Tears of Themis Episode 4 – Les Tournesols
There are 18 scenes in Episode 4 made up of 9 story scenes, 6 debate battles (recommended power level 10536 – 19390) and the balance are crime scene investigations and trial. This is the last of the introductory episodes before you officially join NXX. Unlocking episode 04-02, NXX Headquarters will be made available to you which helps to speed up collection of materials for enhancing, evolving and skilling up the cards. Spoilers ahead!
Les Tournesols references Vincent van Gogh’s famous still life paintings of sunflowers and would be central to this episode’s theme. Marius contacted you one afternoon and asked if you could meet up with him urgently. He had just learnt that a prosecution case against Lawrence Myers for the murder of Van Kerrel had just been moved forward to the following week. Van Kerrel had played an important role in inspiring Marius’ love for art. As the circumstances around his murder turned assisted suicide is filled with questionable intent, he hoped you could help him with the investigation. In a rare moment of vulnerability, he added that he couldn’t turn to his own lawyers without creating a stir in the media. He added that he has a lot less freedom than people think. You reached out and told him that he could count on you.
Back at the law firm, you told Artem your intent to take up this case. Artem looked apprehensive but subsequently shared that this is actually a low priority X-NOTE case because Van Kerrel had been diagnosed with depression prior to his death. After discussing the case details with him, you wanted to ask if Marius was a member of NXX, considering that NXX is sponsored by Pax Group and his personal involvement in the investigation. It still eludes you that in addition to being a professional artist, CEO to largest conglomerate in the city, Marius is also an undercover agent. Artem asked for your decision to join NXX and you replied affirmatively. If solving these cases could prevent a repeat of a Gordon Grant case and stop the abuse of innocent individuals, then you will do your part. Artem is happy with your reply and shares your dream where one day lawyers will no longer be needed.
The next day you visit Lawrence Myers to get more information with Marius. Marius recalls not too fondly that he was just behind the glass panel not too long ago. Musing that the bed was too uncomfortable, you joked that he could donate to turn the prison into a 5-star establishment. While discussing the case with Lawrence and understanding his rationale for swapping the auction items, Marius shares his insights that everyone has the right to appreciate art regardless of their age or socio-economic status. In Lawrence’s own blinded righteousness, he had inadvertently caused a tragic chain of events. You also learn through Captain Darius that Marius had recently donated to the family of one of the police officers who had been killed in action. Seeing the smug look on Marius’ face made you withhold any compliments, much to his disappointment.
Thereafter, both of you decided to visit the scene of the crime to search for clues and possibly come up with other potential suspects. Marius took the opportunity to pretend to be your fiance while investigating Van Kerrel’s manor to avoid suspicion. Between your investigative analytical skills and Marius’ connection to network of information, both of you soon discovered the truth behind the murder and the real culprit. However, you soon see black smoke rising up through the windows as the culprit had set fire to the manor to trap you. While escaping from the house, Marius’ calmness and confidence offered you surprising security in the midst of danger as he carried you to safety. He also took the opportunity to give you a pair of shoes which he had personally designed and had it made in Italy as a thank you gift. (Wow, rich people gift at a totally different level).
In a bid to stop the culprit from escaping, both of you followed him to a warehouse. Using his authority as the leader of the NXX, he forbade you from joining him in the arrest as he wasn’t confident in protecting you. Though you were concerned for his safety, he convinced you that you would offer better support from the outside. You agreed and went to find the sprinkler control system which you managed to use in good time to prevent Marius from getting severely injured. You chided Marius for his rashness but he told you he had gone ahead as he was confident in his own self-defense abilities which he had been taught since young.
After the successful trial, you accompanied Marius to visit Van Kerrel’s grave. You also contacted Vyn to understand if Van had indeed recovered from his depression. Vyn tells you that as a psychiatrist, he does his best to treat his patients but ultimately it is up to his patients to coordinate and desire to get well. Unfortunately, for some patients, letting go is their only form of liberation. Back in office with Artem, he informs you that Heirson is indeed guilty of dealing with illegal substances though the leads are quickly turning cold as Heirson’s GM Tyson Turner has contracted acute cancer. You affirm your decision to join NXX but wonders if Marius should have the final say since he is the leader of the squad. Artem chides you for not seeing through his lies. It finally made sense to you as Artem and Vyn were highly unlikely to accede to Marius’ leadership. You grumbled inwardly for believing Marius.
Meanwhile, Marius receives a notification that a special investigation officer would be assigned to NXX, and it appears that this officer is none other than Luke.
Marius is your partner in this episode. What makes Marius a delectable character is indeed his smug confidence, relentless childish banter with you and also his rare moments of vulnerability which he only reveals to you. His character design is quite stereotype and he seems almost like the perfect boyfriend save for his constant busyness. I look forward to learning his flaws because it is in those that you truly appreciate a person.
The key themes explored in this episode is in another controversial topic of depression and suicide; as well as rights and privileges of those from higher socio-economic statuses. It is quite poignant that the writers chose to draw out the theme of depression using van Gogh’s artwork since he was also a victim of chronic depression and psychotic episodes that culminated in his suicide. In today’s society where there is increased pressure to perform and conform, mental health issues even among young people are becoming more prevalent. Is mental illness a product of nature or nurture, and can it truly ever be cured? Do artists generally have a penchant for depression since they are often required to be in touch with their own emotions? And like what Vyn said, when a person is truly unable to bring themselves out of their own misery, is liberation through death really the only route? How can people who see things rationally ever understand the turmoil that goes through these people’s mind? A lot more public education is necessary in this field.
The second theme explored is prejudice against those of higher socio-economic status. With greater power indeed comes with greater responsibility. Just because one is rich and powerful, do they owe a duty to the nation and society with their wealth. Do they owe the media their freedom so that every detail of their personal life can be scrutinised? Are they held against preset beliefs that everything rich people do is founded on materialism and not pursuit of some higher form of ideal? And finally does it give them the right to determine the life and death of another person? As I do not come from such a class, I guess I will never understand the pressures experienced by those in the upper echelons of society. Then again, to each their own. The poorer of us may not always live luxuriously, but we should minimally live with contentment in our heart.