Part 22: Treatment Development

Malevolence and Benevolence



Alright, let's go meet Zelenin now. She had a nonspecific plan that we can only do here...

Since we haven't been able to catch the Rosetta's signal so far, I'll try amplifying the detection.
Right now, your Demonica is searching for the Rosetta from a single point.



I'll connect my Demonica to your and form a powerful antenna.
Don't worry if you don't understand the process. It's not hard, just follow my directions.
The left and right sides of this area are big enough to try it, so let's go inside.
Which one do you want?
I'll take the right side.

Actively does not matter. This is the top/default option, so...

All right. I'll set up opposite your position.
I'll call you when you reach your mark.



Only thing of note regarding this is that the room you pick is based on what would be your perspective upon entering. So the right room is left on the map and vice versa.

First, let's make sure the automap sensor is active...
All right, that checks out.
Next, can you up the radio output while maintaining your connection with me?
...All right, that's good. Keep it at those levels.



And here we go... There'll be a short hiccup in communications.

...
......
.........

All done, thank you. You can go ahead and restore your suit's normal settings.
How do the results look...?
...Hmm?
Hm... Hmmmm...





No Rosetta... even with that?

I thought it might work, but... I guess it's back to the drawing board for us.
Sorry I couldn't be of more use, Hitonari.
Looks like it'll be up to the strike team's hard work to find it.

So basically nothing new here, then. 'Sunfortunate.

At this point, I wouldn't even mind if Jimenez got results.
Oh, right... there was something I wanted to give you, Hitonari.
I also want to talk about our next move, so let's meet by the stairs we just came up from.



But I don't understand why the Rosetta search is having such problems.
Is there no chief demon in this sector?



Oh, that's right, I wanted to give you something.
Can you take a look at this?
It's a forma I found while collecting samples. Strange, isn't it?
I think the strike team would get more use out of it than me.



Maybe it'll open new doors... Or maybe I'm expecting too much from it.
We'll just have to keep looking for areas we haven't checked yet...



Silence



Yes, Zelenin just got scared by Bugaboo wandering over from like 4 feet way. Really observant, huh.

A demon...!?
Oh, this is... Jimenez's demon?
Buga, boo! Jimenez! Buga, boo! Jimenez!
Gooooo! Gooooo!
I think... it's calling us?
Let's follow it, Hitonari!

Crisis



Is... Is that... Jimenez...!?
......
What happened, Jimenez?
Did you find the Rosetta demon!?



Jimenez...!?



Urrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaah!

> Jimenez attacked!

An Honor Befitting That Name



So, Jimenez is level... 1...? And he's Neutral now, huh? I'm not sure how he levelled down, but I am curious to learn so I can min-max like this is Final Fantasy Tactics.



I won't let you! I'll kill you first!
Gahh...!? Waaahhhhhh...! Agghh... ugh...



Crisis



He hit himself in his confusion?



Buga! Bugga...! Jimenez! Jimenez!
You too, Bugaboo! I'm already... Argh...!
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh...!



Boooooooooooo!
Hitonari! He's gone crazy! In his current state, it's kill or be killed...!



I have detected abnormalities in several crewmen.



It is an unknown pathological status.
We must secure the safety of the healthy crewmen...
As well as avoid harming any who have become infected.
All crewmen who can understand this order, return to the ship.
Crewman Hitonari, First Lieutenant Zelenin.
Crewman Jimenez is one of the infected. Step away from him.



Hitonari... I think we should do as Arthur says.
I'm worried about Jimenez, but we have no choice right now!

> You returned to the Red Sprite...

Surprising probably no one at this point, we're just thrown back onto the ship so the scene can get Really Long.



Multiple cases of abnormal behavior in the field crew have been reported at once.



They have become violently deranged.
This... this is horrible...!
Everyone's gone nuts... they're kiling each other out there!



Putting it up on the main display.



Boy if only this game could ever be bothered to animate, basically anything. This might actually be interesting and intense. A still frame gets the idea across, sure, but it's just... missing like actual punch.

Oh my God... they're like animals! Hey! Stop it! For the love of God, you're not the enemy!
Jesus Christ, they're killing each other!
Arthur, isn't there any way we can stop them!?



Is that how I'm going to end up!? I can't take this!



All right, everyone, calm down!
Arthur, please, give us a solution or the panic will only get worse!



At present, we are focused on diagnosing this illness.
The injured crewmen are in sickbay, where we have run tests...
The results of those tests are now in.



Er, well, sort of...



Whatever the disease is, it's undetectable by medical science.
In other words, we don't know what's causing it.



We've tried everything, but with no measurable effects.
As a doctor, I hate to say this... but it's like they've been cursed.

We have a diagnosis: we don't have a diagnosis, it's probably demon magic or some shit.

So you were unable to identify the cause using your existing medical resources.



It may be caused by some sort of intangible entity. When one considers this possibility...



A mental parasite...?
Yes, one that affects a human not physically, but mentally.
Such a hypothesis would be considered ludicrous on Earth...



Are you saying... they're being possessed...?
Okay, but even then, how do we cure them? We don't exactly have exorcists standing by.





Umm... what... why do we have... What.

If all goes well, it may be an effective tool to rid the crewmen of the mental parasite.
We've got a way to fight diseases no one's ever seen...?
Wow. We're so prepared, it's scary.

No, we're not prepared for that. That's a potentially accidental bonus from having a "gun" that can... change people's consciousness. Seriously, fucking WHAT.

Unfortunately, this measure will take some more preparations to use effectively.
The MK Gun must operate on a specific wavelength.



Hold on... We don't even know if these "mental parasites" really exist, do we?
How can we get a sample of a creature that might not exist?
Well, Arthur!?





That is as far as I can suggest.
This is awful! All we can do is wait for people to catch the disease!?
And not only that, but it's not even a sure thing...? No...
Isn't there another way, Arthur!? Some other treatment... Anything...!



Hitonari. Perhaps it's occurred to you too, but...
Does this remind you of anything?

Hmm.... Hmm.

Oh!

It does.
Thank goodness. So I'm not the only one...
You remember that sector, right?
It was Bootes.
That's right, it was in Bootes. I see we've come to the same conclusions.



The experimentees lost control of themselves and grew violent, like demons.

Oh, see, I was reminded by how someone mentioned getting blood from "the blighted lands":

quote:

Unless there's like an actual swamp later or whatever, Delphinus seems to be the best fit so far.



If we search the palace in sector Bootes, maybe we'll find a clue to a cure.





Acknowledged. We will designate the mission for the cure "Delphinus Parasite" as well.
As regards the crewmen we were unable to take into custody...
The risk of outbreak would make it unwise to keep them on board.
The same holds true for unnecessary contact.



It is a necessary precaution. Please understand.
We cannot risk the possibility of the entire crew becoming unable to carry on the mission.
Our best course of action is to calbirate the MK Gun for treatment purposes.
I look forward to the successful completion of your mission.
Let's hurry. The faster we act, the more we can keep the casualties to a minimum.



Hitonari, why don't you take that rare forma I picked up to Irving?

Prayer



Whew, that was... a very long scene for something that said so little. Demon magic cursed dudes with maybe a parasite. Go to Bootes to find a thing that might help cure them. Simple.

Anyway, this is a pretty big event so naturally crew dialogue has been updated!

Ops is mostly desk work. I never saw combat during the wars.
It might sound pathetic for a military officer to say, but... I definitely felt fear back there.
It wasn't like when the demons get one of us. It was something worse, something writing under my skin...



We could all end up at each other's throats at this rate...



Our first assumption was PTSD, or possibly mass hysteria...
But upon further research, we found a mental parasite, a completely different pathologic explanation.

Wow, Zoe rude. Arthur came up with that theory after you were all "i'unno, cursed I guess."

What on earth do these symptoms indicate...?



But a mental parasite? Does that mean there's no way to resist it?
I mean... is there any possibility that Zoe and Wolf will suddenly turn on me...?
I'm so scared... I wish I could just scream...
Please... you have to figure out what's going on and come up with a viable treatment.



If there's anything I can do, just give a whistle.
...Oh, looks like I have work to do already.

> Irving started working...

...

...

All done! The Gate Search feature's been beefed up. You'll be finding even more hidden doors now.



There are honestly kind of less Gate Search B doors around right now than you'd expect. We'll get to them shortly, though.



But seein' it up close like this... I dunno who's behind these shenanigans, but I don't like it.
If I ever find 'em, they better watch their backs.



But the strike team will find a way out of this, right?
Right, Tadano...?



While we're here, we might as well check out the new stock.

The Manshonyaga is an... interesting and debatably useful Gun. It's basic attack hits everyone but its super weak and its only skill has a chance to Petrify dudes. It's arguably fairly useful for most randoms at least.

Making it requires AT Delpite x1, Jaki Pelt x1 (Wendigo) and Fallen Rattle x2 (Orias).



Ironman Vest is pretty good armor, for sure. Fire weakness isn't that big of a liability right now and resisting Phys is never a bad thing. Doubly so with it giving the highest defense thus far.

Definitely gonna be usin' this one; it only requires DF Delphite x2, Fallen Rattle x1 and Night Horn x2 (Incubus).



Nerve Gas does nothing but attempting to Paralyze a single target. This has its uses for sure, yes. I'd probably grab some at some point if I ever bothered to use the stuff.

AC Delphite x1 and Wood Roots x1 (Mandrake) is all it takes to make a single canister.



Thanks to picking up those White Cores earlier, we can make 3 new status cures as we-- "Bomb?" What? We definitely haven't seen that one yet... weird how we get its cure before running into ANYTHING that can do it.



I've been to a lot of those places, tasting the bitterness of human strife with my own tongue.
...I thought I'd be able to forget it on this mission, but that hope died quickly.

Okay, so there are no Gate Search B doors in Antlia, at all. There's a tiny, tiny number in Carina but we'll deal with those later. So, let's just go to Bootes and get this plot beat over with.

Silence



Hitonari...? Who are you talking to?
......! You're...

Law Theme





I mystself witnessed your comrades lose their sanity in that land of blight...
You know about that?
But why are you here...?
Perhaps for the same reason that you are, Zelenin.
It is my duty to help the troubled and guide the lost.
Meaning... you can save the crewmen who've lost their minds...!?



That is the news I have come here to deliver.
......
I lament to see humans behaving like demons.



Of course, it is futile to wish for that now.
It is more important to discover the cause of this malady.
...I see you came to deliver a reprimand, as well. I understand.
Regardless, we came to this sector to find something that may be related to the parasites.
If we have that, we might be able to use our technology to cure them.



But I cannot help but be concerned of the hazards of overconfidence.
You believe yourself to be the master of your technology, but it may in fact be yours.
Technology and demons... both carry the risk of deceiving their human masters.



How to handle such power...?
You just have to be careful.
You do seem cautious. But take care that you do not become overconfident...
...You evidently know a great deal.
You mentioned you thought there was a clue here?
Mitra, the former ruler of this land...



There was some sort of trade going on between Delphinus and Bootes...?
Yes. They were in league, though to what extent, I know not.



I believe it possible that it has ties to your comrades' malady.
We reached a similar conclusion.



Mitra's palace is technologically sophisticated. There may be hidden areas you have yet to find...
It will not be easy to find what you seek, but I wish you luck.
We'll be on our way now, Mastema. Thank you for the tip.
Of course. If you'll excuse me...

> Mastema left...



Well, let's see. There were a couple doors outside the palace we couldn't open before...

A Frivolous Nation



A good start! The door over by the Red Sprite can be opened.



Well, this is... something I guess. A couple Incenses are never really a bad thing if you care about 'em, even if they're technically the worst ones we could've gotten.



The only other thing over here is a tiny corridor inside the palace that... is completely empty and leads to nothing. Why does this even... why is this here?!



The search door over on by the terminal is openable as well. Handy, that.



Two more Incenses over here. That makes 4... wonder if there's a Luck one somewhere nearby too.



There's a completely random dead-end over here as well. These aren't even hidden themselves or anything. They're just... there. And empty. No demons to talk to, no items, no fixed Forma.

So random and pointless.



But at least it's all we needed to finish mapping out the first floor of Bootes at last.

Palace of Pleasure



And because I have no reason to care about this shit, I'm just gonna rush over the damage tiles to get through this quicker. Could use Nurse to reduce this damage but ehh, rather just use Enemy Lullaby for once since the enemies here are now trash and worthless.



Itsumade from outside has also moved to over by the elevator.

Eh? You want to know if he was experiment with a disease to make humans violent?



Which reminds me, I have to clean the 8th floor.

I feel like this is really bad placement because he's clearly useful as a clue but if you're just scouring for hidden doors you could just as easily head up the stairs. It's really weird and bizarre.



Oh well, we know the 8th floor has a hidden door we couldn't open before AND Itsumade just mentioned it so we'll check it out now.

...That it's the last hidden door we know about helps.



There's 3 item containers over here. The macca is tiny and inconsequential; the Soma Drop is nice but not too big a deal in and of itself. The 3 Bead Chains are the real prize here.

Malevolence and Benevolence



This must be where Mitra kept his things!
We should have a look around, Hitonari.

> Zelenin began investigating...



......
......! What's this!?
Hitonari! Could you take a look at this?



He seems to have valued it highly. Is it something important to demons?
What's this...?
There's something written on the pedestal, but I can't read it...



That voice...!

Law Theme



It seems you've found it... Congratulations, Zelenin.
But... is this not the very stone that was taken from the comrade you fought, Tadano?

....No? Wasn't that the Chisato Mirror?



This would seem to be it...
Is Asura a demon in Delphinus...?
......We don't have any assurances that this will save everyone...



Of course, I pray for your success.
So, even demons are applying their knowledge to scientific pursuits... Troubling times indeed.



Zelenin, Tadano. Please remember that.
Please... let us have found the key to saving everyone...
Quickly, Hitonari! Before we're too late...
Again, thank you, Mastema!
I shall be on my way then.



Nothing left to do here right now, so we'll head on back to the Red Sprite. We gotta go to the Lab to give this to Irving like a Rare Forma.

Prayer



I don't mind shootin' any kinda weapon into the enemy, but our own men...? I ain't too sure...
But hell, I ain't got any better ideas, so let's do this.



I'm not sure exactly what an MK type weapon is, so I guess we'll have to chance it.
Well, the MK program was all about usin' plasma technology to access a specific frequency...
Made a man's will more docile, and so more controllable.



Oh, so it's the Mind Kontrol Gun okay.



Fucking what?!

Whoa there, little lady! It wasn't my idea to bring it along!
This stuff was on the manifest since the start. No idea what they thought they'd need it for.
Perhaps it was necessary in a place with no enemy combatants.



But what kind of situations were they imagining?
There's so much... that makes it hard to trust your fellow man...
There's no call for the long face, Zelenin.
We're all helpin' each other out right now.



Alright, you just sit tight. I'll have it done in two shakes.

> ...

Silence



You know how to fire a gun, right? You aim, you pull the trigger.
Why don't ya try testin' it on the crew that got sent to sickbay?
Here's hopin'.



Prayer



With the MK Gun in hand, the available crew's dialogue has updated. Might as well see what they have to say.

Don't you dare tell me you ain't got no trust in the device...!
Now git goin'! Actions speak louder'n words!



There's no way it can fail!



The crew's waiting for you in sickbay. Go treat them.



Silence



Aren't there crewmen waiting for treatment in sickbay? Test it out on them first.

Alright, fiiiine. I guess we'll go cure the crewmen we're keeping on the ship despite Arthur explicitly stating we'll be leaving everyone in Delphinus so that this doesn't spread and render the crew completely useless.

Malevolence and Benevolence



We will now begin the experimental treatments for the Delphinus Parasite.





Umm... what's that thing?

......!



Ugh...! Whoahh... Uuugh...! Ow!
Where... is... this... Owwwww!
He's coming around! The treatment is working!





We can save them all! Hold up, I'll be there soon!



Good old human know-how... is there anything it can't overcome?



Begin treatment of the rest of the crew immediately.
I will lend the MK Gun fabricated by Supplies to the strike team.
Use it to treat infected crewmen still in the field.
It is used as you would any other firearm.

Nah, it is used as the Horkos Buster was. It's just a thing that sits in our key items and is used with a Yes/No dialogue prompt.



Jimenez is still safe, isn't he, Hitonari?
Please attend to him as soon as you can.