Meteorites and Meteor-wrongs
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Meteorites and Meteor-wrongs
- Quest giver
- Hildibrand
- Location
- Solution Nine (X:7.9, Y:14.7)
- Quest line
Hildibrand Sidequests
┗ Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures Quests- Level
- 100
- Requirements
- Disciples of War or Magic
- Experience
0- Gil
1,883- Previous quest
- A Need for Speed
- Next quest
- Detecting a Lead
- Patch
- 7.45
- Links
- EDB GT TC
Hildibrand is eager to take to the air.
— In-game description
Steps
- Speak with Hardiboiled at the dirigible landing in Yak T'el.
- Speak with Hardiboiled.
- Gather information in Mamook.
- Speak with Hardiboiled.
- Survey the designated location.
- Speak with Hardiboiled.
- Speak with Hardiboiled in Solution Nine.
Journal
- Hildibrand is eager to take to the air.
- The irrepressible inspector is ready to take flight, with your eccentric group of investigators planning to rendezvous at the Cocktail dirigible landing. Or was it Yak's Tail?
- Detective Hardiboiled greets you at the Yak T'el landing, having already grilled the locals for eyewitness accounts. The cactuar criminal was seen flying down to the lower forests, and he suggests continuing your investigation in the largest settlement in that region: Mamook.
- Although momentarily distracted by Mamook's distinctive architectural style, Hardiboiled quickly returns to the matter at hand. You are to spread out and gather what leads you can on the cactuar's current whereabouts.
- Your questioning of Mamook's residents has gleaned several potentially useful nuggets of information. The detective will want to hear your findings.
- The others nod along with your report, having heard much the same stories. Now that you have confirmed the presence of the cactuar and learned of its destructive deeds, you decide to stake out the meteorites found alongside the road leading out of town in hopes of catching your quarry in the act.
- You linger by the first meteorite on the road, but the wheeler-riding cactuar is nowhere to be seen. The detective urges you on towards another space rock, further west into the Ja Tiika Heartland...
- There is no sign of the cactuar at the second meteorite either. You set your sights on the next pockmarked boulder off to the north.
- The delinquent cactuar at last makes an appearance, challenging you and your fellow “slowpokes” to catch him if you can. Hardiboiled sets off in pursuit and, with a little unasked-for assistance from Hildibrand, manages to overtake the succulent speedster. Humbled and in no mood for a fight, the cactuar spills his guts and reveals the location where he was to make a meteorite delivery to Keshkayi. The detective leaps at the chance to enact his vengeance on Carnelian, leaving you with no choice but to follow him southwest to the aforementioned cliffs.
- Hardiboiled gets the drop on Keshkayi and Carnelian, but Hildibrand's bumbling interference ensures that the detective's nemesis once more escapes the justice promised by a Molt Python Maximum. Already distressed by the loss of his beloved air-wheeler, a furious Hardiboiled makes it clear that he wants nothing more to do with the inspector. Hildibrand accepts this chastisement with good grace, urging you to stick with Hardiboiled for the duration of the case, even as he and Nashu continue with their own independent inquiries.
- As opposed to his feelings for the inspector, Hardiboiled assures you that he values your worldly expertise and proven mettle. He requests your continued assistance with the investigation, which is set to resume once he salvages more readable files from the damaged storage device...
Related NPCs
Cutscene NPCs
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Dialogue
Optional dialogue
I wish I had a shiny air-wheeler like the detective─I'd finally be able to keep up with the inspector!
Accepting the quest
Right, we shall find our way to this Cocktail dirigible landing. See you there!
I'm pretty sure it was “Yak's Tail,” Inspector...
Speak with Hardiboiled at the dirigible landing in Yak'Tel.
Optional dialogue
That was my first time aboard a dirigible. 'Tis not so different from an airship...if said airship had jettisoned its own means of propulsion.
Sailing through the air is a lovely way to travel!
Ah, you made it. Even this jaded old gumshoe had to appreciate that view coming in over the treetops...
Anyway, I talked to the locals while waiting for you lot to arrive, and one fella had seen Mister Cactuar flying down to the lower forests.
I'm told the biggest place out that way is a settlement called “Mamook,” so that'll be our next destination. Let's head over there, walk the streets, ask some questions...you know, the usual.
Very good, Detective, but what's become of your wondrous wheeler?
Night Stallion would draw more attention than I'd like. I'll use the autopilot function to call him if I need him, but otherwise I'll make do with my own two feet.
Speak with Hardiboiled.
Optional dialogue
Such a dense proliferation of forest giants! I am reminded of the Twelveswood.
Cor, it's awfully dark here beneath the canopy...
That must be Mamook. They build things different down here, huh?
But we ain't got time to admire the architecture. Spread out, and find someone who's clapped eyes on that cactuar.
Gather information in Mamook.
Optional dialogue
He'd be spiky. And green. Riding a strange flying machine...
I slipped on that banana peel and almost went tail over teakettle. Could this have been a devious trap laid by our quarry...?
That banana peel is almost as sparkly as the inspector was.
Why, yes, I did see an unusual creature riding a strange vehicle through the forest at breakneck speeds.
The vehicle's terrible noise is what first drew my attention, followed by the incomprehensible yelling of its pilot. Yet the sight of this posturing man-plant was so absurd I found myself more bemused than frightened.
Optional dialogue
As I said, the vehicle's racket and its pilot's yelling startled me, but I could never be scared of something so...ridiculous.
Yes, I've encountered the fiend you describe. The forest has its share of fantastical creatures, but this one was undeniably out of place.
I observed it smashing one of the giant meteorites with a club, then racing away with the broken pieces. Make of that what you will...
Optional dialogue
I don't know why the fiend was breaking meteorites or what it intended to do with the pieces, and I think I'd prefer to keep it that way.
Ah, the subject of recent gossip. I crossed paths with the creature myself, and it was indeed odd, but the machine it rode upon was the true wonder.
He pulled up alongside me and my wivre, challenged us to a race, then zoomed off with astounding swiftness. If you're planning to catch that fiend, you'll need an equally miraculous mount.
Optional dialogue
Such incredible speed. My wivre might as well have been standing still...
Speak with Hardiboiled.
Start of cutscene.So, what's the rap?
Player speaks to Hardiboiled.
The testimonies I gathered were very much the same. There is a cactuar racing around out there, that much can be certain.
But if he's making stops to bag meteorite fragments, then this ain't no simple joyride.
Talk to me, Forename. Somethin' about those rocks I oughta know?
Player nods and speaks to Hardiboiled.
Some kinda special aetheric radiation, eh? We haven't pieced together Keshkayi's big plan yet, but he seems real interested in those space stones.
Which means we've got a good chance of finding his spiky goon by staking out the spots where the meteorites are. If we nab the cactuar, we can make him lead us to the researcher. And to Carnelian.
When I say “us,” I mean me and Night Stallion, of course. Once we find him, the rest of you won't be giving chase without an air-wheeler.
I need no such contrivance. These legs have been conditioned by an intensive chocobo-bearing exercise regimen!
...Well, good luck to 'em. Still think he's a weak-willed punk, but I can't deny that uncanny body of his is made of sterner stuff.
Let's get on with it, then. I hear there's a few good-sized meteorites alongside the road that leads out of town. We'll start at the near end and hope the mook puts in an appearance.
End of cutscene.
Survey the designated location.
Optional dialogue
F-Fancy meeting you here! I, too, deduced that this may very well be the scene of our criminal's next crime...
Who knew meteorites were so big? Or bumpy?
Hmph. Is that clumsy oaf trying to hide...?
Player surveys the area from the vantage point.
No wheeler-riding cactuar around here. Let's move on.
Ugh, that idiot inspector. Took off like he had the case all sewn up, but running fast didn't find him any leads, did it? And here I thought he was onto something.
Th-That way, Nashu! I think I may be onto something!
Survey the designated location.
Optional dialogue
If you could endure but a little while longer, Nashu.
Is it almost time to eat?
Is that dolt trying to keep outta sight or not...?
Player surveys the area from the vantage point.
No sign of him here, either. On to the next meteorite.
I detect a hint of criminality...in that direction! Onwards, Nashu! We mustn't let the detective beat us to the punch!
Nashu starts to follow Hildibrand then stops, waves to the Player, and runs off after him.
Survey the designated location.
Optional dialogue
I say... <munch> These bananas... <munch> Are really quite good...
Mmm... <munch> Travel tacos... <munch>
Hrm. I could murder an egg right about now...
Player surveys the area from the vantage point.
Start of cutscene.A barreltender wearing sunglasses and wielding a club approaches on a Night Stallion.
Look out and stand aside─or it's a thousand needles in your hide! Make way for the unmatchable, uncatchable Spike!
Spike arrives at a meteorite.
This one looks ripe for the smashing...
Hold it right there. I'm gonna need you to hop off that air-wheeler...
Huh? Ah...you must be the blowhards I was warned about!
Think you can give orders to the succulent speedster? My ride is maxed out with black market mods, and there ain't no one faster!
Keep up if you can, slowpokes!
If that's the way it's gotta be... Challenge accepted.
To me, Night Stallion! It's time to burn rubber!
Hardiboiled mounts the Night Stallion and rides off. Hildibrand and Nashu run after him.
I'm right behind you!
And I'm right behind you, Inspector!
Hardiboiled is pursuing Spike.
Yeaaaaaahhh!
Dammit, the Stallion's at full gallop and I'm still trailing!
Hildibrand is on the Night Stallion behind Hardiboiled.
'Twould seem you require my assistance after all.
The Night Stallion comes to a halt.
What th─ You caught up to me on foot!?
Fine. Change of plans...
Hardiboiled realizes his gun has been replaced with a najool banana.
Where's my damn Python!?
I'll just tweak the weapon's elemental settings like so...
With you steering and me providing the thrust, that fiend will soon learn a harsh lesson!
Nothing outruns a fired-up Manderville Man!
Hildibrand shoots and propels the Night Stallion forward at a breakneck speed.
Gaaaaaahhhhhh!
Are they actually gainin on me!?
Come on, then! I feel the needle for speed!
The Night Stallion overtakes Spike.
We did it! Victory is ours!
The Night Stallion malfunctions and crashes into a lake. Spike arrives.
...I can't believe it. My undefeated record. My legendary win streak. It's over.
And yet...I feel strangely content.
Nashu and the player arrive, and Spike surrenders.
Enough, you win. Just hand me over to the coppers and be done with it.
So the researcher forced you to work for him, like he did with the other fiends.
That's right. Told me to smash and grab the meteorites from the forest, but not what he wanted 'em for.
All this way to nab some delinquent goon and no leads on Keshkayi or Carnelian to show for it...
Not to mention my beautiful ride getting trashed! That one's on you, Hildibrand!
Perhaps we can try running together next time!
Oh, if you're lookin' for Keshkayi, I know exactly where he'll be: waitin' for my meteorite delivery over by the cliffs southwest of here.
Why didn't you say that sooner!? I bet Carnelian is there with him!
He won't escape me this time...
I leave this criminal cactuar in your custody. Fiendish appearance aside, 'tis a man's soul within, so please treat him accordingly.
Now, let us follow the detective to these cliffs, shall we?
I must ensure these villains are served a gentleman's justice!
End of cutscene.
Speak with Hardiboiled.
Optional dialogue
Do you smell it? The scent of criminality is in the air!
Zzz... Full belly... Zzz... Happy heart...
Shhh...I can hear them just up ahead. Let me get the drop on them before we all go barging in.
Start of cutscene.He's late. We must assume something went wrong.
These meteorites will provide the perfect energy source, and I would prefer to harvest a surplus...but it is too great a risk to linger here.
Hardiboiled draws his gun behind Carnelian.
Freeze, mage. You so much as twitch your lips and I'll light you up.
No! I've worked too hard to give up now!
Keshkayi escapes on the Air-wheeler A9. An oglops appears.
He's getting away...
He'll keep. I've got the one I want.
But don't think I'm taking you in just so you can escape. Never again...
Hardiboiled charges his gun.
Murder is not the answer, Detective!
Hildibrand launches himself at Carnelian. Carnelian turns into a slime, with Hildibrand getting stuck in him.
<cough> <cough>
Carnelian launches Hildibrand out at Hardiboiled and turns back into his Eldite form.
Where─ <cough> Where did Carnelian go...?
You almost had me...if not for this bumbling fool you tolerate. Soft as ever.
Carnelian teleports away. It begins to rain.
You and me are done, Hildibrand. Stay out of my way.
Hardiboiled walks away. The oglops follows him.
My recent inadequacies as an inspector appear to have earned the detective's ire...
'Twas you he turned to for assistance with this case, Forename. It is only fitting that you remain at his side for the duration.
Meanwhile, Nashu and I shall persist with our independent inquiries!
End of cutscene.
Speak with Hardiboiled in Solution Nine.
The player is teleported back to Solution Nine.
Start of cutscene.Sorry for the sudden exit back there, but that yolk-for-brains had me steaming...
What will you say?
Hildibrand only wants to help.
That's the problem. His “help” ain't nothing but a hindrance.
...
Hardiboiled notices Hildibrand and Nashu eavesdropping.
For the love of─ I see you skulking over there, soft-boiled.
Isn't this a delightful spot of serendipity! We were simply following the villain's trail and look how we've all run into each other! Completely by chance.
W-Well, uh, we were only passing through after all. We shall apprehend that masked mastermind with our own tried-and-true methodology, you shall see!
Hildibrand and Nashu run off.
Forename, I want you on the case with me from here on out. When it comes to a proper guide beyond the dome─as well as being tougher than yours truly─no one else fits the bill.
You might need to cool your heels for a bit while I work on salvaging more data, but Hardiboiled always gets his files in the end. See you around.
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
Hm hm hm hm...
Ahahahahaha! At long last, my scheme is come to fruition!
No longer must I endure the company of incompetent colleagues. All is in readiness. The replication of my brilliant mind is at hand!
Never again will I be known as “The Kanilokka Corpus's Second Best”! My name shall ring across the lands, carried far and wide by an army of unrivaled geniuses!
Pfft...
Something amusing?
Oh, just the fact that you repaired a device capable of miracles, yet your plans for it are so very...banal.
You dare mock me!?
Carnelian takes out Keshkayi with a spell.
What a bore he was. Now to realize a dream worthy of this marvelous technology...
The camera focuses on an object resembling PuPu's UFO. The screen goes black, and scene transitions to a black and white view of Solution Nine with Hardiboiled.
Detective Hardiboiled, they call me...
Cool and tough as a cucumber wrapped in old leather, I'm a man who prefers his own company.
Today's egg was overdone. I let the pot boil and boil─a match to my mood.
They say you can't make a cracked shell whole again. Maybe it's time I smashed it completely...
Cor, those are some troubling thoughts. Can anyone save Detective Hardiboiled from himself?
I bet the inspector can! With us on the case, a happy ending is never far away!
End of cutscene.
Optional dialogue after quest is complete.
Optional dialogue
Sheesh, Forename. I work fast, but not that fast. Come back another day, will ya?
Oh, before you go... Do you remember when I said I felt eyes on me? Well, I still feel like I'm being watched. Maybe I do have some addle-headed admirer after all.