Five Candles in the Meadow

(if:visits is 1)[Good afternoon, Cassis! Welcome back to Candle Station-5's local terminal!] (else:)[Welcome back Cass!] As always, I'm Penny, the busy buzzy bee in your bonnet! What would you like to do? [[ACT1NEWS1<- Read the news?]] [[ACT1WEATHER<-Check the weather?]] [[ACT1WICKIPEDIA<-Browse Wickipedia?]] [[ACT1INBOX1<-Send a message?]]

Penny here! The staff at Five Candles newsroom and I would like to thank you for being a diligent member of Alsama' and keeping up with current events! We know not everyone has all the time in the world to read through every article, so I've been allowed a certain amount of freedom in summarizing the news articles, BUT I'd like to remind you that these articles will always be available on the station's local Wickipedia. Which news story would you like to read? [[Exiled Prince Escapes Prison!]] [[Stolen Snake Mech Sneaks Past ZhivCon Security!]] [[Five Candles Newcomers Show Promise!]] [[ACT1OPENING<-Go back to the homepage?]]

(if:visits is 1)[Good afternoon! Thanks for using our New! and Improved! Miracle Mile Weather Tracker!] (else:)[Need a refresher, Cassis?] Tonight the temperature is gonna drop ever so slightly, and up until Friday, it'll be partly cloudy with light winds. Friday going into the evening however its gonna be a little wet! Starting with light rain on Friday, it'll develop into a pretty nasty storm by Sunday, so bring an umbrella if you have to go out. Otherwise it's a perfect time to stay indoors where it's nice and warm. Maybe catch a movie on the Hivenet, or check out the recently established Learning Library (available now on Wickipedia). Whatever you do, just remember to be safe and have fun out there! Thanks again for using our New! and Improved! Miracle Mile Weather Tracker! This has been the Bee in your Bonnet Penny! Signing off! [[ACT1OPENING<-return to the homepage?]]

Hi Cassis! Unfortunately, due to the high traffic resulting in the launch of the new Learning Library, Wickipedia is only available to terminals in the specified areas -Pillar 1 - Education deck -Pillar 2 - Local Libraries #2, #4, #5 -Pillar 3 - Engineering Deck -Pillar 5 - Miracle Hivenet Cafe (Restricted to 15 minutes of browsing per customer) Sorry for any inconvenience! Our software engineers are working diligently to get it back up and running. BUT! You can still use any local files you've downloaded! [[ACT1OPENING<-return to the homepage?]]

What would you like to do? [[ACT1NEWINBOX<-Check your new messages?]] [[ACT1SAVEDMESSAGES<-Read your saved messages?]] [[ACT1SENDMESSAGE<-Compose a new message?]] [[ACT1OPENING<-Return to the homepage?]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''Five Candles Newcomers Show Promise!''] In an effort to raise morale and bolster defenses on Candle Station-5, the Free Stars of Alsama' have enlisted the help of four new pilots; Taffy, Glio, Christiana Bonello, and Iota Zero. The people aboard the Five Candles are sure to see more of these bright eyed pilots as they complete their training and get to know the station and her people. They'll be out and about on sorties in no time, so be sure to salute these new recruits! The Cradle is counting on them! (set: $newstory2act1 to true) Do you want to... [[ACT1NEWS1<-continue reading other news stories?]] [[ACT1OPENING<-return to the homepage?]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''Stolen Snake Mech Sneaks Past ZhivCon Security! ''] This just in! An experimental mech was just stolen out of ZhivCon space! ZhivCon authority is putting out an APB on the pilot, previously employed at the Braycom Corporation Scientific Division. According to eye witness reports, they were last seen around Candle Station-3, and headed towards the dead space surrounding it. The influx of ZhivCon forces in the area disrupted communications for a short while, allowing the pilot to slip out in the confusion! (set:$newsstory3act1 to true) Do you want to... [[ACT1NEWS1<-continue reading other news stories?]] [[ACT1OPENING<-return to the homepage?]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''Exiled Prince Escapes Prison!'' ] Exiled prince from the Crown of Mirrors and known criminal Punchclock Myriad breaks out of the 2nd Galactic Zhivotnoye Consortium Prison in an explosive exit aided by fellow conspirators Tetra Granturo, Hash Nealy, and Takoba Caricap! They were last seen leaving Peter's Vault with an unknown flight vector. What could these criminals be up to? If you have any information on the whereabouts of these four escapees please call in to our anonymous hotline. Anything helps! (set:$newsstory1act1 to true) Do you want to... [[ACT1NEWS1<-continue reading other news stories?]] [[ACT1OPENING<-return to the homepage?]]

(if: $newmail1act1 is true)[Sorry Cass, you've got no new messages!] (else:)[You've got one new message Cass! [[ACT1MAIL1UNREAD<-Avilis Training Program - Followup]]] [[ACT1INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]]

From: Risola Saylor Subject: [[Big Things on Peter's Vault]] Sent: About a month ago | Received: four days ago From: Penny Subject: Movie Ticket Request - [[Lucky Break: The Story of the 77th]] Sent: One week ago | Received: One week ago (if: $newmail1act1 is true)[From: Pillar One Administration Subject: [[Avilis Training Program - Followup Saved<-Avilis Training Program - Followup]] Sent: Yesterday | Received: Today] [[ACT1INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]]

Who are you sending a message to? Recent Contacts Adalgar Royce Candle Station-5 Material Requests 2nd Pillar Hobbies & Toys [[ACT1EMAIL<-Risola Saylor]] [[ACT1INBOX1<-Return]]

Good morning Cassis, We have received your application for the upcoming Avilis Mechanized Unit Training Program hosted on Pillar Four, and we are happy to inform you that you have been approved for preliminary testing. We will be sending documentation to your lodging in the next 1-2 business days. All necessary information must be provided on the forms, and require two signatures. One from you, and another from your parents or guardians. Once the documents are filled out, you can send them directly to the Fourth Pillar Training Deck or drop them off at any Inter-Station Mail Kiosk. Once we receive those documents, we will follow up with a training and dietary regimen, A voucher will be provided to receive any necessary ingredients or supplements at any grocer available on Pillar Two. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please reach out to the administration team on the First Pillar. Thank you, Officer Mott, Pillar One Administration (set:$newmail1act1 to true) [[ACT1INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]]

Sorry this letter is getting to you so late, something big happened in the Three Candles area and our relays were down for a while. Hopefully this gets to you by the end of the year (LOL). No idea what happened though, it's got ZhivCon written all over it, I can feel it.. There was a whole big chase, something to do with a stolen mech. I only heard about it in passing from the soldiers stationed at the base in our quadrant. Far enough for us not to worry about, but close enough to overload our relays, haa. Anyway, mom broke her foot. A Sobi mech A.I. shorted and the support buckled, fell right on her. She's mostly fine but we have to get her to the Three Candles tonight. Gotta wait since a friend is taking us and they have to refuel and pack up. They like us well enough, but a broken leg isn't enough for a trip to the station, so they're looking to haul some freight there and maybe take on a couple more passengers. Alsama' pays well apparently, though how often they put repairs "on their tabs" makes me doubt that. I get that they're here to deter Daybreak from stomping all over our homes but I.O.U.s don't pay bills man. We need money and being one of if not the only mech repair shops out here ain't easy. I shouldn't complain too much though, the pilots near us are nice enough, friendly company and all that and they do appreciate our work. I can tell because they treat my moms like priests instead of mechanics. They refuse to see any other mechanic about it, like mech repair is a sacred duty. I swear, they're more pious than the Daybreak "citizens" that come through on their pilgrimage. Zealots the lot of them. You hear me Pope Nate? Zealots! Anyway, I have to get going. Our ride's almost here and I have to help mom to the shuttle. Write back if you know anything about what happened with the Three Candles, I know Candle Station 5 gets the juiciest details when it comes to the news, its so stuffy on the Three Candles. "Only official information from official channels" Whatever dude. Talk to you soon. -Risola [[ACT1SAVEDMESSAGES<-Return to saved messages?]] [[ACT1INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]]

To: Cassis R. Thank you for putting in a request for two tickets to Lucky Break: The Story of the 77th Frontline Squad! You should be receiving them in the morning mail. You put in the request so fast we thought it was a feedback error! Hope you enjoy the movie! Requisitions Officer Lado First Pillar Administration [[ACT1SAVEDMESSAGES<-Return to saved messages?]] [[ACT1INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]]

Good morning Cassis, We have received your application for the upcoming Avilis Mechanized Unit Training Program hosted on Pillar Four, and we are happy to inform you that you have been approved for preliminary testing. We will be sending documentation to your lodging in the next 1-2 business days. All necessary information must be provided on the forms, and require two signatures. One from you, and another from your parents or guardians. Once the documents are filled out, you can send them directly to the Fourth Pillar Training Deck, or drop them off at any Inter-Station Mail Kiosk. Once we receive those documents, we will follow up with a training and dietary regimen, A voucher will be provided to receive any necessary ingredients or supplements at any grocer available on Pillar Two. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please reach out to the administration team on the First Pillar. Thank you, Officer Mott, First Pillar Administration [[ACT1SAVEDMESSAGES<-Return to saved messages?]]

Hey Risola! [[Open with the Lucky Break movie]] (set:$personaltopic1act1 to false) (set:$personaltopic2act1 to false) (set:$militarytopic1act1 to false) (set:$militarytopic2act1 to false) (set:$safetytopic1act1 to false) (set:$safetytopic2act1 to false)

Did Peter's Vault get HiveNet yet or are my messages still getting parsed through your weird array of slave bots? Because there are some sick as shit movies on the HiveNet! The other day we went and saw that movie about Lucky Break. Banner Blue was at the premiere and she's SO COOL!!!!! Urso Webb was there too and they're cool I guess. my mom is getting to test out some new camera thing that produces pictures in 3d. Three. Dee. Bro. She took a picture of me with them and you can see all of Blue's scars and stuff it's so cool. I'm hoping it comes through on your end, I know how much you like Webb. [[Talk about mom]] (If:$newmail1act1 is true) [[Tell her about the Avilis Mech training program]]

My mom's been working suuuper late this past week, she said there's been a huge uptick in the necessary scans and they need all hands on deck to get through all the recon reports coming in. It's kinda hard for me to sit still when shes not around, the second pillar is kinda spooky when you're alone but she gets mad at me when I'm out on the Mile with friends. Its not like we're doing anything bad. How's your mom btw? You said a Sobi mech broke her leg, how does that even happen? I thought they were all weird and rubber coated, real oddball frames y'know? Hope she's doing better now though ha ha. [[Gush about the 77th]] (If:$newstory2act1 is true) [[Bring them up to speed on the rookie squad]] (set:$personaltopic1act1 to true)

Oh I'm trying out for the Avilis Training courses next week, I'm really nervous though. My mom said as long as it gets me out of the house it's fine, but I know you don't have a high opinion about the Avilis frames. We have the best doctors in the territory aboard the Five Candles so it should be fine, right? It's not like they're gonna give us guns or anything. Some of my older friends went through a regimen like this one and they said it was just like doing cardio training with weights all over your body. [[Gush about the 77th]] (If:$newstory2act1 is true) [[Bring them up to speed on the rookie squad]] (set:$personaltopic2act1 to true)

Apparently Five Candles is getting a new rookie squad and they're super weird! One of them is a mycoid and he's been hanging out with so many weird people, like that guy who lives in the shipping container, remember him? Another rookie is this clown, y'know like from the circus?? She does shows in the park on Miracle Mile and she's funny sometimes. There's this really intense pilot, she might be human? I've seen her mech and its really scary, it turns into a freaky looking dog. The other rookie is really quiet, she's super into the Daybreak Cenobium. I think she might be a sympathiser but you didnt hear it from me... [[Ask about Peter's Vault]] (If: $newsstory1act1 and $newsstory3act1 is true) [[Update her on the recent news]] (set:$militarytopic2act1 to true)

Speaking of HiveNet, how come it's taking so long for you guys to get it? usually the HiveNet people are on top of stuff like that, especially for a place as big as Peter's Vault. You guys see SOO much traffic over there, it's like theyre losing money out the wazoo by not being up over there. Wait, does the HiveNet company get money? They have to right? How else are they paying for all the people and fuel and materials and stuff? It is a mystery... also yeah i heard about the arrays going down a little bit ago, that's so scary. I can't imagine being in the dark like that. I'm scared right now thinking about it. [[Wrap it up]] (set:$safetytopic1act1 to true)

Yeah so apparently what happened near you guys was that prince guy Punchclock Myriad broke out of prison around the same time that the ZhivCon scientist engineer guy went AWOL, and Three Candles was swarmed by ZhivCon goons, probably in a panic that they lost track of two VIPs lol. Talk about a blow to morale huh? From what Penny told me, both of them are long gone by now and you'll be safe going to the Three Candles for your mom's leg. Which sucks for you, I know how much you love chaos and disorder lol. But if it's not safe and they weren't gone by the time this gets to you, I'm really sorry and I hope you and your moms are safe and the surgery goes well <3 [[Wrap it up]] (set:$safetytopic2act1 to true)

Anyway, it's getting really late and mom's not back from work yet so I'm gonna grab something to eat and then go to bed. Hopefully everything goes well for you guys, write back as soon as possible so I know you're okay. ALSO let me know when you can visit! I know you said you talked to your moms about getting a ship chartered out here, and I know you'll love it! There's this really good hot dog place in the Miracle Mile and the owner is really funny, you'd love it. Anyway, I'm gone, talk to you later! -Cassis [[Alright Penny, send it.]]

Hey Risola! Did Peter's Vault get HiveNet yet or are my messages still getting parsed through your weird array of slave bots? Because there are some sick as shit movies on the HiveNet! The other day we went and saw that movie about Lucky Break. Banner Blue was at the premiere and she's SO COOL!!!!! Urso Webb was there too and they're cool I guess. my mom is getting to test out some new camera thing that produces pictures in 3d. Three. Dee. Bro. She took a picture of me with them and you can see all of Blue's scars and stuff it's so cool. I'm hoping it comes through on your end, I know how much you like Webb. (if:$personaltopic1act1 is true)[My mom's been working suuuper late this past week, she said there's been a huge uptick in the necessary scans and they need all hands on deck to get through all the recon reports coming in. It's kinda hard for me to sit still when shes not around, the second pillar is kinda spooky when you're alone but she gets mad at me when I'm out on the Mile with friends. Its not like we're doing anything bad. How's your mom btw? You said a Sobi mech broke her leg, how does that even happen? I thought they were all weird and rubber coated, real oddball frames y'know? Hope she's doing better now though ha ha.] (if:$personaltopic2act1 is true)[Oh I'm trying out for the Avilis Training courses next week, I'm really nervous though. My mom said as long as it gets me out of the house it's fine, but I know you don't have a high opinion about the Avilis frames. We have the best doctors in the territory aboard the Five Candles so it should be fine, right? It's not like they're gonna give us guns or anything. Some of my older friends went through a regimen like this one and they said it was just like doing cardio training with weights all over your body.] (if:$militarytopic1act1 is true)[Duuuuuude the Lucky Break movie was sooooo good and it was awesome to meet Banner Blue, she's so cool and aloof in person but she was super nice and signed my SEALED, MINT CONDITION(!!!!) HARDKNOCKS VALEDICTORIAN FIGURE (THANK YOU AGAIN BTW!!!!!!) I have it front and center on my shelf next to the other HKV's and 77th figures, gosh it looks so cool. It wont be in three dee though, my mom told me not to use her new test camera. HEY! You have to tell me the new address to send stuff, I got a little something something from Urso, and I made sure they signed it and made it out to their biggest fan!] (if:$militarytopic2act1 is true)[Apparently Five Candles is getting a new rookie squad and they're super weird! One of them is a mycoid and he's been hanging out with so many weird people, like that guy who lives in the shipping container, remember him? Another rookie is this clown, y'know like from the circus?? She does shows in the park on Miracle Mile and she's funny sometimes. There's this really intense pilot, she might be human? I've seen her mech and its really scary, it turns into a freaky looking dog. The other rookie is really quiet, she's super into the Daybreak Cenobium. I think she might be a sympathiser but you didnt hear it from me...] (if:$safetytopic1act1 is true)[Speaking of HiveNet, how come it's taking so long for you guys to get it? usually the HiveNet people are on top of stuff like that, especially for a place as big as Peter's Vault. You guys see SOO much traffic over there, it's like theyre losing money out the wazoo by not being up over there. Wait, does the HiveNet company get money? They have to right? How else are they paying for all the people and fuel and materials and stuff? It is a mystery... also yeah i heard about the arrays going down a little bit ago, that's so scary. I can't imagine being in the dark like that, I'm scared right now thinking about it.] (if:$safetytopic2act1 is true)[Yeah so apparently what happened near you guys was that prince guy Punchclock Myriad broke out of prison around the same time that the ZhivCon scientist engineer guy went AWOL, and Three Candles was swarmed by ZhivCon goons, probably in a panic that they lost track of two VIPs lol. Talk about a blow to morale huh? From what Penny told me, both of them are long gone by now and you'll be safe going to the Three Candles for your mom's leg. Which sucks for you, I know how much you love chaos and disorder lol. But if it's not safe and they weren't gone by the time this gets to you, I'm really sorry and I hope you and your moms are safe and the surgery goes well <3] Anyway, it's getting really late and mom's not back from work yet so I'm gonna grab something to eat and then go to bed. Hopefully everything goes well for you guys, write back as soon as possible so I know you're okay. ALSO let me know when you can visit! I know you said you talked to your moms about getting a ship chartered out here, and I know you'll love it! There's this really good hot dog place in the Miracle Mile and the owner is really funny, you'd love it. Anyway, I'm gone, talk to you later! -Cassis Are you sure? [[ACT1RISOLAWAITING<-Yep, really send it.]] [[ACT1EMAIL<-No, wait. Let me go back.]]

Duuuuuude the Lucky Break movie was sooooo good and it was awesome to meet Banner Blue, she's so cool and aloof in person but she was super nice and signed my SEALED, MINT CONDITION(!!!!) HARDKNOCKS VALEDICTORIAN FIGURE (THANK YOU AGAIN BTW!!!!!!) I have it front and center on my shelf next to the other HKV's and 77th figures, gosh it looks so cool. It wont be in three dee though, my mom told me not to use her new test camera. HEY! You have to tell me the new address to send stuff, I got a little something something from Urso, and I made sure they signed it and made it out to their biggest fan! [[Ask about Peter's Vault]] (If: $newsstory1act1 and $newsstory3act1 is true) [[Update her on the recent news]] (set:$militarytopic1act1 to true)

It's been about a month since I sent that email, Risola's email should be getting here... (live: 5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Any second now...](stop:)] (live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Hi Cassis! You've got a [[ACT1RISOLARESPONSE<-new message]] from User: R. Saylor](stop:)] (live:11s)[[There it is!](stop:)]

Hey Myszko, Stop calling them slave bots, it's weird. They're just simple programs running on rudimentary computers, and they're no more advanced than a kitchen appliance. Is your toaster a slave? Checkmate, robot ethicists. Also yeah, I've seen the 77th movie, and probably a month before you did because I've got... Connections... You're right though it is sick as shit, I thought it was an odd choice to get Urso's younger sister to play them in the flashback scenes, but it fits. And before you ask, yes I have cropped you and Banner Blue out of the picture you sent and now it is a magnificent addition to the Webb Shrine and I greatly appreciate the offering you've given me. (if:$personaltopic1act1 is true)[Anyway, my mom's walking now. Well, not walking per se, but definitely in the realm of getting around with one good leg. she has to stay in a splint for a little longer and as much as mom and I tell her she can't get back to work, it only makes her more stubborn about it. I wish she'd realize I'm able to do more on my own, or even with just one of them there. Also yeah, most Sobi mechs are designed to withstand crushing pressure and like, vacuum environments, but they still have massive steel plates under all that rubber shielding, and if that falls on you? Good luck.] (if:$personaltopic2act1 is true)[There's a reason I have hangups about Avilis mechs, they look like toys because they're built like them. Cheap and pretty. Sure, you can deploy them quickly and "efficiently" but when half your squad burns out in the atmosphere and the other half crumple to dust when you touch down, I have a hard time beleiving they're anything "but" reliable, and they put a different spin on "Going down in a blaze of glory" lol. I'll say this at least, you're in good hands with regard to the medical staff, I think that's just true across all Candle stations, my mom was getting around within the day. I'll hand it to Alsama', they make it easy to find a doctor. Probably because they don't have real apples over here, but hey.] (if:$militarytopic1act1 is true)[You're welcome (again) for what I can only assume will turn into a family heirloom or perhaps some kind of artifact now that you've had it blessed by your idol. I'm a little surprised Banner Blue was even at the premiere, but I guess things were a little slow over on Five Candles then, but I'm glad you finally got to meet her and I'm definitely not extremely jealous that you got to meet Urso Webb. And it's not that I'm not interested in whatever it is you've planned to give me, I just don't have an address I can safely give you right now. Hopefully next time, but until then, hold on to it, will ya?] (if:$militarytopic2act1 is true)[I was wondering how long Alsama's numbers were going to stay stagnant, good for you guys! We have a lot of old guards over here, the Half Centurions mostly, I talked about them last time but they're nice. I'm hoping your rookie squad sticks around, probably best for them to start over in the meadow considering how quiet it is. That clown girl sounds like she's a riot to be frank, and I think Alsama' generally needs more circus bullshit. Keeps everyone else on their toes. the chances of your squad getting hit with a massive pie tin is extremely low, but never zero.] (if:$safetytopic1act1 is true)[The reason we don't have Hivenet over here is because it was the first thing the Cenobium broke when they started crusading in the region. You cut off the only stable form of communication, and all of a sudden people are starting to whiteknuckle their controls, makes everyone paranoid. Daybreak has some kind of communications system of their own so they have that advantage, but there's not that much to crusade over here. Generally speaking. There's our quadrant on The Dial and a few other cities, but Peter's Vault will look to any new regime with a smile on its face and a knife behind its back.] (if:$safetytopic2act1 is true)[Oh, I heard the heavily edited version of those stories, but I got the gist. Over here they said that Zhivcon worked with the Crown to create a super soldier but he got loose and they had to track him down, and also he stole an experimental mech that looked like the animal he was. That was ZhivCon's explanation anyway, anyone who knows anything about anything would probably be able to figure out that's not quite the whole truth. Anything to save face huh. And yeah, they were long gone by the time we got to the Three Candles, thankfully. I thought about lying and saying my moms fought off Punchclock and his merry goons, but I didn't want to worry you.] Mom's check up is this afternoon so I'm gonna try and get this out before we leave, the sooner the better, but it was nice hearing from you again and you should also write back as soon as possible. And about visiting, I'll talk to my moms about maybe taking a vacation for the first time in their lives, I know how much they like working here, but they deserve a day off. I know there's no days off in war, but yknow, they could have a nice afternoon to themselves for once. And if we do end up going to the Five Candles, you bet I'll be there at the hot dog stand. Talk to you later, Myszko. -Risola [[ACT2HOMEPAGE<-Awh, I'm glad they're doing well.]]

Good morning Cassis! Welcome back to Candle Station-5's local terminal! As always, I'm Penny, the busy buzzy bee in your bonnet! What would you like to do? [[ACT2NEWS1<- Read the news?]] [[ACT2WEATHER<-Check the weather?]] [[ACT2WICKIPEDIA<-Browse Wickipedia?]] [[ACT2INBOX1<-Send a message?]]

The Candle Station-5 reporters would like to thank you for being a diligent citizen and staying up to date on all hot button topics! Full stories are available on the Newsroom server on Wickipedia, but I'm more than happy to give you the short of it! [[Exiled Prince Apprehended by Five Candles Newcomers!]] [[C.P.S.M. Squad spotted on Oxeye, stomped by the 77th!]] [[ZhivCon Frames Traded to Daybreak Cenobium!]] [[ACT2HOMEPAGE<-return to the homepage?]]

(if:visits is 1)[Good morning! Thank you once again for using our New! and Improved! Miracle Mile Weather Tracker!] (else:)[Need a refresher, Cassis?] This week, the Miracle Mile is going to experience some of the best weather so far this year! Going between partly cloudy and Sunny, it's a perfect time to go out for picnic, walk your pet, or just enjoy that sweet Miracle Mile Sunshine! Over the weekend we'll see more and more clouds, but with a very very low chance of rain. So get out this week, rent a bike or request a new pair of running shoes because its a great time to be out and about! That's all I had for you Cassis, thanks again for using our New! and Improved! Miracle Mile Weather Tracker! [[ACT2HOMEPAGE<-return to the homepage?]]

Our Wickipedia servers are currently down for routine maintenence, and they will be back up shortly. Please be advised that Wickipedia articles that are downloaded to your terminal are still available when it is offline, and the following locations have terminals with the majority of Wickipedia available locally. -Pillar 1 - Education deck -Pillar 2 - Local Libraries #2, #4, #5 -Pillar 3 - Engineering Deck -Pillar 5 - Miracle Hivenet Cafe (Restricted to 15 minutes of browsing per customer) We apologise for any inconvienence and we're glad to see so many inquisitive minds among those living on the Candle Station-5! [[ACT2HOMEPAGE<-Return to the homepage.]]

What would you like to do? [[ACT2NEWINBOX<-Check your new messages?]] [[ACT2SAVEDMESSAGES<-Read your saved messages?]] [[ACT2SENDMESSAGELIST<-Compose a new message?]] [[ACT2HOMEPAGE<-Return to the homepage?]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''Exiled Prince Apprehended by Five Candles Newcomers! ]'' Last week, our 77th Frontline Squad, independent squad The Maw, and the Five Candles' rookie squad, were shipped off to the planet Oxeye deep in The Meadow Territory, on a mission to intercept ZhivCon's Mongrel Unit led by Captain Tetra Granturo. It was the Rookie Squad's responsibility to apprehend Myriad in his involvement with the Mongrel Unit and they completed their first mission without breaking a sweat! The Alsama' information sector believe the Mongrel Unit was on Oxeye to destroy pre-war Bastille R+D research facilities, but the rookies said "Not on my watch!" All three squads managed to get back to Candle Station-5 safe and sound, with Myriad in tow. Do you want to... [[ACT2NEWS1<-continue reading other news stories?]] [[ACT2HOMEPAGE<-return to the homepage?]] (set:$newstory2act2 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[ C.P.S.M. Squad spotted on Oxeye, stomped by the 77th! ] The Bucketmen, a squad belonging to the Concerned Peoples of Spacefaring Means, was seen on Oxeye alongside ZhivCon's Mongrel unit! The 77th Frontline Squad was sent with independent squad The Maw and the Five Candles newcomer squad to The Meadow territory and prevent them from stealing scientific materials and a pre-war prototype. Our scientists are working day and night to research the prototype, but we're glad C.P.S.M. doesn't have it. The 77th returned to Candle Station-5 with nothing but good news, but what does this rare sight of a C.P.S.M. mean for us? We're keeping an eye out and an ear on the ground for that very reason! Do you want to... [[ACT2NEWS1<-continue reading other news stories?]] [[ACT2HOMEPAGE<-return to the homepage?]] (set:$newsstory3act2 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[ZhivCon Frames Traded to Daybreak Cenobium! ] Our people over on Candle Stations 3 and 4 spotted some very suspicious dealings between Zhivcon and The Daybreak Cenobium, apparently they were caught handing off experimental frames loaded with BrayCom A.I. and built by Mechshead Heavy Industries. No further details could be gathered at the moment, but the Candle Stations are getting ready for something big. We'll be monitoring the situation as it develops, but right now our people out there are doing the best they can to stay safe and keep the people secure! Do you want to... [[ACT2NEWS1<-continue reading other news stories?]] [[ACT2HOMEPAGE<-return to the homepage?]] (set:$newsstory1act2 to true)

(if: $newmail1act2 is true)[Sorry Cass, you've got no new messages!] (else:)[You've got one new message Cass! From: Five Candles Recruitment Center Subject: [[ACT1MAIL2UNREAD<-Free Stars Naval Space Cadet - Approval]] Sent: Today | Received: Today] [[ACT2INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]]

From: Risola Saylor Subject: [[ACT2RISOLAPREVIOUSMESSAGE<-Big Things on Peter's Vault]] Sent: About two months ago | Received: About a month ago From: Risola Saylor Subject:[[ACT2RISOLAACT1MESSAGE<-What's your problem Cass]] Sent: About a month ago | Received: This week From:Second Pillar Hobbies and Toys Centre Subject:[[Order Receipt - CR0143]] Sent: Last week | Received: Last week (if: $newmail1act2 is true)[From: Five Candles Recruitment Center Subject: [[ACT1MAIL2SAVED<-Free Stars Naval Space Cadet - Approval]] Sent: Yesterday | Received: Today] [[ACT2INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]]

Hellooooo Risola! [[Open with the big news]] (set:$personaltopic1act2 to false) (set:$personaltopic2act2 to false) (set:$militarytopic1act2 to false) (set:$militarytopic2act2 to false) (set:$safetytopic1act2 to false) (set:$safetytopic2act2 to false)

Sorry this letter is getting to you so late, something big happened in the Three Candles area and our relays were down for a while. Hopefully this gets to you by the end of the year (LOL). No idea what happened though, it's got ZhivCon written all over it, I can feel it.. There was a whole big chase, something to do with a stolen mech. I only heard about it in passing from the soldiers stationed at the base in our quadrant. Far enough for us not to worry about, but close enough to overload our relays, haa. Anyway, mom broke her foot. A Sobi mech A.I. shorted and the support buckled, fell right on her. She's mostly fine but we have to get her to the Three Candles tonight. Gotta wait since a friend is taking us and they have to refuel and pack up. They like us well enough, but a broken leg isn't enough for a trip to the station, so they're looking to haul some freight there and maybe take on a couple more passengers. Alsama' pays well apparently, though how often they put repairs "on their tabs" makes me doubt that. I get that they're here to deter Daybreak from stomping all over our homes but I.O.U.s don't pay bills man. We need money and being one of if not the only mech repair shops out here ain't easy. I shouldn't complain too much though, the pilots near us are nice enough, friendly company and all that and they do appreciate our work. I can tell because they treat my moms like priests instead of mechanics. They refuse to see any other mechanic about it, like mech repair is a sacred duty. I swear, they're more pious than the Daybreak "citizens" that come through on their pilgrimage. Zealots the lot of them. You hear me Pope Nate? Zealots! Anyway, I have to get going. Our ride's almost here and I have to help mom to the shuttle. Write back if you know anything about what happened with the Three Candles, I know Candle Station 5 gets the juiciest details when it comes to the news, its so stuffy on the Three Candles. "Only official information from official channels" Whatever dude. Talk to you soon. -Risola [[ACT2SAVEDMESSAGES<-Return to saved messages?]] [[ACT2INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]]

Good morning future Cadet Ramirez. We at the Free Stars of Alsama' Naval Space Corps are excited to inform you that your application to join the Free Stars Naval Space Cadet Corps has been accepted. We want to be the first to tell you how proud we are to have another young, bright eyed and talented pilot join the ranks and fight against the tyranny of the Daybreak Cenobium and protect the citizens of Alsama' across the galaxy. You and your mother will have to fill out and sign the attached documents before you can begin training, but by the end of the month you'll be shipping out to the further reaches and seeing some much needed frontline experience. We're not expecting you to go out and protect The Cradle just yet, but we think it's important to see firsthand what it is you'll be dealing with. So at your earliest convenience, please fill out the forms and drop them off at any kiosk or turn them in to the Administration team on Pillar One. Again, we at the Free Stars recruitment center salute you, and we're sure you'll have what it takes to keep The Cradle safe. Sincerely, Warrant Officer Break First Pillar Administration (set:$newmail1act2 to true) [[ACT2NEWINBOX<-Return to new messages?]] [[ACT2INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]]

Good morning future Cadet Ramirez. We at the Free Stars of Alsama' Naval Space Corps are excited to inform you that your application to join the Free Stars Naval Space Cadet Corps has been accepted. We want to be the first to tell you how proud we are to have another young, bright eyed and talented pilot join the ranks and fight against the tyranny of the Daybreak Cenobium and protect the citizens of Alsama' across the galaxy. You and your mother will have to fill out and sign the attached documents before you can begin training, but by the end of the month you'll be shipping out to the further reaches and seeing some much needed frontline experience. We're not expecting you to go out and protect The Cradle just yet, but we think it's important to see firsthand what it is you'll be dealing with. So at your earliest convenience, please fill out the forms and drop them off at any Kiosk or turn them in to the Administration team on Pillar One. Again, we at the Free Stars recruitment center salute you, and we're sure you'll have what it takes to keep The Cradle safe. Sincerely, Warrant Officer Break First Pillar Administration [[ACT2SAVEDMESSAGES<-Return to saved messages?]] [[ACT2INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]]

Hey there Cassis! Thanks again for placing your order, attached is your receipt. We honestly didn't know if this new line would sell but I'm glad we can count on you to be first in line. As requested, the Big Top model will include an additional special packaging slip with alternative paint colors. We appreciate your business and thanks again! Amanda Q. Second Pillar Hobbies and Toys Centre //In space, no one can hear you geek out.// 2x - Rookie Squad - Taffy & Big Top model kit 1x - Rookie Squad - Glio & Lawson Model kit 1x - Rookie Squad - Iota & Tempest Model kit 1x - Rookie Squad - Christiana & Vande Graff model kit 1x - War Raged On - Lucky Break VS Bucketmen - Holographic standee [[ACT2SAVEDMESSAGES<-Return to saved messages?]] [[ACT2INBOX1<-Return to mailbox?]] (set:$newmail1act2 to true)

I just got some fantastic news and I couldn't wait to share it, I'm a cadet now! The Avilis Course went really well and they say I'm a top notch rookie, like I was born to pilot just like my dad! My mom agreed to let me apply and I got accepted! I'm gonna be doing training for the rest of the month, and then at the end of the month, well... I'll save that for later. Sorry to keep you in suspense, and dont even think about looking at the end yet! My friends keep making fun of me about having to use an older mech for training since all their mechs are brand spankin new, top of the line stuff. Adalgar's dad even had a mech commissioned for her from Atelier d'Art Mechanique. Talk about an eyesore, that thing is UGLY. My mech might be old, but at least it wasn't designed by a teenager with no eye for form or function. Hey, maybe you can fix it up a bit if they're ever out your way eh? Make some modifications to the chassis? I won't tell a soul. [[Talk about Mom Stuff]] (if:$newmail1act2 is true)[[Tease her about the model kits]]

Mom's been really supportive recently about me wanting to become a pilot, you should have seen her face when I told her what the trainers said during practice. She said dad's gonna be proud when he sees me out there fighting the good fight! We had a really big dinner after the training course. Hey, maybe your moms could talk to my mom, y'know? Convince them that if I'm old enough to pilot a mech, you're old enough to look after the shop? It's worth a try. BTW, I'm glad your moms feeling a little better now, ha, nothing can keep a Saylor down. [[Important update on Lucky Break]] (if:$newsstory1act2 and $newstory2act2 and $newsstory3act2 is true)[[Update her on the news]] (set:$personaltopic1act2 to true)

The Rookie Squad has been making some waves over here in The Meadow territory, they even starting getting merch deals! All squads get some kinda clothing deal based on their flightsuits or whatever, but you already know I was first in line to snag the model kits 2nd Pillar Hobbies put out last week. They even had a bonus addin for the first 100 people to order the kits, it's a limited edition swappable packaging and a paint kit for an alternative color scheme. Limit to one sale per person though, and I may or may not have gotten a certain clown kit for a certain someone I know... [[Important update on Lucky Break]] (if:$newsstory1act2 and $newstory2act2 and $newsstory3act2 is true)[[Update her on the news]] (set:$personaltopic2act2 to true)

Hey did you hear? I mean probably not considering you're all the way over there on The Dial around Peter's Vault BUT Lucky Break went up against a C.P.S.M. squad and whooped them good! They were apparently doing something nefarious over on Oxeye with that Myriad guy, something about old Bastille R+D facilities being targeted. I was at the docking bay when they got back and HOLY WOW I still cant believe how cool Banner Blue is! Its gonna be so crazy fighting alongside her, she's an actual hero! Urso Webb was also on that mission, they had to be the one to bring in the prototype thingie, no idea what it was but it seemed really important. [[Ask about the repair shop]] (if:$safetytopic2act1 is true)[[Worry about Peter's Vault]] (set:$militarytopic1act2 to true)

The Rookie Squad freakin' did it! They caught Myriad! He's in the brig now being questioned about his ties to ZhivCon and the Crown, but they did it! They didn't even get help from Lucky Break but it seems like they didnt need it to begin with! Now I'm not saying I dont have room in my heart for both The 77th Frontline Squad AND the Rookie Squad BUT they're getting up there in rankings. I need to update my squad tier list, heck I'd put them above the Half Centurions. I know in power scaling Lucky break wouldn't beat someone like the Bad Dozen, but they just dont have the panache Banner's crew has y'know? Also hey, some stuff's going down near you guys, ZhivCons been cutting deals with Daybreak, some weird experimental mechs with Braycom brains and Mechshead guts. I know you havent really dealt with Braycom, but you know a thing or two about Mechshead right? Maybe you could impart some knowledge to the squads near you guys. [[Ask about the repair shop]] (if:$safetytopic2act1 is true)[[Worry about Peter's Vault]] (set:$militarytopic2act2 to true)

speaking of your moms, hows your repair shop doing? I heard theres been an uptick in skirmishes over near peter's vault and ZhivCon space, I cant imagine thats bad for business right? Do you guys get any empty frames left behind by Daybreak or ZhivCon? id bet you could start reverse engineering some of their tech as long as its still usable, and youre super smart so Im assuming youre already doing this lol. but if not, then no need to thank me for my valuable input and ill be awaiting my royalty checks in the mail or at least my name on your sign. [[ACT2EMAILCLOSING<-Wrap it up]] (set:$safetytopic1act2 to true)

Is Peter's Vault safe for you and your moms? Is The Dial in danger? I know your mech garage is important to Alsama' and the citizens down there, everyone needs someone who knows their way around a mech but are you gonna be okay? I know it's a lot safer over here on the Five Candles and everything, but I dont think anywhere is safe, yknow? Not right now anyway. I dunno, I worry about you Risola, youre my best friend and I dont know what I'd do if something happened to you, and I know theres plenty of Alsama' forces holding down the fort, but what if it's not enough? I dont like thinking about this stuff, but I know you have to think about it everyday and its so scary. I'm sorry. [[ACT2EMAILCLOSING<-Wrap it up]] (set:$safetytopic2act2 to true)

I have to get ready for orientation tomorrow, I'm gonna call it here. Mom has a bunch of meetings this week, so I'm gonna talk to my friends over here and see if I cant hang out with them in the afternoons, get dinner and stuff. I hope you and your moms are better the next time I hear from you, and tell your mom I hope she has a speedy recovery. OH I almost forgot! my super important news! Okay, okay... wait for it... wait for... it... I'm shipping out to Three Candles at the end of the month! Five candles is sending out a bunch of new recruits and cadets to train where it all started, on Candle Station-3, and I'll be able to see you! Hope you and your moms haven't tried to charter a ship here, that'd be super awkward. Anyway, that means you'll have to show me that noodle stand you've been talking about! Okay, I have to go for real, I'll talk to you later! -Cadet Ramirez [[I think that's good, Penny? Can you send it?]]

Helloooo Risola! I just got some fantastic news and I couldn't wait to share it, I'm a cadet now! The Avilis Course went really well and they say I'm a top notch rookie, like I was born to pilot just like my dad! My mom agreed to let me apply and I got accepted! I'm gonna be doing training for the rest of the month, and then at the end of the month, well... I'll save that for later. Sorry to keep you in suspense, and dont even think about looking at the end yet! My friends keep making fun of me about having to use an older mech for training, since all their mechs are brand spankin new, top of the line stuff. Adelgar's dad even had a mech commissioned for her from Atelier d'Art Mechanique. Talk about an eyesore, that thing is UGLY. My mech might be old, but at least it wasn't designed by a teenager with no eye for form or function. Hey, maybe you can fix it up a bit if they're ever out your way eh? Make some modifications to the chassis? I won't tell a soul. (if:$personaltopic1act2 is true)[Mom's been really supportive recently about me wanting to become a pilot, you should have seen her face when I told her what the trainers said during practice. She said dad's gonna be proud when he sees me out there fighting the good fight! We had a really big dinner after the training course. Hey, maybe your moms could talk to my mom, y'know? Convince them that if I'm old enough to pilot a mech, you're old enough to look after the shop? It's worth a try. BTW, I'm glad your moms feeling a little better now, ha, nothing can keep a Saylor down.] (if:$personaltopic2act2 is true)[The Rookie Squad has been making some waves over here in The Meadow territory, they even starting getting merch deals! All squads get some kinda clothing deal based on their flightsuits or whatever, but you already know I was first in line to snag the model kits 2nd Pillar Hobbies put out last week. They even had a bonus addin for the first 100 people to order the kits, it's a limited edition swappable packaging and a paint kit for an alternative color scheme. Limit to one sale per person though, and I may or may not have gotten a certain clown kit for a certain someone I know...] (if:$militarytopic1act2 is true)[Hey did you hear? I mean probably not considering you're all the way over there on The Dial around Peter's Vault BUT Lucky Break went up against a C.P.S.M. squad and whooped them good! They were apparently doing something nefarious over on Oxeye with that Myriad guy, something about old Bastille R+D facilities being targeted. I was at the docking bay when they got back and HOLY WOW I still cant believe how cool Banner Blue is! Its gonna be so crazy fighting alongside her, she's an actual hero! Urso Webb was also on that mission, they had to be the one to bring in the prototype thingie, no idea what it was but it seemed really important.] (if:$militarytopic2act2 is true)[The Rookie Squad freakin' did it! They caught Myriad! He's in the brig now being questioned about his ties to ZhivCon and the Crown, but they did it! They didn't even get help from Lucky Break but it seems like they didnt need it to begin with! Now I'm not saying I dont have room in my heart for both The 77th Frontline Squad AND the Rookie Squad BUT they're getting up there in rankings. I need to update my squad tier list, heck I'd put them above the Half Centurions. I know in power scaling Lucky break wouldn't beat someone like the Bad Dozen, but they just dont have the panache Banner's crew has y'know? Also hey, some stuff's going down near you guys, ZhivCons been cutting deals with Daybreak, some weird experimental mechs with Braycom brains and Mechshead guts. I know you havent really dealt with Braycom, but you know a thing or two about Mechshead right? Maybe you could impart some knowledge to the squads near you guys.] (if:$safetytopic1act2 is true)[speaking of your moms, hows your repair shop doing? I heard theres been an uptick in skirmishes over near peter's vault and ZhivCon space, I cant imagine thats bad for business right? Do you guys get any empty frames left behind by Daybreak or ZhivCon? id bet you could start reverse engineering some of their tech as long as its still usable, and youre super smart so Im assuming youre already doing this lol. but if not, then no need to thank me for my valuable input and ill be awaiting my royalty checks in the mail or at least my name on your sign.] (if:$safetytopic2act2 is true)[Is Peter's Vault safe for you and your moms? Is The Dial in danger? I know your mech garage is important to Alsama' and the citizens down there, everyone needs someone who knows their way around a mech but are you gonna be okay? I know it's a lot safer over here on the Five Candles and everything, but I dont think anywhere is safe, yknow? Not right now anyway. I dunno, I worry about you Risola, youre my best friend and I dont know what I'd do if something happened to you, and I know theres plenty of Alsama' forces holding down the fort, but what if it's not enough? I dont like thinking about this stuff, but I know you have to think about it everyday and its so scary. I'm sorry.] I have to get ready for orientation tomorrow, I'm gonna call it here. Mom has a bunch of meetings this week, so I'm gonna talk to my friends on the five candles and see if I can hang out with them in the afternoons, get dinner and stuff. I hope you and your moms are better the next time I hear from you, and tell your mom I hope she has a speedy recovery. OH I almost forgot! my super important news! Okay, okay... wait for it... wait for... it... I'm shipping out to Three Candles at the end of the month! Five candles is sending out a bunch of new recruits and cadets to train where it all started, on Candle Station-3, and I'll be able to see you! Hope you and your moms haven't tried to charter a ship here, that'd be super awkward. Anyway, that means you'll have to show me that noodle stand you've been talking about! Okay, I have to go for real, I'll talk to you later! -Cadet Ramirez Are you sure? [[ACT3<-Yep, really send it.]] [[ACT2SENDMESSAGE<-No, wait. Let me go back.]]

[[ACT3VANGUARDHOMEPAGE<-1 month later, aboard the Vanguard Oratoria]]

Good evening Cadet Ramirez. Thank you for using the Vanguard Oratoria Local Terminal. I am Wishbone, the A.I. aboard the Vanguard Oratoria. What can I help you with? [[Local Wickipedia]] [[News]] [[Weather]] [[Mail]]

Apologies, Cadet Ramirez. The local Wickipedia hub is currently in use by another user aboard the Vanguard Oratoria. According to my records, Cadet Rossa is currently using the local Wickipedia. Cadet Graves, and Lieutenant Schottkey are after her. Would you like to reserve your place? [[ACT3VANGUARDHOMEPAGE<-No thank you Wishbone.]]

(text-colour:red)[Invalid response: News files purged. Reason: Out of date.] Cadet Ramirez, The Vanguard Oratoria will receive updated news files when in range of Candle Station-3. [[ACT3VANGUARDHOMEPAGE<- Okay, thank you Wishbone.]]

''Vanguard Oratoria Weather Radar '' The Vanguard Oratoria will be taking a flight path through the lower regions of Free Star space, where weak electromagnetic storms are forming. This will not greatly affect the Oratoria. Some turbulence is expected from incoming solar winds, emanating from nearby star systems. [[ACT3VANGUARDHOMEPAGE<-Interesting.]]

Cadet Ramirez, please be advised that any messages you intend to send will not be sent until we are within range of Candle Station-3. All messages and mail will be considered as drafts, and in the event that any data must be purged, all temporary files stored on the Vanguard Oratoria will be deleted. Drafted messages are included in this category. [[ACT3SAVEDMESSAGES<- Saved Messages]] [[ACT3SENDMESSAGE<- Draft Message]]

From: Isabella R. - [[ACT3SAVEDMESSAGE1<-I miss you still]] From:Risola S. - [[ACT3SAVEDMESSAGE2<-Big Things on Peter's Vault]] From: Risola S. - [[ACT3SAVEDMESSAGE3<-What's your problem Cass]] From: Risola S. - [[ACT3SAVEDMESSAGE4<-Godspeed Soldier Boy]] [[Mail<-Mailbox]]

Apologies Cadet Ramirez, The mail terminal temporarily is unavailable due to high data traffic. Please wait until current data transfer requests are completed. Estimated wait time is: (live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[12 minutes](stop:)] (live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:yellow)+(bg:transparent)[Attention:]](stop:)] (live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:yellow)[Unsecured long distance instant chat incoming]](stop:)] (live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[ACT3FINALE<-(2) message(s) pending]]](stop:)] [[Mail<-Mailbox]]

Dear Cassis, I know I said goodbye to you this morning, but I still cannot believe you're going out there to fight, just like your father before you. I will miss you dearly, Cassis, and don't think for a moment that I won't. I still remember the day you were born and you came out kicking and screaming. Your father called you a fighter, and I called you a menace. I still laugh about that sometimes, how you gave the doctor a broken nose. Your father was the same way. I know you haven't had much chance to talk to him, but you really are just like him. You both have that fiery look in your eyes when you've set your mind to something, and you won't stop, not even for a moment, until you've done the damn thing. I know you'll do great things out there Cassis, I love you dearly and so does your father. Be safe, Osito. I will be here when you return. Love, Mom [[ACT3SAVEDMESSAGES<-Saved Messages]] [[Mail<-Mailbox]]

Sorry this letter is getting to you so late, something big happened in the Three Candles area and our relays were down for a while, hopefully this gets to you by the end of the year (LOL). No idea what happened though, it's got ZhivCon written all over it, I can feel it.. There was a whole big chase, something to do with a stolen mech. I only heard about it in passing from the soldiers stationed at the base in our quadrant. Far enough for us not to worry about, but close enough to overload our relays, haa. Anyway, mom broke her foot. A Sobi mech A.I. shorted and the support buckled, fell right on her. She's mostly fine, we have to get her to the Three Candles tonight. Gotta wait since our friend is taking us and they have to refuel and pack up. They like us well enough, but a broken leg isn't enough for a trip to the station, so they're looking to haul some freight there and maybe take on a couple more passengers. Alsama' pays well apparently, though how often they put repairs "on their tabs" makes me doubt that. I get that they're here to deter Daybreak from stomping all over our homes, but I.O.U.s don't pay bills man, we need money and being one of if not the only mech repair shops out here ain't easy. I shouldn't complain too much, the pilots near us are nice enough, friendly company and all that and they do appreciate our work. I can tell because they treat my moms like priests instead of mechanics. They refuse to see any other mechanic about it, like mech repair is a sacred duty. I swear, they're more pious than the Daybreak "citizens" that come through on their pilgrimage. Zealots, the lot of them. You hear me Pope Nate? Zealots! Anyway, I have to get going. Our ride's almost here and I have to help mom to the shuttle. Write back if you know anything about what happened with the Three Candles, I know Candle Station 5 gets the juiciest details when it comes to the news, its so stuffy on the Three Candles. "Only official information from official channels" Whatever dude. Talk to you soon. -Risola [[ACT3SAVEDMESSAGES<-Saved Messages]] [[Mail<-Mailbox]]

Hey Myszko, Stop calling them slave bots, it's weird. They're just simple programs running on rudimentary computers, and they're no more advanced than a kitchen appliance. Is your toaster a slave? Checkmate, robot ethicists. Also yeah, I've seen the 77th movie, and probably a month before you did because I've got... Connections... You're right though it is sick as shit, I thought it was an odd choice to get Urso's younger sister to play them in the flashback scenes, but it fits. And before you ask, yes I have cropped you and Banner Blue out of the picture you sent and now it is a magnificent addition to the Webb Shrine and I greatly appreciate the offering you've given me. (if:$personaltopic1act1 is true)[Anyway, my mom's walking now. Well, not walking per se, but definitely in the realm of getting around with one good leg. she has to stay in a splint for a little longer and as much as mom and I tell her she can't get back to work, it only makes her more stubborn about it. I wish she'd realize I'm able to do more on my own, or even with just one of them there. Also yeah, most Sobi mechs are designed to withstand crushing pressure and like, vacuum environments, but they still have massive steel plates under all that rubber shielding, and if that falls on you? Good luck.] (if:$personaltopic2act1 is true)[There's a reason I have hangups about Avilis mechs, they look like toys because they're built like them, cheap and pretty. Sure, you can deploy them quickly and "efficiently" but when half your squad burns out in the atmosphere and the other half crumple to dust when you touch down, I have a hard time beleiving they're anything "but" reliable, and they put a different spin on "Going down in a blaze of glory" lol. I'll say this at least, you're in good hands with regard to the medical staff, I think that's just true across all Candle stations, my mom was getting around within the day. I'll hand it to Alsama', they make it easy to find a doctor. Probably because they don't have real apples over here, but hey.] (if:$militarytopic1act1 is true)[You're welcome (again) for what I can only assume will turn into a family heirloom or perhaps some kind of artifact now that you've had it blessed by your idol. I'm a little surprised Banner Blue was even at the premiere, but I guess things were a little slow over on Five Candles then, but I'm glad you finally got to meet her and I'm definitely not extremely jealous that you got to meet Urso Webb. And it's not that I'm not interested in whatever it is you've planned to give me, I just don't have an address I can safely give you right now. Hopefully next time, but until then, hold on to it, will ya?] (if:$militarytopic2act1 is true)[I was wondering how long Alsama's numbers were going to stay stagnant, good for you guys! We have a lot of old guards over here, the Half Centurions mostly, I talked about them last time but they're nice. I'm hoping your rookie squad sticks around, probably best for them to start over in the meadow considering how quiet it is. That clown girl sounds like she's a riot to be frank, and I think Alsama' generally needs more circus bullshit. Keeps everyone else on their toes, the chances of your squad getting hit with a massive pie tin is extremely low, but never zero.] (if:$safetytopic1act1 is true)[The reason we don't have Hivenet over here is because it was the first thing the Cenobium broke when they started crusading in the region. You cut off the only stable form of communication, and all of a sudden people are starting to whiteknuckle their controls, makes everyone paranoid. Daybreak has some kind of communications system of their own so they have that advantage, but there's not that much to crusade over here, generally speaking. There's our quadrant on The Dial and a few other cities, but Peter's Vault will look to any new regime with a smile on its face and a knife behind its back.] (if:$safetytopic2act1 is true)[Oh, I heard the heavily edited version of those stories, but I got the gist. Over here they said that Zhivcon worked with the Crown to create a super soldier but he got loose and they had to track him down, and also he stole an experimental mech that looked like the animal he was. That was ZhivCon's explanation anyway, anyone who knows anything about anything would probably be able to figure out that's not quite the whole truth. Anything to save face huh. And yeah, they were long gone by the time we got to the Three Candles, thankfully. I thought about lying and saying my moms fought off Punchclock and his merry goons, but I didn't want to worry you.] Mom's check up is this afternoon so I'm gonna try and get this out before we leave, the sooner the better, but it was nice hearing from you again and you should also write back as soon as possible. And about visiting, I'll talk to my moms about maybe taking a vacation for the first time in their lives, I know how much they like working here, but they deserve a day off. I know there's no days off in war, but yknow, they could have a nice afternoon to themselves for once. And if we do end up going to the Five Candles, you bet I'll be there at the hot dog stand. Talk to you later, Myszko. -Risola [[ACT3SAVEDMESSAGES<-Saved Messages]] [[Mail<-Mailbox]]

I guess I can't call you Myszko anymore if you're going to be a bonafide Alsama' pilot huh? I don't know if this message will get to you by the time you've shipped out, so maybe I can send it to your home terminal and to the ship you'll be on? I'll figure something out. In the meantime, I've told my moms about maybe having a guest over and they were thrilled, so I guess you've got their seal of approval. You're very popular these days, huh Myszko? lol, I don't think I'll be able to stop myself. I've seen a few Atelier d'Art Mechanique frames pass through here, but they don't belong to anyone who lives in the region. Mostly bureaucrats and celebrities, people with too much money who have no business being behind the controls of a mech and they all look like overdesigned garbage or "faithful" recreations of mechs they saw in a movie before. No imagination! It's disgusting! It's like they say, the customer is always right in matters of taste, ha ha. I'd be more than happy to "fix" Adalgar's mech if I see them come through. It'll be our little secret. (if:$personaltopic1act2 is true)[Yeah, mom's feeling a lot better and by the time you get here she should be out and about again. The doctor's said she'll have a slight limp for a while but that's normal. Not that it would have stopped her before, she's been wheeling around for a week now on a scooter she built on her down time when she should have been resting, but you can't keep a good Saylor down I suppose. I'd be lying if I wasn't the same way.] (if:$personaltopic2act2 is true)[Wow, the fanatics at the Five Candles work fast huh? Or maybe the catalyst was Alsama', I know how much they like their marketable pilots. It's not a bad racket though, and we get some really cool shelf items to boot. It's like free publicity for the pilots. I know ZhivCon tried something similar with their squads, but since no one in the right mind likes ZhivCon, most of the stock got dumped into bargain bins and scooped up by dropshippers. Funnily enough, their figures had a fatal flaw, they revealed any weaknesses the mechs at the time had. You woulnd't believe how flabbergasted the captains over here were when they learned that. That was a fun month. And, I think I have a pretty good idea of who that certain someone is who might receive a certain clownish model kit, but my lips are sealed on the matter.] (if:$militarytopic1act2 is true)[C.P.S.M. squads are like boogeymen, if anyone else said they'd saw them planetside I'd think they're big damn liars. The 77th though? I'd believe that. I wonder what it was they were doing that the 77th had to step in, must have been something big right? I'd bet its a weapon, or something dangerous like that. Bastille was a strange company, and they had their fingers in a lot of pies, so I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't also something completely useless in the long term. Like a nuclear water gun. Lame example I know, but you get the picture. Also when you come over, don't look at my schematics.] (if:$militarytopic2act2 is true)[Rookie squad's no joke then, that's good to hear. To be frank, I was a little nervous when I heard the Five Candles getting new blood, but now they've bloodied some noses and got their hands dirty and most importantly, didn't die on the way out. Good for them! And yeah, I don't think any other Alsama squad holds a candle to the Bad Dozen, they're in a league all of their own. I will say, the Half Centurions are growing on me, bit by bit. None of them could replace Urso Webb, the best damn pilot in the galaxy, but I digress. I did hear some of the Half Centurions talking about those dealings yeah, most of it was hearsay but its good to have a repuatable source such as yourself confirm something so vital. Exaggerating a little bit, but I think giving these guys a rundown on Mechshead trademarks wouldn't hurt, thanks for that.] (if:$safetytopic1act2 is true)[We talked about it, reverse engineering leftover Daybreak and ZhivCon frames, even Alsama' was interested in the project. We couldn't get very far though. Daybreak pilots go down with their mechs, so finding a frame that wasn't completely destroyed in a ritualisitc self immolation way or shot to pieces because they were running full speed at an Alsama'n recruit wasn't as simple as we would have liked it to be. ZhivCon frames are a different story, those break on accident all the time and maybe on purpose? And if they're not broken by the time we get to them, there's no guarantee it won't break on the way back to the garage. And by break I mean implode, these mechs are like nervous dogs that got into the expired cheese. So, sorry. No royalties for you.] (if:$safetytopic2act2 is true)[Peter's Vault is safe enough, but safe like a city near a cliff is safe. You can put up as many guard rails as you want and station an endless amout of guards near them, but those footholds fall every day, little by little, until you're moving the rails back, and then you're moving the city. Fall, move back, fall, move back, fall move back. There comes a point when you reach another cliff, and you can either fall or fly. I don't think I'm ready for either, Cassis. I know I talk a big game, but I really don't want to leave any of this behind, it's safer out there, but you're right, nowhere is safe. I'll be honest, I was shocked to hear you sign up, but it made sense that you'd follow in your dad's footsteps. Like you were destined to do it. Maybe I was destined to be there to fix your mech? I could bless yours the same way my moms do. I know I wouldn't charge you. Well, not too much anyway, ha ha.] We're getting reports of another wave of Daybreak squads coming through, my moms and I are going to hunker down as best we can. The Half Centurions keep a good defense, I promise, I have an eye for these things. I guess the next time we'll be able to talk is when you're on the Three Candles, huh? I'll see you then, soldier boy. -Risola [[ACT3SAVEDMESSAGES<-Saved Messages]] [[Mail<-Mailbox]]

R: Hey Myszko, you're on the Vanguard right? It's me, Risola. (link-reveal: "R: Answer me boy, I know you're in theeeeere.")[ (link-reveal: "C: hey, can you not be creepy for a sec? how'd you manage to patch in? also HI BEST FRIEND")[ (link-reveal: "R: Okay cool it, I'm able to reach you because I'm the third smartest mech repairperson this side of Peter's Vault R: right behind my two moms.")[ (link-reveal: "R: Also hi.")[ (link-reveal: "C: WOW!!! youre so cool!!! and smart!!!")[ (link-reveal: "R: I know I am, you can stop gushing R: Or keep going. Whatever floats your boat.")[ C: [[maybe, anyway whats up lol?]] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C:maybe, anyway whats up lol? (link-reveal: "R: What's up is I've figured out a way for us to meet. R: I've been talking to Captain Khandelwal, from the Half Centurions?")[ (link-reveal: "R: She knows your dad and she's willing to put in a word to get you dialside.")[ (link-reveal: "C: oh wow really??")[ (link-reveal: "C: thats super nice of her!! C: how does she know my dad? Ive never heard of her")[ (link-reveal: "R: They were in bootcamp together way back when.")[ (link-reveal: "R: One of their first missions together was on Peter's Vault, when ZhivCon ran the place.")[ (link-reveal: "C: OH man, does that mean my dad is a half centurion???")[ (link-reveal: "C: or maybe was??? i know he's in the 44th now...")[ (link-reveal: "R: That's not super important right now Myszko")[ (link-reveal: "R: What is important is that you make sure to drop Khandelwal's name when you get to the Three Candles R: That'll be your ticket to Peter's Vault")[ [[C: geez, youve made some connections down there huh?]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C: geez, youve made some connections down there huh? (link-reveal: "R: Yeah, you can say I know some people.")[ (link-reveal: "R: I've got some friends in high places.")[ (link-reveal: "C: yeah me. im way up here lol.")[ (link-reveal: "C: i can see The Dial from the crow's nest")[ (link-reveal: "R: Hang on a sec, my mom's talking to me")[ (link-reveal: "C: Oh wow, this is incredible! The Dial is so SO much bigger than I thought it was!")[ (link-reveal: "C: i still can't believe it goes all the way around C: i wonder if I can spot your garage...")[ (link-reveal: "R: Back.")[ (link-reveal: "R: You can see all that through the magnetic storms? R: That's impressive. I would've thought they put you on a real clunker")[ (link-reveal: "C: The Vanguard? A clunker? No way!! C: Its not top of the line, but its good.")[ [[C: The A.I. is a little dog, its great!]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C: The A.I. is a little dog, its great! (link-reveal: "R: The A.I. is a dog?")[ (link-reveal: "C: yeah, his name is wishbone!")[ (link-reveal: "R: The A.I. is a little dog named wishbone...")[ (link-reveal: "R: What's with Alsama' and animal A.I. programs? R: Five Candles has Penny the honeybee, Three Candles has Aimwell the mandrill")[ (link-reveal: "C: The miracle Mile has a robin named longfellow!")[ (link-reveal: "R:...")[ (link-reveal: "R: The miracle mile has a robin named Longfellow...")[ (link-reveal: "R: I don't want to talk about this anymore")[ (link-reveal: "C: ok C: What'd your mom have to talk to you about? Is it about... ")[ (link-reveal: "C: mee????")[ (link-reveal: "R: You wish, she needed help adjusting some relay antennas")[ (link-reveal: "R: Some of the fighting knocked it around and misaligned some of the receivers.")[ (link-reveal: "C: Oh geez, is it that close now?")[ [[C: you guys are safe right?]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C: you guys are safe right? (link-reveal: "R: Yeah, we're good. R: The Half Centurions have been meeting them halfway in skirmishes for a while now.")[ (link-reveal: "R: Getting ahead of the curve and all that.")[ (link-reveal: "C: Oh geez. C: Mom's all better now?")[ (link-reveal: "R: Mom's all better now.")[ (link-reveal: "R: She's ready to kick some ass.")[ (link-reveal: "R: Literally.")[ (link-reveal: "C: i can't wait to meet her!")[ (link-reveal: "C: or your other mom!")[ (link-reveal: "C: they know what i look like right?")[ (link-reveal: "R: Yeah, I showed them that picture you sent, the one with Urso Webb and the other one")[ (link-reveal: "C: Banner Blue")[ (link-reveal: "R: Yeah her.")[ (link-reveal: "C: i thought you cropped us out")[ [[C: Risola....]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C: Risola.... (link-reveal: "R: Okay, well maybe I lied")[ (link-reveal: "R: What of it? Wanna fight about it?")[ (link-reveal: "C: i just think its really cute")[ (link-reveal: "R: Shut up")[ (link-reveal: "C: what!! It is!")[ (link-reveal: "R: ZAMKNĄĆ SIĘ MYSZKO")[ (link-reveal: "C: okay fine geez")[ (link-reveal: "C: How are things looking down there? C: daybreak wise")[ (link-reveal: "R: Every couple of days they send a forward party")[ (link-reveal: "R: and every couple of days they get sent back")[ (link-reveal: "R: Nothing fatal, it's like theyre testing the waters R: Or keeping us on our toes")[ (link-reveal: "C: oh man, that's scary")[ (link-reveal: "C: I wonder if they're trying to starve you guys out")[ (link-reveal: "R: If that's true, they're doing a bad job of it R: Giving us too much time to recuperate")[ (link-reveal: "R: It's just giving my moms a lot of work at this point")[ [[C: What are they doing?]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C: What are they doing? (link-reveal: "R: Potshots, covering fire, nothing serious but they're not pushing ahead")[ (link-reveal: "R: Its so strange.")[ (link-reveal: "R: Comms have been quiet too, so we're not due for another big push")[ (link-reveal: "R: I don't think so anyway.")[ (link-reveal: "C: wow")[ (link-reveal: "R: Hold on, mom needs me again.")[ (link-reveal: "R: Brb")[ (link-reveal: "C: you guys sure are busy down there. C: we're not doing too much up here, i was gonna use wickipedia")[ (link-reveal: "C: but theres like, three other people ahead of me")[ (link-reveal: "C: id rather talk to someone cool")[ (if: $militarytopic2act2 is true)[[[C: was the rumor true btw? about the mechshead frames?<-C: was the rumor true btw? about the mechshead frames?]]] (else:)[[C: i wanted to ask, why do you call me myszko?]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C: was the rumor true btw? about the mechshead frames? (link-reveal: "R: Okay back.")[ (link-reveal: "R: Oh yeah 100%. R: No idea what the Braycom brains are doing for them.")[ (link-reveal: "R: But we know enough about Mechshead frames to keep them at arms length. R: It's funny, that's a part of the reason Khandelwal is willing to put her name out there for you.")[ (link-reveal: "C: really??")[ (link-reveal: "R: Yeah, we hardly get good information out here.")[ (link-reveal: "R: So, thanks for that.")[ (link-reveal: "C: youre welcome! C: ill be sure to mention that to Khandelwal too.")[ (link-reveal: "C: maybe ill get a medal...")[ (link-reveal: "R: They don't have medals for Excellency in Mousiness.")[ (link-reveal: "C: rats!.")[ (link-reveal: "R: Language.")[ [[C: damn!]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C: damn! (link-reveal: "R: That's better. R: I know I call you mouse but you don't want my moms calling you that.")[ (link-reveal: "R: They hate mice")[ (link-reveal: "C: duly noted")[ (link-reveal: "R: Also, I checked the Vanguard's Flight Manifest")[ (link-reveal: "R: Cassis?")[ (link-reveal: "C: yeah Risola?")[ (link-reveal: "R: Why is your mech called Fortunate Son?")[ (link-reveal: "C: dont look at me")[ (link-reveal: "C: it was a hand me down from my instructor")[ (link-reveal: "R: Okay. We can re-register it when you get to The Dial")[ (link-reveal: "C: Yeah? did you have something in mind?")[ (link-reveal: "`R: Yeah, how about 'Hardknocks Undergrad'")[ [[C: hardknocks sophomore]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C: i wanted to ask, why do you call me myszko? (link-reveal: "R: Back.")[ (link-reveal: "R: Would you believe me if I told you it's a term of endearment?")[ (link-reveal: "C: coming from you?")[ (link-reveal: "C: historically, no")[ (link-reveal: "C: but recent events may have changed my mind...")[ (link-reveal: "R: Okay well it means 'Stupid Little Woo Woo Boy'")[ (link-reveal: "R: Stupid Little Woo Woo Boy who keeps getting on people's nerves")[ (link-reveal: "C: i don't think thats true")[ (link-reveal: "C: but ill have to take your word for it lol")[ (link-reveal: "R: Nothing gets past you Cass")[ (link-reveal: "R: It means, roughly, mouse")[ (link-reveal: "C: mouse?")[ (link-reveal: "R: Mouse.")[ (link-reveal: "C: okay")[ (link-reveal: "C: i know what those are C: theyre little cute things that squeak")[ (link-reveal: "R: That's right")[ (link-reveal: "R: And they looooove getting caught in deadly traps")[ (link-reveal: "R: Like you")[ (link-reveal: "C: rats!")[ (link-reveal: "R: Language")[ [[C: damn!]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C: hardknocks sophomore (link-reveal:"R: Hardknocks Salutatorian")[ (link-reveal:"C: we can worry about this later")[ (link-reveal:"C: but I do like it")[ (link-reveal:"R: Thanks, that's what I like hear from Banner Blue's #1 fan")[ (link-reveal:"C: youre welcome, Urso Webb's #1 fan!")[ (link-reveal:"R: So, do you have an idea of how long it'll be before you get to the Three Candles?")[ (link-reveal:"R: I'm gonna clean the place up before you get here")[ (link-reveal:"C: Oh, another week or so C: according to Wishbone, as long as the solar winds don't knock us around too much")[ (link-reveal:"C: we'll get there on time.")[ (link-reveal:"C: now, how long it'll take for me to get from Three Candles to the Dial?")[ [[C: no idea]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C:no idea (link-reveal:"R: Orientation?")[ (link-reveal:"C: yeah, check in, orientation, resupply, stuff like that. C: at most, I'll be there for another day or two")[ (link-reveal:"C: how longs the flight between the station and the dial?")[ (link-reveal:"R: Depends really, the average chartered ship will get you there in about a day")[ (link-reveal:"R: Two if it's an older ship")[ (link-reveal:"R: Longer if things get heated down here, can't be too careful with Daybreak")[ (link-reveal:"C: yeah, I hear ya")[ (link-reveal:"C: half of the recon people are on edge all the time C: according to them, anything could happen out here")[ (link-reveal:"R: They're not wrong")[ (link-reveal:"R: But the Vanguard is equipped with state of the art Mouse technology")[ (link-reveal:"C: its true!")[ (link-reveal:"C: hey, did you have anything planned for when i touchdown dialside?")[ (link-reveal:"R: Well, there's meeting my moms R: And the noodle stand")[ (link-reveal:"R: I'm sure captan Khadelwal will want to meet you")[ [[C:man, I get to meet so many cool people!]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C:man, I get to meet so many cool people! (link-reveal:"R: other than that though, I didn't have anything in mind right now")[ (link-reveal:"R: BRB mom needs me")[ (link-reveal:"R: AGAIN")[ (link-reveal:"C: tell her i said hi!")[ (link-reveal:"C: gosh I'm so excited! i never thought id be so happy to see three candles!")[ (link-reveal:"C: you keep calling it stuffy and boring, is that true?")[ (link-reveal:"C: or is it another one of Risola's patented goofs?")[ (if: $safetytopic2act2 is true)[[[ACT3CHATSECRET2<-C:hey, do you remember what you said about the city on the cliff?]]](else:)[[[C: Risola?]]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C: Risola? (link-reveal:"C: are you still there?")[ (link-reveal:"R: i have to go")[ (link-reveal:"R: daybreaks coming")[ (link-reveal:"C: what??")[ (link-reveal:"R: we have to get somewhere safe")[ (link-reveal:"R: ill talk to you later cass")[ (link-reveal:"C: wait!")[ (link-reveal:"R: theres no time")[ (link-reveal:"R: sorry")[ (link-reveal:"R: be safe cassis")[ (link-reveal:"R: ill see you soon")[ (link-reveal:"R has left the chat")[ [[C: Risola...]] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

C:hey, do you remember what you said about the city on the cliff? (link-reveal:"C: how at some point you have to either fall or fly?")[ (link-reveal:"C: i think you're right, i bet thats how a lot of places feel")[ (link-reveal:"C: but if it comes to it, ill fly with you")[ (link-reveal:"C: we can fly together")[ (link-reveal:"C: and maybe we'll see the sunset too")[ [[C: Risola?]] ] ] ] ] ]

C: Risola... (link-reveal:"Wishbone: Cadet Ramirez.")[ (link-reveal:"Wishbone: Please be advised, all communications will cease shortly")[ (link-reveal:"Wishbone: The Vanguard Oratoria is approaching large pockets of magnetic distortion.")[ (link-reveal:"Wishbone: All external systems will need to be shutdown for the time being.")[ [[Wishbone: Thank you Cadet Ramirez for interfacing with the Vanguard Oratoria. The communications channel will now close.]] ] ] ] ]

The communications channel is now closed. Please wait for the external systems to go online. Thank you. (live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:red)[ATTENTION: ALL VANGUARD ORATORIA TERMINALS ARE SET TO SHUT DOWN IN ONE MINUTE]](stop:)] (live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:red)[PLEASE LOG OUT TO ENSURE ALL LOCAL DATA IS SAVED]](stop:)] (live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:red)[[LOG OUT]]](stop:)]

Who are you sending a message to? Recent Contacts Isabella Ramirez Green Grocer and High Tithes Miracle Mile Eatery 2nd Pillar Hobbies & Toys Centre Kellogg Mott [[ACT2SENDMESSAGE<-Risola Saylor]]

(text-colour:red)[YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY LOGGED OUT ] (text-colour:red)[THANK YOU FOR USING THE VANGUARD ORATORIA LOCAL TERMINAL ] (live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The end.](stop:)] (live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Thank you for playing.](stop:)] (live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[Return to Candle Station-5?]]](stop:)]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[= FIVE CANDLES IN THE MEADOW (live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[A GAME WRITTEN BY HARLEY D.](stop:)] (live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[MISERABLE JESTER ATELIER 2025](stop:)] (live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Candle Station-5 Local Terminal User ID:[[ACT1OPENING<-`C_RAMIREZ`]]](stop:)]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[= Five Candles in the Meadow was created using Twine's Harlowe engine. I'd like to give a special thanks some folks who helped me out and let me bother them about inane topics. First, to my dear friends and players. The Red Rain Initiative setting wouldn't exist if it weren't for their creativity and input. Secondly, to a few fine folks, and Annabel Cortez, who were willing to put in some time and provide feedback on this project. And finally to my fiancé Jay. I couldn't have asked for a better partner, in life and in love. I'm sorry to bother you so much, I just have so much love in my heart and words in my mouth. [[ACT1OPENING1<-Five Candles in the Meadow: Loremaster Edition is real.]]

Just kidding. (live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[ACT1OPENING<-Unless...]]](stop:)]