Missing Pieces 1.1

[[Back to Menu ->Menu]] This is a demo/tech test for a larger upcoming project and will last about 25 minutes. Below is an overview of the entire project and what I hope to achieve later down the line when I find the time to work on it properly outside of university studies. Certain mechanics may not be properly working or may simply be indicated by text blocks for the purposes of clarity during the demo. This game was written and made as a way to express to an audience how much of a story can be told with smaller things that often get underlooked or ignored in modern titles and that encouraging players to go looking for these things can reward them well beyond the confines of a games gameplay loop. Hades and Persona V Royal do this fantastically and are large inspirations for the development of this game, proving that regardless of the production budget or workforce power a game has, any game can tell an interesting and engrossing story. Missing Pieces is a text based story driven game where you play as a new employee of a lost and found service at the Requim Hotel and Resrot. It is your job to help people find things that they have lost and it's up to you whether you want to help them or keep things to yourself. Each choice has consequences, some of which won't be eveident until later on itno the game, so choose what you do caerfully. Each character has their own personality, desires and occupations, forcing players to think about what could truly belong to them. Some characters may lie about what they are looking for and where they might have been that day and it is your job to make sure that the right thing finds its way back to the right person. Some items hold special, deeper meanings to their owners and returning them will offer greater insights into their character, leading to the grand reveal hidden at the end of the true ending of the game. Missing Pieces takes place in the afterlife and it's your job to help those who have passed away move on to the next life. Whether that's a peaceful bliss up in above or a tortured nightmare down below rests entirely upon your shoulders. [[Back to Menu ->Menu]]

DISCLAIMER!!! Some mechanics in the game may not be programmed in correctly or may be replaced with simpler options due to time constraints. In these instances the game may ask you to operate on good faith to better your experience and keep the events of the game in a coherent order. [[Play Missing Pieces ->Scene Setting]]

(Link-undo:"Back to Menu") Character 1 - Hannah Velooze Bio - A more modern soul, Hannah is a young woman with long black hair that covers most of her face, Hannah is a courteous and polite individual with low self esteem. She always feels as if she is getting in the way of others and it stems from a tempremental childhood. Progressing through her arc will reveal her past and allow her to come to terms with the issues she has with her mother and will eventually allow her to forgive her and move on to the next life. Progress - X/3 (if:$ButterflyClip is true)[Butterfly Clip] Item 2 - Y/N Item 3 - Y/N Character 2 - Dr. Adrian Walterson Bio - Dr. Adrian Waltersonis an older gentleman from the mid 20th century. Adrian became a Doctor in order to help people, but constant pressure from society to be a real man drove him to desperate acts that still haunt him to this day. Favouring a stiff drink, Adrian's path will reveal his struggles as a closseted gay man in the 1920's (TBD) and will eventually lead him to accepting himself as something society never could before he moves on to the next life. Progress X/3 Item 1 - Y/N Item 2 - Y/N Item 3 - Y/N Character 3 - Patricia Clover Bio - An older woman with a warm smile and a smal stature. Patricia grew up through both world wars but even after seeing such violence and destruction she still holds firm to the values of human kindness and decency. She detests violence and will often put others ahead of herself, which can lead to her neglecting her own basic needs such as eating propely and getting enough sleep. Helping Patricia will reveal just how close to cracking she is and will help her overcome decades of buried PTSD from the wars that haunts her to this day. Item 1 - Y/N Item 2 - Y/N Item 3 - Y/N Character 4 - Tina Bio - Tina is a Golden Retriever who's owner recently passed away. An energetic and exciteable dog, Tina likes to run around and tackle anything she can get her paws on to the ground, which can sometimes label her as a bit of a nuisance. Keeping Tina occupied with the right choices will eventually lead her to finding a new owner in Hannah, who finds comfort in the unconditional love of a dog. Failing to keep Tina occupied will lead to Tina agitating the senior staff members of the Hotel and that animosity will eventually warp her into a Hellhound that will hunt the player down and lead to one of the bad endings of the game. Item 1 - Y/N Item 2 - Y/N Item 3 - Y/N Character 5 Progress X/3 Item 1 - Y/N Item 2 - Y/N Item 3 - Y/N Character 6 Progress X/3 Item 1 - Y/N Item 2 - Y/N Item 3 - Y/N Character 7 Progress X/3 Item 1 - Y/N Item 2 - Y/N Item 3 - Y/N Character 8 Progress X/3 Item 1 - Y/N Item 2 - Y/N Item 3 - Y/N Character 9 Progress X/3 Item 1 - Y/N Item 2 - Y/N Item 3 - Y/N (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene2.G")'s length <= 1)[(change: $ButterflyClip to true)] (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene2.G")'s length <= 0)[(set: $ButterflyClip to false)]

[[Start Game ->Menu]]

(if:visits >= 1)[$Playername]. I'll be sure to make a note of it going forward so that this doesn't happen again. Anyway, if I could have your attention for just a moment please. Welcome to the Lost and Found Department. I'm sorry that it's so empty in here. After recent events we've had to rehire new staff across the entire resort and it's a very slow process. Don't worry though you shouldn't be working here all by yourself for too long! You've already made yourself comfy behind your desk, so explaining how everything works shouldn't be too difficult now. That list on your right is the Client List. Most people that come in have to sign in at the front desk, so their information gets logged in the wider system and passed around to all departments. Having access to client information makes it a little easier to figure out if someone's lost something or if they're just trying to take something that doesn't belong to them. Feel free to check the Client List whenever you'd like to keep yourself up to date on the comings and going at the resort. The box on the other side of the desk is the Item Box. This is where we put all the lost items that have been found around the resort. They should stay in there until you hand them off, so feel free to look in there whenever you can. Some people might leave things behind during your shift, so you never really know what might turn up or when. Finally there's a phone on your desk. It's a landline that can only reach other departments within the resort. It's useful if you need to ask around for information on people, or to fact check something that a person has said when it doesn't quite add up to the rest of their story. Please don't use it too much though, as the other employees all have their own duties to attend to. I doubt they would appreciate being disturbed repeatedly. (This is a future mechanic not present in the current demo build) And that's all you need to know from me. I'm sure you'll do just fine. I'll be back in a week or so to see how you're getting on. Good luck! [[Start the Day ->Scene 2]] [[Back to menu ->Menu]]

//Geist takes his leave through the door you entered to get into the Lost and Found room. Since your shift had already started prior to his arrival you decide to stay behind the desk and wait to see if anyone might come in looking for something they have misplaced.// [[Check the Guest List ->GuestList1]] [[Check the Item Box ->ItemBox1]] [[Proceed with the day->Scene2.A]]

(link-undo:"Close the Guest List") (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene 2")'s length >= 1)[Hannah Velooze - A young woman signed into the main hotel of the resort. Booked in for a massage appointment today in the morning and nothing in the evening.] (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene2.I")'s length >= 1)[Dr. A. Walterson - An older gentlemen signed into the Medical Wing of the resort as a Permanent Resident. His schedule is clear for the day.]

(link-undo:"Close the Item Box") (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene 2")'s length >= 1)[An ornate butterfly hairclip. The wings are fitted with beautiful blue gems.] (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene2.I")'s length >= 1)[An ID card for a staff member at the local hospital. The name reads Dr. A. Walterson.]

//Waiting around proved to be rather boring for the first hour, but it also meant you didn't really have much to complain about as far as first days on the job go. You were so preoccupied with finding something productive to do that you almost didn't notice someone approaching the Lost and Found desk until they were right on top of it.// Um, excuse me? This doesn't happen to be the lost and found desk does it? I seem to have misplaced something important to me and I was wondering if it had turned up yet. The front desk said this place was good at finding things. //The young woman appears to be quite anxious, almost as if she wasn't used to talking to strangers so openly. Her inky brown hair fell down in front of her face, hiding most of it behind a dark curtain. A single, shining blue eye could be seen peeking out from behind the curtain.// [[Yes this is the Lost and Found desk. How may I help you? ->Scene2.B]]

//The young woman breathes a sigh of relief and you can start to see the worry escape from her. She starts to stand a little straighter and you can see hope sparkle in her eye.// Oh good. Um, I supposed I should tell you what it is I'm looking for shouldn't I? It's a hairclip. It looks like a butterfly and has some rare gems slotted into it. It was a gift from my mother, she wouldn't be happy to hear that I'd lost it. [[And where abouts do you think you misplaced it? ->Scene2.C]]

I think I must have lost it when I was getting my massaage. I- I felt a little awkward and left in a hurry when it was done. I don't think I even remembered to check if I'd left anything behind, which was rather silly of me. When I realised it was missing I went back but it was nowhere to be found. I was told to come here to ask around and well... here I am. [[I see. And what did you say your name was again? ->Scene2.D]]

//The shock was so evident on the young womans face that it nearly gave your a fright. It's quickly replaced by a deep embarrassment as she fumbled for the wrods she was looking for.// I-I'm so sorry! Where are my manners?! I swear I'm not usually this rude to strangers! Please forgive me! I should have introduced myself from the start so as not to causer any confusion! [[It's fine ma'am, you can still tell me now. ->Scene2.E]]

Yes, of course. You're right. I'm sorry for overreatcting, I'll try to keep myself composed from now on. Um... my name is Hannah. Hannah Velooze. I hope that helps. //Hannah stands a little stiff, clearly embarassed by her actions and finding this whole interaction rather awkward. Her eye keeps darting back and forth between you and empty space, as if she was struggling just to be in the presence of another person for this long.// [[Ok Miss Velooze, I'll see what I can do for you ->Scene2.F]]

//Your search through the item box is a quick one, as there is only one thing in there. It's a beautiful, ornate butterfly hairclip. The wings are inlaid with sparkling blue jewels that you can't seem to identify no matter how hard you look at them. Even in the box the gems catch the light perfectly and shine like diamonds under a spotlight.// //There's no mistaking that this is the item Hannah is looking for.// [[Hand Hannah the Item -> Scene2.G]] [[Lie about the Item -> Scene2.G2]]

//You carefully reach into the box to remove the hairclip and hand it to Hannah. Taking the hairclip from you lifts her spirits and seems to fill her with energy. It's as if you've returned a part of her that she was missing all along, and not just reunited her with something she had lost.// Thank you, truly. Finding this has lifted a great weight off my shoulders. N-not that it was your responsibility to find it for me! I merely meant that... thank you. I shouldn't have lost this in the first place. [[I'm happy to help ->Scene2.H]]

//You decide to keep the hairpin at the lost and found desk, just to be safe, and lie to Hannah about not having seen it. The look of crushing despair she gives you makes you feel somewhat guilty. Perhaps you had misjudged the situation too harshly and the hairpin really did belong to her. Before you could do anything however, Hannah was gone. she had left without saying a word.// [[Carry on with your day ->Scene2.G3]]

Thank you. It's good to know that all aspects of the resort are staffed by kind souls like you. I.... It will be easier to approach similar situations in the future. //Hannah is holding onto the hairclip so hard her knuckles are turning white and you fear she may end up breaking it in her attempt to keep her grasp on it secure. It felt sturdy enough in your own hands and it's clearly been in her possession for a while now, so there isn't much to worry about. Still, there is an odd sense of unease coming off of the hariclip, almost as if there is more to its story than has been let on.// I-is something the matter? You seem to be staring at me rather intently. [[Sorry, I was just lost in thought. Please feel free to approach the desk for any questions you may have about lost items in the future!! ->Scene2.I]] [[No it's fine. I'm just curious about your hairclip is all. It seems rather important to you. ->Scene2.I2]]

//Nothing happens until the near the end of your shift, when to your surprise Geist makes an appearance. You find this strange since he mentioned previously that he wouldn't be checking in for at least a few days, but you simply suspect he may have some other business.// Ah, there you are. I'm afraid I have some bad news. [[What's wrong? ->Scene2.G4]]

I'm going to have to let you go. I wasn't expecting you to lie to a customer on your first day, let alone withold an item that clearly belonged to them. You're just not right for the job and there's too much at stake to risk another setback like this. //Before you can protest or explain yourself Geist is gone. And so is everything else in the room. Soon everything fades to black and you begin to forget why you were even here. Where is here? Was there anything here?// [[The End?? ->Bad End]]

You have reached the Bad Ending of the game. [[Main Menu ->Menu]]

//The small smile you could glimpse beyond the veil of Hannahs hair was surprisingly uplifiting. A part of you hopes you get to see it again sometime.// I think I will, thank you. I-I'll get out of your way now! Sorry for taking up so much of your time! Farwell!! //Hannah rushes off with her hairclip, trying to hide the embarassment she seemed to have no control over. You feel as if she was a good person at heart, putting aside her overly formal demeanour and lack of self-confidence. It would be a shame to have her lose something else, but seeing her again would not in itself be a bad thing. With nothing else to do you turn back to work.// [[Check the Guest List ->GuestList1]] [[Check the Item Box ->ItemBox1]] [[Proceed with the day ->Scene3.A]]

//A tension releases from Hannah that you didn't even notice was there until it was gone. She doesn't seem upset about being asked the question but even so you get the feeling that you may have crossed a line.// I suppose you're right about that. Sorry but I'm not entirely comfortable talking about my life to strangers. I know you only meant well but it is a very personal matter that I wish to keep to myself. I hope that isn't too much of a disappointment. I, I know I can be a handful sometimes... [[Not at all, it was my bad for prying. Please, enjoy the rest of your evening and feel free to come back whenver you need to. ->Scene2.I]]

[[Check the Guest List ->GuestList1]] [[Check the Item Box ->ItemBox1]] [[Proceed with the day->Scene3.A]]

//A quick tidy round of the desk once Hannah had left reveals that you've already finished about half of your first shift. It feels a little strange that time could fly so quickly just from having a conversation but you brush past it as it's not the most important thing in the world right now.// Pardon the intrusion my lady. This doesn't happen to be the lost and found desk, does it? //Once again you somehow fail to notice someone walk into the room and approach the desk but now that you've noticed them you decide to get a closer look. This one appears to be an older gentlemen, dressed in a rather sharp three peace suit. A thick leather coat covers most of the suit and seems to fit him perfectly. Maybe it was tailor made. He also wears an old fashioned fedora that matches his ensemble perfectly. It definitely wasn't your run of the mill outfit, but the man wore it with style.// [[Yes of course, how may I help you sir? ->Scene3.B]]

Thank you for playing through the Demo of Missing Pieces! I hope you enjoyed the opener and I'm looking forward to adding to this in the future! Feel free to check back regulalry for updates and new playable Days!! [[Return to the Menu ->Menu]]

//The man tips his hat to you in thanks, a gesture that makes him look far older than his physical stature might suggest. He looks to be in his 30s but seems to act closer to 60. It was a little confusing.// I thank you. I seem to have misplaced my identification and have been advised that this would be the best place to come to if one had misplaced something of value to them. While not a particularly interesating item, and one not too difficultly replaced, I would be most grateful to have it returned to me. Oh, where are my manners? My name is Doctor Walterson. I hope that helps aleviate some of the confusion. //He seems sincere about his situation, though true to his word he also doesn't seem too heavily invested in finding his lost ID.// [[I'm sorry sir, nothing like that has turned up today. ->Scene3.B2]] //You remeber seeing an ID card inside of the lost and found box that would match the description you had just been given.// [[I believe this is yours sir. -> Scene3.C]]

//Handing the card to Dr Walterson seems to lift a weight off his shoulders you hadn't noticed was there before. He picked up on what you saw in him and offered up a hearty chuckle in response.// I can see that my reaction may be a slight cause for concern. My apologies. While I wouldn't have been remiss to have lost my identification, I would not have enjoyed going through the replacement process. Your efforts here today have saved me a few headaches in the future and for that I thank you. Should I require your services again I will be sure to stop by. //And with that he was gone. Dr Walterson left as quickly and inexplicably as he had arrived. Perhaps he was just a busy man? Best not to dwell on it too much.// [[Proceed with the day ->Scene3.D]]

//Dr Walterson nods his acceptance of his lost item to you before turning away without so much as another word. It didn't seem that he was being impolite or that he was offended, but you can't shake the feeling that you've done something wrong.// [["Dr Walterson will remember that" ->Scene3.D]]

//The rest of the day passes by uneventfully. When the end of your shift arrives you tidy up the desk before collecting your things and leave for the night. It's not a long drive home, but you were never too fond of getting behind the wheel after dark. It always left you with this uneasy feeling, as if something bad was destined to happen when you drove around at night.// [[End Day 1->Scene4]]

//You arrive to your second day of work feeling fairly confident in your duties and your ability to tend to them. The Lost and Found desk is empty when you arrive, in the exact same state that you left it when you left. You put your things away and get ready to proceed with the day just like before.// [[Check the Guest List ->GuestList2]] [[Check the Item Box ->ItemBox2]] [[Proceed with the day->Scene4.A]]

//The day kicks off fairly quickly when a new face enters the Lost and Found Department. An elderly woman plods on by the door, stopping to glance at you for a brief moment. In that instant her face lights up, as if seeing you had suddenly reminded her of what it was she was doing here in the first place. She was at your desk in a matter of seconds, a speed at which you did not at all expect from her.// //Now that she's up close you could tell that she was squinting at everything she looked at. Perhaps she was struggling to see?// [[Hello ma'am. How may I help you today? ->Scene4.B]]

(link-undo:"Close the Guest List") (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene4")'s length >= 1)[Patricia Clover - An older woman signed in to the main hotel of the resort. Booked in for a checkup with Dr. A Walterson in the morning.] (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene4")'s length >= 1)[Dr. A. Walterson. Booked in to perform a medical checkup in the morning and for "Happy Hour" at the bar in the afternoon.]

(link-undo:"Close the Item Box") (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene4")'s length >= 1)[An old bone. It's quite large and is covered in scratches and bite marks.] (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene4")'s length >= 1)[A pair of old bifocals. The lenses appear to be a modern prescription. There's a tag attatached to the chain that reads "Patty".] (if:(history: where its name contains "Scene4")'s length >= 1)[A stainless steal hipflask. The letters A. W. are engraved onto one side.]

Oh my, how polite! And so kind! Bless you deary. It's fine though I'm just a little lost. I'll find my way soon enough, there's no need to worry about me. //She seems a little anxious despite what she was saying. You feel as if she didn't want to bother anyone, but since she was here you might as well offer her something.// [[Please, I'd be happy to help you. That's what I'm here for ->Scene4.C]]

No really it's fine! Besides, I wouldn't want to impose on you. I'm sure you've got a lot of important things to do today. I'll be out of your hair in a jiffy, just you wait and see! [[I'm sure I can find some time to help you ma'am. I'm more than happy to lend you a hand. ->Scene4.D]] [[Well, if you need anything I'll be here. Try not to bump into anything on your way out ->Scene4.C2]]

//The old lady puases for a second, unsure of what to do in this situation. She regains her composure quickly enough, offering you a warm smile and a little shrug.// Well if you insist, I could maybe use a teensy bit of help. It's nothing important you see, but I've lost my glasses. It's a little hard to read all these signs without them and I tend to get lost quite easily. Oh but I shouldn't be bothering you with all that! I can manage well enough without them. [[Glasses you say? Let me see what we have in the lost and found. ->Scene4.E]]

I'll try my best deary! //The old woman dotters off back the way she came. As she did you could have sworn you heard her muttering something to herself. You couldn't quite make out the words but from the way she was speaking it sounded like she had lost something. Strange that she didn't ask about it.// [[That was odd ->Scene5]]

//The next few hours crawl by rather slowly, leaving you alone with your thoughts. It's an easy place to get lost in as there is a lot on your mind at the moment, which is why a sudden flash of movement by your desk catches you completely off guard. Startled, you scramble to your feet to see who was there. To your surprise, the room appears to be empty.// [[How strange ->Scene5.A]]

[[I'm sorry, we don't seem to have anything like that here right now. If you could leave me your name I can keep an eye out for them though. ->Scene4.F2]] //You recall having seen a pair of old looking glasses before the old woman arrived. They most likely belong to her.// [[These must be yours then, Patty. ->Scene4.F]]

Are you one of those new fangled pyshcics I've been hearing so much about lately?! A friend of mine has been raving on about how she went to see one and the next day bumped into the love of her life. Mind you she'd been happily married for 11 years by then but she hasn't stopped doting on that sweet little kitten since she found it. Mr Mittens is such a sweet little thing, you should see the way he rolls around in his little box! //You politely raise a hand to stop her from going on any longer than she already has and then kindly remind her that her name is tagged to the chain on her bifocals.// Oh goodness me, I completely forgot! Sorry for going off like that deary, old minds tend to wander when given half the chance. Old feet too. It's how I happened to get lost and find my way down here to begin with. I don't even think I'm in the right building anymore, but that's alright. I got to meet such a kind young soul and have a sparkling conversation with them. And you found my missing glasses! [[That's great to here ma'am. But if you don't mind me asking, what it is you are here for today if it isn't to find your glasses? ->Scene4*]] [[I'm glad to be of help ma'am. I hope the rest of your day goes as well as this morning has for you. ->Scene4.G]]

That's ok deary I'll find them eventually, These things have a habit of turning up when you least expect it. they're always in the last place you look, you know? Oh but I can't leave you like this without some way of getting to me. You might find my glasses and then we'd just be stuck going round in circles like headless chickens. I do like a good chicken, but I think pork has a nicer taste to it. Oh, sorry deary I'm rambling again. Call me Patty. //Patty pausedsfor a second, standing so perfectly still that you can't tell if she was breathing. Then as quickly as she arrived, she was gone. You're not entirely sure how a partially blind woman could move with such speed or how she could do so without hitting anything-// Ow! Silly old thing! //Nevermind.// [[Carry on with the day ->Scene4.G]]

Oh that's not a problem at all deary. I'm here for an appointment. Requim has such a lovely physician on staff so I have my grandson book in my appointments for me with him. You should meet my grandson he's very good with computers. Handsome too. And currently single. //Patty gives you a less than subtle wink before smiling at you from ear to ear.// I kid of course. Brandon has told me enough times to stop trying to "hook him up", as he puts it. Such a bright young boy, a relationship would do him a world of good. Someone to keep his head on straight and away from those horrible video games he always plays. Oh but my appointment! Sorry I got a little distracted again didn't I? That's what I'm here to see Dr. Walterson for actually. He told me over the phone that it's just going to be a quick little checkup to see what he can do to help me with little things. Like staying focused and remembering where I am. Oh sorry deary I've said a little too much about myself today. [[Tha'ts fine ma'am, I'm happy to listen to whatever you have to say while you're here. ->Scene4.*2]]

//With Patty gone you go back to watching the desk. A quick glance around at the rest of the room reveals a few more desks scattere about, leaving a sort of empty space in the middle of the room. It's almost set up like some sort of convention space intended for more than just one person. Maybe you should ask Geist about that the next time he shows up.// [[Carry on with the day ->Scene5]]

That's very kind of you deary. But I really should be on my way. I think I may be running a little late for that appointment. And please, feel free to call me Patty. Or Patricia. I understand if you have to be more formal for the sake of professionalism. But I do prefer Patty, all my friends call me Patty. And I'd like to think this little chat made us friends too. In that case Patty, I'm (if:visits >= 1)[$Playername]. [[Good luck with your appointment. ->Scene4.G]]

//You sit back at your desk a little uneasy. Just as you are ready to let go of that unease and put the whole thing behind you, another blur catches your eye. This time you were ready for it, which allowed you to follow it back to its source.// //Sitting behind your desk is a dog, wagging its tail in the air. It was only just coming up over the desk, which is why you missed it before.// [[Hey there little guy, are you lost? ->Scene5.B]]

//The dog immediately jumps to its feet when you start talking to it. It spins around a few times before sitting on its hind quaters to stare at you, happily barking away now that it had found someone to play with. A quick glance at it now that it was sat still revealed it to be a golden retriever. There was a tag attatched to its collar that reads "Tina".// [[Aren't you a clever little girl. Are you lost? ->Scene5.C]]

Woof!! //Tina sits there staring at you as her tail swings back and forth like a boomerang on a sugar high. Maybe she wants something from you?// [[Do you need something girl? ->Scene5.D]]

Woof!!! //That didn't get you anywhere.// [[Are you looking for someone? ->Scene5.E]]

Woof woof. //Well, at least it was a different response than last time.// [[Bark once if you understand me! ->Scene5.F]]

Woof!!! //You feel somewhat embarrased after having asked if a dog can understand you but also oddly validated. It was a confusing mix of emotions.// [[Ok. Do you need me to call someone to come get you? ->Scene5.G]]

//Tina growls at you, her tail dropping to the floor. She did not seem to like that idea one bit.// [[Right, right. Sorry. Well, if you're here and you're not looking for someone, maybe you're looking for something? ->Scene5.H]]

Woof! //You're finally getting somewhere! Maybe she's after something in the lost and found box?// [[Give Tina the Old Bone ->Scene5.J1]] [[Give Tina the Hip Flask ->Scene5.J2]]

//As soon as you pull the Old Bone out of the box Tina starts to giddly run back and forth across the room, pausing to wag her tail around ecstatically in anticipation. With her barely sitting still long enough for you to walk to her you decide to throw the bone to the centre of the room. Tina lets out the most excited howl you've ever heard before scoooping up the Old Bone and bolting from the room. That was probably the happiest dog you have ever seen and the sight of it fills you with energy.// [[Get back to to work ->Scene6]]

//You offer the Hip Flask to Tina and immediately start to feel like this wasn't the right call. Tina's playful energy is replaced with a confused malaise. She stares at the thing in your hand for a while before giving it a cursory lick. She does not look pleased with the results, but she takes the flask nonetheless. When Tina leaves with her new prize, its a slow plod. You start to feel horrible about what you've done, but there's no way to fix it now.// [[Carry on with the day ->Scene6]]

//This is a placeholder section acting as a crossroads while I work on fixing the underlying code. Sorry for breaking the pacing with this.// [[If Tina has the Old Bone, click here ->Scene6.1]] [[If Tina has the Hip Flask, click here ->Scene6.2]]

[[If Patty got her glasses back click here ->Scene6.1A]] [[If Patty does not have her glasses back click here ->Scene6.1B]]

[[If Patty got her glasses back click here ->Scene6.2A]]

//There's still a couple hours left of your shift so you decide to take it easy and wrap your head around what just happened. You're still not entirely sure if Tina was meant to be here or if she just wandered in unnanounced, which begged you to ask yourself. How would a dog know to come in to find something it had lost? How would you know that a dog was meant to be here? How do you even know if the people you've served so far were even meant to be here? What does being here even mean?!// //You were so lost in your own thoughts that you fail to notice someone approach the desk until they cough rather loudly to grab your attention. You shake off the odd sense of forboding panic and focus on the new arrival.// //Dr Walterson stands at the desk. He seems tired but otherwise in a good mood.// [[How may I help you sir? ->Scene1.A1]]

//There's still a couple hours left of your shift so you decide to take it easy and wrap your head around what just happened. You're still not entirely sure if Tina was meant to be here or if she just wandered in unnanounced, which begged you to ask yourself. How would a dog know to come in to find something it had lost? How would you know that a dog was meant to be here? How do you even know if the people you've served so far were even meant to be here? What does being here even mean?!// //You were so lost in your own thoughts that you failed to notice someone approach the desk until they coughed rather loudly to grab your attention. You shake off the odd sense of forboding panic and focus on the new arrival.// //Dr Walterson was stood at the desk. He looks aggravated.// [[How may I help you sir? ->Scene6.1B1]]

//There's still a couple hours left of your shift so you decide to take it easy and wrap your head around what just happened. You're still not entirely sure if Tina was meant to be here or if she just wandered in unnanounced, which begged you to ask yourself. How would a dog know to come in to find something it had lost? How would you know that a dog was meant to be here? How do you even know if the people you've served so far were even meant to be here? What does being here even mean?!// //You were so lost in your own thoughts that you failed to notice someone approach the desk until they coughed rather loudly to grab your attention. You shake off the odd sense of forboding panic and focus on the new arrival.// //Dr Walterson was stood at the desk. He seems to be at the end of his rope.// [[How may I help you sir? ->Scene6.2A1]]

//There's still a couple hours left of your shift so you decide to take it easy and wrap your head around what just happened. You're still not entirely sure if Tina was meant to be here or if she just wandered in unnanounced, which begged you to ask yourself. How would a dog know to come in to find something it had lost? How would you know that a dog was meant to be here? How do you even know if the people you've served so far were even meant to be here? What does being here even mean?!// //You were so lost in your own thoughts that you failed to notice someone approach the desk until they coughed rather loudly to grab your attention. You shake off the odd sense of forboding panic and focus on the new arrival.// //Dr Walterson was stood at the desk. He looked very frustrated.// [[How may I help you sir? ->Scene6.2B1]]

//Walterson is silent for a moment, obviously deep in thought. You are just about to ask again when he removes his hat. With it gone you could see that his hair was a soft brown streaked with silver.// I am remiss to admit that I require your services once more. Though in this case the item in question holds a lot more importance to me than a mere identification card. [[I see. And what might it be that you lost sir? ->Scene6.1A2]]

I've come down here to ask you about two things. The first is a personal item of mine, the second is the personal item of a client I was meant to attend to this morning that arrived fairly late to her appointment. She was struggling to find her way without her glasses and I suspect that they were here when she came to look for them. So before we address my own issue I need to ask you this. Why didn't you hand back Mrs Clover her glasses? //Dr Walterson's words came from a place of concern but his tone was rather aggressive. It was an odd mix that caught you more than a little off guard. Now was not the best time to come up with a lie or withhold any information from him.// [[I apologise sir, I must have made a mistake withholding the item. They're still here if you wish to return them yourself. ->Scene6.1B2]]

Did you by any chance had a hip flask to a dog earlier today? //It was an oddly specific thing to ask, which leads you to beleive that Dr Walterson must have run into Tina after she left the office. There wasn't really any other explanation for the inquiry so you find it best not to lie to him about what had happened.// [[I did, but I feel as if it may have been a mistake. ->Scene6.2A2]]

It's a flask that was gifted to me by... an old colleague of mine. My initials are engraved into it. It's a rather precious piece and I would very much like to get it back as soon as possible. //The flask in the box matches the description and is the only thing left. You also see little point in lying to Dr Walterson as he works in the same resort that you do and probably has enough sway to get you fired for this sort of thing.// [[It turned up this morning. Here. ->Scene6.1A3]]

//Dr Walterson takes the flask from you so carefully it was almost as if for a moment he became a totally different person. He seemed softer, almost vulnerable. When the flask went into a pocket inside of his jacket that vulnerability disappeared and his usually stoic practicality returned.// I thank you... Ahem. It seems I must apoligise again. I did not happen to learn your name when last we spoke. A rather thoughtless mistake for a doctor, wouldn't you say? [[That's fine sir, you seemed busy the other day anyway.->Scene6.1A4]]

//Dr Walterson lets out a soft, hearty chuckle at your response.// Hardly a fitting reason for me to forget my manners, since I am almost always busy. But I admire your concern for others. It will help you a lot in a place like this. //You're not sure what Dr Walterson meant by "a place like this" but now was not the time to question him about it. The end of your shift was only an hour or so away and you still needed to put some time aside to close the desk for the day.// "I see. Well in that case, my name is (if:visits >= 1)[$Playername]. It's a pleasure to formally meet you Dr Walterson." //Dr Walterson offers you a curt nod in thanks before he places his hat back upon his head. A clear sign that he was done with the conversation and ready to take his leave.// It was my pleasure to make your aquantiance as well, (if:visits >= 1)[$Playername]. Do take care of yourself on your way out. //After Dr Walterson takes his leave you spend the rest of your shift tidying up the office and making sure everything was in order for tomorrow. There was a surprising amount of dog hair strewn about the place considering Tina spent most of her time by your desk but you manage to get everything done in time.// [[Go home for the day. ->Scene7]]

[[End of Demo ->End Page]]

I will do so but that is not what I asked of you. Tell me why you kept them. //You hand over the glasses while scrambling for a way to present the truth of the matter without sounding guilty of anything suspicious or spiteful.// [[I was merely being cautious. These glasses may have belonged to another person with the same first name and I did not want to take the risk sir. ->Scene6.1B3]]

And what makes you think that? //You explain to Dr Walterson that Tina had been adamant about something in the box and that for a few seconds you believed that she was after something that belonged to her owner. You then described the dogs disappointment in receiving the flask, which had disproved your theory, but still took it off with them when they left.// I can see how an animal displaying above average signs of intelligence can be a confusing sight, but that does not excuse your own choices or mistakes. And handing that dog the flask was a mistake. The item is mine, but the animal is not. So neithe the dog nor I have received what we came here to find. I hope you understand how that reflects upon your ability to perform your duties in this position. //His words sting, but he did have a point. And since he was techincally a senior member of staff despite being in a different department it was probably not the best idea to aggravte Dr Walterson futher. A curt response would be best here, even if he was being rather unreasonable.// [[I see. I will work better moving forward sir. I apologise for my actions. ->Scene6.2A3]]

I suppose the fear of making a mistake could be a factor in your decision making as this is a new job for you. But do not make the same mistake again. Finding a chance to fix your mistakes like this is a rare occurance and even the smallest of choices can have dire consequences at Requim. Now, if you coudl also hand me the flask that's in the box I can be on my way. //How did he know what was in the box? It makes sense that he knew what his lost item was since he was the one who lost it but that didn't explain how he knew that it was here in the first place. Would it really count as a lost item if you knew exactly where it was? You hand the flask over to Dr Walterson while mulling over the thought in your head.// Even now you seem distracted. Perhaps Geist was wrong in hiring you for this position. good day. //Dr Walterson took his leave with both items stashed into his pockets. He did not seem pleased with you but he also didn't seem particularly upset. His advice was rather odd but seemed to come from the right place, so you decide to make a mental note of it before clearing up for the day.// [[Tidy up the desk ->Scene6.1B4]]

See that you do. Positions at Requim are not easy to get a hold of and losing them can have lasting consequences. It also is not the a wise idea to give guests a reason to complain, whether that be about the resort or a member of staff personally such as yourself. Animosity breeds contempt, and contempt leads to some terribl;e choices that we cannot take back. //For a moment there Dr Walterson sems to be speaking from experience. You wonder what a man like him could have to regret but before you could think to fish for an answer he's gone. Dr Walterson had left without saying another wods, leaving you alone with your thoughts. With nothing else going on you decide to tidy around the office in an effort to leave a better impression than you already have.// [[Clean the office ->Scene6.2A4]]

//After Dr Walterson takes his leave you spend the rest of your shift tidying up the office and making sure everything was in order for tomorrow. There was a surprising amount of dog hair strewn about the place considering Tina spent most of her time by your desk but you manage to get everything done in time.// [[Go home for the day. ->Scene7]]

//It did not take long to clean the office despite the rather concerning amount of dog hair left scattered about by Tina. While you do leave everything in working order your mind was stuck on too many things to really focus on such a mundane task. For now at least, you were the only one to suffer from your own efforts and decide that the office was a problem for you to solve tomorrow.// [[Go Home for the day. ->Scene7]]

//Today is your first day at your new job working for the Requim Hotel and Resort. You're currently running a little late as you had struggled to find the place right away, but the receptionist at the front desk didn't seem to acknowledge that. She kindly points you to where you were supposed to be and sets you off on your way, It takes you a few minutes to find the department you had signed up for and when you arrive you're met with a startling sight.// //The room is set up like an office, with a series of desks set up in the centre of the main floor. The organisation of the desks reminded you of a school fate, with an area around the desks that allows people to walk around them. The room was well lit and had plenty of windows that look out acrtoss the resort, revealing an idyllic vista that looks like it has been taken straight from an ad. Despite all of that though, the room seems hazy, as if a smoke machine has been left on unattended. Everything also has a soft purple glow to it, but that seems to be because of the lightbulbs fitted into the ceiling lights more so than anything else.// //You spend so much time looking around the space trying to work out what you're here to do that you don't notice someone walk into the room behind you until they begin to introduce themselves, startling you somewhat.// [[Listen to what they have to say ->Scene A]]

Oh hey, you made it! Welcome to the Requim Hotel and Resort! Don't worry about being a tad late, I understand that this place is a little hard to find. Please, feel free to make yourself at home before your shift starts. I'll walk you through the basics now while you've got some free time. Now don't give me that look, you'll be fine without me for your first few days. Besides, I'm needed elsewhere at the moment so I can't supervise you even if I wanted to. Oh my! Where are my manners! My name is Geist. We spoke on the phone a few days ago. It's nice to meet you in person. I do apologise though, I've been very busy lately and I can't remember your name. Could you remind me what that is again? //"Of course, my name is" // (input-box:2bind $Playername,"=XX=",2,"") [[Proceed->Scene 1.A]]