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APAS: Intoxicants successfully purged. Blood alcohol content nominal.
Fragile: Well, it looks like someone needed a nap. Hope you like your new private room. Feel free to make yourself at home.
Sam: Wait, wait, hold up- Where’s the pd? Where’s Lou?
Fragile: Settle down, Sam. Lou’s with me. You’ll see us soon enough.
Fragile: Welcome to Drawbridge, Sam. And to the DHV Magellan, our mobile base of operations. C’mon. I’ll help you get your bearings. This is the ship’s armory. Here you can check your weapons and put them through their paces. These rooms over here belong to other members of the crew. They are pretty much the same as yours. And the shower’s down at the end.
Sam: This is one hell of a ship you got there. Courtesy of the UCA, I’m guessing.
Fragile: No. As I told you, Drawbridge is a civilian outfit. But we do have a generous patron with access to plenty of capital and tech.
Sam: Sounds like a UCA bigshot.
Fragile: Don’t ask me. We’ve never met face-to-face. They value their privacy.
Sam: Seriously? You know better than to believe that bullshit.
Fragile: We’ve both been used and lied to before, it’s true. But as long as they keep up their end, I won’t pry.
Fragile: This is the headquarters of our humble operation – the bridge of the DHV Magellan. It’s always like this when the DHV Magellan’s on the move. Meet Tarman, our resident doctor and geophysicist. He’s also the captain and pilot, in case you hadn’t noticed. And a fellow DOOMS sufferer. The nav console offers a direct connection to the tar currents. The downside being that we all have to bathe in chiralium.
Tarman: Happy to have you aboard, Sam. You’ll have to excuse me if I don’t shake your hand.
Sam: You steer this ship solo?
Tarman: Yeah – though the computer does most of the work.
Sam: So this is a submarine?
Tarman: Spot on. We dive into the tar and use it to travel underground.
Fragile: Just beneath the surface of the Earth, there are currents we can ride almost anywhere.
Sam: So what’s your role in all this?
Fragile: Me? I make sure Drawbridge’s grand plans go off without a hitch.
Sam: So you’re the commander?
Fragile: That’s right. These days, I’m Fragile in name only.
Sam: Huh. So where we headed?
Fragile: At the moment, we’re bound for the plate gate in Mexico – the one that you put on the network for us. Our destination is on the other side – Australia, which we’ve been asked to link up next.
Sam: Well, the problem is, not everybody wants to be part of the UCA…
Fragile: That’s not the plan, Sam. The UCA isn’t looking to expand its borders. Just like with Mexico, they want to bring new regions into the network. That’s our last, best hope of saving the world. Which is why we’re here – or more importantly, why you’re here.
Sam: Lou?
Dollman: Ah, so “Lou” is the child’s name. Uh, hello? Excuse you. I too am a member of Drawbridge, believe it or not. It is an honor, Sam.
Sam: That a puppet?
Dollman: Wha- puppet? No, no! No, I am alive and my own master!
Fragile: This is Dollman – a man whose Ka wound up stuck inside a – well, you get it. He used to be a spirit medium.
Dollman: When I was still flesh and bone, of course. Regrettably, my transformation cost me my talents.
Sam: Lou, where are you?
Dollman: Sam… That, that pod is emp-
Fragile: Shhh.
Dollman: Oh. You know… no one should have to suffer such loss. I understand. Believe me, I do. Which is why – yes – I think you two should go on one more adventure. Hm?
Sam: What are you talking about?
Dollman: Well, take Lou – yes – and link up Australia together. Like you did before in America. Hm? I’m sure a lengthy journey will help you to heal.
Tarman: Sam, we’ve arrived. In case you’re wondering, my hand is traveling through the tar currents. Which is lucky, because that’s what allows me to keep this ship on course.
Fragile: We’re by the research lab you linked up last time.
Tarman: The DHV Magellan can travel to and surface anywhere, provided it’s within network coverage. A genuine mobile base of operations.
Fragile: Still not fully equipped though – it doesn’t have any proper guns.
Tarman: Need to fix that at some time…
Fragile: Anyway, the DHV Magellan’s here to back you up. As always, you’ll be the one leading the way to expand the network. We’ll be right behind you, providing you with support. Just so we’re crystal clear, Sam. Our mission is to connect the whole Australian continent to the existing chiral network here in North America.
Sam: From halfway around the world. How’re we supposed to do that again?
Tarman: By using the Mexican plate gate – the one you already put on the grid, remember? To get started, all you have to do is cross over and connect your Q-pid to the nearest chiral network terminal. As you extend coverage, we’ll move the DHV Magellan to keep up.
Dollman: And you’ll of course be traveling with your child. I – I mean, that’s what Lou would want, right? A grand new adventure with Daddy. I’m excited for you.
Fragile: Go and get your gear sorted. We’ll be waiting.
Sam: You’re ready for another trip with Daddy? Okay, kiddo, let’s go.
Dollman: Sam, would you mind if I joined you?
Fragile: Humor him. His knowledge and experience will probably come in handy down the road.
Dollman: Yes. Really, Sam, your buttocks? What about shotgun? I prefer the driver’s seat.
Sam: Alright.
Man (vision): – think you have a choice?
Dollman: What was that just now?
Sam: You saw it too, huh.
Dollman: Mhm.
Sam: Let’s just say it’s nothing new. I always got these flashes when I hooked up the pod.
Dollman: Ah, the blood-through effect, wherein the BB’s memories are conflated with one’s own. I’m sure someone explained it to you before. Though… this is a little different, of course.
Sam: I really gotta deal with this shit again…?
Fragile: Sam, do you read me? You’ll first need to access the Mexico-side plate gate terminal. After we’ve confirmed network coverage, we can take the DHV Magellan and regroup at your position.
Dollman: Phew… I haven’t been outside in a long while. Let’s get going, hmm? If nothing else, this journey should give you a chance to mourn. You know, I meant it when I said I understand how you feel. But if you hold on to the sadness, it will weigh you down like an anchor. However much it hurts, you must carry on, and do what only you can do. Grieve, of course, but keep moving, Sam. Then, when all is said and done, you can take stock and decide what’s next. Awww yeah…
Sam: What’s the deal with them?
Dollman: I’ve never seen them before. They almost look like they’re on a pilgrimage.
Sam: And they can just waltz right through the gate like that?
Dollman: It would seem so. Once you extend coverage into Australia, the chiral network should afford us some additional security. Or at least allow us to maintain a record of whoever uses the gate. It bears repeating that the UCA does not intend to restrict access to it. They only want to ensure safe passage for everyone traveling between the continents. Brace yourself, Sam. It’s a gate quake. And a big one at that! Let’s make our way to the plate gate – carefully.
Dollman: A strange place if ever I’ve seen one. There should be a terminal this way. Let’s keep moving!
Fragile: Thanks again, Sam. The chiral network connection to Australia is holding steady. And you’ll be happy to hear we made it here in one piece. Just to let you know – when you come back to the DHV Magellan, our patron would like to talk to you.
Fragile: Thank you, Sam. I’d like you to meet someone.
Charlie: Hello, Sam. My name is Charlie.
Fragile: Charlie is Drawbridge’s patron.
Charlie: Hear me out, Sam. I want you to help us bring Australia into the network. Drawbridge has been selected to oversee this critical operation. People saw what you did in Mexico and wanted more of the same.
Sam: What you’re trying to pull?
Charlie: There are reasons why I can’t tell you who I am, Sam. But to be clear, I’m not APAS. Nor am I your enemy.
Sam: And, what – you think I’m just gonna trust the words of some faceless mannequin?
Charlie: I need you to trust me. I’m the one paying for this ship and this whole operation – at considerable personal risk.
Sam: Nah, I wanna see a face. Or no deal.
Charlie: A face? Very well. Since you won’t take it from me, maybe it should come from someone you know. How’s this? Pick one of your old comrades, and I’ll speak to you with their voice. Who would you like? Who would you trust?
Sam: Lockne.
Charlie: It’s been a while… but not really. Målingen, Lockne – we’re the same. As I’m sure you are well aware, Mama’s Ka now resides within Lockne. Adding my persona to the two sounds confusing, no? Let’s avoid that.
Sam: Heartman.
Heartman: Sam, it’s Heartman. No point. The man himself will be joining you on site in Australia.
Sam: Deadman.
Charlie: Call me Deadman. I’m well-acquainted with the dead. Last I heard, he took a one-way trip to the Beach. Seems a little soon, don’t you think?
Sam: Die-Hardman.
Charlie: Sam. This is Die-Hardman. All right. Pulling up his profile from the database… How about now, Sam? Feeling more at ease already, I’m sure.
Sam: Hey, tell me, old buddy – if this is a UCA-sanctioned op, who knows about it?
Charlie: Ah, you misunderstand. Then again, there’s a lot I still haven’t explained to you, isn’t there. I think it’s time a certain someone made an appearance. I’d like you to meet “The President.”
Sam: The new president? The guy who took over after Die-Hardman?
Charlie: Not precisely. The UCA doesn’t have a presidential system anymore. Die-hardman was the first and only president – making it one of the shortest-lived single-executive administrations in history. One can only guess what he felt about it. Previously, the president was subject to the will of the people via popular vote every four years. APAS, however, is far more efficient. It can ascertain public opinion in real time and thereby determine the appropriate course of action. This led to the adoption of a new model.
Sam: “President guy”? I – You just told me he isn’t really the president.
Charlie: He’s not the president of the UCA. Rather, he serves as the president of APAC. APAC is a privately owned corporation responsible for the operation and oversight of APAS. A service provider to which we may delegate day-to-day governance.
The President: You performance in Mexico was exemplary. We cannot thank you enough. Well done, truly. I firmly believe that the only ones capable of expanding the network into Australia are those who helped establish it here at home – that means you, Sam, and you too, Fragile. APAS has determined that you have highest probability of success in this endeavor.
Sam: APAS and the chiral network are all built on UCA tech. If you expand their reach beyond our borders, then you’re expanding their influence as well, aren’t you?
The President: A valid concern. But… It wasn’t the UCA that made the final decision. It was APAC, a private corporation. The UCA has no involvement whatsoever in this matter. Sam, it may interest you to know that linking up Australia will also serve a greater goal. You see, the plate gate that connects North America and Australia only matured after you united America with the chiral network. On that basis, we believe that a new gate will manifest somewhere within Australia once full chiral connectivity is achieved. At that time, APAS should have sufficient data to calculate the location of other points of connection between continents. With this information, APAS can then proceed to extrapolate the positions of these land masses. In other words, this mission is not just about linking up a single continent. By connecting Australia, we will be one step closer to reclaiming a pre-Death Stranding world where everyone is part of a greater whole. I hope my answer alleviates your concern, somewhat.
Sam: Guess so. Tell me, though – who’s Charlie to you?
The President: He may speak for me as necessary to ensure the operation proceeds according to plan. Our corporation, however, will calculate what factors are essential for your success and will provide you with direct support. Welcome aboard, Sam. Charlie will take it from here.
Charlie: It will be your job to travel the continent and connect the people, Sam. But know that everyone on this ship is ready and eager to back you up. You won’t be on your own this time.
Fragile: So, you’re gonna do it?
Sam: Did it before. Seems like the only thing I’m good at.
Fragile: Did you manage to get some sleep, Sam? I’d like to take a moment to go over the details of the request that Drawbridge has agreed to handle. Access the DHV Magellan’s delivery terminal when you’re ready to proceed.
Charlie: Hey, looks like you’ve been supplied with a Drawbridge crew hat. Try it on for size. I have a feeling it’ll suit your style.
Dollman: We can discuss anything you like here, Sam. It’s a private room, after all. So if you ever want to sit down and talk, I’d be happy to share my thoughts on a variety of topics, along with any discoveries I happen to make. And who knows? Some of it may even be of use to you as you work to connect all of Australia to the chiral network. You know, it looks as though you’ve been issued a few different hats, Sam. Why not experiment and switch up your headgear to suit your mood? You can also change the outfit I’m wearing, if you like. I shall put my faith in your impeccable sense of fashion. Out of curiosity, Sam, did you notice that the mirror above your sink displays images of the outside world? These images change as we travel and actually show what’s waiting for us outside the DHV Magellan when we disembark. Prolonged living inside an enclosed space can be bad for one’s mental health due to the unchanging environment. That’s why I asked Tarman to implement this particular feature. A digital photo frame, so to speak. An easy-to-understand name, don’t you think? Though I’m the only one who calls it that. Anyway, it’ll give you a preview of our surroundings. That’s sure to have some practical benefits. Showers these days are truly impressive, Sam. They really are. They’re able to collect all the minute chiral crystals from your wastewater and repurpose them for later use. The ones on board the DHV Magellan are the latest model. You would do well to use them regularly. It’s important to remember that “defeating” BTs isn’t the same as eliminating a threat once and for all. These entities are simply being driven back to the world of the dead for the time being.
Man (vision): Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot!
Dollman: Another curious vision…
Fragile: Alright, Sam. Let me give you a rundown of your new job. The big one. It’s the same deal as America. The people here are isolated. The cities are cut off from one another. And so, to bring all of Australia into the chiral network… We want you to cross the continent and link up key locations using your Q-pid. To begin with, you’ll connect several facilities in sequence on your way to the closest city to here, West Fort Knot. Charlie will brief you on the order that will take you to the first facility.
Charlie: Your first destination is home to what they’re calling “The Government.” They seek to establish a new administration to fill the void left by Australia’s collapse. As the concept of formal governance is a distant memory to most, they opted for a simple name. These people are currently suffering from the effects of severe chiral contamination. But with UCA technology, they should be able to make a full recovery. The cargo you’ll be entrusted with contains everything they need for their treatment. If we can deliver it and earn their trust, they should be amenable to joining the chiral network. Needless to say, it’s their business to know the current lay of the land… and we would benefit from their support. We’re already seeing anomalous chiralium readings throughout Australia. There’s even a BT area not far from where we are now. A BB pod should allow you to use your odradek to ascertain the location of BTs, but it’s unclear if that pod will function correctly at this time. Proceed with the utmost caution.
Fragile: Charlie may be our patron, but he likes to get his hands dirty whenever he can. He’s been an excellent advisor to us as well. I say this to assure you that any instructions Charlie gives have been discussed with and approved by me. Alright, let’s get to it. Review the details of the main order on the delivery terminal.
APAS: Updating with new data supplied by Drawbridge from outside chiral network coverage.
Charlie: Sam, this is Charlie. APAS has been analyzing your actions so far… And it seems it’s added some new upgrades tailored to your preferred way of working. It’s my understanding that additional servers are currently being installed on several Beaches, which should result in a marked increase in APAS’s processing power. Due to the timeless nature of the Beach, the potential to boost APAS’s capabilities is infinite. Its analysis will therefore grow more comprehensive as you complete more orders, meaning you can expect additional enhancements to become available soon. Experiment with them and see which you like.
APAS: APAS enhancements are now available.
Old Oz: Ah… You’re that bloke with Drawbridge, aren’t you? So you really came, eh? Cut straight through BT territory just to bring us our cargo. That’s quite a feat. Been waiting a long time for someone like you to show up. Let’s see how well you were able to handle our delivery. I’m glad to see you handled our delivery with care. Now that’s service. I wasn’t expecting you to make this delivery as well! Thanks, mate. Like everyone says, you’re a man people can count on. Already put that decontamination unit to good use. The chiralium levels had really gotten out of hand, so you couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks. Anyway, go ahead and connect us with that Q-pid or whatever it is.
Old Oz: A chiral communications transmission! With this network at our disposal, we might be able to make our dream a reality. We want to build a world where even the weakest among us have a chance. A world where people come together to stand against those who embrace violence. Ever since the Death Stranding, this continent has been afflicted by terrible environmental changes. it was bad enough, but outta nowhere, the anomalies became a hell of a lot more dramatic. Skyrocketing levels of chiral contamination, those bloody “watcher” things coming out of the woodwork. Didn’t realize it at the time, but the escalation of all this insanity coincided with the UCA’s connection to the network, and the appearance of the plate gate. The chiral network is causing instability beyond the reach of its coverage. Which means the only way to fix it is to link up all of Australia. At least that’s what we here believe. To support your efforts, we’ve shared the data we have about the continent with your people. Information about the Brigands and so on. Use it to the best of your ability.
Sam: What’s the situation in Australia?
Old Oz: We’re not doing any better than the UCA or Mexico, I’m afraid. Only difference is the presence of armed belligerents we call Brigands – as well as the new type of BT we’ve been seeing all over lately. The Brigands have been trying to bring us to heel and are a right pain in the arse. They’ve got an irrational enmity for new tech like the chiral network, you see. We’ve also been seeing major earthquakes all over the continent, as well as devastating floods due to heavy timefall. You’re gonna have your work cut out for you while you’re down under, that’s for sure.
Sam: Chiral contamination was pretty bad, huh?
Old Oz: Due to our proximity to a BT area, this shelter was subject to significant chiral contamination. Said area has also been the source of a new type of BT. Unlike the usual sort, these ones are able to see us, clear as day. As such, we’ve taken to calling the buggers “watchers”, and they’re every bit as dangerous as any other BT. You’re gonna want to steer clear at all costs.
Sam: The data you shared?
Old Oz: Take the bola gun, for example. With our data, we were able to improve and refine the design of the APAC standard-issue model. You can charge it now to fire projectiles with a narrower spread. Perfect for taking down hard-to-reach targets with precision. And then there’s backpack customization. We’ve developed a number of unique attachments that can be equipped to the pack you’re currently carrying. Stuff I guarantee will give you an edge in a fight. You might consider bringing this gear with you when you’re prepping for your next run. Oh, and last but not least, we’ve patched through an odradek update that allows its sensor to pick up living beings and other entities. It’s an improvement that builds on the sensor’s existing functionality. Anything it detects will be visible to you as a silhouette for a brief time. I’m sure it’ll come in handy down the road.
Sam: I’d best push on.
Old Oz: Before I forget – there’s a request I wanted to send your way. I know you’re eager to hit the road and make progress, but I promise you – this is more than worth the trouble. It’s a delivery for the Lone Commander, who lives not too far from here. He’s an old ally who provided us with support for all matters military. He’s also a crack shot with a sniper rifle. But after this and that, we went our separate ways, and he retired to a shelter off to the east. He can be a hard man to please, but if we could enlist his help again, I’m sure he’d provide us with all kinds of useful information. Data and schematics that might prove invaluable for your work. Especially if you’re the type who likes to fight first and ask questions later. Should help us all combat the Brigands a damn sight more effectively, in any case. I’ve filed this request as a sub order, so check the terminal if you’re interested in taking on extra work.
Charlie: That was excellent work, Sam. With the Government now part of the chiral network, we’ve successfully completed the first step in our journey to connect all of Australia. I want to thank you for making this possible. Well done. To extend network coverage as far as West fort Knot, our next order of business will be to link up the Western Environmental Observatory. The associated order is ready for you. This one may well palace you in considerable danger, so be sure to take extra care when selecting your equipment. Access the delivery terminal here to pick up this main order and get underway.
APAS: A new sub order is now available for you.
Charlie: Hello, Sam. This is Charlie. To aid you in your future orders, we’ve prepared porter suits with camo patterns tailor made for the Australian environment. We’ve also provided you with a new basic suit with customizable colors. Moving forward, I imagine you’ll want to adjust your appearance based on the terrain and your personal preferences at the time. Try experimenting with your options.
Dollman: Sam, I can perform reconnaissance for you if you like. After all, there’s no telling what might be waiting for us ahead.
The Lone Commander: Wasn’t expecting a porter of all people to drop by. Most folks would have had buckley’s chance of making it out this far… Betting it was the Government that sent you my way – they’ve got an eye for talent. Can’t help but feel grateful when you get a delivery this well cared for. Where on earth did you find this? I was sure it was gone for good. Thanks, mate. I appreciate what you’ve done for me – really. But I’m afraid I can’t agree to becoming a part of this chiral network of yours. To be frank, I don’t trust you Drawbridge people yet. There’s also no end to the dangers in these parts… and if you haven’t got what it takes to face ‘em, you’ll die like all the rest. Complete my latest order, though, and I might be persuaded to reconsider. If it strikes you as an unreasonable request, you may as well go home now. There’s no shame in recognizing when you’re out of your depth. You gotta know what you can and can’t handle if you wanna survive out here. All of which is to say you shouldn’t go off half-cocked and throw your life away. We clear?
The Lone Commander: Have a go at that! You actually managed to bring it back, did you? I’m genuinely surprised. Let me get a closer look at it. Must’ve been some hard yakka, getting it here looking like this. You are no average porter, mate. That much is crystal clear. I suppose I ought to hold up my end of the bargain. Get out your Q-pid and finish the job.
The Lone Commander: So this is what it’s like being all hooked up and wired in. At any rate, looks like the schematics for my trusty shooter and darling little smoke grandes are in your hands now. The former’s a custom design of mine – uses tranquillizer darts. Makes a hell of a bang when fired, though, so keep that in mind. It’s just a shame our paths couldn’t have crossed sooner. Maybe this world of ours wouldn’t have been so divided – and maybe my mates wouldn’t have had to die.
Sam: Your trusty shooter?
The Lone Commander: My sniper rifle. It’s configured to fire tranquilizing rounds. An ideal choice for those who prefer to get the job done without undue bloodshed. Bit of advice though: make sure you engage your enemies at a healthy distance. It’s not a silenced weapon, so fire too close and they’ll be all over you before you have time to react. And don’t think about taking a shot until you’ve planned your next move. Any sniper worth their salt stays mobile, constantly securing new vantage points to evade detection. Oh, and always remember to account for bullet drop when shooting at extreme ranges. In a nutshell, you might need to aim at a point a notch or two above your target, depending on the distance. And finally, you want to hold your breath to steady your aim before gently pulling the trigger. Having left that life behind, I’ve no need for guns any longer – but that doesn’t mean they can’t be of use to you.
Sam: Smoke grenades, huh…
The Lone Commander: Hey now… Don’t knock ‘em till you’ve tried ‘em, alright? granted, you can’t neutralize an enemy with one. But they are effective at blinding them and giving you cover – far more than you probably realize. And even if they do open fire, you’ll find that their chances of actually hitting you are slim to none… which means that even if you’ve alerted them with one of your own shots, you’ll have no trouble disengaging and repositioning. Properly utilized, they’re a great tool for disrupting enemy attacks and buying you room to regroup. Furthermore, if you happen to have a sensor or something similar on hand, you can use it to track enemies through the smoke… making things pretty one-sided – it’s like shooting fish in a barrel. Or, if you’re the kind of bloke who’d rather get up close and personal, you can chuck one at their feet – waltz right up to ‘em unseen. Turn a fire fight into a fist fight. I assure you, once you’ve learned how to use these little beauties to their full potential, you’ll have a heap of new tactics at your disposal. Experiment, see for yourself.
Sam: What happened to your mates?
The Lone Commander: It may sound like a bit of a yarn, but my friends and I supported the Government’s plans to rebuild Australia. To defend ourselves against those who had other ideas, we had no choice but to take up arms. It ended up costing most of us our lives. All because of me – “the commander.” You’ve seen what became of them. My mates are the watchers scattered all over this hill. Mixed in with all the enemies we slaughtered. And for what? Deep down we were all the same. Blokes who called this land our home. Was it worth all the struggle, all the bloodshed? For the world we shared to be reduced to this? So, I left the military behind. Decided I had to go it alone. I had to figure things out – were we all just doomed to die and become watchers? Was that the only way for us to come together? Fuck that – there was another way. Before it all went to hell, we should’ve tried to find common ground. And now, with your chiral network, that might finally be feasible… Working with the Government, too, maybe. For all that and more, I hope you don’t let me down.
Sam: See you.
The Lone Commander: Righto, Sam. I know you’ve got places to be, but an order just came in that caught my eye. Seems our friends over at the Government’s shelter might be in a bit of strife. If you’re willing to look into it, you can review the details by checking the sub orders on the delivery terminal here. Might be a good occasion to fabricate a sniper rifle with the data I just shared, if you take my meaning. Anyway, think it over, would ya?
Old Oz: Well, well. Retrieved that cargo from those troublemakers did you? We’re all very grateful. Now let’s review the order details. This cargo is in exceptional condition. You are the best. Time after time you’ve been there for us. You’re a saint. I want you to have this data. It’ll help you in your work. We’ve designated more materials for your use. Don’t hold back on our account. We’ve got our hands on those bastards’ gear now. And it’s all thanks to you. With this tech, we should have no trouble whatsoever monitoring and tracking their movements from here. Also… Something tells me you’ve earned the Lone Commander’s respect. Call it a hunch given your more imposing aura. I reckon the Golden Fist and the Island Inventor will be keen to meet with you.
Sam: The Golden Fist?
Old Oz: He’s a combat specialist who used to be stationed at Cape Fort Knot. Which was a settlement located to the north of West Fort Knot. Anyway, he was a champion boxer, so he excels at close-range engagements, as one would expect. One time, when he heard a group of trigger-happy arseholes were getting ready to attack Cape Fort Knot… he went out alone, and took the lot of ‘em down with his bare hands. I’m honestly not sure how he’s getting on these days… but if you could bring him into the chiral network, you would gain the support of a powerful ally.
Sam: The island inventor?
Old Oz: A strange sort of fella, if I’m being honest. He set up shop on an island he never leaves so he could “devote himself to his research.” If you head north from here, past West Fort Knot, you’ll come across a lonely island just off the coast. As for this research, I’ve only met him once myself… and I couldn’t make head nor tail of whatever the hell it was he was trying to build. But perhaps you’ll have better luck than me if you decide to pay him a visit.
Sam: You seem to like this Lone Commander guy.
Old Oz: You’re damn right I do. His skills as a soldier and leader were second to none. A marksman like you wouldn’t believe. And not just with a rifle, either. He once captured an enemy outpost with nothing but his custom handgun for company. If you can find a way to gain his trust, I’m sure he’ll have something of value to teach you. But the poor bloke still holds himself responsible for the death of his comrades – wrongly in my opinion. They way I see it, if he couldn’t save them, then no one could.
Sam: Bye then.
Old Oz: This is a chiral antigravity device that can be attached to your backpack. Slap it on, and your cargo will feel significantly lighter. And the more of them you use, the more noticeable the effect becomes. Any porter ought to appreciate a piece of kit like this. I’m sure you’ll be a big fan.
Peter Gates: You a porter? Those Brigands – are they all gone? Well, this is a relief. I was beginning to think I was done for. Give me a moment to confirm the order details… That was incredible! Wouldn’t wanna get on your bad side. You seem like a porter we can rely on. Go on – use your Q-pid to get us online. Quickly now. I’ll feel a lot safer once we’re all hooked up.
Peter Gates: Online at long last! This ought to do wonders for our ability to monitor chiralium levels by the plate gate, as well as keep an eye on the tar currents. More accurate data will definitely make travel safer for you and your friends aboard the DHV Magellan, too. Ever since the plate gate appeared, we’ve been seeing increasingly dramatic anomalies all throughout the Australian continent. Some theorize that the UCA’s connection to the chiral network destabilized all areas without coverage. What’s done is done though. Our best bet is to follow suit, and connect Australia too. Ah, it may also serve you to know that there are four environmental observatories, including this one. If you can bring them all onto the network, we’re confident we’ll be able to calculate where and when the next plate gate will appear. Anyway, you should already have access to the data we designated for you. Now if we could only manage to get that old road patched up and usable…
Sam: What kind of data was provided?
Peter Gates: Well, there’s our schematic for an MP shell variant grenade. MP shells explode on impact, and are non-lethal munitions that can not only incapacitate humans, but also deal corrosive damage to mechs. And while they’re not as effective as blood grenades, they can definitely hurt BTs too. In any case, you might wanna keep a few stashed in your grenade pouch at all times. We’ve also shared data for a grenade pistol. While it’s only good for a few shots, this gun lets you fire MP shell grenades as projectiles. Its small profile means it packs easily as cargo and won’t get in the way. Naturally, it’ll fit snugly into any handgun holster as well. Our last contribution is the battle skeleton. Like other skeletons you may have used, it increases your maximum carrying capacity and movement speed. This particular model also provides additional protection. However, when you boot it to move faster, or whenever you benefit from its damage reduction capabilities… It’ll consume battery power, so make sure you have enough to spare. If you find yourself running low while on the road, you’ll need to use a generator or borrow a private room somewhere to recharge. You ought to take one out for a spin.
Sam: So there used to be a road?
Peter Gates: It once ran through this region. Saw quite a lot of traffic from what I hear. If you scrounged up enough materials to keep the auto-paver fed, you could make it just like it was back in the old days. But it’s not like we have everything you’d need just lying around. Restoring roads is a massive undertaking, to put it mildly. Having said all that, east of this facility you’ll find the Smoke Hill Mine. Get them operational and processing ores again and you should have no trouble securing the requisite materials. I’ve posted a sub order for this task, so take it on if you’re interested.
Sam: I’ll go on ahead.
Peter Gates: We can’t thank you enough, Sam. Before you go—you’ve been getting a lot of praise for all your hard work… And in recognition of this, seems you’ve been officially cleared to take on standard orders. Between the harsh conditions and the violent outlaws, there are fewer and fewer folks willing to serve as porters these days. But there’s no shortage of people who need help, so I encourage you to take a look if you’re interested. You can review the available requests by bringing up the list via your ring terminal. You’ll find a new sub order, too—we need someone to restore the mine. But you could benefit from having it operational as well. Anyway, thanks again for going above and beyond. Best wishes and safe travels to you, my friend.
Fragile: That’s some good work, Sam. The DHV Magellan’s parked not too far from your position. You’ll be able to pick up your next order on the ship. But before that, you should head back to your room and rest up. I imagine you’re both pretty tired. You and Dollman.
Dollman: I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted. Perhaps we could take a break?
Dollman: Are you alright? You were talking in your sleep… Kept repeating the name, “Amelie.”
Tarman: Sam, Tarman here. I’d like to brief you on this next order of yours. Once you’re ready to head out, access the delivery terminal on the DHV Magellan to proceed.
Dollman: So, the files say you worked with Amelie to connect everyone in the UCA to the chiral network. But that despite your best efforts, an extinction event known as the Last Stranding seemed destined to kill us all. Until Amelie found a way to put a stop to it. She singlehandedly sealed off the Extinction Entity’s Beach, preventing countless BTs from invading our world… And in doing so, saved humanity. But why am I telling you this? You were there to witness it all, with your own two eyes. And you, of all people, must know that humanity can never truly escape extinction. The ultimate goal of Drawbridge’s mission is to overcome the Death Stranding. If we succeed, we will be fulfilling Amelie’s dying wish. At least, that’s how I see it. So in order to survey an area, I have to rely on a very special power. My “strength of will,” you might say. The requisite focus can be rather exhausting, but I’m happy to grin and bear it since it’s for your sake. So if you deem it necessary, feel free to send me airborne as many times as you like. It won’t use up any battery or chiral crystals either. All it requires is that I place my absolute faith in you… Which I do, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Man (vision): -my word…
Dollman: Are you alright, Sam? What was that just now? Did something happen?
Sam: Feels good.
Tarman: Sam. About the next site we wanted you to bring online with the Q-pid. It seems we have a little problem. The tar currents nearby have grown unstable. Under these conditions, it’s unlikely we’ll be able to establish a chiral network connection. Our scans have identified a potential cause: an unknown device located within a Brigand outpost to the north of West Fort Knot. It’s hardly an elegant solution, but we need you to destroy it. When you’re ready, take on this main order to proceed. The client in this case is the Musician. I can’t wait to hear what he has to share with the network. Don’t let us down, Sam.
Dollman: The mine’s up and running again. Time to inform the staff at the Western Environmental Observatory. When we first arrived, you may have seen a sign requesting assistance with road restoration. Since we’re here, why don’t we mine a little? That way we might obtain the necessary materials to finish the job.
Tarman: Hey, Sam, this is Tarman. The disruptor device we need you to disable is located in this area. You should have no trouble whatsoever destroying it using MP bullets or MP shells. Alternatively, consider getting close enough to access the device directly. You can use your ring terminal to have APAS hack into it, allowing you to disable it without resorting to brute force. Be advised though, Sam, that some of the Brigands you’ll encounter on site will be wearing armor protecting both their heads and bodies. And that every one of these armored units will be wielding a rod. No doubt their aim is to fortify themselves against ranged attacks, allowing them to move in and engage you at close quarters. In light of this development, we’ve gone ahead and added armored enemies to our VR weapons and combat training programs. This way, you can experiment with various methods and find a means of dealing with them that’s suited to your personal strengths. That’s all the information I have for now. Review your potential routes and finalize your equipment loadout before heading out. We’re counting on you, Sam.
Dollman: Just toss me into the middle of their camp, and I can give you a better picture of what to expect. It’s not very sophisticated, but it works. Just promise you won’t throw me anywhere… weird. When the first APAC expedition came to Australia, the Brigands saw them as invaders and rejected their overtures. They were unwilling to embrace the change that the chiral network could bring to their world. While their motives differ, I’m reminded of the Luddite movement and their violent opposition to new technologies. Brigands seem committed to not killing their enemies at least. If only they had channeled their energies into a constructive dialogue with us. Ah yes… Those wandering BTs we encountered… I believe people call them watchers. A fitting name given their behavior. The way they seemed to be eying us with such disconcerting intensity… They can’t see everything, though. No, they’ve definitely got some blind spots… Meaning you might be able to avoid combat by evading detection and sneaking past unnoticed. Sam… I hope it’s not too much to ask that you continue to take me with you into the field. I know a thing or two about BTs and the dead after all—some of it might come in handy. We aren’t the only members of Drawbridge, so you know. We have associates who’ve already established themselves on the ground. I expect you’ll run into them from time to time. I don’t really have anything else to say right now.
Gen Hoshino: Hold on… You’re with Drawbridge, am I right? Hope the Brigands weren’t too much trouble. Though you look okay. Glad you could make it. Alright. Let’s take a look at this cargo of yours! Look at the shine on this. Hot damn! Talk about one crazy surprise. I’d given up on this one. Appreciated. I’ll definitely have more work for you if you want it. I’ve been waiting a long time for this. Okay – use your Q-pid to hook me up.
Gen Hoshino: This is really something… I’m part of the chiral network. Which means everyone can finally listen to my songs. And with the music player, you’ll also be able to set the mood for your adventures. And just like that, the world’s gotten so much bigger. Yeah. Looks like my weapon data’s been shared with everyone, too. So, about the recording you brought me – it almost sounds like a whale song. But there’s something off about it. I’ll need more time to figure it out. Anyway, I’ll send you updates via the SSS.
Sam: You’ve shared weapon data?
Gen Hoshino: Yeah. I got it from a friend who knows all about weapons. This was way back in the day – when I was traveling in search of new music. They said I’d need to protect myself. Taught me how to use it and everything, but I never did in the end. Just as well. I’m better with instruments, you know? Apparently this shines when you break it out at close range. Incorporates the latest tech as well, so it ought to pack one hell of a punch. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t ever need stuff like this, but I bet it’s a necessary evil for you. Do what you gotta.
Sam: Are you making music out here?
Gen Hoshino: Yep! I can really immerse myself in my work here. Sadly, all the music I’ve made never gets heard by anyone else. Still, that’s about to change. Cause of that update I pushed to you earlier – that new music player function, remember? In it, you’ll find a sample of my work. When you’ve got the time – be it on the job or relaxing somewhere – why don’t you take a listen?
Sam: Whale song?
Gen Hoshino: Tarman’s the one who recorded it – said he heard it while he was out tar fishing. Have a listen. Call me crazy, but we might be dealing with something like a whale. Another interesting thing to note – creatures that hear the song make an effort to avoid the source. There’s not much else I can say with confidence. However, give me some time to analyze it, and I might get you some answers.
Sam: I’ll be off now.
Gen Hoshino: Gotta get going, huh? Well hey, thank you for the help. You know, I’ve been wondering how those Brigands got their hands on that disruptor thing. I’m just saying, they certainly don’t have the know-how to build one. It’s kinda worrying. Oh yeah. I had another favor I wanted to ask. If that’s cool. I lost some cargo near and dear to my heart, even though I tried my best to keep it safe. I’ve tracked it to this dangerous place – too dangerous for someone like me. The request’s open to anyone willing to accept, but… something tells me you’ll deliver… get it? Anyway, if this kind of work’s up your alley, then take a look at my sub order.
Tarman: Thank you so much, Sam. I have high hopes for his work, but I suppose we’ll have to wait and see what comes of it. As for that strange device, it seems that its effect on the tar currents blocked all chiral communications… so I think it’s only fair that we call it a “chiral jammer.” Anyway, while the currents in the area have settled down somewhat… We’ve received a number of troubling new reports. For one, a tar eruption was recorded in the direct vicinity of West Fort Knot. A group of figures clad in red and a large unidentified black mass were observed just prior to this eruption as well. Needless to say, the anomalous tar current activity near West Fort Knot may be related to these events… so we can’t afford to ignore them and proceed with network expansion. We’ve got no choice but to investigate and address any cause that may be present on site. The corresponding main order has been added to this delivery terminal. I’ve got a feeling a difficult fight might be ahead of you, Sam. I strongly advise you to prepare accordingly.
Gen Hoshino: Hey Sam, I’ve been waiting for ya. Decided to take on that order, huh? I can see you took extra care with this. Thank you. You’re always there just when I need you. Allow me to express my gratitude with this data. Do you have enough materials? Why don’t I increase the amount you can withdraw from here? You are incredible. And with talents like those, you might even catch their eye. The Tar Lake Twins, that is. I went and shared another music sample with you by the way. If you can, I would love it if you had a listen.
Sam: The Tar Lake Twins?
Gen Hoshino: That’s right. Or so I’ve heard… They live on the edge of a tar lake – to explore the limits of what a human being can handle. Only interested in meeting exceptional folks capable of pushing said limits. Sadly, nobody has come along that fits the bill. Make for an interesting story, huh? Which has me wondering – what kind of person would be good enough?
Sam: A favorite track of yours?
Gen Hoshino: Yeah. Got it from a kindred spirit in the UCA. Stuff that’ll hit you right in the Ka and Ha. A classic tune. When you head back to your room, have a listen. For real, you’ll be hooked.
Sam: Bye then.
Gen Hoshino: Again, thank you so much, Sam. It’s weird, though – how did something I know I’d stored safely end up in a place like that? Anyway, you might wanna keep an eye on your own stuff. Take care – and please come back soon.
Higgs: Well now, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes. Been a long time, Sam.
Sam: The fuck!? How’re you still alive!?
Higgs: Oh no, no, no, I’m just a ghost. Come to take my revenge – on you and that bitch, Fragile. All the way from the other side. Course there’s no point in trying to kill you when you won’t stay dead! But there are… plenty of other ways to make you suffer. The kid kicked the bucket, huh. Shame. A goddamn shame. So now what? You’re just… lugging that coffin around – sorry, “pod” – going on a walkabout? Well, that’s touching! Even if you don’t know a goddamn thing about Lou.
Sam: What are you saying?
Higgs: Maybe I… can’t kill you – you won’t die, but you can lose… everything you love – and torture yourself for the rest of time. Knowing that death will never come for you. So you go on your little walkabout. Go wherever you want. But I will be damned if I let you link up this continent. And not because… “extinction’s” my creed, though, no. No, I wanna build a world where fear and violence are king. And who do you think will come out on top, Sam? You with your hippy-dippy network, or me with my more rough-and-tumble methods? I can’t wait to find out. Just a good old-fashioned boss fight. Cruelty or collaboration – the eternal choice. Let’s put ‘em to the test.
Dollman: That was amazing, Sam. Great work. Now let’s get this place on the chiral network.
Sam: Time for a rest.
Olive Westbury: Your name is Sam, isn’t it? We owe you one. What in the hell was that thing, anyway? It looked like a machine, but none I’ve ever seen before. Right. We need to assess the situation. I can tell you gave it your all. We appreciate the help. I hope we can continue to rely on you in the future. This moment’s been a long time coming. Please use your Q-pid to connect us.
Olive Westbury: Great. No issues establishing a chiral network connection. By the way, we’ve sent some folks out to recover the wreckage of that giant mech that attacked us earlier. Only prudent we study it, you know? If we learn anything of value, we’ll be sure to relay it to Drawbridge right away. Thanks again for coming to our rescue.
The President: Sam. This is the President. Due to your tireless efforts, West Fort Knot is now part of the chiral network. A great achievement. I salute you. However, this expansion has done little to address the anomalous activity observed across the continent. Elsewhere, disruptions in the tar currents are growing ever more prevalent. Only by connecting all of Australia can we hope to resolve this situation. And by doing so, we will create the optimal conditions for a new plate gate to manifest as well. We’re one step closer to making the Chiralverse a reality and ensuring humanity overcomes extinction. The road ahead is still fraught with peril, but I have the utmost faith in your capabilities. For now, though, please take a well-deserved break aboard the DHV Magellan.
Fragile: Was it really Higgs? He’s alive?
Sam: He called himself a ghost, but…
Fragile: He found a way back from the Beach just so he could kill us?
Sam: It was definitely his voice I heard. I didn’t get a good look at his face, but yeah – he said he came back to get revenge on you and me. Screwing with our plans to link up Australia was just another way to do that.
Fragile: They were all in red… Just like the ones at your place. That… could have been him too.
Sam: You think that was Higgs? Did you see him hurt Lou?
Fragile: I’m not sure.
Sam: Fragile, I need you to remember.
Fragile: I only caught a glimpse. But they were all wearing red… This is all my fault. I had him at my mercy on Amelie’s Beach. If I’d only finished him off… None of this would have happened.
Sam: No – you can’t blame yourself. You know, something’s been bugging me. Something he said. “You don’t know a goddamn thing about Lou.” It hit me after – he’s absolutely right. I mean, the kid’s whole life is a total mystery to me. So I gotta ask. Can you look into Lou’s past, find out what you can? Charlie, you, the ship’s crew – you all have connections within the UCA, right? And at least one of you has to have access to the UCA archives that were recovered by the chiral network.
Fragile: Alright, Sam. Let’s see what we can find on Lou.
Sam: Lou!
Dollman: Really, Sam – there’s such a thing as too tight. That must’ve been quite the nightmare. I can’t feel my legs.
Sam: Lou…
Tarman: Sam, this is Tarman. Feeling refreshed, I hope? Thanks to all your hard graft, the DHV Magellan can get around a lot more freely now. More specifically, we can travel between any two facilities that are connected to the chiral network by way of the tar currents. Naturally, this includes Mexico as well. If you’re curious about how the folks in the places you visited are getting on… You can catch up on any recent developments by accessing the corpus via your ring terminal. And to have the Magellan travel to a given facility, simply open the map with your ring terminal and chart a course to your destination.
Dollman: You know – I’ve been thinking about what happened to Lou. Fragile holds herself personally responsible for those tragic events. If Higgs was indeed behind the attack, then I can understand why she feels that way – why she blames herself for setting everything in motion. But she’s resolved not to let any of it show. To bottle it up and put on a brave face. She didn’t used to smoke before, did she? I suspect it’s a form of self-punishment she’s adopted. Vengeance gives rise to a cycle of violence. And Higgs wouldn’t have it any other way. But she’s committed to helping you complete this journey, together with Lou, to get you back on your feet. And if she believes she has to bury her emotions and play the part of a hard-nosed commander to do that, she will. That’s what I think, anyway. I’m sure you can understand her position. That masked man—that was Higgs, wasn’t it? I had no idea he commanded such terrible powers. To summon a giant mech single-handedly… I expect he’s behind recent disruptions to the tar currents, too. Well, you don’t have to face him alone, Sam. You have me for backup. Sam, is that Horizon Dreamer I spy in your music collection? That’s one of Daichi Miura’s best songs. I’d love to hear it again. To listen and remember my family. Come to think of it… The Brigands object to virtually all forms of change. Which begs the question of how they managed to get their hands on that disruptor device, or “chiral jammer,” doesn’t it?
Man (vision): If you refuse, there will be severe repercussions. What makes you think you have a choice?
Dollman: Hmm…
Charlie: Sam, it’s Charlie. Another request is ready for you. You’ll find it listed as a main order on the DHV Magellan’s delivery terminal. So you know, Sam, Fragile is currently looking into Lou. Meanwhile, Tarman is conducting a separate investigation into the giant mech that attacked you earlier. For now, we would like you to focus on extending the network. That is a task only you can handle. As the network grows in size, we will have much more information at our disposal to further our efforts. That said, you won’t be able to proceed until the situation at West Fort Knot has been resolved. It appears that they’re in dire need of additional supplies… to the point that they don’t even have enough to prepare cargo for your next destination. This next order is intended to alleviate the situation. You’re to restore the Mine North of F1 and its monorail station to working order and link up West Fort Knot… After which, you’ll deliver a large quantity of excavated materials from the mine to the settlement by rail. As this is a somewhat complicated order, I’ll brief you on the details as you review the map. Anyway, I’d appreciate it if you could make this main order your top priority.
Charlie: Alright, Sam. You’ll need to work through several steps to complete this order. To begin with, collect the cache of material waiting for you on the DHV Magellan. Take these to the Mine North of F1. The location has been marked for you on your map. And when you arrive there, submit the materials using the terminal on site. This will allow you to restore the facility to working order. Next, access the terminal again to commence mining operations. If all goes well, a large quantity of materials should be extracted. You’ll then need to deliver those materials to West Fort Knot. Consider making use of the monorail located at the mine to make life easier. Upon your arrival at F1, use the delivery terminal to submit all the materials for processing and to finally complete the order. That’s all there is to it, so begin plotting your route to the Mine North of F1. On this occasion, you’ll be delivering some heavy materials. You can use a tri-cruiser to transport them. Alternatively, floating carriers can now be fabricated. These carriers are ideal for taking heavy cargo across terrain ill-suited to vehicles. If that sounds good to you, try fabricating one and loading the materials onto it. And when you’re not using the carrier for cargo, you can hop aboard and kick the ground and use it as a makeshift skateboard. Just remember that floating carriers require chiral crystals to function, so keep a supply on hand.
Dollman: Sam, there’s another porter here. Since you brought this site onto the chiral network, perhaps they thought they could make use of the additional data to make a safe run. Want to go and say hello? That’s one for you.
Dollman: Well done, Sam. I’ve never seen a working monorail before! Think of all the stuff it could carry… Alright then, why don’t we extract some materials! Very good, Sam. Now all you have to do is load the extracted materials onto the monorail for transport. Let’s begin by accessing that delivery terminal.
Fragile: Hey Sam, how’s it going? I have updates for you, if you have time.
Dollman: I take it you’ve learned more about Lou?
Fragile: We followed up on the message Deadman left for you at the lab. About how there was another BB-28 – not Lou – who, according to the records, was decommissioned four years ago. The first time you and Lou met… Was about two years ago now… When you were entrusted with a BB previously issued to Bridges Corpse Disposal. And together, the two of you made it all the way across North America.
Sam: Deadman and everyone else at Bridges – they all called Lou “BB-28.”
Fragile: Right, because that was Lou’s serial number. You see, we found the records for the BB storage facility. By cross-referencing the data, we confirmed that after BB-28 was decommissioned four years ago… Lou was assigned the same designation and placed into storage.
Sam: So what you’re telling me is that, instead of getting a new serial number, Lou inherited an old one?
Fragile: As for Lou’s mother – following the c-section, it seems she passed away. And that, pretty much, is the extent of our recent discoveries. Without a stillmother to provide support, it makes sense that Lou was kept in reserve. But we still have no idea who approved the serial number reassignment, much less why they did it.
Sam: Higgs said there were things I didn’t know. Maybe this is what he was talking about?
Fragile: I think it could be.
Sam: I want to know everything about Lou.
Fragile: You’re playing his game, Sam. Chasing after the past is what Higgs wants you to do.
Sam: I need to know where Lou came from. I have to know.
Fragile: If you’re sure, Sam, I’ll keep digging. In the meantime, you should get plenty of rest before your next mission.
Charlie: Sam, it’s Charlie. A new order is now ready for you. I’d also like to brief you on your next destination. And I believe that Fragile wants to have a word as well. Visit the delivery terminal in West Fort Knot to take on the relevant main order.
Dollman: Sam. It seems Tarman decided to leave a few books for you. Right there, by your bed. Reading is a wonderful way to take your mind off things. Trust me. That’s Tarman’s son. He must’ve placed the photograph in here for safekeeping. This is an important memento. Why don’t we go and take it to him?
Sam: I found this picture in your book. Is this your son?
Tarman: Thank you. Yes, he’s still out there somewhere, borne along on the currents… with this right hand of mine. It’s due to my connection with said missing piece that I can read the movements of the tar. Something akin to a “phantom pain.” Do you want to hear a story?
Sam: Sure.
Tarman: I was both a medical doctor and a geophysics researcher once upon a time. In those days, the tar currents were a key focus of mine. This ship was originally built to facilitate my studies, in fact. The Deep-tar Hunting Vessel Magellan, we named her. A ship perfectly suited to pursuing the creatures that thrive in the tar’s depths. Another avenue of research, you might say. We called ‘em “chiral mammals,” for lack of a better name. Seemed like the closet fit. Reckoned if we caught one, we could figure out all the mysteries. The tar, the tides – hell, maybe even the Stranding.
Tarman’s Son (memory): Whoa, she’s a big one!
Tarman (memory): Clip yourself in, son!
Tarman’s Son (memory): Tar’s lookin’ calm, I’ll be fine, Pop. You seeing this!? I think she’s pregnant. Hey Pop… this is weird.
Tarman (memory): Storm! Hold on! Hand! Hand!
Tarman’s Son (memory): I can’t! No!
Tarman (memory): I got you! I got you!
Tarman: And just like that, the tar took my boy and my hand along with him. At first, I thought this little guy was my son reborn.
Dollman: If I may ask a question… The hunters that attacked you after you caught the chiral mammal – are you sure they came from within the creature’s womb?
Tarman: Yes. That said, I’m not of the opinion that the hunters were its offspring.
Dollman: Its womb merely served as a “gateway” to the other side.
Tarman: Indeed. The tar and the Beach are connected.
Man (vision): Extraction was successful. [inaudible] was transferred to a sterilized pod and sent to a separate facility. Ready to proceed with corpse disposal. [inaudible]
Charlie: Sam, your next designation is the Northern Environmental Observatory. Like its western counterpart, this observatory is a critical facility that will help us to monitor the changes taking place in the Australian environment. To bring it online, you’ll have to navigate the canyon to the northeast of your current position. But before that, you’ll need to link up another site en route.
Fragile: Sam. The next site we want you to link up is called Rainbow Valley. A friend of Drawbridge is waiting for you there. Once the network connection has been established, they’ll be joining us on the DHV Magellan. I recruited them myself when we first met in the UCA. You can pick up the order from the delivery terminal. I’m looking forward to seeing you both. Thanks again, Sam.
Glenn Rain: Hold on a minute – are you Sam? Then does this mean that Drawbridge has finally come to the valley? Thank you. I’m glad you could make it. It’s an honor to welcome you here. I almost can’t believe how good this looks. Thank you so much. We’ll be hoping to see more of you in the future. The next step involves the Q-pid, yeah? Okay then let’s do this.
Glenn Rain: The connection looks strong and steady to me. That cargo you brought along is going to make a world of difference, too. It’ll allow us to proceed without our terraforming initiative. Hopefully, no more towns will have to suffer the fate of the one down below us. Oh – we’ve started our tar cannon data with everyone, by the way. I suspect you’ll find it useful in your own work. Try it out, see if it suits your needs.
Sam: The terraforming initiative?
Glenn Rain: This region was once filled with lush vegetation, over which birds soared and serenaded… until all that beautiful life fell prey to sudden desertification. We swore to do everything in our power to bring back what was lost. Around the time we got started, the APAC people showed up. With their help, we’ve been able to achieve a modest measure of success. But moving forward, we have to find a way to nurture and protect what little we have on our own.
Sam: Tar cannons?
Glenn Rain: Tar cannons are invaluable pieces of equipment that we use to combat forest fires. While fires are a common occurrence in this region, water is a precious resource. So these cannons were developed as extinguishers that utilize the tar contained within the earth itself. They leverage the tar’s viscosity, making them one of the most effective methods of combating fire we have. When deployed on the ground, they can both extract and discharge tar simultaneously. You can pick up the cannon and use it on the go as well, but, you’ll be unable to refill its tar reservoir while doing so. If you find yourself caught in a wildfire, you’ll need to figure out when to shoot and when to move in order to make it out alive.
Sam: The town down below?
Glenn Rain: You probably passed the town I mentioned on your way up here. At a glance, it might’ve looked like nothing more than a cluster of massive boulders… but those were once buildings. Places where people used to live. As the desert kept creeping closer, the town was abandoned overnight. They had been forced to evacuate. The few who were left behind became BTs. Still, at least the exodus went to plan. There were no voidouts, at any rate.
Sam: Ok, I need to go.
Glenn Rain: Thanks for everything, Sam. You and Drawbridge have helped ensure that these lands will one day be filled with life again. However long it takes. In particular, that comrade of yours has performed absolute miracles for us. If you’re looking to link up with them, you’ll find them in the ravine on the other side of the river – directly opposite this shelter. Come back and visit anytime.
Dollman: Right – time to meet up with our comrade. Let’s see.. they should be around here somewhere.
Sam: You think I spooked her?
Dollman: I really couldn’t say. I certainly haven’t ever seen her dance like that before… Go on, Sam. Follow her into that facility.
Rainy: Thanks for coming, Sam! I’m sorry about just now. I didn’t know who you were at first.
Dollman: You’re the picture of health, Rainy.
Rainy: You too, little man.
Sam: You got some kind of a trick for dealing with timefall?
Fragile: Rainy, it’s been too long.
Rainy: Fragile!
Fragile: Can’t wait to see you again.
Rainy: What are we waiting for, Sam? Let’s head to the DHV Magellan!