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Fragile: Go on. Slide it on your thumb.
Sam: Like a ring?
Fragile: Try sticking your thumb out. Like you’re giving me a like. Access your ring terminal to view the map. From here you can check order details, as well as the cargo for delivery. Now then, let’s review the mission that you’ll be undertaking on behalf of Drawbridge. Your destination is a research lab in southern Mexico. When you arrive, you’ll need to use the Q-pid to connect it to the chiral network. Chiral communication utilises the Beach, where time barely passes. Using the Q-pid in conjunction with a delivery terminal will allow us to initiate a ‘zero time massive data transmission’. But because of the distance, it’s not feasible to head straight to the lab to establish a connection. You’ll need to use the waystations to extend network coverage until you’re close enough to get the lab online. Your first stop is C1 – ‘Ciudad Nudo del Norte’. Bring them a delivery and welcome them into the network. Improper corpse disposal remains a serious problem in Mexico. With every additional corpse that spawns a BT, the risk of a voidout grows even higher. C1 in particular is struggling to handle this issue. But once they’re online, we can give them the technology they need to address the situation. Why don’t you take a look at the cargo you’re carrying by opening the menu. You can access useful information about your deliveries via your ring terminal. To review the cargo currently in your possession, select ‘Cargo Management’. This is the cargo you need to deliver. Be sure to get it to its destination in one piece. It’s an excellent idea to place the most important cargo in your backpack. We’ve given you some additional equipment. It can be carried in pouches or on special hooks, just like cargo. All these weapons can be used to incapacitate humans without killing them, so there’s no need to worry about causing a voidout. Be sure to weigh your warriors options as you load up. Return to the menu when everything looks good to go. Finally, before heading out, make sure to plot your delivery route. Return to the map. See your destination? There’s a river you’ll need to cross to get there. There are bandits in the area too. Armed groups that have attached porters in the past. Think about what route you might take from your current location. When you plot a route on the map, you’ll see what hazards you may run into along the way. You can face these challenges head on or try to find a way around them. How you get to your destination is up to you, but think it over before getting underway.
Fragile: Latest model Q-pid – just completed. We decided to put a hold on network expansion until it was ready to go. Like last time, you’ll be using it to welcome people into a whole new world. It won’t be any harder than before either. The chiral network terminals are ready and waiting. Bridges saw to that. Amelie’s expedition split into two groups midway. The first continued west, while the second cut south into Mexico. But again, they were only able to lay the groundwork. Until you bring those terminals online with the Q-pid, the network can’t grow. Hungry?
Sam: Nah.
Fragile: Oh… No more baby food for you.
Sam: Don’t you give Fragile any trouble while I’m gone. And don’t you break my kid.
Fragile: Now who wants to eat?
Noberto Puente: You must be Sam. It can’t have been easy to come this far south. You’re here to bring us onto the chiral network, right? That’s a relief. We’ll be able to dispose of corpses properly once you’ve got us online. That’ll be one less thing for our residents to worry about. Anyway, I believe you have some cargo for me, yes? Qué chido! There’s hardly a scratch on this cargo. You’re incredible! It’s just like everyone says. You’re a man that people can rely on. Okay, use your Q-pid to bring us online. The chiral gateway you’ve brought us should allow us to establish a connection between Mexico and the UCA. And with state-of-the-art tech at our disposal, we can finally solve a lot of our problems.
APAS: Chiral network coverage successfully expanded. Commencing data collection. Porter grade increased. Congratulations.
Noberto Puente: Chiral network connection confirmed. And now we can begin fabricating the latest corpse disposal equipment. Until recently, we’ve been dealing with our dead by burying them in tar, but that solution was growing untenable. We should be okay moving forward. I really can’t thank you enough. You must be exhausted after your long journey. We’ve prepared a private room for your exclusive use. There are countless dangers in these parts. You should rest until you’re fully recovered. Don’t push on until you’re ready. Please, stay here before you set out again.
Sam: How are things in the region?
Noberto Puente: Well our corpse disposal problem is no longer an issue thanks to you. But there’s nothing we can do to get rid of the BT area we created. Fear of BTs and damage from timefall and chiralium exposure will continue to be a concern. And let’s not forget about the bandits willing to attack travellers and facilities. But so long as we remain connected to the network, we’ll have access to new tools and technologies to help combat these threats. You brought us more than a connection to the outside – you brought us hope.
Sam: What was untenable about corpse disposal?
Noberto Puente: As I mentioned before, we’ve been taking them to a nearby tar pit and dropping them in. Unfortunately we took it too far… and it wasn’t long before the whole pit turned into a BT area. In trying to prevent the emergence of BTs, we ended up facilitating their creation. And with the constant timefall in the vicinity, chiral contamination has only grown worse. All these problems have contributed to an increased suicide rate, which in turn has resulted in even more bodies that we’ve had no way to dispose of properly. But thanks to the chiral network, we can now fabricate the corpse disposal facilities that we lack. Everything’s going to be alright.
Sam: I’m gonna get some sleep.
Noberto Puente: Thank you again for everything. I’ll get started right away on preparing your next order for you. By the time you wake up, it should be good to go. You’ll just need to access the delivery terminal here. I hope I can count on you.
APAS: Welcome, Sam. Please relax and enjoy your stay.
Sam: Lou!
Fragile: Are you all right? If you’re worried about Lou, don’t be. I’ll admit, this stuff is pretty new to me, but the app has been a big help. Figuring out why your baby’s crying, getting the milk just warm enough – it’s had the perfect advice for every situation.
Sam: Hi…
Fragile: So… how does it feel to be back in the saddle?
Sam: Work’s… same as it ever was. It’s the first time I’ve been away from Lou.
Fragile: We’re fine. Trust me. Just focus on the road, okay?
Sam: Yeah…
Noberto Puente: Good morning, Sam. Did you have a good rest? We’re already making progress in addressing the corpse disposal situation here. One again, I’ve got to thank you for that. If you access the delivery terminal, you’ll find that you can fabricate equipment for yourself now too. We have some materials on hand here that you can use to make supplies for your journey. Take as much as you need. Now, we don’t have all the same schematics in Mexico that you have access to in the UCA. But as you link up more facilities to increase chiral network bandwidth, and improve your connection level with the locals… We should be able to share all kinds of new data with you, expanding your fabrication options further. I heard that you’re planning to extend chiral network coverage to the south – down as far as that research facility. So go ahead and pick up the order I’ve posted for you. I’ll explain the finer details of the mission while you look at the map provided by APAS.
Noberto Puente: Your next destination is Villa Libre. The people there don’t have enough medical equipment to meet their needs. If you bring them this delivery, you’ll be sure to earn their trust. And once you’ve done that, you’ll have an easier time convincing them to become part of the chiral network. Timefall is coming down hard in this area. Cargo containers that are exposed to timefall will begin to degrade. If you carry container repair spray with you, you can use it to mitigate these effects before it becomes a problem. Keep an eye out for the rivers and bandit camps in the area too. Hazards like these can make your life much harder. On your way to Villa Libre, you might pass a postbox we built. We left behind some spare equipment in its shared locker. If you see it, take a look inside. Everything is yours to use as you deem fit. There should be materials in there too – enough to fabricate something if you like. Alos, if you have any extra equipment, you can use the box to donate it to other people. With a moment’s generosity, you can make another porter’s day. Finally, each postbox has a private locker which can be used to store equipment for later use, and a recycle feature that will turn any unneeded items into materials. So what do you think? Have enough information to plan your journey to Villa Libre? Take your time to finalise your route. This order calls for some pretty hefty cargo to be sure. But don’t forget to take into account all the other extras you’ll need to carry to get the job done. Every piece of equipment you take also adds to your overall weight. So think carefully about your loadout. Try to pick critical items that won’t weigh you down and wear you out when combined with your cargo. Run out of stamina halfway through a delivery, and you’re in for a world of hurt.
APAS: Make all necessary preparations for your delivery. When everything is in order, head out. Please select an item to fabricate.
Noberto Puente: See you around.
La Madre: You are Sam, right? Did the timefall give you a lot of trouble? Thanks for making the trip. Allow me to assess the condition of your cargo. This is practically flawless! Mil gracias! I have to say, this was well worth the wait. I had a feeling you wouldn’t let me down. Time to connect the Q-pid. Once we’re a part of the chiral network, we’ll be able to use these remote medical units you brought. I can get myself checked out as well. We’ve all been looking forward to this. So go ahead and link us up.
La Madre: Chiral communication have been established. Now I can finally use one of these medical units to assess the condition of the child I’m carrying. I just pray they’re strong and healthy… The elderly residents here will also be happy to receive proper medical care. Oh, seems like you should be capable of fabricating PCCs now as well. Probably thanks to the chiral network expansion and the resulting increase in total bandwidth. Of course, every additional structure will eat into that bandwidth, but there should be more than enough to support anything you build – within reason, that is. There’s one other problem we’ve been dealing with lately, though. It’s not a critical issue, so I’ve posted an Aid Request with further details. If you’re interested, you can check it out via your ring terminal.
Sam: Is something the matter with your baby?
La Madre: I’m not sure, I should’ve given birth to my child ages ago. But for some reason, the foetus seems to have stopped growing at seven months. If something’s wrong with my body, I can’t tell what it is. And not knowing is driving me insane. But with one of our new medical units, I might finally be able to get answers. I want to believe I can still bring this child into the world someday.
Sam: Old people?
La Madre: The only people that still live here other than myself are elderly. The last of the younger residents decided to risk it all and leave for Ciudad Nudo del Norte a while back. Too many bandits in these parts – like the one I used to be. We took what we wanted and didn’t care about anyone but ourselves. But after I got pregnant, I realised I could not keep living like that. Had to clean up my act, start living for someone else. My friends didn’t understand at all. So they ditched me. Left me to wander on my own, until the people here agreed to take me in. Even though the poor souls are struggling with all kinds of health issues. That’s why we put in the order for these remote medical units.
Sam: What issues are you dealing with?
La Madre: Some of the cargo we had stored here was washed away during a massive flood. The water carried it into bandit territory, so we’re in no position to reclaim it ourselves. I know this isn’t the sort of thing a porter like you normally does, but… If you’re willing and able, please, check the Aid Request. All the relevant details should be available for review on that ring terminal you’re wearing. You can use it to confirm the cargo’s location. So if your travels happen to take you out that way, we’d really appreciate the help.
Sam: Do you have a new order for me?
La Madre: A new order has just come through for you. Looks like the residents at the C1 South Distribution Centre need you to recover some cargo from a bandit encampment, and bring it to them. You can review the specifics of the order when you get around to accepting it. So once you’re good to go, access the delivery terminal here to get underway. I’ll share additional info with you as soon as you do so.
APAS: Your next main order is now available. Please access the delivery terminal in Villa Libre to proceed.
La Madre: Okay, Sam, are you ready? Then I’ll bring you up to speed with what I know. The order you’ve undertaken is to recover chiral density gauges that have been stolen by bandits and taken back to their base. The base is located in some overgrown ruins, so you’ll have a hard time getting a clear view of it. You might want to construct a watchtower nearby before you charge in. With it, you can get a better handle on the situation and improve your odds of getting the job done quietly. But that’s not all, of course. Other porters are also able to make use of your structures. This way you can help out the people who follow in your footsteps through this area. Think about what I told you and finalise your route. Best of luck to you out there.
Benjamin Rivera: Hola! You’re Sam, right? I assume you’re here to drop off that stolen cargo of ours? With those chiral dentistry gauges in our possession, we’ll be able to determine where BTs are likely to appear in the future. So let’s get a look at those containers and see if we’re good to go. Now that’s service. Not a single scratch that I can see. Muchas gracias! I just have to say that you’re an absolutely incredible porter. Looks like our chiral density gauges are just about good to go. So let’s see what that Q-pid of yours can do.
Benjamin Rivera: It’s high time we got on the chiral network. Our BT research should go a helluva lot faster now. We just shared some data with you that’ll let you fabricate blood grenades – a kind of anti-BT weapon – and build timefall shelters, too. I think you’ll find both very useful. The chiral density gauges you brought us have been safely integrated into our systems. We can resume all distribution centre operations and get back to business as usual. A lotta lives are gonna be saved thanks to you.
Sam: What’s a ‘Blood Grenade’?
Benjamin Rivera: It’s one of the fruits of our joint effort with the lab to develop anti-BT tech. Up until now, our primary weapons against these entities have been created with the blood of DOOMS sufferers. And so production is wholly reliant upon regular donations from rare individuals like yourself. Securing a stable supply has been difficult. Though you’d know all about that, given your experiences with the UCA. But this weapon utilises synthetic blood with all the same anti-BT properties. Derived from samples taken from DOOMS sufferers, it can be produced at scale to meet demand. And despite its artificial nature, it’s actually proven to be more potent than the genuine article. So you can think of our new weapon as a more full-blooded version of the haematic grenade it replaces. In any case, we won’t need to ask you for your blood ever again, so rest easy. If you want to test it out, we have some training facilities here at the distribution centre. Feel free to access the delivery terminal and give them a try.
Sam: BT research keeping you busy, huh?
Benjamin Rivera: This whole area is a chiralium rich environment, so there’s a much higher risk of BTs showing up. We’ve been coordinating with the research lab nearby – sharing, data, et cetera – all to help develop BT avoidance and elimination solutions. One of the largest voidouts ever recorded happened down south, don’t forget, giving rise to a massive tar belt. So massive that it completely cut us off from the land beyond. We can’t afford to let that kind of tragedy repeat itself here. But between the cargo you’ve delivered to us and our new connection to the chiral network, I think we’ve got a shot. We’re gonna make it through this.
Sam: Have timefall shelters changed in any way?
Benjamin Rivera: So… You probably think timefall shelters are only good for getting out of the rain, right? Wrong. Our timefall shelters are different, you see. After extensive research and development, we were able to outfit them with a system that disperses a BT-repellent fluid. So if you’ve got one on your tail and it’s about to grab you, these shelters are the perfect way out. Only downside is that the repellent has a limited supply, so make sure you don’t run low. It has other perks, too – the shelter can purify timefall and convert it into drinkable water, allowing you to top up your canteen on the go. We’ve posted an Aid Request so you can fabricate a shelter to see how it works. Researchers at other facilities are also in the process of looking into how various structures might be improved. As you expand chiral network coverage, we’ll be able to share information and coordinate our efforts more effectively… and I’m sure we will all make even faster progress as a result. So keep on doing what you do and liking up places for us.
Sam: What’s the next order?
Benjamin Rivera: By the way – you’re planning to visit the research lab, yeah? You’ll have to pass through some dangerous territory, then. We’ll do a quick survey of the chiral density, so you might not want to leave right away. And let’s not forget that you just tackled one of our toughest orders on record. Tell you what – we’ve got a nice private room here that you can use to catch your breath. We’ll get started on prepping the cargo for your next run in the meantime.
APAS: Gate quake detected. Please seek shelter immediately.
Benjamin Rivera: Sam, are you okay?
Sam: I’m fine. You guys?
Benjamin Rivera: The facility’s intact. But the research lab might’ve taken a hit. The local chiralium levels appear to be rising. Better hurry over there, Sam. Head to the delivery terminal upstairs and check their order.
Benjamin Rivera: Sam, we’ve got a situation. The delivery for the research lab is ready for transport, but the chiral density is higher than anticipated. This may be due to the gate quake just now, but we’ve identified a new BT area in the vicinity of the lab. However, we have no BB pods on hand. I know you’ve got DOOMS, but without a pod, you’re gonna struggle to determine exactly where the BTs are…
Sam: Don’t worry. If I can get close enough, I should be able to see ‘em. Seems like my DOOMS level or whatever went up at some point. Steer me in the right direction. I can take care of the rest.
Benjamin Rivera: Oh yeah? That’s awesome! But the way – we’ve finished a preliminary assessment of the BTs detected in the vicinity of the research lab. And we’ve prepared some weapons that should be effective against them. You’re a pro – I know you can handle this.
Sam: What weapons do you have?
Benjamin Rivera: We’ve issued you a number of blood grenades. They use an active agent based on compounds derived from the blood and bodily fluids of DOOMS sufferers, making them highly effective against BTs. You can practise using them in VR training. If you’d like to try them out, just access the delivery terminal to get started. Your other weapons won’t do any damage to BTs. Shoot them all you like – they won’t die. Make sure you’re well prepared.
Sam: What kind of BTs are there?
Benjamin Rivera: According to our initial survey, you can expect to encounter gazers in the field. If you make contact with a gazer, then another type of BT, a hunter, will emerge from the tar and try to capture you. If they succeed in this, you’ll come face to face with a massive BT known as a catcher. Now, you don’t want to ever let a catcher consume you. It’ll trigger a voidout, obliterating the surrounding area and everyone in it. And when the dust settles, there’ll only be a giant crater. So make sure to escape the catcher before that happens, or use the weapons at your disposal to eliminate it.
Sam: All clear, thanks.
Benjamin Rivera: Alright, go ahead and pick up your next main order. I’ll brief you on the details while you check your map.
Benjamin Rivera: Alright, Sam. You good to go? The new BT area we’ve identified is located in these ruins. If we don’t do anything about it, eventually someone’s gonna trigger a voidout. So to prevent that, we need to neutralize all the BTs in this area. There’s no shortage of collapsed buildings and hiding spots there, and the timefall isn’t letting up anytime soon either. Since you’ll also have cargo for the research lab with you, take care not to let it get damaged by the timefall or in any fights with BTs. An Aid Request for a timefall shelter was registered in that vicinity. If you build one near that spot, you can use it to escape any BTs that may be pursuing you. And if you stash your backpack in a timefall shelter, you can rest easy knowing your cargo’s safe from the rain and devote your full attention to dealing with any threats. So if you’ve got room to carry a little extra, consider requisitioning a PCC and taking it along with you so you can fabricate a shelter for added peace of mind. You’re the only one we can count on. Don’t let us down.
Alex Weatherstone: Long time no see, Sam. Though having said that, I realized you probably don’t recognize me like this. Anyway, why don’t you let me take a look at your orders? Looks just about perfect to me. But that’s Sam the man for you. Picked up some lost cargo, I see. Should be a nice surprise for someone! We never doubted you’d show. Reliable as ever, a man you can count on. We’re ready for you to link us up with your Q-pid. Once you do, you’ll have fulfilled your objective of bringing the entirety of Mexico onto the chiral network.
Alex Weatherstone: So, Sam… Don’t suppose you remember who I am? The name’s Alex. I used to work at the weather station back in the UCA. I was a Bridges employee, reporting directly to Deadman. So when I was offered the opportunity to collaborate with him here, studying the Death Stranding and BTs, I jumped at the chance. And here I am. And now you’re here too. You actually couldn’t have come at a better time. Shortly before your arrival, chiral density levels started to climb, hitting significantly higher ranges than before. This kind of spike is indicative of an imminent giant BT appearance. I’ve shared with you some MP bullets that should be very effective against BTs. Because if a giant BT is on the way, then we’re gonna need you to put it down.
Sam: What are you studying right now?
Alex Weatherstone: Well, the delivery you were kind enough to bring us contained a shipment of MP bullets that have anti-BT properties. This ammunition’ll turn your average assault rifle into a BT killing machine. You can also fabricate blood grenades if you want to keep a few on hand. Before you head back out, review your options and requisition any weapons you think you might need. We’ve set aside a ton of extra materials just for this purpose.
Sam: What kind of weapons you got?
Alex Weatherstone: Chiral density levels in this region have been fluctuating wildly. We’ve been seeing a lot of gate quakes and seismic activity as well. It’s almost certainly related to recent shift in the tar currents. Our analysis of these anomalies has led us to believe that the arrival of a giant BT is all but imminent. What the data doesn’t tell us, is exactly where it might appear – our chiral monitoring equipment just wasn’t precise enough to zero-in. Now that you’ve connected us to the network, though, we should be able to make more accurate predictions. We seriously owe you.
Sam: What should I do after this?
Alex Weatherstone: It’s hard to know when this giant BT is going to appear. So for now, you should rest up in your private room and prepare for a potential fight. That’s both mine and Deadman’s recommendation. We’ll keep it posted, Sam.
Deadman: It’s been too long, Sam. You were a good friend to me – one I could never forget. Which is why I took steps to ensure that this message would only play upon your arrival. The sensors were set to scan for your biometric data – a simple enough trick. Now, this was originally a geophysics laboratory established for the study of earthquakes. And for that reason, it holds a wealth of documentation on gate quakes, tar currents, and plate gates. As well, I discovered, as research data on the other side. Now, what I’m about to tell you, I learned after I came to this place. Imagine… that this is the lab. Though it’s relatively close to the northern top of South America, the continent is entirely cut off from us by a tar belt. And so we have no idea what’s going on down there. Nor do we know the state of any continent other than our own. The researchers here were trying to establish contact with the rest of the world. They were well equipped to do so, as the facility had once been used to launch research satellites. So they tried launching a variety of probes and drones in the hope of obtaining observational data – with no success. The earth, you see, is shrouded in a thick layer of chiralium that renders electronics inoperable at altitude. So they tried ships across the ocean. Oh yes. Oh! But that failed too. The high concentration of chiralium in open water proved too corrosive, invariably causing them to sink. But then the researchers found some rather rare birds on their doorsteps – birds not native from the region. Nice birdy, nice birdy. And that, my friend, was just the beginning. Not far from the lab, they discovered a strange anomaly. Well, the surrounding area was heavily contaminated with chiralium. Yes… This is beautiful. The researchers would later dub the anomaly a “plate gate”. But further investigation revealed that it came into existence when you began to expand the chiral network across North America… and that the gate grew larger in tandem with the network itself. What started as a tiny fissure in space became so much more. The researchers duly installed cameras to study the gate and its surrounding area. Now to their surprise, they caught footage of some unusual marsupials. Yes. The kind you wouldn’t expect to normally encounter in Central America, like the birds. But to confirm their suspicions… They sent an autonomous robot through the gate. The soil samples it collected were consistent with the archived geological data from the southern hemisphere. Not long after, several men and women came through the gate. They spoke English. And they confirmed that they had indeed come from faraway Australia. We finally knew… The world outside North and Central America had survived. Ours was not the last bastion of humanity. But Australia had suffered the Death Stranding, too. Undeterred, the researchers began working closely with Bridges, and conducted a series of tests… Paving the way for an expedition to Australia that would lay the groundwork for chiral network expansion. After they had first installed surveillance equipment, that is, so that the gate could be monitored from the Mexican side. A necessity to this day, as Australia is not yet connected to the chiral network. The UCA may not have dreams of conquest and control, but they aren’t about to let just anyone use the gate. Indeed, that’s one of the reasons they were so determined to connect Australia to the network in the first place. Well… I suppose that’s all I have to say about the plate gate. There’s something else that I need to tell you, though. Something… far more important. Mind if I pause it here? I have to go take a shower.
Alex Weatherstone: Gate quake detected! Sam, a gigantic BT just showed up outside. We’re prepping weapons for you now. Access the terminal up top and take whatever you need. We’re counting on you.
APAS: BT manifestation imminent. Access the delivery terminal to make preparations for combat.
Alex Weatherstone: Sam, this is Alex. You did it! We’ve confirmed the chiral crystallization of the giant BT. Local chiral dentistry is already dropping fast. I think we can all rest easy for now. You’ve saved a lot of lives by killing that monstrosity. We won’t forget that. Head to the research lab’s private room and take a break – you’ve earned it.
Deadman: As I said before, there’s something I need to tell you – it’s about Lou. You see, after you left Bridges, I decided to do a little digging into BB-28’s past – that is, Lou’s. I found the BB decommissioning records. Now according to them, BB-28 was flagged for disposal, and subsequently incinerated four years ago. Long before you and Lou first met.
Sam: That’s… BB-28?
Deadman: This is the child officially identified as BB-28. But if you look closer, Sam, you’ll see at once that it can’t possibly be Lou. Right there, at the elbow, where the birthmark should be – nothing. Which means, we have another BB-28 on our hands. The one with whom you memorably went west and back not so long ago – that is, Lou. Per regulations, the serial number assigned to each BB was unique. Not two units should have even been assigned the same one. I’ve crosschecked the details with the most up-to-date entries in the UCA database. And indeed, there is no reason to believe BB-28 survived. All of which can only mean, Sam, that the Bridge Baby you carried with you on your journey across America – Lou… was never recorded in the official database. So where, then, did Lou come from? Right now, your guess is as good as mine. But as worrying as that sounds, this could actually be to your advantage. Since it’s functionally impossible for the UCA or Bridges to track a BB of which they have no record. Which is lucky, because if they did know about a BB that could live and grow outside the pod, they’d want to secure it for study… So take comfort in the knowledge that they don’t – that you’re free. That you can bring up Lou in peace. How is it, by the way? The two of you, living as a family? Right. I have gifts for you – a few things to take back home. An assortment of vaccines to be administered as your child grows up. We want Lou to live a long and healthy life. And, it’s natural for children to be afraid of shots. Maybe this will help put Lou’s mind at ease. A token of my affection. You can collect it via the delivery terminal when you leave. I wonder how big Lou will get… Anyway, there’s one more thing I wanted to share with you. As you know, everyone is meant to go to their own Beach when they die. But unlike most people, I wasn’t born from a mother. I was born from an artificial womb. Transplants provided the organs I never had. I was incomplete – and had no Beach, I believed. But I wasn’t about to accept that. I went back home to study the Ha and Ka, and the Beach – I threw myself into my work, Sam. I tried, but I think I’ve done all that I can. In the end, I’m still a patchwork Frankenstein’s monster. One that’s just about worn out. As a doctor, I can tell you… I don’t have long left. So I’ve devoted my remaining time to… to research. That’s why I’m here, Sam, where I can focus on the Beach. There’s so much data here, Sam. On Beach formation, jumping via Beaches, the relationship between the Beach and plate gates… All the evidence you could ever wish for. Not enough to solve every mystery, perhaps, but… enough for me to make an incredible personal discovery – that I have a Beach after all! It doesn’t matter how I was born. I have lived as a human, and thus do I possess a Beach like any other. I am not a machine, but a person with a Ha and a Ka. And a Beach to go with them! Lastly, I have a confession for you – along with a heartfelt apology. I told you once that I didn’t have DOOMS, but that’s not actually true. Not that I was lying, you understand. I just didn’t know. It was only after I found my Beach that I realized. Chiral allergic reaction. I can feel it getting closer. I’m off to the Beach, Sam. To my Beach. Take care of yourself.
Fragile: Sam.
Sam: Did you know about this?
Fragile: No. It’s news to me, too. I’m sorry that Deadman is gone… But he wouldn’ve been pleased that you managed to extend the UCA network all the way to his lab. Thank you, Sam.
Sam: I guess I’m homeward bound.
Fragile: Missing little Lou that badly?
Sam: You know I am.
Fragile: Come on back, Sam. Lou misses you too.
Alex Weatherstone: Hey, Sam. About that message Deadman left for you… I hope you understand that he wanted to tell you all that himself. He didn’t want it to come from me or anyone else. Naturally, we respected his wishes. We’ll also be carrying on his research in his stead. I’m sure you will, but please take care of that last order he left for you. On another note – you can now use PCC to construct generators and bridges. Build them along your delivery routes, and you’re sure to make a ton of other porters very happy. Trust me. Who knows? They might end up returning the favor someday, too. Also, you can now fabricate tri-cruisers – trikes with two front wheels. You’ll be able to build, charge, or repair tri-cruisers at any facility with a garage, like this one. It’s a battery-powered vehicle, so if you run out of juice in the wild, you can always construct a generator to recharge it. Just be careful not to run out of battery when you’re outside network coverage. You can only use your PCC to build generators or any other structures when you’ve got a network connection. So without coverage, you’ll either have to ditch a dead tri-cruiser, or wait forever and a day for the solar panels to recharge it. Once again, thank you for linking up all of Mexico, Sam. Be safe out there, and pay us a visit the next time you’re close.
Fragile: Sam. I just reviewed the list of UCA associates. You can rest easy. Any data concerning your life on the run has been erased. So once you’ve taken care of Deadman’s final request, you can come straight home. Access the terminal on site for the details. I’ll take care of Lou, just focus on the job.
APAS: This custom cargo container is designed to be attached directly to your chest. The words “For Lou” are written on it. Tri-cruisers are now available for fabrication.
Lauren Tsai: So, are you a porter? Wait… Are you here about that missing cargo of mine? I’ll take a look at it now. Where did you find this? I’m so grateful. Thank you. You know, I always thought you’d come to my aid one day. You can go ahead and connect me to the chiral network.
Lauren Tsai: Whoa… Guess I’m online now. Interesting. The network has more uses than I realized. A lot more people can see my illustrations now. Oh, I’ve shared some color data I think will suit you. You can use this data to customize your headwear and other clothing. A change of outfit can really improve your mood.
Sam: You work on illustrations out here?
Lauren Tsai: I went looking for a place where I could focus on my art, and… found myself here. There’s so much beauty to be found in this place. Infinite sources of inspiration. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not blind to the destruction the Death Stranding has wrought. Some of us just see things through a different lens. Now, we’re in a newborn world that’s yet to be shaped – a blank canvas. It’s filled me with so many intense emotions that I want to convey to everyone else. I just hope that somehow I can translate these feelings into my art.
Sam: I’d best be moving on.
Lauren Tsai: Thanks for coming. I’m glad we were able to meet. You’ve given me what I needed to finally complete the piece I’ve been working on. I’ll let you know when it’s finished. Till then, take care.
Bokka: You a porter? ‘Cause I don’t recall having any outstanding orders… Still, I’ll check the records and see what pops. Well shit, you found it! This is that cargo that went missing a while back! You’re a shining example of what a porter should be. The best I could ever hope to meet. I’m willing to trust you have the best intentions. Put me on the network. I’d be happy to share my data with everyone else. Other porters should definitely find it useful.
Bokka: So, now I’m connected to the network. You can get goods and data and so forth through it, right? That’s all fine and dandy, but with the advent of APAS, I hear the porter’s time’s coming to end. Wonder what the Man Who Delivers would say about that if he were still around. Anyway, the trekking boot data I shared is for a design that I gradually refined over the course of my training. They’re tailor-made for mountain runs. Got great traction and peerless shock absorption for those hard landings. There’s no better shoe for traveling through rough country like this.
Sam: Are there other porters working out here?
Bokka: Oh yeah. Wherever there’s clients in need and cargo to be carried, you can bet your ass you’ll find porters. Of course, in the UCA, they started relying on APAS for distribution… And so the delivery boys and girls have been drifting down here ever since. Plenty are working even farther south of here too. As times change, so does the nature of the job. New vehicles and nifty gear – weapons, too, for the porters who fancy ‘em. But none of that is as important as the shoes you wear. Worst comes to worst, all you need is a pair of shoes to get the cargo to its destination.
Sam: The Man Who Delivers?
Bokka: You mean to say you haven’t heard of him? The porter all others aspire to be like – the best to ever strap on a pack. After he made a name for himself in the UCA, he up and vanished, just like that. And of course, like all legends, he’s a man of many mysteries. With the help of the chiral network, though, I could probably learn a lot more about him. And the more I learn, the closer I’ll get to becoming the “Bokka Who Delivers” – or so I hope.
Sam: You also a porter?
Bokka: Nah, I’m more of what you’d call a “bokka”. I walk the earth on my own two feet and carry the load on my back alone. Most porters and delivery bots do it differently. My methods are probably closest to those of the Man Who Delivers. The term bokka comes from Japan, where they had porters who worked exclusively in the mountains. You could count on bokka to make deliveries – no matter how treacherous the terrain or remote the destination. And I try to live by their example.
Sam: I’d better get going.
Bokka: Well, thank you. It’s nice to know there are still people like you out there. Take care.
Sam: Nobody’s home. Maybe outside…? She can’t have gone too far from the shelter… What the hell happened!?
Fragile: Lou… Lou… Lou!
Sam: Lou…
Sam: I patched you up the best I could. What happened to Lou?
Fragile: We were attacked. It all happened so fast…
APAS: Intrusion detected. Intrusion detected. Level five alert. Multiple unidentified armed hostiles inbound.
Fragile: I tried to jump us out of there. But I could only take my “equipment” with me, and I couldn’t possibly think of Lou like that… There was no way for the two of us to escape together. The best I could hope for was to jump Lou out – just Lou. I couldn’t protect Lou. I am so sorry… So sorry… I’m sorry…
Sam: Lou?
Fragile: Sam. What’s going on?
Sam: Can you hear me? Can you see me? You can’t… Because you’re dead…