CogitatorYou make a show of removing your hand from the lever — and kick the power transfer relay located on the lower half of the cogitator's casing. The screen immediately shuts down and the snarling inside the machine peters out on its own. Checking the data-crypt port reveals the claws have unclenched, and you easily extract the data-crypt from its socket.
YOU[Proceed with deactivating the machine]
YOU"Heinrix, have you ever seen anything like this before?"
HeinrixHeinrix gives the screen and the control panel a thorough examination. "Another manifestation of the same corruption we encountered on Kiava Gamma. Perhaps if we used an auxiliary connection system..."
HeinrixHeinrix pries a side panel open with a knife and receives a face full of sparks and caustic reagent. After swearing and wiping his singed face, the Interrogator manages to pull out a bunch of wires and cut the right cables, causing the cogitator to shut down. The claws holding the data-crypt unclench helplessly.
end of branch
YOU"I need the assistance of a servant of the Omnissiah."
PasqalThe Tech-Priest starts chanting an infrasound litany that makes you feel slightly nauseous and approaches the cogitator. He places his hands on the control panel in one smooth motion and starts performing sacred manipulations. Most of the Magos's actions are a total mystery to you, and you watch as he flips toggle switches and ritually taps several relays while drawing protective symbols over others.
PasqalAt last, when the rituals are complete, your companion withdraws a cord from the folds of his red vestment and plugs it into one of the sockets. A discharge surges along the cable, making the Tech-Priest flinch and filling the air with the smell of burnt wiring, but the cogitator obediently shuts down, erasing the sinister entity from the screen and releasing the data-crypt from its port.
end of branch
YOU[Smash the screen]
CogitatorYou shatter the monitor with a single blow. In its death thralls, the machine envelops you in acrid smoke that leaves behind a thin oily film. The claws holding the data-crypt twitch in agony, breaking the fragile device into metal splinters.
end of branch
YOU[Take your hand off the lever]
CogitatorAs if satisfied by your retreat, the entity on the screen closes its spark-like eyes, but you can't rid yourself of the feeling that it is still watching you surreptitiously.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]
YOU[See what the device is coated with]
CogitatorThe cogitator's case is covered with scratched symbols and signs thickly smeared in a pungent oily mass. You spot tiny bubbles emerging from the gleaming metal: it is almost as if the malodorous slime is seeping from these scratches like sweat oozes from pores on human skin.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]
CogitatorThe eye-like sparks are yellowish orange in colour, but you are pretty sure this monitor cannot display such a vivid hue. You lean forward, and you hear a predatory growl coming from inside the device, a sound full of hatred and hunger.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]
CogitatorYou try pressing keys and spinning a couple of reels. In response, a few lumens light up on the control panel, a low guttural growl reverberates through the machine, and a small auxiliary screen lights up, presenting you with information.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]
CogitatorNot only do you fail to examine the log, even accessing it is quite an ordeal — any data projected to the blinking screen blurs and fades like images on melting film.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]
CogitatorThe data-crypt slots are occupied: two of them appear to be melted beyond repair, but you might extract the third one without incurring data loss if you successfully deactivate the logical network of the machine itself.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]
CogitatorWhen you reach for the power shutdown lever, the growling from the depths of the machine intensifies and the screen starts filling with red. Your hand stops one centimetre away from its goal...
YOU[Proceed with deactivating the machine]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Heinrix, have you ever seen anything like this before?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need the assistance of a servant of the Omnissiah."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smash the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Take your hand off the lever]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]
CogitatorYou insert the data-stick into one of the available slots. The machine reacts with purrs and clicks. A few moments later, both data-sticks are ejected and land on the control panel.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]
CogitatorYou touch the data-stick and realise you cannot pull it out or pry your fingers away from its surface, it is as if your hand is being held in place by a powerful magnetic force!
YOU[Break the cogitator]
CogitatorYou smash the control panel with the first blow and the cogitator screens with the second. No one will be able to use this machine, whether for good or ill.
end of branch
CogitatorYou shatter the monitor with a single blow. In its death thralls, the machine envelops you in acrid smoke that leaves behind a thin oily film. The claws holding the data-crypt twitch in agony, breaking the fragile device into metal splinters.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]
end of branch
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
CogitatorThe data-crypt is in place, but its slot is protected by two rows of metal claws growing straight out of the cogitator's casing. They flex under your scrutiny, clutching the device even tighter.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
CogitatorYou examine all the slots and sockets on the cogitator case, but to no avail. All that you manage to find is a single data-stick hidden behind a protective panel.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
CogitatorThe cogitator does not react to the buttons being pushed and the handles being turned: the screen continues to display what you saw when you first approached the machine.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
CogitatorYou skim the report on the auxiliary screen. It seems the cogitator has been completely purged of data. If there is anything of value left in this machine, it will be on the external drives.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 2 of 13
CogitatorNo matter how many reels you spin or how many buttons you push, all of the efforts remain futile: the control panel sways before your eyes, and the swirls on the screen start resembling letters on the cusp of forming coherent words...
YOU[Pull out the data-crypt manually]
YOU[Take a close look at the letters on the screen]
CogitatorThe machine is obviously trying to tell you something, one letter after another. The gobbledygook on the screen aligns into a few words. You try to read them... and reel back, feeling the cursed phrase ravage your mind like a rabid beast, wiping away all thought and leaving behind a trace of primordial horror.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look away from the screen]
CogitatorYou tear your gaze away from the screen and immediately feel your mind shake off the strange haze caused by the shifting images.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 13
CogitatorYou grab the lever and a powerful electric discharge surges through your body. You jerk your hand away and watch the lever go red-hot from the voltage, melt into a viscous goop, and trickle down into its own socket.
YOU[Proceed with deactivating the machine]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Heinrix, have you ever seen anything like this before?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need the assistance of a servant of the Omnissiah."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smash the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Take your hand off the lever]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 13
CogitatorYou know enough to determine exactly what happened to the machine. Glitchy projectors, otherworldly sounds from inside the case, an oppressive atmosphere in the room — everything points toward a scrap-code infection, one of the stranger and more frightening creations of the Tech-Priests who devote themselves to the Ruinous Powers.
CogitatorPerhaps if you can extract the data-crypts containing the scrap-code, you will be able to study it later in a controlled environment.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 13
CogitatorSomething is obviously wrong with the machine, but you fail to determine the exact reason for the malfunction.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 13
CogitatorYou tense every muscle in your body, plant one leg against the cogitator case, and pull. At last, the unknown force begins to give way and eventually lets go. You come close to falling flat on your back, but the data-stick is clenched in your hand, intact.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 13
CogitatorYou pull, twist, and tug at the data-stick with no visible result. At last you make peace with the inevitable and break the fragile device, ending the unnatural effect.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 13
CogitatorYou spend a lot of time trying to establish a connection between the countless switches and reels on the control panel and the twisted symbols floating on the glitchy screen. At last you manage to complete the logical network, tame the rampaging system, and force it to disengage the data-crypt.
CogitatorAt the same moment, the cogitator releases a data-stick previously hidden beneath a protective panel, and the device drops to the floor right in front of you. It looks like a logic key used to access additional cogitator reserves. It may fit other systems in this part of the planet.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 13
CogitatorThe Tech-Priests would probably not approve of such rough treatment of their sacred machines, but in the end your efforts bear fruit: you manage to claim the data-crypt by disconnecting several wires and prying open the claws.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 10 of 13
CogitatorYou stick your hand in the socket and thousands of invisible sharp teeth sink into your fingers! You pull out the maimed limb, which is quickly growing numb, and clearly hear an evil hiss coming from the bloodstained slot.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 11 of 13
CogitatorThe cogitator screen flickers as if the system is suffering a power failure. You reach out and touch the control panel but quickly jerk your hand back: the device is coated in some sticky substance.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 12 of 13
CogitatorSomething is moving on the cogitator's main screen, but it doesn't look like code. When you draw closer, the image starts to undulate this way and that, like the coils of an awakened snake. Two pinpricks of light appear on the screen — something is watching you from the darkness flickering between the unwinding coils.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 13 of 13
CogitatorThe cogitator appears to be in standby mode — the screen and sensors emit a dull glow, in no way reacting to your approach.
YOU[Examine the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[See what the device is coated with]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the image on the screen]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wake the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Check for the presence of data-crypts]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find a way to deactivate the cogitator's logical network]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deactivate the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use the logic key]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Extract the data-stick]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Break the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Walk away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above