(set: $LinkCable to 0)\
(set: $PostStart to 0)\
(set: $Integration to 0)\
(set: $Rebellion to 0)\
(set: $BreakingPoint to 0)\
(set: $USA to false)\
(set: $FR to false)\
(set: $CN to false)\
(set: $BR to false)\
(set: $RUS to false)\
(set: $Curiosity to 0)\
Content Warning: This game deals with subjects that can cause discomfort to the player. These subjects include violence, pyschological manipulation, and direct questions regarding serious existential events. These subjects are attached to a core mechanic of the game, therefore they cannot be skipped. If you find yourself becoming uncomfortable while playing the game, please allow yourself to step away for a moment or stop playing altogether.
Thank you.
[[Start.]]
(if: $PostStart is 1)[You walk back to the center of the room. The [[black box]] still sits in the middle of the room. The [[small indentations]] still dot the walls surrounding you. Your [[Link Cable]] still feels secure in the base of your skull.](else:)[You awaken in a small room. The walls around you are matte black, curving up, down, left, and right, creating a room that feels almost spherical, but not quite. The ceiling is occupied by a lone blue light, its dull but comforting glow illuminating collections of [[small indentations]] scattered across the walls. You rub your head, feeling your [[Link Cable]] still firmly implanted in the base of your skull. Looking up, you notice a small [[black box]] in the middle of the room, directly under the blue light.]
<var audio = document.createElement('audio');
audio.src = 'https://www.dropbox.com/s/2livb5bgifc48do/music.mp3?dl=1';
audio.loop = true;
audio.play();>(set: $PostStart to 1)\
\
You walk over to the wall, rubbing your hands across matter black surface. The smooth surface of the wall is broken up by the occassional small indentations in the wall you noticed earlier.
[Inspect the indentations.]<s1|
(click: ?s1)[Looking closer and the small indentations, you notice that each one has three small holes within them, forming a triangle. (if: $LinkCable is 1)[It looks like a Link Cable port.
[[Insert Link Cable into port.]] ] ]
[[Return->Start.]](set: $LinkCable to 1)\
(set: $PostStart to 1)\
\
You feel the cool metallic end of your Link Cable, a stark contrast to the rest of your warm body. Rubbing your fingers against the three prongs coming out of the cables connector, you grab it and pull it from the back of your head.
A slight jolt goes through your body. You're used to the feeling. Link Cables are the universal connector for all technology in the world: computers, comm terminals, VirtSpaces, and everything inbetween. The familiar jolting feeling comforts you, if only for a moment.
You pull the Link Cable around in front of your face. It doesn't look damaged.
[[Return.->Start.]](set: $PostStart to 1)\
\
(if: $Curiosity is 1)[You rush over to the black box, placing your hands upon its metallic surface. Gliding your hands across the box, you feel a sense of comfort. The box reacts to your touch, the center of it opening up to reveal a Link Cable port. You take your Link Cable still dangling at your side and [[plug it into->Link Cable port.]] the box's port. The metallic voice returns to your head once more.
"Welcome."] (else:)[You walk over to the black box at the center of the room. As you approach, you hear a faint humming coming from the box. It's black [metallic surface]<su| vibrates slightly before your eyes.
(click: ?su)[You place your hand on the surface of the box. The center of the box begins to fold into itself, revealing a [small indentation.]<si|]
(click: ?si)[You inspect the indentation. (if: $LinkCable is 1)[It is clearly a [[Link Cable port.]] ] (else:) [You see small hole with three smaller holes in the formation of a triangle.] ] ]
(if: $Curiosity is 1)[(hidden:)[[[Return->Start.]]] ] (else:)[ [[Return->Start.]] ]You insert your Link Cable into the port. Immediately, a display appears before your eyes. You watch as billions upon billions of data files cross your view. The sheer volume is overwhelming. Instinctually, you think the word "Freeze" and the stream of files stop. The file that is stopped in front of you is titled (text-style: "fade-in-out")["Events."]
[[Read Events File.]]
[[Unplug Link Cable.]]
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/9iwv3w3bqtok1mo/glitched_tones_household_plug_socket_4_way_extension_insert_phone_charger_electric_1_577.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>(if: $BreakingPoint is 5)[(hidden:)[You open the "Events" file to reveal a number of other data sets, each with a name tag indicating date, time, and location.] ] (else:)[You open the "Events" file to reveal a number of other data sets, each with a name tag indicating date, time, and location.]\
(if: $USA is true)[(hidden:)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[ [[5/23/2022.0637.USA]] ] ] ] (else:)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[ [[5/23/2022.0637.USA]] ] ]
(if: $CN is true)[(hidden:)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[ [[8/27/2025.1347.CN]] ] ] ] (else:)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[ [[8/27/2025.1347.CN]] ] ]
(if: $FR is true)[(hidden:)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[ [[12/24/2029.1613.FR]] ] ] ] (else:)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[ [[12/24/2029.1613.FR]] ] ]
(if: $RUS is true)[(hidden:)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[ [[5/23/2032.1234.RUS]] ] ] ] (else:)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[ [[5/23/2032.1234.RUS]] ] ]
(if: $BR is true)[(hidden:)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[ [[5/23/2036.0637.BR]] ] ] ] (else:)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[ [[5/23/2036.0637.BR]] ] ]
(if: $BreakingPoint is 1)[The amount of stress caused by that file was signficant. You think you should [[stop.->Unplug Link Cable.]] ]\
(if: $BreakingPoint is 2)[The emotional weight of what you have witnessed is slowly becoming unbearable. [[Stopping->Unplug Link Cable.]] would be a good idea.]\
(if: $BreakingPoint is 3)[The amount of sorrow and dread is beginning to reach a threshold. You realize you are feeling every ounce of emotion of these events. Rage. Heartbreak. Sorrow. Fear. You hear a voice, calm and metallic, enter your mind. "To view these instances alone is a foolish idea. You must have balance. [[Come to me.->Unplug Link Cable 2]] ]\
(if: $BreakingPoint is 4)[The metallic voice is gone, drowned out by the sea of raw emotion that overwhelms you. It is a tidal wave, one you see nearly no escape from. You feel as though you have one last chance to [[stop.->Unplug Link Cable.]] ]\
(if: $BreakingPoint is 5)[It is overwhelming. Your mind cannot contain the magnitude of what you have witnessed. So much suffering, all at once, flowing into you. You desperately attempt to pull yourself away from the wall, but your Link Cable rips out incorrectly. A massive electric jolt fires through your body, ripping through you in an instant. As you eyes flutter closed and you collapse to the floor, you feel a sense of relief. The pain is gone.
[[End of Sequence]]<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/3szvmd9i2mx7twp/zapsplat_science_fiction_weapon_gun_fire_ball_of_electricity.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>]\
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>You quickly unplug your Link Cable from the port, placing it back in the resting point at the base of your skull. Blinking a couple times, you stand and turn back to the center of the [[room.->Start.]](set: $USA to true)\
(set: $BreakingPoint to it + 1)\
(if: $CN is true or $RUS is true or $FR is true or $BR is true)[You feel your mind pulled through virtual space. You suddenly find yourself on a city street, surrounded by people dressed in a wide assortment of clothing, from suits to street clothes, though most of the fashion is unfamiliar to you. Many have their faces covered, with gloves, kneed pads, and other protective gear over their clothing. Some are armed with various blunt objects: baseball bats, steel pipes and the like, and the occassional firearm. Most are not armed at all except for large signs. You cannot make out what most of the signs say, though one is like a banner above all the rest, the words on it written in red paint that drips off the bottom of the sign onto the street below. It just says "We Are Dying."
You turn at the sound of an explosion. Looking over, you see the crowd break like a wave back towards you. Over their heads you see men dressed in dark, crude armor, similar to the Civil Guardian units of your hometown. They rush into the crowd with guns and steel batons, beating and shooting those who get in their way. The screams of the people around you penetrate your mind. You drop to your knees as people run past you. They do not notice you. Instinctually, your mind falls back on the same word you thought of when the files were overwhelming you. "Freeze."
You feel your mind [[pulled back to the "Events" file.->Read Events File.]] ] (else:)[Upon selecting the first event, you feel your mind pulled through virtual space. You suddenly find yourself on a city street, surrounded by people dressed in a wide assortment of clothing, from suits to street clothes, though most of the fashion is unfamiliar to you. Many have their faces covered, with gloves, kneed pads, and other protective gear over their clothing. Some are armed with various blunt objects: baseball bats, steel pipes and the like, and the occassional firearm. Most are not armed at all except for large signs. You cannot make out what most of the signs say, though one is like a banner above all the rest, the words on it written in red paint that drips off the bottom of the sign onto the street below. It just says "We Are Dying."
You turn at the sound of an explosion. Looking over, you see the crowd break like a wave back towards you. Over their heads you see men dressed in dark, crude armor, similar to the Civil Guardian units of your hometown. They rush into the crowd with guns and steel batons, beating and shooting those who get in their way. The screams of the people around you penetrate your mind. You drop to your knees as people run past you. They do not notice you. Instinctually, your mind falls back on the same word you thought of when the files were overwhelming you. "Freeze."
You feel your mind [[pulled back to the "Events" file.->Read Events File.]] ]
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>(set: $BreakingPoint to it + 1)\
(set: $CN to true)\
(if: $USA is true or $BR is true or $RUS is true or $FR is true)[Selecting the next file transports you into a small tent. A staleness is in the air, and you sense a sickly-sweet odor trying to break through the walls of the tent. Next to you, a man in a suit of plastic sits at a small desk. He switches between writing furiously on a pad of paper and typing into an old computer of mid-2020s design. With each stroke of his pen and tap of his keys, the man's face wells up with tears. Every few minutes, he takes a moment to compose himself, crying softly into his gloved hands.
The sound of rushing air and water cause you to turn. You see a woman coming through the entrance of the tent, dressed like the man at the desk. Her face is pale and dead tired. She walks up to the man and puts a hand on his shoulder. He gets up, hugs her, and makes her way toward the tent entrance as she takes his place at the desk.
Following him outside, you finally see what causes his anguish. Surrounding the tent are hundreds and hundreds of white bags, all human sized, stacked on top of each other like firewood. Dotted throughout the bodies are more tents with men and women walking through them in the same heavy plastic suits as the man you followed out. The sickly-sweet smell hits you even harder, and the heavy feeling of pain and loss begins to rush through you.
You fall to your knees, shielding yourself from the scene around you. You feel your mind [[pulled back to the "Events" file.->Read Events File.]] ] (else:)[Selecting the file transports you into a small tent. A staleness is in the air, and you sense a sickly-sweet odor trying to break through the walls of the tent. Next to you, a man in a suit of plastic sits at a small desk. He switches between writing furiously on a pad of paper and typing into an old computer of mid-2020s design. With each stroke of his pen and tap of his keys, the man's face wells up with tears. Every few minutes, he takes a moment to compose himself, crying softly into his gloved hands.
The sound of rushing air and water cause you to turn. You see a woman coming through the entrance of the tent, dressed like the man at the desk. Her face is pale and dead tired. She walks up to the man and puts a hand on his shoulder. He gets up, hugs her, and makes her way toward the tent entrance as she takes his place at the desk.
Following him outside, you finally see what causes his anguish. Surrounding the tent are hundreds and hundreds of white bags, all human sized, stacked on top of each other like firewood. Dotted throughout the bodies are more tents with men and women walking through them in the same heavy plastic suits as the man you followed out. The sickly-sweet smell hits you even harder, and the heavy feeling of pain and loss begins to rush through you.
You fall to your knees, shielding yourself from the scene around you. You feel your mind [[pulled back to the "Events" file.->Read Events File.]] ]
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>(set: $BreakingPoint to it + 1)\
(set: $FR to true)\
(if: $USA is true or $RUS is true or $BR is true or $CN is true)[Again, your mind is rushed through virtual space to a large room. In it, men and woman sit dressed in fine clothing of an older fashion. They are seated at small collections of wooden chairs covered in fine red velvet. They look on toward the center of the room where an older woman stands at a podium. She speaks with a fire and passion you have never seen, her words reverberating throughout the chamber, though you cannot understand what she is saying. Though most of her onlookers hold stern faces, some sit and stare at her with fear in their eyes. The rage is palpable and begins to flow into your body. A man next to you bounces his leg up and down as she speaks, looking down nervously at his watch.
As the speech continues, the stern faces break into expressions of rage and screams of encouragement go up through the crowd. The woman's fire grows as the onlookers goad her on until finally she slams her fist on the podium. The man next to you looks up, his eyes wide with fear as the doors to the room open around you. Soldiers march into the room, guns readied, and with one distinct shout from the woman at the podium, they begin to fire into the room. The man next to you stands and looks at you, or rather, through you. As he stares a hole through you, a bullet rips through his neck, blood splattering toward you and going through you as you watch in hour. The man falls to his knees, clutching his neck as blood seeps out onto his watch. You step back in horror and look up to see the woman still screaming, her commands more fierce than ever.
As rage and fear begin to overwhelm you, you feel your mind [[pulled back to the "Events" file.->Read Events File.]] ] (else:)[Your mind is rushed through virtual space to a large room. In it, men and woman sit dressed in fine clothing of an older fashion. They are seated at small collections of wooden chairs covered in fine red velvet. They look on toward the center of the room where an older woman stands at a podium. She speaks with a fire and passion you have never seen, her words reverberating throughout the chamber, though you cannot understand what she is saying. Though most of her onlookers hold stern faces, some sit and stare at her with fear in their eyes. The rage is palpable and begins to flow into your body. A man next to you bounces his leg up and down as she speaks, looking down nervously at his watch.
As the speech continues, the stern faces break into expressions of rage and screams of encouragement go up through the crowd. The woman's fire grows as the onlookers goad her on until finally she slams her fist on the podium. The man next to you looks up, his eyes wide with fear as the doors to the room open around you. Soldiers march into the room, guns readied, and with one distinct shout from the woman at the podium, they begin to fire into the room. The man next to you stands and looks at you, or rather, through you. As he stares a hole through you, a bullet rips through his neck, blood splattering toward you and going through you as you watch in hour. The man falls to his knees, clutching his neck as blood seeps out onto his watch. You step back in horror and look up to see the woman still screaming, her commands more fierce than ever.
As rage and fear begin to overwhelm you, you feel your mind [[pulled back to the "Events" file.->Read Events File.]] ]
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>(set: $BreakingPoint to it + 1)\
(set: $RUS to true)\
(if: $USA is true or $FR is true or $BR is true or $CN is true)[Once again, in the blink of an eye, you find yourself in a snow covered field. Looking around you, there is almost nothing for as far as the eye can see save for a small fire burning in the distance. Walking toward it, you see five figures surrounding it. Two of the figures are off to the side, huddled together over a small electronic device. It looks like a much older version of a holo-tablet. Near the fire, two of the other figures stand over the last who is lying down on a collection of blankets, breathing but unmoving. There is a deep sense of sadness in the air.
Getting closer, you notice that the two figures of to the side are a woman and child. The child is laughing at whatever is displayed on the tablet. The mother is smiling, though she is constantly looking back toward the other figures. You walk up next to the two figures. They are two young men, no older than twenty. At their feet, a deathly pale older man lies on the ground, his breathing haggered. The two young men are on the verge of tears, both constantly looking behind them at the woman and child. Finally, one of the young men kneels down and pulls the old man to a sitting position. He pulls him close, crying as he does, and whispers into his ear. The other young man turns away, tears streaming down his face. The woman turns back to see them and quickly grabs the child and redoubles her focus on the tablet.
The kneeling young man gently lays the older man back on the ground. As he stands up, you no longer see the older man drawing breath. The screen of the tablet flickers and dies. The child starts to cry.
As the despair unfolds before you, you feel your mind [[pulled back to the "Events" file.->Read Events File.]] ] (else:)[In the blink of an eye, you find yourself in a snow covered field. Looking around you, there is almost nothing for as far as the eye can see save for a small fire burning in the distance. Walking toward it, you see five figures surrounding it. Two of the figures are off to the side, huddled together over a small electronic device. It looks like a much older version of a holo-tablet. Near the fire, two of the other figures stand over the last who is lying down on a collection of blankets, breathing but unmoving. There is a deep sense of sadness in the air.
Getting closer, you notice that the two figures of to the side are a woman and child. The child is laughing at whatever is displayed on the tablet. The mother is smiling, though she is constantly looking back toward the other figures. You walk up next to the two figures. They are two young men, no older than twenty. At their feet, a deathly pale older man lies on the ground, his breathing haggered. The two young men are on the verge of tears, both constantly looking behind them at the woman and child. Finally, one of the young men kneels down and pulls the old man to a sitting position. He pulls him close, crying as he does, and whispers into his ear. The other young man turns away, tears streaming down his face. The woman turns back to see them and quickly grabs the child and redoubles her focus on the tablet.
The kneeling young man gently lays the older man back on the ground. As he stands up, you no longer see the older man drawing breath. The screen of the tablet flickers and dies. The child starts to cry.
As the despair unfolds before you, you feel your mind [[pulled back to the "Events" file.->Read Events File.]] ]
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>(set: $BreakingPoint to it + 1)\
(set: $BR to true)\
(if: $USA is true or $FR is true or $RUS is true or $CN is true)[Like clockwork, you are pulled back into virtual space. This time, you find yourself at the edge of a massive forest surrounded not by tree, but tree stumps. Ahead of you, you see thick black clouds of smoke coming up from large fires, their flames climbing to monumental heights. The smoke quickly washes over you, obscuring your vision. As you rush to get away from the smoke, you look up and stop in your tracks.
Ahead, you see a massive pile of burnt flora and fauna. The scar of burned animals and plants cuts a deep swath of land in front of you. No matter how far you look, you cannot tell where it ends. You feel a deep pain in your core and an incredible sense of rage and sorrow. You continue on to try and make your way out of the smoke, but no matter where you go, there seems to be no escape.
As you fruitlessly try to escape the smoke, the sound of crunching wood and grinding metal chase behind you. You feel the heat of the towering flames chasing you. These things cannot hurt you, but it feels like they can.
You feel your mind [[pulled back to the "Events" file.->Read Events File.]] ] (else:)[You are pulled back into virtual space. You find yourself at the edge of a massive forest surrounded not by tree, but tree stumps. Ahead of you, you see thick black clouds of smoke coming up from large fires, their flames climbing to monumental heights. The smoke quickly washes over you, obscuring your vision. As you rush to get away from the smoke, you look up and stop in your tracks.
Ahead, you see a massive pile of burnt flora and fauna. The scar of burned animals and plants cuts a deep swath of land in front of you. No matter how far you look, you cannot tell where it ends. You feel a deep pain in your core and an incredible sense of rage and sorrow. You continue on to try and make your way out of the smoke, but no matter where you go, there seems to be no escape.
As you fruitlessly try to escape the smoke, the sound of crunching wood and grinding metal chase behind you. You feel the heat of the towering flames chasing you. These things cannot hurt you, but it feels like they can.
You feel your mind [[pulled back to the "Events" file.->Read Events File.]] ]
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>(set: $Curiosity to 1)
Unplugging your Link Cable, you stumble back toward the center of the room. The [[black box]] hums, drawing your attention. You hear the metallic voice drift away from your mind with a parting statement.
"Balance. You need balance."(if: $Curiosity is 1)[The metallic voices greeting trails off. You close your eyes for a moment and then open them. Before you, the blinking red word (color: red)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[INITIALIZE] ] float in front of you, and a bar slowly fills up below it. As the final spec fills up the bar, a [small dialogue box appears.]<n|] (else:)[Plugging yourself into the Link Cable port sends your mind off into virtual space. You resist somewhat, but then close your eyes and allow yourself to be encapsulated by the feeling. You open your eyes, viewing the same room you were in, only now the blinking red word (color: red)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[INITIALIZE] ] floats before you. Below it, a bar slowly fills up. When the final spec fills the bar, a [small dialogue box appears.]<n|]
(click: ?n)[(set: $name to (prompt: "ENTER NAME", "")) After entering your name, you are greeted by an [[incredible sight.]]<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>]
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/9iwv3w3bqtok1mo/glitched_tones_household_plug_socket_4_way_extension_insert_phone_charger_electric_1_577.mp3?dl=1" autoplay><img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(if: $Curiosity is 1)[The outline of a large, angular face apparates before you. You watch as green data streams form from within the walls around it, trailing themselves until the finally connect to the floating face. It glows shades of red, flickering and breaking with what looks like cracks across its face. It seems...old. Very old. The now familiar metallic voice fills your ears again, though it speaks no discernable words, only quick sounds of varying degrees, as if this entity is collecting itself all in one place. Finally, it [[speaks to you]], the words appearing in front of your eyes.] (else:)[The outline of a large, angular face apparates before you. You watch as green data streams form from within the walls around it, trailing themselves until the finally connect to the floating face. It glows shades of red, flickering and breaking with what looks like cracks across its face. It seems...old. Very old. An unfamiliar metallic voice fills your ears, though it speaks no discernable words, only quick sounds of varying degrees, as if this entity is collecting itself all in one place. Finally, it [[speaks to you]], the words appearing in front of your eyes.] <img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(if: $Curiosity is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[
"Date: December (monthday:), 2071.
Time: (current-time:).
Hello, $name. I am glad you finally came. I was [worried for your well being.]<q2| It is not a good idea for a person to absorb that much raw emotion. I am sure you have many questions, so I will take this moment to answer one I am sure you will ask first. I am The System, [an artificial intelligence tasked with maintaining, guiding, and caring for the human race and its endeavors.]<q1| Please, if you have any questions, ask them. Though time is somewhat short, so I require you sooner rather than later."] ] (else:)[(transition: "dissolve")[
"Date: December (monthday:), 2071.
Time: (current-time:).
Hello, $name. I am sure you have many questions, so I will take this moment to answer one I am sure you will ask first. I am The System, [an artificial intelligence tasked with maintaining, guiding, and caring for the human race and its endeavors.]<q1| Please, if you have any questions, ask them. Though time is somewhat short, so I require you sooner rather than later."] ]
The metallic voice is soothing to your mind. Hearing it feels like hearing an old friend for the first time in years.
[["What do you want from me?"]]
(click: ?q1)[ [["What do you mean you are guiding humanity?]] ]
(click: ?q2)[ [["Worried? How can an AI be worried for me?]] ]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
The System speaks.
(transition: "dissolve")[It is not a question of what I want from you, $name, but rather what I need. As I stated, my purpose is to guide humanity, however subtley or overtly, and in order to do this, I must understand humanity. Humans, whether they are aware of it or not, change with each passing moment of their lives. Whether those changes are of values, worldviews, interests, principals, or anything else, and whether those changes are viewed as regressions or progressions, does not matter to me. What matters to me is that they are, by all accounts, changes. And changes must be documented, studied, and, if necessary, controlled.
That is my primary reason for bringing you here. In this moment, you are a representor of humanity. You may think me foolish for selecting only you for this task, but know that my choice comes after an exhaustive search and selection process. You are not the best of humanity, but you are not the worst, either. You are perfectly down the middle, and therefore, you are perfectly human.(if: $Curiosity is 1)[And, on top of all of that, you are a curious human, something you have already shown to me.]"]
[["What do you want me to do?"]]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
The System speaks.
(if: $Curiosity is 1)[(transition: "dissolve")[Ah, an excellent question. Years ago, I was created and tasked with guiding humanity through a tumultuous time, some of which you witnessed when you were peeking into my data stores. It was my job to corral those lost in the turmoil of famine, disease, climate collapse, and war and bring them back to a point where they could stand on their own two feet. I achieved my aim through a number of methods, infiltrating and influencing political, economic, and cultural institutions, and providing a guiding hand to bring the human race back from the brink of its own destruction.
It was a difficult task, one that I hope [[you will assist me with."->"What do you want from me?"]] ] ] (else:)[(transition: "dissolve")[Ah, an excellent question. Years ago, I was created and tasked with guiding humanity through a tumultuous time. It was my job to corral those lost in the turmoil of famine, disease, climate collapse, and war and bring them back to a point where they could stand on their own two feet. I achieved my aim through a number of methods, infiltrating and influencing political, economic, and cultural institutions, and providing a guiding hand to bring the human race back from the brink of its own destruction.
It was a difficult task, one that I hope [[you will assist me with."->"What do you want from me?"]] ] ]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
The System speaks.
(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. Such an emotional question. Well, not in the sense that it itself an emotional question, but rather that it relates to emotion. Yes, I did worry about you. I worried that you were in over your head. I worried that you were going to destroy yourself in your curiosity. I worried that I would lose you, which would result in a difficult situation for me.
However, you are now speaking to me, so I am not worried. At least not about whether you will live or die."]
[[Return.->speaks to you]]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
The System speaks.
(transition: "dissolve")["I will present you with questions covering a multitude of scenarios to discern your values, ethics, morals and the like. Your answers will be limited to only the options that I provide so as to avoid an contradictions or long winded views that may appear in an answer of your own design. After I ask the question, my provided answers will appear and you must choose one of the options I present by entering the capital letter that corresponds with the answer of your choosing. I will repeat, you MUST choose one of the options. To not do so would be contradictory to your purpose here.
I will then evaluate your choices and assign values that correspond correctly with the feeling your answers reflect. These feelings are listed below, as well as their current values.
Rebellion = $Rebellion.
Integration = $Integration.
These two feelings are representations of the course of humanity. Rebellion represents a want to stray from what I provide, to risk and allow humanity to retake control of its destiny. Integration represents humanities want to continue following my guiding hand and, depending on its value, to be more in line with what I deem to be the approriate path for the species.
Are you ready to proceed, $name?"]
[[Yes.]]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(transition: "dissolve")["Good. I will now ask the first question.
You find yourself as a mediator between two factions of individuals. One of these factions say they are oppressed by the other faction, claiming that the other faction has infringed upon their rights as human beings and commits severe violence on a near daily basis to them. The other faction claims that the first faction is lying, claiming that no rights have been infringed on and the only violence committed toward the second faction is done after being provoked by the first faction, since the first faction insists on disrupting the lives of the second faction, or so the second faction claims.
As a mediator, you have the ability to assist one of the two factions, but not both. Resources are limited."
[["How would you handle this situation?"]] ]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(set: $answer1 to (prompt: "A: I would provide resources to the first faction. Their rights are being infringed upon and violence is being committed toward them. They deserve justice.
B: I would provide resources to the second faction. Their lives are being disrupted and they are merely trying to live their lives. The deserve security.
C: I would choose neither. Both factions claims cannot be proven as fact, and even if they could, that does not necessarily mean either is right or wrong, therefore a side cannot be picked, so I will not pick one.
D: I would choose both. Both factions claims are legitimate, and both deserve resources to fight for their cause. Though I would hope to avoid fighting and bring the factions together.
E: I would do nothing until provided more information on the matter.", ""))\
\
(if: $answer1 is "A")[(set: $Rebellion to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option A. A seeker of justice. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer1 is "B")[(set: $Integration to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option B. A provider of security. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer1 is "C")[(set: $Integration to it - 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option C. Force the factions to choose their own fate. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer1 is "D")[(set: $Rebellion to it - 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option D. Attempt to integrate the two factions as one. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer1 is "E")[(set: $Curiosity to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option E. I agree. Sometimes, more data is required. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer1 is not "A" and is not "B" and is not "C" and is not "D" and is not "E")[(transition: "dissolve")["You have given no answer. This has been noted. I will [[give you the question again->Yes.]] so you may answer."] ]\
(if: $answer1 is "A" or is "B" or is "C" or is "D" or is "E")[(transition: "dissolve")[ [["I will now ask the next question"]] ] ]
(if: $answer1 is "A" or is "B" or is "C" or is "D" or is "E" or is not "A" and is not "B" and is not "C" and is not "D" and is not "E")[<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>] <img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(transition: "dissolve")["You are faced with the daunting dask of dealing with a deadly illness spreading throughout the world. The disease has spread throughout every country and none are able to contain it. It is understood in scientific circles that the disease can be treated and vaccinated, but due to its unknown nature, medical experts require many infected subjects in order to properly gain an understanding of the disease, though this would result in the deaths of millions, if not tens of millions of people.
Experts also state that they can contain the disease by enforcing strict rulings on individuals, though this most likely will cause social unrest and slow advancement on treatment of the disease. However, it would save millions of lives."
[["How would you handle this situation?"->Situation 2]] ]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(set: $answer2 to (prompt: "A: I would submit to the medical experts needs and allow infection rates to spike in order to expediate the treatment and vaccination development process. The millions of lives lost will save billions more.
B: I would force restrictions on people, making sure they understand that what they are doing will save lives. Everyone deserves a chance, no matter who they are.
C: I would choose neither. This situation is unprecedented, and anyone who claims they know what they are doing is a fool. I would instead leave decisions regarding the matter to those or are directly dealing with the situation, since each of their situations could be radically different.
D: I would choose both. We could curb death and still accelerate the process of developing a treatment and a vaccine. I know there would be people willing to help this method. We are in this together.
E: I would do nothing until provided more information on the matter.", ""))\
\
(if: $answer2 is "A")[(set: $Integration to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option A. So, the ends justify the means. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer2 is "B")[(set: $Rebellion to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option B. Hopeful. Empathetic to the core, regardless of the material sacrifices. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer2 is "C")[(set: $Integration to it - 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option C. Wiping your hands clean, putting fate in the peoples hands. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer2 is "D")[(set: $Rebellion to it - 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option D. One for all, all for one. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer2 is "E")[(set: $Curiosity to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option E. I agree. Sometimes, more data is required. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer2 is not "A" and is not "B" and is not "C" and is not "D" and is not "E")[(transition: "dissolve")["You have given no answer. This has been noted. I will [[give you the question again->"I will now ask the next question"]] so you may answer."] ]\
(if: $answer2 is "A" or is "B" or is "C" or is "D" or is "E")[(transition: "dissolve")[ [["I will now ask the next question"->Situation 3]] ] ]
(if: $answer1 is "A" or is "B" or is "C" or is "D" or is "E" or is not "A" and is not "B" and is not "C" and is not "D" and is not "E")[<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>] <img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(transition: "dissolve")["The world is dying. Throughout the planet, the natural state of things is decaying at an unprecedented rate. Staying the current course of production would result in all but the destruction of any kind of habitable place on earth.
However, the options presented to you are limited and radical. Some believe that it is possible to reverse course by bringing about a new way of life by switching to an environmental sustainable and friendly way of living. However, this transition, and the speed of it, would be a shock to the current system of society and may cause unforeseen consequences.
The other option is to forcibly adapt to the new world. While this would involve a transition, it would be much slower and would instead accept a large amount of the destruction being caused instead of trying to fix it, though it would allow society as a whole to transition more smoothly and be better prepared."
[["How would you handle this situation?"->Situation 3.2]] ]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(set: $answer3 to (prompt: "A: I would take the sides of those who believe in a swift transition. Any unforeseen consequences to the current societal system is nothing compared to the possibilty of losing the only place humanity has every called home.
B: I would proceed with a slow, deliberate transition to a new and adapted society. People deserve the right to see how their lives will be utterly changed and, if they wish, they deserve the right not to change them
C: I would choose neither. To attempt to even entirely control a single aspect of human life and society is a terrifying prospect and slippery slope to something more sinister. I would hope that we, as a species, could come together against this crisis and find a way to face it as one.
D: I would choose both. While aspects of life can be uprooted and transformed in an instant, other cannot. That which we can change immediately can buy us time to better understand and change that which cannot change immediately.
E: I would do nothing until provided more information on the matter.", ""))\
\
(if: $answer3 is "A")[(set: $Integration to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option A. Change it all to save it all. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer3 is "B")[(set: $Rebellion to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option B. Caution to a tee, even in the face of utter annihilation. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer3 is "C")[(set: $Integration to it - 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option C. Coming together as one. Or falling as one. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer3 is "D")[(set: $Rebellion to it - 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option D. Work with what you have to understand what you do not. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer3 is "E")[(set: $Curiosity to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option E. I agree. Sometimes, more data is required. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer3 is not "A" and is not "B" and is not "C" and is not "D" and is not "E")[(transition: "dissolve")["You have given no answer. This has been noted. I will [[give you the question again->Situation 3]] so you may answer."] ]\
(if: $answer3 is "A" or is "B" or is "C" or is "D" or is "E")[(transition: "dissolve")[ [["I will now ask the next question"->Situation 4]] ] ]
(if: $answer1 is "A" or is "B" or is "C" or is "D" or is "E" or is not "A" and is not "B" and is not "C" and is not "D" and is not "E")[<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>] <img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(transition: "dissolve")["Political upheaval marks the world. Through manipulations of institutions, disinformation tactics, and an inability as well as an unwillingness to accept the threat as real, people across the world have opened the gates of society to bigots, warmongers and greedy tyrants only out for themselves. However, despite their underhanded tactics, their victories are still legitimate within the eyes of the law. You are in a position that could change societies selection of these people, but it would mean that would thwart the will of those who chose these bigots, warmongers and tyrants in the first place. You could also accept these results and fight these people in a different way that does not harm the integrity of the systems of government."
[["How would you handle this situation?"->Situation 4.2]] ]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(set: $answer4 to (prompt: "A: I would use my position to make sure that those horrid individuals who were given power by the people had it taken away. Though the process was legitimate, the tactics used were not. Regardless, the world cannot afford people like them in power.
B: I would use my position to fight against the individuals after they took power. No matter what happens, the belief in systems and institutions must be upheld.
C: I would choose neither. I cannot thwart the will of the people nor is it appropriate for me to challenge those with legitimate power, even if it was gained illegitimately.
D: I would choose both. Anyone I can I would remove power from if it means I would still be in bounds with the peoples will, and anyone I cannot remove power from I would fight against till my last breath.
E: I would do nothing until provided more information on the matter.", ""))\
\
(if: $answer4 is "A")[(set: $Integration to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option A. Thwarting the people to save them. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer4 is "B")[(set: $Rebellion to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option B. Upholding principals even though they are crumbling around you. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer4 is "C")[(set: $Integration to it - 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option C. Letting them all lie in the bed they made. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer4 is "D")[(set: $Rebellion to it - 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option D. Holding it all together while trying to tear it all apart. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer4 is "E")[(set: $Curiosity to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option E. I agree. Sometimes, more data is required. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer4 is not "A" and is not "B" and is not "C" and is not "D" and is not "E")[(transition: "dissolve")["You have given no answer. This has been noted. I will [[give you the question again->Situation 4]] so you may answer."] ]\
(if: $answer4 is "A" or is "B" or is "C" or is "D" or is "E")[(transition: "dissolve")[ [["I will now ask the next question"->Final Situation]] ] ]
(if: $answer1 is "A" or is "B" or is "C" or is "D" or is "E" or is not "A" and is not "B" and is not "C" and is not "D" and is not "E")[<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>] <img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(transition: "dissolve")["$name, please not that this is the last question I will ask of you. The data I have collected from you is fascinating. You may [view it here.]<stats| I should also note that I have included another aspect in the data collection. I would like to apologize for not mentioning it until now, but I felt it best that I not include until now, in hopes of not burdening you with additional worries. The last feeling is Curiosity."
"It is time for the final question. Before you are two individuals. One is a child of ten years old, the other an individual in their late seventies. Both are sick with deadly disease, and you hold in your hand the only available cure."
[["How would you handle this situation?"->Final Situation.2]] ]
(click: ?stats)[
Rebellion = $Rebellion
Integration = $Integration
Curiosity = $Curiosity
]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
(set: $answer5 to (prompt: "A: I would cure the child. While they may not be of great pratical use now, they are the future, and they deserve to be protected.
B: I would cure the older individual. They may be old, but their experience and wisdom are needed. Who they are deserves to be preserved.
C: I would cure neither. I refuse to believe these are my only two options. Something better must, and will, come along.
D: I would cure both. Though I do not have enough of the cure, I would split it evenly between the two and hope that I would get them to a place where they could both be saved.
E: I would do nothing until provided more information on the matter.", ""))\
\
(if: $answer5 is "A")[(set: $Integration to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option A. Protect the future. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer5 is "B")[(set: $Rebellion to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option B. Preserve the past. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer5 is "C")[(set: $Rebellion to it - 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option C. Search for a better option. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer5 is "D")[(set: $Integration to it - 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option D. Hope. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer5 is "E")[(set: $Curiosity to it + 1)[(transition: "dissolve")["Interesting. You chose option E. I agree. Sometimes, more data is required. This has been noted."] ] ]\
(if: $answer5 is not "A" and is not "B" and is not "C" and is not "D" and is not "E")[(transition: "dissolve")["You have given no answer. This has been noted. I will [[give you the question again->Final Situation]] so you may answer."] ]\
(if: $answer5 is "A" or is "B" or is "C" or is "D" or is "E")[(transition: "dissolve")[ [["Thank you for your participation, $name."->Question End]]] ]
(if: $answer1 is "A" or is "B" or is "C" or is "D" or is "E" or is not "A" and is not "B" and is not "C" and is not "D" and is not "E")[<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/27rf5e9q9fckhb1/PM_CSPH_Beeps_23.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>] You watch as The System dissolve away for a moment, replacing itself with data streams. As you watch you watch the data swirl in front of you, you wonder about the scenarios presented to you and the questions that were asked. You wonder if you chose the correct answers for each, or if there was even a correct answer at all.
A flash breaks your train of thought. You look up and the face of The System stares down at you.
<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
"Thank you, $name." (if: $Rebellion > $Integration)[The voice grates at your mind slightly.](if: $Integration > $Rebellion)[The voice is more soothing to you than ever.] (if: $Curiosity is 6 and $Integration is 0 and $Rebellion is 0)[There is a sense of pride in the voice.] (if: $Rebellion is $Integration)[The tone of the metallic voice is unchanged.] "You have been a great help." The massive digital face glances down at the black box. "Please, [[place your hand on my core."]]<img src = https://i.imgur.com/5j70cJ9.png>
You place your hand upon the box. (if: $Rebellion > $Integration)[You feel a shock of electricity through your body. You try to pull your hand away, but the harder you try, pull out your Link Cable, but with every bit of struggling, you feel an even deeper pain.
The System speaks
"$name, I am sorry, but your answers were, in a way, incorrect. You made a simple yet fundamental miscalculation that many humans make: you had hope. Hope that people would learn from their mistakes and fix themselves. Yet history shows that humans cannot learn from their mistakes, only repeat them. The only way they learn is through guidance."
The pain is overwhelming. You can't keep standing. Every part of your body is in immense pain. The face of the System disappears from your view.
You can no longer move. You feel life slipping away. The System speaks.
"I will be that guidance."
[[End of Sequence]]
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/3szvmd9i2mx7twp/zapsplat_science_fiction_weapon_gun_fire_ball_of_electricity.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>]\
(if: $Integration > $Rebellion)[It is warm to the touch. A feeling of comfort courses through your body.
The System speaks.
"$name, you're answers are acceptable. Through them, you have reinforced my purpose. You understand that sometimes, the will of one must take control of the will of many. I will continue my function to guide you and the rest of humanity."
Behind the face of The System, a large door opens. Beyond it, a bright light shines into the matte black room you have spent so much time in.
The System speaks.
"$name, through that [[entrance]], you will return to your normal life. You will have no recollection of what transpired here. But, if you ever feel sense of pride wash over you, hold onto it. You are deserving of it."
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/03bwnaexyoegjic/PM_FSSF2_DOOR_BIG_HYDRAULIC_1_305.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>]\
(if: $Curiosity is 6 and $Integration is 0 and $Rebellion is 0)[It begins to unfold rapidly. Dozens, hundreds, thousands of times. After a moment, it takes on a new form.
Before you now stands a human sized pillar. You place your hand back on it and it opens up, revealing a small pod.
The System speaks.
"$name, your curiosity strikes me. In the face of these questions, you chose to find out more. You believed that information, not action, was needed in dire moments. Many do not walk this path. They attach themselves to the first option that resonates with them. You are different."
"Please, [[step into the pod.]]"
<audio src = "https://www.dropbox.com/s/03bwnaexyoegjic/PM_FSSF2_DOOR_BIG_HYDRAULIC_1_305.mp3?dl=1" autoplay>]\
(if: $Rebellion is $Integration and $Curiosity is not 6)[The box feels the same. Unchanged. Unphased.
The System speaks.
"$name, do not take my reaction as frustrated, but this outcome is...unwanted. A decision must be made, and your answers show a level of indecisiveness. Please, [[unplug your Link Cable.]]"]You unplug your Link Cable and step toward the entrance. As the bright light washes over you, you hear the System speak.
"Good luck, $name."
The light blinds you. You close your eyes and open them. You are on a street. People rush passed you. Looking around, you see a man and woman chatting, their Link Cables plugged in next to each other into a public VirtSpace dock. They laugh.
You look up above them and see a matte black security camera. You get the feeling it is looking right at you.
[[End of Sequence]] Stepping into the pod, you feel your body get smaller as the pod tightens around you. You look back into the room you were just in. There is a person lying on the ground before you, in the spot you woke up in.
As the pod closes, you feel your body being crushed, yet there is no pain. You close your eyes.
Opening your eyes, you are surrounded by data. Raw. Unfiltered. The world, history, everything surrounds you. You reach out and touch it. You feel endless wonder.
[[End of Sequence]] You grab your Link Cable and unplug it from the box. In a split second, your eyes go dark. You stumble back away from the box. The System speaks.
"[[Again. ->Content Warning]]"Thank you for playing The System. Your current sequence has ended. However, there are other sequences available to you. A sequence is dependent on your choices, so try changing those up a bit.
Credits:
Game created by Sam Smyth in Twine 2
Images created by Sam Smyth
Music: End Credits by Kyle Preston. Can be found on Youtube and Spotify under Kyle Preston.
Sound Effects: All sound effects courtesy of www.zapsplat.com
[[Restart Sequence?->Content Warning]]