Hello, Evan.
Hello, Evan.
Hello!
My name is Albert DeSalvo. This floor answers to me.
Nice to meet you, Comrade DeSalvo!
Nice to meet you? Evan, we have different standards of niceness on this floor.
What do you mean?
But you’ll find that out in due time.
Yes?
Responses
Talk about a replacement
Find out what he wants
Talk about the task
Talk about the medical kit
Talk about the book
Find out what he wants
Talk about the victim
Ask about the man in the cart
General chat
End conversation
Responses
Talk about the Ministry
Can I ask you a question?
Yes, Evan?
You’ve reached some great heights in the Ministry. How did you do it?
You want to build a career too? Commendable.
I advise you to study human nature: its fears, the limits of what's possible, its weak points. This will help you achieve what you want and derive pleasure from your work.
Ask about the Shredder
Comrade DeSalvo, is it difficult to control the Shredder?
How would I know?
Don't you give the orders? After all, everything here obeys you...
Everything living, yes... But the Shredder is an unfeeling piece of metal that chews up everything that’s put into it. To make it obey, you just need to press a button. That's a job for the technicians - there's nothing of interest to me there.
Ask about the torture room
Comrade DeSalvo! When I was in your office, I accidentally noticed a strange room...
Evan! Remember once and for all: do not enter my office without my permission.
But there…
It is my office and I decide what should be in there.
But what about...
That’s the end of the conversation, Evan. Goodbye!
Ask about the Supergame
I’d like to clarify something about the Supergame, if I can.
The what?
The Supergame among the employees on this floor.
First I’ve heard of it. I have more important things to do in my office.
Ask about father
Albert, do you mind if I ask you a personal question? Did you know my father?
Oh, yes! Caleb was... a peculiar man. Too soft. Too smart. Too honest. I'm sorry to say it, but people like him don’t last long in the Ministry.
Do you think that’s why he committed suicide?
He was too concerned about others - that was his weakness. And weakness leads to disaster. That’s all I can say.
Talk about Pete Ferguson
So, Even, you recently transferred here from the first floor. How’s Pete Ferguson doing? Hasn’t he been shot for theft yet?
I don't know him very well...
That's good, Evan! Stay away from rogues like Ferguson. Head of the first floor is the limit of his capabilities, and you still have a career to build.
Evan, I heard that you helped arrest Pete Ferguson?
Yes, that's true.
Words can’t describe how glad I am that the fat son of a bitch got what he deserved! They should have castrated that pig a long time ago! I’d personally cut his liver out if I had the chance!
Wow.. So, you weren’t a fan?
That’s giving him too much credit. I just wanted him dead, and that's normal. You’ll get used to it.
Back
Evan, I have a request for you. I need a roll of plastic wrap and a roll of adhesive tape. Could you find some and bring them to my office?
I can contact the Ministry of Distribution - they’ll deliver it in a couple of weeks!
No, Evan, I can't wait that long. And I want you to do it.
Why?
This way will be better. Go to the factory where they make the wrap. It’s near the Square of Carefreeness. Tell them that I sent you and they’ll give you the wrap.
And the adhesive tape?
If you can't find a flimsy roll of adhesive tape in the Ministry than what are you even doing here, Evan?
Understood, Comrade DeSalvo!
Please hurry! I really need them for some important business.
Hello, Evan! Have you done what I asked?
Responses
Yes
Yes, Comrade DeSalvo! Here is your wrap and adhesive tape.
Wonderful!
Can I ask why you need them?
I’m very fond of arts and crafts and I don’t want to make a mess in my office. But let’s keep that between us, OK?
Arts and crafts? That's unexpected.
No
Not yet, Comrade DeSalvo!
Hurry up! Strange that you cannot fulfill such a simple request. Hurry up, please! Is it really so difficult to do what I said? You disappoint me, Evan.
I have another assignment for you.
I'm listening, Comrade DeSalvo!
Did you notice my collection?
Of course! It's hard not to notice!
I collect items that have some kind of historical significance. Dark significance! For centuries, people have learned how to hurt their own kind, and my collection contains almost every kind of tool invented for this.
I’d have gone for butterflies, myself.
Sorry?
Butterflies. I had a collection of them as a kid. You take a butterfly, stick a needle in it...
Oh, did you like to kill too?
Kill? Erm... No, I just collected butterflies!
There’s a reason behind everything in our lives, Evan...
Albert, you wanted to give me a task.
Oh, yes! I don't know how it happened, but my collection is lacking one very common item. Namely a medical kit.
But why do you need it?
Did you know that doctors have killed more people than all weapons and executions? I want one of those kits for myself. Ambulance crews have them.
Are you suggesting that I take a kit from a doctor?
I suggest that you fulfill my request, unless you’re ready to face some serious consequences. And keep your mouth shut, of course.
But why me?
That's how it has to be, Evan. You’ll understand soon enough.
Evan, did you find the medical kit?
Responses
Give him the kit
It wasn't easy, but I did it, Comrade DeSalvo.
Excellent! Give it here.
And that's all?
Oh, yes. Thank you, Evan!
I didn't find it
Still working on it, Comrade DeSalvo!
Hurry up. I've already prepared a place for my new exhibit! Keep searching! Strange that you cannot fulfill such a simple request. Hurry up, please! Is it really so difficult to do what I said? You disappoint me, Evan.
I’ll try!
Evan, last time you did a great job with my requests. Can you fulfill another one?
I'm ready for anything, Comrade DeSalvo, but I need to work!
And if you want to succeed in the Ministry, you have to do what your superiors tell you to, right?
Of course, Comrade DeSalvo!
So, a rare book called “The Philosophy of Suffering” has been brought to the city library. It describes torture in the 16th century. I really want it for my collection.
Do you want me to steal this book from the library for you?
Not for me, Evan, but for yourself. It might be of use to you, too - you’ll see!
Why would I need a book about torture?
You’ll understand later. Go get me that book!
Evan, do you have the book?
Responses
Give him the book
Here’s your book. I flipped through it - our ancestors were real animals!
But they knew a lot about torture. Thank you, Evan! I'll call for you again if I need anything.
I haven't found it yet
I haven’t gotten hold of it yet.
Hurry up. I've already prepared a place for my new exhibit! Keep searching! Strange that you cannot fulfill such a simple request. Hurry up, please! Is it really so difficult to do what I said? You disappoint me, Evan.
I’ll try!
It's good that you came, Evan. I have another assignment for you.
Need me to steal, “acquire” or bring you something?
Quite the contrary - I need you to take something and throw it away. See the documents in the cart? You need to throw them into the Shredder.
But isn’t that the janitor’s job?
These documents are confidential. I don’t want any outsiders seeing them, but I trust you. I trust you won't read them?
I already spend all day looking at papers, Comrade DeSalvo. These eyes could do with a rest!
Yes. Losing your eyes is very bad! And it hurts.
Sorry?
Nothing, just thinking out loud. Go now.
Comrade DeSalvo, did you know that there was a person in your cart?
Is that so? And?
Doesn't that surprise you?
If he was tied up, then it’s just easier to carry him in a cart. It's logical.
And I'm sorry, but I don't have time now.
Hello, Evan.
Hello, Comrade DeSalvo! Another assignment?
Not this time. I’d like to talk to you, and a lot depends on this conversation. For you especially.
Yes?
You have already seen my secret sanctum, and you know what I do here.
Yes, you torture people.
Yes, I torture people. You see, Evan, as people approach the limits of their pain threshold, they become more honest, more sincere, better!
As if they have a choice!
There is always a choice, Evan. For you as well. So I want to ask you - will you become my assistant in my hobbies, or would you rather things went a different way?
Think about it, this decision could change your life.
What do you think I'm doing here?
Supervising the second floor of the Ministry and everyone here.
That goes without saying. What else? What do my collections tell you? And the tasks I gave you?
You collect information about torture?
I don’t just collect it, Evan. I put it into practice.
You torture people?!
Don't look so surprised. You've already guessed everything, I suspect. Yes, I torture people. You see, Evan, as people approach the limits of their pain threshold, they become more honest, more sincere, better!
As if they have a choice!
There is always a choice, Evan. For you as well. So I want to ask you - will you become my assistant in my hobbies, or would you rather things went a different way?
Think about it, this decision could change your life.
Responses
Agree to work with Albert
It seems to me that it’s better to be your friend than your enemy. I will work with you.
Wise answer. I think we’re going to get along just fine.
What do I need to do?
I’ve run out of torture material. We need to find someone so that we can get started. Can you handle that?
I won't let you down!
Get indignant
You torture people and want me to be your assistant? You are a complete psycho!
No, Evan! This world has gone mad, and I'm just playing by its rules...
Playing? So all this pain, all this suffering - it's just a game to you?
Yes. And your words make me want to play with you...
Refuse
Comrade DeSalvo, your proposal is very tempting, but I don't think I'm cut out for that kind of work.
What's the problem?
I'm afraid of blood!
Yes, that is a problem. What a pity. Well... I hope it goes without saying that this conversation should stay between us.
Don't worry, Albert.
Why would I worry? It's you who’ll have worry if you talk. Nothing’s going to happen to me - I'm in charge here. Get back to work, Evan.
I don't think that you can refuse.
Albert, I found a man who might suit you.
You? I thought we were going to do this together?
Yes, sorry, “us”.
That's better. Come on, I have everything ready! I have a couple of new tools and I want to show you how they work.
Albert, I’ve fulfilled my part of the arrangement.
What are you talking about?
About replacing that unfortunate person in your basement with someone else.
And how did you manage that?
His twin brother, Hank, will take his place.
What a noble sacrifice! Well, I'll hold up my end of the deal too. You can go.
Redgrave? Are you having in fun here without me?
I was looking for this man. His brother asked me to find him.
Well, well, well… Who have we here?
Redgrave? What are you doing here?
I thought all that stuff you said to me about torture was just a joke.
This is no joke.
This is my relaxation room. Here I can relax and conduct some experiments.
On people?
Yes, I want to know the ultimate strength of the human psyche. I wonder how much pain a person can withstand before they agree to die.
But enough about that. So, you’ve discovered my little secret.
Me? I should be asking you what you’re doing here and what this all means!
This is my relaxation room. Here I can relax and conduct some experiments.
On people?
Yes, I want to know the ultimate strength of the human psyche. I wonder how much pain a person can withstand before they agree to die.
But enough about that. So, you’ve discovered my little secret.
What do you plan to do now?
Responses
Torture the captive together
If you don't mind, I’d like to join you.
Really? Why?
I’ve always been curious... And what you’re doing looks terribly interesting!
I'm glad that we understand each other. Shall we get started?
Gladly!
Free the captive immediately
I plan to release this man immediately and leave with him! And when we get to the police, I’m going to tell them everything! You’ll live to regret what you’ve done here!
Me? Regret? Redgrave, don't be a fool! Nobody will believe your nonsense. And even if someone does come here, which I strongly doubt that they’ll find anything. Believe me.
You think you’re untouchable? I’ll do everything in my power...
You know, Redgrave, I'm disappointed. I was hoping that you’d be smarter than your father, but you’re a weakling, just like he was. Get out of here and don't let me see you ever again. Or you’ll regret it!
You’re not at my level yet, Evan.
Negotiate release
I want to free this man!
Free him? Such naive kindness! And what do you expect me to do? Finding material for my experiments isn’t easy. So be it... Bring me a replacement and I’ll let your new friend go.
Bring his brother!
Responses
Agree
All right, I’ll do it.
Excellent. But hurry - otherwise there’ll be nothing left to free! Or no one... What's the right way to say it?
Grammar isn’t my strong suit. I think I should go.
Refuse
Talk later
I have to think about it. This is all so unexpected...
Redgrave, you must give me your answer now. It doesn't work any other way!
You found him. Now what? What are you going to do?
Responses
Torture the captive together
If you don't mind, I’d like to join you.
Happy to hear that, Redgrave! Why wait? Let's get started!
Free the captive immediately
I plan to release this man immediately and leave with him! And when we get to the police, I’m going to tell them everything! You’ll live to regret what you’ve done here!
You know, Redgrave, I'm disappointed. I was hoping that you’d be smarter than your father, but you’re a weakling, just like he was. Get out of here and don't let me see you ever again. Or you’ll regret it!
You’re not at my level yet, Evan.
Negotiate release
I want to free this man!
Free him? Such naive kindness! And what do you expect me to do? Finding material for my experiments isn’t easy. So be it... Bring me a replacement and I’ll let your new friend go.
Bring his brother!
Responses
Agree
All right, I’ll do it.
Excellent. But hurry - otherwise there’ll be nothing left to free! Or no one... What's the right way to say it?
Grammar isn’t my strong suit. I think I should go.
Refuse
Talk later
I have to think about it. This is all so unexpected...
Redgrave, you must give me your answer now. It doesn't work any other way!
Welcome to my humble abode, Evan! Here is where I conduct my experiments.
Humble abode? Half the ministry could fit in here!
Well, half the ministry is too much, but there’s certainly enough space for a few people. Come, I'll show you everything.
Here is a beautiful 19th-century “interrogation chair”. This chair was used to torture traitors to our country long before you or I were born!
Oh my God! There's a live person chained to it! Are you torturing him?
What else would I be doing in here? You must have put two and two together and reached your own conclusions long ago - otherwise you wouldn’t be here.
Understanding is one thing, but seeing it in person is something else...
Stop pissing me off and pretending to be innocent, Redgrave! Let's continue the tour. So, the chair...
The chair is perfectly preserved, Comrade DeSalvo!
It is not only perfectly preserved, but also perfectly functioning! But let's carry on.
This is where I watch how people react when I show them their insides. You should see the looks on their faces!
Eww...
Is something not to your liking?
I just think it's not very pretty.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Evan. I hope you’ll soon see for yourself how fascinating it is!
Comrade DeSalvo, is that the Leader?
The “Iron Leader”, Evan! My pride and joy! A fusion of ancient art and patriotism! A harmony of form and content!
What do you mean?
One cannot escape the Leader.
The Leader is in your heart.
Inside, the Leader is just an ordinary, suffering person. You can come up with endless allusions!
Ah… I see.
Beautiful, isn't it? Well, let's get to the main course, shall we? Come with me to meet today's victim, Evan.
And this is a Crux Decussata - a crucifixion cross. It’s great for stimulating long and insightful conversations on various topics.
Long? I doubt that! I wouldn't be able to stand it for long!
Evan, you have no idea what the human body is capable of in extreme situations!
Well, here is our entertainment for today. A decent specimen - I really hope you like him. Want to start first?
Responses
Agree
That's what I came here for!
Excellent. Well, let's get started! Is classical music alright? I find that it inspires me.
Fine by me.
I'm glad we have similar tastes!
Refuse
Albert, you know... I’ve changed my mind. I can’t do it. This is... just awful!
Explain…
I can’t... It's just not for me…
You disappoint me, Evan. Even more than that girl last week.
Just imagine, 78 hours of divine pain and agony - we were going for the record! She just needed to suffer half an hour more. And then that bitch went and died at the most crucial moment!
Forgive me, Albert... I just can't cross this line! I can’t make that choice. It's not right...
I don’t think you fully comprehend what’s beyond that line. But most importantly, you mistakenly believe that a choice can be correct or incorrect.
You can’t even imagine, Evan, how angry the very notion of “choice” makes me. It’s such an... ephemeral matter that it disgusts me to even speak of it!
But our actions speak louder than words. So I want you to go to the desk in my office, find the remote with two buttons and bring it here.
In and out, Evan. Or you yourself will be literally in and out of this room at the same time.
I want to talk to you, Evan.
I'm listening, Comrade DeSalvo!
I’m extremely glad that I found a like-minded person in you. People like that are a rarity these days. I like your determination, your lack of prejudice, your composure.
Thank you, Albert.
Why, I almost fell in love with you! But you know what they say: “If you love something, let it go”. I want to give you a promotion.
A promotion?! But…
Don't argue! Yes, I’ll miss my hobby partner, but you and I both have to move on. I hope you’ll build a brilliant career in the Ministry.
But why are you doing this?
I can see the hidden potential in people. Sometimes you have to open up their chest to find it, but that won’t be necessary in your case. And so, I want you to move up and bring our philosophy to the masses from there, so to speak.
I hope so!
I also hope that when you rise to the very top, you won’t forget Albert DeSalvo, and that someday we’ll come up with many more interesting things to do in my laboratory.
Thank you, Albert! It was a pleasure working with you.
Good luck, Evan! And take care of yourself.
Look! Everything is just how you like it! Two buttons on the remote, two cameras, two choices.
What the hell, Albert?! What's happening?
Do you see these people?
Who are they? What are they doing there?
No one. They're just strangers to you, and they are preparing to die, Evan. They just don't know it yet.
And the girl? Are you going to kill a child? Albert, stop! You're crazy!
Me? No, Evan. You are going to kill someone. Or save someone. The choice is the same, no matter what you call it.
I'm not going to play your stupid games!
Then they all die. But that’s a choice too, isn’t it? The “middle ground”. Just the way you like it.
Why are you doing this, Albert?!
So that you finally realize how horribly arrogant you are! Do you sincerely believe that there’s any kind of “choice”? That you can draw some kind of “line”? Well, great then! Imagine that the remote in your hand is chalk.
Now draw that line, Redgrave.
Responses
Refuse to make a decision
I’ll have no part in this! I'd rather die myself!
We'll get to that later. In the meantime...
Save the child
Damn you! Release the girl, Albert!
But what about all these unfortunates? Will you just send them all to their deaths?
I made a choice. As you asked. Release the girl.
Well… as you wish.
Save the people
Let the people go, you damned psycho!
How?! Don't you feel sorry for this small, defenseless, innocent creature?
You’re a monster, Albert!... You’re a real monster!
You’re sentencing this child to death, and yet I am the monster?
Shut up already!
Ech, how rude... Alright. These people will live. And I will take care of the girl personally...
You're doing great, Redgrave! I think we’re going to get along just fine. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have other things to attend to.
You decided not to choose between two evils. So that your hands would stay clean, right?
Like you didn't kill them, right?
That's why people like me are at the very top of the food chain, why we are in power. Do you understand?
Because single-celled people like you refuse to make choices!
You’re no better than your snivelling father. You annoy me so much that I don't even want to cut you.
I’ve called the guards They’ll take care of you. Goodbye.
Choosing the child is a very emotional decision, Evan. You did not disappoint me, because we are here precisely for the sake of emotions!
But by drawing a line for yourself, you let yourself down. A person with limits cannot develop.
It’s sad, but this caterpillar won't become a butterfly. You are no longer of interest to me.
As for the girl... We’ll let her grow up, lose her innocence... and then I’ll get to know her better.
Very calculating and, I would even say, cold, Redgrave. Many lives instead of one.
But you don't know them. Everyone in this cell could be a murderer, a rapist, a thief or something worse.
But that is not important. You didn’t disappoint me. I think you still have a chance of becoming someone significant.
The door to my “pleasure room” will always be open to you. Who knows, maybe someday you’ll change your mind and join me.
Evan, go work and don't bother me.
It was a pleasure to work with you, Evan.
I hope that when you rise to the very top, you won’t forget Albert DeSalvo, and that someday we’ll come up with many more interesting things to do in my laboratory.
Evan, the exit is the other way.
I warned you that I didn’t want to see you again...
You're a naughty boy, Redgrave. The guards will deal with you. I, unfortunately, don't have the time,...
Why are you here, Redgrave? I’m not your boss anymore. Go back to your own floor, and stop distracting me from my work.
I don't have time to talk about this.
Codes required:
You cannot change you choice
