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* This page has been created out of order to serve as an easily-accessible transcript.

## Summary

Collie listens to everyone's replies to her question. She agrees to give some information about herself in return. While she does so, she walks with Alba down to a basement to get meat for the birds' lunch. In the Weird Blood Room, they meet up with Enca, who is bullying Apis.

## Transcript

### Panel 1

* Why the hell would I tell you anything? Aren't you the one who helped a MURDERER and TRAITOR escape just recently?

Hey now.

You're killing me here, kid. That's not the whole story! Don't take everything at face value! That's hilarious, though. Maybe drop the Junior Detective shtick and get into comedy.

Just answer my question, please.

### Panel 2

Whoa, Orion. At least 30 of your voices replied all at once. Let's see if you had anything interesting to say.

### Panel 3

Here we are.

* I wouldn't exactly say we're Orion, but you can call us that? We want to solve the murders, keep as many people alive as we can, make them HAPPY. That includes you too, Collie. (*COLLIE: How sweet of you, kid!*) Or at least that's what I want, I dunno about the others.
* Our goal is to help out. We don't know everything, but we know Mallory and Ori have some problems, and we're here to help guide them through. We just want to help.

I see. I see.

Parts of you are still full of life of joy. Parts that believe in happiness. Some of you are still innocent.

But some of you, Orion-

### Panel 4

* You ask what our goal is? How funny. We all are but transient, fickle flames, living meaningless lives in this absurd universe. So I, for one, participate in this for the only reason there can be: to do anything at all.

Some parts of you are tired, jaded even - what I expected most. Some of you have been made to play this game for far too long.

I can understand that. You're only human, after all.

But some of you are still opportunistic, still committed. How many parts of you are trying to make trade? "Quid pro quo" has no real value to people like me, but... I can tell you a bit about myself, if you keep it all a secret.

### Panel 5

* Us? We're idealistic dweebs. Happy endings all around, with no more deaths. Also, lots of shipping for those who enjoy that sort of thing. What about you, Collie? What's your shtick?

Good question.

I can't be seen, so I never really go outside. Most of my time is spent looking after this little owl (we're doing quiet reading)

It's true that I'm at Bluejay's beck and call. But it's a lot less exciting than it sounds, promise.

### Panel 6

* who the heck is that with you

This precious angel is Alba! One of Bluejay's creations. She's like a sister to me. I'm the one who takes care of her, usually.

### Panel 7

Alba was created some months ago. Until she learned how to feed and stuff on her own, she was with a foster parent bird. Her name is Helen.

Helen: **CAW CAW CAW**

 Alarm clock: **RRRINNGGG**

Alba: Lunchtime!!!

Helen fancies herself some kind of task master of the alarm clock, I guess

### Panel 8

* Why are you working with Bluejay?

Hover along with me, "narrator". I have to go get food for Alba and her mate.

...Yes, there is another one. Less cute tho

### Panel 9

As for why I'm working with Bluejay.

Let it be said that I do not have any investment in her schemes, and I do not care if she succeeds. I feel the same about you. The difference is...Well, Bluejay is...

Shall we say, holding something over me.

### Panel 10

Sorry about your friend, by the way. Like I said, I don't necessarily agree with BJ.

### Panel 11

This is our WEIRD PIG ROOM. I call it that because having a chilled room in your basement for pig carcasses is kind of weird. Bluejay's design.

### Panel 12

These things are gross. I don't blame you for looking away, "narrator".

The fridge has, like, steaks or whatever. Properly parted meat.

### Panel 13

Alba and her mate only accept raw meat, so...

Anyway, before you ask: I don't know why Bluejay made them, or how. She's very secretive. I don't think there's a single person alive who actually knows her plan

### Panel 14

Alba's partner is usually hanging out in the WEIRD BLOOD ROOM right next doors

(Again, this is all Bluejay)

### Panel 15

Collie: Wh-- Hey! ENCA! STOP PICKING ON THE NEBULAE!

### Panel 16

Enca: CAW

Collie: WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE NOT

### Panel 17

Alba: hoot hoo hooo\*

Enca: caww

\*leave Apis alone, it's lunchtime!

### Panel 18

summary: The big jerk crow is **Enca**. The scrawny owl is **Alba**.

They're both artificially created by Bluejay. She calls them *A. Australis*. I'm not sure what she's planning for them, so don't ask.

### Panel 19

Collie: Eat up, guys~

How's that for a "quid pro quo" information deal.

### Panel 20

By the way, you're free to float away, "narrator". I'm done with you for now.

UNNNless you have something you want to talk about, Orion. Can't promise much. There's a lot I don't know, or *can't say for* the safety of *all of us*. But I can *try*, if there's anything.

## Introductions

* Alba
* Enca
* Apis