Encounter-01-Roads-Less-Traveled-Rev-1

(track: 'elevator-interior-noise', 'play')(track: 'elevator-interior-noise', 'loop', true)(track: 'ship-interior-noise', 'play')(track: 'ship-interior-noise', 'loop', true)When compared to the gimick-filled tourist traps, crowded souvenir shops, exclusive fine-dining retaurants, and wild entertainment venues that litter the //Freedom Survivor//'s fore section, the vessel's corporate tower wears a cloak of refreshing professionalism, even if it is marred by opulent interior design. You stand waiting inside a cutting-edge elevator car, peering out of a spotless curved-glass panel. As you ascend DOATEC's re-imagined world headquarters, your skeptical eyes trace the incredible views of L'Opéra de Delna and Grand Palais des Marins' stunning outer concourses through the transparent lens. You wonder what secrets they've witnessed over the years, assuming nothing on this ship can be taken at face value. Shadows envelope you within their tenebrosity as the car rises through the roof, but only for a moment. When light returns to your narrowed eyes, a prodigious visage of the remarkable ship’s exterior comes with it, glaring alabaster paint and shining glass facets blinding you in the harsh midday sun. Spanning Hudson River's jagged shores, New York City stretches the horizon. Gleaming towers hide hideous scars of the city's repeated brushes with catastrophe in recent years. [[TAKE IN THE VIEW]] [[IGNORE THE SCENERY]]

The iconic New York you recall from fond childhood memories of famous action movies and television sitcoms has long since died, leaving behind a bitter husk of its former self. Though at first glance it seems the same, recent battles fought on these historic streets continue to haunt the remaining population that's still too stubborn to leave. Perhaps, during your time here, you can set aside a few hours to explore things up close. Who knows what you might find? You feel your climb coming to an end as the elevator begins to slow, again bathing the interior of the sleek car in shadows as it passes through the Executive Tower's outer bulkhead. With a polite chime from a small speaker on the control panel, you come to a full stop and the stainless doors behind you slide open. [[EXIT THE ELEVATOR]]

You sigh, crossing your arms and turning your back on the picturesque view of the Financial District's remains, instead facing the car's stainless doors. Your steely gaze settles onto the control panel's digital display while it continues counting decks. As interesting as New York is these days, this damaged metropolis isn't the reason you've come here, and there's no sense wasting time 'admiring' what was left of it. There is another fleeting moment of darkness as the elevator again passes through the Executive Tower's outer bulkheads. As you come to a gentle rest, the red glow of the control panel's screen reads 'DECK 16'. A polite beep from the speaker lets you know you've arrived. [[EXIT THE ELEVATOR]]

(track: 'elevator-interior-noise', 'stop')(track: 'elevator-chime', 'play')To your growing disappointment, the sixteenth deck of DOATEC's flagship headquarters is no different than the rest of the vessel's interior design; its classical architecture smothered in antiquated finery. The walls were plastered with beige wallpaper featuring an elaborate design meant to mimic the stale decor of a bygone era while the polished marble tile floors attempt to give the foyer a modern feel. You march forward, your determined eyes tracing a nearby directory's signage in search of the name that brought you to this god-forsaken place: Dr. Annika Holovatsky, DOATEC's Chief Intelligence Officer. Once your finger comes to rest on her name, you give the placard an accusatory tap as you depart. You waste no time hovering in the DOATEC Intelligence Office's grand archive room as you march along its balcony's loft, avoiding the urge to stare at the rows of bookshelves below or the four massive windows encompassing the foreward wall. Instead, you carry yourself on brisk legs into the starboard wing, past tinted glass entries, and into a hall lined with ornate wooden office doors. At the end of the corridor, next to one of these carved edifaces, is a plaque which reads: Rm. E1604 Annika Holovatsky, PsyD Chief Intelligence Officer [[KNOCK ON THE DOOR]] [[WALK INSIDE, UNANNOUNCED]]

(track: 'knock-knock', 'play')//KNOCK, KNOCK.// You strike the wooden door with sharp knuckles, taking a moment to listen for a response over the distant hum of the //Survivor//'s powerful gas turbine generators. Inside the office, the subtle sound of high heels on carpet fades into existence. The heavy door eases open to reveal a gorgeous blonde woman dressed in a pristine white button up blouse and a black form-fitting skirt, all of it matching every curve of her hourglass shape. Most of her silky smooth blonde hair was bound into a tidy bun atop her head secured by a dark elastic band, save for the side swept locks that cradle the gentle slopes of her beautiful oval-shaped face. Her blue eyes, deep and soothing like the water outside, peer into you from over the top of elliptical wireframe glasses that had slid halfway down the bridge of her dainty nose. Behind her, you catch a glimpse of a spacious room featuring an inverted tray-style roof and luxurious stained hardwood panelling. On the far wall, large windows allow light to bleed through open slats of expensive bamboo blinds. In the office's center, a sturdy wooden desk faces a faux fireplace to your left which features an oil painting of DOATEC's floating headquarters on display above its mantle. Behind the desk, on the opposite wall, shelves crammed full of various books stretched from floor to ceiling. Some of them looked quite old, with broken spines and water-damaged titles written in cyrillic script you couldn't read. A welcoming smile blooms upon Annika's cherry red lips as she returns to the swivel chair behind the desk, beckoning for you to follow with a light wave of her hand. "Welcome to DOATEC's Intelligence Office. What can I do for you?" [[INTRODUCE YOURSELF]] [[REMAIN SILENT]]

(track: 'door-opening', 'play')Pushing your way inside the heavy wooden door, you step into the office. However, surprise washes over you as you're greeted by a breathtaking view of your new surroundings. With a recessed ceiling and walls covered in rich, dark wood panelling, the space held an atmosphere resembling an ornate library, not the stuffy administrative closet you expected to find. Opposite the doorway, you see a glimpse of New York's shining towers through the open slats of lacquered bamboo blinds. To your left, there is a false fireplace, complete with a mantle facade featuring an oil painting of the //Freedom Survivor// in the Harland & Wolff shipyards where she was laid down. In stark contrast, the right side of the room was lined from floor to ceiling with books of all shapes and sizes, some of which looked older than dirt with faded spines and weather-worn titles written in a cyrillic alphabet. You close the laquered wooden door behind you, focusing your attention onto a massive mahogany desk in front of the bookshelves. The hardwood fixture sat facing the fireplace, its surface devoid of personal effects or clutter, giving you no clues about the mysterious blonde woman sitting behind it. Her white button-up blouse is free of wrinkles, matching the smooth contours of her black pencil skirt as it hugs the gentle curves of her hips. Her pale golden hair is bound into a flawless bun at the crown of her head, save the asymmetrical fringe that frames the sides of her oval-shaped face. Elliptical wireframe glasses slide down onto the bridge of her refined, yet petite nose while tapered eyebrows pinch together over widened blue eyes. She takes a moment to press her ruby red lips together, turning off her computer monitor before peering at you over the top of her spectacles. She softens her gaze in an attempt to appear more welcoming, despite your sudden intrusion into her office. The faintest of smiles graces the curves of her full lips. "Can I help you?" [[INTRODUCE YOURSELF]] [[REMAIN SILENT]]

"I'm an auditor, from the United Nations." You offer her a brief nod. "I received a message from Ms. Douglas' assistant implying you were expecting me, Doctor Holovatsky." Annika's smile widens to reveal immaculate white teeth as she pushes her glasses up with her left index finger. "You mean Marie Rose, //так//? It is relief to hear she did not forget. These days that one is always busy." Her west-slavic accent was heavy, giving her smooth voice an alluring flavor. It was lighter than Russian, but heavier than Polish. Ukranian, perhaps? She raises an arm to wave at the empty lounge chair in front of her desk. "Please sit. We have much to discuss." You waste no time settling yourself into its luxurious leather cushions. Reluctant to make yourself too comfortable, you lean forward and clear your throat. "Let's cut the small talk, Doctor. You know why I'm here." Annika's alluring smile brightens as she leans back in her swivel chair, crossing one leg over the other while smoothing her skirt. "My, my, Auditor. Are you so eager to condemn us that you have no time for pleasantries?" You scoff. "I haven't come here to make friends. I'm here for the truth, Doct—" "There is not need to be so formal. Call me Annika." She paused to study your face. "And you are?" "Auditor is fine for now," You exhale your words, "//Doctor.//" An amused twinkle sparkles in her azure eyes. "As you insist. I understand your trepidation, //Auditor//, given DOATEC's involvement in recent events. I assure you this is not same company it was two years ago. Since then, much has changed." "A new coat of paint on a moldy wall doesn't kill the rot beneath." You smirk, proud of your cryptic response. "We'll see who's right, in the end." Annika opens a desk drawer, rummaging through its contents as she spoke. "I suppose so. Tell me, do you have time for brief evaluation before we start? You might be surprised by results." [[TAKE QUIZ]] [[REFUSE QUIZ]]

"You must be auditor from United Nations, //так//?" Unfazed by your analytical stare, she nods toward a plush, brown leather chair on the far side of her desk. “Sit, please. I insist." Her voice is painted in a bold, slavic accent; too soft to be Russian, but too hard to be Polish. If you were going to venture a guess, you might place your bet on western Ukraine. “And you must be Dr. Annika Holovatsky.” You oblige her request, sinking yourself into the warm embrace of the well made furniture. As you lean forward, a subtle smirk begins to tug at the corners of your mouth. “I wasn’t expecting such a warm welcome from DOATEC.” “Oh?” Her clear voice chimes like a bell as she settles herself back into her seat, crossing one leg over the other. “And what //were// you expecting?” “Trouble.” She allows herself a small huff of amusement as she pushes her glasses up with her right index finger. “You will be pleased to find DOATEC can be quite accommodating, Auditor. I know our recent history has been,” she pauses to clear her throat, “troubling. However, that is why you have come, is it not?” You relax your posture, giving her a subtle nod before speaking. “I’m here for the truth, Dr. Holovatsky.” “Hmm,” the beautiful woman’s charming smile widens. “You say that as if it is so simple; as if I can summarize all you wish to know in single sentence. Truth is messy, Auditor, and tainted by perspective.” “Hmm.” Your eyes narrow as you lock them onto hers, studying the blue gems for any trace of deceit. “Don’t tell me how to do my job, Doctor. I know where the truth likes to hide.” “Do you?” She mutters, her head tilting to the side as she reaches into her desk. “You are very sure of yourself. Tell me, Auditor, do you first have time to answer some questions? You might find them insightful.” [[TAKE QUIZ]] [[REFUSE QUIZ]]

"You have my attention." You say, relaxing your posture as your curiosity leads you toward the rabbit hole's enticing threshold. "What do you have in mind?" She recovers a beautiful, handcrafted ink pen and legal notepad from the desk drawer, an intriguing smile still decorating her face. You take notice that her glasses had once again settled further down on her dainty nose as she uses the back of the pen to adjust them higher. Eyes of azure settle into yours as she parts her lips to speak. "While I'm certain you have already some idea for what you are looking, I like always to start my assignments by taking time to first identify my objectives. For me, it is same as it is for you. After all, we both search for truth to get clearer image of past transgressions." "What's your point, Doctor?" She plants the tip of her pen to paper. "Sometimes it is good to ask yourself where is best place to start. There are so many events of past few years that have led to this path. It can be daunting without addressing first what is it that drives us forward. So, Auditor, what interests you most?" [[DOATEC'S HUBRIS]] [[VICTIMS OF DOATEC]] [[THE UNDERDOGS]] [[START FROM THE BEGINNING]]

"I'm here to investigate you, not the other way around." You straighten your jacket sleeves, refusing her charm's attempted infiltration of your defenses. Silence fills the space between you, giving the spacious office an odd, stuffy feeling. After a moment, she retrieves a pristine DOATEC ID badge featuring her name and signature from the open desk drawer. “As you insist. Follow me, Auditor. I’ll show you way to archive libraries.” You stand up from your seat at the same time she rises from hers. The gracious woman moves with light feet toward the door, and you follow behind her, ready to get down to business. <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/chronicle/" target="_blank">VISIT CHRONOLOGICAL ARCHIVES</a> <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/arcs/" target="_blank">VISIT SERIALIZED ARC ARCHIVES</a>

"DOATEC's aweful reputation undermines Ms. Douglas' good intentions. I'm here to look into the corporation's past." You cross your arms over your chest. "Those that forget their mistakes are doomed to repeat them, and no one wants to see that happen." Annika nods her head, her face solemn as she scribbles down some notes. "You say that as if you expect me to be insincere. Whatever it is you think of DOATEC now, please keep in mind that I have been in your shoes before." "Don't make presumptions of my intentions, Doctor." Your voice is like crushed gravel as it leaves your lips. "You think you know what it's like out there beyond this ivory tower you sit in?" The sound of pen on paper stopped as she looks up, her face firm as her smile fades. "Now who is it that is making presumptions? There is no need for us to be adversarial. With that being said, is there particular subject with which you want to start?" [[SCIENTISTS]] [[SOLDIERS]] [[ADMINISTRATION]]

"I've seen the incident reports involving DOATEC assets, but it's the people victimized by these events that have my attention." You look toward the window, where the scarred New York skyline parallels the ships starboard side. "I'd like to look into where I think things started getting out of hand." "You don't think you can trust DOATEC's account of events?" You look at the blonde with a skeptical leer. "To be frank, I don't. It's through the eyes of those hurt by DOATEC's twisted agenda that I'll be able to get a real sense of the clearest truths. In their eyes, there will be no excuses made for the actions taken and no stories of how the ends justify the means." Annika gives you a small nod. "I agree." You feel your face twitch as her response catches you off guard. "You do?" "Of course, Auditor." She takes a moment to write some notes. "You may find this shocking, but I wasn't always someone who regarded DOATEC with high esteem. I have suffered my fair share of losses at hands of Donovan's selfish schemes." "You have my attention, Doctor." "Ah, but in this instance, you do not have mine, Auditor. We aren't here to talk about my past. Perhaps some other time." She clears her throat as she adjusts her glasses. "So, tell me, where would you like to begin?" [[NINJA CLANS]] [[LONG BEACH WAR]]

"It's easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees." You search her porcelain face for any flicker of insight. "I want to dig deep; searching into the stories of those forgotten by the people in charge. Sometimes, you find all the answers you need in the least obvious places." Tapping the pen against the corner of her lips, you see a glimmer of a smile blooming in her bottomless blue eyes. "You surprise me, Auditor. I imagined that you would be so eager to dive into DOATEC's secrets that you wouldn't pay any mind to others affected by Donovan's madness." "You're disappointed?" You raise an eyebrow at her. "Hardly." She shook her head, still smiling. "But, where to begin? Is there not specific event you have in mind? I would hate for you to feel lost before you even begin." You pause, thinking over tales of all those affected by the disastrous consuquences rendered by the global corporation's mistakes. While you sit in silent consideration, Annika speaks with silk words. "DOATEC's archives are littered with many records of such stories, but I do have some that I might consider more obscure than others. Like spider web, each record is just one strand of bigger picture. While some may not seem so important at first glance, you may find that it is more compelling after closer look." You take a deep breath. "Go on." She scratches out more notes on her paper while she continues. "We both know DOATEC was not as honest as others once thought, and there are records of many shady deals made with very bad people. These people are not well known, but their influence was significant; people such as Chinese Triad or Silk Road vagabonds." She lifts her pen as she raises her head to look at you. "If you prefer more sentimental files, I have records of events in German Black Forest that you might find interesting. Or would you prefer to keep thinking on your own?" [[KEEP THINKING]] [[CHINESE TRIAD]] [[SILK ROAD]] [[BLACK FOREST]]

"Actually, I've changed my mind. I'm not interested in playing your games, Dr. Holovatsky." You nod your head toward the door. "I'd like to start at the beginning." "Oh?" The beautiful woman's face dims as she puts down her pen on the barren pad of paper in front of her. "Are you sure? You might find it easy to get lost in maze of records without guidance." "Guidance?" You scoff. "With all due respect, DOATEC guidance has never been all that useful to anyone who took it at face value." Annika's glasses began to slide down her nose as she tilted her head down. "Perhaps you will change your mind after you look through some of our records. I know you don't think so now, but we are on same side." As she grabbed her ID badge from the desk drawer in front of her, you stand from your seat and head for the door. "That's what I'm here to make sure of. Show me where you keep your records." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/chronicle/" target="_blank">VISIT CHRONOLOGICAL ARCHIVES</a>

"DOATEC's crimes are rooted in a sick obsession with mad science." Your jaw tightens as you speak, causing your words to feel stiff. "Without these pursuits, Fame Douglas may never have been killed, and the Tritower might very well still be standing." "That is fair, Auditor." Annika again pushes her glasses up with the pen. "Though, you may be surprised how far back in our records you must search to see where it all began." "I have no illusions that my investigation will be short lived. I'm not scared of a little heavy reading." Standing from her desk, Annika offers a renewed smile. "That is good to hear. Too often, people are so busy rushing to arrive at their destination that they overlook journey. I do hope you don't make similar mistakes." "I don't intend to." She retrieves a laminated ID card from her desk before gesturing at the door. "Come with me, Auditor. I think I have perfect place for you to start your work." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2008-0304-2147/" target="_blank">ARC SET: TAPESTRY OF LIES</a>

"It's no secret that Fame Douglas built this company by climbing on a stack of corpses made by his involvement in modern warfare." Annika's blue eyes widened. "Is that what you've been told? Auditor, I think you've been misled." You narrow your gaze as you tilt your head. "Is that so?" "Fame had no interest in fueling mankind's obsession with killing one another. Everything he built, he designed with purpose of helping people fight back against those seeking needless destruction. DOATEC was never meant to capitalize on warfare." The blonde woman sighs as she shakes her head. "At least, not in beginning." "So you admit that things got out of hand over time?" You cross your arms, smirking. "I need to learn more about DOATEC's soldiers, and what their objectives were." Annika's somber expression never relaxed. "You act as if these men were all monsters, but things are not simple as you think. I have set of files in mind that may give you more perspective, Auditor." She retrieves a keycard from her desk. "Come with me." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/1996-0529-2302/" target="_blank">ARC SET: CHASING WHITE RABBITS</a>

"Bad leadership brings about bad corporations," You say with a dry voice. "Understanding more about the Douglas family, and their vision of the future, will go a long way in answering any doubts I have about Helena's sincerity." "Ms. Douglas has been through so much already..." Annika seems reluctant to entertain your request. "She is not person you think she is, you know." "What an interesting thing to say, Doctor." You raise an eyebrow at her with a smug grin on your face. "How could you make any assumptions on what I think of your boss?" The fair-haired woman takes a deep breath. "I've seen many people assume terrible things of Ms. Douglas without understanding anything about who she is at her core." Annika hesitates to lock eyes with you. "It is same mistake I once made, too." "All the more reason for me to investigate her, isn't it?" DOATEC's Chief Intelligence Officer reached into her desk to grab her security pass, nodding as she stood from her chair. "Perhaps it is not such bad idea. Follow me, please." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2008-0324-1659/" target="_blank">ARC SET: HEIRESS OF ASHES</a>

"Let's stop dancing around the elephant in the room, Doctor." The gorgeous woman seated behind the desk stops writing with her pen, glancing up to examine her surroundings. "What elephant?" "Very funny," you smirk, smiling despite yourself. "You know what I mean. The Tritower's destruction, and those responsible for it—" "Tsk," Annika shakes her head. "What do you know of Tritower's demise? Don't tell me you believe everything you hear from media reports." "Like it or not, Doctor, the media provides the lense through which the rest of the world sees DOATEC, and by proxy, Ms. Douglas' intentions." You pause to glance out of the window at the faded New York skyline. "I'm referring to the CIA's worst kept secret; the Hayabusa ninja." The blonde woman presses her plump cherry lips together, squinting her eyes in an obvious attempt to suppress laughter. "You think Ryu Hayabusa was responsible for attack on Tritower? You have much to learn before we discuss what happened in Las Vegas." Crossing your arms, you shift your focus back to the woman with the ivory skin. "Enlighten me." "You must keep open mind," she adjusts her eyeglasses with delicate fingers. "To make sense of why Tritower was destroyed, you have first to learn more about secretive ways of Mugen Tenshin ninja clan." "Mugen Tenshin?" You repeat her words, wondering where you've heard that name before. "Wait, wasn't that the style used by one of the former contestants of the Dead or Alive tournaments?" "More than one," Annika scribbled down a quick note on her paper as she spoke, "but that is semantics. Before we continue, I should warn you that this tale has many perspectives. As with all good stories, there are two sides. So, do you wish to start with pursuit of power, or cursed child?" [[POWER]] [[CURSED CHILD]]

"There are a lot of stories that come to mind, but one of the earliest accounts that crossed my desk during this assignment's brieifing are the events surrounding the Long Beach Wars of southern California." "The Long Beach Wars?" Annika repeats your words with weighted clarity, her thick slavic accent failing to hide the sense of sadness that clung to her voice. "That is complex story, Auditor. Are you certain you'd like to start there?" "I can think of no better place." Annika gives you a single nod as she scribbles down another note in her legal pad. "When it concerns those events, I'm afraid it is not so easy to understand. News reports of that time make it sound one-sided. I recommend you get sense of what led to Long Beach Wars' beginning, first." "You're saying the media sugar-coated things, Doctor?" Annika adjusts her glasses, her eyes boring into yours with clear disdain for your sarcasm. "I'm saying that media has bad habit of framing stories to give themselves better rating. To you, story of Long Beach might seem simple, no? An act of domestic terrorism getting out of hand, hmm?" You scoff, crossing your arms. "You're saying it wasn't?" "I'm saying it is complicated." She writes some more quick notes as she sighs. "When people see raging wildfire, they never ask obvious question." "Such as what was the first spark?" "No, Auditor." Annika sags her shoulders. "//Why// was spark there in first place?" Silence filled the room between you and the DOATEC psychologist for what felt like an eternity, but was shattered by her somber voice. "Gang wars, corporate espionage, or news coverage?" She asks, holding her pen to the paper. "These are best good places to start." [[GANG WARS]] [[ESPIONAGE]] [[MEDIA REPORTS]]

"Give me a moment, Doctor. I feel like there's still something I'm trying to remember." You continue to search your thoughts, reflecting upon the breifing your boss had handed you before coming to DOATEC's floating fortress. The obvious events come racing into your mind first, but a driving instinct to look beyond them keeps you searching. "I appreciate you wanting to read between lines," Annika's voice interrupts your thoughts, "but perhaps you might consider why it is that you came here in first place." You settle your gaze onto her face, her placid eyes mining yours for traces of intention. "It's simple," you keep your tone flat. "I'm here because I was assigned to be here." Annika smiles at you as she tilts her head to the side. "Curious." "What's that supposed to mean?" "I find it fascinating that you would ask to search for obscure records if your motives are so straightforward." She scrawls down a hasty note as she finishes her sentence. "If I were to venture guessing, I would think you had personal stake in this investigation." You cross your arms, but say nothing. "Oh, come now, Auditor." Her voice is light, lilted by her sultry accent. "Why do you care so much about finding truth? What are you hoping to confirm?" You pinch the bridge of your nose between your fingers, sighing as you close your eyes. "Science should //serve// mankind, not //enslave// us. Families were destroyed, cities have been left in ruins, and for what? Why does Ms. Douglas think she should get a chance to start over when no one else has been so lucky?" You lower your hand and peer into the blonde's studious gaze. "How does one make amends to the dead, Doctor?" Annika writes another note on her paper before looking up. "Not everyone affiliated with DOATEC has suffered for it. Two examples come to mind right away, if you have interest. Do you prefer tales of ambitious self-discovery, or true costs of pursuing cutting edge discoveries." [[SELF DISCOVERY]] [[THE PRICE OF KNOWLEDGE]]

"What does the Chinese mafia have to do with DOATEC's recent transgressions?" Your words seem harsh, but are fuelled by inquisitive speculation. "What? You think DOATEC was able to build secret labs, develop forbidden science, and create monstrous weapons without help of criminal organizations to facilitate such plans?" Annika began to write once again on her paper. "Auditor, there is good reason Fame Douglas was not aware of Donovan's treachery." "So you say," you speak with doubt clinging to your words. "but I'd be remiss if I didn't entertain the possibility that Fame was not the martyr the world makes him out to be." "You are interesting person, Auditor." Annika offers you a disarming smile as she finishes her notes. "Not at all what I expected." "How so?" "It is subtle." Her eyes wash over you, looking into you as she speaks. "You come in here like bull in china shop with coarse words and skeptical ideas. Yet, we are not discussing DOATEC's most infamous sins, but instead stories about those most affected behind scenes of world stage. You may wish others to believe you are big tough person, but in your heart, you are idealist. You might have more in common with Fame than you'd like to admit, hmm?" You shift your posture in the leather lounge chair, a sudden realization of how warm it feels rising within your chest. "Never mind all that. Let's get back on topic. Tell me more about how the Triads play into DOATEC's past." "Of course." The blonde's smile never dims as she settles the tip of her pen against her notepad. "So, what do you prefer to start with? There is story of girl who discovers darkest secret of her affluent family. Or, perhaps tale of two kindred spirits finding themselves at war with dangerous triad organization is preferred?" [[DEVIOUS DYNASTY]] [[HONG KONG'S UNDERWORLD]]

"There is no such thing as a Silk Road anymore," you state with matter-of-fact confidence. "Unless, you are referring to the rumored black market that goes by that name." "I am," Annika nods with approval. "It is curious to me that you are familiar with it, Auditor. Have you dealt with said black market?" You chuckle, more to yourself than at the DOATEC doctor. "No, nothing so uncouth as that. I happen to know some guys back at headquarters that were part of a task force investigating it. They didn't turn up anything worthwhile, though. It's too decentralized to break up, and because there's no leadership, the only thing accomplished by making arrests is guaranteeing another group fills the power vacuum left behind." "Yes, of course." the slavic beauty resumes taking notes on her legal pad. "There have been many people who claimed to be King of Thieves on Silk Road, but none have been regarded so highly as former queen." "Queen of Thieves?" You feel a cynical smile taking shape on your face. "I don't recall anyone going by that name." "Perhaps it's before your time?" Annika tilts her head up to look away from her notes, her glasses having settled near the tip of her nose once again. "Is older story, after all, but serves well to explain how certain people came to cross paths with DOATEC over time. There is great conflict within these records, but it is story that often gets forgotten by outside world." You feel your curious nature overtake your cynicism. "Sounds like this is just the sort of thing I'm looking for." Setting down her pen, Annika opens her desk drawer to fetch her ID badge. "You will not be disappointed. Records start long before she was known as queen of Silk Road, but to get best picture, it is important to see how she found herself embroiled in that world. I will show you. Please, Follow me." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2001-0814-0638/" target="_blank">ARC SET: WASTELAND FLOWER</a>

"The events that took place in Baden-Württemberg are not the sort of thing I would consider guilty of being overlooked." You cross your arms with a sour look on your face. "I was hoping for something more obscure." Annika shakes her head. "No, no, it is not what you think. There will be time later for discussing attack on DOATEC's German headquarters. For now, I speak of particular city in Baden-Württemberg. Many people know of bad things that happened as result of DOATEC's research, but many forget that DOATEC did good things there also." "So, you're trying to justify the cloning program with reports of charity?" You scoff, narrowing your eyes. "Do I look that gullible to you, Doctor?" "Not at all, Auditor." Her accent was painted with sincerity. "Even when bad things happen, there is often..." she tapped her chin with the back of her ink pen. "How you say... A silver lining, //так//?" "So what good could come from what happened there?" You feel your curiosity swell as you lean forward in your seat. That captivating smile again blooms upon her lips. She opens the center drawer of her imposing hardwood desk while speaking in a soft voice, "This is tale of redemption. Can you imagine one of DOATEC's experiments having been set loose upon the world with no one to guide them?" "I don't have to imagine." Your voice is dry and full of contempt. "Or have you forgotten about Alpha-152?" Pulling a keycard from the desk, she holds it up and rises from her chair. "This is different. This is story of hope and restored purpose, but also story of loss and sacrifice. It is obscure, but it is what you are looking for, no?" You stand from your seat and gesture toward the door. "Lead the way." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2013-0225-1707/" target="_blank">ARC SET: DREAM BIG, MEIN MAUSEBÄR</a>

"What do street gangs have to do with the Long Beach Wars?" You ask, your voice dripping with skepticism. "Everything, Auditor." Annika scribbled a note as she spoke. "You don't think that one day there was just uprising in streets, do you? Situations like these always build over time before they boil out of control." You shake your head. "Typical DOATEC. You're saying the gangs started the whole thing? You expect me to believe DOATEC was minding their own business when the world started burning around them?" Annika removes her glasses to clean the lenses. "Not at all. Forget what you think you know, and perhaps then you will understand what happened." As she returns the oval frames to her face, she reaches into her desk and snatches up her ID card. "Come with me. I'll show you what I mean." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2003-0710-2029/" target="_blank">ARC SET: FLY AWAY, BLACKBIRD</a>

"Espionage?" You laugh the word from your lips. "What is this? A spy movie?" Annika's pen dances on her paper as she smiles. "No, nothing so fantastical. There were no men of mystery looking to save doomed city from impending fate..." She paused. "Well, at least, that is not how things started. Tell me, Auditor, what do you know of terrorist from news reports?" "You're referring to the BlueSeeker, aren't you?" The blonde woman chuckles to herself. "Oh, he has not used this name in quite some time. Still, do you not wonder why he made such choices contributing to his home's demise?" "Do you think it matters when so many people died as a result of those choices?" Annika's smile fades. "There you are again... believing everything you see on news." She reaches into her desk drawer and searches its contents for her passkey. Once she has it in hand, she stands from her desk and motions toward the office door. "If you are so certain, then come with me. We'll see how much you really understand about Ghost of Long Beach." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2003-1015-0841/" target="_blank">ARC SET: RISE OF BLUESEEKER</a>

"So, this Mugen Tenshin group are just another bunch of power hungry fools?" You scoff, shaking your head. "Sounds like they would've gotten along well with the old DOATEC." Annika narrows her deep blue eyes at you from behind the thin wire frames she wore. "Not all of them, but as with any large group of people, there will be those that have ill intentions." "Some groups are more rotten than others." The blonde sighs as she takes a hasty note with her pen. "Judging book by its cover won't get you very far in your search for answers, Auditor. It is common for many people to picture burning buildings and ruined cities when thinking of DOATEC, but it didn't start with Victor Donovan, or even Fame Douglas' actions. If you want to understand who is at root of these misdeeds, you need only look to Mugen Tenshin. To be more precise, there is one man in particular that posessed insatiable desires to impose his will upon others." "That's a bold claim, Doctor." You feel a smug grin tug at the corners of your mouth. "You care to back that claim with some bold evidence?" Annika reaches into her desk drawer to find her DOATEC passkey, then stands up from her chair, nodding toward her office door. "Of course." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/1990-0703-0454/" target="_blank">ARC SET: FUJIN'S TEMPEST</a>

"A cursed child?" You raise an eyebrow, a skeptical grin creeping across your lips. "Aren't you being a bit dramatic?" "It depends on perspective." Annika's words carried a weighted note. "Her experiences aren't easy, Auditor, but she isn't sole focus of story, either. This set of records will give you strong sense of what Mugen Tenshin are, but also it will give you understanding of how perception can dictate truth." You grimace. "I asked you about the Tritower, and you're going to direct me to a story about children? You can't be serious." "Tsk, tsk." Annika raises her index finger, swishing it back and forth. "If I explain it to you, what truth could you gain? Aren't you here to discover if DOATEC is worthy of second chance? How could you make such assessments without understanding why Tritower was attacked in first place?" You release a drawn out sigh. "Are you telling me this cursed kid destroyed it?" Annika shrugged before reaching into her desk to recover a small keycard with her ID on it from her middle drawer. "Come with me, and find out for yourself." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/1997-0804-1917/" target="_blank">ARC SET: THE CURSED CHILD'S PRINCESS</a>

"I have no doubt that DOATEC has had their hand in fueling all manner of wild ambitions." You give Annika a smirk. "How is this story any different?" The blonde woman parts her lips in a subtle smile. "Some ambitions are more honest than others, Auditor. In this case, I refer to most sincere ambition one could have. Tell me, have you ever asked yourself if path you are on is path you were meant to take?" "What?" You steal a glance at the windows. "I doubt that's relevant to the job at hand, Doctor." She attempts to encourage you with a small smile. "Come now, Auditor. Do not be shy. Humor me, please." You brush an imaginary speck of dust from your shoulder as you remember the damaged books on the wall behind Holovatsky's desk. "Tell me about those books." "//Га//?" Annika turns her head to look at the ruined tomes. "It is long story. Unlike my question, it is not something related to DOATEC." You cross your arms, fascinated by the sudden change in her tone. "If you want to learn more about me, it's only fair I get to do the same." "Tsk," Annika removes her glasses as reaches for one of the books in question. "//Це був її улюблений//..." Her native tongue mystifies you. "Pardon?" She clears her throat as she sets the book down atop her desk. "When we are young, no one can tell us what is or is not possible. Imagine being small girl who is told constantly what she will one day become. Imagine going your whole life thinking that you must follow path set in front of you without question." Her hand traced the faded letters on the hardcover of the old book. She then returned her glasses to her face and reached into her desk to retrieve a passkey. "It is beautiful to see someone brave enough to explore new future and go against such beliefs. Never mind my question, Auditor. Follow me, and I will show you example of what I mean." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2008-0517-2104/" target="_blank">ARC SET: FOR YOU, MOMMA</a>

You give the DOATEC administrator a wry grin. "You mean to tell me DOATEC has records of the steep costs of chasing forbidden fruits? Surprise, surprise." Annika sighs, a tiny smile forming at the edges of her lips. "It is not how you think, Auditor. Not all stories about scientists start in laboratory setting, you know. Sometimes, people chase dreams without being aware what they are losing along way." You gesture toward the suffering city beyond the office windows. "It's easy to say that when other people are paying the price." Shaking her head, the woman with the golden hair glances out the window. "Is not always other people paying such prices. Sometimes, it is you who pays price." You raise an eyebrow, rubbing your chin with your right hand. "So, who are we talking about, here? You?" "Me, you, Ms. Douglas..." Annika returns her focus to the notepad in her hands. "Everyone on this ship has made sacrifices. It is easy to be smug when world views you as villain, but you will find that no one wakes up one day thinking of best way to do evil deeds. You think DOATEC's vile experiments were conducted by madmen in dark rooms, but sometimes is just ambitious person chasing dreams." You feel yourself taken by surprise at her response, but narrow your eyes as you try to dismiss her. "That's easy for you to say from where you're sitting, Doctor." Annika's blue eyes send icy daggers your way. "Do not sit there with that smug look on your face, assuming that I have not also paid steep costs to sit where I am. You know nothing about me." A sinking feeling grips your chest. "I..." "Never mind that," She reaches into the middle drawer of her desk and searches for something. After a moment, she shows you a passkey featuring her picture and security level. "Come with me. I have perfect example to show you what I mean." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2008-0518-1107/" target="_blank">ARC SET: IN THE PURSUIT OF SCIENCE</a>

You take a deep breath, raising your eyebrows at the DOATEC doctor. "How is a girl and her family's dark secret relevant to DOATEC's fall from grace?" Annika chuckled, shaking her head. "It is not girl's discovery of family secret that is important, but how she handles her knowledge that matters. This family is head of very powerful criminal network, and they have ties to all manner of devious schemes. What is better way of understanding their influence than to learn about them through eyes of young girl who is part of said family?" "And what will this knowledge provide for my investigation?" You ponder with waning patience. "Shouldn't I start with DOATEC's Triad dealings?" "If you wish to have half-truth of situation, this is fine choice." Annika reaches into her desk to grab her ID keycard. "However, you should know more than anyone that there are two sides to all stories. Real truth is often discovered in middle of such plots. Come with me, please." She stood from her chair and straightened her skirt. "I will show you what I mean." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2007-0513-0157/" target="_blank">ARC SET: RISING PHOENIX</a>

"Kindred spirits?" You laugh out the words as you shake your head. "Don't you think you are being a little too sentimental, Doctor?" Annika shrugs as she writes something down. "Perhaps. If you want to hear less romantic version, I can tell you that Hong Kong is not as safe as many people would have you believe. It is popular city for good reasons, attracting all sorts of foreign peoples who pursue their dreams there." "And how does that relate to Chinese Triads and DOATEC's mad science?" The woman with the sapphire eyes puts down her pen as she looks up at you, her eyeglasses once more sinking low on her face. "You say you want to look into records of subtle topics, easily overlooked by most. This story is not well known, but is harrowing record of struggling art student's encounter with one of world's strongest fighters. While their paths may not cross DOATEC's darker side at first, this is story that I feel is important to show you how DOATEC was not always villain you insist them to be." She took a moment to remove her corrective lenses, squinting at your face as she cleans them. "Road leading to DOATEC's first tournament was life altering for some people." "The first tournament?" Suddenly, the slavic woman had caught your attention. "Not quite, but close." She smiles as she returns her glasses to her face and retrieves an ID badge from her desk drawer. "Let me show you what I mean." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2011-0923-1817/" target="_blank">ARC SET: THE DRAGON'S APPRENTICE</a>

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"Didn't you just finish telling me the news reports were skewed, Doctor?" You raise an eyebrow in her direction. "Now you want to start with what they have to say?" Annika sets her pen down on her notepad, regarding you with soothing eyes. "When I say media, what do you see?" You scoff. "Are you being serious?" "Humor me, Auditor. Please." You steal a glance at the city outside her office windows. "I think of corporate broadcast teams working together, relaying the hard facts to an anchor who wears a sincere smile just as easily as a tailored suit." Annika sighs. "What you describe is products, not reports. Expensive graphics and ticker tape headlines on screens with urgent musical scores do not tell stories, they sell them." You let her words fill the room, appreciating the sentiment she offers. "When I say news," her voice softens as she speaks, "I am not referring to these salesman you speak of. There are those who hold integrity above all else, who pour all of themselves into their work. These are the reports which should interest you most." You give a reluctant nod. "It sounds like you have someone in mind. Care to elaborate?" Annika shares her beautiful smile with you one more time. "Probably not in same way you hope for. With this journalist, is best to understand her motivations. Knowing why someone pursues their purpose is often just as important as seeing manifestations of their work." You watch as she opens her desk drawer to retrive a DOATEC ID badge featuring her name and photo. As she stands up, she motions for you to join her. "Let me show you how real news stories are made, Auditor." <a href="https://www.doaverse.com/event_record/2008-0210-2045/" target="_blank">ARC SET: WHERE TWO OCEANS COLLIDE</a>