S.T.R.I.X. vs Enquire

Official comic	New comic - Awakening - AI version
	Instants – 0. Awakening Front cover The page is in a 3:4 format. On top of the page there's the logo of the series: on the left a Medicine Wheel in silver, with the five colored gems of the american tradition, partly covered by the STRIX text, also metallic. A simple "vs" apparently hand-written separates the first symbol from a fiery text quoting "Enquire". At the bottom of the page there's the episode title: I (representing the first cycle, the east one, in roman numerals) separated with a dot from 0 (representing the first number of native american numerology, the whole that still has to manifest). After a hyphen we find the real title: Awakening. On the right side we can see a massive native american bare chested, with an amulet in the shape of a Medicine Wheel around his neck and a calumet in his hand, coming towards the viewer. Behind him we can notice the shape of an hawk, made of yellow light particles. Beside him there's a hindi woman with a yellow T-shirt beneath a green military jacket, with jeans and booths, coming forth together with him. Behind her we can notice the shape of a snake, made of yellow light particles too. On the left we can see half of a blonde teenager with light blue eyes, wearing a green school uniform. She is pressing with her pointer finger an holographic circle, which generate the yellow light flow which fuses with the animal shapes. The panel background is black. Inside cover page This panel, designed primarily for the print version, reproduces the text that the reader can also find on this page, with the concept of the East cycle, Instants, and the possibility of reading the story as if one were one of the characters, or in a linear fashion following the various instants. At the bottom of the panel, the icons of the main characters present appear, indicating the first panel where the story begins as far as they know: Vydia (1), Tri (4), Sarah (5), Nicholas (7), Djevjàth (12). At the end of their instant, it will be indicated which panel to jump to, or that the story is currently finished for that character. Inside front cover At the center is a full red (the east color for druidic celts), fading in a circular gradient to a sun yellow (the east color for native americans). Superimposed on the gradient background, but partly covered by the series logo, we find a geometrical figure, built with elliptic silver badges in a 4:3 ratio. Each badge has a golden symbol which should be a V-arrow but, due to the badge shape it is more similar to a scythe: it represents the reference direction of the character linked to a badge. For the east we have a horizontal line: it's a dot on the left side widening toward the right. When it reaches the other side, it turns clockwise, following the badge shape. For the south the same symbol is rotated 90° clockwise, and so on for the west and the north. The center collects the four symbols in a sort of swastika, which represents in reality the full wheel of directions. Within each badge, a golden stylized shape represents the Totemic Animal of the character to whom the badge belongs: at the center we find a bear's head. The four directions in the Medicine Wheel present: a snake (for the east), a spider (for the south), a mouse's head (for the west), a wolf's head (for the north). Rotated 45° counter-clockwise we find other four badges representing: a raven's head (for the east), a horse's head (for the south), a cat's head (for the west), a jackal's head (for the north). The remaining space between the center and this circle of badges contains four other badges, rotated 45° clockwise, representing: a hawk's head (for the east), a deer's head (for the south), an owl's head (for the west), a boar's head (for the north). Starting from the center and following each single direction, based on the symbols beneath the animals, one traces four arms of a counter-clockwise spiral. Episode script his script is written to allow the AI to draw it correctly and is affected by the limitations of NightCafé Studio, the tool I used, so a few premises are necessary: The NightCafé Studio AI is unable to maintain memory between one prompt and another; therefore, to provide visual consistency to a character, they must be created and placed in a library, with a few images showing their main features. This way, when calling the character in a panel, the AI will know what appearance to give them. The characters created for this episode are: @vydia (Vydia Vayrava), @tri (Giovanni Paolo Simboli, code Tri), @sarah (Sarah Goodberry), @winter-hawk (Winter-Hawk), @nicholas (Nicholas McEerie), @gerald (Gerald Kalish), @djevjath (Peter Parker Hook, code Djevjàth), @myria (Myria), @veronica (Veronica Simboli, Tri's daughter), @pantera (Tri's lycanthropic version). The same rule applies to certain objects that must remain consistent throughout the story, for example: @tatoo (the tattoo appearing on Vydia's and Nicholas's shoulder), @tri77 (Tri's car), @calumet (Winter-Hawk's sacred pipe), @ruota (Winter-Hawk's amulet), @vr (the neural interface of Enquire agents). The NightCafé Studio AI understands the concept of captions, but not the concept of dialogues or thoughts normally used by comic book artists, so it must be clearly stated "character says" or "character thinks". Instant 1 - Panel 1 - Vydia Note: the entire panel is in an '80s style, with all the colors of the images having a greener tint than indicated. Wide shot on a black background. At the center, full figure of a girl tied to a stake. A bonfire is lit beneath her. The girl wears a long white dress, shows obvious signs of beatings, and her left eye is swollen. In the four corners of the image, circular insets showing images of the girl's memories: In a long shot, three people in long white robes around a smoking cauldron in the middle of a clearing. They are celebrating a druidic ritual. The girl in a medium wide shot fighting against Roman soldiers wielding halberds. The girl in a medium shot being dragged. Signs of beatings are already evident. In a long shot, the girl tied to a torture device, with her clothes torn. The girl thinks: So is this the ransom? Title (superimposed on the scene): AWAKENING Close-up of the girl tied to the stake. With red eyes turned toward the sky, she screams. The girl says: A mháthair, ná tréigh mé: adereim thú, deonaigh dom cumhacht bheith ar mo bhreith aris!* Caption: Trans: Mother, do not leave me: Thee I invoke, give me the power of Reincarnation! Medium shot of a priest. He points a crucifix toward the girl, off-panel, pronouncing an exorcism. The priest says: Audite, striga vocat Demonium sic ut Id veniat! In nomine Dei ego Te ordino: vade retro, Satana! Caption: Trans: Hear, that witch is invoking the Devil so It comes! In the name of God I order You: stay back, Satan! Close-up on a black background of a bonfire. SFX fire: FLASH Close-up on a black background of smoking embers. SFX embers: FFSSSS Medium wide shot on a black background of a cobra. SFX cobra: HISSS Close-up on a brown background of a hawk. SFX hawk: SCREECH Panel 2 The first vignette is still in an '80s style, with the coloring greener than declared, then it transitions to the Riot 3D Comics style, more modern and cyberpunk, with normal coloring. The cobra from behind on a black background. The hawk swoops down on it, on a brown background. Realistic close-up detail of one of @vydia's eyes. Her complexion is dark. Caption: Benares, India… Interior of a dimly lit bathroom, resembling a spa center. Medium shot of @vydia, naked, immersed in a bathtub. Vydia thinks: A woman on a bonfire, that weapon, strange languages, my Spirit Guide and an hawk! Same environment. Medium shot of @vydia from behind. The @tatoo is visible on her left shoulder. Vydia thinks: It could be something of big importance! Dressing room, with a window revealing the outside environment, through which light enters. Medium wide shot of @vydia, wearing the bodice and skirt of a sari. She has a slightly sad expression. Vydia thinks: Sigh! Morning will burn out with temple's duties! Better to ignore my vision for now! Exterior day. An Indian-style temple. A sign in Chinese indicates "Tantric Temple", without any translations alongside. Close-up of @vydia, wearing a full sari. Caption: In the late afternoon... Vydia thinks: I'll have to go to a library to know something more! Extreme long shot of the city of Benares. In the background, ultramodern buildings in a Nipponic style, which clash strongly with the Indian style of the city. Close-up of @vydia in front of the Ganges, devoid of worshippers immersing themselves. Vydia thinks: During the old Age Ganges was full of believers, and now? Close-up on some signs indicating in Chinese the directions for the Tantric Temple, the Ganges, the Center, and the Central Library, always without translations. Caption: "All summed up, I liked best the English dominion. At least we spoke our language at the time!" Panel 3 An Indian-style building with the double doors closed and the inscription "Central Library of Benares" in Chinese. Sitting to the right of the door is an Indian holy man with his eyes closed. Standing in front of the door is @vydia in a sari. Caption: “At last!” Medium shot of @vydia with an astonished look. Vydia says: How the hell can one open this door? Medium shot of the holy man next to the door, with his eyes closed. The holy man says: With your personal badge, as everyone does. Medium shot of @vydia, in profile. She has a very astonished expression. Vydia says: Oh, bother: I forgot it! Detail of the badge reader with the red light on. Detail of @vydia's eyes, completely red. Vydia says: Cnoc mhuire Caption: * Knock. Detail of the badge reader with the green light on. Wide shot of @vydia entering the library, which is illuminated by a reddish light. From behind in the foreground, the holy man falls backward in terror. The badge reader has the green light on. Vydia says: Et voila! SFX door: VRRR Vydia's icon at the bottom of the page, linking to panel 10. Instant 2 - Panel 4 - Tri (and Sarah) Leonardo da Vinci Airport of Rome Fiumicino. Close-up of @tri with a goatee, from behind, facing the arrivals board entirely in German. The character wears the uniform with a Mandarin collar, with sunglasses, and is deep in thought. Caption: Rome, Leonardo da Vinci international airpot, two days later... Tri thinks: Luckily the plane isn't late: at least I won't lose my full day... Tri thinks: Let's hope this Sarah at least responds to our expectations: to convince her parents, I had to send there my Daniele! Tri thinks: At least I will have him controlled and instructed by Adinnadzàth, while I'll verify any potential by this phenomenal teenager... Medium shot of @tri with sunglasses and a goatee, still deep in thought inside the airport. Tri thinks: Should she be at the right level, we'll at least avoid... Tri thinks: ...any unauthorized access to Global.Net's archives by any hacker: Tri thinks: At last Enquire will have the global control! Close-up of a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker says: Flight AFF0131 from Dubai landed. Disembarkment expected at international arrivals. Detail of @tri's eyes behind his sunglasses. Tri says: Video mode... Paolo Simboli... Code Tri! Tri says: I want the images on air from flight AFF0131 passengers... >Detail of a closed-circuit television camera with the red light on. Superimposed, the eye of @tri. Panel 5 >Vignette in black with the shape of the field of view of an eyeglass lens. Inside the shape, the image of some people descending through the jet bridge connecting the plane and the terminal: at the center, the medium shot of @sarah in a green school uniform stands out. Caption: "Follow the blonde girl in the school uniform..." Detail of another closed-circuit television camera with the red light on. Superimposed, the eye of @tri. Caption: Different camera shifts later... Vignette in black with the shape of the field of view of an eyeglass lens. Inside the shape, the image of various people along a corridor: in the middle of the field of view, a medium shot of @sarah. Caption: "Here she comes..." Wide shot, interior day of the baggage claim area. In the middle of the field of view, a medium wide shot of @sarah. Wide shot of the airport lobby. @tri, in the blue uniform with a Mandarin collar, goatee, and sunglasses, and @sarah walk side by side without showing any particular pleasure at having met. Tri says: You musst be Zara Gutt-Berry, richt?* Sarah says: No, it's Sarah Goodberry, sir...* Same scene. Tri says: What a fuss-pot, eh? Ok, I'll strive to care my pronounce... May I take your suitcase?* Sarah says: Yes, thanks!* Caption: They speak English. Panel 6 Exterior airport. The @tri77 is parked in front of the exit, in the area reserved for Staatliche Stellen, as indicated by a sign in German. @tri, wearing the blue suit with a Mandarin collar and a beard, guides @sarah toward the vehicle. Full figure of @tri and @sarah next to the car under the no parking sign. Tri says: Don't pull that face: Italy is not so bad! Sarah says: Yeeah... It's wonderful!* Medium shot of @tri with a goatee sitting inside the @tri77, ready to leave: he looks toward the passenger seat. Tri says: Can't you think my son didn't want to leave for the Australian deserts...* Close-up of @sarah displeased, sitting in the passenger seat. Sarah says: But I'm not living in the mid of a desert!* Caption: They speak English. Wide shot along a highway. The @tri77 speeds along, careless of the speed limit of 130 km/h. Sarah's icon at the bottom of the page, linking to panel 19. Tri's icon at the bottom of the page, linking to panel 20. Instant 3 - Panel 7 - Nicholas In the foreground, a Native American tepee. To the right, an off-road vehicle is parked. In the background, the typical panorama of South Dakota, with mountains in the distance and the sky at sunset. Caption: Wahpeton, South Dakota, one week before... Voice speaking from the tepee interior: Nicholas, I had you called because I have a message for you. Twelve days ago, the Spirits spoke to me! Close-up of @winter-hawk's face, with his eyes closed. The illumination inside the tepee comes from a fire lit low in front of him. Panel 8 This panel alternates dreams and visions with reality, so I indicate the various conditions. It begins with an '80s style vision. Exterior wide shot with coloring virated toward blue. A hawk takes flight from a Native American totem pole. Caption: "A Hawk was leaving our tribe..." Exterior wide shot with coloring virated toward blue. The hawk flies over the ocean, with a shark leaping out of the water. Caption: "...to cross the perilous Ocean..." Exterior wide shot with coloring virated toward blue. The hawk reaches the white cliffs of Dover. Caption: "...until it reached the white cliffs of Dover!" Full figure of a Scotsman playing the bagpipes in front of a wooden house, with coloring virated toward blue. Caption: "From there, it went on to Scotland..." Wide shot with coloring virated toward blue. A yellow rattlesnake in the lower right foreground. The hawk swoops down on it from above. Caption: "...to meet a Yellow Rattlesnake!" Returning to the real world in Riot 3D Comics style. Close-up on the face of @nicholas, bare-chested with an astonished look inside the tepee illuminated from below by the fire. Nicholas says: That same night I had a dream related to this vision! Returning to dreams in '80s style. Wide shot with coloring virated toward brown. A yellow rattlesnake in the desert spits flames from its mouth, upward. Caption: "A Yellow Rattlesnake spat flames from its jaws..." Close-up of a yellow hawk engulfed in flames, with coloring virated toward brown. Caption: "...which enveloped a Falcon of the same color..." Full figure with coloring virated toward brown, of the reinforced hawk, flying through the flames. Caption: "...but instead of dying, it came out stronger!" Panel 9 This panel alternates dreams and visions with reality, so I indicate the various conditions. It begins with reality in Riot 3D Comics style. Medium shot of @nicholas bare-chested, inside the tepee, with a pensive look, still illuminated from below by the fire. Nicholas says: Furthermore, one week ago, I was leading some eastern tourist when... Transition to visions in '80s style. Wide shot with coloring virated toward brown. @nicholas looks toward the sun, high in the sky. Nicholas thinks: This will make 'em crazy... >Wide shot with coloring virated toward brown. Below in the background, a group of tourists representing Asian stereotypes (geisha, sumo wrestler, samurai, ninja). In the foreground from behind, a medium shot of @nicholas observing the sun. Caption: "While I pretended to read the time from the Sun, I saw a Hawk in flight..." Caption: "...flying Eastward!" Returning to reality in Riot 3D Comics style. >Wide shot interior tepee with @nicholas and @winter-hawk. The fire burns and @winter-hawk traces numerical symbols in the sand around it with a finger: three horizontal lines stacked and a dot above two horizontal lines. Nicholas says: It was at three p.m. the eleventh! Nicholas thinks: He would have asked anyway... Winter-Hawk says: All this is very interesting: Fifteen is the Path to Enlightenment... Medium shot of @winter-hawk, still illuminated from below by the fire and with his eyes closed. Winter-Hawk says: ...while Eleven is the Common Sub-Consciousness... Macro close-up in the foreground of the wide-open, almost white, eyes of @winter-hawk. Winter-Hawk says: The Path for your Enlightenment leads Eastward, towards Everyone's Past! Nicholas's icon at the bottom of the page, linking to panel 24. Instant 4 - Panel 10 - Vydia Interior wide shot of a modern library. Various terminals are visible on tables. Medium shot of @vydia in a sari with a displeased look. Caption: Benares, five days later... Vydia thinks: GlobalNet! For browsing a badge is needed... Video terminal. The text on screen indicates the events that occurred with these writings: * Benares Central Unit Benares Central Library 17:47:32 Uncontrolled opening of the entrance door 17:47:47 Closing of the door Caption: Elsewhere... Wide shot of an internal glass-walled corridor. Medium shot of @vydia in a sari from behind walking along it. Vydia thinks: Better go down to the paper archives, thus my search... Full figure of @vydia in a sari descending along a spiral staircase. Vydia thinks: ...won't end inside the BIG BROTHER files! Wide shot of a typical classical library room with wooden shelves full of old books. In the foreground on the left, a medium shot of @vydia in a sari turned toward the right. In the background on the right, a medium shot of @gerald in a yellow outfit and turban with dark glasses, bent over organizing some volumes. Vydia says: Sorry, may you help me? I'm searching for a book about blade weapons and their history! Panel 11 Medium shot of @gerald, with a yellow outfit, turban, and dark glasses despite the dim light. Between his hands, he carries a fairly heavy volume. Caption: A couple of minutes later... Gerald says: Here we are! For browsing you can sit on the left... Caption: "Gosh, he's blind! Who knows which system he's using to find any book..." Detail of the open page of the book with the image of a knight with a halberd and an explanatory text specifying that it is still the ceremonial weapon of the Swiss Guards of Vatican City. Caption: "A halberd!" Medium shot of @vydia in a sari with a book in front of her. She has a sad look lost in a daydream. In the background, various wooden bookshelves of the library. Caption: Going on with her search... Vydia thinks: So that woman was burned alive as a Witch, only since she worshipped the Mother Goddess? Close-up of @vydia in a sari, with a frowning look. Vydia thinks: Gotta go back to my temple! But... How can I without my badge? I can not use my powers here: too much attention! Wide shot of the classical library room. Medium shot of @vydia in a sari on the left and @gerald with the yellow outfit, turban, and dark glasses on the right, facing each other. Vydia says: Scuse me. I can't find my badge... How can I exit? Gerald says: If you lost it here, we can search for it! Same scene. Vydia says: Mmh... Unfortunately I'm waited for in my temple, so I'm in a little hurry... Gerald says: The, follow me, we'll send you back your badge as soon as we find it! Vydia's icon at the bottom of the page, linking to panel 14. Panel 12 Close-up of @gerald, talking to his smartwatch. Gerald says: Gerald Kalish: opening door to user without its badge! From behind, close-up of a computer technician facing a video terminal. The text on screen indicates the events that occurred: Benares Central Unit ** Benares Central Library 18:09:54 Gerald Kalish: Exit 18:10:17 Gerald Kalish: Door opening for user exit without badge Warning: Probable connection with previous uncontrolled opening of entrance door Caption: Elsewhere... The technician says: Gerald! You made an intruder leave! Wide shot interior of a yellow limousine. Medium shot of @djevjath with @vr on his left eye. He has a daydreaming look. Caption: The day after... Djevjàth says: Code Djevjàth... Computer: audio debriefing of file BICE1105.10... PM... Caption: The agent mentally runs through what happened... Medium shot of @djevjath in front of the yellow limousine from which he descended. Djevjàth thinks: Sure it must be an important thing if Dva sent me here from Japan... Close-up of @djevjath with a frowning look, inside the library. Djevjàth says: Mister Kalish… it mister Hook... Caption: "Please, come down, among books, Sir..." Close-up of @djevjath with a surprised look... Djevjàth thinks: Downstairs among books? Why should I end among ancient reports? Medium shot of @djevjath on the lower floor. Djevjàth thinks: But... he's blind! Djevjàth says: Do you at least remember which books did the intruder browse? Wide shot of the library room. Close-up of @djevjath and medium shot of @gerald facing each other. Gerald says: Sure, Sir... Djevjàth says: Go and bring 'em! @gerald has a submissive attitude, with his gaze lowered. @djevjath turns his back to him. Gerald says: Yes, Sir! Djevjàth thinks: If you can... Medium shot of @djevjath with a surprised look lost in a daydream. Behind him are the library bookshelves. Caption: Few minutes later... Djevjàth thinks: Why should someone risk Annihilation* for some book about Middle Age? Caption: Badge cancellation. Panel 13 Medium shot of @djevjath with his hands placed on the books: a blue aura illuminates them. Djevjàth thinks: Sensitivity to psychic impressions Caption: Once events are relived... Wide shot of the bookshelves behind the medium shot of @djevjath with his eyes closed, with @vr and his head resting on his hands. On the right, the face of @vydia in a sari appears in a fade-in. Djevjàth thinks: I don't know why she did it, but she has to be stopped! Djevjàth says: Sub-limen probe: identikit! Wide shot of the library room. Full figure of @djevjath sitting on the table with his feet on the chair, with his eyes closed. Djevjàth thinks: Mmmh... from her vests, she could really be a priestess! Djevjàth says: Send to every sea, rail, plane haven, buslines and range stations. Djevjàth says: Wanted – Probable profession – Priestess – Guilt – Unauhorized entrance in Central Library! Screen of a security video terminal. On one side is the close-up of @vydia in a sari with a frowning look. At the side, a text is written: Wanted Probable profession: priestess Guilt: Unauhorized entrance in Central Library Caption: Benares airport… Djevjàth's icon at the bottom of the page, indicating the end of the episode for him. Panel 14 Medium shot of @vydia in front of a terminal showing St. Peter's Square in Rome. She wears a very tight yellow T-shirt and looks sideways as she speaks. Caption: Meanwhile at the temple... Vydia thinks: Ok, my plan is ready! Vydia says: Myria... can you come for a moment? Medium shot of @myria with a serious look. Caption: Vydia explains all... Myria says: So you'll go to the Vatican? Medium wide shot of @vydia, standing near the terminal with the image of St. Peter's Square. In addition to the t-shirt, she wears jeans. She observes @myria who is from behind in the foreground. Vydia says: I'll bring my personal badge, sister! Myria thinks: Mmh... she's too sexy dressed like this... Close-up of an intimate kiss between @myria and @vydia. Myria says: Good luck... and keep me up to date, sister! Medium shot of @myria in a semi-reclined position observing a daydream. In the middle, fading in, full figure of @vydia with a sports bag in her hand, wearing a military jacket, jeans, yellow T-shirt, and knee-high black boots. She has purple pupils. Vydia says: Teileapòirt Myria thinks: Sigh... I forecast that we'll see her back after a long time... Caption: Teleport. Wide shot of St. Peter's Square in Rome with tourists in the background. Medium wide shot of @vydia looking around. Caption: Rome, Italy... Vydia thinks: Ffiuu! Center to target! Vydia's icon at the bottom of the page, indicating the end of the episode for her. Panel 15-16 - Vydia's pin-up The front page reports most of text present in the page devoted to pin-ups. It additionally includes the S.T.R.I.X. logo, a flaming creature in a chibi style and the full-figure illustration of Vydia in red and black scale combat armor. At her belt the snake badge can be seen, while she has the Medicine Wheel at her neck. The rear page completes the narration about Vydia, with a few details from the Physical, Emotional (including the unkown astrological scheme) and the Spiritual sectors. It additionally include the S.T.R.I.X. logo and the Snake badge, in addition to Vydia's hybrid version. Panel 17-18 - Tri's pin-up The front page reports most of text present in the page devoted to pin-ups. It additionally includes the Enquire logo and the full-figure illustration of Tri in shiny electric blue combat armor with a feline aesthetic, featuring the badge of Vulcan on his chest and belt. The rear page completes the narration about Tri, with a few details from the Physical, Emotional (including the unkown astrological scheme) and the Spiritual sectors. It additionally include the Enquire logo and the Vulcan badge, in addition to the were-panther mutation of Tri. Instant 5 - Panel 19 - Sarah (and Tri) The full page is representing a fragmented glass panel, as if shot in the center by a bullet. All colors are greyed. The panel is in the '80s style. Interior wide shot day of a college principal's office. Wedium wide shot of @sarah in a green school uniform with a displeased look confronting the principal with the appearance of a green ogre, due to the dramatic projection in Sarah's memories. The principal says: My dearest Sarah, having seen your school results, you have been chosen for an internship in Italy. You will leave in a week! Sarah thinks: No! Caption: Australia, six days earlier... Close-up of @sarah in her school uniform with a displeased expression. Sarah thinks: Am I so bad at it? Medium shot of @sarah's parents sitting in the living room. The father has round glasses and male pattern baldness, the mother is a housekeeper with wavy red hair. In the center, between the two of them, the medium shot of @sarah in a blue T-shirt appears in a fade-in. Her father says: Think how it will be ince: Italy! Middleage, Reinassance, museums, churches, Art, Fashion, Vatican... Her mother says: And then Rome: the Colyseum, Trevi's Fountain, Catacombs, Caracalla's Thermes... Medium shot of her father speaking with his wife. Her father say: What else did they say on Global.Net? Oh, yes... @sarah sitting disconsolately on the edge of the bed, her gaze lowered and pensive. Medium wide shot of @sarah in a surfing suit speaking with her father in the living room. She is showing a surfboard, her father has a tiny travel bag. Sarah says: May I bring it? Her father says: If it fits here... Medium wide shot of @sarah in a wetsuit, surrounded by two friends in bathing suits. Sarah says: ...at least I hope to be here before this autumn waves! A boy says: Well, enjoy Italy and... beware the latin male! Close-up of a female student with short black hair, showing a perfidious smile and an envious expression. The female student thinks: I'll score a D at last! Panel 20 Wide shot from the exterior of the @tri77 speeding along a street in Rome. In the background, the illuminated dome of St. Peter's is visible. Medium shot of @tri driving, in the blue uniform with a Mandarin collar, talking while watching the road. At his side, in the passenger seat, sits @sarah. Caption: Rome, eight days later... Tri says: In our company we needed an information technology expert. Tri says: From school reports, you seemed the ideal candidate, so you've been chosen for this internship.* Medium shot of @sarah with a frowning look. Sarah says: Oh, lucky me!* Medium shot of @tri talking to @sarah while watching the road. At his side, @sarah responds with an amused smile. Tri says: ...in any case, now that you're here, you'll have a chance to realize the dream of any programmer: to enter Global.Net system files!* Sarah says: Wow, it's fantastic!* Close-up of @tri with a resigned gaze. Tri says: Well, some hacker tried to modify them...* Medium shot of @sarah talking surprised, while he observes her. Sarah says: Don't tell me shee succeeded...* Tri says: No, why?* Close-up close shot of @sarah with a cheerful expression. Sarah says: Since otherwise she'd have beaten me on time!* Close-up close shot of @tri's face with an intensely surprised look. Tri thinks: It seems Enquire has well chosen: chi è meglio di un ladro per acciuffarne un altro? Tri says: However, if you don't know how the system works, you can't do anything once inside!* Close-up of @tri with a disgusted expression. Tri says: But our company favors discretion...* Caption: They speak English. Panel 21 In a street of Rome, the @tri77 travels at normal speed. Driving is @tri wearing the blue suit with a Mandarin collar, featuring his typical goatee, watching the road, while @sarah sits by his side. On the left side of the road, @vydia wears a yellow t-shirt under her military jacket and holds an ancient book under her arm while running at sustained speed. She is pursued by two agents in electric blue trench coats and Borsalino hats; one of them fires a pistol shot that misses the target. Tri says: Indeed!* Caption: *He speaks Italian. @sarah in profile looks at @tri, wearing the blue suit with a Mandarin collar, featuring his typical goatee. Sarah says: What? Tri says: Uh? Nothing! Where I saying?* Caption: They speak English. Exterior wide shot of a modern villa with columns and architectural references to ancient imperial Rome. The @tri77 is parked in the stone driveway in front of the main entrance. Caption: A few minutes later... Panel 22 Medium shot of @tri talking to his daughter @veronica, who is wearing a red T-shirt, black jeans, and has a frowning air. They are in the inner patio of a palatial villa, surrounding an open-air swimming pool. Tri says: Veronica, lead Sarah to Daniele's bedroom, and tell mom I gotta go to my office to deal a job. Bye.* Veronica says: Ok... but beware not to be late! Caption: They speak italian. Medium shot of @veronica. Behind her, the water surface of the indoor pool and the illuminated facade of the villa can be noted. Veronica thinks: He knows I cannot bear it... Close-up of @sarah's face with a marked expression of confusion. Sarah thinks: But which language are they speaking? Medium shot of @tri speaking with @sarah. Tri says: Try and find your feet here, so this evening we can go on speaking about your job! Goodbye, Sarah!* Sarah says: All right...* Caption: They speak English. Tri's icon, linking to panel 29. Full figure of @veronica from behind ascending the wide external stone stairs of the villa, dragging @sarah's suitcase behind her. Veronica says: Follow me: I'll show you your room! At the top of the staircase, full figure of @veronica sitting on the stone handrail. A little lower, a medium shot of @sarah climbing the steps. Sarah says: Excuse me, what language were you speaking before?* Veronica says: Italian, no?* Medium shot of @sarah in the foreground, with a completely flabbergasted expression. Sarah says: But... I thought in European Confederation one spoke German!* Panel 23 Close shot close-up of @veronica's face, with a melancholic expression. Veronica says: That is the official language! We perfer to speak Italian at home: it's more musical, don't you think?* Splash page of a boys's bedroom, characterized by midnight blue walls, a single bed with a blue blanket. Medium shot of @sarah in her green school uniform. Sarah says: Well, it's easy: German is so hard...* Veronica says: Here you are!* Caption: They speak English. Sarah's icon at the bottom of the page, indicating the end of the episode for her. Instant 6 - Panel 24 - Nicholas Interior wide shot of a tepee illuminated from below by a crackling central fire. Full figure of @winter-hawk sitting cross-legged flling a @calumet. Winter-Hawk says: Your Totemic Animal is the Hawk, whose sight will be needed to lead others... Caption: Wahpeton, a few days before... Close-up detail @winter-hawk's wrinkled hands. His left hand holds the the @calumet, while with the fingers of his right hand he brings a burning, smoking piece of ember. Winter-Hawk says: Fin da fanciullo possiedi le Conoscenze della Ruota di Medicina... SFX embers: FFSSSS Interior wide shot of the tepee. On the left, @winter-hawk sitting in profile hands the @calumet to @nicholas, positioned on the right bare-chested. Winter-Hawk says: Ora fumiamo insieme, cosicché tu entri in contatto con il tuo Spirito! Winter-Hawk says: Mi raccomando: aspira una sola volta, e tieni la pipa in questo modo... Close-up of @nicholas's face smoking from the @calumet. His eyes begin to grow vacant and glassy. Nicholas thinks: Mah... credo poco a queste antiche stupidaggini! Caption: Ma, senza poterci fare nulla, Nicholas perde il contatto con la realtà... Panel 25 Interior wide shot of the tepee. Full figure of @nicholas on all fours and bare-chested, vomiting on the sand. Caption: Alcune ore dopo... Caption: "Buono, sei stato accolto come me..." Close-up of @nicholas's suffering face as he holds his head. Medium shot of @winter-hawk sitting with his eyes closed, speaking to @nicholas. Winter-Hawk says: Tra qualche giorno ricorderai cos'è accaduto mentre eri sotto l'effetto di Humito... Occhio-di-Falco! Caption: Letteralmente "Piccolo Fumo", il nome che i nativi messicani danno al Tabacco Sacro. Medium shot of @winter-hawk talking with @nicholas, who has an astonished expression. Winter-Hawk says: Sì... Ora questo è il tuo nome e questa Sacra Pipa sarà tua. Medium wide shot of @winter-hawk sitting with his eyes closed. He disassembles the @calumet to store it inside a leather bag. Medium shot of @winter-hawk sitting with his eyes closed, revealing and showing on his chest the splendid @ruota. Macro close-up on the wide-open, glassy, and gray-white eyes of @winter-hawk. Winter-Hawk says: Come Uomo-Medicina viaggerai verso Est. Là, con altri, riporterai in vita il potere di questa antica Ruota di Medicina... Ora va'! Panel 26 Close-up detail of @nicholas's hand holding the @ruota, highlighting the brilliance of the colored gems and the details of the metallic feathers. Caption: "È senza dubbio un oggetto bellissimo, quanto ai suoi mitici poteri..." Tight close-up of the neck and bare chest of @nicholas, upon which the @ruota hangs. Nicholas says: Grazie, Falco-d'Inverno... e arrivederci! Full figure of @nicholas bare-chested exiting from the tent opening. Voice speaking from inside the tepee: Forse! Nicholas thinks: Se non fosse così melodrammatico, sarebbe anche simpatico! Medium shot of @nicholas bare-chested inside his house, while speaking to his smartphone. Caption: Un'ora dopo, a casa sua... Nicholas thinks: Uhm... Di solito Falco-d'Inverno non sbaglia. E poi potrei scoprire qualcosa sulle origini della mia famiglia... Nicholas says: Pronto, Aeroporto di Fargo? Vorrei prenotare un volo... Caption: "Attenda un attimo, prego..." Panel 27 Medium shot of @nicholas from behind, bare-chested, on the phone inside his house. The shot highlights on his left trapezius muscle the @tatoo. Nicholas says: Vorrei prenotare un posto su un volo per Londra, Inghilterra, Confederazione Europea... Caption: "C'è un posto sul volo AMF8881 di domani, 19 maggio, ore 07:40. Se Le va bene, confermi inserendo il badge personale..." Caption: Nicholas fa quanto richiesto, quindi riattacca... Interior wide shot day of the modern terminal of Fargo Airport. The illuminated signs above show text exclusively in the Spanish language. Medium shot of @nicholas walking with a serious and pensive look; he wears an elegant beige suit with an unbuttoned red shirt. Caption: L'indomani, in aeroporto... Nicholas thinks: Dunque... L'albergo è prenotato, i bagagli hanno passato il check-in… Panel 28 Medium shot from behind of @nicholas in a beige suit and red shirt, advancing through the airport terminal toward the American Airlines check-in counter. Nicholas thinks: È ora di imbarcarsi... Medium shot of a blonde, smiling flight attendant in a red uniform and jacket. Facing her, from behind and three-quarters view, @nicholas.< The flight attendant says: Signor McEerie, confermi la prenotazione con il codice personale... Nicholas says: Scusi... È proprio certa che i badge americani siano abilitati anche nella Confederazione Europea? Close-up close shot of the blonde flight attendant's face, who shows a displeased expression. The flight attendant says: Ovviamente sì, vada! Caption: “Vabbe'... C'ho provato...” Aerial wide shot of a futuristic intercontinental airliner from American Airlines with a reddish metallic fuselage and wings covered in shiny blue photovoltaic solar panels, flying over the ocean. Thought from inside the airplane: Tanto dovevo partire… Nicholas's icon at the bottom of the page, indicating the end of the episode for him. Instant 7 - Panel 29 - Tri Interior wide shot of an elegant and technological study in twilight. Medium shot of @tri sitting on a luxurious dark leather armchair; he wears the blue suit with a Mandarin collar, features his typical goatee, and maintains a pensive expression. Caption: Somewhere in Rome, five days later... Tri says: Computer: provide a report about the shooting that took place around 3 p.m. nearby the Vatican! Computer (as a voice from nowhere): Agents Finner and Digiorgio were chasing a colored woman who had stolen the Malleus Maleficarum from the safety chambers in Vatican Museums. Computer (as a voice from nowhere): Mission Status: searching for her identity. Agents Finner and Digiorgio are busy in searching for the woman. Caption: The tome used by Inquisition to both identify witches... and during trials against them. Close-up close shot of @tri's face with an intensely displeased expression. Tri says: Find both agents at holophone! Medium shot of @tri sitting in the study. He extends his right arm forward to interact with a complex blue holographic interface suspended in mid-air. Tri thinks: Set location to Papal Throne and looking to Grand Inquisitor! Panel 30 Wide shot of the holographic image projected by the system. In the center, seated on a sumptuous Papal Throne in carved wood and gold, appears the majestic holographic figure of @tri disguised and dressed as the Grand Inquisitor, with a midnight blue robe and a large hood that completely hides his face in darkness. On the sides, kneeling in a sign of submission, are the two agents in long electric blue trench coats: one is blonde, while the other is gray-haired. Tri says: What happened in Saint Peter? Wide shot of the real study in twilight of @tri, focused on the wooden desk. On the table, a device projects a beam of transparent blue light upward. Inside the luminous stream, the figures of the two kneeling agents appear as miniature semi-transparent blue holograms. The blonde agent says: A strange woman, which we almost identified, showed the Ancient Powers in Vatican Museums... The greyed agent says: We tried to stop her... Medium shot of the hologram of @tri dressed as the Grand Inquisitor. His face is submerged in the impenetrable shadow of the blue hood. Tri says: In a very discreet way, as I happened to see... Panel 31 Close-up shot of @tri in his real studio, caught in the middle of his psionic transformation halfway to the @pantera. Around the leather chair, an intense aura of red, flaming vapors erupts. Tri thinks: I can't bear them: now I'll scare them... Animal affinity: Black Panther! Wide shot of the desk in @tri's studio. The stream projected by the holographic device shows the blue-scanned lines of the two agents: the gray-haired agent has a lowered gaze, while the blonde agent partially raises. The greyed agent says: Well, yes... The blonde agent says: Anyhow... that woman disappeared... Wide shot of the dark room. In the center, the mutated holographic figure of the @pantera in Grand Inquisitor robes violently snaps to its feet from the Papal Throne. The blonde agent steps back in terror, while the greyed agent remains kneeling. Tri says: What? Disappeared? The blonde agent says: S-she took a blind halley... B-but when we went there, we couldn't find her. Tri says: You're inept! Best you can find her. And now go! Panel 32 Close-up shot of @tri's face in his blue suit with a Mandarin collar, caught in the act of reabsorbing the psionic effort; he has an intensely tense and concentrated expression. Tri thinks: Better... calm down... I need... to be... lucid... to ponder... @tri regains total control and returns entirely to his human appearance with his typical goatee, holding a lit pipe. Tri thinks: It raises my anger... But it dulls my mind... Wide shot of the desk in @tri's studio. The holographic device sleeps. Caption: "As Dva has foreseen the Ancient Powers are coming back..." Wide shot of @tri semi-reclined on his leather chair, with his pipe between his teeth. His left hand in the foreground, resting on the armrest, sports long and sharp black feline claws. Tri thinks: Enquire shall really work now... Tri says: Witches Woke up! Tri's icon at the bottom of the page, indicating the end of the episode for him and for everyone. Rear interior cover At the center is a sun yellow (the east color for native americans), fading in a circular gradient to a full red (the east color for druidic celts). Superimposed on the gradient background we find a geometrical figure, built with perfectly circular silver badges. Within each badge an astrological planet is represented, in gold, using the three archetypical shapes of the male principle (the solar disk), the female principle (the moon crescent) and the material world (the cross), of the character to whom the badge belongs: at the center we find the solar disk. Around the sun, in a hexagon rotating clockwise, starting 30° to the right on the upward vertical, we find the moon crescent, followed by a symbol that apparently is a Medicine Wheel (fusion of circle and cross), but in reality it represents Vulcan, a planet so near to the sun that humans have not yet been able to spot it. Mercury (crescent, circle, cross) follows, then Venus (circle, cross), Mars (similar to Venus, but rotated to stay on a 45° axis with the cross up to the right) and finally Chronos, or better what remains of it today in the asteroid belt (represented by two overlapping crosses offset by 45°, as in an explosion hurling fragments into the cosmos). Exactly on the vertical axis above the sun, further outside the first hexagon, we find a second one, also running clockwise, which collects the remaining planets: Jupiter (crescent, cross), Saturn (cross, crescent), Uranus (cross between two crescents, circle), Neptune (crescent, cross), Pluto (circle, crescent, cross) and Eris (circle and crescent in discordant positions). Starting from the center and following each single planet going away from it, one therefore traces a clockwise spiral. Inside cover page This panel, designed mainly for the paper version, provides suggestions on few entries to search on the database "Beyond the Darkness... what lies out there?" and connected to the events seen in the episode just read: Totemic Animals:* Reference to the kit "Medicine Cards" by J. Sams and D. Carson. Calumet: Reference to "Earth Medicine" by K. Meadows. Humito: Reference to "The teaching of Don Juan: a yaqui way of knowledge" and to "A separate reality: further conversation with Don Juan" by C. Castaneda. Native American Numerology: Reference to "Earth Medicine" by K. Meadows. The teaser for next episode follow, "Spirits clash": we will know what happened to Vydia in Rome and that she will flee to Turin where she will meet Gianluca Rol and Alina Lechtansi, or better will clash with them. Nicholas too in London will clash with Alice Page. The page closes with an explanation on the reason why the internal cover are present: from episode 1 to 20 of the cycle Instants, all covers will show a detail from these covers, in a mosaic with 5 row by 4 columns. Over each symbol of S.T.R.I.X. and Enquire the full armored pinup of the corresponding character will be superimposed. Obviously in some case it won't be possible to get a full figure of a character and some cover may look a bit strange, but this is a game for nerd readers. Rear cover The page is in a 3:4 format. At the center is a sun yellow (the east color for native americans), fading in a circular gradient to a full red (the east color for druidic celts). On top of the page there's the logo of the series: on the left a fiery text quoting "Enquire". A simple "vs" apparently hand-written separates the first symbol from a Medicine Wheel in silver, with the five colored gems of the american tradition, partly covered by the STRIX text, also metallic. At the bottom of the page there's the episode title: I (representing the first cycle, the east one, in roman numerals) separated with a dot from 0 (representing the first number of native american numerology, the whole that still has to manifest). After a hyphen we find the real title: Awakening. Superimposed on the gradient background we find a geometrical figure, built with perfectly circular silver badges. Within each badge an astrological planet is represented, in gold, using the three archetypical shapes of the male principle (the solar disk), the female principle (the moon crescent) and the material world (the cross), of the character to whom the badge belongs: at the center we find the solar disk. Around the sun, in a hexagon rotating clockwise, starting 30° to the right on the upward vertical, we find the moon crescent, followed by a symbol that apparently is a Medicine Wheel (fusion of circle and cross), but in reality it represents Vulcan, a planet so near to the sun that humans have not yet been able to spot it. Mercury (crescent, circle, cross) follows, then Venus (circle, cross), Mars (similar to Venus, but rotated to stay on a 45° axis with the cross up to the right) and finally Chronos, or better what remains of it today in the asteroid belt (represented by two overlapping crosses offset by 45°, as in an explosion hurling fragments into the cosmos). Exactly on the vertical axis above the sun, further outside the first hexagon, we find a second one, also running clockwise, which collects the remaining planets: Jupiter (crescent, cross), Saturn (cross, crescent), Uranus (cross between two crescents, circle), Neptune (crescent, cross), Pluto (circle, crescent, cross) and Eris (circle and crescent in discordant positions). Starting from the center and following each single planet going away from it, one therefore traces a clockwise spiral.

Instants – 0. Awakening

Front cover

The page is in a 3:4 format. On top of the page there's the logo of the series: on the left a Medicine Wheel in silver, with the five colored gems of the american tradition, partly covered by the STRIX text, also metallic. A simple "vs" apparently hand-written separates the first symbol from a fiery text quoting "Enquire".
At the bottom of the page there's the episode title: I (representing the first cycle, the east one, in roman numerals) separated with a dot from 0 (representing the first number of native american numerology, the whole that still has to manifest). After a hyphen we find the real title: Awakening.

On the right side we can see a massive native american bare chested, with an amulet in the shape of a Medicine Wheel around his neck and a calumet in his hand, coming towards the viewer. Behind him we can notice the shape of an hawk, made of yellow light particles.
Beside him there's a hindi woman with a yellow T-shirt beneath a green military jacket, with jeans and booths, coming forth together with him. Behind her we can notice the shape of a snake, made of yellow light particles too.

On the left we can see half of a blonde teenager with light blue eyes, wearing a green school uniform. She is pressing with her pointer finger an holographic circle, which generate the yellow light flow which fuses with the animal shapes.

The panel background is black.

Inside cover page

This panel, designed primarily for the print version, reproduces the text that the reader can also find on this page, with the concept of the East cycle, Instants, and the possibility of reading the story as if one were one of the characters, or in a linear fashion following the various instants.
At the bottom of the panel, the icons of the main characters present appear, indicating the first panel where the story begins as far as they know: Vydia (1), Tri (4), Sarah (5), Nicholas (7), Djevjàth (12). At the end of their instant, it will be indicated which panel to jump to, or that the story is currently finished for that character.

Inside front cover

At the center is a full red (the east color for druidic celts), fading in a circular gradient to a sun yellow (the east color for native americans).

Superimposed on the gradient background, but partly covered by the series logo, we find a geometrical figure, built with elliptic silver badges in a 4:3 ratio. Each badge has a golden symbol which should be a V-arrow but, due to the badge shape it is more similar to a scythe: it represents the reference direction of the character linked to a badge.
For the east we have a horizontal line: it's a dot on the left side widening toward the right. When it reaches the other side, it turns clockwise, following the badge shape. For the south the same symbol is rotated 90° clockwise, and so on for the west and the north. The center collects the four symbols in a sort of swastika, which represents in reality the full wheel of directions.

Within each badge, a golden stylized shape represents the Totemic Animal of the character to whom the badge belongs: at the center we find a bear's head.

The four directions in the Medicine Wheel present: a snake (for the east), a spider (for the south), a mouse's head (for the west), a wolf's head (for the north).

Rotated 45° counter-clockwise we find other four badges representing: a raven's head (for the east), a horse's head (for the south), a cat's head (for the west), a jackal's head (for the north).

The remaining space between the center and this circle of badges contains four other badges, rotated 45° clockwise, representing: a hawk's head (for the east), a deer's head (for the south), an owl's head (for the west), a boar's head (for the north).

Starting from the center and following each single direction, based on the symbols beneath the animals, one traces four arms of a counter-clockwise spiral.

Episode script

his script is written to allow the AI to draw it correctly and is affected by the limitations of NightCafé Studio, the tool I used, so a few premises are necessary:

The NightCafé Studio AI is unable to maintain memory between one prompt and another; therefore, to provide visual consistency to a character, they must be created and placed in a library, with a few images showing their main features. This way, when calling the character in a panel, the AI will know what appearance to give them.
The characters created for this episode are: @vydia (Vydia Vayrava), @tri (Giovanni Paolo Simboli, code Tri), @sarah (Sarah Goodberry), @winter-hawk (Winter-Hawk), @nicholas (Nicholas McEerie), @gerald (Gerald Kalish), @djevjath (Peter Parker Hook, code Djevjàth), @myria (Myria), @veronica (Veronica Simboli, Tri's daughter), @pantera (Tri's lycanthropic version).
The same rule applies to certain objects that must remain consistent throughout the story, for example: @tatoo (the tattoo appearing on Vydia's and Nicholas's shoulder), @tri77 (Tri's car), @calumet (Winter-Hawk's sacred pipe), @ruota (Winter-Hawk's amulet), @vr (the neural interface of Enquire agents).
The NightCafé Studio AI understands the concept of captions, but not the concept of dialogues or thoughts normally used by comic book artists, so it must be clearly stated "character says" or "character thinks".

Instant 1 - Panel 1 - Vydia

Note: the entire panel is in an '80s style, with all the colors of the images having a greener tint than indicated.

Wide shot on a black background. At the center, full figure of a girl tied to a stake. A bonfire is lit beneath her. The girl wears a long white dress, shows obvious signs of beatings, and her left eye is swollen. In the four corners of the image, circular insets showing images of the girl's memories:

In a long shot, three people in long white robes around a smoking cauldron in the middle of a clearing. They are celebrating a druidic ritual.
The girl in a medium wide shot fighting against Roman soldiers wielding halberds.
The girl in a medium shot being dragged. Signs of beatings are already evident.
In a long shot, the girl tied to a torture device, with her clothes torn.

The girl thinks: So is this the ransom?

Title (superimposed on the scene): AWAKENING

Close-up of the girl tied to the stake. With red eyes turned toward the sky, she screams.

The girl says: A mháthair, ná tréigh mé: adereim thú, deonaigh dom cumhacht bheith ar mo bhreith aris!*

Caption: *Trans: Mother, do not leave me: Thee I invoke, give me the power of Reincarnation!

Medium shot of a priest. He points a crucifix toward the girl, off-panel, pronouncing an exorcism.

The priest says: Audite, striga vocat Demonium sic ut Id veniat! In nomine Dei ego Te ordino: vade retro, Satana!*

Caption: *Trans: Hear, that witch is invoking the Devil so It comes! In the name of God I order You: stay back, Satan!

Close-up on a black background of a bonfire.

SFX fire: FLASH

Close-up on a black background of smoking embers.

SFX embers: FFSSSS

Medium wide shot on a black background of a cobra.

SFX cobra: HISSS

Close-up on a brown background of a hawk.

SFX hawk: SCREECH

Panel 2

The first vignette is still in an '80s style, with the coloring greener than declared, then it transitions to the Riot 3D Comics style, more modern and cyberpunk, with normal coloring.

The cobra from behind on a black background. The hawk swoops down on it, on a brown background.

Realistic close-up detail of one of @vydia's eyes. Her complexion is dark.

Caption: Benares, India…

Interior of a dimly lit bathroom, resembling a spa center. Medium shot of @vydia, naked, immersed in a bathtub.

Vydia thinks: A woman on a bonfire, that weapon, strange languages, my Spirit Guide and an hawk!

Same environment. Medium shot of @vydia from behind. The @tatoo is visible on her left shoulder.

Vydia thinks: It could be something of big importance!

Dressing room, with a window revealing the outside environment, through which light enters. Medium wide shot of @vydia, wearing the bodice and skirt of a sari. She has a slightly sad expression.

Vydia thinks: Sigh! Morning will burn out with temple's duties! Better to ignore my vision for now!

Exterior day. An Indian-style temple. A sign in Chinese indicates "Tantric Temple", without any translations alongside. Close-up of @vydia, wearing a full sari.

Caption: In the late afternoon...

Vydia thinks: I'll have to go to a library to know something more!

Extreme long shot of the city of Benares. In the background, ultramodern buildings in a Nipponic style, which clash strongly with the Indian style of the city. Close-up of @vydia in front of the Ganges, devoid of worshippers immersing themselves.

Vydia thinks: During the old Age Ganges was full of believers, and now?

Close-up on some signs indicating in Chinese the directions for the Tantric Temple, the Ganges, the Center, and the Central Library, always without translations.

Caption: "All summed up, I liked best the English dominion. At least we spoke our language at the time!"

Panel 3

An Indian-style building with the double doors closed and the inscription "Central Library of Benares" in Chinese. Sitting to the right of the door is an Indian holy man with his eyes closed. Standing in front of the door is @vydia in a sari.

Caption: “At last!”

Medium shot of @vydia with an astonished look.

Vydia says: How the hell can one open this door?

Medium shot of the holy man next to the door, with his eyes closed.

The holy man says: With your personal badge, as everyone does.

Medium shot of @vydia, in profile. She has a very astonished expression.

Vydia says: Oh, bother: I forgot it!

Detail of the badge reader with the red light on.

Detail of @vydia's eyes, completely red.

Vydia says: Cnoc mhuire*

Caption: * Knock.

Detail of the badge reader with the green light on.

Wide shot of @vydia entering the library, which is illuminated by a reddish light. From behind in the foreground, the holy man falls backward in terror. The badge reader has the green light on.

Vydia says: Et voila!

SFX door: VRRR

Vydia's icon at the bottom of the page, linking to panel 10.

Instant 2 - Panel 4 - Tri (and Sarah)

Leonardo da Vinci Airport of Rome Fiumicino. Close-up of @tri with a goatee, from behind, facing the arrivals board entirely in German. The character wears the uniform with a Mandarin collar, with sunglasses, and is deep in thought.

Caption: Rome, Leonardo da Vinci international airpot, two days later...

Tri thinks: Luckily the plane isn't late: at least I won't lose my full day...

Tri thinks: Let's hope this Sarah at least responds to our expectations: to convince her parents, I had to send there my Daniele!

Tri thinks: At least I will have him controlled and instructed by Adinnadzàth, while I'll verify any potential by this phenomenal teenager...

Medium shot of @tri with sunglasses and a goatee, still deep in thought inside the airport.

Tri thinks: Should she be at the right level, we'll at least avoid...

Tri thinks: ...any unauthorized access to Global.Net's archives by any hacker:

Tri thinks: At last Enquire will have the global control!

Close-up of a loudspeaker.

The loudspeaker says: Flight AFF0131 from Dubai landed. Disembarkment expected at international arrivals.

Detail of @tri's eyes behind his sunglasses.

Tri says: Video mode... Paolo Simboli... Code Tri!

Tri says: I want the images on air from flight AFF0131 passengers...

>Detail of a closed-circuit television camera with the red light on. Superimposed, the eye of @tri.

Panel 5

>Vignette in black with the shape of the field of view of an eyeglass lens. Inside the shape, the image of some people descending through the jet bridge connecting the plane and the terminal: at the center, the medium shot of @sarah in a green school uniform stands out.

Caption: "Follow the blonde girl in the school uniform..."

Detail of another closed-circuit television camera with the red light on. Superimposed, the eye of @tri.

Caption: Different camera shifts later...

Vignette in black with the shape of the field of view of an eyeglass lens. Inside the shape, the image of various people along a corridor: in the middle of the field of view, a medium shot of @sarah.

Caption: "Here she comes..."

Wide shot, interior day of the baggage claim area. In the middle of the field of view, a medium wide shot of @sarah.

Wide shot of the airport lobby. @tri, in the blue uniform with a Mandarin collar, goatee, and sunglasses, and @sarah walk side by side without showing any particular pleasure at having met.

Tri says: You musst be Zara Gutt-Berry, richt?*

Sarah says: No, it's Sarah Goodberry, sir...*

Same scene.

Tri says: What a fuss-pot, eh? Ok, I'll strive to care my pronounce... May I take your suitcase?*

Sarah says: Yes, thanks!*

Caption: *They speak English.

Panel 6

Exterior airport. The @tri77 is parked in front of the exit, in the area reserved for Staatliche Stellen, as indicated by a sign in German. @tri, wearing the blue suit with a Mandarin collar and a beard, guides @sarah toward the vehicle. Full figure of @tri and @sarah next to the car under the no parking sign.

Tri says: Don't pull that face: Italy is not so bad!*

Sarah says: Yeeah... It's wonderful!*

Medium shot of @tri with a goatee sitting inside the @tri77, ready to leave: he looks toward the passenger seat.

Tri says: Can't you think my son didn't want to leave for the Australian deserts...*

Close-up of @sarah displeased, sitting in the passenger seat.

Sarah says: But I'm not living in the mid of a desert!*

Caption: *They speak English.

Wide shot along a highway. The @tri77 speeds along, careless of the speed limit of 130 km/h.

Sarah's icon at the bottom of the page, linking to panel 19.

Tri's icon at the bottom of the page, linking to panel 20.

Instant 3 - Panel 7 - Nicholas

In the foreground, a Native American tepee. To the right, an off-road vehicle is parked. In the background, the typical panorama of South Dakota, with mountains in the distance and the sky at sunset.

Caption: Wahpeton, South Dakota, one week before...

Voice speaking from the tepee interior: Nicholas, I had you called because I have a message for you. Twelve days ago, the Spirits spoke to me!

Close-up of @winter-hawk's face, with his eyes closed. The illumination inside the tepee comes from a fire lit low in front of him.

Panel 8

This panel alternates dreams and visions with reality, so I indicate the various conditions.

It begins with an '80s style vision.

Exterior wide shot with coloring virated toward blue. A hawk takes flight from a Native American totem pole.

Caption: "A Hawk was leaving our tribe..."

Exterior wide shot with coloring virated toward blue. The hawk flies over the ocean, with a shark leaping out of the water.

Caption: "...to cross the perilous Ocean..."

Exterior wide shot with coloring virated toward blue. The hawk reaches the white cliffs of Dover.

Caption: "...until it reached the white cliffs of Dover!"

Full figure of a Scotsman playing the bagpipes in front of a wooden house, with coloring virated toward blue.

Caption: "From there, it went on to Scotland..."

Wide shot with coloring virated toward blue. A yellow rattlesnake in the lower right foreground. The hawk swoops down on it from above.

Caption: "...to meet a Yellow Rattlesnake!"

Returning to the real world in Riot 3D Comics style.

Close-up on the face of @nicholas, bare-chested with an astonished look inside the tepee illuminated from below by the fire.

Nicholas says: That same night I had a dream related to this vision!

Returning to dreams in '80s style.

Wide shot with coloring virated toward brown. A yellow rattlesnake in the desert spits flames from its mouth, upward.

Caption: "A Yellow Rattlesnake spat flames from its jaws..."

Close-up of a yellow hawk engulfed in flames, with coloring virated toward brown.

Caption: "...which enveloped a Falcon of the same color..."

Full figure with coloring virated toward brown, of the reinforced hawk, flying through the flames.

Caption: "...but instead of dying, it came out stronger!"

Panel 9

This panel alternates dreams and visions with reality, so I indicate the various conditions.

It begins with reality in Riot 3D Comics style.

Medium shot of @nicholas bare-chested, inside the tepee, with a pensive look, still illuminated from below by the fire.

Nicholas says: Furthermore, one week ago, I was leading some eastern tourist when...

Transition to visions in '80s style.

Wide shot with coloring virated toward brown. @nicholas looks toward the sun, high in the sky.

Nicholas thinks: This will make 'em crazy...

>Wide shot with coloring virated toward brown. Below in the background, a group of tourists representing Asian stereotypes (geisha, sumo wrestler, samurai, ninja). In the foreground from behind, a medium shot of @nicholas observing the sun.

Caption: "While I pretended to read the time from the Sun, I saw a Hawk in flight..."

Caption: "...flying Eastward!"

Returning to reality in Riot 3D Comics style.

>Wide shot interior tepee with @nicholas and @winter-hawk. The fire burns and @winter-hawk traces numerical symbols in the sand around it with a finger: three horizontal lines stacked and a dot above two horizontal lines.

Nicholas says: It was at three p.m. the eleventh!

Nicholas thinks: He would have asked anyway...

Winter-Hawk says: All this is very interesting: Fifteen is the Path to Enlightenment...

Medium shot of @winter-hawk, still illuminated from below by the fire and with his eyes closed.

Winter-Hawk says: ...while Eleven is the Common Sub-Consciousness...

Macro close-up in the foreground of the wide-open, almost white, eyes of @winter-hawk.

Winter-Hawk says: The Path for your Enlightenment leads Eastward, towards Everyone's Past!

Nicholas's icon at the bottom of the page, linking to panel 24.

Instant 4 - Panel 10 - Vydia

Interior wide shot of a modern library. Various terminals are visible on tables. Medium shot of @vydia in a sari with a displeased look.

Caption: Benares, five days later...

Vydia thinks: GlobalNet! For browsing a badge is needed...

Video terminal. The text on screen indicates the events that occurred with these writings:
** Benares Central Unit **
Benares Central Library
17:47:32 Uncontrolled opening of the entrance door
17:47:47 Closing of the door

Caption: Elsewhere...

Wide shot of an internal glass-walled corridor. Medium shot of @vydia in a sari from behind walking along it.

Vydia thinks: Better go down to the paper archives, thus my search...

Full figure of @vydia in a sari descending along a spiral staircase.

Vydia thinks: ...won't end inside the BIG BROTHER files!

Wide shot of a typical classical library room with wooden shelves full of old books. In the foreground on the left, a medium shot of @vydia in a sari turned toward the right. In the background on the right, a medium shot of @gerald in a yellow outfit and turban with dark glasses, bent over organizing some volumes.

Vydia says: Sorry, may you help me? I'm searching for a book about blade weapons and their history!

Panel 11

Medium shot of @gerald, with a yellow outfit, turban, and dark glasses despite the dim light. Between his hands, he carries a fairly heavy volume.

Caption: A couple of minutes later...

Gerald says: Here we are! For browsing you can sit on the left...

Caption: "Gosh, he's blind! Who knows which system he's using to find any book..."

Detail of the open page of the book with the image of a knight with a halberd and an explanatory text specifying that it is still the ceremonial weapon of the Swiss Guards of Vatican City.

Caption: "A halberd!"

Medium shot of @vydia in a sari with a book in front of her. She has a sad look lost in a daydream. In the background, various wooden bookshelves of the library.

Caption: Going on with her search...

Vydia thinks: So that woman was burned alive as a Witch, only since she worshipped the Mother Goddess?

Close-up of @vydia in a sari, with a frowning look.

Vydia thinks: Gotta go back to my temple! But... How can I without my badge? I can not use my powers here: too much attention!

Wide shot of the classical library room. Medium shot of @vydia in a sari on the left and @gerald with the yellow outfit, turban, and dark glasses on the right, facing each other.

Vydia says: Scuse me. I can't find my badge... How can I exit?

Gerald says: If you lost it here, we can search for it!

Same scene.

Vydia says: Mmh... Unfortunately I'm waited for in my temple, so I'm in a little hurry...

Gerald says: The, follow me, we'll send you back your badge as soon as we find it!

Vydia's icon at the bottom of the page, linking to panel 14.

Panel 12

Close-up of @gerald, talking to his smartwatch.

Gerald says: Gerald Kalish: opening door to user without its badge!

From behind, close-up of a computer technician facing a video terminal. The text on screen indicates the events that occurred:
** Benares Central Unit **
Benares Central Library
18:09:54 Gerald Kalish: Exit
18:10:17 Gerald Kalish: Door opening for user exit without badge
Warning: Probable connection with previous uncontrolled opening of entrance door

Caption: Elsewhere...

The technician says: Gerald! You made an intruder leave!

Wide shot interior of a yellow limousine. Medium shot of @djevjath with @vr on his left eye. He has a daydreaming look.

Caption: The day after...

Djevjàth says: Code Djevjàth... Computer: audio debriefing of file BICE1105.10... PM...

Caption: The agent mentally runs through what happened...

Medium shot of @djevjath in front of the yellow limousine from which he descended.

Djevjàth thinks: Sure it must be an important thing if Dva sent me here from Japan...

Close-up of @djevjath with a frowning look, inside the library.

Djevjàth says: Mister Kalish… it mister Hook...

Caption: "Please, come down, among books, Sir..."

Close-up of @djevjath with a surprised look...

Djevjàth thinks: Downstairs among books? Why should I end among ancient reports?

Medium shot of @djevjath on the lower floor.

Djevjàth thinks: But... he's blind!

Djevjàth says: Do you at least remember which books did the intruder browse?

Wide shot of the library room. Close-up of @djevjath and medium shot of @gerald facing each other.

Gerald says: Sure, Sir...

Djevjàth says: Go and bring 'em!

@gerald has a submissive attitude, with his gaze lowered. @djevjath turns his back to him.

Gerald says: Yes, Sir!

Djevjàth thinks: If you can...

Medium shot of @djevjath with a surprised look lost in a daydream. Behind him are the library bookshelves.

Caption: Few minutes later...

Djevjàth thinks: Why should someone risk Annihilation* for some book about Middle Age?

Caption: *Badge cancellation.

Panel 13

Medium shot of @djevjath with his hands placed on the books: a blue aura illuminates them.

Djevjàth thinks: Sensitivity to psychic impressions

Caption: Once events are relived...

Wide shot of the bookshelves behind the medium shot of @djevjath with his eyes closed, with @vr and his head resting on his hands. On the right, the face of @vydia in a sari appears in a fade-in.

Djevjàth thinks: I don't know why she did it, but she has to be stopped!

Djevjàth says: Sub-limen probe: identikit!

Wide shot of the library room. Full figure of @djevjath sitting on the table with his feet on the chair, with his eyes closed.

Djevjàth thinks: Mmmh... from her vests, she could really be a priestess!

Djevjàth says: Send to every sea, rail, plane haven, buslines and range stations.

Djevjàth says: Wanted – Probable profession – Priestess – Guilt – Unauhorized entrance in Central Library!

Screen of a security video terminal. On one side is the close-up of @vydia in a sari with a frowning look. At the side, a text is written:
Wanted
Probable profession: priestess
Guilt: Unauhorized entrance in Central Library

Caption: Benares airport…

Djevjàth's icon at the bottom of the page, indicating the end of the episode for him.

Panel 14

Medium shot of @vydia in front of a terminal showing St. Peter's Square in Rome. She wears a very tight yellow T-shirt and looks sideways as she speaks.

Caption: Meanwhile at the temple...

Vydia thinks: Ok, my plan is ready!

Vydia says: Myria... can you come for a moment?

Medium shot of @myria with a serious look.

Caption: Vydia explains all...

Myria says: So you'll go to the Vatican?

Medium wide shot of @vydia, standing near the terminal with the image of St. Peter's Square. In addition to the t-shirt, she wears jeans. She observes @myria who is from behind in the foreground.

Vydia says: I'll bring my personal badge, sister!

Myria thinks: Mmh... she's too sexy dressed like this...

Close-up of an intimate kiss between @myria and @vydia.

Myria says: Good luck... and keep me up to date, sister!

Medium shot of @myria in a semi-reclined position observing a daydream. In the middle, fading in, full figure of @vydia with a sports bag in her hand, wearing a military jacket, jeans, yellow T-shirt, and knee-high black boots. She has purple pupils.

Vydia says: Teileapòirt*

Myria thinks: Sigh... I forecast that we'll see her back after a long time...

Caption: *Teleport.

Wide shot of St. Peter's Square in Rome with tourists in the background. Medium wide shot of @vydia looking around.

Caption: Rome, Italy...

Vydia thinks: Ffiuu! Center to target!

Vydia's icon at the bottom of the page, indicating the end of the episode for her.

Panel 15-16 - Vydia's pin-up

The front page reports most of text present in the page devoted to pin-ups. It additionally includes the S.T.R.I.X. logo, a flaming creature in a chibi style and the full-figure illustration of Vydia in red and black scale combat armor. At her belt the snake badge can be seen, while she has the Medicine Wheel at her neck.

The rear page completes the narration about Vydia, with a few details from the Physical, Emotional (including the unkown astrological scheme) and the Spiritual sectors. It additionally include the S.T.R.I.X. logo and the Snake badge, in addition to Vydia's hybrid version.

Panel 17-18 - Tri's pin-up

The front page reports most of text present in the page devoted to pin-ups. It additionally includes the Enquire logo and the full-figure illustration of Tri in shiny electric blue combat armor with a feline aesthetic, featuring the badge of Vulcan on his chest and belt.

The rear page completes the narration about Tri, with a few details from the Physical, Emotional (including the unkown astrological scheme) and the Spiritual sectors. It additionally include the Enquire logo and the Vulcan badge, in addition to the were-panther mutation of Tri.

Instant 5 - Panel 19 - Sarah (and Tri)

The full page is representing a fragmented glass panel, as if shot in the center by a bullet. All colors are greyed. The panel is in the '80s style.

Interior wide shot day of a college principal's office. Wedium wide shot of @sarah in a green school uniform with a displeased look confronting the principal with the appearance of a green ogre, due to the dramatic projection in Sarah's memories.

The principal says: My dearest Sarah, having seen your school results, you have been chosen for an internship in Italy. You will leave in a week!

Sarah thinks: No!

Caption: Australia, six days earlier...

Close-up of @sarah in her school uniform with a displeased expression.

Sarah thinks: Am I so bad at it?

Medium shot of @sarah's parents sitting in the living room. The father has round glasses and male pattern baldness, the mother is a housekeeper with wavy red hair. In the center, between the two of them, the medium shot of @sarah in a blue T-shirt appears in a fade-in.

Her father says: Think how it will be ince: Italy! Middleage, Reinassance, museums, churches, Art, Fashion, Vatican...

Her mother says: And then Rome: the Colyseum, Trevi's Fountain, Catacombs, Caracalla's Thermes...

Medium shot of her father speaking with his wife.

Her father say: What else did they say on Global.Net? Oh, yes...

@sarah sitting disconsolately on the edge of the bed, her gaze lowered and pensive.

Medium wide shot of @sarah in a surfing suit speaking with her father in the living room. She is showing a surfboard, her father has a tiny travel bag.

Sarah says: May I bring it?

Her father says: If it fits here...

Medium wide shot of @sarah in a wetsuit, surrounded by two friends in bathing suits.

Sarah says: ...at least I hope to be here before this autumn waves!

A boy says: Well, enjoy Italy and... beware the latin male!

Close-up of a female student with short black hair, showing a perfidious smile and an envious expression.

The female student thinks: I'll score a D at last!

Panel 20

Wide shot from the exterior of the @tri77 speeding along a street in Rome. In the background, the illuminated dome of St. Peter's is visible. Medium shot of @tri driving, in the blue uniform with a Mandarin collar, talking while watching the road. At his side, in the passenger seat, sits @sarah.

Caption: Rome, eight days later...

Tri says: In our company we needed an information technology expert.*

Tri says: From school reports, you seemed the ideal candidate, so you've been chosen for this internship.*

Medium shot of @sarah with a frowning look.

Sarah says: Oh, lucky me!*

Medium shot of @tri talking to @sarah while watching the road. At his side, @sarah responds with an amused smile.

Tri says: ...in any case, now that you're here, you'll have a chance to realize the dream of any programmer: to enter Global.Net system files!*

Sarah says: Wow, it's fantastic!*

Close-up of @tri with a resigned gaze.

Tri says: Well, some hacker tried to modify them...*

Medium shot of @sarah talking surprised, while he observes her.

Sarah says: Don't tell me shee succeeded...*

Tri says: No, why?*

Close-up close shot of @sarah with a cheerful expression.

Sarah says: Since otherwise she'd have beaten me on time!*

Close-up close shot of @tri's face with an intensely surprised look.

Tri thinks: It seems Enquire has well chosen: chi è meglio di un ladro per acciuffarne un altro?

Tri says: However, if you don't know how the system works, you can't do anything once inside!*

Close-up of @tri with a disgusted expression.

Tri says: But our company favors discretion...*

Caption: *They speak English.

Panel 21

In a street of Rome, the @tri77 travels at normal speed. Driving is @tri wearing the blue suit with a Mandarin collar, featuring his typical goatee, watching the road, while @sarah sits by his side. On the left side of the road, @vydia wears a yellow t-shirt under her military jacket and holds an ancient book under her arm while running at sustained speed. She is pursued by two agents in electric blue trench coats and Borsalino hats; one of them fires a pistol shot that misses the target.

Tri says: Indeed!**

Caption: **He speaks Italian.

@sarah in profile looks at @tri, wearing the blue suit with a Mandarin collar, featuring his typical goatee.

Sarah says: What?*

Tri says: Uh? Nothing! Where I saying?*

Caption: *They speak English.

Exterior wide shot of a modern villa with columns and architectural references to ancient imperial Rome. The @tri77 is parked in the stone driveway in front of the main entrance.

Caption: A few minutes later...

Panel 22

Medium shot of @tri talking to his daughter @veronica, who is wearing a red T-shirt, black jeans, and has a frowning air. They are in the inner patio of a palatial villa, surrounding an open-air swimming pool.

Tri says: Veronica, lead Sarah to Daniele's bedroom, and tell mom I gotta go to my office to deal a job. Bye.**

Veronica says: Ok... but beware not to be late!**

Caption: **They speak italian.

Medium shot of @veronica. Behind her, the water surface of the indoor pool and the illuminated facade of the villa can be noted.

Veronica thinks: He knows I cannot bear it...

Close-up of @sarah's face with a marked expression of confusion.

Sarah thinks: But which language are they speaking?

Medium shot of @tri speaking with @sarah.

Tri says: Try and find your feet here, so this evening we can go on speaking about your job! Goodbye, Sarah!*

Sarah says: All right...*

Caption: *They speak English.

Tri's icon, linking to panel 29.

Full figure of @veronica from behind ascending the wide external stone stairs of the villa, dragging @sarah's suitcase behind her.

Veronica says: Follow me: I'll show you your room!*

At the top of the staircase, full figure of @veronica sitting on the stone handrail. A little lower, a medium shot of @sarah climbing the steps.

Sarah says: Excuse me, what language were you speaking before?*

Veronica says: Italian, no?*

Medium shot of @sarah in the foreground, with a completely flabbergasted expression.

Sarah says: But... I thought in European Confederation one spoke German!*

Panel 23

Close shot close-up of @veronica's face, with a melancholic expression.

Veronica says: That is the official language! We perfer to speak Italian at home: it's more musical, don't you think?*

Splash page of a boys's bedroom, characterized by midnight blue walls, a single bed with a blue blanket. Medium shot of @sarah in her green school uniform.

Sarah says: Well, it's easy: German is so hard...*

Veronica says: Here you are!*

Caption: *They speak English.

Sarah's icon at the bottom of the page, indicating the end of the episode for her.

Instant 6 - Panel 24 - Nicholas

Interior wide shot of a tepee illuminated from below by a crackling central fire. Full figure of @winter-hawk sitting cross-legged flling a @calumet.

Winter-Hawk says: Your Totemic Animal is the Hawk, whose sight will be needed to lead others...

Caption: Wahpeton, a few days before...

Close-up detail @winter-hawk's wrinkled hands. His left hand holds the the @calumet, while with the fingers of his right hand he brings a burning, smoking piece of ember.

Winter-Hawk says: Fin da fanciullo possiedi le Conoscenze della Ruota di Medicina...

SFX embers: FFSSSS

Interior wide shot of the tepee. On the left, @winter-hawk sitting in profile hands the @calumet to @nicholas, positioned on the right bare-chested.

Winter-Hawk says: Ora fumiamo insieme, cosicché tu entri in contatto con il tuo Spirito!

Winter-Hawk says: Mi raccomando: aspira una sola volta, e tieni la pipa in questo modo...

Close-up of @nicholas's face smoking from the @calumet. His eyes begin to grow vacant and glassy.

Nicholas thinks: Mah... credo poco a queste antiche stupidaggini!

Caption: Ma, senza poterci fare nulla, Nicholas perde il contatto con la realtà...

Panel 25

Interior wide shot of the tepee. Full figure of @nicholas on all fours and bare-chested, vomiting on the sand.

Caption: Alcune ore dopo...

Caption: "Buono, sei stato accolto come me..."

Close-up of @nicholas's suffering face as he holds his head.

Medium shot of @winter-hawk sitting with his eyes closed, speaking to @nicholas.

Winter-Hawk says: Tra qualche giorno ricorderai cos'è accaduto mentre eri sotto l'effetto di Humito*... Occhio-di-Falco!

Caption: *Letteralmente "Piccolo Fumo", il nome che i nativi messicani danno al Tabacco Sacro.

Medium shot of @winter-hawk talking with @nicholas, who has an astonished expression.

Winter-Hawk says: Sì... Ora questo è il tuo nome e questa Sacra Pipa sarà tua.

Medium wide shot of @winter-hawk sitting with his eyes closed. He disassembles the @calumet to store it inside a leather bag.

Medium shot of @winter-hawk sitting with his eyes closed, revealing and showing on his chest the splendid @ruota.

Macro close-up on the wide-open, glassy, and gray-white eyes of @winter-hawk.

Winter-Hawk says: Come Uomo-Medicina viaggerai verso Est. Là, con altri, riporterai in vita il potere di questa antica Ruota di Medicina... Ora va'!

Panel 26

Close-up detail of @nicholas's hand holding the @ruota, highlighting the brilliance of the colored gems and the details of the metallic feathers.

Caption: "È senza dubbio un oggetto bellissimo, quanto ai suoi mitici poteri..."

Tight close-up of the neck and bare chest of @nicholas, upon which the @ruota hangs.

Nicholas says: Grazie, Falco-d'Inverno... e arrivederci!

Full figure of @nicholas bare-chested exiting from the tent opening.

Voice speaking from inside the tepee: Forse!

Nicholas thinks: Se non fosse così melodrammatico, sarebbe anche simpatico!

Medium shot of @nicholas bare-chested inside his house, while speaking to his smartphone.

Caption: Un'ora dopo, a casa sua...

Nicholas thinks: Uhm... Di solito Falco-d'Inverno non sbaglia. E poi potrei scoprire qualcosa sulle origini della mia famiglia...

Nicholas says: Pronto, Aeroporto di Fargo? Vorrei prenotare un volo...

Caption: "Attenda un attimo, prego..."

Panel 27

Medium shot of @nicholas from behind, bare-chested, on the phone inside his house. The shot highlights on his left trapezius muscle the @tatoo.

Nicholas says: Vorrei prenotare un posto su un volo per Londra, Inghilterra, Confederazione Europea...

Caption: "C'è un posto sul volo AMF8881 di domani, 19 maggio, ore 07:40. Se Le va bene, confermi inserendo il badge personale..."

Caption: Nicholas fa quanto richiesto, quindi riattacca...

Interior wide shot day of the modern terminal of Fargo Airport. The illuminated signs above show text exclusively in the Spanish language. Medium shot of @nicholas walking with a serious and pensive look; he wears an elegant beige suit with an unbuttoned red shirt.

Caption: L'indomani, in aeroporto...

Nicholas thinks: Dunque... L'albergo è prenotato, i bagagli hanno passato il check-in…

Panel 28

Medium shot from behind of @nicholas in a beige suit and red shirt, advancing through the airport terminal toward the American Airlines check-in counter.

Nicholas thinks: È ora di imbarcarsi...

Medium shot of a blonde, smiling flight attendant in a red uniform and jacket. Facing her, from behind and three-quarters view, @nicholas.<

The flight attendant says: Signor McEerie, confermi la prenotazione con il codice personale...

Nicholas says: Scusi... È proprio certa che i badge americani siano abilitati anche nella Confederazione Europea?

Close-up close shot of the blonde flight attendant's face, who shows a displeased expression.

The flight attendant says: Ovviamente sì, vada!

Caption: “Vabbe'... C'ho provato...”

Aerial wide shot of a futuristic intercontinental airliner from American Airlines with a reddish metallic fuselage and wings covered in shiny blue photovoltaic solar panels, flying over the ocean.

Thought from inside the airplane: Tanto dovevo partire…

Nicholas's icon at the bottom of the page, indicating the end of the episode for him.

Instant 7 - Panel 29 - Tri

Interior wide shot of an elegant and technological study in twilight. Medium shot of @tri sitting on a luxurious dark leather armchair; he wears the blue suit with a Mandarin collar, features his typical goatee, and maintains a pensive expression.

Caption: Somewhere in Rome, five days later...

Tri says: Computer: provide a report about the shooting that took place around 3 p.m. nearby the Vatican!

Computer (as a voice from nowhere): Agents Finner and Digiorgio were chasing a colored woman who had stolen the Malleus Maleficarum* from the safety chambers in Vatican Museums.

Computer (as a voice from nowhere): Mission Status: searching for her identity. Agents Finner and Digiorgio are busy in searching for the woman.

Caption: *The tome used by Inquisition to both identify witches... and during trials against them.

Close-up close shot of @tri's face with an intensely displeased expression.

Tri says: Find both agents at holophone!

Medium shot of @tri sitting in the study. He extends his right arm forward to interact with a complex blue holographic interface suspended in mid-air.

Tri thinks: Set location to Papal Throne and looking to Grand Inquisitor!

Panel 30

Wide shot of the holographic image projected by the system. In the center, seated on a sumptuous Papal Throne in carved wood and gold, appears the majestic holographic figure of @tri disguised and dressed as the Grand Inquisitor, with a midnight blue robe and a large hood that completely hides his face in darkness. On the sides, kneeling in a sign of submission, are the two agents in long electric blue trench coats: one is blonde, while the other is gray-haired.

Tri says: What happened in Saint Peter?

Wide shot of the real study in twilight of @tri, focused on the wooden desk. On the table, a device projects a beam of transparent blue light upward. Inside the luminous stream, the figures of the two kneeling agents appear as miniature semi-transparent blue holograms.

The blonde agent says: A strange woman, which we almost identified, showed the Ancient Powers in Vatican Museums...

The greyed agent says: We tried to stop her...

Medium shot of the hologram of @tri dressed as the Grand Inquisitor. His face is submerged in the impenetrable shadow of the blue hood.

Tri says: In a very discreet way, as I happened to see...

Panel 31

Close-up shot of @tri in his real studio, caught in the middle of his psionic transformation halfway to the @pantera. Around the leather chair, an intense aura of red, flaming vapors erupts.

Tri thinks: I can't bear them: now I'll scare them... Animal affinity: Black Panther!

Wide shot of the desk in @tri's studio. The stream projected by the holographic device shows the blue-scanned lines of the two agents: the gray-haired agent has a lowered gaze, while the blonde agent partially raises.

The greyed agent says: Well, yes...

The blonde agent says: Anyhow... that woman disappeared...

Wide shot of the dark room. In the center, the mutated holographic figure of the @pantera in Grand Inquisitor robes violently snaps to its feet from the Papal Throne. The blonde agent steps back in terror, while the greyed agent remains kneeling.

Tri says: What? Disappeared?

The blonde agent says: S-she took a blind halley... B-but when we went there, we couldn't find her.

Tri says: You're inept! Best you can find her. And now go!

Panel 32

Close-up shot of @tri's face in his blue suit with a Mandarin collar, caught in the act of reabsorbing the psionic effort; he has an intensely tense and concentrated expression.

Tri thinks: Better... calm down... I need... to be... lucid... to ponder...

@tri regains total control and returns entirely to his human appearance with his typical goatee, holding a lit pipe.

Tri thinks: It raises my anger... But it dulls my mind...

Wide shot of the desk in @tri's studio. The holographic device sleeps.

Caption: "As Dva has foreseen the Ancient Powers are coming back..."

Wide shot of @tri semi-reclined on his leather chair, with his pipe between his teeth. His left hand in the foreground, resting on the armrest, sports long and sharp black feline claws.

Tri thinks: Enquire shall really work now...

Tri says: Witches Woke up!

Tri's icon at the bottom of the page, indicating the end of the episode for him and for everyone.

Rear interior cover

At the center is a sun yellow (the east color for native americans), fading in a circular gradient to a full red (the east color for druidic celts).

Superimposed on the gradient background we find a geometrical figure, built with perfectly circular silver badges.

Within each badge an astrological planet is represented, in gold, using the three archetypical shapes of the male principle (the solar disk), the female principle (the moon crescent) and the material world (the cross), of the character to whom the badge belongs: at the center we find the solar disk.

Around the sun, in a hexagon rotating clockwise, starting 30° to the right on the upward vertical, we find the moon crescent, followed by a symbol that apparently is a Medicine Wheel (fusion of circle and cross), but in reality it represents Vulcan, a planet so near to the sun that humans have not yet been able to spot it. Mercury (crescent, circle, cross) follows, then Venus (circle, cross), Mars (similar to Venus, but rotated to stay on a 45° axis with the cross up to the right) and finally Chronos, or better what remains of it today in the asteroid belt (represented by two overlapping crosses offset by 45°, as in an explosion hurling fragments into the cosmos).

Exactly on the vertical axis above the sun, further outside the first hexagon, we find a second one, also running clockwise, which collects the remaining planets: Jupiter (crescent, cross), Saturn (cross, crescent), Uranus (cross between two crescents, circle), Neptune (crescent, cross), Pluto (circle, crescent, cross) and Eris (circle and crescent in discordant positions).

Starting from the center and following each single planet going away from it, one therefore traces a clockwise spiral.

Inside cover page

This panel, designed mainly for the paper version, provides suggestions on few entries to search on the database "Beyond the Darkness... what lies out there?" and connected to the events seen in the episode just read:

Totemic Animals: Reference to the kit "Medicine Cards" by J. Sams and D. Carson.
Calumet: Reference to "Earth Medicine" by K. Meadows.
Humito: Reference to "The teaching of Don Juan: a yaqui way of knowledge" and to "A separate reality: further conversation with Don Juan" by C. Castaneda.
Native American Numerology: Reference to "Earth Medicine" by K. Meadows.

The teaser for next episode follow, "Spirits clash": we will know what happened to Vydia in Rome and that she will flee to Turin where she will meet Gianluca Rol and Alina Lechtansi, or better will clash with them. Nicholas too in London will clash with Alice Page.

The page closes with an explanation on the reason why the internal cover are present: from episode 1 to 20 of the cycle Instants, all covers will show a detail from these covers, in a mosaic with 5 row by 4 columns. Over each symbol of S.T.R.I.X. and Enquire the full armored pinup of the corresponding character will be superimposed.
Obviously in some case it won't be possible to get a full figure of a character and some cover may look a bit strange, but this is a game for nerd readers.

Rear cover

The page is in a 3:4 format. At the center is a sun yellow (the east color for native americans), fading in a circular gradient to a full red (the east color for druidic celts).

On top of the page there's the logo of the series: on the left a fiery text quoting "Enquire". A simple "vs" apparently hand-written separates the first symbol from a Medicine Wheel in silver, with the five colored gems of the american tradition, partly covered by the STRIX text, also metallic.
At the bottom of the page there's the episode title: I (representing the first cycle, the east one, in roman numerals) separated with a dot from 0 (representing the first number of native american numerology, the whole that still has to manifest). After a hyphen we find the real title: Awakening.

Superimposed on the gradient background we find a geometrical figure, built with perfectly circular silver badges.

Starting from the center and following each single planet going away from it, one therefore traces a clockwise spiral.

H The Comic - Instants

Instants – 0. Awakening

Front cover

Inside cover page

Inside front cover

Episode script

Instant 1 - Panel 1 - Vydia

Panel 2

Panel 3

Instant 2 - Panel 4 - Tri (and Sarah)

Panel 5

Panel 6

Instant 3 - Panel 7 - Nicholas

Panel 8

Panel 9

Instant 4 - Panel 10 - Vydia

Panel 11

Panel 12

Panel 13

Panel 14

Panel 15-16 - Vydia's pin-up

Panel 17-18 - Tri's pin-up

Instant 5 - Panel 19 - Sarah (and Tri)

Panel 20

Panel 21

Panel 22

Panel 23

Instant 6 - Panel 24 - Nicholas

Panel 25

Panel 26

Panel 27

Panel 28

Instant 7 - Panel 29 - Tri

Panel 30

Panel 31

Panel 32

Rear interior cover

Inside cover page

Rear cover