Sensitive Beings (I)

Stellar Jade x 30, Trailblaze EXP x 100, Credit x 5000, Adventure Log x 2, Hertareum x 50

Ask Asta what she needs you for

📍 Herta Space Station Master Control Zone

The Curio "Crackup Conch" is infected by the memetic virus, spreading anti-motivational quotes in the space station. Asta wants your help to investigate the source of this virus.
Which of the three suspects caused this drama?
I heard you are looking for me?
Asta
Asta
Yeah. I want you to investigate the source of the memetic virus that infected the Crackup Conch.
Options
Crackup Conch?
"Memetic virus?"
Thank you for the explanation. I got the gist.
Asta
Asta
It's one of our Curios. It looks like an ordinary conch, but when you get close, you can hear the dirty jokes coming from the inside.
Asta
Asta
As long as you hold your laughter, you can slowly obtain the secret power it contains. Of course, no one has succeeded so far, so we only use it on people in interrogations.
Asta
Asta
It is a kind of information particle that spreads around exponentially like a virus, which will bring changes and contamination to the host's nature of thinking.
Asta
Asta
Unfortunately, it can infect inanimate objects, and thus it changed the Crackup Conch's external expression — it no longer tells jokes, but instead, it keeps talking weird nonsense.
Asta
Asta
Like "Get out of your comfort zone, or you'll be wasted," or "The pain you suffer will light up your way"... cliché quotes that just make people cringe.
Asta
Asta
I had someone examine it and found that it was caused by the memetic virus. But the Crackup Conch has been properly stored all this time, which means it's impossible for it to get infected on its own.
Asta
Asta
The only possibility is that workers who were already infected passed on the virus when they came into contact with the item. After I looked into the list of people who had recent contact with it, I identified three suspects.
Asta
Asta
Well, I'm sure you already know what I'm about to say next. I want you to investigate these three suspects for me.
Options
Why me...
Is the Security Department here just for show?
Asta
Asta
Hehe, with great power comes great responsibility. Besides, I'm not just trying to take advantage of you. I sent people from the Security Department earlier, but they all failed.
Asta
Asta
I arranged for them to investigate as soon as I identified the list of suspects. But they all found nothing unusual.
Asta
Asta
Since these suspects have spent a fair bit of time in the space station, they are pretty familiar with the Security Department. They might have gotten away with their possible misconduct.
Asta
Asta
I, therefore, could not get any useful investigation results. That's why I need to ask you for a favor — you don't know them very well. It may be easier for you to spot their flaws from a stranger's perspective.
Options
What if they find out?
Sounds reasonable...
Asta
Asta
Don't worry, you are a hero who has saved the space station. No one will suspect you.
Asta
Asta
It is!
Asta
Asta
And it is not rocket science. You just need to walk up to them and listen, then see if there are any unusual behaviors.
Asta
Asta
If you find anything weird, just write it down and report it to me. So, what do you think?
Options
No problem. I'll take care of it.
I can help, but are there any rewards...
Asta
Asta
That's great. I'm so relieved that you're willing to help. I will reward you fairly. Let me think...
Asta
Asta
Don't worry. Do you have anything in mind already? I heard the starnought fleet has been very popular recently. But that thing is huge. I don't think you'll like it...
Asta
Asta
Well... I don't know your taste. Why don't I pay for everything in your shopping cart out of my own pocket? You are free to choose whatever you like.
Asta
Asta
Well, let me tell you about the three suspects — Mare from the Department of Insight, Chris from the Department of Galactic Geopolitics, and Joanne from the Medical Department.
Asta
Asta
They usually stay in their own cabins. Given the station's current situation, I don't think they'll be anywhere else... So, please help me take care of this.

Investigate Joanne for unusual behavior

📍 Herta Space Station Base Zone

Listen
System
System
(Joanne is right in front of me. Looks like she's talking to someone. There's nowhere to hide...)
System
System
(I know! I'll just pretend I'm checking out the medical services!)
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
... Hey, Joanne, so surprised to see you are not still sleeping today. How rare! Maybe the Blue has also started to orbit around the space station?
Joanne
Joanne
The test results are out. I've sent them to you through the terminal. You may start the review process.
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
My goodness... Joanne is actually working. Am I dreaming?
Composed Medical Researcher
Composed Medical Researcher
You are only noticing this now? She's been three hours early for work for the past seven days. Looks like you haven't been paying attention.
Joanne
Joanne
Review countdown begins, 30 minutes left.
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
I only took a few days off, and now our department has changed so much. I cannot believe it. Who turned you into this, Joanne? What happened to you!?
Composed Medical Researcher
Composed Medical Researcher
My guess is that it has something to do with the department's reform.
Composed Medical Researcher
Composed Medical Researcher
The Interastral Peace Corporation has cut the medical research budget this quarter. And we are also impacted. I heard there would be a reform...
Composed Medical Researcher
Composed Medical Researcher
It's not that unusual for people to try to get a high performance indicator during such turbulent times. You wouldn't want your research budget to be cut, would you?
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
You're right, but I still need some time to digest all this. It's all... it's really unbelievable, haha...
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
The Sleeping Beauty of our medical department finally stopped sleeping and began to act on her duty as a doctor. Haha, no one's gonna believe this!
Joanne
Joanne
20 minutes left. I need to see the result of the drug test in 20 minutes.
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts
All right, all right, got it. I'll get on it.

System
System
(Although Joanne looks normal, the way she speaks is very strange.)
System
System
(She is emotionless when she talks and her face looks stiff, like a robot. Is there something wrong...)

Investigate Chris for unusual behavior

📍 Herta Space Station Master Control Zone

Listen
System
System
(I think this is Chris. Let me observe his behavior.)
Chris
Chris
Hey, hey, hey! I'm talking to you, you! What are you doing? Why are you staring at me like that... Stay away from me!
Options
I'm just passing by...
Are you Chris?
Chris
Chris
I saw you peeping at me. I am sure of it!
Chris
Chris
...How did you know my name? Oh, my goodness! Have you been following me and investigating me? Did you...
Chris
Chris
Hold on, why did you dye your hair like that? Did you do that to show off in front of me, trying to stand out from everyone else?
Chris
Chris
And your clothes... Why don't you wear the uniform? Are you trying to show off your luxurious tailor-made outfit?
Options
I didn't dye my hair.
This is not a luxurious outfit.
Chris
Chris
No one else has hair like that. You think you are very special, huh? You just want to show off your privileges! Such an attention seeker!
Chris
Chris
"This is not a luxurious outfit." That's just your opinion. Take a look at us. We are all wearing uniforms. And you, you are just trying to show off...
Chris
Chris
Show off as much as you want. Don't try to act all innocent. I know exactly what people like you think. You think you are better than us.
Chris
Chris
It's not enough for you to show off in the virtual world. You have to track me down and show off in front of my face.
Chris
Chris
You think you are so rich that you can own the universe. Wait a second. What's that look on your face? Is there something in your eyes?
Chris
Chris
...You have a corneal contact camera? Why are you taking videos? Is this live? Oh, I get it. You are one of those people who likes to live-broadcast your bullying behavior. Now, go away and leave me alone!

System
System
(...Chris is very strange. I can't have a normal conversation with this person...)
System
System
(He's such a paranoid... Is he infected with the memetic virus?)

Investigate Mare for unusual behavior

Listen
System
System
(Mare is right ahead. I better not alert her. I'll hide around here and listen to what she says.)
Mare
Mare
HAA — HU — HAA — HU, am I doing this right? I feel like my pronunciation is not very good... hmm... I better keep practicing.
Mare
Mare
Fluffy hair and strong limbs... If only I could touch it. Bah! What kind of dirty ideas is this?
Mare
Mare
Awww, how nice would it be if I can be their slave... Hiss. I just need to keep practicing, and one day I can...
Department of Mysticism Researcher
Department of Mysticism Researcher
Mare, you look much better lately. So the thing I told you about. It actually worked?
Mare
Mare
Uhhh, well, no, that's not the case... Um, sorry, I—I did try to look up what you mentioned, but I might've gone off track halfway...
Mare
Mare
But, yes, it's quite useful. It's just that... Well, is there anything else?
Department of Mysticism Researcher
Department of Mysticism Researcher
Well, there is something I wanna ask you about... So, I've been researching how Aeons are depicted in the mythological tales from different planets.
Department of Mysticism Researcher
Department of Mysticism Researcher
Why are they depicted so differently? Some even have this so-called "Leviathan Worship?"
Mare
Mare
Leviathans can be pets too. Well, pets... ehem... I... Well, there is a research report that I haven't finished working on yet. So I'll get back to you later.
Department of Mysticism Researcher
Department of Mysticism Researcher
Sure. By the way, I haven't seen you around lately. Did you go on an exotic field trip? Did you discover anything new? Can you tell me anything?
Mare
Mare
Well... let's talk about this... later. I didn't...
Department of Mysticism Researcher
Department of Mysticism Researcher
Okay, I understand. You must be very busy since you just came back. Anyway, it's nice to see that you've recovered mentally. I'll leave you to it.

System
System
(There's something strange about Mare.)
System
System
(At first she was imitating some strange sounds. Then when they talked about "Leviathan Worship," she looked very nervous...)
System
System
(Did she come into contact with some kind of Leviathan during her research? And got her mind contaminated? That's very strange.)

Report your findings to Asta

After investigating the three suspects, you make note of their unusual behavior in your mind and return to Asta. But looking back, you can't help but wonder if you can confirm who is the infected one.
(Tell her your observation and your thoughts.)
Asta
Asta
So, all three of them sound unusual. But in theory, there should only be one person who is infected.
Asta
Asta
The principle behind it is actually quite simple. The viral load of informational particles left behind by the memetic virus in the Crackup Conch is simply not high enough.
Asta
Asta
The viral load detected barely reaches the amount that can be carried by an infected adult. So it's absolutely impossible for the Crackup Conch to have contracted the virus from multiple individuals.
Options
But my investigation couldn't corroborate this...
So, what next?
Asta
Asta
It's okay. I've got a backup plan.
Asta
Asta
Hehe, I've got a backup plan.
Asta
Asta
The memetic virus is transmitted through virtual data. And all the virtual data in the space station leave traces in the terminal.
Asta
Asta
Since we couldn't get much from our previous investigation, let's check the browsing records of the three suspects. Then we should be able to identify the source of the infection.
Asta
Asta
Hehe, I've got an emergency plan for situations like this. Please visit the Data Exchange Center — where the terminal is located.
Options
But I've never used a terminal...
Why don't you go yourself?
Asta
Asta
Don't worry. It's simple. Enter the terminal room, verify your identity, and you can start your query.
Asta
Asta
*sigh* I have my own reasons. It's a long story.
Asta
Asta
Simply put, anyone using any data gadget, which basically includes everyone on the space station, would have their user behaviors recorded by the terminal. It is thus inappropriate for me or any other staff member to check such information.
Options
Um, I still don't get it.
I know. You are just looking for excuses to slack off.
Asta
Asta
Don't worry. I'll explain to you when I have time.
Asta
Asta
It's not like that. I would have gone if I could.
Asta
Asta
Think about it. Despite different backgrounds and identities, people on the space station have reached an agreement on personal privacy.
Asta
Asta
The traces left from using virtual data can be found on the terminal. For example, from here people can see all the unusual virtual platforms you visited during your working hours.
Asta
Asta
Therefore, to respect everyone's privacy, no one, including myself and the other staff, should access the terminal.
Asta
Asta
Think about it in their shoes, if you are space station staff, would you be happy with me going through your browsing records on the virtual network?
Options
I'd rather die...
It's unacceptable.
Asta
Asta
Now you understand, right? That's why your special identity makes you the perfect candidate for this!
Options
Why? I don't understand.
So, you just want me to get beaten up?
Asta
Asta
Let me start with your heroic deeds and your special identity.
Asta
Asta
Jeez, is this the kind of nonsense you think about all day? I have nothing against you. Why would I set you up?
Asta
Asta
From an objective point of view, you are an outsider on the space station. You are not familiar with most people here, so it's unlikely that you hold any personal grudge against anyone.
Asta
Asta
Not every outsider has the right to access the data records. But you are different. You are the hero who saved the space station. People trust your moral character.
Asta
Asta
But of course, if you do decide to help, I hope you will keep everything you see strictly confidential.
Options
No problem. My lips are sealed.
Piece of cake. Just leave it to me.
Asta
Asta
Anyway, keep it all a secret while you're still in the space station. As for where you go or what you do in the future, it's none of my business.
Asta
Asta
Thank you so much!
Asta
Asta
Before you leave, let me tell you how to use the terminal.
Asta
Asta
As you know, the invasion of the station severely damaged the whole data center. And the server room where the terminal is housed is no exception.
Asta
Asta
Despite our best efforts, the damage is yet to be fully remediated. And reported cases of memetic virus infection only made things worse. I had to send a maintenance engineer to monitor the situation on a daily basis.
Asta
Asta
The engineer would turn on the optical identity verification program manually every day to check whether the bioelectricity of each visitor entering the room is normal, thus ensuring that the terminal room is not invaded.
Asta
Asta
Since the optical identity verification program is refreshed dynamically after it is turned on every day, you need to re-verify your identity every time you enter.
Asta
Asta
For more details, please consult the maintenance engineer. I've told the engineer that you have permission to enter the room.
Asta
Asta
So... I will leave the rest to you!

Go to the terminal room and use the terminal

📍 Herta Space Station Supply Zone

Based on your findings, neither Asta nor you can tell who is infected. Asta has no choice but to grant you temporary permission to access the terminal, which stores the browsing data of everyone in the space station...
Investigate
System
System
A row of large words pops up on the terminal screen: "Code error 505: Service unavailable."
System
System
There are no other responses.
System
System
Someone runs back into the room, panting. Looks like he's the "maintenance engineer" Asta mentioned.
System
System
The terminal doesn't respond. Let me ask him.

Ask for the maintenance engineer's help

The terminal keeps reporting errors, as if it's laughing at you. Thankfully, Asta has asked a maintenance engineer to guard the terminal room. It's time to ask for his help.
Sensitive Beings (I)
Maintenance Engineer
Maintenance Engineer
Sorry — huff puff — I'm sorry!
Maintenance Engineer
Maintenance Engineer
Are you {NICKNAME}? Asta already gave me a heads up that you are going to come use the terminal.
Maintenance Engineer
Maintenance Engineer
I'm terribly sorry. The computer system in the next room suddenly initiated an auto-update. The researchers didn't have time to save their results. So I went to help them just now.
Options
The terminal did not respond.
Prompted error code 505?
Maintenance Engineer
Maintenance Engineer
Ahh, I didn't connect the data to the terminal while I was away. Let me turn it on. It'll just take a second...
Maintenance Engineer
Maintenance Engineer
It's all set now! Please verify your identity again. And the results will come up when you input your query.

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