Day 73

## Story

With a tight deadline, the gang resumes work at Hermit's Creek until Justin makes a shocking discovery.

## New Characters

*No new characters are introduced on this day*

## Locations

*No new places are unlocked on this day.*

Places to renovate:

* Hermit's Creek Gift Shop

## Tasks

Players must earn 40 stars to complete the tasks of this day.

* Deliver the News
* Go to the forest
* Carved in stone
* A Stone's Throw
* Coming Up Roses
* Through the Gift Shop
* Signs and Signals
* A Little Light
* Light the Way
* Flag on the Play
* Call for Backup
* Lake Clean-Up
* Beach Clean-Up
* Rescue Mission
* Continue Clean-Up
* Clear Waters
* Stinky Samples
* Proper Disposal
* Start New Day

## Dialogue

#### Opening Scene

> [Lily emerges from Luke's house and sees Roxy on the front lawn.]**Lily**Good morning, Roxy! You look happy today.**Dog**Bawoof!**Lily**Wish I could say the same after Evilyn's bad news yesterday...
> \*sigh\* I'd better call Rachel to update her on the situation.

#### Deliver the News

> **Lily**All right, Lily, no time like the present...let's face this head-on!

> **Rachel**Hey, Lily! I already know why you're calling: Visitor Center 2.0, right?**Lily**Whoa! Evilyn already talked to you about the regulations? Sorry we didn't know sooner...
> She did, and it's no problem. Well, I shouldn't say no problem: there's still the deadline.
> But I just need to whip up new blueprints, and I think we'll be okay!**Lily**You're amazing, Rachel! Such a pro! I'm so happy you're on the team.**Rachel**Aw, stop it, YOU'RE amazing! Gotta go, but I'll talk to you later.[Call ends.]**Luke**Hey, you! You look much happier this morning. Good news?**Lily**Yeah! That was Rachel. She's already on top of the new plans for the VC. She's such a whiz!
> What are you up to today, my metal man? Want to come back to the forest and help out?
> Ooh, and I could show you Justin's finished eagle sculpture! I think you'd really like it.**Luke**Sounds a heck of a lot better than waitin' around for my muse. Lead the way, love!

#### Go to the forest

> [Lily and Luke approach Justin and Regina.]**Lily**Morning, early birds!
> Ooh, here's that sculpture I was telling you about, Luke!
> Doesn't Justin do the most AMAZING work??**Luke**Cool eagle, man. I see you know your way around a chainsaw.**Justin**Thank you! I was inspired by that lovely lady by your side. She's quite the muse!**Luke**Ahem, yeah...that's, uh...great...**Lily**WOW, and look at all of these!! Are these just from yesterday?? You're unstoppable, Justin!**Luke**Hey, uh, Lils...didn't you say you need my hand with the heavy lifting today?**Regina**I got you, Ironman! With all the new needs for the VC, we got plenty of pavement to pour.**Luke**Awesome, show me where!**Justin**I'll help too!**Lily**Whoohoo! Eight hands are better than six!

#### Carved in stone

> **Regina**All right, so, we need to finish up the paving around the VC. What's your idea, Lils?

*Player selects an option*

> **Lily**There! Regulation-worthy! Take that, City Hall!**Regina**Man, it grinds my gears that those bureaucrat dummies can't see how urgent this project is.**Lily**I know, right?? I'm glad we have Evilyn on our side, fighting the good fight.**Regina**I just hope we can tackle it all in time. Wonder how Rachel's doing with the blueprints...**Luke**If I know Rachel, she's already drawn up six different options...and some backups!**Regina**Hah! Yeah, you're probably right.**Justin**So what's next on our work list, Regina? More pavement?**Lily**Looks like the flowerbeds could use some love too!**Regina**Right and right. Dealer's choice!

#### A Stone's Throw

> **Lily**Let's see...what should we do for this part of the pavement?

*Player selects an option*

> **Lily**What do you guys think? Pavetacular, right??**Justin**Knocked it out of the park! Except...we're in the park, so...ah, I'm no good at puns.**Lily**No need to be when you're so good at sculptures!!
> Speaking of, where do you get your inspiration? Luke's been looking for his lately.**Justin**Well, I take mine from the animals I meet around here. And the kind humans who rescue them!
> They help me feel more connected to nature, and the cycles that move us all.**Luke**Hmm...yeah...that's cool. But we're working with different stuff, you know? Metal, wood...**Justin**Well, what are the themes that resonate in your life? Maybe there's something there.**Luke**I...uh...am gonna have to think on that. Maybe we should just get back to work for now.**Regina**Yeah, I think we're about ready to start working on the gift shop!

#### Coming Up Roses

> **Lily**Tiptoooe...through the tulips...or some other flowers...got to plant themmmm!

*Player selects an option*

> **Regina**Nice work, Lils! This place is really starting to look the part.**Lily**Yeah! I just hope Evilyn likes it...and stupid City Hall.**Luke**Hey, Lily, what do you call a traveling flower?**Lily**Ooh, I love riddles! Um...a traveling flower...is it a venus FLY trap? Like...flying?**Luke**Aw man, that's way better than what I was gonna say...
> Should've known not to go up against the Pun Master herself.**Lily**Aw, tell me anyway! I'm always looking for new material.**Luke**I was going to say a carnation...'cause, ya know, driving...and nations...so lame.**Lily**Awwww, I love that you tried. I give it an A+ for effort!**Regina**I'm loving this lovebird exchange. You two are the cutest. I also love what we've done here!

#### Through the Gift Shop

> **Regina**So what kind of souvenir spot are we thinking, Lils?

*Player selects an option*

> **Lily**Give the gift of a gift shop! Boom! This is going to be a hit with tourists.
> Shop...workshop...HEY! I just had an awesome idea!
> Justin, why don't you hold a sculpture workshop for Luke?? Show him your flow!**Justin**Wow, well, I'm no expert, but I'm happy to show you what I know, Luke.**Lily**Oh, don't be so modest! Your art is seriously GORGEOUS, and you're so prolific!**Justin**What do you say, Luke? Up for learning some woodwork?**Luke**Uh...I don't know, maybe I'll just stick to what I know. Scrap and junk, ya know...**Justin**Sure, I understand. The offer's open if you change your mind.**Luke**Hah...yeah, maybe. What's next on the to-do list?**Lily**Woohoo, we're really making progress!
> But something's missing...
> Can't have a shop without a sign!

#### Signs and Signals

> **Justin**Would you do the honors of making the Hermit's Creek Gift Shop official, Lily?**Lily**I'd be happy to! Let's see...

*Player selects an option*

> **Lily**There! Sign me up!
> Hey! Why don't you sell your sculptures here, Justin? I bet they'd fly off the shelves!**Justin**I don't know...my sculptures are very personal. It would be difficult to part with them.**Lily**Oh, totally! I respect that. It's just, they're so pretty! The world should see them!**Luke**Mmmmkay, seems like you guys have this under control. The VC looks great, so I'm gonna jet.**Lily**Oh, really...? Okay, hun, see you later! I think it's my turn to cook tonight. Tacos?**Dog**Bawoof.**Lily**Huh, that was weird...can anyone shine some light on what just happened?**Regina**Hmmm...speaking of lights, we should install some! Can't have people stumbling in the dark.

#### A Little Light

> **Regina**Okay, careful...let's not shatter these light fixtures. Rachel sourced them specially.

*Player selects an option*

> **Lily**I can see cleaaarly now the liiiights are on...
> At least, I can see the VC. What I can't see is why Luke left all of a sudden...
> Were you guys getting weird vibes too? He was acting strange, wasn't he?**Regina**...
> No Lily I don't think so.**Lily**Really? He seemed totally weird to me. He's usually...I don't know, more Luke-like!**Regina**Luke-like, huh? That narrows it down.**Lily**You know what I mean!**Regina**I do, but maybe now's not the time to think about it.**Lily**You're right! Focus, Lily! We have a Visitor Center to finish!

#### Light the Way

> **Regina**What are you thinking for lighting over here, Lils?

*Player selects an option*

> **Lily**Light 'em up, yeah!
> Things are looking brighter already! I can't wait to see what Rachel's designs next.**Regina**Whatever it is, I'm sure it'll mean a lot of work...
> ...but it will all be worth it to see this place brought back to life!**Justin**Yes, I can't thank you enough for your help. It's like we were destined to be a team.**Lily**It's nothing! Except, y'know, an entire park on a short deadline with changing regulations...
> ...BUT WE GOT THIS!!!**Regina**Heck yeah! Just look at the progress we've made today!**Justin**It's almost time for me to make my rounds in the forest. Can you spare me?**Regina**I think so! There's not much left to do, huh, Lils?**Lily**Yeah, I think we're nearly done! Have fun on your hike, Justin![Justin exits.]**Lily**We still need some finishing touches on the entrances, though...LIKE FLAGS!!

#### Flag on the Play

> **Regina**Flags, huh? All right, lady, you're the project manager! What are you thinking?

*Player selects an option*

> **Lily**Flagulous!...does that sound celebratory, or like some kind of scientific term??**Regina**Definitely scientific. But, hey, maybe you can start a new trend.
> So, Lils, now that Justin is gone...did you really not see what was going on earlier?**Lily**Huh? What do you mean?**Regina**Luke's jealous, girl! He started looking uncomfortable while you and Justin were being all friendly.
> That's why he was acting so weird and left all of a sudden.**Lily**What?? That's crazy! Luke's not the jealous type. Besides, I was just trying to inspire him!**Regina**You don't have to tell me, Lils. I know that. But Luke seemed to think otherwise...**Lily**No way! I'm not sure what was bugging him, but Luke doesn't have a jealous bone in his body.
> Anyway, we should get back to work. Even without Rachel's new blueprints, I think we can--[Justin runs over to Lily and Regina.]**Justin**Lily! Regina! Come quick! Something terrible has happened!!

#### What's wrong??

> **Lily**Justin?? What's going on??**Justin**The lake...it's awful! There's been some kind of spill! Come see for yourself...[The group runs to the Hermit's Creek lake.]**Lily**Ewwww!! Oh no!! How did this happen??**Justin**I should have known something was going on...I saw other signs of pollution in the forest.**Regina**This is terrible! We have to clean this up somehow, before any animals get sick.**Justin**I'm not sure how to begin. Disposing of something like this...when we don't even know what it is...**Lily**Yeah, you can't just DUMP IT IN A LAKE, UGH! Who would even do this??**Justin**I intend to find out, but our number-one priority is clean-up.**Lily**I'll call Evilyn. Maybe she knows someone who can help with this kind of thing...

#### Call for Backup

> **Lily**Here goes. I hope Evilyn answers...

> **Evilyn**Lily! I love seeing your name on my phone. How's the VC coming along?**Lily**The VC is fine, but...Evilyn...there's been some kind of spill in the lake!**Evilyn**What?? That's awful! We need to do something about this immediately.**Lily**That's why I called...do you know what city department deals with this stuff??**Evilyn**I do...but we're not going to bother with them. Too much...red tape and delay. You know how it is.
> If we tell the authorities, we'll be battling with regulations while animals get sick.
> No, I'll come down PERSONALLY and see what we're dealing with.
> Clean up what you can in the meantime and watch out for the wildlife.**Lily**O...okay, Evilyn. If that's what you think is best...**Evilyn**Trust me, Lily. I know from my activism days, the authorities will just make things worse.
> I'll be there as soon as I can. Just hang tight![The call ends.]**Lily**Well...Evilyn's on her way. She said to clean up what we can until she gets here...

#### Lake Clean-Up

> **Lily**Ugh, I'm so MAD at whoever did this!! How SELFISH can you be??**Regina**I know, Lils, I'm with ya. But Evilyn won't let them get away with this!**Justin**Let's do what we can while we wait for her to get here...

*Some best measures later...*

> **Lily**Ugh, it's so STICKY. And STINKY. Who knows what kind of fumes we're breathing in...**Regina**I'm not sure what we should do with this stuff. If we had barrels or something...**Lily**Oh, yeah, good idea! Let me call Luke. He always has a few laying around.

> **Lily**Luke! Help! We have a situation here: there's been an awful spill at the lake.
> Can you bring a few empty barrels over clean-up?? Like, NOW??**Luke**What?? That's horrible! Yeah, of course, I'll be over in a flash!**Lily**Thanks, I'll see you soon.

#### Beach Clean-Up

> **Justin**You know, I should have known this was going on...
> I've seen signs in the forest all week. But I couldn't put it together until now.**Regina**What kind of signs?**Justin**A lot of sick animals. One in particular, a bird, collapsed in front of my cabin.
> I nursed him back to health...but now I wonder if he got sick from the water.**Regina**Only to fly back and drink this nasty water again, no doubt. Let's do what we can...

*A few best efforts later...*

> **Lily**People are the WORST. Dumping their toxins into poor innocent animals' habitats...**Justin**I hope Evilyn can help. Is she bringing an Environmental Department agent with her?**Lily**Well...she said we don't need to involve the authorities yet...
> She thinks they'll only slow down and makes the situation worse.**Justin**Well, she's had plenty of activism experience...I trust she knows what she's doing.[Evilyn arrives at the park.]**Evilyn**Lily, there you are!
> Wow, this looks bad. Then again, I've seen worse back in my activism days...**Lily**Evilyn! I'm so glad you're here. We did the best we could, but--[A fox wanders into the clearing.]**Regina**Oh no, you guys, come quick! There's a sick fox over here!

#### Rescue Mission

> **Lily**What happened to the fox?? Is it going to be okay??**Justin**Looks like she's been eating fish from the lake. And the chemicals along with it...
> Let's get her to the infirmary, quickly. Regina, can you give me a hand?**Regina**Of course, let's go.**Evilyn**This is DESPICABLE!! That this can even happen in the first place is outrageous.
> Just goes to show you how important our work is, Lily! Now more than ever!**Lily**Poor fox...I hope Justin can help her before it's too late. This is so awful!!**Evilyn**She's in excellent hands under Justin's care, I'm sure of it. Don't worry.
> Now, for the rest of this mess. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and help.**Lily**Right, yeah, okay...let's finish cleaning the beach and the water.

#### Continue Clean-Up

> **Lily**Ugh, this is so GROSS!! I can't believe people. Don't they realize what they're doing??**Evilyn**They don't. That's the problem! There's no visibility on these issues.
> Which is why it's up to us to get people paying attention!**Lily**I mean, this is pretty hard to ignore...and it STINKS! What is that smell??**Evilyn**Something smells, all right, but it's not just what: it's who.
> There are plenty of companies along this river that could be responsible.
> But I have a hunch about one in particular...**Lily**Really? You know who might be behind this?? WHO?? We have to do something!**Evilyn**All in good time, Lily. Like I said, just a hunch.**Lily**Well, GOOD!! They should have to clean up their own darn mess. Speaking of...

*A darn mess later...*

> **Lily**There. That's a bit better. Hopefully it's not too little too later...

#### Clear Waters

> **Lily**I hope this mess doesn't completely derail the plans for the Visitor Center...**Evilyn**Definitely not! This spill proves how important the project is! We'll clean up and carry on as scheduled.**Lily**Really? Shouldn't we be worried about...like, toxins and stuff?
> I don't want any of my team to...I don't know, MUTATE or something.
> On the other hand, this algae seems to be flourishing...better take care of that.

*Some algae-removal later...*

> **Lily**There. At least the water LOOKS clean...hopefully it isn't poisoned.**Evilyn**You know what, Lily? You're exactly right. Safety first!
> I can't have you or your team getting sick on my watch.
> We need to collect a field sample and figure out exactly what we're dealing with here.**Lily**Yes! I like the sound of that. Using science to bring down the bad guys!**Luke**Hey, Lily, I've got the barrels! What the heck happened??**Lily**Thanks, hun. And that's exactly what we're trying to figure out...**Evilyn**Barrels, excellent! Let's get this gunk out of here.**Lily**Wait! We need to take a field sample first.

#### Stinky Samples

> **Lily**Okay, I'm going to do this VERY carefully...don't want to spread it even more...

> **Lily**There. Do you think that's a big enough sample?**Evilyn**Yes, thank you, Lily. I'll take this with me for analysis.
> And don't worry, everyone, the show will go on! This isn't the end of the VC.
> I won't rest until I figure out who's responsible for this. You have my word![Evilyn exits]**Luke**Um...what's up with that lady? That's the second time she's blown off like that.**Regina**What do you mean?**Luke**She just seemed kinda...politician-y, ya know?**Lily**Well sure! She's a politician...who sounded like she's going to get to the bottom of this!
> Meanwhile, what are we going to do once we fill up these barrels??**Regina**Yeah, I don't think we can just take them to a landfill...they need proper disposal.

#### Proper Disposal

> **Luke**All right, I think that's the last of it.**Lily**Phew, yep, I think so. Now how do we get rid of these barrels??**Luke**Leave it to me. I think I know someone who can deal with this stuff.
> I'll make some calls and get the barrels out of here tomorrow.**Lily**Sounds like a plan, my metal man! Thanks again for your help with this.
> I'm going to catch up with Regina. See you at home later!**Regina**Hey, Lils. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a shower.**Lily**Times a THOUSAND. I feel like I'm never going to get the smell of that gunk off of me.**Regina**Tell that to the animals. I hope that poor fox is going to be okay...**Lily**In Justin's hands, I'm sure she'll be fine! He knows what to do.**Regina**Yeah, you're right! All right, ready to go home?**Lily**Mmm...couch...popcorn...Netpix...

#### Start New Day

> [Lily arrives at Luke's house and sees him on the porch with his banjo.]**Lily**Hey, sweetie. how 'bout some food and a movie? After I've washed that smell off, that is.**Luke**Sure.**Lily**You all right?**Luke**Hm?**Lily**You were great today! Thanks again for jumping in and sorting our little waste problem.**Luke**I only took out the trash.**Lily**The dangerous, highly toxic trash, my hero.**Luke**Well--**Lily**Ugh. I really need to get out of these clothes. Meet you on the couch in 15?**Luke**Sure...
> Just wish collecting garbage wasn't the most productive thing I did today...