Conversation · Lena, the Cryptozoologist's wife

Your deportment remains dignified -- as you shed a single, manly tear.

"It isn't easy for me to ask this of anyone, but I am at the end of my rope. Any money you have could help me."

"Sweetie, I only have a few cents on me. But... I could give you this to pawn, just to tide you over." She unfastens a gold commemorative pin from her left jacket pocket and drops it into your palm.

"Wonderful." The lieutenant marks drolly. "He has a pin."

The pin is round and slightly tarnished. Three sailboats in bas-relief with the sun hovering over the water behind them. A chipped green banner at the bottom reads "Saint-Batiste Summer '31 -- Dinghy Races."

The Saint-Batiste Dinghy Races were conceived as a biennial civic pride celebration (and cash cow), but only took place twice, in '31 and '33. The '31 races are the subject of fond reminiscence: Those who were there will tell you of sun-drenched bleachers, pink bubbly, and bronze-legged studs in white shorts.

The '33 races, on the other hand, were plagued by controversy over performance enhancers and very cold rain. After two local champions were stripped of their titles, the city decided not to hold the event again.

You could totally sell this pin for cash.

"What is 'to pawn'?"

"It's easy. You bring a valuable item to a 'pawnbroker' who then gives you money for it. You can get it back later for a slightly larger sum if it hasn't been sold, but you never end up doing that anyway..."

"Where can I pawn the pin?"

"Cross the plaza and follow the road along the coast. Down by the water, there will be a shack nestled against an old stone façade. That's the pawnshop. An old friend of my husband's goes there often. He says the owner is quite helpful."

"Yes, we've been there," the lieutenant nods.

Items that can be pawned at Bird's Nest Roy's appear in your INVENTORY, under the ITEMS tab. You can pawn these items when talking to Roy.

You've been there, remember? The little shack right by the canal.

"I promise I'll buy it back for you once I have more money." (Conclude.)

"Oh, it's not an ancient family heirloom or anything, but... I suppose it would be nice to get it back."

"This will help me out, Lena. Thanks." (Conclude.)

"You're quite welcome, dear." She smiles up at you.

Try to force a tear out of your duct. Really rip into the whole emotional aggression thing.

"Fucking shit. It's all over for me."

"Officer." He leans in so that only you can hear, but his tone is forceful. "Get a hold of yourself, please."

"Sweetie, I'm sorry, but I think you need more help than I can give you." She looks distressed and even a little frightened.

"Of course. I shouldn't have asked you. STUPID me."

"Oh god, I'm going to die on the street aren't I?"

"What is a pay check? I haven't seen any pay checks..."

"You must be joking." He pauses, reflecting. "Although our pay does sometimes feel like a joke."

"It's not easy to assert your right to a decent living wage when you don't have a strong union behind you... Maybe you should talk to Evrart, the Union leader?"

Already did that. Evrart's money wasn't gonna last forever. You need more. Every day is a new expense!

Already did that. You were too proud to take the check.

Good idea. Maybe you were too quick to leave -- he would have given you some if you sat there longer?

Interesting idea. This Evrart sounds powerful. Maybe you can wrangle some coins out of his pocket?

"Hello again, sweetie. I see you've met up with your colleague." She looks at the lieutenant.

The lieutenant nods politely.

"Who's sweetie?"

"Why, you are, officer!"

"Hmm... maybe I am?"

"And have you found anyone to be sweet to?" She smiles conspiratorially.

"I had once..." (Wink twice.) "But then I lost her..."

What was with that fucking wink?

Seemed neurological... central nervous system's really banged up.

"Stop winking." (Tap yourself on the side of your head to correct the malfunction.)

"I see you are still grieving. Well, I won't pry." She smiles gently -- paying no heed to the inexplicable winking.

"You must forgive me! I'm getting so scatterbrained! I completely forgot to introduce myself." She slaps herself on the forehead.

"I'm Lena. My husband Morell and I are staying with our friend Gary just down the street, but I come here for tea when they're away." Her eyes glitter over the rims of her glasses as she looks up, smiling.

This Lena is wacky enough for the motley crew. Hire her on the spot!

Do nothing. The neurological damage is probably permanent.

Seemed neurological... central nervous system's really banged up.

"You must forgive me!" she says, slapping herself on the forehead. "I'm getting so scatterbrained! I completely forgot to introduce myself."

"No. I'm done with mating rituals this time around."

"The 'mating rituals' aren't the good part, sweetie." Her eyes shine with gentle compassion. "I know it's none of my business, but you look like you need someone to take care of you."

"I suppose all of us do at one time or another. I don't know what I'd do without Morell..."

"I don't know." (Wink.) "Maybe I have?"

"You rascal!" She grins up at you. "I'm too old for you, and too married besides."

Your advances haven't thrown her off one bit. In another place and time, she would have probably welcomed your attention.

"I don't really wanna talk about that right now."

"I'm sorry if I was being overly familiar! I know we've only just met."

"I'm no sweetie. Look at me."

"You're a handsome man, officer, with your moustache and your chiselled jaw. And that silly dimple on your chin."

"That stupid dimple has only brought me suffering."