C-AEP02 (Nov 14, 1988)
Puzzle
"A start."
See: C-AEP01 | 2 Words
Clue
Hover over the clues if you require!
Clue 1: It started on Devil's Night.
Clue 2: The Devil's Night is also known as Halloween. Any date?
Answer and Explanation
Answer: October 30th
Explanation: The Cafe and Diner, or at least the idea of it, is said by Marcus Douglas to have been born in Detroit, 1972, on the Devil’s Night - the day before Halloween, October 30th.
Summary of Receipt
Summary
Transcript
CAFE RECEIPT
RECEIPT NUMBER: AEP02
RECEIPT DATE: 11 14 1988
MANAGER TITLE: TRUSTED ASSOCIATE
RECEIPT NOTES:
Ten hours. Over ten hours, give or take. I have to say, I’m impressed this device managed to capture it all—though much of it had to be cut down. Marcus spoke with such elegance that it was impossible to tell where the truth ended, the half-truths began, or the outright lies crept in. Yet, somehow, I feel he wouldn’t say a single word he didn’t personally believe. By morning, Marcus had finally left the Cafe, leaving us with nothing but cold coffee and many, many questions. And Baltimore? I can’t tell if he loves unanswered questions—or loathes them.
[TRANSCRIPT FROM C-AEP01 CONTINUED. TIME ELAPSED – 7 HOURS AND 17 MINUTES]
…
…
…
Marcus: As I see it—that’s where it comes to an end. Light on the details, of course. Any number of things could change. But I see Fate coming to an end. That is, if the Cafe and Diner is to flourish. And, if the Debt comes due.
Baltimore: I see… And where—where did you get this information, Marcus?
[Marcus leaned in, just a little too close.]
Marcus: I could ask you the same thing, Otherman. I suspect our answers would be… remarkably similar.
Trusted Associate: Otherman…? Marcus, are you—do you already know that…?
Marcus: We’ve rewound the clock, haven’t we? Look, [Baltimore], I know I wasn’t there. I wasn’t part of your original Cafe and Diner. And I’ve debated whether placing myself in this line of work again is even wise. But I can assure you—what you want from the Cafe? That’s exactly what I want.
Baltimore: Who are you? Really?
Marcus: I am as I appear. It’s all I can be. I’m Marcus Douglas.
Baltimore: I don’t know you.
Marcus: We’ve only just met.
Baltimore: I… You know who I was. Where I’ve been. How can I not know you?
Marcus: A curse, I suppose. Forgetfulness. Or perhaps indifference. It’s a heavy price to pay. But you don’t have to hire me if you don’t trust me. Though, you can trust me, [Baltimore]. As I said—all I want is for the Cafe and Diner to serve its countless customers delicious comfort food and coffee, late night after late night.
Baltimore: Marcus—tell me who you are—
Marcus: It doesn’t matter who I am. It never will. I’ll always be here, whether you need my help or not.
[Marcus smiled, and for a moment, the weight of the room shifted. Birdsong.]
Marcus: Oh my. It’s morning. I’m sure you’re both rather busy. Apologies for taking up so much of your time.
[Marcus turned to [Trusted Associate].]
Marcus: [Trusted Associate], very good to see you again. I’m glad you’re doing well. Give Lady Lucifer my regards.
[Marcus turned back to Baltimore, his gaze briefly softening.]
Marcus: And you, [Baltimore]? Please, stay in the light—the dark… it doesn’t quite suit you.
[Marcus Douglas left the CaDCom Transcription Range.]
Baltimore: Who the hell was that?
Trusted Associate: Marcus Douglas, I suppose. By your account, that was my first time meeting him too, no? He—
Baltimore: —He knows… far too much.
Trusted Associate: Is what he said true?
Baltimore: It was true. I suppose things could happen differently this time around… but… who is he?