Masquerade

Meds? Misunderstanding? Resolved?

It wasn't so hard persuading that poor driver to cooperate, after all.

Wha... I'm even more confused now... where are we?

Come, see for yourself.

Here's your medicine. Careful with it.

Th-Thank you...

What's your name? Check it off the list.

Mike... there.

Two portions left.

Let me check the list again. Maybe someone forgot to come... see if anyone hasn't signed.

The last two are mine.

Here you go.

*cough* I-I'm sorry about today. We didn't know someone else was behind the robbery...

It's ok. Glad to see that the medicine ended up in the hands of those who need it.

Gustave told me that a lot of people here are afflicted with a special condition that requires these suppressants to control.

So... wasn't that Capitán at odds with Reynell? Why is he stealing our meds to suck up to Reynell now?

Miłosz told me that he's after Reynell's development rights in this district.

And what if he gets it? Reynell had the rights himself, and he couldn't do anything about us.

Good thing too. It would be a shame if the local culture here got replaced by hotels and casinos.

You've only been here half a day, and you're talking like you know the place well.

And in this half a day, everyone who came for their medicine was trying to promote their artwork to me.

People have to eat, after all... what's that on your arm?

A braided wristband. I didn't plan on buying it, but then I saw the kid's hands full of needle marks...

(Whisper) Who could be so clumsy?

What did you say?

Uhh... I mean... would you like to take a break in my workshop?

50 million Columbian gold certificates! 50 million going once, 50 million going twice!

Sold for 50 million gold certificates!

What did you say? The warehouse that kept losing stuff? Which one?

The one from the pharmaceutical company that shut down six months after you acquired it.

I seem to remember something of the sort... so, some people stole meds meant for that neighborhood, framed you for it, then tried to sneak those meds into that warehouse.

To be precise, they tried to frame you.

What do you want me to do, then? Thank you for resolving the misunderstanding?

There's no need for that, Mr. Reynell.

Miłosz says you're leaving the accommodations I arranged for you. Have you found your friends?

No, we just found another place to stay.

Where?

That neighborhood.

There? Not that I'm against it or anything, but why?

I saw something interesting.

This is my workshop. There's a lot of space here. I work together with other artists, looking for inspiration, sometimes exhibiting our work.

Are those wet papers abandoned drafts?

No, they're finished artwork.

Finished?

There's a guy who leaves his paintings outside and lets the rain dissolve the paint. The work isn't finished until that step is done.

Hm...

The man who's flexing his muscles... is he looking for inspiration?

Strictly speaking, he's a work of art too.

Performance art?

Read the plaque in front of him.

'Name: Pepe Turrión. Artist: Pepe Turrión's parents.'

'Description: Six months after creating this work, the artists abandoned it in the suburbs of Dossoles due to lack of economic value.'

'Little could they imagine that Pepe Turrión would become one of the greatest masterpieces of Dossoles twenty years later. Eat shit, jerks.'

Wow...

I am the greatest Originium Artist in Dossoles. Would you like to see my Arts?

Is he better than you, Tecno?

No one's better, when it comes to Originium Arts.

Hm.

Be careful and don't hurt our guests.

Of course.

I thought Arts was about flashing lights and fireballs... that's Originium Arts?

What is this, if not Originium? What did I demonstrate, if not arts?

I... see...

We're here.

My biggest work lies beyond this door.

I think I've said this not too long ago, but I want to say it again—nothing could surprise me now.

Two mannequin heads? So big?

Those are just the heads. You haven't seen the bodies yet.

They'll be dancing the night our arts festival begins.

They will dance when the twin moons begin to set, and the sunlight has yet to shine.

They will be the center of attention, the stars of the show. They will turn and pirouette on the streets, stepping in tune and gracing the entire community.

A beautiful picture.

I'm sure many people will be dancing with them.

No, maybe...

...I don't know.

You don't know?

Nobody has danced in a long time, ever since that dance hall fire.

I told you, they've got innovative structures, deep emotions, delicate expressions.

Interesting... you've piqued my interest in what those people are doing.

If you're going to that neighborhood, will you see what they're doing on my behalf?

I thought you weren't happy that they planned their arts festival on the same day as your opening ceremony.

Doesn't mean I can't be interested in what they're doing.

I can observe what they're doing on your behalf, but I have no reason to intervene in your conflict with them.

Of course not! Not that I wouldn't appreciate it if you could convince them to change the date.

I can't make you any promises.

You can't succeed if you don't try.

Anyway, I'm surprised you're willing to learn more about what they're doing.

...

You wouldn't be surprised if you were willing to learn more about me.

I thought...

Collection No. 257, antique music box, starting price 15 million gold certificates. Any bidders?

Shh... I have to focus.

(Raises bid card)

20 million! Anyone else? 20 million!

(Raises bid card)

Er... same bidder to 25 million?

(Raises bid card)

There's no one bidding against you.

(Raises bid card)

I don't care what anyone else bids. I just want to raise it to the price I think it's worth.

I-I apologize for my rash decision...

But we didn't think they would have the nerve to openly insult Coalition government forces that...

I-I understand! Next time—there won't be a next time!

I'll accept any punishment if this happens again! You can fire me, court-martial me, anything!

Capitán...

Shut up. Now the brass knows about that stupid truck driver.

They stripped him naked and dropped him at our front door. The brass considers it an open insult to the Coalition government.

They asked whether our relationship with Reynell can continue, whether there is hope of obtaining the land. What am I supposed to say?

Stupid, incompetent idiots.

Capitán, Reynell's secretary is here... do you want to see him?

Show him in.

If you're just here to complain on Reynell's behalf, you can save it.

Of course not, Mr. Mateo. Reynell is satisfied with your efficiency. You were just a little... reckless.

There are many Infected in that community. Stealing their medicine is one way to take them down. But you must understand that, if many Infected die because of it...

Making a big mess does none of us any good.

We understand. What else did he tell you?

What he means is that, if you were too reckless before, perhaps a more cautious approach now can bring about a peaceful resolution.

We've gotten to this point, and you want me to negotiate with those people?

No, Mr. Mateo. There's no need for you to worry about it. Mr. Reynell has already sent someone to do it.

Who?

Miss Ela and her squad.

You're familiar with them, no? Your men have had dealings with them, and people have even confused them with your men.

We have an agreement, Miłosz. Don't forget it.

No need to get excited, Mr. Mateo. Reynell doesn't intend to terminate his cooperation with you. He just asks for cooler heads.

We can talk about the land once you're calm enough to do so.

Is there any message that you would like me to deliver to Mr. Reynell?

...

I take my leave, then.

You were playing games with me, weren't you, Reynell?!

You're dead, Reynell, DEAD, if I don't get that piece of land from you!

150 million? He bid a music box to 150 million on his own?

He may be eccentric, but he shows respect to what he considers art, in his own way.

It sounds like you're starting to change your mind about him.

I've never made up my mind about him, Meijer. He's not easy to make up your mind about.

Is that what makes him interesting?

I'll admit that he's not your traditional, boring art dealer.

That's saying quite a bit, coming from you. You're not big on compliments usually.

What now? Will you continue to work with him?

I'm not sure... but I'll think about it.

Come to think of it, we couldn't have adapted to this place so quickly without his help.

We did save his life, so we're even on that.

*sigh*...

Hey, Ela... do you have a moment?

Of course. What is it?

Papá wants to see you.

Mr. Diaz? Why?

He has some questions for you.

Very well, I'll go and see him.

And just so you know... he might act pretty... angry.

He wants to intimidate me.

He may not admit it, but... yes.