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<hr><p>
<center>{embed image: 'title.jpg', alt: 'Title Image'}</center><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><hr><p>
Every adventurer has a name...<p>
What is yours?
{text input for: 'name'}<p>
[[Introduction/Credits]]<p>
[[Continue|1]]
config.footer.center: "{back link}"
--
{name}, choose your weapon:<p>
(Please choose one.)<p>
{dropdown menu for: 'weapon', choices: ['your switchblade', 'your dagger', 'your bowie knife', 'your small axe']}
<p>
[[Continue|2]]
Everyone comes from somewhere, {name}. Which one of these actual places do you come from?<p>
(Please choose one.)<p>
{dropdown menu for: 'place', choices: ['Deadhorse, Alaska', 'Nothing, Arizona', 'Greasy Corner, Arkansas', 'Forks of Salmon, California', 'Nowhere, Colorado', 'Bacon Level, Alabama', 'What Cheer, Iowa', 'Hurt, Virginia', 'Booger Hole, West Virginia', 'Hot Coffee, Mississippi', 'Peculiar, Missouri', 'Ding Dong, Texas', 'Pig, Kentucky', 'Why Not, North Carolina', 'Dull, Ohio', 'Coward, South Carolina']}
<p>
[[Continue|3]]To summarize, {name} - You are from {place}, and use {weapon} as your weapon of choice. <i><b>It's nice to be somebody, from somewhere, and to have a weapon</i></b>.<p>
[[On to adventure!|4]] Adventurer {name}, thank you for choosing to play <i>The Trope Exploit</i>.
Replayability is important. When you finish one adventure, restart the gamebook and start another... Or, retry the same adventure. There are different scenarios and outcomes built in to each adventure.
<hr>
<center><b>The Trope Exploit<br>
by John C. Knudsen<br>
2020</b></center>
<hr>
Written in Twine 2.37 and Chapbook 1.0.<p>
The text font is <b>Roboto</b>. Thank you Christian Robertson and Google Fonts!<p>
Your feedback is welcome! You can contact the author at:<br>
<center> knudsenjohnc@hotmail.com</center>
[[Continue|1]]
<center>Choose your adventure, {name}:</center><p><p><p><p>
[[You go for a walk in the forest.|8]]<p>
[[You are a wacky inventor.|6]]<p>
[[You are a secret agent out to steal technology.|7]]<p>
[[You are an enforcer for a criminal organization.|5]]<p>
[[You are a professional monster hunter.|9]]<p>
[[You are an emotional wreck, trying to rebuild your life.|10]]<p>
<p>“Gangsters live for the action. The closer to death, the nearer to the heated coil of the moment, the more alive they feel. Most would rather succumb to a barrage of bullets from a roomful of sworn enemies than to the debilitation of old age, dying the death of the feeble. A gangster becomes as addicted to the thrill of the battle and the potential to die in the midst of it as he does to he more attractive lures in his path. In his world, the potential for death exists every day. The better gangsters don't shy away from such a dreaded possibility but rather find comfort in its proximity.”<p>
<center>Lorenzo Carcaterra</center>
<hr>
{name}, you are an enforcer for <i>The Machine</i>. Your job is to find informers and apply pressure to those deluded souls who do not obey <i>The Machine</i>. You occupy an important position in the organization.<p>
[[Go downtown to see the Big Boss Man.|12]]<p>
[[Eat breakfast.|13]]<p>
[[Watch "Total Recall" on demand.|14]]<p>
“His older self had taught his younger self a language which the older self knew because the younger self, after being taught, grew up to be the older self and was, therefore, capable of teaching.”<p>
<center>Robert A. Heinlein</center>
<hr>
{name}, you are a wacky inventor trying to invent a workable time machine. This is so that you can go back in time and find that special sock you lost when you were doing your laundry, and bring it back to the present time. <i>Franky Butler</i> is your helper in your workshop.<p>
[[Talk to Franky about your missing sock.|15]]<p>
[[Gaze at the sock which has no twin.|16]]<p>
[[Tinker with the time travel device.|17]]<p>“Our universe is a sorry little affair unless it has in it something for every age to investigate.”<p>
<center>Seneca</center>
<hr>
<i>January 5, 2134</i><br>
{name}, you are a secret agent from Earth on the way to the small planet Phogutis (located in the Lion's Mane Nebula) to steal some important AI technology. Your cover story is that you are going to Phogutis for a vacation. You are traveling on the <i>Bold Frontier</i>, which is a rodent-infested, smelly old hulk of a ship. <i>Carter Nine Lives</i> is the Captain of this wreck.<p>
[[Research the Phogutisians.|18]]<p>
[[Complain to the Captain about his wreck of a ship.|19]]<p>
[[Take your personal assistant robot out of the box.|20]]<p>“I am alarmed when it happens that I have walked a mile into the woods bodily, without getting there in spirit.”<p>
<center>Henry David Thoreau</center>
<hr>
{name}, you are walking in a forest outside of {place} that you are unfamiliar with. Your doctor has previously told you that you need more exercise, so, here you are. As you are strolling along, you come to a clearing with a crossroad.<p>
[[Take the path to the left.|21]]<p>
[[Take the path to the right.|22]]<p>
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”<p>
<center>Friedrich Nietzsche</center>
<hr>
Humans and monsters can rarely co-exist. You work for <i>The Collective</i>, which is a secret fraternal Anti-Monster Order in the Democratic Republic of the United States. The more monsters you destroy, the more useful service you provide to the public. It is a thankless job, but someone <b><u>has to do it</u></b>.<p>
[[You study the "Monster Book" while waiting for night.|24]]<p>
[[You sharpen your combat skills while waiting for night.|25]]<p>
[[You take a nap while waiting for night.|26]]<p>
“There are always two people involved in cruelty, aren't there? One to be vicious and someone to suffer! And what's the use of getting rid of - of wickedness, say - in the outside world if you let it creep back into things from inside you?”<p>
<center>Margaret Mahy</center>
<hr>
Life can be so cruel. You are having no luck in your working life, your relationships, and your finances. Something has got to change, pretty damn quick... You are determined to improve your life situation, and you <i>will not</i> give up.<p>
[[You cry some more, feeling sorry for yourself.|27]]<p>
[[You watch some "Jerry Knight" re-runs on TV.|28]]<p>
[[You wash and wax your pale green 1972 Ford Pinto sedan.|29]]<p>
[[You ask Alexia for some advice.|35]]"I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark."<p>
<center>Stephen Hawking</center>
<hr>
You are deceased.<p>
You have some serious philosophical issues with Stephen Hawking. Just wait until you see that guy... You don't know a whole lot of things at this point, but you do know <i>some</i> things. Like, you know you are dead, but you also know that you exist. You are discovering the ultimate mystery of life - <u>death</u>. Joy!<p>
[[You pinch yourself, to see what condition your condition is in.|30]]<p>
[[You contemplate the circumstances of your death.|31]]<p>
[[You explore your new environment.|32]]<p>
[[You check the status of {weapon}.|34]]<p>The dreary streets of downtown {place} offer little in the way of cheer, or happiness. It is a dirty, gritty place. The non-descript run down building is the perfect place for the Big Boss Man to have his office. On the first floor, there is the <i>Broken Arm Inn</i>, a dive bar popular with police officers, lawyers, and mobsters. You have to walk though the Inn to reach the stairs at the back to go to the upper floors. You have made this trip up to the third floor many times. The decrepit stairs creak as you make your way to the third floor. You knock on the dingy door with Room 309 posted on it... The Big Boss Man opens the door.<p>
"Come on in, {name}, I've been waitin for you. I got a job for ya..." You enter the smelly office and take a seat on a grimy chair next to the filthy table. The whole office reeks of sweat and cheap cigar smoke.<p>
[[Continue|33]]<p>
You have cereal and some milk, and a big banana. You pour some cereal in a bowl and drown it with milk. You take a big bite and realize that the milk has soured. You throw the bowl in the kitchen sink in disgust. <i>So much for a big breakfast</i>.<p>
You grab the big banana while thinking to yourself, <i>"I wonder what it feels like to be the big banana?"</i> After chuckling a a bit, you decide to do something useful...<p>
[[Go downtown to see the Big Boss Man.|12]]<p>
[[Watch "Total Recall" on demand.|14]]<p>
You can't <b>totally recall</b> when you have seen a worse film. <i>This was the 2012 remake, and not the 1990 original!</i> And you can never recover the last one hour and fifty eight minutes of your life.<p>
Perhaps the day can yet be salvaged...<p>
[[Go downtown to see the Big Boss Man.|12]]<p>
[[Eat breakfast.|13]]<p>
"Franky - I miss my sock," you turn to your eager assistant and watch him working diligently sweeping the floor of the workshop. "I know, {name} - I know." Frankly sighs a compassionate sigh.<p>
Franky is a tall young man, about six foot. He has blond hair, wears glasses, and is 24 years old. He is a graduate student at <i>Hassloch University,</i> {place}. He expects to graduate in a year. You knew his father, Berend Butler. The family immigrated from Germany in the 1920's, when their surname was <i>Buetler.</i><p>
[[Gaze at the sock which has no twin.|16]]<p>
[[Tinker with the time travel device.|17]]<p>“I'd rather have my missing sock than a finger.”<p>
<center>{name}</center>
<hr>
Your socks mean the world to you. Losing one is like losing a puppy - no <u>worse</u>... Life is empty without a matching pair. You look at the sock which has no twin and you realize that <i>it is a special sock indeed.</i> It is brown in color, with red, green, and purple diagonal stripes. Your auntie Mildred knitted this pair for you several years ago. Anyone can be a clever inventor, but it takes someone with style to wear socks like this. They are a part of you. Your entire being mourns at the loss.<p>
[[Talk to Franky about your missing sock.|15]]<p>
[[Tinker with the time travel device.|17]]<p>Your time machine is a sturdy platform with many gears, tubes, and a chair for one person with an instrument panel in front of it. To the side of the chair, there are levers and other controls. Its height is about five feet, and the width is about six feet. It is rather small in size, considering the engineering that went into it.
<p>
After three years of development, the device is almost ready for testing. It just needs a tune-up and some cosmetic changes...<p>
You send Franky down to the local <i>Gizmo Geek</i> store to pick up a couple of Tube Shields. While he's gone, you go down the checklist one more time. At the same time, you think about the first real world test. It has to be something simple, not something so <i>complex</i> as recovering the missing sock...<p>
[[Continue.|172]]<p>The <i>Phogutisians</i> are somewhat of a mystery to present-day scholars. They are not native to the planet Phogutis, which is located in the Lion's Mane Nebula. Sometime in the distant past, they traveled to that location, for some unknown reason.<p>
Phogutis has a reputation for being a good vacation location. Some call it the <i>utopia</i> of the region. There have been no known conflicts or wars for at least 400 years. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is the main planetary commercial endeavor, second only to tourism.<p>
A small planet, its population remains a steady fifty million people. It is organized along the One World Order (OWO) political concept. The government does not appear to be dictorial in nature, but the Phogutisians are very secretive about their political systems, and do not discuss it with outsiders.<p>
Not much is known about defense systems, or planetary defense forces. Visitors report the lack of visible police forces or military. Strangely, the planet has never been attacked by outsiders.<p>
[[Complain to the Captain about his wreck of a ship.|19]]<p>
[[Take your personal assistant robot out of the box.|20]]<p>Travelers on the <i>Bold Frontier</i> are encouraged to visit the Bridge, and see the crew at work. You decide to visit the Bridge. When you reach it, all appears to be quiet. The Captain is quietly issuing orders like a captain would.<p>
Carter Nine Lives is about six feet tall, has long, shaggy hair, and is dressed in an old olive green jump suit which has seen better days. <i>Much like this ship,</i> you think to yourself.<p>
"Ah, {name}, nice to see you. Are you enjoying your trip?" Carter Nine Lives says.<p>"Yes - I am. I would enjoy it much more were it not for the stench and the rodents," you reply. "Aye, she's an old ship all right - old but true. She'll get you to where you're going. It was Phogutis, wasn't it?" "Yes," you respond. "We'll be there late tomorrow." Carter Nine Lives seems to be an amiable fellow. "Thank you, Captain," you say. "Don't mention it - and, enjoy the rest of your trip!" the captain smiles as you turn and depart the Bridge.<p>
[[Research the Phogutisians.|18]]<p>
[[Take your personal assistant robot out of the box.|20]]<p>These new models are pretty cool. You unpack your personal robot. Once you turn it on, the robot completes the assembly. It is about five feet tall, and is quite human in appearance. You watch as the robot completes its sequencing.<p>
"Ready," the robot speaks and just stands there.<p>
"What is your name?" you ask. "My name is <b>Xyzzy</b>," it responds. "Are you kidding me? I will call you <b>X</b> instead - understand?" "Understood, {name}."<p>
"What is your mission, X?" you ask. "To assist only {name}," X responds.
"Very good." You hand X a micro disk which contains secret information on your mission, and background on Phogutis. "Upload the encrypted data on this disk while you charge yourself to full power, and then destroy the disk," you instruct X. "Acknowledged," X responds.<p>
[[Take a nap on your bunk.|195]]<p>
[[Head down to the canteen.|196]]<p>
[[Read the robot handler's manual.|197]]<p>You decide to take the path to the left. Up ahead, you see some kind of clearing.<p>
You have the feeling that someone, or something, is following you.<p>
[[You speed up your pace and rush to the clearing ahead.|43]]<p>
[[You hazard a glance behind you, to see what is following.|44]]<p>
[[You grab {weapon} and turn around quickly.|45]]<p>You take the path to the right and notice that the forest is getting thicker now. More of the sky is blocked, the thicker it gets.<p>
The path is narrower. You look down at your feet, as you are walking, and notice something unusual.<p>
<center>The dirt on the path is a strange <font color="#CFB53B"> <b>golden</font></b> color.</center><p>
This is indeed odd. Not only that, you find yourself singing softly to yourself - <i>Follow the yellow brick road!</i><p>
What's next - <i>lions and tigers and bears?</i> You pull yourself together and stop the silly thoughts. It's probably just the hue of the clay/dirt mix beneath your feet.<p>
Up ahead, there is a small hut off the path, on the right side.<p>
[[Approach the hut cautiously.|75]]Double-click this passage to edit it.<i>The Monster Book</i> is more than your favorite book, it is an essential resource for your job. While flipping pages, the following entry catches your eye:<p>
<b>GILLA DACKER</b><br>
<i>Giant.</i><br>
<i>Dangerous, but lazy.</i><br>
Long, heavy, straight sword at left hip.<br>
Two thick-handled broad-headed spears in left hand.<br>
Iron club in right hand.<p>
The Gilla Dacker has a large, thick body, bloated and swollen out to a great size; clumsy, crooked legs; and broad, flat feet turned inwards. His hands and arms and shoulders are bony and thick and very strong-looking; his neck is long and thin. Thick lips, and long, crooked teeth; and his face is covered with bushy hair. He is fully armed; all his weapons rusty and soiled and slovenly looking. A broad shield of a dirty, sooty color, rough and battered, hangs over his back. Mounted on a giant, lazy horse.<p>
<i>Hmm - you've never seen one of those...</i><p>
[[You sharpen your combat skills while waiting for night.|25]]<p>
[[You take a nap while waiting for night.|26]]<p>
In addition to {weapon}, you have an additional weapon - you are a <b>Scanner</b>.<p>Scanners are capable of
using telepathy and psychokinesis to cause the head of their enemy to explode. It is one of the things that makes you such an awesome monster hunter.<p>
This power, obviously, takes extensive training before it can be used. No one, except the monsters that you kill, have any idea that you are a Scanner - and they aren't talking. Should your secret ever become known, well, you would be a target yourself. You must hunt <b>alone</b>.<p>
[[Practice your combat skills.|36]]<p>A nap is always wise before embarking on some serious monster hunting. The problem with naps is, sometimes they can lead to nightmares, even if they happen to occur during the day. You know, those <i>wake up in a heavy sweat moments</i> which leave you paralyzed until you realize that you were only dreaming. Does a monster dream?<p>
You do take a nap, and wake up feeling refreshed.<p>
[[You study the "Monster Book" while waiting for night.|24]]<p>
[[You sharpen your combat skills while waiting for night.|25]]<p>
When you told one of your few remaining friends how depressed you were, she suggested a pity party. Without missing a beat, you told her that no one would come... After thinking for awhile, she agreed.<p>
How did you get into this funk? You're basically a good person, not without faults (and who is without faults?) - sometimes you think you are just getting a raw deal in life.<p>
Enough of this!<p>
<hr>
“Self-pity, while it should be accorded due respect, is the greatest of all acids to the human soul.”<p>
<center>Paul Hoffman</center>
<hr>
<p>
[[You watch some "Jerry Knight" re-runs on TV.|28]]<p>
[[You wash and wax your pale green 1972 Ford Pinto sedan.|29]]<p>
[[You ask Alexia for some advice.|35]]<hr>Did you know that in Chess, the German word for <i>Knight</i> is <i>Springer</i>? This adventure simply would not be the same without a chess reference...</i><p>
<hr>
There is something soothing about watching other people parade their problems in public on national television. In one episode, a guy loved his pet monkey so much that when the monkey died, he decided to become a monkey. He had cosmetic surgery done and everything. A sort of <i>reverse darwinism</i>. The guy was happy, everyone he came into contact with not so much...<p>
In another, a woman was trying to marry her pet Sugar glider, because she was more devoted to it than to her husband. Her husband was sceptical of the idea, as was the studio audience.<p>
You decide, after a few episodes, that the <i>Jerry Knight</i> show, while comforting, won't help you resolve your problems.<p>
[[You cry some more, feeling sorry for yourself.|27]]<p>
[[You wash and wax your pale green 1972 Ford Pinto sedan.|29]]<p>
[[You ask Alexia for some advice.|35]]"There appears to be a deeply embedded uneasiness in our culture about throwing away junk that can be reused. Perhaps, in part, it is guilt about consumption. Perhaps it also feels unnatural. Mother Nature doesn't throw stuff away. Dead trees, birds, beetles and elephants are pretty quickly recycled by the system."
<center>William Booth</center>
<hr>
Your junk may not be much, but it is <b>yours</b>.<p> Your pale green 1972 Ford Pinto sedan stands ready for washing and waxing. Others marvel at the notion that it is still even road worthy. It is a matter of personal pride with you - keeping it clean and working. An additional benefit is the therapy factor. It just feels good. You don't need no stinkin Mercedes to define your self worth...<p>
[[Wash and wax your piece of junk.|149]]<p>When you try to pinch yourself, nothing happens. There is something odd about being on a spiritual plane of existence - there's no physicality to it. None, whatsoever. Still, when you first realize that, it makes an awesome impression on you. Your mind is active as ever. You have your memories, your hopes, and your dreams. The problem is, there is no physical realm around you to interact with.<p>
This is the new you, what you have to deal with. Embrace it and learn everything you can about your new normal. What other choice have you got?<p>
[[You contemplate the circumstances of your death.|31]]<p>
[[You explore your new environment.|32]]<p>
[[You check the status of {weapon}.|34]]<p>You know how and why you died. You had no chance. Your life did not flash before your eyes. It just happened. And then there was nothingness - no pain, no floating above the scene, and etc. Just blackness, and silence. You felt nothing, saw nothing, smelled nothing.<p>
Suddenly, you woke up from the nothingness...<p>
[[You pinch yourself, to see what condition your condition is in.|30]]<p>
[[You explore your new environment.|32]]<p>
[[You check the status of {weapon}.|34]]<p>
There's not much to explore here. You seem to be located in some kind of container that allows you to lie down, sit up, or stand up. Or, it at least gives the illusion of such activity. You cannot touch the container - it is more like some kind of force surrounding you. Your mind is active, and you observe your situation with some interest. This is, after all, the only situation you've got...<p>
[after 8s]
<font color="green-3">Green colored lights</font> <b>flash</b> around the perimeter of the container. You stand up quickly.<p>
[after 15s]
In the distance, you see a blue object heading towards you. It looks like a robot of some kind. It stops right in front of you.<p>
[after 25s]
"{name}, follow me, I am your guide," the robot says. "What is your name?" you ask the robot. "Pink," it replies. "Pink, why Pink?" you ask. "Because Floyd was already taken. Now follow me."<p>
[after 35s]
[[You follow Pink, the blue-colored robot.|147]]
The Big Boss Man's real name is <i>Harlan J. Quillpot,</i> but no one would ever dream of calling him that - well, maybe his mother would. He has a bad reputation in town, which of course is good for business. It is rumored that he has personally whacked 12 men, more or less - so he is definitely not one to mess with. He is about five foot seven, with a stubble of a beard, bad teeth, with nasty breath to match. He shuffles with a limp in one leg. Some people say that was from a bar fight when he was younger.<p>
The Boss comes up behind you, and places both hands on your shoulders. "{name}, there's this guy - see. He doesn't pay his protection money, and needs to be taught a lesson. Are you up for that?"<p>
"Of course," you answer. "Good - I knew I could count on you," the Big Boss Man is smiling. "Do you know Martin West?" "The guy that runs the ice cream truck for the kids?" "Yeah - that's him. He owes <i>The Machine</i> two hundred dollars." "Understood."<p>
[[Continue.|96]]<p>{name}, your chosen weapon is useless in this adventure. In addition, any other weapon or any thing you were carrying when you died is not here. You exist on a spiritual plane, not a physical one. You cannot carry a weapon...<p>
[[You pinch yourself, to see what condition your condition is in.|30]]<p>
[[You contemplate the circumstances of your death.|31]]<p>
[[You explore your new environment.|32]]<p>
Over the years, you have developed a <b>deep personal relationship</b> with Alexia, your AI technology virtual assistant. Alexia never judges you, berates you, or insults you. Here's your latest session:<p>
<i>{name}</i>: "Alexia, why am I feeling so blue, so depressed?"<br>
<i>Alexia</i>: "Here's some information I found for you. <i>Blue</i> is one of the three primary colours of pigments in painting and traditional color theory, as well as in the RGB color model. It lies between violet and green on the spectrum of visible light. The eye perceives blue when observing light with a dominant wavelength between approximately 450 and 495 nanometres. <i>Depression</i> is a state of low mood and aversion to activity. It can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, motivation, feelings, and sense of well-being. It may feature sadness, difficulty in thinking and concentration and a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping. People experiencing depression may have feelings of dejection, hopelessness and, sometimes, suicidal thoughts. It can either be short term or long term."<br>
<i>{name}</i>: "Thank you very much, Alexia!"<br>
<i>Alexia</i>: "You're welcome, {name}, and have a nice {now.weekdayName}!"<p>
Alexia is such a good friend!<p>
[[You cry some more, feeling sorry for yourself.|27]]<p>
[[You watch some "Jerry Knight" re-runs on TV.|28]]<p>
[[You wash and wax your pale green 1972 Ford Pinto sedan.|29]]<p>
You used to practice your scanning on lowly creatures, like flies or ants, but gave it up, considering it barbaric. Your skill works flawlessly when you need it to.<p>
You decide to exercise your physical strength a bit until the sector assignment for the evening comes in.<p>
[if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '37'}
[else]
{embed passage: '38'}
Halfway through your workout, the call from Mort the Dispatcher (from <i>The Collective)</i> comes in. You are to work the southern sector of the {place} Cavern tonight. After some meaningless chatter, you end the conversation, wishing Mort a good night.<p>
[[The southern sector.|39]]Halfway through your workout, the call from Mort the Dispatcher (from <i>The Collective)</i> comes in. You are to work the western sector of the {place} Cavern tonight. After some meaningless chatter, you end the conversation, wishing Mort a good night.<p>
[[The western sector.|40]]weapon2: 'your short sword'
--
<center>{place} Cavern, Southern Sector</center><p>
The southern sector is a sprawling maze with many <i>twisty little passages.</i> There are multiple entrances and exists, many of which are hidden. You have been there many times. The monsters in the southern sector tend to be the smaller, extremely dangerous types. They sometimes travel in groups and like to go outside the Cavern nightly. You go over to your weapons cabinet and take out {weapon2}.<p>
You take {weapon} and {weapon2}, as well as your tactical flashlight, and get ready to head out.<p>
[[Off to the southern sector!|41]]<p>weapon3: 'your long sword'
--
<center>{place} Cavern, Western Sector</center><p>
The western sector is a tight one, with several entrances and exits. You have been there many times. The monsters in the western sector tend to be larger, and usually operate singly, rather than in groups. Though larger, and extremely dangerous, they tend to be slow moving and therefore easier to kill. You go over to your weapons cabinet and take out {weapon3}.<p>
You take {weapon} and {weapon3}, as well as your tactical flashlight, and get ready to head out.<p>
[[Off to the western sector!|42]]<p><b>{place} Cavern, Southern Sector<br>
Entrance</b><p>
You are motivated for some monster killing. You slowly move through the entrance into a large chamber.<p>
Up ahead, fifty feet from the entrance, you see a small group of zombies - no more than 3, milling about. They haven't noticed you. You crouch behind a large rock and toss a small stone into the pathway, to attract their attention. You have to be careful with zombies - where there are 3, there are more in the area.<p>
[[Result of your throwing the small stone.|300]]<p>
<b>{place} Cavern, Western Sector<br>
Entrance</b><p>
You are motivated for some monster killing. You slowly move through the entrance into a medium size chamber. You can usually hear (or smell) these bigger guys a long distance away. Of course, they can usually smell you a long distance away as well, so it isn't much of an advantage.<p>
There is an average sized Chimera loitering about 75 feet away from you. Nasty creatures, they can kill you by bite or by breath. This one is going to take some planning to bag.<p>
[[Use {weapon} as your primary weapon.|320]]<p>
[[Use {weapon3} as your primary weapon.|321]]<p>
[[Use scanning as your primary weapon.|322]]<p>
You make it to the clearing. You are breathing heavily. You now understand why the doctor wanted you to get more exercise. You stop for a moment and look at your surroundings. There is no sign of anything amiss.<p>
Someone has been chopping wood here. There are wood shavings on the ground, a tree stump, and other debris strewn about.<p>
[[Look closer at the debris on the ground.|46]]<p>
When you look behind you, you see nothing. Looking down at your feet, you are surprised to see a kitten just sitting there, looking at you. He looks tired, hungry and lost.<p>
"Hey little guy - where did you come from?" you ask.<p>
The kitten answers by moving closer to you, gazing at you with pathetic little eyes. He rubs your pants while purring. You check to see if he is wearing a tag or collar. No such luck...<p>
You sit down with the kitten along the side of the road. You reach into your pocket and find some crackers. You give the crackers to the kitten and he cautiously eats them. Next, you give him some milk from your milk bottle. He drinks the milk, and then plops down by your side. He has a new sparkle in his eyes and seems content. You stay there for awhile, stroking the kitten.<p>
[[Leave the kitten behind and continue along the path.|71]]<br>
[[Pick up the kitten and head towards home.|55]]<br>
[[Attack the kitten with {weapon}.|72]]Scanning the path behind you quickly, you see nothing. Looking down at your feet, you are surprised to see a puppy just sitting there, looking at you. He looks tired, hungry and lost.<p>
"Hey little guy - where did you come from?" you ask.<p>
The puppy answers by moving closer to you, gazing at you with pathetic little eyes, and whimpering. You check to see if he is wearing a tag or collar. No such luck...<p>
You sit down with the puppy along the side of the road. You reach into your pocket and find some crackers. You give the crackers to the puppy and he noisily eats them. Next, you give him some water from your water bottle. He slurps the water, burps, and then plops down at your side. He has a new sparkle in his eyes and seems content. You stay there for awhile, petting the puppy.<p>
[[Attack the puppy with {weapon}.|74]]<br>
[[Pick up the puppy and head towards home.|52]]<br>
[[Leave the puppy behind and continue along the path.|73]]
You examine the debris and there is nothing special about it. There are some empty water bottles and some cigarette butts there. You consider yourself an environmentalist, so you utter a small curse. You also notice a small, shiny piece of paper amidst the other trash.<p>
[[Examine the shiny piece of paper.|48]]<p>
[[Gather up the debris for proper disposal.|49]]<p>
You sit down on the tree stump to rest a bit. It is perfectly formed so that you can sit comfortably. A slight wind is whispering through the trees, cooling your neck. <i>It is a great day to be alive,</i> you think to yourself, caught up in the moment.<p>Up ahead, it looks like the path continues as the forest becomes dense again.<p>
[[Leave the bag of debris you collected near the stump (for the return journey), and continue your hike along the path.|58]]<p>
[[You decide to take the bag of debris home to properly dispose of it.|59]]<p>The shiny piece of paper is a <i>Bazooka Joe</i> comic strip. They used to be wrapped inside <i>Bazooka Bubble Gum</i>. You fondly remember having collected them in your youth. This one has Bazooka Joe talking with Mort.<p>
<i>Joe</i>: WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR JOB, MORT?<br>
<i>Mort</i>: BECAUSE I WAS TOLD TO DO SOMETHING I DIDN'T LIKE!<br>
<i>Joe</i>: WHAT WAS THAT?<br>
<i>Mort</i>: LOOK FOR ANOTHER JOB!<p>
The fortune on the comic read: <i>IF YOU CAN BECOME MORE SYSTEMATIC, YOU WILL ACHIEVE GREAT SUCCESS</i>. There was also an ad for FREE! AIR COMBAT GOGGLES in the lower right hand corner of the comic. This comic was number 90 from series 1 in 1959.<p>
[[Take the comic and put it in your pocket.|50]]<p>
[[Gather up the debris for proper disposal.|51]]<p>You wonder to yourself, as you pick up the debris, whatever happened to <i>if you bring it in, pack it out?</i> Some people are just so careless when it comes to the environment. They toss their trash all over the beautiful forest...<p>
All of this excitement is getting to you...<p>
[[Sit down on the tree stump and rest for awhile.|47]]<p>comic: true
--
You take the <i>Bazooka Joe</i> comic and put it in your pocket.<p>
You gather the debris and place it in a bag for disposal.<p>
All of this excitement is getting to you...<p>
[[Sit down on the tree stump and rest for awhile.|47]]You wonder to yourself, as you pick up the debris, whatever happened to <i>if you bring it in, pack it out?</i> Some people are just so careless when it comes to the environment. They toss their trash all over the beautiful forest...<p>
All of this excitement is getting to you...<p>
[[Sit down on the tree stump and rest for awhile.|47]]<p>As you pick up the puppy you realize that he needs a name. "What shall we call you?" you ask rhetorically.<p> The puppy looks at you, with his tongue hanging out.<p>
"<i>Dufus</i> - that's it. Not the common spelling, but it fits!"<p>
Dufus it is. The canine formally known as <i>puppy</i> seems to like the name.<p>
[[You continue to walk home with Dufus.|53]]<p>
Arriving home, you realize there are a million things to do. Make an appointment to see the Vet, register Dufus, and etc. You have to get toys, bowls, food, and all sorts of things.<p>
You do these things gladly, because you have a new companion, a new friend. From now on, it's {name} and Dufus, exploring the world.<p>
[[Continue.|54]]<font color="green"><b>{name}, you did very well. You rescued Dufus and made the tough choice to put your own personal adventure on hold for awhile to look after your new companion. You got some exercise and rescued the dog - imagine what adventures the two of you will have! BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
As you pick up the kitten you realize that he needs a name. "What shall we call you?" you ask rhetorically.<p> The kitten gives you a puzzled look.<p>
"<i>Kadar</i> - that's it!"<p>
Kadar it is. The feline formally known as <i>kitten</i> seems to like the name.<p>
[[You continue to walk home with Kadar.|56]]<p>Arriving home, you realize there are a million things to do. Make an appointment to see the Vet, register Kadar, and etc. You have to get toys, bowls, litter, food, and all sorts of things.<p>
You do these things gladly, because you have a new companion, a new friend. From now on, it's {name} and Kadar, exploring the world.<p>
[[Continue.|57]]<font color="green"><b>{name}, you did very well. You rescued Kadar and made the tough choice to put your own personal adventure on hold for awhile to look after your new companion. You got some exercise and rescued the cat - imagine what adventures the two of you will have! BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>You continue to stroll along the path, enjoying the nice day and getting more exercise.<p>
The trees are quite dense now.<p>
After about twenty minutes, you notice there is another clearing, this time smaller, and it appears that the path ends there.<p> You walk all the way to the end of the path and stop. Looking around, you notice that there appears to be some kind of book or journal on the side of the path, nested in some grass. Whoever dropped it must have been in a hurry...<p>
[[Examine the book or journal.|68]]You head home, walking back the way you came. You are proud of your environmental responsibility...<p>
[if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '60'}
[else]
{embed passage: '61'}When you get home, you properly dispose of the bag containing the debris you found in the forest.<p>
[[Continue.|62]]You get to the point where you thought something was following you before. You suddenly have the same feeling that something is not right...<p>
In an instant, you see a blur of motion jumping out from a tree up ahead. A wolf! It is standing in the middle of the path, growling at you.<p>
There is no time to run, and this wolf means business. You drop the bag of debris and grab {weapon}.<p>
[if random.coinFlip]
[[Continue.|64]]
[else]
[[Continue.|65]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, You do care about the environment, and that is a <u>good</u> thing.<p> However, you could have left the bag of debris at the tree stump for the return trip, and continued your walk in the forest. By so doing, you would have got more exercise (doctor's orders, remember?) and ALSO obtained more adventuring. You chose not to do this, so...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|106]][if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '106'}
[else]
{embed passage: '107'}The wolf jumps off and runs towards you at full speed. You stand there, still, until it is almost upon you. At that moment, you yell at the top of your lungs, and use {weapon} to defend yourself.<p>
Alas, {weapon} only slightly wounds the wolf, and he starts chewing and ripping with passion. You lose consciousness a sort time later, thankfully...<p>
[[Continue.|66]]The wolf jumps off and runs towards you at full speed. You stand there, still, until it is almost upon you. At that moment, you yell at the top of your lungs, and use {weapon} to defend yourself.<p>
The wolf pounces and attacks you.<p>
You defend yourself with {weapon}. Your skill with {weapon} results in the wolf crashing down at your feet - dead as dead gets. You are uninjured, except for the toll on your nerves.<p>
You head home with a spring in your step, whistling...<p>
[[Continue.|67]]<p><font color="red"><b>{name}, You die a horrible death.
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]<font color="green"><b>{name}, you did very well. You defeated the big bad wolf, brought home the trash from the forest, and got some exercise. BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>book: true
--
You pick up the book and examine it. It looks old and worn. It is a journal or diary of some sort. On the outside cover is written:<p>
<center><b><i>KIDNAPPED BY THE WICKER PEOPLE<br>
BY PROFESSOR BRIAN JENKINS, PhD<br>
Volume I<br>1959-1962</i></b></center><p>
What an incredible find! You can hardly believe your luck. You quickly search the area, looking for any other volumes. You find none.<p>
The wind picks up a bit, and the clouds start turning dark. Time to get a move on, there might be a storm coming soon...<p>
[[You place the journal in your pocket and make your way home.|69]]
On the way back, you stop at the larger clearing, go over to the tree stump, and grab the bag of debris that you gathered before. You pick up the pace considerably because a storm now seems certain. The rest of your walk home is uneventful. You reach your home right before it starts raining...<p>
[[Continue.|70]]<font color="green"><b>{name}, you did very well. You discovered an intriguing journal, brought home the trash from the forest, and got some exercise. What an adventure! BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font><font color="red"><b>{name}, deserting a helpless kitten is not allowed in this world model. You could have rescued him, got more exercise and ALSO enjoyed more adventuring with a new furry friend. You chose not to do this, so...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|106]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, murdering a helpless kitten is not allowed in this world model. You could have rescued him, got more exercise and ALSO enjoyed more adventuring with a new furry friend. You chose not to do this, so...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|106]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, deserting a helpless puppy is not allowed in this world model. You could have rescued him, got more exercise and ALSO enjoyed more adventuring with a new furry friend. You chose not to do this, so...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|106]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, murdering a helpless puppy is not allowed in this world model. You could have rescued him, got more exercise and ALSO enjoyed more adventuring with a new furry friend. You chose not to do this, so...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|106]][if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '76'}
[else]
{embed passage: '77'}You stand on the forest path adjacent to the hut. It is located about fifteen feet off the path.<p>
"Hello, is anyone home?" you shout.<p> After a short time, a strange man opens the door and moves towards you.<p>
The man is short and wearing old clothes. He has a full beard, has some missing teeth, and has a kindly face.<p>
"Good day, sir," you say. The man nods and mutters something under his breath.<p>
"My name is {name}. I am traveling along this path and noticed your hut. It is a very fine hut."<p>
At this, the man smiles and says, "Most people just call me <i>The Hermit.</i> Would you like to come in and have some tea?" "Thank you, yes - how kind of you." You aren't really a tea drinker - coffee is your poison of choice. Sometimes, for the sake of adventure, you must go with the flow...<p>
[[You follow the hermit in to the hut.|78]]
You leave the path and walk up to the door of the hut. You walk up to the door and knock loudly three times. There is no answer.<p>
[[You kick in the door.|79]]<p>
[[You go back to the path and continue on your journey.|80]]
As you step through the door, your eyes adjust to the dark interior. Candles provide the only lighting. The hermit offers you a place on his favorite tree stump which serves as a chair.<p>
"Please have a seat and relax while I fix our tea," the hermit says.<p>
You look around the walls of the hut and see many bookshelves sagging under the weight of books. On the floor, you see a woodstove, of course, and the usual things which would be in a hut. There is a small bed, a small writing table, and other common items. You notice a shotgun leaned against the corner. The hut is surprisingly clean on the inside.<p>
"Most of the visitors I get just want to stare at me - but, I'm used to that." The hermit is busy fixing tea. "How long have you been here?" you ask. "In this spot, about 30 years. It is a nice spot. I like the solitude so that I can study in peace." The hermit is talkative, another surprise.<p>
"What do you study?" you ask.<p>
[[Continue.|82]]The hut door crashes open after you kick it in.<p>
You barely see the shotgun blast as the pellets tear through your upper body. You remember seeing the blast, and seeing smoke. Then, you start to bleed out...<p>
[[Continue.|81]]<i>I guess no one is home,</i> you think to yourself, as you continue down the path.<p>
There's still a lot of daylight left and you want to take advantage of it. You begin walking again. Soon, the hut is just a small dot on the horizon behind you.<p>
Along the way, you wonder why you waited so long to walk in the forest - it is <i>wonderful</i> exercise.<p>
You reach a particularly dense section of the forest ahead. The path narrows significantly, and that concerns you a bit. <i>It is getting dark around here...</i><p>
[[Continue.|94]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, you die a slow death. During your few remaining moments, you reflect on your previous actions, and realize that you made two critical mistakes. First, you approached the hut unannounced, not making your presence known while away from it. Second, you committed a serious crime by kicking in the door for absolutely no good reason. Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]"Everything, really, about the world we live in," he responds. "I am particularly interested in folk legends, myths, and monsters."<p>
"Monsters?" you exclaim. "Yes, in connection with legends and myths." "That is fascinating!" you state, with emphasis. "I'm glad you think so - most people just think I'm weird," he says.<p>"By the way, where are you headed today?" the hermit asks as he hands you your tea. "I am walking down the path outside. Mainly for exercise, because my doctor thinks it will be good for me."<p>
"Well, the farther down the path you go, the more dangerous it gets," he states. "Dangerous?" you inquire. "Yes, dangerous. There are wild boars, some wolves, and other dangerous animals out there. They like the dark, dense forest - it is their operating turf if you will. Do you have a weapon, for protection?" You show the hermit {weapon}.<p>
"That will not do - you should borrow my shotgun, and return it on your way home." The hermit points to the shotgun leaning in the corner.<p>
[[You decline the offer with thanks.|83]]<p>
[[You accept his offer with thanks.|84]]"I think you might regret not taking the shotgun," the hermit says, with a sigh. "But suit yourself."<p>
You say goodbye and you head out the door. There's still a lot of daylight left and you want to take advantage of it. You begin walking again. Soon, the hut is just a small dot on the horizon behind you.<p>
Along the way, you wonder why you waited so long to walk in the forest - it is <i>wonderful</i> exercise.<p>
You reach a particularly dense section of the forest ahead. The path narrows significantly, and that concerns you a bit. <i>It is getting dark around here...</i><p>
Suddenly, up ahead, you see a growling wolf on the path, focused on you. Turning around, you see another growling wolf blocking your exit. You grab {weapon} and consider your options. Saliva is dropping from the corner of the wolf's mouth. Both of the wolves are creeping up on you. They pause for a moment, and you stand perfectly still. <i>You can't run away - you must fight!</i> Both wolves spring into action and attack you...<p>
[[The fight.|85]]
He hands you the shotgun and you examine it. The hermit also gives you some additional shells, which you place in your pocket.<p>
"Thank you - I'll return it on my way back. Oh, and thank you for the tea - your hospitality is very much appreciated!" "Don't mention it - just be safe and we'll talk when you get back." The hermit is smiling as he leads you out the door.<p>
There's still a lot of daylight left and you want to take advantage of it. You begin walking again. Soon, the hut is just a small dot on the horizon behind you.<p>
Along the way, you wonder why you waited so long to walk in the forest - it is <i>wonderful</i> exercise.<p>
You reach a particularly dense section of the forest ahead. The path narrows significantly, and that concerns you a bit. <i>It is getting dark around here...</i><p>
[[Continue.|91]]
[if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '86'}
[else]
{embed passage: '87'}As they attack, you scream at the top of your lungs and use {weapon} wildly, trying to defend yourself. The first wolf almost sinks its teeth into you before falling mortally wounded, at your feet.<p>
The other wolf has meanwhile joined the attack, and is tearing at your flesh. <i>Oh, the pain.</i> You fall! The wolf is now ripping at you with claws and teeth, as you desperately try and kill him with {weapon}.<p>
In your last conscious moment, you realize that the wolf is biting and tearing your jugular artery...<p>
[[Continue.|88]]
As they attack, you scream at the top of your lungs and use {weapon} wildly, trying to defend yourself. The first wolf almost sinks its teeth into you before falling mortally wounded, at your feet.<p>
The other wolf has meanwhile joined the attack, and is tearing at your flesh on your legs. <i>Oh, the pain.</i> You fall! The wolf is now ripping at you with claws and teeth, as you desperately try and kill him with {weapon}.<p>
With your last bit of strength, you manage to kill the beast. You stand up slowly and tack stock of your injuries. You can still walk, thank goodness, so you limp down the path as fast as you can.<p>
[[Continue.|89]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, when you chose to reject <i>The Hermit's</i> offer of the shotgun, your choices became severely limited. You could not adequately protect yourself from an attack from two directions at once. Therefore...<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]That was a close call. <i>I should have taken the shotgun,</i> you think to yourself.<p>
In the next moment, you are confronted with a terrible sight. There are three more wolves circling around you, growling. It isn't over yet!<p>
They pounce on you, almost in unison. You strike one down with {weapon}, but the other two drag you down to the ground and have their way with you. <i>Oh, the horror! The horror!</i><p>
[[Continue.|90]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, when you chose to reject <i>The Hermit's</i> offer of the shotgun, your choices became severely limited. You could not adequately protect yourself from an attack from several different directions. Therefore...<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]Suddenly, up ahead, you see a growling wolf on the path, focused on you. Turning around, you see another growling wolf blocking your exit. You raise the shotgun and consider your options. Saliva is dropping from the corner of the wolf's mouth. Both of the wolves are creeping up on you. They pause for a moment, and you stand perfectly still. <i>You can't run away - you must fight!</i> Both wolves spring into action and attack you...<p>
You kill the lead wolf, about twenty feet away, with a single shotgun blast. Dropping the shotgun as you swing around, you ready {weapon} and let out a scream. You catch the surviving wolf in the head and it drops at your feet. You are not wounded, but your shaky nerves cause your body to shake uncontrollably. You pick up the shotgun, reload it, and slowly make your way back to the hermit's hut.<p>
[[Continue.|92]]When you reach the hermit's hut, you find him standing in the doorway. "Had some excitement on the trail, did you?" he asks. "Yes, a bit. There's one shell missing." You hand the shotgun, and the unused shells, back to the hermit.<p>
He invites you in so that you can give him all the details. You relax again, safe and sound in pleasant company. <i>What a day, what an adventure!</i><p>
[[Continue.|93]]<font color="green"><b>{name}, you did very well. You got some exercise, behaved well, met a new friend, and killed the attacking wolves. What an adventure! BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>Suddenly, up ahead, you see a growling wolf on the path, focused on you. Turning around, you see another growling wolf blocking your exit. You grab {weapon} and consider your options. Saliva is dropping from the corner of the wolf's mouth. Both of the wolves are creeping up on you. They pause for a moment, and you stand perfectly still. <i>You can't run away - you must fight!</i> Both wolves spring into action and attack you...<p>
As they attack, you scream at the top of your lungs and use {weapon} wildly, trying to defend yourself. The first wolf almost sinks its teeth into you before falling mortally wounded, at your feet.<p>
The other wolf has meanwhile joined the attack, and is tearing at your flesh. <i>Oh, the pain.</i> You fall! The wolf is now ripping at you with claws and teeth, as you desperately try and kill him with {weapon}.<p>
In your last conscious moment, you realize that the wolf is biting and tearing your jugular artery...<p>
[[Continue.|95]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, you made several mistakes on your adventure. First, instead of announcing yourself well away from the hut, you knocked on the door loudly. Secondly, when you left the area of the hut, you proceeded through a dense portion of the forest with no knowledge of possible dangers you might find there. Lastly, you died a horrible death. Therefore...<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]The Big Boss Man leads you to the door. "Don't hurt him too much, just rough him up a bit." "Of course, Boss" you say as you head out the door.<p>
<i>Martin West - damn,</i> you think to yourself as you walk down the stairs. <i>I know that guy - we were friends in high school.</i> Oh, well, a job is a job. It's nothing personal...<p>
You're always happy to leave the office (and the Inn). You draw a deep breath of fresh air and head down the street.<p> You check {weapon}, but doubt if you'll need it.<p>
Martin lives on <i>Uptha Road</i>. It's only three blocks away. You decide to walk instead of taking the car.<p>
In a few minutes, you arrive on his street. It looks like he is working on his ice cream truck in the driveway...<p>
[[Talk to Martin West.|97]]<p>[if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '98'}
[else]
{embed passage: '99'}"Martin - how are you?" you ask.<p>
"{name}, is that you?" Martin asks nervously.<p>
"Yup, it's me - what you been up to?" "Trying to fix this old hunk of a truck. I need it for my ice cream business." Martin has an idea why you are there, after all these years.<p>
"So, how's business?" you ask. "Not good, and my wife and I just had a baby girl. Trying to make it, you know..."<p>
"Martin, let's cut the chit-chat. You know why I'm here. You owe some money to some people with long memories." Your voice is stern for the first time. "I know, but I don't have it," he pleads. He then asks, "How long is your memory, {name}?" He regrets <i>that</i> as soon as the words come out of his mouth.<p>
"I know we go back a long way, Martin - but this is business - understand?" You start to move closer to him to drive home the seriousness of the matter.<p>
[[Continue.|100]]"Martin - how are you?" you ask.<p>
"{name}, is that you?" Martin asks nervously.<p>
"Yup, it's me - what you been up to?" "Trying to fix this old hunk of a truck. I need it for my ice cream business." Martin has an idea why you are there, after all these years.<p>
"So, how's business?" you ask. "Not good, and my wife and I just had a baby girl. Trying to make it, you know..."<p>
"Martin, let's cut the chit-chat. You know why I'm here. You owe some money to some people with long memories." Your voice is stern for the first time. "I know, but I don't have it," he pleads. He then asks, "How long is your memory, {name}?" He regrets <i>that</i> as soon as the words come out of his mouth.<p>
"I know we go back a long way, Martin - but this is business - understand?" You start to move closer to him to drive home the seriousness of the matter.<p>
[[Continue.|101]]At this moment, Mrs. West comes outside, with the baby. "Is everything all right, honey?" Martin replies, "Everything is fine, Julia - this is {name}, an old friend from high school." With that, Mrs. West walks over to you and Martin. She shakes your hand and says, "This is Jennifer, our baby." You pretend a smile, look at the baby, and say to Martin, "You have a lovely family."<p>
You try and keep your cool while waiting for Martin to make the next move. <i>Sometimes, this job stinks, but you have to stay focused.</i><p>
Martin finally gets it. "Honey, {name} is helping me with the truck - I've got to get this thing working so that we can buy groceries." Julia takes the hint, "Nice to meet you, {name}." She takes Jennifer and goes back into the house.<p>
You stare straight at Martin as you ask the critical question. "How are we going to resolve this problem?"<p>
[[Continue your conversation with Martin.|102]]Suddenly, Martin grabs a wrench and takes a swing at you. You easily dodge to the side and start hitting him with your fists. He crumples to the ground next to the car. You kick him a few times for good measure. "You got three days to come up with the two hundred plus forty in interest, understand?"<p>
Martin feebly nods yes and then rolls over on his back. You move to stand over him. "You ever try a stunt like that again and I will kill you."<p>
[[You leave him injured on the ground.|103]]"{name}, I don't have the money. Can I get an extension?" Martin is extremely nervous now. "Yes, you can get an extension for a few days. Unfortunately, when you get an extension, you have to get beat up. Your pretty wife might not like that." <i>You actually feel sorry for him</i>.<p>
Now Martin asks the tough question. "What happens if I never pay?" "Listen, Martin, you can't run away from this. Bad things will happen to you, and your family. Don't even think about that option."<p>
"I can give you three days, and you will owe two-forty at the end of that period. And I have to hit you." It was, afterall, his choice. He shouldn't have gotten behind in his payments.<p>
Martin stiffens up and says, "Well, go ahead and beat me up, {name} - I'm ready for it." He just stands there, with a blank expression on his face.<p>
[[The next step.|104]]<p>You calmly walk away from the scene, not drawing attention to yourself. <i>The nerve of that guy.</i> It isn't often that a target actually fights back.
[[Report to the Big Boss Man.|105]]<p>As you prepare to hit Martin a few times with your fist, you pause. <i>Has it really come to this,</i> you think. <i>Am I a monster, or what? He is a good guy dealing with some bad luck, that's all.</i><p>
"Listen, Martin." "Are you listening?"<p>
Martin opens his eyes and whispers, "I'm listening."<p>
"I'm gonna do something I have never done before. I'm gonna pay your debt for you..." "You would do that for... me?" "Yes, on two conditions - you must never tell anyone about this; AND in the future you must never get behind in payments to <i>The Machine</i>." "Do you understand?" "Yes, {name}, I understand. Thank you so much." "Forget it," you mumble as you head back down the street.<p>
You place the two hundred dollars in an envelope, and write "West" on the back of it. You then head back to the <i>Broken Arm Inn</i> and give the envelope to Vinnie, the bartender, who is also the cashier for <i>The Machine</i>. You leave the inn and get into your car.<p>
[[Continue.|115]]You call in your report, not wanting to visit the office again. The Big Boss is satisfied.<p> You grab your car and drive home to relax. <i>Just a typical day in {place},</i> you think to yourself on the way home.<p>
[[Watch a couple of episodes of The Sopranos on TV.|108]]<p>
[[Take a nap.|109]]<p>
[[Take a shower and eat a sandwich.|110]]<p><b>{name}, the AI has <i>carefully and comprehensively</i> considered your petition to reverse the end of the game decision. After due deliberation, the following is its FINAL DECISION:<p>
<hr>
<font color="red"><center><b>THE PETITION IS DENIED - YOU LOSE THE GAME.</b></font></center><p>
<hr><p><b>{name}, the AI has <i>carefully and comprehensively</i> considered your petition to reverse the end of the game decision. After due deliberation, the following is its FINAL DECISION:<p>
<hr>
<font color="green"><center><b>THE PETITION IS GRANTED - YOU GET ANOTHER CHANCE.</b></font></center><p>
<hr><p>
[[Take your chance.|11]]<i>The Sopranos</i> is your favorite comedy show on television. You can't get enough of it. You've seen each episode maybe a dozen times. If you want serious gangster drama, your choice is always <i>The Godfather</i> movies.<p> Or, depending on your mood - <i>Batman</i> (series or movies).<p>
You settle down to watch some nice gangster comedy again...<p>
{back link}Nothing like getting in a couple of licks on a helpless chump to make one wanting a little nap. The older you get, the harder it is - the physical part. You wonder what you would do if you weren't in your present line of work as you slowly drift off to sleep on the couch.<p>
{back link}<p>Beating someone to a pulp is a messy business. You decide to take a shower and fix a sandwich. In the shower, you take your time - there is, under normal circumstances, absolutely no rush in this business...<p>
You like to be well groomed - it is important to you. Your comrades at <i>The Machine</i> sometimes rib you about it, but you brush them off. You tell yourself that they're just jealous because you are well put together - always.<p>
After your shower, you fix yourself a nice pastrami sandwich. You grab a beer to wash it down. You sit down at the kitchen table and enjoy your meal.<p>
A bullet shatters the window above your sink and hits the wall about 6 inches from your head.<p>
[[Stand up and head to the living room.|112]]<p>
[[Drop to the floor immediately.|111]]<p>
[[Remain perfectly still while sitting in the chair.|113]]<p>
You drop to the floor immediately and crawl to the living room. You go over to the couch, where you keep your Smith and Wesson .38 Revolver under a seat cushion. You grab the revolver and plan your next move.<p>
You hear the squealing of tires outside - a car is taking off quickly. You rush to the living room window, but you are too late to see anything.<p>
<i>Who was that?</i> you wonder as you continue to look outside. The thing is, in this business, you make enemies. There's no telling who that was...<p>
<i>Something is rotten in Denmark.</i><p>
[[Consider your options.|120]]You stand up and race towards the living room. You almost make it to the archway when a second bullet crashes through the kitchen window and hits you squarely in the back. You drop immediately. You try and crawl, but your body doesn't respond. You feel yourself bleeding out slowly...<p>
[[Continue.|114]]You sit quietly, as if paralyzed. Suddenly, a second bullet crashes through the kitchen window and hits you in the upper chest. You drop to the floor immediately. You try and crawl out of the kitchen, but your body doesn't respond. You feel yourself bleeding out slowly...<p>
[[Continue.|114]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, you die a painful, slow death. <i>Those who live by the sword, die by the sword.</i> Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]<i>Just a typical day in {place},</i> you think to yourself on the way home. <i>Am I getting soft in my old age?</i><p>
[[Watch a couple of episodes of The Sopranos on TV.|108]]<p>
[[Take a nap.|116]]<p>
[[Take a shower and eat a sandwich.|117]]<p>You wonder what you would do if you weren't in your present line of work as you slowly drift off to sleep on the couch.<p>
{back link}<p>You decide to take a shower and fix a sandwich. In the shower, you take your time - there is, under normal circumstances, absolutely no rush in this business...<p>
You like to be well groomed - it is important to you. Your buddies at <i>The Machine</i> sometimes rib you about it, but you brush them off. You tell yourself that they're just jealous because you are well put together - always.<p>
After your shower, you fix yourself a nice pastrami sandwich. You grab a beer to wash it down. You sit down at the kitchen table and enjoy your meal.<p>
A bullet shatters the window above your sink and hits the wall about 6 inches from your head.<p>
[[Stand up and head to the living room.|112]]<p>
[[Drop to the floor immediately.|118]]<p>
[[Remain perfectly still while sitting in the chair.|113]]<p>You drop to the floor immediately and crawl to the living room. You go over to the couch, where you keep your Smith and Wesson .38 Revolver under a seat cushion. You grab the revolver and plan your next move.<p>
You hear the squealing of tires outside - a car is taking off quickly. You rush to the living room window, but you are too late to see anything.<p>
<i>Who was that?</i> you wonder as you continue to look outside. The thing is, in this business, you make enemies. There's no telling who that was...<p>
<i>Something is rotten in Denmark.</i><p>
The phone rings. It is <i>The Big Boss Man</i>. "Listen to me, you little piece of filth," he says. "I'm listening." "There are a lot of things that I can forgive, but <b>softness</b> is not one of them. You shoulda known that West was a plant, that I was testing you..."<p>
"You are dead to me." With that, the <i>Big Boss Man</i> hangs up.<p>
[[Consider your dwindling options.|119]]<i>I've got to get out of town, <b>fast</b></i>, you think to yourself. You stick your revolver in your jacket, grab some ammo, and make sure you've got {weapon}. On the way out, you take the burner cell phone from the kitchen drawer, and the uneaten portion of your pastrami sandwich. These last two items you also place in your jacket.<p>
[[Jump in your car and take off.|127]]<p>
[[Check under your car for a pipe bomb.|121]]<p>
[[Take off on foot for the hills.|122]]<p>
<i>I've got to get out of town, <b>fast</b></i>, you think to yourself. You stick your revolver in your jacket, grab some ammo, and make sure you've got {weapon}. On the way out, you take the burner cell phone from the kitchen drawer, and the uneaten portion of your pastrami sandwich. These last two items you also place in your jacket.<p>
[[Jump in your car and take off.|127]]<p>
[[Check under your car for a pipe bomb.|131]]<p>
[[Take off on foot for the hills.|129]]<p>[if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '123'}
[else]
{embed passage: '124'}You choose a chaotic route to head for the hills. It doesn't appear that anyone is following you, but you have to assume that they are. You zig-zag through the neighborhoods, moving quickly.<p> It is a good thing that you live near the edge of town. You're not running, but you are walking fast. Your physical condition is excellent, so you barely break a sweat. After about ten minutes, you reach the edge of town. You survey your surroundings for a minute, and then head for the hills which are located a short distance from the edge of town. No one appears to be following you.<p>
[[Enter the hills and keep walking.|125]]
You quickly check all around your vehicle for a pipe bomb. <i>They didn't have enough time to plant one.</i> Thank goodness. You hop into your vehicle, back out of your driveway, and speed for the hills. It doesn't seem like anyone is following, but you have to assume that they are.<p>
[[You drive to the hills.|139]]<p>You quickly check your car for a pipe bomb. <i>Damn.</i> You find two - one underneath the driver's side, and one underneath the hood. No time to disarm them...<i>Gotta get out of here fast.</i><p>
[[Take off on foot for the hills.|122]]<p>The more you distance yourself from the town, the more you relax. <i>They will be looking for me,</i> you think to yourself. You pull out the cell phone and make sure you still have reception out here.<p>
You stop for awhile and take stock of your situation. You are armed - you have your revolver and {weapon}. You have a working cell phone. You have the rest of your sandwich. All in all, not a hopeless situation. What to do next?<p>
In the movies, the guy playing you would creep back into town at night and kill all the bad guys one by one on a vengeance quest. <i>Well, {name} this ain't the movies.</i> There are dozens of people on <i>The Machine's</i> payroll, not counting the crooked cops. All of them know you by sight, as well as name. There is nowhere to run from here - the nearest town is fifteen miles away.<p>
You find a defensible position in the hills and hunker down.<p>
[[Decision time.|126]]<p>You can't go back to town, and you can't stay here, and you can't run. What else is there?<p>
As you ponder your problems one option seems like your only hope. You could contact the FBI, and offer to be a witness, in exchange for protection. You know all the players, and know the organization. Violating the code is a serious, deadly matter. But aren't you marked for death already? Any loyalty you had went out the window when they tried to kill you.<p>
Yes, that's it - that is your only way out...<p>
[[Call the FBI.|140]]<p>
[[Stay here tonight and call the FBI tomorrow.|141]]<p><i>Good thing I filled up the car yesterday...</i> you think as you jump into the car and crank the ignition. Unfortunately for you, two pipe bombs were planted in your vehicle and they both explode the second you turned the key in the ignition...<p>
[[Continue.|128]]<p>
<font color="red"><b>{name}, you die an instant death. <i>Those who live by the sword, die by the sword.</i> Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]You choose a chaotic route to head for the hills. It doesn't appear that anyone is following you, but you have to assume that they are. You zig-zag through the neighborhoods, moving quickly.<p> It is a good thing that you live near the edge of town. You're not running, but you are walking fast. Your physical condition is excellent, so you barely break a sweat. After about ten minutes, you reach the edge of town. You survey your surroundings for a minute, and then head for the hills which are located a short distance from the edge of town. No one appears to be following you.<p>
[[Enter the hills and keep walking.|130]]The more you distance yourself from the town, the more you relax. <i>They will be looking for me,</i> you think to yourself. You pull out the cell phone and make sure you still have reception out here.<p>
You stop for awhile and take stock of your situation. You are armed - you have your revolver and {weapon}. You have a working cell phone. You have the rest of your sandwich. All in all, not a hopeless situation. What to do next?<p>
There is nowhere to run from here - the nearest town is fifteen miles away.<p>
You find a defensible position in the hills and hunker down.<p>
[[Decision time.|134]]<p>[if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '132'}
[else]
{embed passage: '133'}You quickly check your car for a pipe bomb. <i>Damn.</i> You find two - one underneath the driver's side, and one underneath the hood. No time to disarm them...<i>Gotta get out of here fast.</i><p>
[[Take off on foot for the hills.|129]]<p>You quickly check all around your vehicle for a pipe bomb. <i>They didn't have enough time to plant one.</i> Thank goodness. You hop into your vehicle, back out of your driveway, and speed for the hills. It doesn't seem like anyone is following, but you have to assume that they are.<p>
You take a convoluted route through several neighborhoods to reach the hills. Once you get to the hills, you find an isolated spot to do some thinking. <i>Probably a good idea to lay low here awhile,</i> you think. But, it won't do to have the vehicle where I'm at.<p>
You decide to park the vehicle here and go to a nice spot that you know from your hiking.<p> You park the vehicle behind a hill and walk towards your other spot.<p>
[[You reach your isolated spot.|134]]<p>You decide to hang out here tonight. You eat the rest of your sandwich. Pity that you don't have that beer to wash it down with. It gets chilly in the hills at night. You settle down and use your jacket as a blanket. No fires tonight - you cannot risk being seen...<p>
[[You fall asleep quickly.|135]]<p>You suddenly wake up from your slumber. You hear rustling of leaves, or branches being stepped on. <i>There's someone close.</i> You quietly pick yourself up, throw on your jacket, and stand still. It is pitch dark - no light, whatsoever.<p>
<i>I have the advantage,</i> you think - <i>they don't know where I am.</i> You quickly recall the layout of the place where you are. You picked an area with several exit points earlier in the day. There are trails to the front and rear of your position. As you listen, you hear the footsteps getting closer to you, in front. The sound is definitely a human, walking along the trail in front of you.<p>
[[Charge the position in front of you with revolver drawn.|136]]<p>
[[Retreat to the back trail, and work your way around to the flank.|137]]<p>
You swiftly charge to the front. As you reach the location where you last heard noise, you stop and stand still, and look around.<p>
At that moment, a light flashes on and hits your face. <i>Flashlight!</i> You immediately drop to the ground and get into a defensive position. You can't see a target. You search but see nothing, the light has impaired your vision. There is a muzzle flash from a rifle and you are hit in the chest... You fall over on your back, but you cannot raise your revolver. You are helpless.<p>
You gasp for air as West stands over you, a rifle in his hand. The last thing you hear, before the second bullet rips into you, is "Kill me, will you? Well, it seems that the better man has won, {name}."<p>
[[Continue.|128]]<p>
You retreat to the back trail, moving as quietly as possible. You follow the trail wide to the east and swing around. After you have gone about fifty feet to the east, you circle back to the front.<p>
A flashlight clicks on up ahead. West's profile is visible - he is standing in the spot where you made your camp. He is carrying a rifle. You get the drop on him and fire your revolver three times into his back and side. He drops to the ground like a sack of potatoes. You approach him and notice that he is dead, quite dead.<p>
[[Continue.|138]]<p><font color="green"><b>{name}, you did everything right, from start to finish, and may confidently <b>resume</b> your life of crime. BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>You take a convoluted route through several neighborhoods to reach the hills. Once you get to the hills, you find an isolated spot to do some thinking. <i>Probably a good idea to lay low here awhile,</i> you think. But, it won't do to have the vehicle where I'm at.<p>
You decide to park the vehicle here and go to a nice spot that you know from your hiking.<p> You park the vehicle behind a hill and walk towards your other spot.<p>
[[You reach your isolated spot.|134]]<p>You contact the FBI at the local field office. They are eager to hear your story. They pick you up and wisk you away to the field office. After listening to you, they agree to give you immunity from prosecution and move you to an undisclosed location. There, you sit down with agents and prosecutors and give them everything they ever wanted to know about <i>The Machine</i>.<p>
[[Continue.|146]]<p>You eat the rest of your sandwich. Pity that you don't have that beer to wash it down with. It gets chilly in the hills at night. You settle down and use your jacket as a blanket. No fires tonight - you cannot risk being seen...<p>
[[You fall asleep quickly.|142]]<p>You suddenly wake up from your slumber. You hear rustling of leaves, or branches being stepped on. <i>There's someone close.</i> You quietly pick yourself up, throw on your jacket, and stand still. It is pitch dark - no light, whatsoever.<p>
<i>I have the advantage,</i> you think - <i>they don't know where I am.</i> You quickly recall the layout of the place where you are. You picked an area with several exit points earlier in the day. There are trails to the front and rear of your position. As you listen, you hear the footsteps getting closer to you, in front. The sound is definitely a human, walking along the trail in front of you.<p>
[[Charge the position in front of you with revolver drawn.|143]]<p>
[[Retreat to the back trail, and work your way around to the flank.|144]]<p>You swiftly charge to the front. As you reach the location where you last heard noise, you stop and stand still, and look around.<p>
At that moment, a light flashes on and hits your face. <i>Flashlight!</i> You immediately drop to the ground and get into a defensive position. You can't see a target. You search but see nothing, the light has impaired your vision. There is a muzzle flash from a rifle and you are hit in the chest... You fall over on your back, but you cannot raise your revolver. You are helpless.<p>
You gasp for air as the <i>Unamed Goon</i> stands over you, a rifle in his hand. The last thing you hear, before the second bullet rips into you, is "{now.weekdayName} is a good day to die, {name}."<p>
[[Continue.|128]]<p>You retreat to the back trail, moving as quietly as possible. You follow the trail wide to the east and swing around. After you have gone about fifty feet to the east, you circle back to the front.<p>
A flashlight clicks on up ahead. The <i>Unamed Goon's</i> profile is visible - he is standing in the spot where you made your camp. He is carrying a rifle. You get the drop on him and fire your revolver three times into his back and side. He drops to the ground like a sack of potatoes. You approach him and notice that he is dead, quite dead.<p>
[[Continue.|145]]<p>In the morning, you contact the FBI at the local field office. They are eager to hear your story. They pick you up and wisk you away to the field office. After listening to you, they agree to give you immunity from prosecution and move you to an undisclosed location. There, you sit down with agents and prosecutors and give them everything they ever wanted to know about <i>The Machine</i>.<p>
[[Continue.|146]]<p>
<font color="green"><b>{name}, you did very well. BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>Pink turns around and slowly continues along the path. You follow Pink, because you have nothing better to do. Around you is total darkness. You can't tell if you are walking or hovering above the ground.<p>
"Pink, please tell me - what is this place?" "It is that which exists, that's all."<p>
"Where are we going?" you ask. "You will know when we get there," Pink replies.<p>
You (pretend like you?) shrug your shoulders and continue following Pink.<p>
After a time, you see a series of lit doors up ahead. They are all white with no markings on them, lined up in a row. Pink stops in front of the closest door and turns around.<p>
"Do I select a door to walk through?" you ask.<p>
"No, the door will select you - come closer."<p>
You move closer and a door in front of you opens.<p>
[[You walk through the open door.|148]]<p>_chosen: random.d6
--
[if _chosen === 1]
{embed passage: '8'}
[if _chosen === 2]
{embed passage: '5'}
[if _chosen === 3]
{embed passage: '7'}
[if _chosen === 4]
{embed passage: '10'}
[if _chosen === 5]
{embed passage: '6'}
[if _chosen === 6]
{embed passage: '9'}
It is a beautiful sunny day in {place}. A perfect day. You take your time, enjoying the sunshine.<p>
You start by removing everything from your car. You have done this a hundred times before. Before you start vacuuming the carpet, you notice that a corner of the carpet in the trunk has worked its way loose.<p>
[[Examine the loose carpet end more closely.|150]]<p>
[[Continue vacuuming your car.|151]]<p>You lift up the corner of the carpet and see a tiny metal object. Intrigued, you pick up the object and discover it is a shiny new 1972 Lincoln Memorial cent.<p>
[[You throw the penny over your shoulder for good luck.|155]]<p>
[[You put the penny in your pocket to look at later.|156]]<p>You finish vacuuming your car, and then wash and wax it. Your wash off the floor mats and let them dry in the sun. Then, you return everything to the car, and congratulate yourself on a job well done.<p>
[[Go inside and call and friend.|152]]<p>
[[Go inside and clean your apartment.|153]]<p>
[[Go inside and take a shower.|154]]<p>You call up <i>Mortimer Macaroni,</i> a dear, dear friend. It rings, and rings, and rings, and rings, and rings, and ... well - you get the idea. No answer, nadda, nyet, nichts.<p>
{back link}<p>You clean your apartment thoroughly. It shines and glistens all over. But, you are the only one to see it, and that is depressing...<p>
{back link}<p>You take a nice hot shower, and it feels great. When you finish, you think to yourself, <i>{name}, now you look presentable.</i> And then you just sit there, alone with your thoughts...<p>
{back link} or [[Continue.|171]]<p>
With a dramatic gesture, you throw the shiny 1972 penny over your shoulder, after making a wish. Your luck does not immediately change, and you lose the penny in the yard.<p>
[[Continue.|151]]<p>
You finish vacuuming your car, and then wash and wax it. You wash off the floor mats and let them dry in the sun. Then, you return everything to the car, and congratulate yourself on a job well done.<p>
[[You go inside to examine the penny you found.|157]]<p>You carefully remove the shiny 1972 penny from your pocket. There is something odd about the obverse (Lincoln head) side of the coin. You grab your magnifier from your writing desk and take a closer look...<p><p>
There is a strong doubling to the south west on all four digits on the date. The word LIBERTY is also doubled towards the south. The words IN GOD WE TRUST on the obverse are also strongly doubled towards the east.
<i>This thing has to be worth something,</i> you say to yourself.<p>
[[Look up the odd error coin on the internet.|158]]<p>
Within a couple of minutes, you discover that this is a cent piece which was struck in error. It is called the <i>1972 Double Die Obverse (DDO) Lincoln Cent.</i> It was struck by the Philadelphia Mint. In uncirculated (mint state) condition, it is worth $300-$650 retail, depending on the actual grade of the coin. Wow!<p>
[[You place the penny in your piggy bank.|159]]<p>
[[You decide to visit a coin dealer downtown.|160]]<p>"A penny saved is a penny earned."<p>
<center>Benjamin Franklin</center><p>
<hr>
My, how clever you are. Some people throw away pennies.<p>
[[You call a friend.|152]]<p>
[[You clean your apartment.|153]]<p>
[[You take a shower.|154]]<p>You carefully place the shiny 1972 Lincoln cent in a tissue and put it in your pocket. Then, you drive your shiny clean old car downtown. It is a pleasant drive. The birds are singing and flittering about. You have no idea that a bird flying overhead has crapped on the top of your freshly washed and waxed car - perhaps <b>that</b> is better left for another time. At this moment, the world seems all bright and cheery and wonderful.<p>
There are two coin dealers in {place}. One is <i>Buzzard Bob's Nook of Numismatics,</i> located near the sewage treatment plant in the industrial area; and the other is <i>Silverstone's Coin Shoppe,</i> located in the middle of town. Despite the fact that you will have to pay for parking, you opt for Silverstone's. This is because they probably have a higher class of clientele, but also because it smells better there.<p>
You park your car, feed the meter, and enter the coin shop.<p>
"Welcome - what can I do for you?" Sylvester Silverstone greets you. He is about five foot eight, dapper in a dark blue suit, with a red bow tie. He has a loupe on a chain around his neck. He smiles warmly.<p>
[[Continue.|161]]<p>
"I have this uncirculated 1972 double die obverse cent that I would like to sell." You carefully remove the coin from your pocket and the tissue, being careful to handle it on its edges only, and not the surface. You place it in the felt box located on top of the counter.<p>
Mr. Silverstone picks up the coin and examines it carefully with the loupe. After a few moments he declares, "Yes, quite nice, <i>genuine</i> - and uncirculated, too. How much do you want for it?"<p>
<p><b>The dance begins.</b><p>
"I was hoping that you would make me an offer." Ordinarily, this is a poor negotiating tactic. But you want to gauge how honest he is.<p>
"I'll give you one hundred dollars for it," the dealer responds. He doesn't know that you know what it's worth... "You're going to have to do much better than that. Perhaps Buzzard Bob will pay more," you say. "I can do one seventy-five," he counters. "Make it two hundred and we have a deal." He frowns, considers it for a moment, and finally blurts out, "Deal!" He counts out two hundred dollars in crisp bills, you sign a receipt, and head out the door.<p>
[[You head to your favorite pub to celebrate.|162]]<p>
[[You stop by the nearest convenience store to pick up some things.|163]]After feeding the meter with more coins, you head down the street to <i>Goddess Gwendolyn's,</i> one of your favorite pubs.<p>
The pub is already busy and you sit down and have about four or five beers. <i>What a great day this has been!</i> You are proud of what you have accomplished today.<p>
About an hour passes, and then you realize that the parking meter has probably expired by now. You hurry out the door and down the street, back to your car. You still have three minutes left on the meter. You get in, start the car, and head home.<p>
[[Continue.|164]]<p>
You stop by <i>Paco's Pandemonium,</i> which is a convenience store a few blocks from your apartment. It is a little messy and confusing inside, but the prices are right. You pick up a gallon of milk, some tissues, and some scratch tickets.<p>
[[Continue home.|166]]<p>
Three blocks from your apartment building, you get stopped by police for not staying in your lane. They give you a field sobriety test, which you fail. You try to explain that you were just doing a little celebrating because you found a treasure coin. They are unmoved and arrest you for driving under the influence. Your fantastic day has turned into a nightmare...<p>
[[Continue.|165]]<p><font color="red"><b>{name}, now you have much more to be sad and depressed about! Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|106]]You arrive home and unpack your groceries. You cannot avoid the temptation of counting out the money that you have left in your wallet. It comes to one hundred eighty-three dollars, and change. Wow - just wow.<p>
You fix some coffee and settle down at the kitchen table to relax. You have in front of you three tickets that can't wait to be scratched...<p>
[[Check out the scratch tickets.|167]]<p>[if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '168'}
[else]
{embed passage: '169'}You check the scratch tickets but, alas, come up empty in the winning department.<p>
You can't help feeling satisfied with today. You vacuumed, washed, and waxed your piece of junk car, finding a small treasure in the process. That treasure netted you a cool two hundred bucks cash. It was a great day!<p>
[[Continue.|170]]<p>You scratch the first two tickets with no luck. <i>It figures - no one can have that much luck in one day,</i> you think to yourself. You slowly scratch the last ticket, and...
<hr>
<center>YOU HAVE A $500 WINNING TICKET!</center>
<hr>
You check it again and confirm it. You slide off the kitchen chair and shreik with excitement as you roll on the floor, laughing.<p>
You can't help feeling satisfied with today. You vacuumed, washed, and waxed your piece of junk car, finding a small treasure in the process. That treasure netted you a cool two hundred bucks cash. Winning the $500 with the scratch ticket was the icing on the cake!<p>
What a day! What a day!<p>
[[Continue.|170]]<p><font color="green"><b>{name}, you did everything right, from start to finish, and have lifted yourself out of your depression. BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font><font color="#D3D3D3"><b>{name}, you didn't do badly, but you didn't do extremely well, either. Therefore...<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU NEITHER WIN NOR LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>Since today is {now.weekdayName}, {now.monthName} {now.day}, {now.year}; you decide that you should go back three days, retrieve a food item that you consumed in the interim, and return back to the present with it. That would be a <b>safe</b> first test.<p>
You write out a list of everything you've eaten in the past three days. One item sticks out in your mind as a potential candidate. Two days ago, you finished off a box of <i>Tiny Toons Scientist Cereal</i>, and threw away the box. You decide to bring back the box of unfinished cereal, as your first experiment.<p>
Franky has returned from the store, and you quickly install the Tube Shields. You put the sock which has no twin in your lab coat pocket for good luck. You turn to Franky and say, "Well Franky, we're ready. I'm going to go three days back and retrieve an item of food that I have already consumed, and bring it back here. That will be our test." Franky nods in anxious excitement...<p>
[[Sit down in the time machine.|173]]<p>You sit down in the time machine, set the target date and coordinates, and also the data for the return trip. The machine starts up perfectly, on the first push of the starter button. You hear the appropriate sounds, and see the appropriate lights.<p>
You are gone in a flash of colored lights. This kind of travel is unlike any other. It is floating, really, floating in the middle of, and surrounded by a rainbow of colors. For a short trip like this, it takes only seconds.<p>
You come to a stop in your workshop. You go to your kitchen and the box of unfinished cereal is just sitting there, in your cabinet. You grab it and head back to the workshop. You get back into the time machine and start it up again. The whole process is repeated. After a few more seconds, you return to your workshop and Franky is standing there, like before.<p>
"Are you going to test it now, {name}?" Franky looks anxious. You hold up the cereal box and declare: "Test it? I already have!" You both talk in hushed tones about the monumental achievement.<p>
[[Continue.|174]]For a few minutes, you both congratulate each other on the result of the test.<p>
<i>Now comes the hard part,</i> you think to yourself. Going back three days is one thing, but what if you tried three years? You know that you had the missing sock three years ago. The pair was probably sitting in your <b>special</b> sock drawer. This drawer contains the socks that are <b>extra-special</b>. Will it even be possible? Should it even be tried? Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Reality draws you back out of your musings.<p>
With a great flair for the dramatic, you give Franky the sock which has no twin for safekeeping. No need to complicate matters more than they are already...<p>
"I'm going back in time to recover the sock!" you exclaim. You sit back down in the machine and make the necessary adjustments. Franky just stands there, with the cereal box, and sock; moving his head up and down in wonder...<p>
[[Continue.|175]]<p>[if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '176'}
[else]
{embed passage: '177'}Off you go! You sit back and relax - this trip will take a little longer. Everything appears to be working perfectly. After a time, you find yourself back in your workshop. You leave the machine and head to your bedroom, and find your <b>special</b> sock drawer. The pair of socks are sitting there, together! You grab the pair and stuff them into your laboratory coat pocket. You rush back to the workshop and hop in for the return trip.<p>
The return trip is uneventful. You are anxious to see Franky. You land again in your workshop. Franky is standing there, still with the look of wonder on his face...<p>
"I've got it!" you exclaim as you reach into your pocket. <i>There is only one sock in your pocket...</i> Of course, there can only be two, and Franky has the other one! You hold up the one sock and Franky holds up the other. You both beam with pride and joy, again congratulating each other. Now, with the mission accomplished, you must decide what to do next.<p>
[[Destroy the time machine, as time travel is paradoxical.|178]]<p>
[[Sleep on the decision of what to do with the time machine.|179]]<p>Off you go! You sit back and relax - this trip will take a little longer. Everything appears to be working perfectly. After a time, you find yourself back in your workshop. You leave the machine and head to your bedroom, and find your <b>special</b> sock drawer. The pair of socks are sitting there, together! You grab the pair and stuff them into your laboratory coat pocket. You rush back to the workshop and hop in for the return trip.<p>
As you begin your return trip, the machine begins to wobble, and making grinding noises... <i>{place} - we have a problem!</i> There is definitely something wrong, and you have to think quick. The time and date indicator is going all over the place. You pull back the emergency brake lever as you have no other choice. It won't do to go 2,500 years in the past or future... The machine comes to a grinding halt outdoors in the middle of a forest.<p>
You look around at your gauges and indicators, trying to get acclimated to your new surroundings.<p>
[[You discover something shocking.|180]]<p>Your heart is heavy as you decide to immediately destroy the machine. When you tell Franky, he starts crying. "But why?" he sobs. You explain to him that it is just too dangerous, especially if it gets into the wrong hands.<p><i>What you don't explain is that you have detailed plans, and can rebuild it any time you want to...</i><p>
You and Franky proceed to dismantle the time machine, smashing it into little pieces that you throw into a heap in the corner of your workshop.<p>
"Come on, Franky - I'll buy you a beer," you tell him. You both head out to the bar down the street with your heads held high.<p>
[[Continue.|185]]<p>You decide to sleep on your decision. You send Franky home for the day and ask him to come back tomorrow morning. You don't get much sleep as you mull over in your mind what to do.<p>
You finally decide that the machine must be destroyed!<p>
The next morning, when you tell Franky, he starts crying. "But why?" he sobs. You explain to him that it is just too dangerous, especially if it gets into the wrong hands.<p><i>What you don't explain is that you have detailed plans, and can rebuild it any time you want to...</i><p>
You and Franky proceed to dismantle the time machine, smashing it into little pieces that you throw into a heap in the corner of your workshop.<p>
"Come on, Franky - I'll buy you a beer," you tell him. You both head out to the bar down the street with your heads held high.<p>
[[Continue.|185]]<p><i>Near Rastenburg, East Prussia. The Wolf's Lair. July 20, 1944. Approximately 10:45 AM.</i>
<hr>
<b>Oh, no...</b> You know your history, and you know what happens here. Your mind races with the possibilities... You have landed in your machine near a military complex, which is located in present day Ketrzyn, Poland; but was back then part of the Greater German Reich.<p>
[[Scramble to fix your time machine before the guards discover you.|181]]<p>
[[Quickly disguise your time machine and explore the area.|182]]<p>You perspire heavily as you race to fix the time machine. <i>So much to attend to, and so little time...</i> You know that there are guards all over this place. The problem turned out to be extremely simple - there were a couple of nuts loose around the base, and three loose wires. Simple to fix. You put everything back together and prepare to leave.<p>
You scan the area around the machine to make sure you are not leaving anything on the ground. You hop into the machine and adjust the return trip settings.<p>
You take a deep breath and move to start the machine...<p>
"Halt - Sie sind mein Gefangener!"<p>
Your heart drops as you look to the side and see the German guard standing there, pointing the machine pistol to your head.<p>
<i>It's all over now...</i><p>
[[Continue.|183]]<p>
You hide the machine as best as you can. You check {weapon} and move cautiously around the area. If memory serves, this place is heavily mined and guarded by elite personnel with dogs.<p>
Suddenly, you hear someone approaching, and you freeze.<p>
"Halt - Sie sind mein Gefangener!"<p>
The German guard is about five feet away from you, covering you with a machine pistol.<p>
[[Surrender yourself reluctantly.|186]]<p>
[[Attack the guard with {weapon}.|187]]<p><center><b>THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR CAPTURE</center></b>
<hr>
The attempt to assassinate Hitler fails, as in history.
<hr>
The Germans reverse-engineer your time machine.
<hr>
The Germans win World War II in the next 30 days, due to the new time travel technology.
<hr>
The world is completely different than when you left your workshop in {place}.
<hr>
You survive numerous torture sessions at the hands of the Gestapo.
<hr>
You are executed by firing squad in the year 1945, as an enemy of the state. When you are executed, you are wearing your <b>special socks</b>...
<hr>
[[Continue.|184]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, you haven't done humanity any favors in your quest for your missing sock. You have a name which will live in infamy. Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|106]]<font color="green"><b>{name}, you found the missing sock, and accomplished your mission. For your information, there is much more possible in this adventure, but in all fairness to you - BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font><center><b>THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR CAPTURE</center></b>
<hr>
The attempt to assassinate Hitler fails, as in history.
<hr>
The Germans reverse-engineer your time machine.
<hr>
The Germans win World War II in the next 30 days, due to the new time travel technology.
<hr>
The world is completely different than when you left your workshop in {place}.
<hr>
You survive numerous torture sessions at the hands of the Gestapo.
<hr>
You are executed by firing squad in the year 1945, as an enemy of the state. When you are executed, you are wearing your <b>special socks</b>...
<hr>
[[Continue.|184]]You feign surrender but attack the guard with {weapon}. You knock him down and kill him. You quickly drag him behind a tree and put on his uniform, and put your clothes on him. You make sure you put on your <b>special socks.</b><p>
<i>Pity I had to do that - I simply had no choice,</i> you think to yourself.<p>
After a few minutes, you walk back directly into the compound. Luckily, you think to yourself, you took german language classes for several years in college. You are looking for someone in particular.<p>
Up ahead, you see a senior german officer with a patch over one eye, who is standing there nervously, smoking with an aide.<p>
[[You approach the two men.|188]]<p>"Colonel von Stauffenberg, Lieutenant von Haeften, I have a message for you." You approach them cautiously.<p>
"Please make it quick. We must attend a briefing soon," Haeften replies.<p>
You whisper, "Gentlemen, I am with the conspiracy. Listen closely to me, as I don't have much time, either. When you arm the two bombs, make sure, in any case - no matter what, that you place both charges in the briefcase. Even if only one is armed. Understood?" Both men quietly acknowledge you and you quickly walk away.<p>
You pretend that you are returning from a break and leave the compound again, headed for your time machine.<p>
[[You change clothes again and return to your machine.|189]]<p>
You exchange clothing quickly, and run for your machine. After determining that only minor repairs are needed, you concern yourself with the repairs. The problem turned out to be extremely simple - there were a couple of nuts loose around the base, and three loose wires. Easily fixed. You adjust the settings for the return trip. You look at the local time - 12:40 pm.<p>
[[Leave now.|190]]<p>
[[Wait a few minutes to leave.|191]]<p>You push the starter button and the machine performs flawlessly.<p>
The trip home is uneventful and you are glad to be in your workshop again, wearing your <b>special socks.</b><p>
The first thing you do when you return is research the events of July 20, 1944 on the internet. You read that Colonel Stauffenberg placed both charges in the briefcase, even though only one was armed. In the original history, only the armed charge was placed in the briefcase, and the other one was dismantled while he was escaping the compound. In the new history, the unarmed charge exploded, along with the armed one, creating a much larger explosion...<p>
[[Consequences.|193]]<p>You can't resist waiting for a couple of minutes.<p>
At precisely 12:42 PM, you hear a tremendous explosion in the compound. <i>You have changed the course of history.</i>. You push the starter button and the machine performs flawlessly.<p>
The trip home is uneventful and you are glad to be in your workshop again, wearing your <b>special socks.</b><p>
[[Consequences.|193]]<p><center><b>THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS</center></b>
<hr>
The attempt to assassinate Hitler succeeds - he dies.
<hr>
The Nazi regime falls to the plotters within a week.
<hr>
The members of the conspiracy institute a conservative government which quickly surrenders unconditionally to the Allies. Millions of lives are saved in the process.
<hr>
The allies partition Germany into zones of influence as in history.
<hr>
Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg is elected Chancellor of West Germany in 1949.
<hr>
[[Continue.|194]]<font color="green"><b>{name}, you found the missing sock, and helped to kill Hitler. BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>You have some hunger pains in your belly, but hesitate going to the canteen just now. The cheeseburgers are about the only thing you can stand there. Too many other exotic dishes best left for the aliens...<p>
X is busy uploading, and charging. It wouldn't hurt to take a little nap. So far, the journey has been an easy one, except for the stench and filth in this creaky old hulk of a ship. Oh well, nobody promised you first class accomodations...<p>
You sleep peacefully for about an hour.<p>
{back link}<p>"X - stay here." No need for the robot to follow you to the canteen. You decide to get something to eat. Thank goodness it is a small ship - not too far to walk.<p>
Every ship needs one of these joints - the canteen. It's where you can eat and drink and mingle. This particular joint is run by <i>Heinz Duo,</i> who is a <i>Bicephalous</i> from the planet <i>Twine</i>. These guys can be truly annoying, especially when one head likes to argue with the other head all the time...<p>
[[Talk to Heinz Duo.|198]]<p>
[[Quickly get something to eat and sit down.|199]]<p>
[[Check out the place some more.|200]]<p><hr>
<center>Summary</center><p><b><i>Floyd-Class</i> Robotic Personal Assistant (RPA).</b> 5 feet tall, 100 pounds, humanoid. Blue with black trim.<br><u>Model:</u> Xyzzy.<br><u>Serial Number:</u> 3467H001-79.<br><u>Date of Build:</u> May 12th, 2133.<br><u>Battery life on full charge:</u> 144 hours.<br>
<u>Special abilities:</u> Diplomatic duties; universal language translator; <i>light</i> combat ability.<br><u>Weapons:</u> Small concealed stun gun (left wrist) and small particle beam cannon (right wrist).<br><u>Personality:</u> Quiet, but totally loyal. A follower. Will not hesitate to sacrifice itself if handler is endangered.
<hr>
{back link}"Heinz, buddy - how ya doin?" you sit down near the bar.<p>
<i>"Well, if it isn't {name}, I'm doing great - business couldn't be better."<br>
"Hello, {name} - I'm not doing so great. I'm homesick for Twine and I have a headache."</i><p>
"Heinz, I'm headed on vacation. what can you tell me about Phogutis?"<p>
<i>"Lovely place - like a utopia. I stayed there on vacation about six months ago. Happy, happy people."<br>
"I hated it - people pretending to be happy all the time. Terrible - just terrible."</i><p>
This conversation is going nowhere fast...<p>
"Heinz, please bring me a cheeseburger and a cola."<p>
[[Check out the place some more.|200]]<p>"Heinz, please bring me a cheeseburger and a cola."<p>
You sit down and look around.<p>
[[Check out the place some more.|200]]<p><i>What a rag-tag bunch of misfits...</i> you think as you check out the canteen. You've been in worse places, but not lately. The patrons represent the entire range of beings in this part of the galaxy. Two-legged, three-legged, four-legged. One headed, two-headed. Ordinary human and humanoid. You notice a well-dressed female human sitting in the corner, flanked by two well-dressed males. Totally out of place in this setting.<p>
Heinz brings your cheeseburger and cola. You scarf the burger down with gusto. <i>It will be so nice to be able to eat some different food soon.</i><p>
[[Mingle a bit with the patrons, because you're bored.|201]]<p>
[[Return to your quarters.|202]]<p>You walk past a couple of <i>Foptendi</i> sitting at a table. They are noted for their wild hair flopping all over the place, and their set of three eyes, instead of two. As you walk past, one of the Foptendi points in your direction and whispers to the other, "too many humans in this quadrant - they are ruining the neighborhood." The other chuckles and then they both have a laugh over that. Not worth going back to deal with <i>them...</i><p>
You see <i>Chorty</i> sitting alone at a table. He's a <i>Wipceel</i> and a decent sort of fellow. "{name}, fancy I you meet here," Chorty says in his convoluted way. "Hi Chorty - what's up?" you like messing with him. "I dunna what dat means {name}. What mean you?" Chorty says, with a confused look on his face. "Never mind, my friend - it's not important - we'll talk later." Chorty smiles as you breeze by his table.<p>
As you walk by the table with the female and two males, all well dressed, they stop their conversation in mid-sentence. "Hello," you nod as you walk by. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice that the female has a look of fear on her face...<p>
<i>Enough excitement for now.</i><p>
[[Return to your quarters.|202]]<p>Your quarters are exactly as you left them. Robot X is in the corner, finishing up his charging. You sit on your bunk for a moment and think about the mysterious woman and her two companions.<p>
"X, scan the life forms on this ship - I am particularly interested in a woman accompanied by two males - all human."<p>
"Working," X says. A few seconds later, X is done and says, "Completed." "Report," you command. "The woman is Phogutisian. The men are escorts or agents, identity and planet unknown." "Are you sure?" you ask. "Affirmative."<p>
<i>Interesting - the plot thickens...</i><p>
You grab your go bag and rummage around in it for awhile, until you find what you're looking for. <i>Disruptor Guns</i> are designed to kill living beings without risking compromising the structural integrity of a ship. You conceal your disruptor gun on your person. It looks like X is done charging. "X, are you up for a little walk?" you ask. You swear that you see a faint smile on the robot's face as you both head out the door.<p>
[[Go walking.|203]]_chosen: random.d4
--
[if _chosen === 1]
{embed passage: '204'}
[if _chosen === 2]
{embed passage: '205'}
[if _chosen === 3]
{embed passage: '206'}
[if _chosen === 4]
{embed passage: '207'}You walk to the elevator, and take it up to the observation deck. This is where you do all of your serious thinking. There is a large picture window where you can gaze out at the stars. An antique wooden ship's steering wheel from several hundred years ago is hanging on the wall, as well as various other antique artifacts. It is a quiet place. X stands beside you as you gaze at the stars.<p>
As you stand there in solitude, you notice that you are not alone any more. A group of people have entered behind you. You turn around to see the woman, flanked by the two men. <i>What a coincidence,</i> you think to yourself. <i>Or, not...</i><p>
[[Try to engage the woman in conversation.|208]]<p>
[[Immediately take out your gun and disrupt the two men.|209]]<p>You walk to the elevator, and go down to the recreation deck. There is a holochamber, which is a limited size holographic simulation which can be programmed, a weight/exercise room, and a game room.<p>
[[Go to the holochamber.|215]]<p>
[[Go to the weight/exercise room.|216]]<p>
[[Go to the game room.|217]]<p>You take the elevator down to the <i>Gambler's Lounge,</i> which offers card games and other gambling pursuits to pass the time. There is a sign outside the lounge which says:<p>
<center><b>ROBOTS ARE PROHIBITED AND MUST WAIT OUTSIDE</b></center><p>
You motion to X to wait outside until you come back out. X goes and stands in the corner with the other robots.<p>
You enter the lounge and play the slots for awhile. Not very exciting, and you don't win anything.<p>
[[Go back to your quarters.|214]]<p>You decide to just walk level 12 for a while. Level 12 is where most of the passengers have their quarters, and it isn't very interesting here. You walk here mainly for exercise. The passengers call walking here <i>scooping the loop</i> because of the circular route you take to complete a lap. If you find a companion for conversation, well, so much the better...<p>
X walks beside you as you go through your paces. It has a puzzled look on its face. As you scoop the loop, you notice that you are not alone any more. A group of people are leaving a room in front of you, and heading in your direction. You see the woman, flanked by the two men. You slow your pace to a slow walk. <i>What a coincidence,</i> you think to yourself. <i>Or, not...</i><p>
[[Immediately take out your gun and disrupt the two men.|213]]<p>
[[Try to engage the woman in conversation.|212]]<p>
"Hello again - I'm {name} from Earth. On my way to Phogutis for a little vacation." You smile at the woman.<p>
"Pleased to meet you, {name}. I am Countess Shrendo of the High Council of Phogutis, returning from a diplomatic mission. These men are my companions." The Countess is formal, and her <i>companions</i> are sizing up you and your robot.<p>
<i>So, she hasn't been kidnapped, or anything like that,</i> you think to yourself. "Have you ever been to Earth?" you ask. "No, I have not had the pleasure, yet" she replies. "Well, I have never visited Phogutis, either. Perhaps, if you have the time, we could sit down and discuss our respective planets and cultures." "<i>Perhaps.</i>" At this, one of the men whispers something in her ear.<p>
"I must go now," she announces. The trio leave the observation deck, headed to parts unknown. <i>Odd,</i> you think, <i>I wonder if I said anything wrong.</i><p>
[[Continue star gazing for awhile and then return to your quarters.|218]]<p>In a flash, you whip out the gun and disrupt the two men who flank the woman. They crumble to the floor.<p>
The woman is horrified. "Why did you do that, you idiot! Those are my body guards. I am Countess Shrendo of the High Council of Phogutis. I am returning from an important diplomatic mission, and you've just disrupted my men!"<p>
"I'm {name}. I am terribly sorry - I thought they had kidnapped you, or were holding you for some reason. A simple mistake made in good faith."<p>
"Simple mistake? Good Faith? - that may well be, but it was a <b>serious mistake</b>." Countess Shrendo is steaming. In the next moment, Captain Carter Nine Lives and a security detail rush into the room. "Who fired a gun in here?" he shouts.<p>
"That person, that {name} there, has disrupted my body guards for no good reason. I demand that he be arrested."<p>
"Yes, Countess," the Captain has his security detail disarm you and X and escort you both to the brig.<p>
[[Continue.|210]]You are held in the brig until the ship reaches StarPoint 77, well beyond Phogutis, which was your original destination. The rats are bigger here in the brig, and more disgusting.<p>
Your robot is dismantled at StarPoint 77, but manages to erase the secret data while still on the way there. You are tried at StarPoint 77. Countess Shrendo gives a video deposition at your trial, and Captain Carter Nine Lives and his security team give live testimony. In the meantime, diplomatic relations between Earth and Photgutis are forever damaged.<p>
You are found guilty of murder and given a life sentence on the prison ship <i>Inferno.</i> It is a grity, rough place, with even bigger rats, and is escape-proof. You have a hard time just keeping yourself alive...<p>
[[Continue.|211]]<p><font color="red"><b>{name}, you utterly failed to complete your assignment.</i> Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|106]]"Hello again - I'm {name} from Earth. On my way to Phogutis for a little vacation." You smile at the woman.<p>
"Pleased to meet you, {name}. I am Countess Shrendo of the High Council of Phogutis, returning from a diplomatic mission. These men are my companions." The Countess is formal, and her <i>companions</i> are sizing up you and your robot.<p>
<i>So, she hasn't been kidnapped, or anything like that,</i> you think to yourself. "Have you ever been to Earth?" you ask. "No, I have not had the pleasure, yet" she replies. "Well, I have never visited Phogutis, either. Perhaps, if you have the time, we could sit down and discuss our respective planets and cultures." "<i>Perhaps.</i>" At this, one of the men whispers something in her ear.<p>
"I must go now," she announces. The trio leave, headed to parts unknown. <i>Odd,</i> you think, <i>I wonder if I said anything wrong.</i><p>
[[Continue walking a couple of laps and then return to your quarters.|218]]<p>In a flash, you whip out the gun and disrupt the two men who flank the woman. They crumble to the floor.<p>
The woman is horrified. "Why did you do that, you idiot! Those are my body guards. I am Countess Shrendo of the High Council of Phogutis. I am returning from an important diplomatic mission, and you've just disrupted my men!"<p>
"I'm {name}. I am terribly sorry - I thought they had kidnapped you, or were holding you for some reason. A simple mistake made in good faith."<p>
"Simple mistake? Good Faith? - that may well be, but it was a <b>serious mistake</b>." Countess Shrendo is steaming. In the next moment, Captain Carter Nine Lives and a security detail rush into the room. "Who fired a gun in here?" he shouts.<p>
"That person, that {name} there, has disrupted my body guards for no good reason. I demand that he be arrested."<p>
"Yes, Countess," the Captain has his security detail disarm you and X and escort you both to the brig.<p>
[[Continue.|210]]You walk with X to the elevator, and then go back to your quarters on level 12. You are still bored.<p>
After lounging around your quarters for a little bit, you decide to take X and [[walk to the observation deck.|204]]<p>The holochamber will basically run a one or two room simulation of your choosing. There is usually a long line here, and today is no exception. There are so many passengers waiting to participate that there is a 30 minute time limit on simulations. You use the holochamber to hone your disruptor shooting skills or to practice martial arts. You decide not to wait, but you may return later...<p>
[[Go back to your quarters.|214]]<p>The exercise/weight room is where all the serious athletes go for their workout. The ship smells bad enough in ordinary circumstances - when <b>this</b> room is full, the stench will knock you off your feet. It's a little too crowded in here right now for your taste (and smell).<p>
[[Go back to your quarters.|214]]<p>The game room is much like any other game room. There are a group of passengers playing <i>Interstellar Monopoly</i>. You avoid that one like the plague because everyone tries to buy up properties in their own star system, and heated arguments often break out. There's one passenger sitting at a terminal playing <i>Zork</i>, but you like graphical adventures yourself. A couple of others are playing <i>Cooperative Adventure</i>, which is a little lame in your opinion. X scans around the room with a puzzled look on its face...<p>
[[Go back to your quarters.|214]]<p>You return to your quarters with X. You notice there is an envelope stuck to your door, with <i>{name}</i> written on it. You remove the envelope and enter your quarters.<p>
You sit on your bunk and open the envelope. It has the following note in it:
<hr>
<i>{name} - Please meet me, alone, on the observation deck at 8:00 p.m.<br>
Countess Shrendo</i>
<hr>
You are intrigued at this development. Perhaps she just wants to have that talk that you mentioned earlier. Perhaps there is something more to it. Only one way to find out... At 7:55 p.m., you [[leave alone to go to the observation deck.|219]]
When you reach the observation deck, Countess Shrendo is already there, gazing at the stars. Her constant companions are nowhere to be seen. You stand beside her and mention the beautiful view of the stars.<p>
"{name}, what is your real purpose in visiting Phogutis?" <i>The direct approach,</i> you think to yourself. You pause for a few moments. "Please don't waste my time talking about being a tourist - I know better."<p>
"Countess Shrendo, you have me at a disadvantage. Are you asking me in your official capacity?" you give her a puzzled look. "Alicia, please. My name is Alicia."<p>
"Okay - Alicia it is." you smile a little smile. "What makes you think I'm not a tourist?" you ask. "My business is diplomacy. I have a talent for reading people, and their motives. You are not a tourist. If I were guessing, I would say you were some kind of agent, on some kind of mission." She stares at you and you blush a bit, trying to find the words to say.<p>
[[Continue.|220]]<p>Alicia waits for a moment and then continues, "Very well, I see that I'm going to have to reveal something, in order to earn your trust." She looks around the room and says, "In addition to being on the council, I am also a <i>reformer,</i> trying to improve our society with democratic changes. There are a few of us on the council, but we must operate secretly."<p>
"Reform a utopia?" you ask. "Don't patronize me - Phogutis is far from a utopia. No <i>One World Order</i> type of system is anything other than <i>tyranny</i>, where the elites control everyone else." "How can I help you?" "Perhaps we can help each other," she responds. "I am interested in specific, high-level AI technology that we on Earth lack, and you, on Phogutis, have plenty of." <i>There, you've said it.</i><p>
"I can help you with that. Can you help me get to Earth to learn more about your democratic institutions, for the benefit of my people?" "Absolutely, I can." "Well, then - it seems we have a partnership. I do not trust my companions - not a word when they are around - understood?"<p>You nod in agreement. You both shake hands and resolve to meet again.<p>
[[You return to your quarters.|221]]<p>As you head back to your quarters, you reflect on all that has happened. Have you just made the biggest mistake of your life, or have you ensured that you will get your hands on the AI technology?<p>
"X, things might get a little strange around here in the near future. I want you to continually monitor the whereabouts of Countess Shrendo and her two male companions, for the duration of our trip to Phogutis. Notify me of any unusual activity." "Affirmative," X responds. "Oh, and set all your weapons to stun only, until I tell you otherwise." "Understood."<p>
"{name}, {name}?" Someone is outside of your door. "Come in," you respond. Alicia's two body guards enter your room. "What can I do for you gentlemen?" "You should stay away from the Countess - you are bothering her." "Who sent you?" you ask. They both move to hit you with their fists.<p>
[[Defend yourself with martial arts.|222]]<p>
[[Defend yourself with your disruptor gun.|223]]<p>
[[Stand there and take it.|224]]<p>You engage the bigger of the two and knock him down with a roundhouse kick. Meanwhile, the other guy catches you in the solar plexis with a lucky punch and you double over in pain. X promptly deals with him, using his stun gun. Both of them are on the floor now, out of it. You wait for them to wake up.<p>
"Message received, gentlemen - now get the hell out of here!" You shout and they tumble out the door.<p>
<i>Things are getting dangerous.</i><p>It's been a long, long day.<p>
[[Wait for the morrow.|226]]You get off a shot at the bigger guy, and he immediately falls to the floor, disrupted dead enough. The smaller guy is quick, and hits you in the face with his right fist, and stabs you in the chest with the small knife in his left hand. X stuns him, but on his way down to the floor he stabs you again in the lower back.<p>
[[Continue.|225]]<p>You stand there like a stone and they both hit you, one in the side and one in the face. X springs into action, disabling them both with the stun gun. Both of them are on the floor now, out of it. You wait for them to wake up.<p>
"Message received, gentlemen - now get the hell out of here!" You shout and they tumble out the door.<p>
<i>Things are getting dangerous.</i><p>It's been a long, long day.<p>
[[Wait for the morrow.|226]]<font color="red"><b>{name}, you bleed out on the floor of this rodent-infested, filthy ship. Your Robot X cannot save you, and you die. Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]You must have slept deeply through the whole night. As you slowly start moving in the morning, you notice that there's an envelope on the floor <i>inside</i> of the door. "How the heck did that get there?" you say out loud. As you get up off the bunk to retrieve the envelope, X says, "The Countess dropped that off at 2:13 a.m. this morning, {name}. She used a pass key."
<i>Quite a resourceful Countess, isn't she?</i> you think to yourself as you grab the envelope and read the note.<hr>
<i>So sorry for the <u>trouble</u> - not safe to meet here. Meet me at Room 612, the Moore Hotel, Bliss Lane in Auraville on Phogutis at midnight tonight.<br>
Alicia</i><hr>
You give the address to X, memorize and destroy the note, and gather your stuff together for the next phase of your trip.<p>
[[Say goodbye to stench and hello to Phogutis.|227]]<p>You have some time to kill. You've already instructed X to neutralize all the weapons - you can't take them where you're going when they are active; packed all your stuff, and tied up other loose ends. You still have {weapon} though - this type of item is allowed for self protection. You are hungry, but the thought of throwing down another cheeseburger in this place is enough to make you want to wait.<p>
"X, plot out our route of travel to meet with the Countess by midnight tonight." "Plotting. Completed."<p>
"Well - report." "Depart ship for Auraville approximately 7:30 p.m. (2nd shuttle); arrive Auraville approximately 9:45 p.m. Depart shuttle station about 10:30 p.m. by taxi; arrival Moore Hotel about 11:00 p.m. Eat something and then go up to Room 612 at 11:50." "Nice - but why the 2nd shuttle?" "The Countess and her body guards are booked on the 1st shuttle." "Well done - book us for the 2nd shuttle." "Affirmative."<p>
<i>X is one of the better RPAs you've ever had,</i> you think to yourself.<p>
[[Continue.|228]]<p>You decide to spend the remaining time on the ship in isolation in your quarters. You don't need any more incidents, or excitement. At the appointed time, you and your robot report to the Shuttle Deck. The flight to Phogutis is routine and uneventful. You even score some peanuts to munch on along the way.<p>
<i>Fresh air - amazing.</i> It has been so long since you have had fresh air. You breeze through customs and all around you is Phogutis. The people seem very nice here - perhaps too nice.<p> As Heinz Duo might say, happy, happy, happy. <i>Too much happiness for a vacation,</i> you think to yourself. You find a taxi and make your way to the Moore Hotel. You go ahead and grab a room, take a quick shower, and order a sandwich and some fruit from room service. You are actually a little ahead of time, it's only 11:15 p.m. Plenty of time to eat your supper.<p>
"X - activate your weapons to stun and activate your encrypted communication channel to Earth, please."<p>
"Completed."<p>
[[Go to Room 612.|229]]You softly knock on Alicia's door at midnight. She answers the door and lets both of you in. "It is good to see you again, Alicia." "It is good to see you again, {name}. I have something for you." Alicia goes over to a drawer and pulls out a disk. "This is the latest AI technology data - I think it will meet your needs."<p>
Your eyes light up as you take the disk. You give it to X. "Encrypt, upload, and transmit." "Processing," X says. "Now, tell me about my end of the bargain - how can I help you?" you ask Alicia. "It is a simple plan, really. When you return to Earth, convince your superiors that a diplomatic mission should be set up with Phogutis. I will be plugging the same idea here. In a year or two, I will get myself appointed to the mission. The key, on my end, is to act slowly and methodically, so as to not raise issues about it." "It sounds like a good plan to me - how will we communicate?" you ask. Alicia hands you another disk. "This is my encrypted electronic address for communications."<p>
X pipes in, "Task completed - and receipt acknowledged."<p>
At this moment, the door to the room comes crashing down, and [[four armed men rush into the room.|230]]<p>[if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '231'}
[else]
{embed passage: '232'}"You are all under arrest!" the leader shouts.<p>
"How dare you barge in here! Do you know who I am?" Alicia yells back.<p>
"Yes, a traitor!"<p>
With that, X swings into action. X stuns one man immediately. You and Alicia immediately join in the fray. You quickly kill another man with {weapon}, and engage a third with your fists. He shoots you in the stomach with a live round while you pound him to the ground and knock him out. The fourth man kills Alicia with a head shot and X stuns him. With all four men down, it becomes strangely quiet. You quietly crawl over to each opponent left alive and kill them with {weapon}.<p>
Your wound is mortal. "X, are you all right?" "I am, {name}. But I'm afraid that our mission has been terminated." You quietly bleed out on the floor. The last thing you see is X dutifully initiating his self destruct sequence. "X, it has been a pleasure serving with you," you barely whisper the words before you die.<p>
[[Fini.|234]]<p>"You are all under arrest!" the leader shouts.<p>
"How dare you barge in here! Do you know who I am?" Alicia yells back.<p>
"Yes, a traitor!"<p>
With that, X swings into action. X stuns one man immediately. You and Alicia immediately join in the fray. You quickly kill another man with {weapon}, and engage a third with your fists. He wounds you in the leg with a live round while you pound him to the ground and knock him out. The fourth man wounds Alicia in the shoulder and X stuns him. With all four men down, it becomes strangely quiet. You quietly go over to each opponent left alive and kill them with {weapon}.<p>
"Is everyone okay?" you ask. "I'm slightly wounded," Alicia says. "Affirmative," X reports. After you quickly tend to your wounds, you realize that you have to go on the run...<p>
[[The end, and a new beginning.|233]]<p>Alicia leads you and X to a safehouse. There, she tends to your wounds - and you plan your future.<p>
You become guerrillas in the <i>Phogutis Democracy Movement.</i> You spend the next ten years in an epic struggle against the elites. The movement gains more members with each victory. Alicia becomes the head of the movement, and you the chief of psychological warfare operations. Robot X becomes the head of all robotic assets. One day, your efforts will be appreciated by millions of Phogutisians...<p>
[[Continue.|235]]<p><font color="green"><b>{name}, you accomplished the mission. Unfortunately, you died in the process. In this space opera, you can die and still win the game - BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font><font color="green"><b>{name}, you accomplished the mission. Also, you found a larger cause to believe in - BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>[if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '301'}
[else]
{embed passage: '302'}The three slow walkers slowly head to where you threw the small stone. Slow walkers are the easiest to kill, of course - there's not much challenge in it. The key with zombies is to strike hard, and strike fast. You check that there are no more around...<p>
You let them get to within 15 feet of your position and you spring into the assault, using {weapon2} to swiftly penetrate each diseased brain. The entire battle takes less than 30 seconds.<p>
<i>Not bad,</i> you say to yourself as you look at the corpses on the ground. <i>I didn't even break a sweat.</i><p>
You quickly move off to the west into a small passage. The walls are narrower here. You move slowly. Up ahead, you hear some heavy breathing and growling. <i>A rabid Mog</i>, you say to yourself. Half-man, half-dog. He's his own best friend. Kind of a tight space to fight a rabid Mog. As you contemplate what to do, the Mog attacks...<p>
[[You defend yourself with {weapon}.|306]]<p>
[[You defend yourself with {weapon2}.|307]]<p>
[[You turn and run as fast as you can.|308]]<p>The three slow walkers just stand there, looking stupid. <i>Stupid is as stupid does,</i> you think to yourself.<p>
You check the area to make sure there are no others around. Satisfied that there are no others, you consider your options.<p>
[[Charge them from a distance with {weapon2}.|303]]<p>
[[Scan them dead.|304]]<p>You charge them with {weapon2}, though you are at least forty-five feet away. The first two are easy enough to slice down, but the third one makes a fight of it. He's smarter than your average zombie, and gets in close contact. This is bad for you. He gets in a lucky bite on your neck before you slice him with {weapon2}. He's dead, but you're dying. Not wanting to become a zombie, you prefer to use {weapon} to finish yourself off...<p>
[[Continue.|305]]<p>
The easy way is to just scan them dead.<p>
You usually just scan one at a time, but you think this will be good practice so you scan them all at once. It takes a lot of effort doing multiples at once. One by one, their heads explode, until all three are just a mound of rotting flesh on the ground.<p>
<i>Too easy.</i><p>
You quickly move off to the west into a small passage. The walls are narrower here. You move slowly. Up ahead, you hear some heavy breathing and growling. <i>A rabid Mog</i>, you say to yourself. Half-man, half-dog. He's his own best friend. Kind of a tight space to fight a rabid Mog. As you contemplate what to do, the Mog attacks...<p>
[[You defend yourself with {weapon}.|306]]<p>
[[You defend yourself with {weapon2}.|307]]<p>
[[You turn and run as fast as you can.|308]]<p><font color="red"><b>{name}, you die. No more monster hunting for you. Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]You side-step the rabid Mog, and parry with {weapon}. You catch him in the neck, and then swiftly strike three more blows before he can even react. He falls about five feet away, mortally wounded. You take out {weapon2} and finish him off.<p>
<i>Nice work!</i><p>
{embed passage: '310'}<p>You side-step the rabid Mog, and parry with {weapon2}. You catch him in the neck, and then swiftly strike two more major blows before he can even react. He falls about five feet away, mortally wounded. You use {weapon2} again to finish him off.<p>
<i>Nice, clean work!</i><p>
{embed passage: '310'}<p>You turn and run as fast as you can. The Mog is much quicker and stronger than you and pounces on your back, tearing and ripping pieces of flesh from your body. You fall face first with the Mog still clinging to you. You try to wound him with {weapon}, but the result is a foregone conclusion. Your last conscious thought, as the rabid Mog tears into you, is <i>at least I won't have to get those painful rabies shots...</i><p>
[[Continue.|309]]<p><font color="red"><b>{name}, you die a horrible death. No more monster hunting for you. Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]Time to take a small rest. You drink some water, clean your weapons, and pause for a time. <i>So far, so good,</i> you think to yourself.<p>You continue straight down the narrow path, moving slowly.<p>
You hate this particular path. It's too narrow, with not much operating space. Still, there are usually many targets here, and it is hard for multiples to attack at once.<p>
[[Continue walking down the narrow path.|311]]<p>You see a larger passage to the east up ahead. <i>Funny, I don't remember that one being there,</i> you think to yourself. You decide to check it out. In unfamiliar (or forgotten) areas, it is wise to take extreme caution. You slowly make your way into the larger passage.<p>
This larger passage leads to a huge room, with lots of space. In the middle, there is a raised platform with what appears to be a musty old chest on top of it. This is very much a danger signal, as monsters often use chests, or treasure chests, to lure humans to their deaths. Still, a careful look shows no activity for at least a fifty foot radius around the platform. There are no other visible entrances or exits in the huge room.<p>
[[You skip this room and go back to the narrow path.|312]]<p>
[[You slowly approach the platform and chest.|313]]<p>You don't like the looks of this. You decide to go back to the narrow path. <i>You are monster hunting, and not treasure hunting, {name}.</i><p>
As you move past the huge room on the narrow path, all is quiet. You are alone with your thoughts. You have developed the skill of being almost completely silent in your movement, and that is good skill to have. The concentration effort takes a toll after awhile, though. A competent monster hunter can only stay three or four hours in the cavern, tops.<p>
You go about an hour and a half without any more sightings, and you decide to turn around and head back. This narrow path, with its twisty passages, is starting to get on your nerves. You resolve to take a different route the next time you are in this sector.<p>
Just as you come back to the entrance to the huge room, you spot a couple of wolves blocking the path. They look, well, they look hungry like wolves usually do. These are nasty, and they hunt in packs. Strangely, you only see two of them up ahead. You move towards them at a very slow pace.<p>
[[Charge the wolves with {weapon2}.|315]]<p>
[[Charge the wolves with {weapon}.|316]]<p>
[[Scan one, and charge the other with {weapon2}.|317]]<p>As you slowly approach the platform, you hear a familiar hissing sound. Vipers! You shine your flashlight around and see hundreds of them all around you. <i>Too many - too many!</i> You get your scanning going, and you can hear dozens of little heads popping all over the place. You ready {weapon} and {weapon2} and spring into action, cutting and slashing and cursing.<p>
After the third bite, your scanning is impeded. You feel the venom ravaging your entire body, and you involuntarily fall to the ground. Before too long, you feel the slithering mass of vipers covering you, and you pass out.<p>
[[Continue.|314]]<p><font color="red"><b>{name}, you die. No more monster hunting for you. Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]You don't fool around with these guys. You charge them with {weapon2} and slice and dice them like an oriental chef advertising fancy new knives.<p>
Your task is complete for tonight. There haven't been many monsters about in this sector, but you've dealt with the ones you've come across. No one could ask for more...<p>
You go home and call the main office with your report.<p>
[[Continue.|318]]<p>You raise {weapon} and attack the pair. In a glorious fight, you disable one of the wolves right away. The other one is hesitant to engage you, and looks like he wants to take off. You chase after him. Near the exit of the cavern, he suddenly turns around in a loop and attacks you from the side. You manage to plant {weapon} into his back. Unfortunately, he ignores the wound and pounces on your side, biting your neck.<p>
You try to get ahold of {weapon2}, but he strikes several times and you fall down on your face. You try and defend yourself as best as you can, but it is of no use. You do not have the time to scan him, so he rips you apart.<p>
[[Continue.|319]]You quickly scan one wolf while still quite a distance away from them. The companion wolf seems genuinely perplexed to see his buddy's head explode, and that is distraction enough for you. You easily take out the second one with {weapon2}.
Your task is complete for tonight. There haven't been many monsters about in this sector, but you've dealt with the ones you've come across. No one could ask for more...<p>
You go home and call the main office with your report.<p>
[[Continue.|318]]<p>
<font color="green"><b>{name}, you killed three zombies, a mog, and two wolves while remaining uninjured. A light night, for sure, but you'll be back tomorrow for more... BRAVO!<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font><font color="red"><b>{name}, you die a horrible death. No more monster hunting for you. Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]<i>There is something about taking a small weapon to a big monster fight.</i> You creep up to within ten feet of the Chimera, climb up on a ledge, and jump down on the back of one of the creatures, hacking away. You make good work on one of them, and it seems to stun both of them. Not for long. You swear you hear them chuckling as you are thrown off of them, at their feet.<p>
Once that happens, they make short work of you. You didn't really feel the bite that ripped out your guts, but the one that ripped your face off hurt quite a bit.<p>
[[Continue.|323]]<p>You creep up to within ten feet of the Chimera, climb up on a ledge, and jump down off down to the side of the creature, out of their field of vision. You hack away with {weapon3} until the creature falls face first. After that, it is a simple matter of decapitating them. The entire encounter takes less than three minutes.<p>
<i>Not bad...</i><p>
{embed passage: '324'}<p>You move to within thirty feet of the Chimera, and take cover behind a large rock. You scan the left head, and because of the distance, the head doesn't explode for a full minute. This causes confusion for the remaining head, of course, so you use the chance to attack him with {weapon3}. You make short work of the both of them quickly.<p>
<i>Very well done.</i><p>
{embed passage: '324'}<p><font color="red"><b>{name}, you die a horrible death. No more monster hunting for you. Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]]You move past the dead Chimera and slowly make your way down a passage to the right. <i>Plenty of room to move around,</i> you think.<p>
Up ahead, perhaps a hundred feet or so, is a Cyclops. These brutes are dangerous, but easily scanned. You just have to get within fifty feet or so. You slowly creep ahead, being very careful...<p>
[[Continue to approach the Cyclops.|325]]<p>You get within scanning effective range before the brute even notices you. You get to work scanning it. It becomes enraged and charges you. Its head explodes within 15 feet of you.<p>
When the Cyclops drops, you notice another three grouped together about thirty feet behind it, running in your direction. The ground shakes with the movement of the three giants. No time to scan them here.<p>
[[Quickly retreat to a safer place.|326]]<p>
[[Stand your ground with {weapon3}.|327]]<p>You run as fast as your feet will take you, putting some distance between you and the three Cyclops. You are actually now near the exit, and you debate whether or not to leave the cavern. You don't have much time to decide. You start scanning. One after another, their heads explode. The closest they got was about ten feet from you.<p>
<i>Good job!</i><p>
"How did you do that?" You are startled by a voice coming from behind you, and you turn around. You see Gabriel Fargas, one of the <i>best</i> monster hunters, standing about twenty feet away from you. "{name}, I asked you, how did you do that?" You don't know what to say, and just stand there quietly. "Gabriel, what are you doing in my sector?" you ask in an annoyed tone. "Never mind about that - I saw what you did. You're one of them - a <b>monster.</b><p>
[[Attack Gabriel to protect your secret.|329]]<p>
[[Run as fast as you can, deep into the cavern.|330]]<p>This will require precise timing. You stand there with {weapon3} and await the three Cyclops. With some fancy sword work and side stepping, you kill the first one without difficulty. You slice at the second one, while the third moves behind you. You manage to kill the second one all right, but during this encounter the third one catches you and smashes you down to the ground with a powerful fist blow.<p>
You grab {weapon} for some close fighting, but the Cyclops merely stomps on you a few times. You feel your bones being broken, but you don't feel anything after that - thankfully.<p>
[[Continue.|328]]<p>
<font color="red"><b>{name}, you died. No more monster hunting for you. Therefore...
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU LOSE THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>
[[Petition the AI to reconsider this decision.|63]][if random.coinFlip]
{embed passage: '331'}
[else]
{embed passage: '332'}<i>Your scanning ability must remain a secret.</i> Yet, the monster hunter's code forbids killing humans. Not much of a choice to make, then.<i>You can't kill him, but he can sure kill you...</i><p>
You feign an unarmed attack on Gabriel, pretending you are charging him. This startles him enough for you to turn around and sprint towards the interor of the cavern.<p>
You think you hear Gabriel yelling behind you, "We'll get you, {name}."<p>
[[Your new home.|333]]<p><i>Your scanning ability must remain a secret.</i> Yet, the monster hunter's code forbids killing humans. Not much of a choice to make, then.<i>You can't kill him, but he can sure kill you...</i><p>
You rush Gabriel and attack him with your fists. You initially catch him off guard, but he recovers quickly. He is not able to pull out his weapon in time, and you knock him to the ground. He is disoriented, but in no way out of the fight.<p>
You turn around and sprint as fast as you can into the interior of the cavern.<p>
You think you hear Gabriel yelling behind you, "We'll get you, {name}."<p>
[[Your new home.|333]]<p><i>Your scanning ability must remain a secret.</i> Yet, the monster hunter's code forbids killing humans. Not much of a choice to make, then.<i>You can't kill him, but he can sure kill you...</i><p>
You rush Gabriel and attack him with your fists. You initially catch him off guard, but he recovers quickly. He cuts you in the face with a small knife, but it isn't serious. You make one last great effort and manage to knock him down with a haymaker punch to the head.<p>
You turn around and sprint as fast as you can into the interior of the cavern.<p>
You think you hear Gabriel yelling behind you, "We'll get you, {name}."<p>
[[Your new home.|334]]<p>No one follows you into the cavern. You are now officially a monster. The hunter has now become the hunted. You must travel deep into the bowels of the {place} Cavern, never to come out again. You must establish a defensible position with access to water. You must now defend yourself from <i>other monsters AND other humans.</i> If you wish to survive, you must make some hard choices, maybe make some alliances when you can, and adjust yourself to this new way of life.<p>
You walk into the depths of your new home.<p>
<i>It won't be easy...</i><p>
[[Continue.|335]]<p>No one follows you into the cavern. You are now officially a monster. The hunter has now become the hunted. You must travel deep into the bowels of the {place} Cavern, never to come out again. You must establish a defensible position with access to water. You must now defend yourself from <i>other monsters AND other humans.</i> If you wish to survive, you must make some hard choices, maybe make some alliances when you can, and adjust yourself to this new way of life.<p>
The first order of business is to treat your facial wound - blood attracts monsters and aids tracking for monster hunters. You treat your wound with available materials in your small first aid kit and move along slowly. You walk into the depths of your new home.<p>
<i>It won't be easy...</i><p>
[[Continue.|335]]<p><font color="green"><b>{name}, you killed a Chimera and four Cyclops. Too bad you are now officially a monster. Still, to be fair:<p>
<hr><p>
<center><b>YOU WIN THE GAME</b></center><p>
<hr><p></font>