text: [Themes: Mystery, coming of age, blood, mystery, suspense]
  
  > Go downward
  (first opening the door to your dormitory room)
  (closing the door behind you)
  
  Here is the faded arch, with its years of verdigris; here are the too-small atrium and the fountain at its center. All around above are innumerable domiciles, linked by crumbling stairs and divided by flimsy plaster walls.
  
  From here, you can go up to your dormitory room or exit the building to the south.
  
  > Go south
  Via Terminalis, West End
  You stand in the terminus of the Via Terminalis, a cul-de-sac of steel spires and buildings aspiring to the heavens. From here the street-lamps and shop windows line the great spine of the Channelworks District until, shrouded in the mists of the canal, it curves out of sight.
  
  The white cross of Doctor Cavala's clinic is to the west, and the dormitory block where you live lies to the north.
  
  Some pigeons fly overhead.
  
  > go west
  (first opening the front door of the clinic)
  (closing the door behind you)
  
  Doctor Cavala and Horatio have been busy this morning. You spy fresh cups of tea beside the makeshift bed, and plates with crumbs that Horatio is in the process of tidying. Doctor Cavala, for her part, looks up from a newspaper as you enter.
  
  "Marid. Has Horatio told you what's happened?"
  "Marid. Has Horatio told you what's happened?""More deaths?"
  
  She passes the newspaper to you. "Take a look at this."
  She passes the newspaper to you. "Take a look at this."DOCTOR
  FOUND DEAD IN HIS OWN HOME. Doctor Arturus, the renowned pathologist of the Channelworks District, was found dead this morning. Black blood was observed running from his eyes and mouth, a symptom shared by several patients he had recently received. Doctor Justinian, who discovered the body, expressed fears that his colleague's death could mark the beginning of a dangerous epidemic --
  mark the beginning of a dangerous epidemic --A chill grips your
  spine.
  spine.Doctor Cavala nods grimly. "Our suspicions have proven true. Reden is the first of many. More than that -- Doctor Arturus himself is among the casualties."
  
  1) "Oh Primes."
  2) "How could this have happened?"
  3) "What do we do now?"
  
  > 2
  "How could this have happened?"
  
  She shakes her head. "Very easily. It is unlikely for a medical practitioner to contract a patient's disease -- not with the proper safeguards in place -- but not inconceivable. And Doctor Arturus... oh, the bloody fool. He should have known better..."
  
  1) "Oh Primes."
  2) "What do we do now?"
  
  > 2
  "What do we do now?"
  
  "That, Marid, is a very good question."
  
  Doctor Cavala folds her arms. Her expression seethes with disquiet, with the agitation of an invalid accustomed to physical activity.
  
  "Recent events have backed us into a corner," she says. "I can't do much of anything, on account of my injury. Horatio's hands are full with matters around the clinic. That leaves only one person to look into the situation --"
  into the situation --""Myself," you say.
  into the situation --""Myself," you say."Exactly." She snaps her fingers. "Before we can combat the disease, we need data -- data that can only be gathered through firsthand observation. You've proven yourself to be dependable and resourceful. You have enough medical expertise to make informed judgments. It will have to be you who investigates this series of deaths."
  investigates this series of deaths."You consider her words carefully.
  
  1) "Does it have to be me?"
  2) "Where should I begin?"
  3) "What should I look out for?"
  4) "Can you tell me anything about Doctor Arturus?"
  5) "Do you think Doctor Justinian can help?"
  6) "I'm on it, Doctor."
  
  > 2
  "Where should I begin?" you ask.
  
  "You could begin by examining the bodies," Doctor Cavala says. "He'll be in his clinic -- I suppose it's Doctor Justinian's clinic now. Talk to Doctor Justinian about it, and check his patient records for possible contagion vectors between the deceased.
  
  "It might also be worth asking Zoiro about his brother's associations. See if you can find any correlation between the patients so far. With any luck, we'll uncover the source of the outbreak."
  
  1) "What should I look out for?"
  2) "Can you tell me anything about Doctor Arturus?"
  3) "Do you think Doctor Justinian can help?"
  4) "I'm on it, Doctor."
  
  > 1
  "What should I look out for?"
  
  "Our goal is to combat the disease," Doctor Cavala replies. "We need to determine the means by which it is transmitted -- whether it is endemic to a particular area, or spread by contact, or something else entirely. Once the transmission method is determined, we can take measures to isolate the disease and find a cure."
  
  1) "Can you tell me anything about Doctor Arturus?"
  2) "Do you think Doctor Justinian can help?"
  3) "I'm on it, Doctor."
  
  > 1
  "Can you tell me anything about Doctor Arturus?"
  
  She sighs. "Not much, I'm afraid. Doctor Arturus was from before my time. I'm familiar with his corpus of work, of course -- even met him once or twice, in a professional capacity -- but he was a reclusive man, and rarely involved in everyday affairs.
  
  "Try asking Doctor Justinian instead. He's had more contact with the man than anyone else."
  
  1) "Do you think Doctor Justinian can help?"
  2) "I'm on it, Doctor."
  
  > 1
  "Do you think Doctor Justinian can help?" you ask.
  
  Doctor Cavala nods. "He likely can. At minimum, he can give you a better picture of the events that led to Doctor Arturus's death. Beyond that, he's now the only other qualified doctor in the district. He'll be a useful ally if we are to contain the disease."
  
  1) "I'm on it, Doctor."
  
  > 1
  "I'm on it, Doctor."
  
  She nods. "Remember: talk to Doctor Justinian in the Turris Infinita. Investigate all the deaths that have occurred so far. If you find a connection, we can isolate the transmission vector and quarantine the disease."
  
  disease.""Got it."
  
  She holds up a hand. "Before you go, I have a couple of things to give you. First -- Horatio, would you fetch me a pen?"
  
  you. First -- Horatio, would you fetch me a pen?"The pen is delivered. Doctor Cavala signs a small piece of paper, then seals it with a sigil-brand and hands it to you.
  
  sigil-brand and hands it to you."This is my signum," she says. "It's proof that you're acting on my behalf, for anyone who asks. And another thing --"
  
  another thing --"She has Horatio retrieve a sleek instrument from her desk. It is orichalcum, threaded with tiny magnification lenses, and your eyes widen as he places it in your palm.
  
  your eyes widen as he places it in your palm."Yes, Marid." She smiles wryly. "Since you'll be dealing with a lot of dead bodies, you can borrow my endoscope for this investigation. Just promise me you'll return it in one piece -- I'd hate to take the cost out of your next paycheck."
  
  paycheck.""I -- I understand, Doctor."
  
  She squeezes your hand. "Good luck, Marid. I'm counting on you."
  
  She squeezes your hand. "Good luck, Marid. I'm counting on you."You step back and put the endoscope in your pocket.
  
  (The endoscope can be used to look inside narrow pathways. To use the endoscope, >put it in the object you wish to inspect.)
  
  > examine the endoscope
  An intricate assembly of lenses mounted on adjustable orichalcum rods. It can be inserted into cadavers to examine their internal pathways, and may be useful for inspecting other crevices of a similar nature.
  
  > look at the signum
  A piece of paper signed and sealed by Doctor Cavala. It declares that Servator Marid Orpheia is formally authorized to act in the signatory's stead, and that anyone who disagrees is welcome to take it up with the signatory.
  
  Horatio yawns.
  
  > talk to Horatio
  You approach Horatio, and he grins a little bashfully.
  
  "Hey, Marid," he says.
  
  1) "You don't look too good. Did you sleep well last night?"
  2) "What do you think of the situation so far?"
  3) "See you around, Horatio."
  
  > 1
  "You don't look too good," you say. "Did you sleep well last night?"
  
  "Well... no." He rubs his eyes. "I couldn't get any shut-eye in the clinic -- too much calomel in the air. Doctor Cavala slept like a baby, though. I don't know how she does it..."
  
  He sighs and looks you over.
  
  "To be honest," he says, "you don't look too good yourself. Your tattoos are all in a jumble. I know the doctor has you running errands for her, but -- just watch yourself out there, all right?"
  
  "I will," you say. "I promise."
  
  1) "What do you think of the situation so far?"
  2) "See you around, Horatio."
  
  > 1
  "What do you think of the situation so far?"
  
  Horatio's jaw hardens, and he looks contemplative.
  
  "I... I don't really know what to think," he says. "You and Doctor Cavala have been at this for a lot longer than I have. All I know that people seem to be dropping like flies all of a sudden. Doctor Arturus is dead -- even Doctor Cavala's got a ruined leg. How can we fix the problem when we don't even know what's going on?"
  
  1) "See you around, Horatio."
  
  > 1
  "See you around, Horatio."
  
  "You too, Marid."
  
  You step back, and Horatio returns to his duties.
  
  > look at the tattoos
  Your father gave you these tattoos when you were a young child, as is tradition in some alchemical families. Even now, the flowing, circuitous lines remind you of him.
  
  "I expect we shall be waiting awhile," Doctor Cavala observes. "How about a game of crucible, Horatio?"
  
  "Sure, I guess."
  
  Horatio produces a pack of cards and sits opposite Doctor Cavala.
  
  > go east
  (first opening the front door of the clinic)
  (closing the door behind you)
  
  Via Terminalis, West End
  You stand in the terminus of the Via Terminalis, a cul-de-sac of steel spires and buildings aspiring to the heavens. From here the street-lamps and shop windows line the great spine of the Channelworks District until, shrouded in the mists of the canal, it curves out of sight.
  
  The white cross of Doctor Cavala's clinic is to the west, the dormitory block where you live lies to the north, and a gap between buildings hides an alley entrance to the south. The great Via Terminalis continues to the east.
  
  > Go east
  Via Terminalis, West Street
  You are adrift in the bustle of crowds and carriages, a raucous river that runs through the blood-vessel streets. Signage advertises a profusion of shops and services amid the sounds of leather rollers and stitching machines. In the distant mist, the Bilious Canal spills from the Channelworks into the heart of the city.
  
  You can follow the Via to the west, or to the southeast where it bridges the canal. A condemned block is visible to the north. A hanging banner obscures an alley to the southwest, while a footpath follows the canal to the south.
  
  "That poor doctor!" you overhear someone in the crowd say. "What is the world coming to?..."
  
  > go to the south-east
  Here the voices and bustle wash over the arches and cobblestones. Mist rises from the Bilious Canal below, tarnishing the wayside statues green and gray, and fading into the fog and the overcast sky.
  
  The Via Terminalis stretches away to the northwest and southeast, while a clandestine stairway descends to the south.
  
  > go southeast
  Traffic revolves every which way around this old-fashioned rotunda, tracing the ancient alchemical lines inscribed on the stonework. An armillary sphere rotates in the center of the junction and guides carriages according to its lights.
  
  The Via Terminalis runs northwest to the bridge and southeast to Miller's Gate. A colonnade to the north marks the entrance of the Channelworks. To the east lies the Turris Infinita, and to the south can be seen the grand forum.
  
  Above the Turris Infinita, a black banner casts its trailing shadow across the sky.
  
  > examine the black banner
  A black banner is traditionally put up when the head of the house has died.
  
  A mutant in work clothes tromps past.
  
  > go to the east
  (first opening the ornate double doors)
  (closing the doors behind you)
  
  The atmosphere within the tower is utterly still. The lights that normally circle the mirrors have been dimmed, and the chandeliers overhead brood like thunderclouds. You find yourself treading softly, lightly -- as though if you took a wrong step, the whole glass tower would come crashing down.
  
  As you enter the foyer, two gargoyles land to your left and right. They move to seize your arms.
  They move to seize your arms."I am sorry to inform you that the Turris Infinita is now closed." The porter regards you humorlessly.
  "There is to be no trespassing -- no idle journalism --"
  "There is to be no trespassing -- no idle journalism --"Her lower lip curls.
  
  "No gawking."
  
  1) "I'm charmed."
  2) "Why is the Turris Infinita closed?"
  3) "I'm here on business."
  
  > 3
  "I'm here on business," you say pointedly.
  
  She rolls her eyes. "You and every dullard that comes through these doors. Do I look as though I give a whit about your business? Which part of 'no trespassing' do you not comprehend?"
  
  1) "You're being completely unreasonable!"
  2) "Doctor Cavala has authorized me..." <Present the signum.>
  
  > 2
  You hold up the signum. "Doctor Cavala has authorized me to investigate the death of Doctor Arturus in her stead. If you have a problem with that, you can take it up with Doctor Cavala."
  
  The porter's gaze falls on the slip of paper in your hand. The corner of her mouth twitches."Is that so?" she says. "I believe I
  shall take the matter up with her. Thank you for the kind
  offer, and do inform the good doctor to arrange a meeting at
  her earliest convenience. Until then... the gargoyles will escort you to the door."
  
  to the door."Your face flushes. "You --"
  
  to the door."Your face flushes. "You --"A curtain rattles open. Surgical boots click on glass.
  
  Surgical boots click on glass."What's going on here?" a smoky voice demands.
  
  demands.You turn, and a young man with auburn hair is striding purposefully from the arch of Doctor Arturus's clinic. His coat ripples with natron filigree. There is an intensity in his expression, his visage.
  
  his visage.Your heart skips a beat.
  
  "D -- Doctor Justinian," you say.
  
  "D -- Doctor Justinian," you say."Marid?" He furrows his brow. "Excubitores! Unhand this woman. She is a guest."
  
  The gargoyles release you and vanish into the rafters. The porter looks accusingly at him.
  
  looks accusingly at him."Doctor Justinian," she says. "This is exceedingly irregular --"
  
  exceedingly irregular --""Regulations be damned," he replies.
  "This is my friend, porter. I don't care what she's done.
  We'll have words about this later."
  
  We'll have words about this later.""But --"
  
  He holds up a hand, and the porter falls silent.
  
  He holds up a hand, and the porter falls silent."Good," he says.
  
  He holds up a hand, and the porter falls silent."Good," he says.He turns to you, and his voice loses its edge, grows gentle.
  
  turns to you, and his voice loses its edge, grows gentle."Marid," he says. "I thought you might be coming."
  
  1) "Thanks for that."
  2) "It's good to see you, Doctor Justinian."
  3) "I wouldn't miss a chance to see you, Doctor Justinian."
  
  > 1
  "Thanks... thanks for that," you say lamely.
  
  "It's the least I can do." He nods. "Come with me. We can speak more freely in the clinic proper..."
  
  * * *
  
  * * *## Arturus's Clinic
  This upscale clinic exudes a muted elegance. Chrome fixtures are lit by surgically placed spotlights and underscored by dizzyingly intricate sigil-work. But you can't bring yourself to focus on your surroundings -- not when Justinian's hand feels so warm around yours, and demands so much of your attention.
  
  You know, intellectually, that it is normal for girls to develop crushes. That doesn't stop you from wanting to bury yourself in a hole right now. Why do you have to be so awkward?
  
  right now. Why do you have to be so awkward?Justinian leads
  you to a coffee table and gestures to one of the armchairs. "Please," he says. "Take a seat."
  
  he says. "Take a seat."You sit down, and he sits opposite you. His eyes -- those eyes! -- they study you. Troubled. Concerned.
  
  eyes -- those eyes! -- they study you. Troubled. Concerned."This is about Doctor Arturus's death, I take it?"
  
  1) "I'm so sorry you have to go through this, Justinian."
  2) "I can't believe something like this is happening."
  3) "Doctor Cavala sent me. We're investigating the disease that
  killed Doctor Arturus..."
  
  > 1
  "I -- I'm so sorry you have to go through this, Justinian."
  
  He lowers his eyes. "I appreciate it, Marid. Doctor Arturus -- I haven't always been on the best of terms with him. But he was like a father to me."
  
  1) "I can't believe something like this is happening."
  2) "Doctor Cavala sent me. We're investigating the disease that
  killed Doctor Arturus..."
  
  > 2
  "Doctor Cavala sent me," you say. "We're -- we're investigating the disease that killed Doctor Arturus. Now that we three are the only medical professionals in the district, we -- we have to work together. If we're going to get through this."
  
  Why are you blushing at a time like this? What is wrong with
  you?
  you?Justinian leans forward and clasps his hands. "Marid," he says. "I wish I could be of more help, but I'm afraid last night took... a toll on me. I don't know what I can provide that you don't already know..."
  on me. I don't know what I can provide that you don't already know..."You try to compose your thoughts.
  
  1) "I believe in you, Justinian."
  2) "Can you tell me about how you discovered the body?"
  3) "Can you tell me anything about Doctor Arturus's
  patients?"
  4) "What are your thoughts on the disease?"
  5) "There was an attempt on Doctor Cavala's life. Do you have any
  idea why?"
  6) "I'll look around the clinic. Perhaps I'll find something the Vigiles have missed."
  
  > 1
  You can already feel the blood rising in your cheeks. Justinian -- you -- no. No!
  
  You can't say it. You just can't.
  
  1) "Can you tell me about how you discovered the body?"
  2) "Can you tell me anything about Doctor Arturus's
  patients?"
  3) "What are your thoughts on the disease?"
  4) "There was an attempt on Doctor Cavala's life. Do you have any
  idea why?"
  5) "I'll look around the clinic. Perhaps I'll find something the Vigiles have missed."
  
  > 1
  "Can you... can you tell me about how you discovered the body?"
  
  He shakes his head. "It's all a blur. Doctor Arturus had cloistered himself in the back of the clinic. I was instructed not to disturb him -- he seemed fine when I left in the evening. It was only when he didn't turn up for work this morning that I thought..."
  
  "...You thought something might have happened?"
  
  "Exactly." Justinian looks at his hands. "When I called on him in his domicile -- the disease had taken him."
  
  1) "Can you tell me anything about Doctor Arturus's
  patients?"
  2) "What are your thoughts on the disease?"
  3) "There was an attempt on Doctor Cavala's life. Do you have any
  idea why?"
  4) "I'll look around the clinic. Perhaps I'll find something the Vigiles have missed."
  
  > 1
  "Can you tell me anything about Doctor Arturus's patients?"
  
  Justinian's jaw hardens. "I know very little," he says. "Doctor Arturus... even in this clinic, with his aide, he was circumspect about his clients. He never told me anything. Never let me handle any of the administration. It's almost as if he didn't trust me -- but he was always a private man. I'm afraid I can't help you more."
  
  1) "Do you know where the patient records are kept?"
  2) "What are your thoughts on the disease?"
  3) "There was an attempt on Doctor Cavala's life. Do you have any
  idea why?"
  4) "I'll look around the clinic. Perhaps I'll find something the Vigiles have missed."
  
  > 1
  You squirm in your seat. "Do you know where the patient records are kept?"
  
  "Try Doctor Arturus's domicile," he says. "He was obsessed with control. It would be like him to have every record on hand."
  
  1) "What are your thoughts on the disease?"
  2) "There was an attempt on Doctor Cavala's life. Do you have any
  idea why?"
  3) "I'll look around the clinic. Perhaps I'll find something the Vigiles have missed."
  
  > 1
  "What are your thoughts on... on the disease?"
  
  A serious cast comes over Justinian's features, and he pauses before speaking.
  
  "I know that it is dangerous, Marid. It has killed so many in mere days -- not even Doctor Arturus was safe, and he was the most cautious man I ever knew. If you plan to investigate this -- you must be careful, Marid. Very careful."
  
  1) "Was Doctor Arturus a cautious man? Doctor Cavala didn't give
  me that impression."
  2) "There was an attempt on Doctor Cavala's life. Do you have any
  idea why?"
  3) "I'll look around the clinic. Perhaps I'll find something the Vigiles have missed."
  
  > 1
  "Was Doctor Arturus a cautious man?" you ask. "Doctor Cavala... didn't give me that impression."
  
  Justinian looks almost disappointed for a moment, and the look in his eyes breaks your heart.
  
  "Doctor Cavala didn't know him like I did," he says, quietly.
  
  1) "There was an attempt on Doctor Cavala's life. Do you have any
  idea why?"
  2) "I'll look around the clinic. Perhaps I'll find something the Vigiles have missed."
  
  > 1
  "There was... there was an attempt on Doctor Cavala's life. Do you have any idea why?"
  
  "Hmm?"
  
  You relate your recollection of last night's events, and Justinian purses his lips.
  
  "I don't know what that's all about," he says. "It sounds like Doctor Cavala is the one you should ask."
  
  1) "I'll look around the clinic. Perhaps I'll find something the Vigiles have missed."
  
  > 1
  "I'll... I'll look around the clinic. Perhaps I'll find something the Vigiles have missed."
  
  You stand up a little too anxiously -- no, Marid, you're blowing
  it -- and then Justinian grabs your wrist and you react in an
  entirely unladylike fashion but his attention is focused completely on you.
  
  "Marid," he says.
  
  "Marid," he says."J-- Justinian?"
  
  "Marid," he says."J-- Justinian?""Be careful." His voice is trembling. "I don't want anything to happen to you. If -- if it's too dangerous -- you can just go back to Doctor Cavala. No one will begrudge you for it."
  
  it."His words wrench at your heartstrings. For a moment you have the urge to hug him and forget about everything -- forget about blood, forget about tears, forget about the dying and the dead.
  
  forget about tears, forget about the dying and the dead.But when you close your eyes, you know you'd never forgive yourself. Not for the rest of your life.
  
  rest of your life."I'll be careful," you tell him. "I promise."
  
  rest of your life."I'll be careful," you tell him. "I promise."He reluctantly lets go.
  
  reluctantly lets go.You turn and make your way into the frigid light.
  
  reluctantly lets go.You turn and make your way into the frigid light.## Arturus's Clinic
  This upscale clinic exudes a muted elegance. Chrome fixtures are lit by surgically placed spotlights and underscored by dizzyingly intricate sigil-work. Yet for all its technical mastery, the space seems somehow empty, somehow melancholy.
  
  An arch to the west leads back to the Turris Infinita foyer.
  
  A Vigiles examiner and his investigators are huddled around a group of tarpaulin-covered bodies. Beside them, Justinian sits at a coffee table, brooding.
  
  > look at the examiner
  The Vigiles examiner appears to be the one in charge of the team. He looks surprisingly human, if you discount his quivering mustache.
  
  > talk to the examiner
  You approach the team of Vigiles, signum in hand. The examiner's cilia twitch as he looks you over.
  
  "Examiner Velox," he says. "Channelworks Division. And who might you be?"
  be?""My name is Servator Marid Orpheia," you reply. "I'm here on behalf of Doctor Cavala. I need to study the bodies so we can develop a cure for the affliction."
  a cure for the affliction.""The ius medici?" He nods. "Very
  well, Servator. You may inspect these bodies at your own risk. Do not damage them, however -- we are considering the possibility of quarantine, and they may be used as evidence in the tribunal."
  
  1) "Quarantine?"
  2) "Tribunal?"
  3) "I'll do my best to avoid damaging the bodies."
  4) "I can't promise that I won't damage the bodies..."
  
  > 1
  "Quarantine?"
  
  "Indeed." His mustache bristles vigorously. "If there is even a possibility that Doctor Justinian's fears ring true, it is imperative that the spread of the disease be contained -- if not within the Turris, then within the Channelworks District."
  
  1) "The disease isn't confined to the Turris."
  2) "You mentioned a tribunal?"
  3) "I'll do my best to avoid damaging the bodies."
  4) "I can't promise that I won't damage the bodies..."
  
  > 1
  "The disease isn't confined to the Turris."
  
  He frowns. "Then the situation is worse than I had imagined. We
  must quarantine the district in the name of the public good."
  
  1) "You mentioned a tribunal?"
  2) "I'll do my best to avoid damaging the bodies."
  3) "I can't promise that I won't damage the bodies..."
  
  > 1
  "You mentioned a tribunal?"
  
  Examiner Velox flashes his badge. "We are here on behalf of the district councils. At this very moment, a hearing is under way regarding measures to be taken against the disease."
  
  1) "I'll do my best to avoid damaging the bodies."
  2) "I can't promise that I won't damage the bodies..."
  
  > 1
  "I'll do my best to avoid damaging the bodies."
  
  He nods. "Excellent. To business, then. If you'll follow me..."
  
  He nods. "Excellent. To business, then. If you'll follow me..."You follow him to the slab, where he draws back the tarpaulin. You recognize Doctor Arturus, but there are three others: a man dressed in finery, a man built like a fighter, and a reedy young woman. All have black stains around their mouths and eyes.
  
  black stains around their mouths and eyes."Here are the four victims of the disease," Examiner Velox says. "We've made some preliminary investigations into their identities. Looking for identification on the bodies, cross-referencing against our records, et
  cetera..."
  
  cetera...""What can you tell me?" you ask.
  
  cetera...""What can you tell me?" you ask."The man on the left is Doctor Arturus -- I see you're already familiar with him. Very good. The one beside him, the well-dressed man, is Creditor Nacarat of the Furopolis Securities Exchange. He's rather well-known in certain circles of society -- has been implicated in some fraud allegations, but nothing concrete."
  
  but nothing concrete.""What about the other two?"
  
  but nothing concrete.""What about the other two?""Ah." Examiner Velox furrows his mustache. "They are more of an enigma. They carry no identification; they are not in our records. We believe they were unregistered criminals hiding in the Shanty Quarter. According to our contacts, they match the description of Sal and Piper, a villainous duo of some notoriety. They were underworld enforcers, and not particularly well liked."
  
  particularly well liked."You consider the facts laid before you.
  
  1) "The victims all died of the same disease?"
  2) "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  3) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  4) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  5) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 1
  "The victims all died of the same disease?"
  
  Examiner Velox shrugs. "Like you, we cannot damage the bodies, making any detailed examination impossible. It seems clear, however, that these deaths were all caused by the same affliction of the blood."
  
  1) "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  2) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  3) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  4) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 1
  "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  
  1) "You're certain about his identity?"
  2) "What was the state his body was found in?"
  3) "What was the time of death?"
  4) "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  5) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  6) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  7) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 1
  "You're certain about his identity?"
  
  Examiner Velox's mustache wriggles. "You and Doctor Justinian have both identified the body. We have detected no illusions, if that is what you are asking. The body on the slab is, without a doubt, that of Doctor Arturus."
  
  1) "What was the state his body was found in?"
  2) "What was the time of death?"
  3) "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  4) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  5) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  6) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 1
  "What was the state his body was found in?"
  
  "Doctor Justinian notified the Vigiles at five in the morning," Examiner Velox replies. "When we arrived at quarter-past five, we found Doctor Arturus's body already laid out here on the slab. Doctor Justinian testified that he had found Doctor Arturus motionless in his domicile, and moved him here in an attempt to revive him."
  
  1) "What was the time of death?"
  2) "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  3) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  4) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  5) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 1
  "What was the time of death?"
  
  His mustache squirms. "The varying temperatures in the Turris Infinita make the precise time difficult to ascertain. Complicating matters is the fact that Doctor Justinian moved the body, interfering with the natural processes of rigor mortis and livor mortis.
  All we can gather is that he died last night -- sometime between eight and twelve hours ago."
  
  1) "What was the state his body was found in, again?"
  2) "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  3) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  4) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  5) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 2
  "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  
  "We believe that he was infected through his gloves," Examiner Velox replies. "They are stained with black effluvium both within and without. If you are concerned with the method of transmission, you might examine them further."
  
  Through his gloves? That shouldn't be possible...
  
  1) "What was the state his body was found in, again?"
  2) "What was the time of death, again?"
  3) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  4) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  5) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 3
  "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  
  1) "Who was he again?"
  2) "What was the time of death?"
  3) "What do you know about the circumstances of his death?"
  4) "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  5) "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  6) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  7) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 2
  "What was the time of death?"
  
  "By my estimation," he replies, "and assuming his body has remained in the clinic the whole time -- he died a little over thirty hours ago, on the night of the Third."
  
  The night Reden died, you mentally append.
  
  1) "Who was he again?"
  2) "What do you know about the circumstances of his death?"
  3) "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  4) "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  5) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  6) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 2
  "What do you know about the circumstances of his death?"
  
  He shrugs. "Creditor Nacarat was a patient here before he died. All the signs suggest he died here, together with Sal and Piper."
  
  1) "Who was he again?"
  2) "What was the time of death, again?"
  3) "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  4) "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  5) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  6) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 3
  "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  
  A twitch of the mustache. "There is a glyph of recording in the inner lining of his jacket. It holds an intriguing, if fragmented, phonographic transcription. We did not find it particularly useful, but it may be worth listening to regardless."
  
  1) "Who was he again?"
  2) "What was the time of death, again?"
  3) "What do you know about the circumstances of his death,
  again?"
  4) "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  5) "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  6) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 5
  "Regarding Sal and Piper..."
  
  1) "Who were they again?"
  2) "What were the times of death?"
  3) "What do you know about the circumstances of their
  deaths?"
  4) "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  5) "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  6) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  7) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 2
  "What were the times of death?"
  
  "Both of them died around the same time," Examiner Velox replies, "though the precise time is uncertain. I am given to believe that they died around the same time as Creditor Nacarat -- around thirty hours ago, on the night of the Third."
  
  1) "Who were they again?"
  2) "What do you know about the circumstances of their
  deaths?"
  3) "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  4) "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  5) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  6) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 2
  "What do you know about the circumstances of their deaths?"
  
  "As they were patients in the clinic," he replies, "they likely died here, together with Creditor Nacarat. The signs they exhibit corroborate that."
  
  1) "Who were they again?"
  2) "What were the times of death, again?"
  3) "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  4) "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  5) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  6) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 3
  "Is there anything I should be aware of?"
  
  "We found some things in their pockets," the examiner says. "You may wish to look at their possessions... although I am uncertain, personally, how relevant they are to this series of deaths."
  
  1) "Who were they again?"
  2) "What were the times of death, again?"
  3) "What do you know about the circumstances of their deaths,
  again?"
  4) "Regarding Doctor Arturus..."
  5) "Regarding Creditor Nacarat..."
  6) "I'll keep investigating."
  
  > 6
  "I'll keep investigating."
  
  "Very well. I will be here if you have any further questions."
  
  You step back, and Examiner Velox returns to his work.
  
  > examine the gloves
  Which do you mean, Doctor Arturus's gloves, Creditor Nacarat's gloves, or the clothes?
  
  > Doctor
  You get a loupe and a pair of tweezers, and carefully -- very carefully -- you inspect Doctor Arturus's bloodstained gloves.
  
  Your heart hammers in your ears. Your breath condenses on the tarpaulins.
  
  tarpaulins.There! Is that --
  
  tarpaulins.There! Is that --Nothing.
  
  tarpaulins.There! Is that --Nothing.There's nothing at all.
  The gloves are perfectly sealed. Brand new, in fact -- if you brush away the blood, you can see the sigils glowing softly on the rubber.
  
  away the blood, you can see the sigils glowing softly on the rubber.That means there are two possibilities. Either this disease can somehow be transmitted through an alchemically-sealed
  waterproof barrier -- which is in defiance of everything you learned in school, and besides you and Doctor Cavala are still alive, so that can't be right --
  
  can't be right --Or there's something else at work here. Something more insidious.
  
  more insidious.You carefully decontaminate the equipment you borrowed and return it to the clinic. You're going to have to keep investigating.
  
  > examine Doctor
  You approach the body.
  
  The first time you saw Doctor Arturus's face was in De historia medica, your first-year medical textbook. You still remember it
  -- sharp, black and white, with a jaw like a the edge of a knife. You were nervous, when you moved to the Channelworks District, to meet the famed pathologist in the flesh.
  famed pathologist in the flesh.But the man who you met that day was smaller, somehow. His features, so arresting in his youth, had crinkled under the burden of years. He did not look you in the eye when he shook your hand.
  when he shook your hand."His time is past," Doctor Cavala had said, afterwards. "He hardly practices these days..."
  afterwards. "He hardly practices these days..."The body laid before you is gaunt, almost pitiful. The sleeves of his natron coat are completely soaked in eerie black stains. His glasses are stained opaque, and his mouth is frozen open in horror.
  opaque, and his mouth is frozen open in horror.You could examine Doctor Arturus's head, his torso, his arms, or his legs.
  
  > examine the doctor head
  Death has not been kind to Doctor Arturus. The black blood from his eyes and mouth has seeped into his wrinkles, crisscrossing his face with a spiderweb of decay.
  
  His mouth is wide open. It occurs to you that you could put your endoscope in and look around inside.
  
  > put the endoscope in the doctor mouth
  You insert the endoscope into Doctor Arturus's mouth...
  Mouth
  A cavern ringed with tombstones. The cavity glistens black -- the capillaries are visible behind the membranes, diseased and withered and creeping. It is almost impossible to distinguish blood from shadow.
  
  Light streams in from outside. The pharynx lies further in.
  
  > examine the cavity
  The walls are streaked ebon where the diseased blood has set.
  
  > examine the teeth
  At this scale, Doctor Arturus's teeth are colossal bone plinths.
  
  > Go inside
  You descend...
  Pharynx
  A tunnel splitting, twisting darkly. Fleshy folds press inward, tight bundles of muscle and cartilage frozen in black ivy.
  
  The esophagus is blocked by the epiglottis. You can only descend through the larynx.
  
  > examine the ivy
  The scutiform cartilage. The smuggler's fossa. The ventricular folds.