Guide Paradox

Mission Description

---

The elderly Esther authorizes you to retrieve the videotapes of wonders and secrets. But why you?
That's because this researcher from the Department of Insight believes that secrets choose their own witnesses.

Master Control Zone

(Talk to Esther)

Esther: One, two, three...

Esther: One, two, three...

Are you exercising?

You're responsible for all these archives?

♪ One, two, three, one, two, three, drink... ♪

Esther: Three. You see?

Esther: Three are missing.

Esther: Gotta find these videotapes.

Esther: I know I am right about this. I may be getting old. I may have forgotten all about the Aeons... but I keep track of the number of these tapes like my life depends on it. Kid, you came just in time. If you have time, go find them for me.

Esther: If you don't, then I suppose I'll have to get help from those old farts.

Old farts?

Esther: Yeah. There's Wen Tianweng, who talks to machine parts all day in the maintenance room. Bernard in the Department of Cosmic Geography who gives nicknames to the scrolls and plants. And there's Gunn, who can lie through his teeth without a blink of an eye.

Esther: Yep, there's an old fart suited to every job.

Videotapes?

Esther: The videotapes in the space station are different from ordinary ones. They are recordings of wonders and mysteries you won't find anywhere. Because of this, they need to be looked after by specialized personnel.

Esther: This is a great learning opportunity for you. You should count yourself lucky.

Let's not trouble those old fa... elderly people.

Esther: Good, good. We don't see many accommodating young fellows like you nowadays.

Esther: However, I have to remind you that the producers of these videotapes have implanted some defense mechanisms to help protect their secrets.

Esther: If you are not careful when touching the videotapes, best-case scenario is you will feel a little dizzy, and the data transfer may be forcibly interrupted. Worst-case scenario, it may cause abnormal behaviors, hallucination, and paranoia, eventually leading to memory and consciousness disorders.

Good thing I'm not interested in secrets.

Esther: In this bizarre space station, sometimes even if you cover your eyes and ears, the information destined for you will still find a way into your brain.

Esther: Secrets choose their witnesses — this is a fundamental belief of the Department of Insight.

"It's A Trap!"

Esther: Not so much of a trap. It's just a result of the constant arms race between researchers vying to be the best at what they do. They simply used a certain kind of technology to turn away those deemed unworthy from accessing information.

Esther: Malicious baits are deeply embedded in the information by means of flashing visual stimuli and inaudible ultrasound waves, thus manipulating the subconscious to inflict harm on the subject.

Esther: Consciousness, preconsciousness, and subconsciousness; self, ego, and superego; imagination, symbolism, reality, and so on. The labyrinth of the human mind is a compulsory subject that almost all space station researchers are proficient in.

Is it too late for me to refuse now?

Esther: Stop being coy with me. I have met a lot of people in my life. You don't seem to be the kind who would refuse secrets.

Esther: If I tell you not to think about an elephant — then images of the large gray animal must be all over your mind.

Esther: And now I've told you everything about the videotapes — you won't easily forget about the danger until you find out the secrets.

Esther: I am guessing someone took advantage of the Legion's invasion and snatched the videotapes when the master control zone was unguarded.

Esther: There are no borrowing records, indicating that the suspect is unwilling to expose their identity. There was no sign of damage, indicating that they were not trying to destroy those videotapes but to view the secret within.

Esther: The device for playing those videotapes is located in the safe area of the supply zone. If you go there, you may find some clues.

Find the lost videotapes

Mission Description

---

The elderly Esther authorizes you to retrieve the videotapes of wonders and secrets. But why you?
That's because this researcher from the Department of Insight believes that secrets choose their own witnesses.

Supply Zone

(Investigate Videotape: Doomsday)

The screen lights up. The supply zone is wide open, but the spacecraft is still under control. The faint glimmers from neutrino explosions stain the platform a shade of yellow. In the disturbing silence, you hear increasingly rapid breathing...

Breathe. Run. Open the hatch, lock the navigation interface and move on to the next one. Until you are stopped by a pair of hands. They belong to... a young geopolitics researcher with eyes like an eagle's.

Eagle Castle has been destroyed, he says. This is the most direct proof of the power of the Aeons: in the face of the destruction of the planet, the justice sought by men is laughably insignificant.

He lowers his voice. "Now that the cosmic route is blocked by that thing... There's no chance you can rush back to your home planet to sound the alarm before the Antimatter Legion arrives."

If you do that, you will be intercepted along the way by some evil monster with nothing but the desire to destroy. Promise me, don't go back to die. Stay here, continue our research.

The next second, the researcher is pushed aside and an intact aircraft can be seen behind him. Amidst the noise of the lift-off, you hear the geopolitics researcher shout out a name, as though...

As though you have heard it before on the radio. "Sorry," a tired voice comes through from the noisy radio. "The space station chose to remain neutral in the invasion by the Legion. No reinforcements will arrive. If you can, please return as soon as possible according to the scheduled route. Do you hear me?"

It seems this is not the first time the Legion played the bad guys.

A researcher once left the space station with information.

Intermittently, a name is repeated on the cosmic radio. No answer.

Take out the videotape.

(Obtained Videotape: Doomsday)

(Investigate Videotape: Dim Blue Dot)

The point of view appears to be falling into empty space without beginning or end. The camera eventually gets focused - now you're looking at the vast hinterland of the universe through a standard-issue navigation visor. In the distance is a bright blue dot, like a condensed water droplet. You recognize it as the Herta Space Station.

The next second, crystallized cracks spread silently across the screen. The dim blue flickers, monster spread all over the sky, and the silent planet begins to cracks slowly apart. Then comes the flash back, from a baby crying in the cradle, to the joyous laughter and the resentment in teenage years, and the space station's cold reflection before the final departure.

They say your life flashes before your eyes at the final moment of your life. This video undoubtedly records the last moments of a deceased person's life. You struggle to pull yourself out of the immersive dark mud. All you hear is the intermittent cosmic radio...

It seems to be calling a name you cannot hear clearly.

This trip feels dangerous...

It's amazing, like watching someone's memory.

It is still calling the name you cannot hear clearly.

Take out the videotape.

(Obtained Videotape: Dim Blue Dot)

(Investigate Videotape: Justice)

The camera centers on the white table in a conference room and begins to shake slowly. The scene is dense and noisy. Then a majestic voice starts reading a report about the establishment of the Herta Department of Galactic Geopolitics.

The voice says that when the will of the Aeons is regarded as the standard, the will of man will withdraw from history accordingly.

The problem is that our world favors the Aeons, who can reap power from their Paths. Here, the strong get to make the rules and power defines justice.

What the Department of Galactic Geopolitics wants to oppose is this status quo of the strong ruling over the weak. Those rights and interests ignored by the Aeons will be upheld by us. Those who are trampled will receive our help.

We are committed to rebuilding the value of justice for humans in the cosmos. This is the proposal of the two founders, Gunn Konolev and Sheila Nova.

Before the voice finishes, there is already applause and jeers in the Conference Room. So they are the Konolevs of the Department of Galactic Geopolitics! During this passionate event, you see countless handshakes in front of the camera until you hear someone call out a name.

"Sheila!" A powerful voice calls out accompanied by background noises that are hard to separate from it, as if inextricably intertwined. This is the most direct proof of the power of the Aeons: in the face of the destruction of the planet, the justice sought by men is laughably insignificant. While you struggle to distinguish the name Sheila, you are drowned by the murmurs in the background.

The end of the video seems blurry.

Those two geopolitics researchers sound familiar.

Suddenly, you get a splitting headache, forcing you to give up the thought.

Take out the videotape.

(Obtained Videotape: Justice)

(After collecting all three video tapes.)

These videotapes seem to be related... they seem to be records of different stages of life of the same person.

A space radio called Sheila pursued justice for a doomed planet geopolitics researcher.

The sentences in your mind suddenly become broken and disordered. In your vision, the dark cabin gradually becomes distorted and strange.

You get a splitting headache and the lose consciousness.

(Waking up in the Herta Space Station medical department.)

(Trailblazer) This is ...

Joanne: The medical cabin of the Herta Space Station.

Joanne: You fainted because of contact with improper information. Can you tell me what information you have been exposed to?

The life of a deceased...

The life of a geopolitics researcher.

The life of someone who fought against the Legion...

(Trailblazer) (Also the life of a person named Sheila)

Joanne: Whatever it is, I have cleared the mental contamination of you. Now, you'd better go for a walk, and see if you have any other symptoms.

Joanne: Come with me.

Investigate and find out more about this mysterious Sheila

Step Description

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After gathering the three lost videotapes, you notice that they all seem to be records of the life of a researcher named Sheila.
Just as you start to figure this out, a secret defense mechanism implanted in the video signal gives you a splitting headache and knocks you unconscious.

Base Zone

(Follow Joanne)

Joanne: Emergency resolved, now let's continue - same problem this time?

???: Well, I seem to keep... forgetting things lately.

Joanne: I have told you many times before that it is very normal to forget things sometimes.

???: No, I've been forgetting basic things. Like, my birthday, who my friends are. Or how I came to the space station.

Joanne: Fine. Just to reassure you, I will give you a full-body scan using the capsule treatment module this time. There's nothing wrong with your physical functions.

Joanne: On the contrary, they're a little... too perfect. Of course, that's your gift. After all, having a talent is not an unusual occurence, and your talent seems to be your physical health. So, in turn, it's only fair that you might have a poor memory.

Joanne: With such a perfect physical condition, I better keep this on file. Let me make a record of this. What's your name?

???: Oh, yes, Dr. Joanne. My name is...

???: Sheila Nova.

(Trailblazer) (Sheila Nova... That's the name mentioned in the video.)

(Trailblazer) (In the video recording, she clearly left the space station. She even... died.)

(Trailblazer) (This also fits the secret Esther mentioned)

(Trailblazer) (I should investigate this so called 'Sheila'.)

Joanne: Don't wander around. You are affected by those videotapes, the consciousness disorder you're experiencing is no joke. This is the price you pay for being nosy.

(Talk to Sheila)

Sheila: No Joanne, it's definitely not ordinary forgetfulness. It's like someone stole my memories overnight...

Maybe you had a run-in with a Memosnatcher.

Joanne: Are you talking about those radicals in the Garden of Recollection? There's nothing those guys wouldn't do to get hold of other people's memories. If this is their doing, ordinary treatment is not going to work.

Joanne: But as far as I know, those Memosnatchers have never been seen in the space station.

It's good to have your embarrassing memories stolen!

Sheila: That's a good one, (sir/ma'am). But I am sure what I have forgotten is very important, even questions like "who am I"...

Joanne: The way I see it, it won't matter as long as it doesn't affect your research.

I have some questions that may help you remember.

Joanne: Oh? We have a memory expert here, do we? I'd like to see what treatment you can come up with that even the medical staff don't know.

Are you the founder of the Dept. of Galactic Geopolitics?

Sheila: No, (sir/ma'am). I'm just a guide in the Department of Galactic Geopolitics. I'm responsible for passing on the rules made by the big shots in the space station. I'm flattered by your question though.

Have you ever had a lover or a husband?

Sheila: No, (sir/ma'am). I hope to contribute my everything to the Department of Galactic Geopolitics, including my health, my dreams, and my passion.

Have you ever left the space station?

Sheila: No, (sir/ma'am). I've never left the space station since I was born. I don't think I'll leave the space station until my soul returns to the cosmos.

The answers to these questions don't match the video at all.

Joanne: So, memory expert, aren't you gonna cast your memory restoration spell? You sound like you're doing a survey. And what's with the videos?

Those videos are the records of Sheila's past.

Joanne: As far as I know, all those videos are recordings of someone's personal experience. You mean those videos you saw are backups of Researcher Sheila's life?

Joanne: Can you elaborate on what you saw?

Nothing. I'm just talking to myself.

Joanne: Now you've piqued my curiosity... What exactly did you see in the videos?

(You describe what was shown in the videos.)

Sheila: That's horrible. I don't remember any of these things. It's like listening to someone else's life.

Joanne: I'll try to sort it out for you guys. So, in the videos, Sheila is the founder of the Deparment of Galactic Geopolitics, and she left the space station and died on the way back to her home planet to warn its inhabitants about the invasion of the Legion — which doesn't match this person in front of us at all.

Joanne: Maybe it's someone with the same name?

Sheila: The Department of Galactic Geopolitics has registered the names of all its staff. I'm sure there's no one with the same name as me in the database.

Joanne: How come you remember this so well?

Sheila: It's very strange. There is also an image that I remember very clearly above all else.

Sheila: Rows of security monitors loom within a dark room.

Sheila: The scene goes on forever without a beginning or an end. It is as though someone forced this image into my mind, but at the same time, it feels like a complete memory.

Sheila: (Sir/Ma'am), since fate has brought us together, I have a request. Please help me get to the place in my memories and find those security monitors.

Sheila: I have a hunch that if I can just find those security monitors, everything will become clear.

Sure, I'll help you find it.

Joanne: Hey, don't forget, you are both patients. One has potential short-term amnesia, and the other had a temporary disturbance of consciousness.

This sounds mysterious...

Joanne: What if you can't find this place at all? What if it's just your imagination?

Sheila: If you can't find this room at all, then maybe I am losing my mind.

Head to the room from Sheila's memory

Step Description

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You wake up in the space station's Medical Department, just as a medical researcher, Joanne, is treating another researcher. The patient claims that she is suffering from short-term memory loss. More importantly, her name is... "Sheila."
Sensing oddity, secrecy, and conspiracy, you agree to go to the room Sheila tells you about and start an investigation.

Supply Zone

(Enter the room from Sheila's memory)

(Trailblazer) (Sheila's memory is correct. This place is exactly how she described it.)

(Trailblazer) (Maybe she's been here before. Now, let's look for this security monitor that she was talking about.)

Find the security monitor in Sheila's memory

Mission Description

---

You wake up in the space station's Medical Department, just as a medical researcher, Joanne, is treating another researcher. The patient claims that she is suffering from short-term memory loss. More importantly, her name is... "Sheila."
Sensing oddity, secrecy, and conspiracy, you agree to go to the room Sheila tells you about and start an investigation.

Supply Zone

(Interact with the security monitor)

(Obtained Sheila's Character Script)

(Trailblazer) (This script is exactly what Sheila said when she answered my questions.)

(Trailblazer) (Is someone watching her and writing her dialogues? Or is someone controlling her speech?)

(Trailblazer) And this Gunn Konolev — what experiment was he talking about?

(Trailblazer) I have to get this information to Sheila as soon as possible. Then we can work out what the secret is.

Tell Sheila about the secret you found

Step Description

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You fulfill your promise, arriving at the room from Sheila's memories and getting Sheila's character script and a confession letter written by the researcher Gunn.
The script records Sheila's day-to-day thoughts, while the confession mentions a mysterious experiment. Connecting the dots between the two sends a shiver down your spine.

Base Zone

(Approach the Medical Department in the Base Zone)

Joanne: Oh, you're too late. Everything's been dealt with.

I found the information!

What are you doing out here?

Joanne: Gunn from the Dept. of Galactic Geopolitics came and temporarily took over the authority of the medical cabin, saying he knows how to cure Sheila.

Joanne: In return for letting him use the medical cabin, he helped our department compile a list of patient confidentiality clauses. With that, no matter how influential a visitor is, they must follow the department's rules. This will greatly improve the privacy of doctors and patients alike!

Open the door.

Joanne: You heard her. We are working internally on a patient confidentiality regulation.

You are just being lazy.

Joanne: I've been busy for days. Can't I take a little break? Besides, there's nothing wrong with Sheila's health.

This Gunn, he could be a bad guy.

Joanne: Why do you say that? Although, judging by your anxious look, you don't seem to be lying. Fine, you can sort it out with him face to face.

Joanne: You look like you're in a rush. Whatever. Our department isn't involved. You can deal with your own problems.

Get into the Medical Cabin to save Sheila

Step Description

---

You decide to give the character script and the confession letter to Sheila, but Gunn seals of the Medical Cabin and is now in charge of Sheila's treatment.

Base Zone

(Enter the Medical Department)

Gunn: I'm performing treatment on this young guide from the Department of Galactic Geopolitics. Do you two have a good reason for breaking in here?

This is treatment?

Gunn: There was a little accident, but nothing serious.

Joanne: She seems to have temporarily lost consciousness, but her vitals are okay.

I think you have ulterior motives.

Gunn: Look, like I said, I'm helping this guide from the Department of Galactic Geopolitics. Although there was a little accident, it was not serious and far from being a conspiracy.

Joanne: She seems to have temporarily lost consciousness, but her vitals are okay.

I'm feeling a little sick, too...

Gunn: Sorry, young one. As you can see, there was a little accident during the treatment procedure. I have to ask you to leave and wait outside for a while

Joanne: Okay, what are your symptoms? Let's find a place to rest and I'll take a look at you!

Gunn: By the way, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Gunn, the founder of the Department of Galactic Geopolitics. As you can see, I have knowledge and authority that matches my age.

Gunn: If you don't leave, I will have security take you away on the grounds of interfering with medical procedures.

Joanne: There is nothing we can do... His authority is higher than mine, second only to the likes of Chief Arlan. Let's wait outside for now.

Why don't you take a look at what I have here?

Let's just call the Security Dept. on him now.

Gunn: Young (man/lady), why would you say that? Calm down, there seems to be some misunderstanding between uns.

Gunn: Why do you have my manuscript? I distinctly remember putting it away a long time ago.

Gunn: It seems you have misunderstood its content.

Gunn: To tell you the truth, I'm a theater enthusiast. I've written a play or two myself in my spare time. It's pure fiction.

Gunn: I see you have a lot of doubts about me. Why don't we have a chat. Maybe we can be friends?

Joanne: That's right. If you have anything important to say, spill it.

This manuscript talks about a mysterious experiment.

Gunn: The so-called experiment is just a part of my hobby. Some people like gardening, I prefer to write plays.

Gunn: Surely you can't be so naive as to think this has anything to do with what you see here right now, are you?

Sheila has been reciting the script you wrote in advance.

Gunn: ...Oh, you've spoken to her. That's very observant of you. Most people wouldn't notice this without paying close attention.

Gunn: Let me put it this way. I wrote that so-called script by imitating Sheila's speech. It is still fictional.

Gunn: That should clear up any misunderstanding you may have.

I think you have ulterior motives.

Gunn: That's your personal speculation. Do you have any evidence? If not, there's no need to continue this conversation.

My intuition has always been accurate.

I am not going to leave.

Joanne, don't just stand there.

Joanne What are you talking about... Is this another residual effect of watching those videos?

Right, the videos!

Gunn: ...What videos? What are you talking about?

I saw you on the videos.

Joanne: What? How could you have seen Gunn in Sheila's videos?

Joanne: Given their age difference, if you saw a young Gunn in the videos, Sheila must've been a baby at the time — but that's not what you saw.

Joanne: Unless, the Sheila in front of us is neither the owner of the videos nor the real Sheila Nova.

Joanne: If there is a so-called conspiracy theory or some kind of experiment, then it can only mean one thing. She is impersonating Sheila under false pretenses.

And she is strictly following Gunn's script.

Joanne: Yep, it all makes sense now.

I think Joanne's theory is correct.

Joanne: Hey, thanks for the compliment.

Unless the experiment is to keep Sheila young forever...

Joanne: It is said that, in the entire cosmos, only the messenger of Abundance has the power to make people live forever... Surely, Mr. Gunn doesn't have this ability.

Gunn: Hehe, you two... I must say, this is all very entertaining to watch.

Gunn: Well, since you've found the video... I suppose I can't hide it anymore. Who would've thought this tiny experiment of mine could attract so much interest.

Gunn: What happens next may surprise you, but no matter what you see or hear, please be patient until the end.

I can't wait...

You better tell the truth. Don't embellish it.

Get over yourself. There is nothing I haven't seen.

Gunn: Sheila... reconnect. We have something to ask you.

Sheila: Yes, Mr. Gunn... But I don't feel so good.

Joanne: Sheila, are... are you okay?

Gunn: Now, you can give her some instructions, like pray, sing or shout.

Gunn: Be sure to do what I say first. Remember, the instructions include pray, sing and shout.

Give instructions to Sheila, who is back online

Mission Description

---

You decide to give the character script and the confession letter to Sheila, but Gunn seals off the Medical Cabin and is now in charge of Sheila's treatment

Base Zone

(Talk to Sheila)

Sheila: Hello, I am Sheila Nova, your guide to the Herta Department of Galactic Geopolitics.

Sheila, pray.

Sheila, sing.

Sheila, shout.

Hit me...

Joanne: Hey, hey, hey! What are you doing...

Gunn: ...Although the instructions are not limited to the three I just mentioned, clearly this is not in the script.

Gunn: Please do as I say.

Sheila, pray.

Sheila, sing.

Sheila, shout.

Joanne: What the heck is going on?

Gunn: Yes, a smart person may have guessed by now...

Gunn: This all happend because I was too idealistic with my initial experimental design — I thought I could restore Sheila to her original self relying only on a script and some technology.

Gunn: Unfortunately, a limited script will never be able to simulate a person's natural reaction in the world.

Gunn: So I tried letting her watch videos from the past, hoping that she could get a better understanding of how to be human.

Gunn: But I didn't expect Sheila, or should I say, prototype 157, to become so human.

Gunn: She started to think more and more like a real person. She even realized that another Sheila, who looked exactly like her, once existed in this world. That was when she began to doubt her own existence.

Gunn: This is very dangerous for an android.

Sheila is an android!?

Joanne: No wonder her body scan showed that her parameters were almost perfect — like a well-calibrated machine.

What is an android?

Joanne: As the name suggests, it is a robot that looks extremly similar to a real person. Now pay attention to Gunn's story and don't interrupt.

The plot thickens!

Joanne: To be honest, it was an eye-opener for me as well. No wonder her body scan showed that her parameters were almost perfect — like a well-calibrated machine.

Beyond expectation, yet within reason.

Joanne: Stop talking like an art critic!

Gunn: That's right. The experiment I referred to is this perfect recreation of young Sheila standing before you.

Gunn: She was modeled after the co-founder of the Department of Galactic Geopolitics, and... the love of my life, Sheila Nova. She died in the vast ocean of stars a long time ago.

Gunn: The reason I made prototype 157 is that I wanted to make up for my regret of not saving my true love when I had the chance.

Gunn: When she found out that she is not a real person, in order to prevent cognitive confusion, I had to erase her memory again and again, to restore her settings and maintain her normal operation.

That's why Sheila had short-term amnesia.

Gunn: Right... But I never expected she would keep asking for help from the outside world until you eventually found out about all this.

But she still remembered where you hid your information.

Gunn: I underestimated her, or rather, she has surpassed my imagination.

You shouldn't deprive her of the ability to think for herself.

Gunn: No, I actually think this deprivation is necessary.

Gunn: So when I found out that Sheila was being treated by Researcher Joanne in the medical cabin, I came as soon as I could to try to "fix" her cognition once again.

How did this "fix" go?

Gunn: There are many possibilities. Maybe she will finally live according to the script once and for all. Or perhaps she will continue the cycle, fall into another amnesia, and begin to seek help until the next fix.

You won't succeed this time.

Gunn: Indeed, I cannot let this cycle go on any longer.

Gunn: No matter how we deal with Sheila, I beg you, please don't make this experiment public. The ethical issues are bound to be investigated by the Department of Galactic Geopolitics.

Gunn: Please, forgive this old man who was just trying to mourn his dead wife.

Joanne: I'm just a bystander, it's not my decision. (Trailblazer), I think you have three choices right now.

Joanne: 1. Tell prototype 157 the truth about her life.

Joanne: 2. Fix and factory reset prototype 157.

Joanne: 3. Destroy Prototype 157 and erase all records of this dangerous experiment from the history of the space station.

Joanne: As the leader of the investigation, it's up to you to make the final decision. As for Gunn, I'll keep an eye on him.

Tell Gunn how to deal with Prototype 157

Step Description

---

You break through Gunn's hindrance and confront him face to face with the documents and videotapes as evidence. Finally, he tells you the truth.
It turns out that Gunn and Sheila used to be a couple, but the Sheila in front of you is just and experimental android made to look like his lover in the videotapes, who actually died years ago amidst the stars.

Base Zone

(Talk to Gunn)

Gunn: Have you really thought it through?

Please tell Sheila the truth.

Gunn: Well, since you insist, I'll tell prototype 157 about her story.

Gunn: But how she is gonna react to that is completely beyond my control.

Please "fix" Sheila's cognition.

Gunn: Thank you, young one. I think you made the right choice.

Gunn: I wil fix and factory reset Prototype 157. And then, she will continue to perform her duties as a guide for the Department of Galactic Geopolitics, as usual.

Please destroy Sheila.

Gunn: This would go against my original wish of mourning my deceased wife, but considering the risks that Prototype 157 poses should she become out of control, I must admit that this is the safe choice.

Gunn: I promise you this. When I leave, I will choose a quiet time to bring Prototype 157 with me to the disposal site and destroy her there.

Gunn: Don't worry, no one will find out. After all, it is the place I am most familiar with outside of the Conference Room. Countless of my previous failed experimental objects sleep there.

(Fade to black)

Gunn carries out your decision and leaves the medical cabin in silence.

...

Ending of Prototype 157

Step Description

---

Using the unethical nature of Gunn's experiment as leverage, you persuade him to do just as you decided and dispose of Prototype 157, also known as "Sheila."
You get to witness the price of choice.

Base Zone

Return the videotapes and go back to where you started

Step Description

---

Once you uncover the secret of Sheila and Gunn from many years ago, you return the tapes to Esther.
She tells you a pitiful story. You will continue your journey with it in mind.

Master Control Zone

Esther: Experience other people's lives with your very own eyes. That is the charm of those videos.

I brought them all back.

(Submit Videotape: Doomsday, Videotape: Dim Blue Dot and Videotape: Justice)

Esther: Three. Not one too many. You've worked hard, young one. Sit down and have a rest.

Esther: In return, I want to tell you a story I heard god knows when. You want to hear it?

Go on.

Esther: Once, in the Department of Galactic Geopolitics, there were two well-known young people. They were not only comrades in arms with similar interests but also a couple who pushed each other to become better.

Esther: They were committed to fighting for the weak and upholding justice for those were trampled by Aeons and their factions.

Esther: Until one day, justice was no longer just an ideal. A Lord Ravenger came to the female researcher's hometown, and her home planet was about to be destroyed. For the first time ever, the two disagreed on how justice should be implemented in this scenario.

Esther: The female reseacher chose to return to her home planet alone to alert them of the disaster, but unexpectedly, an accident occured during her journey.

Esther: At the time, the star rail was blocked by a Stellaron and her spacecraft was also stranded in the path of the Antimatter Legion. In absolute fear, she chose to call the Herta Space Station for help.

Esther: However, the space station had chosen to remain netural in all actions involving the Aeons, and the operator responsible for relaying this ruthless message was none other than the male researcher himself.

Esther: Through the radio, he personally witnessed how his stranded lover ran out of oxygen in the damaged aircraft and how she slowly died drifting into the endless darkness.

Esther: ...For some reason, this tragic story just came to mind today. Thought I'd share it with you.

The researcher in the story is...

Esther: Ha, that's not important. I'm just telling a story. Any resemblance to real-life events is purely coincidental.

She gave her life for "justice".

Esther: Yes, she was a real hero.

Esther: After her death, the researchers reexamined the question of justice. If we spend our whole life debating justice but choose to stand idly by when there are actual injustices happening all over the cosmos, then what we're really doing is just making a mockery of justice.

This must have been tormenting for him.

Esther: Maybe. However, I believe that in his long life, he must have found a way to make up for the past and obtain peace.

Esther: Well, that's all for today. Please take these rewards. I hope to see you again in the future.

Esther: After all, there are still many secrets in this world waiting to be unearthed.

I have other matters to attend to...

Esther: I see. Please take these rewards. I hope to see you again in the future.

Esther: After all, there are still many secrets in this world waiting to be unearthed.

(Mission Completed)

Post-Mission

(Talk to Sheila)

Sheila: Hello, I am Sheila Nova, the guide from the Herta Department of Galactic Geopolitics.

I didn't expect to see you again.

Sheila: Have we... met before? Sorry, as a guide, I have to deal with many people every day. Please excuse me, (sir/ma'am), for my forgetfulness.

Sheila: I am busy right now — I'm here to pick up some videos for Mr. Gunn Konolev of the Department of Galactic Geopolitics.

What are you doing here?

Sheila: I'm here to pick up some videos for Mr. Gunn Konolev of the Department of Galactic Geopolitics.

Sheila: Sorry, but I don't have time for chitchat. I'm still waiting for researcher Esther to approve the request for videotape access. You are free to come here whenever you like. The Department of Galactic Geopolitics guide welcomes your inquiries.

The cold, proper guide from the Department of Galactic Geopolitics is always smiling.

On her neck, there is a faint line of numbers: 158.

(Achievement Unlocked Does She Walk Alone?)