The Long Mean While is a fictional novel written by Daniel Fletcher, with himself as the main character. The story involves his Task Force 29 co-workers and includes a romantic plot between him and Delara Auzenne.
Excerpts from this novel appear as in-game eBooks in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided:
- Chapter 1 can be found in Fletcher's office in the Task Force 29 Headquarters.
- Chapter 27 can be found on a terrace of an apartment overlooking the Palisade Station (above the Neogod Di Magi Shop).
Chapter 1[]
One razor-straight line of chalk marked it. The position was important, you see, the cuff should just lightly brush the top of the shoe. Martin was there, as always, making sure my new suit fit just right.
"What's her name, Mr. Fletcher?" Martin asked, taking his final measurements.
"Her name," I said, looking down at him, "is Doctor Delara Auzenne."
"Sounds ominous."
"No, Martin, it's
sounds beautiful." I looked at myself in the mirror and approved.
"Well, you're gonna knock her out in this suit."
I tilted my head, made a face, and smiled. "That's the point."
I didn't know it then, that was the second to last time I would have a suit tailored and the last time I would ever see Martin Cobbler, my master tailor, alive.
Chapter 27[]
There was a pause. "Are you sure?"
"Am I sure? I always double check. I've run a few simulations, and it just destroys everything in its path. Thousands of people could die if we don't get that package back."
"Run it again, Smiley. Then tell Miller."
Delara came back in a sat on my dark leather couch. "Who was that?" she asked.
"Ah, just Agent Jensen."
"You work too much, Daniel."
"It's important," I said, restarting the simulation again. "But the simulation will take a few hours to complete, so you have my undivided attention."
"Oh, I do, do I?"
I sat down on the couch next to her, leaned in and said, "Karaoke?"
Her eyes popped wide and she smiled. "You always know just what to say don't you?"