The Tick of Guilt

<div id="title" style="font-size: 2em;">(transition: "dissolve")[//The Tick of Guilt//]</div> ==><== (transition: "dissolve")[by Jordan Machalek] (transition: "dissolve")[[[Begin|Act 1-1]]] (transition: "dissolve")[This story includes sound and is best enjoyed using headphones.] (transition: "dissolve")[[[Credits|Credits]]] (transition: "dissolve")[<footer id="copyright"></footer>] <== <script type="text/javascript"> document.getElementById("copyright").innerHTML = "Copyright ©" + new Date().getFullYear() + ` <a href="https://jdmach.gitlab.io/portfolio/" target="_blank">Jordan Machalek.</a> All Rights Reserved.`; </script>

==><== //The year is 1917. Creation of the miraculous perpetual motion engine in 1915 has led to a technological revolution on the battlefields of The Great War. Giant Clockwork frog-tanks leap across trenches and clockwork artillery continuously belts out a steady chorus of mechanical ticking and thundering explosions.// ==> [[Next|Act 1-2]]

==><== //You are (text-color: #7D7E61)[Peter LeRoche], a 23 year-old Corporal drafted from the south-east of France. As endless as the march of time has been made to appear through the clockwork machines surrounding you, you can’t help but feel that your time is running out.// ==> [[Next|Act 1-3]]

(set: $counter to 10) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left! (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Title Card")] (replace: ?amount)[$counter] ]

(link: "Tick. Tock.")[(link: "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.")[(link: "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.")[[[Tick. Tick. Tick...|Act 1-4]]]]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Clock_Ticking.mp3" volume=2> </audio>

(text-color: #628395)[Peter! Get up!] (text-color: #7D7E61)[(text-style: "smear")[Was that mother? Was it already morning? I don't smell breakfast...]] [[Wake up.|Act 1-5.1]] [[Five more minutes...|Act 1-5.2.1]] (set: $counter to 5) (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Act 1-5.2.1")] ]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[I'm up, I'm up, (link: "William")[William! (text-color: #628395)[//William Barnabas//](text-color: #c6c5b9)[//, your best friend and ever-present guardian for the last two years. A loyal friend and patriot, even if he is a bit pushy sometimes//]].] (text-color: #628395)[You had better be Peter, otherwise the captian will have you on guard duty for the next month! The attack starts in a half-hour.] [[Get out of bed|Act 1-6]]

(text-style: "bold")[WHACK] The hard, wooden butt of a rifle pushes you off of your bunk to the cold, dirt below. (text-color: #7D7E61)[ARGH!!!] (text-color: #628395)[Serves you right, stealing more sleep while the rest of us prepare for the offensive!] (text-color: #7D7E61)[What is that for (link: "William!?")[William!? (text-color: #628395)[//William Barnabas//](text-color: #c6c5b9)[//, your best friend and ever-present guardian for the last two years. A loyal friend and patriot, even if he is a bit pushy sometimes.//]]] [[I was getting up!|Act 1-5.2.2]]

Peter (text-color: #7D7E61)[Peter] William (text-color: #628395)[William] Kilroye (text-color: #FF8811)[Kilroye] Gordon (text-color: #358CFD)[Gordon]

//After a short walk through the morning fog, you and William join the rest of your company in the front. (link: "Major Kilroye")[(text-color: #FF8811)[Major Kilroye], your commanding officer,] stands upon an upended crate, completing an address to the men. It didn’t matter much that you hadn’t heard it. The objective was always the same: don’t get killed and take the next trench.// //Oddly, no call for ready comes. Instead, up and down the line the order to move out is spoken softly and you are pushed along with the throngs of your comrades going over the top. William follows close behind you.// [[Once more unto the breach...|Act 1-13]]

(text-color: #628395)[Sure you were. Now come on, we're going to be late.] [[Pick yourself up and report for muster.|Act 1-6]]

//It’s eerily quiet as you and the several-hundred men around you slowly clamber down and up shell craters and between barbed wire in the morning fog. The German trench was only 300 meters away but it felt like miles.// (link: "Tick. Tock.")[(link: "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.")[Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.]] [[Do you hear that, William?|Act 1-14]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Clock_Ticking.mp3"> </audio>

(text-color: #628395)[Get do-] //William's reply is cut off as the foggy morning comes alive with yellow tracers emerging from nowhere. The ticking grows louder as the unseen clockwork machine guns in the distance reach their maximum fire rate.// (link: "TICK. TOCK.")[(link: "TICK. TICK. TICK.")[TICK. TICK. TICK. TICK. TICK.]] [[Dive for the nearest shellhole.|Act 1-15]] [[Keep moving.|Act 1-15]] (set: $counter to 8) (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Act 1-15"))] (replace: ?amount)[$counter] ] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Auto_Bullets_Flyby_Short.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Gunfire_Long_Distance.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Howitzer_Cannon_Fire.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Clock_Ticking.mp3"> </audio>

(text-style: "shudder")[(text-style: "bold")[KABOOM]] //Before you have a chance to take another step, the first shell of a barrage lands several yards to the left. You hear the sickening (text-style: "bold")[thwack] of shrapnel tearing into those around as you become weightless. Just as the feeling begins to go away, a sharp pain starts on the side of your head and [[all goes black.|Act 2-1]]// <audio autoplay> <source src="audio/Big_Explosion_Cut_Off.mp3"> </audio>

(link: "Tick. Tock.")[(link: "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.")[(link: "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.")[Tick. Tick. Tick... [[MAKE IT STOP|Act 2-2]]]]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Clock_Ticking.mp3"> </audio>

(text-color: #7D7E61)[AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!-] //A hand clamps over your mouth, stifling your screams.// (text-color: #628395)[Peter, it's only a dream!] //William removes his hand as you sit up in your bunk. Thankfully, the other two men sharing your (link: "dugout")[dugout, the underground bunker of wood beams and dirt in which you slept,] were on night watch. Though you escaped the battle two weeks ago with only a minor head wound that is quickly healing, the nightmares have only grown worse.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[I've got to [[get out of here|Act 2-3]] William.]

(text-color: #628395)[It's still too dark out for a smoke, the light will get you shot.] (text-color: #7D7E61)[Not out of the dugout...though that's the first step...I mean [[out of this war.|Act 2-4]]]

(text-color: #628395)[What are you talking about? Deserting! We'll be execut-] //You lunge forward, now covering William's mouth. Eyes darting to the entrance, you make sure no one was sitting outside.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[//Quiet, you idiot. You'll have me caught before I make it out the door!//] [[Compose yourself.|Act 2-5]]

//Just as you reach the door, William grabs your arm.// (text-color: #628395)[I can't let you do this Peter. Think about the country! Think of all our comrades!] (text-color: #7D7E61)[To hell with the country. And if they were smart they would all walk away too. But you're all too eager to be used and thrown away! I'm going, whether you like it or not. (text-style: "blur")[The ticking William...the damned ticking! It never stops...I need to get away...]] //Sighing, Williams releases your arm and straightens himself.// (text-color: #628395)[Well then I'm going with you. Someone has to be there to tell you to keep your head down when the (link: "MP's")[military police] start shooting at you.] [[No way!|Act 2-7]]

(text-color: #628395)[Which way then?] [[North|Act 2-9.1]] [[South|Act 2-9.2]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[Through the north trench. The Boche have been scouting more often that way so our men will have their eyes on no man's land, not us.] (text-color: #628395)[I hope you're right.] [[Come on.|Act 2-10]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[Let's go south. There hasn't been much activity that way the past few days. Boys should be more relaxed and not question us.] (text-color: #628395)[Alright, best not to look suspicious still.] [[Let's go.|Act 2-10]]

(text-color: #628395)[Runners, sir. Carrying a message from Major Kilroye.] Hand it over then. I need to get these men organized before the Germans come down upon us for that shot. (text-color: #7D7E61)[Not for you sir, it's due at the next battalion.] Hmm. Let me see it to verify then. [[Attempt to escape.|Act 2-12.1]] [[Refuse.|Act 2-12.2]] (set: $counter to 12) (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1)(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Act 2-12.2")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]]

//You throw your rifle at the two men, bayonet slicing into the lieutenant's shoulder. You turn and run, grabbing William as you do so. The captain yells after you.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[Come on!] STOP THOSE MEN!!! [[RUN|Act 2-12.1.2]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[I can't do that sir.] Are you disobeying a direct order!? I'll have you court-marshalled! Lieutenant! Arrest these men! //The junior officer steps forward, pistol raised.// (text-color: #628395)[We tried Peter, I'm sorry...] [[This could have gone better...|Act 3-1]]

//A few hours later, you and William find yourselves in front of Major Kilroye.// (text-color: #FF8811)[I'd like to know what exactly you two think you were doing pretending to be under orders from myself. An excuse to desert perhaps?] (text-color: #7D7E61)[We were just taking a walk sir, needed to-] (text-color: #FF8811)[//DO YOU THINK I'M A FOOL, CORPORAL?//] (text-color: #628395)[It was my idea sir!] [[Oh no, not again.|Act 3-2]]

//Just as you reach the first trench extending to the rear, however, all hope of escape is lost. You come face to face with two of the captain's men who, already alerted by the intrusion that caused the gunfire, certainly heard the yells of their officer.// [[You are caught.|Act 3-1]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[//William, what are you doing?//] (text-color: #628395)[Be quiet Peter! I was the one who wanted to desert Major. Peter was trying to stop me.] (text-color: #FF8811)[Very well. But regardless of whose idea it was, you have both been found in dereliction of duty. Unfortunately, with the coming offensive I don't have the time right now to send you away for court-marshalling.] //The Major turns away for a moment, appearing to think.// (text-color: #FF8811)[To ensure that your treasonous behavior hasn't spread, your company will once again be the first over the top.] [[What!?|Act 3-3]]

(text-color: #628395)[You can't do that! They didn't do anything, we've been on the front for over a month!] (text-color: #FF8811)[I can do whatever I want Corporal. They are my men and unlike the two of you, they will do their duty. Get them out of my sight!] //The guards grip you by the shoulders, leading you towards the rear.// (text-style: "smear")[[[Great, what now...|Act 3-4]]]

//The day passes mostly in silence between you and William as you anticipate your coming trial. Sporadic shell fire echos in the distance as you eventually drift off to sleep that night.// (link: "Tick. Tock.")[[[Tick. Tick. Tick...|Act 3-5]]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Big_Explosion_Distant.mp3"> </audio>

//The next morning, you wake up to silence. William, already awake, sits against the opposite wall of the dugout in which you're being kept. You can't bear to look at him.// [[I'm sorry William...|Act 3-6.1]] [[Keep silent.|Act 3-6.2]] (set: $counter to 8) (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Act 3-6.2")] ]

(text-color: #628395)[It's not your fault Peter. Man wasn't made to suffer like this.] (text-color: #7D7E61)[But I dragged you into this! Your family...I don't have a thing to go-] (text-color: #628395)[What you could've had was robbed from you. But you didn't drag me into anything. I chose to follow you into the army, out of that dugout, to look out for you, like we always have for each other.] (text-style: "smear")[[[When did I become so selfish?|Act 3-7.1]]]

//Two guards enter, interrupting your train of thought.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[(text-style: "smear")[What now?]] The Major wants to see you. Get up! //The sergeant glares and you and lowers his rifle when you are slow to obey his command.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[I'm coming, I'm coming.] [[Discover your fate.|Act 3-8.1]]

//Several minutes later, you are once again facing Major Kilroye. His face displays a smug satisfaction that unnerves you.// (text-color: #FF8811)[I have good news for you gentlemen.] (text-color: #628395)[Really, sir?!] //You glance sidelong at your friend, not nearly as optimistic about what the Major considers 'good'. The slight lowering of his chin and rising grin confirm your suspicions.// (text-color: #FF8811)[I have decided to forgo your court marshall. Instead, you will both join the spearhead of the assault today.] [[That's a death sentence!|Act 3-9.1]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[There's not a chance you'll get us out there!] (text-color: #FF8811)[Either you lead the attack and possibly die with some of your honor left, or I have you executed for treason now. How does that sound?] (text-color: #628395)[That's no real choice!] (text-color: #FF8811)[//Each of you made your choice when you decided to desert! Now you will live with the consequences!// Get them out there sergeant, it's almost time.] //Knowing you will stare down the Germans' guns soon enough, you [[turn for the door|Act 4-1]] before the guards lower theirs and march for the front.//

//You and William stand at the rampart of the frontline trench, surrounded by your comrades who refuse to look either of you in the eyes. Kilroye and his MP guardsmen watch you closely however, ensuring you won't try anything crafty again.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[(text-style: "smear")[Here you are, facing death once again, Peter. So many things in and out of your hands led you here. But what will you do this time? Is there anything you //could// do?]] (text-color: #628395)[I'm sorry I couldn't help you Peter.] (text-style: "smear")[[[There was nothing we could do William.|Act 4-2.1]]] [[How could we have screwed this up!|Act 4-2.2]] (set: $counter to 20) (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Act 4-2.1")] (replace: ?amount)[$counter] ] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Big_Explosion_Distant.mp3"> </audio>

//As if reading your mind, William beats you to speaking.// (text-color: #628395)[There was nothing we could do Peter.] (text-color: #7D7E61)[Maybe you're right...] (text-color: #628395)[I would have liked to see my wife and boy one last time. But I'm glad to be beside you my friend.] //You try to say something but the words won't come out. All you can manage is a nod as you look forward and a tear rolls down your face.// (link: "Tick. Tock.")[[[Tick. Tick. Tick...|Act 4-3.1]]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[How could we have screwed this up!? It was simple!] //William's face falls at your anger and does not reply, his eyes slowly returning to the edge of the trench you will soon climb over.// (link: "Tick. Tock.")[[[Tick. Tick. Tick...|Act 4-3.2]]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Clock_Ticking.mp3"> </audio>

//The high-pitch twill of the officers' whistles ring out the attack order. Glancing behind, you see the MPs take aim at you and William. It's time to go. As you reach the top, the thunder of mortars begins to sound behind you, the shells landing around the positions in the distance. Seconds later, William reaches the top. Right behind you, like always.// [[300 Meters to the German trench. Charge!|Act 4-4.1]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Big_Explosion_Distant.mp3"> </audio>

//The bombardment has made the Germans keep their heads down, but did little to hinder their mechanically-controlled turrets. (link: "The guns spool up.")[(link: "Tick. Tock.")[(link: "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.")[Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.]]] Tracers begin to fly overhead as you dive for a shell hole.// [[200 Meters to the German trench|Act 4-5.1]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Auto_Bullets_Flyby_Short.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Gunfire_Long_Distance.mp3"> </audio>

//You take aim and fire with your rifle, attempting to dislodge one of the few exposed gears on the pivoting machine guns atop the German fortifications.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[William!] (text-color: #628395)[What!?] //Your friend flops beside you in the crater and joins you in firing.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[Just wanted to be sure of you. We've got to keep moving, it's our only chance!] (text-color: #628395)[I'm with you!] //The two of you rise again, as other members of your company advance on your sides, many being torn apart after misjudging the pattern of the German's fire.// [[Only 100 more meters|Act 4-6.1]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Auto_Bullets_Flyby_Short.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Gunfire_Long_Distance.mp3"> </audio>

//At 50 meters from the trench, you see a spot where the mortars hit a lucky shot, a machine gun and its crew lying in scattered pieces around the breach.// //You make a break for it when the unmistakable thunder of more artillery reaches your ears. Before you know it, you are flying towards a crater, but not because of an explosion. Rolling around, you catch a glimpse of William, before he disappears in a shower of dirt, smoke, and shrapnel.// [[NOOOO!!!!|Act 4-7.1]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Auto_Bullets_Flyby_Short.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Howitzer_Cannon_Fire.mp3"> </audio>

//Wiping the grime from your face, you look around for your friend as bullets continue to whiz overhead.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[WILLIAM!!!] //Frantically looking around, you see a pair of boots sticking from the dirt on the edge of the crater. You lunge for them, pulling William down into safety. [[He wasn't moving.|Act 4-8.1]]// <audio autoplay> <source src="audio/Big_Explosion_Cut_Off.mp3"> </audio>

(text-color: #7D7E61)[William!!!] //Shaking his limp body, you notice an expanding red spot on William's side.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[No...no, no, No, NO! Wake up William!] (text-style: "blur")[(text-color: #628395)[I'm here Peter]] [[Check his wound|Act 4-9.1]]

//Pulling apart William's coat, you reveal a jagged wound where a chunk of shrapnel has torn through his side. Tearing his undershirt, you try to bandage it, but the blood immediately soaks through.// (text-style: "emboss")[(text-color: #7D7E61)[William, why would you save me? Why! After I got us into this mess!?]] (text-color: #628395)[It's because you're my friend, my brother...It's okay Peter, this could've happened any time-] //A fit of coughing stops him from saying any more.// (text-style: "smear")[[[This isn't good.|Act 4-10.1]]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[Medic!! MEDIC!!!] //Your calls fall short, lost to the cacophony of gunfire, explosions, and screams of other wounded and dying men. William grabs your arm, his grip weak.// (text-color: #628395)[Peter...] //With his other hand, he reaches into a pocket, withdrawing an envelope and photo, which he places in yours.// (text-color: #628395)[Please, make sure you get this home. Tell them I love them.] [[Of course!|Act 4-11.1]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[I'll do anything William, please just hang on!] (text-color: #628395)[I'm afraid it's my turn to be selfish...take care.] //With those words, William's eyes close and his hand falls from your arm.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[What have I done?! I'm so sorry William, [[I'm so sorry...|Tick Tock]]]

//The high-pitch twill of the officers' whistles ring out the attack order. Glancing behind, you see the MPs take aim at you and William. It's time to go. As you reach the top, the thunder of mortars begins to sound behind you, the shells landing around the positions in the distance. Seconds later, William reaches the top, followed by Kilroye and the guards.// (text-color: #FF8811)[You two truly are fools if you think I wouldn't make sure you remain at the front. Now go, before I shoot you myself!] [[300 Meters to the German trench. Charge!|Act 4-4.2]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Big_Explosion_Distant.mp3"> </audio>

//You and William slowly make your way across No Man's Land, taking turns providing cover fire as you move from crater to crater. Passing the halfway point, you begin to hear the whine of mortars. However, no explosions appear among the German trenches. Turning around, you begin to see pillars of dirt rise as your own artillery begins to land among the company. A few meters behind stands Kilroye. It's then you notice the whistle of an incoming shell.// [[Leave him to his fate.|Act 4-5.2]] [[Save him.|Act 4-5.3]] (set: $counter to 7) (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1)(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Act 4-5.2")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Auto_Bullets_Flyby_Short.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Gunfire_Long_Distance.mp3"> </audio>

(text-color: #7D7E61)[(text-style: "smear")[Now that pig will get what's coming to him.]] //Rather than risk your life for the one who condemned you to die, you dive for the nearest shell hole just before the round lands. Rising to look back, the Major is nowhere to be seen.// [[Now's our chance|Act 4-6.2]] <audio autoplay> <source src="audio/Big_Explosion_Cut_Off.mp3"> </audio>

//Quickly rising, you cover the distance to the Major in seconds, tackling him into the crater from which he had just risen. Shrapnel joins the whizzing bullets flying overhead as the shockwave deafens you for a moment.// (text-color: #FF8811)[(text-style: "blurrier")[LeRoche!]] (text-color: #7D7E61)[WHAT?!] (text-color: #FF8811)[(text-style: "blur")[LeRoche! You just saved me!]] (text-color: #7D7E61)[Yes sir, I did...] (text-color: #FF8811)[Why Corporal?] [[I don't know.|Act 4-6.3]] <audio autoplay> <source src="audio/Big_Explosion_Cut_Off.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Auto_Bullets_Flyby_Short.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Gunfire_Long_Distance.mp3"> </audio>

//You crawl across the crater to where William is lying, firing on the German lines.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[Come on William, we've got to go!] (text-color: #628395)[What are you talking about, what about the Major?] (text-color: #7D7E61)[The Major is dead! [[Let's go!|Act 4-7.2]]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Auto_Bullets_Flyby_Short.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Gunfire_Long_Distance.mp3"> </audio>

//The two of you make your way back to your trenches. Along the way, you grab the armband of a fallen medic, placing it on yourself. Clambering down the ladder, you turn to William.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[Alright, start limping and hold your side.] (text-color: #628395)[Do you really think this is going to work?] (text-color: #7D7E61)[It had better.] [[Continue rearward|Act 4-8.2]]

//Thankfully, the men you pass on their way to the front pay the medic supporting a limping comrade little scrutiny. As you progress further, you drop the act for another, pretending to be on a supply run. That night, as you and William lie in the loft of a barn in the countryside the fighting already seems a distant memory.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[We're finally free William.] (text-color: #628395)[Yes, we are Peter...but what did it cost? What will we still have to pay?] //You try to think of a justified reply, but [[sleep overtakes you before you can...|Tick Tock]]//

(link: "Tick. Tock.")[(link: "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.")[(link: "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.")[[[Tick. Tick. Tick...|Thank You]]]]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Clock_Ticking.mp3"> </audio>

//William, having noticed your disappearance runs back to where you lie beside the Major, dropping down as a new hail of bullets fly past.// (text-color: #628395)[Peter, are you alright?] (text-color: #7D7E61)[Yes, I'm fine William.] (text-color: #FF8811)[//Both of you, get out of here.//] [[What's that?|Act 4-7.3]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Auto_Bullets_Flyby_Short.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Gunfire_Long_Distance.mp3"> </audio>

(text-color: #FF8811)[Did I stutter? I said go. Now, before I change my mind! Or are you really such fools as to ignore that order too?] //Looking intently at the Major, his gaze, for once, does not seem suspicious. Turning to William, you grasp his shoulder in reassurance.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[Let's go.] [[To freedom|Act 4-7.2]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Auto_Bullets_Flyby_Short.mp3"> </audio> <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Gunfire_Long_Distance.mp3"> </audio>

(text-color: #7D7E61)[Not happening William, you have a family to take care of.] (text-color: #628395)[How am I supposed to take care of them if I don't make it home from this war? We've made it this far, but how much longer can our luck last?] (text-color: #7D7E61)[I don't know...] (text-color: #628395)[Besides, who's going to look out for each of us if we're apart?] [[Fine, let's go|Act 2-8]]

[[Back|Title Card]] <div id="license">Music: "Inexorable" acquired free from YouTube Studio Audio Library Inexorable by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200097 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Sound Effects: “Auto Bullets Flyby - Short” Sound effect acquired free from YouTube Studio Audio Library “Big Explosion Cut Off” Sound effect acquired free from YouTube Studio Audio Library “Big Explosion Distant” Sound effect acquired free from YouTube Studio Audio Library “Clock Ticking” Sound effect acquired free from YouTube Studio Audio Library “Gunfire Long Distance” Sound effect acquired free from YouTube Studio Audio Library “Howitzer Cannon Fire” Sound effect acquired free from YouTube Studio Audio Library </div>

//Sitting back down upon your bunk, you take a breath and turn to William.// (text-color: #7D7E61)[I never asked to be a part of this war. Two years surrounded by these machines, flying shells, and bullets. And what have I got out of it? Nothing but shot and blown away!] (text-color: #628395)[How exactly do you expect to do that?] (text-color: #7D7E61)[Like this.] [[Grab your things.|Act 2-6]]

//Before heading to the front trench, you and William make a detour rearward for your morning rations. Slowly shuffling through the line with your fellow soldiers, your mind wanders.// [[Step forward...|Act 1-7]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[(text-style: "smear")[How many of these men will survive the day?]] [[March on...|Act 1-8]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[(text-style: "smear")[What if I get hit? What if this is the day I join them in death?]] [[Lockstep, man...|Act 1-9]]

(link: "Tick. Tock.")[(link: "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.")[(link: "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.")[[[Tick. Tick. Tick...|Act 1-10]]]]] <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Clock_Ticking.mp3"> </audio>

//A sudden push from William snaps you back to reality.// (text-color: #628395)[Come on Peter, you're up.] (text-color: #358CFD)[Good morning boys!] //(link: "Gordon")[(text-color: #358CFD)[Gordon](text-color: #c6c5b9)[, a man twice your age and the company's head cook,]] had a jolly demeanor as always, despite the brutal conditions in which you all found yourselves.// [[Get your chow.|Act 1-11]]

(text-color: #7D7E61)[Good morning Gordon, thanks.] //You grab a stale chunk of bread as the burly man fills your canteen cup with a meager stew.// (text-color: #358CFD)[You be safe out there today. I've got something good planned for dinner, won't want to miss it!] (text-color: #7D7E61)[(text-style: "smear")[If only I could be sure of that...]] [[You've got it!|Act 1-12]]

(text-color: #628395)[Peter?] (text-color: #7D7E61)[What is it William?] (text-color: #628395)[I'm sorry I couldn't help you.] [[Well it doesn't matter now.|Act 3-7.2]]

//William's face falls, dejected. Before either of you can continue, a thud comes at the door and it swings open. There stands Gordon, carryng a bucket of food and two canteens.// (text-color: #358CFD)[Quite the mess you boys have gotten into.] (text-color: #628395)[Yes, who knows what will happen to us once we're sent to be court-marshalled.] [[That's for sure...|Act 3-8.2]]

(text-color: #358CFD)[I'm going to be honest...it doesn't look good for the two of you.] //Gordon hands each of you your food, which you immediately begin to devour.// [[What do you mean?|Act 3-9.2]]

(text-color: #358CFD)[Kilroye doesn't mean to give you your trial. You're to be sent out ahead of the first wave today to be made an example of.] (text-color: #7D7E61)[WHAT!?!?] (text-color: #628395)[He cant't do that! It's against regulations!] (text-style: "smear")[[[That's it, I'm going to die anyway...|Act 3-10.2]]]

(text-color: #628395)[Gordon you've got to do something! Get word out to someone about what he's going to do.] (text-color: #358CFD)[I'm afraid it isn't that simple William. The major has MP's stationed all along the rear. Nevermind the ones outside the door that are probably listening to us. The attack starts soon. You're both to be marched directly to the front when you've finished eating.] (text-color: #7D7E61)[That spineless maggot won't even come to tell us our fate himself! Just what I'd expect!] (text-color: #358CFD)[I do wish there was something I could do for you. You've always reminded me of my own boys...] //You think you see tears begin to swell in the burly man's deep eyes.// (link: "Tick. Tock.")[[[Tick. Tick. Tick...|Act 3-11.2]]]

(text-color: #628395)[Gordon...thank you for looking out for us all this time.] (text-color: #7D7E61)[Yes, thank you.] (text-color: #358CFD)[It's been my pleasure. If you do somehow make it through, don't forget your old pal.] [[Not a chance of forgetting.|Act 3-12.2]]

//The cook shakes your hand and William's before taking his leave. You so wish you could repay his fatherly love. Another hour passes in silence between you and your friend as you await your fate. Two guards arrive to [[take you to the front.|Act 4-1]]//

Audio Templates "Inexorable" 1mCVNtXF2tXiSpBgs5uROqieympKpUHq9 <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Inexorable.mp3"> </audio> “Auto Bullets Flyby - Short” 1HPm2ogqgCy6aZME5EdiI0cIG1Qk9qX1h <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Auto_Bullets_Flyby_Short.mp3"> </audio> “Big Explosion Cut Off” 1ENnFp1sznUY-ipxLsCxtWp3fmPGU-BFp <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Big_Explosion_Cut_Off.mp3"> </audio> “Big Explosion Distant” 1eflyqlF8q2yWhEzmP9aMYKlDna6PjRRD <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Big_Explosion_Distant.mp3"> </audio> “Clock Ticking” 1oEmYSd2GMcO5Dz3IuMMt9NzLkCw2a4R1 <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Clock_Ticking.mp3"> </audio> “Gunfire Long Distance” 1IahDSJwHOBB-n4aN9M6pdy3N1m3g6Cjx <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Gunfire_Long_Distance.mp3"> </audio> “Howitzer Cannon Fire” 1SonSaEyx3ID-GrGMCqR0Y9HLhhzDBtr <audio autoplay loop> <source src="audio/Howitzer_Cannon_Fire.mp3"> </audio>

==><== (transition: "dissolve")[ Thank you for playing! Try again, make different choices, and see what other ways Peter's story could end. For more of my work, check out my (link-repeat: "portfolio")[(open-url: 'https://jdmach.gitlab.io/portfolio/')]. [[Back to Title Screen|Title Card]]]

//Twenty minutes of weaving through the trench pass uneventfully until shots ring out a few meters ahead, the flashes illuminating the pre-dawn. A moment later, the trench comes alive as men rush from their dugouts. From the bunker in front of you emerges a captain, lieutenant in tow.// What're you two doing here? You're not in this company! //William jumps ahead before you can reply.// [[Uh-oh.|Act 2-11]] <audio autoplay> <source src="audio/Gunfire_Long_Distance.mp3"> </audio>