Data manipulata

[[INCOMING EMAIL]] From: mayor.office@mainmail.new Re: Open alone

Mr. Logostern, We, the House of Governers, have heard of your extraordinary ability of "feeling" words. We are also informed that at the moment you are at your break from Words Mastery Academy and are looking for part-time job. We would like to meet you at our office as soon as possible to offer you a position you may be interested in. It requires skills you have learnt in Academy. The position has flexible schedule, and you will be able to work at home. Be aware: you are not given an opportunity like this twice. If you are interested, please, come to our office (you can see its buisness hours on our official website). At your service, Newtribetown Mayor Office. P.S. DO NOT tell anyone about this letter for the sake of your own security. Do not show or send this letter to anyone as well. You are acting on behalf of the law. Do not respond. [[I will visit Mayor Office]] [[I don't want to go]]

Next day you set off to the Mayor Office. Walking down the streets you felt like someone is watching you. [[I wonder if I will see a Governer himself]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-127.userapi.com/c206620/v206620244/4d0c4/vCB7zHiQEsY.jpg> </div>

You decided not to go to Mayor Office for some reason. They didn't text you ever again. Walking down the streets you sometimes get a feeling like you are being watched. [[New Start]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-127.userapi.com/c206620/v206620244/4d0c4/vCB7zHiQEsY.jpg> </div>

Third Governer's Second Hand: Good afternoon, mister Logostern. Me personally as well as my colleagues are very pleased you have honored us with your visit. My name is Charlie Ponski. I serve as Third Governer Law's Second Hand for over fourteen years now. [[Will I talk to Third Governer Law himself?]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-71.userapi.com/c205828/v205828960/488fb/Kqkyb0pKCpY.jpg> </div>

Charlie Ponski: Uh, no. He is currently off to the Annual Politian Tour. I will tell you everything about [[your job]]. <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-62.userapi.com/c205828/v205828960/48905/D7dj3paKo14.jpg> </div>

Charlie Ponski: First of all, you did well not telling anyone about this affair. I know, it's hard to keep things in secret, especially from your family. But the truth is... The work you are about to receive is in fact a part of the secret government project. Excited? I can understand that. Security Servant Jude Firstfall has detected a spy from Crossed Fields. This spy is wanted for transmitting information about The Dam to the Crossed nation. As it turns out, a group of terrorists were planning to explode The Dam, and that spy - we couldn't have their name, unfortunately, - helped them by providing data on Dam's weak spots. Yes, I know, The Dam isn't actually perfect, what a shock... That's not the point. This spy is happened to be a Chronicer just like you are. Jude Firstfall managed to get their personal diary. Here comes your part. Scan this diary. Find evidence on that spy. Use ALL of your skills. The Court will pronounce sentence based on the data you will provide us. So, what do you say? Are you in? Oh, one more detail: now, when you are aware of all this secret information, you can't, of course, leave this room without some... procedure, shall we call it. Think carefully of your decision! [[I'm in, mister Ponski]] [[What will I get for this job?]] [[Why don't you ask someone more... professional?]]

Charlie Ponski: The job isn't that easy, I understand. Especially knowing that both you and the spy are from Words Mastery Academy... 1000 gem coins should be enough. [[I'm in, mister Ponski]] [[That's too much!]] [[Don't you think it's a bit low for a matter of utmost importance?]] [[Why don't you ask someone more... professional?]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-62.userapi.com/c205828/v205828960/48905/D7dj3paKo14.jpg> </div>

Charlie Ponski: You see... Here, at House of Governers, we are all dedicated to our country's prosperity. Simply put we are all preconceived. How can we seek for true evidence, when every word written by this outlaw seems like a threat for us! That's why we need someone like you, who knows how to work with words, but also isn't connected to the Office. So, what do you say? [[I'm in, mister Ponski]] [[What will I get for this job?]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-62.userapi.com/c205828/v205828960/48905/D7dj3paKo14.jpg> </div>

Charlie Ponski: Great! I knew we called the right person. Now, here's your prepaid expense. You will receive an email as soon as you get back home. Inside this email you will find the diary of that spy. After you get that email, you will have 24 hours to complete your work. And before you say it, I know it's too little time for such a work, but we are talking about state affair, so every second counts! [[Got it, mister Ponski. I shall leave now]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-37.userapi.com/c855128/v855128960/1c62be/KL1JkfNsjUA.jpg> </div>

Charlie Ponski: Come on, mister Logostern, it's about time you invested in your future. Or you can give it to your family or do some charity, if you wish. That's what the rich do! [[I'm in, mister Ponski]] [[Why don't you ask someone more... professional?]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-37.userapi.com/c855128/v855128960/1c62be/KL1JkfNsjUA.jpg> </div>

Charlie Ponski: You are trully mastering in speechcraft, mister Logostern. I will have to discuss it with Third Governer, of course, but I can offer you 500 extra gem coins AND an invitation for Secular Route. A great opportunity to become part of the elite, if you ask me. [[I'm in, mister Ponski]] [[Why don't you ask someone more... professional?]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-37.userapi.com/c855128/v855128960/1c62be/KL1JkfNsjUA.jpg> </div>

At home you hear the notification sound on your computer, and so you take off your shoes, rush to your room and lean to the screen. [[Open that diary]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-37.userapi.com/c206516/v206516128/4b525/UnOpeOz9gJY.jpg> </div>

You see 3 files, all of them containing parts from spy's diary. Obviously, you need to find evidence in every of them. [[See all parts]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-37.userapi.com/c206516/v206516128/4b525/UnOpeOz9gJY.jpg> </div>

[[That damn government!]] [[My fellow friends]] [[A visit to The Dam]]

I love my friends! They supported me a lot when I fled from Newtribetown. Now I don't feel like I'm all alone at Crossed Fields. Life here is tough: you don't get enough food, bombs may fall at any moment. Also people here aren't that educated, but who am I to blame. Crossed people are interesting. They still look a lot like m i x e d, not a whole new nation. For instance, I have seen a woman with loads of pale spots on her face. Must be a consequance of incest marriages, which are being practiced here quite often. I understand the thing, though. They want to build their own society, with history and culture and stuff like this. Their OWN, not a copy of someone else. And they deserve it! They managed to survive in the wilds without any skill or supply. And even though they are mixed, it's a good thing, because they take the best parts of two Tribes. But look at me ranting here like some kind of politician... My friend Ara told me that her village is going to invade The Dam of New Tribe. Woah! Sure, this thing is a true pain in the ass. Stopping water flow from running to fields, making a whole place look like a wasteland... Yes, exploding it would be a big relieve. However, I don't trust Ara and her company. No, not like this. I don't trust that plan. Crossed Fields society isn't advanced in technology, like, at all. How are they gonna break the walls of Dam? Even if they make it, I can only imagine how many victims will it have. Not only of Newings, but of crossed fellows as well! I'm concerned. Very concerned. I thought, maybe, this whole idea will just naturally fade away from their minds. But they are building catapults now and plan the rout. They also asked me to check The Dam to see if there are any weak spots. Not that I really plan to do so... Looking at their "weapons" I calm down a bit. Fields have so little raw material in it, that making a good thing is a real challenge crossed people can barely handle. I'm heading back to Newtribetown. I don't know, maybe I'll find something, that will make crossed people stop their preparations. Other way I will be just far away from all that stuff! [[Logostern: Well...]]

I came back to Newtribetown. Risky, I know, but, oh lord, I missed normal baths so much! Good thing is that no one seeks for me. Maybe those politicians aren't really giving a thing about recruitment. Oh, I also met some admirer of mine! We met in bordello. Not that I come here very often... But the situation is rough. He was very polite and even came back the next day and asked me out. We went to The Dam. While at The Dam I couldn't stop thinking about Ara and her plan. I tried to look at Dam's bricks and some other stuff, but, I don't know, everything seems fine. Maybe destroying The Dam isn't a good idea... The date went well, by the way. Although I don't think there's gonna be another one. I didn't write back to Ara. Why would I? If they are going to attack the Dam, they certainly will do it whether I send them info or not. I just hope they can still change their mind. Crossed Fields are just... fields, it can't become a whole independent country by one day. [[Logostern: So...]]

I can barely live in this country at this point. I'm okay with freedom and everything, but that "everybody is a celebrity" thing... When the first settlers tried to separate themselves from the Old Tribe, weren't they up to bring something completely different to their society? But instead... Instead of this they simply did the same thing, but called it "fame", and not "authority", like the Olds. Bravo, dear governers, you did a great copy of old system! Oh my, I'm so glad this is just my personal diary. Yesterday I've said so mean things in here... I don't mean anything bad for our powers, it's just a way to chill out a bit. But if only those people didn't set up a whole war with the Old Tribe. We are basically the same. Olds, as well as Newings, can laugh, make art, play with their children. I don't understand the point of putting us against each other. That's the reason why I'm not participating in war. I remember when some important person came to my apartment and asked me to join the troops, I said I'll just collect my livings and ran away through the door instead, ha! I had to live on the street since then, though, but how can I be any useful on the battlefield? I feel so sorry for all these people fighting for death in there... Today I went to the restaraunt. Long time haven't been there! I wish I could just enjoy my meal, but, what a pity! There was a party. Someone's birthday, I believe. There were a lot of cameras, balloons, and, man, did anything else matter! Anyone, who weren't part of that whole arrangement, didn't get ANY attention. Like, waiters taking our (three poor fellows) orders took A-G-E-S. Not to mention that we've been waiting for our food for, like... An hour or so, I guess? And they brought it completely cold. I don't understand that whole point, to be honest. Every person is the center of the universe, huh! Like if all of them deserve it. Some may not be able to read, but they will push it like it is a big deal. "Everyone is a celebrity!" [[Logostern: Alright...]]

DATA MANIPULATA a philological interactive story about the importance of context This game is made by Anna Dubinina (telateeaa) for Narrative Game jam 2020 Theme: Isolation NOTE: there is NO SAVES throughout the game! Average playthrought will take 10-20 minutes. [[New Start]]

Logostern: What looks like a good evidence? [[...they simply did the same thing, but called it "popularity", and not "authority", like the Olds. Bravo, dear governers, you did a great copy of old system!]] Here the spy simply puts down the government... Pretty much like in the whole thing. [[I remember when some important person came to my apartment and asked me to join the troops, I said I'll just check my livings and ran away through the door, ha!]] It makes the spy look like a person who would run from their responsibilities. [[Every person is the center of universe, huh! Like if all of them deserve it.]] The spy is laughing at the core point of liberalism.

You saved this phrase to your report. [[Back to diary parts]]

Logostern: It contains a name and their weapon data. I should definetely bring this up. As for the evidence... [[...incest marriages, which are being practiced here quite often. I understand the thing, though.]] From this perspective it looks trully disgusting. [[My friend Ara told me, that her village is going to invade The Dam of New Tribe. Woah! Sure, this thing is a true pain in the ass... Exploding her would be a big relieve.]] Looks like a spy would really like to see The Dam gone.

You saved this phrase to your report. [[Back to diary parts]]

[[My fellow friends]] [[A visit to The Dam]] [[That damn government!]] [[I think I've got enough...]]

You save the document with all the evidence and send it to Mayor Office immediately. It's 3 in the morning, you have sore eyes, and you finally get to your bed. [[Your work here is done.]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-37.userapi.com/c206516/v206516128/4b525/UnOpeOz9gJY.jpg> </div>

The next day you wake up and notice you have an [[incoming email]]. <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-37.userapi.com/c206516/v206516128/4b525/UnOpeOz9gJY.jpg> </div>

From: mayor.office@mainmail.new Re: You know Dear mister Logostern, We received your file as soon as you sent it to us (do not worry about the time, Security Servants never sleep). We shall inform you that the Court session on Lorena Grey case has been successfully completed (that is the spy's name, by the way). She has been sentenced to life imprisoment for anti-political propaganda and terrorism. You showed your professionalism and proved your loyalty to the government. Good job! As for criminals from Crossed Fields, Security Servants squad, starring famous Jude Firstfall, as well as Peter Green, Kyle Fisherman and Troye Jonas was sent to the land of Crossed nation to arrest the terrorists and prevent the tragedy. Worry not, as none of the outlaws will ever know your name. You can now come to our office at any given time to receive your award. We are extremely grateful to you for helping us and shall never forget it. Yours, Charlie Ponski, Third Governer Law's Second Hand of House of Governers. [[Well...]]

You go to Mayor Office, where mister Ponski greets you. Charlie Ponski: Here, take your reward, mister Logostern. You desrve it. [[Take reward...]] [[No...]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-56.userapi.com/c205828/v205828960/4890f/F28aZkymNuk.jpg> </div>

You take your reward and leave the place. Good job. [[Fin.]]

Charlie Ponski: I'm sorry? Listen, Governer Law has already gave you more than you sh... I mean more than we originally planned. Take what you got or go away with nothing! [[Alright. I'm leaving. I don't need that filthy money!]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-65.userapi.com/c855128/v855128960/1c62c8/mDDLfe5GsFI.jpg> </div>

Charlie Ponski: What?.. You leave the room before he was able to say anything else. On your way back home you smell a nasty bakery scent. You hear cheerful shouting inside the building. Must be someone's birthday. [[Fin.]] <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src = https://sun9-65.userapi.com/c855128/v855128960/1c62c8/mDDLfe5GsFI.jpg> </div>

Logostern: What can be a good evidence in here?.. [[Oh, I also met some admirer of mine... We met in bordello.]] A lawful citizen doesn't go to such places. Even in Newtribetown there are some boundaries. [[Maybe destroying The Dam isn't a good idea.]] If read carefully, it seems like if the spy has a better plan on weakening New Tribe.

You saved this phrase to your report. [[Back to diary parts]]

DATA MANIPULATA A game by Anna Dubinina (telateeaa) Special thanks to: Alexey Voytyuk for the role of Charlie Ponski Anna Alyoshkina for illustrations [[To the menu]]

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