Kim Kitsuragi

* Standard
* Black Jacket

**Kim Kitsuragi** is a lieutenant of the RCM, and deuteragonist in *Disco Elysium*.

## Background

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> KIM KITSURAGI – Detective, each of us has our part to play in the world. My part is to solve crimes. I am under no illusion that my role isn't a minor one, in the scheme of things... but I embrace it \*because\* it's my role, and it's yours too, detective, whether you accept it or not!
>
>
>

### Childhood and Ancestry

Kim Kitsuragi was born in Revachol around '08 to half-Seolite parents; his grandfather and grandmother on opposite parental sides were from Seol. He's never met his grandparents, and cannot speak Seolite.

His Seolite ancestry caused others to treat him poorly, calling him racial slurs and causing Kim to struggle with not being considered Revacholian, despite being born and raised in Revachol. He prefers not to associate himself with Seol, instead calling himself a "regular, garden variety Revacholiere."

When he was 2 years old, his parents were killed during the end of the Antecentennial Revolution. He was spared due to his young age.

As a child, he dreamed of becoming an aerostatic pilot, and was particularly interested in the revolutionary air brigades. He also had an affinity for the Franconigerian knights. It is heavily implied that he was bullied in high-school for wearing glasses, and is strongly against any unnecessary displays of force against those who are "weaker" because of this.

At one point, Kim had a complicated relationship with his given name, but decided not to change it.

### RCM Career

Kim has two decades of RCM service under his belt and is assigned to Precinct 57, he has solved a total of 102 cases (officially 104). Although he claims that he is neither the finest, nor the strongest officer at the Precinct, he is notorious enough for Trant Heidelstam to recognize him, and Harry to know his name and statistics offhand. Jean Vicquemare also thinks highly of him, and says Precinct 41 would be flattered if he were to consider transferring. Despite wearing glasses, he passes shooting courses 7 out of 10. This is likely because he is farsighted.

Kim joined the RCM in '31, at the age of 23, and worked as a juvenile police officer for the next 15 years. He tries to avoid teenagers to prevent setting off the Trauma-and-Stressor Disorder he developed during that time. He was finally reassigned to homicide in '46, at 38. After 9 months of training to infiltrate a pinball ring, he became the pinball champion, and the nicknames "Kim 'Pinball' Kitsuragi" and "The Kimball" stuck. He detests them both.

He initially worked a year in Processing, handling bodies and evidence. He dislikes the whole department, considering them "butchers and clowns", who are a "wrecking crew" routinely mishandling bodies and evidence. Kim eventually earned his lieutenancy as a member of Criminal Investigation and has since been decorated four times. The last time he had killed anyone was in '47, four years prior to the case, and just a year after his reassignment. His confirmed kill count is 6, which may potentially be elevated to 8 after the Mercenary Tribunal, depending on the outcome.

Some time before his partnership with Harrier Du Bois, Kim had a partner who earned the nickname "Eyes" from having to show Kim things he was unable to see due to his farsightedness. Their partnership ended poorly, and just saying his name aloud saddens Kim. After the Mercenary Tribunal, an Empathy passive check reveals that Glen was not the first person to die in Kim's place, potentially hinting at a tragic end for Eyes.

## Personality

Kim is a self-described "torque dork", and enjoys maintaining and modifying his Coupris Kineema motor carriage. His interest in motor carriages also appears to influence his music taste, as Kim listens to Speedfreaks FM. Though he is embarrassed by this, and denies being a "speed-freak", as well as listening to the station at all, he has the radio frequency committed to memory. His interest in TipTop Tournée, and pride in the engine power as well as defensiveness of the speed of his Kineema seems to suggest he is indeed a "speed-freak", however.

Due to his past, Kim despises pinball to an extreme degree and tends to jump at opportunities to mention it. He considers the historically themed pinball machines to be the worst. and although Kim states he dislikes the "fantastique" science fiction themes of pinball, he reads science fiction novels.

Kim has played Wirrâl and is partial to sidhe and huldur races. He also enjoys filling out the crossword outside of working hours.

Kim is uncomfortable with emotional openness and discussions about love, opting to hide in his notebook whenever the conversation turns to it. He is afraid of becoming a joke, and doing anything that earns him a reputation, likely due to his past experiences being mocked for his pinball assignment. He dislikes dealing with personal affairs, and states that it's simply the nature of lieutenancy, however, it appears that this is untrue, as all lieutenants in the RCM are responsible for a team of lower ranking officers and have to deal with personal affairs quite frequently. He is described as being even more "repressed" than Harry.

He is aware of his bad habit of lecturing others, and has been working to stop himself from doing it.

Kim writes almost everything down in his notebook, even if it appears to be inconsequential. He seems to have some trouble remembering details if he neglects to record them. Kim states that he uses his notebook to make deductions and "think" by writing everything down rather than internally, like Harry does. This can be observed while reading his notes as well as through an Esprit de Corps passive check. However, he is still capable of making associations without writing them out.

He permits himself exactly one cigarette a day, usually at night when he goes over his notes, though he is also shown to smoke after the tribunal once Harry awakens, with Endurance commenting that the cigarette has "medicinal purposes", and again as during the final scene of the game while saying goodbye (if he is not recruited). It is implied that Kim has not quit smoking entirely because he would lose his "cool factor", and also relishes the control he holds over his addiction.

Kim also tailors his clothing, stating that he is able to sew a lapel and center a back vent.

### Beliefs

In his twenties, Kim identified as a moralist, though now chooses to describe himself as someone who believes in the RCM. It can be inferred that identifying as a moralist was potentially to appease his superiors in the organization, and he hesitates when asked directly. He was once fond of the revolutionaries of the Antecentennial Revolution which is implied to have influenced his interest in aerostatics.

He tends to mostly keep his opinions to himself, but openly disapproves of any form of discrimination based on race, gender or sexuality. He loves Revachol above all else, and fights to be seen as Revacholian, though he has never been treated as such by his fellow Revacholians, and is surprised when Harry states that he considers Kim a true Vacholiere.

Kim is a follower of Dolorianism and practices various Dolorian rituals, such as the Stations of the Breath and crossing his chest in an X shape. Yet, he claims he is not spiritual, as Dolorianism is considered secular in Elysium, and is put off by religion.

### Mannerisms

Kim maintains a relatively inexpressive and calm demeanor while on duty, with his intent being to project strength and represent the RCM positively. He emotes primarily with his eyebrows, and communicates through nods, both as a short and professional means of communication as well as to indicate sarcasm. He conveys impatience by looking at his watch and by tapping his foot

He is described as being incapable of blushing; instead, his ears turn red. However, he may become flushed from anger.

## Belongings

* Orange nylon aerostatic bomber jacket and dark green airman pants
	+ This is replaced with an identical black jacket if the player has opened a new game in hardcore mode after having previously beaten the game in hardcore mode.
* One loose chestnut-scented cigarette in his coat pocket
* Modified Coupris Kineema motor carriage
	+ Contains a neatly organized pull-out toolbox with a red-tipped prybar, rubber-handled chaincutters, and Grundstellung RAO hand-cranked flashlight
* Electronic sports wristwatch, on his left hand
* Wallet
* Handkerchiefs (multiple)
	+ Blue handkerchief
	+ Blue checkered handkerchief
	+ White handkerchief, lined with red. One corner is adorned with lace and a tiny embroidered "Portier"
* Mnemotechnique A6, stored in an interior pocket
* Two blue retractable ball point pens
	+ He will lend the Blue Oblong Pen to Harry if necessary
* Single-shot Kiejl A9 Armistice, on a holster under his arm
* Small folding knife
* Trigat Sunshine Mini, an instant color camera, in his coat pocket
	+ Requires a metal-capped glass ampoule inserted into its side for every photo, which is broken following the shutter click and flash.

## Involvement

As Harry's partner for the duration of the case, Kim is always present unless someone has been arrested, he has gone to take the body to the morgue, or Harry sneaks out after saying good night after 21:00.
Depending on Kim's opinion of Harry at certain key points of the investigation, the outcomes of various conversations and skill checks will change accordingly. While relatively easy to gain Kim's trust by simply treating him and others well, Kim disapproves of unprofessional behaviourthat casts the RCM in a bad light, such as extortion and bribery, and heavily disapproves of unnecessarily hassling civilians. On a more personal level, insulting Kim, taking the side of racist and fascist ideology will lower his opinion of Harry, and he will confront him on several occasions about this. Taking drugs, drinking and smoking in front of Kim will not lower reputation with him, however, confiscating or asking for drugs will.
The Goodest Of The Good Cops achievement is acquired by getting Kim to fully trust Harry, while reaching an all-time low will net the opposite Baddest Of the Bad Cops achievement.

* Kim is first encountered on the first floor of the Whirling-in-Rags. He is impossible to miss, and will always join Harry before he is able to leave the building. Each morning he will be found either standing at the counter near Garte, or just outside Harry's shack in the Fishing Village on Day 3+.
	+ A passive Esprit de Corps check remarks that he would throw himself in harm's way for Harry, despite it being their first meeting.
	+ For two days prior to the first in-game day, Kim attemped to make contact with Harry, but he failed to meet up with Kim on both Saturday and Sunday due to his bender.
* Harry is able to talk to Kim directly at any point during the investigation, both about the case and occasionally about himself.
	+ Harry can confess that he lost his entire memory, which Kim initially has trouble believing. Over time he does come to trust that Harry is telling the truth about his amnesia, however, and even insists that it is true should Harry attempt to "confess" that it was a lie from the start.
	+ If Harry shaves, Kim admits that he preferred the mutton chops, as they concealed the "damage."
	+ As a part of the communist political vision quest, if the task Get yourself organised is active, Harry gains the option to smell Kim. He smells of the motor pool, where he spends much of his time, and of a cheap drugstore brand of aftershave he uses, which smells of pine needles. If asked, he states that the brand is "Taiga Super Special", and that he likes the way it tingles, with it being the only part of shaving that he looks forward to.
	+ If Harry completes the Homo-sexual Underground thought, he can inquire about Kim's sexuality. Kim states that he is homo-sexual.
	+ Asking Kim for a secret about himself leads to a display of the immense reserves of Authority which he very rarely invokes upon Harry. With the Jamais Vu update, it's possible to win the brow-off, and Kim will relent and tell Harry a secret. After this, the achievement Baddest Brow in Town will be unlocked.
* An Interfacing thought orb may appear while walking in front of Kim's Kineema, which allows Harry to admire and discuss the vehicle with Kim. If Harry has enough points in Visual Calculus to suggest installing new helium headlights together, impresses Kim with his knowledge of the Kineema's engine prior to offering to help, and his reputation with Kim is greater than four, Kim will respond enthusiastically. If Harry doesn't know enough about the inner workings of the vehicle, he will instead reply with a "maybe", which Rhetoric clarifies as meaning "no". Alternately, if Harry knows enough about the engine, but his reputation with Kim is below four, he will instead say he'll "think about it" with Drama commenting that he's not enthusiastic about the idea.
* If Harry fails to pay his fee to the Whirling-in-Rags by the end of the day, Kim will sell a set of confiscated spinner hubcaps at the pawnshop for ✤ 200. He gives Harry the exact amount of money needed to pay off his debt, and pockets the rest for himself. If Kim is not present when Harry sells the spinners, Harry is able to keep the full amount for himself.
* If Harry has previously used speed or pyrholidon, asking Acele if she "wants to party" will lead to Kim attempting to solicit drugs by pretending to be high.
* If Harry fails a red Authority check to get Kim to dance with him in the church, Harry calls Kim a racial slur. Kim leaves the building immediately after, and, if Harry follows him outside, he is given the choice to apologize or double down on it.
	+ This will negatively affect Kim's opinion of Harry regardless of how high his reputation is.
	+ Unless the Mercenary Tribunal has already come to pass, Kim will leave for the rest of the day.
* It is impossible to survive the encounter with Ruby unless Kim is in the party.

### Mercenary Tribunal

**SPOILER WARNING:** Plot details for the main story follow. (Skip)

Kim shoots Ruud Hoenkloewen during the tribunal, though he only dies if Harry succeeds in either shooting Raul Kortenaer in the face, or hitting him with the Spirit Bomb. After Harry has been shot and Kim is preoccupied keeping pressure on his wound, a red Authority check determines Kim's fate. If the check is passed successfully, Harry is able to warn Kim of Phillis de Paule (or Kortenaer, if he was not killed earlier) approaching from behind, who Kim shoots and potentially kills. If Harry fails to warn Kim, he is shot and taken to Precinct 57's infirmary, and remains absent for the rest of the game (though he can still be "seen" in various Esprit de Corps passives). If he is incapacitated, Harry's partner becomes Cuno instead.

**SPOILERS END HERE**. (Return)

## Trivia

* Kim's "favourite blue thing" is a blue police uniform, or blue police livery.
* Kim lives 20 kilometres away from Martinaise.
* His alarm is set for 6:50 AM; 40 minutes earlier than the time Harry wakes up each morning.
* It is heavily implied that the unusually long period of time he spent working in the juvenile crimes unit is a direct result of the discrimination he faced from his colleagues at Precinct 57. When confronting Harry about his views on racism, he mentions having "this conversation" enough times in his life (though it may have been meant more generally).
* Despite Kim's glasses appearing circular in artwork, they are described as being "diamond-shaped".
* Although he seems to disprove of substance use on the job, if Harry has an amphetamine habit, Kim shows interest in taking speed in order to keep working the case after the tribunal.
	+ Kim also smoked weed when he was younger, and appears to be proud of this.
* He writes so quickly that his handwriting is nearly illegible.
* Kim is homosexual.
* He refers to Harrier Du Bois as "the 41st" in his notes - by his station number.
* There are rumours that Kim is working for La Puta Madre, but he insists that he is not.
* He has never really learned how to use radiocomputers.
* Kim prefers running to weightlifting, saying that it "clears [his] head".
* Kim is described as being shortish, slim, and scrawny.
* Kim reads the front page of the newspaper based on headline size. This is likely due to his farsightedness.
* If Harry agrees to holding a funeral for his sunken Coupris 40 Motor Carriage in a conversation with Lilienne Carter, Empathy will remark that Kim liked the idea, though he states that they don't have the time for it.
* After completing Hardcore Mode for the first time, Kim's default orange bomber jacket will be swapped out for a black one on all subsequent Hardcore runs.

## Behind the Scenes

* Kim is voiced by Belgian actor Jullian Champenois in both *The Final Cut* and the original version of the game.
	+ Champenois was chosen for the role of Kim in the summer of 2019, citing the tone and personality of his voice as features that were favoured by the development team, as well as for his French accent, which was a requirement. Prior to this, he was a self-taught vocalist, and had only appeared in commercial voiceovers. After being chosen as Kim's voice actor, Champenois was given a beta version of the game to immerse himself into the world and become familiar with the character. Co-producer Kaur Kender told Champenois to use his natural speaking voice for Kim, which put Champenois at ease. He described the voice direction by Jim Ashilevi and Mikee Goodman as "very professional but also very friendly."
	+ Previous showcases of the game (when it was still titled *No Truce With the Furies*) featured a different voice actor for Kim, with a much deeper voice, who remains unknown.
* On the official ZA/UM atelier website, Kim's Aerostatic Pilot Jacket, Aerostatic Crew Jacket, and Torque Dork Cargos list stats for each article of clothing, giving some possible insight into what his skillset may look like.
	+ His orange bomber jacket is listed as giving +1 to Hand/Eye Coordination, while his black bomber is listed as giving +1 Interfacing and +2 to an exclusive Physique skill called Volta do Mar.
	+ His cargos are listed as giving +1 to Interfacing and to another exclusive Motorics skill called Kinetic Dressage.
* Kim's one-a-day cigarette habit may be inspired by a character in a previous PnP campaign headed by Robert Kurvitz. Trinidad Tranquille, Martin Luiga's character, had a "system of smoking no more than five cigarettes per day to cut down on smoking costs".
* According to a ZA/UM developer, Kim's surname, Kitsuragi, was inspired by Neon Genesis Evangelion character Misato Katsuragi

## Gallery

* Concept art
* Concept art
* Unused character model turnaround
* Unused character model profile
* Unused character model
* Unused hand-painted normal maps
* Portrait

## References

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant shoots you a sideways glance. "And I am his private partner, John... Shao. Together we run the pre-eminent spousal surveillance firm in Revachol."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Fine. I'm Kim 'Pinball' Kitsuragi." he puts them back on. "AKA The Kimball. You remembered -- congratulations."
YOU – "Kimmo got to thinking he could trust this bad chick. Because she was hot. So he asked her to \*lie\* for him. She promised she would -- then ratted him out. Almost cost him his job."
YOU – (Point to the lieutenant) "You see, Kimothy here got himself into a jam..."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Perhaps \*you\* can climb them. \*We're\* not climbing anything. I'm 43 years old -- and I plan to live to see 70."
KIM KITSURAGI – "What are you doing?" The lieutenant's dark eyes peer into yours over his spectacles.
KIM KITSURAGI – "That's because I'm half-Seolite. Or quarter. My father's father was from Seol -- so was my grandmother, but from my mother's side..." He shakes his head. "It's not an interesting topic."
KIM KITSURAGI – "You're barking up the wrong tree. I don't speak a word of Seolite, I've never met either one of my grandparents. And I've never \*been\* to Seol." He seems almost proud of these things. "I'm a regular Revacholiere."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Mhm. I don't speak a word of Seolite and I've never met either one of my grandparents. There is nothing \*ethnic\* I can tell you. Or anyone else."
KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant narrows his gaze. "So you \*don't\* find his views... say, \*unbefitting of a police officer\*?"

KIM KITSURAGI – [...]"Let me say just one more thing. As you've seen, these sorts of attitudes are quite common in Martinaise. So I expect this to happen again. And again...

KIM KITSURAGI – "I've had this conversation enough times in my life. From now on, I'm going to stay out of it. How you choose to respond is your business." He concludes: "Now -- let's get back to the task at hand."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Dance? Yellow?" He pauses to look at you with tired eyes. "\*Monkey fucker\*?"

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – Yes, if anything, the lieutenant feels tired. Like a man who's heard the same record one time too many.

KIM KITSURAGI – "We're done."
KIM KITSURAGI – "People call me all sorts of things. But you know the one thing they \*never\* call me?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Revacholian."

KIM KITSURAGI – "I don't suppose anyone ever questions whether you belong here. Not matter how badly you fuck up, no matter what a mess you make, you never \*stop\* being Revacholian..."

YOU – Say nothing.

KIM KITSURAGI – "I was born here. I grew up here. It's the only \*home\* I've ever known. And there's a good chance I'll die in the line of duty here, too."

KIM KITSURAGI – "But -- to most of my countrymen, I will always be some \*monkey fucker\*."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Don't you \*Welcome to Revachol\* me," the lieutenant fires back. "My grandfather came to here from a three-thousand-year-old racist-isolationist culture, while your ancestors came to this island a mere three hundred years ago."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Every school of thought and government has failed in this city -- but I love it nonetheless. It belongs to me as much as it belongs to you."

AUTHORITY [Challenging: Medium] – The lieutenant's impassive mask has been replaced with intensity. He speaks not as a cop, but as a citizen. He is \*Vacholiere\*. A Revacholian.
KIM KITSURAGI – "I can see you're disappointed." A brief smile. "You're right to be -- I don't speak a word of Seolite. I've never met either one of my grandparents. I've never been to Seol. I'm a regular, garden variety Revacholiere."

RHETORIC – A point of pride to him.
JOYCE MESSIER – She turns to him. "And what is \*your\* official position, lieutenant?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "My position, ma'am? My parents got ripped to shreds in the Revolution -- I would have gone the same way. I was saved by being two years old. That's my position -- the abattoir."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Okay. I wanted to become an aerostatic pilot. Then I turned ten and realized we no longer have an air force."

YOU – "Are you sure the \*revolutionary\* has got nothing to do with this?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Absolutely nothing."

DRAMA [Medium: Success] – The \*revolutionary\* must have added a little lustre to it, for a ten-year-old Kitsuragi. He will never admit it though.

YOU – "Absolutely nothing?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Okay, I admit to it. The Revolution employed a more forward-looking eight-rotor design. Their blades were foldable and their pilots were better trained and motivated."

KIM KITSURAGI – He corrects his glasses. "I say this from a purely tactical standpoint of course."

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – It is not from a \*purely\* tactical standpoint. We are not ruling out that the lieutenant had a little... rebel phase in that past of his.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Franconigerian knights." He looks at the dusty figurines in the dim light. "I used to be very serious about these guys."

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Medium: Success] – ...a long, long time ago.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Binoclard... binoclard..." he repeats to himself, eyes fixed on the ground.

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – Whatever high-school bullying memories you woke in your colleague, he doesn't enjoy them.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Excellent job bullying that old man, officer," the lieutenant says with a frown. He looks impatient and not happy. "He'll be sure to put in a good word for the RCM in the future."

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] – He doesn't think it was an excellent job at all -- he's disappointed.
RENÉ ARNOUX – The old carabineer stares at you for a moment, then tension leaves him and he asks: "Was there something else you wanted to take from us?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "You already threw their ball into the water, took a sandwich from one of them, and a medal from the other. What more could we possibly want? Perhaps we're done bullying these citizens?"
KIM KITSURAGI – "Cool." The lieutenant nods approvingly. "You really showed that mail collection box."

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] – He does not actually think it's cool. If anything, the lieutenant feels sorry for the poor box -- he's leaning in to inspect the layers of graffito that deface it.

YOU – "Oh, you're being sarcastic. I get it. It was actually a dick move."

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant pats the box, ever so slightly.

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – Dodged the bullet there... He must see the box as the weaker of the two, and you as a bully -- something he doesn't stand for.
EMPATHY [Challenging: Success] – Kim must have had doubts about his name at some point too, but deliberately discarded them.

YOU – "Have you ever wanted to change your name, Kim?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Change? No, not exactly. But I think all of us at some point imagine what our lives might have been had we been something else."

KIM KITSURAGI – "And then we feel trapped by the names we've been given, as symbols of the intentions and expectations of others..." He pulls a long, pensive drag.

KIM KITSURAGI – "Even if I were to change my name now, upon hearing any syllable that sounds like \*kim\* in the street, I'd turn to see who was calling me."
KIM KITSURAGI – "No, I do not see the future. I made those up using two decades in the Revacholian police force as a reference point."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Hello, I'm Kim Kitsuragi." His grip is firm. "Lieutenant, Precinct 57. You must be from the 41st..."
YOU – "For some reason I thought you had a hundred and \*four\* solved cases."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Well, \*technically\*," the lieutenant says, somewhat sheepishly. "The official record keeper has been known to double-count murder-suicides."

ENCYCLOPEDIA – A common accounting gimmick used to inflate precinct stats.
YOU – "You and Kim know each other?" (Proceed.)

TRANT HEIDELSTAM – "No, I can't say that we've met before. But I've \*heard\* of Kim, of course. [...]
YOU – Look for: Precinct 57 -> Lieutenants -> Kitsuragi, Kim.

ENCYCLOPEDIA – The name "Kim 'Pinball' Kitsuragi" appears before you.

YOU – Cases solved?

ENCYCLOPEDIA – One hundred and four.
JEAN VICQUEMARE – "Flattered? You're Lieutenant Kitsuragi. \*We\* would be flattered if you even considered..."
YOU – "Can you still shoot, though?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Well enough, actually. It's odd how that works. I'm no sharpshooter, but I pass my shooting courses 7 out of 10."
KIM KITSURAGI – "I never got the hang of it. Hyperopia." He points to his glasses. "Do you see anything out of the ordinary?"
EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – So that's why he doesn't want to talk to Cuno. Trauma-and-Stressor Disorder from being a juvie cop.
KIM KITSURAGI – He puts his glasses back on. "Fine. I was a juvenile police officer -- for over 15 years. It's how I started out in the RCM. Once I had to infiltrate a pinball ring. As you do -- when you're a juvie cop."

YOU – "Okay."

KIM KITSURAGI – "It was not okay. I needed to become a... \*pinball champion\*." He shudders. "I trained for 9 months. The job was successful and I was moved out of the juvenile wing -- to homicide."

KIM KITSURAGI – "End of story."

YOU – "You were a juvie cop for 15 years?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "That time is over now." He looks at the pinball machine and breathes in. "I was already a 38 year old man. It was unbecoming. As was playing pinball."
KIM KITSURAGI – "I am not \*called\* Pinball. It was used to taunt me -- a long time ago. \*Before\* I became a homicide detective. And got my lieutenancy."
KIM KITSURAGI – shakes his head. "I worked as one of these \*Processing guys\* for a year. They are butchers and clowns. I once saw twenty CODs go misidentified in one week. Chances are slim to none that they'll find anything useful in processing."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Think of the \*boys from Processing\* as murderers. Only instead of people they murder crime scenes. Processing is a wrecking crew. They know how to commission off items and how to work the incinerator in the morgue."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Yes. But I am not them. I'm from Criminal Investigation."
KIM KITSURAGI – "I know this sounds fantastic. But I'm a four times decorated lieutenant of the RCM. I do not make up encounters with \*cryptids\* to spice up my day. I am very, very sane."
YOU – "Have you ever killed anyone, Kim?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Yes." He pauses. "The last time was four years ago."

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – He says it matter-of-factly and moves on.

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] – He has internalized it well. It's just that. A fact. A self-contained, past event.

ENDURANCE [Medium: Success] – There is a \*slight\* physical revulsion in him while saying that, but he's worked through it in the intervening years.
ENCYCLOPEDIA – The name "Kim 'Pinball' Kitsuragi" appears before you.

YOU – Confirmed kills?

ENCYCLOPEDIA – Six.
YOU – "And they're all dead, all three... of the contractors?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "De Paule was the last to die." He nods. "Evrart had their bodies returned to Krenel for a funeral. The company is yet to retaliate."
KIM KITSURAGI – "I killed her," the lieutenant repeats himself. "And that's what happened."
KIM KITSURAGI – "I had a partner once. They called him Eyes, because he had to show me things. It's that bad."
EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – This partner of his, Eyes -- things didn't end well. It saddens him to say his name. Don't even ask. He wouldn't answer. Maybe some other small talk?
KIM KITSURAGI – "Then I shot and wounded him while Glen took a bullet in the spine." He nods. "It was meant for me. Glen did not survive." There's a pause.

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – This is not the first person to die in his place. He goes on.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Strange... but plausible, I guess." He gives you a quick side-glance and turns to go. "I guess you're a bit of a... torque dork too."
JOYCE MESSIER – "I haven't seen anyone else drive a souped-up Coupris Kineema motor carriage either."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Actually," the lieutenant becomes defensive, "that motor carriage has been specially issued to serve as a patrol and \*pursuit\* vehicle."

KIM KITSURAGI – "It's for crossing long distances in the Greater Revachol Industrial Harbour. It's not a toy."
YOU – "Ever thought about switching to helium headlights?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Actually, I have a pair at home -- just haven't gotten around to fitting them yet. I need to lay some wiring for the ballasts first..."
COUPRIS KINEEMA – I'm good, cherished and cared for, in the hands of a tending owner.
COUPRIS KINEEMA – The cage at the back of the motor carriage looks rather uncomfortable. Four shiny hubcaps are stacked against the seat. Their silver edges sparkle in the dark.

KIM KITSURAGI – "I confiscated these four a little while back. We can take them to the pawnshop down by the Martinaise Canal."

YOU – "What \*are\* those things?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "They're spinner hubcaps -- frivolous things you put on your wheels. When the wheels come to a stop," he makes a spinning motion with his hands, "the caps keep on spinning. There's no real use for them, it's just for vanity."

SUGGESTION – A vanity he wouldn't mind.
KIM KITSURAGI – "God-damn-it!" The lieutenant moves quick as a viper as he switches off the radio and sets it on primeline. Then he turns to you:

KIM KITSURAGI – "Look, it helps me to stay alert on long nights, okay? It's a method. I'm not some kind of \*speed-freak\* or..." He shakes his head, furiously staring at his feet.

YOU – "What about \*heavy of foot\*?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "You would be too if you had this motor carriage," he snaps half-seriously.
YOU – "Aw, man! You should have told me you liked them! I could have asked for a shoutout."

KIM KITSURAGI – "I don't listen to them," the lieutenant says sharply.
YOU – "What about the Speedfreaks FM? Is it one of the saved stations here?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "No, that's on 78.9." He stops, coughing awkwardly.

YOU – Raise your eyebrows.

KIM KITSURAGI – "What? I happen to have committed the frequency to memory. I have no problem admitting that."
KIM KITSURAGI – "You're right." A vainglorious smile spreads over his face as he pats his machine. "I didn't take you for a motorcar enthusiast. Do you also like TipTop, detective?"

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Medium: Success] – The TipTop Tournée is an interisolary racing series, mostly known for it high speeds, ludicrous sponsorship deals, and high death toll. In Revachol it's held quadrennially on the prestigious Zéro Carrousel racing circuit.

YOU – "TipTop? Adore it!"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Really?" the lieutenant looks at you. "Well, I'm not indifferent on the matter either." He adjusts his glasses, visibly pleased to have found a fellow fan.
YOU – "That's what..." (Rub your chin.) "... a seven-litre V12?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Seven-point-two. Supercharged." The lieutenant is trying to suppress a smug smile. Unsuccessfully.

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – Saying these words brings him immense joy.
YOU – "Oh, I thought it would make more."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Believe me," the lieutenant replies -- sounding a little defensive -- "it's plenty enough. Kineema feels right at home on the raised motor tract. Hard to find something that could overtake it."
YOU – "Sounds like you don't enjoy pinball, Kim."

KIM KITSURAGI – "No, I love it -- I love pinball. Who doesn't love pinball? Let's move on."

DRAMA [Easy: Success] – He doesn't.
YOU – "How about we fire one of these bad boys up and play some ball?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "You can't \*fire\* them up, they're broken. Only that one machine in the main hall works. The Royalist Pinball." He looks away.

HALF LIGHT [Easy: Success] – What a dumb name -- Royalist Pinball. If they weren't broken, he would kick one of these machines about now.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Agreed," the lieutenant chips in, "pinball is the worst."

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – His disdain for pinball could not be clearer.
YOU – "Didn't check. Pinball is stupid."

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant nods in agreeance.
YOU – "What's 'White Deora'?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Some kind of..." He looks around, thinking. "Inane pinball theme -- probably related to Messina during the Dolorian age. The \*history themes\* are the worst."

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] – The lieutenant grimaces, looking at the machines.
YOU – "You don't seem to really 'like' pinball."

KIM KITSURAGI – "No human being should. It is a game that requires no skill and a childlike affinity to flashing lights. And to \*fantastique\*, science fiction, and historic romance franchises."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Unless we've veered off into a folded M dimension, I'm expecting to step out on the roof."

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Medium: Success] – Folded M dimension. A reference to the popular science fiction series \*In System\*. Look who's in a good mood suddenly (and reads science fiction).
KIM KITSURAGI – "Dweorgr, huh?" The lieutenant shrugs. "I was always more of a sidhe or huldur guy myself."
ESPRIT DE CORPS [Medium: Success] – In a mould-covered bathroom inside a trashed hostel near the edge of Martinaise, a middle-aged man grips the sides of a cold sink in white-knuckled fury...

ESPRIT DE CORPS – Meanwhile, his colleague is filling in the last clues of his nightly crossword when he hears what seems to be some kind of animalistic howling from the adjoining room. He directs his eyes toward the door of their shared bathroom...
KIM KITSURAGI – "And that seems to corroborate the ethnicity we gave." The lieutenant is pedantically happy about it.

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Challenging: Success] – Like a crossword puzzle solver. Or a master at the guessing game Peng.
ESPRIT DE CORPS [Legendary: Success] – The lieutenant is not in his room. He's found a little 24-hour cafe southeast of the roundabout. He's taking a break and reading the newspaper, after his usual fashion.

ESPRIT DE CORPS – First he removes the games and puzzles page and sets that aside for later. He never does the crossword during work hours.

ESPRIT DE CORPS – He reads everything on the front page according to the size of the headline. Today, though, he only skims -- none of it seems very interesting.
YOU – "To me, you're my partner."

KIM KITSURAGI – For a moment the lieutenant seems to be suppressing something uncomfortable. Then he clears his throat...

COMPOSURE – The lieutenant's not comfortable with emotional openness. He's eager to change the subject.
KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant opens his notebook but doesn't write anything.

VOLITION [Challenging: Success] – He's hiding. These things are tough on him. Matters of love, not violence or deceit.
YOU – "You're not... afraid, are you?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "No. I just don't want to walk into another \*embarrassment\*. I am a creature of pride, you see..." There is silence. "I'm afraid of becoming a joke."

VOLITION [Medium: Success] – It's not something he's proud of, but that's the way it is.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Beautiful," he says, wiping his hands in his handkerchief. "A dead body in an ice bear fridge -- this is some of the best police work I've ever done."

YOU – "Really? You think it's good work?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "No. Not really. Look at that! What have we done? We stuffed a \*dead body in an ice bear fridge\*. This story does not leave this room."

AUTHORITY [Medium: Success] – He means it. He doesn't want to be the Ice Bear Cop.

YOU – "I think this is a glorious achievement and people need to hear about it."

KIM KITSURAGI – "No. They do \*not\* -- they \*need\* to hear about our uneventful, boring, downright \*conservative\* murder investigation."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Have you tried concentrating on something other than your personal affairs?"

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] – There is a sudden, harsh edge to his voice. Like he's tired of hearing about your "personal affairs."

YOU – "What's wrong with personal affairs?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Not a fan. It's just the nature of lieutenancy."

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Easy: Success] – The RCM deploys a self-styled structure called the Décomptage as its chain of command. Every lieutenant has to deal with quite a few personal affairs. Even you know this.
MEDICINAL PURPOSES OF THE PALE – You probably can't even take off your pants, can you?

AUTHORITY [Medium: Success] – Nor should you. Nudity is \*shameful\*. No officer of the law should ever be caught \*sans pantalones\*.

YOU – I could, but Kim's here.

MEDICINAL PURPOSES OF THE PALE – Your partner is even more repressed than you are. It would do you both a world of good to spend a little more time getting in touch with your bodies.

KIM KITSURAGI – You glance over at the lieutenant, who is standing, as usual, with his hands neatly folded behind his back. What he's thinking about, if he's thinking about anything at all, is absolutely opaque to you.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Focus on \*other\* people's troubles. Not your own. That is the relief."

YOU – "Thank you, oh wise man."

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant blinks, his mouth slightly open and his body motionless. A microsecond passes.

KIM KITSURAGI – "Excuse me. I was lecturing you. I shouldn't have. You should consult a medical professional if you feel that you need help."

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Medium: Success] – This habit of dispensing wisdom has been brought to his attention before. He will not think less of you for lashing out -- he is trying to curb it.
KIM KITSURAGI – "I have absolutely forgotten to take notes. I hope I remember all of this." He shakes his head in disbelief. "This will be one hell of a report -- thank \*god\* we have the photo."
YOU – "So you're saying your brain \*never\* just chimes in with advice or warnings or \*anything\*?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "I can't say that it does, no. When I need to think, I just use my notebook..."

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutnant produces his familiar Mnemotechnique A6 and idly thumbs through a few pages.

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – That's where his conversations with himself take place.
KIM KITSURAGI – Maybe you're imagining it, but there are some remarks in there -- and they're not all negative! You're referred to as 'the 41st' -- by your station number. And...

YOU – And what?

KIM KITSURAGI – And 'the 41st' comes off as a moderately competent detective.
ESPRIT DE CORPS – He sets down the paper and quickly scribbles the date and time in his notebook, along with a note: 'HDB possible relapse? Check in first thing.'
KIM KITSURAGI – "Not to interfere in your personal errand, but I wonder whether it might have something to do with that phrase Mañana mentioned overhearing."

YOU – "Wait, what phrase?"

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant consults his notebook. "'Remember Dobreva and Abadanaiz'."

YOU – "I was \*totally\* about to say that."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Of course you were, detective. Apologies for interrupting." The lieutenant smiles to himself.

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Challenging: Success] – No, you weren't. Otherwise you \*would have\* said it. In truth, it was quite beyond your associative powers.
KIM KITSURAGI – "I apologize, but I only brought one with me. I have exactly one cigarette every night while going over my notes."
ENDURANCE [Easy: Success] – His smoking, his hunched back... you have it worse, but he took a real beating. That cigarette has \*medicinal\* purposes.
YOU – "How did you get so cool, Kim?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "You mean this?" The light of his cigarette illuminates a fleeting smile. "This isn't cool -- it's an unnecessary trial of will. And unhealthy." He flicks the ash.

VOLITION [Easy: Success] – Keeping the habit within the parameters he's given himself takes a lot of focus. It would be easier to simply quit.

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] – Yet were he to quit, he would lose the cool factor. This man relishes his cool quite a bit -- below it all.
YOU – "I'm not taking 'style' tips from someone who dresses like a mega-binoclard."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Yes. And this 'mega-binoclard' knows how to sew a lapel and center a back vent." The lieutenant raises one eyebrow at you.

COMPOSURE [Easy: Success] – That's why his clothes fit so well...
YOU – "You like the Moralintern."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Yes. I \*did\* -- when I was younger. In my twenties I considered myself a moralist. \*A blue forget-me-not, a piece of the sky\*," he quotes. "They're not all that bad." "But the years have changed that. I don't know \*what\* I believe in now...." He thinks, then changes his mind. "No. I believe in the RCM. That's enough for me."
YOU – (Turn to Kim.) "Lieutenant, are \*you\* a moralist?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Hmm, me? I... uh..."

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] – You've managed to catch the lieutenant off guard, but only for a moment. He quickly recomposes himself.

KIM KITSURAGI – "I'm a lieutenant of the RCM, dedicated to maintaining law and order in Revachol."

SUNDAY FRIEND – "A very moralist answer," the man nods.

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Medium: Success] – The lieutenant is practised in the art of putting on a show for one's superiors.
KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant picks up one of the mugs, then puts it back down with a look of disdain.

KIM KITSURAGI – "I'm beginning to feel better about breaking into this man's apartment."
KIM KITSURAGI – "The RCM doesn't discriminate," the lieutenant remarks dryly. "Women are held to the same standards as men. And -- as reflected in the quarterly statistics -- are equally effective in their jobs."
YOU – "Fucking whore!"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Hey! What is your problem?"
YOU – "Go ahead and leave, you stupid whore!"

YOU – [...]"Women, am I right?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "No, you ridiculous fool. You're \*not\* right. You're not even remotely right."

KIM KITSURAGI – "It's as though \*right\* is over here..." He holds up one hand. "... while \*you're\* over here..." He holds up his other hand, as far apart from the first as possible.
YOU – "Wait -- Klaasje said you only kissed..."

RUBY, THE INSTIGATOR – She rolls her eyes again. "If that's what she wants on the record, so be it. I'm not about to go into details for you to jerk off to later."

YOU – "But I do want... details, actually..." (Cringe from the head-splitting torment.)

KIM KITSURAGI – "...Really?"

RUBY, THE INSTIGATOR – "Yeah, \*really\*?"
KIM KITSURAGI – "They \*really\* don't like us here. And the mouth on that kid, Cuno... It's different inland. In Jamrock and the G.R.I.H." He pulls on the cigarette.
KIM KITSURAGI – "What do you see when you look at me?"

YOU – "A true \*Vacholiere\*."

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant appears caught off-guard by your response. He takes a moment to collect himself...

KIM KITSURAGI – "Nobody's ever said that to me before..."
KIM KITSURAGI – "We should be respectful here, although the building appears to be deserted. I do not believe we'll find anything connected to the lynching here. Something else, perhaps..." He looks at the machinery lying around.

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Medium: Success] – Respectful? Is the lieutenant a follower of Dolorianism?
YOU – "Kim, are you a follower of Dolorianism?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Yes. We all are. Her name, body, and rule are synonymous with humanism. The laws we enforce are Dolorian in origin."

YOU – "I didn't think you were spiritual."

KIM KITSURAGI – "It's not spiritual. It's constitutional. The Dolorian system does not demand faith -- only accordance."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Then again -- the right lividity is easy to produce, if you know what you're doing." He places his hand on the dead man's chest, as if in preparation...

COMPOSURE – Your central nervous system recognizes this gesture. It's the \*Stations of the Breath\* -- ecclesiastic, religious in nature. A holdout from Pre-Dolorian burial rites. It takes him two seconds to perform, then...
KIM KITSURAGI – "A fitting testament to the lives lost," the lieutenant says as he turns toward the plaza. He holds one hand against his chest, the other is outstretched -- palm flat to the air.

COMPOSURE – That's a variation of the Stations of the Breath. It's used when the body of the deceased is not available to hold a hand against.
KIM KITSURAGI – As that terrible word passes through your mind, the lieutenant draws an x-shaped cross from shoulder to shoulder.
KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant whispers to you, quietly. "This man is obviously a habitual narcotics user. Do we really need to question him?"

ESPRIT DE CORPS – I'm put off by this religious stuff, he thinks -- and maybe the ceiling-climbing too. It's all very hard to square with the lieutenant's own view of reality.
KIM KITSURAGI – "In the future, could you please refrain from emoting too much on duty? The quasi-legal status of the RCM means we need to project strength twice as consistently as any other police force in the world."

YOU – "Okay, I'll control my emotions."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Good. Controlling your emotions sounds good."
KIM KITSURAGI – His eyebrows arch. They are the liveliest part of his otherwise quite inexpressive face.
KIM KITSURAGI – "By \*ka-ching\* do you mean..." He tilts his head. "'Let's not log them as evidence, let's steal them'?"

YOU – "That \*is\* what ka-ching means, yes."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Mhm. It means 'disciplinary hearing'." The lieutenant nods, wiping his finger on his sleeve.

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] – The lieutenant nods often. It's part of his un-plastic expression range, communicating both professionalism and sarcasm. This time, the latter.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Had enough assaulting \*madre natura\*?" He looks at his wristwatch. "We should get moving."
KIM KITSURAGI – He looks at his wristwatch a little impatiently. "You know, since tape-spinning isn't really our day job. Solving murder investigations is."
KIM KITSURAGI – "I have no idea." The lieutenant taps his foot, frowning.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Are you sure we have time to go chasing after bug-hunters just now?" The lieutenant taps his foot impatiently.
KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant is tapping his foot, but you can't tell if it's a habitual tic or impatience.
YOU – "I'd like to dedicate this song to my partner, Kim Kitsuragi." (Nod to the lieutenant.)

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant doesn't say anything, but gives you a quick smile, before turning away.

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] – He's incapable of blushing, but if he weren't -- he'd blush.
KIM KITSURAGI – Right away the lieutenant reaches into the cabin and turns off the radio. He's not looking at you as he says:

KIM KITSURAGI – "Someone must have been messing with the radio, or maybe it picked up a random frequency... You wanted the primeline, right?"

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – He's still avoiding your gaze -- and his ears glow red.
YOU – "I didn't know they \*let\* binoclards become cops."

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant's face turns a ruddy shade. "I can \*assure\* you, detective, that I've passed \*all\* the required physical exams within the last year. Can you say the same?"
KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant does not say anything, but you hear the nylon of his jacket rustle as he looks at you.
YOU – "Kim, you're wearing a revolutionary air brigade jacket, aren't you?"
KIM KITSURAGI – There's a shuffle of nylon as Lieutenant Kitsuragi looks for something in the pockets of his orange bomber.
YOU – "And those look like airman pants. Good for storing tools in."
KIM KITSURAGI – There's a shuffle of nylon as Lieutenant Kitsuragi looks for something in the pockets of his black bomber.
EMPATHY – The lieutenant breathes out a chestnut-scented cloud of cigarette smoke and looks at the city he's sworn to guard.
KIM KITSURAGI – He nods. Absent-mindedly, he reaches for a cigarette; no sooner has it left his pocket than he catches himself.
YOU – Pull out the pull-out toolbox.

COUPRIS KINEEMA – A metallic drawer slides out from under the seat and clicks into place. The tools inside are neatly organized.
KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant glances at his electronic wristwatch.
KIM KITSURAGI – A moment passes. The lieutenant glances at the sports watch on his wrist.
KIM KITSURAGI – "I'll take a room here too." He opens his wallet.
KIM KITSURAGI – He takes off his glasses and uses a blue handkerchief to thoroughly wipe them clean before inspecting the sticker. Then he looks up, pauses, and replies...
YOU – "Kim, could I have that handkerchief? My hands are wet."

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant hands you a blue handkerchief. He looks a little dismayed when he gets it back crumpled. However, it should be easier to peel the sticker off now.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Keep it." The lieutenant hands you a blue checkered handkerchief.
123. ↑ Description of Lieutenant's Handkerchief
ENCYCLOPEDIA – Oh! The lieutenant uses a Mnemotechnique A6 -- that's not just any notebook, it's a classic!
KIM KITSURAGI – "We'll take that into account." The lieutenant slides his notebook into his coat pocket. He turns to leave.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Right again, officer." The lieutenant taps his blue pen at you, as though assigning another point.
KIM KITSURAGI – "You have a point there." He clicks his pen, thinking for a moment. "Anyway, it's something to consider. What else can you see?"
KIM KITSURAGI – "And one last thing." \*Click-click\* goes the pen. "We can now fill in injury #3: ligament mark. Opinion -- non-fatal, post-mortem: \*treatment\*."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Good. Can you read it to me?" He tips the drying ball point of his pen on his tongue.
YOU – "Kim, do you have a pen?"

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant looks at his blue notebook. \*Two\* fat, shiny pens hang from the binder, like large calibre bullets on an ammo belt.

SUGGESTION [Medium: Success] – It's downright \*incriminating\*. He has little choice but to give you one, although he really does not want to.

KIM KITSURAGI – He is not really saying anything. Just standing there -- looking at them.

YOU – "You know you have to give one to me, right? That \*is\* how human society works, I believe."

KIM KITSURAGI – Wordless, he pulls one from the loop and hands it to you. The pen is cold, blue, and ready to write.
KIM KITSURAGI – "You probably don't have a pen." He takes one out of his pocket. "Here, you can keep this. I have another one."
YOU – (Whisper to the lieutenant.) "Kim, what are you packing?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "It's a single-shot Kiejl A9. An \*Armistice\* to be precise."
PERCEPTION (SIGHT) [Medium: Success] – He wears a wide leather belt around his waist and a gun holster under his arm.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Ligature mark..." The lieutenant produces a small folding knife. With the other hand pulling on the belt, he starts cutting into the polyester. The stench is horrid. After a while, it's obvious the material cannot be cut.
KIM KITSURAGI – Out comes his small folding knife -- the lieutenant moves its blade across the man's skull, searching for the exit wound...
YOU – "What's that?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "A Trigat Sunshine. Mini."

ENCYCLOPEDIA – Trigat is the world's leading manufacturer of intercommunication devices, primarily projectors. The camera before you looks familiar somehow.

CUNOESSE – "Shit, Cuno! WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "An instant colour camera." He produces two metal-capped ampoules and clicks them into place on the side of the apparatus. A thin slot shines there...

KIM KITSURAGI – "I have only two ampoules, so nobody move -- I don't want to waste one." He points the camera at the corpse, peering into it. The lens needs adjusting. Then:

KIM KITSURAGI – A sound, a shrill flash. Followed by the breaking of a small ampoule of glass. You see streams of colour pour onto the thick, glossy piece of paper rolling out.
KIM KITSURAGI – "This is unprofessional." He repeats: "Not sharing information with me is \*unprofessional\*."

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Medium: Success] – His opinion of you has lowered considerably.
YOU – "See this island over there?" (Point at the sea.) "I need money to fund an expedition there. It's important for the case."

SIILENG – "Oh... I like expeditions, and I like you. I can give you..." He counts in his head. "... 10 reál."

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant nods calmly and says: "Corruption."

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] – It's just like \*bus\*, or \*seagull\* -- a kid watching out of a window describing things going by. He doesn't like it too much, but what do you do.
KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant watches you pocket the bank note. He looks a little puzzled.

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Challenging: Medium] – How many micro-bribes would this guy take?
KIM KITSURAGI – "Hey!" The lieutenant interrupts with a flicker of anger in his eyes. "If you cannot restrain yourself then I'll be handling the interviews from now on and you can quietly take notes."
ESPRIT DE CORPS [Medium: Success] – If an assault were launched on this building right now -- if the windows came crashing down and the whole world descended upon you -- this man would hurl himself in death's way to save you. You are sure of this -- but why?
KIM KITSURAGI – "It looks like we had a little scheduling error on Sunday. Saturday too, actually... Have you had time to talk to the manager here?"

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] – What he means is he has been trying to meet up with you for two days, but you have been \*otherwise occupied\*.
YOU – "I think you should know that I can't remember \*anything\*."

KIM KITSURAGI – No response. He just arches his brow.

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] – He's having trouble processing it. \*Believing\* it even.
YOU – "So..." (Point to your face.) "I shaved."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Yes, uhm..." The lieutenant stares at your shaven face, his eyes narrowed. "Uhhhh..." he mumbles. "I don't know what to say." He coughs. "Perhaps..."

YOU – "I knew I shouldn't shave! I knew it and still did it. What an idiot..."

KIM KITSURAGI – "No-no, it's... okay, I guess." He keeps staring at you, dumbfounded. "I may have preferred the mutton chops, they sort of seemed to... cover the..." He stops.

ENDURANCE [Medium: Success] – Damage.

RHETORIC [Challenging: Success] – Yeah -- damage. He means damage.
YOU – "Hold still a second..." (Try to smell Kim.)

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant's posture becomes rigid and uncomfortable as you lean forward and sniff the area just above his shoulder blade...

PERCEPTION (SMELL) [Medium: Success] – The lieutenant is fastidious as a cat in matters of his personal upkeep. And yet, in the folds of his jacket you can just perceive the stale and acrid traces of oil rags, transmission fluid, and brake pads.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY [Easy: Success] – Wait-wait. There's something else there, something that sets your GABA-receptors aflutter.

PERCEPTION (SMELL) – The lieutenant's aftershave. A common drugstore brand. Strong hints of pine needle.
YOU – "I was just wondering what brand of aftershave you use."

KIM KITSURAGI – "It's nothing fancy, just plain old Taiga Super Special..."

KIM KITSURAGI – "I do like the way it tingles, though. It's the only part of shaving I actually look forward to."
YOU – "Are \*you\* part of the homo-sexual underground?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "You didn't stop at all, did you? You're just obsessing about \*other people's\* sexuality now."

REACTION SPEED [Medium: Success] – Uhm... uh...

YOU – "Yeah, but..."

KIM KITSURAGI – "...but am I? I'll spare you another \*20 hour mind-project\* -- yes, I am. Now let's get back to work."

DRAMA [Medium: Success] – That's the truth.
KIM KITSURAGI – "There is no use arguing with me. You will die if you don't." His voice is pressing: "DRINK."

VOLITION [Challenging: Success] – There really \*is\* no use arguing with him. This is him exerting the reserves of authority he usually withholds.
YOU – "Tell me a secret about yourself."

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant narrows a single eyebrow. "No."

YOU – Ask again.

KIM KITSURAGI – Your brain sends the signal to your lips but they refuse the order. Something is paralysing them.You're pretty sure it has something to do with the lieutenant's eyebrow.

VOLITION [Medium: Success] – The eyebrow is exercising \*psionic\* control over you.

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] – It's like you're \*locked down\*.

YOU – What's... happening... to me?

KIM KITSURAGI – "Something the matter, detective?"

AUTHORITY [Medium: Success] – This guy's got Authority off the charts. With just a flick of his eyebrow he's able to make you his thrall.
YOU – "Ever thought about switching to helium headlights?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Actually, I have a pair at home -- just haven't gotten around to fitting them yet. I need to lay some wiring for the ballasts first..."

YOU – "If we ever get this case solved, maybe we can do it together?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "You want to help?" He glances at you and smiles. "Thank you for the offer. That might be fun. Let's do the case first though, alright?"

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] – He liked the idea.
YOU – "If we ever get this case solved, maybe we can do it together?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Maybe," he replies with an apologetic smile and nods. "Yes, definitely maybe."

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] – ... and means \*no\*.
YOU – "If we ever get this case solved, maybe we can do it together?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Oh..." The lieutenant rubs the back of his head. "Yes, let's definitely \*think\* about it."

DRAMA [Medium: Success] – He is not enthused about the idea.
BIRD'S NEST ROY – "Of course. I meant no offense. 200 reál for you, officer. Delightful doing business with you. Do come again."

KIM KITSURAGI – "Thank you." He takes the cash, then turns to you.

KIM KITSURAGI – "Here's the 30 reál you need for your bill. Do \*not\* waste it." The rest goes in his pocket.

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] – The rest is for him -- to compensate for the pain of being separated from his radiant spinners.

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – The windfall is a small consolation.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY [Easy: Success] – Everyone knows drugs make you invulnerable to cold. You bet this one likes to \*party\*.

YOU – "So, you wanna \*party\*?"

ACELE – "What?" She looks up at you, confused.

YOU – (Say it again louder, she might not have heard you over the wind.) "DO YOU WANT TO PARTY?!"

ACELE – "Yeah, I heard you, but what do you \*mean\* by 'party'?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Yes, what \*do\* you mean?" The lieutenant sounds serious.

YOU – "I mean: we get drinks -- and we also get drugs."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Yeah, man..." The lieutenant suddenly appears to your right with his collar popped \*insanely\* high.

KIM KITSURAGI – "Got any dope? We need some dope bad." He scratches his nose, then his armpit through the jacket. "I got the \*Boogie Street\* shakes."

DRAMA [Medium: Success] – He's really shaking and everything!

YOU – "Um... Kim? What are you doing?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Tryin'a score some \*dope\*, man. Like we planned. Tryin'a score some smack -- you got any?" He hops from one foot to the other in anticipation.

ACELE – "What's \*smack\*?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "The \*D\*, man, gotta hit that D!"

ACELE – "What's... 'the D'?"

YOU – "Kim, she seems legitimately confused. Tell her what this \*D\* is.

KIM KITSURAGI – "\*Diamorphine\*, girl. Quit clownin'. We need a hook-up for that D..." He breathes in through his teeth.
KIM KITSURAGI – "I think I know now, what my favourite blue thing is." He nods. "Yes, my favourite blue thing is a blue police uniform... or blue police livery."
ESPRIT DE CORPS [Medium: Success] – The lieutenant is sitting on the edge of his bed, twenty kilometres from here, and cleaning his boots. An archetypal policeman like him would \*definitely\* come up with some questions to ask right now. Unlike you, standing here alone, unable to gather your thoughts.
KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant says nothing. You see the machine's glowing frame reflected back from his diamond-shaped glasses. You're free to proceed.
KIM KITSURAGI – "Amphetamine -- does it make you a better detective?"

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] – There is little condescension in his phrasing, more measured curiosity.

SUGGESTION [Medium: Success] – Be honest. He's not grilling you, he just wants to know. Ask if he's ever wanted to take it too.

YOU – "Honesty, it makes me the detective I am. Have you thought of taking it too?"

KIM KITSURAGI – "Maybe I should?" He lets out a little pensive hum, rubbing his shoulder...

DRAMA [Medium: Success] – It's not insincere. He's actually giving it thought.

PAIN THRESHOLD [Medium: Success] – The beating he took must be more serious than he lets on.
KIM KITSURAGI – "I have, on a few occasions -- when I was young and foolish -- smoked hemp."

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Legendary: Success] – Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive substance in the cannabis plant, commonly known as 'hemp'. It's one of the most common recreational substances in the world.

REACTION SPEED [Challenging: Success] – He's waiting for a reaction.

KIM KITSURAGI – "Is that secret enough for you?"

ELECTROCHEMISTRY [Medium: Success] – It's barely a secret. Everyone's smoked hemp.

YOU – "That's not a secret. Everyone has smoked cannabis."

KIM KITSURAGI – "No, there are couple of people who haven't smoked cannabis. I'm sure of that."

EMPATHY [Legendary: Success] – There's a hint of defensiveness in his voice. Even this minor act of rebellion is important to the lieutenant's self-construction.
YOU – "Hmh..." (Try to understand what the lieutenant has written about the case at hand.)

KIM KITSURAGI – It's very hard to draw conclusions. All you can make out is that he is in a hurry to solve the case -- the tempo of the handwriting says as much -- and that there are \*a lot\* of notes in there. Most of them are made prior to arriving at the scene, in preparation.
YOU – "Hmm-hmm..." (Take a peek at Kim's notes.)

KIM KITSURAGI – You find a moment, as the lieutenant inspects the dead man's fingernails. Just a few glances. The pages are filled with bulky freehand that's nearly illegible...
KIM KITSURAGI – Maybe you're imagining it, but there are some remarks in there -- and they're not all negative! You're referred to as 'the 41st' -- by your station number. And...
KIM KITSURAGI – "I've heard people say \*I\* am on La Puta Madre's take." He looks you in the eye. "And I am \*not\*."
KIM KITSURAGI – "We have one of these down at the station, but I never really learned how to use it."
KIM KITSURAGI – "Weightlifting was never my favourite, either." The lieutenant is obviously \*handling\* you. "At the Station gym, I mean. I prefer running. It clears your head..." The lieutenant steps away from the barbell, letting your recover in peace.
ESPRIT DE CORPS [Formidable: Success] – Three figures on the spring ice. One, a shortish man, is standing with his shoulders slightly hunched. Another, a young woman, tries her best to ignore the third, a middle-aged man with spectacular sideburns, jumping up and down on the sea ice...
SHIVERS [Medium: Success] – In the middle of a broken plaza, illuminated in a cone of light, two men, one slim, the other sturdy. They are on the city stage, but only one of them knows his lines...
RUBY, THE INSTIGATOR – "Well, it wasn't this scrawny dude." She nods toward the lieutenant. "You had two guys and a lady. The guys looked pretty buff. Lady wasn't bad either."
YOU – "I don't think they have funerals for motor carriages."

LILIENNE, THE NET PICKER – "And why so? Our things are a part of our life-world. They're made with human sweat and they share human history. We should care about them as we care about humans, to some extent at least."

YOU – "Alright, I'm in. But organizing a funeral takes lot of time and effort, doesn't it?"

LILIENNE, THE NET PICKER – "Oh yeah," she says with a chuckle. "You won't even be able to get it out of the water before early June and where are you gonna bury it? Who to invite? What music to play at the wake?"

LILIENNE, THE NET PICKER – "Take it from someone who's been through a few funerals: It's easiest to just leave them there and let nature take care of it."

KIM KITSURAGI – "That's all we have time for right now anyway." The lieutenant looks at you sympathetically. "Come back here in June and see how you feel about it then. It's not like it's going anywhere."

YOU – "It's a pity we don't get to do more frivolous side-activities. I would have really liked that."

KIM KITSURAGI – The lieutenant looks at you almost gently. "Yes. That is a pity. But for now let's focus on the things we \*do\* get to do. Like the murder investigation for example."

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] – He liked the Coupris funeral idea.
171. ↑ Disco Elysium: Interview of Jullian Champenois, Kim Katsuragi’s voice actor
172. ↑ No Truce With The Furies - Gameplay Developer Showcase | PAX East 2017
173. ↑ A Policeman In Revachol by Martin Luiga
174. ↑ https://steamcommunity.com/app/632470/discussions/0/1609400247641734174/?ctp=3#c1644304412672054464