Replacement

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.2s)[<big><big><big><big>**REPLACEMENT**</big></big></big></big>] (if: $WillComplete is 0)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.5s)[<big><big>[[*>START*|Will Intro]]</big></big>]]{ (if: $WillComplete is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.5s)[<big><big>[[*>RETURN TO WILL*|Will Intro]]</big></big>]]}{ (if: $ClaudiaComplete is 1)[ (transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.5s)[<br><big><big>[[*>RETURN TO CLAUDIA*|Claudia Intro]]</big></big>]]}{ (if: $DonovanComplete is 1)[ (transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.5s)[<br><big><big>[[*>RETURN TO DONOVAN*|Donovan Intro]]</big></big>]]}{ (if: $AmandaComplete is 1)[ (transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.5s)[<br><big><big>[[*>RETURN TO AMANDA*|Amanda Intro]]</big></big>]]} (align: "==><==")[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.3s)[| (link-repeat: "Xalavier Nelson Jr.")[(open-url: "https://www.patreon.com/XalavierMakesWords")] |]]

<h1>(align: "==><==")[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>WILL|Will 1]]]]</h1>

(transition: "dissolve")[Your name is [William Jennings.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You're a [writer.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[You've only attained a mild, quiet sort of success, but as of now, you can live off of the [trickling proceeds]<c1| of your work.]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Few could say [so much.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>YOU'RE LUCKY.|Will 2]]]]

(align: "==><==")[-----------] <small> (align: "==><==")[(link-repeat: "Save Game 'A'")[(if:(save-game: "Slot A"))[Game saved!](else: )[Your game could not be saved - check your browser's privacy settings!]] (link-repeat: "Save Game 'B'")[(if:(save-game: "Slot B"))[Game saved!](else: )[Your game could not be saved - check your browser's privacy settings!]] (if: (saved-games:) contains "Slot A")[(link: "Load Game 'A'")[(load-game:"Slot A")]] (if: (saved-games:) contains "Slot B")[(link: " Load Game 'B'")[(load-game:"Slot B")]]]</small>

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(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 2s)[And it's all about to [[>END.|Will 3]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You lean against the narrow kitchen counter, elbows on the lukewarm surface, staring at your [traitor hand.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Waiting for the [sign.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The freight train lying behind the (text-style: "rumble")[shaking track] of [your palm.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Your hand seizes up, contorting into strange, sudden shapes before flopping on the counter in a tired [spasm.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[The train has arrived, [[>RIGHT ON SCHEDULE.|Will 4]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[The pain is (colour: "red")[red] and [familiar.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Like soaking into a [warm bubble bath.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[...Where every bubble is a hot needle lancing through your wrist, down your thumb and [up your forearm.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[You hold on to that pain, and hope it will make [[>THIS|Will 5]] easier.]]

Tear open [the box.]<b1| (click: ?b1)["[Need]<b2| [a hand?]<a1|"] (click: ?a1)[Who writes this shit?] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Pull out the [metal gauntlet.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[Throw the [fleshy mechanical thing]<b4| aside.] (click: ?b4)[Can't bear to look at [it.]<b5|] (click: ?b5)[Not [yet.]<b6|] (click: ?b6)[(transition: "shudder")[Strap the [gauntlet on.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[[[>WATCH THE GAUNTLET LIGHT FLICKER TO A SOLID RED|Will 6 Branch]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[<big><big>What do you choose to take comfort in?</big></big>] (transition: "dissolve")[[[>BIBLE|Will 7 Bible]] [[>WHISKEY|Will 7 Whiskey]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You grab the unused Bible your mother gave you when you went to college and clamp the blackened leather binding [between your teeth.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You can [do this.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[*This is [crazy.]<b2|*] (click: ?b2)[You [cowardly motherfucker.]<b3|] (click: ?b3)[*What am I <big>[doing?]<c2|</big>*] (click: ?c2)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[[[>PRESS THE FRIENDLY RED BUTTON|Will 8 Bible]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[With a look of disappointment, you take a pull of whiskey and smash the remainder of the bottle [against your gauntleted hand.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Focus on the bloody shards, and the mess you'll have to [clean up later.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Distract yourself from [the oncoming train.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[You [can do this.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[[[>PRESS THE FRIENDLY RED BUTTON|Will 8 Whiskey]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 4s)[You thought [you knew pain.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[[You]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[<big>[Didn't]<c3|</big>] (click: ?c3)[<big><big>[Know]<c4|</big></big>] (click: ?c4)[<big><big><big>[[>SHIT.|Will 9 Bible]]</big></big></big>]

(transition: "dissolve")[Fire is arcing across your wrist, the accursed gauntlet buzzing in [an insane, cheery hum.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You can feel the matter connecting your hand to your arm splitting with (transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 6s)[[excruciating slowness.]<b2|]]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Skin, muscle, [bone...]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[This is what you get for buying a [DIY kit.]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Your nerves are [[>SCREAMING.|Will 10 Bible]]]]

Oh, my [[>BAD.|Will 11 Bible]]

Oh, my [[>BAD.|Will 11 Whiskey]]

(transition: "dissolve")[That noise is [*you*.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1s)[[[>SCREAMING|Will 12 Bible]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[That noise is [*you*.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1s)[[[>SCREAMING|Will 12 Whiskey]]]]

(align: "===><=")[(transition: "dissolve")[My [[>MISTAKE.|Will 13 Bible]]]]

(align: "===><=")[(transition: "dissolve")[My [[>MISTAKE.|Will 13 Whiskey]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You wake up on the floor of your kitchen; a [shivering, huddled mess.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The sour taste of paper [fills your mouth.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[The Bible is [nowhere to be seen.]<b3|] (click: ?b3)[This is not a mystery you'd particularly like to [investigate.]<b4|] (click: ?b4)[(transition: "dissolve")[Looking down, you can see the shaking, half-cauterized remain of [your wrist.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>YOU CAN DO THIS|Will 14]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You wake up on the floor of your kitchen; a [shivering, huddled mess.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Shards of whiskey bottle [prick your scalp.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[Looking down, you can see the shaking, half-cauterized remain of [your wrist.]<a1|] (click: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[A [clean cut.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>YOU CAN DO THIS|Will 14]]]]

(align: "==><==")[<h1>(transition: "dissolve")[[[>CLAUDIA|Claudia 1]]]]</h1>

{(set: $grinningD to 0) (set: $smirkingD to 0)} (align: "==><==")[<h1>(transition: "dissolve")[[[>DONOVAN|Donovan 1]]]]</h1>

{(set: $learnMask to 0)} (align: "==><==")[<h1>(transition: "dissolve")[[[>AMANDA|Amanda 1]]]]</h1>

(transition: "dissolve")[...But the pain has [faded.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You know what pain is, [[>NOW.|Will 16]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[Fitting your bloody stump into the strange mechanical replacement you laid aside earlier, your nerves once again [[>COME ALIGHT.|Will 15]]]

You walk to your upturned cardboard box desk, stumbling over your [former, shriveled appendage.]<c1| (click: ?c1)[Ignore [it.]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[Running your hands over the soft, backlit keys of your laptop keyboard, you [type a few sentences.]<c3|] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[Your new fingers feel clumsy, and they aren't the right shade of brown yet, but [[>THEY WORK.|Will 17]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You can [[>STILL|Will 18]] write.]

{(set: $WillComplete to 1) }<big>(transition: "dissolve")[[[>THANK GOD.|Claudia Intro]]]</big>

*(transition: "dissolve")[Cyclists completing the Tour de France will have ridden [[[[2,200 miles.]<c1|]<b1|]<b2|]<c2|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Almost three-quarters of the distance across the Atlantic Ocean.]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Over 23 days, 21 of which are spent riding.]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[In conditions challenging the rider in every way possible - from steep terrain, to treacherous mountain passes, to humid, picturesque French valleys.]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Physically, it is among the [[>GREATEST TESTS OF ENDURANCE IN SPORTS HISTORY|Claudia 2]]]]*

(transition: "dissolve")[You remember hearing these words in a [cheesy international documentary.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Looking at the (text-style: "blur")[swollen], distended veins on your legs twenty years later, you can believe [every word.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[You are [Claudia Durand.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[A cyclist in [the 2047 Tour de France.]<c3|] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[Against all odds, you are now facing the most [[>DIFFICULT CHOICE OF YOUR CAREER|Claudia 3]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: You can't keep [doing this to yourself, Claudia.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[YOU: I'm not just doing this to [myself.]<a1|]{ (click-replace: ?a1)[myself (transition: "dissolve")[- you're [here.]<c2|]]} (click: ?c2)[JEAN: [Funny.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: You almost rode off of a cliff today. The gel baths [aren't working either.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: Hell - your legs look like something [out of a horror movie.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: Like, the ones that are spinoffs of the main, successful movie so they have half the budget and a creepy doll [to compensate.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>RUB EYES|Claudia 4 Rub]] [[>FLICK VEIN|Claudia 4 Flick]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You rub your eyes, and aren't surprised to find a remnant of crust in at least...[one of them.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Humans [have...]<a1|]]{ (click-replace: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[have] *two* (transition: "dissolve")[[eyes, right?]<b2|]] } (click: ?b2)[[Yeah.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: I don't know what you expect me [to do, Jean.]<a2|]] (click: ?a2)[(transition: "dissolve")[I can't come this far and just [turn back.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: You can if [your life is in danger.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: [Everyone goes through this,]<a3| Jean.]] (click: ?a3)[(transition: "dissolve")[I don't see how [my life,]<a4|]] (click: ?a4)[(transition: "dissolve")[as opposed to that of everyone who waltzes through this [*absolutely fine*,]<a5|]] (click: ?a5)[(transition: "dissolve")[is suddenly [too fragile to risk.]<c4|]] (click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: You [aren't everyone else, Claudia.]<c5|]] (click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.8s)[YOU: You didn't say that when you were picking up [[>MY ROYALTY CHECKS.|Claudia 5 Rub]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You flick one of the many swollen veins criss-crossing your legs, and find it takes some time for the dent to finally [fill up with blood again.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[That's[...new.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: I don't know, Jean. They look [fine to me.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: ...Did we just watch [the same thing?]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: Your circulation is [slowing to a crawl.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: I prefer the term [*relaxing*, thank you.]<c5|]] (click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: You can't bear to be serious, even when your life is at [stake.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[JEAN: [Unbelievable.]<c6|] (click: ?c6)[YOU: What do you expect me to do, Jean? This is the Tour de France! I've trained for [this my *entire life!*]<b4|] (click: ?b4)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: Am I supposed to stand aside because everyone can supposedly ride through hell [[>BUT ME?|Claudia 5 Flick]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[Jean looks at you, [stunned.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[You've said something you can't take back, and what's worse - you can tell that [you're right.]<b2|] (click: ?b2)[You can see it [in Jean's eyes.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: So, you think I'm just protecting [some sort of investment.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.2s)[YOU: [...Yes.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[Jean [lowers his head.]<c4|]] (click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.43s)[JEAN: Then I might as well [[>GET THIS OVER WITH.|Claudia 6 Rub]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: You aren't everyone else, [Claudia.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: The [hell I'm not.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.5s)[You push yourself off of the stiff massage table you've been sitting on for [[>FAR TOO LONG.|Claudia 6 Flick]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[The instant your feet touch the floor, your legs [collapse onto themselves.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You fall to the ground, forehead smashing into the space between the trendy soft-rubber tile and an unoccupied [massage table.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[A line of blood trickles [into your eyes.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[But [only a line.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[Jean [[>RUSHES TO YOUR SIDE.|Claudia 7 Flick]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 0.9s)[JEAN: There's only one way I see you finishing this race - let [alone winning it.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>"...AND WHAT IS THAT?"|Claudia 7 Rub]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.5s)[I'm sorry if you think this is 'unrealistic,' or that we don't live in '[[>THAT KIND OF WORLD.|Essay Intro 2a]]']

(transition: "dissolve")[I lived in [South Korea.]<a1|] (click: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Saw the loud 'Buy 1 Get 1 Free' cosmetic surgery advertisements adorned with cold, artificial smiles and lighthearted promises in [brilliant cartoon font.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[Double [eyelid surgery.]<a2|] (click: ?a2)[A candy shop array [of implants.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Each procedure offering the possibility of getting closer to a commercial (primarily Western) ideal of beauty that [[>DOESN'T EXIST|Essay Intro 2b]]]]

In 2014, Brazil mourned the ass of [one of its beauty icons.]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Andressa Urach was *rotting*, muscle tissue peeking through dissolved flesh, because of the black market injections used to [plump up her famous figure.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[In March of 2017, a woman was convicted of manslaughter and practicing medicine without a license in the state of [Florida.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[She reportedly injected her patients with mixtures including Fix-a-Flat and cement to give them larger [lips, cheeks, and buttocks.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[Sealed the 'surgical' wounds [[>WITH SUPER GLUE.|Essay Intro 4]]]]

<big>(transition: "dissolve")[His voice [hisses]<c1| in your ear.] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: You need [[>A REPLACEMENT.|Claudia 8 Flick]]]] </big>

You push Jean away as hard as your muscles can [muster.]<c1| (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[It turns out that's still pretty hard - Jean thumps into the gel bath at the opposite end of the room and falls on his [backside, stunned.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "shudder")[YOU: I am [not *cheating,* Jean!]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[Jean clumsily wrenches himself [back to his feet.]<c4|] (click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: It isn't cheating, [Claudia!]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: [[>EVERYONE DOES IT!|Claudia 9 Flick]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1s)[You pull yourself up using the massage table and [test your footing.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[It's shaky, but you can have this conversation [standing up.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[[Good.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: I don't care what [everyone else is doing.]<a1|]] (click: ?a1)[[If--]<a2|]{(click-replace: ?a2)[(transition: "dissolve")[*[When]<a3|*]] } (click: ?a3)[(transition: "dissolve")[I finish this, it'll be on [my own two legs.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: But they *will* be [your own legs.]<a4|]] (click: ?a4)[They'll get tired - [bruised.]<b3|] (click: ?b3)[JEAN: They're just like [the real thing.]<c3|] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: Until the committee tests for non-prosthetic use and everything I've worked for [[>GOES UP IN SMOKE, RIGHT?|Claudia 10 Flick]]]]

JEAN: There are ways to [get around that.]<c1| (click: ?c1)[YOU: You must be [joking.]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: Even if you get the most rest you can tonight, you still have to ride [again tomorrow.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: The fact that the gel baths aren't reducing the swelling [says something.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: It says you might not be able to [finish]<b3| this race.]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: As much as the spirit may be willing... [The flesh is weak.]<a1|]] (click: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[I'm [sorry.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: You weren't saying that kind of thing when you were cashing my royalty [checks.]<c4|]] (click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: You aren't getting [any younger, either.]<c5|]] (click: ?c5)[YOU: [[>Fuck you.|Claudia 11 Flick]]]

JEAN: Dr. Kirov can have a Replacement installed and DNA-matched in an hour, and the recovery period will end just in time for [you to ride tomorrow.]<b1| (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: Look at your (text-style: "blur")[legs], [Claudia.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: If you're going to do it, you need to [do it *right now*.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[YOU: This is the last time I'm going to [tell you, Jean.]<b3|] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: I'm [not getting a Replacement.]<b4|]] (click: ?b4)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: Especially from [that quack.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[JEAN: [He's--]<c3|] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: Remember to close the door on your way [out.]<c4|]] (click: ?c4)[Jean glares at you from [across the room.]<c5|] <big>(click: ?c5)[(transition: "shudder")[[[<i>''*''SLAM''*''</i>|Claudia 12 Flick]]]]</big>

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 2.3s)[While corporations are being given rights of personhood and the rich literally consider the merits of *(link-repeat: "infusing themselves with teenage blood")[(open-url: "http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/06/this-anti-aging-start-up-is-paying-thousands-of-dollars-for-teen-blood")]*, millions of amputees across the United States and beyond are struggling to convince insurance providers to cover the costs of [*basic* prosthetics.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The [ability to walk]<a1|]] (click: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.1s)[- to [hold someone's hand]<a2| -]] (click: ?a2)[(transition: "dissolve")[is being put behind [[>A PAYWALL.|Essay Intro 5]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You want to talk about the fucking [cyberpunk future?]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[Look [around you.]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[Read [[>THE NEWS.|Essay Intro 6]]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 0.5s)[[[>We live in it.|CREDITS]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You are [Donovan Bates.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1s)[An elderly veteran who left the Separation War with one less arm than [you entered it with.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[By the year 2061, medicine has advanced to the point where your shattered nerves can be [revived.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[A prosthesis can interact with your brainwaves directly, giving you the ability to once again grasp, touch, [and feel.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Your insurance covers [neither of these procedures.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[You're talking to your doctor, and feel like you're { (live: 0.74s)[(either: [[>FAILING.|Donovan 2]], [[>FLAILING.|Donovan 2]], [[>DROWNING.|Donovan 2]])]}]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.3s)[Your **['name']<c1|** is Amanda.] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Mainly because you've heard Park Song-Lee butchered by your American friends too many times to [count.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[They [[>STILL TRY, THOUGH.|Amanda 2]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[Neon advertisements bursting from tight LCD frames flare at [the edge of your vision.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[People swarm around you in every direction, their presence both [comforting and stifling.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You're in Myeongdong, one of the most fashionable districts of [Seoul, South Korea]<a1|]](click-append: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[, and everyone is [beautiful.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[So [[>BEAUTIFUL|Amanda 3]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[They look [like <big>gods.</big>]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Faces open, happy and [flawless.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Clothes styled to a [perfect]<b3| trim.]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[They look like what humans are [*supposed* to be.]<c1|]] <small>(click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Not like [[>you.|Amanda 4]]]]</small>

<big>Not [[>YET.|Amanda 5]]</big>

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1s)[You step through the sea of shining people to the sterile light of the clinic [across the street.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The automated kiosk at the front desk noted your presence outside some 15 minutes ago, but it's been programmed [[>NOT TO PRY.|Amanda 6]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[Inside, the clinic walls are covered with autographs from celebrities who have [walked this path before you.]<a1|] (click: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[They too, [seem happy.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[You activate the kiosk, inputting your name and providing a proof of [identity.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[You're just in time for [your appointment.]<b2|] (click: ?b2)[It's already [[>PAID FOR.|Amanda 7]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[The kiosk avatar winks at you with a digital eye from its [electric screen.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")["The doctor will be with you [[>IN JUST A MOMENT.|Amanda 8]]"]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.9s)[An old man with bright eyes and a long, white coat walks through a white, retracting panel behind the front desk, like some [sort of magician.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[An artificially-whitened smile splits his wisp of a [beard.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: Hello, [Song-Lee.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[The doctor kneels slightly to meet you at eye level - you're tall [for your age.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: Are you familiar with the procedure [I'll be performing today?]<c4|]] (click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>SILENTLY NOD IN UNDERSTANDING|Amanda 9]] [[>MEEKLY ASK FOR DETAILS|Amanda 8a]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[(if: $learnMask is 1)[The doctor raises the two transparent masks in parallel to [his own face.]<c1|](if: $learnMask is 0)[The doctor pulls a thick, transparent mask from both of his coat pockets and raises them in parallel to [his own face.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[(if: $learnMask is 1)[For the first time, you notice that the edges of the masks are [sharp.]<c2|](if: $learnMask is 0)[You notice that the edges of the masks are sharp, and the doctor is [grinning.]<c2|]]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[(if: $learnMask is 0)[DOCTOR: [Good.]<b2|](if: $learnMask is 1)[DOCTOR: So, to use something from [my own time:]<c3|]]]{(click: ?b2)[<br>(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: To use something from [my time:]<c3|]]} (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: Do you want to look like Angelina Jolie, [[>OR BRAD PITT?|Amanda 10]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[The doctor pulls a thick, transparent mask from both of his coat [pockets.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: Well, technology has changed a lot since I was [a young man.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: In my day, if someone wanted to change their face, they'd have to do all sorts of cutting and snipping [and sewing...]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[DOCTOR: Insert [strange things]<b3| into themselves.] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: You'd have to wait months to see if it turned out [anything like you hoped.]<b4|]] (click: ?b4)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.4s)[DOCTOR: And if [a mistake was made]<b5|, well...]] (click: ?b5)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: You just had to [start cutting again.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[Your hands clench involuntarily - a motion the doctor [recognizes.]<c3|] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[The artificial grin [[>GROWS|Amanda 8b]]]]{ (set: $learnMask to 1) }

(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: [But now!]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: Now, all we have to do is put a little mask [on your face.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: Tap it a few [times.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: And it will sculpt your face into whatever you and your parents want it to be, while you lay back, [and relax.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.6s)[DOCTOR: Just like [[>MAGIC.|Amanda 9]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[What do you think about during [[[your]<d1|]<d2|]<d3| procedure?] <big>(live: 2.3s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 0.9s)[[[>FRIENDS|Amanda 11 Friends]] [[>FAMILY|Amanda 11 Family]]]]</big> {(click-replace: ?d1)[their] (click-replace: ?d2)[Her] (click-replace: ?d3)[the]}

(transition: "dissolve")[The doctor leads you into a cozy office with an odd chair that forces you to stretch your neck. It tilts your head back as far as it can [go.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[He lets you wipe your own face with the necessary [sanitary wipe.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Softly pats your forehead with [a gloved hand.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The chair is different, but [you've been here before.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[Too [[>MANY TIMES.|Amanda 12 Friends]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[The doctor [straps]<a1| your arms into [the chair]<b1|(click: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[ *(you remember this part)*]].] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[[Binds]<a2| your [feet]<b2|(click: ?a2)[(transition: "dissolve")[ *(this too)*]].]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[[Tugs]<a3| flexible cords across your waist, chest, and shoulders, and pulls them [tight]<c1|(click: ?a3)[(transition: "dissolve")[ *(yup)*]].]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The mask feels cold and stiff, all [sharp angles inside.]<b4|]] (click: ?b4)[(transition: "dissolve")[Like someone else's inverted face [cutting into your own.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[The doctor raises a blunt chisel and hammer from an unseen tray of tools you are [[>INTIMATELY FAMILIAR WITH.|Amanda 13 Friends]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[The doctor rests the hammer and chisel against [your forehead.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: Just a few taps, [and we'll be done.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DOCTOR: [Okay?]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[[...]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>...YOU COULDN'T SPEAK IF YOU TRIED|Amanda 14 Friends]]]]

<big><big><big>(align: "=><==")[(transition: "shudder")[''*''*[[TAP|Amanda 15 Friends]]*''*'']]</big></big></big>

(transition: "dissolve")["Park [Song]<b1|-Lee."] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")["[Song.]<b2|"]] (click: ?b2)["Not a *song*, music song, [song.]<b3|"] (click: ?b3)["It's [like, a *sung?*]<b4|"] (click: ?b4)["Like Shang Tsung, but [different.]<b5|"] (click: ?b5)["[No.]<b6|"] (click: ?b6)["**Haha,** [*no!*]<b7|"] (click: ?b7)["Add the 'o' sound to the 'u' [sound.]<b8|"] (click: ?b8)["[Yeah.]<b9|"] (click: ?b9)["Like [that.]<b10|"] (click: ?b10)[(transition: "dissolve")["[[>KIND|Amanda 16 Friends]] of."]]

<big><big><big>(align: "=><==")[(transition: "shudder")[''*''*[[TAP|Amanda 15 Family]]*''*'']]</big></big></big>

You were a [special child.]<b1| (click: ?b1)[This was not [a good thing.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[As a baby, your mucus-filled lungs couldn't be replaced with [a better model.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Your mildly deformed left foot couldn't be traded for something that might have grown to make you, say, better at sports, [or dancing.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[They told your parents they would never be able to conduct the major operations on your body that [other children could handle.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1s)[And your parents asked if the operations could be made [smaller.]<b4|]] (click: ?b4)[(transition: "dissolve")[If they couldn't take off a foot, [what about a toe?]<b5|]] (click: ?b5)[(transition: "dissolve")[If not two lungs - could they [[>EXCHANGE ONE?|Amanda 16 Family]]]]

<big><big><big>(align: "==><==")[(transition: "shudder")[''*''*[[TAP|Amanda 17 Friends]]*''*'']]</big></big></big>

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1s)[She was Amanda, and you were [Amanda Prime.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[Since you were here first, she [said.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You talk [about everything.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[The pieces hacked off of you and put back together, [different.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[[Wrong.]<b4|]] (click: ?b4)[(transition: "dissolve")[She said the same thing happened [to her brother.]<b5|]] (click: ?b5)[(transition: "dissolve")[He wanted to play football, but just couldn't [compete.]<b6|]] (click: ?b6)[He [can play now]<b7|, of course.] (click: ?b7)[(transition: "dissolve")[But it [[>ISN'T THE SAME|Amanda 18 Friends]]]]

<big><big><big>(align: "==><==")[(transition: "shudder")[''*''*[[TAP|Amanda 20 Friends]]*''*'']]</big></big></big>

(transition: "dissolve")[One evening, you told her you thought [you were ugly.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[She (text-style: "fade-in-out")[[gasped.]<c2|]]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[...and said you were [[beautiful.|Amanda 19 Friends]]]]

<big><big><big>(align: "==><=")[(transition: "shudder")[''*''*[[TAP|Essay Intro]]*''*'']]</big></big></big>(set: $AmandaComplete to 1)

<small>(transition: "dissolve")[[[so beautiful|Amanda 21 Friends]]]</small>

<big><big><big>(align: "==><==")[(transition: "shudder")[''*''*[[TAP|Amanda 17 Family]]*''*'']]</big></big></big>

(transition: "dissolve")[They [replaced you,]<a1|] (click: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[piece by tiny [piece,]<a2|]] (click: ?a2)[(transition: "dissolve")[until 'you' consisted of a tearful face and obedient brain on the best patchwork body [money could buy.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[All of [the other kids]<a3| (click: ?a3)[(the ones worth talking about, anyway)] received their operations at the carefully planned milestones set in place [from their birth.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Excelling at just the right points, at [just the right times.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[You were always behind - because of the surgeries, [you see.]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[You were [never good enough.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>NEVER|Amanda 18 Family]]]]

<big><big><big>(align: "==><==")[(transition: "shudder")[''*''*[[TAP|Amanda 19 Family]]*''*'']]</big></big></big>

<big><big><big>(live: 1s)[(stop:)(transition: "shudder")[AREN'T]] (live: 2s)[(stop:)(transition: "shudder")[I]] (live: 2.7s)[(stop:)(transition: "shudder")[GOOD]] (live: 3s)[(stop:)(transition: "shudder")[ENOUGH]] (live: 3.4s)[(stop:)(transition: "shudder")[FOR]] (live: 3.5s)[(stop:)(transition: "shudder")[YOU?!]]</big></big></big> (live: 5s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[You screamed these words from [newly-installed vocal chords.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Your parents were pleased to note the new resonance in [your voice.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[*Behind her peers, of course, but that [can't be helped.]<c2|*] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[You never forgot [[>WHAT THEY TOLD YOU.|Amanda 20 Family]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[After 15 years of countless, agonizing procedures, [they said...]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 2s)[You could [[>BE BETTER.|Amanda 21 Family]]]]

<big><big><big>(align: "==><==")[(transition: "shudder")[''*''*[[TAP|Amanda 22 Family]]*''*'']]</big></big></big>

(align: "==><==")[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 2s)[You could ***could have*** [[>BEEN BETTER.|Amanda 23 Family]]]]

<big><big><big>(align: "==><==")[(transition: "shudder")[''*''*[[TAP|Amanda 24 Family]]*''*'']]</big></big></big>

<small>(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 3s)[you could ***always*** be [[better.|Amanda 25 Family]]]</small>

<big><big><big>(align: "==><=")[(transition: "shudder")[''*''*[[TAP|Essay Intro]]*''*'']]</big></big></big>(set: $AmandaComplete to 1)

<big>(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: ...I'm sorry if I haven't been clear, [Mr. Bates.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: You have [[>NO OPTIONS.|Donovan 3]]]]</big>

(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: The operations [you want--]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[YOU: [Need.]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Doctor Mills raises his hands in a [placating gesture.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 0.9s)[Dr. MILLS: *Need* - they're prohibitively [expensive.]<c4|]] (click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>SQUEEZE ARMREST|Donovan 4]] [[>CLENCH JAW|Donovan 4]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: I read that some sort of recent advance allowed for some, mass production, [thing?]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[YOU: It got cheaper, is what I'm [trying to say.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: That is true, in a way. But it only [goes so far.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: A prosthesis is, unfortunately, still beyond the reach of someone [in your income bracket.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>SIGH|Donovan 5]] [[>BRUSH THINNING HAIR BACK|Donovan 5]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: Shouldn't I have a service stipend? Something to put me [over the top?]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[Doctor Mills flashes a brief, [patronizing smile.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The irritating kind of smile that says he doesn't have to answer your questions, but he's getting paid enough that it doesn't matter [either way.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[For all he cares, you could be [a talkative shrub.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[Or perhaps a kind of [ficus.]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: We all served, [Mr. Bates.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>GRIMACE|Donovan 6]] [[>RAISE EYEBROWS|Donovan 6]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1s)[YOU: <big>*[Really?]<c1|*</big>] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: I worked for a quarter of my salary as [a pathologist.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: I probably spent hundreds of hours examining blood samples, identifying what new, *exciting* STDs our boys were managing to pick up during [the war.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: But I'm sure your squad saw such scares first-hand, [eh?]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>SMILE GRIMLY|Donovan 6a]] [[>BLINK|Donovan 6a]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 2.4s)[DR. MILLS: Anyway... The technology powering the most basic of prostheses nowadays has placed them outside of [what your insurance will cover.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: I can prescribe you some antibiotics, or painkillers if you really need - or want - them, [but...]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: There's nothing else I can do [for you.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>THINK|Donovan 8]] [[>WONDER|Donovan 8]] [[>SEETHE|Donovan 8]] [[>WORRY|Donovan 8]] [[>JUDGE|Donovan 8]] [[>PRAY|Donovan 8]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: So there's [nothing I can do?]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[The doctor shakes [his head.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: [No.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: And there's [nothing my insurance will do?]<c4|]] (click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: [No.]<c5|]] (click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: And [there's nothing you can do?]<c6|]] (click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: Unless you can generate an income of over forty-thousand dollars [starting tomorrow?]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: [No.]<c7|]] (click: ?c7)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>OBSERVE|Donovan 9]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You look around the cramped office, lined with diplomas and charts and a few spare [family photos.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You've spent an hour and a half in this room [for nothing.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You neglect to say 'thank you' on [your way out.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Mills pretends to not notice, and you [[>PRETEND TO NOT CARE|Donovan 10]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You exit the office with [your head held high.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[But your jutted chin quickly [falls.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[You're [a broken relic.]<b2|] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[You can mouth off at bureaucrats all you want, but the world you fought for [isn't coming back.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[Neither is [[>YOUR ARM.|Donovan 11]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: No, [actually.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: I fought for [the other guys.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Doctor Mills jolts in [his seat]<a1|(click: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[ (you note with some satisfaction)]], and begins flipping through [your file.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: But, uh, it says here you [served under--]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: [Prisoners of war.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: When you won, we were given a deal we couldn't refuse, integrated into society, and paid to [[>KEEP OUR MOUTHS SHUT.|Donovan 6b]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[Doctor Mills stops turning the pages of [your file.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[You realize that this is the first time he's looked directly into [your eyes.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: It's a good thing those old conflicts [don't matter.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[There's something dangerous lurking in his [pupils.]<c3|] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[DR. MILLS: Now that the result has been [decided, I mean.]<c4|]] (click: ?c4)[YOU: Of [course.]<c5|] (click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[(link: ">SMIRK")[(set: $smirkingD to 1)(go-to: "Donovan 6c")] (link: ">GRIN")[(set: $grinningD to 1)(go-to: "Donovan 6c")]]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 2s)[You're standing outside of a metropolitan hospital, on the edge of a curb, and [a bus is coming.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>FAST.|Donovan 12]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[The doctor said [you didn't have any options.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[That you couldn't do [[>ANYTHING.|Donovan 13]]]]

(align: "==><==")[(transition: "dissolve")[[[He was wrong.|Amanda Intro]]]] (set: $DonovanComplete to 1)

(transition: "dissolve")[You return his gaze with your own (if: $smirkingD is 1)[smirking](if: $grinningD is 1)[grinning] [glare.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[In your eyes, there is also, [something dangerous.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Something [flashing and hungry.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You stare him down, and as you do, you can *feel* your phantom hand [gripping the left armrest.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[Digging ghost nails into the ostentatious red leather [upholstery.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1s)[...You [need this man.]<b4|]] (click: ?b4)[His [service.]<b5|] (click: ?b5)[Your insurance and your stipend and [the whole damn thing.]<c3|] (click: ?c3)[[Shit.]<b6|] (click: ?b6)[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>SHIT SHIT SHIT|Donovan 6d]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.33s)[The moment passes, and you return to [your former roles.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Doctor and [[>PATIENT.|Donovan 7]]]]

<h2>CREDITS:</h2> ''Design, Programming, Writing, etc.:'' *Xalavier Nelson Jr.* ''Testing/Feedback:'' *Raven Stark* *Ted Lee* *Valerie Minnich* *Gary Kings* *Evan Todd* *Daniel West* ''Special Thanks To:'' [*Dad*]<d1|(click: ?d1)[<br>(You've made my entire career possible, Dad. Thank you.)] [*Greg Johnson*]<g1|(click: ?g1)[<br>(For helping me refocus my priorities.)] [*Jason & Nicole Stark*]<s1|(click: ?s1)[<br>(For giving me the advice I should have followed, but didn't.)] [*Bill Gardner*]<b1|(click: ?b1)[<br>(For the wrist exercises.)] ...and *You*, for [playing.]<c1| <big>[[>RETURN TO MAIN MENU|MAIN MENU]]</big>

(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: Dr. Kirov is [in the area.]<a1|] (click: ?a1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Now, he can get a set of Replacements installed and DNA-matched in less [than--]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[YOU: [No.]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: But I was [just--]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[YOU: I said [**NO**, Jean.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: We've had this conversation [before.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[YOU: I am *not* getting [a Replacement.]<b3|] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[YOU: Especially from that [[>QUACK.|Claudia 8 Rub]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: He's not a quack. He [was a licensed doctor--]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "shudder")+(transition-time: 0.5s)[YOU: *Was*, Jean! Do you [even hear yourself?]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: The operation is *safe*, Claudia! And there's ways to get around the non-prosthetic screening. I'm [telling you--]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[YOU: You're full of shit, [Jean.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[YOU: This conversation is [over.]<c4|] (click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[Jean huffs in frustration and moves towards the exit. [He's stammering.]<c5|]] (click: ?c5)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: Y-You know, when we started, you told me you'd do anything to be [the best.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[JEAN: I guess that was shit, [too.]<c6|]] (click: ?c6)[(transition: "dissolve")[Jean leaves the room, slamming the door [[>BEHIND HIM.|Claudia 9 Rub]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You're in a room filled with devices designed to allow you to endure the [greatest physical trial of your life.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[There are the massage tables, where you can have some of the stress of the day [kneaded out of your body.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[There are the gel baths, filled with stimulating charges designed to reduce swelling and [tension.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[And here you are, alone, leaning on a table and breathing like you've run a marathon after arguing with [your brother.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[It's [true.]<b4|] (click: ?b4)[You can [feel it.]<b5|] (click: ?b5)[(transition: "dissolve")[You can't ride tomorrow and get away [with it.]<b6|]] (click: ?b6)[(transition: "dissolve")[And after this Tour, you might not have many chances left to [[>FULFILL YOUR DREAM.|Claudia 13 Flick]]]]

<big>(align: "==><==")[(transition: "dissolve")[What do you do?]]</big> (live: 1.89s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[[[>CHEAT|Claudia Replaces]] [[>RIDE UNDER YOUR OWN POWER - NO MATTER WHAT|Claudia Doesn't Replace]] (colour: grey)[>QUIT, REST UP, STOP PUSHING YOURSELF PAST THE BREAKING POINT LIKE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO PROVE, AND COME BACK AGAIN NEXT YEAR WITH A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY TO TRIUMPH]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You're in a room filled with devices designed to allow you to endure the [greatest physical trial of your life.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[There are the massage tables, where you can have some of the stress of the day [kneaded out of your body.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[There are the gel baths, filled with stimulating charges designed to reduce swelling and [tension.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[(transition: "dissolve")[And here you are, alone, sitting on a table and breathing like you've run a marathon after arguing with [your brother.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[It's [true.]<b4|] (click: ?b4)[You can [feel it.]<b5|] (click: ?b5)[(transition: "dissolve")[You can't ride tomorrow and get away [with it.]<b6|]] (click: ?b6)[(transition: "dissolve")[And after this Tour, you might not have many chances left to [[>FULFILL YOUR DREAM.|Claudia 10 Rub]]]]

<big>(align: "==><==")[(transition: "dissolve")[What do you do?]]</big> (live: 1.89s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[[[>CHEAT|Claudia Replaces]] [[>RIDE UNDER YOUR OWN POWER - NO MATTER WHAT|Claudia Doesn't Replace]] (colour: grey)[>QUIT, REST UP, STOP PUSHING YOURSELF PAST THE BREAKING POINT LIKE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO PROVE, AND COME BACK NEXT YEAR WITH A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY TO TRIUMPH]]]

***(transition: "dissolve")[Welcome to the fifth hour of our Stage 18 live coverage of the [Tour de France.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Recalling her dominance of previous stages, Claudia Durand rides at the head of the pack with [[>A RENEWED--|Claudia Replaces 2]]]]***

<big><big>(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 2s)[Your name [is Claudia Durand.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[You used to [[>BE SOMEBODY.|Claudia Doesn't Replace 2]]]]</big></big>

***(transition: "dissolve")[Wait, [we're seeing...]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[Durand appears to be [wobbling.]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[What COULD be causing this [[>UNEXPECTED--|Claudia Replaces 3]]]***

(transition: "dissolve")[The antibacterial fabric of your carpet pulls at your socks as you walk [into your kitchen.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Pulling two cheap bottles of wine from its central, expanding chamber, you slam the cooler door shut with a grunt of [[>SATISFACTION.|Claudia Doesn't Replace 3]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[A lot happened in the thirty years since you rode in the [2047 Tour de France.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Bono [finally died.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[The Second Separation War ended in two short years, after a constant series of guerilla acts of [terrorism.]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(The [rebels won.]<c3|)] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[And the Tour itself evolved, turning into a three-month pageant of machinery that relied on engineering as much as [it did endurance.]<c4|]] (click: ?c4)[(transition: "dissolve")[Your Tour doesn't exist, [anymore.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[And that's [[>JUST FINE.|Claudia Doesn't Replace 4]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[You sit on your bed and look up at the ceiling to confirm [your download has completed.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[You deleted your favorite video again last night, and immediately recognized you had [to get it back.]<b2|] (click: ?b2)[Thank God torrents still [exist.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Opening the file, an explosion of light projects from a small orb located on the ceiling into [your retinas.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[It's the 2047 Tour de France, in stark detail, [[>LARGER THAN LIFE|Claudia Doesn't Replace 5]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.7s)[A stroke paralyzed the left side of your body 3 hours in. You careened off the track into the parked car of a spectator, ending [your riding career.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[But you skip the [accident.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[That isn't what you come here to see, time and [[>TIME AGAIN|Claudia Doesn't Replace 6]]]]

(transition: "dissolve")[Dr. Kirov had [another patient that day.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[Someone who said ['Yes'.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Andrea Cherzik had Replaced her legs, and mid-race, the flesh connecting her pelvis to her thighs began to [rot away.]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Her body rejected the treatment, so the entire world got to see her fall apart, [[>PIECE BY AGONIZING PIECE|Claudia Doesn't Replace 7]]]]

You never competed in another Tour, but ironically, thanks to Jean's hard sell, you never became [a cheater either.]<c1| (set: $ClaudiaComplete to 1) (click: ?c1)[*Merci beaucoup,* [asshole.]<c2|] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[You raise a bottle of wine into the air in salute, and [rewind the recording.]<c3|]] (click: ?c3)[(transition: "dissolve")[[Over...]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(align: "==><==")[(transition: "dissolve")[...and [over...]<b2|]]] (click: ?b2)[(align: "==><=")[(transition: "dissolve")[[[>AND OVER AGAIN|Donovan Intro]]]]]

***(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1s)[[oh]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Oh [my.]<c2|]] (click: ?c2)[(transition: "dissolve")[The skin on Durand's [legs...]<b1|]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[...appears to be [[>ROTTING|Claudia Replaces 4]]]]***

***(transition: "dissolve")[I do not wish to alarm our viewers, but pieces of Claudia Durand appear to be...(live: 3.2s)[(stop:)(transition: "dissolve")[falling, onto [the course.]<b1|]]] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[A pile-up seems to be occurring, with some riders stopping in the middle of the road to [watch further developments.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Half of her left thigh seems to be [missing--]<b2|]] (click: ?b2)[(transition: "dissolve")[[Oh God.]<b3|]] (click: ?b3)[She does not appear to be in control of the bike, or [her legs.]<b4|] (click: ?b4)[(transition: "dissolve")[I repeat, Claudia Durand does NOT appear to be in control [[>OF HER LEGS.|Claudia Replaces 5]]]]***

<big>***CLAUDIA DURAND IS RACING [[TOWARDS THE SIDELINES--|Claudia Replaces 6]]***</big>

<big>***(transition: "dissolve")[Claudia Durand has crashed into the vehicle of [a spectator.]<b1|] (click: ?b1)[(transition: "dissolve")[It seems to be a truck, of some [kind.]<c1|]] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")[She does not [[>APPEAR TO BE MOVING.|Claudia Replaces 7]]]]***</big>

***(transition: "dissolve")[It appears Claudia Durand may be incapacitated, or [worse.]<c1|] (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.12s)[Claudia Durand is [[>DOWN.|Claudia Replaces 8]]]]***

***(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 1.2s)[I [repeat...]<c1|] (set: $ClaudiaComplete to 1) (click: ?c1)[(transition: "dissolve")+(transition-time: 2.4s)[[[>CLAUDIA DURAND IS DOWN|Donovan Intro]]]]***