1.2.1 - At Gunpoint (Patreon)

(Alright, 14 300 words of code is a bit big to call a snippet, but that's what it is. The final path on the guilty with broken legs, the one where you get saved by Sky-Raider and brought to Dr. Mortum after being gassed.

The *gosub voiddreamone is the same dream you have in the released demo, but after that it is new.

Please not that this is just code without all variables added, it will be turned into a full demo later, but I just wanted to share a bit of my progress for now. If you don't want to read code, then just wait for the demo. It will come eventually, I need to finish the other impostor paths first and some other stuff.)

PATH 1.2.1 At Gunpoint.

Pain. You swallow down the nausea and tries to relax. Tries to let unconsciousness take you. Tries to let down your guard, even for just one moment. You can't stay awake any longer.

You need your sleep.

*gosub voiddreamone

*if ip4

*goto mortumwakeup1

*elseif ip3

*goto mortumwakeup3

*else

*goto mortumwakeup2

*label mortumwakeup2

*fake_choice

#[i]I could kill ${him} now. Easily.

[i]You could kill Ortega now. Easily. Nobody would know. Nobody would blame you. A needle in the wrong place. A necessary sacrifice for your ascent.

[i]It's a logical conclusion. So why can't you make yourself move? Why can't you make your hands do what you need to?

[i]Because they are not your hands.

[i]You're on the ground and you're struggling to breathe, body broken, legs trapped. Can't move.[/i] Can feel.

[i]Hands.[/i] You can feel hands.

#[i]Why can't I fix this? Put everything together right.

[i]Why can't you fix this. Put everything together right.

*if tech_savvy

[i]You're supposed to be good at repairs, right? Why can't you make sense of the tangle of wires beneath you? Ignore the twitching flesh, focus on the spine. You can do this. Fix this.

*else

[i]You know people. You understand how they work. So why are you so bad at this? Trying to pull together connections lost? Digging through old memories, performing acupuncture on your heart. You can fix this.

[i]Fix you.[/i] Fix yourself.

[i]Your hands on your own flesh, as dead and unresponsive as Ortega's. Why can't you move? Why won't your legs move?[/i] You can feel them though. [i]Under your hands.

Your hands?

#[i]This is a dream. I need to remember. I need to[/i] [b]wake up.

[i]This is a dream. You know this. And still you're here. And still you're dreaming. Deeper. Your hands sink into Ortega's spine, now metal and wires wrapping around your arms, tangling you to memories and fear. You need to remember.

[i]Remember what? What you're dreaming about?

[i]No. Why you're dreaming. You... did not fall asleep.

[i]You were sedated.[/i] Were. [i]Someone's touching you.

[i]Hands. One on your forehead.[/i] Eyes flickering.

[i]This is just a nightmare. This is just a dream. Nothing here matters, this is just you torturing yourself for no good reason.

"Fuck."

[i]A dream. Which means you can wake up. Which means you need to wake up because there's a—

You jerk awake in your bed, biting back a scream with the reflex of a hidden fawn in front of the approaching combine harvester. Don't move. Don't breathe. Just let your eyes flutter open, taking in your surroundings. You still have a few moments before the teeth arrives.

A room. Dimly lit. Hospital scent. Not the same you were broken out of. Less official. Antiseptic. High-end equipment. You're monitored. An IV in your arm. Dry lips and eyes but not dehydrated. Nausea and hunger, body purging residual sedatives and painkillers. Was that what caused the dream? Sedatives making way for what amounts to natural sleep.

Sky-Raider. You remember now. He got you out. That means you must be with Dr. Mortum. The relief makes you let out the breath you've been holding, not a scream but a sigh. Almost a sob.

You're safe.

It's then that you notice the gun aimed right at you. And the hand that is holding the gun, steadily aimed at your forehead from deepest shadows of the room.

"So you're finally awake, you bastard." The voice is cold but instantly recognizable. Your eyes shift to ${phis} face, just to make sure. It is ${puppet_name}. $!{phe}'s not smiling.

The gun is not wavering.

*fake_choice

#Oh, I am still dreaming.

Oh, so you are still dreaming. You hate those nightmares, teasing you with escape only to drag you deeper. If your broken body summoned the Void, it make sense that your frustration with not being able to reach your puppet would summon ${phim}.

"You really should let me sleep," you say, body still exhausted. Your mind feels even worse. "I'd prefer to sober up that way. Being sedated leaves one hell of a hangover."

"Cocky asshole." The head tilts, such a familiar movement, but the smile is colder than ${puppet_name}'s ever was. "Do you think you can talk your way out of this?"

#Is this real? I reach out towards ${phis} mind.

Is this real? It feels real, but waking from a nightmare possibly still hallucinating from sedatives doesn't make you the best judge of what is going on. The gun feels like a threat. The anger in ${phis} eyes is real.

You reach further, brushing your mind against barbed wire and mirror shards, a puzzle-box of pain you can't quite—

"Stop or I put a bullet in you." The voice is colder than ${puppet_name}'s ever was. "Keep your fucking powers away from my head."

"Noted." This feels real. Dangerous. "You can lower the gun."

"Cocky asshole." The head tilts, such a familiar movement. "Do you think you can talk your way out of this?"

#"I'd rather I wasn't," I say, keeping my composure.

"I'd rather I wasn't," you say, keeping your face under control. This feels real. The reflections of your gun. A familiar one. You bought that for ${puppet_name} to use. And now it's aimed at you.

"Cocky asshole." The head tilts, such a familiar movement, but the smile is colder than ${puppet_name}'s ever was. "Do you think you can talk your way out of this?"

"I still don't know what 'this' is." The mind in front of you is unreadable. Not like Ortega's static, but a storm of fragments unable to pin down, a shard-shield as strong as your own trauma defenses. "Why do you have a gun to my head?" You don't ask the question you really want to know. Who is in there?

You're not sure you would like the answer.

*if ip1

"Because I know what you can do." There's a tension to the gun that's far too familiar. A trigger half depressed. A reflex to pull it the moment something feels off. Fear. That's what you're reading. ${puppet_name} is terrified. "This is all your fault. And it needs to stop."

*else

"Because this is all your fault." $!{phe} bares ${phis} teeth, but the smile is wrong in subtle ways. It's the eyes. They don't move with it. "And it needs to stop." The gun shivers, briefly.

*fake_choice

#"You don't have the guts," I say coldly. I'm in control.

"You don't have the guts," you say, matching cold for cold. Not the first time you've had a gun to your head. "Do you really think you could kill me? [b]Me?[/b]"

"Shut up!" From the way ${phis} forehead wrinkles you know you hit the mark.

"You'd better drop the gun," you say, sweet smile and nightmare pain making the gun in ${phis} hand shake. "You know what I can do. You know what I will do unless you [b]obey[/b]."

"Fuck," $p{he} whispers, face pale, panic growing. $!{phe} tries to raise the gun again, finger squeezing, but your smile hardens and

*if puppet_gender = "woman"

hers

*else

his

fails. The moment hangs in the balance, and then it crumbles.

*set villainy %+ 10

*if (not(ace)) #"I don't understand," I say quietly, confused.

"I don't understand," you say quietly, trying to understand what is going on. If this is real and not a dream, there is no way that ${puppet_name} could be here walking around. Talking. "Who are you? What are you talking about?"

"Don't try to pretend you don't." $!{phis} lips pulls back, revealing teeth. "You know what you did to me, sucker." The last word is spoken with a vicious hiss.

"I'm not pretending," you say with a frustrated growl, which causes the gun to twitch so you push down your temper. "This shouldn't be possble."

"Like I ever gave a [b]fuck[/b] about that." Teeth still bared, as if the face isn't quite working right. "The impossible is what I [b]do[/b]. I told you you'd regret killing me." The finger tightens on the trigger and

*if puppet_gender = "woman"

hers

*else

his

smile goes cold. The moment hangs in the balance, and then it crumbles.

*if (ace) #"This is impossible," I say quietly. "You died."

"This is impossible," you say quietly, trying to understand what is going on. If this is real and not a dream, there is no way that ${puppet_name} could be here walking around. Talking. "You died. I know it." A thought strikes you, and you feel a shiver running down your spine. "If that's Ace in there..."

"So you remember my name." $!{phis} lips pulls back, revealing teeth. "Good. That will make this so much sweeter, sucker." The last word is spoken with a vicious hiss.

"I'm not Shroud," you say with a frustrated growl, which causes the gun to twitch so you push down your temper. "You should know that. If you really are Ace." Is it possible? Could someone come back from that kind of brain damage? Or is someone trying to play you?

"Shut the [b]fuck[/b] up." Teeth still bared, as if the face isn't quite working right. "I told you you'd regret killing me." The finger tightens on the trigger and

*if puppet_gender = "woman"

hers

*else

his

smile goes cold. The moment hangs in the balance, and then it crumbles.

#"You don't need the gun," I say softly. "I would never hurt you."

"You don't need the gun," you say softly, trying to defuse the situation. "I would never hurt you."

*if ace

Is this the same ${puppet_gender} you saw Shroud killing? Is there a chance that ${phis} mind somehow survived deep enough that you couldn't even sense it?

*else

You've spent years taking care of this empty body. You don't know who's in there now, but you don't want to hurt it.

"Liar. You already have." $!{phis} lips pulls back, revealing teeth. "Don't try to play me for a fool, you know what you did to me, Sucker." The last word is spoken with a vicious hiss.

"I'm not lying," you say with a frustrated growl, which causes the gun to twitch so you push down your temper.

*if ace

Is ${phe} thinking you are Shroud? Or is this about something else?

"You are the one with a gun here."

"Damn right I am." Teeth still bared, as if the face isn't quite working right. "I told you you'd regret killing me." The finger tightens on the trigger and

*if puppet_gender = "woman"

hers

*else

his

smile goes cold. The moment hangs in the balance, and then it crumbles.

"${puppet_name}?" Dr. Mortum's voice causes the gun to jerk from you to ${mhim}. $!{mhe} is standing in the doorway, hands instinctively raised, the spike of fear strong enough that you can feel it.

But is the cause the gun aimed at ${mhis} face? Or you?

*fake_choice

#"Don't hurt ${mhim}!" I try to force ${puppet_name} to drop the gun mentally.

"Don't hurt him!" Your words are harsh enough that the gun swings back towards you and you throw your weight against your former puppet's mind

*if force >= 80

and forces ${mhis} hand to spasm open. The gun clatters to the ground as ${puppet_name} staggers back with a cry of pain. You echo ${phis} cry, that [b]hurt[/b].

Dr. Mortum reacts faster than you expected, grabbing the gun while ${puppet_name} cradles ${phis} head in pain and confusion. $!{mhe} takes a few steps back to get some distance from both of you, raising the gun in turn.

It's aimed straight at you.

*goto mortumgun

*else

but you all you can feel is shards. All you can feel is pain.

"....ngh," ${puppet_name} groans, and the gun swings back in your direction. "Try that again and you die."

"Point the gun at ${mhim} again and you will." It's an empty threat but the passion behind it is not.

It gives you both pause.

*goto puppetgun

#"Please, don't hurt ${mhim}," I plead. "This is my fault."

"Please, don't hurt ${mhim}," you plead, unsure how much whatever is in your puppet would value Dr. Mortum. "This is my fault."

"Fuck," ${puppet_name} snarls, and the gun swings back to you once more, but you can feel ${phis} terror as ${phe} backs away to get a better angle to keep you both under control.

#"Down!" I shout, mentally forcing Dr. Mortum to dodge.

You're not sure you can influence your former puppet, but you can feel Dr. Mortum's thoughts loud and clear. $!{mhe}'s frozen, not sure what is going on and liking none of it. You wish you could be sure your puppet wouldn't pull the trigger, but you're not. So you act.

"Down!" Your shout is accompanied by a mental yank at Dr. Mortum's legs, dropping ${mhim} unexpectedly to the floor. The sharp sound of the gun going off hurts in the small room, but there's nobody left in the doorway to hit.

The resulting silence leaves everyone shocked, the puppet's gun swinging back to you with a muttered curse.

*set pshotm true

*goto puppetgun

#"What is going on?" I ask, trying not to escalate things.

"What is going on?" You keep your voice calm, doing your best not to escalate things. You can see your puppet's chest heaving, the gun shaking as if ${phe} truly considers shooting Dr. Mortum. You ready yourself for action if needed, but the moment passes.

"Fuck," ${puppet_name} mutters, and the gun swings back to you. Both you and Dr. Mortum breathes a sigh of relief.

*goto puppetgun

*label mortumgun

*if ((puppetmortum_relationship != "revealed") and (puppetmortum_relationship != "betrayed"))

"What are you doing?" You stiffen as you see Dr. Mortum's face. There's no reason why ${mhe} should pick your side over whatever is in ${puppet_name}.

"I need answers." Dr. Mortum's words are clipped and the gun doesn't waver from your face. "This is all your fault somehow."

*if ip1

"Kill ${chim} now," ${puppet_name} whispers, moving closer to ${mhim}. "Hurry!"

"You wanted me to rescue ${chim}, remember?" There is a hesitation in Dr. Mortum's mind you can lean against. Surely ${mhe} knows that whatever is in ${puppet_name} isn't who ${mhe} knew. Someone is trying to manipulate ${mhim}.

"I've done nothing," you plead. "Look at me. I'm a mess."

"Kill ${chim}," ${puppet_name} repeats. But you can feel the doubt in Dr. Mortum now, and you do your best to fan it.

*else

"Put ${chim} under again," ${puppet_name} whispers, moving closer to Dr. Mortum. "Sedate ${chim}, don't take any risks!"

"Why were you in here with a gun?" There is a hesitation in Dr. Mortum's mind you can lean against. Surely ${mhe} knows that whatever is in ${puppet_name} isn't who ${mhe} knew. Someone is trying to manipulate ${mhim}.

"$!{phe}'s trying to kill me," you plead. "Look at ${phim}. You know something is wrong."

"Shut up," ${puppet_name} hisses. But you can feel the doubt in Dr. Mortum now, and you do your best to fan it.

*else

"What are you doing?" You stiffen as you see Dr. Mortum's face. $!{mhe} must be thinking you've been lying to ${mhim}. Manipulating ${mhim} even more. $!{mhe} should be furious, and yet all you're picking up is uncertainty and confusion.

"I need answers." Dr. Mortum's words are clipped and the gun aimed at your face doesn't waver. "Tell me why this is happening. Did you lie to me?"

*if ip1

"Kill ${chim} now," ${puppet_name} whispers, moving closer to ${mhim}. "Don't talk to ${chim}!"

"I didn't lie," you say, as convincingly as you can. "You know ${puppet_name}. You should be able to see the truth here." There is a hesitation in Dr. Mortum's mind you can lean against. $!{mhe} already suspects that whatever is in ${puppet_name} isn't who ${mhe} knew. Someone is trying to manipulate ${mhim} and it's not you.

"Kill ${chim}," ${puppet_name} repeats. But you can feel the doubt in Dr. Mortum now, and you do your best to fan it.

*else

"Put ${chim} under again," ${puppet_name} whispers, moving closer to ${mhim}. "Sedate ${chim}, don't talk to ${chim}!"

"I didn't lie," you say, as convincingly as you can. "You know ${puppet_name}, there's a reason why ${phe}'d rather sedate me than talk. You should be able to see the truth here." There is a hesitation in Dr. Mortum's mind you can lean against. $!{mhe} already suspects that whatever is in ${puppet_name} isn't who ${mhe} knew. Someone is trying to manipulate ${mhim} and it's not you.

"Shut up," ${puppet_name} hisses. But you can feel the doubt in Dr. Mortum now, and you do your best to fan it.

*fake_choice

#"Someone is controlling ${puppet_name} and using ${phim} to kill me."

"Someone is controlling ${puppet_name} and using ${phim} to kill me." It sounds so logical when you say it, surely Dr. Mortum will understand.

*if ip1

"Why are you listening to ${chim}," ${puppet_name} hisses, taking a step back. "You know what ${che}'s capable of. Kill him now."

"I see what you mean." Dr. Mortum's gaze shifts to ${puppet_name}, who flinches back further. "You're not being yourself, ${puppet_name}."

*else

"You don't understand," ${puppet_name} hisses, taking a step back. "Don't listen."

"You haven't made sense in days." Dr. Mortum's gaze shifts to ${puppet_name}, who flinches back further. "You're not being yourself."

#"You know that's not ${puppet_name}. I'm not the one you should threaten."

"You know that's not ${puppet_name}." You can sense that Dr. Mortum suspects the truth, ${mhe} just doesn't want to face it. "I'm not the one you should threaten."

"You're the dangerous one here," ${mhe} points out, still aiming the gun at you. "Regardless of what else is going on."

*if ip1

"Yes, kill ${chim} quick before ${che} kills me," ${puppet_name} mutters, moving nervously to the side. $!{phe} reminds you of a crab, ${phis} movements jerky and uncontrolled.

*else

"Yes, put ${chim} under quick. We can talk later," ${puppet_name} mutters, moving nervously to the side. $!{phe} reminds you of a crab, ${phis} movements jerky and uncontrolled.

"No. You haven't made sense in days." Dr. Mortum's gaze shifts to ${puppet_name}, who flinches back further. "You're not being yourself."

#"Who is in there?" I say to the impostor. "How [b]dare[/b] you?"

"Who is in there?" you say to the impostor, trying to sound imposing despite your position. "How [b]dare[/b] you?"

"You're one to talk," ${puppet_name} spits back with surprising vehemence.

"Now now," Dr. Mortum gestures with the gun. "We can have a civilized conversation here."

"No—" you both say, the words melding together as you can feel the shards in the mind in front of you growing more agitated. Unreadable. Not unfeelable.

$!{phe}'s so angry.

"Out with it," you snap. "We all know this isn't your body."

"$!{villain_name} has got a point," Dr. Mortum says, looking over at ${puppet_name} who has started to back away. "You haven't been yourself in days."

"Be careful," you whisper, because you can see the way ${puppet_name} is reacting and it's not good. However, Dr. Mortum has no time to prepare before your puppet glitches into motion. "Wait, ${phe}'s—"

$!{phe} hisses a "Fuck!" and makes a break for the door. For a moment it looks as if Dr. Mortum might shoot, but then ${puppet_name} is gone.

$!{mhe} didn't want to hurt ${phim}.

*page_break Too Soft.

"$!{swear}! Why didn't you use the gun?" You groan in frustration, you both need answers and they are getting away. "Now ${phe}'s running around in your lab. At least ${phe} can't get out easily."

"I'm not going to shoot ${puppet_name} just because I am unsure what is going on. Or you for that matter. However, unfortunately ${phe}has the codes to the elevator." Dr. Mortum frowns, as if the implication is sinking in. The suspicion. $!{mhe} raises an arm and checks ${mhis} watch. "$!{phe} is already in the garage. Luckily ${phe} doesn't have the code to my car. I'll activate a drone to track ${phim}." $!{mhe} looks at the watch a moment longer, then sighs. "There, at least we'll know where ${phe} is going."

"$!{swear}." You glare at the empty doorway. No way you can track ${phim} either.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, eyes narrowing as ${mhe} turns to look at you. There's a moment of hesitation, then ${mhe} holsters the gun. "What exactly is going on here?"

*if ace

*goto acegonetalk

*else

*goto gonetalk

*label puppetgun

*if pshotm

"Merde," Dr. Mortum swears as pulls ${mhim}self to ${mhis} feet, warily. But the gun remains aimed at you. "You nearly shot me!" It sounds as if the reality is sinking in at last. "What do you think you're doing?"

*elseif ((puppetmortum_relationship != "revealed") and (puppetmortum_relationship != "betrayed"))

"Shhh," Dr. Mortum says with a soft voice. "Please hand me the gun, ${title}. Neither of us want an accident to happen in your condition."

"You don't tell me what to do." A hiss, and ${puppet_name} takes a step back, keeping a steady grip on the gun.

"${puppet_name}." This time Dr. Mortum's voice is hard. "What do you think you are doing?"

*else

"Lower the gun at once." Dr. Mortum's voice is hard and brittle. "What do you think you are doing?"

"Tying up loose ends." Another smile that's not quite a smile.

*fake_choice

#"I'm helpless," I lie. "There's no need for the gun."

"I'm helpless," you lie, not bothering to mask your frustrated sigh. "There's no need for the gun. I can't get into your head, you have all the power here." The last is not true, you can't touch ${puppet_name}'s mind perhaps, but you certainly can touch Dr. Mortum's.

*gosub mortumthoughts

"Let us figure out what is going on before you do something you regret." Dr. Mortum is speaking directly to ${puppet_name}, pleading for time. Time to do what? $!{mhe}'s not sure.

"You too." The gun shifts briefly to Dr. Mortum, then back at you. "I can't believe it. Are you taking ${chis} side?"

*if ace

*goto acegun

*else

*goto guntalk

#"Who are you?" I ask, making sure not to move.

"Who are you?" You make sure not to move, you don't want to provoke an attack. The gun quivers in response to your question, but the response you get is from Dr. Mortum. Not in words, but in thoughts, your words unlocking a flood of emotions.

*gosub mortumthoughts

"That is a very good question." Dr. Mortum is speaking directly to ${puppet_name}, hoping to get the answer you were denied. What is going on here?

"Not you too?" The gun shifts briefly to Dr. Mortum, then back at you. "I can't believe it. Are you taking ${chis} side?"

*if ace

*goto acegun

*else

*goto guntalk

#I keep quiet and try to read Dr. Mortum's mind for more information.

You keep still, not to provoke an attack. ${puppet_name} might think you're helpless here since you can't touch ${puppet_name}'s mind perhaps, but you certainly can touch Dr. Mortum's.

*gosub mortumthoughts

"Let us figure out what is going on before you do something you regret." Dr. Mortum is speaking directly to ${puppet_name}, pleading for time. Time to do what? $!{mhe}'s not sure.

"You too." The gun shifts briefly to Dr. Mortum, then back at you. "I can't believe it. Are you taking ${chis} side?"

*if ace

*goto acegun

*else

*goto guntalk

*label mortumthoughts

*if ((puppetmortum_relationship != "revealed") and (puppetmortum_relationship != "betrayed"))

$!{mhe} is scared.

*if pshotm

The gunshot proved it, something

*else

Something

is wrong with ${puppet_name}. Ever since ${phe} showed up to beg ${mhim} to facilitate freeing ${phis} boss from Ranger captivity something has been off. At first ${mhe} wrote it off as worry, some people do not handle it gracefully when their life and career gets upended, but it has gone beyond that now.

${puppet_name} has changed.

*if mortum_flirting_puppet

The spark is gone, the charge of attraction,

*else

The connection is gone, the mutual understanding,

the way that ${mhe} could allow ${mhim}self to relax around ${phim}. Instead there are new, jagged edges, a refusal to talk, a refusal to touch, a nearly monomaniacal obsession with ${surname}'s sedated body. The things ${phe} asked Noor about as she made sure there would be no physical deterioration were... concerning.

As is the conclusion that Dr. Mortum has finally reached, prompted by the gun. And the smile.

This is not ${puppet_name}. Something else is in there, controlling ${phim}, pretending to be ${mhis}

*if mortumpuppetnsfw

lover.

*elseif mortum_flirting_puppet

*if puppet_gender = "man"

boyfriend.

*else

girlfriend.

*else

best friend.

It seems inconceivable, but at this point, that is the only logical explanation.

*else

$!{mhe} is scared. Not of the gun,

*if pshotm

though the fact that the shot barely missed is disconcerting,

but of having ${mhis} theories shattered yet again.

Ever since ${puppet_name} showed up to beg ${mhim} to facilitate freeing ${phis} boss from Ranger captivity, something had felt off. The lack of reference to the discussion they had before, about two bodies and one mind. No, here ${phe} treated ${villain_name} as a different person. $!{mhe} had chalked it up to force of habit, fast decisions had been needed, and it was only natural that ${puppet_name} was upset. $!{mhe} could understand.

What was more concerning was Sky-Raider's comment about ${villain_name} being awake, which was confirmed by the scans that Noor did. Brain activity. Signs of regaining consciousness. Sedating ${villain_name} was a stopgap measure but ${mhe} needed time to think.

Had ${villain_name} lied to ${mhim}? But why? It made little sense to risk ruining a lucrative relationship for a less useful lie. Not logical. And yet here ${puppet_name} is, holding a gun at ${villain_name}. It had to be a lie. Unless...

Unless this isn't ${puppet_name} but someone else. Someone pretending to be ${mhis} former

*if mortumpuppetnsfw

lover.

*elseif mortum_flirting_puppet

*if puppet_gender = "man"

boyfriend.

*else

girlfriend.

*else

best friend.

Logic can be merciless, but ${mhe}'s a scientist, ${mhe} can't ignore a solution just because ${mhe} doesn't like it.

*return

*label guntalk

"I'm not taking anybody's side, ${puppet_name}." Dr. Mortum holds up ${mhis} hands. "This is my laboratory and I need answers."

*fake_choice

#I will suggest someone is controlling ${puppet_name}.

It should be impossible, but clearly it is not. Something has happened, your brain dead puppet is standing in front of you with a gun aimed at your head and a twitch in ${phis} face that won't stop. Is this how people look when you possess them? You'd like to think you're better than that.

"Someone is controlling ${phim}." You speak quietly, not taking your eyes off ${puppet_name}. Let the bastard in there know you are on to them.

*if ((puppetmortum_relationship != "revealed") and (puppetmortum_relationship != "betrayed"))

"Don't expect ${phim} to react like ${phe} used to, ${puppet_name} is not home right now."

*else

"You should have realized that already. I'm here, and ${phe} is... wrong."

"I suspected as much." Dr. Mortum's voice is tense.

*if ((puppetmortum_relationship != "revealed") and (puppetmortum_relationship != "betrayed"))

"I was just hoping I was wrong. Do you think ${phe}'s still in there?"

"I doubt it," you say, because you're right here. And whatever is in your puppet is not you. No wonder you couldn't find your way back. Someone had already barricaded the entrance.

*else

"I was just hoping you were lying. That there was a chance this was another twisted mindgame on your part."

"I'm afraid not," you bite your lip. "${puppet_name} never existed. I have no idea who is in there." Because you're right here. And whatever is in your puppet is not you. No wonder you couldn't find your way back. Someone had already barricaded the entrance.

"Stop. Talking." ${puppet_name}'s hand twitches, but no shot is fired. "Too. Many. Words."

"Hush, ${title}." $!{mhe} takes a step towards ${puppet_name} with ${mhis} hand held out. "Please drop the gun. You know I would never hurt you."

"Don't—" you start, but the puppet interrupts you.

"I don't know [b]shit[/b]!" The last word is spat at ${mhis} face.

"I know you're in there, ${puppet_name}." Dr. Mortum's voice is hard and desperate, clinging to hope. "You can fight whatever this is. I know you can."

"Nobody here but me." Teeth bared, the gun not wavering. "Stop talking like you know me."

"Then tell us what you want." You can't make sense of their mind, to try to read it would be like putting your hand in a shredder. You'd rather not, but if this continues you might not have a choice. "Are you here to kill me?"

*if ip1

"It's the only way I'll be safe."

*else

"No, I don't think so?"

A look of growing panic on ${puppet_name}'s face, facial expressions shifting like someone grimacing in a mirror. "Stop."

"We're not doing anything." Dr. Mortum steps forward, hopeful. "${puppet_name}, is that you?"

"Shut [b]up![/b]" ${!phe} makes a break for the door. For a moment it looks as if Dr. Mortum might move to stop ${phim}, but at the last second ${mhe} pulls back, unwilling to risk a struggle for the gun.

*page_break ${puppet_name} Is Gone.

"You need to stop ${phim}," you gesture in frustration, you both need answers and they are getting away. If there's another body snatcher and telepath out there everyone is in danger. "You're the one with legs!"

"That won't be easy. Whoever is in there knows much of what ${puppet_name} does, ${phe} has the codes to my lab." Dr. Mortum looks as disturbed as you are. $!{mhe} raises an arm and checks ${mhis} watch. "$!{phe} is already in the garage. Luckily ${phe} doesn't have the code to my car. I'll activate a drone to track ${phim}." $!{mhe} looks at the watch a moment longer, then sighs. "There, at least we'll know where ${phe} is going."

"$!{swear}." You let out a sigh of frustration.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, eyes narrowing as ${mhe} turns to look at you. "What exactly is going on here?"

*goto gonetalk

#I will wait and see what '${puppet_name}' says, I want answers too.

It should be impossible, but clearly it is not. Something has happened, your brain dead puppet is standing in front of you with a gun aimed at your head and a twitch in ${phis} face that won't stop. You're afraid that any words from you might make the situation worse, better to let Dr. Mortum do the prodding.

"Stop. Calling me. ${puppet_name}." ${puppet_name}'s hand twitches, but no shot is fired, nor does the gun swing to Dr. Mortum. "Too much fucking talk."

"Hush, ${title}." Dr. Mortum tries a softer approach, taking a step towards ${puppet_name} with ${mhis} hand held out. "Just lower the gun. You know I would never hurt you."

"Careful," you warn. "I don't think this is ${puppet_name}."

"$!{che}'s got it!" The last word is spat at ${mhis} face. "Stop thinking you know me."

"If there is somebody else in there, then know that you are possessing the body of [b]my[/b]

*if mortumpuppetnsfw

lover,

*elseif mortum_flirting_puppet

*if puppet_gender = "man"

boyfriend,

*else

girlfriend,

*else

best friend,

in [b]my[/b] laboratory," Dr. Mortum's voice hardens. "I could have gassed you when you pulled the gun, and don't think I'll hesitate if you resist. Now put the gun down."

"Do it, before..." you whisper, because you can see the way ${puppet_name} is reacting and it's not good. However, you have no time to finish the sentence before your puppet glitches into motion.

$!{phe} hisses a "Fuck!" and makes a break for the door. For a moment it looks as if Dr. Mortum might move to stop ${phim}, but at the last second ${mhe} pulls back, unwilling to risk a struggle for the gun.

*page_break ${puppet_name} Is Gone.

"That was a stupid move, why didn't you use the gas?" You groan in frustration, you both need answers and they are getting away. "Now ${phe}'s running around in your lab. At least ${phe} can't get out easily."

"The gas was a lie. And unfortunately whoever is in there has the codes to the elevator." Dr. Mortum looks as disturbed as you are. $!{mhe} raises an arm and checks ${mhis} watch. "$!{phe} is already in the garage. Luckily ${phe} doesn't have the code to my car. I'll activate a drone to track ${phim}." $!{mhe} looks at the watch a moment longer, then sighs. "There, at least we'll know where ${phe} is going."

"$!{swear}." You glare at the empty doorway. No way you can track ${phim} either.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, eyes narrowing as ${mhe} turns to look at you. "What exactly is going on here?"

*goto gonetalk

#I will try to sense if this is another telepath.

This makes no sense, ${puppet_name}'s body should be empty. That means that the most likely explanation is another telepath.

*if (((hg_relationship = "valuable recruit") or (hg_relationship = "dangerous recruit")) or (hg_relationship = "useful recruit"))

This happened after your meeting with Hollow Ground. First the crash, and now this. Is someone trying to kill you?

*else

You didn't part with Hollow Ground on good terms, and immediately nearly died in a car crash. And now this. Is ${hghe} trying to kill you?

Who exactly is in there?

"${puppet_name}." ${puppet_name}'s mouth twitches as ${phe} says the name. You can't read the reactions through the shards of ${phis} mind, there's a dozen mouths screaming, gibbering, and your mind hurts trying to make sense of it. "Don't fucking patronize me again."

*if not(mortumknows)

"I'm not. My apologies." To Dr. Mortum's credit, ${mhis} worry is stronger than ${mhis} fear at this point. "But you need to tell me what is going on."

*else

"My bad. I apologise." To Dr. Mortum's credit, ${mhe} accepts that you most likely told the truth earlier. Whatever is in there isn't the ${puppet_gender} he knew. "Please tell me who you are then."

"I..." There's a hiccup at that word, and you can see the shards blacken, swirl, and there is your opening.

Don't penetrate. Slow the swirling enough that you can read the shards. Bite back the headache and [i]focus.

*if subterfuge >= 80

Don't touch the hot stove, brush it, feel the heated air but not the metal. You can see the shards whirl around the center, but you focus on their reflections instead of trying to penetrate.

[i]A ${puppet_gender} tied to a chair. Familiar. ${puppet_name}. A woman at her wedding, veil in tatters - Bad angle - Hands reaching for your face, grasping, hungry - Fingers fumbling with unfamiliar buttons - There's the dark and the fall - Panic of a beating heart - Running - Running -

*if gate = 0

[i]Locked doors lining a corridor, things banging from the other side.

*else

[i]Slamming doors along a corridor, some open, some still closed.

Vertigo. It makes no sense. Most of the shards reflect your own mind back at you while the rest are gibberish. A clever defense, there are things you don't want to see inside yourself.

*if ip1

Weakness you've hidden behind layers of strength. If nobody can see the cracks, they can't use them against you.

*else

Darkness. The temptation to just let go. Be the monster everyone feared you would become.

"I don't know," ${puppet_name} admits with a high-pitched whine that feels only somewhat human. "I don't—" the sentence remains unfinished as ${phe} breaks and runs.

"Stop," you snap, but your @{ip1 command|plea} falls on deaf ears, Dr. Mortum steps aside to the waving of the gun, and ${puppet_name} disappears out in the lab.

"${puppet_name}!" Dr. Mortum shouts, but there's no reply.

*page_break ${puppet_name} Is Gone.

"You need to stop ${phim}," you @{ip1 snap|say}, because you both need answers and they are getting away.

*if not(mortumknows)

"Something's wrong. I think someone is controlling ${phim}."

"You might be right. But ${phe} has the codes to my lab,"

*else

"Someone is controlling ${phim}, and it's not me."

"I suspected as much, but there's not much I can do,"

Dr. Mortum admits, as disturbed as you are. $!{mhe} raises an arm and checks ${mhis} watch. "$!{phe} is already in the garage. Luckily ${phe} doesn't have the code to my car. I'll activate a drone to track ${phim}." $!{mhe} looks at the watch a moment longer, then sighs. "There, at least we'll know where ${phe} is going."

"$!{swear}." You let out a sigh of frustration.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, eyes narrowing as ${mhe} turns to look at you. "What exactly is going on here?"

*goto gonetalk

*else

You need to be careful not to interact directly, look, don't touch. The whirling storm of shards could easily suck you inside to be shredded. You're not in a position to defend yourself, not with a possible concussion as well as a hangover.

[i]A ${puppet_gender} tied to a chair. Familiar. ${puppet_name}. A woman at her wedding, veil in tatters - Bad angle - Hands reaching for your face, grasping, hungry - Fingers fumbling with unfamiliar buttons - There's the dark and the fall - Panic of a beating heart - Running - Running -

*if gate = 0

[i]Locked doors lining a corridor, things banging from the other side. One of the handles turning.

*else

[i]Slamming doors along a corridor, some open, some still closed. One of the handles turning.

[i]Opening.

Too close. Your hands touch, an echo of a smile and you feel the [b]pull[/b] as shards bury themselves in your consciousness, a moment of hailstorm lucidity, a scream and then darkness.

*set gate + 1

*page_break "${villain_name}..."

"${villain_name}..."

"Shut up," you mutter because your head is shards and acid. Dr. Mortum. You know the voice. As you open your eyes, the light hurt but there's no gun. No ${puppet_name}. You're alone. "What happened?"

"${puppet_name} is gone. Fled when you collapsed." A controlled breath, you can feel that it's hardly been a minute since ${phe} escaped. "I've sent a drone after ${phim} to make sure I know where ${phe}'s headed."

"$!{swear}." You rub your head. This did not help your headache.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, arms crossed in frustration. "It's time for answers. What exactly is going on here?"

*goto gonetalk

*label acetalk

"I'm not taking anybody's side, Ace." Dr. Mortum adds the name, but it feels more like a question than a certainty. "This is my laboratory and I need answers."

*fake_choice

*if (not(mortumknows)) #I will claim Ace's old memories must be rupturing ${phis} new ones.

It should be impossible, but clearly it is not. Something has happened, your brain dead puppet is standing in front of you with a gun aimed at your head and a twitch in ${phis} face that won't stop.

"It's not impossible that old supressed memories might have been awoken." You speak quietly, more to Dr. Mortum than ${puppet_name}. "If there was a traumatic enough trigger event."

"The video." Dr. Mortum's voice is tense. "I knew something was wrong. I should have asked."

"Stop. Talking." ${puppet_name}'s hand twitches, but no shot is fired. "Too. Many. Words."

"Hush, ${title}." $!{mhe} tries a different approach, taking a step towards ${puppet_name} with ${mhis} hand held out. "You know I would never hurt you."

"I don't know [b]shit[/b]!" The last word is spat at ${mhis} face.

"Then please calm down and listen," Dr. Mortum's voice is hard and desperate. "We care about each other. Don't do this. Please."

"You keep talking like you know me." Teeth bared, the gun wavering.

"We do. Both of you." You can't make sense of ${phis} mind, to try to read it would be like putting your hand in a shredder.

"I can't." A look of growing panic on ${puppet_name}'s face, and ${phe} makes a break for the door. For a moment it looks as if Dr. Mortum might move to stop ${phim}, but at the last second ${mhe} pulls back, unwilling to risk a struggle for the gun.

*page_break ${puppet_name} Is Gone.

"You need to stop ${phim}," you gesture in frustration, you both need answers and they are getting away. Is it really Ace? Is that even possible? "You're the one with legs!"

"That won't be easy, ${phe} has the codes to my lab." Dr. Mortum looks as disturbed as you are. $!{mhe} raises an arm and checks ${mhis} watch. "$!{phe} is already in the garage. Luckily ${phe} doesn't have the code to my car. I'll activate a drone to track ${phim}." $!{mhe} looks at the watch a moment longer, then sighs. "There, at least we'll know where ${phe} is going."

"$!{swear}." You let out a sigh of frustration.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, eyes narrowing as ${mhe} turns to look at you. "What exactly is going on here?"

*goto acegonetalk

*if (not(mortumknows)) #I will tell the truth about the puppet.

It should be impossible, but clearly it is not. Something has happened, your brain dead puppet is standing in front of you with a gun aimed at your head and a twitch in ${phis} face that won't stop.

"This shouldn't be possible." You speak quietly, more to Dr. Mortum than ${puppet_name}. You need ${phim} to understand that you are the person ${phe} knows. "Nobody should be in there, Ace was destroyed. We both saw it."

"What are you talking about?" Dr. Mortum's voice is tense. "I've known ${puppet_name} for a long time."

"Stop. Talking." ${puppet_name}'s hand twitches, but no shot is fired. "Too. Many. Words."

"Hush, ${title}." $!{mhe} gestures to you to shut up, taking a step towards ${puppet_name} with ${mhis} hand held out. "You know I would never hurt you."

"I don't know [b]shit[/b]!" The last word is spat at ${mhis} face.

"Then please calm down and listen," Dr. Mortum's voice is hard and desperate. "We care about each other. Don't do this. Please."

"You keep talking like you know me." Teeth bared, the gun wavering.

"We do. Both of you." You can't make sense of ${phis} mind, to try to read it would be like putting your hand in a shredder.

"I can't." A look of growing panic on ${puppet_name}'s face, and ${phe} makes a break for the door. For a moment it looks as if Dr. Mortum might move to stop ${phim}, but at the last second ${mhe} pulls back, unwilling to risk a struggle for the gun.

*page_break ${puppet_name} Is Gone.

"You need to stop ${phim}," you gesture in frustration, you both need answers and they are getting away. Is it really Ace? Is that even possible? "You're the one with legs!"

"That won't be easy, ${phe} has the codes to my lab." Dr. Mortum looks as disturbed as you are. $!{mhe} raises an arm and checks ${mhis} watch. "$!{phe} is already in the garage. Luckily ${phe} doesn't have the code to my car. I'll activate a drone to track ${phim}." $!{mhe} looks at the watch a moment longer, then sighs. "There, at least we'll know where ${phe} is going."

"$!{swear}." You let out a sigh of frustration.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, eyes narrowing as ${mhe} turns to look at you. "What exactly is going on here?"

*goto acegonetalk

#I will wait and see what 'Ace' says, I want answers too.

It should be impossible, but clearly it is not. Something has happened, your brain dead puppet is standing in front of you with a gun aimed at your head and a twitch in ${phis} face that won't stop. You're afraid that any words from you might make the situation worse, better to let Dr. Mortum do the prodding.

"Stop. Calling me. Ace." ${puppet_name}'s hand twitches, but no shot is fired, nor does the gun swing to Dr. Mortum. "Too much fucking talk."

"Hush, ${title}." Dr. Mortum tries a different approach, taking a step towards ${puppet_name} with ${mhis} hand held out. "Just lower the gun. You know I would never hurt you."

"I don't. Know [b]shit[/b]!" The last word is spat at ${mhis} face.

"Then know that you are in [b]my[/b] laboratory," Dr. Mortum's voice hardens. "And I could have gassed you when you pulled the gun. Now put it down."

"Is that really..." you start, because you can see the way ${puppet_name} is reacting and it's not good. However, you have no time to finish the sentence before your puppet glitches into motion.

$!{phe} hisses a "Fuck!" and makes a break for the door. For a moment it looks as if Dr. Mortum might move to stop ${phim}, but at the last second ${mhe} pulls back, unwilling to risk a struggle for the gun.

*page_break ${puppet_name} Is Gone.

"That was a stupid move," you groan in frustration, you both need answers and they are getting away. "Now ${phe}'s running around in your lab. At least ${phe} can't get out easily."

"Unfortunately that's not true. $!{phe} has the codes to the elevator." Dr. Mortum looks as disturbed as you are. $!{mhe} raises an arm and checks ${mhis} watch. "$!{phe} is already in the garage. Luckily ${phe} doesn't have the code to my car. I'll activate a drone to track ${phim}." $!{mhe} looks at the watch a moment longer, then sighs. "There, at least we'll know where ${phe} is going."

"$!{swear}." You glare at the empty doorway. No way you can track ${phim} either.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, eyes narrowing as ${mhe} turns to look at you. "What exactly is going on here?"

*goto acegonetalk

*if (mortumknows) #I will theorize that this might be Ace's old memories.

It should be impossible, but clearly it is not. Something has happened, your brain dead puppet is standing in front of you with a gun aimed at your head and a twitch in ${phis} face that won't stop.

"I felt something when I watched those tapes you showed me. Like I had been there." You speak quietly, more to Dr. Mortum than ${puppet_name}. You need ${mhim} to understand that you are the person ${mhe} knows. "Maybe it woke something up. Someone. Ace?"

"Stop. Talking." ${puppet_name}'s hand twitches, but no shot is fired. "Too. Many. Words."

"Hush, ${title}." Dr. Mortum tries a different approach, taking a step towards ${puppet_name} with ${mhis} hand held out. "You know I would never hurt you."

"I don't know [b]shit[/b]!" The last word is spat at ${mhis} face.

"Then know that you are in [b]my[/b] laboratory," Dr. Mortum's voice hardens. "And I could have gassed you when you pulled the gun. Now put it down."

"Fuck." A panicked look on ${puppet_name}'s face, and ${phe} makes a break for the door. For a moment it looks as if Dr. Mortum might move to stop ${phim}, but at the last second ${mhe} pulls back, unwilling to risk a struggle for the gun.

*page_break ${puppet_name} Is Gone.

"You need to stop ${phim}," you gesture in frustration, you both need answers and they are getting away. "You're the one with legs!"

"That won't be easy, as you know ${phe} has the codes to my lab." Dr. Mortum looks as disturbed as you are. $!{mhe} raises an arm and checks ${mhis} watch. "$!{phe} is already in the garage. Luckily ${phe} doesn't have the code to my car. I'll activate a drone to track ${phim}." $!{mhe} looks at the watch a moment longer, then sighs. "There, at least we'll know where ${phe} is going."

"$!{swear}." You let out a sigh of frustration.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, eyes narrowing as ${mhe} turns to look at you. "What exactly is going on here?"

*goto acegonetalk

#I will try to sense if this is another telepath.

This makes no sense, ${puppet_name}'s body should be empty. Whatever small residue of Ace might be in there should not be enough for it to function. That means that the most likely explanation is another telepath.

*if (((hg_relationship = "valuable recruit") or (hg_relationship = "dangerous recruit")) or (hg_relationship = "useful recruit"))

This happened after your meeting with Hollow Ground. First the crash, and now this. Is someone trying to kill you?

*else

You didn't part with Hollow Ground on good terms, and immediately nearly died in a car crash. And now this. Is ${hghe} trying to kill you?

Who exactly is in there?

"Ace." ${puppet_name}'s mouth twitches as ${phe} says the name. You can't read the reactions through the shards of ${phis} mind, there's a dozen mouths screaming, gibbering, and your mind hurts trying to make sense of it. "Don't fucking patronize me again."

"I'm not." To Dr. Mortum's credit, ${mhis} curiosity is stronger than ${mhis} fear at this point. "But you need to tell me what is going on."

"I..." There's a hiccup at that word, and you can see the shards blacken, swirl, and there is your opening.

Don't penetrate. Slow the swirling enough that you can read the shards. Bite back the headache and [i]focus.

*if subterfuge >= 80

Don't touch the hot stove, brush it, feel the heated air but not the metal. You can see the shards whirl around the center, but you focus on their reflections instead of trying to penetrate.

[i]A ${puppet_gender} tied to a chair. Familiar. Ace. You saw this on a crappy video - Bad angle - Hands reaching for your face, grasping, hungry - Fingers fumbling with unfamiliar buttons - There's the dark and the fall - Panic of a beating heart - Running - Running -

*if gate = 0

[i]Locked doors lining a corridor, things banging from the other side.

*else

[i]Slamming doors along a corridor, some open, some still closed.

Vertigo. It makes no sense., you can sense no outside presence. Shards of Ace, of that you're sure, but most of the shards reflect your own mind back at you. A clever defense, there's things you don't want to see inside yourself.

*if ip1

Weakness you've hidden behind layers of strength. If nobody can see the cracks, they can't use them against you.

*else

Darkness. The temptation to just let go. Be the monster everyone feared you would become.

"I don't know," ${puppet_name} admits with a high-pitched whine that feels only somewhat human. "I don't—" the sentence remains unfinished as ${phe} breaks and runs.

"Stop," you snap, but your @{ip1 command|plea} falls on deaf ears, Dr. Mortum steps aside to the waving of the gun, and ${puppet_name} disappears out in the lab.

"${puppet_name}!" Dr. Mortum shouts, and then a softer "Ace?" as there's no reply.

*page_break ${puppet_name} Is Gone.

"You need to stop ${phim}," you @{ip1 snap|say}, because you both need answers and they are getting away.

"$!{phe} has the codes to my lab," Dr. Mortum admits, as disturbed as you are. $!{mhe} raises an arm and checks ${mhis} watch. "$!{phe} is already in the garage. Luckily ${phe} doesn't have the code to my car. I'll activate a drone to track ${phim}." $!{mhe} looks at the watch a moment longer, then sighs. "There, at least we'll know where ${phe} is going."

"$!{swear}." You let out a sigh of frustration.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, eyes narrowing as ${mhe} turns to look at you. "What exactly is going on here?"

*goto acegonetalk

*else

You need to be careful not to interact directly, look, don't touch. The whirling storm of shards could easily suck you inside to be shredded. You're not in a position to defend yourself, not with a possible concussion as well as a hangover.

[i]A ${puppet_gender} tied to a chair. Familiar. Ace. You saw this on a crappy video - Bad angle - Hands reaching for your face, grasping, hungry - Fingers fumbling with unfamiliar buttons - There's the dark and the fall - Panic of a beating heart - Running - Running -

*if gate = 0

[i]Locked doors lining a corridor, things banging from the other side. One handle turning slowly.

*else

[i]Slamming doors along a corridor, some open, some still closed. One handle in front of you is turning slowly.

[i]Opening.

Not outside. Inside. Too close. Your hands touch, an echo of a smile and you feel the [b]pull[/b] as shards bury themselves in your consciousness, a moment of hailstorm lucidity, a scream and then darkness.

*set gate + 1

*page_break "${villain_name}..."

"${villain_name}..."

"Shut up," you mutter because your head is shards and acid. Dr. Mortum. You know the voice. As you open your eyes, the light hurt but there's no gun. No ${puppet_name}. You're alone. "What happened?"

"${puppet_name} is gone. Fled when you collapsed." A controlled breath, you can feel that it's hardly been a minute since ${phe} escaped. "I've sent a drone after ${phim} to make sure I know where ${phe}'s headed."

"$!{swear}." You rub your head. This did not help your headache.

"Exactly," Dr. Mortum agrees, arms crossed in frustration. "It's time for answers. What exactly is going on here?"

*goto acegonetalk

*label gonetalk

*fake_choice

*if (mortumknows) #"Something is in there, and it's not me," I say grimly.

"Something is in there," you say with a deepening frown. "And it's not me."

"I wish I wasn't so quick to believe you." Dr. Mortum looks over at the door, as if ${puppet_name} would come waltzing back in at any moment. "But ${phe} has been acting oddly." A deep sigh. "And I suppose that technically it would not be improbable with a second individual capable of possessing bodies now that one is revealed. Just unlikely."

"I think we have gone beyond statistic probabilities right now." Your smile is grim. "I don't know what has happened or who, but neither of us can afford to ignore the truth."

"I'm not ignoring it," Dr. Mortum snaps. "I was, perhaps, hoping that the truth might have been yet another misdirection. I have admitted I was wrong. Don't rub it in."

*if mortum_flirting_puppet

"I'm not," you say, voice softening. "Believe me, that's the last thing I want to do. I miss..." You rub your face, the scabs there itch like the rest of your body. Cold sweat and bad decisions. "I miss you and I'm terrified. This shouldn't be possible."

"I agree." No elaboration on exactly how much of what you said ${mhe} agrees with. "I wonder..."

*else

"I'm not. I'm sorry." You rub your face, the scabs there itch like the rest of your body. Cold sweat and sticky sheets. "I'm just frustrated. This shouldn't be possible."

"I agree." $!{mhe} frowns, rubbing ${mhis} chin. "I wonder..."

"What do you think happened?" The question is an honest one, Dr. Mortum is smarter than is safe for you, and right now you need ${mhis} help.

*if (mortumknows) #"I swear, I didn't lie to you," I plead. "That body should be empty."

"I swear, I didn't lie to you," you plead. "That body should be empty."

"But it's not, is it?" Dr. Mortum's voice is tense, but for once you don't think you're entirely to blame. "Merde, I should have taken precations."

"You should," you say, but it's only half an accusation. "But I can see why you didn't. It must have been easier to believe I had lied to you."

"You're not wrong." The words are tight, the feelings once more pushed down and under control. "I allowed myself to trust, and once more that 'bit me in the ass' as you Americans put it."

"I don't know if I count as American," you admit with the thinnest of smiles. You've missed this, regardless of the circumstances. "On account of not being human."

"Ah." It's almost a laugh. Almost a smile. Both quickly aborted. Maybe you are not the only one who missed what you were. "That might be true. However, I do think we need to focus on the matter at hand first."

"What do you think happened?" Your question is honest, right now Dr. Mortum is more informed than you, and all you can do is home ${mhe}'ll be willing to help you.

*if (not(mortumknows)) #"Something has taken over ${puppet_name}. $!{phe} doesn't sound like $p{him}self."

"Something has taken over ${puppet_name}. $!{phe} doesn't sound like $p{him}self." $!{phe} doesn't sound like you.

"I had come to a similar conclusion." Dr. Mortum's voice is tight with anger. "And for once, I can't blame you."

"Blame can come later. What do you think happened?" The question is carefully phrased, you're unwilling to make an enemy of Dr. Mortum, right now you need ${mhis} help.

*if (not(mortumknows)) #"That body used to be brain dead," I start my nervous confession.

*goto confession

#"You suspected something would happen," I counter. "You knew."

"You suspected something would happen," you say, giving Dr. Mortum a hard stare. "You knew something was wrong." You can feel ${mhis} thoughts, rattled by what just happened. If you stay on the offensive you might get some answers.

"I did," ${mhe} admits.

*if mortumknows

"${puppet_name} came to begged me to rescue you from the Rangers. You. Not your body. It was as if our earlier conversation had not happened."

"And you thought I had been lying to you." You say it as a statement.

"I did," ${mhe} agrees. "I could not puzzle out the motivation, but it seemed the most logical conclusion. And..." ${mhe} drifts off, looking at the door. "Things feel different now. It's like ${phe} remembers some facts, but none of the emotion behind it."

"What do you think happened?" The question is carefully phrased, you're unwilling to make an enemy of Dr. Mortum, right now you need ${mhis} help.

*else

"${puppet_name} has been acting oddly since ${phe} begged me to rescue you from the Rangers. I took it as stress at first, but now I am not so sure."

"$!{phe} doesn't act the same." You say it as a statement, though you're not as sure as you sound.

"Exactly." Dr. Mortum looks sick with worry. "It's like they're not even the same person. There are flashes now and then, but..." ${mhe} drifts off, looking at the door. "It's like ${phe} remembers some facts, but none of the emotion behind it."

"What do you think happened?" The question is carefully phrased, you're unwilling to make an enemy of Dr. Mortum, right now you need ${mhis} help.

"What do I..." ${mhe} breaks off before the sentence finishes, allowing ${mhim}self a long, careful look at you. "What I think is less important than what I should do. Which would be to take precautions about you."

"If I was going to manipulate you don't you think I would have already?" You let yourself sound as frustrated as you feel. "Right now I need allies, not puppets. And we both have a problem in common."

*if mortumknows

*goto puppetopen

*else

*goto puppetsecret

*label acegonetalk

*fake_choice

*if (mortumknows) #"Something is in there. Could it be Ace?"

"Something is in there," you say with a deepening frown. "Could it be Ace?"

"I don't know. It should be impossible, if what I've heard about Shroud is correct. Ace should be dead." Dr. Mortum looks over at the door, as if ${puppet_name} would come waltzing back in at any moment. "If I am honest, I was hoping you hd been lying to me for some reason when ${phe} came to me for help with ${phis} boss." A deep sigh. "But I still believe your story. And that means there is someone new in there. Or old. However unlikely."

"I think we have gone beyond statistic probabilities right now." Your smile is grim. "I don't know what has happened or who, but neither of us can afford to ignore the truth."

"I'm not ignoring it," Dr. Mortum snaps. "I have admitted I was wrong. Don't rub it in."

*if mortum_flirting_puppet

"I'm not," you say, voice softening. "Believe me, that's the last thing I want to do. I miss..." You rub your face, the scabs there itch like the rest of your body. Cold sweat and bad decisions. "I miss you and I'm terrified. This shouldn't be possible."

"I agree." No elaboration on exactly how much of what you said ${mhe} agrees with. "I wonder..."

*else

"I'm not. I'm sorry." You rub your face, the scabs there itch like the rest of your body. Cold sweat and sticky sheets. "I'm just frustrated. This shouldn't be possible."

"I agree." $!{mhe} frowns, rubbing ${mhis} chin. "I wonder..."

"What do you think happened?" The question is an honest one, Dr. Mortum is smarter than is safe for you, and right now you need ${mhis} help.

*if (mortumknows) #"I swear, I didn't lie to you," I plead. "That body should be empty."

"I swear, I didn't lie to you," you plead. "That body should be empty."

"But it's not, is it?" Dr. Mortum's voice is tense, but for once you don't think you're entirely to blame. "Merde, I should have taken precations. I saw how ${puppet_name} reacted to the video we saw. About Ace. Something might have awoken."

"You couldn't know," you say, so very softly. "Ace should be dead. I never felt anything in there."

"Until the video. I should never have looked into it." The words are tight, the feelings once more pushed down and under control. "I went digging and once more that 'bit me in the ass' as you Americans put it."

"I don't know if I count as American," you admit with the thinnest of smiles. You've missed this, regardless of the circumstances. "On account of not being human."

"Ah." It's almost a laugh. Almost a smile. Both quickly aborted. Maybe you are not the only one who missed what you were. "That might be true. However, I do think we need to focus on the matter at hand first."

"What do you think happened?" Your question is honest, right now Dr. Mortum is more informed than you, and all you can do is home ${mhe}'ll be willing to help you.

*if (not(mortumknows)) #"Something has taken over ${puppet_name}. I bet it's Ace."

"Something has taken over ${puppet_name}. $!{phe} doesn't sound like $p{him}self. I bet it's Ace."

"So ${phe} told you about that, did ${phe}?" Dr. Mortum's voice is tight with anger. "Not that it matters now. I think your conclusions might be correct. I just don't understand how."

"Not even I know everything about brains. Or supressed memories." You let out a hiss. "There is of course the possibility that ${phe} is possessed by someone else."

"Indeed." The laugh is tight with desperation. "We can't assume anything until we have more facts. No matter how unlikely the answer might be."

"What do you think happened?" The question is carefully phrased, you need to know if ${mhe} thinks you is involved.

*if (not(mortumknows)) #"I know what happened to Ace afterwards," I start my nervous confession.

*goto confession

#"You suspected something would happen," I counter. "You knew."

"You suspected something would happen," you say, giving Dr. Mortum a hard stare. "You knew something was wrong after you showed ${phim} the video." You can feel ${mhis} thoughts, rattled by what just happened. If you stay on the offensive you might get some answers.

"I did," ${mhe} admits.

*if mortumknows

"${puppet_name} came to begged me to rescue you from the Rangers. You. Not your body. It was as if our earlier conversation had not happened."

"And you thought I had been lying to you." You say it as a statement.

"I did," ${mhe} agrees. "I could not puzzle out the motivation, but it seemed the most logical conclusion. And..." ${mhe} drifts off, looking at the door. "I called ${phim} Ace, but that didn't fit either. And neither did we. It's like ${phe} remembers some facts about us, but none of the emotion behind it."

"What do you think happened?" The question is carefully phrased, you're unwilling to make an enemy of Dr. Mortum, right now you need ${mhis} help.

*else

"${puppet_name} has been acting oddly since ${phe} saw the video, as you say. I took it as stress at first, but now I am not so sure. I assumed ${phe} talked to you about it then?"

"Yes. And things started to turn strange. $!{phe} doesn't act like ${phim}self." You say it as a statement, though you're not as sure as you sound.

"Exactly." Dr. Mortum looks sick with worry. "It's like they've become unstitched in time. There are flashes now and then, but..." ${phe} drifts off, looking at the door. "It's like ${phe} remember me, but none of the emotion behind it. And everything else is a mess."

"What do you think happened?" The question is carefully phrased, you're unwilling to make an enemy of Dr. Mortum, right now you need ${mhis} help.

"What do I..." ${mhe} breaks off before the sentence finishes, allowing ${mhim}self a long, careful look at you. "Ace or not, what I think happened is less important than what I should do now. Which would be to take precautions about you."

"If I was going to manipulate you don't you think I would have already?" You let yourself sound as frustrated as you feel. "Right now I need allies, not puppets. And we both have a problem in common."

*if mortumknows

*goto puppetopen

*else

*goto puppetsecret

*label puppetopen

"We dom" Dr. Mortum reluctantly admits. "A body we both care very much about is walking around on ${phis} own volition. Which shouldn't be possible." The last is said with a curious look at you.

*fake_choice

#"It shouldn't. I swear." I wouldn't have done it otherwise.

"It shouldn't. I swear." You sink back slightly now that the worst crisis is over. "There never was anything in there in the first place, I couldn't have done what I did otherwise."

"It sounds so gruesome." Dr. Mortum shakes ${mhis} head, walking over to grab a chair that has been resting in a corner. $!{mhe} sits down heavily, as if ${mhe} is the one who has got ${mhis} strings cut. "It's hard to wrap my mind around."

"It wasn't like that." You rub your arm, the IV is itching. "$!{phe} was empty. Brain dead. Flatlined and marked as an organ donor. I saved ${phis} life."

"And then you lived it." The words are tired, hardly even an accusation.

"That part wasn't planned." Your voice wavers slightly, but you can blame exhaustion. "I genuinely liked you. Otherwise I wouldn't have taken the risk to get close."

"And I genuinely liked ${puppet_name}." The name is a pointed reminder that things are not settled between you.

"That was me," you point out, though that is rubbing salt in the wound. "Though I suppose it was a better me than I am capable of being in this body."

"That doesn't exactly make me feel better."

"I suppose not." You let out a sigh. "If it's any consolation, it hurts on this end as well."

*if (ace) #"The video you found must have reawaked something."

"The video you found must have reawakened something." You rub your arm, the IV line is itching. "I felt it when I watched. Like I was there. Like it was real and happened to me."

"Do you think that's possible?" Dr. Mortum shakes ${mhis} head, walking over to grab a chair that has been resting in a corner. $!{mhe} sits down heavily, as if ${mhe} is the one who has got ${mhis} strings cut. "That we have broughgt back the dead?"

"I don't know," you admit helplessly. "But right now that's the closest thing I have to a theory."

"Unless there is another body-hopper." $!{mhis} face contorts into a grimace. As if the very prospect is disgusting to ${mhim}. "Do you know of any?"

"No," you say after a moment's thought. "I'm not sure if another telepath could manage. At least not for long."

"$!{phe} was not acting... smootly. It almost felt like ${phe} glitched. If it wasn't for the fact that there are very few telepaths remaining in this town, that woud have been my first suggestion."

"And yet you listened to ${phim}." There is some bite to your accusation.

"Maybe I wanted to believe you'd been lying to me," ${mhe} says, giving you a stern look. "It would be better if it had been about that. The truth hurts."

"That's fair." You let out a sigh. "If it's any consolation, it hurts on this end as well."

*if (not(ace)) #"Could it be the original owner of the body?"

"Could it be the original owner of the body?" You never noticed another presence, but thinking back, could you be sure? How well could it have hidden?

"Do you really think that is a possibility?" Dr. Mortum shakes ${mhis} head, walking over to grab a chair that has been resting in a corner. $!{mhe} sits down heavily, as if ${mhe} is the one who has got ${mhis} strings cut. "I thought you said ${phe} was brain dead?"

"$!{phe} was, and marked as an organ donor." You rub your arm, the IV is itching. "But nobody knows what such long-term possession can do to a brain."

"You mean your mind working as life support until it managed to heal?" $!{mhe} sounds doubtful. "I suppose some people have woken up from comas before. Not that it's the same."

"It's not." A soft sigh. "Could you... look into who ${puppet_name} might have been? Maybe that can give us some clues? I can tell you what hospital I found ${phim} in, but sadly there was no name."

"I can do that," Dr. Mortum agrees. "It is as you say, it might help to make some sense out of this mess. Maybe hurt less."

"If it's any consolation, it hurts on this end as well." You let out a sigh.

*set puppetmortumresearch true

#"I picked it because it was easy to control. It must be someone else."

"I picked it because it was easy to control," you say thoughtfully, trying to think through the pain. "If it was easy for me, it must be possible for someone else."

"Easy to control?" Dr. Mortum shakes ${mhis} head, walking over to grab a chair that has been resting in a corner. $!{mhe} sits down heavily, as if ${mhe} is the one who has got ${mhis} strings cut. "It sounds so gruesome when you say it."

"It's the truth." You rub your arm, the IV is itching. "$!{phe} was empty. Brain dead. Flatlined and marked as an organ donor. I saved ${phis} life, but that was just the body. The mind was long gone."

"And you replaced it with your own." The words are tired, hardly even an accusation.

"I'm not that powerful," you say, because you still have limits. "To actually inhabit a body I couldn't keep fighting the true owner. I needed it to be empty."

"So you couldn't just make an empty body?"

"I'm not Shroud. No." You shake your head after considering it a moment. "You have no idea how powerful minds truly are. I push, misdirect and fool. I don't destroy. Not like that."

*if villainy >= 70

But could you? Would it be possible?

"That is a relief I suppose." Dr. Mortum relaxes, as if you've passed some sort of test. "Not that it makes what happened hurt less."

"If it's any consolation, it hurts on this end as well." You let out a sigh.

*if puppetmortum_relationship = "revealed"

"No," ${mhe} admits. "I don't want to hurt you." There is a short laugh then, sticking in ${mhis} throat. "That's the whole absurdity of this. It would be easier if I did, perhaps that was why I so readily believed ${puppet_name} even when I could see how different ${phe} was."

*else

"It should be, shouldn't it?" There is a short laugh then, sticking in ${mhis} throat. "I wanted to hurt you so badly." The admission is pained. "And now look at you. I got my wish and I feel..." a pause, as ${mhe} considers his feelings. "I feel wretched."

"It wouldn't be hard to take revenge now," you say, trying to make a joke that won't land badly. You fail, you can feel the flinch.

"Is that what you want? For me to hurt you?" $!{mhe} continues before you have a chance to answer. "It won't be that easy. For either of us."

"What are you trying to say?" Your question is cautious.

"I'm saying that I'm sitting here talking to you like you're ${puppet_name}. Like we..." There's anger in Dr. Mortum's voice, but not aimed at you. "And I spent two days with whatever is in ${puppet_name}'s body and I know the difference. I know who..." A deep sigh.

*if mortum_flirting_puppet

*if ${puppet_gender} = "man"

"I know my boyfriend when I'm talking to him."

*if ${gender} = "woman"

A shake of ${mhis} head. "Even when ${che}'s a man I suppose."

*else

"I know my girfriend when I'm talking to her."

*if ${gender} = "man"

A shake of ${mhis} head. "Even when ${che}'s a woman I suppose."

*else

"I know my best friend when I'm talking to him."

"It's complicated," you say with a helpless shrug. What else are you supposed to say to that?

"Agreed." Dr. Mortum nods. "And something for later. Right now we have an emergency to deal with. Personal business can be dealt with later."

"I understand. But I don't know how much help I will be laid out like this. And the concussion doesn't help."

"Ah, yes." $!{mhe} looks slightly ashamed, as if ${mhe} had forgotten. "I have access to the best medical equipment, we'll get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Trust me, I want this situation resolved as soon as possible."

*fake_choice

#"That's good to hear." I can't stop the smile.

"That's good to hear." You can't stop the smile, to hear Dr. Mortum makes you feel better about your whole situation. You can't say that you deserve it, but you're grateful all the same. "Now all we need to do is find out where ${phe} mighgt have gone to ground before something worse happens."

#"You need to be prepared that ${puppet_name} might not be fixable."

"You need to be prepared that ${puppet_name} might not be fixable." You speak softly, voice filled with worry.

*if ace

If this is somehow fragments of Ace resurfacing, that's not going to be something you can easily erase. And if it's not, it's even worse.

Without knowing who has possessed your puppet, you have no idea how much damage has and will be done before this is resolved.

"We will face that when we come to it," Dr. Mortum says, voice hard. "If you are planning on sugggesting killing ${puppet_name}, don't. Whatever has happened ${phe} deserves a second chance."

"Of course not." You look down, unsure of your own feelings at this moment, but this is not a time to argue. "I want what's best for ${puppet_name}just as much as you do."

#"Do you think this was an accident or an attack?"

"Do you think this was an accident or an attack?" It would be a good way of getting close to Dr. Mortum. Or you.

"Considering what happened so far," Dr. Mortum waves ${mhis} hand vaguely in your direction, "I think we have to assume this is a direct attack on you. No matter the cause."

"I hate that you're right." Just what you need. Another enemy.

*if ace

Even if it is Ace's ghost come out to play, ${phe} doesn't seem to like you very much.

*goto fusefind

*label puppetsecret

"We do," Dr. Mortum reluctantly admits. "My

*if mortumpuppetnsfw

lover,

*elseif mortum_flirting_puppet

*if puppet_gender = "man"

boyfriend,

*else

girlfriend,

*else

best friend,

and your assistant." A deep sigh. "What a mess."

*fake_choice

#It hurts that I can't comfort ${mhim}.

It hurts that you can't offer any comfort here. Dr. Mortum has no idea that you were the one that ${mhe} bared his heart to, and not the puppet that's now betrayed you both. Stopped being the empty vessel you needed. Your alternate body. Your way of interacting with the world. With Dr. Mortum.

$!{swear}.

"I'm not your enemy," you repeat, because you need ${him} to understand that. "Something terrible has happened and we need to work together. We both have skills the other needs."

"You're right." Dr. Mortum shakes ${mhis} head, walking over to grab a chair that has been resting in a corner. $!{mhe} sits down heavily, as if ${mhe} is the one who has got ${mhis} strings cut. "Your telepathy. My genious." An empty laugh. "Of course we should be able to fix this. Fix ${phim}."

#I hate that it is ${puppet_name} ${mhe} cares about, not me.

You hate the fact that what Dr. Mortum is sitting here worrying about is your puppet. ${puppet_name}. Not you. The one ${mhe} actually knows. Who cares about ${mhim}. What a mess indeed, but this wasn't something you could predict. Or plan for.

All you can do is try to pick up the pieces.

"You need to keep your head clear," you say, because you can't afford to have ${mhim} go soft on an impostor that's not you, let alone ${puppet_name}. "Whatever has happened you can't make any assumptions that you know how ${phe} will react if cornered. We're both in this together."

"You've got a point, I suppose." Dr. Mortum shakes ${mhis} head, walking over to grab a chair that has been resting in a corner. $!{mhe} sits down heavily, as if ${mhe} is the one who has got ${mhis} strings cut. "Your telepathy. My genious." An empty laugh. "We should be able to solve this mystery. Help ${phim}."

#I need to focus on facts, not feelings.

You can't afford feelings. Not right now. Not with your life and freedom at stake. And neither can Dr. Mortum. $!{mhe}'s supposed to be a former villain, and right now ${mhe}'s looking lost and heartbroken.

"Listen to me, Doctor." You force yourself to sound confident and sure of yourself, no room for doubt. "You need to pull yourself together, you're no help to anyone if you have a breakdown. If you care about ${puppet_name} you owe it to ${phim} to figure out what has happened."

"I'm not about to have a breakdown." Dr. Mortum shakes ${mhis} head angrily, walking over to grab a chair that has been resting in a corner. "I'm grieving. I don't expect you to understand that." $!{mhe} sits down heavily, as if ${mhe} is the one who has got ${mhis} strings cut. "We need to find out what's going on so we can help ${phim}. Between my genious and your telepathy that should be possible."

*if mcmetmortum

"Right now I am not in the best of shapes." The understatement of the day. "Don't expect any miracles."

"Don't undersell yourself." There's a tension in Dr. Mortum's voice, but ${mhis} mind gives you no clues how to read it. "I've been looking into you, ${surname}, and from the way I see it your capabilities should not be underestimated."

*elseif not(known_telepath)

"Telepathy." You've noticed he has assumed you have that since the start, and yet ${villain_name} is not a known telepath.

"Oh don't bother denying it." $!{mhe} scoffs.

*if suit_telepathy

"Your armor was created to amplify a telepath's power."

*else

"Your armor was created with a psi-sensitive interface."

$!{mhis} smile is thin. "Besides, I've been looking you up, ${name} ${surname}. And who you used to be."

"Grand," you sigh. Not surprising, it wouldn't be hard after breaking you out. $!{mhe} would have had plenty of time to look into things. "What's the verdict then?" You can't understand the tension in ${mhis} voice, and ${mhis} mind gives no context clues.

"You are not to be underestimated." Dr. Mortum's smile is thin, almost pleased. "And right now that is just what we need."

*else

"Right now I am not in the best of shapes." You gesture to your legs, then your head. "I'm lucky to be alive."

"They used to say that, didn't they?" Dr. Mortum's voice is tense, but ${mhis} mind gives you no context clues as to why. "But I don't think that's true. ${name} ${surname} was never lucky."

"Of course you looked me up," you sigh. Not surprising, it wouldn't be hard after breaking you out. $!{mhe} would have had plenty of time.

"Of course," ${mhe} eagerly agrees. "I needed to know."

"So what's the verdict?" Laughing at the former sidekick?

"You are just what we need." Dr. Mortum's smile is thin, almost pleased. "Unlike others, I do not underestimate your capabilities."

"Don't overestimate my stamina, though." $!{mhe} sounds too smug about having a telepath on your side, but you suppose it's saying something that he's relying on your concussion and old-fashioned will to keep you from controlling ${mhim}.

"Ah, yes." Dr. Mortum looks slightly ashamed. "I have access to the best medical equipment, we'll get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Trust me, I want this situation resolved as soon as possible."

*fake_choice

#"That's a motivation I can trust," I agree.

"That is a motivation I can trust." $!{mhe} feels honest, at least in this. $!{mhe} wants ${puppet_name} restored to normal, and you out of ${mhis} lab so ${mhe} can get back to work.

#"You need to be prepared that this might not be fixable."

"You need to be prepared that this is a situation that might not be fixable." You speak softly, trying to sound sympathetic.

*if ace

If this is somehow fragments of Ace resurfacing, that's not going to be the ${puppet_gender} ${mhe} knows. And if it's not, it's even worse.

Without knowing who has possessed your puppet, you have no idea how much damage has and will be done before this is resolved.

"I will face that when I come to it," Dr. Mortum says, voice hard. "If you are planning on sugggesting killing ${puppet_name}, don't. We will fix this. Period."

*if mortumpuppetnsfw

The heat in ${mhis} voice almost makes you blush. $!{mhe} will not give up on ${mhis} lover. On you.

*else

The conviction in ${mhis} voice makes your face twitch. $!{mhe} will not give up on ${mhis}

*if mortum_flirting_puppet

*if ${puppet_gender} = "man"

boyfriend.

*else

girlfriend.

*else

best friend.

On you.

"Of course not." You look down, trying to collect yourself. "I want ${puppet_name} back just as much as you do."

#"Do you think this was an accident or an attack?"

"Do you think this was an accident or an attack?" It would be a good way of getting close to Dr. Mortum. Or you.

"Considering what happened so far," Dr. Mortum waves ${mhis} hand vaguely in your direction, "I think we have to assume this is a direct attack on you. No matter the cause."

"I hate that you're right." Just what you need. Another enemy.

*if ace

Even if it is Ace's ghost come out to play, ${phe} doesn't seem to like you very much.

*goto fusefind

*label fusefind

"My probe should be able to track ${puppet_name} to where they are hiding." Dr. Mortum looks down at ${mhis} watch. "I have other allies I can call in to pick ${phim} up. Allies that won't have to worry about bullets."

THE END FOR NOW

(to be added, variables for the strangler impostor, and one of the ones who usually stays away.)