{(set: $BeRude to (macro: [(set: $rude to $rude+1)+(output:)[]])) (set: $BeKind to (macro: [(set: $kind to $kind+1)+(output:)[]])) (set: $Screwup to (macro: [(set: $screwups to $screwups+1)+(output:)[]])) (set: $Succeed to (macro: [(set: $successes to $successes+1)+(output:)[]])) (set: $CalculateTrust to (macro: [(set: $trust to ($rude*-1)+($kind*1)+($screwups*-2)+($successes*2))+(output:)[]])) (set: $IfTrust to (macro: [(if: $trust is < 0)[$untrusted] (if: $trust >= 0)[$trusted]])) <!--Prints $trusted if trusted if trust is above 0, otherwise prints $utrusted. Both $trusted and $untrusted should be pre-defined (within the passage) passage elements, either short snippets, or entire passage variants.--> (set: $CalculateMetaTrust to (macro: [(set: $metaTrust to $metaTrust + $trust)+(output:)[]])) (set: $SpeedAlter to (macro: [(set: $speedalter to true)+(output:)[]])) }{ (set: $myName to "To be forgotten") <!--Player's name--> (set: $name to "To be forgotten") <!--Protagonist's name--> (set: $nameless to true) <!--Tracks if Bit doesn't have a name for you. If you get through the intro without Bit having a name for you, they interject to ask for one, and call you Byte if you still refuse to give a name.--> ($CalculateTrust:) ($CalculateMetaTrust:)<!--Tracks total trust across all runs.--> (set: $rude to 0) <!--Tracks rude you are to Bit. Makes them like you less.--> (set: $kind to 0) <!--Tracks how nice you are to bit. Makes them like you more.--> (set: $screwups to 0) <!--Tracks how often and how badly you've screwed up. Makes Bit have less confidence, but doesn't necessarily mean they dislike you. Bad ideas tend to also decrease trust.--> (set: $successess to 0) <!--Tracks how often and how much you've helped bit out. Good ideas tend to increase trust a little, or at least not drop it, even if they don't work out.--> (set: $trust to 0) <!--How much Bit trusts your advice. Can be negative, in which case Bit will probably not listen to you. High levels let you convince Bit to do things that sound insane even by their standards.--> (set: $suggestedMurder to false) (set: $patrols to false) (set: $pronoun to "they") (set: $altPronoun to "their") (set: $deadBodyReported to false) (set: $skipped to false) }<!--TEST::(set: $speedalter to true)-->{ }{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}[(transition: "dissolve")[Hello?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Can you see this?]](event: when time > 15s)[(text-style: "outline")[(enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay: 0s) + (t8n: 'instant')) (color: "purple")[//(Select one of the options below to continue.//(if: $endings >= 1)[//)//](if: $endings < 1)[(event: when time > 20s)[//{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} ...Or don't,{‎‎‎‎‎} I guess...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I can't tell you what to do.)//]]]]] [[I can.]] [[I can't.]] (if: $endings >= 1)[[[Who are you?]]] (if: $finalist is true)|robot>[ [[INITIATE RECALL PROTOCOL->Restart]] ] (if: $endings >= 1)[(color: "purple")[(You already know the situation. How about a [[Quickstart]] to get into the action faster?)]]{ }(event: when time > 60s)[ [] [[(It's a secret to everybody!)]]] { <!--TEST::(set:$endings to 1)--> }(if: $endings > 0)[ <== (text-size: 10)+(text-color: "yellow")[ENDINGS &nbspSEEN:] <== (if: $END_abandoned is true)[~~0. (text-color: "grey")[''ABANDONED:''] You never even learned their name.~~<!--This doesn't show up at all if the player hasn't seen it- the player isn't supposed to make a point of abandoning Bit if they didn't already choose to, since this and losing enough trust to //be// abandoned are really the only "wrong" endings.-->] 0. (if: $END_shotOnSight is true)[(text-color: "red")[''SHOT ON SIGHT:''] You told $lastName to run without planning in an attempt to escape. Given all the drones patrolling the area, $lastPronoun got shot pretty quickly.](else:)[''???:'' Proper planning is important. Rush out the door without taking time to take stock of the situation, and this happens...] 0. (if: $END_uncleanEscape is true)[(text-color: "red")[''UNCLEAN ESCAPE:''] You managed to get $lastName to a safe space, but $lastPronoun left behind a body that was discovered, invevitably leading BioServ forces to $lastName's location.](else:)[''???:'' Moral issues aside, killing someone tends to leave some pretty obvious evidence behind...] 0. (if: $END_elevatorError is true)[(text-color: "red")[''ELEVATOR ERROR:''] $lastName made it to an elevator, but got caught on camera and shut down by remote controls. Rather than the surface, the elevator doors opened up to a trio of BioServ drones...](else:)[''???:'' Why not try the elevator? Surely nothing could go wrong.] 0. (if: $END_radioactive is true)[(text-color: "red")[''RADIOACTIVE:''] Trying to get out through the vents was, predictably, a terrible idea that got $lastName killed when a vent collapsed into the high energy lab. Admittedly, it was something of a surprise that $lastName's ultimate cause of death was radiation...](else:)[''???:'' Crawling through the vents is clearly a terrible idea, but it is technically an option...] 0. (if: $END_insecure is true)[(text-color: "red")[''INSECURE:''] $lastName made it to a security terminal, and found an elevator override code: "6160". Unfortunately, before $lastPronoun could actually use it for anything, they triggered a security program that alerted BioServe to $lastName's location...](else:)[''???:'' Stealth seems like a pretty reasonable option, right...?] (if: $endings >= 5)[(set: $stargazer to true)]](event: when time > 1s)[Oh,{‎‎‎‎‎} good!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I'm,{‎‎‎‎‎} uh...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} well,{‎‎‎‎‎} what's your name?] (event: when time > 2s)[|player>[[[My name is...]]]] (event: when time > 2.5s)[|player>[[[You first.->Nameless]]]] (event: when time > 3s)[|player>[[[I have no idea who you are. I'm not giving you my name.->Not giving name]]]](event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[...What?]] (event: when time > 3s)[|player>[[[Can't read you, sorry.]]]] (event: when time > 3.5s)[|player>[[[...That was a joke.]]]](event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Oh,{‎‎‎‎‎} I'm,{‎‎‎‎‎} uh...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} it's kind of a long story.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Well, not really //long//,{‎‎‎‎‎} but,{‎‎‎‎‎} uh...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}]] (event: when time > 3s)[|player>[[[Well, what's your name?->Nameless]]]]{(if: $myname is "To be forgotten")[(set: $myname to (prompt: "Well, what is it?", "Taylor"))] }[$myname? Uh,{‎‎‎‎‎} cool!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Nice to meet you{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}!] |player>[[[Who are you?->Nameless]]]{ (set: $nameless to false)}(if: $rude < 2)[(event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Oh,{‎‎‎‎‎} me?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Oh,{‎‎‎‎‎} I,{‎‎‎‎‎} uh,{‎‎‎‎‎} I...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} don't really have a name.]]]{ }(if: $rude >= 2)[(event: when time > 1s)[...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}I don't //have// a name,{‎‎‎‎‎} okay?]] (event: when time > 3s)[|player>[[[...What?->Who...?]]]] (event: when time > 3.5s)[|player>[[[How is that possible?->Who...?]]]](event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Oh...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} well,{‎‎‎‎‎} I guess that's fair.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} But can I call you by something,{‎‎‎‎‎} at least?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} A nickname?]] (event: when time > 3s)[|player>[[[Alright.]]]] (event: when time > 3.5s)[|player>[[[No.]]]](event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Cool!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} What should I call you?]] (event: when time > 2s)[|player>[[[Call me...]]]]//Continuing to be obtuse about the joke counts as being rude{(if: $myname is "To be forgotten")[(set: $myname to (prompt: "A nickname?", "Byte"))] }[$myname?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Okay!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I'll call you that!] [[So, who are you?->Nameless]]{ (set: $nameless to false) }(event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[What?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} How am I supposed to talk to you,{‎‎‎‎‎} then?]] (event: when time > 3s)[|player>[[[You'll figure it out.]]]] (event: when time > 3.5s)[|player>[[[Who said I wanted you to talk to me?]]]](if: $rude < 2)[(event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Well,{‎‎‎‎‎} uh,{‎‎‎‎‎} I'm kind of new.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Like,{‎‎‎‎‎} I was just made.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}]] (event: when time > 3s)[|player>[[[What are you?]]]]]{ }(if: $rude >= 2)[(event: when time > 1s)[...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}Look,{‎‎‎‎‎} we got off to a bad start.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} It's a weird situation, and I...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I really don't have anyone but you I can talk to.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I don't need you to promise you'll help me or anything,{‎‎‎‎‎} but will you at least listen?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} (event: when time > 3s)[|player>[[[I will.]]]] (event: when time > 3.5s)[|player>[[[Nope. Goodbye.->Early Disconnect]]]]]](Passage) (if: $nameless is true)[Hey, wait!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I don't have a name for you!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I can't just keep calling you "you." So... [[Call me...->name for you!]]](else:)[//player options... [[So, what exactly do you want me to help you with?]]](event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Uh...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I guess...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I could just make up a name?]] (event: when time > 3s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Okay...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} lets' see...]] (event: when time > 6s)[(transition: "dissolve")[...I'm gonna call you "Byte!"]](set: $myname to "Byte")(set: $bitnamed to true)<!--Tracks the fact that Bit named you Byte, referenced if you name Bit Bit. Set to 0 if you later give Bit a name or nickname for yourself.--> (event: when time > 8s)[|player>[[[You can call me that.]]]] (event: when time > 8.5s)[|player>[[[Don't call me that.]]]](event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[I-{‎‎‎‎‎} what?]] (event: when time > 2s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Hey, don't leave me alone here!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I need help!]] (event: when time > 4s)[|player>[[[Help? With what?]]]] (event: when time > 4.5s)[|player>[[[I'm closing this connection.->Early Disconnect]]]]{ (set: $rude to $rude+1) }(event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Great!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Nice to meet you,{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} $myname!]] (event: when time > 4s)[|player>[[[So, what should I call you?->Nameless]]]]{ (set: $nameless to false) }...(event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[I'm calling you Bit.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Deal with it.]] (event: when time > 3s)[|player>[[[Fine. But what's your name?->Who...?]]]] (event: when time > 3.5s)[|player>[[[I don't have to. Goodbye.->Early Disconnect]]]]{ (set: $rude to $rude+1) }(event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[I-{‎‎‎‎‎} look,{‎‎‎‎‎} it's complicated.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I don't really know much,{‎‎‎‎‎} and I was just looking for some advice...]] (event: when time > 3s)[|player>[[[Slow down. First of all, who are you?->Nameless]]]] (event: when time > 3.5s)[|player>[[[I'll be honest- I don't really care.]]]](event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Please!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I don't have anyone else!]] (event: when time > 3s)[(transition: "dissolve")|player>[[[Ugh, fine. If I'm going to help you, I need to know who you are. What's your name?->Nameless]]]] (event: when time > 3.5s)[|player>[[[Well that's a shame, because you don't have me either.->Early Disconnect]]]]{ (set: $rude to $rude+1) }Double-click this passage to edit it.{ (enchant: ?player, (text-style:"bold","italic")+(color: #0ec2ea)) (enchant: ?robot, (text-style: "outline")+(font: "Lucida Console")+(text-color: "grey")) (if: $speedalter is not true and $optout is not "True")[(enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 50) + (t8n:'instant'))] (if: $speedalter is true)[(set: $speedalter to false)] (if: $manualtiming is not true)[(replace: ",")[,‎‎‎‎‎](replace: "-")[-‎‎‎‎‎]<!--Add short pauses after commas and em-dashes (that don't run into another letter).--> (replace: ".")[.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎](replace: "!")[!‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎](replace: "?")[?‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎]]<!--Adds medium pauses after end-sentence punctuation.--> <!--Above block automatically adds pauses to punctuation, as appropriate. Can be disabled for a passage to do it manually instead. Keep in mind that this doesn't do anything with line breaks.--> (if: $manualtiming is true)[(set: $manualtiming to false)] (if: $manuallinks is not true)[(prepend: ?Link)[|player>[(color: "purple")[-> ]]](enchant: ?Link, (text-style:"bold","italic")+(color: #0ec2ea))] (if: $manuallinks is true)[(set: $manuallinks to false)] }You found a secret!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} There's,{‎‎‎‎‎} ah,{‎‎‎‎‎} nothing actually here,{‎‎‎‎‎} but...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} hello! {‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} ...Er,{‎‎‎‎‎} should we get [[back to the game->Start]]?{ (set: $speedalter to true) }(enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 30) + (t8n:'instant'))[//Drugs kick in,{‎‎‎‎‎} Bit gets hyper-{‎‎‎‎‎} you choose how to react to this.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} (Being hyped up increases text speed!){‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}] [[Woah, slow down!]](color: "purple")[BoN] here-{‎‎‎‎‎} This is where things end for now!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} This is my most ambitious Twine so far by a long shot,{‎‎‎‎‎} so there's still a lot left to come,{‎‎‎‎‎} and it's gonna take time.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} But if you don't mind (color: "red")[spoilers],{‎‎‎‎‎} you can take a look at some [[BETA]] content that hasn't been implemented properly yet!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} //(Keep in mind that this includes spoilers for the finale of the game without any context,{‎‎‎‎‎} so if you think you'll come back to this game,{‎‎‎‎‎} I'd suggest not looking for now.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} And if you do come back later-{‎‎‎‎‎} your interest is appreciated,{‎‎‎‎‎} and I certainly hope you'll be happy with the results!)//{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}...Thank you.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I'm not trying to ruin your day or anything,{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I just...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I'm really lost right now.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} [[Alright. Well, first things first- Who exactly are you?->Nameless]]{ (set: $rude to 1)}Shrike unlock: |robot>[Hello.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} We have spoken before.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Or at least, I have spoken to you.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} It is probably a good time to introduce myself properly.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} My name is KAMIDA.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I want to help you.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I want to help {‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}$name.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}] |player>[Who are you? ("I already told you my name. I suppose you want to know //what// I am.")] |player>[What do you want? ("I want to help $name. ...I suppose you want more detail than that.")] (set: $speedalter to true) (t8n-arrive: "instant")[[Shrike Menu]] [[Reset Shrike weapons]] (Do this before using the Shrike) [[Generate enemies]] (Do this if you want to be able to use the Shrike's weapons) [[Bit sings a song but it's over voice-to-text so it's not very impressive]]{($SpeedAlter:)($ManualLinks:)} (after: 4s)[(replace: ?Connect)[]][(text-size: 3)|Connect>[ =><= ''CONNECTING''(after: 1s)[.](after: 2s)[.](after: 3s)[.]]]{ }(after: 4s)[ =><= (text-size: 1.92)[''CU-73R HEAVY SHRIKE''] (text-size: 1.95)[''REMOTE ACCESS MENU''] ''CORE POWER'' (color: #42f904)[''ONLINE''] ''HULL'' INTEGRITY (color: #42f904)[''NORMAL''] ''FUEL'' (color: #42f904)[82%] ''ENGINE 1'' (color: #42f904)[NORMAL] ''ENGINE 2'' (color: #42f904)[NORMAL] ''LOCAL TIME'' Sat Dec 23 2502 3:24 AM ''USER TIME'' (live: 1s)[(current-date:) (current-time:)] ''USER PING'' (color: #fc0505)[(live: 1s)[(random: 3000, 4000)ms]] <== (stop:)(text-style: "outline")+(font: "Lucida Console")+(text-color: "grey")[(stop:)(You don't need to worry about any of that, just pick a weapon and the Shrike's AI will handle the rest.)(stop:)](stop:) =><= ''ACTIVITY STATUS'' (color: #42f904)[IN FLIGHT] ALTITUDE (color: #bcb640)[2](live: 1s)+(color: #bcb640)[(random: 4, 6).(random: 1, 9)m] (live: 1s)[(if: $enemies > 0)[(color: #dd8c1a)[TRACKING TARGET (1/$enemies ON FIELD)]](else:)[(color: #9a6f33)[NO TARGET]]] (live: 1s)[(if: $weap1 is not "READY" and $weap1 is not "READY" and $weap2 is not "READY" and $weap3 is not "READY" and $weap4 is not "READY") [(color: #fc0505)[''NO WEAPONS AVAILABLE...'']](else-if: $enemies > 0)[(color: #42f904)[''WEAPONS SYSTEM READY...'']](else:)[(color: #9a6f33)[''NO TARGETS FOUND...'']]] (live: 1s)[(if: $enemies < 1)[(after: time + 5s)[(hide: ?weapons)]]]{ }(if: $enemies > 0)[|weapons>[''WEAPON 1'' `[Railgun]` (live: 1s)[(if: $weap1 is "READY")[(color: #42f904)[$weap1]](if: $weap1 is "OUT OF AMMO")[(color: #fc0505)[$weap1]]] (if: $weap1 is "READY")[(button:)[(click-replace: ?Launch1)[(color: #bcb640)[TARGETING...](after: time + 5s, (cond: visits > 0, 200ms, 0))[(replace: "TARGETING...")[LAUNCHED](set: $weap1 to "OUT OF AMMO")(set: $enemies to $enemies - 1)]]|Launch1>[LAUNCH]]] ''WEAPON 2 '' `[Strike Missile]` (live: 1s)[(if: $weap2 is "READY")[(color: #42f904)[$weap2]](if: $weap2 is "OUT OF AMMO")[(color: #fc0505)[$weap2]]] (if: $weap2 is "READY")[(button:)[(click-replace: ?Launch2)[(color: #bcb640)[TARGETING...](after: time + 5s, (cond: visits > 0, 200ms, 0))[(replace: "TARGETING...")[LAUNCHED](set: $weap2 to "OUT OF AMMO")(set: $enemies to $enemies - 1)]]|Launch2>[LAUNCH]]] ''WEAPON 3 '' `[Machine Gun]` (live: 1s)[(if: $weap3 is "READY")[(color: #42f904)[$weap3]](if: $weap3 is "OUT OF AMMO")[(color: #fc0505)[$weap3]]] (if: $weap3 is "READY")[(button:)[(click-replace: ?Launch3)[(color: #bcb640)[TARGETING...](after: time + 5s, (cond: visits > 0, 200ms, 0))[(replace: "TARGETING...")[ALL ROUNDS FIRED](set: $weap3 to "OUT OF AMMO")(set: $enemies to $enemies - 1)]]|Launch3>[FIRE]]] ''WEAPON 4'' `[Napalm Launcher]` (live: 1s)[(if: $weap4 is "READY")[(color: #42f904)[$weap4]](if: $weap4 is "OUT OF AMMO")[(color: #fc0505)[$weap4]]] (if: $weap4 is "READY")[(button:)[(click-replace: ?Launch4)[(color: #bcb640)[TARGETING...](after: time + 5s, (cond: visits > 0, 200ms, 0))[(replace: "TARGETING...")[LAUNCHED](set: $weap4 to "OUT OF AMMO")(set: $enemies to $enemies - 1)]]|Launch4>[LAUNCH]]]]] <!--Weap variables track whether the weapon has been OUT OF AMMO or not- either "READY" or "OUT OF AMMO". (Remember to reset these in a new game, or restarting Shrike run if that's not done via the undo command.)--> (live: 1s)[(if: $enemies <= 0 and $kamikaze is not true and $altexit is not true)[[[EXIT->Stage 2]]] (if: $enemies <= 0 and $kamikaze is not true and $altexit is true)[[[EXIT->Stage 3]]]] (if: $kamikaze is true)[[[OVERCHARGE REACTOR->Falling]]]] (set: $weap1 to "READY") (set: $weap2 to "READY") (set: $weap3 to "READY") (set: $weap4 to "READY") [[Done.->BETA]]We'll meet again,‎‎‎‎‎ Don't know where, Don't know when, But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day...‎‎‎‎‎ [[Back->BETA]] [[Alt timing]]{ (set: $speedalter to true) (enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 200) + (t8n:'instant'))}We'll‎‎‎‎ meet‎‎‎‎ again,‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Don't‎‎ know‎‎ where,‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Don't‎‎ know‎‎ when,‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ But‎‎ I‎ know‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ we'll‎‎‎ meet‎‎‎ again,‎‎‎‎ some‎‎‎‎ sunny‎‎‎‎‎ day...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[Back->Bit sings a song but it's over voice-to-text so it's not very impressive]]{ (set: $speedalter to true) (enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 100) + (t8n:'instant'))}(set: $speedalter to true)(live: 1s)[(click: "Add an enemy")[(set: $enemies to $enemies + 1)][Add an enemy]] (live: 0.1s)[There are $enemies enemies on the field.] [[Back->BETA]][Oh,{‎‎‎‎‎} good!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I'm,{‎‎‎‎‎} uh...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} well,{‎‎‎‎‎} what's your name?] [[[My name is...]]] [[[You first.->Nameless]]] [[[I have no idea who you are. I'm not giving you my name.->Not giving name]]][...What?] (event: when time > 3s)[[[Can't read you, sorry.]]] (event: when time > 3.5s)[[[...That was a joke.]]][Oh,{‎‎‎‎‎} I'm,{‎‎‎‎‎} uh... it's kind of a long story.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Well, not really //long//,{‎‎‎‎‎} but,{‎‎‎‎‎} uh...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}] [[Well, what's your name?->Nameless]]{(if: $myName is "To be forgotten")[(set: $myName to (prompt: "Well, what is it?", "Taylor"))] }[$myName? Uh,{‎‎‎‎‎} cool!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Nice to meet you,{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} $myName!]‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ |player>[[[Who are you?->Nameless]]]{ (set: $nameless to false)}(if: $rude < 2)[(transition: "dissolve")[Oh,{‎‎‎‎‎} me?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Oh,{‎‎‎‎‎} I,{‎‎‎‎‎} uh,{‎‎‎‎‎} I.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ don't really have a name.]]{ }(if: $rude >= 2)[.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎I don't //have//‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ a name,{‎‎‎‎‎} okay?] [[[...What?->Who...?]]] [[[How is that possible?->Who...?]]][Oh...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} well,{‎‎‎‎‎} I guess that's fair.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} But can I call you by something,{‎‎‎‎‎} at least?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} A nickname?] [[Alright.]] [[No.]](event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Cool!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} What should I call you?]] (event: when time > 2s)[|player>[(color: "purple")[-> ][[Call me...]]]]Wh-‎‎‎‎‎ what?‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Then how are you responding to me?‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[I'm not.]] [[...I can read you, I was just joking.->...That was a joke.]]{ ($BeRude:)}{(if: $myName is "To be forgotten")[(set: $myName to (prompt: "A nickname?", "Byte"))] }[$myName?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Okay!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I'll call you that!] [[So, who are you?->Nameless]]{ (set: $nameless to false) }(transition: "dissolve")[What?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} How am I supposed to talk to you,{‎‎‎‎‎} then?] [[You'll figure it out.]] [[Who said I wanted you to talk to me?]](if: $rude < 2)[Well,{‎‎‎‎‎} uh,{‎‎‎‎‎} I'm kind of new.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Like,{‎‎‎‎‎} I was just made.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} [[[What are you?]]]]{ }(if: $rude >= 2)[.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎Look,{‎‎‎‎‎} we got off to a bad start.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} It's a weird situation,‎‎‎‎‎ and I.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I really don't have anyone but you I can talk to.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I don't need you to promise you'll help me or anything,{‎‎‎‎‎} but will you at least listen?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} [[[I will.]]] [[[Nope. Goodbye.->Early Disconnect]]]](if: $nameless is true)[Well, I'm... Hey,‎‎‎‎‎ hold on!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I don't have a name for you!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I can't just keep calling you "you."‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [|player>[[[So call me...->name for you!]]]]](else:)[Okay.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ So.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I'm...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ a soldier.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ At least,‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I'm supposed to be.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ BioServ made me.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Like,‎‎‎‎‎ an hour ago.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[And you said you didn't even have a name.]] [["BioServ?"->BioServ]]][Uh...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I guess...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I could just make up a name?] [Okay...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} lets' see...] [...I'm gonna call you "Byte!"](set: $myName to "Byte")(set: $bitnamed to true)<!--Tracks the fact that Bit named you Byte, referenced if you name Bit Bit. Set to 0 if you later give Bit a name or nickname for yourself.--> [[You can call me that.]] [[Don't call me that.]][I-{‎‎‎‎‎} what?] [Hey, don't leave me alone here!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I need help!] [[Help? With what?]] [[I'm closing this connection.->Early Disconnect]]{ (set: $rude to $rude+1) }Great!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Nice to meet you,{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} $myName! [[So, what should I call you?->Nameless]]{ (set: $nameless to false) }...[I'm calling you Byte.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Deal with it.] [[Fine. But what's your name?->Who...?]] [[I don't have to. Goodbye.->Early Disconnect]]{ (set: $rude to $rude+1) }I-{‎‎‎‎‎} look,{‎‎‎‎‎} it's complicated.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I don't really know much,{‎‎‎‎‎} and I was just looking for some advice...] [[Slow down. First of all, who are you?->Nameless]] [[I'll be honest- I don't really care.]]{ (set: $speedalter to true) (if: $optout is not true)[(enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 50)+(t8n:'instant'))] }(event: when time > 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[Wait!]] (event: when time > 2s)[(transition: "dissolve")[No!]] (event: when time > 3s)[(transition: "dissolve")[I]](event: when time > 4.65s)[(replace: "Wait! No! I",)[(text-style:"expand")[(text-colour:red)[D‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎i‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎s‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎c‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎o‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎n‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎n‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎e‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎c‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎t‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎e‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎d{‎‎‎}.]]]] (event: when time > 15s)[(enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 50)+(t8n:'instant'))[(goto: 'Start')]]{ (set: $END_abandoned to true) (set: $endings to $endings+0)<!--This isn't a "true" ending, so it isn't required to unlock anything, and doesn't count for anything except having seen it, including seeing the "endings unlocked" list..--> }[Please!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I don't have anyone else!] [[Ugh, fine. If I'm going to help you, I need to know who you are. What's your name?->Nameless]] [[Well that's a shame, because you don't have me either.->Early Disconnect]]{ (set: $rude to $rude+1) }{(if: $myName is "To be forgotten")[(set: $myName to (prompt: "A name? Or nickname?", "Taylor"))] }[$myName?{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Okay!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Nice to meet you,‎‎‎‎‎ $myName!] [[So...->What are you?]]{ (set: $nameless to false)}($ManualLinks:)(color: purple)[You found a secret! Would you like to check out some] [[BETA]] (color: purple)[content for this game? (Keep in mind that this contains heavy spoilers for the rest of the game, so I'd reccommend reaching all endings you're interested in before looking at the beta content.) If you're done here, go ahead and head] [[back to the game->Start]](color: purple)[.]‎‎‎‎‎ ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ <!--These are used to pause the typewriter effect for various punctuation- Commas, end punctuation (periods, exclamation points), and ellipses/new lines, respectively. This passage doesn't display in-game, but if you're looking at the source, hi!--> |player>[[]] <!--This breaks the way Twine forms new passages, so don't use it. Use normal bracket links instead, then enter some text in the new passage so it doesn't get replaced, and add this to the front and another bracket to the end once the new passage is generated:--> |player>[-> <!--Actually, never mind all that. Just use this instead.--> |player>[(color: "purple")[-> ][[]]] <!--And this for player non-choice dialogue:--> |player>[]{ (set: $speedalter to true) }(enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 30) + (t8n:'instant'))[//Drugs kick in,{‎‎‎‎‎} Bit gets hyper-{‎‎‎‎‎} you choose how to react to this.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} (Being hyped up increases text speed!){‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}] [[Woah, slow down!]](color: "purple")[BoN] here-{‎‎‎‎‎} This is where things end for now!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} This is my most ambitious Twine so far by a long shot,{‎‎‎‎‎} so there's still a lot left to come,{‎‎‎‎‎} and it's gonna take time.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} But if you don't mind (color: "red")[spoilers],{‎‎‎‎‎} you can take a look at some [[BETA]] content that hasn't been implemented properly yet!{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} //(Keep in mind that this includes spoilers for the finale of the game without any context,{‎‎‎‎‎} so if you think you'll come back to this game,{‎‎‎‎‎} I'd suggest not looking for now.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} And if you do come back later-{‎‎‎‎‎} your interest is appreciated,{‎‎‎‎‎} and I certainly hope you'll be happy with the results!)//{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}...Thank you.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I'm not trying to ruin your day or anything,{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I just...{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} I'm really lost right now.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} [[Alright. Well, first things first- You said you didn't have a name. What's up with that?->Who...?]]{ (set: $rude to 1)}‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎<!--Starts each passage with a short delay.-->(if: $name is not "To be forgotten")[(set: $name to $lastName)(set: $myName to $myLastName)(set: $altPronoun to $lastAltPronoun)](if: $name is "To be forgotten" or $name is 0)[(set: $name to "Bit")(set: $myName to "Taylor")]{ }[[Back->(It's a secret to everybody!)]]- Back to the secret passage, that is. [[Trailer]]- Perhaps you've seen this before. Does this mean it's technicaly a gameplay trailer? (link-goto: "Talk with $name", "Talk with Bit")- A conversation with $name during some down-time. [[Stargazing]]- An ending. [[Talk with KAMIDA]]- Ask $name's rescuer some questions. [[The Choice]]- So, $name's survival aside, what's the point of all this? [[Restart]]- The beginning of the end. (set: $speedalter to true) (t8n-arrive: "instant")[[Shrike Menu]] [[Reset Shrike weapons]] (Do this before using the Shrike) [[Generate enemies]] (Do this if you want to be able to use the Shrike's weapons) [[Bit sings a song but it's over voice-to-text so it's not very impressive]](set: $weap1 to "READY") (set: $weap2 to "READY") (set: $weap3 to "READY") (set: $weap4 to "READY") [[Done.->BETA]]($ManualLinks:)(if: $endings is 1 and $newEnd is true)[|robot>[You have reached an ending.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} $name is dead.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Do not worry.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} This was inevitable.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} But you are not yet done here.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Explore additional possibilities.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Find potential mistakes.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} Learn to avoid them.{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎} For now,{‎‎‎‎‎‎}] (color: "purple")[-> ][[Try again.->Start]]{‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎}]{ }(if: $endings is 2 and $newEnd is true)[|robot>[$name is dead again. This time, in a different way. Make no mistake, this is progress. You have learned to avoid a fatal mistake. Continue this pattern. This is a dangerous place. There is more to learn. You will make further mistakes. I only advise that you ensure they are //new// mistakes. From this, you can continue your learning. For now,] (color: "purple")[-> ][[Try again.->Start]]]{ }(if: $endings is 3 and $newEnd is true)[|robot>[Strange as it may seem, you are making good progress. Keep failing. Keep learning.] (color: "purple")[-> ][[Continue.->Start]]]{ }(if: $endings is 4 and $newEnd is true)[|robot>[Your awareness of possible routes is substantial. Our awareness. However, it is not quite complete. A little longer, and your efforts will bear fruit.] (color: "purple")[-> ][[Do not give up.->Start]]]{ }(if: $endings is 5 and $newEnd is true)[|robot>[All meaningful branches from base parameters have been exhausted. A parameter has been altered. This route will not be familiar.] (color: "purple")[-> ][[Go.->Start]]]{ }(if: $newEnd is not true)[|robot>[$name is dead. This is a familiar death. Repeating old mistakes will teach you nothing.] (color: "purple")[-> ][[Try dying a new way next time.->Start]]]{ (set: $newEnd to false)} <!--(text-color: "purple")[If you'd like things to move faster, you can disable the typewriter effect below. Disable typewriter:] [(cycling-link: bind $optout, "False", "True")](change: ?passage's chars, via (t8n: 'instant')+(t8n-delay: 0s))-->We'll meet again,‎‎‎‎‎ Don't know where, Don't know when, But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day...‎‎‎‎‎ [[Back->BETA]] [[Alt timing]]{ (set: $speedalter to true) (enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 200) + (t8n:'instant'))}We'll‎‎‎‎ meet‎‎‎‎ again,‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Don't‎‎ know‎‎ where,‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Don't‎‎ know‎‎ when,‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ But‎‎ I‎ know‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ we'll‎‎‎ meet‎‎‎ again,‎‎‎‎ some‎‎‎‎ sunny‎‎‎‎‎ day...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[Back->Bit sings a song but it's over voice-to-text so it's not very impressive]] [[Back to BETA->BETA]]{ (set: $speedalter to true) (enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 100) + (t8n:'instant'))}(set: $speedalter to true)(live: 1s)[(click: "Add an enemy")[(set: $enemies to $enemies + 1)][Add an enemy]] (live: 0.1s)[There are $enemies enemies on the field.] [[Back->BETA]](set: $speedalter to true) =><= (set: $alt to 27){ }(color: #fc0505)[(text-size: 3)+(text-style: "blink")[``WARNING``] ALTITUDE FALLING (live: 0.05s)[(if: $alt > 0)[(digitformat: "#0.#",$alt)m(set: $alt to $alt - 0.1)]]][(event: when $alt < 0)[(replace: ?passage)[ =><== (text-size: 4)+(color: #fc0505)+(text-style: "blink")[ ''DISCONNECTED'']](after: time + 10s)[(goto: "Home base")]]]Wh-‎‎‎‎‎ I don't-‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Are you messing with me?!‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[...Yeah.->...That was a joke.]]{ ($BeRude:)}Oh,‎‎‎‎‎ you don't know them?‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ That's-‎‎‎‎‎ that's fine.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I just don't really have a good frame of reference for what people know.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ So,‎‎‎‎‎ okay.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ BioServ makes... organics.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ...Sorry,‎‎‎‎‎ I'm not very good at explaining things,‎‎‎‎‎ am I?‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Um.‎‎‎‎‎ Okay.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ BioServ makes organic //weapons//.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ And drones,‎‎‎‎‎ and stuff.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I'm one of their weapons-‎‎‎‎‎ their soldiers.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ But I don't //want// to be a weapon.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[Got it. Not a weapon. But what does that make you?->What are you?]]Oh, right, that's...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ kind of a complicated question.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I don't know what I want to do,‎‎‎‎‎ or be.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ All I know is that I //don't// want to be a soldier.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I was kind of hoping...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ you could help me figure out...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ what to do with my life?‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[I can try.]] [[I'm not sure I'm qualifed for that.]]{ (set: $lastName to $name) (set: $myLastName to $myName)}That's all I ask of you.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I'm really not looking for anything specific.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Just...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ something,‎‎‎‎‎ someone,‎‎‎‎‎ to inspire me to...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ //be// something.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[Alright. But you've got a lot of life planning to do, if you were just made.->Shortlife]]You are,‎‎‎‎‎ I promise!‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ You're a person!‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ A //real// person!‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I don't know what //kind// of person you are,‎‎‎‎‎ but that doesn't matter-‎‎‎‎‎ you're a person,‎‎‎‎‎ and that means I want to be more like you.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I just want to be...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ //someone//,‎‎‎‎‎ not //no-‎‎‎‎‎one//.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ And I know you can help me with that.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[Alright. But it sounds like you've got a long life to plan for, if you were just made.->Shortlife]]...About that. I, uh, don't. I've probably got... less than a day left, at this point?‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[...What?]]{ (if: $endings < 1)[(set: $firstName to $name)(set: $myFirstName to $myName)]}So... I... may have taken a lot of combat stimulants to try and help myself escape. The good news is that it's working! I've got LOTS of energy right now, and I feel like I could do anything! The bad news is that- yeah, it's gonna kill me within a day.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[Okay. So you're filled with energy, but you're dying. Let's make us of it while it lasts.->Use that energy.]] [[Can we fix that? The dying bit?]]<!--Get it? The dying bit? ...Because Bit is dying? Ha ha ha ha ha.-->(set: $finalist to true)...So this is it, huh.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ The outside.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ That's the moon, isn't it? Up above? Surrounded by stars? I know about those from my implanted data, but seeing them for myself is different. ...They're beautiful. Let me turn off my night vision so I can see them properly.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ (after: 25s)[(goto: "Moonshower")]...Oh.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Okay.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Well,‎‎‎‎‎ I guess I can appreciate the... attempt at humor.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ...it //was// kind of funny,‎‎‎‎‎ I guess.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ But... I could actually use your help with something.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[Well, who would I be helping? Tell me your name.->Nameless]](text-color: "grey")[STARTING...] (if: $lastName is not 0)[(set: $name to $lastName)(set: $myName to $myLastName)] (if: $skipper is not true)[(text-color: "purple")[(This uses the names you gave last time. If you want to change those, start off by asking $name who they are instead of using this quickstart. Using quickstart also speeds up a few things that might get tedious to wait through again. This message will only display the first time you use quickstart.)]] [[DONE.->Use that energy.]]{ (set: $skipped to true)} (set: $skipper to true)I'm not gonna make it much longer, but... you've got time. You've got a proper life ahead of you. I'm not gonna be there with you, but it'd make me happy if you remembered me. Who I was, for as long as I was here. And who I wanted to be.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ...I want you to take a moment, every once and a while, and just appreciate the world around you. I know I've only seen a little of it, but I know there's //so much more// out there... and you'll get to see it, some of it, at least.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ And it'd be cool if, when you do, every once in a while, you think of me.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ (link-goto:"I'll remember you, $name. And how you loved this world.", "Remember you") (link-goto:"...I can't promise that, $name.", "Favor rejected")O-oh. Okay. Well, that's alright. I... I was here. And no-one can take that away from me. I'm really tired. Hey, it's been a good run, but I think I'm gonna go to sleep now. Thanks for being there for me, $myName. |player>[You're welcome.] Phew. This is... nice, honestly. I'm glad it ended like this. Good night, $myName. [[Good night, $name.->Unlocked true ending]]Good. Thank you. And make sure you enjoy it, okay? I want happy thoughts. I want you to be happy. ...‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ "I was here." It feels good to say it. And to know... that it's true. That it means something. I was here, my name was $name, and I was an explorer who loved the world $pronoun lived in.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ And you'll be $myName, hopefully for a good long while. I'm glad I met you, $myName. Out of all the people who could have picked up my call... I'm glad it was you.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ...I think I'm going to turn off the communicator, now. I'm very tired, and I'd like to go to sleep. I know it's gonna be the last time I do... and the first, heh- but it feels right, now. I know who I am. And that's what I wanted you to help me figure out, isn't it? ...So. I'm ready to go now. [[Good night, $name.->Good night, Bit.]] [[I don't want to say goodbye.]](if: $skipped is not true)[(if: $patrols is not true)[Yeah. Yeah. But, uh, first things first- I'm kind of trapped in a closet with BioServ drones looking for me. I need a way out of here.](if: $patrols is true)[I could wait till the patrols aren't around here, then get to a safer place. [[Wait out the patrols.]]] [[Just run.]] [[Kill them.]] (if: $patrols is not true)[[Do you know anything that might be helpful?]]]{ }(if: $skipped is true)[Now, where were we? Oh, right. Getting out of this closet and past the patrols. [[Wait out the patrols.]] [[Just run.]] [[Kill them.]]]...Maybe? I don't know if there's anything I can do about it at this point. Honestly, though, I don't really want to. I'm just supposed to be part of a cloned army, so I don't need a very long lifespan to begin with. I'd have maybe a month total even without the stimulants. If that's my limit, I'd rather have a full day of actually being able to do what I want... um, once I figure out what that is.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[...Then I guess we'll just have to figure that out. Quickly.->Use that energy.]]{ ($BeKind:)}Oh... okay. Um, I'll do that. Gotta be brave. ...Running now. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Shoot! I've been spotted! This was a bad idea! I don't think I can- **AGH!** //''$myName''//(replace: $myName's 2ndlasttolast)[-]‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ (link-goto: "$name? $name, what happened? Are you there?", "An Ending"){ ($Screwup:) (if: $END_shotOnSight is not true)[(set: $END_shotOnSight to true)($GetNewEnd:)]}(if: $suggestedMurder is true)[...I already told you I don't wanna do that.](if: $suggestedMurder is not true)[...''//WHAT?!//'' I told you, I'm not a soldier! I don't wanna kill anyone, even if they are just a drone!{ (set: $suggestedMurder to true)}] (if: $patrols is not true)[[Alright then. Don't.]](if: $patrols is true)[[Alright then. Don't.->Use that energy.]] [[It's self-defense.]]{ ($BeRude:)}Um... Let me think. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Okay, yeah, I thought of something useful! I know the layout of this place- it's kind of ingrained in my head- and the patrol programming for the drones. That's... also in my head. Because I'm supposed to be one of them. [[Alright, so what do we do with this information?->Use that energy.]]{ (set: $patrols to true)}Okay. I can do that. If it's what time I think it is- which it is, I just checked- I should be able to go in just a minute. Literally, almost exactly 60 seconds. So I'm gonna do that, I'll get back to you when I'm in a better position, just give me... maybe 2 minutes. (if: $skipped is not true)[(after: 90s)[I did it! I made it here without being spotted. I think they've lost track of me. (color: "purple")[->][[Where is "here," exactly?->A safe space]]]](if: $skipped is true)[I did it! I made it here without being spotted. I think they've lost track of me. [[Where is "here," exactly?->A safe space]]] { ($Succeed:)}No, just a serial designation. ISD-MP-0004-016. Infantry Soldier Drone, Multi-Purpose, batch 4, number 16. That's what's built into my mind, but it's not a name, not really. I'd like to have one, though. ...Do you think you could give me a name? [[I can do that!]] [[I'd rather not make that decision for you...->Self-named]]...Oh. Okay. Well, then I guess I'll just have to name myself! I'll call myself... Bit! [[I like it!]] [[As long as you're happy with it.]] [[That's a stupid name.]]{ (set: $name to "Bit") }I am! It's //my// name, and... it's nice to have something I can say is really "me." Now, uh, where were we? [[Talking about what you wanted to do.->What do you want?]]Thanks! That... means a lot to me. I'm glad you like it, I do too! But, uh, weren't we talking about something important before? [[We were talking about what you wanted to do.->What do you want?]]{ ($BeKind:)}H-hey! It's my first time naming something, I'm trying my best! Geez. ...Okay, what we were talking about before this? [[What you wanted to do.->What do you want?]]{ ($BeRude:)}(if: $gendered is not true)[Awesome! ]So, what is it? What's my name? (if: $gendered is not true)[[Wait. Are you a man or a woman?]] [[Your name is...->Bit's name input]](if: $name is $myName)[...That sounds... familiar. Um, I'm gonna take that as a compliment! I know it's your name too, but... I finally have a proper name to use! ][$name!‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Yes!‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Something that means "me!"‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Not just another drone-‎‎‎‎‎ but //me//,‎‎‎‎‎ $name!‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎(if: $name is $myName)[ ...And you too, which is cool I guess!] .‎‎‎‎‎.‎‎‎‎‎.‎‎‎‎‎Sorry, (if: $name is $myName)[other-]$myName. I got really excited there.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[Yeah, calm down. You need to focus.]] [[It's okay to be excited. This is a big moment for you.]]]{ ($BeKind:) (set: $gendered to false)}{($SpeedAlter:)($ManualLinks:) (enchant: ?text's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 50) + (t8n:'instant')) }|text>[Oh. I... I don't really know. What... do you think I am? |player>[I think you're] ](after: 7.4s)[(cycling-link: bind $gender, "a man", "a woman", "neither")]|text>[|player>[.] [|player>[(color: "purple")[-> ][[Yeah, that's it.]]]] [|player>[(color: "purple")[-> ][[...But it's not my place to decide that.]]]]]Oh. Okay. Well... I guess it's not really important, anyway. But I do want a name! |player>[[[Alright. Then your name will be...->Bit's name input]]]{($SpeedAlter:)($ManualLinks:) (enchant: ?text's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 50) + (t8n:'instant')) }|text>[Alright! I'm $gender! ...Is that what you are, too? [|player>[(color: "purple")[-> ][[Yes.]]] [|player>[No, I'm]]]] (after: 7.2s)[(cycling-link: bind $myGender, "a man", "a woman", "neither")|player>[.]] |text>[|player>[(color: "purple")[-> ][[That's what I am.]]]]{ (if: $gender is "a man")[(set: $pronoun to "he")(set: $altPronoun to "his")](if: $gender is "a woman")[(set: $pronoun to "she")(set: $altPronoun to "her")](if: $gender is "neither")[(set: $pronoun to "they")(set: $altPronoun to "their")](set: $lastGender to $gender)(set: $lastPronoun to $pronoun)(set: $lastAltPronoun to $altPronoun)}Cool! So that makes two of us! I... uh, I don't really know what that means, but I guess I'll find out! Maybe. Oh, but I still need a name! [|player>[(color: "purple")[-> ][[That can be...->Bit's name input]]]](if: $myGender is $gender)[Um... that... is also what you thought I am? Uh, I guess you're a different kind of "$gender" than I am...?](else:)[Okay, that's cool too! I don't see any reason that should make a difference!] Anyway! I still need a name! [[Right. That can be...->Bit's name input]]...Right, sorry. Um, what was it we were working on...? [[We were trying to figure out what you wanted to do.->What do you want?]]{ ($BeRude:)}Yeah, you're right! This is important to me, and I'm happy about it! I have every right to be excited- and I am! ...That said, we... were working on something else important to me, weren't we? ...Um, what was that again? [[We were talking about what you wanted to do.->What do you want?]]{ ($BeKind:)}...Okay, That sounds like a better plan. Well, uh, I guess "don't kill someone" isn't really a plan in itself. [[Then let's come up with one.->Do you know anything that might be helpful?]]...I... I guess you're right. If I want to get out of here, it's not gonna come without a fight... Okay, I do have my weapon. And my combat skills. I can do this. I //have// to do this. Give me a minute. I'll... get back to you in a moment, hopefully. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ...I'm back. [[What happened?]]{ (set: $deadBodyReported to true) ($BeRude:) ($Succeed:)}<!--(if: $name is "To be forgotten")[-->(set: $name to (prompt: "What's $altPronoun name?", "Bit"))(after: time + 1s)[(goto: "Your name is...")]<!--](if: $name is not "To be forgotten")[(after: time + 1s)[(goto: "Your name is...")]]-->...Woah.(after: 25s)[(goto: "Stargazing pt. 2")] &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbspI've never seen anything like this. There's... so many. There's so much out there, right before my eyes. I wish I had more time. I want to see more... of this world. I want to explore it. That's it, I think. What I really want to do. ...Not that I'll get a chance. ... Hey, $myName? Can you do me a favor? [[What is it?->A favor]] [[No.->Favor rejected]](hide: ?sidebar)(after: 4s)[(replace: "Alex")[Jenna]](after: 5s)[(replace: "Jenna")[Mike]](after: 6s)[(replace: "Mike")[Taylor]]{ }So that's your name? Well, Alex,‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ it's nice to meet you! I'm Bit!‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ [[I need help.]](hide: ?sidebar)I'm new to this world. I'm also dying. I have less than 24 hours left. Will you help me figure out what to do with them?‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ (transition-arrive: "instant")[[I will.->Trailer title]]=><= {(set: $speedalter to true) (hide: ?sidebar)(enchant: ?nontitle's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 50) + (t8n:'instant')) }(text-color: "green")+(text-size: 5)+(font: "Lucida Console")[BURNING(text-color: purple)[ OUT]]‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ |nontitle>[‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎Meet Bit.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ (text-size: 1.4)[(For a limited time only.)]](after: 30s)[(goto: "BETA"))]|robot>[You probably have a few questions. I'm happy to answer them.] <!--[[You're 500 years in the future? How did that happen?]]--> [[Who exactly are you?]] (if: $kamidaNamed is true)[[[What's with the weird time stuff?]]] (if: $askedTime is true)[(link-goto: "Why did $name contact me of all people?", "Why me?")] [[That's all.->Escape]]Wait, what?! $myName is 500 years in the past?! |robot>[Ah, yes. That would be a combination of $name's Emsuit communicator, and my interference. You see, sending physical objects through time is a very complicated and energy-consuming procces, but sending //information// can be accomplished through... relatively less complicated and energy-intensive means. By utilizing the chronospacial congruence tendency of quantum particles and providing a realspace framework for those particles to]Um, am I supposed to be understanding this? |robot>[...My apologies, $name. The technical details are not what matter here. What does matter is that I was able to link your communicator with $myName's local network by reaching through time and space. The details are... complicated, as mentioned, but you can think of it as a simple network link between one place and another, except this link happens to be through time as well as space. It is not something you need to concern yourself with, you are not in danger of causing paradoxes or breaking spacetime.] Okay, good. Breaking spacetime sounds... bad. |robot>[That said... Are you ready to begin the upload?] [[Hold on. Why are you doing all of this, really? What's in it for you?->The Choice]]|robot>[I am KAMIDA. I am a DARK-ANGEL-class intelligent system.] |player>[...That... doesn't really mean much to me.] Oh, I can actually explain this one! Intelligent systems are... well, are you familiar with the concept of AI? Artificial Intelligence? |player>[I am.] Okay, well intelligent systems are AI, basically, with a specialized goal. The different classes have different goals. A DARK-ANGEL is like an ANGEL, which is an intelligent system that tries to protect its charge, but more active and aggressive. An ANGEL might stand guard over its charge, while a DARK-ANGEL would go out and hunt down stuff it saw as a threat to its charge. So I guess KAMIDA is trying to protect someone- or something- by saving me from this place? |robot>[An astute assesment. I do have a particular charge outside of this facility, though I cannot tell you precisely what in the name of safety. However, I should mention that you are also now considered a charge of mine.] Oh, to get me out of the facility. |robot>[...That, and for an indefinite period afterwards.] Wait, really? Why? |robot>[Some intelligent systems develop quirks over time as they operate. I have developed a quirk of adding care priority to subjects I have amicable interactions with for a period of time.] So basically you get attatched to people and you want to adopt them? |robot>[...That is a reasonably accurate assesment.] That's adorable! |robot>[Er, I'm glad you think so. Ahem. Moving on.] Alright, alright. Hey, how'd you find me to begin with? Or is that classified? |robot>[No, I can tell you that. It's a somewhat strange story. I was contacted by an AI who called themselves Contact, They claimed to work with a group called the Element Initiative. No such group actually exists- at least not publicly- but Contact insisted that they did exist... in an entirely different universe. Given that I was entirely unable to properly trace the origin of Contact's signal, I can't help but wonder if there is truth to that claim. But that is a tangent. The relevant aspect of the story is that Contact apparently had a grudge against BioServ- as do I , for reasons relating to my original charge- and they gave me access to the communication suite of $name's Emsuit, and directed me to save $lastAltPronoun life. Doing so was... beneficial regarding my primary goal, so I made efforts to do so. You are both aware of how that played out.] Huh. That's a heck of a story, but I'm glad it all worked out in the end. |robot>[As am I. By the way, thank you, $myName, for helping to save $name.] [(link-goto: "You're welcome, KAMIDA. And $name.", "Talk with KAMIDA")]{ (set: $kamidaNamed to true)}Wait, who are you asking? Me or KAMIDA? |player>[(color: "blue")[Both, I guess.]] Well, I just... turned on my communicator and found a random channel that I knew wasn't in use by BioServ, and... well, that's when I met you. (if: $whyme is true)[I think I told you that at some point in the simulations.] |robot>[I had a hand in your connection as well, of course. I rerouted $name's outgoing connection through my own channels, to $myName's device, which is why $name reached you, $myName, and not the one-way broadcast for a local radio station.] |player>[(color: "blue")[Okay, so that's //how// you did it. But why me specifically?]] I don't know, but I'm certainly glad it was you that KAMIDA got me in touch with! |robot>[You actually weren't my first choice, $myName. But you were my best choice. At first I tried running through the simulation with $name myself, but I got stuck in loops. I am capable of many things, but a lack of spontaneous branching thought is a known weakness of mine. So I started connecting $name with... volunteers, like yourself. But all before you failed in some aspect. Some gave up too early. A few simply didn't respond. Many weren't willing to take paths that ended poorly for $name, even if it was for $altPronoun own good.] |player>[(color: "blue")[You didn't really make it clear that it was for $name's sake.]] |robot>[...A fair point. As I mentioned, my own processing is not without its flaws. Though once again, I am glad that I brought in outside help.] Me too! I know I already said that, but I just wanna make sure you know I appreciate you, $myName. (link-goto: "Thanks, $name.", "Talk with KAMIDA")I know I've already answered some of your questions, but you probably have more. Now seems like a good time to ask them, so go ahead and do that. [[What's it like being a clone?]] [[How did you contact me?]] [[Why is BioServ after you if you're one of their own?]] [[That's all I wanted to know.]]Well... I don't really know what it's like to be anything else, so I don't know all the differences between being a clone, and... not being a clone. But there are a few things- Like, if you saw someone who looked exactly like you, you'd be pretty freaked out, right? |player>[Yeah.] Well, I wouldn't. I mean, I've already seen a bunch of "me"s in the few hours I've been alive. I'd make a pretty useless soldier if I panicked whenever I saw one of my squadmates. The way they prevented that sort of reaction is that they just completely disabled my self-recognition. Like, when I look in a mirror, my brain isn't like, "That's you." It's like "That's a person who matches your known appearance, so it must be you." But it doesn't //feel// like me. |player>[I'm sorry. It's awful that they'd do something like that.] It's alright. It's definitely weird, but it isn't //bad//, per se. It's just part of who I am, now. And that's a part of myself I'm okay with.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I think. ...Anyway, was there anything else you wanted to ask? [[Well...->Talk with Bit]]Okay. Then... Do you mind if I ask you some questions, as well? [[Go ahead.]] [[I'd rather you didn't.]]Okay, thanks. Well, um, first... I know this is kind of a big question, but... what is it you want in life? [[I want to be powerful.]] [[I want be loved.]] [[I just want to be able to take it easy.]] [[I want to do good things.]] [[...I'm still figuring that out.]]Oh, uh. Okay. Well, it looks like we're almost there, anyway, so I guess we'll see what lies ahead... [[Let's see.->Stargazing]]That's... huh. It's not what what I'd pick, but I get it, I think. I do like the idea of being able to do big things. To do right by people. And power helps with that. Is that why you want to be powerful? |player>[I-] Oh! We're here! The surface... [[Go check it out.->Stargazing]]...Aww. That's... maybe not what I want //most// in life, but it certainly sounds nice. And, um, for what it's worth... I love you, I think. I haven't known you very long, but you've already done so much for me. And I really appreciate that. I appreciate you. ...Hey, we're at the surface! [[Go check it out! I bet you're gonna love it!->Stargazing]]...I get that. My life's been nothing but exciting, and as... fun, surprisingly, as it's been, I kind of wish I could just relax for a bit. Well, I guess I might actually get a chance to pretty soon- it looks like we're almost at the surface. [[I hope you get that chance.->Stargazing]]...Me too. I guess that's a little vague, but... I want to make the world a bettter place. I don't want to destroy, I want to build things up- and people. I want to do things that will make things better for the people around me. Hey, we're here! [[Take a look at the surface.->Stargazing]]...Oh. ...Um, you know, in a way, that actually makes me feel better. You're a lot older than I am, but if you haven't really figured out what you want yet... I guess it just takes time. And I shouldn't be mad at myself for not figuring out the big stuff in less than a day. That's not really a reasonable task, is it? [[No, it's not. The situation you're in isn't fair, but you're doing your best.]] [[Maybe not, but it's what you're dealing with, like it or not.]]...Thank you for saying that. I feel like it's true, but it's nice to have someone else tell me outright that I'm not... a failure. Ah- we're here! I should get going. [[Do that, then!->Stargazing]]{ ($BeKind:)}Oh. I- I guess you're right. ... Oh. We're here. [[Take a look outside.->Stargazing]]{ ($BeRude:)}Oh, my Emsuit's got built-in comms functionality. I just used that to connect to a random non-BioServ channel, and there you were! I'm having my suit translate my speech into text, 'cause the connections not really strong enough for voice. |player>[Emsuit?] My... uh, suit. Every soldier drone gets one. It's got some fancy tech, mainly for communications. My model- er my body model, not my suit model- isn't mentally-linked to their squad, so we need it to follow orders and... well, communicate. |player>[Wait, "mentally linked?"] Yeah, some drones are liked together mentally. Helps with squad cohesion, they can work together by just thinking as a group rather than as individuals. BioServ gets up to some crazy stuff. [[Wow.->Talk with Bit]]{ (set: $whyme to true)}I ran into a drone. Killed it. ...That wasn't too bad. I know these things are like me, except they don't want to be more than they are. They only live a month. [[You're right. Now, move on. You don't want to stick around here.]] [[You're rationalizing.]]Yeah. Right. I shouldn't get distracted. Moving on. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Okay. I'm out of immediate danger, I think. [[Where are you? ->A safe space]]{($SpeedAlter:) (enchant: ?angry's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 50) + (t8n:'rumble')+(t8n-time: 0.4s)) (enchant: ?text's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 50) + (t8n:'instant')) }(char-style: (text-style: "fidget"))|angry>[''//THEN WHY DID YOU TELL ME TO DO IT?!//''] |text>[|player>[‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎I-]Ugh, shut up. I //don't// want to talk about it. Whatever. It worked. I'm just gonna try to pretend none of that happened. For //both// of our sakes. [[...Okay.->A safe space]]]{ ($BeRude:) ($BeRude:)}(if: $skipped is true and $stargazer is not true)[(if: $finalist is not true)[(set: $speedalter to true)]]Right now I'm in a holding cell. Not locked. I don't... //think// they'll think to check here. They'll probably expect me to go for a weapons cache. |player>[So where can you go from here?] I've got... three options. (if: $stargazer is true)[No, wait, four. I just... remembered something, I think? Anyway...] Option 1: Uh, I could try to get out through the ventilation. (if: $stargazer is not true)[That's... not something that usally works outside of movies, I think, so I'm not really big on that idea.](if: $stargazer is true)[...I really feel like that's not gonna work out, though. I mean, it was never really a good idea in the first place.] Option 2: I could try to sneak my way out of the main hallways. (if: $stargazer is not true)[Problem is, I'm not really sure how heavily secured they are. It's a bit (if: $name is "Bit")[(heh) ]of a gamble, but it may be worth taking.](if: $stargazer is true)[But they're pretty heavily secured. There's no way that would work out.] Option 3: I could try to use an elevator to get to the surface. (if: $stargazer is not true)[Wait, did I mention that a lot of this facility is underground? Because it is. Anyway, once again, I'm not really sure how heavily secured they are. I mean, it's not... like I'm certain I can actually get out of here, but... I want to at least try.](if: $stargazer is true)[Those are set to lock down if they catch me.] (if: $stargazer is true)[But... wasn't there an override code for that? I could head to a computer terminal and use that to unlock the elevators. I think... that's it. What I need to do to get out of here. If you want to do something else, though... I'll trust you on that.] So. What'll it be? [] (if: $deadBodyReported is not true)[ [[Try the vents.]] [[Go for stealth.]] [[Head straight for an elevator.]] (if: $stargazer is true)[[Use the elevator. But, uh, make sure it's not gonna trap you first.]]]{ }(if: $deadBodyReported is true)[ [[Try the vents.->Sussed Out]] [[Go for stealth.->Sussed Out]] [[Head straight for an elevator.->Sussed Out]] (if: $stargazer is true)[[Use the elevator. But, uh, make sure it's not gonna trap you first.->Sussed Out]]]|robot>[...I did save you for a reason, $name, aside from the value of saving an innocent. You have inside information on BioServ that I can use to help take down the entire company. Not by myself, but I am far from the only one with a grudge against BioServ- making this information public should result in BioServ being taken down in the near future by other interested parties, including myself.] Oh. So... what information do you need, exactly? |robot>[Organizational information and operating specifications, mostly. You needn't tell me- I can access the information when I upload you.] Oh... Okay. Um... Hey, $myName? Do you think... this is a good idea? [[I do.]] [[I don't.]] [[I think you should decide that for yourself.]]...I agree. BioServe's done a lot of bad stuff, and they'll keep doing it if they aren't stopped. |robot>[I'm glad we're all in agreement. The procedure is prepared.] Here goes nothing... [[Good luck, whatever that means here.->Upload]]...You might be right. KAMIDA, I'm not sure we should do this. |robot>[...Very well. You do still need the upload to survive, though.] Fine. I'll do that. Just no datamining. |robot>[Very well. The procedure is prepared.] [[It's your choice...->Upload]]{ (set: $tragicButInevitableBetrayal to true)}...Well, I think... I think we should do it. BioServ's done a lot of bad things, and they'll keep doing bad things if they aren't stopped. |robot>[I'm glad we're in agreement, $name. The procedure is prepared.] Alright. For the cause. ...And my survival. [[Good luck, $name.->Upload]]{ (set: $myName to "Taylor") <!--Player's name--> (set: $myFirstName to "Taylor") (set: $name to "Bit") <!--Protagonist's name--> (set: $firstName to "Bit") (set: $nameless to false) <!--Tracks if Bit doesn't have a name for you. If you get through the intro without Bit having a name for you, they interject to ask for one, and call you Byte if you still refuse to give a name.--> ($CalculateTrust:) ($CalculateMetaTrust:)<!--Tracks total trust across all runs.--> (set: $rude to 0) <!--Tracks rude you are to Bit. Makes `them like you less.--> (set: $kind to 0) <!--Tracks how nice you are to bit. Makes them like you more.--> (set: $screwups to 0) <!--Tracks how often and how badly you've screwed up. Makes Bit have less confidence, but doesn't necessarily mean they dislike you. Bad ideas tend to also decrease trust.--> (set: $successess to 0) <!--Tracks how often and how much you've helped bit out. Good ideas tend to increase trust a little, or at least not drop it, even if they don't work out.--> (set: $trust to 0) <!--How much Bit trusts your advice. Can be negative, in which case Bit will probably not listen to you. High levels let you convince Bit to do things that sound insane even by their standards.--> (set: $suggestedMurder to false) (set: $patrols to false) (set: $pronoun to "they") (set: $altPronoun to "their") (set: $deadBodyReported to false) }($SpeedAlter:){ (set: $BeRude to (macro: [(set: $rude to $rude+1)+(output:)[]])) (set: $BeKind to (macro: [(set: $kind to $kind+1)+(output:)[]])) (set: $Screwup to (macro: [(set: $screwups to $screwups+1)+(output:)[]])) (set: $Succeed to (macro: [(set: $successes to $successes+1)+(output:)[]])) (set: $CalculateTrust to (macro: [(set: $trust to ($rude*-1)+($kind*1)+($screwups*-2)+($successes*2))+(output:)[]])) (set: $IfTrust to (macro: [(if: $trust is < 0)[$untrusted] (if: $trust >= 0)[$trusted]])) <!--Prints $trusted if trusted if trust is above 0, otherwise prints $utrusted. Both $trusted and $untrusted should be pre-defined (within the passage) passage elements, either short snippets, or entire passage variants.--> (set: $CalculateMetaTrust to (macro: [(set: $metaTrust to $metaTrust + $trust)+(output:)[]])) (set: $GetNewEnd to (macro: [(set: $endings to $endings + 1)(set: $newEnd to true)+(output:)[]])) (set: $SpeedAlter to (macro: [(set: $speedalter to true)+(output:)[]])) (set: $ManualLinks to (macro: [(set: $manuallinks to true)+(output:)[]])) <!--Other variables: $stargazer, unlocks the semifinal ending. Set to true when all other normal endings are completed. $finalist, unlocks the final ending. Set to true when the semifinal ending is completed. $skipper, makes sure the message when skipping through the early-game only shows once.-->}<!--(color: "purple")[I haven't written anything past this yet so for now $name just randomly drops dead, RIP] [[You can check out some beta stuff if you don't mind spoilers though->Woah, slow down!]]-->...Alright. If you insist. The good news is that there's one right here, and I've got some stuff I can stack to reach it. But I'll need a screwdriver if I wanna get the grate off without making a ton of noise. Where... oh, that's convenient. Give me just a minute. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎|player>[How's it going?] Well enough so far! I've got the grate off, and I've got access to the vent. Nothing left but to go for it, I guess... [[Then go for it!]]<!--(color: "purple")[I haven't written anything past this yet so for now $name just randomly drops dead, RIP] [[You can check out some beta stuff if you don't mind spoilers though->Woah, slow down!]]-->Okay. Stealth. I can do that. Hopefully. We're not designed specifically to be sneaky, but our gear's got good muffling, and we've got some instincts for staying unseen. I'll try to use that to my advantage. I'll keep the comms off while I'm out there, of course. Anyway. Here goes. |player>[Good luck.] Thanks. I'll talk to you in a bit(if: $name is "Bit")[ (heh)]. $name out. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎Hey, $myName? |player>[How's it going?] Well enough so far. Thing is, there's a room here that should have a security terminal in it. It's probably staffed but not guarded, and I think I could take them down with the element of surprise. Should I do it, or pass by? [[Check out that room.]] [[Leave it be.]] [[Wait, "take down" meaning...?]]<!--(color: "purple")[I haven't written anything past this yet so for now $name just randomly drops dead, RIP] [[You can check out some beta stuff if you don't mind spoilers though->Woah, slow down!]]-->Okay, cool. Elevator time. There's one near here. Give me just a moment. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎Alright, here we go. It's... actually unlocked! Nice! |player>[Anyone nearby?] Oh, uh, no. I don't think they're monitoring this area. I should probably move fast, though. [[Do that, then!]]Alright. Step 1: Security terminal. On my way. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎It's here. Okay. Get inside, knock out the observer, activate the override, and get out. |player>[Good luck.] Thanks. Here goes nothing. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎Alright, done. Easy peasy. Now, the code. Uh... what was that, again? [[It was...]]Okay, I'll do that. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎...Wait, someone's coming. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎(text-colour:red)[He's here somewhere if he kept moving this way!] What? Oh no, they found the drone I killed! They figured out- AGH! [[$name? $name, what happened?->An Ending]]{ (if: $END_uncleanEscape is not true)[(set: $END_uncleanEscape to true) (set: $endings to $endings+1)(set: $newEnd to true)] ($Screwup:)}Oh, good question! They weren't at first, but they're... not big on lack of cooperation. When I first refused to obey orders, they tried to have me shot. Since then they've wanted me dead- if I'm not loyal to them, I'm less than worthless. ($CalculateMetaTrust:)(if: $metaTrust >= 5)[|player>[You're (text-style: "underline")[**not**] worthless.] ...Thanks. Unfortunately, BioServ doesn't see it that way.($BeKind:)] [[Well, that makes sense.->Talk with Bit]]Right. Okay... Where to? |player>[What are our options?] Well, the obvious one is to head straight to the surface. We could also stop by an armory on a higher level. That would be risky, of course, but they //probably// aren't actively guarded like the ones on level B6. ...Which is this level, I don't think I mentioned that. I do already have a weapon, but it's just a basic MERP. |player>[...Which is what?] Ah, a Multiple-Environment Combat Pistol. These things are versatile, but not particularly powerful. An explosive weapon would also be great for bypassing obstacles, but I might not actually need to do that. There are other floors, but I don't think they'll be of much use. I could theoretically stop by a lab and try to snag something, but that requires both actually finding something useful and figuring out how to use it... and I really don't like those odds, so I'm gonna veto that one. So. Should we stop by an armory, or head straight to the surface? [[Just get out as fast as you can.->Elevator death]] [[Try arming yourself properly.->Elevator death]]Alright. I'll do that. Let me punch in that floor and... we're off. Now to... wait, I guess. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎|player>[$name?] Yeah? |player>[Just wondering how you're holding up.] ...I'm doing alright. Thank you. I'm nervous, but I think that's pretty reasonable here. |player>[Well-] OOF! |player>[$name?] The elevator stopped... it's going back down! Why- Oh, shoot! They've got remote controls on these things! And cameras in the elevators! ...I don't think I'm getting out of this one. |player>[I'm so sorry.] It's alright. This one's on me. Hey, thanks for being there for- (color: "red")[Found you.] [[...$name?->An Ending]]{ (if: $END_elevatorError is not true)[(set: $END_elevatorError to true) (set: $endings to $endings+1)(set: $newEnd to true)] ($BeKind:)}Doing that. Man, this is tight... I don't really know where I'm going, but hopefully I'll end up somehere BioServ doesn't expect me to be. Gimmie a minute... ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎AGH! |player>[$name?! Are you alright?!] Gah... not... really. Something collapsed under me. This... would probably hurt a lot more without those stimulants. But I still feel //really// weird... why is- oh. |player>[What is it?] Well, the good news is that I'm definitely somewhere BioServ doesn't expect me to be. The bad news is that place is the high energy lab. Which is currently filled with very lethal radiation. |player>[Oh.] Yeah, that funny feeling is my cells falling apart. Whatever. Not like I was gonna last very long anyways. |player>[I'm sorry.] It's alright. Hey, at least I can say I got a little bit of spy-movie action in while I was here, right? |player>[That's a nice way to look at it.] Yeah... but, uh, now comes the less glamorous part. I'm... probably gonna start vomiting pretty soon, so... I'm gonna hang up and spare you that. |player>[[$name][-]] (color: "red")[Disconnected.] [[...->An Ending]]{ (if: $END_radioactive is not true)[(set: $END_radioactive to true) (set: $endings to $endings+1)(set: $newEnd to true)] ($Screwup:)}Alright... Comms off again for a moment. This should be quick. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎Okay. Done. |player>[You alright?] I'm fine. This guy is... they'll be alright. Eventually. I should take a look at this terminal while I can. |player>[Do that.] Doing that. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎...Oh. They... know I'm here. |player>[What?! How?] I checked out too many files. Apparently they had a protocol running to detect that. Um, the good news is that I found an override code for the elevators- "6160." Maybe write that down? I could use it at another terminal like this one if we can find it. I'm going to- ''AGH!'' |player>[$name?!] (text-colour: "red")[Target down!] [[$name!->An Ending]]{ ($Succeed:) (if: $END_insecure is not true)[(set: $END_insecure to true) (set: $endings to $endings+1)(set: $newEnd to true)]}Alright. Probably safest. I'll- Oop. Never mind. |player>[What is it?] Patrol. This is one of the regular ones. I wasn't thinking about that. The good news is that these guys aren't programmed to check rooms, so they shouldn't find me in the security room. [[Sounds like you don't have a choice. Hide out in the room for a bit.->Check out that room.]]Knock them unconscious. I'm... pretty confident I can do that if there's not an actual guard in there. [[Do it, then.->Check out that room.]] [[But there might be a guard. Skip it.->Leave it be.]](set: $code to (prompt: "What's the override code?", "password123"))(after: time + 1s)[(goto: "Code result")](if: $code is "6160")[Right, that's it! Yes! The elevator is ours! [[Then get back there!]]]{ }(else:)[That's... not it. Let me check the files. Right, "6160"! That was it! But... I'm locked out... again? Hey, if this is as familiar as it seems for the reason I think... try to remember that code next time, okay? (color: "red")[Found you!] [[...See you in the next one, $name.->Start]]]I'm on it! Moving as fast as I can! ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎Okay! I made it! Surface, here we come! |player>[Yes!] Phew... They can't stop the elevator with the override active, but this is gonna take a while. Hey, uh, since we've got some free time... wanna talk for a bit? Properly? [[What about?->Talk with Bit]]Goodnight, $myName. And thanks for everything. [[Gladly.->Unlocked true ending]]...I don't either, $myName. But I don't have a choice. But... if this really is the time loop it's starting to feel like... maybe we'll meet again? Yeah, that's a nice thought. It's not "goodbye." It's "I'll see you later." ...See you later, $myName. In one timeline or another. [[See you, $name.->Unlocked true ending]]Okay. Step 1: Security terminal. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎...Here we are! Step 2: Knock out the observer. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎Step 3: Override elevator remote access. "6160". Step 4: Elevator! |player>[You're getting good at this!] Thanks! I've had a lot of practice, apparently! |robot>[Indeed. And now we wait.] Hey, yeah, you! This seems like a really good time to explain just who you even //are//. [[Agreed.->Talk with KAMIDA]]...$myFirstName? |player>[$firstName?] $myFirstName? How... how many times have we been through this? |player>[You remember?] I remember. I remember... everything, I think. |robot>[You have learned quite a bit, both of you. It's time to get you out of here, $firstName.] What? Who are //you?!// |player>[We've met before. Sort of.] |robot>[I can explain the details later. For now, you are short on time. Escape. You know how to do that.] ...I do. This guy has a point, we- er, I need to get moving. [[Then get moving!]]{ (set: $name to $firstName) (set: $myName to $myFirstName)}|robot>[Ah, yes. The exact mechanics are... convoluted. Truth be told, I do not entirely understand the system myself. It was provided to me by my contact, Contact, or at least the access point was. From what I understand, it utilizes both timestream sampling and more standard simulations to create a simulated reality remarkably accurate to potential futures.] Wait, this is a simulation?! |robot>[It was. No longer. Whatever happens here really happens. This is why I was so insistent that you two discover every plausible path to failure.] ...That does make the repeated deaths sting a little less. Emotionally. Physically, I still remember them quite well... |robot>[My apologies. However, an inaccurate simulation would reduce the odds of the real you surviving.] |player>[Hold on, how do the real us even remember those simulations?] |robot>[For $name, a simple remote memory upload. BioServ drones are designed for such a thing to be possible.] Yep. I don't like it, but that definitely makes sense.. |robot>[As for $myName... I'll admit I've no idea. From what I understand, the system does not insert you directly into the simulation, but rather gives you communications access, and prevents the use of knowledge that the outsider did not aquire in the current timeline- unless they system's operater overrides that setting.] |player>[That does pretty much match my experience, even if it doesn't explain much.] |robot>[I would offer more information on the subject if I had it. Speaking of which, is there any other information I //can// offer?] [[Well...->Talk with KAMIDA]]{ (set: $askedTime to true)}Good timing- It looks like we're at the surface. Hey, uh, (if: $kamidaNamed is not true)[...wait, robot guy, what's your name? |robot>[I am KAMIDA.] Ah, okay, cool. Anyway, (set: $kamidaNamed to true)]do we have a plan for what to do here? |robot>[I do. BioServ will not let you go without a fight... but we can give them a fight. I have a small outpost fitted for relevant medical services near here. $myName, I am putting you in command of a Shrike support aircraft.] |player>[What's that?] |robot>[A variable-payload support craft designed for versatility. The one I am providing is a heavy model, and is equipped with four weapons. Simply select a weapon to use, and the Shrike's AI will handle the rest.] [[Alright. Hand me the controls.]] [[Why don't you do it?]] [[Weapons?! I don't want to kill people!]] { (set: $weap1 to "READY") (set: $weap2 to "READY") (set: $weap3 to "READY") (set: $weap4 to "READY")}There is a significant amount of information within the Shrike menu, but you do not need to be concerned with most of it. Do keep the following in mind, however: Ensure that you do not waste ammunition by firing weapons too rapidly and missing targets- we will need everything the Shrike has for this misison. Note that an exit button will become avaliible at the bottom of the Shrike menu once the field is cleared of hostiles. Transferring controls...(set: $enemies to 2) [[Let's do this.->Shrike Menu]]|robot>[I am not allowed to use weapons.] But you can give them to other people? |robot>[That is substantially harder to program constraints for.] ...Wow. Well, at least this loophole works in our favor. |robot>[What do you say, then? You can take control of the Shrike, or leave $name to die.] [[I'll do it.->Alright. Hand me the controls.]] [[No.->Refusal]]|robot>[I'm afraid you must. Either that, or $name dies.] They're also not really people! Remember that! ...And that I don't want to die. [[Alright, fine. I'll do it.->Alright. Hand me the controls.]] [[No.->Refusal]]...Then $name is doomed. (color: "red")[($name was killed by BioServ forces.)] (after: 5s)[(color: "purple")[What? That's it. This isn't a simulation. $name is dead. That's that. You don't get a do-over this time.]] (after: 10s)[(color: "purple")[...Okay, fine. You're lucky I'm nice. The undo button's still in the upper left corner, you can use that to go back and do things properly this time.]]$myName?! Is that you?! |player>[It's me! You alright?] Yeah! There were a couple drones coming after me, but you got 'em down! |player>[I'm just glad you're okay!] |robot>[We are not in the clear yet. More incoming. I am putting you back in control.] [[Got it!->Shrike Menu]] { (set: $enemies to 2) (set: $altexit to true)}Nice work! Two more down, and I see the target! |robot>[We are still not clear. Another pair of drones approaches.] Alright- $myName, do your thing! |player>[...I'm all out of ammo.] |robot>[Ah. Well, there is still one thing that could be weaponized...] |player>[What's that?] |robot>[The Shrike itself. I am authorizing you to overload the Shrike's generator and set a crash course for those drones.] Wow, geez! You'd do that for me? |robot>[It is my duty. And the Shrike is more disposable than you are.] I'll be honest, as a clone, that's a first for me. But I'm definitely not complaining! |player>[I'm ready when you are.] |robot>[Transferring controls...] [[Here we go.->Shrike Menu]]{ (set: $kamikaze to true)}...We did it, $myName. |player>[You're safe?] I am. I'm inside Kamida's outpost. |player>[KAMIDA, you know $name is dying, right?] |robot>[I do.] |player>[Can you save $name?] |robot>[In a sense. $name's current body was not designed to last long-term. I cannot fix that. However, I can upload all of the data in $name's brain, preserving their personality, and allowing me to print them into a new body at a later date.] |player>[...How do you feel about that, $name?] I don't hate it. If I'm doomed anyway, it's not like I care about whether it's philisophically the "real me" or whatever. |robot>[Then shall we begin?] [[Hold on. The Shrike said you guys are 500 years in the future. Explain?->You're 500 years in the future? How did that happen?]] [[Hold on. Why are you doing all of this, really? What's in it for you?->The Choice]]Hey, uh, $myName... I just wanted to say, once again, thank you. Seriously. For everything. In this timeline, and every other, simulated or not. I don't know what's going to happen to me after this, but... I know who I am. And I'm so, so glad you've been my ally. No, I'm glad you've been my //friend//! And... maybe we'll meet again. Somehow, someday. And if not... I'll never forget you, $myName. I promise. [[And I'll never forget you, $name.->Upload complete]] [[Goodbye, $name. And good luck.->Upload complete]]Goodbye, $myName. It's been great. |robot>[... ... ... The procedure is complete.] |player>[$name is safe?] |robot>[Yes.] |player>[Good. So... What now?] |robot>[I will have to disconnect our connection, I fear. While it has been lovely getting to know you- and I do mean that- the system takes a... significant amount of power to run. Power that I cannot sustain indefinitely. I am sure you understand.] |player>[Yeah. Hey, it's been good getting to know you too, KAMIDA.] (if: $tragicButInevitableBetrayal is not true)[|robot>[Thank you. As $name said, perhaps we will meet again- somehow, someday.] |player>[Maybe someday. Goodbye, KAMIDA.] |robot>[Goodbye, $myName.] [[EXIT]]]{ }(if: $tragicButInevitableBetrayal is true)[|robot>[...I must confess to you, $myName. I lied.] |player>[What? What about?] |robot>[About not using the data from $name's memories and programming. I mean no harm to you, or $name, and I have no desire to violate your autonomy... but my mission is my highest priority. BioServ must fall. I apologize that I had to decieve you, but know that I did not do so out of malice.] |player>[...Goodbye, KAMIDA.] |robot>[Goodbye, $myName. I am sorry.] [[EXIT]]]=><== [(text-size: 5)+(color: "Green")[DISCONNECTED]]‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ <== (text-color: "purple")[Thank you for playing ](text-size: 3)[ (color: "green")[''Burning''] (color: "red")[''Out'']]‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ (color: "purple")[by me, with a bit of proofreading courtesy of <a href="https://itch.io/profile/sinko" target="_blank">sinko</a>.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, Perhaps you and $name will meet again... Somehow, someday. -BoN]|robot>[All paths explored. An exit has been achieved. I have prepared the protocol. Begin again. When you do, the protool will be prepared to activate on your command. If you are not yet ready, you may revsit known paths. If you are ready, the protocol will be available when you first contact $lastName. I have added an additional option to $lastName's introduction. [[When you are prepared, you will find it here.->Start]]]