RISING IRON

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<h1>RISING IRON</h1><h4>//the story of a hyper train conductor on a far away colony entangled in the politics of a galactic Kingdom.//</h4><h5>Decisions made here will affect how far your story goes.</h5> <h4><p>[[First day on the job|Just Landed]]</p></h4> <<silently>> <<display "StoryInit">> <</silently>>

<h4>Heavy iron doors slide open -</h4><p>You breath your first breath of planet air in five months. Yes, it's recycled, but you don't care.</p><p> This is the largest station on this tiny faraway planet.//Tales, a small colony in the Outer Reach that a month ago you hadn't even heard of.// The majority population here have been on the news a lot lately because of recent bombings, assasination attempts... labeled enemies of the King. //Brellosians.// You're sure they're not all bad, despite the propaganda.</p><p>You don't know much about them or their culture, except that they look exactly like us humans - red blood and everything - and whatever the media feeds you, mostly racist bullshit. Their planet got taken over and made part of the kingdom about fifty years ago, and most of the native people got sent here to work the mines or other worse jobs...</p><p>It's been 30 years since these black glossy walls were erected over the Central Plaza, shielding those inside from the vicious winds that shatter the harsh cold swamps that take up most of the planet's habitable land. Things have reformed some since the King exiled all Brellosians to this cold swamp planet, they're officially citizens of the Kingdom now... unofficially the old tensions haven't gone away.</p><p>You try not to meddle with politics in general. Just a regular citizen, here for a [[job]].</p>

<<set $money to 50>> //TRAIN <<set $hasTrain to false>> <<set $fuel to 1000>> <<set $rations to 5000>> <<set $trainHealth to 100>> //MISSIONS: <<set $hasMission to false>> <<set $mission to "None">> <<set $missionText to "Current mission: " + $mission>> <<set $missionCompleted to false>> <<set $missionRequester to "None">> <<set $hasMetKingston = false>> <<set $hasCompletedFirst = false>> <<set $hasCompletedSecond = false>> <<set $hasEggs = false>> <<set $m1Item = "Coowey Furs(100)">> <<set $m2Item = "Gaznu Eggsacs(10)">> <<set $siblings = "Bellosian Siblings">> <<set $tacos = "Spicy BamBam Tacos">> //STATIONS: << set $curStationID to 0>> << set $curStationName to "None">> //TRAVEL: << set $travelDestOne = "None">> << set $travelDestTwo = "None">> <<set $selectedDest = 0>> <<set $VillaSupplyCost = 4>> <<set $VillaRatCost = 2>> <<set $FreedomSupplyCost = 2>> <<set $FreedomRatCost = 1>> <<set $CentralSupplyCost = 3>> <<set $CentralRatCost = 1>> //REPUTATIONS: <<set $OverseerRep = 0>> <<set $YrmaRep = 0>> <<set $KingstonRep = 0>> <<set $hadIncident = false>> <<set $toldOnGroup = false>> <<set $fedDog = false>> //COMBAT: <<set $combatTurn = 10>> <<set $combatBonus = 0>> //INVENTORY: <<set $inventory = []>> <<set $itemToAdd = "">> <<set $itemPrice = 0>> <<set $canBuy = false>> <<set $itemToCheck = "none">> <<set $wpn = "Laser Cutter">> //QUEUE COMMS <<set $nextPassage = "None">> //INTERROGATIONS <<set $maxChance = 10>> <<set $suspicion = 0>>

[img[images/neonHall2.gif]]<p>Here the walls seem to lose some of their luster, shadows creep from the corners and the white spotlights of the Central Plaza are replaced by neon store signs.</p><p>It's too early for the crowds but already the merchants are setting up their kiosks and unrolling their heavy carpets, ready to sell local goods to new arrivals. You catch a guy in tight black uniform eyeing you with a hungry smile, lounging by the side of a trade kiosk flaunting a plasma revolver hanging from his side holster. Only station cops are allowed to pack heat on central station.</p> <p>Better ignore him, keep your head low. It's almost time to check in for work. As you make your way past the merchant stalls you get a better look at those thick iron walls and notice the many layers of paint covering the [[writing on the wall|patches of paint]].</p>[[Keep walking]].

<p>Whomever painted this didn't have access to the same deep black tone of the rest of the iron walls.</p> <p>Beneath the paint you can still read ...</p><div class="hidden">[img[images/conformity.png]]<p>You quickly turn around to check for anyone that might have seen you read those words. And there he is, the cop that was smiling at you weird earlier is there looking right at you. He's staring. Or is he? You squint and notice that his eyes have gone white and he looks as if he's talking to himself. He's responding to someone's query - //a queue// - on his alt reality implants.</p><<display "Raise Suspicion">><p>It's alright, all you did was read. You didn't do anything wrong. Just keep walking.</p><p>Right then your right eye starts to twitch and its not the paranoia. Someone's already queuing you and you haven't even checked in yet.</p> <<set $nextPassage = "Call from Yoyo">>[[Take the call|In call]]</div>

[img[images/droid.jpg]] <h3>Hello Middle-Ground Deliveries Associate!</h3><p>From behalf of the Middle Grounds staff we would like to welcome you to Tales and wish you many productive and efficient day cycles! If there anything you need (within the restrictions of your employee benefits package) do not hesitate to queue me. I am YO-90 unit number 5443221-CZ or Yo-Yo if you prefer.</p><p>In exactly 2.3 minutes your official shift begins. It is reccomended that all personnel arrive to the train depot 30 minutes in advance for car, rail, and task assignment, but it looks like it's too late of that!</p><p>I'm going to go ahead and assign you a train, give me one moment please ... </p><h4>-WARNING- By accepting this contract you are agreeing to uphold local laws and regulations, as decreed by the King.</h4> <h5>PLEASE WAIT FOR INSTRUCTIONS...</h5>[img[images/loading.gif]] <<timed 10s>><h5>TRAIN STATUS RECEIVED</h5> <p>There you go! You'll find your train right outside our main offices. Don't hesistate to stop by if you have any questions. I have observed that phsysical interactions yield higher probability of reaching higher levels of social engagement. Happy thoughts!</p><p>Our main offices are located on Central Station but you may find one of our representatives at all major stations on Tales. By receiving this call you have agreed to fulfill your obligations stated in your employee contract or face corrective measures.</p><p>We appreciate your efforts! [[Head Out|Central Station]] </p><</timed>>

[img[images/CentralStation.jpg]] <p>The hallways branch out from the courtyard around you.</p><p>Neon bright lights beckon big spenders at the [[trade area]].</p><p>Past the merchants a long hallway is marked with a sign for the [[Central train depot]].</p><p>Watching over all is the ominously dark and twisted structure of the King's Embassy building, home for colonial admins and officers. Its sleek metal doors disappear into the walls of the same color.</p><<if visited() <= 1>><p>You notice not too far from those thick doors, a trio of security officers hassling a young man with half his face covered in protruding metal and ritual Bellosian tattoos inked up his arms and neck.</p><p>As one of the cops pushes him unto the wall you notice him quickly grab something from the waistband of his loose pants. He grabs the thing, whatever it is, in his fist, gripping at it intensely as the cop slams him down. For a brief moment you see a tiny light blink from the man's closed fist, and his thumb flicks up as if to press or click something...</p><h4>It's a detonator!</h4><p>Time seems to freeze, all around you the crowd slows down their pace until everything goes quiet. Will you [[yell to the guards]] or stay [[quiet]]?</p> <</if>> <<silently>><<set $itemToCheck = $tacos>><<display "Remove Item">><</silently>>

[img[images/static.gif]]<h4>Establishing connection...</h4><<timed 1s>><h5>Connection established</h5> <<timed 800ms>> <<goto $nextPassage>> <</timed>> <</timed>>

[img[images/tradeArea.jpg]]<<silently>><<set $itemToCheck = $tacos>><<display "Check Inventory">><</silently>><<if $itemFound==true>><p>The taco tastes as delicious as it smells, the BamBam fried just right and the sauce a combination of good on good. As you finish off the first one and juggle with the second, you notice something by your feet.</p><h4>A bright blue dog with one large eye above his snout, wags his white tipped tail at you and whines.</h4><p>He raises one his paws, as if reaching for the taco. An old man lies against the wall a few feet from the dog, asleep under a blanket of loosely threaded fur.</p><p>The dog looks to you, [[hungrily]].</p><p>You think of [[shooing|Central Station]] it away.</p><</if>><h4>The shops here cater to every taste in the galaxy. But with your crowns balance, there's only a few options. [[Brunhilda's Supply]] [[Oh my Taco]]</h4> return to [[Central Station]]

[img[images/sign.gif]]<p>The sign beckons you forward.</p><p>You step under it through a single doorway that leads down dark stairway. A light gust of wind from below prickles your skin, making the walls cold and humid beneath your fingers. Your only source of light is that flickering sign, beating its electric pulse - pushing you forward.</p><p>You can hear the hum of the rails down there. The mag connectors press against the live iron shaking with a steady force that rips through the soles of your shoes.</p><p>It's now that you realize how much you've really missed this. Too long you've been scraping by on odd jobs floating from one end of the Kingdom to the other. You feel good, back here again close to the tracks, even if it means pushing cargo for loyalists.</p><p>You take one last step in the dark and are suddenly blinded by [[light]]</p>

[img[images/Brunhilda.jpg]]<p>Brunhilda hangs another leather on the rack and turns to you.</p><p>What do you need?</p><h4>BUY</h4><div class = "inv">$wpn <<button "20C" "Item Purchased">><<set $itemToAdd = $wpn>><<set $itemPrice = 20>><<display "Buy Item">><</button>></div><h5>//Cut with precision!//</h5> <h5>''YOUR BALANCE:'' //$money// crowns</h5><h4>Return to [[trade area]] </h4>

<<if $canBuy == true>><h4>Purchased $itemToAdd for $itemPrice crowns!</h4><<else>><h4>You do not have enough money to buy that!</h4><</if>> Money: $money <<return>>

<<if $money >= $itemPrice>> <<set $canBuy = true>> <<set $money -= $itemPrice>> <<set $inventory.push($itemToAdd)>> <<else>> <<set $canBuy = false>> <</if>>

<<for $i to 0; $i < $inventory.length; $i++>> <div class="inv"><<print $inventory[$i]>></div> <</for>> <h4><<return>></h4>

[[Inventory|Show Inventory]] [[Missions|Show Mission]]

[img[images/train.jpg]]<p>She lives. She startled you with her headlights, the old piece of rail junk has a childish streak. You smile and pat the old iron as you take your first step into the [[cabin]].</p>

[img[images/cabin.jpg]]<p>The place looks lived in to say the least. Looks like whomever had the job before you left with little notice. You try not to think of situations that could arise at little notice. There are many but one sticks out. Outside of the stations there isn't much to breath but nitrogen, and the entire area from the cold swamps to the rocky mining fields is full of dangerous wildlife with an apetite for the adventerous.</p><p>You hastily check the energy gauge, at least they left you full up. There's not much in the fridge and the ration locker contains a few cans of cat food and a grocery list for oranges and something called pono. A feline of some sort hisses at you from its corner, wedged behind a rack of panels. You rip open a can and toss it one, making a note to refill the locker on your next stop. No more dawdling, all systems go.</p> <h4> [[Flip the switch.|Travel]] </h4>

[img[images/panel.gif]]<p>She's ready to go.</p><<if visited() == 1>><p>As the panels flicker to life you feel the rush of emotions come upon you. You always get like this on the first day of a job. Anxious to begin. </p><p>You're about to bring up the railway map when your eye starts its twitch again.</p><<set $nextPassage = "First Mission">>[[Take the call|In call]] <<else>><h4>Display [[Map]] Systems</h4> <</if>>

[img[images/map.gif]]<<if $hasCompletedFirst == true>><p>The bearded guy on the queue had some interesting things to say. There could be some profit to be made by heading out there, just have to make sure I get those Eggsacs he asked for.</p> <h4>[[Travel to Freedom Quarry]]</h4> <<else>><p>Train systems display a wireframe map of the rail network that connects each of the stations on the few miles of habitable land around the spaceport.</p><p>But there's something else out there, further out on the map you notice the tiny blips of life where some colonists have settled. Most are on the unfertile lower flatlands, yet more than a few have even occupied land marked by mining surveyors.</p><p>It won't be long, you think, before the King's Colonial Overseer sends a fleet of his goons to disperse the squatters. They are most likely Bellosian - the majority population on Tales - looking to escape the judging eyes of the King.</p> <p>You're reminded of a war documentary you half slept through on the shuttle down to the surface this morning.</p><div class = "hidden">[img[images/fighting.gif]]<p>A retelling of the Liberation of Bellosia, when a planet of some tough people who had resisted the Kingdom for years, finally collapsed.</p></div><h4>You figure the present generation of Bellosians might still be holding on to past grudges. Can you blame them? [[Travel to Villa Rosa]]</h4> <</if>>

[img[images/droid.jpg]] <p>Hi! Yoyo here again!</p> <p>You might have noticed your train's hold is already at maximum capacity. Please be advised that you have already been assigned to the task of delivering those cargo pods to Villa Rosa station by 16:00. Also remember your record already contains an infraction report for tardiness. Happy thoughts!</p> <h3>New misssion: Deliver 100 Coowey furs to Villa Rosa</h3> [[Return|Travel]] <<set $hasTrain to true>> <<set $mission to "Deliver 100 units of Coowey Fur to Villa Rosa">> <<set $hasMission = true>> <<set $inventory.push($m1Item)>>

<<if $hasMission == true>><<print $missionText>> <<else>>You have no missions. <</if>><h4><<return>></h4>

<p>As the heavy iron train pierces the cold winds of the swamplands you start to feel those familiar vibrations coursing up your legs. You feel at home. It's a feeling that brings a huge smile to your face and makes you forget for a moment the deadly reality of the land outside. Beyond its desaturated greens and the crooked trees that seem to burst out of the few patches of rock solid ground, you find... [[beauty|Villa Rosa]].</p>

[img[images/Kingston.jpg]]<p>There you are for fuck's sake! Listen stargazer I ain't got time to waste on you son of a--</p><p>Oh shit! They changed drivers on me didn't they? Hah! I knew that deadhead wouldn't make the cut. How about you? Are you any good?</p><p>No, don't answer that. You'd be wasting your breath talking yourself up with me. Nope. I'm a man of no prejudices, I only accept people for their actions and keep no preconceptions. You know?</p><p>So yeah new guy. If you're any good, prove it!</p> <h4> Deliver 10 Gaznu Eggsacs to Freedom Quarry </h4><<set $hasMission = true>> <<set $mission = "Deliver 10 Gaznu Eggsacs to Freedom Quarry">> [[End Call]]

<h2>VILLA ROSA STATION</h2> <p>The station clamps carry your train into the expansive subterranean city... [[Enter|Inside Villa Rosa]]</p>

[img[images/VillaRosa.gif]]<<silently>><<display "M2 Check">><</silently>><<if $itemFound==true and $hasCompletedFirst==true and $hasMission==true>><h4>Return to the [[Train|Travel]].</h4><<else>><p>Through your cabin window you see a city of bright colors and fashion statements.</p><p>Large residential buildings flash with tiny lights of different colors, each one a home for the few wealthy colonists or a cage for some rich executive. With a fully functioning real-time weather system to mimic a perfectly tempered tropical climate, Villa Rosa offers the most comfortable lodgings and wildest entertainment in all of Tales.</p><p>Just off the station you spot the [[Cargo Terminal]], where you can deliver the goods in your hold.</p><p>Beneath your feet lighted floors guide you to [[the plaza|Villa Rosa Plaza]].</p><</if>>

<<if $hasMission == true && visited() <= 1>><<set $nextPassage = "Deliver First">><h4>[[Queue Middle Grounds Deliveries|In call]]</h4><<elseif $hasMission == false && visited() >= 1>>Check out the [[Job Board]]<<else>>[[Enter the Plaza|Inside Villa Rosa]]<</if>>

[img[images/droid.jpg]]<h3>Right on time!</h3><p>Your delivery was made successfuly! Certainly an efficient day cycle for you Middle Grounds Deliveries Associate! Happy thoughts!</p><p>As your managing officer it is my duty to inform you that as of 16:03 standard Tales time you have been released of official duties. You may now begin any freelance activities to seek profit, subject to your employee corporate agreement freelance fees and regulations. I have posted your contact information on Tales public boards for you convenience.</p><p>Please be aware of local laws. Middle Grounds Deliveries will not be held responsible for your actions and will not solicit, defend, represent or uphold any other form of rescue upon commiting infractions.</p><h3>100 Coowey furs DELIVERED to Villa Rosa!</h3><<set $itemToCheck = $m1Item>><<display "Remove Item">><h4>PAY: 100C ( - 20c transaction fee ) TOTAL= 80C</h4><<set $money+=80>><h5>''YOUR BALANCE:'' //$money// crowns</h5> [[End Call]] <<set $mission to "None">> <<set $hasMission = false>> <<set $hasCompletedFirst = true>>

<h5>The Terminal screen goes black.</h5>[img[images/neonHall.jpg]]<<if visited() > 1>>A long row of bright pink LED march along the corridor to the [[main plaza|Villa Rosa Plaza]]<<else>><p>You find yourself alone in what you now notice seems to be the darkest corner of the city. Something that looks like a rat runs past your leg and ducks behind a dumpster. A Boosha junkie barely shows signs of life stradling a broken lamppost on the corner, swinging from side to side as if carried by a breeze from some malfunction in the weather system.</p><<set $nextPassage ="Call from Kingston">> [[Someone's queuing you again|In call]] <</if>>

[img[images/RosaCity.gif]] <img src="images/holoAd.gif" alt="HoloGirl" width="50%" height="50%" style = "float:left"/> <p>You clear the hall of lights, making your way past holo-ads for local pleasure-hubs and rejuvenation clinics.</p><p>Behind you a thudding hypnotic bass pulses from the open door of a discoteque, past a throng of eager juveniles waiting to get [[inside|Discoteque]].</p><p>The main avenue is flooded in the light of store signs and as you make your way towards the local [[market|Villa Rosa Market]] a dozen bot vendors yell at you from cheap plastic speakerboxes welded to the trade kiosks.</p><p>Sensing you as you walk closer, one of the kiosks fades in a holo image of the King in perfect rendering, as if he stood in front of you himself smiling his yellow smile. The image animates shortly and over it a low droning voice reports the latest news. //The King decrees that all journalists writing inflammatory pieces about his policies are to be stripped of their charge.//When quietly asked for the reason to this decree the King pointed out a published remark about his clothes on National One Galaxy News outlets.</p> <p>It's all pretty overwhelming. The [[station|Inside Villa Rosa]] was quieter.</p>

[img[images/speakers.gif]]<<if visited() > 1>><p>You can hear the music blasting through the entrance doors but the line wraps around the block and the bouncer does not look like he's going to let you in right now.</p><<return>><<else>><p>Music blasts out the doors as a big beefy bouncer in a sleek leather jacket tosses a drunk out to the curb. When you step closer you notice something else going on in the entrance.</p><p>A young woman lies on the floor unconscious. She's hurt, her dress sleeve torn and her lip bloody. Some blonde brat with a bruised hand stands smug in the corner while another guy with wild piercings kneels down to cover the woman's torso with his jacket.</p><p>The blonde yells something at them and turns back into the club - //You notice the bulk of the side holster on his belt where the blonde keeps his gun when he’s on duty. Must be a station cop.//</p><p>After a moment the girl comes to and her friend helps her walk outside. As they get closer she catches you looking at [[her]].</p>[[Look away|Villa Rosa Plaza]]. <</if>>

[img[images/rosaMarket.jpg]]<h4>The avenue is lined with an endless row of consumerism.</h4> <p>Standing here in the middle of it, you truly understand why Tales is such a popular trade hub.</p><h4>[[Shack Joint Coop]] [[Felices]]</h4> [[Return to the Plaza.|Villa Rosa Plaza]]

<h4>//YOU.//</h4>[img[images/bloodyLip.jpg]]<h5>The hurt woman whispers, her eyes stabbing you in the face.</h5><p>//You are a motorist are you not? You work for the companies, yes?//</p><p>//Please, I require your assistance.// Her friend stirs beside her and whispers something so you can't hear...</p><div class="hidden">[img[images/brother.jpg]]<h4>You catch the gist -- he doesn't trust you.</h4></div><p>But the lady is determined. She pushes the guy aside and speaks to you directly.</p><p>//My brother and I require passage to Freedom Quarry. We are willing to pay you in exchange for your services and your... [[discretion]].//</p>

<h4>Will you help us?</h4><p>We can pay you in merchandise, my brother manages his own Gaznu farm.</p><p>The two stare at you, waiting for an answer.</p><p>They're both Bellosian, you're pretty sure. There's few people quite so into body hacks as Brellosians. But you could be completely wrong. They look like they could be telling the truth about being siblings, though they dress in entirely different styles. Her dress looks like silk with smooth curves and low-cut neck, probably imported directly from the capital. The brother's tunic looks to be made of the same Coowey fur you just delivered, probably a product of his farm.</p><p>You wonder what sort of trouble they're in. Suppose you could [[ask]].</p><p>If you [[Agree]] to take them in exchange for some Gaznu Eggsacs from the brother's farm there could be good profit in it.</p><p>Might be dangerous though, the safest bet would be to [[decline]] their offer.</p>

<h4>Thank you.</h4><p>We'll wait for you aboard your train. Please don't take too long.</p><p>You nod, somehow it doesn't feel wrong when she bosses you around.</p> [[Back to Plaza|Villa Rosa Plaza]] <<display "Raise Suspicion">> <<set $inventory.push($siblings)>> <<set $hasEggs = true>>

<h4>You can see she's desperate</h4><p>but she nods and with a shrug turns with away with her brother, along the avenue.</p><p>Briefly you wonder what will become of [[them|Villa Rosa Plaza]]</p>

<h2>FREEDOM QUARRY STATION</h2><h4>The haze from the heavy cloud of rocks crushed by the extractors fills your window.</h4><p>The huge machines are so loud they overpower the rumble of your train as its taken off the rails by the station's magnetic clamps.</p>[[Enter Freedom Quarry]]

[img[images/botVendor.jpg]]<p>A multipurpose bot that serves as both the store's vendor and cash register tries to get your attention playing a catchy ad jingle.</p><p>We know your needs.</p> <h4>Sorry! We have nothing for sale right now!</h4> <h5>''YOUR BALANCE:'' //$money// crowns</h5><h4>Return to [[Villa Rosa Market]] </h4>

[img[images/merchant.jpg]]<p>This place has enough class to at least have a human vendor.</p><p>How can we make you feel feliz?</p><h4>BUY</h4><div class = "inv">$m2Item<<button "100C" "Item Purchased">><<set $itemToAdd = $m2Item>><<set $itemPrice = 100>><<display "Buy Item">><</button>></div><br><div class = "inv">Asnot Milk <<button "5C" "Item Purchased">><<set $itemToAdd = "Asnot Milk">><<set $itemPrice = 40>><<display "Buy Item">><</button>></div> <h5>''YOUR BALANCE:'' //$money// crowns</h5><h4>Return to [[Villa Rosa Market]] </h4>

<<set $itemFound = false>> <<if $itemToCheck != "none" and $inventory.length > 0>> <<for $i to 0; $i < $inventory.length; $i++>> <<set $shift = $inventory.shift()>> <<if $shift == $itemToCheck>> <<set $itemFound = true>> <<break>> <<else>> <<set $inventory.push($shift)>> <</if>> <</for>> <</if>>

<<if $itemToCheck == "none">>MUST SET ITEMTOCHECK!<</if>> <<silently>><<display "Remove Script">><</silently>> <<if $itemFound == true>><h5> $itemToCheck removed.</h5><<else>>You don't seem to have $itemToCheck in your inventory.<</if>>

<<set $itemFound = false>><<set $itemIndex = -1>> <<set $itemIndex = $inventory.indexOf($itemToCheck)>> <<if $itemIndex < 0>>$itemToCheck is not in the inventory!<<else>><<set $itemFound = true>>$itemToCheck is in the inventory!<</if>>

// THIS CHECKS THE INVENTORY FOR BOTH WAYS THE PLAYER // COULD HAVE GOTTEN THE ITEM NEEDED FOR MISSION 2 <<set $itemToCheck=$m2Item>><<silently>><<display "Check Inventory">><</silently>> <<if $itemFound == false>> <<set $itemToCheck=$siblings>> <<silently>><<display "Check Inventory">><</silently>> <</if>>

<p>The clamps set you down near a bridge close to the entrance into the Quarry's main square.</p><p>As you flip the switch to slide the cabin doors open you notice the security kiosk posted on the other side of the bridge. The officer looks young and fresh, and currently busy scanning the contents of a cargo pod. Briefly you wonder if your stow-away siblings are going to be a problem...</p><p>Before you have time to think another officer, one much older that you failed to see, looks over in your direction.</p><p>Anything to declare before I scan your hold, sir?</p><h4>You could tell the officer about the [[siblings|chota]] or hope they hid well. [[Declare nothing]].</h4>

<p>Inside the square you find rows of habitats dug into the wall intersperced with shops and the few amenities available for the quarry workers.</p><p>Its a place of stark designs, the entire station is shaped like a perfect cube and its walls are made of raw stones churned together from the quarry's disposables. Rock dust covers everything from the floors to your clothes.</p><<if visited() <= 1>><p>There are a few shops open around the square, and only a few seem to have anyone in them. You notice one of the smaller shops has a large [[train|Kingston]] painted in neat black strokes on the sign hanging from its window.</p><<else>><p>Someone is queueing you [[again|Third Mission]].</p><</if>>

// Make this a recurrent mid-travel passage // and have the chance of combat happen here // if nothing happens you just get the flower text and // a link to the destination station

<p>To the side of the dark tunnel sit the large extractors, padded in thick walls of iron, with their drills exposed below them like a hundred massive legs on a giant iron bug.</p><p>Arms like tonsels lift the beasts up and above you, taking them along a larger opening that leads the extractors to the cold dark recesses of the quarry, to dig.</p><p>As you catch yourself beginning to envy the extractors for their clear sense of purpose...</p><<set $itemToCheck = $siblings>><<silently>><<display "Check Inventory">><</silently>><<if $itemFound == true>>[[Enter Customs|Siblings]]<<else>>[[Freedom Quarry Square]]<</if>>

<p>Exposed wires run above you like a 50 lane highway stretching across the low ceiling of a tiny prefab cube, dug into the stone walls of the station. You try not to trip over open toolboxes and half concocted mechanisms with claws, blinking eyes, and razor-sharp mandibles. The metal insects begin to wave their tiny antennae as you get closer, beeping and blinking so much you start to wonder if you should run.</p><p>Somewhere behind the pile of boxes splitting the room in half, a voice [[says|Kingston says]]...</p>

<h4>It can't be helped.</h4><p>You lean closer to the customs officers and tell him you story, how these two Brellosians tried to bribe you get them to the station.</p><p>When you're done the officer thanks you for your honesty and signals his partner to call in for reinforcements. Just out of curiosity, he says, did they mention who they work for?</p><p>You could tell him about the [[group]] they mentioned or pretend you [[know nothing]] more.</p><<set $hadIncident = true>><<set $toldOnGroup = true>>

<p>Less is more, you decide to say nothing.</p><h4>The customs cops looks you up and down and starts his [[scan]].</h4>

<<display "Interrogation story">> <<silently>> <<if $maxChance <= 0>> <<set $maxChance = 10>> <</if>> <<set $maxChance -= 1>> // IF THIS RANDOM RESULTS IN A 1 YOU WILL BE ARRESTED AND END THE GAME (IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN 0 SUSPICION) <<set $intChance to Math.round(Math.random() * $maxChance)>> <</silently>> <<if $intChance == 1>> <<if $suspicion > 0>> <<goto "Arrested">> <<else>><p>After several hours of being questioned by low ranking station cops, they let you go. You're banged up, but you've had worse.</p><h4>They had nothing on you.</h4><<return>> <</if>> <<else>><<display "Raise Suspicion">> <</if>> <<return>>

<<if $suspicion > 0>> <<goto "Arrested">> <<else>><p>After several hours of being questioned by low ranking station cops, they let you go. You're banged up, but you've had worse.</p><h4>They had nothing on you.</h4><p>At least you're not in jail and still have a job.</p><<return>> <</if>>

<p>With no trial, no jury, and mosty circumstantial evidence, you are sentened to life in a penal colony on a frozen moon. As you are pushed into a tiny dark cell and left to wait until your prison shuttle arrives, you wonder what went wrong.</p><p>Should've kept your head low, you blame yourself. Who else can you blame? You dug this grave yourself.</p> <p>Fifty-three years later you're reminded of that time you spent driving trains on Tales when you look up during your afternoon yardtime and notice the flickering electric pulse of a neon sign, beckoning, in the distance...</p> <h1>THE END</h1>

<<set $suspicion ++>><h5>the Overseer is now more suspicious of you...</h5>

<p>Just keep walking.</p><p>Right then your right eye starts to twitch and its not the paranoia. It's someone's incoming query - //a queue// - on your alt reality implants. They must be calling about the job, you haven't even checked in yet.</p> <<set $nextPassage = "Call from Yoyo">>[[Take the call|In call]]

<p>Again the siblings look at each other, and the sister takes the lead.</p><h4>We are part of a group, here on Tales, but... born somewhere else.</h4><p>You can tell how she's really struggling with what not to say but little by little you manage the make some sense of her babbling.<h4>We need to get back to the rest and warn them about a thing.</h4><p>What thing? She wouldn't say. The question seems to push her away - reactive to interrogation. You were right about them being Bellosian. These two must be part of some political group, though they don't really look like the //radical// type. These two could be Brellosian Freedom fighters, those insurgents you keep hearing about in the news. Enemies of the kingdom.</p><h4>If the Overseer or his station cops catch us we will be detained.</h4><p>She tries to convince you that if you get stopped along the way her group and her cause would appreciate it.<h4>We have made plans for safe passage, there will be no trouble.</h4></p>It's a tough [[decision]].

You've never defined yourself as political. The Kingdom and the King are just parts of the place where you were born, but there's so much more to it. So much of it you love. But for some that place can be horrible, deadly, and unjust. You will admit, only to yourself and never aloud, that you have no love for the King. But does that mean that you would help people who mean him and the Kingdom harm? <p>It might be better to [[Agree]] to take them in exchange for some Gaznu Eggsacs from the brother's farm.</p><p>Might be dangerous though, the safest bet would be to [[decline]] their offer.</p>

<<if visited() <= 1>><h4>Please step aside sir.</h4><p>All pleasentries gone the old cop brushes past you and aims his sensor gun at your train's cargo hold. Slowly he begins to get a clear image of its contents, starting with the lower deck, up to the main cargo space, finally reaching the ceiling. He stares at the fully rendered space for a moment clicks his tongue on the back of his teeth.</p><<display "Scan Chance">><p>We're all set here, you hear him say and you try real hard not to sigh relief.</p><p>Acting as casually as you can you press your finger on the station's check in counter and watch the light go green on the entry hatch.</p><p>Either Brellosians left somehow before you came in or they're really good at what they do.</p>Enter [[Freedom Quarry Square|Complete Siblings]]. <<else>>>Enter [[Freedom Quarry Square|Complete Siblings]].<</if>>

<p>The habitable area on this planet may be small, but it's got plentiful mineral deposits, produce and exotic animals, and the exquisite craft of Brellosian artisans that always sell in the capital. //Plenty of profit to be made here.//</p><p>A monstrous fountain sprouts from the center of the circular courtyard depicting the King and the First Queen pouring water from a stone vase.</p><p>The courtyard branches off into several [[hallways]].</p>

<p>You tell the cop all you know, you heard them mention they were part of some group - you figured one of the Brellosian terrorist groups. They were going to warn their group about something.</p><p>That's all you know.</p>Noted, the cop responds, and assures you the office of the Overseer will appreciate this.</p><p>As you step away a squad of kingsguards swarm your train's cargo hold and get ready to enter it. You'll have to report this incident to corporate tomorrow, you think, as you meander towards the large loading dock doors that lead to [[Freedom Quarry Square]].</p><<display "Lower Suspicion">> <<set $itemToCheck = $siblings>><<display "Remove Item">><<set $toldOnGroup = true>>

<h4>For a moment you think you've said something wrong.</h4><p>Then the cop clicks his tongue on the back of his teeth, we're all set here, he assures you. The office of the Overseer will appreciate your efforts.</p><p>As you step away a squad of king's guards swarm your train's cargo hold and get ready to enter it. You'll have to report this incident to corporate tomorrow, you think, as you meander towards the large loading dock doors that lead to [[Freedom Quarry Square]].</p> <<set $itemToCheck = $siblings>><<display "Remove Item">>

<<set $suspicion -->> <<if $suspicion < 0>> <<set $suspicion 0>> <</if>>

<<switch $suspicion>> <<case 1>><h5>You receive a message. Station Security added your name to their database.</h5> <<case 2>><h5>As you make your way through the station you decide to take a shortcut through an alley free of slow crowds. You never saw them coming -- a pair of men following close behind jumps you as you enter the alley. The bigger one slams you against the wall and knocks your head in with a ham sized fist. We're watching you, was all he said before letting you go. You sit there for a little while, wondering what that was all about.</h5> <<case 3>><h5>It started sometime during your last queue call as a little clicking noise in the background. You ignored it. But now you're sure your implant's been tapped and someone's listening in on your calls.</h5> <<case 4>><h5>You hear someone walk by mention a word that makes your blood freeze. Overseer. They could only be talking about one of his majesty's interrogators. You've heard the stories of what they do to their suspects, about their fascination with mechanical contraptions and other ancient modes of torture.</h5> <<case 5>><h5>A pack of station cops in their black uniforms blaze by you, the group hovering around the man marching at its center. You only catch a glimpse of his pale face but it's enough to see those deep dark eyes - an endless void.</h5> <<case 6>><h5>Suddenly someone pushes against you and you feel a pressure on your chest. A guy blasts through the crowd running away from you. Bastard. Some time later an unexpected security checkpoint pops up in your way. When the cops search you they find a large quantity of Boosha in your jacket pocket, and you get to spend the night in jail. They tell you this charge will be added to your record. You have a record?</h5> <<case 7>><h5>A couple of buildings in front of you a man steps in the center of the crowd and points a finger at you. There officers, there's the murderer. But just as soon as you think you're done for a couple of station cops arrest the guy next to you. That was a close one.</h5> <<case 8>><h5>Every cop on the station seems to be giving you bad looks. This could mean trouble.</h5> <<case 9>><h5>One time when you were young you stole your neighboars floatbike and took it for a joyride. You think it's a litte weird you just thought of that, for no apparent reason.</h5> <<case 10>><h5>They're watching, you're sure. They must know who you've been talking to. Shit. Is it really too late?</h5> <default><h5>You have a feeling someone might be following you. <</switch>>

[img[images/Kingston.jpg]]<h4>There you are stargazer!</h4><p>Tell me, is it daylight outside? The question throws you off a bit and it bothers you that it takes you a moment to figure out the answer. You think you remember it was still light outside. <h4>Good, then there's time.</h4><p>The small man steps away from the pile of boxes and walks into the light. He's not small, he's tiny. And you are by no means tall. Beside him the stacked cardboard rises, lit from behind by whatever device he was working on, casting a halo around it that conjures an image of a fantastical tower where the tiny man twiddles with magic. Except this kind of magic involves lots of grease and stained overalls.</p><p>He points at a corner where you find under yet more boxes, a long lost chair lost like some ancient jungle treasure.</p><h4>The tiny man calls himself Kingston</h4><p>He explains to you that without him this entire operation - meaning the whole trade hub, production line, habitat, space port, and starsliders that ship the goods lightyears away - does not run. In fact, he goes on, he carries the massive dead weight of the expansive Kingdom on his miniscule strong shoulders.</p><h4>It's all about that iron.</h4><p>The drills on the giant extractors that pierce deeper and deeper into the planet are made from the abundant quantities of iron found here, the fleets of the King's Armada are all ships of iron, the shuttles that carry soldiers down to the newly conquered planets, all of it needs iron.</p><p>Iron was once found in many systems across the galaxy. But after centuries of overreaching growth, the Kingdom exhausted most of its readily available supply. Most people blame the Cataclysm of Lunares for the shortage, the massive cosmic storm that has cut the Kingdom's access to its intergalactic travel routes. Kingston tells you its corporate mismanagement and greed that's to blame.</p><p>After going on for some time explaining to you the finer details of extracting Zuji crystals from the comforts of his workshop using remote sensory controls, he's suddenly reminded of what he asked you to get for him.</p><h4>Did you find those Gaznu sacs for me?</h4><<silently>><<display "M2 Check">><</silently>><<if $itemFound==true>><h3>$m2Item DELIVERED to Freedom Quarry!</h3><<set $itemToCheck = $m2Item>><<display "Remove Item">><h4>PAY: 100C TOTAL= 100C</h4><<set $money+=100>><h5>''YOUR BALANCE:'' //$money// crowns</h5><p>Splendid! I'm making my wife a special Bellosian dinner tonight and this was the missing ingredient. Please come back again soon, I'll have another task for you I'm sure!</p><<set $mission to "None">><<set $hasMission = false>><<set $hasCompletedSecond = true>><<else>><p>You don't have it! Well I can't say I'm surprised. Your company seems to hire lots of deadheads. I'm afraid we have nothing more to talk about.</p><p>Without saying anything else Kingston turns back to his work behind the stack of boxes.</p><</if>>[[Leave|Freedom Quarry Square]]

<h4>AVAILABLE JOBS:</h4><h4>[[KINGSTON @ FQ|Call from Kingston]]</h4><h5>Cargo Haul Job</h5>

<<if visited() <= 1>><p>As you step under the stone arch leading into the Square a wave of white dust hits you, smothering every exposed surface. When you finally open your eyes you notice the stuff is on everything. A thick layer of it litters the floor marking the steps of every walking soul on the station.</p><h4>A thousand steps printed on the floor, over and over, until no one mark is ever left undisturbed by another.</h4><p>Someone taps your shoulder... you turn around to find the young woman's brother, the Bellosian, smiling at you over the cloud of dust surrounding him.</p><h4>Your payment, as agreed.</h4><p>No need for long goodbyes. He turns and leaves you standing there, literally eating his dust.</p><<set $inventory.push($m2Item)>><p>You briefly wonder if you'll see them again.</p><h5>Gaznu Eggsacs(10) added to your inventory!</h5>Enter [[Freedom Quarry Square]] <<if visited() <= 1>> <<set $itemToCheck = $siblings>><<display "Remove Item">> <</if>> <<else>><h4>Enter [[Freedom Quarry Square]]</h4><</if>>

<<set $scanChance = 0>> <<set $scanChance to Math.round(Math.random() * 3)>> <<if $scanChance == 1>> <<set $hadIncident = true>> <<goto "Interrogation Chance">> <<else>> <<display "Raise Suspicion">> <</if>>

<p>Suddenly a gloved hand grabs you by the shoulder.</p><h4>You need to come with us sir.</h4><p>The two cops aim their plasma guns at you, barrels hot and packs charged. They aren't the only ones either. You spot a few more king's guard slither towards you, they must have followed you close behind. It's their black uniforms that hide them in shadows, and the marble pale skin that reflects the dim light that scares you.// How long have they been there? What have they seen you do?//</p>

[img[images/droid.jpg]]<h3>Good evening, Grounds Deliveries Associate!</h3><p>I see your daycycle has yielded desirable results! Happy thoughts indeed!</p><<if $hadIncident==true>><p>The Station Overseer's office contacted me thirty six minutes ago to inform me of your incident at Freedom Quarry. Worry not! I have personally replied in representation of the corporation's interests and followed all bylaws and regulations regarding these matters. The final redacted message reads: //He's not our problem.//, signed Middle Grounds Deliveries Tales acting manager, Yo-Yo 90. As for the results of their inquiries, please submit a query directly with them. We take no ownership of any future consequences!</p><</if>><p>My most sincere apologies for this after hours communication! No other viable course of action was available.</p><h4>We require your assistance!</h4><p>One of our surveyors has lost comms somewhere within the outer perimeter of Freedom Quarry, the station you are in right now! This is a top priority query, directly from the head office on the Capital -- the surveryor's data must be retrieved immediately.</p><p>Data retrieval will require manual extraction from the surveyor's datapak unit. Since records indicate you are currently within the perimeter of the surveyor's last known location, main office has annointed you as the retriever of said data! Accomplishing this menial task will rely mostly on physical aptitude, making an organic employee such as yourself an ideal strategic solution to the task. Happy thoughts!</p><h4>New Mission: //Retrieve data from surveyor located outside the station.//</h4> [[End the Call|Think about outside]]

<p>There really isn't much use wondering if you would prefer not to walk outide in an atmosphere with sparse oxygen and unfriendly organic lifeforms. The real question is how. There should be a spare walkabout suit in the train cabin and hopefully enough air in the tank. At least, you reassure yourself, the surveyor's beacon blipped its last location just a little under a mile away from from the Quarry. //Piece of Uena butter cake.//</p>[[Back to the Train|Suit up]]

<p>To your relief the oxygen tank is full and your suit's readouts all light up green as you don the clunky yellow helmet. A small map of the station's surrounding area displays the blinking coordinates of the surveyor and even indicates the shortest route to getting there.</p><h4>You hope it's also the safest route...</h4> You pull the exit latch and ignore the hundred red lights and warning indicators from the train's main computer.[[Go outside]]

[img[images/tunnel.jpg]]<p>You stand on the edge of the tunnel to the outside world. Under your heavy breathing you can still hear the constant brushing of the wind against the fabric of your suit. The heavy yellow boots make walking uncomfortable and clunky, but slowly you start to make your way towards the [[location]]</p>

<h4>You yell at the top of your lungs, HE'S GOT A BOMB!</h4><p>The cop holding the young man hears you just as the Brellosian goes to press the detonator. With one violent jerk he pulls the Brellosian off of the wall while his partner grabs his hand and tears the detonator away.</p><p>Most of the people around the plaza gather to watch but some keep walking, desensitized from watching news feeds too much.</p><p>As the cops drag the guy away one of them nods to you.</p><h4>Thank you citizen. Long live the King.</h4><p>You nod back and grin stupidly. Long live the King. [[Back to the Plaza|Central Station]]</p>

Your eyes look only for a fraction of a second, but you'll never forget them. He seemed like a nice guy, sure of himself, definitely political. Some time later you'll recall that he was smiling.<h4>He presses the detonator and in an instant becomes a flashing ball of fire.</h4><p>The impact knocks you off your feet and sends you sliding towards the plaza's fountain. Blood and guts scattered across the walls and nearby kiosks, wounded pedestrians lied on the floor moaning in pain. In all happened too fast to register. You can't remember how long you lied there on the cobblestones circling the fountain, but you know that at some point an emergency station crew took you to the nearest hospital.</p><p>After several hours being patched up you are released with only a few stitches and a minor sprained wrist. As soon as you walk outside you notice another pair of security cops waiting by a tea kiosk. You can feel their eyes on you as you walk away, back to the [[Plaza|Central Station]].</p><<display "Raise Suspicion">>

<<silently>><<set $itemToCheck = $wpn>><<display "Check Inventory">><</silently>> <h4>An hour, maybe more passes by.</h4><p>The sun is pretty weak here on Tales, giving off a dim light that hardly makes it throught the thick clouds. You watch it crawl behind the tall frozen mountains in the horizon leaving you in the dark with your headlamp. The soft dirt beneath your feet gives way with every step forcing you to have to wrench your boots from the mud and struggle to gain every inch of the way.</p><p>A second blip, smaller than the surveyor's, appears on your diplay map. It's moving straight towards you, fast. You hope it's another automated surveyor on its way to dock but you know it could be some hungry animal looking to make this your last and only day on Tales.</p><p>As quickly as the clumsy suit lets you, you jump behind the nearest tree and duck under its crooked hunched trunk. With your shaking hands you reach down into the mud [[searching]] quietly for a stick or a sharp rock. Your mind races quickly for a safe strategy, and you realize that your only hope is to see them before they see you...</p><<if $itemFound==true>><p>You try to think of what you might have on you, and remember the [[laser cutter]] you bought this morning.</p><</if>>

<h4>Behind the trees you see a light approaching and hear the familiar hum of a hover engine.</h4><p>You find nothing in the mud but wet leaves and muck. There's nothing left to do but wait and at the first chance...[[run.|Bandit Attack]]</p>

<h4>Behind the trees you see a light approaching and hear the familiar hum of a hover engine.</h4><p>You flick the switch on the small laser cutter, it's variable voltage controls kicking in to keep the pulsing blade low and as dim as it can go and still cut. You hope it's enough. [[Get Ready|Bandit Attack]]</p>

You worked for a corporation who saw you as tool to exploit an environment for profit. You came to this planet to do that job, to work hard and make money. To be a good citizen. You struggled, just like everyone else does, with hard decisions that led to harsh consequences. <h4>This was the life of a good citizen.</h4> <h1>THE END</h1>

<<if visited() >= 3>><<display "Combat Chance">><</if>> <<if visited() <= 1>><p>A small beatup hover jeep comes out unto the clearing and stops right between you and the surveyor blipping in your map display. They have to know what you're here for and you figure they're most likely here for the same thing.</p><p>Before you have any time to strategize, out of the jeep's front passenger seat hops out a short stocky guy with a purple mohawk. He seems to spot you as he looks over at your direction. The guy sneers at you, clearly on something that has him hyped up.</p><p>Right before mohawk starts charging towards you he raises a short iron stick that gives off sparks in the humid air. He isn't even wearing a breather mask, you notice. The mohawk picks up momentum and with incresing speed he yells as he raises the shock baton above his head.</p><<else>><p>The angry mohawk flops violently as he charges closer to you...</p><</if>><h4>Your next move could decide it all...</h4> [[Duck]] [[Watch and wait]] to strike. [[Charge!]]

<<silently>> // CHECK FOR WPN <<silently>><<set $itemToCheck = $wpn>><<display "Check Inventory">><</silently>> <<if $itemFound==true>><<set $combatBonus += 1>><</if>> <<set $maxChance = 3 + $combatBonus>> <<set $combatChance to Math.round(Math.random() * $maxChance)>> <</silently>> <<if $combatChance == 1>> <<goto "Bandit Death">> <<else>> <<goto "Bandit Survive">> <</if>>

<p>The steady white-hot beam of a pulse rifle pierces the ground in front of you, sending specks of mud flying. Both you and the mohawk stop in your tracks, staring each other down with a smoking crater between you.</p><h4>He's not with them.</h4><p>You look up towards the voice, coming from the hover jeep. A lean man with a gaunt wrinkled face steps out from the backseat. Older than the other men and clearly their leader, this man walks right towards you with no regard to the potentially deadly weapon in your hand.</p><h4>What's your name?</h4><p>It seems odd but you feel like it's been a long time since anyone has asked for your name. Spend too long in the system and you forget your name isn't Associate 322511 you guess.</p><<if $toldOnGroup==true>><h4>We heard from our friends you've been talking to the cops.</h4><p>You try to explain to them that you had no choice, that it was you or them, that you're just here for a job... but they just won't listen. The leader's face muscles relax as his brow drops and his smile disappears like a bored snob at an art show.</p><h4>Shoot him</h4>The blast pierces right into your neck, a perfectly clean shot that goes through your plastic yellow suit, skin, and muscle until it passes through you at the speed of [[light|Death]].<</if>>

<p>The mohawk toting bandit finally reaches you and, predictably, brings the electric charged baton down to strike to the front. But by the time the baton lowers you've already sidestepped the attacker and brought your fist up to dig into his defenseless belly.</p><p>As the bandit doubles over gasping for breath...</p><<if $itemFound==true>><p>You switch on the laser cutter and stab his neck!</p><<else>><p>You lock your hands together like a hard iron piston and hammer into the bandit's back!</p><</if>> <p>The steady white-hot beam of a pulse rifle pierces the ground in front of you, sending specks of mud flying. Both you and the mohawk stop in your tracks, staring each other down with a smoking crater between you.</p><h4>He's not with them, someone says.</h4><p>You look up towards the voice, coming from the hover jeep. A lean man with a gaunt wrinkled face steps out from the backseat. Older than the other men and clearly their leader, this man walks right towards you with no regard to the potentially deadly weapon in your hand.</p><h4>What's your name?</h4><p>It seems odd but you feel like it's been a long time since anyone has asked for your name. Spend too long in the system and you forget your name isn't Associate 322511 you guess.</p><<if $toldOnGroup==true>><h4>We heard from our friends you've been talking to the cops.</h4><p>You try to explain to them that you had no choice, that it was you or them, that you're just here for a job... but they just won't listen. The leader's face muscles relax as his brow drops and his smile disappears like a bored snob at an art show.</p><h4>[[Shoot|Death]] him</h4><<else>><p>//We're here for the surveyor data. Just hand over the access code and nobody needs to get hurt.// As one of the bandit's on the jeep raises his rifle, you have a moment to reflect...</p><<if $fedDog == true>><p>And then you hear a dog [[barking]]</p><<else>><p>Giving up the surveyor data will only get you a demerit from the corp and maybe a [[pay-cut]], and what's so important about that [[data]] anyway? On the other hand, refusing might get you [[killed]].</p><</if>> <</if>>

<p>The delicious scent of skewered meat and hot tortillas permeates throuhgout the couryard like an airborne drug. A big bellied man in a greased apron smiles at you.</p><p>It's a good day to taco.</p><h4>BUY</h4><div class = "inv">$tacos <<button "5C" "Item Purchased">><<set $itemToAdd = $tacos>><<set $itemPrice = 5>><<display "Buy Item">><</button>></div><h5>//Savory BamBam REAL HOT!//</h5> <h5>''YOUR BALANCE:'' //$money// crowns</h5><h4>Return to [[trade area]] </h4>

<p>A bit reluctantly you give that big puppy eye. You merely have to lower the taco just past your waist and the big blue dog devours the tiny morsel in two snapping bites.</p><p>As it licks its lips with grease and hot sauce it looks up at you, staring right into your eyes. A little like a human expression. After a while the dog lowers its eyes and returns to the old man by the wall.</p><<silently>><<set $fedDog = true>><</silently>><h4>It's an odd [[experience|Central Station]]</h4>

<p>As he approaches to bend your front knee, giving you a lower angle of attack.</p><<set $combatBonus += 1>><<return>>

<h4>You notice that the mohawk bandit raises his baton too high, and leaves his belly open.</h4><<return>>

<p>Suddenly all your frustrations, anger, and fear kick in at the same time like a spiked adrenaline cocktail drenched in jet-fuel.</p><h4>CHARGE!</h4>

<h4>The bark is followed by a growl, and then a flash of blue that runs right past you.</h4><p>Behind you someone makes a very odd noise.</p><p>It's the strangest thing. The sound, the voice, the song, what do you call it? It lasts only a couple of seconds and sounds like someone saying Choook with the deepest part of the voice box.</p><p>You turn around and find an old man behind you, wrapped in loose furs, his head naked to the elements except for a thin plastic sheet, like a surgeon's mask, with a metallic grill in the front.</p><h4>As the old man sings the blue dog does his dance.</h4><p>A dance of blood and gore interspersed with wild energy blasts fired desperately at a target that moves too fast. The dog charges towards the leader, now on his knees, hit in the back by friendly fire. It jumps gliding in the air for just a second before gracefuly grabbing hold of the leader's throat with its impressive teeth.</p><p>Before you know it, all the bandits lie dead. The blue dog, blood dripping from its mouth, sampers over to the old man, now silent, sticks out its long red tongue and wags its tail happily.</p><h4>Are you hurt my friend?</h4>The old man looks up at [[you]].

<h4>The old man, Nares, welcomes you to his home for the night.</h4><p>His home is a small cube built from a mix of outdated prefab parts that might be as old as human presence on Tales. After what you just saw you figure it's probably the safest place out here.</p><p>The two of you talk for hours into the night keeping warm with a sweet red liquor Nares brews himself. He tells you many stories about Brellosia, a planet he himself only knows from books and what little his family remembered.</p><p>One in particular strikes you as interesting, because it reminds you of that odd sound Nares made, that made the dog attack. It's a story about a young Brellosian here on Tales that used the old herding techniques of Brellosia to sing to the animals and make them his companions.</p><p>You ask many questions and patiently the old man answers. After about the twentieth question though, Nares smiles.</p><h4>He offers to teach you the old ways, how to speak to the animals.</h4><p>The offer startles you and leaves you speechless. But then, as if to nudge you on, the blue dog licks your face and sits prominently on your lap.</p>Is this [[the answer]]?

<p>As the sun rises over the Tales swamplands Nares and his dog accompany you to the surveyor, where you hastily retreive the data.</p><p>Downloading the data packet takes about a minute. All of yesterday's trek, the threat to your life, the bandit attack... it was all for this one minute. Was it worth it?</p><p>You say your goodbyes to Nares just outside the Freedom Quarry entrance tunnel. With a friendly smile on his face he invites you to visit again for your first singing lesson. The dog agrees with a loud bark.</p><p> Despite what it seems, Tales is a beautiful planet full of wonder, mystery, and a little bit of good. If you can survive it.<p>As you turn to enter the station, someone's queues you...</p><h4>Time to go to work.</h4> <h1>THE END</h1>

a story by César R. Castillo

<p>You realize there's no other way out of this, you have to give them the code. But you know the moment you do they'll just shoot you anyway.</p><h4>So you make him an [[offer]].</h4>

<h4>What's it worth?</h4><p>The rugged leader flashes his front yellow teeth and picks at his nose, a nasty habit he does when he thinks.</p><h4>A lot more than your life.</h4><p>That, you figure, is a reasonable assesment. The corporations spend millions on their army of surveyor bots roaming the wild lands of Tales, hoping to strike the next big rock that will maximize that year's profit. If this surveyor found something, somebody will want it... bad.</p><h4>They're [[waiting|Data Decision]] for your answer.</h4>

<h4>Shoot him, jack the code from his brain.</h4>You try to speak but they're not into last words or speeches. The blast pierces right into your neck, a perfectly clean shot that goes through your plastic yellow suit, skin, and muscle until it passes through you at the speed of [[light|Death]].

<p>The leader of the bandits agrees to give you a ride back to the station, where you'll queue the guy's that stay behind at the surveyor to give them the code.</p><h4>As you reach the entrance to the tunnel an hour later...</h4><p>You do as you agreed, hoping they won't shoot you now so close to the eyes of the station. To your relief they take the code and the guy left behind queues the leader to report a successful data retrieval.</p><h4>You can go now, you have my word.</h4><p>What's done is done, you tell yourself as your turn into the entrance tunnel. You might have just aided and abetted a terrorist group, yes, but nobody else has to know that.</p><p>At some point you'll need to call it in, YoYo is probably waiting. You'll tell him they had already taken the data when you got there... no... you'll tell him you were mugged. You're not worried, you'll come up with something.</p><p> Despite what it seems, Tales is a beautiful planet full of wonder, mystery, and a little bit of good. If you can survive it.<p>As you turn to enter the station, YoYo's already queueing you...</p><h4>Time to go to work.</h4> <h1>THE END</h1>

<p>Giving up the surveyor data will only get you a demerit from the corp and maybe a [[pay-cut]], and what's so important about that [[data]] anyway? On the other hand, refusing might get you [[killed]].</p>