Antonio Nash

This article is about the Pandora's Box contact. For the former Mutant starting contact, see Antonio Nash (Pre-Issue 21).

Overview

Antonio Nash
GIFT Special Investigator
Zone	Atlas Park
Coordinates	(4, -784, -1004)
Level Range	35-50
Merits	5
Introduced By	None
Introduces	None
Enemy Groups	Arachnos Cimeroran Traitors Circle of Thorns Shivans Unknown Warriors

Signature Story Arc Pandora's Box, Episode 2.

Antonio Nash is a hero contact in the Atlas Park neighborhood of Atlas Park at coordinates (4, -784, -1004) . His level range is 35-50. He is located in the GIFT office in the basement of City Hall. Antonio Nash is the second contact in the hero-side Pandora's Box Signature Story Arc available on the Paragon Market or free with subscription.

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 5 Reward Merits.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

None; Antonio Nash should be approached in-game.

Contact Introduces

None.

Description

GIFT Special Investigator

Since the destruction of Galaxy City, the FBSA has been scrambling to reassign its personnel to more effective positions in Paragon City. Antonio Nash, formerly the New Hero Liaison for GIFT, has been reassigned to a more direct investigative role. His focused research on the effects of Superadine flew to the top of the priority list when a group of Trolls, led by Atta, went on a rampage through Skyway City and defeated two prominent members of the Freedom Phalanx. Now Nash has been caught up in the investigation of Pandora's Box, and what possible ties it could have - if any - with the Trolls and their designer drug of choice.

Prior to Introduction

Missing Prior to Introduction Dialogue

Initial Contact

• None

Greeting

I'm not sure how much help I can be to you, Character, but I'll give it my all.

Content Not Purchased

You will need to have purchased the second episode of the second signature story arc, Pandora's Box, or be a VIP subscriber before you can play Antonio Nash's storyarc.

Story Arc

Experts in the Field

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 5 Reward Merits.

Part One: No Matter Where You Look

Briefing

Antonio flips out his badge.

Character? Antonio Nash, Genetic Investigation and Facilitation. I've been assigned to work with you and the Phalanx in tracking down the artifact known as Pandora's Box. I'll be making my department's resources available to you, to assist you in your search.

I'll be honest, Character. This assignment... well, I specialize in Superadine research, and the recent incident with the Trolls has my bosses on edge. They want me looking into how Superadine could have made the Trolls strong enough to take down members of the Phalanx.

There's just one problem: there's no way Superadine could have done that. Supes is capable of some spectacular changes in human physiology, but it still has to follow the biological limits of the user. When Atta and the Trolls attacked Skyway... well, I don't know what was fueling them, but it wasn't Superadine.

But my assignment is what it is, and I need to help you track down this artifact before someone else gets their tyrannical hands on it and starts breaking things. That's a cause I can get behind.

• Agree to form a task force.

So, Character, let's review what we know. There is an artifact, somewhere in the world, named Pandora's Box, and all signs point to it being the primary source of the strange power surges we've been seeing lat-

Antonio is interrupted by a high-pitched, tinny version of Carmen's 'Habanera'. Antonio looks at you apologetically before pulling a phone from his pocket.

This is Tony, talk to me.

Uh huh...

Again? For crying out loud...

Alright, I'll figure something out. Yeah, Character's right here. I don't want to send him / her if it's not related, though...

No no, I understand. I'll talk to him / her... yeah. Bye.

Antonio refocuses his attention on you.

That was one of the Longbow divisions that's been assigned to assist the Phalanx with its investigation. Apparently they've got an intruder, and their scanners are picking up temporal disturbances.

I don't know if it's related to Pandora's Box, Character, but frankly it's the best lead I've got at the moment. Would you mind checking it out?

Unnecessary Solicitation

Did you manage to track down the cause of the disturbances? I know it's a long shot, but it beats scouring every ancient temple on the planet.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map tech 30 Layout 02 02.png

Map: tech_30_Layout_02_02

Longbow agents are on patrol inside the base. It looks like security lockdown is still in effect.

• Investigate the Intrusion
  • Locate the Intruder
  • Pursue Professor Echo!
  • Speak with Professor Echo

You've chased off Professor Echo, and gained some new direction in your search for Pandora's Box.

Enemies

Shivans

Unknown

Notable NPCs:

• Professor Echo (Unknown Boss, Enemy)

Professor Echo Dialogue 1

At Entrance:

Professor Echo: I don't understand. He / She should be here. My calculations were perfect...

Professor Echo: Ah! Perhaps it was a rounding error. No matter!

'If He Defeats a Longbow:

Professor Echo: Uh, Longbow Flamethrower? Longbow Flamethrower, are you still with me?

Professor Echo: ...Oh dear.

First Fight - 75% Health:

Professor Echo: You have access to information that I need, Character. I'm sure we can negotiate.

First Fight - 50% Health:

Professor Echo: Hm. I'm beginning to see a flaw in my plan...

First Fight - Defeated:

Professor Echo: I suppose there's some room for adjustment. Let's try this again, shall we?

Professor Echo Dialogue 2

Second Fight - Before Combat:

Professor Echo: Perhaps with a slight recalibration, I'll be able to...

Second Fight - Combat Start:

Professor Echo: Ack! Give me a moment, will you?

Second Fight - 75% Health:

Professor Echo: I suppose I should have made my preparations beforehand...

Second Fight - 50% Health:

Professor Echo: This endeavor has become exceedingly frustrating!

Second Fight - Defeated: Professor Echo: Very well. I'll have to try to synchronize the fields this time.

Professor Echo Dialogue 3

Third Fight - Before Combat:

Professor Echo: Oh dear, now it's overheating. Perhaps that was a few too many.

Third Fight - Combat Start:

Professor Echo: You won't give me a moment's rest, will you?

Third Fight - 75% Health:

Professor Echo: Well, the odds are in my favor now. I'll make this attempt count.

Third Fight - 25% Health:

Professor Echo: I... I believe I have made a grievous error.

Third Fight - Defeated:

Professor Echo: I suppose... there's no escape for me this time...

Professor Echo

Briefing

Even after collapsing, Professor Echo is still trying to activate the device on his forearm. Judging by the harsh trills and blinking red lights flashing from it, his attempts appear to have been unsuccessful.

• Having a bit of trouble this time?

Professor Echo glances nervously at you. He tries in vain to get the device to respond. After a few moments of frustration, he sighs and lowers his head.

I... yes, it would appear so. Your combat abilities are... more potent than my data implied. I suppose that's what I get for trusting the historians.

• Historians... right. And your purpose here was...?

I'm here for the same thing you are. I'm looking for clues on Pandora's Box. I tried following your example, but I simply don't have the tech to make a jump that far. Honestly, I can't figure out how you did it.

I did, however, have records of your last known location before you time-jumped to Achaea, so I figured I would drop in on your operation and learn how you did it. And I must say, you have done a very good job of masking your chronometric distortions. I haven't been able to detect them at all!

• Archea? Time-jump? I have no idea what you're talking about.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Stop for a moment. I just want to talk to you.

Professor Echo looks up at you, clearly surprised by your understanding attitude.

Well, I... I may have misjudged you, Character. This is a barbaric time in history, after all, and in my time your reputation mostly consists of the application of force. I thought that diplomacy would be a fool's errand, but it is clear to me now that discarding all nonviolent options was the truly foolish notion.

You have my attention, Character. What do you wish to know?

• Well, you could start by telling me why you're here.

I'm here for the same thing you are. I'm looking for clues on Pandora's Box. I tried following your example, but I simply don't have the tech to make a jump that far. Honestly, I can't figure out how you did it.

I did, however, have records of your last known location before you time-jumped to Achaea, so I figured I would drop in on your operation and learn how you did it. And I must say, you have done a very good job of masking your chronometric distortions. I haven't been able to detect them at all!

• Archea? Time-jump? I have no idea what you're talking about.

Professor Echo frowns at you.

There's no need to pretend for my sake, my boy / dear. Everything you do today is already ancient history to me.

You're planning on jumping to the first moment that Pandora's Box ever appeared in history. A laudable goal, but as I've stated before, I have no idea how you would accomplish such a feat. The best I've ever managed is a few short decades.

Now, I'm sure you're keeping this all hush-hush to avoid competition, but I really do think that-

Professor Echo trails off as he sees the blank stare in your eyes.

You... you really don't know what I'm talking about, do you? You don't have a chronoporter, and this facility has nothing to do with time travel, does it? Has historical time travel as an investigative tool even crossed your mind?

• No... Well, not until now, I suppose.

Professor Echo shakes his head in dismay.

Ah. I see. It seems causality is determined to make me the temporal fool, in this case. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that my... 'contribution' to this cause has been overlooked by history.

Very well, Character. While I would love to stay and wallow in the cosmic injustice that this project has visited upon me, I believe it is time for me to depart.

Before you can react, Professor Echo pulls away from you and activates the device on his forearm. The light blinks green and gives a short, high-pitched beep, and Professor Echo disappears. You get the feeling he doesn't plan on returning.

• Leave

Professor Echo Departs

Professor Echo: Goodbye, Character! Another time, perhaps!

Debriefing

Antonio scratches his head in confusion.

I... see. So, the temporal disturbances that Longbow detected were caused by Professor Echo spying on us... from the future? Well, I guess I'm not really sure what to make of this.

On the one hand, it's somewhat discouraging that someone from the distant future is still searching for Pandora's Box. And yet, Echo seemed to think that you found it at some point, which I suppose is evidence that we're destined to succeed... maybe.

Temporal causality is a tricky problem, Character, and I don't think pinning all of our answers on a possible future destiny is in our best interests. Still, Echo did suggest that time travel was the key to your success, so maybe there's something to that...

Part Two: History Lessons

Briefing

Character, I'm going to be brutally honest with you. Time travel, causality, cosmically powerful artifacts... they're all a few steps above my pay grade. I'm trying my best here, but I think at this stage of the game, you've got more useful resources to tackle this problem than I do.

If you think you can do what Echo says you did - or is that 'will do?' - then I think you should go for it. I just... don't think I can really lend much assistance.

• We'll see if it works soon enough, Tony.

Well, for both our sakes I hope it does. If your expedition doesn't turn up some kind of lead, this investigation may hit a serious dead end.

If time travel is the key to learning about Pandora's Box, you're pretty sure a trip to Ouroboros is in order. Perhaps you'll be able to find someone there that has knowledge of the Box's history... which as far as you know, begins in ancient Greece.

Speak with Prometheus

Unnecessary Solicitation

If you're going to travel to the past, please hurry... although, with time travel, I suppose you never really need to hurry, do you?

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Prometheus

Prometheus

Briefing

Prometheus greets you with a smug expression and a raised eyebrow.

Boldly done, Character. You have come seeking answers, but do you fully grasp the gravity of your situation? You have approached Prometheus, the very benefactor responsible for mankind's rapid ascent to power. Few denizens of your world have the hubris to interrogate a god.

Yet, you are wise to seek my counsel. I possess the knowledge you seek, for I have witnessed events that you know only through the writings of your ancestors. Ask, Character, and perhaps I shall grant you my wisdom.

• I've come seeking information on the artifact called Pandora's Box.

Prometheus grimaces at you.

I am well acquainted with the artifact you seek. Pandora's Box represents an ancient power, easily as old as your world... a power that can match even the Flames that I have granted to your kind.

The origin of the Box is known to me, though the circumstances surrounding its creation far exceed your limited grasp of reality. I doubt any explanation I provide would assist you.

• What about more recently? Pandora's Box is mentioned in human mythology...

Prometheus nods.

When I granted my Flames to mankind, I set in motion a series of events that... redirected the potency of your world. Mankind's potential is vast, and with my Flames as a focus, mortals began to harness powers that had once been beyond their reach... and this angered those who would keep that power to themselves.

Zeus sought to undo what I had wrought, but could not contain the spread of knowledge and power that my Flames had granted. So, instead, he claimed a tool that was not his to claim, and prepared a foil to my plans.

Despite the power that mankind was destined to wield, Zeus declared that he would always hold dominion over this world. He wished his power to live on, imposing his will on mankind, age after age. And so he placed his very essence within the artifact you now call Pandora's Box, to manifest itself again and again, always overshadowing the powers of mortals.

• So, you're saying... that Pandora's Box contains the power of Zeus?

It has in the past, as it does now. Zeus bound his power to the Box, and should a host perish, that is where his power will always return. You live in a time of great tribulation, Character. Wars have been fought over such power, and it has raised men to godhood. You must prepare yourself accordingly.

• Do you know where the Box is located?

Prometheus smirks at you.

That... is knowledge that I cannot share. However, there is another in this place that may be more forthcoming. You should seek the counsel of Mender Silos. He has knowledge that you would find useful in your search.

• Very well then.

Talk to Mender Silos

Unnecessary Solicitation

If you're going to travel to the past, please hurry... although, with time travel, I suppose you never really need to hurry, do you?

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Mender Silos

Mender Silos

Briefing

Greetings, Character. There is much to be done before we are prepared for what lies beyond... but in this sanctum, time is on our side. What do you seek?

• Prometheus suggested I ask you about Pandora's Box.

At the mention of Pandora's Box, Mender Silos becomes visibly uncomfortable.

Did he, now...

I'm afraid that is not a subject I can pursue at great length, Character. Pandora's Box represents a crucial point in your timeline, and any alterations could have... undesirable effects. Much as it pains me, I cannot give you the information that you seek. You must continue the search of your own accord, lest...

Silos looks away from you, clearly distressed.

I'm sorry. I can't help you.

• There isn't any guidance you can provide?

Mender Silos frowns thoughtfully.

I cannot aid you directly, Character, but I suppose I can enable you to acquire knowledge yourself. Use a crystal within this sanctum, and seek out the time and place where Pandora's Box first appeared in human myth, in the ancient region of Achaea. If you can trace the Box's path through history, you may be able to glean its location in your own time.

Mender Silos tries to wave you away in an exasperated motion.

Please, go. I cannot speak of this any more. This moment in your timeline is extremely delicate, and I fear I may have already caused a disturbance by assisting you.

• Leave

Find Pandora's Box

Unnecessary Solicitation

If you're going to travel to the past, please hurry... although, with time travel, I suppose you never really need to hurry, do you?

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map CAVES MEDITERRANEAN ACHAEA.png

Map: CAVES_MEDITERRANEAN_ACHAEA

You've arrived in an ancient temple of some sort... there must be something here that Mender Silos wanted you to see.

• Find Pandora's Box
  • Search the caves
  • Speak with Romulus

You spoke with Romulus Augustus, but appear to be no closer to finding Pandora's Box.

Enemies

Cimeroran Traitors

Notable NPCs:

• Romulus Augustus (Cimeroran Traitors Archvillain, Enemy)

Romulus Augustus Dialogue

Before Combat:

Romulus Augustus: RrrrrraaaAAAARGH! Imperious, you self-righteous, arrogant-

Combat Start:

Romulus Augustus: WHO DARES?!? I shall have your head on a spike!

Romulus Augustus: You... you are not one of mine. Did that coward Imperious send an assassin?

Romulus Augustus: You have gravely underestimated me, worm. Your life is MINE!

75% Health:

Romulus Augustus: Why do you serve the fool Imperious, when you wield such power?

50% Health:

Romulus Augustus: No, this is not right. You... you are something... different.

Romulus Augustus

Briefing

Romulus breathes slowly, clearly attempting to keep his rage in check. After a few moments, he lets out a long, guttural growl, and begins to speak.

You are not one of Imperious's lapdogs. I know him well, and to send an assassin without showing his face... that is simply not his way.

So, if you are not his servant... who are you? Why are you here? Clearly you do not come from this land, and your methods are unknown to me.

• I came seeking the location of Pandora's Box.

Romulus's fists clench tightly.

Then we seek the same prize. But, as you can see...

Romulus makes a sweeping gesture with his hand.

...it is not here. You were right to come here, for the Box was here for a time. Clearly, someone has acquired and moved it. Again, I suspect Imperious, though I am beginning to believe that he is not as cunning as I once believed.

• You've been here before?

Romulus looks down at you with contempt.

Have I... been here before? Little man / woman, I was reborn here. It was here that I was bathed in the golden power of the gods.

You could not possibly comprehend the feeling of raw strength, coursing through every fiber of your being. When Imperious and I first came here, we both were empowered, as was our destiny.

It was only after we had been given our due that Imperious thought to control me. He could not bear the sight of me, as blessed by the gods as he was. I was his peer. No... no, more than that. I was his better, and he saw it clearly. So he tried to limit me, to prevent me from using my newfound strength... and now he will witness his own empire crumbling around him, as I tear it apart brick by brick. The ruins of his shattered society will lay the foundation for my rule.

• And the box? Where do you think it is now?

Romulus shakes his head.

I cannot say. If Imperious has acquired the Box for his own purposes, then my coup may be short-lived. However... I believe that this is not to be. The Box granted us the blessings and powers of the gods, so perhaps it is the gods themselves that have taken the Box from this place. I cannot say.

Romulus looks at you coldly.

Regardless, it is not here. If you seek the Box, seek elsewhere. I have a nation to conquer.

• Leave

Debriefing

Antonio grins at you.

Welcome back, chrononaut. I trust your sojourn into history was fruitful?

Antonio's grin fades as you relate your recent journey to Achaea.

Well, it's not as much info as we'd like, but it's something. We know that Pandora's Box was in Ancient Greece at one point, and someone elected to move it... still, it doesn't really help us pinpoint its location. I think we're going to need to call in a specialist for this job.

Part Three: Professional Advice

Briefing

So, we know that Pandora's Box is pretty old - it has a few thousand years to its name, at the least. In Achaea, people believed it was a tool of the gods. Now, I have no idea if this thing is magic in nature, but I do know that for all historical intents and purposes, it may as well have been.

So, if we're looking for an ancient and powerful magical artifact, I can only think of one person I'd want to ask about it.

• And who would that be?

M.A.G.I.'s top arcane quarantine expert: Azuria. She's been a bit busy ever since the attack on Galaxy City; the M.A.G.I. vault there was destroyed, and Azuria's in charge of the team responsible for rounding up all of the artifacts that were lost in the attack.

You should rendezvous with her, see if she might be able to point us in the right direction. You'll probably catch her working one of M.A.G.I.'s storehouses... with all of the minor relics that the Hellions have been caught with, they've been struggling to find safe places for all of them.

Unnecessary Solicitation

If anyone can clue us in on where to look for Pandora's Box, it's got to be Azuria.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map Warehouse 30 Layout 05 04.png

Map: Warehouse_30_Layout_05_04

This is the place that Antonio directed you to... but something's not right here. The door's been kicked in, and you can hear shouts and clanging steel in the distance.

• Ask Azuria for Advice
  • Find Azuria
  • Speak with Azuria

Azuria gave you info that might prove useful in the search for Pandora's Box.

Enemies

Warriors

Notable NPCs:

• Azuria (MAGI Liasion, Hostage)
• Odysseus (Warriors Boss, Enemy)

Odysseus and Azuria Dialogue

Before Combat:

Azuria: David... before we continue, I do have one question for you.

Odysseus: By all means, my dear. Ask away.

Azuria: Did you really think you could get the drop... on a seer?

Combat Start:

Odysseus: Character! Of all the rotten luck...

Azuria: Why, hello, Character. Your timing is impeccable.

75% Health:

Odysseus: You're not my target today, Character. You can walk away from this.

50% Health:

Odysseus: I'm just here... to get some answers! I swear!

25% Health:

Odysseus: I thought Heroes... were supposed to be reasonable...

Upon Defeat:

Azuria: You are your own worst enemy, David. I hope you realize that.

Azuria

Briefing

Azuria looks more tired than you've ever seen her before. She pushes her hair out of her face in a distracted manner before speaking with you.

Hello, Character. I'm sorry, but I don't have the information that you're looking for.

• So you don't know where-

No, I'm afraid not, Character. So far, Pandora's Box has managed to elude my numerous attempts at scrying, and I...

Azuria stops for a moment, blinking dazedly.

I'm sorry... you didn't even finish your question. I try not to do that, normally... I've just been stretched thin lately. Galaxy City was a disaster for M.A.G.I., and now I'm also fielding calls about Pandora's Box at least twice a day...

Sorry. I don't mean to complain. I'm just tired, that's all.

It's fine. Is there anything that you can tell me about the Box?

The Box itself seems to block any attempt I make at scrying its location. I'm sure it has some level of arcane protection built in. I've tried more roundabout methods - searching for the word 'Pandora', or anyone who might have information on the Box - but I haven't turned up much.

The best I've got is an archaeology professor from Oxford named James Harvan. He seems to have a lot of tangential knowledge about the mythos surrounding Pandora's Box, but that's all the info I can manage. I'm a seer, not a psychic.

Anyway, he's on some expedition right now, and I can't really leave M.A.G.I.'s operations in Paragon behind. If you want to look Harvan up, be my guest.

• Thanks, Azuria.

• Why was Odysseus-

The same reason you're here, Character. He's trying to track down Pandora's Box. Unfortunately for the both of you, I haven't been able to...

Azuria stops for a moment, blinking dazedly.

I'm sorry... you didn't even finish your question. I try not to do that, normally... I've just been stretched thin lately. Galaxy City was a disaster for M.A.G.I., and now I'm also fielding calls about Pandora's Box at least twice a day...

Sorry. I don't mean to complain. I'm just tired, that's all.

• It's fine. Is there anything that you can tell me about the Box?

The Box itself seems to block any attempt I make at scrying its location. I'm sure it has some level of arcane protection built in. I've tried more roundabout methods - searching for the word 'Pandora', or anyone who might have information on the Box - but I haven't turned up much.

The best I've got is an archaeology professor from Oxford named James Harvan. He seems to have a lot of tangential knowledge about the mythos surrounding Pandora's Box, but that's all the info I can manage. I'm a seer, not a psychic.

Anyway, he's on some expedition right now, and I can't really leave M.A.G.I.'s operations in Paragon behind. If you want to look Harvan up, be my guest.

• Thanks, Azuria.

Ambush! After speaking with Azuria, you are ambushed by one wave of Warriors.
Warrior Slammer: Stop Character!

Debriefing

An expert on Pandora's Box, huh? Well, it's a whole lot better than nothing. I'll see if I can track this guy, maybe set up a meeting between the two of you. If this Harvan fellow can assist in the search, then we need to speak with him as soon as possible.

Part Four: High in Demand

Briefing

I contacted the Oxford administrative staff, and they told me that Dr. Harvan's working an expedition off the coast of Albania. I've set up transportation to get you there, but I'm afraid this might not be as simple as we'd hoped. We've got a problem.

• And that is...?

The lady I talked to at Oxford also mentioned that we weren't the only ones looking for info on Dr. Harvan. Others have been asking questions, and they discovered an intrusion into the administration's database sometime yesterday.

Suffice it to say, I don't think we're going to be the only ones looking for Dr. Harvan. I think you're going to need to hurry.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Character, I'm not a Hero, so I'm not going to try to tell you how to do your job. I just want to impart the urgency of this situation: James Harvan may be the only person who can help us find Pandora's Box, and we're not the only ones looking for him.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map GRANITE CAVES HARVAN.png

Map: GRANITE_CAVES_HARVAN

Here's hoping you were the first person to find this place.

• Track Down James Harvan
  • Locate Harvan
  • Talk to the Student
  • Rescue Harvan
  • Talk to Harvan
  • Lead Harvan to Safety
  • Defeat Arachnos
  • Speak with Positron

You defeated Arachnos, and escaped with Harvan unharmed.

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs:

• Arbiter Sands (Arachnos Boss, Enemy)
• Ghost Widow (Arachnos Archvillain, Enemy)
• James Harvan (Oxford Professor, Hostage)
• Antonio Nash (GIFT Special Investigator, Civilian)
• Nocturne (Arachnos Boss, Enemy)
• Penelope Yin (Freedom Phalanx Hero, Ally)
• Positron (Freedom Phalanx Hero, Ally)
• Synapse (Freedom Phalanx Hero, Ally)

Student Chatter

Archaeology Student 1: Do you think they're here for Professor Harvan?
Archaeology Student 2: Beats me. I've never seen them before.

---

Archaeology Student 3: That woman gave me the creeps. I think we need to leave. Like, now.
Archaeology Student 4: And just abandon the whole project? I don't know...

Nocturne Dialogue

Before Combat:

Anxious Student: W-who are you people? What are you doing here?

Nocturne: I've got no patience for this, kid. Tell me where Dr. Harvan is, or I take an arm.

Combat Start:

Nocturne: Character! We've got competition, people. Take him / her down!

50% Health:

Nocturne: This is becoming a problem. I'm calling her in.

Nocturne teleports away.

Upon Rescue:

Anxious Student: Are... are you a Hero? Did you come to save us?

Anxious Student

Briefing

Fear and hope flash across the student's face as he tries to gauge whether or not you are a threat. He's clearly not in a stable state of mind.

W-what's going on here? What did that woman want with Professor Harvan?

This is too freaky. Did you see those guys? Who dresses like that?

• Get out more, kid. You've never heard of Arachnos?

The student's eyes widen in fear and recognition.

Wait... that wasn't... You mean those guys were Arachnos? Oh, man... oh man! I need to get out of here! This is not good!

Arachnos is, like, seriously dangerous! We can't be here! We'll die!

• I can handle them, kid. Just tell me where Dr. Harvan is.

The student seems to calm down a bit, reacting instinctively to your confidence.

Yeah... uh, yeah, Professor Harvan. He's in the deepest section of the cave, he was... he was trying to map out the cavern structure so we could start excavating soon...

The student fidgets nervously in front of you.

Can... can I go now? I'd like to, um, leave.

• Yeah, go on. Thanks for your help.

• Calm down. I need you to tell me where Dr. Harvan is.

The student recognizes you as a Hero, and appears visibly relieved.

I... I think I've seen you on TV before. Character, right?

Professor Harvan's deeper in the cavern. He wanted to map out the cavern so that we could start excavating...

That woman wasn't the only one after him. She had more people with her. Please, you have to help the Professor!

• I'm on it. Get to a safe place.

Arbiter Sands Dialogue

Before Combat:

James Harvan: This is quite unnecessary! Unhand me!

Arbiter Sands: Just stay put and keep quiet.

Combat Start:

Arbiter Sands: Oh, it's Character. How grand.

75% Health:

Arbiter Sands: I don't suppose you'll leave quietly?

50% Health:

Arbiter Sands: How very bothersome.

Arbiter Sands teleports away.

Upon Rescue:

James Harvan: What is the meaning of all this?

Ambush! You are ambushed by one wave of Arachnos
Tarantula Mistress: The target has been compromised. Destroy Character!

James Harvan

Briefing

Doctor Harvan appears to be somewhat flustered, but otherwise unharmed. Arachnos probably wanted him for the same reason you do.

Now see here, young man / lady! I demand to know what is going on here! We are on a licensed expedition, and if you people think you can intimidate us into-

• Doctor, Arachnos is looking for you. I'm here to help.

Harvan's look of indignation turns to momentary doubt.

Did you say... Arachnos? Oh, dear. I suppose I should have seen this coming.

If they're here for me, then they must be searching for Pandora's Box. You see, I happen to be the foremost researcher in the field of-

• I know, Doctor. I need to get you out of here.

Oh, oh yes, of course. I'll follow you out.

Do be careful, young man / lady. I've heard Arachnos can be quite dangerous.

• Yes, uh... thank you for the warning.

• Doctor, you need to come with me.

Harvan puffs up with indignation.

Uncultured brute! I will not submit to your ham-handed attempts at intimidation! I demand to know the name of your employer!

• I'm a licensed Hero, and this area is compromised. This isn't a request.

Harvan stares at you for a moment, still defiant. A moment later, you see a flicker of doubt, then fear... and Harvan lets out a loud sigh.

Very well. Lead the way, I suppose.

• Good. Follow me.

Blocked Exit

Before Combat:

Ghost Widow: So. This is why you could not accomplish your tasks.

Ghost Widow: You did well to summon me, Nocturne. Character has grown into quite the thorn in our sides.

Ghost Widow: Yet, he / she is no match for the three of us. It is time for us to end this farce.

Arbiter Sands: I wholeheartedly concur. We've spent enough time in this dreadful place.

Nocturne: I'm going to enjoy tearing you to pieces, Character.

Nocturne: What the...

Synapse: I like the way you think, girl. It's about time we got proactive!

Ghost Widow: ENOUGH!

Ghost Widow: You fools rush to your doom. I shall claim your souls as trophies!

Defeat Ghost Widow, Nocturne, and Arbiter Sands.

Positron Dialogue

Positron: ...can assure you, there is nowhere safer. You will be able to remain well out of harm's way.
James Harvan: And you're able to provide the resources necessary for this project?

Positron

Briefing

Hello again, Character. I hope you didn't mind the interruption. Mr. Nash let me know where you were headed, and we detected some heavy Arachnos activity shortly after you left.

It seems clear to me, given the resources they've devoted here, that Arachnos views Pandora's Box as a high value target. I'm mobilizing the Phalanx to react accordingly; any time Arachnos rears its head, I intend to be out in force to stop them.

For now, though, I'm simply glad that you managed to extract Dr. Harvan safely. I believe he is prepared to work with us towards a common goal of locating the Box. We've discussed the... ramifications of Recluse reaching the artifact first, and I believe we've come to an understanding.

• I'm glad to hear it.

James Harvan

Briefing

Harvan beams at you.

I must say, I did not expect my savior to be so well-associated with the Freedom Phalanx.

I'll say to you what I said to Positron, Character. If you have the resources available to enable my research, and you can vouch for my safety, then you'll have my utmost cooperation.

This may be the best chance I have of completing my life's work. To see the legendary Pandora's Box with my own eyes... why, I can hardly wait to get started! Hah!

• Glad to have you on board.

I'll make sure Dr. Harvan has the appropriate accommodations. Arachnos apparently has the same information on his career that we do, so it would be safest to keep him inside Fort Trident for now. I'll forward any pertinent information we obtain to Tony, for you to follow up on.

Good work out there, Character. To be brutally honest, I'm not sure the Phalanx is capable of handling this kind of crisis on its own. I'm glad we have you on the case.

• All part of the job, right?

Debriefing

None

Finale: The Key to Power

Briefing

Jackpot, Character. Harvan's got info on Pandora's Box that goes way beyond what our other sources have managed to scrounge up. We've finally got a trail to follow... and believe me, given how far this investigation is out of my element, I couldn't be happier.

Anyway. Harvan clued us in on something that he thinks will help locate the Box. He had a fancy name for it, but the way Positron was talking it sounded like this thing is a sort of key to Pandora's Box. What's more, we have the location on this thing: it's deep under Paragon, somewhere in the lost city of Oranbega.

Positron's working on mapping out the area with Harvan, and he's setting up to make an expedition down there. You up for some spelunking?

• If it gets us closer to the Box, I'm in.

That's what I like to hear. Head over to these coordinates and meet up with Posi and Harvan. Obviously, you'll need to keep an eye out - Oranbega's not exactly a friendly place to be.

But then, you're Character. Not like the Circle stands much of a chance, right?

Unnecessary Solicitation

Positron and Harvan are already heading out. You planning on meeting them there?

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map COT ANTIKYTHERA.png

Map: COT_ANTIKYTHERA

Positron appears to have already established a safe zone inside Oranbega. Time to establish your plan of action.

• Search Oranbega for The Key
  • Talk with Harvan
  • Search for the Antikythera
  • Defeat Lilitu
  • Check on Fusionette

You have defeated Lilitu, and retrieved the Antikythera.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs:

• Fusionette (Vanguard Shield Hero, Ally)
• James Harvan (Oxford Professor, Ally)
• Lilitu (Circle of Thorns Archvillain, Enemy)
• Antonio Nash (GIFT Special Investigator, Civilian)
• Positron (Freedom Phalanx Hero, Ally)

James Harvan

Briefing

Harvan is examining the structure of the city carefully.

Amazing... judging by the sediment, I'd say this structure must be thousands of years old... but it clearly wasn't built this far underground, and it has hardly any structural damage...

Harvan finally notices you near him, and turns to you with a start.

Oh my! Oh... Character. I apologize. I find myself quite taken with this place. Simply fascinating.

• We're here for a reason, doctor. The Key...?

Ah, yes, the Key! Well, not strictly a key, per se, but I found that to be the best way to describe it to less scientific minds. It's really more of a... focus. At least, that's what my father's research implies.

The object is called the Antikythera. I'm not entirely sure on its history or origins. It could have been created to work in tandem with Pandora's Box, or perhaps it was made afterwards, in order to manipulate it... regardless, it is a tool of incredible potential, and I believe it is integral to locating Pandora's Box.

• So, what am I looking for, exactly?

The Antikythera's humble appearance belies its potential, Character. It is small, small enough to carry under one arm, and resembles an ancient measuring device. Which, I suppose, is true, though few know what the Antikythera truly measures.

You must be careful, Character. I do not know if the Circle of Thorns know the Antikythera's true purpose, but they are most certainly aware of the power inherent in the device. You will likely find the object to be well-guarded.

If you can retrieve the device, I can begin using it to locate Pandora's Box. I wish you luck, Character. In this hunt, our goals are one and the same.

• I'll be back shortly.

• Your... father's research?

Harvan nods studiously.

My life has been devoted to finding and studying Pandora's Box, but much of my research is actually based on my father's work. He obsessed over locating the Box, simply to prove its existence. Most of his work was disregarded by his peers, but his research has helped me immensely in my search.

The only obstacle I've encountered in my studies has been the lack of appropriate funding and manpower to track down the components of my father's work... but thanks to you, that is no longer a problem, now, is it?

• So, what am I looking for, exactly?

The Antikythera's humble appearance belies its potential, Character. It is small, small enough to carry under one arm, and resembles an ancient measuring device. Which, I suppose, is true, though few know what the Antikythera truly measures.

You must be careful, Character. I do not know if the Circle of Thorns know the Antikythera's true purpose, but they are most certainly aware of the power inherent in the device. You will likely find the object to be well-guarded.

If you can retrieve the device, I can begin using it to locate Pandora's Box. I wish you luck, Character. In this hunt, our goals are one and the same.

• I'll be back shortly.

Lilitu: You poor, ignorant thing... blessed with such power, and unable to use it.
Lilitu: You don't even understand where your newfound strength comes from, do you?
Lilitu: Soon, your power will be mi-
Lilitu: What? WHO DARES?!?
Lilitu: Ah... Character. This trap was not meant for you, but...
Lilitu: I would be most delighted to play with you anyway!

Fusionette

Briefing

Fusionette glows with the same power as Atta and Lilitu. She appears to be completely exhausted. She smiles weakly at you.

Hey, Character... guess you caught me in over my head, huh? Gimme a moment to rest and I should be hunky-dory.

• Sure. What happened here?

I'm... not exactly sure, Character. I was at work, beating on some Rikti... one of them hit Jim pretty hard, and I lost it. Next thing I remember I had this... crazy glow around me. That, and I felt... strong. Like, really strong. It kinda went to my head.

Jim wanted to head back to Vanguard HQ, but... but it felt like every part of me needed to come here. It was like swimming upwards, trying to get to air. I just couldn't bear to do anything but go further underground, until...

Fusionette looks at you sheepishly.

Well, until I ended up here. The moment I got near that clock-thing, that she-devil sprang out of nowhere.

• How hurt are you?

Whatever she did to me, it's wearing off. I'm starting to feel a bit better.

Look, I hate to be rescued and run, but I really need to get back to Vanguard. Jim's probably worried sick about me... and I think I may have said a few things during my little power-trip that I'm gonna regret later.

• Can you check in with Positron when you're done?

Fusionette raises an eyebrow at you.

Working with the Phalanx now, huh? When did you become Mr. / Ms. Big-Shot, eh? But yeah, I can do that. He'll probably know more about this glow than I do.

I'll see you around, Character.

• Yeah. Take care of yourself.

James Harvan: Remarkable... simply remarkable!
Positron: Doctor, please focus.
Positron: The Antikythera is a fascinating discovery in its own right, but right now we have more pressing concerns.
James Harvan: You're right, of course. My apologies.
James Harvan: The Antikythera's primary purpose is to measure and track power emanations, specifically tuned to Pandora's Box.
James Harvan: I've been examining its readings ever since we left Oranbega, and what I've found is... well, it's unexpected.
James Harvan: I'll need more time to study it, make sure I'm reading it correctly-
Positron: Please, Doctor. You'll have ample time to confirm your findings, but any information you have would be a tremendous help.
James Harvan: Well, it's... very close. I'd say closer than any of us have been looking.
Antonio Nash: You can't mean...
James Harvan: I'm afraid so. At this moment, Pandora's Box lies somewhere...
James Harvan: ...inside Paragon City.

Debriefing

Fantastic job, Character. Positron and Harvan are hard at work analyzing the Antikythera. So far, it sounds like this thing really could lead us to Pandora's Box.

I've gotta say, I didn't expect to get as much progress here as we did. You took a dead-end investigation and turned it into a real chance at finding this thing, and before someone like Recluse gets his mitts on it.

Me, on the other hand... I've been called in for reassignment. I think G.I.F.T. finally realized that Superadine wasn't the answer, here, so they're putting me on a different project. I'll admit, I'm a little relieved... it'll be good to work on something I'm familiar with, for a change.

See you around, Character. It's been a pleasure.

See Also

• Signature Story Arc
• Pandora's Box
• Lieutenant Harriman