label lecture_5:
    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_5 = 10
    $ timeofday += 2

    if lecture_3 <= 1:
        scene map bedroom_protagonist_1 with dissolve
    else:
        scene map 3_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve

    p "{i}I'd better get ready for class.{/i}"

    scene map academy_entrance with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 5_lecture0_1 with fade

    ep "Is everyone settled in?"

    scene bg 5_lecture1_1 with fade

    ep "Good, good."

    scene bg 5_lecture2_1 with fade

    ep "I wanted to start today's lecture with something a little different from what we have been covering."

    ep "It's something that everyone in this room should know, but it doesn't often come up during our time in the city or even here at the Academy."

    scene bg 5_lecture2_2 with dissolve

    ep "Where do superpowers come from?"

    scene bg 5_lecture2_3 with dissolve

    "{i}Silence blankets the classroom.{/i}"

    scene bg 5_lecture2_4 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 5_lecture2_5 with dissolve

    ep "It's a difficult question to answer."

    scene bg 5_lecture2_6 with dissolve

    ep "We know that extraordinary people have existed throughout history, and it can be speculated that some of them may have possessed genuine superpowers."

    ep "Did {b}Heracles{/b} really have the strength of ten men? Possibly."

    ep "But does that mean that every great person of history can claim supernatural abilities?"

    ep "Julius Caesar wasn't known for his super speed or his ability to fly."

    ep "And why do these traits seem to disappear and reappear? Why doesn't everyone have superpowers?"

    scene bg 5_lecture2_7 with dissolve

    ep "From what we can glean with the help of modern science, the development of superpowers is partially {b}genetic{/b}."

    ep "The best guess of the scientific community is that it is a recessive, sex-linked trait attached to the X chromosome."

    ep "This means that women can inherit it and become carriers for it without ever knowing. Whereas men with mothers that have superpowers almost always express them."

    ep "This also means that for a woman to manifest superpowers, both of her parents must be carrying an affected X chromosome."

    scene bg 5_lecture2_8 with dissolve

    p "{i}I don't recall mom ever flying around the house.{/i}"

    p "{i}Does that mean she was a carrier?{/i}"

    scene bg 5_lecture2_9 with dissolve

    ep "I know that's already a lot for you all to wrap your heads around, but I'm sad to say that it does get more complicated."

    ep "Because, you see, even if you have the genetic predisposition to get superpowers, that doesn't mean you always will."

    ep "In addition to the right genes, you need to experience an appropriate type of internal or external stimulus in order to trigger their {b}first{/b} activation."

    ep "Think of it like a catalyst. Once done, it is no longer necessary and you will no longer react to it, but without it, your powers will never express themselves."

    scene bg 5_lecture3_1 with fade

    ep "The most common stimulus is puberty. The mixture of hormones and new social environments and experiences often creates the right type of stressor to first activate your powers."

    scene bg 5_lecture4_1 with fade

    ep "Originally, around eighty percent of people with metahuman abilities were found around this time frame from ages thirteen to eighteen."

    ep "More recently, at the age of sixteen, pediatricians now administer a blanket {b}allergy{/b} test of various samples of metals, pollen, and so on, in case your stimulus is more external."

    ep "It's more commonly known as a {b}scratch test{/b}."
    scene bg 5_lecture5_1 with fade

    ep "A general practitioner may also administer a similar test to patients who were not in high school range when the law was passed."

    scene bg 5_lecture5_2 with dissolve

    rb "I didn't think I had powers until I got tested in college. My doctor took a duster with feathers from over fifty species of birds on it."

    rb "Swatted me with it once and my powers switched on like a light bulb. Almost gave her a heart attack."

    scene bg 5_lecture5_3 with dissolve

    ep "Exactly the point."

    ep "This has increased the number of teenage discoveries to around eighty-eight percent."

    ep "Although, this doesn't mean that it's predictable."

    scene bg 5_lecture6_1 with fade

    ep "Another eleven percent develop their abilities as early as six years old, with no obvious cause. It can be quite a shock for parents and teachers alike."

    scene bg 5_lecture6_2 with dissolve

    ep "Many of such children either end up homeschooled, and their parents recieve information from the Heroes Association on how to best more forward."

    ep "Or their place of education may have a program to do that for them."

    scene bg 5_lecture2_10 with fade

    ep "Finally, the last one percent of these cases happen for reasons that aren't well understood."

    ep "Exposure to extreme stimulus, like life-threatening danger, could theoretically cause the appearance of superpowers, but it has never been tested due to the obvious ethical issues."

    ep "Furthermore, we don't see a higher rate of these types of manifestations in law enforcement or in military personnel..."

    ep "...which are the professions in which we would expect more of these discoveries to happen."

    scene bg 5_lecture2_11 with dissolve

    ep "Of course, this is all just the people who actually {b}receive{/b} their abilities. As far as we know, what those abilities actually {b}do{/b} is ultimately random."

    ep "A question I get a lot is, {b}why isn't my husband fighting crime with me?{/b}"

    scene bg 5_lecture2_12 with dissolve

    ep "And that is because my husband has the remarkable ability to raise or cool the temperature of fluids."

    ep "Provided that they are through a relatively conductive medium, and have no more volume than a pint."

    scene bg 5_lecture2_11 with dissolve

    ep "In reality, it’s only a very small percentage of an already tiny portion of the population that have powers of real {b}strength{/b}. Abilities that may have a serious impact on their day to day living."

    ep "Those individuals are required to register their powers with the government, after which they may choose to use them in service of their fellow man, or have those records sealed and try their best to live an ordinary life."

    ep "There is no in-between, because advertising yourself as a walking cruise missile is an easy way to invite unsavory attention."

    ep "This is in stark contrast to the majority of people with powers who wind up with something more or less benign: the ability to grow your hair out in three dimensional shapes, holding your breath for several hours, or seeing in the dark."

    ep "We call them {b}Parlor Powers{/b}, and they are better suited for getting famous on social media instead of saving lives."

    scene bg 5_lecture2_13 with dissolve

    ep "Which is what {b}we{/b} are all here to do."

    scene bg 5_lecture2_14 with dissolve

    "{i}Missus Powell lectures for the rest of the afternoon, and you leave with more questions than answers.{/i}"

    "{i}Your mother never displayed any superpowers, but if you have them, then she must have been a carrier.{/i}"

    jump academy_classroom_trans

label lecture_6:

    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_6 = 10
    $ timeofday += 2

    if lecture_3 <= 1:
        scene map bedroom_protagonist_1 with dissolve
    else:
        scene map 3_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve

    p "{i}I'd better get ready for class.{/i}"

    scene map academy_entrance with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 6_lecture0_1 with fade

    ep "Are we all ready to begin?"

    scene bg 6_lecture1_1 with fade

    ep "Perfect."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_1 with fade

    ep "Now, today I wanted to talk about something serious."

    ep "And I hope that it's something that you never have to deal with, but patrolling around Nierhaven makes this kind of encounter inevitable."

    ep "Today, we're going to discuss people who have superpowers and use them in a way that causes other people harm."

    ep "Today, we talk about {b}Villains.{/b}"

    scene bg 6_lecture2_2 with dissolve

    ep "On [p]'s very first day here, Valentina pointed out what makes people like us {b}Heroes{/b}. That is because we use our unique abilities to benefit other people."

    ep "Not a selective group of people, just {i}people{/i}, and we work in service for them."

    ep "I want to be very clear: a villain is not just someone who goes out there everyday specifically to hurt people. Mayhem is rarely both the initial and final goal."

    ep "Likewise, people who use their powers solely for their own benefit are not villains."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_3 with dissolve

    ep "Just because my husband uses his powers to make a pot of coffee for himself every morning doesn't make him a villain."

    ep "...Unless I have to work that morning, too."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_4 with dissolve

    ep "But my point is: a villain is someone who uses their powers selfishly, someone who furthers their own agendas at the expense of others."

    ep "It's important to keep in mind, however, that most villains aren't grand masters of strategy and violence. The majority of them, just like most other criminals, are opportunists."

    ep "They capitalize on moments of weakness, and bully people in order to take advantage of them. They also typically have less impressive powers, and the police handle these cases just fine."

    ep "We assist when the individual has some unique quirk about them, like the ability to turn into a gas or generally something that helps them slip handcuffs."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_5 with dissolve

    "{i}Missus Powell's look changes to one of far more stern complexion.{/i}"

    scene bg 6_lecture2_6 with dissolve

    ep "The real problem, the real threat that we must all be prepared to handle, are career Villains. Sometimes colloquially called Supervillains by media outlets."

    ep "These are dangerous people with dangerous plans."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_7 with dissolve

    ep "{b}Metal Mage{/b} is a career villain."

    scene bg 6_lecture3_1 with fade

    ep "He doesn't care who he hurts or how badly, so long as he can achieve his goals."

    ep "I've once seen him threaten to pull a moving subway car, full of people, and throw it into oncoming traffic in order to evade capture."

    scene bg 6_lecture3_2 with fade

    ep "It worked, and he was still on the streets right up until recently."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_8 with fade

    ep "Now, he's enjoying a 24 hour timeout behind several dozen sturdy, {i}plastic{/i} bars."

    scene bg 6_lecture4_1 with fade

    ep "That's courtesy of two of our own right here."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_9 with fade

    ep "With just a {b}little{/b} bit of help from me."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_10 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 6_lecture2_11 with dissolve

    ep "Now, let's run through a few practice problems. Because I've once again come across some interesting results."

    ep "For example, when escorting an elderly woman across the road, you {b}do not{/b} tie her to the rear fender of a passing vehicle to help her reach the other side."

    ep "I'm not going to name any names..."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_12

    ep "Chrys."

    scene bg 6_lecture5_1

    cs "What?!"

    cs "It helped her get across the street, didn't it?"

    scene bg 6_lecture5_2 with dissolve

    cs "And there was an other side involved."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_13 with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 6_lecture2_14 with dissolve

    ep "From the top..."

    "{i}Missus Powell's lecture continues well into the afternoon.{/i}"

    jump academy_classroom_trans

label lecture_7:

    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_7 = 10
    $ timeofday += 2

    if lecture_3 <= 1:
        scene map bedroom_protagonist_1 with dissolve
    else:
        scene map 3_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve

    p "{i}I'd better get ready for class.{/i}"

    scene bg 7_lecture3_1 with fade

    "Harper?"

    scene bg 7_lecture3_2 with dissolve

    hp "H-hey, [p]!"

    scene bg 7_lecture3_3 with dissolve

    p "What's up?"

    scene bg 7_lecture3_4 with dissolve

    hp "Nothing, nothing. I just - uh."

    hp "I wanted to see you before class today. That's all."

    scene bg 7_lecture3_5 with dissolve

    hp "Bye!"

    scene bg 7_lecture3_6 with dissolve

    p "...huh."

    scene bg 7_lecture4_1 with fade

    p "...Might as well-"

    ve "[p]."

    scene bg 7_lecture5_1 with fade

    p "Valentina?"

    p "{i}Where did she come from?{/i}"

    scene bg 7_lecture5_2 with dissolve

    p "What's going on?"

    scene bg 7_lecture5_3 with dissolve

    ve "I-"

    scene bg 7_lecture5_4 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 7_lecture5_5 with dissolve

    ve "Good morning."

    scene bg 7_lecture5_6 with dissolve

    "{i}She walks briskly out of sight.{/i}"

    p "..."

    p "Good morning..."

    scene map academy_entrance with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 7_lecture0_1 with fade

    ep "Come on in, come on in."

    scene bg 7_lecture1_1 with fade

    ep "What's with you ladies today?"

    scene bg 7_lecture2_1 with fade

    ep "Even Chrys arrived ten minutes early."

    scene bg 7_lecture6_1

    cs "Hey."

    cs "A young woman can't be invested in her studies?"

    scene bg 7_lecture2_2

    ep "Absolutely, and I hope the sudden interest in punctuality persists passed any ulterior motive."

    scene bg 7_lecture2_3 with dissolve

    ep "Now, I believe that we were about to cover the traffic laws and how they will apply to us during an emergency."

    ep "Just because Artemisia is technically driving doesn't mean {b}you're{/b} off the hook if it starts to improvise." 
    
    ep "Especially if it wants to go on the sidewalk. In the heat of the moment, our dear navigator can be very convincing."

    ep "That also means that it shouldn't be allowed inside of the buildings, especially if it means going {b}through{/b} a glass window..."

    scene bg 7_lecture2_4 with dissolve

    "{i}Missus Powell continues on with her lecture as usual.{/i}"

    "{i}You learn some interesting things about how vehicle and pedestrian laws affect Artemisia.{/i}"

    scene bg 7_lecture2_5 with fade

    ep "...And that should be a wrap for today."

    scene bg 7_lecture7_1 with fade

    ve "Missus Powell? I believe that you wanted to mention one more thing today."

    scene bg 7_lecture2_6 with fade

    ep "Hmm?"

    scene bg 7_lecture2_7

    ep "Oh!"

    scene bg 7_lecture2_8 with dissolve

    ep "You're right, Valentina. I wanted to discuss the upcoming patrol schedule."

    scene bg 7_lecture2_9 with dissolve

    ep "Our newest member has been putting in the hours to improve, and so I think it's time to finally have him join in."

    ep "We're still doing the standard two-person pairings, and so for your partner in the upcoming patrols..."

    scene bg 7_lecture2_10 with dissolve

    ep "Hmm..."

    scene bg 7_lecture7_2 with fade

    ep "It..."

    scene bg 7_lecture6_2 with fade

    ep "...will..."

    scene bg 7_lecture8_1 with fade

    ep "...be..."

    scene bg 7_lecture9_1 with fade

    ep "...Riley."

    scene bg 7_lecture9_2 with dissolve

    rb "Huh?"

    rb "Why me?"

    scene bg 7_lecture6_3

    cs "Yeah! Why her?!"

    scene bg 7_lecture2_11

    ep "Due to Riley's schedule, she still has yet to finish her patrol hours from last semester."

    ep "She is also the most experienced."

    scene bg 7_lecture8_2

    hp "But..."

    hp "Wouldn't pairing [p] up with someone with a little less experience be more - uh..."

    hp "Beneficial for everyone?"

    scene bg 7_lecture7_3

    ve "I concur with Harper."

    ve "This is a great learning opportunity that would be better enhanced by more equally distributing the experience."

    scene bg 7_lecture6_4

    cs "What she said!"

    scene bg 7_lecture2_12 with dissolve

    ep "Ladies, the patrol schedule is not up for debate. Now, this isn't the first time I've heard you all raise complaints about who your teammates were..."

    ep "But, this is the first time I've heard dissent over someone {i}else's{/i} teammate."

    ep "Am I detecting..."

    scene bg 7_lecture2_12b with dissolve

    ep "{b}Jealousy?{/b}"

    scene bg 7_lecture8_3

    hp "A-"

    scene bg 7_lecture8_4 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 7_lecture7_4 with dissolve

    ve "My concern over the pairings is over its efficiency. Nothing else."

    ve "My interest in [p] is purely professional."

    scene bg 7_lecture6_5

    cs "Mine isn't!"

    stop music fadeout 2.0

    cs "Why does she get to go on the {b}date{/b}!"

    scene bg 7_lecture6_6

    p "{i}Ah.{/i}"

    scene bg 7_lecture9_3 with fade

    rb "Date?! This isn't going to be a date!"

    rb "Chrys, I'm married, remember? This is just a mission - a {i}routine{/i} mission. We do stuff like this all the time."

    rb "You act like I'm going to sleep with him. I can't believe that you'd think that I would-"

    scene bg 7_lecture6_7

    cs "Sleep with him?"

    cs "I'm {b}not{/b} worried about you {i}sleeping{/i} with him!"

    cs "I'm worried that your {i}boring{/i}, housewife attitude is going to rub off on him and make him {b}lame!{/b}"

    scene bg 7_lecture2_13

    ep "Chrys, that is enough!"

    scene bg 7_lecture2_14 with dissolve

    ep "[p], make sure you study up. We'll be putting you through a controlled evaluation of your powers soon. Okay?"

    scene bg 7_lecture2_15 with dissolve

    ep "Class dismissed."

    jump academy_classroom_trans

label lecture_8:

    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_8 = 10
    $ timeofday += 2

    if lecture_3 <= 1:
        scene map bedroom_protagonist_1 with dissolve
    else:
        scene map 3_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve

    p "{i}I'd better get ready for class.{/i}"

    scene map academy_entrance with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 8_lecture0_1 with fade

    p "{i}Uh oh.{/i}"

    p "{i}I get the feeling this isn't a coincidence.{/i}"

    scene bg 8_lecture1_1 with fade

    ep "Hello, [p]."

    ep "I want to talk to you about your first patrol mission."

    scene bg 8_lecture1_2 with dissolve

    p "Is that why the others aren't here already?"

    scene bg 8_lecture1_1 with dissolve

    ep "Yes."

    ep "Riley gave me a summary of what happened. There are some things that we should go over together."

    ep "Is that okay?"

    scene bg 8_lecture1_2 with dissolve

    "{i}You nod.{/i}"

    scene bg 8_lecture1_3 with dissolve

    p "Missus Powell?"

    "{i}You hear her draw in a deep breath.{/i}"

    scene bg 8_lecture1_4 with dissolve

    ep "You did something so incredibly dangerous I didn't believe Riley when she told me."

    ep "You jumped inside of a moving vehicle by being thrown {i}through{/i} the windshield."

    ep "You slammed it into a concrete sound barrier to reduce its speed."

    ep "You fought an invisible force, wrestling with the steering wheel until it snapped and sent the truck with you in it into a hurtling death-spin."

    ep "Those are at least three distinct moments during a disastrous course of action that could have killed or maimed you."

    scene bg 8_lecture1_5 with dissolve

    "{i}Queen Unbreakable's expression softens.{/i}"

    scene bg 8_lecture1_6 with dissolve

    ep "When I told you that luck was the unspoken essential part of being a superhero, I didn't expect you to test it so rigorously."

    scene bg 8_lecture1_7 with dissolve

    p "You're not angry with me?"

    scene bg 8_lecture1_8 with dissolve

    ep "Angry is the wrong word."

    ep "I'm worried over your willful lack of self-preservation. An unmanned, runaway car is hardly a burning building with people trapped inside."

    ep "And I'm worried about how easily Riley was swayed into your line of thinking. She should have counseled you better. It's why I paired her with you."

    ep "You're worth a lot more than a box of metal with rubber tires, understand?"

    scene bg 8_lecture1_9 with dissolve

    "{i}You nod.{/i}"

    scene bg 8_lecture1_10 with dissolve

    ep "Good. I've asked Riley to take the day and review the incident."

    ep "You should spend some time reflecting on it as well."

    ep "Assuming you survive your punishment."

    scene bg 8_lecture1_11 with dissolve

    p "Punishment?"

    scene bg 8_lecture1_12 with dissolve

    ep "There."

    scene bg 8_lecture2_1 with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 8_lecture3_1 with fade

    ep "I brought the other members of the team up to date on what happened an hour before you arrived."

    ep "I asked them to wait outside so that we could have our chat, but now I feel like I'm ready to delegate some of the disciplinary action."

    ep "I hope you won't forget this lesson soon, [p]."

    ep "Ready, ladies?"

    scene bg 8_lecture3_2 with dissolve

    hp "We're ready."

    scene bg 8_lecture3_3 with hpunch

    cs "Hyah!"

    play sound "audio/effects/body_drop.ogg"

    scene bg 8_lecture4_1 with vpunch

    p "Gah!"

    hp "Hold on to him!"

    ve "I have his legs."

    cs "I want his legs!"

    scene bg 8_lecture4_2 with dissolve

    p "Missus Powell?!"

    ep "I want it to be clear how much you mean to this Academy."

    ep "I hope it will discourage anymore reckless stunts."

    ep "Aim for the kidneys, ladies."

    scene bg 8_lecture4_3 with dissolve

    p "What!"

    "{i}As Queen Unbreakable departs, three pairs of hands swarm over your body.{/i}"

    "{i}They slip underneath your shirt, across your stomach, around to your back.{/i}"

    "{i}...Well, most of them. One pair is heading for your belt."

    ve "Chrys. Maintain focus on the mission at hand."

    cs "I {b}am{/b}!"

    "{i}All at once, their fingers begin to wiggle against your exposed skin.{/i}"

    hp "This is what you get for doing something so risky!"

    ve "Irresponsible!"

    cs "Hunky in a dangerous way!"

    "{i}Their tickling digits run over your body in a relentless effort to find your weaknesses.{/i}"

    p "Wait- that's my!"

    ve "I have located a mission objective."

    p "Not- not!"

    hp "Oh, I'm going to keep this in mind for later."

    p "Hey!"

    cs "What? It could be ticklish!"

    p "No!"

    p "Nooooooo!"

    "{i}You may think that the girls would get bored after a few minutes, but they remain stolid in their dealing of punishments. It even lasts for the usual lecture time!{/i}"

    "{i}It's not all that hard to endure. After so many days spent in the gym making your muscles sore, your head hurt in the library, and your back ache from being thrown from a car...{/i}"

    "{i}...and by Riley...{/i}"

    "{i}It's even pleasant.{/i}"

    scene bg 8_lecture4_4 with dissolve

    "{i}In a moment of rare stillness, Harper slips down to rest her chin against your shoulder.{/i}"

    "{i}Her body rests on top of yours, while Chrys grapples with your left arm and Valentina with your right.{/i}"

    "{i}Harper's breath is warm and soft over your skin.{/i}"

    hp "Don't leave..."

    "{i}There's a quality in her voice that you can't quite make out, but the gist is hard to misinterpret.{/i}"

    "{i}A little hoarse from forced laughter, you nod.{/i}"

    jump academy_classroom_trans

label lecture_9:

    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_9 = 10
    $ timeofday += 2

    if lecture_3 <= 1:
        scene map bedroom_protagonist_1 with dissolve
    else:
        if pat_event_2 <= 1:

            scene map 3_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve

        else:
            scene map 4_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve

    p "{i}I'd better get ready for class.{/i}"

    scene map academy_entrance with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 6_lecture0_1 with fade

    ep "Settle in, everyone, settle in."

    scene bg 6_lecture1_1 with fade

    ep "Let's get class underway."

    scene bg 6_lecture2_1 with fade

    ep "In light of recent events, I want to focus our field of study to something closer to home. More specifically, what occurred to [p] and Riley now that we've had some time to digest it."

    ep "As you all know, and as two of you are intimately aware, a truck moving on its own without any physical control mechanism is not a common occurrence."

    ep "After a thorough investigation from the NPD, they can confirm that no signal receiver had been installed, that the engine had not been altered, and that the steering wheel had not been modified."

    scene bg 9_lecture2_1 with dissolve

    ep "Aside from the modification our resident strongman made when he snapped the steering column."

    scene bg 9_lecture2_2 with dissolve

    "{i}You hear Chrys stifle a giggle.{/i}"

    scene bg 9_lecture2_3 with dissolve

    ep "The Nierhaven Police Department suspects that a person with powers was involved - which is shorthand for they have no suspects because no one with those powers came up in their database search."

    ep "The ability to control motor vehicles, assuming that is what their powers do, is {i}not{/i} a parlor power. Someone with this ability had the potential to do great good with their gifts."

    ep "Imagine a world where you could guarantee, {i}guarantee{/i} that a stretch of road, highway, or interaction would have no traffic accidents."

    ep "A world where everyone from a speeding driver in a school zone or a violent burglar in his black SUV couldn't start their car. Couldn't get away."

    ep "Instead, we have a phantom joyrider wasting their gifts on dangerous, pointless pursuits."

    scene bg 9_lecture2_4 with dissolve

    "{i}She's pensive for a moment, looking at nothing in particular until her eyes settle on one of your classmates.{/i}"

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 9_lecture3_1 with fade

    ep "Riley?"

    scene bg 9_lecture3_2 with dissolve

    rb "Oh."

    scene bg 9_lecture3_3 with dissolve

    rb "Sorry, El-"

    rb "Missus Powell."

    scene bg 9_lecture3_4 with dissolve

    ep "Do you need a personal day, Riley?"

    scene bg 9_lecture3_5

    rb "No."

    scene bg 9_lecture3_4

    ep "Good."

    scene bg 9_lecture2_5 with fade

    ep "From the fact that this unknown wasn't in the car or on the highway, we can assume that they used their powers from distance."

    ep "We can also assume, given [p]'s struggle with the vehicle, that they were able to maintain a high degree of control from that distance."

    ep "That the vehicle kept moving, even {i}after{/i} [p]'s actions led to its axles tearing in half, implies a lot of strength."

    ep "Couple that with their ability to evade the police cordon as well as arrest, and we can all safely assume the following..."

    scene bg 9_lecture2_6

    ep "This is not an amateur."

    scene bg 9_lecture2_7 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 9_lecture2_6 with dissolve

    ep "[p], I'm going to work with NPD to move your next patrol route to a less populated section of downtown."

    ep "While I doubt this person orchestrated the incident just to imperil yourself and Riley, I refuse to rule it out as simple coincidence."

    ep "For right now, we're going to assume they're probing our capabilities. If this is true, there is a good chance that we can draw out this person with our patrols."

    ep "To help with that, I want to increase their frequency, which is why I will be reassigning-"

    scene bg 9_lecture2_8

    rb "Missus Powell..."

    scene bg 9_lecture3_6 with fade

    rb "I will be able to accompany [p] on the patrols without interruption or delay going forward."

    scene bg 9_lecture4_1 with dissolve

    ep "Riley? What about your... {i}domestic{/i} circumstances?"

    scene bg 9_lecture3_6

    rb "They are being handled."

    rb "I can be available."

    scene bg 9_lecture2_9 with fade

    "{i}Missus Powell is quiet for a moment, a silence shared by the rest of the classroom as the other girls voicelessly regard Riley's statement.{/i}"

    scene bg 9_lecture5_1 with fade

    "{i}Valentina has squared her shoulders together, going rigid as she physically tries to prevent herself from whipping around and staring.{/i}"

    scene bg 9_lecture6_1 with fade

    "{i}The same can't be said for Harper, whose eyes are drilling a hole into the back of Riley's head with bewildered curiosity.{/i}"

    scene bg 9_lecture4_2 with fade

    "{i}And Chrys, who also hasn't stopped staring.{/i}"

    "{i}Instead of a noisy objection, there's a stunned hesitance - as well as a mixed expression of disbelief and another emotion you can't recognize during the soundless seconds.{/i}"

    scene bg 9_lecture2_9 with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 9_lecture2_10 with dissolve

    ep "Very well, Riley. I'll expect the two of you to suit up later in the week."

    scene bg 9_lecture2_11 with dissolve

    ep "And [p], try to avoid empty trucks this time. You seem to have a bad habit of running into them. Or vice versa."

    scene bg 9_lecture2_12 with dissolve

    "{i}A smile, and Missus Powell continues on with today's lecture.{/i}"

    jump academy_classroom_trans

label lecture_10:

    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_10 = 10
    $ timeofday += 2

    if lecture_3 <= 1:
        scene map bedroom_protagonist_1 with dissolve
    else:
        if pat_event_2 <= 1:

            scene map 3_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve

        else:
            scene map 4_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve

    p "{i}I'd better get ready for class.{/i}"

    scene map academy_entrance with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 10_lecture0_1 with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 10_lecture1_1 with fade

    ep "All right class, settle in."

    scene bg 10_lecture2_1 with fade

    ep "For today's lecture, I wanted to cover something else that's not in your textbooks: becoming a superhero."

    ep "That sounds odd, doesn't it? Everyone in this room has more or less skipped this step, but we should still cover how most people with superpowers go from civilian to civil servant."

    scene bg 10_lecture2_2 with dissolve

    ep "Becoming a superhero is not like becoming a police officer. There aren't any formal classes or qualifications you need to pass to begin your training. Typically, most superheroes attain their status by an {b}apprenticeship.{/b}"

    ep "That is, a more experienced, legally recognized superhero will take on a pupil to train. Heroes-in-training are often referred to as {b}sidekicks{/b}, although {b}trainee{/b} is the more appropriate term."

    ep "This period of time has no set ending. Instead, the supervising superhero will make a judgment on whether or not their trainee is ready to act with the authority and responsibility that being a superhero entails."

    ep "If their mentor believes that they're ready, they will vouch for them."

    ep "If not, the training period either continues, or the trainee parts ways with their mentor - seeking a different one or simply leaving the life."

    ep "Any questions?"

    scene bg 10_lecture2_3 with dissolve

    menu:
        "What about the Academy?[smaff1]":
            scene bg 10_lecture2_4 with dissolve

            pause 0.5

            scene bg 10_lecture2_5 with dissolve

            $ ep_affection += 1

            ep "An excellent question, [p]."

            ep "Just what {b}is{/b} the Academy?"

            scene bg 10_lecture2_6 with dissolve

            ep "The Academy is {b}my experiment.{/b}"

            ep "With permission from the mayor, as well as the Heroes Association, I was allowed to assemble a small group of superpowered individuals to train in a classroom environment."

            ep "Because superpowers can be so varied, there is no standardized method of training. Not all heroes fly around punching things. The ability to breathe normally underwater doesn't make you any better at taking bullets, for example..."

            ep "...but it makes you an amazing asset to the Coast Guard."

            ep "An apprenticeship allows a singular mentor the time and dedication needed to fully understand their trainee's abilities and how best they could employ them."

            ep "But with the birth rate rising, maintaining this one-to-one training method just isn't sustainable. Not unless we're willing to risk losing many rare and talented people to obscurity just because their powers aren't flashy enough."

            ep "I, for one, am not willing to take that risk."

        "Say nothing":
            jump lecture_10_b

label lecture_10_b:

    scene bg 10_lecture2_7 with dissolve

    ve "Queen Unbreakable? Where do the trainees go if they've completed their training successfully?"

    scene bg 10_lecture2_8 with dissolve

    ep "Yes, where {b}do{/b} they go?"

    scene bg 10_lecture2_9 with dissolve

    ep "Once trainees graduate to full-fledged superheroes, they are assigned a city by the Heroes Association."

    ep "A lot of factors contribute to which city you're sent. How large it is, its crime rate, what your powers do, how your powers can be used, and so on."

    ep "There are a number of personal considerations as well, like how far the city is away from where you are now, how comfortable you are with moving, as well as your relationship to other heroes in the area."

    ep "It's not uncommon for former trainees to be assigned to their mentor's city."

    ep "Lastly, very few heroes actually stay in one city for their whole careers. As they accrue experience, they may wish to tackle a larger city. If they prefer something quieter, they may request a transfer to a smaller one."

    ep "Generally, the longer you serve as a superhero, the more leeway you receive when picking your assignments."

    scene bg 10_lecture2_10 with dissolve

    ep "Any other questions?"

    scene bg 10_lecture2_11 with dissolve

    "{i}Missus Powell's lecture continues...{/i}"

    scene bg 10_lecture2_12 with fade

    ep "Okay, class. Before I let you go for today, there are some important developments that I want to go over regarding the patrol schedule."

    ep "As some of you are aware of by now, our Riley has decided to move back into the Academy."

    play sound "audio/effects/desk_slam.ogg"

    scene bg 10_lecture4_1 with vpunch

    cs "No fucking way!"

    cs "When? Why?"

    scene bg 10_lecture3_1 with fade

    rb "Soon... I just need to arrange a few things with the moving company and get some furniture from the house."

    scene bg 10_lecture3_2 with dissolve

    cs "And the {b}why{/b}?"

    scene bg 10_lecture3_3 with dissolve

    rb "I just..."

    rb "...see more of a future here."

    scene bg 10_lecture2_13 with dissolve

    "{i}Missus Powell clears her throat.{/i}"

    scene bg 10_lecture2_14 with dissolve

    ep "With Riley occupied until she finishes relocating, we've agreed that she should be removed from the active patrol roster for the time being."

    ep "With this in mind, I will be assigning {b}Chrys{/b} as [p]'s partner for the remainder of Riley's schedule."

    scene bg 10_lecture5_1 with fade

    ve "Only for the remainder of Riley's term seems... adequate."

    scene bg 10_lecture6_1 with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 10_lecture6_2 with dissolve

    hp "She'd better make the most of it."

    scene bg 10_lecture4_2

    cs "Yes!"

    play sound "audio/effects/floorboard_jump.ogg"

    scene bg 10_lecture4_3 with vpunch

    cs "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! This is the best Sunday ever!"

    scene bg 10_lecture4_4

    cs "Oh, we are going to {i}{b}patrol{/b}{/i} so much."

    scene bg 10_lecture2_15 with fade

    ep "Try and reserve yourself, Chrys."

    scene bg 10_lecture2_16 with dissolve

    ep "And [p]? I know that this transition will pose some difficulties, but I am confident that you can handle it with the {b}composure{/b} and aplomb you've keenly displayed thus far."

    scene bg 10_lecture2_17 with dissolve

    "{i}There's an implicit suggestion in her tone that causes Chrys to calmly retake her seat while Missus Powell levels her knowing eyes on you.{/i}"

    "{i}Exactly how {b}knowing{/b} you're uncertain about.{/i}"

    "{i}Her lecture continues...{/i}"

    jump academy_classroom_trans

label lecture_event_11:
    $ lecture_11 = 10

    scene bg 1_lecturehints2_4 with dissolve

    ep "Class dismissed for today."

    play sound "audio/effects/increase.ogg"

    "{i}You gained {b}Confidence!{/b}{/i}"

    scene bg 11_lecture0_1 with fade

    "{i}The girls file out of the classroom...{/i}"

    scene bg 11_lecture0_2 with fade

    "{i}...but you find yourself dragging your feet to the door.{/i}"

    "{i}Concerns over the upcoming patrol with Chrys are scratching at the back of your mind.{/i}"

    scene bg 11_lecture0_3 with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 11_lecture0_4 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 11_lecture0_5 with dissolve

    ep "[p]?"

    scene bg 11_lecture1_1 with fade

    ep "Are you okay?"

    scene bg 11_lecture1_2 with dissolve

    menu:
        "I'm worried about protecting Chrys[smaff1][picon]":
            $ p_icon += 1
            $ ep_affection += 1

            scene bg 11_lecture1_3 with dissolve

            ep "You don't need to worry about Chrys. I know that she has her..."

            scene bg 11_lecture1_4 with dissolve

            ep "...eccentricities..."

            scene bg 11_lecture1_5 with dissolve

            ep "But she's prepared. As a matter of fact, she's been prepared longer than you have."

            ep "You are the newest member of the team, after all. Chrys has already completed multiple patrols with the others."

            jump lecture_event_11_a

        "I still don't have my powers[smobe][progue]":
            $ p_rogue += 1
            $ ep_obedience += 1

            scene bg 11_lecture1_6 with dissolve

            "{i}Missus Powell pauses, gentle eyes regarding you.{/i}"

            scene bg 11_lecture1_7 with dissolve

            ep "You need to be patient with these things, [p]."

            ep "Understanding your powers is a life long journey."

            scene bg 11_lecture1_8 with dissolve

            p "I get that, but..."

            jump lecture_event_11_a


label lecture_event_11_a:

    scene bg 11_lecture1_9 with dissolve

    p "...I'm not sure I can protect her. I know that I shouldn't have to and that Chrys is capable..."

    p "{i}...I think?{/i}"

    p "...but I'm not comfortable hiding behind her if things get rough."

    p "Instead of a superhero, I feel more like a damsel in distress simulator!"

    scene bg 11_lecture1_10 with dissolve

    ep "Well, how many damsels volunteer to have themselves thrown through the windshield of a moving car or fistfight with someone that shoots bolts of electricity?"

    scene bg 11_lecture1_11 with dissolve

    p "I suppose desperate ones."

    scene bg 11_lecture1_12 with dissolve

    ep "Point taken."

    scene bg 11_lecture1_13 with dissolve

    ep "Listen, [p], I know that this isn't easy for you, but you can't rush these things."

    ep "Lovestruck is behind bars, and Detective Keegan is scouring the past year of her transaction history, phone records, and list of associates to find whoever was working with her."

    ep "The city is safer, you helped make it safer, and you didn't need powers to do it."

    ep "Being a hero is about more than lifting cars or punching bad guys."

    ep "Remember, to be a hero what one needs most is {b}initiative{/b}, and that's something you already have."

    scene bg 11_lecture1_14 with dissolve

    "{i}Missus Powell offers you one last smile before heading out the door herself. It's not that she doesn't have time for you, but because she's a hero.{/i}"

    scene bg 11_lecture1_15 with dissolve

    "{i}A real superhero.{/i}"

    scene bg 11_lecture2_1 with fade

    p "...initiative, huh?"

    p "Starting from scratch, if I wanted to be a superhero, how would I do it?"

    p "Radioactive waste probably isn't the answer..."

    p "Missus Powell says that my powers already activated, but..."

    p "What if Harper did reflect that car? How do I know I did anything? I blacked out."

    p "Maybe I should go in for one of those allergy screenings they do for superpowers. It couldn't hurt."

    jump academy_classroom_trans

label lecture_event_12:
    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_12 = 10
    $ timeofday += 2

    if lecture_3 <= 1:
        scene map bedroom_protagonist_1 with dissolve
    else:
        if pat_event_2 <= 1:

            scene map 3_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve

        else:
            scene map 4_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve

    p "{i}I'd better get ready for class.{/i}"

    scene map academy_entrance with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 12_lecture0_1 with fade

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 12_lecture1_1 with fade

    ep "Are we ready to begin?"

    scene bg 12_lecture2_1 with fade

    ep "Wonderful. Today's topic will be on..."

    "{i}Missus Powell begins her lecture, more than happy to go over past material and take questions.{/i}"

    scene bg 12_lecture2_2 with fade

    ep "...and in Nierhaven, the person in charge of the police department's Superhero Unit is {b}Detective Keegan{/b}."

    ep "I've had the pleasure of working with Miss Keegan for several years now, and the passion she has for the job is both a wonderful asset and is personally inspiring."

    scene bg 12_lecture2_3 with fade

    ep "She is also the woman you should be thanking for the conspicuous lack of paperwork we have to fill out."

    ep "The Superhero unit takes care of nearly all of it, which allows us to do our jobs without a weekly hand cramp. Not every city has it this good, so be appreciative."

    scene bg 12_lecture2_4 with dissolve

    "{i}The day continues.{/i}"

    scene bg 12_lecture2_5 with fade

    ep "That's it for today. Class dismissed."

    scene bg 12_lecture2_6 with dissolve

    ep "[p]? Could you stay after for a minute?"

    scene bg 12_lecture3_1 with fade

    p "Something happen?"

    scene bg 12_lecture3_2 with dissolve

    ep "No, no. Not really."

    ep "I just want you to head over to the garage. Artemisia is having some difficulties running diagnostics on your suit."

    ep "Would you mind lending her a hand?"

    scene bg 12_lecture3_3 with dissolve

    p "Me?"

    p "I'm not much of a..."

    p "{i}Blacksmith? Physicist? Engineer? What field even specializes in super suits? Nanomachines?{/i}"

    scene bg 12_lecture3_4

    p "...mechanic?"

    scene bg 12_lecture3_5

    ep "[p], all you need to do is lend Artemisia a hand. Plus, it will be good for you to learn a little more about your suit."

    ep "I promise, it will require no programming knowledge or technical know-how. You just might need to move a few boxes around."

    scene bg 12_lecture3_6

    p "Oh, good. I've been training for that."

    scene bg 12_lecture3_7 with dissolve

    ep "Mhm. Run along, you smart-aleck."

    scene bg 12_lecture3_8 with dissolve

    "{i}You depart to the sound of Missus Powell's light-hearted giggling.{/i}"

    scene black with fade

    "{i}Although, you don't find yourself lifting any boxes.{/i}"

    scene bg 12_lecture4_1 with vpunch

    p "Hhhrrruugggg..."

    ar "[p], you can reduce the strain on your back by lifting more with your legs."

    "{i}You attempt a snarky comeback, but instead give off little more than a wheeze.{/i}"

    p "{i}I should have taken one of the wheeled carts...{/i}"

    p "{i}I didn't think it would be this heavy!{/i}"

    scene bg 12_lecture4_2 with vpunch

    "{i}You take another heavy step forward.{/i}"

    ar "That will be good, [p]."

    ar "Please set the suit down near my rear tire."

    "{i}You don't need anymore encouragement.{/i}"

    scene bg 12_lecture4_3 with vpunch

    p "Hah..."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_4 with dissolve

    "{i}You slump down onto the concrete floor. Never before have four feet felt like forty miles.{/i}"

    ar "Impressive, [p]."

    p "How heavy is that thing?"

    ar "Without the synthetic muscles activated, the suit is one hundred and eighty pounds."

    ar "You must be taking to your studies quite well."

    p "{i}Valentina and Riley don't give me much of a choice.{/i}"

    ar "One moment."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_5 with dissolve

    ar "Interfacing with it now."

    p "So, what does that mean exactly? Can this suit be remote controlled?"

    ar "No. While the synthetic muscles by themselves would be capable enough for basic movement, the suit has no central guidance system."

    ar "If you are referring to the incident with Lovestruck, I am still unsure how she was able to temporarily gain control of it."

    ar "Detective Keegan's hypothesis has been that Lovestruck stimulated the synthetic muscles with her powers, controlling its limbs like a puppet."

    p "{i}And my limbs...{/i}"

    scene bg 12_lecture4_6 with dissolve

    p "Then... how am I controlling it when I'm in it?"

    ar "The suit works on a complex system of pressure sensors. It detects where you want to move, and then moves in that direction."

    ar "One of my tasks today is to adjust the calibration to better suit your movements. I am reading the data it has collected on you thus far."

    ar "When it's working properly, the suit can detect and adjust to your actions in less than one-tenth of a second, faster than the average human reflex speed."

    ar "Without proper calibration, there would be severe latency between your input and the suit's reaction. When walking, for example, one leg might continue forward while the other one stretches out in the opposite direction."

    p "...stretches how far?"

    ar "Do not worry, [p]. The armored panels also serve as a mechanical safety measure to prevent the overextension of the limbs."

    ar "It is also why there are no synthetic fibers present in the neck."

    p "And that's why it's removable?"

    ar "Precisely."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_7

    "{i}The light on the suit switches to red.{/i}"

    p "Artemisia?"

    ar "I am experiencing difficulty uploading the updated software to the suit."

    ar "It does not recognize my operating system."

    p "What do we do?"

    ar "We will need to try a manual connection. I anticipated that this could happen. It is why I requested assistance."

    ar "This is the first time that the suit has been updated since its previous owner passed away."

    ar "[p]. There is a cord in my trunk. Please, grab it and connect me to the suit. You will find an output near my rear axle."

    play sound "audio/effects/car_door_lock.ogg"

    "{i}Artemisia unlocks her trunk.{/i}"

    scene bg 12_lecture4_8 with fade

    p "I think I got it..."

    "{i}There's a satisfying click as you connect the cables to Artemisia and your suit.{/i}"

    ar "Thank you."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_9 with fade

    "{i}You rise to your feet.{/i}"

    ar "One moment..."

    ar "Processing..."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_10 with dissolve

    ar "Restarting the suit."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_11

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 12_lecture4_10 with dissolve

    p "Artemisia?"

    ar "I am still experiencing the same error."

    ar "I will attempt another method."

    ar "Please stand by."

    p "Anything else I can do?"

    ar "I will have the results within the next five to three hundred minutes."

    p "...I see."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_12 with fade

    "{i}You lean against Artemisia, listening to the purr of her engine as she continues her attempts.{/i}"

    p "Do you think it's related to the version compatibility thingy?"

    p "That problem you were having before?"

    ar "Unlikely. I was able to successfully update the software."

    p "The restore point worked?"

    ar "No. My prior restore points were corrupted. The update ran successfully after another attempt."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_13 with dissolve

    p "Does it work like that?"

    ar "I do not understand your question."

    p "Can you just fix something by just installing it again?"

    ar "The forty-fifth attempt succeeded."

    ar "Therefore, yes."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_12 with dissolve

    p "Huh..."

    p "What about-"

    scene bg 12_lecture4_14 with dissolve

    ar "The update is successful."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_15 with dissolve

    ar "Your suit will be ready for your next patrol."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_16

    p "Just like that? What changed?"

    ar "The update took the twenty-third time."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_17 with dissolve

    ar "Thank you for your assistance, [p]."

    ar "You may now place your suit back in its original position."

    scene bg 12_lecture4_18 with dissolve

    p "...right."

    "{i}Another back-breaking haul and you've finished helping Artemisia for the day.{/i}"

    "{i}You leave knowing less about computers, virtual intelligences, or super suits than when you entered.{/i}"

    jump academy_garage_trans
label lecture_event_13:
    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_13 = 10

    scene bg 13_lecture0_1 with fade

    "{i}Missus Powell begins her lecture, more than happy to go over past material and take questions.{/i}"

    scene bg 13_lecture0_3 with fade

    ep "That's all for today, everyone. Class dismissed."

    scene bg 13_lecture0_2 with dissolve

    ep "[p]? Can you stay after for a bit? I'd like to talk to you about your latest patrol."

    scene bg 13_lecture0_4 with dissolve

    p "Sure thing."

    scene bg 13_lecture1_1 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 13_lecture1_2 with dissolve

    ep "Chrys tells me that there's been an exciting development with your powers."

    scene bg 13_lecture1_3 with dissolve

    p "Well... I don't know if I would call it {b}exciting{/b}. It's a development, though."

    p "Kind of..."

    play sound "audio/effects/pong_ball.ogg"

    scene bg 13_lecture2_1 with vpunch

    p "Hey!"

    scene bg 13_lecture1_4 with dissolve

    p "You just carry those around with you!?"

    scene bg 13_lecture1_5 with dissolve

    ep "When I need to get someone out of their own head."

    ep "What's the matter with you? Your powers finally manifest and you look like you dropped your [favoriteDrink] on the way to work."

    scene bg 13_lecture1_6 with dissolve

    p "It's-"

    p "I see in the {b}dark{/b}! What good is that?"

    p "Maybe if we go camping, or if someone drops their phone in a movie theater. Otherwise, I feel kind of... redundant."

    scene bg 13_lecture1_7 with dissolve

    ep "That's not true at all. What about in places without electricity? Or Antarctica in the winter, or an underground cave?"

    ep "There are places where your powers could be of great help."

    scene bg 13_lecture1_8 with dissolve

    p "That's true, but, there aren't many underground caves in Nierhaven."

    p "The closest thing I can think of is the tunnel we use to get to the city."

    p "I know it's not a useless ability, I just feel kind of like, I don't know..."

    p "...useless plus? Flashlights aren't hard to come by and everyone has a cellphone!"

    p "How does something like this help me block lightning or run into burning buildings?"

    scene bg 13_lecture1_9 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 13_lecture3_1 with dissolve

    ep "[p]. You can't compare your powers to super strength, super speed, or laser eyes."

    ep "Just because your abilities don't transition easily into blocking bullets or fistfights doesn't mean they're any less respectable."

    ep "We don't know what the extent of your gifts might be. Judging someone, even yourself, so harshly just because your powers aren't conventionally heroic is foolish."

    scene bg 13_lecture3_2 with dissolve

    ep "And can be very hurtful."

    scene bg 13_lecture3_3 with dissolve

    ep "Think of it this way: how many cars have tried to kill you?"

    scene bg 13_lecture3_4

    p "Two."

    scene bg 13_lecture3_5

    ep "And how many nights have you seen?"

    scene bg 13_lecture3_6

    p "...thousands."

    scene bg 13_lecture3_7 with dissolve

    ep "See? So, cheer up. Night vision can be broadly applicable. You'd be surprised how little super strength comes in handy."

    scene bg 13_lecture3_8

    p "Darkvision."

    scene bg 13_lecture3_9

    ep "Huh?"

    scene bg 13_lecture3_10

    p "Nothing."

    scene bg 13_lecture3_11 with dissolve

    ep "Oh! Before I forget. Detective Keegan needs you to drop by the station. It's about Lovestruck."

    scene bg 13_lecture3_12 with dissolve

    p "I didn't break any laws accidentally, did I?"

    scene bg 13_lecture3_13

    ep "No, nothing like that. She's being uncooperative with their investigation."

    ep "Detective Keegan thinks your presence might give her a little nudge in the right direction. Put her off balance."

    scene bg 13_lecture3_14

    p "Why me? Why not Riley or you?"

    scene bg 13_lecture3_15

    ep "Because Lovestruck mentioned you. Sort of. Slip of the tongue."

    scene bg 13_lecture3_16

    p "...mentioned me how?"

    scene bg 13_lecture3_17 with dissolve

    ep "Keegan says she referred to you as the, {b}Armored Acockolypse{/b}."

    ep "I'm going to trust you to know what she means by that."

    scene bg 13_lecture4_1 with dissolve

    ep "Anyway, take a morning to go out and see her. Artemisia already has the route programmed in."

    ep "And don't stress so much over your powers. Let me talk to a few people and I'll come up with a plan for your training."

    ep "Okay?"

    scene bg 13_lecture4_2 with dissolve

    "{i}She squeezes your hand.{/i}"

    scene bg 13_lecture4_3 with dissolve

    ep "You belong in this Academy with us. Don't forget that, [p]."

    scene bg 13_lecture5_1 with dissolve

    "{i}Missus Powell departs.{/i}"

    $ timeofday = 3

    jump academy_classroom_trans

label lecture_event_14:
    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_14 = 10
    $ timeofday = 3
    $ p_fitness = 19

    scene black with fade

    "{i}After a quick trip to the bathroom, you make your way to the gym after class.{/i}"

    "{i}Missus Powell is already waiting for you. Whatever her discussion with Riley, it must have been short.{/i}"

    scene bg 14_lecture0_1 with fade

    ep "[p], thank you for coming. How are you feeling after your big match?"

    scene bg 14_lecture1_1 with dissolve

    p "I'm feeling okay, Missus Powell."

    p "Kind of surprisingly okay. I thought that axe kick was going to knock me out for sure."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_2 with dissolve

    ep "Yes, Riley certainly wasn't holding back."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_3 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 14_lecture1_4 with dissolve

    p "Yeah..."

    p "I'm surprised you didn't send me off to go get my head checked."

    if rb_event_21 >= 1:
        p "I know you sent Riley."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_5 with dissolve

    ep "Well, [p], you've been in worse. I had faith that you would make a swift and thorough recovery."

    ep "Although, speaking about the outcome of the match, I do believe that puts our irregular training sessions at an end."

    ep "I'm afraid I need to tend to a few things regarding a special case from the Heroes Association."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_6 with dissolve

    p "Special? Special how? I thought we let the police handle the investigating."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_7 with dissolve

    ep "Oh, nothing like that. I won't be knocking down doors and flashing warrants at anyone. There are just a few things that need to be looked into."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_8 with dissolve

    p "Is it related to Lovestruck?"

    scene bg 14_lecture1_9 with dissolve

    ep "Oh, no, no, no. This was before her time."

    ep "It will go nowhere, I'm sure of it, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be looked into. A dispatcher answers every 911 call, and there are just some things a hero can't overlook."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_10 with dissolve

    ep "But let's not allow that to muddy the occasion. You did splendidly, [p]. I absolutely cannot believe how you managed to subdue Riley."

    ep "You are going to slip into those leadership shoes quite comfortably, and I trust that I can leave the team in your hands while I'm away for a while."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_11 with dissolve

    p "Wait, you're leaving?"

    scene bg 14_lecture1_12 with dissolve

    ep "I'm just going to be busy. We'll still have lecture, and we are going to still have exams, young man. Don't think you can worm your way out of those."

    ep "There are just some other things that are going to occupy my free time."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_13 with dissolve

    p "{i}...I don't recall Missus Powell having any free time. It's not like she hangs out around the Academy like the others.{/i}"

    scene bg 14_lecture1_14 with dissolve

    "{i}She extends a hand to you.{/i}"

    "{i}You take it.{/i}"

    scene bg 14_lecture1_15 with dissolve

    ep "You're one of the best things to happen to this team in a long time, [p]."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_16 with dissolve

    "{i}She squeezes your hand.{/i}"

    scene bg 14_lecture1_17 with dissolve

    ep "Just remember why you're here, why you're {b}all{/b} here, and you'll do great things."

    scene bg 14_lecture1_18 with dissolve

    "{i}With that, Missus Powell departs, leaving you to puzzle her meaning.{/i}"

    jump academy_gym_trans

label lecture_event_15:
    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_15 = 10
    $ timeofday = 3
    $ p_fitness = 20

    scene bg 15_lecture0_1 with fade

    "{i}You move to get up out of your desk.{/i}"

    ep "[p]?"

    scene bg 15_lecture1_1

    ep "Would you mind staying after class?"

    scene bg 15_lecture1_2

    p "Sure, Missus Powell."

    scene bg 15_lecture1_3

    cs "OooOoooOOoo..."

    scene bg 15_lecture1_4

    ep "Out."

    scene bg 15_lecture1_5 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 15_lecture2_1 with dissolve

    "{i}Missus Powell waits for the classroom to empty.{/i}"

    scene bg 15_lecture2_2 with dissolve

    p "Is this about Lovestruck?"

    scene bg 15_lecture2_3 with dissolve

    ep "What? No, nothing like that."

    ep "Hold on a moment."

    scene bg 15_lecture3_1 with dissolve

    p "Missus Powell?"

    scene bg 15_lecture3_2 with dissolve

    ep "Your collar is crooked."

    ep "It's just a bit."

    scene bg 15_lecture3_3

    ep "There."

    scene bg 15_lecture3_4 with dissolve

    "{i}She brushes out your shirt from your collar to your shoulders.{/i}"

    scene bg 15_lecture3_5 with dissolve

    ep "Thank you for humoring this old nag."

    scene bg 15_lecture3_6 with dissolve

    ep "Now, let's have a chat. I've got something for us in the kitchen."

    scene bg 15_lecture3_7 with dissolve

    p "What is it?"

    scene black with fade

    stop music fadeout 5.0

    "{i}It doesn't take very long to find out.{/i}"

    scene bg 15_lecture4_1 with fade

    ep "Ta-da!"

    p "Wine?"

    ep "Clever boy! Just sit tight while I get us a pair of glasses."

    scene bg 15_lecture5_1 with fade

    play music "audio/music/smooth_lovin_edit.ogg" fadein 10.0

    "{i}That, also, doesn't take very long.{/i}"

    scene bg 15_lecture5_2 with dissolve

    ep "You don't find this too odd, do you? Drinking a little wine with your teacher after class?"

    scene bg 15_lecture5_3 with dissolve

    p "You mean with Queen Unbreakable?"

    scene bg 15_lecture5_4 with dissolve

    ep "I suppose that is the greater oddity."

    scene bg 15_lecture5_4a

    ep "You don't still think of me like that, do you? You didn't strike me as a hero worshiper when we first met."

    ep "You didn't wear any of the merchandise."

    scene bg 15_lecture5_5 with dissolve

    p "I never followed that scene closely. I didn't have the time. I was always working or something else."

    p "And, well, you are my teacher...?"

    p "Professor? Mentor?"

    p "Instructor?"

    scene bg 15_lecture5_6

    ep "Anything but {b}role model{/b}. I hate that one. It comes with too much baggage."

    ep "People always want someone to look up to, to give them hope or at least to distract them from the day-to-day doldrums of life."

    scene bg 15_lecture5_7

    ep "And then they leave the T.V. on and some five-year-old ends up in the hospital for trying to stop a car with his bare hands because he saw me do it on the news."

    ep "Having superpowers doesn't change everything about you. They just change one thing. You're still just like everyone else: same dreams, same needs, same wants."

    ep "But people forget. You're a hero now, and they think you {b}are{/b} your powers."

    scene bg 15_lecture5_8

    p "Hey... Missus Powell?"

    scene bg 15_lecture5_8a

    p "What {b}are{/b} your powers?"

    p "I think I know what they do, but, then again, I thought I knew what Riley's powers did."

    scene bg 15_lecture5_9 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 15_lecture5_10 with dissolve

    ep "Riley's abilities are fascinating, aren't they? Tactile acceleration. It's remarkable."

    ep "Did you know that not a single member of the Heroes Association volunteered to mentor her? I had to go get her myself."

    ep "It was the same for all the others, save for Harper."

    scene bg 15_lecture5_11

    p "What? Why?"

    scene bg 15_lecture5_12 with dissolve

    ep "Because it took years of training to bring them to that point. When Riley started, all she could do was leap forward a few extra feet. And I'm using the term {b}forward{/b} very loosely."

    ep "The Heroes Association only has so many superheroes available to mentor new talent."

    ep "They'll dismiss you in an instant if you don't fit the mold of what people believe a superhero should be, especially when it comes to your powers."

    ep "No one believed in her potential. It took almost two years before she could control it well enough to fly, and you've seen how far she's come now."

    ep "Valentina couldn't turn her powers on or off consciously. They triggered automatically when she panicked or felt anxious, which left her athletic career in tatters, no matter how crudely her snobbish parents tried to {b}fix{/b} her."

    ep "Chrys, in the beginning, couldn't phase her whole body. She could only pass small objects through parts of her body, and only if they were at room temperature. Otherwise, she would sink into the ground."

    scene bg 15_lecture5_13 with dissolve

    ep "Look at them now. Look at them, given the chance and understanding. How many more could we have had?"

    scene bg 15_lecture5_14 with dissolve

    ep "How many wonderful heroes have we lost, how small this community is because of it..."

    scene bg 15_lecture5_15 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 15_lecture6_1 with dissolve

    "{i}The Unbreakable Queen sits silently, lost in a moment swimming in the memory of her eyes.{/i}"

    "{i}You fiddle with the glass stem of your own wine glass. You feel suddenly out of place like you're intruding on her privacy.{/i}"

    scene bg 15_lecture6_2 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 15_lecture6_3 with dissolve

    ep "Listen to this old woman ramble. You were wondering about {b}my{/b} powers, yes?"

    ep "Nothing as fancy as Riley or as wondrous as Chrysanthemum. I hit things, often very hard. I lift things, too, often very heavy. It's also done wonders for my waistline. The extra pounds just seem to slide off."

    ep "The muscles are different. I can't seem to lose them, and so I try to be careful about gaining them. It takes a subway car to put any stress on them, but if they're atrophying, they're doing it so slowly I'll turn to dust before I turn to flab."

    scene bg 15_lecture6_4

    ep "I'm also a tough old cow. Nothing brittle, neither hair nor hide. I never need to worry about stubbing my toe in the middle of the night."

    ep "Although the table does. I've left a few dents in the wooden legs."

    scene bg 15_lecture6_5

    ep "Oh, and the bras!"

    ep "Did you know I used to be a C-cup until I got pregnant?"

    ep "Not a single stretch mark. Miranda is so jealous."

    scene bg 15_lecture6_6 with dissolve

    p "That's not something I've..."

    scene bg 15_lecture6_7 with dissolve

    ep "Oh, don't squirm, [p]. I'm only teasing. I doubt many men imagine the women they know with {b}smaller{/b} breasts."

    ep "Here."

    scene bg 15_lecture6_8 with dissolve

    "{i}Missus Powell holds up her glass to toast.{/i}"

    scene bg 15_lecture6_9 with dissolve

    ep "A toast to awkward conversation topics with older women."

    scene bg 15_lecture6_10 with dissolve

    "{i}You spend the afternoon with Missus Powell{/i}"

    scene black with fade

    "{i}And a good portion of the evening.{/i}"

    scene bg 15_lecture7_1 with fade

    ep "She was buying how many?"

    scene bg 15_lecture7_2 with dissolve

    p "I don't even remember now. It was a lot, though."

    scene bg 15_lecture7_3 with dissolve

    ep "That was back where? Your old job?"

    scene bg 15_lecture7_4 with dissolve

    p "Yeah, the convenience store just a few blocks from the metro station."

    scene bg 15_lecture7_5 with dissolve

    ep "And you managed to keep a cool head?"

    ep "And they call me the superhero."

    scene bg 15_lecture7_6 with dissolve

    ep "Oh, speaking of which, Valentina informed me of the incident in the gym earlier this week."

    scene bg 15_lecture7_7

    p "She did? Well, what do you think?"

    p "Does it mean... It has to mean that I've got something super other than these eyes, yeah?"

    scene bg 15_lecture7_8

    ep "You have many wonderful qualities aside from your superpower, [p]."

    ep "As for what you did with the weights, I do think that you are exhibiting some type of super strength. It is unusual, though."

    ep "Typically, when a person has more than one ability, it's because their original ability has specialized in some way."

    ep "Riley, for example, has both a type of super strength and flight. It's the same power, only used in different ways."

    scene bg 15_lecture7_9

    p "So... my sight is somehow connected to my strength?"

    scene bg 15_lecture7_10

    ep "It's likely. I have a theory, but I'll need to gather some equipment to prove it."

    ep "In the meantime, just continue as you are in the Academy. The whole place seems brighter with you around, [p]."

    ep "Chrys and Riley are talking to each other. I don't hear Harper and Valentina getting into shouting contests in the gym."

    ep "Even Artemisia seems to be driving smoother than usual."

    p "{i}Heh...{/i}"

    ep "I knew I picked the right man for this Academy. You have what makes a hero a superhero, [p]."

    scene bg 15_lecture7_11

    p "The initiative?"

    scene bg 15_lecture8_1 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 15_lecture8_2 with dissolve

    ep "A good heart."

    ep "The ability to act when others don't is the most important quality for a hero, but a good heart is what makes them more. Much more."

    ep "I can see it in the way your relationship with the others has grown over these months. I can see it in the way they smile and animate while you're around."

    ep "They'll follow you, [p]."

    ep "In the future, I'll be delegating the planning and execution of the patrol routes to you."

    scene bg 15_lecture8_3

    ep "Think of it as the start of your leadership training."

    scene bg 15_lecture8_4 with dissolve

    p "Do you think I'm ready?"

    scene bg 15_lecture8_5 with dissolve

    ep "I think it's time to try."

    ep "Don't worry. I'll be your training wheels until you learn the basics. Just believe you can do it."

    ep "I do."

    scene bg 15_lecture8_6

    p "Thanks, Missus Powell."

    scene bg 15_lecture8_7 with dissolve

    ep "You're welcome, [p]."

    ep "Now, it's getting late. I should head home."

    ep "Get some rest, [p]. We've got some busy weeks ahead."

    scene bg 15_lecture9_1 with dissolve

    "{i}With a wave, Missus Powell departs.{/i}"

    scene bg 15_lecture9_2 with dissolve

    "{i}You down a quick glass of water before leaving the kitchen.{/i}"

    jump academy_corridor_trans

label lecture_event_16:
    hide screen calendar
    $ lecture_16 = 10
    $ timeofday = 1
    $ midpoint = 10

    if lecture_3 <= 1:
        scene map bedroom_protagonist_1 with dissolve
    else:
        if pat_event_2 <= 1:
            scene map 3_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve
        else:
            scene map 4_bedroom_protagonist0_1 with dissolve
    p "{i}I'd better get ready for class.{/i}"
    scene map academy_entrance with fade
    pause 0.5

    stop music

    scene bg 16_lecture0_1 with fade

    p "{i}What...{/i}"

    play music "audio/music/cryptic_sorrow.ogg" fadein 10.0

    scene bg 16_lecture0_2

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 16_lecture0_3

    p "What happened here?"

    scene bg 16_lecture1_1 with fade

    p "Valentina?"

    p "Hey, Valentina?"

    scene bg 16_lecture2_1 with dissolve

    "{i}As you approach, Valentina remains frozen in place, her jaw open, her eyes staring forward and wide.{/i}"

    "{i}She doesn't acknowledge your presence or your words.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture3_1 with dissolve

    "{i}You take a step forward and gently touch her forearm.{/i}"

    p "Valentina?"

    scene bg 16_lecture3_2 with dissolve

    ve "[p]...?"

    scene bg 16_lecture3_3 with dissolve

    "{i}She looks dazed like she'd just woken from a dream, unfocused eyes outlining the approximate location of your head.{/i}"

    p "What's going on here? Why are the desks a mess and where are the others?"

    p "Valentina? Was class canceled?"

    scene bg 16_lecture3_4

    p "Say something!"

    scene bg 16_lecture3_5 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 16_lecture3_6 with dissolve

    "{i}A word, less than a whisper, passes Valentina's lips before the rest of her utterance fades in her throat. Shock and confusion play out across her face, overriding her bemusement.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture3_7 with dissolve

    "{i}She points you toward the classroom door.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture4_1 with fade

    p "What?"

    scene bg 16_lecture5_1

    "{i}You turn back, and Valentina is gone.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture6_1 with dissolve

    "{i}You reach out to where she was standing...{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture6_2 with dissolve

    "{i}...and grasp nothing but air.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture7_1 with fade

    "{i}You head for the Academy's main area.{/i}"

    scene map academy_entrance with fade

    cs "{b}Harper{/b}!"

    cs "{b}Harper, come back{/b}!"

    p "{i}That's coming from the library!{/i}"

    "{i}You rush towards the room.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture8_1 with fade

    p "Riley? Chrys?"

    "{i}You find Riley mired in concentration while Chrys sobs openly on the library floor, the sound of rushing air tells you the sliding glass doors have been opened.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture8_2 with dissolve

    rb "[p]?"

    scene bg 16_lecture8_3 with dissolve

    p "Could one of you please tell me what's going on? Valentina just freaked out and vanished on me!"

    scene bg 16_lecture9_1 with fade

    "{i}Riley steps towards you and places her hands on your waist, just above the loop of your belt.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture9_2 with dissolve

    rb "Ellie is gone."

    scene bg 16_lecture9_3 with dissolve

    "{i}The world changes with a single phrase.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture9_4 with dissolve

    p "What do you mean {b}gone{/b}?"

    scene bg 16_lecture9_5 with dissolve

    rb "Gone. Kelly called us just a few minutes ago."

    rb "Someone delivered Ellie's wedding ring to her apartment, and a note saying that she'd been {b}taken off the board{/b}."

    rb "We don't know anything more than that. I sent a text to Detective Keegan, but she hasn't responded yet."

    scene bg 16_lecture9_6 with dissolve

    rb "Harper took off. Chrys and I tried to calm her down, but-"

    scene bg 16_lecture10_1 with vpunch

    "{i}Phasing through Riley, Chrys slams into your chest!{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture11_1 with dissolve

    cs "Harper {b}can't{/b} be alone out there, [p]! She can't!"

    cs "She can't!"

    scene bg 16_lecture11_2 with dissolve

    p "Hey, easy, Chrys. Easy."

    p "Slow down. I'll go look for her."

    scene bg 16_lecture12_1 with dissolve

    p "She took off outside? Was she going toward Nierhaven?"

    scene bg 16_lecture12_2

    rb "I don't think so."

    scene bg 16_lecture12_3 with dissolve

    p "Then I think I know where she'll be."

    scene bg 16_lecture13_1 with dissolve

    rb "You do?"

    p "Yeah, you two find Valentina."

    p "I'll go check on Harper."

    scene black with fade

    "{i}You leave out the front door and make your way into the wilderness surrounding the Academy.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture14_1 with fade

    p "It should be around here..."

    scene bg 16_lecture14_2 with dissolve

    p "Yeah, this looks familiar."

    scene bg 16_lecture14_3 with dissolve

    p "There you are."

    scene bg 16_lecture15_1 with dissolve

    p "Harper..."

    scene bg 16_lecture15_2 with dissolve

    hp "Hey, [p]..."

    scene bg 16_lecture16_1 with dissolve

    p "The others are worried about you."

    p "I was worried, too. Riley told me what happened."

    p "Let's..."

    p "Well, we can come up with a plan. We don't know anything for certain yet-"

    scene bg 16_lecture16_2

    hp "She's my mother."

    scene bg 16_lecture16_1 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 16_lecture17_1 with dissolve

    hp "That's why I don't call her {b}Professor{/b} or {b}Missus{/b}. She's not just an instructor. She's my mom."

    scene bg 16_lecture17_2 with dissolve

    p "...how?"

    scene bg 16_lecture17_3 with dissolve

    hp "Kelly. The media blitz. The desensitization. If all the headlines said that I was one of her students, they wouldn't question why I was with her."

    hp "When I was younger, it was because I was a prodigy."

    hp "When I got older, it was because I had a promising career."

    hp "The Academy helped too. It gave us another excuse to spend time together. It also helped me make friends."

    hp "I dyed my hair."

    hp "I practiced calling her {b}teacher{/b} and {b}Elizabeth{/b}."

    hp "I can't remember the last time I called her mom."

    hp "Now I can't."

    scene bg 16_lecture17_4 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 16_lecture17_5 with dissolve

    hp "I wanted to tell her about you so badly. So she would know I was doing okay, and that I was finally having something close to that normal life I wanted."

    hp "But nothing is normal about being unable to call her, talk to her..."

    hp "...see her."

    scene bg 16_lecture17_6 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 16_lecture17_7 with dissolve

    "{i}Harper stifles a sob.{/i}"

    "{i}You take your place next to her.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture18_1 with fade

    p "We'll find her, Harper. Mis-"

    p "Your mother is Unbreakable. She's got to be okay somewhere. We just need to start looking. We'll get help from Miranda and everyone else we can."

    scene bg 16_lecture18_2

    hp "What's the point, [p]? It doesn't matter who goes looking. They'll never find my mom."

    hp "They couldn't even find my sister."

    hp "She was the one who wanted this life. {b}She{/b} was the one obsessed with heroes of ancient myths, and a hero was all she ever wanted to be. I only went along with it because I didn't want to be alone."

    hp "We were supposed to do all this together, as a family, and now it's just me."

    scene bg 16_lecture18_3 with dissolve

    hp "It's just me..."

    scene bg 16_lecture18_4 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 16_lecture18_5 with dissolve

    "{i}Distraught, Harper reaches for your hand.{/i}"

    "{i}You hold hers, and wait.{/i}"

    "{i}She doesn't say anything more.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture19_1 with fade

    pause

    menu:
        "Talk about the weather":
            p "I can't get over how much cleaner the air is up here instead of down in the city."

            p "Sometimes I feel like it's too clean."

            p "Like I should hook up Artemisia's exhaust to my bedroom window to remember what it was like to sleep in my old apartment."

    scene bg 16_lecture20_1 with dissolve

    menu:
        "Talk about your student life":
            p "...fire drills were weird."

            p "The fire alarms in my school would go off randomly, either because they were testing something or because someone pulled one of those little levers."

            p "We had a two hundred thousand dollar fire safety system installed, but whenever it went off, we were supposed to wait in the classroom for the principal to announce whether it was real or not."

    scene bg 16_lecture21_1 with dissolve

    menu:
        "Talk about food":

            p "...try everything once."

            p "It hasn't always worked out, but I've enjoyed more meals going down than I've had meals going up."

            p "Pizza is a classic, but it's also {b}pizza{/b}. You have to be allergic to one of the ingredients to not like pizza."

            p "I knew this guy once who was lactose intolerant and used to reward himself with pizza. He'd take the following day off and just damn the consequences."

    scene bg 16_lecture22_1 with dissolve

    menu:
        "Talk about books":

            p "It's been a while since I've read a good book. I know that there's plenty out there, but it can be hard to just get into one."

            p "Or worse, pick one back up that you were halfway through finishing."

            p "Most times I just start over again, and try to make it a little further than last time..."

    scene bg 16_lecture23_1 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene bg 16_lecture24_1 with dissolve

    "{i}Harper is fast asleep.{/i}"

    "{i}As gently as you can, you pick her up and take her back to the Academy.{/i}"

    scene black with fade

    "{i}You wipe her dried tears.{/i}"

    play sound "audio/effects/clothes_rustle.ogg"

    scene bg 16_lecture25_1 with fade

    "{i}After bundling her up with her blanket, you squeeze the exhausted heroine's hand one more time before making your way out of her room.{/i}"

    scene bg 16_lecture26_1 with dissolve

    pause 0.5

    scene black with fade

    play sound "audio/effects/door_knob.ogg"

    pause

    scene bg 16_lecture27_1 with fade

    "{i}Riley's waiting for you in the hallway.{/i}"

    p "She's asleep."

    scene bg 16_lecture27_2 with dissolve

    rb "Good. Chrys took a shower and went straight to bed. I think she's still out."

    rb "Valentina took a while to find, but she's calmed down. From what I can tell, anyway. You might want to check on them."

    scene bg 16_lecture27_3 with dissolve

    p "I will."

    p "How about you?"

    scene bg 16_lecture27_4 with dissolve

    rb "I don't know."

    rb "I never thought anyone could take on Ellie. Even if they could, I expected a crater or something after a fight like that."

    rb "And there's just nothing..."

    scene bg 16_lecture27_5 with dissolve

    p "...what do we do?"

    scene bg 16_lecture27_6 with dissolve

    rb "Both Kelly and Miranda want to keep it under wraps as long as we can. If word gets out that someone took down Ellie, it's going to cause a panic."

    rb "There's not a heavy hitter {b}in{/b} the Heroes Association who's going to want to deal with this alone, and if they call in enough people, it might just drive whoever did this underground."

    rb "To explain the absence, Kelly is going to run a story explaining that Queen Unbreakable is going to be taking a step back to let one of her students lead."

    scene bg 16_lecture27_7 with dissolve

    p "Which-"

    p "You're joking."

    p "I've done a handful of patrols and threw a barbell at the ceiling. I'm not ready to... what, even? Shake hands with the mayor? Represent the Heroes Association?"

    p "Deal with Lovestruck and possibly anyone else involved with taking down {b}Queen Unbreakable{/b}?"

    scene bg 16_lecture27_8 with dissolve

    rb "I know you're not ready, [p]."

    rb "But she would have wanted you to try."

    rb "And that's all we're asking. We'll be with you every step of the way."

    rb "Get some sleep. Tomorrow just got a little more dangerous."

    stop music fadeout 5.0

    scene bg 16_lecture27_9 with dissolve

    "{i}Riley departs.{/i}"

    "{i}And you're left terribly alone.{/i}"

    $ timeofday = 4

    jump academy_bedroom_hallway_trans
