THE WUB - a 7-minute interactive fiction game

|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 0.5) (if: $var is 0.5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[You are sitting at the edge of the bed, tugging your black, disheveled hair. A blinking comm-link illuminates your tired features.]] ] (elseif: $var is 1.5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Conrad, what's wrong?". Jen shifts and looks at you, her eyes half-open.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Did you forget your [pills]<pills| again, baby?". []<pills_desc|]] ] (elseif: $var is 2.5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[As she stretches out, she notices the flashing device next to you.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Aren't you going to check it?"]] ] (elseif: $var is 3.5)[ (append: ?output)[[[check message]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)] (click: ?pills)[(append: ?pills_desc)[//You glance at the last bottle of "Mel-X", a popular antidepressant and antipsychotic produced on Mars. It has been empty for at least a week.//]]

The last bottle of "Mel-X", a popular antidepressant and antipsychotic produced on Mars. It has been empty for at least a week. [[back->room1]]

(transition: "dissolve")[//You glance at the comm-link.//] |output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[From: Captain J. Franco Sent: 10 minutes ago Subject: Dinner time Message: No food source prospects in sight. Time to check if our special cargo was worth the price. Head over to the Bank and bring us the chow (container 10), before Mercer here faints again.] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[[[read previous message]][[put the comm-link away->room1b]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

(transition: "dissolve")[//The slovenly wub might well have said: Many men talk like philosophers and live like fools.//] |output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[ begin->room1]]]]](else:)[(stop:)]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You automatically check if your gun and your ID card are in place, while Jen eases the invisible creases on your uniform and hugs you goodbye.] |output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["I'll see you around. In about 15 minutes." She winks at you.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[[[enter the corridor->enter corridor]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 0.5) (if: $var is 0.5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[As you enter this spacious, dimly lit room, your nostrils are attacked by the smell of animal urine and wet fur.]] ] (elseif: $var is 1.5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Not long ago crates were lining the walls, but now the Bank houses only a computer desk and three large animal containers.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2.5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Two of them seem to be still holding something, as indicated by the green lights on their panels.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3.5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The computer in the corner is generating a steady, hypnotic hum.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[[[use the computer]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

From: Captain J. Franco Sent: Two weeks ago Subject: Food spoilage Message: All crew is to report to the meeting room immediately. [[put the comm-link away->room1b]]

//You swipe your card and enter the password.//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 0.5) (if: $var is 0.5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[As you open the container, you are hit by an unbearable wave of stench. ]] ] (elseif: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[You reflexively turn away, only to look back inside after composing yourself.]] ] (elseif: $var is 1.5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The enormous inhabitant of the container is sitting down calmly, its eyes half shut and despondent. A few flies buzz about its flank, as it switches its tail. A leash attached to a harness on the wub's back is tangled around its neck.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2.5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[It doesn't shift its gaze, staring emptily at the floor.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[As you stand there transfixed, Captain Franco's voice yanks you into reality: "Peterson, get to it, will you?! How does our dinner look?!"]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[ [[Like a huge dirty pig, sir!]] [[It looks... peculiar, sir!]] ] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)] (click: ?answer_1)[(append: ?answer_1_desc)[//It looks like a pig, a huge dirty pig, sir!//]] (click: ?answer_2)[(append: ?answer_2_desc)[//For an animal so revered by the natives, it surely looks peculiar, sir!//]]

//You swipe your card through the reader, opening the container.//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The massive case contains an electric sheep. It appears to be powered off. The Captain meant something more... organic.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[A strange feeling washes over you, as you vaguely recall the sheep appearing in your nightmares several times.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[You close the container.]] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)[[[use the computer]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"It looks like a pig, a huge dirty pig, sir!".// The wub seems to survey you for a moment, then lets out something that resembles a sigh and continues to stare at the floor. "Great, haul it here, I want to show it to the boys first!" [[lead the wub out to the lobby room->lead the creature out to the lobby room]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

//"For an animal so revered by the natives, it surely looks peculiar, sir!"//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The creature seems to be ignoring you completely.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Bring it here, I want to show it to the crew first!"]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[[[lead the wub out to the lobby room->lead the creature out to the lobby room]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[You pick up the leash and tug at it.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The wub grunts and wheezes, slowly squeezing out the container and following you up the passageway.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[[[enter the lobby room->lobby2]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

You enter the lobby room. <div style="display: flex; justify-content: center;"> <img src="http://www.philipkdickfans.com/mirror/gutenberg/28554-h/images/001.png" height="330" width="320"> </div> [[...->lobby2]]

|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Upon seeing the creature, Mercer drops a pile of documents and backs away towards the wall, his face drained of colour.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[As you stop, the wub sags, its great body slowly settling on the floor.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["My God! I forgot how repulsive it is!" - Franco puts his hands on his hips.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["W-what is it?" - asks Jen, motionless.]] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)[[[It's a wub.]] [[It's a pig.]] [[(say nothing)]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"The natives call it a wub. Apparently, it's very respected on their planet."//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["I call it 'our first dinner in 16 days'. It should keep us fed for a month or so." Franco grabs a tuft of the rough hair. The creature gasps. Its eyes opened, small and moist.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Then its great mouth twitches.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[A tear rolls down the creature's cheek and splashes on the floor.]] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)[[["I hope it's good to eat."->"Maybe it's good to eat?"]] [["I'll give it some water."]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"It's a pig."//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["And a damn huge one at that! It must weigh four hundred pounds." Franco grabs a tuft of the rough hair. The creature gasps. Its eyes opened, small and moist.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Then its great mouth twitches.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[A tear rolls down the creature's cheek and splashes on the floor.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[[["Maybe it's good to eat?"]] [["I'll give it some water."]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//You decide to stay silent.//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Our first dinner in 16 days, that's what it is!" Franco grabs a tuft of the rough hair. The creature gasps. Its eyes opened, small and moist.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Then its great mouth twitches.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[A tear rolls down the creature's cheek and splashes on the floor.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[[["Maybe it's good to eat?"]] [["I'll give it some water."]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"I hope it's good to eat."// "We'll soon find out. Get the cook." Captain Franco says. The wub rolls its eyes mournfully. [[get the cook->Get the cook]] [[refuse->Refuse.]]

//"It looks thirsty. I'll give it some water."//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[You fill a bowl with water and set it in front of the creature.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The wub slowly leans over the bowl and starts lapping the water, splashing it around.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Should we get it some food as well?" - asks Jen.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)["No point in fattening it up anymore, besides we're out of rations. Just get the cook." - says the Captain.] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)[The wub rolls its eyes mournfully.] ] (elseif: $var is 6)[ (append: ?output)[[[get the cook->Get the cook]] [[refuse->Refuse.]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"Yes, si--"//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Really," the wub interrupts. "I suggest we talk of other matters."]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[<div style="display: flex; justify-content: left;"> <img src="wub.png" height="330" width="320"> </div>]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[[[...->wubspeaks]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"But si--"//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Really," the wub interrupts. "I suggest we talk of other matters."]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[<div style="display: flex; justify-content: left;"> <img src="wub.png" height="330" width="320"> </div>]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[[[...->wubspeaks]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//You shiver.// (transition: "dissolve")["You ok, Peterson?" Franco asks. "You look pale."] ["The wub, sir, it spoke."]<wubspokesir| (click: ?wubspokesir)[(replace: ?wubspokesir)["//The wub, sir, it spoke.//"|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[They take a short look at the wub, then at you.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["You seem feverish, Peterson."]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Franco walks toward the wub. ]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[He goes all around it, examining it from every side.] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)[[["It suggested we talk about other things."]]] ]] (else:)[(stop:)] ]]

//"It suggested we talk about other things."//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The wub swishes its tail. It belches suddenly.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["I beg your pardon," the wub says.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Lead it to the kitchen, ask the cook to prepare a nice pig treat for us and get a nap, Peterson. You're talking crazy. Forgot your pills again, eh?"]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[[["Sir, it appears to be a sentient being."->"Sir, we should study this species."]] [["Maybe you're right, sir."]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"Sir, I'm very serious. It appears to be a sentient being."//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Indeed. I'd like to discuss it with you, Captain, if I might." the wub says, turning to Franco.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["I can see that you and I do not agree on some basic issues."]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The Captain freezes, then turns to the wub, his mouth agape.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[[["You speak English?"]] [["Are you a robot?"->"You've been in contact with Earthmen before?"]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"Maybe you're right, sir."// "I respectfully object. I'd like to discuss this with you, Captain, if I might." the wub says, turning to Franco. "I can see that you and I do not agree on some basic issues." The Captain freezes, then turns to the wub, his mouth agape. [["You speak English?"]] [["Are you a robot?"->"You've been in contact with Earthmen before?"]]

//"You speak English?"//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Speak English? Am I speaking English? I'm not conscious of speaking anything in particular. I examined your minds—"]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Our minds?" asks the Captain.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["I studied the contents, especially the semantic warehouse, as I refer to it—"]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["I see," interrupts the Captain. "Telepathy. Of course."]] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)[[["You read minds?"]] [["So you're a wub?"]] [["What are you?"->"Who are you?"]]]] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"Are you a robot?"// "No." (transition: "dissolve")["Then how do you do speak English?" asks Captain Franco.]|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 3s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Am I? I'm not conscious of speaking anything in particular. I examined your minds—"]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Our minds?"]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["I studied the contents, especially the semantic warehouse, as I refer to it—"]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["I see," interrupts the Captain. "Telepathy. Of course."]] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)[[["You read minds?"]] [["So you're a wub?"]] [["What are you?"->"Who are you?"]]]] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"So you're a wub?"// The wub shrugs. "That's what they call us, the natives, I mean. We have our own term." "Let's get back to business." the Captain says firmly. [[...]]

//"You read minds?"// "We are a very old race," the wub said. "Very old and very ponderous. It is difficult for us to move around. You can appreciate that anything so slow and heavy would be at the mercy of more agile forms of life--" "How interesting. Anything else?" the Captain interrupts. [["What else can you do along those lines?"]]

//"What are you?"// "We're very peaceful, very catholic. Tolerant, eclectic, catholic. We live and let live. That's how we've gotten along." The wub eyes the Captain. "And that's why I so violently objected to this business about having me boiled--" "But to get back to business--" the Captain says. [[...]]

|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)["Quite so. You spoke of dining on me. But how can any lasting contact be established between your people and mine if you resort to such barbaric attitudes? Rather you should discuss questions with me, philosophy, the arts—"] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[The Captain stands up. "Philosophy. It might interest you to know that my crew is out of supplies for the next month. A spoilage—"] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)["I know." The wub nods. "But wouldn't it be more in accord with your principles of democracy if we all drew straws, voted, or something along that line? After all, democracy is to protect the minority from just such infringements."] ] (elseif: $var is 7)[ (append: ?output)[(set: $counter to 30) [[Interrupt: "Voting seems like a good idea."->enough]] [[Interrupt: "We might learn something valuable from it, sir."->enough2]] |amount>[''$counter''] seconds left! (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[ (go-to: (either: "enough", "enough2")) ] (replace: ?amount)[''$counter''] ]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

"A few odds and ends," the wub says absently, staring around the room. "A nice ship you have here, Captain. You keep it quite neat. I respect life-forms that are tidy. Some Martian birds are quite tidy. They throw things out of their nests and sweep them--" "Indeed." The Captain nodded. "But to get back to business--" [[...]]

//"Voting seems like a good idea."// |output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Enough." The Captain replies, starting towards the door. "Tell the cook to serve it in an hou--"]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[He suddenly stops frozen, his mouth wide, eyes staring, fingers reaching towards the door panel.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The wub watches the Captain intently. Then it pads out of the room, edging past him. It goes down the hall, deep in meditation.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[[["Sir?"->helpfrozencaptain]] [[shake the Captain by the lapels->helpfrozencaptain2]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

"So you see," the wub says "the moment of separation is a temporary period, a brief journey of the soul." "I find in your Odysseus a figure common to the mythology of most self-conscious races. We have a common myth and symbols." The door opens. The wub stops, turning its great head towards Captain Franco. "Peterson, move over here. It's an order." says Franco firmly, a gun in his hand. [["It was talking to me about myths, it won't hurt us."->"I won't let you hurt it, sir."]] [["Yes, sir."->Step aside]]

[[Some time later...->odysseustalk]]

//"It was talking to me about myths, it won't hurt us."//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Captain Franco points the gun towards the wub.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["You are quite afraid, aren't you?" the wub says. "Have I done anything to you? I am against the idea of hurting. All I have done is try to protect myself. Can you expect me to rush eagerly to my death? I am a sensible being like yourselves. I was curious to see your ship, learn about you. I suggested to the native--"]]] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The Captain steadies his hand, aiming at the wub's head. "I have no choice. It's the only rational decision."]] ] (elseif: $var is 7)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[''The Captain's gun jerks.'']]] (elseif: $var is 8)[ (append: ?output)[(set: $counter to 30) [[Shoot the Captain->captainishit]] [[Move to the Captain's side->Step aside]] |amount>[''$counter''] seconds left! (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[ (go-to: (either: "captainishit", "Step aside")) ] (replace: ?amount)[''$counter''] ]] ]] (else:)[(stop:)]

The meat tastes somewhat like chicken. The crew is sitting glumly around the table, absently picking at their plates. Jen is in the corner, hiding her face in her hands. The wub raises its head from the bowl, licking the water from its jowls, then says: "This reminds me. We never had a chance to finish our conversation about the myths. The role of Odysseus--" [[You turn towards the wub.->the end]] [[You continue eating.->the end]] [[You unholster the gun and press it to your head.->the end]]

//You step aside, your uniform completely drenched.//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Can you look me in the eye and do it, Captain?" the wub says. "Can you do that?"]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The Captain gazes down.]]] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["I can look you in the eye," he says. "Back on the farm we had hogs, dirty razor-back hogs. I can do it."]] ] (elseif: $var is 7)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Staring down at the wub, into the gleaming, moist eyes ]]] (elseif: $var is 8)[ (append: ?output)[[[he presses the trigger!->endacoupleofhourslater]] ] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

[[A week later...->Shoot the Captain]]

[[A couple of hours later...->Shoot the wub]]

The taste is excellent. The crew is sitting glumly around the table, Jen hardly eating at all. The only one who seems to be enjoying himself is Captain Franco. He puts his hand on your shoulder. "It is only organic matter, now," he says. "The life essence is gone." He spoons up the gravy with some bread. "I, myself, love to eat. It is one of the greatest things that a living creature can enjoy. Eating, resting, meditation, discussing things." He smiles. "As I was saying before I was interrupted, the role of Odysseus in the myths--" [[You drop the fork.->the end]] [[You jerk up, staring at the Captain in shock.->the end]] [[You unholster the gun and press it to your head.->the end]] [[You unholster the gun and aim at the Captain.->the end]]

(transition: "dissolve")[Based on "Beyond Lies the Wub", a short story by Philip K. Dick.] |output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 4s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[Created by Maciej Górny (maciejgie@gmail.com)] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[ Music by Filip Szyszkowski (gramms21@gmail.com)] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[ <div style="display: flex; justify-content: center;"> <img src="pkd.jpg" with="400" height="350"> </div>] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[Philip K. Dick with his cat.] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

(transition: "dissolve")[While you groggily pass through the brightly-lit corridor, you make several failed attempts to mentally stop your stomach from grumbling.] |output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[You stop in front of the Bank.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Mercer passes you in a hurry, scratching his hollow cheek. He turns around, without stopping. "Hey Peterson, finally, eh? At this point I wouldn’t say no to a rotten Martian go-bird. Anyway, I'll see you in the lobby."]]] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[[[enter Bank->inside bank]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"We might learn something valuable, sir."// |output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Enough talk." The Captain replies, starting towards the door. "Tell the cook to serve it in an hou--"]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[He suddenly stops frozen, his mouth wide, eyes staring, fingers reaching towards the door panel.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The wub watches the Captain intently. Then it pads out of the room, edging past him. It goes down the hall, deep in meditation.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[[["Sir?"->helpfrozencaptain]] [[shake the Captain by the lapels->helpfrozencaptain2]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"Sir, put the gun down. We might find some supplies soon, there's no need to be hasty."//|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The creature regards you slowly.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Please, violent means are--" says the wub.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Peterson, come here! That's an order!"]] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)["Sir--"] ] (elseif: $var is 6)[ (append: ?output)[Franco's gun jerks.] ] (elseif: $var is 7)[ (append: ?output)[(set: $counter to 20) [[Shoot the Captain->captainishit]] [[Move to the Captain's side->Step aside]] |amount>[''$counter''] seconds left! (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[ (go-to: (either: "captainishit", "Step aside")) ] (replace: ?amount)[''$counter''] ]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//"What harm has it done? I'm asking you. You have no right to shoot it. It doesn't belong to you."// |output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[You swiftly move in front of the wub, your hand on your pistol.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The creature regards you calmly.]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Please, violent means are--" says the wub.]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["You have three seconds, Peterson."]] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")["Sir--"]] ] (elseif: $var is 6)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[''Franco's gun jerks.'']] ] (elseif: $var is 7)[ (append: ?output)[[[Shoot the Captain->captainishit]] [[Step aside]]] ] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

|output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 1s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOWLAND CO. UNIFIED OPERATING SYSTEM]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[COPYRIGHT 28 - 82 DOWLAND CORPORATION]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[You are logged in as Conrad Peterson (N7).]] ] (elseif: $var is 4)[ (append: ?output)[Please make your selection:] ] (elseif: $var is 5)[ (append: ?output)[[[> read report 010->read report 010]] [[> read report 021->read report 021]]]] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

Type: Animal, organic Obtained by: Peterson, Conrad Notes: This animal is very respected by Mars natives (who call it a "wub"), possibly quite rare. Should provide food rations for a month. Password: 777 [[open container 010]] [[back to menu->use the computer]]

Type: Animal, artificial(text-style: "blink")[DATA CORRUPT]Password: none [[open container 021]] [[back to menu->use the computer]]

//With a swift move you grab the gun from the holster and press the trigger.// |output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[The Captain slumps to the ground, a gaping hole in place of his right eye.]] ] (elseif: $var is 2)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[Jen moves towards Franco. "Oh God..."]] ] (elseif: $var is 3)[ (append: ?output)[[[drop the gun->captaindeadepilogue]] [[holster the gun->captaindeadepilogue]]]] ] (else:)[(stop:)]

//You shout at the captain.// Quickly realising that your words have no effect on Franco who remains in front of you, yet strangely out of time, you decide to [[follow the wub.->sometimelater]]

(transition: "dissolve")[''THE WUB'' a 7-minute interactive fiction game] |output>[] (set: $var to 0) (live: 2s)[ (set: $var to it + 1) (if: $var is 1)[ (append: ?output)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[ start->intro]]]]](else:)[(stop:)]]

//A cold sweat runs down your spine as you fail to free the Captain from this eerie state of suspended animation.// (transition: "dissolve")[You decide to [[follow the wub.->sometimelater]]]