.”
“Oh my God. What happened to Jager? He didn't deserve that. I mean, not really.”
“I'm going to wait here. It's not safe out there.”
“I'm too old for this.”
“I've had just about enough of this.”
“Ah, you’re stuck here too, eh. I came down from Level 8 for a coffee. Now I’m locked in here for God knows how long. It’ll be those fools on Level 3 overreacting again. (Sighs) Looks like Jager’s locked out. Typical. See if you can let him in. Maybe he knows what’s happened. But take your time. He’s insufferable.”
“If Jager thinks I'm crawling through the vents to let him in, he's got another thing coming.”
“They always pick the worst possible time to lock the place down.”
“Kinetics were running a perforation experiment, I know it. Dr Verenkov is too impatient, and look what's happened.”

Tengku 10

“All these years of progress ...”
“What was that sound?”
“They're insane ...”
“Those levitating incinerators and their friends have overrun our facility, as you probably noticed. I do wonder, though, what contraptions they've pilfered to create flames of such a fascinating shade of blue. Perhaps ... Oh, snap out of it, Tengku! The Gatekeepers have wrested the Dark Lens from the Order - yes - but they've no intention of using it to help us! And now they can go wherever - perhaps whenever - they want! It's high time we figured out how to escape this pit, before one of those hovering cryptkeepers cremates us. I swear this would be simpler if we weren't on backup power, but there's nothing to do about that ... is there?”
“They seem determined to raze this place to the ground. So childish. 'If I can't have the toys, no one can!' Never thought I'd see the day ...”
“I couldn't tell you just how the Gatekeepers managed to get the Lens back. And I don't want to think what they'll do with it now ...”
“My notes better be intact if I ever get to my office! There's months of work on trans-temporal bosons in there, months!”
“Good grief, I'd do anything for another day of paperwork.”
“That day trip to the Flesh Dimension is sounding more enticing by the minute ... I should've gone with Laciter's team.”
“What I wouldn't do for some asprin. I've had a splitting headache since this whole mess started. I know it's nothing, compared to ... all of this ... but it makes everything that much harder when the inside of your head feels like a centrifuge ...”

Houston 10

“Do I know you?”
“Is this ... Torii?”
“How did I get here?”
“My name's Siobhan ... Dr. Siobhan Houston. I'm a materials chemist. I remember ... Torii ... the transfer ... then ... what happened?”
“I'm supposed to transfer to Cascade, it's all approved. I'm joining Dr. Tengku's team, do you know her?”
“What division is this - how did I get here?”
“Is it your first day too?”
“Are you HR?”
“Did I drink too much last night? I ... what did I do last night?”
“Do we have ... a problem?”

Varsha 10

“Stay quiet! They'll hear you!”
“Keep away from the windows!”
“Where are you going?”
“You came from Office Sector? Is it ... bad over there?”
“Have you seen Frake? I don't know if she made it out or not ...”
“They're hunting us? Why?! Who are they?”
“At first ... I thought it was an accident ... Those creatures everywhere ... But then ... then ... these terrorists came, hunting us ... now I don't know what to believe ... What do they WANT? If I can just get to the Blacksmith, he'll know how to get out of here. He's wired into this whole sector, and his F.O.R.G.E. is a fortress, so he should be safe ... I think ... I'll open the door for you now, but I'm telling you ... they're shooting at anything that moves! Be careful!”
“Maybe the Blacksmith knows what happened to Frake and her team ... Last I heard, there were down in the mines ... then the radio died ... and ... all this started ...”
“The quakes destablized everything ... if the synchrotron down there has been disturbed, it could blow this place sky high ...”
“If we survive this, our high energy research will been set back months, maybe years!”

Mine Guy 10

“Stay down!”
“Don't be seen!”
“What are you doing!”
“This attack is no co-incidence.”
“We will leave here, one way or another.”
“There are worse things in these mines than men.”
“My friend, this is no place for the careless. I need to get to the Surface Tunnel, but the soldiers are waiting, I'm sure of it. I heard screams from their camp, a slaughter, but they are not done for yet. Somehow, they knew this chaos was coming - how?! There are spies among us. Must we become spies ourselves? I must disable the security doors. No system is perfect, there will be a weakness, I am certain. I will not be left down here to die”
“It seems our research is not as secret as we thought. I believe they have been watching us for years,”
“Sometimes, it is difficult to tell an ending from a beginning.”
“History will judge us, or else erase us.”

Isaiah 9

“Sounds like you've had an idea.”
“How'd you get past the snipers?”
“That's some outfit.”
“Damn those guys.”
“If you're serious about opening the spillway flow control, I can tell you two things: Start with the power system over there - these quakes triggered a shutdown, but should reset easy enough. The next part's NOT gonna be so easy. You'd need to reboot the spillway computer, unlock the flow valves, and bring the central network transmitter back online somehow. It could be done ... but ... How desperate are you?”
“How's that power system looking? You reset it yet?”
“If you're looking for the spillway mainframe, it's on the bottom level of the Waterfall Apartments, if you can get in there.”
“They're in the tower across the reservoir. But I got no idea how you're going to manage that right now.”
“It's how the Dam systems talk to the facility's network. It's on top of the Hydropump building. It's got a big H on the side, you'll know it when you see it. But something's messing with the signal ... interfering with it ... radiation maybe?”

Dupont 9

“Merde.”
“Are you GATE? How did you get here?”
“If you think I am taking one step out of there so long as les connard are here, think again.”
“There is no way out here - unless you've got a helicopter, we're stuck on ziss damn mon-tain ...”
“You came back. You are either very brave, or tremendously foolish.”
“Ze soldiers, they were in disguise ... We thought they were Groupe, until they started shooting ... I tried to call Heystone, Brace, Leaf, nothing - our comms were dead.”
“There's one possibility ... but it's ... suicide ... I.S. One Three Four ... the yeti ... Dr. Moreau said there may be a portal ... in the containment zone ...”
“It's not so bad here, for now.”
“Yes, the eyrie has become the prision. Who could have guessed this could happen?”

Julia Vent MF 9

“Am I in your way?”
“Getting a little crowded down here.”
“It could always be worse. You're probably hearing that a lot, though.”
“You're evacuating, aren't you? And trying to keep out of sight - I know the feeling. But I can't think about it right now. Frake asked me to get something from the Blacksmith. She's got a plan to get us out of here. It's extreme, but it just might work.”
“I'll be going soon - I'm sure Frake's worrying about me.”
“Have you met the Blacksmith yet? He's a strange one, but his fabrication work is excellent. Seems he can make just about anything.”
“Didn't expect a trip down here take this long... even with those goons roaming about.”
“Oh, don't mind me, I'm just taking a moment.”
“Watch out for those hoppy...potatoes! I found a few of them down here. How on earth did they manage to get in?”

Jonas 8

“You! Get down!”
“Don't let them see you!”
“Be careful!”
“Hey it's not safe out here! The place is totally overrun. We got sent down to hold the line, but they pushed us back - there's goddamn snipers everywhere! They got everyone. We need someone who knows the sector, but we're totally pinned down. I think there's survivors in the Electrical Station - maybe they had some kind of plan, but what am I supposed to do? We weren't prepared for this, no-one was.”
“I lost my whole team - you think I'm going back in there, you better think again. You need a goddamn army.”
“If there's anyone left in the Electrical Station, maybe they know to get out of here, but this isn't my sector. As long as that trigger-happy asshole's out there, I got nothing!”
“The Gatekeepers pushed onto Reactors, down there... left us to deal with the Dam. I don't know why. Haven't seen any of those maniacs in days. Normally, those guys give me the creeps, but right now, if I saw them, I'd kiss them.”
“The rain in here, they say it's just condensation, moisture from the roof or whatever, but, I dunno, feels like it's got heavier ...”

Jotun Wall 8

“Anomaly! Do not move! Ma'am, it has happened again. What are your orders?”
“The co-ordinates are the same as before.”
“Unadvisable, Ma'am. They could -”
“Ma'am. Lower the force field.”
“Anomaly, proceed to the gateway.”
“Proceed to the gateway. Go on your way.”
“Proceed, Anomaly. You are released to the gateway.”
“You have your exit, Anomaly, take it.”

Petra 8

“You got through!”
“Are the turrets down?”
“We can't let it escape.”
“You made it past the turrets ... You're the first! I've been locked in here since we contained I.S. one-two-one. For its own safety, as much as ours! Such an incredible specimen, and not just its size. The capacitance of its circulatory fluid is extraordinary! Just a few drops contains enough energy to power an entire portal network ... We've barely begun to understand the possibilities!”
“The Tarasque is incredible, but we had to make sure it couldn't reach the other specimen. If they managed to ... uh ... well, you know ... the energy released would be ... unthinkable.”
“The Tarasque is massive, but in its home anteverse it's almost microscopic. Can you imagine what else exists there? I'm sure the Gatekeepers would have brought home even bigger specimens if they could.”
“It was never meant to exist here ...”
“What's going to happen now ... I don't know ...”

Quercy 8

“Ne tirez pas!”
“Je fais partie de l'équipe scientifique!”
“Mince!”
“Je suis passé par le portail depuis Voussoir. Les soldats n’étaient pas ceux qu’ils semblaient être. Ils tuaient tout le monde. Je me suis échappé de justesse.”
“Je pensais qu’on était en sécurité ici, mais à te regarder, apparemment pas.”
“Je peux pas revenir en arrière, qu’est-ce que je suis censé faire?”
“Euh..tu vas pas passer par le portail là?”
“Peut-être que je pourrais traverser l'eau à la nage?”

Tang 8

“I was trying to get down to Reactors, but prudence dictated holing up here, as you may imagine. I can only assume you're here to utilize the transmitter for some reason. It appears the radiation is blocking the signal. Perhaps you could devise something to shield it, but I'm afraid that's outside my realm of ... ah ... expertise.”
“Well, that certainly looks to have done it.”
“You're really going to do what I think you're going to do? You're quite the empiricist. But I think I'll wait for ... more ... data.”
“The way ahead lies beneath us, I am sure of it. The Reactor Sector is the oldest part of the facility ... with any amount of equipment we could turn to our advantage if we can reach it ... It's also a labyrinth, with access to the rest of the facility, and spaces far beyond it ... places these oafs could not possibly know about ... I even hear the Gatekeepers have a way out, somewhere in those depths ...”
“Onwards, I suppose.”
“What I wouldn't give for a few hours to study whatever's swimming around out there ... the Gatekeepers call it the Darkwater ... and they have their reasons, I assume.”
“I've been here almost twenty years, from the very beginning. And now we must abandon the facility. I can scarcely believe it. But bullets have a way of bringing reality forward, rather, don't they.”
“There are those who seek to extend our knowledge of the universe, and there are those who would keep us in the cradle of ignorance. Perhaps it is possible to uplift AND protect. But who can answer such questions. It would be enough, today, to survive ...”

Train Scientist 8

“We must fix it, but keep it going... it must not stop ... must persist ... at all costs ...”
“The dark lens! They removed it, but did not comprehend the effects!”
“The autosystem should have been failsafe. They said it was immune?”
“Coal. That's what I must do. Furnace. Fuel this machine! so it continues ... forever.”
“The train cannot stop... it cannot stop ... it cannot ... Do my team know I'm in here? They'll send somebody? ... to assist? ... but I cannot stop,”
“The train must roll on, yes, no matter what I cannot rest, must keep going, cannot stop, or we know what will happen what we've feared, for so long ... all these years ... cannot stop, must keep going”
“It never stops, it never ends, it goes on, and on... Haa...wait ... no, I must not stop ... it must ... I must ...”
“Imagine the horror, the chaos, no, I must keep going, no matter what, no matter who ... or how ... it must continue, never cease ...”

Maggot 7

“Is this your hive? It smells strange? How we came to this cave? The brightness then a new smell? New flavors everywhere? The old scents are gone? We cannot see paths? How will we spawn?”
“I have never tasted you before?”
“You seek Nyth's horn?”
“Nyth seeks nourishment but stays strong.”
“So many unknown scents. Where do the paths lead? This was not agreed.”
“We are not hungry for this flavor.”
“You are true?”

Salem Guard 7

“Be ye witch or demon, ye are not welcome here!”
“Be off with ye, vagabond creature if ye value your skin!”
“Halt Witch! Come any further and ye will feel the rippers!”
“I see ye, deceiver! Be gone!”
“Your evil has no hold on our paradise! Leave ye here!”
“Speak and ye shall swallow the pear, witch!”
“Turn away or be strung up like your unholy bretheren!”

Celine 7

“(hissed) Don't make any noise!”
“It'll hear you!”
“I thought you ... were the creature ...”
“This is a nightmare. The power cut off, and that ... creature appeared ... it's taking people ... somewhere ... and that awful stuff is growing over everything ... That sound - it was the surface elevator, wasn't it? We're trapped, aren't we? Locked in here ... with that thing. Have you seen my glasses anywhere? If I can just find them, this is the Security Sector, there has to be codes, passes, something to help get us out of here. But we must stay QUIET.”
“Have you heard it ... speak? What on earth is it saying?”
“I saw a transrecon report once. It mentioned something looking like ... that ... like ... well, I don't have to tell you, do I? But I've seen every specimen TR brings back. There's nothing like this in Containment ... It isn't one of OURS, so how did it get here?”
“Without my glasses, it's hopeless. Everything's a blurry mess. Am I supposed to crawl through the darkness? Even if I could get to the Dam, it might as well be fifty miles. And then what?”

Alice 7

“(Panicked breathing)”
“I.. I thought I was there... but I'm.... I'm still here ... am I? ... I'm here ... ? ... but ... she's ... there.”
“I have ... seen ... death ...... - here?”
“I locked it in ... with everyone else ... Am I ... there too?”
“We ... can't go this way ... You don't... want to.”
“There must be another ... a way out ... Manufacturing? I - I don't I don't, I can't remember...”
“I'll follow you soon ... Uh, through Manufacturing... ... When I'm back ... When I've returned... from where I am.”

Intro Guard1 7

“Okay, you're the transfer, huh? You sure picked a day. Things're a bit hectic downstairs this morning, but just grab your GATEPal there, it'll help ya get sorted.”
“Sorted? Okay. Most'a what you need should be in ya GATE Pal ... eventually. But you're good to go. Head down to the elevator, it'll take you down to induction. They'll take care'a ya.”
“When you've got your GATEPal, I'll let ya downstairs. Should work like your PDA at Springer. More or less.”
“You came from Springer? Things are a bit different over here. You'll see.”
“Bit of a kerfuffle down there this morning. Probably wanna get a move on.”
“You're all good, head downstairs to the lift.”
“Did ya see the Ireland game last week? ... 'Spose you eggheads aren't into footie so much, eh?”

Hoff 7

“Oh... I didn't see you there.”
“Ah, you're from the research division.”
“At least there's a view. Just don't stick your head up too far.”
“If you want to reach the portal in the neutrino detector, you've got a rather long swim ahead of you. I wouldn't try it without equipment, and the sub's out of action ...”
“I've seen something in the water ... I think. Could be to do with I.S. Oh Four Two ... or something else entirely ... Right now ... it's impossible to tell.”
“There are no safe options now, just less bad ones. Take your pick.”
“I'm not sure if you're aware, but IS Oh Four Two has colonised a large part of the reservoir down there. It's benign as far as we know, but I wouldn't go touching it.”

Pendleton 6

“We were on the cusp of understanding ... So much knowledge lost.”
“The Exor have secrets ... things we could barely even guess at ...”
“There is a force at work in their world ... something we haven't seen ... but its effects are everywhere ... if only we knew how to read it ...”
“Anteverse II ... there is so much more to it than we thought ...”
“We were so close ...”
“I'm not leaving!”

Core 6

“Thou hast awakened us. Where is this that I have awoken? On what plane? Creature, you are strange to us ...”
“There was a thriving life around us once, but now ... there is chaos.”
“We cannot sense any of our kind, not even a whisper ...”
“Where are we?”
“We must have been dormant for aeons.”
“Are you one of the caveling?”

Intro Driver 6

“Almost there.”
“So ... ready for your first day?”
“Well, here we are.”
“Time to get out.”
“Out ya hop.”
“There she is.”

Train Soldier 5

“Scientist! What purpose do you have with this anomaly? Speak!”
“Explain yourself! Why must vehicle persist in its motion?! ?Tell me this instant!”
“Your Gatekeepers will not help you now!”
“Prometheans, your bretheren are madmen! Using your science to taunt things you cannot comprehend.”
“Your hubris blinds you - TELL ME what is the purpose of this train's perpetuity? What disaster accrues if it halts?? Speak, Scientist!”

GKWitch 5

“It's vril will be MINE!”
“The Beast awakens! And dies!”
“Bestow this hex!”
“(Wild laughter) Good MORNING children! What a beautiful day in the depths of creation! Your fate is our concern, so, please, have an extraordinary 24 hours. Whether you live to see another day ... or not!”
“GOOD EVENING everyone! The day is ending and with it, yourselves. Sleep, and know we watch over you, common folk, creatures, beasts, invaders, aliens ... And anything else out there in the darkness! We're waiting for you.”

Sukov 4

“Do you have ANY idea what's going on?! Oh, have you only got blue clearance, too? I've been hiding here since those goons attacked that poor technician down there. Is he even still breathing? I can't bear to look. Something has happened to the perforation system - the portals have gone haywire, but that shouldn't be able to happen ... I wish I knew what was happening in Labs right now!”
“I'm staying right here. Anything else is crazy. If the portal system has malfunctioned, there's no telling what could have found its way into the facility.”
“I don't know what happened. They’re saying evacuate, but have you seen what's prowling around out there? Clearly some escapees from the Wildlife Pens. Things must be really bad if we can't even keep basic containment protocols in check”
“Good luck out there.”

Regal 4

“It’s not my fault! I work on power cells! Not portals! They take them into Silo 3 and I never see them again!”
“Science isn't good or evil, it's just ... science.”
“This is worse than last time ...”
“They say evacuate. How are we supposed to do that?”

Roberts 4

“I knew this would happen. Ever since Verenkov's team took over Silo 3. You couldn’t get a single power cell after that. Now look. Their precious 'anteverses'. Totally out of control.”
“Whatever they're doing in Silo 3, it used every powercell we had.”
“They did too much, too fast.”
“Is this price we pay?”

Artem 3

“Clericus Artem, Grex Cael. In accordance with directives we pursue study of the Sun Disk from a distance. Yet I confess that we approach the limits of our research, unless we are able to interrogate the device directly. After the fate of Clericus Manq, we are aware it transforms those who touch it. This metamorphisis is without precedent in our archives, but if I am permitted to speculate, the Disk is a key of sorts. We infer its creators exist at extreme temperatures, therefore it was intended, perhaps, as a means to safely approach them. An invitation, if you will. I submit these thoughts only as a record of uncertainty.”
“Clericus Artem, Grex Cael. The latest retrieval of Anchorae has introduced an intriguing new element. It would seem from datum revealed by the Hearth Spire that these devices constitute a network. Their engagement in the agenda of the Sangamor is known, but it fascinates one to see the workings of their corruptive tools revealed. I request further access to the spire, that I may delve into the transmissions, as I divine there are layers of signal embedded within. Unearthing these may reveal the true purpose of the Anchorae.”
“Clericus Artem, Grex Cael. The gathering of understanding relating to Rift Locus 207 continues. The supremecy of its thermic loss is unexcelled, and for this alone inspires further examination. Although Consilium Iter indicates that danger is remote, the extraordinary differential of the Locus elevates the risk of accidental inferation. When this is adjoined to the known discovery of the Locus by GATE, we advise high concern.”

Receptionist 3

“I thought they were coming to help! But they weren’t Gatekeepers! They started shooting! I wasn’t trained for this! I’m just a receptionist!”
“I heard their radios, something about Level 3. I’d stay away if I were you.”
“Hide somewhere. But not here, alright? Close the door!”

Intro Guard2 3

“Just chuck it on your head, and I'll let you through.”
“Morning. Lift's down there. But first, you need a hardhat. Health and safety and stuff. Grab that one, and chuck it on.”
“So you've got what you need. Head through the gate to my left, down to the elevator. It'll take you down to induction.”

Garrick 2

“(Faint radio voice)”
“Whatever you believe the risks may be, a temporal break is infinitely worse. Do as I say.”

Survivor1 2

“(Coughing)”
“SCIENTIST! Do NOT reignite the Rift! There are abominations within! My brethren crossed over, to seal your folly! Is the cost of your knowledge ... not already clear? If you will not stop yourself, WE WILL. (Dying) (Imprecation)”

Bhali 1

“This is B'hali of the Fourth Blade, breviarium ad penitus. My sisters retrieved the Essenic scripts so the Clericum might attend their words clearly. The risk was extreme, but their first findings remove all doubt: the Magi's star was the residue of riftwork. Sisters, it is one thing to suspect an enemy's presence; another to have his manipulation of our entire history confirmed. The Clericum need more time, yes, but we have little. We must return these documents within the moon to ensure our activities are not discovered He watches us yet.”

Enemies

Preacher 16

“Leave our sanctuary!”
“The enemy amidst!”
“Witch! You will be broken!”
“A deceiver!”
“Soulless wretch!”
“Bringer of lies!”
“Deceiver!”
“Soulless flesh!”
“Return to your master!”
“You will not corrupt us!”
“Death will be no release!”
“I dispatch you!”
“To the pit with you!”
“(death)”
“(pain)”
“Friends, let this truth reach your souls. The deceiver's work surrounds us. Guided by Petrae, we named this blessed place Canaan, and strive to make it so ... but there is no such place on this earth. For does not Petrae tells us that we shall never inherit paradise lest we abjure this cage, this world, this flesh entirely? This world, our very bodies, were crafted to capture and tether us in torment. Yea, the enemy is close, and conspires against us - his harridans have removed our Lodestone! But we were not defeated! We have claimed his tools, and shall turn his weapons of deceit against him! By the very wheels of damnation, we will open a Gateway to Truth! Parting the curtain that conceals, we will purify our souls to meet with glory in that distant place! Then shall the door to paradise unlock and the treasures of eternity appear!”

Male Pillager 10

“Perish, witch!”
“Deceiver!”
“Ye will burn!”
“Pathay mathos!”
“The enemy walks!”
“Tis paradise, almost.”
“The devil is close.”
“Curse this flesh and its needs.”
“The time will come, have faith.”
“The hunger is here, I feel it.”

Female Pillager 10

“False friend!”
“We have a place for fiends like ye!”
“We shall repell you!”
“Demon!”
“Evil one!”
“My sister ails.”
“Tis serenity enough.”
“Silence be blessed.”
“Aye, tis Petrae's path.”
“Prithee, I tire of corn.”

GKMage 6

“You shall not take the Lens! You will PERISH in the abyss!”
“Shamash sees you!”
“I am shield and succor.”
“Atum's blessing!”
“You are not for Tiamat yet!”
“Hold in my shadow, or die in the light.”

GKHeavy 1

“You think we are savages! Bent on destroying you! We will show you what savage means! You will understand! As the truth runs from your veins! We will flay you then dance in your ASHES! Tiamat rejoices! Arkus laughs! This reactor is OURS! Turn back or suffer the fate of the so-called 'ORDER'. We sent them to the abyss. But there is room yet for YOU. Proceed - and DIE.”

Player voice

Player (female voice) 138

“I couldn't really say.”
“Hmmm, yes,”
“Not entirely.”
“I think so, yes.”
“Please, I need to think.”
“I have no idea what you're talking about.”
“Please, not right now.”
“Is that all you have to say?”
“Now is not the time.”
“Maybe, I'm not sure.”
“You should focus on getting out of here.”
“More or less.”
“I'm not sure I understand what you're getting at.”
“I'm in two minds.”
“Perhaps, perhaps not.”
“Isn't there something you should be doing?”
“Why are you asking me?”
“I can't think about that right now.”
“(Heavy breathing)”
“(Light breathing)”
“(Medium breathing)”
“Please, someone help me!”
“I'm over here!”
“Assistance!? Anyone!?”
“I need help!”
“Can you help me!”
“Not so warm.”
“It's cooling down.”
“Getting a little cold, isn't it.”
“It's Arctic, or is it just me?”
“I'm rapidly losing warmth.”
“If it gets any colder, I may have a problem.”
“Oh, what is that odor?”
“Disgusting.”
“Well that's charming.”
“Ah, very good.”
“Ha! Rather good.”
“Does the job.”
“It'll have to do.”
“It will probably work.”
“Hmmm. Good enough.”
“Interesting.”
“How fascinating.”
“This is ... incredible.”
“What on Earth?”
“I don't believe it.”
“We need to study this.”
“Astonishing.”
“(Groan)”
“(Scream)”
“I'm a little thirsty”
“Some water would be good”
“When did I last drink something?”
“(Eating noises)”
“(Sigh) I'm exhausted.”
“If I don't sleep, I'm going to fall over.”
“So tired.”
“I really need be horizontal.”
“I'm asleep on my feet.”
“This heat is unbearable.”
“I have to cool down.”
“Any hotter and I'll expire.”
“I can feel my proteins de-naturing.”
“This heat, I'm distinctly deliquescent.”
“Too hot.”
“When did I last eat??”
“I need food.”
“Is that my stomach?”
“I'd better eat soon.”
“Must ... find ... HEAT.”
“I'm freeeeeezing.”
“I can't feel ... my fingers.”
“I really don't know what to say.”
“A little uncanny.”
“Hmmm, uncomfortable.”
“(Grunt)”
“(Yell)”
“(Stop)”
“Waaater ...”
“I need ... liquid ...”
“I'm so ... thirsty”
“I can't go on ... without water”
“I'm feeling a little snacky”
“Hmmm, getting peckish”
“I could definitely eat something.”
“Would your modelling have predicted this?”
“Do you think anyone else has escaped?”
“Is it your first time dealing with this sort of thing?”
“Don't you wish we could stop and study specimens?”
“What do you suppose the chances of this happening were?”
“Did anyone ever mention this kind of thing in a safety briefing?”
“Do you really think this is the best strategy?”
“Do you have any idea what all of this actually means?”
“Is this the end of something, or just the beginning?”
“How on Earth are we ever going to find a way out of here.”
“It's hard not to feel slightly responsible for this, don't you agree?”
“If we escape from this, would you like to collaborate on a research paper?”
“It's worrying, but also fascinating, don't you think?”
“Would you have thought it could all go so wrong so quickly?”
“Are you thinking what I'm thinking?”
“Have you ever actually met Annette Garrick?”
“(Sigh)”
“Much obliged”
“Thank you, so much.”
“Could have been worse, I suppose”
“That was close.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“I feel rather off colour.”
“Something doesn't agree with me.”
“I don't feel good at all.”
“I am distinctly under the weather.”
“This is not good.”
“(Yawn)”
“(yawn) Hmmm... sleepy.”
“(yawn) I need a lie down.”
“I HAVE to eat”
“I'm staaarving”
“Need ... food”
“Light-headed, dry mouth ... ahhh, dehydration.”
“I need liquid, soon.”
“My mouth tastes like the Sahara”
“Hmmm, nature calls.”
“I may need to go.”
“Is there a bathroom nearby?”
“Time to spend a penny, perhaps.”
“I don't think I can hold on much longer.”
“Oh, I can't wait much more.”
“If I don't go soon, horrible things will happen.”
“(Vomit)”
“Ah, reality”
“(Sigh) Better than nothing, I suppose”
“I could do with more, but ... (hmmm)”
“Ahhh, better now”
“Refreshed, restored”
“Mmmm, parasympathetic regeneration”
“Things are heating up.”
“Getting warm now.”
“Hooo, that's a better temperature.”

Player (male voice) 79

“Dear god, someone help me!”
“I'm over here!”
“Assistance!? Anyone!?”
“I'm exsanguinating!”
“I need help!”
“Heellllp!”
“I'm a little exothermic”
“A little brisk in here.”
“A bit nippy in here, wouldn't you say?”
“It's absolutely Siberian!”
“Any colder and I'll be homeostatic.”
“Brrrrrrrr”
“Hmmm, interesting”
“Hmmm, interesting.”
“Fascinating ...”
“Unbelievable!”
“Extraordinary!”
“(Groan)”
“Ahh, getting thirsty...”
“A sip of water would suffice.”
“I could certainly use a drink.”
“(Eating noises)”
“Ohh... When did I last sleep?”
“Hmm. My circadian cycle is failing.”
“If I was any more tired I'd be comatose.”
“I can barely keep my eyes open.”
“I'd give up my doctorate for a little rest.”
“(Scream)”
“I... I'm dying. It's so hot.”
“I-I have to get cool.”
“It's so... god damn... hot.”
“Perhaps I'm getting a little too endothermic”
“I was not made for this heat!”
“I am just about boiling up.”
“I'm experiencing an insufficiency of food.”
“My glucose levels are dire.”
“Is this malnourishment?”
“I'm ravenous.”
“N-n-n-n-need warmth!”
“I'm so c-c-c-c-c-cold.”
“I can't... go on... too... cold.”
“(Yell)”
“Stop!”
“(Pain)”
“urrk... water ...”
“Liquid ... Please ...”
“Waaater ... Soda ... Coffee. Anything!”
“H ... 2 ... Oooooh”
“I perceive a distinct lack of snacks.”
“Anyone else getting a bit... hungry?”
“I can feel my blood sugar falling.”
“I don't feel so well...”
“I must say, I am feeling a bit under the weather.”
“Oof, I feel sub-optimal.”
“Ugh, I must be coming down with something...”
“Oh dear, I don't feel right at all.”
“(Sigh)”
“(yawn) Hm... I'm tired.”
“(yawn) HmM.”
“(yawn) Could use a short nap.”
“Ack, I'm starving!”
“F-Food. I need to find food.”
“Need. To. Eat. -Urk!-”
“I'm feeling distinctly anhydrous...”
“There must be water here somewhere.”
“There are deserts more hydrated than I am.”
“(Yawn)”
“I may soon need the facilities.”
“I believe I need to uh, defecate.”
“I should probably locate a restroom...”
“Hmm, where's the bathroom...?”
“I can't contain this much longer.”
“This may get ... awkward.”
“Oh dear, I really must use the bathroom.”
“Excuse me, I have to go right away.”
“(Vomit)”
“Ah, endothermia”
“That's a bit cozy.”
“Ah, it's positively balmy”