“Sorry, I haven’t smoked since high school.”
“But don’t mind me though. Smoke ahead.”
“So…why me?”
”Because you’re the protagonist of this game.”
“You’re the closest friend I have nearby that isn’t avoiding me and…I think I’m about to explode.”
This is just like Ground Zeroes all over again.
“Why?”
“B-B-Because I’m afraid! I’m terrified! I’m scared!”
“My colonel was using me when I made that errand, he saw me as a disposable pawn!”
“Then the whole thing got closed at the bank.”
“We were stuck there with no food or water for three days!”
“I-I saw a man be beaten to death after he found some snack in his pocket…that…that…”
And that’s the day they finally changed the Klondike bar jingle.
“I…I…”
“…”
“When I was in rescue duties I usually dealt with collapsing buildings, fire, that kind of stuff.”
“B-But seeing people do that to other people is just…”
“I…sniff I…”
“Calm down, nobody will hurt you here.”
“You sure?”
“I’ll make sure of it, just…take deep breaths.”
“…”
“I can’t even imagine what happened there. And truth be told, I don’t want to imagine it.”
“But it’s easy to tell you bottled up everything while you were there.”
“Is it obvious?”
”Girl, you are an open book.”
“Kinda.”
“Well, I had to get outta there. Fear would’ve only gotten in the way.”
“And besides, I made a promise to come back to…”
“Err…”
“Alright, what’s the deal with Stella?”
Subtext that might as well be text.
“Nothing, I’m just…”
”In denial?”
“Afraid?”
“The word loses meaning after using it so much in so little time.”
“She should’ve been worried sick, and I couldn’t call her after I came back. I’m afraid of what she will say.”
“She will insult you, she looks like that kind of girl.”
“But I’m betting all I have that she will be quickly happy that you’re fine and alive.”
“Yeah…you’re right.”
“Think about it this way: a slap or despair for what’s left of her life.”
“I wouldn’t pretend to disappear, I mean…”
“Besides, from what you tell me you’re pretty much only coming to your senses today, right?”
“Yeah.”
“It’s weird how everything change in such a short notice, you know?”
“Get flipped turned upside down…”
“On Thursday I was a girl doing her duties minding only her own business.”
“Now I’m injured and woke up to find out I can’t go back to those duties.”
“Part of me is happy, I knew full well White Knights usually did more harm than good.”
“On the other hand, I really loved my job. Now I’m stuck with nothing to do.”
“Yeah, I know how that is. The life changing on such short notice part, I mean.”
“Really?”
“I would tell you why I know that, but I think you should go see Stella right now.”
”That, and I need to keep my backstory secret until the convenient moment arrives.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“Speaking of which… Hey Gil!”
“What?”
“Do me a favor and escort Sei to…wherever she needs to go, please.”
“Only if you cover my share of the work.”
“Yeah, yeah…”
“Okay then. Let’s go Miss.”
“R-Right!”
“Thank you for hearing me out, Jill!”
“Anytime.”
“whew Hope everything goes alright.”
“Ah, hey Jamie.”
It’s everyone’s favorite Adam Jensen knockoff!
“Um… Jamie…”
“Ah Jill. Gillian isn’t here I see.”
“Are you alright? You look distracted.”
“I’m fine, don’t worry.”
“If you say so.”
“Jiiiiiiiill! Where do I take Fore if he needs to use the bathroom?”
“The cage has a small litter box included!”
Just how big is that cage…or how small is that litter box?
“Oooooh, that’s convenient!”
“Fore?”
“Fore’s my cat. Some apartments in my building are being inspected today…”
“So I brought him to work in case they enter my place while I’m gone.”
“Ah, I see.”
“What can I get you?”
“The usual Gut Punch.”
“Coming right up.”
“I thought when someone ordered a Gut Punch, you had to make a joke…”
“…about giving the client a punch to the stomach or something.”
“Oh, that? In theory, yeah. Gil’s the only one that pays attention to that though.”
“Really?”
“He didn’t receive proper training, he read an old manual my boss had.”
“There WAS some sort of stipulation mentioning the need to say puns.”
“But it seems like it was some sort of anti-counterfeit measure.”
Like those old Lucasarts games, but for booze? Sounds a bit excessive.
“I mean, if they copied such a silly stipulation, they’d be caught in the act.”
“Like when the dictionaries added fake words to spot if someone else just copied all of it?”
Wait, was that an actual thing or is the game making an actual goof here?
“Yup.”
“Why not tell him that?”
“It’s too amusing, to be honest.”
“So, what’s on your mind that’s distracting you so much?”
“Nothing you should think about too much.”
“It’s like those times you just feel uneasy for no good reason.”
“You might have actual reasons to feel that way though.”
“Come to think of it, “mercenary” is quite the uncommon occupation, wouldn’t you say?”
“I like to see what I do as bounty hunting actually.”
God, Jamie’s probably one of those people that actually think Boba Fett is cool.
“How so?”
“The only jobs I don’t take are those where I have to deal with people who just happened to be in the wrong place.”
“There are some people willing to pay to off someone that has done no wrong.”
Huge if true.
“Things like killing someone that owns a house in the way of some building, or a nosy reporter.”
“I’m not better for turning a blind eye to such requests, but I’m not gonna be the one dealing with those.”
“The bounty hunter part comes where?”
Getting to wear cool shit, I assume.
“If I’m sent to kill someone that has done something like stealing or killing and I get paid for it…”
“You could see it as bounty hunting.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
Technicalities are extremely badass.
“It’s just cheap justifications for killing people though. In the end they’re cheap.”
“However, I won’t be one to kill for petty reasons like those.”
“But let’s change the subject here. I’ll have something bitter if you don’t mind.”
“Huh? Sure.”
As always, when presented with a broad choice, go for the most expensive option.
“Ah yes…”
“You just reminded me of my grandpa.”
“He used to eat Bronson roots everyday. He said they made him stronger.”
“Bronson roots have more nutrients per gram than most vitamin supplements.”
“Your grandpa knew what he was doing.”
“It seems I always manage to make you uncomfortable, Jill. Sorry.”
“Ah, no. Don’t worry.”
”All of my friends make me uncomfortable.”
“Although I guess it’s mostly because I can’t wrap my mind around the whole “taking a human life” thing.”
“Knowing you’ve killed people and are now talking to me here? It’s…weird.”
“It reminds me of when I first took sex ed classes.”
“I couldn’t wrap my mind around people doing that stuff and living normally.”
“Unlike with sex ed, it’s better that you stay that way, mind you.”
“Taking lives is not something you should get used to.”
“Ah yes, I know a good way to change the subject a bit.”
“Would you like to hear about the most dangerous bounty hunter in the city?”
Ooh, I love stories!
“The way you said that was like offering a tale to a bored kid. But yeah, I’d like to hear that one.”
“You see, there was actually a bounty hunter organization in this city not too long ago.”
Now I’m just imagining a union but for bounty hunters.
“Law enforcement would put a price on a dangerous person’s head and pay for the proof of that person’s death.”
“There was a guy called Jet Black James. He got the nickname because he always wore clothes.”
Sounds like a rejected Revengeance villain to me, buuut that’s probably the point.
“The interesting thing was that the black clothes were there to hide blood stains he got from his contracts.”
“His tracking skills were top-notch, his information network was the best.”
“Some even joked he would finish the bounty within half an hour, or he wouldn’t take the reward.”
“…he was too good, in fact.”
“At one point he took all bounties and didn’t take a single reward. He was just that crazy by then.”
“The last bounty that the organization ever posted was on James’ head.”
“The police had him cornered. His last words were “Send it all to my account” before shooting himself.”
“Damn…why hasn’t that been made into a movie?”
“So…there were no more bounties after that?”
“A registered bounty hunter was charged with many counts of manslaughter using his old targets as proof.”
“If somebody else tried to recreate the organization, the seed of doubt would grow in little to no time.”
“What guarantee is there that such an organization wouldn’t actually be a trap?”
“They could use the registered bounty hunters to take care of the most bothersome criminals…”
“And then dispose of the bounty hunters by pressing charges using their targets as evidence.”
Pretty sure you don’t need to reiterate the point here.
“So…no. Jet Black James made sure that no law enforcement organization is able to set up bounty hunting of any kind.”
“Ever since then, anyone crazy enough to be a bounty hunter works independently.”
“Were you part of that organization?”
“I’ve actually had those suspicions I’m telling you about since the day I heard such a thing exists.”
“Glad to know I wasn’t just paranoid.”
“I don’t know how well you changed the subject, but that was certainly one interesting story.”
“Just to make sure. You’re not a rebuilt Jet Black James or something, right?”
“The name James is pretty common, Jill.”
“Besides, if I remember correctly, his real name was actually Theodore.”
“Oh.”
“That story left my throat a bit dry. Get me a Beer, please.”
“Sure.”
“One of mankind’s oldest friends. Cheers.”
“One obvious thing I see is that you don’t take the use of the word “kill” in your stride the way Gillian does.”
“I’m not good with violence.”
“That’s good.”
“It’s interesting though. When I compare you two, it’s obvious Gillian has seen quite the share of traumatic stuff.”
Dude could be an immortal demigod for all I know.
“That guy’s a handful because of that sometimes.”
“Still, he’s one of the most reliable people I’ve ever met.”
“Where is he, by the way?”
“I asked him to keep an eye on a girl that came here earlier.”
“I feel that if something happened, he could resolve the situation.”
“His nose must be itching after we talked so much about him.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
“Well, I’ve got to go.”
“Will do.”
“Man, today’s been quite heavy.”
“Everyone-…”
“…wait.”
(“If I say it out loud, I feel like I will just tempt fate.”)
(“…but let’s try it anyways.”)
“Everyone has just been gloomy face after gloomy face…and that dog.”
“I sure hope the next client changes that.”
Fuck.
“I KNEW IT! Err… I mean…”
“Quite the surprise to see you here again, Mr. Ingram.”
“Got out of my job, I needed a drink badly, and I remembered this crackhouse was nearby.”
“What can I get you then?”
“I’ll have a Bleeding Jane.”
“On it.”
“Tastes just like the pasta sauce my mom used to make.”
“Watered down, artificial, and nasty.”
Is this guy ever happy?
“So, where do you work, Mr. Ingram?”
“I don’t have a specific job, but there’s this….well…”network” of engineers in need of assistants.”
“I have no idea what they do there, but I can follow instructions and that’s all they need.”
“Recently I’ve been working with this Sylia girl working on some experimental powered suits.”
_Is this an anime reference? It’s probably an anime reference.”
“My only duty is to give them maintenance once a day.”
“What’s that about a “network”?”
“All those nerds know each other and they recommend me.”
“I don’t ask questions and quickly learn whatever they need.”
“Huh, sounds nice.”
“It’s pretty monotonous at times though.”
”Buddy, you don’t know the meaning of the word.”
“Why are you giving me that look?”
“You’re just more cheerful than the last time you came.”
He is?
“We all have good days and bad days. Today just so happens to be a not-bad day.”
“Besides, with everyone scared shitless in the houses, the streets are clear with no traffic jams.”
That’s…one way to look at it, I guess.
“That’s always a plus.”
“I guess.”
“It almost became a bad day though, thanks to some teens on the way here.”
“What did they do?”
“It’s not what they did, it’s what they said.”
Grown man brutally owned by children, more news at 11.
“They were talking about how they should just go to Zaibatsu Corp’s HQ and blow it up.”
“I’ve seen one too many kids throwing around that “let’s kill the king” attitude when it comes to Zaibatsu Crap.”
“Even if Zaibatsu Corp’s building suddenly went down, the ones behind it would still be alive.”
“Killing the head honcho just means his or her duties go to the next rimjobber on the totem.”
“Hell, I bet they’re plotting to kill each other anyways.”
“Kids these days see way too many action films where the rebels save the day by killing the “Evil Corporation”.”
I mean…he’s not actually wrong, to be honest. Hollywood movies’ vision of revolution is very much intentionally muddy, vague and individualistic.
“Don’t let it get to you.”
“I don’t, I just hate teengars.”
Okay Shadow the Edgehog.
“It’s interesting though. A big corporation in control is somehow more dangerous than a regular government.”
Have you met an anarcho-capitalist?
“I wouldn’t know. I’m not a political person.”
(“No shit.”)
“Alright. Give me a Zen Star, and try not to mess it up.”
“Coming right up.”
“Yes, it’s just as nasty as I’ve heard.”
“Why order it then?”
“Not your problem.”
“…”
“So, where’s the Red Comet?”
“My boss? She…”
“Jill, Fore’s headed your way!”
“…”
“Oh! A customer. Sorry for the intrusion.”
“You have a dog here? And a cat?”
“The cat’s mine, his name’s Fore. The dog just…hangs around here.”
He’s a valuable member of the team, Jill.
“He looks well groomed and his fur looks healthy.”
“Seems you take good care of him.”
“You seem to know a lot about cats.”
“No, that’s just common sense.”
“Do you like cats, Mr. Ingram?”
“I don’t dislike them.”
“But I do dislike having animals near me when I’m eating or drinking.”
“So… I’ll take my leave.”
“Please come again.”
“You said that last time.”
”Please keep doing that.”
“Fore’s as guilty as me.”
“Yeah, but I like Fore. He’s my baby.”
“Now go. Play or something.”
“Ah, you’re back. What happened with Sei?”
“I couldn’t see anything, but I guess she was happy.”
“Glad to hear that.”
“Did I miss something?”
“Only Jamie and…some other guy came.”
“I see.”
“You look exhausted.”
“Yesterday was filled with people carrying heavy emotional baggage.”
I’m pretty sure that’s just every day.
“I don’t mind it, but dealing with them tired me out a little bit.”
“I actually found myself wanting Dorothy to burst out of that door at any moment.”
Jill is definitely not okay.
“So you missed Dorothy?”
“Kinda.”
“But anyway! Nothing a good night of sleep can’t fix.”
“Let’s just wrap things up around here and call it a day.”
This isn’t super related to what happened just now, but does anyone else feel like the game’s political commentary makes no sense at all? Apparently Glitch City is supposed to be based on Venezuela but not counting the economic crisis that comparison just…doesn’t work. It’s just a generic cyberpunk setting except it’s kinda anime. Bah, whatever, this game’s writing is confused in so many ways.