Checkpoint 16 Re-write

#(text-colour:cyan)+(text-style:"expand")+(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[Checkpoint 16]\ (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[Created by Jenny Lee Music by Samuel Anderson]\ (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[[START|Introduction]]

But what use is insterstellar travel when it takes so much //goddam// time just to reach (text-colour:cyan)[Checkpoint-16]? And for what? For all you know, your partner in crime, whom had gone missing for about a week now, might not even be here. All you have is their last known location. (align:"=><=")[[[>>>->Intro 3]]]

You and Mira met over 3 years ago, first assigned together to uncover one of the biggest galactic mafias that had taken control of a few central south galaxies. Needless to say, you both grew on each other, not to mention growing quite a reputation and streak, never failing a mission... that is, until now. (align:"=><=")[[[>>>->Intro 4]]]

You feel the frustration creep back up to you as you stare into the stars, the Star Train cruising along. If only you hadn't let Mira go alone on this mission. You had been called back to deal with a minor situation back in HQ, and Mira insisted she could handle this alone. After all, it was simply another one of the bazillion thefts that happen across the galaxies. Some missing diamond. You let out a sigh as you see the lights of Checkpoint-16 come into view. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")[[[Enter Checkpoint-16->Intro 5]]]

{(track: 'chillMusic', 'loop', true) (track: 'chillMusic', 'play') (track: 'searchMusic', 'volume', 0.3)}\ "Technology allowed us to reach beyond the stars. You can too”. A phrase repeated on every street, every colony and every planet. With interstellar travel a reality, humanity has explored, conquered and, quote-unquote, developed hundreds of cosmic civilizations. (align:"=><=")[[[>>>->Intro 2]]]

{(track: 'chillMusic', 'stop') (track: 'searchMusic', 'fadein', 2) (track: 'searchMusic', 'loop', true) (track: 'searchMusic', 'play') (set:$stopIntro = true) (set:$location to "Lobby")}\ Location: $location\ <hr> A smooth white orb drifts towards you, one of the many robots that help keep the rest stop going. (text-colour:grey)["Welcome to Checkpoint-16. My name is LIA. Are you here to check-in?"] You give a curt nod and the droid floats over, giving you a series of instructions to follow to check-in. You follow these actions sub-consciously, your mind focused on something else entirely. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-size:1)+(b4r-colour:white)[[<span style="color: white;">Enter Name|lia]]

searchMusic: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/b55364_431d7b692aa04e6b9ff2a1efbbda28a3.mp3 interrogateMusic: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/b55364_f8f6a3059d0b43e29ced06f112b1f05b.mp3 jazzMusic: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/b55364_b61ad56b25c0426cb63ef7d61faf5ecc.mp3 chillMusic: https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/b55364_00e417f25db0410bb38ea721899129a3.mp3

(set:$playerName to (prompt:"Enter your name: ", "Name"))\ Location: $location\ <hr> (text-colour:grey)["Ah, and we're done. Welcome to Checkpoint-16, ](text-colour:cyan)[$playerName] (text-colour:grey)[. It says here that you're registered for... 1 night, exactly] (text-colour:cyan)[24 hours](text-colour:grey)[. Is that correct?] You nod again, wishing that you could hurry the process along. You know all too well that you only have 24 hours. Not even close to enough time to thoroughly search the place. But unfortunately you've only been given leave to look for Mira for that amount of time. Another mission awaited... always another mission, neverending. You loved the adrenaline of this job, but moments like these made you hate everything about it. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")[[>>>|Intro 6]]

{(set: $location = 'Buffet') (set: $time = 1200) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$time is >=780 and $hours is <1440)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (if:$meridiem is "PM")[(set: $hours = $hours - 12)] (set:$bargedMiraQuestion = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr> (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXX===")[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b55364_9e6a16d5396c4daf86dc6ff725af4ab7~mv2.png">]\ <span class='lia'>“Detective, you need to go to the Lounge & Bar. Now. An event is occurring at that location and insightful information can be gleaned from the attendees. I promise.”</span> //Has LIA always talked like that? You ask LIA why she is so insistent but she does not respond. It seems that LIA’s voice function has been shut off temporarily. // //As you ponder LIA’s demand and this odd scenario, you decide that there is considerable merit in listening to LIA. You leave the Buffet with newfound determination.// (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")[[Go to Lounge|Night Lounge]]

{(track: 'searchMusic', 'stop') (track: 'jazzMusic', 'fadein', 2) (track: 'jazzMusic', 'loop', true) (track: 'jazzMusic', 'play')}\ {(set: $location = 'Lounge & Bar') (set: $time = $time + 15) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$time is >=780 and $hours is <1440)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (if:$meridiem is "PM")[(set: $hours = $hours - 12)] (set:$bargedMiraQuestion = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr> //You step into the Lounge and Bar. It is fairly dark, lit by strips of red light running along the walls. You see that every table is filled. The area is crowded with many people, some that definitely don’t seem like the type that can afford a stay at Checkpoint 16. You also notice some familiar faces of those you had interacted with before.// (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")[[>>>|End Scene 1]]

(track: 'chillMusic', 'fadeout', 30)\ The Star train cruises to a stop, and you get off along with the stream of passengers. Folks from all over the galaxy walk to and from Checkpoint-16, some ending their quick rest stop, others just arriving. You step out of the train and make your way to the lobby; a well polished area, smooth white walls and glass all around. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")[[[Check-In->Welcome]]]

{(set:$time to 540) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (set:$meridiem = "AM") (set:$nums = (range:1,9)) (if:$minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')]}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ The droid pipes up, (text-colour:grey)["Well then! Let me bring over one of our] (text-colour:#d4ff00)[Bellhops](text-colour:grey)[!"]. A series of beeping sounds emit from it's sphere and hurried footsteps scurry towards you from your right. A creature stumbles towards you, a bellhop uniform hanging loosely over it's thin and furry frame. (text-colour:#d4ff00)["The name's Hop. Let me grab your bags for you."] The Bellhop looks down, a puzzled expression crossing their face. They look around you some more. (text-colour:#d4ff00)["You sure travel light, huh."] {(align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")[ [[ [Be Curt] ]] | [[ [Shrug It Off] ]] ]}

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$location = "Hallway") (set: $bellHop = $bellHop - 1)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-style:"fade-in-out")[(text-colour:#d4ff00)[Bellhop - 1]] You can't help but be wary of how much Hop is asking. The worst thing that can happen during a mission is when civilians or targets become too aware of who you are. You decide to change the topic in hopes that Hop doesn't notice. (text-colour:cyan)["I've always been curious, how many droids and folks help to run this whole place?"] Hop perks up at the question, although you notice they give you a questioning glance as they've noticed you changed the topic. (text-colour:#d4ff00)["Can't say I know for sure. There's probably thousands of us, but you only really see a handful since we're all so spread out. Man, I wish we were overstaffed. Then I'd have a reason to quit. "] {(align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[ [Ask why they want to leave] ]] | [[ [Leave it be] ]] ]}

{(set: $time = $time + 30) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$location = "Hallway") (set: $bellHop = $bellHop - 1)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-style:"fade-in-out")[(text-colour:#d4ff00)[Bellhop - 1]] You're a little annoyed with Hop. It seems like they just keep trying to get into your business. You'd think that after so many years working at Checkpoint-16, they might learn to mind their business. You stay silent, pretending to be distracted by the interior glowing lights and orbs filled with sediments from different planets. The Bellhop seems to take the hint, albeit a little dissapointedly. The rest of the walk is in awkward silence. {(align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>> | Arrive at Room]] ]}

{(set: $time = $time + 5) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$location = "Hallway")}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ You're rather curious as to why Hop ended up working at a rest stop. (text-colour:cyan)["A dump huh. So, how'd you end up here?"] Hop sighs. (text-colour:#d4ff00)["I was in the middle of finishing my Space Nav certificate... but my parents went jobless and I needed to get some sort of income.... I'll get out of here one day."] You nod politely. You've heard that completing the Space Nav certificate takes a lot of time and effort. Most folks go for the certificate in hopes of becoming a funded explorer to journey to other galaxies. You feel slightly sorry for Hop, knowing that their potential was cut short by their family circumstance. {(align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>> | Arrive at Room]]]}

{(set: $time = $time + 5) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$location = "Hallway")}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ Sure, rest stops often entertain a diverse group of folks, but most consider Checkpoint-16 as one of higher prestige. Not many would see it as a dump. (text-colour:cyan)["Checkpoint-16 a dump... can't say I hear that often."] (text-colour:#d4ff00)["Oh yah, that's cause most people don't stay long enough to see the low lifes that live here, nor the way this place is run."] You're not quite sure how to feel about what they've said. Though supposedly there's some merit to their words considering they've been working here long enough. {(align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>> | Arrive at Room]]]}

{(set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$location = "Room 5408")}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ You take your bag inside the room, the quiet drone of LIA following behind. You place your bag on the bed and take in the space. The room is fairly simple and modern. The walls are smooth white, bluish white lights illuminate the large window facing space. A desk sits on a corner, a small ball of contained plasma lighting up the desktop. A storage space carved into the wall stands to the left of the door while a white polished washroom stands to the right. A large rectangular mirror stands beside the storage space. The room looks simple as it is, but perhaps it’s worth investigating. But with a limited amount of time, would your time would be better spent getting to know the residents of Checkpoint 16? (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[ [Investigate Room] ]] | [[ [Investigate Checkpoint-16] ]] ] \ {(set:$note1 = false) (set:$note2 = false)}

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$location = "Room 5408")}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:grey)["Are you heading out,] (text-colour:cyan)[$playerName](text-colour:grey)[?"] You nod as you grab your bag. (text-colour:grey)["I can be your guide, where would you like to go? Checkpoint-16 has 3 public floors aside from the dining floor. The Lounge floor where the jazz club resides, the 7th floor where we provide guests with a space to study, work, or hold meetings, or the training room, where guests get to use our most modern space training equipment to keep themselves in tip top shape. Oh, and we probably won’t have time to explore anywhere else before lunch which is at 12."] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[ [Main Floor: Lobby] ]] [[ [7th Floor: Study Space] ]] [[ [10th Floor: Training Area] ]] [[ [16th Floor: Lounge] ]] ] {(set: $lobbyFirst = false) (set: $officeFirst = false) (set: $loungeClicked = false) (set: $trainClicked = false)}\

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$location = "Study Floor")}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ You take the elevator to the 7th Floor and walk into hushed voices. A big expansive area lies before you, large long tables placed in rows, hovering chairs scattered about. The entire right wall gives way to a view of the entire galaxy. The left side of the room consists of large meeting rooms, some surrounded by glass walls, others opaque, allowing for some privacy. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>>|Study Space]] ] {(set: $ignoreOffice = false) (set: $checkOffice = false) (set: $vagueOfficeWorker = false) (set: $susOfficeWorker = false) (set: $mafiaFound2 = false) (set: $jazzCouple2 = false) (set: $theMafia = false) (set: $officeWorker = 0) (set: $officeNina = false) (set: $friendOffice = false)}\

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$invBath = true) (set:$ring = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ You walk into the washroom. Everything is polished clean, floating orbs holding soap and other mixtures bob up and down over the tub and sink. Everything seems perfect. However, just as you turn to leave, a glimmer of something under the sink catches your eye. Is that... Mira's earring? You had gifted it to her on your 1 year anniversary... she wouldn't just lose it like that. (if: $note2 is false)[ You feel yourself hoping and dreading at the same time. But you don't know for sure if it's Mira's earring. ](if: $note2 is true)[You feel your heart drop as you remember the note. It's unmistakingly Mira's, and you're now more certain than ever that she had happened to be staying in this exact room. What were the chances.] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ (if: $invBed is false)[ [[ [Investigate Bed] ]] |] (if: $invStorage is false)[ [[ [Investigate Storage Space] ]] |] (if: $invDesk is false)[ [[ [Investigate Desk] ]] |] [[ [Leave Room] ]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$invBed = true) (set: $note1 = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ You stroll over to the bed, checking the blanket folds, pillows, and beneath the bed. Just as you're checking the bedframe, you spot a small slip of paper tucked into the side. You read the note:(text-colour:cyan)[ "I can treat you better than him"]. You frown a little. It seems like there was some sort of lovers quarral involving a third party. You doubt Mira was involved, however it might be useful to find who else had been in this room. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ (if: $invStorage is false)[ [[ [Investigate Storage Space] ]] |] (if: $invBath is false)[ [[ [Investigate Bathroom] ]] |] (if: $invDesk is false)[ [[ [Investigate Desk] ]] |] [[ [Leave Room] ]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$invStorage = true) (set: $note2 = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ You run your hand alongside the curve of the storage space, examining the smooth surface. Suddenly, your fingers feel an out of place lump on the side of the storage area. A folded paper had been stuck to the inner side, enough that no one would notice it on their first glance. You read the note:(text-colour:cyan)[ "If you want the diamond, meet me in the jazz club tonight"]. You heart plummets. (if: $ring is true)[This was undoubtedly Mira's room. Someone must've found her real identity, or her motive... and things had gone south. You can't imagine what could've happened. Right now, you need to find Mira.](if: $ring is false)[This meant either one of two things. Either there were multiple parties here involved in the missing diamond case... meaning this was definitely bigger than anyone had thought, or Mira had stayed in this room, and someone had locked on to her.] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ (if: $invBed is false)[ [[ [Investigate Bed] ]] |] (if: $invBath is false)[ [[ [Investigate Bathroom] ]] |] (if: $invDesk is false)[ [[ [Investigate Desk] ]] |] [[ [Leave Room] ]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $happyHop = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-style:"fade-in-out")[(text-colour:#d4ff00)[Bellhop + 1]] (text-colour:cyan)[“Just trying to get a breather and organize my thoughts.”] It’s not an entire lie, you are here to organize your thoughts and your next form of action. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Ah, I totally get you. I find myself doing that quite often. It’s quite tiring always hearing other people’s business. Surprising, really, how many folks will just rant to a stranger.”] You find this slightly amusing as it seems like Hop is the type to also rant to a stranger. (text-colour:cyan)[“Oh? How so?” ] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $bellHop is -2)[ [[>>>| Offended Bellhop Info]] ] (else-if: $bellHop is 0)[ [[>>>|Bellhop Info]] ](else-if: $bellHop is 2)[ [[>>>|Happy Bellhop Info]] ] ] {(set: $oddOffice = false) (set: $vagueOffice = false) (set: $allThree = false) (set: $theMafia = false) (set: $someHumanAI = false)}\

{(set: $time = 720) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $location = "Dining Hall")}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ The elevator doors open and you are immediately greeted with the smell of roasted venison and delicate spices. Your stomach growls and you remember you haven’t eaten since 5 this morning. Following the flock of guests, you stroll into the massive dining hall. The ceiling is meters above, large floating chandeliers of plasma scatter the air while tables and tables of food line the room walls. You grab a plate and join the growing line. As much as you don’t want to waste time eating, you can’t deny that your stomach is gonna need some food in it. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>>| Update]] ]

{(set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $jazzCouple = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:grey)[“I implore us all to go for lunch.”] LIA comes back to life, floating up to everyone’s eye level.(text-colour:grey)[ “Lunch is being served in the Dining Hall, 5th floor. All guests are requested to attend at this time as food will not be served after a certain time.”] (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Well then, I don’t see why not.”] The Lady smoothly presses 5 and the elevator doors slide closed. The rest of the ride is quiet, the man silent, and the lady quite distracted by LIA who was resting on the Lady’s hand. You try to get a read on the man but his face gives nothing away. Either he plays poker quite often, or perhaps his profession has trained him as such. Before you can gain anything else, the elevator door dings open and the four of you leave the elevator. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[Get Lunch]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 5) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] }\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ You keep up the charade and dig through your pockets for your room card. (text-colour:cyan)[“ I know my card is in here somewhere. I’m on the upper floors though, so feel free to go ahead first, I’ll dig up my card eventually.” ] You give a slight embarrassed chuckle which is met with an empathetic smile from the Lady, the Man on the other hand seems unbothered, neither annoyed by your performance, or empathetic. (text-colour:cyan)[“Ah, the 56th floor please”] You slip the card back into your pocket. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>>|Elevator 2.5]] ]

{(set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $susJazzCouple = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ The man immediately shoots the Lady a silencing look. (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Oh stop being such a stick in the mud.”] The Lady rolls her eyes, seemingly reminded of the argument they just had. (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Pay him no mind”], She turns back towards you, (text-colour:#e599f7)[“He’s always been like this, I suppose he gets it from his job. Gotta scare people and all that.”] Before you can ask anything else, the elevator dings open. (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Well it was nice meeting you, uh… “] (text-colour:cyan)[“$playerName, you can call me $playerName”]. This was one of the many names you would use on your mission, no harm in giving it out to seem more sincere. (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Well then, ](text-colour:cyan)[$playerName](text-colour:#e599f7)[, come pop by the Lounge later tonight, I’ll be performing.”] With a wink from the Lady and a disgruntled huff from the Man, the two exit the elevator. As the doors close behind him, LIA floats up from where they were settled on the ground. (text-colour:grey)[“Lunch service has started. Let’s head over first before continuing.” ] You nod in agreement. A quick bite won’t hurt, and then back to the investigation right after. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[Get Lunch]] ]

{(set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] }\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Sounds good.”] The Lady sounds cheerful despite the dispute you had heard earlier. You cast a quick glance over to the Man, however he remains stone faced, staring straight ahead. His stoic composition seems too perfect, like someone who’s used to composing themselves every day… Perhaps a profession? You make a mental note. (text-colour:cyan)[“Are the two of your fervent space travelers?”] The more information you can get, the better. The Lady seems surprised by your question but answers happily.(text-colour:#e599f7)[ “Oh, quite so. I love traveling everywhere, and you know what’s even better?”] She gives you a secretive grin and leans in to whisper.(text-colour:#e599f7)[ “I get paid.”] She leans back and chuckles.(text-colour:#e599f7)[ “Everything actually. I get paid to travel all over! Not a single penny from my own pocket. If any, it’s from his.”] She gives her companion a smug look. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ (if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Lunch Time 3]] ](else:)[ [[>>>|Elevator 4]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 5) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] }\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ The man immediately shoots the Lady a silencing look. (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Oh stop being such a stick in the mud.”] The Lady rolls her eyes, seemingly reminded of the argument they just had.(text-colour:#e599f7)[ “Pay him no mind”], She turns back towards you,(text-colour:#e599f7)[ “He’s always been like this, I suppose he gets it from his job. Gotta scare people and all that.”] (text-colour:cyan)[“Sounds like a fun job.”] You feign amusement, hoping to have them elaborate. (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Oh it definitely is. Don’t make him mad though, he’ll… “] She draws a line across her throat. (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Yknow.” ] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>>|Elevator 5]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 5) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] }\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:#5c7cfa)[“Nina…”] The man says the Lady’s name in warning, but she just shrugs him off. (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Oh right! My name is Nina, so sorry for not introducing myself earlier. And this is Kris, he’s always like this.”] She turns her gaze to you expectantly. (text-colour:cyan)[“Call me $playerName”]. This name was simply one of many you use during your missions. Doesn’t hurt to give it out, and helps folks feel you're being more genuine. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>>|Elevator 6]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 5) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] }\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:#e599f7)[“Sure thing, take your time. We’re just stopping by our room before lunch. Perhaps you want to head to the dining hall? On the 5th floor I believe.”] You watch as she presses the 50th floor. (text-colour:cyan)[“Oh, that would be a good idea, although I’d like to refresh myself first before I go eat…”] You pretend to dig around a bit more before miraculously pulling out your card. You carefully angle the card so no one can see the room number as you pretend to read it over. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>>|Elevator 3]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] }\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ You wonder if there’s more than what meets the eye with those two and decide that if anyone would know, it would be Hop. You head over to the Lobby desk and politely decline the help of the droids floating over to assist you. Hop looks up as you reach the desk. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Lunch Time 1.5]] ](else-if: $bellHop is -2)[ [[>>>|Talk with Offended Bellhop]] ] (else-if: $bellHop is 0)[ [[>>>|Talk with Bellhop]] ](else-if: $bellHop is 2)[ [[>>>|Talk with Happy Bellhop]] ] ] {(set: $jazzCouple2 = false) (set: $susJazzCouple = false) (set: $susJazzCouple2 = false) (set: $mafiaFound2 = false) (set: $vagueOffice = false) (set: $oddOffice = false) (set: $hopInfo = false) (set: $technology = false) (set: $humanAI = false)}

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] }\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:cyan)[“Do you know anything about those two?” ]You gesture at the two figures disappearing around a corner. Hop raises an eyebrow, (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Oh, you have time to talk to me now?”] You give them an apologetic look. (text-colour:cyan)[“I’m here on a research paper and I’m afraid I’m a little stressed on time.”] Hop gives a sigh and pauses their work. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“I suppose that’s how work life goes.”] They glance over at the figures you had gestured to.(text-colour:#d4ff00)[ “Oh those two? They frequent Checkpoint-16, or rather many rest-stops. Not official space travelers as far as I know though.”] (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Why?”] Hop glances at you curiously. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Bellhop Lunch 1]] ](else:)[ [[>>>|Talk with Bellhop 2]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$mafiaFound2 = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:cyan)[“Do you know anything about those two?”] You gesture at the two figures disappearing around a corner. Hop raises an eyebrow, (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Oh, you have time to talk to me now?” ] You give them an apologetic look. (text-colour:cyan)[“I’m here on a research paper and I’m afraid I’m a little stressed on time.” ] Hop gives a sigh and pauses their work. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“I suppose that’s how work life goes, can’t say I’m not used to it.”] They pause a minute, lost in a thought.(text-colour:#d4ff00)[ “Anyways, those two? They’re pretty well known here. Nina is the Lady, she’s the singer at the Lounge, and the Man? Kris or something. Keeps his business pretty lowkey. I gotta say, I think he’s in with some shady fellows.” ] You take a quick mental note. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Why?”] Hop glances at you curiously. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Happy Bellhop Lunch 1]] ](else:)[ [[>>>|Happy Bellhop 2]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] }\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ Hop doesn’t seem amused by this answer and busy themselves with their screen. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Look, I’m not at liberty to say anything. You’re better off leaving people alone here. Most of them are here to destress for a bit and I don’t think many of them would appreciate you being nosey with their business.”] You find this mildly satirical as Hop had seemed to want to know quite a bit about you, but you suppose it comes with the job. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Anyways, I suggest you head over for lunch. Lunch service only goes for a bit of time.”] You debate staying and trying to ask more, but it seems that’s all you’ll get from Hop. You might have gotten on their bad side. You decide you might as well go for lunch and continue your investigation later. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[Get Lunch]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$hopInfo = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ You quickly think of another excuse on the spot. (text-colour:cyan)[“They seem very prestigious, and could make for an interesting research paper. I’d like to investigate the type of people who stop by this rest stop.” ] Hop raises an eyebrow. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“You’re better off researching something better. You know how intriguing the bots here are? I hear they’re built on a whole different microchip from the last iteration. I almost got hired to help them program better service bots, but they said I didn’t have the credentials.”] Hop scoffs. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“I say my self taught skills are better than most stuffy certificates.”] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Happy Bellhop Lunch 2]] ](else:)[ [[>>>|Happy Bellhop 3]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')]}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ Hop knows something, but it doesn’t seem like they’re inclined to tell you. (text-colour:cyan)[“It would be a lot of help if I could get any sort of inside scoop. I’m trying to do a research paper on the residents and guests of Checkpoint-16.”] Hop thinks for a bit. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Not sure if this will be of help, but there’s a folk who seems to have a lot of targets on their back. Funny cause they keep to themselves up on the 7th floor. But I’ve definitely heard some disgruntled folks talk about em.”] You ponder this. An office worker who has targets on their back? (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Offended Info Lunch 1]] ](else:)[ [[>>>|Offended Bellhop Info 3]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $oddOffice = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:cyan)[“What kind of folks are targeting an office worker?” ] Hop shrugs. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Not really my business, I just hear folks here and there.”] It seems like Hop doesn’t want to divulge too much… could it be because of how you treated them? (text-colour:cyan)[“Hm, is there anything else you can tell me about this individual?”] You’re hoping you can get more information, anything to go off of. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Look, all I know is that he’s been here for who knows how long. He pays by the day too, which is admittedly a little odd.”] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Offended Info Lunch 2]] ](else:)[ [[>>>|Offended Bellhop Info 4]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $susJazzCouple2 = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ Hop continues, (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“And get this, just the other day, two of our guests cornered him in the lobby. Looked like a heated discussion if you ask me. Man was barely holding himself back.”] The information seems to be growing more by the minute. The timeline just seemed too close to Mira’s disappearance. (text-colour:cyan)[“Do you know who the man and woman were?” ] Hop thinks for a bit. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“The Lady was Nina, our singer who performs nightly at the Lounge. The man? He’s her known companion, not quite sure really what he does, I just know he’s here whenever Nina is.” ] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Bellhop Info Lunch 3]] ](else:)[ [[>>>| Bellhop Info 5]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')]}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:cyan)[“How so?” ] Hop thinks for a second. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Some shady folks, and he’s an oddball himself. Keeps to himself up on the 7th floor. God knows what keeps a person in a study space 24/7, I’d go crazy.” ] (text-colour:cyan)[“What do you mean shady folks?”] This individual has definitely piqued your interest. Especially if he checked in just a little before Mira’s disappearance. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Hmm… well just the other day, he got cornered down at the Lobby. Can’t say it turned out well for him. Haven’t seen him down here since.”] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Happy Info Lunch 1]] ](else:)[ [[>>>| Happy Bellhop Info 3]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set:$theMafia = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ Hop lowers their tone, leaning in so only you can hear them. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Some folks say he’s got himself involved with the mafia.”] (text-colour:cyan)[“//The// mafia?”] Hop nodded. There were many mafia groups spanning across the galaxy, however one was bigger than the rest. They called themselves the Iron Star. For the most part your organization and them often avoided one another. They knew well enough to not get in the way of your investigations, abide by the contract everyone had signed, and all would go well. That was until they accidentally killed one of your people last year. Things were a bit tense and depending on the member, things could go south real quick. This could potentially a huge lead, and if you’re lucky, they might abide by the contract and give you valuable information. Although you’d have to tread carefully. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Happy Info Lunch 2]] ](else:)[ [[>>>| Happy Bellhop Info 4]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $allThreeFound = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:cyan)[“Do you know who this mafia person is?”] You might be asking too much of the bellhop, but you could use any information possible. Hop pauses for a second, thinking. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“You’re in luck. I overhead our singer, Nina muttering to herself. I suspect that man that follows her every step to be someone from the Mafia. He goes by Kris I believe.”] Hop gives you a curious look. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“I’d be careful if I were you though. I don’t think many folks would want to get involved with that sort of group. ] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Happy Info Lunch 3]] ](else:)[ [[>>>| Happy Bellhop Info 5]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')]}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ You give a subconscious nod, your mind racing at the new information. This could be a huge lead. Although, there was a chance the mafias are directly involved with Mira’s disappearance and it would be best if you proceeded with caution. A sudden beeping noise interrupts your thoughts. (text-colour:#d4ff00)[“Ah, sorry about that. That’s my Lunch break. Go grab yourself a bite too. Lunch service ends soon. Oh and also? Be careful, there are some bad crowds living here.”] Hop gives you a wave as they saunter back to their desk, scooping their stuff into a bag and heading out for their break. You figure you might as well grab a quick bite then get back to work as soon as possible. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[Get Lunch]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $checkOffice = true) (set: $officeWorker = $officeWorker + 1)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-style:"fade-in-out")[(text-colour:orange)[Office Worker + 1]] You’re a little concerned and curious too. Perhaps this could give you a lead. Upon opening the door, you see a creature sprawled on the ground, pieces of paper scattered about, their suit in wrinkles. They look up at you with their three eyes in surprise. (text-colour:cyan)[“Ah, I apologize, I heard a noise and wanted to see if everything was ok. You seem like you could use some help.” ] (text-colour:orange)[“Oh. Yes. Thank you.”] The office worker still seems a little dazed but lets you help them up. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>>|Check 2]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')]}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:cyan)[“Folks? I assure you, whoever you’re referring to, I’m not with them.”] You lift your hands up to show you don’t mean any harm. The office worker seems to calm down after hearing this, however, they still look at you with suspicion.(text-colour:orange)[ “Can’t blame me for my assumption. I’ve been hounded by this man and woman for almost a week now. Humans…” ] You can already tell they have a dislike for those from Earth, however, you suspect they might know something about Mira. If their conflict had just started about a week ago, that was the same time that Mira disappeared. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Ignore Lunch 2]] ](else:)[ [[>>>|Ignore 4]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')]}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:cyan)[“Who’s been hounding you? That doesn’t seem very pleasant.”] Perhaps by empathizing with them, you might be able to gain more information. (text-colour:orange)[“I didn’t do anything wrong, I swear. It’s just some sort of ego…”] The office worker trails off, (text-colour:orange)[“it’s all because of Kris…”] (text-colour:cyan)[“Kris?”] Is this someone worth finding out about? (text-colour:orange)[“Yah… He’s the man always with Nina, and he’s the one making a huge deal out of nothing. He’s bloodthirsty is what he is ....” ]It seems like whatever is bothering the office worker involves some man named Kris… and a woman named Nina? (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Ignore Lunch 3]] ](else:)[ [[>>>|Ignore 5]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $theMafia = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ The office worker lowers their voice. (text-colour:orange)[“As annoying as it is, I’ve learned my lesson. Heard Kris is part of some bigger group, you ever heard of the Iron Star?” ] There were many mafia groups spanning across the galaxy, however one was bigger than the rest. They called themselves the Iron Star. For the most part your organization and them often avoided one another. They knew well enough to not get in the way of your investigations, abide by the contract everyone had signed, and all would go well. That was until they accidentally killed one of your people last year. Things were a bit tense and depending on the member, things could go south real quick. This was potentially a huge lead, and if you’re lucky, they might abide by the contract and give you valuable information. Although you’d have to tread carefully. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>>|Ignore Lunch 5]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $susOfficeWorker = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:orange)[“Not really…”] They sigh.(text-colour:orange)[ “I did something stupid, and now I guess I’m paying for my mistake.” ] They gesture for you to take a seat. (text-colour:orange)[“I’ve been hounded by these two people lately. I guess maybe I deserve it…”] The office worker pauses and thinks for a second. (text-colour:orange)[“Actually, I don’t think I deserve it. I did nothing wrong.”] They shake their head in frustration.(text-colour:orange)[ “If it wasn’t for that darn bodyguard of hers, or whatever he is.” ] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Check Lunch 2]] ](else:)[ [[>>>|Check 4]] ] ]

{(set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $mafiaFound2 = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:cyan)[“Do you know his name?” ]This snaps the office worker back to reality. (text-colour:orange)[“Oh, yes, I think so. Kris is his name. Shady guy.” ]This situation definitely piques your interest. (text-colour:cyan)[“How’d you get tangled with someone like him?”] You ask. (text-colour:orange)[“I’d rather not say,”] their face is flushed red.(text-colour:orange)[ “Oh, would you look at the time.”] With a sheepish grin, they quickly gather their papers.(text-colour:orange)[“ I’m about to miss lunch! I suggest you head over too, I think lunch service ends in an hour or something.”] With that, you watch as they hurry away. Perhaps it might be worth finding them later. You leave the room, but after wandering the floor a few more times, you decide you should head to lunch too before service ends. Quick bite then back to work. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[Get Lunch]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 10) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $officeNina = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:cyan)[“Do you know his name?”] This snaps the office worker back to reality. (text-colour:orange)[“Oh, yes, I think so. Kris is his name. Shady guy.”] This situation definitely piques your interest. (text-colour:cyan)[“How’d you get tangled with someone like him?”] You ask. Their face instantly turns red.(text-colour:orange)[ “I… I…I may have asked Nina out….”] They stammer out, their three eyes looking anywhere but you.(text-colour:orange)[ “But, it’s not like she’s with Kris!” ]They blurt. You feel bemused. This was not the reason you were expecting. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if: $hours is 12)[ [[>>>|Check Lunch 4]] ](else:)[ [[>>>|Check 6]] ] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 5) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $friendOffice = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:cyan)[“Ah, I’m sorry it didn’t go better.”] You try to empathize, you truly feel a tad embarrassed for them. (text-colour:orange)[“Ah well… at least it’s better than never knowing what would’ve happened.”] They shrug, although you can see they’re still feeling down about it. (text-colour:orange)[“Anyways, the name’s Simone, thanks for helping me earlier.” ] (text-colour:cyan)[“No worries, call me $playerName. Glad I could be of help. I’m curious though, how well do you know Nina and Kris?” ] (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>>|Check 7]] ]

{(set: $time = $time + 5) (set: $hours = (floor:($time / 60))) (set:$minutes = $time % 60) (if: $minutes is 0)[(set: $minutes to '00')] (if: $nums contains $minutes)[(set: $minutes to '0'+(text:$minutes))] (if:$hours is >=12 and $hours is <24)[(set: $meridiem = 'PM')] (set: $theMafia = true)}\ Location: $location Time: $hours:$minutes$meridiem\ <hr>\ (text-colour:orange)[“Oh, not that well. But rumor has it that Kris is involved in some bad group of folks. You ever heard of the Iron Star?” ] There were many mafia groups spanning across the galaxy, however one was bigger than the rest. They called themselves the Iron Star. For the most part your organization and them often avoided one another. They knew well enough to not get in the way of your investigations, abide by the contract everyone had signed, and all would go well. That was until they accidentally killed one of your people last year. Things were a bit tense and depending on the member, things could go south real quick. This was potentially a huge lead, and if you’re lucky, they might abide by the contract and give you valuable information. Although you’d have to tread carefully. (align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[>>>|Check Lunch 5]] ]

(align:"=><=")[---] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ Hey folks, thanks for playing up till here! Chapter 2, after the lunch, will be released in the coming months. Who do you think is tied to Mira's disappearance so far? Credits: Producer - Jenny Lee Writer - Jenny Lee Programmer - Jenny Lee Song producer - Samuel Anderson]