Sectors Conversations
Hugh: How the heck did I end up in this mess? If we hadn’t come here, then Nick and the others would still be alive…
Diana: Nick? Is he the one who called you?
Hugh: Uh, no, that was James—the captain. Those two, plus Ken and myself, were sent here to the Cradle. They were my closest friends…
Diana: Friends…
Diana: Hey Hugh, what were your friends like?
Hugh: James… was calm and collected, just like a captain should be. Ken was a real goofball. Nicholas was always angry with him.
Diana: They didn’t get along?
Hugh: No, we were the kind of pals who could speak our minds—no sugarcoating. In a word—friends.
Diana: Even when you’re angry? Friends sound complicated.
Diana: Hey, Hugh? What were you like as a kid?
Hugh: I was a curious one. Always gettin’ up to no good… Kept chasing anything that caught my eye… Ended up lost half the time.
Diana: What did you chase?
Hugh: One time… I went after a squirrel and totally faceplanted…
Diana: See! You ran after animals too! Just like me!
Hugh: Yeah, well, that’s how I know it’s dangerous!
Diana: Um, Hugh…? What are your parents like?
Hugh: They’re great. Told me to follow my dreams and never look back. I took their words to heart—did things my way. Kinda made a mess for them, though… Even after all that, they never faulted me for being me.
Diana: They’re just like you!
Hugh: Really?
Diana: Yeah! Really!
Diana: Hugh, you said that you were adopted, right?
Hugh: Yeah, when I was young I was in an orphanage.
Diana: Orphanage…?
Hugh: I guess I was about your age when my parents took me in.
Diana: Is that different from a regular family?
Hugh: I couldn’t tell you what “regular” is, but… they loved me all the same. That alone was enough.
Diana: Hugh, did you always eat dinner with your family?
Hugh: When I was living with them, yeah. I’d come home after school and tell ‘em about my day or whatever… And they’d always listen no matter what—I was grateful for that. But, off… There were times when I really ticked them off.
Diana: What’d you do?
Hugh: That’s a secret.
Hugh: That jacket seems a little big, no?
Diana: Yeah, it’s an adult size. Doctor Higgins said I looked cold, so he grabbed this and put it on me…
Hugh: Ah, that makes sense—no wonder it’s all baggy.
Diana: The doctor said that too!
Hugh: Looks like it’s a small, so maybe the Doc tried to find something that would fit.
Hugh: So you said the doctor talked a lot about Daisy… But, did he ever do anything for you?
Diana: Something for me…? Oh yeah! There was this one time where he read me a book like I was Daisy.
Hugh: Huh, I see…
Diana: What’s wrong, Hugh?
Hugh: Nothin’! You just keep being you.
Hugh: So you like cats? Is that why you chased after one?
Diana: Yeah! I like everything I’ve never seen before!
Hugh: Maybe “like” isn’t the right word. You’re just interested, right? “Like” is something that comes after you know a thing.
Diana: They’re different?
Hugh: A bit, but it’s fine. Keep stacking up your “likes.”
Diana: OK!
Diana: Hugh, you’ve been all over the Earth, right? What kind of places are there?
Hugh: Let’s see… I once made it to the hottest place on Earth. Wanted to push myself—see how bad 120 fahrenheit really feels. Ended up passed out in the shade.
Diana: I could’ve taken the heat—easy!
Diana: So you went to the hottest place…. What about the coldest?
Hugh: Not quite the coldest, but I did go see the northern lights in Alaska.
Diana: Oh yeah, where the charged particles from the sun collide in the Earth’s magnetosphere…
Hugh: You’re not wrong, but I like to think of it more as a natural work of art.
Diana: A work of art?
Hugh: Under those lights—it’s like time stops.
Diana: Time stops!?
Diana: Getting struck by lightning…? That was pretty shocking, Hugh.
Hugh: Hah. Hah. I just got distracted, that’s all. Well, you know what they say about lightning. Next time it’ll be the bots getting zapped.
Hugh: Delphi’s cooked up some lightning controlling tech or whatever… Doesn’t matter to me—always sunny skies when I go out.
Diana: You can control the weather too!?
Hugh: Nah. I guess I’m just lucky. Although, I always end up in the wrong place at the wrong time…
Diana: That doesn’t sound lucky to me…
Hugh: Hey, I’m still standing, aren’t I?
Diana: Hugh! Where’s the weirdest place on Earth?
Hugh: Umm… There’s a bunch, but Easter Island’s Moai take the cake.
Diana: Huh? How so?
Hugh: Rows of giant stone statues, all staring off in the same direction. Just fun lookin’ at them lined up and imagining what it all means.
Diana: What if there were a bunch of me lined up!?
Hugh: One of you’s more than enough, thanks.
Hugh: Hey Diana, I was wondering… Why don’t you wear shoes?
Diana: There are energy pockets under the Cradle’s floor, so I can charge when I walk on them!
Hugh: You charge through your feet!?
Diana: Yep, it’s really useful!
Hugh: So I guess your battery won’t hold outside?
Diana: Don’t worry, it lasts a long time!
Hugh: Well… Just let me know if you need a refill.
Diana: Hugh, why do you hide your face?
Hugh: I’m not hiding, it’s just… My suit works better with my visor engaged. Sensors, safety, and all that. Besides, when I’m shooting, I can focus way better when it shut.
Diana: So why do you open it sometimes?
Hugh: Variety is the spice of life, Diana.
Diana: Breaks are important, too!
Hugh: I thought you and Eight were made to look like Daisy. So why’s your hair look so different?
Diana: When the doctor made me, Daisy had really long hair. But, she had short hair when he made Eight.
Hugh: So he kept updating his designs to match real life. And that’s why Eight kinda looks like your older sister…
Diana: But he made me first, so I’M the oldest!
Diana: You like sweets, don’t you, Hugh?
Hugh: Heh, sure… Not like I’m the only one.
Diana: Then what’s your favorite?
Hugh: I wanna say donuts, but… gotta go with brownies. And if you put some ice cream on top… Oh, I’m in heaven. Maybe add a little whipped cream and… Man, I’m gettin’ hungry.
Diana: I wanna try some too!
Hugh: So you know about cats, but how about dogs?
Diana: I know dogs! Just like cats, they’ve been living with people for a long time, right? Hugh, have you ever had a pet?
Hugh: Yeah, a dog. Real smart one—saved me from drowning in a pond when I was just a runt. So yeah, if it’s one or the other, I’m Team Dog, no question.
Hugh: So, Diana… If Pragmata run on electricity… Do you not need to eat like humans do?
Diana: I can eat! But I don’t have to—’cause I don’t get hungry!
Hugh: And you can taste as well?
Diana: Yeah! I’ve memorized all the basic flavors!
Hugh: Well then, we are going to EAT when we get back to Earth.
Diana: Hey Hugh, your house is close to the sea, right?
Hugh: Yeah, went fishing all the time.
Diana: Fishing is when you put bait on a stick to trick fish and catch them, right?
Hugh: “Trick” makes me sound like a jerk… More often than not, the fish snatch the bait and swim off.
Diana: Fishing sounds pretty intense, huh!
Hugh: My suit’s actin’ up again…!
Diana: This doesn’t seem like a typical case of suit degeneration.
Shelter Conversation
Diana: Well, let’s try out best, Hugh!
Hugh: Yeah, I’m gonna need your support till I’m back home.
Diana: Hehehe… It’s pretty fun talking like this! Let’s talk a bunch while we have the chance!
Hugh: So IDUS is the main AI that oversees the Cradle?
Diana: No. IDUS only manages the bots! But those bots are pretty much everywhere, so…
Hugh: IDUS is everywhere… Who the hell thought that was a good idea?
Hugh: You know—the more I’m around you, the more you seem like a real kid. I wonder how many bots like you are hangin’ around here?
Diana: Not many because I’m specially made! I’m D-I-0336-7, a state-of-the-art Pragmata created here at the Cradle…
Hugh: Here you go again… Diana, I heard you, all right?
Diana: Hugh, why did you come to the moon?
Hugh: Work, I got bills to pay. This ain’t a field trip. We lost contact with the folks here, so we came to check things out. I thought it was just gonna be signal interference or something…
Diana: It’ll be OK, Hugh! Space storms mess with signals all the time, so your guess was pretty good!
Hugh: If you’re trying to make me feel better, I appreciate it…
Hugh: Hacking seems pretty intense. What exactly are you doing?
Diana: Um… well… I’m a state-of-the-art Pragmata that IDUS can’t control!
Hugh: Yeah, so I’ve heard…
Diana: And like, I’ve always had this function that lets me manipulate data transmissions… Then one day I just tried it out! Pretty cool, huh!?
Hugh: Whoa, that is pretty wild. So you’re like some super adaptable AI bot?
Diana: I’m not “some AI bot”! I’m a state-of-the-art Prag—
Hugh: And I spoke too soon.
Hugh: Let me ask ya somethin’. Just how smart are you?
Diana: Smart? What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t have any special add-ons installed.
Hugh: So you don’t know anything about what’s going on here?
Diana: Yep, no idea!
Hugh: So you’re about as useful as a chat bot, huh?
Hugh: So, you ready to go?
Diana: Ready when you are!
Hugh: Diana, how’re you holding up?
Diana: Well… A quick scan shows all my systems are operating normally.
Hugh: So… I guess you’re doing OK?
Station AI: Read Earth Memory replicator is standing by.
Hugh: Whoa… Does everything in here talk?
Diana: Look at all the suits here! They look just like yours! Hugh, what kind of clothes do you like? Is your suit your favorite?
Hugh: Favorite? This is more like a uniform than anything. I’m not wearing it to look cool… Just gotta get the job done.
Diana: Really? That’s boring… Let’s find something that “suits” you better! Hehe!
Hugh: Oh, here we go…
Diana: Hey! Now that the power’s back on, we can take the tram somewhere new!
Hugh: Now we can head to the Comms Tower, right?
Diana: Yep! It’s in the Mass Production Array.
Hugh: Took long enough… Then I can finally call home.
Hugh: How come you always look like you’re havin’ such a good time?
Diana: I dunno. I’m just happy to be here!
Hugh: Diana: Aren’t you tired?
Diana: I don’t get tired! Are you getting sleepy?
Hugh: No, I don’t really get tired either.
Diana: What’s up, Hugh? Anything I can help you with?
Hugh: If I ever need some help, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Hugh: Diana, if you even need anything, let me know.
Diana: Need…? All I really need to function is a power source!
Hugh: Aside from that…
Diana: Hug, have you ever lived in New York?
Hugh: Nope, never.
Diana: Really? But you know so much about it though…
Hugh: Honestly, you can’t escape the Big Apple. It’s in movies, TV—heck, it’s everywhere. It’s even on the damn moon, apparently. Pretty solid job making it look like the real thing though.
Diana: Whoa! It’s a Sim Pod! Let’s try it out!
Hugh: Sim Pod…? What’s that?
Diana: It’s a really cool machine that lets you do Training Simulations!
Hugh: No way… You can’t get stuck in there, can you?
Diana: No… I think…
Diana: Hey, Hugh. Am I helping out OK?
Hugh: Isn’t that obvious? Without you, I’d be as good as dead… Hang on… Are you suggesting I’m not pulling my weight here?
Diana: No! You’re doing great! And you’re really, really useful!
Hugh: U-Useful…?
Diana: It gets kinda bumpy riding on your back though… It’s hard to hold on sometimes.
Diana: Hugh! Can I go outside to play sometime?
Hugh: Are you crazy? Going out by yourself is asking for trouble. What if a bot comes for you? I wouldn’t be able to stop it.
Diana: So, if we’re together… You will keep me safe?
Hugh: Sure thing.
Diana: I see… In that case, I’ll keep playing in the Shelter then!
Hugh: You could’ve really messed yourself up back there… Do you not feel pain or something?
Diana: I don’t feel it like humans do, but my system will assign it a numerical value. I was designed to experience human feeling and sensations like you do!
Hugh: *sigh* Well, it don’t seem like it… Falling from a place like that, you should know better… You gotta be more careful. I don’t wanna see you get hurt. Got it?
Diana: All right… You gotta be careful too, OK?
Hugh: No problem. I’ve got your back if you’ve got mine.
Diana: Hugh, do you have any children?
Hugh: Nah, no kids for me. I’m not married either.
Diana: Yeah, I thought that was the case.
Hugh: What’re you tryin’ to say? I’m pretty content with my life, if that’s what you’re asking.
Diana: Hmm? Didn’t you say before that you don’t like kids…? Did I say something bad…?
Hugh: Nah, you’re fine. As you get older, sometimes stuff just gets to you. Let’s just drop it, yeah?
Hugh: Oh that reminds me, Diana… Everything we print from the REM replicator is yours.
Diana: Really? Everything!?
Hugh: Yeah. Seen all this stuff before, anyways. Can’t have too many toys, right?
Diana: Toys… I’ve never had toys before… Thanks, Hugh!
Hugh: Hey, don’t you get tired of hanging around the Shelter?
Diana: Are you bored, Hugh? If so, let’s pretend we’re cats! I’ll be a cute striped one and… You’ll be a big white furball!
Hugh: Maybe next time, kiddo. I just remembered there’s something else I gotta do.
Diana: Hugh! You said ‘later’, right? Is now a good time? So, what’s an amusement park?
Hugh: Oh, right, I said I’ll tell you ‘bout them… They have this thing with a cart you ride up real high, then come crashing back down and, uh… This other thing you ride up in the air and they spin you around in circles and, uh…
Diana: That doesn’t sound fun…
Hugh: I dunno… Kids usually go wild for ‘em.
Diana: Kids sound kind of weird… Hehehe!
Diana: Even big bots don’t stand a chance when we work together!
Hugh: Looks like we’re gettin’ the hang of this. All right, let’s head to the Terra Dome.
Diana: Yep! To find Eight! Do you think she’s OK? She sounded in trouble…
Hugh: I don’t know. Guess we’ll find out when we get there.
Diana: If we reboot one more lim regulator, the tree will disappear!
Hugh: Man, I hope the other regulator is easier to find… Why’d they have to shove it in the middle of nowhere…
Diana: It’s more fun that way?
Hugh: You can call that fun? Running around looking for those things?
Diana: Hugh, is something wrong?
Hugh: Huh? Oh, no. I was just thinking about Nicholas—one of the guys I came here with has a daughter… I didn’t want to pry, but I imagine she’s about the same age as you…
Diana: It’ll be OK, Hugh. Even if Nicholas is gone, I’ll still be here for you! I’ll try my best to surpass his efficiency!
Hugh: That’s not how this works, Diana… You can’t just replace someone who’s dead… You gotta understand that I’ll never see Nicholas again, and neither will his daughter…
Hugh: Diana, have you ever had a dream?
Diana: I don’t need sleep.
Hugh: No, I mean… Have you ever wanted something to come true?
Diana: Huh? Like a prediction? I make those all the time!
Hugh: Huh… Look at you, you lil’ daydreamer.
Hugh: Filament Eraser, huh? Pretty cool that you get new abilities like that.
Diana: I know! I’m so happy! I’ll be able to help you even more than before!
Hugh: Hahah… I’m counting on you.
Hugh: Diana, do Pragmata grow like humans do?
Diana: I can learn things, but I won’t get taller. Also my body was made with special components, so fixing me isn’t easy. If you want a bigger Pragmata, it would be more efficient to start from scratch.
Hugh: That’s not what I’m asking… Let’s just drop it for now.
Hugh: How could a little chatterbox like you stay quiet for so long in storage?
Diana: It was easy. I was in sleep mode! And… there was no one else to talk to either.
Hugh: You were the only one in there?
Diana: I think so… I didn’t see any other bots or humans.
Hugh: Must’ve been lonely…
Diana: Lonely? I don’t know about that, but it was pretty boring! That’s why I’m glad I found you so quickly!
Hugh: You gettin’ along OK with that janky bot with the funny dad hat?
Diana: They have a name, you know! It’s Cabin!
Hugh: You’re like two peas in a pod.
Diana: They’re really nice! They call me “little one.”
Hugh: “Little one”? They don’t even call you by your name?
Diana: Oh, Hugh? Remember when I said you’re useful…
Hugh: Huh? Oho, yeah.
Diana: You’re more than that! Um… Hmm… I can’t really find the words, but… I feel like we gotta stick together!
Hugh: Oh, is that so? Glad I live up to your expectations. We’re in this together, kiddo, so hold on tight.
Diana: Hey… When people go away, it’s sad, right? So are you still sad that Nicholas is gone?
Hugh: What do you think? Of course I’m sad. Look, he didn’t just go away. He’s dead. There’s a difference. There are all kinds of goodbyes, but losing someone to death? That’s the hardest one.
Diana: Oh…
Diana: The sea was so pretty. I couldn’t believe my eyes… The sparkling water, the gentle breeze…
Hugh: You’ve really taken to the sea, huh? The hologram back there was pretty good, but the real thing’s gonna blow you away. And that’s only the beginning… I’ll take you all over, kiddo. Something to look forward to.
Diana: Yay!
Diana: Hey, Hugh! Let’s play!
Hugh: You ever play any of those games that kids are into? Like hide-and-seek?
Diana: What’s that?
Hugh: You hide, someone finds you… Rinse and repeat. I was a master at it. Not a single person could find me.
Diana: Hugh! I wanna play!
Hugh: All right, let’s give it a shot.
Diana: I’ll hide first! Come and find me! I’m ready! 10…9…8…7…6… Ugh, what’s taking so long? I kinda want you to find me… but I kinda don’t! Hugh, come on! Try harder next time! 10…9…8…7…6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1! I’m a hide-and-seek master! 10…9…8…7…6… Wow! Hugh, you’re so good at this! Aww, I was sure you wouldn’t find me there…
Diana: That LunaDigger came out of nowhere!
Hugh: Let me guess… IDUS built these damn worms too, didn’t it?
Diana: Oh! LunaDiggers have been helping out at the Cradle for ages! They spend all day mining lunum!
Hugh: Man, the suits making decisions ‘round here really rub me the wrong way…
Diana: Hey Hugh, how are humans and bots different? I get we were made differently—our bodies, our materials, our functions…
Hugh: Yeah, there’s all that but… For starters, humans got a soul.
Diana: And… I don’t…?
Hugh: Umm… Well, I don’t know, uh— Actually… Wait a sec!? Um…
Diana: Where can I find one…
Hugh: Turns out there’re not many cat bots on the moon!
Diana: I know, but… there should be! Did you know animal bots can function on the moon just like me?
Hugh: Are you for real!? Talk about a waste of R&D…
Diana: No, it’s not! Cats walking on the moon would be cute! But they probably don’t want to walk around here…
Diana: Why did you thank IDUS for the “warm welcome”?
Hugh: I was being sarcastic… But we can handle anything it throws our way. No problem.
Diana: OK!
Hugh: Talk about bad timing—you step out of the vault and into this mess.
Diana: But…I’m having fun! I may not remember anything before the vault, but this has to be the most fun I’ve ever had! We get to go so many places!
Diana: Didn’t you have any human friend hanging around here at the Cradle?
Hugh: Um… I’m not sure… I don’t remember… Maybe if I did have a friend, I wouldn’t have ended up in the vault.
Hugh: Hey, don’t worry about it… There’s a ton of people on Earth. And I’m sure you’ll meet a bunch you like, and… maybe a few you won’t.
Diana: OK! I can’t wait!
Diana: Oh yeah… I have a question about that globe… There’s all these lines all over it. Isn’t that annoying for the people who live there?
Hugh: Actually, those lines aren’t really there. They’re just boundaries between countries. Humans have spent centuries making those up. And getting rid of ‘em probably take twice as long.
Diana: Hey Hugh… You said that I need to be more careful and that I should try not to get hurt. But what if there’s something worse than getting hurt…?
Hugh: That’s some heavy thinking, right there… Umm… Well… I’m not sure what to say… Whenever I don’t know what to do—I talk to a friend or ask for advice… But sometimes you just gotta do what’s best in the moment, ya know?
Diana: Hmm… There’s something odd on this terminal…
Hugh: Odd? In what way?
Diana: I’m not really sure, but it says the owner of the data is unknown… Maybe someone who didn’t work at the Cradle saved it here?
Hugh: That’s definitely not suspicious or anything.
Diana: Maybe we’ll learn more if we read all of it.
Diana: That replicator was broken! We gotta fix it!
Hugh: The workers here sure did a number putting that defective crap everywhere.
Diana: I think it’s the dead filament’s fault?
Hugh: What is?
Diana: When dead filament gets on bots, they start acting all weird, right? Maybe it’s the same for replicators…
Hugh: I see… So basically this dead filament is a real winner.
Diana: I can’t believe Eigh made IDUS attack all the people at the Cradle…
Diana: We’re not making good progress, but we gotta stop Eight.
Hugh: We gotta find terminals again? Should be a cinch. After all this, I’m basically a terminal-hunting pro.
Diana: Terminal-hunting pro…?
Hugh: Oh yeah, when I get back to Earth—terminals for breakfast, baby. Hehe.
Hugh: Remember our chat about Pragmata and humans being different?
Diana: Um, yeah?
Hugh: I’ve been mulling it over… And I think Pragmata got souls too.
Diana: I do…?
Hugh: Yeah. The soul’s in the choices you make for yourself… Don’t forget that, OK?
Diana: I won’t, Hugh! Thanks!
Hugh: Hey, can you cleanse plants and uh, living things, like you do with bots?
Diana: It won’t work on them… On humans, it’d wipe out the whole infected area, not just the dead filament. And if a body gets hurt too bad, it’ll die, right? But for bots, the dead filament just kind of sticks to them…
Hugh: Huh… I’m sure the team here tried all kinds of tests too…
Hugh: Hey, Diana, have you ever been swimming?
Diana: Nope! Never!
Hugh: Huh… Wonder if there’s an upgrade for that…
Diana: I don’t know! But I can try learning!
Hugh: I see… Well don’t worry. Stay close to the shore at first. And remember, if it ever feels like you can’t handle it, no shame in turning back.
Diana: OK! Thanks Hugh!
Hugh: What do you wanna do when you get to Earth?
Diana: I dunno… How about you?
Hugh: First, I’ll head home and thank my neighbors for taking care of things while I was gone. Then, I’ll ask ‘em if I can take their scruffy little mutt out for a walk…
Diana: Can I come too!? I’ve never met a scruffy little mutt before!
Hugh: Hahah, of course! But could you keep that nickname to yourself, please?
Diana: Hugh, you’re a really good person.
Hugh: Thanks, but that was sudden…
Diana: Because of you, I’ve had so much fun and learned new things.
Hugh: Really? I barely did anything though…
Diana: Hehehe…
Hugh: If dead filament ends up on Earth, could you cleanse it or something?
Diana: Even if I tried really hard, it won’t work! There’s only so much I can do… The more living stuff dead filament eats, the bigger it gets… And.. Earth’s covered in living things…!
Hugh: I figured as much… Didn’t hurt to ask though.
Diana: Do you think Eight’s OK? Must be hard controlling that much dead filament… Hugh, if you were doing something dangerous… Would you want someone to stop you?
Hugh: Yeah, of course. I stopped you when you pushed it too far…
Diana: I don’t remember that…
Hugh: Are you serious? You almost wrecked yourself chasing after that cat… Remember?
Diana: Oh yeah… Hehehe… This time I’m gonna be the one doing the saving…
Diana: I can’t believe Eight made IDUS attack all the people at the Cradle…
Hugh: Diana…
Diana: The Eight I knew wouldn’t do that. Maybe she got this way because of all the built up sadness in the dead filament… Do you think she’ll get better if we get rid of it all…?
Hugh: I hope so… No idea what’s gonna happen, but we just gotta do what we gotta do. And if you wanna talk to her, we better get movin’…
Diana: Yeah, OK…. Let’s go.
Diana: Hugh, I… I was really sad when I found out what happened to the doctor…
Hugh: Hey…
Diana: But still… I don’t feel like Eight does… Is that because I’m not as good as she is…?
Hugh: What? That’s not it… You’re just… wired different. And in my eyes, I’m glad you’re the way you are. So let’s move on, OK?
Diana: Um… Hugh… You’re pretty different from all the other grown-ups I’ve met…
Hugh: Compared to a bunch of brainiac researchers, yeah, I can imagine. I’ve seen my share of bots, and you’re pretty different too, kiddo.
Diana: Hugh, are you OK?
Hugh: Yeah, how about you? Don’t push yourself too hard…
Diana: I won’t! Let’s go stop Eight!
Drawings
Diana: Hey, can I give you something? Hugh, thanks for talking to me all the time! Ta-da!
Hugh: Is this… supposed to be when we first boarded the tram?
Diana: Uh-huh! I drew it! It’s for you!
Hugh: And look at that—you wrote your name too. Not half bad, kiddo.
Diana: Hehe, Hugh, I’ve got a surprise! You’re gonna love it! Hugh, thanks for everything! So… do you like it?
Hugh: It’s, er… that cat again.
Diana: I drew a lot, but this one turned out the best. So I’m giving it to you!
Hugh: Hey, it’s actually pretty good. Shows you’re a real cat lover.
Diana: Wait just a few seconds! Now, look!
Hugh: Is this… a princess?
Diana: No! It’s me wearing pretty clothes! I wanna wear something like this one day! And I wanted to give this to you so you’d remember!
Hugh: Hmm, I’ll check with Cabin. Maybe there’s something in stock.
Diana: Hugh, I have a surprise for you! I drew another picture! Ta-da! I made this while thinking about you! Thanks for always keeping me company, and talking to me!
Hugh: No problem, kiddo. I really like this one. Keep up the good work.
Diana: Thanks, Hugh! I’ll do my best!
Fights
Hugh: Got ‘em! How you like this? Take that! You’re going down! Time to dance! Get some! Yeah! Let’s do this! Guess it’s my turn? Got ‘em! Nope! Ooh! You skittery son-of-a—! Tough-ol’-bugger. Oh crap! Is that it? Right on! Good job, kid. I owe you one! Guess that’s that. It’s over.
Diana: Here it comes! Here they come again! Look out! Right on! Get ready! Cracked ‘em! I got ‘em! Missile spotted! Something’s aiming at us! Its laser’s warming up! Stasis mines incoming! Shoot now! Shoot it where it’s weak, Hugh! Incoming! Look out for its targeting sensor! Defenses are down! Your gun alone won’t work! Look, Hugh, look! Hacking online! Splitting the hack! Linking the enemy! Overdrive Protocol at the ready! Leave it to me! Watch out, there’s more! Move, Hugh! Jump, Hugh! Yikes! Be careful! Sheesh! Whoops! Yay! We did it! That was amazing, Hugh!
Cabin
Cabin: We are honored to provide one of our greatest goods. Oh, you have quite the eye organ. BINGO! Well done! TRIPLE BINGO! CONGRATULATIONS! BINGO COMPLETED! Wonderful! Satisfaction level, maximum! We’ve procured a new Stamp Board. Please have a gander. New Training Sim data has arrived! Be sure to give it a try. Our Stamp Board selection has recently improved. Ta-da! Read more about bots here! Ta-da! You can scan Secret Reports here. Oh yes! This is one of our more popular items! Glab we could be of assistance! Much appreciated! An impeccable choice. Please enjoy your purchase. We hope you enjoy your purchase. We’ll be here if you need us!
Cabin: Alert! Alert! We’ve detected an unregistered crew member! Would you investigate on our behalf?
Hugh: Easy there, Cabin. Just tell us where they are.
Cabin: The Hidden Chamber!
Hugh: The Hidden what?
Diana: Come on, Hugh, let’s go!
Hugh: What is this place…?
Diana: Hugh! Look at that!
Hugh: So you must be our unregistered friend.
Big Cabin: We are. We watch over this Hidden Chamber on behalf of its original Architect. It was their wish to bestow their greatest creation to one who has completely mastered the Cradle. You have earned the right to undergo our most difficult trials. Decode all of our encrypted sim pods and receive their reward.
Station AI: Activation parameters verified. Sim Pod Alpha disengaged.
Big Cabin: Phase One is now complete.
Station AI: Tram travel to other sectors is now available.
Hugh: So, we just pop the pods and blast through their sims?
Diana: Yeah! Looks like each Sim Pod needs something different to open.
Big Cabin: Welcome back. A sim pod is ready for your unlocking.
Station AI: Activation parameters verified. Sim Pod Beta disengaged.
Big Cabin: Phase Two is now complete.
Diana: Another one down!
Big Cabin: Your progress is admirable.
Hugh: Yeah, let’s keep up the pace.
Station AI: Activation parameters verified. Sim Pod Gamma disengaged.
Big Cabin: Phase Three is now complete.
Diana: Wow, third one already?
Hugh: This was only the third one?
Big Cabin: You still have far to go.
Station AI: Activation parameters verified. Sim Pod Delta disengaged.
Big Cabin: Phase Four is now complete. We trust the simulations were to your liking?
Hugh: They’re all right. But could you tune them down a bit?
Station AI: Activation parameters verified. Sim Pod Epsilon disengaged.
Big Cabin: Phase Five is now complete. You have passed the halfway mark. We are… impressed.
Hugh: Only halfway done… This is rough…
Diana: But kinda fun! Keep it up, Hugh!
Station AI: Activation parameters verified. Sim Pod Zeta disengaged.
Big Cabin: Phase Six is now complete.
Diana: Six!! We’re more than halfway done now!
Hugh: Huh, I guess you’re right.
Big Cabin: Very admirable. We did not think you would succeed.
Station AI: Activation parameters verified. Sim Pod Eta disengaged.
Big Cabin: Phase Seven is now complete.
Diana: Lucky seven! Are you feeling lucky, Hugh?
Hugh: I’ll be lucky when this is over with.
Big Cabin: You are lucky just to partake in these simulations.
Station AI: Activation parameters verified. Sim Pod Theta disengaged.
Big Cabin: Phase Eight is now complete.
Hugh: Eight down, two to go!
Diana: Yep! No stopping us now!
Big Cabin: You have what little support we can give.
Station AI: Activation parameters verified. Sim Pod Iota disengaged.
Big Cabin: Phase Nine is now complete.
Diana: yes! Only a little more to go!
Hugh: We’ve made it this far… I’m seein’ this through to the end.
Big Cabin: We… do not know what to say. We wish you luck.
Station AI: Activation parameters verified. Sim Pod Kappa disengaged.
Big Cabin: All Phases are now complete. Well done. We never imagined we would see the day someone would master the Architect’s programs.
Hugh: Right, got it, now about that “greatest creation”?
Big Cabin: Of course. Please… listen to this.
The Architect: Hey, right, yeah, so, um… Good job clearing my tests! I may have, uh, you know, tweaked the settings a bit to make them hard but… You got through it so… good job. I got this unit I’ve been working on, and couldn’t just let any old noob have it, but, uh. Please accept it along with these other gifts. Now, show me what you can do with it.
Hugh: I’ve never seen anything like this, but it looks like it could pack a punch.
Diana: Looks like it’d work against anything!
Hugh: I bet the Architect just wanted it to have a good home. I can feel that.
Diana: It wasn’t easy, but the Architect seems like a nice guy!
Hugh: All right. How about we get back to stoppin’ Eight now?
Diana: OK!
Cabin: You’re back! What did you find?
Hugh: Nothing you need to be worried about.
Cabin: Oh, thank you! Then let us get back to business. We’ve removed the limiters on your weapons. Feel free to upgrade them as you like.
Sim Pod Boss
IDUS: Upgrade protocol for Creator completed. Immediate action required: eliminate intruders.
Hugh: Didn’t get enough, did ya?
Diana: It’s just as big as last time!
Hugh: Hasn’t gotten bigger—but it’s definitely looking meaner.
IDUS: Power limiter disengaged. Activating SectorGuard enhancement module. Eliminate the intruders.
Hugh: Great… Like it wasn’t bad enough before…
Diana: Maybe it’s just angry…?
Hugh: If we can keep things at “just angry,” I’ll take it…
IDUS: Power limiter disengaged. Activating Garden Keeper security protocol. Commence intruder elimination procedures.
Hugh: The damn scorpion’s back!
Diana: And it’s looking a lot stronger too!
Hugh: Am I seeing things or does it have an extra leg!?
IDUS: Power limiter disengaged. LunarDigger excavation capabilities enhanced. Initiate prompt clearance of unwanted debris.
Hugh: The worm’s back and stronger than ever!
Diana: Hugh, remember what to do?
Hugh: After what we’ve been through—how could I forget!?