Then Again

--- (align:"==>")+(box:"=====================XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=========")["Character is destiny."<br>Heraclitus] --- (align:"=><=")[[[Start->E1]]] { (set: $currentPassage to 0) (set: $progress to $currentPassage / $passageNumber * 100) }

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e01.jpg">]Nature returned to show us how empty our hands truly were. We did not possess the ground and the waters that sustained us, nor the air that we breathed. Neither could we count on anything we had made for ourselves. Nothing remains now where it once stood, everything leveled from coastline to mountaintop. As the oceans and the fires assail our age, our toppled towers rust away, our people rot away. A disjointed season that now feels eternal looms over the human enterprise. You float high above the wreckage, pondering. For a long time, you gave your all to prevent this scene. Now, there is only one thing you can do. --- { |o1>[I observe.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I observe.] <br> Something bubbles under the surface.] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E2]]]

***TODO*** X Button-shaped interactables? X Save game X Restart button progress header X Fix button appearance and format 1-24 X 50 landscape semi-abstract paintings X Give specificity. Party names for example. X Prop up Nova's moral authority for the people. She is a valuable asset to have. X The ending could of course be even more explicit about what happened, whether you got it or not (Merlin video) X Add more diversions. The player should really attempt to free themselves at some point relatively early, perhaps in the 20s, when it is clear Orin is garbage, and fail and be brought back. Many players will probably try to leave the government as soon as they can so it must be clear why this cannot be. X Encounter about death and reflecting on the state of things (or whichever it is) make deeper, Romm has a great reflection on when to quit and the difficulties of being a stoic in these situations. A matter of personal assessment to an extent. (What I have now in 42 and 43 I think is fine.) X Test mobile ? Try implementing autosave -> May be possible but looks quite problematic, especially because erasing saves doesn't seem to be directly implemented in Harlowe. X Test again to make sure bad ending is reasonable. Laura got it and it was a surprise. X Trees look like poison, make better defined. X The tank cannon is much more defined that soldier bodies. Daniel, I played your work all the way through and I am impressed. It's a good piece. X Perhaps you should make the dream segments more recognizable, perhaps with slightly blurred imagery. X The options presented are all pretty good; I had to think them over. I was confused by the ending. At first it appeared that I had drowned in a flood. Then I was, apparently, President. Then came something else. All in all, the three final encounters confused me. Daniel, I have continued thinking about your storyworld and I have some more thoughts for you. There's no emotional connection to any of the characters. There were many decisions requiring careful thought, but I was not assessing my feelings about the characters; I was calculating the most likely effects of my options upon the character. This left the storyworld with a cold feeling. I concede that it might not be possible to blend an emotional dimension into a piece whose purpose is political. The current design does a good job of showing how an idealistic leader can become obsessed with power -- but note that this evolutionary process is presented through exposition, not interaction. That's not bad; many important processes must be presented through exposition. But dramatically significant interaction remains essential. You have three main characters; I think it possible to build emotional relationships with each of them. However, I admit that adding an emotional dimension would require a big expansion of the storyworld. My suggestion is that you accomplish this through individual isolated "shrubs" -- small trees that explore some small emotional interaction. Those can build the relationships. You could also have some major interactions late in the storyworld. One of the characters demands a commitment or act from you that has big consequences -- do you place loyalty to the character over your own principles? I again concede that this may be asking too much. My experience the Le Morte D'Arthur is that this dimension is quite demanding and will consume many months. Think it over, and good luck. DEPENDING ON TESTING Highlight core tension: you may think your goal is to limit damage or do good unvirtuously (you often get positive immediate feedback) but it is about being virtuous no matter what (that is the game's ethical stance): - See that decisions highlight that core dichotomy. Hierarchy is: do good virtuously -> minimize bad virtuously -> remove yourself from the context -> do good non-virtuously -> minimize bad non-virtuously -> be unvirtuous for no clear purpose - Perhaps still try to add a Merlin-like more strongly who talks to you about wisdom, courage, moderation and justice throughout the game and lets you see what constitutes a model answer in each. PLAYTEST RESULTS NOT IMPLEMENTED - Preference for 3 options over 2. It is sometimes closer to what she would answer even if the perfect option is not there. - "I can't understand why I keep working here if nobody listens to me." - More interested in friends, dating... Not her type of game: too much seriousness and politics, too much text. Nova has no life outside of work. - The option to take is only clear on occasion. Only when there are extreme options outside of her personal character. - Feeling of progressive corruption. In the beginning the character is one way but changes as they go. - The images could be below the text to facilitate interpretation, but then they could create a break before options. May look disruptive and strange. Analytics https://gist.github.com/leila-stoat/8c83e02f01e8f2fe5cc65f1bf1e97d8f https://johnastewart.org/coding/twine-game-data-to-google-sheets-via-javascript-version-2/ AKfycbxNzXewzAy_BqbA9v_3LqHOCcP_D_AzmcYIAOV3UCmCeUXTx5a1oK2ZabBS7bbNM-UMbg https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycbxNzXewzAy_BqbA9v_3LqHOCcP_D_AzmcYIAOV3UCmCeUXTx5a1oK2ZabBS7bbNM-UMbg/exec ***STORY BEATS*** See encounters. Organized in columns based on "chapter." ***CHARACTERS*** A scholar with a gift for words and instilling motivation, Nova, is first discovered, then exiled, then brought back to advise the madman in charge and amass power, liberated after she has failed to change the madman, then sentenced to death as the world burns due to the madman’s corrupt actions. Perhaps not a madman but a dull, mediocre charlatan with pragmatic ambition and power to realize it. ***DELTA VARIABLES*** - wisdom (1=producing happiness/0=producing unhappiness) - courage (1=brave/0=cowardly) - moderation (1=moderate/0=excessive) - justice (1=fair/0=unfair) “Wisdom is knowledge of good and bad; courage is knowledge of what to fear and what not to fear; moderation is knowledge of what to pursue and what to avoid; justice is knowledge of what to give or what not to give others.” The aggregate value is your total virtue = how close you are to being a true philosopher = how you will be remembered, your example, even if you are executed. But you need to have everything over a certain threshold. ***DREAMS AND MUSINGS*** Like Merlin doing maieutics, a Socrates-like figure appears and questions the protagonist about different situations and how to act in them according to the cardinal virtues and stoic principles (wealth as a preferred indifferent, etc.). What would a true philosopher do? The figure appears in Nova’s own creations. ***ENDINGS*** Few endings, historical-moral lesson for those after the collapse. The player may want to survive (by fleeing or conniving) or minimize disaster (by trying to persuade the madman until the end), but what they actually need is to become a great historical example by opposing tyranny.

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e02.jpg">]You wake up two minutes before the alarm goes off. You keep your eyes closed. "So this is what anxiety will do to your dreams." Two hours later, you stand in front of a large crowd. This is the third week of peaceful protests against a regime commanded by a Big Liar that is rapidly and surely destroying the planet and its life. You do not know of a more diplomatic way to put it, so that's how you say it in the speech you are now improvising. Question: Why are you on a stand in a protest with no formal leaders? Answer: Because even the most horizontal movements understand the value of charisma and reputation. You, the cherished Nova, a long-time activist, writer and occasional pundit, have both. The situation is dire, but nobody is sure of what will happen. Massive protests have happened before but as much as the castle seems to crumble, they can go either way. More often than not, the bad way. As the time to close the speech arrives, you hesitate. What do these people want to hear? Most importantly, what do they need to hear? --- {|o1>[I describe the dream I just had. If we do not ramp up our efforts, the end I saw will materialize sooner than we think.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I describe the dream I just had. If we do not ramp up our efforts, the end I saw will materialize sooner than we think.] <br> The audience listens gravely. Their eyes show determination.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I describe a beautiful dream in which we succeed in creating a world based on the common good. This is the time to work hard for it.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I describe a beautiful dream in which we succeed in creating a world based on the common good. This is the time to work hard for it.] <br> The audience listens in awe. After three weeks of hardship, they look energized again.] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)]} --- |n)[[[Next->E3]]]

{ (set: $wisdom to 0) (set: $courage to 0) (set: $moderation to 0) (set: $justice to 0) (set: $virtue to ($wisdom+$courage+$moderation+$justice)/4) } This is an encounter description. What do you do? --- { |o1>[This is an option that decreases wisdom by -0.2.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[This is an option that decreases wisdom by -0.2.] <br> What a dumb choice.] (set: $wisdom to $wisdom-0.2) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (show: ?n)] |o2>[<br>This is an option that decreases courage by -0.2.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[This is an option that decreases courage by -0.2.] <br> What a dumb choice.] (set: $courage to $courage-0.2) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (show: ?n)] |o3>[<br>This is an option that increases justice by +0.2.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[This is an option that increases justice by +0.2.] <br> What a great choice!] (set: $justice to $justice+0.2) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->Tests2]]]

Under the hood: { (set: $virtue to ($wisdom+$courage+$moderation+$justice)/4) } Wisdom: $wisdom Courage: $courage Moderation: $moderation Justice: $justice Virtue: $virtue --- {(if: $virtue >= 0.5 and $wisdom > 0 and $courage > 0 and $moderation > 0 and $justice > 0)[You got the good ending!] (else-if: $virtue >= 0 and < 0.5)[You got the mediocre ending] (else: )[You got the bad ending.]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e03.jpg">]And then, just like that, it happens. A few weeks end an era lasting over a decade. As the peaceful protests undermined the Big Liar's supports, they led to an anticipated call to vote and then a change in power. You have observed the process with pride and even hope, though after a long time in politics you know that a radical change is out of the table. Yet, it may be the only way to escape your worst nightmares. Despite your involvement with Life, a major activist organization that pushed for the change, you have always kept institutions at arm's length. That is the topic of the conversation this evening. A group of friends have met to have a drink and discuss possibilities, from the likely to the impossible, and fantasize with a life that they have never had. One of them asks you: "Nova, why wouldn't you join the government? I am sure you could do much good there. You are our best shot at the future we want." Everyone here looks up to you. --- { |o1>["I don't think I'm suited for that kind of work. We all have a role to play, and mine is not in the government palace."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["I don't think I'm suited for that kind of work. We all have a role to play, and mine is not in the government palace."] <br> Everyone nods. They know you and understand your position.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["If someone called me, I guess I would accept. Otherwise, I am fine where I am."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["If someone called me, I guess I would accept. Otherwise, I am fine where I am."] <br> A couple of people raise an eyebrow. They did not expect that kind of passivity from you.] (set: $moderation to $it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["Politicians are all the same. Take out one government, put in another to continue the job... I want nothing to do with institutional politics."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["Politicians are all the same. Take out one government, put in another to do the same... I want nothing to do with institutional politics."] <br> Everyone is taken aback. Your friend asks again quietly, "Why did we go through all that, then?"] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E4]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e04.jpg">]The Work party will lead the new government and they want to involve social actors in conversations to form a new cabinet. It is obvious that after a successful cycle of protests, a government that fashions itself as progressive will want to make sure it counts on civic support. As a major social organization, Life is at the table. As a major figure within Life, you are there. This means your days are full of so-called strategic meetings in which very little seems to move forward. This is not how you were picturing the future after the revolution. In a haze of tiredness and grumpiness, you tell yourself several times that you will quit if you have to sit through another meeting. But you never go through with your threat: the meetings keep you too busy. During a small break, you chat with someone you have never seen before. She introduces herself as Mara, a fellow activist. Much like your friends, Mara has noticed your ambivalence when it comes to governmental dynamics. This time, a blunt question comes your way: "I've been watching you. The faces you make. Have you lost hope in change?" --- { |o1>["I have. Most of us are too conservative or afraid of meaningful change. Those who end up in power are ambitious and become corrupted eventually. And we are just one country. As soon as we step out of line, others will pressure us. How can you not lose hope?"] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["I have. Most of us are too conservative or afraid of meaningful change. Those who end up in power are ambitious and become corrupted eventually. And we are just one country. As soon as we step out of line, others will pressure us. How can you not lose hope?"] <br> Mara smiles. Someone calls both of you back to the meeting.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["Of course I think change can happen. This is just not it. So far, we have always missed the destination, and sometimes even mistaken the road."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["Of course I think change can happen. This is just not it. So far, we have always missed the destination, and sometimes even mistaken the road."] <br> Mara smiles. Someone calls both of you back to the meeting.] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["My hope depends on what I see. Talking is easy. We'll see where it goes from here."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["My hope depends on what I see. Talking is easy. We'll see where it goes from here."] <br> Mara smiles. Someone calls both of you back to the meeting.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E5]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e05.jpg">]It is early morning and you are in bed. Your phone rings. It's the secretary of Life's central committee. He does not greet you. "Look, we don't need you today at the meeting." The realization that something is wrong wakes you up. "Did something change?" "Let me rephrase: We don't need you in any meeting moving forward." You try to find the words. In the end, you ask a simple question. "Why?" "Let me tell you this. We have received some disturbing news. It seems you are not committed to this process... and we cannot have someone acting in our name in bad faith. It will be better for everyone if we cut ties." A ruthless man, the secretary of the committee was never known for his sense of diplomacy. You have always appreciated this trait, but now it feels far less enjoyable. You feel a stir inside. Is it just confusion? Sadness? Anger? --- { |o1>["I may have said something, but I was just tired. Please. You cannot take every little comment so seriously."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["I may have said something, but I was just tired. You cannot take every little comment so seriously."] <br> "This may be our last chance to do things right. See how seriously I take it," he replies. He hangs up.] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I remain 100% committed. This is just manipulation. I never said anything. Please."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I remain 100% committed. This is just manipulation. I never said anything. Please."] <br> "We have a recording. This may be our last chance to do things right, so we cannot risk it. Goodbye," he replies. He hangs up.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[While this is obviously unfair, I am too afraid to say anything. Trying to reason with this man will only make things worse for me.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[While this is obviously unfair, I am too afraid to say anything. Trying to reason with this man will only make things worse.] <br> "Not even a defense or an apology? Alright then," he replies. He hangs up.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E6]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e06.jpg">]Forsaken by your allies, you languish for a few weeks in the capital, not knowing what to do with yourself. After seriously considering whether you miss those meetings, you decide to put into practice an old aspiration, one that has remained a fantasy even in your most intimate expectations. You take a few things and hop on a train. Your grandparents' empty house and garden await you in a distant village, a place you haven't seen in a decade. Though you appreciate the clean air, your idyll with the isolated rural life is brief. As the powerful keep spinning the world faster and faster, what good are you doing here? Plus, the garden is ancient and dried out. Bringing life back to it is proving more challenging than you envisioned. It is clear that despite your romantic dreams, this is no life for you, at least not now. But where to go from here? --- { |o1>[I keep an eye on the news coming from the capital and wait for the right time. Although this is a unique moment, I should not fear the passage of time.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I keep an eye on the news coming from the capital and wait for the right time. Although this is a unique moment, I should not fear the passage of time.] <br> You go back to your garden, even though you would rather be doing something else.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I message a friend who is also a member of Life's central committee. "I have been thinking and I recognize that change processes are more difficult than I wanted them to be. Do you see any chance for me to come back?"] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I message a friend who is also a member of Life's central committee. "I have been thinking and I recognize that change processes are more difficult than I wanted them to be. Do you see any chance for me to come back?"] <br> "I don't think it's a good time, but things may be about to change. Just stay put. There are many who miss you."] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[I recognize that my only chance may be a very public show of atonement. I post online extolling the benefits of the current talks. I praise every party involved for their wisdom and capacity to come to difficult understandings.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[I recognize that my only chance may be a very public show of atonement. I post online extolling the benefits of the current talks. I praise every party involved for their wisdom and capacity to come to difficult understandings.] <br> The post does not gather many reactions. A friend calls. "Are you being held at gunpoint? That was so out of character."] (set:$praisedOpponent to 1) (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E7]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e07.jpg">]Weeks pass and it is increasingly clear that the garden will not yield anything this scorching season. You rest in the shadow, drenched in sweat and frustrated. Then, you hear a faint song coming from inside the house. It takes you a few seconds to recognize your phone's ringtone, for it has been a long time since the last time you've heard it. "Nova." The voice does not ask. "Yeah, that's me." "Mara here. We met during a break a while ago." The person from that meeting. Perhaps her question cost you everything. Maybe she is the one who tattled. All that feels far away now, farther away than it probably is. You take a deep breath. "Yeah? How are you?" "I'm doing pretty good. Listen, a few things have changed since the last time we spoke. I am part of the new government. As you may know, we had to settle for a prime minister who may not last long." Mara is right. Disaster Man, they call him, and he is truly a sorry sight, as most compromise solutions are. The few times you have seen him on-screen, it has been clear he does not know what he is doing nor does he want to be there. However, if you have learned anything lately, it is to be cautious with your words. "I don't know about that. I am in the countryside, living happily ever after." You immediately regret the sarcasm. "Well, he is going out soon, and someone will be coming in. I happen to advise Orin, the minister for the environment, who is one of the favorites to step in. Orin represents everything we've ever wanted and more. I can bring you back if you help us in the upcoming fight for the throne. People still adore you around here. In spite of everything." You are not sure that you understand what "in spite of everything" refers to. You are only sure that you feel disgust when hearing the word "throne." Mara is waiting for an answer. --- { |o1>[I look at my desolate garden. "Okay, I'll do it. But if I am to join a government for the first time in my life, you better understand that I will not compromise my principles. One hint of greenwashing and I am out."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I look at my desolate garden. "Okay, I'll do it. But if I am to join a government for the first time in my life, you better understand that I will not compromise my principles. One hint of greenwashing and I am out."] <br> "I see you have not changed after all. Do not worry, this time it's for real. We'll send a car for you." As you begin to protest about the car, you realize Mara is gone.] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[It is clear that things are not going well for me here. I do want to go back. But every time I try to speak, fear paralyzes me. What if they betray me again?] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[It is clear that things are not going well for me here. I do want to go back. But every time I try to speak, fear paralyzes me. What if they betray me again?] <br> Mara sighs. "I know what you're thinking. I promise, you can always leave. Besides, you have nothing going on, I know that. Let me rescue you from irrelevance." <br> You sigh. "Okay." You hang up. A cool breeze gives you a moment of respite.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["Oh, so now you need me! No, thanks. I have a garden to attend."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["Oh, so now you need me. No, thanks. I have a garden to attend."] <br> "I understand that you feel hurt, but please, sleep on it. You'll see this is the best for everyone." <br> You hang up. You look at the small square of barren soil you just called a garden. It is a hot and silent spring evening. You go to bed early. <br> You barely manage to sleep. In the morning, you hear a car outside. You grab your few things and get in. ] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E8]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e08.jpg">]As you cross the city towards the government palace, Mara finishes her briefing. "You will meet Orin soon. Now it is already quite late. Here, take this and get yourself a hotel room." You try to protest, but Mara is right. You have no place of your own. As you step out of the car, you realize that you are in front of an extremely luxurious hotel. With the last rays of sunlight, you can barely make out the top of the tower. "What the..." you start, but the car is already leaving. Nearby, but at a distance so that they will not be removed, a crowd of homeless people sit waiting for the rich who come and go from the tower. As your gaze runs from the line of sports cars waiting for the valets in front of the hotel to the line of people and back, you recognize that this is the kind of vision that makes you think that the end is near. But more than anything, you are exhausted from a day of travel. --- { |o1>[A night in a hotel does not change who I am. This kind of tokenistic thinking will be our demise.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[A night in a hotel does not change who I am. This kind of tokenistic thinking will be our demise.] <br> You enter the hotel, pay for the night, and enjoy a relaxing bubble bath and a soft bed.] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[This is not only wrong, but what would happen if someone saw me? As exhausted as I am, I need to find an alternative.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[This is not only wrong, but what would happen if someone saw me? As exhausted as I am, I need to find an alternative.] <br> You walk for a while and find a cheap hotel to spend the night in. You fall asleep immediately and feel well rested in the morning.] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[I give the money to the homeless people and call a friend to see if I can spend the night with them.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[I give the money to the homeless people and call a friend to see if I can spend the night with them.] <br> The people take the money. Your friend is happy to see you again. You sleep in their couch, which is enough for you. ] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E9]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e09.jpg">]During a morning briefing, Mara tells you about an alternative to Orin, the budding minister you have come to advise. The opponent is clearly preferred by most grassroots entities, including Life. However, in the last days it has become clear for those in the know that Orin will be the next prime minister. {(if: $praisedOpponent is 1)[Funnily enough, you lavishly praised Orin' political opponent when you were trying to gain favor to come back from your banishment in the garden, since he had close ties to Disaster Man and could have helped you. Water under the bridge, of course.]} You wonder if you should do something for your former colleagues. --- { |o1>[I get in touch with Life and tell them the truth: their candidate does not stand a chance in this internal race. They have much to win and nothing to lose by taking the winner's side.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I get in touch with Life and tell them the truth: their candidate does not stand a chance in this internal race. They have much to win and nothing to lose by taking the winner's side.] <br> They appreciate your call, but they say that no amount of insider information will alter what they stand for. (if: $praisedOpponent is 1)[You are not sure whether that is a reproach.]] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[Nobody has asked me to do anything. I stay out of it.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[Nobody has asked me to do anything. I stay out of it.] <br> You do not even know your own candidate that well to begin with. This is the most prudent choice.] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E10]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e10.jpg">]Mara calls as you watch the news. "Not that it is a surprise, but we won. I hate to say this over the phone, but there are responsibilities that come with it. You are about to become a very busy, very public person." "I figured. I am ready." You are being honest. You are ready to show how committed you are. "Well then. What are you going to do about your... friends?" You look to either side. For a few weeks, you've been dating a couple you recently met. Tash and Sam, who are in the couch with you, notice your looking, and look back. "Give me a moment," you say both to the caller and to your friends, and you enter the kitchen. So this is what's about. Not just a genuine concern that you will not have time for other people, but pandering to the same conservative mentality. A possible scandal. Mara clears her throat. "Nova, are you there?" --- { |o1>["I am about to give this project almost all of my time. I am not willing to sacrifice my relationships as well. You better believe me on this one."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["I am about to give this project almost all of my time. I am not willing to sacrifice my relationships as well. You better believe me on this one."] <br> "As you wish. I trust you will keep things where they belong."] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["Well, if I have to choose, things are not working out that well with Sam anyway, so maybe I can... reduce the number of social commitments here."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["Well, if I have to choose, things are not working out that well with Sam anyway, so maybe I can... reduce the number of social commitments here."] <br> You go back to the living room and tell Sam that things are not working out between you two, but you'd be happy to keep seeing Tash. They make it very clear that, in that case, you cannot continue to be with any of them. They shake their heads as you leave.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["Fair enough. I'm having a good time with them, but we've been together only for a couple of weeks."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["Fair enough. I'm having a good time with them, but we've been together only for a couple of weeks."] <br> You mumble some apology and leave the apartment forever, to Tash and Sam's bewilderment.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E11]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e11.jpg">]As you walk through the corridors of the government palace, you run into an old university friend you haven't talked to for years. They carry a box with a couple of framed pictures inside, a stack of papers, and some energy bars. This old-timey scene can only mean one thing. As one is moving in, the other is moving out. Even though the situation could have been tense, they greet you warmly and ask general questions about your life. Eventually, you cannot stop yourself from looking at the box. Your friend laughs. "End of an era! Another one! What do you figure I should do now?" --- { |o1>["Well, I feel we barely know each other anymore after so long. I am sure there are as many things as interesting as the halls of power. The question is, what do you want?"] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["Well, I feel we barely know each other anymore after so long. I am sure there are as many things as interesting as the halls of power. The question is, what do you want?"] <br> They smile. "I guess that's what I need to figure out now. Good luck to you too." They enter the elevator and you continue towards your office.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I can bring you back here if you want. I am sure I can figure something out."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I can bring you back here if you want. I am sure I can figure something out."] <br> "Right," they say, serious all of a sudden. "I am sure you can do that. I would hate it, though. Look, I'm in a rush. I wish you the best here." They enter the elevator and you continue towards your office.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["What about moving to the countryside? Maybe a contemplative life is not so bad."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["What about moving to the countryside? Maybe a contemplative life is not so bad."] <br> They look at you seriously. "Right, I'm sure I'd have a great time, that's probably why you are back here. Good luck to you, I hope it goes well for you." They enter the elevator and you continue towards your office.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E12]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e12.jpg">]You're waiting in a chair. "The prime minister will see you know." It's your first time inside that office. It looks luxurious, unbecoming of what this man is supposed to represent. Yet again, perhaps he hasn't had time to get rid of Disaster Man's trinkets. Orin opens the conversation, in fact, with Disaster Man and his cabinet. Even he calls him that. He smiles, just like on TV. "So, give me your honest input. Disaster Man. You do know he was behind your... exile, don't you? Even though he barely knew you, he got a whiff of something he did not like and became a bit anxious. He made a call." You didn't know, though you are not surprised. What can you say? --- { |o1>["Is there anything else to say about someone with that moniker, really? I am glad he's in the past now. It is a new time, and we are lucky to have you as our captain, sir."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["Is there anything else to say about someone with that moniker, really? I am glad he's in the past now. It is a new time, and we are lucky to have you as our captain, sir."] <br> "Haha, right! Thanks for your input. That will be all for now. And please, call me Orin." He walks you to the door. He smiles all the time.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["Well, the bar is certainly low. Let's hope we can do better than that, prime minister."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["Well, the bar is certainly low. Let's hope we can do better than that, prime minister."] <br> "Haha, right! Thanks for your input. That will be all for now. And please, call me Orin." He walks you to the door. He smiles all the time.] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["Well, prime minister, whatever that was, weren't you in that same cabinet? You certainly have a lot to prove from now on."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["Well, prime minister, whatever that was, weren't you in that same cabinet? You certainly have a lot to prove from now on."] <br> "Haha, right! Thanks for your input. That will be all for now. And please, call me Orin." He walks you to the door. He smiles all the time.] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E13]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e13.jpg">]You're in Orin's office. He's looking at the window, his back turned. "Let me give you my input on that," he says, using that word again. As he turns around, you realize that he's not the current prime minister. He's not even Disaster Man. He is the Big Liar. The true disaster. The man laughs with a broad smile. --- { |o1>[I shudder.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I shudder.] <br> Something writhes under the surface. You wake up sweating.] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E14]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e14.jpg">]Orin barges into your office. You still feel a bit uneasy after the weird dream you had last night. "Remember our conversation the other day? It's time to put all that on paper. You're writing my inaugural address. Everyone will see it. I'm pumped to see what you come up with!" --- { |o1>[The speech openly acknowledges that Disaster Man's policy was a disaster and promises that Orin will be very different. Night and day.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[The speech openly acknowledges that Disaster Man's policy was a disaster and promises that Orin will be very different. Night and day.] <br> People online cannot forget that Orin was an important actor in Disaster Man's cabinet. They laugh at the speech.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[The speech acknowledges that things could have been done better. There is even a hint of admission of guilt. For the most part, it is full of hope about the future.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[The speech acknowledges that things could have been done better. There is even a hint of admission of guilt. For the most part, it is full of hope about the future.] <br> The speech is perceived as dignified and perhaps a bit generic. Some like it, nobody that matters hates it.] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[The speech does not ignore the deep problems that Disaster Man was a part of, and does not shy away from Orin's responsibility in them. It essentially asks for a second chance.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[The speech does not ignore the deep problems that Disaster Man was a part of, and does not shy away from Orin's responsibility in them. It essentially asks for a second chance.] <br> The speech makes a lot of people uncomfortable. It is perceived as almost masochistic and, for some, improper. Then again, is there anything untrue in it?] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E15]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e15.jpg">]After the public address, you represent the government in a panel, part of a private forum with every major civic organization that is currently supporting the Work-led cabinet. Orin has made it clear that this is a very different audience, but left it up to you to figure out how. Luckily you know most people here, and many are happy to see you. Everything goes well up until you are done talking and it is time for questions from the audience. An angry man walks up to the microphone. "I don't trust you. As time keeps running out, here you are, spinning your lies, rather than working for the common good." Silence. This is not the time or the place that would gather strong reactions in either direction. People are expectant. --- { |o1>["Since your comment is rather personal, allow me to answer personally. Whatever happens from now on, I can just guarantee I will do my best. And being here today talking to all of you is part of that commitment."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["Well, since your comment is rather personal, allow me to answer personally. Whatever happens from now on, I can just guarantee I will do my best. And being here today talking to all of you is part of that commitment"] <br> The man sits down again, grumbling "guarantee, commitment, hah!" It takes a few more questions for the mood to relax.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I understand you, and I would have normally agreed. I just think that this work, being here talking to all of you, is important. And it is hard for me, there is no question about that. But I am ready to do it because I trust that if we communicate now, we'll do great work together later."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I understand you, and I would have normally agreed. I just think that this work, being here talking to all of you, is important. And it is hard for me, there is no question about that. But I am ready to do it because I trust that if we communicate now, we'll do great work together later."] <br> The man sits down again, grumbling "talk, talk, talk is all you do..." It takes a few more questions for the mood to relax.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["The fact that I am here sacrificing my time to listen to your nonsense should give you a clue about how committed this government is to make things work with everyone. For the common good, that is. Perhaps if you didn't waste my time with your 'more of a comment than a question' I could leave early and get to do some real work."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["The fact that I am here sacrificing my time to answer nonsense questions should give you a clue about how committed this government is to make things work with everyone. For the common good, that is. Perhaps if I didn't have to interact with you I could leave early and get to do some real work."] <br> The man sits down again, speechless. Others will think twice before disrespecting you.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E16]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e16.jpg">]The event ends late. Someone in a suit wants you somewhere else, and you are already late. Flanked by a bodyguard you've been told you cannot get rid of, you leave the conference center through a side door and wait for the official car to arrive. Sadly, you are not allowed to use your bike, even though your destination is less than ten minutes away. You and your bodyguard are alone. All of a sudden, the man with the comment reappears. "Don't you think this is over," he says getting very close. You have no idea what he'll do. As the bodyguard closes over him, you push him away with all your strength and he falls on his arm. The man shrieks: it looks broken. "Why did you do that! I was just talking to you!" As the man whimpers on the ground, the car arrives and you find yourself inside. You look at your hands. What did just happen? --- { |o1>["He deserved it! You can't just get in someone's face like that while threatening them."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["He deserved it! You can't just get in someone's face like that while threatening them."] <br> You cancel your next appointment and go home. For the rest of the day, you can't think of anything else but the whimpers.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I probably overreacted. I'll find out who he is, send an apology, and figure out if he needs help paying the medical bills."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I probably overreacted. I'll find out who he is, send an apology, and figure out if he needs help paying the medical bills."] <br> The man doesn't want your money, but he never sues you either.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["I acted badly, but it's done now. I can only forgive myself and see that this doesn't happen again."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["I acted badly, but it's done now. I can only forgive myself and see that this doesn't happen again."] <br> You never hear from the man again.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E17]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e17.jpg">]It doesn't take long for you to confront your first crisis. It turns out that a massive corporation, GoodGas Inc., has caused an environmental disaster—one of their gas pipelines has exploded. This would be just another Tuesday in which oil spills, soil pollution and microplastics in the bloodstream go unpunished, but this company happens to be a heavyweight greenwasher and, you check your notes, Work party contributor. All eyes will be on your government's response. Orin calls a company representative to come to the office. Now, in front of both of them, you are expected to issue a recommendation. --- { |o1>["I suggest we crush you using everything we have. The times of corporate impunity are over, and we'll make sure of it even if we need to bend the law to make the system work as it should."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["I suggest we crush you using everything we have. The times of corporate impunity are over, and we'll make sure of it even if we need to bend the law to make the system work as it should."] <br> The corporate man laughs. "Where did you get this one from, Orin? Doesn't she know how things work?" He smiles at Orin, but he is serious. "You fucked up majorly and publicly. There must be consequences." He looks at you. "Thank you, Nova. Please, leave us alone now."] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I suggest we follow the law. Nothing more, nothing less."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I suggest we follow the law. Nothing more, nothing less."] <br> "Of course, of course," Orin says. "Thank you, Nova. I'll take it from here."] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["I need to study these documents carefully before I reach a fair conclusion. You will have my response tomorrow morning."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["I need to study these documents carefully before I share my opinion. You will have my response tomorrow morning."] <br> Orin raises an eyebrow. "There are moments in which time is of the essence, and crises tend to be like that. It's fine, I can decide for myself. You are excused."] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E18]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e18.jpg">]Mara asks you to meet her at a café. She has something urgent to tell you. "I found out about this only a few days ago. I did not know he was capable of this," she says as she shows you her phone screen. It's some kind of document. You are not a lawyer. "These are a bunch of new gas drilling permits for GoodGas, signed when Orin was already the prime minister. This is legal, but against everything we have promised. I cannot believe he would authorize this." You don't know what to say. "This could make him fall, do you understand? Others in the same situation, no, but him, probably. I know this will be a blow to many people's sense of hope, but I cannot keep this from..." "Nova, they want you at the office. Come on." Your bodyguard has approached you from the back. He motions towards the car while he gently takes you by the arm. As you are made to stand up, you hurriedly promise Mara you'll talk later. Orin does not smile. He knows someone has had access to the document. "That Disaster piece of shit. He left some contracts pending a signature, and I had to do it. Do you understand? We could have been sued for millions." He pauses. "I need your help. I need you to make this go away. After this, there is nothing. We are 100% clean." --- { |o1>["I am no private eye. How do you suppose I can make this "go away"? The best we can do is hope for the best and be sure to never see ourselves in such a situation."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["I am no private eye. How do you suppose I can make this "go away"? The best we can do is hope for the best and be sure to never see ourselves in such a situation."] <br> "Then what are you doing here?" he quietly says. "Please, get out. I don't need you." You leave his office and, as you close the door, you hear him call someone. Back in your office you call Mara, but she doesn't pick up.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I understand how important this is. I'll make it go away."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I understand how important this is. I'll make it go away."] <br> "Thank you," he says quietly. "I am in your hands now." You leave and call Mara, but she doesn't pick up. You don't see her around the next day. You start to understand that you don't have the tools to deal with this after all.] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E19]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e19.jpg">]"A rat under my nose." Orin looks perplexed. "And of course, you didn't do anything to help me find her." You cannot argue with that. "We are lucky she's an amateur and my men could take all the evidence." You have no idea who these "men" are. "But this is far from over. Look." Apparently, Mara has found a new activity after being fired. She has started a campaign blaming the government for its lack of action against GoodGas after their gas pipeline explosion. Orin's name is there. Your name is also there, which would be a first for you. You wonder who has read this already. You feel your hands shaking. But your inaction is also hard to argue against—as far as you know and as opposed to what you expected, the issue went away quietly. Luckily, Mara has no tangible proof. A skillful politician could deny and delay this forever. "I'll ask you once again to deal with this. And this time it's your job as my PR agent." You never agreed to that title, preferring the much less compromising "advisor." "Go get me some social credit." --- { |o1>["Apparently our citizens do not care as much as I thought about the public and the private being in cahoots. If we address this, we'll just make it bigger. If we remain calm and don't give this any publicity, it will go away on its own."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["Apparently our citizens do not care as much as I thought about the public and the private being in cahoots. If we address this, we'll just make it bigger. If we remain calm and don't give this any publicity, it will go away on its own."] <br> A few minutes later, your screen is full of messages of disappointed friends, and Orin forces you to publicly address the accusation.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["We will defend our integrity. I don't know what your deal with GoodGas is, but I think it is time to course-correct and get serious. They must see consequences for their negligence."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["We will defend our integrity. I don't know what your deal with GoodGas is, but I think it is time to course-correct and get serious. They must see consequences for their negligence."] <br> "Alright, alright. Prepare a public statement and I'll call the prosecutor."] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E20]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e20.jpg">]Orin paces all around his office. "See what happens. See what happens in politics. Attack, attack, attack. There is no other option if we want to win and do some good for our world." He's been ignoring everything you have said all day. "So they are escalating this into a full plot to get rid of me, aren't they? Don't they see? If I am gone, it's back to a general election, back to the Big Liar and goodbye to everything we are building. Can't they see? It is our last chance. For real." Mara has brought the alternative candidate back for another bout. Or as Orin would put it, "The rat has brought the slime back from the dead." But he is probably right. One more mess in the Work party will mean early election time. "I'm doing it. I'm pushing the button." By this he means dirty tactics. Lying, manipulating. Burying his enemies in a way that they will be gone for good. Metaphorically, you hope. He turns to you. It looks like he's listening this time.  --- {(if: $virtue <= 0)[|o1>["It's too far gone, too late for anything else. You have my support."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["It's too far gone, too late for anything else. You have my support."] <br> "They don't know who they're dealing with here." <br> Soon, the plot is a thing of the past.] (set: $virtue to it -0.1) (if: $virtue < -1)[(set: $virtue to -1)] (if: $virtue > 1)[(set: $virtue to 1)] (show: ?n)]] (if: $virtue > 0)[(replace: ?o1)[]|o2>["I cannot be a part of this. But I won't stand in your way, either."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I cannot be a part of this. But I won't stand in your way, either."] <br> "Sure, turn a blind eye to it, but it's happening. Honestly, I expected more resistance from you." <br> Soon, the plot is a thing of the past and you are not sure where you stand anymore.] (set: $virtue to it -0.1) (if: $virtue < -1)[(set: $virtue to -1)] (if: $virtue > 1)[(set: $virtue to 1)] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["Don't do this. It will tarnish you forever."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["Don't do this. It will tarnish you forever."] <br> "Watch me do it. Or rather, get out of here. I'll call for you when I need you." <br> Soon, the plot is a thing of the past and you are not sure where you stand anymore.] (set: $virtue to it +0.1) (if: $virtue < -1)[(set: $virtue to -1)] (if: $virtue > 1)[(set: $virtue to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)]]} --- |n)[[[Next->E21]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e21.jpg">]It's been a rough year, you think as you count out loud with a group of people. Coworkers mostly, barely a friend among them. Happy new year! Someone pats your back. You feel the chilly air on your face after the party. You are sure there is someone watching you, making sure that you make it home safe, but you still cannot believe they just let you walk home. And you keep thinking that it's been a rough, long year. You owe yourself some explanation, and now is as good a moment as any other. Say this: Can you be a part of this system? Can you contribute to making this government the kind of institution we need for the challenges ahead? --- { |o1>["I understand that there is no better alternative right now, but this doesn't mean I should be complacent." I text Orin: "From now on, nothing goes under the table. It is time to do the job that will save our lives. I know you can."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["I understand that there is no better alternative right now, but this doesn't mean I should be complacent." I text Orin: "From now on, nothing goes under the table. It is time to do the job that will save our lives. I know you can."] <br> You get a text reply the next morning. "That was super inspiring lol Happy New Year!"] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["There is nothing I can do. If I set rational boundaries, they are ignored. If I show emotion, I am criticized. If I say I want to leave, I've seen what tactics he will use: my only option will be tending again that stupid garden. I cannot do that."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["There is nothing I can do. If I set rational boundaries, they are ignored. If I show emotion, I am criticized. If I say I want to leave, I've seen what tactics he will use: my only option will be tending again that stupid garden. I cannot do that."] <br> You are satisfied with your answer. When you get home, you eat some ice cream.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["Luckily, it is me who is in this position. Anyone else would have been corrupted at this point. I need to persevere doing my best and everything will be fine. I am the retaining wall, and I am here to stay."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["Luckily, it is me who is in this position. Anyone else would have been corrupted at this point. I need to persevere doing my best and everything will be fine. I am the retaining wall, and I am here to stay."] <br> When you set your mind to it, there is nothing you can't accomplish.] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E22]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e22.jpg">]"Let's just stop pretending, shall we?" Your confidence marvels you and everyone around you. "I am your despot. But don't worry, it's your lucky day—I am the good kind of despot. I know what is good and I give it to you. I'll do what it takes to protect your children and your freedom. I love you, you're very special." You look at Orin's chopped off head. Your hand is resting on his hair. Slimy. "Or would you rather live in chaos?" --- { |o1>[The crowd screams in agony: "No, we want you! We love you! Save us!"] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[The crowd screams in agony: "No, we want you! We love you! Save us!"] <br> "Very well," you smile. Then you open your eyes. Is this an unresolved issue of yours?] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[The crowd screams in pleasure: "Yes, we hate you! Off with your head too!"] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[The crowd screams in pleasure: "We hate you! Off with your head too!"] <br> "You are pathetic," you say with disgust. Then you open your eyes. Is this an unresolved issue of yours?] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E23]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e23.jpg">]You are taken aback. It is Orin's first time at the United Nations, and his speech has been stellar. Fair, you wrote most of it, but he has actually chosen to go through with it. The international opinion is beginning to respect your environmental efforts, and your nation's example carries much weight to persuade others. This is very good. After the speech, you walk the corridors to find his temporary office at the UN headquarters. When you open the door, what you see leaves you speechless. Orin has his back turned to the door, but you can see that he is holding a colorful bird. The bird tweets and looks rapidly in every direction. In front of him sits a foreign delegate with the broad smile of a gift-giver. "And you say it's very exotic, very exclusive, right? Is this the one you bite the head off before eating it? Lemme try." --- { |o1>[I close the door and get as far as possible from there.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I close the door and get as far as possible from there.] <br> Nobody ever makes reference to that event.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I make some noise to make sure I am noticed. When Orin looks at me, I shake my head.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I make sure to be noticed. When Orin looks at me, I shake my head.] <br> "Hey, it's a joke! Come on, it's just a present from our friend here. We'll put it in a cage in the government palace."] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["Is that a scissorbird? What do you think you're doing holding an endangered species? Have you gone mad?"] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["Is that a scissorbird? What do you think you're doing holding an endangered species? Have you gone mad?"] <br> "Oops, you're right. Apparently anyone could walk in here," he says. He gets up and pushes you gently outside. He closes the door and locks it.] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E24]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e24.jpg">]You have a normal day at the office. Today you work hand in hand with Zani, your assistant, who has proven reliable and good at listening. This is your first time having an assistant so the expectations aren't that clear to you, but what else would you ever need? At the level of decision-making you are operating right now, Orin has nothing to say. This is allowing you to keep your sanity while doing small amounts of good here and there. Things work under your and Zani's watch. You just need to be allowed to work. Then, Zani speaks. "I always thought of myself as an idealist, you know? What we do is fine, and I enjoy working with you. But I think I imagined things going differently. Is what we do enough?" --- { |o1>["Don't worry. You just keep rising to the top. Never look down. Once you're there, you will be able to change bigger things!"] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["Don't worry. You just keep rising to the top. Never look down. Once you're there, you will be able to change bigger things!"] <br> Zani gives you half a smile. "That's what we're both trying to do, right?" <br> You don't have the energy to contradict that.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I would just focus on what good you can do right now. The rest is not up to you."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I would just focus on what good you can do right now. The rest is not up to you."] <br> "You are right." Zani keeps working.] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["If you don't think what you're doing is enough, then you should get out while you still can..." Before they get to you and use you or corrupt you, I think.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["If you don't think what you're doing is enough, then you should get out while you still can..." Before they get to you and use you or corrupt you, I think.] <br> Zani frowns. "I think you are right. But you are still here. So you are okay with this, then?" You pause. "It's different for me." You continue working.] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E25]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e30.jpg">]After the storm, you are left with the mess. As you leave the capital this morning to attend a public forum on regional policy and development, the city is eerily quiet and empty. You get there with no incidents and the time for questions arrives once again. You still refuse to do what some politicians do, which is not to take them. And then you sit there as a small local union representative asks you about "the concerning outcome of the recent protests" and how the state forces have been seen repressing protestors. According to the protestors, the violence was uncalled for. One person lost an eye. According to the authorities, physical deterrence was needed to maintain the peace. Two police agents also ended up in the hospital with fractures. --- { |o1>["As someone who was very close to the protests, I saw what both sides did and I was horrified. Now that things are better, let's make sure that we all keep cooperating to leave our differences aside. There is just too much polarization."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["As someone who was very close to the protests, I was horrified at what both sides did. Now that things are better, let's make sure that we all keep cooperating to leave our differences aside. There is just too much polarization."] <br> The union representative thanks you and leaves the room. The rest of the questions are easier to answer.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I use the official talking point issued this morning. "What happened was very unfortunate, but a democratic government cannot simply remain passive when a violent coup is underway. I am sure you have heard of the poor old man who died of a heart attack during the riots."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I use the official talking point issued this morning. "What happened was very unfortunate, but a democratic government cannot simply remain passive when a violent coup is underway. I am sure you have heard of the poor old man who died of a heart attack during the riots."] <br> The union representative nods and leaves the room. The rest of the questions are easier to answer.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[I take full responsibility of the government's failures, even those that have nothing to do with me. "Mistakes were made, that is undeniable. Changes need to be made in the way in which protest response is conducted and I will advocate for it."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[I take full responsibility of the government's failures, even those that have nothing to do with me. "Mistakes were made, that is undeniable. Changes need to be made in the way in which protest response is conducted and I will advocate for it."] <br> The union representative thanks you and sits down. There aren't many more questions after that one. Later, Orin calls you. "Are you the minister in charge of the police? Are you even a minister? Then what the hell are you doing! Stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E31]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e40.jpg">]An unknown, surreal room. Empty, covered in white square tiles. It feels good to be away from everything. You have been doing some questionable things. The more you do them, the less you know why, or whether they were done by your genuine self. Where does a person end and a character start? Are you just a pile of masks, all the way down? Can you stand for who you are in the world? Can you stand yourself? An unknown figure stands in front of you. "Who are you?" You ask at the same time. --- { |o1>["I am Nova. I do what needs to be done and I don't fear anything anymore."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["I am Nova. I do what needs to be done and I don't fear anything anymore."] <br> "You are a machine, then," the figure says. "Were we ever otherwise?" you ask. You both shrug. Then you wake up.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I am Nova. I am patiently waiting for the right moment."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I am Nova. I am patiently waiting for the right moment."] <br> "I hope your moment comes, then. Whether it ever happens is not entirely up to you." You wake up thinking you know that.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["I don't recognize myself anymore and that scares me."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["I don't recognize myself anymore and that scares me."] <br> "I celebrate your honesty. You don't get extra points for drama, though," the figure says. "I hope it's not too late," you say. You both shrug. Then you wake up.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E41]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e41.jpg">]Despite your worst fears, your life has become a semi-retirement. It seems that having you in limbo is the best option for both of you. You spend your mornings reading your news and writing a book of memoirs, a vanity project of yours. You do not expect to see your own account of your all-too-humanness ever published, but you also consider this your first ever serious attempt at journaling. After writing your daily page, you do some shopping at the market, take a long bath, and meet a friend from your past for lunch. You celebrate your recently acquired sense of serenity. Your friend, who is retired, knows what you're talking about. "What are you doing for the rest of the day?" he asks. --- { |o1>["I intend to do nothing, but being realistic, it wouldn't surprise me if I am called to deal with some disgraceful task."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["I intend to do nothing, but being realistic, it wouldn't surprise me if I am called to deal with some disgraceful task."] <br> Surely enough, one hour later you are preparing to leave. Orin needs you to show your face in a meeting with a civic association.] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I am done with the government. I am free." I turn off my phone and invite my friend home to spend the afternoon together.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I am done with the government. I am free." I turn off my phone and invite my friend home to spend the afternoon together.] <br> As you both walk home, a car approaches you. The driver is a man with sunglasses you have seen before. "So here you are. Hop in, you are required in a meeting with some civilians who would like to see you there." Your friend is disappointed. You knew this could happen.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E42]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e46.jpg">]"It is time to end this. Meet us at the old train station in an hour." The old train station is underwater, or so you think. The whole Waterfront district is in chaos, with fires glowing over the waters, their reflection like a procession of submarine specters. There are two possibilities here. With the capital in disarray, Grapevine has decided that it is time to make a move. They want you in. Or it's just a trap. You'll end up drowned, one of many. Whatever it is, you gauge how much you have to lose. This time, it's a call. They are expecting an answer. --- { |o1>["You can do whatever you want. I won't stand in nobody's way."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["You can do whatever you want. I won't stand in nobody's way."] <br> An hour passes. You receive no further communication.] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n1)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I'll be there." I get my coat, give my apartment a last look, and go.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I'll be there." I get my coat, give my apartment a last look, and go.] <br> When you arrive at the old train station, you notice that you can enter the building through a side window. After a few minutes, a cloaked figure appears in front of you. Despite the pretense at secrecy, you recognize them immediately. "Zani!" You cannot believe your eyes. "Sorry that I haven't been in touch lately. I've been a bit busy, as you can imagine," Zani says. You both smile. <br> Zani gets down to business. "I could scold you and our government all day, but let's better focus on action. We have a large coalition ready to take the street to demand new elections and constitutional change. We have learned from our past mistakes and the time is right now. I can't reveal much to you, not even I know the details. The point is, it can work, and I've been sent to bring you in. <br> You accept.] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n2)] } --- {|n1)[[[Next->E47B]]] |n2)[[[Next->E47C]]]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e25.jpg">]It's been a very quiet season, with other contestants to power now disappeared. Yet, Mara gives life signals from time to time. It seems that her not being in the frontlines and her reputation among certain grassroots circles have kept her alive. This means danger unless her and Orin can bury the axe. This is why Zani and you are arranging a meeting between the two. You are sure that they still have a lot to give to each other, especially now that your government is living a moment of domestic and international support. Zani has already convinced Mara to come. It is your job to present this opportunity to Orin in an appealing way. But Orin seems offended. "What do I have to speak with that rat?" --- { |o1>["It is my duty to ensure that you are in good terms with our allies. We have enough trouble dealing with our real opponents for internal disputes. We all want the same thing, and we have much to offer one another."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["It is my duty to ensure that you are in good terms with our allies. We have enough trouble dealing with our real opponents for internal disputes. We all want the same thing, and we have much to offer one another."] <br> After much bickering, Orin agrees to meet Mara. They discuss behind closed doors for an hour. When Mara leaves, you get the feeling that the crisis seems to be solved. "I am pleased," says Orin before disappearing again.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["Look at it in this way. Remember the commotion she was able to create not so long ago, based on absolutely nothing? This speaks of... certain skills she has. You can put Mara to good use."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["Look at it in this way. Remember the commotion she was able to create not so long ago, based on absolutely nothing? This speaks of... certain skills she has. You can put Mara to good use."] <br> After thinking for a moment, Orin agrees to meet Mara. They discuss behind closed doors for an hour. When Mara leaves, you get the feeling that the crisis seems to be solved. "I am pleased," says Orin before disappearing again.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["Are you not afraid of what will happen next time she feels trespassed? I am. Right now, internal division is our largest issue. We need to tackle this head on while we are relatively unscathed. We need to neutralize every threat."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["Are you not afraid of what will happen next time she feels trespassed? I am. Right now, internal division is our largest issue. We need to tackle this head on while we are relatively unscathed. We need to neutralize every threat."] <br> After much bickering, Orin agrees to meet Mara. They discuss behind closed doors for an hour. When Mara leaves, you get the feeling that the crisis seems to be solved. "I am pleased," says Orin before disappearing again.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E26]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e26.jpg">]You enjoy a small break away from the capital. You're not on holiday, of course not. You are inspecting the fruits of a modest nature-based climate adaptation initiative in one of the provinces. This is the kind of work that looks insignificant from so up high but can save lives when, not if, the next disaster comes. The phone vibrates. A few seconds later, it vibrates again. Then, a barrage of notifications. You are experienced enough to understand what that means. You soon learn that Zani is in the middle of a scandal after having been photographed with Mara. For the centrist outlet that ran the story first, this is clearly proof of a deep-state radical eco-terrorist plot. At this point, this is the most-read medium in the country, and it caters exactly to the tastes of the average Orin voter. In other words, this is delicate. --- { |o1>[I call Orin. He can pressure someone to make the story disappear, get it changed, something. If these are truly his friends, there must be a backdoor or a dark leverage he can use somewhere.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I call Orin. He can pressure someone to make the story disappear, get it changed, something. If these are truly his friends, there must be a backdoor or a dark leverage he can use somewhere.] <br> Orin sets to work immediately. However, he cannot avoid relocating Zani to a quiet archive in some government basement. When your conversation is over, you notice that someone has been standing nearby. Their head disappears behind the corner before you can tell what they look like.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I call Orin. I need to convince him of revealing the truth about his encounter with Mara. That will clean everyone's image, no matter the cost.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I call Orin. I need to convince him of revealing the truth about his encounter with Mara. That will clean everyone's image, no matter the cost.] <br> Orin refuses. However, he agrees to relocate Zani to a quiet archive in some government basement rather than taking more drastic measures. When your conversation is over, you notice that someone has been standing nearby. They disappear behind a corner before you can tell what they look like.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[I'll stay away from it, now that for once I am not the target. Whatever needs to happen will happen. This may even be good for Zani.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[I'll stay away from it, now that for once I am not the target. Whatever needs to happen will happen. This may even be good for Zani.] <br> Orin calls you to let you know that Zani is burnt and publicly disgraced and will be fired. You tell him the truth: you'd rather stay out of it this time. When your conversation is over, you notice that someone has been standing nearby. They disappear behind a corner before you can tell what they look like.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E27]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e27.jpg">]You are ready to return to the capital. You arrive at the airport, skip the line, walk towards your runway. As much as you dislike it, it is government protocol for people like you to use a plane to visit distant places. Whatever "distant" means. Then, a commotion. Apparently, a couple of young people have glued themselves to your plane. They are shouting something about millionaires and private jets, an argument you are intimately familiar and agree with. When they see you, they stop talking. "I can't believe it," one of them says, jaw dropped. --- { |o1>["Please, don't take the finger for the moon. While not perfect, I am certainly better than most. Why don't you go bother those who are truly destroying our world?"] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["Please, don't take the finger for the moon. While not perfect, I am certainly better than most. Why don't you go bother those who are truly destroying our world?"] <br> As you try to explain, they keep calling you a sellout. When they are removed, you can finally leave this place.] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I understand your disappointment, but this is the only way I can do my job effectively. This is not for my amusement, but a tool. I encourage you to keep doing what you do, but I also need to keep doing exactly what I do for us to have a chance."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I understand your disappointment, but this is the only way I can do my job effectively. This is not for my amusement, but a tool. I encourage you to keep doing what you do, but I also need to keep doing exactly what I do for us to have a chance."] <br> These people respect you, so they listen to you. They don't seem to know what to say. After a few minutes, they are removed. You ask the police agent to let them go. Apparently, you have that kind of power.] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[I am mortified. They are right, this makes no sense. From now on, I will not travel by plane, even if it impacts my work in favor of the environment.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[I am mortified. They are right, this makes no sense. From now on, I will not travel by plane, even if it impacts my work in favor of the environment.] <br> You explain your decision. The activists don't know what to say—this is the first time they get something that looks like a victory. When they are removed, you ask the police agent to let them go and request a bus arrangement. <br> You arrive to the capital a day later than agreed and get scolded.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E28]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e28.jpg">]Orin summons you to his office. "I will finally do something you like for a change. Brace yourself for this." He spends the next hour describing a project called 'Unburn the Trees,' an international endeavor that will restrict local populations' access to their forests to prevent them from getting wood. This project will cost a ton of public money and will do nothing good for the environment or the government's image. You are sure that he does not understand what he is talking about. "Well?" He says. His smile is back. {} --- { |o1>[I patiently explain the many reasons why this is a bad idea. Then, I call Mara, whom I know has been collecting damning information about this kind of scheme.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I patiently explain the many reasons why this is a bad idea. Then, I call Mara, whom I know has been collecting damning information about this kind of scheme.] <br> When Mara finishes talking, Orin's smile is gone. He kicks her out of the office and gets his face very close to yours. "This woman here is just a useful tool. Nothing she does or says interests me." <br> The greenwashing project is approved. When the public opinion catches a whiff of it, protests are organized around the country. They want it canceled.] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[Our best chance is to let him go on with the project. Not just because I have lost enough points with him, but because I am sure this will fail. And when it does, the government will go down with it. We may have a chance at renewal then.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[Our best chance is to let him go on with the project. Not just because I have lost enough points with him, but because I am sure this will fail. And when it does, the government will go down with it. We may have a chance at renewal then.] <br> Orin is satisfied with your acquiescence. The project is approved and started. But then, when the first independent reports surface, massive and violent protests erupt in the capital. They want the government gone.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E29]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e29.jpg">]Even from the top floor, you can hear the protestors shouting in the streets. The building is surrounded. Orin is snugly protected by his entire cabinet. "Your friend is behind this." He means Mara. You think he is right. This is what happens when you bring an opposing force to the table. "I want to get rid of her." Now, Orin is looking at you. "I want to get rid of all of them, the snowflakes down there. They will ruin everything and we'll all end up with less than zero. How do I make them go away?" --- { |o1>["We need to negotiate, find a compromise. We will accept some of their demands. For starters, we cancel that project."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["We need to negotiate, find a compromise. We will accept some of their demands. For starters, we cancel that project."] <br> Some other ministers timidly start to agree. But Orin is clear: it is too late for that. In a few hours, Mara has been arrested for instigating a violent insurrection. After a couple of difficult nights, the protests deflate.] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["You cannot get rid of her. You can't get rid of them. This is exactly democracy at play here. If they want us out, it's their right. Give them new elections and see if the majority disagrees."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["You cannot get rid of her. You can't get rid of them. This is exactly democracy at play here. If they want us out, it's their right. Give them new elections and see if the majority disagrees."] <br> "Ah, democracy! That's a good one, haven't heard it in a while. The regime by which we can burn the world down as long as half of us plus one agree. I'd rather set those out there on fire to avoid that." Most ministers nod. Nobody disagrees openly. <br> In a few days, Mara has been committed to a mental institution after some sort of stress-induced psychotic break. It may be related to an intimate video that has been making the rounds lately. Be as it may, it seems she'll be out of the picture for the time being.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["Politics cannot depend on short-term events. The public opinion swings all the time. Weather the storm and this too shall pass."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["Politics cannot depend on short-term events. The public opinion swings all the time. Weather the storm and this too shall pass."] <br> Orin laughs. "I knew you had no political instinct, but this... wow." Apparently this is truly a defining moment. You are dismissed as he stays with the rest to devise a plan. <br> In a few days, Mara has been committed to a mental institution after some sort of stress-induced psychotic break. It may be related to an intimate video that has been making the rounds lately. Be as it may, it seems she'll be out of the picture for the time being.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E30]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e31.jpg">]At this point, you have realized that they are keeping you in the government purely for cosmetic reasons. You are the one preventing the whole operation from looking like a copy of Disaster Man's... or even Big Liar's. Luckily, things are quite chill today. Orin is taking you to a ceremony. He's been given a prestigious international prize for peace, biodiversity conservation or something. So there you are, sitting down with a miniature glass of non-alcoholic bubbly wine when he goes up the stage to receive the statuette. As charming as ever, he gifts everyone an impassionate speech. You have almost tuned out when you hear your name. "Without Nova, none of the great things that are happening would be possible. Will you come to the stage, let these people see you?" His eyes are fixed on you. You better not reject him. --- { |o1>[I come to the stage and thank him for his trust in me.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I come to the stage and thank him for his trust in me.] <br> What a perfect night it is.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I stand up and clap him, but I don't go up.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I stand up and clap him, but I don't go up.] <br> You are sure everyone interpreted your gesture as a sign of modesty. Orin didn't like it, though. "When I say you come up, you come up," he says through his teeth while you pose for pictures.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[I stand up, wave around briefly, and sit down again.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[I stand up, wave around briefly, and sit down again.] <br> You are sure everyone interpreted your gesture as a sign of modesty or shyness. Orin didn't like it one bit. "You refused me like a piece of garbage," he says through his teeth while you pose for pictures.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E32]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e32.jpg">]The award has emboldened Orin. He wants to start a public-private alliance "for nature" that will tout the benefits of unbridled technological enterprise. For this, he is planning on having a televised lavish banquet. You don't hear this from him, of course. He rarely counts on you for anything real anymore. You get the event invitation on the email. A bunch of people in the press got it too. This kind of event would already be awkward at any other time, but it is especially insulting at a time in which the country mourns the loss of hundreds of lives to a flood in one of the poorest provinces. You haven't been asked about this, but that doesn't mean you can't speak your mind. --- { |o1>[I confirm my attendance. Since I cannot change anything anymore, the least I can do is dignify the event.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I confirm my attendance. Since I cannot change anything anymore, the least I can do is dignify the event.] <br> You attend the event. Orin milks you for all you're worth and has you speak to the press and show up in pictures. Everyone is excited and having a great time.] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I email Orin. "You should really consider limiting this thing's exposure by keeping it smaller and less public."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I email Orin. "You should really consider limiting this thing's exposure by keeping it smaller and less public."] <br> Orin does reply. At first, he throws a tantrum, saying how devious it is to connect this event to the flood. "Won't they understand that I am doing this for them?" he says. A few hours later, you receive an updated invitation to a smaller event and venue.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[I email Orin. "I hope you cancel this event and instead send extra public funds to the affected villages' reconstruction."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[I email Orin. "I hope you cancel this event and instead send extra public funds to the affected villages' reconstruction."] <br> You are sure Orin doesn't want to be caught calling you stupid in an email. Yet, you may have stirred something in him. A few hours later, you receive an updated invitation to a smaller event and venue with a note that there will be an important funding announcement there.] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E33]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e33.jpg">]You enter Orin's office after he calls you for the first time in a week. You had a bad feeling and you were right. Zani is there. "Look what the cat dragged in!" He smiles. "I was telling Zani that now that things have calmed down, we may have an opening around here, after all. Naturally, it would be a position with you, Nova. As long as Nova's around, you can have a spot with us, Zani." You avoid looking at Zani's hopeful eyes. --- { |o1>["Sure, why not. I'll take Zani again under my wing. I guess we're not going anywhere anytime soon."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["Sure, why not. I'll take Zani again under my wing. I guess we're not going anywhere anytime soon."] <br> Everyone's happy.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[Nothing good will come from Zani being here. "No, sorry. Zani, I am glad to see you. You will find something much better to do elsewhere. I am sure of it."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[Nothing good will come from Zani being here. "No, sorry. Zani, I am glad to see you. You will find something much better to do elsewhere. I am sure of it."] <br> Nobody seems happy with your decision.] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["Hey, Zani, I'm glad that you're back, but I don't even have that much work myself lately. Orin, can't you find somewhere else?"] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["Hey, Zani, I'm glad that you're back, but I don't even have that much work myself lately. Orin, can't you find somewhere else?"] <br> Orin never stops smiling. "Oh, how modest. You sure could use a pair of extra hands. Come on, Zani, go with Nova." You both leave. Zani looks disappointed at your rejection attempt and you apologize.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E34]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e34.jpg">]A philanthropic foundation representative calls you to inform you that you will be bestowed some sort of knighthood for your role in securing a livable future for all. It comes with a stipend and everything. Of course, this is exactly the kind of public honor that gives legitimacy to the government. Of course, rejecting it would be an insult to the government and the foundation. --- { |o1>["I am honored. Thank you, I accept."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["I am honored. Thank you, I accept."] <br> Orin enters your office when he finds out. "You've done the right thing here."] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I am honored. Thank you, I accept." Then, you use the acceptance speech to call for more environmental action from the government.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I am honored. Thank you, I accept." Then, you use the acceptance speech to call for more environmental action from the government.] <br> Orin enters your office when he finds out you have accepted. "You've done the right thing here." Then, after your speech, he is furious. "This is the last time you think you can do whatever you want." People online are calling you a hypocrite.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["This is an honor, but I must decline," you say politely. "I will send you a list of candidates whom I think deserve this honor much more than I do."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["This is an honor, but I must decline," you say politely. "I will send you a list of candidates whom I think deserve this honor much more than I do."] <br> The foundation representative thanks you coldly and hangs up. A few minutes later, Orin enters your office, furious. "This is how you repay me? This is the last time you think you can do whatever you want."] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E35]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e35.jpg">]You have come to a decision, one that does not admit discussion. It is time to abandon the government, no matter the consequences. Now, it's time to tell the only man who can grant you your freedom. --- { |o1>["Orin, I am leaving. I demand my freedom and I will not take 'no' for an answer."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["Orin, I am leaving. I demand my freedom and I will not take 'no' for an answer."] <br> Somber, Orin says that there is nothing he can do if you feels so strongly about it. You go home feeling as unburdened as you've ever been. <br> Then, as you are relaxing with a book, your phone chimes. Someone has sent a video of you pushing that man and breaking his arm, all those months ago. If this becomes public, you are done for. Nobody will want you on their side. Your only option will be exile once again, and you can't live that life. You know this and Orin does too. The implicit message is clear: "See you tomorrow at the office."] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["I offer you this: a quiet exit. I cannot promise I will completely disappear, but I will not make your life difficult. I will not use anything I have learned here against you. Please, I am so tired."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["I offer you this: a quiet exit. I cannot promise I will completely disappear, but I will not make your life difficult. I will not use anything I have learned here against you. Please, I am so tired."] <br> Somber, Orin says he needs to think about it for a while. The next day, he calls for you. "I am sorry, but we can't do without you. We don't have to see each other every day, but I feel like we will have to coexist here. For the benefit of both, believe me."] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E36]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e36.jpg">]You wake up to the news that you are personally responsible for the floods that killed hundreds of people. Or so says a popular conservative news site. Apparently, the public infrastructure against floods that you supervised was inadequate. They cite local civil sources who are saying that their defenses folded like paper and the floodable park could not hold all the water. On the other hand, you have a report issued by a scientific committee stating that the deaths had little to do with the adaptation measures, which complied with the law, and more with the fact that the local government failed to alert people on time. What should you do? --- { |o1>[I express public disgust at this tabloid's attempt to pin a tragedy on me and refer to the experts' assessment. I also remind people that climate change is the larger issue here and we need to mitigate it to avoid future disasters.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I express public disgust at this tabloid's attempt to pin a tragedy on me and refer to the experts' assessment. I also remind people that climate change is the larger issue here and we need to mitigate it to avoid future disasters.] <br> You continue to receive public backlash for a while. Right when you start thinking that maybe Orin fires you, a devastating forest fire starts elsewhere and the controversy dies down.] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I refer to the experts' assessment and assure the victims that better legal standards will be put in place.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I refer to the experts' assessment and assure the victims that better alert protocols and systems will be put in place.] <br> You continue to receive public backlash for a while. Right when you start thinking that maybe Orin fires you, a devastating forest fire starts elsewhere and the controversy dies down. You do manage to push a colleague to amend the law, which is approved in the parliament.] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[I seek to suppress the story. These reactionaries cannot continue to do whatever they want. They need to be silenced once and for all.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[I seek to suppress the story. These reactionaries cannot continue to do whatever they want. They need to be silenced once and for all.] <br> Orin is the only person who can pull this off, so you call him. "I was thinking of the same, actually. I'm tired of their slander. They've also said horrible things about me." The website's director is soon fired and changed for someone more amenable. "See? This is exactly where we can help each other," says Orin.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E37]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e37.jpg">]The tomato describes a high parabola and lands on Orin's shoulder. Overripe, the fruit explodes and stains his face. Orin does not smile anymore as he looks around in search for the culprit. A small group of protestors stand next to the red carpet, behind the yellow metal barriers. Orin recomposes his smile and looks at his security cohort. You are right in front of him. In the brief moment in which your eyes meet, you quickly shake your head. Without losing his smile, he motions for the security guards to go after the protestors as he gets in the car. You are also pushed inside. As the protestors try to block the blows, Orin looks out the tinted glass window. He has his elbow on the little table in from of his seat, propping up his cheek, as if attending a long and tiring lecture. --- [[Next->E38]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e38.jpg">]Something is moving across the chasm of politics. There are rumors of a new organization that is doing everything to make the government fall. They have been in touch with everyone, from the old activist guard to schoolchildren and teachers, from industry workers to public servants. People call it Grapevine. But for all the noise they are making, they remain elusive. Should you be uncomfortable about this new threat to the established order, or should you try to establish contact with them? --- { |o1>[We are in two very different places. Establishing contact would endanger both of us. I'll just stay in my place.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[We are in two very different places. Establishing contact would endanger both of us. I'll just stay in my place.] <br> You do you and they will do them.] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I will find a way to provide them with economic support.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I will find a way to provide them with economic support.] <br> You will not embezzle public money, but you've been saving a ton of money from your cozy government salary. You donate a few thousands anonymously.] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[I contact a friend whom I'm sure can arrange a discreet meeting with them.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[I contact a friend whom I'm sure can arrange a discreet meeting with them.] <br> Your friend says that your offer received no response.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E39]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e39.jpg">]Of course Orin, with all the state's power, also notices Grapevine. He is smart enough to understand that their tactics and narrative are more dangerous than previous attempts. You have noticed that Orin's daily work has become much more about trying to get rid of those with whom he supposedly shares values than running the government. Orin calls you. You are still valuable for this kind of operation, or so he thinks. "I have been cautiously observing them and there is no easy way to suppress them. They're too many, too unstructured, too mobile." Now he speaks like a general describing an insurgent group in enemy territory. "If you can't win, you better join them, right? I think some of them could make for good cabinet members." You don't know if he's joking. The room is full of ministers, for this is their regular weekly. --- { |o1>[I can't avoid laughing. "And a good cabinet they will make, eventually."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I can't avoid laughing. "And a good cabinet they will make, eventually."] <br> You've never seen Orin's face get so pale. You leave before he kicks you out. You wonder if your current role is court jester.] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I remain silent. I have learned I better not speak to this man unless prompted.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I remain silent. I have learned I better not speak to this man unless prompted.] <br> A few attendants laugh nervously. The meeting continues as usual. So it was a joke, after all. You think.] (set: $moderation to it +0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["I think they will be hard to approach. They may not be up for a negotiation with us, after all that's happened."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["I think they will be hard to approach. They may not be up for a negotiation with us, after all that's happened."] <br> Orin doesn't seem to know whether this is genuine advice or some sort of mockery or accusation. You don't seem to know either. "It was a joke, Nova," he says. The meeting continues as usual.] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E40]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e43.jpg">]You are having a mental breakdown. After finishing the book, what is your purpose here? You haven't been contacted in weeks, so you realize that you are not even useful as an ethical ornament anymore. Will they get rid of you too? Will they lock you up somewhere? --- { |o1>[Orin is about to make me disappear. I should try to make myself useful before it is too late. Perhaps I can still do good in the government.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[Orin is about to make me disappear. I should try to make myself useful before it is too late. Perhaps I can still do good in the government.] <br> As you prepare to leave the house, you receive a text message from an unknown number. "Stay put," it says. Whether this comes from Orin or someone else, you have no idea. You do know you better do what it says—they are watching you.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[Orin is about to make me disappear. I should join Grapevine.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[Orin is about to make me disappear. I should join Grapevine.] <br> As you prepare to leave the house, you receive a text message from an unknown number. "Stay put," it says. Whether this comes from Orin or someone else, you have no idea. You do know you better do what it says—they are watching you.] (set: $courage to it +0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[Orin is about to make me disappear. I should get away while I can, go somewhere they can never find me.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[Orin is about to make me disappear. I should get away while I can, go somewhere they can never find me.] <br> As you prepare to leave the house, you receive a text message from an unknown number. "Stay put," it says. Whether this comes from Orin or someone else, you have no idea. You do know you better do what it says—they are watching you.] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E44]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e42.jpg">]You have spent the last few days undisturbed at home. You are writing the final chapter of your memoirs. The chapter deals with your political involvement. On the one hand, serving the common good seemed to require you getting involved as you did. When things got worse, you remained there, trying to make them better. Should you have left earlier? Could you have? Have you even left? Should you be doing more? It is time to pen your last sentence. --- { |o1>["As the world ends, I know I haven't done enough to save us all. My only consolation is that nobody will read these words. It is up to me to forgive myself before the final moment comes."] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)["As the world ends, I know I haven't done enough to save us all. My only consolation is that nobody will read these words. It is up to me to forgive myself before the final moment comes."] <br> You cry in silence.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>["In this critical moment, I try to remain hopeful. While I should have been wiser, and despite every fiber in my body telling me the opposite, it is not too late to change. It is never too late to do good."] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)["In this critical moment, I try to remain hopeful. While I should have been wiser, and despite every fiber in my body telling me the opposite, it is not too late to change. It is never too late to do good."] <br> After finishing the sentence, you spend ten minutes looking at the screen.] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>["I have learned that the world is imperfect, and politics encapsulate the essence of that imperfection. No wonder the world runs as it does. Yet, I need to remind myself that my actions were never motivated by evil. The best of intentions is all we can ask of all-too-human beings."] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)["I have learned that the world is imperfect, and politics encapsulate the essence of that imperfection. No wonder the world runs as it does. Yet, I need to remind myself that my actions were never motivated by evil. The best of intentions is all we can ask of all-too-human beings."] <br> You pour yourself a glass of wine and offer a toast to the future.] (set: $wisdom to it -0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E43]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e44.jpg">]Part of the capital is underwater. From your window you see how the worst hurricane in a century has erased the coastline. The Waterfront district has been swallowed together with a yet unknown number of lives. Others have been displaced to other cities in the country. They cannot avoid calling you for the emergency meeting in which government officials and experts analyze what failed and what can be done next. Orin announces that this is an unbearable tragedy, but also an opportunity. Most of the district had been built by migrants with their own hands. Those buildings never stood a chance. But now, he continues, we can rebuild the Waterfront and turn it into a flagship of efficient eco-design. Meaning, you know it, luxury towers with fancy plants hanging from the walls. You also know that the ones who will get to enjoy living in those buildings are not the same people who were expelled by the disaster. They will have to relocate elsewhere and start from scratch. Part of your family lived in the now flooded Waterfront. They are alive, but they have lost everything. --- { |o1>[I organize a press conference without telling Orin. I am advocating in favor of the people who lost everything and will never be able to return if the plan goes through.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I organize a press conference without telling Orin. I am advocating in favor of the people who lost everything and will never be able to return if the plan goes through.] <br> Orin programs an official address at the same time as your conference. He announces a special package of humanitarian aid. Your room is deserted, and the few who are there already agree with you.] (set: $justice to it +0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I need to have a private chat with Orin about my family. I want to convince him to reserve some land for public housing so that they and a few others have a place to return to.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I need to have a private chat with Orin about my family. I want to convince him to reserve some land for public housing so that they and a few others have a place to return to.] <br> Orin smiles. "Sure, friend, sure. That I can do for you. You have finally learned how to ask for favors."] (set: $moderation to it -0.1) (if: $moderation < -1)[(set: $moderation to -1)] (if: $moderation > 1)[(set: $moderation to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o3)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o3>[I focus on getting the affected the immediate help they need. I will never get away with more than that, and I do not want to give Orin the satisfaction of shutting me off in front of all these people.] (click: ?o3)[ (replace: ?o3)[(text-color: gray)[I remain silent. I will never get away with it, and I do not want to give Orin the satisfaction of shutting me off in front of all these people.] <br> You mourn the dead and try to do your best for the displaced.] (set: $justice to it -0.1) (if: $justice < -1)[(set: $justice to -1)] (if: $justice > 1)[(set: $justice to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E45]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e45.jpg">]You cannot get out of bed today. Under the covers, you keep watching videos about the flood. Then, a notification. Another anonymous message. "Watch your food." So they are trying to poison you now? --- { |o1>[I ignore the message. Whatever I eat, they will get me if they want anyway.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I ignore the message. Whatever I eat, they will get me if they want anyway.] <br> Your food is fine today.] (set: $courage to it -0.1) (if: $courage < -1)[(set: $courage to -1)] (if: $courage > 1)[(set: $courage to 1)] (replace: ?o2)[] (replace: ?space)[] (if: $virtue >= 0.5 and $wisdom > 0 and $courage > 0 and $moderation > 0 and $justice > 0)[(show: ?n1)] (else: )[(show: ?n2)]] |space>[<div style="height: 15px; background-color: #FFFFFF"></div>] |o2>[I change my diet to eat only unprocessed foods I know the origin of.] (click: ?o2)[ (replace: ?o2)[(text-color: gray)[I change my diet to eat only unprocessed foods I know the origin of.] <br> I start feeling better.] (set: $wisdom to it +0.1) (if: $wisdom < -1)[(set: $wisdom to -1)] (if: $wisdom > 1)[(set: $wisdom to 1)] (replace: ?o1)[] (replace: ?space)[] (if: $virtue >= 0.5 and $wisdom > 0 and $courage > 0 and $moderation > 0 and $justice > 0)[(show: ?n1)] (else: )[(show: ?n2)]] } --- {|n1)[[[Next->E46]]] |n2)[[[Next->E47A]]]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e47ab.jpg">]You keep compulsively watching the news. This is how you find out that something big is happening. The government palace is being surrounded, and it seems that this time the protestors have among their ranks more than just civilians. Someone knocks at your door. --- { |o1>[I get out of bed and answer the door.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I get out of bed and answer the door.]] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E48A]]] (set: $path1 to 1)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e48a.jpg">]Zani stands in front of your door, flanked by two masked figures. A turtle and a hare. "I am sorry, Nova, but I've been sent to get you. I don't think you are dangerous, but others would rather not risk you standing in the resistance's way, given some of your... questionable choices. I hope you understand." --- { |o1>[I go with them.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I go with them.]] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E49A]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e49a.jpg">]They take you to an underground shelter in the Waterfront. They treat you with courtesy, but it is clear that you are a prisoner. Next to you, you recognize a conservative pundit and a media corporation CEO known for his big mouth. As the hours pass, your captors start getting more and more nervous. Eventually, you hear someone running down the corridor, then shots. More boots running. Then, silence. A few seconds later, the door explodes. The walls and ceiling crumble. Water comes in from everywhere. There is no escape. You drown. --- [[Next->Epilogue]]

{(set: $currentPassage to 0) (set: $progress to 0) (set: $passageNumber to 50) (set: $wisdom to 0) (set: $courage to 0) (set: $moderation to 0) (set: $justice to 0) (set: $virtue to 0)}

{(set: $currentPassage to it + 1) (set: $progress to ($currentPassage / $passageNumber * 100)) (if: $progress > 100)[(set: $progress to 100)] (set: $virtue to ($wisdom+$courage+$moderation+$justice)/4)}(unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "no-header")[<div style="float: left">Progress: (round: $progress)%</div><div style="float: right">(link:"Restart")[(restart:)]</div> <div style="float: left">{(if: (saved-games: ) contains "A")[(link: "Load")[(load-game:"A")]]}</div><div style="float: right">(link:"Save")[(save-game:"A")]</div> --- ]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e47ab.jpg">]You keep compulsively watching the news. This is how you find out that something big is happening. The government palace is being surrounded, and it seems that this time the protestors have among their ranks more than just civilians. However, it seems that they are in turn surrounded by the army. Someone knocks at your door. --- { |o1>[I get out of bed and answer the door.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I get out of bed and answer the door.]] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E48B]]] (set: $path2 to 1)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e47c.jpg">]You join the protests in front of the government palace. Whether there is a special role for you to play in the future, you do not care. For now, this is where you should be. People who notice you look surprised. Some congratulate you, some get away. You understand both. From afar, you see a group of old friends holding signs. --- { |o1>[I take my place next to my friends.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I take my place next to my friends.]] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E48C]]] (set: $path3 to 1)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e48b.jpg">]An army sergeant stands in front of your door, flanked by two masked soldiers. The sergeant takes out a phone and plays an audio recording. "You can do whatever you want. I won't stand in nobody's way." He puts the phone away. "Nova, you are under arrest. I request your cooperation." --- { |o1>[I go with them.] (click: ?o1)[ (replace: ?o1)[(text-color: gray)[I go with them.]] (show: ?n)] } --- |n)[[[Next->E49B]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e48c.jpg">]As you prepare to completely surround the building, you start noticing police and army vehicles encircling you. Soon, the opposition is just overwhelming. Squeezed between the government forces inside and outside of the ring, you have nowhere to go but a narrow corridor leading out. You are pushed towards the corridor. --- [[Next->E49C]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e49b.jpg">]They take you to an underground complex under the government palace. You are cuffed and taken to an empty room save for a metal bench. They sit you down. Hours pass, nothing happens. At some point, you seem to catch a glimpse of Zani through the semi-open door, escorted by two soldiers. Were those cuffs? Orin shows up finally. "It's done. We've squashed them. I thought you'd like to know." He sits down. "As part of my government, you had a duty. You failed that duty, and now you'll pay for it. At least you'll be surrounded by many friends where you're going." Orin gets up. "I deserve a raise for this." He leaves and closes the door. --- [[Next->Epilogue]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e49c.jpg">]It is a massacre. You receive a blow to the head and lose consciousness. When you wake up, you are in a prison hospital. Charged with treason, you will never leave the institution for as long as you live. In prison, you are in good company. You receive news from time to time—Others keep fighting outside, although they never manage to bring a significant regime change. You are also allowed to send letters outside. You rewrite and expand your memoirs. And one day, you are no more. --- [[Next->Epilogue]]

--- (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/end.jpg">] (align:"=><=")[The End] --- (align:"=><=")[(link:"Restart")[(restart:)]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[Epilogue] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[//(Many years after Nova's death)//] --- {(if: $path1 is 1)[[[Next->E50A]]](if: $path2 is 1)[[[Next->E50B]]](if: $path3 is 1)[[[Next->E50C]]]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e50ab.jpg">]"We have arrived," your fellow says. You step out of the train compartment and gaze upon the monument, a large golden circle. You are here to pay your respects to those who died in the grapevine revolution, failed so many years ago. You owe them this present, one in which the country and the world confront with solidarity the consequences of past errors. You are here as one of the many who have the honor and the responsibility to run the show nowadays. You are a servant of life. Nobody in your day has ever heard of one named 'Nova', forgotten alongside countless others who behaved unvirtuously and unremarkably. Perhaps different choices could have been made. Choices that were more just, giving to each their fair share. More moderate, had Nova known what to pursue and what to avoid. More courageous, had Nova known what to fear and what not to fear. Wiser, leading to good consequences. "It is time to go, friend," your fellow says. You step into the compartment. You have a couple of hours of travel ahead of you, and you don't even try to fight the drowsiness. --- [[I fall asleep.->End]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e50c.jpg">]"We have arrived," your fellow says. You step out of the train compartment and gaze upon the monument, a large golden shape. You are here to pay your respects to those who died in the grapevine revolution, failed so many years ago. You owe them this present, one in which the country and the world confront with solidarity the consequences of past errors. You are here as one of the many who have the honor and the responsibility to run the show nowadays. You are a servant of life. You are here to thank people like Nova, whose living example and writings got you where you are. "We are doing the task that you couldn't complete back then. We are changing the world for the better." Knowing as you do now that it was impossible for the grapevine revolution to succeed then and there, the seed that Nova and others planted was their best possible contribution. "It is time to go, friend," your fellow says. You step into the compartment. You have a couple of hours of travel ahead of you, and you don't even try to fight the drowsiness. --- [[I fall asleep.->End]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="images/e50ab.jpg">]"We have arrived," your fellow says. You step out of the train compartment and gaze upon the monument, a large golden circle. You are here to pay your respects to those who died in the grapevine revolution, failed so many years ago. You owe them this present, one in which the country and the world confront with solidarity the consequences of past errors. You are here as one of the many who have the honor and the responsibility to run the show nowadays. You are a servant of life. You pay your respects to the dead, but not to all of them. Some died after causing extreme suffering. Some died in vain after playing a mediocre role. You shake your head, thinking of what could have been of people like Nova. "It is time to go, friend," your fellow says. You step into the compartment. You have a couple of hours of travel ahead of you, and you don't even try to fight the drowsiness. --- [[I fall asleep.->End]]