here's some links for you:
http://quest5.net/wiki/More_things_to_do_with_objects (scroll down to the bottom for the "Ask/Tell", though you may want to read the entire page, as it is related to how "Ask/Tell" works and how you set it up to work)
http://quest5.net/wiki/Hs-asktell (this is a good step by step guide)
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"Ask" is a built-in specifically designed Command that uses a Script Dictionary
http://quest5.net/wiki/Command_element (Commands allow the user to type-in their desired input and the game engine tries to match it up with scripting, to act upon it)
http://quest5.net/wiki/Scriptdictionaryhttp://quest5.net/wiki/Using_Dictionaries-------------
if you still need help, let me know, and I'll try to help you with it.