Transcript of this chapter:

barlow: We have to find out why Rebecca and the Sheriff are fighting. You go talk to the Sheriff, and I'll work on Rebecca some more.
crystal: Why bother? Everything points to Alex.
barlow: Oh, sure, he's the obvious choice... but something is bothering me about why the others are so angry.
crystal: Okay, I'll see what I can get out of the Sheriff, then we'll meet up later to compare notes.
crystal: Oh, Sheriff Slugg-Moss...
sheriff: How can I help you, Miss... Crystal, is it?
crystal: I have some questions about the town...
sheriff: Why ask me? All answers are found... within.
crystal: That sure was some excitement earlier, wasn't it?
sheriff: Excitement?
crystal: You know... the bridge fell down.
sheriff: That was it's time to fall down.
crystal: Yes, well I was wondering...
sheriff: I was wondering if you were aware that, as Sheriff, I'm the only person in town authorized to investigate crimes?
crystal: Oh... I'm aware now.
crystal: How did you know I wanted to investigate the bridge?
sheriff: I may not know you well, but I know someone who's very nearly your opposite. To know him is to know you.
crystal: So are you going to investigate the bridge?
sheriff: Like everything in the universe, the bridge is in a certain place for a certain period of time. It cannot choose to be anything but a bridge, just as it could not have chosen any other time to break.
sheriff: If the bridge had fallen at any other time than its proper time, then it would have been a crime worthy of investigating.
crystal: But someone could have helped the bridge... uh, decide on a time to fall.
sheriff: It is possible, but why would anyone choose to upset the natural order of things? Everything is so properly balanced.
crystal: Is it really just the four of you here? You and Rebecca and Alex and Barlow... that's the whole population?
sheriff: You need to include yourself in that list now.
crystal: This town seems rather large for just the five of us. What about the utilities and such, if we ARE cut off from the world?
sheriff: Spider Cliff is amazingly self-contained. The utility area in the lower part of the town takes care of our needs with a minimum of maintenance. Why, it even protects out town from certain destruction.
crystal: It does?
sheriff: Certainly. If someone wanted to destroy the town, it wouldn't be difficult.
crystal: Why is Rebecca so mad at you?
sheriff: Oh, she'll get over it. It's just that she's a bit upset with my attitude towards things. The bridge thing upset her, and she thinks my approach is... not up to her standards.
crystal: So you think she's going to forgive you so quickly?
sheriff: She'll come around to my view in the end. I'm going to see her tonight. This is the night we usually play Scatter-tyles.
crystal: So you basically do nothing, and Rebecca is mad about it?
sheriff: I don't usually repeat myself. I'll just add that Rebecca doesn't see the big picture.
crystal: You're going to act like nothing happened today?
sheriff: Did something big happen?
crystal: The bridge!
sheriff: Hmm...
crystal: What is Scatter-tyles?
sheriff: It's a board game. Rebecca and I play it once a week... it's the only time I'm off-duty. I usually leave my master key in my office in case anyone needs it during that time.
crystal: Why are you telling me how the town can be destroyed? Isn't that information best kept as a secret?
sheriff: Secrets and deception work counter to balance and stability. To lie or withhold the truth is a sign of unbalanced thinking. This is why I never lie.
crystal: Where do paper mammals fit into your balanced world?
sheriff: I don't follow you.
crystal: You trap them for sport, don't you?
sheriff: I admit that I take great pleasure in catching them. There is nothing wrong with that.
crystal: I think someone would disagree with you... what's his name? Turnip?
sheriff: That THING is an abomination. If it wasn't for that one, I'd have a much larger catch.
crystal: So you don't think he's an adequate balance to your hunting?
sheriff: ... You ARE clever.
crystal: Just answer this... did you destroy the bridge?
sheriff: No.
crystal: No? That's it, just no? Where's the vague statements about the proper balance?
sheriff: You asked a frank question and I gave a direct answer. How much more balanced can that be?