Derelict

{  (set: $hasCC2 to false) (set: $hasID to false) (set: $hasID2 to false) (set: $hasID3 to false) (set: $hasID4 to false) (set: $hasRope to false) (set: $hasClothing to false)  (set: $hasDC to false) (set: $hasCC to false) (set: $hasCC2 to false) (set: $hasRevolver to false) (set: $hasSMG to false) (set: $hasLocket to false) (set: $hasTheDevice to false)  (set: $fate1 to false) (set: $fate2 to false) (set: $fate3 to false) (set: $logWatched to false) (set: $shortcut to false)  (set: $pirates to false)  (set: $allGot to false) (set: $doorBreached to false) (set: $equipmentBork to false) (set: $powerOn to false) (set: $isIdiot to false) (set: $consoleShown to false) (set: $Died to false) (set: $RoomOfDeath to "none") (set: $grade to "none") (set: $score to 0) (forget-visits: -1) }(t8n:"flicker")[*Booting...Fault*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:0.5s)[*Resetting system nodes...*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:1s)[*Reboot initialized*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:1.3s)[*Condensers unresponsive, units: ar3345, bt0021, nt9912 ar5471...*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:1.5s)[*Check log 321 for full list*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:1.6s)[*...*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:1.65s)[*Reboot sequence complete*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:1.9s)[*...*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:2.5s)[*...*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:6s)[*Wakeup sequence initiated...*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:8s)[*Beginning Sensory Information Record*] (t8n:"flicker")+(t8n-delay:10s)+(text-style:"blink")[Click anywhere to begin...] (click: ?page)[(goto: "Intro 1")]

<hr> (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "Inv")[[Inventory]] (if:(passage:)'s tags contains "return")[(link-undo:"Return")] {(if: $hasDC is true)+(if: $hasCC is true)+(if: $hasCC2 is true)+(if: $hasRevolver is true)+(if: $hasSMG is true)+(if: $hasLocket is true)+(if: $hasTheDevice is true)+(if: $allGot is false)[(go-to: "Got All Alert")] (if: $hasDC is true)+(if: $hasCC is true)+(if: $hasCC2 is true)+(if: $hasRevolver is true)+(if: $hasSMG is true)+(if: $hasLocket is true)+(if: $equipmentBork is true)+(if: $allGot is false)[(go-to: "Got All Alert")]}

{(set: $inv to (a:))(set: $loot to (a:)) (if: $hasID is true)[(set: $inv to $inv + (a:"ID Card - Simon Welles"))] (if: $hasID2 is true)[(set: $inv to $inv + (a:"ID Card - Thomas Higgins"))] (if: $hasID2 is true)[(set: $inv to $inv + (a:"ID Card - Lena Crawford"))] (if: $hasID3 is true)[(set: $inv to $inv + (a:"ID Card - Martin Crawford"))] (if: $hasID4 is true)[(set: $inv to $inv + (a:"ID Card - Sue Hickox"))] (if: $hasRope is true)[(set: $inv to $inv + (a:"Nylon Rope, 20 Feet"))] (if: $hasClothing is true)[(set: $inv to $inv + (a:"Bundles of Clothing"))] (if: $hasDC is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"⭐Data Chip (*ø*???)"))] (if: $hasCC is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Credit Chip (*ø*150)"))] (if: $hasCC2 is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Credit Chip (*ø*100)"))] (if: $hasRevolver is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Revolver (*ø*175)"))] (if: $hasSMG is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Submachine Gun (*ø*300)"))] (if: $hasLocket is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Locket (*ø*80)"))] (if: $hasTheDevice is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Doohickey (*ø*300)"))]} <h2>Non-Salable Goods</h2> (if: $inv's length > 0)[(for: each _item, ...$inv)[• _item ]](else:)[(print: "• Nothing Yet ")] <h2>Salvage</h2> (if: $loot's length>0)[(for: each _item, ...$loot)[• _item ]](else:)[(print: "• Nothing Yet ")]

The switch toggles into its 'on' position with a plastic-y click. The speaker crackles to life again. (click: ?page)[=="Okay, your comms just lit up. Can you hear me?" > [[Don't answer.|Intro 4a]] > [["No, not at all."|Intro 4a1]] > [["Yep."|Intro 4b]] > [["Yeah, and I have some questions."|Intro 4c]] > [Pull the red lever]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(redirect:"Intro 3b")]

You are currently floating in the darkness of space. You are wearing a vacuum-proof suit, though it is still a little cold. You are clamped to the outside of a spaceship by some kind of mechanical restraint, able only to glance around the starry void and [[flail your arms]]. (click: ?page)[==A bored female voice cuts through the silence, emitted directly into your ears via some kind of speaker. *"Boot sequence is done...but comms still aren't responding..."* (click: ?page)[==> ["Hey! What's going on here?"]<c1| > [[Look around|Intro 2]] []<c5| (click: ?c1)[(replace:?c5)[The woman does not respond.]]

There is a switch inside of your helmet. You could probably [[reach it|Intro 3]] if you drew one of your arms into the body of the suit. There is also a [red lever]<c1| on the mechanical restraints holding you down. White letters on its edge read "Emergency Release". (click: ?c1)[(redirect:"Intro 3b")]

(set: $RoomOfDeath to (history:)'s last) (set: $isIdiot to (confirm: "Are you sure you want to do that?", "Leave it alone", "...yes?")) (go-to:"Idiot Checker")

"I hope you don't think you're being cute. I can hear you breathing and your indicator light is on, so I'm going to take your silence as a yes." (click: ?page)[==> [[Remain silent|Intro 4b]] > [["Okay, you got me. What the hell is going on?"|Intro 4a1]] > [["No, nothing cute! I just wasn't really sure what to say."|4a2]]

(if: (history:) contains "Intro 4a")["Let's get you up to speed."](else-if: (history:) contains "Intro 4c")["Now, let's get you up to speed."](else-if: (history:) contains "Intro 4a1")["Let's get you up to speed."](else:)["Great, let's get you up to speed."] (click: ?page)[=="You are a *semi-organic scavenging unit*, S.O.S.U., desgination L06-4N, owned by the Wyman and Dax salvage company. You are tasked with retrieving a data storage device and as much valuable salvage as possible from the derelict freighter *A.A. Algernon.*" (click: ?page)[=="Do you understand?" (click: ?page)[==> [["I'm a what? And I'm tasked with *what?* This doesn't make any sense."|SOSU Questions]] > [[Refuse to answer|Intro 5c]] > [["I'm nobody's *property*, alright?"|Intro 5b]] > [["Couldn't be clearer. What's next?"|Intro 6]] > [Pull the red lever]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(redirect:"Intro 3b")]

She cuts you off before you can continue. "Good, then quiet down. I'm sure I'll answer most of your questions in a second, and I'm not being paid to repeat myself." (click: ?page)[(goto: "Intro 4b")]

"*Hmm. I would've thought that came pre-programmed.*" (click: ?page)[=="Okay, you are a salvage synthetic, designation L06-4N. You're like a robot, except you're only half metal. The rest of you is meat grown in a lab, hence the 'semi-organic' part. You've got some real skin, organs, and so on. My employers bought you second-hand from a shady military surplus dealer and fitted you with the basics: light thrusters, magnetic boots, a vacuum suit to keep your squishy parts solid, that sort of thing." (click: ?page)[=="The biggest issue is that your memory modules aren't exactly cutting-edge. I would have loved to pre-load you with the latest scientific research and ballistics calculations, but you're probably only about as sharp as a baseline human." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"SOSU Questions"))]

(if: (history:) contains "SOSU Questions")["Anything else?"](else-if: (history:) contains "Intro 5b")["What else do you want to know?"](else-if: (history:) contains "Intro 5c")["Where did I lose you?"](else:)[The woman sighs into the microphone. "Okay, slow down. What exactly is confusing you here?"] (click:?page)[==> [["What is a...that thing you called me? An S.O.S.U?"|SOSU?]] > [["What is this ship you're talking about?"|Algernon?]] > [["Who are you?"|Dalia?]](if: (history:) contains "Dalia?")[ > [["Yeah, but who are you *really?*|Dalia2?"]]] > [["What do you mean when you say the company 'owns' me?"|Owned?]](if: (history:) contains "Owned?")[ > [["So, how much does my freedom cost?|Freedom?"]]](if: (history:) contains "SOSU Questions")[ > [["Nope."|Intro 6]]](else-if: (history:) contains "Intro 5b")[ > [[ "Nothing else."|Intro 6]]](else-if: (history:) contains "Intro 5c")[](else:)[] > [Pull the red lever]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(redirect:"Intro 3b")]

The woman laughs once, a single stilted bark. "Look buddy, I don't make the rules. You're half robot, half lab-grown hamburger. You don't have any kind of ID or birth certificate besides the serial number they burnt into your DNA, and my boss is using your receipt as a coaster." (click: ?page)[=="Has that cleared everything up?" (click: ?page)[==> [["Well, that sucks. I have more questions anyway."|SOSU Questions]] > [["Not really, but I think I'd rather just get this over with."|Intro 6]] > [Pull the red lever]<c1| > ["Go fuck yourself"]<c2| []<c5|(click: ?c2)[(replace:?c5)["I get that a lot."]] (click: ?c1)[(redirect:"Intro 3b")]

The woman sighs. "Okay, I'm going to take your silence as an indication of uncertainty. Instead of repeating myself slowly, tell me what's confusing you." (click: ?page)[(go-to: "SOSU Questions"))]

(if: (history:) does not contain "Dalia?")["First thing's first, I'm Dalia. Not that we should have to do much chatting, but I'd prefer to go by that than whatever *other* names you're imagining for me right now." (click: ?page)[=="I'll give you the generalities first, then we can get started. Today you'll be trawling through the wreck of The Algernon. Your task is to locate a data storage device on the vessel, a navigation drive with maps of smuggling routes and uncommon trans-warp passages. While searching for this drive, you are also expected to locate and collect valuable salvage. The more you find, the better."](else:)[ "Okay, I'll give you the generalities now, then we can get started. Today you'll be trawling through the wreck of The Algernon. Your task is to locate a data storage device on the vessel, a navigation drive with maps of smuggling routes and uncommon trans-warp passages. While searching for this drive, you are also expected to locate and collect valuable salvage. The more you find, the better."] (if: (history:) does not contain "SOSU?")[(click: ?page)[=="Also, as a heads up: you came second hand. We fitted you with personal jets, mag-boots, and a space suit to keep your squishy parts solid, but that's about it. You'll be on your own otherwise."] (click: ?page)[==> [["So what are *you* going to be doing the whole time, then?"|Intro 7]]

"Ah, the job. *Right.*" (click: ?page)[=="The Algernon was an unarmed, small-crewed freighter meant for about eight people doing long-haul deliveries. It was *also* a known smuggling vessel." (click: ?page)[=="It went dark about a week ago. We traced it based on logs from the nearest port-of-call, then we got here before anyone else. Now we're trying to scoop out anything valuable before someone else catches up." (click: ?page)[=="You know, finders keepers and all that." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"SOSU Questions"))]

"You can call me Dalia if you like, but let's not get chummy. I'd rather not get too close in case you explode or get eaten by an alien or something. Some people get real friendly with their S.O.S.U.s and it *never* ends well." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"SOSU Questions"))]

"They paid someone, and now consider you to be their legal property. That's what 'own' means, dear." (click: ?page)[==> [["Is that it?"]]

"I'm your handler. I'll watch you from the cameras on your suit, report the results from your suit scanners, and answer questions. If you listen to me and don't do anything stupid, you'll live." (click: ?page)[==> ["Why don't my suit scanners just give me reports directly?"]<c1|(click: ?c1)[ "Ha, you're a riot. S.O.S.U.s are cheaper than people, but not *that* much cheaper. We don't need to load you up with expensive displays as well. Plus, your memory modules, remember? Those readings are as good as worthless without my review." > [["Can I do any scanning now?"|Intro 8]]]

"Good. Sit tight while I reorient the ship. I'll release your restraints with a little momentum to get you across to The Algernon. Just grab the door on your way in and you should be fine." (click: ?page)[==(text-style:"blink")[Click anywhere to continue...] (click: ?page)[(goto: "Exterior")]

Dalia's eyeroll can practically be heard over the microphone. “Don't be a baby, space kills all sorts. Also, now would be a good time to get your ass in gear, I'm sending you off in a second. Try not to hurt yourself before you get inside.” (click: ?page)[==(text-style:"blink")[Click anywhere to continue...] (click: ?page)[(goto: "Exterior")]

The ship begins to rotate. You still hang from the side as the starry canvas of the void spins round with no sense of up or down. A shape comes into view, not by its own light, but rather by the shadow of its sillhouette against the backdrop of far-off stars. (click: ?page)[==Dalia's voice rattles in your ears. "Okay, that's the Algernon. You've picked up a little speed now, I'm releasing your restraints in three, two..." (click: ?page)[==The metal arm clamping you to the hull of the ship releases its grip, strangely silent in the vacuum. Your momentum carries you across the gap towards your target, the Algernon's emergency airlock. Your angle seems off, and although the controls to your [[suit-mounted jets|Ext1 jets]] are ready at hand, you are always free to [[rely on fate|Ext1 fate]] instead.

"Not with your suit-borne scanners, no, and certainly not through the Algernon's hull. If it makes you feel better, the long-range scans are completely cold. The engine is dead, there's no power, no pressure, and nothing living or angry enough to give you any trouble." (click: ?page)[==> [["I guess that's reassuring, thanks."|Intro 8a]] > [["Cool, awesome, they're all dead. I feel great now."|Intro 8b]]

Dalia makes a clicking noise with her tongue then releases an annoyed sigh. "I am technically legally obligated to inform you that, as a *semi*-organic lifeform, you are entitled to purchase your personal enfranchisement for a sum dictated in bill 316, section 1, sub-section K." (click: ?page)[=="I am also legally obligated to inform you that Wyman and Dax are obliged to pay you at half the galactic standard minimum wage and no less, made available to you in the form of a commission for your labor." (click: ?page)[=="So yes, my employers own you, but if you do an extra special, very good job, you might be one step closer to freedom." (click: ?page)[==*"If you even care."* (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"SOSU Questions"))]

You pump the controls just a touch, and jets of bluish fire trail behind you, their hiss vibrating through your suit. (click: ?page)[==You draw in close to the vessel and land gently on the metallic lip of the airlock entrance. The door is actuated by [[a valve|Common Area Entry]], an old-fashioned sort like you might imagine seeing on a submarine.

(set: $fate1 to true)You submit yourself to the unbending will of physics and allow inertia to carry you forward, growing light as the universe itself takes on the weight of your ultimate destiny. (click: ?page)[==You slam bodily into the airlock, bouncing only a little ways away before you can scrabble for a hand-hold. Dalia giggles directly into your ear, a sound somewhere between a sick hyena and a sentient blender. (click: ?page)[==With your feet planted, you can finally get a look at the airlock. It is solid metal with no viewport and appears to be actuated by [[a valve|Common Area Entry]], the old-fashioned kind you might imagine seeing on a submarine.

The airlock's exterior door opens to reveal a small entryway with another door at the end, which is already open. As noted by Dalia, the Algernon appears to have already lost pressure. (click: ?page)[==> [[Pass through the airlock.|CA General]]

(if:(history:)does not contain "CA General")[You exit into what appears to be a common area.](else:)[This is the common area of The A.A. Algernon.] There is no active power, pressure, or artificial gravity. The space is decorated to resemble a motorcycle bar on Earth, complete with a live-edge [[wood bar]], a well-used [[dart board]], and a ratty [[leather sofa]]. The glass cabinets are filled with bottles of [[cheap booze]] that range in hue from clear, to golden, to sickly green. There is a [[desiccated corpse|Desiccated Corpse]] floating above the bar. > [Talk to Dalia]<Dalia|(click: ?Dalia)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")] > [[Scan the common area|CA Scan]] (if:(history:)does not contain "Hall General")[> [[Head through the only other door in the room|Hall General]]](else:)[> [[Head to the main hall|Hall General]]] > [[Exit the Algernon|Bad Idea Check]]

It appears to be a male adult in his thirties. (unless: $hasID is true)[[[There is an ID Card|ID]] attached to his waist, which reads 'Simon Welles'. ](else:)[](unless: $hasCC is true)[One of his pockets is bulging with the outline of a [[credit chip|Credit Chip]]. ](else:)[]You can [scan]<scan| the body for more information about its condition. (click: ?scan)[The scanning suite in your suit chirps a few times, then Dalia speaks. "He's dead, estimated about seven days. No injuries besides depressurization."] [Click to return...]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(go-to:"CA General")]

(set: $hasID to (confirm: "Take the ID?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"Desiccated Corpse")

(set: $hasCC to (confirm: "The chip has 150 credits on it. Take it?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"Desiccated Corpse")

(dialog: [The bar is too heavy to take, and the wood appears to be synthetic anyway.], "Ok.") (go-to:"CA General")

(dialog: [The board is made of cheap cork. Any happy memories of this thing have gone away with the crew.], "Ok.") (go-to:"CA General")

(dialog: [It is bolted to the floor and filthy. You couldn't pick it up, and even if you could, you wouldn't be able to *give* it away.], "Ok.") (go-to:"CA General")

(dialog: [Bottom shelf synthetic whiskeys and wines. Not even high enough proof to burn, certainly not worth hauling back to sell.], "Ok.") (go-to:"CA General")

{(if: (history:)'s last does not contain "Question")[(set: $CurrentRoom to (history:)'s last)] }"What do you need?" > [["What kind of ship was The Algernon?"|Question Algernon2?]](if: $CurrentRoom is "CA General")[ > [["What happened here?"|Question Happened?]](if: $pirates is true)[ > [["Pirates? You didn't mention pirates!"|Question Pirates?]]]](if: $CurrentRoom is "CB General")[ > [["What was in the original cargo manifest?"|Question Manifest?]]](if: $CurrentRoom is "Hall General")[ > [["Which way should I go?"|Question Which Way?]]](if: $CurrentRoom is "P+O General")[ > [["What happened to those two?"|Question Those Two?]] > [["Why aren't there any pirate bodies in here?"|Question Pirate Bodies?]]](if:(history:)contains "Acid Live")[ > [["How is it that you can turn off my pain receptors?"|Question Pain Receptors?]]] [Click to return...]<c0| (click: ?c0)[(go-to: $CurrentRoom)]

“An independently run small-crew shipping vessel. They were known in certain circles to work under the table, though the cargo manifest for this trip seems mostly benign.” (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

(set: $pirates to true)“Pirates. The constable’s report suggests they were followed out of a neutral port and boarded. No word on whether or not the pirates made it, but it seems unlikely given the situation.” (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

The scanning suite in your suit chirps a few times, then Dalia's voice rings across the communications line. (unless: $powerOn is true)["We're still reading cold. No life signs, no system energy, not even reserve power."](else:)["Auxiliary power is on, but there's still no life signs or artificial gravity."] (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"CA General")]

(if:(history:)does not contain "Hall General")[You have to pull an emergency release to open the normally-automatic door, which slides back to reveal a connecting hallway with four branches.](else:)[This is the main connecting hallway of the A.A. Algernon.] It appears to have been the site of a [[small explosion]] and some [[gunfighting]], which have marred the steel floor and walls.(if:$doorBreached is true)[ There is debris scattered about the space from the crew quarters, mostly small personal items like pens and mugs.] > [Talk to Dalia]<Dalia|(click: ?Dalia)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")] > [[Scan the hallway|Hall Scan]](if: $hasRope is true)[ (if:$doorBreached is not true)[> [[Use the rope to pull the crew quarters emergency release from a safe distance.|Rope Tie]]]] <hr> > [[Return to the common area|CA General]] > [[Head to piloting and operations|P+O General]] > [[Head to the cargo bay|CB General]] > [[Head to the crew quarters|Door Breach Check]]

(if:(history:)does not contain "P+O General")[You proceed into piloting and operations.](else:)[This is the piloting and operations area of the A.A. Algernon.] It is a wide space ringed with consoles, controls, and screens, a chair mounted to the floor in front of each station. There is space for a large glass window at the front of the deck, which has been [[smashed open]]. A pair of [[human corpses]] are belted in at the main control panel. > [Talk to Dalia]<Dalia| > [[Scan piloting and operations|P+O Scan]] > [[Inspect main console|Console Power Check]] > [[Return to the main hall|Hall General]] (click: ?Dalia)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")] (click: ?showMC)[]

(if:(history:)does not contain "CB General")[The door to the cargo bay, much like the door to the main hall, must be manually opened via release lever. It does so, scraping awkwardly out of the way to allow your passage.](else:)[This is the cargo bay of the A.A. Algernon.] Cargo shelves are built directly into the ship, bolted to the floor and ceiling and supported by angled struts. All the [[cargo]] is kept on the shelves by fiber nets, though some of the nets are broken, leaving the freight to float freely through the air. A section of the cargo bay has been walled off and reserved for [[engines and power generation|Power]]. There are [[signs of small-arms fire]], and the cargo door has a [[massive hole]] in its center. > [Talk to Dalia]<Dalia|(click: ?Dalia)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")] > [[Scan the cargo bay|CB Scan]] > [[Return to the main hall|Hall General]]

(unless: $doorBreached is true)[“Hold up. Your scanners are detecting pressurization in the crew quarters. If you open that door, the pressure difference will blast you away and probably into a wall. I wouldn’t risk getting a crack in your helmet over that, so you’ll have to find a way to depressurize that section safely before you head in.” > [["Do you think that means there are survivors?"|Survivors?]] ](else:)["The hallway is clear and empty, and surrounding compartments are as cold and lifeless as the rest of the ship, crew quarters included." ]> [Click to return...]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(go-to:"Hall General")]

{(set: $Died to true)(set: $RoomOfDeath to (history:)'s last)}You exit through the airlock and leap gracefully into the void. Dalia groans into your ear at length. (click: ?page)[=="If I ever see the rip-off artist we bought you from again, I'm going to vent him into space myself so he can pick you up. I knew your data chips were damaged, I just wish I realized how *badly*." (click: ?page)[==True to her word, Dalia doesn't catch you and you instead float pointlessly off into the vacuum, never to be seen or heard from again. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review")

This is the crew quarters of the A.A. Algernon. It is a roughly rectangular space with bunks embedded in the walls, eight in total.(if:$equipmentBork is true)[ It is *also* a disaster area, with bedding, clothes, and personal affects cast in all directions.](else:)[ It is in a strangely well preserved state, with few items out of place besides those which hover slightly in the low gravity.] (click:?page)[==Of note, there is a [[corpse|Huddled Corpse]] huddled in one corner, a [[footlocker|science footlocker]] with a stylized hydrogen atom stenciled on the top, and an inoperable [[drinking bird]] floating above a common table. > [Talk to Dalia]<Dalia|(click: ?Dalia)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")] > [[Scan the crew quarters|CQ Scan]] > [[Return to the main hall|Hall General]]

{(set: $Died to true)(set: $RoomOfDeath to "Hall General")}As you pull on the release, there is a hiss, and then the seals on the door fail. It swings open fully and slams directly into you along with a wave of pressure and discarded junk. You go tumbling. (click:?page)[== It is unclear what exactly kills you, be it sudden head trauma or the onrushing vacuum as your helmet smashes against the steel wall, but you are dead within a few seconds. (unless:(history:)contains "Hall Scan")[(click:?page)[Have you considered checking your scanner before opening random doors?]] (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review")

“Your scanners are picking up traces of nitrocellulose, smokeless powder. It's probably left over from a grenade or some other kind of handheld explosive. Going by the lack of life signs on the ship, whoever threw it is probably toast, but you should keep your eye out for any extras they might have left lying around.” (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Hall General")]

The thick metal walls are dimpled from gunfire and bullet cases are scattered all over the floor. As you inspect one, Dalia weighs in. “That looks like a .45, which is a common caliber for pistols. I don’t know how well equipped these pirates were, but that could easily have come from the crew's personal defense weapons as well.” (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Hall General")]

You tie the rope to the door's emergency release lever and take a few steps away. You can step [[further away]], or allow [[fate|Rope Fate]] to decide if this is far enough.

(unless: (history:) contains "Hall Scan")["That’s up to you. Piloting and operations will give you access to the ship’s auxiliary controls if you can get the power back up, the quarters would have the former crew's personal effects, and storage would have the most salvage."](else:)["Well, don’t go to the crew quarters unless you want to get pretty messed up. Otherwise, it’s up to you." ] (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

(t8n:'fade')[<h1 class="console" style="text-align: center;">Derelict</h1>] (t8n:'fade')+(t8n-delay:1s)[<h4 class="console" style="text-align: center;color:#27ab4a;">*Deep Space Salvage*</h4>] (t8n:'fade')+(t8n-delay:4.5s)[==(text-style:"blink")[Click anywhere to Start] (click: ?page)[(goto: "Intro Prime")]

You approach the bodies. The one on the left appears to be an older man, while the one on the right is a young woman. (unless: $hasID2 is true)[Their [[ID badges|ID 2]] read "Thomas Higgins" and "Lena Crawford" respectively. ](else:)[](unless: $hasRevolver is true)[[[There is an old-fashioned revolver|A Revolver]] hanging from Lena's waist, though it is out of bullets. ](else:)[](unless: $hasCC2 is true)[One of Thomas' pockets is bulging with the outline of a [[credit chip|Credit Chip 2]]. ](else:)[]You can [scan]<scan| the bodies for more information about their condition. (click: ?scan)[Your scanners buzz for a moment, then chirp. Dalia clears her throat. "Both dead, obviously. The one on the left appears to have been shot before dying, but depressurization was the final straw for both of them."] [Click to return...]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(go-to:"P+O General")]

(dialog: [Small amounts of blood are visible on the fragments of glass that remain.], "Ok.") (go-to:"P+O General")

(set: $hasRevolver to (confirm: "The revolver is out of ammunition. Take it?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"human corpses")

(set: $hasCC2 to (confirm: "The chip has 100 credits on it. Take it?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"human corpses")

(set: $hasID2 to (confirm: "Take the IDs?", "Leave them", "Yes")) (go-to:"human corpses")

(t8n:'fade')+(t8n-delay:1.0s)[*You Gathered...*] (if: $loot's length > 0)[(for: each _item, ...$loot)[(t8n:'fade')+(t8n-delay:2.5s)[ _item ]]](else:)[(t8n:'fade')+(t8n-delay:2.5s)[Nothing? Yikes.]](t8n:'fade')+(t8n-delay:6.0s)[Your final score is...] (t8n:'fade')+(t8n-delay:8.0s)[<h1 style="text-align: center;">*ø*$score!</h1> $grade] (click:?page)[(t8n:'fade')[> [[Click here to contine to accomplishments...|Accomplishments]]]]

{(set: $unlocked to (a:))(set: $locked to (a:))  (if: $score > 1100)[(set: $unlocked to $unlocked + (a:"Worthy Hire - *Gather all possible salvage*"))](else:)[(set: $locked to $locked + (a:"Worthy Hire - *Prove your worth...*"))]  (if: $hasID is true and $hasID2 is true and $hasID3 is true and $hasID4 is true)[(set: $unlocked to $unlocked + (a:"Memento Mori - *Recover all crew ID cards*"))](else:)[(set: $locked to $locked + (a:"Memento Mori - *Honor the dead...*"))]  (if: $Died is not true)[(set: $unlocked to $unlocked + (a:"Rookie of The Year - *Survive your first day on the job*"))](else:)[(set: $locked to $locked + (a:"Rookie of The Year - *Have you tried not dying?*"))]  (if: $Died is true and $RoomOfDeath is "Intro 5b")[(set: $unlocked to $unlocked + (a:"Spite - *Kill yourself specifically to piss off your handler*"))](else:)[(set: $locked to $locked + (a:"Spite - *How's that for 'clearing everything up'...*"))]  (if: $fate1 is true and $fate2 is true and $fate3 is true)[(set: $unlocked to $unlocked + (a:"Selected by Fate - *Submit yourself to the whims of fate three times and live*"))](else:)[(set: $locked to $locked + (a:"Selected by Fate - *Fate is a fickle thing...*"))]  (if: $Died is true and $RoomOfDeath is "Auxiliary Power")[(set: $unlocked to $unlocked + (a:"All Gas, No Plan - *Run directly into acid*"))](else:)[(set: $locked to $locked + (a:"All Gas, No Plan - *Hey, what's that funny floating goop...*"))]  (if: $shortcut is true)[(set: $unlocked to $unlocked + (a:"Shortcut! - *Open the crew quarters without activating the auxiliary power first*"))](else:)[(set: $locked to $locked + (a:"Shortcut! - *Who needs power anyway...*"))]  (if: $logWatched is true)[(set: $unlocked to $unlocked + (a:"The Mechanical Eye - *Watch the fate of the Algernon's crew as it unfolded*"))](else:)[(set: $locked to $locked + (a:"The Mechanical Eye - *Someone must know what happened around here...*"))] }(t8n:'fade')[<h1 class="console" style="text-align: center;">Accomplishments</h1>] (t8n:'fade')+(t8n-delay:1.0s)[==Completed Accomplishments (if: $unlocked's length > 0)[(for: each _item, ...$unlocked)[<div class="accomp">|🏆| _item</div>]](else:)[<div class="accomp">Nothing :(</div>] Locked Accomplishments (if: $locked's length > 0)[(for: each _item, ...$locked)[<div class="accomp">|❌| _item</div>]](else:)[<div class="accomp">You unlocked everything! :)</div>] (if: $Died is true)[> [Return to the moment before you died?]<c1|(click: ?c1)[((set:$Died to false)(go-to:$RoomOfDeath)] ]> [[Start Over From The Beginning?|Title]]

(if:(history:)does not contain "Main Console")[One of the consoles appears to be active, as indicated by a single dim light. It powers on slowly, vibrating gently in the depressurized environment.](else:)[The console powers on, vibrating gently in the depressurized environment.] The screen lights up and displays a simple, undecorated interface with a number of options. Main Command View: > [[Ship Status]] > [[Piloting Systems]] > [[Operations Systems]] > [[Security]] > [[Eject Main Drive?]] [Click to return...]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(go-to:"P+O General")]

The scanning suite in your suit chirps a few times. "Readings are still cold. No life signs, no hazards. Just you and your new friends." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"P+O General")]

Piloting Systems Report: Navigation and star charts loaded in main drive Fuel status not available Wing and thruster controls not available <hr> [[Click to return...|Main Console]]

Power Report: Main power offline Reserve power offline Auxiliary power active, 23% Hull Status: Piloting viewport, complete failure Main hull, multiple breaches Cargo door, seal failure Other: Artificial gravity systems compromised Life support systems compromised Pressure control systems functional, 80% <hr> [[Click to return...|Main Console]]

Operations Controls > [Pressurize All Ship Compartments]<c1|(click: ?c1)[ -- Multiple hull breaches detected, cannot pressurize at this time](unless: $doorBreached is true)[ > [Depressurize Crew Quarters]<c2|(click: ?c2)[ WARNING! Ensure no crew are present before depressurization! - [Continue?]<dep|(click: ?dep)[(set: $doorBreached to true) -- Crew Quarters successfully depressurized]]] > [Reroute Auxiliary Power]<c3|(click: ?c3)[ -- Auxiliary power is not sufficient to be rerouted at this time] <hr> [[Click to return...|Main Console]]

(unless: $isIdiot is true)[Phew, good call. Now, where were we...(click: ?page)[(go-to:$RoomOfDeath)]](else:)[The restraints *explode* off of their hinges and you are launched away from the vessel into the cold embrace of the void. (click: ?page)[The voice crackles through your speakers again. "Oh *Jesus*, what'd you do that for? I'm not going to be able to catch up to you in this clunker, and nobody else is going to be able to find you out there either!" (if: (history:) does not contain "Intro 3")[ "Well, you can't answer me, so just pretend I can hear your cries of terror and regret until you leave contact range, okay?"](else:)[ "Actually, scratch that. I just realized I don't care. You just cost me this whole trip and therefore *deserve* to die in the dark expanse. If it's any comfort, you can pretend I'm listening to your cries of terror and regret until you leave contact range anyway, okay?"]] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Idiot checker died")]]

"Oh god, you're one of those defective *smart-ass* models. Are you going to be like this the whole time?" (click: ?page)[==> [[Don't bother responding|Intro 4a1a]] > [["Give me a break, I just woke up."|Intro 4a1b]] > [["Oh yeah, definitely. I'm going to be a pain in your ass the *whole time.*"|Intro 4a1c]]

The woman tuts, and the sound of a pen scraping across paper cuts across her microphone. "That's odd. You shouldn't have processing issues on wakeup. Maybe your personality matrix is defective?" (click: ?page)[==> [["Sorry, defective?"|4a2a]] > [["Ex-*fucking*-scuse me?"|4a2b]]

The woman scoffs. "I'll give you a *break* once you've done your job. You can't do that until I explain what 'your job' even is though, *so...*" (click: ?page)[(goto: "Intro 4b")]

"Doesn't really matter, I suppose. I'm safe in my cabin, you'll be the one dealing with the cold vacuum of the void." (click: ?page)[(goto: "Intro 4b")]

"I think we'll just keep the chit-chat to a minimum then. I'll cut off your comms while I'm talking, okay dear?" (click: ?page)[==> [["Bullshit you are, I can say what I want!"|Intro 4a1c1]] > [[Don't bother responding|Intro 4b]]

There is a momentary pause. Sounds like a clicking keyboard come across the comms. The woman clears her throat. "Oh, don't sweat it if you said anything regrettable just now, I already cut your microphone." (click: ?page)[(goto: "Intro 4b")]

"At least your swearing paramaters are in good order, though you seem a little...*sensetive*. Look, it shouldn't matter, you'll probably be fine, so settle down." Papers can be heard shuffling from the other side of the communicator. (click: ?page)[(goto: "Intro 4b")]

"Don't worry yourself about that now, I doubt it's terminal. Anyway, I have a *lot* to explain before we make any more small-talk, 'kay?" Papers can be heard shuffling from the other side of the communicator. (click: ?page)[(goto: "Intro 4b")]

Your scanners buzz, then your comms unit does as well. “The room was clearly the site of a firefight, lots of stray residue from gunfire. No life signs (unless: $powerOn is true)[ though, and the power is out.](else:)[but the auxiliary power is on at least.]” (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"CB General")]

"They died. *Obviously.*" (click: ?page)[==Dalia sighs. "Okay, okay. Someone shot out the viewport and depressurized the whole ship. It looks like the one on the left took a bullet herself first, but that is *clearly* not what finished them off." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

"I would guess they got pulled out through the viewport when the ship lost pressure. As to why they didn't have their own mag-boots, that's anyone's guess. Piracy is a tough gig though, much easier to steal things when your target is already dead." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

Amongst the assorted cargo is a variety of [[foodstuffs]](unless: $hasRope is true)[, a roll of heavy [[nylon rope|rope]]](unless: $hasClothing is true)[, and bundles of mass-produced [[shirts, pants, and jackets|clothing]]]. [Click to return...]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(go-to:"CB General")]

(dialog: [Mostly cans of synthetic meat and condensed fruit juices, likely for the crew themselves rather than resale. You'd need to haul a metric ton of the stuff before it was worth selling.], "Ok.") (go-to:"cargo")

(set: $hasClothing to (confirm: "Take some of the clothing?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"cargo")

The auxiliary power station is tucked behind the main generators, though globs of a cloudy, [[nondescript liquid]] are floating suspended in the air around it. They appear to originate from a group of barrels in one corner which have been damaged by small arms fire. (click: ?page)[==You can approach the auxiliary power switch by [[passing directly through the globs]], or you could try to float between them armed only with the power of [[fate]].(if: $hasClothing is true)[ Alternatively, you could attempt to [[sweep away the liquid]] with some of the loose clothing you found.]

This is the auxiliary power station for The Algernon. It is a small, simple console bolted onto a section of the power generator with a few basic controls and a large red lever.(if: $powerOn is true)[ The lever is currently set to the 'on' position, and the machine vibrates gently.] (click:?page)[==Slumped behind the power station is the [[body|Gunshot Corpse]] of a crew member with a single bullet hole in their abdomen. (click:?page)[==(if:$powerOn is false)[> [[Turn the lever on|Lever On]] ]> [Talk to Dalia]<Dalia| > [[Return to the main power station|Power]] (click: ?Dalia)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

(dialog: [The cargo doors are in position as if they were closed, but there is a huge hole in the center. The edges of the hole are ragged, burnt and twisted.], "Ok.") (go-to:"CB General")

(set: $hasRope to (confirm: "Take the rope?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"cargo")

(dialog: [Small bullet cases are scattered around the room and the walls are dimpled in a few places, particularly around the main door. There are also a few spatters of blood trailing off towards the generator station.], "Ok.") (go-to:"CB General")

Security Systems: Automatic Door Locks Compromised Camera Systems Compromised No Automated Defenses Turrets Installed Intrusion Detected Video recording halted due to camera malfunction > [[Playback intrusion video record?|Intrusion Record 1]] <hr> [[Click to return...|Main Console]]

{(set: $Died to true)(set: $RoomOfDeath to (history:)'s last)}You charge blindly through the liquid, each globule exploding into a shower of droplets as you pass through it. After a moment, the drops begin to burn and hiss, and moments later, your suit loses pressure. (click: ?page)[==Dalia isn't even able to insult you before your vision dims. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review")

No mere chemical substance could pose a threat to you. You hover stoically towards the auxiliary power switch and almost make it when a hole starts mysteriously burning itself into the leg of your suit. (click: ?page)[==Air is already escaping through the hole, you have only moments to act!(unless: $hasRope is true)[ Your only option now is to pinch off the damaged section [[with your hands|Acid Die]] and hope for the best.](else:)[ You can attempt to pinch off the hole in your suit [[with your hands|Acid Die]] or constrict the damaged section [[with rope|Acid Live]].]

{(set: $hasClothing to false) }You use a fistful of beige t-shirts to sweep away the liquid, each one saturating with the liquid, then sizzling as they begin to corrode. You are able to clear a safe path to the auxiliary power station just as you run out of useable fabric. (click: ?page)[==> [[Continue to the power switch.|Auxiliary Power Switch]]

(set: $fate3 to true)You hold the section of your suit tight and wrap the rope around a few different ways, fighting hard against the the impossibly frigid burn as the vacuum rushes over your leg. (click: ?page)[==The pain recedes strangely and suddenly. Dalia's voice echoes around the inside of your helmet. "Nice thinking L06. I deactivated the pain receptors in your leg, so you can just pull the tab that says 'seal' to cut off that whole section of your suit, no problem." (click: ?page)[=="We can plug in a replacement as soon as you get back to the ship. Hope you don't mind limping for a bit." (click: ?page)[==> [["A replacement?"|Replacement?]] > [[Do as instructed|Good Boy]]

{(set: $Died to true)(set: $RoomOfDeath to "Auxiliary Power")}No matter how hard you press, air continues to escape and you begin to grow lightheaded. "That's not good," Dalia remarks, voice fuzzy in your ears. "Okay, just follow my instructions and..." (click: ?page)[==The rest of her words are lost to the vacuum and, moments later, so are you. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review")

Dalia interrupts you before your hand can touch the emergency release lever. "Hey, that section is pressurized. Could you *not* get yourself killed in such an obvious way?" (click:?page)[==> [[Back away from the door|Hall General]] > [[Open the door anyway|Dead]]

{(set: $doorBreached to true) (set: $equipmentBork to true) (unless: $powerOn is true)[(set: $shortcut to true)] }You retreat a safe distance from the door and stand around a corner for good measure. You draw back on the rope. A moment later, the hall is filled by a pressure wave and a scatter-spray of small objects: pens, tissues, ration packaging, and so-on. (click: ?page)[==Dalia clears her throat in your ear. "Well, that's one way to do it." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Hall General"))]

Like a courageous soldier, you stand firm. You draw hard on the rope and the crew quarters door slams open, sending a wave of pressure and assorted debris directly into you. Your magnetic boots turn hard and fail, detatching from the floor as you cartwheel away. (click: ?page)[==You have only a moment to react. The rope is still [[in reach]], or you can once again allow [[fate|True Faith]] to dictate your course.

"Do I look like an accountant to you? Don't answer that, you can't see me. Just do a good job and I'll make sure you can ask someone in Synthetic Resources, alright?" (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"SOSU Questions"))]

Dalia snorts. "Oh, absolutely not. Temperature readings are below zero and there aren't any other obvious bio-traces. You're alone unless they were hiding a suite of state-of-the-art cryo pods on this tub." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Hall General"))]

{(set: $Died to true)(set: $RoomOfDeath to (history:)'s last)}You take hold of the rope, but it is not strong enough it arrest the force of your tumble. It snaps and, a moment later, your head connects with the unforgiving metal interior of The Algernon. (click: ?page)[==Dalia's voice cuts over your radio. "Oh *shit!* Your helmet cracked, it--" (click: ?page)[==The rest of her words are impossible to parse, instead muffling in the vacuum that fills your suit as you perish. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review")

(set: $doorBreached to true)(set: $equipmentBork to true)(set: $fate2 to true)You release your earthly tether and spiral through the air like the stars of a nebula, just as thoughtless and free. (click: ?page)[==A moment later, you bounce safely off of one wall, and are able to reactivate your magnetic boots to regain your proper positioning. (click: ?page)[==Your communicator crackles to life, though Dalia waits a moment before speaking. "Okay, no, yeah, alright. Your vital signs all look good. That was the dumbest thing I think I've ever seen a salvage bot do, but you're unharmed. *Your synthetic heart rate isn't even elevated, jeez*." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Hall General"))]

The Algernon's main generators have been riddled with gunfire, and the lack of light and sound declares their inactivity. The controls, likewise, are damaged beyond use or repair. Signs point to an (if:(history:) does not contain "Auxiliary Power Switch")[[[auxiliary power|Auxiliary Power]]](else:)[[[auxiliary power|Auxiliary Power Switch]]] station, or you could simply [[return to the cargo area|CB General]].

Your scanners light up for a moment, then Dalia speaks. “Yeah, that's acid.” > [["What kind?"|Acid?]] > [["Did you just activate my scanners remotely?"|Scanners?]] > [["Liquid acid in a vacuum? I doubt it."|Doubt]] > [["Duly noted."|Auxiliary Power]]

"The kind that will burn a hole in your suit and kill you. Don't touch it." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"nondescript liquid")]

"Yes." > [["Is that all you have to say?"|That all?]] > [["...cool."|NLReturn1]]

"I don't know how it works, I just know what the scanner is telling me. You can find out for sure yourself if you'd like though." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"nondescript liquid")]

"Yep." > [["Have you been able to do that the whole time?"|Whole time?]] > [["Well. Alright then."|NLReturn2]]

"I'm getting kinda sick of repeating myeslf, so ask whatever you want and just assume the answer is 'yes' while I have you muted." > [["Am I your favorite S.O.S.U?"|Silence]] > [["Are you this much of a prick to everyone?"|Silence]] > [["I'm going to choose to be the bigger person here."|Silence]]

True to her word, Dalia leaves you in silence. (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Auxiliary Power")]

It appears to be a male adult in his mid twenties. (unless: $hasID3 is true)[[[There is an ID Card|ID3]] attached to his waist, which reads 'Martin Crawford'. ](else:)[](unless: $hasSMG is true)[A [[small caliber submachine gun|SMG]] is clutched tightly in one hand. It is out of ammunition and stained with blood, but in good condition otherwise. ](else:)[]You can [scan]<scan| the body for more information about its condition. (click: ?scan)[The scanning suite in your suit chirps a few times, then Dalia's voice rings across the communications line. "He's dead, estimated about seven days. Looks like blood loss incapacitated him, at which point he could no longer cover the hole in his suit. After that, asphyxiation."] [Click to return...]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(go-to:"Auxiliary Power Switch")]

(set: $hasID3 to (confirm: "Take the ID?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"Gunshot Corpse")

(set: $hasSMG to (confirm: "Take the weapon?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"Gunshot Corpse")

“Oh yeah, for sure. Everything below the cut-off point is going to freeze and die, no saving that. You only need one leg in low-gravity anyway, you should be fine.” (click: ?page)[==> [[Do as instructed|Good Boy]] > [["What, no! I don't want to lose my leg!"|Rebel]] > [["You can't tell me what to do!"|Rebel]]

You pull on the tab and a metal ring within your suit clamps down hard around the top of your thigh. Your whole leg stops responding to your instructions a moment later, hanging uselessly from your pelvis, but at least it doesn’t hurt. (click: ?page)[(goto: "Auxiliary Power Switch")]

Your communicator buzzes. Before Dalia can respond, however, you are doubled over in pain. All the skin on your leg is screaming as it freezes on the cellular level. (click: ?page)[==You black out momentarily, then come to your senses. Your communicator buzzes again. "Whoops, my finger slipped, turned your nerves back on for a second there. Good thing I have a remote switch for your backup suit seals, right?" (click: ?page)[==As she indicates, there seems to be a metal ring clamped around the top of your thigh, and your numbed right leg refuses to respond to any commands. (click: ?page)[==> [["You are a real bastard, you know that?"|Rebel1A]] > [["Whatever."|Rebel1B]] > [["Fine, no hard feelings, but only because I'm still alive."|Rebel1C]] > [[Seethe wordlessly|Rebel1D]]

"With a computer, *obviously*. I have a constant feed of your diagnostics, emotional fluctuations, temperature, energy consumption, and so on. Actually, the pain receptors aren't even the worst of it. Do you want to find out what *else* I can do?" (click:?page)[==> [["Absolutely not"|Question Nope]] > [["Yeah, go for it"|Question Sure]] > [["Yes please~"|Question Freak]]

{(set:$powerOn to true) }You flip the lever and, after a moment's hesitation, a light above it flickers to life. The machine begins to vibrate erratically, then settles to consistent thrum. (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Auxiliary Power Switch")]

"Aww, you're no fun. I'll at least let you finish your work before I start pressing buttons." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

Dalia clicks her tongue. "Wow, getting bored out there? Well, maybe when you get back. I wouldn't want to accidentally break something and lose all that nice salvage." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

There is a moment's pause. (click: ?page)[=="*Hmm.* Okay, I think that's enough. I'm going to mute your comms now." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

The form of an older woman is huddled in the corner. Her skin is tight and parched. (unless: $hasID4 is true)[[[There is an ID Card|ID4]] hanging from her breast pocket, which reads 'Sue Hickox'. ](else:)[](unless: $hasLocket is true)[A [[locket|Locket]] is clutched in her hand, lid open to reveal a photo of another woman with shorter hair, smiling brightly. ](else:)[]You can [scan]<scan| the body for more information about its condition. (click: ?scan)[The scanning suite in your suit chirps a few times, then Dalia's voice rings across the communications line. "Starvation. With the power off, she likely would have run out of air or froze anyway."] [Click to return...]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(go-to:"CQ General")]

There is a symbol of a stylized hydrogen atom etched into the top of the footlocker, which is clearly protective in nature. (if: $equipmentBork is true)[(click:?page)[Despite this, the device inside is a ruin, with many of its displays cracked and tubes shattered.] (click:?page)[==Dalia's voice cuts over the communicator. "Hmm. Guess there was a cost to your less-than-gentle method of entry. That'll be more expensive to fix than we'd gain back on a sale now so best leave it." ](else:)[(unless: $hasTheDevice is true)[(click:?page)[Inside is a complex [[scientific instrument|The Device]] featuring buttons, knobs, dials, and multiple displays.]](else:)[The footlocker is empty.]] (click:?page)[==[Click to return...]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(go-to:"CQ General")]

(dialog: [The bird stares at you with its dead, plastic eyes. Something about it seems...*ominous*.], "Ok.") (go-to:"CQ General")

(set: $hasID4 to (confirm: "Take the ID?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"Huddled Corpse")

(set: $hasLocket to (confirm: "Take the locket?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"Huddled Corpse")

(set: $hasTheDevice to (confirm: "Take the device?", "Leave it", "Yes")) (go-to:"science footlocker")

The scanning suite in your suit chirps a few times, then Dalia's voice rings across the communications line. "Readings are all even now that the crew quarters are depressurized. No hazards, (if: $powerOn is true)[just auxiliary power.](else:)[no power.]" (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"CQ General")]

{(set: $allGot to true) }Dalia's voice comes across your communicator. Her tone is strangely non-judgemental. "It seems like you've done a pretty clean sweep, L06. I doubt you'll find anything else on the ship, why don't you come back to the airlock?" (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:(history:)'s last)]

(dialog: [A reinforced steel panel moves out from in front of the console's storage deck, and a wafer-thin memory card emerges.], "Take the data chip")(set: $hasDC to true) (go-to:"Dalia Alert")

"That's it, that's the data chip. (unless: $allGot is true)[You're welcome to come back to the airlock whenever you like, but I'd suggest you do a little more salvaging before that.] (else:)[Come on back when you're ready and I'll pick you up.]" (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Main Console")]

You aren't able to flail them particularly far on account of your current position. Your be-suited limbs waggle against the cosmic void flacidly for as long as you're willing to waggle them, but nothing about your situation changes. (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Intro 1")]

You tumble between the stars, just as cold and lightless as any other bit of space debris. With no means of arresting your flight and no hope of intercept, you eventually fall into the gravitational pull of a gas giant, burning up in its atmosphere at speeds that would make a cruise-missile blush. (set: $Died to true)(click: ?page)[(go-to:"Review")]

"Don't push it. I'll describe our professional relationship in a minute, but we aren't buddies." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"SOSU Questions"))]

Dalia's voice comes across your comms line. "If you jump out of that airlock without any salvage, I'm not catching you. You're looking for a data card at the bare minimum, and the more extra stuff you find, the better." (click: ?page)[==> [[Leave anyway]] > [[Think better of it|CA General]]

{(set: $loot to (a:))(set: $score to 0)    (if: $hasDC is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Data Chip - *ø*???"))] (if: $hasCC is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Credit Chip - *ø*150"))(set: $score to $score + 150)] (if: $hasCC2 is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Credit Chip - *ø*100"))(set: $score to $score + 100)] (if: $hasRevolver is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Revolver - *ø*175"))(set: $score to $score + 175)] (if: $hasSMG is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Submachine Gun - *ø*300"))(set: $score to $score + 300)] (if: $hasLocket is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Locket - *ø*80"))(set: $score to $score + 80)] (if: $hasTheDevice is true)[(set: $loot to $loot + (a:"Doohickey - *ø*300"))(set: $score to $score + 300)]  (if: $score is 0)[(set: $grade to "You did that on purpose, didn't you?")] (else-if: $score <151)[(set: $grade to "Bad, just bad")] (else-if: $score <420)[(set: $grade to "Not great")] (else-if: $score <700)[(set: $grade to "Almost good")] (else-if: $score <1100)[(set: $grade to "Solid, reliable")] (else:)[(set: $grade to "Master of space garbage")]  (if: $Died is true)[(go-to:"Score")](else:)[(go-to:"Review 1")] }

(set: $logWatched to true)Intrusion Video Record Begins: *The camera feed begins dated back about a week. Two of the freighter's crew are maneuevering around the cargo bay. One carries a clipboard and the other, a mug of something steaming. They both seem terribly bored when one checks their watch.* (click: ?page)[==*A moment later, the cargo bay doors explode open. One of the crew is sucked cleanly through the hole while the other slams their head on its edge, though both are out of camera view in a flash. They are replaced by a pair of armored sailors, who navigate through the breach with personal boot-mounted jets.* (click: ?page)[==*The two infiltrators draw pistols as a third freighter crew-man enters through the main hallway, equipped with an atmospheric suit and a submachine gun. There is a brief exchange of fire during which the ship guard is wounded and the generator is peppered with rounds.* (click: ?page)[==*The ship guard ducks away and out of sight, hiding around the auxiliary power station and cupping the hole in their suit, alone.* (click: ?page)[==Click anywhere to continue...(click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Intrusion Record 2")

*The pirates ignore the wounded guard and sweep past the cargo shelves. They pass into the main hall and the intrusion record's camera feed automatically switches to follow them.* (click: ?page)[==*Just as they enter, the door slams shut behind them. The main hallway presumably repressurizes at this point, as another crewmember, a woman with a revolver, rounds a corner and fires on the pirates. There is another brief exchange of fire, during which the woman is wounded, as is one of the pirates, who proceeds to hurl a grenade to little effect.* (click: ?page)[==*The woman retreats into the piloting deck and the pirates follow her, one supporting the other. As they enter the operations deck, the woman and a middle aged man, another of the crew, can be seen strapped into chairs near the front of the room.* (click: ?page)[==*One of the pirates takes a wild shot that pierces the viewing window at the front of the chamber, which briefly spiderwebs and then explodes. The resulting depressurization sucks both of the boarders out through the window, scraping bodily against its jagged edge. The seated crew fall still a moment later.* (click: ?page)[==Click anywhere to continue...(click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Intrusion Record 3")

*The intrusion record relinquishes control of the cameras, and you are able to freely review events in the other compartments of the vessel over the next several days.* Post-Intrusion viewing record: > [[Common Area|CA Record]] > [[Main Hall|Main Hall Record]] > [[Cargo Bay and Power|CB+P Record]] > [[Piloting and Operations|P+O Record]] > [[Crew Quarters|CQ Record]] > [[Return to Main|Main Console]]

“I didn't? Oh well, now you know. Shouldn't matter anyway, right? The scanners came up empty, so unless they're sentient hunks of ice, you should be fine.” (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

"Standard supplies like food, clothes, and medicine. Besides that there's a ton of building materials, mostly steel, aluminum, and glass. There's also a minor order for coolant, which would presumably have been in barrels, but I don't see any in the cargo area." (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...] (click: ?page)[(go-to:"Question Dalia")]

"I'm well aware, thank you. Hey, chin up! You made it to the auxiliary power station." (click: ?page)[(goto: "Auxiliary Power Switch")]

"See? I'm not so bad. I'm just looking out for you is all. In any case, you made it to the auxiliary power station in one piece." (click: ?page)[(goto: "Auxiliary Power Switch")]

"Hey, that's the spirit. Maybe we'll get along after all. Anyway, dust yourself off, you still have work to do." (click: ?page)[(goto: "Auxiliary Power Switch")]

Dalia clicks her tongue. "Careful, your pulse is up. New blood vessels don't grow on trees, not even synthetic ones. Just take a breath and get back to it, eh?" (click: ?page)[(goto: "Auxiliary Power Switch")]

*The main hall remains empty for the duration of the recording. The lights eventually shut off, but nobody enters or exits the space.* (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...](click: ?page)[(go-to:"Intrusion Record 3"))]

*The console reports a malfunction in the camera systems in the crew quarters. An error pop-up indicates that a much older, unaddressed mechanical failure is the culprit. The screen remains dark for four days, recording nothing.* (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...](click: ?page)[(go-to:"Intrusion Record 3"))]

*The two belted-in crew members stay where they are for the rest of the recording. Several computers remain powered on even after the rest of the lights and systems power down, but they, too, eventually fall dark.* (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...](click: ?page)[(go-to:"Intrusion Record 3"))]

*The cargo bay remains depressurized for the duration of the recording. The wounded ship guard uncovers the hole on his pressure suit after only a few minutes and lies undisturbed.* (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...](click: ?page)[(go-to:"Intrusion Record 3"))]

*This camera views the common area. There is a bar, a couch, and an ample supply of alcohol stacked in cabinets against one wall. A lone crew member lays slumped against the bar, presumably already dead due to the ship's depressurization.* (click: ?page)[==*The ship loses power after a few days, and the lights in the common area turn off. Likewise, without artificial gravity, the body eventually begins to float gracelessly into the open air.* (click: ?page)[==[Click anywhere to return...](click: ?page)[(go-to:"Intrusion Record 3"))]

[(if: $powerOn is true)[(go-to:"Main Console")](else:)[(dialog:"The console is unpowered right now.","Ok.")(go-to:"P+O General")]]

(go-to:"nondescript liquid")

[(if: $doorBreached is true)[(go-to: "CQ General")](else-if: (history:)contains "Hall Scan")[(go-to: "CQ Interrupt")](else:)[(go-to: "Dead")]]

(unless: $hasDC is true)[(go-to:"Bad Idea")](else:)[(go-to:"Review")]

The cable tugs on you, pulling you away from your safe harbor and into open space. Dalia remains utterly silent during the haul. (click: ?page)[==> [[Sit in unspoken shame, as you deserve|RevA1a]] > [["So, aren't you going to tell me how I did?"|RevA1b]]

The cable tugs on you, pulling you away from your safe harbor and into open space. Dalia grumbles into the communicator all the while. (click: ?page)[==> [[Ride out the journey in silence|RevB1a]] > [["So, how'd I do?"|RevB1b]]

The cable tugs on you, pulling you away from your safe harbor and into open space. You can hear keys tapping on the other side of the communicator. Dalia releases a quiet, "*hrrm*" as you draw close. (click: ?page)[==> [[Wait for Dalia to finish reeling you in|RevD1a]] > [["So, how did I do?"|RevD1b]]

The cable tugs on you, pulling you away from your safe harbor and into open space. Dalia chuckles to herself once or twice as you near the ship. (click: ?page)[==> [[Ignore Dalia's laughter|RevC1a]] > [["What's so funny?"|RevC1b]] > [["How was my haul?"|RevC1c]]

The cable tugs on you, pulling you away from your safe harbor and into open space. "Not too bad," Dalia remarks as you draw near. (click: ?page)[==> [[Wait for Dalia's full report|RevE1a]] > [["How good is 'not too bad' exactly?"|RevE1b]]

The cable tugs on you, pulling you away from your safe harbor and into open space. You hear keyboard clicking from the other side of the communicator, then more, then a quiet, "*wow*." Dalia clears her throat. "You actually did a solid job, L06. Congratulations." (click: ?page)[==> [[Wait for Dalia's full report|RevF1a]] > [["A good enough job to earn my freedom?"|RevF1b]]

The winch draws you right back to where you started, into the cradling arms of a metal clamp on the ship exterior with a view of the endless dark. The device closes in and hugs you tight to the vessel. (click: ?page)[==Your communicator crackles. "Well, that's that. Just get cozy on the outside of the ship there and close your eyes. I'll beam a more complete log of today's operation into your memory modules while you're out." (click: ?page)[=="Now get some sleep. Your meat-half needs it." (click: ?page)[==[(text-style:"blink")[Click anywhere to end sensory information log...]](click: ?page)[(go-to:"Score")]

You pass into the airlock, a strangely cramped passage compared to both the rest of The Algernon and the enormity of the void beyond. The bulkhead doors and steel hall pass by and you are standing on the metal lip of the vessel once again, staring off into the starry darkness, alone. (click: ?page)[==Alone with oblivion. (click: ?page)[==The vessel that bore you here initially swings gently into view, lit largely by its own spotlights and indicators. Scratched white letters on the side leave it nameless but declare its owners, "Wyman and Dax Salvage Co." (click: ?page)[==> [[Wave toward the cockpit|Review 1a]] > [[Raise your middle finger toward the cockpit|Review 1b]] > [[Wait for Dalia's instructions|Review 1c]]

You see a distant humanoid shadow wave back from behind the pilot's viewport. Her voice crackles over the radio. "Good to see you too, L06. Sit tight." (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review 2")

You see a distant humanoid shadow return your gesture from the pilot's viewport. Her voice hisses over the radio. "If it was up to me I'd just leave you there, but I've already been reprimanded once for venting coworkers. Sit tight." (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review 2")

"Congratulations, you're alive. Sit tight while I ready the winch." (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review 2")

The vessel slows before you. Propelled by a puff of gas, a steel cable emerges from an exterior port and sails towards you. A magnet on its end thuds against the airlock door and holds it tight. Dalia speaks evenly. "Clip yourself to the cable and I'll winch you back. Make sure that your gear is secure first." (click: ?page)[==> [[Clip yourself to the cable|Assessment Directory]]

(if: $grade is "You did that on purpose, didn't you?")[(go-to: "RevA")] (if: $grade is "Bad, just bad")[(go-to: "RevB")] (if: $grade is "Not great")[(go-to: "RevC")] (if: $grade is "Almost good")[(go-to: "RevD")] (if: $grade is "Solid, reliable")[(go-to: "RevE")] (if: $grade is "Master of space garbage")[(go-to: "RevF")]

Dalia sighs and you can hear rustling as she adjusts the microphone. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevA2")

Dalia scoffs. "Don't worry yourself, L06. You'll get the full report soon enough. I'll let you know that this is an all-time record in incompetance though." (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevA2")

"So, congratulations. You gathered the bare minimum.(if: $hasID is true and $hasID2 is true and $hasID3 is true and $hasID4 is true)[ Well, the bare minimum and a bunch of useless ID cards. I'm sure those dead people really appreciate it.](if: $fate1 is true and $fate2 is true and $fate3 is true)[ At the same time, I'm impressed by your willingness to throw yourself wildly into danger and somehow survive.]" (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review End")

Dalia sighs and you can hear rustling as she adjusts the microphone. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevB2")

Dalia takes a moment to answer. The microphone rustles. "Well, you technically got more than the bare minimum." (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevB2")

Dalia sighs and you can hear rustling as she adjusts the communicator on her end. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevC2")

Dalia chuckles again. "Oh, nothing. It just seems like you were actually trying and *still*...well. It's not exactly an impressive showing." (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevC2")

Dalia clears her throat. "The nicest thing I can say is that I've seen worse." (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevC2")

Dalia sighs and you can hear rustling as she adjusts the microphone. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevD2")

"Decent." She lets go of the word, but only begrudgingly. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevD2")

Dalia sighs and you can hear rustling as she adjusts the microphone. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevE2")

Dalia answers, a smirk audible in her voice. "Well, I think you were almost worth the trouble to get working. You could even become a regular if you can deliver a few more performances of this caliber." (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevE2")

Dalia sighs and you can hear rustling as she adjusts the microphone. (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevF2")

Dalia starts to laugh, but it dies bitterly on her tongue. "Ha, well...no. Probably not anyway. I promised I'd get you in touch with HR if you did a good job though, and I will. Can't tell you how long it might take, but if you can work at this pace for any length of time, you'll be out the door soon." (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"RevF2")

"You managed to haul just a little bit extra besides what you were *literally* required to. I don't know if that's because there really wasn't anything else worth taking or if you just didn't try. As far as the boss is concerned though, there's no difference.(if: $hasID is true and $hasID2 is true and $hasID3 is true and $hasID4 is true)[ Still, you somehow managed to gather a bunch of worthless ID cards, how disgustingly sentimental.](if: $fate1 is true and $fate2 is true and $fate3 is true)[ Also, you almost died no less than three times. Color me shocked that you made it back in one piece.]" (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review End")

"I would call this 'barely passing'. You snagged some decent stuff, but only about what I could've gotten with a manual drone.(if: $hasID is true and $hasID2 is true and $hasID3 is true and $hasID4 is true)[ You still found the time to gather IDs from most of the crew, how considerate.](if: $fate1 is true and $fate2 is true and $fate3 is true)[ You *also* managed to seriously endanger yourself more than once in the process, too. Luckily, you aren't *also* being salvaged today.]" (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review End")

"Even if the navigation drives don't sell, well make our credits back on the extra salvage you managed to gather.(if: $hasID is true and $hasID2 is true and $hasID3 is true and $hasID4 is true)[ You were even nice enough to gather ID cards from the whole crew. How thoughtful.](if: $fate1 is true and $fate2 is true and $fate3 is true)[ On another note, maybe try playing it safer on the next job. You nearly died three times, and that would have been a real mess for me.]" (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review End")

"You pulled in a respectable sum, enough credits' worth to cover an upgrade to your memory modules, *if* we can find the right buyers. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though.(if: $hasID is true and $hasID2 is true and $hasID3 is true and $hasID4 is true)[ On top of everything else, you also managed to snag IDs from most of the crew. They won't sell but you can hold onto them if you like.](if: $fate1 is true and $fate2 is true and $fate3 is true)[ As a note, I'm thinking you must've been programmed for combat at some point, partly given your reckless abandon and partly because it didn't kill you. Good job.]" (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review End")

"You did well, especially given that this was your first time out. No stone unturned, and you've more-than earned your keep for it.(if: $hasID is true and $hasID2 is true and $hasID3 is true and $hasID4 is true)[ Since you snagged all those IDs too, we might be able to spare some time to locate next of kin and send them off.](if: $fate1 is true and $fate2 is true and $fate3 is true)[ Also, you should seriously consider taking fewer wild chances. Regardless of how much salvage you pull, you can't buy your freedom from a trash compactor.]" (click: ?page)[==(go-to:"Review End")