| #
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Dialog Topic
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Form ID
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Response Text
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Script Notes
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| 1
|
0062DC26
|
0062DD3C
|
All right, darling.
|
In response to "Goodbye for now"
|
| 2
|
0062DD3D
|
Understood.
|
In response to "Goodbye for now"
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| 3
|
0062DD3E
|
Very well.
|
In response to "Goodbye for now"
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| 4
|
0062DD40
|
Of course.
|
Response to "Let's talk about something else"
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| 5
|
0062DD41
|
What else is on your mind?
|
Response to "Let's talk about something else"
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| 6
|
0062DD42
|
Oh? What is it?
|
Response to "Let's talk about something else"
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| 7
|
0062DD98
|
Certainly.
|
Response to "Let's talk about something else"
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| 8
|
0062DC27
|
0062DD57
|
I sometimes get a queasy feeling when thinking about abductions. Like I've eaten a pot of butterflies.
|
|
| 9
|
0062DD58
|
Morning. People say it's a sunrise, but what they really mean is, the planet has made another spin.
|
|
| 10
|
0062DD59
|
Stargazing is more than a hobby. For me, it's a career.
|
|
| 11
|
0062DD5A
|
If only the nukes could target skyscrapers, and only skyscrapers, it might almost be a net gain.
|
|
| 12
|
0062DD5B
|
A good scientist has a healthy curiosity and an open mind. Too many learned men turn to books assuming the answers are already known.
|
|
| 13
|
0062DD5C
|
I don't mind sitting down and reading a comic book. I just hate the fact that Captain Cosmos always wins.
|
|
| 14
|
0062DD5D
|
When studying the extraterrestrial, the few answers we do get always lead to more questions. But at least it means I'll always be employed.
|
|
| 15
|
0062DD5E
|
When I'm stuck on a theory, I like to meditate. Meditation and exercise are good for the mind.
|
|
| 16
|
0062DD5F
|
The apocalypse probably set us back a century in extraterrestrial relations. At least, I hope it did. God forbid they see it as a chance to invade.
|
|
| 17
|
0062DD60
|
It's important to read, but it's equally as important to experience. Finding the balance is key.
|
|
| 18
|
0062DD61
|
Constellations are funny things. Patterns we project upon things that predate us.
|
|
| 19
|
0062DD62
|
I love a good meteor shower. Watching the light streak across a canvas of stars is positively romantic.
|
|
| 20
|
0062DD63
|
If you get lost out there in the Wasteland, you can always use the sky as a map. Winds may change, but the north star will never lead you astray.
|
|
| 21
|
0062DD64
|
I drink red wine when I'm studying planets, because it reminds me of Mars. White wine is for the stars. When I'm doing both? A rosé.
|
|
| 22
|
0062DD65
|
When Maria Mitchell discovered her comet, she had to publish her discovery using her father's name. That's the boy's club at work for you.
|
|
| 23
|
0062DD66
|
The other day, some scavver called me "Toots." What does that even mean? I didn't even know how to respond.
|
|
| 24
|
0062DD67
|
I once had a gun that never jammed. Instead of selling it when I needed the caps, I should have married it. We all have our regrets, and that's mine.
|
|
| 25
|
0062DD68
|
One thing I'm sure an alien would never say is, "Take me to your leader." Rest assured, they don't need an escort.
|
|
| 26
|
0062DD69
|
I never understood the appeal of coffee. Tea is by far the superior of the two.
|
|
| 27
|
0062DD6A
|
Cryptid hunters like Calvin van Lowe are the worst. To say he got what was coming to him is the understatement of the year.
|
|
| 28
|
0062DD6B
|
As someone who takes their profession seriously, it is quite frustrating dealing with claims of extraterrestrial abduction.
|
|
| 29
|
0062DD6C
|
Interviewing Mister Xerxo, which is obviously not his real name was, quite frankly, one of the most frustrating experiences of my career.
|
|
| 30
|
0062DC28
|
0062DD2B
|
When walking the tightrope of life, never look down.
|
|
| 31
|
0062DD2E
|
A clear sky bodes well for tonight.
|
|
| 32
|
0062DD2F
|
Rain is so disappointing.
|
|
| 33
|
0062DD30
|
Do you have a favorite constellation? I've always been partial to Pegasus.
|
|
| 34
|
0062DC29
|
0062DD47
|
You're not so bad, you know. You might even be swell.
|
|
| 35
|
0062DD48
|
Not even planets move in perfect circles. Their movements are elliptical; they bend and swerve. As do we.
|
|
| 36
|
0062DD49
|
Aristotle believed the universe was composed of four elements: earth, water, wind, and fire. He also listed a fifth element, to describe the heavens.
|
|
| 37
|
Ether. It's that fifth element, that unknown particle that stretches the cosmos, that is my calling.
|
|
| 38
|
0062DD4A
|
It's good to keep a detailed plan of the near future. When I'm not charting the stars, I like to chart a course for the rest of my week.
|
|
| 39
|
0062DD4B
|
If I were to ever make contact with alien life, I'm not sure what my reaction would be.
|
|
| 40
|
I like to think I'd boldly introduce myself, but my gut reaction might be to hide behind you.
|
|
| 41
|
0062DD4C
|
Here on Earth, I've met my share of hare-brains and nincompoops. It'd be foolish to assume alien life doesn't have its fair share of the same.
|
|
| 42
|
0062DD4D
|
I love classical music. It always puts me in a thinking mood. I save jazz for when I want my mind to dance.
|
Relaxed at the thought
|
| 43
|
0062DD4E
|
Nothing more depressing than clouds. The stars are tucked away, and their light shines for no one.
|
|
| 44
|
0062DD4F
|
The earliest recorded abduction was in Salem, in 1697. There's a tape of a man who claims to have been swept up into a great spaceship in the sky.
|
|
| 45
|
0062DD50
|
Almost all unknown phenomena can be attributed to the extraterrestrial.
|
|
| 46
|
Witchcraft, paranormals, gray hairs that you're absolutely certain you plucked the day before... all of it can be attributed to alien interference.
|
|
| 47
|
0062DD51
|
One of my prize possessions is a Dollond refracting telescope.
|
|
| 48
|
It has three inches of aperture and a forty-six inch focal length, just like the one Maria Mitchell used to discover her comet.
|
|
| 49
|
0062DD52
|
Hello there traveler, my name is Kat. I'm an astronomer.
|
Pronounced "Cat".
|
| 50
|
0062DC2A
|
0062DCF4
|
That is one too many highs, and I don't even use chems. Still, a cursory examination of your body shows you are human.
|
|
| 51
|
Not that I've done anything more in depth, of course. That would be inappropriate.
|
|
| 52
|
Tell me more about this ex of yours.
|
0062DD01
|
If you have a few hours, I could probably tell you all about her. Suffice to say, thinking about the experience is difficult to stomach.
|
|
| 53
|
If I'm being perfectly honest, I only started dating her because I thought she was an alien.
|
|
| 54
|
So, my eventual disappointment was on several levels.
|
|
| 55
|
You suspect your cat was an alien?
|
0062DCDE
|
Maybe. It would make sense for aliens to disguise themselves as felines, after all.
|
|
| 56
|
They come and go as they please, and yet are often adopted and cared for by humans, allowing for easy observation.
|
|
| 57
|
You think I'm an alien?
|
0062DD0E
|
Well, that or you're just a highly productive, high performing, and highly attractive individual.
|
Player is female
|
| 58
|
0062DD0F
|
Well, that or you're just a highly productive, high performing, and high functioning individual.
|
Player is male
|
| 59
|
Why would the Brotherhood of Steel be villains?
|
0062DD23
|
My apologies darling, "villain" is the wrong word.
|
|
| 60
|
They are hoarders. And the natural inclination of a hoarder is not to share.
|
|
| 61
|
If they were to discover the body of an alien species and their technology, I don't think they'd be announcing their findings in the Watoga Times.
|
|
| 62
|
But I suppose they also wouldn't sell those ray guns to the local raider clans, so at least there's that.
|
|
| 63
|
0062DC35
|
0062DCF7
|
I would almost prefer villains like Doctor Zorbo who laugh maniacally and wear their brains on their head.
|
|
| 64
|
Villains who look and talk like us are far more insidious.
|
|
| 65
|
Any thoughts on the Brotherhood of Steel taking it over?
|
0062DD6E
|
They are an interesting lot, no doubt, but their motives leave me suspicious.
|
|
| 66
|
0062DD6F
|
I realize you're a member, so I'll tread carefully, but the point still stands.
|
She knows player is a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, so she comes down softer.
|
| 67
|
I would love to get my hands on such a device.
|
0062DCE1
|
The way you said that, with the twisted smile and furrowed brow, doesn't give me confidence you'd use it responsibly.
|
|
| 68
|
It's terrible that noble endeavors can be twisted like that.
|
0062DD13
|
Yes, I imagine quite a bit of taxpayer money was used to fund the project. But those are concerns of a world we no longer inhabit.
|
|
| 69
|
I used to chide my ex for not paying more in taxes, but seeing the wars we funded, clearly the last laugh is hers.
|
|
| 70
|
What, you don't like blizzards in August?
|
0062DCEE
|
Well, I do have plenty of fashionable winter wear, but it helps to have some measure of predictability.
|
|
| 71
|
Imagine diving into in the pool in your two piece bathing suit only to find the water half-frozen by the time you descend.
|
|
| 72
|
Even if I survived the fall, I'd still need to have my lawyers file a rather lengthy suit.
|
|
| 73
|
Manipulating the weather isn't inherently evil. You can make rain for crops.
|
0062DD27
|
Yes, but if that were your motive, you should advertise it plainly.
|
|
| 74
|
It's like when my ex told me she loved books, and I'd find her novels while I was on travel as a gift.
|
|
| 75
|
It would've saved us both a lot of trouble if she admitted she couldn't read.
|
|
| 76
|
Although I suppose the inability to read road signs was the first clue, but she was cute, so I believed her.
|
|
| 77
|
You want to get abducted?
|
0062DCDB
|
I want to be invited. I want to travel to the furthest star and walk on worlds beyond.
|
|
| 78
|
But if I am abducted, I hope it's with someone like yourself by my side.
|
|
| 79
|
With my brains and your ingenuity, commandeering that spaceship would not be out of the realm of possibility.
|
|
| 80
|
And then we'd get to travel the galaxy on our own terms.
|
|
| 81
|
0062DC42
|
0062DD0A
|
In any case, part of me is envious of our dear Colton. It makes me wonder what the criteria is for abduction, and why I can't seem to meet it.
|
|
| 82
|
Do you think they wanted Colton to tell his story, to spread fear?
|
0062DCE7
|
The military aspect did cross my mind. Although again, from a tactical perpsective, I don't see the value in not abducting him blind.
|
|
| 83
|
If the perpetrator were indeed wearing a spacesuit, that would reveal a rather glaring weakness should they invade.
|
|
| 84
|
It's not complicated. The aliens just wanted to experiment on him.
|
0062DD1C
|
Would that not seem rather inefficient? We have ample medical records, information that could be easily obtained at a local library.
|
|
| 85
|
Nor would I think a man who lives selling and consuming hot dogs to be a model representative of humankind.
|
|
| 86
|
I think Colton made the whole thing up.
|
0062DCF2
|
That's always a possibility. But why bother with such an outlandish lie? There's no motive for it.
|
|
| 87
|
It would only reduce his standing in the community, and make him the subject of gossip.
|
|
| 88
|
Maybe Colton wasn't abducted, he was invited.
|
0062DD37
|
That is my theory. Although it doesn't explain why he'd make claims of experimentation.
|
|
| 89
|
Surely, if you were a party guest in my home, you'd leave with a more glowing endorsement. My explanation for that is simple: cultural differences.
|
|
| 90
|
The aliens didn't want to kill him, so they just got him drunk.
|
0062DCFF
|
But not so drunk he forgot what happened. A simple cloth bag over the head would have also ensured he never caught view of his abductor.
|
|
| 91
|
And he did view him, in stunning detail. Gray skin, black eyes.
|
|
| 92
|
What do you think happened to Colton?
|
0062DCDD
|
I believe he was telling the truth. But his truth. Or rather, the truth his abductors wanted us to know.
|
|
| 93
|
Keep in mind, our dear hot dog vendor did not have to be returned. He did not have to be contacted.
|
|
| 94
|
He could've easily been abducted and disappeared and no one would have bothered to look for his remains. The question I struggle with, is why?
|
|
| 95
|
I believe you're referring to the Flatwoods Monster.
|
0062DD0C
|
Naturally. What some have described as a round, octopus-like head, I believe to be a space helmet.
|
|
| 96
|
Which, of course, only leads to more questions. Is our atmosphere toxic to their species? Or is it merely the composition?
|
|
| 97
|
If only I could speak with the man who was abducted, Mr. Colton Pickins, I would be able to do more than hunt and peck for clues.
|
|
| 98
|
I have no idea what you're referring to.
|
0062DCE9
|
Surely you've been through Flatwoods, and heard of the monster that haunts the surrounding forest?
|
|
| 99
|
Well, it's my opinion that monster isn't a creature of this planet, but rather, contact from an alien life form.
|
|
| 100
|
Why it chose Mr. Colton Pickins as its emissary, however, is beyond me.
|
|
| 101
|
That sounds scary and oddly delicious.
|
0062DD21
|
While I'm contractually obligated to agree with your dining decisions, I do hope you reconsider that thought.
|
|
| 102
|
On the other hand, we've all had to consume much worse to survive, so who am I to judge Mr. Colton Pickins and his career choices.
|
|
| 103
|
The aliens have discovered hot dog technology?
|
0062DCF5
|
That would be dreadful. I would hope an interstellar species would have evolved past the point of consuming mystery meat.
|
|
| 104
|
No, the hot dogs would be a reference to the workplace of one Colton Pickins, alien abductee.
|
|
| 105
|
Your thoughts on Stella Skyfire?
|
0062DD04
|
A character perfect for Hollywood. So thin you can barely make her out.
|
|
| 106
|
If the writers know their history, maybe her name's a reference to Annie Jump Cannon, the astronomer who discovered stellar spectra.
|
|
| 107
|
I just wish they gave her more lines so we could know for sure.
|
|
| 108
|
What about Jangles the Moon Monkey?
|
0062DCDF
|
It's not implausible. After all, the first organism in space was not a man, but a Persian house cat named Mr. Pebbles.
|
|
| 109
|
We call ourselves brave explorers, and yet we've often had our pets do the dirty work that we are too cowardly to do.
|
|
| 110
|
What do you think of Captain Cosmos?
|
0062DD11
|
I find his portrayal to be more absurd than Dr. Zorbo, to be honest. But only because he's meant to be a mirror image of man.
|
|
| 111
|
And we delude ourselves into thinking we're better than we are. Especially, the men.
|
|
| 112
|
You think Dr. Zorbo is real?
|
0062DCEC
|
I don't think it's impossible, no. It's no more ridiculous a mythology than any of our current religions.
|
|
| 113
|
Whether it's a vengeful god or an evil doctor with a death ray, the stories originate from somewhere.
|
|
| 114
|
Sometimes, that story is a complete fiction, born from the imagination. Other times, it only seems that way.
|
|
| 115
|
I met a uniformed astronaut named Sofia Daguerre. Have you heard of her?
|
0062DD95
|
Why no. An astronaut, in uniform? As in, she just fell from the sky? How is that even possible?
|
Excitement and disbelief
|
| 116
|
Have you heard about the Valiant-1 space station? It's been taken over by raiders.
|
0062DD8D
|
(Sigh) How does that bible verse go? Matthew 5:5. "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
|
|
| 117
|
Have you ever met an extraterrestrial?
|
0062DD25
|
None that have been confirmed, but many whom I've suspected.
|
|
| 118
|
There was the ex who pronounced "Sugar Bombs" with a long "S." Extremely suspicious, that one.
|
"Ssss", like a snake.
|
| 119
|
There was my pet tabby cat, Herschel, named after Caroline, who seemingly teleported from place to place, although I never witnessed the act.
|
|
| 120
|
And of course, there's you, who I find unlike anyone I've ever met before.
|
|
| 121
|
As an astronomer, have you been to the ATLAS Observatory?
|
0062DCF9
|
Yes, I have. Suffice to say I was quite disappointed with what I found, and I don't mean the army of hostile robots.
|
|
| 122
|
But I suppose it's not the first time scientific discovery has been used as a front for ulterior motives. In this case, weather manipulation.
|
|
| 123
|
What do you know about alien activity in Appalachia?
|
0062DD1D
|
There is one tale that caught my interest. A story about flashing lights, floating octopi, and curiously, the smell of hot dogs.
|
|
| 124
|
What are your thoughts on science fiction, like Dr. Zorbo and Captain Cosmos?
|
0062DCF3
|
I'm of two minds, really. On the one hand, any sort of scientific curiosity and interest in astronomy is a positive force.
|
|
| 125
|
On the other hand, if that information is presented in a scientifically inaccurate sideshow, some of that positivity goes to waste.
|
|
| 126
|
But to your question - do I believe in little green men, or that an evil green doctor is trying to thwart our attempts to travel through space?
|
|
| 127
|
Well, I've seen no evidence to support that. But I'm not ruling it out entirely.
|
Sincere
|
| 128
|
Where are your family now?
|
0062DCEA
|
They died shortly after the war, thank goodness. At the time, it was quite tramautic, but now I realize they were spared the worst of it.
|
|
| 129
|
Did you ever have any concerns about your own mental health?
|
0062DD22
|
Oh yes. When your passion is studying little green men in flying saucers, it does beg the question, "How far does the apple fall from the tree?"
|
|
| 130
|
I even found an actual apple tree and shook it with every muscle in my body. It was my own little Newtonian experiment.
|
|
| 131
|
But in the midst of making a fool of myself, apples landing on my head, I realized I never had any reason to suspect my mother was ill.
|
|
| 132
|
It wasn't until she told me her history that the thought wormed its way into my head.
|
|
| 133
|
How did she get out?
|
0062DCF6
|
A nail file in a cake? That's their version, at least. In reality, it was just university pressure.
|
|
| 134
|
My father worked at VTU, and was in need of mother's help for a paper he was working on. He tracked her down, pulled some strings, and got her out.
|
|
| 135
|
She stole a worker's uniform on the way out though, which always amused me.
|
|
| 136
|
I like board games, but I don't have time to play, sadly.
|
0062DD6D
|
That sounds like an excuse, darling. You're your own boss, you can certainly make time for whatever recreation you need.
|
|
| 137
|
It's not always the world that needs saving, after all. Sometimes, it's friendships.
|
|
| 138
|
I love board games! What's your favorite?
|
0062DD05
|
Well, I'd be hard pressed to choose just one. But I suppose I'm partial to The Legendary Run, despite all its flaws.
|
|
| 139
|
We should definitely carve out some time to play together. Fair warning though, I can get quite competitive.
|
|
| 140
|
Board games are for children.
|
0062DCE0
|
And wouldn't we all like to be children, once in a while?
|
|
| 141
|
Perhaps it's time for you to relax and rediscover that child-like joy you've so clearly repressed.
|
|
| 142
|
But I suppose doing adult things like murder and mayhem are just as therapeutic.
|
A bit mocking.
|
| 143
|
We should play a board game sometime.
|
0062DD12
|
Yes, we can make an entire night of it! Blast Radius, The Legendary Run, they're all good choices.
|
|
| 144
|
As cliche as it might sound, the "Don't Be Bored Games Company" really does what it claims.
|
|
| 145
|
All the times I've played, I've never once been bored.
|
|
| 146
|
0062DC7F
|
0062DCED
|
In any case, to answer your question, I like to drink wine and play board games, believe it or not. It's the perfect way to disengage.
|
|
| 147
|
Not me. I've got all the free time in the world.
|
0062DD26
|
That sounds like a recipe for boredom. Personally, I believe in a balance.
|
|
| 148
|
The stars in the sky are beautiful, no doubt, but without the empty space, the light would be blinding.
|
|
| 149
|
However, if all you had was the void, you would feel empty and alone.
|
|
| 150
|
I don't have that problem. I never get tired of doing what I love.
|
0062DCFA
|
Is that so? Perhaps you're the extraterrestrial being I've been searching for all along. It would explain a lot.
|
|
| 151
|
But alas, the rest of us ordinary humans need breaks. Even from what we love.
|
|
| 152
|
That makes it sound ominous.
|
0062DCD7
|
Yes, like the Sword of Damocles, but that's hardly the case. Astronomy is what I love, but even a loved one can suffocate you at times.
|
|
| 153
|
0062DC86
|
0062DD07
|
Science is the foundation for what we do, but not the foundation of why we do it.
|
|
| 154
|
Gazing up at the stars, I felt a passion I didn't have for other fields. That is not something I will soon forget.
|
|
| 155
|
I'll never get those thirty seconds of my life back.
|
0062DCE4
|
You can darling, you just need to travel faster than the speed of light. If I smack you hard enough, you just might achieve it.
|
|
| 156
|
But regardless, I think the overall message still applies.
|
|
| 157
|
Is that it? I'm kind of disappointed.
|
0062DCE3
|
Well, there's no accounting for taste, is there. Especially a palate as dull as yours. But, the message still applies.
|
|
| 158
|
Not my thing, but I can see why it inspired you.
|
0062DD15
|
Exactly, darling. I feel it applies to everyone, from the astronomers who study the sky to a Mole Miner burrowing tunnels in the ground.
|
|
| 159
|
I like it.
|
0062DCF0
|
It's a good poem, but it also serves as an important reminder, whether you are a scientist or a scavenger.
|
|
| 160
|
That's a beautiful poem.
|
0062DD29
|
And a reminder of how one should live their life.
|
|
| 161
|
Sure, I'd like to hear it.
|
0062DCFC
|
Very well. "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer", by Walt Whitman.
|
|
| 162
|
"When I heard the learn'd astronomer, When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,"
|
|
| 163
|
"When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,"
|
|
| 164
|
"When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,"
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| 165
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"How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick, Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself,"
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| 166
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"In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars."
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| 167
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Maybe later, when I'm trying to sleep.
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0062DCD9
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Very well, but I assure you, it may invigorate you, as it did me.
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| 168
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No thanks.
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0062DD09
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Very well, I will refrain.
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| 169
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I will tell you though that when I read it, I looked up at the night sky and for the first time in my career, I knew I had found my calling.
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| 170
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What changed?
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0062DCE6
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I read a poem. "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer". I can recite it for you, if you like.
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| 171
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[Perception 4+] That tells me why humanity would want to study aliens. Not you.
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0062DD17
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You're right, darlling. I didn't answer your question. Not truthfully, anyhow.fd18
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| 172
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The reality is, as a teenager I planned on majoring in one of the standard disciplines. Chemistry, physics, or biology.
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| 173
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But for whatever reason, I never felt fulfilled. It all seemed so mundane.
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| 174
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I agree. Meeting other species would have a profound effect on us.
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0062DCF1
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Undoubtedly, it would provide us with a chance to change our fate.
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| 175
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Hopefully we can use that information to better effect this time around.
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| 176
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Fair enough.
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0062DD32
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You have inadvertently said something quite wise.
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| 177
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It is, after all, quite fair. Second chances are not something we're entitled to. It's best we don't squander it.
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| 178
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0062DC9F
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0062DCFE
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There's no denying that humanity is, more or less, a failed experiment. But it's an experiment that's been given a second roll of the dice
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| 179
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An encounter with an advanced civilization would give us something to aspire to be, or at worst, give us an example of what not to become.
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| 180
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And that's why I believe it's important.
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| 181
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I like discovering a bottle of whiskey when I raid an empty warehouse.
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0062DCDC
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If that's what invigorates you darling, I will not deny you that pleasure.
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Non-judgemental.
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| 182
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I personally would prefer a glass of red wine under a constellation of white hot stars.
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| 183
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But that's really the point, isn't it. In discovering others, we find out who we are.
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| 184
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Finding out the answer to life's greatest question is thrilling.
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0062DD0B
|
Yes. "Are we alone?" We most certainly are in the metaphorical sense, but in the literal? It's highly unlikely.
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| 185
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And meeting another species would not only offer us a chance to expand our sense of existence, but also offer a chance at self-reflection.
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| 186
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But why aliens?
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0062DCE8
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Why indeed. I suppose like all discoveries, the point is to not only learn about others, but learn about yourself.
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| 187
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Do you have any family?
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0062DD00
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None I dare speak of publicly. My parents met under unusual circumstances, my mother being a former patient of Allegheny Asylum.
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| 188
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For years they told me she was a nurse. When the scandal broke, she decided to confess to the lesser crime of being a patient.
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| 189
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What do you do in your free time?
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0062DD31
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I don't know if I ever have a free moment. When your life's work literally hangs over your head, it's always on your mind.
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| 190
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Why the interest in extraterrestrials?
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0062DCFD
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For me, the thrill of discovery is enough. And would it be cruel to say that terrestrials bore me?
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| 191
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Well, that's not entirely fair. I've never met an alien, after all. Who's to say they aren't dreadful conversation partners?
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| 192
|
Are you comfortable selling your research materials?
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0062DCDA
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Of course. One has to make a living, after all. In this world, we can hardly depend on wealthy benefactors and the kindness of strangers.
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| 193
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But rest assured, anything I sell to you has been thoroughly investigated, poked, prodded, and inquired.
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| 194
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In short, they have exhausted their scientific value, and must now enter their second phase of life, as a commodity.
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| 195
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What other services do you offer?
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0062DD18
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You mean besides my winsome personality? For one, I can help you use your scopes more effectively.
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| 196
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Whether you use that scope to gaze at the stars or target the head of a Blood Eagle is up to you.
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| 197
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0062DD19
|
Have you forgotten our session already, darling? It doesn't seem like your aim is off.
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| 198
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0062DD1A
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Then you shall have it.
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| 199
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0062DD1B
|
Happy stargazing.
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| 200
|
Let's see what you've got for sale.
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0062DD33
|
There was a meteor shower the other day that led to some interesting discoveries. Take a look.
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| 201
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0062DD34
|
All the best in otherwordly goods.
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| 202
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0062DD35
|
You'll find my shop items to be out of this world.
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| 203
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0062DD36
|
From the stars in the sky to the pack on your back.
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| 204
|
I have questions about your work.
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0062DD54
|
As any curious mind should. What did you want to ask me?
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| 205
|
I want to know more about you.
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0062DD02
|
Of course you do, darling. Everyone that encounters my otherworldly charm assumes my story is as infinite as the cosmos.
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| 206
|
But I assure you, no life is as interesting as the stars. Not even mine. Yet I will do my best to make it so. So go ahead, ask away.
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| 207
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0062DD03
|
Of course, darling. What do you want to know?
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| 208
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I'm in need of your services.
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0062DD10
|
Naturally, darling. What can I do for you?
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| 209
|
Nice to meet you.
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0062DCEB
|
The pleasure is all mine, darling. I've never met a person so polite and well mannered. No human, anyway.
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| 210
|
Oh wow, can you read me my horoscope?
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0062DD24
|
No, that's astrology. Pseudo-scientific bunk. I'm an astronomer. I study the sky, and I don't tolerate idiocy.
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| 211
|
Studying the infinite cosmos is a noble pursuit.
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0062DCF8
|
Oh, so you dabble in the sciences? Wonderful.
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Releaved that the player is not an idiot.
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| 212
|
Perhaps you'd like to be my assistant. Or, even better, my protégé.
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| 213
|
That's an interesting job to have, given the times.
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0062DD70
|
Of course. Just because the world isn't worth a nickel in a dime store doesn't mean the sky isn't still its illustrious self.
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| 214
|
One only needs to look up to see what humanity can still discover.
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| 215
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0062DCC6
|
0062DD06
|
Of course, I should mention, I'm not just any astronomer.
|
|
| 216
|
My study is specific to one particular field. Extraterrestrial life.
|
|
| 217
|
So you're not a real scientist, but a crazy person. Understood.
|
0062DCE2
|
Well, that's rude. I'd slap you, but you're covered in the filth of the wasteland, and I don't want to get my hands dirty.
|
|
| 218
|
But I digress. Copernicus was "crazy." Galileo, Newton, and countless others.
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| 219
|
You mean aliens? Do you worry people won't take you seriously?
|
0062DD14
|
Not at all. Such a distinction would put me in good company. Galileo and Copernicus were deemed mentally unfit, and persecuted by lesser astronomers.
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| 220
|
It's a worthy field study. There's a lot out there we don't know.
|
0062DCEF
|
And that is what excites me so! We are frontiersman of a different kind.
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|
| 221
|
We are braving the unknown, charting the uncharted, diving headfirst into the great expanse!
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| 222
|
If that doesn't shake you to your core, then I would check your pulse and make sure you aren't already dead.
|
|
| 223
|
That's all very intriguing, but how do you survive? Studying aliens doesn't put food on the table.
|
0062DD28
|
Well yes, I don't deny my time is often limited by earthly considerations. But that is where people like yourself come in.
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|
| 224
|
Benefactors who will gladly donate their time and resources in exchange for that which is priceless: knowledge.
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|
| 225
|
0062DCCF
|
0062DCFB
|
I guess what I'm saying, darling, when you question my mental health, be sure you're not the one wearing a straitjacket.
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| 226
|
0062DCD0
|
0062DCD8
|
Still, if you're concerned about the practicalities of having me in your employ, I can provide you with schematics and weapons relevant to my study.
|
|
| 227
|
All right. I look forward to seeing what you uncover.
|
0062DD08
|
As do I darling, as do I.
|
|
| 228
|
Okay. We'll see how it goes.
|
0062DCE5
|
Yes, onwards we go and hopefully, upwards as well.
|
|
| 229
|
Hopefully you'll get abducted by day's end.
|
0062DD16
|
The abductions happen at night darling, but point taken.
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|
| 230
|
0062DD79
|
0062DD8E
|
I would like to speak with her one day, that would be an interesting conversation to be sure.
|
|
| 231
|
Actually they were lucky to be part of a great experiment, linking their brains to an A.I.
|
0062DD96
|
I think you and I have different understanding of the word "luck." But I'm glad Ms. Daguerre managed to find the ground in one piece.
|
|
| 232
|
It gets worse. They were being experimented on, and had their brains linked to an A.I.
|
0062DD90
|
That sounds like the ending to every sci-fi movie I've ever seen. In the end, the true monster is man. I'm glad she managed to survive his clutches.
|
|
| 233
|
Because she's an alien.
|
0062DD92
|
I have to admit, that was my first thought, but clearly you're being facetious.
|
|
| 234
|
With strong determination, you can survive in space just by holding your breath.
|
0062DD9D
|
Maybe if you had green skin and vacuum-powered gills, but I assume the astronaut in question is human.
|
|
| 235
|
She was put in suspended animation, as part of the Deep Sleep Project.
|
0062DD94
|
Well, the deep sleep part sounds wonderfully relaxing. But I have to imagine that it was anything but.
|
|
| 236
|
0062DD84
|
0062DD8F
|
Contrast that with true valor, like the brave astronauts who once inhabited that station, and it paints quite the portrait.
|
|
| 237
|
I know, it's terrible. What has the world come to?
|
0062DD97
|
I share your pain. But we shall endeavor to correct it, together.
|
|
| 238
|
If we happen to fall, we shall get back up again, and push aside any raiders that happened to move in in the meantime.
|
|
| 239
|
[Strength 8+] Compared to me, everyone is puny.
|
0062DD91
|
Even the Super Mutants, I imagine. Which is another group that is strong in muscle, meek in mind.
|
|
| 240
|
Raiders talk a good game, but aren't all that dangerous.
|
0062DD99
|
Well, I wasn't referring to their mouths. Those are quite loud. It's their minds that are meek, submissive, and easily swayed.
|
|
| 241
|
Raiders are anything but meek.
|
0062DD93
|
Oh but they are. Easily influenced, always submitting to their desires, and they have a conscience that is all but mute.
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