CR-1 City Exhibit

I'll take a pack of dried cactus. Auntie Marco's, por favor.

Auntie Marco doesn't put as much additives! It's not as good as Uncle Marco's!

One pack of dried cactus. I'm starving.

You look like you've been up all night. Developing photos?

I can't help that inspiration likes to strike in the middle of the night.

So when are you gonna have my photo ready?

Oh, I remember now... the one you said was a gift? For the girl who's into metal music?

She dumped me last month...

Memories like to disappear in the middle of the night, too.

Of all the photographers here, I had to pick the one who could never make a deadline.

Back from the Galería, Tecno? How was it?

Get lost.

What's the matter, things didn't go well? Didn't you say last night that you were going to spraypaint the whole place?

What does that palace of his look like on the inside? I heard it's a large collection of works from famous artists. I should have gone with you.

I hardly got a doodle in before I had to run for my life.

Tsk, tsk.

Well, you'll get another chance. And bring me along next time.

Me too, hehe.

Enough of that, you two... where's the old man?

He's in a bad mood. Holed himself up in his room all day.

I guess he's waiting for your 'good news'.

So, just to confirm, you don't know Levi?

Correct. And I should confirm that you don't know my uncle, right? Tall, wears glasses, smiles in the creepiest way you can imagine.

Say any more and I'll start to wonder if your uncle is the one we're looking for.

Er, I think it's just another unpleasant coincidence.

Now that we've resolved our misunderstandings, would you like a drink?

No, thank you, Mr. Reynell. We have to go.

Why are you shaking, Iana?

If we're not dreaming or hallucinating...

We've been 'shot out' by some unknown power through time or space and landed in this place...

A far-away planet... or Earth in some unimaginable dimension of time...

I'm just excited, Ela.

I get it, but we're not just facing a strange world, we have strange problems too.

So... stay calm, no matter how excited you feel.

...Sorry.

Let's go, friends. Hopefully, we can find a place to stay before nightfall.

Well, there's no need for doom and gloom. I'm not ungrateful for you saving my life.

I could at least offer a room with four walls and a roof.

...

Unless you really wanted to sleep on cardboard beneath the sky.

...

It's going to rain.

We won't take it for free, Mr. Reynell.

For as long as we accept your hospitality, we will protect you and ensure there won't be any other armed men charging into your room.

Or falling through the roof—

That will do, Miłosz. She knows what she's doing.

(Whisper) But we don't know anything about them, Reynell.

(Whisper) This is our chance to learn.

(Whisper) You're always so willful.

(Whisper) You know me.

If you're going to turn us down, it would be nice to do it quickly.

No, I have no objections.

Let's get your employment contract drafted before HR leaves for the day.

Ahem. Diaz... I'm back.

...

Er, I heard you were waiting for me.

I... I couldn't do it. But I didn't get hurt either.

Sit.

What are you watching?

That.

Reynell? What is he blabbering about this time?

Mr. Reynell, as Galería Krysztauowa prepares for its grand opening, a local community is also planning an arts festival. What are your thought about it?

I have a lot of respect for art. The people who live there have good ideas and interesting creations, but an arts festival is not something that can be organized by just anybody. They don't have any professional buy-in.

It is silly to compare the two. The Galería has far more significance than their arts festival.

We have gathered artwork from across the world in Dossoles, demonstrating the diversity of culture and art, while providing a platform for art lovers everywhere.

The importance it poses to the development of art in Dossoles is not something that some amateur arts festival can hope to match.

That peddler called us amateurs?!

Not the first time we've been at odds.

All those organizations and critics have used our community as a tool to suck up to him on his first day in Dossoles.

He talks crap about us, using our works as comparison to promote his own garbage.

He's blocking us at every turn, from exhibitions, disc releases, even small performances.

Remember his so-called community development project? It was a hot mess and we eventually brought it down.

Yeah, the hate is mutual—

Like you. You went to tag up his Galería, didn't you?

He was the one who hired a writer to blast my friend's work in the papers...

Well, since when has he ever said anything good about us? Let him—

I have a couple of words that I want to say on behalf of all Dossoles artists.

...?

Why has Galería Krysztauowa drawn so much attention and achieved so much? It's because we represent what is truly of value in the Dossoles art scene.

Absorbing the cultural nutrients of Dossoles, and representing her true spirit... that is the reason why I built Galería Krysztauowa.

Who did he say he's representing?! All Dossoles artists?!

Where was he when we put on a concert for the musicians who escaped the Singas Garden? Where was he when we were translating new Ursus novels?

What has he ever done for art on Dossoles? How dare he claim to represent Dossoles?!

Alright, old man, calm down, calm down...

Calm down?! Do you know he's opening his glass house on the same day as our arts festival?

What?

I didn't believe it when I heard about it this morning, but then he said it on air! It's the same day!

What do we do, then?

(Deep breath)

...

We do what we want. Who cares about him?

It's more important to stay focused on taking care of our own. Don't waste your time on him.

...Capitán Mateo.

Is this everyone who made it back?

I...

Go on. What happened?

Reynell's guards dropped down from the sky and stopped us. We lost a lot of men. I escaped with the survivors.

How many of them were there?

Four.

Just four?

Armed with guns. Very well-trained. The way they fought was unusual. We couldn't get through...

(Guns... Sankta? No mention of that in the report on Reynell... could it be Blacksteel?)

S-Sir, I will take full responsibility for the failure. Please don't punish anyone else.

Hmph, you're loyal to your men.

I...

No need to be so jittery. That's not a bad thing.

Our intel was insufficient, that's all. Now we know more.

Take that box on your way out. There's money and casino chips in it. Share it with your men and have some fun at the casino on me.

C-Capitán? Are you sure?

Keep your ears open. Tongues are loose in a place like that.

Yes, sir. I'll report if I hear anything.

What about that community? The brass are pushing... It's the last piece of the puzzle for the entertainment district project.

We've just got to find a way. If Reynell won't budge, we could start with the community directly.

Yes, sir. I'll pay particular attention to anything about that place.

You're my first choice to manage the entertainment district once it's built. Don't disappoint me.

I won't!

You're here earlier than I expected. Again.

I don't like to make people wait.

Sorry about that. There was a bit of traffic.

It's nine o'clock on the dot. You're not too late.

I used to be punctual, but then I realized that people here like to be fashionably late.

No problem. I got time to check out the exhibits.

The Galeria's use of light is unique. Natural light during the day, and then bright as day again at night.

Do you like art?

No, just a little curious.

Feel free to take a look around during your free time. You probably won't get a chance once the Galería is officially open.

What? No employee tickets?

Of course there are.

What I mean is you'll be able to take the time to appreciate a work you like, before the place is with crowds.

Sometimes it's not the crowd that affects your mood. It's a particularly creepy painting.

You mean the one at the end of the hallway?

That's not a famous piece. It's a portrait of Reynell's father.

He was the one who left behind the legacy that allowed us to build this Galeria, far from home, and collect masterpieces from all across Terra.

That's why Reynell always felt it was important to do something to commemorate his father.

Like putting up a huge portrait here?

Reynell wants everyone to see his father clearly. Anyway, it's just a portrait. Both Reynell and I believe Mr. Kowalski's merit goes far beyond that.

A faithful son, I see.

It's almost time. I'll take you to him.

I've been meaning to ask, why do all visitors have to climb the stairs to get to the penthouse?

He prefers people expend some kind of effort to come and find him. Everyone has to take at least one flight of stairs.

I've never seen him do it himself.

He has his personal elevator.

It's the only one in the Galería's office area, and these are the only stairs.

Sounds like what a genius would do, alright.

The silver lining is that it makes security simpler. Anything else I need to know?

No. You have one job: Keep him alive.

What about at night? Do you need us to rotate shifts?

No, I'll be there at night.

Miss Ela. Are your friends not with you?

Your guards are very interested in Fuze and wouldn't stop asking questions. I left him there since you said you wanted to get them trained up.

You said there were four of you.

Going by what we agreed on, two of us will protect you while the others continue our search here. They'll be on hand if we need them.

You're not going out in public today anyway.

Just curious. In fact, it's easier on me with fewer people around.

I saw you have two top-secret meetings on your schedule.

I do? What meetings?

Bungee jumping? That's a meeting?

Of course. Miłosz wouldn't let me do this, but he's not here today. Why not seize the opportunity?

As your bodyguard... I advise you to rethink this.

As your employer, I advise you to advise less.

Is my safety harness ready?

Yes, sir. You're good to jump anytime.

See you later.

Yahooo—!

What an asshole.

Nothing to worry about. Our equipment is first-rate. There's no danger at all.

You wouldn't have had him sign that waiver if there was no danger.

Would you like to come back and remove your safety harness, then?

On the other hand, my boss did pay for it.

Oh no, that Vulpo unlocked his own harness?!

Gówno!

Don't get sunburned when you enjoy the beach! Buy Sombrero Dude sunscreen now and get a free set of tail care oil...

What is that?

That girl with cat ears was handing them out. I took one.

It's true that UV rays are strong around here.

Not that, this.

Polishing stone for horns? What are they babbl—

Who would have thought there would be such a wonderful vacation spot in war-torn Bolívar? I was dreading this business trip at first.

It's been great, except the salt water makes your horns rough. I need to polish mine when we get back to the hotel.

...

And conditioner tailored to Vulpo, Lupo and Feline.

Ten-liter set?! I mean, I know they have ears and tails and all...

This batch is a good one. Let's talk details on the beach tomorrow.

They'd better be worth the price.

Okay, they need it.

Nothing could surprise me now.

(Frowns disapprovingly)

(Goes around scornfully)

Sacré dieu...

...

Let's welcome our guest today, Mr. Reynell Kowalski, the new star of Dossoles's art scene!

Thank you, Dossoles TV, for giving me the chance to be scorned by thousands sitting in front of their television screens, and a way for them to let off some steam.

Hey, isn't that the owner of Galería Krysztauowa?

I didn't expect to hear his voice on the street.

I wonder if Ela and Fuze are getting along with him. I have a hunch he's one to get on your nerves.

If you're not playing, get lost! You're scaring away customers with that shabby outfit.

Hm?

I'm just advertising our community festival. I'm not bothering your guests.

You'd better not be.

Hey, folks! Wanna check out our festival? Take a flyer! It's a real special event in the street art community!

Thanks, but I don't think we'll have the time...

You're not going to that glass house opening, are you? Don't let that guy fool you with his fancy talk! He doesn't know anything about art!

Er...

Come on, take a flyer.

What does it say?

Hmm, I would be interested in checking it out, if they manage to pull it off.

...This ceremony will stimulate Dossoles's artistic and cultural fields.

My staff and I have prepared extensive plans for acquisitions, business development, sector growth...

The opening of Galería Krysztauowa will be a turning point in Dossoles's economic history.

Now I'm more interested in what's on the flyer.

*Cough* Are you out of your mind, you son of a vixen?!

Wake up, you bastard!

Stop playing dead! I can feel your pulse!

*Cough* Haha... *cough*

Just a moment of capriciousness. Releasing the shackles that bind me at the closest point to the surface, and falling freely into the water...

Isn't that so much more fun than just bouncing up and down on a rope?

...I'm sorry, Mr. Reynell, but I don't think I can continue to serve as your bodyguard. Thank you for giving us a place to stay. My squad and I will move out tomorrow.

Come on, I've fallen into water from even greater heights. See, I'm completely fine, am I not? No need to get angry.

I can't protect a man who plays jokes with his life.

You're mistaken, Miss Ela. I have a goal that I've been working toward for many years. Until it's complete, no one values his life more than I do.

Remember to wipe yourself dry. I can tell your constitution is not as strong as 'ours.'

Don't you know? Once you step through this door, it's not up to you whether you get to step back through it again.

I come in good faith, Capitán Mateo.

Good faith? After the reception my men got from your boss?

Why can't you and Reynell stop bickering with one another?

Interesting question. Is he going to hand over the plot of land where that street art community is squatting?

Get in my way, and you get in the way of Bolívar's Coalition government.

A Kazimierzian with nothing but money thinks he can negotiate with a government representative just because he hired a few mercenaries?

Reynell doesn't want to fight you over that piece of land. If we can reach an agreement, he is happy to cede control of the land to you... or to the Coalition government. It makes no difference.

And you speak for him?

I do.

We could have been talking about this under more amicable circumstances, if not for that ill-conceived kidnapping attempt.

You blame me for that?

It was an unfortunate misunderstanding.

No need to make excuses for me. I don't care. Just tell me, what does Reynell want?

One doesn't do business in Bolívar for long without the support of a powerful patron... someone like you.

I spent most of my years in the army, not the classroom. Get to the point.

Well... that neighborhood is not so much a home for artists as a lawless place where gangs roam unchecked.

We had plans for its development, but the residents were utterly vicious. Even worse, there are Infected living among them.

Hmph. You thought money could solve all your problems in Dossoles.

Yes. Only those who are can solve problems get to enjoy the ultimate fruit.

I don't know your style or skills, so I think the quickest way would be a simulated engagement.

Two teams, four in each team, best of three.

Attacking team tries to locate the hostage and rescue him, defending team tries to stop the attackers from rescuing the hostage.

Any questions?

...

Who's the hostage?

For the sake of fairness, me.

I'm in through the window!

Room's empty! Moving on to the next one.

Hey, watch where you're going!

You watch where you're going!

Quiet! I've already searched the direction you're going in. There's nobody there. Didn't you hear it on the radio?

Radio? Oh, I dropped my earpiece out the window. I was looking for you to get a new one.

Two enemies down. I could hear them from a mile away.

How about you crouch behind this board? Maybe show an inch or two of your head, so as to draw their attention.

The three of us will guard the only door and take them out as they enter.

...You're not concerned that I could get hurt?

Get hurt? Nah, we got them the moment they step inside.

Dammit! The Originium Arts! I can't see!

Th-They're coming in through the window! Stay back!

Hostage found. There were three idiots waiting by the door. Looks like they forgot there's more than one way in.

The bright flash looks like it works well... hey, what's that guy doing?

Get away from me! Dammit! Get away!

H-He's just shooting blindly! Where are my teammates? All down?!

...

*Russian swearing*. Stop, stop!

You guys are a real eye-opener.

You're back early. I thought you would be out enjoying places I don't let you go.

There was an accident.

You're hurt?

No, Miss Ela quit.

...This is the 32nd bodyguard who's had enough of you. I can't spend all day with you when I've got my own job to do.

What about your negotiations with the Capitán?

He took the bait.

Good. Now we'll see how our 'friends' in that community perform.

He'll have his hands full.

I've spent long enough dealing with those artists to know that if there's one thing they do well, it's causing trouble.

Miss Ela! Have you handed in your resignation papers yet?

No one told me HR is closed today.

Ah, my staff have always been capricious. It's such a headache.

...

Before I go, you should know that the sculpture at the center of the special exhibit is a counterfeit.

It's a tiny bit different from the other works by the same sculptor. You should look into it.

Oh?

Maybe your dealer ripped you off. I guess that's a fact of life for a businessman like you.

Hahaha! I'm starting to regret letting you go, Miss Ela.

Oh yeah?

You have a good eye. I was the one who made the counterfeit. I kind of liked it, so I just left it out.

It's been there for a while. You're the first one to realize it's a fake.

Maybe others just don't dare point it out.

Since that doesn't bother you, my friends and I will be going now.

Just a moment, Miss Ela.

What is it?

Would you keep working for me if I promised to behave?

(Mumble) Well, that's something you don't see every day...

You're trying to persuade me to stay?

Yes.

Don't you want to see the authentic piece? You must have spent a lot of time with that sculptor's work to notice such tiny details.

...

I hope you can keep your promise.

How far to Dossoles, Ernesto?

We're almost there.

You've been saying that for days!

Yes, we're almost there... once I deliver this batch of medicine, I'll take you to a sunny beach where you can lie down for a whole day.

Far away from any casinos or bars.

I could live with bars. I understand that some people need to drink their troubles away... hey, how did you know I don't like casinos?

It's my first time taking a partner operator home to Dossoles, so I asked Orchid about you before we left.

Then you know what happened when I left my homeland...

A brave act.

And when I went back...

An honorable choice.

...

Well, it's not something I'm ashamed of... it's just a little more fit to be shared over a drink or two, not like this...

Well, you can buy me a drink when we get to Dossoles. That's my price for hearing the story. Deal?

Deal.